Civil War



Three Letters Written to NY Photographer Charles D. Fredricks Re: End of Civil War, "“The fact is my friend this war is virtually over. The armies of the Government are walking all over the south"



Collection of three letters written to major New York photographer Charles D. Fredricks (1823-1894) who had introduced carte de visite photographs to the United States in 1859.


(1) Henry A. Avery. Autograph Letter Signed “H.A. Avery,” 4 pp, 7.75” x 9.75”, front & verso, on two conjoined sheets. New York, March 15, 1865. On “Chas. D. Fredricks & Co., No. 587 Broadway, Photographers and Photograph Materials” stationery. To Charles D. Fredricks at his photography studio in Havana, Cuba. Avery was his partner in his New York studio. Oval shaped 0.75” x 1.5” portion missing from second sheet affecting five lines on each side; the following excerpt is from the first sheet. Else in fine condition.


In part, “The fact is my friend this war is virtually over. The armies of the Government are walking all over the south and sweeping every thing like a sustaining rebellion away and it cannot but be a short time before the whole country will have peace or cessation and gold must go with the going of the war. My advice is as it has always been that it is better for our business as Merchants, Photographers or any thing you please to turn our money in to currency as fast as you can and particularly at a premium such as it has been or as it is now … I am not alone that the war is rapidly drawing to a close and that the south cannot fend successfully but a very short time longer. We shall have a panic of immense magnitude here and for heaven sake do not let your prejudices prevent you from making or saving a few hundred dollars by Exchange if you saw the event in my opinion go through this surrender here at a loss…”


(2) Henry A. Avery. Autograph Letter Signed “H.A. Avery,” 2 pps, 8” x 9.75”, front & verso. New York, April 5, 1865. To his partner Charles D. Fredricks at his photography studio in Havana, Cuba. Fine condition.


In part, “Richmond, Petersburg, and almost every other place south is in possession of the Government and Grant and his army in full pursuit of Lee who is retreating on the run leaving all sorts of things behind him. The war is almost finished and peace will no doubt soon be established. I am very sorry that you have not sent forward more Exchange than you have because it would have made many more dollars for C.D.F. & Co. than in my opinion you will have the chance again to make…”


(3) Louise B. Fredricks (1839-1918). Autograph Letter Signed “Louise” to her husband Charles D. Fredricks at his photograph studio in Havana, Cuba, 4p, 5.25” x 8”, front & verso, on two conjoined sheets. Summit, New Jersey, April 11, 1865. Lightly creased. Fine condition.


In part, “What do you think of the news now? Lee has surrendered, and we are to have peace at last – Even old Fuller in his Newark Journal has to acknowledge that, but doubt if it will be ‘permanent.’ We had some lanterns hung out last night in honor of our victory…”



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