Past Auctions

Autograph Letter J.P. Van Nest, 3 pages front and back, Berwick City, November 15, 1863, this letter is to his wife Mary in Ohio, with the stamped, autograph envelope, written after he learned of a plot in his home state. Van Nest writes …I was pained…to notice an account of Conspiracy which has just came to light in Ohio in which they intended to proceed to Columbus, release the rebel prisoners confined there, liberate the notorious Rebel and Scoundrel John Morgan, seize the State Arsenal and tear up the Devil generally…I hope they may catch the leaders…and torture them as the Indians do their white captives, for hanging is entirely too good for such nefarious scoundrels…If those men are so keen for war, why…do they not come down South and fight, here they can have war to their hearts content, but no those men…are not fighting men. I call them cowards…I took a solemn oath this beautiful Sabbath morning as I stood and listened to the Brass Band…to give me strength in obliterating every Rebel and Traitor both North and South… then he discusses the upcoming court martials of two deserters and his imminent departure for the Gulf of Mexico. 15 x 10

Estimate: $200 - $300