Letter – Thomas Jackson, 30 July 1864

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Post-war letter written by Major Thomas K. Jackson to his wife Lucy, from Cedar Bluff, AL. Thomas tells his wife that he has been writing “Proclamation Oaths” for Lucy’s father, who is a judge. Her father has also been working on an application for a “special pardon” for Thomas. The previous day’s paper contained information from the governor on how to apply for one, and how questions would need to be answered for a successful application. Thomas describes the recent weather conditions and how they have affected the crops. They are selling her mother’s cotton in town, for which her father “expects to receive from 20 to 22 cents in gold.” He also mentions a “tournament” held for the entertainment of the local young ladies and gentlemen, and that a friend offered to give him a few hunting dogs to train.

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Cedar Bluff,

Sunday, July 30. 1865.

My precious Wife,

I remained at home last night as I expected, and came up here this morning, bringing little Katy with me to see her mother. I was occupied part of the day yesterday writing off some “Proclamation Oaths” for yr Father, while he drew up my application for “special pardon”; he also prepared applications for a number of other parties – Mine is a master-piece, and, according to my judgement, makes a better showing than any I have seen. Carrie was some better last evening, though quite sick – and I regret I did not learn her condition this morning, for, having to come by the Farm, I forgot to do so. I sent Bettie’s letter to her yesterday by Dr Alexander, (wonder if Mrs Whiteside doesn’t wish she had married him?)

I shall commence sending your mothers cotton to town tomorrow, as the Judge wishes to dispose of it before his departure, & to expediate its delivery there, a wagon has been ordered from the prairie to assist. There are seventeen bales – The Judge expects to receive from 20 to 22 ct in gold for it, which, he says he will pack up with your Mother’s name marked upon it, and will lock it up in the iron safe.

Yesterdays paper, which was not received until

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late, contains a Proclamation by Gov. [missing], issued for the information & guidance of all those applying for “special pardon”, through him; and enumerating certain questions, which the applicant must answer satisfactorily, to insure a favorable consideration of his petition by the Governor – This entails an alteration in, or rather, a postscript ~~added~~ to, our applications – I shall, therefore, go to town Tuesday afternoon to attend to this correction in mine, and to see yr Father off on the following morning. I hope you will receive the letter I sent to you, by Express, yesterday. I discover that some rain fell here yesterday, but not sufficient to do the crop much good – a steady rain for some hours, would be of great service to the growing corn just now. To-day has been unusually cool and delightful, a fine breeze ~~has been~~ blowing all day long, with the sun partially obscured by light clouds.

As I rode from Warsaw Friday evening, I discovered quite a collection of ladies and gentlemen in the distance, whom, I have since concluded, had assembled to celebrate a “Tournament”, as this species of gentle, and joyous pastime, seems to be occupying the attention of the chivalric youths, and damsels fair, in the surrounding neighborhood. Had I been apprised of such an opportunity, I might have entered the lists & essayed a course in honor of her, who, whether

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present or absent, reigns sole queen of my heart.

Tomorrow I should ride out for the purpose of buying some bacon, for the use of this Farm, I hope to secure about 500 lbs @ 10 ct. I shall first apply to Old Mr Wm Little who, if he cannot supply me, may be able to direct my further search.

Yesterday while speaking of dogs in the presence of Mr [McNettly?], I expressed my predilection for pointers & setters, when he spoke up and said he had two or three superior full blooded English setters, which he would take great pleasure in letting me have, if I would train the two puppies & save one of them for him. I accepted the offer at once, and he promised to bring them up, about the 6th prox. when he brings the terrier for Mother.

You are not to be alarmed, for they shall not give you the least inconvenience. And now my precious Love, good night – Do I not love thee my precious one? Go ask the whispering breezes, whose name so oft as [???], is breathed upon their balmy flight. With holy blessings on your darling head, again good night.

Monday July 31, 1865, I have omitted to mention my dear Lucy, in these daily notes, that Major Beauchamp spent a couple of days in Gainesville last week – I met him a few miles from town as I came

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up the first time – He was looking quite [missing] usual, and said, he left his family well, [missing] had reached Macon without accident. Mr Rogers told me Saturday, the Major had failed to sell his house, owing to the exhorbitant price he demands – I did not see Mrs Pool or any of her family when I was down – The fact is, I was only at home early in the morning & at night.

