Union Soldier’s Letter, William C. Brown, 126th Illinois Inf. - Evils of Drink

Description

Union Soldier’s Letter, William C. Brown, 126th Illinois Inf. - Evils of Drink
Offered for your consideration is a two-page letter, written by a Union soldier serving in Mississippi, regarding the evils of drink within the army. Headlined “
Haines Bluff Miss
July 18
th
1863
” and addressed “
To The Officers Bros & Sisters / of Hillsboro Div No 79 S of T.
”, the author describes the ease with which soldiers can acquire alcohol, and the wicked individuals who offer it to them. Stating (in part) that “
… I have not forgoten the Lodge nor have I lost any interest in the cause. Intemperance, Like the evil spirit, it seems to go wherever man goes. Here in the army it has but few enemies to contend with, and is soon broadcast & issued out as a ration … It stands in Barrels at HeadQuarters and is almost universally used by the Officers, while it is surpressed to some extent with the common soldier yet they manage to get it once and a while smuggled through in fruit cans and other ways. On the occasion of a victory to our forces somewhere, it is issued out to enable the soldier to enjoy the victory … The true soldier has more than the rebels to fight against … I am proud to say that I have kept my pledge …
”. Apparently, one of the members of his lodge sent him one of their publications, as he writes that “
… I see from a Querry asked in the Monitor, that the army still lurks around Hillsboro. Let not the venomous Copper Head with its poison Whiskey infest the community I place them together for I consider them synonomous. Copper Headism is nearing its death wound I wish the poison of intemperance could die with it …
”. He closes by “
… Hoping that the day is not far distant when peace and prosperity may reign supreme, and intemperance to a happy extent be banished from the land …
”, followed by “
… best wishes to the Lodge and friends of intemperance …
” from “
W. C. Brown
”. A very unusual and opinionated letter, especially since, as noted in the letter, many of the soldiers in the army were more than happy to celebrate a victory (or mourn a loss) with a bit of alcohol. Well written, though the punctuation and capitalization could be improved. Worthy of additional research, though a great letter to add to a collection as is.
William C. Brown
was residing in Hillsboro, Illinois when he enlisted as a private on August 15, 1862. He was mustered into Company D, 126
th
Illinois Infantry on September 4, 1862. He was mustered out of that unit at Pine Bluff, Arkansas on July 12, 1865. During his term of service, Brown must have been promoted, as a notation in his records indicates that he was reduced to the ranks, again as a private.
Records indicate that the 126
th
Illinois Infantry was organized at Alton, Illinois, and mustered into Federal service on September 4, 1862. The regiment was divided in the early months of 1863, to better guard two separate locations, though they were reunited as they moved toward Vicksburg, Mississippi. They participated in the siege of Vicksburg from May 28 through July 4, 1863, after which they removed to Helena, Arkansas. They spent the remainder of their military service engaged in various actions in Arkansas. The 126
th
Illinois Infantry was mustered out on July 12, 1865. During their term of service, the regiment lost 6 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded and 4 officers and 192 enlisted men dead of disease, for a total loss of 202 men.
The presently offered letter exhibits minor overall toning across the entire surface, imparting to the paper an off-white to light tan hue. This toning is slightly darker at the edges and along the expected folds. These folds have weakened the paper somewhat, with small tears where they meet the edges and at the junctions. The contrast is sharp and bold, with all text present (it is somewhat difficult to read at points due to Brown’s penmanship). Ink corrosion is present at several points, with some minor associated paper loss (this loss is minor and does not seriously affect the physical integrity of the letter). The left edge appears slightly irregular, while the remaining three seem straight. Measuring approximately 7⅝ x 9½ inches, this letter would make a wonderful addition to any Civil War, Illinois, or alcohol-related collection.
A .95 charge will be added for postage and insurance.
A .00 charge will be added to any item picked up in person at our physical location.
If you have any questions regarding this item, please ask before purchasing.
Buy or Bid with Confidence – American Coins & Collectibles President Richie Self has worked 6 years as a paper money grader/authenticator. He has contributed to numerous reference books within the industry, as well as being a co-author of “The Comprehensive Catalog and History of Confederate Bonds, 2
nd
Edition” with Douglas B. Ball, Ph.D., Henry F. Simmons, M.D., Ph.D. and James R. Desabaye. Mr. Self is a life member of the American Numismatic Association, the Society of Paper Money Collectors, as well as numerous regional numismatic associations. He is an authorized submitter to NGC, PCGS, and PMG, a diamond founding member of Coin Dealers Helping Coin Dealers and a supporter of the Industry Council for Tangible Assets. American Coins and Collectibles can be found at many of the state and local coin shows.
American Coins and Collectibles
Shreveport, LA