| SC1284 |
Stampless PAID cover with a somewhat weak strike of the Grahamville SC CDS 24 AUG (1863) and handstamp PAID
(no rate) Type A. Addressed to Col J. H. Witherspoon, Lancaster CH SC.
Receiving docketing at the left "Cureton" which refers to the sender.
Original two page letter remains with the cover signed by J. E.
Cureton. The letter dates the cover to 1863. Very clean cover.
James E. Cureton (1826-1868) was a merchant and landowner in Lancaster SC. He enlisted as a private in Co H Rutledge's Regiment of Cavalry 12/28/1861 which later became the 4th SC Cav.
On 4/1/1863, he was assigned detached service to the Signal Corps and
served as a telegraph operator at Grahmville SC (Charleston and
Savannah Railroad). In the letter, he is responding to Col
Witherspoon's interest in purchasing some land that he owned. Cureton
states in the letter that he is reluctant to sell the "Gamble Lands"
but has set a price of $4,000 for the property. In the two page letter
written on blue-lined notebook paper, he further states his views on
the war in South Carolina. "I do not think there there is many of the
enemy on the islands opposite me — all appears quiet among them. Their
whole attention is directed to Charleston. I can plainly hear the guns
both night and day ever since the 10th of last month. I am fearful for
Charleston as I write I would not be much surprised if Fort Sumpter
(sic) has not been abandoned...You say you expect to come with your
regiment to the coast. I hope you may come to Grahamville..." There is
more, but the letter is somewhat faded and a little difficult to read.
James
H. Wtherspoon Jr (1810-1865), from Lancaster SC, was a South Carolina
judge and politician who served in the Second Confederate Congress as a
Representative from South Carolina. He was the Colonel of the 4th SC Cav and was well acquainted with James E. Cureton who was also from Lancaster and a member of his regiment. |
$200.00 |
JLKCSA@aol.com
-- Confederate Order
Form --