Journalist L. L. Crounse, a New York Times war correspondent, writes from Richmond, Virginia, April 8th, 1865.  Here is a real piece of history!  Crounse, who had covered the battle of Gettysburg for the New York Times (a copy of that work can be found on the Internet, and we will include a copy with purchase), has just entered Richmond and is writing to a friend, “My dear Mrs. W”. 

“You ought to be obliged to me for such an expensive letter.  It isn’t everyday that you find a
friend who deliberately writes his letters on the back of his bonds – so take it as an evidence
of how much I think of you. 

How do you like a letter with a bonafide Richmond date on it?  Isn’t the victory glorious beyond
conception?  I am having an experience that I would not part with for worlds but am awful busy,
and so shall reserve everything to tell you.  I shall be in New York next week sometime and hope
to see you.  In the meantime be jubilant – the end is near – the war is almost over, and Virginia
shall be the Empire state of the South.  She is a glorious old Commonwealth, but her future is far
greater than her past. 

Sing praises to the Giver of all Good, for He giveth us the victory. 

My kindest regards to Mr. W. and except for yourself the kindest wishes of your sincere friend,
L. L. Crounse.”

The letter is written on a brown Confederate bond, 14 ¼ x 7 ¼ inches.  The bond is a $500 “Six per cent non taxable certificate”, “By authority of the 14th section of an act of Congress approved 17th February 1864” etc. etc.  The vignette in the top left corner of the bond shows a Virginia farmer in a pastoral scene standing by a fence (it sure looks like a bullet-ridden fence!).  The bond is payable, “Two years after the ratification of a treaty of peace with the United States.”  The bond has obviously not been filled out nor have any signatures.  Condition of the letter written in nice dark pencil is very good with breaks at the folds from being folded for the past 150 years.  A true historic museum piece!

#S82 - Price $1,500

Letter is too long to fit on scanner; photos below are of top and bottom of letter: