Edwards, Oliver (1835-1904) to Eunice Lombard Edwards
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02163.08 Author/Creator: Edwards, Oliver (1835-1904) Place Written: Brandy Station, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 January 1863 Pagination: 3 p. ; 22.8 x 14.1 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to his mother from head quarters, 37th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. Appears to have been written the same day as GLC02163.06 and .07. Notes that he received a letter from his mother upon his return (from visiting his wife, Annie). His comments suggest that Annie will visit his mother (in Springfield, Massachusetts). Remarks, "Every true woman ought to treat with scorn any able bodied young man who stays at home in a safe place to make money while his Country is in peril We have for more to do than to fight for ourselves we must fight to leave the blessing of freedom to our children... as we received it from our sires of the Revolution but without the foul blot of slavery... you see I am now a thorough 'Black Republican' Abolitionist well this war is a good school to make them." Facetiously instructs his mother: "Please make Annie behave herself... Shut her up in a dark closet of she dont mind and whip her good for me..." Sends his love to family.
For biographical information pertaining to Oliver Edwards, refer to GLC02163. The 37th Regiment was part of the Army of the Potomac September 1862- July 1864.
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