88

Simon S. Bohannan.

Courtship letters of a North Carolina officer.

Various places, 1863-1864
5 Autograph Letters Signed to Jennie Jenkins of Mt. Nebo, NC, plus one from Jenkins to Bohannan; various sizes and conditions. Three of them with the original postmarked and stamped envelopes. 

  • Notes: Simon Spencer Bohannon (1835-1910) was a lifelong resident of Yadkin County, NC, and served as a lieutenant in the 28th North Carolina Infantry. These courtship letters are light on military detail, but have some charm: "I send you two Confederate rings of your humble serv't's make. . . . The large one has a house and a tree on the face, the initials of your name and heart on one side. . . . The small one has a diamond and heart on the face" (Camp Griegg, VA, 13 February 1863). 

    The letter from Miss Jenkins to Lt. Bohannon was written during the Battle of the Wilderness: "Was delighted to hear from you again before the fight, but fear this will not reach you before the battle commences. . . . I am confident you will meet your fate like a man, nobly contending for the rights of your country, then why do you ask your friends not to grieve. If not for one so noble, for who should we grieve?"

    Provenance: found with the Milford-Banta-Jones family papers (see lot 151) but apparently unrelated.
  • Condition:
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November 20, 2025 10:30 AM EST
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