{"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bdate_range%5D%5B%5D=1854\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Series\u0026f%5Brepository%5D%5B%5D=Virginia+Military+Institute+Archives","next":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bdate_range%5D%5B%5D=1854\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Series\u0026f%5Brepository%5D%5B%5D=Virginia+Military+Institute+Archives\u0026page=2","last":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bdate_range%5D%5B%5D=1854\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Series\u0026f%5Brepository%5D%5B%5D=Virginia+Military+Institute+Archives\u0026page=4"},"meta":{"pages":{"current_page":1,"next_page":2,"prev_page":null,"total_pages":4,"limit_value":10,"offset_value":0,"total_count":37,"first_page?":true,"last_page?":false}},"data":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596_c02","type":"Series","attributes":{"title":"Abram Fulkerson, Jr. (1834-1902) papers","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596_c02#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eThis series includes letters two letters and one letter fragment written while Abram Fulkerson, Jr. was a cadet at VMI and three letters written during his Civil War service.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596_c02#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596_c02","ref_ssm":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596_c02"],"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596_c02","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596","parent_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596","parent_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Fulkerson Family papers"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Fulkerson Family papers"],"text":["Fulkerson Family papers","Abram Fulkerson, Jr. (1834-1902) papers","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","English","This series includes letters two letters and one letter fragment written while Abram Fulkerson, Jr. was a cadet at VMI and three letters written during his Civil War service."],"title_filing_ssi":"Abram Fulkerson, Jr. (1834-1902) papers","title_ssm":["Abram Fulkerson, Jr. (1834-1902) papers"],"title_tesim":["Abram Fulkerson, Jr. (1834-1902) papers"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1853-1865"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1853/1865"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Abram Fulkerson, Jr. (1834-1902) papers"],"component_level_isim":[1],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"collection_ssim":["Fulkerson Family papers"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":4,"level_ssm":["Series"],"level_ssim":["Series"],"sort_isi":17,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["There are no restrictions."],"parent_access_terms_tesm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"date_range_isim":[1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865],"names_ssim":["Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863"],"persname_ssim":["Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902"],"language_ssim":["English"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis series includes letters two letters and one letter fragment written while Abram Fulkerson, Jr. was a cadet at VMI and three letters written during his Civil War service.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This series includes letters two letters and one letter fragment written while Abram Fulkerson, Jr. was a cadet at VMI and three letters written during his Civil War service."],"_nest_path_":"/components#1","timestamp":"2026-05-29T07:04:30.871Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_596.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00012.xml","title_ssm":["Fulkerson Family papers"],"title_tesim":["Fulkerson Family papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1835-1925"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1835-1925"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0363","/repositories/3/resources/596"],"text":["MS.0363","/repositories/3/resources/596","Fulkerson Family papers","Shenandoah River Valley (Va. and W. Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865","United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Campaigns","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 37th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 31st","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 10th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 23rd","Confederate States of America. Army—Tennessee Infantry Regiment, 63rd","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1857","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1884","Virginia Military Institute—Board of Visitors","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","Shenandoah Valley Campaign, 1862","Port Republic, Battle of (Virginia : 1862)","Kernstown, Battle of, 1862","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Prisoners and prisons","Winchester (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Winchester, 1st Battle of (Virginia : May 25, 1862)","McDowell, Battle of (Virginia : 1862)","Correspondence","There are no restrictions.","Many items from this collection, including the Civil War material, are   available in full-text format","Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1822-1862) was born in Washington County, Virginia to Colonel Abram Fulkerson, Sr. and Margaret Laughlin Vance on October 21, 1822. As a young man he undertook the study of law, and in late 1846 he obtained his license and opened a practice in southwestern Virginia. He served in the United States Army during the Mexican War (1847-1848), and subsequently returned to  practice of law in Estillville and Abingdon, Virginia. In 1857 he was elected judge of the thirteenth judicial district and held this position until the beginning of the Civil War. He was a member of the VMI Board of Visitors from 1852 to 1854 and from 1857 to 1858. During the Civil War he served as Colonel of the 37th Virginia Infantry Regiment. He was killed in the Battle of Gaines's Mill, Virginia on June 26, 1862.","Abram Fulkerson, Jr. (1834-1902) was born on May 13, 1834 in Washington County, Virginia and was the younger brother of Samuel V. Fulkerson (1822-1862). He graduated from VMI in 1857, and after a brief career as a teacher, went on to study law. During the Civil War he served as Colonel of the 63rd Tennessee Infantry Regiment and was a prisoner of war (one of the \"Immortal 600\"). After the War he continued the practice law and was active in politics, serving in the Virginia legislature and in the United States          Congress. He 1862 he married Selina Johnson, of Clarksville,  Tennessee, and the couple had nine children, including Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926), VMI Class of 1884. Abram Fulkersonm, Jr. died on December 17, 1902 in Bristol, Virginia.","Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926) was born on October 22, 1863 in Abingdon, Virginia to Abram Fulkerson, Jr. and Selina Johnson. He graduated from VMI in 1884 and subsequently studied law at the University of Virginia. He was a lawyer (partner in the firm of Fulkerson and Davis in Bristol, Virginia) and served two terms as City Attorney. During the Spanish-American War (1898- 1899) he was a member of the Fourth Tennessee Regiment, United States Volunteers. In 1904 he married Lura Bradley of Sherman, Texas, and the couple had twin sons in April 1906. He died on July 2, 1926 in Virginia Beach, Virginia and is buried at East Hill Cemetery, Bristol.","Winchester \n9 March 1862","My Dear Mother \nNot having written or heard from home for sometime, I will write you a short letter today. You will see from the heading of this that we have not yet gone to Manassas and I cannot tell when we will go. We will not get away, unless Winchester is evacuated, while the present state of things exists here.","Genl. Banks with his army has been maneuvering about twelve miles in our front for several days. On day before yesterday we thought that we were certainly in for a fight. Banks attacked our outer posts, when we packed our baggage and sent it to the rear, and marched the men on the Martinsburg road about two miles from Winchester, where we drew up and waited for the approach of the enemy. But after skirmishing with our pickets an hour or two, he withdrew again. We lost only one man, but not of my Regt.","We have not a large force here, and I do not know what Genl. Jackson will do if the enemy advances upon us. All of the public stores have been sent away, and many of the citizens have left. There are a good many here who sympathize with the Yankees, and will be rejoiced if they get possession of Winchester. This is such a beautiful country that I should regret to see it fall into the hands of the Yankees.","Since we came back from Romney we have had three different encampments. First on the Romney Road, but when the enemy crossed at Harper's Ferry we moved and took position on that road about three miles from Winchester; and on yesterday we moved to this place, which is on the Strasburg road about three and a half miles from Winchester near a village called Kernstown.","It is doubtful about how much I will write as I have been over six hours in getting this much written. In a letter from Col. Gibson he asked what I wished you and Kate to do in case the enemy got into our county. If they should get in, and you are willing to do so, I think that you had better remain at home. Refugees have a hard time, and when people leave their homes everything is destroyed. Mr. Faulkner (Honl. Charles J.) told me that his wife had saved his property by staying at home. But if it should come to the worst, and you prefer it, leave and let the property go. I care little for the property except on yours and Kate's account. For myself I feel that I have no home so long as it is threatened by the enemy, and I would willingly give up all I have, and commence the world anew without a thing, rather than that the enemy should subjugate us.","We are very hardly pressed now, and it depends upon the spirit of our people whether we bear up against it, or give way under it. When I see so many men and especially officers shirking duty and who seem to make it a study as to the best manner in which they can get around duty, I almost despair. Many are all the time seeking personal ease or pursuing schemes of personal advancement, and would appear to be willing to sacrifice their country to attain their object. I suppose though that all wars produce the same class of selfish men, and that we must expect to be cursed with them. I do not intend to be troubled hereafter with the reflection that I did not do my duty in this conflict.","I did have some hope that I could go home for a short time this winter, but do not now expect to do so. If I had the permission I would not go now, while we are so near the enemy. Besides, so many of the officers are absent that it would be highly improper for any more to leave. In the absence of Col. Taliaferro I still have command of the 4th Brigade, which now only consists of two regiments and four pieces of artillery.","I learn that we have had very high waters in our country and that much damage has been done. I was sorry to hear that Uncle James had lost his dam. I take it that he will not get his mills to running again for some time. If any of the fence about the creek washed away, get Mr. Hughes or some one to help Lee put it up. Today (Sunday) has been a very spring-like one. Citizens say that this has been a very wet winter here and not as much cold as usual, but still the ground has not been clear of snow since the first of Jany. Scarcely any ploughing has been done here yet, and little else in the farming line. See if you can't get meal and flour from Mrs. Hopkins' mill; If not try at some other place. Henry Roberts might furnish you with meal.","I suffered for two or three weeks with a severe cold, but kept up and am now nearly well again. Jas. Vance is well. He spent this Sunday in building a chimney to his tent. He has said several times that he would not fix up any more. He has built a good many chimneys, but had soon to leave them.","Give my love to Kate and Selina. Tell Selina that she ought to write to me. You and Kate must write soon, and tell me where Ike and Abe are. Tell Amelia Vance that I will write to her when I can. I have nothing to write about but army movements, but they will have as much interest to you as anything else.","Your son, \nSaml. V. Fulkerson","Camp Near New Market \n3 Apl. 1862 ","Dear Kate \nA few days ago I wrote you giving some account of our fight near Winchester. Since that time we have been marching up and down the valley, one day falling back before the enemy and the next advancing towards him, skirmishing with him almost daily. He is now in strong force about ten miles off. Genl. Jackson has taken a position here, but whether he will fight at this place or not I am unable to say. If he has sufficient force he would not wait to be attacked.","I have been unable to hear from Jas. Vance, though I have [missing word or words] letter to Judge Parker of Winchester about him. I cannot think that he was mortally wounded, from what the men say who put him in the ambulance. I feel very much for Uncle James and family in their repeated bereavements. I miss Jimmy greatly, and would be greatly pleased to hear that his wound is not dangerous. I have seen a list of the prisoners who were taken to Baltimore but Jimmie's name is not among them. However, I am not surprised at this, as the wounded would not for awhile be removed from Winchester. I may yet get some information from Winchester about him. ","Capt. Cowan (of Russell) died of his wounds. He was a brave man and good officer. James King was as good a soldier as ever entered the line. He went off with Capt. Jones Co., was transferred to Col. Cummings Regt. and then transferred to mine. After the fight was half over, he remarked that \"he was proud of being in the 37th.\" The poor fellow was shot through the head and did not speak afterwards. Leroy Sherman among others was taken prisoner and is in Baltimore. ","The [people along the valley] claim our fight as a victory, but it is not so. We attacked a greatly superior forces and were repulsed with heavy loss. If night had not set in we would all have been captured or killed. The enemy's loss was very heavy, for our men fought with desperate courage. our loss is 469 killed and wounded. The killed wounded and missing amount to 689. This is an uncommonly heavy loss when we did not have over 3000 men in the fight. A loss of 10 per ct. is regarded as great, but ours was but little less than on fourth. My Regt. sustained the greatest loss, the killed and wounded alone being a little less than one fourth, and including the missing is a little less than one third. The northern papers speak of the terrible slaughter on their side in front of the stone fence behind which I had my Brigade. I learn that at this point the 5th Ohio Regt. was nearly [ruined]--they were a part of the rascals who aided in chasing us from Laurel Hill.","The conduct of the late North western army (Loring's) [missing words] the fight, is spoken of by the Genl. in high terms of praise. There is a difficulty with Genl. Garnett who commanded the Stonewall Brigade, but I can't speak of particulars. Genl. Winder is now in command of that Brigade.","Our men are in fine spirits and I think will fight as well now as they did at Winchester, although they feel sad, when they think of the fall of their comrades. Our flagstaff was shot down, but the flag bearer instantly raised it again and kept it floating throughout the fight. The days work hurt my horse worse than anything which he has gone through. He was under the saddle from daylight till 11 at night and was greatly excited. The reports of the guns did not scare him, but the whistling of the balls and particularly the minnie ball excited him to the highest pitch. He has not yet recovered. You will see many exaggerated accounts of the fight in the papers. If we can't get a better and more substantial reputation than a mere newspaper one, I don't want [missing words].\nI told Judge Parker [missing words] stay with you at nights during court. He is a refugee and I want to do all for him that I can. Tell Selina that here she can't write to Abe, she can write to me. Try and get the fence put up in some way. Send the enclosed to Mr. Belkin for Judge Camden. Write soon. Love to Mother \u0026 S. \nYour brother, Saml. V. Fulkerson.","Official Report of the Battle of McDowell, May 8th, 1862","Head Qrs. 37 Regt. VA. Vols. Mason's Cabins, Augusta Co., Va.   \n16 May 1862","Sir- \nIn making my official report of the part borne by my Regt in the battle near McDowell on the 8th inst., I have to say; that when I was ordered to the field, being about one mile distant, I had to pass on a portion of the way, up a very rocky \u0026 brushy hollow, which embarrassed the advance of my men greatly, and it being nothing but a defile, and the men having to advance in a single file, the Regt. necessarily stretched out over a long line. They were also much annoyed on the march after entering the field, by the shell from one of the enemies guns. ","When I reached the line of battle at the head of my Regt. (marching by flank) Brig. Genl. Taliaferro informed me that the enemy were endeavoring to turn our right flank by passing over a brushy and thickly wooded ridge, and that the 31st Va Vols were there to prevent the flank movement \u0026 he ordered me to support the 31st. I at once filed into the woods, but not knowing the position of either the 31st or of the enemy, for they were not at that time firing, I got in between the two, but nearer the enemy. On halting to put my men in line, I found that I had with me only my two front companies, Co. A Capt. Terry \u0026 Co. F. Capt. Graham. In pushing forward up the ravine two companies got ahead of the others, and when the remainder got to the line of battle, I with the two first were in the woods. As soon as I formed the two companies I ordered them to give a shout which they did with a hearty good will, and we charged down the hill directly at the enemy, and when we got within forty or fifty yards of him he broke and fled, when we instantly opened fire upon them as they ran. He did not stop running till he got entirely out of the woods around the hill.","When the remainder of the Regt. reached the line of battle in the field they joined in the fight there, but after awhile Maj. Williams brought a portion of it to me in the woods, not knowing that I might be hard pressed there. But before he reached me the woods were clear of the enemy, and I marched all back to the main fight in the field.","When I got on our line it was nearly dark and we could only see the outline of the enemy on the hill side below us, \u0026 that soon disappeared, when we could only direct our fire by the flash of the enemy's guns. The fight was kept up till 9 at night when the enemy withdrew, leaving us in full possession of the field. During the fight some of my men were out of ammunition, but I had them to supply themselves from the boxes of the dead and wounded. ","I have to report the loss of some good officers and brave men. Capt. Terry, a gallant man and model officer, was severely wounded in the leg. Lieuts. Wilhelm, May, Dye, and Fletcher were badly wounded, and the two latter have since died. These Lieuts were young officers, but they nobly did their duty. All of my officers and men who went upon the field acted in the most gallant manner, and it would be unjust to discriminate by name, except in the case of the wounded.* The loss of my Regt. is thirty nine killed and wounded and one missing, a list of whom I herewith enclose.","I feel indebted to Surgeon Hinkle and Asst. Surgeon Butler for their prompt and untiring attention to the wounded. My Acting Adjt. C.T. Duncan also deserves special mention for the manner in which he discharged his duties upon the field.","I cannot close this report without saying that my chaplain the Revd. A.B. Carrington deserves the highest praise for his conduct during and since the fight. He was struck by a spent ball, and although it made him very sick for awhile, he was and continued to be unremitting in his attention to the wounded.","Respectfully \nSaml. V. Fulkerson Col. 37 Va. Vols \nCapt Wm. B. Pendleton  AAAGenl. 3d Brigade. V.D.","*I am especially indebted to Maj. T.V. Williams for gallantry and good conduct throughout the fight. He was of great benefit in placing the men in their proper positions.","Camp at Mason's Cabins. Augusta Co.  16 May 1862 ","Dear Kate \nIt has been a good while since I wrote and the reason is that I have not had an opportunity of writing, and I feel little like it now. We have been constantly marching, fighting and watching for more than a month, and the consequence is that we are all nearly broken down, with fatigue, loss of sleep and irregularity in eating. But his being the day set apart by the President for humiliation and prayer, Genl. Jackson has ordered his army to observe it, and to abstain from all military duty, and that divine service be had in all of the Regts. But as it is now and has been raining for two days, there will be little chance for preaching out of doors.","I believe that I wrote you from Meecham's River Depot in Albemarle Co. A portion of the Regt. took the cars there for Staunton and the remainder marched on to the side of the Blue Ridge where they went on to the cars and got to Staunton about day, not having eaten anything or slept any since the night before. We stayed at Staunton that {night} and left the next day in this direction. We joined Genl. Johnson's (Alleghany) forces about six miles from Staunton. The enemy had one Regt at the east foot of the Shenandoah mountains near this place. This we came near surprising and taking with four pieces of their cannon. But they escaped, leaving all of their baggage and camp equipage and commissary stores in our hands. They fled cross the mountain to the western foot where they had two other Regts, which became alarmed \u0026 fled leaving everything, and all fell back to McDowell where their main body (Genl. Milroy in command) was stationed.","We then went into camp and on the morning of the 8th we moved towards McDowell. This is a village in Highland county about thirty miles from Staunton and ten from Monterey. Genl Johnson with his brigade was sent forward as the advance and our Brigade (10th, 23rd, and 37th Va. Vols) followed. When within about a mile of McDowell light skirmishing began, which was kept up till evening, we in the mean time having been halted about a mile in the rear. In the evening our advance Brigade and the enemy became engaged in a general fight and we were ordered forward at a double quick. A portion of the way over which we had to go was up a very rocky and brushy hollow, and when we reached our line of battle we were nearly out of breath. All along the way we were exposed to the enemy's file by their shooting at our advance and the balls striking among and around us. The whistling of the bullets excited my horse so much that he became unmanageable and I had to send him to the rear before I got upon the field. When I got on the field I asked the Genl. where my Regt. should be placed, when he said that the enemy were trying to turn our right flank over a brushy and thickly wooded ridge, and that the 31st Va. was there for the purpose of holding them back and that I must support the 31st. I at once double quicked into the woods. When I got there I found that I had but two companies (Capt. Terry's \u0026 Capt. Graham's) in consequence of my having hurried the front up the hollow so fast that they left the remainder behind and out of sight. One of the enemy's cannon was also brought to bear upon the Regt. which also embarrassed the rear. I did not know the position either of the 31st or the enemy in the woods, as they were not firing. The consequence was that I entered the woods between the two, but nearer the enemy. ","I at once formed my two companies, gave them the order to raise a shout, which they did very lustily, and we charged down the hill right at the foe. They stood till we got within forty or fifty yards of them when they broke and fled and we opened fire upon them as they ran. We ran them entirely out of the woods. Our movement was so sudden and unexpected that the enemy seemed to be surprised and much frightened. It seemed like a bold move, but I think it was the best for my men, as I only lost two men wounded (one of them mortally) at this point. The remainder of the Regt. not knowing where I was went into the main fight when they came upon the field, but after a while a portion of them we ordered to join me in the woods which they did, but there being no enemy in the woods at this time I took them all back and entered the fight in the field.","It was nearly dark and we could only see the outlines of the enemy, which was soon lost \u0026 we had to fire by the flash of their guns. The fight lasted till 9 oclk at night, when the enemy withdrew leaving us in possession of the field. The ground selected by the foe was well chosen and particularly advantageous in a night fight. The enemy had been reinforced the day before by Genl Schenck with three or four thousand men, and they fought obstinately. At one time they approached through the bushes to within 20 yards of two of my companies, but were driven back, leaving their flag bearer and flag upon the field. This was an Ohio Rgt. (32nd). I had the wounded flag bearer taken up \u0026 sent back with my wounded, but I believe he died next day. The flag was so torn to pieces that my men took some of it and some other men some. Col. Campbell's Regt. got into the fight about dark and the remainder of his Brigade did not get in at all I believe. The Stonewall Brigade, being several miles off, did not get on the field till after the fight was over.","I lost forty men in killed and wounded. Some of the wounded have since died, and others are dangerous. Three have had their legs amputated. We stayed upon the field nearly all night gathering up and sending off the killed and wounded. The 12th Geo. Regt. suffered most terribly. They were in the advance and ordered to hold a very exposed position. They lost about 180 men killed and wounded. After their ammunition gave out, they lay down and held the place at the point of the bayonet. Many of my men got out of ammunition, but I had them to supply themselves from the boxes of the dead and wounded, and in that way kept them shooting. We had no cannon in the fight. After the dead were collected on the field and laid in rows of then or fifteen, the dim moonlight gave to their countenances an unusual unearthly appearance. Our loss in officers is heavy, and I think that our whole loss is not less than 400. Genl. Johnson was wounded. Col. Gibbons of the 10th was killed. He was one of the best men I ever saw. Maj. Campbell (James C.) was wounded before he got on the field, but I think not dangerously.","I cannot tell what the enemy's loss was. They left some on the field, some in McDowell and scattered along at other places. Immediately after the fight the enemy burned all their baggage and stores at McDowell and retreated. At daylight they had all gone, and we started in pursuit. We followed three days march and came up with their rear at Franklin in Pendleton Co. We skirmished with them over a day, when we were ordered back, I do not know for what cause. It was reported that Genl. Fremont had brought on reinforcements and that a portion of Rosencranz force had joined Milroy. But I do not know that these reasons influenced Genl. Jackson. I do not know where we are going to, but think that we will not go to Staunton.","I received your letter enclosing copies of Abe's \u0026 Arthur's. I am very anxious to hear what Abe's fate has been. Write about him and Ike. Mr. Carrington is going to preach, and I do not feel like writing more. He was struck by a spent ball in the fight, but it only made him sick for awhile. Write soon and direct to Staunton. My love to Mother and Selina. I have heard nothing from J. Vance since I last wrote. \nYour brother Saml. V. Fulkerson","Head Quarters 3 Brigade, Valley District   \nCamp near Winchester, VA \n28 May 1862  ","Sir- \nIn making my report of the part acted by the 3rd Brigade in the battle near Winchester on the 25th inst., I have to say that on the morning of the 24th the Brigade left its bivouac four miles south of Front Royal at daylight and marched to Middletown, and thence down the main valley Pike in the direction of Winchester. Owing to delay occasioned by the enemy's skirmishers embarrassing the advance of the head of the column, daylight cam upon us near Kernstown, after which we quickly advanced to the mills south of Winchester, at which time a vigorous fire was going on between our own and the enemy's batteries.","I was ordered to file my Brigade to the left of the Pike and take position under shelter of a hill for the purpose of supporting one of our batteries. I was also ordered to report to Genl. Winder who was already upon the ground. I placed the 23rd \u0026 37th Va. Vols in the position indicated, when Genl Winder ordered me to occupy a wooded hill in an adjoining field, with one Regt, which position he informed me, the enemy were on the move to occupy. I at once ordered Col. Warren with the 10th Va Vols to take position on the hill which he quickly did. In a short time Genl. Winder ordered me to place another Regt. on the hill with the 10th, when I ordered Maj. Williams to march the 37th there which he did with dispatch. ","During all of the time of these movements, and in fact from the time when the Brigade first entered the field, it was exposed to a severe fire from the enemy's batteries and long range small arms. After these movements had been executed Col. Taliaferro was ordered to move the 23rd forward and charge a battery of the enemy in his front. He pushed forward with his Regt. in gallant style. But in the meantime Genl. Taylor's Louisiana Brigade had come upon the field, formed and moved in the direction of the enemy, coming up upon the left of Col. Taliaferro.  The 37th \u0026 10th followed immediately after Genl. Taylor's Brigade. On rushing the top of the ridge on which the enemy's batteries had been placed, a sharp musketry fire ensued, but soon a general charge was made by our whole line when the enemy gave way and fled precipitately through Winchester in the wildest confusion. We followed in immediate pursuit on the Martinsburg road, for four miles from Winchester, where we were halted. A list of the casualties is herewith furnished, from which it will be seen that the loss of the Brigade is, comparatively, very light.","Col. Taliaferro commanding the 23rd, Col Warren commanding the 10th and Maj. Williams commanding the 37th acted in the most gallant \u0026 efficient manner. I refer to the reports of Col. Taliaferro, Col. Warren, \u0026 Maj. Williams for the conduct of the officers \u0026 men of their respective Regts. I with pride bear testimony to the gallant conduct of the whole Brigade both officers and men.","I am indebted to Capt. Wm. B. Pendleton A.A.A. Genl. for his gallant conduct and prompt and cheerful manner with which he executed my orders. Capt Wooding's battery was not placed in position during the day. Respectfully \nSaml V. Fulkerson \nCol. Comd. Brigd.","Port Republic, Rockingham Co.  \n8 [June] 1862 ","Dear Kate \nThe place at which this letter is written is a pretty village near the foot of the Blue Ridge and about twelve miles from Harrisonburg, at the junction of the North and South Rivers, which form the Shenandoah.","I wrote you last from Winchester shortly after our arrival there, giving you an account of our march and proceedings up to that time. Since then we have undergone and almost incredible amount of hardship. We stayed at Winchester two days after taking the place and then proceeded to Charles Town and Harper's Ferry. We found a few of the enemy at Charles Town, but soon drove them down to the Ferry, where they made a stand having been largely re-enforced from Washington \u0026 elsewhere. The enemy were in position on Bolivar Heights on the Va. side and on the heights on the Maryland side of the river. Both of these positions had been fortified by Genl. Johnston last summer.","A portion of our forces crossed the Shenandoah river and took possession of Louden Heights. This was in the evening, a brisk cannonading going on, which was renewed the next morning, and continued till the enemy was driven from the Bolivar across the Potomac. About this time Genl. Jackson received information that Genl. Shields was crossing the Blue Ridge and Genl. Fremont was coming from Moorfield to form a junction at Strasburg and thus cut us off. This placed us in the hardest place that we have ever yet been. Genl. Jackson immediately ordered us to march back. We had about fifty miles to make to pass Strasburg, and our men were already terribly broken down by continued and hard marching. We marched to our camps near Winchester that night and next morning at day light started to Strasburg, which we reached before night. We had now marched about 70 miles in less than three days, in going to and returning from Harpers Ferry.","Gen. Shields was now at [Front] Port Royal, some 8 or 9 miles from Strasburg, and Genl. Fremont was 7 miles from Strasburg on the Moorefield road. So you see that we had only a gap of about 15 miles wide to get out at. During Saturday night I received an order from Genl. Jackson (I was still in command of our Brigade) to proceed next morning (Sunday) at daylight, some two or three miles on the Moorefield road, take position and resist the advance of the enemy. Before I could get a position, our scouts informed me that the enemy was advancing, when I hurried forward to a suitable position, and made disposition of my own and two other Brigades which were for the time under my command.","I sent forward a company of cavalry, which soon returned at the top of their speed with the enemy's cavalry close after them. We drove these back, but in a very short time the enemy's infantry came down the road and through the woods at double quick, and when they got within range halted and opened a brisk fire upon us, which was kept up for some time when they were driven back again. By this time Gen. Ewell came upon the field and assumed command of the whole. After the enemy's infantry were driven back, they placed two pieces of cannon in position and the two forces kept up a very pretty and brisk artillery duel for an hour or more, when the enemy withdrew from the field. After this Genl Jackson came out and said that he did not want to bring on a general engagement then, and ordered us to fall back towards Strasburg. I do not think that we had more than 10 or 15 men killed and wounded. My Regt. had none hurt.","[At this point, according to the sentence below, the date is now June 10th]\nA little after dark we left Strasburg for Woodstock to which place the waggon had been sent, and we had a terrible march. (This writing above was suddenly stopped about 8 oclk on Sunday morning last by the enemies cannon, and I will now try to finish on this the 10th). We got to Woodstock about daylight, all broken completely down and seemingly half dead. We were dogged all night by the enemy's cavalry, and I know that they picked up many of our broken down stragglers. I have between thirty and forty men missing, most I fear were taken. It is not to be wondered at. Many of the poor fellows actually walked much of that weary night, fast asleep, so worn out and exhausted were they with their terrible duty. I do not think that our Genl. exercised due diligence in getting his captured stores to a secure place. There was a vast amount of them, the greater portion of which he saved. But Genl. Shields made his appearance so suddenly at Front Royal that a portion of the stores captured there were retaken together with some of our wagons.","We marched from Woodstock to near Harrisonburg, and the next day to near Port Republic, which place we reached on Saturday evening. I thought the next day, being Sunday, that we would rest, and I began to write this letter, when I was stopped by the roar of cannon down at the town. The town is located in the fork of the two rivers, the north and larger branch being bridged, the other not. The enemy's cavalry had dashed into town, with two pieces of artillery, one of which they planted at the end of the bridge, and with a third they began a fire from the opposite side of the river. Genl Jackson was in town and was taken completely by surprise and came near being captured. ","We were camped about three quarters of a mile from town on the north side of the river. The enemy (Genl Shields force) had come up the river on the south side from Elk Run. In a very short time we were ordered to double quick to the bridge. My Regt. was just in the act of forming for inspection, and we got the start of the others. We passed through a wheat field with the enemy's gun from the other side of the river playing upon us. When we got to the top of the hill near the bridge the gun at the other end opened with grape upon us. My men returned the fire, when Genl. Jackson ordered me to charge through the bridge and take the gun. I led off and my men followed. We rushed through the bridge, captured the gun, and pursued the enemy through the town and until he crossed the south branch. I could have captured the other cannon in town, but I did not know of but one ford. We rushed to that, but found the enemy crossing higher up. We opened fire on them, killing some horses and two or three men and taking six or eight prisoners.","Charging in at one end of a bridge with a cannon yawning in at the other is no very pleasant past time. But my men went in so well, that it elicited the praise of the Genl. and all who witnessed it. When we got to the cannon, the smoke of the last fire was still issuing from its mouth. We charged them so quickly and so vigorously that my loss was little. Yancey Smith (brother of the Capt) of Russell was killed, and Sergt. E. Johnson and Walter James of Capt. Terry's company each had a thigh badly broken. I fear that Johnson is mortally wounded. We had put some of our artillery in position, which soon silenced the enemy's guns on the opposite side of the river, and drove them back, and they did not again advance on that day.","While this was going on, Genl. Fremont made an attack on our forces next to Harrisonburg. Our Brigade was ordered to hold the bridge and town against Genl. Shields, which we did, but could hear the fight on the other side, which lasted till nearly night with heavy loss on both sides. Our loss in officers was considerable. Genls Elzey \u0026 Stewart were wounded, though I think not dangerously. Our men drove the enemy back about a mile and held possession of the field during the night, having captured more than 100 prisoners.","On our march the day before from Harrisonburg, Fremont pressed our rear very hardly, and our protection subjected us to the heaviest and saddest loss that we have sustained in the valley. Ashby (but a short time a Brigadier) was killed. He had just made a brilliant charge on the enemy, capturing a Col, Maj., and a number of prisoners. Afterwards and about dark he was leading on foot (his horse having been killed), on Infantry Regt. when he was shot through the heart, and the saddest part of it is, that it is generally believed that he was shot by our own men. He was the most gallant man I ever saw, and withal a good man. When Ashby was between us and the enemy we felt perfectly secure against any surprise, and he was always on the enemy's heels. They had great fear of him. He kept them in constant dread. His place cannot be filled, and his death cast a gloom over the whole army. He had performed more feats of daring and had done more hard and perilous service than any man in the army.","As I have placed Sundays proceedings before Saturday, I will now pass over to Monday. During Sunday our train had been sent on the road towards Waynesboro in Augusta Co. But on Sunday night Genl. Jackson threw a foot bridge across the north branch, ordered his train to turn back and take the road through Brown's Gap into Albemarle, and by a little after sun rise he had the greater portion of his army across the foot bridge and marching against Genl. Shields force, which camped the night before in sight of us about three miles off. Our Brigade and Genl. Trimble's were ordered to hold the large bridge and to resist the advance of Fremont. Our force and Shield's soon became hotly engaged, and the fight became a very hard one. Our men were being severely pressed and suffering a great loss, when Genl Jackson galloped back and ordered me to move forward my Regt at double quick, which I did. He also had the other two Regt of the Brigade ordered forward. ","When I got upon the field, and was putting my men in position for action, the enemy gave way and we rushed forward, passing his battery which he abandoned, having first killed all the horses. In coming up we received a sharp fire. The enemy rallied and partially formed, but we kept on and they gave way again, and commenced a general run, and scatterment. My Regt happened to get in advance, and hounds never pursued a fox with more eagerness than they pursued the flying yankees. Some kept the road and some took the bushes, all intent on capturing a yankee. We captured about 400 prisoners most of whom were taken by my men, among them a number of officers from Col down. We also captured two Regimental flags, all of the enemies artillery (seven or eight guns), all of his ambulances \u0026 c., and a number of small arms.","The Infantry followed about six miles, and the cavalry having come up followed about six further. My men performed many individual acts of bravery one of which I notice, and you may send it to the Abingdon paper for publication. The rout was complete and entire. The prisoners say that Genl. Shields was not present, but that Genl Tyler was in command. We captured a number of our old acquaintances, the 5th Ohio, and our boys were glad to meet with them. After our Brigade crossed the north branch, Genl. Trimble crossed the large bridge and then set fire to it \u0026 burned it down. In a short time Genl. Fremont appeared at the burnt bridge, but could do nothing but listen to the fight and pursuit. On our return from the pursuit we quietly passed within plain view of Genl Fremont's camp, and marched to this place on the Blue Ridge, where we are staying today.","Our camp extends back to within four or five miles of Port Republic. Men were worse mangled in this fight than any that I have been in. Heads \u0026 limbs off and bodies torn open were frequent sights for several miles. ","On Sunday night Capt. Jno. Preston \u0026 Lieut. Jno Humes with fifty men were sent out on picket and were left out when we went into the fight on Monday. After Fremont made his appearance I sent back my Regt to bring in the picket, but he thought that he could not get to them, and come back about midnight last night. I have heard nothing from them since, but think and hope that they have gone to Staunton or Waynesboro, about 18 miles off. I am not in the habit of gathering spoils on the field, but one of me brought me a Col's horse, saddle, bridle \u0026 c. Another gave me a very pretty sword. The horse belonged to Col. Lewis of Pa. He has been a fine horse, but is getting old and is not a good riding horse. I also got the Col's Regimental flag.","You will see from this narrative that we have had a very active and exciting time. We have fought on three Sundays in succession, which will do pretty well for a religious Genl. I got Selina's letter the other day \u0026 will write her when I can. Write soon to Staunton. Don't know when we will go next. Love to Mother \u0026 Selina. \nYour brother \nS.V. Fulkerson ","Mr. F.M. Fulkerson ","Sir- \nIn reply to your letter of the 7th ult. permit me to say that Col. S.V. Fulkerson was an officer of distinguished worth. I deeply felt his death. He rendered valuable service to his country, and had he lived, would probably have been recommended by me before this time for a brigadier generalcy. So far as my knowledge extends, he enjoyed the confidence of his regiment and all who knew him.","I am Sir your obdt. servt  \nT.J. Jackson","V.M. Institute June 4th 1853","Dear Sister, \nI recd your letter the 28th of May. I was very glad to hear that were so well pleased with your school. I suppose that you will come home before you teach another session if you do so at all, Father wrote to me the other day for the first time, they are all well at home Father has sold his mare and bought a buggy, I suppose that he will quit riding horse back and splurge in his buggy for a while, your old Mister Brown was kicked by a horse the other day and broke his leg, his family had bad luck lately.","We will have a great ball on the if nothing happens they are prepareing tolerably rapidly now, the tickets came yesterday. I sent you one of them, I know you will be certain to come or else I would not send it to you","The examination will commence the 20th of June, Sam is on the Board again they meet about the 15th, I have some faint hopes of passing, but it is verry doubtful  I tell you, you must write to me oftener","Your affectionate Brother \nAbram Fulkerson","Virginia Military Institute \nApr 14 1854","Dear Mother \nI recd your letter a few days ago or weeks I am not certain which but however I have not had time to answer it until to day.","I have nothing very new or of much importance to write to you. Circuit court is going on at present in Lexington They are trying Christian the man that killed Cadet Blackburn  there has been a great deal of excitement with the people since it commenced  there is a great many of C. friends attending the trial. I suppose from all accounts that he will be hung","There was another murder committed in town a few weeks ago almost as bad as B's, a man by the name of Winn killed the proprietor of the Washington Hotel, his name was Moore they had a falling out the day he was killed some five or six hours before the fight occurred.  Winn went to his (Moore's) house that night about ten o'clock and called him out into the street + stabbed him through the heart with a knife the knife cut his heart very near into two pieces. He died in a few minutes afterwards. There is two other men in jail for shooting men besides all of this there was a negro hung in Lexington a few weeks ago for the same offence, but it did not appear to have much affect. It seems like Lexington is going to turn out to be one of the most corrupt and immoral places in the State of Virginia.","Virginia wrote to me a few days ago. Sister Alice and the children are all well.  Virginia say she likes her new home very well considering the short time that she has been there.  She did not say whether she was going to school any more at Rogersville or not.","I wrote to Sam sometime ago to know whether I had better go home this summer or put it off until next. He says he thinks I had better stay another year before I go home and indeed I thought so myself  was the reason I wrote to him about it. Therefore I will not have the opportunity of coming home til next July year. I would be very glad if I could come next year but taking every thing into consideration I think it will be best to stay here another year.","I heard from Catherine lately. She is getting along about as common I believe I understand that Frank is going to marry before long. But I do not know whether it is true or not. Dr. Walker's son was here the other day on his way home from Philadelphia. He has been taking medical lessons there, I had a long talk with him.  e stayed in town one day and night. I must bring my letter to a close as I have nothing more to write, tell Balf and Jim to write to me.","Your affectionate Son, \nA. Fulkerson","Cumberland Gap \nMay 18, 1863\n \nMy dear wife- \nYour last kind letter was recd by friday's mail. Your dear letters are my greatest pleasure and do away in a great measure with the horror of separation. The frequency with which we can communicate with each other is a rich blessing and brings us as if we're almost together.","One of our pickets came in the other day and reported that a Mr. Davis was at the lines and desired to enter. This report took me very much by surprise, for although you had mentioned the probability of his coming yet I did not look for him. He only stayed a few hours. After dinner (a very poor one without apology to him) I went [around] to show him some of the curiosities of Cumberland Gap, which he seemed to think would compensate any one for making the visit. He went back up the valley and expected to get home by Wednesday next. Will see you Sunday, if not sooner.","The intelligence of the death of Gen. Jackson came upon us like a shock. We feel that his death is a national calamity. The poorest soldiers among us appreciated his worth - loved the man, and mourn his loss. I knew him well.1  He was my preceptor for more than four years and whilst during that time I did not appreciate the man, as school [schoolboys?]are not like to do, yet I always had great reverence for the man on account of his piety \u0026 uprightness of character. Among the many heroes of this revolution, none have lived so much adored, none have died so much deplored, and none have left a character as spotless as that of Stonewall Jackson. Could his life have been spared till the close of this cruel war, the unanimous voice of a grateful people would have proclaimed him chief ruler of the nation. But God has seen proper to take him from us, and what He does is right and for the best. It is [illegible] therefore that we make the sacrifice cheerfully, th'o we cannot see why our country should be deprived of his services at his her hour of greatest need.","I have no news of importance more than you will see in the papers. The news from Ky is vague and unreliable. It is reported and believed that there are three or four Regmts at Barboursville, 30 miles distant. That Burnsides is preparing to invade E. Tenn. on a large scale there seems no longer to be any doubt. A southern woman the wife of a Lincolnite told Mrs. Patterson today that a runner had just come across the mountain to tell the Union people, they must stay at home, that the Feds would be in, in about three weeks, that where they were found absent it would be an evidence of disloyalty. I will not be surprised if they make an effort about that time.","Mr. Patterson started to the R.R. today - is going to the salt works. I asked him to stop and see you all, but he would not promise. No prospect of any goods yet. Do you want any money? When you need money or any thing else you must not fail to let me know. My love to mother \u0026 Kate. Write often,\nYour affectionate husband \nAF","Field Officers Barracks, Ft. Delaware May 7 1865 ","My dear wife","I have not heard directly from you since the 4th of Feb. Your letter was directed to Ft. Pulaski. I received on my way here at Hilton Head S.C. Since that time we have passed through the most eventful period of the war. The closing scenes are being enacted, and with hearts overwhelmed with grief \u0026 sadness we bow in deep humiliation in their contemplation. The present, thank God, is only the \"beginning of the end.\" The military power of the South is broken, the spirit is not. The ball has been put in motion by the people of the South, an impetus has been given it, which will eventually result in the destruction of the U.S. Government and if not in the independence of the South, certainly in the disenthrallment of her people. Ten years will see us under the protecting wing of a foreign power, or independent.","I expect to meet you soon, not crowned with the laurels of victory but with the oath crammed down my throat, a quiescent citizen of the United States. I have the sweet consolation of being conscious of having served the cause faithfully. I sacrificed everything but life, and hazarded that, many times \u0026 in many ways, in behalf of my country. I have not the slightest fear that any man can ever point at me the finger of scorn and say \"you done it.\" I have performed my duty and now abandon the cause as (at present) hopeless, without in the least having changed my opinion as to the justness of that cause. I go now to share with the people of the south the deep humiliation which will be dictated by yankee vindictiveness.","I have heard from you thr'o your father up to March 1st. Receive letters from him often. Says he will send you money \u0026 c thr'o Mr. Armstrong. Hope you may have no difficulty in getting along. I cannot tell when I will be released, but probably soon. My love to Kate. Tell the boy, I'll be home soon. Your affect. husband. A. Fulkerson P.W.","Officers Barracks  \nFt. Delaware  \nMay 13, 1865 ","My dear wife- \nYour esteemed letter of the 17th April, via Knoxville reached me a few days since. I cannot express my gratification at learning that you were all well, and living. The terrible events which have transpired in the Confederacy within the past two months, and my great anxiety about you, taken together, had rendered me very unhappy, indeed wretched.","The last letter but one from you was dated 4th Feb and recd at Hilton Head S.C. the day after our departure from Ft. Pulaski. I have written you several times since my arrival here, via Richmond. About a week ago I sent you a letter to the care of Mr. Armstrong, but as I was in a very unhappy humor about them \"Cause\" it is probable that much that I said was too harsh and \"contraband\" and caused the\"confiscation\" of the letter. ","We left Ft. Pulaski on the 4th March, ordered by Genrl. Grant to be exchanged. When we reached Old Point active operations had commenced on the James, were sent here. The result of the campaign was disastrous to our aims. It has ended our hopes for exchange, if not for liberty itself. I cannot talk about our misfortunes in a letter, but must wait till I see you. It seems at present, that the only means of getting out of prison, is by taking the oath. It is probable therefore I will return to you soon, not crowned with victorious laurels, but as a loyal subject (overpowered) of the U.S. I do not know whether you would recognize me as a citizen or not, perhaps you may, if necessity forces it upon me.","I hear from your father often. He wrote me he was making arrangements to send you money \u0026 clothing th'ro Mr. Armstrong. I hope it will not be inconvenient for Kate to keep you with her til I am released. My health is now very good. Your affectionate husband. A. Fulkerson.  \nLove to Mrs. H and the boy (as you may not receive this for months, I will say our boy)","The collection consists of related to three members of the Fulkerson family: Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1822-1862), his brother Abram Fulkerson, Jr.          (1834-1902), and Abram's son, Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926). Significant items include:\n Civil War correspondence (dated March-May 1862) written by Samuel V. Fulkerson (1822-1862) Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862) reports of the Battle of McDowell and the Battle of Winchester (dated May and June 1862) Wartime correspondence (dated 1863 and 1865) written by Abram Fulkerson, Jr. Two letters were written while he was a prisoner of war. A letter of appreciation (dated September 1862) written by General Stonewall Jackson following Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862) death in battle \nIn addition to the battles mentioned above, topics include:\n Battles of Port Republic and Kernstown Death of Turner Ashby Refugee and civilian life Camp life References to Stonewall Jackson, including Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862 assessment of his character and Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s reflections following the Jackson's death \nAlso included are biographical and genealogical material, business and financial papers of Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926), and family correspondence.","Written from Estillville, Scott County, Virginia. Topics include family news and talks of Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s first days at VMI and encourages him to study, stating \"you now have a chance of getting a better education and of\ndoing more for yourself than any of your brothers have ever had an opportunity of getting or doing for themselves, and if you do not turn you chance to good advantage it will be your own fault.\"","Written from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Topics include Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s progress at VMI and family news.","Written from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Letter regards VMI examinations and grades. Samuel V. Fulkerson warns Abram Fulkerson, Jr. about the excessive number of demerits and cautions about leaving school, stating \"I do not like to hear you expressing a desire to resign. You know that a great part of your expense is paid by the state, and that you have undertaken to teach two years in the state as a sort of recompense. You will not forget this obligation.\"","Written from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Letter regards VMI finances and Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s \"unkind conduct.\"","Letter regards a recent trip and family news.","Written from Winchester, Virginia. Letter regards Civil War news and concerns for family.","Written from camp near New Market, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Kernstown, Virginia.","Report after the Battle of McDowell, Virginia. The report discusses the participation of 37th Virginia Regiment.","Written from Augusta County, Virginia. Letter regards troop movements and a recent battle.","Report written to Major R. L. Dabney. The report discusses the participation of 37th Virginia Regiment in the Battle of Winchester, Virginia.","Typescript copy. The letter discusses the character of General Stonewall Jackson and the events at the Battle of Port Republic, Virginia.","In the letter, Stonewall Jackson extends condolences after the death of Samuel V. Fulkerson.","Appointment to the VMI Board of Visitors (1853) and to judgeship (1857).","This series includes letters two letters and one letter fragment written while Abram Fulkerson, Jr. was a cadet at VMI and three letters written during his Civil War service.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news, the military ball, and exams. The letter includes an invitation to the military ball.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and the trial of Charles Christian for the murder of Cadet Thomas Blackburn.","Written from Cumberland Gap. Letter regards the death of General Stonewall Jackson.","Written from Fort Delaware Prison. Letter regards end of the Civil War and defeat of the South.","Written from Fort Delaware Prison. Letter regards end of the Civil War and being exchanged.","This series contains financial and business papers, and genealogical information.","This series consists of three items of correspondence, including:\n Letter from Margaret Fulkerson (Vance) to Mrs. Jane Preston (dated October 24, 1835) Letter from J. S. Bradley to his cousin Harriet Fulkerson (dated July 24, 1847) Letter from Dolly Bradley to Harriet Fulkerson (dated February 27, 1848) ","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1822-1862","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1863-1926","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Ashby, Turner, 1828-1862","Williams, Titus V. (Titus Vespasian), 1835-1908","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","English"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0363","/repositories/3/resources/596"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Fulkerson Family papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Fulkerson Family papers"],"collection_ssim":["Fulkerson Family papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"geogname_ssm":["Shenandoah River Valley (Va. and W. Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865","United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Campaigns"],"geogname_ssim":["Shenandoah River Valley (Va. and W. Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865","United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Campaigns"],"creator_ssm":["Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1822-1862","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1863-1926","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863"],"creator_ssim":["Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1822-1862","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1863-1926","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1822-1862","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1863-1926","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863"],"creators_ssim":["Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1822-1862","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1863-1926","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863"],"places_ssim":["Shenandoah River Valley (Va. and W. Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865","United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Campaigns"],"access_terms_ssm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 37th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 31st","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 10th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 23rd","Confederate States of America. Army—Tennessee Infantry Regiment, 63rd","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1857","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1884","Virginia Military Institute—Board of Visitors","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","Shenandoah Valley Campaign, 1862","Port Republic, Battle of (Virginia : 1862)","Kernstown, Battle of, 1862","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Prisoners and prisons","Winchester (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Winchester, 1st Battle of (Virginia : May 25, 1862)","McDowell, Battle of (Virginia : 1862)","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 37th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 31st","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 10th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 23rd","Confederate States of America. Army—Tennessee Infantry Regiment, 63rd","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1857","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1884","Virginia Military Institute—Board of Visitors","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","Shenandoah Valley Campaign, 1862","Port Republic, Battle of (Virginia : 1862)","Kernstown, Battle of, 1862","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Prisoners and prisons","Winchester (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Winchester, 1st Battle of (Virginia : May 25, 1862)","McDowell, Battle of (Virginia : 1862)","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["0.50 cubic feet approximately 50 items"],"extent_tesim":["0.50 cubic feet approximately 50 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1835,1836,1837,1838,1839,1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891,1892,1893,1894,1895,1896,1897,1898,1899,1900,1901,1902,1903,1904,1905,1906,1907,1908,1909,1910,1911,1912,1913,1914,1915,1916,1917,1918,1919,1920,1921,1922,1923,1924,1925],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions."],"altformavail_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eMany items from this collection, including the Civil War material, are \u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/search/collection/p15821coll11/field/descri/searchterm/MS%200363/mode/exact\"\u003e available in full-text format\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["Many items from this collection, including the Civil War material, are   available in full-text format"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eSamuel Vance Fulkerson (1822-1862) was born in Washington County, Virginia to Colonel Abram Fulkerson, Sr. and Margaret Laughlin Vance on October 21, 1822. As a young man he undertook the study of law, and in late 1846 he obtained his license and opened a practice in southwestern Virginia. He served in the United States Army during the Mexican War (1847-1848), and subsequently returned to  practice of law in Estillville and Abingdon, Virginia. In 1857 he was elected judge of the thirteenth judicial district and held this position until the beginning of the Civil War. He was a member of the VMI Board of Visitors from 1852 to 1854 and from 1857 to 1858. During the Civil War he served as Colonel of the 37th Virginia Infantry Regiment. He was killed in the Battle of Gaines's Mill, Virginia on June 26, 1862.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAbram Fulkerson, Jr. (1834-1902) was born on May 13, 1834 in Washington County, Virginia and was the younger brother of Samuel V. Fulkerson (1822-1862). He graduated from VMI in 1857, and after a brief career as a teacher, went on to study law. During the Civil War he served as Colonel of the 63rd Tennessee Infantry Regiment and was a prisoner of war (one of the \"Immortal 600\"). After the War he continued the practice law and was active in politics, serving in the Virginia legislature and in the United States          Congress. He 1862 he married Selina Johnson, of Clarksville,  Tennessee, and the couple had nine children, including Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926), VMI Class of 1884. Abram Fulkersonm, Jr. died on December 17, 1902 in Bristol, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSamuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926) was born on October 22, 1863 in Abingdon, Virginia to Abram Fulkerson, Jr. and Selina Johnson. He graduated from VMI in 1884 and subsequently studied law at the University of Virginia. He was a lawyer (partner in the firm of Fulkerson and Davis in Bristol, Virginia) and served two terms as City Attorney. During the Spanish-American War (1898- 1899) he was a member of the Fourth Tennessee Regiment, United States Volunteers. In 1904 he married Lura Bradley of Sherman, Texas, and the couple had twin sons in April 1906. He died on July 2, 1926 in Virginia Beach, Virginia and is buried at East Hill Cemetery, Bristol.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1822-1862) was born in Washington County, Virginia to Colonel Abram Fulkerson, Sr. and Margaret Laughlin Vance on October 21, 1822. As a young man he undertook the study of law, and in late 1846 he obtained his license and opened a practice in southwestern Virginia. He served in the United States Army during the Mexican War (1847-1848), and subsequently returned to  practice of law in Estillville and Abingdon, Virginia. In 1857 he was elected judge of the thirteenth judicial district and held this position until the beginning of the Civil War. He was a member of the VMI Board of Visitors from 1852 to 1854 and from 1857 to 1858. During the Civil War he served as Colonel of the 37th Virginia Infantry Regiment. He was killed in the Battle of Gaines's Mill, Virginia on June 26, 1862.","Abram Fulkerson, Jr. (1834-1902) was born on May 13, 1834 in Washington County, Virginia and was the younger brother of Samuel V. Fulkerson (1822-1862). He graduated from VMI in 1857, and after a brief career as a teacher, went on to study law. During the Civil War he served as Colonel of the 63rd Tennessee Infantry Regiment and was a prisoner of war (one of the \"Immortal 600\"). After the War he continued the practice law and was active in politics, serving in the Virginia legislature and in the United States          Congress. He 1862 he married Selina Johnson, of Clarksville,  Tennessee, and the couple had nine children, including Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926), VMI Class of 1884. Abram Fulkersonm, Jr. died on December 17, 1902 in Bristol, Virginia.","Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926) was born on October 22, 1863 in Abingdon, Virginia to Abram Fulkerson, Jr. and Selina Johnson. He graduated from VMI in 1884 and subsequently studied law at the University of Virginia. He was a lawyer (partner in the firm of Fulkerson and Davis in Bristol, Virginia) and served two terms as City Attorney. During the Spanish-American War (1898- 1899) he was a member of the Fourth Tennessee Regiment, United States Volunteers. In 1904 he married Lura Bradley of Sherman, Texas, and the couple had twin sons in April 1906. He died on July 2, 1926 in Virginia Beach, Virginia and is buried at East Hill Cemetery, Bristol."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWinchester\u003cbr\u003e\n9 March 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nNot having written or heard from home for sometime, I will write you a short letter today. You will see from the heading of this that we have not yet gone to Manassas and I cannot tell when we will go. We will not get away, unless Winchester is evacuated, while the present state of things exists here.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGenl. Banks with his army has been maneuvering about twelve miles in our front for several days. On day before yesterday we thought that we were certainly in for a fight. Banks attacked our outer posts, when we packed our baggage and sent it to the rear, and marched the men on the Martinsburg road about two miles from Winchester, where we drew up and waited for the approach of the enemy. But after skirmishing with our pickets an hour or two, he withdrew again. We lost only one man, but not of my Regt.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe have not a large force here, and I do not know what Genl. Jackson will do if the enemy advances upon us. All of the public stores have been sent away, and many of the citizens have left. There are a good many here who sympathize with the Yankees, and will be rejoiced if they get possession of Winchester. This is such a beautiful country that I should regret to see it fall into the hands of the Yankees.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSince we came back from Romney we have had three different encampments. First on the Romney Road, but when the enemy crossed at Harper's Ferry we moved and took position on that road about three miles from Winchester; and on yesterday we moved to this place, which is on the Strasburg road about three and a half miles from Winchester near a village called Kernstown.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt is doubtful about how much I will write as I have been over six hours in getting this much written. In a letter from Col. Gibson he asked what I wished you and Kate to do in case the enemy got into our county. If they should get in, and you are willing to do so, I think that you had better remain at home. Refugees have a hard time, and when people leave their homes everything is destroyed. Mr. Faulkner (Honl. Charles J.) told me that his wife had saved his property by staying at home. But if it should come to the worst, and you prefer it, leave and let the property go. I care little for the property except on yours and Kate's account. For myself I feel that I have no home so long as it is threatened by the enemy, and I would willingly give up all I have, and commence the world anew without a thing, rather than that the enemy should subjugate us.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe are very hardly pressed now, and it depends upon the spirit of our people whether we bear up against it, or give way under it. When I see so many men and especially officers shirking duty and who seem to make it a study as to the best manner in which they can get around duty, I almost despair. Many are all the time seeking personal ease or pursuing schemes of personal advancement, and would appear to be willing to sacrifice their country to attain their object. I suppose though that all wars produce the same class of selfish men, and that we must expect to be cursed with them. I do not intend to be troubled hereafter with the reflection that I did not do my duty in this conflict.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI did have some hope that I could go home for a short time this winter, but do not now expect to do so. If I had the permission I would not go now, while we are so near the enemy. Besides, so many of the officers are absent that it would be highly improper for any more to leave. In the absence of Col. Taliaferro I still have command of the 4th Brigade, which now only consists of two regiments and four pieces of artillery.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI learn that we have had very high waters in our country and that much damage has been done. I was sorry to hear that Uncle James had lost his dam. I take it that he will not get his mills to running again for some time. If any of the fence about the creek washed away, get Mr. Hughes or some one to help Lee put it up. Today (Sunday) has been a very spring-like one. Citizens say that this has been a very wet winter here and not as much cold as usual, but still the ground has not been clear of snow since the first of Jany. Scarcely any ploughing has been done here yet, and little else in the farming line. See if you can't get meal and flour from Mrs. Hopkins' mill; If not try at some other place. Henry Roberts might furnish you with meal.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI suffered for two or three weeks with a severe cold, but kept up and am now nearly well again. Jas. Vance is well. He spent this Sunday in building a chimney to his tent. He has said several times that he would not fix up any more. He has built a good many chimneys, but had soon to leave them.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGive my love to Kate and Selina. Tell Selina that she ought to write to me. You and Kate must write soon, and tell me where Ike and Abe are. Tell Amelia Vance that I will write to her when I can. I have nothing to write about but army movements, but they will have as much interest to you as anything else.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour son,\u003cbr\u003e\nSaml. V. Fulkerson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Near New Market\u003cbr\u003e\n3 Apl. 1862 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Kate\u003cbr\u003e\nA few days ago I wrote you giving some account of our fight near Winchester. Since that time we have been marching up and down the valley, one day falling back before the enemy and the next advancing towards him, skirmishing with him almost daily. He is now in strong force about ten miles off. Genl. Jackson has taken a position here, but whether he will fight at this place or not I am unable to say. If he has sufficient force he would not wait to be attacked.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have been unable to hear from Jas. Vance, though I have [missing word or words] letter to Judge Parker of Winchester about him. I cannot think that he was mortally wounded, from what the men say who put him in the ambulance. I feel very much for Uncle James and family in their repeated bereavements. I miss Jimmy greatly, and would be greatly pleased to hear that his wound is not dangerous. I have seen a list of the prisoners who were taken to Baltimore but Jimmie's name is not among them. However, I am not surprised at this, as the wounded would not for awhile be removed from Winchester. I may yet get some information from Winchester about him. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCapt. Cowan (of Russell) died of his wounds. He was a brave man and good officer. James King was as good a soldier as ever entered the line. He went off with Capt. Jones Co., was transferred to Col. Cummings Regt. and then transferred to mine. After the fight was half over, he remarked that \"he was proud of being in the 37th.\" The poor fellow was shot through the head and did not speak afterwards. Leroy Sherman among others was taken prisoner and is in Baltimore. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe [people along the valley] claim our fight as a victory, but it is not so. We attacked a greatly superior forces and were repulsed with heavy loss. If night had not set in we would all have been captured or killed. The enemy's loss was very heavy, for our men fought with desperate courage. our loss is 469 killed and wounded. The killed wounded and missing amount to 689. This is an uncommonly heavy loss when we did not have over 3000 men in the fight. A loss of 10 per ct. is regarded as great, but ours was but little less than on fourth. My Regt. sustained the greatest loss, the killed and wounded alone being a little less than one fourth, and including the missing is a little less than one third. The northern papers speak of the terrible slaughter on their side in front of the stone fence behind which I had my Brigade. I learn that at this point the 5th Ohio Regt. was nearly [ruined]--they were a part of the rascals who aided in chasing us from Laurel Hill.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe conduct of the late North western army (Loring's) [missing words] the fight, is spoken of by the Genl. in high terms of praise. There is a difficulty with Genl. Garnett who commanded the Stonewall Brigade, but I can't speak of particulars. Genl. Winder is now in command of that Brigade.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOur men are in fine spirits and I think will fight as well now as they did at Winchester, although they feel sad, when they think of the fall of their comrades. Our flagstaff was shot down, but the flag bearer instantly raised it again and kept it floating throughout the fight. The days work hurt my horse worse than anything which he has gone through. He was under the saddle from daylight till 11 at night and was greatly excited. The reports of the guns did not scare him, but the whistling of the balls and particularly the minnie ball excited him to the highest pitch. He has not yet recovered. You will see many exaggerated accounts of the fight in the papers. If we can't get a better and more substantial reputation than a mere newspaper one, I don't want [missing words].\nI told Judge Parker [missing words] stay with you at nights during court. He is a refugee and I want to do all for him that I can. Tell Selina that here she can't write to Abe, she can write to me. Try and get the fence put up in some way. Send the enclosed to Mr. Belkin for Judge Camden. Write soon. Love to Mother \u0026amp; S.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour brother, Saml. V. Fulkerson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOfficial Report of the Battle of McDowell, May 8th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHead Qrs. 37 Regt. VA. Vols. Mason's Cabins, Augusta Co., Va.\u003cbr\u003e  \n16 May 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir-\u003cbr\u003e\nIn making my official report of the part borne by my Regt in the battle near McDowell on the 8th inst., I have to say; that when I was ordered to the field, being about one mile distant, I had to pass on a portion of the way, up a very rocky \u0026amp; brushy hollow, which embarrassed the advance of my men greatly, and it being nothing but a defile, and the men having to advance in a single file, the Regt. necessarily stretched out over a long line. They were also much annoyed on the march after entering the field, by the shell from one of the enemies guns. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhen I reached the line of battle at the head of my Regt. (marching by flank) Brig. Genl. Taliaferro informed me that the enemy were endeavoring to turn our right flank by passing over a brushy and thickly wooded ridge, and that the 31st Va Vols were there to prevent the flank movement \u0026amp; he ordered me to support the 31st. I at once filed into the woods, but not knowing the position of either the 31st or of the enemy, for they were not at that time firing, I got in between the two, but nearer the enemy. On halting to put my men in line, I found that I had with me only my two front companies, Co. A Capt. Terry \u0026amp; Co. F. Capt. Graham. In pushing forward up the ravine two companies got ahead of the others, and when the remainder got to the line of battle, I with the two first were in the woods. As soon as I formed the two companies I ordered them to give a shout which they did with a hearty good will, and we charged down the hill directly at the enemy, and when we got within forty or fifty yards of him he broke and fled, when we instantly opened fire upon them as they ran. He did not stop running till he got entirely out of the woods around the hill.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhen the remainder of the Regt. reached the line of battle in the field they joined in the fight there, but after awhile Maj. Williams brought a portion of it to me in the woods, not knowing that I might be hard pressed there. But before he reached me the woods were clear of the enemy, and I marched all back to the main fight in the field.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhen I got on our line it was nearly dark and we could only see the outline of the enemy on the hill side below us, \u0026amp; that soon disappeared, when we could only direct our fire by the flash of the enemy's guns. The fight was kept up till 9 at night when the enemy withdrew, leaving us in full possession of the field. During the fight some of my men were out of ammunition, but I had them to supply themselves from the boxes of the dead and wounded. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have to report the loss of some good officers and brave men. Capt. Terry, a gallant man and model officer, was severely wounded in the leg. Lieuts. Wilhelm, May, Dye, and Fletcher were badly wounded, and the two latter have since died. These Lieuts were young officers, but they nobly did their duty. All of my officers and men who went upon the field acted in the most gallant manner, and it would be unjust to discriminate by name, except in the case of the wounded.* The loss of my Regt. is thirty nine killed and wounded and one missing, a list of whom I herewith enclose.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI feel indebted to Surgeon Hinkle and Asst. Surgeon Butler for their prompt and untiring attention to the wounded. My Acting Adjt. C.T. Duncan also deserves special mention for the manner in which he discharged his duties upon the field.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI cannot close this report without saying that my chaplain the Revd. A.B. Carrington deserves the highest praise for his conduct during and since the fight. He was struck by a spent ball, and although it made him very sick for awhile, he was and continued to be unremitting in his attention to the wounded.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRespectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nSaml. V. Fulkerson Col. 37 Va. Vols\u003cbr\u003e\nCapt Wm. B. Pendleton  AAAGenl. 3d Brigade. V.D.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e*I am especially indebted to Maj. T.V. Williams for gallantry and good conduct throughout the fight. He was of great benefit in placing the men in their proper positions.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp at Mason's Cabins. Augusta Co.  16 May 1862 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Kate\u003cbr\u003e\nIt has been a good while since I wrote and the reason is that I have not had an opportunity of writing, and I feel little like it now. We have been constantly marching, fighting and watching for more than a month, and the consequence is that we are all nearly broken down, with fatigue, loss of sleep and irregularity in eating. But his being the day set apart by the President for humiliation and prayer, Genl. Jackson has ordered his army to observe it, and to abstain from all military duty, and that divine service be had in all of the Regts. But as it is now and has been raining for two days, there will be little chance for preaching out of doors.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI believe that I wrote you from Meecham's River Depot in Albemarle Co. A portion of the Regt. took the cars there for Staunton and the remainder marched on to the side of the Blue Ridge where they went on to the cars and got to Staunton about day, not having eaten anything or slept any since the night before. We stayed at Staunton that {night} and left the next day in this direction. We joined Genl. Johnson's (Alleghany) forces about six miles from Staunton. The enemy had one Regt at the east foot of the Shenandoah mountains near this place. This we came near surprising and taking with four pieces of their cannon. But they escaped, leaving all of their baggage and camp equipage and commissary stores in our hands. They fled cross the mountain to the western foot where they had two other Regts, which became alarmed \u0026amp; fled leaving everything, and all fell back to McDowell where their main body (Genl. Milroy in command) was stationed.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe then went into camp and on the morning of the 8th we moved towards McDowell. This is a village in Highland county about thirty miles from Staunton and ten from Monterey. Genl Johnson with his brigade was sent forward as the advance and our Brigade (10th, 23rd, and 37th Va. Vols) followed. When within about a mile of McDowell light skirmishing began, which was kept up till evening, we in the mean time having been halted about a mile in the rear. In the evening our advance Brigade and the enemy became engaged in a general fight and we were ordered forward at a double quick. A portion of the way over which we had to go was up a very rocky and brushy hollow, and when we reached our line of battle we were nearly out of breath. All along the way we were exposed to the enemy's file by their shooting at our advance and the balls striking among and around us. The whistling of the bullets excited my horse so much that he became unmanageable and I had to send him to the rear before I got upon the field. When I got on the field I asked the Genl. where my Regt. should be placed, when he said that the enemy were trying to turn our right flank over a brushy and thickly wooded ridge, and that the 31st Va. was there for the purpose of holding them back and that I must support the 31st. I at once double quicked into the woods. When I got there I found that I had but two companies (Capt. Terry's \u0026amp; Capt. Graham's) in consequence of my having hurried the front up the hollow so fast that they left the remainder behind and out of sight. One of the enemy's cannon was also brought to bear upon the Regt. which also embarrassed the rear. I did not know the position either of the 31st or the enemy in the woods, as they were not firing. The consequence was that I entered the woods between the two, but nearer the enemy. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI at once formed my two companies, gave them the order to raise a shout, which they did very lustily, and we charged down the hill right at the foe. They stood till we got within forty or fifty yards of them when they broke and fled and we opened fire upon them as they ran. We ran them entirely out of the woods. Our movement was so sudden and unexpected that the enemy seemed to be surprised and much frightened. It seemed like a bold move, but I think it was the best for my men, as I only lost two men wounded (one of them mortally) at this point. The remainder of the Regt. not knowing where I was went into the main fight when they came upon the field, but after a while a portion of them we ordered to join me in the woods which they did, but there being no enemy in the woods at this time I took them all back and entered the fight in the field.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt was nearly dark and we could only see the outlines of the enemy, which was soon lost \u0026amp; we had to fire by the flash of their guns. The fight lasted till 9 oclk at night, when the enemy withdrew leaving us in possession of the field. The ground selected by the foe was well chosen and particularly advantageous in a night fight. The enemy had been reinforced the day before by Genl Schenck with three or four thousand men, and they fought obstinately. At one time they approached through the bushes to within 20 yards of two of my companies, but were driven back, leaving their flag bearer and flag upon the field. This was an Ohio Rgt. (32nd). I had the wounded flag bearer taken up \u0026amp; sent back with my wounded, but I believe he died next day. The flag was so torn to pieces that my men took some of it and some other men some. Col. Campbell's Regt. got into the fight about dark and the remainder of his Brigade did not get in at all I believe. The Stonewall Brigade, being several miles off, did not get on the field till after the fight was over.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI lost forty men in killed and wounded. Some of the wounded have since died, and others are dangerous. Three have had their legs amputated. We stayed upon the field nearly all night gathering up and sending off the killed and wounded. The 12th Geo. Regt. suffered most terribly. They were in the advance and ordered to hold a very exposed position. They lost about 180 men killed and wounded. After their ammunition gave out, they lay down and held the place at the point of the bayonet. Many of my men got out of ammunition, but I had them to supply themselves from the boxes of the dead and wounded, and in that way kept them shooting. We had no cannon in the fight. After the dead were collected on the field and laid in rows of then or fifteen, the dim moonlight gave to their countenances an unusual unearthly appearance. Our loss in officers is heavy, and I think that our whole loss is not less than 400. Genl. Johnson was wounded. Col. Gibbons of the 10th was killed. He was one of the best men I ever saw. Maj. Campbell (James C.) was wounded before he got on the field, but I think not dangerously.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI cannot tell what the enemy's loss was. They left some on the field, some in McDowell and scattered along at other places. Immediately after the fight the enemy burned all their baggage and stores at McDowell and retreated. At daylight they had all gone, and we started in pursuit. We followed three days march and came up with their rear at Franklin in Pendleton Co. We skirmished with them over a day, when we were ordered back, I do not know for what cause. It was reported that Genl. Fremont had brought on reinforcements and that a portion of Rosencranz force had joined Milroy. But I do not know that these reasons influenced Genl. Jackson. I do not know where we are going to, but think that we will not go to Staunton.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI received your letter enclosing copies of Abe's \u0026amp; Arthur's. I am very anxious to hear what Abe's fate has been. Write about him and Ike. Mr. Carrington is going to preach, and I do not feel like writing more. He was struck by a spent ball in the fight, but it only made him sick for awhile. Write soon and direct to Staunton. My love to Mother and Selina. I have heard nothing from J. Vance since I last wrote.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour brother Saml. V. Fulkerson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHead Quarters 3 Brigade, Valley District\u003cbr\u003e  \nCamp near Winchester, VA\u003cbr\u003e\n28 May 1862  \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir-\u003cbr\u003e\nIn making my report of the part acted by the 3rd Brigade in the battle near Winchester on the 25th inst., I have to say that on the morning of the 24th the Brigade left its bivouac four miles south of Front Royal at daylight and marched to Middletown, and thence down the main valley Pike in the direction of Winchester. Owing to delay occasioned by the enemy's skirmishers embarrassing the advance of the head of the column, daylight cam upon us near Kernstown, after which we quickly advanced to the mills south of Winchester, at which time a vigorous fire was going on between our own and the enemy's batteries.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI was ordered to file my Brigade to the left of the Pike and take position under shelter of a hill for the purpose of supporting one of our batteries. I was also ordered to report to Genl. Winder who was already upon the ground. I placed the 23rd \u0026amp; 37th Va. Vols in the position indicated, when Genl Winder ordered me to occupy a wooded hill in an adjoining field, with one Regt, which position he informed me, the enemy were on the move to occupy. I at once ordered Col. Warren with the 10th Va Vols to take position on the hill which he quickly did. In a short time Genl. Winder ordered me to place another Regt. on the hill with the 10th, when I ordered Maj. Williams to march the 37th there which he did with dispatch. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDuring all of the time of these movements, and in fact from the time when the Brigade first entered the field, it was exposed to a severe fire from the enemy's batteries and long range small arms. After these movements had been executed Col. Taliaferro was ordered to move the 23rd forward and charge a battery of the enemy in his front. He pushed forward with his Regt. in gallant style. But in the meantime Genl. Taylor's Louisiana Brigade had come upon the field, formed and moved in the direction of the enemy, coming up upon the left of Col. Taliaferro.  The 37th \u0026amp; 10th followed immediately after Genl. Taylor's Brigade. On rushing the top of the ridge on which the enemy's batteries had been placed, a sharp musketry fire ensued, but soon a general charge was made by our whole line when the enemy gave way and fled precipitately through Winchester in the wildest confusion. We followed in immediate pursuit on the Martinsburg road, for four miles from Winchester, where we were halted. A list of the casualties is herewith furnished, from which it will be seen that the loss of the Brigade is, comparatively, very light.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol. Taliaferro commanding the 23rd, Col Warren commanding the 10th and Maj. Williams commanding the 37th acted in the most gallant \u0026amp; efficient manner. I refer to the reports of Col. Taliaferro, Col. Warren, \u0026amp; Maj. Williams for the conduct of the officers \u0026amp; men of their respective Regts. I with pride bear testimony to the gallant conduct of the whole Brigade both officers and men.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am indebted to Capt. Wm. B. Pendleton A.A.A. Genl. for his gallant conduct and prompt and cheerful manner with which he executed my orders. Capt Wooding's battery was not placed in position during the day. Respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nSaml V. Fulkerson\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. Comd. Brigd.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePort Republic, Rockingham Co.\u003cbr\u003e \n8 [June] 1862 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Kate\u003cbr\u003e\nThe place at which this letter is written is a pretty village near the foot of the Blue Ridge and about twelve miles from Harrisonburg, at the junction of the North and South Rivers, which form the Shenandoah.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI wrote you last from Winchester shortly after our arrival there, giving you an account of our march and proceedings up to that time. Since then we have undergone and almost incredible amount of hardship. We stayed at Winchester two days after taking the place and then proceeded to Charles Town and Harper's Ferry. We found a few of the enemy at Charles Town, but soon drove them down to the Ferry, where they made a stand having been largely re-enforced from Washington \u0026amp; elsewhere. The enemy were in position on Bolivar Heights on the Va. side and on the heights on the Maryland side of the river. Both of these positions had been fortified by Genl. Johnston last summer.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eA portion of our forces crossed the Shenandoah river and took possession of Louden Heights. This was in the evening, a brisk cannonading going on, which was renewed the next morning, and continued till the enemy was driven from the Bolivar across the Potomac. About this time Genl. Jackson received information that Genl. Shields was crossing the Blue Ridge and Genl. Fremont was coming from Moorfield to form a junction at Strasburg and thus cut us off. This placed us in the hardest place that we have ever yet been. Genl. Jackson immediately ordered us to march back. We had about fifty miles to make to pass Strasburg, and our men were already terribly broken down by continued and hard marching. We marched to our camps near Winchester that night and next morning at day light started to Strasburg, which we reached before night. We had now marched about 70 miles in less than three days, in going to and returning from Harpers Ferry.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGen. Shields was now at [Front] Port Royal, some 8 or 9 miles from Strasburg, and Genl. Fremont was 7 miles from Strasburg on the Moorefield road. So you see that we had only a gap of about 15 miles wide to get out at. During Saturday night I received an order from Genl. Jackson (I was still in command of our Brigade) to proceed next morning (Sunday) at daylight, some two or three miles on the Moorefield road, take position and resist the advance of the enemy. Before I could get a position, our scouts informed me that the enemy was advancing, when I hurried forward to a suitable position, and made disposition of my own and two other Brigades which were for the time under my command.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI sent forward a company of cavalry, which soon returned at the top of their speed with the enemy's cavalry close after them. We drove these back, but in a very short time the enemy's infantry came down the road and through the woods at double quick, and when they got within range halted and opened a brisk fire upon us, which was kept up for some time when they were driven back again. By this time Gen. Ewell came upon the field and assumed command of the whole. After the enemy's infantry were driven back, they placed two pieces of cannon in position and the two forces kept up a very pretty and brisk artillery duel for an hour or more, when the enemy withdrew from the field. After this Genl Jackson came out and said that he did not want to bring on a general engagement then, and ordered us to fall back towards Strasburg. I do not think that we had more than 10 or 15 men killed and wounded. My Regt. had none hurt.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[At this point, according to the sentence below, the date is now June 10th]\nA little after dark we left Strasburg for Woodstock to which place the waggon had been sent, and we had a terrible march. (This writing above was suddenly stopped about 8 oclk on Sunday morning last by the enemies cannon, and I will now try to finish on this the 10th). We got to Woodstock about daylight, all broken completely down and seemingly half dead. We were dogged all night by the enemy's cavalry, and I know that they picked up many of our broken down stragglers. I have between thirty and forty men missing, most I fear were taken. It is not to be wondered at. Many of the poor fellows actually walked much of that weary night, fast asleep, so worn out and exhausted were they with their terrible duty. I do not think that our Genl. exercised due diligence in getting his captured stores to a secure place. There was a vast amount of them, the greater portion of which he saved. But Genl. Shields made his appearance so suddenly at Front Royal that a portion of the stores captured there were retaken together with some of our wagons.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe marched from Woodstock to near Harrisonburg, and the next day to near Port Republic, which place we reached on Saturday evening. I thought the next day, being Sunday, that we would rest, and I began to write this letter, when I was stopped by the roar of cannon down at the town. The town is located in the fork of the two rivers, the north and larger branch being bridged, the other not. The enemy's cavalry had dashed into town, with two pieces of artillery, one of which they planted at the end of the bridge, and with a third they began a fire from the opposite side of the river. Genl Jackson was in town and was taken completely by surprise and came near being captured. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe were camped about three quarters of a mile from town on the north side of the river. The enemy (Genl Shields force) had come up the river on the south side from Elk Run. In a very short time we were ordered to double quick to the bridge. My Regt. was just in the act of forming for inspection, and we got the start of the others. We passed through a wheat field with the enemy's gun from the other side of the river playing upon us. When we got to the top of the hill near the bridge the gun at the other end opened with grape upon us. My men returned the fire, when Genl. Jackson ordered me to charge through the bridge and take the gun. I led off and my men followed. We rushed through the bridge, captured the gun, and pursued the enemy through the town and until he crossed the south branch. I could have captured the other cannon in town, but I did not know of but one ford. We rushed to that, but found the enemy crossing higher up. We opened fire on them, killing some horses and two or three men and taking six or eight prisoners.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCharging in at one end of a bridge with a cannon yawning in at the other is no very pleasant past time. But my men went in so well, that it elicited the praise of the Genl. and all who witnessed it. When we got to the cannon, the smoke of the last fire was still issuing from its mouth. We charged them so quickly and so vigorously that my loss was little. Yancey Smith (brother of the Capt) of Russell was killed, and Sergt. E. Johnson and Walter James of Capt. Terry's company each had a thigh badly broken. I fear that Johnson is mortally wounded. We had put some of our artillery in position, which soon silenced the enemy's guns on the opposite side of the river, and drove them back, and they did not again advance on that day.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhile this was going on, Genl. Fremont made an attack on our forces next to Harrisonburg. Our Brigade was ordered to hold the bridge and town against Genl. Shields, which we did, but could hear the fight on the other side, which lasted till nearly night with heavy loss on both sides. Our loss in officers was considerable. Genls Elzey \u0026amp; Stewart were wounded, though I think not dangerously. Our men drove the enemy back about a mile and held possession of the field during the night, having captured more than 100 prisoners.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOn our march the day before from Harrisonburg, Fremont pressed our rear very hardly, and our protection subjected us to the heaviest and saddest loss that we have sustained in the valley. Ashby (but a short time a Brigadier) was killed. He had just made a brilliant charge on the enemy, capturing a Col, Maj., and a number of prisoners. Afterwards and about dark he was leading on foot (his horse having been killed), on Infantry Regt. when he was shot through the heart, and the saddest part of it is, that it is generally believed that he was shot by our own men. He was the most gallant man I ever saw, and withal a good man. When Ashby was between us and the enemy we felt perfectly secure against any surprise, and he was always on the enemy's heels. They had great fear of him. He kept them in constant dread. His place cannot be filled, and his death cast a gloom over the whole army. He had performed more feats of daring and had done more hard and perilous service than any man in the army.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAs I have placed Sundays proceedings before Saturday, I will now pass over to Monday. During Sunday our train had been sent on the road towards Waynesboro in Augusta Co. But on Sunday night Genl. Jackson threw a foot bridge across the north branch, ordered his train to turn back and take the road through Brown's Gap into Albemarle, and by a little after sun rise he had the greater portion of his army across the foot bridge and marching against Genl. Shields force, which camped the night before in sight of us about three miles off. Our Brigade and Genl. Trimble's were ordered to hold the large bridge and to resist the advance of Fremont. Our force and Shield's soon became hotly engaged, and the fight became a very hard one. Our men were being severely pressed and suffering a great loss, when Genl Jackson galloped back and ordered me to move forward my Regt at double quick, which I did. He also had the other two Regt of the Brigade ordered forward. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhen I got upon the field, and was putting my men in position for action, the enemy gave way and we rushed forward, passing his battery which he abandoned, having first killed all the horses. In coming up we received a sharp fire. The enemy rallied and partially formed, but we kept on and they gave way again, and commenced a general run, and scatterment. My Regt happened to get in advance, and hounds never pursued a fox with more eagerness than they pursued the flying yankees. Some kept the road and some took the bushes, all intent on capturing a yankee. We captured about 400 prisoners most of whom were taken by my men, among them a number of officers from Col down. We also captured two Regimental flags, all of the enemies artillery (seven or eight guns), all of his ambulances \u0026amp; c., and a number of small arms.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Infantry followed about six miles, and the cavalry having come up followed about six further. My men performed many individual acts of bravery one of which I notice, and you may send it to the Abingdon paper for publication. The rout was complete and entire. The prisoners say that Genl. Shields was not present, but that Genl Tyler was in command. We captured a number of our old acquaintances, the 5th Ohio, and our boys were glad to meet with them. After our Brigade crossed the north branch, Genl. Trimble crossed the large bridge and then set fire to it \u0026amp; burned it down. In a short time Genl. Fremont appeared at the burnt bridge, but could do nothing but listen to the fight and pursuit. On our return from the pursuit we quietly passed within plain view of Genl Fremont's camp, and marched to this place on the Blue Ridge, where we are staying today.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOur camp extends back to within four or five miles of Port Republic. Men were worse mangled in this fight than any that I have been in. Heads \u0026amp; limbs off and bodies torn open were frequent sights for several miles. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOn Sunday night Capt. Jno. Preston \u0026amp; Lieut. Jno Humes with fifty men were sent out on picket and were left out when we went into the fight on Monday. After Fremont made his appearance I sent back my Regt to bring in the picket, but he thought that he could not get to them, and come back about midnight last night. I have heard nothing from them since, but think and hope that they have gone to Staunton or Waynesboro, about 18 miles off. I am not in the habit of gathering spoils on the field, but one of me brought me a Col's horse, saddle, bridle \u0026amp; c. Another gave me a very pretty sword. The horse belonged to Col. Lewis of Pa. He has been a fine horse, but is getting old and is not a good riding horse. I also got the Col's Regimental flag.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou will see from this narrative that we have had a very active and exciting time. We have fought on three Sundays in succession, which will do pretty well for a religious Genl. I got Selina's letter the other day \u0026amp; will write her when I can. Write soon to Staunton. Don't know when we will go next. Love to Mother \u0026amp; Selina.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour brother\u003cbr\u003e\nS.V. Fulkerson \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMr. F.M. Fulkerson \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir-\u003cbr\u003e\nIn reply to your letter of the 7th ult. permit me to say that Col. S.V. Fulkerson was an officer of distinguished worth. I deeply felt his death. He rendered valuable service to his country, and had he lived, would probably have been recommended by me before this time for a brigadier generalcy. So far as my knowledge extends, he enjoyed the confidence of his regiment and all who knew him.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am Sir your obdt. servt\u003cbr\u003e \nT.J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M. Institute June 4th 1853\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nI recd your letter the 28th of May. I was very glad to hear that were so well pleased with your school. I suppose that you will come home before you teach another session if you do so at all, Father wrote to me the other day for the first time, they are all well at home Father has sold his mare and bought a buggy, I suppose that he will quit riding horse back and splurge in his buggy for a while, your old Mister Brown was kicked by a horse the other day and broke his leg, his family had bad luck lately.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe will have a great ball on the if nothing happens they are prepareing tolerably rapidly now, the tickets came yesterday. I sent you one of them, I know you will be certain to come or else I would not send it to you\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe examination will commence the 20th of June, Sam is on the Board again they meet about the 15th, I have some faint hopes of passing, but it is verry doubtful  I tell you, you must write to me oftener\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate Brother\u003cbr\u003e\nAbram Fulkerson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nApr 14 1854\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nI recd your letter a few days ago or weeks I am not certain which but however I have not had time to answer it until to day.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have nothing very new or of much importance to write to you. Circuit court is going on at present in Lexington They are trying Christian the man that killed Cadet Blackburn  there has been a great deal of excitement with the people since it commenced  there is a great many of C. friends attending the trial. I suppose from all accounts that he will be hung\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThere was another murder committed in town a few weeks ago almost as bad as B's, a man by the name of Winn killed the proprietor of the Washington Hotel, his name was Moore they had a falling out the day he was killed some five or six hours before the fight occurred.  Winn went to his (Moore's) house that night about ten o'clock and called him out into the street + stabbed him through the heart with a knife the knife cut his heart very near into two pieces. He died in a few minutes afterwards. There is two other men in jail for shooting men besides all of this there was a negro hung in Lexington a few weeks ago for the same offence, but it did not appear to have much affect. It seems like Lexington is going to turn out to be one of the most corrupt and immoral places in the State of Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eVirginia wrote to me a few days ago. Sister Alice and the children are all well.  Virginia say she likes her new home very well considering the short time that she has been there.  She did not say whether she was going to school any more at Rogersville or not.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI wrote to Sam sometime ago to know whether I had better go home this summer or put it off until next. He says he thinks I had better stay another year before I go home and indeed I thought so myself  was the reason I wrote to him about it. Therefore I will not have the opportunity of coming home til next July year. I would be very glad if I could come next year but taking every thing into consideration I think it will be best to stay here another year.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI heard from Catherine lately. She is getting along about as common I believe I understand that Frank is going to marry before long. But I do not know whether it is true or not. Dr. Walker's son was here the other day on his way home from Philadelphia. He has been taking medical lessons there, I had a long talk with him.  e stayed in town one day and night. I must bring my letter to a close as I have nothing more to write, tell Balf and Jim to write to me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate Son,\u003cbr\u003e\nA. Fulkerson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCumberland Gap\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 18, 1863\n \nMy dear wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nYour last kind letter was recd by friday's mail. Your dear letters are my greatest pleasure and do away in a great measure with the horror of separation. The frequency with which we can communicate with each other is a rich blessing and brings us as if we're almost together.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOne of our pickets came in the other day and reported that a Mr. Davis was at the lines and desired to enter. This report took me very much by surprise, for although you had mentioned the probability of his coming yet I did not look for him. He only stayed a few hours. After dinner (a very poor one without apology to him) I went [around] to show him some of the curiosities of Cumberland Gap, which he seemed to think would compensate any one for making the visit. He went back up the valley and expected to get home by Wednesday next. Will see you Sunday, if not sooner.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe intelligence of the death of Gen. Jackson came upon us like a shock. We feel that his death is a national calamity. The poorest soldiers among us appreciated his worth - loved the man, and mourn his loss. I knew him well.1  He was my preceptor for more than four years and whilst during that time I did not appreciate the man, as school [schoolboys?]are not like to do, yet I always had great reverence for the man on account of his piety \u0026amp; uprightness of character. Among the many heroes of this revolution, none have lived so much adored, none have died so much deplored, and none have left a character as spotless as that of Stonewall Jackson. Could his life have been spared till the close of this cruel war, the unanimous voice of a grateful people would have proclaimed him chief ruler of the nation. But God has seen proper to take him from us, and what He does is right and for the best. It is [illegible] therefore that we make the sacrifice cheerfully, th'o we cannot see why our country should be deprived of his services at his her hour of greatest need.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have no news of importance more than you will see in the papers. The news from Ky is vague and unreliable. It is reported and believed that there are three or four Regmts at Barboursville, 30 miles distant. That Burnsides is preparing to invade E. Tenn. on a large scale there seems no longer to be any doubt. A southern woman the wife of a Lincolnite told Mrs. Patterson today that a runner had just come across the mountain to tell the Union people, they must stay at home, that the Feds would be in, in about three weeks, that where they were found absent it would be an evidence of disloyalty. I will not be surprised if they make an effort about that time.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMr. Patterson started to the R.R. today - is going to the salt works. I asked him to stop and see you all, but he would not promise. No prospect of any goods yet. Do you want any money? When you need money or any thing else you must not fail to let me know. My love to mother \u0026amp; Kate. Write often,\nYour affectionate husband\u003cbr\u003e\nAF\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eField Officers Barracks, Ft. Delaware May 7 1865 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear wife\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have not heard directly from you since the 4th of Feb. Your letter was directed to Ft. Pulaski. I received on my way here at Hilton Head S.C. Since that time we have passed through the most eventful period of the war. The closing scenes are being enacted, and with hearts overwhelmed with grief \u0026amp; sadness we bow in deep humiliation in their contemplation. The present, thank God, is only the \"beginning of the end.\" The military power of the South is broken, the spirit is not. The ball has been put in motion by the people of the South, an impetus has been given it, which will eventually result in the destruction of the U.S. Government and if not in the independence of the South, certainly in the disenthrallment of her people. Ten years will see us under the protecting wing of a foreign power, or independent.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI expect to meet you soon, not crowned with the laurels of victory but with the oath crammed down my throat, a quiescent citizen of the United States. I have the sweet consolation of being conscious of having served the cause faithfully. I sacrificed everything but life, and hazarded that, many times \u0026amp; in many ways, in behalf of my country. I have not the slightest fear that any man can ever point at me the finger of scorn and say \"you done it.\" I have performed my duty and now abandon the cause as (at present) hopeless, without in the least having changed my opinion as to the justness of that cause. I go now to share with the people of the south the deep humiliation which will be dictated by yankee vindictiveness.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have heard from you thr'o your father up to March 1st. Receive letters from him often. Says he will send you money \u0026amp; c thr'o Mr. Armstrong. Hope you may have no difficulty in getting along. I cannot tell when I will be released, but probably soon. My love to Kate. Tell the boy, I'll be home soon. Your affect. husband. A. Fulkerson P.W.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOfficers Barracks\u003cbr\u003e \nFt. Delaware \u003cbr\u003e\nMay 13, 1865 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nYour esteemed letter of the 17th April, via Knoxville reached me a few days since. I cannot express my gratification at learning that you were all well, and living. The terrible events which have transpired in the Confederacy within the past two months, and my great anxiety about you, taken together, had rendered me very unhappy, indeed wretched.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe last letter but one from you was dated 4th Feb and recd at Hilton Head S.C. the day after our departure from Ft. Pulaski. I have written you several times since my arrival here, via Richmond. About a week ago I sent you a letter to the care of Mr. Armstrong, but as I was in a very unhappy humor about them \"Cause\" it is probable that much that I said was too harsh and \"contraband\" and caused the\"confiscation\" of the letter. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe left Ft. Pulaski on the 4th March, ordered by Genrl. Grant to be exchanged. When we reached Old Point active operations had commenced on the James, were sent here. The result of the campaign was disastrous to our aims. It has ended our hopes for exchange, if not for liberty itself. I cannot talk about our misfortunes in a letter, but must wait till I see you. It seems at present, that the only means of getting out of prison, is by taking the oath. It is probable therefore I will return to you soon, not crowned with victorious laurels, but as a loyal subject (overpowered) of the U.S. I do not know whether you would recognize me as a citizen or not, perhaps you may, if necessity forces it upon me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hear from your father often. He wrote me he was making arrangements to send you money \u0026amp; clothing th'ro Mr. Armstrong. I hope it will not be inconvenient for Kate to keep you with her til I am released. My health is now very good. Your affectionate husband. A. Fulkerson.\u003cbr\u003e \nLove to Mrs. H and the boy (as you may not receive this for months, I will say our boy)\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Winchester \n9 March 1862","My Dear Mother \nNot having written or heard from home for sometime, I will write you a short letter today. You will see from the heading of this that we have not yet gone to Manassas and I cannot tell when we will go. We will not get away, unless Winchester is evacuated, while the present state of things exists here.","Genl. Banks with his army has been maneuvering about twelve miles in our front for several days. On day before yesterday we thought that we were certainly in for a fight. Banks attacked our outer posts, when we packed our baggage and sent it to the rear, and marched the men on the Martinsburg road about two miles from Winchester, where we drew up and waited for the approach of the enemy. But after skirmishing with our pickets an hour or two, he withdrew again. We lost only one man, but not of my Regt.","We have not a large force here, and I do not know what Genl. Jackson will do if the enemy advances upon us. All of the public stores have been sent away, and many of the citizens have left. There are a good many here who sympathize with the Yankees, and will be rejoiced if they get possession of Winchester. This is such a beautiful country that I should regret to see it fall into the hands of the Yankees.","Since we came back from Romney we have had three different encampments. First on the Romney Road, but when the enemy crossed at Harper's Ferry we moved and took position on that road about three miles from Winchester; and on yesterday we moved to this place, which is on the Strasburg road about three and a half miles from Winchester near a village called Kernstown.","It is doubtful about how much I will write as I have been over six hours in getting this much written. In a letter from Col. Gibson he asked what I wished you and Kate to do in case the enemy got into our county. If they should get in, and you are willing to do so, I think that you had better remain at home. Refugees have a hard time, and when people leave their homes everything is destroyed. Mr. Faulkner (Honl. Charles J.) told me that his wife had saved his property by staying at home. But if it should come to the worst, and you prefer it, leave and let the property go. I care little for the property except on yours and Kate's account. For myself I feel that I have no home so long as it is threatened by the enemy, and I would willingly give up all I have, and commence the world anew without a thing, rather than that the enemy should subjugate us.","We are very hardly pressed now, and it depends upon the spirit of our people whether we bear up against it, or give way under it. When I see so many men and especially officers shirking duty and who seem to make it a study as to the best manner in which they can get around duty, I almost despair. Many are all the time seeking personal ease or pursuing schemes of personal advancement, and would appear to be willing to sacrifice their country to attain their object. I suppose though that all wars produce the same class of selfish men, and that we must expect to be cursed with them. I do not intend to be troubled hereafter with the reflection that I did not do my duty in this conflict.","I did have some hope that I could go home for a short time this winter, but do not now expect to do so. If I had the permission I would not go now, while we are so near the enemy. Besides, so many of the officers are absent that it would be highly improper for any more to leave. In the absence of Col. Taliaferro I still have command of the 4th Brigade, which now only consists of two regiments and four pieces of artillery.","I learn that we have had very high waters in our country and that much damage has been done. I was sorry to hear that Uncle James had lost his dam. I take it that he will not get his mills to running again for some time. If any of the fence about the creek washed away, get Mr. Hughes or some one to help Lee put it up. Today (Sunday) has been a very spring-like one. Citizens say that this has been a very wet winter here and not as much cold as usual, but still the ground has not been clear of snow since the first of Jany. Scarcely any ploughing has been done here yet, and little else in the farming line. See if you can't get meal and flour from Mrs. Hopkins' mill; If not try at some other place. Henry Roberts might furnish you with meal.","I suffered for two or three weeks with a severe cold, but kept up and am now nearly well again. Jas. Vance is well. He spent this Sunday in building a chimney to his tent. He has said several times that he would not fix up any more. He has built a good many chimneys, but had soon to leave them.","Give my love to Kate and Selina. Tell Selina that she ought to write to me. You and Kate must write soon, and tell me where Ike and Abe are. Tell Amelia Vance that I will write to her when I can. I have nothing to write about but army movements, but they will have as much interest to you as anything else.","Your son, \nSaml. V. Fulkerson","Camp Near New Market \n3 Apl. 1862 ","Dear Kate \nA few days ago I wrote you giving some account of our fight near Winchester. Since that time we have been marching up and down the valley, one day falling back before the enemy and the next advancing towards him, skirmishing with him almost daily. He is now in strong force about ten miles off. Genl. Jackson has taken a position here, but whether he will fight at this place or not I am unable to say. If he has sufficient force he would not wait to be attacked.","I have been unable to hear from Jas. Vance, though I have [missing word or words] letter to Judge Parker of Winchester about him. I cannot think that he was mortally wounded, from what the men say who put him in the ambulance. I feel very much for Uncle James and family in their repeated bereavements. I miss Jimmy greatly, and would be greatly pleased to hear that his wound is not dangerous. I have seen a list of the prisoners who were taken to Baltimore but Jimmie's name is not among them. However, I am not surprised at this, as the wounded would not for awhile be removed from Winchester. I may yet get some information from Winchester about him. ","Capt. Cowan (of Russell) died of his wounds. He was a brave man and good officer. James King was as good a soldier as ever entered the line. He went off with Capt. Jones Co., was transferred to Col. Cummings Regt. and then transferred to mine. After the fight was half over, he remarked that \"he was proud of being in the 37th.\" The poor fellow was shot through the head and did not speak afterwards. Leroy Sherman among others was taken prisoner and is in Baltimore. ","The [people along the valley] claim our fight as a victory, but it is not so. We attacked a greatly superior forces and were repulsed with heavy loss. If night had not set in we would all have been captured or killed. The enemy's loss was very heavy, for our men fought with desperate courage. our loss is 469 killed and wounded. The killed wounded and missing amount to 689. This is an uncommonly heavy loss when we did not have over 3000 men in the fight. A loss of 10 per ct. is regarded as great, but ours was but little less than on fourth. My Regt. sustained the greatest loss, the killed and wounded alone being a little less than one fourth, and including the missing is a little less than one third. The northern papers speak of the terrible slaughter on their side in front of the stone fence behind which I had my Brigade. I learn that at this point the 5th Ohio Regt. was nearly [ruined]--they were a part of the rascals who aided in chasing us from Laurel Hill.","The conduct of the late North western army (Loring's) [missing words] the fight, is spoken of by the Genl. in high terms of praise. There is a difficulty with Genl. Garnett who commanded the Stonewall Brigade, but I can't speak of particulars. Genl. Winder is now in command of that Brigade.","Our men are in fine spirits and I think will fight as well now as they did at Winchester, although they feel sad, when they think of the fall of their comrades. Our flagstaff was shot down, but the flag bearer instantly raised it again and kept it floating throughout the fight. The days work hurt my horse worse than anything which he has gone through. He was under the saddle from daylight till 11 at night and was greatly excited. The reports of the guns did not scare him, but the whistling of the balls and particularly the minnie ball excited him to the highest pitch. He has not yet recovered. You will see many exaggerated accounts of the fight in the papers. If we can't get a better and more substantial reputation than a mere newspaper one, I don't want [missing words].\nI told Judge Parker [missing words] stay with you at nights during court. He is a refugee and I want to do all for him that I can. Tell Selina that here she can't write to Abe, she can write to me. Try and get the fence put up in some way. Send the enclosed to Mr. Belkin for Judge Camden. Write soon. Love to Mother \u0026 S. \nYour brother, Saml. V. Fulkerson.","Official Report of the Battle of McDowell, May 8th, 1862","Head Qrs. 37 Regt. VA. Vols. Mason's Cabins, Augusta Co., Va.   \n16 May 1862","Sir- \nIn making my official report of the part borne by my Regt in the battle near McDowell on the 8th inst., I have to say; that when I was ordered to the field, being about one mile distant, I had to pass on a portion of the way, up a very rocky \u0026 brushy hollow, which embarrassed the advance of my men greatly, and it being nothing but a defile, and the men having to advance in a single file, the Regt. necessarily stretched out over a long line. They were also much annoyed on the march after entering the field, by the shell from one of the enemies guns. ","When I reached the line of battle at the head of my Regt. (marching by flank) Brig. Genl. Taliaferro informed me that the enemy were endeavoring to turn our right flank by passing over a brushy and thickly wooded ridge, and that the 31st Va Vols were there to prevent the flank movement \u0026 he ordered me to support the 31st. I at once filed into the woods, but not knowing the position of either the 31st or of the enemy, for they were not at that time firing, I got in between the two, but nearer the enemy. On halting to put my men in line, I found that I had with me only my two front companies, Co. A Capt. Terry \u0026 Co. F. Capt. Graham. In pushing forward up the ravine two companies got ahead of the others, and when the remainder got to the line of battle, I with the two first were in the woods. As soon as I formed the two companies I ordered them to give a shout which they did with a hearty good will, and we charged down the hill directly at the enemy, and when we got within forty or fifty yards of him he broke and fled, when we instantly opened fire upon them as they ran. He did not stop running till he got entirely out of the woods around the hill.","When the remainder of the Regt. reached the line of battle in the field they joined in the fight there, but after awhile Maj. Williams brought a portion of it to me in the woods, not knowing that I might be hard pressed there. But before he reached me the woods were clear of the enemy, and I marched all back to the main fight in the field.","When I got on our line it was nearly dark and we could only see the outline of the enemy on the hill side below us, \u0026 that soon disappeared, when we could only direct our fire by the flash of the enemy's guns. The fight was kept up till 9 at night when the enemy withdrew, leaving us in full possession of the field. During the fight some of my men were out of ammunition, but I had them to supply themselves from the boxes of the dead and wounded. ","I have to report the loss of some good officers and brave men. Capt. Terry, a gallant man and model officer, was severely wounded in the leg. Lieuts. Wilhelm, May, Dye, and Fletcher were badly wounded, and the two latter have since died. These Lieuts were young officers, but they nobly did their duty. All of my officers and men who went upon the field acted in the most gallant manner, and it would be unjust to discriminate by name, except in the case of the wounded.* The loss of my Regt. is thirty nine killed and wounded and one missing, a list of whom I herewith enclose.","I feel indebted to Surgeon Hinkle and Asst. Surgeon Butler for their prompt and untiring attention to the wounded. My Acting Adjt. C.T. Duncan also deserves special mention for the manner in which he discharged his duties upon the field.","I cannot close this report without saying that my chaplain the Revd. A.B. Carrington deserves the highest praise for his conduct during and since the fight. He was struck by a spent ball, and although it made him very sick for awhile, he was and continued to be unremitting in his attention to the wounded.","Respectfully \nSaml. V. Fulkerson Col. 37 Va. Vols \nCapt Wm. B. Pendleton  AAAGenl. 3d Brigade. V.D.","*I am especially indebted to Maj. T.V. Williams for gallantry and good conduct throughout the fight. He was of great benefit in placing the men in their proper positions.","Camp at Mason's Cabins. Augusta Co.  16 May 1862 ","Dear Kate \nIt has been a good while since I wrote and the reason is that I have not had an opportunity of writing, and I feel little like it now. We have been constantly marching, fighting and watching for more than a month, and the consequence is that we are all nearly broken down, with fatigue, loss of sleep and irregularity in eating. But his being the day set apart by the President for humiliation and prayer, Genl. Jackson has ordered his army to observe it, and to abstain from all military duty, and that divine service be had in all of the Regts. But as it is now and has been raining for two days, there will be little chance for preaching out of doors.","I believe that I wrote you from Meecham's River Depot in Albemarle Co. A portion of the Regt. took the cars there for Staunton and the remainder marched on to the side of the Blue Ridge where they went on to the cars and got to Staunton about day, not having eaten anything or slept any since the night before. We stayed at Staunton that {night} and left the next day in this direction. We joined Genl. Johnson's (Alleghany) forces about six miles from Staunton. The enemy had one Regt at the east foot of the Shenandoah mountains near this place. This we came near surprising and taking with four pieces of their cannon. But they escaped, leaving all of their baggage and camp equipage and commissary stores in our hands. They fled cross the mountain to the western foot where they had two other Regts, which became alarmed \u0026 fled leaving everything, and all fell back to McDowell where their main body (Genl. Milroy in command) was stationed.","We then went into camp and on the morning of the 8th we moved towards McDowell. This is a village in Highland county about thirty miles from Staunton and ten from Monterey. Genl Johnson with his brigade was sent forward as the advance and our Brigade (10th, 23rd, and 37th Va. Vols) followed. When within about a mile of McDowell light skirmishing began, which was kept up till evening, we in the mean time having been halted about a mile in the rear. In the evening our advance Brigade and the enemy became engaged in a general fight and we were ordered forward at a double quick. A portion of the way over which we had to go was up a very rocky and brushy hollow, and when we reached our line of battle we were nearly out of breath. All along the way we were exposed to the enemy's file by their shooting at our advance and the balls striking among and around us. The whistling of the bullets excited my horse so much that he became unmanageable and I had to send him to the rear before I got upon the field. When I got on the field I asked the Genl. where my Regt. should be placed, when he said that the enemy were trying to turn our right flank over a brushy and thickly wooded ridge, and that the 31st Va. was there for the purpose of holding them back and that I must support the 31st. I at once double quicked into the woods. When I got there I found that I had but two companies (Capt. Terry's \u0026 Capt. Graham's) in consequence of my having hurried the front up the hollow so fast that they left the remainder behind and out of sight. One of the enemy's cannon was also brought to bear upon the Regt. which also embarrassed the rear. I did not know the position either of the 31st or the enemy in the woods, as they were not firing. The consequence was that I entered the woods between the two, but nearer the enemy. ","I at once formed my two companies, gave them the order to raise a shout, which they did very lustily, and we charged down the hill right at the foe. They stood till we got within forty or fifty yards of them when they broke and fled and we opened fire upon them as they ran. We ran them entirely out of the woods. Our movement was so sudden and unexpected that the enemy seemed to be surprised and much frightened. It seemed like a bold move, but I think it was the best for my men, as I only lost two men wounded (one of them mortally) at this point. The remainder of the Regt. not knowing where I was went into the main fight when they came upon the field, but after a while a portion of them we ordered to join me in the woods which they did, but there being no enemy in the woods at this time I took them all back and entered the fight in the field.","It was nearly dark and we could only see the outlines of the enemy, which was soon lost \u0026 we had to fire by the flash of their guns. The fight lasted till 9 oclk at night, when the enemy withdrew leaving us in possession of the field. The ground selected by the foe was well chosen and particularly advantageous in a night fight. The enemy had been reinforced the day before by Genl Schenck with three or four thousand men, and they fought obstinately. At one time they approached through the bushes to within 20 yards of two of my companies, but were driven back, leaving their flag bearer and flag upon the field. This was an Ohio Rgt. (32nd). I had the wounded flag bearer taken up \u0026 sent back with my wounded, but I believe he died next day. The flag was so torn to pieces that my men took some of it and some other men some. Col. Campbell's Regt. got into the fight about dark and the remainder of his Brigade did not get in at all I believe. The Stonewall Brigade, being several miles off, did not get on the field till after the fight was over.","I lost forty men in killed and wounded. Some of the wounded have since died, and others are dangerous. Three have had their legs amputated. We stayed upon the field nearly all night gathering up and sending off the killed and wounded. The 12th Geo. Regt. suffered most terribly. They were in the advance and ordered to hold a very exposed position. They lost about 180 men killed and wounded. After their ammunition gave out, they lay down and held the place at the point of the bayonet. Many of my men got out of ammunition, but I had them to supply themselves from the boxes of the dead and wounded, and in that way kept them shooting. We had no cannon in the fight. After the dead were collected on the field and laid in rows of then or fifteen, the dim moonlight gave to their countenances an unusual unearthly appearance. Our loss in officers is heavy, and I think that our whole loss is not less than 400. Genl. Johnson was wounded. Col. Gibbons of the 10th was killed. He was one of the best men I ever saw. Maj. Campbell (James C.) was wounded before he got on the field, but I think not dangerously.","I cannot tell what the enemy's loss was. They left some on the field, some in McDowell and scattered along at other places. Immediately after the fight the enemy burned all their baggage and stores at McDowell and retreated. At daylight they had all gone, and we started in pursuit. We followed three days march and came up with their rear at Franklin in Pendleton Co. We skirmished with them over a day, when we were ordered back, I do not know for what cause. It was reported that Genl. Fremont had brought on reinforcements and that a portion of Rosencranz force had joined Milroy. But I do not know that these reasons influenced Genl. Jackson. I do not know where we are going to, but think that we will not go to Staunton.","I received your letter enclosing copies of Abe's \u0026 Arthur's. I am very anxious to hear what Abe's fate has been. Write about him and Ike. Mr. Carrington is going to preach, and I do not feel like writing more. He was struck by a spent ball in the fight, but it only made him sick for awhile. Write soon and direct to Staunton. My love to Mother and Selina. I have heard nothing from J. Vance since I last wrote. \nYour brother Saml. V. Fulkerson","Head Quarters 3 Brigade, Valley District   \nCamp near Winchester, VA \n28 May 1862  ","Sir- \nIn making my report of the part acted by the 3rd Brigade in the battle near Winchester on the 25th inst., I have to say that on the morning of the 24th the Brigade left its bivouac four miles south of Front Royal at daylight and marched to Middletown, and thence down the main valley Pike in the direction of Winchester. Owing to delay occasioned by the enemy's skirmishers embarrassing the advance of the head of the column, daylight cam upon us near Kernstown, after which we quickly advanced to the mills south of Winchester, at which time a vigorous fire was going on between our own and the enemy's batteries.","I was ordered to file my Brigade to the left of the Pike and take position under shelter of a hill for the purpose of supporting one of our batteries. I was also ordered to report to Genl. Winder who was already upon the ground. I placed the 23rd \u0026 37th Va. Vols in the position indicated, when Genl Winder ordered me to occupy a wooded hill in an adjoining field, with one Regt, which position he informed me, the enemy were on the move to occupy. I at once ordered Col. Warren with the 10th Va Vols to take position on the hill which he quickly did. In a short time Genl. Winder ordered me to place another Regt. on the hill with the 10th, when I ordered Maj. Williams to march the 37th there which he did with dispatch. ","During all of the time of these movements, and in fact from the time when the Brigade first entered the field, it was exposed to a severe fire from the enemy's batteries and long range small arms. After these movements had been executed Col. Taliaferro was ordered to move the 23rd forward and charge a battery of the enemy in his front. He pushed forward with his Regt. in gallant style. But in the meantime Genl. Taylor's Louisiana Brigade had come upon the field, formed and moved in the direction of the enemy, coming up upon the left of Col. Taliaferro.  The 37th \u0026 10th followed immediately after Genl. Taylor's Brigade. On rushing the top of the ridge on which the enemy's batteries had been placed, a sharp musketry fire ensued, but soon a general charge was made by our whole line when the enemy gave way and fled precipitately through Winchester in the wildest confusion. We followed in immediate pursuit on the Martinsburg road, for four miles from Winchester, where we were halted. A list of the casualties is herewith furnished, from which it will be seen that the loss of the Brigade is, comparatively, very light.","Col. Taliaferro commanding the 23rd, Col Warren commanding the 10th and Maj. Williams commanding the 37th acted in the most gallant \u0026 efficient manner. I refer to the reports of Col. Taliaferro, Col. Warren, \u0026 Maj. Williams for the conduct of the officers \u0026 men of their respective Regts. I with pride bear testimony to the gallant conduct of the whole Brigade both officers and men.","I am indebted to Capt. Wm. B. Pendleton A.A.A. Genl. for his gallant conduct and prompt and cheerful manner with which he executed my orders. Capt Wooding's battery was not placed in position during the day. Respectfully \nSaml V. Fulkerson \nCol. Comd. Brigd.","Port Republic, Rockingham Co.  \n8 [June] 1862 ","Dear Kate \nThe place at which this letter is written is a pretty village near the foot of the Blue Ridge and about twelve miles from Harrisonburg, at the junction of the North and South Rivers, which form the Shenandoah.","I wrote you last from Winchester shortly after our arrival there, giving you an account of our march and proceedings up to that time. Since then we have undergone and almost incredible amount of hardship. We stayed at Winchester two days after taking the place and then proceeded to Charles Town and Harper's Ferry. We found a few of the enemy at Charles Town, but soon drove them down to the Ferry, where they made a stand having been largely re-enforced from Washington \u0026 elsewhere. The enemy were in position on Bolivar Heights on the Va. side and on the heights on the Maryland side of the river. Both of these positions had been fortified by Genl. Johnston last summer.","A portion of our forces crossed the Shenandoah river and took possession of Louden Heights. This was in the evening, a brisk cannonading going on, which was renewed the next morning, and continued till the enemy was driven from the Bolivar across the Potomac. About this time Genl. Jackson received information that Genl. Shields was crossing the Blue Ridge and Genl. Fremont was coming from Moorfield to form a junction at Strasburg and thus cut us off. This placed us in the hardest place that we have ever yet been. Genl. Jackson immediately ordered us to march back. We had about fifty miles to make to pass Strasburg, and our men were already terribly broken down by continued and hard marching. We marched to our camps near Winchester that night and next morning at day light started to Strasburg, which we reached before night. We had now marched about 70 miles in less than three days, in going to and returning from Harpers Ferry.","Gen. Shields was now at [Front] Port Royal, some 8 or 9 miles from Strasburg, and Genl. Fremont was 7 miles from Strasburg on the Moorefield road. So you see that we had only a gap of about 15 miles wide to get out at. During Saturday night I received an order from Genl. Jackson (I was still in command of our Brigade) to proceed next morning (Sunday) at daylight, some two or three miles on the Moorefield road, take position and resist the advance of the enemy. Before I could get a position, our scouts informed me that the enemy was advancing, when I hurried forward to a suitable position, and made disposition of my own and two other Brigades which were for the time under my command.","I sent forward a company of cavalry, which soon returned at the top of their speed with the enemy's cavalry close after them. We drove these back, but in a very short time the enemy's infantry came down the road and through the woods at double quick, and when they got within range halted and opened a brisk fire upon us, which was kept up for some time when they were driven back again. By this time Gen. Ewell came upon the field and assumed command of the whole. After the enemy's infantry were driven back, they placed two pieces of cannon in position and the two forces kept up a very pretty and brisk artillery duel for an hour or more, when the enemy withdrew from the field. After this Genl Jackson came out and said that he did not want to bring on a general engagement then, and ordered us to fall back towards Strasburg. I do not think that we had more than 10 or 15 men killed and wounded. My Regt. had none hurt.","[At this point, according to the sentence below, the date is now June 10th]\nA little after dark we left Strasburg for Woodstock to which place the waggon had been sent, and we had a terrible march. (This writing above was suddenly stopped about 8 oclk on Sunday morning last by the enemies cannon, and I will now try to finish on this the 10th). We got to Woodstock about daylight, all broken completely down and seemingly half dead. We were dogged all night by the enemy's cavalry, and I know that they picked up many of our broken down stragglers. I have between thirty and forty men missing, most I fear were taken. It is not to be wondered at. Many of the poor fellows actually walked much of that weary night, fast asleep, so worn out and exhausted were they with their terrible duty. I do not think that our Genl. exercised due diligence in getting his captured stores to a secure place. There was a vast amount of them, the greater portion of which he saved. But Genl. Shields made his appearance so suddenly at Front Royal that a portion of the stores captured there were retaken together with some of our wagons.","We marched from Woodstock to near Harrisonburg, and the next day to near Port Republic, which place we reached on Saturday evening. I thought the next day, being Sunday, that we would rest, and I began to write this letter, when I was stopped by the roar of cannon down at the town. The town is located in the fork of the two rivers, the north and larger branch being bridged, the other not. The enemy's cavalry had dashed into town, with two pieces of artillery, one of which they planted at the end of the bridge, and with a third they began a fire from the opposite side of the river. Genl Jackson was in town and was taken completely by surprise and came near being captured. ","We were camped about three quarters of a mile from town on the north side of the river. The enemy (Genl Shields force) had come up the river on the south side from Elk Run. In a very short time we were ordered to double quick to the bridge. My Regt. was just in the act of forming for inspection, and we got the start of the others. We passed through a wheat field with the enemy's gun from the other side of the river playing upon us. When we got to the top of the hill near the bridge the gun at the other end opened with grape upon us. My men returned the fire, when Genl. Jackson ordered me to charge through the bridge and take the gun. I led off and my men followed. We rushed through the bridge, captured the gun, and pursued the enemy through the town and until he crossed the south branch. I could have captured the other cannon in town, but I did not know of but one ford. We rushed to that, but found the enemy crossing higher up. We opened fire on them, killing some horses and two or three men and taking six or eight prisoners.","Charging in at one end of a bridge with a cannon yawning in at the other is no very pleasant past time. But my men went in so well, that it elicited the praise of the Genl. and all who witnessed it. When we got to the cannon, the smoke of the last fire was still issuing from its mouth. We charged them so quickly and so vigorously that my loss was little. Yancey Smith (brother of the Capt) of Russell was killed, and Sergt. E. Johnson and Walter James of Capt. Terry's company each had a thigh badly broken. I fear that Johnson is mortally wounded. We had put some of our artillery in position, which soon silenced the enemy's guns on the opposite side of the river, and drove them back, and they did not again advance on that day.","While this was going on, Genl. Fremont made an attack on our forces next to Harrisonburg. Our Brigade was ordered to hold the bridge and town against Genl. Shields, which we did, but could hear the fight on the other side, which lasted till nearly night with heavy loss on both sides. Our loss in officers was considerable. Genls Elzey \u0026 Stewart were wounded, though I think not dangerously. Our men drove the enemy back about a mile and held possession of the field during the night, having captured more than 100 prisoners.","On our march the day before from Harrisonburg, Fremont pressed our rear very hardly, and our protection subjected us to the heaviest and saddest loss that we have sustained in the valley. Ashby (but a short time a Brigadier) was killed. He had just made a brilliant charge on the enemy, capturing a Col, Maj., and a number of prisoners. Afterwards and about dark he was leading on foot (his horse having been killed), on Infantry Regt. when he was shot through the heart, and the saddest part of it is, that it is generally believed that he was shot by our own men. He was the most gallant man I ever saw, and withal a good man. When Ashby was between us and the enemy we felt perfectly secure against any surprise, and he was always on the enemy's heels. They had great fear of him. He kept them in constant dread. His place cannot be filled, and his death cast a gloom over the whole army. He had performed more feats of daring and had done more hard and perilous service than any man in the army.","As I have placed Sundays proceedings before Saturday, I will now pass over to Monday. During Sunday our train had been sent on the road towards Waynesboro in Augusta Co. But on Sunday night Genl. Jackson threw a foot bridge across the north branch, ordered his train to turn back and take the road through Brown's Gap into Albemarle, and by a little after sun rise he had the greater portion of his army across the foot bridge and marching against Genl. Shields force, which camped the night before in sight of us about three miles off. Our Brigade and Genl. Trimble's were ordered to hold the large bridge and to resist the advance of Fremont. Our force and Shield's soon became hotly engaged, and the fight became a very hard one. Our men were being severely pressed and suffering a great loss, when Genl Jackson galloped back and ordered me to move forward my Regt at double quick, which I did. He also had the other two Regt of the Brigade ordered forward. ","When I got upon the field, and was putting my men in position for action, the enemy gave way and we rushed forward, passing his battery which he abandoned, having first killed all the horses. In coming up we received a sharp fire. The enemy rallied and partially formed, but we kept on and they gave way again, and commenced a general run, and scatterment. My Regt happened to get in advance, and hounds never pursued a fox with more eagerness than they pursued the flying yankees. Some kept the road and some took the bushes, all intent on capturing a yankee. We captured about 400 prisoners most of whom were taken by my men, among them a number of officers from Col down. We also captured two Regimental flags, all of the enemies artillery (seven or eight guns), all of his ambulances \u0026 c., and a number of small arms.","The Infantry followed about six miles, and the cavalry having come up followed about six further. My men performed many individual acts of bravery one of which I notice, and you may send it to the Abingdon paper for publication. The rout was complete and entire. The prisoners say that Genl. Shields was not present, but that Genl Tyler was in command. We captured a number of our old acquaintances, the 5th Ohio, and our boys were glad to meet with them. After our Brigade crossed the north branch, Genl. Trimble crossed the large bridge and then set fire to it \u0026 burned it down. In a short time Genl. Fremont appeared at the burnt bridge, but could do nothing but listen to the fight and pursuit. On our return from the pursuit we quietly passed within plain view of Genl Fremont's camp, and marched to this place on the Blue Ridge, where we are staying today.","Our camp extends back to within four or five miles of Port Republic. Men were worse mangled in this fight than any that I have been in. Heads \u0026 limbs off and bodies torn open were frequent sights for several miles. ","On Sunday night Capt. Jno. Preston \u0026 Lieut. Jno Humes with fifty men were sent out on picket and were left out when we went into the fight on Monday. After Fremont made his appearance I sent back my Regt to bring in the picket, but he thought that he could not get to them, and come back about midnight last night. I have heard nothing from them since, but think and hope that they have gone to Staunton or Waynesboro, about 18 miles off. I am not in the habit of gathering spoils on the field, but one of me brought me a Col's horse, saddle, bridle \u0026 c. Another gave me a very pretty sword. The horse belonged to Col. Lewis of Pa. He has been a fine horse, but is getting old and is not a good riding horse. I also got the Col's Regimental flag.","You will see from this narrative that we have had a very active and exciting time. We have fought on three Sundays in succession, which will do pretty well for a religious Genl. I got Selina's letter the other day \u0026 will write her when I can. Write soon to Staunton. Don't know when we will go next. Love to Mother \u0026 Selina. \nYour brother \nS.V. Fulkerson ","Mr. F.M. Fulkerson ","Sir- \nIn reply to your letter of the 7th ult. permit me to say that Col. S.V. Fulkerson was an officer of distinguished worth. I deeply felt his death. He rendered valuable service to his country, and had he lived, would probably have been recommended by me before this time for a brigadier generalcy. So far as my knowledge extends, he enjoyed the confidence of his regiment and all who knew him.","I am Sir your obdt. servt  \nT.J. Jackson","V.M. Institute June 4th 1853","Dear Sister, \nI recd your letter the 28th of May. I was very glad to hear that were so well pleased with your school. I suppose that you will come home before you teach another session if you do so at all, Father wrote to me the other day for the first time, they are all well at home Father has sold his mare and bought a buggy, I suppose that he will quit riding horse back and splurge in his buggy for a while, your old Mister Brown was kicked by a horse the other day and broke his leg, his family had bad luck lately.","We will have a great ball on the if nothing happens they are prepareing tolerably rapidly now, the tickets came yesterday. I sent you one of them, I know you will be certain to come or else I would not send it to you","The examination will commence the 20th of June, Sam is on the Board again they meet about the 15th, I have some faint hopes of passing, but it is verry doubtful  I tell you, you must write to me oftener","Your affectionate Brother \nAbram Fulkerson","Virginia Military Institute \nApr 14 1854","Dear Mother \nI recd your letter a few days ago or weeks I am not certain which but however I have not had time to answer it until to day.","I have nothing very new or of much importance to write to you. Circuit court is going on at present in Lexington They are trying Christian the man that killed Cadet Blackburn  there has been a great deal of excitement with the people since it commenced  there is a great many of C. friends attending the trial. I suppose from all accounts that he will be hung","There was another murder committed in town a few weeks ago almost as bad as B's, a man by the name of Winn killed the proprietor of the Washington Hotel, his name was Moore they had a falling out the day he was killed some five or six hours before the fight occurred.  Winn went to his (Moore's) house that night about ten o'clock and called him out into the street + stabbed him through the heart with a knife the knife cut his heart very near into two pieces. He died in a few minutes afterwards. There is two other men in jail for shooting men besides all of this there was a negro hung in Lexington a few weeks ago for the same offence, but it did not appear to have much affect. It seems like Lexington is going to turn out to be one of the most corrupt and immoral places in the State of Virginia.","Virginia wrote to me a few days ago. Sister Alice and the children are all well.  Virginia say she likes her new home very well considering the short time that she has been there.  She did not say whether she was going to school any more at Rogersville or not.","I wrote to Sam sometime ago to know whether I had better go home this summer or put it off until next. He says he thinks I had better stay another year before I go home and indeed I thought so myself  was the reason I wrote to him about it. Therefore I will not have the opportunity of coming home til next July year. I would be very glad if I could come next year but taking every thing into consideration I think it will be best to stay here another year.","I heard from Catherine lately. She is getting along about as common I believe I understand that Frank is going to marry before long. But I do not know whether it is true or not. Dr. Walker's son was here the other day on his way home from Philadelphia. He has been taking medical lessons there, I had a long talk with him.  e stayed in town one day and night. I must bring my letter to a close as I have nothing more to write, tell Balf and Jim to write to me.","Your affectionate Son, \nA. Fulkerson","Cumberland Gap \nMay 18, 1863\n \nMy dear wife- \nYour last kind letter was recd by friday's mail. Your dear letters are my greatest pleasure and do away in a great measure with the horror of separation. The frequency with which we can communicate with each other is a rich blessing and brings us as if we're almost together.","One of our pickets came in the other day and reported that a Mr. Davis was at the lines and desired to enter. This report took me very much by surprise, for although you had mentioned the probability of his coming yet I did not look for him. He only stayed a few hours. After dinner (a very poor one without apology to him) I went [around] to show him some of the curiosities of Cumberland Gap, which he seemed to think would compensate any one for making the visit. He went back up the valley and expected to get home by Wednesday next. Will see you Sunday, if not sooner.","The intelligence of the death of Gen. Jackson came upon us like a shock. We feel that his death is a national calamity. The poorest soldiers among us appreciated his worth - loved the man, and mourn his loss. I knew him well.1  He was my preceptor for more than four years and whilst during that time I did not appreciate the man, as school [schoolboys?]are not like to do, yet I always had great reverence for the man on account of his piety \u0026 uprightness of character. Among the many heroes of this revolution, none have lived so much adored, none have died so much deplored, and none have left a character as spotless as that of Stonewall Jackson. Could his life have been spared till the close of this cruel war, the unanimous voice of a grateful people would have proclaimed him chief ruler of the nation. But God has seen proper to take him from us, and what He does is right and for the best. It is [illegible] therefore that we make the sacrifice cheerfully, th'o we cannot see why our country should be deprived of his services at his her hour of greatest need.","I have no news of importance more than you will see in the papers. The news from Ky is vague and unreliable. It is reported and believed that there are three or four Regmts at Barboursville, 30 miles distant. That Burnsides is preparing to invade E. Tenn. on a large scale there seems no longer to be any doubt. A southern woman the wife of a Lincolnite told Mrs. Patterson today that a runner had just come across the mountain to tell the Union people, they must stay at home, that the Feds would be in, in about three weeks, that where they were found absent it would be an evidence of disloyalty. I will not be surprised if they make an effort about that time.","Mr. Patterson started to the R.R. today - is going to the salt works. I asked him to stop and see you all, but he would not promise. No prospect of any goods yet. Do you want any money? When you need money or any thing else you must not fail to let me know. My love to mother \u0026 Kate. Write often,\nYour affectionate husband \nAF","Field Officers Barracks, Ft. Delaware May 7 1865 ","My dear wife","I have not heard directly from you since the 4th of Feb. Your letter was directed to Ft. Pulaski. I received on my way here at Hilton Head S.C. Since that time we have passed through the most eventful period of the war. The closing scenes are being enacted, and with hearts overwhelmed with grief \u0026 sadness we bow in deep humiliation in their contemplation. The present, thank God, is only the \"beginning of the end.\" The military power of the South is broken, the spirit is not. The ball has been put in motion by the people of the South, an impetus has been given it, which will eventually result in the destruction of the U.S. Government and if not in the independence of the South, certainly in the disenthrallment of her people. Ten years will see us under the protecting wing of a foreign power, or independent.","I expect to meet you soon, not crowned with the laurels of victory but with the oath crammed down my throat, a quiescent citizen of the United States. I have the sweet consolation of being conscious of having served the cause faithfully. I sacrificed everything but life, and hazarded that, many times \u0026 in many ways, in behalf of my country. I have not the slightest fear that any man can ever point at me the finger of scorn and say \"you done it.\" I have performed my duty and now abandon the cause as (at present) hopeless, without in the least having changed my opinion as to the justness of that cause. I go now to share with the people of the south the deep humiliation which will be dictated by yankee vindictiveness.","I have heard from you thr'o your father up to March 1st. Receive letters from him often. Says he will send you money \u0026 c thr'o Mr. Armstrong. Hope you may have no difficulty in getting along. I cannot tell when I will be released, but probably soon. My love to Kate. Tell the boy, I'll be home soon. Your affect. husband. A. Fulkerson P.W.","Officers Barracks  \nFt. Delaware  \nMay 13, 1865 ","My dear wife- \nYour esteemed letter of the 17th April, via Knoxville reached me a few days since. I cannot express my gratification at learning that you were all well, and living. The terrible events which have transpired in the Confederacy within the past two months, and my great anxiety about you, taken together, had rendered me very unhappy, indeed wretched.","The last letter but one from you was dated 4th Feb and recd at Hilton Head S.C. the day after our departure from Ft. Pulaski. I have written you several times since my arrival here, via Richmond. About a week ago I sent you a letter to the care of Mr. Armstrong, but as I was in a very unhappy humor about them \"Cause\" it is probable that much that I said was too harsh and \"contraband\" and caused the\"confiscation\" of the letter. ","We left Ft. Pulaski on the 4th March, ordered by Genrl. Grant to be exchanged. When we reached Old Point active operations had commenced on the James, were sent here. The result of the campaign was disastrous to our aims. It has ended our hopes for exchange, if not for liberty itself. I cannot talk about our misfortunes in a letter, but must wait till I see you. It seems at present, that the only means of getting out of prison, is by taking the oath. It is probable therefore I will return to you soon, not crowned with victorious laurels, but as a loyal subject (overpowered) of the U.S. I do not know whether you would recognize me as a citizen or not, perhaps you may, if necessity forces it upon me.","I hear from your father often. He wrote me he was making arrangements to send you money \u0026 clothing th'ro Mr. Armstrong. I hope it will not be inconvenient for Kate to keep you with her til I am released. My health is now very good. Your affectionate husband. A. Fulkerson.  \nLove to Mrs. H and the boy (as you may not receive this for months, I will say our boy)"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFulkerson Family papers, 1835-1925. MS 0363. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Fulkerson Family papers, 1835-1925. MS 0363. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe collection consists of related to three members of the Fulkerson family: Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1822-1862), his brother Abram Fulkerson, Jr.          (1834-1902), and Abram's son, Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926). Significant items include:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCivil War correspondence (dated March-May 1862) written by Samuel V. Fulkerson (1822-1862)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSamuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862) reports of the Battle of McDowell and the Battle of Winchester (dated May and June 1862)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWartime correspondence (dated 1863 and 1865) written by Abram Fulkerson, Jr. Two letters were written while he was a prisoner of war.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA letter of appreciation (dated September 1862) written by General Stonewall Jackson following Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862) death in battle\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\nIn addition to the battles mentioned above, topics include:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBattles of Port Republic and Kernstown\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeath of Turner Ashby\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRefugee and civilian life\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCamp life\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReferences to Stonewall Jackson, including Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862 assessment of his character and Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s reflections following the Jackson's death\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\nAlso included are biographical and genealogical material, business and financial papers of Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926), and family correspondence.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Estillville, Scott County, Virginia. Topics include family news and talks of Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s first days at VMI and encourages him to study, stating \"you now have a chance of getting a better education and of\ndoing more for yourself than any of your brothers have ever had an opportunity of getting or doing for themselves, and if you do not turn you chance to good advantage it will be your own fault.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Topics include Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s progress at VMI and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Letter regards VMI examinations and grades. Samuel V. Fulkerson warns Abram Fulkerson, Jr. about the excessive number of demerits and cautions about leaving school, stating \"I do not like to hear you expressing a desire to resign. You know that a great part of your expense is paid by the state, and that you have undertaken to teach two years in the state as a sort of recompense. You will not forget this obligation.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Letter regards VMI finances and Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s \"unkind conduct.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards a recent trip and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Winchester, Virginia. Letter regards Civil War news and concerns for family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from camp near New Market, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Kernstown, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReport after the Battle of McDowell, Virginia. The report discusses the participation of 37th Virginia Regiment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Augusta County, Virginia. Letter regards troop movements and a recent battle.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReport written to Major R. L. Dabney. The report discusses the participation of 37th Virginia Regiment in the Battle of Winchester, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTypescript copy. The letter discusses the character of General Stonewall Jackson and the events at the Battle of Port Republic, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn the letter, Stonewall Jackson extends condolences after the death of Samuel V. Fulkerson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAppointment to the VMI Board of Visitors (1853) and to judgeship (1857).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis series includes letters two letters and one letter fragment written while Abram Fulkerson, Jr. was a cadet at VMI and three letters written during his Civil War service.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news, the military ball, and exams. The letter includes an invitation to the military ball.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and the trial of Charles Christian for the murder of Cadet Thomas Blackburn.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Cumberland Gap. Letter regards the death of General Stonewall Jackson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fort Delaware Prison. Letter regards end of the Civil War and defeat of the South.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fort Delaware Prison. Letter regards end of the Civil War and being exchanged.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis series contains financial and business papers, and genealogical information.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis series consists of three items of correspondence, including:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLetter from Margaret Fulkerson (Vance) to Mrs. Jane Preston (dated October 24, 1835)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLetter from J. S. Bradley to his cousin Harriet Fulkerson (dated July 24, 1847)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLetter from Dolly Bradley to Harriet Fulkerson (dated February 27, 1848) \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The collection consists of related to three members of the Fulkerson family: Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1822-1862), his brother Abram Fulkerson, Jr.          (1834-1902), and Abram's son, Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926). Significant items include:\n Civil War correspondence (dated March-May 1862) written by Samuel V. Fulkerson (1822-1862) Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862) reports of the Battle of McDowell and the Battle of Winchester (dated May and June 1862) Wartime correspondence (dated 1863 and 1865) written by Abram Fulkerson, Jr. Two letters were written while he was a prisoner of war. A letter of appreciation (dated September 1862) written by General Stonewall Jackson following Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862) death in battle \nIn addition to the battles mentioned above, topics include:\n Battles of Port Republic and Kernstown Death of Turner Ashby Refugee and civilian life Camp life References to Stonewall Jackson, including Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862 assessment of his character and Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s reflections following the Jackson's death \nAlso included are biographical and genealogical material, business and financial papers of Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926), and family correspondence.","Written from Estillville, Scott County, Virginia. Topics include family news and talks of Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s first days at VMI and encourages him to study, stating \"you now have a chance of getting a better education and of\ndoing more for yourself than any of your brothers have ever had an opportunity of getting or doing for themselves, and if you do not turn you chance to good advantage it will be your own fault.\"","Written from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Topics include Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s progress at VMI and family news.","Written from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Letter regards VMI examinations and grades. Samuel V. Fulkerson warns Abram Fulkerson, Jr. about the excessive number of demerits and cautions about leaving school, stating \"I do not like to hear you expressing a desire to resign. You know that a great part of your expense is paid by the state, and that you have undertaken to teach two years in the state as a sort of recompense. You will not forget this obligation.\"","Written from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Letter regards VMI finances and Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s \"unkind conduct.\"","Letter regards a recent trip and family news.","Written from Winchester, Virginia. Letter regards Civil War news and concerns for family.","Written from camp near New Market, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Kernstown, Virginia.","Report after the Battle of McDowell, Virginia. The report discusses the participation of 37th Virginia Regiment.","Written from Augusta County, Virginia. Letter regards troop movements and a recent battle.","Report written to Major R. L. Dabney. The report discusses the participation of 37th Virginia Regiment in the Battle of Winchester, Virginia.","Typescript copy. The letter discusses the character of General Stonewall Jackson and the events at the Battle of Port Republic, Virginia.","In the letter, Stonewall Jackson extends condolences after the death of Samuel V. Fulkerson.","Appointment to the VMI Board of Visitors (1853) and to judgeship (1857).","This series includes letters two letters and one letter fragment written while Abram Fulkerson, Jr. was a cadet at VMI and three letters written during his Civil War service.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news, the military ball, and exams. The letter includes an invitation to the military ball.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and the trial of Charles Christian for the murder of Cadet Thomas Blackburn.","Written from Cumberland Gap. Letter regards the death of General Stonewall Jackson.","Written from Fort Delaware Prison. Letter regards end of the Civil War and defeat of the South.","Written from Fort Delaware Prison. Letter regards end of the Civil War and being exchanged.","This series contains financial and business papers, and genealogical information.","This series consists of three items of correspondence, including:\n Letter from Margaret Fulkerson (Vance) to Mrs. Jane Preston (dated October 24, 1835) Letter from J. S. Bradley to his cousin Harriet Fulkerson (dated July 24, 1847) Letter from Dolly Bradley to Harriet Fulkerson (dated February 27, 1848) "],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_037e0e501ef493707a01e4a9bf4b0596\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1822-1862","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1863-1926","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Ashby, Turner, 1828-1862","Williams, Titus V. (Titus Vespasian), 1835-1908","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Ashby, Turner, 1828-1862"],"persname_ssim":["Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1822-1862","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1863-1926","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Ashby, Turner, 1828-1862","Williams, Titus V. 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However, the Archives does  preserve printed material, publications created by the Association, some Class reunion material, and related material (e.g. photograph collection from the office of the Alumni Review), and miscellaneous subject files on topics of general interest. This collection also includes some historical minutes of the Association.","Files maintained by Kathryn Wise, longtime editor of the Alumni Review who retired in 2010. Included are photographs of Class reunions and other Alumni Association events.","Alumni Association publications including,\n Alumni Review  (Alumni News).  Magazine first published 1926.  Published quarterly.  Alphabetical List of Graduates  (1898-1924).  Predecessor to the Register of Former Cadets.  The Register of Former Cadets  contains complete rosters of each VMI Class, with very brief biographical information. (1927-ongoing).  VMI in the World War (WWI).  Record of service in the World War of V. M. 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This collection also includes some historical minutes of the Association.","Files maintained by Kathryn Wise, longtime editor of the Alumni Review who retired in 2010. Included are photographs of Class reunions and other Alumni Association events.","Alumni Association publications including,\n Alumni Review  (Alumni News).  Magazine first published 1926.  Published quarterly.  Alphabetical List of Graduates  (1898-1924).  Predecessor to the Register of Former Cadets.  The Register of Former Cadets  contains complete rosters of each VMI Class, with very brief biographical information. (1927-ongoing).  VMI in the World War (WWI).  Record of service in the World War of V. M. I. alumni and their alma mater  by Joseph R. Anderson, Jr., published 1920)","The DVD includes one slideshow of photographs taken while the members of the class of 1968 were cadets at the Virginia Military Institute and one slideshow of photographs taken during the 50th reunion of the class of 1968. The disc also includes a folder containing files of all of the photographs that were supplied for the two slideshows.","The History of Integration at VMI program featured a panel discussion with Harry W. Gore, Jr., Adam L. Randolph III, Richard E. Valentine, Jr., and Philip L. Wilkerson Jr., who, along with Larry H. Foster, were the first African Americans to matriculate at the Virginia Military Institute in September 1968.  The panel commemorated the 50th anniversary of the year (1968-1969) that these five men matriculated at VMI. It took place on April 26, 2019, and was moderated by Col. Keith E. Gibson."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_46ec334221433700f5f70de69d542a5d\"\u003eArchives stacks, Record Group 14, Affiliated Organizations\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Archives stacks, Record Group 14, Affiliated Organizations"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Virginia Military Institute. 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Arnold, Jonathan Arnold, and others."],"title_filing_ssi":"Arnold family papers","title_ssm":["Arnold family papers"],"title_tesim":["Arnold family papers"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1847-1902"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1847/1902"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Arnold family papers"],"component_level_isim":[1],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"collection_ssim":["Stonewall Jackson papers"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"level_ssm":["Series"],"level_ssim":["Series"],"sort_isi":184,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["The collection is open to research, but there are special conditions governing use."],"parent_access_terms_tesm":["Researchers are required to use photocopies or online versions of the Stonewall Jackson documents.","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"date_range_isim":[1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891,1892,1893,1894,1895,1896,1897,1898,1899,1900,1901,1902],"access_subjects_ssim":["Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Correspondence"],"language_ssim":["English"],"containers_ssim":["box 5","Folder 1-19"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis series includes correspondence to and from Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson), Stark W. 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Arnold, Jonathan Arnold, and others."],"_nest_path_":"/components#8","timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:10:42.873Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_591","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_591","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_591","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_591","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_591.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00008.xml","title_ssm":["Stonewall Jackson papers"],"title_tesim":["Stonewall Jackson papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1844-1915"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1844-1915"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0102","/repositories/3/resources/591"],"text":["MS.0102","/repositories/3/resources/591","Stonewall Jackson papers","Mexican War, 1846-1848","Generals—Confederate States of America","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Chancellorsville (Va.), Battle of, 1863","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Academics—History—19th century","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Mexican War, 1846-1848—Personal narratives","Correspondence","Reports","Orders (military records)","Dispatches","The collection is open to research, but there are special conditions governing use.","A significant portion of the Stonewall Jackson papers are available \n online .","Thomas Jonathan Jackson was born on January 21, 1824 in western Virginia (now West Virginia) to Julia Neale Jackson and Jonathan Jackson. Jackson was orphaned at a\nyoung age and he was raised by extended members of his\nfather's family, mainly his uncle, Cummins Jackson.","Jackson graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in June 1846 and subsequently served in the United States Army, during which time he fought in the Mexican War. Jackson resigned his commission in 1851, after he was appointed Professor of Natural and Experimental Philosophy at VMI. He moved to Lexington, Virginia and settled into life as a civilian.","In April 1861, Jackson rode off to war. Following the first Battle of Manassas (Virginia), he became widely known by the nickname \"Stonewall\" and earned lasting fame for his leadership of Confederate forces, especially during the Valley Campaign of 1862.","Jackson died on May 10, 1863 as a result of complications from wounds received at Chancellorsville, Virginia along with pneumonia. His body was brought back to Lexington for burial in a cemetery on the south edge of town.","Roberta Cary Corbin Kinsolving (1826-1919). Her first husband was Richard Corbin of Moss Neck Plantation near Fredericksburg, Virginia. Following Richard's death in the Civil War, she married Reverend Ovid Americus Kinsolving.","...Be not discouraged by disappointments \u0026 difficulties but on the contrary let each stimulate you to greater exertions for attaining noble ends \u0026 an approving conscience at least will be your reward. Please write to me soon. My health is as good as usual. During my furlough I was made an officer consequently my duties are lighter than usual. You may rest assured of my ....(section of letter missing)","....what I have formerly... \nfriend \u0026 brother \nThos. Jackson","...difficulty in obtaining them from the post office on account of another cadet's name being Thomas. R. Jackson.","I am at present living in a room by myself my room mate having resigned in consequence of his father's ill health. The weather has been extremely cold \u0026 stormy here for the last few days though at present it is moderating. My studies for the approaching June examination will include Optics Mechanics Astronomy Magnetism \u0026 Chemistry together with drawing. I expect to commence taking exercises in riding in a day or two. At the examination last I rose in each of department of my studies.","A few days since I was called upon to pay the last token of my respect to a friend \u0026 fellow classmate in whom were combined both shining talents \u0026 the characteristics of a gentleman. His death was much lamented by his class mates who a few days subsequent to his death assembled \u0026 appointed a committee to attend to the erection of a monument to his memory. My health is at present as good as usual \u0026 I remain your well wishing brother \nT.J. Jackson","U.S.M.A. Aug 2nd 1845 \nDear Sister \nActuated by a sense of duty I proceed to writing you a few lines hoping that they may find you enjoying the blessings of health and prosperity generally which I have some reason to expect.","You may infer that I am well and enjoying myself very well considering that I am deprived of the blessings of a home the society of the friends of my child-hood the cordial welcome of relatives and above all the presence of an only sister. Times are now far different from what they once were. Once I was in my native state at my adopted home none to give there mandates none for me to obey but as I chose surrounded by my playmates and natives all apparently eager to promote my happiness. But those were the days of my youth they have fled never again to return. They have been succeeded by days of quite a different aspect they have brought forth manhood with all its cares.","I have before me two courses either of which I may chose in case that I am blessed with health and long life they are widely different in their natures and consequences. The first I may say would be to follow the profession of arms the second that of a civil pursuit as law. If I should adopt the first I could live independently \u0026 surrounded by friends whom I have all ready made have no fear of want, my pay would be be fixed. The principal thing I would have to attend to would be futurity. If I adopt the latter I presume that I would still find plenty of friends but my exertions would have to be great in order to acquire a name. This course is most congenial to my taste and consequently I expect to adopt it after spending a few years in pursuing the former.","I have forgotten the contents of my former letter consequently I will mention my standing as it exists at present . In Drawing it is 59th, in Chemistry 25th, in general standing 20th, in Philosophy 11th, in conduct 1st. There are 60 members in my class at present nineteen above me and forty below me.","I propose on coming to see my friends and yourself in July next.","A member of the Corps was drowned a few days since his body was recovered about 5 days subsequent to the fatal stroke and interred with the honors of war. I had the pleasure of his acquaintance. He was a youth of promise stood high in his class and bid fair for long life. The news must have inflicted a sore wound on the hearts of his parents for he certainly was a favorite child. The corps is at present in mourning for him.There have been a number of distinguished men on the point for some time back among whom was Major General Scott. Many visitors favour us with calls among them are a number of ladies but they are not so fair as the daughters of western Virginia.","Write to me frequently as your brother \nT.J. Jackson","West Point U.S.M.A. Nov. 25th 1845 \nDear Sister \nIt has been but a few moments since I had the pleasure of receiving your affectionate \u0026 sister like letter with it came the blended feelings of satisfaction sorrow and remorse. Satisfaction to think that I still have an existence in the heart of an amiable and admired sister. Sorrow because of your delicate health. Remorse for the misfortunes of an uncle who has been to me a true friend.","As to your health it is my sincere wish that you may again recover it and of which I continue to live in hopes. My constitution as well as your own has received a severe shock but I believe is gradually recovering from its debilitated state. My exercises this year with the broad sword as well as the small are well calculated to strengthen the chest \u0026 expand the muscles so that I have some reason to believe that they will have the desired effects of restoring me to perfect health. And I hope that the same kind providence which has preserved us as the remnant of a family up to the present period will again favor us with an interview although in its wisdom it has marked out for us (at least for a period) widely different spheres of action and different places of abode. But I look forward with no small degree of satisfaction to the period when my circumstances will allow me to settle down near you \u0026 among my relatives in order to share with yourselves the ineffable pleasures of domestic circles. For your kind advice, and well wishes, you have my hearty thanks.","Since my last letter I have been transferred to the first section in Ethics \u0026 I think that I have probably a mark in it which will place me among the first five in my class in this science \u0026 which I consider as preferable to any other in the course.","There is a young gentleman here by the name of Withers who is from the south he has told me that his father was formerly of Virginia \u0026 that he has relatives still living there \u0026 that one of them who is a doctor visited his father two or three years since.This youth is an associate of mine \u0026 I would be glad to know whether or no he is a relative of mine which I could do probably if I knew the given name of doctor Withers of Fauquier who I know visited the south sometime previous to my coming here. If you recollect the time of his passing through Weston as well as his name I would be glad if you would insert them in your next provided it will be convenient to you though I do not wish you to put yourself to the least trouble on that account as I can obtain them otherwise.","It is probable that you think hard of me because of my not writing more frequent. But I hope that the strict requirements of many duties as well as want of information \u0026 [_____] will prove a partial if not a complete excuse. Give my respects to Mr. Arnold \u0026 rest assured of my immutable attachment.","...is a little excitement owing to the proximity of Furlough \u0026 graduation.","I have been expecting a letter from you in answer to my last but not knowing what might have occurred I have deemed it best to attempt another hoping that it will meet with better success than the former. [Futile?] may be the effort and feeble it must be [missing word or words] -ation that I but seldom turn my atten[tion] [missing word or words] elegance of [missing]. I hope that you will [missing] it to pass unnoticed. Thought it be divested of ev[ery] artificial merit yet it [be possessed of] a natural....","Rumor appears to indicated a rupture between our government \u0026 that of the Mexican. If such should be the case the probability is that I will be ordered to join the army of occupation immediately \u0026 if so I will hardly see home until after my return \u0026 the next letter that you will receive from me may be dated Texas or Mexico. But be the decre[e?] [missing] all knowing God as they may I hope that [missing] [s]hall ever continue to love you with a [missing]..... \nT. J. Jackson","On Board the James L. Day \nSeptember 22d 1846","Dear Uncle \nI have often thought of writing to you but have deferred it until the present which is the latest news which I will be able of give you previous to leaving the United States. I found after arriving at Fort Columbus that Capt Taylor had left that post from that place. I proceeded to Fort Hamilton where he had taken up his quarters. Leaving there about ten days afterward, I traveled by land about 410 miles to Pittsburgh at which place I embarked on board the steam boat Suatara which conveyed me to Cincinnati. From that city I came to New Orleans on board the steamer Hendrik Hudson. I have just left New Orleans Barracks and am now being transported to Point Isabell which I expect to reach in about 2 or 3 days. I am at present with Captain Taylor (who is a Virginian and a very fine man) 27 men and 84 horses. The principal part of the company is in Mexico at present. I belong to a company of light Artillery which is frequently called flying artillery. In an action if all the officers of the company should be well I will have to carry dispatches being unfortunately too low to have a command. It is possible that before this time General Taylor has had another battle. If he has not already had one it is thought by men of experience that he will have before entering Monterey.","I sent uncle a few days since tell him if it is not there it to Clarksburg and tell (the merchant) that I wish him to give for it. It will be more to him than. (Note: the sentence contains several words that have been blacked out with ink, thus making the full meaning difficult to determine)","The weather here is more pleasant than it was in the north before I left there. The city of New Orleans is very healthy and there is no yellow fever in it at present. I am enjoying comparatively good health at present and I do not believe that I have the liver complaint but am under the impression that the disease is neuralgic.","Give my respects to my friends including your family of course and write to me as soon as you [can] ascertain where to direct your letter.","T. J. Jackson \nP.S. I have arrived in sight of Point Isabel Texas and am now at anchor in a strong gale. The news came aboard yesterday that General Taylor would be ready for a battle on yesterday. The intelligence was by letter from Col. Whiting. I expect soon to start up the Rio Grande by steam for the purpose of joining the main body of the army as soon as possible.","TJJ","Point Isabel Texas \nSept 25th/46","Dear Sister: \nI arrived in this port last evening and purposed on writing to you before closing my eyes in sleep but I was prevented from executing my purpose by the impossibility of procuring an idle pen. I have availed myself of this opportunity of writing in particular as it may be the last favorable one for days to come as in this country letters are generally transmitted from one person to another through the kindness of a third person or the quartermasters. How I shall be able to get this to New Orleans I can not say but it must be through one of these channels. There are at present about one hundred vessels in port, some of which I presume will soon sail for New Orleans.","It is useless for me to attempt to give a detailed account or narrative of occurrences since I last parted with you but suffice it to say that I arrived home on the following Monday and on the succeeding Wednesday received orders to report without delay to Capt. Francis Taylor and the following day in compliance with my orders bid farewell to my uncle's family and proceeded to Fort Columbus but on arriving there ascertained that he had left. On receiving this information I proceeded to Fort Hamilton where I found him. From that post in connection with Capt. Taylor thirty men and forty horses I took up march for this place. After traveling upwards of 400 miles by land we reached Pittsburgh where we took water and have finally arrived here after a March of about 36 days.","Whilst I was in Clarksburg I learned that Mr. McWilliams was still in your house and unable to pay rent for it and I was advised to consult Burtin Despard. He told me that the house could be cleared of its occupants in a short time but that it might cost about fifteen dollars to effect it and if Mr. Arnold should desire him that he would attend to it. And if I had to employ any one he should have the preference in as much as he would in my opinion effect it in a shorter time than any other attorney in Clarksburg. The lot which you were speaking of purchasing he told me that in his opinion you could not get a good title for it if you should purchase it because it is already covered by three deeds of trust. Any further information upon the subject can be obtained by applying to Mr. Despard.","I have not yet landed but an officer of the Quartermasters Department has been aboard and stated that General Taylor had observed that he would be ready for another battle by yesterday. This news came by letter from Col. Whiting. Whether the Battle came off or not I can not say.","I belong to K company 1st Artillery which to use the common phrase is a flying company of Artillery. I could say much more but I am writing in a strong gale of wind and where things are all confusion. I am in hopes of starting up the Rio Grande tomorrow and on reaching General Taylor as soon as possible. I wish you to write to me soon directing your letter to Lieut T.J. Jackson, Comp K, 1st Artillery, Army of Occupation Mexico. It may reach me but not with certainty. My health is better than it has been for some time. Give my respects to the good people of Beverly they still occupy a high place in my esteem especially your amiable husband whose kindness as well as yours has been indelibly written on my heart and memory.","T.J. Jackson","Dear Sister \nI now send you the long delayed letter and hope that you will pardon my procrastination since I last wrote to you. I have been at Matamoras Camargo Monterey and Saltillo and the intermediate towns. At present I can not conveniently give you a general idea of the portions of Mexico which have fallen under my observation but hope to do so at some future day when things are more settled than at present and I also purpose on writing to you more frequently.","It would have [afforded] me much pleasure to have been with the gallant and victorious General Taylor at the battle of Buena Vista in which he has acquired laurels as imperishable as he history which shall record the invasion of Mexico by our victorious armies. But I was ordered away from Saltillo in January last and I believe for the best inasmuch as I am now with the most important portion of the army and on the most important line of operations.","I am now encamped on the road leading from Vera Cruz to the city of Mexico. Our troops landed about two miles from the former city on the ninth inst and on the same night were fired on by the Mexicans. On the following day we commenced surrounding the city and operating against it. The operations after the [investment] was completed consisted principally in bombarding and cannonading which were continued until not only the city but the castle of San Juan Dulloa agreed to surrender. The capitulation occurred yesterday. The terms are that all the public property falls into our hands, the troops march out under the condition of not serving against us during the present war unless exchanged. The troops marched out yesterday and surrendered their arms and we took possession immediately. This capitulation has thrown into our hands the strong hold of this republic and being a regular [siege] in connection with other circumstances must in my opinion excel any military operations known in the history of our country. I approve of all except allowing the enemy to retire that I can not approve of in as much as we had them secure and could have taken them prisoners of war unconditionally.","Our loss is not accurately known nor that of the enemy either yet but in my estimation ours can not exceed twenty men in killed, we lost only two captains (Capt Vinton of the artillery and Capt Alburtis of the infantry). I have been in the city and was much surprised at its strength. It is surrounded on the land side by a wall about 10 feet high and a series of forts and on the other side is protected by the castle.","You asked me whether I belonged to General Worth's division. I had the honor of being in it so long as it existed but it has been broken up during the past siege. I was part of the time with him and part of the time with General Twigs. Whilst I was at the advanced batteries a cannon ball came in about five steps of me. I presume that you think my name ought to appear in the papers but when you come to consider the composition of our army you will entertain different views. Its composition is such that those who have independent commands only are as a general rule spoken of for instance Ridgely May [Bra--] Duncan Ringold Smith all commanded companies. If an officer wishes to distinguish himself he must remain long in service until he obtains rank then he obtains the praise not only for his efforts but for the efforts of the officers and men under him. That portion of praise which may be due to me must of course go to those above me or be included in the praise given to the army.","My health is extremely good. I probably look better than I have for years. I expect to remain in Mexico for the remainder of the war and expect to move forward with the leading Brigade. I expect to be promoted in a short time to a second lieutenancy. This will probably occasion me to leave the light battery but it will give me more rank which is of the greatest importance in the army.","Remember me in the warmest terms to Mr. Arnold and all my other friends. I rejoice at your prosperity and hope and doubt not that it will continue. I hope soon to march forward towards the city of Mexico. Vera Cruz continues healthy. I intend writing soon and more frequently as my feelings incline me to and as a brother ought. Your last letters coming in such quick succession served as a just rebuke but my means for writing are poor. Even now I am using a box for a chair and my camp bedstead as a writing desk and think myself comfortably situated. You have all the conveniences necessary and I hope that you will use them to write often to one who esteems you above all.","Camp near Vera Cruz Mexico \nMarch 30th 1847","Sir: \nHaving in compliance with written instructions from Capt Francis Taylor 1st Arty performed the duties of QrMaster from the 14th of August 1846 to include the 22d of the same month and from the 16th of Oct to include the 28th of November of the same year. The above duty was performed whilst on march from Fort Hamilton NY to Monterey Mexico and I have the honor to request that I may be allowed the usual compensation for the same. \nVery respectfully","Your Obt Servt \nT. J. Jackson \nLt 1st Arty","Jalapa Mexico \nApril 22d 1847","Dear Sister \nI promised in my last that I would give you a more detailed account of Mexico in a subsequent letter. I will now endeavor to comply with that promise. In doing so I will first state in general terms that the portion of Northern Mexico which has fallen under my observation is mostly a vast barren waste cities excepted. There are but two seasons in Mexico wet \u0026 dry. In consequence of the drought there is but little vegetation in the north. A person in traveling through this sterile portion of country would not suppose that the country inhabitants were able to pay their taxes. But in the cities it is different. There wealth is frequently found one person residing in Saltillo is said to own a larger area of land than the state of New York.","But passing to the south the aspect of things change. You frequently {see} elegant buildings in the country. Genl Santa Anna owns between this place \u0026 Vera Cruz 5 beautiful houses and a tract of land about fifty five miles in length. The country in the south is very similar to our own. Whilst I was in Monterey my quarters were in the outskirts of the city having a large back lot attached which contained beautiful orange orchard. Also in this lot was a fine bathing establishment the dimensions being about 25 by 30 ft. Monterey is the most beautiful city which I have seen in the North of this distracted country.","About 50 miles farther west is Saltillo the capital of Coahuila. Its [height] is about 2000 feet above the level of Monterey on an inclined plane at the edge of the table lands. The houses are generally built of sun dried brick as are most of the houses in that region. The church is the most highly ornamented on the interior of any edifice which has ever come under my observation. On entering this magnificent structure we are struck with the gaudy appearance on every side but most especially the opposite end which appears to be gilded with gold. At the bottom is a magnificent silver altar and on each side are statues which can not fail to attract the attention of the astonished beholder. The music is of the highest character. The priests are robed in the most gaudy of apparel. The inhabitants take off their hats on approaching the church and do not replace them until past it. One day whilst I was near the building I observed a señora (lady) gradually approaching the door on another occasion I saw a female looking at a statue and weeping like a child. Such is the superstition of this race.","After obtaining a [limited] transportation for General Twigg's division it set forward for Jalapa on the road leading to the city of Mexico. But on arriving near Cerro Gordo we learned that General Santa Anna held the pass in force consequently we waited for reinforcements which finally arrived and on the 17nst we attacked the Mexicans but did not succeed in routing them completely until the 18th when we took some thousand prisoners and completely routed the remainder. We followed close on the retreating column until night and came near enough to give the retreating enemy a few shots from the battery. But they succeeded in effecting their escape for want of our dragoons. General Scott after disarming the prisoners allowed them to retire the officers on [parole]. But General La Vega who is again our prisoner refused to except of his and I presume that he will be sent back to the U.S. Our loss has been considerable but not known neither is the Mexican. General Santa Anna escaped but in his haste left us his carriage \u0026 together with some thousand dollars in specie.","General Twiggs' division has fought the battle. General Worth has again got a division but he did not get it into action owing to its being used as a reserve and General Twiggs' as the advance. Capt Taylor in his report to General Twiggs has spoken of me in very flattering terms. I am now in Jalapa which is situated about 60 miles from Vera Cruz and 195 from the city of Mexico. General Worth is now in advance and if there is any fighting at Perote he will be apt to distinguish himself. He will probably be in the vicinity of Perote tomorrow at farthest and possibly today. It is rumored here that the Mexicans are fortifying their capital if so then we may have the grand battle there. A Mexican officer came here last evening from the city of Mexico and stated that his father had written to him from San [Louis] stating that General Taylor was there \u0026 had met with no opposition.","I can say no more as I have just learned that the escort by which I wish to send this has started because I must mount my horse \u0026 over take it or miss a good opportunity. I am in better health than usual.","Jalapa, May 25th, 1847","Lovely Sister \nI have the mortification of being left to garrison the town of Jalapa. Capt Taylor used his influence to keep me with him in which event I should have gone forward. But [Col. Childs] who was made military governor of this place got General Scott to issue an order requiring me to join my company which was under the command of the governor. Not withstanding my present situation I have some hope of getting forward by-and-by when more troops get in from the states. But all this is with General Scott. I throw myself into the hands of an all wise God and hope that it may yet be for the better. It may have been one of [His] means of diminishing my excessive ambition and after having accomplished his purpose whatever it may be he then in his infinite wisdom may gratify my desire.","The army was to move at the time which I mentioned but General Scott concluded to disband the volunteers as their time had nearly expired and this so much diminished our force that we delayed the advance until a couple of days since. General Scott left on Sunday with an escort following in the wake of his troops. General Worth has been in Puebla for about 10 days. Santa Anna marched from Orezaba and commenced fortifying about half way between the cities of Puebla and Mexico but owing to some [cause] he relinquished it and marched into the capital left the army and is now in the presidential chair. As to his motives I cannot say anything further. But I suppose that he thinks that his influence will be more powerful there than elsewhere. The people here think him an infamous man. An election was held on the 15th for president and Herera was the successful candidate but will not take his seat for a few months yet.","I am in fine quarters and making rapid progress in the Spanish language and have an idea of making some female acquaintances shortly. I see many things here of interest by the way of ornament and fruits and wish that I only had an opportunity of sending some to you and Thomas. I well know that he would like to have a ranchero (Mexican) on horse back followed by some large dogs. I would be much pleased to hear from Wirt poor fellow?","Give my respects to your estimable husband. I want to hear whether the reports about Uncles Cummins \u0026 Edward are true. I think of you often and my heart more than once upbraided me for my neglect to you. But I feared to inform you of things as they were in this unholy land. Your Brother always.","T.J. Jackson","City of Mexico \nFeby 28th 1848","Dearest Sister \nThe mail came on the 26th and in vain I searched the post office thrice for a line from you and consequently sorrowfully commenced my letter to you but on leaving my desk for a few hours on business was agreeably surprised on my return to find your letter mysteriously placed on my table. And now whilst I recommence with joy inexpressible for tongue or pen at hearing of your life still being prolonged I am also most deeply affected with heartfelt sorrow at the words which say \"I may not live to receive your answer.