Interesting pairing of two Civil War manuscript letters presenting contrasting Northern and Southern perspectives during the critical mid-war period of 1863. The first, written February 9, 1863 by Alonzo Adlay of the 5th Maine Regiment, reflects Union army morale following the Battle of Fredericksburg, with pointed political commentary and criticism of leadership within the Army of the Potomac. The second, written June 14, 1863 by a Virginia woman to a cousin, conveys Confederate civilian sentiment in the aftermath of Chancellorsville, expressing fatigue with the war, social pressures tied to conscription, and anxiety over continued fighting and possible Northern advances. Together, the letters provide a complementary view of wartime attitudes from both soldier and civilian viewpoints, highlighting morale, politics, and personal concerns on both sides of the conflict during the same pivotal year. Pickup & Shipping: Free pickup in Gardnerville, NV. FedEx Ground/Home Delivery within the continental U.S.: $30 + 1.5% insurance (unless waived in writing). Combined shipping available
Good. Both letters show expected folds, light staining, and age toning; the Adlay letter remains generally legible with moderate wear, while the Virginia letter is more densely written and somewhat harder to read in places.
The Estate of Professor Ronald H. Limbaugh (University of the Pacific) Director of the Holt-Atherton Pacific Center for Western Studies and Director of the John Muir Center for Regional Studies