Autograph Letter from E. B. Dreher to his Sister. Return address is Headquarters 176 Regt, Pa. Ma., Beaufort, S.C.
4 unnumbered pages on a now-folded single sheet of blue-toned paper. Dated April 5, 1863. 23 x 18 cm. Clear and readable. Return address at head of letter: Headquarters 176 Regt. PA MA, Beaufort, S.C. April 5, 1863. We don't know for certain whether Dreher was an officer in the 176th Regiment or, more likely, present in some non-military manner at the Regiment's headquarters. Dreher mentions many plantations on the island were cultivated by the "Contrabands" for the use of the Union Government. He also writes that General Hunter has two regiments of negro conscripts called "The First & Second South Carolina" volunteer regiments. Dreher also tells her to advise Will, who is mentioned slsewhere in the letter and identified as possibly living in Mauch Chunk [a Pennsylvania town about 80 miles north of Philadelphia], to pay the fine or get a substitute if he is drafted, adding, in part, "Confidentially, I would not fancy being a private soldier, nor even a 'shoulder strap'." [Website Only]. Very Good. Item #91698
Price: $375.00