Fontaine, Lamar (1829-1921) to Mary C. Day
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06640.03 Author/Creator: Fontaine, Lamar (1829-1921) Place Written: Lyon, Mississippi Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 15 April 1899 Pagination: 1 p. : envelope ; 27.7 x 21 cm. Order a Copy
A graceful acknowledgement of Day's letter of thanks for receiving "All Quiet on the Potomac." He writes in part: "It is a gratification to an old crippled Reb to receive such as womanly letter as yours." He closes by wishing her a long and peaceful life and a content death.
Fontaine served as a despatch bearer for the Southern forces around Vicksburg. This song quickly became very popular for both the Union and the Confederacy. Commanders on both sides issued a joint order prohibiting the barbarous custom of picket fire, exhibiting the powerful influence of music during the war.
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