I feel the want of some body to talk to up here; so that if you were here, I doubt if you would ever find any cause for complaint on that score. I started over to Old Bill Little’s this morning, after dispatching three wagons loaded with cotton to town, but before I got quite to his house I met one of his servants, who informed me ~~the~~ the Old Man had gone to Gainesville, so I shall have to goover in the morning – I met with quite a little adventure on the road near Old Mr Daniels, the details of which I must reserve for some future occasion, merely explaining now that I very innocently stumbled upon the rendezvous of a pair of lovers, & temporarily interrupted their assignation. On my return I rode through Warsaw to enjoy the only inviting thing I have, or wish to discover in that wretched place, viz: a cool drink of water. I also called at Mr Kirkland’s to take him to task about some rails he has been appropriating from your Father’s fences. He was not at home – but I shall find him – Last night & this forenoon have been quite cool, rendering outdoors exercises delicious & exhilerating.

I expect to go home tomorrow afternoon, when I shall finish & dispatch this note to you my Love

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.

Letter – Lucy Reavis, 30 January 1864

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Letter written by Lucy Reavis Jackson to her husband, Major Thomas K. Jackson, C.S.A., from Gainesville, AL. Lucy describes the events of the past couple of weeks, including a dinner party. The party culminated with ice cream and singing. Many of her acquaintances have asked about Thomas. Lucy describes two conscripts who were on the train with them from Eutaw to Gainesville. She also writes of an attempt to burn down a local school, possibly by a servant. She has seen a few old beaus, and remains glad to have married Thomas. She does, however, express some jealousy at the idea of other women paying attention to her husband.

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Home January 30th 1864-

My beloved Husband,

To-night I have received your two dear precious letters, so like yourself that I am perfectly radiant with joy & love after reading them – You are so good, two letters without once hearing from me! But I did write – Last Tuesday, while in Eutaw I sent you a poor apology for a letter – but they are all poor enough – Where & how shall I begin to write all that I have to say? Believe I will go back to the date of my last, and give you a little journal of events, trivial and unimportant in themselves, but I am vain enough to believe that all I do is of interest to my darling. We went over to Dr. Alexander’s to dinner – Mar Lou was delighted to see us, for she could not disguise that feeling of discomfort which all reserved people feel, when among strangers – the family were kind & polite, had an elegant dinner, finishing off with ice-cream, which I think a great luxury. After dinner they insisted on my singing as my fame had reached them long ago but they must have been sadly disappointed, for I croaked like a frog, not having entirely recovered from my hoarseness – Mar Lou came home with us & we had a pleasant night together, but she was dreadfully home-sick & tho’ we had gone to remain until Tuesday she visited on returning to-day. By the way, when I told uncle John of it to-night, he seemed highly gratified, exclaimed “Bless her little heart! I thank her for it.” Did he attribute it to a desire to see him? There is a question for the wise – Wednesday we walked around town, went to the stores & nearly melted, the Sun was so warm – In the afternoon I went to Mrs Riddle’s & spent the night with [Nic/Vic?] How lonesome they must be! But the old lady is very talkative & a little boisterous

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In [dit?] that she is a great drawback to [Nic/Vic?] – in the way of getting a good husband I mean – and and certainly she deserves the best – like wise she is going to Enterprise on a visit soon & I am really sorry you are not there – I’d go with her, Every body made particular inquiries about you & Judge Pierce & family desired to be remembered to you, Also Miss Rhoda Coleman – We called on her – She is very lonely, in that large house, without any companion, since Lida came home – She expected her to return yesterday, but Fannie Allen had a party last night & she remained in town in order to attend – I am sorry I did not get back in time to attend – Sister says they had a delightful time, danced til 2 O’clock & enjoyed an elegant supper My old admirer, Mr Jemison was there – he has been in town several days – I suppose I shall see him at Church to-morrow- Lis says he called he “Mit” as in the days of her childhood & she requested him to “put a respectful prefix to it-” I could not have said that – We had a delightful trip to-day – There were only two passengers from Eutaw besides ourselves – Both members of the company stationed there to do Conscript duty – One was a conscript himself – & bemoaned his lot very affectingly – He was exceedingly talkative & gave Mar Lou & Self some excellent recipes for dying cotton, cloth & even gloves – We were greatly amused by him – He left us at Clinton & another young soldier took his place. We chatted away gaily & finally we gave him our brush to take on with him – He was from Tenn. & the other, a very handsome little fellow from Miss. They were as attentive to me as possible – Mar Lou said she got quite jealous & had an idea of addressing me as Mrs Jackson to let them know I was married We are all distressed that our gallant Captain must leave. He came up this afternoon & we had a nice talk – he told me, he had

