MYSTERIOUS LETTER As was stated in the previous post, we found this letter in a collection of old coins. We have no idea of its origin or how we came to acquire it. The is letter dated October 11, 1861 written on lined paper folded in half vertically written in lead (or graphite) pencil. There is no salutation or personal words of affection. It is suggesting movements of the armies in the Civil War, discusses a shortage of water, and a conversation with a "negro waitess" It referred to the "Secesh." A section has been cut out where a signature might have been. We were pronouncing "Secesh" with a hard "c". If we had pronounced it with a soft "c" as Dave did, we might of figured it out before conducting a little investigating. So, yes Dave you were correct! (See, not all my questions are so tough)! Here is a more information on the word "Secesh." So many stories one could create with such a letter. Perhaps it was part of a diary. Perhaps a Confederate family member removed it from a Union Soldier. Maybe it was a letter to a fellow Union Soldier in another company. Then again, it could be a fake!   ¶ 7/06/2004 03:18:00 PM