\" But I hope that these words imply nothing beyond what they literally state. To God this is the earnest prayer of your brother. But if he in his great wisdom has afflicted you with disease incurable then may he in his infinite goodness receive you into his heavenly abode where though I should be deprived of you here in this world of care yet I should hope to meet with you in a land where care and sorrow are unknown there with a mother a brother a sister yourself and I hope a father to live in a state of felicity uncontaminated by mortality.","Let not this letter trouble you dearest sister for I could not write one of a different cast with a clear conscience when you speak to me so ominously. But do not be [deterred] by any cause from saying to me plainly that I am sick or that I am well for ambiguity in relation to you is very painful to me.","You appear to think hard of my not writing more frequently but I have not only written by every mail but on one occasion sent by a Spanish friend in [five]. I have embraced every opportunity to say to you that I am in such or such a state of health. But for the future the intention is to send the mail by escorts twice a month on the first and fifteenth so that you may expect to hear from me by every mail until I am ordered from this city which may and which may not be at all as I am in General Smith's brigade and he is governor of the city. I am first Lieutenant and belong to Capt. Taylor's Battery. I hope the war may soon terminate but do not entertain much hope although the terms of a treaty have been sent to Washington and at present an armistice is being made or has been concluded but as yet is not public. Santa Anna has asked of his government a passport for the purpose of leaving the country and it was granted to him on the 13th inst. But it is doubtful whether he will go as several of the states have expressed themselves favorably to him and [------------] has offered him an asylum.","If we both live I expect to see you. Do not allow my words about marrying in Mexico to disturb you. I have sometimes thought of staying here and again of going home. I have no tie in this country equal to you. You speak of my fine horse as in your opinion being rather extravagant but if an officer wishes to appear best he should appear well in everything. I bought the horse having plenty of money and need of [ ] and have since been offered three hundred and fifty dollars for him, that is a hundred and seventy more than I gave and can at any time get more than I gave. My pay whilst with Capt. Magruder was one hundred and four dollars per month and I expect it will soon be the same here but at present it is only about ninety so that I have plenty of money and am in the long run economical although it would not appear to you so as here everything is dear and with you cheap. I dress as a gentleman should who wishes to be received as such. I do not gamble nor spend my money as I think foolishly.","I am very desirous of peace as it may be better for the United States \u0026 it may give me an opportunity of again entering your hospitable house \u0026 having that sight most delightful of all other earthly ones that is of my sister. My health I think is improving in this country and at all events my knowledge of Spanish is. As I shall have a better idea when the mail will start hereafter I shall try and send you more interesting letters. Remember me to Mr. Arnold \u0026 friends in the warmest terms. Your brother.","\nT.J. Jackson","City of Mexico. March 23, 1848.","Dear Sister \nI have written a letter to Mr. Arnold and requested to be remembered to you in it but since finishing it I have concluded to send you one also. I received your letter of January 14th but the paper from Mr. Arnold did not come to hand but still I am as much obliged to him as though it had and trust that he will send others as they may have better success.","I thought at one time of writing a journal but I can not find the time as although I am usually up at six o'clock and retire to bed at ten and eleven still the day is not long enough. The morning hours I occupy in studies \u0026 business and the evening in a similar manner but generally taking a walk after dinner and sometimes a ride on the Passeo or elsewhere in the evening. The Passeo is a wide road on the south west of the city and about a half of a mile in length with a beautiful fountain in the center and is a place of fashionable resort. Families of wealth appear there in the carriages at sunset partly if not entirely for show. There is also a place of morning resort between the city and the Passeo called the Almeda which is a beautiful grove of about four hundred by six hundred yards and containing I think eight fountains. At the central one is celebrated the anniversary of Mexican independence and from this which is the largest beautiful walks diverge to the different outlets (the grove being surrounded by a wall). I purpose on riding to both these places this evening hoping to see something there more attractive than at home. When not on duty I generally pay a visit after supper or tea. Among those families which I visit are some of the first in the republic as Don Lucas Aleman Martinez del Rio and I also have the acquaintance of others of some distinction.","My studies are now principally directed to the formation of my manners and the rules of society and a more thorough knowledge of human nature and the latter I perceive from your letter meets with your approbation and I doubt not but that the former two objects will also as they are very important to a man's success in life. You will pardon me for the mistake I have made in turning the leaves of this sheet. But returning to my subject this country offers me greater advantages for acquiring graces than I will probably ever meet with again unless I should visit Europe. The book which I am studying is Lord Chesterfield's letters to his son translated into Spanish so that whilst I am obtaining his thoughts I am also acquiring a knowledge of the Spanish tongue. I have also purchased the work in English and after having read it in Spanish I then purpose on reading it in English. Subsequent to this I shall study Shakespeare's works which I purchased a few days since and then if I can obtain good histories I wish to devote some time to them.","If Uncle Cummins \u0026 Edward should leave Lewis I wish you would get Uncle Edward to box up my books which are in his possession and send them to you. I hope that you will try and write me a letter once a week. I should write more frequently to you if an opportunity offered of sending letters more than twice a month. Owing to my knowledge of the language of the country and the acquaintances which I have made I think that I pass my time more agreeably than the greater portion of the officers of the Army, but if your company could also be had I would spend my hours still more agreeably. My love to all enquiring friends. My health is as good if not better than usual. General Scott's case has been investigated. The charges against Col. Duncan were withdrawn. Also General Worth withdrew his against General Scott. General Pillow's case is now being investigated.","National Palace Mexico. April 10, 1848","Dear Sister \nAs three successive mails have arrived, without bringing a single letter from you, I am (and I think not without reason) uneasy about your health. As I do not know of any other reason but bad health which could have prevented your writing to a brother who is interested in everything that interests you. And I hope that if you have any regard for my peace of mind that you will write at least once every fortnight. If your health forbids your writing at any time, then get someone to write for you, if it should be but a dozen lines. I do not think that a regular mail has left this city, without carrying a letter for you from me.","The treaty has arrived from Washington, with its amendments. Many think that it will receive the ratification of this government. But some think that it will not. For my own part I hope it will. Mr. Sevier I presume will be here in a few days. At last dates from Queretaro there were wanting fifteen congressmen, and three senators to complete the quorum. We have received news here of a battle at [Chiguagua], in which we took fourteen pieces of artillery from the enemy. I am at present studying Humboldt's history of Mexico, in Spanish. The rain is quite abundant here at present and interferes somewhat with my evening visits. It is believed that our presence here is destroying the extreme superstition of this country. But not withstanding the influence of our presence, the natives still with uncovered heads drop on their knees, at the approach of the Archbishop's carriage; which is recognized by its being drawn by two spotted mules.","General Pillow's trial is not yet finished and the general opinion is that it will be terminated in the United States. We are told here that our people at home, think that the army do not wish to return from Mexico, but if such is the truth they are much mistaken. An expedition started a few days since, for [Popocatepitl] which is a volcanic mountain to the S.E. of and in full view of this city, and which still issues clouds of smoke at times. I should probably have gone my self, but as the temperature is so extremely low, resulting from the crest being capped with snow, I feared that my health might suffer.","In conformity with the armistice, the Mexicans have taken possession of their archives, and have resumed the civil administration of their government. Santa Anna at last news, was at his hacienda near Jalapa (Encerro) again bidding adieu to his country. Whilst at his hacienda he received the visits of Colonel Hews, and several other American officers. General Valencia died a few days since in this city, the news of which proved fatal to his daughter, who died a few hours subsequent to its reception. I have heard of no other who mourned his fate. The general hospital is ordered to be moved to Jalapa, and General Patterson I believe will go down at the same time, to take command of the station. This movement appears to indicate an anticipation of leaving the country.","Remember me to Mr. Arnold, Thomas and other friends.","T.J. Jackson","City of Mexico. May 20th 1848","Sir \nThe Secretary of War having informed me by letter of the 20th of April ult. that I have been appointed by the President Assistant Commissary of Subsistence I have the honor to notify you for the information of the war department that I have accepted the appointment.","I am sir very respectfully your obdt. servt.","T.J. Jackson \n1st Lt. 1st Arty Genl. R. Jones \nAdjt. Genl.","Governors Island \nAug 26th 1848","Dear Sister \nFinally I have arrived at this station which is in sight of the city of New York. I have had some hopes of visiting you this fall but I have not been able to arrange my affairs here for that purpose and consequently I can not say when I will be able to visit those of whom I so frequently think and so much desire to be with. I presume that I could get home this winter by making sacrifices which I ought not to make, for instance if I should leave some other officer might be attached during my absence who would rank me in case of his remaining with the company after my return. I do not believe that Capt. Taylor would give his sanction to any officers coming to the company who would rank me, so long as I remain with the company or so long as there are officers enough with it, but my absence might reduce the number of officers so much as to render another officer necessary to the company.","But I am in hopes that next summer I shall be able to see you and if so I purpose on visiting the springs at several places and visiting those parts of Virginia most remarkable such as the Natural Bridge. You will please let me know the distance from Beverly to Staunton, \u0026 the time in which the stage [visits] it, and also the distance from Beverly to the White Sulphur Springs.","As yet I do not know where I will be stationed. I hope that ere this your eyes are perfectly recovered. I am still getting better. I have been brevetted a captain though as yet it is not published. Write frequently to your brother.","\nT.J. Jackson","Carlisle Barracks Penn \nSeptember 5th 1848","Dear Sister \nI had the pleasure of receiving your letter directed to New York but the same day I received orders to attend as a member of a general court martial at this place which is about a hundred miles distant (east) of Pittsburgh {following 17 words are marked out with heavy ink}...in your own house on the 10th of October which is earlier than you even requested. As I have already given you my reasons for not coming this fall it is unnecessary to state that I may make sacrifices in visiting you. But on reading your letter I concluded that I would use my influence to do that which I so much desire to do (to visit you). But as yet, the court has not adjourned, and I have not yet got my leave of absence granted, but Capt. Taylor told me that he would not only approve of it, but recommend it, but before I can get it, I must obtain the permission of the Colonel of my Regt. and of the Secretary of War. But should I not arrive by the time specified, do not have anxiety about it. If it be unsuccessful the fault shall not be mine.","There are many very interesting ladies here, and there has been almost a soiree every day since my arrival, and at which I have enjoyed myself well. When I obtain my leave, should I get it, you must not expect me to stay with you more than a month. And I hope that your health will be much improved by that time. You need not write to me, until you receive another letter from me, as I cannot say where I may be any coming day. Remember me to Mr. Arnold, your family, and my other friends. My health I think, is still improving.","Your brother \nT.J. Jackson","Fort Hamilton N.Y. Harbor. Jany 1st 1849","Dear Sister \nI suppose that you begin to think it time, that I should write, but I am not certain that my physician agrees with you about that as he has been cautioning me about confining my mind too much. But at all events, I shall venture to say, that I am still living, and with the blessings of God, hope to live, for some years to come. My physician has pronounced my lungs and liver sound, and that the liver has only been sympathetically affected.","I saw about that claim of [Warren's], and it is worth nothing, the Sheriff having failed to make his certificate. Whilst in Richmond, I called on Mr. Carlisle, and was received by him, in a very cordial manner, and during my stay there, he allowed no opportunity to pass unimproved, in which he could manifest his kindness. The night after I left your house I passed out at the head of the Valley river, and the next morning was in about 17 miles of Huntersville. But not withstanding I reached the Hot Springs too late for the Wednesday's stage, and consequently had to wait until Friday.","I am as you have observed at Fort Hamilton, which is on Long Island about ten miles below the city of New York, and on the east bank of the Hudson River. Remember me to Mr. Arnold, the children \u0026 c.","Your brother \nThomas","Fort Hamilton. Feby 1st 1849","Dear Sister \nI have more than once thought of your request to write to you and give you the fashions, but such would be a difficult thing for me to do as I do not know even so much as the name of the different parts of a ladies apparel. I in the matter of dress agree perfectly with the Parisians (who not only give the fashions for New York City, but for the civilized world) that a person ought to adopt such a style of dress as is most becoming the particular individual and not that which is adopted by the greater portion of mankind, unless it should be at least reasonably suited to your complexion, height, figure \u0026.","I have begun my historical studies having read about one fourth of Ro[bi]ns Ancient History. If Mr. Arnold can prevail on the wagoner who may bring my books to Cumberland, to put the box in the office of Adams \u0026 Co. who have an office in Cumberland, and a train of cars running from there to New York, he will secure them to me more effectually than in any other way. Let the man take a receipt for them, and forward it to me at this place. The box should be marked as follows: Captain T.J. Jackson, care of the Quartermaster in New York City, N.Y. The manner in which the company do business, is to give a receipt when any thing is delivered at the office and then to turn over the article when the receipt is presented, and if the article should get lost to pay the owner for it.","The cholera has entirely disappeared from this place (Quarantine). The weather is quite disagreeable. I caught the rheumatism in your salubrious mountain air, which is harassing me no little. I am gaining strength and flesh. If Mr. Gibson will write to Captain Arnold, who is at Fort Monroe Va I am of the opinion, that he will get some information in relation to the ammunition which was charged to his brother, as he was a lieutenant in Arnold's Company. I am well fixed here, having my rooms both carpeted and decently furnished. Remember me to Mr. Arnold, the family, Aunt White, Uncle, and our other relatives.","Your brother\nT.J. Jackson","P.S. The gold fever is running very high here. I have conversed with Mr. Lo[e]ser, an officer of the Army from California, who says that a person can gather on an average about seventy five dollars per day, and that the climate is most delightful, the thermometer standing at from 60 to 70 degrees. As you may not know much about Thermometers, it may not be amiss for me to state, that the higher the thermometer stands, the warmer the weather is. Fahrenheit's thermometer which is the one commonly used in this country and the one referred to above, stands at 32 degrees when water freezes, at 55 degrees the air is temperate, at 75 degrees the air is at summer heat, at 95 degrees the air is at blood heat, and at 212 degrees the air would be at the temperature of boiling water. From the foregoing you observe that the climate referred to must be charming.","\nT.J.J.","Fort Hamilton N.Y. Harbor April 27th 1849","Dear Sister \nOwing to a desire to secure some catalogs for Mr. Arnold, I have not written earlier. Yesterday, I went to Harper and Brothers Book store; but he had none on hand; but said that he would have in a few days. I obtained one from Appleton's Book establishment and shall forward it by the same mail as this letter. It do not contain all his books, when I shall have obtained one from Harper, I shall also forward it. And if Mr. Arnold shall want any books that may not be found in either of them, let me know what ones they are, and I believe that I can find it in some part of the city.","Your request had not yet been complied with, but I rely on your generosity of character; as my strength has forbid much exercise, and especially walking on the hard pavements of N.Y. city. But I am improving in both flesh and strength and I hope in health also. I am now under the care of one of the first medical men of N.Y. city. I have lately commenced visiting more frequently, and every few evenings receive an invitation to some social party. Yesterday whilst walking through the city, I thought of the pleasure which I would derive from sharing the contemplations of its beauties and wonders with you. Naturally I recalled to mind, and applied to N.Y. what the Frenchman asserted of Paris, when he said that when a man had seen Paris, that he had seen all the world.","In New York may be found all most anything which the inclinations may desire; but peaceful quiet: every thing is in motion, every thing is alive with animation. In its busy throng, none feel the long tedious hour; even the invalid for the time forgets his infirmities, and with wondering admiration contemplates the surrounding scene.","Frequently you are the subject of my thoughts, and if you were only within reach of rapid communication would receive more frequent visits. The weather is moderating here.","Fort Hamilton, N.Y. Harbor, June 12th/49","Dear Sister, \nDoubtless you are expecting an answer to your last, and in truth, not without reason; as I have not written for more than two months. But my silence has not originated from your not replying to my former letters, but is due to other causes, such as weak eyes and pressure of business, as I have to discharge the duties of Quartermaster \u0026 Commissary in addition to my other company duties, and from such causes I have now a number of unanswered letters on hand.","I wish when practicable to write to you once every month, and I do not wish you to reply unless your eyes will admit of it without pain, because I prefer that your health should be preserved to any other Earthly consideration, and I hope that you will not strain your eyes on any account whatever. We can not appreciate our blessings unless deprived of them. My health is improving.","I forward to Mr. Arnold a catalogue of Harper's publications. If there is anything in it which he wishes, I hope that he will not fail to let me know. When you get possession of my books, I wish that you would retain them until I see you, or write relative to them.","I have not subscribed for Graham's magazine, but will do so if you desire. I merely sent a copy in order to see how you would like it. I hope to send you a copy or number(?) of the Lady's Book which some prefer to Graham's, though I can not say which is best, but when you shall have received it, you can judge for yourself.","I have received my commission as Brevet Major, and am gratified that you had an opportunity of doing Judge Lee a favor.","I sent a fifty dollar bank draft to Sylvanus White, with a request that he would pay Miss Caroline Norris a small sum, I think 2.50, 3.00 or 3.50 cts, which she let me have for the purpose of making a small purchase, which I did not make; and as I have heard nothing of him  since, and as some months have elapsed, I fear that something may be wrong. I wish that you would ask Miss Eliza Norris about it, and if Sylvanus has not settled it, I wish that you would. If at any time, you should not receive an expected letter, try and make yourself easy, as in case of any accident happening to me, I have friends who would not fail to give the necessary information.","The Cholera in the city is on the decline. I have no dread of it as I believe that those who keep their system in a healthy state have but little to fear.","Your sincere brother \nThomas","Fort Hamilton, N.Y. Harbor, Monday, July 2/49","My Dear Sister, \nThe morning duties ended, and through the blessings of that all Ruling Being, I'm allowed the privilege and pleasure communing with you. I received some days since, a letter from John White informing me of your visit to him and of the news of his vicinity, but which it is not necessary to mention as I presume that all is probably already known to you. I was gratified to learn that Uncle C.E. had been released from the [illegible], and had left Lewis for a more congenial clime. I also received a letter from cousin Elizabeth [Griss], informing me of the marriage of cousin Indas (her sister), of her own recovered health and of the prospects of her promising brothers Ben and William. She also stated that the health of Aunt and Uncle Williams was good. But she had not heard from you, since my visit. If your eyes should become so, as to allow of your writing without pain, then try and drop her a note for truly she is one of your friends. But I hope that you will not strain your eyes for the purpose of writing to anyone. You can at least send her your card and an occasional messages by some of the Lawyers.","I feel much concern about your eyes, for I fear you will strain them. Remember that the best physicians are opposed to straining that important organ and when it fails or begins to fail naturally that they recommend spectacles. But this should be the last resort, and should only be used when necessary : for instance, some persons can walk about, out of doors and in doors without the light hurting their eyes: but must use this auxiliary in reading. The great objection to spectacles is that when their use is once commenced, it must be generally continued through life. A person when selecting a pair should select the lowest number, which will answer the proposed end and then as circumstances require, increase it. But I would advise you not to use them as long as you can do without them (at the same time avoiding pain).","My eyes were so weak some months since that I could not look long at objects through the window and to look out of doors was frequently painful, though but for a moment, and I was reduced to the necessity of masking my looking glass on account of its reflection, and I could not look at a candle, not even for a second, without pain. I consulted my physician and he told me not to use them, and at the same time to avoid spectacles. I did so and at present can read a letter of three or four pages without feeling any inconvenience of consequence. My health is improving and my strength adhered to my wholesome diet, of stale bread and plainly dressed meat (having nothing on it but salt), that I prefer it now to almost anything else. The other evening, I tasted a piece of bread with butter on it and then the bread without it, and rather gave my preference to the unbuttered bread; and hence I may never taste any more of this once much relished seasoning. And I think if you would adopt for your breakfast a cup of moderately strong black tea, stale wheat bread (wheat bread, raised and not less that 24 hours old) fresh meat, broiled or roasted is best, the yolk of one or two eggs (the white is hardly worth eating as it requires digestion and affords but little nutrition). For dinner the same kind of bread \u0026 meat, one vegetable only, say peas, beans or this years potatoes, and for drink plain water. For tea, the same kind of bread and drink as for breakfast and nothing else, unless you choose a little butter. The great beauty of the foregoing is that it furnishes all the nutrition which food can give and at the same time does not interfere in the digestive process like other substances such as salt meats, cabbage, lettuce, desert (such as pies, preserves, nuts, and all kinds of sweetmeats). Of what I have recommended, you can eat as much as your appetite craves, provided that you take regular meals, and plenty of exercise, say not less than three hours per day. I presume that your daily duties require you to be moving probably that much. Salt meats may be eaten, but fresh is preferable, and I regard green tea \u0026 coffee so injurious to the nerves that you should always prefer water to either. Now if you can make up your mind to adopt the foregoing for one year, I think that you will probably never wish to change it, and that after using such a diet for two or three months that you may experience marked advantage from it, but you must bear in mind that your meals must be at fixed hours. If you arise at seven five or six O'clock and go to bed at nine or ten, then seven would be a good hour for breakfast, one for dinner and seven for tea. And you ought to always retire to bed before eleven. If you should conclude to adopt the forgoing, do not taste other things of which you are fond: unless it be fruits and those should be ripe. I think that a small quantity of fruit eaten when ripe and in the fore part of the day, is advantageous. You should try and forget that you are infirm and pay no attention to your symptoms as most any person can by being too attentive to every little pain.","Remember that good wholesome food taken at proper times is one of the best of medicines. I shall have hopes of your improvement when you have resolved to taste nothing of which you are fond, except such things as I have mentioned. If you commence on this diet, remember that it is like a man joining the temperance society; if he afterwards tastes liquor, he is gone. T.J. Jackson","Fort Hamilton April 1st 1850","My Dear Sister \nYour letter came to safe to hand, and with pleasure its contents were read. During the past month, our stables were burned. All the horses were saved, though mine, with some others, were injured a little. The damage was near four thousand dollars.","I regret to say that circumstances will prevent my return home this summer, but on the 1st of October, I expect to be ordered to Fort Washington, opposite Mount Vernon, where I expect to get a leave, and visit you during some portion of that month.","My health continues to improve. My muscles have become quite solid. My exercises are of a violent character, when the chill blain {chilblain} on my feet do not prevent it. I hope that Little Ann has entirely recovered.","When I make my proposed visit, I shall endeavor to take with me such things as your letter has specified, provided that they are attainable. Some of them may be difficult to get. My past winter has been much more pleasant than the preceding. The weather here is at present delightful; but in a few days it may be the reverse as it is much influenced here on the Sea Board, by the direction of the winds.","On Thursday last, I, in company with 18 others had a grand sleigh ride, it was the best snow of the season, but in 24 hours, there was hardly a trace of it to be found.","Sincerely your Brother \nThomas P.S. Remember me to Mr. A. and family.","Fort Hamilton N.Y. Harbor \nApril 24, 1850","My Dear Uncle, \nI have with pleasure received, and read your very kind letter, but it was a pleasure mingled with pain at seeing those passages, which spoke of the death of friends and relatives. Though the rumor of uncle Cummins' death may be true, yet I cannot believe it without further evidence. I shall write to California and try to ascertain. I hope that no decree will be obtained for settling his property, but should such authority be obtained, then will not some of his friends who have means come forward and prevent its sacrifice. Certainly if he has a friend, now it the time for its manifestation. You spoke of my giving assistance, but my pecuniary affairs are so arranged that I have not ten dollars in cash which I can call my own.","There is no man on Earth, whom I would befriend sooner than Uncle Cummins. Let me know who have betrayed him and in what he has been betrayed, give me a full history of names and facts as soon as possible; and strain every nerve to prevent the granting of the decree. I expect to return home in the Fall, when I will see what can be done; though I fear that I will not be able to do any thing, but I can not tell what good luck I may meet with by that time.","I believe that I will leave my horse in the possession of McLean until then. I am in much better health then when we parted and hope through the blessings of a kind Providence soon to be restored to perfect health. I have not received a single line from California. I have a delightful station and hope to pass a pleasant Summer.","Remember me kindly to Aunt and other relatives and friends. \nYour nephew \nT.J. Jackson","Plattsburg Barracks N.Y. \nMay 10th 1850","My Dear Sister, \nYou observe that I am now on the border of Canada, it is for the purpose of trying some prisoners.","My health is still improving and in a short time I expect to return home to Fort Hamilton. In coming to this place I have passed some charming scenery. This place is on the Western bank of Lake Champlain. I should like very much to visit Montreal and Quebec before returning South, but want of time and money will prevent it. On my way here I saw the old Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point. And in front of this Garrison, was fought the great Naval action of the late war.","Remember me kindly to Mr. A and Family. \nYour brother Thomas","Fort Hamilton N.Y. \nMay 20th 1850","Sir, \nI herewith enclose an Invoice of Public Property, directed to your address, and turned over this day to Genl. H. Whiting, Asst. Qtr.Mstr. Genl.,for transportation.","I am Sir, \nVery Respectfully, \nYour obedient servt. \nT.J. Jackson\n1st Lt. \u0026 Bvt.Maj. 1st Arty. \nA. A. Qtr.Mstr.","To S. Lansing Jr. Esq. \nMil. Storekeeper \nU.S. Arsenal Watervliet Troy","Fort Hamilton N.Y. Harbor","My Dear Sister, \nI have received yours and in reply, can say that my health is still improving. Your requests shall be attended to, but it will be necessary to wait until my arrival; as I know of no safe mode of conveyance. You speak of your fruit and flowers. I cannot indulge in the luxury of the former, but of the latter, I take great interest and I hope that you may always cultivate them. It shows a refined taste to abound in admiration for the beautiful, and it has the additional advantage of endearing children to their home. With pleasure they must through different periods of their lives look back to their garden filled with beautiful flowers. And when they see the same flowers, even in distant countries, how vividly will it recall to mind their home, their Mother, Father, brothers, sisters, and all their early associations. ","I will not get home this summer, but have some hopes of coming in October, but I can not say what the result will be. How can I get through those mountains during the Winter season.","I wish that I could come and spend the entire winter with you, but such I fear will be impractical. Do not make any calculations, but expect me when circumstances will best admit of my taking a leave. I have recently received a letter from uncle John White and Aunt Catherine. The family is well, uncle Jack and Aunt Nancy are dead.","Uncle had recently received a letter from our cousins in California and they say that Uncle Cummins is undoubtedly dead. This is news which goes to my heart, uncle was a father to me.","I want to bring Thomas a good violin, if neither you nor Mr. A. has any objection to his learning to play on one. Remember me kindly to Mr. A. and family.","Your brother, \nThomas","Fort Ontario N.Y. \nAug 10th 1850","My Dear Sister, \nYou are probably surprised at hearing from me so frequently at different points as a member of Courts Martial. I am now about twelve hours from Niagara Falls, and consequently intend visiting them before returning home. I will leave here in the evening and be at the Falls next morning.","The Court will probably remain in session for several days.","Fort Ontario is situated on the lake of the same name and in view of the city of Oswego.","If circumstances permit me to return home to Va. this coming fall, how can I get to your town most conveniently from Washington City. My health is still improving, but is as yet so delicate as to render much regularity necessary, and it is probable that I am more particular in my rules that any person of your acquaintance.","I fear that I will be much exposed in crossing the mountains, unless there is a stage line through from Eastern Virginia. When you write, let me know what kind of flowers, plants, \u0026 are in your garden and what kind you would like for me to bring. I expect that I can obtain almost every description in New York.","I am to commence staying at a water cure establishment this evening where I expect to remain during my stay here. I have great faith in them for such infirmities as mine. I have been for some months adopting it to a certain extent, and with advantage.","Remember me very kindly to Mr. A. and the family.","Your brother, \nT.J. Jackson","West Point N.Y. \nSept. 3rd 1850","My Dear Sister, \nI am again at my first Military station, and a very pleasant visit it is. Here I see objects which recall many pleasant \u0026 agreeable associations of my youth, but it is my lot to meet but few of my comrades of those bygone days. All other things are visible, though changed. One of my former Barracks is torn down and another constructed. But among the existing and unaltered objects are the garden of Kosciuszko, his monument, Fort Putnam, in which Andre was confined and from which Arnold escaped after his unsuccessful attempt to sell his command. Here too is the Plain, the Military works and above all, its grand and lofty mountains. I am on a Genl. C. Martial, which will soon adjourn.","I have been quite unwell and had it not have been for my judicious application of water, I can not say what would have been the consequence.","Remember me very kindly to Mr. A. and family.","Your brother, \nT.J. Jackson","Fort Meade, Fla. \nFeb. 25th 1851","Dear Sir, \nI have just received your communication of the 4th inst. containing the kind proposition of bringing my name before the Board of Visitors of the V. M. Institute as a candidate for the Professorship of Nat. \u0026 Exp. Phil.","Though strong ties bind me to the Army, yet I can not consent to decline so flattering an offer. Please present my name to the Board and accept my thanks for your kindness.","I am sir, \nVery Respectfully \nYour Obt. Servt. \nT. J. Jackson","Fort Meade Fla. \nApril 2nd 1851","My Dear Sister, \nYour affectionate letter has been received, and read with much pleasure. I should think from the character of them, (the last few) that your health has improved very much; although you do not say so in so many words.","I have hopes of being able to live near you for a while. I received a letter from Col. Smith, the Superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute at Lexington, in which he kindly offers to present my name to the Board of Visitors in June next, as a candidate for the Professorship in Natural and Experimental Philosophy in the Institute. I have accepted his offer; but am unable to say whether I shall be elected. If I knew who would compose the Board, then I could form a better idea. If I have a few friends on it, my chance will probably be good. I consider the situation both conspicuous and desirable. I will be in about 150 or 160 miles from you, will have quarters, and receive twelve hundred dollars per year. Philosophy is my favorite subject. I hope through the blessings of Providence to succeed in securing the Post.","I have heard that the Hon. Joseph Johnson is to be our Governor. Is it Joseph Johnson of Harrison? if so I am much pleased, as he had befriended me on more than one occasion.","I believe that John Stringer will probably be on the Board of Visitors in June next. This information I received by yesterdays mail. Where does he live? I see that Mr. Carlisle has been making two speeches in the convention. I look upon him as one of the promising sons of Virginia. I hope before long to see him in Congress. I am much pleased at seeing cousin Wm. J. Jackson also in the Convention. Indeed I have some hopes that our ancient reputation may be revived.","I might have sent this letter sooner, but I designedly delayed it for to see if yesterday's mail (6th of April) would not enable me to give you some good news, but I did not receive the information which I was waiting for, but in my next I hope to be in possession of agreeable tidings for you, but I am not over sanguine.","I received a few days since, a very kind, and well-wishing letter from Genl. John J. Jackson. When I visit you, I want also to visit him. I find that I have many friends, indeed I have found that all to whom I apply for assistance are ready to give me a helping hand. The generals letter was particularly gratifying to me.","I shall not attempt a Theological discussion with you a present, hoping to see you during the present year, when I hope that you will have all of your questions and ideas prepared for the investigation of your brother.","Remember me very kindly to Mr. A., to Aunt White, to Uncle, Cousin John, Uncle Stalnaker and Col. Goff and other friends.","Your brother \nThomas","Fort Meade Florida \nApril 22nd 1851","Col. \nYour letter of the 28th inst. informing me that I have been elected Prof. of Natural and Experimental Philosophy and Artillery Tactics, in the Virginia Military Institute, has been received.","The high honor, conferred by the Board of Visitors, in selecting me, unanimously, to fill such a Professorship, gratified me exceedingly.","I hope to be able to meet the Board on the 25th of June next, but fear that circumstances, over which I have no control, will prevent my doing do before that time. For your kindness in endeavoring to procure me a leave of absence for six months, as well as for the interest you have otherwise manifested in my behalf, I feel under strong and lasting obligations.","Should I desire a furlough of more than than one month commencing on the 1st of July next, it would be for the purpose of visiting Europe.","I regret that recent illness has prevented my giving you an earlier answer.","Any communication which you may have to make previous to the 1st of June, please direct to this place.","I am Col. \nVery respectfully \nYour Obt. Servt. \nT. J. Jackson","Lexington, VA \nAugust 20th 1851","My Dear Sister \nI am much pleased with my situation. I have commenced my military duties and am reviewing on of my text books. My health has much improved since you heard me say good by.","I sent you a pamphlet a few days since, it was by the request of my old Physician with whom I was residing in the North. He appeared to take a deep interest in me and to be interested in those who were interested in your brother. From him I have learned many important truths concerning health. His names is Lowry Barney. I felt home sick at bidding adieu to his estimable family. Mrs. B. said that I did not appear like a stranger but like a relative, they were more kind than I could have desired.","From my present room which is in the 2d story of the Lexington Hotel. I have a lovely view of Mountain scenery. Lexington is the most beautiful place that I remember of having ever seen when taken in connection with the surrounding country.","I expect to go to the Springs next month with the Corps of Cadets. We shall leave about the 8th and return about the 25th, about the 13th we will arrive at the White Sulphur.","Remember me very kindly to Mr. A. \u0026 family and to my friends and relatives. I suppose that you had a fine mental feast on Miss B's notes. I designed burning them. Please save me the trouble by doing me the favor","Your brother, \nThomas","Lexington, Va. \nOct. 8th 1851","My Dear Sister, \nI have had the pleasure of receiving your letter and the articles which you sent to me.","I have seen Mr. Cowen and requested him to call on you, and have made a similar request of Mr. Henderson, whom I esteem very highly. He is the brother-in-law of Col. Smith. I am much obliged for the articles. An opportunity will hardly be afforded for visiting you this winter. I have received a letter from Cousin Margaret Neale: She as well as our other relatives are well.","The academic duties commenced on yesterday week.","My health has through the blessings of Providence been so much improved to enable me to enter on my duties, with which I am delighted.","Remember me very kindly to Mr. A. and family, and to all enquiring relatives \u0026 friends.","And say to Mr. A. that I hope to be able by his assistance to get some fine fossil specimens from his farm when I next visit Beverly. I remember of having seen some beautiful specimens of shells, near the bridge about Mrs. Bakers. These he showed me in 1848.","Your brother \nThomas ","Va. Military Institute \nLexington, Va. Jany. 16th 1852","My Dear Sister, \nYour letter has like every other good, brought with it pain. But I hope that your health will again return among the blessings of Providence to brighten the remainder of your days as well as those of mine.","I have been desirous of writing at an earlier day; but our examination and other duties have prevented my doing so, and even now this pleasing task is performed during the height of the examination. It could be delayed no longer without a degree of pain, which your brother is unwilling to experience on this subject. This trying ordeal will close about Thursday next.","I hope that you will look back if you through your past life and see if you can not find some cause for your afflictions.","Now my dear sister. You are aware that I am troubled about your hopes in relation to the endless futurity. The best plan that I can  conceive for an unbeliever in God, as presented to us in the Bible, is to first consider things in reference merely to expediency. Now considering the subject with reference to expediency only, let us examine whether it is safer to be a Christian or an Infidel. Suppose two persons, one a Christian and the other an infidel, to be closing their earthly existences and suppose that the infidel is right and the Christian is wrong, they will then after death be upon an equality. But instead of the infidel being right, suppose him to be wrong and the Christian right, then will the state of the latter after death be inestimably superior to that of the other. And if you will examine the history of mankind it will be plain that Christianity contributes much more to happiness in this life, than that of infidelity. Now having briefly glanced at this subject, to what decision are we forced on the mere ground of expediency, certainly it is to the adoption of Christianity.","Having made our selection of Christianity, the next point is to consider whether we can believe the teachings of the Sacred volume; if so, then its adoption should of necessity follow. I have examined the subject maturely, and the evidence is very conclusive, and if we do not receive the Bible as being authentic and creditable, we must reject every other ancient work; as there is no other in favor of which, so much evidence can be adduced. Oh Sister! do pray to God for his mercy, and eternal life through our Redeemer Jesus Christ.","I have not yet been able to procure the peaches of which I spoke in my former letter. Cousin Harriet has returned from her visit to Point Pleasant, which was to her very pleasant. Uncle Minor Neale's daughter has returned home, with her grand-father who came north for her. Talk to Thomas \u0026 Grace for me and tell them that their uncle is very much obliged to them and that they must continue to be good children, and do what their mother and father may require of them.","Remember me very kindly to all inquiring friends and Relatives.","I should be much pleased to see a literary institution in Beverly; but I cannot see how to be serviceable to it. If you will state in your next what I would have to do as agent I would be enabled to give a more definite answer.","Your brother, \nThomas ","Va. Mil. Institute \nLexington Va. Feby. 7 1852","My Dear Sister, \nThough much pressed with business and far behind in my correspondence, I can not defer any longer a letter to you. Our examination has closed and academic duties have been resumed.","Next week I hope to take up the subject of Optics. The approaching summer is looked forward to by me with no small degree of interest, as our vacation will commence after the 4th of July.","Your health I hope is completely restored before this time: mine is still delicate. When did you last hear from Parkersburg and how are our relatives and friends? Do you see anything of John White's family. The weather had been extremely cold, but at present it is lovely.","I have not heard from you in weeks upon weeks. Remember me very kindly to Mr. A \u0026 family and to all enquiring friends.","Your brother, \nThomas","V.M. Institute \nLexington, Va. \nFebruary 21st 1852","My Dear Sister, \nYour welcome letter including that of our cousin, has been received, and with no small regret do I consider your past afflictions, but we are all the children of suffering sorrow in this world. Whilst it has many pleasures, it is not, nor will not be divested of its cares. Amid affliction, let us hope for happiness. But divest us of hope and how miserable would we be! It has never forsaken me, nor in my humble opinion, never will. However dark the night, I am cheered with an anticipated glorious and luminous morrow. May such ever be your happy lot. No earthly calamity can shake my hope in the future, so long as God is my friend, and on this subject I expect to have a long conversation with you next summer. I feel ashamed of not having written to you earlier, but even now I am debtor a number of letters in other quarters, which in time, have the preference, but my conscience will not be troubled at this species of fraud.","I am glad that cousin stopped with you. I received a letter from cousin Sylvanus White recently in which he states that his location is in Missouri, but for the future, he can not say to what quarter his steps will be directed.","My health has improved. What do you propose doing next summer during my visit. I suppose that plans you have in abundance. How is the family: give my regards to all individually. Tell Thomas that I should like to have him with me sometimes very much \u0026 that he must be at home the next time that I visit him. Remember me to all inquiring friends and relatives. How is Cousin John White and Aunt White.","Your Brother, \nThomas","V.M. Institute Lexington, Va. \nApril 10th 1852","My Dear Sister \nI have nothing which can call for a letter from me at this time except the pleasure of writing to you and to say a word in reference to your mentioned garden seeds, \u0026 c. Tell me the precise kinds of seeds which are desirable and if you can the mode of conveyance for them to Beverly. I might possibly procure some grafts of apricots \u0026 [illegible] if they could only be sent to you.","I sent for my box sometime since, but have not yet obtained possession of it. This is a beautiful day, though the preceding few have been cold and have injured the fruit prospects, particularly the apricots and other early fruit. The plank road from Staunton to Buckhannon, which latter place is about 25 miles distant from here is now under construction, through our town. The stage travels about one third faster on it than on the dirt road.","I am anxiously looking forward to July.","When did you last hear from Cousin Margaret. She appears to have dropped me as a correspondent. I certainly gave her ostensible reason for so doing by not answering her letter more promptly. But this was occasioned by the pressure of other things.","Remember me very kindly to Mr. A., the family \u0026 to all enquiring friends and relations.","Tell Thomas and Grace I am not going to allow them to see their Aunt Nancy until they both offer to love me more than her. Tell them that their Aunt does not care about them half as much as I do.","Your brother, \nThomas","V.M. Institute \nLexington, Va. May 1st 1852","My Dear Doctor, \nYour interesting letter has been received and perused with much pleasure. But my matrimonial success as you are ere this probably aware of was a hoax. I suppose that some interested friend thought that I ought to be married and that it would be well to remind me of my duty before efforts would be too late. Frequently your intended, is to be seen with all her prepossessing fascinations. Why do you not come on? Certainly you will be here on the 4th. The weather here is at present beautiful, though for months it has been unseasonably cold.","How are you pleased with Philadelphia? What are Penrose's prospects for distinction in his profession. Of all the cities in this Union, that of the Quakers has my preference. Its public squares, magnificent edifices, it's water works \u0026 c, including that universal task which strikes the eye at all its points, must make it very interesting to all, who are only consulting pleasure.","Trueheart is now in Washington city, engaged in the Coast Survey. There is only one assistant here at present (Stewart). Our appropriation bill has not yet been acted on by the Legislature.","Judge Baldwin is not expected to recover from his recent attack. Judge Brockenbrough will probably be a candidate in place of Judge Baldwin for the Court of Appeals.","Prof. Calhoun of Washington College will leave this coming summer; his successor is so far unknown. Every thing is quiet at present in the Institute and I hope will ever continue so.","There is to be strong [stage] opposition through here this season. Let me here from you whenever a spare moment will permit.","Your sincere friend, \nT. J. Jackson","[On verso; not in Jackson's hand]","Resolved that it is with feelings of the most profound regret that we have heard the announcement of the decease of our fellow student \u0026 associate Dr. [illegible] Weir; whose gentlemanly bearing \u0026 Christian deportment has served not only to endear him to all with whom he came in contact but to render him an ornament and honour to the noble profession of which he was so faithful a votary. Resolved that we do sympathize most sincerely with the bereaved relatives \u0026 friends of his House upon whom this dispensation of Providence has fallen so unexpectedly \u0026 painfully.","Resolved that from respect to his memory we will wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days.","Resolved that a copy of the proceedings of this meeting signed by the Secy. \u0026 Pres. be forwarded to the family of the deceased \u0026 that the same be published in the Richmond \u0026 Alexandria papers.","Va. Military Institute \nLexington, Va. May 14, 1852","My dear Sister, \nYour welcome letter had been received; but you do not give me definite instructions about garden seed, grafts etc. But I should think that it would be useless to get any for you unless they are such as I can convey in person for you may judge of the difficulty of getting anything from Lexington to Beverly from the fact that though I have used effort upon effort to procure the box which you sent to me and have told the stage driver to spare no expense in procuring it, yet from his negligence or from some other cause it has not yet come to hand.","I wish that you would either get Miss H. to take it back to Beverly on her return, or else send a servant with it to the stage office at Staunton and have it sent to me put on the way bill and directed to me at Lexington, Va. to the care of E. Porter.","I have recently received a letter from Cousin Margaret Neale, which states that she is engaged in teaching a school and that all our relations are well and that Cousin Lizzie Neale, daughter of Uncle Minor is on a visit and that she will probably remain North all summer.","I hope that by this time your health is entirely restored. Though my manner of living is very abstemious, yet health has not returned with all its blessings. Yet I am much better than when I last bid you good bye.","Remember me very kindly to Mr. A. \u0026 family. Tell Thomas and Grace that their aunt does not say a single word about either of them.","The weather had been very pleasant for the past few days, though the present one is not remarkably agreeable as a part of the time is sunshine and a part rainy and the balance is a mixture of both. In Beverly there is probably snow to be seen even this  late in May.","This evening we are to be favored with a vocal concert. I wish that you could accompany me. I believe that as yet you had not been informed of my daily exercise. I have to walk about a mile and a half for each meal: 3/4 to and 3/4 from it. And in the morning I usually walk about a mile and a half before breakfast and in the afternoon about two miles or more before tea.","Your brother, \nThomas","Va. Military Institute \nLexington, Va. June 5th, 1852","My Dear Sister, \nYour welcome letter has come safe to hand but I regret that your health is not yet restored though improved at present, let us hope to see the day when you will again enjoy that greatest of earthly blessings in perfection. Do not begin to look for me until the latter half of July. I may be with you in the first part but I can not speak definitely at present.","My box has not yet arrived, but I have spoken to a friend whose family lives in Staunton to endeavor to have his family to forward it. I shall try to get some grafts to take with me.","Is it a fur hat which I am to get for Thomas, if so it would be desirable to have the measure of his head.","The weather is quite cool here this morning though for sometime back it has been very warm.","The people are beginning to visit the Alum Springs.","I wish that you could see our Institute for I consider that it is the most tasty edifice in the state. We have had green peas for sometime and the strawberries are I believe beginning to disappear. But the cherries are just coming in season.","Beverly must be cold enough for all practicable purposes even at this late period. I am enjoying myself more than I have done for some years; but still my health requires much care and rigid regard to diet.","I hope that the news may be true that Uncle Cummins has returned; to meet him will be a proud day in my life. He has certainly been a good friend to me. Have you heard anything from cousin E.J. Jackson.","A bill has recently passed out state Legislature which appropriates 30,000 dollars for the purpose of completing our Barracks. We expect during the coming session to have about 18 or 20 more cadets that at any previous one and when the buildings shall be completed the accommodations will admit of upwards of 200. This past year we had to refuse admission to a large number. Remember me very kindly to Mr. A \u0026 family \u0026 to all inquiring friends and relatives.","Your brother \nThomas \nP.S. I hope that you will not make any calculations as to the manner of passing the present summer until after my arrival at Beverly. T. ","Alum Springs Rockbridge Cty\nJuly 12 1852","I arrived here yesterday in as good health as usual and am delighted with the waters so far. The Springs are crowded there being about four hundred visitors and the accommodations being only adequate for 275 or 300. I succeeded in procuring 1/2 a bed; there being one room for four occupants. In a few days I hope to be better off. Though we have but two beds to 4 persons in my quarters; yet the beds are good, and the servants, and proprietors, and the their assistants are attentive.","Boarding is 10 dollars per week. This water I consider is the water of waters. This place is more crowded than any other in the mountains and I have not heard of a single person who is dissatisfied though my enquiries have been many.","My appetite and digestion have already improved and I indulge rather freely. My dinner was principally bread (which was rather fresh), potatoes and green corn which is by no means digestible. My supper rich corn bread \u0026 the same for breakfast (using butter freely at each meal)","Remember me very kindly to all enquiring Relatives and friends. Your brother, Thomas","This establishment was sold a few days since for one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. \nT.J.J.","Lexington Va. \nSept 7th 1852","My Dear Sister, \nA line from you has not even come to hand yet. I hope that this is not a result of ill health. An improvement of health began to reward me for my visit to the Alum Springs, within as I believe less than 24 hours after my arrival there. I remained at the Springs for three weeks and then left with regret.","The checks have not yet come to hand, has the letter containing them been received by you. Our duties at the Institute have been resumed, and things omen well.","I have for months back admired Lexington, but now for the first time have truly and fully appreciated it. Of all the places which have come under my observation in the U. States, this little village is the most beautiful.","In a few days I hope to write a letter to cousin Harriet Murdoc and I shall urge her to leave home next year. She is a lovely lady and if she were not my cousin I might ardently desire her to be my wife. She is so estimable: I feel proud of her as a cousin. I enjoyed myself very much at the springs and would have been delighted to have had her with me.","I wrote to Richard Camden and to Dr. Bland requesting them to join me at the Alum but have heard nothing from either of them.","I hope that the baby has entirely recovered and that your health continues to improve. Remember me very kindly to the family and to all inquiring friends and relatives.","Your brother, Thomas ","Has Cousin Nancy returned home? How is Miss Eliza and Mrs. Hilly? \nT.J.J.","Lexington, Va. \nOct. 9th 1852","My Dear Sister, \nYour kind letter has finally come safely to its place of destination. I felt concerned about your long silence, for fear that your health was bad.","I have found on my return home that the peaches here were not so abundant as I had supposed but the apples are at abundance. Though peaches are not so plentiful as I had supposed, yet I have spoken to a person to secure me two or three bushels and if he fails I will endeavor to secure them by sending to Lynchburg, which is near forty miles and through that section I have been informed that there has been no scarcity. I hope that by this time the baby is entirely well and that health and prosperity are among the number of your domestic blessings.","My health has been much improved by visiting the Alum Springs. I have been and am still using the water, but its effects are not so good as when used at the Springs.","Cousin Harriet has written me a letter which I prize very much, it speaks the purity of her character. I wish that I could be with her during my leisure moments. They would pass so delightfully under her pure and elevating influence.","Cousin Margaret is married, though of this you have probably already been informed. She is the wife of the person to whom I believe you alluded when we were at Parkersburg. Aunt would not consent to her being married at home and she was consequently married at Uncle William Neale's.","The weather here is very warm and the ground is quite dry.","What news have you from the letter containing the drafts. I wish you would let me know as soon as convenient, whether there is any hopes of getting possession of them. Let me hear from you as soon as convenient.","John Gittings is doing very well.","Remember me very kindly to each member of the family and to all enquiring relatives and friends.","Your brother \nThomas","Lexington, Va. \nOctober 25th 1852","My Dear Sister, \nYour very kind letter has come safe to hand and I am glad to learn that you are enjoying as many blessings as still fall to your lot. I hope that by the time of the receipt of this that the children will all be in perfect health.","George Lurty has been here for about two weeks. He and Mr. Harrison (son of Wm. Harrison of Clarksburg) design taking a course of law lectures this winter under Judge Brockenbrough.1   George is a young man of very fine mind, and I hope that he will acquit himself with much credit this winter. A young Mr. Stribling from Point Pleasant is also here. He is brother to the Miss S. of whom I presume you have ","1Now, Washington and Lee University School of Law, Lexington, Virginia. heard cousin Harriet Murdoc frequently speak. Cousin Harriet I regard as being one of the sweetest ladies with whom I have ever met. I wish that we could be together frequently. I hope that she will make a visit next summer to this most beautiful of places. How sweet it is to meet with congenial spirits!","I wish that you would forward me the checks by the first mail as I am in need of them. The peaches have not yet come to hand but as soon as they do I will forward them without delay.","I weighed yesterday one hundred and seventy two pounds and a fraction. This is six pounds more than any former weight. My health has much improved and I hope that through the blessings of God, I will ultimately enjoy perfect health. Remember me very kindly to Mr. A and family and to all enquiring friends.","Your brother \nThomas","Lexington, Va. \nNovember 11, 1852","My Dear Sister, \nYour letter has been received with its enclosures, but it had brought sorrow to my heart to learn that you health is unusually delicate. My dear sister, my concern for you is great. This concern is not restricted to you whilst in this world, but it extends into the unending future, and my continual prayer is that you will return into the fold of God. My dear sister, if you will but seek God in the bible conditions he will give you peace and comfort while all the powers on Earth can not de[liver] and the hopes of a coming immor[tality] will make all the ills of life supportable under every circumstance. Your mother prayed for you and I believe that the same may be said of your brother Warren. And can it be that the prayers of them and myself united, will not be heard by \"Our Father in Heaven.\" I fear that you concern yourself too much about the things of this life. ","I expect that you have probably been devoting too much care to the articles which you spoke of forwarding to me. Now do not think any more about me in relation to them, but bear in mind that I have plenty of everything except health and that this has much improved.","I hope that health will return to you with all of its blessings. I have written twice to cousin Harriet since we parted. I do think her one of the sweetest ladies. I wish that I could be in her society more frequently than circumstances will permit.","We have had a lovely fall in this portion of the state. My kindest regards to Mr. Arnold's family, all inquiring friends.","Your brother, Thomas","P.S. This morning I fired ten guns from the Battery of Artillery in commemoration of the origin of the Institute. This day, thirteen years it went into operation and it is now in a very flourishing condition, so much so that we cannot accommodate all the applications.","Lexington, Va. \nDecember 11th, 1852","My Dear Sister, \nYour kind letter has received the perusal of a brother and I hope that though ill health is your present lot, that notwithstanding, you will continue a buoyancy of spirits and not give way to surrounding troubles. I too am a man of trouble, yet let the oppressing load be ever so great it never sinks me beneath its weight.","I trust that this will find you improving if not well. Our session will have its semi-annual examination in the early part of the coming January. When did you last hear from Cousin Harriet Murdoc. A cadet from Point Pleasant tells me that she had been there on a visit, but that she has returned home.","Lexington has been very gay for some time back, owing to the marriage of one of the daughters of the late Governor McDowell. The weather is quite inclement at present.","You must talk to Thomas and Grace for me and tell them that their uncle frequently thinks of them and that he would be very glad to have them with him. But that he does not like bad children and always talk to them for me in such a manner as to make them better. I suppose that you have heard of Cousin Margaret Neale's marriage.","I am very busy this winter with studying and hearing recitations, having not only to prepare on Natural Philosophy and Artillery, but to be in the section room three and four hours per day additional. My spare time is given to reading and to other sources of improvement.","Your brother, \nThomas","Va. Military Institute \nLexington, Va. \nFebruary 1st 1853","My Dear Sister, \nI hope that ere this your health has improved and that the returning spring will reanimate your feelings, and suggest the idea that it is but the symbol of the endless beauties and enjoyments of the world to come. The passage of Scripture from which I have derived sufficient support whenever applied is in the following words \"acknowledge God in all thy ways and he shall direct thy paths.\" What a comfort is this!","My Dear Sister, it is useless for men to tell me that there is no God, and that his benign influence is not to be experienced in prayer, when it is offered in conformity to the Bible. For some time past, not a single day has passed by without my feeling his hallowing presence whilst at my morning prayers. I endeavor to live in accordance with the above passage which means as I understand it, in all thy ways acknowledge God and he shall take care of you in all respects.","What better protector can we desire that one who is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent and who hath promised that he will take care of us in all things, and in addition to all this the pledge coming from One who cannot lie.","Our weather here has been quite cold for sometime back, but at present it is very beautiful; too much so to be of long duration I fear. Persons I believe have generally filled their ice houses.","I rather begin to despair of the peaches as I have not seen a dry one to my recollection since returning home.","You remember that during the past summer I was very much reduced in flesh, at present I have more than desirable and sometimes endeavor to reduce it, but the nervousness with which I have been so much troubled and the disagreeableness of cold feet induce me to adhere to the indulgence of the palate. But my dishes are very plain: generally brown bread is the principle article for Breakfast and Tea and sometimes I probably do not taste meat for more than a month and I have not to my recollection used any other drink than cold water since my return home, and hope that such may continue to be the case.","I heard from Judge Allen a few days since: Cousin Mary is well, one of her daughters is rather ill. I met the daughter at the Alum Springs during the past summer. She is a beautiful girl.","Though I desire to hear from you frequently; yet I never wish to do so when there doing so, requires that your eyes should be tasked. To know that you are destroying or endangering the happiness of yourself, and those around you, produces more pain than the receipt of a letter cam compensate for.","Cousin Harriet Murdock was well when her last letter was written. A letter from her is daily expected.","Your Brother, \nThomas","Lexington, Va. \nApril 1st 1853","My Dear Sister, \nTime as it passes brings me to the renewal of the pleasant duty of writing to my sister, though there is nothing here of which I am aware that can be of interest to you, beyond what may be felt in an only brother. Let pleasure result from the mere act of writing to you. Our lives have been checkered in a most marked manner and we are still, notwithstanding all the ill omens of our youth, living even beyond the usual period of human life and I trust that before us are the brightest of our days. In taking a retrospective view of my own life, each year has opened as I consider, with increased promise and with my present views, the future is holding richer stores in reserve. Could you only believe with myself then would you also bear the present with patience and look forward to the future with a calm serene and pleasurable delight.","I too have crosses, and am at times deeply afflicted! But however sore may be the trials they lose their poignancy, and instead of producing injury I feel that I am but improved by the ordeal. But how is this accomplished? By throwing myself upon the protection of him, whose law book is the wonderful Bible. My dear sister I would not part with this book for countless universes. I feel ready to make every sacrifice to carry out the will of him who so loved us, as to give his only begotten son to die for me. How exceedingly great must have been that love!","The more I learn, the more dear does the precious volume appear to me. O Sister, if you would only pray! If you would only become religious! I derive much pleasure from morning walks, in which is to be enjoyed the pure sweetness of caroling birds.","The weather is delightful at present, and our peach trees are beginning to bloom, and in the course of a few more weeks, the forests will be clad with verdure.","Judge Brockenbrough's law school has closed its session and George Lurty has returned home; after having passed a profitable winter. If he will only make the best of his facilities, a brilliant career may be expected as his reward. He possesses talents of a high order.","I have not heard from Cousin Harriet for a long time. It appears she has forgotten me.","Sometime since, Cousin Sylvanus wrote to me, and stated that he was at home, but expected in a few days to leave for the west. Talk to the children for me as I would were I with you. Remember me very kindly to the whole family and to all enquiring relatives and friends.","Your brother, \nThomas","Lexington Rockbridge County, Va. \nApril 15th 1853","My Dear Sister, \nOur spring is opening beautifully, though it is said to be late. I wish that I could only be with you this evening, ah! Not this evening only, but many evenings. I am invited to a large party to night and among the scramble, expect to come in for my share of fun. My health is still improving and in a few months through the blessing of an all kind providence, I hope to be well, at least so much as people usually are.","I wish that you would send me by the return mail the daguerreotype which I had taken in New York after having shaved. The one with the beard on, was taken at New Orleans soon after my return from Mexico. This last one I wish you to keep safely as I prize it highly. If you remember, I gave you two others one being taken with a stern countenance, and the other with a smile, it is the smiling one which I want and don't fail to send it well enveloped, by the first mail. If you wish it to be returned, I will try and do so in a few months or else a better one in its stead; as I think your brother is a better looking man than he was when that was taken. It may be that you have not got the one which I had taken with the beard on, if not it is lost. I am anxious to get Father's, in order to have a facsimile of it taken, but do not trust it to the mail. I believe you let Cousin Harriet have the grim looking one, which I gave you, ungrateful girl that she is. I am going to write to her in a few days such a letter as such conduct in a pretty cousin merits.","I hope that you are out of bed, and able to enjoy the comforts of domestic life. Kiss the children and tell them a great many things such as their uncle would tell him were he in their company.","Remember me very kindly to Mr. A. and to all the family and to all enquiring relatives \u0026 friends. Should any person be coming here, I would be glad to get my Blair's Rhetoric.","Your brother, \nThomas","Lexington, Va. \nJune 6th 1853","My Dearest \u0026 only Sister, \nYour melancholy letter has brought tears to my eyes. Yet I would never have you conceal anything from me because of the pain which it may cause me. If your health is really as you state, I would rather know it. My dearest sister, with tears in my eyes and a heart devoted to my God, I look into the future beyond the limits of this transient life of care; and see the dark gloom which is to exist throughout infinite duration. That whilst I am \"to shine like a star in the firmament for ever and forever,\" you are to be assigned to unending misery.","What my dear sister is this life, and all its joys, compared to that which is to come. How happy would I be did I but know that beyond this probationary life we should be together for ever more, there with those who have gone before us, to enjoy endless happiness. My sister, do reflect upon my course of life, think and see if I have ever erred since arriving at mature age, and then consider how I could ever have been satisfied of the truth of the Gospel; unless it is true. Have I ever erred in the affairs of this life? Remember too what strong irreligious influences have been brought to bear on me and yet in spite of all opposing obstacles, I am one of the most devoted of Christians.","Will you not have some faith in the prayers of a dying mother \u0026 brother? My dearest sister, do throw yourself into the hands of God. Throw yourself upon his mercy, repent of your sins and believe that the father will accept your prayers, and forgive your transgressions, for the sake of his son's merits. Remember that he hath said that they who come unto him he will in nowise cast off.","I shall leave here as soon as my vacation shall permit and hope to be with you by the 12 of July if not before. I had designed making you a visit this summer, but did not know whether it would be before or after my return from the North. I have business which calls me to New York City this summer and I was desirous of going some more distant places.","You speak of Dr. Bosworth's son. I wish that it was in my power to do him a service but being here as Professor, I ought not to abuse my trust in any way. I wrote to the Doctor in reference to his son, but I believe omitted to state that in his letter to the superintendent of the Institute he should state that he was unable to educate his son himself. When he calls to see you, I wish that you would mention this to him \u0026 also tell him that Col. Samuel L. Hayes is on the new Board of Visitors for your place.","I most sincerely hope that his son will get the appointment and if there is anything which I can do for him consistent with my duty as Professor, it shall be done with a great deal of pleasure.","Your brother, \nThomas","Rockbridge Alum Springs \nAugust 3rd, 1853","My Dear Sister, \nI arrived here yesterday in good health, and expect to leave for the North this evening, via Lexington. There are about five hundred visitors here at present, and the accommodations are nearly exhausted, and in a few days it is quite possible that persons from necessity will be turned off. I hope that Stark has quite recovered. Remember me very kindly to all the family, and to all other enquiring relatives and friends. Say to Mrs. [Hillie/Hellee] that I saw Judge Brockenbrough, but that as he is not a Freemason, I shall try elsewhere. I expect to be in Staunton tomorrow and hope to be able to find some influential Mason there who will attend promptly to the business. I endeavored to do so when coming through Staunton, but did not succeed. I intend to press the matter until some definite action shall have been taken upon the subject.","Say to Dr. Bosworth that I saw John1 yesterday, and that he was well with the exception of a sore leg. I asked him if he had written home, and he said that he had not done so, that he did not wish to, because of his leg being sore. I advised him to write and say nothing about his leg as it would be better to let them hear from him, though he should say nothing in respect to this. His leg did not appear to trouble him much, he was going about the encampment and did not appear much lame. He told me that he would write. If you should say anything to the Doctor about John's leg, tell him to have no concern about it. But probably it would be best to say nothing about the subject of health. I am scarce of paper. Tell Miss Eliza that she must be on the look out for something in relation to me, and in reference to which she called my attention.","Your brother, \nThomas","Say to Doctor Bosworth that I did not hand in the list for John, because of its having already been done.","Lexington, Va. \nOctober 19th, 1853","My Dear Sister, \nSometime since when Mr. Tanner the Daguerreian was passing through here on his way to Beverly, I availed myself of his kindness to send you and Grace and Thomas the little purchases which I made last summer and I hope that they reached you safely. I should have sent Father's miniature also, but upon reflection thought it would be better to defer doing so until a more favorable opportunity should present itself. I hope that Mr. Tanner called to see you, he is a very worthy person and one in whose integrity I have much confidence. The weather here is beautiful and I am enjoying like. To me my wife is a great source of happiness. She has those requisites of which I used to speak to you, and sends her love to you. Tell Mrs. [Hillie] that I have not yet learned the result  result of the application; but that it shall be followed up until some answer shall be obtained.","In my last letter, I spoke of being in Philadelphia. We remained there from Saturday until Monday, when we proceeded to West Point where I was delighted with my easy associations: The beautiful plains, the frowning ruins of Fort Putnam, the majestic river, and magnificent scenery all conspired to enhance my happiness which had already been of a high order. The ladies1 also were much pleased with it.","After remaining there until about 12 o'clock next day, we resumed out route for Niagara Falls. This of all natural curiosities is the most sublime and imposing which has ever come under my observation. We put up at the Cataract House, which is on the American side, and the next morning crossed over to Goat's Island which separates the Falls into two parts, that point on the East of the Island is called the Transcript\nAmerican Falls and that on the West side the Canadian. The latter is much the larger, by reason of the greater quantity of water which passes down on this side of the island. The Canadian falls are called the horseshoe falls from their resemblance to a horseshoe, the toe being up stream. When looking at this wonder of nature I desired to be left to my own interrupted thoughts, it lulls the mind and forbids interruption, it calls on the mind for its entire and undivided contemplation. More of this in my next. Remember me very kindly to Mr. A. the family and all enquiring friends \u0026 relatives.","Your brother, \nThomas","Lexington, Va. \nNovember 30th 1853","My Dear Sister, \nI hope that upon the receipt of this that you will be induced to break your long silence. Do not think that because I am married that I would not be glad to receive a letter from you. I am going to the wedding of one of my old bachelor friends this evening. His name is Massie1, a graduate of the Va. Mil. Institute; the lady is Miss Sophonisba B. McDowell, daughter of the late governor McDowell.","At present my health is influenced by a cold in the head; but to such things in my own case, I attach but little importance, for with care they are dissipated in a few days. My wife is in good health, and sends her love to you \u0026 the family.","Things here are working smoothly, the weather is fine, and I am much pleased with the coming prospects. Give my love to Mr. A. and the rest of the family. Tell Mrs. Hillie that I saw the gentleman to whom I made application in her case, but a few days since, and that he that he had not been able to do anything for her as yet, but on account of the recent expenses of the lodge; but that he was certain that he would get twenty dollars at least, and that he would be in Richmond this winter, and that he would bring her case before the grand lodge of the State. But tell her not to be too sanguine about success for fear that she may be disappointed. In my opinion, something will be done for her, but how much it is impossible to say.","I believe that at the close of my last letter I was making some remarks upon Niagara, and I had probably finished them. After leaving there, we proceeded in a carriage down the Niagara River for a few miles to Lewiston, where we took a steamer and proceeded to cross Lake Ontario on our way to the St. Lawrence River, and at dawn the next morning we were around a cluster of islands called the thousand islands, which present an extremely beautiful aspect and they are probably a thousand in number, some almost covered by bare and rugged rocks and crops and the other beautifully varied with forests of Northern growth. I enjoyed the scene much! Very much! During the day, we passed through the perilous rapids of that remarkable river. In passing one of them we took on board a special pilot of large an athletic dimensions. After thus passing a very pleasant day, we arrived safely at Montreal. To be remembered to all inquiring relatives \u0026 friends is the request of your only brother, \nThomas ","P.S. You may form some idea of one of the rapids from the circumstance that though we were on a high decked steamer, yes the spray was thrown extremely over her prow and so as to fall upon her deck.","Lexington, Va. \nFebruary 14th 1854","My Dear Sister, \nYour long looked for letter arrived at last. I am much pleased at having another niece and hope that she may prove as pretty and interesting as Grace. I hope that you may not have a return of the sore mouth, but that better health may bless you than in past years.","It is very singular that Mr. Tanner neglected to give you the things entrusted to him, possibly he changed his route after having seen me and did not pass through Beverly.","I wish that I could get Tom some suitable books here. I may have an opportunity of getting some by the time that any person from this place goes to Beverly.","I send you a lock of Ellie's hair which she reluctantly parts with because of its color, which she hopes may prove more acceptable to your taste than it has ever been to hers. My message to you is that you must prize it very highly as being the token of a sister's love and from a brother's wife.","Send us a lock from your hair and also one from Grace. Tell her to give me the prettiest she has so that I may look at it when I am so far off that I cannot see her pretty face. Tell her furthermore that I have told her Aunt that Grace is very pretty \u0026 her conduct much as good as her face.","I have not yet heard of any money being collected for Mrs. Hillie and I feel uneasy about it; yet I have strong reassurances that something will be done, and I shall press the matter until a definite answer shall have been obtained, and the result I will inform Mrs. Hillie of immediately. Ellie joins me in love to you and the family.","Your brother, \nThomas","Lexington, Va. \nMarch 4th 1854","My Dear Sister, \nYour kind letter was gladly received, and read. Permit me to congratulate myself on being the Uncle of another niece as pretty as Grace. I hope that you will accept my kindest congratulations and give the same to Mr. Arnold. As yet I have heard nothing of Mr. Tanner.","I hope that Mrs. Hillie is improving in health. I am anxious about her claim, no recent account has been given me in reference to it. Should nothing be reported to me before summer, I shall go to Staunton in person and see about it. Until that time my occupation requires me to be at the Institute.","We have recently been called to mourn the death of my mother-in-law, she without any apparent uneasy concern passed in to that unseen world where the weary are at rest. Her life was such as to attract around her many warm friends, and if she had any enemy in this world it was and continues to be a secret to me. Hers was a Christian life and hers was a Christian death. She had been afflicted with rheumatism for several months previous to the close of her life and on Saturday preceding her death she had the return of hernia which had formerly afflicted her. On the 23rd of February about 3 o'clock P.M. her husband told her that her end had come. She asked how long she could live and he told her two or three hours, and although the Physicians had the same day pronounced her symptoms favorable, she appeared perfectly reconciled. She said that she was not afraid to die and that she found Jesus precious to her soul. [text at left margin] She asked us to kiss her and told her children to live near to Jesus and to be kind to one another. When asked by one her daughters what they should do without her, she replied that the Lord would provide. She was strongly attached to her family and [they] to her; yet she appeared to have no concern about what would become of herself or family, such was her complete confidence in the promises of the Bible. She felt assured that God would provide for her family and she felt that she was going to her saviour, with whom she expected to enjoy unending happiness. Her death was no leaping into the dark. She died with the bright hope of an unending immortality of happiness.","My sister, Oh! That you could thus live, then might you thus die. Do you not remember how much you are concerned about your children when you apprehend the approach of a dying hour. Do my sister turn to God and cast all your care in Jesus. I believe that you had our Mother's and Warren's prayers and now you have mine, and more than mine. My Dear Sister, do seek religion.","Remember me very kindly to each member of the family, my wife sends her love also.","Remember me to all enquiring relations and friends.","Your brother \nThomas","Lexington, Va. \nApril 7th 1854","My Dear Sister, \nAs I received your letter day before yesterday, and was desirous of answering it by the return mail, I could only say a few words. I am not certain whether the physician mentioned in your letter, was the same I have heard of as the lecturer in the North, or not; if he is, as I before stated, I should not much admire his character, though he might be a good doctor notwithstanding. Yet I would not like such a man for my physician, if I could get a good physician whose moral character would receive my approbation. If this is not the lecturer, I know nothing about him.","I hope that by the time you receive this that your health will have much improved. But my sister, be that as it may, do turn to God, and obey the teachings of the Bible. If you do not believe its teachings at least obey its doctrines and I believe that God will give you faith. Make but the effort, and resolve to do what it teaches to the close of life, and then you may expect death to be disrobed of its terrors. Remember that you have your brother's prayers, and I hope those of several members of my wife's family, and I believe that you also received the prayers of our Mother and Brother.","I received a letter a few days since from Aunt Clementine Neale. She and Uncle Alford had been south to see Uncle Thornton and Wirt, but a short time before they reached Uncle Thornton's Wirt had gone to California. She tells me that Wirt is a very tall man, and that Uncle Thornton has a very high opinion of him. Uncle Minor's wife lost her last husband in New Orleans some months since and she is consequently again thrown upon her father's protection. I have also received a letter from Uncle John White; his health has improved and that of his family is generally good. Uncle George White's family at last account was well.","My dear sister do try and follow your Brother's council now and remember that this letter is prayed over by him, that it may be the means of your eternal happiness. Let me hear from you soon.","Your affectionate Brother, \nThomas","Lexington, VA \nApril 11th 1854","My Dear Sister, \nLast night I received a letter from Uncle John White, in which the states that Uncle Madison is not willing to have Uncle Cummins' property sold so far as to pay off his (Cummins) debts and that Madison is opposed to having the mills rented out again, but is trying to get them into his own hands, and he already had got the negroes from Jacob Jackson. Uncle John thinks that the property ought to be sold so far as to pay off Uncle Cummins' debts and the remainder to be divided among the heirs, and I think that such is the proper course. He offers to do the best he can for you and me provided we wish him to do so. I have offered to give him my interest as an heir because I was afraid that in going to law I might spend more than my interest would be worth. I wish you would let Uncle John know whether he shall do anything for you or not. I hope that by this time all is well with you. Ellie joins me in love to yourself and family.","Your brother, \nThomas","V.M. Institute \nLexington, Va.","My Dear Sister, \nI have in vain waited for your reply to several letters; if you can not write barely enclose me your card or anything to tell me that you are still among the living. Doctor White left your presents for me with a friend of mine and they have come safely to hand and for which I am much obliged. I regret that he did not call and see me or at least let me know of his being in town in order to give me an opportunity of seeing him and it would have given me an opportunity of returning father's miniature. I have not seen Mr. Tanner since he passed through Beverly; but I suppose that he delivered to you some books for Thomas.","Tell Mrs. Hilley that I have not been able to get anything for her as yet, but that the necessary steps have been taken and that we must await the result which she shall be made acquainted with.","I am a candidate for the Professorship of Mathematics in the University of Va. I am well pleased with my present position, yet the other is more desirable both by reason of its being more prominent, and its being about three thousand dollars. The professor is elected by the Board of Visitors for the University of Va.","We have had some very cold weather here during the past few days but at present it is very fine.","My wife has had the left side of her face partially [paralyzed]1","Your brother, \nThomas","P.S. Remember me very kindly to Mr. A. and to all the family and inquiring relations and friends. T.J.J.","Lexington, Va. \nMay 2nd 1854","My Dear Sister, \nI chanced to be at the Hotel yesterday when Doctor White was passing through town and was much pleased at meeting him; it served to some extent the purpose of seeing you; as I thereby had an opportunity of seeing someone who had recently been with my sister. He told me that you had written to me and after the Post Office had opened I received your letter. The mass of which you speak I would send to you, had the Doctor not have procured it before seeing me, he told me that he had found it in the shop of some doctor as he was coming to Lexington. Should you wish any more at any time, let me know and I will procure it for you. I do hope that little Tom is free from that dreadful disease the scrofula. I trust that your apprehensions may prove groundless but it always best to be wide awake, and not permit ourselves to be taken by surprise.","I hope that your health may continue to improve. The poor little Babe what can be the matter with it? I suppose that it is difficult to decide in so young a child, but let us hope for the better while we continue to be prepared for the worst.","Ellie's face has not yet entirely recovered; but I am of the opinion that time will effect a perfect restoration.","Remember me very kindly to Mr. A. and to all enquiring relatives and friends. Tell Thomas and the other children, that I love them, and that they must be good children. Ellie joins me in love to you all.","Your brother, Thomas","P.S. Tell Thomas that I am sorry that he is sick, and that I wish that I could do something for him. T.J.J.","Lexington, Va. \nJune 12th, 1854","My Dear Sister, \nYour sorrowful letter came safe. Your loss is one which I have never been called upon to bear up under; I can well conceive of the tender union which is thus sundered. You have my sympathy [note 1] and I wish I could point you successfully to the source of consolation. I have [entrusted?] the hair to Ellie's keeping. I am not certain that we will be able to come to Beverly this summer; though, should we do so, I will write to you before hand. I am glad to hear that the other children are doing so well. Enclosed is the ribbon. I hope that it will please you, it was the prettiest that Ellie could find. Should there be any other article that I can procure you, it will give me pleasure to do so. I am not certain about my election; but be the result as it may, my friends have acted nobly in my cause.  [note 2] I am very much pressed at this time with studies and letter writing; though a few more weeks will close our session. Tell Doctor B. that his son is in good health. All of my wife's family are at home now, with the exception of one brother, who is in Pa. One of her brothers who is a lawyer in Philadelphia has brought home his bride; having married last Thursday.","I am endeavoring to get an answer about Mrs. Hilley's money: and if I do not get it soon I shall go and see about it in person, and will have the matter settled either one way or the other. Remember me to her and to all my other friends.","Your brother \nT. J. Jackson \nRemember me very kindly to each member of the family and to my other relations. \nTJJ","[Note 1 - Reference to the death of Laura's infant daughter, Laura Zell Arnold (b. Dec. 1853 d. May 1854).]\n[Note 2 - Reference to Jackson's pending application for a professorship at the University of Virginia. Shortly after this letter was written, the University's Board awarded the position to another candidate.]","My Dear Sister, \nEllie \u0026 myself hope to be with you this day week (Saturday).","I wish you would say to Mrs. Hillie that I have failed in my efforts to procure her any assistance. I much regret this. I do not know of any person belonging to the Staunton Lodge who would have been more likely of success than Mr. Watts, the gentleman to whom I entrusted it.\nYour Brother Thomas ","My dear Laura, \nThe Major is so busy with his duties at the Institute that he has commissioned me to finish this letter for him. Indeed, I have scarcely seen him today. He wishes me to say to you that he hopes you will not exert yourself by making any preparations to receive us; he does not want you to weary yourself or injure your health on our account. The weather is so extremely warm just now that we quite fear the ride in stage, but we hope to find it cooler further among the mountains.\nYours affect. \nEllie Jackson","Excuse this hasty note as I am much pressed with business. Mr. Bledsoe of Kentucky was elected at the University to the chair for which I was a candidate.","Healing Springs, Va. \nJuly 24th 1854","My dear Laura, \nWe intended to have written last week to you concerning our journey and safe arrival here, but it was postponed from day to day as such things often are. The journey over the mountains was exceedingly tiresome to me, as the road over the Cheat Mt. had been newly macadamized \u0026 the load was heavy for two horses. We had a very agreeable companion","[at top of page]","The Major says they did not know when they would make any mass at the Bath Alum, but he says if you want it he will direct them to send you a keg of it, but he expects the transportation will cost a good deal. companion with us, whose vivacity and intelligence beguiled our way very much. His name was Henry O. Middleton \u0026 he is a great land owner \u0026 speculator. Much of his talk was about land. It was nine o'clock when we reached Monterey and we left it at two in the morning, so we did not have very much rest-- but by lying down on the seat with my head on the Major's knees \u0026 Mr. Middleton's overcoat for a pillow I rested somewhat \u0026 did not feel the jolting so terribly as I did sometimes. At Yager's where we dined, they had according to the Major's request a fine dish of trout and I can assure you we did full justice to them. We did not go all the way to Staunton on Saturday, but stopped 15 miles short of it at Dudley's. From there the landlord brought us over to Oakland on the other turnpike. There we stayed over Sunday and on Monday evening we took the stage again. That night we slept at Cloverdale \u0026 the next day we came on here, stopping to breakfast at the Bath Alum.","The Major inquired there for the mass according to your wish but they had none and were making none. There were very few visitors there.","We reached these Springs about noon on Tuesday. A good many people have come since we did and now I suppose there are 50 or 60 here. The water is disagreeably warm to drink, but is very pleasant to bathe in. I drink about 5 glasses a day \u0026 the Major drinks more. They keep an excellent table and we get the very nicest brown bread, plenty of venison \u0026 other meat and twice they had tomatoes, but they were brought from Richmond. They have been examining my face this morning \u0026 I think it is a little improved.  I let the water run over it when I was in the bath. The Major thinks the water is doing him good. He joins with me in sending love to you \u0026 the children \u0026 compliments to Mr. Arnold.","Yours Affect.\nE.J. Jackson","Lexington, Va. \nNov. 14th 1854","My dear sister \nYou must excuse this short letter and also my not having written to you at an earlier day, for my eyes have become so bad as to make me very careful with them. You wrote to me that should your health not prevent your coming to see me that I might have expected your arrival several days since. I went to the Hotel to see whether you had attempted such a journey. Though I would like to see you, and appreciate your very sisterly affection, yet I would not like for you to attempt coming over such a road, with all its harassments, so do not attempt it. When my next vacation vacation will enable me to leave (which I cannot do now without neglecting my duties) I trust that God will again permit me to see your face.","My Dear Ellie thought to pass over the stage route from here to Beverly was a hard undertaking for her. After she returned home she was pleased with her visit. She has now gone on a glorious visit though through a gloomy portal. Her companion are of the glorified Host. I look forward with delight to the day when I shall join her. Religion is all that I desire it to be. I am reconciled to my loss and have joy in hope of a future reunion where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest. I am much obliged to you for you kind desire to come and stay with Ellie.","Your affectionate brother, \nThomas.","Lex. Va. \nFeby 20th 1855","My Dear Sister, \nI have learned with pleasure that your health has improved and I hope that you may not for many a day to come {need} any more medicine. I have gone to both of our book stores but in neither one could be found the books which you require. If you desire it and will let me know I will get one of our merchants when in Philadelphia next month to get them if they are to be had. The spelling book is here but the others I doubt whether they will ever be here unless specially ordered.","I have just written to Wirt I to have done so some time since but have been prevented by my eyes. He is at Mount Vernon Indiana where he recently returned from California. He saw hard times and was glad to get back even with his life, though he brought some money $340 dollars.","My eyes are improving but still I have to be careful with them, the spots continue to float before them. I am obliged to you for your kind suggestion not to hurt them even in writing to you. Maggie has been in Philadelphia for about three months for her health. Is there anything of Dear Ellie's which you would like to have, her pencil, her glasses or anything else?","Love to all. \nYour affectionate brother, Thomas.","[Note: the last page of this document contains a handwritten copy of a letter not in our collection]","Lexington Va \nJanuary 24th 1854","My Dear Sister \nMy eyes have improved so that I hope to be able sometim next month to write you a letter.  I received your letter yesterday.  Maggie is in Philadelphia.","Your affectionate \nbrother Thomas","Lexington, Va. \nMarch 20th 1855","My Dear Sister, \nI sometime since received a letter from Wirt in which he stated that he was at Uncle Alfred Neales, and that he intended going to your house as soon as the weather should settle. He requested me to answer him immediately directing my letter to him at Beverly. I at once replied and I suppose that the letter has reached its destination ere this. He writes a good hand and a sensible letter. He expresses his intention of going to California or his desire to do so. This I","[text below continues from page 4; it appears on the left and top margins of page 1]","here but I am unable to select for fear that you may have them or that they may not suit your taste. Remember me very kindly to Wirt when he arrives, to Mr. A., to all the family and to all enquiring friends and relatives.","Your affectionate brother, \nThomas","hope he will relinquish. I am inclined to the belief that he would probably do as well by making Civil Engineering his profession as at any thing else to which he could turn his attention under present circumstances. But of this I can not speak definitely. He must judge of this for himself. Try and get him to stay with you if you can, until I come and get him to study arithmetic \u0026 geography and history: and for this purpose lend him Rollin's ancient history. If Wirt will study Latin I will give him lessons during the summer and put him in the way of learning it so that he can teach Thomas.","I will also if he will consent to do so give him instruction in the different sciences, of Algebra, Geometry and in Engineering and other branches of necessary education and bring with me the necessary books. If he thinks that it will take up too much time for a perfect education, he can take enough for an Engineer in the course of a few months. He can then commence the practice on some of our internal improvements. I have an idea that he might succeed well in this sphere of life. He could whilst practicing his profession make himself a good historian, but it would be the safer plan to get a good education before he commences the practice of the profession.","I hope that for the present Wirt will conclude to teach and then he can as he progresses with his education decide on his profession. I am anxious to know as soon as practicable his determination. I think that the plan of staying in Beverly and taking up a school is the proper one for him if all things are favorable to it, so far as obtaining Mr. Arnold's approbation and a moderate school. I send you two styles of writing but I would not advise the use of but one. If you will let me know which you have selected I can send you [some] others when wanted.","I bought four papers of seed, but can only find three. If you will name the kind of seed you want I think that I can probably get them for there is a variety","[end of letter appears in margin on page 1] ","Lex. Va. \nApril 4th 1855","My Dear Sister, \nYour letter of the 30th ult. And Thomas' came by this days mail. I feared from what I recently heard that Wirt's mind had not entirely recovered. And as such appears to be the case from your letter, it might be dangerous for him to be closely confined. He told me in his letter that he was not qualified for any occupation except farming and that he did not have the means for this. I therefore make two offers to him. One is to purchase the farm worth a thousand dollars and let him go on it, and have all that he can make. The other is the system of education which I have already stated to you. Now if you can let him know this in such a manner as to be acceptable to him, I wish you to do so. If you think that such can not be done, then let me know it. He ought not to feel hurt at any assistance which I offer to give him, because he is my brother. Should he conclude to go on the farm, I want him to read during his spare time and having a good memory he can become a good historian. Should he prefer going on a farm, I think it would be well to select one in such a position as will enable him easily to dispose of his produce. He might in a few years be able to refund the money used. I would not charge him any interest. I have not got a thousand dollars on hand now; but expect to have in a few months. Wirt might be looking him out a place suitable farm so that when I come West we go together and see it.","I am sorry that your eyes are so much impaired, but hope that they will be better before this reaches you. I would recommend you to fill a basin full of water and put your face under the water and hold your eyes open in it as long as you can hold your breath. Just do this once whenever your eyes are very painful. This is the course which I am now pursuing. I do it about six times a day in cold water \u0026 the water should be as cold as when just drawn from the well or taken from the river. My eyes are quite bad at present. Don't write but make Thomas do it for you. I would be glad if Wirt would write to me. Tell Thomas that I shall answer his letter in a few days and that I am very thankful to him for it. Tell him that I am much pleased with his good spelling. I sent the primer and reader by the last mail. Give my love to all and the family and Wirt.","Your affectionate brother, \nThomas ","Lexington, Va. \nJune 1st, 1855","My Dear Sister, \nDay before yesterday, I received a letter from Wirt written, at Uncle Alfred's. he says that his health had improved and that he ploughed nearly all the preceding day. He also stated that there is a school a short distance below the Island, and that he wants to go to school there when his health is sufficiently reestablished. He says that he likes Mr. Arnold \"very much\" and that you treated him \"like a brother.\" I am pleased with his letter, and if he continues at Uncle Alfred's, I want to visit him this summer. I should not for a moment suspect from his composition that his mind was injured. He speaks plainly and sensibly.","I hope that before this, you have recovered at least the usual use of your eyes and that all things are moving on pleasantly. How is Thomas getting along with his studies?","This a rainy day here, but is rather brighter that it was early in the morning. I have received the railing for dear Ellie's grave and this summer expect to take steps for the Tomb stones to be brought from Philadelphia. I intend to have them of Italian marble. The iron railing is neat and when I put it up it will be about three feet high.","Pure and lovely companion of my happier days, I feel that she has entered upon the blissful enjoyment of which the human mind cannot have a clear conception. Ere many long years roll by I hope to be with her, where there will be no more separation. We loved each other on Earth and shall that love be diminished in eternity I do not believe it, but on the contrary will be greatly enhanced. Had I one request on Earth to ask in accordance with my own feelings and apart from duty it would be that I might join her before the close of another day after this. I have many pleasures here, but I believe that there are greater in reserve beyond this life.","If you want me to bring any thing in July, let me know in your next.","Give me love to all the family \u0026 to all inquiring relatives \u0026 friends.","Your affectionate brother, \nT.J. Jackson","Lexington, Va. \nJune 18th 1855","My Dear Sister, \nYour letter post marked 10th Inst. came a few days after I had written to Mr. Watts of Staunton in reference to Mrs. Hilley and he tells me in his reply that the grand lodge could not do any thing for want of Jurisdiction and that the Staunton Lodge could not give assistance for want of funds. A recent house built by this lodge  has prevented any aid from this source. Mr. W. said \"We have purchased a very fine lodge room at a heavy expense, and all the means we can well share must go to pay for it.\" So you see how hopeless the case is. Say to Mrs. Hilley that I much regret this issue of the application. I had hoped that something would have been done, but as the Staunton and the grand lodges have both failed, I don't see that any thing is to be hoped for in this section of the state.","Julia last week purchased two collars for you but she could not find a suitable belt. I afterwards went in search of one, but with a similar result. There are plenty of them, but not such as please me, so I intend postponing the purchase until I reach Staunton. I could get a bonnet but I am afraid that it would get broken. I shall think it over when I am in Staunton. The [shawl] I have had no opportunity as yet of sending for. I shall try and bring you some slips from dear Ellie's flowers.","It will give me much pleasure to teach Thomas while I am with you. I have a few old clothes which I will take with me. I much obliged for your kindness in reference to the shirts but don't let any thing be touched until I see you.","Wirt has not written since your last.","Remember me very kindly to Mrs. Hilley \u0026 to Miss El[illegible] and to other enquiring friends.","Give my love to all the family. I hope that Aunt and Cousin John's health have improved.","Your affectionate brother, \nThomas","Uncle Alfred's \nAugust 10th 1855","My Dear Sister, \nThe object of this note is to state that I was prevented from going on the Hall place. But I learned that she there are 637 1/2 acres to be sold on the 20th of this month. This land is composed of the Hall place, the School Croft place \u0026 the Thorpe place, none of which I wish to purchase. It is estimated that it will go at from three to five thousand dollars \u0026 is by all regarded as valuable property.","As my eyes continue weak you must excuse this brief letter. Wirt sends his love \u0026 thanks for the articles of clothing and says that he wants you to write to him, that he has only received that one short note from you though he has written several letters. Uncle's family are in usual health.","Your affectionate brother, \nThomas","Lexington, Va. \nSept. 3rd 1855","My Dear Sister, \nAs my eyes are still troubling me, you must excuse this brief note. I left Wirt on Thursday of week before last with the understanding that he would start for Missouri on the following Monday. There he designed going to farming on some land of mine which I am to purchase. He is to have some more schooling after he gets located, and I hope that he will do well. He was troubled about the promise which he made to you of paying you a visit. I advised him to go at once and select some place where he would like to live and that I would write to you. It was important that he should as soon as practicable get fixed in some pursuit. His mind was unsettled and flying from thing to thing, and it appears that the course he was prevailed on to take is the best for him. He had learned but very little at school previous to my going to the River. But with the start I gave him in grammar I hope that he will become a good grammarian. I want him to study spelling writing and grammar. I hope that you will write to me soon approving his course and excusing him from his promise. I feet well satisfied that you would do so when I counseled him at once to locate himself. Give my love to all the family.","Your affectionate brother","Lexington, Va. \nOct. 1855","My Dear Sister, \nYour letter to Wirt appears to have had a good influence on him such as to induce him to relinquish his idea of returning to Indiana. Yet he has gone beyond what I authorized him to do by purchasing a farm at eight dollars per acre. I restricted him to seven at most. But notwithstanding if Cousin Wm. Neale will approve of the bargain I have determined to advance eleven hundred dollars. I well know that there is a risk but it appears to me that I ought to run this risk for him. He made the purchase without consulting Cousin Wm. and it may be that he has been cheated. I have written to Uncle Alfred to forward between seven and eight hundred dollars if he thinks it should be done, but with the condition that the contract is to be approved by Cousin Wm. and the deed to be made out in my name. Wirt says that he has paid ninety five dollars of the purchase money by selling his horse to the person from whom he purchased.","Mr. Thomas left for home yesterday and I left at the house where he was staying a testament for him to carry to Mrs. Hilley. It may possibly be that it was not delivered to him, please let me know whether Mrs. Hilley gets it. He was not in when I left the book and he told me afterwards that he had not received it, but I requested him to ask for it before leaving.","Tell Mr. Arnold that I want to get about two thousand acres of land warrant and ask him whether he could purchase me any if I were to forward the money and at about what price does he think it can be procured. I do not want to make any purchases until after Christmas as the general impression I believe is that the price will be lower about that time, but I would like to know what it is worth now. Tell him that my intention is to let the land lay after purchasing it for a number of years without selling it and that as the lands in Kansas are less culled over than those in the free states I will for the same amount of money get better land and that Kansas will almost certainly be a free state and this will give the advantage of a free state in selling should I years hence wish to dispose of them. Ask him what he thinks of these views. Tell him that I have been told there is considerable good land in Illinois still unappropriated and if so I want to lay warrants on some of it as it must ultimately command a high price.","I hope Mr. Campbell will come on and that you will be able to keep him. Aunt Clem told me in a recent letter that soon after my leaving she was laid up from","[end of letter appears in margin of this and previous pages]","Charly \u0026 Julia took prizes.","I received Dear Ellie's tomb stones today enclosed a draft of the head stone, it has a full blown rose and a rose bud on the top. William Junkin my youngest brother-in-law is to be married tomorrow to Miss Anna Anderson a lovely a pretty girl. Our synod was a delightful assembly. Your affectionate brother.","Lexington, Va. \nOct. 6th 1855","My Dear Sister, \nYour letter of the 29th Sept. came safely and I am obliged to you for your advise in regard to Wirt, and I agree with you in regard to the course to be pursued. I had previously taken precautions against any such consequences as you refer to. My arrangement with regards to the purchase of land is this. That he should go out and make a selection of such a farm as would fulfill certain conditions, and previous to the purchase the transaction must be approved by Uncle Alfred Neale in the event of his being in Missouri at the time, if not then Cousin William Neale must approve of it. Upon complying with all the conditions, Uncle Alfred Neale is to forward endorse a note which I left in his hands and after getting the money out of the Bank to forward a check for it on [N. T.?] payable to the order of Cousin William Neale. And when the deed is made out in my name Cousin William is to pay the money. So the money is entirely beyond Wirt's control. Cousin Wm. Neale has advised Wirt to do as you recommended, viz. to raise stock \u0026 I suppose that he will do so.","When Wirt shall have purchased land, then I expect to furnish him some money to enable him to work it. This he may be able to dispose of, but I will be on my guard about entrusting him with it if there is any danger of [Will?/him?] going back to Uncle Thornton's","I am thankful to you for having written a plain letter to Wirt upon his conduct. I have received a letter from Wirt dated Sept. 19th in which he states that he had reached William Neale's but in going up the Mississippi River the boat was s[wamp?]ed and he left his berth to go forward leaving his purse under his pillow and when he returned it was gone. He says that the country is very healthy. But that improved land is worth from 25 to 30 dollars per acre. Cousin Wm. has advised him to go elsewhere and he is going to look at the lands of Johnson County. He expresses himself pleased with the country and I hope that he may do well. I do not want him to go into a free state if it can be avoided for he would probably become an abolitionist and then in the event of trouble between the N \u0026 S he would stand on one side and we on the opposite. Tell Mr. Arnold that next year I want to go West and make investments in land and would be glad could he go along and make some purchases for himself if he desires to make such.","[end of letter in margins of this and previous pages]","William Woodson says that he acknowledges his obligation to assist Wirt but that he is not able. I agree with him that land in a free state rises most rapidly. But I have a scheme on hand which I think approve of and which I will give in my next.","Your affectionate brother \nThomas","Nov. 3rd 1855","I wish that you would not omit to let me know Mr. Arnold's views in your next and whether he thinks that he will go with me and the prospect of buying say one thousand acres of land warrant \u0026 the price per acre.","I wrote to James Dicks a few days since, and the reference to his putting up stones at Brother Warren's grave, and I wish that you would drop him a line as soon as convenient giving the days of his birth and death. If you have my letter upon the subject of his death you may find one of the dates from it.","I got Aunt Coty Williams to go with me to Father's and our sisters graves and made arrangement with her for having the graves fixed up so far as renewing the Earth over them and I hope that before a [great while?] we shall be able to erect stones.","The Cadets have been absent at Petersburg and Richmond but are expected to be home today.","T.J.J.","Lexington Va. \nNov. 13th 1855","[fragment; only top portion exists]","...it as he was going West to buy land, and gave his note payable in two months. So your....","[fragment; only top portion exists]","-pects be applied as I originally designed. He wrote to me that he could get two hundred dollars for his bargain and if so will have done well by the purchase and sale of it again. I don't know what to do about him. I told him at the time that I made the proposition not to accept of it unless he felt it would be to his interest, and I wrote in reply to his letter expressing the advantages that Indiana offered, that if he was dissatisfied with our engagement not to consider himself bound by it.","Cousin Hardin Neale it appears is really consumptive.","Remember me very affectionately to all the family and very kindly to all inquiring relatives \u0026 friends.","Your affectionate brother \nThomas","Lexington, Va. \nChristmas 1855","My Dear Nephew, \nYour letter has given me pleasure in various ways. I am glad to know that you can find time from your play to write me so good a letter and hope that you will write frequently. I am sorrowed that your mule should have been so unmannerly as to throw you off \u0026 even after doing this should kick you, but now since your Pa has sold him all such accidents I hope will be avoided for the future.  I remember having once been served pretty much the same way by one of those kicking creatures. It happened in this way I went with Cousin Wm. Brake whom your mother can tell you about to bring some mules home one Sunday Morning, and as I was riding down a long hill somehow or other I not only got over the mark across his shoulders but he got me over his head and jumped clear over me and way he went \u0026 from that day to this I have not been very fond of mule riding. You know they kick out to one side like a cow.","I have corrected your letter \u0026 believing that you would understand the corrections better if I returned the letter with the corrections I have concluded to return it with this. And now I am not going to look over my letter, and I expect that there are some mistakes in it \u0026 if so I wish when you read it that you would point them out to your Pa or Ma and tell me of them when you next write, and if there are many you can just correct them, and return the letter thus corrected. I hope that you will get to a good school this Winter. I saw Doctor Bosworth this morning at the Hotel or Tavern in Town. He is up paying his son John a visit during the Christmas holidays \u0026 I wish that you would go \u0026 tell Mrs. Bosworth that I saw him \u0026 tell her also that John is well.","The Doctor told me that he thought that you would have a good teacher in Town this winter. I hope that you will get enough money to buy a calf and that you will grow up to be a good \u0026 wise man.","Give much love to your Father, Mother, Grace \u0026 Stark.","Your affectionate Uncle \nThomas","Jany 14th 1856","My Dear Aunt, \nYour letter enclosing Wirt's \u0026 its accompanying bonds came safely. And in reply I would state that I even desire that my feelings may never get the better of my judgement. And certainly from all the light now before me it would be in violation of my judgement to aid Wirt until he gives evidence of being a reliable and straight forward person. Though he promised in his letters to give a portion of each to [parsing?] as I had taught him. Yet he has not so much as attempted anything in any of his letters, and it appears ","[top margin text is end of letter, see page 2]\nunless they are responsible persons. that though he promised you not to purchase the watch, yet he violated his promise to you and excused himself by saying that the man made him do so. For the present and until he satisfies me that it would be proper to give him aid I must decline doing it. But it will give me pleasure to assist whenever I can do so with the consciousness that he will do what is right.","Tell uncle that I am anxiously looking for the check from him on New York City as I want to forward funds there as soon as practicable. Much love to uncle and to all the family. Please let me hear from you soon.","Your affectionate nephew, \nThomas","I return one of Wirt's papers and will return the others letter hereafter. The deed is to be made to Wirt \u0026 this not until is directly the reverse of his obligations \u0026 the time of making the deed is deferred until the last purchase money shall be paid \u0026 then if they cannot make it, there it ends unless they are responsible persons.","Lexington, Va. \nFeby. 18th 1856","My Dear Sister, \nI expect that you have been expecting a letter for several mails as I am several mails behind my time, and acting upon the principle that late is better than never I have concluded to appropriate a portion of this afternoon to a little talk with you.","My paper you see is variegated with colors by obviously not much beautified by such acquisition. This varied appearance has resulted not from color but from the absence of color produced by spilling some nitric acid on it \u0026 it has given me about a [illegible] of the same stamp. Tell Thomas he must never give up his Latin grammar nor his English either. That if he perseveres that he may expect to find both of great use after awhile. Tell him that his uncle had to study hard for years at more difficult things than the Latin \u0026 grammar and that after he learns it, that it will all be very easy. Tell him also that I want a letter from him when he finds time to write. But he must make himself perfect master of his spelling book and grammar now when he is young and then he may expect to write correct letters, but without knowing these two books he can hardly expect to write correctly. Because all correct writing must have the words spelled correctly and written grammatically.","How is cousin John getting? I have not yet written to him, but if your next letter brings the news of his life being prolonged I think that I will try and write very soon after. My time is taken up during the day and I am afraid to write at night. But my eyes are improving. I have no recent news of Wirt at least for several weeks \u0026 I do not know where he is. The last I heard from him was through a letter written to Aunt Clem. Cousin Hardin appointed Uncle Alfred his administrator. If Cousin John is still living, give him my warm remembrances \u0026 hope that the visions of the future may grow brighter until faith is lost in reality of those joys which passeth all understanding. Much love to all.","Your affectionate brother, \nThomas","My Dear Sister, \nYour letter has come safely, and I am glad to learn that you are in such an exuberant flow of spirits and hope that such much may long continue.","I received, and answered your other letter in regard to the tombstones at Brother Warren's grave. But as I usually answer letters from recollection, thus saving my eyes from rereading, I forgot ","[end of letter from page 4 appears on margins of page 1]","Thomas need not repeat his English verb when he is conjugating his Latin verb, but ask him what his Latin verb is in English. I have heard from Wirt and written a very plain letter to him like that which I wrote to you. Much love to all.","Thomas","to answer that particular inquiry, but remembered it afterwards and should have answered it. In this: I wish to put stones to his grave and also to Father's \u0026 sister's, and also to Mother's if I knew certainly the spot, but it appears to me that it would be best to put all up at the same time during the coming year. But if you would prefer having Warren's put up now, write to Jas. Dicks \u0026 ask him to do so, and pay him the twelve dollars, and ask Doctor Bosworth if it will not suit him to let you have my part of the expense and let me pay it over to Colonel Smith here the same amount for him, it will save him the risk of the losing it by mail, in the event of his sending his money by mail. But should it not be convenient for the Doctor to do so, and you can spare the money until I shall have an opportunity of getting a check I will forward it to you and should there be other expenses beyond twelve dollars I will share them with you.","The congregation here to which I belong have objects to which they subscribe of much more importance to them than your Academy can be, that I am well satisfied that your application would meet with little or no favor here, and I would advise that no effort should be made. We have six annual contributions, and then certain others which are first recommended by over session, and I am well satisfied that the session would consider other objects as more demanding their recommendation than the academy. You need not be afraid of the opposing party doing anything here if they were to do so it would give me an opportunity which I would embrace if at home of urging your claims.","[end continues margins of page 1]","Thomas need not repeat his English verb when he is conjugating his Latin verb, but ask him what his Latin verb is in English. I have heard from Wirt and written a very plain letter to him like that which I wrote to you. Much love to all.","Thomas","Lexington, Va. \nApril 1856","My Dear Nephew, \nNow for a letter to you, but I would much rather talk to you if you were here, but as I can't talk with you I do not intend biting off my nose by delaying myself the pleasure of writing. Thanks to you for your correction of my letter. And now let us see how many errors you can find in this yours. And now let us read your letter together, and let us number the wrong words. No (1) means to exclude, you wished to tell me to receive, just the reverse of this, and should have said accept. No. 2 should begin with the capital E because the word is an adjective derived from the name of a nation. No. 3 should for the same reason begin with L. No. 4 should be piece, look in your dictionary for both words piece \u0026 peace. No. 5 wants an e at the end. I hope that your finger has perfectly recovered. I am much pleased with your letter and want you to write often. Your little sealing wax experiment had much gratified me. And now I hope that you will put all the words which I corrected for you down on a separate piece of paper and memorize them safely so that when I next visit you they can all be repeated by you, Grace and Stark.","I am glad to see them doing so well in their studies. And if you study your Latin grammar well, I think that you will be apt to like it after you become well acquainted with it. We generally like those things best which we can do the best. We usually find that the little boy who can run faster than any other boy fond of running races and the one who can read the best of any in his class fond of reading. And the man who can talk better and speak better than others fond of talking and speaking. I want to see you a good talker, but especially a good speaker and your Latin is very important in making you a good speaker, and so study it with all your might. Besides the correction of my letter let us see if you can correct these words viz.: ","[end of letter continues on margins of page 1]","Philadelfia, Pensilvania.","Give much love to all the family.","Your affectionate \nUncle Thomas","Lexington, Va. \nMay 12th, 1856","My Dear Sister, \nThanks for your letter and excuse me for not having answered it sooner. I have been unsuccessful in procuring seed as our seed seller of last year did not bring them on this year. But the apothecary chanced to have a few on hand from which I have selected two papers. The assortment is very poor and small.","I wish that you would drop a note to Mr. Criss or to Cousin Elizabeth and see whether he could not see to putting up the stones at the graves of Father \u0026 Sister, and ask what they will come to including the cost of putting them up. And if you can get it attended to I will advance the money at any time for the purpose but before closing the terms let me know because if they are not as good as I can get elsewhere I had better have it done. But it appears to me that all the","[part of end of letter appears on this page]","be absorbed but I hope not, and trust that I shall get through in time to visit you. probabilities are in favor of getting it done cheaper in by Mr. Criss than I could get it done abroad from Clarksburg. I have not been able to ascertain the cost of railing for you but intend writing to Phil. about it. The railing around Ellie's grave was about one dollar and a half per foot.","Maggie left for Phil. last Saturday. I received a letter from Wirt in which he expresses his probable intention of going West again and I understand from his language that he means California; as he speaks of going over the plains or some such phraseology. I have been trying to find his letter but have not succeeded at this time. I fear that I will not get to Beverly this summer as I am very anxious to go direct to Washington City, \u0026 begin my work of finding out and locating land and as I may have much to do in the West in endeavoring to find out the best land ","[end of letter in margins of page 1 and 2]","all my time may be absorbed but I hope not, and trust that I shall get through in time to visit you.","Let me hear from you soon. I hope that Thomas has received my letter.","Your much attached brother, \nThomas","We have had a great revival of religion here.","Lexington \nMay 19th/56","My Dear Aunt, \nYou may ere this have wondered at my long silence. And it has not resulted from not having thought of you, but this year like the past has been much occupied with my professional duties and I have not yet finished a new book which I am teaching this year on astronomy. But by the way I think that you are a letter in my debt. But with those I love I don't wish to stand on formalities, and you see from the size of my paper that you are not to be troubled with a long epistle.","And you are probably by this time beginning to think that he has not much to say or else he would commence setting about it. But such is not the case, for we have such an outpouring of the Spirit of God in our churches here as I never remember of having seen elsewhere. Your branch of the church has recently been increased though I can not say how much. The Episcopal church about a week since took in nearly twenty five and from present appearances I suppose that about fifty will join the Presbyterian church in a few days when we are to have our commission. The Baptist church is also being blest, and I think that we may reasonably expect more than one hundred from this revival. I feel very thankful to God for such divine blessings.","I wish that Laura was here. I want you dear Aunt to make her one of the number for whom you regularly pray. What answer did she give you in regard to your very kind and Christian letter to her. Pray that the Glorious work of grace here may go on. Laura appears to be blest with unusual good health this summer. I wrote to Wirt sometime since a letter of very plain talk about the same that I wrote to you in regard to him. It was the result of a letter which he wrote to me. I thought that in reply I had better be plain even though he should take offence. For he would then see that I only wish to have business transactions with persons who were entirely reliable. Please give much love to Uncle \u0026 to all the family. Remember that I attach unusual importance to your letters.","Your affectionate nephew \nThomas","June 6th 1856","My Dear Sister \nYour letter came safely. And I begin my reply now though I shall not mail it until Monday. As yet I have not heard from Phil. in regard to the railing, but I may do so by the time of forwarding this. In regard to the tomb stones, I wish as soon as you receive an answer in reference to them, and shall have determined on the price \u0026 the time that they are to be put up you would let me know because in the event of their being put up before September I must make my arrangements before starting West. And I wish to know the amount as I desire to employ all of my spare funds in the purchase of lands. Doctor Bosworth will pay you fifteen dollars for me, in return for money which he wrote to me to give his son John this coming summer, but it will not be due until sometime in July as he proposed returning it to me in Beverly this summer supposing that I would visit Beverly. And if the man comes to Beverly as I suppose he does from his furnishing stones for Cousin John's grave, had I not better send the money to you and get you to pay him, getting Cousin Criss to see that he does the work properly. I expect Col. Augustus Smith here this month from Clarksburg and if you can't arrange the matter otherwise, I may be able to arrange it through him.","In reference to Wirt, I am interested in his welfare and had he followed my advice I feel that he would most certainly have been benefited by it. I wrote to him not long since in answer to a letter from him. Ask Mr. Arnold if there is anything which I can do for him this summer in the way of locating land warrants or otherwise. Tell him that my present purpose is to go to Washington from here and after finding out all that I can there in reference to Western lands, to pass into Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and probably Arkansas and say to him that I design following out Transcript\nhis idea of locating some land in a Northern state, but that I am a little afraid to put much there for fear that in the event of dissolution of the Union, that the property of Southerners may be confiscated. I want to locate about three thousand acres, maybe a little more, and if I can please myself will probably put down about one half of it in a Northern state. I would be thankful for suggestions from Mr. Arnold if he has any to make. As yet I have not purchased \nThis is Monday afternoon and no news as yet in regard to the railing by my next letter you may expect to hear about the cost.","Remember me very kindly to all the family. I hope that Thomas is doing well in his Latin and English grammar.","Your affectionate brother, \nThomas","New York City \nJuly 9th 1856","My Dear Sister, \nI sail in the steam ship Asia for Europe at 12 o'clock today for Liverpool. The reasons for doing so I will give in my next. I gave John Bosworth an order on the Lexington book for thirty dollars and requested that the money should be returned to you. This will do for Father's and sister's graves. Don't ask Mr. Arnold for any money, but if you have not ten dollars to pay Jim Dix [?] for Brother Warren's, you may expect me to advance it when I return next fall.","Much love to all","Your affectionate brother, \nT. J. Jackson","Ship Asia at Sea \nJuly 18th 1856","My Dear Sister, \nYou have doubtless been surprised at my sudden leaving for Europe instead of going West to purchase or locate land. You may remember that in 1851 I had a nine months leave of absence for the purpose of visiting Europe, but that Col. Smith induced me to relinquish the idea for the time, holding out to me an opportunity at some future time, and that I accordingly did postpone my comtemplate[d] trip.","This year as the time for going West drew near, I became more and more discouraged in regard to investing money in such distant lands, and a gentleman with whom I conversed and who has had much experience told me that he did not think it a safe and profitable investment. Another friend told me that he had come very near losing a part of his, in consequence of his being so far off as to interfere with his giving sufficient attention to it. And I have rather concluded to keep my money invested in stocks of different kinds and thus get my dividends regularly and trust to the blessing of Providence for gradually increasing my worldly goods.","Thus circumstanced I a few days before starting concluded that an opportunity was now offered of going to Europe which would probably never again be presented to me. What should I do with the two months this before me was a question which I did not know how to solve satisfactorily. You are a very kind and affectionate sister. Yet even with you I would be reminded of the loss of that happiness which I once enjoyed with Dear Ellie. So I have to some extent torn myself away from that state of mind which I feared should my summer have been passed at home or in the W. States.","I hope that you will be able to get up the tomb stones by the aid of thirty dollars from Dr. Bosworth. But don't ask anything of Mr. A and when I return I will let you have what ever may be wanting should you not be able to get along with what you have.","I expect to visit Liverpool, London, Paris, Genoa, Florence, Pisa, Rome, Naples, Brussels, Antwerp, Edinburgh, and some other points of interest. I wish you would write me a letter to N.Y. City during the first week of October. Remember me very kindly to Mr. A. and to all the family. Kindest regards to all inquiring relatives.","Your affectionate brother \nThomas","Naples \nSept 9th 1856","My Dear Sister, \nYou must excuse my long silence as I have been much pressed for time, and now barely hasten to drop you a line.","Since landing at Liverpool I have been at Glasgow, Sterling Castle \u0026 Edinburgh Scotland, York, London \u0026 other places in England; Antwerp, Brussels, Waterloo \u0026 other places in Belgium. Since then I have passed through Aix La Chapellr, Bonn, Frankfort on the Main,[? going] ascended the Rhine.","From Frankfort I proceeded to Heidelberg and thence on to Baden Baden in Germany, Strasbourg in France, Basle, Lakes Lucerne, Brienze, Thun, Geneva \u0026 the city of Geneva in Switzerland, and so on to the great ice berg called Mer de Glas that is sea of ice. I continued in Switzerland for about a week and crossed the Alps by the Simplon Pass as it is called through which Napoleon entered Italy. The scenery of Switzerland is very grand.","Upon entering Italy I passed on through the cities of Milan, Venice, Mantua, Modena, Florence, Pisa, Leghorn and finally to this place. With Venice, Florence and Naples I have been very much gratified. I was at the volcano of Vesuvius last Friday and went about half way down one of the active craters. The scene was truly grand this evening. I leave for Rome. Much love to all.","Your much attached brother \nThomas","Lexington, Va. \nOct. 25th 1856","My Dear Sister, \nI forwarded to you after returning home a few lines, and with pleasure now appropriate a few minutes to say where I have been during my absence. As to telling what I saw a volume of several hundred pages would be required, but should I ever be permitted to see you I trust that I will be able to pass several hours in narrating my travels.  I was unable to come through Beverly and see you. I was several days later returning home than I had designed.","After reaching Liverpool I passed town to the old town of Chester and then out to the Residence of the Marquis of Westminster. His house is called Eaton Hall. Afterwards I returned to Liverpool and preceded North into Scotland passing through Glasgow, Sterling and Edinburgh. After leaving Edinburgh I returned to England visiting York, the residence of Oliver Cromwell, the University of Cambridge \u0026 London city. I took a steamboat to the continent landing at Antwerp and passing on to Brussels, Waterloo, Aix la Chapelle, Cologne, Bonn, Coblentz, Frankfort on the Main, Heidelberg, Baden Baden, Strasburg, Basle, Lakes Lucerne, Brienze, Thun, Berne, Freiburg, [illegible], Lake Geneva, Geneva, Mer de Glas (sea of ice) over the Alps, through the Simplon Pass. Milan, Verona, Venice, Mantua, Modena, Florence, Pisa, Leghorn, Naples, Rome, Genoa, Marseilles, Lyons, Paris, Calais, London, Liverpool, N. York, home.","I could talk to you with much pleasure about the very many things of much interest. Tell Thomas that I intend answering his letter in a few days. I am much gratified that you are putting up the grave stones. Should you want any more funds let me know. I found two letters from Wirt waiting for me at home. I will send him a check for thirty dollars if I can get one on N. York for that amount.","[end of letter in bottom margin page 1]","Much love to all.","Your affectionate brother, \nThomas","Lexington,Va. \nOct. 27th 1856","My very dear Aunt, \nIt is with pleasure that God again permits me to write to you from my adopted home. Your kindness and that of Uncle has not been forgotten but when you hear where I was during my short absence you will not be surprised at not hearing from me, as my time was even too short to see well what came within the range of my journey. After leaving Liverpool, I passed to Chester \u0026 Eaton Hall and from thence returning I visited Glasgow Lochs Lomond \u0026 [Katrine] Sterling Castle. Edinburgh, York, London, Antwerp, Brussels, Waterloo, Aix La Chapelle, Cologne, Bonn, Frankfort on the Main, Heidelberg, Baden Baden, Freiberg, Geneva, Mer de Glas, over the Alps, through the Simplon Pass, Naples, Rome, Marseilles, Paris, London, Liverpool, home.","I would like to have a long talk with you all about the many interesting things which came under my observation, but must forgoe the pleasure for the present and to attempt to write about it would be unsatisfactory as a long letter would hardly touch upon the subject. You were doubtless surprised at my sudden determination not to go west but to go to the \"Old World.\" My friends discouraged me so much that about the time that I had contemplated starting as induced me not to go and as my summer was then left unappropriated it appeared as Providence had opened the way for my long contemplated visit and I am much gratified at having gone.","I have determined to send by the next mail a check to Wirt for thirty dollars and as I have not been able to get a check on N.Y. from any bank I have shall send one signed by myself on the person with whom my money is deposited. Should Wirt not be able to pass it, I have requested him to send it to Uncle Alfred hoping that Uncle will be able to get the Parkersburg bank to give a check in exchange. Should Uncle not be able to do so, please return it to me and I will write on to N. York and get a bill or check of deposit if necessary. I hope that their will be no occasion of forwarding it to Uncle. Give much love to uncle and to all the Family and remember that I am always glad to hear from you.","Your affectionate nephew, Thomas.","Lexington,Va. \nDec. 1st 1856","My dear Nephew, \nThanks for your letter. I am glad that your teacher has come on and that you are hard studying amo and that you came off so well at the exhibition and I trust that by the time I get to see you that you will know a great deal about Latin and those books which you have just purchased. Remember that this is the 1st day of Winter and that cold weather is the best time for study, and also the best time for taking much exercise and that the harder one studies, the more exercise he should take for it gives him a clear head and a healthy body.","I am much obliged to you all for sending those daguerreotypes \u0026 the sugar egg. I shall have much to talk about when we meet of the find paintings \u0026 sculpture, and beautiful countries through which I passed last summer. Tell Mr. Thomas when you have an opportunity that Mr. Lyle is much better and that he can walk about some in his room. And does your Pa like the new President Mr. Buch {Buchanan}.","While I was gone I saw some funny things too as well as pretty ones. I remember seeing in England in a town called Chester about 98 miles from Liverpool which I will mention presently as soon as I tell you that Chester is a town with a wall around it, and it and the city of York are about the only cities in England that are still walled and that the York walls are more recent than those of Chester and hence not so interesting as they don't tell us so much about the ancient Britons. It appears that the walls of Chester were built by the Britons in order to protect themselves from the Welsh who lived a little West of Chester. But now for that funny thing and what so you think it was. Well I went into their largest church (called a Cathedral) which once belonged to the Roman Catholics and there among many other things I saw a representation of the Devil in the shape of him swallowing a man feet foremost.","I never knew before that Old Nick lived on men and I saw some other things which I would like to talk to you about.","Write to me soon. Give much love to your Pa, Ma, to Grace \u0026 Stark and remember me to all inquiring friends.","Your affectionate uncle, Thomas","Lexington, Va. \nDec. 6, 1856","My Dear Sister, \nI am glad to learn that you have secured a teacher \u0026 that she has been with you for some time, and I hope that she is such as you desire she should be. We have just been listening in our village to a series of lectures by Mr. O.P. Baldwin of Richmond. They were 4 in no., viz. \"Better time coming,\" \"Humbugs,\" \"Spirit Rappings,\" \u0026 \"Yankees \u0026 Southerners.\" As you may judge from their names they were more amusing than instructive. I heard the first three.","You would probably like to hear a little of my whereabouts during the past summer and I purpose on giving you a kind of journal should you so desire me. But should you get tired at any time just let me know. I believe that I said something to you in my last, but as I failed to take a note of my stopping points I shall again commence at Liverpool.","Leaving Liverpool the same day of my landing I proceeded to the city of Chester which is about 18 miles from Liverpool and on entering the Hotel was met by a lady instead of a landlord as I had been accustomed in at home, and she wished to know whether I would have a room \u0026 After having secured my quarters I proceeded to the Cathedral, which is a large edifice formerly occupied by the Roman Catholics. At the door I was met by a man who upon learning where I was from inquired after the Fairfax family stating that the representative of that house lived in America and that he was entitled to the succession. It was about the hour of evening service. They have 2 services there per day and this was about 4 o'clock P.M.","He turned me over to the sexton who showed me to a seat upon the condition that I should not leave it until after the service was over. After service he showed me through the building which was quite interesting. Among other things were the seats for the friars or monks which were so constructed that should they become drowsy \u0026 forgetful of their duty, their seats suddenly dropt them on the floor \u0026 recalled their wandering thoughts. I walked around the wall and saw the tower on which King Charles the 1st stood \u0026 saw the defeat of his army at Routen Moor.","Much love to all the family \u0026 kind regards to all inquiring friends.","Your affectionate brother, Thomas","Lexington, Va. \nFeby. 26, 1857","My Dear Sister, \nYour letter of the 8th came safely. I regret that you should have been the loser of so many teeth. I don't like the idea of you being toothless, but as you say another set can be furnished by the dentist.","I received a letter from Aunt Clem requesting me to lend Uncle Alfred two or four hundred dollars for Wirt to buy stock to drive to California. I did not have the money and even if I had should not have lent it for one reason among others is that if Wirt goes to California, he will probably throw himself away or be ruined.","I have recently heard from him and he asks me to lend him thirty dollars but says nothing about going to C. I think that next month when our bank gets in operation that I will send him thirty dollars. I am unable to say whether I will first visit Beverly or North Carolina.","Our winter has been very severe, but for near a fortnight we have had beautiful weather. The aspen is in bloom the and weeping willow is beginning to look green. I am still at Dr. Junkin's.","Tell Miss Eliza that if I should bring her a beau that she must not tell on me lest the old bachelors about Beverly should mob me for trampling on their toes.","I infer from your letter that I was when I dropped my narrative at the Cathedral of Chester. After leaving Chester I passed to a beautiful estate of an English nobleman by the name of the Marquis of Westminster; he lives about three miles from the city, but after driving about half a mile I came to a beautiful gateway somewhat resembling the front of a fine building. Here the porter who had charge of it admitted me and I drove through a park containing about 1800 [or 1900] deer, the race course on which he tries his horses, etc. the fences being made of iron and the grounds containing a variety of luxuriant trees. After passing on thus for near 2 ½ miles, I came to a magnificent palace covered with pinnacles. Here after ringing the bell a servant of quite a gentlemanly appearance came to the door and admitted me by my giving him my ticket of admission which I had procured before leaving Chester. The interior of the building is magnificent. One of the rooms is copied from the celebrated Alhambra of Granada in Spain which was built by the Moors.","Do you wish me to send you the old clothes of which you spoke next summer. As they are not worth much the cost of transportation may cost more than they are worth. If you wish them sent let me know in your next. Much love to all.","Your brother \nThomas","Lexington, Va.","My Dear Sister, \nI don't know whether you have yet returned from your visit to Aunt's but I will write to you now, as I have the time and might not have so much leisure in a few days hence and I will begin by stating that I have an invitation for you, and what do you think it is? \u0026 who from? For it is not often that I am authorized to send you invitations and especially pressing ones and I suppose you will begin to think or may think well what does he mean? Why doesn't he tell me at once \u0026 be done with it. ","Well you see I have finished \u0026 hope I am done with the first page of my letter \u0026 am running on at a tremendous rate, so that if I don't tell you soon, you will hardly get it all from this sheet. Well now having cultivated your patience a little as all women are said to have curiosity I will tell you that Miss Mary Anna Morrison, a friend of mine in the Western part of N. Carolina and in the Southern part of the State, is engaged to be married to an acquaintance of yours living in this village \u0026 she has requested me to urge you to attend her wedding in July next. To use her own words she says \"I hope your sister will come. You must urge her to do so. I should be very glad if she could come.\" The wedding is not to be large. I told her that I would give the invitation \u0026 having done so, feel that I am free from all further responsibility in the matter. I told her that I didn't think that you would be able to accept it, and if you can't just let me know in your next \u0026 transfer the invitation to your humble servant, and he will not decline, for he is very anxious to go as he is much interested in the ceremony \u0026 the occasion \u0026 the young lady is a very special friend of mine.","I hope that you have had a very pleasant trip to the River. I deposited in our bank a few days since twenty dollars \u0026 transferred the evidence of deposit to Wirt \u0026 forwarded it to him stating that he might expect more next July.","The present which you made Ellie was never made up, \u0026 if you can dispose of it in any way I think that I will send it to you when John Bosworth goes home for I suppose that Anna would feel some delicacy in having it made up. Our weather is beautiful at present \u0026 I suppose that spring will rapidly advance now.","Give much love to all. \nYour affectionate brother, \nThomas","Rockbridge Alum Springs \nAug 11/ 57","My Dear Sister, \nSince my last we have visited Niagara, Saratoga \u0026 immediate places. As stated in my Richmond letter, I had expected to proceed from that point to your house, but an enlargement of one of the glands of Anna's neck induced me to consult a physician, \u0026 my concern was so great as to induce me to take her to Philadelphia where she consulted a Doctor Jackson of the University, \u0026 he was unable to decide as to the true character of the case. But whilst there, I met with Dr. Graham of Lexington in whom I have great confidence, \u0026 he advised me to bring her here after making a short tour.","We reached here last Wednesday evening and the enlargement has apparently diminished considerably since that time. We expect to remain here till near the close of my vacation \u0026 then return to Lexington. I regret that we have been unable to visit you this summer but I felt that under the circumstances it was my duty to make Anna's health the first object of concern. In coming from Staunton here I fell in with Cousin [Flo?] \u0026 her little boy on their way to the Healing Springs. Let me hear from you soon \u0026 if you can write before the 25th of this month, direct to this place, otherwise direct to Lexington. Give love to all. Anna joins me in love to you.","Your affectionate brother \nThomas","Lexington, Va. \nNov. 1, 1857","My Dear Sister, \nAgain I am blessed with the privilege of communing with you. My duties are ended for the week, I may say, as in my department there will be no more recitations this week. But at 4 o'clock the Faculty have a weekly meeting at the Superintendent's.","Through the continued blessings of Providence, my health continues to improve. At present, I suffer more with cold feet than anything else. I have been accustomed to bathing them in cold water; but they have cracked open so much as to render the discontinuance of it necessary. I have an invitation to a party this evening, but must decline going. The citizens of this place are such as I admire.","I have tried on my shirts and they fit very well with the exception of the collars which are not long enough in the band. Accept of my thanks for the present. How are Thos. and the family.","I hope to see you next summer. I had a pleasant time at the Springs, but only visited the Rockbridge Alum, the Bath Alum and the Warm Springs. I saw the blowing cave: it is a remarkable curiosity. There is at one time a strong current of air rushing out and at another time, a strong current rushing in. There has never been but one mouth found to the cave. It is in Bath county and about eight miles from the Bath Alum Springs. My love to all.","Your brother, \nThomas","Lexington, Va. \nDecember 19/57","My Dear Sister, \nYou have probably been expecting a letter from me for some days. Owing to an inflammation of the tube leading to the ear and also inflammation of the throat (chronic) and very painful neuralgia, I have been constrained to give up my correspondence for a while. I never remember having suffered so much as within the last three weeks, and now I am compelled to use a vial of chloroform liniment per day externally and am also using a preparation of ammonia. The hearing of my right ear is impaired, but I trust not permanently. I have continued to attend to my recitations, notwithstanding my suffering. In a few days I hope to be free from pain.","The eye medicine helped me for a while I think but I can't say that I have been permanently benefited, and I would advise you not to try the medicine.","Anna is quite robust again. She joins me in love to you all. I wrote to Wirt, advising him to go to some active occupation and to read standard books and thus endeavor to apply his knowledge of grammar and become thus acquainted acquainted with the construction of the language- use is of great importance. His knowledge of the grammar considering the time he has given to it is discouraging. To keep him at school with such little progress is pretty much throwing away the money and time.","Let me hear from you soon.","Your affectionate brother, \nThomas","Lexington, Va. \nFeby 8th, 1858","My Dear Sister, \nYour very welcome letter of last week reached me this morning and I am rejoiced to learn that you are so much concerned about \"the one thing needful.\" I have never believed that you would be lost. I have borne in mind that our sainted mother's prayers would not be forgotten by our Heavenly Father. Though dead, her prayers, I trusted would be precious in the sight of the Lord.","You wish to know how to come to God; so as to have your sins forgiven, and to receive \"the inheritance which is incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away.\" Now my dear sister the way is plain: the savior says in Mark XVI chapter, 16th verse \"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.\" But you may ask what is it to believe. To explain this I will quote from an able theologian, and devoted servant of God. To believe in the sense in which the word is used here, \"is feeling and acting as if there were a God, a Heaven, a Hell; as if we were sinners and must die; as if we deserve eternal death, and were in danger of it. And in view of all, casting our eternal interests on the mercy of God in Christ Jesus. To do this is to be a Christian.\"","You speak of having done all that you know in order to be accepted: this is too apt to be our error. We must not depend on making ourselves holy: but just come to the Father, and ask him to forgive our sins for the sake of Jesus, and rely entirely on the merits of Christ for our prayer being answered. The Father loves the Son and for his sake pardons those who plead the Son's merits. We should never think of presenting any merits of our own for we are all sinners.","Do not trouble yourself too much about not having repented enough for your sins, for your letter shows that you have much concern about the subject. But let me advise you simply to do as God enabled me to do, that is, resolve to spend the remaining part of life in His service, to obey the teachings of the Bible until death, and to rely entirely on the mercy of God for being saved, and though the future looked dark, yet it has become very bright. Never despair, even old Christians have dark moments.","Never omit of pray at regular times. For years your salvation has been my daily prayer and shall continue so. Write to me often and tell me all your trials, that I may","Do not trouble yourself too much about Were it not for my throat, Anna \u0026 myself would like very much to pay you a visit this winter. My throat \u0026 the sale of a neighbors property next week are the two obstacles. Anna is anxious to go next [week?]. She joins me in love to you all.","Your affectionate brother, \nThomas","Lexington, VA. \nMay 1st/58","My Dear Brother \nWe have a little prodigy one day old this afternoon. She calls herself Mary Graham Jackson. Anna is doing very well, \u0026 joins me in love to yourself and sister Eugenia.","Your affectionate brother, \nT. J. Jackson","Lexington, Va. \nMay 1st 1858","My dear sister, \nI am very much pressed with business, but I must drop you a line to say that yesterday God blessed us with a charming little daughter, and we have named her after Mrs. Morrison, Mary Graham.","My eyes have been troubling me much lately. I regret that you have had so much suffering, it appears to have resembled my attack. I am now using glycerine which is the essence of oil. I take it through the nostrils for the purpose of curing the inflammation at the entrance of the nasal tubes into the mouth and I find it of great service. God had blest its use to me very much. I tried caustic or nitrate of silver, but with much less effect. I hope that you will soon be well. I ascertained to day that I can get a copy of \"Silver Wood\" in town so you may expect one when Mr. Chenoweth goes home if not before.","Anna \u0026 the little one are both doing very well for which we are thankful to our Heavenly Father. I received a letter from Wirt a few days since. His health I think is just tolerable from what he says. I have been wanting to write to Thomas for some time \u0026 and hope to do so before long.","May the blessings of our Heavenly Father rest upon you richly is the prayer of your affectionate brother. Anna joins me in love to you \u0026 the children. Remember me very kindly to Mr. Arnold.","Your brother, \nThomas","Lexington Va. \nMay 22/58","My dear sister, \nYour welcome letter came safely, but finds our little daughter very ill of jaundice, and she may at any hour take her place among the redeemed in Paradise. Anna is doing well. My intention has \u0026 still is to visit you this summer, but I learned a lesson from last summer, not to make a promise for no one can tell what a day will bring forth, but I trust that if our little daughter lives that God will bless us all in a visit to see you \u0026 all the family. It seems like a long time since I was at your house. The children I suppose have grown much. Give my thanks to my darling little niece for her letter \u0026 tell her I expect to answer it in a few days. Give much love to all the children from myself \u0026 Anna. She joins me in love to you.","I received a letter from Wirt this morning stating that he is well but that he has lost his horse by his straying off, and that he wants me to forward him one hundred \u0026 five dollars N.Y. funds, which I want to try \u0026 do; though it will cost a premium here.","Your affect. Brother \nThomas","Lexington, Va. \nJune 7th/58","My dear little Niece, \nYour very interesting letter reached me a short time before your sweet little cousin \u0026 my little daughter was called from this world of sin, to enjoy the Heavenly happiness of Paradise. She died of Jaundice on the 25th of April.  [Jackson's error-- the baby died on May 25] Whilst your Aunt Anna and myself feel our loss, yet we know that God has taken her away in love. Jesus says \"suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of Heaven.\" Did you ever think my dear Grace that the most persons who have died and gone to Heaven are little children. Your aunt is doing very well, she is out visiting.","We hope to go \u0026 see you all this summer, but my health is so delicate, that I am disposed to go North first. I think this will give us more time to stay with you. Should we go to see you first I may have to hasten on North without staying more than two or three days.","I wish your would write to me at once and let me know which you would rather I should do. I hope that you have enjoyed your school and your vacation both very much. Remember your aunt \u0026 uncle to your Father, Mother, Thomas \u0026 Stark, and accept much love for yourself.","Your affectionate uncle, \nThomas","Lexington, Va. \nJune 7th/58","Dear Sir, \nIn compliance with your request I proceed to give you a statement respecting the condition of the Lexington Colored Sabbath School. But in doing so, I feel it unnecessary to say more than a few words, as you are already acquainted with its leading features. The school is usually opened by singing part of a hymn, which should be announced the previous Sabbath. This is followed by reading one or more verses from the Bible, with explanations \u0026 applications; this is succeeded by prayer. After this each class is instructed by its teacher from the Bible, catechism and hymn book. At the close  of the school which is near forty five minutes from the opening, there is a public examination on two verses of the child catechism, published by our Board. These verses should be announced the previous Sabbath. After the close of the examination, the school is dismissed, the remaining part of the opening hymn having been sung immediately after the examination.","The system of reward you are acquainted with, and the premiums so far have been near a dozen Testaments and one Bible. The day of their presentation is the first Sabbath of each month. Several scholars are studying the shorter catechism at the present time. Each teacher keeps a class book in which is noted each scholar's department in school. The lesson should be taught one Sabbath, with a view to examination \u0026 mark on the next. Each teacher at the close of the month give me a circular (blanks having been furnished) exhibiting for each scholar the manner in which the lesson has been prepared, the conduct in school, no. of lates, absences. From these circulars, I make a monthly entry in the record book, which contains not only the no. of lates \u0026 absences, but also the names of the teachers, scholars, owners, persons with whom the scholars are living, the lates \u0026 absences of teachers, and a weekly record of the proceedings of the school. By reference to the record book, I find 91 to be the no. of scholars there reported.","Praying that the S. school convention may be a great blessing to the cause \u0026 to yourself I remain your attached friend.","T. J. Jackson","Lexington, Va. \nJune 19th 1858","My dear Sister, \nYour letter \u0026 that of Grace reached me this morning and for a while I thought that I might be able to visit you previous to going North, but after more maturely considering my case, \u0026 all the circumstances, I am disposed to think that I had better go North first. My disease is not understood by my physicians here and I have nearly if not entirely lost my hearing in the right ear \u0026 my left ear is diseased, and my nose is internally affected. The first thing it appears to me should be to seek relief if it is to be had.","Write to me to N.Y. City, and tell Tom and Grace that they must write to me this summer also, as soon as I let you all know where my letters will reach me after leaving N.Y. City. Tell Grace that I am much obliged to her for her letter, and that she may expect me to answer  it before a great while. As to Thomas' examination, I think Mr. Thomas can judge better of his qualifications than myself, though I wish that I could be with you all before his teacher leaves. I hope to be with you in the latter part of August.","I forwarded a check to Wirt for one hundred \u0026 five dollars on N.J. I had to pay a premium of one per cent for it and urged him to refund the money on the first of Sept. according to promise. If I had known that he had found his horse, I don't know that I should have sent him so much. I have need of all the money that I can command. When you write to him, tell him that he had better sell me one of his horses.","Anna joins me in much love to you \u0026 the children. Remember me to Mr. Thomas \u0026 his lady \u0026 to all enquiring friends.","Your affec. brother, \nThomas","New York City \nJuly 21st, 1858","My dear Niece, \nI have been desiring to write to you for some time but have been prevented. I am now under the care of a physician by the name of Carnochan who is one of the professors in a medical college here. I hope that I am improving, but do not know how long I will remain here. Probably ten days longer, afterwards I expect to start on my visit  to you but will delay sometime on the way I expect in Philadelphia, Baltimore, the Glades.","Your Aunt Anna is quite well and we are seeing many pretty things here. Give my love and your Aunt's to all the family, and write to me as soon as you receive this. Direct your letter to New York City.","Your affectionate Uncle, \nThomas","Lexington Va. \nOct. 23d, 1858","My dear sister, \nYour letter of the 19th inst. reached me this morning. Thomas reached here as you expected on last Saturday and has been a very good boy and we are all much pleased with him. He commenced going to school on Tuesday last to Mr. McFarland \u0026 is studying the English \u0026 Latin languages. His teacher wishes him to study arithmetic also, but I am unwilling for him to undertake any more at present, until I see what success will attend his present studies \u0026 also what kind of health he will have. I don't wish him to go over any thing without his understanding it thoroughly \u0026 hence he must not have too much to study. I regard it as a great error to require a child to study what his mind is not capable of appreciating. The tendency is to diminish his fondness for study, to give him a vague way of thinking (since he is not accustomed to see the precise points) \u0026 by overtasking the mind his health both of body \u0026 mind are endangered. I have been much gratified as seeing Thomas' mind so good; it has improved very much since I last saw him \u0026 I think it is partly due to the light course of studies which he has been pursuing.","I will attend to the directions of your letter \u0026 I am glad to see that your views with regard to Thomas' education \u0026 my views on the same subject are so much alike. I don't think that Thomas will get much home sick. I regret that I have not got some occupation for him \u0026 also regret not having some good companion for him to always associate with. I wrote to you about pocket money for him, but as I stated that probably he had reserved enough for that purpose, so I find such to be the case, as he since gave me three dollars to keep for him. Should you send him any clothes at any time, I would not send them of the same style as those he wears, as they are not worn here by boys as large as himself. I find that his dress makes him too marked, I will get him a suit, better adapted to his age.","My greatest concern about him is his eating. When he first came, he would use neither milk nor coffee, since then he drinks a little coffee; but I am a little afraid of his doing so, as he has not been accustomed he says to its use. I don't wish him to change his home habits in any respect unless there is necessity for so doing. I wish you would let me know how he lived at home. He gets his lessons well. Anna joins me in love to yourself \u0026 the children.","Your affectionate brother, \nThomas","Lexington Va. \nApril 11, 1859","Sir, \nFrom your letter of the 31 ult. I am gratified to learn that you contemplate making a European tour. You request me to send you a copy of my notes of travel. Should I do so, I fear that they would be of but little service to you as they are not sufficiently full to give you much information. Even with my recollection of places, etc. to aid me, I am not always able to make out the sense. And instead of giving you incoherent suggestions, I have thought best to glance over my notes, and send you such information as I think will be valuable. And in doing so, I would recommend you to purchase a note book before sailing, and if time will permit to keep a satisfactory journal beginning with the first day and closing with the returning one of your tour.","As soon as you reach Liverpool purchase guide books of such countries as you design visiting. If you have time to see things leisurely, don't employ guides. Leaving L. visit Chester and drive out to Eaton Hall, which is a fine specimen of an English nobleman's estate; it belongs to the Marquis of Westminster, said by some to be the wealthiest man in England. If you have time after returning to C. take the cars and visit the great Tubular bridge, and pass over to Ireland for a few days. Should you go to I. be sure if you should pass near Parsonstown, to see the great Ross telescope, and whilst there, ask for its magnifying power, and please inform me of it. Returning to Liverpool visit the following places Glasgow, Dunbarton Castle, Loch Loman, Loch Catrine, Sterling Castle, Edinborough, York, Cambridge, London, Antwerp, Waterloo. Pass through Brussells on your way to and also on your return from Waterloo. Leaving B. visit Aix La Chappel, Cologne, Bonn, Frankfort on the Main, Heidleburg, Baden Baden, Strasburg, Baste, Lakes Lucern, Brienz \u0026 Thun. Stop for at least one day at Interlaken which is between lakes B. \u0026 T. Visit Berne, Freiberg, Lake Geneva, Geneva, Mer de Glas. From Martigny, cross the Alps by the Simplon Pass into Italy. Visit Lakes Como \u0026 Majora. Visit Milan, Verona, Venice, Florence, Pisa, Leghorn, Rome, Naples, Genoa, Turin, Paris.","I have given you the tour I should take above all others, if I did not have time for a more extensive one. It differs a little from the one taken by me. I did not see the Tubular Bridge nor visit Ireland. And instead of visiting Turin I hastened to Paris by the steamer from Genoa. Knowing the stopping points you can post yourself up on your guide book in advance.","In York observe the organ especially. In Antwerp note Reubens' paintings. In Heid. observe the castle. In Strasburg is the wonderful clock. In Feiberg is one of the best organs in the world. At Verona is the most perfect amphitheater in the world. You may find it more pleasant to visit Naples before Rome. You will fine Genoa probably the most beautiful of all the cities in consequence of its elevation being such as to present its different parts distinctly to the eye when viewed from the harbor. I omitted calling your attention to the Museum in Antwerp.","In Venice, nearly every thing of interest except its canals are on St. Mark's square. In Florence give yourself plenty of time to visit frequently the statuary in the room called the Tribuna. Study the original works of art with which you may meet in Antwerp, Florence, Rome, etc. and when you reach Paris you will see a miniature of all, serving to refresh your memory but not calling for examinations, as you have already seen the originals. In P. you should give attention to the externals, visit the neighboring Royal residences, etc.","Of course you will pass some time in London and visit the Parks, Westminster Abbey a number of times. I hope that you may be able to make the tour and that you may realize more than you even anticipate","I would be glad to hear from you during your absence \u0026 after your return. Things are here in much the same routine as when you left.","Yours truly, T. J. Jackson","Lexington, Va \nMay 9th, 1859","My dear sister \nI omitted in my last to answer your question as to when I design visiting Beverly. I hope to do so in July; but you must not give yourself any trouble about the vegetables you spoke of; as I am through the blessing of our Heavenly Father enabled now to live on most any thing. Don't get brown bread for me as I have ceased to use it. But when I drop in, I will just eat such things as are convenient.","I heard from Anna on Saturday, she says that she is learning to take things more philosophically. She says that the Dr. Sill finds some inflammation, she is to remain there until the inflammation entirely subsides. She sends love to you. Thomas was very anxious to go with his teacher \u0026 a number of the scholars to the Peaks of Otter; but I felt it was too much responsibility for me to take to let him go. Some of the boys might have guns with them \u0026 some accident might occur to him \u0026 furthermore I didn't know how much it might cost him; as they would be gone several days. Accordingly he remains at home \u0026 I hope that he will make considerable progress in Spanish. In consequence of the irritation of my throat, I have not been hearing him much in the last few days. But he is far enough advanced not to study considerably by himself. I hope to have a fine supply of vegetables for you when you come. You must try \u0026 bring some other members of the family with you.","Give much love to the children. Thomas is well.","Your affec. brother, Thomas.","White Sulphur Springs \nAugust 13, 1859","My dear Sister \nThe inflammation or irritation of my throat passed down so low as to make me afraid to let Dr. Green treat me \u0026 consequently I gave up the idea of going to him so long as it remains so low; it appears to be about the collar bone. But whilst I was unwilling to let the Dr. treat me I concluded that I would visit this place \u0026 try to get my liver right; as I was disposed to think that the state of the throat depended on that of the liver. After you left, my liver apparently became much deranged. I reached this place on Thursday last \u0026 I feel improved. It appears to me that smoking mullein has been of great benefit to me. I am fearful that I will not be an herbal remedy used for respiratory ailments able to visit you this summer \u0026 I feel it greatly.","I left Anna at the Rockbridge Baths, her health has not been so good since you left and as the Baths are celebrated for such afflictions as hers I trust that she will be improved by their use. This evening I received a letter from her stating that after bathing she had internal heat \u0026 that she was fearful that the bathing was not good for her \u0026 that if she found it not to be so that she would return home in a few days. There are about 1000 persons here at present.","I hope that I may be able to visit you, notwithstanding the present aspect of things, but don't expect me unless you hear of my coming by another letter.","I hope that your health has improved. Give my love to all. Your affectionate brother, Thomas.","Lexington, Va \nAug 27th, 1859","My dear Sister \nI returned last Tuesday evening from the White Sulphur Springs, and under the blessing of Providence my health had much improved, and if I only had a week more before the commencing of the session I would visit you but I would barely have had time to ride to your house and back, which would not have answered our purpose as my desire is to make a visit. But I hope that in November I will be with you. The first visit that I pay is to be with you. I feel that a disordered liver had probably much to do with my affected throat and if I can only keep the secretions right, I hope that my throat will soon be well.","Anna's health I fear has not improved much locally, though she gained some flesh during her stay at the Baths. Maj. Preston has just returned, and given me an account of you all. I am much gratified that Mr. Arnold invited him to stay with you. I regret that Mr. Arnold's arm continues to trouble him. I trust that you will succeed in securing a competent teacher for the children. Tell them that their aunt \u0026 I were wishing this week that we could see them.","Sulphur water appears to suit my disease better than any other remedy which I have met with, and yesterday evening Anna \u0026 myself took a ride to one of these springs about 8 miles from town. I never knew of its existence until within a few weeks. The water is very pleasant yet very weak and I fear not of much benefit.","I send you by the same mail with this letter one of our catalogues. Anna joins me in love to you all.","Your affectionate brother, Thomas","Home \nSept. 13th, 1859","My dear Sister \nYour last reached me safely and Anna delivered the articles to the servant according to your request. I regret to learn that your health continues so infirm. I am with yourself glad that you visited us last summer with the children, and hope that you may be spared to visit us again, and I hope that at your next visit we may be able to make you more comfortable than you were at your last.","Anna's health has become such as to render it necessary to send her to a physician \u0026 she left last Friday for Hampden Sidney to be under the care of Dr. Watkins.","According to your request I send Thomas' account. Look at his book and see if he got anything after the last of June. The account only extends to the end of June and he may have procured things from the store after that time. I had occasion to see Lyell Wilson's account since then \u0026 he had me charged with a pass book got by Thomas in the 1st of July. This made me think that he might have got other things elsewhere. But if he didn't get anything else, don't take notice of the book, as it was only a trifle.","Give my love to Mr. A \u0026 to all the children.","Your affectionate brother, Thomas.","I fear that I will not get to see you in Nov. But my first visit as I said before is to you. May our kind Heavenly Father bless you richly is my constantly repeated prayer.","1858 \nEnglish Grammar.50 \nCopy Books .25 \nBlank book \u0026 sponge .18 3/4 \nPaper \u0026 envelopes .25 \nBox pencil lead, paper \u0026 envels. .50 \nFor Fair \u0026 Christmas 1.00 \nMiss Howard for two months \u0026 1 week washing 1.68 \nMr. McFarland 17.00 \nMiss L. S. Graham 37.50","1859 \nOdd Fellows supper .25 Lecture at Chapel .25 57.43 \n[illegible] .25 \nNegro for mending shoe .25 \nVisit Nat. Bridge .50 \nMcFarland 17.00 \nNot included in store accounts 77.36 3/4 \n6 months Board \u0026 washing 72.00 \n149.36 3/4","Store account \n40.46 3/4 \n189.83 1/2 \nCredits 113.00 \nBalance due 76.83","Home \nOctober 31, 1859","My dear Sister \nLast week I mailed a letter to Mr. Arnold requesting him to visit me and [illegible] other inducements told him that we were to have a county agricultural Fair, but didn't mention the day, as I had not yet ascertained it; but it is to be on the 23 of this month. Urge Mr. Arnold to come if you think that he can do so safely; and during his stay, I will try \u0026 interest him in our schools \u0026 county, and see if he can be induced to locate here.","I found that the cadets designed being absent so short a time, that I concluded that I had better postpone my visit to you until next summer.","I feel that we are now greatly blessed with a good teacher for boys, he is the very man I think whom Thomas would do well under. We have a number of good schools for Grace \u0026 Stark. There is a gentleman in town who has a boy who has given him \u0026 his teacher much trouble \u0026 on Saturday he was speaking of Mr. Morgan (who is the teacher to whom I referred for Thomas) \u0026 he spoke of him in very high terms for the successful management of his boy \u0026 for the progress that his boy is making under his new teacher.","I heard from Anna on Saturday. She hoped to be at Hampden Sidney today. She feels much improved \u0026 is bringing Laura her youngest sister home with her. I hope that they will soon be here.","Let me hear from you soon \u0026 tell me  what Mr. A says. I felt it would be more prudent in me not to say anything in my letter about his moving here. I would like to see him first \u0026 thus have a better opportunity of judging how he could best be approached successfully on the subject. I desired to write to you two weeks ago but I thought that Mr. A. might suspect something from the frequency of our letters.","Love to all, and trust God unreservedly in all things is my sincere prayer.","Your affectionate brother, Thomas.","Lexington, Va \nDec.12th/59","My dear Sister \nYour letter stating that you are teaching the children yourself has given me concern and I write this letter for the purpose of saying that you must never hesitate for a single moment about sending the children to me. I stated in my letter to you the conditions upon which I was ready to do for them what I could, because I felt it would prevent any disappointment to you \u0026 Mr. Arnold in the event of their coming, and I feel that I can make them comfortable \u0026 enable them to acquire a good education \u0026 to move in that sphere of life where I desire to see them move. Without a good education they must ever fall short of that position in life which they ought to occupy, and their early education consisting of spelling \u0026 reading is of great importance; if either is defective the education must necessarily be defective. But if insuperable objections lie in the way of getting a good teacher or of sending them abroad, don't give yourself anxiety but trust in our most kind \u0026 merciful Father who withholds no good thing from his children. I am very thankful to see you bear up under your trials with such Christian fortitude \u0026 as long as we lean on His almighty arm all shall be well.","I reached home on last Friday night about 3 o'clock in the morning. Anna is an invalid still, but I trust that better health is in store for her. My throat has been troubling me again in consequence of a cold contracted during my military excursion.","I am thankful to you for engaging the [illegible] but I don't know when I will be able to bring them home. You must give my love to Aunt \u0026 Uncle White. Remember me very kindly to Mr. Arnold. Anna joins me in love to the children. Should you see any of Mr. Chenoweth's friends say to them that I saw him today, \u0026 that he is well.","Your affectionate brother, Thomas.","...that carpeting is used for stairs instead of oil cloth. In regard to furniture I thought it best to consult you before making the purchases. As the furniture will last a life time it is best to be careful in pleasing ourselves although it may occasion delay. I purchased the oil cloth at once lest it might be sold, it is to be forwarded to Balt. directed to J. Arnold, Beverly Randolph County Va. care of R. L. Heavener \u0026 John Gephart, Jr. 320 Balt. St. Balt., M.D. I send the oil cloth as a present. As to the other articles, Rods etc. I can get the rods with concealed fastenings for $2.85 per dozen or I can get common rods with visible band fastenings for $2.20 per doz. The length of the rods is 30 inches but as you haven't the oil cloth you may not want the rods. Let me know \u0026 if the length is not right, tell me what length you desire.","If you can't get all the articles now, you can get the others if you desire at some other time as I can order them at any time by calling Madden's attention to them now. Let me hear from you soon and","[in pencil at top]\nIf you still wish the parlor lamp let me know what kind \u0026 what is to be burnt in it.","I will order the amount of your funds and I may be able to add some but my money matters are behind hand. I have been in debt ever since I purchased my house and have to constantly borrow from the bank in order to get along. Send your money as far as practicable in drafts on N. York for they charge a premium here for drafts \u0026 it is not safe to send bills by mail. I prefer paying the premium to running the risk. I also wish that you would write to the person from whom you purchased the draft which you sent me, \u0026 get him to procure you another as I have lost that one \u0026 when you get the draft send it to me. If I were you I would try to get along without the mattresses if possible and I would then get:","Bureau $25, wash stand $10, Tete a Tete1 $18, 4 quartets2 $5, Sofa $5, centre table $9, French bedstead $15. Total exclusive of boxing $87. Should you prefer the sofa instead of [lounge] \u0026 Tete a Tete the amount will be $3 less, \u0026 if you prefer the wash stand to match the Bureau \u0026 I would get it if my means justified, the amount will be $5 more.","[in another hand the words \"29 feet eight inches.\"]","Give my love to all. Your affec. brother, Thomas.","Lexington, Va \nJany 28th, 1860","My dear Sister \nYour last very welcome letter came safe to hand and I am glad that you have succeeded in procuring a teacher and I hope that the children will learn well under his instruction. I am glad to hear of Mr. Arnold's improved health \u0026 trust that it may continue to improve. Through the blessing of out Heavenly Father we have been spared from the small pox thus far; \u0026 I hope that we may entirely escape it. There are but few cases now amongst the whites; the servants have taken it; though it has not spread much.As soon as a servant takes the disease he is carried to the hospital and they appear to be greatly afraid of the disease in consequence of their being sent to the hospital in case of taking it.","I hope that Anna's health is improving, but very little throws her back again. I wrote to Aunt Clem a few days since. On my return from Harper's Ferry, I came through Richmond \u0026 saw Wm. L. Jackson \u0026 his wife, Jonathan [Bennet, Burnet] \u0026 his wife and Wm. E. Arnold, Ben Bassett, John Hoffman \u0026 other friends. I wish you would write to me when are the given names of Wm. L. Jackson's wife \u0026 Bennett's wife \u0026 what relation there is between them \u0026 us, and give me a letter full of such things; as I am asked from time to time what is the Relationship me \u0026 such persons. I think Mr. Arnold knows a good deal about the subject. For example I think he knows what were grandfather's brothers. I remember having a talk with him once on the subject \u0026 I found that he appeared better acquainted with such things than myself. Who was Dr. Edward Jackson?","Anna joins me in love to you all. I hope that your health is better than when you last wrote.","Your affectionate brother, Thomas.","Home \nFebruary 25, 1860","My dear Niece \nI was much pleased to hear from your Mother's letter that her health and your Father's have been so good and to hear that you have so faithful a teacher; and as you can not always have him, I hope that you will do all you can in order to learn as much as possible whilst he is with you. And first of all I want you to learn to spell well; give particular attention to spelling; for I don't care how much you know about other things, if you don't spell well, you will be laughed at by educated people. I desire to see you have a good education, and the first step towards a good education, after learning the alphabet, is to learn to spell well. If a person commences reading before learning to spell well, he will not be apt to ever learn much more about spelling, because reading is more pleasant than spelling.","When I was young I committed the blunder of learning to read before I had learnt to spell well, and though I am now 36 years old, yet still I am mortified by my spelling words wrong; in writing this letter I have had to look in the Dictionary to see how a word was spelt and so I expect it will be all my life because I didn't give enough attention to my spelling when I was young. As your memory is better now than it may ever be, you can learn to spell more easily than when you become larger. When we are young we can recollect much better than when we are grown up.","I desire to see you an educated and accomplished lady, one that your Father and Mother will be justly proud of. After learning to spell very well then I want you to read histories, and travels and biographies, and such other books as will give you valuable information. I also hope that you will learn your Geography very well.","My Father and Mother died when I was very young, and I had to work for my living and education both; but your parents are both living and have given you a kind teacher and I trust that you will show them how thankful you are to them by studying hard. If you ever wish any information which I can give, you must ask me. I haven't written to your Mother for some time as I was afraid that I might send you the small pox, but I don't think that there is any danger now, as all are well here or about so.","I heard a student of Washington College make a beautiful speech on last Wednesday and as he is of the same name and county as your teacher, I expect that they are Relatives.","Give my love to all of the family \u0026 write to me soon. Your affectionate Uncle Thomas.","Lexington, Va. \nApril 16, 1860","My dear Sister \nI have been desiring to write to you for some time, but have been prevented from doing so. I am sorry to learn that your eyes trouble you so much. I wish you would try the simple remedy of washing them with cold water, lifting the water to the face in both hands and washing the face until a little water gets into the eyes and they commence smarting. Do this at night just before going to bed, and again immediately after getting up. I hope that you are improving, and that Mr. Arnold is likewise. Anna is suffering from a very bad cold. She has been confined to her bed for nearly a week, but is up this afternoon.","I don't know how Mr. Arnold thinks Wm. L. Jackson would do for a judge, but if he would like to see him elected over Edmondson and can do anything for him I hope that he will do so. I thought that probably there might be some person or persons living near his Father's old place beyond Weston with whom he might have influence; if such is not the case, do not say anything about the subject to him and probably you had better say nothing anyway to him upon the subject. From what I have heard, Wm. will very probably be elected.","I hope that the children are all doing well. Anna joins me in love to you all.","Your affec. brother Thomas.","April 21/60","My Dear Sister \nI intended writing to you today but as Anna has done so, I will only say a few words \u0026 those with respect to Grace.  I have not mentioned the subject of Maj. Preston and I don't think it necessary to consult you upon the subject but if you still desire me to do so, let me know in your next letter and I will give you his opinion.","My mind is clear in making Grace familiar with the English grammar as soon as practicable; let her commence it at once.  Let her not only study the principles of the language, but require her to parse a great deal, so as to make her familiar with the application of the principles of the language.  Let all her studies be English until she should become a finished English scholar.  I don't attach much importance to Latin for females, it is of value to every educated person but mostly to professional men.  I am glad that Mr. A. is obtaining Mr. McCuchin.  You may expect another letter from me in a week or so.","Your affect. Brother \nThomas","[postscript in hand of Mary Anna Jackson] \nP. S. Maj. J. requests me to say to you that he will attend to any commissions for furniture in the North that you may wish - as ever your Anna","Home \nMay 1st/60","My dear Sister, \nTell Grace that I have received her letter \u0026 that I am glad to see her spelling so good. I will write to her in a few days \u0026 will send her the pattern desired. When ever you desire furniture from N.Y. let me know \u0026 I can order it from either of two establishments. One of them makes first class furniture, but I think that his prices are too high for you. I purchased nothing of him but ½ dozen parlor chairs. The rest of my furniture omitting piano \u0026 a few other articles were furnished by another house \u0026 I was very well pleased with the articles; but when I was last in N.Y. I purchased a few more articles of the same house but am not pleased with them so well so I would advise you to order but a few articles at first in the event of your intending to purchase much.\nI am writing in great haste holding the paper in one hand and writing with the other. \nAnna joins me in love to you all. \nYour affectionate brother, \nThomas.","[from Mary Anna Jackson]","My dear Sister, \nI would gladly send the pattern to Grace, but I think it unnecessary, as I can give you directions without it. The girls of Grace's size here wear black silk tunics made exactly like those Grace wore last summer, except they fasten in front, \u0026 the skirt reaches nearly to the knees. They are very pretty, \u0026 black silk is all the style now. All the ladies mantles this summer are made of black silk. Some of the girls here wear circular capes or talmas, that reach a little below the waist, they would be pretty for Grace, but it think the black silk tunics are the most fashionable.","Write soon. Much love to all. \nYour affectionate sister, \nAnna Jackson","Lexington, Va \nMay 7, 1860","My dear Niece \nYour letter came safely and gives me much pleasure to see how rapidly you progress in spelling. Every word of your letter was spelt correctly and I hope that all your words may always be treated as well those contained in your letter; for it is treating words badly to steal a letter from them, or to impose on them a letter which they don't want. You must look at Stark's letters when he writes them to his sweetheart especially. And to be more serious it would be a good plan for my sweet niece and nephews to examine each others letters when they contain no secrets, and in that way you will be very apt to find out all the counterfeit words which may be passing themselves off on any of you. Remember that there are a great many ways of spelling a word wrong, but there is only one way of spelling it right.","I intended to send you with this letter the pattern which you requested, but your aunt wrote in my last that you have the requested pattern at home. The weather is quite warm today. My peas are in bloom, they commenced blooming before the end of April. I hope that you have a fine garden. Write to me when ever you have leisure time. I am glad to see your teacher remaining with you. Your aunt joins me in love to you all. Your aunt's health is much improved.","Your affectionate uncle, Thomas.","Home \nJune 4th, 1860","My dear Sister \nI have not heard from you for so long a time that I am fearful you are sick, and if so you must make the children write to me. I hope though that your health is unusually good.","Anna is unusually unwell but I trust that she will soon commence improving again. My eyes have improved greatly, through the blessing of Him who withholds no good thing from me, but in some respects my health is more impaired than it has been for some years. If I don't improve, I hope to leave for a Hydropathic establishment soon after our Commencement in July. And my plan is to send a servant with the carriage to meet me at the Depot nearest Beverly. What is the name of the Depot. I want the servant to get to your house a day or two in advance of the time, so that he will be certain to meet me. Anna and I will then return by Beverly  in the carriage \u0026 send the servant home by the Rail Road. All this plan may be frustrated, but I am resolved to pay you the first visit which I make, so you may be satisfied that if I don't visit you that my health is such as to render medical treatment necessary.","I send some early Silesia Lettuce seed which I hope you will sow at once, and after it gets a few leaves on each plant, set the plants in rows so that the plants shall be 8 inches apart, and water them occasionally so as to keep the ground damp. I never was fond of lettuce until I tried this. I regard it as the largest, tenderest and finest flavored that I have ever tasted. If you wish any more seed let me know \u0026 I will send it. I am greatly gratified at the election of Wm. L. Jackson. I fear that I have a disease of the kidneys, the disease gives me pain every day. I experience unusual pain whilst riding in a carriage. Anna joins me in love to you all.","Your affectionate brother, Thomas.","Lexington, Va. \nJune 30th, 1860","My dear Sister \nYour letter enclosing the check came safely \u0026 relieved my mind from apprehensions of your health being seriously ill. We have closed our examinations and I hope that on Thursday next I will be able to leave. I have some concern about getting from home to Goshen, but I trust that I will not experience much pain as I design going in my carriage.","I don't feel so well today as usual, but I have been exercising probably too much as I am at the Institute for the 3rd time. I think that my general health is better than it has been for a year or two at this season of the year, but much exercise appears to bring on increased trouble and pain. If I do not improve greatly between this time \u0026 the time that I reach N.Y. I will pass directly through and leave your purchases til my return.","Write to me at Brattleboro Vermont as I design going to a Hydropathic establishment there. If I should not stop as I go through N.Y., I will write to two different establishments there and find out on what terms they will furnish the furniture, so that on my return it will only be necessary to examine the furniture \u0026 make the purchases. In your next letter, tell me to whom I must direct your purchases. I expect that it will be cheaper to send them by water to Baltimore \u0026 from Balt. by Rail Road. If so it would be necessary to send them to somebody in Balt. as well as to some one at Webster or the stopping Depot on the R.R. Anna don't know of my writing this letter as I am at the Institute, or she might have some special message. Her health is much better than usual \u0026 I trust that through the blessing of God she will be restored this summer. Much love to all.","Your affec. brother Thomas","Round Hill Water Cure \nNorthampton, Mass. \nJuly 21st/60","My dear Sister \nI have been desiring to write to you for some time but on last Friday week I was very ill with a bilious attack attended with high fever; but as I was with a skillful water cure physician he soon through the blessing of a kind Providence arrested the fever, and on Saturday I was again out doors and am now better than before the attack. I might have written to you last week, had  I not been anticipating a change from Brattleboro to this place, and I feared that your letter might not reach me in the event of having it directed to that place in the event of my leaving there. Today I came here \u0026 am much pleased with things so far. I think that Anna's health as well as my own has improved.","The special object of writing to you at this time is to request you to furnish me with another list of the articles you wish me to get for you \u0026, I wish that you would put them down in the order in which you most desire them, as the amount which you sent (fifty five dollars) will not purchase half of what you named and I am apprehensive that the state of my purse will not allow me to do much for you, though I think that I will be able to do something. I would not trouble you with making out another list, had I not as it appears put those you sent me in such a special safe place of keeping that when I was about to leave home I could not find them myself.","I don't think that I will get you anything at auction. I bought our sofa there \u0026 it has turned out a great cheat. If you can't give a full list, let me have the dimensions of the oil cloth. I wrote to you by Mr. Chenoweth \u0026 I think requested you to tell me to whom I should send the purchases in Baltimore \u0026 also at Grafton. Please let me know soon after receiving this and direct your letter to Round Hill Water Cure, Northampton, Massachusetts. I wish you were here with me, it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Anna joins me in love to you all.","Your affectionate brother, Thomas","I am on the West Side of the Connecticut River so you can find me on the map.","Round Hill \nNorthampton, Mass. \nAug. 4th/860","My dear Sister, \nYour welcome letter of July 22d reached us at this place. I am glad that our sweet cousins (for such are the Murdochs) are about paying you a visit and I very much desire to meet them, but such gratification can not be indulged in at this time as our physician says that Anna will have to remain here until about the 1st of Oct. if she wishes to be cured. He says that he can thoroughly cure her. He says that he could cure me of all my symptoms of disease in from four to six months and as I am improving, I wish that I could remain here until relived of all my troubles or so long as I continue to improve. He says that I have a slight distortion of the spine, \u0026 that it has given rise to some of my uneasy symptoms. There are several ladies here who could not walk when they commenced treatment \u0026 are now walking as if perfectly well.","Anna and myself much regret that we must again be denied the pleasure of visiting you as we had hoped to do. But I know that at the right time our Heavenly Father will permit us to see you. I am anxiously looking forward to some opportunity during the coming session. I wrote in my last for you to give me a list of furniture, etc. in the order in which you prefer them, and I would suggest that you had better get a lower priced bedstead than ours. For instance, if a cottage one would answer it could be purchased at about half the price that we gave for ours. But if you could consent to lower the price of the other articles, I think that it would be best; of course you would not get things so serviceable \u0026 showy but I think that the increased number of articles for the same money would more than compensate.","A cottage bedstead would be rather small; but they are made neatly. I have merely made these suggestions \u0026 you must do as you think best \u0026 I will do the best I can for you in New York. I will not have the opportunity of stopping by in Philadelphia as my time is so precious. If you prefer the Philadelphia bedstead, I will write to the same person who made ours, \u0026 get you one. I send a list of some of our purchases. They were much lower than could have been bought in Lexington.","Anna joins me in love to you all. I wish I could stop in Philadelphia as I might get some things for you and also attend to an important matter. You must give my love to Harriet \u0026 the others when they visit you. May you have every needful blessing temporal \u0026 spiritual is my habitual prayer.\nYour affectionate brother, \nThomas","Home Sept. 3rd, 1860","My dear Sister, \nI have reached home safely with my health much improved. My physician said that I ought to have remained a month longer \u0026 I tried to do so but did not succeed, and I am satisfied with the sweet assurance that all things work together for my good. Anna's health was much improved, yet it was necessary for her to remain longer. I stopped in N. York and went to Brunner[?] and Moore's and also to I stopped in N. York and went to Brunner[?] and Moore's and also to Madden's. \tThey are persons from whom I hoped to purchase your furniture, and at Madden's I have been able to get a better bargain than Anna \u0026 I got of him. The prices are as follows, center table with marble top $9, French bedstead $14 (width inside 5ft 1 inch), Elegant bureau $25, corresponding wash stand $15. The bureau is under its regular price which is $30. There is another bureau at $23 \u0026 corresponding wash stand $10. Wash stands have marble top\u0026 back. Sofa inside length 7ft at $25. Another sofa inside length 6ft 8 inches at $20. Nice tete a tete at $18. Shuck mattress to fit bed $6. Shuck and cotton mattress mixed at $9. Lounge opening out or not at $6. Also another kind of lounge opening out or not at $5. Colors of lounges black; green \u0026 brown[?]. 4 quartets at $5.","Boxing of table .75 \n\" \" Bedstead 2.00 \n\" \" Bureau 1.50 \n\" \" Wash stand 1.00 \n\" \" Sofa 1.50 \n\" \" quartets .50 \n\" \" lounge 1.00 \nBailing mattresses .75 \nTotal 9.00","All the articles are mahogany, and I like them except the $23 Bureau. I would get the $25 bureau as it is only $2 more and if the elegant wash stand is too expensive I will get him to make you a neat one for $10. I would advise you to get the $20 sofa, but if you prefer you can instead of the sofa get the tete a tate \u0026 $5 lounge which will come to $3 more than the sofa. But if you prefer the sofa, you can make a lounge of it by spreading a cloth over it. The tete a tate is handsomer than the lounge though much smaller than our tete a tate. \tI purchased oil cloth for the square \u0026 rectangle but didn't succeed in getting any for the stairs as it is not now fashionable for stairs. I got the oil cloth at Stewart's \u0026 they told me that they didn't know where any could be had for stairs.","Home Sept. 24th, 1860","My dear Sister, \nYour very welcome letter reached me on Saturday and I was enabled to borrow the necessary money from the Bank, and I forwarded a draft this morning in a letter to Mr. Madden requesting him to purchase the carpet \u0026 stair rods and to forward all by the 1st packet to J. Arnold, Beverly Randolph County Virginia, to the care of R. L. Heavener \u0026 John Gephart box no. 320 Baltimore Street Baltimore, Maryland. I told him to send the lounge opening out at $6. I also specified green as the color. You did not mention the color in your letter, but I thought that you were pleased with ours. I regard it as very cheap, it is not so showy as ours, but I would much prefer it, as I think it is a serviceable one; whereas ours has proved to be a great cheat' having been bought at a N.Y. auction I might have expected it to turn out badly.  As you request a Bible instead of the oil cloth I conform very willingly to your wishes and the account will then stand","Centre table 9.\tBoxing table .75 \nBedstead 14. \" Bedstead\t2.00 \nBureau 25 \" Bureau 1.50 \nWash Stand 15 \" Wash Stand\t1.00 \nTate a Tete\t18 \" Sofa 1.50 \nLounge\t6 \" Quartets .50 \nQuartets 5\t\" Lounge 1.00 \n10 yd Carpet 8.25 \nat 62 ½\t6.25 \n18 stair rods 4.28 \nBoxing\t8.25 \n110.78","In order to get a draft on N.Y. I had to pay one dollar and eleven cents making in all one hundred and eleven dollars and eighty nine cents. Deducting from this the amount you sent me fifty five dollars leaves fifty six dollars and 89 cents adding to this the price of the oil cloth 7.50 makes the total amount sixty four dollars \u0026 39 cents. There are 10 yards of oil cloth at 75 cents per yard.","In order to get a new draft from a Bank the person to whom the Bank gave the draft had to inform the Bank that the draft has been lost or mislaid as the case may be and satisfy the Banking officer that he is acting honestly in the matter. If our Bank were to give me a draft \u0026 I should lose it all I would have to do would be to go to the cashier of the Bank \u0026 tell him that the draft was lost \u0026 request him to give me another which he would do and he would then write to the Bank that was to pay the draft \u0026 tell it not to pay the first draft. If he thought it necessary. So if the draft sent me was given to Col. Goff ask him to write to the Bank \u0026 request another draft stating that the first has been lost or mislaid. If the cashier of the Bank does not know Col. Goff then the Col. had better enclose his letter to some friend in whom the Bank has confidence and let this friend present it to the Bank so that the Bank may be satisfied that all is right. I regret to give you so much trouble.","Lexington, Va. \nDec. 1st, 1860","My dear Sister, \nI recd. your welcome letter this morning. I regret to learn that you have all been ill, but trust that ere this reaches you, all may again be well. If Mr. Preston remains in Beverly much of his time, I would be glad if it could be so arranged so as to board with you, if your health would justify it, and other circumstances would justify it. But I fear that it could not be arranged so. But wherever he may stay when in Beverly you may through the blessing of God derive much aid from him by consulting him freely. He is reserved in his manners, and I think that the best way to treat him, is to be very cordial, and to evince a desire to see much of him, but after all, we must not depend too much on a man; but look up to our Heavenly Father for every needed aid. If we but live near to God, all things shall work together for our good. I regret to hear of Aunt White's blindness. Give my love to her \u0026 Uncle.","I am sorry that your furniture was injured even slightly. I expect that the expenses to Webster were not much more than customary. I didn't expect that you would favor the French bedstead as much as ours, but such a one as ours I have never seen in N. York, it is the Philadelphia style \u0026 besides it costs more than yours. I like the French and Anna would exchange it with you if practicable and says if you will send her yours she will send you hers. If you had been accustomed to Leery French Bedsteads all your life you would probably think the high ones quite clumsy affairs.","I hope that Williams will exchange with Judge Thompson and would be glad if he would do so next term which commences the 12th of next Sept. I hope if he comes that he will bring his wife with him.\n    \nI did not ask Mr. Rieston to take your Bible to you, as he said that he was going on horseback.","Anna joins me in love to you \u0026 the children.","Your affectionate brother \nThomas","Lexington, Va. \nDec. 29th 1860","My dear Sister, \nAmong the things laid out for this Saturday is the writing of a letter to you. The weather here is such that any one who does not learn at the feet of Jesus would pronounce dismal; as it is penetratingly damp in addition to wet falling snow- bordering on sleet. How different are the views of one who sees God in all things and one who sees Him in nothing. This reminds me of of the Peasant who said that the weather tomorrow will be just such as pleases me, because it will be such as pleases God, and that always pleases me.","How do you like Mr. Thomas Preston? What is being done for the Redeemers cause in Beverly? How I would like to be with you! A visit to you is one of the pleasant things in prospect. I hope that you are all well again.","Do not have too much anxiety about bringing up your children, trust in God assistance, and it will be given. I think of our Sainted Mother and take courage from God's promise I will show mercy unto thousands (of generations) of them that keep me commandments From this passage a parent as will as children may draw great comfort. If a parent but keeps God's commandments, he or she may be well assured that God's mercy will rest upon the children.","I am looking forward with great interest to the 4th of Jany. when the Christian people for assistance, of this land will lift their united prayer as incense to the Throne of God in Supplication for our unhappy country. What is the feeling about Beverly respecting Secession? I am anxious to hear from the native part of my state, I am strong for the Union at present, and if things become no worse, I hope to continue so. I think that the majority in this county are for the Union; but in counties bordering us there is a strong secession feeling. Anna joins me in love to you \u0026 the children.","Your affectionate brother, \nThomas.","Lexington, Va. \nFeby 23rd, 1861","My dear Sister, \nYour kind letter reached its destination after Anna had left for North Carolina to visit her parents and be present at her sister Sue's wedding. She left last Monday morning. I heard from her in Richmond. She wrote that Providence had greatly blest her. She went as far as Richmond with a lady from this place. From Richmond she was to go to her destination with her Brother William who was to leave Washington for the purpose.","I feel very lonesome \u0026 greatly wish that I had you as next door neighbor. Today is raining \u0026 I stay pretty much in doors.","I hope that Thomas will spare no pains to get all the education practicable before coming to the Institution. He will thus be enabled to take our course to greater advantage, and will be in a position to graduate higher in his class.","Yesterday was celebrated with becoming honor, due to the memory of Washington. I trust that this letter will find you all in usual health at least. My throat is troubling me today. I would be glad to hear from Thomas or from any of the children.","Your affect. brother \nThomas","Lexington, Va. \nApril 6th, 1861","My dear Sister, \nYour very kind letter net with a welcome reception and I intended answering it last Saturday, but was prevented. I am very much gratified to learn that Mr. A. has consented to aid the church provided Mr. P remains with you. From Grace's letter I saw that he would remain if a proper salary could be raised. Do what you all can to make up the amount \u0026 I will be responsible for the rest. I would rather pay his whole salary than have him leave Beverly at this time. I still hope that Mr. Arnold may become a Christian. I know that the change to effect this must be great, but who will limit the power of the Holy Ghost. You were once a disbeliever, but a mother's prayers have been (as I believe) answered \u0026 who can say but that your prayers \u0026 the prayers of others may be heard for Mr. Arnold: for years I have been praying for him \u0026 expect to continue doing so. how great has been the change in him to agree to aid in preaching the Gospel. Pray on for him \u0026 pray for more faith. You speak of your temptations- that you shall be a cast away: don't tolerate such an idea for a moment. God draws his sensible presence from us to try our faith. When a cloud comes between you and the sun do you fear that the sun will never appear again? I am well satisfied that you are a child of God, and that you will be saved in Heaven, therefore ever to dwell with the ransomed of the Lord. So you must not doubt. The Natural Sun may never return to the view of the child of God when once concealed by an intervening cloud but the Sun of Righteousness will. But there is one very essential thing to the child of God who would enjoy the comforts of religion \u0026 that is he or she must live in accordance with the law of God- must have no will but his- Knowing the path of duty, must not hesitate for a moment, but at once[?] walk in it. Jesus says my yoke is easy \u0026 my burden is light \u0026 this is true, if we but follow him in the prompt discharge of every duty, but we mustn't hesitate a moment about doing our[?] duty under all circumstances as soon as it is made known to us \u0026 we should always seek by prayer to be taught our duty.","If temptations are presented, you must not think that you are committing sin in consequence of having a sinful thought- The Savior thought a sinful thought of worshipping Satan, what could be more abhorrent to a Christian's feeling than such a thought. But such thoughts become sinful if we derive pleasure from them, we must abhor them if we would prevent our sinning. The Devil inputs sinful ideas into our minds to disrupt our peace \u0026 to make us sin \u0026 it is our duty to see by prayer \u0026 watchfulness that we are not defiled by them.\n    \nGod has done great things; astonishing things for you \u0026 your family. Don't doubt his eternal love for you.","Lexington, Va. \nApril 13th, 1861","My dear Niece, \nI have been desiring to answer your letter for some time, but have from various causes been prevented. I wish I could see you with me again in Lexington, but as I don't expect to have that pleasure this spring, I hope to see you in Beverly next summer. In regard to those little histories of which you spoke, I will try \u0026 get Mr. Thomas to take a couple of them to you as a present. They may keep you reading until you have an opportunity of purchasing yours. Send to Harper \u0026 Brother, New York \u0026 I think if you will write to them beforehand that they will let you have them a quarter lower that the retail price which was 60 cents. When I purchased mine he let me have them at 45 cents, as I purchased a number of Books and I think he will do the same now. I don't like to ask Mr. Preston to carry anything, as he will probably not be able to take everything which he wants of his own, in consequence of his being on horseback \u0026 leaving home for several months \u0026 possibly for a year.","Your Aunt will attend to your request. I am sorry to learn that Mr. Chenoweth's health has failed: but hope that he may soon be restored. ","We have had very wet weather here during the present week, but I think that it is probably about over.","Your Aunt joins me in love to you all. She spoke of writing to day, but as I wanted to answer your letter she consented to postpone hers.","You must write to me often. \nYour affectionate Uncle \nThomas.","I am gratified to see from your letter that you are so much pleased with Mr. Preston as a preacher.","Baltimore \u0026 Ohio R. R. Telgraph","By Telegraph","Dated H. Ferry April 30, 1861 \nTo Jas. M. Jackson","An ordinance equalizing taxation onproperty throughout the sate of Virginia passed the convention of this twenty seventh inst (27th). Let papers publish.","T. J. Jackson \nCol. Commanding \nat Harpers Ferry","Charge 25 cts.","Division Head Qrts. \nHarpers Ferry \nMay 5th, 1861","Colonel, \nThe object of this letter is to request that you will look our for the interests of Massie, McDonald, and Cunnningham, they are all valuable officers. Though I recommended Massie to the Governor soon after my arrival here, yet at that time I didn't know his full worth. He is an invaluable staff officer, and I should greatly regret to lose him. I hope that you may find it consistent with the interest if Public Service to give him a Lieutenant Coloneley of the Inspector Generals Department.","McDonald and Cunningham both prefer the Corps of Engineers (Regular Service).","I am colonel, \nVery Respectfully yours. \nT. J. Jackson","To \nCol. F. H. Smith \nMember of Council of State","Harper's Ferry \nMay 25th, 1861","Governor, \nThe object of this letter is to state that Mr. W. S. H. Baylor, late Colonel of the Augusta regiment has qualities which would make him a valuable Colonel if an opportunity were offered for their development. During the insubordination at this place, which resulted from depriving the works of their field and general offices, Mr. B. instead of at once going to Richmond to advance his personal interests, remained here until he succeeded in quelling the insubordination in his Regiment, and I was forcibly impressed with the influence which he exerted over his men. He possesses fine qualities for an officer and consequently feels deeply that the other Colonels were reinstated whilst he was only appointed a Major. I am well satisfied from what I know of him personally, that he would as a colonel, be an ornament to the Service. \nI am Governor, your Obdt. Servt. \nT. J. Jackson \nCol. Va. Vols.","Jany. 2d, 1862","Major, \nI am much obliged to you for the nice lemons you have sent me.