This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/1/2010
This early and remarkable letter, dated April 3rd, 1863 was drafted on "Scotts 900" United States Cavalry letterhead featuring an engraving of the U.S. Capital. In the letter from a Civil War soldier writing home to his family, he mentions a foot injury he suffered playing football in his camp. This reference to the sport of football in 1863 is extraordinarily early. American football is believed to have evolved from the English sport of Rugby (started in England, 1823) over a 30-year period beginning in the late 1860s. Many people contributed to its development, though Walter Camp is called the Father of American Football. This was because he promoted it and was prominent on rules committees in its early years, not because he invented it. The letter includes other interesting content that provides fascinating insight into the life of a young enlisted man in the throes of war. He advises his family to sell their horses if they need to, but requests that they not sell “Dolly”, presumably his favorite. The four-page letter is written on a single sheet folded in fourths. All ink writing is dark, rating 8 out of 10. Well-preserved, the letter survives in EX-MT condition.
This lot has a Reserve Price that has not been met.