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Sale 86
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Lot 304
[African Americans in the Civil War] The Union and "Contraband". Four autograph letters signed by four Union generals: Alfred Pleasonton ALS ("A. Pleasanton") as Brig. Gen. Com'dy, 2 pages, 8 x 5 in., tipped to a larger sheet, Haxall's, Aug. 13 (1862), to Gen. r.B. Marcy: "I have just herd that the cavalary which has been serving on malvern Hill has been changed. The regiment that was thre belonged to the Georgia troops & has gone to Hanover Courthouse, most probably with Longstreet….The regiment now on the Hill is a Virginia one….This information comes thro' a contraband of Ladd's….It is said the rebels have moved a considerable force to Hanover…it shows they are uneasy for Jackson's rear from this army. This also comes thro' contraband." Henry M. Naglee, ALS as Brig. Gen., 1 page, 9¾ x 7¾ in., Head Qrs 1st Brigade, Yorktown, Dec. 24, 1862, to Lt. Col. C.C. Suydam: " For the second time, the contrabands working under my directions have been taken away. May I respectfully request to be informed whether this has been done by the direction of Genl. Keyes." Endorsed on verso by Suydam and Naglee, who noted, "some 20 - which were under Capt Davis… [doing] the most important work to be done." Alexander Hays ALS ("Alex Hays"), 1 page, 8 x 5 in., Head-Quarters, 3rd Brigade, Caseys Division, Centreville (Va.), to Col. Robert Johnson at Fairfax Court House: "A colored man has just come to our lines, who reports that the Bull Run bridge on the Centreville & Warrenton Turnpike is burning. He lives near the bridge." Speed Smith Fry ALS ("Speed S Fry/Brig Genl."), 1 page, 9¾ x 8 in., on Head-Quarters Camp Nelson letterhead, Jassamine Co. Ky, Dec. 8, 1863, to Mr. Gillis, Supt. Fortifications: "Sir This will be handed you by Mr. Postlewait agent for collecting negroes in Fayette County. He wishes to see you on business connected with his Agency. Give him all the information you have in regard to matters about which he wishes to see you."
"Contraband of war" was a term used for runaway slaves who flocked to Union army camps for refuge. The escaped slaves were not returned to their "masters," although they were not considered free until the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 was issued. The US Congress passed the Confiscation Act of 1861, which declared that any property used by the Confederate military, including slaves, could be confiscated by Union forces. In March 1862 Congress passed its Act Prohibiting the Return of Slaves, which forbade returning slaves to Confederate masters or to the military. Some 100 "contraband" camps were set up across the South, including near the White House. President Lincoln was known to visit a contraband camp which was located between the White House and the Cottage at the Soldiers' Home, where he spent a great deal of time; in fact, the President and Mrs. Lincoln, along with a few guests, visited the camp to hear songs that the residents had prepared for them. From July 17, 1862, African Americans were permitted to enlist in the Union Army, and many of the escaped slaves did. Others acted as effective spies for the North, as noted in these letters.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 3,000.
Christie's New York, June 9, 2004, lot 233.
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| Realized $1,170 |
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