Letter – Thomas Jackson, 8 July 1864

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Letter written by Major Thomas K. Jackson, C.S.A., to his wife Lucy Reavis Jackson, from Gainesville, AL. Thomas expects to see his wife the next day, and this letter is an update of his recent social outings. Thomas mentions a brass band that is currently occupying the hospital buildings, and writes that the people of the town routinely gather to listen to music.

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Office, July 8./64

My Darling,

Altho’ I expect to be with you tomorrow I cannot allow today to pass without this letter token of rememberance from me – I presume you attended McRae’s wedding, & hope you enjoyed yrself – You must tell me all about it tomorrow – I feel quite an interest in the affair, & wish Mc & his Bride all manner of happiness.

Yr Father returned from Livingston last night after supper – came in quite unexpectedly – we had given

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him up for that day – Mrs Ward took tea, & spent last evening with us – perhaps indeed, she stayed all night, for I was ungallant enough to leave yr mother & her, still chatting away, when I returned about 9 o’clock. The Judge, howver, was with them. Mrs Beauchamp returned yesterday – I had a little chat with her at the carriage door as she passed thro’ town – She seemed much pleased with her visit – and the Major, who has just lef tmy office, was highly delighted – & talked a good deal about the nice things they had, & the pleasant

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folks they met with over there- (Guess who) – We had a nice cantelope for breakfast this morning – I wished for you very much 0 you would have enjoyed the delicate luxury – tho’ perhaps you have plenty where you are – I rode Dick yesterday for the first time since his indisposition – He was in magnificent spirits, & I enjoyed the ride vastly, not-withstanding the ducking I received from a very brisk tho’ refreshing shower. The brass band occupy the Hospital buildings, & constantly regale us with all sorts of sounds – In the evening they

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assemble on the common near Mrs High’s, & discourse music for the entertainment of the town – Equestrians, pedestrians, & carriages gathere there, making quite an animated scene at our end of town. I had a long letter from yr Uncle John this morning – He is well & sends much love to you. I have commenced to read the Historical novel – “Joseph the second” – & like the opening chapters very well.

Give my love to all – Goodbye dearest – my gentle flower – Spring of my life & joy of my soul – May heaven’s blessing always attend you.

Ever fondly yours

TKJ

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, 1 February 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 updates Thomas on her family, and recounts their night filled with piano music and games. She mentions seeing the commander of the post, Captain Guibor, at church, and writes about the arrival of the Quartermaster, Captain Thornton. Lucy mentions several upcoming weddings. She describes the fine weather, and how her mother has been gardening. She also writes of how her brother brought “the itch” (likely epidemic scabies) with him when he returned from Virginia. Lucy is somewhat envious of a friend of hers who is travelling to Macon soon, though she expects her friend will get lonely on the trip.

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Gainesville February 1st 1864 –

Do you remember the old saying dear Major, that we are apt to do often in the month what we do the first day? I have begun bravely you see – writing to you on this first day – Again I have left the parlor for this purpose – Captain Williams & Pa were playing Euchre, with uncle John & Mar Lou as opponents. I hear Nannie laughing at some of Mr Dobb’s witticisms – They seem to be very friendly to-night, rested on the sofa together [???] sits at the piano & I hear her now singing “here’s a heart for any fate” – Poor Ma is in bed & I am sitting near her writing to him I love, above all things – If you were only here this morning – Do you know, Sunday morning I could not help watching the cars, thinking you might possibly come – Mar Lou has decided to go down on the boat Friday week – I said I would rather you would not make us another visit until after her departure, but I cannot wait so long, do come this week if you can. I am so anxious to see you. Mrs Beauchamp was here this morning, told me I’d better write to you by the servant who goes up to-morrow – his wife is over at her house – She told me they asked him if he knew you & he said yes, that you were coming down the latter part of this week, if your wife got home – and she is at home & wants to see you dreadfully – I wonder if you think as often & fondly of me, as I do of you – The Commander of the Post was at Church, with uncle John, Sunday. He is quite gray and has a wife and family in Missouri – He is Dutch, or something, Capt Guibor – The Quarter-Master, Capt Thornton entered on his duties to-day, his daughter has been acting as his clerk & is the only one her brought with him – The Captain says he told him, he had a number of horses in Greene – & his daughters could not attend to them, “Well,” the old gentleman said, he “must try to get somebody” – then – “said the Captain some one must receive the tythe of corn, fodder &c – & yr daughter can