\nIssue one day's rations of Hd. Bd. As you suggest.\nI am glad to see that you are so well supplied.\nYou disappointed not only me but the Staff by not dining with us on Christmas.","I have been concerned about your health, as I hear that you do not look so well as usual. I hope that you will take special care of your health.","Respectfully yours, \nT. J. Jackson\nLt. Genl.","Hear Quarters Valley Dist. \nUnger's Store Jany. 13, 1862","General, \nThe enemy have evacuated Romney, leaving part of their stores behind. \nRespectfully you Obdt. Servt. \nT. J. Jackson \nMaj. Genl. Comd.","Genl. J. E. Johnston \nComd. Dept. of N. Va.","Winchester \nFeby 11th 1862","My dear Doctor \nYour very kind and Christian letter respecting my proposed withdrawal from Field Service has been received, and be assured that it met with a cordial reception. My desire to serve our cause is undiminished, but I am in active service not because it is more congenial to my taste, but from a sense of duty. The moment that my services are not required in the field I desire to return to the Institute.","After God had restored to us the county of Morgan East of the Big Capon River and the most valuable portion of Hampshire County, and was still driving the enemy from this Military District, the Secretary of War without consulting me upon the subject, sent an order to me stating that he has information, that Genl. Loring's command is in danger of being cut off, and directs me to order him back to Winchester immediately, thus unnecessarily abandoning to the enemy what had been restored to us. If such a policy as that was to be pursued by the Secretary at his desk far removed from the theatre of war, ruin must result to our cause, and I feel called upon to utter my strongest protest against such a ruinous policy, and this I designed doing by offering to resign, rather than be the willful instrument of carrying out a ruinous policy. So far as the secretary may have shown indignity to me personally, that is not a matter to be considered in times like the present. I am satisfied that my course was a good one for our cause, the effect that it may injuriously have in the estimation of men respecting me, is of but little moment.","I say it humbly but with the hope that you will live to see that my course has been what it should have been. I am every ready to remain in the field when I can have a prospect of being useful there. Pray that I may be useful.\nI am sincerely your friend \nT.J. Jackson","Winchester \nFeby 18th, 1862","General \nI have received information that there is below Washington another Brigade besides Sickles' and that they are provided with pontoon trains by which they can cross their Art. \u0026 other force in about four (4) hours and that they design doing so with the night at three or four different points, and that the first favorable night is the time fixed upon. That the crossing is to be followed by the reoccupation of Fredericksburg.","The 1st Tennessee leaves for Knoxville at dawn tomorrow morning. Would have left this morning, but I thought it best not to move until something could be heard respecting the time when the cars could receive them, as the weather has been very bad, and the troops are comfortable in their present position, \u0026 are within a day's march of Strasburg. Tomorrow at 10 o'clock A.M. the 1st Georgia will leave, and the Regiments for Genl Humes will move in time for their R. R. transportation. As there is no evidence of an immediate move on this place, I do not attach much importance to the information respecting the crossing of the Potomac below you, but have felt it my duty to make mention of it. The information is that the crossing is to be at night. The troops for Manassas can leave at any time via Snicker's Gap; as the boats now there will transport 250 Inft. per trip, but unless I receive further instructions from you, I will keep them as you directed until after the Regiments for the Virginia District leave.","Respectfully your Obt. Servt. \nT.J. Jackson \nMaj. Genl","Winchester, VA. \nFebruary 18th 1862","J. J. Jackson Major Gen. Comdg.","Reports information concerning enemy's strenght \u0026 intended operations on lower Potomac. Departure of the troops of Genl. Loring's command.","Winchester \n8.40 p.m. March 4/62","General \nMy dispatch to Genl. Johnston of yesterday as well as today was important. Please let me now at once whether either of them was captured. I think that we had better send nothing more for the present via Snicker's Gap, but everything via Ashby's. I will keep a lookout for [Miss] Osborn. I will understand the [ ]1. The Yankees are in Smithfield which is about 6 miles west of Charles Town.","Respectfully your Obdt. Servt. \nT. J. Jackson \nMaj. Genl. \nBrig Genl. D. H. Hill \nComd C. S. Forces, Leesburg.","Winchester \nMarch 7th, 1862","My Dear Colonel, \nI much regret that there should be an attempt at such foul aspirations against your character as named in your letter, which I received yesterday. On the 21st Inst. my mind was so occupied with the movement of troops during the Battle, that I observed but little of the minutia of individuals beyond what was necessary to see plans carried out. But so favorable was the impression of your conduct on my mind at the time of making out my report, when my memory was more fresh than at present, that I felt it was official duty to speak of you in terms of great praise. At the time of making out my report, I was suffering from my wound, and wrote but a short report, but all that is in it respecting yourself, is such testimony, as a meritorious officer successfully fighting for the Liberty of his country deserves. I see that I forwarded your report to Genl. Johnston and you had better get a copy of mine from him if you need it, as there might be a military impropriety in my sending you a copy. If the General hasn't got mine, request him to direct me to furnish him with a copy, or to furnish you with it either. But if you have any hesitation about making the request of the Genl. let me know, and I will send you a copy of the report so far as it relates to you. I did not retain a copy of your Report.","Today I will commence in a quiet way gathering up such facts and names as may be of use to you, should there be any occasion for them. Anything I can do, you must depend upon me for as it will be both a duty and pleasure to send you.","Your daughter, Mrs. [?] and Mrs. Jackson left here in the same stage on last Tuesday. Sandy is recovering from a very severe cold.","Your much attached friend, \nT. J. Jackson","Hd. Qrs. Valley District \nNear Mt. Jackson March 20th, 1862","My dear Colonel, \nAs Lt. Col. Grisby was on furlough when I last wrote to you, my second letter has been postponed until his return. I sent for him today, and he states that he probably saw more of you during the Battle, and had more to say to you, than any other officer; and that you behaved as bravely as an officer should, and appears to have been impressed with your coolness and courage, and speaks of your conduct in high terms, and says that with the exception McLachlin d of the time when you went to the rear \u0026 hitched your horse, that you were forward with your battery.","McLachlin does not appear to recollect much respecting you during the engagement as he states that his attention was given to his pieces, and that is very natural, I know that I observed but little of individuals except as duty brought me in contact with them. Though he says that you were with the leading piece when the battery went forward on the line of battle, and that his his opinion is that just before the piece went to the rear, you gave direction respecting the firing.","Should you have Brockenbrough Court Marshaled, I would advise you to have Grisby summoned as a witness. ","Very Truly your friend \nT. J. Jackson","Hd. Qrs. Valley Dist. \nApril 16th, 1862","Mrs. M. K. Langhorne, \nYour note respecting you brave son has been recd. and I hasten to say that you may rest assured that I will give special attention not only to his exchange when an opportunity offers but also to his unfortunate comrades.","Yours sincerely, \nT. J. Jackson","Hd. Qrs. V. Dist. \nBig Spring \nApril 18th, 1862","Maj. Genl. F. H. Smith \nSupt. Va. Mil. Inst.","General, \nIf you can possibly spare Colonel Williamson for a week or ten days, I hope that you will give him a leave of absence for the purpose of assisting me professionally.","I am General your obdt. servt. \nT. J. Jackson \nMaj. Genl.","Hd. Qts. at Swift Run Gap \nApril 28, 1862","Maj. Genl. F. H. Smith \nSupt. V. M. Institute","General, \nI have an important movement in contemplation and I regret to trouble you again when the subject of letting Col. Williamson join me for a few days; but if you can possibly do so, I hope that you will let him leave immediately upon the receipt of this, and join me with all possible dispatch. Should he come, let him on reaching Staunton call on Major A. W. Harman for relays of horses in order that he may reach this point or wherever it may be in the shortest time.","My prayer is that the proposed undertaking will receive God's blessing for without it I can do nothing.","Should you be able to grant my request, you may rest assured that I will not retain the Colonel longer than necessary and should you desire his services at any time before the completion of his work, you have but to notify me.","I send herewith authority for him to impress horses.","I am General your obedt. Servt. \nT. J. Jackson \nMaj. Genl.","Head Quarters May 3rd, 1862","Spec. Orders \nNo. 214","Maj. Gen. F.H. Smith having brought the Corps of Cadets of the Va. Mil. Inst. into the field, Quartermasters, Commissaries, and Ordinance Officers will furnish him all necessary supplies from their respective Departments.","By Order \nMaj. Gen. Jackson \nA.S. Pendleton \nA. A. A. G.","Near Harrisonburg \nMay 19th, 1862 \nHon. A. R. Boteler","Dear Sir, \nAccording to my promise I notify you that I am going down the Valley. But I can not say that I would advise to come on as my movements mat not be such as would enable you to visit your home. Should you feel at liberty to join me, I hope that you will do so at your earliest convenience.","What is the prospect of having Lt. Cols. J. R. Jones \u0026 A. Snead appointed Brig. Generals.","Very truly your friend \nT. J. Jackson","Hd. Qtrs. Valley District \nMay 29, 1862 \nMajor Genl. F. H. Smith \nSupt. Va. Mil. Institute","General, \nI am very grateful to you for your cooperation. Please call on the proper Departments at Staunton for transportation and Subsistence. When I get a tent or room to write in you shall hear from me again.\nI am General, your obdt. Serv. \nT. J. Jackson \nMaj. Genl.","Port Republic \nJune 6, 1862","My dear Colonel, \nI have recommended Lt. Col. J. R. Jones late of the 33rd Regt. Va. Vols. For a Brigadier Generalcy. I greatly need his services as such, any thing you can do towards securing his appointment will be valuable service rendered to our cause. You may remember the part he bore in the capture of the arsenal at Apalachicola. To him was entrusted the quelling of the insurrectionary movement in this District last Spring and it was effected greatly to my satisfaction. ","Col. J. goes to Richmond at my request. My recommendation of him sometime since was without his knowledge, and he is too modest a gentleman to do much in the way of pressing this matter as it affects him personally(?), and I therefore trust that this will do it for him. Please introduce him to Hon. A. R. Boteler, who has already taken steps towards securing the appointment.\nRemember me very kindly to the Governor.","Very truly your friend, \nT. J Jackson","Gordonsville \nJune 20th, 1864","My dear Doctor, \nYours of the 9th instant has been received, but was not handed to me by Mr. [?].  If I see an opening for an army appointment for him, I will try and secure it but I fear that no such appointment will be secured without the recommendation of the Colonel or other officers of a regiment where his services may be desired.  If he can secure such a recommendation it will most certainly secure the appointment.  I am glad that he has come, and I will talk with Major Dabney respecting him, with the hope that the Major may be the means under God of increasing his usefulness.","For our prayer accept my warmest thanks, and I trust that you, and all our Christian people will with increased [?] with God implore his blessing upon our cause.  He can give us victory, and crown us with complete success, and He alone can.  My trust is in Him, and in Him along, and unto His name be all the glory for every success and every blessing.","Give my kindest regards to Mrs. White and all the family.","Your much attached friend, \nT. J. Jackson","White Oak Bridge \nJuly 10th, 1862","General, \nYours of this date has been received. I send you a copy of the order for falling back. There are no infantry that I am aware of in front of you this morning. If no instructions have reached you, I would, if in your place, move off to your position near Williamsburg road. I expect to leave here this evening about 3 o' clock.","Stuart is still in front. I saw Capt. Rufus Barring yesterday. He says that his youngest child if dangerously ill.","Respectfully, \nT.J. Jackson \nMaj. Genl.","July 31st, 1862 \nMy dear Doctor, \nI am very grateful to you for your prayers to God for the success of the operation which God has entrusted to me. Please continue to pray for me and for the success of the troops entrusted to me. It cheers my heart to think that many of God's people are praying to our very kind Heavenly Father for the success of the army to which I belong. Without God's blessing I look for no success, and for every success my prayer is, that all the glory may be given unto Him to whom it is properly due. If people would but give all the glory to God, and regard his creatures as but unworthy instruments, my heart would rejoice. Alas too frequently the praise is bestowed upon the creature. Whilst we must not forget the superior importance of spiritual victories, yet I trust that you will under God's direction do what you can in securing the prayers of His people for the success of our arms, especially for the success of them which are entrusted to me, an unworthy servant, but who desires to glorify His name even in my present military calling. My trust is in God for success. Praying for a continuation of your usefulness I remain your much attached friend \nT. J. Jackson","My Dear Maggie \nIn haste I drop you a line in answer to your letter of Oct.3d. I regret not having a position to which propriety Mr. Estill can be assigned. The best opening that I see for him is to secure an appointment as an ordnance officer. There are to be 70 appointed after being examined by a board upon their qualifications. Harry Estill is among the number. It appears to me that his brother Charles ought to pass examination by giving attention to the subject.","I am much obliged to you for your kindness. ","I deeply sympathize with you all in the death of dear Willie. He was in my first Sabbath school class where I became attached to him when he was a little boy. I had expected to have him as one of my aid de camps but God in his providence has ordered otherwise.","Remember me very kindly to Col. Preston \u0026 all the family. \nAffectionately your brother, \nT. J. Jackson","Near Gordonsville \nAug 7th, 1862","General, \nI am much obliged to you for giving Cadet Morrison a leave of absence. Should you not receive from his father a letter within the prescribed time requesting that his son's resignation be accepted, I respectfully request that you will accept it upon this my application.","I am General yr obdt servt. \nT. J. Jackson","5 am Bristow \n27 Augt 62","General, \nPermit me to congratulate you upon the brilliant success with which God has blessed you.  You deserve promotion. The 12 Geo. \u0026 15th Ala. Regt. have been ordered to you this morning.","If you have commissary stores enough please send 5000 rations to Genl. Ewell at Bristow as soon as you can get transportation.","I am Genl yr obdt servt. \nT. J. Jackson","Sharpsburg \nSept 16th, 1862","Miss Fairfield, \nI have received the nice breakfast for which I am indebted to your kindness.  Please accept my grateful appreciation of you hospitality.\nVery sincerely yours, \nT. J. Jackson","Hd Qrs V. Dist Sept. 22nd, 1862","General, \nI respectfully recommend that Corporal Jas. P. Smith of the Rockbridge Artillery be appointed Aid de Camp and directed to report to me for duty. As 1st Lt. G. G. Junkin has resigned I desire Mr. Smith to be his successor. He has been acting as A. D. C. since the 20th instant and I respectfully request that his appointment be dated accordingly.","I am General your most obdt. Servt. \nT. J. Jackson \nMaj. Genl.","T. J. Jackson \nMaj. Genl. \nHd. Qrs. V. Dist. Oct. 15th, 1862","Revoking approval of Maj. Genl. D. H. Hill recommendation of Col. D. K. McBeal for a Brigadier Generalcy.","Hd. Qrs. A. N. Va. \nOctober 16th, 1862 \nResptly forwarded \nBy order of Genl. R. E. Lee","Clarke County Va. \nOct. 30th, 1862","My dear Doctor, \nYour kind and Christian letter of the 16th inst, with the accompanying resolution have been received, I write this note to thank you for having so effectually complied with my request, and to ask that your prayers and Christian efforts be continued as before requested, My trust is in God, and it is a great comfort to know that he answers prayer. I am very thankful to our kind Heavenly Father for restoring you to health. I hope that both your sons if not entirely well at present soon will be. \nYour much attached friend \nT. J. Jackson","Dec. 7th, 1862","Dear Genl, \nI have not yet found the sermon by Bishop Elliott of which mention was made when with you last. But I send herewith another of his sermons which I hope you will after reading forward to some friend in order that it may under God's blessing accomplish much good. The part marked on the 19th \u0026 20th pages comes up to my idea of what is the very reasonable \u0026 most important duty and high privilege of our people at this time.","The sermon was given me by Mrs. Brent of Winchester last winter or early in March and has not been sent out among the troops as all religious matter should.","Sincerely your friend \nT. J. Jackson","Hd. Qrs. 2d. Corps A. N.Va. \nDec. 8th, 1862","Genl, \nWhen you last wrote I presume that Mount Mass. \u0026 Hop Yard were not picketed for want of time after Genl. E. received the order, but before [now] I expect that the pickets are in position. I wish that you and Genl. E. would arrange the picketing dividing the work between the two divisions proportionally","I have written to Genl. Lee for the purpose of having a [c?] picket at Dickinson's crossing.","I am Genl. Yr. obdt. Servt. \nT. J. Jackson \nLt. Genl.","Hd Qrs. 2d Corps, A. N. Va.","Major, \nCol. Crutchfield is very desirous of having a commissary for my reserve Art. The object of this note is to ascertain whether you have one that can be assigned there. Who have you at Milford Depot?","If you have no commissary to spare for the purpose, and you know of a suitable person I wish you would recommend him and send the recommendation through these Hd. Qrs. How would Campbell do? What I desire you to do is to recommend the most worthy if one is to be appointed.","Can one commissary attend to the duties at Milford Depot and also to seeing that the Arty. wants?","Take care of yourself \u0026 when you feel like taking a long ride, come down and see me.","Respectfully your obdt. Servt. \nT. J. Jackson \nLt. Genl.","My dear sister Isabella, \nYour letter of the 15th respecting Genl. Hill was received yesterday. My first step was to try and arrange things so that he would remain with this Army; but after several interviews with him and also with Genl. Lee, I became satisfied that it would be impolite to insist on his remaining. Genl. Lee manifested to great interest in Genl. Hill, and a great desire that he should not resign. He \u0026 I took the same view as yourself respecting his feelings after being out of service a while, and we both thought it best that he should be ordered to Richmond where he could be ordered to duty else where \u0026 to some position where he could have more comforts than with this company or he given a leave to go home as circumstances might justify. It appears that the War Department took a similar view. The last news received from the Dept. was that his resignation would not be accepted at present but if necessary, a leave of absence granted. I am probably wrong in saying that this Course was determined on by the War Dept. What I should have said, is, that Genl. Lee who has returned from Richmond told me that he had so recommended and I am well satisfied that his recommendation has not been departed from.  Genl. Hill has probably explained to you before this, the causes which induced him to leave here. I tried to remove what I could influence, but was not successfull. For his services the Country owes him a lasting debt of gratitude. My prayer is that he will continue in the service until the war terminates, and that our Heavenly Father will give him success. And that his health and strength will not be so over taxed in the future as it had been in the past.","The subject of his leaving the army gave me great concern. I did not like to take any steps which would be distasteful to him. Though I thought he ought to go to Richmond, yet as he expressed his desire not to leave if a battle was about to take place, and as one might be fought any day. So far as I knew, I felt a hesitancy about doing anything which would separate him from his division in case of an action.","Genl. Lee proposed that he should take a leave of absence, and return to his division in the Spring, but Genl. Hill did not accept of it.","Though the case has been such as to give anxiety to you, Genl. Lee \u0026 myself, I am satisfied that Our God will over rule it for good. For He causes all things to work together for good to them who love Him. If the Genl. is at home when this reaches you, please give my love to him. Joseph, Robert and Maj. Ewing[?] are well. I have not seen Mr. Barrington for nearly two months. Give love to the children.","Your affectionate brother, \nT. J. Jackson","Corbyn's Farm \nCaroline Co. Va. \nFeby 11th, 1863","My dear Captain, \nYour letter of the 5th instant has been received, and your request will receive special attention. I am not sanguine of success, but an available opportunity may occur.","I regret to heat of the continued delicate health of Mrs. B. \u0026 child. Joseph Morrison has gone home to see his mother who is seriously ill. Capt. Avery had also gone on leave of absence of 25 days.","Genl. Hill has been assigned to duty in N.C.","Mr. Irwin \u0026 Sis with their children were at Cottage Home at last account. I hope that they will be there when Anna \u0026 Paul arrive there.","Should you come near me. I hope that you will not pass by without calling.","Very truly yours, \nT. J. Jackson","P.S. Genl. Stuart has arrived since the foregoing and he desires getting you appointed on His Military Court of which he has the promise. Say nothing about this, as the court is not yet secured. \nT. J. J.","Hd. Qrs. 2d Corps A. N. V. \nMarch 23d, 1863","General, \nI have learned officially this evening, that Mr. Col. Wm. R. Cox 2d N.C. Regt. \u0026 Judge Advocate of the General Court Martial for the trial of Brig. Genl. J. R. Jones is absent and will not return until the 2d of April. Under these circumstances I would respectfully recommend that Col. D.B. Penn of the 7th Louisiana Regt. be appointed Judge Advocate of the Court.","The accompanying papers were returned to me today by Col. W. P. Bynum of the 2d N. C. I. One of the envelopes was opened by him under the impression that the package concerned his Regt.","I am Genl. your obdt. Servt. \nT. J. Jackson \nLt. Gen.","T. J. Jackson \nLt. Genl. \nHd. Qrs. 2d Corps A.N.V. \nMarch 23, 1863 \nRecommending that Col. B. D. Penn 7th La. Regt. be appointing Judge Advocate by the Genl. C. Martial for the trial of Brig. Genl. J. R. Jones.","Near Fredericksburg, Va. \nApril 15th, 1863 \nMessrs. Mitchell \u0026 Tyler","Gentlemen, \nYour note of the 11th instant informing me that you have not only repaired my watch but also replaced the indistinct gold dial by a white one, gratuitously has been received.","The object of this note is to thank you for your kindness, and to say that not only is the watch thoroughly repaired; but that I regard its usefulness materially enhanced by the new dial.","I am gentlemen, \n[Signature missing/cut out from letter at unknown date]","7.45 A. M.","General, \nYour dispatch of 6. A. m. has been recd. I have sent a scouting party down the road you are on for the purpose of communicating with you.  The party has taken 2 prisoners who report back of a regt. In rifle [?] in the wood.  I have ordered a force to the wood for the purpose of clearing it.","Respectfully, \nT. J. Jackson \nMaj. Genl.","Major, \nPlease forward the above by telegraph.","I hope to get you a Colonelcy.","Yours truly \nT. J. Jackson \nMaj. Genl.","The Stonewall Jackson papers consist primarily of the personal papers of Civil War General Thomas Jonathan \"Stonewall\" Jackson (1824-1863). The bulk of the letters date from the pre-Civil War period and concern professional, personal, and domestic matters, including many in which Jackson writes about his religious faith, his concerns about health and diet, and his family.","The papers provide insight into Jackson's personality and philosophy, and present a portrait of the man as he was in the years before he gained national fame as a wartime military leader. A small percentage of the documents date from the Civil War period and are directly related to Jackson's Confederate Army service.","The papers include approximately 160 items of Jackson's outgoing correspondence (dated 1844 to 1863) spanning his cadetship at West Point, his service in the United States Army (1846 to 1851), including his participation in the Mexican War, his years as a faculty member at the VMI (1851 to 1861), and his career in the Confederate States Army. The bulk of the correspondence is addressed to his sister, Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson). Other correspondents include Margaret Junkin Preston, and Confederate Generals Joseph E. Johnston and Daniel Harvey Hill.","Other series include incoming correspondence, Civil War reports, orders, dispatches, and documents associated with Jackson.","In addition to Jackson's personal papers, this collection\ncontains the allied papers of Jackson's second wife, Mary Anna Jackson (Morrison) (approximately 143 items), his daughter Julia Jackson Christian (approximately 10 items), and his sister Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson)(approximately  115 items).","All are original letters (ALS) written by Stonewall Jackson, unless noted otherwise.","Letters written while Stonewall Jackson was a cadet at the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York.","Letter fragment regards Stonewall Jackson's health and furlough.","Letter regards daily life at the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York.","Letter regards daily life at the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York.","Letter regards daily life at the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York.","Letters written by Stonewall Jackson during the Mexican War.","Written on board the ship James L. Day. Letter regards travel to Point Isabel, Texas and general news about the Mexican War.","Written from Point Isabel, Texas. Letter regards travel to Texas, family matters, and plans to travel \"up the Rio Grande tomorrow.\"","Written from Veracruz, Mexico. Letter regards news of the Mexican War, daily life at camp, Stonewall Jackson's health, and family matters.","Written from camp near Veracruz, Mexico. Letter requests compensation for quartermaster duties.","Written from Jalapa, Mexico. Letter regards a \"detailed acount of Mexico.\"","Written from Jalapa, Mexico. Letter regards troop movements and life at camp.","Written from Mexico City, Mexico. Letter regards general news of the war and family matters.","Written from Mexico City, Mexico. Letter describes the Passeo, a central road through the city, and general news of the war.","Written from National Palace, Mexico. Letter regards news of the war and General Pillow's trial.","Written from Mexico City, Mexico. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's appointment.","Written from Governors Island, New York. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's new station.","Written from Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania. Letter regards a trip to attend a court martial and the desire to visit Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson).","Written from Fort Hamilton, New York. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's health and travel back to New York.","Written from Fort Hamilton, New York. Letter regards style of dress, historical studies, and that \"cholera has entirely disappeared from this place.\" Additionally, the letter includes a discussion of a thermometer.","Written from Fort Hamilton, New York. Letter regards book catalogs and Stonewall Jackson's health.","Written from Fort Hamilton, New York. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's health, magazine subscriptions, and finances.","Written from Fort Hamilton, New York. Letter regards family news, Stonewall Jackson's concern for Laura Ann Arnold's (Jackson) eyesight, and a new diet.","Written from Fort Hamilton, New York. Letter regards a fire at the stables, a potential visit in October, and Stonewall Jackson's health.","Written from Fort Hamilton, New York. Letter regards the death of \"Uncle Cummins\" and family finances.","Written from Plattsburgh, New York. Letter regards travel to New York \"for the purpose of trying some prisoners.\"","Written from Fort Hamilton, New York. Letter regards an Invoice of Public Property.","Written from Fort Hamilton, New York. Letter regards a potential visit in October and the death of \"Uncle Cummins.\"","Written from Fort Ontario, New York. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's membership \"of Courts Martial.\"","Written from West Point, New York. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's visit to West Point.","Written from Fort Meade, Florida. In the letter, Stonewall Jackson gives his approval to put his name before the VMI Board of Visitors for a professorship position.","Written from Fort Meade, Florida. Letter regards a potential position at VMI and family news.","Written from Fort Meade, Florida. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's appointment as a VMI Professor of Natural and Experimental Philosophy and Artillery Tactics.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's arrival at VMI.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson starting his academic duties and general family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Laura Ann Arnold's (Jackson) health and a discussion of Christianty.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards academic duties and general family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and Stonewall Jackson's trip to see Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson) next summer.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards garden seeds, fruit, and general family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards a potential visit from George P. Terrill and general news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards a missing package, family news, and a vocal concert.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and barracks construction.","Written from Rockbridge Alum Springs, Virgina. Letter regards the springs and Stonewall Jackson's health.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards an appreciation of Lexington and general family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards course designs for law lectures and general family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Laura Ann Arnold's (Jackson) health.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news and preparations for teaching Natural Philosophy and Artillery.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards health and general family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and a potential visit in July.","Written from Rockbridge Alum Springs, Virginia. Letter regards the springs and general news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards a trip to Niagara Falls, New York.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the birth of Laura Ann Arnold's (Jackson) daughter and general family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's application for professorship at the University of Virginia.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the death of Laura Ann Arnold's (Jackson) infant daughter and Stonewall Jackson's pending appointment at the University of Virginia.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general news and includes a portion written by Elinor Junkin Jackson.","Written from Healing Springs, Virginia. Letter regards travel to the springs.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the death of Stonewall Jackson's wife Elinor Junkin Jackson.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards purchase of books and health.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and health.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Written from \"Uncle Alred's.\" Letter regards the potential purchase of land.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Letter regards family news and notes that the cadets \"have been absent at Petersburg and Richmond [Virginia] but are expected to be home today.\"","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter fragment regards family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Fragment regards general family news.","Letter regards general family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Letter regards general family news.","Written from VMI, Lextington, Virginia. Letter regards corrections to the letter and general family news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Letter regards general family news.","Written from New York City, New York. Letter regards a trip to Liverpool, England.","Written from \"Ship Asia at Sea.\" Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's trip to Europe and the cities he wants to visit.","Written from Naples, Italy. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's trip to Europe.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the places Stonewall Jackson visited during his trip to Europe.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's trip to Europe and family news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's trip to Europe and family news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's trip to Europe.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's trip to Europe and general family news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. In the letter Stonewall Jackson announces his engagement to Mary Anna Morrison.","Written from Rockbridge Alum Springs, Virginia. Letter regards travel to Alum Springs.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general news and mentions VMI faculty meetings.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's health and general family news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards religion and general news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the birth of Mary Graham Jackson.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the birth of Mary Graham Jackson.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family health news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the death of Mary Graham Jackson.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the Lexington Colored Sabbath School.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Written from New York City, New York. Letter regards a trip to visit the Arnold family.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Laura Ann Arnold's (Jackson) son Thomas arriving in Virginia.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Laura Ann Arnold's (Jackson) son Thomas.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's trip to Europe.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Written from White Sulphur Springs, Virginia. Letter regards family health news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family health news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and Thomas Arnold's accounts, which are written on the back of the letter.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Letter fragment regards discussion of purchases.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news and Grace Arnold's education.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Letter regards general family news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards purchases for the house. The letter also contains a portion written by Mary Anna Jackson regarding a clothing pattern.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Grace Arnold's education and general news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards a trip to visit Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson) and general family news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Written from Northampton, Massachusetts. Letter regards future purchases for Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson).","Written from Northampton, Massachusetts. Letter regards future purchases for Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson).","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards furniture purchases.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards furniture purchases.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards religion and general family news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Telegram regards \"equalizing taxation onproperty\" in Virginia.","Written from Harpers Ferry, [West] Virginia. Letter regards military officers.","Written from Harpers Ferry, [West] Virginia. Letter regards appointing W. S. H. Baylor as a colonel.","Letter regards rations and general news.","Written from \"Under's Store, HQ, Valley District.\" Letter regards enemy troop movements.","Written from Winchester, Virginia. Letter regards news of the Civil War and Stonewall Jackson's desire to return to VMI.","Written from Winchester, Virginia. Letter regards Civil War news and troop movements.","Written from Winchester, Virginia. Letter regards general Civil War news.","Written from Winchester, Virginia. Letter regards support of the Colonel in response to \"such foul aspirations against your character.\"","Written from \"Near Mr. Jackson,\" Virginia. Letter praises William N. Pendleton for actions in battle.","Letter regards the status of Margaret K. Langhorne's son.","Written from Big Spring, Virginia. Letter requests assistance from Colonel Williamson.","Written from Swift Run Gap, Virginia. Letter requests assistance from Colonel Williamson.","Order regards VMI Corps of Cadets joining the Civil War.","Written \"Near Harrisonburg,\" Virginia. Letter regards troop movements.","Written from Valley District, Virginia. Letter thanks Francis H. Smith for his cooperation.","Written from Port Republic, Virginia. Letter regards promotion requests.","Written from Gordonsville, Virginia. Letter regards potential promotions.","Written from White Oak Bridge, Virginia. Letter regards troop movements.","Written from Bunker Hill, Virginia. Letter regards a potential position for \"Mr. Estill.\"","Written \"Near Gordonsville,\" Virginia. Letter regards a leave of absence for Cadet Morrison.","Written from Bristow, Virginia. Letter regards Isaac R. Trimble's promotion.","Letter thanks Miss Fairfield for breakfast.","Letter regards the potential appointment of Corporal Jas. P. Smith.","Order regards rovoking Col. D. K. McBeal as a brigadier general.","Letter regards religion.","Written from \"Hd. Qrs. 2d. Corps A. N.Va.\" Letter regards general Civil War news.","Written from \"Hd Qrs. 2d Corps, A. N. Va.\" Letter regards commissary.","Written from Caroline County, Virgina. Letter regards \"Gen. Hill\" leaving the Army.","Written from Caroline County, Virginia. Letter regards general Civil War news.","Letter recommends that \"Col. B. D. Penn 7th La. Regt. be appointing Judge Advocate by the Genl. C. Martial for the trial of Brig. Genl. J. R. Jones.\"","Written from \"Near Fredericksburg,\" Virginia. Letter thanks Mitchell and Tyler for repairing a watch.","Letter regards troop movements.","Post-Civil War memoirs (circa 1865), written by Roberta Cary Corbin Kinsolving. The memoirs recount the winter of 1862-1863 when Stonewall Jackson established winter quarters on the Corbin estate in Moss Neck, Virginia.","This series consists primarily of VMI paychecks endorsed on reverse by Stonewall Jackson. It also contains a bankshare certificate (1858) and an estate document (dated June 5, 1863).","This series consists primarily of the incoming and outgoing correspondence files of Mary Anna Jackson (Morrison) from the post-Civil War era.","This series contains papers relating to Julia Jackson Christian.","This series includes correspondence to and from Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson), Stark W. Arnold, Jonathan Arnold, and others.","This series includes pamphlets concerning the life of Stonewall Jackson, sheet music dedicated to Jackson, and other items.","Researchers are required to use photocopies or online versions of the Stonewall Jackson documents.","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks and Oversized Case 2","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Jackson, Mary Anna, 1831-1915","Hill, Daniel Harvey, 1821-1899","Preston, Margaret Junkin, 1820-1897","Johnston, Joseph E. (Joseph Eggleston), 1807-1891","Christian, Julia Jackson","Arnold, Laura Ann Jackson, 1826-1911","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Kinsolving, Roberta Cary Corbin, 1826-1919","English"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0102","/repositories/3/resources/591"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Stonewall Jackson papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Stonewall Jackson papers"],"collection_ssim":["Stonewall Jackson papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Jackson, Mary Anna, 1831-1915","Hill, Daniel Harvey, 1821-1899","Preston, Margaret Junkin, 1820-1897","Johnston, Joseph E. (Joseph Eggleston), 1807-1891"],"creator_ssim":["Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Jackson, Mary Anna, 1831-1915","Hill, Daniel Harvey, 1821-1899","Preston, Margaret Junkin, 1820-1897","Johnston, Joseph E. (Joseph Eggleston), 1807-1891"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Jackson, Mary Anna, 1831-1915","Hill, Daniel Harvey, 1821-1899","Preston, Margaret Junkin, 1820-1897","Johnston, Joseph E. (Joseph Eggleston), 1807-1891"],"creators_ssim":["Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Jackson, Mary Anna, 1831-1915","Hill, Daniel Harvey, 1821-1899","Preston, Margaret Junkin, 1820-1897","Johnston, Joseph E. (Joseph Eggleston), 1807-1891"],"access_terms_ssm":["Researchers are required to use photocopies or online versions of the Stonewall Jackson documents.","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Mexican War, 1846-1848","Generals—Confederate States of America","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Chancellorsville (Va.), Battle of, 1863","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Academics—History—19th century","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Mexican War, 1846-1848—Personal narratives","Correspondence","Reports","Orders (military records)","Dispatches"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Mexican War, 1846-1848","Generals—Confederate States of America","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Chancellorsville (Va.), Battle of, 1863","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Academics—History—19th century","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Mexican War, 1846-1848—Personal narratives","Correspondence","Reports","Orders (military records)","Dispatches"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["3 Linear Feet"],"extent_tesim":["3 Linear Feet"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence","Reports","Orders (military records)","Dispatches"],"date_range_isim":[1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891,1892,1893,1894,1895,1896,1897,1898,1899,1900,1901,1902,1903,1904,1905,1906,1907,1908,1909,1910,1911,1912,1913,1914,1915],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe collection is open to research, but there are special conditions governing use.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["The collection is open to research, but there are special conditions governing use."],"altformavail_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eA significant portion of the Stonewall Jackson papers are available \n\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/landingpage/collection/p15821coll4\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["A significant portion of the Stonewall Jackson papers are available \n online ."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThomas Jonathan Jackson was born on January 21, 1824 in western Virginia (now West Virginia) to Julia Neale Jackson and Jonathan Jackson. Jackson was orphaned at a\nyoung age and he was raised by extended members of his\nfather's family, mainly his uncle, Cummins Jackson.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJackson graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in June 1846 and subsequently served in the United States Army, during which time he fought in the Mexican War. Jackson resigned his commission in 1851, after he was appointed Professor of Natural and Experimental Philosophy at VMI. He moved to Lexington, Virginia and settled into life as a civilian.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn April 1861, Jackson rode off to war. Following the first Battle of Manassas (Virginia), he became widely known by the nickname \"Stonewall\" and earned lasting fame for his leadership of Confederate forces, especially during the Valley Campaign of 1862.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJackson died on May 10, 1863 as a result of complications from wounds received at Chancellorsville, Virginia along with pneumonia. His body was brought back to Lexington for burial in a cemetery on the south edge of town.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRoberta Cary Corbin Kinsolving (1826-1919). Her first husband was Richard Corbin of Moss Neck Plantation near Fredericksburg, Virginia. Following Richard's death in the Civil War, she married Reverend Ovid Americus Kinsolving.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Thomas Jonathan Jackson was born on January 21, 1824 in western Virginia (now West Virginia) to Julia Neale Jackson and Jonathan Jackson. Jackson was orphaned at a\nyoung age and he was raised by extended members of his\nfather's family, mainly his uncle, Cummins Jackson.","Jackson graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in June 1846 and subsequently served in the United States Army, during which time he fought in the Mexican War. Jackson resigned his commission in 1851, after he was appointed Professor of Natural and Experimental Philosophy at VMI. He moved to Lexington, Virginia and settled into life as a civilian.","In April 1861, Jackson rode off to war. Following the first Battle of Manassas (Virginia), he became widely known by the nickname \"Stonewall\" and earned lasting fame for his leadership of Confederate forces, especially during the Valley Campaign of 1862.","Jackson died on May 10, 1863 as a result of complications from wounds received at Chancellorsville, Virginia along with pneumonia. His body was brought back to Lexington for burial in a cemetery on the south edge of town.","Roberta Cary Corbin Kinsolving (1826-1919). Her first husband was Richard Corbin of Moss Neck Plantation near Fredericksburg, Virginia. Following Richard's death in the Civil War, she married Reverend Ovid Americus Kinsolving."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e...Be not discouraged by disappointments \u0026amp; difficulties but on the contrary let each stimulate you to greater exertions for attaining noble ends \u0026amp; an approving conscience at least will be your reward. Please write to me soon. My health is as good as usual. During my furlough I was made an officer consequently my duties are lighter than usual. You may rest assured of my ....(section of letter missing)\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e....what I have formerly...\u003cbr\u003e\nfriend \u0026amp; brother\u003cbr\u003e\nThos. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e...difficulty in obtaining them from the post office on account of another cadet's name being Thomas. R. Jackson.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am at present living in a room by myself my room mate having resigned in consequence of his father's ill health. The weather has been extremely cold \u0026amp; stormy here for the last few days though at present it is moderating. My studies for the approaching June examination will include Optics Mechanics Astronomy Magnetism \u0026amp; Chemistry together with drawing. I expect to commence taking exercises in riding in a day or two. At the examination last I rose in each of department of my studies.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eA few days since I was called upon to pay the last token of my respect to a friend \u0026amp; fellow classmate in whom were combined both shining talents \u0026amp; the characteristics of a gentleman. His death was much lamented by his class mates who a few days subsequent to his death assembled \u0026amp; appointed a committee to attend to the erection of a monument to his memory. My health is at present as good as usual \u0026amp; I remain your well wishing brother\u003cbr\u003e\nT.J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eU.S.M.A. Aug 2nd 1845\u003cbr\u003e\nDear Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nActuated by a sense of duty I proceed to writing you a few lines hoping that they may find you enjoying the blessings of health and prosperity generally which I have some reason to expect.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou may infer that I am well and enjoying myself very well considering that I am deprived of the blessings of a home the society of the friends of my child-hood the cordial welcome of relatives and above all the presence of an only sister. Times are now far different from what they once were. Once I was in my native state at my adopted home none to give there mandates none for me to obey but as I chose surrounded by my playmates and natives all apparently eager to promote my happiness. But those were the days of my youth they have fled never again to return. They have been succeeded by days of quite a different aspect they have brought forth manhood with all its cares.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have before me two courses either of which I may chose in case that I am blessed with health and long life they are widely different in their natures and consequences. The first I may say would be to follow the profession of arms the second that of a civil pursuit as law. If I should adopt the first I could live independently \u0026amp; surrounded by friends whom I have all ready made have no fear of want, my pay would be be fixed. The principal thing I would have to attend to would be futurity. If I adopt the latter I presume that I would still find plenty of friends but my exertions would have to be great in order to acquire a name. This course is most congenial to my taste and consequently I expect to adopt it after spending a few years in pursuing the former.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have forgotten the contents of my former letter consequently I will mention my standing as it exists at present . In Drawing it is 59th, in Chemistry 25th, in general standing 20th, in Philosophy 11th, in conduct 1st. There are 60 members in my class at present nineteen above me and forty below me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI propose on coming to see my friends and yourself in July next.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eA member of the Corps was drowned a few days since his body was recovered about 5 days subsequent to the fatal stroke and interred with the honors of war. I had the pleasure of his acquaintance. He was a youth of promise stood high in his class and bid fair for long life. The news must have inflicted a sore wound on the hearts of his parents for he certainly was a favorite child. The corps is at present in mourning for him.There have been a number of distinguished men on the point for some time back among whom was Major General Scott. Many visitors favour us with calls among them are a number of ladies but they are not so fair as the daughters of western Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWrite to me frequently as your brother\u003cbr\u003e\nT.J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWest Point U.S.M.A. Nov. 25th 1845\u003cbr\u003e\nDear Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nIt has been but a few moments since I had the pleasure of receiving your affectionate \u0026amp; sister like letter with it came the blended feelings of satisfaction sorrow and remorse. Satisfaction to think that I still have an existence in the heart of an amiable and admired sister. Sorrow because of your delicate health. Remorse for the misfortunes of an uncle who has been to me a true friend.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAs to your health it is my sincere wish that you may again recover it and of which I continue to live in hopes. My constitution as well as your own has received a severe shock but I believe is gradually recovering from its debilitated state. My exercises this year with the broad sword as well as the small are well calculated to strengthen the chest \u0026amp; expand the muscles so that I have some reason to believe that they will have the desired effects of restoring me to perfect health. And I hope that the same kind providence which has preserved us as the remnant of a family up to the present period will again favor us with an interview although in its wisdom it has marked out for us (at least for a period) widely different spheres of action and different places of abode. But I look forward with no small degree of satisfaction to the period when my circumstances will allow me to settle down near you \u0026amp; among my relatives in order to share with yourselves the ineffable pleasures of domestic circles. For your kind advice, and well wishes, you have my hearty thanks.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSince my last letter I have been transferred to the first section in Ethics \u0026amp; I think that I have probably a mark in it which will place me among the first five in my class in this science \u0026amp; which I consider as preferable to any other in the course.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThere is a young gentleman here by the name of Withers who is from the south he has told me that his father was formerly of Virginia \u0026amp; that he has relatives still living there \u0026amp; that one of them who is a doctor visited his father two or three years since.This youth is an associate of mine \u0026amp; I would be glad to know whether or no he is a relative of mine which I could do probably if I knew the given name of doctor Withers of Fauquier who I know visited the south sometime previous to my coming here. If you recollect the time of his passing through Weston as well as his name I would be glad if you would insert them in your next provided it will be convenient to you though I do not wish you to put yourself to the least trouble on that account as I can obtain them otherwise.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt is probable that you think hard of me because of my not writing more frequent. But I hope that the strict requirements of many duties as well as want of information \u0026amp; [_____] will prove a partial if not a complete excuse. Give my respects to Mr. Arnold \u0026amp; rest assured of my immutable attachment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e...is a little excitement owing to the proximity of Furlough \u0026amp; graduation.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have been expecting a letter from you in answer to my last but not knowing what might have occurred I have deemed it best to attempt another hoping that it will meet with better success than the former. [Futile?] may be the effort and feeble it must be [missing word or words] -ation that I but seldom turn my atten[tion] [missing word or words] elegance of [missing]. I hope that you will [missing] it to pass unnoticed. Thought it be divested of ev[ery] artificial merit yet it [be possessed of] a natural....\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRumor appears to indicated a rupture between our government \u0026amp; that of the Mexican. If such should be the case the probability is that I will be ordered to join the army of occupation immediately \u0026amp; if so I will hardly see home until after my return \u0026amp; the next letter that you will receive from me may be dated Texas or Mexico. But be the decre[e?] [missing] all knowing God as they may I hope that [missing] [s]hall ever continue to love you with a [missing].....\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOn Board the James L. Day\u003cbr\u003e\nSeptember 22d 1846\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Uncle\u003cbr\u003e\nI have often thought of writing to you but have deferred it until the present which is the latest news which I will be able of give you previous to leaving the United States. I found after arriving at Fort Columbus that Capt Taylor had left that post from that place. I proceeded to Fort Hamilton where he had taken up his quarters. Leaving there about ten days afterward, I traveled by land about 410 miles to Pittsburgh at which place I embarked on board the steam boat Suatara which conveyed me to Cincinnati. From that city I came to New Orleans on board the steamer Hendrik Hudson. I have just left New Orleans Barracks and am now being transported to Point Isabell which I expect to reach in about 2 or 3 days. I am at present with Captain Taylor (who is a Virginian and a very fine man) 27 men and 84 horses. The principal part of the company is in Mexico at present. I belong to a company of light Artillery which is frequently called flying artillery. In an action if all the officers of the company should be well I will have to carry dispatches being unfortunately too low to have a command. It is possible that before this time General Taylor has had another battle. If he has not already had one it is thought by men of experience that he will have before entering Monterey.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI sent uncle a few days since tell him if it is not there it to Clarksburg and tell (the merchant) that I wish him to give for it. It will be more to him than. (Note: the sentence contains several words that have been blacked out with ink, thus making the full meaning difficult to determine)\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe weather here is more pleasant than it was in the north before I left there. The city of New Orleans is very healthy and there is no yellow fever in it at present. I am enjoying comparatively good health at present and I do not believe that I have the liver complaint but am under the impression that the disease is neuralgic.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGive my respects to my friends including your family of course and write to me as soon as you [can] ascertain where to direct your letter.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eT. J. Jackson\u003cbr\u003e\nP.S. I have arrived in sight of Point Isabel Texas and am now at anchor in a strong gale. The news came aboard yesterday that General Taylor would be ready for a battle on yesterday. The intelligence was by letter from Col. Whiting. I expect soon to start up the Rio Grande by steam for the purpose of joining the main body of the army as soon as possible.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTJJ\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePoint Isabel Texas\u003cbr\u003e\nSept 25th/46\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister:\u003cbr\u003e\nI arrived in this port last evening and purposed on writing to you before closing my eyes in sleep but I was prevented from executing my purpose by the impossibility of procuring an idle pen. I have availed myself of this opportunity of writing in particular as it may be the last favorable one for days to come as in this country letters are generally transmitted from one person to another through the kindness of a third person or the quartermasters. How I shall be able to get this to New Orleans I can not say but it must be through one of these channels. There are at present about one hundred vessels in port, some of which I presume will soon sail for New Orleans.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt is useless for me to attempt to give a detailed account or narrative of occurrences since I last parted with you but suffice it to say that I arrived home on the following Monday and on the succeeding Wednesday received orders to report without delay to Capt. Francis Taylor and the following day in compliance with my orders bid farewell to my uncle's family and proceeded to Fort Columbus but on arriving there ascertained that he had left. On receiving this information I proceeded to Fort Hamilton where I found him. From that post in connection with Capt. Taylor thirty men and forty horses I took up march for this place. After traveling upwards of 400 miles by land we reached Pittsburgh where we took water and have finally arrived here after a March of about 36 days.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhilst I was in Clarksburg I learned that Mr. McWilliams was still in your house and unable to pay rent for it and I was advised to consult Burtin Despard. He told me that the house could be cleared of its occupants in a short time but that it might cost about fifteen dollars to effect it and if Mr. Arnold should desire him that he would attend to it. And if I had to employ any one he should have the preference in as much as he would in my opinion effect it in a shorter time than any other attorney in Clarksburg. The lot which you were speaking of purchasing he told me that in his opinion you could not get a good title for it if you should purchase it because it is already covered by three deeds of trust. Any further information upon the subject can be obtained by applying to Mr. Despard.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have not yet landed but an officer of the Quartermasters Department has been aboard and stated that General Taylor had observed that he would be ready for another battle by yesterday. This news came by letter from Col. Whiting. Whether the Battle came off or not I can not say.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI belong to K company 1st Artillery which to use the common phrase is a flying company of Artillery. I could say much more but I am writing in a strong gale of wind and where things are all confusion. I am in hopes of starting up the Rio Grande tomorrow and on reaching General Taylor as soon as possible. I wish you to write to me soon directing your letter to Lieut T.J. Jackson, Comp K, 1st Artillery, Army of Occupation Mexico. It may reach me but not with certainty. My health is better than it has been for some time. Give my respects to the good people of Beverly they still occupy a high place in my esteem especially your amiable husband whose kindness as well as yours has been indelibly written on my heart and memory.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eT.J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nI now send you the long delayed letter and hope that you will pardon my procrastination since I last wrote to you. I have been at Matamoras Camargo Monterey and Saltillo and the intermediate towns. At present I can not conveniently give you a general idea of the portions of Mexico which have fallen under my observation but hope to do so at some future day when things are more settled than at present and I also purpose on writing to you more frequently.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt would have [afforded] me much pleasure to have been with the gallant and victorious General Taylor at the battle of Buena Vista in which he has acquired laurels as imperishable as he history which shall record the invasion of Mexico by our victorious armies. But I was ordered away from Saltillo in January last and I believe for the best inasmuch as I am now with the most important portion of the army and on the most important line of operations.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am now encamped on the road leading from Vera Cruz to the city of Mexico. Our troops landed about two miles from the former city on the ninth inst and on the same night were fired on by the Mexicans. On the following day we commenced surrounding the city and operating against it. The operations after the [investment] was completed consisted principally in bombarding and cannonading which were continued until not only the city but the castle of San Juan Dulloa agreed to surrender. The capitulation occurred yesterday. The terms are that all the public property falls into our hands, the troops march out under the condition of not serving against us during the present war unless exchanged. The troops marched out yesterday and surrendered their arms and we took possession immediately. This capitulation has thrown into our hands the strong hold of this republic and being a regular [siege] in connection with other circumstances must in my opinion excel any military operations known in the history of our country. I approve of all except allowing the enemy to retire that I can not approve of in as much as we had them secure and could have taken them prisoners of war unconditionally.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOur loss is not accurately known nor that of the enemy either yet but in my estimation ours can not exceed twenty men in killed, we lost only two captains (Capt Vinton of the artillery and Capt Alburtis of the infantry). I have been in the city and was much surprised at its strength. It is surrounded on the land side by a wall about 10 feet high and a series of forts and on the other side is protected by the castle.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou asked me whether I belonged to General Worth's division. I had the honor of being in it so long as it existed but it has been broken up during the past siege. I was part of the time with him and part of the time with General Twigs. Whilst I was at the advanced batteries a cannon ball came in about five steps of me. I presume that you think my name ought to appear in the papers but when you come to consider the composition of our army you will entertain different views. Its composition is such that those who have independent commands only are as a general rule spoken of for instance Ridgely May [Bra--] Duncan Ringold Smith all commanded companies. If an officer wishes to distinguish himself he must remain long in service until he obtains rank then he obtains the praise not only for his efforts but for the efforts of the officers and men under him. That portion of praise which may be due to me must of course go to those above me or be included in the praise given to the army.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy health is extremely good. I probably look better than I have for years. I expect to remain in Mexico for the remainder of the war and expect to move forward with the leading Brigade. I expect to be promoted in a short time to a second lieutenancy. This will probably occasion me to leave the light battery but it will give me more rank which is of the greatest importance in the army.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRemember me in the warmest terms to Mr. Arnold and all my other friends. I rejoice at your prosperity and hope and doubt not that it will continue. I hope soon to march forward towards the city of Mexico. Vera Cruz continues healthy. I intend writing soon and more frequently as my feelings incline me to and as a brother ought. Your last letters coming in such quick succession served as a just rebuke but my means for writing are poor. Even now I am using a box for a chair and my camp bedstead as a writing desk and think myself comfortably situated. You have all the conveniences necessary and I hope that you will use them to write often to one who esteems you above all.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp near Vera Cruz Mexico\u003cbr\u003e\nMarch 30th 1847\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir:\u003cbr\u003e\nHaving in compliance with written instructions from Capt Francis Taylor 1st Arty performed the duties of QrMaster from the 14th of August 1846 to include the 22d of the same month and from the 16th of Oct to include the 28th of November of the same year. The above duty was performed whilst on march from Fort Hamilton NY to Monterey Mexico and I have the honor to request that I may be allowed the usual compensation for the same.\u003cbr\u003e\nVery respectfully\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour Obt Servt\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J. Jackson\u003cbr\u003e\nLt 1st Arty\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJalapa Mexico\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 22d 1847\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nI promised in my last that I would give you a more detailed account of Mexico in a subsequent letter. I will now endeavor to comply with that promise. In doing so I will first state in general terms that the portion of Northern Mexico which has fallen under my observation is mostly a vast barren waste cities excepted. There are but two seasons in Mexico wet \u0026amp; dry. In consequence of the drought there is but little vegetation in the north. A person in traveling through this sterile portion of country would not suppose that the country inhabitants were able to pay their taxes. But in the cities it is different. There wealth is frequently found one person residing in Saltillo is said to own a larger area of land than the state of New York.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBut passing to the south the aspect of things change. You frequently {see} elegant buildings in the country. Genl Santa Anna owns between this place \u0026amp; Vera Cruz 5 beautiful houses and a tract of land about fifty five miles in length. The country in the south is very similar to our own. Whilst I was in Monterey my quarters were in the outskirts of the city having a large back lot attached which contained beautiful orange orchard. Also in this lot was a fine bathing establishment the dimensions being about 25 by 30 ft. Monterey is the most beautiful city which I have seen in the North of this distracted country.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAbout 50 miles farther west is Saltillo the capital of Coahuila. Its [height] is about 2000 feet above the level of Monterey on an inclined plane at the edge of the table lands. The houses are generally built of sun dried brick as are most of the houses in that region. The church is the most highly ornamented on the interior of any edifice which has ever come under my observation. On entering this magnificent structure we are struck with the gaudy appearance on every side but most especially the opposite end which appears to be gilded with gold. At the bottom is a magnificent silver altar and on each side are statues which can not fail to attract the attention of the astonished beholder. The music is of the highest character. The priests are robed in the most gaudy of apparel. The inhabitants take off their hats on approaching the church and do not replace them until past it. One day whilst I was near the building I observed a señora (lady) gradually approaching the door on another occasion I saw a female looking at a statue and weeping like a child. Such is the superstition of this race.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAfter obtaining a [limited] transportation for General Twigg's division it set forward for Jalapa on the road leading to the city of Mexico. But on arriving near Cerro Gordo we learned that General Santa Anna held the pass in force consequently we waited for reinforcements which finally arrived and on the 17nst we attacked the Mexicans but did not succeed in routing them completely until the 18th when we took some thousand prisoners and completely routed the remainder. We followed close on the retreating column until night and came near enough to give the retreating enemy a few shots from the battery. But they succeeded in effecting their escape for want of our dragoons. General Scott after disarming the prisoners allowed them to retire the officers on [parole]. But General La Vega who is again our prisoner refused to except of his and I presume that he will be sent back to the U.S. Our loss has been considerable but not known neither is the Mexican. General Santa Anna escaped but in his haste left us his carriage \u0026amp; together with some thousand dollars in specie.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGeneral Twiggs' division has fought the battle. General Worth has again got a division but he did not get it into action owing to its being used as a reserve and General Twiggs' as the advance. Capt Taylor in his report to General Twiggs has spoken of me in very flattering terms. I am now in Jalapa which is situated about 60 miles from Vera Cruz and 195 from the city of Mexico. General Worth is now in advance and if there is any fighting at Perote he will be apt to distinguish himself. He will probably be in the vicinity of Perote tomorrow at farthest and possibly today. It is rumored here that the Mexicans are fortifying their capital if so then we may have the grand battle there. A Mexican officer came here last evening from the city of Mexico and stated that his father had written to him from San [Louis] stating that General Taylor was there \u0026amp; had met with no opposition.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI can say no more as I have just learned that the escort by which I wish to send this has started because I must mount my horse \u0026amp; over take it or miss a good opportunity. I am in better health than usual.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJalapa, May 25th, 1847\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLovely Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nI have the mortification of being left to garrison the town of Jalapa. Capt Taylor used his influence to keep me with him in which event I should have gone forward. But [Col. Childs] who was made military governor of this place got General Scott to issue an order requiring me to join my company which was under the command of the governor. Not withstanding my present situation I have some hope of getting forward by-and-by when more troops get in from the states. But all this is with General Scott. I throw myself into the hands of an all wise God and hope that it may yet be for the better. It may have been one of [His] means of diminishing my excessive ambition and after having accomplished his purpose whatever it may be he then in his infinite wisdom may gratify my desire.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe army was to move at the time which I mentioned but General Scott concluded to disband the volunteers as their time had nearly expired and this so much diminished our force that we delayed the advance until a couple of days since. General Scott left on Sunday with an escort following in the wake of his troops. General Worth has been in Puebla for about 10 days. Santa Anna marched from Orezaba and commenced fortifying about half way between the cities of Puebla and Mexico but owing to some [cause] he relinquished it and marched into the capital left the army and is now in the presidential chair. As to his motives I cannot say anything further. But I suppose that he thinks that his influence will be more powerful there than elsewhere. The people here think him an infamous man. An election was held on the 15th for president and Herera was the successful candidate but will not take his seat for a few months yet.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am in fine quarters and making rapid progress in the Spanish language and have an idea of making some female acquaintances shortly. I see many things here of interest by the way of ornament and fruits and wish that I only had an opportunity of sending some to you and Thomas. I well know that he would like to have a ranchero (Mexican) on horse back followed by some large dogs. I would be much pleased to hear from Wirt poor fellow?\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGive my respects to your estimable husband. I want to hear whether the reports about Uncles Cummins \u0026amp; Edward are true. I think of you often and my heart more than once upbraided me for my neglect to you. But I feared to inform you of things as they were in this unholy land. Your Brother always.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eT.J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCity of Mexico\u003cbr\u003e\nFeby 28th 1848\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDearest Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nThe mail came on the 26th and in vain I searched the post office thrice for a line from you and consequently sorrowfully commenced my letter to you but on leaving my desk for a few hours on business was agreeably surprised on my return to find your letter mysteriously placed on my table. And now whilst I recommence with joy inexpressible for tongue or pen at hearing of your life still being prolonged I am also most deeply affected with heartfelt sorrow at the words which say \"I may not live to receive your answer.\" But I hope that these words imply nothing beyond what they literally state. To God this is the earnest prayer of your brother. But if he in his great wisdom has afflicted you with disease incurable then may he in his infinite goodness receive you into his heavenly abode where though I should be deprived of you here in this world of care yet I should hope to meet with you in a land where care and sorrow are unknown there with a mother a brother a sister yourself and I hope a father to live in a state of felicity uncontaminated by mortality.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLet not this letter trouble you dearest sister for I could not write one of a different cast with a clear conscience when you speak to me so ominously. But do not be [deterred] by any cause from saying to me plainly that I am sick or that I am well for ambiguity in relation to you is very painful to me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou appear to think hard of my not writing more frequently but I have not only written by every mail but on one occasion sent by a Spanish friend in [five]. I have embraced every opportunity to say to you that I am in such or such a state of health. But for the future the intention is to send the mail by escorts twice a month on the first and fifteenth so that you may expect to hear from me by every mail until I am ordered from this city which may and which may not be at all as I am in General Smith's brigade and he is governor of the city. I am first Lieutenant and belong to Capt. Taylor's Battery. I hope the war may soon terminate but do not entertain much hope although the terms of a treaty have been sent to Washington and at present an armistice is being made or has been concluded but as yet is not public. Santa Anna has asked of his government a passport for the purpose of leaving the country and it was granted to him on the 13th inst. But it is doubtful whether he will go as several of the states have expressed themselves favorably to him and [------------] has offered him an asylum.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf we both live I expect to see you. Do not allow my words about marrying in Mexico to disturb you. I have sometimes thought of staying here and again of going home. I have no tie in this country equal to you. You speak of my fine horse as in your opinion being rather extravagant but if an officer wishes to appear best he should appear well in everything. I bought the horse having plenty of money and need of [ ] and have since been offered three hundred and fifty dollars for him, that is a hundred and seventy more than I gave and can at any time get more than I gave. My pay whilst with Capt. Magruder was one hundred and four dollars per month and I expect it will soon be the same here but at present it is only about ninety so that I have plenty of money and am in the long run economical although it would not appear to you so as here everything is dear and with you cheap. I dress as a gentleman should who wishes to be received as such. I do not gamble nor spend my money as I think foolishly.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am very desirous of peace as it may be better for the United States \u0026amp; it may give me an opportunity of again entering your hospitable house \u0026amp; having that sight most delightful of all other earthly ones that is of my sister. My health I think is improving in this country and at all events my knowledge of Spanish is. As I shall have a better idea when the mail will start hereafter I shall try and send you more interesting letters. Remember me to Mr. Arnold \u0026amp; friends in the warmest terms. Your brother.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e\nT.J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCity of Mexico. March 23, 1848.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nI have written a letter to Mr. Arnold and requested to be remembered to you in it but since finishing it I have concluded to send you one also. I received your letter of January 14th but the paper from Mr. Arnold did not come to hand but still I am as much obliged to him as though it had and trust that he will send others as they may have better success.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI thought at one time of writing a journal but I can not find the time as although I am usually up at six o'clock and retire to bed at ten and eleven still the day is not long enough. The morning hours I occupy in studies \u0026amp; business and the evening in a similar manner but generally taking a walk after dinner and sometimes a ride on the Passeo or elsewhere in the evening. The Passeo is a wide road on the south west of the city and about a half of a mile in length with a beautiful fountain in the center and is a place of fashionable resort. Families of wealth appear there in the carriages at sunset partly if not entirely for show. There is also a place of morning resort between the city and the Passeo called the Almeda which is a beautiful grove of about four hundred by six hundred yards and containing I think eight fountains. At the central one is celebrated the anniversary of Mexican independence and from this which is the largest beautiful walks diverge to the different outlets (the grove being surrounded by a wall). I purpose on riding to both these places this evening hoping to see something there more attractive than at home. When not on duty I generally pay a visit after supper or tea. Among those families which I visit are some of the first in the republic as Don Lucas Aleman Martinez del Rio and I also have the acquaintance of others of some distinction.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy studies are now principally directed to the formation of my manners and the rules of society and a more thorough knowledge of human nature and the latter I perceive from your letter meets with your approbation and I doubt not but that the former two objects will also as they are very important to a man's success in life. You will pardon me for the mistake I have made in turning the leaves of this sheet. But returning to my subject this country offers me greater advantages for acquiring graces than I will probably ever meet with again unless I should visit Europe. The book which I am studying is Lord Chesterfield's letters to his son translated into Spanish so that whilst I am obtaining his thoughts I am also acquiring a knowledge of the Spanish tongue. I have also purchased the work in English and after having read it in Spanish I then purpose on reading it in English. Subsequent to this I shall study Shakespeare's works which I purchased a few days since and then if I can obtain good histories I wish to devote some time to them.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf Uncle Cummins \u0026amp; Edward should leave Lewis I wish you would get Uncle Edward to box up my books which are in his possession and send them to you. I hope that you will try and write me a letter once a week. I should write more frequently to you if an opportunity offered of sending letters more than twice a month. Owing to my knowledge of the language of the country and the acquaintances which I have made I think that I pass my time more agreeably than the greater portion of the officers of the Army, but if your company could also be had I would spend my hours still more agreeably. My love to all enquiring friends. My health is as good if not better than usual. General Scott's case has been investigated. The charges against Col. Duncan were withdrawn. Also General Worth withdrew his against General Scott. General Pillow's case is now being investigated.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eNational Palace Mexico. April 10, 1848\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nAs three successive mails have arrived, without bringing a single letter from you, I am (and I think not without reason) uneasy about your health. As I do not know of any other reason but bad health which could have prevented your writing to a brother who is interested in everything that interests you. And I hope that if you have any regard for my peace of mind that you will write at least once every fortnight. If your health forbids your writing at any time, then get someone to write for you, if it should be but a dozen lines. I do not think that a regular mail has left this city, without carrying a letter for you from me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe treaty has arrived from Washington, with its amendments. Many think that it will receive the ratification of this government. But some think that it will not. For my own part I hope it will. Mr. Sevier I presume will be here in a few days. At last dates from Queretaro there were wanting fifteen congressmen, and three senators to complete the quorum. We have received news here of a battle at [Chiguagua], in which we took fourteen pieces of artillery from the enemy. I am at present studying Humboldt's history of Mexico, in Spanish. The rain is quite abundant here at present and interferes somewhat with my evening visits. It is believed that our presence here is destroying the extreme superstition of this country. But not withstanding the influence of our presence, the natives still with uncovered heads drop on their knees, at the approach of the Archbishop's carriage; which is recognized by its being drawn by two spotted mules.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGeneral Pillow's trial is not yet finished and the general opinion is that it will be terminated in the United States. We are told here that our people at home, think that the army do not wish to return from Mexico, but if such is the truth they are much mistaken. An expedition started a few days since, for [Popocatepitl] which is a volcanic mountain to the S.E. of and in full view of this city, and which still issues clouds of smoke at times. I should probably have gone my self, but as the temperature is so extremely low, resulting from the crest being capped with snow, I feared that my health might suffer.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn conformity with the armistice, the Mexicans have taken possession of their archives, and have resumed the civil administration of their government. Santa Anna at last news, was at his hacienda near Jalapa (Encerro) again bidding adieu to his country. Whilst at his hacienda he received the visits of Colonel Hews, and several other American officers. General Valencia died a few days since in this city, the news of which proved fatal to his daughter, who died a few hours subsequent to its reception. I have heard of no other who mourned his fate. The general hospital is ordered to be moved to Jalapa, and General Patterson I believe will go down at the same time, to take command of the station. This movement appears to indicate an anticipation of leaving the country.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRemember me to Mr. Arnold, Thomas and other friends.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eT.J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCity of Mexico. May 20th 1848\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir\u003cbr\u003e\nThe Secretary of War having informed me by letter of the 20th of April ult. that I have been appointed by the President Assistant Commissary of Subsistence I have the honor to notify you for the information of the war department that I have accepted the appointment.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am sir very respectfully your obdt. servt.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eT.J. Jackson\u003cbr\u003e\n1st Lt. 1st Arty Genl. R. Jones\u003cbr\u003e\nAdjt. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGovernors Island\u003cbr\u003e\nAug 26th 1848\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nFinally I have arrived at this station which is in sight of the city of New York. I have had some hopes of visiting you this fall but I have not been able to arrange my affairs here for that purpose and consequently I can not say when I will be able to visit those of whom I so frequently think and so much desire to be with. I presume that I could get home this winter by making sacrifices which I ought not to make, for instance if I should leave some other officer might be attached during my absence who would rank me in case of his remaining with the company after my return. I do not believe that Capt. Taylor would give his sanction to any officers coming to the company who would rank me, so long as I remain with the company or so long as there are officers enough with it, but my absence might reduce the number of officers so much as to render another officer necessary to the company.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBut I am in hopes that next summer I shall be able to see you and if so I purpose on visiting the springs at several places and visiting those parts of Virginia most remarkable such as the Natural Bridge. You will please let me know the distance from Beverly to Staunton, \u0026amp; the time in which the stage [visits] it, and also the distance from Beverly to the White Sulphur Springs.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAs yet I do not know where I will be stationed. I hope that ere this your eyes are perfectly recovered. I am still getting better. I have been brevetted a captain though as yet it is not published. Write frequently to your brother.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e\nT.J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCarlisle Barracks Penn\u003cbr\u003e\nSeptember 5th 1848\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nI had the pleasure of receiving your letter directed to New York but the same day I received orders to attend as a member of a general court martial at this place which is about a hundred miles distant (east) of Pittsburgh {following 17 words are marked out with heavy ink}...in your own house on the 10th of October which is earlier than you even requested. As I have already given you my reasons for not coming this fall it is unnecessary to state that I may make sacrifices in visiting you. But on reading your letter I concluded that I would use my influence to do that which I so much desire to do (to visit you). But as yet, the court has not adjourned, and I have not yet got my leave of absence granted, but Capt. Taylor told me that he would not only approve of it, but recommend it, but before I can get it, I must obtain the permission of the Colonel of my Regt. and of the Secretary of War. But should I not arrive by the time specified, do not have anxiety about it. If it be unsuccessful the fault shall not be mine.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThere are many very interesting ladies here, and there has been almost a soiree every day since my arrival, and at which I have enjoyed myself well. When I obtain my leave, should I get it, you must not expect me to stay with you more than a month. And I hope that your health will be much improved by that time. You need not write to me, until you receive another letter from me, as I cannot say where I may be any coming day. Remember me to Mr. Arnold, your family, and my other friends. My health I think, is still improving.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour brother\u003cbr\u003e\nT.J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFort Hamilton N.Y. Harbor. Jany 1st 1849\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nI suppose that you begin to think it time, that I should write, but I am not certain that my physician agrees with you about that as he has been cautioning me about confining my mind too much. But at all events, I shall venture to say, that I am still living, and with the blessings of God, hope to live, for some years to come. My physician has pronounced my lungs and liver sound, and that the liver has only been sympathetically affected.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI saw about that claim of [Warren's], and it is worth nothing, the Sheriff having failed to make his certificate. Whilst in Richmond, I called on Mr. Carlisle, and was received by him, in a very cordial manner, and during my stay there, he allowed no opportunity to pass unimproved, in which he could manifest his kindness. The night after I left your house I passed out at the head of the Valley river, and the next morning was in about 17 miles of Huntersville. But not withstanding I reached the Hot Springs too late for the Wednesday's stage, and consequently had to wait until Friday.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am as you have observed at Fort Hamilton, which is on Long Island about ten miles below the city of New York, and on the east bank of the Hudson River. Remember me to Mr. Arnold, the children \u0026amp; c.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour brother\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFort Hamilton. Feby 1st 1849\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nI have more than once thought of your request to write to you and give you the fashions, but such would be a difficult thing for me to do as I do not know even so much as the name of the different parts of a ladies apparel. I in the matter of dress agree perfectly with the Parisians (who not only give the fashions for New York City, but for the civilized world) that a person ought to adopt such a style of dress as is most becoming the particular individual and not that which is adopted by the greater portion of mankind, unless it should be at least reasonably suited to your complexion, height, figure \u0026amp;.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have begun my historical studies having read about one fourth of Ro[bi]ns Ancient History. If Mr. Arnold can prevail on the wagoner who may bring my books to Cumberland, to put the box in the office of Adams \u0026amp; Co. who have an office in Cumberland, and a train of cars running from there to New York, he will secure them to me more effectually than in any other way. Let the man take a receipt for them, and forward it to me at this place. The box should be marked as follows: Captain T.J. Jackson, care of the Quartermaster in New York City, N.Y. The manner in which the company do business, is to give a receipt when any thing is delivered at the office and then to turn over the article when the receipt is presented, and if the article should get lost to pay the owner for it.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe cholera has entirely disappeared from this place (Quarantine). The weather is quite disagreeable. I caught the rheumatism in your salubrious mountain air, which is harassing me no little. I am gaining strength and flesh. If Mr. Gibson will write to Captain Arnold, who is at Fort Monroe Va I am of the opinion, that he will get some information in relation to the ammunition which was charged to his brother, as he was a lieutenant in Arnold's Company. I am well fixed here, having my rooms both carpeted and decently furnished. Remember me to Mr. Arnold, the family, Aunt White, Uncle, and our other relatives.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour brother\nT.J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eP.S. The gold fever is running very high here. I have conversed with Mr. Lo[e]ser, an officer of the Army from California, who says that a person can gather on an average about seventy five dollars per day, and that the climate is most delightful, the thermometer standing at from 60 to 70 degrees. As you may not know much about Thermometers, it may not be amiss for me to state, that the higher the thermometer stands, the warmer the weather is. Fahrenheit's thermometer which is the one commonly used in this country and the one referred to above, stands at 32 degrees when water freezes, at 55 degrees the air is temperate, at 75 degrees the air is at summer heat, at 95 degrees the air is at blood heat, and at 212 degrees the air would be at the temperature of boiling water. From the foregoing you observe that the climate referred to must be charming.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e\nT.J.J.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFort Hamilton N.Y. Harbor April 27th 1849\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nOwing to a desire to secure some catalogs for Mr. Arnold, I have not written earlier. Yesterday, I went to Harper and Brothers Book store; but he had none on hand; but said that he would have in a few days. I obtained one from Appleton's Book establishment and shall forward it by the same mail as this letter. It do not contain all his books, when I shall have obtained one from Harper, I shall also forward it. And if Mr. Arnold shall want any books that may not be found in either of them, let me know what ones they are, and I believe that I can find it in some part of the city.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour request had not yet been complied with, but I rely on your generosity of character; as my strength has forbid much exercise, and especially walking on the hard pavements of N.Y. city. But I am improving in both flesh and strength and I hope in health also. I am now under the care of one of the first medical men of N.Y. city. I have lately commenced visiting more frequently, and every few evenings receive an invitation to some social party. Yesterday whilst walking through the city, I thought of the pleasure which I would derive from sharing the contemplations of its beauties and wonders with you. Naturally I recalled to mind, and applied to N.Y. what the Frenchman asserted of Paris, when he said that when a man had seen Paris, that he had seen all the world.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn New York may be found all most anything which the inclinations may desire; but peaceful quiet: every thing is in motion, every thing is alive with animation. In its busy throng, none feel the long tedious hour; even the invalid for the time forgets his infirmities, and with wondering admiration contemplates the surrounding scene.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFrequently you are the subject of my thoughts, and if you were only within reach of rapid communication would receive more frequent visits. The weather is moderating here.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFort Hamilton, N.Y. Harbor, June 12th/49\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nDoubtless you are expecting an answer to your last, and in truth, not without reason; as I have not written for more than two months. But my silence has not originated from your not replying to my former letters, but is due to other causes, such as weak eyes and pressure of business, as I have to discharge the duties of Quartermaster \u0026amp; Commissary in addition to my other company duties, and from such causes I have now a number of unanswered letters on hand.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI wish when practicable to write to you once every month, and I do not wish you to reply unless your eyes will admit of it without pain, because I prefer that your health should be preserved to any other Earthly consideration, and I hope that you will not strain your eyes on any account whatever. We can not appreciate our blessings unless deprived of them. My health is improving.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI forward to Mr. Arnold a catalogue of Harper's publications. If there is anything in it which he wishes, I hope that he will not fail to let me know. When you get possession of my books, I wish that you would retain them until I see you, or write relative to them.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have not subscribed for Graham's magazine, but will do so if you desire. I merely sent a copy in order to see how you would like it. I hope to send you a copy or number(?) of the Lady's Book which some prefer to Graham's, though I can not say which is best, but when you shall have received it, you can judge for yourself.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have received my commission as Brevet Major, and am gratified that you had an opportunity of doing Judge Lee a favor.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI sent a fifty dollar bank draft to Sylvanus White, with a request that he would pay Miss Caroline Norris a small sum, I think 2.50, 3.00 or 3.50 cts, which she let me have for the purpose of making a small purchase, which I did not make; and as I have heard nothing of him  since, and as some months have elapsed, I fear that something may be wrong. I wish that you would ask Miss Eliza Norris about it, and if Sylvanus has not settled it, I wish that you would. If at any time, you should not receive an expected letter, try and make yourself easy, as in case of any accident happening to me, I have friends who would not fail to give the necessary information.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Cholera in the city is on the decline. I have no dread of it as I believe that those who keep their system in a healthy state have but little to fear.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour sincere brother\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFort Hamilton, N.Y. Harbor, Monday, July 2/49\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nThe morning duties ended, and through the blessings of that all Ruling Being, I'm allowed the privilege and pleasure communing with you. I received some days since, a letter from John White informing me of your visit to him and of the news of his vicinity, but which it is not necessary to mention as I presume that all is probably already known to you. I was gratified to learn that Uncle C.E. had been released from the [illegible], and had left Lewis for a more congenial clime. I also received a letter from cousin Elizabeth [Griss], informing me of the marriage of cousin Indas (her sister), of her own recovered health and of the prospects of her promising brothers Ben and William. She also stated that the health of Aunt and Uncle Williams was good. But she had not heard from you, since my visit. If your eyes should become so, as to allow of your writing without pain, then try and drop her a note for truly she is one of your friends. But I hope that you will not strain your eyes for the purpose of writing to anyone. You can at least send her your card and an occasional messages by some of the Lawyers.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI feel much concern about your eyes, for I fear you will strain them. Remember that the best physicians are opposed to straining that important organ and when it fails or begins to fail naturally that they recommend spectacles. But this should be the last resort, and should only be used when necessary : for instance, some persons can walk about, out of doors and in doors without the light hurting their eyes: but must use this auxiliary in reading. The great objection to spectacles is that when their use is once commenced, it must be generally continued through life. A person when selecting a pair should select the lowest number, which will answer the proposed end and then as circumstances require, increase it. But I would advise you not to use them as long as you can do without them (at the same time avoiding pain).\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy eyes were so weak some months since that I could not look long at objects through the window and to look out of doors was frequently painful, though but for a moment, and I was reduced to the necessity of masking my looking glass on account of its reflection, and I could not look at a candle, not even for a second, without pain. I consulted my physician and he told me not to use them, and at the same time to avoid spectacles. I did so and at present can read a letter of three or four pages without feeling any inconvenience of consequence. My health is improving and my strength adhered to my wholesome diet, of stale bread and plainly dressed meat (having nothing on it but salt), that I prefer it now to almost anything else. The other evening, I tasted a piece of bread with butter on it and then the bread without it, and rather gave my preference to the unbuttered bread; and hence I may never taste any more of this once much relished seasoning. And I think if you would adopt for your breakfast a cup of moderately strong black tea, stale wheat bread (wheat bread, raised and not less that 24 hours old) fresh meat, broiled or roasted is best, the yolk of one or two eggs (the white is hardly worth eating as it requires digestion and affords but little nutrition). For dinner the same kind of bread \u0026amp; meat, one vegetable only, say peas, beans or this years potatoes, and for drink plain water. For tea, the same kind of bread and drink as for breakfast and nothing else, unless you choose a little butter. The great beauty of the foregoing is that it furnishes all the nutrition which food can give and at the same time does not interfere in the digestive process like other substances such as salt meats, cabbage, lettuce, desert (such as pies, preserves, nuts, and all kinds of sweetmeats). Of what I have recommended, you can eat as much as your appetite craves, provided that you take regular meals, and plenty of exercise, say not less than three hours per day. I presume that your daily duties require you to be moving probably that much. Salt meats may be eaten, but fresh is preferable, and I regard green tea \u0026amp; coffee so injurious to the nerves that you should always prefer water to either. Now if you can make up your mind to adopt the foregoing for one year, I think that you will probably never wish to change it, and that after using such a diet for two or three months that you may experience marked advantage from it, but you must bear in mind that your meals must be at fixed hours. If you arise at seven five or six O'clock and go to bed at nine or ten, then seven would be a good hour for breakfast, one for dinner and seven for tea. And you ought to always retire to bed before eleven. If you should conclude to adopt the forgoing, do not taste other things of which you are fond: unless it be fruits and those should be ripe. I think that a small quantity of fruit eaten when ripe and in the fore part of the day, is advantageous. You should try and forget that you are infirm and pay no attention to your symptoms as most any person can by being too attentive to every little pain.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRemember that good wholesome food taken at proper times is one of the best of medicines. I shall have hopes of your improvement when you have resolved to taste nothing of which you are fond, except such things as I have mentioned. If you commence on this diet, remember that it is like a man joining the temperance society; if he afterwards tastes liquor, he is gone.\u003cbr\u003eT.J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFort Hamilton April 1st 1850\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter came to safe to hand, and with pleasure its contents were read. During the past month, our stables were burned. All the horses were saved, though mine, with some others, were injured a little. The damage was near four thousand dollars.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI regret to say that circumstances will prevent my return home this summer, but on the 1st of October, I expect to be ordered to Fort Washington, opposite Mount Vernon, where I expect to get a leave, and visit you during some portion of that month.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy health continues to improve. My muscles have become quite solid. My exercises are of a violent character, when the chill blain {chilblain} on my feet do not prevent it. I hope that Little Ann has entirely recovered.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhen I make my proposed visit, I shall endeavor to take with me such things as your letter has specified, provided that they are attainable. Some of them may be difficult to get. My past winter has been much more pleasant than the preceding. The weather here is at present delightful; but in a few days it may be the reverse as it is much influenced here on the Sea Board, by the direction of the winds.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOn Thursday last, I, in company with 18 others had a grand sleigh ride, it was the best snow of the season, but in 24 hours, there was hardly a trace of it to be found.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSincerely your Brother\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas P.S. Remember me to Mr. A. and family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFort Hamilton N.Y. Harbor\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 24, 1850\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Uncle,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have with pleasure received, and read your very kind letter, but it was a pleasure mingled with pain at seeing those passages, which spoke of the death of friends and relatives. Though the rumor of uncle Cummins' death may be true, yet I cannot believe it without further evidence. I shall write to California and try to ascertain. I hope that no decree will be obtained for settling his property, but should such authority be obtained, then will not some of his friends who have means come forward and prevent its sacrifice. Certainly if he has a friend, now it the time for its manifestation. You spoke of my giving assistance, but my pecuniary affairs are so arranged that I have not ten dollars in cash which I can call my own.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThere is no man on Earth, whom I would befriend sooner than Uncle Cummins. Let me know who have betrayed him and in what he has been betrayed, give me a full history of names and facts as soon as possible; and strain every nerve to prevent the granting of the decree. I expect to return home in the Fall, when I will see what can be done; though I fear that I will not be able to do any thing, but I can not tell what good luck I may meet with by that time.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI believe that I will leave my horse in the possession of McLean until then. I am in much better health then when we parted and hope through the blessings of a kind Providence soon to be restored to perfect health. I have not received a single line from California. I have a delightful station and hope to pass a pleasant Summer.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRemember me kindly to Aunt and other relatives and friends.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour nephew\u003cbr\u003e\nT.J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePlattsburg Barracks N.Y.\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 10th 1850\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nYou observe that I am now on the border of Canada, it is for the purpose of trying some prisoners.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy health is still improving and in a short time I expect to return home to Fort Hamilton. In coming to this place I have passed some charming scenery. This place is on the Western bank of Lake Champlain. I should like very much to visit Montreal and Quebec before returning South, but want of time and money will prevent it. On my way here I saw the old Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point. And in front of this Garrison, was fought the great Naval action of the late war.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRemember me kindly to Mr. A and Family.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour brother Thomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFort Hamilton N.Y.\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 20th 1850\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir,\u003cbr\u003e\nI herewith enclose an Invoice of Public Property, directed to your address, and turned over this day to Genl. H. Whiting, Asst. Qtr.Mstr. Genl.,for transportation.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am Sir,\u003cbr\u003e\nVery Respectfully,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour obedient servt.\u003cbr\u003e\nT.J. Jackson\n1st Lt. \u0026amp; Bvt.Maj. 1st Arty.\u003cbr\u003e\nA. A. Qtr.Mstr.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTo S. Lansing Jr. Esq.\u003cbr\u003e\nMil. Storekeeper\u003cbr\u003e\nU.S. Arsenal Watervliet Troy\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFort Hamilton N.Y. Harbor\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have received yours and in reply, can say that my health is still improving. Your requests shall be attended to, but it will be necessary to wait until my arrival; as I know of no safe mode of conveyance. You speak of your fruit and flowers. I cannot indulge in the luxury of the former, but of the latter, I take great interest and I hope that you may always cultivate them. It shows a refined taste to abound in admiration for the beautiful, and it has the additional advantage of endearing children to their home. With pleasure they must through different periods of their lives look back to their garden filled with beautiful flowers. And when they see the same flowers, even in distant countries, how vividly will it recall to mind their home, their Mother, Father, brothers, sisters, and all their early associations. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI will not get home this summer, but have some hopes of coming in October, but I can not say what the result will be. How can I get through those mountains during the Winter season.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI wish that I could come and spend the entire winter with you, but such I fear will be impractical. Do not make any calculations, but expect me when circumstances will best admit of my taking a leave. I have recently received a letter from uncle John White and Aunt Catherine. The family is well, uncle Jack and Aunt Nancy are dead.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eUncle had recently received a letter from our cousins in California and they say that Uncle Cummins is undoubtedly dead. This is news which goes to my heart, uncle was a father to me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI want to bring Thomas a good violin, if neither you nor Mr. A. has any objection to his learning to play on one. Remember me kindly to Mr. A. and family.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFort Ontario N.Y.\u003cbr\u003e\nAug 10th 1850\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nYou are probably surprised at hearing from me so frequently at different points as a member of Courts Martial. I am now about twelve hours from Niagara Falls, and consequently intend visiting them before returning home. I will leave here in the evening and be at the Falls next morning.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Court will probably remain in session for several days.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFort Ontario is situated on the lake of the same name and in view of the city of Oswego.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf circumstances permit me to return home to Va. this coming fall, how can I get to your town most conveniently from Washington City. My health is still improving, but is as yet so delicate as to render much regularity necessary, and it is probable that I am more particular in my rules that any person of your acquaintance.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI fear that I will be much exposed in crossing the mountains, unless there is a stage line through from Eastern Virginia. When you write, let me know what kind of flowers, plants, \u0026amp; are in your garden and what kind you would like for me to bring. I expect that I can obtain almost every description in New York.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am to commence staying at a water cure establishment this evening where I expect to remain during my stay here. I have great faith in them for such infirmities as mine. I have been for some months adopting it to a certain extent, and with advantage.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRemember me very kindly to Mr. A. and the family.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nT.J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWest Point N.Y.\u003cbr\u003e\nSept. 3rd 1850\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nI am again at my first Military station, and a very pleasant visit it is. Here I see objects which recall many pleasant \u0026amp; agreeable associations of my youth, but it is my lot to meet but few of my comrades of those bygone days. All other things are visible, though changed. One of my former Barracks is torn down and another constructed. But among the existing and unaltered objects are the garden of Kosciuszko, his monument, Fort Putnam, in which Andre was confined and from which Arnold escaped after his unsuccessful attempt to sell his command. Here too is the Plain, the Military works and above all, its grand and lofty mountains. I am on a Genl. C. Martial, which will soon adjourn.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have been quite unwell and had it not have been for my judicious application of water, I can not say what would have been the consequence.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRemember me very kindly to Mr. A. and family.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nT.J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFort Meade, Fla.\u003cbr\u003e\nFeb. 25th 1851\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sir,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have just received your communication of the 4th inst. containing the kind proposition of bringing my name before the Board of Visitors of the V. M. Institute as a candidate for the Professorship of Nat. \u0026amp; Exp. Phil.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThough strong ties bind me to the Army, yet I can not consent to decline so flattering an offer. Please present my name to the Board and accept my thanks for your kindness.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am sir,\u003cbr\u003e\nVery Respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nYour Obt. Servt.\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFort Meade Fla.\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 2nd 1851\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate letter has been received, and read with much pleasure. I should think from the character of them, (the last few) that your health has improved very much; although you do not say so in so many words.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have hopes of being able to live near you for a while. I received a letter from Col. Smith, the Superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute at Lexington, in which he kindly offers to present my name to the Board of Visitors in June next, as a candidate for the Professorship in Natural and Experimental Philosophy in the Institute. I have accepted his offer; but am unable to say whether I shall be elected. If I knew who would compose the Board, then I could form a better idea. If I have a few friends on it, my chance will probably be good. I consider the situation both conspicuous and desirable. I will be in about 150 or 160 miles from you, will have quarters, and receive twelve hundred dollars per year. Philosophy is my favorite subject. I hope through the blessings of Providence to succeed in securing the Post.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have heard that the Hon. Joseph Johnson is to be our Governor. Is it Joseph Johnson of Harrison? if so I am much pleased, as he had befriended me on more than one occasion.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI believe that John Stringer will probably be on the Board of Visitors in June next. This information I received by yesterdays mail. Where does he live? I see that Mr. Carlisle has been making two speeches in the convention. I look upon him as one of the promising sons of Virginia. I hope before long to see him in Congress. I am much pleased at seeing cousin Wm. J. Jackson also in the Convention. Indeed I have some hopes that our ancient reputation may be revived.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI might have sent this letter sooner, but I designedly delayed it for to see if yesterday's mail (6th of April) would not enable me to give you some good news, but I did not receive the information which I was waiting for, but in my next I hope to be in possession of agreeable tidings for you, but I am not over sanguine.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI received a few days since, a very kind, and well-wishing letter from Genl. John J. Jackson. When I visit you, I want also to visit him. I find that I have many friends, indeed I have found that all to whom I apply for assistance are ready to give me a helping hand. The generals letter was particularly gratifying to me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI shall not attempt a Theological discussion with you a present, hoping to see you during the present year, when I hope that you will have all of your questions and ideas prepared for the investigation of your brother.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRemember me very kindly to Mr. A., to Aunt White, to Uncle, Cousin John, Uncle Stalnaker and Col. Goff and other friends.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour brother\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFort Meade Florida\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 22nd 1851\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter of the 28th inst. informing me that I have been elected Prof. of Natural and Experimental Philosophy and Artillery Tactics, in the Virginia Military Institute, has been received.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe high honor, conferred by the Board of Visitors, in selecting me, unanimously, to fill such a Professorship, gratified me exceedingly.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope to be able to meet the Board on the 25th of June next, but fear that circumstances, over which I have no control, will prevent my doing do before that time. For your kindness in endeavoring to procure me a leave of absence for six months, as well as for the interest you have otherwise manifested in my behalf, I feel under strong and lasting obligations.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eShould I desire a furlough of more than than one month commencing on the 1st of July next, it would be for the purpose of visiting Europe.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI regret that recent illness has prevented my giving you an earlier answer.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAny communication which you may have to make previous to the 1st of June, please direct to this place.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am Col.\u003cbr\u003e\nVery respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nYour Obt. Servt.\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, VA\u003cbr\u003e\nAugust 20th 1851\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nI am much pleased with my situation. I have commenced my military duties and am reviewing on of my text books. My health has much improved since you heard me say good by.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI sent you a pamphlet a few days since, it was by the request of my old Physician with whom I was residing in the North. He appeared to take a deep interest in me and to be interested in those who were interested in your brother. From him I have learned many important truths concerning health. His names is Lowry Barney. I felt home sick at bidding adieu to his estimable family. Mrs. B. said that I did not appear like a stranger but like a relative, they were more kind than I could have desired.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFrom my present room which is in the 2d story of the Lexington Hotel. I have a lovely view of Mountain scenery. Lexington is the most beautiful place that I remember of having ever seen when taken in connection with the surrounding country.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI expect to go to the Springs next month with the Corps of Cadets. We shall leave about the 8th and return about the 25th, about the 13th we will arrive at the White Sulphur.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRemember me very kindly to Mr. A. \u0026amp; family and to my friends and relatives. I suppose that you had a fine mental feast on Miss B's notes. I designed burning them. Please save me the trouble by doing me the favor\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nOct. 8th 1851\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have had the pleasure of receiving your letter and the articles which you sent to me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have seen Mr. Cowen and requested him to call on you, and have made a similar request of Mr. Henderson, whom I esteem very highly. He is the brother-in-law of Col. Smith. I am much obliged for the articles. An opportunity will hardly be afforded for visiting you this winter. I have received a letter from Cousin Margaret Neale: She as well as our other relatives are well.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe academic duties commenced on yesterday week.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy health has through the blessings of Providence been so much improved to enable me to enter on my duties, with which I am delighted.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRemember me very kindly to Mr. A. and family, and to all enquiring relatives \u0026amp; friends.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAnd say to Mr. A. that I hope to be able by his assistance to get some fine fossil specimens from his farm when I next visit Beverly. I remember of having seen some beautiful specimens of shells, near the bridge about Mrs. Bakers. These he showed me in 1848.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour brother\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVa. Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nLexington, Va. Jany. 16th 1852\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter has like every other good, brought with it pain. But I hope that your health will again return among the blessings of Providence to brighten the remainder of your days as well as those of mine.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have been desirous of writing at an earlier day; but our examination and other duties have prevented my doing so, and even now this pleasing task is performed during the height of the examination. It could be delayed no longer without a degree of pain, which your brother is unwilling to experience on this subject. This trying ordeal will close about Thursday next.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope that you will look back if you through your past life and see if you can not find some cause for your afflictions.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eNow my dear sister. You are aware that I am troubled about your hopes in relation to the endless futurity. The best plan that I can  conceive for an unbeliever in God, as presented to us in the Bible, is to first consider things in reference merely to expediency. Now considering the subject with reference to expediency only, let us examine whether it is safer to be a Christian or an Infidel. Suppose two persons, one a Christian and the other an infidel, to be closing their earthly existences and suppose that the infidel is right and the Christian is wrong, they will then after death be upon an equality. But instead of the infidel being right, suppose him to be wrong and the Christian right, then will the state of the latter after death be inestimably superior to that of the other. And if you will examine the history of mankind it will be plain that Christianity contributes much more to happiness in this life, than that of infidelity. Now having briefly glanced at this subject, to what decision are we forced on the mere ground of expediency, certainly it is to the adoption of Christianity.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHaving made our selection of Christianity, the next point is to consider whether we can believe the teachings of the Sacred volume; if so, then its adoption should of necessity follow. I have examined the subject maturely, and the evidence is very conclusive, and if we do not receive the Bible as being authentic and creditable, we must reject every other ancient work; as there is no other in favor of which, so much evidence can be adduced. Oh Sister! do pray to God for his mercy, and eternal life through our Redeemer Jesus Christ.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have not yet been able to procure the peaches of which I spoke in my former letter. Cousin Harriet has returned from her visit to Point Pleasant, which was to her very pleasant. Uncle Minor Neale's daughter has returned home, with her grand-father who came north for her. Talk to Thomas \u0026amp; Grace for me and tell them that their uncle is very much obliged to them and that they must continue to be good children, and do what their mother and father may require of them.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRemember me very kindly to all inquiring friends and Relatives.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI should be much pleased to see a literary institution in Beverly; but I cannot see how to be serviceable to it. If you will state in your next what I would have to do as agent I would be enabled to give a more definite answer.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVa. Mil. Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nLexington Va. Feby. 7 1852\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nThough much pressed with business and far behind in my correspondence, I can not defer any longer a letter to you. Our examination has closed and academic duties have been resumed.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eNext week I hope to take up the subject of Optics. The approaching summer is looked forward to by me with no small degree of interest, as our vacation will commence after the 4th of July.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour health I hope is completely restored before this time: mine is still delicate. When did you last hear from Parkersburg and how are our relatives and friends? Do you see anything of John White's family. The weather had been extremely cold, but at present it is lovely.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have not heard from you in weeks upon weeks. Remember me very kindly to Mr. A \u0026amp; family and to all enquiring friends.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M. Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nFebruary 21st 1852\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour welcome letter including that of our cousin, has been received, and with no small regret do I consider your past afflictions, but we are all the children of suffering sorrow in this world. Whilst it has many pleasures, it is not, nor will not be divested of its cares. Amid affliction, let us hope for happiness. But divest us of hope and how miserable would we be! It has never forsaken me, nor in my humble opinion, never will. However dark the night, I am cheered with an anticipated glorious and luminous morrow. May such ever be your happy lot. No earthly calamity can shake my hope in the future, so long as God is my friend, and on this subject I expect to have a long conversation with you next summer. I feel ashamed of not having written to you earlier, but even now I am debtor a number of letters in other quarters, which in time, have the preference, but my conscience will not be troubled at this species of fraud.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am glad that cousin stopped with you. I received a letter from cousin Sylvanus White recently in which he states that his location is in Missouri, but for the future, he can not say to what quarter his steps will be directed.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy health has improved. What do you propose doing next summer during my visit. I suppose that plans you have in abundance. How is the family: give my regards to all individually. Tell Thomas that I should like to have him with me sometimes very much \u0026amp; that he must be at home the next time that I visit him. Remember me to all inquiring friends and relatives. How is Cousin John White and Aunt White.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour Brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M. Institute Lexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 10th 1852\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nI have nothing which can call for a letter from me at this time except the pleasure of writing to you and to say a word in reference to your mentioned garden seeds, \u0026amp; c. Tell me the precise kinds of seeds which are desirable and if you can the mode of conveyance for them to Beverly. I might possibly procure some grafts of apricots \u0026amp; [illegible] if they could only be sent to you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI sent for my box sometime since, but have not yet obtained possession of it. This is a beautiful day, though the preceding few have been cold and have injured the fruit prospects, particularly the apricots and other early fruit. The plank road from Staunton to Buckhannon, which latter place is about 25 miles distant from here is now under construction, through our town. The stage travels about one third faster on it than on the dirt road.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am anxiously looking forward to July.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhen did you last hear from Cousin Margaret. She appears to have dropped me as a correspondent. I certainly gave her ostensible reason for so doing by not answering her letter more promptly. But this was occasioned by the pressure of other things.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRemember me very kindly to Mr. A., the family \u0026amp; to all enquiring friends and relations.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTell Thomas and Grace I am not going to allow them to see their Aunt Nancy until they both offer to love me more than her. Tell them that their Aunt does not care about them half as much as I do.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M. Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nLexington, Va. May 1st 1852\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Doctor,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour interesting letter has been received and perused with much pleasure. But my matrimonial success as you are ere this probably aware of was a hoax. I suppose that some interested friend thought that I ought to be married and that it would be well to remind me of my duty before efforts would be too late. Frequently your intended, is to be seen with all her prepossessing fascinations. Why do you not come on? Certainly you will be here on the 4th. The weather here is at present beautiful, though for months it has been unseasonably cold.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHow are you pleased with Philadelphia? What are Penrose's prospects for distinction in his profession. Of all the cities in this Union, that of the Quakers has my preference. Its public squares, magnificent edifices, it's water works \u0026amp; c, including that universal task which strikes the eye at all its points, must make it very interesting to all, who are only consulting pleasure.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTrueheart is now in Washington city, engaged in the Coast Survey. There is only one assistant here at present (Stewart). Our appropriation bill has not yet been acted on by the Legislature.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJudge Baldwin is not expected to recover from his recent attack. Judge Brockenbrough will probably be a candidate in place of Judge Baldwin for the Court of Appeals.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eProf. Calhoun of Washington College will leave this coming summer; his successor is so far unknown. Every thing is quiet at present in the Institute and I hope will ever continue so.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThere is to be strong [stage] opposition through here this season. Let me here from you whenever a spare moment will permit.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour sincere friend,\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[On verso; not in Jackson's hand]\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eResolved that it is with feelings of the most profound regret that we have heard the announcement of the decease of our fellow student \u0026amp; associate Dr. [illegible] Weir; whose gentlemanly bearing \u0026amp; Christian deportment has served not only to endear him to all with whom he came in contact but to render him an ornament and honour to the noble profession of which he was so faithful a votary. Resolved that we do sympathize most sincerely with the bereaved relatives \u0026amp; friends of his House upon whom this dispensation of Providence has fallen so unexpectedly \u0026amp; painfully.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eResolved that from respect to his memory we will wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eResolved that a copy of the proceedings of this meeting signed by the Secy. \u0026amp; Pres. be forwarded to the family of the deceased \u0026amp; that the same be published in the Richmond \u0026amp; Alexandria papers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVa. Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nLexington, Va. May 14, 1852\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour welcome letter had been received; but you do not give me definite instructions about garden seed, grafts etc. But I should think that it would be useless to get any for you unless they are such as I can convey in person for you may judge of the difficulty of getting anything from Lexington to Beverly from the fact that though I have used effort upon effort to procure the box which you sent to me and have told the stage driver to spare no expense in procuring it, yet from his negligence or from some other cause it has not yet come to hand.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI wish that you would either get Miss H. to take it back to Beverly on her return, or else send a servant with it to the stage office at Staunton and have it sent to me put on the way bill and directed to me at Lexington, Va. to the care of E. Porter.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have recently received a letter from Cousin Margaret Neale, which states that she is engaged in teaching a school and that all our relations are well and that Cousin Lizzie Neale, daughter of Uncle Minor is on a visit and that she will probably remain North all summer.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope that by this time your health is entirely restored. Though my manner of living is very abstemious, yet health has not returned with all its blessings. Yet I am much better than when I last bid you good bye.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRemember me very kindly to Mr. A. \u0026amp; family. Tell Thomas and Grace that their aunt does not say a single word about either of them.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe weather had been very pleasant for the past few days, though the present one is not remarkably agreeable as a part of the time is sunshine and a part rainy and the balance is a mixture of both. In Beverly there is probably snow to be seen even this  late in May.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThis evening we are to be favored with a vocal concert. I wish that you could accompany me. I believe that as yet you had not been informed of my daily exercise. I have to walk about a mile and a half for each meal: 3/4 to and 3/4 from it. And in the morning I usually walk about a mile and a half before breakfast and in the afternoon about two miles or more before tea.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVa. Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nLexington, Va. June 5th, 1852\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour welcome letter has come safe to hand but I regret that your health is not yet restored though improved at present, let us hope to see the day when you will again enjoy that greatest of earthly blessings in perfection. Do not begin to look for me until the latter half of July. I may be with you in the first part but I can not speak definitely at present.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy box has not yet arrived, but I have spoken to a friend whose family lives in Staunton to endeavor to have his family to forward it. I shall try to get some grafts to take with me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIs it a fur hat which I am to get for Thomas, if so it would be desirable to have the measure of his head.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe weather is quite cool here this morning though for sometime back it has been very warm.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe people are beginning to visit the Alum Springs.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI wish that you could see our Institute for I consider that it is the most tasty edifice in the state. We have had green peas for sometime and the strawberries are I believe beginning to disappear. But the cherries are just coming in season.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBeverly must be cold enough for all practicable purposes even at this late period. I am enjoying myself more than I have done for some years; but still my health requires much care and rigid regard to diet.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope that the news may be true that Uncle Cummins has returned; to meet him will be a proud day in my life. He has certainly been a good friend to me. Have you heard anything from cousin E.J. Jackson.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eA bill has recently passed out state Legislature which appropriates 30,000 dollars for the purpose of completing our Barracks. We expect during the coming session to have about 18 or 20 more cadets that at any previous one and when the buildings shall be completed the accommodations will admit of upwards of 200. This past year we had to refuse admission to a large number. Remember me very kindly to Mr. A \u0026amp; family \u0026amp; to all inquiring friends and relatives.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour brother\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003cbr\u003e\nP.S. I hope that you will not make any calculations as to the manner of passing the present summer until after my arrival at Beverly. T. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAlum Springs Rockbridge Cty\nJuly 12 1852\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI arrived here yesterday in as good health as usual and am delighted with the waters so far. The Springs are crowded there being about four hundred visitors and the accommodations being only adequate for 275 or 300. I succeeded in procuring 1/2 a bed; there being one room for four occupants. In a few days I hope to be better off. Though we have but two beds to 4 persons in my quarters; yet the beds are good, and the servants, and proprietors, and the their assistants are attentive.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBoarding is 10 dollars per week. This water I consider is the water of waters. This place is more crowded than any other in the mountains and I have not heard of a single person who is dissatisfied though my enquiries have been many.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy appetite and digestion have already improved and I indulge rather freely. My dinner was principally bread (which was rather fresh), potatoes and green corn which is by no means digestible. My supper rich corn bread \u0026amp; the same for breakfast (using butter freely at each meal)\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRemember me very kindly to all enquiring Relatives and friends. Your brother, Thomas\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThis establishment was sold a few days since for one hundred and fifty thousand dollars.\u003cbr\u003e\nT.J.J.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nSept 7th 1852\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nA line from you has not even come to hand yet. I hope that this is not a result of ill health. An improvement of health began to reward me for my visit to the Alum Springs, within as I believe less than 24 hours after my arrival there. I remained at the Springs for three weeks and then left with regret.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe checks have not yet come to hand, has the letter containing them been received by you. Our duties at the Institute have been resumed, and things omen well.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have for months back admired Lexington, but now for the first time have truly and fully appreciated it. Of all the places which have come under my observation in the U. States, this little village is the most beautiful.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn a few days I hope to write a letter to cousin Harriet Murdoc and I shall urge her to leave home next year. She is a lovely lady and if she were not my cousin I might ardently desire her to be my wife. She is so estimable: I feel proud of her as a cousin. I enjoyed myself very much at the springs and would have been delighted to have had her with me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI wrote to Richard Camden and to Dr. Bland requesting them to join me at the Alum but have heard nothing from either of them.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope that the baby has entirely recovered and that your health continues to improve. Remember me very kindly to the family and to all inquiring friends and relatives.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour brother, Thomas \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHas Cousin Nancy returned home? How is Miss Eliza and Mrs. Hilly?\u003cbr\u003e\nT.J.J.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nOct. 9th 1852\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour kind letter has finally come safely to its place of destination. I felt concerned about your long silence, for fear that your health was bad.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have found on my return home that the peaches here were not so abundant as I had supposed but the apples are at abundance. Though peaches are not so plentiful as I had supposed, yet I have spoken to a person to secure me two or three bushels and if he fails I will endeavor to secure them by sending to Lynchburg, which is near forty miles and through that section I have been informed that there has been no scarcity. I hope that by this time the baby is entirely well and that health and prosperity are among the number of your domestic blessings.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy health has been much improved by visiting the Alum Springs. I have been and am still using the water, but its effects are not so good as when used at the Springs.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCousin Harriet has written me a letter which I prize very much, it speaks the purity of her character. I wish that I could be with her during my leisure moments. They would pass so delightfully under her pure and elevating influence.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCousin Margaret is married, though of this you have probably already been informed. She is the wife of the person to whom I believe you alluded when we were at Parkersburg. Aunt would not consent to her being married at home and she was consequently married at Uncle William Neale's.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe weather here is very warm and the ground is quite dry.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhat news have you from the letter containing the drafts. I wish you would let me know as soon as convenient, whether there is any hopes of getting possession of them. Let me hear from you as soon as convenient.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJohn Gittings is doing very well.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRemember me very kindly to each member of the family and to all enquiring relatives and friends.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour brother\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nOctober 25th 1852\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour very kind letter has come safe to hand and I am glad to learn that you are enjoying as many blessings as still fall to your lot. I hope that by the time of the receipt of this that the children will all be in perfect health.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGeorge Lurty has been here for about two weeks. He and Mr. Harrison (son of Wm. Harrison of Clarksburg) design taking a course of law lectures this winter under Judge Brockenbrough.1   George is a young man of very fine mind, and I hope that he will acquit himself with much credit this winter. A young Mr. Stribling from Point Pleasant is also here. He is brother to the Miss S. of whom I presume you have \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e1Now, Washington and Lee University School of Law, Lexington, Virginia. heard cousin Harriet Murdoc frequently speak. Cousin Harriet I regard as being one of the sweetest ladies with whom I have ever met. I wish that we could be together frequently. I hope that she will make a visit next summer to this most beautiful of places. How sweet it is to meet with congenial spirits!\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI wish that you would forward me the checks by the first mail as I am in need of them. The peaches have not yet come to hand but as soon as they do I will forward them without delay.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI weighed yesterday one hundred and seventy two pounds and a fraction. This is six pounds more than any former weight. My health has much improved and I hope that through the blessings of God, I will ultimately enjoy perfect health. Remember me very kindly to Mr. A and family and to all enquiring friends.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour brother\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nNovember 11, 1852\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter has been received with its enclosures, but it had brought sorrow to my heart to learn that you health is unusually delicate. My dear sister, my concern for you is great. This concern is not restricted to you whilst in this world, but it extends into the unending future, and my continual prayer is that you will return into the fold of God. My dear sister, if you will but seek God in the bible conditions he will give you peace and comfort while all the powers on Earth can not de[liver] and the hopes of a coming immor[tality] will make all the ills of life supportable under every circumstance. Your mother prayed for you and I believe that the same may be said of your brother Warren. And can it be that the prayers of them and myself united, will not be heard by \"Our Father in Heaven.\" I fear that you concern yourself too much about the things of this life. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI expect that you have probably been devoting too much care to the articles which you spoke of forwarding to me. Now do not think any more about me in relation to them, but bear in mind that I have plenty of everything except health and that this has much improved.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope that health will return to you with all of its blessings. I have written twice to cousin Harriet since we parted. I do think her one of the sweetest ladies. I wish that I could be in her society more frequently than circumstances will permit.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe have had a lovely fall in this portion of the state. My kindest regards to Mr. Arnold's family, all inquiring friends.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour brother, Thomas\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eP.S. This morning I fired ten guns from the Battery of Artillery in commemoration of the origin of the Institute. This day, thirteen years it went into operation and it is now in a very flourishing condition, so much so that we cannot accommodate all the applications.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nDecember 11th, 1852\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour kind letter has received the perusal of a brother and I hope that though ill health is your present lot, that notwithstanding, you will continue a buoyancy of spirits and not give way to surrounding troubles. I too am a man of trouble, yet let the oppressing load be ever so great it never sinks me beneath its weight.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI trust that this will find you improving if not well. Our session will have its semi-annual examination in the early part of the coming January. When did you last hear from Cousin Harriet Murdoc. A cadet from Point Pleasant tells me that she had been there on a visit, but that she has returned home.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLexington has been very gay for some time back, owing to the marriage of one of the daughters of the late Governor McDowell. The weather is quite inclement at present.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou must talk to Thomas and Grace for me and tell them that their uncle frequently thinks of them and that he would be very glad to have them with him. But that he does not like bad children and always talk to them for me in such a manner as to make them better. I suppose that you have heard of Cousin Margaret Neale's marriage.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am very busy this winter with studying and hearing recitations, having not only to prepare on Natural Philosophy and Artillery, but to be in the section room three and four hours per day additional. My spare time is given to reading and to other sources of improvement.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVa. Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nFebruary 1st 1853\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nI hope that ere this your health has improved and that the returning spring will reanimate your feelings, and suggest the idea that it is but the symbol of the endless beauties and enjoyments of the world to come. The passage of Scripture from which I have derived sufficient support whenever applied is in the following words \"acknowledge God in all thy ways and he shall direct thy paths.\" What a comfort is this!\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister, it is useless for men to tell me that there is no God, and that his benign influence is not to be experienced in prayer, when it is offered in conformity to the Bible. For some time past, not a single day has passed by without my feeling his hallowing presence whilst at my morning prayers. I endeavor to live in accordance with the above passage which means as I understand it, in all thy ways acknowledge God and he shall take care of you in all respects.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhat better protector can we desire that one who is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent and who hath promised that he will take care of us in all things, and in addition to all this the pledge coming from One who cannot lie.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOur weather here has been quite cold for sometime back, but at present it is very beautiful; too much so to be of long duration I fear. Persons I believe have generally filled their ice houses.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI rather begin to despair of the peaches as I have not seen a dry one to my recollection since returning home.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou remember that during the past summer I was very much reduced in flesh, at present I have more than desirable and sometimes endeavor to reduce it, but the nervousness with which I have been so much troubled and the disagreeableness of cold feet induce me to adhere to the indulgence of the palate. But my dishes are very plain: generally brown bread is the principle article for Breakfast and Tea and sometimes I probably do not taste meat for more than a month and I have not to my recollection used any other drink than cold water since my return home, and hope that such may continue to be the case.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI heard from Judge Allen a few days since: Cousin Mary is well, one of her daughters is rather ill. I met the daughter at the Alum Springs during the past summer. She is a beautiful girl.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThough I desire to hear from you frequently; yet I never wish to do so when there doing so, requires that your eyes should be tasked. To know that you are destroying or endangering the happiness of yourself, and those around you, produces more pain than the receipt of a letter cam compensate for.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCousin Harriet Murdock was well when her last letter was written. A letter from her is daily expected.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour Brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 1st 1853\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nTime as it passes brings me to the renewal of the pleasant duty of writing to my sister, though there is nothing here of which I am aware that can be of interest to you, beyond what may be felt in an only brother. Let pleasure result from the mere act of writing to you. Our lives have been checkered in a most marked manner and we are still, notwithstanding all the ill omens of our youth, living even beyond the usual period of human life and I trust that before us are the brightest of our days. In taking a retrospective view of my own life, each year has opened as I consider, with increased promise and with my present views, the future is holding richer stores in reserve. Could you only believe with myself then would you also bear the present with patience and look forward to the future with a calm serene and pleasurable delight.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI too have crosses, and am at times deeply afflicted! But however sore may be the trials they lose their poignancy, and instead of producing injury I feel that I am but improved by the ordeal. But how is this accomplished? By throwing myself upon the protection of him, whose law book is the wonderful Bible. My dear sister I would not part with this book for countless universes. I feel ready to make every sacrifice to carry out the will of him who so loved us, as to give his only begotten son to die for me. How exceedingly great must have been that love!\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe more I learn, the more dear does the precious volume appear to me. O Sister, if you would only pray! If you would only become religious! I derive much pleasure from morning walks, in which is to be enjoyed the pure sweetness of caroling birds.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe weather is delightful at present, and our peach trees are beginning to bloom, and in the course of a few more weeks, the forests will be clad with verdure.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJudge Brockenbrough's law school has closed its session and George Lurty has returned home; after having passed a profitable winter. If he will only make the best of his facilities, a brilliant career may be expected as his reward. He possesses talents of a high order.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have not heard from Cousin Harriet for a long time. It appears she has forgotten me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSometime since, Cousin Sylvanus wrote to me, and stated that he was at home, but expected in a few days to leave for the west. Talk to the children for me as I would were I with you. Remember me very kindly to the whole family and to all enquiring relatives and friends.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington Rockbridge County, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 15th 1853\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nOur spring is opening beautifully, though it is said to be late. I wish that I could only be with you this evening, ah! Not this evening only, but many evenings. I am invited to a large party to night and among the scramble, expect to come in for my share of fun. My health is still improving and in a few months through the blessing of an all kind providence, I hope to be well, at least so much as people usually are.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI wish that you would send me by the return mail the daguerreotype which I had taken in New York after having shaved. The one with the beard on, was taken at New Orleans soon after my return from Mexico. This last one I wish you to keep safely as I prize it highly. If you remember, I gave you two others one being taken with a stern countenance, and the other with a smile, it is the smiling one which I want and don't fail to send it well enveloped, by the first mail. If you wish it to be returned, I will try and do so in a few months or else a better one in its stead; as I think your brother is a better looking man than he was when that was taken. It may be that you have not got the one which I had taken with the beard on, if not it is lost. I am anxious to get Father's, in order to have a facsimile of it taken, but do not trust it to the mail. I believe you let Cousin Harriet have the grim looking one, which I gave you, ungrateful girl that she is. I am going to write to her in a few days such a letter as such conduct in a pretty cousin merits.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope that you are out of bed, and able to enjoy the comforts of domestic life. Kiss the children and tell them a great many things such as their uncle would tell him were he in their company.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRemember me very kindly to Mr. A. and to all the family and to all enquiring relatives \u0026amp; friends. Should any person be coming here, I would be glad to get my Blair's Rhetoric.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nJune 6th 1853\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dearest \u0026amp; only Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour melancholy letter has brought tears to my eyes. Yet I would never have you conceal anything from me because of the pain which it may cause me. If your health is really as you state, I would rather know it. My dearest sister, with tears in my eyes and a heart devoted to my God, I look into the future beyond the limits of this transient life of care; and see the dark gloom which is to exist throughout infinite duration. That whilst I am \"to shine like a star in the firmament for ever and forever,\" you are to be assigned to unending misery.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhat my dear sister is this life, and all its joys, compared to that which is to come. How happy would I be did I but know that beyond this probationary life we should be together for ever more, there with those who have gone before us, to enjoy endless happiness. My sister, do reflect upon my course of life, think and see if I have ever erred since arriving at mature age, and then consider how I could ever have been satisfied of the truth of the Gospel; unless it is true. Have I ever erred in the affairs of this life? Remember too what strong irreligious influences have been brought to bear on me and yet in spite of all opposing obstacles, I am one of the most devoted of Christians.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWill you not have some faith in the prayers of a dying mother \u0026amp; brother? My dearest sister, do throw yourself into the hands of God. Throw yourself upon his mercy, repent of your sins and believe that the father will accept your prayers, and forgive your transgressions, for the sake of his son's merits. Remember that he hath said that they who come unto him he will in nowise cast off.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI shall leave here as soon as my vacation shall permit and hope to be with you by the 12 of July if not before. I had designed making you a visit this summer, but did not know whether it would be before or after my return from the North. I have business which calls me to New York City this summer and I was desirous of going some more distant places.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou speak of Dr. Bosworth's son. I wish that it was in my power to do him a service but being here as Professor, I ought not to abuse my trust in any way. I wrote to the Doctor in reference to his son, but I believe omitted to state that in his letter to the superintendent of the Institute he should state that he was unable to educate his son himself. When he calls to see you, I wish that you would mention this to him \u0026amp; also tell him that Col. Samuel L. Hayes is on the new Board of Visitors for your place.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI most sincerely hope that his son will get the appointment and if there is anything which I can do for him consistent with my duty as Professor, it shall be done with a great deal of pleasure.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRockbridge Alum Springs\u003cbr\u003e\nAugust 3rd, 1853\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nI arrived here yesterday in good health, and expect to leave for the North this evening, via Lexington. There are about five hundred visitors here at present, and the accommodations are nearly exhausted, and in a few days it is quite possible that persons from necessity will be turned off. I hope that Stark has quite recovered. Remember me very kindly to all the family, and to all other enquiring relatives and friends. Say to Mrs. [Hillie/Hellee] that I saw Judge Brockenbrough, but that as he is not a Freemason, I shall try elsewhere. I expect to be in Staunton tomorrow and hope to be able to find some influential Mason there who will attend promptly to the business. I endeavored to do so when coming through Staunton, but did not succeed. I intend to press the matter until some definite action shall have been taken upon the subject.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSay to Dr. Bosworth that I saw John1 yesterday, and that he was well with the exception of a sore leg. I asked him if he had written home, and he said that he had not done so, that he did not wish to, because of his leg being sore. I advised him to write and say nothing about his leg as it would be better to let them hear from him, though he should say nothing in respect to this. His leg did not appear to trouble him much, he was going about the encampment and did not appear much lame. He told me that he would write. If you should say anything to the Doctor about John's leg, tell him to have no concern about it. But probably it would be best to say nothing about the subject of health. I am scarce of paper. Tell Miss Eliza that she must be on the look out for something in relation to me, and in reference to which she called my attention.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSay to Doctor Bosworth that I did not hand in the list for John, because of its having already been done.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nOctober 19th, 1853\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nSometime since when Mr. Tanner the Daguerreian was passing through here on his way to Beverly, I availed myself of his kindness to send you and Grace and Thomas the little purchases which I made last summer and I hope that they reached you safely. I should have sent Father's miniature also, but upon reflection thought it would be better to defer doing so until a more favorable opportunity should present itself. I hope that Mr. Tanner called to see you, he is a very worthy person and one in whose integrity I have much confidence. The weather here is beautiful and I am enjoying like. To me my wife is a great source of happiness. She has those requisites of which I used to speak to you, and sends her love to you. Tell Mrs. [Hillie] that I have not yet learned the result  result of the application; but that it shall be followed up until some answer shall be obtained.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn my last letter, I spoke of being in Philadelphia. We remained there from Saturday until Monday, when we proceeded to West Point where I was delighted with my easy associations: The beautiful plains, the frowning ruins of Fort Putnam, the majestic river, and magnificent scenery all conspired to enhance my happiness which had already been of a high order. The ladies1 also were much pleased with it.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAfter remaining there until about 12 o'clock next day, we resumed out route for Niagara Falls. This of all natural curiosities is the most sublime and imposing which has ever come under my observation. We put up at the Cataract House, which is on the American side, and the next morning crossed over to Goat's Island which separates the Falls into two parts, that point on the East of the Island is called the Transcript\nAmerican Falls and that on the West side the Canadian. The latter is much the larger, by reason of the greater quantity of water which passes down on this side of the island. The Canadian falls are called the horseshoe falls from their resemblance to a horseshoe, the toe being up stream. When looking at this wonder of nature I desired to be left to my own interrupted thoughts, it lulls the mind and forbids interruption, it calls on the mind for its entire and undivided contemplation. More of this in my next. Remember me very kindly to Mr. A. the family and all enquiring friends \u0026amp; relatives.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nNovember 30th 1853\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nI hope that upon the receipt of this that you will be induced to break your long silence. Do not think that because I am married that I would not be glad to receive a letter from you. I am going to the wedding of one of my old bachelor friends this evening. His name is Massie1, a graduate of the Va. Mil. Institute; the lady is Miss Sophonisba B. McDowell, daughter of the late governor McDowell.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAt present my health is influenced by a cold in the head; but to such things in my own case, I attach but little importance, for with care they are dissipated in a few days. My wife is in good health, and sends her love to you \u0026amp; the family.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThings here are working smoothly, the weather is fine, and I am much pleased with the coming prospects. Give my love to Mr. A. and the rest of the family. Tell Mrs. Hillie that I saw the gentleman to whom I made application in her case, but a few days since, and that he that he had not been able to do anything for her as yet, but on account of the recent expenses of the lodge; but that he was certain that he would get twenty dollars at least, and that he would be in Richmond this winter, and that he would bring her case before the grand lodge of the State. But tell her not to be too sanguine about success for fear that she may be disappointed. In my opinion, something will be done for her, but how much it is impossible to say.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI believe that at the close of my last letter I was making some remarks upon Niagara, and I had probably finished them. After leaving there, we proceeded in a carriage down the Niagara River for a few miles to Lewiston, where we took a steamer and proceeded to cross Lake Ontario on our way to the St. Lawrence River, and at dawn the next morning we were around a cluster of islands called the thousand islands, which present an extremely beautiful aspect and they are probably a thousand in number, some almost covered by bare and rugged rocks and crops and the other beautifully varied with forests of Northern growth. I enjoyed the scene much! Very much! During the day, we passed through the perilous rapids of that remarkable river. In passing one of them we took on board a special pilot of large an athletic dimensions. After thus passing a very pleasant day, we arrived safely at Montreal. To be remembered to all inquiring relatives \u0026amp; friends is the request of your only brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eP.S. You may form some idea of one of the rapids from the circumstance that though we were on a high decked steamer, yes the spray was thrown extremely over her prow and so as to fall upon her deck.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nFebruary 14th 1854\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour long looked for letter arrived at last. I am much pleased at having another niece and hope that she may prove as pretty and interesting as Grace. I hope that you may not have a return of the sore mouth, but that better health may bless you than in past years.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt is very singular that Mr. Tanner neglected to give you the things entrusted to him, possibly he changed his route after having seen me and did not pass through Beverly.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI wish that I could get Tom some suitable books here. I may have an opportunity of getting some by the time that any person from this place goes to Beverly.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI send you a lock of Ellie's hair which she reluctantly parts with because of its color, which she hopes may prove more acceptable to your taste than it has ever been to hers. My message to you is that you must prize it very highly as being the token of a sister's love and from a brother's wife.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSend us a lock from your hair and also one from Grace. Tell her to give me the prettiest she has so that I may look at it when I am so far off that I cannot see her pretty face. Tell her furthermore that I have told her Aunt that Grace is very pretty \u0026amp; her conduct much as good as her face.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have not yet heard of any money being collected for Mrs. Hillie and I feel uneasy about it; yet I have strong reassurances that something will be done, and I shall press the matter until a definite answer shall have been obtained, and the result I will inform Mrs. Hillie of immediately. Ellie joins me in love to you and the family.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nMarch 4th 1854\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour kind letter was gladly received, and read. Permit me to congratulate myself on being the Uncle of another niece as pretty as Grace. I hope that you will accept my kindest congratulations and give the same to Mr. Arnold. As yet I have heard nothing of Mr. Tanner.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope that Mrs. Hillie is improving in health. I am anxious about her claim, no recent account has been given me in reference to it. Should nothing be reported to me before summer, I shall go to Staunton in person and see about it. Until that time my occupation requires me to be at the Institute.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe have recently been called to mourn the death of my mother-in-law, she without any apparent uneasy concern passed in to that unseen world where the weary are at rest. Her life was such as to attract around her many warm friends, and if she had any enemy in this world it was and continues to be a secret to me. Hers was a Christian life and hers was a Christian death. She had been afflicted with rheumatism for several months previous to the close of her life and on Saturday preceding her death she had the return of hernia which had formerly afflicted her. On the 23rd of February about 3 o'clock P.M. her husband told her that her end had come. She asked how long she could live and he told her two or three hours, and although the Physicians had the same day pronounced her symptoms favorable, she appeared perfectly reconciled. She said that she was not afraid to die and that she found Jesus precious to her soul. [text at left margin] She asked us to kiss her and told her children to live near to Jesus and to be kind to one another. When asked by one her daughters what they should do without her, she replied that the Lord would provide. She was strongly attached to her family and [they] to her; yet she appeared to have no concern about what would become of herself or family, such was her complete confidence in the promises of the Bible. She felt assured that God would provide for her family and she felt that she was going to her saviour, with whom she expected to enjoy unending happiness. Her death was no leaping into the dark. She died with the bright hope of an unending immortality of happiness.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy sister, Oh! That you could thus live, then might you thus die. Do you not remember how much you are concerned about your children when you apprehend the approach of a dying hour. Do my sister turn to God and cast all your care in Jesus. I believe that you had our Mother's and Warren's prayers and now you have mine, and more than mine. My Dear Sister, do seek religion.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRemember me very kindly to each member of the family, my wife sends her love also.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRemember me to all enquiring relations and friends.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour brother\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 7th 1854\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nAs I received your letter day before yesterday, and was desirous of answering it by the return mail, I could only say a few words. I am not certain whether the physician mentioned in your letter, was the same I have heard of as the lecturer in the North, or not; if he is, as I before stated, I should not much admire his character, though he might be a good doctor notwithstanding. Yet I would not like such a man for my physician, if I could get a good physician whose moral character would receive my approbation. If this is not the lecturer, I know nothing about him.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope that by the time you receive this that your health will have much improved. But my sister, be that as it may, do turn to God, and obey the teachings of the Bible. If you do not believe its teachings at least obey its doctrines and I believe that God will give you faith. Make but the effort, and resolve to do what it teaches to the close of life, and then you may expect death to be disrobed of its terrors. Remember that you have your brother's prayers, and I hope those of several members of my wife's family, and I believe that you also received the prayers of our Mother and Brother.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI received a letter a few days since from Aunt Clementine Neale. She and Uncle Alford had been south to see Uncle Thornton and Wirt, but a short time before they reached Uncle Thornton's Wirt had gone to California. She tells me that Wirt is a very tall man, and that Uncle Thornton has a very high opinion of him. Uncle Minor's wife lost her last husband in New Orleans some months since and she is consequently again thrown upon her father's protection. I have also received a letter from Uncle John White; his health has improved and that of his family is generally good. Uncle George White's family at last account was well.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear sister do try and follow your Brother's council now and remember that this letter is prayed over by him, that it may be the means of your eternal happiness. Let me hear from you soon.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate Brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, VA\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 11th 1854\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nLast night I received a letter from Uncle John White, in which the states that Uncle Madison is not willing to have Uncle Cummins' property sold so far as to pay off his (Cummins) debts and that Madison is opposed to having the mills rented out again, but is trying to get them into his own hands, and he already had got the negroes from Jacob Jackson. Uncle John thinks that the property ought to be sold so far as to pay off Uncle Cummins' debts and the remainder to be divided among the heirs, and I think that such is the proper course. He offers to do the best he can for you and me provided we wish him to do so. I have offered to give him my interest as an heir because I was afraid that in going to law I might spend more than my interest would be worth. I wish you would let Uncle John know whether he shall do anything for you or not. I hope that by this time all is well with you. Ellie joins me in love to yourself and family.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M. Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nLexington, Va.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have in vain waited for your reply to several letters; if you can not write barely enclose me your card or anything to tell me that you are still among the living. Doctor White left your presents for me with a friend of mine and they have come safely to hand and for which I am much obliged. I regret that he did not call and see me or at least let me know of his being in town in order to give me an opportunity of seeing him and it would have given me an opportunity of returning father's miniature. I have not seen Mr. Tanner since he passed through Beverly; but I suppose that he delivered to you some books for Thomas.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTell Mrs. Hilley that I have not been able to get anything for her as yet, but that the necessary steps have been taken and that we must await the result which she shall be made acquainted with.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am a candidate for the Professorship of Mathematics in the University of Va. I am well pleased with my present position, yet the other is more desirable both by reason of its being more prominent, and its being about three thousand dollars. The professor is elected by the Board of Visitors for the University of Va.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe have had some very cold weather here during the past few days but at present it is very fine.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy wife has had the left side of her face partially [paralyzed]1\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eP.S. Remember me very kindly to Mr. A. and to all the family and inquiring relations and friends. T.J.J.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 2nd 1854\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nI chanced to be at the Hotel yesterday when Doctor White was passing through town and was much pleased at meeting him; it served to some extent the purpose of seeing you; as I thereby had an opportunity of seeing someone who had recently been with my sister. He told me that you had written to me and after the Post Office had opened I received your letter. The mass of which you speak I would send to you, had the Doctor not have procured it before seeing me, he told me that he had found it in the shop of some doctor as he was coming to Lexington. Should you wish any more at any time, let me know and I will procure it for you. I do hope that little Tom is free from that dreadful disease the scrofula. I trust that your apprehensions may prove groundless but it always best to be wide awake, and not permit ourselves to be taken by surprise.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope that your health may continue to improve. The poor little Babe what can be the matter with it? I suppose that it is difficult to decide in so young a child, but let us hope for the better while we continue to be prepared for the worst.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eEllie's face has not yet entirely recovered; but I am of the opinion that time will effect a perfect restoration.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRemember me very kindly to Mr. A. and to all enquiring relatives and friends. Tell Thomas and the other children, that I love them, and that they must be good children. Ellie joins me in love to you all.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour brother,\u003cbr\u003eThomas\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eP.S. Tell Thomas that I am sorry that he is sick, and that I wish that I could do something for him. T.J.J.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nJune 12th, 1854\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour sorrowful letter came safe. Your loss is one which I have never been called upon to bear up under; I can well conceive of the tender union which is thus sundered. You have my sympathy [note 1] and I wish I could point you successfully to the source of consolation. I have [entrusted?] the hair to Ellie's keeping. I am not certain that we will be able to come to Beverly this summer; though, should we do so, I will write to you before hand. I am glad to hear that the other children are doing so well. Enclosed is the ribbon. I hope that it will please you, it was the prettiest that Ellie could find. Should there be any other article that I can procure you, it will give me pleasure to do so. I am not certain about my election; but be the result as it may, my friends have acted nobly in my cause.  [note 2] I am very much pressed at this time with studies and letter writing; though a few more weeks will close our session. Tell Doctor B. that his son is in good health. All of my wife's family are at home now, with the exception of one brother, who is in Pa. One of her brothers who is a lawyer in Philadelphia has brought home his bride; having married last Thursday.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am endeavoring to get an answer about Mrs. Hilley's money: and if I do not get it soon I shall go and see about it in person, and will have the matter settled either one way or the other. Remember me to her and to all my other friends.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour brother\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J. Jackson\u003cbr\u003e\nRemember me very kindly to each member of the family and to my other relations.\u003cbr\u003e\nTJJ\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[Note 1 - Reference to the death of Laura's infant daughter, Laura Zell Arnold (b. Dec. 1853 d. May 1854).]\n[Note 2 - Reference to Jackson's pending application for a professorship at the University of Virginia. Shortly after this letter was written, the University's Board awarded the position to another candidate.]\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nEllie \u0026amp; myself hope to be with you this day week (Saturday).\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI wish you would say to Mrs. Hillie that I have failed in my efforts to procure her any assistance. I much regret this. I do not know of any person belonging to the Staunton Lodge who would have been more likely of success than Mr. Watts, the gentleman to whom I entrusted it.\nYour Brother Thomas \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Laura,\u003cbr\u003e\nThe Major is so busy with his duties at the Institute that he has commissioned me to finish this letter for him. Indeed, I have scarcely seen him today. He wishes me to say to you that he hopes you will not exert yourself by making any preparations to receive us; he does not want you to weary yourself or injure your health on our account. The weather is so extremely warm just now that we quite fear the ride in stage, but we hope to find it cooler further among the mountains.\nYours affect.\u003cbr\u003e\nEllie Jackson\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eExcuse this hasty note as I am much pressed with business. Mr. Bledsoe of Kentucky was elected at the University to the chair for which I was a candidate.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHealing Springs, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nJuly 24th 1854\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Laura,\u003cbr\u003e\nWe intended to have written last week to you concerning our journey and safe arrival here, but it was postponed from day to day as such things often are. The journey over the mountains was exceedingly tiresome to me, as the road over the Cheat Mt. had been newly macadamized \u0026amp; the load was heavy for two horses. We had a very agreeable companion\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[at top of page]\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Major says they did not know when they would make any mass at the Bath Alum, but he says if you want it he will direct them to send you a keg of it, but he expects the transportation will cost a good deal. companion with us, whose vivacity and intelligence beguiled our way very much. His name was Henry O. Middleton \u0026amp; he is a great land owner \u0026amp; speculator. Much of his talk was about land. It was nine o'clock when we reached Monterey and we left it at two in the morning, so we did not have very much rest-- but by lying down on the seat with my head on the Major's knees \u0026amp; Mr. Middleton's overcoat for a pillow I rested somewhat \u0026amp; did not feel the jolting so terribly as I did sometimes. At Yager's where we dined, they had according to the Major's request a fine dish of trout and I can assure you we did full justice to them. We did not go all the way to Staunton on Saturday, but stopped 15 miles short of it at Dudley's. From there the landlord brought us over to Oakland on the other turnpike. There we stayed over Sunday and on Monday evening we took the stage again. That night we slept at Cloverdale \u0026amp; the next day we came on here, stopping to breakfast at the Bath Alum.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Major inquired there for the mass according to your wish but they had none and were making none. There were very few visitors there.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe reached these Springs about noon on Tuesday. A good many people have come since we did and now I suppose there are 50 or 60 here. The water is disagreeably warm to drink, but is very pleasant to bathe in. I drink about 5 glasses a day \u0026amp; the Major drinks more. They keep an excellent table and we get the very nicest brown bread, plenty of venison \u0026amp; other meat and twice they had tomatoes, but they were brought from Richmond. They have been examining my face this morning \u0026amp; I think it is a little improved.  I let the water run over it when I was in the bath. The Major thinks the water is doing him good. He joins with me in sending love to you \u0026amp; the children \u0026amp; compliments to Mr. Arnold.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYours Affect.\nE.J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nNov. 14th 1854\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear sister\u003cbr\u003e\nYou must excuse this short letter and also my not having written to you at an earlier day, for my eyes have become so bad as to make me very careful with them. You wrote to me that should your health not prevent your coming to see me that I might have expected your arrival several days since. I went to the Hotel to see whether you had attempted such a journey. Though I would like to see you, and appreciate your very sisterly affection, yet I would not like for you to attempt coming over such a road, with all its harassments, so do not attempt it. When my next vacation vacation will enable me to leave (which I cannot do now without neglecting my duties) I trust that God will again permit me to see your face.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Ellie thought to pass over the stage route from here to Beverly was a hard undertaking for her. After she returned home she was pleased with her visit. She has now gone on a glorious visit though through a gloomy portal. Her companion are of the glorified Host. I look forward with delight to the day when I shall join her. Religion is all that I desire it to be. I am reconciled to my loss and have joy in hope of a future reunion where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest. I am much obliged to you for you kind desire to come and stay with Ellie.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLex. Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nFeby 20th 1855\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have learned with pleasure that your health has improved and I hope that you may not for many a day to come {need} any more medicine. I have gone to both of our book stores but in neither one could be found the books which you require. If you desire it and will let me know I will get one of our merchants when in Philadelphia next month to get them if they are to be had. The spelling book is here but the others I doubt whether they will ever be here unless specially ordered.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have just written to Wirt I to have done so some time since but have been prevented by my eyes. He is at Mount Vernon Indiana where he recently returned from California. He saw hard times and was glad to get back even with his life, though he brought some money $340 dollars.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy eyes are improving but still I have to be careful with them, the spots continue to float before them. I am obliged to you for your kind suggestion not to hurt them even in writing to you. Maggie has been in Philadelphia for about three months for her health. Is there anything of Dear Ellie's which you would like to have, her pencil, her glasses or anything else?\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLove to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate brother, Thomas.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[Note: the last page of this document contains a handwritten copy of a letter not in our collection]\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLexington Va\u003cbr\u003e\nJanuary 24th 1854\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nMy eyes have improved so that I hope to be able sometim next month to write you a letter.  I received your letter yesterday.  Maggie is in Philadelphia.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate\u003cbr\u003e\nbrother Thomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nMarch 20th 1855\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nI sometime since received a letter from Wirt in which he stated that he was at Uncle Alfred Neales, and that he intended going to your house as soon as the weather should settle. He requested me to answer him immediately directing my letter to him at Beverly. I at once replied and I suppose that the letter has reached its destination ere this. He writes a good hand and a sensible letter. He expresses his intention of going to California or his desire to do so. This I\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[text below continues from page 4; it appears on the left and top margins of page 1]\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ehere but I am unable to select for fear that you may have them or that they may not suit your taste. Remember me very kindly to Wirt when he arrives, to Mr. A., to all the family and to all enquiring friends and relatives.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ehope he will relinquish. I am inclined to the belief that he would probably do as well by making Civil Engineering his profession as at any thing else to which he could turn his attention under present circumstances. But of this I can not speak definitely. He must judge of this for himself. Try and get him to stay with you if you can, until I come and get him to study arithmetic \u0026amp; geography and history: and for this purpose lend him Rollin's ancient history. If Wirt will study Latin I will give him lessons during the summer and put him in the way of learning it so that he can teach Thomas.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI will also if he will consent to do so give him instruction in the different sciences, of Algebra, Geometry and in Engineering and other branches of necessary education and bring with me the necessary books. If he thinks that it will take up too much time for a perfect education, he can take enough for an Engineer in the course of a few months. He can then commence the practice on some of our internal improvements. I have an idea that he might succeed well in this sphere of life. He could whilst practicing his profession make himself a good historian, but it would be the safer plan to get a good education before he commences the practice of the profession.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope that for the present Wirt will conclude to teach and then he can as he progresses with his education decide on his profession. I am anxious to know as soon as practicable his determination. I think that the plan of staying in Beverly and taking up a school is the proper one for him if all things are favorable to it, so far as obtaining Mr. Arnold's approbation and a moderate school. I send you two styles of writing but I would not advise the use of but one. If you will let me know which you have selected I can send you [some] others when wanted.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI bought four papers of seed, but can only find three. If you will name the kind of seed you want I think that I can probably get them for there is a variety\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[end of letter appears in margin on page 1] \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLex. Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 4th 1855\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter of the 30th ult. And Thomas' came by this days mail. I feared from what I recently heard that Wirt's mind had not entirely recovered. And as such appears to be the case from your letter, it might be dangerous for him to be closely confined. He told me in his letter that he was not qualified for any occupation except farming and that he did not have the means for this. I therefore make two offers to him. One is to purchase the farm worth a thousand dollars and let him go on it, and have all that he can make. The other is the system of education which I have already stated to you. Now if you can let him know this in such a manner as to be acceptable to him, I wish you to do so. If you think that such can not be done, then let me know it. He ought not to feel hurt at any assistance which I offer to give him, because he is my brother. Should he conclude to go on the farm, I want him to read during his spare time and having a good memory he can become a good historian. Should he prefer going on a farm, I think it would be well to select one in such a position as will enable him easily to dispose of his produce. He might in a few years be able to refund the money used. I would not charge him any interest. I have not got a thousand dollars on hand now; but expect to have in a few months. Wirt might be looking him out a place suitable farm so that when I come West we go together and see it.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am sorry that your eyes are so much impaired, but hope that they will be better before this reaches you. I would recommend you to fill a basin full of water and put your face under the water and hold your eyes open in it as long as you can hold your breath. Just do this once whenever your eyes are very painful. This is the course which I am now pursuing. I do it about six times a day in cold water \u0026amp; the water should be as cold as when just drawn from the well or taken from the river. My eyes are quite bad at present. Don't write but make Thomas do it for you. I would be glad if Wirt would write to me. Tell Thomas that I shall answer his letter in a few days and that I am very thankful to him for it. Tell him that I am much pleased with his good spelling. I sent the primer and reader by the last mail. Give my love to all and the family and Wirt.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nJune 1st, 1855\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nDay before yesterday, I received a letter from Wirt written, at Uncle Alfred's. he says that his health had improved and that he ploughed nearly all the preceding day. He also stated that there is a school a short distance below the Island, and that he wants to go to school there when his health is sufficiently reestablished. He says that he likes Mr. Arnold \"very much\" and that you treated him \"like a brother.\" I am pleased with his letter, and if he continues at Uncle Alfred's, I want to visit him this summer. I should not for a moment suspect from his composition that his mind was injured. He speaks plainly and sensibly.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope that before this, you have recovered at least the usual use of your eyes and that all things are moving on pleasantly. How is Thomas getting along with his studies?\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThis a rainy day here, but is rather brighter that it was early in the morning. I have received the railing for dear Ellie's grave and this summer expect to take steps for the Tomb stones to be brought from Philadelphia. I intend to have them of Italian marble. The iron railing is neat and when I put it up it will be about three feet high.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePure and lovely companion of my happier days, I feel that she has entered upon the blissful enjoyment of which the human mind cannot have a clear conception. Ere many long years roll by I hope to be with her, where there will be no more separation. We loved each other on Earth and shall that love be diminished in eternity I do not believe it, but on the contrary will be greatly enhanced. Had I one request on Earth to ask in accordance with my own feelings and apart from duty it would be that I might join her before the close of another day after this. I have many pleasures here, but I believe that there are greater in reserve beyond this life.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf you want me to bring any thing in July, let me know in your next.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGive me love to all the family \u0026amp; to all inquiring relatives \u0026amp; friends.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nT.J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nJune 18th 1855\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter post marked 10th Inst. came a few days after I had written to Mr. Watts of Staunton in reference to Mrs. Hilley and he tells me in his reply that the grand lodge could not do any thing for want of Jurisdiction and that the Staunton Lodge could not give assistance for want of funds. A recent house built by this lodge  has prevented any aid from this source. Mr. W. said \"We have purchased a very fine lodge room at a heavy expense, and all the means we can well share must go to pay for it.\" So you see how hopeless the case is. Say to Mrs. Hilley that I much regret this issue of the application. I had hoped that something would have been done, but as the Staunton and the grand lodges have both failed, I don't see that any thing is to be hoped for in this section of the state.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJulia last week purchased two collars for you but she could not find a suitable belt. I afterwards went in search of one, but with a similar result. There are plenty of them, but not such as please me, so I intend postponing the purchase until I reach Staunton. I could get a bonnet but I am afraid that it would get broken. I shall think it over when I am in Staunton. The [shawl] I have had no opportunity as yet of sending for. I shall try and bring you some slips from dear Ellie's flowers.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt will give me much pleasure to teach Thomas while I am with you. I have a few old clothes which I will take with me. I much obliged for your kindness in reference to the shirts but don't let any thing be touched until I see you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWirt has not written since your last.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRemember me very kindly to Mrs. Hilley \u0026amp; to Miss El[illegible] and to other enquiring friends.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGive my love to all the family. I hope that Aunt and Cousin John's health have improved.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eUncle Alfred's\u003cbr\u003e\nAugust 10th 1855\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nThe object of this note is to state that I was prevented from going on the Hall place. But I learned that she there are 637 1/2 acres to be sold on the 20th of this month. This land is composed of the Hall place, the School Croft place \u0026amp; the Thorpe place, none of which I wish to purchase. It is estimated that it will go at from three to five thousand dollars \u0026amp; is by all regarded as valuable property.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAs my eyes continue weak you must excuse this brief letter. Wirt sends his love \u0026amp; thanks for the articles of clothing and says that he wants you to write to him, that he has only received that one short note from you though he has written several letters. Uncle's family are in usual health.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nSept. 3rd 1855\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nAs my eyes are still troubling me, you must excuse this brief note. I left Wirt on Thursday of week before last with the understanding that he would start for Missouri on the following Monday. There he designed going to farming on some land of mine which I am to purchase. He is to have some more schooling after he gets located, and I hope that he will do well. He was troubled about the promise which he made to you of paying you a visit. I advised him to go at once and select some place where he would like to live and that I would write to you. It was important that he should as soon as practicable get fixed in some pursuit. His mind was unsettled and flying from thing to thing, and it appears that the course he was prevailed on to take is the best for him. He had learned but very little at school previous to my going to the River. But with the start I gave him in grammar I hope that he will become a good grammarian. I want him to study spelling writing and grammar. I hope that you will write to me soon approving his course and excusing him from his promise. I feet well satisfied that you would do so when I counseled him at once to locate himself. Give my love to all the family.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate brother\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nOct. 1855\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter to Wirt appears to have had a good influence on him such as to induce him to relinquish his idea of returning to Indiana. Yet he has gone beyond what I authorized him to do by purchasing a farm at eight dollars per acre. I restricted him to seven at most. But notwithstanding if Cousin Wm. Neale will approve of the bargain I have determined to advance eleven hundred dollars. I well know that there is a risk but it appears to me that I ought to run this risk for him. He made the purchase without consulting Cousin Wm. and it may be that he has been cheated. I have written to Uncle Alfred to forward between seven and eight hundred dollars if he thinks it should be done, but with the condition that the contract is to be approved by Cousin Wm. and the deed to be made out in my name. Wirt says that he has paid ninety five dollars of the purchase money by selling his horse to the person from whom he purchased.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMr. Thomas left for home yesterday and I left at the house where he was staying a testament for him to carry to Mrs. Hilley. It may possibly be that it was not delivered to him, please let me know whether Mrs. Hilley gets it. He was not in when I left the book and he told me afterwards that he had not received it, but I requested him to ask for it before leaving.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTell Mr. Arnold that I want to get about two thousand acres of land warrant and ask him whether he could purchase me any if I were to forward the money and at about what price does he think it can be procured. I do not want to make any purchases until after Christmas as the general impression I believe is that the price will be lower about that time, but I would like to know what it is worth now. Tell him that my intention is to let the land lay after purchasing it for a number of years without selling it and that as the lands in Kansas are less culled over than those in the free states I will for the same amount of money get better land and that Kansas will almost certainly be a free state and this will give the advantage of a free state in selling should I years hence wish to dispose of them. Ask him what he thinks of these views. Tell him that I have been told there is considerable good land in Illinois still unappropriated and if so I want to lay warrants on some of it as it must ultimately command a high price.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope Mr. Campbell will come on and that you will be able to keep him. Aunt Clem told me in a recent letter that soon after my leaving she was laid up from\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[end of letter appears in margin of this and previous pages]\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCharly \u0026amp; Julia took prizes.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI received Dear Ellie's tomb stones today enclosed a draft of the head stone, it has a full blown rose and a rose bud on the top. William Junkin my youngest brother-in-law is to be married tomorrow to Miss Anna Anderson a lovely a pretty girl. Our synod was a delightful assembly. Your affectionate brother.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nOct. 6th 1855\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter of the 29th Sept. came safely and I am obliged to you for your advise in regard to Wirt, and I agree with you in regard to the course to be pursued. I had previously taken precautions against any such consequences as you refer to. My arrangement with regards to the purchase of land is this. That he should go out and make a selection of such a farm as would fulfill certain conditions, and previous to the purchase the transaction must be approved by Uncle Alfred Neale in the event of his being in Missouri at the time, if not then Cousin William Neale must approve of it. Upon complying with all the conditions, Uncle Alfred Neale is to forward endorse a note which I left in his hands and after getting the money out of the Bank to forward a check for it on [N. T.?] payable to the order of Cousin William Neale. And when the deed is made out in my name Cousin William is to pay the money. So the money is entirely beyond Wirt's control. Cousin Wm. Neale has advised Wirt to do as you recommended, viz. to raise stock \u0026amp; I suppose that he will do so.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhen Wirt shall have purchased land, then I expect to furnish him some money to enable him to work it. This he may be able to dispose of, but I will be on my guard about entrusting him with it if there is any danger of [Will?/him?] going back to Uncle Thornton's\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am thankful to you for having written a plain letter to Wirt upon his conduct. I have received a letter from Wirt dated Sept. 19th in which he states that he had reached William Neale's but in going up the Mississippi River the boat was s[wamp?]ed and he left his berth to go forward leaving his purse under his pillow and when he returned it was gone. He says that the country is very healthy. But that improved land is worth from 25 to 30 dollars per acre. Cousin Wm. has advised him to go elsewhere and he is going to look at the lands of Johnson County. He expresses himself pleased with the country and I hope that he may do well. I do not want him to go into a free state if it can be avoided for he would probably become an abolitionist and then in the event of trouble between the N \u0026amp; S he would stand on one side and we on the opposite. Tell Mr. Arnold that next year I want to go West and make investments in land and would be glad could he go along and make some purchases for himself if he desires to make such.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[end of letter in margins of this and previous pages]\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWilliam Woodson says that he acknowledges his obligation to assist Wirt but that he is not able. I agree with him that land in a free state rises most rapidly. But I have a scheme on hand which I think approve of and which I will give in my next.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate brother\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eNov. 3rd 1855\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI wish that you would not omit to let me know Mr. Arnold's views in your next and whether he thinks that he will go with me and the prospect of buying say one thousand acres of land warrant \u0026amp; the price per acre.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI wrote to James Dicks a few days since, and the reference to his putting up stones at Brother Warren's grave, and I wish that you would drop him a line as soon as convenient giving the days of his birth and death. If you have my letter upon the subject of his death you may find one of the dates from it.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI got Aunt Coty Williams to go with me to Father's and our sisters graves and made arrangement with her for having the graves fixed up so far as renewing the Earth over them and I hope that before a [great while?] we shall be able to erect stones.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Cadets have been absent at Petersburg and Richmond but are expected to be home today.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eT.J.J.