Luther R. Witman, Co. F, the Lochiel Gray’s, 25th Pa. Inf., Writes Home Sending THE MOST FAMOUS PATRIOTIC STATIONERY & ENVELOPE USED IN THE CIVIL WAR: THE ROSE OF WASHINGTON
Offered is a beautiful example of the Rose of Washington stationery and used cover. This example is for the advanced postal history/ patriotic letter sheet collector. Very rarely does a complete set of this style come up for sale.
The letter, which is from Luther R. Witman, a resident of Harrisburg, Pa., writes home from Washington, D.C. Here is the content:
- Headquarters Lochiel Gray’s Tuesday Evening Washington, D. C. My Dear Sister, It is almost dark, but I must write you a few lines this evening. It is only a few moments since we were dismissed from Regimental parade.
- There were quite a large number of persons present at our evening drill, a great many of whom were ladies. The band is now playing on the green in front of our quarters. It is quite lively and makes us all feel quite gay.
- This morning the Capt. gave us permission to go to church in the city. Several of us attended the first Presbyterian. We were much pleased at the treatment we received, also with the sermon. Rev. Gurley preached. After service I dined at a restaurant. Bill of fare veal cutlet, fried eggs, and hot coffee. It is decidedly refreshing to sit down to a meal occasionally and I never neglect it when I get an opportunity.
- After having eaten you may suppose I felt better. Then took a stroll on the avenue. I do wish I could have had my sister with me for it would have been pleasant for you and a great deal more so for me. As I could not do now. I thought of you. That is nothing new, however, for you, nor any of the rest, are ever absent from my thoughts.
- I returned to quarters at three o’clock this afternoon, and as I felt fatigued, laid down and slept until drill time. Tell Harry that each member of our company, now sleep on a straw bed instead of the floor. They were furnished us a day or two ago and are quite comfortable.
- Ned was detailed for kitchen duty this morning and on that account was prevented from going to the city. But the Capt. has given him a pass this evening and he started an hour ago. Ned wishes Harry to send him a few white shirts. I have no good ones or I might have one or two such they could be sent from Harrisburg.
- No, there are boxes coming from their office for some of the boys. I did not wish to write for them, but Ned said if I did not, he would. A few days since Miss Jennie Cameron brought a small package for me from Harrisburg. It contained six pairs of white gloves. I am at a loss to know who sent them. Can you enlighten me? They were very acceptable.
- ENCLOSED PLEASE FIND A LITTLE PRESENT FOR YOU. BE CAREFUL WHEN YOU OPEN IT. IT UNFOLDS. IT WILL GIVE YOU AN IDEA OF THE APPEARANCE OF THE PUBLIC BUILDINGS IN THE CITY. AND I THINK IT QUITE A NEAT LITTLE AFFAIR.
- There is nothing new in the shape of war news. Our time is passing quietly, and I cannot tell whether we will leave here tomorrow or at all. I suppose you will hear of it if we do. We are living quite nicely in our mess just now. John Mager had a box of pies, cakes, butter, etc. sent him a few days ago by his sister. Also a box of cigars. If anything is sent to our mess, it is shared equally by all.
- By a return letter the young lady received our sincere thanks. Ask Harry if he found his box of cigars in Baltimore. Col. Coverly was to see us today. We are visited nearly every day by some person from Harrisburg.
- I presume you have got accustomed to country life by this time, for it never did require much time for you to become settled in Halifax. I hope you will pay particular attention to the cultivation of our yard and garden. I may visit you this summer.
- I visited the Navy yard yesterday. It looks decidedly warlike. I have not time to tell you about it as our lights must soon go out. Harry, I think was there. He can tell you of it. Will write soon again. My love to Pa, Harry and all. Remember me to Hannah and all who may inquire and write soon and often. Drum beats for notice to retire. Good night. From your loving brother Luther (Luther R. Witman, Co. F, 25th Pa. Infantry)
We have seen lesser quality examples of this patriotic stationery and envelope sell in the $3,000+ range. Here is a great opportunity.
#L800 PA – Price $1,250
