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There in no place like Pennsylvania.... Lengt

Currency:USD Category:Antiques Start Price:50.00 USD Estimated At:100.00 - 125.00 USD
There in no place like Pennsylvania.... Lengt
There in no place like Pennsylvania.... Lengthy Union commissary soldiers letter from Richard McAllister, Knoxville, Tenn., Apr. 9, 1864, 7 1/2 x 9 3/4 , 4 full pp., on his displeasure at being limited to his captaincy, yearning for a post in Pennsylvania, and describing his dream of postwar life in his native state. "...I am...daily expecting an order from the Secretary of War ordering me elsewhere. I have written to brother Archie asking him to use his influence...I expect there will be a law passed creating Provost Marshal General in all the States to rank as Colonel of Cavalry and pay about $4300 per year...The position of Asst. Provost Marshal General of a particular State is one of great importance and influence not second to that of Governor. It would, however, be hard to get as it will be much sought after. In Penna., Genl. Cameron, Col. Forney and Archie might make a combination to get me the appointment...No one better understands these matters on the rights of officers than Genl. Cameron who has upon all occasions shown himself my friend...I have seen much of various sections of the Country...and yet my heart and judgment wanders back to old Penna. with such loving interest that I don't believe that I shall ever be contented elsewhere. There is no place like Pennsylvania and to me there is no place in the state like dear old Fort Hunter...." Proceeds to describe his postwar dream of reentering law, and building a cottage in Fort Hunter, near "the lower part of the old orchard near Harrisburg...to keep one cow and a horse and one industrious German to work the garden and keep my ten acres in apple pie order. My leisure time I would spend in cultivating and beautifying this cherished spot and my business hours from 9 to say 4 P.M. I would spend in Harrisburg at my law office...I mean to give my children a good education and sound habits if I can...." Thin brown paper strip at edge of last page where mounted in letterbook, but text underneath legible, else fine and unusual. "Archie" is undoubtedly Archibald McAllister of Fort Hunter, Congressman during the Civil War.