Item No. 9333649

“President Lincoln’s proclamation works well. Simmer the thing down and I find that the slaves are an element of strength which the owners are lack to acknowledge. The year of jubilee has come to them, and though they be ignorant, they know that they are free now and forever.”

This short letter—or perhaps a portion of a letter—was written by Private Charles M. Gillett of the 52nd Massachusetts Infantry. It is dated May 11 without a year, but it is most certainly 1863 since Gillett’s only May service occurred during that year. At this time the 52nd was part of General Nathaniel Banks’s effort to bypass the Confederate bastion at Port Hudson on the Mississippi River.

Gillett first writes that “Our hearts have been made glad by the arrival of our Pay Master. Most of the boys were out of money, but I had $3.00 in reserve for a rainy day. It beats all how money goes with some. They don’t think that they may be sick.”

He then remarks about the interactions he and his comrade Private Francis H. Holmes had with black folks they encountered near Opelousas, Louisiana, as well as his approval of President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation:

While in Opelousas, Frank Holmes and I used to go out among the blacks get all the milk and berries we wished. They are the kindest hearted people in the world. President Lincoln’s proclamation works well. Simmer the thing down and I find that the slaves are an element of strength which the owners are lack to acknowledge. The year of jubilee has come to them, and though they be ignorant, they know that they are free now and forever. The change from slavery to freedom may cause them some suffering, yet in the end I think they will be bettered.

The short letter wraps up with Gillett expressing that he’d like to be home “to help in haying and make some wine.” He adds that the “91st”—likely the 91st New York—“are coming today” and that “Col. Chickering will then be in command.” Here he refers to Colonel Thomas E. Chickering of the 3rd Massachusetts Cavalry.

The letter was written on both sides of a trimmed-down single sheet measuring about 5 1/2” square. Very good condition with light foxing. Creased at the original folds.

May the 11th

Our hearts have been made glad by the arrival of our Pay Master. Most of the boys were out of money, but I had $3.00 in reserve for a rainy day. It beats all how money goes with some. They don’t think that they may be sick.

While in Opelousas, Frank Holmes and I used to go out among the blacks get all the milk and berries we wished. They are the kindest hearted people in the world. President Lincoln’s proclamation works well. Simmer the thing down and I find that the slaves are an element of strength which the owners are lack to acknowledge. The year of jubilee has come to them, and though they be ignorant, they know that they are free now and forever. The change from slavery to freedom may cause them some suffering, yet in the end I think they will be bettered.

I hope to be with you to help in haying and make some wine. The 91st are coming today. Col. Chickering will then be in command.

Have had potatoes and green peas some time past.
Truly
C. M. Gillett