Exceptional post–Civil War autograph letter signed, written from Philadelphia on September 25, 1865, by A. MacKay, “Chief of Music &c., Nashville,” describing his return home after the war and offering vivid commentary on General George H. Thomas, Reconstruction-era travel, and family reconciliation. The writer recounts traveling with “the General” — almost certainly Union General George H. Thomas — and sharply criticizes the extraordinary security surrounding him, noting that Thomas remained hidden from the public despite crowds gathering at stations hoping to see him. MacKay humorously describes Thomas avoiding detection by boarding locomotives and remaining concealed from admirers and curiosity seekers. The deeply personal letter then shifts into a moving domestic narrative: MacKay’s emotional reunion with his wife and children after wartime separation. He candidly admits to past misconduct, relates his wife’s forgiveness, and vows reform, writing that he intends “to be a decent man henceforth come what may.” He also discusses possible travel to Washington, employment prospects, and his position as “Chief of Music &c., Nashville.” An unusually intimate and historically rich Reconstruction-era letter blending military association, travel narrative, and family reconciliation in the immediate aftermath of the Civil War. Condition: Very good overall with normal folds, scattered light toning, and minor wear. Manuscript remains clear and highly legible.
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Philadelphia, Sept 25th 1865 Dear Mac, Here I am at home once more and am on the high morale for the time being. I found my wife and childs in fine condition the latter as gay as a stud horse at a coun- try fair. I had a pleasant time coming on with the General. It a- mused me greatly to see the manner in which the old man manoeuvred to keep out of the way of the people who wished to have a few words over him. We got on the engine and rode nearly all day. The people had heard by telegraph of Thomas’ coming down the road and when we arrived at the stations the crowd would be at the cars to see the old man and would go round looking through them for him. They of course would not find him and by the time they would learn where he was the train would be ready to start and he would not be molested by them. When we got to New York where we arrived at 3.30 A.M. we put up at the Girard House, a small establishment near the North River and no one knew he was in town nor did he wish they should. I got home about 3 in the af- ternoon and the first thing told was to go and buy cakes and candy for the little girl I expected to see at home. I found her and her mother well and expecting me. The youngster is like me and somewhat like her mother too. I have had a rough time here, my wife by the kindness of some kind friends had heard of a few of my misdoings and she went for me and asked me point blank about them. I con- cluded that I would tell her the truth, come what would and I did so. Of course she fret it for a while but soon got over it and at last came and put her arms round my neck and cried it off and said she would think no more of it if I promised to be true to her for the time to come. I did so, and what is more I will do so. I have one of the best women in the world for a wife and I ought to be ashamed to act as I have done. My wife says she will not stay away from me but will come in and if she can have no other house will take yours till she can improve on it. I have ordered your papers & envelopes and will have them sent on for you as soon as they are stamped and boxed. The soap & straps I will get for you and bring on myself. I got a letter from Dr. Crane a few days ago. He wants me to come on to Washington and see the Surgeon General. I am in first rate con- dition just now and am getting along nicely. My wife is as pretty as a rose with the dew on it and as kind & gentle as she can be. I intend to be a decent man hence- forth come what may. She says she wants to know you and I intend she shall. Give my regards to all my friends. We have bully oysters here and first rate whiskey. Your sincere friend A. MacKay Chief of Music & qtr. master Nashville.
