Richard Cecile Johnson, a resident of Fulton County, Georgia, enlisted on May 22nd, 1861 as a Private in the famous 8th Georgia Infantry.  This letter written from, “Camp near Manassas, Sep. 17, ‘61” is four pages in length (nice dark pencil) and comes with a glorious Confederate patriotic cover showing an 11 Star Confederate flag and the name “BARTOW” in red.  At the time of his writing, Johnson has just transferred into company C of the South Carolina Hampton Legion Cavalry. 

What is so great about this letter and cover is that Bartow was killed at the battle of Manassas.  We have seen a number of “Bartow” Patriotic covers over the years… but to have one with a letter that actually tells of Bartow being killed in the battle of Manassas?!!!  Not only that, but our writer, Richard Johnson, in this letter states, “If I am alive at the end of nine months, I can visit home…”  Unfortunately, Johnson would never see home again as he, like Bartow, was killed. 

The cover:

                                 “Tudor Hall, Va. September 19th, 1861” cancellation with an ink “5” (due).  


    Return address in upper right hand corner from

                                  “Private R. C. Johnson Beaufort District Troop Hampton Legion”.   


    The cover is addressed to        “C. S. Johnson in Beaufort, So. Ca.” 

The letter:

                                                                                                                                    Camp near Manassas Sept. 17, ‘61

                        
                                Dear Smith:

                                    Although I do not owe you a letter yet, I write again principally to inform you
                                that I have been transferred to the Beaufort District Troop.  I was transferred nearly 
                                two weeks ago.  I have quite a snug little horse for which I paid $100 having to borrow 
                                $40 from Father.  I tent with Father and will be able to carry as much baggage as I want.  
                                The 8th Ga. has lost its best field officer, Col. Bartow and Adjutant Branch being killed 
                                and Lieut. Col. Gardner being wounded and promoted while the Major is very unpopular.  
                                If I am alive at the end of nine months, I can then visit home, a thing I could not do while 
                                in the 8th as it is enlisted for the war.  There is nothing of interest to write about.  I saw 
                                a portion of the letters I last wrote to you in one of the Atlanta papers.  I suppose you all 
                                will have enough to do on the coast before long.  The country in which we are encamped is 
                                the poorest I ever saw.  It is covered principally with a small growth of pine about 15 feet 
                                high and oak of the same character.  Wild turkeys are said to abound but I have not seen 
                                any myself.  I do not think there will be a battle very soon although our forces are 
                                gradually closing in on the enemy.  I hope you are prepared for the scoundrels about 
                                Beaufort.  From what I know of the people down there I do not think they will do anything 
                                until the last moment.  They have had time enough to be fully prepared.  Have you picked 
                                many shrimp this year?  It is very hard to buy anything here.  I am now in want of a curry
                                comb & brush and a pair of spurs but do not know how I can get them.  You must let me 
                                hear from you soon and tell me if the enemy are making any suspicions movements near 
                                you.  Excuse my not paying postage on the letter.  They will take pay only in specie and it 
                                is so hard for us to get in addition to which a letter is said to go more certainly when not 
                                paid.  
                                                                                        My love to all,

                                Your aff. Bro, R. C. Johnson

                                Direct your letters thus –

                                R. C. Johnson

                                Beaufort District Troops

                               Hampton Legion

                               Manassas, Va.

 
                                Some write it “Hampton’s Legion”.  It is not Hampton’s Legion.  It is the Hampton Legion.

#CG141 - Price $1,850