An interesting “sub-set” of collecting relates to manuscript material. This typically involves correspondence and other first-hand accounts. Civil War buffs have long known the importance of soldiers’ diaries and letters. In the political field, the types of collectibles are similar, but include by-laws and constitutions of political clubs, subscription lists, notes for speeches, etc. Interesting letters appear in the market on a regular basis and typically sell below $300. They sometimes describe political rallies or give the writer’s “take” on political issues of the time, precursors to the “pundits” of today. We will try to picture some of these in future installments. Along those lines, we came across a poem written in late 1862 that we thought you’d appreciate.
“The Drafted Wide Awake, or About Two Years Ago”
by James A. Hassler, H Company, 16th PA Cavalry
i was a glorious wide awake
all marching in a row
and wore a shiny oil cloth cape
about two years ago
our torches flared with turpentine
and filled the streets with smoke
and we were sure whater might come
secession was a joke
if i then had only dreamed
the things that now i know
i nere had been a wide awake
about two years ago
i said the south would never dare
to strike a single blow
i thought they they ware cowards then
about two years ago
and so I marched behind a rail
armed with a wedge and maul
with honest abe upon a flag
a boatman gaunt and tall
my work was good my wages high
and bread and coal was low
the silver jingled in my purs
about two years ago
in peace my wife and children dwelt
happy the live long day
and war was but the fearful curse
of country far away
my wife sits pale and weeping now
my children crying low
i did not think to go to war
about two years ago
and no one now will earn their food
no one will be thare shield
god help them when i lie in death
upon the bloody field
one brothers bones half buried lie
near the antietams flow
he was a merry happy lad
about two years ago
and whare the chickahominey
moves slow towards the sea
was left another wasted corpse
i am the last of three
just now i saw my torch and cape
which once made such a show
they are not now what once they seemed
about two years ago
i thought i carried freedoms light
in that smoky flaming brand
i have lerned i bor destructions torch
that wedge has split the land
if i then had only dreamed
the things which now i know
i nere had been a wide awake
about two years ago
