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American Civil War Letters

The American Civil War split the nation in one of the most polarizing ways possible. While it was uncommon, there are several instances of men being related in some manner fighting on opposite sides of the war. This lead to the slogan “brother against brother,” and some fascinating examples of correspondence from that time period.

Since the war was fought on American ground there was almost always a method of sending letters home. These letters are often wrought with personal details about soldiers’ emotions, fears, and of course plans to return home. These letters provide an eye-opening account of humanity during the Civil War.


Quick Facts

  • A lot of Civil War correspondence resulted from soldiers placing ads in the lonely hearts section of their local papers
  • Some letters were enclosed in covers, or envelopes that were customized by unit
  • The U.S. Christian Commission and U.S. Sanitary Commission would often give paper and envelopes to Union Soldiers free of charge

Recommended Items at Auction

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LOT 17 CIVIL WAR ALS PLANTATION OVERSEER LETTERS
Jul 09, 9:00 AM EDT
LOT 17 CIVIL WAR ALS PLANTATION OVERSEER LETTERS
by Affiliated Auctions & Realty LLC
Est: $200- $300
$501 Bid
Lot of (3) Civil War Letter
Jul 16, 10:00 AM EDT
Lot of (3) Civil War Letter
by Weiss Auctions
Est: $300- $600
$1500 Bids
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[CIVIL WAR] Jan. 22, 1873 printed gov. document from Pres. US Grant, 1p.
Jul 19, 3:00 PM EDT
[CIVIL WAR] Jan. 22, 1873 printed gov. document from Pres. US Grant, 1p.
by East Coast Books
Est: $25- $35
$100 Bids
1863 CIVIL WAR SIGNED SPECIAL ORDERS, BRIG GEN RUFUS SAXTON
Jul 26, 2:00 PM EDT
1863 CIVIL WAR SIGNED SPECIAL ORDERS, BRIG GEN RUFUS SAXTON
by Connoisseur Online
Est: $400- $600
$3000 Bids
19th Century Letter and Document Lot
Jul 16, 10:00 AM EDT
19th Century Letter and Document Lot
by Weiss Auctions
Est: $200- $400
$1000 Bids
CIVIL WAR ALS NEW YEAR LETTER KENTUCKY SOLDIER
Jul 16, 9:00 AM EDT
CIVIL WAR ALS NEW YEAR LETTER KENTUCKY SOLDIER
by Affiliated Auctions & Realty LLC
Est: $80- $150
$200 Bids
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S. L. Hart Civil War Battle of Shiloh Letters 1862
Jul 26, 9:00 AM MDT
S. L. Hart Civil War Battle of Shiloh Letters 1862
by North American Auction Company
Est: $3,000- $5,000
$5000 Bids
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Tombstone A.T. S. L. Hart Civil War Letters, 1861
Jul 26, 9:00 AM MDT
Tombstone A.T. S. L. Hart Civil War Letters, 1861
by North American Auction Company
Est: $3,000- $5,000
$7500 Bids
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Civil War Libby Prison Letter to S. L. Hart 1863
Jul 26, 9:00 AM MDT
Civil War Libby Prison Letter to S. L. Hart 1863
by North American Auction Company
Est: $750- $1,500
$2000 Bids

Sellers Who Sell American Civil War Letters


North American Auction Company

North American Auction Company

Weiss Auctions

Weiss Auctions

Affiliated Auctions & Realty LLC

Affiliated Auctions & Realty LLC

Connoisseur Online

Connoisseur Online