(24) war-date Union soldier's letters by Private Simeon B. Merrill, Co. G, 5th Michigan Infantry, to his wife, Julia, in Fowlerville, Michigan. The 33 year-old Merrill enlisted the day after Christmas,1863 and was soon serving in Virginia with one of his state's seasoned combat regiments. The letters, written between January 3 and June 5, 1864, record Merrill's experiences from initial training at Ft. Wayne, Indiana to his arrival at the prison stockade in Andersonville, Georgia. The bulk of the material was penned at a "Camp near Brandy Station" and consists of personal news interspersed with military vignettes. Private Merrill was captured along Virginia's North Anna River on May 12, 1864 and wrote his first letter from Andersonville on June 5th. It reads in full, ÒYou have probably ere this heard that I am dead or missing. I was taken prisoner on the morning of the 12th of May. We had been fighting about one hour near Spottsylvannia (sic) Court house. I am now a prisoner of war but I am well. I hope if this ever reaches you it will find you the same. There is two more Livingston men with us one by the name of Simon Dolph brother to Peter Lamoverix(Ôs)wife and a young man by the name of Marr from the Town of Howell. How long we shall stop here I cannot tell but you must keep up good courage and maybe all will be right yet. I am not allowed to write but one page and my pen is very poor. Write as soon as you receive this Julia for I want to hear from you very much. Direct to Camp Sumpter (sic) Andersonville Georgia 64 Detachment 3rd Mess S B Merrill. I came in here one week ago today no more this time.Ó This brief letter was Private Merrill's last in this archive, though a POW cover with no letter is included. Bringing closure to Merrill's correspondence is a two-page letter from attorney Henry Clay Heartwell, Pontiac, Michigan, July 15, 1865, to Mrs. Merrill that reads in full, "Your note of inquiry relative to your husband S B Merrill brings this response. I was acquainted with him about the time he died but at that time I did not think that I should ever get out myself so I was not as particular about it as I would otherwise. He died about the last of August last. If you want to get his back pay&c. if you will send forward your request to me as I am in an office with James S. Dewey attorney and claim agent. I can furnish the only proof that can be had requisite to get such dues. All business of this kind done with dispatch and success or no charge. Please answer immediately. Very Respectfully, H. Clay Hartwell Pontiac, Mich. P.S. This ticket is just as I received it from headquarters: 7269 is the number of grave.Ó Hartwell had served with the 1st Michigan Light Artillery and escaped captivity in Macon, Georgia on April 7, 1865. Included are the following supplemental items: "Life of Captain Hedley Vicars" by the American Tract Society; a largely unused pocket ledger; miscellaneous letters, 1860s and later; 19th century land deeds and tax receipts; Hall family genealogical listings. All items were bound together in a small 19th century document box, which is present.

Nearly all of the war-date letters include original postal covers and one letter is on colorful Charles Magnus stationery.

Overall very good condition, the letters with folds and light aging as expected.

$1,000 - 2,000