...we have had blood enough spilt now to atone for the curse that has been hanging so long over our lands.

Autograph letter signed Rosalie M. Hall, to her niece Leanrette Bell. South Ridge, Ohio, 31 July 1864. 2 pages, wide 8vo, 6 3/8 x 8 in. With original envelope.

A poignant and heartfelt letter written by Rosalie M. Hall, whose husband, William R. Hall, was serving as a private in Company G of the 2nd Ohio Heavy Artillery. 

She writes to her niece, expressing her fears for her husband, especially in the wake of "Charley's death," who was probably Charles M. Hall of the 12th Ohio Cavalry and was mortally wounded in action at Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, on 9 June 1864. She writes: "I have felt worse about Riley since hearing of Charley's death. Charles had been in so many battles and escaped unhurt that I had begun to think that he would be spared to return home - but it has proved otherwise and I have not the courage to hope for Riley's return - I mean to hope for the best."

She continues with empathetic opinions of the war, especially in regard to slavery: "I hope this war will not always last - we have had blood enough spilt now to atone for the curse that has been hanging so long over our lands. I hope we may yet live to see our country prosperous and happy once more without the curse of slavery being attached to its otherwise fair name."

A well-written homefront letter. 

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