When I first published this letter, I attributed it to Samuel Hunt (1810-1878), a prominent Congregational minister and abolitionist, who served both the US Christian Commission and the American Missionary Association (AMA) in an administrative capacity. In 1865, Hunt was the corresponding secretary and superintendent for the AMA. He coordinated the deployment of Northern teachers into the reconstructed South.
After the letter was purchased on eBay by a friend of mine, he contacted me to inform me that he conducted additional research which led him to the conclusion that the author was actually Samuel Furman Hunt (1844-1907), the brother of John R. Hunt of Washington City, to whom the letter was addressed (see envelope)—a clue that I carelessly overlooked. Samuel Furman Hunt later became a prominent Ohio judge. His 1908 biography places him with General Weitzel’s advancing forces entering Richmond on April 3, 1865. It also includes an eyewitness account crediting him with lowering the Confederate flag at the Virginia Capitol, although contemporary cavalry accounts complicate that attribution.
The University of Michigan’s Clements Library holds the John and Samuel Hunt Papers.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Army of the James
April 2nd 1865
My dear brother,
Your letters were received a few days since and most highly appreciated. And now on this beautiful Sabbath afternoon, I reply.
Since I wrote you last, I have changed my location. Heretofore I have had charge of two colored schools and got them in nice working order but a number of the troops, the Agent for this department, wished me organize in another Brigade. It was a compliment to my efficiency to say the least.
I am now at Henry Station, about a mile and a half farther to the right than formerly. Our quarters are the most comfortable in this department. While we boiled ham and steak and mashed potatoes and stewed onions and coffee are gotten up in style. There are but four of us and all old college boys so that there is a feeling in common which makes it very agreeable.
We have excellent reading matter in the way of the popular monthlies of the day as well as any quantity of religious matter and tracts. I teach about three hours per day and consequently have considerable time for self improvement.
There was one of the grandest artillery duels here the other evening ever witnessed on this continent. It was perfectly magnificent. I wrote an account to the Gazette through the kindness of the signal officer.
Monday morning [in pencil]
Last night the enemy evacuated their line of works and fell back to Richmond. They blew up two gunboats near us. We are on to Richmond this morning. Haven’t time to write more. Great excitement Yours, — Sam
Be in Washington in about 2 weeks.
