Civil War Letter Grouping - Solid Content - “But I was unwilling that a Negro should be my superior or even equal”

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Raynors Spring Americana Auction - Feb 28 Par...

By Raynor's Historical Collectible Auctions

Feb 28, 2026

Set Reminder 2026-02-28 10:00:00 2026-02-28 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Raynors Spring Americana Auction - Feb 28 Part1 https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/raynors-historical-auctions/raynors-spring-americana-auction---feb-28-part1-22414
Fascinating Americana Auction offering item in all periods of American history., from colonial through WWII. The items are offered as Autographs, Broadsides, Civil Wat Relics, Civil War Diaries, Confederate items. Political, Presidential, 20th Century Israel, Early Sports. Raynor's Historical Collectible Auctions bob@hcaauctions.com

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• Lot Description
  Almon Libbey Varney, enlisted on 12/9/1861 as a 1st Lieut. on 12/9/1861, he was commissioned into "D" Co. Maine 13th Infantry and was Mustered Out on 1/6/1865 at Augusta, ME. On 2/15/1865, he was commissioned into US Regular Army Ordnance Dept.#1. Four page letter with cover, datelined Ship Island Garrison, August 21, 1862 written to his cousin. In part, “We have about twenty prisoners just now, other than women, regular Amazons. .... There are aristocatics ... Mrs. Phillips, wife of Senator Phillips, who made such a sensation at Washington last summer, is one of the female prisoners ... Saw a woman with a secesh flag in the streets of New Orleans ... I suppose you have heard of the fight at Baton Rouge ... That was a fierce conflict. The 14th Maine fought like tigers. ... Gen. Butler tells them if they attack New Orleans he will wipe to the ground - not leave one brick ... It is do or die.. The Rebels are hanging their scouts and traitors to death .... I think this Rebellion is likely to last longer than others think. The Negroes are simply the only thing considered ...” #2. Three pages, datelined, 16th Maine Headquarters, Brooks Station, Virginia, November 25, 1862. In part, “I have been to Hagerstown Md. for knapsacks for the Regt ... I spent the day around Acquia Creek at the station getting property ... We are getting in our log houses that we are building for winter quarters ... The boys from the Pine State are as good as any. Have not flinched in times of danger ...”#3. Four pages, datelined, Ship Island Mississippi, December 22, 1862. In part, “We left Pensacola the 6th and are now at Ship Island.... We are now under the command of General Banks and will go, I suppose, to Baton Rouge or New Orleans. ... He gave me a description of the field of Antietam. It was terrible. ... I hope the Rebelliion is near its end. The President has made his Proclamation and I hope it will have its effect. They are determined to crush the South .... I have seen one of the contrabands with his hands tied behind him and the blood dripping from his back. ...” #4. Four page letter written to Almon Libbey Varney by his cousin Dan, dateline, Arlington Heights Va., February 16, 1863. In part, “... but last week three or four regiments came and more are on the way. Gen. Hooker seem to be making a general move toward R(ichmond).. The report is that fifteen thousand troops are at or near Alexandria ... There was quite an excitement ...on account of Gen. Thumb and his lady passing#5. Six page letter, datelined Fort Jackson, Louisiana, March 24, 1863. In part, “I am not at all grateful for that the press has said in my favor ... But the facts are these ... my Company have garrisoned Ship Island for more than a year under command of Col. Rust of Maine. ... Col. Rust was ordered to take commans of these two fortys on the Mississippi and seven companies of a Negro Regiment .. Col. Daniels was sent to reinforce us at Ship Island ... He is a low-born, vile boaster ... This I can prove to you ... This Negro was a Frenchman, but not an officer .... When Rust found the tendency of Daniel’s policy, he went to Col. D. and told him it is folly to attempt to compel New England soldiers to obey Negro officers .... Cl. D. promised ... separate as they always had been, that white soldiers should not mingle with the Blacks .. Col. Rust had not left the harbor before I received a written order .. consolidation of my Company with that Negroette ... I did not care what they did with the Negroes. I am willing that they should make soldiers of them. But I was unwilling that a Negro should be my superior or even equal by virtue of legislature or commission. Negro Officers are well enough in their places ... And let me say here ... that slavery can be seen in its worst and most malignant ... The Bloodhounds in Uncle Tom’s Cabin are by no means beasts of fable, and collars carried by their slaves are by no means novelty. ....”#6. Four page letter, datelined Fort Jackson, Louisiana, June 12, 1863. In part, “During the booming of Parrots this Fort feels pretty good. ... The mosquitoes are so common and thick ... blood thirsty imps get in by the hundreds ... you would think you were beside a hundred big chains being whirled through the air. ... This part of the Southern Confederacy is picturesque ... if its all up, it would respectfully recommend Uncle Abe to give it to the mosquitoes. ....”#7. Four page letter, datelined U.S. Arsenal, Watertown Mass., February 23, 1864. In part, “You know the wrangle between Congress and the President. The President is now inclined to not issue a proclamation ... I do now feel a sense of ‘bullheadedness’ on part of the President ...”.#8. Written by his sister Alma, three pages letter, datelined Brunswick (Maine), May 3, 1864. In part, “Mother has received several letters from different persons who were prisoners with Eddie on Bell Island. I will copy one of them. ‘A load of prisoners have just arrived and I have been trying to hear something of your son Edward but I could not hear anything about him.... Last Tuesday we read his name in the paper in the list of names of those who had died in a hospital attached to Libby Prison. ....’”#9. Two page letter with cover, datelined Watertown, Mass, Dec. 11, 1865. In part, “I went to Brunswick to take Thanksgiving dinner with Mother. ... When I tell you that I am married you may rely upon my sincerity ...”
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