LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2006 Dec Signature Civil War Auction #642  / 

25094

Virginia Civil War Letters, Passes & Commissions

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:250.00 USD Estimated At:1,000.00 - 1,200.00 USD
Virginia Civil War Letters, Passes & Commissions
<B>Group of Virginia Civil War Letters, Passes, and Commissions .</B></I> A group of Civil War letters, commissions, and passes to three members of Virginia military regiments. Of note are two commission documents signed by Virginia Governor John Letcher. Both commissions are dated July, 1861, and are for appointments in the 122nd Regiment, 16th Brigade and 3rd Division of the Virginia Militia. One document commissions George W. Diffenderfer to the rank of 1st Lieutenant; the other commissions Jackson K. Everhart to 2nd Lieutenant. Both men were attached to "A" Company. The documents measure 9.5" x 8" and bear the seal of the state of Virginia. Included is a three-page letter to Diffenderfer from John R. Nunn, Captain in the 122nd Virginia Militia, dated October 4, 1861 in which he addresses the lack of pay to the regiment's men: <I>"I am truly sorry to hear of the dissatisfaction among the men in consequence of not being paid. I appreciate the feeling of those whose families are in a needy condition and regret most deeply that they cannot be paid at once, but I must say in all candor, that I am astonished and pained at the conduct of those who are not in urgent need of the money. I think it betrays a want of loyalty and patriotism, which they should not exhibit. It shows a want of faith in the stability and honesty of our new government. I honestly believe that you all will be paid very shortly provided you remain in service".</B></I> Another two-page letter from Nunn dated October 8, 1861 reads in part <I>"…I regret that the men have been leaving without furloughs. They ought not to do it…I gave Jacob Everhart 2nd Lieutenant, A Company, 122nd Virginia Militia leave of absence until Wednesday. He wanted to get the hogs up and get some corn for them…".</B></I> In addition are several passes dating from 1861 on various sizes and types of paper glued into a business ledger with entries dating back to 1850. Of note is B.R. Diffenderfer's Private, 12th Virginia Cavalry parole document dated April 19, 1865. Rounding out the group is a collection of letters and receipts relating to the Diffenderfer family that both pre-date and follow the Civil War. This group will be further enhanced with more in depth research.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Books & Catalogs (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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