Auction Name: 2026 February 26 Historical Manuscripts & Texana Signature® Auction

Lot Number: 47144

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/6328*47144

[Civil War]. Letter from the Home Front with Bushwhacker, Slavery, and Frontier Murders Content. Three pages of a bifolium, 7 3/4 x 9 3/4 inches, Linn County, Missouri; May 24, 1863. A very interesting letter written from the home front in Missouri, detailing the political turmoil that gripped the border states during the war. George Smith writes to his brother, Enos Hadley, in Indiana, describing local murders of secessionists, the killing of a Union supporter by bushwhackers, and, in a separate note, offers his opinion on slavery. The letter reads, in part:

"...in the west part of the state there is soome excitement the canses soldiers ar said to be canse[s] Boys they cant hear rebel tonges any longer there has been several cesesh murderd in thair one Hous and then the House set on fire this is a horibel state of things this makes the rebels have longe[r] faces than when they heared of a union man being bushewhacked the scail is turned how long it will remain so I don't k[n]ow..."

In the accompanying note, Smith adds: "...as Slaves is recognized as property they should be given up as such although I am in favor of the union and nothing els."

Condition: Bifolium lightly toned, smoothed folds with a few small separations not affecting text, and a few light stains. Note unevenly trimmed with rough bottom edge and a small chip at the left edge; some foxing.

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