Lot 104

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Description:

Lincoln, Johnson, Davis, Booth, Ft. Sumter, Slavery, Reconstruction & More! Incredible ALS with 2 Unique Assassination Acrostics, Penned by a NJ Union Vet

The lot is comprised of an autograph letter signed by Charles J. Baxter (1842-1911), a Civil War veteran who served in the 27th Regiment of New Jersey Infantry from September 1862 to July 1863, accompanied by its original contents: two original acrostic poems and a draft dedicated to Abraham Lincoln and John Wilkes Booth. The material, which dates from April 15 - May 1, 1865, was addressed and sent to a friend then serving on active duty. Four pieces total. Baxter reflects on the causes and impact of the Civil War with great sensitivity and eloquence. The letter and poetry convey a range of emotions: grief after Lincoln's assassination; anger at the Confederacy; relief that slavery has ended; and faith in the future of the United States and the abilities of Andrew Johnson.

Including:

1. A 2pp autograph letter signed by Charles J. Baxter, as "Chas. J. Baxter" at the bottom of the second page. Written in North Vernon, New Jersey on May 1, 1865. Inscribed in beautiful script on either side of blue-lined paper. Expected wear including paper folds and minor weathering, else near fine. 7.875" x 12."

Baxter's letter was addressed to his friend Joseph P. Couse (1841-1900), who was currently serving with the 33rd Regiment of New Jersey Infantry.

In part, with paragraph breaks added to improve legibility:

"Since your last words what great events have transpired in the history of our country. From the highest exultation at the unexampled success of our arms, in an hour, the nation is in sackcloth, + the second Father of his country, is no more. No amount of disavowal will convince the world that the guilt rests anywhere but on the leaders of this infernal Rebellion. They planned - it was only their instrument that executed, - I trust that now, the utter folly of any attempt to restore the miscreants who for four years have deluged the country in blood, to their former position as American citizens is manifest to everyone. The ignorant dupes, unwilling conscrip[t]s + deluded boys may well be pardoned. But men like Davis, our safety, the dignity + magisty [sic] of the government require their death or exile.

If I mistake not Andy Johnson is not the man to allow justice to be defeated by false expediency. I rather would think that he has a disposition to show the Chivalry some of the now hand (?) + that an outraged + insulted people will uphold him in it. Since the assassination of Abraham Lincoln the thought has often occurred to me 'How suicidal has been every act of the South.' When they fired on Sumpter [sic] how we were fired with patriotism + indignation - I might almost add revenge - + when our chief executive was smitten down the same passions were aroused the same feelings again experienced…

Notwithstanding out present grief we should in a measure be hopeful + happy. The clouds are soon to disperse to fair blue sky appear. Secession stock is getting low + treason is going down. Fair peace will soon reign from shore to shore, Conquest will cease + slavery be no more…"

2.-4. Baxter also sent Couse two acrostics, rhyming poems where the first letter of each line spells out a word. The April 15th composition spells out "Abraham Lincoln," and the April 26th poem spells out "J Wilkes Booth." Included here are Baxter's two finished versions in his neatest hand on blue-lined paper, along with two drafts of the Booth acrostic on a spare piece of plain paper. The two finished versions are each initialed by Baxter as "CJB." Expected wear. The double-sided Booth draft measures approximately 4.5" x 7.25."

Baxter wrote in the original transmittal letter that the acrostic poems "quite express my feelings. The first one was written when the news came by telegraph of the assassination of A Lincoln. The last before the capture of Wilkes Booth…"

Both of Baxter's acrostics are reproduced in full here:

"April 15th 1865 Acrostic

A nation is sad, heart stricken.
Be silent O thanksgiving guns
Ring not ye bells that praise Heaven.
Almighty God behold our woe
Humanity has lost a friend
Arch Treason sure a manly foe
More than a hero has fallen.

Looking to God he's held the helm
In ship of state four stormy years
Now cannot hail the coming calm.
Called he the slave, a man + free
Oppressions fetters broke in twain
Long may he live in history
Never fading glory crown his name.

CJB."

"April 26th 1865 Acrostic

Justice overtake the wretched man

Woe betide thee + thy murdrous [sic] clan.
Infinite gloom thy dark soul pervade
Long feel anguish for the grief thou'st made.
Kindred imps wait thy presence in Hades
Ere long thou wilt see its darksome shades.
Satan justly claims thee as his won

Behold he calls thee 'Favorite Sow.'
Our joy is gone we're called to mourn
O Vile Assassin why wert thy born.
Thou Nation's Blot + Country's Shame
How long ere time will efface thy name.

CJB."

Charles J. Baxter had enlisted in September 1862 for a 9-month-long term of military service; he mustered out of the 27th Regiment of New Jersey Infantry on July 2, 1863 with the rank of first sergeant. During his tour, Baxter and the 27th New Jersey participated in the defense of Washington, D.C. Baxter's unit narrowly avoided the Battle of Fredericksburg, and was later assigned to Burnside's forces in Kentucky and Pennsylvania. After his discharge, Baxter became a school teacher, and, remaining in the teaching profession for his entire career, he was eventually appointed the New Jersey State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Baxter's correspondent Joseph P. Couse enlisted as a private in the 33rd Regiment of New Jersey Infantry in August 1863. He saw action at the Battles of Chattanooga and Atlanta, as well as participated in Sherman's March to the Sea and also late campaigns in the Carolinas, before mustering out with a captain's grade in July 1865. Couse obtained his medical degree at the University of Michigan in 1870 and was a physician until his death in 1900.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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