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nNov. 13th 1855\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[fragment; only top portion exists]\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e...it as he was going West to buy land, and gave his note payable in two months. So your....\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[fragment; only top portion exists]\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e-pects be applied as I originally designed. He wrote to me that he could get two hundred dollars for his bargain and if so will have done well by the purchase and sale of it again. I don't know what to do about him. I told him at the time that I made the proposition not to accept of it unless he felt it would be to his interest, and I wrote in reply to his letter expressing the advantages that Indiana offered, that if he was dissatisfied with our engagement not to consider himself bound by it.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCousin Hardin Neale it appears is really consumptive.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRemember me very affectionately to all the family and very kindly to all inquiring relatives \u0026amp; friends.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate brother\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nChristmas 1855\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Nephew,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter has given me pleasure in various ways. I am glad to know that you can find time from your play to write me so good a letter and hope that you will write frequently. I am sorrowed that your mule should have been so unmannerly as to throw you off \u0026amp; even after doing this should kick you, but now since your Pa has sold him all such accidents I hope will be avoided for the future.  I remember having once been served pretty much the same way by one of those kicking creatures. It happened in this way I went with Cousin Wm. Brake whom your mother can tell you about to bring some mules home one Sunday Morning, and as I was riding down a long hill somehow or other I not only got over the mark across his shoulders but he got me over his head and jumped clear over me and way he went \u0026amp; from that day to this I have not been very fond of mule riding. You know they kick out to one side like a cow.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have corrected your letter \u0026amp; believing that you would understand the corrections better if I returned the letter with the corrections I have concluded to return it with this. And now I am not going to look over my letter, and I expect that there are some mistakes in it \u0026amp; if so I wish when you read it that you would point them out to your Pa or Ma and tell me of them when you next write, and if there are many you can just correct them, and return the letter thus corrected. I hope that you will get to a good school this Winter. I saw Doctor Bosworth this morning at the Hotel or Tavern in Town. He is up paying his son John a visit during the Christmas holidays \u0026amp; I wish that you would go \u0026amp; tell Mrs. Bosworth that I saw him \u0026amp; tell her also that John is well.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Doctor told me that he thought that you would have a good teacher in Town this winter. I hope that you will get enough money to buy a calf and that you will grow up to be a good \u0026amp; wise man.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGive much love to your Father, Mother, Grace \u0026amp; Stark.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate Uncle\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJany 14th 1856\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Aunt,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter enclosing Wirt's \u0026amp; its accompanying bonds came safely. And in reply I would state that I even desire that my feelings may never get the better of my judgement. And certainly from all the light now before me it would be in violation of my judgement to aid Wirt until he gives evidence of being a reliable and straight forward person. Though he promised in his letters to give a portion of each to [parsing?] as I had taught him. Yet he has not so much as attempted anything in any of his letters, and it appears \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[top margin text is end of letter, see page 2]\nunless they are responsible persons. that though he promised you not to purchase the watch, yet he violated his promise to you and excused himself by saying that the man made him do so. For the present and until he satisfies me that it would be proper to give him aid I must decline doing it. But it will give me pleasure to assist whenever I can do so with the consciousness that he will do what is right.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTell uncle that I am anxiously looking for the check from him on New York City as I want to forward funds there as soon as practicable. Much love to uncle and to all the family. Please let me hear from you soon.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate nephew,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI return one of Wirt's papers and will return the others letter hereafter. The deed is to be made to Wirt \u0026amp; this not until is directly the reverse of his obligations \u0026amp; the time of making the deed is deferred until the last purchase money shall be paid \u0026amp; then if they cannot make it, there it ends unless they are responsible persons.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nFeby. 18th 1856\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nI expect that you have been expecting a letter for several mails as I am several mails behind my time, and acting upon the principle that late is better than never I have concluded to appropriate a portion of this afternoon to a little talk with you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy paper you see is variegated with colors by obviously not much beautified by such acquisition. This varied appearance has resulted not from color but from the absence of color produced by spilling some nitric acid on it \u0026amp; it has given me about a [illegible] of the same stamp. Tell Thomas he must never give up his Latin grammar nor his English either. That if he perseveres that he may expect to find both of great use after awhile. Tell him that his uncle had to study hard for years at more difficult things than the Latin \u0026amp; grammar and that after he learns it, that it will all be very easy. Tell him also that I want a letter from him when he finds time to write. But he must make himself perfect master of his spelling book and grammar now when he is young and then he may expect to write correct letters, but without knowing these two books he can hardly expect to write correctly. Because all correct writing must have the words spelled correctly and written grammatically.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHow is cousin John getting? I have not yet written to him, but if your next letter brings the news of his life being prolonged I think that I will try and write very soon after. My time is taken up during the day and I am afraid to write at night. But my eyes are improving. I have no recent news of Wirt at least for several weeks \u0026amp; I do not know where he is. The last I heard from him was through a letter written to Aunt Clem. Cousin Hardin appointed Uncle Alfred his administrator. If Cousin John is still living, give him my warm remembrances \u0026amp; hope that the visions of the future may grow brighter until faith is lost in reality of those joys which passeth all understanding. Much love to all.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter has come safely, and I am glad to learn that you are in such an exuberant flow of spirits and hope that such much may long continue.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI received, and answered your other letter in regard to the tombstones at Brother Warren's grave. But as I usually answer letters from recollection, thus saving my eyes from rereading, I forgot \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[end of letter from page 4 appears on margins of page 1]\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThomas need not repeat his English verb when he is conjugating his Latin verb, but ask him what his Latin verb is in English. I have heard from Wirt and written a very plain letter to him like that which I wrote to you. Much love to all.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThomas\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eto answer that particular inquiry, but remembered it afterwards and should have answered it. In this: I wish to put stones to his grave and also to Father's \u0026amp; sister's, and also to Mother's if I knew certainly the spot, but it appears to me that it would be best to put all up at the same time during the coming year. But if you would prefer having Warren's put up now, write to Jas. Dicks \u0026amp; ask him to do so, and pay him the twelve dollars, and ask Doctor Bosworth if it will not suit him to let you have my part of the expense and let me pay it over to Colonel Smith here the same amount for him, it will save him the risk of the losing it by mail, in the event of his sending his money by mail. But should it not be convenient for the Doctor to do so, and you can spare the money until I shall have an opportunity of getting a check I will forward it to you and should there be other expenses beyond twelve dollars I will share them with you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe congregation here to which I belong have objects to which they subscribe of much more importance to them than your Academy can be, that I am well satisfied that your application would meet with little or no favor here, and I would advise that no effort should be made. We have six annual contributions, and then certain others which are first recommended by over session, and I am well satisfied that the session would consider other objects as more demanding their recommendation than the academy. You need not be afraid of the opposing party doing anything here if they were to do so it would give me an opportunity which I would embrace if at home of urging your claims.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[end continues margins of page 1]\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThomas need not repeat his English verb when he is conjugating his Latin verb, but ask him what his Latin verb is in English. I have heard from Wirt and written a very plain letter to him like that which I wrote to you. Much love to all.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 1856\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Nephew,\u003cbr\u003e\nNow for a letter to you, but I would much rather talk to you if you were here, but as I can't talk with you I do not intend biting off my nose by delaying myself the pleasure of writing. Thanks to you for your correction of my letter. And now let us see how many errors you can find in this yours. And now let us read your letter together, and let us number the wrong words. No (1) means to exclude, you wished to tell me to receive, just the reverse of this, and should have said accept. No. 2 should begin with the capital E because the word is an adjective derived from the name of a nation. No. 3 should for the same reason begin with L. No. 4 should be piece, look in your dictionary for both words piece \u0026amp; peace. No. 5 wants an e at the end. I hope that your finger has perfectly recovered. I am much pleased with your letter and want you to write often. Your little sealing wax experiment had much gratified me. And now I hope that you will put all the words which I corrected for you down on a separate piece of paper and memorize them safely so that when I next visit you they can all be repeated by you, Grace and Stark.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am glad to see them doing so well in their studies. And if you study your Latin grammar well, I think that you will be apt to like it after you become well acquainted with it. We generally like those things best which we can do the best. We usually find that the little boy who can run faster than any other boy fond of running races and the one who can read the best of any in his class fond of reading. And the man who can talk better and speak better than others fond of talking and speaking. I want to see you a good talker, but especially a good speaker and your Latin is very important in making you a good speaker, and so study it with all your might. Besides the correction of my letter let us see if you can correct these words viz.: \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[end of letter continues on margins of page 1]\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePhiladelfia, Pensilvania.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGive much love to all the family.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate\u003cbr\u003e\nUncle Thomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 12th, 1856\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nThanks for your letter and excuse me for not having answered it sooner. I have been unsuccessful in procuring seed as our seed seller of last year did not bring them on this year. But the apothecary chanced to have a few on hand from which I have selected two papers. The assortment is very poor and small.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI wish that you would drop a note to Mr. Criss or to Cousin Elizabeth and see whether he could not see to putting up the stones at the graves of Father \u0026amp; Sister, and ask what they will come to including the cost of putting them up. And if you can get it attended to I will advance the money at any time for the purpose but before closing the terms let me know because if they are not as good as I can get elsewhere I had better have it done. But it appears to me that all the\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[part of end of letter appears on this page]\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ebe absorbed but I hope not, and trust that I shall get through in time to visit you. probabilities are in favor of getting it done cheaper in by Mr. Criss than I could get it done abroad from Clarksburg. I have not been able to ascertain the cost of railing for you but intend writing to Phil. about it. The railing around Ellie's grave was about one dollar and a half per foot.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMaggie left for Phil. last Saturday. I received a letter from Wirt in which he expresses his probable intention of going West again and I understand from his language that he means California; as he speaks of going over the plains or some such phraseology. I have been trying to find his letter but have not succeeded at this time. I fear that I will not get to Beverly this summer as I am very anxious to go direct to Washington City, \u0026amp; begin my work of finding out and locating land and as I may have much to do in the West in endeavoring to find out the best land \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[end of letter in margins of page 1 and 2]\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eall my time may be absorbed but I hope not, and trust that I shall get through in time to visit you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLet me hear from you soon. I hope that Thomas has received my letter.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour much attached brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe have had a great revival of religion here.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 19th/56\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Aunt,\u003cbr\u003e\nYou may ere this have wondered at my long silence. And it has not resulted from not having thought of you, but this year like the past has been much occupied with my professional duties and I have not yet finished a new book which I am teaching this year on astronomy. But by the way I think that you are a letter in my debt. But with those I love I don't wish to stand on formalities, and you see from the size of my paper that you are not to be troubled with a long epistle.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAnd you are probably by this time beginning to think that he has not much to say or else he would commence setting about it. But such is not the case, for we have such an outpouring of the Spirit of God in our churches here as I never remember of having seen elsewhere. Your branch of the church has recently been increased though I can not say how much. The Episcopal church about a week since took in nearly twenty five and from present appearances I suppose that about fifty will join the Presbyterian church in a few days when we are to have our commission. The Baptist church is also being blest, and I think that we may reasonably expect more than one hundred from this revival. I feel very thankful to God for such divine blessings.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI wish that Laura was here. I want you dear Aunt to make her one of the number for whom you regularly pray. What answer did she give you in regard to your very kind and Christian letter to her. Pray that the Glorious work of grace here may go on. Laura appears to be blest with unusual good health this summer. I wrote to Wirt sometime since a letter of very plain talk about the same that I wrote to you in regard to him. It was the result of a letter which he wrote to me. I thought that in reply I had better be plain even though he should take offence. For he would then see that I only wish to have business transactions with persons who were entirely reliable. Please give much love to Uncle \u0026amp; to all the family. Remember that I attach unusual importance to your letters.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate nephew\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJune 6th 1856\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter came safely. And I begin my reply now though I shall not mail it until Monday. As yet I have not heard from Phil. in regard to the railing, but I may do so by the time of forwarding this. In regard to the tomb stones, I wish as soon as you receive an answer in reference to them, and shall have determined on the price \u0026amp; the time that they are to be put up you would let me know because in the event of their being put up before September I must make my arrangements before starting West. And I wish to know the amount as I desire to employ all of my spare funds in the purchase of lands. Doctor Bosworth will pay you fifteen dollars for me, in return for money which he wrote to me to give his son John this coming summer, but it will not be due until sometime in July as he proposed returning it to me in Beverly this summer supposing that I would visit Beverly. And if the man comes to Beverly as I suppose he does from his furnishing stones for Cousin John's grave, had I not better send the money to you and get you to pay him, getting Cousin Criss to see that he does the work properly. I expect Col. Augustus Smith here this month from Clarksburg and if you can't arrange the matter otherwise, I may be able to arrange it through him.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn reference to Wirt, I am interested in his welfare and had he followed my advice I feel that he would most certainly have been benefited by it. I wrote to him not long since in answer to a letter from him. Ask Mr. Arnold if there is anything which I can do for him this summer in the way of locating land warrants or otherwise. Tell him that my present purpose is to go to Washington from here and after finding out all that I can there in reference to Western lands, to pass into Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and probably Arkansas and say to him that I design following out Transcript\nhis idea of locating some land in a Northern state, but that I am a little afraid to put much there for fear that in the event of dissolution of the Union, that the property of Southerners may be confiscated. I want to locate about three thousand acres, maybe a little more, and if I can please myself will probably put down about one half of it in a Northern state. I would be thankful for suggestions from Mr. Arnold if he has any to make. As yet I have not purchased \nThis is Monday afternoon and no news as yet in regard to the railing by my next letter you may expect to hear about the cost.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRemember me very kindly to all the family. I hope that Thomas is doing well in his Latin and English grammar.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eNew York City\u003cbr\u003e\nJuly 9th 1856\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nI sail in the steam ship Asia for Europe at 12 o'clock today for Liverpool. The reasons for doing so I will give in my next. I gave John Bosworth an order on the Lexington book for thirty dollars and requested that the money should be returned to you. This will do for Father's and sister's graves. Don't ask Mr. Arnold for any money, but if you have not ten dollars to pay Jim Dix [?] for Brother Warren's, you may expect me to advance it when I return next fall.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMuch love to all\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eShip Asia at Sea\u003cbr\u003e\nJuly 18th 1856\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nYou have doubtless been surprised at my sudden leaving for Europe instead of going West to purchase or locate land. You may remember that in 1851 I had a nine months leave of absence for the purpose of visiting Europe, but that Col. Smith induced me to relinquish the idea for the time, holding out to me an opportunity at some future time, and that I accordingly did postpone my comtemplate[d] trip.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThis year as the time for going West drew near, I became more and more discouraged in regard to investing money in such distant lands, and a gentleman with whom I conversed and who has had much experience told me that he did not think it a safe and profitable investment. Another friend told me that he had come very near losing a part of his, in consequence of his being so far off as to interfere with his giving sufficient attention to it. And I have rather concluded to keep my money invested in stocks of different kinds and thus get my dividends regularly and trust to the blessing of Providence for gradually increasing my worldly goods.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThus circumstanced I a few days before starting concluded that an opportunity was now offered of going to Europe which would probably never again be presented to me. What should I do with the two months this before me was a question which I did not know how to solve satisfactorily. You are a very kind and affectionate sister. Yet even with you I would be reminded of the loss of that happiness which I once enjoyed with Dear Ellie. So I have to some extent torn myself away from that state of mind which I feared should my summer have been passed at home or in the W. States.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope that you will be able to get up the tomb stones by the aid of thirty dollars from Dr. Bosworth. But don't ask anything of Mr. A and when I return I will let you have what ever may be wanting should you not be able to get along with what you have.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI expect to visit Liverpool, London, Paris, Genoa, Florence, Pisa, Rome, Naples, Brussels, Antwerp, Edinburgh, and some other points of interest. I wish you would write me a letter to N.Y. City during the first week of October. Remember me very kindly to Mr. A. and to all the family. Kindest regards to all inquiring relatives.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate brother\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eNaples\u003cbr\u003e\nSept 9th 1856\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nYou must excuse my long silence as I have been much pressed for time, and now barely hasten to drop you a line.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSince landing at Liverpool I have been at Glasgow, Sterling Castle \u0026amp; Edinburgh Scotland, York, London \u0026amp; other places in England; Antwerp, Brussels, Waterloo \u0026amp; other places in Belgium. Since then I have passed through Aix La Chapellr, Bonn, Frankfort on the Main,[? going] ascended the Rhine.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFrom Frankfort I proceeded to Heidelberg and thence on to Baden Baden in Germany, Strasbourg in France, Basle, Lakes Lucerne, Brienze, Thun, Geneva \u0026amp; the city of Geneva in Switzerland, and so on to the great ice berg called Mer de Glas that is sea of ice. I continued in Switzerland for about a week and crossed the Alps by the Simplon Pass as it is called through which Napoleon entered Italy. The scenery of Switzerland is very grand.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eUpon entering Italy I passed on through the cities of Milan, Venice, Mantua, Modena, Florence, Pisa, Leghorn and finally to this place. With Venice, Florence and Naples I have been very much gratified. I was at the volcano of Vesuvius last Friday and went about half way down one of the active craters. The scene was truly grand this evening. I leave for Rome. Much love to all.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour much attached brother\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nOct. 25th 1856\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nI forwarded to you after returning home a few lines, and with pleasure now appropriate a few minutes to say where I have been during my absence. As to telling what I saw a volume of several hundred pages would be required, but should I ever be permitted to see you I trust that I will be able to pass several hours in narrating my travels.  I was unable to come through Beverly and see you. I was several days later returning home than I had designed.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAfter reaching Liverpool I passed town to the old town of Chester and then out to the Residence of the Marquis of Westminster. His house is called Eaton Hall. Afterwards I returned to Liverpool and preceded North into Scotland passing through Glasgow, Sterling and Edinburgh. After leaving Edinburgh I returned to England visiting York, the residence of Oliver Cromwell, the University of Cambridge \u0026amp; London city. I took a steamboat to the continent landing at Antwerp and passing on to Brussels, Waterloo, Aix la Chapelle, Cologne, Bonn, Coblentz, Frankfort on the Main, Heidelberg, Baden Baden, Strasburg, Basle, Lakes Lucerne, Brienze, Thun, Berne, Freiburg, [illegible], Lake Geneva, Geneva, Mer de Glas (sea of ice) over the Alps, through the Simplon Pass. Milan, Verona, Venice, Mantua, Modena, Florence, Pisa, Leghorn, Naples, Rome, Genoa, Marseilles, Lyons, Paris, Calais, London, Liverpool, N. York, home.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI could talk to you with much pleasure about the very many things of much interest. Tell Thomas that I intend answering his letter in a few days. I am much gratified that you are putting up the grave stones. Should you want any more funds let me know. I found two letters from Wirt waiting for me at home. I will send him a check for thirty dollars if I can get one on N. York for that amount.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[end of letter in bottom margin page 1]\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMuch love to all.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington,Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nOct. 27th 1856\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy very dear Aunt,\u003cbr\u003e\nIt is with pleasure that God again permits me to write to you from my adopted home. Your kindness and that of Uncle has not been forgotten but when you hear where I was during my short absence you will not be surprised at not hearing from me, as my time was even too short to see well what came within the range of my journey. After leaving Liverpool, I passed to Chester \u0026amp; Eaton Hall and from thence returning I visited Glasgow Lochs Lomond \u0026amp; [Katrine] Sterling Castle. Edinburgh, York, London, Antwerp, Brussels, Waterloo, Aix La Chapelle, Cologne, Bonn, Frankfort on the Main, Heidelberg, Baden Baden, Freiberg, Geneva, Mer de Glas, over the Alps, through the Simplon Pass, Naples, Rome, Marseilles, Paris, London, Liverpool, home.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI would like to have a long talk with you all about the many interesting things which came under my observation, but must forgoe the pleasure for the present and to attempt to write about it would be unsatisfactory as a long letter would hardly touch upon the subject. You were doubtless surprised at my sudden determination not to go west but to go to the \"Old World.\" My friends discouraged me so much that about the time that I had contemplated starting as induced me not to go and as my summer was then left unappropriated it appeared as Providence had opened the way for my long contemplated visit and I am much gratified at having gone.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have determined to send by the next mail a check to Wirt for thirty dollars and as I have not been able to get a check on N.Y. from any bank I have shall send one signed by myself on the person with whom my money is deposited. Should Wirt not be able to pass it, I have requested him to send it to Uncle Alfred hoping that Uncle will be able to get the Parkersburg bank to give a check in exchange. Should Uncle not be able to do so, please return it to me and I will write on to N. York and get a bill or check of deposit if necessary. I hope that their will be no occasion of forwarding it to Uncle. Give much love to uncle and to all the Family and remember that I am always glad to hear from you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate nephew, Thomas.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington,Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nDec. 1st 1856\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Nephew,\u003cbr\u003e\nThanks for your letter. I am glad that your teacher has come on and that you are hard studying amo and that you came off so well at the exhibition and I trust that by the time I get to see you that you will know a great deal about Latin and those books which you have just purchased. Remember that this is the 1st day of Winter and that cold weather is the best time for study, and also the best time for taking much exercise and that the harder one studies, the more exercise he should take for it gives him a clear head and a healthy body.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am much obliged to you all for sending those daguerreotypes \u0026amp; the sugar egg. I shall have much to talk about when we meet of the find paintings \u0026amp; sculpture, and beautiful countries through which I passed last summer. Tell Mr. Thomas when you have an opportunity that Mr. Lyle is much better and that he can walk about some in his room. And does your Pa like the new President Mr. Buch {Buchanan}.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhile I was gone I saw some funny things too as well as pretty ones. I remember seeing in England in a town called Chester about 98 miles from Liverpool which I will mention presently as soon as I tell you that Chester is a town with a wall around it, and it and the city of York are about the only cities in England that are still walled and that the York walls are more recent than those of Chester and hence not so interesting as they don't tell us so much about the ancient Britons. It appears that the walls of Chester were built by the Britons in order to protect themselves from the Welsh who lived a little West of Chester. But now for that funny thing and what so you think it was. Well I went into their largest church (called a Cathedral) which once belonged to the Roman Catholics and there among many other things I saw a representation of the Devil in the shape of him swallowing a man feet foremost.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI never knew before that Old Nick lived on men and I saw some other things which I would like to talk to you about.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWrite to me soon. Give much love to your Pa, Ma, to Grace \u0026amp; Stark and remember me to all inquiring friends.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate uncle, Thomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nDec. 6, 1856\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nI am glad to learn that you have secured a teacher \u0026amp; that she has been with you for some time, and I hope that she is such as you desire she should be. We have just been listening in our village to a series of lectures by Mr. O.P. Baldwin of Richmond. They were 4 in no., viz. \"Better time coming,\" \"Humbugs,\" \"Spirit Rappings,\" \u0026amp; \"Yankees \u0026amp; Southerners.\" As you may judge from their names they were more amusing than instructive. I heard the first three.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou would probably like to hear a little of my whereabouts during the past summer and I purpose on giving you a kind of journal should you so desire me. But should you get tired at any time just let me know. I believe that I said something to you in my last, but as I failed to take a note of my stopping points I shall again commence at Liverpool.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLeaving Liverpool the same day of my landing I proceeded to the city of Chester which is about 18 miles from Liverpool and on entering the Hotel was met by a lady instead of a landlord as I had been accustomed in at home, and she wished to know whether I would have a room \u0026amp; After having secured my quarters I proceeded to the Cathedral, which is a large edifice formerly occupied by the Roman Catholics. At the door I was met by a man who upon learning where I was from inquired after the Fairfax family stating that the representative of that house lived in America and that he was entitled to the succession. It was about the hour of evening service. They have 2 services there per day and this was about 4 o'clock P.M.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHe turned me over to the sexton who showed me to a seat upon the condition that I should not leave it until after the service was over. After service he showed me through the building which was quite interesting. Among other things were the seats for the friars or monks which were so constructed that should they become drowsy \u0026amp; forgetful of their duty, their seats suddenly dropt them on the floor \u0026amp; recalled their wandering thoughts. I walked around the wall and saw the tower on which King Charles the 1st stood \u0026amp; saw the defeat of his army at Routen Moor.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMuch love to all the family \u0026amp; kind regards to all inquiring friends.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate brother, Thomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nFeby. 26, 1857\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter of the 8th came safely. I regret that you should have been the loser of so many teeth. I don't like the idea of you being toothless, but as you say another set can be furnished by the dentist.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI received a letter from Aunt Clem requesting me to lend Uncle Alfred two or four hundred dollars for Wirt to buy stock to drive to California. I did not have the money and even if I had should not have lent it for one reason among others is that if Wirt goes to California, he will probably throw himself away or be ruined.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have recently heard from him and he asks me to lend him thirty dollars but says nothing about going to C. I think that next month when our bank gets in operation that I will send him thirty dollars. I am unable to say whether I will first visit Beverly or North Carolina.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOur winter has been very severe, but for near a fortnight we have had beautiful weather. The aspen is in bloom the and weeping willow is beginning to look green. I am still at Dr. Junkin's.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTell Miss Eliza that if I should bring her a beau that she must not tell on me lest the old bachelors about Beverly should mob me for trampling on their toes.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI infer from your letter that I was when I dropped my narrative at the Cathedral of Chester. After leaving Chester I passed to a beautiful estate of an English nobleman by the name of the Marquis of Westminster; he lives about three miles from the city, but after driving about half a mile I came to a beautiful gateway somewhat resembling the front of a fine building. Here the porter who had charge of it admitted me and I drove through a park containing about 1800 [or 1900] deer, the race course on which he tries his horses, etc. the fences being made of iron and the grounds containing a variety of luxuriant trees. After passing on thus for near 2 ½ miles, I came to a magnificent palace covered with pinnacles. Here after ringing the bell a servant of quite a gentlemanly appearance came to the door and admitted me by my giving him my ticket of admission which I had procured before leaving Chester. The interior of the building is magnificent. One of the rooms is copied from the celebrated Alhambra of Granada in Spain which was built by the Moors.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDo you wish me to send you the old clothes of which you spoke next summer. As they are not worth much the cost of transportation may cost more than they are worth. If you wish them sent let me know in your next. Much love to all.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour brother\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nI don't know whether you have yet returned from your visit to Aunt's but I will write to you now, as I have the time and might not have so much leisure in a few days hence and I will begin by stating that I have an invitation for you, and what do you think it is? \u0026amp; who from? For it is not often that I am authorized to send you invitations and especially pressing ones and I suppose you will begin to think or may think well what does he mean? Why doesn't he tell me at once \u0026amp; be done with it. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWell you see I have finished \u0026amp; hope I am done with the first page of my letter \u0026amp; am running on at a tremendous rate, so that if I don't tell you soon, you will hardly get it all from this sheet. Well now having cultivated your patience a little as all women are said to have curiosity I will tell you that Miss Mary Anna Morrison, a friend of mine in the Western part of N. Carolina and in the Southern part of the State, is engaged to be married to an acquaintance of yours living in this village \u0026amp; she has requested me to urge you to attend her wedding in July next. To use her own words she says \"I hope your sister will come. You must urge her to do so. I should be very glad if she could come.\" The wedding is not to be large. I told her that I would give the invitation \u0026amp; having done so, feel that I am free from all further responsibility in the matter. I told her that I didn't think that you would be able to accept it, and if you can't just let me know in your next \u0026amp; transfer the invitation to your humble servant, and he will not decline, for he is very anxious to go as he is much interested in the ceremony \u0026amp; the occasion \u0026amp; the young lady is a very special friend of mine.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope that you have had a very pleasant trip to the River. I deposited in our bank a few days since twenty dollars \u0026amp; transferred the evidence of deposit to Wirt \u0026amp; forwarded it to him stating that he might expect more next July.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe present which you made Ellie was never made up, \u0026amp; if you can dispose of it in any way I think that I will send it to you when John Bosworth goes home for I suppose that Anna would feel some delicacy in having it made up. Our weather is beautiful at present \u0026amp; I suppose that spring will rapidly advance now.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGive much love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRockbridge Alum Springs\u003cbr\u003e\nAug 11/ 57\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nSince my last we have visited Niagara, Saratoga \u0026amp; immediate places. As stated in my Richmond letter, I had expected to proceed from that point to your house, but an enlargement of one of the glands of Anna's neck induced me to consult a physician, \u0026amp; my concern was so great as to induce me to take her to Philadelphia where she consulted a Doctor Jackson of the University, \u0026amp; he was unable to decide as to the true character of the case. But whilst there, I met with Dr. Graham of Lexington in whom I have great confidence, \u0026amp; he advised me to bring her here after making a short tour.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe reached here last Wednesday evening and the enlargement has apparently diminished considerably since that time. We expect to remain here till near the close of my vacation \u0026amp; then return to Lexington. I regret that we have been unable to visit you this summer but I felt that under the circumstances it was my duty to make Anna's health the first object of concern. In coming from Staunton here I fell in with Cousin [Flo?] \u0026amp; her little boy on their way to the Healing Springs. Let me hear from you soon \u0026amp; if you can write before the 25th of this month, direct to this place, otherwise direct to Lexington. Give love to all. Anna joins me in love to you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate brother\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nNov. 1, 1857\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nAgain I am blessed with the privilege of communing with you. My duties are ended for the week, I may say, as in my department there will be no more recitations this week. But at 4 o'clock the Faculty have a weekly meeting at the Superintendent's.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThrough the continued blessings of Providence, my health continues to improve. At present, I suffer more with cold feet than anything else. I have been accustomed to bathing them in cold water; but they have cracked open so much as to render the discontinuance of it necessary. I have an invitation to a party this evening, but must decline going. The citizens of this place are such as I admire.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have tried on my shirts and they fit very well with the exception of the collars which are not long enough in the band. Accept of my thanks for the present. How are Thos. and the family.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope to see you next summer. I had a pleasant time at the Springs, but only visited the Rockbridge Alum, the Bath Alum and the Warm Springs. I saw the blowing cave: it is a remarkable curiosity. There is at one time a strong current of air rushing out and at another time, a strong current rushing in. There has never been but one mouth found to the cave. It is in Bath county and about eight miles from the Bath Alum Springs. My love to all.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nDecember 19/57\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nYou have probably been expecting a letter from me for some days. Owing to an inflammation of the tube leading to the ear and also inflammation of the throat (chronic) and very painful neuralgia, I have been constrained to give up my correspondence for a while. I never remember having suffered so much as within the last three weeks, and now I am compelled to use a vial of chloroform liniment per day externally and am also using a preparation of ammonia. The hearing of my right ear is impaired, but I trust not permanently. I have continued to attend to my recitations, notwithstanding my suffering. In a few days I hope to be free from pain.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe eye medicine helped me for a while I think but I can't say that I have been permanently benefited, and I would advise you not to try the medicine.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAnna is quite robust again. She joins me in love to you all. I wrote to Wirt, advising him to go to some active occupation and to read standard books and thus endeavor to apply his knowledge of grammar and become thus acquainted acquainted with the construction of the language- use is of great importance. His knowledge of the grammar considering the time he has given to it is discouraging. To keep him at school with such little progress is pretty much throwing away the money and time.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLet me hear from you soon.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nFeby 8th, 1858\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour very welcome letter of last week reached me this morning and I am rejoiced to learn that you are so much concerned about \"the one thing needful.\" I have never believed that you would be lost. I have borne in mind that our sainted mother's prayers would not be forgotten by our Heavenly Father. Though dead, her prayers, I trusted would be precious in the sight of the Lord.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou wish to know how to come to God; so as to have your sins forgiven, and to receive \"the inheritance which is incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away.\" Now my dear sister the way is plain: the savior says in Mark XVI chapter, 16th verse \"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.\" But you may ask what is it to believe. To explain this I will quote from an able theologian, and devoted servant of God. To believe in the sense in which the word is used here, \"is feeling and acting as if there were a God, a Heaven, a Hell; as if we were sinners and must die; as if we deserve eternal death, and were in danger of it. And in view of all, casting our eternal interests on the mercy of God in Christ Jesus. To do this is to be a Christian.\"\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou speak of having done all that you know in order to be accepted: this is too apt to be our error. We must not depend on making ourselves holy: but just come to the Father, and ask him to forgive our sins for the sake of Jesus, and rely entirely on the merits of Christ for our prayer being answered. The Father loves the Son and for his sake pardons those who plead the Son's merits. We should never think of presenting any merits of our own for we are all sinners.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDo not trouble yourself too much about not having repented enough for your sins, for your letter shows that you have much concern about the subject. But let me advise you simply to do as God enabled me to do, that is, resolve to spend the remaining part of life in His service, to obey the teachings of the Bible until death, and to rely entirely on the mercy of God for being saved, and though the future looked dark, yet it has become very bright. Never despair, even old Christians have dark moments.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eNever omit of pray at regular times. For years your salvation has been my daily prayer and shall continue so. Write to me often and tell me all your trials, that I may\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDo not trouble yourself too much about Were it not for my throat, Anna \u0026amp; myself would like very much to pay you a visit this winter. My throat \u0026amp; the sale of a neighbors property next week are the two obstacles. Anna is anxious to go next [week?]. She joins me in love to you all.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, VA.\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 1st/58\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Brother\u003cbr\u003e\nWe have a little prodigy one day old this afternoon. She calls herself Mary Graham Jackson. Anna is doing very well, \u0026amp; joins me in love to yourself and sister Eugenia.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 1st 1858\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nI am very much pressed with business, but I must drop you a line to say that yesterday God blessed us with a charming little daughter, and we have named her after Mrs. Morrison, Mary Graham.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy eyes have been troubling me much lately. I regret that you have had so much suffering, it appears to have resembled my attack. I am now using glycerine which is the essence of oil. I take it through the nostrils for the purpose of curing the inflammation at the entrance of the nasal tubes into the mouth and I find it of great service. God had blest its use to me very much. I tried caustic or nitrate of silver, but with much less effect. I hope that you will soon be well. I ascertained to day that I can get a copy of \"Silver Wood\" in town so you may expect one when Mr. Chenoweth goes home if not before.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAnna \u0026amp; the little one are both doing very well for which we are thankful to our Heavenly Father. I received a letter from Wirt a few days since. His health I think is just tolerable from what he says. I have been wanting to write to Thomas for some time \u0026amp; and hope to do so before long.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMay the blessings of our Heavenly Father rest upon you richly is the prayer of your affectionate brother. Anna joins me in love to you \u0026amp; the children. Remember me very kindly to Mr. Arnold.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 22/58\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour welcome letter came safely, but finds our little daughter very ill of jaundice, and she may at any hour take her place among the redeemed in Paradise. Anna is doing well. My intention has \u0026amp; still is to visit you this summer, but I learned a lesson from last summer, not to make a promise for no one can tell what a day will bring forth, but I trust that if our little daughter lives that God will bless us all in a visit to see you \u0026amp; all the family. It seems like a long time since I was at your house. The children I suppose have grown much. Give my thanks to my darling little niece for her letter \u0026amp; tell her I expect to answer it in a few days. Give much love to all the children from myself \u0026amp; Anna. She joins me in love to you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI received a letter from Wirt this morning stating that he is well but that he has lost his horse by his straying off, and that he wants me to forward him one hundred \u0026amp; five dollars N.Y. funds, which I want to try \u0026amp; do; though it will cost a premium here.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affect. Brother\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nJune 7th/58\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear little Niece,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour very interesting letter reached me a short time before your sweet little cousin \u0026amp; my little daughter was called from this world of sin, to enjoy the Heavenly happiness of Paradise. She died of Jaundice on the 25th of April.  [Jackson's error-- the baby died on May 25] Whilst your Aunt Anna and myself feel our loss, yet we know that God has taken her away in love. Jesus says \"suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of Heaven.\" Did you ever think my dear Grace that the most persons who have died and gone to Heaven are little children. Your aunt is doing very well, she is out visiting.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe hope to go \u0026amp; see you all this summer, but my health is so delicate, that I am disposed to go North first. I think this will give us more time to stay with you. Should we go to see you first I may have to hasten on North without staying more than two or three days.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI wish your would write to me at once and let me know which you would rather I should do. I hope that you have enjoyed your school and your vacation both very much. Remember your aunt \u0026amp; uncle to your Father, Mother, Thomas \u0026amp; Stark, and accept much love for yourself.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate uncle,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nJune 7th/58\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sir,\u003cbr\u003e\nIn compliance with your request I proceed to give you a statement respecting the condition of the Lexington Colored Sabbath School. But in doing so, I feel it unnecessary to say more than a few words, as you are already acquainted with its leading features. The school is usually opened by singing part of a hymn, which should be announced the previous Sabbath. This is followed by reading one or more verses from the Bible, with explanations \u0026amp; applications; this is succeeded by prayer. After this each class is instructed by its teacher from the Bible, catechism and hymn book. At the close  of the school which is near forty five minutes from the opening, there is a public examination on two verses of the child catechism, published by our Board. These verses should be announced the previous Sabbath. After the close of the examination, the school is dismissed, the remaining part of the opening hymn having been sung immediately after the examination.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe system of reward you are acquainted with, and the premiums so far have been near a dozen Testaments and one Bible. The day of their presentation is the first Sabbath of each month. Several scholars are studying the shorter catechism at the present time. Each teacher keeps a class book in which is noted each scholar's department in school. The lesson should be taught one Sabbath, with a view to examination \u0026amp; mark on the next. Each teacher at the close of the month give me a circular (blanks having been furnished) exhibiting for each scholar the manner in which the lesson has been prepared, the conduct in school, no. of lates, absences. From these circulars, I make a monthly entry in the record book, which contains not only the no. of lates \u0026amp; absences, but also the names of the teachers, scholars, owners, persons with whom the scholars are living, the lates \u0026amp; absences of teachers, and a weekly record of the proceedings of the school. By reference to the record book, I find 91 to be the no. of scholars there reported.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePraying that the S. school convention may be a great blessing to the cause \u0026amp; to yourself I remain your attached friend.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eT. J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nJune 19th 1858\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter \u0026amp; that of Grace reached me this morning and for a while I thought that I might be able to visit you previous to going North, but after more maturely considering my case, \u0026amp; all the circumstances, I am disposed to think that I had better go North first. My disease is not understood by my physicians here and I have nearly if not entirely lost my hearing in the right ear \u0026amp; my left ear is diseased, and my nose is internally affected. The first thing it appears to me should be to seek relief if it is to be had.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWrite to me to N.Y. City, and tell Tom and Grace that they must write to me this summer also, as soon as I let you all know where my letters will reach me after leaving N.Y. City. Tell Grace that I am much obliged to her for her letter, and that she may expect me to answer  it before a great while. As to Thomas' examination, I think Mr. Thomas can judge better of his qualifications than myself, though I wish that I could be with you all before his teacher leaves. I hope to be with you in the latter part of August.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI forwarded a check to Wirt for one hundred \u0026amp; five dollars on N.J. I had to pay a premium of one per cent for it and urged him to refund the money on the first of Sept. according to promise. If I had known that he had found his horse, I don't know that I should have sent him so much. I have need of all the money that I can command. When you write to him, tell him that he had better sell me one of his horses.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAnna joins me in much love to you \u0026amp; the children. Remember me to Mr. Thomas \u0026amp; his lady \u0026amp; to all enquiring friends.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affec. brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eNew York City\u003cbr\u003e\nJuly 21st, 1858\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Niece,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have been desiring to write to you for some time but have been prevented. I am now under the care of a physician by the name of Carnochan who is one of the professors in a medical college here. I hope that I am improving, but do not know how long I will remain here. Probably ten days longer, afterwards I expect to start on my visit  to you but will delay sometime on the way I expect in Philadelphia, Baltimore, the Glades.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour Aunt Anna is quite well and we are seeing many pretty things here. Give my love and your Aunt's to all the family, and write to me as soon as you receive this. Direct your letter to New York City.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate Uncle,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nOct. 23d, 1858\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter of the 19th inst. reached me this morning. Thomas reached here as you expected on last Saturday and has been a very good boy and we are all much pleased with him. He commenced going to school on Tuesday last to Mr. McFarland \u0026amp; is studying the English \u0026amp; Latin languages. His teacher wishes him to study arithmetic also, but I am unwilling for him to undertake any more at present, until I see what success will attend his present studies \u0026amp; also what kind of health he will have. I don't wish him to go over any thing without his understanding it thoroughly \u0026amp; hence he must not have too much to study. I regard it as a great error to require a child to study what his mind is not capable of appreciating. The tendency is to diminish his fondness for study, to give him a vague way of thinking (since he is not accustomed to see the precise points) \u0026amp; by overtasking the mind his health both of body \u0026amp; mind are endangered. I have been much gratified as seeing Thomas' mind so good; it has improved very much since I last saw him \u0026amp; I think it is partly due to the light course of studies which he has been pursuing.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI will attend to the directions of your letter \u0026amp; I am glad to see that your views with regard to Thomas' education \u0026amp; my views on the same subject are so much alike. I don't think that Thomas will get much home sick. I regret that I have not got some occupation for him \u0026amp; also regret not having some good companion for him to always associate with. I wrote to you about pocket money for him, but as I stated that probably he had reserved enough for that purpose, so I find such to be the case, as he since gave me three dollars to keep for him. Should you send him any clothes at any time, I would not send them of the same style as those he wears, as they are not worn here by boys as large as himself. I find that his dress makes him too marked, I will get him a suit, better adapted to his age.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy greatest concern about him is his eating. When he first came, he would use neither milk nor coffee, since then he drinks a little coffee; but I am a little afraid of his doing so, as he has not been accustomed he says to its use. I don't wish him to change his home habits in any respect unless there is necessity for so doing. I wish you would let me know how he lived at home. He gets his lessons well. Anna joins me in love to yourself \u0026amp; the children.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 11, 1859\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir,\u003cbr\u003e\nFrom your letter of the 31 ult. I am gratified to learn that you contemplate making a European tour. You request me to send you a copy of my notes of travel. Should I do so, I fear that they would be of but little service to you as they are not sufficiently full to give you much information. Even with my recollection of places, etc. to aid me, I am not always able to make out the sense. And instead of giving you incoherent suggestions, I have thought best to glance over my notes, and send you such information as I think will be valuable. And in doing so, I would recommend you to purchase a note book before sailing, and if time will permit to keep a satisfactory journal beginning with the first day and closing with the returning one of your tour.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAs soon as you reach Liverpool purchase guide books of such countries as you design visiting. If you have time to see things leisurely, don't employ guides. Leaving L. visit Chester and drive out to Eaton Hall, which is a fine specimen of an English nobleman's estate; it belongs to the Marquis of Westminster, said by some to be the wealthiest man in England. If you have time after returning to C. take the cars and visit the great Tubular bridge, and pass over to Ireland for a few days. Should you go to I. be sure if you should pass near Parsonstown, to see the great Ross telescope, and whilst there, ask for its magnifying power, and please inform me of it. Returning to Liverpool visit the following places Glasgow, Dunbarton Castle, Loch Loman, Loch Catrine, Sterling Castle, Edinborough, York, Cambridge, London, Antwerp, Waterloo. Pass through Brussells on your way to and also on your return from Waterloo. Leaving B. visit Aix La Chappel, Cologne, Bonn, Frankfort on the Main, Heidleburg, Baden Baden, Strasburg, Baste, Lakes Lucern, Brienz \u0026amp; Thun. Stop for at least one day at Interlaken which is between lakes B. \u0026amp; T. Visit Berne, Freiberg, Lake Geneva, Geneva, Mer de Glas. From Martigny, cross the Alps by the Simplon Pass into Italy. Visit Lakes Como \u0026amp; Majora. Visit Milan, Verona, Venice, Florence, Pisa, Leghorn, Rome, Naples, Genoa, Turin, Paris.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have given you the tour I should take above all others, if I did not have time for a more extensive one. It differs a little from the one taken by me. I did not see the Tubular Bridge nor visit Ireland. And instead of visiting Turin I hastened to Paris by the steamer from Genoa. Knowing the stopping points you can post yourself up on your guide book in advance.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn York observe the organ especially. In Antwerp note Reubens' paintings. In Heid. observe the castle. In Strasburg is the wonderful clock. In Feiberg is one of the best organs in the world. At Verona is the most perfect amphitheater in the world. You may find it more pleasant to visit Naples before Rome. You will fine Genoa probably the most beautiful of all the cities in consequence of its elevation being such as to present its different parts distinctly to the eye when viewed from the harbor. I omitted calling your attention to the Museum in Antwerp.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn Venice, nearly every thing of interest except its canals are on St. Mark's square. In Florence give yourself plenty of time to visit frequently the statuary in the room called the Tribuna. Study the original works of art with which you may meet in Antwerp, Florence, Rome, etc. and when you reach Paris you will see a miniature of all, serving to refresh your memory but not calling for examinations, as you have already seen the originals. In P. you should give attention to the externals, visit the neighboring Royal residences, etc.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOf course you will pass some time in London and visit the Parks, Westminster Abbey a number of times. I hope that you may be able to make the tour and that you may realize more than you even anticipate\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI would be glad to hear from you during your absence \u0026amp; after your return. Things are here in much the same routine as when you left.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYours truly, T. J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 9th, 1859\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear sister\u003cbr\u003e\nI omitted in my last to answer your question as to when I design visiting Beverly. I hope to do so in July; but you must not give yourself any trouble about the vegetables you spoke of; as I am through the blessing of our Heavenly Father enabled now to live on most any thing. Don't get brown bread for me as I have ceased to use it. But when I drop in, I will just eat such things as are convenient.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI heard from Anna on Saturday, she says that she is learning to take things more philosophically. She says that the Dr. Sill finds some inflammation, she is to remain there until the inflammation entirely subsides. She sends love to you. Thomas was very anxious to go with his teacher \u0026amp; a number of the scholars to the Peaks of Otter; but I felt it was too much responsibility for me to take to let him go. Some of the boys might have guns with them \u0026amp; some accident might occur to him \u0026amp; furthermore I didn't know how much it might cost him; as they would be gone several days. Accordingly he remains at home \u0026amp; I hope that he will make considerable progress in Spanish. In consequence of the irritation of my throat, I have not been hearing him much in the last few days. But he is far enough advanced not to study considerably by himself. I hope to have a fine supply of vegetables for you when you come. You must try \u0026amp; bring some other members of the family with you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGive much love to the children. Thomas is well.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affec. brother, Thomas.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWhite Sulphur Springs\u003cbr\u003e\nAugust 13, 1859\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nThe inflammation or irritation of my throat passed down so low as to make me afraid to let Dr. Green treat me \u0026amp; consequently I gave up the idea of going to him so long as it remains so low; it appears to be about the collar bone. But whilst I was unwilling to let the Dr. treat me I concluded that I would visit this place \u0026amp; try to get my liver right; as I was disposed to think that the state of the throat depended on that of the liver. After you left, my liver apparently became much deranged. I reached this place on Thursday last \u0026amp; I feel improved. It appears to me that smoking mullein has been of great benefit to me. I am fearful that I will not be an herbal remedy used for respiratory ailments able to visit you this summer \u0026amp; I feel it greatly.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI left Anna at the Rockbridge Baths, her health has not been so good since you left and as the Baths are celebrated for such afflictions as hers I trust that she will be improved by their use. This evening I received a letter from her stating that after bathing she had internal heat \u0026amp; that she was fearful that the bathing was not good for her \u0026amp; that if she found it not to be so that she would return home in a few days. There are about 1000 persons here at present.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope that I may be able to visit you, notwithstanding the present aspect of things, but don't expect me unless you hear of my coming by another letter.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope that your health has improved. Give my love to all. Your affectionate brother, Thomas.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va\u003cbr\u003e\nAug 27th, 1859\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nI returned last Tuesday evening from the White Sulphur Springs, and under the blessing of Providence my health had much improved, and if I only had a week more before the commencing of the session I would visit you but I would barely have had time to ride to your house and back, which would not have answered our purpose as my desire is to make a visit. But I hope that in November I will be with you. The first visit that I pay is to be with you. I feel that a disordered liver had probably much to do with my affected throat and if I can only keep the secretions right, I hope that my throat will soon be well.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAnna's health I fear has not improved much locally, though she gained some flesh during her stay at the Baths. Maj. Preston has just returned, and given me an account of you all. I am much gratified that Mr. Arnold invited him to stay with you. I regret that Mr. Arnold's arm continues to trouble him. I trust that you will succeed in securing a competent teacher for the children. Tell them that their aunt \u0026amp; I were wishing this week that we could see them.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSulphur water appears to suit my disease better than any other remedy which I have met with, and yesterday evening Anna \u0026amp; myself took a ride to one of these springs about 8 miles from town. I never knew of its existence until within a few weeks. The water is very pleasant yet very weak and I fear not of much benefit.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI send you by the same mail with this letter one of our catalogues. Anna joins me in love to you all.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate brother, Thomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHome\u003cbr\u003e\nSept. 13th, 1859\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nYour last reached me safely and Anna delivered the articles to the servant according to your request. I regret to learn that your health continues so infirm. I am with yourself glad that you visited us last summer with the children, and hope that you may be spared to visit us again, and I hope that at your next visit we may be able to make you more comfortable than you were at your last.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAnna's health has become such as to render it necessary to send her to a physician \u0026amp; she left last Friday for Hampden Sidney to be under the care of Dr. Watkins.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAccording to your request I send Thomas' account. Look at his book and see if he got anything after the last of June. The account only extends to the end of June and he may have procured things from the store after that time. I had occasion to see Lyell Wilson's account since then \u0026amp; he had me charged with a pass book got by Thomas in the 1st of July. This made me think that he might have got other things elsewhere. But if he didn't get anything else, don't take notice of the book, as it was only a trifle.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGive my love to Mr. A \u0026amp; to all the children.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate brother, Thomas.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI fear that I will not get to see you in Nov. But my first visit as I said before is to you. May our kind Heavenly Father bless you richly is my constantly repeated prayer.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e1858\u003cbr\u003e\nEnglish Grammar.50\u003cbr\u003e\nCopy Books .25\u003cbr\u003e\nBlank book \u0026amp; sponge .18 3/4\u003cbr\u003e\nPaper \u0026amp; envelopes .25\u003cbr\u003e\nBox pencil lead, paper \u0026amp; envels. .50\u003cbr\u003e\nFor Fair \u0026amp; Christmas 1.00\u003cbr\u003e\nMiss Howard for two months \u0026amp; 1 week washing 1.68\u003cbr\u003e\nMr. McFarland 17.00\u003cbr\u003e\nMiss L. S. Graham 37.50\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e1859\u003cbr\u003e\nOdd Fellows supper .25 Lecture at Chapel .25 57.43\u003cbr\u003e\n[illegible] .25\u003cbr\u003e\nNegro for mending shoe .25\u003cbr\u003e\nVisit Nat. Bridge .50\u003cbr\u003e\nMcFarland 17.00\u003cbr\u003e\nNot included in store accounts 77.36 3/4\u003cbr\u003e\n6 months Board \u0026amp; washing 72.00\u003cbr\u003e\n149.36 3/4\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eStore account\u003cbr\u003e\n40.46 3/4\u003cbr\u003e\n189.83 1/2\u003cbr\u003e\nCredits 113.00\u003cbr\u003e\nBalance due 76.83\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHome\u003cbr\u003e\nOctober 31, 1859\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nLast week I mailed a letter to Mr. Arnold requesting him to visit me and [illegible] other inducements told him that we were to have a county agricultural Fair, but didn't mention the day, as I had not yet ascertained it; but it is to be on the 23 of this month. Urge Mr. Arnold to come if you think that he can do so safely; and during his stay, I will try \u0026amp; interest him in our schools \u0026amp; county, and see if he can be induced to locate here.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI found that the cadets designed being absent so short a time, that I concluded that I had better postpone my visit to you until next summer.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI feel that we are now greatly blessed with a good teacher for boys, he is the very man I think whom Thomas would do well under. We have a number of good schools for Grace \u0026amp; Stark. There is a gentleman in town who has a boy who has given him \u0026amp; his teacher much trouble \u0026amp; on Saturday he was speaking of Mr. Morgan (who is the teacher to whom I referred for Thomas) \u0026amp; he spoke of him in very high terms for the successful management of his boy \u0026amp; for the progress that his boy is making under his new teacher.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI heard from Anna on Saturday. She hoped to be at Hampden Sidney today. She feels much improved \u0026amp; is bringing Laura her youngest sister home with her. I hope that they will soon be here.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLet me hear from you soon \u0026amp; tell me  what Mr. A says. I felt it would be more prudent in me not to say anything in my letter about his moving here. I would like to see him first \u0026amp; thus have a better opportunity of judging how he could best be approached successfully on the subject. I desired to write to you two weeks ago but I thought that Mr. A. might suspect something from the frequency of our letters.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLove to all, and trust God unreservedly in all things is my sincere prayer.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate brother, Thomas.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va\u003cbr\u003e\nDec.12th/59\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter stating that you are teaching the children yourself has given me concern and I write this letter for the purpose of saying that you must never hesitate for a single moment about sending the children to me. I stated in my letter to you the conditions upon which I was ready to do for them what I could, because I felt it would prevent any disappointment to you \u0026amp; Mr. Arnold in the event of their coming, and I feel that I can make them comfortable \u0026amp; enable them to acquire a good education \u0026amp; to move in that sphere of life where I desire to see them move. Without a good education they must ever fall short of that position in life which they ought to occupy, and their early education consisting of spelling \u0026amp; reading is of great importance; if either is defective the education must necessarily be defective. But if insuperable objections lie in the way of getting a good teacher or of sending them abroad, don't give yourself anxiety but trust in our most kind \u0026amp; merciful Father who withholds no good thing from his children. I am very thankful to see you bear up under your trials with such Christian fortitude \u0026amp; as long as we lean on His almighty arm all shall be well.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI reached home on last Friday night about 3 o'clock in the morning. Anna is an invalid still, but I trust that better health is in store for her. My throat has been troubling me again in consequence of a cold contracted during my military excursion.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am thankful to you for engaging the [illegible] but I don't know when I will be able to bring them home. You must give my love to Aunt \u0026amp; Uncle White. Remember me very kindly to Mr. Arnold. Anna joins me in love to the children. Should you see any of Mr. Chenoweth's friends say to them that I saw him today, \u0026amp; that he is well.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate brother, Thomas.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e...that carpeting is used for stairs instead of oil cloth. In regard to furniture I thought it best to consult you before making the purchases. As the furniture will last a life time it is best to be careful in pleasing ourselves although it may occasion delay. I purchased the oil cloth at once lest it might be sold, it is to be forwarded to Balt. directed to J. Arnold, Beverly Randolph County Va. care of R. L. Heavener \u0026amp; John Gephart, Jr. 320 Balt. St. Balt., M.D. I send the oil cloth as a present. As to the other articles, Rods etc. I can get the rods with concealed fastenings for $2.85 per dozen or I can get common rods with visible band fastenings for $2.20 per doz. The length of the rods is 30 inches but as you haven't the oil cloth you may not want the rods. Let me know \u0026amp; if the length is not right, tell me what length you desire.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf you can't get all the articles now, you can get the others if you desire at some other time as I can order them at any time by calling Madden's attention to them now. Let me hear from you soon and\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[in pencil at top]\nIf you still wish the parlor lamp let me know what kind \u0026amp; what is to be burnt in it.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI will order the amount of your funds and I may be able to add some but my money matters are behind hand. I have been in debt ever since I purchased my house and have to constantly borrow from the bank in order to get along. Send your money as far as practicable in drafts on N. York for they charge a premium here for drafts \u0026amp; it is not safe to send bills by mail. I prefer paying the premium to running the risk. I also wish that you would write to the person from whom you purchased the draft which you sent me, \u0026amp; get him to procure you another as I have lost that one \u0026amp; when you get the draft send it to me. If I were you I would try to get along without the mattresses if possible and I would then get:\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBureau $25, wash stand $10, Tete a Tete1 $18, 4 quartets2 $5, Sofa $5, centre table $9, French bedstead $15. Total exclusive of boxing $87. Should you prefer the sofa instead of [lounge] \u0026amp; Tete a Tete the amount will be $3 less, \u0026amp; if you prefer the wash stand to match the Bureau \u0026amp; I would get it if my means justified, the amount will be $5 more.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[in another hand the words \"29 feet eight inches.\"]\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGive my love to all. Your affec. brother, Thomas.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va\u003cbr\u003e\nJany 28th, 1860\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nYour last very welcome letter came safe to hand and I am glad that you have succeeded in procuring a teacher and I hope that the children will learn well under his instruction. I am glad to hear of Mr. Arnold's improved health \u0026amp; trust that it may continue to improve. Through the blessing of out Heavenly Father we have been spared from the small pox thus far; \u0026amp; I hope that we may entirely escape it. There are but few cases now amongst the whites; the servants have taken it; though it has not spread much.As soon as a servant takes the disease he is carried to the hospital and they appear to be greatly afraid of the disease in consequence of their being sent to the hospital in case of taking it.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope that Anna's health is improving, but very little throws her back again. I wrote to Aunt Clem a few days since. On my return from Harper's Ferry, I came through Richmond \u0026amp; saw Wm. L. Jackson \u0026amp; his wife, Jonathan [Bennet, Burnet] \u0026amp; his wife and Wm. E. Arnold, Ben Bassett, John Hoffman \u0026amp; other friends. I wish you would write to me when are the given names of Wm. L. Jackson's wife \u0026amp; Bennett's wife \u0026amp; what relation there is between them \u0026amp; us, and give me a letter full of such things; as I am asked from time to time what is the Relationship me \u0026amp; such persons. I think Mr. Arnold knows a good deal about the subject. For example I think he knows what were grandfather's brothers. I remember having a talk with him once on the subject \u0026amp; I found that he appeared better acquainted with such things than myself. Who was Dr. Edward Jackson?\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAnna joins me in love to you all. I hope that your health is better than when you last wrote.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate brother, Thomas.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHome\u003cbr\u003e\nFebruary 25, 1860\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Niece\u003cbr\u003e\nI was much pleased to hear from your Mother's letter that her health and your Father's have been so good and to hear that you have so faithful a teacher; and as you can not always have him, I hope that you will do all you can in order to learn as much as possible whilst he is with you. And first of all I want you to learn to spell well; give particular attention to spelling; for I don't care how much you know about other things, if you don't spell well, you will be laughed at by educated people. I desire to see you have a good education, and the first step towards a good education, after learning the alphabet, is to learn to spell well. If a person commences reading before learning to spell well, he will not be apt to ever learn much more about spelling, because reading is more pleasant than spelling.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhen I was young I committed the blunder of learning to read before I had learnt to spell well, and though I am now 36 years old, yet still I am mortified by my spelling words wrong; in writing this letter I have had to look in the Dictionary to see how a word was spelt and so I expect it will be all my life because I didn't give enough attention to my spelling when I was young. As your memory is better now than it may ever be, you can learn to spell more easily than when you become larger. When we are young we can recollect much better than when we are grown up.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI desire to see you an educated and accomplished lady, one that your Father and Mother will be justly proud of. After learning to spell very well then I want you to read histories, and travels and biographies, and such other books as will give you valuable information. I also hope that you will learn your Geography very well.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Father and Mother died when I was very young, and I had to work for my living and education both; but your parents are both living and have given you a kind teacher and I trust that you will show them how thankful you are to them by studying hard. If you ever wish any information which I can give, you must ask me. I haven't written to your Mother for some time as I was afraid that I might send you the small pox, but I don't think that there is any danger now, as all are well here or about so.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI heard a student of Washington College make a beautiful speech on last Wednesday and as he is of the same name and county as your teacher, I expect that they are Relatives.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGive my love to all of the family \u0026amp; write to me soon. Your affectionate Uncle Thomas.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 16, 1860\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nI have been desiring to write to you for some time, but have been prevented from doing so. I am sorry to learn that your eyes trouble you so much. I wish you would try the simple remedy of washing them with cold water, lifting the water to the face in both hands and washing the face until a little water gets into the eyes and they commence smarting. Do this at night just before going to bed, and again immediately after getting up. I hope that you are improving, and that Mr. Arnold is likewise. Anna is suffering from a very bad cold. She has been confined to her bed for nearly a week, but is up this afternoon.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI don't know how Mr. Arnold thinks Wm. L. Jackson would do for a judge, but if he would like to see him elected over Edmondson and can do anything for him I hope that he will do so. I thought that probably there might be some person or persons living near his Father's old place beyond Weston with whom he might have influence; if such is not the case, do not say anything about the subject to him and probably you had better say nothing anyway to him upon the subject. From what I have heard, Wm. will very probably be elected.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope that the children are all doing well. Anna joins me in love to you all.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affec. brother Thomas.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eApril 21/60\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nI intended writing to you today but as Anna has done so, I will only say a few words \u0026amp; those with respect to Grace.  I have not mentioned the subject of Maj. Preston and I don't think it necessary to consult you upon the subject but if you still desire me to do so, let me know in your next letter and I will give you his opinion.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy mind is clear in making Grace familiar with the English grammar as soon as practicable; let her commence it at once.  Let her not only study the principles of the language, but require her to parse a great deal, so as to make her familiar with the application of the principles of the language.  Let all her studies be English until she should become a finished English scholar.  I don't attach much importance to Latin for females, it is of value to every educated person but mostly to professional men.  I am glad that Mr. A. is obtaining Mr. McCuchin.  You may expect another letter from me in a week or so.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affect. Brother\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[postscript in hand of Mary Anna Jackson]\u003cbr\u003e\nP. S. Maj. J. requests me to say to you that he will attend to any commissions for furniture in the North that you may wish - as ever your Anna\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHome\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 1st/60\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nTell Grace that I have received her letter \u0026amp; that I am glad to see her spelling so good. I will write to her in a few days \u0026amp; will send her the pattern desired. When ever you desire furniture from N.Y. let me know \u0026amp; I can order it from either of two establishments. One of them makes first class furniture, but I think that his prices are too high for you. I purchased nothing of him but ½ dozen parlor chairs. The rest of my furniture omitting piano \u0026amp; a few other articles were furnished by another house \u0026amp; I was very well pleased with the articles; but when I was last in N.Y. I purchased a few more articles of the same house but am not pleased with them so well so I would advise you to order but a few articles at first in the event of your intending to purchase much.\nI am writing in great haste holding the paper in one hand and writing with the other.\u003cbr\u003e\nAnna joins me in love to you all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[from Mary Anna Jackson]\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nI would gladly send the pattern to Grace, but I think it unnecessary, as I can give you directions without it. The girls of Grace's size here wear black silk tunics made exactly like those Grace wore last summer, except they fasten in front, \u0026amp; the skirt reaches nearly to the knees. They are very pretty, \u0026amp; black silk is all the style now. All the ladies mantles this summer are made of black silk. Some of the girls here wear circular capes or talmas, that reach a little below the waist, they would be pretty for Grace, but it think the black silk tunics are the most fashionable.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWrite soon. Much love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nAnna Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 7, 1860\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Niece\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter came safely and gives me much pleasure to see how rapidly you progress in spelling. Every word of your letter was spelt correctly and I hope that all your words may always be treated as well those contained in your letter; for it is treating words badly to steal a letter from them, or to impose on them a letter which they don't want. You must look at Stark's letters when he writes them to his sweetheart especially. And to be more serious it would be a good plan for my sweet niece and nephews to examine each others letters when they contain no secrets, and in that way you will be very apt to find out all the counterfeit words which may be passing themselves off on any of you. Remember that there are a great many ways of spelling a word wrong, but there is only one way of spelling it right.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI intended to send you with this letter the pattern which you requested, but your aunt wrote in my last that you have the requested pattern at home. The weather is quite warm today. My peas are in bloom, they commenced blooming before the end of April. I hope that you have a fine garden. Write to me when ever you have leisure time. I am glad to see your teacher remaining with you. Your aunt joins me in love to you all. Your aunt's health is much improved.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate uncle, Thomas.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHome\u003cbr\u003e\nJune 4th, 1860\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nI have not heard from you for so long a time that I am fearful you are sick, and if so you must make the children write to me. I hope though that your health is unusually good.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAnna is unusually unwell but I trust that she will soon commence improving again. My eyes have improved greatly, through the blessing of Him who withholds no good thing from me, but in some respects my health is more impaired than it has been for some years. If I don't improve, I hope to leave for a Hydropathic establishment soon after our Commencement in July. And my plan is to send a servant with the carriage to meet me at the Depot nearest Beverly. What is the name of the Depot. I want the servant to get to your house a day or two in advance of the time, so that he will be certain to meet me. Anna and I will then return by Beverly  in the carriage \u0026amp; send the servant home by the Rail Road. All this plan may be frustrated, but I am resolved to pay you the first visit which I make, so you may be satisfied that if I don't visit you that my health is such as to render medical treatment necessary.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI send some early Silesia Lettuce seed which I hope you will sow at once, and after it gets a few leaves on each plant, set the plants in rows so that the plants shall be 8 inches apart, and water them occasionally so as to keep the ground damp. I never was fond of lettuce until I tried this. I regard it as the largest, tenderest and finest flavored that I have ever tasted. If you wish any more seed let me know \u0026amp; I will send it. I am greatly gratified at the election of Wm. L. Jackson. I fear that I have a disease of the kidneys, the disease gives me pain every day. I experience unusual pain whilst riding in a carriage. Anna joins me in love to you all.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate brother, Thomas.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nJune 30th, 1860\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter enclosing the check came safely \u0026amp; relieved my mind from apprehensions of your health being seriously ill. We have closed our examinations and I hope that on Thursday next I will be able to leave. I have some concern about getting from home to Goshen, but I trust that I will not experience much pain as I design going in my carriage.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI don't feel so well today as usual, but I have been exercising probably too much as I am at the Institute for the 3rd time. I think that my general health is better than it has been for a year or two at this season of the year, but much exercise appears to bring on increased trouble and pain. If I do not improve greatly between this time \u0026amp; the time that I reach N.Y. I will pass directly through and leave your purchases til my return.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWrite to me at Brattleboro Vermont as I design going to a Hydropathic establishment there. If I should not stop as I go through N.Y., I will write to two different establishments there and find out on what terms they will furnish the furniture, so that on my return it will only be necessary to examine the furniture \u0026amp; make the purchases. In your next letter, tell me to whom I must direct your purchases. I expect that it will be cheaper to send them by water to Baltimore \u0026amp; from Balt. by Rail Road. If so it would be necessary to send them to somebody in Balt. as well as to some one at Webster or the stopping Depot on the R.R. Anna don't know of my writing this letter as I am at the Institute, or she might have some special message. Her health is much better than usual \u0026amp; I trust that through the blessing of God she will be restored this summer. Much love to all.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affec. brother Thomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRound Hill Water Cure\u003cbr\u003e\nNorthampton, Mass.\u003cbr\u003e\nJuly 21st/60\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nI have been desiring to write to you for some time but on last Friday week I was very ill with a bilious attack attended with high fever; but as I was with a skillful water cure physician he soon through the blessing of a kind Providence arrested the fever, and on Saturday I was again out doors and am now better than before the attack. I might have written to you last week, had  I not been anticipating a change from Brattleboro to this place, and I feared that your letter might not reach me in the event of having it directed to that place in the event of my leaving there. Today I came here \u0026amp; am much pleased with things so far. I think that Anna's health as well as my own has improved.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe special object of writing to you at this time is to request you to furnish me with another list of the articles you wish me to get for you \u0026amp;, I wish that you would put them down in the order in which you most desire them, as the amount which you sent (fifty five dollars) will not purchase half of what you named and I am apprehensive that the state of my purse will not allow me to do much for you, though I think that I will be able to do something. I would not trouble you with making out another list, had I not as it appears put those you sent me in such a special safe place of keeping that when I was about to leave home I could not find them myself.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI don't think that I will get you anything at auction. I bought our sofa there \u0026amp; it has turned out a great cheat. If you can't give a full list, let me have the dimensions of the oil cloth. I wrote to you by Mr. Chenoweth \u0026amp; I think requested you to tell me to whom I should send the purchases in Baltimore \u0026amp; also at Grafton. Please let me know soon after receiving this and direct your letter to Round Hill Water Cure, Northampton, Massachusetts. I wish you were here with me, it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Anna joins me in love to you all.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate brother, Thomas\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am on the West Side of the Connecticut River so you can find me on the map.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRound Hill\u003cbr\u003e\nNorthampton, Mass.\u003cbr\u003e\nAug. 4th/860\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour welcome letter of July 22d reached us at this place. I am glad that our sweet cousins (for such are the Murdochs) are about paying you a visit and I very much desire to meet them, but such gratification can not be indulged in at this time as our physician says that Anna will have to remain here until about the 1st of Oct. if she wishes to be cured. He says that he can thoroughly cure her. He says that he could cure me of all my symptoms of disease in from four to six months and as I am improving, I wish that I could remain here until relived of all my troubles or so long as I continue to improve. He says that I have a slight distortion of the spine, \u0026amp; that it has given rise to some of my uneasy symptoms. There are several ladies here who could not walk when they commenced treatment \u0026amp; are now walking as if perfectly well.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAnna and myself much regret that we must again be denied the pleasure of visiting you as we had hoped to do. But I know that at the right time our Heavenly Father will permit us to see you. I am anxiously looking forward to some opportunity during the coming session. I wrote in my last for you to give me a list of furniture, etc. in the order in which you prefer them, and I would suggest that you had better get a lower priced bedstead than ours. For instance, if a cottage one would answer it could be purchased at about half the price that we gave for ours. But if you could consent to lower the price of the other articles, I think that it would be best; of course you would not get things so serviceable \u0026amp; showy but I think that the increased number of articles for the same money would more than compensate.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eA cottage bedstead would be rather small; but they are made neatly. I have merely made these suggestions \u0026amp; you must do as you think best \u0026amp; I will do the best I can for you in New York. I will not have the opportunity of stopping by in Philadelphia as my time is so precious. If you prefer the Philadelphia bedstead, I will write to the same person who made ours, \u0026amp; get you one. I send a list of some of our purchases. They were much lower than could have been bought in Lexington.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAnna joins me in love to you all. I wish I could stop in Philadelphia as I might get some things for you and also attend to an important matter. You must give my love to Harriet \u0026amp; the others when they visit you. May you have every needful blessing temporal \u0026amp; spiritual is my habitual prayer.\nYour affectionate brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHome Sept. 3rd, 1860\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have reached home safely with my health much improved. My physician said that I ought to have remained a month longer \u0026amp; I tried to do so but did not succeed, and I am satisfied with the sweet assurance that all things work together for my good. Anna's health was much improved, yet it was necessary for her to remain longer. I stopped in N. York and went to Brunner[?] and Moore's and also to I stopped in N. York and went to Brunner[?] and Moore's and also to Madden's. \tThey are persons from whom I hoped to purchase your furniture, and at Madden's I have been able to get a better bargain than Anna \u0026amp; I got of him. The prices are as follows, center table with marble top $9, French bedstead $14 (width inside 5ft 1 inch), Elegant bureau $25, corresponding wash stand $15. The bureau is under its regular price which is $30. There is another bureau at $23 \u0026amp; corresponding wash stand $10. Wash stands have marble top\u0026amp; back. Sofa inside length 7ft at $25. Another sofa inside length 6ft 8 inches at $20. Nice tete a tete at $18. Shuck mattress to fit bed $6. Shuck and cotton mattress mixed at $9. Lounge opening out or not at $6. Also another kind of lounge opening out or not at $5. Colors of lounges black; green \u0026amp; brown[?]. 4 quartets at $5.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBoxing of table .75\u003cbr\u003e\n\" \" Bedstead 2.00\u003cbr\u003e\n\" \" Bureau 1.50\u003cbr\u003e\n\" \" Wash stand 1.00\u003cbr\u003e\n\" \" Sofa 1.50\u003cbr\u003e\n\" \" quartets .50\u003cbr\u003e\n\" \" lounge 1.00\u003cbr\u003e\nBailing mattresses .75\u003cbr\u003e\nTotal 9.00\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAll the articles are mahogany, and I like them except the $23 Bureau. I would get the $25 bureau as it is only $2 more and if the elegant wash stand is too expensive I will get him to make you a neat one for $10. I would advise you to get the $20 sofa, but if you prefer you can instead of the sofa get the tete a tate \u0026amp; $5 lounge which will come to $3 more than the sofa. But if you prefer the sofa, you can make a lounge of it by spreading a cloth over it. The tete a tate is handsomer than the lounge though much smaller than our tete a tate. \tI purchased oil cloth for the square \u0026amp; rectangle but didn't succeed in getting any for the stairs as it is not now fashionable for stairs. I got the oil cloth at Stewart's \u0026amp; they told me that they didn't know where any could be had for stairs.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHome Sept. 24th, 1860\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour very welcome letter reached me on Saturday and I was enabled to borrow the necessary money from the Bank, and I forwarded a draft this morning in a letter to Mr. Madden requesting him to purchase the carpet \u0026amp; stair rods and to forward all by the 1st packet to J. Arnold, Beverly Randolph County Virginia, to the care of R. L. Heavener \u0026amp; John Gephart box no. 320 Baltimore Street Baltimore, Maryland. I told him to send the lounge opening out at $6. I also specified green as the color. You did not mention the color in your letter, but I thought that you were pleased with ours. I regard it as very cheap, it is not so showy as ours, but I would much prefer it, as I think it is a serviceable one; whereas ours has proved to be a great cheat' having been bought at a N.Y. auction I might have expected it to turn out badly.  As you request a Bible instead of the oil cloth I conform very willingly to your wishes and the account will then stand\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCentre table 9.\tBoxing table .75\u003cbr\u003e\nBedstead 14. \" Bedstead\t2.00\u003cbr\u003e\nBureau 25 \" Bureau 1.50\u003cbr\u003e\nWash Stand 15 \" Wash Stand\t1.00\u003cbr\u003e\nTate a Tete\t18 \" Sofa 1.50\u003cbr\u003e\nLounge\t6 \" Quartets .50\u003cbr\u003e\nQuartets 5\t\" Lounge 1.00\u003cbr\u003e\n10 yd Carpet 8.25\u003cbr\u003e\nat 62 ½\t6.25\u003cbr\u003e\n18 stair rods 4.28\u003cbr\u003e\nBoxing\t8.25\u003cbr\u003e\n110.78\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn order to get a draft on N.Y. I had to pay one dollar and eleven cents making in all one hundred and eleven dollars and eighty nine cents. Deducting from this the amount you sent me fifty five dollars leaves fifty six dollars and 89 cents adding to this the price of the oil cloth 7.50 makes the total amount sixty four dollars \u0026amp; 39 cents. There are 10 yards of oil cloth at 75 cents per yard.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn order to get a new draft from a Bank the person to whom the Bank gave the draft had to inform the Bank that the draft has been lost or mislaid as the case may be and satisfy the Banking officer that he is acting honestly in the matter. If our Bank were to give me a draft \u0026amp; I should lose it all I would have to do would be to go to the cashier of the Bank \u0026amp; tell him that the draft was lost \u0026amp; request him to give me another which he would do and he would then write to the Bank that was to pay the draft \u0026amp; tell it not to pay the first draft. If he thought it necessary. So if the draft sent me was given to Col. Goff ask him to write to the Bank \u0026amp; request another draft stating that the first has been lost or mislaid. If the cashier of the Bank does not know Col. Goff then the Col. had better enclose his letter to some friend in whom the Bank has confidence and let this friend present it to the Bank so that the Bank may be satisfied that all is right. I regret to give you so much trouble.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nDec. 1st, 1860\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nI recd. your welcome letter this morning. I regret to learn that you have all been ill, but trust that ere this reaches you, all may again be well. If Mr. Preston remains in Beverly much of his time, I would be glad if it could be so arranged so as to board with you, if your health would justify it, and other circumstances would justify it. But I fear that it could not be arranged so. But wherever he may stay when in Beverly you may through the blessing of God derive much aid from him by consulting him freely. He is reserved in his manners, and I think that the best way to treat him, is to be very cordial, and to evince a desire to see much of him, but after all, we must not depend too much on a man; but look up to our Heavenly Father for every needed aid. If we but live near to God, all things shall work together for our good. I regret to hear of Aunt White's blindness. Give my love to her \u0026amp; Uncle.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am sorry that your furniture was injured even slightly. I expect that the expenses to Webster were not much more than customary. I didn't expect that you would favor the French bedstead as much as ours, but such a one as ours I have never seen in N. York, it is the Philadelphia style \u0026amp; besides it costs more than yours. I like the French and Anna would exchange it with you if practicable and says if you will send her yours she will send you hers. If you had been accustomed to Leery French Bedsteads all your life you would probably think the high ones quite clumsy affairs.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope that Williams will exchange with Judge Thompson and would be glad if he would do so next term which commences the 12th of next Sept. I hope if he comes that he will bring his wife with him.\n    \nI did not ask Mr. Rieston to take your Bible to you, as he said that he was going on horseback.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAnna joins me in love to you \u0026amp; the children.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate brother\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nDec. 29th 1860\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nAmong the things laid out for this Saturday is the writing of a letter to you. The weather here is such that any one who does not learn at the feet of Jesus would pronounce dismal; as it is penetratingly damp in addition to wet falling snow- bordering on sleet. How different are the views of one who sees God in all things and one who sees Him in nothing. This reminds me of of the Peasant who said that the weather tomorrow will be just such as pleases me, because it will be such as pleases God, and that always pleases me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHow do you like Mr. Thomas Preston? What is being done for the Redeemers cause in Beverly? How I would like to be with you! A visit to you is one of the pleasant things in prospect. I hope that you are all well again.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDo not have too much anxiety about bringing up your children, trust in God assistance, and it will be given. I think of our Sainted Mother and take courage from God's promise I will show mercy unto thousands (of generations) of them that keep me commandments From this passage a parent as will as children may draw great comfort. If a parent but keeps God's commandments, he or she may be well assured that God's mercy will rest upon the children.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am looking forward with great interest to the 4th of Jany. when the Christian people for assistance, of this land will lift their united prayer as incense to the Throne of God in Supplication for our unhappy country. What is the feeling about Beverly respecting Secession? I am anxious to hear from the native part of my state, I am strong for the Union at present, and if things become no worse, I hope to continue so. I think that the majority in this county are for the Union; but in counties bordering us there is a strong secession feeling. Anna joins me in love to you \u0026amp; the children.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nFeby 23rd, 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour kind letter reached its destination after Anna had left for North Carolina to visit her parents and be present at her sister Sue's wedding. She left last Monday morning. I heard from her in Richmond. She wrote that Providence had greatly blest her. She went as far as Richmond with a lady from this place. From Richmond she was to go to her destination with her Brother William who was to leave Washington for the purpose.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI feel very lonesome \u0026amp; greatly wish that I had you as next door neighbor. Today is raining \u0026amp; I stay pretty much in doors.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope that Thomas will spare no pains to get all the education practicable before coming to the Institution. He will thus be enabled to take our course to greater advantage, and will be in a position to graduate higher in his class.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYesterday was celebrated with becoming honor, due to the memory of Washington. I trust that this letter will find you all in usual health at least. My throat is troubling me today. I would be glad to hear from Thomas or from any of the children.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affect. brother\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 6th, 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour very kind letter net with a welcome reception and I intended answering it last Saturday, but was prevented. I am very much gratified to learn that Mr. A. has consented to aid the church provided Mr. P remains with you. From Grace's letter I saw that he would remain if a proper salary could be raised. Do what you all can to make up the amount \u0026amp; I will be responsible for the rest. I would rather pay his whole salary than have him leave Beverly at this time. I still hope that Mr. Arnold may become a Christian. I know that the change to effect this must be great, but who will limit the power of the Holy Ghost. You were once a disbeliever, but a mother's prayers have been (as I believe) answered \u0026amp; who can say but that your prayers \u0026amp; the prayers of others may be heard for Mr. Arnold: for years I have been praying for him \u0026amp; expect to continue doing so. how great has been the change in him to agree to aid in preaching the Gospel. Pray on for him \u0026amp; pray for more faith. You speak of your temptations- that you shall be a cast away: don't tolerate such an idea for a moment. God draws his sensible presence from us to try our faith. When a cloud comes between you and the sun do you fear that the sun will never appear again? I am well satisfied that you are a child of God, and that you will be saved in Heaven, therefore ever to dwell with the ransomed of the Lord. So you must not doubt. The Natural Sun may never return to the view of the child of God when once concealed by an intervening cloud but the Sun of Righteousness will. But there is one very essential thing to the child of God who would enjoy the comforts of religion \u0026amp; that is he or she must live in accordance with the law of God- must have no will but his- Knowing the path of duty, must not hesitate for a moment, but at once[?] walk in it. Jesus says my yoke is easy \u0026amp; my burden is light \u0026amp; this is true, if we but follow him in the prompt discharge of every duty, but we mustn't hesitate a moment about doing our[?] duty under all circumstances as soon as it is made known to us \u0026amp; we should always seek by prayer to be taught our duty.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf temptations are presented, you must not think that you are committing sin in consequence of having a sinful thought- The Savior thought a sinful thought of worshipping Satan, what could be more abhorrent to a Christian's feeling than such a thought. But such thoughts become sinful if we derive pleasure from them, we must abhor them if we would prevent our sinning. The Devil inputs sinful ideas into our minds to disrupt our peace \u0026amp; to make us sin \u0026amp; it is our duty to see by prayer \u0026amp; watchfulness that we are not defiled by them.\n    \nGod has done great things; astonishing things for you \u0026amp; your family. Don't doubt his eternal love for you.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 13th, 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Niece,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have been desiring to answer your letter for some time, but have from various causes been prevented. I wish I could see you with me again in Lexington, but as I don't expect to have that pleasure this spring, I hope to see you in Beverly next summer. In regard to those little histories of which you spoke, I will try \u0026amp; get Mr. Thomas to take a couple of them to you as a present. They may keep you reading until you have an opportunity of purchasing yours. Send to Harper \u0026amp; Brother, New York \u0026amp; I think if you will write to them beforehand that they will let you have them a quarter lower that the retail price which was 60 cents. When I purchased mine he let me have them at 45 cents, as I purchased a number of Books and I think he will do the same now. I don't like to ask Mr. Preston to carry anything, as he will probably not be able to take everything which he wants of his own, in consequence of his being on horseback \u0026amp; leaving home for several months \u0026amp; possibly for a year.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour Aunt will attend to your request. I am sorry to learn that Mr. Chenoweth's health has failed: but hope that he may soon be restored. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe have had very wet weather here during the present week, but I think that it is probably about over.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour Aunt joins me in love to you all. She spoke of writing to day, but as I wanted to answer your letter she consented to postpone hers.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou must write to me often.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate Uncle\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am gratified to see from your letter that you are so much pleased with Mr. Preston as a preacher.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBaltimore \u0026amp; Ohio R. R. Telgraph\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy Telegraph\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDated H. Ferry April 30, 1861\u003cbr\u003e\nTo Jas. M. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAn ordinance equalizing taxation onproperty throughout the sate of Virginia passed the convention of this twenty seventh inst (27th). Let papers publish.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eT. J. Jackson\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. Commanding\u003cbr\u003e\nat Harpers Ferry\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCharge 25 cts.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDivision Head Qrts.\u003cbr\u003e\nHarpers Ferry\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 5th, 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eColonel,\u003cbr\u003e\nThe object of this letter is to request that you will look our for the interests of Massie, McDonald, and Cunnningham, they are all valuable officers. Though I recommended Massie to the Governor soon after my arrival here, yet at that time I didn't know his full worth. He is an invaluable staff officer, and I should greatly regret to lose him. I hope that you may find it consistent with the interest if Public Service to give him a Lieutenant Coloneley of the Inspector Generals Department.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMcDonald and Cunningham both prefer the Corps of Engineers (Regular Service).\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am colonel,\u003cbr\u003e\nVery Respectfully yours.\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTo\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. F. H. Smith\u003cbr\u003e\nMember of Council of State\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHarper's Ferry\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 25th, 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGovernor,\u003cbr\u003e\nThe object of this letter is to state that Mr. W. S. H. Baylor, late Colonel of the Augusta regiment has qualities which would make him a valuable Colonel if an opportunity were offered for their development. During the insubordination at this place, which resulted from depriving the works of their field and general offices, Mr. B. instead of at once going to Richmond to advance his personal interests, remained here until he succeeded in quelling the insubordination in his Regiment, and I was forcibly impressed with the influence which he exerted over his men. He possesses fine qualities for an officer and consequently feels deeply that the other Colonels were reinstated whilst he was only appointed a Major. I am well satisfied from what I know of him personally, that he would as a colonel, be an ornament to the Service.\u003cbr\u003e\nI am Governor, your Obdt. Servt.\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J. Jackson\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. Va. Vols.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJany. 2d, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMajor,\u003cbr\u003e\nI am much obliged to you for the nice lemons you have sent me.\nIssue one day's rations of Hd. Bd. As you suggest.\nI am glad to see that you are so well supplied.\nYou disappointed not only me but the Staff by not dining with us on Christmas.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have been concerned about your health, as I hear that you do not look so well as usual. I hope that you will take special care of your health.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRespectfully yours,\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J. Jackson\nLt. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHear Quarters Valley Dist.\u003cbr\u003e\nUnger's Store Jany. 13, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGeneral,\u003cbr\u003e\nThe enemy have evacuated Romney, leaving part of their stores behind.\u003cbr\u003e\nRespectfully you Obdt. Servt.\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J. Jackson\u003cbr\u003e\nMaj. Genl. Comd.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGenl. J. E. Johnston\u003cbr\u003e\nComd. Dept. of N. Va.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWinchester\u003cbr\u003e\nFeby 11th 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Doctor\u003cbr\u003e\nYour very kind and Christian letter respecting my proposed withdrawal from Field Service has been received, and be assured that it met with a cordial reception. My desire to serve our cause is undiminished, but I am in active service not because it is more congenial to my taste, but from a sense of duty. The moment that my services are not required in the field I desire to return to the Institute.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAfter God had restored to us the county of Morgan East of the Big Capon River and the most valuable portion of Hampshire County, and was still driving the enemy from this Military District, the Secretary of War without consulting me upon the subject, sent an order to me stating that he has information, that Genl. Loring's command is in danger of being cut off, and directs me to order him back to Winchester immediately, thus unnecessarily abandoning to the enemy what had been restored to us. If such a policy as that was to be pursued by the Secretary at his desk far removed from the theatre of war, ruin must result to our cause, and I feel called upon to utter my strongest protest against such a ruinous policy, and this I designed doing by offering to resign, rather than be the willful instrument of carrying out a ruinous policy. So far as the secretary may have shown indignity to me personally, that is not a matter to be considered in times like the present. I am satisfied that my course was a good one for our cause, the effect that it may injuriously have in the estimation of men respecting me, is of but little moment.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI say it humbly but with the hope that you will live to see that my course has been what it should have been. I am every ready to remain in the field when I can have a prospect of being useful there. Pray that I may be useful.\nI am sincerely your friend\u003cbr\u003e\nT.J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWinchester\u003cbr\u003e\nFeby 18th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGeneral\u003cbr\u003e\nI have received information that there is below Washington another Brigade besides Sickles' and that they are provided with pontoon trains by which they can cross their Art. \u0026amp; other force in about four (4) hours and that they design doing so with the night at three or four different points, and that the first favorable night is the time fixed upon. That the crossing is to be followed by the reoccupation of Fredericksburg.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe 1st Tennessee leaves for Knoxville at dawn tomorrow morning. Would have left this morning, but I thought it best not to move until something could be heard respecting the time when the cars could receive them, as the weather has been very bad, and the troops are comfortable in their present position, \u0026amp; are within a day's march of Strasburg. Tomorrow at 10 o'clock A.M. the 1st Georgia will leave, and the Regiments for Genl Humes will move in time for their R. R. transportation. As there is no evidence of an immediate move on this place, I do not attach much importance to the information respecting the crossing of the Potomac below you, but have felt it my duty to make mention of it. The information is that the crossing is to be at night. The troops for Manassas can leave at any time via Snicker's Gap; as the boats now there will transport 250 Inft. per trip, but unless I receive further instructions from you, I will keep them as you directed until after the Regiments for the Virginia District leave.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRespectfully your Obt. Servt.\u003cbr\u003e\nT.J. Jackson\u003cbr\u003e\nMaj. Genl\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWinchester, VA.\u003cbr\u003e\nFebruary 18th 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJ. J. Jackson Major Gen. Comdg.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eReports information concerning enemy's strenght \u0026amp; intended operations on lower Potomac. Departure of the troops of Genl. Loring's command.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWinchester\u003cbr\u003e\n8.40 p.m. March 4/62\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGeneral\u003cbr\u003e\nMy dispatch to Genl. Johnston of yesterday as well as today was important. Please let me now at once whether either of them was captured. I think that we had better send nothing more for the present via Snicker's Gap, but everything via Ashby's. I will keep a lookout for [Miss] Osborn. I will understand the [ ]1. The Yankees are in Smithfield which is about 6 miles west of Charles Town.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRespectfully your Obdt. Servt.\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J. Jackson\u003cbr\u003e\nMaj. Genl.\u003cbr\u003e\nBrig Genl. D. H. Hill\u003cbr\u003e\nComd C. S. Forces, Leesburg.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWinchester\u003cbr\u003e\nMarch 7th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Colonel,\u003cbr\u003e\nI much regret that there should be an attempt at such foul aspirations against your character as named in your letter, which I received yesterday. On the 21st Inst. my mind was so occupied with the movement of troops during the Battle, that I observed but little of the minutia of individuals beyond what was necessary to see plans carried out. But so favorable was the impression of your conduct on my mind at the time of making out my report, when my memory was more fresh than at present, that I felt it was official duty to speak of you in terms of great praise. At the time of making out my report, I was suffering from my wound, and wrote but a short report, but all that is in it respecting yourself, is such testimony, as a meritorious officer successfully fighting for the Liberty of his country deserves. I see that I forwarded your report to Genl. Johnston and you had better get a copy of mine from him if you need it, as there might be a military impropriety in my sending you a copy. If the General hasn't got mine, request him to direct me to furnish him with a copy, or to furnish you with it either. But if you have any hesitation about making the request of the Genl. let me know, and I will send you a copy of the report so far as it relates to you. I did not retain a copy of your Report.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eToday I will commence in a quiet way gathering up such facts and names as may be of use to you, should there be any occasion for them. Anything I can do, you must depend upon me for as it will be both a duty and pleasure to send you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour daughter, Mrs. [?] and Mrs. Jackson left here in the same stage on last Tuesday. Sandy is recovering from a very severe cold.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour much attached friend,\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHd. Qrs. Valley District\u003cbr\u003e\nNear Mt. Jackson March 20th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Colonel,\u003cbr\u003e\nAs Lt. Col. Grisby was on furlough when I last wrote to you, my second letter has been postponed until his return. I sent for him today, and he states that he probably saw more of you during the Battle, and had more to say to you, than any other officer; and that you behaved as bravely as an officer should, and appears to have been impressed with your coolness and courage, and speaks of your conduct in high terms, and says that with the exception McLachlin d of the time when you went to the rear \u0026amp; hitched your horse, that you were forward with your battery.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMcLachlin does not appear to recollect much respecting you during the engagement as he states that his attention was given to his pieces, and that is very natural, I know that I observed but little of individuals except as duty brought me in contact with them. Though he says that you were with the leading piece when the battery went forward on the line of battle, and that his his opinion is that just before the piece went to the rear, you gave direction respecting the firing.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eShould you have Brockenbrough Court Marshaled, I would advise you to have Grisby summoned as a witness. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eVery Truly your friend\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHd. Qrs. Valley Dist.\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 16th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMrs. M. K. Langhorne,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour note respecting you brave son has been recd. and I hasten to say that you may rest assured that I will give special attention not only to his exchange when an opportunity offers but also to his unfortunate comrades.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYours sincerely,\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHd. Qrs. V. Dist.\u003cbr\u003e\nBig Spring\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 18th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMaj. Genl. F. H. Smith\u003cbr\u003e\nSupt. Va. Mil. Inst.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGeneral,\u003cbr\u003e\nIf you can possibly spare Colonel Williamson for a week or ten days, I hope that you will give him a leave of absence for the purpose of assisting me professionally.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am General your obdt. servt.\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J. Jackson\u003cbr\u003e\nMaj. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHd. Qts. at Swift Run Gap\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 28, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMaj. Genl. F. H. Smith\u003cbr\u003e\nSupt. V. M. Institute\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGeneral,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have an important movement in contemplation and I regret to trouble you again when the subject of letting Col. Williamson join me for a few days; but if you can possibly do so, I hope that you will let him leave immediately upon the receipt of this, and join me with all possible dispatch. Should he come, let him on reaching Staunton call on Major A. W. Harman for relays of horses in order that he may reach this point or wherever it may be in the shortest time.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy prayer is that the proposed undertaking will receive God's blessing for without it I can do nothing.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eShould you be able to grant my request, you may rest assured that I will not retain the Colonel longer than necessary and should you desire his services at any time before the completion of his work, you have but to notify me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI send herewith authority for him to impress horses.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am General your obedt. Servt.\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J. Jackson\u003cbr\u003e\nMaj. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHead Quarters May 3rd, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSpec. Orders\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. 214\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMaj. Gen. F.H. Smith having brought the Corps of Cadets of the Va. Mil. Inst. into the field, Quartermasters, Commissaries, and Ordinance Officers will furnish him all necessary supplies from their respective Departments.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy Order\u003cbr\u003e\nMaj. Gen. Jackson\u003cbr\u003e\nA.S. Pendleton\u003cbr\u003e\nA. A. A. G.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eNear Harrisonburg\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 19th, 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nHon. A. R. Boteler\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sir,\u003cbr\u003e\nAccording to my promise I notify you that I am going down the Valley. But I can not say that I would advise to come on as my movements mat not be such as would enable you to visit your home. Should you feel at liberty to join me, I hope that you will do so at your earliest convenience.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhat is the prospect of having Lt. Cols. J. R. Jones \u0026amp; A. Snead appointed Brig. Generals.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eVery truly your friend\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHd. Qtrs. Valley District\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 29, 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nMajor Genl. F. H. Smith\u003cbr\u003e\nSupt. Va. Mil. Institute\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGeneral,\u003cbr\u003e\nI am very grateful to you for your cooperation. Please call on the proper Departments at Staunton for transportation and Subsistence. When I get a tent or room to write in you shall hear from me again.\nI am General, your obdt. Serv.\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J. Jackson\u003cbr\u003e\nMaj. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePort Republic\u003cbr\u003e\nJune 6, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Colonel,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have recommended Lt. Col. J. R. Jones late of the 33rd Regt. Va. Vols. For a Brigadier Generalcy. I greatly need his services as such, any thing you can do towards securing his appointment will be valuable service rendered to our cause. You may remember the part he bore in the capture of the arsenal at Apalachicola. To him was entrusted the quelling of the insurrectionary movement in this District last Spring and it was effected greatly to my satisfaction. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol. J. goes to Richmond at my request. My recommendation of him sometime since was without his knowledge, and he is too modest a gentleman to do much in the way of pressing this matter as it affects him personally(?), and I therefore trust that this will do it for him. Please introduce him to Hon. A. R. Boteler, who has already taken steps towards securing the appointment.\nRemember me very kindly to the Governor.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eVery truly your friend,\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGordonsville\u003cbr\u003e\nJune 20th, 1864\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Doctor,\u003cbr\u003e\nYours of the 9th instant has been received, but was not handed to me by Mr. [?].  If I see an opening for an army appointment for him, I will try and secure it but I fear that no such appointment will be secured without the recommendation of the Colonel or other officers of a regiment where his services may be desired.  If he can secure such a recommendation it will most certainly secure the appointment.  I am glad that he has come, and I will talk with Major Dabney respecting him, with the hope that the Major may be the means under God of increasing his usefulness.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFor our prayer accept my warmest thanks, and I trust that you, and all our Christian people will with increased [?] with God implore his blessing upon our cause.  He can give us victory, and crown us with complete success, and He alone can.  My trust is in Him, and in Him along, and unto His name be all the glory for every success and every blessing.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGive my kindest regards to Mrs. White and all the family.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour much attached friend,\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWhite Oak Bridge\u003cbr\u003e\nJuly 10th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGeneral,\u003cbr\u003e\nYours of this date has been received. I send you a copy of the order for falling back. There are no infantry that I am aware of in front of you this morning. If no instructions have reached you, I would, if in your place, move off to your position near Williamsburg road. I expect to leave here this evening about 3 o' clock.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eStuart is still in front. I saw Capt. Rufus Barring yesterday. He says that his youngest child if dangerously ill.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRespectfully,\u003cbr\u003e\nT.J. Jackson\u003cbr\u003e\nMaj. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJuly 31st, 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nMy dear Doctor,\u003cbr\u003e\nI am very grateful to you for your prayers to God for the success of the operation which God has entrusted to me. Please continue to pray for me and for the success of the troops entrusted to me. It cheers my heart to think that many of God's people are praying to our very kind Heavenly Father for the success of the army to which I belong. Without God's blessing I look for no success, and for every success my prayer is, that all the glory may be given unto Him to whom it is properly due. If people would but give all the glory to God, and regard his creatures as but unworthy instruments, my heart would rejoice. Alas too frequently the praise is bestowed upon the creature. Whilst we must not forget the superior importance of spiritual victories, yet I trust that you will under God's direction do what you can in securing the prayers of His people for the success of our arms, especially for the success of them which are entrusted to me, an unworthy servant, but who desires to glorify His name even in my present military calling. My trust is in God for success. Praying for a continuation of your usefulness I remain your much attached friend\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Maggie\u003cbr\u003e\nIn haste I drop you a line in answer to your letter of Oct.3d. I regret not having a position to which propriety Mr. Estill can be assigned. The best opening that I see for him is to secure an appointment as an ordnance officer. There are to be 70 appointed after being examined by a board upon their qualifications. Harry Estill is among the number. It appears to me that his brother Charles ought to pass examination by giving attention to the subject.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am much obliged to you for your kindness. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI deeply sympathize with you all in the death of dear Willie. He was in my first Sabbath school class where I became attached to him when he was a little boy. I had expected to have him as one of my aid de camps but God in his providence has ordered otherwise.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRemember me very kindly to Col. Preston \u0026amp; all the family.\u003cbr\u003e\nAffectionately your brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eNear Gordonsville\u003cbr\u003e\nAug 7th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGeneral,\u003cbr\u003e\nI am much obliged to you for giving Cadet Morrison a leave of absence. Should you not receive from his father a letter within the prescribed time requesting that his son's resignation be accepted, I respectfully request that you will accept it upon this my application.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am General yr obdt servt.\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J. Jackson\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e5 am Bristow\u003cbr\u003e\n27 Augt 62\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGeneral,\u003cbr\u003e\nPermit me to congratulate you upon the brilliant success with which God has blessed you.  You deserve promotion. The 12 Geo. \u0026amp; 15th Ala. Regt. have been ordered to you this morning.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf you have commissary stores enough please send 5000 rations to Genl. Ewell at Bristow as soon as you can get transportation.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am Genl yr obdt servt.\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSharpsburg\u003cbr\u003e\nSept 16th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMiss Fairfield,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have received the nice breakfast for which I am indebted to your kindness.  Please accept my grateful appreciation of you hospitality.\nVery sincerely yours,\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHd Qrs V. Dist Sept. 22nd, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGeneral,\u003cbr\u003e\nI respectfully recommend that Corporal Jas. P. Smith of the Rockbridge Artillery be appointed Aid de Camp and directed to report to me for duty. As 1st Lt. G. G. Junkin has resigned I desire Mr. Smith to be his successor. He has been acting as A. D. C. since the 20th instant and I respectfully request that his appointment be dated accordingly.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am General your most obdt. Servt.\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J. Jackson\u003cbr\u003e\nMaj. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eT. J. Jackson\u003cbr\u003e\nMaj. Genl.\u003cbr\u003e\nHd. Qrs. V. Dist. Oct. 15th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRevoking approval of Maj. Genl. D. H. Hill recommendation of Col. D. K. McBeal for a Brigadier Generalcy.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHd. Qrs. A. N. Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nOctober 16th, 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nResptly forwarded\u003cbr\u003e\nBy order of Genl. R. E. Lee\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eClarke County Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nOct. 30th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Doctor,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour kind and Christian letter of the 16th inst, with the accompanying resolution have been received, I write this note to thank you for having so effectually complied with my request, and to ask that your prayers and Christian efforts be continued as before requested, My trust is in God, and it is a great comfort to know that he answers prayer. I am very thankful to our kind Heavenly Father for restoring you to health. I hope that both your sons if not entirely well at present soon will be.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour much attached friend\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDec. 7th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Genl,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have not yet found the sermon by Bishop Elliott of which mention was made when with you last. But I send herewith another of his sermons which I hope you will after reading forward to some friend in order that it may under God's blessing accomplish much good. The part marked on the 19th \u0026amp; 20th pages comes up to my idea of what is the very reasonable \u0026amp; most important duty and high privilege of our people at this time.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe sermon was given me by Mrs. Brent of Winchester last winter or early in March and has not been sent out among the troops as all religious matter should.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSincerely your friend\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHd. Qrs. 2d. Corps A. N.Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nDec. 8th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGenl,\u003cbr\u003e\nWhen you last wrote I presume that Mount Mass. \u0026amp; Hop Yard were not picketed for want of time after Genl. E. received the order, but before [now] I expect that the pickets are in position. I wish that you and Genl. E. would arrange the picketing dividing the work between the two divisions proportionally\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have written to Genl. Lee for the purpose of having a [c?] picket at Dickinson's crossing.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am Genl. Yr. obdt. Servt.\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J. Jackson\u003cbr\u003e\nLt. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHd Qrs. 2d Corps, A. N. Va.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMajor,\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. Crutchfield is very desirous of having a commissary for my reserve Art. The object of this note is to ascertain whether you have one that can be assigned there. Who have you at Milford Depot?\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf you have no commissary to spare for the purpose, and you know of a suitable person I wish you would recommend him and send the recommendation through these Hd. Qrs. How would Campbell do? What I desire you to do is to recommend the most worthy if one is to be appointed.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCan one commissary attend to the duties at Milford Depot and also to seeing that the Arty. wants?\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTake care of yourself \u0026amp; when you feel like taking a long ride, come down and see me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRespectfully your obdt. Servt.\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J. Jackson\u003cbr\u003e\nLt. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy dear sister Isabella,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter of the 15th respecting Genl. Hill was received yesterday. My first step was to try and arrange things so that he would remain with this Army; but after several interviews with him and also with Genl. Lee, I became satisfied that it would be impolite to insist on his remaining. Genl. Lee manifested to great interest in Genl. Hill, and a great desire that he should not resign. He \u0026amp; I took the same view as yourself respecting his feelings after being out of service a while, and we both thought it best that he should be ordered to Richmond where he could be ordered to duty else where \u0026amp; to some position where he could have more comforts than with this company or he given a leave to go home as circumstances might justify. It appears that the War Department took a similar view. The last news received from the Dept. was that his resignation would not be accepted at present but if necessary, a leave of absence granted. I am probably wrong in saying that this Course was determined on by the War Dept. What I should have said, is, that Genl. Lee who has returned from Richmond told me that he had so recommended and I am well satisfied that his recommendation has not been departed from.  Genl. Hill has probably explained to you before this, the causes which induced him to leave here. I tried to remove what I could influence, but was not successfull. For his services the Country owes him a lasting debt of gratitude. My prayer is that he will continue in the service until the war terminates, and that our Heavenly Father will give him success. And that his health and strength will not be so over taxed in the future as it had been in the past.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe subject of his leaving the army gave me great concern. I did not like to take any steps which would be distasteful to him. Though I thought he ought to go to Richmond, yet as he expressed his desire not to leave if a battle was about to take place, and as one might be fought any day. So far as I knew, I felt a hesitancy about doing anything which would separate him from his division in case of an action.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGenl. Lee proposed that he should take a leave of absence, and return to his division in the Spring, but Genl. Hill did not accept of it.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThough the case has been such as to give anxiety to you, Genl. Lee \u0026amp; myself, I am satisfied that Our God will over rule it for good. For He causes all things to work together for good to them who love Him. If the Genl. is at home when this reaches you, please give my love to him. Joseph, Robert and Maj. Ewing[?] are well. I have not seen Mr. Barrington for nearly two months. Give love to the children.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCorbyn's Farm\u003cbr\u003e\nCaroline Co. Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nFeby 11th, 1863\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Captain,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter of the 5th instant has been received, and your request will receive special attention. I am not sanguine of success, but an available opportunity may occur.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI regret to heat of the continued delicate health of Mrs. B. \u0026amp; child. Joseph Morrison has gone home to see his mother who is seriously ill. Capt. Avery had also gone on leave of absence of 25 days.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGenl. Hill has been assigned to duty in N.C.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMr. Irwin \u0026amp; Sis with their children were at Cottage Home at last account. I hope that they will be there when Anna \u0026amp; Paul arrive there.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eShould you come near me. I hope that you will not pass by without calling.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eVery truly yours,\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eP.S. Genl. Stuart has arrived since the foregoing and he desires getting you appointed on His Military Court of which he has the promise. Say nothing about this, as the court is not yet secured.\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J. J.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHd. Qrs. 2d Corps A. N. V.\u003cbr\u003e\nMarch 23d, 1863\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGeneral,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have learned officially this evening, that Mr. Col. Wm. R. Cox 2d N.C. Regt. \u0026amp; Judge Advocate of the General Court Martial for the trial of Brig. Genl. J. R. Jones is absent and will not return until the 2d of April. Under these circumstances I would respectfully recommend that Col. D.B. Penn of the 7th Louisiana Regt. be appointed Judge Advocate of the Court.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe accompanying papers were returned to me today by Col. W. P. Bynum of the 2d N. C. I. One of the envelopes was opened by him under the impression that the package concerned his Regt.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am Genl. your obdt. Servt.\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J. Jackson\u003cbr\u003e\nLt. Gen.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eT. J. Jackson\u003cbr\u003e\nLt. Genl.\u003cbr\u003e\nHd. Qrs. 2d Corps A.N.V.\u003cbr\u003e\nMarch 23, 1863\u003cbr\u003e\nRecommending that Col. B. D. Penn 7th La. Regt. be appointing Judge Advocate by the Genl. C. Martial for the trial of Brig. Genl. J. R. Jones.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eNear Fredericksburg, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 15th, 1863\u003cbr\u003e\nMessrs. Mitchell \u0026amp; Tyler\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGentlemen,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour note of the 11th instant informing me that you have not only repaired my watch but also replaced the indistinct gold dial by a white one, gratuitously has been received.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe object of this note is to thank you for your kindness, and to say that not only is the watch thoroughly repaired; but that I regard its usefulness materially enhanced by the new dial.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am gentlemen,\u003cbr\u003e\n[Signature missing/cut out from letter at unknown date]\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e7.45 A. M.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGeneral,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour dispatch of 6. A. m. has been recd. I have sent a scouting party down the road you are on for the purpose of communicating with you.  The party has taken 2 prisoners who report back of a regt. In rifle [?] in the wood.  I have ordered a force to the wood for the purpose of clearing it.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRespectfully,\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J. Jackson\u003cbr\u003e\nMaj. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMajor,\u003cbr\u003e\nPlease forward the above by telegraph.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope to get you a Colonelcy.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYours truly\u003cbr\u003e\nT. J. Jackson\u003cbr\u003e\nMaj. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["...Be not discouraged by disappointments \u0026 difficulties but on the contrary let each stimulate you to greater exertions for attaining noble ends \u0026 an approving conscience at least will be your reward. Please write to me soon. My health is as good as usual. During my furlough I was made an officer consequently my duties are lighter than usual. You may rest assured of my ....(section of letter missing)","....what I have formerly... \nfriend \u0026 brother \nThos. Jackson","...difficulty in obtaining them from the post office on account of another cadet's name being Thomas. R. Jackson.","I am at present living in a room by myself my room mate having resigned in consequence of his father's ill health. The weather has been extremely cold \u0026 stormy here for the last few days though at present it is moderating. My studies for the approaching June examination will include Optics Mechanics Astronomy Magnetism \u0026 Chemistry together with drawing. I expect to commence taking exercises in riding in a day or two. At the examination last I rose in each of department of my studies.","A few days since I was called upon to pay the last token of my respect to a friend \u0026 fellow classmate in whom were combined both shining talents \u0026 the characteristics of a gentleman. His death was much lamented by his class mates who a few days subsequent to his death assembled \u0026 appointed a committee to attend to the erection of a monument to his memory. My health is at present as good as usual \u0026 I remain your well wishing brother \nT.J. Jackson","U.S.M.A. Aug 2nd 1845 \nDear Sister \nActuated by a sense of duty I proceed to writing you a few lines hoping that they may find you enjoying the blessings of health and prosperity generally which I have some reason to expect.","You may infer that I am well and enjoying myself very well considering that I am deprived of the blessings of a home the society of the friends of my child-hood the cordial welcome of relatives and above all the presence of an only sister. Times are now far different from what they once were. Once I was in my native state at my adopted home none to give there mandates none for me to obey but as I chose surrounded by my playmates and natives all apparently eager to promote my happiness. But those were the days of my youth they have fled never again to return. They have been succeeded by days of quite a different aspect they have brought forth manhood with all its cares.","I have before me two courses either of which I may chose in case that I am blessed with health and long life they are widely different in their natures and consequences. The first I may say would be to follow the profession of arms the second that of a civil pursuit as law. If I should adopt the first I could live independently \u0026 surrounded by friends whom I have all ready made have no fear of want, my pay would be be fixed. The principal thing I would have to attend to would be futurity. If I adopt the latter I presume that I would still find plenty of friends but my exertions would have to be great in order to acquire a name. This course is most congenial to my taste and consequently I expect to adopt it after spending a few years in pursuing the former.","I have forgotten the contents of my former letter consequently I will mention my standing as it exists at present . In Drawing it is 59th, in Chemistry 25th, in general standing 20th, in Philosophy 11th, in conduct 1st. There are 60 members in my class at present nineteen above me and forty below me.","I propose on coming to see my friends and yourself in July next.","A member of the Corps was drowned a few days since his body was recovered about 5 days subsequent to the fatal stroke and interred with the honors of war. I had the pleasure of his acquaintance. He was a youth of promise stood high in his class and bid fair for long life. The news must have inflicted a sore wound on the hearts of his parents for he certainly was a favorite child. The corps is at present in mourning for him.There have been a number of distinguished men on the point for some time back among whom was Major General Scott. Many visitors favour us with calls among them are a number of ladies but they are not so fair as the daughters of western Virginia.","Write to me frequently as your brother \nT.J. Jackson","West Point U.S.M.A. Nov. 25th 1845 \nDear Sister \nIt has been but a few moments since I had the pleasure of receiving your affectionate \u0026 sister like letter with it came the blended feelings of satisfaction sorrow and remorse. Satisfaction to think that I still have an existence in the heart of an amiable and admired sister. Sorrow because of your delicate health. Remorse for the misfortunes of an uncle who has been to me a true friend.","As to your health it is my sincere wish that you may again recover it and of which I continue to live in hopes. My constitution as well as your own has received a severe shock but I believe is gradually recovering from its debilitated state. My exercises this year with the broad sword as well as the small are well calculated to strengthen the chest \u0026 expand the muscles so that I have some reason to believe that they will have the desired effects of restoring me to perfect health. And I hope that the same kind providence which has preserved us as the remnant of a family up to the present period will again favor us with an interview although in its wisdom it has marked out for us (at least for a period) widely different spheres of action and different places of abode. But I look forward with no small degree of satisfaction to the period when my circumstances will allow me to settle down near you \u0026 among my relatives in order to share with yourselves the ineffable pleasures of domestic circles. For your kind advice, and well wishes, you have my hearty thanks.","Since my last letter I have been transferred to the first section in Ethics \u0026 I think that I have probably a mark in it which will place me among the first five in my class in this science \u0026 which I consider as preferable to any other in the course.","There is a young gentleman here by the name of Withers who is from the south he has told me that his father was formerly of Virginia \u0026 that he has relatives still living there \u0026 that one of them who is a doctor visited his father two or three years since.This youth is an associate of mine \u0026 I would be glad to know whether or no he is a relative of mine which I could do probably if I knew the given name of doctor Withers of Fauquier who I know visited the south sometime previous to my coming here. If you recollect the time of his passing through Weston as well as his name I would be glad if you would insert them in your next provided it will be convenient to you though I do not wish you to put yourself to the least trouble on that account as I can obtain them otherwise.","It is probable that you think hard of me because of my not writing more frequent. But I hope that the strict requirements of many duties as well as want of information \u0026 [_____] will prove a partial if not a complete excuse. Give my respects to Mr. Arnold \u0026 rest assured of my immutable attachment.","...is a little excitement owing to the proximity of Furlough \u0026 graduation.","I have been expecting a letter from you in answer to my last but not knowing what might have occurred I have deemed it best to attempt another hoping that it will meet with better success than the former. [Futile?] may be the effort and feeble it must be [missing word or words] -ation that I but seldom turn my atten[tion] [missing word or words] elegance of [missing]. I hope that you will [missing] it to pass unnoticed. Thought it be divested of ev[ery] artificial merit yet it [be possessed of] a natural....","Rumor appears to indicated a rupture between our government \u0026 that of the Mexican. If such should be the case the probability is that I will be ordered to join the army of occupation immediately \u0026 if so I will hardly see home until after my return \u0026 the next letter that you will receive from me may be dated Texas or Mexico. But be the decre[e?] [missing] all knowing God as they may I hope that [missing] [s]hall ever continue to love you with a [missing]..... \nT. J. Jackson","On Board the James L. Day \nSeptember 22d 1846","Dear Uncle \nI have often thought of writing to you but have deferred it until the present which is the latest news which I will be able of give you previous to leaving the United States. I found after arriving at Fort Columbus that Capt Taylor had left that post from that place. I proceeded to Fort Hamilton where he had taken up his quarters. Leaving there about ten days afterward, I traveled by land about 410 miles to Pittsburgh at which place I embarked on board the steam boat Suatara which conveyed me to Cincinnati. From that city I came to New Orleans on board the steamer Hendrik Hudson. I have just left New Orleans Barracks and am now being transported to Point Isabell which I expect to reach in about 2 or 3 days. I am at present with Captain Taylor (who is a Virginian and a very fine man) 27 men and 84 horses. The principal part of the company is in Mexico at present. I belong to a company of light Artillery which is frequently called flying artillery. In an action if all the officers of the company should be well I will have to carry dispatches being unfortunately too low to have a command. It is possible that before this time General Taylor has had another battle. If he has not already had one it is thought by men of experience that he will have before entering Monterey.","I sent uncle a few days since tell him if it is not there it to Clarksburg and tell (the merchant) that I wish him to give for it. It will be more to him than. (Note: the sentence contains several words that have been blacked out with ink, thus making the full meaning difficult to determine)","The weather here is more pleasant than it was in the north before I left there. The city of New Orleans is very healthy and there is no yellow fever in it at present. I am enjoying comparatively good health at present and I do not believe that I have the liver complaint but am under the impression that the disease is neuralgic.","Give my respects to my friends including your family of course and write to me as soon as you [can] ascertain where to direct your letter.","T. J. Jackson \nP.S. I have arrived in sight of Point Isabel Texas and am now at anchor in a strong gale. The news came aboard yesterday that General Taylor would be ready for a battle on yesterday. The intelligence was by letter from Col. Whiting. I expect soon to start up the Rio Grande by steam for the purpose of joining the main body of the army as soon as possible.","TJJ","Point Isabel Texas \nSept 25th/46","Dear Sister: \nI arrived in this port last evening and purposed on writing to you before closing my eyes in sleep but I was prevented from executing my purpose by the impossibility of procuring an idle pen. I have availed myself of this opportunity of writing in particular as it may be the last favorable one for days to come as in this country letters are generally transmitted from one person to another through the kindness of a third person or the quartermasters. How I shall be able to get this to New Orleans I can not say but it must be through one of these channels. There are at present about one hundred vessels in port, some of which I presume will soon sail for New Orleans.","It is useless for me to attempt to give a detailed account or narrative of occurrences since I last parted with you but suffice it to say that I arrived home on the following Monday and on the succeeding Wednesday received orders to report without delay to Capt. Francis Taylor and the following day in compliance with my orders bid farewell to my uncle's family and proceeded to Fort Columbus but on arriving there ascertained that he had left. On receiving this information I proceeded to Fort Hamilton where I found him. From that post in connection with Capt. Taylor thirty men and forty horses I took up march for this place. After traveling upwards of 400 miles by land we reached Pittsburgh where we took water and have finally arrived here after a March of about 36 days.","Whilst I was in Clarksburg I learned that Mr. McWilliams was still in your house and unable to pay rent for it and I was advised to consult Burtin Despard. He told me that the house could be cleared of its occupants in a short time but that it might cost about fifteen dollars to effect it and if Mr. Arnold should desire him that he would attend to it. And if I had to employ any one he should have the preference in as much as he would in my opinion effect it in a shorter time than any other attorney in Clarksburg. The lot which you were speaking of purchasing he told me that in his opinion you could not get a good title for it if you should purchase it because it is already covered by three deeds of trust. Any further information upon the subject can be obtained by applying to Mr. Despard.","I have not yet landed but an officer of the Quartermasters Department has been aboard and stated that General Taylor had observed that he would be ready for another battle by yesterday. This news came by letter from Col. Whiting. Whether the Battle came off or not I can not say.","I belong to K company 1st Artillery which to use the common phrase is a flying company of Artillery. I could say much more but I am writing in a strong gale of wind and where things are all confusion. I am in hopes of starting up the Rio Grande tomorrow and on reaching General Taylor as soon as possible. I wish you to write to me soon directing your letter to Lieut T.J. Jackson, Comp K, 1st Artillery, Army of Occupation Mexico. It may reach me but not with certainty. My health is better than it has been for some time. Give my respects to the good people of Beverly they still occupy a high place in my esteem especially your amiable husband whose kindness as well as yours has been indelibly written on my heart and memory.","T.J. Jackson","Dear Sister \nI now send you the long delayed letter and hope that you will pardon my procrastination since I last wrote to you. I have been at Matamoras Camargo Monterey and Saltillo and the intermediate towns. At present I can not conveniently give you a general idea of the portions of Mexico which have fallen under my observation but hope to do so at some future day when things are more settled than at present and I also purpose on writing to you more frequently.","It would have [afforded] me much pleasure to have been with the gallant and victorious General Taylor at the battle of Buena Vista in which he has acquired laurels as imperishable as he history which shall record the invasion of Mexico by our victorious armies. But I was ordered away from Saltillo in January last and I believe for the best inasmuch as I am now with the most important portion of the army and on the most important line of operations.","I am now encamped on the road leading from Vera Cruz to the city of Mexico. Our troops landed about two miles from the former city on the ninth inst and on the same night were fired on by the Mexicans. On the following day we commenced surrounding the city and operating against it. The operations after the [investment] was completed consisted principally in bombarding and cannonading which were continued until not only the city but the castle of San Juan Dulloa agreed to surrender. The capitulation occurred yesterday. The terms are that all the public property falls into our hands, the troops march out under the condition of not serving against us during the present war unless exchanged. The troops marched out yesterday and surrendered their arms and we took possession immediately. This capitulation has thrown into our hands the strong hold of this republic and being a regular [siege] in connection with other circumstances must in my opinion excel any military operations known in the history of our country. I approve of all except allowing the enemy to retire that I can not approve of in as much as we had them secure and could have taken them prisoners of war unconditionally.","Our loss is not accurately known nor that of the enemy either yet but in my estimation ours can not exceed twenty men in killed, we lost only two captains (Capt Vinton of the artillery and Capt Alburtis of the infantry). I have been in the city and was much surprised at its strength. It is surrounded on the land side by a wall about 10 feet high and a series of forts and on the other side is protected by the castle.","You asked me whether I belonged to General Worth's division. I had the honor of being in it so long as it existed but it has been broken up during the past siege. I was part of the time with him and part of the time with General Twigs. Whilst I was at the advanced batteries a cannon ball came in about five steps of me. I presume that you think my name ought to appear in the papers but when you come to consider the composition of our army you will entertain different views. Its composition is such that those who have independent commands only are as a general rule spoken of for instance Ridgely May [Bra--] Duncan Ringold Smith all commanded companies. If an officer wishes to distinguish himself he must remain long in service until he obtains rank then he obtains the praise not only for his efforts but for the efforts of the officers and men under him. That portion of praise which may be due to me must of course go to those above me or be included in the praise given to the army.","My health is extremely good. I probably look better than I have for years. I expect to remain in Mexico for the remainder of the war and expect to move forward with the leading Brigade. I expect to be promoted in a short time to a second lieutenancy. This will probably occasion me to leave the light battery but it will give me more rank which is of the greatest importance in the army.","Remember me in the warmest terms to Mr. Arnold and all my other friends. I rejoice at your prosperity and hope and doubt not that it will continue. I hope soon to march forward towards the city of Mexico. Vera Cruz continues healthy. I intend writing soon and more frequently as my feelings incline me to and as a brother ought. Your last letters coming in such quick succession served as a just rebuke but my means for writing are poor. Even now I am using a box for a chair and my camp bedstead as a writing desk and think myself comfortably situated. You have all the conveniences necessary and I hope that you will use them to write often to one who esteems you above all.","Camp near Vera Cruz Mexico \nMarch 30th 1847","Sir: \nHaving in compliance with written instructions from Capt Francis Taylor 1st Arty performed the duties of QrMaster from the 14th of August 1846 to include the 22d of the same month and from the 16th of Oct to include the 28th of November of the same year. The above duty was performed whilst on march from Fort Hamilton NY to Monterey Mexico and I have the honor to request that I may be allowed the usual compensation for the same. \nVery respectfully","Your Obt Servt \nT. J. Jackson \nLt 1st Arty","Jalapa Mexico \nApril 22d 1847","Dear Sister \nI promised in my last that I would give you a more detailed account of Mexico in a subsequent letter. I will now endeavor to comply with that promise. In doing so I will first state in general terms that the portion of Northern Mexico which has fallen under my observation is mostly a vast barren waste cities excepted. There are but two seasons in Mexico wet \u0026 dry. In consequence of the drought there is but little vegetation in the north. A person in traveling through this sterile portion of country would not suppose that the country inhabitants were able to pay their taxes. But in the cities it is different. There wealth is frequently found one person residing in Saltillo is said to own a larger area of land than the state of New York.","But passing to the south the aspect of things change. You frequently {see} elegant buildings in the country. Genl Santa Anna owns between this place \u0026 Vera Cruz 5 beautiful houses and a tract of land about fifty five miles in length. The country in the south is very similar to our own. Whilst I was in Monterey my quarters were in the outskirts of the city having a large back lot attached which contained beautiful orange orchard. Also in this lot was a fine bathing establishment the dimensions being about 25 by 30 ft. Monterey is the most beautiful city which I have seen in the North of this distracted country.","About 50 miles farther west is Saltillo the capital of Coahuila. Its [height] is about 2000 feet above the level of Monterey on an inclined plane at the edge of the table lands. The houses are generally built of sun dried brick as are most of the houses in that region. The church is the most highly ornamented on the interior of any edifice which has ever come under my observation. On entering this magnificent structure we are struck with the gaudy appearance on every side but most especially the opposite end which appears to be gilded with gold. At the bottom is a magnificent silver altar and on each side are statues which can not fail to attract the attention of the astonished beholder. The music is of the highest character. The priests are robed in the most gaudy of apparel. The inhabitants take off their hats on approaching the church and do not replace them until past it. One day whilst I was near the building I observed a señora (lady) gradually approaching the door on another occasion I saw a female looking at a statue and weeping like a child. Such is the superstition of this race.","After obtaining a [limited] transportation for General Twigg's division it set forward for Jalapa on the road leading to the city of Mexico. But on arriving near Cerro Gordo we learned that General Santa Anna held the pass in force consequently we waited for reinforcements which finally arrived and on the 17nst we attacked the Mexicans but did not succeed in routing them completely until the 18th when we took some thousand prisoners and completely routed the remainder. We followed close on the retreating column until night and came near enough to give the retreating enemy a few shots from the battery. But they succeeded in effecting their escape for want of our dragoons. General Scott after disarming the prisoners allowed them to retire the officers on [parole]. But General La Vega who is again our prisoner refused to except of his and I presume that he will be sent back to the U.S. Our loss has been considerable but not known neither is the Mexican. General Santa Anna escaped but in his haste left us his carriage \u0026 together with some thousand dollars in specie.","General Twiggs' division has fought the battle. General Worth has again got a division but he did not get it into action owing to its being used as a reserve and General Twiggs' as the advance. Capt Taylor in his report to General Twiggs has spoken of me in very flattering terms. I am now in Jalapa which is situated about 60 miles from Vera Cruz and 195 from the city of Mexico. General Worth is now in advance and if there is any fighting at Perote he will be apt to distinguish himself. He will probably be in the vicinity of Perote tomorrow at farthest and possibly today. It is rumored here that the Mexicans are fortifying their capital if so then we may have the grand battle there. A Mexican officer came here last evening from the city of Mexico and stated that his father had written to him from San [Louis] stating that General Taylor was there \u0026 had met with no opposition.","I can say no more as I have just learned that the escort by which I wish to send this has started because I must mount my horse \u0026 over take it or miss a good opportunity. I am in better health than usual.","Jalapa, May 25th, 1847","Lovely Sister \nI have the mortification of being left to garrison the town of Jalapa. Capt Taylor used his influence to keep me with him in which event I should have gone forward. But [Col. Childs] who was made military governor of this place got General Scott to issue an order requiring me to join my company which was under the command of the governor. Not withstanding my present situation I have some hope of getting forward by-and-by when more troops get in from the states. But all this is with General Scott. I throw myself into the hands of an all wise God and hope that it may yet be for the better. It may have been one of [His] means of diminishing my excessive ambition and after having accomplished his purpose whatever it may be he then in his infinite wisdom may gratify my desire.","The army was to move at the time which I mentioned but General Scott concluded to disband the volunteers as their time had nearly expired and this so much diminished our force that we delayed the advance until a couple of days since. General Scott left on Sunday with an escort following in the wake of his troops. General Worth has been in Puebla for about 10 days. Santa Anna marched from Orezaba and commenced fortifying about half way between the cities of Puebla and Mexico but owing to some [cause] he relinquished it and marched into the capital left the army and is now in the presidential chair. As to his motives I cannot say anything further. But I suppose that he thinks that his influence will be more powerful there than elsewhere. The people here think him an infamous man. An election was held on the 15th for president and Herera was the successful candidate but will not take his seat for a few months yet.","I am in fine quarters and making rapid progress in the Spanish language and have an idea of making some female acquaintances shortly. I see many things here of interest by the way of ornament and fruits and wish that I only had an opportunity of sending some to you and Thomas. I well know that he would like to have a ranchero (Mexican) on horse back followed by some large dogs. I would be much pleased to hear from Wirt poor fellow?","Give my respects to your estimable husband. I want to hear whether the reports about Uncles Cummins \u0026 Edward are true. I think of you often and my heart more than once upbraided me for my neglect to you. But I feared to inform you of things as they were in this unholy land. Your Brother always.","T.J. Jackson","City of Mexico \nFeby 28th 1848","Dearest Sister \nThe mail came on the 26th and in vain I searched the post office thrice for a line from you and consequently sorrowfully commenced my letter to you but on leaving my desk for a few hours on business was agreeably surprised on my return to find your letter mysteriously placed on my table. And now whilst I recommence with joy inexpressible for tongue or pen at hearing of your life still being prolonged I am also most deeply affected with heartfelt sorrow at the words which say \"I may not live to receive your answer.\" But I hope that these words imply nothing beyond what they literally state. To God this is the earnest prayer of your brother. But if he in his great wisdom has afflicted you with disease incurable then may he in his infinite goodness receive you into his heavenly abode where though I should be deprived of you here in this world of care yet I should hope to meet with you in a land where care and sorrow are unknown there with a mother a brother a sister yourself and I hope a father to live in a state of felicity uncontaminated by mortality.","Let not this letter trouble you dearest sister for I could not write one of a different cast with a clear conscience when you speak to me so ominously. But do not be [deterred] by any cause from saying to me plainly that I am sick or that I am well for ambiguity in relation to you is very painful to me.","You appear to think hard of my not writing more frequently but I have not only written by every mail but on one occasion sent by a Spanish friend in [five]. I have embraced every opportunity to say to you that I am in such or such a state of health. But for the future the intention is to send the mail by escorts twice a month on the first and fifteenth so that you may expect to hear from me by every mail until I am ordered from this city which may and which may not be at all as I am in General Smith's brigade and he is governor of the city. I am first Lieutenant and belong to Capt. Taylor's Battery. I hope the war may soon terminate but do not entertain much hope although the terms of a treaty have been sent to Washington and at present an armistice is being made or has been concluded but as yet is not public. Santa Anna has asked of his government a passport for the purpose of leaving the country and it was granted to him on the 13th inst. But it is doubtful whether he will go as several of the states have expressed themselves favorably to him and [------------] has offered him an asylum.","If we both live I expect to see you. Do not allow my words about marrying in Mexico to disturb you. I have sometimes thought of staying here and again of going home. I have no tie in this country equal to you. You speak of my fine horse as in your opinion being rather extravagant but if an officer wishes to appear best he should appear well in everything. I bought the horse having plenty of money and need of [ ] and have since been offered three hundred and fifty dollars for him, that is a hundred and seventy more than I gave and can at any time get more than I gave. My pay whilst with Capt. Magruder was one hundred and four dollars per month and I expect it will soon be the same here but at present it is only about ninety so that I have plenty of money and am in the long run economical although it would not appear to you so as here everything is dear and with you cheap. I dress as a gentleman should who wishes to be received as such. I do not gamble nor spend my money as I think foolishly.","I am very desirous of peace as it may be better for the United States \u0026 it may give me an opportunity of again entering your hospitable house \u0026 having that sight most delightful of all other earthly ones that is of my sister. My health I think is improving in this country and at all events my knowledge of Spanish is. As I shall have a better idea when the mail will start hereafter I shall try and send you more interesting letters. Remember me to Mr. Arnold \u0026 friends in the warmest terms. Your brother.","\nT.J. Jackson","City of Mexico. March 23, 1848.","Dear Sister \nI have written a letter to Mr. Arnold and requested to be remembered to you in it but since finishing it I have concluded to send you one also. I received your letter of January 14th but the paper from Mr. Arnold did not come to hand but still I am as much obliged to him as though it had and trust that he will send others as they may have better success.","I thought at one time of writing a journal but I can not find the time as although I am usually up at six o'clock and retire to bed at ten and eleven still the day is not long enough. The morning hours I occupy in studies \u0026 business and the evening in a similar manner but generally taking a walk after dinner and sometimes a ride on the Passeo or elsewhere in the evening. The Passeo is a wide road on the south west of the city and about a half of a mile in length with a beautiful fountain in the center and is a place of fashionable resort. Families of wealth appear there in the carriages at sunset partly if not entirely for show. There is also a place of morning resort between the city and the Passeo called the Almeda which is a beautiful grove of about four hundred by six hundred yards and containing I think eight fountains. At the central one is celebrated the anniversary of Mexican independence and from this which is the largest beautiful walks diverge to the different outlets (the grove being surrounded by a wall). I purpose on riding to both these places this evening hoping to see something there more attractive than at home. When not on duty I generally pay a visit after supper or tea. Among those families which I visit are some of the first in the republic as Don Lucas Aleman Martinez del Rio and I also have the acquaintance of others of some distinction.","My studies are now principally directed to the formation of my manners and the rules of society and a more thorough knowledge of human nature and the latter I perceive from your letter meets with your approbation and I doubt not but that the former two objects will also as they are very important to a man's success in life. You will pardon me for the mistake I have made in turning the leaves of this sheet. But returning to my subject this country offers me greater advantages for acquiring graces than I will probably ever meet with again unless I should visit Europe. The book which I am studying is Lord Chesterfield's letters to his son translated into Spanish so that whilst I am obtaining his thoughts I am also acquiring a knowledge of the Spanish tongue. I have also purchased the work in English and after having read it in Spanish I then purpose on reading it in English. Subsequent to this I shall study Shakespeare's works which I purchased a few days since and then if I can obtain good histories I wish to devote some time to them.","If Uncle Cummins \u0026 Edward should leave Lewis I wish you would get Uncle Edward to box up my books which are in his possession and send them to you. I hope that you will try and write me a letter once a week. I should write more frequently to you if an opportunity offered of sending letters more than twice a month. Owing to my knowledge of the language of the country and the acquaintances which I have made I think that I pass my time more agreeably than the greater portion of the officers of the Army, but if your company could also be had I would spend my hours still more agreeably. My love to all enquiring friends. My health is as good if not better than usual. General Scott's case has been investigated. The charges against Col. Duncan were withdrawn. Also General Worth withdrew his against General Scott. General Pillow's case is now being investigated.","National Palace Mexico. April 10, 1848","Dear Sister \nAs three successive mails have arrived, without bringing a single letter from you, I am (and I think not without reason) uneasy about your health. As I do not know of any other reason but bad health which could have prevented your writing to a brother who is interested in everything that interests you. And I hope that if you have any regard for my peace of mind that you will write at least once every fortnight. If your health forbids your writing at any time, then get someone to write for you, if it should be but a dozen lines. I do not think that a regular mail has left this city, without carrying a letter for you from me.","The treaty has arrived from Washington, with its amendments. Many think that it will receive the ratification of this government. But some think that it will not. For my own part I hope it will. Mr. Sevier I presume will be here in a few days. At last dates from Queretaro there were wanting fifteen congressmen, and three senators to complete the quorum. We have received news here of a battle at [Chiguagua], in which we took fourteen pieces of artillery from the enemy. I am at present studying Humboldt's history of Mexico, in Spanish. The rain is quite abundant here at present and interferes somewhat with my evening visits. It is believed that our presence here is destroying the extreme superstition of this country. But not withstanding the influence of our presence, the natives still with uncovered heads drop on their knees, at the approach of the Archbishop's carriage; which is recognized by its being drawn by two spotted mules.","General Pillow's trial is not yet finished and the general opinion is that it will be terminated in the United States. We are told here that our people at home, think that the army do not wish to return from Mexico, but if such is the truth they are much mistaken. An expedition started a few days since, for [Popocatepitl] which is a volcanic mountain to the S.E. of and in full view of this city, and which still issues clouds of smoke at times. I should probably have gone my self, but as the temperature is so extremely low, resulting from the crest being capped with snow, I feared that my health might suffer.","In conformity with the armistice, the Mexicans have taken possession of their archives, and have resumed the civil administration of their government. Santa Anna at last news, was at his hacienda near Jalapa (Encerro) again bidding adieu to his country. Whilst at his hacienda he received the visits of Colonel Hews, and several other American officers. General Valencia died a few days since in this city, the news of which proved fatal to his daughter, who died a few hours subsequent to its reception. I have heard of no other who mourned his fate. The general hospital is ordered to be moved to Jalapa, and General Patterson I believe will go down at the same time, to take command of the station. This movement appears to indicate an anticipation of leaving the country.","Remember me to Mr. Arnold, Thomas and other friends.","T.J. Jackson","City of Mexico. May 20th 1848","Sir \nThe Secretary of War having informed me by letter of the 20th of April ult. that I have been appointed by the President Assistant Commissary of Subsistence I have the honor to notify you for the information of the war department that I have accepted the appointment.","I am sir very respectfully your obdt. servt.","T.J. Jackson \n1st Lt. 1st Arty Genl. R. Jones \nAdjt. Genl.","Governors Island \nAug 26th 1848","Dear Sister \nFinally I have arrived at this station which is in sight of the city of New York. I have had some hopes of visiting you this fall but I have not been able to arrange my affairs here for that purpose and consequently I can not say when I will be able to visit those of whom I so frequently think and so much desire to be with. I presume that I could get home this winter by making sacrifices which I ought not to make, for instance if I should leave some other officer might be attached during my absence who would rank me in case of his remaining with the company after my return. I do not believe that Capt. Taylor would give his sanction to any officers coming to the company who would rank me, so long as I remain with the company or so long as there are officers enough with it, but my absence might reduce the number of officers so much as to render another officer necessary to the company.","But I am in hopes that next summer I shall be able to see you and if so I purpose on visiting the springs at several places and visiting those parts of Virginia most remarkable such as the Natural Bridge. You will please let me know the distance from Beverly to Staunton, \u0026 the time in which the stage [visits] it, and also the distance from Beverly to the White Sulphur Springs.","As yet I do not know where I will be stationed. I hope that ere this your eyes are perfectly recovered. I am still getting better. I have been brevetted a captain though as yet it is not published. Write frequently to your brother.","\nT.J. Jackson","Carlisle Barracks Penn \nSeptember 5th 1848","Dear Sister \nI had the pleasure of receiving your letter directed to New York but the same day I received orders to attend as a member of a general court martial at this place which is about a hundred miles distant (east) of Pittsburgh {following 17 words are marked out with heavy ink}...in your own house on the 10th of October which is earlier than you even requested. As I have already given you my reasons for not coming this fall it is unnecessary to state that I may make sacrifices in visiting you. But on reading your letter I concluded that I would use my influence to do that which I so much desire to do (to visit you). But as yet, the court has not adjourned, and I have not yet got my leave of absence granted, but Capt. Taylor told me that he would not only approve of it, but recommend it, but before I can get it, I must obtain the permission of the Colonel of my Regt. and of the Secretary of War. But should I not arrive by the time specified, do not have anxiety about it. If it be unsuccessful the fault shall not be mine.","There are many very interesting ladies here, and there has been almost a soiree every day since my arrival, and at which I have enjoyed myself well. When I obtain my leave, should I get it, you must not expect me to stay with you more than a month. And I hope that your health will be much improved by that time. You need not write to me, until you receive another letter from me, as I cannot say where I may be any coming day. Remember me to Mr. Arnold, your family, and my other friends. My health I think, is still improving.","Your brother \nT.J. Jackson","Fort Hamilton N.Y. Harbor. Jany 1st 1849","Dear Sister \nI suppose that you begin to think it time, that I should write, but I am not certain that my physician agrees with you about that as he has been cautioning me about confining my mind too much. But at all events, I shall venture to say, that I am still living, and with the blessings of God, hope to live, for some years to come. My physician has pronounced my lungs and liver sound, and that the liver has only been sympathetically affected.","I saw about that claim of [Warren's], and it is worth nothing, the Sheriff having failed to make his certificate. Whilst in Richmond, I called on Mr. Carlisle, and was received by him, in a very cordial manner, and during my stay there, he allowed no opportunity to pass unimproved, in which he could manifest his kindness. The night after I left your house I passed out at the head of the Valley river, and the next morning was in about 17 miles of Huntersville. But not withstanding I reached the Hot Springs too late for the Wednesday's stage, and consequently had to wait until Friday.","I am as you have observed at Fort Hamilton, which is on Long Island about ten miles below the city of New York, and on the east bank of the Hudson River. Remember me to Mr. Arnold, the children \u0026 c.","Your brother \nThomas","Fort Hamilton. Feby 1st 1849","Dear Sister \nI have more than once thought of your request to write to you and give you the fashions, but such would be a difficult thing for me to do as I do not know even so much as the name of the different parts of a ladies apparel. I in the matter of dress agree perfectly with the Parisians (who not only give the fashions for New York City, but for the civilized world) that a person ought to adopt such a style of dress as is most becoming the particular individual and not that which is adopted by the greater portion of mankind, unless it should be at least reasonably suited to your complexion, height, figure \u0026.","I have begun my historical studies having read about one fourth of Ro[bi]ns Ancient History. If Mr. Arnold can prevail on the wagoner who may bring my books to Cumberland, to put the box in the office of Adams \u0026 Co. who have an office in Cumberland, and a train of cars running from there to New York, he will secure them to me more effectually than in any other way. Let the man take a receipt for them, and forward it to me at this place. The box should be marked as follows: Captain T.J. Jackson, care of the Quartermaster in New York City, N.Y. The manner in which the company do business, is to give a receipt when any thing is delivered at the office and then to turn over the article when the receipt is presented, and if the article should get lost to pay the owner for it.","The cholera has entirely disappeared from this place (Quarantine). The weather is quite disagreeable. I caught the rheumatism in your salubrious mountain air, which is harassing me no little. I am gaining strength and flesh. If Mr. Gibson will write to Captain Arnold, who is at Fort Monroe Va I am of the opinion, that he will get some information in relation to the ammunition which was charged to his brother, as he was a lieutenant in Arnold's Company. I am well fixed here, having my rooms both carpeted and decently furnished. Remember me to Mr. Arnold, the family, Aunt White, Uncle, and our other relatives.","Your brother\nT.J. Jackson","P.S. The gold fever is running very high here. I have conversed with Mr. Lo[e]ser, an officer of the Army from California, who says that a person can gather on an average about seventy five dollars per day, and that the climate is most delightful, the thermometer standing at from 60 to 70 degrees. As you may not know much about Thermometers, it may not be amiss for me to state, that the higher the thermometer stands, the warmer the weather is. Fahrenheit's thermometer which is the one commonly used in this country and the one referred to above, stands at 32 degrees when water freezes, at 55 degrees the air is temperate, at 75 degrees the air is at summer heat, at 95 degrees the air is at blood heat, and at 212 degrees the air would be at the temperature of boiling water. From the foregoing you observe that the climate referred to must be charming.","\nT.J.J.","Fort Hamilton N.Y. Harbor April 27th 1849","Dear Sister \nOwing to a desire to secure some catalogs for Mr. Arnold, I have not written earlier. Yesterday, I went to Harper and Brothers Book store; but he had none on hand; but said that he would have in a few days. I obtained one from Appleton's Book establishment and shall forward it by the same mail as this letter. It do not contain all his books, when I shall have obtained one from Harper, I shall also forward it. And if Mr. Arnold shall want any books that may not be found in either of them, let me know what ones they are, and I believe that I can find it in some part of the city.","Your request had not yet been complied with, but I rely on your generosity of character; as my strength has forbid much exercise, and especially walking on the hard pavements of N.Y. city. But I am improving in both flesh and strength and I hope in health also. I am now under the care of one of the first medical men of N.Y. city. I have lately commenced visiting more frequently, and every few evenings receive an invitation to some social party. Yesterday whilst walking through the city, I thought of the pleasure which I would derive from sharing the contemplations of its beauties and wonders with you. Naturally I recalled to mind, and applied to N.Y. what the Frenchman asserted of Paris, when he said that when a man had seen Paris, that he had seen all the world.","In New York may be found all most anything which the inclinations may desire; but peaceful quiet: every thing is in motion, every thing is alive with animation. In its busy throng, none feel the long tedious hour; even the invalid for the time forgets his infirmities, and with wondering admiration contemplates the surrounding scene.","Frequently you are the subject of my thoughts, and if you were only within reach of rapid communication would receive more frequent visits. The weather is moderating here.","Fort Hamilton, N.Y. Harbor, June 12th/49","Dear Sister, \nDoubtless you are expecting an answer to your last, and in truth, not without reason; as I have not written for more than two months. But my silence has not originated from your not replying to my former letters, but is due to other causes, such as weak eyes and pressure of business, as I have to discharge the duties of Quartermaster \u0026 Commissary in addition to my other company duties, and from such causes I have now a number of unanswered letters on hand.","I wish when practicable to write to you once every month, and I do not wish you to reply unless your eyes will admit of it without pain, because I prefer that your health should be preserved to any other Earthly consideration, and I hope that you will not strain your eyes on any account whatever. We can not appreciate our blessings unless deprived of them. My health is improving.","I forward to Mr. Arnold a catalogue of Harper's publications. If there is anything in it which he wishes, I hope that he will not fail to let me know. When you get possession of my books, I wish that you would retain them until I see you, or write relative to them.","I have not subscribed for Graham's magazine, but will do so if you desire. I merely sent a copy in order to see how you would like it. I hope to send you a copy or number(?) of the Lady's Book which some prefer to Graham's, though I can not say which is best, but when you shall have received it, you can judge for yourself.","I have received my commission as Brevet Major, and am gratified that you had an opportunity of doing Judge Lee a favor.","I sent a fifty dollar bank draft to Sylvanus White, with a request that he would pay Miss Caroline Norris a small sum, I think 2.50, 3.00 or 3.50 cts, which she let me have for the purpose of making a small purchase, which I did not make; and as I have heard nothing of him  since, and as some months have elapsed, I fear that something may be wrong. I wish that you would ask Miss Eliza Norris about it, and if Sylvanus has not settled it, I wish that you would. If at any time, you should not receive an expected letter, try and make yourself easy, as in case of any accident happening to me, I have friends who would not fail to give the necessary information.","The Cholera in the city is on the decline. I have no dread of it as I believe that those who keep their system in a healthy state have but little to fear.","Your sincere brother \nThomas","Fort Hamilton, N.Y. Harbor, Monday, July 2/49","My Dear Sister, \nThe morning duties ended, and through the blessings of that all Ruling Being, I'm allowed the privilege and pleasure communing with you. I received some days since, a letter from John White informing me of your visit to him and of the news of his vicinity, but which it is not necessary to mention as I presume that all is probably already known to you. I was gratified to learn that Uncle C.E. had been released from the [illegible], and had left Lewis for a more congenial clime. I also received a letter from cousin Elizabeth [Griss], informing me of the marriage of cousin Indas (her sister), of her own recovered health and of the prospects of her promising brothers Ben and William. She also stated that the health of Aunt and Uncle Williams was good. But she had not heard from you, since my visit. If your eyes should become so, as to allow of your writing without pain, then try and drop her a note for truly she is one of your friends. But I hope that you will not strain your eyes for the purpose of writing to anyone. You can at least send her your card and an occasional messages by some of the Lawyers.","I feel much concern about your eyes, for I fear you will strain them. Remember that the best physicians are opposed to straining that important organ and when it fails or begins to fail naturally that they recommend spectacles. But this should be the last resort, and should only be used when necessary : for instance, some persons can walk about, out of doors and in doors without the light hurting their eyes: but must use this auxiliary in reading. The great objection to spectacles is that when their use is once commenced, it must be generally continued through life. A person when selecting a pair should select the lowest number, which will answer the proposed end and then as circumstances require, increase it. But I would advise you not to use them as long as you can do without them (at the same time avoiding pain).","My eyes were so weak some months since that I could not look long at objects through the window and to look out of doors was frequently painful, though but for a moment, and I was reduced to the necessity of masking my looking glass on account of its reflection, and I could not look at a candle, not even for a second, without pain. I consulted my physician and he told me not to use them, and at the same time to avoid spectacles. I did so and at present can read a letter of three or four pages without feeling any inconvenience of consequence. My health is improving and my strength adhered to my wholesome diet, of stale bread and plainly dressed meat (having nothing on it but salt), that I prefer it now to almost anything else. The other evening, I tasted a piece of bread with butter on it and then the bread without it, and rather gave my preference to the unbuttered bread; and hence I may never taste any more of this once much relished seasoning. And I think if you would adopt for your breakfast a cup of moderately strong black tea, stale wheat bread (wheat bread, raised and not less that 24 hours old) fresh meat, broiled or roasted is best, the yolk of one or two eggs (the white is hardly worth eating as it requires digestion and affords but little nutrition). For dinner the same kind of bread \u0026 meat, one vegetable only, say peas, beans or this years potatoes, and for drink plain water. For tea, the same kind of bread and drink as for breakfast and nothing else, unless you choose a little butter. The great beauty of the foregoing is that it furnishes all the nutrition which food can give and at the same time does not interfere in the digestive process like other substances such as salt meats, cabbage, lettuce, desert (such as pies, preserves, nuts, and all kinds of sweetmeats). Of what I have recommended, you can eat as much as your appetite craves, provided that you take regular meals, and plenty of exercise, say not less than three hours per day. I presume that your daily duties require you to be moving probably that much. Salt meats may be eaten, but fresh is preferable, and I regard green tea \u0026 coffee so injurious to the nerves that you should always prefer water to either. Now if you can make up your mind to adopt the foregoing for one year, I think that you will probably never wish to change it, and that after using such a diet for two or three months that you may experience marked advantage from it, but you must bear in mind that your meals must be at fixed hours. If you arise at seven five or six O'clock and go to bed at nine or ten, then seven would be a good hour for breakfast, one for dinner and seven for tea. And you ought to always retire to bed before eleven. If you should conclude to adopt the forgoing, do not taste other things of which you are fond: unless it be fruits and those should be ripe. I think that a small quantity of fruit eaten when ripe and in the fore part of the day, is advantageous. You should try and forget that you are infirm and pay no attention to your symptoms as most any person can by being too attentive to every little pain.","Remember that good wholesome food taken at proper times is one of the best of medicines. I shall have hopes of your improvement when you have resolved to taste nothing of which you are fond, except such things as I have mentioned. If you commence on this diet, remember that it is like a man joining the temperance society; if he afterwards tastes liquor, he is gone. T.J. Jackson","Fort Hamilton April 1st 1850","My Dear Sister \nYour letter came to safe to hand, and with pleasure its contents were read. During the past month, our stables were burned. All the horses were saved, though mine, with some others, were injured a little. The damage was near four thousand dollars.","I regret to say that circumstances will prevent my return home this summer, but on the 1st of October, I expect to be ordered to Fort Washington, opposite Mount Vernon, where I expect to get a leave, and visit you during some portion of that month.","My health continues to improve. My muscles have become quite solid. My exercises are of a violent character, when the chill blain {chilblain} on my feet do not prevent it. I hope that Little Ann has entirely recovered.","When I make my proposed visit, I shall endeavor to take with me such things as your letter has specified, provided that they are attainable. Some of them may be difficult to get. My past winter has been much more pleasant than the preceding. The weather here is at present delightful; but in a few days it may be the reverse as it is much influenced here on the Sea Board, by the direction of the winds.","On Thursday last, I, in company with 18 others had a grand sleigh ride, it was the best snow of the season, but in 24 hours, there was hardly a trace of it to be found.","Sincerely your Brother \nThomas P.S. Remember me to Mr. A. and family.","Fort Hamilton N.Y. Harbor \nApril 24, 1850","My Dear Uncle, \nI have with pleasure received, and read your very kind letter, but it was a pleasure mingled with pain at seeing those passages, which spoke of the death of friends and relatives. Though the rumor of uncle Cummins' death may be true, yet I cannot believe it without further evidence. I shall write to California and try to ascertain. I hope that no decree will be obtained for settling his property, but should such authority be obtained, then will not some of his friends who have means come forward and prevent its sacrifice. Certainly if he has a friend, now it the time for its manifestation. You spoke of my giving assistance, but my pecuniary affairs are so arranged that I have not ten dollars in cash which I can call my own.","There is no man on Earth, whom I would befriend sooner than Uncle Cummins. Let me know who have betrayed him and in what he has been betrayed, give me a full history of names and facts as soon as possible; and strain every nerve to prevent the granting of the decree. I expect to return home in the Fall, when I will see what can be done; though I fear that I will not be able to do any thing, but I can not tell what good luck I may meet with by that time.","I believe that I will leave my horse in the possession of McLean until then. I am in much better health then when we parted and hope through the blessings of a kind Providence soon to be restored to perfect health. I have not received a single line from California. I have a delightful station and hope to pass a pleasant Summer.","Remember me kindly to Aunt and other relatives and friends. \nYour nephew \nT.J. Jackson","Plattsburg Barracks N.Y. \nMay 10th 1850","My Dear Sister, \nYou observe that I am now on the border of Canada, it is for the purpose of trying some prisoners.","My health is still improving and in a short time I expect to return home to Fort Hamilton. In coming to this place I have passed some charming scenery. This place is on the Western bank of Lake Champlain. I should like very much to visit Montreal and Quebec before returning South, but want of time and money will prevent it. On my way here I saw the old Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point. And in front of this Garrison, was fought the great Naval action of the late war.","Remember me kindly to Mr. A and Family. \nYour brother Thomas","Fort Hamilton N.Y. \nMay 20th 1850","Sir, \nI herewith enclose an Invoice of Public Property, directed to your address, and turned over this day to Genl. H. Whiting, Asst. Qtr.Mstr. Genl.,for transportation.","I am Sir, \nVery Respectfully, \nYour obedient servt. \nT.J. Jackson\n1st Lt. \u0026 Bvt.Maj. 1st Arty. \nA. A. Qtr.Mstr.","To S. Lansing Jr. Esq. \nMil. Storekeeper \nU.S. Arsenal Watervliet Troy","Fort Hamilton N.Y. Harbor","My Dear Sister, \nI have received yours and in reply, can say that my health is still improving. Your requests shall be attended to, but it will be necessary to wait until my arrival; as I know of no safe mode of conveyance. You speak of your fruit and flowers. I cannot indulge in the luxury of the former, but of the latter, I take great interest and I hope that you may always cultivate them. It shows a refined taste to abound in admiration for the beautiful, and it has the additional advantage of endearing children to their home. With pleasure they must through different periods of their lives look back to their garden filled with beautiful flowers. And when they see the same flowers, even in distant countries, how vividly will it recall to mind their home, their Mother, Father, brothers, sisters, and all their early associations. ","I will not get home this summer, but have some hopes of coming in October, but I can not say what the result will be. How can I get through those mountains during the Winter season.","I wish that I could come and spend the entire winter with you, but such I fear will be impractical. Do not make any calculations, but expect me when circumstances will best admit of my taking a leave. I have recently received a letter from uncle John White and Aunt Catherine. The family is well, uncle Jack and Aunt Nancy are dead.","Uncle had recently received a letter from our cousins in California and they say that Uncle Cummins is undoubtedly dead. This is news which goes to my heart, uncle was a father to me.","I want to bring Thomas a good violin, if neither you nor Mr. A. has any objection to his learning to play on one. Remember me kindly to Mr. A. and family.","Your brother, \nThomas","Fort Ontario N.Y. \nAug 10th 1850","My Dear Sister, \nYou are probably surprised at hearing from me so frequently at different points as a member of Courts Martial. I am now about twelve hours from Niagara Falls, and consequently intend visiting them before returning home. I will leave here in the evening and be at the Falls next morning.","The Court will probably remain in session for several days.","Fort Ontario is situated on the lake of the same name and in view of the city of Oswego.","If circumstances permit me to return home to Va. this coming fall, how can I get to your town most conveniently from Washington City. My health is still improving, but is as yet so delicate as to render much regularity necessary, and it is probable that I am more particular in my rules that any person of your acquaintance.","I fear that I will be much exposed in crossing the mountains, unless there is a stage line through from Eastern Virginia. When you write, let me know what kind of flowers, plants, \u0026 are in your garden and what kind you would like for me to bring. I expect that I can obtain almost every description in New York.","I am to commence staying at a water cure establishment this evening where I expect to remain during my stay here. I have great faith in them for such infirmities as mine. I have been for some months adopting it to a certain extent, and with advantage.","Remember me very kindly to Mr. A. and the family.","Your brother, \nT.J. Jackson","West Point N.Y. \nSept. 