Lot 899

Previous image preload Next image preload

Description:

Important Civil War letter by Captain John Waties near Fort Sumter with Star of the West relic Fort Moultrie, dated January 30, 1861, written to his wife (Frances Parker Waties) detailing the anxiety and excitement of their company as they were alerted by rockets of advancing enemy ships. Their Major ordered Thomas Waties to fire some shots at the two approaching steamships supposedly sending Union reinforcements to Fort Sumter. It was discovered the next morning, however, that the boats were actually South Carolina boats. Captain Waties comments as to the carelessness and cowardice of the guard boats who falsley called them to action;
together with a piece of wood from the carriage of the first gun fired in the War of Secession, cut by John Waties, April 1861, framed.
overall: H8" W11 1/2" (2pcs)

Provenance: Willodene Rion Lumpkin collection.
Alva Moore Lumpkin Jr. (1921-2005)
Mary Sumter Lumpkin (1885-1966)
Mary Sumter Waties Thomas (1860-1918)
Frances Augusta Parker Waties (1830-1909)

Other Notes: Waties's letter offers insight into the General mood of the South Carolina forces on the eve of the Civil War and illustrates the exciteability of the troops trained on Fort Sumter knowing that the war could start any day.

Wood accompanied with inscription reading: Piece of carriage of first gun fired in War of Secession 1861 Star of the West-Battery. Cut by John Waties April 1861, K.C. (Katherine Calhoun) Waties from F.P.W. (Frances Parker Waties) 1901.

Captain John Waties (1828-1872) was the son of Thomas Waties(1794-1830) and Maria Huger Rutledge (1794-1840). In 1853 he married Frances Augusta Parker (1830-1909) daughter of John Waring Parker (1803-1882) and Catharine Devaul Calhoun (1807-?).
He operated a law practice with William K. Bachman before and after the Civil War. He served as a Captain in the Palmetto Artillery, Company B and was promoted to Chief of the Mounted Artillery of General Jackson's Cavalry Division. He was injured in the battle of Franklin. His obituary published in the Daily South Carolinian on April 30, 1872 stated that the injuries he sustained during war so weakened his constitution that he suffered from illness until his death of an unknown disease in 1872.

    Condition:
  • *** Notice to bidders: The absence of a condition report does not imply that an object is free of defects or restoration. All lots are sold 'As Is' and in accordance with the Conditions of Sale. Condition reports and additional photographs are provided by request as a courtesy to our clients. Condition reports are not to be considered substitutes for physical examination by you and/or your advisors. Charlton Hall's specialists are not trained professional conservators or restorers; we urge you to inspect each lot yourself or have your agent do so on your behalf. Prospective buyers should satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Charlton Hall Galleries, Inc., or its specialists is merely a subjective opinion, notwithstanding written reports or any discussion concerning condition in this catalogue. Prospective buyers should bear in mind that these reports will not disclose any imperfections which may only be revealed during the course of subsequent restoration and/or repair. Buyers are reminded that Charlton Hall Galleries' warranties with respect to property are limited as set forth in our Conditions of Sale and do not extend to condition. Condition reports are provided by request on a 'first come, first served' basis. Requests submitted close to or during the auction may not be completed.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Other, Wire Transfer

Shipping

CHARLTON HALL DOES NOT SHIP: Charlton Hall will be pleased to provide a list of shippers and packers that will our worldwide base of clients has successfully used, or you can have your own shipper handle your purchases. Please contact the shipper of your choice to arrange for packing and pick up your items. Your items will be released as soon as payment cleans our bank. We requests that your shippers schedule pick up times at least 24 hours in advance, this will insure no delays in pick up, and release of your purchases. SUCCESSFUL ONLINE BIDDERS/BUYERS MAY NOT PICKUP PURCHASES UNTIL MONDAY AFTER THE AUCTION.

December 2, 2012 1:00 PM EST
West Columbia, SC, US

Charlton Hall

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 20% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $4,999 $200
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 + $5,000