Letters Include Information About Military Honor At Gettysburg For Sale

A fine set of eight letters, mostly written to DAVID CORBIN, who was a private in Co. B, 94th Regiment, Ohio, Volunteers. Corbin would go on to become a medical doctor after the Civil War. The letters, mostly post-war, include one from Gettysburg a year after the great battle, but with soldier related content, including the military honor afforded a soldier who later died. Also included is information about the accidental shooting death of a 19-year-old.

--3 pp, 7 ¾ x 9 ¾, JOHN CORBIN writes to his sisters from Ravenna, Ohio, February 21st, 1854, regarding his studies to become a lawyer. His calling card is included.

In small part, “...When you write again, send me a list of the marriages and deaths about Gettysburg that have occurred within the past year and all other matters of importance...[not a reference to the Battle of Gettysburg as it was nine years away.]...I am staying in the insurance office this winter, and when I have nothing else to do, I study here...Court is now sitting here and today there was a murder case...not disposed of until tomorrow evening...”

--3 1/3 pp, 5 x 8, relatives Barbara and Dorsey write to DAVID CORBIN, from Gettysburg, March 2nd, 1864.

“...All honor to our brave soldier boys! I believe they have accounts enough to fill their agreements. Their furlough will be out next Tuesday and unless other orders are given they will have to return to the field. Several of their men have died since they came home. Rufus Heard was buried by Company G in military honor at Gettysburg...I have not seen many of the boys at Covington since they came home...”

Light but mostly readable.

--One-page, T.D. Brooks writes to DAVID CORBIN, M.D.,August 26, 1871, from Piqua, Ohio. With cover.

“...A Yankee has obtained my position in the schools and consequently, I am out here. I am too poor to practice medicine here or elsewhere in my present circumstances and, therefore, must play the Pedagogue...Please do what you can for me, for you are your ‘brother’s keeper’...”

--4 pp, 5 x 8, North Clayton, Ohio, July 22nd, 1872, JOSEPH CORBIN writes to his brother DAVID. With cover.

In small part, “...The community here was somewhat excited on last Thursday by the report that Jacob Caleb’s son, aged 19 years, had accidentally shot & killed himself in the morning while trying to shoot some birds that were taking more than their share of apples. The gun was an old U.S. musket. He was standing on a log with his gun beside him...It slipped off...striking the log, exploded the case and the whole contents tore his neck...”

3 ½ pp, 5 ¼ x 8, Cincinnati, Ohio, Sept. 5th, 1898, JOHN A. CORBIN, attorney at law, writes to his brother DAVID.

In part, “...I knew of the circumstances of Clarence’s disappearance. I saw quite along dispatch in the Enquirer at the time, but have seen nothing since...I can well understand that it is a great source of distress to you and the mother, but I think it may turn out to be well with Clarence. I never knew all the particulars of his disappearance...”

Mostly in good condition with folds, expected wear. The March 2, 1864, letter is light but generally readable.

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