3rd 1850","My Dear Sister, \nI am again at my first Military station, and a very pleasant visit it is. Here I see objects which recall many pleasant \u0026 agreeable associations of my youth, but it is my lot to meet but few of my comrades of those bygone days. All other things are visible, though changed. One of my former Barracks is torn down and another constructed. But among the existing and unaltered objects are the garden of Kosciuszko, his monument, Fort Putnam, in which Andre was confined and from which Arnold escaped after his unsuccessful attempt to sell his command. Here too is the Plain, the Military works and above all, its grand and lofty mountains. I am on a Genl. C. Martial, which will soon adjourn.","I have been quite unwell and had it not have been for my judicious application of water, I can not say what would have been the consequence.","Remember me very kindly to Mr. A. and family.","Your brother, \nT.J. Jackson","Fort Meade, Fla. \nFeb. 25th 1851","Dear Sir, \nI have just received your communication of the 4th inst. containing the kind proposition of bringing my name before the Board of Visitors of the V. M. Institute as a candidate for the Professorship of Nat. \u0026 Exp. Phil.","Though strong ties bind me to the Army, yet I can not consent to decline so flattering an offer. Please present my name to the Board and accept my thanks for your kindness.","I am sir, \nVery Respectfully \nYour Obt. Servt. \nT. J. Jackson","Fort Meade Fla. \nApril 2nd 1851","My Dear Sister, \nYour affectionate letter has been received, and read with much pleasure. I should think from the character of them, (the last few) that your health has improved very much; although you do not say so in so many words.","I have hopes of being able to live near you for a while. I received a letter from Col. Smith, the Superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute at Lexington, in which he kindly offers to present my name to the Board of Visitors in June next, as a candidate for the Professorship in Natural and Experimental Philosophy in the Institute. I have accepted his offer; but am unable to say whether I shall be elected. If I knew who would compose the Board, then I could form a better idea. If I have a few friends on it, my chance will probably be good. I consider the situation both conspicuous and desirable. I will be in about 150 or 160 miles from you, will have quarters, and receive twelve hundred dollars per year. Philosophy is my favorite subject. I hope through the blessings of Providence to succeed in securing the Post.","I have heard that the Hon. Joseph Johnson is to be our Governor. Is it Joseph Johnson of Harrison? if so I am much pleased, as he had befriended me on more than one occasion.","I believe that John Stringer will probably be on the Board of Visitors in June next. This information I received by yesterdays mail. Where does he live? I see that Mr. Carlisle has been making two speeches in the convention. I look upon him as one of the promising sons of Virginia. I hope before long to see him in Congress. I am much pleased at seeing cousin Wm. J. Jackson also in the Convention. Indeed I have some hopes that our ancient reputation may be revived.","I might have sent this letter sooner, but I designedly delayed it for to see if yesterday's mail (6th of April) would not enable me to give you some good news, but I did not receive the information which I was waiting for, but in my next I hope to be in possession of agreeable tidings for you, but I am not over sanguine.","I received a few days since, a very kind, and well-wishing letter from Genl. John J. Jackson. When I visit you, I want also to visit him. I find that I have many friends, indeed I have found that all to whom I apply for assistance are ready to give me a helping hand. The generals letter was particularly gratifying to me.","I shall not attempt a Theological discussion with you a present, hoping to see you during the present year, when I hope that you will have all of your questions and ideas prepared for the investigation of your brother.","Remember me very kindly to Mr. A., to Aunt White, to Uncle, Cousin John, Uncle Stalnaker and Col. Goff and other friends.","Your brother \nThomas","Fort Meade Florida \nApril 22nd 1851","Col. \nYour letter of the 28th inst. informing me that I have been elected Prof. of Natural and Experimental Philosophy and Artillery Tactics, in the Virginia Military Institute, has been received.","The high honor, conferred by the Board of Visitors, in selecting me, unanimously, to fill such a Professorship, gratified me exceedingly.","I hope to be able to meet the Board on the 25th of June next, but fear that circumstances, over which I have no control, will prevent my doing do before that time. For your kindness in endeavoring to procure me a leave of absence for six months, as well as for the interest you have otherwise manifested in my behalf, I feel under strong and lasting obligations.","Should I desire a furlough of more than than one month commencing on the 1st of July next, it would be for the purpose of visiting Europe.","I regret that recent illness has prevented my giving you an earlier answer.","Any communication which you may have to make previous to the 1st of June, please direct to this place.","I am Col. \nVery respectfully \nYour Obt. Servt. \nT. J. Jackson","Lexington, VA \nAugust 20th 1851","My Dear Sister \nI am much pleased with my situation. I have commenced my military duties and am reviewing on of my text books. My health has much improved since you heard me say good by.","I sent you a pamphlet a few days since, it was by the request of my old Physician with whom I was residing in the North. He appeared to take a deep interest in me and to be interested in those who were interested in your brother. From him I have learned many important truths concerning health. His names is Lowry Barney. I felt home sick at bidding adieu to his estimable family. Mrs. B. said that I did not appear like a stranger but like a relative, they were more kind than I could have desired.","From my present room which is in the 2d story of the Lexington Hotel. I have a lovely view of Mountain scenery. Lexington is the most beautiful place that I remember of having ever seen when taken in connection with the surrounding country.","I expect to go to the Springs next month with the Corps of Cadets. We shall leave about the 8th and return about the 25th, about the 13th we will arrive at the White Sulphur.","Remember me very kindly to Mr. A. \u0026 family and to my friends and relatives. I suppose that you had a fine mental feast on Miss B's notes. I designed burning them. Please save me the trouble by doing me the favor","Your brother, \nThomas","Lexington, Va. \nOct. 8th 1851","My Dear Sister, \nI have had the pleasure of receiving your letter and the articles which you sent to me.","I have seen Mr. Cowen and requested him to call on you, and have made a similar request of Mr. Henderson, whom I esteem very highly. He is the brother-in-law of Col. Smith. I am much obliged for the articles. An opportunity will hardly be afforded for visiting you this winter. I have received a letter from Cousin Margaret Neale: She as well as our other relatives are well.","The academic duties commenced on yesterday week.","My health has through the blessings of Providence been so much improved to enable me to enter on my duties, with which I am delighted.","Remember me very kindly to Mr. A. and family, and to all enquiring relatives \u0026 friends.","And say to Mr. A. that I hope to be able by his assistance to get some fine fossil specimens from his farm when I next visit Beverly. I remember of having seen some beautiful specimens of shells, near the bridge about Mrs. Bakers. These he showed me in 1848.","Your brother \nThomas ","Va. Military Institute \nLexington, Va. Jany. 16th 1852","My Dear Sister, \nYour letter has like every other good, brought with it pain. But I hope that your health will again return among the blessings of Providence to brighten the remainder of your days as well as those of mine.","I have been desirous of writing at an earlier day; but our examination and other duties have prevented my doing so, and even now this pleasing task is performed during the height of the examination. It could be delayed no longer without a degree of pain, which your brother is unwilling to experience on this subject. This trying ordeal will close about Thursday next.","I hope that you will look back if you through your past life and see if you can not find some cause for your afflictions.","Now my dear sister. You are aware that I am troubled about your hopes in relation to the endless futurity. The best plan that I can  conceive for an unbeliever in God, as presented to us in the Bible, is to first consider things in reference merely to expediency. Now considering the subject with reference to expediency only, let us examine whether it is safer to be a Christian or an Infidel. Suppose two persons, one a Christian and the other an infidel, to be closing their earthly existences and suppose that the infidel is right and the Christian is wrong, they will then after death be upon an equality. But instead of the infidel being right, suppose him to be wrong and the Christian right, then will the state of the latter after death be inestimably superior to that of the other. And if you will examine the history of mankind it will be plain that Christianity contributes much more to happiness in this life, than that of infidelity. Now having briefly glanced at this subject, to what decision are we forced on the mere ground of expediency, certainly it is to the adoption of Christianity.","Having made our selection of Christianity, the next point is to consider whether we can believe the teachings of the Sacred volume; if so, then its adoption should of necessity follow. I have examined the subject maturely, and the evidence is very conclusive, and if we do not receive the Bible as being authentic and creditable, we must reject every other ancient work; as there is no other in favor of which, so much evidence can be adduced. Oh Sister! do pray to God for his mercy, and eternal life through our Redeemer Jesus Christ.","I have not yet been able to procure the peaches of which I spoke in my former letter. Cousin Harriet has returned from her visit to Point Pleasant, which was to her very pleasant. Uncle Minor Neale's daughter has returned home, with her grand-father who came north for her. Talk to Thomas \u0026 Grace for me and tell them that their uncle is very much obliged to them and that they must continue to be good children, and do what their mother and father may require of them.","Remember me very kindly to all inquiring friends and Relatives.","I should be much pleased to see a literary institution in Beverly; but I cannot see how to be serviceable to it. If you will state in your next what I would have to do as agent I would be enabled to give a more definite answer.","Your brother, \nThomas ","Va. Mil. Institute \nLexington Va. Feby. 7 1852","My Dear Sister, \nThough much pressed with business and far behind in my correspondence, I can not defer any longer a letter to you. Our examination has closed and academic duties have been resumed.","Next week I hope to take up the subject of Optics. The approaching summer is looked forward to by me with no small degree of interest, as our vacation will commence after the 4th of July.","Your health I hope is completely restored before this time: mine is still delicate. When did you last hear from Parkersburg and how are our relatives and friends? Do you see anything of John White's family. The weather had been extremely cold, but at present it is lovely.","I have not heard from you in weeks upon weeks. Remember me very kindly to Mr. A \u0026 family and to all enquiring friends.","Your brother, \nThomas","V.M. Institute \nLexington, Va. \nFebruary 21st 1852","My Dear Sister, \nYour welcome letter including that of our cousin, has been received, and with no small regret do I consider your past afflictions, but we are all the children of suffering sorrow in this world. Whilst it has many pleasures, it is not, nor will not be divested of its cares. Amid affliction, let us hope for happiness. But divest us of hope and how miserable would we be! It has never forsaken me, nor in my humble opinion, never will. However dark the night, I am cheered with an anticipated glorious and luminous morrow. May such ever be your happy lot. No earthly calamity can shake my hope in the future, so long as God is my friend, and on this subject I expect to have a long conversation with you next summer. I feel ashamed of not having written to you earlier, but even now I am debtor a number of letters in other quarters, which in time, have the preference, but my conscience will not be troubled at this species of fraud.","I am glad that cousin stopped with you. I received a letter from cousin Sylvanus White recently in which he states that his location is in Missouri, but for the future, he can not say to what quarter his steps will be directed.","My health has improved. What do you propose doing next summer during my visit. I suppose that plans you have in abundance. How is the family: give my regards to all individually. Tell Thomas that I should like to have him with me sometimes very much \u0026 that he must be at home the next time that I visit him. Remember me to all inquiring friends and relatives. How is Cousin John White and Aunt White.","Your Brother, \nThomas","V.M. Institute Lexington, Va. \nApril 10th 1852","My Dear Sister \nI have nothing which can call for a letter from me at this time except the pleasure of writing to you and to say a word in reference to your mentioned garden seeds, \u0026 c. Tell me the precise kinds of seeds which are desirable and if you can the mode of conveyance for them to Beverly. I might possibly procure some grafts of apricots \u0026 [illegible] if they could only be sent to you.","I sent for my box sometime since, but have not yet obtained possession of it. This is a beautiful day, though the preceding few have been cold and have injured the fruit prospects, particularly the apricots and other early fruit. The plank road from Staunton to Buckhannon, which latter place is about 25 miles distant from here is now under construction, through our town. The stage travels about one third faster on it than on the dirt road.","I am anxiously looking forward to July.","When did you last hear from Cousin Margaret. She appears to have dropped me as a correspondent. I certainly gave her ostensible reason for so doing by not answering her letter more promptly. But this was occasioned by the pressure of other things.","Remember me very kindly to Mr. A., the family \u0026 to all enquiring friends and relations.","Tell Thomas and Grace I am not going to allow them to see their Aunt Nancy until they both offer to love me more than her. Tell them that their Aunt does not care about them half as much as I do.","Your brother, \nThomas","V.M. Institute \nLexington, Va. May 1st 1852","My Dear Doctor, \nYour interesting letter has been received and perused with much pleasure. But my matrimonial success as you are ere this probably aware of was a hoax. I suppose that some interested friend thought that I ought to be married and that it would be well to remind me of my duty before efforts would be too late. Frequently your intended, is to be seen with all her prepossessing fascinations. Why do you not come on? Certainly you will be here on the 4th. The weather here is at present beautiful, though for months it has been unseasonably cold.","How are you pleased with Philadelphia? What are Penrose's prospects for distinction in his profession. Of all the cities in this Union, that of the Quakers has my preference. Its public squares, magnificent edifices, it's water works \u0026 c, including that universal task which strikes the eye at all its points, must make it very interesting to all, who are only consulting pleasure.","Trueheart is now in Washington city, engaged in the Coast Survey. There is only one assistant here at present (Stewart). Our appropriation bill has not yet been acted on by the Legislature.","Judge Baldwin is not expected to recover from his recent attack. Judge Brockenbrough will probably be a candidate in place of Judge Baldwin for the Court of Appeals.","Prof. Calhoun of Washington College will leave this coming summer; his successor is so far unknown. Every thing is quiet at present in the Institute and I hope will ever continue so.","There is to be strong [stage] opposition through here this season. Let me here from you whenever a spare moment will permit.","Your sincere friend, \nT. J. Jackson","[On verso; not in Jackson's hand]","Resolved that it is with feelings of the most profound regret that we have heard the announcement of the decease of our fellow student \u0026 associate Dr. [illegible] Weir; whose gentlemanly bearing \u0026 Christian deportment has served not only to endear him to all with whom he came in contact but to render him an ornament and honour to the noble profession of which he was so faithful a votary. Resolved that we do sympathize most sincerely with the bereaved relatives \u0026 friends of his House upon whom this dispensation of Providence has fallen so unexpectedly \u0026 painfully.","Resolved that from respect to his memory we will wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days.","Resolved that a copy of the proceedings of this meeting signed by the Secy. \u0026 Pres. be forwarded to the family of the deceased \u0026 that the same be published in the Richmond \u0026 Alexandria papers.","Va. Military Institute \nLexington, Va. May 14, 1852","My dear Sister, \nYour welcome letter had been received; but you do not give me definite instructions about garden seed, grafts etc. But I should think that it would be useless to get any for you unless they are such as I can convey in person for you may judge of the difficulty of getting anything from Lexington to Beverly from the fact that though I have used effort upon effort to procure the box which you sent to me and have told the stage driver to spare no expense in procuring it, yet from his negligence or from some other cause it has not yet come to hand.","I wish that you would either get Miss H. to take it back to Beverly on her return, or else send a servant with it to the stage office at Staunton and have it sent to me put on the way bill and directed to me at Lexington, Va. to the care of E. Porter.","I have recently received a letter from Cousin Margaret Neale, which states that she is engaged in teaching a school and that all our relations are well and that Cousin Lizzie Neale, daughter of Uncle Minor is on a visit and that she will probably remain North all summer.","I hope that by this time your health is entirely restored. Though my manner of living is very abstemious, yet health has not returned with all its blessings. Yet I am much better than when I last bid you good bye.","Remember me very kindly to Mr. A. \u0026 family. Tell Thomas and Grace that their aunt does not say a single word about either of them.","The weather had been very pleasant for the past few days, though the present one is not remarkably agreeable as a part of the time is sunshine and a part rainy and the balance is a mixture of both. In Beverly there is probably snow to be seen even this  late in May.","This evening we are to be favored with a vocal concert. I wish that you could accompany me. I believe that as yet you had not been informed of my daily exercise. I have to walk about a mile and a half for each meal: 3/4 to and 3/4 from it. And in the morning I usually walk about a mile and a half before breakfast and in the afternoon about two miles or more before tea.","Your brother, \nThomas","Va. Military Institute \nLexington, Va. June 5th, 1852","My Dear Sister, \nYour welcome letter has come safe to hand but I regret that your health is not yet restored though improved at present, let us hope to see the day when you will again enjoy that greatest of earthly blessings in perfection. Do not begin to look for me until the latter half of July. I may be with you in the first part but I can not speak definitely at present.","My box has not yet arrived, but I have spoken to a friend whose family lives in Staunton to endeavor to have his family to forward it. I shall try to get some grafts to take with me.","Is it a fur hat which I am to get for Thomas, if so it would be desirable to have the measure of his head.","The weather is quite cool here this morning though for sometime back it has been very warm.","The people are beginning to visit the Alum Springs.","I wish that you could see our Institute for I consider that it is the most tasty edifice in the state. We have had green peas for sometime and the strawberries are I believe beginning to disappear. But the cherries are just coming in season.","Beverly must be cold enough for all practicable purposes even at this late period. I am enjoying myself more than I have done for some years; but still my health requires much care and rigid regard to diet.","I hope that the news may be true that Uncle Cummins has returned; to meet him will be a proud day in my life. He has certainly been a good friend to me. Have you heard anything from cousin E.J. Jackson.","A bill has recently passed out state Legislature which appropriates 30,000 dollars for the purpose of completing our Barracks. We expect during the coming session to have about 18 or 20 more cadets that at any previous one and when the buildings shall be completed the accommodations will admit of upwards of 200. This past year we had to refuse admission to a large number. Remember me very kindly to Mr. A \u0026 family \u0026 to all inquiring friends and relatives.","Your brother \nThomas \nP.S. I hope that you will not make any calculations as to the manner of passing the present summer until after my arrival at Beverly. T. ","Alum Springs Rockbridge Cty\nJuly 12 1852","I arrived here yesterday in as good health as usual and am delighted with the waters so far. The Springs are crowded there being about four hundred visitors and the accommodations being only adequate for 275 or 300. I succeeded in procuring 1/2 a bed; there being one room for four occupants. In a few days I hope to be better off. Though we have but two beds to 4 persons in my quarters; yet the beds are good, and the servants, and proprietors, and the their assistants are attentive.","Boarding is 10 dollars per week. This water I consider is the water of waters. This place is more crowded than any other in the mountains and I have not heard of a single person who is dissatisfied though my enquiries have been many.","My appetite and digestion have already improved and I indulge rather freely. My dinner was principally bread (which was rather fresh), potatoes and green corn which is by no means digestible. My supper rich corn bread \u0026 the same for breakfast (using butter freely at each meal)","Remember me very kindly to all enquiring Relatives and friends. Your brother, Thomas","This establishment was sold a few days since for one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. \nT.J.J.","Lexington Va. \nSept 7th 1852","My Dear Sister, \nA line from you has not even come to hand yet. I hope that this is not a result of ill health. An improvement of health began to reward me for my visit to the Alum Springs, within as I believe less than 24 hours after my arrival there. I remained at the Springs for three weeks and then left with regret.","The checks have not yet come to hand, has the letter containing them been received by you. Our duties at the Institute have been resumed, and things omen well.","I have for months back admired Lexington, but now for the first time have truly and fully appreciated it. Of all the places which have come under my observation in the U. States, this little village is the most beautiful.","In a few days I hope to write a letter to cousin Harriet Murdoc and I shall urge her to leave home next year. She is a lovely lady and if she were not my cousin I might ardently desire her to be my wife. She is so estimable: I feel proud of her as a cousin. I enjoyed myself very much at the springs and would have been delighted to have had her with me.","I wrote to Richard Camden and to Dr. Bland requesting them to join me at the Alum but have heard nothing from either of them.","I hope that the baby has entirely recovered and that your health continues to improve. Remember me very kindly to the family and to all inquiring friends and relatives.","Your brother, Thomas ","Has Cousin Nancy returned home? How is Miss Eliza and Mrs. Hilly? \nT.J.J.","Lexington, Va. \nOct. 9th 1852","My Dear Sister, \nYour kind letter has finally come safely to its place of destination. I felt concerned about your long silence, for fear that your health was bad.","I have found on my return home that the peaches here were not so abundant as I had supposed but the apples are at abundance. Though peaches are not so plentiful as I had supposed, yet I have spoken to a person to secure me two or three bushels and if he fails I will endeavor to secure them by sending to Lynchburg, which is near forty miles and through that section I have been informed that there has been no scarcity. I hope that by this time the baby is entirely well and that health and prosperity are among the number of your domestic blessings.","My health has been much improved by visiting the Alum Springs. I have been and am still using the water, but its effects are not so good as when used at the Springs.","Cousin Harriet has written me a letter which I prize very much, it speaks the purity of her character. I wish that I could be with her during my leisure moments. They would pass so delightfully under her pure and elevating influence.","Cousin Margaret is married, though of this you have probably already been informed. She is the wife of the person to whom I believe you alluded when we were at Parkersburg. Aunt would not consent to her being married at home and she was consequently married at Uncle William Neale's.","The weather here is very warm and the ground is quite dry.","What news have you from the letter containing the drafts. I wish you would let me know as soon as convenient, whether there is any hopes of getting possession of them. Let me hear from you as soon as convenient.","John Gittings is doing very well.","Remember me very kindly to each member of the family and to all enquiring relatives and friends.","Your brother \nThomas","Lexington, Va. \nOctober 25th 1852","My Dear Sister, \nYour very kind letter has come safe to hand and I am glad to learn that you are enjoying as many blessings as still fall to your lot. I hope that by the time of the receipt of this that the children will all be in perfect health.","George Lurty has been here for about two weeks. He and Mr. Harrison (son of Wm. Harrison of Clarksburg) design taking a course of law lectures this winter under Judge Brockenbrough.1   George is a young man of very fine mind, and I hope that he will acquit himself with much credit this winter. A young Mr. Stribling from Point Pleasant is also here. He is brother to the Miss S. of whom I presume you have ","1Now, Washington and Lee University School of Law, Lexington, Virginia. heard cousin Harriet Murdoc frequently speak. Cousin Harriet I regard as being one of the sweetest ladies with whom I have ever met. I wish that we could be together frequently. I hope that she will make a visit next summer to this most beautiful of places. How sweet it is to meet with congenial spirits!","I wish that you would forward me the checks by the first mail as I am in need of them. The peaches have not yet come to hand but as soon as they do I will forward them without delay.","I weighed yesterday one hundred and seventy two pounds and a fraction. This is six pounds more than any former weight. My health has much improved and I hope that through the blessings of God, I will ultimately enjoy perfect health. Remember me very kindly to Mr. A and family and to all enquiring friends.","Your brother \nThomas","Lexington, Va. \nNovember 11, 1852","My Dear Sister, \nYour letter has been received with its enclosures, but it had brought sorrow to my heart to learn that you health is unusually delicate. My dear sister, my concern for you is great. This concern is not restricted to you whilst in this world, but it extends into the unending future, and my continual prayer is that you will return into the fold of God. My dear sister, if you will but seek God in the bible conditions he will give you peace and comfort while all the powers on Earth can not de[liver] and the hopes of a coming immor[tality] will make all the ills of life supportable under every circumstance. Your mother prayed for you and I believe that the same may be said of your brother Warren. And can it be that the prayers of them and myself united, will not be heard by \"Our Father in Heaven.\" I fear that you concern yourself too much about the things of this life. ","I expect that you have probably been devoting too much care to the articles which you spoke of forwarding to me. Now do not think any more about me in relation to them, but bear in mind that I have plenty of everything except health and that this has much improved.","I hope that health will return to you with all of its blessings. I have written twice to cousin Harriet since we parted. I do think her one of the sweetest ladies. I wish that I could be in her society more frequently than circumstances will permit.","We have had a lovely fall in this portion of the state. My kindest regards to Mr. Arnold's family, all inquiring friends.","Your brother, Thomas","P.S. This morning I fired ten guns from the Battery of Artillery in commemoration of the origin of the Institute. This day, thirteen years it went into operation and it is now in a very flourishing condition, so much so that we cannot accommodate all the applications.","Lexington, Va. \nDecember 11th, 1852","My Dear Sister, \nYour kind letter has received the perusal of a brother and I hope that though ill health is your present lot, that notwithstanding, you will continue a buoyancy of spirits and not give way to surrounding troubles. I too am a man of trouble, yet let the oppressing load be ever so great it never sinks me beneath its weight.","I trust that this will find you improving if not well. Our session will have its semi-annual examination in the early part of the coming January. When did you last hear from Cousin Harriet Murdoc. A cadet from Point Pleasant tells me that she had been there on a visit, but that she has returned home.","Lexington has been very gay for some time back, owing to the marriage of one of the daughters of the late Governor McDowell. The weather is quite inclement at present.","You must talk to Thomas and Grace for me and tell them that their uncle frequently thinks of them and that he would be very glad to have them with him. But that he does not like bad children and always talk to them for me in such a manner as to make them better. I suppose that you have heard of Cousin Margaret Neale's marriage.","I am very busy this winter with studying and hearing recitations, having not only to prepare on Natural Philosophy and Artillery, but to be in the section room three and four hours per day additional. My spare time is given to reading and to other sources of improvement.","Your brother, \nThomas","Va. Military Institute \nLexington, Va. \nFebruary 1st 1853","My Dear Sister, \nI hope that ere this your health has improved and that the returning spring will reanimate your feelings, and suggest the idea that it is but the symbol of the endless beauties and enjoyments of the world to come. The passage of Scripture from which I have derived sufficient support whenever applied is in the following words \"acknowledge God in all thy ways and he shall direct thy paths.\" What a comfort is this!","My Dear Sister, it is useless for men to tell me that there is no God, and that his benign influence is not to be experienced in prayer, when it is offered in conformity to the Bible. For some time past, not a single day has passed by without my feeling his hallowing presence whilst at my morning prayers. I endeavor to live in accordance with the above passage which means as I understand it, in all thy ways acknowledge God and he shall take care of you in all respects.","What better protector can we desire that one who is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent and who hath promised that he will take care of us in all things, and in addition to all this the pledge coming from One who cannot lie.","Our weather here has been quite cold for sometime back, but at present it is very beautiful; too much so to be of long duration I fear. Persons I believe have generally filled their ice houses.","I rather begin to despair of the peaches as I have not seen a dry one to my recollection since returning home.","You remember that during the past summer I was very much reduced in flesh, at present I have more than desirable and sometimes endeavor to reduce it, but the nervousness with which I have been so much troubled and the disagreeableness of cold feet induce me to adhere to the indulgence of the palate. But my dishes are very plain: generally brown bread is the principle article for Breakfast and Tea and sometimes I probably do not taste meat for more than a month and I have not to my recollection used any other drink than cold water since my return home, and hope that such may continue to be the case.","I heard from Judge Allen a few days since: Cousin Mary is well, one of her daughters is rather ill. I met the daughter at the Alum Springs during the past summer. She is a beautiful girl.","Though I desire to hear from you frequently; yet I never wish to do so when there doing so, requires that your eyes should be tasked. To know that you are destroying or endangering the happiness of yourself, and those around you, produces more pain than the receipt of a letter cam compensate for.","Cousin Harriet Murdock was well when her last letter was written. A letter from her is daily expected.","Your Brother, \nThomas","Lexington, Va. \nApril 1st 1853","My Dear Sister, \nTime as it passes brings me to the renewal of the pleasant duty of writing to my sister, though there is nothing here of which I am aware that can be of interest to you, beyond what may be felt in an only brother. Let pleasure result from the mere act of writing to you. Our lives have been checkered in a most marked manner and we are still, notwithstanding all the ill omens of our youth, living even beyond the usual period of human life and I trust that before us are the brightest of our days. In taking a retrospective view of my own life, each year has opened as I consider, with increased promise and with my present views, the future is holding richer stores in reserve. Could you only believe with myself then would you also bear the present with patience and look forward to the future with a calm serene and pleasurable delight.","I too have crosses, and am at times deeply afflicted! But however sore may be the trials they lose their poignancy, and instead of producing injury I feel that I am but improved by the ordeal. But how is this accomplished? By throwing myself upon the protection of him, whose law book is the wonderful Bible. My dear sister I would not part with this book for countless universes. I feel ready to make every sacrifice to carry out the will of him who so loved us, as to give his only begotten son to die for me. How exceedingly great must have been that love!","The more I learn, the more dear does the precious volume appear to me. O Sister, if you would only pray! If you would only become religious! I derive much pleasure from morning walks, in which is to be enjoyed the pure sweetness of caroling birds.","The weather is delightful at present, and our peach trees are beginning to bloom, and in the course of a few more weeks, the forests will be clad with verdure.","Judge Brockenbrough's law school has closed its session and George Lurty has returned home; after having passed a profitable winter. If he will only make the best of his facilities, a brilliant career may be expected as his reward. He possesses talents of a high order.","I have not heard from Cousin Harriet for a long time. It appears she has forgotten me.","Sometime since, Cousin Sylvanus wrote to me, and stated that he was at home, but expected in a few days to leave for the west. Talk to the children for me as I would were I with you. Remember me very kindly to the whole family and to all enquiring relatives and friends.","Your brother, \nThomas","Lexington Rockbridge County, Va. \nApril 15th 1853","My Dear Sister, \nOur spring is opening beautifully, though it is said to be late. I wish that I could only be with you this evening, ah! Not this evening only, but many evenings. I am invited to a large party to night and among the scramble, expect to come in for my share of fun. My health is still improving and in a few months through the blessing of an all kind providence, I hope to be well, at least so much as people usually are.","I wish that you would send me by the return mail the daguerreotype which I had taken in New York after having shaved. The one with the beard on, was taken at New Orleans soon after my return from Mexico. This last one I wish you to keep safely as I prize it highly. If you remember, I gave you two others one being taken with a stern countenance, and the other with a smile, it is the smiling one which I want and don't fail to send it well enveloped, by the first mail. If you wish it to be returned, I will try and do so in a few months or else a better one in its stead; as I think your brother is a better looking man than he was when that was taken. It may be that you have not got the one which I had taken with the beard on, if not it is lost. I am anxious to get Father's, in order to have a facsimile of it taken, but do not trust it to the mail. I believe you let Cousin Harriet have the grim looking one, which I gave you, ungrateful girl that she is. I am going to write to her in a few days such a letter as such conduct in a pretty cousin merits.","I hope that you are out of bed, and able to enjoy the comforts of domestic life. Kiss the children and tell them a great many things such as their uncle would tell him were he in their company.","Remember me very kindly to Mr. A. and to all the family and to all enquiring relatives \u0026 friends. Should any person be coming here, I would be glad to get my Blair's Rhetoric.","Your brother, \nThomas","Lexington, Va. \nJune 6th 1853","My Dearest \u0026 only Sister, \nYour melancholy letter has brought tears to my eyes. Yet I would never have you conceal anything from me because of the pain which it may cause me. If your health is really as you state, I would rather know it. My dearest sister, with tears in my eyes and a heart devoted to my God, I look into the future beyond the limits of this transient life of care; and see the dark gloom which is to exist throughout infinite duration. That whilst I am \"to shine like a star in the firmament for ever and forever,\" you are to be assigned to unending misery.","What my dear sister is this life, and all its joys, compared to that which is to come. How happy would I be did I but know that beyond this probationary life we should be together for ever more, there with those who have gone before us, to enjoy endless happiness. My sister, do reflect upon my course of life, think and see if I have ever erred since arriving at mature age, and then consider how I could ever have been satisfied of the truth of the Gospel; unless it is true. Have I ever erred in the affairs of this life? Remember too what strong irreligious influences have been brought to bear on me and yet in spite of all opposing obstacles, I am one of the most devoted of Christians.","Will you not have some faith in the prayers of a dying mother \u0026 brother? My dearest sister, do throw yourself into the hands of God. Throw yourself upon his mercy, repent of your sins and believe that the father will accept your prayers, and forgive your transgressions, for the sake of his son's merits. Remember that he hath said that they who come unto him he will in nowise cast off.","I shall leave here as soon as my vacation shall permit and hope to be with you by the 12 of July if not before. I had designed making you a visit this summer, but did not know whether it would be before or after my return from the North. I have business which calls me to New York City this summer and I was desirous of going some more distant places.","You speak of Dr. Bosworth's son. I wish that it was in my power to do him a service but being here as Professor, I ought not to abuse my trust in any way. I wrote to the Doctor in reference to his son, but I believe omitted to state that in his letter to the superintendent of the Institute he should state that he was unable to educate his son himself. When he calls to see you, I wish that you would mention this to him \u0026 also tell him that Col. Samuel L. Hayes is on the new Board of Visitors for your place.","I most sincerely hope that his son will get the appointment and if there is anything which I can do for him consistent with my duty as Professor, it shall be done with a great deal of pleasure.","Your brother, \nThomas","Rockbridge Alum Springs \nAugust 3rd, 1853","My Dear Sister, \nI arrived here yesterday in good health, and expect to leave for the North this evening, via Lexington. There are about five hundred visitors here at present, and the accommodations are nearly exhausted, and in a few days it is quite possible that persons from necessity will be turned off. I hope that Stark has quite recovered. Remember me very kindly to all the family, and to all other enquiring relatives and friends. Say to Mrs. [Hillie/Hellee] that I saw Judge Brockenbrough, but that as he is not a Freemason, I shall try elsewhere. I expect to be in Staunton tomorrow and hope to be able to find some influential Mason there who will attend promptly to the business. I endeavored to do so when coming through Staunton, but did not succeed. I intend to press the matter until some definite action shall have been taken upon the subject.","Say to Dr. Bosworth that I saw John1 yesterday, and that he was well with the exception of a sore leg. I asked him if he had written home, and he said that he had not done so, that he did not wish to, because of his leg being sore. I advised him to write and say nothing about his leg as it would be better to let them hear from him, though he should say nothing in respect to this. His leg did not appear to trouble him much, he was going about the encampment and did not appear much lame. He told me that he would write. If you should say anything to the Doctor about John's leg, tell him to have no concern about it. But probably it would be best to say nothing about the subject of health. I am scarce of paper. Tell Miss Eliza that she must be on the look out for something in relation to me, and in reference to which she called my attention.","Your brother, \nThomas","Say to Doctor Bosworth that I did not hand in the list for John, because of its having already been done.","Lexington, Va. \nOctober 19th, 1853","My Dear Sister, \nSometime since when Mr. Tanner the Daguerreian was passing through here on his way to Beverly, I availed myself of his kindness to send you and Grace and Thomas the little purchases which I made last summer and I hope that they reached you safely. I should have sent Father's miniature also, but upon reflection thought it would be better to defer doing so until a more favorable opportunity should present itself. I hope that Mr. Tanner called to see you, he is a very worthy person and one in whose integrity I have much confidence. The weather here is beautiful and I am enjoying like. To me my wife is a great source of happiness. She has those requisites of which I used to speak to you, and sends her love to you. Tell Mrs. [Hillie] that I have not yet learned the result  result of the application; but that it shall be followed up until some answer shall be obtained.","In my last letter, I spoke of being in Philadelphia. We remained there from Saturday until Monday, when we proceeded to West Point where I was delighted with my easy associations: The beautiful plains, the frowning ruins of Fort Putnam, the majestic river, and magnificent scenery all conspired to enhance my happiness which had already been of a high order. The ladies1 also were much pleased with it.","After remaining there until about 12 o'clock next day, we resumed out route for Niagara Falls. This of all natural curiosities is the most sublime and imposing which has ever come under my observation. We put up at the Cataract House, which is on the American side, and the next morning crossed over to Goat's Island which separates the Falls into two parts, that point on the East of the Island is called the Transcript\nAmerican Falls and that on the West side the Canadian. The latter is much the larger, by reason of the greater quantity of water which passes down on this side of the island. The Canadian falls are called the horseshoe falls from their resemblance to a horseshoe, the toe being up stream. When looking at this wonder of nature I desired to be left to my own interrupted thoughts, it lulls the mind and forbids interruption, it calls on the mind for its entire and undivided contemplation. More of this in my next. Remember me very kindly to Mr. A. the family and all enquiring friends \u0026 relatives.","Your brother, \nThomas","Lexington, Va. \nNovember 30th 1853","My Dear Sister, \nI hope that upon the receipt of this that you will be induced to break your long silence. Do not think that because I am married that I would not be glad to receive a letter from you. I am going to the wedding of one of my old bachelor friends this evening. His name is Massie1, a graduate of the Va. Mil. Institute; the lady is Miss Sophonisba B. McDowell, daughter of the late governor McDowell.","At present my health is influenced by a cold in the head; but to such things in my own case, I attach but little importance, for with care they are dissipated in a few days. My wife is in good health, and sends her love to you \u0026 the family.","Things here are working smoothly, the weather is fine, and I am much pleased with the coming prospects. Give my love to Mr. A. and the rest of the family. Tell Mrs. Hillie that I saw the gentleman to whom I made application in her case, but a few days since, and that he that he had not been able to do anything for her as yet, but on account of the recent expenses of the lodge; but that he was certain that he would get twenty dollars at least, and that he would be in Richmond this winter, and that he would bring her case before the grand lodge of the State. But tell her not to be too sanguine about success for fear that she may be disappointed. In my opinion, something will be done for her, but how much it is impossible to say.","I believe that at the close of my last letter I was making some remarks upon Niagara, and I had probably finished them. After leaving there, we proceeded in a carriage down the Niagara River for a few miles to Lewiston, where we took a steamer and proceeded to cross Lake Ontario on our way to the St. Lawrence River, and at dawn the next morning we were around a cluster of islands called the thousand islands, which present an extremely beautiful aspect and they are probably a thousand in number, some almost covered by bare and rugged rocks and crops and the other beautifully varied with forests of Northern growth. I enjoyed the scene much! Very much! During the day, we passed through the perilous rapids of that remarkable river. In passing one of them we took on board a special pilot of large an athletic dimensions. After thus passing a very pleasant day, we arrived safely at Montreal. To be remembered to all inquiring relatives \u0026 friends is the request of your only brother, \nThomas ","P.S. You may form some idea of one of the rapids from the circumstance that though we were on a high decked steamer, yes the spray was thrown extremely over her prow and so as to fall upon her deck.","Lexington, Va. \nFebruary 14th 1854","My Dear Sister, \nYour long looked for letter arrived at last. I am much pleased at having another niece and hope that she may prove as pretty and interesting as Grace. I hope that you may not have a return of the sore mouth, but that better health may bless you than in past years.","It is very singular that Mr. Tanner neglected to give you the things entrusted to him, possibly he changed his route after having seen me and did not pass through Beverly.","I wish that I could get Tom some suitable books here. I may have an opportunity of getting some by the time that any person from this place goes to Beverly.","I send you a lock of Ellie's hair which she reluctantly parts with because of its color, which she hopes may prove more acceptable to your taste than it has ever been to hers. My message to you is that you must prize it very highly as being the token of a sister's love and from a brother's wife.","Send us a lock from your hair and also one from Grace. Tell her to give me the prettiest she has so that I may look at it when I am so far off that I cannot see her pretty face. Tell her furthermore that I have told her Aunt that Grace is very pretty \u0026 her conduct much as good as her face.","I have not yet heard of any money being collected for Mrs. Hillie and I feel uneasy about it; yet I have strong reassurances that something will be done, and I shall press the matter until a definite answer shall have been obtained, and the result I will inform Mrs. Hillie of immediately. Ellie joins me in love to you and the family.","Your brother, \nThomas","Lexington, Va. \nMarch 4th 1854","My Dear Sister, \nYour kind letter was gladly received, and read. Permit me to congratulate myself on being the Uncle of another niece as pretty as Grace. I hope that you will accept my kindest congratulations and give the same to Mr. Arnold. As yet I have heard nothing of Mr. Tanner.","I hope that Mrs. Hillie is improving in health. I am anxious about her claim, no recent account has been given me in reference to it. Should nothing be reported to me before summer, I shall go to Staunton in person and see about it. Until that time my occupation requires me to be at the Institute.","We have recently been called to mourn the death of my mother-in-law, she without any apparent uneasy concern passed in to that unseen world where the weary are at rest. Her life was such as to attract around her many warm friends, and if she had any enemy in this world it was and continues to be a secret to me. Hers was a Christian life and hers was a Christian death. She had been afflicted with rheumatism for several months previous to the close of her life and on Saturday preceding her death she had the return of hernia which had formerly afflicted her. On the 23rd of February about 3 o'clock P.M. her husband told her that her end had come. She asked how long she could live and he told her two or three hours, and although the Physicians had the same day pronounced her symptoms favorable, she appeared perfectly reconciled. She said that she was not afraid to die and that she found Jesus precious to her soul. [text at left margin] She asked us to kiss her and told her children to live near to Jesus and to be kind to one another. When asked by one her daughters what they should do without her, she replied that the Lord would provide. She was strongly attached to her family and [they] to her; yet she appeared to have no concern about what would become of herself or family, such was her complete confidence in the promises of the Bible. She felt assured that God would provide for her family and she felt that she was going to her saviour, with whom she expected to enjoy unending happiness. Her death was no leaping into the dark. She died with the bright hope of an unending immortality of happiness.","My sister, Oh! That you could thus live, then might you thus die. Do you not remember how much you are concerned about your children when you apprehend the approach of a dying hour. Do my sister turn to God and cast all your care in Jesus. I believe that you had our Mother's and Warren's prayers and now you have mine, and more than mine. My Dear Sister, do seek religion.","Remember me very kindly to each member of the family, my wife sends her love also.","Remember me to all enquiring relations and friends.","Your brother \nThomas","Lexington, Va. \nApril 7th 1854","My Dear Sister, \nAs I received your letter day before yesterday, and was desirous of answering it by the return mail, I could only say a few words. I am not certain whether the physician mentioned in your letter, was the same I have heard of as the lecturer in the North, or not; if he is, as I before stated, I should not much admire his character, though he might be a good doctor notwithstanding. Yet I would not like such a man for my physician, if I could get a good physician whose moral character would receive my approbation. If this is not the lecturer, I know nothing about him.","I hope that by the time you receive this that your health will have much improved. But my sister, be that as it may, do turn to God, and obey the teachings of the Bible. If you do not believe its teachings at least obey its doctrines and I believe that God will give you faith. Make but the effort, and resolve to do what it teaches to the close of life, and then you may expect death to be disrobed of its terrors. Remember that you have your brother's prayers, and I hope those of several members of my wife's family, and I believe that you also received the prayers of our Mother and Brother.","I received a letter a few days since from Aunt Clementine Neale. She and Uncle Alford had been south to see Uncle Thornton and Wirt, but a short time before they reached Uncle Thornton's Wirt had gone to California. She tells me that Wirt is a very tall man, and that Uncle Thornton has a very high opinion of him. Uncle Minor's wife lost her last husband in New Orleans some months since and she is consequently again thrown upon her father's protection. I have also received a letter from Uncle John White; his health has improved and that of his family is generally good. Uncle George White's family at last account was well.","My dear sister do try and follow your Brother's council now and remember that this letter is prayed over by him, that it may be the means of your eternal happiness. Let me hear from you soon.","Your affectionate Brother, \nThomas","Lexington, VA \nApril 11th 1854","My Dear Sister, \nLast night I received a letter from Uncle John White, in which the states that Uncle Madison is not willing to have Uncle Cummins' property sold so far as to pay off his (Cummins) debts and that Madison is opposed to having the mills rented out again, but is trying to get them into his own hands, and he already had got the negroes from Jacob Jackson. Uncle John thinks that the property ought to be sold so far as to pay off Uncle Cummins' debts and the remainder to be divided among the heirs, and I think that such is the proper course. He offers to do the best he can for you and me provided we wish him to do so. I have offered to give him my interest as an heir because I was afraid that in going to law I might spend more than my interest would be worth. I wish you would let Uncle John know whether he shall do anything for you or not. I hope that by this time all is well with you. Ellie joins me in love to yourself and family.","Your brother, \nThomas","V.M. Institute \nLexington, Va.","My Dear Sister, \nI have in vain waited for your reply to several letters; if you can not write barely enclose me your card or anything to tell me that you are still among the living. Doctor White left your presents for me with a friend of mine and they have come safely to hand and for which I am much obliged. I regret that he did not call and see me or at least let me know of his being in town in order to give me an opportunity of seeing him and it would have given me an opportunity of returning father's miniature. I have not seen Mr. Tanner since he passed through Beverly; but I suppose that he delivered to you some books for Thomas.","Tell Mrs. Hilley that I have not been able to get anything for her as yet, but that the necessary steps have been taken and that we must await the result which she shall be made acquainted with.","I am a candidate for the Professorship of Mathematics in the University of Va. I am well pleased with my present position, yet the other is more desirable both by reason of its being more prominent, and its being about three thousand dollars. The professor is elected by the Board of Visitors for the University of Va.","We have had some very cold weather here during the past few days but at present it is very fine.","My wife has had the left side of her face partially [paralyzed]1","Your brother, \nThomas","P.S. Remember me very kindly to Mr. A. and to all the family and inquiring relations and friends. T.J.J.","Lexington, Va. \nMay 2nd 1854","My Dear Sister, \nI chanced to be at the Hotel yesterday when Doctor White was passing through town and was much pleased at meeting him; it served to some extent the purpose of seeing you; as I thereby had an opportunity of seeing someone who had recently been with my sister. He told me that you had written to me and after the Post Office had opened I received your letter. The mass of which you speak I would send to you, had the Doctor not have procured it before seeing me, he told me that he had found it in the shop of some doctor as he was coming to Lexington. Should you wish any more at any time, let me know and I will procure it for you. I do hope that little Tom is free from that dreadful disease the scrofula. I trust that your apprehensions may prove groundless but it always best to be wide awake, and not permit ourselves to be taken by surprise.","I hope that your health may continue to improve. The poor little Babe what can be the matter with it? I suppose that it is difficult to decide in so young a child, but let us hope for the better while we continue to be prepared for the worst.","Ellie's face has not yet entirely recovered; but I am of the opinion that time will effect a perfect restoration.","Remember me very kindly to Mr. A. and to all enquiring relatives and friends. Tell Thomas and the other children, that I love them, and that they must be good children. Ellie joins me in love to you all.","Your brother, Thomas","P.S. Tell Thomas that I am sorry that he is sick, and that I wish that I could do something for him. T.J.J.","Lexington, Va. \nJune 12th, 1854","My Dear Sister, \nYour sorrowful letter came safe. Your loss is one which I have never been called upon to bear up under; I can well conceive of the tender union which is thus sundered. You have my sympathy [note 1] and I wish I could point you successfully to the source of consolation. I have [entrusted?] the hair to Ellie's keeping. I am not certain that we will be able to come to Beverly this summer; though, should we do so, I will write to you before hand. I am glad to hear that the other children are doing so well. Enclosed is the ribbon. I hope that it will please you, it was the prettiest that Ellie could find. Should there be any other article that I can procure you, it will give me pleasure to do so. I am not certain about my election; but be the result as it may, my friends have acted nobly in my cause.  [note 2] I am very much pressed at this time with studies and letter writing; though a few more weeks will close our session. Tell Doctor B. that his son is in good health. All of my wife's family are at home now, with the exception of one brother, who is in Pa. One of her brothers who is a lawyer in Philadelphia has brought home his bride; having married last Thursday.","I am endeavoring to get an answer about Mrs. Hilley's money: and if I do not get it soon I shall go and see about it in person, and will have the matter settled either one way or the other. Remember me to her and to all my other friends.","Your brother \nT. J. Jackson \nRemember me very kindly to each member of the family and to my other relations. \nTJJ","[Note 1 - Reference to the death of Laura's infant daughter, Laura Zell Arnold (b. Dec. 1853 d. May 1854).]\n[Note 2 - Reference to Jackson's pending application for a professorship at the University of Virginia. Shortly after this letter was written, the University's Board awarded the position to another candidate.]","My Dear Sister, \nEllie \u0026 myself hope to be with you this day week (Saturday).","I wish you would say to Mrs. Hillie that I have failed in my efforts to procure her any assistance. I much regret this. I do not know of any person belonging to the Staunton Lodge who would have been more likely of success than Mr. Watts, the gentleman to whom I entrusted it.\nYour Brother Thomas ","My dear Laura, \nThe Major is so busy with his duties at the Institute that he has commissioned me to finish this letter for him. Indeed, I have scarcely seen him today. He wishes me to say to you that he hopes you will not exert yourself by making any preparations to receive us; he does not want you to weary yourself or injure your health on our account. The weather is so extremely warm just now that we quite fear the ride in stage, but we hope to find it cooler further among the mountains.\nYours affect. \nEllie Jackson","Excuse this hasty note as I am much pressed with business. Mr. Bledsoe of Kentucky was elected at the University to the chair for which I was a candidate.","Healing Springs, Va. \nJuly 24th 1854","My dear Laura, \nWe intended to have written last week to you concerning our journey and safe arrival here, but it was postponed from day to day as such things often are. The journey over the mountains was exceedingly tiresome to me, as the road over the Cheat Mt. had been newly macadamized \u0026 the load was heavy for two horses. We had a very agreeable companion","[at top of page]","The Major says they did not know when they would make any mass at the Bath Alum, but he says if you want it he will direct them to send you a keg of it, but he expects the transportation will cost a good deal. companion with us, whose vivacity and intelligence beguiled our way very much. His name was Henry O. Middleton \u0026 he is a great land owner \u0026 speculator. Much of his talk was about land. It was nine o'clock when we reached Monterey and we left it at two in the morning, so we did not have very much rest-- but by lying down on the seat with my head on the Major's knees \u0026 Mr. Middleton's overcoat for a pillow I rested somewhat \u0026 did not feel the jolting so terribly as I did sometimes. At Yager's where we dined, they had according to the Major's request a fine dish of trout and I can assure you we did full justice to them. We did not go all the way to Staunton on Saturday, but stopped 15 miles short of it at Dudley's. From there the landlord brought us over to Oakland on the other turnpike. There we stayed over Sunday and on Monday evening we took the stage again. That night we slept at Cloverdale \u0026 the next day we came on here, stopping to breakfast at the Bath Alum.","The Major inquired there for the mass according to your wish but they had none and were making none. There were very few visitors there.","We reached these Springs about noon on Tuesday. A good many people have come since we did and now I suppose there are 50 or 60 here. The water is disagreeably warm to drink, but is very pleasant to bathe in. I drink about 5 glasses a day \u0026 the Major drinks more. They keep an excellent table and we get the very nicest brown bread, plenty of venison \u0026 other meat and twice they had tomatoes, but they were brought from Richmond. They have been examining my face this morning \u0026 I think it is a little improved.  I let the water run over it when I was in the bath. The Major thinks the water is doing him good. He joins with me in sending love to you \u0026 the children \u0026 compliments to Mr. Arnold.","Yours Affect.\nE.J. Jackson","Lexington, Va. \nNov. 14th 1854","My dear sister \nYou must excuse this short letter and also my not having written to you at an earlier day, for my eyes have become so bad as to make me very careful with them. You wrote to me that should your health not prevent your coming to see me that I might have expected your arrival several days since. I went to the Hotel to see whether you had attempted such a journey. Though I would like to see you, and appreciate your very sisterly affection, yet I would not like for you to attempt coming over such a road, with all its harassments, so do not attempt it. When my next vacation vacation will enable me to leave (which I cannot do now without neglecting my duties) I trust that God will again permit me to see your face.","My Dear Ellie thought to pass over the stage route from here to Beverly was a hard undertaking for her. After she returned home she was pleased with her visit. She has now gone on a glorious visit though through a gloomy portal. Her companion are of the glorified Host. I look forward with delight to the day when I shall join her. Religion is all that I desire it to be. I am reconciled to my loss and have joy in hope of a future reunion where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest. I am much obliged to you for you kind desire to come and stay with Ellie.","Your affectionate brother, \nThomas.","Lex. Va. \nFeby 20th 1855","My Dear Sister, \nI have learned with pleasure that your health has improved and I hope that you may not for many a day to come {need} any more medicine. I have gone to both of our book stores but in neither one could be found the books which you require. If you desire it and will let me know I will get one of our merchants when in Philadelphia next month to get them if they are to be had. The spelling book is here but the others I doubt whether they will ever be here unless specially ordered.","I have just written to Wirt I to have done so some time since but have been prevented by my eyes. He is at Mount Vernon Indiana where he recently returned from California. He saw hard times and was glad to get back even with his life, though he brought some money $340 dollars.","My eyes are improving but still I have to be careful with them, the spots continue to float before them. I am obliged to you for your kind suggestion not to hurt them even in writing to you. Maggie has been in Philadelphia for about three months for her health. Is there anything of Dear Ellie's which you would like to have, her pencil, her glasses or anything else?","Love to all. \nYour affectionate brother, Thomas.","[Note: the last page of this document contains a handwritten copy of a letter not in our collection]","Lexington Va \nJanuary 24th 1854","My Dear Sister \nMy eyes have improved so that I hope to be able sometim next month to write you a letter.  I received your letter yesterday.  Maggie is in Philadelphia.","Your affectionate \nbrother Thomas","Lexington, Va. \nMarch 20th 1855","My Dear Sister, \nI sometime since received a letter from Wirt in which he stated that he was at Uncle Alfred Neales, and that he intended going to your house as soon as the weather should settle. He requested me to answer him immediately directing my letter to him at Beverly. I at once replied and I suppose that the letter has reached its destination ere this. He writes a good hand and a sensible letter. He expresses his intention of going to California or his desire to do so. This I","[text below continues from page 4; it appears on the left and top margins of page 1]","here but I am unable to select for fear that you may have them or that they may not suit your taste. Remember me very kindly to Wirt when he arrives, to Mr. A., to all the family and to all enquiring friends and relatives.","Your affectionate brother, \nThomas","hope he will relinquish. I am inclined to the belief that he would probably do as well by making Civil Engineering his profession as at any thing else to which he could turn his attention under present circumstances. But of this I can not speak definitely. He must judge of this for himself. Try and get him to stay with you if you can, until I come and get him to study arithmetic \u0026 geography and history: and for this purpose lend him Rollin's ancient history. If Wirt will study Latin I will give him lessons during the summer and put him in the way of learning it so that he can teach Thomas.","I will also if he will consent to do so give him instruction in the different sciences, of Algebra, Geometry and in Engineering and other branches of necessary education and bring with me the necessary books. If he thinks that it will take up too much time for a perfect education, he can take enough for an Engineer in the course of a few months. He can then commence the practice on some of our internal improvements. I have an idea that he might succeed well in this sphere of life. He could whilst practicing his profession make himself a good historian, but it would be the safer plan to get a good education before he commences the practice of the profession.","I hope that for the present Wirt will conclude to teach and then he can as he progresses with his education decide on his profession. I am anxious to know as soon as practicable his determination. I think that the plan of staying in Beverly and taking up a school is the proper one for him if all things are favorable to it, so far as obtaining Mr. Arnold's approbation and a moderate school. I send you two styles of writing but I would not advise the use of but one. If you will let me know which you have selected I can send you [some] others when wanted.","I bought four papers of seed, but can only find three. If you will name the kind of seed you want I think that I can probably get them for there is a variety","[end of letter appears in margin on page 1] ","Lex. Va. \nApril 4th 1855","My Dear Sister, \nYour letter of the 30th ult. And Thomas' came by this days mail. I feared from what I recently heard that Wirt's mind had not entirely recovered. And as such appears to be the case from your letter, it might be dangerous for him to be closely confined. He told me in his letter that he was not qualified for any occupation except farming and that he did not have the means for this. I therefore make two offers to him. One is to purchase the farm worth a thousand dollars and let him go on it, and have all that he can make. The other is the system of education which I have already stated to you. Now if you can let him know this in such a manner as to be acceptable to him, I wish you to do so. If you think that such can not be done, then let me know it. He ought not to feel hurt at any assistance which I offer to give him, because he is my brother. Should he conclude to go on the farm, I want him to read during his spare time and having a good memory he can become a good historian. Should he prefer going on a farm, I think it would be well to select one in such a position as will enable him easily to dispose of his produce. He might in a few years be able to refund the money used. I would not charge him any interest. I have not got a thousand dollars on hand now; but expect to have in a few months. Wirt might be looking him out a place suitable farm so that when I come West we go together and see it.","I am sorry that your eyes are so much impaired, but hope that they will be better before this reaches you. I would recommend you to fill a basin full of water and put your face under the water and hold your eyes open in it as long as you can hold your breath. Just do this once whenever your eyes are very painful. This is the course which I am now pursuing. I do it about six times a day in cold water \u0026 the water should be as cold as when just drawn from the well or taken from the river. My eyes are quite bad at present. Don't write but make Thomas do it for you. I would be glad if Wirt would write to me. Tell Thomas that I shall answer his letter in a few days and that I am very thankful to him for it. Tell him that I am much pleased with his good spelling. I sent the primer and reader by the last mail. Give my love to all and the family and Wirt.","Your affectionate brother, \nThomas ","Lexington, Va. \nJune 1st, 1855","My Dear Sister, \nDay before yesterday, I received a letter from Wirt written, at Uncle Alfred's. he says that his health had improved and that he ploughed nearly all the preceding day. He also stated that there is a school a short distance below the Island, and that he wants to go to school there when his health is sufficiently reestablished. He says that he likes Mr. Arnold \"very much\" and that you treated him \"like a brother.\" I am pleased with his letter, and if he continues at Uncle Alfred's, I want to visit him this summer. I should not for a moment suspect from his composition that his mind was injured. He speaks plainly and sensibly.","I hope that before this, you have recovered at least the usual use of your eyes and that all things are moving on pleasantly. How is Thomas getting along with his studies?","This a rainy day here, but is rather brighter that it was early in the morning. I have received the railing for dear Ellie's grave and this summer expect to take steps for the Tomb stones to be brought from Philadelphia. I intend to have them of Italian marble. The iron railing is neat and when I put it up it will be about three feet high.","Pure and lovely companion of my happier days, I feel that she has entered upon the blissful enjoyment of which the human mind cannot have a clear conception. Ere many long years roll by I hope to be with her, where there will be no more separation. We loved each other on Earth and shall that love be diminished in eternity I do not believe it, but on the contrary will be greatly enhanced. Had I one request on Earth to ask in accordance with my own feelings and apart from duty it would be that I might join her before the close of another day after this. I have many pleasures here, but I believe that there are greater in reserve beyond this life.","If you want me to bring any thing in July, let me know in your next.","Give me love to all the family \u0026 to all inquiring relatives \u0026 friends.","Your affectionate brother, \nT.J. Jackson","Lexington, Va. \nJune 18th 1855","My Dear Sister, \nYour letter post marked 10th Inst. came a few days after I had written to Mr. Watts of Staunton in reference to Mrs. Hilley and he tells me in his reply that the grand lodge could not do any thing for want of Jurisdiction and that the Staunton Lodge could not give assistance for want of funds. A recent house built by this lodge  has prevented any aid from this source. Mr. W. said \"We have purchased a very fine lodge room at a heavy expense, and all the means we can well share must go to pay for it.\" So you see how hopeless the case is. Say to Mrs. Hilley that I much regret this issue of the application. I had hoped that something would have been done, but as the Staunton and the grand lodges have both failed, I don't see that any thing is to be hoped for in this section of the state.","Julia last week purchased two collars for you but she could not find a suitable belt. I afterwards went in search of one, but with a similar result. There are plenty of them, but not such as please me, so I intend postponing the purchase until I reach Staunton. I could get a bonnet but I am afraid that it would get broken. I shall think it over when I am in Staunton. The [shawl] I have had no opportunity as yet of sending for. I shall try and bring you some slips from dear Ellie's flowers.","It will give me much pleasure to teach Thomas while I am with you. I have a few old clothes which I will take with me. I much obliged for your kindness in reference to the shirts but don't let any thing be touched until I see you.","Wirt has not written since your last.","Remember me very kindly to Mrs. Hilley \u0026 to Miss El[illegible] and to other enquiring friends.","Give my love to all the family. I hope that Aunt and Cousin John's health have improved.","Your affectionate brother, \nThomas","Uncle Alfred's \nAugust 10th 1855","My Dear Sister, \nThe object of this note is to state that I was prevented from going on the Hall place. But I learned that she there are 637 1/2 acres to be sold on the 20th of this month. This land is composed of the Hall place, the School Croft place \u0026 the Thorpe place, none of which I wish to purchase. It is estimated that it will go at from three to five thousand dollars \u0026 is by all regarded as valuable property.","As my eyes continue weak you must excuse this brief letter. Wirt sends his love \u0026 thanks for the articles of clothing and says that he wants you to write to him, that he has only received that one short note from you though he has written several letters. Uncle's family are in usual health.","Your affectionate brother, \nThomas","Lexington, Va. \nSept. 3rd 1855","My Dear Sister, \nAs my eyes are still troubling me, you must excuse this brief note. I left Wirt on Thursday of week before last with the understanding that he would start for Missouri on the following Monday. There he designed going to farming on some land of mine which I am to purchase. He is to have some more schooling after he gets located, and I hope that he will do well. He was troubled about the promise which he made to you of paying you a visit. I advised him to go at once and select some place where he would like to live and that I would write to you. It was important that he should as soon as practicable get fixed in some pursuit. His mind was unsettled and flying from thing to thing, and it appears that the course he was prevailed on to take is the best for him. He had learned but very little at school previous to my going to the River. But with the start I gave him in grammar I hope that he will become a good grammarian. I want him to study spelling writing and grammar. I hope that you will write to me soon approving his course and excusing him from his promise. I feet well satisfied that you would do so when I counseled him at once to locate himself. Give my love to all the family.","Your affectionate brother","Lexington, Va. \nOct. 1855","My Dear Sister, \nYour letter to Wirt appears to have had a good influence on him such as to induce him to relinquish his idea of returning to Indiana. Yet he has gone beyond what I authorized him to do by purchasing a farm at eight dollars per acre. I restricted him to seven at most. But notwithstanding if Cousin Wm. Neale will approve of the bargain I have determined to advance eleven hundred dollars. I well know that there is a risk but it appears to me that I ought to run this risk for him. He made the purchase without consulting Cousin Wm. and it may be that he has been cheated. I have written to Uncle Alfred to forward between seven and eight hundred dollars if he thinks it should be done, but with the condition that the contract is to be approved by Cousin Wm. and the deed to be made out in my name. Wirt says that he has paid ninety five dollars of the purchase money by selling his horse to the person from whom he purchased.","Mr. Thomas left for home yesterday and I left at the house where he was staying a testament for him to carry to Mrs. Hilley. It may possibly be that it was not delivered to him, please let me know whether Mrs. Hilley gets it. He was not in when I left the book and he told me afterwards that he had not received it, but I requested him to ask for it before leaving.","Tell Mr. Arnold that I want to get about two thousand acres of land warrant and ask him whether he could purchase me any if I were to forward the money and at about what price does he think it can be procured. I do not want to make any purchases until after Christmas as the general impression I believe is that the price will be lower about that time, but I would like to know what it is worth now. Tell him that my intention is to let the land lay after purchasing it for a number of years without selling it and that as the lands in Kansas are less culled over than those in the free states I will for the same amount of money get better land and that Kansas will almost certainly be a free state and this will give the advantage of a free state in selling should I years hence wish to dispose of them. Ask him what he thinks of these views. Tell him that I have been told there is considerable good land in Illinois still unappropriated and if so I want to lay warrants on some of it as it must ultimately command a high price.","I hope Mr. Campbell will come on and that you will be able to keep him. Aunt Clem told me in a recent letter that soon after my leaving she was laid up from","[end of letter appears in margin of this and previous pages]","Charly \u0026 Julia took prizes.","I received Dear Ellie's tomb stones today enclosed a draft of the head stone, it has a full blown rose and a rose bud on the top. William Junkin my youngest brother-in-law is to be married tomorrow to Miss Anna Anderson a lovely a pretty girl. Our synod was a delightful assembly. Your affectionate brother.","Lexington, Va. \nOct. 6th 1855","My Dear Sister, \nYour letter of the 29th Sept. came safely and I am obliged to you for your advise in regard to Wirt, and I agree with you in regard to the course to be pursued. I had previously taken precautions against any such consequences as you refer to. My arrangement with regards to the purchase of land is this. That he should go out and make a selection of such a farm as would fulfill certain conditions, and previous to the purchase the transaction must be approved by Uncle Alfred Neale in the event of his being in Missouri at the time, if not then Cousin William Neale must approve of it. Upon complying with all the conditions, Uncle Alfred Neale is to forward endorse a note which I left in his hands and after getting the money out of the Bank to forward a check for it on [N. T.?] payable to the order of Cousin William Neale. And when the deed is made out in my name Cousin William is to pay the money. So the money is entirely beyond Wirt's control. Cousin Wm. Neale has advised Wirt to do as you recommended, viz. to raise stock \u0026 I suppose that he will do so.","When Wirt shall have purchased land, then I expect to furnish him some money to enable him to work it. This he may be able to dispose of, but I will be on my guard about entrusting him with it if there is any danger of [Will?/him?] going back to Uncle Thornton's","I am thankful to you for having written a plain letter to Wirt upon his conduct. I have received a letter from Wirt dated Sept. 19th in which he states that he had reached William Neale's but in going up the Mississippi River the boat was s[wamp?]ed and he left his berth to go forward leaving his purse under his pillow and when he returned it was gone. He says that the country is very healthy. But that improved land is worth from 25 to 30 dollars per acre. Cousin Wm. has advised him to go elsewhere and he is going to look at the lands of Johnson County. He expresses himself pleased with the country and I hope that he may do well. I do not want him to go into a free state if it can be avoided for he would probably become an abolitionist and then in the event of trouble between the N \u0026 S he would stand on one side and we on the opposite. Tell Mr. Arnold that next year I want to go West and make investments in land and would be glad could he go along and make some purchases for himself if he desires to make such.","[end of letter in margins of this and previous pages]","William Woodson says that he acknowledges his obligation to assist Wirt but that he is not able. I agree with him that land in a free state rises most rapidly. But I have a scheme on hand which I think approve of and which I will give in my next.","Your affectionate brother \nThomas","Nov. 3rd 1855","I wish that you would not omit to let me know Mr. Arnold's views in your next and whether he thinks that he will go with me and the prospect of buying say one thousand acres of land warrant \u0026 the price per acre.","I wrote to James Dicks a few days since, and the reference to his putting up stones at Brother Warren's grave, and I wish that you would drop him a line as soon as convenient giving the days of his birth and death. If you have my letter upon the subject of his death you may find one of the dates from it.","I got Aunt Coty Williams to go with me to Father's and our sisters graves and made arrangement with her for having the graves fixed up so far as renewing the Earth over them and I hope that before a [great while?] we shall be able to erect stones.","The Cadets have been absent at Petersburg and Richmond but are expected to be home today.","T.J.J.","Lexington Va. \nNov. 13th 1855","[fragment; only top portion exists]","...it as he was going West to buy land, and gave his note payable in two months. So your....","[fragment; only top portion exists]","-pects be applied as I originally designed. He wrote to me that he could get two hundred dollars for his bargain and if so will have done well by the purchase and sale of it again. I don't know what to do about him. I told him at the time that I made the proposition not to accept of it unless he felt it would be to his interest, and I wrote in reply to his letter expressing the advantages that Indiana offered, that if he was dissatisfied with our engagement not to consider himself bound by it.","Cousin Hardin Neale it appears is really consumptive.","Remember me very affectionately to all the family and very kindly to all inquiring relatives \u0026 friends.","Your affectionate brother \nThomas","Lexington, Va. \nChristmas 1855","My Dear Nephew, \nYour letter has given me pleasure in various ways. I am glad to know that you can find time from your play to write me so good a letter and hope that you will write frequently. I am sorrowed that your mule should have been so unmannerly as to throw you off \u0026 even after doing this should kick you, but now since your Pa has sold him all such accidents I hope will be avoided for the future.  I remember having once been served pretty much the same way by one of those kicking creatures. It happened in this way I went with Cousin Wm. Brake whom your mother can tell you about to bring some mules home one Sunday Morning, and as I was riding down a long hill somehow or other I not only got over the mark across his shoulders but he got me over his head and jumped clear over me and way he went \u0026 from that day to this I have not been very fond of mule riding. You know they kick out to one side like a cow.","I have corrected your letter \u0026 believing that you would understand the corrections better if I returned the letter with the corrections I have concluded to return it with this. And now I am not going to look over my letter, and I expect that there are some mistakes in it \u0026 if so I wish when you read it that you would point them out to your Pa or Ma and tell me of them when you next write, and if there are many you can just correct them, and return the letter thus corrected. I hope that you will get to a good school this Winter. I saw Doctor Bosworth this morning at the Hotel or Tavern in Town. He is up paying his son John a visit during the Christmas holidays \u0026 I wish that you would go \u0026 tell Mrs. Bosworth that I saw him \u0026 tell her also that John is well.","The Doctor told me that he thought that you would have a good teacher in Town this winter. I hope that you will get enough money to buy a calf and that you will grow up to be a good \u0026 wise man.","Give much love to your Father, Mother, Grace \u0026 Stark.","Your affectionate Uncle \nThomas","Jany 14th 1856","My Dear Aunt, \nYour letter enclosing Wirt's \u0026 its accompanying bonds came safely. And in reply I would state that I even desire that my feelings may never get the better of my judgement. And certainly from all the light now before me it would be in violation of my judgement to aid Wirt until he gives evidence of being a reliable and straight forward person. Though he promised in his letters to give a portion of each to [parsing?] as I had taught him. Yet he has not so much as attempted anything in any of his letters, and it appears ","[top margin text is end of letter, see page 2]\nunless they are responsible persons. that though he promised you not to purchase the watch, yet he violated his promise to you and excused himself by saying that the man made him do so. For the present and until he satisfies me that it would be proper to give him aid I must decline doing it. But it will give me pleasure to assist whenever I can do so with the consciousness that he will do what is right.","Tell uncle that I am anxiously looking for the check from him on New York City as I want to forward funds there as soon as practicable. Much love to uncle and to all the family. Please let me hear from you soon.","Your affectionate nephew, \nThomas","I return one of Wirt's papers and will return the others letter hereafter. The deed is to be made to Wirt \u0026 this not until is directly the reverse of his obligations \u0026 the time of making the deed is deferred until the last purchase money shall be paid \u0026 then if they cannot make it, there it ends unless they are responsible persons.","Lexington, Va. \nFeby. 18th 1856","My Dear Sister, \nI expect that you have been expecting a letter for several mails as I am several mails behind my time, and acting upon the principle that late is better than never I have concluded to appropriate a portion of this afternoon to a little talk with you.","My paper you see is variegated with colors by obviously not much beautified by such acquisition. This varied appearance has resulted not from color but from the absence of color produced by spilling some nitric acid on it \u0026 it has given me about a [illegible] of the same stamp. Tell Thomas he must never give up his Latin grammar nor his English either. That if he perseveres that he may expect to find both of great use after awhile. Tell him that his uncle had to study hard for years at more difficult things than the Latin \u0026 grammar and that after he learns it, that it will all be very easy. Tell him also that I want a letter from him when he finds time to write. But he must make himself perfect master of his spelling book and grammar now when he is young and then he may expect to write correct letters, but without knowing these two books he can hardly expect to write correctly. Because all correct writing must have the words spelled correctly and written grammatically.","How is cousin John getting? I have not yet written to him, but if your next letter brings the news of his life being prolonged I think that I will try and write very soon after. My time is taken up during the day and I am afraid to write at night. But my eyes are improving. I have no recent news of Wirt at least for several weeks \u0026 I do not know where he is. The last I heard from him was through a letter written to Aunt Clem. Cousin Hardin appointed Uncle Alfred his administrator. If Cousin John is still living, give him my warm remembrances \u0026 hope that the visions of the future may grow brighter until faith is lost in reality of those joys which passeth all understanding. Much love to all.","Your affectionate brother, \nThomas","My Dear Sister, \nYour letter has come safely, and I am glad to learn that you are in such an exuberant flow of spirits and hope that such much may long continue.","I received, and answered your other letter in regard to the tombstones at Brother Warren's grave. But as I usually answer letters from recollection, thus saving my eyes from rereading, I forgot ","[end of letter from page 4 appears on margins of page 1]","Thomas need not repeat his English verb when he is conjugating his Latin verb, but ask him what his Latin verb is in English. I have heard from Wirt and written a very plain letter to him like that which I wrote to you. Much love to all.","Thomas","to answer that particular inquiry, but remembered it afterwards and should have answered it. In this: I wish to put stones to his grave and also to Father's \u0026 sister's, and also to Mother's if I knew certainly the spot, but it appears to me that it would be best to put all up at the same time during the coming year. But if you would prefer having Warren's put up now, write to Jas. Dicks \u0026 ask him to do so, and pay him the twelve dollars, and ask Doctor Bosworth if it will not suit him to let you have my part of the expense and let me pay it over to Colonel Smith here the same amount for him, it will save him the risk of the losing it by mail, in the event of his sending his money by mail. But should it not be convenient for the Doctor to do so, and you can spare the money until I shall have an opportunity of getting a check I will forward it to you and should there be other expenses beyond twelve dollars I will share them with you.","The congregation here to which I belong have objects to which they subscribe of much more importance to them than your Academy can be, that I am well satisfied that your application would meet with little or no favor here, and I would advise that no effort should be made. We have six annual contributions, and then certain others which are first recommended by over session, and I am well satisfied that the session would consider other objects as more demanding their recommendation than the academy. You need not be afraid of the opposing party doing anything here if they were to do so it would give me an opportunity which I would embrace if at home of urging your claims.","[end continues margins of page 1]","Thomas need not repeat his English verb when he is conjugating his Latin verb, but ask him what his Latin verb is in English. I have heard from Wirt and written a very plain letter to him like that which I wrote to you. Much love to all.","Thomas","Lexington, Va. \nApril 1856","My Dear Nephew, \nNow for a letter to you, but I would much rather talk to you if you were here, but as I can't talk with you I do not intend biting off my nose by delaying myself the pleasure of writing. Thanks to you for your correction of my letter. And now let us see how many errors you can find in this yours. And now let us read your letter together, and let us number the wrong words. No (1) means to exclude, you wished to tell me to receive, just the reverse of this, and should have said accept. No. 2 should begin with the capital E because the word is an adjective derived from the name of a nation. No. 3 should for the same reason begin with L. No. 4 should be piece, look in your dictionary for both words piece \u0026 peace. No. 5 wants an e at the end. I hope that your finger has perfectly recovered. I am much pleased with your letter and want you to write often. Your little sealing wax experiment had much gratified me. And now I hope that you will put all the words which I corrected for you down on a separate piece of paper and memorize them safely so that when I next visit you they can all be repeated by you, Grace and Stark.","I am glad to see them doing so well in their studies. And if you study your Latin grammar well, I think that you will be apt to like it after you become well acquainted with it. We generally like those things best which we can do the best. We usually find that the little boy who can run faster than any other boy fond of running races and the one who can read the best of any in his class fond of reading. And the man who can talk better and speak better than others fond of talking and speaking. I want to see you a good talker, but especially a good speaker and your Latin is very important in making you a good speaker, and so study it with all your might. Besides the correction of my letter let us see if you can correct these words viz.: ","[end of letter continues on margins of page 1]","Philadelfia, Pensilvania.","Give much love to all the family.","Your affectionate \nUncle Thomas","Lexington, Va. \nMay 12th, 1856","My Dear Sister, \nThanks for your letter and excuse me for not having answered it sooner. I have been unsuccessful in procuring seed as our seed seller of last year did not bring them on this year. But the apothecary chanced to have a few on hand from which I have selected two papers. The assortment is very poor and small.","I wish that you would drop a note to Mr. Criss or to Cousin Elizabeth and see whether he could not see to putting up the stones at the graves of Father \u0026 Sister, and ask what they will come to including the cost of putting them up. And if you can get it attended to I will advance the money at any time for the purpose but before closing the terms let me know because if they are not as good as I can get elsewhere I had better have it done. But it appears to me that all the","[part of end of letter appears on this page]","be absorbed but I hope not, and trust that I shall get through in time to visit you. probabilities are in favor of getting it done cheaper in by Mr. Criss than I could get it done abroad from Clarksburg. I have not been able to ascertain the cost of railing for you but intend writing to Phil. about it. The railing around Ellie's grave was about one dollar and a half per foot.","Maggie left for Phil. last Saturday. I received a letter from Wirt in which he expresses his probable intention of going West again and I understand from his language that he means California; as he speaks of going over the plains or some such phraseology. I have been trying to find his letter but have not succeeded at this time. I fear that I will not get to Beverly this summer as I am very anxious to go direct to Washington City, \u0026 begin my work of finding out and locating land and as I may have much to do in the West in endeavoring to find out the best land ","[end of letter in margins of page 1 and 2]","all my time may be absorbed but I hope not, and trust that I shall get through in time to visit you.","Let me hear from you soon. I hope that Thomas has received my letter.","Your much attached brother, \nThomas","We have had a great revival of religion here.","Lexington \nMay 19th/56","My Dear Aunt, \nYou may ere this have wondered at my long silence. And it has not resulted from not having thought of you, but this year like the past has been much occupied with my professional duties and I have not yet finished a new book which I am teaching this year on astronomy. But by the way I think that you are a letter in my debt. But with those I love I don't wish to stand on formalities, and you see from the size of my paper that you are not to be troubled with a long epistle.","And you are probably by this time beginning to think that he has not much to say or else he would commence setting about it. But such is not the case, for we have such an outpouring of the Spirit of God in our churches here as I never remember of having seen elsewhere. Your branch of the church has recently been increased though I can not say how much. The Episcopal church about a week since took in nearly twenty five and from present appearances I suppose that about fifty will join the Presbyterian church in a few days when we are to have our commission. The Baptist church is also being blest, and I think that we may reasonably expect more than one hundred from this revival. I feel very thankful to God for such divine blessings.","I wish that Laura was here. I want you dear Aunt to make her one of the number for whom you regularly pray. What answer did she give you in regard to your very kind and Christian letter to her. Pray that the Glorious work of grace here may go on. Laura appears to be blest with unusual good health this summer. I wrote to Wirt sometime since a letter of very plain talk about the same that I wrote to you in regard to him. It was the result of a letter which he wrote to me. I thought that in reply I had better be plain even though he should take offence. For he would then see that I only wish to have business transactions with persons who were entirely reliable. Please give much love to Uncle \u0026 to all the family. Remember that I attach unusual importance to your letters.","Your affectionate nephew \nThomas","June 6th 1856","My Dear Sister \nYour letter came safely. And I begin my reply now though I shall not mail it until Monday. As yet I have not heard from Phil. in regard to the railing, but I may do so by the time of forwarding this. In regard to the tomb stones, I wish as soon as you receive an answer in reference to them, and shall have determined on the price \u0026 the time that they are to be put up you would let me know because in the event of their being put up before September I must make my arrangements before starting West. And I wish to know the amount as I desire to employ all of my spare funds in the purchase of lands. Doctor Bosworth will pay you fifteen dollars for me, in return for money which he wrote to me to give his son John this coming summer, but it will not be due until sometime in July as he proposed returning it to me in Beverly this summer supposing that I would visit Beverly. And if the man comes to Beverly as I suppose he does from his furnishing stones for Cousin John's grave, had I not better send the money to you and get you to pay him, getting Cousin Criss to see that he does the work properly. I expect Col. Augustus Smith here this month from Clarksburg and if you can't arrange the matter otherwise, I may be able to arrange it through him.","In reference to Wirt, I am interested in his welfare and had he followed my advice I feel that he would most certainly have been benefited by it. I wrote to him not long since in answer to a letter from him. Ask Mr. Arnold if there is anything which I can do for him this summer in the way of locating land warrants or otherwise. Tell him that my present purpose is to go to Washington from here and after finding out all that I can there in reference to Western lands, to pass into Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and probably Arkansas and say to him that I design following out Transcript\nhis idea of locating some land in a Northern state, but that I am a little afraid to put much there for fear that in the event of dissolution of the Union, that the property of Southerners may be confiscated. I want to locate about three thousand acres, maybe a little more, and if I can please myself will probably put down about one half of it in a Northern state. I would be thankful for suggestions from Mr. Arnold if he has any to make. As yet I have not purchased \nThis is Monday afternoon and no news as yet in regard to the railing by my next letter you may expect to hear about the cost.","Remember me very kindly to all the family. I hope that Thomas is doing well in his Latin and English grammar.","Your affectionate brother, \nThomas","New York City \nJuly 9th 1856","My Dear Sister, \nI sail in the steam ship Asia for Europe at 12 o'clock today for Liverpool. The reasons for doing so I will give in my next. I gave John Bosworth an order on the Lexington book for thirty dollars and requested that the money should be returned to you. This will do for Father's and sister's graves. Don't ask Mr. Arnold for any money, but if you have not ten dollars to pay Jim Dix [?] for Brother Warren's, you may expect me to advance it when I return next fall.","Much love to all","Your affectionate brother, \nT. J. Jackson","Ship Asia at Sea \nJuly 18th 1856","My Dear Sister, \nYou have doubtless been surprised at my sudden leaving for Europe instead of going West to purchase or locate land. You may remember that in 1851 I had a nine months leave of absence for the purpose of visiting Europe, but that Col. Smith induced me to relinquish the idea for the time, holding out to me an opportunity at some future time, and that I accordingly did postpone my comtemplate[d] trip.","This year as the time for going West drew near, I became more and more discouraged in regard to investing money in such distant lands, and a gentleman with whom I conversed and who has had much experience told me that he did not think it a safe and profitable investment. Another friend told me that he had come very near losing a part of his, in consequence of his being so far off as to interfere with his giving sufficient attention to it. And I have rather concluded to keep my money invested in stocks of different kinds and thus get my dividends regularly and trust to the blessing of Providence for gradually increasing my worldly goods.","Thus circumstanced I a few days before starting concluded that an opportunity was now offered of going to Europe which would probably never again be presented to me. What should I do with the two months this before me was a question which I did not know how to solve satisfactorily. You are a very kind and affectionate sister. Yet even with you I would be reminded of the loss of that happiness which I once enjoyed with Dear Ellie. So I have to some extent torn myself away from that state of mind which I feared should my summer have been passed at home or in the W. States.","I hope that you will be able to get up the tomb stones by the aid of thirty dollars from Dr. Bosworth. But don't ask anything of Mr. A and when I return I will let you have what ever may be wanting should you not be able to get along with what you have.","I expect to visit Liverpool, London, Paris, Genoa, Florence, Pisa, Rome, Naples, Brussels, Antwerp, Edinburgh, and some other points of interest. I wish you would write me a letter to N.Y. City during the first week of October. Remember me very kindly to Mr. A. and to all the family. Kindest regards to all inquiring relatives.","Your affectionate brother \nThomas","Naples \nSept 9th 1856","My Dear Sister, \nYou must excuse my long silence as I have been much pressed for time, and now barely hasten to drop you a line.","Since landing at Liverpool I have been at Glasgow, Sterling Castle \u0026 Edinburgh Scotland, York, London \u0026 other places in England; Antwerp, Brussels, Waterloo \u0026 other places in Belgium. Since then I have passed through Aix La Chapellr, Bonn, Frankfort on the Main,[? going] ascended the Rhine.","From Frankfort I proceeded to Heidelberg and thence on to Baden Baden in Germany, Strasbourg in France, Basle, Lakes Lucerne, Brienze, Thun, Geneva \u0026 the city of Geneva in Switzerland, and so on to the great ice berg called Mer de Glas that is sea of ice. I continued in Switzerland for about a week and crossed the Alps by the Simplon Pass as it is called through which Napoleon entered Italy. The scenery of Switzerland is very grand.","Upon entering Italy I passed on through the cities of Milan, Venice, Mantua, Modena, Florence, Pisa, Leghorn and finally to this place. With Venice, Florence and Naples I have been very much gratified. I was at the volcano of Vesuvius last Friday and went about half way down one of the active craters. The scene was truly grand this evening. I leave for Rome. Much love to all.","Your much attached brother \nThomas","Lexington, Va. \nOct. 25th 1856","My Dear Sister, \nI forwarded to you after returning home a few lines, and with pleasure now appropriate a few minutes to say where I have been during my absence. As to telling what I saw a volume of several hundred pages would be required, but should I ever be permitted to see you I trust that I will be able to pass several hours in narrating my travels.  I was unable to come through Beverly and see you. I was several days later returning home than I had designed.","After reaching Liverpool I passed town to the old town of Chester and then out to the Residence of the Marquis of Westminster. His house is called Eaton Hall. Afterwards I returned to Liverpool and preceded North into Scotland passing through Glasgow, Sterling and Edinburgh. After leaving Edinburgh I returned to England visiting York, the residence of Oliver Cromwell, the University of Cambridge \u0026 London city. I took a steamboat to the continent landing at Antwerp and passing on to Brussels, Waterloo, Aix la Chapelle, Cologne, Bonn, Coblentz, Frankfort on the Main, Heidelberg, Baden Baden, Strasburg, Basle, Lakes Lucerne, Brienze, Thun, Berne, Freiburg, [illegible], Lake Geneva, Geneva, Mer de Glas (sea of ice) over the Alps, through the Simplon Pass. Milan, Verona, Venice, Mantua, Modena, Florence, Pisa, Leghorn, Naples, Rome, Genoa, Marseilles, Lyons, Paris, Calais, London, Liverpool, N. York, home.","I could talk to you with much pleasure about the very many things of much interest. Tell Thomas that I intend answering his letter in a few days. I am much gratified that you are putting up the grave stones. Should you want any more funds let me know. I found two letters from Wirt waiting for me at home. I will send him a check for thirty dollars if I can get one on N. York for that amount.","[end of letter in bottom margin page 1]","Much love to all.","Your affectionate brother, \nThomas","Lexington,Va. \nOct. 27th 1856","My very dear Aunt, \nIt is with pleasure that God again permits me to write to you from my adopted home. Your kindness and that of Uncle has not been forgotten but when you hear where I was during my short absence you will not be surprised at not hearing from me, as my time was even too short to see well what came within the range of my journey. After leaving Liverpool, I passed to Chester \u0026 Eaton Hall and from thence returning I visited Glasgow Lochs Lomond \u0026 [Katrine] Sterling Castle. Edinburgh, York, London, Antwerp, Brussels, Waterloo, Aix La Chapelle, Cologne, Bonn, Frankfort on the Main, Heidelberg, Baden Baden, Freiberg, Geneva, Mer de Glas, over the Alps, through the Simplon Pass, Naples, Rome, Marseilles, Paris, London, Liverpool, home.","I would like to have a long talk with you all about the many interesting things which came under my observation, but must forgoe the pleasure for the present and to attempt to write about it would be unsatisfactory as a long letter would hardly touch upon the subject. You were doubtless surprised at my sudden determination not to go west but to go to the \"Old World.\" My friends discouraged me so much that about the time that I had contemplated starting as induced me not to go and as my summer was then left unappropriated it appeared as Providence had opened the way for my long contemplated visit and I am much gratified at having gone.","I have determined to send by the next mail a check to Wirt for thirty dollars and as I have not been able to get a check on N.Y. from any bank I have shall send one signed by myself on the person with whom my money is deposited. Should Wirt not be able to pass it, I have requested him to send it to Uncle Alfred hoping that Uncle will be able to get the Parkersburg bank to give a check in exchange. Should Uncle not be able to do so, please return it to me and I will write on to N. York and get a bill or check of deposit if necessary. I hope that their will be no occasion of forwarding it to Uncle. Give much love to uncle and to all the Family and remember that I am always glad to hear from you.","Your affectionate nephew, Thomas.","Lexington,Va. \nDec. 1st 1856","My dear Nephew, \nThanks for your letter. I am glad that your teacher has come on and that you are hard studying amo and that you came off so well at the exhibition and I trust that by the time I get to see you that you will know a great deal about Latin and those books which you have just purchased. Remember that this is the 1st day of Winter and that cold weather is the best time for study, and also the best time for taking much exercise and that the harder one studies, the more exercise he should take for it gives him a clear head and a healthy body.","I am much obliged to you all for sending those daguerreotypes \u0026 the sugar egg. I shall have much to talk about when we meet of the find paintings \u0026 sculpture, and beautiful countries through which I passed last summer. Tell Mr. Thomas when you have an opportunity that Mr. Lyle is much better and that he can walk about some in his room. And does your Pa like the new President Mr. Buch {Buchanan}.","While I was gone I saw some funny things too as well as pretty ones. I remember seeing in England in a town called Chester about 98 miles from Liverpool which I will mention presently as soon as I tell you that Chester is a town with a wall around it, and it and the city of York are about the only cities in England that are still walled and that the York walls are more recent than those of Chester and hence not so interesting as they don't tell us so much about the ancient Britons. It appears that the walls of Chester were built by the Britons in order to protect themselves from the Welsh who lived a little West of Chester. But now for that funny thing and what so you think it was. Well I went into their largest church (called a Cathedral) which once belonged to the Roman Catholics and there among many other things I saw a representation of the Devil in the shape of him swallowing a man feet foremost.","I never knew before that Old Nick lived on men and I saw some other things which I would like to talk to you about.","Write to me soon. Give much love to your Pa, Ma, to Grace \u0026 Stark and remember me to all inquiring friends.","Your affectionate uncle, Thomas","Lexington, Va. \nDec. 6, 1856","My Dear Sister, \nI am glad to learn that you have secured a teacher \u0026 that she has been with you for some time, and I hope that she is such as you desire she should be. We have just been listening in our village to a series of lectures by Mr. O.P. Baldwin of Richmond. They were 4 in no., viz. \"Better time coming,\" \"Humbugs,\" \"Spirit Rappings,\" \u0026 \"Yankees \u0026 Southerners.\" As you may judge from their names they were more amusing than instructive. I heard the first three.","You would probably like to hear a little of my whereabouts during the past summer and I purpose on giving you a kind of journal should you so desire me. But should you get tired at any time just let me know. I believe that I said something to you in my last, but as I failed to take a note of my stopping points I shall again commence at Liverpool.","Leaving Liverpool the same day of my landing I proceeded to the city of Chester which is about 18 miles from Liverpool and on entering the Hotel was met by a lady instead of a landlord as I had been accustomed in at home, and she wished to know whether I would have a room \u0026 After having secured my quarters I proceeded to the Cathedral, which is a large edifice formerly occupied by the Roman Catholics. At the door I was met by a man who upon learning where I was from inquired after the Fairfax family stating that the representative of that house lived in America and that he was entitled to the succession. It was about the hour of evening service. They have 2 services there per day and this was about 4 o'clock P.M.","He turned me over to the sexton who showed me to a seat upon the condition that I should not leave it until after the service was over. After service he showed me through the building which was quite interesting. Among other things were the seats for the friars or monks which were so constructed that should they become drowsy \u0026 forgetful of their duty, their seats suddenly dropt them on the floor \u0026 recalled their wandering thoughts. I walked around the wall and saw the tower on which King Charles the 1st stood \u0026 saw the defeat of his army at Routen Moor.","Much love to all the family \u0026 kind regards to all inquiring friends.","Your affectionate brother, Thomas","Lexington, Va. \nFeby. 26, 1857","My Dear Sister, \nYour letter of the 8th came safely. I regret that you should have been the loser of so many teeth. I don't like the idea of you being toothless, but as you say another set can be furnished by the dentist.","I received a letter from Aunt Clem requesting me to lend Uncle Alfred two or four hundred dollars for Wirt to buy stock to drive to California. I did not have the money and even if I had should not have lent it for one reason among others is that if Wirt goes to California, he will probably throw himself away or be ruined.","I have recently heard from him and he asks me to lend him thirty dollars but says nothing about going to C. I think that next month when our bank gets in operation that I will send him thirty dollars. I am unable to say whether I will first visit Beverly or North Carolina.","Our winter has been very severe, but for near a fortnight we have had beautiful weather. The aspen is in bloom the and weeping willow is beginning to look green. I am still at Dr. Junkin's.","Tell Miss Eliza that if I should bring her a beau that she must not tell on me lest the old bachelors about Beverly should mob me for trampling on their toes.","I infer from your letter that I was when I dropped my narrative at the Cathedral of Chester. After leaving Chester I passed to a beautiful estate of an English nobleman by the name of the Marquis of Westminster; he lives about three miles from the city, but after driving about half a mile I came to a beautiful gateway somewhat resembling the front of a fine building. Here the porter who had charge of it admitted me and I drove through a park containing about 1800 [or 1900] deer, the race course on which he tries his horses, etc. the fences being made of iron and the grounds containing a variety of luxuriant trees. After passing on thus for near 2 ½ miles, I came to a magnificent palace covered with pinnacles. Here after ringing the bell a servant of quite a gentlemanly appearance came to the door and admitted me by my giving him my ticket of admission which I had procured before leaving Chester. The interior of the building is magnificent. One of the rooms is copied from the celebrated Alhambra of Granada in Spain which was built by the Moors.","Do you wish me to send you the old clothes of which you spoke next summer. As they are not worth much the cost of transportation may cost more than they are worth. If you wish them sent let me know in your next. Much love to all.","Your brother \nThomas","Lexington, Va.","My Dear Sister, \nI don't know whether you have yet returned from your visit to Aunt's but I will write to you now, as I have the time and might not have so much leisure in a few days hence and I will begin by stating that I have an invitation for you, and what do you think it is? \u0026 who from? For it is not often that I am authorized to send you invitations and especially pressing ones and I suppose you will begin to think or may think well what does he mean? Why doesn't he tell me at once \u0026 be done with it. ","Well you see I have finished \u0026 hope I am done with the first page of my letter \u0026 am running on at a tremendous rate, so that if I don't tell you soon, you will hardly get it all from this sheet. Well now having cultivated your patience a little as all women are said to have curiosity I will tell you that Miss Mary Anna Morrison, a friend of mine in the Western part of N. Carolina and in the Southern part of the State, is engaged to be married to an acquaintance of yours living in this village \u0026 she has requested me to urge you to attend her wedding in July next. To use her own words she says \"I hope your sister will come. You must urge her to do so. I should be very glad if she could come.\" The wedding is not to be large. I told her that I would give the invitation \u0026 having done so, feel that I am free from all further responsibility in the matter. I told her that I didn't think that you would be able to accept it, and if you can't just let me know in your next \u0026 transfer the invitation to your humble servant, and he will not decline, for he is very anxious to go as he is much interested in the ceremony \u0026 the occasion \u0026 the young lady is a very special friend of mine.","I hope that you have had a very pleasant trip to the River. I deposited in our bank a few days since twenty dollars \u0026 transferred the evidence of deposit to Wirt \u0026 forwarded it to him stating that he might expect more next July.","The present which you made Ellie was never made up, \u0026 if you can dispose of it in any way I think that I will send it to you when John Bosworth goes home for I suppose that Anna would feel some delicacy in having it made up. Our weather is beautiful at present \u0026 I suppose that spring will rapidly advance now.","Give much love to all. \nYour affectionate brother, \nThomas","Rockbridge Alum Springs \nAug 11/ 57","My Dear Sister, \nSince my last we have visited Niagara, Saratoga \u0026 immediate places. As stated in my Richmond letter, I had expected to proceed from that point to your house, but an enlargement of one of the glands of Anna's neck induced me to consult a physician, \u0026 my concern was so great as to induce me to take her to Philadelphia where she consulted a Doctor Jackson of the University, \u0026 he was unable to decide as to the true character of the case. But whilst there, I met with Dr. Graham of Lexington in whom I have great confidence, \u0026 he advised me to bring her here after making a short tour.","We reached here last Wednesday evening and the enlargement has apparently diminished considerably since that time. We expect to remain here till near the close of my vacation \u0026 then return to Lexington. I regret that we have been unable to visit you this summer but I felt that under the circumstances it was my duty to make Anna's health the first object of concern. In coming from Staunton here I fell in with Cousin [Flo?] \u0026 her little boy on their way to the Healing Springs. Let me hear from you soon \u0026 if you can write before the 25th of this month, direct to this place, otherwise direct to Lexington. Give love to all. Anna joins me in love to you.","Your affectionate brother \nThomas","Lexington, Va. \nNov. 1, 1857","My Dear Sister, \nAgain I am blessed with the privilege of communing with you. My duties are ended for the week, I may say, as in my department there will be no more recitations this week. But at 4 o'clock the Faculty have a weekly meeting at the Superintendent's.","Through the continued blessings of Providence, my health continues to improve. At present, I suffer more with cold feet than anything else. I have been accustomed to bathing them in cold water; but they have cracked open so much as to render the discontinuance of it necessary. I have an invitation to a party this evening, but must decline going. The citizens of this place are such as I admire.","I have tried on my shirts and they fit very well with the exception of the collars which are not long enough in the band. Accept of my thanks for the present. How are Thos. and the family.","I hope to see you next summer. I had a pleasant time at the Springs, but only visited the Rockbridge Alum, the Bath Alum and the Warm Springs. I saw the blowing cave: it is a remarkable curiosity. There is at one time a strong current of air rushing out and at another time, a strong current rushing in. There has never been but one mouth found to the cave. It is in Bath county and about eight miles from the Bath Alum Springs. My love to all.","Your brother, \nThomas","Lexington, Va. \nDecember 19/57","My Dear Sister, \nYou have probably been expecting a letter from me for some days. Owing to an inflammation of the tube leading to the ear and also inflammation of the throat (chronic) and very painful neuralgia, I have been constrained to give up my correspondence for a while. I never remember having suffered so much as within the last three weeks, and now I am compelled to use a vial of chloroform liniment per day externally and am also using a preparation of ammonia. The hearing of my right ear is impaired, but I trust not permanently. I have continued to attend to my recitations, notwithstanding my suffering. In a few days I hope to be free from pain.","The eye medicine helped me for a while I think but I can't say that I have been permanently benefited, and I would advise you not to try the medicine.","Anna is quite robust again. She joins me in love to you all. I wrote to Wirt, advising him to go to some active occupation and to read standard books and thus endeavor to apply his knowledge of grammar and become thus acquainted acquainted with the construction of the language- use is of great importance. His knowledge of the grammar considering the time he has given to it is discouraging. To keep him at school with such little progress is pretty much throwing away the money and time.","Let me hear from you soon.","Your affectionate brother, \nThomas","Lexington, Va. \nFeby 8th, 1858","My Dear Sister, \nYour very welcome letter of last week reached me this morning and I am rejoiced to learn that you are so much concerned about \"the one thing needful.\" I have never believed that you would be lost. I have borne in mind that our sainted mother's prayers would not be forgotten by our Heavenly Father. Though dead, her prayers, I trusted would be precious in the sight of the Lord.","You wish to know how to come to God; so as to have your sins forgiven, and to receive \"the inheritance which is incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away.\" Now my dear sister the way is plain: the savior says in Mark XVI chapter, 16th verse \"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.\" But you may ask what is it to believe. To explain this I will quote from an able theologian, and devoted servant of God. To believe in the sense in which the word is used here, \"is feeling and acting as if there were a God, a Heaven, a Hell; as if we were sinners and must die; as if we deserve eternal death, and were in danger of it. And in view of all, casting our eternal interests on the mercy of God in Christ Jesus. To do this is to be a Christian.\"","You speak of having done all that you know in order to be accepted: this is too apt to be our error. We must not depend on making ourselves holy: but just come to the Father, and ask him to forgive our sins for the sake of Jesus, and rely entirely on the merits of Christ for our prayer being answered. The Father loves the Son and for his sake pardons those who plead the Son's merits. We should never think of presenting any merits of our own for we are all sinners.","Do not trouble yourself too much about not having repented enough for your sins, for your letter shows that you have much concern about the subject. But let me advise you simply to do as God enabled me to do, that is, resolve to spend the remaining part of life in His service, to obey the teachings of the Bible until death, and to rely entirely on the mercy of God for being saved, and though the future looked dark, yet it has become very bright. Never despair, even old Christians have dark moments.","Never omit of pray at regular times. For years your salvation has been my daily prayer and shall continue so. Write to me often and tell me all your trials, that I may","Do not trouble yourself too much about Were it not for my throat, Anna \u0026 myself would like very much to pay you a visit this winter. My throat \u0026 the sale of a neighbors property next week are the two obstacles. Anna is anxious to go next [week?]. She joins me in love to you all.","Your affectionate brother, \nThomas","Lexington, VA. \nMay 1st/58","My Dear Brother \nWe have a little prodigy one day old this afternoon. She calls herself Mary Graham Jackson. Anna is doing very well, \u0026 joins me in love to yourself and sister Eugenia.","Your affectionate brother, \nT. J. Jackson","Lexington, Va. \nMay 1st 1858","My dear sister, \nI am very much pressed with business, but I must drop you a line to say that yesterday God blessed us with a charming little daughter, and we have named her after Mrs. Morrison, Mary Graham.","My eyes have been troubling me much lately. I regret that you have had so much suffering, it appears to have resembled my attack. I am now using glycerine which is the essence of oil. I take it through the nostrils for the purpose of curing the inflammation at the entrance of the nasal tubes into the mouth and I find it of great service. God had blest its use to me very much. I tried caustic or nitrate of silver, but with much less effect. I hope that you will soon be well. I ascertained to day that I can get a copy of \"Silver Wood\" in town so you may expect one when Mr. Chenoweth goes home if not before.","Anna \u0026 the little one are both doing very well for which we are thankful to our Heavenly Father. I received a letter from Wirt a few days since. His health I think is just tolerable from what he says. I have been wanting to write to Thomas for some time \u0026 and hope to do so before long.","May the blessings of our Heavenly Father rest upon you richly is the prayer of your affectionate brother. Anna joins me in love to you \u0026 the children. Remember me very kindly to Mr. Arnold.","Your brother, \nThomas","Lexington Va. \nMay 22/58","My dear sister, \nYour welcome letter came safely, but finds our little daughter very ill of jaundice, and she may at any hour take her place among the redeemed in Paradise. Anna is doing well. My intention has \u0026 still is to visit you this summer, but I learned a lesson from last summer, not to make a promise for no one can tell what a day will bring forth, but I trust that if our little daughter lives that God will bless us all in a visit to see you \u0026 all the family. It seems like a long time since I was at your house. The children I suppose have grown much. Give my thanks to my darling little niece for her letter \u0026 tell her I expect to answer it in a few days. Give much love to all the children from myself \u0026 Anna. She joins me in love to you.","I received a letter from Wirt this morning stating that he is well but that he has lost his horse by his straying off, and that he wants me to forward him one hundred \u0026 five dollars N.Y. funds, which I want to try \u0026 do; though it will cost a premium here.","Your affect. Brother \nThomas","Lexington, Va. \nJune 7th/58","My dear little Niece, \nYour very interesting letter reached me a short time before your sweet little cousin \u0026 my little daughter was called from this world of sin, to enjoy the Heavenly happiness of Paradise. She died of Jaundice on the 25th of April.  [Jackson's error-- the baby died on May 25] Whilst your Aunt Anna and myself feel our loss, yet we know that God has taken her away in love. Jesus says \"suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of Heaven.\" Did you ever think my dear Grace that the most persons who have died and gone to Heaven are little children. Your aunt is doing very well, she is out visiting.","We hope to go \u0026 see you all this summer, but my health is so delicate, that I am disposed to go North first. I think this will give us more time to stay with you. Should we go to see you first I may have to hasten on North without staying more than two or three days.","I wish your would write to me at once and let me know which you would rather I should do. I hope that you have enjoyed your school and your vacation both very much. Remember your aunt \u0026 uncle to your Father, Mother, Thomas \u0026 Stark, and accept much love for yourself.","Your affectionate uncle, \nThomas","Lexington, Va. \nJune 7th/58","Dear Sir, \nIn compliance with your request I proceed to give you a statement respecting the condition of the Lexington Colored Sabbath School. But in doing so, I feel it unnecessary to say more than a few words, as you are already acquainted with its leading features. The school is usually opened by singing part of a hymn, which should be announced the previous Sabbath. This is followed by reading one or more verses from the Bible, with explanations \u0026 applications; this is succeeded by prayer. After this each class is instructed by its teacher from the Bible, catechism and hymn book. At the close  of the school which is near forty five minutes from the opening, there is a public examination on two verses of the child catechism, published by our Board. These verses should be announced the previous Sabbath. After the close of the examination, the school is dismissed, the remaining part of the opening hymn having been sung immediately after the examination.","The system of reward you are acquainted with, and the premiums so far have been near a dozen Testaments and one Bible. The day of their presentation is the first Sabbath of each month. Several scholars are studying the shorter catechism at the present time. Each teacher keeps a class book in which is noted each scholar's department in school. The lesson should be taught one Sabbath, with a view to examination \u0026 mark on the next. Each teacher at the close of the month give me a circular (blanks having been furnished) exhibiting for each scholar the manner in which the lesson has been prepared, the conduct in school, no. of lates, absences. From these circulars, I make a monthly entry in the record book, which contains not only the no. of lates \u0026 absences, but also the names of the teachers, scholars, owners, persons with whom the scholars are living, the lates \u0026 absences of teachers, and a weekly record of the proceedings of the school. By reference to the record book, I find 91 to be the no. of scholars there reported.","Praying that the S. school convention may be a great blessing to the cause \u0026 to yourself I remain your attached friend.","T. J. Jackson","Lexington, Va. \nJune 19th 1858","My dear Sister, \nYour letter \u0026 that of Grace reached me this morning and for a while I thought that I might be able to visit you previous to going North, but after more maturely considering my case, \u0026 all the circumstances, I am disposed to think that I had better go North first. My disease is not understood by my physicians here and I have nearly if not entirely lost my hearing in the right ear \u0026 my left ear is diseased, and my nose is internally affected. The first thing it appears to me should be to seek relief if it is to be had.","Write to me to N.Y. City, and tell Tom and Grace that they must write to me this summer also, as soon as I let you all know where my letters will reach me after leaving N.Y. City. Tell Grace that I am much obliged to her for her letter, and that she may expect me to answer  it before a great while. As to Thomas' examination, I think Mr. Thomas can judge better of his qualifications than myself, though I wish that I could be with you all before his teacher leaves. I hope to be with you in the latter part of August.","I forwarded a check to Wirt for one hundred \u0026 five dollars on N.J. I had to pay a premium of one per cent for it and urged him to refund the money on the first of Sept. according to promise. If I had known that he had found his horse, I don't know that I should have sent him so much. I have need of all the money that I can command. When you write to him, tell him that he had better sell me one of his horses.","Anna joins me in much love to you \u0026 the children. Remember me to Mr. Thomas \u0026 his lady \u0026 to all enquiring friends.","Your affec. brother, \nThomas","New York City \nJuly 21st, 1858","My dear Niece, \nI have been desiring to write to you for some time but have been prevented. I am now under the care of a physician by the name of Carnochan who is one of the professors in a medical college here. I hope that I am improving, but do not know how long I will remain here. Probably ten days longer, afterwards I expect to start on my visit  to you but will delay sometime on the way I expect in Philadelphia, Baltimore, the Glades.","Your Aunt Anna is quite well and we are seeing many pretty things here. Give my love and your Aunt's to all the family, and write to me as soon as you receive this. Direct your letter to New York City.","Your affectionate Uncle, \nThomas","Lexington Va. \nOct. 23d, 1858","My dear sister, \nYour letter of the 19th inst. reached me this morning. Thomas reached here as you expected on last Saturday and has been a very good boy and we are all much pleased with him. He commenced going to school on Tuesday last to Mr. McFarland \u0026 is studying the English \u0026 Latin languages. His teacher wishes him to study arithmetic also, but I am unwilling for him to undertake any more at present, until I see what success will attend his present studies \u0026 also what kind of health he will have. I don't wish him to go over any thing without his understanding it thoroughly \u0026 hence he must not have too much to study. I regard it as a great error to require a child to study what his mind is not capable of appreciating. The tendency is to diminish his fondness for study, to give him a vague way of thinking (since he is not accustomed to see the precise points) \u0026 by overtasking the mind his health both of body \u0026 mind are endangered. I have been much gratified as seeing Thomas' mind so good; it has improved very much since I last saw him \u0026 I think it is partly due to the light course of studies which he has been pursuing.","I will attend to the directions of your letter \u0026 I am glad to see that your views with regard to Thomas' education \u0026 my views on the same subject are so much alike. I don't think that Thomas will get much home sick. I regret that I have not got some occupation for him \u0026 also regret not having some good companion for him to always associate with. I wrote to you about pocket money for him, but as I stated that probably he had reserved enough for that purpose, so I find such to be the case, as he since gave me three dollars to keep for him. Should you send him any clothes at any time, I would not send them of the same style as those he wears, as they are not worn here by boys as large as himself. I find that his dress makes him too marked, I will get him a suit, better adapted to his age.","My greatest concern about him is his eating. When he first came, he would use neither milk nor coffee, since then he drinks a little coffee; but I am a little afraid of his doing so, as he has not been accustomed he says to its use. I don't wish him to change his home habits in any respect unless there is necessity for so doing. I wish you would let me know how he lived at home. He gets his lessons well. Anna joins me in love to yourself \u0026 the children.","Your affectionate brother, \nThomas","Lexington Va. \nApril 11, 1859","Sir, \nFrom your letter of the 31 ult. I am gratified to learn that you contemplate making a European tour. You request me to send you a copy of my notes of travel. Should I do so, I fear that they would be of but little service to you as they are not sufficiently full to give you much information. Even with my recollection of places, etc. to aid me, I am not always able to make out the sense. And instead of giving you incoherent suggestions, I have thought best to glance over my notes, and send you such information as I think will be valuable. And in doing so, I would recommend you to purchase a note book before sailing, and if time will permit to keep a satisfactory journal beginning with the first day and closing with the returning one of your tour.","As soon as you reach Liverpool purchase guide books of such countries as you design visiting. If you have time to see things leisurely, don't employ guides. Leaving L. visit Chester and drive out to Eaton Hall, which is a fine specimen of an English nobleman's estate; it belongs to the Marquis of Westminster, said by some to be the wealthiest man in England. If you have time after returning to C. take the cars and visit the great Tubular bridge, and pass over to Ireland for a few days. Should you go to I. be sure if you should pass near Parsonstown, to see the great Ross telescope, and whilst there, ask for its magnifying power, and please inform me of it. Returning to Liverpool visit the following places Glasgow, Dunbarton Castle, Loch Loman, Loch Catrine, Sterling Castle, Edinborough, York, Cambridge, London, Antwerp, Waterloo. Pass through Brussells on your way to and also on your return from Waterloo. Leaving B. visit Aix La Chappel, Cologne, Bonn, Frankfort on the Main, Heidleburg, Baden Baden, Strasburg, Baste, Lakes Lucern, Brienz \u0026 Thun. Stop for at least one day at Interlaken which is between lakes B. \u0026 T. Visit Berne, Freiberg, Lake Geneva, Geneva, Mer de Glas. From Martigny, cross the Alps by the Simplon Pass into Italy. Visit Lakes Como \u0026 Majora. Visit Milan, Verona, Venice, Florence, Pisa, Leghorn, Rome, Naples, Genoa, Turin, Paris.","I have given you the tour I should take above all others, if I did not have time for a more extensive one. It differs a little from the one taken by me. I did not see the Tubular Bridge nor visit Ireland. And instead of visiting Turin I hastened to Paris by the steamer from Genoa. Knowing the stopping points you can post yourself up on your guide book in advance.","In York observe the organ especially. In Antwerp note Reubens' paintings. In Heid. observe the castle. In Strasburg is the wonderful clock. In Feiberg is one of the best organs in the world. At Verona is the most perfect amphitheater in the world. You may find it more pleasant to visit Naples before Rome. You will fine Genoa probably the most beautiful of all the cities in consequence of its elevation being such as to present its different parts distinctly to the eye when viewed from the harbor. I omitted calling your attention to the Museum in Antwerp.","In Venice, nearly every thing of interest except its canals are on St. Mark's square. In Florence give yourself plenty of time to visit frequently the statuary in the room called the Tribuna. Study the original works of art with which you may meet in Antwerp, Florence, Rome, etc. and when you reach Paris you will see a miniature of all, serving to refresh your memory but not calling for examinations, as you have already seen the originals. In P. you should give attention to the externals, visit the neighboring Royal residences, etc.","Of course you will pass some time in London and visit the Parks, Westminster Abbey a number of times. I hope that you may be able to make the tour and that you may realize more than you even anticipate","I would be glad to hear from you during your absence \u0026 after your return. Things are here in much the same routine as when you left.","Yours truly, T. J. Jackson","Lexington, Va \nMay 9th, 1859","My dear sister \nI omitted in my last to answer your question as to when I design visiting Beverly. I hope to do so in July; but you must not give yourself any trouble about the vegetables you spoke of; as I am through the blessing of our Heavenly Father enabled now to live on most any thing. Don't get brown bread for me as I have ceased to use it. But when I drop in, I will just eat such things as are convenient.","I heard from Anna on Saturday, she says that she is learning to take things more philosophically. She says that the Dr. Sill finds some inflammation, she is to remain there until the inflammation entirely subsides. She sends love to you. Thomas was very anxious to go with his teacher \u0026 a number of the scholars to the Peaks of Otter; but I felt it was too much responsibility for me to take to let him go. Some of the boys might have guns with them \u0026 some accident might occur to him \u0026 furthermore I didn't know how much it might cost him; as they would be gone several days. Accordingly he remains at home \u0026 I hope that he will make considerable progress in Spanish. In consequence of the irritation of my throat, I have not been hearing him much in the last few days. But he is far enough advanced not to study considerably by himself. I hope to have a fine supply of vegetables for you when you come. You must try \u0026 bring some other members of the family with you.","Give much love to the children. Thomas is well.","Your affec. brother, Thomas.","White Sulphur Springs \nAugust 13, 1859","My dear Sister \nThe inflammation or irritation of my throat passed down so low as to make me afraid to let Dr. Green treat me \u0026 consequently I gave up the idea of going to him so long as it remains so low; it appears to be about the collar bone. But whilst I was unwilling to let the Dr. treat me I concluded that I would visit this place \u0026 try to get my liver right; as I was disposed to think that the state of the throat depended on that of the liver. After you left, my liver apparently became much deranged. I reached this place on Thursday last \u0026 I feel improved. It appears to me that smoking mullein has been of great benefit to me. I am fearful that I will not be an herbal remedy used for respiratory ailments able to visit you this summer \u0026 I feel it greatly.","I left Anna at the Rockbridge Baths, her health has not been so good since you left and as the Baths are celebrated for such afflictions as hers I trust that she will be improved by their use. This evening I received a letter from her stating that after bathing she had internal heat \u0026 that she was fearful that the bathing was not good for her \u0026 that if she found it not to be so that she would return home in a few days. There are about 1000 persons here at present.","I hope that I may be able to visit you, notwithstanding the present aspect of things, but don't expect me unless you hear of my coming by another letter.","I hope that your health has improved. Give my love to all. Your affectionate brother, Thomas.","Lexington, Va \nAug 27th, 1859","My dear Sister \nI returned last Tuesday evening from the White Sulphur Springs, and under the blessing of Providence my health had much improved, and if I only had a week more before the commencing of the session I would visit you but I would barely have had time to ride to your house and back, which would not have answered our purpose as my desire is to make a visit. But I hope that in November I will be with you. The first visit that I pay is to be with you. I feel that a disordered liver had probably much to do with my affected throat and if I can only keep the secretions right, I hope that my throat will soon be well.","Anna's health I fear has not improved much locally, though she gained some flesh during her stay at the Baths. Maj. Preston has just returned, and given me an account of you all. I am much gratified that Mr. Arnold invited him to stay with you. I regret that Mr. Arnold's arm continues to trouble him. I trust that you will succeed in securing a competent teacher for the children. Tell them that their aunt \u0026 I were wishing this week that we could see them.","Sulphur water appears to suit my disease better than any other remedy which I have met with, and yesterday evening Anna \u0026 myself took a ride to one of these springs about 8 miles from town. I never knew of its existence until within a few weeks. The water is very pleasant yet very weak and I fear not of much benefit.","I send you by the same mail with this letter one of our catalogues. Anna joins me in love to you all.","Your affectionate brother, Thomas","Home \nSept. 13th, 1859","My dear Sister \nYour last reached me safely and Anna delivered the articles to the servant according to your request. I regret to learn that your health continues so infirm. I am with yourself glad that you visited us last summer with the children, and hope that you may be spared to visit us again, and I hope that at your next visit we may be able to make you more comfortable than you were at your last.","Anna's health has become such as to render it necessary to send her to a physician \u0026 she left last Friday for Hampden Sidney to be under the care of Dr. Watkins.","According to your request I send Thomas' account. Look at his book and see if he got anything after the last of June. The account only extends to the end of June and he may have procured things from the store after that time. I had occasion to see Lyell Wilson's account since then \u0026 he had me charged with a pass book got by Thomas in the 1st of July. This made me think that he might have got other things elsewhere. But if he didn't get anything else, don't take notice of the book, as it was only a trifle.","Give my love to Mr. A \u0026 to all the children.","Your affectionate brother, Thomas.","I fear that I will not get to see you in Nov. But my first visit as I said before is to you. May our kind Heavenly Father bless you richly is my constantly repeated prayer.","1858 \nEnglish Grammar.50 \nCopy Books .25 \nBlank book \u0026 sponge .18 3/4 \nPaper \u0026 envelopes .25 \nBox pencil lead, paper \u0026 envels. .50 \nFor Fair \u0026 Christmas 1.00 \nMiss Howard for two months \u0026 1 week washing 1.68 \nMr. McFarland 17.00 \nMiss L. S. Graham 37.50","1859 \nOdd Fellows supper .25 Lecture at Chapel .25 57.43 \n[illegible] .25 \nNegro for mending shoe .25 \nVisit Nat. Bridge .50 \nMcFarland 17.00 \nNot included in store accounts 77.36 3/4 \n6 months Board \u0026 washing 72.00 \n149.36 3/4","Store account \n40.46 3/4 \n189.83 1/2 \nCredits 113.00 \nBalance due 76.83","Home \nOctober 31, 1859","My dear Sister \nLast week I mailed a letter to Mr. Arnold requesting him to visit me and [illegible] other inducements told him that we were to have a county agricultural Fair, but didn't mention the day, as I had not yet ascertained it; but it is to be on the 23 of this month. Urge Mr. Arnold to come if you think that he can do so safely; and during his stay, I will try \u0026 interest him in our schools \u0026 county, and see if he can be induced to locate here.","I found that the cadets designed being absent so short a time, that I concluded that I had better postpone my visit to you until next summer.","I feel that we are now greatly blessed with a good teacher for boys, he is the very man I think whom Thomas would do well under. We have a number of good schools for Grace \u0026 Stark. There is a gentleman in town who has a boy who has given him \u0026 his teacher much trouble \u0026 on Saturday he was speaking of Mr. Morgan (who is the teacher to whom I referred for Thomas) \u0026 he spoke of him in very high terms for the successful management of his boy \u0026 for the progress that his boy is making under his new teacher.","I heard from Anna on Saturday. She hoped to be at Hampden Sidney today. She feels much improved \u0026 is bringing Laura her youngest sister home with her. I hope that they will soon be here.","Let me hear from you soon \u0026 tell me  what Mr. A says. I felt it would be more prudent in me not to say anything in my letter about his moving here. I would like to see him first \u0026 thus have a better opportunity of judging how he could best be approached successfully on the subject. I desired to write to you two weeks ago but I thought that Mr. A. might suspect something from the frequency of our letters.","Love to all, and trust God unreservedly in all things is my sincere prayer.","Your affectionate brother, Thomas.","Lexington, Va \nDec.12th/59","My dear Sister \nYour letter stating that you are teaching the children yourself has given me concern and I write this letter for the purpose of saying that you must never hesitate for a single moment about sending the children to me. I stated in my letter to you the conditions upon which I was ready to do for them what I could, because I felt it would prevent any disappointment to you \u0026 Mr. Arnold in the event of their coming, and I feel that I can make them comfortable \u0026 enable them to acquire a good education \u0026 to move in that sphere of life where I desire to see them move. Without a good education they must ever fall short of that position in life which they ought to occupy, and their early education consisting of spelling \u0026 reading is of great importance; if either is defective the education must necessarily be defective. But if insuperable objections lie in the way of getting a good teacher or of sending them abroad, don't give yourself anxiety but trust in our most kind \u0026 merciful Father who withholds no good thing from his children. I am very thankful to see you bear up under your trials with such Christian fortitude \u0026 as long as we lean on His almighty arm all shall be well.","I reached home on last Friday night about 3 o'clock in the morning. Anna is an invalid still, but I trust that better health is in store for her. My throat has been troubling me again in consequence of a cold contracted during my military excursion.","I am thankful to you for engaging the [illegible] but I don't know when I will be able to bring them home. You must give my love to Aunt \u0026 Uncle White. Remember me very kindly to Mr. Arnold. Anna joins me in love to the children. Should you see any of Mr. Chenoweth's friends say to them that I saw him today, \u0026 that he is well.","Your affectionate brother, Thomas.","...that carpeting is used for stairs instead of oil cloth. In regard to furniture I thought it best to consult you before making the purchases. As the furniture will last a life time it is best to be careful in pleasing ourselves although it may occasion delay. I purchased the oil cloth at once lest it might be sold, it is to be forwarded to Balt. directed to J. Arnold, Beverly Randolph County Va. care of R. L. Heavener \u0026 John Gephart, Jr. 320 Balt. St. Balt., M.D. I send the oil cloth as a present. As to the other articles, Rods etc. I can get the rods with concealed fastenings for $2.85 per dozen or I can get common rods with visible band fastenings for $2.20 per doz. The length of the rods is 30 inches but as you haven't the oil cloth you may not want the rods. Let me know \u0026 if the length is not right, tell me what length you desire.","If you can't get all the articles now, you can get the others if you desire at some other time as I can order them at any time by calling Madden's attention to them now. Let me hear from you soon and","[in pencil at top]\nIf you still wish the parlor lamp let me know what kind \u0026 what is to be burnt in it.","I will order the amount of your funds and I may be able to add some but my money matters are behind hand. I have been in debt ever since I purchased my house and have to constantly borrow from the bank in order to get along. Send your money as far as practicable in drafts on N. York for they charge a premium here for drafts \u0026 it is not safe to send bills by mail. I prefer paying the premium to running the risk. I also wish that you would write to the person from whom you purchased the draft which you sent me, \u0026 get him to procure you another as I have lost that one \u0026 when you get the draft send it to me. If I were you I would try to get along without the mattresses if possible and I would then get:","Bureau $25, wash stand $10, Tete a Tete1 $18, 4 quartets2 $5, Sofa $5, centre table $9, French bedstead $15. Total exclusive of boxing $87. Should you prefer the sofa instead of [lounge] \u0026 Tete a Tete the amount will be $3 less, \u0026 if you prefer the wash stand to match the Bureau \u0026 I would get it if my means justified, the amount will be $5 more.","[in another hand the words \"29 feet eight inches.\"]","Give my love to all. Your affec. brother, Thomas.","Lexington, Va \nJany 28th, 1860","My dear Sister \nYour last very welcome letter came safe to hand and I am glad that you have succeeded in procuring a teacher and I hope that the children will learn well under his instruction. I am glad to hear of Mr. Arnold's improved health \u0026 trust that it may continue to improve. Through the blessing of out Heavenly Father we have been spared from the small pox thus far; \u0026 I hope that we may entirely escape it. There are but few cases now amongst the whites; the servants have taken it; though it has not spread much.As soon as a servant takes the disease he is carried to the hospital and they appear to be greatly afraid of the disease in consequence of their being sent to the hospital in case of taking it.","I hope that Anna's health is improving, but very little throws her back again. I wrote to Aunt Clem a few days since. On my return from Harper's Ferry, I came through Richmond \u0026 saw Wm. L. Jackson \u0026 his wife, Jonathan [Bennet, Burnet] \u0026 his wife and Wm. E. Arnold, Ben Bassett, John Hoffman \u0026 other friends. I wish you would write to me when are the given names of Wm. L. Jackson's wife \u0026 Bennett's wife \u0026 what relation there is between them \u0026 us, and give me a letter full of such things; as I am asked from time to time what is the Relationship me \u0026 such persons. I think Mr. Arnold knows a good deal about the subject. For example I think he knows what were grandfather's brothers. I remember having a talk with him once on the subject \u0026 I found that he appeared better acquainted with such things than myself. Who was Dr. Edward Jackson?","Anna joins me in love to you all. I hope that your health is better than when you last wrote.","Your affectionate brother, Thomas.","Home \nFebruary 25, 1860","My dear Niece \nI was much pleased to hear from your Mother's letter that her health and your Father's have been so good and to hear that you have so faithful a teacher; and as you can not always have him, I hope that you will do all you can in order to learn as much as possible whilst he is with you. And first of all I want you to learn to spell well; give particular attention to spelling; for I don't care how much you know about other things, if you don't spell well, you will be laughed at by educated people. I desire to see you have a good education, and the first step towards a good education, after learning the alphabet, is to learn to spell well. If a person commences reading before learning to spell well, he will not be apt to ever learn much more about spelling, because reading is more pleasant than spelling.","When I was young I committed the blunder of learning to read before I had learnt to spell well, and though I am now 36 years old, yet still I am mortified by my spelling words wrong; in writing this letter I have had to look in the Dictionary to see how a word was spelt and so I expect it will be all my life because I didn't give enough attention to my spelling when I was young. As your memory is better now than it may ever be, you can learn to spell more easily than when you become larger. When we are young we can recollect much better than when we are grown up.","I desire to see you an educated and accomplished lady, one that your Father and Mother will be justly proud of. After learning to spell very well then I want you to read histories, and travels and biographies, and such other books as will give you valuable information. I also hope that you will learn your Geography very well.","My Father and Mother died when I was very young, and I had to work for my living and education both; but your parents are both living and have given you a kind teacher and I trust that you will show them how thankful you are to them by studying hard. If you ever wish any information which I can give, you must ask me. I haven't written to your Mother for some time as I was afraid that I might send you the small pox, but I don't think that there is any danger now, as all are well here or about so.","I heard a student of Washington College make a beautiful speech on last Wednesday and as he is of the same name and county as your teacher, I expect that they are Relatives.","Give my love to all of the family \u0026 write to me soon. Your affectionate Uncle Thomas.","Lexington, Va. \nApril 16, 1860","My dear Sister \nI have been desiring to write to you for some time, but have been prevented from doing so. I am sorry to learn that your eyes trouble you so much. I wish you would try the simple remedy of washing them with cold water, lifting the water to the face in both hands and washing the face until a little water gets into the eyes and they commence smarting. Do this at night just before going to bed, and again immediately after getting up. I hope that you are improving, and that Mr. Arnold is likewise. Anna is suffering from a very bad cold. She has been confined to her bed for nearly a week, but is up this afternoon.","I don't know how Mr. Arnold thinks Wm. L. Jackson would do for a judge, but if he would like to see him elected over Edmondson and can do anything for him I hope that he will do so. I thought that probably there might be some person or persons living near his Father's old place beyond Weston with whom he might have influence; if such is not the case, do not say anything about the subject to him and probably you had better say nothing anyway to him upon the subject. From what I have heard, Wm. will very probably be elected.","I hope that the children are all doing well. Anna joins me in love to you all.","Your affec. brother Thomas.","April 21/60","My Dear Sister \nI intended writing to you today but as Anna has done so, I will only say a few words \u0026 those with respect to Grace.  I have not mentioned the subject of Maj. Preston and I don't think it necessary to consult you upon the subject but if you still desire me to do so, let me know in your next letter and I will give you his opinion.","My mind is clear in making Grace familiar with the English grammar as soon as practicable; let her commence it at once.  Let her not only study the principles of the language, but require her to parse a great deal, so as to make her familiar with the application of the principles of the language.  Let all her studies be English until she should become a finished English scholar.  I don't attach much importance to Latin for females, it is of value to every educated person but mostly to professional men.  I am glad that Mr. A. is obtaining Mr. McCuchin.  You may expect another letter from me in a week or so.","Your affect. Brother \nThomas","[postscript in hand of Mary Anna Jackson] \nP. S. Maj. J. requests me to say to you that he will attend to any commissions for furniture in the North that you may wish - as ever your Anna","Home \nMay 1st/60","My dear Sister, \nTell Grace that I have received her letter \u0026 that I am glad to see her spelling so good. I will write to her in a few days \u0026 will send her the pattern desired. When ever you desire furniture from N.Y. let me know \u0026 I can order it from either of two establishments. One of them makes first class furniture, but I think that his prices are too high for you. I purchased nothing of him but ½ dozen parlor chairs. The rest of my furniture omitting piano \u0026 a few other articles were furnished by another house \u0026 I was very well pleased with the articles; but when I was last in N.Y. I purchased a few more articles of the same house but am not pleased with them so well so I would advise you to order but a few articles at first in the event of your intending to purchase much.\nI am writing in great haste holding the paper in one hand and writing with the other. \nAnna joins me in love to you all. \nYour affectionate brother, \nThomas.","[from Mary Anna Jackson]","My dear Sister, \nI would gladly send the pattern to Grace, but I think it unnecessary, as I can give you directions without it. The girls of Grace's size here wear black silk tunics made exactly like those Grace wore last summer, except they fasten in front, \u0026 the skirt reaches nearly to the knees. They are very pretty, \u0026 black silk is all the style now. All the ladies mantles this summer are made of black silk. Some of the girls here wear circular capes or talmas, that reach a little below the waist, they would be pretty for Grace, but it think the black silk tunics are the most fashionable.","Write soon. Much love to all. \nYour affectionate sister, \nAnna Jackson","Lexington, Va \nMay 7, 1860","My dear Niece \nYour letter came safely and gives me much pleasure to see how rapidly you progress in spelling. Every word of your letter was spelt correctly and I hope that all your words may always be treated as well those contained in your letter; for it is treating words badly to steal a letter from them, or to impose on them a letter which they don't want. You must look at Stark's letters when he writes them to his sweetheart especially. And to be more serious it would be a good plan for my sweet niece and nephews to examine each others letters when they contain no secrets, and in that way you will be very apt to find out all the counterfeit words which may be passing themselves off on any of you. Remember that there are a great many ways of spelling a word wrong, but there is only one way of spelling it right.","I intended to send you with this letter the pattern which you requested, but your aunt wrote in my last that you have the requested pattern at home. The weather is quite warm today. My peas are in bloom, they commenced blooming before the end of April. I hope that you have a fine garden. Write to me when ever you have leisure time. I am glad to see your teacher remaining with you. Your aunt joins me in love to you all. Your aunt's health is much improved.","Your affectionate uncle, Thomas.","Home \nJune 4th, 1860","My dear Sister \nI have not heard from you for so long a time that I am fearful you are sick, and if so you must make the children write to me. I hope though that your health is unusually good.","Anna is unusually unwell but I trust that she will soon commence improving again. My eyes have improved greatly, through the blessing of Him who withholds no good thing from me, but in some respects my health is more impaired than it has been for some years. If I don't improve, I hope to leave for a Hydropathic establishment soon after our Commencement in July. And my plan is to send a servant with the carriage to meet me at the Depot nearest Beverly. What is the name of the Depot. I want the servant to get to your house a day or two in advance of the time, so that he will be certain to meet me. Anna and I will then return by Beverly  in the carriage \u0026 send the servant home by the Rail Road. All this plan may be frustrated, but I am resolved to pay you the first visit which I make, so you may be satisfied that if I don't visit you that my health is such as to render medical treatment necessary.","I send some early Silesia Lettuce seed which I hope you will sow at once, and after it gets a few leaves on each plant, set the plants in rows so that the plants shall be 8 inches apart, and water them occasionally so as to keep the ground damp. I never was fond of lettuce until I tried this. I regard it as the largest, tenderest and finest flavored that I have ever tasted. If you wish any more seed let me know \u0026 I will send it. I am greatly gratified at the election of Wm. L. Jackson. I fear that I have a disease of the kidneys, the disease gives me pain every day. I experience unusual pain whilst riding in a carriage. Anna joins me in love to you all.","Your affectionate brother, Thomas.","Lexington, Va. \nJune 30th, 1860","My dear Sister \nYour letter enclosing the check came safely \u0026 relieved my mind from apprehensions of your health being seriously ill. We have closed our examinations and I hope that on Thursday next I will be able to leave. I have some concern about getting from home to Goshen, but I trust that I will not experience much pain as I design going in my carriage.","I don't feel so well today as usual, but I have been exercising probably too much as I am at the Institute for the 3rd time. I think that my general health is better than it has been for a year or two at this season of the year, but much exercise appears to bring on increased trouble and pain. If I do not improve greatly between this time \u0026 the time that I reach N.Y. I will pass directly through and leave your purchases til my return.","Write to me at Brattleboro Vermont as I design going to a Hydropathic establishment there. If I should not stop as I go through N.Y., I will write to two different establishments there and find out on what terms they will furnish the furniture, so that on my return it will only be necessary to examine the furniture \u0026 make the purchases. In your next letter, tell me to whom I must direct your purchases. I expect that it will be cheaper to send them by water to Baltimore \u0026 from Balt. by Rail Road. If so it would be necessary to send them to somebody in Balt. as well as to some one at Webster or the stopping Depot on the R.R. Anna don't know of my writing this letter as I am at the Institute, or she might have some special message. Her health is much better than usual \u0026 I trust that through the blessing of God she will be restored this summer. Much love to all.","Your affec. brother Thomas","Round Hill Water Cure \nNorthampton, Mass. \nJuly 21st/60","My dear Sister \nI have been desiring to write to you for some time but on last Friday week I was very ill with a bilious attack attended with high fever; but as I was with a skillful water cure physician he soon through the blessing of a kind Providence arrested the fever, and on Saturday I was again out doors and am now better than before the attack. I might have written to you last week, had  I not been anticipating a change from Brattleboro to this place, and I feared that your letter might not reach me in the event of having it directed to that place in the event of my leaving there. Today I came here \u0026 am much pleased with things so far. I think that Anna's health as well as my own has improved.","The special object of writing to you at this time is to request you to furnish me with another list of the articles you wish me to get for you \u0026, I wish that you would put them down in the order in which you most desire them, as the amount which you sent (fifty five dollars) will not purchase half of what you named and I am apprehensive that the state of my purse will not allow me to do much for you, though I think that I will be able to do something. I would not trouble you with making out another list, had I not as it appears put those you sent me in such a special safe place of keeping that when I was about to leave home I could not find them myself.","I don't think that I will get you anything at auction. I bought our sofa there \u0026 it has turned out a great cheat. If you can't give a full list, let me have the dimensions of the oil cloth. I wrote to you by Mr. Chenoweth \u0026 I think requested you to tell me to whom I should send the purchases in Baltimore \u0026 also at Grafton. Please let me know soon after receiving this and direct your letter to Round Hill Water Cure, Northampton, Massachusetts. I wish you were here with me, it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Anna joins me in love to you all.","Your affectionate brother, Thomas","I am on the West Side of the Connecticut River so you can find me on the map.","Round Hill \nNorthampton, Mass. \nAug. 4th/860","My dear Sister, \nYour welcome letter of July 22d reached us at this place. I am glad that our sweet cousins (for such are the Murdochs) are about paying you a visit and I very much desire to meet them, but such gratification can not be indulged in at this time as our physician says that Anna will have to remain here until about the 1st of Oct. if she wishes to be cured. He says that he can thoroughly cure her. He says that he could cure me of all my symptoms of disease in from four to six months and as I am improving, I wish that I could remain here until relived of all my troubles or so long as I continue to improve. He says that I have a slight distortion of the spine, \u0026 that it has given rise to some of my uneasy symptoms. There are several ladies here who could not walk when they commenced treatment \u0026 are now walking as if perfectly well.","Anna and myself much regret that we must again be denied the pleasure of visiting you as we had hoped to do. But I know that at the right time our Heavenly Father will permit us to see you. I am anxiously looking forward to some opportunity during the coming session. I wrote in my last for you to give me a list of furniture, etc. in the order in which you prefer them, and I would suggest that you had better get a lower priced bedstead than ours. For instance, if a cottage one would answer it could be purchased at about half the price that we gave for ours. But if you could consent to lower the price of the other articles, I think that it would be best; of course you would not get things so serviceable \u0026 showy but I think that the increased number of articles for the same money would more than compensate.","A cottage bedstead would be rather small; but they are made neatly. I have merely made these suggestions \u0026 you must do as you think best \u0026 I will do the best I can for you in New York. I will not have the opportunity of stopping by in Philadelphia as my time is so precious. If you prefer the Philadelphia bedstead, I will write to the same person who made ours, \u0026 get you one. I send a list of some of our purchases. They were much lower than could have been bought in Lexington.","Anna joins me in love to you all. I wish I could stop in Philadelphia as I might get some things for you and also attend to an important matter. You must give my love to Harriet \u0026 the others when they visit you. May you have every needful blessing temporal \u0026 spiritual is my habitual prayer.\nYour affectionate brother, \nThomas","Home Sept. 3rd, 1860","My dear Sister, \nI have reached home safely with my health much improved. My physician said that I ought to have remained a month longer \u0026 I tried to do so but did not succeed, and I am satisfied with the sweet assurance that all things work together for my good. Anna's health was much improved, yet it was necessary for her to remain longer. I stopped in N. York and went to Brunner[?] and Moore's and also to I stopped in N. York and went to Brunner[?] and Moore's and also to Madden's. \tThey are persons from whom I hoped to purchase your furniture, and at Madden's I have been able to get a better bargain than Anna \u0026 I got of him. The prices are as follows, center table with marble top $9, French bedstead $14 (width inside 5ft 1 inch), Elegant bureau $25, corresponding wash stand $15. The bureau is under its regular price which is $30. There is another bureau at $23 \u0026 corresponding wash stand $10. Wash stands have marble top\u0026 back. Sofa inside length 7ft at $25. Another sofa inside length 6ft 8 inches at $20. Nice tete a tete at $18. Shuck mattress to fit bed $6. Shuck and cotton mattress mixed at $9. Lounge opening out or not at $6. Also another kind of lounge opening out or not at $5. Colors of lounges black; green \u0026 brown[?]. 4 quartets at $5.","Boxing of table .75 \n\" \" Bedstead 2.00 \n\" \" Bureau 1.50 \n\" \" Wash stand 1.00 \n\" \" Sofa 1.50 \n\" \" quartets .50 \n\" \" lounge 1.00 \nBailing mattresses .75 \nTotal 9.00","All the articles are mahogany, and I like them except the $23 Bureau. I would get the $25 bureau as it is only $2 more and if the elegant wash stand is too expensive I will get him to make you a neat one for $10. I would advise you to get the $20 sofa, but if you prefer you can instead of the sofa get the tete a tate \u0026 $5 lounge which will come to $3 more than the sofa. But if you prefer the sofa, you can make a lounge of it by spreading a cloth over it. The tete a tate is handsomer than the lounge though much smaller than our tete a tate. \tI purchased oil cloth for the square \u0026 rectangle but didn't succeed in getting any for the stairs as it is not now fashionable for stairs. I got the oil cloth at Stewart's \u0026 they told me that they didn't know where any could be had for stairs.","Home Sept. 24th, 1860","My dear Sister, \nYour very welcome letter reached me on Saturday and I was enabled to borrow the necessary money from the Bank, and I forwarded a draft this morning in a letter to Mr. Madden requesting him to purchase the carpet \u0026 stair rods and to forward all by the 1st packet to J. Arnold, Beverly Randolph County Virginia, to the care of R. L. Heavener \u0026 John Gephart box no. 320 Baltimore Street Baltimore, Maryland. I told him to send the lounge opening out at $6. I also specified green as the color. You did not mention the color in your letter, but I thought that you were pleased with ours. I regard it as very cheap, it is not so showy as ours, but I would much prefer it, as I think it is a serviceable one; whereas ours has proved to be a great cheat' having been bought at a N.Y. auction I might have expected it to turn out badly.  As you request a Bible instead of the oil cloth I conform very willingly to your wishes and the account will then stand","Centre table 9.\tBoxing table .75 \nBedstead 14. \" Bedstead\t2.00 \nBureau 25 \" Bureau 1.50 \nWash Stand 15 \" Wash Stand\t1.00 \nTate a Tete\t18 \" Sofa 1.50 \nLounge\t6 \" Quartets .50 \nQuartets 5\t\" Lounge 1.00 \n10 yd Carpet 8.25 \nat 62 ½\t6.25 \n18 stair rods 4.28 \nBoxing\t8.25 \n110.78","In order to get a draft on N.Y. I had to pay one dollar and eleven cents making in all one hundred and eleven dollars and eighty nine cents. Deducting from this the amount you sent me fifty five dollars leaves fifty six dollars and 89 cents adding to this the price of the oil cloth 7.50 makes the total amount sixty four dollars \u0026 39 cents. There are 10 yards of oil cloth at 75 cents per yard.","In order to get a new draft from a Bank the person to whom the Bank gave the draft had to inform the Bank that the draft has been lost or mislaid as the case may be and satisfy the Banking officer that he is acting honestly in the matter. If our Bank were to give me a draft \u0026 I should lose it all I would have to do would be to go to the cashier of the Bank \u0026 tell him that the draft was lost \u0026 request him to give me another which he would do and he would then write to the Bank that was to pay the draft \u0026 tell it not to pay the first draft. If he thought it necessary. So if the draft sent me was given to Col. Goff ask him to write to the Bank \u0026 request another draft stating that the first has been lost or mislaid. If the cashier of the Bank does not know Col. Goff then the Col. had better enclose his letter to some friend in whom the Bank has confidence and let this friend present it to the Bank so that the Bank may be satisfied that all is right. I regret to give you so much trouble.","Lexington, Va. \nDec. 1st, 1860","My dear Sister, \nI recd. your welcome letter this morning. I regret to learn that you have all been ill, but trust that ere this reaches you, all may again be well. If Mr. Preston remains in Beverly much of his time, I would be glad if it could be so arranged so as to board with you, if your health would justify it, and other circumstances would justify it. But I fear that it could not be arranged so. But wherever he may stay when in Beverly you may through the blessing of God derive much aid from him by consulting him freely. He is reserved in his manners, and I think that the best way to treat him, is to be very cordial, and to evince a desire to see much of him, but after all, we must not depend too much on a man; but look up to our Heavenly Father for every needed aid. If we but live near to God, all things shall work together for our good. I regret to hear of Aunt White's blindness. Give my love to her \u0026 Uncle.","I am sorry that your furniture was injured even slightly. I expect that the expenses to Webster were not much more than customary. I didn't expect that you would favor the French bedstead as much as ours, but such a one as ours I have never seen in N. York, it is the Philadelphia style \u0026 besides it costs more than yours. I like the French and Anna would exchange it with you if practicable and says if you will send her yours she will send you hers. If you had been accustomed to Leery French Bedsteads all your life you would probably think the high ones quite clumsy affairs.","I hope that Williams will exchange with Judge Thompson and would be glad if he would do so next term which commences the 12th of next Sept. I hope if he comes that he will bring his wife with him.\n    \nI did not ask Mr. Rieston to take your Bible to you, as he said that he was going on horseback.","Anna joins me in love to you \u0026 the children.","Your affectionate brother \nThomas","Lexington, Va. \nDec. 29th 1860","My dear Sister, \nAmong the things laid out for this Saturday is the writing of a letter to you. The weather here is such that any one who does not learn at the feet of Jesus would pronounce dismal; as it is penetratingly damp in addition to wet falling snow- bordering on sleet. How different are the views of one who sees God in all things and one who sees Him in nothing. This reminds me of of the Peasant who said that the weather tomorrow will be just such as pleases me, because it will be such as pleases God, and that always pleases me.","How do you like Mr. Thomas Preston? What is being done for the Redeemers cause in Beverly? How I would like to be with you! A visit to you is one of the pleasant things in prospect. I hope that you are all well again.","Do not have too much anxiety about bringing up your children, trust in God assistance, and it will be given. I think of our Sainted Mother and take courage from God's promise I will show mercy unto thousands (of generations) of them that keep me commandments From this passage a parent as will as children may draw great comfort. If a parent but keeps God's commandments, he or she may be well assured that God's mercy will rest upon the children.","I am looking forward with great interest to the 4th of Jany. when the Christian people for assistance, of this land will lift their united prayer as incense to the Throne of God in Supplication for our unhappy country. What is the feeling about Beverly respecting Secession? I am anxious to hear from the native part of my state, I am strong for the Union at present, and if things become no worse, I hope to continue so. I think that the majority in this county are for the Union; but in counties bordering us there is a strong secession feeling. Anna joins me in love to you \u0026 the children.","Your affectionate brother, \nThomas.","Lexington, Va. \nFeby 23rd, 1861","My dear Sister, \nYour kind letter reached its destination after Anna had left for North Carolina to visit her parents and be present at her sister Sue's wedding. She left last Monday morning. I heard from her in Richmond. She wrote that Providence had greatly blest her. She went as far as Richmond with a lady from this place. From Richmond she was to go to her destination with her Brother William who was to leave Washington for the purpose.","I feel very lonesome \u0026 greatly wish that I had you as next door neighbor. Today is raining \u0026 I stay pretty much in doors.","I hope that Thomas will spare no pains to get all the education practicable before coming to the Institution. He will thus be enabled to take our course to greater advantage, and will be in a position to graduate higher in his class.","Yesterday was celebrated with becoming honor, due to the memory of Washington. I trust that this letter will find you all in usual health at least. My throat is troubling me today. I would be glad to hear from Thomas or from any of the children.","Your affect. brother \nThomas","Lexington, Va. \nApril 6th, 1861","My dear Sister, \nYour very kind letter net with a welcome reception and I intended answering it last Saturday, but was prevented. I am very much gratified to learn that Mr. A. has consented to aid the church provided Mr. P remains with you. From Grace's letter I saw that he would remain if a proper salary could be raised. Do what you all can to make up the amount \u0026 I will be responsible for the rest. I would rather pay his whole salary than have him leave Beverly at this time. I still hope that Mr. Arnold may become a Christian. I know that the change to effect this must be great, but who will limit the power of the Holy Ghost. You were once a disbeliever, but a mother's prayers have been (as I believe) answered \u0026 who can say but that your prayers \u0026 the prayers of others may be heard for Mr. Arnold: for years I have been praying for him \u0026 expect to continue doing so. how great has been the change in him to agree to aid in preaching the Gospel. Pray on for him \u0026 pray for more faith. You speak of your temptations- that you shall be a cast away: don't tolerate such an idea for a moment. God draws his sensible presence from us to try our faith. When a cloud comes between you and the sun do you fear that the sun will never appear again? I am well satisfied that you are a child of God, and that you will be saved in Heaven, therefore ever to dwell with the ransomed of the Lord. So you must not doubt. The Natural Sun may never return to the view of the child of God when once concealed by an intervening cloud but the Sun of Righteousness will. But there is one very essential thing to the child of God who would enjoy the comforts of religion \u0026 that is he or she must live in accordance with the law of God- must have no will but his- Knowing the path of duty, must not hesitate for a moment, but at once[?] walk in it. Jesus says my yoke is easy \u0026 my burden is light \u0026 this is true, if we but follow him in the prompt discharge of every duty, but we mustn't hesitate a moment about doing our[?] duty under all circumstances as soon as it is made known to us \u0026 we should always seek by prayer to be taught our duty.","If temptations are presented, you must not think that you are committing sin in consequence of having a sinful thought- The Savior thought a sinful thought of worshipping Satan, what could be more abhorrent to a Christian's feeling than such a thought. But such thoughts become sinful if we derive pleasure from them, we must abhor them if we would prevent our sinning. The Devil inputs sinful ideas into our minds to disrupt our peace \u0026 to make us sin \u0026 it is our duty to see by prayer \u0026 watchfulness that we are not defiled by them.\n    \nGod has done great things; astonishing things for you \u0026 your family. Don't doubt his eternal love for you.","Lexington, Va. \nApril 13th, 1861","My dear Niece, \nI have been desiring to answer your letter for some time, but have from various causes been prevented. I wish I could see you with me again in Lexington, but as I don't expect to have that pleasure this spring, I hope to see you in Beverly next summer. In regard to those little histories of which you spoke, I will try \u0026 get Mr. Thomas to take a couple of them to you as a present. They may keep you reading until you have an opportunity of purchasing yours. Send to Harper \u0026 Brother, New York \u0026 I think if you will write to them beforehand that they will let you have them a quarter lower that the retail price which was 60 cents. When I purchased mine he let me have them at 45 cents, as I purchased a number of Books and I think he will do the same now. I don't like to ask Mr. Preston to carry anything, as he will probably not be able to take everything which he wants of his own, in consequence of his being on horseback \u0026 leaving home for several months \u0026 possibly for a year.","Your Aunt will attend to your request. I am sorry to learn that Mr. Chenoweth's health has failed: but hope that he may soon be restored. ","We have had very wet weather here during the present week, but I think that it is probably about over.","Your Aunt joins me in love to you all. She spoke of writing to day, but as I wanted to answer your letter she consented to postpone hers.","You must write to me often. \nYour affectionate Uncle \nThomas.","I am gratified to see from your letter that you are so much pleased with Mr. Preston as a preacher.","Baltimore \u0026 Ohio R. R. Telgraph","By Telegraph","Dated H. Ferry April 30, 1861 \nTo Jas. M. Jackson","An ordinance equalizing taxation onproperty throughout the sate of Virginia passed the convention of this twenty seventh inst (27th). Let papers publish.","T. J. Jackson \nCol. Commanding \nat Harpers Ferry","Charge 25 cts.","Division Head Qrts. \nHarpers Ferry \nMay 5th, 1861","Colonel, \nThe object of this letter is to request that you will look our for the interests of Massie, McDonald, and Cunnningham, they are all valuable officers. Though I recommended Massie to the Governor soon after my arrival here, yet at that time I didn't know his full worth. He is an invaluable staff officer, and I should greatly regret to lose him. I hope that you may find it consistent with the interest if Public Service to give him a Lieutenant Coloneley of the Inspector Generals Department.","McDonald and Cunningham both prefer the Corps of Engineers (Regular Service).","I am colonel, \nVery Respectfully yours. \nT. J. Jackson","To \nCol. F. H. Smith \nMember of Council of State","Harper's Ferry \nMay 25th, 1861","Governor, \nThe object of this letter is to state that Mr. W. S. H. Baylor, late Colonel of the Augusta regiment has qualities which would make him a valuable Colonel if an opportunity were offered for their development. During the insubordination at this place, which resulted from depriving the works of their field and general offices, Mr. B. instead of at once going to Richmond to advance his personal interests, remained here until he succeeded in quelling the insubordination in his Regiment, and I was forcibly impressed with the influence which he exerted over his men. He possesses fine qualities for an officer and consequently feels deeply that the other Colonels were reinstated whilst he was only appointed a Major. I am well satisfied from what I know of him personally, that he would as a colonel, be an ornament to the Service. \nI am Governor, your Obdt. Servt. \nT. J. Jackson \nCol. Va. Vols.","Jany. 2d, 1862","Major, \nI am much obliged to you for the nice lemons you have sent me.\nIssue one day's rations of Hd. Bd. As you suggest.\nI am glad to see that you are so well supplied.\nYou disappointed not only me but the Staff by not dining with us on Christmas.","I have been concerned about your health, as I hear that you do not look so well as usual. I hope that you will take special care of your health.","Respectfully yours, \nT. J. Jackson\nLt. Genl.","Hear Quarters Valley Dist. \nUnger's Store Jany. 13, 1862","General, \nThe enemy have evacuated Romney, leaving part of their stores behind. \nRespectfully you Obdt. Servt. \nT. J. Jackson \nMaj. Genl. Comd.","Genl. J. E. Johnston \nComd. Dept. of N. Va.","Winchester \nFeby 11th 1862","My dear Doctor \nYour very kind and Christian letter respecting my proposed withdrawal from Field Service has been received, and be assured that it met with a cordial reception. My desire to serve our cause is undiminished, but I am in active service not because it is more congenial to my taste, but from a sense of duty. The moment that my services are not required in the field I desire to return to the Institute.","After God had restored to us the county of Morgan East of the Big Capon River and the most valuable portion of Hampshire County, and was still driving the enemy from this Military District, the Secretary of War without consulting me upon the subject, sent an order to me stating that he has information, that Genl. Loring's command is in danger of being cut off, and directs me to order him back to Winchester immediately, thus unnecessarily abandoning to the enemy what had been restored to us. If such a policy as that was to be pursued by the Secretary at his desk far removed from the theatre of war, ruin must result to our cause, and I feel called upon to utter my strongest protest against such a ruinous policy, and this I designed doing by offering to resign, rather than be the willful instrument of carrying out a ruinous policy. So far as the secretary may have shown indignity to me personally, that is not a matter to be considered in times like the present. I am satisfied that my course was a good one for our cause, the effect that it may injuriously have in the estimation of men respecting me, is of but little moment.","I say it humbly but with the hope that you will live to see that my course has been what it should have been. I am every ready to remain in the field when I can have a prospect of being useful there. Pray that I may be useful.\nI am sincerely your friend \nT.J. Jackson","Winchester \nFeby 18th, 1862","General \nI have received information that there is below Washington another Brigade besides Sickles' and that they are provided with pontoon trains by which they can cross their Art. \u0026 other force in about four (4) hours and that they design doing so with the night at three or four different points, and that the first favorable night is the time fixed upon. That the crossing is to be followed by the reoccupation of Fredericksburg.","The 1st Tennessee leaves for Knoxville at dawn tomorrow morning. Would have left this morning, but I thought it best not to move until something could be heard respecting the time when the cars could receive them, as the weather has been very bad, and the troops are comfortable in their present position, \u0026 are within a day's march of Strasburg. Tomorrow at 10 o'clock A.M. the 1st Georgia will leave, and the Regiments for Genl Humes will move in time for their R. R. transportation. As there is no evidence of an immediate move on this place, I do not attach much importance to the information respecting the crossing of the Potomac below you, but have felt it my duty to make mention of it. The information is that the crossing is to be at night. The troops for Manassas can leave at any time via Snicker's Gap; as the boats now there will transport 250 Inft. per trip, but unless I receive further instructions from you, I will keep them as you directed until after the Regiments for the Virginia District leave.","Respectfully your Obt. Servt. \nT.J. Jackson \nMaj. Genl","Winchester, VA. \nFebruary 18th 1862","J. J. Jackson Major Gen. Comdg.","Reports information concerning enemy's strenght \u0026 intended operations on lower Potomac. Departure of the troops of Genl. Loring's command.","Winchester \n8.40 p.m. March 4/62","General \nMy dispatch to Genl. Johnston of yesterday as well as today was important. Please let me now at once whether either of them was captured. I think that we had better send nothing more for the present via Snicker's Gap, but everything via Ashby's. I will keep a lookout for [Miss] Osborn. I will understand the [ ]1. The Yankees are in Smithfield which is about 6 miles west of Charles Town.","Respectfully your Obdt. Servt. \nT. J. Jackson \nMaj. Genl. \nBrig Genl. D. H. Hill \nComd C. S. Forces, Leesburg.","Winchester \nMarch 7th, 1862","My Dear Colonel, \nI much regret that there should be an attempt at such foul aspirations against your character as named in your letter, which I received yesterday. On the 21st Inst. my mind was so occupied with the movement of troops during the Battle, that I observed but little of the minutia of individuals beyond what was necessary to see plans carried out. But so favorable was the impression of your conduct on my mind at the time of making out my report, when my memory was more fresh than at present, that I felt it was official duty to speak of you in terms of great praise. At the time of making out my report, I was suffering from my wound, and wrote but a short report, but all that is in it respecting yourself, is such testimony, as a meritorious officer successfully fighting for the Liberty of his country deserves. I see that I forwarded your report to Genl. Johnston and you had better get a copy of mine from him if you need it, as there might be a military impropriety in my sending you a copy. If the General hasn't got mine, request him to direct me to furnish him with a copy, or to furnish you with it either. But if you have any hesitation about making the request of the Genl. let me know, and I will send you a copy of the report so far as it relates to you. I did not retain a copy of your Report.","Today I will commence in a quiet way gathering up such facts and names as may be of use to you, should there be any occasion for them. Anything I can do, you must depend upon me for as it will be both a duty and pleasure to send you.","Your daughter, Mrs. [?] and Mrs. Jackson left here in the same stage on last Tuesday. Sandy is recovering from a very severe cold.","Your much attached friend, \nT. J. Jackson","Hd. Qrs. Valley District \nNear Mt. Jackson March 20th, 1862","My dear Colonel, \nAs Lt. Col. Grisby was on furlough when I last wrote to you, my second letter has been postponed until his return. I sent for him today, and he states that he probably saw more of you during the Battle, and had more to say to you, than any other officer; and that you behaved as bravely as an officer should, and appears to have been impressed with your coolness and courage, and speaks of your conduct in high terms, and says that with the exception McLachlin d of the time when you went to the rear \u0026 hitched your horse, that you were forward with your battery.","McLachlin does not appear to recollect much respecting you during the engagement as he states that his attention was given to his pieces, and that is very natural, I know that I observed but little of individuals except as duty brought me in contact with them. Though he says that you were with the leading piece when the battery went forward on the line of battle, and that his his opinion is that just before the piece went to the rear, you gave direction respecting the firing.","Should you have Brockenbrough Court Marshaled, I would advise you to have Grisby summoned as a witness. ","Very Truly your friend \nT. J. Jackson","Hd. Qrs. Valley Dist. \nApril 16th, 1862","Mrs. M. K. Langhorne, \nYour note respecting you brave son has been recd. and I hasten to say that you may rest assured that I will give special attention not only to his exchange when an opportunity offers but also to his unfortunate comrades.","Yours sincerely, \nT. J. Jackson","Hd. Qrs. V. Dist. \nBig Spring \nApril 18th, 1862","Maj. Genl. F. H. Smith \nSupt. Va. Mil. Inst.","General, \nIf you can possibly spare Colonel Williamson for a week or ten days, I hope that you will give him a leave of absence for the purpose of assisting me professionally.","I am General your obdt. servt. \nT. J. Jackson \nMaj. Genl.","Hd. Qts. at Swift Run Gap \nApril 28, 1862","Maj. Genl. F. H. Smith \nSupt. V. M. Institute","General, \nI have an important movement in contemplation and I regret to trouble you again when the subject of letting Col. Williamson join me for a few days; but if you can possibly do so, I hope that you will let him leave immediately upon the receipt of this, and join me with all possible dispatch. Should he come, let him on reaching Staunton call on Major A. W. Harman for relays of horses in order that he may reach this point or wherever it may be in the shortest time.","My prayer is that the proposed undertaking will receive God's blessing for without it I can do nothing.","Should you be able to grant my request, you may rest assured that I will not retain the Colonel longer than necessary and should you desire his services at any time before the completion of his work, you have but to notify me.","I send herewith authority for him to impress horses.","I am General your obedt. Servt. \nT. J. Jackson \nMaj. Genl.","Head Quarters May 3rd, 1862","Spec. Orders \nNo. 214","Maj. Gen. F.H. Smith having brought the Corps of Cadets of the Va. Mil. Inst. into the field, Quartermasters, Commissaries, and Ordinance Officers will furnish him all necessary supplies from their respective Departments.","By Order \nMaj. Gen. Jackson \nA.S. Pendleton \nA. A. A. G.","Near Harrisonburg \nMay 19th, 1862 \nHon. A. R. Boteler","Dear Sir, \nAccording to my promise I notify you that I am going down the Valley. But I can not say that I would advise to come on as my movements mat not be such as would enable you to visit your home. Should you feel at liberty to join me, I hope that you will do so at your earliest convenience.","What is the prospect of having Lt. Cols. J. R. Jones \u0026 A. Snead appointed Brig. Generals.","Very truly your friend \nT. J. Jackson","Hd. Qtrs. Valley District \nMay 29, 1862 \nMajor Genl. F. H. Smith \nSupt. Va. Mil. Institute","General, \nI am very grateful to you for your cooperation. Please call on the proper Departments at Staunton for transportation and Subsistence. When I get a tent or room to write in you shall hear from me again.\nI am General, your obdt. Serv. \nT. J. Jackson \nMaj. Genl.","Port Republic \nJune 6, 1862","My dear Colonel, \nI have recommended Lt. Col. J. R. Jones late of the 33rd Regt. Va. Vols. For a Brigadier Generalcy. I greatly need his services as such, any thing you can do towards securing his appointment will be valuable service rendered to our cause. You may remember the part he bore in the capture of the arsenal at Apalachicola. To him was entrusted the quelling of the insurrectionary movement in this District last Spring and it was effected greatly to my satisfaction. ","Col. J. goes to Richmond at my request. My recommendation of him sometime since was without his knowledge, and he is too modest a gentleman to do much in the way of pressing this matter as it affects him personally(?), and I therefore trust that this will do it for him. Please introduce him to Hon. A. R. Boteler, who has already taken steps towards securing the appointment.\nRemember me very kindly to the Governor.","Very truly your friend, \nT. J Jackson","Gordonsville \nJune 20th, 1864","My dear Doctor, \nYours of the 9th instant has been received, but was not handed to me by Mr. [?].  If I see an opening for an army appointment for him, I will try and secure it but I fear that no such appointment will be secured without the recommendation of the Colonel or other officers of a regiment where his services may be desired.  If he can secure such a recommendation it will most certainly secure the appointment.  I am glad that he has come, and I will talk with Major Dabney respecting him, with the hope that the Major may be the means under God of increasing his usefulness.","For our prayer accept my warmest thanks, and I trust that you, and all our Christian people will with increased [?] with God implore his blessing upon our cause.  He can give us victory, and crown us with complete success, and He alone can.  My trust is in Him, and in Him along, and unto His name be all the glory for every success and every blessing.","Give my kindest regards to Mrs. White and all the family.","Your much attached friend, \nT. J. Jackson","White Oak Bridge \nJuly 10th, 1862","General, \nYours of this date has been received. I send you a copy of the order for falling back. There are no infantry that I am aware of in front of you this morning. If no instructions have reached you, I would, if in your place, move off to your position near Williamsburg road. I expect to leave here this evening about 3 o' clock.","Stuart is still in front. I saw Capt. Rufus Barring yesterday. He says that his youngest child if dangerously ill.","Respectfully, \nT.J. Jackson \nMaj. Genl.","July 31st, 1862 \nMy dear Doctor, \nI am very grateful to you for your prayers to God for the success of the operation which God has entrusted to me. Please continue to pray for me and for the success of the troops entrusted to me. It cheers my heart to think that many of God's people are praying to our very kind Heavenly Father for the success of the army to which I belong. Without God's blessing I look for no success, and for every success my prayer is, that all the glory may be given unto Him to whom it is properly due. If people would but give all the glory to God, and regard his creatures as but unworthy instruments, my heart would rejoice. Alas too frequently the praise is bestowed upon the creature. Whilst we must not forget the superior importance of spiritual victories, yet I trust that you will under God's direction do what you can in securing the prayers of His people for the success of our arms, especially for the success of them which are entrusted to me, an unworthy servant, but who desires to glorify His name even in my present military calling. My trust is in God for success. Praying for a continuation of your usefulness I remain your much attached friend \nT. J. Jackson","My Dear Maggie \nIn haste I drop you a line in answer to your letter of Oct.3d. I regret not having a position to which propriety Mr. Estill can be assigned. The best opening that I see for him is to secure an appointment as an ordnance officer. There are to be 70 appointed after being examined by a board upon their qualifications. Harry Estill is among the number. It appears to me that his brother Charles ought to pass examination by giving attention to the subject.","I am much obliged to you for your kindness. ","I deeply sympathize with you all in the death of dear Willie. He was in my first Sabbath school class where I became attached to him when he was a little boy. I had expected to have him as one of my aid de camps but God in his providence has ordered otherwise.","Remember me very kindly to Col. Preston \u0026 all the family. \nAffectionately your brother, \nT. J. Jackson","Near Gordonsville \nAug 7th, 1862","General, \nI am much obliged to you for giving Cadet Morrison a leave of absence. Should you not receive from his father a letter within the prescribed time requesting that his son's resignation be accepted, I respectfully request that you will accept it upon this my application.","I am General yr obdt servt. \nT. J. Jackson","5 am Bristow \n27 Augt 62","General, \nPermit me to congratulate you upon the brilliant success with which God has blessed you.  You deserve promotion. The 12 Geo. \u0026 15th Ala. Regt. have been ordered to you this morning.","If you have commissary stores enough please send 5000 rations to Genl. Ewell at Bristow as soon as you can get transportation.","I am Genl yr obdt servt. \nT. J. Jackson","Sharpsburg \nSept 16th, 1862","Miss Fairfield, \nI have received the nice breakfast for which I am indebted to your kindness.  Please accept my grateful appreciation of you hospitality.\nVery sincerely yours, \nT. J. Jackson","Hd Qrs V. Dist Sept. 22nd, 1862","General, \nI respectfully recommend that Corporal Jas. P. Smith of the Rockbridge Artillery be appointed Aid de Camp and directed to report to me for duty. As 1st Lt. G. G. Junkin has resigned I desire Mr. Smith to be his successor. He has been acting as A. D. C. since the 20th instant and I respectfully request that his appointment be dated accordingly.","I am General your most obdt. Servt. \nT. J. Jackson \nMaj. Genl.","T. J. Jackson \nMaj. Genl. \nHd. Qrs. V. Dist. Oct. 15th, 1862","Revoking approval of Maj. Genl. D. H. Hill recommendation of Col. D. K. McBeal for a Brigadier Generalcy.","Hd. Qrs. A. N. Va. \nOctober 16th, 1862 \nResptly forwarded \nBy order of Genl. R. E. Lee","Clarke County Va. \nOct. 30th, 1862","My dear Doctor, \nYour kind and Christian letter of the 16th inst, with the accompanying resolution have been received, I write this note to thank you for having so effectually complied with my request, and to ask that your prayers and Christian efforts be continued as before requested, My trust is in God, and it is a great comfort to know that he answers prayer. I am very thankful to our kind Heavenly Father for restoring you to health. I hope that both your sons if not entirely well at present soon will be. \nYour much attached friend \nT. J. Jackson","Dec. 7th, 1862","Dear Genl, \nI have not yet found the sermon by Bishop Elliott of which mention was made when with you last. But I send herewith another of his sermons which I hope you will after reading forward to some friend in order that it may under God's blessing accomplish much good. The part marked on the 19th \u0026 20th pages comes up to my idea of what is the very reasonable \u0026 most important duty and high privilege of our people at this time.","The sermon was given me by Mrs. Brent of Winchester last winter or early in March and has not been sent out among the troops as all religious matter should.","Sincerely your friend \nT. J. Jackson","Hd. Qrs. 2d. Corps A. N.Va. \nDec. 8th, 1862","Genl, \nWhen you last wrote I presume that Mount Mass. \u0026 Hop Yard were not picketed for want of time after Genl. E. received the order, but before [now] I expect that the pickets are in position. I wish that you and Genl. E. would arrange the picketing dividing the work between the two divisions proportionally","I have written to Genl. Lee for the purpose of having a [c?] picket at Dickinson's crossing.","I am Genl. Yr. obdt. Servt. \nT. J. Jackson \nLt. Genl.","Hd Qrs. 2d Corps, A. N. Va.","Major, \nCol. Crutchfield is very desirous of having a commissary for my reserve Art. The object of this note is to ascertain whether you have one that can be assigned there. Who have you at Milford Depot?","If you have no commissary to spare for the purpose, and you know of a suitable person I wish you would recommend him and send the recommendation through these Hd. Qrs. How would Campbell do? What I desire you to do is to recommend the most worthy if one is to be appointed.","Can one commissary attend to the duties at Milford Depot and also to seeing that the Arty. wants?","Take care of yourself \u0026 when you feel like taking a long ride, come down and see me.","Respectfully your obdt. Servt. \nT. J. Jackson \nLt. Genl.","My dear sister Isabella, \nYour letter of the 15th respecting Genl. Hill was received yesterday. My first step was to try and arrange things so that he would remain with this Army; but after several interviews with him and also with Genl. Lee, I became satisfied that it would be impolite to insist on his remaining. Genl. Lee manifested to great interest in Genl. Hill, and a great desire that he should not resign. He \u0026 I took the same view as yourself respecting his feelings after being out of service a while, and we both thought it best that he should be ordered to Richmond where he could be ordered to duty else where \u0026 to some position where he could have more comforts than with this company or he given a leave to go home as circumstances might justify. It appears that the War Department took a similar view. The last news received from the Dept. was that his resignation would not be accepted at present but if necessary, a leave of absence granted. I am probably wrong in saying that this Course was determined on by the War Dept. What I should have said, is, that Genl. Lee who has returned from Richmond told me that he had so recommended and I am well satisfied that his recommendation has not been departed from.  Genl. Hill has probably explained to you before this, the causes which induced him to leave here. I tried to remove what I could influence, but was not successfull. For his services the Country owes him a lasting debt of gratitude. My prayer is that he will continue in the service until the war terminates, and that our Heavenly Father will give him success. And that his health and strength will not be so over taxed in the future as it had been in the past.","The subject of his leaving the army gave me great concern. I did not like to take any steps which would be distasteful to him. Though I thought he ought to go to Richmond, yet as he expressed his desire not to leave if a battle was about to take place, and as one might be fought any day. So far as I knew, I felt a hesitancy about doing anything which would separate him from his division in case of an action.","Genl. Lee proposed that he should take a leave of absence, and return to his division in the Spring, but Genl. Hill did not accept of it.","Though the case has been such as to give anxiety to you, Genl. Lee \u0026 myself, I am satisfied that Our God will over rule it for good. For He causes all things to work together for good to them who love Him. If the Genl. is at home when this reaches you, please give my love to him. Joseph, Robert and Maj. Ewing[?] are well. I have not seen Mr. Barrington for nearly two months. Give love to the children.","Your affectionate brother, \nT. J. Jackson","Corbyn's Farm \nCaroline Co. Va. \nFeby 11th, 1863","My dear Captain, \nYour letter of the 5th instant has been received, and your request will receive special attention. I am not sanguine of success, but an available opportunity may occur.","I regret to heat of the continued delicate health of Mrs. B. \u0026 child. Joseph Morrison has gone home to see his mother who is seriously ill. Capt. Avery had also gone on leave of absence of 25 days.","Genl. Hill has been assigned to duty in N.C.","Mr. Irwin \u0026 Sis with their children were at Cottage Home at last account. I hope that they will be there when Anna \u0026 Paul arrive there.","Should you come near me. I hope that you will not pass by without calling.","Very truly yours, \nT. J. Jackson","P.S. Genl. Stuart has arrived since the foregoing and he desires getting you appointed on His Military Court of which he has the promise. Say nothing about this, as the court is not yet secured. \nT. J. J.","Hd. Qrs. 2d Corps A. N. V. \nMarch 23d, 1863","General, \nI have learned officially this evening, that Mr. Col. Wm. R. Cox 2d N.C. Regt. \u0026 Judge Advocate of the General Court Martial for the trial of Brig. Genl. J. R. Jones is absent and will not return until the 2d of April. Under these circumstances I would respectfully recommend that Col. D.B. Penn of the 7th Louisiana Regt. be appointed Judge Advocate of the Court.","The accompanying papers were returned to me today by Col. W. P. Bynum of the 2d N. C. I. One of the envelopes was opened by him under the impression that the package concerned his Regt.","I am Genl. your obdt. Servt. \nT. J. Jackson \nLt. Gen.","T. J. Jackson \nLt. Genl. \nHd. Qrs. 2d Corps A.N.V. \nMarch 23, 1863 \nRecommending that Col. B. D. Penn 7th La. Regt. be appointing Judge Advocate by the Genl. C. Martial for the trial of Brig. Genl. J. R. Jones.","Near Fredericksburg, Va. \nApril 15th, 1863 \nMessrs. Mitchell \u0026 Tyler","Gentlemen, \nYour note of the 11th instant informing me that you have not only repaired my watch but also replaced the indistinct gold dial by a white one, gratuitously has been received.","The object of this note is to thank you for your kindness, and to say that not only is the watch thoroughly repaired; but that I regard its usefulness materially enhanced by the new dial.","I am gentlemen, \n[Signature missing/cut out from letter at unknown date]","7.45 A. M.","General, \nYour dispatch of 6. A. m. has been recd. I have sent a scouting party down the road you are on for the purpose of communicating with you.  The party has taken 2 prisoners who report back of a regt. In rifle [?] in the wood.  I have ordered a force to the wood for the purpose of clearing it.","Respectfully, \nT. J. Jackson \nMaj. Genl.","Major, \nPlease forward the above by telegraph.","I hope to get you a Colonelcy.","Yours truly \nT. J. Jackson \nMaj. Genl."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eStonewall Jackson papers, 1844-1915. MS 0102. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Stonewall Jackson papers, 1844-1915. MS 0102. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe Stonewall Jackson papers consist primarily of the personal papers of Civil War General Thomas Jonathan \"Stonewall\" Jackson (1824-1863). The bulk of the letters date from the pre-Civil War period and concern professional, personal, and domestic matters, including many in which Jackson writes about his religious faith, his concerns about health and diet, and his family.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe papers provide insight into Jackson's personality and philosophy, and present a portrait of the man as he was in the years before he gained national fame as a wartime military leader. A small percentage of the documents date from the Civil War period and are directly related to Jackson's Confederate Army service.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe papers include approximately 160 items of Jackson's outgoing correspondence (dated 1844 to 1863) spanning his cadetship at West Point, his service in the United States Army (1846 to 1851), including his participation in the Mexican War, his years as a faculty member at the VMI (1851 to 1861), and his career in the Confederate States Army. The bulk of the correspondence is addressed to his sister, Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson). Other correspondents include Margaret Junkin Preston, and Confederate Generals Joseph E. Johnston and Daniel Harvey Hill.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOther series include incoming correspondence, Civil War reports, orders, dispatches, and documents associated with Jackson.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn addition to Jackson's personal papers, this collection\ncontains the allied papers of Jackson's second wife, Mary Anna Jackson (Morrison) (approximately 143 items), his daughter Julia Jackson Christian (approximately 10 items), and his sister Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson)(approximately  115 items).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAll are original letters (ALS) written by Stonewall Jackson, unless noted otherwise.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetters written while Stonewall Jackson was a cadet at the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter fragment regards Stonewall Jackson's health and furlough.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards daily life at the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards daily life at the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards daily life at the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetters written by Stonewall Jackson during the Mexican War.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten on board the ship James L. Day. Letter regards travel to Point Isabel, Texas and general news about the Mexican War.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Point Isabel, Texas. Letter regards travel to Texas, family matters, and plans to travel \"up the Rio Grande tomorrow.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Veracruz, Mexico. Letter regards news of the Mexican War, daily life at camp, Stonewall Jackson's health, and family matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from camp near Veracruz, Mexico. Letter requests compensation for quartermaster duties.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Jalapa, Mexico. Letter regards a \"detailed acount of Mexico.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Jalapa, Mexico. Letter regards troop movements and life at camp.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Mexico City, Mexico. Letter regards general news of the war and family matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Mexico City, Mexico. Letter describes the Passeo, a central road through the city, and general news of the war.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from National Palace, Mexico. Letter regards news of the war and General Pillow's trial.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Mexico City, Mexico. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's appointment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Governors Island, New York. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's new station.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania. Letter regards a trip to attend a court martial and the desire to visit Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fort Hamilton, New York. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's health and travel back to New York.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fort Hamilton, New York. Letter regards style of dress, historical studies, and that \"cholera has entirely disappeared from this place.\" Additionally, the letter includes a discussion of a thermometer.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fort Hamilton, New York. Letter regards book catalogs and Stonewall Jackson's health.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fort Hamilton, New York. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's health, magazine subscriptions, and finances.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fort Hamilton, New York. Letter regards family news, Stonewall Jackson's concern for Laura Ann Arnold's (Jackson) eyesight, and a new diet.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fort Hamilton, New York. Letter regards a fire at the stables, a potential visit in October, and Stonewall Jackson's health.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fort Hamilton, New York. Letter regards the death of \"Uncle Cummins\" and family finances.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Plattsburgh, New York. Letter regards travel to New York \"for the purpose of trying some prisoners.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fort Hamilton, New York. Letter regards an Invoice of Public Property.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fort Hamilton, New York. Letter regards a potential visit in October and the death of \"Uncle Cummins.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fort Ontario, New York. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's membership \"of Courts Martial.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from West Point, New York. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's visit to West Point.