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received your letter in which you declared your intention of coming down as soon as your “well-away wife” returned – She is at home now & might anxious to see you – but as you are so very busy, you had better wait awhile – I’d rather you would come after Mar Lou leaves – but if you have leisure, don’t wait – You know mon cher, that I am always too anxious to see you – I can think of nothing else – tho’ I try not to talk too much – Uncle John received your letter, and desires me to say the shoes are finished & wishes to know, if he must send them by express, or let me take charge of them until you come – He bought Kittie such a nice pair – What do you suppose was the cost? 69 dollars – Isn’t that a great deal? But they were really elegant English shoes – She has not been down this week – Miss Murphy is quite sick & she is missing her – The boys tell me that an attempt was made to-day to burn the old Academy – or rather last night – They had a good deal of cotton in one of the rooms & while all the teachers were out spending the evening, a torch was thrown in & the cotton was all burning, when it was discovered – You remember hearing the girls tell of a difficulty they had up there, with some of the children & their maid – It is supposed that this servant of theirs did it – Ma has been spending several days at “Cedar Bluff” returned this afternoon quite sick, with fever – She desires her warmest love to her darling Son & thanks for the nice letter received this evening, says she is too sick to answer it just now – but will make me write for her if she does not get quickly better – Lis sends her love & says if you do not come down very soon, write her a note & let her know what you have to say to her. She is very much put out at the Captain’s removal – He is too funny – says he supposes you sympathize with Alfred also. He has lately taken unto himself a wife & does

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not want to leave her, although he has given him full permission to find another at every place they go to ~~her~~– He seems to think people affections are easily changed from one object to another I left him in the parlor playing cards – to write to my dear old Precious, but Mr Jemison has just come in & I must go back & entertain him – Au revoir mon bien-aime — Well he has left and though it is nearly 11 O’Clock, I must finish my letter, as to-morrow is Sunday – They are all laughing at Mr Dobb about going to the party last night & patting his foot, while the dancing was going on – Ministers ought not to attend such entertainments I think – Poor Mr Jemison looks so badly, gave me something of mine he had – said he never intended to return it until I married or he died – I am mighty glad I married you, instead of him never was more surprised, than when he shook hands & called me by my new name – I thought certainly he’d say “Miss Lu” as he used to do. Your letters come very quickly generally, but to-day I received two at once – the 27th & 29th – I am glad the first did not come sooner, as it might have been sent to Eutaw & lost – my dear darling, you write such nice letters – I ought to be mighty good & thankful for your great love – I am sure I am as thankful as can be and love you in return with all my heart – To-morrow will be two weeks since I saw you Isn’t it an age? I know you were quite an acquisition to Miss Fannies party & helped nicely to entertain her guests. I am glad you enjoyed yourself & like the Sledge girls – When do they leave Macon? Capt W- asked me to give you his regard & say that you must give his love to the girls & tell them he will be glad to get the letter they propose writing – Oh! I laughed so heartily at that part of your letter, in which you spoke of Mr Hart’s being a beau – They (the young ladies) ought to see all the little scions, I am sure they would not care to have him as a beau, even if his wife were out of the way – You are almost as bad as Madame [???] our singing teacher’s husband – A Hungarian, he said all of the men in

