(CIVIL WAR CONFEDERATE) Battle William D Alabama merchants

Sale 2517 - Lot 47

Unsold

Estimate: $ 500 - $ 750

HIS SON "KILLED A GOOD MANY YANKEYS" (CIVIL WAR--CONFEDERATE.) Battle, William D. Alabama merchant's letter on his son's exploits and the effects of war on business. Autograph Letter Signed to "dear Uncle" [Dr. Gray Sills]. 4 pages, 9 3/4 x 7 3/4 inches, on one folding sheet; folds, slight ink burn loss on second leaf. Livingston, AL, 12 April 1863

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William David Battle (1822-1896) was a grocer in Livingston, AL. Here he boasts about the exploits of his son William Jr., then serving in the 2nd Alabama Artillery: "He stands high in his company, particularly with his officers. It was essential while at Snider's Bluff 14 miles above Vicksburg that a small party of soldiers should go to Deer Creek in advance of the 40 Ala. Bill volunteered with a few of his Co. to go. Conciquently came near being captured but managed to hold the enemy in check till reinforced by the 40 Ala. Regm't. Killed a good many Yankeys & sustained a verry small loss to our side." William Jr. would soon be taken prisoner at Vicksburg in July 1863.
Battle also discusses his business activities, and the impact of war: "The government would not allow any transportation, consequently I did not buy. They now allow it, or in other words, the transportation can be bribed. . . . I purchased from a man that run the blockade 280 prs cotton cards for which I gave 2000. . . . Negro men could be bought for 1500 doll's the 1st January, will sell now for 2000. I bought 5 young & likely negroes about 2 weeks ago--4 girls & 1 boy--for which I paid $5000. I have hired them out. I had no use for them & don't want to sell."