...were he to come with the Bible in one hand, we w would look for the dagger in the other; and we know that while he proffers us peace, he plans our destruction.

Resolutions of Forsberg's Brigade, Wharton's Division. [Richmond, Virginia]: N.p., [1865]. 2 pages, 8vo, 6 1/8 x 9 3/4 in. FIRST EDITION. Parrish & Willingham 1598. Not in Crandall. 

Augustus Fosberg (1832-1910) was a Swedish military Engineer who emigrated to Charleston, South Carolina, before the war and became an ardent supporter of the Southern Cause. He quickly obtained a commission and by the end of the war commanded a brigade.

Here, a committee from several regiments under his command put forth several resolutions to the Confederate Government, vehemently arguing against peace with the Union. 

They open with a reiteration of their patriotism: "pledge anew our devotion to our country" but state "that whilst ardently desirous of peace and its attendant blessings, we are convinced that we are dealing with a crafty, cruel and merciless foe, whom we distrust so much, that, were he to come with the Bible in one hand, we w would look for the dagger in the other; and we know that while he proffers us peace, he plans our destruction." 

The document goes on to avow their devotion and confidence in "the great and glorious Lee" and their "unbounded confidence in our rulers." 

Issued in 1865 as Generals Grant, Sherman, and Sheridan tightened the Union noose on the Confederacy, the war's conclusion became ever-present in the minds of both commanders and privates. The document here is a unique expression of a brigade expressing their deep distrust of surrender and any peace offered by the Federal Army. 

UNCOMMON. OCLC locates only 19 copies.  

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Ephemera, Pamphlets, Publications, Booklets] [Broadsides, Printing, Posters, Handbills, Documents, Newspapers] 

Toning and minor chipping to edges. Faint, illegible stamp to upper margins.