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fort Meade, Florida. In the letter, Stonewall Jackson gives his approval to put his name before the VMI Board of Visitors for a professorship position.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fort Meade, Florida. Letter regards a potential position at VMI and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fort Meade, Florida. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's appointment as a VMI Professor of Natural and Experimental Philosophy and Artillery Tactics.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's arrival at VMI.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson starting his academic duties and general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Laura Ann Arnold's (Jackson) health and a discussion of Christianty.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards academic duties and general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and Stonewall Jackson's trip to see Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson) next summer.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards garden seeds, fruit, and general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards a potential visit from George P. Terrill and general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards a missing package, family news, and a vocal concert.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and barracks construction.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Rockbridge Alum Springs, Virgina. Letter regards the springs and Stonewall Jackson's health.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards an appreciation of Lexington and general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards course designs for law lectures and general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Laura Ann Arnold's (Jackson) health.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news and preparations for teaching Natural Philosophy and Artillery.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards health and general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and a potential visit in July.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Rockbridge Alum Springs, Virginia. Letter regards the springs and general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards a trip to Niagara Falls, New York.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the birth of Laura Ann Arnold's (Jackson) daughter and general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's application for professorship at the University of Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the death of Laura Ann Arnold's (Jackson) infant daughter and Stonewall Jackson's pending appointment at the University of Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general news and includes a portion written by Elinor Junkin Jackson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Healing Springs, Virginia. Letter regards travel to the springs.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the death of Stonewall Jackson's wife Elinor Junkin Jackson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards purchase of books and health.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and health.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Uncle Alred's.\" Letter regards the potential purchase of land.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards family news and notes that the cadets \"have been absent at Petersburg and Richmond [Virginia] but are expected to be home today.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter fragment regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFragment regards general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lextington, Virginia. Letter regards corrections to the letter and general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from New York City, New York. Letter regards a trip to Liverpool, England.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Ship Asia at Sea.\" Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's trip to Europe and the cities he wants to visit.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Naples, Italy. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's trip to Europe.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the places Stonewall Jackson visited during his trip to Europe.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's trip to Europe and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's trip to Europe and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's trip to Europe.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's trip to Europe and general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. In the letter Stonewall Jackson announces his engagement to Mary Anna Morrison.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Rockbridge Alum Springs, Virginia. Letter regards travel to Alum Springs.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general news and mentions VMI faculty meetings.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's health and general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards religion and general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the birth of Mary Graham Jackson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the birth of Mary Graham Jackson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family health news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the death of Mary Graham Jackson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the Lexington Colored Sabbath School.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from New York City, New York. Letter regards a trip to visit the Arnold family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Laura Ann Arnold's (Jackson) son Thomas arriving in Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Laura Ann Arnold's (Jackson) son Thomas.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's trip to Europe.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from White Sulphur Springs, Virginia. Letter regards family health news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family health news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and Thomas Arnold's accounts, which are written on the back of the letter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter fragment regards discussion of purchases.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news and Grace Arnold's education.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards purchases for the house. The letter also contains a portion written by Mary Anna Jackson regarding a clothing pattern.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Grace Arnold's education and general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards a trip to visit Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson) and general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northampton, Massachusetts. Letter regards future purchases for Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northampton, Massachusetts. Letter regards future purchases for Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards furniture purchases.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards furniture purchases.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards religion and general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTelegram regards \"equalizing taxation onproperty\" in Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Harpers Ferry, [West] Virginia. Letter regards military officers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Harpers Ferry, [West] Virginia. Letter regards appointing W. S. H. Baylor as a colonel.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards rations and general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Under's Store, HQ, Valley District.\" Letter regards enemy troop movements.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Winchester, Virginia. Letter regards news of the Civil War and Stonewall Jackson's desire to return to VMI.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Winchester, Virginia. Letter regards Civil War news and troop movements.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Winchester, Virginia. Letter regards general Civil War news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Winchester, Virginia. Letter regards support of the Colonel in response to \"such foul aspirations against your character.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Near Mr. Jackson,\" Virginia. Letter praises William N. Pendleton for actions in battle.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards the status of Margaret K. Langhorne's son.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Big Spring, Virginia. Letter requests assistance from Colonel Williamson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Swift Run Gap, Virginia. Letter requests assistance from Colonel Williamson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOrder regards VMI Corps of Cadets joining the Civil War.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten \"Near Harrisonburg,\" Virginia. Letter regards troop movements.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Valley District, Virginia. Letter thanks Francis H. Smith for his cooperation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Port Republic, Virginia. Letter regards promotion requests.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Gordonsville, Virginia. Letter regards potential promotions.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from White Oak Bridge, Virginia. Letter regards troop movements.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Bunker Hill, Virginia. Letter regards a potential position for \"Mr. Estill.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten \"Near Gordonsville,\" Virginia. Letter regards a leave of absence for Cadet Morrison.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Bristow, Virginia. Letter regards Isaac R. Trimble's promotion.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter thanks Miss Fairfield for breakfast.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards the potential appointment of Corporal Jas. P. Smith.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOrder regards rovoking Col. D. K. McBeal as a brigadier general.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards religion.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Hd. Qrs. 2d. Corps A. N.Va.\" Letter regards general Civil War news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Hd Qrs. 2d Corps, A. N. Va.\" Letter regards commissary.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Caroline County, Virgina. Letter regards \"Gen. Hill\" leaving the Army.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Caroline County, Virginia. Letter regards general Civil War news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter recommends that \"Col. B. D. Penn 7th La. Regt. be appointing Judge Advocate by the Genl. C. Martial for the trial of Brig. Genl. J. R. Jones.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Near Fredericksburg,\" Virginia. Letter thanks Mitchell and Tyler for repairing a watch.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards troop movements.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePost-Civil War memoirs (circa 1865), written by Roberta Cary Corbin Kinsolving. The memoirs recount the winter of 1862-1863 when Stonewall Jackson established winter quarters on the Corbin estate in Moss Neck, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis series consists primarily of VMI paychecks endorsed on reverse by Stonewall Jackson. It also contains a bankshare certificate (1858) and an estate document (dated June 5, 1863).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis series consists primarily of the incoming and outgoing correspondence files of Mary Anna Jackson (Morrison) from the post-Civil War era.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis series contains papers relating to Julia Jackson Christian.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis series includes correspondence to and from Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson), Stark W. Arnold, Jonathan Arnold, and others.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis series includes pamphlets concerning the life of Stonewall Jackson, sheet music dedicated to Jackson, and other items.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The Stonewall Jackson papers consist primarily of the personal papers of Civil War General Thomas Jonathan \"Stonewall\" Jackson (1824-1863). The bulk of the letters date from the pre-Civil War period and concern professional, personal, and domestic matters, including many in which Jackson writes about his religious faith, his concerns about health and diet, and his family.","The papers provide insight into Jackson's personality and philosophy, and present a portrait of the man as he was in the years before he gained national fame as a wartime military leader. A small percentage of the documents date from the Civil War period and are directly related to Jackson's Confederate Army service.","The papers include approximately 160 items of Jackson's outgoing correspondence (dated 1844 to 1863) spanning his cadetship at West Point, his service in the United States Army (1846 to 1851), including his participation in the Mexican War, his years as a faculty member at the VMI (1851 to 1861), and his career in the Confederate States Army. The bulk of the correspondence is addressed to his sister, Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson). Other correspondents include Margaret Junkin Preston, and Confederate Generals Joseph E. Johnston and Daniel Harvey Hill.","Other series include incoming correspondence, Civil War reports, orders, dispatches, and documents associated with Jackson.","In addition to Jackson's personal papers, this collection\ncontains the allied papers of Jackson's second wife, Mary Anna Jackson (Morrison) (approximately 143 items), his daughter Julia Jackson Christian (approximately 10 items), and his sister Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson)(approximately  115 items).","All are original letters (ALS) written by Stonewall Jackson, unless noted otherwise.","Letters written while Stonewall Jackson was a cadet at the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York.","Letter fragment regards Stonewall Jackson's health and furlough.","Letter regards daily life at the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York.","Letter regards daily life at the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York.","Letter regards daily life at the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York.","Letters written by Stonewall Jackson during the Mexican War.","Written on board the ship James L. Day. Letter regards travel to Point Isabel, Texas and general news about the Mexican War.","Written from Point Isabel, Texas. Letter regards travel to Texas, family matters, and plans to travel \"up the Rio Grande tomorrow.\"","Written from Veracruz, Mexico. Letter regards news of the Mexican War, daily life at camp, Stonewall Jackson's health, and family matters.","Written from camp near Veracruz, Mexico. Letter requests compensation for quartermaster duties.","Written from Jalapa, Mexico. Letter regards a \"detailed acount of Mexico.\"","Written from Jalapa, Mexico. Letter regards troop movements and life at camp.","Written from Mexico City, Mexico. Letter regards general news of the war and family matters.","Written from Mexico City, Mexico. Letter describes the Passeo, a central road through the city, and general news of the war.","Written from National Palace, Mexico. Letter regards news of the war and General Pillow's trial.","Written from Mexico City, Mexico. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's appointment.","Written from Governors Island, New York. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's new station.","Written from Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania. Letter regards a trip to attend a court martial and the desire to visit Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson).","Written from Fort Hamilton, New York. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's health and travel back to New York.","Written from Fort Hamilton, New York. Letter regards style of dress, historical studies, and that \"cholera has entirely disappeared from this place.\" Additionally, the letter includes a discussion of a thermometer.","Written from Fort Hamilton, New York. Letter regards book catalogs and Stonewall Jackson's health.","Written from Fort Hamilton, New York. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's health, magazine subscriptions, and finances.","Written from Fort Hamilton, New York. Letter regards family news, Stonewall Jackson's concern for Laura Ann Arnold's (Jackson) eyesight, and a new diet.","Written from Fort Hamilton, New York. Letter regards a fire at the stables, a potential visit in October, and Stonewall Jackson's health.","Written from Fort Hamilton, New York. Letter regards the death of \"Uncle Cummins\" and family finances.","Written from Plattsburgh, New York. Letter regards travel to New York \"for the purpose of trying some prisoners.\"","Written from Fort Hamilton, New York. Letter regards an Invoice of Public Property.","Written from Fort Hamilton, New York. Letter regards a potential visit in October and the death of \"Uncle Cummins.\"","Written from Fort Ontario, New York. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's membership \"of Courts Martial.\"","Written from West Point, New York. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's visit to West Point.","Written from Fort Meade, Florida. In the letter, Stonewall Jackson gives his approval to put his name before the VMI Board of Visitors for a professorship position.","Written from Fort Meade, Florida. Letter regards a potential position at VMI and family news.","Written from Fort Meade, Florida. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's appointment as a VMI Professor of Natural and Experimental Philosophy and Artillery Tactics.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's arrival at VMI.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson starting his academic duties and general family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Laura Ann Arnold's (Jackson) health and a discussion of Christianty.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards academic duties and general family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and Stonewall Jackson's trip to see Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson) next summer.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards garden seeds, fruit, and general family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards a potential visit from George P. Terrill and general news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards a missing package, family news, and a vocal concert.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and barracks construction.","Written from Rockbridge Alum Springs, Virgina. Letter regards the springs and Stonewall Jackson's health.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards an appreciation of Lexington and general family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards course designs for law lectures and general family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Laura Ann Arnold's (Jackson) health.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news and preparations for teaching Natural Philosophy and Artillery.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards health and general family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and a potential visit in July.","Written from Rockbridge Alum Springs, Virginia. Letter regards the springs and general news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards a trip to Niagara Falls, New York.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the birth of Laura Ann Arnold's (Jackson) daughter and general family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's application for professorship at the University of Virginia.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the death of Laura Ann Arnold's (Jackson) infant daughter and Stonewall Jackson's pending appointment at the University of Virginia.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general news and includes a portion written by Elinor Junkin Jackson.","Written from Healing Springs, Virginia. Letter regards travel to the springs.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the death of Stonewall Jackson's wife Elinor Junkin Jackson.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards purchase of books and health.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and health.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Written from \"Uncle Alred's.\" Letter regards the potential purchase of land.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Letter regards family news and notes that the cadets \"have been absent at Petersburg and Richmond [Virginia] but are expected to be home today.\"","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter fragment regards family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Fragment regards general family news.","Letter regards general family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Letter regards general family news.","Written from VMI, Lextington, Virginia. Letter regards corrections to the letter and general family news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Letter regards general family news.","Written from New York City, New York. Letter regards a trip to Liverpool, England.","Written from \"Ship Asia at Sea.\" Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's trip to Europe and the cities he wants to visit.","Written from Naples, Italy. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's trip to Europe.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the places Stonewall Jackson visited during his trip to Europe.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's trip to Europe and family news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's trip to Europe and family news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's trip to Europe.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's trip to Europe and general family news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. In the letter Stonewall Jackson announces his engagement to Mary Anna Morrison.","Written from Rockbridge Alum Springs, Virginia. Letter regards travel to Alum Springs.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general news and mentions VMI faculty meetings.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's health and general family news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards religion and general news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the birth of Mary Graham Jackson.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the birth of Mary Graham Jackson.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family health news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the death of Mary Graham Jackson.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the Lexington Colored Sabbath School.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Written from New York City, New York. Letter regards a trip to visit the Arnold family.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Laura Ann Arnold's (Jackson) son Thomas arriving in Virginia.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Laura Ann Arnold's (Jackson) son Thomas.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Stonewall Jackson's trip to Europe.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Written from White Sulphur Springs, Virginia. Letter regards family health news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family health news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and Thomas Arnold's accounts, which are written on the back of the letter.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Letter fragment regards discussion of purchases.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news and Grace Arnold's education.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Letter regards general family news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards purchases for the house. The letter also contains a portion written by Mary Anna Jackson regarding a clothing pattern.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Grace Arnold's education and general news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards a trip to visit Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson) and general family news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Written from Northampton, Massachusetts. Letter regards future purchases for Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson).","Written from Northampton, Massachusetts. Letter regards future purchases for Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson).","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards furniture purchases.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards furniture purchases.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards religion and general family news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Telegram regards \"equalizing taxation onproperty\" in Virginia.","Written from Harpers Ferry, [West] Virginia. Letter regards military officers.","Written from Harpers Ferry, [West] Virginia. Letter regards appointing W. S. H. Baylor as a colonel.","Letter regards rations and general news.","Written from \"Under's Store, HQ, Valley District.\" Letter regards enemy troop movements.","Written from Winchester, Virginia. Letter regards news of the Civil War and Stonewall Jackson's desire to return to VMI.","Written from Winchester, Virginia. Letter regards Civil War news and troop movements.","Written from Winchester, Virginia. Letter regards general Civil War news.","Written from Winchester, Virginia. Letter regards support of the Colonel in response to \"such foul aspirations against your character.\"","Written from \"Near Mr. Jackson,\" Virginia. Letter praises William N. Pendleton for actions in battle.","Letter regards the status of Margaret K. Langhorne's son.","Written from Big Spring, Virginia. Letter requests assistance from Colonel Williamson.","Written from Swift Run Gap, Virginia. Letter requests assistance from Colonel Williamson.","Order regards VMI Corps of Cadets joining the Civil War.","Written \"Near Harrisonburg,\" Virginia. Letter regards troop movements.","Written from Valley District, Virginia. Letter thanks Francis H. Smith for his cooperation.","Written from Port Republic, Virginia. Letter regards promotion requests.","Written from Gordonsville, Virginia. Letter regards potential promotions.","Written from White Oak Bridge, Virginia. Letter regards troop movements.","Written from Bunker Hill, Virginia. Letter regards a potential position for \"Mr. Estill.\"","Written \"Near Gordonsville,\" Virginia. Letter regards a leave of absence for Cadet Morrison.","Written from Bristow, Virginia. Letter regards Isaac R. Trimble's promotion.","Letter thanks Miss Fairfield for breakfast.","Letter regards the potential appointment of Corporal Jas. P. Smith.","Order regards rovoking Col. D. K. McBeal as a brigadier general.","Letter regards religion.","Written from \"Hd. Qrs. 2d. Corps A. N.Va.\" Letter regards general Civil War news.","Written from \"Hd Qrs. 2d Corps, A. N. Va.\" Letter regards commissary.","Written from Caroline County, Virgina. Letter regards \"Gen. Hill\" leaving the Army.","Written from Caroline County, Virginia. Letter regards general Civil War news.","Letter recommends that \"Col. B. D. Penn 7th La. Regt. be appointing Judge Advocate by the Genl. C. Martial for the trial of Brig. Genl. J. R. Jones.\"","Written from \"Near Fredericksburg,\" Virginia. Letter thanks Mitchell and Tyler for repairing a watch.","Letter regards troop movements.","Post-Civil War memoirs (circa 1865), written by Roberta Cary Corbin Kinsolving. The memoirs recount the winter of 1862-1863 when Stonewall Jackson established winter quarters on the Corbin estate in Moss Neck, Virginia.","This series consists primarily of VMI paychecks endorsed on reverse by Stonewall Jackson. It also contains a bankshare certificate (1858) and an estate document (dated June 5, 1863).","This series consists primarily of the incoming and outgoing correspondence files of Mary Anna Jackson (Morrison) from the post-Civil War era.","This series contains papers relating to Julia Jackson Christian.","This series includes correspondence to and from Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson), Stark W. Arnold, Jonathan Arnold, and others.","This series includes pamphlets concerning the life of Stonewall Jackson, sheet music dedicated to Jackson, and other items."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eResearchers are required to use photocopies or online versions of the Stonewall Jackson documents.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eManuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Researchers are required to use photocopies or online versions of the Stonewall Jackson documents.","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_a29f9f8b59d941d7ba0273232d427810\"\u003eManuscripts stacks and Oversized Case 2\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks and Oversized Case 2"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Jackson, Mary Anna, 1831-1915","Hill, Daniel Harvey, 1821-1899","Preston, Margaret Junkin, 1820-1897","Johnston, Joseph E. (Joseph Eggleston), 1807-1891","Christian, Julia Jackson","Arnold, Laura Ann Jackson, 1826-1911","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Kinsolving, Roberta Cary Corbin, 1826-1919"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Christian, Julia Jackson","Arnold, Laura Ann Jackson, 1826-1911"],"persname_ssim":["Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Jackson, Mary Anna, 1831-1915","Hill, Daniel Harvey, 1821-1899","Preston, Margaret Junkin, 1820-1897","Johnston, Joseph E. (Joseph Eggleston), 1807-1891","Christian, Julia Jackson","Arnold, Laura Ann Jackson, 1826-1911","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Kinsolving, Roberta Cary Corbin, 1826-1919"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":185,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:10:42.873Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_591_c09"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_702_c01","type":"Series","attributes":{"title":"Board of Visitors correspondence","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_702_c01#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eIncoming and outgoing correspondence of the VMI Board of Visitors or correspondence related to Board business.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_702_c01#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_702_c01","ref_ssm":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_702_c01"],"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_702_c01","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_702","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_702","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_702","parent_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_702","parent_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_702"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_702"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Board of Visitors correspondence and administrative records, historical"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Board of Visitors correspondence and administrative records, historical"],"text":["Board of Visitors correspondence and administrative records, historical","Board of Visitors correspondence","Incoming and outgoing correspondence of the VMI Board of Visitors or correspondence related to Board business."],"title_filing_ssi":"Board of Visitors correspondence","title_ssm":["Board of Visitors correspondence"],"title_tesim":["Board of Visitors correspondence"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1846-1937"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1846/1937"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Board of Visitors correspondence"],"component_level_isim":[1],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"collection_ssim":["Board of Visitors correspondence and administrative records, historical"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"level_ssm":["Series"],"level_ssim":["Series"],"sort_isi":1,"date_range_isim":[1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891,1892,1893,1894,1895,1896,1897,1898,1899,1900,1901,1902,1903,1904,1905,1906,1907,1908,1909,1910,1911,1912,1913,1914,1915,1916,1917,1918,1919,1920,1921,1922,1923,1924,1925,1926,1927,1928,1929,1930,1931,1932,1933,1934,1935,1936,1937],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eIncoming and outgoing correspondence of the VMI Board of Visitors or correspondence related to Board business.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Incoming and outgoing correspondence of the VMI Board of Visitors or correspondence related to Board business."],"_nest_path_":"/components#0","timestamp":"2026-05-24T23:27:47.945Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_702","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_702","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_702","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_702","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_702.xml","title_ssm":["Board of Visitors correspondence and administrative records, historical"],"title_tesim":["Board of Visitors correspondence and administrative records, historical"],"unitdate_ssm":["1846-1937"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1846-1937"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Subgroup","Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["RG.01.Correspondence.Historical","/repositories/3/resources/702"],"text":["RG.01.Correspondence.Historical","/repositories/3/resources/702","Board of Visitors correspondence and administrative records, historical","Virginia Military Institute—Board of Visitors","Virginia Military Institute—History—20th century","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Correspondence","The Board of Visitors is the governing body of the Virginia Military Institute. The first meeting was held in May 1839, several months before the first cadets matriculated.","John Thomas Lewis Preston (1811-1890), was one of the founders of the Virginia Military Institute. He served at VMI as a member of the first Board of Visitors (1839) and as a Professor of Modern Languages from 1839 to 1875. During the Civil War he was on the staff of General Stonewall Jackson.","Major General Francis Henney Smith (1812-1890) was appointed VMI's first Superintendent in 1839. An 1833 graduate of West Point, he had previously served briefly in the United States Army and was a Professor of Mathematics at Hampden-Sydney College (Virginia) when he accepted the position as head of the newly established VMI. He served for fifty years, from the Institute's infancy, through the Civil War, and through the difficult post-war period. He is known as the \"builder and rebuilder of VMI.\" Smith retired on January 1, 1890 and died only a few months later, on March 21, 1890.","This sub-group includes incoming and outgoing correspondence of the Virginia Military Institute Board of Visitors or correspondence related to BOV business. Includes correspondence files for some historical individual members of the Board.","Incoming and outgoing correspondence of the VMI Board of Visitors or correspondence related to Board business.","Board of Visitors correspondence of 19th century member Joseph H. Sherrard who served from 1882 to 1887.","Correspondence of Montgomery B. Corse (VMI Class of 1885) that originates from his service on the Board of Visitors.","Correspondence between Francis H. Smith, who became VMI's first Superintendent, and John T. L. Preston relating to the organization and opening of VMI. Includes four letters from Preston to Smith and one letter from Smith to Preston, in which he accepts the job offered by the Board of Visitors to serve as Superintendent (originally called Principal Professor). One related letter is from Francis H. Smith to William Atkinson or Atkison, in which Smith asks for advice about VMI's job offer.","Written from Hampden-Sydney College, Virginia. In the letter, Francis H. Smith asks for advice about whether to take job at the new Virginia Military Institute.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. John T.L. Preston inquires about whether Francis H. Smith is interested in having his name submitted to be head of the soon to be opened Virginia Military Institute, and provides information about the vision for the new school.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. In the letter, John T. L. Preston provides details about the proposed organization and operation of VMI.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. John T. L. Preston informs Francis H. Smith that he has been elected Principal Professor of VMI (the title will later be changed to Superintendent). Preston provides information about salary and other details concerning the opening of the school.","Written from Hampden-Sydney College, Virginia. Francis H. Smith accepts the appointment as Principal Professor (Superintendent) at VMI. The letter informs John T. L. Preston that his duties at Hampden-Sidney College will end on September 25, discusses the opening of VMI, salary, and other related issues.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. John T. L. Preston discusses opening of VMI and details regarding Francis H. Smith's move to Lexington, Virginia.","This series consists of nineteenth century records, including notes, petitions, reports, and proceedings records.","Petition from the Virginia Military Institute Board of Visitors requesting the Congress to allow cadets who turned eighteen while enrolled at VMI to complete their studies and thus be exempt from conscription law.","Archives stacks, Record Group 01, Board of Visitors","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Virginia Military Institute. Board of Visitors","Sherrard, Joseph H.","Corse, Montgomery B. (Montgomery Beverly), 1866-1931","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Smith, Francis H. 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The first meeting was held in May 1839, several months before the first cadets matriculated.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJohn Thomas Lewis Preston (1811-1890), was one of the founders of the Virginia Military Institute. He served at VMI as a member of the first Board of Visitors (1839) and as a Professor of Modern Languages from 1839 to 1875. During the Civil War he was on the staff of General Stonewall Jackson.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMajor General Francis Henney Smith (1812-1890) was appointed VMI's first Superintendent in 1839. An 1833 graduate of West Point, he had previously served briefly in the United States Army and was a Professor of Mathematics at Hampden-Sydney College (Virginia) when he accepted the position as head of the newly established VMI. He served for fifty years, from the Institute's infancy, through the Civil War, and through the difficult post-war period. He is known as the \"builder and rebuilder of VMI.\" Smith retired on January 1, 1890 and died only a few months later, on March 21, 1890.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["The Board of Visitors is the governing body of the Virginia Military Institute. The first meeting was held in May 1839, several months before the first cadets matriculated.","John Thomas Lewis Preston (1811-1890), was one of the founders of the Virginia Military Institute. He served at VMI as a member of the first Board of Visitors (1839) and as a Professor of Modern Languages from 1839 to 1875. During the Civil War he was on the staff of General Stonewall Jackson.","Major General Francis Henney Smith (1812-1890) was appointed VMI's first Superintendent in 1839. An 1833 graduate of West Point, he had previously served briefly in the United States Army and was a Professor of Mathematics at Hampden-Sydney College (Virginia) when he accepted the position as head of the newly established VMI. He served for fifty years, from the Institute's infancy, through the Civil War, and through the difficult post-war period. He is known as the \"builder and rebuilder of VMI.\" Smith retired on January 1, 1890 and died only a few months later, on March 21, 1890."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis sub-group includes incoming and outgoing correspondence of the Virginia Military Institute Board of Visitors or correspondence related to BOV business. 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(Jonathan Myrick), 1939-1965"],"persname_ssim":["Daniels, Jonathan M. (Jonathan Myrick), 1939-1965"],"access_subjects_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute—Cadet organizations"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Cadet organizations"],"accruals_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eMaterial is received periodically from organizations and the office governing cadet life. However, there are many gaps and we do not have information on every organization.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accruals_heading_ssm":["Accruals"],"accruals_tesim":["Material is received periodically from organizations and the office governing cadet life. However, there are many gaps and we do not have information on every organization."],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe files are arranged alphabetically by name of club/organization\u003c/p\u003e"],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement"],"arrangement_tesim":["The files are arranged alphabetically by name of club/organization"],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eSee the VMI Yearbook (the Bomb) and the Cadet newspaper for additional material about cadet activities.\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["See the VMI Yearbook (the Bomb) and the Cadet newspaper for additional material about cadet activities."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eRecords documenting the various cadet extra-curricular organizations, clubs, and honor societies.  Folder 1/Box 1 contains lists of organizations by school year (not complete).  The only 19th century records are those for the Cadet literary societies.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Records documenting the various cadet extra-curricular organizations, clubs, and honor societies.  Folder 1/Box 1 contains lists of organizations by school year (not complete).  The only 19th century records are those for the Cadet literary societies."],"_nest_path_":"/components#1","timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:09:50.532Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_655","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_655","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_655","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_655","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_655.xml","title_ssm":["Cadet Life, Organizations, and Activities"],"title_tesim":["Cadet Life, Organizations, and Activities"],"unitdate_ssm":["ca. 1845-ongoing"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["ca. 1845-ongoing"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Record Group","Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["RG.08.Cadet Life","/repositories/3/resources/655"],"text":["RG.08.Cadet Life","/repositories/3/resources/655","Cadet Life, Organizations, and Activities","Virginia Military Institute—Special events","Virginia Military Institute—Social life and customs","Virginia Military Institute -- Cadet life -- 20th century","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet organizations","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—19th century","Virginia Military Institute -- Cadet life -- 21st century","Material is received periodically from organizations and the office governing cadet life. However, there are many gaps and we do not have information on every organization.","Our collection of Class ring designs are viewable onlinee","The files are arranged alphabetically by name of club/organization","The Office of Cadet Affairs was established in 1966 and disbanded in its original configuration in 2004.  Duties of that office were dispersed. The  Office of Cadet Life (reporting to the Commandant) now handles Cadet organizations and clubs.  Career Services is a separate department. See General Order #40, 24 June 2004","Also known as the Cadet Emergency Response Team. Founded 1992.","The ROCKS, Inc., is a non-profit organization that provides mentorship, scholarship and fellowship to ROTC Cadets. The mission of the VMI \"Promaji\" ROCKS Chapter is to support the overall mission of The ROCKS, Inc. by establishing relationships between minority cadets and military officers.","The presentation of a VMI class ring, and the formal dance known as Ring Figure that marks the occasion, takes place in November of the Second Class (Junior) year. The event represents an important milestone in the life of a cadet, second only to graduation in importance. Each class is responsible for designing a unique ring, which incorporates symbols significant to the group. The elaborate Ring Figure tradition known to today's cadets dates to the 1920's; prior to that time, rings were received in a much more informal setting.","Although VMI opened in 1839 and the first cadets graduated in 1842, the earliest cadets did not receive VMI rings. The first ring -- shown at left -- was designed by members of the Class of 1848 and was presented to graduates during Finals celebrations. Class members paid five dollars for the ring, a large sum in the mid-nineteenth century.","The original ring was simple in design -- the word \"Mizpah\" was cut in the stone in Old English script, and the inside band was engraved with the words \"1 of 24, July 1848.\" Mizpah, from the Hebrew, is typically translated as \"the Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.\" The term signified brotherhood, the enduring connection among the 24 graduates.","The custom of receiving class rings did not become firmly established until many decades later, beginning with the Class of 1908. During the 19th century the practice was observed by some classes and ignored by others; if a class chose to have a ring, it was presented just prior to their graduation in an informal setting.","This changed in 1907. In addition to establishing the ring tradition on a permanent basis, the Class of 1908 was the first to receive rings during its Second Cass (Junior) year. However, until 1926, rings continued to be received during Finals week. Class members would gather in Brother Rat's room and all would put on their new rings simultaneously.","The Class of 1928 was the first group to move the ceremony to November and to hold a Ring Figure dance. Since 1927, Ring Figure has been held near Thanksgiving during the Second Class year, and the receipt of rings has been associated with a formal dance. The modern celebration comprises several events that take place primarily on the weekend before Thanksgiving. The rings themselves have become increasingly larger and more elaborate in design, in marked contrast to the much plainer examples from the 19th century.","See the VMI Yearbook (the Bomb) and the Cadet newspaper for additional material about cadet activities.","This record group comprises material relating to cadet social life anc customs, cadet recreational organizations and clubs, misc. cadet life memorabilia and printed material.","Misc. items generated by the Office of Cadet Affairs (1966-2004) and the Office of Cadet Life (2005-)","Chronological file, largely brochures and other material documenting annual Parents Weekend events. The first Parents weekend event was held in 1958. Includes some material about Parents Council.","Career Fairs, Placement, and other flyers and pamphlets advertising services to cadets","Records documenting the various cadet extra-curricular organizations, clubs, and honor societies.  Folder 1/Box 1 contains lists of organizations by school year (not complete).  The only 19th century records are those for the Cadet literary societies.","Records of the 19th century cadet literary societies.  These organizations were devoted to public speaking, debate, reading and writing.   The earliest was called the Society of Cadets (1840); a companion organization was known as the Dialectic Society (1848).  Very few records still exist.  Includes Invitations, Programs, Lists of members,v\nMisc. financial records","VMI-themed Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day and other cards published by VMI. These were sold in the PX and used primarily by cadets.","A chronological file containing invitations, dance cards, and other memorabilia from formal dances held at VMI from 1840's through the 1950's. These dances were an important aspect of social life at VMI. Many of the invitations include elaborate engravings and other artwork depicting aspects of cadet life, institute building, early monograms (spiders), and other VMI-related art.","This series consists of a chronological file that includes invitations and other printed material relating to the ring presentation ceremony and Ring Figure dance; ring design drawings; and history of ring figure.","Archives stacks, Record Group 08, Cadet Life, Organizations and Activities","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Virginia Military Institute. Office of Cadet Affairs","Daniels, Jonathan M. (Jonathan Myrick), 1939-1965","English"],"unitid_tesim":["RG.08.Cadet Life","/repositories/3/resources/655"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Cadet Life, Organizations, and Activities"],"collection_title_tesim":["Cadet Life, Organizations, and Activities"],"collection_ssim":["Cadet Life, Organizations, and Activities"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"access_subjects_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute—Special events","Virginia Military Institute—Social life and customs","Virginia Military Institute -- Cadet life -- 20th century","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet organizations","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—19th century","Virginia Military Institute -- Cadet life -- 21st century"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Special events","Virginia Military Institute—Social life and customs","Virginia Military Institute -- Cadet life -- 20th century","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet organizations","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—19th century","Virginia Military Institute -- Cadet life -- 21st century"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["25 cubic feet"],"extent_tesim":["25 cubic feet"],"date_range_isim":[1845],"accruals_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eMaterial is received periodically from organizations and the office governing cadet life. However, there are many gaps and we do not have information on every organization.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accruals_heading_ssm":["Accruals"],"accruals_tesim":["Material is received periodically from organizations and the office governing cadet life. However, there are many gaps and we do not have information on every organization."],"altformavail_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/landingpage/collection/p15821coll16\"\u003eOur collection of Class ring designs are viewable onlinee\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["Our collection of Class ring designs are viewable onlinee"],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe files are arranged alphabetically by name of club/organization\u003c/p\u003e"],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement"],"arrangement_tesim":["The files are arranged alphabetically by name of club/organization"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe Office of Cadet Affairs was established in 1966 and disbanded in its original configuration in 2004.  Duties of that office were dispersed. The  Office of Cadet Life (reporting to the Commandant) now handles Cadet organizations and clubs.  Career Services is a separate department. See General Order #40, 24 June 2004\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAlso known as the Cadet Emergency Response Team. Founded 1992.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe ROCKS, Inc., is a non-profit organization that provides mentorship, scholarship and fellowship to ROTC Cadets. The mission of the VMI \"Promaji\" ROCKS Chapter is to support the overall mission of The ROCKS, Inc. by establishing relationships between minority cadets and military officers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe presentation of a VMI class ring, and the formal dance known as Ring Figure that marks the occasion, takes place in November of the Second Class (Junior) year. The event represents an important milestone in the life of a cadet, second only to graduation in importance. Each class is responsible for designing a unique ring, which incorporates symbols significant to the group. The elaborate Ring Figure tradition known to today's cadets dates to the 1920's; prior to that time, rings were received in a much more informal setting.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAlthough VMI opened in 1839 and the first cadets graduated in 1842, the earliest cadets did not receive VMI rings. The first ring -- shown at left -- was designed by members of the Class of 1848 and was presented to graduates during Finals celebrations. Class members paid five dollars for the ring, a large sum in the mid-nineteenth century.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe original ring was simple in design -- the word \"Mizpah\" was cut in the stone in Old English script, and the inside band was engraved with the words \"1 of 24, July 1848.\" Mizpah, from the Hebrew, is typically translated as \"the Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.\" The term signified brotherhood, the enduring connection among the 24 graduates.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe custom of receiving class rings did not become firmly established until many decades later, beginning with the Class of 1908. During the 19th century the practice was observed by some classes and ignored by others; if a class chose to have a ring, it was presented just prior to their graduation in an informal setting.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThis changed in 1907. In addition to establishing the ring tradition on a permanent basis, the Class of 1908 was the first to receive rings during its Second Cass (Junior) year. However, until 1926, rings continued to be received during Finals week. Class members would gather in Brother Rat's room and all would put on their new rings simultaneously.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Class of 1928 was the first group to move the ceremony to November and to hold a Ring Figure dance. Since 1927, Ring Figure has been held near Thanksgiving during the Second Class year, and the receipt of rings has been associated with a formal dance. The modern celebration comprises several events that take place primarily on the weekend before Thanksgiving. The rings themselves have become increasingly larger and more elaborate in design, in marked contrast to the much plainer examples from the 19th century.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["The Office of Cadet Affairs was established in 1966 and disbanded in its original configuration in 2004.  Duties of that office were dispersed. The  Office of Cadet Life (reporting to the Commandant) now handles Cadet organizations and clubs.  Career Services is a separate department. See General Order #40, 24 June 2004","Also known as the Cadet Emergency Response Team. Founded 1992.","The ROCKS, Inc., is a non-profit organization that provides mentorship, scholarship and fellowship to ROTC Cadets. The mission of the VMI \"Promaji\" ROCKS Chapter is to support the overall mission of The ROCKS, Inc. by establishing relationships between minority cadets and military officers.","The presentation of a VMI class ring, and the formal dance known as Ring Figure that marks the occasion, takes place in November of the Second Class (Junior) year. The event represents an important milestone in the life of a cadet, second only to graduation in importance. Each class is responsible for designing a unique ring, which incorporates symbols significant to the group. The elaborate Ring Figure tradition known to today's cadets dates to the 1920's; prior to that time, rings were received in a much more informal setting.","Although VMI opened in 1839 and the first cadets graduated in 1842, the earliest cadets did not receive VMI rings. The first ring -- shown at left -- was designed by members of the Class of 1848 and was presented to graduates during Finals celebrations. Class members paid five dollars for the ring, a large sum in the mid-nineteenth century.","The original ring was simple in design -- the word \"Mizpah\" was cut in the stone in Old English script, and the inside band was engraved with the words \"1 of 24, July 1848.\" Mizpah, from the Hebrew, is typically translated as \"the Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.\" The term signified brotherhood, the enduring connection among the 24 graduates.","The custom of receiving class rings did not become firmly established until many decades later, beginning with the Class of 1908. During the 19th century the practice was observed by some classes and ignored by others; if a class chose to have a ring, it was presented just prior to their graduation in an informal setting.","This changed in 1907. In addition to establishing the ring tradition on a permanent basis, the Class of 1908 was the first to receive rings during its Second Cass (Junior) year. However, until 1926, rings continued to be received during Finals week. Class members would gather in Brother Rat's room and all would put on their new rings simultaneously.","The Class of 1928 was the first group to move the ceremony to November and to hold a Ring Figure dance. Since 1927, Ring Figure has been held near Thanksgiving during the Second Class year, and the receipt of rings has been associated with a formal dance. The modern celebration comprises several events that take place primarily on the weekend before Thanksgiving. The rings themselves have become increasingly larger and more elaborate in design, in marked contrast to the much plainer examples from the 19th century."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eSee the VMI Yearbook (the Bomb) and the Cadet newspaper for additional material about cadet activities.\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["See the VMI Yearbook (the Bomb) and the Cadet newspaper for additional material about cadet activities."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis record group comprises material relating to cadet social life anc customs, cadet recreational organizations and clubs, misc. cadet life memorabilia and printed material.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMisc. items generated by the Office of Cadet Affairs (1966-2004) and the Office of Cadet Life (2005-)\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eChronological file, largely brochures and other material documenting annual Parents Weekend events. The first Parents weekend event was held in 1958. Includes some material about Parents Council.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCareer Fairs, Placement, and other flyers and pamphlets advertising services to cadets\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRecords documenting the various cadet extra-curricular organizations, clubs, and honor societies.  Folder 1/Box 1 contains lists of organizations by school year (not complete).  The only 19th century records are those for the Cadet literary societies.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRecords of the 19th century cadet literary societies.  These organizations were devoted to public speaking, debate, reading and writing.   The earliest was called the Society of Cadets (1840); a companion organization was known as the Dialectic Society (1848).  Very few records still exist.  Includes Invitations, Programs, Lists of members,v\nMisc. financial records\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVMI-themed Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day and other cards published by VMI. These were sold in the PX and used primarily by cadets.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA chronological file containing invitations, dance cards, and other memorabilia from formal dances held at VMI from 1840's through the 1950's. These dances were an important aspect of social life at VMI. Many of the invitations include elaborate engravings and other artwork depicting aspects of cadet life, institute building, early monograms (spiders), and other VMI-related art.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis series consists of a chronological file that includes invitations and other printed material relating to the ring presentation ceremony and Ring Figure dance; ring design drawings; and history of ring figure.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This record group comprises material relating to cadet social life anc customs, cadet recreational organizations and clubs, misc. cadet life memorabilia and printed material.","Misc. items generated by the Office of Cadet Affairs (1966-2004) and the Office of Cadet Life (2005-)","Chronological file, largely brochures and other material documenting annual Parents Weekend events. The first Parents weekend event was held in 1958. Includes some material about Parents Council.","Career Fairs, Placement, and other flyers and pamphlets advertising services to cadets","Records documenting the various cadet extra-curricular organizations, clubs, and honor societies.  Folder 1/Box 1 contains lists of organizations by school year (not complete).  The only 19th century records are those for the Cadet literary societies.","Records of the 19th century cadet literary societies.  These organizations were devoted to public speaking, debate, reading and writing.   The earliest was called the Society of Cadets (1840); a companion organization was known as the Dialectic Society (1848).  Very few records still exist.  Includes Invitations, Programs, Lists of members,v\nMisc. financial records","VMI-themed Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day and other cards published by VMI. These were sold in the PX and used primarily by cadets.","A chronological file containing invitations, dance cards, and other memorabilia from formal dances held at VMI from 1840's through the 1950's. These dances were an important aspect of social life at VMI. Many of the invitations include elaborate engravings and other artwork depicting aspects of cadet life, institute building, early monograms (spiders), and other VMI-related art.","This series consists of a chronological file that includes invitations and other printed material relating to the ring presentation ceremony and Ring Figure dance; ring design drawings; and history of ring figure."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_fdf1bff0f522a4d404eec067705df115\"\u003eArchives stacks, Record Group 08, Cadet Life, Organizations and Activities\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Archives stacks, Record Group 08, Cadet Life, Organizations and Activities"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Virginia Military Institute. Office of Cadet Affairs","Daniels, Jonathan M. (Jonathan Myrick), 1939-1965"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Virginia Military Institute. Office of Cadet Affairs"],"persname_ssim":["Daniels, Jonathan M. (Jonathan Myrick), 1939-1965"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":124,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:09:50.532Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_655_c02"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01","type":"Series","attributes":{"title":"Charles A. Derby papers","breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01","ref_ssm":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01"],"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","parent_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","parent_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"text":["Charles A. Derby papers","Charles A. Derby papers","Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Collier, Henry W., Governor, 1801-1855","Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866","Harding, Cyrus, 1834-1893","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","English ."],"title_filing_ssi":"Charles A. Derby papers","title_ssm":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"title_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1844-1862"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1844/1862"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"component_level_isim":[1],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"collection_ssim":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"extent_ssm":["4 Folder 3 folders of correspondence and 1 folder of writings","2 Files 2 files of oversized drawings"],"extent_tesim":["4 Folder 3 folders of correspondence and 1 folder of writings","2 Files 2 files of oversized drawings"],"creator_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":6,"level_ssm":["Series"],"level_ssim":["Series"],"sort_isi":1,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["There are no restrictions"],"parent_access_terms_tesm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"date_range_isim":[1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862],"names_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Collier, Henry W., Governor, 1801-1855","Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866","Harding, Cyrus, 1834-1893","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"persname_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Collier, Henry W., Governor, 1801-1855","Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866","Harding, Cyrus, 1834-1893","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"language_ssim":["English ."],"_nest_path_":"/components#0","timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:09:06.300Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_600.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00015.xml","title_ssm":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"title_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1839-1891"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1839-1891"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0030","/repositories/3/resources/600"],"text":["MS.0030","/repositories/3/resources/600","Charles A. Derby papers","Confederate States of America. Army—Alabama Infantry Regiment, 44th","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Military education—Georgia—History","Education—Georgia—History","Military education—Alabama—History","Education—Alabama—History","Presbyterian Church in the U.S.—Presbytery of Lexington","Episcopal Church—Alabama—History","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Correspondence","There are no restrictions","Charles A. Derby's cadet letters (dated 1846-1847) are available  online .","Derby's 1862 letters are avaliable  online .","Charles A. Derby was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on September 12, 1828 to Perry L. Derby and Martha Jones. His early years were spent on his father's plantation and as a student at Winfield Academy in Dinwiddie County. He entered VMI on August 8, 1845 and graduated on July 4, 1848, standing 5th in a class of 24.","Following his graduation from VMI, Derby began a teaching career that continued through the late 1850s. His various positions included:\n Private tutor for a family in Northumberland County, Virginia Head of the Fairfax (Virginia) Academy Head of an academy in Sumterville, Alabama Professor of mathematics at military schools in Kentucky and Georgia Principal of a private academy in Eutaw, Alabama \nIn 1856-1857, Derby began the study of theology and was ordained in the Episcopal ministry. He was named deacon at St. Stephens's Church in Eutaw, while also continuing his private school there. He subsequently gave up teaching as his primary interest and served at a church in Camden, Alabama, and then at St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama.","Derby married twice during the 1850s. His first wife, Clara J. Hunt of Marietta, Georgia, died within a year of their marriage. On December 28, 1859, he married Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama and the couple had two daughters, Martha (October 1860-?) and Harriet (April 1862-February 1927).","A year after the outbreak of the Civil War, Derby joined the Confederate Army. He was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry Regiment on May 16, 1862 and entered service at Selma, Alabama circa June 5, 1862. He was killed in action at the Battle of Antietam (Maryland) on September 17, 1862 and his body was not recovered.","William F. Perry was the commander of Charles A. Derby's regiment.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York.","VM Institute \nApril 4th 1846","Dear Father, \nYours of the 15th ult. was duly received. The fifteen dollars which were enclosed I handed to Col Smith as you desired. This will certainly be sufficient to cover all my expenses between now and July. In regard to my health, I think you need not be at all uneasy for it never was better than it has been since I have been here. At this time I know of no case of sickness in Lexington. For the last three weeks, the weather has been very pleasant and if it continues to be so, the corps will in a few days put on white pantaloons. Enclosed you will find a list of the standing of the third class at our January examination. I copied it from a semi-annual report. I did intend to send you a report; but there are I believe only two at the Institute. Col. Smith had this year, only a few published for the legislature. You may perhaps obtain one from Dr. Thompson. I am getting on remarkably well with all my studies except Drawing and this I must confess. I think will prevent me from retaining my present standing. When I first commenced it I had but little talent for it, and thought I have made a considerable improvement in it. My marks have hitherto been so low, that I fear I will not be able to make up for them. I shall endeavor to do my best at it. In French and Mathematics I still stand among the first. You have perhaps, before this received a circular from Col. Smith. I have I believe one demerit, but if I get no more than five between now and July, they will all be taken off. You will recollect that I had a few previous to our examination, but as they did not exceed five, they were taken off. I see in The Petersburg Republican that Dr. Thompson and Capt Sydnor are the candidates for the Legislature in Dinwiddie. I would be glad if you would inform me whether there is any chance for a Whig to be elected and also whether Mr. Lyme has any opposition. I do not believe that the candidates in Rockbridge have been nominated, but she will certainly elect two Whigs. Gov. McDorrel's influence is not so great as to prevent her from doing this although he was almost unanimously elected to Congress a short time since. I received a letter from cousin Robt last week in which he stated that his family were all well. He says that he expects after this year to teach school as there is not much to be made by shoemaking in Marysville. He thinks he can get at least thirty scholars. \nGive my love to mother etc. \nIn haste your devoted son \n[signed]Chas. A. Derby","VM Institute \nMay 9th 1846","Dear Father \nYours of the 26th ult was duly received. Your advice in regard to perseverance I shall follow as well as I can, though, I think it will be of little avail to me, since I have to contend with many who had taken lessons in drawing before they entered the Institute. I went this morning to the surgeon's office, for the purpose of having one of my teeth extracted. Dr. Estill pulled six times as it and succeeded in getting it all out except a part of the root.  He immediately sent for a dentist who pulled at it twice, but could not get it out. He advised me to wait about a fortnight, in which time he thought the room would rise above the gum, and enable him to get a hold on it. It was I believe the largest tooth in my head. You will recollect that you wished me to have it extracted when Mr. Murrill was at your house about four years ago. It did not ache, but I knew that it was an injury to my other teeth. Last night a little disturbance was caused by some of the Cadets. About eleven o'clock they commenced throwing missiles in barracks, when the Officer of the Day came to our room, and told one of my roommates, who was Corporal of the Guard at the time, to post the first relief, if the noise did not cease; but it was quelled in a short time. I would write more but I feel so badly, that I must postpone it until some other time. In haste your affectionate son,  \n[signed] Chas. A. Derby","Dear Father \nYour letter of the 15th inst was duly received. In compliance with your request I asked Jackson if he paid extra carriage for the box of books which he brought me. He said that it was so small no pay was required of him. Listed Mary wrote me word a short time since that six pairs of socks were sent to me. I received only five pairs. These as well as my shoes and collars fit very well. Several members of the Board held a meeting in the Capitol in Richmond some time during the last week at which time they considered the application of Jackson and decided that he should not be again admitted into the Institute. I think that as others whose conduct was much worse than his, have since the Institute has been in operation, been admitted after being dismissed it would have been but justice if they had extended to him the same kindness. Major Gilham has arrived at the Institute and has entered upon the discharge of his duties. My health is at this time unusually good. Excuse me for my short letter. I am now more busily engaged than I ever was. \nMy love to all. \nYour affectionate son, \n[signed] Chas A Derby","Va Military Institute \nJany 19th 1847","Dear Father, \nAs you are perhaps anxious to learn the result of our last examination I take the present opportunity to write to you. The examination commenced on Monday the 4th last and continued until Saturday evening. I still stand second in my class and am also as I expect you have before this seen in my circular a file higher in mathematics, than I was at the examination in July. I will also state that the maximum in Mathematics in the second class is 300 from which you will perceive that considerably more importance is attached to that part of the mathematical course which is studied by the second class than to that which is studied by the third class. I could have easily stood higher in Latin than I did by studying it as much as some members of my class did, but I preferred devoting my time mostly to the principal study. In fact I believe it better to have a tolerable standing in each department, than to stand very high in some, and very low in others; and it is upon this principle that I have acted ever since I have been at this place. The young man who stands first in Latin, having already a good knowledge of Mathematics devoted most of his time to that study with which he was least acquainted; on the other hand I depended upon the little knowledge of Latin which I had already acquired and studied Mathematics. I saw in some of the papers last week, that Mr. Bryan was first Lieutenant of the second company, which had been raised in Petersburg. Please inform me in your next, whether there were any Other members of that company with whom you were acquainted.  You perhaps wish to know what kind of a Christmas we had.  At the Institute Christmas is kept only one day, and that day is never forgotten inasmuch as it is the only one on which we are blessed with turkeys and minced pies. With the exception of the eatings my enjoyments were no greater than usual. Since I wrote to you last, there has been another severe snowstorm in Rockbridge. The weather last week was extremely cold, but it has moderated considerably. Write me word whether you have hired any servants and if you have who they are. Also whether my sisters have made much progress in the study of music. I would indeed be very much pleased to learn that they have.  Give my love to them and to mother. I remain as ever - your devoted son, \n[signed] Chas A. Derby","P.S. My old school mate Samuel Garland stands second in the third class.  Please inform me whether Samuel Hardy succeeded in obtaining the situation at Winfield Academy.  We were not examined in French and consequently no standing was determined upon it. [signed] CAD","Virginia Military Institute \nFeb 26th 1847","Dear Father, \nI received in due time your of the Inst in which was enclosed the half of a twenty dollar note. Of course all your advice I believe to be salutary. The most of it I have endeavored to follow from my infancy. Whatever may have been my misfortunes, I profess to be old enough to be able to preserve a moderate share of spirits. I have endeavored to banish all childish folly. For the present I will forebear writing in that metaphysical strain which has characterized the letters which I have written for the last three months. Please tell sister Mary that I received her letter; also tell sister Martha Ann that I received hers and that I inadvertently omitted to mention it in my last letter. Col. Smith has placed my name on the list of applicants as teachers. It is probably that ??????? Mr. Pendleton or myself will obtain a situation in Charles City County near the residence of Mr. Hill Carter. The salary which is offered is five hundred dollars. This it is true is a small salary; but it is much better than six hundred dollars in a town. However it is possible that I may have a chance of getting a situation better than this.  Col. Smith did not mention anything in regard to the gentleman in Charles City who wishes to obtain a teacher nor do I even know as yet, his name. I shall endeavor to gather as much information on this point as possible. One serious objection which i have to living in that country is that it thought by some to be rent-wealthy. Considerable excitement has been produced in Lexington for the last month by the Skinner case of which you have probably heard. Dr. Skinner the recent pastor of the Presbyterian Church at this place, is now undergoing a trial before the Lexington Presbytery. Of all the ingenious men I ever saw I think that he is the most ingenious. It is said that he was expelled from Scotland on account of some disturbance in the church which he raised in that country.  But for the disturbance which has occurred here he would in all probability been the next president of Washington College, as Dr. Ruffner will resign in the course of a few months. It is certainly astonishing to hear the debates which occur in the Presbytery. In that religious body there is sometimes created almost as much confusion as there is usually created by those sinners in Congress.  This affair has several times called off Maj. Preston from his collegiate duties. I have been teaching Latin in the Institute for the last three or four weeks. The first class have elected the Speakers who are to represent them at the time of graduation as well as a speaker to represent them upon the reception of their diplomas from The Society of Cadets.  Mr. B. G. Baldwin will deliver the Salutatory addresses.  Messrs J. B. Jones, and Finney, orations,  Mr. Councill, the Valedictory addresses and the address to the Society will be delivered by myself. The Day of the Twenty Second was exceedingly inclement and on that account but for persons attended the addresses which were delivered in behalf of the Three Societies. The Washington Society was represented by Mr. Barton, the Graham Society by Mr. Crockett, and the Society of Cadets by Mr. Finney. \nGive my love to all. \nYour affectionate son, [signed] Chas A. Derby","Virginia Military Institute \nDec 27th 1847","Dear Father \nI received yesterday morning the letter in which you had enclosed the other half of the twenty dollar note which I am to place in the hands of the treasurer. I was considerably surprised on learning the circumstances which attended the death of Capt Ferguson. Your advice in regard to perseverance I have all along endeavored to follow.  If I fail at the next examination it will not be my fault but the fault of nature. One cannot expect to have a talent for every department. One cannot be responsible for the deficiencies of nature; yet it is his duty to improve that with which the Lord has blessed him, however little it  may be. It is an admitted fact that application can never create a talent; yet it cannot be denied that by application talents are directed into their proper channels. It is for this reason that a person should while young ascertain that for which he is best fitted in order that he may not in after life be trifling with that for which he has no turn. There are many in my class who are smarter than myself; yet by application I have succeeded in accomplishing more than they have. Indolence is often an attendant of talents; for gifted men frequently trust too much to their talents. It is not always the most talented men who are first at the Bar; it is not always the most talented who have the greatest political fame; it is not always the most talented who are first in the scientific world. The greatest men of whom the world has every boasted have generally been those who with moderate abilities, by their industry made up for their deficiencies, and won the confidence and esteem of all.  The lawyer who has the greatest natural ability will if he is careless get but little practice. He may be able to deliver a startling speech; he may be the originator of striking ideas; yet none can place their confidence in him. It is on this account that I never despair. Whenever I do not succeed, I try again. It seems to me that h this year I am peculiarly unfortunate. Of Chemistry I do not profess to know much; yet I do not believe that in this department I have received justice. The opinion which you hand me express in regard to our professor of Natural Sciences has undergone but little change. I have not done well, comparatively speaking in Engineering; yet I by no means find fault with our professor in that department. I believe him to be a perfect gentlemen. The principle reason why I have not done well on these two studies is that a knowledge of them depends upon the memory; and you yourself know that my memory is very poor. Those studies which depend exclusively upon the reasoning faculties I find but little difficulty in mastering. Since I wrote to you last there has been another snow storm in this county.  During this Christmas there have been several private entertainments given by Cadets who have lately received boxes of eatables from their homes. This evening I have been enjoying a fine supper of oysters which are the first that I have eaten for more than two years. \nI continue to enjoy my usual share of health. Give my love to all. \nYour son as ever. \n[signed] Chas A Derby","St. Peter's Ch. Lowndes, Ala. \nApril 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI have but little news worth communicating, such is the monotony and want of variety in our region. We are all well except my wife, who has been complaining for some time. Our congregations are very small of course, as all congregations in the Confederacy are compared with what they were before the war. We have had a great quantity of rain this Spring. The washing, driving rains of March beat down the earth so hard that many of my neighbors ploughed up their corn and planted a grain. Our planters are not turning their attention this year to cotton, which is cultivated in little patches only for family use. Our neighbors are very kind to us, and I am pleased with them more and more. A call was recently made upon Lowndes composed of two regiments, for 250 men to serve 90 days.  One regiment had furnished 135 men, and the other was about to furnish the remaining 115 when the Governor countermanded the call. In four hours I would have been Captain of a company ready to set out for Mobile. I had made all my arrangements to go, when the countermand was received. I hope that Captain Stancell has recovered before this and returned to his post. Henry must have been near the scene of naval conflict in the James. He must have heard the guns, if he did not witness the engagement. I am going on with my little school of three boys, teaching whenever it suits my convenience to teach. But few Confederate soldiers are left in Ala to protect her.  She is consequently dependent upon her militia for her defence. Contrary to my expectation and very much to my surprise, I was recently elected \"Captain of the Militia of Benton Beat.\" Although the militia was not to my taste, yet I did not feel at liberty to decline the office which I was so pressingly urged to accept. Accordingly I am regularly engaged with drilling my men. In these troublous time, we must labor in even uninviting fields for the public good. For a whole year or more I have been trying to learn where  Mr. King is, but nobody writes me a word about him. Please give me the desired information in your next. \nMy best regards to Capt. Stancell. \nYours Affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettsville, N.C.","Benton, Ala. May 27th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI find myself very busy preparing for the war and have but two days to make the preparation. On the 16th inst. I was elected Lieut. Colonel of Kent's Regiment. I was on duty las week. I expected to be a home at least a week, but learn that we are ordered to Corinth immediately.  Our regiment is at Selma. We have another daughter. She was born on the 26th ult. and is a very fine looking child. I have hardly a moment to write more. Be so kind as to give the above information to the rest of the family. I must today make some provision for my family. I will write more when disengaged. I hear that Capt. Stancell is wounded. How is he? Write me soon. My love to all. \nYours affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettesville, N. C.","Camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield. \nJuly 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nWe are now about seven miles from Richmond on the turnpike leading from that place to Petersburg. I preceded the Col. By nearly two weeks. He is now with me and relieves me of a heavy responsibility. We reached Richmond at the very commencement of the series of battles. We then drew our arms.  We have been in no engagement. We are gradually becoming well drilled. I have seen Mr. Graves twice since my arrival. More than a week ago I met him accidentally.  Yesterday I sought him and found him. His camp is about three hundred yards from ours. Until last week my health had been excellent. I became slightly indisposed. On recovering fromt this indisposition I had a rising on my thumb; and now I have a dreadful cold. I met Pa and Henry in Richmond nearly two weeks ago. Henry had a furlough and was on his way home. The war seems to be dormant precisely at this time. How long it will be before it rouses from its lethargy I have no idea. My intimate friends and neighbors have suffered dreadfully. Many of them have been killed and many are dangerously wounded. It makes my heart sick to think of it. I am glad that Capt. Stancell is nearly well. The poor fellow's face must have been horribly mutila-[mutilated]\n[based on end of sentence above, a page appears to be missing]\nOur Regiment have now a little breathing time. I have been thinking much of my poor wife and children. I have not heard from them since I left them. It is probable that we will remain here for some time. We now have our tents and this itself is an indication of permanency. In Richmond I met two of the immortal Pierces, who were particularly obsequious and polite. I cared nothing for their sycophancy. If I could hear from my family, I would be satisfied. My love to your family. With my afflicted hand and other ailments I find it difficult to write. \nAddress \nLieut. Col. Chas. A. Derby \n44th Reg. Ala. 3d Brigade \nHuger's Division \nRichmond, VA","The bulk of the Charles A. Derby papers consists of Derby family correspondence. Approximately twenty-eight letters were written by Charles A. Derby (dated 1844-1862) and cover the period from late boyhood up to his death in battle in 1862. Included are letters (dated 1846-1847) written while he was a cadet at VMI, as well as correspondence dating from his careers as a teacher and Episcopal clergyman. Two items were written during his brief service in the Confederate Army.","The papers also include fourteen letters written by other members of the Derby family, primarily Mary Derby Stancell (\"Mollie\") and her husband, Samuel. Other items in the papers are clippings, wedding announcements, poetry, and other family documents.","Written from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter discusses Charles A. Derby's health, finances, and family matters.","Written by Charles A. Derby's teacher to his father. Letter regards Derby's chances for an appointment at VMI and obtaining letters of recommendation.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses good health, academics, and candidates for Virginia legislature.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the difficult extraction of a tooth and a disturbance in VMI barracks in which cadets threw \"missiles.\"","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the arrival of new faculty member William Gilham, disciplinary action against cadets, and health.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards results of mid-year examinations, a cadet Christmas celebration, and a severe snowstorm.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards future teaching positions and graduation class speakers. Letter also discusses a controversy in the Lexington Presbyterian Church as the pastor, Dr. Skinner, is \"on trial\" before the presbytery.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses perseverance and value of hard work, problems with chemistry and sciences, and cadet Christmas celebrations.","Written from Northumberland County, Virginia. Charles A. Derby is a private instructor in the home of Mr. Harding, a wealthy landowner. The letter regards a family Christmas celebration, the contrast between the people of Dinwiddie and Northumberland, and personal matters.","Written from Sumterville, Alabama. Letter regards new boarding accommodations, a trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, finances, becoming a Mason, and Cyrus Harding's appointment at VMI.","Written from Georgia Military Institute, Georgia. Regards acceptance of Charles A. Derby's resignation.","Certified extracts from correspondence between Charles A. Derby and Willis Crenshaw regarding business arrangements for the Eutaw Academy, Alabama.","Two announcements for the opening of the Eutaw Institute, Alabama.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards the death of his wife, Clara J. Hunt (\"Jeanie\"). Letter also describes a betrayal by Board of Trustees of Eutaw Institute and how Charles A. Derby had to open a private school on his own.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter discusses the success of Charles A. Derby's new school, life in Eutaw, and finances.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards ordainment in the Protestant Episcopal Church, responsibility of St. Stephen's Church in Eutaw, deaconship, and the busy school year.","Written from Dinwiddie, Virginia. Letter regards travel to Philadelphia and Boston, preaching at Christ Church in Norfolk, and family news.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards growth of St. Stephen's congregation, life in Eutaw, and Charles A. Derby's school.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset and general news.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards the success of Charles A. Derby's new church, his teaching career, and family matters.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards a recent visit to Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards family matters, including housekeeping and Charles A. Derby's eight-week old child.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards the murder of their cousin Edward Cousins.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Derby family members joining the Confederate Army and Charles A. Derby's frustrations about not being able to join.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Captain of the Militia of Benton.","Written from Benton, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry.","Written from \"camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield,\" Virginia. Letter regards family matters and a discussion of wartime devastation.","A translation by Charles A. Derby of Aeneid, Book 1 by Virgil.","An acrostic poem written by Charles A. Derby titled \"A Humble Acrostic.\"","Twelve pages of geometry exercise drawings for Francis H. Smith's course.","One page of cadet uniform drawings.","Written from Randolph-Macon College, Virginia. Letter is written on an invitation to a commencement party.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards problems on his [family's?] plantation, illness among slaves, contract for railroad sills (Raleigh and Gaston Railroad), and family matters.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards family news and their marriage date.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards Mary Stancell's (Derby) health and plans for their March 31st wedding.","Written from Lawrenceville, Arkansas. Letter regards Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Marlbrook, Hemstead County, Arkansas. Letter regards general news about Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Margarettsville, North Carolina. In the letter, Samuel Stancell asks his wife Mary \"Mollie\" Derby to come home soon from her visit with her family.","Written from Jackson, North Carolina. Letter regards business and Mary Stancell's (Derby) health.","Written from Darvills (Dinwiddie County), Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Marietta, Georgia. Letter regards general news about life in Marietta.","Included is the original letter, a contemporary copy, and a transcription. Written from \"camp near Fredericksburg,\" Virginia. The letter offers condolences for Charles A. Derby's death.","Francis H. Smith was Superintendent of VMI from 1839-1889.  This letter is in reply to Perry L. Derby's notification that Charles A. Derby has died in battle.","Written from Cahaba, Alabama. Letter regards general news and family news.","Written from Southampton County, Virginia. Letter regards Anna's [surname unknown] personal news.","Blank envelope includes one note dated April 13, 1889 from Marianna Ewell, three newspaper clippings regarding family deaths, and \"A Child's Faith\" poem booklet.","An unsigned letter that describes the concept of chivalry.","Devotional poem written to \"my mother.\"","Two place cards. One card is for Miss Willie J. Mitchell and the other card is for Mr. and Mrs. Henry N. Harrison.","Written from Berkley, Virginia. Letter regards family and personal matters.","Poem titled \"Shall we meet again, Mary?.\"","Wedding invitation for Marion Macintosh and the Right Reverend G. W. Peterkin.","Wedding invitation for Nannie L. Whitehurst and Samuel E. Long.","Wedding invitation for May Hundley and Louis Bowly.","Wedding invitation for Kate Gordon and Reverend J. E. Poindexter.","Invitation for an event at the home of V. A. Thornton and name card for Willetta F. Thornton.","Wedding invitation for Fannie Towles and Daniel M. Harman.","Wedding invitation for Dr. J. E. Brown and Marion A. Sullivan.","Composition titled \"The Powers of Custom.\"","Pressed flower and plant album featuring the English and Latin names of each specimen.","Henry L. Derby's notebook he kept while at the Theological Seminary in Fairfax County, Virginia. The notebook contains course lists and schedules, finances, and other writings. A loose piece of sheet music for \"Prince of Peace\" and a map of \"Paul's Third Journey\" are tucked into the back of the notebook.","Eight newspaper clippings. Four clippings are related to Charles A. Derby's career at Western Military Institute, Kentucky. One clipping is related to Derby's career at Eutaw Male Academy, Alabama. Two clippings are related to the death of his wife Clara J. Derby (Hunt). One clipping is Derby's obituary.","Book chiefly written by Jane Taylor (1783-1824) and Ann Taylor (1782-1866). Signature of Charlotte Derby (Bassett) written in pencil on the inside front cover.","Fragment (up to page 53) of the \"French \u0026 Son's Handbook and Directory for Worthing.\"","Funeral address and obituary notices for Nichoas Hamner Cobbs, D. D., who was the first bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of Alabama.","Place card with the name Wm. Hughlett.","A transcription of the poem \"Nearer Home.\" The transcriber is unknown.","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks and Oversized Case 1","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Derby Family","Stancell Family","Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Collier, Henry W., Governor, 1801-1855","Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866","Harding, Cyrus, 1834-1893","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","English \n.    "],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0030","/repositories/3/resources/600"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"collection_ssim":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"creator_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"creators_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"access_terms_ssm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Confederate States of America. Army—Alabama Infantry Regiment, 44th","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Military education—Georgia—History","Education—Georgia—History","Military education—Alabama—History","Education—Alabama—History","Presbyterian Church in the U.S.—Presbytery of Lexington","Episcopal Church—Alabama—History","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Confederate States of America. Army—Alabama Infantry Regiment, 44th","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Military education—Georgia—History","Education—Georgia—History","Military education—Alabama—History","Education—Alabama—History","Presbyterian Church in the U.S.—Presbytery of Lexington","Episcopal Church—Alabama—History","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["0.25 cubic feet Approximately 80 items in 1 box"],"extent_tesim":["0.25 cubic feet Approximately 80 items in 1 box"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1839,1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions"],"altformavail_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCharles A. Derby's cadet letters (dated 1846-1847) are available \u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/1205\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDerby's 1862 letters are avaliable \u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/search/collection/p15821coll11/searchterm/MS%200030/order/manusa\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["Charles A. Derby's cadet letters (dated 1846-1847) are available  online .","Derby's 1862 letters are avaliable  online ."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCharles A. Derby was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on September 12, 1828 to Perry L. Derby and Martha Jones. His early years were spent on his father's plantation and as a student at Winfield Academy in Dinwiddie County. He entered VMI on August 8, 1845 and graduated on July 4, 1848, standing 5th in a class of 24.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFollowing his graduation from VMI, Derby began a teaching career that continued through the late 1850s. His various positions included:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrivate tutor for a family in Northumberland County, Virginia\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHead of the Fairfax (Virginia) Academy\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHead of an academy in Sumterville, Alabama\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProfessor of mathematics at military schools in Kentucky and Georgia\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrincipal of a private academy in Eutaw, Alabama\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\nIn 1856-1857, Derby began the study of theology and was ordained in the Episcopal ministry. He was named deacon at St. Stephens's Church in Eutaw, while also continuing his private school there. He subsequently gave up teaching as his primary interest and served at a church in Camden, Alabama, and then at St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDerby married twice during the 1850s. His first wife, Clara J. Hunt of Marietta, Georgia, died within a year of their marriage. On December 28, 1859, he married Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama and the couple had two daughters, Martha (October 1860-?) and Harriet (April 1862-February 1927).\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eA year after the outbreak of the Civil War, Derby joined the Confederate Army. He was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry Regiment on May 16, 1862 and entered service at Selma, Alabama circa June 5, 1862. He was killed in action at the Battle of Antietam (Maryland) on September 17, 1862 and his body was not recovered.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWilliam F. Perry was the commander of Charles A. Derby's regiment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePublished by the American Tract Society, New York.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePublished by the American Tract Society, New York.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Charles A. Derby was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on September 12, 1828 to Perry L. Derby and Martha Jones. His early years were spent on his father's plantation and as a student at Winfield Academy in Dinwiddie County. He entered VMI on August 8, 1845 and graduated on July 4, 1848, standing 5th in a class of 24.","Following his graduation from VMI, Derby began a teaching career that continued through the late 1850s. His various positions included:\n Private tutor for a family in Northumberland County, Virginia Head of the Fairfax (Virginia) Academy Head of an academy in Sumterville, Alabama Professor of mathematics at military schools in Kentucky and Georgia Principal of a private academy in Eutaw, Alabama \nIn 1856-1857, Derby began the study of theology and was ordained in the Episcopal ministry. He was named deacon at St. Stephens's Church in Eutaw, while also continuing his private school there. He subsequently gave up teaching as his primary interest and served at a church in Camden, Alabama, and then at St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama.","Derby married twice during the 1850s. His first wife, Clara J. Hunt of Marietta, Georgia, died within a year of their marriage. On December 28, 1859, he married Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama and the couple had two daughters, Martha (October 1860-?) and Harriet (April 1862-February 1927).","A year after the outbreak of the Civil War, Derby joined the Confederate Army. He was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry Regiment on May 16, 1862 and entered service at Selma, Alabama circa June 5, 1862. He was killed in action at the Battle of Antietam (Maryland) on September 17, 1862 and his body was not recovered.","William F. Perry was the commander of Charles A. Derby's regiment.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eVM Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 4th 1846\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father,\u003cbr\u003e\nYours of the 15th ult. was duly received. The fifteen dollars which were enclosed I handed to Col Smith as you desired. This will certainly be sufficient to cover all my expenses between now and July. In regard to my health, I think you need not be at all uneasy for it never was better than it has been since I have been here. At this time I know of no case of sickness in Lexington. For the last three weeks, the weather has been very pleasant and if it continues to be so, the corps will in a few days put on white pantaloons. Enclosed you will find a list of the standing of the third class at our January examination. I copied it from a semi-annual report. I did intend to send you a report; but there are I believe only two at the Institute. Col. Smith had this year, only a few published for the legislature. You may perhaps obtain one from Dr. Thompson. I am getting on remarkably well with all my studies except Drawing and this I must confess. I think will prevent me from retaining my present standing. When I first commenced it I had but little talent for it, and thought I have made a considerable improvement in it. My marks have hitherto been so low, that I fear I will not be able to make up for them. I shall endeavor to do my best at it. In French and Mathematics I still stand among the first. You have perhaps, before this received a circular from Col. Smith. I have I believe one demerit, but if I get no more than five between now and July, they will all be taken off. You will recollect that I had a few previous to our examination, but as they did not exceed five, they were taken off. I see in The Petersburg Republican that Dr. Thompson and Capt Sydnor are the candidates for the Legislature in Dinwiddie. I would be glad if you would inform me whether there is any chance for a Whig to be elected and also whether Mr. Lyme has any opposition. I do not believe that the candidates in Rockbridge have been nominated, but she will certainly elect two Whigs. Gov. McDorrel's influence is not so great as to prevent her from doing this although he was almost unanimously elected to Congress a short time since. I received a letter from cousin Robt last week in which he stated that his family were all well. He says that he expects after this year to teach school as there is not much to be made by shoemaking in Marysville. He thinks he can get at least thirty scholars.\u003cbr\u003e\nGive my love to mother etc.\u003cbr\u003e\nIn haste your devoted son\u003cbr\u003e\n[signed]Chas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVM Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 9th 1846\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYours of the 26th ult was duly received. Your advice in regard to perseverance I shall follow as well as I can, though, I think it will be of little avail to me, since I have to contend with many who had taken lessons in drawing before they entered the Institute. I went this morning to the surgeon's office, for the purpose of having one of my teeth extracted. Dr. Estill pulled six times as it and succeeded in getting it all out except a part of the root.  He immediately sent for a dentist who pulled at it twice, but could not get it out. He advised me to wait about a fortnight, in which time he thought the room would rise above the gum, and enable him to get a hold on it. It was I believe the largest tooth in my head. You will recollect that you wished me to have it extracted when Mr. Murrill was at your house about four years ago. It did not ache, but I knew that it was an injury to my other teeth. Last night a little disturbance was caused by some of the Cadets. About eleven o'clock they commenced throwing missiles in barracks, when the Officer of the Day came to our room, and told one of my roommates, who was Corporal of the Guard at the time, to post the first relief, if the noise did not cease; but it was quelled in a short time. I would write more but I feel so badly, that I must postpone it until some other time. In haste your affectionate son,\u003cbr\u003e \n[signed] Chas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter of the 15th inst was duly received. In compliance with your request I asked Jackson if he paid extra carriage for the box of books which he brought me. He said that it was so small no pay was required of him. Listed Mary wrote me word a short time since that six pairs of socks were sent to me. I received only five pairs. These as well as my shoes and collars fit very well. Several members of the Board held a meeting in the Capitol in Richmond some time during the last week at which time they considered the application of Jackson and decided that he should not be again admitted into the Institute. I think that as others whose conduct was much worse than his, have since the Institute has been in operation, been admitted after being dismissed it would have been but justice if they had extended to him the same kindness. Major Gilham has arrived at the Institute and has entered upon the discharge of his duties. My health is at this time unusually good. Excuse me for my short letter. I am now more busily engaged than I ever was.\u003cbr\u003e\nMy love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate son,\u003cbr\u003e\n[signed] Chas A Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVa Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nJany 19th 1847\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father,\u003cbr\u003e\nAs you are perhaps anxious to learn the result of our last examination I take the present opportunity to write to you. The examination commenced on Monday the 4th last and continued until Saturday evening. I still stand second in my class and am also as I expect you have before this seen in my circular a file higher in mathematics, than I was at the examination in July. I will also state that the maximum in Mathematics in the second class is 300 from which you will perceive that considerably more importance is attached to that part of the mathematical course which is studied by the second class than to that which is studied by the third class. I could have easily stood higher in Latin than I did by studying it as much as some members of my class did, but I preferred devoting my time mostly to the principal study. In fact I believe it better to have a tolerable standing in each department, than to stand very high in some, and very low in others; and it is upon this principle that I have acted ever since I have been at this place. The young man who stands first in Latin, having already a good knowledge of Mathematics devoted most of his time to that study with which he was least acquainted; on the other hand I depended upon the little knowledge of Latin which I had already acquired and studied Mathematics. I saw in some of the papers last week, that Mr. Bryan was first Lieutenant of the second company, which had been raised in Petersburg. Please inform me in your next, whether there were any Other members of that company with whom you were acquainted.  You perhaps wish to know what kind of a Christmas we had.  At the Institute Christmas is kept only one day, and that day is never forgotten inasmuch as it is the only one on which we are blessed with turkeys and minced pies. With the exception of the eatings my enjoyments were no greater than usual. Since I wrote to you last, there has been another severe snowstorm in Rockbridge. The weather last week was extremely cold, but it has moderated considerably. Write me word whether you have hired any servants and if you have who they are. Also whether my sisters have made much progress in the study of music. I would indeed be very much pleased to learn that they have.  Give my love to them and to mother. I remain as ever - your devoted son,\u003cbr\u003e\n[signed] Chas A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eP.S. My old school mate Samuel Garland stands second in the third class.  Please inform me whether Samuel Hardy succeeded in obtaining the situation at Winfield Academy.  We were not examined in French and consequently no standing was determined upon it. [signed] CAD\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nFeb 26th 1847\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father,\u003cbr\u003e\nI received in due time your of the Inst in which was enclosed the half of a twenty dollar note. Of course all your advice I believe to be salutary. The most of it I have endeavored to follow from my infancy. Whatever may have been my misfortunes, I profess to be old enough to be able to preserve a moderate share of spirits. I have endeavored to banish all childish folly. For the present I will forebear writing in that metaphysical strain which has characterized the letters which I have written for the last three months. Please tell sister Mary that I received her letter; also tell sister Martha Ann that I received hers and that I inadvertently omitted to mention it in my last letter. Col. Smith has placed my name on the list of applicants as teachers. It is probably that ??????? Mr. Pendleton or myself will obtain a situation in Charles City County near the residence of Mr. Hill Carter. The salary which is offered is five hundred dollars. This it is true is a small salary; but it is much better than six hundred dollars in a town. However it is possible that I may have a chance of getting a situation better than this.  Col. Smith did not mention anything in regard to the gentleman in Charles City who wishes to obtain a teacher nor do I even know as yet, his name. I shall endeavor to gather as much information on this point as possible. One serious objection which i have to living in that country is that it thought by some to be rent-wealthy. Considerable excitement has been produced in Lexington for the last month by the Skinner case of which you have probably heard. Dr. Skinner the recent pastor of the Presbyterian Church at this place, is now undergoing a trial before the Lexington Presbytery. Of all the ingenious men I ever saw I think that he is the most ingenious. It is said that he was expelled from Scotland on account of some disturbance in the church which he raised in that country.  But for the disturbance which has occurred here he would in all probability been the next president of Washington College, as Dr. Ruffner will resign in the course of a few months. It is certainly astonishing to hear the debates which occur in the Presbytery. In that religious body there is sometimes created almost as much confusion as there is usually created by those sinners in Congress.  This affair has several times called off Maj. Preston from his collegiate duties. I have been teaching Latin in the Institute for the last three or four weeks. The first class have elected the Speakers who are to represent them at the time of graduation as well as a speaker to represent them upon the reception of their diplomas from The Society of Cadets.  Mr. B. G. Baldwin will deliver the Salutatory addresses.  Messrs J. B. Jones, and Finney, orations,  Mr. Councill, the Valedictory addresses and the address to the Society will be delivered by myself. The Day of the Twenty Second was exceedingly inclement and on that account but for persons attended the addresses which were delivered in behalf of the Three Societies. The Washington Society was represented by Mr. Barton, the Graham Society by Mr. Crockett, and the Society of Cadets by Mr. Finney.\u003cbr\u003e\nGive my love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate son, [signed] Chas A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nDec 27th 1847\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nI received yesterday morning the letter in which you had enclosed the other half of the twenty dollar note which I am to place in the hands of the treasurer. I was considerably surprised on learning the circumstances which attended the death of Capt Ferguson. Your advice in regard to perseverance I have all along endeavored to follow.  If I fail at the next examination it will not be my fault but the fault of nature. One cannot expect to have a talent for every department. One cannot be responsible for the deficiencies of nature; yet it is his duty to improve that with which the Lord has blessed him, however little it  may be. It is an admitted fact that application can never create a talent; yet it cannot be denied that by application talents are directed into their proper channels. It is for this reason that a person should while young ascertain that for which he is best fitted in order that he may not in after life be trifling with that for which he has no turn. There are many in my class who are smarter than myself; yet by application I have succeeded in accomplishing more than they have. Indolence is often an attendant of talents; for gifted men frequently trust too much to their talents. It is not always the most talented men who are first at the Bar; it is not always the most talented who have the greatest political fame; it is not always the most talented who are first in the scientific world. The greatest men of whom the world has every boasted have generally been those who with moderate abilities, by their industry made up for their deficiencies, and won the confidence and esteem of all.  The lawyer who has the greatest natural ability will if he is careless get but little practice. He may be able to deliver a startling speech; he may be the originator of striking ideas; yet none can place their confidence in him. It is on this account that I never despair. Whenever I do not succeed, I try again. It seems to me that h this year I am peculiarly unfortunate. Of Chemistry I do not profess to know much; yet I do not believe that in this department I have received justice. The opinion which you hand me express in regard to our professor of Natural Sciences has undergone but little change. I have not done well, comparatively speaking in Engineering; yet I by no means find fault with our professor in that department. I believe him to be a perfect gentlemen. The principle reason why I have not done well on these two studies is that a knowledge of them depends upon the memory; and you yourself know that my memory is very poor. Those studies which depend exclusively upon the reasoning faculties I find but little difficulty in mastering. Since I wrote to you last there has been another snow storm in this county.  During this Christmas there have been several private entertainments given by Cadets who have lately received boxes of eatables from their homes. This evening I have been enjoying a fine supper of oysters which are the first that I have eaten for more than two years.\u003cbr\u003e\nI continue to enjoy my usual share of health. Give my love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour son as ever.\u003cbr\u003e\n[signed] Chas A Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSt. Peter's Ch. Lowndes, Ala.\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 15th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister:\u003cbr\u003e\nI have but little news worth communicating, such is the monotony and want of variety in our region. We are all well except my wife, who has been complaining for some time. Our congregations are very small of course, as all congregations in the Confederacy are compared with what they were before the war. We have had a great quantity of rain this Spring. The washing, driving rains of March beat down the earth so hard that many of my neighbors ploughed up their corn and planted a grain. Our planters are not turning their attention this year to cotton, which is cultivated in little patches only for family use. Our neighbors are very kind to us, and I am pleased with them more and more. A call was recently made upon Lowndes composed of two regiments, for 250 men to serve 90 days.  One regiment had furnished 135 men, and the other was about to furnish the remaining 115 when the Governor countermanded the call. In four hours I would have been Captain of a company ready to set out for Mobile. I had made all my arrangements to go, when the countermand was received. I hope that Captain Stancell has recovered before this and returned to his post. Henry must have been near the scene of naval conflict in the James. He must have heard the guns, if he did not witness the engagement. I am going on with my little school of three boys, teaching whenever it suits my convenience to teach. But few Confederate soldiers are left in Ala to protect her.  She is consequently dependent upon her militia for her defence. Contrary to my expectation and very much to my surprise, I was recently elected \"Captain of the Militia of Benton Beat.\" Although the militia was not to my taste, yet I did not feel at liberty to decline the office which I was so pressingly urged to accept. Accordingly I am regularly engaged with drilling my men. In these troublous time, we must labor in even uninviting fields for the public good. For a whole year or more I have been trying to learn where  Mr. King is, but nobody writes me a word about him. Please give me the desired information in your next.\u003cbr\u003e\nMy best regards to Capt. Stancell.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours Affectionately,\u003cbr\u003e\nChas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMrs. Mary E. Stancell\u003cbr\u003e\nMargarettsville, N.C.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBenton, Ala. May 27th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister:\u003cbr\u003e\nI find myself very busy preparing for the war and have but two days to make the preparation. On the 16th inst. I was elected Lieut. Colonel of Kent's Regiment. I was on duty las week. I expected to be a home at least a week, but learn that we are ordered to Corinth immediately.  Our regiment is at Selma. We have another daughter. She was born on the 26th ult. and is a very fine looking child. I have hardly a moment to write more. Be so kind as to give the above information to the rest of the family. I must today make some provision for my family. I will write more when disengaged. I hear that Capt. Stancell is wounded. How is he? Write me soon. My love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours affectionately,\u003cbr\u003e\nChas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMrs. Mary E. Stancell\u003cbr\u003e\nMargarettesville, N. C.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield.\u003cbr\u003e\nJuly 15th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister:\u003cbr\u003e\nWe are now about seven miles from Richmond on the turnpike leading from that place to Petersburg. I preceded the Col. By nearly two weeks. He is now with me and relieves me of a heavy responsibility. We reached Richmond at the very commencement of the series of battles. We then drew our arms.  We have been in no engagement. We are gradually becoming well drilled. I have seen Mr. Graves twice since my arrival. More than a week ago I met him accidentally.  Yesterday I sought him and found him. His camp is about three hundred yards from ours. Until last week my health had been excellent. I became slightly indisposed. On recovering fromt this indisposition I had a rising on my thumb; and now I have a dreadful cold. I met Pa and Henry in Richmond nearly two weeks ago. Henry had a furlough and was on his way home. The war seems to be dormant precisely at this time. How long it will be before it rouses from its lethargy I have no idea. My intimate friends and neighbors have suffered dreadfully. Many of them have been killed and many are dangerously wounded. It makes my heart sick to think of it. I am glad that Capt. Stancell is nearly well. The poor fellow's face must have been horribly mutila-[mutilated]\n[based on end of sentence above, a page appears to be missing]\nOur Regiment have now a little breathing time. I have been thinking much of my poor wife and children. I have not heard from them since I left them. It is probable that we will remain here for some time. We now have our tents and this itself is an indication of permanency. In Richmond I met two of the immortal Pierces, who were particularly obsequious and polite. I cared nothing for their sycophancy. If I could hear from my family, I would be satisfied. My love to your family. With my afflicted hand and other ailments I find it difficult to write.\u003cbr\u003e\nAddress\u003cbr\u003e\nLieut. Col. Chas. A. Derby\u003cbr\u003e\n44th Reg. Ala. 3d Brigade\u003cbr\u003e\nHuger's Division\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond, VA\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["VM Institute \nApril 4th 1846","Dear Father, \nYours of the 15th ult. was duly received. The fifteen dollars which were enclosed I handed to Col Smith as you desired. This will certainly be sufficient to cover all my expenses between now and July. In regard to my health, I think you need not be at all uneasy for it never was better than it has been since I have been here. At this time I know of no case of sickness in Lexington. For the last three weeks, the weather has been very pleasant and if it continues to be so, the corps will in a few days put on white pantaloons. Enclosed you will find a list of the standing of the third class at our January examination. I copied it from a semi-annual report. I did intend to send you a report; but there are I believe only two at the Institute. Col. Smith had this year, only a few published for the legislature. You may perhaps obtain one from Dr. Thompson. I am getting on remarkably well with all my studies except Drawing and this I must confess. I think will prevent me from retaining my present standing. When I first commenced it I had but little talent for it, and thought I have made a considerable improvement in it. My marks have hitherto been so low, that I fear I will not be able to make up for them. I shall endeavor to do my best at it. In French and Mathematics I still stand among the first. You have perhaps, before this received a circular from Col. Smith. I have I believe one demerit, but if I get no more than five between now and July, they will all be taken off. You will recollect that I had a few previous to our examination, but as they did not exceed five, they were taken off. I see in The Petersburg Republican that Dr. Thompson and Capt Sydnor are the candidates for the Legislature in Dinwiddie. I would be glad if you would inform me whether there is any chance for a Whig to be elected and also whether Mr. Lyme has any opposition. I do not believe that the candidates in Rockbridge have been nominated, but she will certainly elect two Whigs. Gov. McDorrel's influence is not so great as to prevent her from doing this although he was almost unanimously elected to Congress a short time since. I received a letter from cousin Robt last week in which he stated that his family were all well. He says that he expects after this year to teach school as there is not much to be made by shoemaking in Marysville. He thinks he can get at least thirty scholars. \nGive my love to mother etc. \nIn haste your devoted son \n[signed]Chas. A. Derby","VM Institute \nMay 9th 1846","Dear Father \nYours of the 26th ult was duly received. Your advice in regard to perseverance I shall follow as well as I can, though, I think it will be of little avail to me, since I have to contend with many who had taken lessons in drawing before they entered the Institute. I went this morning to the surgeon's office, for the purpose of having one of my teeth extracted. Dr. Estill pulled six times as it and succeeded in getting it all out except a part of the root.  He immediately sent for a dentist who pulled at it twice, but could not get it out. He advised me to wait about a fortnight, in which time he thought the room would rise above the gum, and enable him to get a hold on it. It was I believe the largest tooth in my head. You will recollect that you wished me to have it extracted when Mr. Murrill was at your house about four years ago. It did not ache, but I knew that it was an injury to my other teeth. Last night a little disturbance was caused by some of the Cadets. About eleven o'clock they commenced throwing missiles in barracks, when the Officer of the Day came to our room, and told one of my roommates, who was Corporal of the Guard at the time, to post the first relief, if the noise did not cease; but it was quelled in a short time. I would write more but I feel so badly, that I must postpone it until some other time. In haste your affectionate son,  \n[signed] Chas. A. Derby","Dear Father \nYour letter of the 15th inst was duly received. In compliance with your request I asked Jackson if he paid extra carriage for the box of books which he brought me. He said that it was so small no pay was required of him. Listed Mary wrote me word a short time since that six pairs of socks were sent to me. I received only five pairs. These as well as my shoes and collars fit very well. Several members of the Board held a meeting in the Capitol in Richmond some time during the last week at which time they considered the application of Jackson and decided that he should not be again admitted into the Institute. I think that as others whose conduct was much worse than his, have since the Institute has been in operation, been admitted after being dismissed it would have been but justice if they had extended to him the same kindness. Major Gilham has arrived at the Institute and has entered upon the discharge of his duties. My health is at this time unusually good. Excuse me for my short letter. I am now more busily engaged than I ever was. \nMy love to all. \nYour affectionate son, \n[signed] Chas A Derby","Va Military Institute \nJany 19th 1847","Dear Father, \nAs you are perhaps anxious to learn the result of our last examination I take the present opportunity to write to you. The examination commenced on Monday the 4th last and continued until Saturday evening. I still stand second in my class and am also as I expect you have before this seen in my circular a file higher in mathematics, than I was at the examination in July. I will also state that the maximum in Mathematics in the second class is 300 from which you will perceive that considerably more importance is attached to that part of the mathematical course which is studied by the second class than to that which is studied by the third class. I could have easily stood higher in Latin than I did by studying it as much as some members of my class did, but I preferred devoting my time mostly to the principal study. In fact I believe it better to have a tolerable standing in each department, than to stand very high in some, and very low in others; and it is upon this principle that I have acted ever since I have been at this place. The young man who stands first in Latin, having already a good knowledge of Mathematics devoted most of his time to that study with which he was least acquainted; on the other hand I depended upon the little knowledge of Latin which I had already acquired and studied Mathematics. I saw in some of the papers last week, that Mr. Bryan was first Lieutenant of the second company, which had been raised in Petersburg. Please inform me in your next, whether there were any Other members of that company with whom you were acquainted.  You perhaps wish to know what kind of a Christmas we had.  At the Institute Christmas is kept only one day, and that day is never forgotten inasmuch as it is the only one on which we are blessed with turkeys and minced pies. With the exception of the eatings my enjoyments were no greater than usual. Since I wrote to you last, there has been another severe snowstorm in Rockbridge. The weather last week was extremely cold, but it has moderated considerably. Write me word whether you have hired any servants and if you have who they are. Also whether my sisters have made much progress in the study of music. I would indeed be very much pleased to learn that they have.  Give my love to them and to mother. I remain as ever - your devoted son, \n[signed] Chas A. Derby","P.S. My old school mate Samuel Garland stands second in the third class.  Please inform me whether Samuel Hardy succeeded in obtaining the situation at Winfield Academy.  We were not examined in French and consequently no standing was determined upon it. [signed] CAD","Virginia Military Institute \nFeb 26th 1847","Dear Father, \nI received in due time your of the Inst in which was enclosed the half of a twenty dollar note. Of course all your advice I believe to be salutary. The most of it I have endeavored to follow from my infancy. Whatever may have been my misfortunes, I profess to be old enough to be able to preserve a moderate share of spirits. I have endeavored to banish all childish folly. For the present I will forebear writing in that metaphysical strain which has characterized the letters which I have written for the last three months. Please tell sister Mary that I received her letter; also tell sister Martha Ann that I received hers and that I inadvertently omitted to mention it in my last letter. Col. Smith has placed my name on the list of applicants as teachers. It is probably that ??????? Mr. Pendleton or myself will obtain a situation in Charles City County near the residence of Mr. Hill Carter. The salary which is offered is five hundred dollars. This it is true is a small salary; but it is much better than six hundred dollars in a town. However it is possible that I may have a chance of getting a situation better than this.  Col. Smith did not mention anything in regard to the gentleman in Charles City who wishes to obtain a teacher nor do I even know as yet, his name. I shall endeavor to gather as much information on this point as possible. One serious objection which i have to living in that country is that it thought by some to be rent-wealthy. Considerable excitement has been produced in Lexington for the last month by the Skinner case of which you have probably heard. Dr. Skinner the recent pastor of the Presbyterian Church at this place, is now undergoing a trial before the Lexington Presbytery. Of all the ingenious men I ever saw I think that he is the most ingenious. It is said that he was expelled from Scotland on account of some disturbance in the church which he raised in that country.  But for the disturbance which has occurred here he would in all probability been the next president of Washington College, as Dr. Ruffner will resign in the course of a few months. It is certainly astonishing to hear the debates which occur in the Presbytery. In that religious body there is sometimes created almost as much confusion as there is usually created by those sinners in Congress.  This affair has several times called off Maj. Preston from his collegiate duties. I have been teaching Latin in the Institute for the last three or four weeks. The first class have elected the Speakers who are to represent them at the time of graduation as well as a speaker to represent them upon the reception of their diplomas from The Society of Cadets.  Mr. B. G. Baldwin will deliver the Salutatory addresses.  Messrs J. B. Jones, and Finney, orations,  Mr. Councill, the Valedictory addresses and the address to the Society will be delivered by myself. The Day of the Twenty Second was exceedingly inclement and on that account but for persons attended the addresses which were delivered in behalf of the Three Societies. The Washington Society was represented by Mr. Barton, the Graham Society by Mr. Crockett, and the Society of Cadets by Mr. Finney. \nGive my love to all. \nYour affectionate son, [signed] Chas A. Derby","Virginia Military Institute \nDec 27th 1847","Dear Father \nI received yesterday morning the letter in which you had enclosed the other half of the twenty dollar note which I am to place in the hands of the treasurer. I was considerably surprised on learning the circumstances which attended the death of Capt Ferguson. Your advice in regard to perseverance I have all along endeavored to follow.  If I fail at the next examination it will not be my fault but the fault of nature. One cannot expect to have a talent for every department. One cannot be responsible for the deficiencies of nature; yet it is his duty to improve that with which the Lord has blessed him, however little it  may be. It is an admitted fact that application can never create a talent; yet it cannot be denied that by application talents are directed into their proper channels. It is for this reason that a person should while young ascertain that for which he is best fitted in order that he may not in after life be trifling with that for which he has no turn. There are many in my class who are smarter than myself; yet by application I have succeeded in accomplishing more than they have. Indolence is often an attendant of talents; for gifted men frequently trust too much to their talents. It is not always the most talented men who are first at the Bar; it is not always the most talented who have the greatest political fame; it is not always the most talented who are first in the scientific world. The greatest men of whom the world has every boasted have generally been those who with moderate abilities, by their industry made up for their deficiencies, and won the confidence and esteem of all.  The lawyer who has the greatest natural ability will if he is careless get but little practice. He may be able to deliver a startling speech; he may be the originator of striking ideas; yet none can place their confidence in him. It is on this account that I never despair. Whenever I do not succeed, I try again. It seems to me that h this year I am peculiarly unfortunate. Of Chemistry I do not profess to know much; yet I do not believe that in this department I have received justice. The opinion which you hand me express in regard to our professor of Natural Sciences has undergone but little change. I have not done well, comparatively speaking in Engineering; yet I by no means find fault with our professor in that department. I believe him to be a perfect gentlemen. The principle reason why I have not done well on these two studies is that a knowledge of them depends upon the memory; and you yourself know that my memory is very poor. Those studies which depend exclusively upon the reasoning faculties I find but little difficulty in mastering. Since I wrote to you last there has been another snow storm in this county.  During this Christmas there have been several private entertainments given by Cadets who have lately received boxes of eatables from their homes. This evening I have been enjoying a fine supper of oysters which are the first that I have eaten for more than two years. \nI continue to enjoy my usual share of health. Give my love to all. \nYour son as ever. \n[signed] Chas A Derby","St. Peter's Ch. Lowndes, Ala. \nApril 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI have but little news worth communicating, such is the monotony and want of variety in our region. We are all well except my wife, who has been complaining for some time. Our congregations are very small of course, as all congregations in the Confederacy are compared with what they were before the war. We have had a great quantity of rain this Spring. The washing, driving rains of March beat down the earth so hard that many of my neighbors ploughed up their corn and planted a grain. Our planters are not turning their attention this year to cotton, which is cultivated in little patches only for family use. Our neighbors are very kind to us, and I am pleased with them more and more. A call was recently made upon Lowndes composed of two regiments, for 250 men to serve 90 days.  One regiment had furnished 135 men, and the other was about to furnish the remaining 115 when the Governor countermanded the call. In four hours I would have been Captain of a company ready to set out for Mobile. I had made all my arrangements to go, when the countermand was received. I hope that Captain Stancell has recovered before this and returned to his post. Henry must have been near the scene of naval conflict in the James. He must have heard the guns, if he did not witness the engagement. I am going on with my little school of three boys, teaching whenever it suits my convenience to teach. But few Confederate soldiers are left in Ala to protect her.  She is consequently dependent upon her militia for her defence. Contrary to my expectation and very much to my surprise, I was recently elected \"Captain of the Militia of Benton Beat.\" Although the militia was not to my taste, yet I did not feel at liberty to decline the office which I was so pressingly urged to accept. Accordingly I am regularly engaged with drilling my men. In these troublous time, we must labor in even uninviting fields for the public good. For a whole year or more I have been trying to learn where  Mr. King is, but nobody writes me a word about him. Please give me the desired information in your next. \nMy best regards to Capt. Stancell. \nYours Affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettsville, N.C.","Benton, Ala. May 27th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI find myself very busy preparing for the war and have but two days to make the preparation. On the 16th inst. I was elected Lieut. Colonel of Kent's Regiment. I was on duty las week. I expected to be a home at least a week, but learn that we are ordered to Corinth immediately.  Our regiment is at Selma. We have another daughter. She was born on the 26th ult. and is a very fine looking child. I have hardly a moment to write more. Be so kind as to give the above information to the rest of the family. I must today make some provision for my family. I will write more when disengaged. I hear that Capt. Stancell is wounded. How is he? Write me soon. My love to all. \nYours affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettesville, N. C.","Camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield. \nJuly 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nWe are now about seven miles from Richmond on the turnpike leading from that place to Petersburg. I preceded the Col. By nearly two weeks. He is now with me and relieves me of a heavy responsibility. We reached Richmond at the very commencement of the series of battles. We then drew our arms.  We have been in no engagement. We are gradually becoming well drilled. I have seen Mr. Graves twice since my arrival. More than a week ago I met him accidentally.  Yesterday I sought him and found him. His camp is about three hundred yards from ours. Until last week my health had been excellent. I became slightly indisposed. On recovering fromt this indisposition I had a rising on my thumb; and now I have a dreadful cold. I met Pa and Henry in Richmond nearly two weeks ago. Henry had a furlough and was on his way home. The war seems to be dormant precisely at this time. How long it will be before it rouses from its lethargy I have no idea. My intimate friends and neighbors have suffered dreadfully. Many of them have been killed and many are dangerously wounded. It makes my heart sick to think of it. I am glad that Capt. Stancell is nearly well. The poor fellow's face must have been horribly mutila-[mutilated]\n[based on end of sentence above, a page appears to be missing]\nOur Regiment have now a little breathing time. I have been thinking much of my poor wife and children. I have not heard from them since I left them. It is probable that we will remain here for some time. We now have our tents and this itself is an indication of permanency. In Richmond I met two of the immortal Pierces, who were particularly obsequious and polite. I cared nothing for their sycophancy. If I could hear from my family, I would be satisfied. My love to your family. With my afflicted hand and other ailments I find it difficult to write. \nAddress \nLieut. Col. Chas. A. Derby \n44th Reg. Ala. 3d Brigade \nHuger's Division \nRichmond, VA"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCharles A. Derby papers, 1839-1891. MS 0030. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers, 1839-1891. MS 0030. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe bulk of the Charles A. Derby papers consists of Derby family correspondence. Approximately twenty-eight letters were written by Charles A. Derby (dated 1844-1862) and cover the period from late boyhood up to his death in battle in 1862. Included are letters (dated 1846-1847) written while he was a cadet at VMI, as well as correspondence dating from his careers as a teacher and Episcopal clergyman. Two items were written during his brief service in the Confederate Army.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe papers also include fourteen letters written by other members of the Derby family, primarily Mary Derby Stancell (\"Mollie\") and her husband, Samuel. Other items in the papers are clippings, wedding announcements, poetry, and other family documents.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter discusses Charles A. Derby's health, finances, and family matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten by Charles A. Derby's teacher to his father. Letter regards Derby's chances for an appointment at VMI and obtaining letters of recommendation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses good health, academics, and candidates for Virginia legislature.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the difficult extraction of a tooth and a disturbance in VMI barracks in which cadets threw \"missiles.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the arrival of new faculty member William Gilham, disciplinary action against cadets, and health.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards results of mid-year examinations, a cadet Christmas celebration, and a severe snowstorm.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards future teaching positions and graduation class speakers. Letter also discusses a controversy in the Lexington Presbyterian Church as the pastor, Dr. Skinner, is \"on trial\" before the presbytery.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses perseverance and value of hard work, problems with chemistry and sciences, and cadet Christmas celebrations.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northumberland County, Virginia. Charles A. Derby is a private instructor in the home of Mr. Harding, a wealthy landowner. The letter regards a family Christmas celebration, the contrast between the people of Dinwiddie and Northumberland, and personal matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Sumterville, Alabama. Letter regards new boarding accommodations, a trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, finances, becoming a Mason, and Cyrus Harding's appointment at VMI.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Georgia Military Institute, Georgia. Regards acceptance of Charles A. Derby's resignation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCertified extracts from correspondence between Charles A. Derby and Willis Crenshaw regarding business arrangements for the Eutaw Academy, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTwo announcements for the opening of the Eutaw Institute, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards the death of his wife, Clara J. Hunt (\"Jeanie\"). Letter also describes a betrayal by Board of Trustees of Eutaw Institute and how Charles A. Derby had to open a private school on his own.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter discusses the success of Charles A. Derby's new school, life in Eutaw, and finances.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards ordainment in the Protestant Episcopal Church, responsibility of St. Stephen's Church in Eutaw, deaconship, and the busy school year.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Dinwiddie, Virginia. Letter regards travel to Philadelphia and Boston, preaching at Christ Church in Norfolk, and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards growth of St. Stephen's congregation, life in Eutaw, and Charles A. Derby's school.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset and general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards the success of Charles A. Derby's new church, his teaching career, and family matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards a recent visit to Cahaba, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards family matters, including housekeeping and Charles A. Derby's eight-week old child.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards the murder of their cousin Edward Cousins.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Derby family members joining the Confederate Army and Charles A. Derby's frustrations about not being able to join.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Captain of the Militia of Benton.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Benton, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield,\" Virginia. Letter regards family matters and a discussion of wartime devastation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA translation by Charles A. Derby of Aeneid, Book 1 by Virgil.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAn acrostic poem written by Charles A. Derby titled \"A Humble Acrostic.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTwelve pages of geometry exercise drawings for Francis H. Smith's course.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOne page of cadet uniform drawings.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Randolph-Macon College, Virginia. Letter is written on an invitation to a commencement party.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards problems on his [family's?] plantation, illness among slaves, contract for railroad sills (Raleigh and Gaston Railroad), and family matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards family news and their marriage date.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards Mary Stancell's (Derby) health and plans for their March 31st wedding.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lawrenceville, Arkansas. Letter regards Samuel Stancell's business trip.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Marlbrook, Hemstead County, Arkansas. Letter regards general news about Samuel Stancell's business trip.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Margarettsville, North Carolina. In the letter, Samuel Stancell asks his wife Mary \"Mollie\" Derby to come home soon from her visit with her family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Jackson, North Carolina. Letter regards business and Mary Stancell's (Derby) health.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Darvills (Dinwiddie County), Virginia. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Marietta, Georgia. Letter regards general news about life in Marietta.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncluded is the original letter, a contemporary copy, and a transcription. Written from \"camp near Fredericksburg,\" Virginia. The letter offers condolences for Charles A. Derby's death.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFrancis H. Smith was Superintendent of VMI from 1839-1889.  This letter is in reply to Perry L. Derby's notification that Charles A. Derby has died in battle.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Cahaba, Alabama. Letter regards general news and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Southampton County, Virginia. Letter regards Anna's [surname unknown] personal news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBlank envelope includes one note dated April 13, 1889 from Marianna Ewell, three newspaper clippings regarding family deaths, and \"A Child's Faith\" poem booklet.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAn unsigned letter that describes the concept of chivalry.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDevotional poem written to \"my mother.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTwo place cards. One card is for Miss Willie J. Mitchell and the other card is for Mr. and Mrs. Henry N. Harrison.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Berkley, Virginia. Letter regards family and personal matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePoem titled \"Shall we meet again, Mary?.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Marion Macintosh and the Right Reverend G. W. Peterkin.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Nannie L. Whitehurst and Samuel E. Long.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for May Hundley and Louis Bowly.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Kate Gordon and Reverend J. E. Poindexter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eInvitation for an event at the home of V. A. Thornton and name card for Willetta F. Thornton.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Fannie Towles and Daniel M. Harman.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Dr. J. E. Brown and Marion A. Sullivan.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eComposition titled \"The Powers of Custom.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePressed flower and plant album featuring the English and Latin names of each specimen.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHenry L. Derby's notebook he kept while at the Theological Seminary in Fairfax County, Virginia. The notebook contains course lists and schedules, finances, and other writings. A loose piece of sheet music for \"Prince of Peace\" and a map of \"Paul's Third Journey\" are tucked into the back of the notebook.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEight newspaper clippings. Four clippings are related to Charles A. Derby's career at Western Military Institute, Kentucky. One clipping is related to Derby's career at Eutaw Male Academy, Alabama. Two clippings are related to the death of his wife Clara J. Derby (Hunt). One clipping is Derby's obituary.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBook chiefly written by Jane Taylor (1783-1824) and Ann Taylor (1782-1866). Signature of Charlotte Derby (Bassett) written in pencil on the inside front cover.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFragment (up to page 53) of the \"French \u0026amp; Son's Handbook and Directory for Worthing.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFuneral address and obituary notices for Nichoas Hamner Cobbs, D. D., who was the first bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePlace card with the name Wm. Hughlett.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA transcription of the poem \"Nearer Home.\" The transcriber is unknown.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The bulk of the Charles A. Derby papers consists of Derby family correspondence. Approximately twenty-eight letters were written by Charles A. Derby (dated 1844-1862) and cover the period from late boyhood up to his death in battle in 1862. Included are letters (dated 1846-1847) written while he was a cadet at VMI, as well as correspondence dating from his careers as a teacher and Episcopal clergyman. Two items were written during his brief service in the Confederate Army.","The papers also include fourteen letters written by other members of the Derby family, primarily Mary Derby Stancell (\"Mollie\") and her husband, Samuel. Other items in the papers are clippings, wedding announcements, poetry, and other family documents.","Written from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter discusses Charles A. Derby's health, finances, and family matters.","Written by Charles A. Derby's teacher to his father. Letter regards Derby's chances for an appointment at VMI and obtaining letters of recommendation.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses good health, academics, and candidates for Virginia legislature.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the difficult extraction of a tooth and a disturbance in VMI barracks in which cadets threw \"missiles.\"","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the arrival of new faculty member William Gilham, disciplinary action against cadets, and health.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards results of mid-year examinations, a cadet Christmas celebration, and a severe snowstorm.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards future teaching positions and graduation class speakers. Letter also discusses a controversy in the Lexington Presbyterian Church as the pastor, Dr. Skinner, is \"on trial\" before the presbytery.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses perseverance and value of hard work, problems with chemistry and sciences, and cadet Christmas celebrations.","Written from Northumberland County, Virginia. Charles A. Derby is a private instructor in the home of Mr. Harding, a wealthy landowner. The letter regards a family Christmas celebration, the contrast between the people of Dinwiddie and Northumberland, and personal matters.","Written from Sumterville, Alabama. Letter regards new boarding accommodations, a trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, finances, becoming a Mason, and Cyrus Harding's appointment at VMI.","Written from Georgia Military Institute, Georgia. Regards acceptance of Charles A. Derby's resignation.","Certified extracts from correspondence between Charles A. Derby and Willis Crenshaw regarding business arrangements for the Eutaw Academy, Alabama.","Two announcements for the opening of the Eutaw Institute, Alabama.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards the death of his wife, Clara J. Hunt (\"Jeanie\"). Letter also describes a betrayal by Board of Trustees of Eutaw Institute and how Charles A. Derby had to open a private school on his own.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter discusses the success of Charles A. Derby's new school, life in Eutaw, and finances.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards ordainment in the Protestant Episcopal Church, responsibility of St. Stephen's Church in Eutaw, deaconship, and the busy school year.","Written from Dinwiddie, Virginia. Letter regards travel to Philadelphia and Boston, preaching at Christ Church in Norfolk, and family news.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards growth of St. Stephen's congregation, life in Eutaw, and Charles A. Derby's school.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset and general news.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards the success of Charles A. Derby's new church, his teaching career, and family matters.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards a recent visit to Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards family matters, including housekeeping and Charles A. Derby's eight-week old child.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards the murder of their cousin Edward Cousins.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Derby family members joining the Confederate Army and Charles A. Derby's frustrations about not being able to join.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Captain of the Militia of Benton.","Written from Benton, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry.","Written from \"camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield,\" Virginia. Letter regards family matters and a discussion of wartime devastation.","A translation by Charles A. Derby of Aeneid, Book 1 by Virgil.","An acrostic poem written by Charles A. Derby titled \"A Humble Acrostic.\"","Twelve pages of geometry exercise drawings for Francis H. Smith's course.","One page of cadet uniform drawings.","Written from Randolph-Macon College, Virginia. Letter is written on an invitation to a commencement party.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards problems on his [family's?] plantation, illness among slaves, contract for railroad sills (Raleigh and Gaston Railroad), and family matters.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards family news and their marriage date.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards Mary Stancell's (Derby) health and plans for their March 31st wedding.","Written from Lawrenceville, Arkansas. Letter regards Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Marlbrook, Hemstead County, Arkansas. Letter regards general news about Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Margarettsville, North Carolina. In the letter, Samuel Stancell asks his wife Mary \"Mollie\" Derby to come home soon from her visit with her family.","Written from Jackson, North Carolina. Letter regards business and Mary Stancell's (Derby) health.","Written from Darvills (Dinwiddie County), Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Marietta, Georgia. Letter regards general news about life in Marietta.","Included is the original letter, a contemporary copy, and a transcription. Written from \"camp near Fredericksburg,\" Virginia. The letter offers condolences for Charles A. Derby's death.","Francis H. Smith was Superintendent of VMI from 1839-1889.  This letter is in reply to Perry L. Derby's notification that Charles A. Derby has died in battle.","Written from Cahaba, Alabama. Letter regards general news and family news.","Written from Southampton County, Virginia. Letter regards Anna's [surname unknown] personal news.","Blank envelope includes one note dated April 13, 1889 from Marianna Ewell, three newspaper clippings regarding family deaths, and \"A Child's Faith\" poem booklet.","An unsigned letter that describes the concept of chivalry.","Devotional poem written to \"my mother.\"","Two place cards. One card is for Miss Willie J. Mitchell and the other card is for Mr. and Mrs. Henry N. Harrison.","Written from Berkley, Virginia. Letter regards family and personal matters.","Poem titled \"Shall we meet again, Mary?.\"","Wedding invitation for Marion Macintosh and the Right Reverend G. W. Peterkin.","Wedding invitation for Nannie L. Whitehurst and Samuel E. Long.","Wedding invitation for May Hundley and Louis Bowly.","Wedding invitation for Kate Gordon and Reverend J. E. Poindexter.","Invitation for an event at the home of V. A. Thornton and name card for Willetta F. Thornton.","Wedding invitation for Fannie Towles and Daniel M. Harman.","Wedding invitation for Dr. J. E. Brown and Marion A. Sullivan.","Composition titled \"The Powers of Custom.\"","Pressed flower and plant album featuring the English and Latin names of each specimen.","Henry L. Derby's notebook he kept while at the Theological Seminary in Fairfax County, Virginia. The notebook contains course lists and schedules, finances, and other writings. A loose piece of sheet music for \"Prince of Peace\" and a map of \"Paul's Third Journey\" are tucked into the back of the notebook.","Eight newspaper clippings. Four clippings are related to Charles A. Derby's career at Western Military Institute, Kentucky. One clipping is related to Derby's career at Eutaw Male Academy, Alabama. Two clippings are related to the death of his wife Clara J. Derby (Hunt). One clipping is Derby's obituary.","Book chiefly written by Jane Taylor (1783-1824) and Ann Taylor (1782-1866). Signature of Charlotte Derby (Bassett) written in pencil on the inside front cover.","Fragment (up to page 53) of the \"French \u0026 Son's Handbook and Directory for Worthing.\"","Funeral address and obituary notices for Nichoas Hamner Cobbs, D. D., who was the first bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of Alabama.","Place card with the name Wm. Hughlett.","A transcription of the poem \"Nearer Home.\" The transcriber is unknown."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_a99018bbaf530d0adbfbbb07d3e700f4\"\u003eManuscripts stacks and Oversized Case 1\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks and Oversized Case 1"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Derby Family","Stancell Family","Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Collier, Henry W., Governor, 1801-1855","Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866","Harding, Cyrus, 1834-1893","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Derby Family","Stancell Family","Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"famname_ssim":["Derby Family","Stancell Family"],"persname_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Collier, Henry W., Governor, 1801-1855","Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866","Harding, Cyrus, 1834-1893","Smith, Francis H. 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Virginia Military Institute Archives."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eBound and unbound historical  records documenting the operation of the Commandant's office and of the Corps of Cadets.  The earliest examples date from 1839, the first year of the Institute. Items include: guard records, morning reports, demerit books, inspection books, permit books, muster rolls, record of events, penalty tour and confinement records, Commandant orders and memoranda, World War I Training Camp (1917-1918), ordnance stores (1858, 1861), George C. Marshall signed amnesty document, Scott Shipp correspondence\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThree notebooks, including \"Record of Drills\", \"Inspection Book\", and \"VMI T. C. Delinquencies\".\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Bound and unbound historical  records documenting the operation of the Commandant's office and of the Corps of Cadets.  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Virginia Military Institute Archives."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eBound and unbound historical  records documenting the operation of the Commandant's office and of the Corps of Cadets.  The earliest examples date from 1839, the first year of the Institute. Items include: guard records, morning reports, demerit books, inspection books, permit books, muster rolls, record of events, penalty tour and confinement records, Commandant orders and memoranda, World War I Training Camp (1917-1918), ordnance stores (1858, 1861), George C. Marshall signed amnesty document, Scott Shipp correspondence\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThree notebooks, including \"Record of Drills\", \"Inspection Book\", and \"VMI T. C. Delinquencies\".\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Bound and unbound historical  records documenting the operation of the Commandant's office and of the Corps of Cadets.  The earliest examples date from 1839, the first year of the Institute. Items include: guard records, morning reports, demerit books, inspection books, permit books, muster rolls, record of events, penalty tour and confinement records, Commandant orders and memoranda, World War I Training Camp (1917-1918), ordnance stores (1858, 1861), George C. Marshall signed amnesty document, Scott Shipp correspondence","Three notebooks, including \"Record of Drills\", \"Inspection Book\", and \"VMI T. C. Delinquencies\"."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_1458b6f09ba16c54d46ad5997d10a7af\"\u003eArchives stacks, Record Group 10, Commandant\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Archives stacks, Record Group 10, Commandant"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Virginia Military Institute. Office of the Commandant","Shipp, Scott, 1839-1917","Marshall, George C. 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"],"total_component_count_is":1,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:12:24.750Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_652"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588_c01","type":"Series","attributes":{"title":"Correspondence","breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588_c01#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588_c01","ref_ssm":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588_c01"],"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588_c01","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588","parent_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588","parent_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["William D. Stuart papers"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["William D. Stuart papers"],"text":["William D. Stuart papers","Correspondence","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Williamson, Thomas H. (Thomas Hoomes), 1813-1888","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Jordan, Gabriel, Jr., 1831-1884","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Stuart, William D. (William Dabney), 1830-1863","English ."],"title_filing_ssi":"Correspondence","title_ssm":["Correspondence"],"title_tesim":["Correspondence"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1850-1863"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1850/1863"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Correspondence"],"component_level_isim":[1],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"collection_ssim":["William D. Stuart papers"],"extent_ssm":["54 items"],"extent_tesim":["54 items"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":53,"level_ssm":["Series"],"level_ssim":["Series"],"sort_isi":1,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["There are no restrictions."],"parent_access_terms_tesm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"date_range_isim":[1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863],"names_ssim":["Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Williamson, Thomas H. (Thomas Hoomes), 1813-1888","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Jordan, Gabriel, Jr., 1831-1884","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Stuart, William D. (William Dabney), 1830-1863"],"persname_ssim":["Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Williamson, Thomas H. (Thomas Hoomes), 1813-1888","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Jordan, Gabriel, Jr., 1831-1884","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Stuart, William D. (William Dabney), 1830-1863","Stuart, William D. (William Dabney), 1830-1863"],"language_ssim":["English ."],"_nest_path_":"/components#0","timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:12:13.177Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_588.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00007.xml","title_ssm":["William D. Stuart papers"],"title_tesim":["William D. Stuart papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1850-1863"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1850-1863"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0108","/repositories/3/resources/588"],"text":["MS.0108","/repositories/3/resources/588","William D. Stuart papers","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 56th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 15th","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1850","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Correspondence","Orders (military records)","Receipts (financial records)","Letters of recommendation","There are no restrictions.","Full text transcriptions of the bulk of these papers are available   online .","The papers are arranged by document type and chronologically thereunder.","William Dabney Stuart was born on September 30, 1830 in Staunton, Virginia to Thomas Jefferson Stuart and Martha M. Dabney. He did preparatory work at the Staunton Academy and then entered VMI in July 1847. Stuart graduated from VMI in July 1850, standing 3rd in a class of 17.","Following graduation he taught at VMI (1850-1853) and was subsequently a principal of classical schools in Washington D.C. and Richmond, Virginia. He married Frances Harris of Loudon County, Virginia and the couple had three children: Martha, Mary Bell, and William.","During the Civil War, Stuart briefly commanded the 15th Virginia Infantry Regiment, and was then appointed Colonel with the 56th Virginia Infantry Regiment, Confederate States Army. He was mortally wounded at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania during Pickett's Charge, and died in a hospital in Staunton on July 29, 1863.","The William D. Stuart papers were originally in the possession of Stuart's widow and were passed down through the family before being donated to VMI.","Virginia Military Institute \nDecember 3 1850","My dear sir \nHaving understood that Mr. W. D. Stuart is an applicant for a commission in the U.S. Army I take the liberty of addressing you a private note on his behalf. I do this in preference to the formal course of a recommendation, because you will be better able to appreciate what I may\nsay in the unreserved mode in which I write.","You are aware that Mr. S. entered this Institution as a cadet in July 1847. After completing the whole course of studies, he was graduated in July last with great credit. You will see by the accompanying merit roll that in all his classes he maintained a most respectable standing, while in Geology, Artillery, and Infantry Tactics, he was No. 1. And in Military Engineering 3rd.","In addition to these facts, he was a commissioned officer of the Corps of Cadets and gave great satisfaction to us in the manner in which he discharged his duties.","So high was our estimate of his talents as a scholar and qualifications as an officer, that on a vacancy in our Corps of Instructors occurring in July, he was selected as an assistant Professor of Math. And assistant Instructor of Tactics and has been discharging these duties with great credit up to the present time.","From my personal knowledge of the qualifications of an officer of the Army, I know that there are few young men who enter the Service from West Point who are better qualified than Stuart and I have no doubt he will make as fine an officer as can be selected for the Infantry arm of\nthe Service.","You know his moral qualifications as well as I do. If any doubt had existed on this point, he would never have been appointed an officer in this Institution.","hope it will be the pleasure of the President to confer an appointment upon Mr. Stuart.","This Institution has been laboring now for 11 years in building up its Military reputation and we should like to have an opportunity of comparing our graduates with those from West Point.","With cordial regards to Mrs. S. \nI am very truly your friend \nFrancis H. Smith","Hon. A. H. H. Stuart\nWashington City","Va. Military Institute \nDec 10th 1850","Mr. W.D. Stuart desires to obtain a commision in the U.S. Army. His present post, that of Asst. Instructor of Tactics in the Va. Military Institute is evidence of his peculiar fitness for command. His acquirements at the Insititute of which he is a graduate, embracing Engineering, Artillery, and Infantry Tactics, with Mathematics and the Natural Sciences were such as to induce the authorities of the Institute to select him from her many graduates for the very responsible situation he now holds, a situation which requires judgement, firmness and decision of Character- all of which Mr. Stuart possesses in a high degree. His uniformily gentlemanly\ndeportment has endeared him to his fellow officers and will make him grace the position he seeks. \nThomas. H. Williamson \nProf. Engr. \u0026 Arch.","VMI \nDecember 10, 1850","W. Stuart was appointed immediately after his graduation Assistant Instructor of Tactics in the Virginia Military Institute. This is the highest and most indubitable testimony of the estimate of his military qualifications, by those who know him best. The course of military instruction and discipline at the Institute conforms strictly to that of the U.S.A. at West Point and is conducted by graduates of the latter Institution. If from a jealous regard to the character of the Army, the\nGovernment ordinarily restricts its commissions to the graduates of West Point, the same principle might well incline it, in its exceptional appointment of citizens, to feel a preference for those, who like Mr. Stuart, have at a State Institution, thoroughly prepared themselves for the Military Profession. \nJohn T.L. Preston \nProf. V.M.I","Engineers Office \nMemphis and Charleston Railroad \nHuntsville \nNovember 22d 1854","My Dear Stuart, \nI have just stolen away from my wife and have run up to my office with the determination of writing you. I was not a little surprised to learn through your letter that you had written me. Your letter, which reached me about ten days ago was the only one I have received from you since your marriage. I wrote you at that particularly interesting time a note of congratulations, as well as a letter, just before your mariage, but have received no letter in return. Now my good fellow I have no doubt but what you think that you wrote me, but as for my part I am inclined to think that you did not. I am sure I should not think it strange if you had not for you are a newly married man, and as a matter of course can not afford to give your friends many thoughts, at least for a while.","It is really refreshing, my old friend to hear from you and especially to know that you are a married man and in the full enjoyment of the pleasures that attend married love. My wife returned from Virginia about the first of September with much improved health---and my boy is a most magnificent fellow. A look at him might be of some service to you. Don't blush my dear fellow I don't mean any thing.","Dabney, what under the sun has become of all of our class mates. You are living in the center of our great union and should be posted up on every thing. I never see the names of any of our class in the papers, nor do I ever correspond with any of them, hence I am utterly ignorant of their movements. I never any thing from Lexington since you left there. Have any of our old acquaintances married off since our days-.","Matters here are still wearing a pleasant and flattering aspect. Our road is moving on finely, and we trust ere many more months pass away, that we will have a large and important portion of our work finished. I wish that we had a good comfortable post to offer you here. We are finishing up so fast that we are reducing the Corps instead of increasing. Still, should you ever make up your mind to embark in the profession, we might look out for a post for you.","Your school I trust will for the present afford you a comfortable competency, and something besides. School teaching, like every thing else has its reverses, its calms and its storms. We can find no profession that is made up entirely of sunshine. We must expect the life of man to harmonize with nature, having its passing clouds and refreshing sunshine in equal turns. I with all my hopeful temperament, have had my moments of gloom and anxiety, but with a fond wife, no less hopeful than myself, to cheer me, I have faced all and am now full of bright anticipation. Nor does this come about from any fortune, or particular promises, but all from a conviction that there is room for everyone in this world and plenty for everyone to do, and that industry when ever it is found is in the course of time rewarded. This is an unusually difficult time with almost everyone. There seems to be a weariness in the money market in every quarter. Men experience great difficulty in meeting their general expenses. This state of affairs, I have no doubt has had its influence upon your school, and I feel assured that there will be an improvement after a little while. I hope my dear Stuart, that you will continue to keep me posted up in regard to your movements, for I may find a good offering out South that would please you, and if such should be the case, it would give me inexpressible pleasure to serve you. I will always be on the look out. A new country is better for a young man in any profession. The competition is not so great and pay better. Present me the kindest manner to your good wife and receive the renewed assurance of your old and sincere friend and classmate. \nGabe Jordan Jr.","Richmond, Va. \nApril 15th 1861","Gov. Letcher \nDear Sir, \nI enclose recommendations from the Authorities of the Va. Military Institute to the Secretary of War under Mr. Fillmore for an appointment in the U.S. Army at that time. I submit them to you in my own behalf for an appointment under the State of Va. in the event of her secession from\nthe present Federal Government. I desire an appointment to any position in which my services may be required the most valuable, either in the active duties of the field or otherwise. \nVery respectfully yours, \nWm. D. Stuart","Head Qrs Va Forces \nRichmond Va. May 20 1861 \nSpecial Orders \nNo 82","Col. T.P. August, Lt. Col. W.D. Stuart, and Major Thos. G. Peyton, Virginia Vols, are assigned to duty with the troops at the \"Camp of Instruction\" and will report without delay to Col. William Gilham commanding that post.","By order of Maj. Genl Lee \nR. Garnett \nAdjt Genl.","Richmond \nMay 21st 1861 \nCapt. W. D. Stuart","Dear Sir, \nAt a meeting of the Richmond City Guard held this evening, the undersigned were appointed a Committee to express to you the unfeigned regret of the Company on having read your resignation, and to tender you the sincere thanks of the Company for the faithfulness and efficiency with which you have discharged the duties of Commanding Officer.","While the Company deplores deeply the necessity which separates you from us, we rejoice to know that our Beloved State will have the benefit of your valuable services.","Permit us personally and on behalf of the Company to tender you our best wishes for your future happiness and prosperity.","Very truly your friends, \nDavis N. Walker \nSamuel M. Bailey \nJames E. Burress","Unofficial","Camp of Instruction \nMay 23rd","My dear Col. \nWhen three field officers were assigned to duty here, I was so green as to put each in command of a Regt., having no other officers who knew any thing about organizing a Regt. This arrangement does not seem to have suited Col. August, who has been complaining to the powers that be, and I have received an order directing me to assign them all to one Regt--that of Col. August of course. Col. Stuart is one of them, and is totally unprepared for the field; he will make application to Gen. Fauntleroy this evening for a few days, please see what you can do for him. Gen. F. though may not have him in his Divn, if so he will have to go to Col. Magruder of course.","Yours sincerely \nW. Gilham","Richmond \nJuly 5th 1861 \nLt. Col. Stewart [Stuart] \n3rd Regt. Va. Vols. \nYorktown","Dear Sir, \nSometime, about the latter part of May or the commencement of June your lady Mrs. Stewart in company with Mrs. Lucy Wharton called at my Office in order to procure material for the purpose of making you a tent as they were unable to get a tent allready made: and stated that you were without one. Under these circumstances, I furnished the necessary material with the consent of Col. Heth the then Q.M. General who instructed me to take your receipt for one tent. The receipt has been delayed from various causes, partly because I did not know the address of Mrs. Stewart or yourself. Should you receive this letter I would be much obliged that you sign and return me the enclosed receipt; by your prompt attention to wit you will much oblige.","Yours very respectfully, \nMaury Garland \nCapt. and Asst. Q. M.","Head Quarters Williamsburg \nJuly 25th 1861","Col., \nThe General having understood that Colonel August is unwell. He directs that you will urge with the greatest vigor the work on the Fortification at King's Mill. In order to do this you will have but one drill a day in the evening. The working hours will be from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. The guns to place in the various works are now on the way here and it is specially desired to have the works ready for them at the earliest moment.","I am sir very respectfully \nYour obedient servant \nG. B. Cosby \nMaj. and AAAG","Adjutant Inspr Genl's Office \nRichmond \nSept 17th 1861 \nExtract \nSpecial Orders \nNo. 280","XI. Lieut Colonel William D. Stuart Virginia Volunteers is promoted to be Colonel and assigned to the Command of the 56th Virginia Regiment just organized at Camp Lee, near this city, andwill report accordingly.","By order of the Secretary of War \n[Geo. Deas] \nA.A.G.","Camp Lee \nNov. 15th 1861 \nCol. George W. Munford","Sir \nI had the honor receive at the hands of Col. S. Bassett French the Flag of Va. intended for the Regiment I have the honor to command, also the accompanying letter of presentation from you.","As the commanding officer of the Regt. and its organ upon this occasion, I need not assure you that I received it with pride and satisfaction. Regarding it as the emblem of the honor and purity of our Mother State, hitherto unsullied in Council or War it shall be carefully guarded that it receive no detriment at the hands of the Regiment to which you have confided. I think I can with all safety assure you, and that the Sons of Va., voluntarily of the 56th Va. Regt. will ever be found at their post of duty and that they will never do discredit to the sacred cause in which they have enlisted.","The Daughters of Va. whose fair hands have wrought this beautiful emblem of Va.'s honor, will never have cause to blush for shame at the conduct of their brothers.","I am very respectfully \nYour obedient servant \nWilliam D. Stuart, Col. \nCommanding 56th Va. Regt.","Adjt and Insp Genls Office \nRichmond, Nov 21st 1861 \nExtract \nSpecial Orders \nNo 232","XI. The 56th Regiment Virginia Volunteers, Col. Stuart Commanding, will proceed without delay, via Wytheville, to Jeffersonville, VA. and report for duty to Brig. Genl. Marshall.","By Command of the Sec. of War \nJno. Withers \nAsst. Adjt. Genl.","Head Quarters Brigade \nPound Gap \n1 Dec 1861","Col. Stuart, \nSir, \nIn reply to your note reporting your command to me, I direct that you move your regiment forward by Pound Gap towards Prestonburg in Kentucky, as soon as possible after the reception of the order, unless you should receive other directions from Maj. Genl. George B. Crittenden at Knoxville.","I am sir, \nYour obedient servant, \nHumphrey Marshall \nBrig. Genl.","Some of the wagoners I hired and started left the teams on the road. I am compelled to go to Abingdon by private conveyance ad will purchase some waggons \u0026 c by the way and hire other wagoners.","W. Gibboney \nA. Q. M.","Transportation Office C.S.A \nWytheville, Va. December 2nd 1861 \nCol. W. D. Stuart \nCom. 56th Regt. Va. Vols. \nAbingdon Va.","Colonel, \nThe Frt. Agt. of the Va. and Tenn. R. R. has requested me to give him vouchers for the transportation of the stores in the Train which accompanied that containing your Regiment from Wytheville to Abigdon and allso for the baggage of the Regiment.","Will you please inform me whether you have already provided receipt for the transportation and whether the baggage was entitled to transportable from government. I have the honor to be","Very Respectfully \nYour obedient servant \nA. Meade Smith \nCapt. \u0026 [Acting] QM CSA","Hd. Qts. Knoxville, Tenn \nDec. 5th 1861","To- \nCol. Stuart \nCommd. 56th Regt. Va. Vols.","You will move with your Regiment as soon as transportation can be furnished to you, to Nashville Tenn.","By Command of \nMaj. Genl. G. B. Crittenden \nA.S. Cunningham \nA.A. Genl.","Received at: Abingdon Dec 10 1861","By Telegraph from: Knoxville Dec 10 \nTo: Col. Stuart","Genl. Johnson orders that your Regiment remain with Genl. Marshall W. H. Carroll \nBrig. Genl.","Received at: Abingdon Dec 11 1861 \nBy Telegraph from: Richmond Dec 11 \nTo: Col. W. D. Stuart","Proceed with your Regiment to Pound Gap and report to Genl. Marshall. The Quarter Masters Dept. is ordered to furnish transportation.","S. Cooper \nA. G.","Headquarters 1st Brigade \nArmy of Eastern Ky. \nCamp near Paintville \nDec 21st 1861","Special Order \nNo. 8","Col. Stuart is directed to move his Regiment from Abingdon immediately with such transportation as can be procured. It is of the first importance to the safety and success of the command on this frontier that the reinforcements destined for the forces already here shall move to the front without delay. Fine opportunities for brilliant successes have been lost for want of their presence ad others are daily passing away. The weather has favored the\nmovement of the troops, but has not been taken at advantage. The General directs that the movement be commenced without further delay and that the passage of the troops over Pound Gap be notified to him by the returning courier.","By order of \nBrig. Genl. H. Marshall \nAtt. B. H. Bradley \nA. Adjt. Genl.","1861 December 22 \nPaintsville, KY 22nd Dec.","Col. Stuart, \nI send express to you to move your regiment without delay. I am before a force so much superior to me in number, according to the report of reliable scouts, that I can scarcely hope to avoid a collision-- it may be disastrous to us- until you arrive.","If there are any forces near your route who are disengaged I would like exceedingly to have them assist me now. I am here with a force not amounting to 1500 men fit for duty. I shall struggle to keep off the evil day as long possible for you to arrive.","Yours truly \u0026 c \nH. Marshall \nBrig. Genl.","[note on back] \nPress transportation any where you can, if it is not ready, but travel lightly for the roads are deep. H.M.","Adj. [\u0026] Inspect. Genl's Office \nRichmond Dec 24/61","Sir, \nThe Secretary of War directs that you immediately proceed to carry out the instructions referred to in your comn of the 23rd inst. by reporting, with all your effective force, for duty to Brig. General Marshall, making proper provisions for your sick at Abingdon.","Very Respectfully \nYour Obd. Servt. \nR. H. Chilton \nA. Genl.","Lt. Col. Philip P. Slaughter \nOr/ Commanding Officer \n56 Reg. Va. Vols. \nAbingdon , Va.","Abingdon (Va) Dec 27th 1861","To- \nCol. Wm. D Stuart","Dear Sir: \nSince my arrival I have received orders to go immediately to Pound Gap from both the Sec. of War and Gen. Marshall. The order from Gen. M is both peremptory and urgent, and it is asource of the greatest mortification to me to find that, at so critical a juncture we are totally impotent, and I much fear (\"entre nous\") our reputation may suffer in the mind of the public\nwho cannot be aware of the embarrassing circumstances by which we are surrounded. I think it would be well if you could represent us in our true colors to the War Dept. Genl. M. writes that he is threatened by a superior force and urges our immediate movement which I am unable to comply with, not having more than eight or nine waggons and no horses. At the very earliest moment possible I will move on to Pound Gap with the fragment of the Regt.","From what I have learned since writing the above, the opinion prevails in Richmond that the Regt. declined transportation on account of the \"onerous march across the mountains\". You can judge of the correctness of this statement. Such seems to be the prevailing opinion in the War. Dept. Can you do any thing for us? I am in the worst quandary I ever was in my life.\nPlease telegraph me at your earliest convenience.","I think a court of inquiry would be beneficial to us: at all events, it could not injure us.","Yours very respectfully \nP. P. Slaughter \nFavor of \nCapt. R. B. Patterson \nQ.M.","P. S. \nI enclose you Genl. Marshall's orders, that you may see how we stand. I retain a copy of them. You will also find enclosed, the order from War Dept. P. P. S.","Abingdon Dec. 27th 1861","To- \nBrig. Gen. Marshall","Sir, \nI am in receipt of your order of the 22nd inst. as well as your Special Order No. 8. It is a source of exceeding regret and much mortification to me, to find myself in so crippled a condition at such a critical junction. Twice since being here I have prepared transportation in accordance with orders, once to join your command, which, when I got ready, I was compelled to decline by an order from Gen. Crittenden \"to go immediately to Nashville and report to Gen. A. S. Johnston. I then went to work to get transportation by rail, to Nashville, which I after some days effected. My men were at the Depot ready to march on the cars, when I received a telegram to remain and go with you; since which time I have not been able to collect the necessary No. of waggons to convey the Regt. in obedience to orders.","The Regt. is reduced lower than one half its original size, and is at present in a very debilitated condition. Col. Stuart, by reason of sickness has not been able to take command of the Regt. since leaving Richmond. Maj. Green is absent, all of which combine to place me in a very unenviable position upon the receipt of your orders.","As to the matter of transportation, I have only eight or ten wagons and no horses, as the Quartermaster informs me.","I shall endeavor to the utmost of my ability to move at the earliest time possible and most sincerely hope I may be able to join you in season to render some assistance in the existing emergency.","This will be handed to you by Capt. T. Smith of the 56th Regt. in whom you can place all confidence.","I did not see your courier or I should have dispatched by him. He left before I could reach the village.","I am sir very respectfully \nYour obt. Servt. \nPhilip P. Slaughter \nLt. Col. Comd. 56th Va. Regt.","Abigdon, Va. Dec 27th 1861","Dear Colonel, \n'Tis said and I more than partly believe that we are to move to Marshall's Command per Pound Gap and that in some what of a hurry. Your command is worse off in the matter of sick men than when you left. There are forty men in the Hospital and the number would be greater in there were room. The number of sick men in camp and private houses is hardly to be believed,\nbut I think I am in bounds when I say that if 250 men rank and file are able to march now, 'tis more than I expect. But 'tis hardly friendly to trouble you with such things so I'll only say that we \"what can go\" are going and no mistake. I hear you have some idea of joining us immediately. Don't hurry unless you are really strong enough; for I know your impetuosity of old.","In great haste \nM. Howard","Adjt and Inspr. Genl's Office \nRichmond, Jany 2 1862 \nExtract \nSpecial Order \nNo. 1","Colonel Stuart's 56th Regiment Virginia Volunteers is detached from General Humphrey Marshall's Command and will immediately proceed to Bowling Green Kentucky and report to General A.S. Johnston for duty with General Floyds Brigade.","By Command of the Secretary of War \nJohn Withers \nAsst. Adjt Genl.","Abingdon (Va) Jan. 4th 1862 \nCol. Wm. D. Stuart","Dear Sir, \nOn yesterday, I received from Captain Patteson the following telegram. \"Col. Stuart says, leave Jacob and his baggage\". The dispatch said nothing of the horse. I was in much doubt about him. Before determining, I mentioned the matter to Dr. Howard, who by the way, has been confined to his bed for a week, \u0026 is unable to proceed with the Regt. and intends keeping his horse with him. After reading the telegram, he advised me to leave your horse in care of Jacob. All your baggage, that is, all I imagine was meant, consisting of a horse, saddle \u0026 bridle, sword, bed, trunk, field glasses, canteen, etc. I turned over to Mr. Benham, saw them placed together in a room and showed them to Jacob.","Six companies of the Regt. have gone in under command of Capt. Boswell. The others will go tonight. I am much afraid we may be detained somewhat at Union, the first burnt bridge; but our great object is to get away as fast as possible from the road to Pound Gap. I will send you a copy of the order from the Sec of War.","Jacob, during our troubles has been invaluable to me; indeed, while attending to my immensible duties, I think I would have starved but for his providing hand \u0026 it is almost certain I would have lost everything I have, but for his care. I envy you very much the possession of so valuable \u0026 reliable a servant.","I told him he would either keep his horse in the Quartermaster's stables or at Mr. Benham's. In case I misinterpreted your wishes concerning him, and you should desire him to be sent on, write to Dr. Howard, who expects to carry his own, \u0026 it will be as easy to carry two as one. Should you adopt this suggestion, you had better write immediately.","Jacob desires me to say he is tolerable well and would like to hear from you as soon as convenient to know what course he is to pursue.","Maj. Green has not returned as yet. Two of Capt. Richardson's men deserted last night. I think we have some thirty sick in the hospital.","Hoping this may find you rapidly recovering and that you are able to rejoin us speedily.","I am sir, very respectfully \nP. P. Slaughter","[on back]\nCopy of Order from Sec. Of War \nExtract \nAdj. \u0026 Inspect. Genl's Office \nRichmond Jan 2th 1862 \nSpecial Order \nNo. 1:","XV. Colonel Stuart's 56th Regt. Virginia Volunteers, is detached from General Humphrey Marshall's Command and will immediately proceed to Bowling Green, Kentucky and report to General A. S. Johnston for duty with General Floyd's Brigade.","By Command of the Secretary of War \nJno. Withers \nAsst. Adjt. Genl. Col. 56th Va. Vols. \nTo \nCommanding Officer C. S. Forces \nAbingdon Va.","Richmond, Va. \nFeb 5th 62","Genl. Cooper, \nSir, \nI beg leave to submit he following statement to the Department in refutation of the report, circulated I understand at the Head Qrs. by the Brigade Quartermaster of Genl. Humphrey Marshall's, to the effect that I had refused transportation for my command, from Abingdon to Prestonsburg the point to which I was ordered by Genl. Marshall. The enclosed letter written at\nthe time to the Department has bearing upon this point. The following is a literal copy of the order from Genl. Marshall by my messenger Capt. Taylor sent to inquire to which point I should march.","Head Quarters Brigade \nPound Gap 1 Dec 1861","Col. Stuart, \nSir, \nIn reply to your note reporting your command to me, I direct that you move your regiment forward by Pound Gap towards Prestonsburg in Kentucky, as soon as possible after the reception of this order, unless you should receive directions from Major Genl. George B. Crittenden at Knoxville.","I am sir \nYour Obt. Servt. \nHumphrey Marshall \nBrig. Genl.","This order was received late at night and a verbal message by Capt. Taylor that a messenger had been sent to Genl. Crittenden to inform him of my presence in Abingdon and that he should write order me to join him if necessary. Not hearing from Genl. Crittenden in forty-eight hours after, I sent Lieut. Col. Slaughter to Knoxville to find out from him at once whether I should expect orders from him and he replied by Telegraph through Capt. Cunningham his A. A. Genl.ordering me to Nashville \u0026 Col. Slaughter returned the following day bringing the following order by which this is an exact copy.","Hd. Qrs. Knoxville Tenn. \nDec. 5th 1861 \nTo Col Stuart \nCommand. 56th Regt. Va. Vols.","Sir, \nYou will move with your Regiment as soon as transportation can be furnished to Nashville, Tenn.","By Command of \nMaj. Genl. G. B. Crittenden \nS. Cunningham A.Genl.","The interval between the reception of these orders was employed by me busily in attempting to procure transportation and finding no Quarter Master at Abingdon, I sent to Wytheville for Capt. Gibboney A. Q. M. at that point to report at Abingdon and assist me. My own QuarterMaster was without funds for that purpose. Capt. Gibboney arrived bringing with him waggons purchased on the road and by the time of the reception of the order from Genl. Crittenden, I had enough transportation on hand, by leaving some articles behind to enable me to reach Prestonsburg. Of course after the order of Genl. Crittenden, I had no use for the waggons and ordered them immediately to be loaded with supplies of ordnance and other belongings to Genl. Marshall and forwarded to him","Immediately upon the receipt of Genl. Crittenden's order, so uncertain was telegraphic communication, I sent my Quarter Master to Lynchburg to arrange for transportation by rail to Nashville and had already procured it and would have been on the way to Nashville but for the bursting of one of the [flues] of the engines, when I received the following order by Telegraph\nreceived in Abingdon Dec 10th about dark.","Knoxville Dec 10th \nTo Col. Stuart,\nGenl. A . S. Johnston orders that your Regiment remain with Genl. Marshall. \nW. H. Carroll \nBrig. Genl.","Upon the reception of this order I immediately telegraphed the Department to know whose orders I should obey? In the meantime the waggons I had secured for my Regiment were on the way to Pound Gap and I was thus compelled to\ncommence again to prepare transportation for that trip.","I had been quite unwell with jaundice ad the Surgeon finding that we would be compelled to go to Pound Gap told me that he would not answer for the consequences should I undertake to go and advised my return to Richmond, where I have been confined to my room with a severe attack of Rheumatism until within the last ten days. I left the Regiment under command of Lt. Col. Slaughter and I know that the delay in proceeding to join Genl. Marshall arose from no indisposition on his part to execute the orders, but from an absolute inability to procure the necessary transportation.\nThere can be found in the service no officer more active, intelligent and competent to the discharge of the duties of his position. We are anxious if there is the slightest doubt remaining on the mind of the Honl. Sec. as to the want of proper activity on the part of the officer of the Regiment to move forward, that he will order a Court of Inquiry that the matter may be thoroughly sifted.","I have the honor to be \nYour obt. servt. \nWm. D. Stuart, Col. \n56th Va. Regt.","Genl. Hospital \nRichmd. March 4 1862","Wm. T Cross, Private Co. E. 56 Reg. Va. Vols. has been in this hospital since 1 Nov 1861 with Secondary Syphilis. He has now Syphilitic Rheumatism \u0026 as his turn of enlistment will expire in June, I recommend his discharge from the service.","I. Beu. Gibson \nSurg. P. A. C. S. \nRichmond Genl. Hospital","Official business \nWm. D. Stuart \nCol: 56 Regt.","Sir, \nEnclosed please find Certificate of disability for Private W. T. Cross. It must be approved by the Capt. of his Co. \u0026 Col. of the Reg. \u0026 returned to me- at least this is the usual form.","If there is a prospect of obtaining his discharge at once, I would prefer his remaining in the Hospital until it is received here.","Very resp. \nI. B. Gibson \nSurg. P. A. C. S. \nRichmd Genl. Hospital","Richmond Arsenal \nMarch 8th 1862","My Dear Colonel, \nThis will be handed you by my friend Col. W. D Stuart 56 Va. Vols. who is about joining his Regiment, at present attached to your Department. Col. Stuart has by severe sickness been detained from following a career so nobly begun at Bethel.","His health is now sufficiently restored to justify his joining his command. I bespeak for him your kind consideration in advance, because having known him intimately from boyhood to the present time, I declare him to be a \"gentleman and a soldier\", as Lear was a king- \"every inch\".","Your Friend \nBriscoe G. Baldwin \nCapt. Arty. P. [A?] \nCol. W. W. Mackall \nA. A. Genl.","Head Quarters Floyd's Division \nChattanooga, Mar 17th 1862 \nGeneral Order \nNo. 246","The reenlisted men of this command are entitled to a furlough of sixty days at home, but in case of a collision with the enemy at Knoxville this will be suspended for one week.","By order \nBrig. Gen. Floyd \n[C. Derrick] \nA.A. Gen.","Official \n[Mr]Robin Terry \nA.A. A Gen.","Headquarters Floyd's Division \nCamp [? Childress] Mar 17 1862 \nGeneral Orders \nNo. 27 \nExtract","The entire command will move tomorrow morning on the cars in the following order. 1st Headquarters, 2d Artillery, 3d. 1st Brigade, 4th 2d Brigade.","The 1st Brigade will load its baggage on the cars at 9 o'clock in the [trn]-yard just across the bridge arranging so that their baggage or wagons will not be in the way of Head Qrs.","By order Brig. Gen. Floyd \nPeter Otey \nA.A. Gen","Official \nMr. Robbin Terry \nA.A. A Gen.","Head Qrs Floyd Division \nKnoxville, March 19th/62 \nSpecial Orders \nNo--","Having been relieved from my command I hereby turn over the troops under me to the command of Col. Maney commanding forces at Knoxville Tennessee. The commanding officers of Regts will report for duty at once to Col. Maney","By order Brigdr Gen. Floyd \nPeter Otey \nA.A.G.","The Field Officers and officers commanding regiments will report at these HdQrs as soon as practicable. The General desires to introduce these gentlemen to the commanding officer Col. Maney.","By direction \nBrigdr Gen. Floyd \nPeter Otey \nA.A.G.","Head Quarters Knoxville \nMarch 19th 1862","Col. Stuart \nCommnd. 56th Va. Regt.","You will hold your Regt. ready to move at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning. Send to these Headquarters by 8 ½O'clock tomorrow morning a report of the strength of your command for duty.","Geo. Maury \nCol. Comdg. at Knoxville.","Hd. Quarters Knoxville \n20th March 1862","Colonel \nW. D. Stuart \n56 Va. Regiment","You are hereby directed to take command of all the forces here, formerly of Genl. Floyd's command in the movement towards Jacksboro. Capt. B. W. Snyder Qr. Master will report to you as Qr. Master for your command. He will be furnished with twelve 4 horse wagons for transportation of your command. If this transportation is more than sufficient for the tents, cooking utensils and ammunition necessary for your command you will please direct your commissary, whom you may select from your command, to load the unappropriated wagons with Flour and Bacon for which he will make requisition on the post commissary at this place.","Respectfully, \nGeo. Maney \nCol. Commanding \nForces at Knoxville","Hd Qrs Knoxville Mch 20th/62 \nSpecial Order \nNo--","Col. Stuart will move with his command tomorrow morning at 6 o'clk on the road to Clinton. You will have rations for one day cooked tonight.","By comd of \nCol. George Maney Comdg Post \nR.B. Snowden Adjt.","Head Qrs Knoxville, March 21st 1862 \nSpecial Order No-","Col Stuart \nYou will hold your command, composed of the 36th, 50th, 51st and 56th Regts in readiness to move at 4 o'clk this afternoon towards Jacksboro.","Col. George Maney Comdg Post \nR.B. Snowden Adj't.","Col. Stuart \nI am instructed by Col. Maney to say you will not put your command on the march until further orders. You are however instructed to hold it ready to move at a moment's notice.","R. B. Snowden Adjt. \nKnoxville March 21st 1862","Hd. Quarters Knoxville \nMarch 21st 1862","Col. Stuart \nCommand. of Floyd Brigade","Your order to march toward Clinton is revoked. I desire to see you at my Hd. Quarters in person at first convenient moment to regard to encamping your command here.","Very Respectfully \nGeo. Maney Col. \nCommnd. At Knoxville","Lebanon, 31st March 1862","Col. Stuart, \nOf so much of your order of the 28th as proposes the formation of a camp near Abingdon by the unfurloughed officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates of \"Floyd's Brigade\", I shall express no opinion at this time. I presume your halt at Abingdon, for instructions from Richmond, was in pursuance of your duty under the direction of Major General Smith. I am glad he has force to spare.","The others parts of your order I cheerfully approve and will sustain. I know of no vice so fatal to our soldiery as intemperance; and, independent of the loss of many genial fellows to the cause in which our swords are drawn, their fall is the gain of the meanest and the most heartless men in community. The vigor of authority shall not be wanting on my part to sustain every effort to limit the pernicious vice.","I enclose an Order, which please hand to Maj. Fisher that he may have a few struck off and sent after such of my men as have left Abingdon.","Your vindicatory note has been successful I imagine in proving that you did not delay marching last winter intentionally, but the failure to join me was a great misfortune to this command.","I am ready however to look forward and not backwards, and hope our acquaintance may be as agreeable in its continuance as it has been awkward in its beginning.","Yours Respectfully, \nH. Marshall \nBrig. Genl. Comd.","Apr 1st 1862 \nCol. Stuart","Dear Sir, \nThe bearer of this note Mr. Hanshew is the father of the soldier in the 50th Regt. The young man is at present in hospital and has been quite a sufferer. He was sick in the autumn and before fairly recovered was taken to the west. He was subjected to all the exposure and hardships at Ft. Donelson where he was frost bitten in the trenches. The retreat and long march have proved too much for him and he is really quite worn out. His father wishes to take\nhim home for a few weeks if possible to [illegible] him \u0026 I think it important for the young man to go. I know the father well, he is worthy of trust and is a man of excellent character.","I am sir very truly yours \nJohn B. Floyd","Confederate States of America \nTREASURY DEPARTMENT \nFIRST AUDITOR'S OFFICE \nApr. 8th 1862","Dear Mr. Stuart, \nI think I shall die if I don't manage to get with the Army in some capacity or other, \u0026 as the circumstances of my family do not admit of my going as a private, I must try to obtain some position which will pay. I have not the presumption to ask for a commission in the Infantry or Artillery, where a knowledge of military tactics is essential, but as all the appointments are not made in the Engineers Corps \u0026 for that a knowledge of Mathematics more than anything else is required, I have thought that I might possibly by some study in the meanwhile fit myself for a position in the Engineers. I would not myself have thought such to be the case, but for the assurance of a friend, who is in the Corps \u0026 and after considerable experience says that I am fully capable of filling such a position creditably. The object of my writing this letter therefore is to request that you will give me a testimonial to be presented to the Sec. of War, who would doubtless be influenced by what you say. Possibly with that \u0026 what I may get old Bledsoe, the Asst. Sec. to say for me, I may obtain a Lieutenancy in the Engineers.","If Frank had been successful I would not myself apply, but I suppose his application is pretty securely pigeon holed \u0026 he will never hear from it, though Tom Harris is now in the city \u0026 a member of the Military Committee of Congress.","I saw Aunt F. last night and she and the children are in good spirits, looking forward to visiting you in Abingdon, in accordance with your letter of recent date. Aunt F. was glad to hear of your being so well \u0026 comfortably fixed \u0026 perhaps her cheerfulness is only the reflection from your good spirits, as she learns from your letters \u0026 others who have seen you.","Ma and the children are pleasantly fixed in Danville \u0026 are all very well: Frank was at Orange C. H. when I heard from him, though there is a rumor that his division went down to reinforce Magurder. The sky is brightening. I have not time to write more at present. Hoping to hear from you soon, I remain yours affectionately. \nW.R. Abbott","Abingdon 20th April 1862 \nCol. Stuart","Dear Sir, \nMrs. Saunders, the bearer of this is the mother of the boy who is applying for a discharge on the score of minority. I sent you the certificate, \u0026 c some days ago. I have no doubt of his being under age. She wants to know the conditions of his application. May I ask you to let her know it?","With the highest respect \nYour obd. Servt. \nJohn B. Floyd","Confederate States of America \nWAR DEPARTMENT \nEngineer's Bureau \nRichmond, Va. 30 April 1862","Genl. G. W. Randolph \nSecretary of War","Sir, \nI have had the pleasure of knowing Col. W. D. Stuart for many years. At Lexington where we were cadets together, his peculiar qualifications as a soldier and tactician, on graduating, led to his immediate appointment as assistant instructor of infantry and artillery tactics, a position\nwhich he held with much credit for three years. Since the commencement of the war he has been constantly engaged on active service, first on the Peninsula and afterwards in the West. In the first locality I had the pleasure of again meeting him and heard him uniformly spoken of as a gallant, efficient, and accomplished officer.","In these days of uncertain tenure of office, your endorsement of the substance of this letter would probably be of great service to him, especially as his standing on the Peninsula and conduct in the Battle of Bethel are personally known to you.","With great respect, your obedient servant, \nA. L. Rives \nActing Chf. Eng. Bu.","War Department \nApril 30th 1862","I take great pleasure in bearing the testimony to the gallantry and conduct of Col. Stuart at the Battle of Bethel of which I was an eye witness, and to his efficiency as an officer and his deportment as a gentleman. He is an educated soldier and I should be sorry for the Country to lose his services. \nGeo. W. Randolph","Camp near Winchester, Va. \nOct 26 1862","My dear Colonel: \nI have rec'd your report of the battle of \"South Mountain\" and with it your very kind note.","I can truly assure you I was much gratified with the expressions of regard and esteem you therein expressed towards me. My brief association with you was among the most pleasant I have formed during the war and I sincerely trust it may be renewed at no distant time, under such auspices that we may be able to cultivate a still closer intimacy. With many prayers for you safety and happiness I remain truly your friend \nR. B. Garnett","Provost Marshal's Office \nLynchburg, Va. \nOct 30th 1862 \nCol. W. D. Stuart","Dear Sir, \nI received this morning a letter from one of the 56th Va. Regt. informing me that \"you \u0026 Maj. Green intended to write to the War Department and endeavor if possible to have me relieved of duty here and ordered to return to Regt.\" I at first doubted its authenticity, but seeing it was from a semi-official source I necessarily attached some importance to it.","I was astonished to hear that you contemplated such a thing as it would undoubtedly place me in a false light before the Department. I presumed you had received official notification of my appointment here.","I have always thought you were magnanimous enough not only to be willing for any officer of your Regt. to obtain promotion and a better position, but would aid him if possible in doing so.","I informed you in three letters before that I applied in Sept. last to Q. M. for transportation to Regt. and applying the same day to Adjt. Gen. Cooper in person to ascertain the point to go to, was directed by him to report to Maj. Gen. Smith for duty. By whom I was sent to Brig. Gen. Winder who ordered me to take charge of the C. S. Military Prison. I remained there about three weeks and discharged the duties satisfactorily to my commissioning officer and was on the 21st Oct. appointed \"Provost Marshal\" of this city with written orders from Maj. Gen. G. W. Smith, a copy of which I send you.","Each position was unsolicited and unexpected by me; but at the same time agreeable ad satisfactory; because the \"posts\" I was assigned were not only easier and higher than the Capt. of Infantry, but also horses and servants furnished me, and paid $180 per month. The pay however is no consideration with me. The chances of promotion are still greater in my present position.","I will also state to you, that is I preferred it, I am legally exempt from military duty by the recent \"exemption act\" passed by both \"Houses of Congress\" and approved by the President. First I have a plantation with over 40 negroes, and on it \"no white male adult not liable to military duty.