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his country first valued their moustache – next their horse & thirdly the wife – but no matter what [missing] write I shall conclude to believe that I reign supreme in your affections I feel quite cut your allusion to Miss Edith’s promise to knit you gloves – Did you intend it so? I shall not allow these girls to be paying you so much attention I am afraid it is a bad plan to have so handsome a husband, & shall so be thinking that I ought to have followed M[missing] plan when she married such an ugly fellow [missing] gave as the reason, that no body would want to take him from her Mar Lou talks of going home Friday but I should insist on her remaining until the next week send much love to [missing] When may I expect you? – I don’t like [missing] you to be here, [missing] Lou is, for I cannot [missing] myself from you [missing] any with her – but [missing] cannot wait two [missing] longer, can we? I [missing] see you very much [missing] regard to Edith & Ka[missing] and write to me soon [missing] like a darling as you [missing] with great love, your Lucy

Letter – William Farries, 15 July 1864

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Letter written by Sergeant William Farries of Company E, 24th WI Infantry, to his brother, from a camp on the Chattahoochee River, GA. Farries writes that General Joseph E. Johnston and his “Graybacks” are now across the river, and the Union army is nearly finished crossing in pursuit. His regiment went scouting with General Oliver Howard to find a place to bridge the river. On the way back, Major MacArthur lost the road, causing a significant delay. The next day they received marching orders for Roswell, GA. When they reached Roswell, they had to “strip and ford” the Chattahoochee. The next day they built a line of breastworks along the river and were relieved by the 16th Corps. Farries expects to move to Atlanta soon. He does not think there will be much fighting before then, as Johnston would have attempted to make a stand before they crossed the river. They can see spires and buildings in Atlanta from the back of the camp.

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If you see Watsons folks tell them he is in good health

Camp on the Chattahoochie

July 15th 1864

Dear Brother

I recd a letter from you & one from Mary a few days ago; yours I will answer first as I have written to Mary last – We have got Old Johnson & his “Gray backs” across the river and the greater portion of our army have crossed in pursuit last Saturday the 9th our Regt went with Gen Howard on a scout to find a place to throw a bridge across the river at noon we reached our place of destination and after a short rest we started for camp all went well until our Major lost the road we had to travel until sunset before we found our camp the day was awful warm and several men were sunstruck next day we thought would be a day of rest but we had scarcely finished breakfast when we had orders to be ready to march in half an hour we were to take nothing with us but our haversacks & rubber blankets our whole Division had the same orders & we had orders to go to Roswell a town about 15 miles distant where the rebels had an extensive cotton factory. We went about half way when our Regt had orders to halt and wait for the supply train as soon as we had our guns stacked (although the order was not to leave camp) three-fourths of the regt were off scouring the country for vegetables

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and in an hours time they commenced coming back to camp with potatoes beans apples beats & everything you could think of in the vegetable line they then commenced cooking and eating and did not stop until we had orders to march at 4 o’clock in the afternoon we reached Roswell at sunset where we had to strip and ford the Chattahoochie we relieved a cavelry brigade that crossed the river a few hours before Our Div. was the first infantry that crossed the river at that point We took position on a high ridge that ran parallel with the river and early next morning have built a line of breastworks with both our flanks resting on the river in the afternoon the 16th Corps crossed the river and relieved our Div. we moved back a short distance in the rear and camped for the night. About 10 A.M. we recrossed the river on a temporary bridge that our Pioneers had built; we marched to the outskirts of the town where we went into camp we stayed there until next morning when we started back to our old camp which we reached at 8 P.M. tired and almost melted. Next day we had to strike tents and move across the river to our present camp I do not think we will stay long in our present camp I think we will start for Atlanta in a few days I do not think we will have much fighting between here & A. I think if Johnson intended to make a stand between here and A he would have tried to prevent us from crossing the river we are not more than seven or eight miles from A we can see the spires & principle buildings from the camp of the 3d Brigade of our Div. I wish you would send

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my watch by mail, put it in a small box and it will come through all right I am in good health and hope this will find you all well

Your Affect Brother

William

William Farries, from Wauwatosa, WI. He is listed as a farmer, born in Scotland, about 5’9″, with hazel eyes dark hair, and a fair complexion. He received a $25 bounty for enlisting for 3 years service. He enlisted on August 6, 1862 as a corporal in Company E, 24^th WI Infantry. He was later promoted to sergeant, and was wounded November 25, 1863 at Missionary Ridge, TN. Sgt. Farries was mustered out of the army June 10, 1865 at Nashville, TN.

