Orpheus C. Kerr Papers Vol. 1

About this book

These are a collection of humorous "letters" written by a fictional character to a relation in the north during the Civil War. They were published regularly in the New York Mercury Sunday newspaper for the four years of the war. In the letters, Newell pokes fun at northern generals, politicians, and has hard things to say about southerners. Although Newell is rarely serious, I imagine the letters reflect the bitterness and frustration of many northerners at the time. (Introduction by Margaret) Note: Chapters 20, 33, 43, and 49 were found to be cut short. Another reader added the missing portions, and the files were replaced on January 9, 2023.