Civil War-dated handwritten letter from Confederate civilian John H. Allen of Wytheville, Virginia, one page, 7.5 x 12.25, December 25, 1863, addressed to “Col. Jno. McCauley,” in part: “I avail myself of the first opportunity after the raid to write to you. I regret that the enemy done so much damage to your County and R.R. and am sorry that they got off so quietly. I think your people ought to have shown some resistance but they know best. I received your two dispatches and have seen Gibbons. He has not yet promised me certainly that I shall have his hands. I think he wants to hire them off the line of R.R. but I will see him again tomorrow and try to come to some definite understanding with him. There is a hiring to take place here tomorrow of 50 Negroes – Men, Boys & Women. I will attend it. There is also 5 men to be hired on Jany 11th at Doctor Saunders's. My hands have got all their clothes but one pair of Shoes No. 11 (which I expect you to bring out) [and] their Hats & Blankets. I can buy nothing for Confederate Notes. No one wants it. They all want trade of some Kind. Kent & McGavick have some Men that they can spare (so they say) Pork 1.50, beef 50 c. and very scarce. I can find none for sale. What the result may be God only knows but I fear for the worst. Everything is now looking gloomy enough.” In fine condition, with a tear and small fold splits repaired on the reverse.
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