Letter – Frederick Doten, 13 September 1864

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Letter written by Lieutenant Frederick B. Doten of Company F, 14th CT Infantry, to his fiancée Georgie Welles, from the headquarters of the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division. Doten describes his two horses, and requests that Welles choose the name for his favorite one. Doten expresses his love for his fiancée, and reminisces about when they first met. He inquires about friends and family from home, and writes that he is sending Welles a portion of cotton picked near the camp.

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Head Qrs 3d Brigade

2d Div. Sept. 13^th 1864

My own loved Georgie

I have just come in from a ride. I have such a nice horse that I take every opportunity for riding him, and every time I ride I think “how Georgie would enjoy a horse- back ride with me today, and how I would enjoy to have her with me.” The weather is cool and pleasant, just right for riding. I have two good saddle horses; one of these, my favorite and just what you would like to ride. I keep him very carefully, and never ride him under fire, for fear he will get shot. I don’t care so much about

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the other one, though he is a good horse and has carried me well through many hard places. I have no name for my favorite. Will you not name him? I hope I can carry him home with me, then you shall ride all you wish. I received you letter last night, written the 8^th. I was feeling just a little low spirited when it came, but it changed the appearance of everything and I was happy again. This may sound exaggerated, but, my darling, your letters are very precious to me, and the words of love they contain are of untold value to one who loves you as dearly as I do. Georgie, my own darling, I did not think I could love you any more

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than I did when I left you. But each day seems to make me love you more deeply, truly than ever. I can never be sufficiently grateful to God for bringing you and me together. Do you remember the first time I ever saw you? It was at Mrs. Goodnow’s tea table. Mrs. Skinner had been telling me of a young lady that was coming to visit us. But how little I thought then that we were destined to be all in all to each other for life. Oh, how I long to see you; each day brings the day nearer when I can hold you to my heart. Georgie, dear, you won’t be afraid to kiss me then will you?

Mrs. Emily has not sent

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me that letter yet. I am obliged for her interest in us, and shall be pleased to hear from her. Please remember me to her. Mr. Harlon had forgotten me I expect. Well, never mind. I care only for you my darling. If I have letters from you I am quite satisfied. Thank you for your promise to write often. I will write as often as possible; generally every other day, some-times oftener. I enclose a bit of cotton picked near our camp.

If there is anything that I want, I will gladly send to you for it, instead of Nellie, for who has a better right, or who can do for me more lovingly than my darling. Please give my very kind regards to your father & mother. With my best love and many kisses for you, my dearest Georgie,

Lovingly, Fred

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I could not get that cotton blossom in with this; I send it by mail separate Fred

Frederick B. Doten, was born in Sheffield, MA in 1840. He worked as a clerk in New York City then enlisted at age 22 as a corporal in Co. A, 14^th CT Infantry, August 1, 1862. He was promoted to 1^st lieutenant of Co. F, March 3, 1863, adjutant of the regiment, April 14, 1863, and captain of Co. F, Oct. 20, 1863. He was present at “Pickett’s Charge” at Gettysburg, helping defend the Angle on July 3^rd and was cited for receiving many captured swords from surrendering C.S. officers. He was captured at Morton’s Ford, VA on February 6, 1864, but after being imprisoned at Libby Prison, was exchanged and returned to duty as a staff officer for Brigadier General William Hays. He was mustered out May 1, 1865, and became a cashier of the 1^st National Bank of Chicopee, MA. He married Georgie L. Welles in 1866, and died Apr. 9, 1903.

Another 3 of Doten’s letters to Georgie, dating from 19 June 1864, 13 October 1864, and 10 April 1865, can be found at Spared Shared. An inquiry into his Prisoner of War status in February, 1864 is available in Ohio State University’s records Be sure to check them out as well!

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Letter – Thomas Jackson, 30 July 1864

Letter – Lucy Reavis, 30 January 1864

Letter – William Farries, 15 July 1864

Letter – Frederick Doten, 13 September 1864