\" Second I have a large manufacturing mill and my superintendence is necessary for its successful operation. For either 1st or 2nd reasons I am exempt by \"Act of Congress\".","But notwithstanding pecuniary losses I am willing to remain in the army, provided my services will accomplish anything in the cause we are engaged.","I hope this will be satisfactory to you. I fear you did not receive my former letters making substantially the same statements as above; and I feel a conscientious sense of duty, in justice to myself to write to you again","The appointment here was somewhat complimentary to me and I have intimations already of a higher and more responsible position being assigned me.","I would be glad if you would answer this.","Very respectfully \nYour obt. Servant \nThomas D. Jeffress \nCapt. and Provost Marshall of Lynchburg","P.S. I understand that only 8 or 10 efficient men of Co. \"G\" are with the Regt. and only about 22 or 23 in all on roll. I left several in Richmond at Hospital who will probably never recover sufficiently to return to duty. \nT. D. J.","18th Va. Regt. \nNov. 26th 1862 \nCol. W. D. Stuart","Col., \nIn reply to your note rec'd some time since asking of the \"mention made\" of Capt. T. D. Jeffress \"upon\" a report of one of the Richmond battles forwarded by myself to Brigade Hd. Qrs., I have to say that Capt. Jeffress made out the report of the battle himself, he being the Senr. Officer present who was in the fight. When the report was handed to me Lt. Chaffin Actg. Adjt. told me that the officers of the Regt. desired that I should make mention of the good conduct of Capt. Jeffress in battle, as the Capt. from motives of delicacy would of course say nothing of himself. I endorsed upon the report that I was not in the battle myself, was not in command of the Regiment at the time the events spoken of occurred, but that at the request of others, I would state that Capt. Jeffress deserved \"honorable mention\" for good conduct in battle. I have since learned that Lt. Chaffin was not in the fight himself and I am sorry that I acted upon his suggestion and made the endorsement referred to for the reason that I appeared to discriminate in favor of Capt. Jeffress when in fact I knew nothing of the conduct of any officer in the Regiment in the battle alluded to.","I am Col. \nVery Respectfully \nGeo. C. Cabell, Major","Camp Near Petersburg \nof Pickett's Div. Garnett's Brig. \nMarch 7th 1863 \nGenl. S. A. Cooper","Sir, \nI respectfully make an application for 25 Conscripts the requisite number to fill the reduced ranks of my Company at its present standard. You will confer a favour by assigning to the ranks of my Company 25 Conscripts,or any number as you, in your judgement may think proper or circumstances may require. You can see by my muster roll that my company only numbers 31 total present or absent, having never received any Conscripts since its entry into\nservice.","Most Respectfully \nYour obedient Servt. \nF. W. Nelson \nLt. Comd. Co. \"A\" 56th Va.","Camp Near Petersburg, Va. \nMarch 7th 1863","I respectfully ask permission to be absent from my duties for a few days for the following reasons. My property has been dwindling away daily since 25th Dec last, for want of my personal attention. My negroes are roaming through the country without a proper home and I will probably lose them all if I cannot attend to the matter immediately. I leave my company in command of the Capt. I have deferred asking leave of absence until now, because of there being only two (2) officers belonging to the company and the comdg. Officer of the Regt. deems it best that the vacancies of 2nd and 2nd jr. Lieuts. should not be filled at present, I presume because of the smallness of the Co. I reenlisted as a private and have never received a furlough or anything in lieu thereof and have never been absent without leave.","S. D. Cronin 1st Lieut. \nCo. \"I\" 56th Va. Regt.","March 8th, 1863","I respectfully ask for a leave of absence for 20 days to visit my home in Mecklenburg Co. Va. having been in the service for 20 months and having never received but four days furlough since the organization of my Regiment. I hope this application will be granted. I was originally a 12 months Volunteer and subsequently reenlisted for the War.","Lieut. F. W. Nelson \nCo. A. 56th Va. Regt.","Kittrell's Springs \nJuly 27th 1863 \nCol. Wm. D. Stuart","Dear Sir, \nI was transferred from General Hospital No. 10 to Black's and White's Hospital, from that place on the recommendation of the Medical Director in Richmond (Dr. Wm. Carrington) I was allowed the privilege of going home and report once in fifteen days in person or through my Physician's certificate. My furlough was extended the other day, 30 days to enable me to visit\nthe Springs for my health. I am improving very rapidly mow and shall be on, as soon as I am able for duty. You have passed though a very fiery ordeal since I left you. I regret being absent from my company in time of battle. I am truly sorry to learn that you are wounded, hope it will not prove serious, and allow me here to indulge the hope that you will be Genl. Garrett's successor. You certainly deserve the place. I am very anxious to hear from my company. I heard indirectly that Lieut. Finley was wounded, whether seriously or not I did not learn. Pickett's Division was very badly cut up. The mortality among officers was unprecedented. I expect to be here at least two weeks longer. I wish to get entirely well before returning. When I return again I hope to be able to stay with you. Direct your letter to \"Lawrenceville. Brunswick Co. Va.\" With my best wishes that you may speedily recover and when I see you again you may be my Brigadier. I subscribe myself your true friend, \nN. A. Flournoy","The bulk of the William D. Stuart papers consists of the Civil War papers (60 items; 1861-1863) of Stuart. The papers contain:\n Correspondence to and from various Confederate Army officers Morning and guard reports Military orders Invoices and receipts documenting Stuart's brief service with the 15th Virginia Infantry Regiment and his command of the 56th Virginia Infantry Regiment \nOther items include letters of recommendation for a United\nStates Army Commission (1850), a letter from Gabriel Jordan, Jr. (VMI Class of 1850) dated November 1854, and printed material.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter endorses William D. Stuart's application for a commission in the United States Army.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter endorses William D. Stuart's application for a commission in the United States Army.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter endorses William D. Stuart's application for a commission in the United States Army.","Written from Huntsville, Alabama. Letter comments on respective marriages, jobs, and future prospects.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter asks Virginia Governor John Letcher for an appointment in the Army in the event of secession.","Special Order No. 81 from Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart is assigned to duty with troops at the camp of instruction.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter expresses regret at William D. Stuart's resignation as commanding officer of the Richmond City Guard.","Written from the Camp of Instruction, Richmond. Letter to an unidentified colonel regards the placement of William D. Stuart and other officers.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards materials to make a tent.","Written from Williamsburg, Virginia. Letter orders William D. Stuart to work on fortifications at King's Mill.","Special Order No. 222 from Youngs Farm. Regards payment of troops and powers of attorney. By command of General Magruder and signed by G. B. Cosby, A.A.A.G.","Special Order No. 280 from the Adjutant Inspector General's office, Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart is promoted and assigned to the command of the 56th Virginia Regiment.","Written from Camp Lee. Letter regards a flag for William D. Stuart's regiment.","Special Order No. 232 from Richmond, Virginia by command of Secretary of War per John Withers. The 56th Virginia Infantry regiment is ordered to Jeffersonville, Virginia to report to Brigadier General Marshall.","Written from Pound Gap, Virginia. William D. Stuart is ordered to move his regiment forward by Pound Gap towards Prestonsburg, Kentucky.","Written from Wytheville, Virginia. Telegram regards wagons.","Written from Wytheville, Virginia. Letter regards transportation vouchers.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart's regiment is ordered to Nashville, Tennessee.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. General A. S. Johnson orders William D. Stuart's regiment to remain with General Marshall.","From Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart's regiment is to proceed to Pound Gap to report to General Marshall.","Special Order No. 8 from Headquarters 1st Brigade, Army of Eastern Kentucky, Camp near Paintville, by order of General Marshall. William D. Stuart's regiment is to move immediately without further delay.","Written from Paintville, Kentucky. William D. Stuart must move his regiment without delay.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart is directed by the Secretary of War to report to General Marshall.","Written from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter concerns orders to go to Pound Gap, Virginia.","Written from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter regards contradictory orders and illness of William D. Stuart and men.","Written from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter reprts on sickness of regiment and men in hospital.","Special Order No. 1 from Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart's regiment\nis detached from General Marshall's command and will proceed to Bowling Green, Kentucky to General A. S. Johnston.","Written from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter regards order to proceed to Bowling Green, Kentucky. Letter also encloses Special Order No. 1 (dated January 2, 1862).","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards confusion in orders to 56th Virginia Infantry Regiment.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards William T. Cross' certificate of disability.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards William D. Stuart rejoining his regiment after a severe illness.","General Order No. 246 from Floyd's Division, Chattanooga, Tennessee. Reenlisted men are entitled to a 60 day furlough, but this may be suspended in case of \"collision with the enemy.\"","General Order No. 27 (extract) from Floyd's Division, Camp Bettie Childress. Order regards movement of the command via rail.","Special Order from Floyd's Division, Knoxville, Tennessee. General Floyd is relieved of command and regimental commanders are to report to Colonel George Maney.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is to hold his regiment ready to move and to report on the strength of his command.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is directed to \"take command of all the forces here, formerly of Genl Floyd's command, in the movement towards Jacksboro.\"","Special order from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is to move tomorrow on the road to Clinton.","Special Order from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is to hold command of the 36th, 50th, 51st and 56th Virginia Regiments in readiness to move towards Jacksboro.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is not to move his command until further orders.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart march towards Clinton is revoked.","Written from Lebanon. Letter regards previous orders.","Letter regards releasing a sick soldier (Hanshew, 50th Virginia Regiment) to go home with his father.","Letter requests recommendation to enter the Confederate Army and family news.","Written from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter regards discharge of an underage soldier.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter commends William D. Stuart, with an endorsement specifically about his gallantry at the Battle of Bethel, Virginia.","Written from Winchester, Virginia. Letter acknowledges receipt of report of Battle of South Mountain (Maryland) and expresses personal regard.","Written from Lynchburg, Virginia. Letter protests Thomas D. Jeffress' return to the Regiment.","Letter regards a report in which George C. Cabell erroneously commended Captain Thomas D. Jeffress.","Written from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter requests 25 conscripts to fill reduced ranks.","Written from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter requests to be absent from duty to see to business at home.","Letter requests a leave of absence to visit home.","Written from Kittrell's Springs, North Carolina. This letter was written after the Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and it comments on casualties in regiment and general news.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Telegram regards search of trains for stolen coffee.","Report for the 56th Virginia Regiment at Camp Robertson.","Report for the 56th Virginia Regiment at Camp Robertson.","Special duty roster for the 56th Virginia Regiment.","Guard report for the 56th Virginia Regiment.","Receipt for wall tent pins and poles.","Receipt for ordnance (cartridges).","Invoice of commutation of quarters and fuel for 1st Lieutenant George W. May, Company C. 56th Virginia, for the period of December 8 to 31, 1861.","Invoice of commutation of quarters and fuel for 1st Lieutenant George W. May, Company C. 56th Virginia, for the period of January 1 to 31, 1862.","Receipt for wall tents.","Two receipts for muskets and cartridge boxes.","Receipt for clothing.","Receipt for commissary stores.","This series includes a draft of a speech given upon presentation of a flag to the 56th Virginia Infantry Regiment, court-martial specifications, and other documents.","This series includes programs and other documents from Roanoke, Virginia area camps.","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Stuart, William D. (William Dabney), 1830-1863","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jordan, Gabriel, Jr., 1831-1884","Marshall, Humphrey, 1812-1872","Cosby, George B. (George Blake, 1831-1909)","Slaughter, Philip P. (Philip Peyton), 1834-1893","Baldwin, Briscoe G. (Briscoe Gerard), 1828-1898","Williamson, Thomas H. (Thomas Hoomes), 1813-1888","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","English \n.    "],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0108","/repositories/3/resources/588"],"normalized_title_ssm":["William D. Stuart papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["William D. Stuart papers"],"collection_ssim":["William D. Stuart papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Stuart, William D. (William Dabney), 1830-1863","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jordan, Gabriel, Jr., 1831-1884"],"creator_ssim":["Stuart, William D. (William Dabney), 1830-1863","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jordan, Gabriel, Jr., 1831-1884"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Stuart, William D. (William Dabney), 1830-1863","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jordan, Gabriel, Jr., 1831-1884"],"creators_ssim":["Stuart, William D. (William Dabney), 1830-1863","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jordan, Gabriel, Jr., 1831-1884"],"access_terms_ssm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 56th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 15th","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1850","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Correspondence","Orders (military records)","Receipts (financial records)","Letters of recommendation"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 56th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 15th","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1850","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Correspondence","Orders (military records)","Receipts (financial records)","Letters of recommendation"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["60 items 60 items in one box"],"extent_tesim":["60 items 60 items in one box"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence","Orders (military records)","Receipts (financial records)","Letters of recommendation"],"date_range_isim":[1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions."],"altformavail_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFull text transcriptions of the bulk of these papers are available  \u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/1828\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["Full text transcriptions of the bulk of these papers are available   online ."],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe papers are arranged by document type and chronologically thereunder.\u003c/p\u003e"],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement"],"arrangement_tesim":["The papers are arranged by document type and chronologically thereunder."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWilliam Dabney Stuart was born on September 30, 1830 in Staunton, Virginia to Thomas Jefferson Stuart and Martha M. Dabney. He did preparatory work at the Staunton Academy and then entered VMI in July 1847. Stuart graduated from VMI in July 1850, standing 3rd in a class of 17.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFollowing graduation he taught at VMI (1850-1853) and was subsequently a principal of classical schools in Washington D.C. and Richmond, Virginia. He married Frances Harris of Loudon County, Virginia and the couple had three children: Martha, Mary Bell, and William.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDuring the Civil War, Stuart briefly commanded the 15th Virginia Infantry Regiment, and was then appointed Colonel with the 56th Virginia Infantry Regiment, Confederate States Army. He was mortally wounded at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania during Pickett's Charge, and died in a hospital in Staunton on July 29, 1863.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["William Dabney Stuart was born on September 30, 1830 in Staunton, Virginia to Thomas Jefferson Stuart and Martha M. Dabney. He did preparatory work at the Staunton Academy and then entered VMI in July 1847. Stuart graduated from VMI in July 1850, standing 3rd in a class of 17.","Following graduation he taught at VMI (1850-1853) and was subsequently a principal of classical schools in Washington D.C. and Richmond, Virginia. He married Frances Harris of Loudon County, Virginia and the couple had three children: Martha, Mary Bell, and William.","During the Civil War, Stuart briefly commanded the 15th Virginia Infantry Regiment, and was then appointed Colonel with the 56th Virginia Infantry Regiment, Confederate States Army. He was mortally wounded at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania during Pickett's Charge, and died in a hospital in Staunton on July 29, 1863."],"custodhist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe William D. Stuart papers were originally in the possession of Stuart's widow and were passed down through the family before being donated to VMI.\u003c/p\u003e"],"custodhist_heading_ssm":["Provenance"],"custodhist_tesim":["The William D. Stuart papers were originally in the possession of Stuart's widow and were passed down through the family before being donated to VMI."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nDecember 3 1850\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear sir\u003cbr\u003e\nHaving understood that Mr. W. D. Stuart is an applicant for a commission in the U.S. Army I take the liberty of addressing you a private note on his behalf. I do this in preference to the formal course of a recommendation, because you will be better able to appreciate what I may\nsay in the unreserved mode in which I write.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou are aware that Mr. S. entered this Institution as a cadet in July 1847. After completing the whole course of studies, he was graduated in July last with great credit. You will see by the accompanying merit roll that in all his classes he maintained a most respectable standing, while in Geology, Artillery, and Infantry Tactics, he was No. 1. And in Military Engineering 3rd.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn addition to these facts, he was a commissioned officer of the Corps of Cadets and gave great satisfaction to us in the manner in which he discharged his duties.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSo high was our estimate of his talents as a scholar and qualifications as an officer, that on a vacancy in our Corps of Instructors occurring in July, he was selected as an assistant Professor of Math. And assistant Instructor of Tactics and has been discharging these duties with great credit up to the present time.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFrom my personal knowledge of the qualifications of an officer of the Army, I know that there are few young men who enter the Service from West Point who are better qualified than Stuart and I have no doubt he will make as fine an officer as can be selected for the Infantry arm of\nthe Service.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou know his moral qualifications as well as I do. If any doubt had existed on this point, he would never have been appointed an officer in this Institution.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ehope it will be the pleasure of the President to confer an appointment upon Mr. Stuart.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThis Institution has been laboring now for 11 years in building up its Military reputation and we should like to have an opportunity of comparing our graduates with those from West Point.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWith cordial regards to Mrs. S.\u003cbr\u003e\nI am very truly your friend\u003cbr\u003e\nFrancis H. Smith\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHon. A. H. H. Stuart\nWashington City\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVa. Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nDec 10th 1850\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMr. W.D. Stuart desires to obtain a commision in the U.S. Army. His present post, that of Asst. Instructor of Tactics in the Va. Military Institute is evidence of his peculiar fitness for command. His acquirements at the Insititute of which he is a graduate, embracing Engineering, Artillery, and Infantry Tactics, with Mathematics and the Natural Sciences were such as to induce the authorities of the Institute to select him from her many graduates for the very responsible situation he now holds, a situation which requires judgement, firmness and decision of Character- all of which Mr. Stuart possesses in a high degree. His uniformily gentlemanly\ndeportment has endeared him to his fellow officers and will make him grace the position he seeks.\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas. H. Williamson\u003cbr\u003e\nProf. Engr. \u0026amp; Arch.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVMI\u003cbr\u003e\nDecember 10, 1850\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eW. Stuart was appointed immediately after his graduation Assistant Instructor of Tactics in the Virginia Military Institute. This is the highest and most indubitable testimony of the estimate of his military qualifications, by those who know him best. The course of military instruction and discipline at the Institute conforms strictly to that of the U.S.A. at West Point and is conducted by graduates of the latter Institution. If from a jealous regard to the character of the Army, the\nGovernment ordinarily restricts its commissions to the graduates of West Point, the same principle might well incline it, in its exceptional appointment of citizens, to feel a preference for those, who like Mr. Stuart, have at a State Institution, thoroughly prepared themselves for the Military Profession.\u003cbr\u003e\nJohn T.L. Preston\u003cbr\u003e\nProf. V.M.I\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEngineers Office\u003cbr\u003e\nMemphis and Charleston Railroad\u003cbr\u003e\nHuntsville\u003cbr\u003e\nNovember 22d 1854\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Stuart,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have just stolen away from my wife and have run up to my office with the determination of writing you. I was not a little surprised to learn through your letter that you had written me. Your letter, which reached me about ten days ago was the only one I have received from you since your marriage. I wrote you at that particularly interesting time a note of congratulations, as well as a letter, just before your mariage, but have received no letter in return. Now my good fellow I have no doubt but what you think that you wrote me, but as for my part I am inclined to think that you did not. I am sure I should not think it strange if you had not for you are a newly married man, and as a matter of course can not afford to give your friends many thoughts, at least for a while.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt is really refreshing, my old friend to hear from you and especially to know that you are a married man and in the full enjoyment of the pleasures that attend married love. My wife returned from Virginia about the first of September with much improved health---and my boy is a most magnificent fellow. A look at him might be of some service to you. Don't blush my dear fellow I don't mean any thing.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDabney, what under the sun has become of all of our class mates. You are living in the center of our great union and should be posted up on every thing. I never see the names of any of our class in the papers, nor do I ever correspond with any of them, hence I am utterly ignorant of their movements. I never any thing from Lexington since you left there. Have any of our old acquaintances married off since our days-.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMatters here are still wearing a pleasant and flattering aspect. Our road is moving on finely, and we trust ere many more months pass away, that we will have a large and important portion of our work finished. I wish that we had a good comfortable post to offer you here. We are finishing up so fast that we are reducing the Corps instead of increasing. Still, should you ever make up your mind to embark in the profession, we might look out for a post for you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour school I trust will for the present afford you a comfortable competency, and something besides. School teaching, like every thing else has its reverses, its calms and its storms. We can find no profession that is made up entirely of sunshine. We must expect the life of man to harmonize with nature, having its passing clouds and refreshing sunshine in equal turns. I with all my hopeful temperament, have had my moments of gloom and anxiety, but with a fond wife, no less hopeful than myself, to cheer me, I have faced all and am now full of bright anticipation. Nor does this come about from any fortune, or particular promises, but all from a conviction that there is room for everyone in this world and plenty for everyone to do, and that industry when ever it is found is in the course of time rewarded. This is an unusually difficult time with almost everyone. There seems to be a weariness in the money market in every quarter. Men experience great difficulty in meeting their general expenses. This state of affairs, I have no doubt has had its influence upon your school, and I feel assured that there will be an improvement after a little while. I hope my dear Stuart, that you will continue to keep me posted up in regard to your movements, for I may find a good offering out South that would please you, and if such should be the case, it would give me inexpressible pleasure to serve you. I will always be on the look out. A new country is better for a young man in any profession. The competition is not so great and pay better. Present me the kindest manner to your good wife and receive the renewed assurance of your old and sincere friend and classmate.\u003cbr\u003e\nGabe Jordan Jr.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 15th 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGov. Letcher\u003cbr\u003e\nDear Sir,\u003cbr\u003e\nI enclose recommendations from the Authorities of the Va. Military Institute to the Secretary of War under Mr. Fillmore for an appointment in the U.S. Army at that time. I submit them to you in my own behalf for an appointment under the State of Va. in the event of her secession from\nthe present Federal Government. I desire an appointment to any position in which my services may be required the most valuable, either in the active duties of the field or otherwise.\u003cbr\u003e\nVery respectfully yours,\u003cbr\u003e\nWm. D. Stuart\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHead Qrs Va Forces\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond Va. May 20 1861\u003cbr\u003e\nSpecial Orders\u003cbr\u003e\nNo 82\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol. T.P. August, Lt. Col. W.D. Stuart, and Major Thos. G. Peyton, Virginia Vols, are assigned to duty with the troops at the \"Camp of Instruction\" and will report without delay to Col. William Gilham commanding that post.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy order of Maj. Genl Lee\u003cbr\u003e\nR. Garnett\u003cbr\u003e\nAdjt Genl.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 21st 1861\u003cbr\u003e\nCapt. W. D. Stuart\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sir,\u003cbr\u003e\nAt a meeting of the Richmond City Guard held this evening, the undersigned were appointed a Committee to express to you the unfeigned regret of the Company on having read your resignation, and to tender you the sincere thanks of the Company for the faithfulness and efficiency with which you have discharged the duties of Commanding Officer.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhile the Company deplores deeply the necessity which separates you from us, we rejoice to know that our Beloved State will have the benefit of your valuable services.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePermit us personally and on behalf of the Company to tender you our best wishes for your future happiness and prosperity.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eVery truly your friends,\u003cbr\u003e\nDavis N. Walker\u003cbr\u003e\nSamuel M. Bailey\u003cbr\u003e\nJames E. Burress\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eUnofficial\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCamp of Instruction\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 23rd\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Col.\u003cbr\u003e\nWhen three field officers were assigned to duty here, I was so green as to put each in command of a Regt., having no other officers who knew any thing about organizing a Regt. This arrangement does not seem to have suited Col. August, who has been complaining to the powers that be, and I have received an order directing me to assign them all to one Regt--that of Col. August of course. Col. Stuart is one of them, and is totally unprepared for the field; he will make application to Gen. Fauntleroy this evening for a few days, please see what you can do for him. Gen. F. though may not have him in his Divn, if so he will have to go to Col. Magruder of course.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYours sincerely\u003cbr\u003e\nW. Gilham\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\nJuly 5th 1861\u003cbr\u003e\nLt. Col. Stewart [Stuart]\u003cbr\u003e\n3rd Regt. Va. Vols.\u003cbr\u003e\nYorktown\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sir,\u003cbr\u003e\nSometime, about the latter part of May or the commencement of June your lady Mrs. Stewart in company with Mrs. Lucy Wharton called at my Office in order to procure material for the purpose of making you a tent as they were unable to get a tent allready made: and stated that you were without one. Under these circumstances, I furnished the necessary material with the consent of Col. Heth the then Q.M. General who instructed me to take your receipt for one tent. The receipt has been delayed from various causes, partly because I did not know the address of Mrs. Stewart or yourself. Should you receive this letter I would be much obliged that you sign and return me the enclosed receipt; by your prompt attention to wit you will much oblige.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYours very respectfully,\u003cbr\u003e\nMaury Garland\u003cbr\u003e\nCapt. and Asst. Q. M.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHead Quarters Williamsburg\u003cbr\u003e\nJuly 25th 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol.,\u003cbr\u003e\nThe General having understood that Colonel August is unwell. He directs that you will urge with the greatest vigor the work on the Fortification at King's Mill. In order to do this you will have but one drill a day in the evening. The working hours will be from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. The guns to place in the various works are now on the way here and it is specially desired to have the works ready for them at the earliest moment.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am sir very respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nYour obedient servant\u003cbr\u003e\nG. B. Cosby\u003cbr\u003e\nMaj. and AAAG\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdjutant Inspr Genl's Office\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\nSept 17th 1861\u003cbr\u003e\nExtract\u003cbr\u003e\nSpecial Orders\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. 280\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eXI. Lieut Colonel William D. Stuart Virginia Volunteers is promoted to be Colonel and assigned to the Command of the 56th Virginia Regiment just organized at Camp Lee, near this city, andwill report accordingly.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy order of the Secretary of War\u003cbr\u003e\n[Geo. Deas]\u003cbr\u003e\nA.A.G.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Lee\u003cbr\u003e\nNov. 15th 1861\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. George W. Munford\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir\u003cbr\u003e\nI had the honor receive at the hands of Col. S. Bassett French the Flag of Va. intended for the Regiment I have the honor to command, also the accompanying letter of presentation from you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAs the commanding officer of the Regt. and its organ upon this occasion, I need not assure you that I received it with pride and satisfaction. Regarding it as the emblem of the honor and purity of our Mother State, hitherto unsullied in Council or War it shall be carefully guarded that it receive no detriment at the hands of the Regiment to which you have confided. I think I can with all safety assure you, and that the Sons of Va., voluntarily of the 56th Va. Regt. will ever be found at their post of duty and that they will never do discredit to the sacred cause in which they have enlisted.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Daughters of Va. whose fair hands have wrought this beautiful emblem of Va.'s honor, will never have cause to blush for shame at the conduct of their brothers.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am very respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nYour obedient servant\u003cbr\u003e\nWilliam D. Stuart, Col.\u003cbr\u003e\nCommanding 56th Va. Regt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdjt and Insp Genls Office\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond, Nov 21st 1861\u003cbr\u003e\nExtract\u003cbr\u003e\nSpecial Orders\u003cbr\u003e\nNo 232\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eXI. The 56th Regiment Virginia Volunteers, Col. Stuart Commanding, will proceed without delay, via Wytheville, to Jeffersonville, VA. and report for duty to Brig. Genl. Marshall.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy Command of the Sec. of War\u003cbr\u003e\nJno. Withers\u003cbr\u003e\nAsst. Adjt. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHead Quarters Brigade\u003cbr\u003e\nPound Gap\u003cbr\u003e\n1 Dec 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol. Stuart,\u003cbr\u003e\nSir,\u003cbr\u003e\nIn reply to your note reporting your command to me, I direct that you move your regiment forward by Pound Gap towards Prestonburg in Kentucky, as soon as possible after the reception of the order, unless you should receive other directions from Maj. Genl. George B. Crittenden at Knoxville.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am sir,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour obedient servant,\u003cbr\u003e\nHumphrey Marshall\u003cbr\u003e\nBrig. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSome of the wagoners I hired and started left the teams on the road. I am compelled to go to Abingdon by private conveyance ad will purchase some waggons \u0026amp; c by the way and hire other wagoners.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eW. Gibboney\u003cbr\u003e\nA. Q. M.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTransportation Office C.S.A\u003cbr\u003e\nWytheville, Va. December 2nd 1861\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. W. D. Stuart\u003cbr\u003e\nCom. 56th Regt. Va. Vols.\u003cbr\u003e\nAbingdon Va.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eColonel,\u003cbr\u003e\nThe Frt. Agt. of the Va. and Tenn. R. R. has requested me to give him vouchers for the transportation of the stores in the Train which accompanied that containing your Regiment from Wytheville to Abigdon and allso for the baggage of the Regiment.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWill you please inform me whether you have already provided receipt for the transportation and whether the baggage was entitled to transportable from government. I have the honor to be\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eVery Respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nYour obedient servant\u003cbr\u003e\nA. Meade Smith\u003cbr\u003e\nCapt. \u0026amp; [Acting] QM CSA\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHd. Qts. Knoxville, Tenn\u003cbr\u003e\nDec. 5th 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTo-\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. Stuart\u003cbr\u003e\nCommd. 56th Regt. Va. Vols.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou will move with your Regiment as soon as transportation can be furnished to you, to Nashville Tenn.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy Command of\u003cbr\u003e\nMaj. Genl. G. B. Crittenden\u003cbr\u003e\nA.S. Cunningham\u003cbr\u003e\nA.A. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReceived at: Abingdon Dec 10 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy Telegraph from: Knoxville Dec 10\u003cbr\u003e\nTo: Col. Stuart\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGenl. Johnson orders that your Regiment remain with Genl. Marshall W. H. Carroll\u003cbr\u003e\nBrig. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReceived at: Abingdon Dec 11 1861\u003cbr\u003e\nBy Telegraph from: Richmond Dec 11\u003cbr\u003e\nTo: Col. W. D. Stuart\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eProceed with your Regiment to Pound Gap and report to Genl. Marshall. The Quarter Masters Dept. is ordered to furnish transportation.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eS. Cooper\u003cbr\u003e\nA. G.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHeadquarters 1st Brigade\u003cbr\u003e\nArmy of Eastern Ky.\u003cbr\u003e\nCamp near Paintville\u003cbr\u003e\nDec 21st 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSpecial Order\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. 8\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol. Stuart is directed to move his Regiment from Abingdon immediately with such transportation as can be procured. It is of the first importance to the safety and success of the command on this frontier that the reinforcements destined for the forces already here shall move to the front without delay. Fine opportunities for brilliant successes have been lost for want of their presence ad others are daily passing away. The weather has favored the\nmovement of the troops, but has not been taken at advantage. The General directs that the movement be commenced without further delay and that the passage of the troops over Pound Gap be notified to him by the returning courier.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy order of\u003cbr\u003e\nBrig. Genl. H. Marshall\u003cbr\u003e\nAtt. B. H. Bradley\u003cbr\u003e\nA. Adjt. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1861 December 22\u003cbr\u003e\nPaintsville, KY 22nd Dec.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol. Stuart,\u003cbr\u003e\nI send express to you to move your regiment without delay. I am before a force so much superior to me in number, according to the report of reliable scouts, that I can scarcely hope to avoid a collision-- it may be disastrous to us- until you arrive.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf there are any forces near your route who are disengaged I would like exceedingly to have them assist me now. I am here with a force not amounting to 1500 men fit for duty. I shall struggle to keep off the evil day as long possible for you to arrive.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYours truly \u0026amp; c\u003cbr\u003e\nH. Marshall\u003cbr\u003e\nBrig. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[note on back]\u003cbr\u003e\nPress transportation any where you can, if it is not ready, but travel lightly for the roads are deep. H.M.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdj. [\u0026amp;] Inspect. Genl's Office\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond Dec 24/61\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir,\u003cbr\u003e\nThe Secretary of War directs that you immediately proceed to carry out the instructions referred to in your comn of the 23rd inst. by reporting, with all your effective force, for duty to Brig. General Marshall, making proper provisions for your sick at Abingdon.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eVery Respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nYour Obd. Servt.\u003cbr\u003e\nR. H. Chilton\u003cbr\u003e\nA. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLt. Col. Philip P. Slaughter\u003cbr\u003e\nOr/ Commanding Officer\u003cbr\u003e\n56 Reg. Va. Vols.\u003cbr\u003e\nAbingdon , Va.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAbingdon (Va) Dec 27th 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTo-\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. Wm. D Stuart\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sir:\u003cbr\u003e\nSince my arrival I have received orders to go immediately to Pound Gap from both the Sec. of War and Gen. Marshall. The order from Gen. M is both peremptory and urgent, and it is asource of the greatest mortification to me to find that, at so critical a juncture we are totally impotent, and I much fear (\"entre nous\") our reputation may suffer in the mind of the public\nwho cannot be aware of the embarrassing circumstances by which we are surrounded. I think it would be well if you could represent us in our true colors to the War Dept. Genl. M. writes that he is threatened by a superior force and urges our immediate movement which I am unable to comply with, not having more than eight or nine waggons and no horses. At the very earliest moment possible I will move on to Pound Gap with the fragment of the Regt.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFrom what I have learned since writing the above, the opinion prevails in Richmond that the Regt. declined transportation on account of the \"onerous march across the mountains\". You can judge of the correctness of this statement. Such seems to be the prevailing opinion in the War. Dept. Can you do any thing for us? I am in the worst quandary I ever was in my life.\nPlease telegraph me at your earliest convenience.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI think a court of inquiry would be beneficial to us: at all events, it could not injure us.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYours very respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nP. P. Slaughter\u003cbr\u003e\nFavor of\u003cbr\u003e\nCapt. R. B. Patterson\u003cbr\u003e\nQ.M.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eP. S.\u003cbr\u003e\nI enclose you Genl. Marshall's orders, that you may see how we stand. I retain a copy of them. You will also find enclosed, the order from War Dept. P. P. S.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAbingdon Dec. 27th 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTo-\u003cbr\u003e\nBrig. Gen. Marshall\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir,\u003cbr\u003e\nI am in receipt of your order of the 22nd inst. as well as your Special Order No. 8. It is a source of exceeding regret and much mortification to me, to find myself in so crippled a condition at such a critical junction. Twice since being here I have prepared transportation in accordance with orders, once to join your command, which, when I got ready, I was compelled to decline by an order from Gen. Crittenden \"to go immediately to Nashville and report to Gen. A. S. Johnston. I then went to work to get transportation by rail, to Nashville, which I after some days effected. My men were at the Depot ready to march on the cars, when I received a telegram to remain and go with you; since which time I have not been able to collect the necessary No. of waggons to convey the Regt. in obedience to orders.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Regt. is reduced lower than one half its original size, and is at present in a very debilitated condition. Col. Stuart, by reason of sickness has not been able to take command of the Regt. since leaving Richmond. Maj. Green is absent, all of which combine to place me in a very unenviable position upon the receipt of your orders.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAs to the matter of transportation, I have only eight or ten wagons and no horses, as the Quartermaster informs me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI shall endeavor to the utmost of my ability to move at the earliest time possible and most sincerely hope I may be able to join you in season to render some assistance in the existing emergency.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThis will be handed to you by Capt. T. Smith of the 56th Regt. in whom you can place all confidence.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI did not see your courier or I should have dispatched by him. He left before I could reach the village.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am sir very respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nYour obt. Servt.\u003cbr\u003e\nPhilip P. Slaughter\u003cbr\u003e\nLt. Col. Comd. 56th Va. Regt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAbigdon, Va. Dec 27th 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Colonel,\u003cbr\u003e\n'Tis said and I more than partly believe that we are to move to Marshall's Command per Pound Gap and that in some what of a hurry. Your command is worse off in the matter of sick men than when you left. There are forty men in the Hospital and the number would be greater in there were room. The number of sick men in camp and private houses is hardly to be believed,\nbut I think I am in bounds when I say that if 250 men rank and file are able to march now, 'tis more than I expect. But 'tis hardly friendly to trouble you with such things so I'll only say that we \"what can go\" are going and no mistake. I hear you have some idea of joining us immediately. Don't hurry unless you are really strong enough; for I know your impetuosity of old.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn great haste\u003cbr\u003e\nM. Howard\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdjt and Inspr. Genl's Office\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond, Jany 2 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nExtract\u003cbr\u003e\nSpecial Order\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. 1\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eColonel Stuart's 56th Regiment Virginia Volunteers is detached from General Humphrey Marshall's Command and will immediately proceed to Bowling Green Kentucky and report to General A.S. Johnston for duty with General Floyds Brigade.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy Command of the Secretary of War\u003cbr\u003e\nJohn Withers\u003cbr\u003e\nAsst. Adjt Genl.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAbingdon (Va) Jan. 4th 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. Wm. D. Stuart\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sir,\u003cbr\u003e\nOn yesterday, I received from Captain Patteson the following telegram. \"Col. Stuart says, leave Jacob and his baggage\". The dispatch said nothing of the horse. I was in much doubt about him. Before determining, I mentioned the matter to Dr. Howard, who by the way, has been confined to his bed for a week, \u0026amp; is unable to proceed with the Regt. and intends keeping his horse with him. After reading the telegram, he advised me to leave your horse in care of Jacob. All your baggage, that is, all I imagine was meant, consisting of a horse, saddle \u0026amp; bridle, sword, bed, trunk, field glasses, canteen, etc. I turned over to Mr. Benham, saw them placed together in a room and showed them to Jacob.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSix companies of the Regt. have gone in under command of Capt. Boswell. The others will go tonight. I am much afraid we may be detained somewhat at Union, the first burnt bridge; but our great object is to get away as fast as possible from the road to Pound Gap. I will send you a copy of the order from the Sec of War.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJacob, during our troubles has been invaluable to me; indeed, while attending to my immensible duties, I think I would have starved but for his providing hand \u0026amp; it is almost certain I would have lost everything I have, but for his care. I envy you very much the possession of so valuable \u0026amp; reliable a servant.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI told him he would either keep his horse in the Quartermaster's stables or at Mr. Benham's. In case I misinterpreted your wishes concerning him, and you should desire him to be sent on, write to Dr. Howard, who expects to carry his own, \u0026amp; it will be as easy to carry two as one. Should you adopt this suggestion, you had better write immediately.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJacob desires me to say he is tolerable well and would like to hear from you as soon as convenient to know what course he is to pursue.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMaj. Green has not returned as yet. Two of Capt. Richardson's men deserted last night. I think we have some thirty sick in the hospital.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHoping this may find you rapidly recovering and that you are able to rejoin us speedily.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am sir, very respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nP. P. Slaughter\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[on back]\nCopy of Order from Sec. Of War\u003cbr\u003e\nExtract\u003cbr\u003e\nAdj. \u0026amp; Inspect. Genl's Office\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond Jan 2th 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nSpecial Order\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. 1:\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eXV. Colonel Stuart's 56th Regt. Virginia Volunteers, is detached from General Humphrey Marshall's Command and will immediately proceed to Bowling Green, Kentucky and report to General A. S. Johnston for duty with General Floyd's Brigade.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy Command of the Secretary of War\u003cbr\u003e\nJno. Withers\u003cbr\u003e\nAsst. Adjt. Genl. Col. 56th Va. Vols.\u003cbr\u003e\nTo\u003cbr\u003e\nCommanding Officer C. S. Forces\u003cbr\u003e\nAbingdon Va.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nFeb 5th 62\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGenl. Cooper,\u003cbr\u003e\nSir,\u003cbr\u003e\nI beg leave to submit he following statement to the Department in refutation of the report, circulated I understand at the Head Qrs. by the Brigade Quartermaster of Genl. Humphrey Marshall's, to the effect that I had refused transportation for my command, from Abingdon to Prestonsburg the point to which I was ordered by Genl. Marshall. The enclosed letter written at\nthe time to the Department has bearing upon this point. The following is a literal copy of the order from Genl. Marshall by my messenger Capt. Taylor sent to inquire to which point I should march.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHead Quarters Brigade\u003cbr\u003e\nPound Gap 1 Dec 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol. Stuart,\u003cbr\u003e\nSir,\u003cbr\u003e\nIn reply to your note reporting your command to me, I direct that you move your regiment forward by Pound Gap towards Prestonsburg in Kentucky, as soon as possible after the reception of this order, unless you should receive directions from Major Genl. George B. Crittenden at Knoxville.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am sir\u003cbr\u003e\nYour Obt. Servt.\u003cbr\u003e\nHumphrey Marshall\u003cbr\u003e\nBrig. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThis order was received late at night and a verbal message by Capt. Taylor that a messenger had been sent to Genl. Crittenden to inform him of my presence in Abingdon and that he should write order me to join him if necessary. Not hearing from Genl. Crittenden in forty-eight hours after, I sent Lieut. Col. Slaughter to Knoxville to find out from him at once whether I should expect orders from him and he replied by Telegraph through Capt. Cunningham his A. A. Genl.ordering me to Nashville \u0026amp; Col. Slaughter returned the following day bringing the following order by which this is an exact copy.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHd. Qrs. Knoxville Tenn.\u003cbr\u003e\nDec. 5th 1861\u003cbr\u003e\nTo Col Stuart\u003cbr\u003e\nCommand. 56th Regt. Va. Vols.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir,\u003cbr\u003e\nYou will move with your Regiment as soon as transportation can be furnished to Nashville, Tenn.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy Command of\u003cbr\u003e\nMaj. Genl. G. B. Crittenden\u003cbr\u003e\nS. Cunningham A.Genl.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe interval between the reception of these orders was employed by me busily in attempting to procure transportation and finding no Quarter Master at Abingdon, I sent to Wytheville for Capt. Gibboney A. Q. M. at that point to report at Abingdon and assist me. My own QuarterMaster was without funds for that purpose. Capt. Gibboney arrived bringing with him waggons purchased on the road and by the time of the reception of the order from Genl. Crittenden, I had enough transportation on hand, by leaving some articles behind to enable me to reach Prestonsburg. Of course after the order of Genl. Crittenden, I had no use for the waggons and ordered them immediately to be loaded with supplies of ordnance and other belongings to Genl. Marshall and forwarded to him\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eImmediately upon the receipt of Genl. Crittenden's order, so uncertain was telegraphic communication, I sent my Quarter Master to Lynchburg to arrange for transportation by rail to Nashville and had already procured it and would have been on the way to Nashville but for the bursting of one of the [flues] of the engines, when I received the following order by Telegraph\nreceived in Abingdon Dec 10th about dark.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eKnoxville Dec 10th\u003cbr\u003e\nTo Col. Stuart,\nGenl. A . S. Johnston orders that your Regiment remain with Genl. Marshall.\u003cbr\u003e\nW. H. Carroll\u003cbr\u003e\nBrig. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eUpon the reception of this order I immediately telegraphed the Department to know whose orders I should obey? In the meantime the waggons I had secured for my Regiment were on the way to Pound Gap and I was thus compelled to\ncommence again to prepare transportation for that trip.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI had been quite unwell with jaundice ad the Surgeon finding that we would be compelled to go to Pound Gap told me that he would not answer for the consequences should I undertake to go and advised my return to Richmond, where I have been confined to my room with a severe attack of Rheumatism until within the last ten days. I left the Regiment under command of Lt. Col. Slaughter and I know that the delay in proceeding to join Genl. Marshall arose from no indisposition on his part to execute the orders, but from an absolute inability to procure the necessary transportation.\nThere can be found in the service no officer more active, intelligent and competent to the discharge of the duties of his position. We are anxious if there is the slightest doubt remaining on the mind of the Honl. Sec. as to the want of proper activity on the part of the officer of the Regiment to move forward, that he will order a Court of Inquiry that the matter may be thoroughly sifted.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have the honor to be\u003cbr\u003e\nYour obt. servt.\u003cbr\u003e\nWm. D. Stuart, Col.\u003cbr\u003e\n56th Va. Regt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGenl. Hospital\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmd. March 4 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWm. T Cross, Private Co. E. 56 Reg. Va. Vols. has been in this hospital since 1 Nov 1861 with Secondary Syphilis. He has now Syphilitic Rheumatism \u0026amp; as his turn of enlistment will expire in June, I recommend his discharge from the service.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI. Beu. Gibson\u003cbr\u003e\nSurg. P. A. C. S.\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond Genl. Hospital\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOfficial business\u003cbr\u003e\nWm. D. Stuart\u003cbr\u003e\nCol: 56 Regt.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir,\u003cbr\u003e\nEnclosed please find Certificate of disability for Private W. T. Cross. It must be approved by the Capt. of his Co. \u0026amp; Col. of the Reg. \u0026amp; returned to me- at least this is the usual form.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf there is a prospect of obtaining his discharge at once, I would prefer his remaining in the Hospital until it is received here.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eVery resp.\u003cbr\u003e\nI. B. Gibson\u003cbr\u003e\nSurg. P. A. C. S.\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmd Genl. Hospital\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond Arsenal\u003cbr\u003e\nMarch 8th 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Colonel,\u003cbr\u003e\nThis will be handed you by my friend Col. W. D Stuart 56 Va. Vols. who is about joining his Regiment, at present attached to your Department. Col. Stuart has by severe sickness been detained from following a career so nobly begun at Bethel.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHis health is now sufficiently restored to justify his joining his command. I bespeak for him your kind consideration in advance, because having known him intimately from boyhood to the present time, I declare him to be a \"gentleman and a soldier\", as Lear was a king- \"every inch\".\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour Friend\u003cbr\u003e\nBriscoe G. Baldwin\u003cbr\u003e\nCapt. Arty. P. [A?]\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. W. W. Mackall\u003cbr\u003e\nA. A. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHead Quarters Floyd's Division\u003cbr\u003e\nChattanooga, Mar 17th 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nGeneral Order\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. 246\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe reenlisted men of this command are entitled to a furlough of sixty days at home, but in case of a collision with the enemy at Knoxville this will be suspended for one week.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy order\u003cbr\u003e\nBrig. Gen. Floyd\u003cbr\u003e\n[C. Derrick]\u003cbr\u003e\nA.A. Gen.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOfficial\u003cbr\u003e\n[Mr]Robin Terry\u003cbr\u003e\nA.A. A Gen.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHeadquarters Floyd's Division\u003cbr\u003e\nCamp [? Childress] Mar 17 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nGeneral Orders\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. 27\u003cbr\u003e\nExtract\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe entire command will move tomorrow morning on the cars in the following order. 1st Headquarters, 2d Artillery, 3d. 1st Brigade, 4th 2d Brigade.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe 1st Brigade will load its baggage on the cars at 9 o'clock in the [trn]-yard just across the bridge arranging so that their baggage or wagons will not be in the way of Head Qrs.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy order Brig. Gen. Floyd\u003cbr\u003e\nPeter Otey\u003cbr\u003e\nA.A. Gen\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOfficial\u003cbr\u003e\nMr. Robbin Terry\u003cbr\u003e\nA.A. A Gen.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHead Qrs Floyd Division\u003cbr\u003e\nKnoxville, March 19th/62\u003cbr\u003e\nSpecial Orders\u003cbr\u003e\nNo--\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHaving been relieved from my command I hereby turn over the troops under me to the command of Col. Maney commanding forces at Knoxville Tennessee. The commanding officers of Regts will report for duty at once to Col. Maney\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy order Brigdr Gen. Floyd\u003cbr\u003e\nPeter Otey\u003cbr\u003e\nA.A.G.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Field Officers and officers commanding regiments will report at these HdQrs as soon as practicable. The General desires to introduce these gentlemen to the commanding officer Col. Maney.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy direction\u003cbr\u003e\nBrigdr Gen. Floyd\u003cbr\u003e\nPeter Otey\u003cbr\u003e\nA.A.G.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHead Quarters Knoxville\u003cbr\u003e\nMarch 19th 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol. Stuart\u003cbr\u003e\nCommnd. 56th Va. Regt.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou will hold your Regt. ready to move at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning. Send to these Headquarters by 8 ½O'clock tomorrow morning a report of the strength of your command for duty.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGeo. Maury\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. Comdg. at Knoxville.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHd. Quarters Knoxville\u003cbr\u003e\n20th March 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eColonel\u003cbr\u003e\nW. D. Stuart\u003cbr\u003e\n56 Va. Regiment\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou are hereby directed to take command of all the forces here, formerly of Genl. Floyd's command in the movement towards Jacksboro. Capt. B. W. Snyder Qr. Master will report to you as Qr. Master for your command. He will be furnished with twelve 4 horse wagons for transportation of your command. If this transportation is more than sufficient for the tents, cooking utensils and ammunition necessary for your command you will please direct your commissary, whom you may select from your command, to load the unappropriated wagons with Flour and Bacon for which he will make requisition on the post commissary at this place.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRespectfully,\u003cbr\u003e\nGeo. Maney\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. Commanding\u003cbr\u003e\nForces at Knoxville\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHd Qrs Knoxville Mch 20th/62\u003cbr\u003e\nSpecial Order\u003cbr\u003e\nNo--\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol. Stuart will move with his command tomorrow morning at 6 o'clk on the road to Clinton. You will have rations for one day cooked tonight.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy comd of\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. George Maney Comdg Post\u003cbr\u003e\nR.B. Snowden Adjt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHead Qrs Knoxville, March 21st 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nSpecial Order No-\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol Stuart\u003cbr\u003e\nYou will hold your command, composed of the 36th, 50th, 51st and 56th Regts in readiness to move at 4 o'clk this afternoon towards Jacksboro.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol. George Maney Comdg Post\u003cbr\u003e\nR.B. Snowden Adj't.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCol. Stuart\u003cbr\u003e\nI am instructed by Col. Maney to say you will not put your command on the march until further orders. You are however instructed to hold it ready to move at a moment's notice.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eR. B. Snowden Adjt.\u003cbr\u003e\nKnoxville March 21st 1862\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHd. Quarters Knoxville\u003cbr\u003e\nMarch 21st 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol. Stuart\u003cbr\u003e\nCommand. of Floyd Brigade\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour order to march toward Clinton is revoked. I desire to see you at my Hd. Quarters in person at first convenient moment to regard to encamping your command here.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eVery Respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nGeo. Maney Col.\u003cbr\u003e\nCommnd. At Knoxville\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLebanon, 31st March 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol. Stuart,\u003cbr\u003e\nOf so much of your order of the 28th as proposes the formation of a camp near Abingdon by the unfurloughed officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates of \"Floyd's Brigade\", I shall express no opinion at this time. I presume your halt at Abingdon, for instructions from Richmond, was in pursuance of your duty under the direction of Major General Smith. I am glad he has force to spare.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe others parts of your order I cheerfully approve and will sustain. I know of no vice so fatal to our soldiery as intemperance; and, independent of the loss of many genial fellows to the cause in which our swords are drawn, their fall is the gain of the meanest and the most heartless men in community. The vigor of authority shall not be wanting on my part to sustain every effort to limit the pernicious vice.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI enclose an Order, which please hand to Maj. Fisher that he may have a few struck off and sent after such of my men as have left Abingdon.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour vindicatory note has been successful I imagine in proving that you did not delay marching last winter intentionally, but the failure to join me was a great misfortune to this command.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am ready however to look forward and not backwards, and hope our acquaintance may be as agreeable in its continuance as it has been awkward in its beginning.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYours Respectfully,\u003cbr\u003e\nH. Marshall\u003cbr\u003e\nBrig. Genl. Comd.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eApr 1st 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. Stuart\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sir,\u003cbr\u003e\nThe bearer of this note Mr. Hanshew is the father of the soldier in the 50th Regt. The young man is at present in hospital and has been quite a sufferer. He was sick in the autumn and before fairly recovered was taken to the west. He was subjected to all the exposure and hardships at Ft. Donelson where he was frost bitten in the trenches. The retreat and long march have proved too much for him and he is really quite worn out. His father wishes to take\nhim home for a few weeks if possible to [illegible] him \u0026amp; I think it important for the young man to go. I know the father well, he is worthy of trust and is a man of excellent character.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am sir very truly yours\u003cbr\u003e\nJohn B. Floyd\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eConfederate States of America\u003cbr\u003e\nTREASURY DEPARTMENT\u003cbr\u003e\nFIRST AUDITOR'S OFFICE\u003cbr\u003e\nApr. 8th 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Mr. Stuart,\u003cbr\u003e\nI think I shall die if I don't manage to get with the Army in some capacity or other, \u0026amp; as the circumstances of my family do not admit of my going as a private, I must try to obtain some position which will pay. I have not the presumption to ask for a commission in the Infantry or Artillery, where a knowledge of military tactics is essential, but as all the appointments are not made in the Engineers Corps \u0026amp; for that a knowledge of Mathematics more than anything else is required, I have thought that I might possibly by some study in the meanwhile fit myself for a position in the Engineers. I would not myself have thought such to be the case, but for the assurance of a friend, who is in the Corps \u0026amp; and after considerable experience says that I am fully capable of filling such a position creditably. The object of my writing this letter therefore is to request that you will give me a testimonial to be presented to the Sec. of War, who would doubtless be influenced by what you say. Possibly with that \u0026amp; what I may get old Bledsoe, the Asst. Sec. to say for me, I may obtain a Lieutenancy in the Engineers.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf Frank had been successful I would not myself apply, but I suppose his application is pretty securely pigeon holed \u0026amp; he will never hear from it, though Tom Harris is now in the city \u0026amp; a member of the Military Committee of Congress.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI saw Aunt F. last night and she and the children are in good spirits, looking forward to visiting you in Abingdon, in accordance with your letter of recent date. Aunt F. was glad to hear of your being so well \u0026amp; comfortably fixed \u0026amp; perhaps her cheerfulness is only the reflection from your good spirits, as she learns from your letters \u0026amp; others who have seen you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMa and the children are pleasantly fixed in Danville \u0026amp; are all very well: Frank was at Orange C. H. when I heard from him, though there is a rumor that his division went down to reinforce Magurder. The sky is brightening. I have not time to write more at present. Hoping to hear from you soon, I remain yours affectionately.\u003cbr\u003e\nW.R. Abbott\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAbingdon 20th April 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. Stuart\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sir,\u003cbr\u003e\nMrs. Saunders, the bearer of this is the mother of the boy who is applying for a discharge on the score of minority. I sent you the certificate, \u0026amp; c some days ago. I have no doubt of his being under age. She wants to know the conditions of his application. May I ask you to let her know it?\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWith the highest respect\u003cbr\u003e\nYour obd. Servt.\u003cbr\u003e\nJohn B. Floyd\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eConfederate States of America\u003cbr\u003e\nWAR DEPARTMENT\u003cbr\u003e\nEngineer's Bureau\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond, Va. 30 April 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGenl. G. W. Randolph\u003cbr\u003e\nSecretary of War\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have had the pleasure of knowing Col. W. D. Stuart for many years. At Lexington where we were cadets together, his peculiar qualifications as a soldier and tactician, on graduating, led to his immediate appointment as assistant instructor of infantry and artillery tactics, a position\nwhich he held with much credit for three years. Since the commencement of the war he has been constantly engaged on active service, first on the Peninsula and afterwards in the West. In the first locality I had the pleasure of again meeting him and heard him uniformly spoken of as a gallant, efficient, and accomplished officer.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn these days of uncertain tenure of office, your endorsement of the substance of this letter would probably be of great service to him, especially as his standing on the Peninsula and conduct in the Battle of Bethel are personally known to you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWith great respect, your obedient servant,\u003cbr\u003e\nA. L. Rives\u003cbr\u003e\nActing Chf. Eng. Bu.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWar Department\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 30th 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI take great pleasure in bearing the testimony to the gallantry and conduct of Col. Stuart at the Battle of Bethel of which I was an eye witness, and to his efficiency as an officer and his deportment as a gentleman. He is an educated soldier and I should be sorry for the Country to lose his services.\u003cbr\u003e\nGeo. W. Randolph\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp near Winchester, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nOct 26 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Colonel:\u003cbr\u003e\nI have rec'd your report of the battle of \"South Mountain\" and with it your very kind note.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI can truly assure you I was much gratified with the expressions of regard and esteem you therein expressed towards me. My brief association with you was among the most pleasant I have formed during the war and I sincerely trust it may be renewed at no distant time, under such auspices that we may be able to cultivate a still closer intimacy. With many prayers for you safety and happiness I remain truly your friend\u003cbr\u003e\nR. B. Garnett\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eProvost Marshal's Office\u003cbr\u003e\nLynchburg, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nOct 30th 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. W. D. Stuart\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sir,\u003cbr\u003e\nI received this morning a letter from one of the 56th Va. Regt. informing me that \"you \u0026amp; Maj. Green intended to write to the War Department and endeavor if possible to have me relieved of duty here and ordered to return to Regt.\" I at first doubted its authenticity, but seeing it was from a semi-official source I necessarily attached some importance to it.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI was astonished to hear that you contemplated such a thing as it would undoubtedly place me in a false light before the Department. I presumed you had received official notification of my appointment here.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have always thought you were magnanimous enough not only to be willing for any officer of your Regt. to obtain promotion and a better position, but would aid him if possible in doing so.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI informed you in three letters before that I applied in Sept. last to Q. M. for transportation to Regt. and applying the same day to Adjt. Gen. Cooper in person to ascertain the point to go to, was directed by him to report to Maj. Gen. Smith for duty. By whom I was sent to Brig. Gen. Winder who ordered me to take charge of the C. S. Military Prison. I remained there about three weeks and discharged the duties satisfactorily to my commissioning officer and was on the 21st Oct. appointed \"Provost Marshal\" of this city with written orders from Maj. Gen. G. W. Smith, a copy of which I send you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eEach position was unsolicited and unexpected by me; but at the same time agreeable ad satisfactory; because the \"posts\" I was assigned were not only easier and higher than the Capt. of Infantry, but also horses and servants furnished me, and paid $180 per month. The pay however is no consideration with me. The chances of promotion are still greater in my present position.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI will also state to you, that is I preferred it, I am legally exempt from military duty by the recent \"exemption act\" passed by both \"Houses of Congress\" and approved by the President. First I have a plantation with over 40 negroes, and on it \"no white male adult not liable to military duty.\" Second I have a large manufacturing mill and my superintendence is necessary for its successful operation. For either 1st or 2nd reasons I am exempt by \"Act of Congress\".\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBut notwithstanding pecuniary losses I am willing to remain in the army, provided my services will accomplish anything in the cause we are engaged.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope this will be satisfactory to you. I fear you did not receive my former letters making substantially the same statements as above; and I feel a conscientious sense of duty, in justice to myself to write to you again\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe appointment here was somewhat complimentary to me and I have intimations already of a higher and more responsible position being assigned me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI would be glad if you would answer this.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eVery respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nYour obt. Servant\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas D. Jeffress\u003cbr\u003e\nCapt. and Provost Marshall of Lynchburg\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eP.S. I understand that only 8 or 10 efficient men of Co. \"G\" are with the Regt. and only about 22 or 23 in all on roll. I left several in Richmond at Hospital who will probably never recover sufficiently to return to duty.\u003cbr\u003e\nT. D. J.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e18th Va. Regt.\u003cbr\u003e\nNov. 26th 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. W. D. Stuart\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol.,\u003cbr\u003e\nIn reply to your note rec'd some time since asking of the \"mention made\" of Capt. T. D. Jeffress \"upon\" a report of one of the Richmond battles forwarded by myself to Brigade Hd. Qrs., I have to say that Capt. Jeffress made out the report of the battle himself, he being the Senr. Officer present who was in the fight. When the report was handed to me Lt. Chaffin Actg. Adjt. told me that the officers of the Regt. desired that I should make mention of the good conduct of Capt. Jeffress in battle, as the Capt. from motives of delicacy would of course say nothing of himself. I endorsed upon the report that I was not in the battle myself, was not in command of the Regiment at the time the events spoken of occurred, but that at the request of others, I would state that Capt. Jeffress deserved \"honorable mention\" for good conduct in battle. I have since learned that Lt. Chaffin was not in the fight himself and I am sorry that I acted upon his suggestion and made the endorsement referred to for the reason that I appeared to discriminate in favor of Capt. Jeffress when in fact I knew nothing of the conduct of any officer in the Regiment in the battle alluded to.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am Col.\u003cbr\u003e\nVery Respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nGeo. C. Cabell, Major\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Near Petersburg\u003cbr\u003e\nof Pickett's Div. Garnett's Brig.\u003cbr\u003e\nMarch 7th 1863\u003cbr\u003e\nGenl. S. A. Cooper\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir,\u003cbr\u003e\nI respectfully make an application for 25 Conscripts the requisite number to fill the reduced ranks of my Company at its present standard. You will confer a favour by assigning to the ranks of my Company 25 Conscripts,or any number as you, in your judgement may think proper or circumstances may require. You can see by my muster roll that my company only numbers 31 total present or absent, having never received any Conscripts since its entry into\nservice.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMost Respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nYour obedient Servt.\u003cbr\u003e\nF. W. Nelson\u003cbr\u003e\nLt. Comd. Co. \"A\" 56th Va.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Near Petersburg, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nMarch 7th 1863\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI respectfully ask permission to be absent from my duties for a few days for the following reasons. My property has been dwindling away daily since 25th Dec last, for want of my personal attention. My negroes are roaming through the country without a proper home and I will probably lose them all if I cannot attend to the matter immediately. I leave my company in command of the Capt. I have deferred asking leave of absence until now, because of there being only two (2) officers belonging to the company and the comdg. Officer of the Regt. deems it best that the vacancies of 2nd and 2nd jr. Lieuts. should not be filled at present, I presume because of the smallness of the Co. I reenlisted as a private and have never received a furlough or anything in lieu thereof and have never been absent without leave.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eS. D. Cronin 1st Lieut.\u003cbr\u003e\nCo. \"I\" 56th Va. Regt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMarch 8th, 1863\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI respectfully ask for a leave of absence for 20 days to visit my home in Mecklenburg Co. Va. having been in the service for 20 months and having never received but four days furlough since the organization of my Regiment. I hope this application will be granted. I was originally a 12 months Volunteer and subsequently reenlisted for the War.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLieut. F. W. Nelson\u003cbr\u003e\nCo. A. 56th Va. Regt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eKittrell's Springs\u003cbr\u003e\nJuly 27th 1863\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. Wm. D. Stuart\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sir,\u003cbr\u003e\nI was transferred from General Hospital No. 10 to Black's and White's Hospital, from that place on the recommendation of the Medical Director in Richmond (Dr. Wm. Carrington) I was allowed the privilege of going home and report once in fifteen days in person or through my Physician's certificate. My furlough was extended the other day, 30 days to enable me to visit\nthe Springs for my health. I am improving very rapidly mow and shall be on, as soon as I am able for duty. You have passed though a very fiery ordeal since I left you. I regret being absent from my company in time of battle. I am truly sorry to learn that you are wounded, hope it will not prove serious, and allow me here to indulge the hope that you will be Genl. Garrett's successor. You certainly deserve the place. I am very anxious to hear from my company. I heard indirectly that Lieut. Finley was wounded, whether seriously or not I did not learn. Pickett's Division was very badly cut up. The mortality among officers was unprecedented. I expect to be here at least two weeks longer. I wish to get entirely well before returning. When I return again I hope to be able to stay with you. Direct your letter to \"Lawrenceville. Brunswick Co. Va.\" With my best wishes that you may speedily recover and when I see you again you may be my Brigadier. I subscribe myself your true friend,\u003cbr\u003e\nN. A. Flournoy\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Virginia Military Institute \nDecember 3 1850","My dear sir \nHaving understood that Mr. W. D. Stuart is an applicant for a commission in the U.S. Army I take the liberty of addressing you a private note on his behalf. I do this in preference to the formal course of a recommendation, because you will be better able to appreciate what I may\nsay in the unreserved mode in which I write.","You are aware that Mr. S. entered this Institution as a cadet in July 1847. After completing the whole course of studies, he was graduated in July last with great credit. You will see by the accompanying merit roll that in all his classes he maintained a most respectable standing, while in Geology, Artillery, and Infantry Tactics, he was No. 1. And in Military Engineering 3rd.","In addition to these facts, he was a commissioned officer of the Corps of Cadets and gave great satisfaction to us in the manner in which he discharged his duties.","So high was our estimate of his talents as a scholar and qualifications as an officer, that on a vacancy in our Corps of Instructors occurring in July, he was selected as an assistant Professor of Math. And assistant Instructor of Tactics and has been discharging these duties with great credit up to the present time.","From my personal knowledge of the qualifications of an officer of the Army, I know that there are few young men who enter the Service from West Point who are better qualified than Stuart and I have no doubt he will make as fine an officer as can be selected for the Infantry arm of\nthe Service.","You know his moral qualifications as well as I do. If any doubt had existed on this point, he would never have been appointed an officer in this Institution.","hope it will be the pleasure of the President to confer an appointment upon Mr. Stuart.","This Institution has been laboring now for 11 years in building up its Military reputation and we should like to have an opportunity of comparing our graduates with those from West Point.","With cordial regards to Mrs. S. \nI am very truly your friend \nFrancis H. Smith","Hon. A. H. H. Stuart\nWashington City","Va. Military Institute \nDec 10th 1850","Mr. W.D. Stuart desires to obtain a commision in the U.S. Army. His present post, that of Asst. Instructor of Tactics in the Va. Military Institute is evidence of his peculiar fitness for command. His acquirements at the Insititute of which he is a graduate, embracing Engineering, Artillery, and Infantry Tactics, with Mathematics and the Natural Sciences were such as to induce the authorities of the Institute to select him from her many graduates for the very responsible situation he now holds, a situation which requires judgement, firmness and decision of Character- all of which Mr. Stuart possesses in a high degree. His uniformily gentlemanly\ndeportment has endeared him to his fellow officers and will make him grace the position he seeks. \nThomas. H. Williamson \nProf. Engr. \u0026 Arch.","VMI \nDecember 10, 1850","W. Stuart was appointed immediately after his graduation Assistant Instructor of Tactics in the Virginia Military Institute. This is the highest and most indubitable testimony of the estimate of his military qualifications, by those who know him best. The course of military instruction and discipline at the Institute conforms strictly to that of the U.S.A. at West Point and is conducted by graduates of the latter Institution. If from a jealous regard to the character of the Army, the\nGovernment ordinarily restricts its commissions to the graduates of West Point, the same principle might well incline it, in its exceptional appointment of citizens, to feel a preference for those, who like Mr. Stuart, have at a State Institution, thoroughly prepared themselves for the Military Profession. \nJohn T.L. Preston \nProf. V.M.I","Engineers Office \nMemphis and Charleston Railroad \nHuntsville \nNovember 22d 1854","My Dear Stuart, \nI have just stolen away from my wife and have run up to my office with the determination of writing you. I was not a little surprised to learn through your letter that you had written me. Your letter, which reached me about ten days ago was the only one I have received from you since your marriage. I wrote you at that particularly interesting time a note of congratulations, as well as a letter, just before your mariage, but have received no letter in return. Now my good fellow I have no doubt but what you think that you wrote me, but as for my part I am inclined to think that you did not. I am sure I should not think it strange if you had not for you are a newly married man, and as a matter of course can not afford to give your friends many thoughts, at least for a while.","It is really refreshing, my old friend to hear from you and especially to know that you are a married man and in the full enjoyment of the pleasures that attend married love. My wife returned from Virginia about the first of September with much improved health---and my boy is a most magnificent fellow. A look at him might be of some service to you. Don't blush my dear fellow I don't mean any thing.","Dabney, what under the sun has become of all of our class mates. You are living in the center of our great union and should be posted up on every thing. I never see the names of any of our class in the papers, nor do I ever correspond with any of them, hence I am utterly ignorant of their movements. I never any thing from Lexington since you left there. Have any of our old acquaintances married off since our days-.","Matters here are still wearing a pleasant and flattering aspect. Our road is moving on finely, and we trust ere many more months pass away, that we will have a large and important portion of our work finished. I wish that we had a good comfortable post to offer you here. We are finishing up so fast that we are reducing the Corps instead of increasing. Still, should you ever make up your mind to embark in the profession, we might look out for a post for you.","Your school I trust will for the present afford you a comfortable competency, and something besides. School teaching, like every thing else has its reverses, its calms and its storms. We can find no profession that is made up entirely of sunshine. We must expect the life of man to harmonize with nature, having its passing clouds and refreshing sunshine in equal turns. I with all my hopeful temperament, have had my moments of gloom and anxiety, but with a fond wife, no less hopeful than myself, to cheer me, I have faced all and am now full of bright anticipation. Nor does this come about from any fortune, or particular promises, but all from a conviction that there is room for everyone in this world and plenty for everyone to do, and that industry when ever it is found is in the course of time rewarded. This is an unusually difficult time with almost everyone. There seems to be a weariness in the money market in every quarter. Men experience great difficulty in meeting their general expenses. This state of affairs, I have no doubt has had its influence upon your school, and I feel assured that there will be an improvement after a little while. I hope my dear Stuart, that you will continue to keep me posted up in regard to your movements, for I may find a good offering out South that would please you, and if such should be the case, it would give me inexpressible pleasure to serve you. I will always be on the look out. A new country is better for a young man in any profession. The competition is not so great and pay better. Present me the kindest manner to your good wife and receive the renewed assurance of your old and sincere friend and classmate. \nGabe Jordan Jr.","Richmond, Va. \nApril 15th 1861","Gov. Letcher \nDear Sir, \nI enclose recommendations from the Authorities of the Va. Military Institute to the Secretary of War under Mr. Fillmore for an appointment in the U.S. Army at that time. I submit them to you in my own behalf for an appointment under the State of Va. in the event of her secession from\nthe present Federal Government. I desire an appointment to any position in which my services may be required the most valuable, either in the active duties of the field or otherwise. \nVery respectfully yours, \nWm. D. Stuart","Head Qrs Va Forces \nRichmond Va. May 20 1861 \nSpecial Orders \nNo 82","Col. T.P. August, Lt. Col. W.D. Stuart, and Major Thos. G. Peyton, Virginia Vols, are assigned to duty with the troops at the \"Camp of Instruction\" and will report without delay to Col. William Gilham commanding that post.","By order of Maj. Genl Lee \nR. Garnett \nAdjt Genl.","Richmond \nMay 21st 1861 \nCapt. W. D. Stuart","Dear Sir, \nAt a meeting of the Richmond City Guard held this evening, the undersigned were appointed a Committee to express to you the unfeigned regret of the Company on having read your resignation, and to tender you the sincere thanks of the Company for the faithfulness and efficiency with which you have discharged the duties of Commanding Officer.","While the Company deplores deeply the necessity which separates you from us, we rejoice to know that our Beloved State will have the benefit of your valuable services.","Permit us personally and on behalf of the Company to tender you our best wishes for your future happiness and prosperity.","Very truly your friends, \nDavis N. Walker \nSamuel M. Bailey \nJames E. Burress","Unofficial","Camp of Instruction \nMay 23rd","My dear Col. \nWhen three field officers were assigned to duty here, I was so green as to put each in command of a Regt., having no other officers who knew any thing about organizing a Regt. This arrangement does not seem to have suited Col. August, who has been complaining to the powers that be, and I have received an order directing me to assign them all to one Regt--that of Col. August of course. Col. Stuart is one of them, and is totally unprepared for the field; he will make application to Gen. Fauntleroy this evening for a few days, please see what you can do for him. Gen. F. though may not have him in his Divn, if so he will have to go to Col. Magruder of course.","Yours sincerely \nW. Gilham","Richmond \nJuly 5th 1861 \nLt. Col. Stewart [Stuart] \n3rd Regt. Va. Vols. \nYorktown","Dear Sir, \nSometime, about the latter part of May or the commencement of June your lady Mrs. Stewart in company with Mrs. Lucy Wharton called at my Office in order to procure material for the purpose of making you a tent as they were unable to get a tent allready made: and stated that you were without one. Under these circumstances, I furnished the necessary material with the consent of Col. Heth the then Q.M. General who instructed me to take your receipt for one tent. The receipt has been delayed from various causes, partly because I did not know the address of Mrs. Stewart or yourself. Should you receive this letter I would be much obliged that you sign and return me the enclosed receipt; by your prompt attention to wit you will much oblige.","Yours very respectfully, \nMaury Garland \nCapt. and Asst. Q. M.","Head Quarters Williamsburg \nJuly 25th 1861","Col., \nThe General having understood that Colonel August is unwell. He directs that you will urge with the greatest vigor the work on the Fortification at King's Mill. In order to do this you will have but one drill a day in the evening. The working hours will be from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. The guns to place in the various works are now on the way here and it is specially desired to have the works ready for them at the earliest moment.","I am sir very respectfully \nYour obedient servant \nG. B. Cosby \nMaj. and AAAG","Adjutant Inspr Genl's Office \nRichmond \nSept 17th 1861 \nExtract \nSpecial Orders \nNo. 280","XI. Lieut Colonel William D. Stuart Virginia Volunteers is promoted to be Colonel and assigned to the Command of the 56th Virginia Regiment just organized at Camp Lee, near this city, andwill report accordingly.","By order of the Secretary of War \n[Geo. Deas] \nA.A.G.","Camp Lee \nNov. 15th 1861 \nCol. George W. Munford","Sir \nI had the honor receive at the hands of Col. S. Bassett French the Flag of Va. intended for the Regiment I have the honor to command, also the accompanying letter of presentation from you.","As the commanding officer of the Regt. and its organ upon this occasion, I need not assure you that I received it with pride and satisfaction. Regarding it as the emblem of the honor and purity of our Mother State, hitherto unsullied in Council or War it shall be carefully guarded that it receive no detriment at the hands of the Regiment to which you have confided. I think I can with all safety assure you, and that the Sons of Va., voluntarily of the 56th Va. Regt. will ever be found at their post of duty and that they will never do discredit to the sacred cause in which they have enlisted.","The Daughters of Va. whose fair hands have wrought this beautiful emblem of Va.'s honor, will never have cause to blush for shame at the conduct of their brothers.","I am very respectfully \nYour obedient servant \nWilliam D. Stuart, Col. \nCommanding 56th Va. Regt.","Adjt and Insp Genls Office \nRichmond, Nov 21st 1861 \nExtract \nSpecial Orders \nNo 232","XI. The 56th Regiment Virginia Volunteers, Col. Stuart Commanding, will proceed without delay, via Wytheville, to Jeffersonville, VA. and report for duty to Brig. Genl. Marshall.","By Command of the Sec. of War \nJno. Withers \nAsst. Adjt. Genl.","Head Quarters Brigade \nPound Gap \n1 Dec 1861","Col. Stuart, \nSir, \nIn reply to your note reporting your command to me, I direct that you move your regiment forward by Pound Gap towards Prestonburg in Kentucky, as soon as possible after the reception of the order, unless you should receive other directions from Maj. Genl. George B. Crittenden at Knoxville.","I am sir, \nYour obedient servant, \nHumphrey Marshall \nBrig. Genl.","Some of the wagoners I hired and started left the teams on the road. I am compelled to go to Abingdon by private conveyance ad will purchase some waggons \u0026 c by the way and hire other wagoners.","W. Gibboney \nA. Q. M.","Transportation Office C.S.A \nWytheville, Va. December 2nd 1861 \nCol. W. D. Stuart \nCom. 56th Regt. Va. Vols. \nAbingdon Va.","Colonel, \nThe Frt. Agt. of the Va. and Tenn. R. R. has requested me to give him vouchers for the transportation of the stores in the Train which accompanied that containing your Regiment from Wytheville to Abigdon and allso for the baggage of the Regiment.","Will you please inform me whether you have already provided receipt for the transportation and whether the baggage was entitled to transportable from government. I have the honor to be","Very Respectfully \nYour obedient servant \nA. Meade Smith \nCapt. \u0026 [Acting] QM CSA","Hd. Qts. Knoxville, Tenn \nDec. 5th 1861","To- \nCol. Stuart \nCommd. 56th Regt. Va. Vols.","You will move with your Regiment as soon as transportation can be furnished to you, to Nashville Tenn.","By Command of \nMaj. Genl. G. B. Crittenden \nA.S. Cunningham \nA.A. Genl.","Received at: Abingdon Dec 10 1861","By Telegraph from: Knoxville Dec 10 \nTo: Col. Stuart","Genl. Johnson orders that your Regiment remain with Genl. Marshall W. H. Carroll \nBrig. Genl.","Received at: Abingdon Dec 11 1861 \nBy Telegraph from: Richmond Dec 11 \nTo: Col. W. D. Stuart","Proceed with your Regiment to Pound Gap and report to Genl. Marshall. The Quarter Masters Dept. is ordered to furnish transportation.","S. Cooper \nA. G.","Headquarters 1st Brigade \nArmy of Eastern Ky. \nCamp near Paintville \nDec 21st 1861","Special Order \nNo. 8","Col. Stuart is directed to move his Regiment from Abingdon immediately with such transportation as can be procured. It is of the first importance to the safety and success of the command on this frontier that the reinforcements destined for the forces already here shall move to the front without delay. Fine opportunities for brilliant successes have been lost for want of their presence ad others are daily passing away. The weather has favored the\nmovement of the troops, but has not been taken at advantage. The General directs that the movement be commenced without further delay and that the passage of the troops over Pound Gap be notified to him by the returning courier.","By order of \nBrig. Genl. H. Marshall \nAtt. B. H. Bradley \nA. Adjt. Genl.","1861 December 22 \nPaintsville, KY 22nd Dec.","Col. Stuart, \nI send express to you to move your regiment without delay. I am before a force so much superior to me in number, according to the report of reliable scouts, that I can scarcely hope to avoid a collision-- it may be disastrous to us- until you arrive.","If there are any forces near your route who are disengaged I would like exceedingly to have them assist me now. I am here with a force not amounting to 1500 men fit for duty. I shall struggle to keep off the evil day as long possible for you to arrive.","Yours truly \u0026 c \nH. Marshall \nBrig. Genl.","[note on back] \nPress transportation any where you can, if it is not ready, but travel lightly for the roads are deep. H.M.","Adj. [\u0026] Inspect. Genl's Office \nRichmond Dec 24/61","Sir, \nThe Secretary of War directs that you immediately proceed to carry out the instructions referred to in your comn of the 23rd inst. by reporting, with all your effective force, for duty to Brig. General Marshall, making proper provisions for your sick at Abingdon.","Very Respectfully \nYour Obd. Servt. \nR. H. Chilton \nA. Genl.","Lt. Col. Philip P. Slaughter \nOr/ Commanding Officer \n56 Reg. Va. Vols. \nAbingdon , Va.","Abingdon (Va) Dec 27th 1861","To- \nCol. Wm. D Stuart","Dear Sir: \nSince my arrival I have received orders to go immediately to Pound Gap from both the Sec. of War and Gen. Marshall. The order from Gen. M is both peremptory and urgent, and it is asource of the greatest mortification to me to find that, at so critical a juncture we are totally impotent, and I much fear (\"entre nous\") our reputation may suffer in the mind of the public\nwho cannot be aware of the embarrassing circumstances by which we are surrounded. I think it would be well if you could represent us in our true colors to the War Dept. Genl. M. writes that he is threatened by a superior force and urges our immediate movement which I am unable to comply with, not having more than eight or nine waggons and no horses. At the very earliest moment possible I will move on to Pound Gap with the fragment of the Regt.","From what I have learned since writing the above, the opinion prevails in Richmond that the Regt. declined transportation on account of the \"onerous march across the mountains\". You can judge of the correctness of this statement. Such seems to be the prevailing opinion in the War. Dept. Can you do any thing for us? I am in the worst quandary I ever was in my life.\nPlease telegraph me at your earliest convenience.","I think a court of inquiry would be beneficial to us: at all events, it could not injure us.","Yours very respectfully \nP. P. Slaughter \nFavor of \nCapt. R. B. Patterson \nQ.M.","P. S. \nI enclose you Genl. Marshall's orders, that you may see how we stand. I retain a copy of them. You will also find enclosed, the order from War Dept. P. P. S.","Abingdon Dec. 27th 1861","To- \nBrig. Gen. Marshall","Sir, \nI am in receipt of your order of the 22nd inst. as well as your Special Order No. 8. It is a source of exceeding regret and much mortification to me, to find myself in so crippled a condition at such a critical junction. Twice since being here I have prepared transportation in accordance with orders, once to join your command, which, when I got ready, I was compelled to decline by an order from Gen. Crittenden \"to go immediately to Nashville and report to Gen. A. S. Johnston. I then went to work to get transportation by rail, to Nashville, which I after some days effected. My men were at the Depot ready to march on the cars, when I received a telegram to remain and go with you; since which time I have not been able to collect the necessary No. of waggons to convey the Regt. in obedience to orders.","The Regt. is reduced lower than one half its original size, and is at present in a very debilitated condition. Col. Stuart, by reason of sickness has not been able to take command of the Regt. since leaving Richmond. Maj. Green is absent, all of which combine to place me in a very unenviable position upon the receipt of your orders.","As to the matter of transportation, I have only eight or ten wagons and no horses, as the Quartermaster informs me.","I shall endeavor to the utmost of my ability to move at the earliest time possible and most sincerely hope I may be able to join you in season to render some assistance in the existing emergency.","This will be handed to you by Capt. T. Smith of the 56th Regt. in whom you can place all confidence.","I did not see your courier or I should have dispatched by him. He left before I could reach the village.","I am sir very respectfully \nYour obt. Servt. \nPhilip P. Slaughter \nLt. Col. Comd. 56th Va. Regt.","Abigdon, Va. Dec 27th 1861","Dear Colonel, \n'Tis said and I more than partly believe that we are to move to Marshall's Command per Pound Gap and that in some what of a hurry. Your command is worse off in the matter of sick men than when you left. There are forty men in the Hospital and the number would be greater in there were room. The number of sick men in camp and private houses is hardly to be believed,\nbut I think I am in bounds when I say that if 250 men rank and file are able to march now, 'tis more than I expect. But 'tis hardly friendly to trouble you with such things so I'll only say that we \"what can go\" are going and no mistake. I hear you have some idea of joining us immediately. Don't hurry unless you are really strong enough; for I know your impetuosity of old.","In great haste \nM. Howard","Adjt and Inspr. Genl's Office \nRichmond, Jany 2 1862 \nExtract \nSpecial Order \nNo. 1","Colonel Stuart's 56th Regiment Virginia Volunteers is detached from General Humphrey Marshall's Command and will immediately proceed to Bowling Green Kentucky and report to General A.S. Johnston for duty with General Floyds Brigade.","By Command of the Secretary of War \nJohn Withers \nAsst. Adjt Genl.","Abingdon (Va) Jan. 4th 1862 \nCol. Wm. D. Stuart","Dear Sir, \nOn yesterday, I received from Captain Patteson the following telegram. \"Col. Stuart says, leave Jacob and his baggage\". The dispatch said nothing of the horse. I was in much doubt about him. Before determining, I mentioned the matter to Dr. Howard, who by the way, has been confined to his bed for a week, \u0026 is unable to proceed with the Regt. and intends keeping his horse with him. After reading the telegram, he advised me to leave your horse in care of Jacob. All your baggage, that is, all I imagine was meant, consisting of a horse, saddle \u0026 bridle, sword, bed, trunk, field glasses, canteen, etc. I turned over to Mr. Benham, saw them placed together in a room and showed them to Jacob.","Six companies of the Regt. have gone in under command of Capt. Boswell. The others will go tonight. I am much afraid we may be detained somewhat at Union, the first burnt bridge; but our great object is to get away as fast as possible from the road to Pound Gap. I will send you a copy of the order from the Sec of War.","Jacob, during our troubles has been invaluable to me; indeed, while attending to my immensible duties, I think I would have starved but for his providing hand \u0026 it is almost certain I would have lost everything I have, but for his care. I envy you very much the possession of so valuable \u0026 reliable a servant.","I told him he would either keep his horse in the Quartermaster's stables or at Mr. Benham's. In case I misinterpreted your wishes concerning him, and you should desire him to be sent on, write to Dr. Howard, who expects to carry his own, \u0026 it will be as easy to carry two as one. Should you adopt this suggestion, you had better write immediately.","Jacob desires me to say he is tolerable well and would like to hear from you as soon as convenient to know what course he is to pursue.","Maj. Green has not returned as yet. Two of Capt. Richardson's men deserted last night. I think we have some thirty sick in the hospital.","Hoping this may find you rapidly recovering and that you are able to rejoin us speedily.","I am sir, very respectfully \nP. P. Slaughter","[on back]\nCopy of Order from Sec. Of War \nExtract \nAdj. \u0026 Inspect. Genl's Office \nRichmond Jan 2th 1862 \nSpecial Order \nNo. 1:","XV. Colonel Stuart's 56th Regt. Virginia Volunteers, is detached from General Humphrey Marshall's Command and will immediately proceed to Bowling Green, Kentucky and report to General A. S. Johnston for duty with General Floyd's Brigade.","By Command of the Secretary of War \nJno. Withers \nAsst. Adjt. Genl. Col. 56th Va. Vols. \nTo \nCommanding Officer C. S. Forces \nAbingdon Va.","Richmond, Va. \nFeb 5th 62","Genl. Cooper, \nSir, \nI beg leave to submit he following statement to the Department in refutation of the report, circulated I understand at the Head Qrs. by the Brigade Quartermaster of Genl. Humphrey Marshall's, to the effect that I had refused transportation for my command, from Abingdon to Prestonsburg the point to which I was ordered by Genl. Marshall. The enclosed letter written at\nthe time to the Department has bearing upon this point. The following is a literal copy of the order from Genl. Marshall by my messenger Capt. Taylor sent to inquire to which point I should march.","Head Quarters Brigade \nPound Gap 1 Dec 1861","Col. Stuart, \nSir, \nIn reply to your note reporting your command to me, I direct that you move your regiment forward by Pound Gap towards Prestonsburg in Kentucky, as soon as possible after the reception of this order, unless you should receive directions from Major Genl. George B. Crittenden at Knoxville.","I am sir \nYour Obt. Servt. \nHumphrey Marshall \nBrig. Genl.","This order was received late at night and a verbal message by Capt. Taylor that a messenger had been sent to Genl. Crittenden to inform him of my presence in Abingdon and that he should write order me to join him if necessary. Not hearing from Genl. Crittenden in forty-eight hours after, I sent Lieut. Col. Slaughter to Knoxville to find out from him at once whether I should expect orders from him and he replied by Telegraph through Capt. Cunningham his A. A. Genl.ordering me to Nashville \u0026 Col. Slaughter returned the following day bringing the following order by which this is an exact copy.","Hd. Qrs. Knoxville Tenn. \nDec. 5th 1861 \nTo Col Stuart \nCommand. 56th Regt. Va. Vols.","Sir, \nYou will move with your Regiment as soon as transportation can be furnished to Nashville, Tenn.","By Command of \nMaj. Genl. G. B. Crittenden \nS. Cunningham A.Genl.","The interval between the reception of these orders was employed by me busily in attempting to procure transportation and finding no Quarter Master at Abingdon, I sent to Wytheville for Capt. Gibboney A. Q. M. at that point to report at Abingdon and assist me. My own QuarterMaster was without funds for that purpose. Capt. Gibboney arrived bringing with him waggons purchased on the road and by the time of the reception of the order from Genl. Crittenden, I had enough transportation on hand, by leaving some articles behind to enable me to reach Prestonsburg. Of course after the order of Genl. Crittenden, I had no use for the waggons and ordered them immediately to be loaded with supplies of ordnance and other belongings to Genl. Marshall and forwarded to him","Immediately upon the receipt of Genl. Crittenden's order, so uncertain was telegraphic communication, I sent my Quarter Master to Lynchburg to arrange for transportation by rail to Nashville and had already procured it and would have been on the way to Nashville but for the bursting of one of the [flues] of the engines, when I received the following order by Telegraph\nreceived in Abingdon Dec 10th about dark.","Knoxville Dec 10th \nTo Col. Stuart,\nGenl. A . S. Johnston orders that your Regiment remain with Genl. Marshall. \nW. H. Carroll \nBrig. Genl.","Upon the reception of this order I immediately telegraphed the Department to know whose orders I should obey? In the meantime the waggons I had secured for my Regiment were on the way to Pound Gap and I was thus compelled to\ncommence again to prepare transportation for that trip.","I had been quite unwell with jaundice ad the Surgeon finding that we would be compelled to go to Pound Gap told me that he would not answer for the consequences should I undertake to go and advised my return to Richmond, where I have been confined to my room with a severe attack of Rheumatism until within the last ten days. I left the Regiment under command of Lt. Col. Slaughter and I know that the delay in proceeding to join Genl. Marshall arose from no indisposition on his part to execute the orders, but from an absolute inability to procure the necessary transportation.\nThere can be found in the service no officer more active, intelligent and competent to the discharge of the duties of his position. We are anxious if there is the slightest doubt remaining on the mind of the Honl. Sec. as to the want of proper activity on the part of the officer of the Regiment to move forward, that he will order a Court of Inquiry that the matter may be thoroughly sifted.","I have the honor to be \nYour obt. servt. \nWm. D. Stuart, Col. \n56th Va. Regt.","Genl. Hospital \nRichmd. March 4 1862","Wm. T Cross, Private Co. E. 56 Reg. Va. Vols. has been in this hospital since 1 Nov 1861 with Secondary Syphilis. He has now Syphilitic Rheumatism \u0026 as his turn of enlistment will expire in June, I recommend his discharge from the service.","I. Beu. Gibson \nSurg. P. A. C. S. \nRichmond Genl. Hospital","Official business \nWm. D. Stuart \nCol: 56 Regt.","Sir, \nEnclosed please find Certificate of disability for Private W. T. Cross. It must be approved by the Capt. of his Co. \u0026 Col. of the Reg. \u0026 returned to me- at least this is the usual form.","If there is a prospect of obtaining his discharge at once, I would prefer his remaining in the Hospital until it is received here.","Very resp. \nI. B. Gibson \nSurg. P. A. C. S. \nRichmd Genl. Hospital","Richmond Arsenal \nMarch 8th 1862","My Dear Colonel, \nThis will be handed you by my friend Col. W. D Stuart 56 Va. Vols. who is about joining his Regiment, at present attached to your Department. Col. Stuart has by severe sickness been detained from following a career so nobly begun at Bethel.","His health is now sufficiently restored to justify his joining his command. I bespeak for him your kind consideration in advance, because having known him intimately from boyhood to the present time, I declare him to be a \"gentleman and a soldier\", as Lear was a king- \"every inch\".","Your Friend \nBriscoe G. Baldwin \nCapt. Arty. P. [A?] \nCol. W. W. Mackall \nA. A. Genl.","Head Quarters Floyd's Division \nChattanooga, Mar 17th 1862 \nGeneral Order \nNo. 246","The reenlisted men of this command are entitled to a furlough of sixty days at home, but in case of a collision with the enemy at Knoxville this will be suspended for one week.","By order \nBrig. Gen. Floyd \n[C. Derrick] \nA.A. Gen.","Official \n[Mr]Robin Terry \nA.A. A Gen.","Headquarters Floyd's Division \nCamp [? Childress] Mar 17 1862 \nGeneral Orders \nNo. 27 \nExtract","The entire command will move tomorrow morning on the cars in the following order. 1st Headquarters, 2d Artillery, 3d. 1st Brigade, 4th 2d Brigade.","The 1st Brigade will load its baggage on the cars at 9 o'clock in the [trn]-yard just across the bridge arranging so that their baggage or wagons will not be in the way of Head Qrs.","By order Brig. Gen. Floyd \nPeter Otey \nA.A. Gen","Official \nMr. Robbin Terry \nA.A. A Gen.","Head Qrs Floyd Division \nKnoxville, March 19th/62 \nSpecial Orders \nNo--","Having been relieved from my command I hereby turn over the troops under me to the command of Col. Maney commanding forces at Knoxville Tennessee. The commanding officers of Regts will report for duty at once to Col. Maney","By order Brigdr Gen. Floyd \nPeter Otey \nA.A.G.","The Field Officers and officers commanding regiments will report at these HdQrs as soon as practicable. The General desires to introduce these gentlemen to the commanding officer Col. Maney.","By direction \nBrigdr Gen. Floyd \nPeter Otey \nA.A.G.","Head Quarters Knoxville \nMarch 19th 1862","Col. Stuart \nCommnd. 56th Va. Regt.","You will hold your Regt. ready to move at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning. Send to these Headquarters by 8 ½O'clock tomorrow morning a report of the strength of your command for duty.","Geo. Maury \nCol. Comdg. at Knoxville.","Hd. Quarters Knoxville \n20th March 1862","Colonel \nW. D. Stuart \n56 Va. Regiment","You are hereby directed to take command of all the forces here, formerly of Genl. Floyd's command in the movement towards Jacksboro. Capt. B. W. Snyder Qr. Master will report to you as Qr. Master for your command. He will be furnished with twelve 4 horse wagons for transportation of your command. If this transportation is more than sufficient for the tents, cooking utensils and ammunition necessary for your command you will please direct your commissary, whom you may select from your command, to load the unappropriated wagons with Flour and Bacon for which he will make requisition on the post commissary at this place.","Respectfully, \nGeo. Maney \nCol. Commanding \nForces at Knoxville","Hd Qrs Knoxville Mch 20th/62 \nSpecial Order \nNo--","Col. Stuart will move with his command tomorrow morning at 6 o'clk on the road to Clinton. You will have rations for one day cooked tonight.","By comd of \nCol. George Maney Comdg Post \nR.B. Snowden Adjt.","Head Qrs Knoxville, March 21st 1862 \nSpecial Order No-","Col Stuart \nYou will hold your command, composed of the 36th, 50th, 51st and 56th Regts in readiness to move at 4 o'clk this afternoon towards Jacksboro.","Col. George Maney Comdg Post \nR.B. Snowden Adj't.","Col. Stuart \nI am instructed by Col. Maney to say you will not put your command on the march until further orders. You are however instructed to hold it ready to move at a moment's notice.","R. B. Snowden Adjt. \nKnoxville March 21st 1862","Hd. Quarters Knoxville \nMarch 21st 1862","Col. Stuart \nCommand. of Floyd Brigade","Your order to march toward Clinton is revoked. I desire to see you at my Hd. Quarters in person at first convenient moment to regard to encamping your command here.","Very Respectfully \nGeo. Maney Col. \nCommnd. At Knoxville","Lebanon, 31st March 1862","Col. Stuart, \nOf so much of your order of the 28th as proposes the formation of a camp near Abingdon by the unfurloughed officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates of \"Floyd's Brigade\", I shall express no opinion at this time. I presume your halt at Abingdon, for instructions from Richmond, was in pursuance of your duty under the direction of Major General Smith. I am glad he has force to spare.","The others parts of your order I cheerfully approve and will sustain. I know of no vice so fatal to our soldiery as intemperance; and, independent of the loss of many genial fellows to the cause in which our swords are drawn, their fall is the gain of the meanest and the most heartless men in community. The vigor of authority shall not be wanting on my part to sustain every effort to limit the pernicious vice.","I enclose an Order, which please hand to Maj. Fisher that he may have a few struck off and sent after such of my men as have left Abingdon.","Your vindicatory note has been successful I imagine in proving that you did not delay marching last winter intentionally, but the failure to join me was a great misfortune to this command.","I am ready however to look forward and not backwards, and hope our acquaintance may be as agreeable in its continuance as it has been awkward in its beginning.","Yours Respectfully, \nH. Marshall \nBrig. Genl. Comd.","Apr 1st 1862 \nCol. Stuart","Dear Sir, \nThe bearer of this note Mr. Hanshew is the father of the soldier in the 50th Regt. The young man is at present in hospital and has been quite a sufferer. He was sick in the autumn and before fairly recovered was taken to the west. He was subjected to all the exposure and hardships at Ft. Donelson where he was frost bitten in the trenches. The retreat and long march have proved too much for him and he is really quite worn out. His father wishes to take\nhim home for a few weeks if possible to [illegible] him \u0026 I think it important for the young man to go. I know the father well, he is worthy of trust and is a man of excellent character.","I am sir very truly yours \nJohn B. Floyd","Confederate States of America \nTREASURY DEPARTMENT \nFIRST AUDITOR'S OFFICE \nApr. 8th 1862","Dear Mr. Stuart, \nI think I shall die if I don't manage to get with the Army in some capacity or other, \u0026 as the circumstances of my family do not admit of my going as a private, I must try to obtain some position which will pay. I have not the presumption to ask for a commission in the Infantry or Artillery, where a knowledge of military tactics is essential, but as all the appointments are not made in the Engineers Corps \u0026 for that a knowledge of Mathematics more than anything else is required, I have thought that I might possibly by some study in the meanwhile fit myself for a position in the Engineers. I would not myself have thought such to be the case, but for the assurance of a friend, who is in the Corps \u0026 and after considerable experience says that I am fully capable of filling such a position creditably. The object of my writing this letter therefore is to request that you will give me a testimonial to be presented to the Sec. of War, who would doubtless be influenced by what you say. Possibly with that \u0026 what I may get old Bledsoe, the Asst. Sec. to say for me, I may obtain a Lieutenancy in the Engineers.","If Frank had been successful I would not myself apply, but I suppose his application is pretty securely pigeon holed \u0026 he will never hear from it, though Tom Harris is now in the city \u0026 a member of the Military Committee of Congress.","I saw Aunt F. last night and she and the children are in good spirits, looking forward to visiting you in Abingdon, in accordance with your letter of recent date. Aunt F. was glad to hear of your being so well \u0026 comfortably fixed \u0026 perhaps her cheerfulness is only the reflection from your good spirits, as she learns from your letters \u0026 others who have seen you.","Ma and the children are pleasantly fixed in Danville \u0026 are all very well: Frank was at Orange C. H. when I heard from him, though there is a rumor that his division went down to reinforce Magurder. The sky is brightening. I have not time to write more at present. Hoping to hear from you soon, I remain yours affectionately. \nW.R. Abbott","Abingdon 20th April 1862 \nCol. Stuart","Dear Sir, \nMrs. Saunders, the bearer of this is the mother of the boy who is applying for a discharge on the score of minority. I sent you the certificate, \u0026 c some days ago. I have no doubt of his being under age. She wants to know the conditions of his application. May I ask you to let her know it?","With the highest respect \nYour obd. Servt. \nJohn B. Floyd","Confederate States of America \nWAR DEPARTMENT \nEngineer's Bureau \nRichmond, Va. 30 April 1862","Genl. G. W. Randolph \nSecretary of War","Sir, \nI have had the pleasure of knowing Col. W. D. Stuart for many years. At Lexington where we were cadets together, his peculiar qualifications as a soldier and tactician, on graduating, led to his immediate appointment as assistant instructor of infantry and artillery tactics, a position\nwhich he held with much credit for three years. Since the commencement of the war he has been constantly engaged on active service, first on the Peninsula and afterwards in the West. In the first locality I had the pleasure of again meeting him and heard him uniformly spoken of as a gallant, efficient, and accomplished officer.","In these days of uncertain tenure of office, your endorsement of the substance of this letter would probably be of great service to him, especially as his standing on the Peninsula and conduct in the Battle of Bethel are personally known to you.","With great respect, your obedient servant, \nA. L. Rives \nActing Chf. Eng. Bu.","War Department \nApril 30th 1862","I take great pleasure in bearing the testimony to the gallantry and conduct of Col. Stuart at the Battle of Bethel of which I was an eye witness, and to his efficiency as an officer and his deportment as a gentleman. He is an educated soldier and I should be sorry for the Country to lose his services. \nGeo. W. Randolph","Camp near Winchester, Va. \nOct 26 1862","My dear Colonel: \nI have rec'd your report of the battle of \"South Mountain\" and with it your very kind note.","I can truly assure you I was much gratified with the expressions of regard and esteem you therein expressed towards me. My brief association with you was among the most pleasant I have formed during the war and I sincerely trust it may be renewed at no distant time, under such auspices that we may be able to cultivate a still closer intimacy. With many prayers for you safety and happiness I remain truly your friend \nR. B. Garnett","Provost Marshal's Office \nLynchburg, Va. \nOct 30th 1862 \nCol. W. D. Stuart","Dear Sir, \nI received this morning a letter from one of the 56th Va. Regt. informing me that \"you \u0026 Maj. Green intended to write to the War Department and endeavor if possible to have me relieved of duty here and ordered to return to Regt.\" I at first doubted its authenticity, but seeing it was from a semi-official source I necessarily attached some importance to it.","I was astonished to hear that you contemplated such a thing as it would undoubtedly place me in a false light before the Department. I presumed you had received official notification of my appointment here.","I have always thought you were magnanimous enough not only to be willing for any officer of your Regt. to obtain promotion and a better position, but would aid him if possible in doing so.","I informed you in three letters before that I applied in Sept. last to Q. M. for transportation to Regt. and applying the same day to Adjt. Gen. Cooper in person to ascertain the point to go to, was directed by him to report to Maj. Gen. Smith for duty. By whom I was sent to Brig. Gen. Winder who ordered me to take charge of the C. S. Military Prison. I remained there about three weeks and discharged the duties satisfactorily to my commissioning officer and was on the 21st Oct. appointed \"Provost Marshal\" of this city with written orders from Maj. Gen. G. W. Smith, a copy of which I send you.","Each position was unsolicited and unexpected by me; but at the same time agreeable ad satisfactory; because the \"posts\" I was assigned were not only easier and higher than the Capt. of Infantry, but also horses and servants furnished me, and paid $180 per month. The pay however is no consideration with me. The chances of promotion are still greater in my present position.","I will also state to you, that is I preferred it, I am legally exempt from military duty by the recent \"exemption act\" passed by both \"Houses of Congress\" and approved by the President. First I have a plantation with over 40 negroes, and on it \"no white male adult not liable to military duty.\" Second I have a large manufacturing mill and my superintendence is necessary for its successful operation. For either 1st or 2nd reasons I am exempt by \"Act of Congress\".","But notwithstanding pecuniary losses I am willing to remain in the army, provided my services will accomplish anything in the cause we are engaged.","I hope this will be satisfactory to you. I fear you did not receive my former letters making substantially the same statements as above; and I feel a conscientious sense of duty, in justice to myself to write to you again","The appointment here was somewhat complimentary to me and I have intimations already of a higher and more responsible position being assigned me.","I would be glad if you would answer this.","Very respectfully \nYour obt. Servant \nThomas D. Jeffress \nCapt. and Provost Marshall of Lynchburg","P.S. I understand that only 8 or 10 efficient men of Co. \"G\" are with the Regt. and only about 22 or 23 in all on roll. I left several in Richmond at Hospital who will probably never recover sufficiently to return to duty. \nT. D. J.","18th Va. Regt. \nNov. 26th 1862 \nCol. W. D. Stuart","Col., \nIn reply to your note rec'd some time since asking of the \"mention made\" of Capt. T. D. Jeffress \"upon\" a report of one of the Richmond battles forwarded by myself to Brigade Hd. Qrs., I have to say that Capt. Jeffress made out the report of the battle himself, he being the Senr. Officer present who was in the fight. When the report was handed to me Lt. Chaffin Actg. Adjt. told me that the officers of the Regt. desired that I should make mention of the good conduct of Capt. Jeffress in battle, as the Capt. from motives of delicacy would of course say nothing of himself. I endorsed upon the report that I was not in the battle myself, was not in command of the Regiment at the time the events spoken of occurred, but that at the request of others, I would state that Capt. Jeffress deserved \"honorable mention\" for good conduct in battle. I have since learned that Lt. Chaffin was not in the fight himself and I am sorry that I acted upon his suggestion and made the endorsement referred to for the reason that I appeared to discriminate in favor of Capt. Jeffress when in fact I knew nothing of the conduct of any officer in the Regiment in the battle alluded to.","I am Col. \nVery Respectfully \nGeo. C. Cabell, Major","Camp Near Petersburg \nof Pickett's Div. Garnett's Brig. \nMarch 7th 1863 \nGenl. S. A. Cooper","Sir, \nI respectfully make an application for 25 Conscripts the requisite number to fill the reduced ranks of my Company at its present standard. You will confer a favour by assigning to the ranks of my Company 25 Conscripts,or any number as you, in your judgement may think proper or circumstances may require. You can see by my muster roll that my company only numbers 31 total present or absent, having never received any Conscripts since its entry into\nservice.","Most Respectfully \nYour obedient Servt. \nF. W. Nelson \nLt. Comd. Co. \"A\" 56th Va.","Camp Near Petersburg, Va. \nMarch 7th 1863","I respectfully ask permission to be absent from my duties for a few days for the following reasons. My property has been dwindling away daily since 25th Dec last, for want of my personal attention. My negroes are roaming through the country without a proper home and I will probably lose them all if I cannot attend to the matter immediately. I leave my company in command of the Capt. I have deferred asking leave of absence until now, because of there being only two (2) officers belonging to the company and the comdg. Officer of the Regt. deems it best that the vacancies of 2nd and 2nd jr. Lieuts. should not be filled at present, I presume because of the smallness of the Co. I reenlisted as a private and have never received a furlough or anything in lieu thereof and have never been absent without leave.","S. D. Cronin 1st Lieut. \nCo. \"I\" 56th Va. Regt.","March 8th, 1863","I respectfully ask for a leave of absence for 20 days to visit my home in Mecklenburg Co. Va. having been in the service for 20 months and having never received but four days furlough since the organization of my Regiment. I hope this application will be granted. I was originally a 12 months Volunteer and subsequently reenlisted for the War.","Lieut. F. W. Nelson \nCo. A. 56th Va. Regt.","Kittrell's Springs \nJuly 27th 1863 \nCol. Wm. D. Stuart","Dear Sir, \nI was transferred from General Hospital No. 10 to Black's and White's Hospital, from that place on the recommendation of the Medical Director in Richmond (Dr. Wm. Carrington) I was allowed the privilege of going home and report once in fifteen days in person or through my Physician's certificate. My furlough was extended the other day, 30 days to enable me to visit\nthe Springs for my health. I am improving very rapidly mow and shall be on, as soon as I am able for duty. You have passed though a very fiery ordeal since I left you. I regret being absent from my company in time of battle. I am truly sorry to learn that you are wounded, hope it will not prove serious, and allow me here to indulge the hope that you will be Genl. Garrett's successor. You certainly deserve the place. I am very anxious to hear from my company. I heard indirectly that Lieut. Finley was wounded, whether seriously or not I did not learn. Pickett's Division was very badly cut up. The mortality among officers was unprecedented. I expect to be here at least two weeks longer. I wish to get entirely well before returning. When I return again I hope to be able to stay with you. Direct your letter to \"Lawrenceville. Brunswick Co. Va.\" With my best wishes that you may speedily recover and when I see you again you may be my Brigadier. I subscribe myself your true friend, \nN. A. Flournoy"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWilliam D. Stuart papers, 1850-1863. MS 0108. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["William D. Stuart papers, 1850-1863. MS 0108. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe bulk of the William D. Stuart papers consists of the Civil War papers (60 items; 1861-1863) of Stuart. The papers contain:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCorrespondence to and from various Confederate Army officers\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMorning and guard reports\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMilitary orders\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInvoices and receipts documenting Stuart's brief service with the 15th Virginia Infantry Regiment and his command of the 56th Virginia Infantry Regiment\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\nOther items include letters of recommendation for a United\nStates Army Commission (1850), a letter from Gabriel Jordan, Jr. (VMI Class of 1850) dated November 1854, and printed material.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter endorses William D. Stuart's application for a commission in the United States Army.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter endorses William D. Stuart's application for a commission in the United States Army.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter endorses William D. Stuart's application for a commission in the United States Army.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Huntsville, Alabama. Letter comments on respective marriages, jobs, and future prospects.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter asks Virginia Governor John Letcher for an appointment in the Army in the event of secession.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpecial Order No. 81 from Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart is assigned to duty with troops at the camp of instruction.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter expresses regret at William D. Stuart's resignation as commanding officer of the Richmond City Guard.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Camp of Instruction, Richmond. Letter to an unidentified colonel regards the placement of William D. Stuart and other officers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards materials to make a tent.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Williamsburg, Virginia. Letter orders William D. Stuart to work on fortifications at King's Mill.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpecial Order No. 222 from Youngs Farm. Regards payment of troops and powers of attorney. By command of General Magruder and signed by G. B. Cosby, A.A.A.G.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpecial Order No. 280 from the Adjutant Inspector General's office, Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart is promoted and assigned to the command of the 56th Virginia Regiment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camp Lee. Letter regards a flag for William D. Stuart's regiment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpecial Order No. 232 from Richmond, Virginia by command of Secretary of War per John Withers. The 56th Virginia Infantry regiment is ordered to Jeffersonville, Virginia to report to Brigadier General Marshall.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Pound Gap, Virginia. William D. Stuart is ordered to move his regiment forward by Pound Gap towards Prestonsburg, Kentucky.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Wytheville, Virginia. Telegram regards wagons.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Wytheville, Virginia. Letter regards transportation vouchers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart's regiment is ordered to Nashville, Tennessee.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Knoxville, Tennessee. General A. S. Johnson orders William D. Stuart's regiment to remain with General Marshall.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFrom Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart's regiment is to proceed to Pound Gap to report to General Marshall.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpecial Order No. 8 from Headquarters 1st Brigade, Army of Eastern Kentucky, Camp near Paintville, by order of General Marshall. William D. Stuart's regiment is to move immediately without further delay.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Paintville, Kentucky. William D. Stuart must move his regiment without delay.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart is directed by the Secretary of War to report to General Marshall.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter concerns orders to go to Pound Gap, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter regards contradictory orders and illness of William D. Stuart and men.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter reprts on sickness of regiment and men in hospital.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpecial Order No. 1 from Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart's regiment\nis detached from General Marshall's command and will proceed to Bowling Green, Kentucky to General A. S. Johnston.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter regards order to proceed to Bowling Green, Kentucky. Letter also encloses Special Order No. 1 (dated January 2, 1862).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards confusion in orders to 56th Virginia Infantry Regiment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards William T. Cross' certificate of disability.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards William D. Stuart rejoining his regiment after a severe illness.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGeneral Order No. 246 from Floyd's Division, Chattanooga, Tennessee. Reenlisted men are entitled to a 60 day furlough, but this may be suspended in case of \"collision with the enemy.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGeneral Order No. 27 (extract) from Floyd's Division, Camp Bettie Childress. Order regards movement of the command via rail.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpecial Order from Floyd's Division, Knoxville, Tennessee. General Floyd is relieved of command and regimental commanders are to report to Colonel George Maney.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is to hold his regiment ready to move and to report on the strength of his command.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is directed to \"take command of all the forces here, formerly of Genl Floyd's command, in the movement towards Jacksboro.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpecial order from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is to move tomorrow on the road to Clinton.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpecial Order from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is to hold command of the 36th, 50th, 51st and 56th Virginia Regiments in readiness to move towards Jacksboro.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is not to move his command until further orders.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart march towards Clinton is revoked.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lebanon. Letter regards previous orders.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards releasing a sick soldier (Hanshew, 50th Virginia Regiment) to go home with his father.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter requests recommendation to enter the Confederate Army and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter regards discharge of an underage soldier.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter commends William D. Stuart, with an endorsement specifically about his gallantry at the Battle of Bethel, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Winchester, Virginia. Letter acknowledges receipt of report of Battle of South Mountain (Maryland) and expresses personal regard.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lynchburg, Virginia. Letter protests Thomas D. Jeffress' return to the Regiment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards a report in which George C. Cabell erroneously commended Captain Thomas D. Jeffress.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter requests 25 conscripts to fill reduced ranks.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter requests to be absent from duty to see to business at home.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter requests a leave of absence to visit home.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Kittrell's Springs, North Carolina. This letter was written after the Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and it comments on casualties in regiment and general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Telegram regards search of trains for stolen coffee.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReport for the 56th Virginia Regiment at Camp Robertson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReport for the 56th Virginia Regiment at Camp Robertson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpecial duty roster for the 56th Virginia Regiment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGuard report for the 56th Virginia Regiment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReceipt for wall tent pins and poles.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReceipt for ordnance (cartridges).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eInvoice of commutation of quarters and fuel for 1st Lieutenant George W. May, Company C. 56th Virginia, for the period of December 8 to 31, 1861.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eInvoice of commutation of quarters and fuel for 1st Lieutenant George W. May, Company C. 56th Virginia, for the period of January 1 to 31, 1862.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReceipt for wall tents.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTwo receipts for muskets and cartridge boxes.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReceipt for clothing.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReceipt for commissary stores.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis series includes a draft of a speech given upon presentation of a flag to the 56th Virginia Infantry Regiment, court-martial specifications, and other documents.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis series includes programs and other documents from Roanoke, Virginia area camps.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The bulk of the William D. Stuart papers consists of the Civil War papers (60 items; 1861-1863) of Stuart. The papers contain:\n Correspondence to and from various Confederate Army officers Morning and guard reports Military orders Invoices and receipts documenting Stuart's brief service with the 15th Virginia Infantry Regiment and his command of the 56th Virginia Infantry Regiment \nOther items include letters of recommendation for a United\nStates Army Commission (1850), a letter from Gabriel Jordan, Jr. (VMI Class of 1850) dated November 1854, and printed material.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter endorses William D. Stuart's application for a commission in the United States Army.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter endorses William D. Stuart's application for a commission in the United States Army.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter endorses William D. Stuart's application for a commission in the United States Army.","Written from Huntsville, Alabama. Letter comments on respective marriages, jobs, and future prospects.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter asks Virginia Governor John Letcher for an appointment in the Army in the event of secession.","Special Order No. 81 from Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart is assigned to duty with troops at the camp of instruction.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter expresses regret at William D. Stuart's resignation as commanding officer of the Richmond City Guard.","Written from the Camp of Instruction, Richmond. Letter to an unidentified colonel regards the placement of William D. Stuart and other officers.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards materials to make a tent.","Written from Williamsburg, Virginia. Letter orders William D. Stuart to work on fortifications at King's Mill.","Special Order No. 222 from Youngs Farm. Regards payment of troops and powers of attorney. By command of General Magruder and signed by G. B. Cosby, A.A.A.G.","Special Order No. 280 from the Adjutant Inspector General's office, Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart is promoted and assigned to the command of the 56th Virginia Regiment.","Written from Camp Lee. Letter regards a flag for William D. Stuart's regiment.","Special Order No. 232 from Richmond, Virginia by command of Secretary of War per John Withers. The 56th Virginia Infantry regiment is ordered to Jeffersonville, Virginia to report to Brigadier General Marshall.","Written from Pound Gap, Virginia. William D. Stuart is ordered to move his regiment forward by Pound Gap towards Prestonsburg, Kentucky.","Written from Wytheville, Virginia. Telegram regards wagons.","Written from Wytheville, Virginia. Letter regards transportation vouchers.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart's regiment is ordered to Nashville, Tennessee.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. General A. S. Johnson orders William D. Stuart's regiment to remain with General Marshall.","From Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart's regiment is to proceed to Pound Gap to report to General Marshall.","Special Order No. 8 from Headquarters 1st Brigade, Army of Eastern Kentucky, Camp near Paintville, by order of General Marshall. William D. Stuart's regiment is to move immediately without further delay.","Written from Paintville, Kentucky. William D. Stuart must move his regiment without delay.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart is directed by the Secretary of War to report to General Marshall.","Written from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter concerns orders to go to Pound Gap, Virginia.","Written from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter regards contradictory orders and illness of William D. Stuart and men.","Written from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter reprts on sickness of regiment and men in hospital.","Special Order No. 1 from Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart's regiment\nis detached from General Marshall's command and will proceed to Bowling Green, Kentucky to General A. S. Johnston.","Written from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter regards order to proceed to Bowling Green, Kentucky. Letter also encloses Special Order No. 1 (dated January 2, 1862).","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards confusion in orders to 56th Virginia Infantry Regiment.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards William T. Cross' certificate of disability.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards William D. Stuart rejoining his regiment after a severe illness.","General Order No. 246 from Floyd's Division, Chattanooga, Tennessee. Reenlisted men are entitled to a 60 day furlough, but this may be suspended in case of \"collision with the enemy.\"","General Order No. 27 (extract) from Floyd's Division, Camp Bettie Childress. Order regards movement of the command via rail.","Special Order from Floyd's Division, Knoxville, Tennessee. General Floyd is relieved of command and regimental commanders are to report to Colonel George Maney.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is to hold his regiment ready to move and to report on the strength of his command.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is directed to \"take command of all the forces here, formerly of Genl Floyd's command, in the movement towards Jacksboro.\"","Special order from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is to move tomorrow on the road to Clinton.","Special Order from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is to hold command of the 36th, 50th, 51st and 56th Virginia Regiments in readiness to move towards Jacksboro.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is not to move his command until further orders.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart march towards Clinton is revoked.","Written from Lebanon. Letter regards previous orders.","Letter regards releasing a sick soldier (Hanshew, 50th Virginia Regiment) to go home with his father.","Letter requests recommendation to enter the Confederate Army and family news.","Written from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter regards discharge of an underage soldier.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter commends William D. Stuart, with an endorsement specifically about his gallantry at the Battle of Bethel, Virginia.","Written from Winchester, Virginia. Letter acknowledges receipt of report of Battle of South Mountain (Maryland) and expresses personal regard.","Written from Lynchburg, Virginia. Letter protests Thomas D. Jeffress' return to the Regiment.","Letter regards a report in which George C. Cabell erroneously commended Captain Thomas D. Jeffress.","Written from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter requests 25 conscripts to fill reduced ranks.","Written from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter requests to be absent from duty to see to business at home.","Letter requests a leave of absence to visit home.","Written from Kittrell's Springs, North Carolina. This letter was written after the Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and it comments on casualties in regiment and general news.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Telegram regards search of trains for stolen coffee.","Report for the 56th Virginia Regiment at Camp Robertson.","Report for the 56th Virginia Regiment at Camp Robertson.","Special duty roster for the 56th Virginia Regiment.","Guard report for the 56th Virginia Regiment.","Receipt for wall tent pins and poles.","Receipt for ordnance (cartridges).","Invoice of commutation of quarters and fuel for 1st Lieutenant George W. May, Company C. 56th Virginia, for the period of December 8 to 31, 1861.","Invoice of commutation of quarters and fuel for 1st Lieutenant George W. May, Company C. 56th Virginia, for the period of January 1 to 31, 1862.","Receipt for wall tents.","Two receipts for muskets and cartridge boxes.","Receipt for clothing.","Receipt for commissary stores.","This series includes a draft of a speech given upon presentation of a flag to the 56th Virginia Infantry Regiment, court-martial specifications, and other documents.","This series includes programs and other documents from Roanoke, Virginia area camps."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_a9ce738eb690b4bbd27af1954a7067ed\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Stuart, William D. (William Dabney), 1830-1863","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jordan, Gabriel, Jr., 1831-1884","Marshall, Humphrey, 1812-1872","Cosby, George B. (George Blake, 1831-1909)","Slaughter, Philip P. (Philip Peyton), 1834-1893","Baldwin, Briscoe G. (Briscoe Gerard), 1828-1898","Williamson, Thomas H. (Thomas Hoomes), 1813-1888","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Gilham, William, 1818-1872"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Marshall, Humphrey, 1812-1872","Cosby, George B. (George Blake, 1831-1909)","Slaughter, Philip P. (Philip Peyton), 1834-1893","Baldwin, Briscoe G. (Briscoe Gerard), 1828-1898"],"persname_ssim":["Stuart, William D. (William Dabney), 1830-1863","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jordan, Gabriel, Jr., 1831-1884","Marshall, Humphrey, 1812-1872","Cosby, George B. (George Blake, 1831-1909)","Slaughter, Philip P. (Philip Peyton), 1834-1893","Baldwin, Briscoe G. (Briscoe Gerard), 1828-1898","Williamson, Thomas H. (Thomas Hoomes), 1813-1888","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Gilham, William, 1818-1872"],"language_ssim":["English \n.    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The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information"],"date_range_isim":[1833,1834,1835,1836,1837,1838,1839,1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873],"language_ssim":["English ."],"containers_ssim":["box 3"],"_nest_path_":"/components#1","timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:11:36.434Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_593","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_593","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_593","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_593","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_593.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00010.xml","title_ssm":["Matthew Fontaine Maury papers"],"title_tesim":["Matthew Fontaine Maury papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1833-1873"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1833-1873"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0103","/repositories/3/resources/593"],"text":["MS.0103","/repositories/3/resources/593","Matthew Fontaine Maury papers","Confederate States of America—International relations","Confederate States of America. Navy—Officers—Correspondence","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—Biography","American Confederate voluntary exiles","Mexico—History ","Correspondence","There are no restrictions","The Matthew Fontaine Maury papers are avaliable  online .","Matthew Fontaine Maury (1806-1873) was a naval officer and oceanographer known as the \"Pathfinder of the Seas.\" He was notable for his pioneering scientific work in the fields of navigation, hydrography, and meteorology. ","Maury joined the United States Navy at age 19, and in 1842 was named head of the Navy's Hydrographical Office and of the United State Naval Observatory. ","Beginning in the 1830s, he published a number of significant works on the Gulf Stream, ocean currents, and navigation. He was also involved in research concerning deep-sea sounding and transoceanic cables.","A native of Virginia, Maury resigned his commission as a Commander in the United States Navy at the outbreak of Civil War in April 1861. He entered the Confederate Navy and undertook research into the new technology of torpedo warfare. He was subsequently ordered to England as a special agent with instructions to purchase ships for the Confederate government.","At War's end, he was enroute to the United States with a cargo of torpedo equipment when, upon arriving in port at Havana, Cuba, he learned that the War had ended. Maury then went to Mexico, where he served Emperor Maximilian and later returned to England where he worked until 1868.","The last five years of Maury's life were spent as a Professor of Physics at VMI in Lexington, Virginia. At VMI, Maury did not have regular classroom duties, but instead gave occasional lectures to the cadets and was primarily involved in overseeing an extensive physical survey of Virginia. He died in 1873.","Fredericksburg Va \n10 Nov 1840","My dear Mother, \nI shall devote my spare time this morning to you. I got up earlier than usual for the purpose of showing the cook how to manage the stove. The parlor stove I wrote you about is a great improvement upon the old plan. It sits in the dining room, \u0026 with less coal for the day than it used to take for our fire in the grate, keeps both dining room \u0026 parlor warm. The door between them is thrown open, \u0026 we sit in the parlor. The parlor fireplace\nis on the summer arrangement, fire screen, etc. up so that you see besides the economy of the fixture, we have gained in personal comfort to ourselves, \u0026 in the saving of labor \u0026 trouble to the servants neither do we have any dust to contend with. The cooking stove has not had its trial yet; but I have no doubt that we shall gain as much by that as with the other.","'The boy' comes bravely on; Nannie, tho' not sick, is feeble. `The boy' is to be called Richard L. He is a fine looking fellow; \u0026 is decidedly the pet with his two aunts. I think Kate too is allowing him to divide the place in her affections, where little Annie, your little namesake, reigned supreme before. Since Nannie's illness I have taken to teaching Betty. She begins to read, \u0026 is very fond of entertaining us, by reading aloud at night her\nlittle stories for our amusement. She is docile, though one has to be firm with her and she soon finds out the length she may go with each one. They are both very affectionate children, though unlike in their disposition---I hear Annie's merry little voice saying \"Beakfak is weady, beakfak is weady\".-----Betty is devotedly fond of flowers; Annie cares very little about them--she takes more delight in associating with dogs \u0026 cats than in\narranging plants \u0026 flowers. They both often talk about their grandma, \u0026 grandpa. Annie is sitting in my lap she says I must tell you to send her some toy things. Cousin Ann wrote that they must say what she shall bring them from England. Betty said \"tell her she must bring her whatever she thinks proper. Annie said \"tell her to bring me some candy, \u0026 some sponge cake.\"","Aunt Gatewood did not make a visit to Louisa, as she intended. After she went from here to visit her daughter near Spotsylvania Court House she was taken sick; she had a severe attack there of chills \u0026 fevers, \u0026 after her recovery, she returned home. Uncle Minor writes in good spirits; the same may be said of Aunt Goodwin. Old Mrs. Crutchfield is in town on a visit to her daughter who married a son of Mr. Young who used 2 to keep a tavern here. She always inquires kindly after you. She is a nice old lady. it\nseems as though I am not to find an opportunity for sending Pa the clothes that cousin Ann left here for him. It is a very nice suit of black \u0026 besides tending to make him comfortable, I think he would be pleased with them. I do not perceive any improvement in the leg. If Nannie \u0026 I be well enough in the\nspring, I should like to make you a visit. Ask Betsy if she could make room for us \u0026 `the boy.'","The political excitement which has been great with regard to the presidential election has subsided in a great measure. Pennsylvania \u0026 New York have both cast their votes for General Harrison---of course he then is elected already. I received a letter last night from Washington \u0026 from a Locofoco---he said it was given up there \u0026 that Mr. Van Buren acknowledged his defeat. For [Kemp's] gratification I will not close this letter till I go down town to hear the latest returns from Virginia \u0026 elsewhere.\nWell, I have returned---Maine, New York, \u0026 Pennsylvania have all gone for General Harrison. Virginia---\"Ephraim is joined to his idols, let him alone\"---returns are in from all but eight counties, which last spring gave a Locofoco majority of 45---The Van Buren ticket is 900 ahead.","Nannie, the children \u0026 all hands, send love to both of you, \u0026 to all the kith \u0026 kin. \nYour affectionate son, \nM. F. Maury","Observatory \nWashington \n6 Feb 1857","My dear Sir, \nYour letter was received day before yesterday. I meet you with its frankness which it invites.","The 'failing' to which you allude is a grievous one; it constitutes the chief but not an insuperable objection to the continuation of your visits to my daughter. She is wise and discreet, I defer to her judgment and approve of the answer which she has given you and by which she requires one year to elapse before she shall be pressed for an answer to your suit. She is a dear child.","This will give us time Mr. Corbin to become better acquainted with you.","In the meantime permit me in the indulgence of that solicitude which the relation you are seeking to establish are calculated to excite in your behalf, to express the hope that if you have not, you will lay off and pursue a regular course of reading \u0026 study.","Very truly yrs. \nM.F. Maury","Sir! \nI avail myself with real pleasure of the opportunity given me by your kind offer of the \"Sailing Directions\" to express to you my warm and sincere thanks for it, to tell you how since years I observed with intent interest and admiration your noble and unequalled efforts in order to hasten the improvement of the scientifical part of our profession.","I trust you will accept this little present, as a token of my gratitude towards a man whom all seafaring nations are bound to look upon with respect and thankfulness.","Believe me Sir \nYours truly \nFerdinand Maximilian \nArch Duke of Austria","Milan \nDec the 10 1857","Observatory \n9 May 1858","My Dear Nannie, \nYours was a sweet letter. It and Mr. Corbin‟s did our hearts good. We miss you so much! The flowers look lonesome, and the songs of the birds sound loud. This is little Lucy‟s birthday – seven years old. It will be ten years I reckon before she will be cutting out. Her Ma pitched into her and the \"boy\" i last evening. She found a moss rose in flower this morning. Davy and the boy went fishing in the wagon at the Little Falls yesterday. They were gone all day but didn‟t get a nibble. Molly is rubbing her chin with a lotion. I hope the appliance will drive those bumps away. As near as I can calculate it‟s just about seven years since you went away. I have not\nseen Betty since, and we have heard from Dick but once and Glumii twice. Went to the Capitol with cousin Anne and Mary Friday. Mit and Ellen are with us. Ellen is going this morning to the [_uney‟s] to make a long or short visit as the time may go. Your Ma and I only want a little stirring up to perpetrate a visit to Dabney next Thursday or Friday to stay till Monday.","Our hearts were touched by the conduct of those excellent people who greeted you with so much kindness, consideration and affection on your arrival at Moss Neck. Such a welcome must have gone far towards making you feel comfortably at home right off the reel. Life is made up of trifles, and our greatest happiness often depends upon a word, the glance of an eye, the\ntone of the voice, or what is more expressive but more indescribably still, the manner. What a boon, a pleasure and a blessing are pleasant manners! They give grace and confer happiness. They embellish, set off and adorn character far more than jewels and precious stones. Cultivate day by day pleasantness of manners. Let us analyze it. Of what or in what does pleasantness of manner – that trait which give grace and elegance to woman, comeliness and the power of doing good.","After church Davy, your Ma and I dined alone. The children stayed down to the Sunday School anniversary. But I was speaking of the Christian graces and human virtues and those traits which you should cultivate and which embellish and adorn the character. The one great point which after duty to God you are to keep constantly in view is to identify yourself with your\nhusband, and strive mutually each to make yourselves the companion of the other. There is but one way to do this, and that is by teaching yourself, my dear, to take an intelligent interest in those affairs and occupations which are from time to time engaging his thoughts and time. The husband's affairs are in the married life the \"affairs of state.\" He provides; and to say the least, the wife who seeks to be posted up in everything that concerns him, especially in the everyday affairs of life, does nothing more than render gracefully a grateful homage. Do you my love first set the example and if you do not win back tenfold, I have much mistake the character of the\nman who won your affections. You must learn the servants by name, the cattle and the fields too. You must learn of Wellford in the morning what he is going about for the day and take that lively interest in his occupations which you would do were they your own. The \"farm book\" will help you to do that. And if its dry details be mastered for the first year, they will be dry no longer – for then you can tell him when to sow, how the seasons and the signs are, etc. Then hospitalities and good-neighborhood, a smile of welcome and a gentle voice from mine hostess makes a sauce that is savory for everything. And the poor, I do not mean more especially objects of charity, but those who are in a more humble sphere of life than it has pleased God t place you – never lack, as in your little heart I am sure you never do – in consideration for them. I must not caution you against the bad taste of patronizing for your manner of life and good breeding secure you against that. What I meant to say is merely to caution you against the\nfoolish habit of waiting to be spoken to. Speak to everyone without waiting.","There is no trait perhaps which is more winning than that of a generous confidence. Self examination, constant, close self examinations are indispensable. There are some of them that may be made all the better with the assistance of our husband. Make Them. Confidence begets confidence.","I would have you both bear in mind that this is the time for you to accommodate and adjust yourselves to each other, and with two such comely dispositions to work upon, this may be soon accomplished and that so thoroughly that all your future life will abound in good result.","Then too my dear you must not forget to treat with affection and show solicitude for all of Mr. Corbin's own friends and relations. They are disposed to be kind and good to you, meet them a little more than half way.\nAs for reading, with your good taste you cannot go well amiss. Only in selecting authors, do not select merely for amusement – select for profit also.","I am writing you a very disjointed sort of letter my love, but I have been thinking so much of you, and missing you so much and loving you so tenderly since you went away, and my heart was so full and head so empty that I hardly know what I have said.","Did you plant the yellow jasmine at Farley vale? The \"boy\" will go down on his \"own hook\" Tuesday – Great boy that.","You and Wellford should write every mail to us – Goodbye, God bless you both. Yr. aff. Dad \nM. F. Maury","[The \"boy\" is Matthew F. Maury, Jr.] \n[Glum is Eliza Hall Maury]","Observatory \n31 May 1858","My dear Nannie, \nYou and Mr. Corbin are as still as mice. Even \"the boy\" has fallen into that 'Sleepy Hollow' down there in Carolina - Wake up, you Rips- Don't you know that you've had a terrible hail storm along the river, and that it has made a clean sweep right \u0026 left of your neighbor's crops -? What did it to yours? We should like to know. Then don't you know that your Ma has been afflicted with all sorts of imaginings - that she has been on the [ca\n] several times of being down upon you like a streak of lightening and hauling you up by telegraph to see how sick that [wetting made] you? Don't you know that we have been all married \u0026 [gaining on] marriage and that [we are gone/was our goal] - [Tom] \u0026 [the]\n[park] as - Tennessee [Mat] \u0026 a nice girl \u0026 that Dick Holland is trying to and [can't], that his sister [Dee] is coming to spend the winter with us - that you \u0026 Mr. Corbin are to [matr ] -that there's a courting couple walking round the grounds every evening- that there's no such thing as sunshine nowadays- that the wheat is all turning to straw---- Dear me child, wake up and tell us how you are \u0026 where you are -- the last time we heard of\nyou, you were riding 'long the road side --But where's \"the boy\" \u0026 where's his pen? I can tell you what- if we don't hear from him soon and often we shall be sending after him-","I am turning down a layer of every row in the garden. A slip from every vine \u0026 [conifer] and the [ ] \u0026 the [ ], to be planted next spring at a country place of ours in Virginia. I don't reckon you know where it is. It's down on the North side of the Rappahannock River if you know where that is. It will be a pretty good place for roses.","Your Ma was in bed all last week till Saturday. Totts has been at home for two weeks with a sore foot, and [Davy] missed two or three days from school with winter chills- The sun flowers are coming up \u0026 he has got well. Mit \u0026 Ellen are with us still--The trip to Carlisle is knocked on its head. I hear nothing of N. Carolina these times. The little parson's wife \u0026 son (M.F.M of K'y) are with us. Kiss the \"boy\" \u0026 Mr. Corbin write I am your afft. Dad.","White Sulphur \n15 Aug '58","My dear wife, \nI received yesterday your no. 2 with Nannie's letter. Bless Dick and Davy's heart for the attention and comfort they give you. Great boys are Dick and Dave. Sorry Sr. E. does not mend more rapidly. Sally F. and Nannie Gordon are talking of the Sweet Springs tomorrow.\nThe difficulty is this: both places are crowded. If they give up their rooms here and can't get in there, they can't get back here. Nannie looks thin has a cold but is well in other regards except a bad cough. William I never saw looking half so well. Black Sallie is also enjoying her visit. Dick and your cousin Georgia take to each other. She wants him to escort her back to Washington. Bob and his family are here - \"Sophy\" and\nhers- and many of your last summer acquaintances all of whom inquire after you. Nannie is very pleasantly spoken of and Wm Dick and I will leave Wednesday or Thursday for Ridgeway. Send letters there. Mr. Norwood preaches this morning. I wish I could be of service to Thompson. \nI want to go home. \nLove to Sr E and all the children \nWhere is Betty?","[Sir E is Matthew Fontaine Maury's niece Ellen Herndon, the daughter of William Lewis Herndon]","Observatory \nWashington \n12 Sept 1858","My dear Nannie \nYou and Corbin are as still as mice. If you are coming, why don't you come along?","The General and Sally got home yesterday. [Wrottesly] sends his love. Charles has been in this country. Dabney and Nannie are with us. He has been ordered on a board\nto try prisoners in Washington and he hopes to be ordered on another for Tactics and to tarry for some months yet. Dick Holland appears to be enjoying his visit. Our Dick has also relished it keenly. Dave has set into school, the \"boy\" not, and I am leaving Totts\nand Glum in Dick's hands till I get through with the \"heft\" of my book work when I shall take them up in the old fashioned way, and go back to breakfast lectures. Lucy gathers fruit and flowers and makes herself happy in giving them away. Betty is at Jessie's and after her time is up then she is to make Jno B. a visit at the University and then to Richmond. Bless her heart she is trying to eke out her time as best she may. Your Ma\nwas never looking so well or more beautiful. Fanny is cooking again and we have no dining room suit yet, \"don't [tease]\" Margaret Anderson. I am going to go lecturing up in Ohio from Nov. 22 to Dec. 3 Have not begun to get ready yet. I want to deliver 6 lectures a week for two weeks. ---raise money enough to send Dick to school, pay off bills and leave some \"shots in the locker\". I think I may be able to make out enough to\nfurnish Farley Vale if you will let me do it in a plain way. At least I can buy all the furniture for the estate that you will probably want. Let me know about it, for I do not like the idea of his purchasing any of it and so lay himself liable to be taken hold of by the tongue of slander and malice, and of finding his acts and deeds misinterpreted by mischief makers. Now if you can rough it along upon $500 or $1000 - here's at you.","I have an elegant fight on hand! Bachei has been stealing the M.S. property of the Observatory and trying to forestall me. It's an elegant fight. Bob - bless old Bob- has gone with our band to Church. It's time for him to be back for the white folks - so good by - with love to Corbin. \nYour aff daddy \nM F Maury","[Alexander D. Bache is the Head of the United States Coastal Survey]","Observatory \nWashington \nSunday night 3 Oct 58","My dear Nannie, \nYour last letter announcing that you would be here the last of this week created as great a sensation and as much joy as if old Santa Claus himself had have stepped forward \u0026 announced that he intended to have xmas at the same time- It made glad hearts \u0026 smiling faces I tell you- It was physick to your Ma - regular Doctors truck - She has been asking for some time - has not been to church for two or three weeks- indeed she has been quite poorly- and the sight of you will do her a `monstrous heap of good' so hurry along. Thank Mr. Corbin for his letter; we will talk over matters when you come- Quando-\nO Quando? Name the day.","Betty \u0026 the baby were up Friday-but as cousin Fanny Perry \u0026 Ellen spent the day with us \u0026 your Ma had to go to bed sick, I did not see much of her- I carried her a flower to church. Lucy watches for Dave on the commons \u0026 goes to meet him every P.M. as he comes from school. Totts \u0026 Glum do philosophy at breakfast \u0026 yr Ma thinks the recitations prevents digestion. The boy listens \u0026 takes quite as much interest in the lesson as they do. I am busy with lectures, sailing directions, fights \u0026 correspondence. Your Ma pronounces the 10 first pages of No. 1 Lecture passable. Sr. E is with us, but is\npoorly. She looks badly. Totts is reading to Glum, Dave to himself. Lucy \u0026 the Boy have gone to bed. So too yr Ma. Yours coming will cheer her up, \u0026 help to make her well. Sally F. has not been up for a long time. We have not had any frost yet- How comes on that Farm Journal? I have some nice grape vines in pots for Mr. C. to take back to Farley Vale- The gardener is also preparing Rose layers \u0026 rose cuttings- I am thinking of some pear trees also- But I am afraid the gate will be left open, and that you will let the horses or the cows eat them up- Love to Mr. C.","Goodnight- Hurry along to yr affect. M.F.M.","Rochester New York \n18 Nov 1858","My dear wife, \nHow-dy! I staid all night in Phila. \u0026 in Albany. Arrived in [Auburn] about 3 P.M. yesterday. There, much to my surprise I was met at the cars by a barouche, deputations and soldiers \u0026 with music \u0026 banners escorted to my lodgings. The Rev. Mr. E. H. Creesy D. O. was my host, he had lived in Tennessee - under Bp. (Bishop) Otey. It appears I was civil to the Willard Guards when they were in Washington at the Inauguration. Hence the military\nescort. At night I lectured to a large and attentive audience in the At. Tel. and I reckon gave satisfaction for I only saw one sleepy head \u0026 that one was asleep when I commenced. I slept in the room where Bp. Hobart died- and came off at 7 this morning, arriving here at 11. I lecture here tonight then take the cars at 10 P.M. for Ann Arbor. Lecture there to-morrow night \u0026 so on to Chicago.","Now how are you all getting on? Has Nannie gone- and is Betty with you- \u0026 Totts \u0026 Glum \u0026 Dave \u0026 the Boy \u0026 Lucy How are they all? I must take a little nap if I can. God bless you all yr afft. \nM.F.","Chicago, \n20 Nov. 1858","My dear wife, \nHere I am in the midst of a great snow shower- This is my lecture evening- Tickets 50 cts. Am afraid of empty benches. I am to stop at Col. Graham's, but as I had things to attend to- I will not go till after lecture.","There was a great crowd in Rochester- Had a sick headache- \u0026 when the committee waited on me to escort me to lecture I entertained them by \"cascading\"- However I got through \u0026 left in the cars at 3:45 A.M. Traveled all day- Reached Ann Arbor at 8 P.M. Found an audience waiting for me- hopped out, went straight to lecturing- delighted the audience-rode a [rail] to a party, took a hot supper and on back to the cars at 10- travelled\nall night-in a sleeping car \u0026 reached this place a 9 this morning. So here I am - I have just had dinner- am going to try a nap presently- it is only 2 o'clock.","I told Moore of the [R ] to send you a cheque- write yr name across the back of it, send it to the General and ask him to get the money for you.","Where's my Betty \u0026 where's my Nannie? I hope if the latter visits, the former comes.","Mrs. [Bland] has been [reading] along [here]. I do not know with what success.","I find nothing here from you. My head quarters will be care of B. H. Plixotto, Cleveland, till 30th. On the 22nd I lecture here-23 in Kalamazoo-24 no place fixed-Perhaps Indianapolis-25 Cleveland. 26-La Porte Ind-I reckon 27 here, 29 Cincinnati. \u0026 c.","The weather is very cold- Kiss all my children \u0026 tell me you all are well \u0026 happy- I want to astonish you with a present- Tell Totts \u0026 Lizinka \u0026 Lucy \u0026 the Boy to put their heads together \u0026 tell me what to bring. This is the House, where Dick \u0026 I stopped. This is a furious storm. Give my love to Mary \u0026 Sr. E. I hope they both continue to mend \u0026 [ ] must [that] [ ] [evening] of hers- it has [tormented] her enough.","God bless you. I am mighty tired of staying away from home. \nyr- M.F.","Kalamazoo, Mich. 23 Nov 58","My dear wife, \nI received, yesterday, your letter of 17. That was my Auburn night. It's a great while ago. So Nannie went off and you are all comfortable. That's a blessing - except poor little Glum. What say you to sending her up to Frank Minor's?","I had a time of it in Chicago! Last night it rained worse than it snowed Saturday night, and the attendance was as slim. If it had been good weather I should have made $600 or $800 I reckon, as it was I made a little over $50 only! I stopped at Col Graham's you know. He gave me a party last night nice party- He was a soldier - he would have me waked up in time for the cars at 6. He never got left. He would have breakfast for me at least the cook would. But bless your heart honey not a soul waked up til the knock came -\nso I was up and dressed and off in about ten minutes. When I arrived here Senator Stewart with a committee was at the cars to escort me to the Hotel. He and his wife leave for Washington Saturday. They will stop at the St. Charles. I wish you and Betty would call on her. She is very plain, but I want to invite them up to spend the day when I get back. You have got to make up your mind old lady to turn over a new leaf. I tell you. I shall want friends this winter and you have got to cultivate them for me. So you had\nbetter set to and make calls, renew acquaintances and leave many cards. Get a nice hack and go like a lady, and don't over do the thing by breaking yourself down. Take several days.","Betty is a sweet child. Kiss her for attending to the English [roses].\nI want to write to Nannie, if I can get some paper. Make the Boy, Glum and Totts find Kalamazoo on the map and trace me from place to place. I'll go and look for some paper. Good bye. Think about Lizinka and Ridgeway. \nLove to all yrs \nM.","Chicago \n27 Nov 58","My dear wife, \nSince last I wrote I have lectured in Kalamazoo, Indianapolis, Cleveland, \u0026 La Porte- Make the children find the places- Tonight I lecture here- It is now 10 A.M. \u0026 raining- I go to Col Graham's directly. Hope to find a letter from you. Have had but one yet. Since last I wrote I have not had time to write you. I am very well- a slight cold. I do long to get over this task.","2 P.M. I am at Col. Graham's again- They are very kind. You never did see such gloomy weather- It has been gloomy since here I have been, for I have been in the lake country for more than a week. It is now snowing \u0026 storming furiously. But I do not lecture on my own hook to night, that's one comfort. I have so far not been able to find any letters here. I do not see what the papers say of the lectures generally, for I lecture and am off, and when I get back then the papers are out of date- had a packed house in Cleveland- They had to stop selling tickets- \u0026 turn off- House full.","Here is the summing up- I have travelled since I left home 1844 miles, have been from home 12 days.--10 days on my lecture ground \u0026 have lectured 9 times- and have made $540. and the next 9 days, shall if rails will carry me fast \u0026 far enough shall make $1000 I hope. I am dying to see you all. Kiss my darling Betty for me- Is she with us why don't she write? I suppose Moore sent the check for $60- The truth is I have not had the time to send your acct. I forgot to sign purser's receipt for pay. So if you want money, get Mr. Harrison to fill up the enclosed and get my month's pay for you. Kiss every one of the children. \nyour affectionate. \nM.F. Maury","Chicago Ill \n28 Nov 58","My dear wife, \nThis is Sunday about 2 p.m. I reckon. It has stormed furiously ever since yesterday- as the day before. I go off at 8 p.m. for Cincinnati. Pretty good audience last night, though it was a dreadful night. I enjoyed the whole night's rest mightily. I shan't spend another night in bed, till I get to St. Louis I reckon. They tell me here that I have improved vastly in\nappearance since last Sunday. I wonder how you all are - got letters - Wells and Sr. Ellen, sent from the Observatory. Two more weeks now and I'll be working my way homeward.","I am mightily tired writing - have been at it now since I got here. If I go down stairs a lady will talk me to death. What a blessed thing a little quiet is. Kiss all my children for me and give love to Sr. E Mary and the Gerard's. \nGod bless you \nYour aff \nM F Maury","Cleveland \n1 Dec (1858)","My dear Nannie, \nHave just time to thank you for your nice letter to your Ma, to hurrah for Dec. 15. Send her \u0026 say I hope to be stopping in a day or two after you \u0026 Mr. C. get there --- You see I am choosing the proper time. \nGod bless you \nyr. afft. Daddy","Cleveland \n1 Dec 1858","My dear wife: \nI arrived here yesterday at noon and seem to have bewitched the people last night; as I did those of Cincinnati the evening before.","There was waiting for me here a large package of letters, in it 3 from you, 22, 23, \u0026 26- with one from that smart little witch \"poosy\". Bless her heart, tell me what present to bring her \u0026 all. Nannie's is a charming letter. Am so glad she is coming home the 15th- I shall be turning my way homeward about that time.","Last Monday there was a change of R. Road times, which has played sad havoc with mein consequence of which I can't get to Detroit for a $112 lecture to night but take over at Toledo for $50. I left Chicago at 8 p.m. Sunday for Cincinnati. when I was due at noon Monday. But bridges had been washed away I did not get to Indianapolis till 1 p.m. 112 miles for Cin. I was to lecture there at 7 1/2, and all the trains had gone. So I thought I\nwould see if I could not charter an engine \u0026 go down on it express- I found the Pres of the Road, told him who I was, \u0026 what I wanted. He fitted up an elegant car, sent me down in it, alone, \u0026 would not let me pay a cent- I arrived at 7, and found an immense audience, lectured, got in the car directly after came here, lectured, and had an elegant night's rest.\nI lecture in Chicago again Saturday, \u0026 Monday in St. Louis, on the 11th here \u0026 Buffalo 10 \u0026 13, I reckon.","Betty is elegant for coming to stay with you, wish I was there to help you along with the gals. What does Frank Minor mean by saying 25th \"cousin Ann coming next week\".","I send you some slips. Mr. Murphy promised to send you Cincinnati. papers- God bless you all yr. aft. \nM.F. Maury","[Postscript] \nDon't go out in that wagon any more. When you feel well enough make calls. Take Diana along \u0026 leave my card everywhere.","St. Louis Mo. \n6 Dec. 1858","My dear wife, \nI arrived here two hours ago. I find your letter of 2nd and Scip's. Hurrah for Scip. The mails in this part of the country are all so irregular that I have to go to the Telegraph a good deal. They call for me to lecture presently. I go away Wednesday morning, but where to I don't know- perhaps to Springfield, or Terre Haute, or Vincennes or perhaps- I can't say. But anywhere where the most money is to be made. I am dying to see you all.\ni shall be visiting the kin to-morrow so I shall have no time to write. My movements for this week are very uncertain- All I can say at present, is I expect to be in Cleveland Saturday. What is the name of the Tea I must get? I have seen Dick Ludlow \u0026 Mr. Berkeley. I mean to be at home next week---ain't that elegant.","The good night's rest last night \u0026 the quiet day refreshed me much- But I was heartily tired of being lionized in Cincinnati.","Bless Betty's heart for staying with you. When is Nannie coming up? Hurrah for Davy \u0026 the children, \u0026 the books \u0026 the lessons-","Lecture time- \nGood night, yr, M","Observatory \nFeb 17, 1859","Dear Nannie, \nWe miss you every day, \u0026 invitations for Miss Maury keep a' coming. Frank and Lucy A are coming tomorrow. I bought a pair of shoes, had my hair cut and dined with your Ma at the Gerard's. The \"boy\" has Spanish at breakfast class. I have finished writing Sailing Directions. I sent you the last [Rural].","We have had a time with the gold pin rebus. The first is a [fras] \"From\"- Lt. Myers found out that.-- the three next - in \nhos- spit-(spitbox)-able-(table) (Lt. McCauley-)the next- propose -  (prophouse - Glum) - half soled - beings - in - fidels- (Totts)-  Traducers - ([Tres_____] - me) \u0026 naves - ( [ ]-Mc)-. I fled \nunder (Dave) in-ex-tri-cable(me) em-bar-as(s) -men-ts (me) to- Iowa (Mc)-.","4 - 5 - 16 - \u0026 17- are not satisfactory- Mc reads 4' \n\"gamblers\" -gable-[unders] no good- prop-house - shoe - on i.e. proposition has been suggested for the gaiter on the shoe (5). no go. Manshoeon - mansion. Also no go- Glum says he knows you have solved it, \"From inhospitable\". - hurra!- hurra!!. I've just got it- 4 is house, Latin \"domess\" \u0026 sticks- \"domestics- \"From inhospitable domestics, half soled beings, traducers, infidels \u0026 Knaves I fled under inextricable embarrassments- to Iowa.\"","Half soled may do for 5 - but it's a gaiter boot- Certainly \"To Iowa\" for \"I\" \u0026 A is flat- Find it out \u0026 get the [pun].","The Aubicks \u0026 the Roys invite you \u0026 Mr. Corbin to parties.","Jeff Maury has sent me two boxes of Havanah Sigars! O ho! Dabney is now with Rosethey go back in the morning-Lucy takes cyphering lessons from Dave. Another officer has been ordered to the Observatory- Minnie Mason sent you a note this evening asking for flowers for the [ ] ball - Diana sent them- Mrs. Lanier has come. - Good night-Love to Mr. C. \u0026 you.","Observatory \n16 Mar `59","My dear Nannie, \nYour welcome letter of Monday last came this morning and received much solicitude. We were dying to hear from you. Your Ma has been ailing for 10 days, for the last 3 in bed of a stitch in the right side. We suppose it to be an affair of the muscles. Your letter did a heap of good.","Mr. Watt is busy packing up plants for you. Plant the roses that are wrapped in moss just as they are moss and all. The vines - little twigs - are to be planted under the river bank. They have the purple flowers over the arbor \u0026 will climb the highest trees. Pull the moss away from the stems of the roses - not from the roots. I pay freight on them at least shall tell Mr. Watt to. Betty's going to house-keeping! Davey is going to be a lawyer. The \"boy\" ain't interested now when he hears Shakespeare read by anybody else but Fanny Kemble. Sister E came up for Church Sunday and staid til yesterday. Betty is up to-day. Molly is lonesome. She has been at your Ma to pop down upon you. I reckon she'll take you by surprise some of these days. Tell Brodie he had better visit Lucy \u0026 Betty here. That would be a nice visit. Uncover your jasmine. Love to Mr. C. God bless you, yr aff Father \nMFM","Observatory \n22 March `59","My dear Nannie, \nYour waif of Tuesday last came to hand this morning. I am exceedingly annoyed about the plants. I send you the receipt. Tell Mr. Corbin he must be sure to make the Co. pay. The market value of the plants was, Mr. Watt says about $40. If they can be found soon they will live. But Mr. Corbin unless they are forth coming this week should refuse to receive them. He must make the Co. pay, for it is outrageous carelessness. They were delivered last week Tuesday p.m. just after 5 by Mr. Watts \u0026 'Cap' on board the boat. I\nshall send this evening to inquire about them. In the mean time tell Mr. Corbin to stir up at people at your end of the line. Yr Ma is up again. Mrs. Young of S.C. was here yesterday inquiring kindly for you. Sr. E has been quite sick. Send last batch of copy to the printer today. The new medal came Saturday-But I can't write. I am annoyed about the miscarriage of the plants.","Love to Mr. C. Afft. \nM.F.M.","Observatory \n23 March 59","My dear Nannie \nI went yesterday to the steam boat about the plants - 2 boxes and a bundle - could get no information. They are most likely to be in the Depot at Fredericksburg. I reckon Jno [Shippen] asked for plants or flowers. I send an invoice . They are put down dirt cheap. The roses ought to be put down at 30cts ea. Tell Mr. Corbin he must be sure to the Co. pay or deliver in good order.","Your Aunt E. is quite sick. Sent for the Dr. night before last at 1 A.M. Was better somewhat yesterday. Yr Ma is bright again, she dined yesterday at the General's.","This is Betty's day. Tell Mr. C. to pursue the plants. It's a sad loss to lose them. \nYr M.","Observatory \n12 Apr '59","My dear Wife \nGot your yesterday's letter this morning. All hands were invited to Sallie's to-day. Dave and I went. Mary thought we all would be too many. They are all coming up. Sr. E \u0026 S.F. see Charles to spend the day tomorrow. Dinner ordered - soup, fish and roast beef. Totts will rig up a dessert - ice cream I believe. Morning - 13th Got Nannie's letter just now. Kiss her for it. I am sorry to hear about Dick. But such indulgences will not do and cannot be tolerated in one holding a place of trust like his. It is an affair in which\nfeeling cannot interfere.","Stopped last evening on my way home at took tea at Caldwell's. Began with the Historical plays last night. Certainly I'll send tickets for Nannie. Sr. E \u0026 Sally rode out yesterday. I write this supposing it will be your last before going to Farley Vale. What are to be your mail days? You would like to go down knowing that \"all's well\" - I hope you will be so well and enjoy the visit so much. We are all dying to see you all. Can't you bring Nannie home with you. You may stay with her tell her till 1 May if she will\ncome along home with you.","Kiss her \u0026 Lucy \u0026 love to Mr. C., Charles \u0026 his father, Brodies \u0026 his'n, Jno \u0026 his'n, Saint \u0026 her'n.","Good bye - yr aft. husband \nM.F. Maury","Observatory \nWashington \nAp'l 14, '59","My dear Daughter, \nYour sweet letter came yesterday and to-day another from you Ma. I am mighty glad she is having a jolly time - we are dying to see her, but don't want her to come home before the first of May when you are to come with her. Dabney goes down tomorrow. I thought of you and the violets when he came to take leave, but concluded not to trouble him in the premises. He only came up to dinner yesterday and we only gave him soup, fish and ice cream. We have the rest of the dinner today. Yesterday was damp and Willie was sick which prevented our company. He is better. Rose staid up here last night, \u0026 Mary down there. Betty is not up to day- rainy- Totts got a letter yesterday from Glum. They did not [share it here] \u0026 Mary Herndon has gone off with it to the General's \u0026 I can't send it. She was well- had received the $20-and liked my letters so much- it took such a long time to read them!","My \"Brave\" is very well \u0026 happy. He bought a jug of molasses yesterday. I found my [ ] [powder]. Have not made a pass at the P.G. for schools yet. Save child's letter- Let yr Ma bring it back. Sent a note for you by Dabney-","The Lord [ ] ball did not pay- $1000 short. Had a request this morning to pony up. Can't do it.","Love to Mr. C- Kiss Lucy \u0026 buss yr Ma. [ ] \n[ ] yrs \naff Dad","Observatory, Washington \nApl 16, '59","My dear Wellford, \nI received yesterday your very kind letter of the 14th. It would indeed be a great treat to run down for a week or two, but I do not well see how it can be accomplished. I have heard some things which led me to suppose that there might be a scene made at the next court that would not be pleasant. It throws you the prospect I mean - in a position of great delicacy, as well as into one in which great caution on your part will be required. Caution so prudent and wise that those who would (if there should be such) find fault\nwith you may not have the slightest pretext.","If there is any change in the management of the estate of course you can take some part in bringing about that change. Without knowing much about it, I am clearly of opinion that with your management alone the estate may be relieved of its embarrassments much sooner than it can be by any other kind of managers. I go for the one man power and don't think much of a dual executive. Should any change be made, and should it be proposed that you should take the entire management of both farms, I hope you will not decline.","Dabney went down to King George yesterday. I have been interrupted in the writing of this. It is now time for the mail- so that just cuts me off with love to all.","Yrs sincerely \nM. F. Maury","Observatory \nWashington \n19 Apl '59","My dear wife, \nMr. Watt and I are preparing such a surprise for you and Lucy!. We miss you every day. We miss you in the morning, we miss you in the evening, we miss you at breakfast. I haven't had a flower since she went away! We miss you at dinner, we miss you at tea, we miss you by night and by day, we miss you all the time, but you must stay till you bring Nannie. Sally F., Jack, the boys and the General took us by surprise yesterday. Beef steak, mutton chops, soup and pudding. Betty rather pitched into Mary for so poor a dinner. Bad taste in Betty. Davy is unwilling to take Latin from Jno. Minor. The \"boy's\"\nreply was Solomon-ish - \"Just as you think proper sir\" - What say you? Sent Glum's things down to Kirkwoods' last night for Gilmer - shall send to see if he took them. Totts put some white wax in the bundle, Totts is a great girl. Read 3 Acts in Richard II last night- and sent the `boy' off to bed at 9. The frost has not hurt us yet. Jim Morton called up yesterday. Mr. McCauley has set up in the Grocer's business at St. Paul. Sr. E is so\nso. I wrote to Ann Thomas and begged that she would make Betsy come along. We hear nothing more from Glum. I am now waiting for David and the mail. we expect letters in it from you and her. Here he comes! Now for them. \nA letter from Frank - none from you.","All well and send love \nYr aft [friend] \nM.F.M.","Observatory \nWashington \n22 Apl '59","My dear sweet little Nannie, \nYour \"one-horse\" letter saying that your Ma \u0026 all are well came this morning. It has no date to it- so we infer it was written since hers of 14 \u0026 16- But my dear child I am not a Yankee - why do you set me to guessing? I have sent to have a pair of crutches- I do wonder what has gone with my old ones. The pain has all gone out of my ankle- but I can't walk. But the worst of it is big ankles are so shocking. Totts doctored it up last\nnight with hops - Totts is a great gal.","I finished King Henry IV last night. That \"old Feldspar\" as the boy calls Falstaff gave great satisfaction. \"Feldspar\"! So much for Physical Geography. The breakfast lessons have been quite interesting to Totts- We have got through to Botany. That is not one of my specialties, and I shall glance off from it after a breakfast or two. My \"Brave\" wanted to know this morning if any great men ever studied Latin. \"O yes-\" \"Who?\" \"General\nWashington studied Latin- I studied Latin-\" \"That will do- I just want to be as great as you are\"- The young flatterer! There was no school today. Dave went on. As he came a heavy rain came up \u0026 he got into one of the water pipes on the avenue to keep dry.","Come down for the Crit! I wish I could- I suppose you will be fetching her along up this way about the last of next week- That's about the 1st of May- always stand to your bargains. Was it not said that you were to return with her then? I'll give you tomotto plants- \u0026 egg plants, oh \u0026 every sort o' plants. It's been raining so- Ap'l showers- I have not been able to get the doctor up to say what ails this ankle.","Lucy is a witch- why don't she write a letter to a fellow? Mary has gone to church to day- I have some black Hamburg grape cuttings- If they take you shall have some.","God bless you all \nyrs aft \nDad M","4 July '59","My dear Corbin, \nI returned from a trip over the Balt \u0026 Ohio R.Road Saturday evening. Found all well- Betty still here-The baby improved \u0026 both enjoying the visit very much.","A letter came from Nannie while I was gone. I did not see it- it was torn up. But from what her mother tells me of it, it increases our solicitude to a painful extent. She is morbidly sensitive \u0026 evidently very low spirited. We think the best thing would be for you to bring her to us.","Persons in her situation require to be cared for \u0026 looked after in manners \u0026 ways which no one can do half so well as a mother. It is of great consequence that she should be with her mother now- and we hope that you also will admit the importance of it \u0026 bring her at once. If you do not come as soon as a letter would reach us, write and tell us when to expect you. It is important that you should do this for some of our own arrangements depend on certainty as to Nannie's movements.","From the tone of Nannie's letter her mother does not think that she should be consulted at all- but that you should take her right up \u0026 bring her to us. The gloomy and desponding mood that comes over her now \u0026 then is to be avoided by all means- ugly consequences may be the result- Therefore we are so [honest] in urging you to bring her to us at once. It is of great importance to her.","Give her our most tender love, solicitude \u0026 affection with a thousand kisses. We have letters this morning praising Dick \u0026 making us very proud.","They have established a new chair- Physical Geography \u0026 Agricultural science \u0026 offered it to me. I have not decided to accept. Yrs truly, \nM. F. Maury","Observatory \nWashington \n16 Nov. 1859","My dear Mr. Corbin, \nI was glad to hear as by Nannie's letter I do that the prospects for an early division of the estate seem so favorable. It is clearly to the interest of the parties concerned, and it is gratifying that they are of one mind.","What follows is based upon the supposition that the four of you have agreed to share with you in cancelling the notes which you two have endorsed for your father. This being a fixed fact you are removed from the condition of one having antagonistic interests in the concerns and placed in the category of one whose duties and whose interests are of accord. Both the one and then the other now require the closest scrutiny into the indebtedness of the estate, in order that every claim that is not good in law may be thrown out. And it remains for your consideration whether when the Commissioners report comes up you should not have someone there well posted up, to urge the throwing out of all claims the least doubtful, and especially those for which you are bound. However this can be talked over when you come up which I hope will be long before Xmas. I am wishing somebody near by would invite me to lecture - so I might raise the wind for a visit from Dick and Dave at Xmas. I sent John Minor the Alabama speech in print yesterday with the request that he would hand it over to Nannie when he has done blowing me up about it. Sally Fontaine is not so well. The General got home yesterday - killed no \"bars\" and only brought home two \"old hars\" -Betty had gone for\ndinner yesterday. But we - your Ma and I - could not go - headaches- better today. We are reading Shakespeare o'nights- Letters from Dick \u0026 Dave. Totts \u0026 Betsy go to the [dentist] \u0026 all to school- except Lucy. She studies geography at home. William plays the guitar \u0026 sings. Sr. E. had letters yesterday from Dabney. All well but \"Injuns\" about. All hands sent in love with kisses to Nannie. Good bye- God bless you. \nYr. \nM.F. Maury.","Observatory \nWashington \n5 Feb 1860","My dear Nannie: \nI got Mr. Corbin's letter several days gone. Tell him the 16th is quite convenient to me. I had promised Cip that he might go with us on the 9th - so it was quite a disappointment to him, was the postponement. I shall go down I think by the night train of the 15th and as I will not have time to go down to Farley Vale will have to come up to Fredericksburg. Crit is having a tussle with the head ache - got up with it this morning, went to church and has been wrestling with the thing ever since. Willie has been sick - a - bed for a week. Low fever - getting better. Cip burnt his finger with candy, and the girls didn't go to school but one day last week on accounts of the cold. Betty and Will dined here yesterday. Mary Herndon has been to Memphis. Jones is coming to [illegible] next Thursday. The Farmer\nis very low and the General is still there. The Physical Geography continues to engage and interest me. Lucy is [ ing]. Glum 's bird sings - I call it her owl. Nannie Bill is a \"honey\"? We are invited to Henry's parties. The Aubick's gave an elegant [_mous] party last Friday – Hauled the little Doctor home – Told me he had on his table invitations for every evening in the week and for some two days. Jennie Young and her sister Sallie are\nin Stuttgart studying six hours every day. Where's yr [Bobs \u0026 Tops?] We have not heard anything more of your sister Sue. Maria Newburgh's party comes off about the middle of the month so reports Dave. Everybody sends love to you and Mr. Corbin. It's night, your Ma has gone to bed. Hope she will be well in the morning. \nGood night. Your aft. Dad, \nM. F. Maury.","[Postscript by Ann Hull Maury (Herndon)] \nMorning- am up, and better, but poorly at that. I wish I could come down with your Papa but indeed I am not equal to it. We heard through Mrs. Mason (and she from her son at College) that Mary Minor is coming to see you, but you seem not to have heard of it. Your letter to Molly was so pleasant. Sally E. is quite mistaken about the price of my work stand. It cost $13. I don't think you can yet find one for $8 but you can try. I am so glad\nyou had a pleasant visit to Town. How came you to stay at your Uncle B's again; you must stay at your Uncle C's the next time not that I in the least object to your going to yr. Uncle B's but N. G. said when she was here that you never did go to your Uncle C's and you had been invited there so often. I love our Aunt Lucy dearly for her kindness to my precious child.","Observatory \n14 March 1860","My dear Mr. Corbin, \nI used the word also, but \"repudiation\" is not the word-- Mississippi repudiates her lawful debts. It is not the lawful but the debts that have been made against the estate without the authority of law that I would have rejected it. I am glad to hear that the other parties come so readily into the plan. There is I imagine no time to be lost- and the initiatory steps cannot be taken too soon. I imagine your Uncle William will not come into the plan because he has no right in law to consent to any such arrangement for J. If he consents, he himself will be personally liable to J. for the amounts.","I am not surprised to hear that others would like to have Farley Vale. But I reckon it is the best way to let it go to the highest bidder. It certainly is the fairest.","What does Cip do all day long and why don't he write to a fellow. I am sorry that the Holly berries are all gone. I shall be glad to have any that you can start up- I have written to Tenn. for some beech nuts. I have a fancy for a beech hedge. The beech holds its leaves during winter and the lee of its hedge is almost equal to a green house-","Give my love to Nannie- I write to her mother by this mail. \nAffectionately yrs \nM.F. Maury","Observatory \n17 Apl 1860","My dear Mr. Corbin, \nI still think you should insist on greater dispatch. Suppose you apply before the 19 July for a decree and the court refuses on the ground that K is not of age. Will that lessen your claim when she is of age? I think not. Try now and if you fail- no harm is done to the July effort. It cannot hurt much to try now, and a decree now would be worth money to you.","Lewis Walker in Rives' neighborhood wants to sell his farm so Frank Minor tells me-","I think you would do well as soon as you get Mr. Burton underway to mount yr horse and ride up to Lewis Walker's. Go up to Nelson \u0026 Amherst- also in the lower countrylook at places- let it be known that you want to buy land- and then when you do sell you can have your eyes open.","Think you had better do that at once i.e. as soon as you set Mr. B. to work for the May term. it's an important matter take a month or six weeks for the trip. Nannie can come to us. On horseback the trip can cost you very little. Any idea of duty as a trustee should not interfere with such a trip. Tell Nannie we all go down to the General's today.","Is not yr Father the guardian of K \u0026 J till they come of age? And can the court appoint one without his request?","All well \u0026 good here. In haste. Yrs truly, \nM.F. Maury","Observatory \n12 May 60","My dear Nannie, \nThis morning your Ma and Lucy got a most pressing invitation from Jno. B. to come to the convocation. An omnibus is to run between the church and the university and they are also to have morning and evening services in the Chapel. The \"Crit\" is flirting in bed with the Rappahannock chills - But she has decided to go, and to take you in Lucy's place if you'll join her. She has a free ticket for you there and back. I have written to [Jesse] B. to encourage Mary with the hope that you will come instead of Lucy. Sally F\nand Cousin Ellen are going. Your Ma will join them and go up under Tim's escort Tuesday. Your Aunt Mary will be there with the Lynchburg people - and we will expect you up Monday to dinner.","The children are well of the mumps and will sit in the school Monday again. We hope the plants were safely received. All well and send love to Mr. Corbin.","Yr aft father \nM.F. Maury","Telegraph if you are coming - yes or no - you need not prepay it. It will come to me without that.","Send this to Nannie.","Observatory \nJuly 9, 1860","My dear Nannie, \nBless your heart for that letter. I'd give an eyetooth to see you. Ask your Ma to please have another one pulled and keep you till I come. Am glad to hear of Dick's arrival. I'll send the letter from him by Sr.E. who says she is going Wednesday - Am truly sorry about the chills. Hope your Ma will keep then inside. They have been troubling me also this cold weather. Tell Jno Minor I went to see Bob this morning. He was touched by his kindness and grateful to a degree. I am to try tomorrow to get a clerkship for him in the\nCensus Bureau.","You said never a word about your Uncle Charles' wife- poor bird! N.B. stutters as Dave did.","Next week will be the 19th. I suppose you will be up then to court. Though things look so smooth in favor of paying off and dividing I can but fear something is to thwart it after all.","Betty did not go a - sherry - cobblering last night. Today I read [p] 230 of new ed. P.G. - in the last edition there are 389pp. I do not know how many there will be in this - But 400 at least I reckon.","See a letter I got this morning from my \"Injun\" yr friend Mr S. \nKiss everybody \nyour Dad, in haste -","[Note on verso of letter]\nAll well. Aunt E. expected today must meet her \nin haste \nJHM {?John Herndon Maury MIA 1863}","Observatory \n6 Aug. '60","My dear wife \nGot this morning yrs of 4th. Tell Totts I was reading yesterday that admirable, sweet precious little book. The Household of Sir Thos More and thought of her as my Megg.","Tell Jno \u0026 Brodie \u0026 Lucy, and all the rest of the \"Great Easterners\" of the family that we want to go [to] [ ] Wednesday - day after tomorrow - Leave here at 7 -40 AM. take the steamer in Balt at 10 AM Arrive alongside the Gr. at noon. Stay 2 hours, get back to Balt. in time for the Washington train at 4.20 p.m. Round trip $2.50. I have not seen Betty since I got yr letter and therefore can't make any arrangements as to accommodations. Betty does not know whether she is going. I reckon it would be a nice trip for Dick \u0026 Dave. If you think so, and they too, let them come along. Upon second thought Wednesday will be too soon. Thursday will be the day. I'll write Tom Bold we\nare coming Thursday. I'll bear Nannie's expenses too if she will come along - tell her I want her \u0026 Betty to go and to go myself out of civility to Bold. The trip would knock you up.","Thursday at 7.40 AM we shall go - let me know who will come. Love to all.","Yrs. \nM.F. Maury","If the boys \u0026 Nannie come, they should leave F'b'g Wednesday A.M. What of the trunk I'm to buy?","Observatory \nOct 1, 1860","My dear Mr. Corbin, \nBy the mail of this morning I got yr's of 29th Sept.","You are right not to go security for the parties named. My engagements are such as to prevent my coming down. Nor is that necessary.","I am not quite clear as to the amt. for which you want security. But be that as it may - show the papers to Jno. or Chas. Herndon. Ask them to draw up a deed of trust upon Farley Vale in my favor, and the negroes too if you want me to endorse for them - and have them regularly recorded. Then you can send or bring - better do the latter - the documents.","I leave the city Saturday morning - Can't you bring Nannie along - I think the sight of her would make her mother well - she had been under the weather ever since the trip North - and has not been well enough to be at the table with us more than two or three times since she came up. She is better to day, though in bed. It's a rainy \"nasty\" day you know. She was made quite happy this morning to keep the \"boy\" at home from school on account of the drizzle - about 9 - 10 it had set in for a regular pour - he came over to\nsay she wanted him to go down the City! Somehow the rain does not seem to be as wet that way it is over toward Georgetown.","I understand that there will be a prior lien upon F.V. and on to the estate - That makes no odds - I write in haste to get to night's mail. Love to Nannie. Why doesn't she let us hear from her? to Mary Herndon Sister E. \u0026 all hands","Yrs truly \nM. F. Maury","Observatory \nWashington \n22 Oct 1860","My dear Mr. Corbin, \nWhen I last wrote I was just on the eve of taking wing for Tennessee. I did not have time to write both to Charles \u0026 you, so I wrote him \u0026 sent the letter open through you. Now I write almost in as much haste, for I expect to leave for New York Thursday morning and to embark for England on Saturday.","Political affairs are in a very unsatisfactory state- so much so that shall have the country feeling quite uneasy. The state of your affairs helps to increase this uneasiness. I have had nothing in reply to my letter to Charles, but in the mere matter of endorsation you have given me all the security that I required, and such as under a more settled state of things would be considered by the most cautious timidity as ample. Nevertheless there is talk of disunion and how far property- land \u0026 negroes- in Virginia is to be affected by disunion both acts and deeds, it is simply impossible to foresee. It may not be depreciated at all- or it may be depreciated 1/3, 1/2, or 9/10th nobody can tell. No one you know ever objects to too much security. You are making it a rule of life \u0026 wisely not to go security- you do not wish to hypothecate your property for any new debts and there are many contingencies on the occurrence of which it would be better for you\nNannie \u0026 me if I had a lien also on your negro property as collateral for the land. You understand I have no right to require this. But it can't harm you, may do you or Nannie good, \u0026 will add to my own comfort. Of course, I mean a lien to come in after present obligations for which that negro property may be bound.","If you think well of this proposition, get Charles to attend to it \u0026 let the expenses be mine. Drop me a letter care of Maury Brothers New York in reply \u0026 tell Nannie she shall hear from me before I sail.","Goodbye \nYrs truly \nM.F. Maury","Perhaps it may be as well to state that when I offered to endorse I expected to endorse for both land \u0026 negroes and of course have a lien upon all- This I am still willing to do so as to get the endorsed security.","London \n21 Nov '60","My dear wife, \nYesterday \u0026 the day before I was the happiest man in all London. Your two letters, Sister E's, our -Dick's - [Glum's]-Cip's- Nannie's to you, Mr. Corbin's to me- the latest 5 Nov-all came. Bless your dear hearts every one. I am so glad to hear you are on the mend, and so gratified to those darling precious friends for taking such good care of you. Kiss Sally Fontaine for me. I am just through with book. And have accepted an invitation to return on the New York Nov 28. Tomorrow go to Wrottesley whither I will write.","God bless you, \nM","Steamer New York \nAt Sea, 9 Dec 1860","My dear Nannie \nThis is our eleventh day out. When we left England we expected to arrive at New York tomorrow; but we have had a rough time of it, we are now nearly a 1000 miles off and do not expect to get in before Thursday. This is Sunday 11 a.m. and a beautiful day. I wanted to take them all by surprise by stepping in upon them Tuesday the 11th and as good luck would have it told \"Crit\" not to expect me before the 15 or 16th- so the \"journey up the mountain\" will be prevented by it, for I hoped to be in Wash. before or by\nthe 15th.","Thank Mr. Corbin for his letter. Rutson Maury forwarded with an endorsation reporting \"all well\"- so it brought me the first news from home which was great joy for I was very unhappy about your Ma- It's all right tell him. I was at Wrottesley- Jansen \u0026 I- when your letter came. I delivered your message- he grinned. You can't imagine how cordial they all were- \"40 time\" herself came in the carriage to meet us at Codsall, \u0026 they sent us in their own carriage to the cars in Wolverhampton- the old lady insisting that we had not wrappings enough and fitting us out with hers even to London. She begged us to stay longer- so did they all. Her niece Miss Simpson was there. She took us to [Chiltington]. She hummed \"Nelly Bly\" for us as we went said you taught it to her \u0026 she had given away many copies of it. Davis the Butler has got rich and has set up on his \"own hook.\" Webb the footman has his place- Simpson the gardener is to be married Xmas, and my Lord has built for him just in the edge of the forrest the sweetest little cottage you can\nimagine. While I was there Tom Bold was to see me in London.","If you had been in London this time, you would have thought somebody had come to town I tell you. Rail ways were placed at my service to see sights and engineers to show them \u0026 \" put me thro'.\" The Navy officers there were planning [on] great blow out for me in return for \"you all's\" civilities to the prince, and they are going to send an expedition to the South Pole for me. At least Washington who is the proper person to move on it-pledged me his word so to do, saying he thought he could carry it. I made an address without notes before the Geographical Society. Had a great crowd. Ladies,\nLords, gentlemen. Was breakfasted – dinner-ed \u0026 tea-ed-- oh it was a jolly time! but I would not give one day in my own sweet home with my blessed wife and sweet children for the whole of it.","When will you \u0026 Mr. C. be up- come soon- stay long. I am trying to pull the wires to get New York to send a messenger down south to enquire of the people there what's the matter? asking them to state their grievances- the terms \u0026 c. on which they would be willing to remain in the Union. I may be too late, for my latest date as to things at home is 15 Nov- New York Herald. Things I have no doubt have assumed many new phases since then, but unless good me in each section muster themselves, I fear the Union is gone. I shall write to my Dave today to come home at Xmas. I enjoyed Jansen's visit vastly. I made many charming acquaintances, but none more so than Lady Ashburton \u0026 her Lord. I am to \"come to them\" when I go back. His mother has just had 50,000 trees blown down on her \"plantation\" in Scotland. Isn't it elegant. Our old landlady Miss Everall is just married to Scott Adir the fancy [Wollen] man. I went to the store \u0026 asked for her- there was a titter among the clerks \u0026 confusion with Scott. Jansen said he was jealous- didn't see her . Love to all hands. \nyr Dad.","Richmond \n25 Apl 1861","My dear Wellford, \nYou can best serve the cause by staying at home, planting corn \u0026 potatoes, than you can by coming here. There is a great press here. The people along the river are wanted at home to form police, guard, \u0026 c. \nIn great haste. yrs. \nM.F. Maury","Don't come","Richmond \n27 Apl 1861","My dear wife- \nSaw Lt. Carr this morning. He was Dave's Captain. Dave was a first rate soldier- enjoyed the trip, and got back all safe \u0026 sound.","I look for Dick from Washington this morning. He went for our things. He has an appoint of \"1st Lt. of Volunteers for Services in Council Chamber.\" So you see how he is tied down in Richmond and can't go to the wars - now I do hope that will make you quiet and comfortable. Corbin is back too \u0026 Dave. Why my dear we are as happy as the day is long. Ain't we? Very busy today. Hope for a quiet time tomorrow.","Kiss my Lucy. What is that boy a'doing? Why didn't the girls write - are you going down with Nanny - Had you not better come up next Saturday for church - maybe I'll meet you. \nYr M","Tell Nannie I got all her letters and to thank Mason for all of them.","Richmond \n18 May 1861","My dear Corbin, \nYour letter of 15 came to hand last night. I shall go up to Fredericksburg this evening if nothing unforeseen occurs to prevent. I hope to find you there, but in case I should not go or going should not find you I write this in answer to your many questions now.","You did right to decline Col. [Ruggles] [ ] present offer, for he had no authority of law to make such an appointment.","If you raise a company you will be mustered into the service as volunteers, and will then be furnished with arms.","So far I have not succeeded in giving practical effect to my place of organizing all the remaining white population in the border \u0026 tide water counties into a home guard to act in case of inroads \u0026 marauders as guerrillas. I did hope to bring into this organization all able bodied men \u0026 boys between 15 \u0026 60. The law opposed difficulties in the way of this, and I did hear that Gen'l Lee who highly approved of the plan is going to carry it into effect by calling them out as militia. What the precise details of the militia organization are to be, I cannot say. But I suppose that as its objects are the same it does not in the main differ much from the guerilla plan. I think so highly of this plan that I have sought to have it turned over to us navy officers looking upon it as the most honorable \u0026 useful service that the times offer to us.","This too is I think the best service for you, and for reasons both public \u0026 private. It is highly important service and a double duty to the state--you fight for \u0026 help to raise bread for the people at the same time. Sallying forth with [sword] in hand today--tomorrow with the pruning hook or sickle. The private reasons are: your whole fortune is imperiled, and it will require all the personal attention and the best management of which you are\ncapable to save you from ruin. I myself being a cripple have to conform myself to circumstances and to accept such occupation as those circumstances will allow. So it is with you- you by leaving home to serve the state now, would probably do it at the sacrifice of your entire fortune- and that you are not prepared to do. The true course and the brave course for you is cheerfully to adjust yourself to circumstances \u0026 then do the best you can.","Tom Maury has just called me out with a telegram that his child is dead.  