1865 War-Dated Letter Discussing Lincoln Election "our votes will not count this year"

4pp of a bifolium, measuring 5" x 8", Frederick, Massachusetts, dated March 15, 1865. Signed "Jewett P. Wellman" and addressed to his friend, Sergeant L. Frank Liscom. Wellman writes his friend about not being able to leave to vote in the recent election and of General Sheridan chasing off General Jubal Early. With flattened mail folds, light soiling, and minor foxing. The letter is accompanied by its original transmittal cover, which has expected wear and soiling.

Excerpts:

"…I want to give you a little advice…you will become so much attracted to the customs and especially the People of Savannah you will remain there after this cruel war is over and I'll never get a sight at you again. Oh! How about that election. Did you expect to go home? We did but were disappointed our furloughs were sent to the War Dept and that was the last we have heard from them so our votes will not count this year. I am satisfied to remain where I am…Gen Sheridan is up the Valley on another [illegible] poor Early did not wish to see him and ran away leaving his command to run or surrender and now Gen Sheridan is having his own way south now…"

Because the election occurred in the midst of the Civil War, soldiers who were unable to cast ballots in the field had to be furloughed so that they may be allowed to return home and vote in their home districts. Abraham Lincoln was victorious in his run for a second presidential term, beating General George McClellan by a wide margin of 212-21.

At the Battle of Waynesboro, Virginia, on March 2, 1865, General Jubal Early's Confederate forces were nearly destroyed by General Sherman's army. The Confederates suffered over 1,500 casualties, while the Federal force lost a mere nine men. General Early was unable to evacuate the majority of his men, artillery, or supplies, and instead chose to flee the scene with his cousin Peter Hairston and a few members of his staff - returning almost alone to Petersburg. Following this disaster, the press and many in the Confederate Army turned on Early, and General Lee advised Early to return home and wait for further orders. Lee ultimately relieved Early of his command a few weeks later, on March 30, 1865.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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