Lot 394
Frietschie, Barbara (1766-1862) Already known locally for her patriotism, Frietschie captured the country's imagination in September of 1862 when, at age 95, she boldly displayed the Union flag to Confederate soldiers marching past her Frederick, Maryland, home. In deference to her age and bravery, she was not harmed. John Greenleaf Whittier's poem, Barbara Frietsche, and the memorable passage, "Shoot, if you must this old gray head but spare your country's flag," granted her a permanent position in the pantheon of Civil War heroes.
Document Signed (signed by Frietsche with her mark at the lower right corner). 7¾ x 2½", n.p., February 15, 1861. On lined paper. Docketed on verso. Six vertical and one horizontal folds, all very faint, some age toning at slightly ragged edges which suggest it has been torn from a larger page. In very good condition.
The document reads, "Received February 15th, 1861 of Christian Steiner, my agent, the sum of Fifty dollars, in part payment of money collected from Valerious Ebert, acting executor, with will annexd [sic] of John C. Fritchie, deceased. Witness C. S. Hanshew Her mark Barbarey Fritchie." Frietschie's mark is extremely rare, with only two or three known to exist.
Estimated Value $4,500-UP.
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