Items for Sale - Miscellaneous - Section One - Item#14653
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Item# 14653

1862 CIVIL WAR LETTER written by an Englishman residing in Jersey Shore, PA to his cousin in England. Amazing articulate content regarding the war. Letter only, full transcription (no cover). Important to note that this long 4-page letter has been laminated to preserve it. $500.

Letter, page 2     Letter, page 3     Letter, Page 4    
Transcription 1     Transcription 2     Transcription 3

This letter was written by James Wilson (1801-1878), a native of England, who was residing in Jersey Shore, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, when he penned this letter to a cousin residing in Skipton, Yorkshire County, England. James was married twice. His first marriage was in 1827 at Jersey Shore to Mary Ann Appleton (1810-1828). With her he had one child -- James Appleton Wilson (1828-1902). His second was Catherine R. Babb (1810-1895). With her he had at least seven children: Fountain Wilson (1838-1903), Harry Wilson (1841-1871), Mary Wilson (b. 1842), Francis T. Wilson (1844-1908), William Babb Wilson (1849-1880), Helen Wilson (b. 1852), and James T. Wilson (1855-1879).
 

James Wilson emigrated to the United States in 1824 aboard the ship Robert Edwards. He was 23 years old. It is presumed that he came from the vicinity of Skipton, Yorkshire County -- some 25 miles northwest of Leeds. From the letter we learn that James had a sister living in the United States as well. Her name was Isabella (Wilson) Morrison (1798-1860), the wife of William Morrison (1786-1850). Their children were James Fountain Morrison (died before 1862), Benjamin W. Morrison (1819-bef1862), William Wilson Morrison (1821-1885), Charles Stewart Morrison (1822-1881), Isabella Morrison (1831-1893), and L. Mayes Morrison (1839-1898). At least three of James' sons served in the Civil War. Lt. Fountain Wilson, who served in Co. A., 34th Pennsylvania Infantry, is mentioned in this letter; Pvt. Harry Wilson and Capt. Francis Wilson served later in the war.

Price: $500