Gibson, William P. (fl. 1862) [to his sister Sarah Gibson Humphreys]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04501.092 Author/Creator: Gibson, William P. (fl. 1862) Place Written: Ridgeland Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 December 1860 Pagination: 3 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Apologizes for not being able to return home for the holidays. Writes that his familiy's financial circumstances prevent them from travelling. In favor of secession he writes, "political excitement was never so high--every body is rampant in favor of disunion. We had an election on this question one day before yesterday [December 20th] and it is predicted by the knowing ones that the State will go 30,000 votes majority for the secession ticket. I say hurrah for the biggest party."
Writing two days after his state decided to leave the Union, a South Carolinian describes the strength of secessionist sentiment in the state.
Excerpt:
"A happy Christmas to you--may each returning one be, to you, full of heartfelt joys. Pecuniary want keeps us at home, else we should have been at the old homestead several days ago. We are determined never to leave home again without the hope, at least, of making a trip of pleasure. Complaints, troubles and poor folks should be kept at home....
The money market was never tighter. In fact it is almost impossible to get money at any rate Sugar sells, if at all, at such prices as if continued would ruin us all. Cotton is a little better. I have not yet commenced to Gin."
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