Autograph letter signed. [Dillsburg, York County, Pennsylvania], 18 January 1864. 5 pages (cross writing on final page), 8vo. With original yellow envelope with Mechanicsburg cancel and red 3-cent stamp. 

A remarkable civilian's letter written by Elmira "Ellie" Ann Bailey (1838 - 1926), containing her experience of the Battle of Gettysburg and the aftermath. Though penned six months after the Battle, she writes to her cousin with details of the "exciting time," and her brother's horses being taken by Confederates. 

She writes: "Jennie,  you should have been here last June and first of July to see our friends from the South, but we did have an exciting time in constant fear; though they were all very polite & gentlemanly that stopped here. You ask me how Sam got along with his black horse when the rebels were here, Jennie, they found him and two other young horses and gave in exchange an old worn-out U.S. horse. Father had them sent down to the river but government had taken charge of things and could not get ver until they would wait a few hours, but the rebels being expected there hourly, they 'flew to the mountain' with six of ours, where they remained two or three days, when the mountains were searched. Yes! Sam was very much distressed that his beautiful black horse got into their hands." 

She concludes her letter with more details of the battle and the ensuing tourism that sprung out of its aftermath: "We could hear very distinctly the cannonading at Gettysburg during the three days battle. You should have been here to see the crowds go up to see the fields after the battle. One morning after breakfast, no less than thirty buggies & carriages passed. Thus you have an idea. And we are twenty-four miles from the point."

A great homefront letter. 

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