Autograph letter signed by W. H. Burns. Fort Sumter, South Carolina, 19 July 1863. 2 pages, 4to.

An incredible letter meant as a last will and testament, penned by William Henry Burns of J.H. Walter's Company of the South Carolina Light Artillery (Washington Artillery). He entered early in the war as a private and was promoted to corporal. They were stationed at Fort Sumter during the Union's prolonged bombardment throughout 1863. During the 587-day attempt to regain the fort, Union batteries fired over 7 million pounds of ordnance, inadvertently creating stronger fortifications out of the rubble.

Fearing for his life, Burns wrote this letter to attorney W.P. Price, Esquire, detailing his last requests. He opens: "I snatch a leisure moment under a flag of truce now pending to communicate a request as I am now in a garrison that is likely to be closely besieged & as I am satisfied it will be defended to the last, it is not improper for me to make some arrangements for the disposition of my worldly effects."

He then enumerates his concerns, chiefly the care of his son: "1st. It is my desire you administer upon my effects to assume the guardianship of my little boy." 

Ultimately, the Union's attempt to land troops on the island fort were repulsed and they would not retake the fortification until 17 February 1865.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Manuscripts, Documents, Letters, Ephemera, Signatures, Autographs]

Old folds, a few brown spots.