2015.002.154a
Personal note from Lucy Reavis Jackson to her husband Thomas K. Jackson, circa late 1864 or early 1865. The note is written on a torn off section of a Confederate States requisition form. Lucy is requesting that her husband buy a yard of fine fabric to make “the baby” (most likely their first son, Reavis, who was born December 21, 1864) a bodice. She also requests tissue paper, and inquires about whether the “Lady’s book” arrived.
Dear Major,
Please buy one a half yard of nice fine white jaconet – to make the baby a body – & make some of the merchants give you some tissue paper; white, I would prefer, but will be thankful for any color – Did the Lady’s book come this morning? Don’t stay down town too late, hurry home & finish the charming prize story –
Your loving
Lucy
Monday morn
Lucy Reavis (age 21 in 1863) was the daughter of prominent judge, Turner Reavis. She met her future husband Thomas K. Jackson while he was stationed in Gainesville AL. They married December 16, 1863. At least 30 known letters exchanged between them during the war years have survived. They had five children together. Lucy passed away in 1876 at just 33 years old. Thomas never remarried.
Thomas K. Jackson was born December 12, 1824 in SC. He entered the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in June 1844 and graduated with the class of 1848. He was appointed brevet 2nd lieutenant of the 4th U.S. Artillery, then transferred to the 5th U.S. Infantry, then the 8th U.S. Infantry. He was promoted to 1st lieutenant in 1849. He served about 7 years on the Texas-Mexico frontier with James Longstreet, until he was assigned as an instructor of infantry tactics at West Point in 1857. In 1858 he rejoined the 8th in Texas. In 1861 he resigned from the U.S. Army and was made a captain in the Confederate Army. On September 26, 1861 he was announced as Chief Commissary of the Western Department under General Johnston. He was appointed major on November 11, 1861. He was captured at Fort Donelson in February of 1862 and imprisoned at Fort Warren. He was exchanged c. May and returned to duty as depot commissary in Gainesville, AL, where he met Lucy Reavis. They courted and were married December 16, 1863. Jackson was stationed at various sites throughout the remainder of the war. He was paroled at Gainesville on May 13, 1865 following General Richard Taylor’s surrender. He remained in Gainesville with Lucy to raise their family and work as a merchant and farmer.
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