(CIVIL WAR MAINE) M Herbert Wood A Union officer writes to

Sale 2646 - Lot 101

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Estimate: $ 600 - $ 900

(CIVIL WAR--MAINE.) M. Herbert Wood. A Union officer writes to his sister, confirming that "you are now a deserter's wife." Autograph Letter Signed to sister Mollie. 4 pages, 7 3/4 x 5 inches, on one folding sheet; minor wear. With typed transcript. In the field near Petersburg, VA, 16 July 1864

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A Union officer reports to his sister: "I do not wish or would not say one single word to injure your feelings, but I very much fear that what I told you when we last met at New Berne was proved true, and that you are now a deserter's wife. I have enquired of a great many officers who know him, and to some who are bro. Masons & have stated circumstances, omitting name & place, and all agree in saying that you will probably never hear from him again. We may all be mistaken, however. I hope we are."

The letter author signed as M. Herbert Wood, lieutenant of the 23rd United States Colored Troops. We believe his born name to be Moses Hubbard Wood (circa 1839-1870). He was from Wilton and Lewiston, Maine, briefly attended medical school at Bowdoin College, and settled in Tuscaloosa, AL circa 1859 to operate a bookstore. He retained his Union sympathies and enlisted in the Union army in July 1861, possibly in the 25th or 26th Ohio, leaving a wife and child in Alabama. He became a lieutenant and adjutant in the 23rd United States Colored Troops in January 1864, was later transferred to the 22nd United States Colored Troops, was promoted to captain, and was discharged in July 1865. He returned to Tuscaloosa after the war. On 9 April 1868, as M.H. Wood, he testified against President Johnson in the impeachment hearings; a Mobile newspaper questioned his veracity and character. We have not been able to identify his sister Mollie, or her deserter husband.