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not see to that” The old fellow became quite perplexed & thought he must hunt up some other clerk to attend to that – They board at Mr Bradshaw’s – The daughter was at church, seems to be quite a nice young lady, about my age – but there is a very rude son – We met him this afternoon & thought he would never tire of staring at us – He will not remain long I believe – You see, they are taking all of our young men away & putting these old, married men here, I regret it so much. Am afraid my friends will have a dull time when they come to see me. The ex Commander – Col McFarland – I understand is to be married shortly & Miss Lizzie B- is going to the wedding – That reminds me that there are to be two marriages near town to-morrow – Miss [???], a refugee is to marry Mr Luckett another refugee, both from Miss. and the other – guess who the bride-groom is______ Old Mr Holloway to Miss Horn, a young girl – She must be marrying to have some one to provide for her – Pa says he met him last week, returning from Livingston with his license, and his face looked like a full moon in Indian Summer, just as round and red. Ma has just roused up sufficiently to send you a long message – First, her best love & she was delighted with your letter, because it is so sweet & affectionate – Every thing in it is charming, save the allusion to taking me to Macon. that she thinks dreadful & almost worse than she can stand – She is much better to-day tho’ still in bed – says she took advantage of the fine weather & planted a number of Irish potatoes, peas &c – She had a nice time until she was attacked by her old enemy the [???] looking after the destruction Mr Chapman left behind him, at Cedar Bluff – Don’t that sound like her? She wants me to go on and tell you about the fences being down – how many young calves & pigs were there &c – but I shant do it – She was delighted with one thing she saw – a sheep with three little lambs – I wish they all had

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as many – If the war goes on, we would have a plenty of wool.

Your old friend Mrs Anderson was at the Chapel, Sunday afternoon – She goes to her own Church in the morning & down there in the evening – looks quite sad & badly – Mar Lou & I went to the poor Drs grave this evening – Judge Pierce asked me, if the body had been buried thought Mrs A- would have let him know, so that he might attend-

We are all in a peck of trouble now – Did you know that Reavis had the itch when he came home from Virginia? Isn’t it horrid? I hate to mention it- Well, he has gotten well – but Mammy Lucinda comes up today & shows Ma her arms, just covered with it – & she has been dressing Willie & waiting on Ma all the time – We are in fear & trembling that Will will have it & then of course all of us will – for he is such a little body, that he will make us fondle him – Wouldn’t it be dreadful? I had rather anything else almost – Ma was laughing to-day at the idea of Reavis’ going to see his sweet-heart in that condition – Mit has been shut up in her room all day, with dreadfully inflamed yes, which she caught from Reav – He always brings something bad with him, when he returns from his trips, so to-day as he was going to Mobile, we begged him not to return with the Small pox —- Mrs Beauchamp was very much pleased, when I told her you were having a fine time in Macon – She longs to be there herself and is going up in about two weeks. I shall envy her I expect but I feel mighty sorry for her, she must be so lonesome all day by herself – without any books to read or anything – If it were me – it would me no difference, for my pleasantest moments are those spent in thinking of my absent Darling – I wrote you quite a lengthy epistle Saturday night, which of course you have received before this – You will be surprised when this letter is given you I expect Captain Williams says he hopes will come down before

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he leaves – I think it will be the last of the week – Major Jackson I think Pa is so funny – He speaks of Captain Williams as though he were not particularly fond of him, but when he comes up, he seems to be delighted to see him & welcome him much more cordially than he ever did you. In fact he seems to look forward to his coming with something of Mitties pleasure – Aunt Mona sends much love to you so do all at uncle John’s – They are well, except aunt Callie –

Well my Dearest, I have talked on at a great rate – I have tired you with my nonsense, no doubt – but I love you so dearly, that my greatest pleasure is in writing, when I can not see you – Congratulate me – (or yourself) I have finished “the contract” the six pair of socks – am almost sorry, for it is very pleasant to have something to do for my dear one – Good-night – & pleasant dreams – Write soon to

Your love Wife-

Letter – Lucy Reavis, 6 December 1863

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Letter written by Lucy Reavis to her fiancé, Major Thomas K. Jackson, C.S.A. Reavis was happy to receive a letter from Jackson, and praises how often he writes to her. She expresses her love for Jackson, and how she longs to see him again. She describes recent social outings with friends, which included a “musical soiree,” and a minor fight with some friends, as well as a baptism. Reavis writes that their commanding officer is now Colonel McFarlane, who was wounded at Corinth. She hopes Jackson will be able to visit again the following week, and that he may accompany her to a friend’s party.

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Sunday. Dec. 6th 1863

I have this moment returned from Church, dear Major, and though ’tis Sunday cannot resist the inclination to write you a short letter of thanks for the delightful letter I received yesterday – You are certainly the dearest & best of men & write so much oftener than I expect you to do – Not waiting for me – Could you have seen my perfect delight and happiness when your letter came. I am sure you would have felt compensated for writing it – Lizzie Bradshaw & Kittie laughed heartily at the blushes which suffused my face, when I recognized the dear hand writing & at the eagerness with which the envelope was opened & the letter read and re-read – You are too good, to think so much of me – but you must not deceive yourself I am not nearly so akin to perfection as you seem to think – But however numerous my defects may

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be – I have the most perfect love and admiration for you – and that must atone in a great measure. I have been longing for today to arrive – Not for the right reason – but because it is the first of the week, in which you are to come – I want to see you dreadfully – You being so constantly with me week before last has spoiled me.

