"...Booth died too easy a death but I am glad he is dead. I hope they will hang Jeff Davis and all the Rebel Generals every one I would if I had the power..."

Autograph letter signed by G. W. Morse, Co. D, 1st Wisconsin Heavy Artillery. Brashear City, [Louisiana], 27 March 1865. 3 pages, 8vo. With original envelope with red 3-cent stamp and New Orleans cancel.

A well-written soldier's letter penned at the end of the war with reflection on Lincoln's assassination and filled with vengance for Confederate leadership. 

Morse opens with the news of the final Confederate General to surrender: "We have just Recd. the news of Kirby Smith surrender of his Army has surrendered he has left the Country I hear, but I hope he will be taken and hung by the neck as he deserves." He continue later in his missive with further ruminations: "The President's death caused a great excitement in the Army here in this Department. Booth died too easy a death but I am glad he is dead. I hope they will hang Jeff Davis and all the Rebel Generals every one I would if I had the power."

He also includes his plans for when he is able to return home: "I think the war is over, don't think there will be any more fighting. I expect to be at home this next fall if not before. I am not going to do any work for two months will visit everybody that I know in Wis + Ill."

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