📌 DescriptionHistoric Civil War–Era Letter — General Amos Beebe Eaton to His Son Daniel Cady EatonUp for sale is an original handwritten and signed letter from Amos Beebe Eaton (1806–1877), Union Brigadier General and later Brevet Major General, who served as Commissary General of Subsistence for the U.S. Army during the Civil War.This letter is addressed to his son, Daniel Cady Eaton (1834–1895), who became a noted Yale professor of botany and one of America’s earliest experts in ferns. Daniel was also the grandson of Judge Daniel Cady, making him the nephew of famed suffragist Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
---📜 Full Letter Transcription(transcribed as faithfully as possible from the original cursive — spelling and punctuation preserved)> Washington D.C.May 25, 1866My dear Son,The foreign news seems to indicate that you must now be in the midst of a very stirring event. I cannot help [sharing] my feelings again with the Italians, patient & determined to rescue Venetia from Austria & then to perfect the Kingdom of Italy—but I have no doubt that when this shall be accomplished old Garibaldi will wave his plume & [move?] before his [friends?]. I [confess?] I look with [interest?] on the [European?] nations—[each?] determined to [war?] with each other.Sometimes you will soon see Bobby & Alice in Paris—give them my love & I most sincerely hope that the little [fellow/letter?] will become [hearty/healthy?]. Perhaps “Colonel” [Bond/Boyd?] will take service for the campaign under the [South/Italian?] colors. Napoleon seems to mean to dig up & burn all this “Treaty of ’15.”[in their old unity]—and say “bravo my boys for Rome & [West/North?] [something]”—Napoleon, as Victor Emmanuel be the [something], notwithstanding, will soon be [something]—I am not [certain] myself as to what is to become of Poland—he may follow Ivan if he likes or better himself to [European?] [unity?]—we have rec’d part [of the news?] [this] [week]. My dear ones are well—I think you will receive the [sum?] I [sent] you in due time.Justice, tho’ I hope we are to weather all storms.
I think if the European nations are to war on each other we, like the ancient [spectators?], will “sit on the hill” & look on without taking a hand.Your mother has not the least doubt in the world about your good [course/carries?] & [being?] and the Lord will [I trust] find for you after a good [deal] of searching—[something] for her long to [view?] the Highlands—Your Father,
A. B. E.---📌 DetailsAuthor: Amos Beebe Eaton, Union GeneralRecipient: Daniel Cady Eaton, Yale professor & botanistDate: 1860s (Civil War era)Medium: Iron gall ink on rag paperSignature: Boldly signed “Amos B. Eaton” at the closeSize: Approx. 5 and 1/4 inch wide foldedCondition: Excellent for its age — ink remains strong, paper shows expected light toning, fibers under magnification confirm mid-19th century rag paper. it is torn down middle crease.📌 Historical SignificanceEaton was appointed Commissary General of Subsistence in 1864, responsible for feeding the Union Army — one of the most critical logistical roles of the war.Letters from Amos Beebe Eaton are scarce, especially personal family correspondence.Connection to Yale history and Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s family.
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