Letter from William Randall ALS to [Edward] Abbott, New Orleans, [Louisiana], June 23, 1866.

William L. Randall wrote this letter in the months before congress passed the Reconstruction Acts designating Louisiana and Texas as one of five military districts. Following an unusual jocular threat against Abbott for his failure to write, Randall assured his recipient that he has found steady employment. The author’s casual writing style, references to literature and in-jokes, and optimistic remarks on jobs and wealth make this letter a curious, humorous, and unique addition to the Clements Library’s Civil War and Reconstruction collections.

Manuscripts