We had such a pleasant time Friday evening The Captain as usual came up & we played Euchre & rumy until 11 O’Clock – Just before his departure we arranged to have a musical Soirée on the next evening & told him to bring the Brown family and Mr Lewis up – So last night all four of the ladies came & afterward the Captain arrived with Capt Woodruff, Messrs Hortons, Lewis and Bradshaw – We had a fine time. The evening’s entertainment was opened by a piece, by Mrs Shotwell, Every one played – Mr Lewis had his banjo and Beverly excelled himself. Sung all of the songs you heard him sing, and another Irish song – excellent – “Larry O’Brien” which he acted – also the famous

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“In to Richmond” to the tune “Jordan is a hard road to travel” after the music was through with, we had games – We all laughed too much Edith Sledge nearly killed herself, at the laughing song – I believe they improve on acquaintance & the bodies, ornamented with red & gilt do not look half so “occidental” by candle light – Mrs Shotwell & Porter are so sweet – They are constantly [contending?] about, which I love best – I wonder if they do love me, sure enough. Ma scolded us well this morning, for sitting up until 12 last night.

I was berated on all sides yesterday – Lizzie & Kittie both profess to be very angry with me – The former says she feels, as though our friendship was about to come to an untimely end. But I am sure I can have friends, if I do love some one else better than them –

Fannie Allen & Mollie Moore were baptized this morning. Ma and I stood with them as witnesses – They will be confirmed when the Bishop comes. Ma had a letter from him saying, he would be here on the morning of the 22nd preach the next

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day & leave in the afternoon –

Our commanding officer now is Col: McFarlane, he was wounded through the face I heard at Corinth & is not entirely recovered yet – I never saw Capt Longborough til last night – You will be glad to hear that Mrs Lacy has received a dispatch from Mr L- saying he is well & en route for home – Only two men were killed in the company but about 15 are missing.

I will not give you any advice about changing your office until we meet – Uncle John thinks it will be much more agreeable for you – There are so many nice people up there – Mrs Beauchamp will have to introduce you to her friends – [???] is delighted at the prospect of having some new beaux in your friends – She says you had better overlook Major B-‘s awkwardness – But don’t let’s talk about those things now – Be sure and come this week, the sooner the better – We are all invited to Mr Bradshaw’s next Friday night, to have some more music – Don’t you want to be there? or had you rather stay here, when you come, with your

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stupid little Lucy? Mr Hart is very much exercised about you. says he knows if I am here, after this month he need expect no more pleasant visits home. that you will have to come all the time yourself. He must think like Ma that we will be very selfish – They are all at dinner so good bye. With my dearest love I am truly yours

L. Reavis

Pa has not yet returned

Letter – Thomas Jackson, 27 August 1863

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Letter written by Major Thomas K. Jackson, C.S.A., to his fiancée Lucy Reavis of Gainesville, AL, from Enterprise, MS. Jackson informs Reavis that her family arrived safely in Lauderdale, and updates her on both his family and her own. He describes a dream he had featuring Reavis. He writes how Reavis’ mother made arrangements for some of their family members to be added to Jackson’s “military family,” and how much he needs them. Jackson inquires about a recent trip she took to see friends. He writes that there had been preaching in General Maxey’s Brigade the day before, followed by a parade and music.

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No 5

Enterprise Miss.

Aug, 27, 1863.

My dear Lucy,

Yr Mother & family arrived safely at Lauderdale where we found Jimmy with a celerity carriage waiting for them, The young folks were in buoyant spirits along the road & quite as happy as the day is long. Yr sister & cousin seemed vastly taken with a youthful soldier from Pleasant Ridge, who came with us on the cars, & Mattie desired me to ask if his name was Smith or Jones, & how he spelt it – much to her consternation I [missing] what she said [missing] was mightily amused – [missing] named either Smith or Jones, but turned out to be a Mr McGowan, with whose family in South Carolina I am very well acquainted – The young ladies & the soldier exchanged apples & peaches & the cars continued to roll on much as usual – Yr Mother was otherwise interested in another young soldier who bought a melon at Ramsey’s Station, & took him to task for using “bad words” by way of emphasis to his expressions of satisfaction at the moderate price.

