Sep 17, 2015 - Sale 2391

Sale 2391 - Lot 88

Price Realized: $ 5,500
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 4,000 - $ 6,000
(CIVIL WAR.) Recruitment letter for underground sleeper cells to oppose Lincoln and the draft. Printed circular letter, 11 x 6 inches; folds, minor wear. (MRS) Philadelphia, 1863
Set Alert for Similar Items

Additional Details

"we are in the midst of one of the most desperate and cruel despotisms that ever disgraced the civilized world." Many northerners opposed Lincoln, the draft, and the war effort in general. While most of these opponents worked within the system as the "Copperhead" branch of the Democratic Party, a handful attempted organized resistance by force. The author of this circular letter urged men to form "Decemvirates"--underground cells of ten resisters in which only their captain knew the identity of the other nine. Decemvirate members would then branch out and form their own cells "until every citizen in the land opposed to Lincoln becomes an enrolled soldier, ready to resist by armed force his tyrannical usurpations." These Decemvirates were to take no immediate action; each member is to "provide himself with the best arms he can obtain and keep them in perfect order, and out of view." However, "when the hour for open and armed resistance arrives--A. for example, will notify his Decemvirate B., C., D., &c; and they in turn will notify those whom they have enrolled, and so on ad infinitum."
This plan sounds effective on paper, but apparently never met with any success. No other copies of this letter have been traced, nor do we find any mention of Decemvirates in the Civil War context. This letter evokes similar concerns to the underground Knights of the Golden Circle, but does not demonstrate any overt interest in the preservation of slavery or sympathy for the Confederacy. The author simply hated Lincoln and his abuse of the Constitution.
The letter closes: "Friends, every where, Organize Speedily! The heel of the tyrant is upon you! Don't hesitate or delay to join a Decemvirate! . . . One efficient man in the neighborhood can put the system in successful operation; and thus in a very few days, the whole country may be thoroughly organized and ready for action." Space is given for the signatures of the "Committee," but this example is unsigned.