1863 Civil War Confederate Censored Letter to VT Woman Anna Royce, Original Poem
Civil War Confederate Censored Letter with Original Manuscript Poem Addressed to Anna C. Offered here is an authentic Civil War-era Confederate letter, preserved with its original folded envelope, wartime postal censorship directive, and a complete original manuscript poem titled. Willie on the Dark Blue Sea. The letter was censored and inspected in December 1863, at the height of the war, and sent across enemy lines to a young woman living in Union territory. The letter is addressed to Miss Anna C. Royce, now positively identified as. Born: 1840, Charleston, Orleans County, Vermont.
Died: December 1, 1871, Stowe, Lamoille County, Vermont. Buried: Elmwood Cemetery, Northfield, Vermont. Age at time of letter (1863): approx. The envelope bears the explicit directive.
Letters sent to the Rebel lines must be unsealed! This refers directly to Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States, and represents active wartime postal censorship, not a decorative or commemorative phrase. Additional pencil inspection notations read. (all legible text, original spelling and punctuation preserved). Exterior Envelope - Censorship Directive.My Willie's on the dark blue sea, He's gone far out the main, And many a weary day will pass, Ere he'll come back again. I love my Willie best of all, He ever was true to me, But lonesome, dreary are the hours Since first he went to sea. There's danger on the waters now, I hear the thunder's roar, And moaning voices seem to speak From out the cloudy sky.
I see the vivid lightning's flash, And hark! The thunder roars, Oh Father, save my Willie from The storm-king's mighty power. Period Musical / Program List (complete). Prince Albert - Grand March, Bennett. We come to greet you. We are passing away - Song & Chorus. Rose of Texas - Song & Quadrille. Sullivan's Band - March Concert. Linger in blissful repose - Song.Minnie Moore - Song & Quadrille. Why This Letter Is Important.
This artifact combines multiple high-value collecting categories in one intact Civil War piece. Fully identified female civilian recipient. Documented inspection date (December 1863).
Unlike routine military correspondence, this letter preserves emotional, literary, and cultural history, reflecting personal separation, naval danger, and civilian experience during the Civil War. The poem does not correspond to any known published Civil War song or poem and appears to be a unique, original manuscript composition, likely written specifically for the recipient.
Expected folds and age toning from mailing and storage. Ink and pencil markings clear and legible. No modern repairs or alterations observed. A genuine Confederate Civil War censored letter, inspected December 1863 and sent across enemy lines to Anna C.
The letter includes a complete original manuscript poem and period musical content, offering a rare and personal glimpse into wartime emotion, censorship, and civilian life. A highly desirable piece for Civil War, postal history, manuscript, and women's history collectors.