I found numerous letters & dispatches awaiting my arrival here, & among them Yr Mother’s little note, one page of which sparkled with my darling’s merry, sweet thoughts – I am so happy dear

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Lucy, that although separated from you by many, many weary miles, I am not deprived of the compensating privilege of interchanging thoughts with you. I also found a letter from my Sister Mattie who sends her love to you, & says that, if you possess only half the endearing qualities which I ascribe to you, I am a lucky fellow, & that she feels very grateful to you for taking compassion upon her bachelor brother & loving him for himself alone, & hopes now to see more of him – and that she is prepared to love you as she does me, which she declares is with no stinted tide but strong and deep as [any] sister felt for [missing] brother, Poor Mattie is greatly distressed [just now] – Willie her only child, though under age is eager for the war, & she has at last with an aching heart consented to give him to his country.

Tuesday was a delightful day here, cloudy, cool & exhilerating – I was so glad to think what a fine day you most probably had for yr little journey – My Thoughts were with you all the day, and were animated with cheerfulness to think how happy you were in the near prospect of once more embracing yr charming young friend.

I dreamed of you last night – I thought I entered a large room in my usual blundering way & found it filled with ladies & gentlemen sitting around a bright fire –

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some of the gentelmen made room for me, I did not recognize any one, tho’ it seems I expected to see you, but did not discern you until your sweet voice fell upon my ear & I caught a glance of your dear smiling eyes – You sat by yr friend Miss Minge – How changed you were! You looked so odd, & my amazement was so great that I awoke immediately – Your hair had been cut off short & brushed so cunningly, & you looked so coquettish, that no one would have taken you for that dear gently Lucy Reavis whom every body loves – I was overjoyed that it was only all a dream.

[missing] to yr Mother [missing]-sday, & have [been] making arrangements to [missing] my family [missing] the addition of Yr Uncle & Jim Hart, both of whom I need very much & will have them detailed to report to me as soon as they send me certificates that they are unable to perform field service, which I presume they will have no difficulty in doing – I have got at last a pretty comfortable house, very convenient, & shall go to house keeping without delay.

Miss Mittie & Nannie promised to write to me from Kemper, & I am impatient to know what their active brains will send me – they were so merry & so happy – You

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were pleased at Col. Thornton’s – we you not? Tell me all about them, & especially how you liked Miss Butler’s singing – for I am curious to know yr opinion upon it.

There was preaching in Maxey’s Brigade yesterday afternoon, after which, dress parades of the Regiments & music by the Bands – All the youth & beauty of Enterprise was in attendance, but the smoke & dust, which were dense, were not pleasant [???] on such an occasion, not very favorable to all the blushes & blooms I saw – I was introduced to [Mrs. Maxey] – she didn’t look [much] like a [General’s] wife, nor, indeed, does he look much like a General – I knew him when we called him “Old Whitey” & such reminiscences are fatal to the awe which rising greatness ordinarily inspires.

Do not forget what I asked you when you think of returning home – I shall be more thatn happy to escort you – I believe the train arrives at Meridian at 6 p.m. so you will have to wait there until 4 a.m. but this is not certain – I’m going to M. in a few day, will find out all about it & let you know – in the meantime, may the perpetual smiles of Heaven be yours-

Affectionately & truly entirely yours

Thos K Jackson

Song – J.P. Graves, 1864

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Fragment of a a song composed by Private J. P. Graves, Warren County MS Light Artillery, believed to have been written the night before he joined the Army of Tennessee in 1864. The lyrics speak of leaving home to fight for one’s freedom and liberty.

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Ho for liberty freedom or death be

Thats the watchword away let us go

To the Sound of the drum and the bugle

March to vanquish the Ruffless [Ruthless] foe

Farewell to the scenes of my Childhood

To my mother whos praying for me

She would weep if the son of her bosom

From the face of the foe man should flee

Farewell to the home and the hearth

where my sisters are weeping for me

Oh the foot of the spoiler shall never

Stain the home of the brave and the free

Adieu though beloved of my bosom

For your soldier love shed not a tear

But beseech the great lord of the battle

To protect him and all he holds dear

Adie honored father who taught me

[segment missing]

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the ruffian can sweep from the earth

Adieu to the Church where the christians

For the soldier each Sabbath will pray

But the bible and chaplain go with us

and Jehovah our god is our stay

When the old british lion oppressed us

He with washington went to the field

unto him we will look in the battle

and will strike till the enemy yield

Composed by J Pen Graves

Note – the chorus is sung to the second part of the air except after the 5th and 6th stanzas

J.P. Graves enlisted on March 20, 1864 in Dalton, GA in Captain Swett’s Company L, the Warren Light Artillery. He survived the war and is shown on a muster roll of Confederate soldiers paroled at Greensboro, NC on April 26, 1865.

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Letter – Thomas Jackson, 8 July 1864

Letter – Lucy Reavis, 1 February 1864

Letter – Lucy Reavis, 6 December 1863

Letter – Thomas Jackson, 27 August 1863

Song – J.P. Graves, 1864