Willis Aiken, 24th New York Infantry Letter – Abraham Lincoln’s Daughter?

Description

Willis Aiken, 24th New York Infantry Letter – Abraham Lincoln’s Daughter?
Offered for your consideration is an early-war letter written in pencil by Willis Aiken, a private in Company D, 24
th
New York Volunteer Infantry. The first page of the letter is written on an illustrated sheet, boldly depicted the United States Capitol in all its majesty (it is interesting to note that the dome is present on the building, though at the time it was still under construction). The majority of the letter, dated “
July 7
th
1861
”, describes the unit’s journey to “
Camp Walker
”, one of the many camps in the vicinity of Washington. He writes to his father (in part) “…
We started from Elmira Tuesday at 9 did not stop again until we got to Williamsport thare they brought on all the pie & cake that we could eat it is the most roughest country I ever saw … untill we got to Williamsport then from thare it is the most beautifull country I ever saw it is as level as a house floor We did not stop a gain untill we got to Baltimore then we stopt about a mile from the depot and marched through they was friendly thare the stars and strips ar floating in every directions thare was not a gun in the company that was loaded …
” (this last statement was probably in reference to the events that occurred while the 6
th
Massachusetts passed through the city). Having arrived at Washington, he continues by stating that “…
we are encamped about a mile and a half from the city I went to see the white house it is the most splendid building I ever saw thare is no use of my writing about it I cannot give you the least idea of it … They caught a man o war yesterday with some 500 stand of arms aboard her … I wish they would take one every day …
thare is some 90,000 of soldiers encamped around Washington …
” (censorship was not a major issue at the time). Near the conclusion of the letter he states “
… I have seen Old Abe he had a review of all the New York state troops he is better looking than I thought he was he had his Daughter with him …
” (one must wonder who it was with Lincoln, as he did not have a daughter). It is signed “
Willis Aiken
”, a member of the 24
th
New York Infantry (though his unit is not stated in the letter). An interesting early-war letter written by a private prior to “Seeing the Elephant” (combat), when the trip to war was new and exciting. His thoughts on the White House and on President Lincoln are quite intriguing, as is the question of who was with Lincoln at the review.
Records indicate that Willis Aiken was 20 years old when he enlisted at Parish, New York, on May 4, 1861. He was mustered in on May 17, 1861 as a private in Company D, 24
th
New York Infantry. He was mustered out at Elmira, New York on May 29, 1863.
The 24
th
New York Infantry was organized at Elmira, New York and mustered into service on July 2, 1861, to date from May 17, 1861. They served in the defenses of Washington until March, 1862. After numerous advances throughout northern Virginia, the regiment finally saw action at the battles of Gainesville on August 28
th
, Groveton the next day, and Second Bull Run (Manassas) on August 30
th
. During the Maryland Campaign, they participated in the battles of South Mountain on September 14
th
and Antietam on September 16
th
and 17
th
. They participated in the battle of Fredericksburg in December, and in the “Mud March” from January 20-24, 1863. They were present from May 1-5, 1863 at the battle of Chancellorsville, after which they were mustered out on May 29, 1863, at the expiration of their term of service. During their service, the regiment had 6 officers and 82 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded and 1 officer and 30 enlisted men who died of disease, for a total loss of 119 men.
The presently offered letter exhibits signs of expected period use, followed by years of less than ideal storage. Overall toning is noted across the entire surface, significantly more pronounced on the first page, along the folds, and at the edges. The paper has taken on a beige to light tan hue, with the aforementioned areas being light to medium brown. The pre-printed illustration of the Capitol is sharp and bold, while the text of the letter is difficult to discern in parts (especially at the folds). This is partially due to fading, but principally due to the letter being written in pencil (even the author complains about this situation). Two folds bisect this piece, both of which affect have weakened the paper, and as noted, made it more difficult to read the text. These folds have caused minor paper separations at the edges, though it does not appear that these will progress if the letter is not handled often. Measuring 5⅛ x 8 inches when folded and 8 x 10¼ inches when opened, this piece would make an interesting addition to any Civil War letter collection, especially with the Capitol illustration. Worthy of further research (it is possible that there is a newspaper account of the regiment’s trip or the subsequent military review).
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Buy or Bid with Confidence – American Coins & Collectibles President Richie Self has worked 6 years as a paper money grader/authenticator. He has contributed to numerous reference books within the industry, as well as being a co-author of “The Comprehensive Catalog and History of Confederate Bonds, 2
nd
Edition” with Douglas B. Ball, Ph.D., Henry F. Simmons, M.D., Ph.D. and James R. Desabaye. Mr. Self is a life member of the American Numismatic Association, the Society of Paper Money Collectors, as well as numerous regional numismatic associations. He is an authorized submitter to NGC, PCGS, and PMG, a diamond founding member of Coin Dealers Helping Coin Dealers and a supporter of the Industry Council for Tangible Assets. American Coins and Collectibles can be found at many of the state and local coin shows.
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Shreveport, LA