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THBTintype Soldiers and African Americans with Abolitionist Letter
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About Auction
LiveSep 21, 2024
We are delighted to present exceptional collection of over 200 lots of early photography, focusing on the African American experience during the Civil War and Reconstruction. This collection includes daguerreotypes, identified Civil War soldiers, and a rare tintype with a letter about soldiers' motivations for fighting for emancipation. Also featured are diverse images from Europe, Native Americans, and Middle Eastern images. This is a unique opportunity to acquire significant historical artifacts and preserve the legacy of these transformative periods. Michael Lehr Antiques info@michaellehrantiques.com
View Full Catalog (153)
- Lot Description
Presenting an extraordinary half-plate tintype depicting a poignant moment in Civil War history, featuring two white Union soldiers from the 7th Infantry—Lieutenant Joseph Ferguson and Captain Joseph H. Prime—alongside three unidentified African Americans, all posed in front of their barracks. This historically significant image not only captures the men in their military setting but also provides a rare glimpse into the complex social dynamics of the time.
The tintype is accompanied by a deeply personal and insightful letter from Captain Joseph H. Prime to his wife, Hannah Snell, dated February 27, 1864, from Camp Stanton. In this letter, Captain Prime passionately defends African Americans against being unjustly blamed for the Civil War, writing, “I shall have to come up there and give her a talking to and tell also that she must not have such a grudge against the negroes for although indirectly the cause of this cruel war yet still they are not in any way to blame for it.”
This tintype and letter together offer a compelling narrative that sheds light on the attitudes and emotions of a Union officer during one of the most tumultuous periods in American history. The image and accompanying letter make for a powerful and unique addition to any collection of Civil War memorabilia, offering not only a visual representation but also a rare written perspective on the human dimensions of the conflict.
The tintype has some bends and other abnormalities probably from the making in the sky area.
The following is a transcription of the letter.
Camp Stanton, Feb 27, 1864, Saturday Eve
Dear Wife
I was very much gratified this evening by receiving a letter from you and Jane. We have not moved yet but expect to next Tuesday as the 9th Regiment is expected to embark tomorrow. We are making out our muster Rolls and I have got mine nearly done and must finish them tomorrow as next Monday is our muster day being the last day of April(I mean February) and it has been two months since we were mustered last. I am officer of the day today and have got to sit up till twelve oclock tonight to make grand rounds and it is now half past eleven so I have not got long to wait but thought I could not occupy the time better than by writing to you. By the way you tell Jane that if she goes to seceeding I shall have to come up there and give her a talking to and tell also that she must not have such a grudge against the negroes for although indirectly the cause of this cruel war yet still they are not in any way to blame for it. You spoke of Andrew Evans saying that he had not got a letter from me but I guess that the next time that you see him he will not say so for I sent him a letter last Monday morning that I don’t think he will relish very well as I talked to him the hardest I knew how. I dont expect to hear from him any more and I am not particular whether I do or not. I am still waiting for a letter from Henry but expect to have to wait for some time yet although I should like to have him write to me very well. It is very cold here at present and very windy my fire is very low, it is near twelve oclock and I am getting sleepy so I will leave off writing make the ground rounds bid you good night and pleasant dreams and go to bed love and a kiss for you and I must close so good night my dear Hannah.
Tuesday March 1st, Dear Hannah I have been very busy for the last two days about my monthly returns and muster rolls and I have just finished them about five minutes ago and I begin to feel retired. I have not had over ten minutes time that I have not been … writing the first part of this letter. Yesterday we were mustard for May and after being mustered I had my picture taken with my second Lieut darkies and all and I sent it to you with this. The picture of Lieut Ferguson is not very good but the rest tent and all I think is very good. It has been raining all day today and now it is snowing and is growing cold quite fast. The transports to take us away has not come yet but we expect them every day but I should not be surprised if they did not come for a week yet according to last reports the 9th was to have gone today but they are still here. I should be very happy to be there one week from today for the sake of going to town meeting but of course there is nobody there that I want to see. Oh! No! Well it is no use for me to talk of coming home for I can’t come yet but I think I shall get the chance of coming soon for I am going to make one more application after we get down to Hilton Head. Well I want to get away from here as soon as possible now that I know that we have got to go. Well I am very tired tonight and so you must excuse me for not writing anymore but write again soon give my love to all keep a large share for yourself and I remain as ever yours …
PS It is now about twelve oclock at night and my Lieut has gone to bed long ago and just waked up and asking me if it aint about time for roll call because he says if it is he will get up and go out and call the roll will no more at present your husband Gus. - Provenance
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