Autograph letter signed by Levi Bird Duff, Co. A, 9th Pennsylvania Reserves. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 5 August 1860. 4 pages, 8vo.  

A letter penned by Levi Bird Duff to "Bro. Dennis," of which he writes engagingly of presidential candidate, Abraham Lincoln, and the State of Texas and their "Southern brethren." Providing context into the issues that were brewing as tensions which would eventually trigger the start of the American Civil War, Duff, who would later go on to fight in the Union army, illustrates a United States just before Lincoln's election and the declaration of war which would take place nearly a year later. 

Noting a preference for the president at the time, James Buchanan, Duff writes: "...what a great institution the United States are with James Buchanan at their head, + how much greater will they be, when that "renowned warriors" + "great statesmen" Sam Houston is sent up to Washington by the belligerent state of Texas so take the place of the "Old Public Functionary," who is to retire by common consent on the Fourth of March next." While Duff would eventually serve in the Union army, he remained a devout member of the Democratic party throughout his life. His praise of Buchanan and later written disdain of presidential candidate, Abraham Lincoln, would serve as a strong sentiment of this throughout his letter. 

Writing about the prospect of Lincoln becoming the next president, Duff invokes mockery at the president, teasing his "southern brethren's" similar disdain and even inclinations for secession at the mention of his arrival in Washington: 

"Here about the abolition Rail-splitters threaten to ride Lincoln to Washington on a rail which he made in Macon Co, Illinois, thirty years ago. Won't this be a righteous retribution for the indulgences of his rail making..."

"we want our Southern brethren to come up + aid us to ride this man Lincoln on his own rail, but they demur to say it shan't be done; +that if contrary to their orders, it should be alone, they will dissolve the union. Herein we think our Southern brethren are a little inconsistent. For should the same Lincoln be foolish enough to visit his native place down in Hardin Co. Ky." 

Levi Bird Duff (1837-1916) mustered into Company A of the 9th Pennsylvania Reserves upon the inception of the war. Quickly rising through the ranks, the Lieutenant Colonel would lead his troops over twenty battles, including that of Fredericksburg and Gettysburg. Not unaffected by the many skirmishes he participated in, Duff survived bullet wounds through his right lung and right leg, which eventually led to the amputation of his leg in 1864. He received an honorable discharge in the aftermath of his wounds. 

An intriguing letter, written by a successful Union soldier who fought passionately for his country, but still held firm opposition to the president and political party which were heading up the Union side of the War. 

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