1864 Arabella Voigt Civil War Letter Balls Ferry GA Smallpox Pre Sherman March
Original 1864 Civil War Letter - Balls Ferry, Georgia (Oconee River Crossing). Offered here is an original handwritten Civil War-era letter dated March 28, 1864, written from Balls Ferry, Georgia, a known crossing on the Oconee River that would later be used by Union forces during General Sherman's March to the Sea (November 1864). This letter predates that campaign by just months, placing it directly in the civilian landscape of central Georgia immediately before one of the most significant military movements of the war. The letter is written and signed by Arabella Voigt, and provides a detailed, personal account of life on the Confederate home front.
Raging in Lancaster", reflecting wartime health crises. Transportation: Notes that "boats have commenced running", confirming active river travel at this ferry crossing. Settlement Life: Describes fertile land, fruit production, and relocation to a "beautiful" property.
Family Life: Rich domestic content, including descriptions of her children and household. Strategic Location: Written from a ferry crossing later used in Sherman's advance.This is a strong content letter with both personal narrative and regional Civil War relevance. Balls Ferry was an established river crossing on the Oconee River in Georgia, active throughout the 19th century.
In November 1864, Union troops under General William Tecumseh Sherman crossed at or near this location during the March to the Sea. This letter captures life at that exact crossing eight months prior, before the devastation of Sherman's campaign moved through the region.Arabella Voigt - Author (signed). Demorest - Associated with transport/furnishings. "I hope free from small pox as we have it raging.
"Our boats have commenced running. "The location is really beautiful. A great quantity of fruit. "She is decidedly the crossest child I have ever had. Format: Folded letter (no envelope present).
Ink: Brown/black ink on period paper. Condition: Very good overall with expected fold lines and light wear. From a private historical collection; first time offered for sale in decades. River transport / ferry crossing.
Pre-Sherman's March geographic relevance. Strong, readable and engaging content. A compelling and personal Civil War letter combining family life, disease, transportation, and geography at a strategic Georgia river crossing just months before Sherman's March to the Sea.