Group of Letters From and Relating to Capt. John Hanson Thomas, CSA 1861-1865

September 17, 2011 Maryland Auction

Lot #: 299

Price Realized: $4,025.00 (Price includes 15% buyer's premium).

Group of Thirteen 1861-1865 Civil War Letters from and relating to Confederate Captain John Hanson Thomas, most of which are written by John Hanson Thomas, known as "Hanson," to various family members while fighting under General Loring. An interesting letter to his sister, Nannie, warns her of improper suitors, and reads in full:

Hdqrs Loring's Dn: O.C.A.T.
Near Tenn: River. N. Ala.
Nov: 14th 1864

Dear Nannie-
Do you know that you give your old Brother a great deal of uneasiness? I reckon not, but nevertheless it is a fact!! When I left home you were "Ma's own pet", in short dresses and a nursery child. Three or four long years and it is now Miss. Thomas. Well what of that?
From Raleigh's statement the young men grown up since my day, have greatly degenerated; & from the war and other causes have become demoralized; dissipated, and profligate. Not withstanding yr. own good teaching, and Mothers watchful eye, I have my apprehensions. Without a brother to direct and caution, many young men insinuate themselves into the society that they afterwards disgrace.
My dear little Nannie let me caution you. Tho' it may be years before we are again united, still if possible be [?} of your love until I can give my permission. This war has given us who are engaged, a valuable lesson in the 'world'. And how few I find that are worthy of the girls we meet daily. I hope you are an exception of the young ladies of the present age. More interested with your own family and less taken up with the beaux of town. If you knew how much Old Hanse loved you and thought about you. Probably you would remain contented until he returns. Enough; that is lecture sufficient for the time, Lets see the fruits there of.
Besides, I want room in yr. heart for a Sister I hope to bring you. One of the sweetest, prettiest and best Christian you have ever met with. But that's too extensive a subject to discuss while this far apart. If I do succeed in consummating matters you shall pass judgement yourself - What bright futures if only realized.
Don't say we won't be proud when we reach home and settle down in the old fashion peace style. Enough of this too. try & send her photograph some of these days.
As Old Doug still goes up the ladder! How dignified he must be. Cashr. of Bank unless I should ascend in same proportion in one of the other vocations of life. Why- he will hardly condesend to acknowledge me- Give him my love. Tell him I say he must give his sweetheart a kiss from me - just show her my photograph- which I will send the first opportunity - & I know she can't resist. He need not be jealous. All the girls would do the same- I am perfectly irresistable when I get my good clothes on. shave up and make my hair - [?}
Give my love to Ma & the boys- tell them to think of me, sometime this Winter, when they have those oyster roasts and ducks- By the way ask Gordon if Johnnie Fodor is still alive, and how about those [?] he wants to sell?
Love to Grandmother- how I should like to see her- Mary- you can give her the same instructions I send you, with a lot of love- Be sure to send on the photographs of all the family-
This pen is so [?] that it is impossible to write- except with back.
Love to all
Yr devoted Brother
Hanson.

Another reads:

Hdqrs - Charleston Oct 9th 1862, My Dear Mother, We are now on the move from this place, which I suppose will be occupied again in a few days by the Yankees. I will leave this letter here with some friend that it may be sent on. I can only state that it is not from fear of the enemy that we evacuate but for a great movement. We have all been greatly distressed by the death of Breck Parkman who was killed in the Battle of Sharpsburg Md. He is buried on the farm of a Mr Smith one mile from the field. You will do me the greatest possible favor if you will have a temporary "toom stone" placed over his grave. Think of me in his place. There might be some difficulty in future in finding his grave. Please attend to this. I have a delightful place as A.D.C. to Genl Loring. with the rank of Capt. Write to Nannie the first opportunity you have for she is very fond of you I think you could console her some. Uncle and family have gone back to Fredericksburg. I have not time to write more. Give my love to Father & Grandmother & children & Mr George, Your devoted son & c J.H. Thomas.

Another letter, written by a lieutenant and assistant provost marshal, on "Head Quarters of Post, City of Marietta, Ga." letterhead, Sep 27, 1864, refers to Hanson's capture and whereabouts, stating "Mrs Thomas, Capt Thomas was only here for a day or two. He has probably gone to Johnsons Island, or Columbus. . . " Another letter, written by a Samuel Ross, on Office of Provost Marshal, Marietta, Ga. letterhead, Sept. 29, 1864," states Hanson is imprisoned in Johnson's Island, Ohio.

This interesting group of letters is a rare and detailed chronicle of a young Confederate's journey through war.
Many of the letters include original stamped envelopes. All with original fold lines. All in good to excellent condition.