Wright, Augustus Romaldus (1813-1891) to Miller A. Wright
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02691.11.011 Author/Creator: Wright, Augustus Romaldus (1813-1891) Place Written: Richmond, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 July 1861 Pagination: 2 p. ; 31.9 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
Augustus did not send Asa, an enslaved person, to Miller, as he did not want Miller to be "better off in attendants than the other soldiers." Rather, he sold him to Dr. Colb, along with Asa's wife and Martha. Augustus gives Miller a word of advice: "The humble shall be exalted-don't think of yourself more highly than you ought to think." He gives Miller information about other soldiers from Rome, and promises that he will do everything in his power to improve Miller's own situation. Discusses the Battle of First Manassas (Bull Run), which took place the previous day: "Yesterday we had a terrible battle at Manassas junction. Our [illegible] boys were in it - Their Col was killed & we fear they have suffered badly We are looking this evening for car loads of the wounded. We had a complete victory." Discusses conflict with Governor Brown over sending state troops to the Confederacy: "I fear if the companies leave McDonald without Gen Browns consent the President will not receive them - but the President is gone with the Army...." [CSA president Jefferson Davis was at Manassas following the battle.]
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