Mar 20 at 10:30 AM - Sale 2697 -

Sale 2697 - Lot 289

Estimate: $ 600 - $ 900
(MILITARY--CIVIL WAR.) Wilmon W. Blackmar. Letter describing the jubilation of the newly emancipated in Virginia. Autograph Letter Signed to friend Cyrenius Newcomb of Taunton, MA. 4 pages, 9¾ x 7¾ inches, on one folding sheet; mailing folds, minimal wear. With original mailing envelope lacking stamp. Alexandria, VA, 17 May 1865
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Additional Details

Captain Wilmon Whilldin Blackmar (1841-1905) of the 1st West Virginia Cavalry in the Union Army (see next lot) wrote this letter a month after the end of the war. He describes the Union Army's final march through Virginia: "White folks through the country had pretty much surrendered. The Blacks were jubilant and met us everywhere with shouts and gestures of joy. 'God bress de Yanks,' 'I's been prayin fer dis day,' 'May de good Lord bress you gem'an' &c &c. They have no idea of freedom and do not know yet how to use it."

Blackmar also expresses his hope for "a grand review of U.S. troops before whom Jeff Davis--in women's clothing--should be hung to the 'Old Sour Apple Tree,' so as to fulfil the promise of the song we have marched to so many times."

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