Yrs, M.F. Maury.","Richmond \n20 June `61","Dear Corbin, \nI got your note last night and went the first thing this morning to see the Governor. If he musters you into service, you will fall under the President who can send you where he pleases. Thus the Governor:","I heard a member of the convention from Tidewater complaining yesterday that two companies in one of the lower counties had been mustered into service with the express understanding that they were to remain in their own county and they had been ordered away. They were volunteers. So you will understand that no bargain can be made with you as volunteers, short of 1 year's service to go wherever the President chooses to order you.","As to guerrillas: the convention has that subject up now and he, the Governor can do nothing.","Thus you have a full account of the result of the interview. Thorburn has [gave] up the country- after referring your letter to the Gov. I thought it useless to mention the matter to him. If you conclude to go as volunteers how would Jack Maury do as your Capt.? He is at Gloucester Pt.","I am very sorry to see our guerilla scheme fail, but the connotation is we have both done our best and all that can be done.","Love to Nannie \nyrs M.F. Maury","The Council was abolished yesterday and I am relieved of duties.","Richmond \n18 July 1861","My dear wife, \nI have just learned from the Sec. War that the boys at the university are not to be taken into service. They remain undisturbed. I shall so write Dave this day.","I shall go down to the central cars today at 2 1/2 hoping to meet Dab. He can have his folks at the junction. Come here spend 2 or 3 hours \u0026 join them in the 5 p.m. train for Fredericksburg.","Hollins has charge of the Naval defenses of James River- and will be cavorting about I suppose, \u0026 Dick with him. This will be more agreeable than a stay at one place.","There are many flying rumors about the street this morning such as the landing of 30,000 troops at Norfolk, 20,000 at Aquia Creek \u0026 c- and that they are moving upon Richmond. It is now 12.20 and no official dispatch has been received, so there is nothing in it. But I wish you all would fancy to make a visit to Albemarle until the denouement takes place. I suppose the enemy will run upon us somewhere soon and the sooner the better for us in\nmy poor judgment.","Now you know I don't want to give alarm and I know no more about the enemy's plan than the newspapers tell us. Still our armies cannot remain much longer as they are and I had rather see my people a little further off. God bless you \nM.F.M.","Charlottesville, Va: Ridgway \n18 Sept 1861","My dear Nannie, \nYour two letters came yesterday. The great drawback to what you call \"a celebrity\" is this being called on by friends for `influence' and help, where you are powerless. [?Kennedy's] inquiry I imagine had no such bearing as you seem disposed to give it. I know Mr. Corbin is missed all the time, and you may know that I am not going to permit any opportunity of having him to pass unheeded by. I understand that he did not want a commission at first when he was trying to raise that company - and now I suppose it difficult except in the Confederate Service and there I am powerless. Bless your heart for offering us your house. I have not been able to find - yet - suitable accommodations in Charlottesville. Moreover I am distressed by what they tell me of typhoid fever there - and moreover Fredericksburg is \"powerful sweet\". I am waiting for the word from Richmond to go ahead with the submarines. There is no chance for a Ltcy. in the Navy for Mr. Corbin. I think a good of his affairs. The give us solicitude. Dave and C. Minor went off a'recruiting yesterday. I think you had better come to us. We will take care of you for a year and that will help Mr. C. along with his interest. \nYr. Dad.","Richmond \n20 Nov 1861","My dear wife \nI do not go to the Miss. just yet if at all. The committee has the matter of steam launches up. I shall wait here for the result of their deliberations. I cannot speak positively about you and home Saturday.","Tom left for Manassas Wednesday morning. He took the turkey and all.","Nan and Lewis and the general were here. Now returns to Bowling Green this morning. Lewis went this morning to Norfolk. Jack came up from York River yesterday. He returns tomorrow.","The hoop skirts cost $6.00 -[Bill] waits further orders before giving $12.00 for the two.","Miss Fanny Perkins left the day I arrived. She went down to Norfolk Wednesday morning with the General's check in her corset and the other \"preciouses' behind the photographsin her album.","How are my sick? All still mending I hope. Kisses to everyone.","Yr. affectionate, M.F. Maury","Richmond \n9 Dec `61","Dear Corbin, \nYour leave is extended to the 1st Jan. unless Kennedy should sooner require your services. The leave with his letter to you go up to him this evening. Buchanan grants you the leave. I have seen it. So there is no mistake. K. no doubt will send it you.","Dave is off in the morning.","Love to Nannie, \nYrs. in haste \nM.F. Maury","Send it to C.","For Nannie \nPrivate \u0026 Confidential \nDec. 9.1861","My dear child, \nMilly's death is a sad blow. You will feel it as such and miss her mightily. A law has passed authorizing the appointment of 50 Navy Lts. to serve during the war. I do not know what rules is to be adopted with regard to appointments; but it has occurred to me that Mr. C. might stand a chance if he would like the place. If so, let him file his application with Mr. Mallory and interest his member of Congress on his behalf. If I know that you and he desire the place, that is enough. I'll help it and if I can.","Say to Blackford that the only understanding between us was that I was to stay there until I could find a place to suit us both and that he would live with us - one offsetting the other. That he had better get some of our mutual friends to fix the visit. It had better be by the month, for he may want to sell and I man find a more suitable house. We lack another room or two sadly - We'll will attend to the execution of any papers that are required in the processes. God bless you my daughter \nM.","Richmond \n30 Jan.","My dear wife, \nWill came yesterday and told me that you were poorly and also of the great thinning out. You must feel very quiet if not lonesome. I don't get much from Will about the school. Of course they are done with Mr. J.","I'll leave it entirely to you as to whether one or both shall come home. They should come soon and we should know the day so that Dave may be at the cars. Dave is a precious fellow. He has been a great comfort to me, but he and I do not think that this clerking of his is exactly the thing for him. I think I shall give the place to Bob who returned last night. I have written to Lynch asking him to take Dave with him for a little while. We are waiting\nto hear from him. The answer is daily expected for I wrote about 10 days ago. L's answer will determine the Lad's course, whether it will be back to you, or down to the south - or rather the Sounds of N.C. Tell Nannie I have exhausted myself upon Corbin both with Buchanan and the Inc. What I said seemed to go in one ear and come out of the other - S.C. must muster up his political influences and push them. 25 or 30 of the 50 Lts. that are to be made will come from the \"Old Navy\" including cases like Smith's and from the Masters and Mid of C.N. The rest are I believe to be made out of the resv. C. will come in with them if at all I suppose.","The \"Doc\" got off this morning, much to my relief.","I have got a pair of shoes at last which I can wear when the foot is only 1/2 swollen. I have them on this morning for the first time. I have ordered another and a larger pair, so I have them of three sizes.","I know my brood is doing fine in Latin. How is Lucy and the Musik Glum and the philosophy Totts and the writing. A Kiss to everyone I am dying to see you all but can't tell about coming. \nYr Aft M","Did Jno get the money Dave collected for him?","Richmond \n1 May 1862","Dear Corbin: \nI have this morning yr's of 29th. Wrote you yesterday - nothing from Fredericksburg since Dave went up there this morning hoping to take a peep of an hour or so upon the blessed group. I shall expect him back to-morrow. His appointment will probably be made out by that time. When he will put out west of course he will bring letter which I shall hasten down to you. \nIn haste \nYrs MFM","The examination as I understand it relates only to midshipmen.","Richmond \n4 May `62","Jas. M. Johnson [Hd.] carpenter of Rootes party left sick at Custis' Quarters reports himself for Norfolk today - without money. I lend him $3. which he promises to return to you 1st pay day. Please get it. Dave I expect will be off in the morning.","It is the case of yr[house on fire at night]. Your duties for the moment are and ought to be the all absorbing subjects with you. Not only yr prosperity, but your life and liberty are at stake. And you will be lucky and ought to be happy to escape with the last two.","A letter from Dick - all well.","Yrs. \nM.F.M.","- That's right. Keep your mind occupied. Don't despond or despair. The enemy has the power to possess himself of Richmond - of the Miss River and of all the Tidewater country. Look upon that as more than likely.","Richmond Virginia \n5 May","Dear Corbin: \nI have just time to say this is [the] 3rd or 4th. Have yr's of 2nd. The army came over into Fredericksburg yesterday. Nothing since direct from our folk since Dave was there. He will perhaps go off in the morning.","In haste yrs \nM.F. Maury","Richmond \n24 May","Dear Corbin: \nNothing from Fredericksburg since Brodie's letter of 13th. I have an idea that the place is evacuated. I tried yesterday and the day before to get Totts back with the aim of sending her there- Mr. White wrote to say the Alsop's went last Wednesday and he thought there would be no difficulty about Totts. I am afraid now to bring her down. I may be down to the Bluff tomorrow. Gave Lt Davidson of the [ ] a letter from you yesterday. Jack has\ngone down to take command of the battery below you. \nYrs. in haste","1 June '62","Dear Corbin, \nDick was hit yesterday in the right arm, breaking one of the bones, His wound is very much such as one as Dabney's only not so bad. I went out and brought him in. He was wounded early in the fight, but not until he had resisted the charge and driven back two Yankee regiments. Dick is a gallant fellow and has won the name \"immortal\" for his regiment - so says the Yankee General Hancock. His horse was killed under him and he was struck 4 times. He will be well in about 6 weeks. He is in my room laughing and talking as I write.","My admirable Pettigrew was killed. I write in haste. Send word to Jack about Dick. Nothing from home.","Yrs. \nM.F.M.","Richmond \n5th June 1862","Dear Corbin, \nThis morning brings in yrs of 3rd. Dick is walking about the streets and is doing well. No chance to Fredericksburg and nothing from them. I hope to get off to Albemarle with Dick next week. Jackson gives us a bright spot. In all the directions around the horizon the clouds lower upon us.","Yrs. M.","19th June","Dear Corbin: \nThis will not come to hand in time for you this morning.","Dick and I hope to get off for Ridgeway Saturday. I tried today an order for 3 Irish servants to be sent from New York. Dabney is acting Major General. Price and his staff are loud in his praise of Dab and Cave.","I [?] Nannie's letter for time was short.","July 14 (1862)","Dear Corbin: \nLooked for you yesterday, but your two letters came this morning. George has arrived at Ridgway from Fredericksburg. Dick has sent him back to get his marriage license. Nothing from Nannie or Betty. Yankee pickets are about Bowling Green. Will is home in status quo. Gen Minor has letters from Fredericksburg of 11. [Nannie] [Gardner] was very ill with typhoid fever. Harry Hasbrouck is our prisoner. I have his photograph picked up on the battlefield. I only know the mail does not go to Fredericksburg. I hope to get off this week. A letter from Dave of 3 Oct. Doing well.","Thanks for Nannie's letter. Betty had a letter from Nannie after her arrival in Fbg. I suppose Dick will be married as soon as he gets his license. \nYrs. truly \nM.F.M.","Richmond \n19 July","Dear Corbin: \nI am sorry I did not see [you] again. I am off to Ridgway in the morning. Letter from my wife of 16 - Dick's license had not arrived. It was due that day. Betty is still in Carolina. Don't know when she goes back. My wife will return next week, say the last, I reckon.","I write in haste. Read last night - letters from Dave and Dab of y. Still there, well and rejoicing over Richmond. Let us hear from you at Ridgway. My [ ] for news from home will be mainly thru you and Will. \nYrs. \nM.F.M.","Richmond \nExchange Hotel \nRoom No 12 \n29 July (1862)","Dear Corbin: \nPope's order No 11 - brought me and my wife down to-day. Our people will have to come out of Fredericksburg now. They can't stand that. I want to get authority to-morrow to send up there. So come up to town as soon as you can after the receipt of this \u0026 we will lay our plans. Give my compliments to Lee and say you coming will be a personal favor –","Yrs in haste \nM.F. Maury","Exchange Hotel - No 12 \n30 July","Dear Corbin: \nPope's order to arrest everybody in Fredericksburg that will not swear allegiance makes it necessary to get our people out. I am here for that. Come up to day. I want your help. Get his permission to ask for a leave of 10 days, if you find it necessary, at any rate come up to day.","Yrs. \nM.F. Maury","Bowdon England \n1 May 63","Dear Corbin: \nI was glad to get your letter. It was very satisfactory and interesting.","I now fancy that I see no end to the war, until the Yankees get themselves into trouble with some other nation, or until after the 4th March of `65. John Bull is drifting into war and the public mind here is beginning to chafe under the doings of Wilkes and his [c ]. Still if there is war it will not be through any the least spark of sympathy for us. I think the Government is determined to stop any more Alabamas if it can - and I think the feeling of the country is with the Government in that matter, as it is in all others that touch its conduct towards us.","Can't you find time to find a better place for our folks, as in Lynchburg or some other town a little further from the enemy's lines. They are now much nearer than is agreeable. Then they want to be in reach of schools and a little more society for the young ones than they can have in the country. Pray let there be a family council \u0026 then see what you can do to carry out what may be decided to be the best. If they board, let them if possible\nhave a parlor to themselves.","Wilkinson don't come any further than the island nearest you, but I will bear in mind yr request.","I am trying now to get a box off for the ladies on a vessel that takes this - one that Crenshaw is sending out. I have a letter from him this morning dated 3 days ago, saying she would sail in a few days - So I have sent an express message to Ferguson in Manchester who took the lists more than a month ago with a promise to fill them - I have asked him to send all 3. Bob's, Lewis' and mine if he has them ready, if not ready, I have asked him to double my order for dresses and to make them suitable to the memory of\nmy precious Davy Jones. He said the money was of no consequence when I gave him the lists, but perhaps the want of it prevented him from attending to it, however I sent him the money for mine - all I had, and told him that I expected in a week or 10 days to have the money for the others, and to send my box anyhow. I don't know the name of the vessel but it's Crenshaw's. They will tell you the name in Richmond and the box will be marked c . \"R.H. Maury, Richmond\". Do ask them to keep a look out for it.","Bobby Walker is here trying to raise a Yankee loan of £50,000,000. Moneyed men here say some that he can't \"place it\" some that he can, if he will get Peabody and [Br gs ] black \u0026 [ ] - to take hold and spend a £100,000 or so in floating it. My own notion is he will spend money like fury to get his loan to go - and I see what looks to me like a sign that he had already been \"[ploughing]\" with some of the yearlings of the Times. Saw them stepping out of the way in its city article of yesterday to explain away certain things.\nIt looks suspicious. This \"City Article\" as it is called is more read by moneyed men than all other parts of the paper. The \"City Article\" is the first thing they look at.","So I am on the lookout for something [further]. This morning's Times will be here before the mail closes and if there be any more indications I'll clip them out for you.","Please let Nannie copy such parts of the letter as relate to public affairs and send them to Mr. Seddon. I wrote him Dec. 11 Jan 20- \u0026 31 March - and ask him to see that the new Navy Bill does not operate prejudicially in one's absence.","Explain to R.A.M. about the boxes. I wrote nearly a month ago for money from [Jody] for him \u0026 L. as I had it not.","Where is Jack stationed now? Give my love to Jack - He is a kind hearted fellow.","This is May-Day. Some ladies called in their carriage to take me to see the country people - May-But I had not the [ ] and I proposed to stay at home and [ ] home.","Send also to Ludlow the slips that you think he would like to see. Love to Uncle Jordan and Nannie and all hands.","Yrs. truly \nMF","I go to London Monday of Tuesday and then to France. It goes hard to part with Brave. But he likes his school, is getting interested with the boys - and his vacation will commence 13 June - Six weeks hence when he will join me again.","London England \n7 July 1863","My dear Nannie: \nCarter stopped in upon us today with your and Corbin's letter. Bless my Davy's sweet face - his [coal] is [quenched], his light is put out - his pitch broken, and his spirit returned unto God who gave it. I doted on that splendid countenance. Twas a rich pleasure to me always to steal glances at it when he knew it not. I read in it unutterable things and always a pleasant present and a pleasing future Oh-ho! Lord Wrottesley is in town.\nBrave called today to say we would breakfast with him in the morning. Brave said `Sir' to him and he took him up. We learn by Carter that Murdough had got in. Thanks for that - Corbin will find his pistol in the trunk sent by him, but not the saber. It is difficult to find one good [natured] enough to charge himself with such a piece of luggage. I saw his cousin in Paris. He was very civil. I liked him and his family very much. One of his daughters - the yellow haired one particularly quite took my fancy. I was miserable in\nParis. Exceedingly depressed all the time - so much that Brave said to me one night in tears - that I had treated him with reserve ever since he come there. Bless the child's heart. I had no heart for anything. I was making no progress about my business I was doing nothing to help the case - and my actions were controlled by me, that were unequal to the task. All this and the fact that I am kept here all the time with hands tied for the want of means and that I am told to build this and buy that as tho' I had the Bank of England to draw from. All this - the fact that I am of no use - oppressed me exceedingly.","The small parcel by Hudson, Elie tells me has been received. The next was also a small one - say 7- by Ramsey in Apl- What became of that? The next by the [Venice]- [Crenshaw's] ship- in I know- the next was by the Advance- [Crosson's] ship in charge of Hughes the brother of Tom's friend. She was in Bermuda last month-and the last by Murdough who is in. I have had but two letters from you. Love to Corbin with thanks for his letter. I hear he is a great worker and gives satisfaction.","Bowdon (England)  \n4 Aug 1863","My dear no. \"dos\", \nJust as we were leaving Liverpool yesterday a parcel of home letters was handed to me.\nYours of Jun 14, Corbin of 15, Totts 10th 13 and Elie's no date at all. Totts to the Brave. This is the second letter from you.","Just before we left London Mrs. [G ] with her youngest daughter \"Carie\" arrived there from Baltimore. They are great secessionists - you remember they used to give children's parties in the first ward and that Dave particularly and I believe Totts used to go to them. The first thing that Miss Carie said was an inquiry after Dave. She only remembered me as his father. When I told her - her mother exclaimed - + don't you believe he's drowned they've got him cooped up to spite you. You don't know their villainy or their spite against you. The idea and their positive air gave me a glimpse of hope, which started up, lasted for a moment and it was all dark again.","Another batch of letters. Lt. Carter brought them from L'pool just at 6. Meiklejohn was dining with us, so we put them away and have now about 10 just got through with them. I reading and [checking] over them to Brave. There is one form you of 25 May to me and of June 6th to Brave. One from Totts to him and one to me one from Nannie Belle to him. All on the thin blue paper and from his Ma to him and one to me with the copy by Elie of\nD's letter of the 14th Feb - giving all the account he could of the loss. It is singular that just as I was telling of Mrs. G. for I had only got to the +. D's letter should have come encouraging the same idea. 5th {pencilled in margin} I had never before heard of the cartridge boxes - the rubber cloth and the tracks of the mare as to or from a boat. Had I heard of that at first I should have clung to hope as you and Totts and yr Ma have done.\nIt evidently gave D. hope for the flag followed. But what did Burnett think. Burnett the Texas Trailer. At what gait was the man going that two miles after having crossed the crevasse - at what gait when she returned - was there any sign of a scuffle, of a halting or a quickening of pace where the cartridge boxes were - what does he mean by cartridge `boxes'? cartridge papers? I think the trailer could tell by the tracks for two miles whether\nthe horse was riderless. The tracks about the turning place would indicate that most likely. Then why should the mare keep along just two miles and then turn back.. The man in the boat might have seen him coming, and concealing themselves [till] he came up - and then calling a halt he might have found himself so completely in their power as to make all attempt at escape useless - and so he might have reined up. But then what would have been the use of the cartridges? On the contrary if he had been fired at or\nshot, the tracks would have showed a sudden change in the gait of the steed. I read from this account of Bob's that on that two mile stretch below the crevasse, the horse as she went down was guided by the rider, and that therefore the probabilities, nay I should say the chances, the almost certain chances are that that precious boy was not drowned in the crevasse. When the mare returned to the brook, was she riderless? How near did the returning tracks go to it? Did they enter it? If they don't, he perished there - if not, then he was made away with, somewhere between the brook and the end of the two miles below. Thank my merciful Father for this precious crumb of consolation, for now I feel almost persuaded that my brave boy had a chance of fighting for his life, and if so, then I know he did quit himself like a man as he was.","You see my love I have been building up this theory on these straws that D almost casually as it were has held out. The tracks down the road, the cartridge boxes, the rubber cloth and the tracks down to the boats.","Let us suppose that D. means cartridge boxes and not paper, then the rubber cloth, was it Yankee? The boat party had taken off their cartridge boxes and spread the bit of rubber cloth to lie on. My Dave came upon them suddenly and so fell into their hands. Were there any signs of a scuffle of men in a high state of excitement moving about. And the rubber cloth - was it of the cartridge boxes [ ] - and did the tracks of the men pass them?","I say he rode the mare that far, because she was seen soon after he had crossed - by 3:30 p.m. near the canal without her rider- and was found then at 10 the next morning. She wanted to get back - and after she lost her rider on the 27 - she made for Vicksburg. Had he been taken alive he would surely have been taken up to headquarters. He would have been too great a prize - no He was dealt foully by and they were afraid to report it.","I send D. a letter written some days ago. I may not have time to add more - but any how send him copy of the copy of this, till you are he gets it. Ask him to send it to Major Burnett, and after discussing the whole case over with him, ask him to let us know what the Major says. Love to C. to Betty and 10 Tell N.B. hers was a sweet letter to the Brave.","Kiss everybody. I am worried about L.A.'s \"spies\"-","England \nFeb. 15, `64","My dear \"Nig\": \nThat was a capital bargain. How came they to let him pay off? He ought to be made Sec. Treasury if he can financier in that way. The bonds that F.B. had? I hope he looked after them, and that they gave you and him a most comfortable fire to warm by.","Yesterday morning Brave brought down a Legendre that he had brought over with him- Davie's. In the evening he was criticizing some of the propositions and demonstrations and proposed to burn it up. I happen to look on the fly page in the book and there was my precious Dave's own hand writing \"Charlotte is my dulce.\"","S-H- and in full below, and a sum that he had been doing. I suppose that the `Dulce' was the „Charlotte‟ that Kate or Sarah [ ] used to talk to him about. He had the book at the University. So Brave was ordered to put it away among our \"preciouses\" - I have written 2½ diverse times and grieve to know that he doesn't get my letters. My last was 26 Dec. It related to that famous brooch pin affair - was a great secret, and I hope that it has not\nmiscarried. No further development has occurred in that matter and you may rely upon it. I shall suffer it to proceed no further, unless it be clear that I can be more useful there than I can be here, or rather than I am permitted to be here. Any premature disclosure would as you may readily imagine give rise to any amount of scandal- to encounter which with equanimity all those virtues which made Duncan `so clear in his High office' - I must rely upon angels and \" my Innocents\" for defense, for if I enter into that scheme, my lips will be sealed. And in all this I rely upon the reticence, the prudence and the judgment of you all. If it comes to anything, you will know of it from other quarters long before you will\nfrom me. The possibility that you might so hear induced me to tell you of it before hand. I know it would set somebody to climbing the mountain, and I thought it was better to climb with the lights before you there in the dark.","Your Petersburg letter of Dec 11 to Brave is our latest date. [`Sophy'] is in New York having her old laces renovated.","4 March 6 p.m.","My dear Wellford: \nI have just received this from Paris. It is a little scrap which you may like to preserve. I have no new developments in the matter of the brooch pin.","Brave and I are mourning over the loss of our things by [Cameron] in the Petersburg - Another pair of specs for Mary among them. It's always so Brave says with our Xmas boxes. Love to you - Yrs","Bowdon, England \n4 Aug. `64","My dear N: \nI dreamed last night that your troubles were all over. I hope they are with all my heart. They have not only been the cause of the most tender and anxious solicitude but of many painful emotions also - which I would fain forget.","I send you the last I have heard of Corbin. I can't find out when or how he was made prisoner. I have asked R. to let him have any funds he may want, and I will return the same through his cousin [J.]B. in Liverpool. I do not know whether any exchange of prisoners is now going on. I am rather under the impression that there is another hitch of some sort in the way.","The first notice I had that he was certainly captured was by his notice from Pt. Look Out to R.H.M. cut from the N.Y. Daily News of 28 June and sent me by an officer in Paris. I rec'd it 16 July in the cars as I left London for Lland[ ]. Bob in his letter of June 23rd makes no mention of him. So I infer he must have been captured between that and the 26th or 27th. You however should not give yourself any trouble nor go to climbing any mountains on that score, for I have no doubt he will, with such assistance as I can give,\nbe able to provide very well for his material comforts.","I went down to [A ] day before yesterday to get some tooth brushes to send by an officer who is going home, and I don't like to see such a good opportunity to pass without sending something. So I thought of tooth brushes- All the shops are in [Albrincham] none in Bowdon, Mit said, O don't get them here, get them in Manchester. You get them so much better. He got a friend to get them for you-all right. Tell him to get the best brushes as to hair, such as gentlemen and ladies ought to us, and add to them 6 nail\nbrushes. They have just come, were bought at wholesale prices, and for the nail brushes behold the little shoe brushes. I wish they had been white, I should like 5 \u0026 6 to have a nice white one. But I reckon you can make them do.","Brave said the other day, \"Sister B is an elegant woman I tell you. I should like to have such a one for my wife\" \"Why-?\" \" Oh she keeps her things in such nice order, and looks good in anything\" So charge 5 \u0026 6 to be neat and clean, but I fancy they are, and that they will look mighty good in one of these nail brushes set off by an ivory handled tooth brush. Bless their hearts I wish I could bring myself instead of sending these nice brushes for the narsty Yankees to get. Brave is commencing Greek and French this half.\nHe is not quick, but has what is better than quickness viz. industry and perseverance, the will to make good resolutions and the force to carry this out. I now, since I have been sick take 4 meals a day, breakfast at 8, lunch at 1½, dinner at 5½ and tea at 9, Brave breakfasts and teas and soups. God bless you. Love to Sr. E \u0026 S.F.M. and all hands.","The Parsonage \nBelsize Park \nLondon, N.W. [England] \n30 Dec 64","My dear Corbin, \nHow are you and Jack these dreary times, well and bright I hope. I have no later dates, since I last wrote you. I saw Arthur Sinclair and Pegram last night. The latter left in Oct. I learned more from them as to how our folks get on, than I had learned before. My friend is named T r e m l e t t, not Triplett. Your first letter they knew was for me and sent it to Bowdon right away. I have settled with Rutson for the $167.85 and the $20 advanced by\nJno W. to you and Jack the $20 to Jack, the rest to you, total $187.85. Brave grows fast and sends love. God bless you both \nYrs afty M. Fontaine","The Parsonage \n[Belsize Park \nLondon, N.W., England] \n3 Feb. 65","My dear Mr. Corbin, \nI have been ill for nearly a month, but hope now I am all right again except in strength, and the roast beef and pudding will soon rectify. My last letters from home are four days older than yours. I had comforted myself with the belief that you and Jack had been exchanged. I think you are bound for that tailor bill whether the cape reaches you or not, for as I understand you ordered them to be sent and they were sent at your and not the tailor's risk. Love to Jack in which Brave joins me to both. I have refunded to R. all he has advanced for either of you. \nYr. aft. M. Fontaine","Off San Domingo \n19 May 1865","My dear Sir: \nWe expect to be in Havana next Monday. I have seen New York papers of 2nd. Taking for true what they say this Confederacy has come to a miserable wreck. I write this now for the chance of finding in Havana a vessel ready to take it away. Brave, will go home from Havana, but it will take a day or two there for him to get thro' with his business. In the mean time my friends will be anxious to know what I intend to do. I do not know where they are. I take the liberty of sending this to you thinking you will guess whence it comes, and hoping you will not consider it inconsistent with your new relations, to give it the proper direction.","I was utterly astounded at the brick-row tumble of our armies; and at the ignoble end of the Confederacy I am grieved and mortified beyond expression, My friends will know to whom and to what I attribute the great calamities that have been brought upon us. They need not have been. But as gloomy as the record is, and as black as is the mirror of the future, now is the time to be stout and brave and to rub it bright. The soil of Virginia has now for me no charms save those which memory flings around it. At present it is red with blood and bitter with the tears of those who were and are very precious, and its future is black with misery and utterly horrid. I have no wish to see it, and long to withdraw from it those who graced it, and those who made it very dear to my heart. In my judgment the only course that becomes them and that is left to those noble sons and daughters who have graced the fall of the noble old state is expatriation. There are too many voices coming up in bloody, to cry from her battlefields to admit any to tarry there now, who can get away. And I go from Havana with the design of finding for them a new country, and of obtaining such advantages as will induce 1000s to come. And among the first are my wife's brothers my own kin and our immediate friends especially such as those of Ridgway and others. Please consult your friend [L.E.] upon this subject. The discussion of it involves many considerations, considerations not so much of the present as of the future. The future of every true hearted Virginian is a life dragged out under the yoke amidst secret spies and truculent informers. Remaining on the [soil] their doom is that of a proscribed race.","The best service that I can now make the state is to propose an asylum to which her sons can flee and sit under their own vines and fig trees. Your nephew goes home over for the purpose of developing our plans and with the hope of seeing it received with favor by those whose presence and society would make us at home in any country. My wife has a diamond and [chain]. They will tell her if she will consult them who I seek to plant that home.","I wish 2 you would join me, if possible, and for several reasons - One is he is a better farmer than I am, and another is I shall if at all successful have more to do that I can attend to. Discuss the subject frankly and freely among our own friends, but privately and by letter, not publically nor in print, until I have something clear and definite to propose - which I hope to be at least this much:- [Leave] to come into the country with our effects\nwithout any duties of any sort, a grant of Lands exemption for a term of years from taxation and military conscription \u0026. Perhaps other terms more or less advantageous may be obtained. In the mean time broach the subject to the two generals, big and little - to Will's uncles and brothers, to Jessie, to the \"Squires\" boys and his sisters - to Jno. B. his brothers and nephews to Frank and his and their whole circle of friends - not forgetting mechanics of various sorts. I hope to be ready for the pioneers to come early in the winter if not before. They can make ready for a larger number to follow a few months later and they for a still larger number and soon. Tell L.E. I intend to pick out a settlement so sickly that everybody will want the Doctor and pay him too and so healthy that the old people will just dry up and blow away. Hey Ho!","Important from Mexico \nWe, Maximilian, Emperor of Mexico in consideration of the sparseness of the population in the Mexican territory, in proportion to its extent; desiring to give to immigrants all possible security for property and liberty, in order that they may become good Mexicans, sincerely attached to their new country; and having heard the opinion of our Board of Colonization, do decree, as follows:","Article 1. Mexico is opened to immigration from all nations.","Article 2. Immigration agents shall be appointed, who will be paid by the government, and whose duty it will be to protect the arrival of the immigrants, install them on the lands assigned them and assist them in every possible way in establishing themselves. These agents will receive the orders of an Imperial Commissioner if Immigration, specially appointed by us, and to whom, through our Minister of Improvement (Fomento) all communications relating to immigration shall be addressed.","Article 3. Each immigrant shall receive a duly executed title incommutable, of landed estate, and a certificate that it is free of mortgages.","Article 4. Such property shall be free from taxes for the first year, and also from duties on transfers of property, but only on the first sale.","Article 5. The immigrants may be naturalized as soon as they shall have established themselves as settlers.","Article 6. Immigrants who may desire to bring labourers with them, or induce them to come, in considerable numbers, of any race whatever, are authorized to do so; but those laborers will be subject to special protective regulations.","Article 7. The effects of immigrants, their working and broad animals, seeds, agricultural implements, machines and working tools, will enter free of custom house and transit duties.","Article 8. Immigrants are exempted from military service for five years. But they will form a stationary militia, for the purpose of protecting their property and neighbourhoods.","Article 9. Liberty in the exercise of their respective forms of religious worship is secured to immigrants, by the Organic Law of the Empire.","Article 10. Each of our Ministers is charged with carrying out such parts of this decree as relate to his department.","Given at Chapultepec on the 5th of September 1865. \nMaximilian","To the Minister of Improvement. \nBy the Emperor, \nManuel Orozco y Berra, \nSub-secretary, in the absence of the Minister of Improvement","Regulations \nUnder article 6, of the foregoing decree, we ordain as follows:","1. Under the laws of the Empire, all persons of colour are free by the mere act of their touching Mexican territory.","2. They shall make contracts with the employer who has engaged, or may engage them, by which such employer shall bind himself to feed, clothe and lodge them, and give them medical attendance, and also pay them a sum of money, according to whatever agreements they may enter into with him, and more over he shall deposit in the savings bank hereinafter mentioned, for the benefit of the labourer, a sum equivalent to one fourth of his wages, the laborer shall on his part obligate himself to his employer to perform the labour for which he is employed, for a term of not less than five nor more that ten years.","3. The employer shall bind himself to support the children of his labourers. In the event of the father's death, the employer will be regarded as the guardian of the children, and they will remain in his service until they become of age, on the same terms as those agreed on with their father.","4. Each labourer shall receive a book certified by the local authority, in which book his description, the statement of his place of labour, and a certificate of his life and habits, will be entered. In the case of a change of employer, the consent of the former employer shall be entered in this book.","5. In case of the death of the employer, his heirs or whoever may acquire his estate, shall be bound to the labourer in the same manner in which such employer was and labourer in his part shall be bound towards such new proprietor, on the same terms as in his former contract.","6. In case of desertion, the labourer when arrested, shall be placed, without pay, on public works, until his employe presents himself to claim him.","7. In case of any injustice of the employer towards the labourers, he shall be brought before a magistrate.","8. Special police commissioners will watch over the execution of these regulations, and officially prosecute all violators thereof.","9. A savings bank will be established by the government for the following objects.","10. The employers shall deposit in said bank, every month, for the benefit of the labourers, a sum equivalent to one fourth of the wages which each is entitled to, under his contract of employment.","11. The labourers can deposit, in addition, in the savings bank, in money, such sum as they may desire.","12. These deposits shall bear interest at the rate of 5 percent per annum.","13. At the end of his engagement, and on presentation of his book, the labourer shall receive the entire amount of his savings.","14. If at the end of his engagement the labourer wishes to leave his money in the savings bank, he can then receive the interest accrues, or if he wishes to leave this also, it will be added to his capital, and also draw interest.","15. In case a labourer should die intestate or without heirs, his property shall pass to the treasury of the government.","Given at Chapultepec, on the 5th of September 1865. \nMaximilian \nTo the Minister of Improvement \nBy the Emperor: \nManuel Orozco y Berra \nSubsecretary, in the absence of the Minister of Improvement.","The following Regulations and Instructions have also been approved by His Majesty the Emperor. [signed by M.F. Maury] \nSeptember 11th 1865.","1. The lands offered for Colonization are divided into three classes:","2. 1st those that are of the public domain and have never been reduced to\ncultivation:","3. 2nd Those that have been more or less improved as Haciendas, the right to\ndispose of which, the Government has acquired, either by purchase or otherwise:-","4. 3rd Private lands and Haciendas, the proprietors of which are disposed to offer them to immigrants on liberal terms for colonization. Many Haciendas that are, or have been, under cultivation, may be bought on easy terms, for less that $1 per acre.","5. These private Haciendas or plantations, sometimes embrace several hundred\nsquare miles; those of the smaller sizes often afford lands and room for a settlement of a dozen or more families.","6. Immigrants are advised to establish themselves, at first, in settlements or communities, as will for mutual protection and assistance, as for the benefit of churches and schools, and the convenience of mills, blacksmith shops, etc. etc.","7. It is the policy of the Government to encourage settlement upon private, as will as upon public lands; and the same rights, privileges and exemptions are offered to immigrants who may settle on the former, as are granted to those who settle upon the latter.","8. Lands of Class 1. are offered in alternate sections, as donations to actual settlers, and in quantities varying from 160 acres for single men, to 640 for the heads of families according to circumstances, to be explained presently.","Immigration \n9. The Government not only invites all well disposed persons to come and assist in the occupation of its vacant places; but His Majesty, the Emperor, touched by the spectacle of good men struggling with adversity in other lands, tenders hospitality and homes especially to these. Moved by the generous impulses of his nature, he offers them material assistance, to enable them to reach this bountiful and beautiful land. To those of them who wish to change their skies, make Mexico their homes, and identify themselves with the country, a free passage for their families and their effects by\nsea, is offered.","10. Immigrants are therefore divided into two classes: A. \u0026 B. - The former being of those first alluded to, who. by misfortune, have last all their substance; and the latter, those who are less straightened in their means.","11. Not only a free passage by sea is offered to Class A., but when they arrive in the country, a travelling allowance of a Real the league, there to their new homes, will be made for each member of their families, counting as members also, their apprentices.","12. Lands of Class 1. will be donated to these immigrants by alternate sections, viz: 160 acres to a single man, and 320 to a man with a family, with a pre-emption right to as much more in each case.","13. Immigrants of Class A. who, after arriving in the country, may prefer to settle upon Haciendas or other lands are a liberty to do so; but in that case, they will be required to refund, with interest, the money that may have been advanced in assisting them to reach their new domiciles.","14. Immigrants of Class B., who are those that can afford to pay their own\nexpenses, have the whole country before them. They may establish themselves\nwherever they can find suitable and available lands. If they prefer the unimproved lands of the public domain, they also can have them free in alternate sections, but only for actual settlement, at the rate of 320 acres for a single man, and 640 to a man with a family, with a pre-exemption right to as much more in each case.","15. These donations of land to persons whether of Class A. or B., are made on condition, and with the understanding, that the donee shall, in good faith, proceed forthwith to occupy, subdue and cultivate the land so donated.","16. The lands of the public Haciendas will be offered at government prices, and pro - rata, according to the actual cost of purchase by the Government.","17. As it regards private lands and Haciendas, the field of selections is much larger, Immigrants are free to make their own bargains with proprietors, the Government waiving its fees on such transactions, as per Art. of the Decree.","18 As it regards the public Haciendas, a reservation of improved lands will be made from each, to serve; during the first years, as a common for the free use of the colonists. The size of the Common will be determined by the number of families the lands of the Hacienda may be sufficient to accommodate. It will be large enough to give them breadstuffs and vegetables at once, and until they can bring their own lands into cultivation. It will be large enough also to afford space for a village in case the immigrants\nshould find it desirable, as probably at first they will, to establish themselves in villages. No rent will be charged for the first years for the use of this Common.","19. This Reserve or Common is ultimately intended for educational purposes;\nand, after the first years, a ground rent of ten per cent upon the value of the land, but not upon the improvements, will be required.","Agencies \n20. Agents for immigrations will be stationed at convenient points abroad, for the purpose of affording information to the immigrant there, as to this country, its lands, the best way of reaching them, and upon all other subjects pertaining thereto.","21. Persons wishing to emigrate, will first apply to the most convenient agent, The applicant must state his occupation: whether agricultural, mercantile, mechanical or professional. He must also give his age, with the name, sex and age of each member of his family, including apprentices. If he requires assistance for the journey, he must state his circumstances, and give satisfactory references as to his character and standing in the community.","Permits \n22. The permit of the Immigration Agent is necessary to entitle the immigrant to the privileges of the decree. Unless he brings with him such a permit into the country, he will neither be entitled to lands, to free entry at the customs-house, nor to any other privileges beyond those accorded to mere strangers.","Effects. \n23. Immigrants with such permits may bring in, duty free, all their personal and household effects; their live stock, their implements of husbandry, tools and instruments of all sorts, used by them in the pursuit of their trade, art, profession or calling. But they may not bring, without the payment of duty, any merchandize or thing for sale, exchange or barter.","24. Before embarking, if coming by sea, or leaving home, if coming by land, the immigrant should furnish the agent for Immigration a complete list of persons and effects thaty of Mexico, will be completed. A charter for another rail-way, from the Capital to the Pacific Ocean, has been granted to responsible parties.","25. Immigrants arriving in port, or crossing the line will find an agent there, whose duty it is to give them such assistance, and afford them such further information as they may require to speed them on their way.","Apprentices \n26. The agents for immigration will give no permits for Apprentices: unless the indentures shall conform to the terms of the decree, and be otherwise not inconsistent with the laws of the Empire; unless the indenture be attested by three respectable witnesses, certifying that the Apprentice was free, and that he, his parent or guardian, as the case may be, entered into the contract for apprenticeship, freely, and without threat, fear or intimidation; and unless the agent himself shall be satisfied that the \"patron\" is a humane man and a proper person, made so by his habit and education, for the care of such Apprentices.","27. In all cases, the \"patron\" must furnish a descriptive list of his Apprentices, taking the time and terms of their indentures, with their names, sexes, and ages. He must exhibit to the agent, the indentures in duplicate, or in duly certified copies, one of which the agent shall deliver to the Apprentice, and retaining another, shall return the third to the patron.","[verso] Regulations \u0026 Instructions to be published with the Decree.\nIn connection with the foregoing, I beg leave to add, for the information of those who are displaced to avail themselves of the very liberal terms offered by this Decree, a few remarks on the physical geography, the agricultural resources and industrious pursuits of this beautiful country:","The Empire of Mexico lies between the parallels of 15° and 32° of the North latitude.","The shores are bathed by the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea on one hand, and by those of the Pacific on the other.","It is celebrated for its mines of silver and gold; copper, iron and lead also abound; but though its mineral wealth has dazzled the world, its mineral wealth is, as a source of riches, by no means equal to its soil.","Its climates are genial and its harvest perpetual; under good husbandry, the yield is bountiful, being 50, 100, and sometimes 200 fold. On the way up from Vera Cruz to the Capital in May, I saw the cereals in all the ways of cultivation between the hands of the sower and the arms of the reaper.","The seasons in Mexico are not marked by the vicissitudes of heat and cold so distinctly as they are by their characteristics of wet and dry. The coolest time of the year in this City is about the end of the dry season in April and May. The rainy season throughout the country commences generally with June and ends with September; still, there are occasional showers both before and after.","In the tierra caliente- the rainy season is the sickly season.","Between the mountains and the sea there is, on both coasts, a flat country, varying in breadth from 10 to 60 miles or more. These lowlands reach back to the mountains which form the edge of the Table-land or great central plateau. This low country corresponds to that which, in Virginia and the Carolinas, lies between the Blue Ridge and the sea. It is the hot country of Mexico, the tierra caliente. Everything which delights in rich soils, bright\nskies, warmth and moisture, finds a genial habitat there.","Ascending the mountains, which are timbered all the way up, you reach the table-land, an immense plain from five to eight thousand feet above the level of the sea, and hundreds of mils in breadth. In length, it is commensurate with the Empire; and in the lap of its western declivities, lies the tierra caliente of the Pacific coast. This table-land is the tierra\ntemplada, or the temperate regions of the Empire. Its climates are delightful: a happy mean between hot and cold, where cloth clothes are not uncomfortable by day, nor a blanket or two too heavy by night. Nevertheless, fire is never to be required, even in the coldest weather, for the houses generally are built without chimneys or fireplaces. It is very healthy.","The surface of this table-land is diversified with hills and dales, with an occasional snow clad peak; so that one, by descending into the valleys, may find, at the difference in level of a few hundred yards, and in the distances of a few miles, the productions and staples of all climates and latitudes, from those of Virginia and Missouri down to the shore of the\nGulf of Mexico, and there through the West Indies to the Equator or Brazil.\nEmigrants for Mexico, come at what season they may, will always be in time to plant something; but the best season for crop planting is generally in the spring, and the best time for coming is in the dry season, from October to May, when the newcomer may live in tents, put his seed into the ground and till June to build and get his family comfortably housed, by the time the rains set in.","The staples of agriculture in Mexico are like its climates: according to height above the sea level, somewhat controlled also by latitude. They are: corn, wheat, barley and oats; cotton, sugar and coffee; hemp, rice, tobacco, cocoa, cochenille, pimento, indigo, oranges, fruits and vanilla. On the dry table-lands, where nothing else scarcely will grow, flourishes the lordly Maguey or Pulque plant, the glory and wonder of Mexican flora. A single plant of this marvelous production is worth from $4 to $12, according to age and size. It yields but for a single season, and then dies. Some of the wealthiest establishments in Mexico are these Pulque plantations.","There is no lack of range and pasture for herds of cattle: goats, sheep, cows, and horses do well. Nay, gentlemen who are from the grazing lands of the Western States, and who have travelled through the northern part of Mexico, assure me, that they have never seen so fine a stock country.","The forests abound in useful trees and ornamental woods, among them, the mahogany and the india-rubber tree. As for fruits and vegetables, they are of great variety and excellence. The immigrant can find climates and soils suitable to any cultivation that he may choose to adopt. From the sea to the top of the tablelands, he will find these soils and climates ranged in belts suitable for sugar, coffee, tobacco, and the like. These declivities are generally the best watershed lands, and are fit for cultivation all the way up.","The population of the Empire, counting in round numbers, is estimated at eight millions, about seven millions of which belong to what may be called the laboring classes.","Agricultural labor, however, is poorly paid: the average rate of wages being from 25 to 37 cents a day, the laborer finding himself. His skill is rude. I have seen him sawing with an ax, plowing with a stick, hoeing his corn with a shovel, and his wife grinding with a pebble. He yokes his oxen by the horns to the plow or cart; and fetches and carries cheaply on his own back, or on that of mule and donkeys.","Owing to the unsettled state and the constant revolutions in which the country has been for more than forty years, the people now find themselves with energies paralyzed, haciendas neglected and industry itself at a stand-still. There is no lack of evil-minded persons in all countries, and great political revolutions, as experience elsewhere shows, never fail to call forth such. Mexico has not escaped them; and bandits, or guerrillas as\nthey are called, go about the country in certain parts, levying blackmail and forced contributions upon peaceable and defenseless people. To avoid any molestation from these, immigrants, especially the first comers, should travel in company and establish themselves, for mutual protection and convenience, in settlements of not less than a dozen or two. They should bring with them their farming implements, and encourage in every settlement the establishment of blacksmith and other shops, the erection of mills,\netc. ","The Emperor is governing mildly and wisely. Internal improvements are encouraged. Education is fostered; and all useful enterprises are sure to find in their Majesties earnest and active support. A railway is in the process of construction from Vera Cruz to the city of Mexico. Fifty miles of it, from Vera Cruz to the foot of the table-land are already in operation; next year another section, from Pueblo to the City of Mexico, will be completed. A charter for another railway, from the Capital to the Pacific Ocean, has been granted to responsible parties.","An able corps of civil engineers has recently been organized, and steps taken for the repair and construction of wagon roads in various parts of the Empire. Telegraphic lines are also encouraged, and several are already in operation.","The Mexican Times, a weekly paper printed in English and devoted to colonization, will, in a few days, make its appearance from the press of this city. Those who wish to come to Mexico, will find in it much useful information relating to the country.","It will, however, afford me much pleasure to give to those who may desire it, any special information that it may be in my power to give, and until the agencies alluded to in the Decree and Regulations, be filled. Their letters will receive prompt attention if directed to the care of Col. Talcott [Tolcott], Engineer in chief of the Imperial Mexican railway.","City of Mexico \n11 Sept. 1865 \n(signed) M. F. Maury","fr. Manhattan - recd. by R.M. 18 Nov a.m. in company with a shorter letter to himself and a short note to Mr. Thos. Bold, but none others.","To Mr. S.W. Corbin \nOffice of Colonization \n13 Calle San Juan de Letran \nMexico 31 Oct 1865","My dear Corbin \nDick and party arrived here all safe about a week ago. Pip has a little bout with chills: - the rest are well. - The Yankee papers now have it that \"Professor Maury, the vilest of traitors has asked for pardon.\" - In the name of sense what do I want with a \"pardon\"? I have no idea of going to the U.S. now, whatever I may do in the future: and when I want to come back its quite time enough to talk about a \"pardon.\" Therefore, pray you and\nNannie let all my friends know that the greatest mortification that they can cause me is to talk about asking Mr. Johnson for anything for me, or to talk about pardon.-","I am not a seer, nor can I control events. I may want to go to the U.S.: I may want to go to Siberia: but when the time comes, then there will be time enough also to decide as to the way.","I have asked, and the Emperor has ordered the authority to be given, to make Dick my Sub. at $2500.\"(salary.)\" I have not been officially informed of it yet: but he has been hard at it in the traces.","As to the success of Colonization, those \"ifs\" which have hitherto prevented me from calling you and Nannie here, are still in the way.","Mexico has been trying for 40 years to put the tide of immigration this way, it can't. - I have from the beginning told the Emperor I must have full sway in the matter. - otherwise I couldn't. This sway has not been given yet: and in the mean time many immigrants have come,- knocked, and no one opening. they have gone away. - As I have always said, if colonization fails, Mexico is no place for me. But before I set about to hunt a place to die, I wish to make the experiment. Where that place is, I cannot tell: - it may be Farley\nVale - it may be Old England. - But of I stay here that long, I shall want you to come out a little after this time next year, look at the country and bring Nannie. - It will take you two months: - 2 weeks to come, a month to stay, and 2 weeks to go.","I am now in a condition to support my family again in their wonted comfort; and that's a great blessing for a man who has done all the foolish things attributed to \"Matthew F.\" This is early. I have not seen Dick. I wait with some curiosity to see if Dab: and Will between them, will in that free country of theirs, dare to publish our Decrees etc., etc. - Kiss \"(I know not whether it is \"Maria or 'Mama\", or what)\" for me.","Yours affectionately, \nM.F. Maury","[Note by the copyist]\nThere are 3 copies hereof; of which one goes to Nannie, another to Betty, and the 3rd will go to Mrs. M.F. - on 22 Nov [ ] Cunard str. from Boston. The letter to myself encloses a draft for £100 to repay my advances for Dick. Except that it does not name the application for Dick, the invitation to Mr. \u0026 Mrs. Corbin or the remarks about Will and Dab: it is to the same purport as this: and I sent a copy of it today (18th)Nov.) to Mrs. M.F. under cover to Mr. Bold. R.M.","Office of Colonization \nMexico \nNov. 27th 1865","My dear wife: \nThe last steamer from New York brought us three days ago from the indefatigable Rutson copies of your dear letters to Bettie and Cousin Ann, and Tom Bold's letter to Rutson, reporting you as his guest till Xmas and all well. Also letters from Nannie and Cousin Ann, press copies of which even also sent to you.","I reckon, maybe I have \"gone [clean] daft,\" that my children and friends should think it necessary to write me such letters and make me such appeals. But it looks to me mightily like I have done, and am doing the thing that is right, wisest and best - Surely it was worth some sacrifice of feeling on your part as well as mine, and the endurance of a little longer separation to get Dick so snugly established as he is likely to be here-","My own; no, our own mutual interests require that I should be in England at no distant day, and not being a prophet I could not foresee the turn that things would take, which would compel me to be here now, instead of half way across the sea towards your sweet embraces and my children's arms-","The rainy season sets in the last of May and continues till Oct. Nov- this too is the sickly season, Yellow Fever both in Vera Cruz and West Indies - This is the time of year when immigration must stop and when therefore I can best be spared from my duties here - Now, between these months of May and October, I should be afraid to risk a voyage from here to England or the reverse.","I was afraid to leave you in Virginia because I was afraid and am afraid of troubles there. See what is going on in South Carolina and La. now. From the accounts I received from you and the children as to the difficulties on the score of servants, and other matters, I could not bear the idea of your encountering this winter in Virginia, surrounded as I fancied you would be, with such material discomfort - You remember my continued anxiety upon this subject during the war; and how last Spring I urged you to go North, surround yourself with material comforts and await events.","Therefore having to go to England at the earliest moment practicable (and that will be in the Spring on account of the sickly season and official duty here and I can't venture back, until the dangers of Yellow Fever are over) I thought England the best place for you to wait; and I thought they to join you in Dec.","In this sketch I make no allusion to the other reasons which we have so freely discussed before, and for which it was also wisest and best for you and the children to go to England - Bless my little Lucy's heart, I did not know before that she stammered—","Now then:- suppose I were to heed Bettie and Nannie, Cousin Ann and Rutson and write for you to come. You might be able to leave by the Str. of 1st Jan - but more probably not before February - That would bring you here about 4th March - And then, by the last of April at furthest I should have to leave for England - where on account of Yellow Fever by the way back, I should have to stay till Oct. You would then be left here with a people\nspeaking an unknown tongue for six or seven months and these six or seven months we had better spend together in \"merrie old England\" I think, that in dodging each other behind \"Albion's chalky cliffs\" and the sierras of Mexico - Don't you? –","Another thing: - and this is among my muttered thoughts, and if, and if and if all these ifs should conjoin, I may not come back - This though is way down deep among the remote contingencies of the future - It is not to be mentioned, except with injunctions, even to the most reticent, for still more reticence, for there is not enough of consistency about it, even for you to hang a hope upon - I can only contemplate it so far as to let the possibility of it enter into my calculations, so that should that possibility turn out a reality, I should not be taken by surprise.","Hey Ho! This thing of being so opposed by friends, when one \"feels it in his bones,\" that he is doing what is right, wisest and best; this having to defend and explain and excuse oneself, and all in vain: - the feeling added to and piled up above this, that I am prejudged and condemned by children and friends who don't know - makes me feel, - oh! so flinty! I am right - and I must keep so. I sink myself I live for the reflected pleasure which the happiness and approving smiles of my wife and children alone can give - And the hope of this sustains, cheers and comforts me. And if they will but have patience with me, and God will spare me, this I will do yet - I hope—","Dick is a great help and comfort to me - Bless his heart, he wins upon me every day - so crippled! yet so patient, so devoted to his new duties and so hardworking - He surprises and delights me with his business tact and capacity. He is so handsome too and in his nice new clothes looks the gentleman every whit-","Here, my dear, precious darling wife, is a great reward to you and consolation too, for this vexations separation;- and a proud, nay a glorious vindication too of the wisdom so far, of the course pursued by your husband in coming here - Suppose, instead of coming here last Spring, I had remained in England, or gone to Halifax to bide my time - Perhaps we should have been together now in England, - But what would have become of him? You know I became very uneasy about the tendency of his habits in consequence of the taste engendered by those immense doses of medicine which when wounded he was compelled to take. With those habits upon him, I trembled at the idea of seeing him risk alone and unaided, as he must have done, the battle of life there in Va. - Under such ordeals, there was no telling what might have become of him - Suffice it to say, the apprehensions and the fear that he would give way, haunted me - Now I find he is safe from that at any rate. He has position, with head and hands full of honorable and useful employment - with emoluments all things considered such as you and I, even in the balmy days of our \"munificent provision' never enjoyed - He was consulting me today about buying some Cordova lands- I had it in my mind to bring Corbin here and induce him to settle upon them. And tho I believe he and Nannie would have come, if I had but urged them, yet in the face of so much opposition, I did not have the heart to do it - In the olden times Cordova was the garden spot of New Spain. ","Price, Perkins, Shelby, Harris and all our people who have been there say it has the most delightful climate and the finest soil they ever saw. There stands on one side of it and but a little way off, the Peak of Orizaba with its cap of everlasting snow, and on the other the sea in full view-","When slavery was abolished suddenly fifty years ago- as with us- down it went - and its splendid Haciendas and baronial old mansions are now in ruins. They were heavily in debt to the church and as the church property has been confiscated, not by the Emperor, he took possession of these estates for colonization- The railway hence to Vera Cruz passes right through there and I am now selling them to immigrants as fast as they can\nbe surveyed, at $1 the acre, on five years credit. There are about 40 of our people already there. Perkins has bought him a house and has sent for his wife - so has Shelby, and so has a number of others - Mr. Holdman and Episcopal clergyman with his family - nice people, has been engaged by the settlement as pastor, teacher etc and I am going to reserve land for a church, school house, cemetery etc.","Thus you see my dear, sweet wife, colonization is not a chimera- By the time these lands are paid for they will be worth even if no more come to the Empire, $10, $20, $30 aye $100 the acre - for they produce everything under the sun, and yield perpetual harvests. What do you think of coffee growing wild, of fig trees 100 feet high, and 3 feet in circumference - and the most luscious pine apples at a cent apiece? Yet they tell me all these things are there. Now if I could have gotten Corbin here on one of these stately old\nHaciendas - he would with his skillful husbandry have made it bud and blossom again, and thus we should have found us a nest again. There is a great rush for this settlement, and it is here that Dick wanted to go, but as he was my son, I advised him against it, because there are not lands enough for them all. However I am going to extend the settlement and then Corbin and Nannie can come.","Lafayette Caldwell who used to be draftsman at the Observatory has sent for his family, Magruder for his, and there is a number of families already here. Some of them established in this city, but they are going to break up, and go down to this \"new\" dear old Spottsylvania.","Now if I can only get lands surveyed in time and there is a probability of this, -\"Here is your New Virginia\"- There are other settlements forming in other parts of the Empire. Colonization is a success if we can only find instruments and get surveyors to bring the lands into market. The people of the South are restrained from prudential considerations from speaking of their intentions. But we have letters. Thousands are dying to come. And I hope to have a decree this week which will put them in motion. Hurrah! -----30th The decree has come with an appropriation of $2,000,000.","[Verso]\nN York [ ] [ ] \nThis was sent to my sister for her and for my perusal (exclusively) and with the same injunction of reticence as to the \"-if, if \u0026 if\" matter - to apply to you and to Nannie we were requested to send this for you and for her perusal.","Mexico \n30 Nov. 1865","My dear Nannie, \nMany thanks my loving darling for your last letter. The \"Ticup-o-pitchin [In]\", though you have done less of it than others. I send for you and Betty an extract from my letter to y'r Ma, induced by your and her letters and one from Cousin Ann. My friends in England have now [confessed] themselves satisfied that in coming here I did the best thing that under the circumstances could be done. And your Ma being now out of the way of having\nthe move discussed, criticized, and condemned will be much happier. You know how her mind is [ ] by divided councils. In the letter I received from her yesterday, just after mine from which the extract is taken, had been mailed. It contained the \"hypes\" of my Molly dear, and darling Elie.","I wish now that I had induced Corbin to come, and settle on one of the Cordoba estates.","Is the spirit of manliness clear gone out of those noble Virginia people. Can't Corbin raise a settlement and come now under the new decree. It authorizes me to loan 1/3 of the [] money to any settlements of not less than 25 families who will come here buy a hacienda and settle upon it. The most splendid Haciendas are to be bought for $2. or $3 hundred thousand dollars [i.e.] at the rate of not over $4 or $5 the acre. 1/5 down and\nany credit you like as an illustration suppose a community of 25 families or more, will send Corbin and others here to select a place for them. They find a Hacienda to their liking at say $150,000. This office will give him a certificate that $50,000 will be bound for 15 years to the settlement, to be proportional among them, as soon as the 25 families appear. His cash payment will be $10, 15- 20- or 30,000$ according as he may bargain with the vendor. The balance of the $50,000 can go to the working of the farm. He and\nthe rest can stay, put in a crop and get ready for the rest to follow. I am to have $2,000,000 for this purpose. I sent the decree to R.H. Maury to be published. If it be not published ask him for it, and do the best you can.","Send this and your Ma's letter to Betty - and stop all of you telling the Crit that she is miserable and that I ought not to do this, and it's [better] to do that - praise everything she does. My troubles now - up the mountains- are about chairs, and that brass-eyed young Bold. But I don't think yr Ma will stay there, until now. But Tott's [ ] [looks] mighty [ ] I\ntell you.","God bless you all my dear children. We will build our house together yet I hope. \nYr affectionate father, M.F.","Reasons for establishing colonies in Mexico.","1. Va is not a fit place to live in now. All must come to Mexico. If they stay in Va they will have to free their nigs, will have to pay taxes heavier than in Mexico will very likely have a nig tax collector coming around, will be always haunted by the Yankees, will have to pay the Yankee war debt, will have to help pay pensions to the widows and orphans of the men that have been fighting against us and do nothing for ours and will perhaps have our lands confiscated. The Spartans of the war who remain in Va will be in the category of a conquered race.","2. All must come to Mex. Pa is going to Max and get form him grants of land in different part of Mex for the best blood of Va. and the South to go to. He will get Max to allow them to come to Mex and bring all their effects with them free of duty, get them exempted from taxes and conscription in the army for a term of years. Besides these he will get such other privileges as my be practicable including those of religion.","3. Brother Wellford must come right off the reel to pick the lands for us to settle on. Some steady young men who are not afraid to work must be sent to get ready for the rest to come. Must set all the nigs free and then bring them along as persons owing passage money to be paid in labour. Then they can be held as peons till the debt is discharged. That is you pay them but can compel them to work for you as long as they owe you money or labour. Must get mechanics of all sorts to come with their tools and uncle John or Uncle Charlie or Brother Will or someone else must stay behind to wind up the affairs of all.","Those persons that intend to leave the Confed anyhow had better send someone to him at once; but he wants no one to come simply on his representation. Indeed the idea is that those people that wish to settle together and intend to leave the country any how should appoint a certain on and send him to Pa who can offer him better privileges that he could get by himself. Then if Max don't suit him he can go back and report to the people that sent him and they will be just where they started from.","Mexico \n7 Dec. 1865","My dear sweet brave Nannie: \nI laid awake most of the time last night a thinking over that letter of yrs from Ridgway that came yesterday. Rutson gave you good reasons for your ma not passing by F.V. on her way to Mexico.","About yr. coming here, I was trying last night to work it out. I sent you by the [Ltr] which left Vera + yesterday a copy of the New Decree that is to be and my address with suggestions in relation thereto for Corbin's action.","Suppose this plan don't take. I think still that Corbin can do better here than there under present aspect of affairs. That supposing he can't raise a settlement of 25. to come, he had better work up to this idea. Stay and gather his crop next year. and sell F.V. in case he can get a good price. If he can't then let him reap his crop and leave his land, and come say about this time next year. In the mean time what will you do? Here's my pillow\nthought of it - vision o' the night.","F.V. will be a bad place for you to weather next summer and fall, and rainy season. I am laying my plans to leave in the B'r steamer of 1st April. It would not be desirable for you to come later than May on account of Yellow fever in V \u0026. I landed the last of May and some of my fellow passengers took it and died. The end of your troubles in Va. is not yet. Now then how do you and Corbin like this idea? You come out here next spring and so escape the chills of F.V. Here's your home. If Corbin can rent or sell on good terms, he can come with you, but if not he can stay to gather his crops and then come, with the intention of staying here two or three years anyhow. During that time he can manage to get along here, and hold his own. So that should it be desirable for him to return, as time passes by, he can return. In these two or three years the people will have adjusted themselves to this new condition of things, and he then see how it looks. And in this time he will not be able to make much in Va. anyhow.","And then the next year we will get Betty and Mary to make us a visit. Wouldn't it be \"jolly\"? You will get this i.e. - you may, by the 23rd. Write to Rutson and ask him to send it by 1st Steamer to Havana under cover to Mexican consul there - the way this goes - and from there here. There's a steamer every week. As I said, let me know, for your coming is for my treat.","I am glad you had the Decrees \u0026 c published. Tell Corbin I am now negotiating for Santa Anna's Hacienda near Jalapa. 300,000 acres and a superb one it is, at say $7.50 cts the acre, on condition of putting 200 families there. The country round about is healthy. The climate is superb, and nature so prolific, bountiful and [benignant], that she chases you about with fruits and flowers in her hand. Now if he will put himself at the head of 200 families and come, I. Max- will advance him one third the purchase money in cash, out of which he can pay his first installment and establish his people. In a few years they will all be rich, for we intend to build a railway thru to V.+","The final offer is to be made me this week. Then you are as near to N. Orleans as you are now. Think over these things and let me know you can't imagine how Dick has improved in appearance. He looks so well, so handsome and genteel. He has a great tact for business, and works like a horse bless his heart. Love to Brodie, Lucy Ellen and the 'gals' with a 1001 good wishes to `Ducks' bless her heart. To Jno and Charles and theirs, to Mary, Sr. E. and SF., to Dabney , wife and children and to everybody. Send all my letters to Betty. Why don't you tell me of my dear friends Frank Minor and Lucy Ann.","10th- I wish with all my heart I could appoint Corbin - but it is necessary for the Agent to [hire] him in Richmond or Norfolk, [and] $1,200 would not pay Corbin for quitting. Corbin- I send you and him an offer of a splendid estate please publish. It is Santa Anna's splendid Hacienda now in ruins near Jalapa. All the officers of the Army who were here with old Scott will tell you of its magnificence. Their agent is afraid St. Anna will withdraw\nthe offer or thwart him if he finds out that he is offering it in so practical a shape. Therefore, while you may tell it to friends don't say in print that the estate is Santa Anna's. If Corbin can make up a company under the new decree sent you last mail, I'll advance him what the decree allows as soon as he plants his 200 families there.","This is an offer. I have no doubt if you send someone, he will get better terms. And to send first is the proper way.","Jack reported himself yesterday by telegram for Orizaba, dead broke. Rutson had asked me to send him a lift.","Yr aft. \nM.F.","An offer of 350,00 acres of land is made to Confederate settlers who wish to establish themselves in Mexico.","These lands the most fertile of the Empire, are crossed by three rivers. They are situated on the line of rail-road from Vera Cruz to the Capital, and are near the road from V Cruz to Jalapa. They are in the healthy part of Sierra Caliente, and produce equally well coffee, cocoa, indigo, cotton and sugar cane, as well as all the tropical fruits and vegetables.","The proprietor will sell them to settlers as soon as the letter shall have filled with the Agents of Colonization in the United States or Mexico subscriptions for 200,000 acres at the following rate: \nThe first 50,000 acres chosen at ---- $1.75 \n\" second \" \" \" \" ---- 1.50 \n\" third \" \" \" \" ---- 1.25 \n\" fourth \" \" \" \" ---- 1.00","The first subscribers will have the right to choose at the above rates with the understanding that not less than 320 acres shall be sold to any of them.","When the 200,00 acres shall have been subscribed for, and chosen the rest shall be sold at a price to be agreed upon between the seller and the purchaser.","The payments shall be made in the following manner: \nThe third part of the value shall be paid in cash at Mexico, Ver Cruz or New Orleans. The rest thereof shall be paid in four years time causing the payments thereof to be effected in equal parts and yearly, that is to say one sixth of the value of the property adding thereto the interest at the rate of six percent.","As villages and towns will be formed on these lands, a lot will be given gratis to each settler in said villages or towns. Said lots shall be chosen and allotted by Mr. Maury the Imperial Commissioner of Colonization.","The surveying and the cost of the title of the property will be at the expense of the settlers.","City of Mexico \nDec 9th 1865-","Colonization Office \n13 San Juan de Letran Mexico \nDec 10th 1865","The Hacienda offered herewith known to have been one of the finest and most celebrated in Mexico It presents, especially to the former planters of the South, a fine opportunity for establishing a flourishing American settlement. Those who are disposed to visit the country for the purpose of colonizing it under the Imperial Decree to promote immigration will receive every encouragement from this Office. The offer is made by respectable\nparties, and persons wishing to treat, will be put in communication by addressing the Commissioner","Apprentices as per Imperial Decree of September 5th 1865 would do well here, though there is no lack of native labour.","M.F. Maury \nImperial Commissioner","Mexico \n1 Jan 1866","My dear Corbin, \nMy letter of the 18 ultimo, proposing start after present crop you should let or lease F.V. and come here to watch events - crossed yours to the self some time. It appears to me for reasons in my letter to Nannie that it's the best thing for her to come in the spring and for you to follow in the fall.","It will be more consistent with yourself respect to abandon that country at least for the present. Don't stay there and help fasten the yoke upon your own neck that my precious Davy Jones gave up his life in trying to shake off. Don't stultify yourself, but come here to look over - and then when you see what means of Govt. the victors will impress, you can decide whether you will accept it. For God sake don't you help them, whether others may. This looking on will last probably till `69, in the same time, you can't make anything at F.V. You can barely live - but that you can do here.","You mention the \"ifs \u0026 ifs \u0026 ifs\": I recd letters yesterday from England, that give a semblance of reality to one of those \"ifs\". It is probable that I shall be sent for by the New Atlantic Telegraph Co. and if be that I shall ask leave of absence till the fall and take the\nstr of 1 Feb. But I shall have Dick and you in charge of the house, and my room for you and Nannie. But I am not gone yet. And you shall hear more about it before I do go. In the mean time continue to write care of Y.P. Oropesa, Colonization Agent Vera Cruz.","I have a letter asking here for room for 10,000 of those noble [Carolinian] families, that fought and lost as we did and who two years ago, left their desolated houses to the victors and sought refuge like me of true pluck in a foreign land. Bless their hearts I'll do my best to help them to homes in these lovely climes. Tell Nannie to swap this letter with Betty for one to Will. \"So Tidem\" Good night \nYrs \nMaury","Sue \u0026 pip send words of New Years calls \u0026 gifts. They are great belles.","Send to Betty \u0026 Will \nThere's only this one copy \nSo Betty after studying it must send it to Nannie","\"To her Majesty The Empress. \nMadam: \nI have the honour to transmit for the information of your Majesty, the communication made to this office by Mr. T.C. Hindman of which I had the honour of speaking yesterday.\nIt relates to colonization, in connection with a system of internal improvements, a land survey and a census of the Empire. The subjects are of high importance, and the\nsuggestions expressed by the author of the paper, are worthy of careful consideration.","It has not escaped Her Majesty's observation, how the Empire is gaining ground and acquiring strength: That it is gaining the confidence of the people of stability, no better evidence can be afforded that the potent fact, that capital is leaving its hiding places, and seeking investments in various enterprises throughout the Empire.","The times therefore seem propitious for inaugurating those great measure of policy the adoption of which would impart new vigour to this nascent life.","The revenues of the Empire may be increased and its prosperity promoted by revision of the whole excise system; and one of the first steps towards this is a census which will tell the number of the people, and the value of the property.","Another step, requiring years for its accomplishment, but nevertheless redounding the glory of our Emperor; the good of His people, and the welfare of His Empire, is a landsurvey: - for the two fold purpose of [cadastre], and of separating the lands of the crown from those of the subjects.","Another pillar in the edifice which I am so anxious to see raised up here by His Majesty, to our honour and His glory, is a judicious system of internal improvements, self supporting, and sustained by the wealth which itself [creates]","As an illustration, let us take the case of an imaginary farmer in Cuernavaca: - It costs him annually in freight alone to send his crop to market in the City, say $10,000 - If there were a Railway, his freight bill would be perhaps $1000 instead of $10,000; and his hacienda\nwould probably be trebled in value. Now if the owner of such a hacienda, was required to invest, in the shares of the Company, a certain portion of in increased value given to his property by the road - and the law were applied to all lands within a certain distance of the road, its construction would be secured without further tax upon the public treasury. The people would find in a little while, that this so called tax, instead of being a burden, was\nreally a benefaction; for the stock-holders thus created by the paternal care of His Majesty, would stand upon a different footing from any other stock holder; for they would draw treble dividends: - first, from the earning of the road; and next upon the principle that a \"penny saved is a penny gained,\" in paying at the rate of $1,000 instead of $10,000 annually for transportation of produce to market: - and last, in the increase of value which\ntheir lands derive from the existence of the road. Certain states in my native \"sunny south\" adopted this system: it worked like a charm and produced magic effects.","Another pillar to the superstructure which His Majesty is so nobly striving to raise, is a revision of the revenue laws, in homage of free trade: and the establishment of the warehousing system.","These measures, with colonization, will make us great; and the undersigned having some little knowledge of a practical sort, connected with them, hold, it together with the homage due from the most loyal of subjects, at the service of Their Majesties","M.F. Maury \nJanuary 18th 1866. \nImperial Commissioner","Cuernavaca, January 29th 1866","My dear Sir: \nI have spoken to the Emperor respecting our conversation of Friday last, and he wishes me to tell you, first, that he grants you a complete leave of absence to arrange your affairs in England, and allows you to set off by the next French packet, but that if he returns to Mexico in the meanwhile, he hopes yet to have the pleasure of seeing you; secondly, that he quite agrees with your purchasing the instruments for studying the rainy season, and thirdly that he approves of any effort you may make to introduce the \"cinchona\" tree and authorized you to have sent from Kew a few specimen of this valuable plant.","Hoping to have fulfilled my errand to your satisfaction, I only want to renew my best wishes for your voyage and successful exertions in England whilst I remain","Yours sincerely, \nCharlotte","Mexico \n2 Feb. 1866","My dear children: \nI have taken my seat in the coach of the 8th expecting to sail from Vera Cruz in the F'r Str. of 13 and to arrive at [San Nazaire] about 10 March to lie about till the fall say the last of Oct. I want send you Max and my Carlota's princely letters. I expect to bring all hands with me when I return and so to Corbin at that Corbin and Nannie may join us in Havana on the way.","I leave Dick in charge of affairs. He is writing a book for the information of those who wish to come to Mexico. He has his heart very much in it. Dick is a fine character and I admire its beauty more and more every day. He is very full just now of buying some of these beautiful islands that dot the lake with acre spots, and go into the market gardening business.","You see by the letter of the Empress that I am aspiring to the glory of planting a [tribe].","Colonization is going on is spite of the want of public lands; our projects are dotting the Empire with settlements here and there. My own Carlotta Colony at Cordoba is flourishing. The settlers there are now being joined by their families from your country. 'Old Jubal' is here and I have offered him a place as agent. He is writing a history which your masters will not allow to be read or believed.","I have various inexpensive irons in the fire still. Some of them may come to a welding heat some of these days. If they do, we'll all be glad; and if they don't we will be none the worse.","I think the best thing for Corbin to do is to come down next fall and watch events. I take it that the South will be all at sea at least until after the next President takes his seat. Love to Sr. E, Mary, Brodie, Jno, Bob and all hands. God bless you all, \nYr. affectionate M.F.","mail to Will or Corbin \nHavana Arrived 9","Veracruz, Mexico \n1 March 1866","My dear Children \nThe English steamer in which I have paid my passage £49.10 is now over-due two days, and her day of sailing again is day after to-morrow.","I left Mexico Saturday the 24th at 2 A.M. arrived at [Puebla] at 7 p.m. when I \"pernocted\" in a room with diverse others for $2. Was called at 1 A.M. and off again at 2, over a very rough road -a very fatiguing journey. Passed between long ridges of my lordly maquay shooting up it magnificent flower stalks, as large and as high and as straight as a common telegraph pole. Indeed unless you were near enough to see the wires I found it often difficult to tell one from the other. This `first of Flora\" with its enormous height and proportions is pushed up in the course of 6 or 7 days. To compare great things with small, imagine an immense asparagus stalk say one day old and before its head has swollen out sufficiently to begin to burst and shoot out branches, well imagine it to 18 or 20 inches in circumference, 30 or 40 feet high and you have it as I generally saw them, rising out its magnificent tuft of foliage 30 feet around and 12 feet high. Occasionally the more forward ones had commenced to shoot out, from the top and horizontally their splendid flower brackets and to assume the appearance of splendid and gigantic candelabras from which the genie of the hoary hooded orizaba which with his night cap of snow was looking down upon us, intended to light up the plains through which the coach was teetering its toilsome way. Ascending the Western slopes of the [`Cumibres'], the highest range between Mexico and the Gulf, we left its `boast of Bacchus\" and entered the cloud region. It was blowing a furious gale, the wind was howling amongst the rocks and cliffs, and driving a cold and penetrating mist through a white darkness so thick that you could see\nnothing beyond the distance of a few feet. It was piercing cold: I had on 3 flannel shirts, but as we began to climb, I began to draw around and button tight and finally found\nmyself wrapped in cloak and blanket and uncomfortably cool. Presently we dropped down through this thick cloud stratum into bright sun shine and the coolest air that is was possible for heart of men to conceive. This was the lovely little valley of [Acu ] at our feet, and spreading out miles away into the plains of Orizaba which are 4000 feet above the sea. The valley was quilted over by swirling crops in all the stages of growth form the sprouting corn to the ripe grain. The reapers were in golden fields of the yellowest and\nthe brightest barley I ever saw, the wheat was just coming up; and immense herds of cattle as they fed on the rich pasturage lent a charm to the landscape that made it\naltogether lovely. Passing a cascade of milk white foam as it leaped from the mountains.","We entered the valley and felt what old Job had said about the scent of water - we were in the midst of fruits and flowers. Orange trees loaded with ripe fruit. And the peach tree is all the glory of blossom. Hedges and copens of roses, fuschias, arborvitaes, rhododendrons. Oh a wilderness of the loveliest flowers and the gayest colors, and such only as I used to think in Tennessee had never grown anywhere except in the garden of \"Beauty and the Beast\" - and it too has its beast, for two months ago it had been then in the shape of an earth-quake and shaken down the adobe huts of the village, which owners were reconstructing of some rustic materials, such as bamboo, reeds - palm [fronds] straw and hides. After passing through these beauties for 12 or 15 miles, and at\n6½ p.m. drove into Orizaba in the midst of a rain storm - Coffee, tobacco, the cereals, and the banana with other fruits seemed to be the principle article of cultivation. Here I pernocted again in another [ ] whereas before there was little chance for sleep. Was called at 5, off at 6, and at 10 breakfasted at Cordoba, and I arrived at Pas del Macho where I pernocted again as unsatisfactorily as before. And so the next day at 6 started in the cars for this place. Total expenses $45.50 the $0.50 being spent for extra's such as a cup of chocolate or so between the early hours of starting and the late one of breakfasting. There were fresh arrivals of immigrants, all the hands were taken up. Cordoba looked lively \u0026 everybody in high spirits. Two ship loads had just arrived. Sheridan had refused to let them embark at New Orleans as he was determined to break up that Maury nest of Confederates which was agitating the public mind of the South \u0026\npreventing the people there from quietly submitting to subjugation. I thank him for the encouragement. The Mexican plan is spreading over the South. We are going to have happy homes, a fine country, \u0026 a bright future here. Let those who lack gall or who having it, have steeped it in honey, stay. I seek to plant my posterity here.","Dick has got land in my Carlota colony, 640 acres. He has sent to China for labourers- 12 or 15 to work it, and to Virginia for young Crutchfield to take charge of it. I have such good irons in such good fires, that some of them will surely be got to welding heat. If so, I hope to find comfortable homes, and a bright future here for you all at last. Corbin and Nannie will come in the steamer that is to leave New York Oct 8. They will without stopping here a night, take the cars to Paso del Macho- 50 miles-they are then by stage 5 hours from Cordoba, where they will arrive say 21st or 22nd and wait a week for us. We will be due here say on the 27th. Corbin can spend this week profitably \u0026 both of them pleasantly in visiting the Colony, examining the coffee plantations \u0026 c. [Then] will take a [whole] stage for Puebla, by which time the railway thru to Mexico will be completed- so will teeter over the cumbres and among the maguey in a stage coach.","My letter to \"the people at home\" has never been published. It should be. So should the anachronistic one to Dr. Dabney. Let my brave backers- Nannie \u0026 Corbin- do the thing that is right and send copies of them to Jno Tyler of the Whig or someone else who has a bone in his back to publish. Among the misfortunes that have befallen our people, I regard as not the least, the advice that has been given by the best men among them, viz.- to stay at home \u0026 help the enemy to establish his power \u0026 complete our degradation. The Yankees have conquered Virginia, it's theirs, we are subjugated, \u0026 have no rights except such as the victors in mercy may vouchsafe to give. If the whole South is not a conquered territory then I have never read in history of one that was conquered, and Dabney \u0026 them who like him consider it to be their duty \u0026 their interest to help build up that Yankee despotism called the Union, owe it to the grace and mercy of their conquerors, that their conquerors do not cross from the map the very name of Virginia, blot out all former state lines, make new provinces and call a part of what was Virginia the state of Winnepisscogee, South Carolina Peasquod, \u0026 such like Yankee innovations \u0026 that nothing should remain to remind the vanquished of the ancient renown.","Paris \n21 May 1866","My dear Corbin: \nThe last I heard of you was about two weeks ago, through a letter from Brodie Herndon, who thought Nannie was as earnest for Mexico as ever, but that you were cooling off a little. All right.","The banker with whom I had deposited my `little money' went down in the London panic week before last, and I lost all the money \u0026 more too that I brought away from Mexico. I am here trying to make some more.","My last letters from Dick are up to Apl. 6th.","No sooner had I left, than intriguers set to work and colonization was going on so badly, and the opposition of the minister was so vexatious that he talked of giving up the office. Immigrants were returning in disgust and the very thing was happening that I told the Emperor would happen unless he acted with more energy. In short complaints were being uttered against me in the U.S. so I hear. Now I had as you know been discouraging any of our people from coming unless they could come with a little ready money. And I had long ago told them not to rely upon good lands but to buy abandoned Haciendas.","All the promises and inducements that I have held out to immigrants were made by authority of H. majesty, and if they have not been made good I am the aggrieved party.\nNow I tell you and Nannie confidentially, that what has happened since I left Mexico has shaken my resolution about going back. I don't see what good I can do there except in the way of colonization, and if our people are flocking back as rumor has it, with curses hard \u0026 deep upon Mexico, it will be more than I can do to change such a current. I have no alternative in view- nor am I decided- Indeed I have not said anything in this view to my wife \u0026 children, and am saying it to you now, so that you too may cast about \u0026 not be taken `quite aback' should I decide that Mex. is `no go.' I do not wish you to speak of it to any one, simply because my own mind is not made up nor can it be without further \u0026 fuller information. If I should be compelled to give Mexico up, it will be a hard blow I tell you. I know not where to go or what to be at. I shall be here a week or ten days, perhaps two weeks before I set off to return to England. I must be in London 5 June, when I expect to here from Dick up to the 1st ins. 'So tider' \u0026 sleepy. God bless you both, yrs. \nM. F.","11 Aug. 1866","My dear Corbin, \nI wrote you from Paris 21 May telling you to hold on, as I probably should not return to Mexico. I have as you know decided not to go back there in the face of bad faith to me, bad treatment of our people and bad turns that everything has taken. I have never heard that you received the letter. It is the only one within that time, that I have written to any of my children, except Dick. This onset upon us as soon as my back was turned in Mexico,\nwas a terrible blow. It put me to sea again, and I have been so hard at work or so busy preparing to get to work that I have not had time for writing much. I suppose I shall stay here and write school books for a New York publisher. That will give something to do for a year or two- but will not interfere with my flirting with other matters wherein there are promises. Dick poor fellow is left in Mexico as flat as possible. I want to get him out of that. But where he is to go or what to do after that is a problem that puzzles me much. Perhaps I may find occupation for him in Central America. But I shall be able to speak more positively upon that point by the time the rains are over \u0026 it will be safe to come down to the sea-board. He must come away in the fall anyhow. The breakdown in Mexico damaged your plans as well as my own. What are you going to do now. I always as you know regarded F.V. as not the most judicious purchase in the world, chiefly on the score of health and locality. I don't think affairs in the U.S. as either settled, or stable. The government is obliged to be broken up as it now exists. Still I don't see what better you can do than to hold on, and try to make a living there. I hope indeed if the New York publisher- Richardson- be a responsible man, and I have no reason to doubt, I should be able to assist you with a few hundred $ as far as that will go towards setting yourself up. I reckon I shall be able to let you have $1000, but of this I can speak positively by the time I hear from you and hear what your plans, wishes, and wants are.","In the first place I hope you know exactly how you and F.V. stand with regard to the estate. I hope you have your release and consequently my security-ship touching your\nindebtedness in black and white and in regular ship-shape style. Not Mr. B's word \u0026 opinion merely but the regular Documents. If you have the note, urge the having of it, and if the plea will help you, say that the assistance promised by me depends upon that. I am afraid you will not live long enough to escape from the tangled inheritance imposed by that unfortunate estate. Even if the school-book plan goes well, I should not be able to let you have the $1000 all in a lump, but by driblets, but say all between this and Xmas. See Charles Herndon and find out what sort of obligation - by lien if need be you ought to be given - (not by personal securities) - so in case of need. This loan may have purposes over other claims upon you. So if things turn out ugly, I can protest that money. We are all well. Molly had this morning an invitation to visit Scotland and `not put her hands in her pocket. I am going to put Brave in a school of chemistry and Lucy to a boarding school. I have all the [other] news of family affairs to the rest and will [write] Love and blessings upon all yr. folks. \nYr aft M.F.M.","3 Belsize Square \nLondon N.W. \n9 Dec. 1866","My dear Nannie, \nYour and Mary's letter afforded much gratification and did us a heap of good. Elie has all of Nan-na's pretty sayings at heart. She will repeat them to the congregation to\nnight. I reckon for she Totts Lucy and the Brave have gone to church. Your Ma has a cold and is sitting by pouring over the maiden and married life of Mary Powell. The editor had a right to refuse to publish and Will did right to hand him my paper. Never my child tamper with principle for the sake of the expediency. I have no copy of that letter but the time will when you will wish you had \u0026 would give jewels for it. Suppose Sir Thos. More [Harindon], Montrose (this last always calls up my blessed Davy Jones \u0026 his beautiful recitative) but supposed they had not acted up to principle because of fear when the time came, what should we have cared for them. Perhaps that letter would have strengthened the wavering, at any rate it would have shown that one at least could dare to speak.","It's as well- for I am not yet prepared to make Corbin the advances I spoke of-tho' I hope soon to be. I expected and still desire to kill 4 birds with that stone. \nFirst to help you \u0026 him with a little left. \n2. To enable him to stir B up and get his affairs \u0026 papers with him all right, for I fear that these payments made by him during the war do not, or rather have not cancelled\nthe debt to the estate. \n3. I wanted Charles' opinion in the matter, with the assurance that a lien could be so drawn as to make me a preferred creditor. \n4. And in case of misfortune to enable me to step in and give that much to you \u0026 him.","I hope to sent the M.S. of the first geography off by xmas, and to be able to let Corbin have a part of the $1000 at least by the time he can pick the above 4 named birds chosen and to our satisfaction. I do not think as I told him before the war that F.V. is a desirable place for him. I think so chiefly for the same reasons now that I thought so then. Events have vindicated the soundness of my views ante bellum. I presume therefore he is now on the look out for a sale or a swap. If he thinks the 4 birds are all right and want $200 about Xmas `mighty bad' \u0026 will report to Rutson, I'll ask R. to advance him the money from me. Love to everybody Brodie-Charles-and ---------. I am quite proud to hear such good things of `Tim'. I always thought Tim with his big mouth would make a good preacher. God bless you. Yr affect father M.F. Maury.","3 Belsize Square \nLondon N.W. \n19 May 1867","Dear Corbin, \nRutson with his usual kind thoughtfulness and industry told me yesterday of your letter in reply to his offer to [use] his loan of $200. I see by that that your are undecided as to your future plans. As far as I can make out, you have abandoned the idea at least for the present of rebuilding at Farley Vale. That seems to me to be a wise decision. The question with you, seemed to be, between buying and renting in town. In the present state of affairs buying does not commend itself to me, for two reasons: While that suit is pending, you do not know where you are. This fact, irrespective of the social, industrial\nand political whirlpool which is wracking the South, should give you pause about any such investment just now. Nannie I suppose will come to us, and that will give you time to look about.","But for that suit, I dare say the purchase of a house in town would be a good investment. You know better as to that than I do. I am not able - though I have tried - to\nsee things thro' Brodie's \u0026 Rutson's \u0026 Will's and other friendly spectacles that have been so kindly offered. For me, the future of the South is very dark. I am no more able to look into it than you are. But I try to get an idea of it by looking quite in the opposite direction\nand examining those agricultural countries that once had and now no longer have, slaves, or serfs, or peon labour; and the conclusion that I came to is, that town property in the South may hold its own, and even rise, but land in the country must go down, down until the taxes will be intolerable. If you ask me to state the process of reasoning by which I arrive at this conclusion, I will ask you to say why do you think otherwise, seeing that in all\nthose agricultural countries where slave labour once was \u0026 is not, the value of farming lands has gone down to nothing. In Spanish America \u0026 in Jamaica the most splendid\nplantations have gone back to the bush and are wild lands again. But the South, we flatter ourselves, is neither Spanish America, nor Jamaica. That's true. But they are\nbeacons- and we must not shut our eyes to the light which their experience casts before us. But admit my reasoning to be wrong; and I am far from claiming clearness for it- there is still another view drawn from broader premises in favor of an enhancement in the South of town, as compared with country, property. I have travelled about the world\n\"some\", and have always aimed to have my eyes about me. And in no agricultural country, have I ever found any country society in which a gentleman or a lady of refined\ntastes and habits could find the least congeniality. The reasons are obvious. You have heard my anecdotes of \"Mr. Smith, Brown, Jones\" et.al- rich New York farmers, that had \"retired to town\" to live, because Mrs. Smith had got tired keeping boarding house for, and waiting on farm hands. Let me be not misunderstood- I am not speaking of\ngentlemen of fortune who live in town or do business there and have their \"country seats\" but I am speaking of the farmers, the tillers of the soil, the bone and sinew of an\nagricultural country. How is it with the Pa. farmers? How with the Ohio \u0026 the West?\nDon't you know that a labourer in the country will not service your `country farm' in the\nU.S. except upon terms of perfect equality? He must sit at the same table and warm by\nthe same fire with the \"boss \u0026 his gals\". Go among the Pa. farmers, or any where else\namong the farmers of the far states, and you will see the colored labor \u0026 the white upon\nthe most perfect terms of equality and the wife and daughters of the farmer serving meals\nto them both and standing behind their chairs, as they sit at [meat]. You and other Va. gentleman are not yet quite prepared for wife and daughter to do that. But that we who\nlive in this country have to come to it is as clearly indicated as is the march of any other human want. Barriers have already been broken down between the blacks \u0026 the whites which two years ago, your wisest statesmen did not have the sagacity to think were in the round of possibilities. And do the lines of demarcation between the races- [vouch] only the skin and certain antipathies (antagonisms shall I call them?) are being done away\nwith, \u0026 that too with a rapidity that the whole South deemed impossible. Is it to be presumed from what you have already seen, and from what everybody who has studied\nhuman nature knows, -?-is it to be supposed, that white \u0026 black hirelings are, in the end, going to work side by side in the field upon any other terms but that of perfect equality? If our [lots] \u0026 [ships] in the \"great House' so must [wish] the other. I can readily imagine that many a country gentleman, [piercing] the shadows of these events- for they are very plain- is already for \"returning to town\". Therefore I say it's more likely that town property\nwill increase in value than the country property. And but for that suit, I should be less disinclined to say buy a house in town now.","Many changes have come over our people which they did not expect; and in my judgment, many more are in store for them, for which they are not even now prepared. All that refined and elegant country society which was the pride \u0026 boast of Va. has, sooner or later, to abandon the country and \"retire to town.\" In sea ports of the world that\nI have been, have I never found among the farmers, in the farm house, in the country, any society at all comparable for intelligence and cultivation to the country society of the South. On coming here to England, where there are so many industries besides agriculture, one of the first things that would strike you, would be its high state of\ncultivation and improvement. Elegant fields, wide domains, flocks and herds (splendid plantations you would think they were) and then you would begin to look for the Mansion, the splendid house to which all this belonged, as contra-distinguished from the \"Country seat\" of some gentleman of fortune who is not a farmer. But you would not find it. Most of the people whose labour made the landscape so [ ing] are grouped together in a little\nvillage. I remember in passing through Indiana with Dick in 1857, that I was reminded of what I saw in Germany in 1855: a country under superb cultivation but scarcely a farm house - and never one at all in keeping with the manor. But you were amazed at the number of small towns and little villages. You remember how that the census of New York and other Northern States which are taken intermediate as [between] the U.S. census, astonished the whole country in 1855. In many parts, the rural population\nappeared to be actually decreasing while the actual population was largely on the increase- It was the farmers \"retiring to town\"- not actually giving up farming, but coming to town for the sake of society, and to buy [exemptions]. And instead, as the political economists argued, its being a sign of decreasing prosperity, it was the very reverse. Instead therefore of your lordly plantations and large farms at the South, the country as it is filled up in the process of time by natural increase and immigration, is to be dotted over with villages like all the free labour agricultural countries that I have ever seen. And whether you are to have any sudden immigration is to depend upon the wisdom and sagacity of your law makers.","I have thought it as well, dear Wellford, to lay these views before you, that you might ponder them, sift them, and if they embrace anything worth the having, that you may [turn] it to account in your own private affairs. These are views that would shock many of our people. But I don't write them for the vox pop. I write them for you, and the personal friends around you such as Brodie Herndon et al who may care to know them. I hope I shall always have the courage to look things in its face and draw legitimate conclusions. Nothing can keep up the value of land in the South but a large influx of people to [till] there. Since I went to Mexico the subject of immigration has been a speciality. And I can tell you that there must be some steps taken by you wise men and [] very different from any yet, else you will not live to see enough to do you any good. Cousin Anne has indefinitely postponed her trip, Nannie I hope will have set off to us before this reaches you. If not let her come in the same liner her Ma did. Rutson will see her on board and Cousin Ann will speak the Captain and the Stewards, and I will meet her at L'pool, and so she can come without an escort. Give our best love to Brodie and Lucy, and tell her I'd give anything for one of those cosy little chats with her - Brodie to listen. Mit is still in L'pool. All hands send love, \nYrs truly M.F. Maury","My love to [Sandy Little]","May 21 Mit came to us last night - Here's something for you to turn over in you r mind. I am not sure, but I believe that Dick has to manage for his Co. a cocoa or a coffee plantation. I don't know which - How would you like to [put] yourself up about it with the idea of taking charge of it. I'll mention it to him and you can [ ] by str of 10 June. [Yr M]","No. 3 Belsize Square \n22 Sept 1867","Dear Corbin- \nTremlett and I thought we were on a good trail for you the other day. Semmes wrote that there was no English insurance agency in Memphis. Off we went to beat up the [ ] \u0026 some of these solid fellows and put them to the establishment of agencies in Tenn., La., Va. etc. for Semmes, Dabney you \u0026 c. But we found that 4 of the more\nventuresome ones were already there. Nannie wrote you about them, and told you how to proceed in case there was an opening in Richmond \u0026 the place seemed inviting to you.\nThe pay is on per customer or business done and therefore I cannot advise one way or another as I have no idea as to the amount of business that might be done in Richmond.\nIt is better as you know to work for nothing than to rust and though the wish to help to put you in the way of something that will pay is ever present it does not seem likely soon to be gratified. Elie is still forging ahead slowly. She has been very ill. Nana is very bright a\nsort of privileged character \u0026 pet of the parish. Her mother is very sobersided and loath to take as much outdoor exercise as health seems to require in these latitudes. Lucy is at school and Brave sets in tomorrow week. Brave is getting a fine education. Molly is not\nvery strong and her mother is pulled down a good deal by nursing. As for me \"I'm right smart\". Love to Betty all at Brodie's- Charles \u0026 everywhere. Your affectionate, \nM.F. Maury","3 Belsize Square. \nLondon N.W. \n29 Jany '68","Dear Corbin, \nYour Newburgh letter was very welcome. Kiss my Maria for me, and tell her, that after caring for her good father and mother as a duteous daughter should, and as she is\nsure to do that she is not to make any rash resolutions as to what she'll do etc- that we shall want her at the University of the South.","You have acted well and wisely in [renting] F.V. and I have so told Rutson. The Jamaica planters were paid for their negroes and had 7 years notice to prepare for\nemancipation. None of them are there now who could get away. One of them told me last night that his plantations yielded him $30,000 a year- that he sold it on emancipation about 30 years ago for $5000 \u0026 that the purchaser- his former manager- still owes some $2500. As I told you from Mexico neither one of the three great experiments that are now going on in the south is promising enough to tempt any of our people into it, who can afford to stand off \u0026 look on as you propose to do. Now if you can only find something that will enable you to live and lay by yr rents, you will be doing what any son of the southern gentry that stick to their old plantations will be able to do. And when your lease expires you will find that events will have vindicated this forecast. The Dutch since that war began emancipated their slaves--in Surinam and Jansen tells me that that colony is already Africanised. The South is no place- especially in this country - for any gentleman with wife and daughters to\nlive - if he can get away- to live now, nor will it be until the contest that is now brewing and going on there between blacks \u0026 whites, is finally settled. Why then do I go to Tenn.? Because I hope to have boys enough there to make that out of the way place, safe. I have no doubt Hasbrouck is acting in Minnesota for the best. I am content tell him with any arrangements that he may make. Elie I do hope, is now in a fair way to recover. All the rest are well- Nannie has gone out to work- and Nanna is a great pet in the neighborhood. She is very full of fun. Your affectionate, \nM.F. Maury","Belsize Square \nLondon, N.W. \n8 Feb. `68","Dear Corbin, \nI write this in connection with what Nannie tells me you said in your last letters about you coming. If you come in the [International] line, the line my family came in , and take a return ticket which lasts for a year I believe, it will cost you about $100 in gold - not so much than it would take you to live in New York while you are at sea, coming and going - and unless you find something to do, or have a fair prospects of finding something by staying, I fancy the brood would be agreeable and wise. A friend of mine in Lpool is the agent of this line of steamers and therefore I shall go in it. I have not heard yet form the\nTrustees about the University. And until I do, I shall fix no time for going over. Though it will not be earlier than May I reckon at any rate. I base my idea of yr coming very much if the supposition that I am going to Tennessee and will be able to have house room for you there by next winter, if in the meantime we can't rig up something better. Of course we shall be glad to see you. And it certainly it would be more agreeable all round for you to\ncome, and it might be more economical too - for if Nannie comes to you and you go to the expense of establishing her there, then the breaking up to come to the University in case it be thought advisable and I hope it will, may prove more expensive than yr trip here. Still I am too timid to be very absolute as to what is best. Judge you. yrs. [fond] Maury","3 Belsize Sq'r \nLondon N.W. \n15 Ap'l `66 [1868]","Dear Corbin, \nNannie and the boy have both been having a hard time of it for the last two or three weeks. She as nurse and he as patient. The little fellow has been very ill, with congestion of the brain super-induced by teething. We were afraid we should lose him, but he seems now on the fair road to recovery again. He is very much better than he was\nthree days ago, and so hopes have brightened. Elie continues to forge ahead and we begin to think about a time for turning our face westward. Probably not Tennessee ward, but westward in time for peaches. At any rate I have stipulated with Elie to be there in time for that provided she will get well enough for the voyage - and she seems to be in a fair way for that. I hope you will be able to rough it along in your new vocation at least until we all get back. At our last dates you were in Charleston. It's the letter in which you mention the [ ] phosphates. I received a box of them some time ago from New York, but as there was no account of them, I did not know where or why they came- [ ] Dr. Jarrett's letter [now] come to hand, but as you mentioned R.H. Maury, Dr. Ravenel - St. Julien. I suppose-and other friends in connection with them - I immediately put myself in communication with one of the largest phosphate dealers in London. He responded [readily] to the new [ ] so I have turned over the box to him, and shall probably soon know what he has to say about them. There is not the least chance of an outsider as I\ngetting orders for yr principles. The only way of doing that is through special agents, friends and correspondents of their own who can speak by the card. Nothing later from\nDick than you have heard. When we come we leave Brave behind to finish his education. Nana has just returned from a play in the \"Parsnip's Grounds\" She is an interesting little thing and a great favorite in Belsize. Nannie and I have just returned from a walk in the green fields and all send their love. \nYr affectionate \nM.F. Maury","No. 3 Belsize Sqr \nLondon N.W. \n25 Ap'l 68","Dear Corbin, \nI have not seen Nannie this morning. She and her mother are both much [worsted] by nursing, and she did not come down to breakfast. She's asleep and it has not been sent\nto her yet. Her little boy has been having a hard time of it. He has been now in a state of stupor for two weeks from congestion of the brain with violent attacks now and then of sickness at the stomach- just lying quietly and taking no notice. Yesterday he began to crow and coo and, as his mother told me when we started out to walk and I broke down with the foot, to carry on quite a communication, and our hopes raised- but they are dashed again this morning. Brave went off at 5 for the Doctor, for though the little thing was ravenously hungry, his stomach refused everything. But the Doctor did not cheer us. Certainly the dear child can't go on this way many days longer. Indeed a few hours may decide so I'll leave this open for a word at the last moment. It's now 10 a.m. and I have written this early that nothing might interfere with, thinking it quite likely that Nannie would not feel herself equal to a letter- so I'll save room for a word at the last moment this p.m. Her new nurse came last night- she has been without one since Lizzy went crazy.","Elie continues to forge ahead. She and her Ma are going next week to spend a few days with her friends at Kensington. The Bp. told me yesterday he should take my advice and return in the Manhattan week after next. He is very anxious that Nannie should go with them. I am highly gratified that you should so have won upon W. \u0026 E. It gives you something to hold on by, at least until you can get hold of a better tow line. When the Dr's say that Elie's well enough to try the seas I shall fix a day. Yr aft. M. P.S. 4.45. Our little 'Davy Jones' is no better. But he is in no pain. Nannie's taking a little nap and Nanna has gone out to ride. She has just come in from a wedding at the church. We'll write again by the next steamer.","3 Belsize Square \nLondon N.W. \n13 May '68","My dear Corbin, \nThanks, hearty thanks both to Hasbrouck and you for your kindness in re Lt. Paul's estate. You did exactly right, each of you and tell Hasbrouck I shall write him a letter of special thanks for his kindness and generosity. The property was his, and he might have kept it. Why not turn the bonds over to him for collection?","`The boy' is going to get well. He was downstairs yesterday. He has had such a time of it and has clung on to his little silver painter so manfully when all was so blue, and made such a brave struggle for precious life, that he has endeared himself to us all so much, we cannot now [couch] to give him up. Betty Dabney and other friends say don't come yet. Impeachment will be over in a few days, and I'll have time to read the new leaf that is to\nbe turned over before Elie is well enough for the trip - say last of June or first of July. As soon as its prudent to [venture] on her account, I'm disposed to sail, unless indeed that new leaf should contain something startling. Did you order those herrings for me? Don't disturb yourself about the ways and means for Nannie.","I am glad to see you taking hold of y'r new calling with so much vim. I think its well to leave the pay to Hasbrouck. I hope tho' when I come, we shall be able to chalk out something more to our fancy. If I am to develop resources and encourage industry in Va., what way more effective than introducing steam agricultural machinery. I intend, before I go away to see some of the manufacturers here of steam plows- which are also threshing machines- saws, mills \u0026 c. The price of one is some £ 3000. I believe - what would be the chance of introducing them in Va? What would be the duties on one? What's the chance of raising a company to start one? And how would you like to take the management of one? All these questions I ask [`ran just so'] for I have [matured] no plans. But I take it that once among the great desiderata of our people now is Labour saving agricultural machines -no? Elie keeps forging ahead. \nYr affectionate \nM.F. Maury","Liverpool \n2 July 1868","Dear Corbin, \nNanna is here [after eating] out. We are all well and the day is fine. We sail at 3.30. Then Va. is a 'slow coach. I have been [entrapped] into [here]. For the chance of this reaching you before our arrival I write to say we have an immense amount of baggage, say in all some 20 trunks and boxes besides carpet bags and bundles - many- can't you make some economical arrangements for storing it away or have a baggage wagon to take it off? or both? The hacks will carry off what we want to use. Perhaps it will be best the express wagon to come and take it at once -: I reckon it would be cheaper to send it off to Richmond that way at once, than it would be to [freight] about with us. What does Rutson advise? He knows. \nYrs in haste \nM.F. Maury","The last! and no mistake.","Liverpool 2nd July \nDear Corbin\nWe are off at 3½ p.m.-","We have much luggage.- Can't you have an Express wagon on the wharf to take it for Richmond? It will cost less to send it that way at once than it will to lug it about with us. - There's too much of it to go in 4th St. or any private house. Do what you and Rutson think wisest, cheapest and best.","All well, and weather superb. \nYours \nM.F. Maury","[Note by Rutson Maury] \n13th July—","Monday night.- \nThe above came as intended via Southampton , per \"Harmonia\", a very fast craft, which left there on 3rd July and arrived here this afternoon. She reports light, variable winds throughout the passage and dense fogs the last 4 days.-","I got the letter out of our box at 5½ p.m.-","Richmond \n3 Aug '68","Dear Corbin, \nI had a long talk with Charles \u0026 just as we finished W. Barton stopped in and introduced the subject himself. All the bonds have been endorsed by order of the court. That's all right unless it be decided hereafter that the payment in Confederate money was no payment. A special term for hearing this case had been fixed for this month- But [Cab ] had written to say he could not attend. B. promised to urge C. up to the mark- for it's impossible to get a hearing [in] the regular term- the case is so long it would crowd all\nothers out. The delay this time is not B's fault, \u0026 for that reason I told you not to write to\nB. until you heard from me. Cha's thinks M'Casky's case is much stronger than B. represents it, and that should the case go against him, the case will be carried up- If so,\nthere's a suit for y'r life time.","Chas thinks \u0026 so do I that in case there's no settlement this term, a compromise ought to be tried. He seems to think that the whole may be compromised for some $15 m\nor $20 m. Rather than stand and risk the uncertainties of the law, I think I should be inclined to pay the whole. As soon therefore as you learn that the case is not to come up as appointed, make J's coming of age \u0026 y'r own situation an excuse and try the temper of the other side for a compromise. Better let me [sound] for you. Maybe other parties will agree to arbitration. Nannie's letter with yr sent this morning. Next Monday go to Albe.- stay a week. Go to Lex then to the White, where I join Will, B. \u0026 the girls- We as guests.","All well- Love to N. the children \u0026 the H's.","Yrs \nM.F. Maury.","Richmond \n8 Aug 1868","Dear Nannie, \nHave this p.m. yours of the 6th. Kate is here. Tell Corbin I shall get John Herndon to [sound] about compromise as soon as the Aug. term be disposed of. We - all except y'r\nMa, leave for Albemarle Monday. Dabney's [Nannie] is at [Rugged] [Mts]. Lucy \u0026 Eliza both under the weather which is very hot","Rockbridge Baths \n4 Sep. 1868","Dear Nannie, \nI am grieved to hear you and the children have been so poorly. Yesterday morning I sent the girls down under escort of Jerry Morton's grandson- a cadet, and toured at Goshen till 5.20 p.m. for your Ma and Nannie Bell. We arrived here at a little after 8. Betty and Will went on via Charlottesville for a visit to Charlie Blackford. Mary \u0026 Alice came up with your Ma on a visit to Sally F.","Dabney's Nannie with their children is at the Mason's. Rose sick with chills. Tomorrow Smith comes to fetch me to Lexington. Totts or Elie, perhaps both will go with me. I am to be installed on the 10th and deliver an address with pomp \u0026 circumstance and with all my decorations. After that we shall return here and wait till frost for Richmond. I go to work immediately in preparing a preliminary report of the natural wealth \u0026 c of Va. such\nas its climates, productions and favored position. I strike for a line of steamers between Norfolk \u0026 Holland, expecting to turn a stream of immigration - German- thro Va. as it flows to Ohio and forts beyond. And so hasten the completion of James River Canal, and Va. Central to the Ohio branches getting some immigrants to stop by the way. Tell Corbin, C held this special term expressly, but lawyers were not ready. Jno Herndon will go to F'bg\nnext week. I have asked him to sound about a compromise. That I am seen is the best way of ending that matter. Ask him to get from Rutson the m.s. of P.G. and Astronomy\nand the first time he comes South to bring me them. I am not in a hurry for them. \"Where had you best live?\" In a New York City Boarding house when the dog days are over.\nTaking care to spend enough time in Va to keep up the idea of Va residence on ac't of them suits with which Corbin was threatened. Tell him the chances of being useful to the state in my own vocation are very fair. Everybody appears to be looking to politics for help. I almost [ ], exclusive to agencies outside of this political arena for material help. Stir up about J.B.'s grapes. Love to the H's with kisses to Maria. Tell Nanna I wish she was here to eat maple sugar. Yr. aft father. \nM.F. Maury","Richmond \n22 Sept '68","Dear Corbin, \nI returned yesterday with N.B. \u0026 Alice leaving all hands including Mary in Albemarle, say till 1st Oct. Stir up Nannie as soon as she gets well for that grape information for Jno B.","Saw John Herndon last night. He worked with the case vs. Corbin- read commissioner's report. Says it's all in your favor- and he thinks the case must come off next term, and\ndoes not, he nor Will, advise compromise. It's important for you to know this, before you get to Fredericksburg.","Be sure to let me see you as you pass through- give me the average price of grain wheat \u0026 corn- oats \u0026 c. for each month during this year- Can you? and oblige yrs truly \nM.F. Maury","Richmond \n4 Oct 68","Dear Corbin, \nThanks for the statistics. It's a useful table, nicely got up. If I was going to `keep' such a table, I would do it as a chart of engraved squares. How do you get your averages- from the quantity sold, or from the price on each day? I have been on crutches with the foot. The furniture over from Fredericksburg yesterday. Glad y'r business is on the increase. What do you \u0026 Nannie say to Betty's suggestion about xmas. Don't you want your £ 35?","Dick may be in New York last of next month. Expecting all hands down from the mountains, tomorrow or next day. Wife now having a bout with ague \u0026 fever. Be sure you stop to see me when you do go south.","Cal wheat is a larger grain \u0026 therefore makes more flour to the bush. than ours. Has not that something to do with the price?","That's a good letter of yours. Brodie is off to [ ] this week. Give a letter to Hasbrouck. \nLove to N \u0026 the [children]. \nYrs, M.","Richmond \n11 Oct 68","Dear Corbin, \nA letter last night from the admirable Rutson tells me you were to leave New York day before yesterday \u0026 be with us Tuesday. There is no sleeping place, but you must come\nto dinner \u0026 tea on arrival. Dabney is at the General's. I expect him down in the course of the week. I hope the Burtons did not submit to a postponement of the case in re Corbin. It would be cruel of the judge to permit any more trifling. We are all pretty well, my wife has not quite recovered from her bout with the chills.","Dying to see you, \nyrs affectionately \nM.F. Maury","Richmond Va. \n3 Dec. 1868","Dear Corbin, \nI suppose you have got back after I hope a trip that pays. I have heard thro' Rutson \u0026 [Carrie] of your having left New Orleans the day before Nannie's telegram reached there.","I hasten to write you. I learn confidentially that your tenant is insolvent- that everything that he has is in a fair way of being gobbled up by upcountry creditors, that the wheat crop has been sold and there are no signs of anything being done towards that [house]. That he has had to leave the house in which he was in Fredericksburg 'cause he couldn't pay the rent, for which he still owes. In short that he is wholly [unreliable], a bad case, \u0026\nthat unless you are pretty quick, the corn crop will be gone too \u0026 you may whistle for your $1000 \u0026 your house too.","So from all I know you had better run down and look after things. If you do I hope you will give us a hail.","The girls tell Nannie had a small party last night- about 50 dancers- sprinkled only with 5 or 6 married couples. Totts did the honors. Betty was top [ ] and they all four looked splendid. We missed you and her, Dick \u0026 Sue. It went off 1st rate. Dick left day before yesterday for Kanawha. May come down from the mountains some day, to take up Sue, who is getting well but still in bed. Lucy Ellen passes through today on her way to Savan'h- your Ma \u0026 I go down to the cars to meet her at 2.25. I gave yesterday to the Whig Preliminary Report No 1 Ph. Survey. I like it. Now for a favor- I should like to send a barrel of first rate apples to Tremlett, and 1/2 bbl. to Bold, in time for their xmas dinnerfreight and duties paid. Bold the consignee, must pay R. Road freight to Tremlett. Rutson will manage this when you get the Bbls. ready. Don't get any apples unless they are very good. Let them be pippins or Lady apples, which ever be the best. Hasbrouck could not get any in Newburgh. All well. Kiss the children.","Yrs affectionately, \nM.F. Maury","Richmond \n11 Dec. '68","Dear Corbin, \nThanks for the apples. You managed this nicely. When you want the £35 I. O. U. - go to Rutson. I have asked him to pay. I sent Nanna 10 cts in a letter- Did she get it? Your\ntenant's bill of sale that you ask for is no good. It is sufficient that the sheriff should find the mules \u0026 horses in his possession to pitch down upon him with his execution. It's only produce in the shape of rent that you can keep out of his clutches, \u0026 then it must be divided \u0026 your pile set off to itself. The wheat is gone, \u0026 you can't claim the balance of that in corn. All I know is what I gather from John about it. He thinks the case much more dispirited than you seem to do. T! Good night with love, \nYrs \nM.F. Maury","Richmond Va. \n23 Dec. 1868","Dear Corbin,\nNannie's letter to her mother recd yesterday tells us you are going to F.V. after xmas. \u0026 then to N.C. Be sure to give us a call. You do well to go- Bear in mind, that R's bills of sale or notes of hand are worth nothing as against the demands of the sheriff- and that you are safe in your rents only after you have set apart your share of the crop. But if R. sells it, or you don't divide it, the sheriff can clap his clutches upon it. As for the prison\nadvances better let them be bygones and ask Rutson for the £35 when-ever you get \"hard up\". C.B.R. talks about forking over in \"a very few days\"- I hope so - for the work already done comes to when it's paid for- $10 [m] in gold, though it's not all done yet, for you know I have not delivered all the m.s.s.","Lucy is still a great sufferer. Had a pretty good night, but is now wracked with pain.","I went last night to spend the evening with [Weckham] - against the grain- but one has to do things sometimes that are not altogether delightful. Ask Nana if she thinks old\n[Christinger] lives in New York, and how he can go from here there in a night-for he is now I know a stuffing of his pack, I've seen him put two doll babies in it for Alice. A happy xmas to you all, \nYrs \nM.F. Maury","Richmond Va. \n8 Jany `69","Dear Corbin, \nI am grieved to hear my warning proved so true. This pocketing of losses in times like these, is a hard thing. Have you yet come to any definite understanding with W \u0026 E? I think it is time you should have a talk with them and a distinct understanding. If you have it so, the chances are that somebody I know will get fleeced. I'll send you next week one of my pamphlets, which you can give them to read, and then tell them what a great man it is going to make of me in the South, the prestige it will give you, and then tell them what you want.","The silver and the trunk came yesterday. Sorry you did not have time for a run to Richmond. The Gen'l came down from the 'Rugged' last night. He brought me a [cheese] of [--] from Sally. Have not seen him yet. Sue dined with us yesterday. Then Lucy and all hands spend the evening at 'Zoras' tonight. Tell Nannie she was at a party last night, they played \"Chopin and Chopout\" and she doesn't know what that is. \nLove to Nannie \nYrs M.F. Maury","Richmond Va \n14 January 1869","Dear Corbin, \nI am sorry to have such an account of yr tenant. You will be lucky to get rid of him without more trouble. His contract shows that he is one of those who are unworthy of confidence - his London trip is I take it a sham.","I hope to send you in a few days copy of the Report. The Railway and Canal men have been watching the press and literally devouring the sheets as fast as they were printed. They think it will wake up a lively interest especially in the South and West. Smith - V.M.I. will be down to-morrow, we are going to send copies to Governors of the states and ask them to make it the subject of official action by calling it to the attention of legislatures \u0026.","The Report will I am sure tickle vox pop especially the planters, farmers and factors in the Mississippi Valley, and it ought to give you favor among them.","Indeed it may be worth considering whether it be not wise for you to look in the direction of Norfolk anyhow, for the Report makes a Dutch line of steamers from Flushing to\nNorfolk look very promising anyhow. In beating about the bush in my mind for something for Dick, I have been looking that way. I fancy this report will give us an influence which if we have the tact and the luck on our part may be made of commercial value. In the course of two or three weeks you will see by watching South-Western and N. Western papers how the thing works, and can then better shape your course.","If W. \u0026 E. have lost money it don't sound well for a partnership. Anyhow, I question whether it would not be better for you to be looking out for something else. I doubt whether a monthly salary would not be better than a partnership with them. A partnership would tie you down and in coming, as this Report and my other work here will bring, so [prominently] before your customers, I may have a chance in some unexpected way of helping you along, of which, if you're tied down by co-partnership, might be lost. In short the chances are that you may be able to do quite as well, South, pecuniarily and a great deal better socially than you are now doing. Therefore when the time comes for your talk, consider well the grounds you should take: a good monthly salary to be antedated: what think you? I suggest but don't [persuade].","This is my birth day tell Nannie. Sue's going up to F'bg next month. Mary Herndon is here, her brother is at V.M.I. We are all well and send love. I think that so called\n\"conservative [Va.] [ca ] impolite and foolish. \nyrs truly \nM.F. Maury","Richmond Va \n29 Jan. `69","Dear Corbin, \nPrinters here are slow. The Reports are not all out yet. I sent you two of the past batch to read and then give to `yr bosses.' I now send you one to keep.","It seems to have hit the public mind in Va anyhow. I hope you will have a talk soon about your pay. I do not much fancy a co-partnership - commercial - these times. For though you may put in nothing, financiers here are ticklish. Your house may break and so sweep away all of your Va. property. Moreover I think it worth something to keep yourself free, so that you may be in a position to take advantage of anything that may turn up.","Isn't the first payment due on those Minnesota lands Please inquire of Hasbrouck. Love to Nannie and the children \nYrs \nM.F. Maury","Richmond \n1 Feb `69","Dear Corbin, \nBrodie is here and I have yrs of Saturday. All well about Wade. [Still Sue doesn't care to travel]. Suppose you get two or three weeks leave - run down to Norfolk and try this:","I am urging Smith and his [ ] in the [ ] to send agents out to the states where interests are touched by preliminary No. 1 to ask the legislatures and the principle cities to order each a few thousand copies and so help to circulate the docs. If they will order we will get up a revised \u0026 improved edition especially for them. Norfolk, Petersburg and Richmond ought to order ea. 2000 copies so ought [Mahone] - begin by asking them to order 500 ea. Postmasters ought to order 1000, ditto Seaboard R.R.'s, and the line of steamers that ply between New York and Norfolk ought to order 500. I am proffering to Smith to put the New Edition @ $2 per copy, and give his agents 50¢ per copy upon all orders. Now if he comes into this how would you like to drum up in Va.? The doing of it, would pay expenses at any rate - `twould identify you and make you acquainted with the Norfolk people, and so may be give a string to your bow to send an arrow at W \u0026 E with. Jansen is working like a horse with the Dutch Va. line of steamers. You could preach that up at the same time. Money has to be and is to be raised for that. You can try that too - somebody must be employed for this - and why not you? So turn the idea over in your mind, and in case Smith says the word, be ready to broach the [ ] to old [Wade]. You can then come here - we post you up, have a meeting called and so Launch you. I can fancy that this business may not be altogether agreeable at first blush. But all you have to do is to put on a bold face and teach those people what they ought to do. Am glad to hear the children are O.K. again. Tell Nannie her Ma is in bed with a cold. Dick is in Lexington and all the rest well. \nYrs truly M.F. Maury","I send you ten more pamphlets.","Richmond , Va \n16 Feb. 1869","Dear Corbin, \nThanks to you and Hasbrouck for the $925.56/100. Its welcome I tell you.","I understand Charles has made all things straight with your tenant touching past rents.","W. requires you to put more faith in him than he puts in you. \"Take any \"ipse dixit\" and you make it all right\" - he says to you. But why does he not let you know what his plans are? Suppose they turn to naught - then there you are. For that reason I wanted you to have two strings to your bow. Look at C.B.R. promises are bountiful, Wait, Wait, and [`nary red'] since I came back. W. may be all right and his intentions may be ever so good, but you have to look out for yourself and when he comes to [shout up] his plans you may find them `[St py] with ifs.\" And would not have you break with him, but I would have you ask to be informed, so that if they don't strike your fancy you may be on the lookout for something else. Therefore I would take the first opportunity and ask him to tell\nyou the precise character of the arrangement that he has in view.","The Reports are in great demand. I send you a couple. Love to Nannie and the children. All well. \nYrs \nM.F. Maury","Richmond Va \n20 Apr `69","Dear Corbin, \nI feel uneasy about that warehouse swindling case. Let me know if you are in any way hurt by it. I suppose at any rate it interferes materially with your plans. I am told it ruins W \u0026 E. Please let me know all about. In haste, \nYrs \nM.F. Maury","Richmond VA \n30 Ap'l '69","Dear Corbin, \nI have been very much engrossed. Have just finished for Mr. Johnson a notice of my blessed Davy Jones.","Yrs of 28th came duly to hand. Was relieved to know that Wade \u0026 [Estey's] misfortune did not involve you. You know better than I can suggest what to do now.","It is within the power of the people to be represented in the Norfolk convention to say whether they will have direct trade with Holland. If they say `yes' and give the right sort of earnest, then the Dutch will probably establish a large house in Norfolk. In that case they\nwill probably want a businessman for associate, who is well acquainted in the South \u0026 West. Now the question is how can you manage to bring yourself to the acquaintance of the trading businessmen in Montgomery- Memphis - Knoxville, Chattanooga, Huntsville - Nashville, Louisville, Cincinnati \n[and-]. \nIf you or I had any authority to speak for the Dutchmen in the matter, it would be plain sailing, and we should know how to go to work. But there's no hurry, look out for the\nproceedings of the convention, \u0026 find out the leading houses in N.C. \u0026 the West, try as opportunity allows to get into correspondence of some sort with them- and if during the next 12 months you can bring yourself to their acquaintance, perhaps, if the Dutchman comes, you may have a chance to show him around.","Packing up for VMI.","I am afraid the day I'll move will not turn out so well. Nannie \u0026 Nan are very good friends now. Do you think that [boarding] them will make them any better? It's only in that aspect \u0026 the mosquitoes that I \"has my doubts about\"","All well and send love \nyrs \nM.F. Maury","Richmond VA \n22 May 1869","Dear Corbin, \nAbout the Piano- I wish you would get Ellen Lewis to help you and Nannie select a first rate one, to cost not over $800 - eight hundred $. Go for performance and richness of\ntone, not just for outside appearance. Bargain for freight paid here if they can, but for delivery on board steamer and packing up anyhow. It should be directed to Maury,\nLexington, and consigned with bill o'lading, to Col. Dillon (DILLON) James River Canal Office. His office is right at steam boat landing. You can draw at sight on R. H. Maury \u0026 Co. where I have given you a credit for $800. Yr draft to be signed M.F. Maury for yourself. Perhaps you may make a better arrangement with R. H. Maury himself who left last night for New York.","Please you and Nannie keep your eyes about you for carpets. They ought to be cheap now. Small figures and bright colors are [the] go for small rooms, small figures some [worsted]. [Then these] down stairs rooms should be good Brussels, or Wilton- the dining room and parlor the most costly, but none over $2 the yard, including the making which must be done there, \u0026 including also packing and delivery on board str. consigned as the piano is to be. They can be made by the enclosed draft which please take care of.","Brave's and the up-stairs rooms should be cheap remnants, 3 ply or Brussels, according to bargains. You know I like variety, therefore don't go for matching the rooms. Rugs also, and carpet-[slips] I reckon for the upstairs passage. Dick has coloured it you see for oil cloth- We have oil cloth for the bare passage already on its way up there. I have shut up all the doors in the Parlour except one. Please enquire for bargains \u0026 report progress before going further. All well. We expect to get off next Tuesday.","Yr Aft. \nP.T.O. M.F. Maury","[verso] \nAlso inquire as to the price of a neat electroplate water pitcher and tea kettle such as the one we used to have at the `Sup'","V.M.I. \n17 June `69","Dear Corbin, \nNannie's room is all ready, but we have heard nothing from her than what is mentioned in yours of 15th just to hand.","In re: carpets, I did not expect you to do more just now than to post me up as to prices \u0026 c. The girls wanted to have something to say as to colors, patterns, \u0026 c. Moreover I did not want to buy now, have no funds, no place to store them, and $500 for Dining room \u0026 Parlour is beyond my mark. Therefore unless you are committed for them, I don't want them. If however you are committed for them, bargain that they are not to be sent until\nwe are ready for them in the fall, and that they shall send with them all the scraps \u0026 pieces which are wasted in the cutting. We have already two rugs in the parlour \u0026 a [ ] [ ]. I take it that you have not ordered any of the other carpeting *. { (*I do not want it) in margin}. You did right not to order the iron bedstead, for I did not expect you to do that upon what I said. Caution the upholsterer not to make the mattress a hair's breadth\nlarger than the bed in the [ ]- a little smaller it will still fit- an inch larger, no!. You do not say anything about the andirons, [fender] \u0026 c. We have none of them at all and fires at night are often pleasant. The canal is in repair, and will not be open again from Richmond before 1st July- Therefore I had rather these things \u0026 the mattress should not be sent till then.","Rutson wrote me last Saturday -12- that Stewart's man had been to him with a bill for $500 odd for goods for me to know if I was good. R. said he would pay if I didn't- I replied to R. that I knew nothing about it, that I had authorized no such bill- not dreaming it was you \u0026 the carpets. If as I said you have made yourself liable for them insist that they shall be kept until called for. There is no place for them without putting them down. We don't\nwant to do that- 1st because we prefer bare floors. 2. Plasterers and other workmen have work to do which probably will not be done for months- 3. There is no place to store them. Therefore they must not be sent till we are ready for them.","The Piano has come - all safe- Elegant. Everybody pleased with it, and Elie is now making it \"talk\"! Thanks.","Which way do you go on the 22nd. Can't you come this way? There's plenty of room for you- Dick is in W. V. He \u0026 Sue have engaged lodgings at the Pendleton's.","I am invited to take charge of the University of Ala. at Tuscaloosa. Have it under consideration. My decision when they ask it will be something like this- Give me full swing and $10 m {10,000} a year for 5 years and I'll try to build you up- Before the war it had 350 boys- vs 25 now- so you see it's right low. You may well consider I'm not anxious to go- they offer $4m and I fancy they are not prepared to give $10,000. Please put the prices on Edgerton's list \u0026 return it. \nyrs truly \nM.F. Maury","V.M.I. \nSeptember 1st '69","Dear Corbin, \nUse the accompanying letter as you think best. I should like to have Gould sounded upon it \u0026 to know what he says. I send you the pamphlets. Please get from Stewart his carpet bill. It is getting most time for me to order them forward, but before I do that I want to raise the money for paying for them, \u0026 the first step is to know how much that is. Inquire also, if you please as to the discount he will allow if you pay him on the shipment of the\ncarpets instead of forwarding his bill here to be paid when they are delivered to me.","Nannie \u0026 Sue did not go to the Baths, because I fancy, I was not here to make them, \u0026 now they are looking so well that I do not think it necessary for them to go.","All well \u0026 send love.","V.M.I. 9th/9/'69","Dear Corbin, \nI suppose my letter last week in reply to yours about the Dutch steamers must have miscarried.","So here's at you about the carpets again. Have them shipped via steamer to Smith (Genl's brother), Norfolk- ask him to pay charges and forward by what the Gen'l calls his air[ ]- viz rail to Lynchburg \u0026 canal thence. If Stewart will allow discount, pay him there on presentation of bill o'lading. Rutson has been asked to honor your draft. Better see R. first to make sure for I am not in a hurry \u0026 don't care if the carpets don't arrive before the\n25th. If he won't discount, then let T. ship on the 20th as above and let \"charges follow\". I'll pay on delivery.","I wish you would get from him \u0026 have them put up in the same* { (* to save freight) at bottom of page} bundle with the carpets, \u0026 have charged on the carpet bill - 12 doz. table napkins - not extra fine or extravagant - but such as a gentleman ought to have on his table every day - Such for instance as cousin Ann has; perhaps she or [`Quincy'] will select them for me. Of course I don't care where you get them so they are good, decent, and not extravagant \u0026 so they come with the carpets - inside - without extra freight. If possible \u0026 to save freight the carpets should all be in one bundle, or in as few bundles as economy suggests. Nanny \u0026 the children all well.","Betty with her aunt will leave us next Tuesday. \nyrs M.F. Maury","N.B. It's 144 Table napkins that I want - linen all-","[On reverse of second sheet] \n\"Messrs Paten \u0026 Co \nMy friend Mr. Corbin wants 12 Dz napkins similar to sample, please give him the right kind \u0026 price. \nYrs, \nR.P. Richardson","V.M.I. \n10 Sept. 1869","Dear Corbin, \n12 doz. will be too many. 6 doz. napkins will do- Let them be all of the usual dinner size. If not too late therefore let the order be for 72 instead of 144 table napkins Dinner size. \nYrs, \nM.F. Maury","V.M. I. \nLexington, VA \n16 Sept. '69","Dear Corbin, \nYours of 13th rec'd. Napkins \u0026 consignment O.K. Thanks-","Nannie is still at the McD's. Is waiting till our new cook comes. Weather fine. Children well \u0026 my nerves distressingly 'shaky'. \nYrs, \nM.F. Maury","V.M.I. \nLexington, VA \n20/12/69","My dear Corbin, \nI was sorry to hear that Edgerton has gone 'by the board'. My observations teach me that the merchants who never fail are comparatively few- and they are either men of means outside of the capitol embarked in their business- or men who have friends to back them. I should be exceedingly sorry to see you entering into mercantile business in any way except as an agent or employee- and that is a business that is desirable only until you\ncome into possession of your inheritance so find out when you are. At any rate I hope you will enter into no \"entangling [obligation] before we meet which I hope will be soon. I still look for you before New-Year. Xmas week is a holy-day time in New York.","Please jog Hasbrouck's memory about the St. Paul bond. I am hard up \u0026 should like to have the money on the very day it falls due, if possible. 'The Boy' is the life of the housecoming out every day with something original. \nYrs \nM.F. Maury","VMI \n4th March 1870","Dear Corbin, \nI have asked Will to send you $200 which fall due on the 9th. I left word in Richmond with Bob to collect some dividends to send you the proceeds. Should he do so you can transfer it over to me and accept the enclosed $300 instead which with what Will will send and what I left with you makes $1000. \nIn haste \nM.F. Maury","V.M.I. \nApril 6th \n1871","Dear Corbin- \nI got last night a letter telling of the investment of the $321.34. Thank you. Will says, that the law treats it as usury to compound the interest in that way. Please ask John Herndon about it for I want to keep within the law.","My aim was to let you have just $1,000. It is therefore that I ask you to remit in case you should receive more than that.","Tell Nannie, that Elie is in bed with a headache, \u0026 Lucy is under the weather with a cold, \u0026 I don't hear them say a word about going down.","Heavy rain last night. In haste yours truly, \nM.F. Maury \n(pr M.H.M.)","[Postscript by Mary]\nI got my dear Sister Nannie's letter \u0026 will write after the Fair comes off.\nThe girls certainly expect to go down the middle of the month","V.M.Institute \nJuly 26th 1871","Dear Nannie, \nYour Ma got your letter this morning ain't we so glad, glader, glady. Tell Corbin he must come along too.","I returned from Ala. last Monday evening and took them all by surprise. Since graduating, Brave had made a fee and had gone off on a spree, and had gone off with Tots \u0026 Elie to the White \u0026 Capertons. I suppose his money will give out soon and we may expect them back the last of the week.","My going to Tuscaloosa, is still in abeyance. I found when I got to Montgomery that the Board of Regents at its meeting last June had gone farther in their injudicious course than I had fancied, for besides establishing chairs \u0026 filling them without conference with me, they had chalked out a plan of operations for the Univ. which appeared to me altogether impracticable.","The Board of Regents had not been called together as I had requested, but all the professors save 3 were there with Hodgson who is ex officio President of the Board of Regents. During our first session I found out that there was not only no money to fit up the Univ. but there was nothing to keep it a-going: for more than all its annual endowment had already been appropriated. The charges against the cadets were at figures so low that they would inevitably bring the Univ. in debt. A sum not exceeding $200 was to be the expense per cadet. So in the afternoon I formally proclaimed that I could not undertake the responsibility of such an institution \u0026 therefore begged leave to decline. Whereupon there was \"sensation.\" Some made hy-falutin speeches \u0026 professors asked \"what shall I do.\" One urging that he \"had given up his house\" another, \"his practice,\" another \"his business,\" another \"his college\" another that he \"was engaged to be married,\" all under the expectation that I would accept. The strong men of the city were\nbrought in who promised to make the legislature do the needful. And the judges of the Supreme Court who are said to hold the legislature in the hollow of their hands, black \u0026 white radicals \u0026 all- Sent word that they would do the needful at its next meeting. In short, the question was asked, that \"if they would raise a launching fund, change the fees, so as to be a source of revenue, instead of loss, and alter the course of instruction so as to suit my views, would I accept\"? Yes Well it was funny to see the plan they had laid down. They had three parallel course which were \"selectable\" and every boy that came was answered in terms \"you have paid your money, take your choice\" And they told me they had copied after the Univ. of Mississippi, which never did prosper, though it has a clear revenue of $77,000. So the plan that I propose requires the three Rs for admission\n\u0026 then curriculum all the way up to any specialty, that the student- being qualified to enter upon it- may select, all boys to be examined and to be put as high up as they are qualified to stand.","These matters are to be referred by letter to the Board of Regents, and if the majority pledge themselves by letter to stand by me , if I make the alterations \u0026 to sanction them at their next meeting in Nov. and then if the friends of the Univ. will raise a launching fund, I will go.","The earnest desire manifested by the good people of the state, for me to take charge of their Univ. was very gratifying.","It appears to me that almost all the good people in Ala. who have sons \u0026 means intend to rally around me, and among the events that were particularly gratifying was a proposition on the part of the professors to lend: some their whole salary: some $1000: and the others $500 to get the thing underway.","They were to let me know, in a telegram, whether my views would be met by the Regents. And thus the matter stands.","My plan for the present is modeled after V.M.I. with the open features of the Univ. of Va. In the mean time I am working like a Turk here in collecting statistics and transmitting \"useful and entertaining knowledge\" to \"Tusca.\"","I did not go to \"Tusca\", because my house had not been vacated by my radical\npredecessor, with his three students, but hastened back for the telegram.\nI traveled Saturday in the cars with Dabney \u0026 Family, they have broken up in New Orleans, and have come to Va. for the summer. They were to stop a few days in Lynchburg, then go to the Bath Alum.","Kisses to the children \u0026 love to all hands. I brought some maple-sugar for them, they must make haste and come up or it will be all gone, \nM.M.","V.M.I. Lexington Va. \nAugust 9th 1871 \nS.W. Corbin Esqr. \nFredericksburg Va","Dear Corbin \nI have this morning your letter of 3rd introducing Mr. Boulware. No letter was necessary. I had the pleasure of forming his acquaintance last Fall in Fredericksburg and was much pleased with him. All the chairs at Tuscaloosa are full.","We expect Dick back from W.V. tomorrow or next day. When is Nannie coming up? We expect Will to come next week. Can't she come with him? We don't mean to let you off: you must come and fetch Nannie back. Yesterday was \"Crits\" birthday: cords of presents---60 years old, and as young as a [sentence fragment]","I am busy with Tuscaloosa but begin to think it will not be ready by Oct. My illustrious predecessor is still in the President's house. Betty has mended vastly since she has been here. Ask Nanna and that boy when are they coming up? We are dying to see them.","In haste yours, \nM.F. Maury","V.M.I. Lexington VA \n17th Aug 1871","Dear Corbin, \nPlease don't remit but re-invest \u0026 let it roll up. You have always told me I could realize upon ten days notice.","The Goshen stage don't get in now until about 10'clock; We shall set up for Nannie \u0026 the children. Dick left for Richmond last night.","The funds of University Alabama are just like \"jack-o-my-lanterns\". I was to have had $40,000 to begin with \u0026 have got $16,000 maybe. It bothers me enough.","Ask Brodie when he gets to New York please to call at 156 \u0026 7 Crosby Street \u0026 enquire for C.B. Richardson \u0026 if he is not in for Prof Lawrence \u0026 ask for a copy of Geog No 3 New Edition, for my young friend his little grandson \u0026 take it with him to Savannah. I will write \u0026 tell them he's a-coming.","You must be sure \u0026 come to fetch Nannie back \nYours truly","V.M.I. 23 Sept '71","Dear Corbin, \nTwas a source of profound regret that none of us could get down to help render the last offices of friendship and affection to John. He died as he lived, like a Christian gentleman.","We had Brodie's room ready for him last night and felt disappointment when his letter came saying he had to go to Savannah.","Elie Lucy \u0026 I expect to leave for Tenn. about the 5th maybe 1st. I think you had better come up to escort Nannie \u0026 the children back- we should be mighty glad to see you. Want to talk over the Tenn. speech with you. There is a stage that leaves here twice a week at 11 AM for Goshen where it connects with a train due in Staunton at 8.45 P.M. There you stay all night \u0026 at 9 next morning leave for Richd. I think this is the best way to go for it saves that long night in the stage house. The boy has improved wonderfully \u0026 is a great pet.","Tell me the lowest price of wheat in Aug. last, with date, and the price now. Jno Herndon had my will, please ask Charles when he comes across it, to hand it to you. You can fetch it up with you.","The weather here is lovely. Give my love to Ellen Mercer Charles \u0026 Lucy.","Yrs. truly \nM.F. Maury","V.M.I. \nLexington \n11 Nov. 71","My dear Nannie, \nLet's hear that boy whistle- why that's like the cars. Let's hear you whistle like the darkies. Well! cut a somersault. How does he like the new house? and Nanna the dancing school? She must teach him all her steps, gaits and [moves].","We got back last night week- and if they will send us free tickets again Elie and I will go to the Agricultural Congress in Selma 12 Dec. Tell Corbin I am going to carry that plan- i.e.- do my best and so roll that ball over Henry \u0026 the rest of them. But the rascals they'll catch it up as soon as they see it rolling along finely and say it was theirs. I think [Thomps] is behaving most shabbily-plagiarism \u0026 piracy are mild terms to [ ] what he\nis doing. He used to make a living by lecturing on my works-carrying PG's under his arm. Now he not only steals my brains, and ignores my books, but gives other people the credit that belongs to me.","Sally F. and Sister E. have gone to the Pendletons. We have no coal yet.","I begin Monday to prepare my P.G. lecture - to be [based on the question] - \"What science has done for mankind.\"","Crit got a letter from Sue yesterday. Dick stays downtown all day. Totts is poorly- Have been working Crit, Mary, Lucy \u0026 Elie hard this week I tell you. The Lee quilt is to be raffled at the Letcher's tonight. We will draw it, I reckon- some of us have tickets- 24 chances- Totts had this morning a letter from Tom Bold - speaks well of Price. Frank Smith has gone over there. Will reports Betty as recovering fast \u0026 Nannie Bell in high glee over her new piano. Don't hear often from Brave. Love to Corbin, Sue, Mat and the\nchildren. \nYrs affectionately, \nM.F. Maury","V.M.I. 20 Dec. 1871","My dear little grandson that's named John Maury Corbin, some of this letter is for Nana too but I send it to you because xmas is a coming-","You just ought to be here- we are having so much fun- Last night your Ma's chimney caught afire- F i a r F i a r! Como. Maury's house is afiar! The drums beat, the fife squeaked \u0026 the cadets came tumbling up- some with \"guns\" to shoot the robbers- some with buckets to quench the fire. Oh it was so nice, but the fire went out just so before they could ever get here- And [then] it's so cold the river is frozen- all the girls- and Jimmy\nMoore \u0026 Genl Pendleton and all the other little boys go a skating. They take lunch, and have picknick on the ice. `The boy' can skate \u0026 the littlest Johnson is the best skater of them all- [ ]. And then it's been snowing \u0026 rainy \u0026 hailing- and what do you think it did yesterday at dinner in the dining room- there was money shower and the flakes were GreenBacks! You and Nana ought to have been here for 'scrambling'. They went like soap bubbles- and so you had to catch them quick nobody could get more than one flakeand\nsomebody saved these two for you two - not too and your Ma- She is to give you at least 10 cts out of it \u0026 Nanna 20 cts \u0026 Charlie 20 cts- for you to go down street by [yourselves] and buy just what you please.","She's to keep the rest","And do the best-","Can you write poetry?","Tell her your Aunt Eliza has been very poorly- is getting better. She hasn't been here since the day after we got back from Memphis.","I have been to see her once- walked- was laid up for a week part of the time unable to turn over in bed. Have sent for a carriage to go \u0026 see her this evening- She's afraid that Sally F. is going away from her \u0026 that helps to make her sick.","You all ought to be here these times- Your Uncle Charlie sent us some Blue wings- by the time they got here they had turned to Canvas Backs- they are so good!","Here comes somebody. A Merry Xmas to your Pa \u0026 Ma and sister \u0026 your own sweet little self. Who is Mat's sweetheart? I know Charlie's- Have you got one? What's her name? \nYour affectionate friend. \nM.F. Maury","V.M.I. 1 March (1872)","My dear Corbin, \nTake Nannie, Totts, Nanna \u0026 the boy into your counsels- read to them Elie's M.S. in confidence- take their vote- \"Fire or Sandy Little\" \u0026 if they say Sandy, hand it to him- on condition that he's to \"harry\" the Whig without letting Whig or anybody know who `Old Spotsylvanian' is. It's a shame that the Whig should be fooling that \"foolish little legislation\" so.","If you or Nannie do not want to S. [ ] so for y'r scrap book, hand it to Totts for 'hern'. Why don't those children answer my letters? I've got the whooping cough- used to have it in Ten. Catch it from the children at the house- [up] [ ]- [ ].","When is the height of the fishing season? Tell me- for if at that time I feel as young as the whooping cough \u0026 in the [ ] I may run down, pick up Totts \u0026 Ho for Glymont. Mrs. M. is pestering me mightily to go A - W A Y ! Got a letter this morning from Taffy imploring me not to let the yankees light Jno Bull.","Tell Totts -O now I wish I had some birds- all well \u0026 send love. Yrs M. F. Maury.","\u003e\u003e\u003e\u003e\u003eIf Sandy publish- send me a few extras.","V.M.I. 27 March '72","Dear Corbin, \nTotts had been telling us of \"the Boy's\" deafness and how badly Nannie was looking. I sent the cheque to \"buy exemptions\" so you did exactly right- and I hope it will buy [cards].","Tell Nana \u0026 the boy they ought to be here just to see me. I go about the house whooping like a red Indian on the war path- Does he remember his island? There it is- In the last three snows it was as naked as a rock- now why wouldn't the snow lie on it- can he tell?","Tell Totts Mrs. Sinclair is at the point of death. Betty Page has come up to help nurse her. We hope Nannie will run down to Richmond. [Credits] - Miss Mildred is engaged to Prof. Blair. College Calithumps on the night of 1st- two boys fought a duel- one shot tother two times. Old Hughes keeps [up] pinched for wood- Dick's at home on crutches sprained ankle. Va- I reckon- is going downhill all the time- and tho I fancy I can see ways for letting up- I don't see the wisdom for putting her in those ways, \u0026 so her course\nis downward ho!","This is a beautiful day- I am not well enough to venture out. Don't know when Lucy is coming- Love to all \nyrs. M.F. Maury","V.M.I. 10 Apl '72","My dear Nannie, \nWhy don't I come out and prevent people from stealing my brains torpedoes \u0026 all? Why don't the passenger at sea come out \u0026 stop pirates from pirating? Didn't Queen Vic her own dear self steal my torpedoes right before my face- and as for `[thunder]'-look at 'Thomps' \u0026 your dear yankees.","That's a fact- Corbin is a great financier- He has managed the estate with much ability and fine judgment \u0026 J P owes him 'a heap'. I suppose J.P. did not find enough to do in the office to occupy him- and I think idle hours drag more ways than one before a young man that is not yet fairly engaged in the battle of life.","And can the boy read? Ask him to read this letter. \nJIM BIT A FOX \nTHE CAT EAT A RAT. And go [up] [head].","I've got the whooping cough in my back \u0026 all over. And I've \"got no work to do-o\".","There is nothing [any] my table- Elie is writing a great speech for the National Agricultural Association which is to meet in St. Louis next month. Fish refuses to help my `ball' along. Elie's speech is going to roll it right over him. Don't those fellows in Washington hate me with a hate? And ain't it elegant to make 'em do, what you tell's em?","Mat repeated to me last night most beautifully the Death of Montrose. It reminded me so much of my blessed Davy Jones. My eyes filled with tears \u0026 my heart with emotions unutterable. Sue brings up \u0026 teaches Mat very well. He and your Nannie are the best child-readers I ever heard. You ought to be here just to see the sons in law- as many as twenty at a time- I hide under the bed-Crit jumps on the sofa Aunt Mary and the rest scramble up stairs. You are right- Totts is chief among 10,000 \u0026 altogether lovely. Where am I to go? Can't stay here another winter. Take away my house \u0026 my pay- and\nthen leave me to rent a house and do without the $1800! -how's the pot to be kept a going? The question is bothering me a good deal. The weather here is beautiful and the grass green- and the trees vocal at early matins. When are you coming up? I'd give a cow \u0026 calf to come down but the way is so hard \u0026 I so rickety. Everybody sends to you Corbin \u0026 the children \nyr aft M.F. Maury","V.M.I. 19 Apl '72","My dear Corbin, \nI made up my mind this morning to break out from my pleasant surroundings \u0026 happy relations here about 1st Sept. by which time it will not be imprudent to settle somewhere in Eastern Va. The high rents in Richmond Nannie's letter \u0026 the Taylor (?) houseopposite Uncle Charlie's- with its $250- set my mouth to watering for the old burg. In what sort of repair is it- Do the windows rattle? do the doors open \u0026 shut easily \u0026 without noise- How are the grates and fire places. Does the house smoke. Is it lighted with gas \u0026 has it a water closet? If nay, can it have all these things and I the refusal of it, till Sept.? I would ask you to engage it now but for the chance of my being offered something somewhere else which will strengthen my money power and enable me, with material surroundings - to be more comfortable than I could be upon my own only in Fredericksburg. How many rooms has the house? Can you rough sketch me the grand plan?","Could the boy read my letter- and ain't he coming up here to help us pack up, and show us the way to his house?","I send Nanna a newspaper. It is printed by [ ] Pratt, a little cripple- He is about her size- He has got a printing press and a font of type. He sets these and prints and edits all himself. I send her also a splendid composition by Alice. Alice is a physical geographer- A has told about a drop of water on the earth- Now can N. tell about one in the sky? Water is a beautiful thing I tell you. It is protean- and you think that in every new shape you see it, it's more lovely yet. Yesterday it was dropping down in little white pits, as hard as pits and hopping about the town more than the cadets. It made them scamper I tell you. Then it laid itself in the grass, and peeped at you for a little while-as much as to sayhere goes your [Tennessee] ice cream- come \u0026 catch me if you dare- and by the time you got there 'twas just nothing at all. That No 3 Geography you are studying is an old edition and a great many mistakes such as you and Molly found- have been corrected, maps like those at p.p. 21- 148 \u0026 152 have the scale all the way up and down the sides- it varies with the latitude- Thus reason on a piece of paper the distance for 20 between the equator \u0026 20 N. and then try it for 20 between 40 \u0026 60 N. Your Pa will show you. \nAll well and send love yrs \nM.F. Maury","V.M.I. 10 May '72","My dear Corbin, \nI give you many thanks for the trouble- all for naught- that you have so kindly undertaken in re Carter House. Dr Wellford's figures are too large, so I will get you to keep your eyes about you for one on easier terms.","I have most got my courage up to the sticking point for St. Louis. Here I feel somewhat like Sin Bad the sailor in his valley of Diamonds- so hard to get out. Dick took the cars this morning for Richmond. The weather is mighty hot. That was a first rate physical Geographical composition of N. I sent it to Alice. Bless her heart give her a kiss- and ask her to ask the boy if he knows what river that is that goes by Fredericksburg and where does it come from \u0026 where does it go to- and if she can write a composition and tell\nwhat's the use of rivers anyhow? Love to Nannie- all well- Tell her there's another [ ] of S.C. [rice] on the way. \nyrs, \nM.F. Maury","V.M.I. 12 May '72","My dear Corbin, \nI have no doubt of Carroll's fitness because you speak of him so highly. But rules work sometimes inconveniently. I have found it necessary to make rules for conduct, and one is not to recommend unless I can speak from personal knowledge \u0026 sufficient acquaintanceship. So I hope neither he nor you will take my rule amiss.","I expect to leave for St. Louis on 22. But the getting out of this valley is the trouble. The idea of getting out oppresses somewhat as Sin Bad the Sailor was oppressed in the Valley of Diamonds.","Thanks for your kind invitation, but I don't reckon we shall get away from here before the fall. Moreover we are hedging now so as to treasure up for the move. Today it's very hot. Lucy is under the weather. The church is to be pulled down tomorrow. Mrs. Burwell is here- and we are all well. \nyrs truly \nM.F. Maury","V.M.I. 19 May '72","My dear Children, \nI set off for St. Louis day after tomorrow- a day earlier than I intended for the purpose of spending Thursday at the Arlington in Washington to meet C.B.R. He is very much opposed to my `burying myself alive' and makes a proposition which amounts practically to an allowance sufficient to pay house rent say $1000 in Richmond. This is `[now] just so'. I'm to do nothing for it but just live in Richmond. I have not accepted nor declined it\nbut have it to stand just so tall after our talk.","C.B.R. and his Co are doing a roaring business. From all I hear they expect the Geographies alone to clear this year not less than $125,000.","We have been expecting a visit from Jim Monroe \u0026 his girls. He wrote word last Tuesday they were coming- and sent word that he would go with me to St. Louis, and that's all. I shall be sorry to miss them. Crit talks of going with me as far as Gordonsville on his way to Betty. But Betty don't write to say she \"can't get along without her\" so I should not be surprised if she don't go, though she had her trunk brought down three days ago intending to ship off in the 'Packet' tonight. Dick is still in Richmond. They have begun to pull down our church \u0026 we have 'nowhere to go'. Dabney expects to move this week to Nashville. He tells me he has a letter from [T.] saying he didn't think anything of my `ball' at first and that now he has changed his opinion and advised Dabney as to what I ought to do- a great [piece] of imprudence- I have no doubt he wants to get a chance to steal more thunder and have asked D. not to hold any correspondence with him upon the subject.","Tell Nana I did answer her beautiful composition and asked her to tell me the use of Rivers and make the boy tell where the Rapp. comes from \u0026 whither it goes. Don't she want to go to St. Louis \u0026 see the great big river that runs by there? What is its name. Totts is going on a visit to the [Cock's] of [Bowston]. Don't know when she's coming home. All well and send love \nYrs \nM.F. Maury","St. Louis \n30 May '72","My dear wife, \nThe Congress never before knew what an address was. It was delivered last night- and everything has been done exactly as I would have it. I was surly yesterday. Am having a bout with the foot in the elbow- was in bed half the day- and was not fit to speak and thought I should break down but am much better today. Charles escorts me to the Guthrie's tomorrow- I return Monday- 37 miles and then strike for you and home as hard as I can rattle. Have not decided which route to take. Col. Withers who C.B.R. sent to take care of me fancies to go through Tenn. I shall be governed a good deal by him for\nhe is so considerate and kind I can't get on well without him. If I go via Wash. shall touch at Fb'g- and at Richmond anyhow. Send this letter and the papers I mail with it up to Nannie to be passed on to V.M.I. for I [have] to [trim] the [wick]. Love to all. Who is 'Kate'? I haven't had time to see her. \nYrs M.F.","St. Chas. Co. Mo. \n1 June 72","Dear Corbin, \nI am to leave this Monday A.M. and St. Louis at 3 P.M. Straight onward for you \u0026 Nannie say 50 hours. \nyrs in haste, M.F.M.","send to my wife","V.M.I. 19 June '72","Dear Corbin, \nThanks for the 13 [Newses]: you and Nannie [regard] the [speech] nicely. Monday the Minor girls left in a carriage under Walker's escort, to spend the night at Goshen and proceed yesterday to Hanover. Crit without writing and accompanied by Totts, Nannie Bell \u0026 Alice took us quite by surprise Monday night. They found the Minor girls at Goshen- scorned the carriage and came straight on in the stage arriving here at 10 1/2 pm. as bright as the moon and as gay as larks. They left Betty still in bed. Will's trip to\nWytheville has been put off till 1st July. We are writing for Betty to come along up. I sent in resignation yesterday to take effect 10 Sept. The day before sent off new ed. of Geog. no. 3. and this morning have \"the foot\" also a letter from Dab- of 16- from Nashville where they all are saying little Dab is very ill with scarlet fever. This morning also I got a copy of the Physical Geography of the Sea in Italian, which [Gat a] has published in\nRome. He never knew what a book was before. Love to the children. \nYrs, M.F. Maury","V.M.I. 24 July (1872)","Dear Corbin \nWe are driving to see Nannie \u0026 the children. Look for Betty also. Sorry you don't come too. Plenty of room. Totts lie \u0026 I are off for [Yellow] next week- [thence to 6] or -13th Aug. for an Ag. Address- then back, then to Boston! 18 Sept. for another. Thence to St. Louis 1st Oct for another- so you see I am knocking the 'balls' along.","Don't bother yourself about the money. If I want it- we can discount old\n[Harmon].","Better come up and get those Farley Vale 'tadpoles' \u0026 Fredericksburg chills out of you. \nYrs, M.F. Maury","Knoxville Tenn. \nSunday Aug 11 (1872)","My dear wife, \nI arrived here last night at 11.30- It is now 9 A.M.- The ride did me a `heap of good' knocking the remains of that [severe] bout in the knee into the middle of next week. I left the girls lodged next door to, \u0026 in charge of, the Taylors- nice people. I [propose] to be back Saturday- to leave Monday and to be at home Tuesday. I had a fancy to spend Saturday night \u0026 Sunday at the White, for the sake of rubbing bright the links that bind me\nto the Maury's there - Uncle Phils' - and of seeing gentlemen [there] \u0026 'roll any balls'. Higgins who married one of them was very kind \u0026 [pressing] and told Totts he would come and fetch her any day she'd name \u0026 'Dilly' promised to take them into her room. I suggested to Totts that she should write for him to fetch them Saturday p.m. so we might arrive about the same time. They did not appear to take the hint that I wanted them to go- so I did not press. The trip is not so long as I was told it was- so I should not be surprised if I were to pick the girls up at the 'Yellow' Friday p.m. and be with you Saturday. How's Betty \u0026 when's Will coming up? I suppose I shall be putting out for \"The Hub\" about this time next month so if he don't come I shan't see him. Betty [resistive] that of going to the White by herself-V.M.I. is a better place than Springs for her anyhow. I can sleep in Barracks if need be- so tell her to be comfortable \u0026 stop that climbing. One\nmorning Totts was at the Bowling Alley- all of a sudden your son in law \u0026 his sister hitched up, bid me goodbye, and when Totts came back she was surprised to hear they had gone!","The trains here are just 12 hours apart- so I shall take the one at 11 1/2 today- and go to Dalton- due at 6- or to Atlanta due at midnight according to my feeling.","I think the girls are having though not a grand, yet far from a dull time. I left the Boston speech for Elie to flirt with. I met with no adventures on my way save an interesting looking youth, of 17, sent by the Tribune to carry Tennessee. He was on their city staff, was a practical printer- had worked at the fonts 3 1/2 years- learned shorthand, and was such an expert that he could take down 200 words in one minute. When he takes down a speech, doesn't know what it's about! He could take down a Chinaman's speech - as well as an Englishman's- but then he would have to have Chinese to report it.","Love \u0026 kisses to everybody. Dying to see [you] \n[Yr.] M.","V.M.I. 4 Sep. 72","Dear Corbin, \nI am suddenly called on to make a raise.","I have sent R.H. Maury \u0026 Co. Richmond an order requesting you to discount that paper and send them the proceeds.","They are to send you the order only in case it be necessary. So if you get it from them you will know what to do. They will want $1200. Expect Will \u0026 Betty tonight. \nYrs \nM.F. Maury","V.M.I. 8 Sept. 72","Dear Corbin, \nThanks for yrs of [recd] this morning. [Secure] at some time from R.H.M. Better let them carry at 8 prct. while ours run at 10-? So hold on for further orders.","I reckon houses in Fb'g will not fall much lower- and that purchase would be wise.","I congratulate you on security debts- think you have done first rate.","What do you think of buying in Richmond instead of Fb'g? property is going up there. I don't see when the tide is to turn for Fb'g.","I mail with this the Ga. speech. Whatever may be the local exceptions here \u0026 there, the south is as there stated going downhill.","Elie \u0026 I are off for Boston Thursday. Nannie writes and gives you chit-chat. \nyrs \nM.F. Maury","New York (Jim's) \n15 Sept '72","My dear wife, \nWe arrived here at 5 p.m. yesterday all safe \u0026 sound. Elie had `the [head]' say from 10 to 2. I got her a cup of coffee at Wilmington- also a sandwich and [they] set her up. We only stopped there 10m so there was no time for dinner- I brought her the coffee, after a while a man came hopping through the cars, selling papers \u0026 crying fresh fried oysterspiping hot, especially for this train- each box has 6 oysters- 6 crackers and a pickle. I bought the last box and that set Elie completely up. She's as bright as a lark this morning going to church 10 sqrs off. Too far for me. Jim and Pierpont have not returned. I shall leave here about 10 in the morning, spend the day at publisher's and then at 5 go to 4th street for dinner and the night. All of Jim's folks were at home- glad to see us - \u0026 send love. Elie told 'em she was hungry as a hawk- They had tea at 6.30 and the best beef steak I ever did taste. I went to bed at 9 - and got up at 8. Glorious night- for I made a [bed] out of it in Washington- left there at 8. Arlington expensive place- went there in a [bus] and came away in the [bus]- total cost including lodging \u0026 2 meals ea. $11. It's cool today. Leave this for Elie Love to Bettie, Nannie, Will, Lucy, Molly \u0026 Mary \u0026 all the children. So sorry I forgot to tell Lucy to copy [that] [Res.] from the letter book- they are\nthere in her hand at the end of the Boston Speech. yrs M.","[Letter continues in hand of Eliza H. Maury) \nI thought about that black dress once or twice, but felt quite satisfied I had put it back in the trunk after wearing it at the Waddells. Went to Grace Church today but didn't see Cousin Ann \u0026 Cousin Rutson. A beautiful Gothic Church with stained glass windows, fine music, \u0026 a real good sermon, I enjoyed it ever so much. Saw Mr. [Ned] Rives as I was coming out, but don't think he saw me. The girls gave me a very warm welcome \u0026 cousin Ellen too. Lucy \u0026 I have a room together \u0026 she makes a great fuss over me. This house\nis right next door to everything. Stuart's, Tiffanys, Cousin Ellen Lewis, Cousin Matts! Cousin Ellen Mercer's \u0026 every hing. Lucy admires my new trunk very much \u0026 says she is going to have on just like it. This is such a pretty house \u0026 so very nicely furnished. They rent it furnished but all the pictures \u0026 ornaments are their own \u0026 there are some very pretty ones among them- bronzes \u0026 things. The children seem unnaturally quiet to me, they scarcely speak above a whisper at the table. What do our children say to that?","Give my love to everyone \u0026 kiss my dear [Jim] for me. Tell Lucy Mr. Noland was here on his way to South America not long ago \u0026 gave Annie his photograph with a moustache, oh such a nice nice picture! \u0026 I haven't got one \u0026 my heart is broke. Good bye dear sweetness were you mad when I left my dress? It was horridly stupid of me; it has not been delivered yet but will come tomorrow I expect- Your own Beloved.","St. Louis. 10th Oct 1872","My dear Corbin, \nI have just time to say that I am too poorly to undertake the long journey East \u0026 propose going tomorrow to Jefferson City to Genl James Minor's to recuperate; he is George Minor's brother you know. \nYours- M.F. Maury \nper E.M.","The Matthew Fontaine Maury papers consist primarily of letters written by Maury to various members of his family, including daughter Diana Fontaine Corbin (Maury) (1837-1900), son-in-law Spotswood Wellford Corbin (1835-1897), and wife Ann Hull Maury (Herndon) (1811-1901). Other correspondents include Maximilian (1832-1867), Emperor of Mexico, and Empress Carlotta.","In addition to personal and domestic matters, topics include:\n Lecture series Career at the National Observatory in Washington, D.C. Confederate service in Richmond, Virginia Activities in England Colonization efforts in Mexico Professorship at VMI    \nThe papers also include related correspondence and printed material.","This correspondence series was given to VMI as a single donation by a descendant of Diana Fontaine Corbin (Maury), \"Nannie,\" a daughter of Matthew F. Maury.","Written from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards family news and the presidential election.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. The letter states that Diana Fontaine Corbin (Maury) must wait one year before an engagement can take place.","In the letter, Ferdinand Maximilian, Archduke of Austria, thanks Matthew Fontaine Maury for sending a copy of \"Sailing Directions.\"","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards Diana Fontaine Corbin's (Maury) new marriage.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards general family news.","Written from White Sulphur, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. The letter regards family news and mentions that Matthew Fontaine Maury will soon begin a lecture series in Ohio.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards general family news.","Written from Rochester, New York. Letter regards the lecture series, which has a \"large and attentive audience.\"","Written from Chicago, Illinois. Letter regards the itinerary for the rest of the lecture series.","Written from Kalamazoo, Michigan. Letter regards a poor turnout at the Chicago, Illinois lecture due to weather.","Written from Chicago, Illinois. Letter regards the lecture series and distance Mathew Fontaine Maury has traveled since leaving home.","Written from Chicago, Illinois. Letter regards lecture series and travel to Cincinnati, Ohio.","Written from Cleveland, Ohio. Letter regards general family news.","Writtenf from Cleveland, Ohio. Letter regards a disruption in train schedule that led to travel in a private car supplied by the president of the railroad.","Written from St. Louis, Missouri. Letter regards travel for the next week.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards the solution to a rebus (puzzle) enjoyed by the family.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards general family news.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter discusses plants that were lost in transit to the Corbins.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter discusses plants that were lost in transit to the Corbins.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards general family news.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards general family news.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter alludes to legal matters regarding the management of the estate.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards general family news.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards general family news.","Written from Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards family health news.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards legal matters and family news.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards family news. Letter contains postscript written by Ann Hull Maury (Herndon).","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards legal matters.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards legal matters.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards family news.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards family news.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards family news.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards  signing a deed of trust upon the estate Farley Vale.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards the political situation in Virginia as it may affect property.","Written from London, England. Letter regards general news.","Written from \"Steamer New York.\" Letter describes stay in England and an address before the Geographical Society.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards the outbreak of the Civil War.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards a  plan to organize home guard.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards Spotswood W. Corbin's war service plans and failure of \"guerilla scheme.\"","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards Civil War news.","Written from Charlottesville, Virginia. Letter regards Spotswood W. Corbin's plans for service and housing.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards general news.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards an extension of Spotswood W. Corbin's leave.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards Spotswood W. Corbin's service.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards family news and Spotswood W. Corbin's service.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards news of \"Dave's\" appointment.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards general news.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Acknowledges receipt of letter.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Letter regards that Dick was wounded in battle and will be out 6 weeks.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards general news.","Letter regards family news.","Letter regards family news.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards situation in Fredericksburg, Virginia (Pope's order to arrest those who will not swear allegiance).","Written from Bowdon, England. Letter regards personal news and mentions that Yankees are trying to raise money in England.","Written from London, England. Letter regards a trip to Paris, France.","Written from Bowdon, England. Letter regards the death of his son John Herndon Maury (Davy), who died in January 1863.","Written from England. Letter regards family news.","Written from England. Lette regards general family news.","Written from Bowdon, England. Letter regards the capture of Spotswood W. Corbin.","Written from \"The Parsonage, Belsize Park, London,\" England. Letter regards general news.","Written from \"The Parsonage, Belsize Park, London,\" England. Letter regards health issues.","Written from \"Off San Domingo.\" Letter regards the end of the Civil War.","Contemporary copy of the decree by Emperor Maximilian that regards immigration and benefits granted to immigrants, and regulations regarding use of laborers.","Copy of an addendum to emperial decree, in which Matthew Fontaine Maury outlines the climate, economy and other features of Mexico for the information of prospective immigrants.","Written from the Office of Colonization, 13 Calle San Juan de Letran, Mexico. Letter comments about colonization effort and false rumors that Matthew Fontaine Maury has requested a pardon from the United States government.","Copy by Rutson Maury, with notations.","Written from the Office of Colonization, Mexico. Letter regards a potential trip to England, the situation in Virginia, and colonization.","Written from Mexico. In the letter, Matthew Fontaine Maury urges Diana Fontaine Corbin (Maury) to consider establishing a settlement in Mexico.","Letter fragment copied by Diana Fontaine Corbin (Maury). Letter regars colonization of Mexico.","Letter fragment regards colonization in Mexico.","Written from Mexico. In the letter, Matthew Fontaine Maury urges Diana Fontaine Corbin (Maury) to consider establishing a settlement in Mexico.","Written from Mexico. Document announces an offer to Confederate settlers to purchase the estate of Santa Anna.","Written from theColonization Office, Mexico. Document concerns an offer to Confederate settlers to purchase the estate of Santa Anna.","Written from the Colonization Office, Mexico.","Written from Mexico. Letter regards possible settlement in Mexico.","Written from Mexico. Copy of a letter to Empress Charlotte (Carlotta) regarding colonization and internal improvements.","Written from Cuernavaca, Mexico. Copy of letter from Empress Charlotte regarding Matthew Fontaine Maury's trip to England.","Copy of letter from Maximilian regarding Matthew Fontaine Maury's settlement in Mexico.","Written from Mexico. Letter regards trip to England and  colonization in Mexico.","Written from Veracruz, Mexico. Letter regards travel across Mexico, ongoing colonization, and the political situation in Virginia.","Written from Paris, France. Letter regards issues with the colonization of Mexico.","Written from England. In the letter Matthew Fontaine Maury voices that he has decided not to return to Mexico.","Written from London, England. Letter regards family news.","Written from London, England. Letter regards Matthew Fontaine Maury's views of the South.","Written from London, England. Letter regards business and family news.","Written from London, England. Letter nentions renting Farley Vale.","Written from London, England. Letter regards family news and the possibility of Matthew Fontaine Maury taking a position at the University of the South in Tennessee.","Written from London, England. Letter regards family news.","Written from London, England. Letter regards family news.","Written from London, England. Letter regards family news and plans to help revive industry in Virginia with steam agricultural machinery.","Written from Liverpool, England. Letter regards trip back to the United States.","Written from Liverpool, England. Letter regards luggage and weather at sea. Also included is a note by Rutson Maury dated July 13.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards legal matters.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter fragment regards family news.","Written from Rockbridge Baths, Virginia. In the letter, Matthew Fontaine Maury notes that VMI Superintendent Francis H. Smith will come tomorrow to take him to Lexington, Virginia, where he will be officially installed on the faculty of the VMI.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards grain prices and family news.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards the  insolvency of Spotswood W. Corbin's tenant and resulting problems.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards the insolvency of Spotswood W. Corbin's tenant and resulting problems.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards business and family news.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards business news and the publication of Matthew Fontaine Maury's report on the Physical Survey of Virginia.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards Matthew Fontaine Maury's report on the Physical Survey of Virginia.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards business news.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards business news.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards business news.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards the acquistion of household goods for move  to Lexington, Virginia.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the move to Lexington.  Matthew Fontaine Maury has been offered Presidency of University of Alabama, which he is considering.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards bills for household goods.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards carpets for home in Lexington.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards six dozen napkins for home in Lexington.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Spotswood W. Corbin's business prospects.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards business news and discussion of potential for plantations in San Domingo, Dominican Republic.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards finances.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Spotswood W. Corbin's financial matters.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the situation at the University of Alabama and whether or not Matthew Fontaine Maury will take the position there.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and references the position at the University of Alabama.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter references the position at the University of Alabama and business matters.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards travel plans and family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards travel to St. Louis, Missouri.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from St. Louis, Missouri. Letter regards Matthew Fontaine Maury's speech and travel plans.","Written from St. Charles County, Missouri. Letter regards travel plans.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. Letter regards travel plans.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. Letter regards financial matters.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards financial matters.","Written from New York. Letter regards travel and includes a note by Eliza H. Maury.","Written from St. Louis, Missouri. Letter regards health issues and travel.","Written from St. Louis, Missouri. Telegram regards travel plans.","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information","Manuscripts Stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Maury, Matthew Fontaine, 1806-1873","Maury, Ann Hull (Herndon), 1811-1901","Corbin, Diana Fontaine (Maury), 1837-1900","Corbin, Spotswood Wellford, 1835-1897","Maximilian, Emperor of Mexico, 1832-1867","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","English \n.    "],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0103","/repositories/3/resources/593"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Matthew Fontaine Maury papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Matthew Fontaine Maury papers"],"collection_ssim":["Matthew Fontaine Maury papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Maury, Matthew Fontaine, 1806-1873"],"creator_ssim":["Maury, Matthew Fontaine, 1806-1873"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Maury, Matthew Fontaine, 1806-1873"],"creators_ssim":["Maury, Matthew Fontaine, 1806-1873"],"access_terms_ssm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information"],"access_subjects_ssim":["Confederate States of America—International relations","Confederate States of America. Navy—Officers—Correspondence","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—Biography","American Confederate voluntary exiles","Mexico—History ","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Confederate States of America—International relations","Confederate States of America. Navy—Officers—Correspondence","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—Biography","American Confederate voluntary exiles","Mexico—History ","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["175 items"],"extent_tesim":["175 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1833,1834,1835,1836,1837,1838,1839,1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions"],"altformavail_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe Matthew Fontaine Maury papers are avaliable \u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/landingpage/collection/p15821coll6\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["The Matthew Fontaine Maury papers are avaliable  online ."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eMatthew Fontaine Maury (1806-1873) was a naval officer and oceanographer known as the \"Pathfinder of the Seas.\" He was notable for his pioneering scientific work in the fields of navigation, hydrography, and meteorology. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMaury joined the United States Navy at age 19, and in 1842 was named head of the Navy's Hydrographical Office and of the United State Naval Observatory. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBeginning in the 1830s, he published a number of significant works on the Gulf Stream, ocean currents, and navigation. He was also involved in research concerning deep-sea sounding and transoceanic cables.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eA native of Virginia, Maury resigned his commission as a Commander in the United States Navy at the outbreak of Civil War in April 1861. He entered the Confederate Navy and undertook research into the new technology of torpedo warfare. He was subsequently ordered to England as a special agent with instructions to purchase ships for the Confederate government.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAt War's end, he was enroute to the United States with a cargo of torpedo equipment when, upon arriving in port at Havana, Cuba, he learned that the War had ended. Maury then went to Mexico, where he served Emperor Maximilian and later returned to England where he worked until 1868.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe last five years of Maury's life were spent as a Professor of Physics at VMI in Lexington, Virginia. At VMI, Maury did not have regular classroom duties, but instead gave occasional lectures to the cadets and was primarily involved in overseeing an extensive physical survey of Virginia. He died in 1873.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Matthew Fontaine Maury (1806-1873) was a naval officer and oceanographer known as the \"Pathfinder of the Seas.\" He was notable for his pioneering scientific work in the fields of navigation, hydrography, and meteorology. ","Maury joined the United States Navy at age 19, and in 1842 was named head of the Navy's Hydrographical Office and of the United State Naval Observatory. ","Beginning in the 1830s, he published a number of significant works on the Gulf Stream, ocean currents, and navigation. He was also involved in research concerning deep-sea sounding and transoceanic cables.","A native of Virginia, Maury resigned his commission as a Commander in the United States Navy at the outbreak of Civil War in April 1861. He entered the Confederate Navy and undertook research into the new technology of torpedo warfare. He was subsequently ordered to England as a special agent with instructions to purchase ships for the Confederate government.","At War's end, he was enroute to the United States with a cargo of torpedo equipment when, upon arriving in port at Havana, Cuba, he learned that the War had ended. Maury then went to Mexico, where he served Emperor Maximilian and later returned to England where he worked until 1868.","The last five years of Maury's life were spent as a Professor of Physics at VMI in Lexington, Virginia. At VMI, Maury did not have regular classroom duties, but instead gave occasional lectures to the cadets and was primarily involved in overseeing an extensive physical survey of Virginia. He died in 1873."],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","General","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","General","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","General","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Fredericksburg Va \n10 Nov 1840","My dear Mother, \nI shall devote my spare time this morning to you. I got up earlier than usual for the purpose of showing the cook how to manage the stove. The parlor stove I wrote you about is a great improvement upon the old plan. It sits in the dining room, \u0026 with less coal for the day than it used to take for our fire in the grate, keeps both dining room \u0026 parlor warm. The door between them is thrown open, \u0026 we sit in the parlor. The parlor fireplace\nis on the summer arrangement, fire screen, etc. up so that you see besides the economy of the fixture, we have gained in personal comfort to ourselves, \u0026 in the saving of labor \u0026 trouble to the servants neither do we have any dust to contend with. The cooking stove has not had its trial yet; but I have no doubt that we shall gain as much by that as with the other.","'The boy' comes bravely on; Nannie, tho' not sick, is feeble. `The boy' is to be called Richard L. He is a fine looking fellow; \u0026 is decidedly the pet with his two aunts. I think Kate too is allowing him to divide the place in her affections, where little Annie, your little namesake, reigned supreme before. Since Nannie's illness I have taken to teaching Betty. She begins to read, \u0026 is very fond of entertaining us, by reading aloud at night her\nlittle stories for our amusement. She is docile, though one has to be firm with her and she soon finds out the length she may go with each one. They are both very affectionate children, though unlike in their disposition---I hear Annie's merry little voice saying \"Beakfak is weady, beakfak is weady\".-----Betty is devotedly fond of flowers; Annie cares very little about them--she takes more delight in associating with dogs \u0026 cats than in\narranging plants \u0026 flowers. They both often talk about their grandma, \u0026 grandpa. Annie is sitting in my lap she says I must tell you to send her some toy things. Cousin Ann wrote that they must say what she shall bring them from England. Betty said \"tell her she must bring her whatever she thinks proper. Annie said \"tell her to bring me some candy, \u0026 some sponge cake.\"","Aunt Gatewood did not make a visit to Louisa, as she intended. After she went from here to visit her daughter near Spotsylvania Court House she was taken sick; she had a severe attack there of chills \u0026 fevers, \u0026 after her recovery, she returned home. Uncle Minor writes in good spirits; the same may be said of Aunt Goodwin. Old Mrs. Crutchfield is in town on a visit to her daughter who married a son of Mr. Young who used 2 to keep a tavern here. She always inquires kindly after you. She is a nice old lady. it\nseems as though I am not to find an opportunity for sending Pa the clothes that cousin Ann left here for him. It is a very nice suit of black \u0026 besides tending to make him comfortable, I think he would be pleased with them. I do not perceive any improvement in the leg. If Nannie \u0026 I be well enough in the\nspring, I should like to make you a visit. Ask Betsy if she could make room for us \u0026 `the boy.'","The political excitement which has been great with regard to the presidential election has subsided in a great measure. Pennsylvania \u0026 New York have both cast their votes for General Harrison---of course he then is elected already. I received a letter last night from Washington \u0026 from a Locofoco---he said it was given up there \u0026 that Mr. Van Buren acknowledged his defeat. For [Kemp's] gratification I will not close this letter till I go down town to hear the latest returns from Virginia \u0026 elsewhere.\nWell, I have returned---Maine, New York, \u0026 Pennsylvania have all gone for General Harrison. Virginia---\"Ephraim is joined to his idols, let him alone\"---returns are in from all but eight counties, which last spring gave a Locofoco majority of 45---The Van Buren ticket is 900 ahead.","Nannie, the children \u0026 all hands, send love to both of you, \u0026 to all the kith \u0026 kin. \nYour affectionate son, \nM. F. Maury","Observatory \nWashington \n6 Feb 1857","My dear Sir, \nYour letter was received day before yesterday. I meet you with its frankness which it invites.","The 'failing' to which you allude is a grievous one; it constitutes the chief but not an insuperable objection to the continuation of your visits to my daughter. She is wise and discreet, I defer to her judgment and approve of the answer which she has given you and by which she requires one year to elapse before she shall be pressed for an answer to your suit. She is a dear child.","This will give us time Mr. Corbin to become better acquainted with you.","In the meantime permit me in the indulgence of that solicitude which the relation you are seeking to establish are calculated to excite in your behalf, to express the hope that if you have not, you will lay off and pursue a regular course of reading \u0026 study.","Very truly yrs. \nM.F. Maury","Sir! \nI avail myself with real pleasure of the opportunity given me by your kind offer of the \"Sailing Directions\" to express to you my warm and sincere thanks for it, to tell you how since years I observed with intent interest and admiration your noble and unequalled efforts in order to hasten the improvement of the scientifical part of our profession.","I trust you will accept this little present, as a token of my gratitude towards a man whom all seafaring nations are bound to look upon with respect and thankfulness.","Believe me Sir \nYours truly \nFerdinand Maximilian \nArch Duke of Austria","Milan \nDec the 10 1857","Observatory \n9 May 1858","My Dear Nannie, \nYours was a sweet letter. It and Mr. Corbin‟s did our hearts good. We miss you so much! The flowers look lonesome, and the songs of the birds sound loud. This is little Lucy‟s birthday – seven years old. It will be ten years I reckon before she will be cutting out. Her Ma pitched into her and the \"boy\" i last evening. She found a moss rose in flower this morning. Davy and the boy went fishing in the wagon at the Little Falls yesterday. They were gone all day but didn‟t get a nibble. Molly is rubbing her chin with a lotion. I hope the appliance will drive those bumps away. As near as I can calculate it‟s just about seven years since you went away. I have not\nseen Betty since, and we have heard from Dick but once and Glumii twice. Went to the Capitol with cousin Anne and Mary Friday. Mit and Ellen are with us. Ellen is going this morning to the [_uney‟s] to make a long or short visit as the time may go. Your Ma and I only want a little stirring up to perpetrate a visit to Dabney next Thursday or Friday to stay till Monday.","Our hearts were touched by the conduct of those excellent people who greeted you with so much kindness, consideration and affection on your arrival at Moss Neck. Such a welcome must have gone far towards making you feel comfortably at home right off the reel. Life is made up of trifles, and our greatest happiness often depends upon a word, the glance of an eye, the\ntone of the voice, or what is more expressive but more indescribably still, the manner. What a boon, a pleasure and a blessing are pleasant manners! They give grace and confer happiness. They embellish, set off and adorn character far more than jewels and precious stones. Cultivate day by day pleasantness of manners. Let us analyze it. Of what or in what does pleasantness of manner – that trait which give grace and elegance to woman, comeliness and the power of doing good.","After church Davy, your Ma and I dined alone. The children stayed down to the Sunday School anniversary. But I was speaking of the Christian graces and human virtues and those traits which you should cultivate and which embellish and adorn the character. The one great point which after duty to God you are to keep constantly in view is to identify yourself with your\nhusband, and strive mutually each to make yourselves the companion of the other. There is but one way to do this, and that is by teaching yourself, my dear, to take an intelligent interest in those affairs and occupations which are from time to time engaging his thoughts and time. The husband's affairs are in the married life the \"affairs of state.\" He provides; and to say the least, the wife who seeks to be posted up in everything that concerns him, especially in the everyday affairs of life, does nothing more than render gracefully a grateful homage. Do you my love first set the example and if you do not win back tenfold, I have much mistake the character of the\nman who won your affections. You must learn the servants by name, the cattle and the fields too. You must learn of Wellford in the morning what he is going about for the day and take that lively interest in his occupations which you would do were they your own. The \"farm book\" will help you to do that. And if its dry details be mastered for the first year, they will be dry no longer – for then you can tell him when to sow, how the seasons and the signs are, etc. Then hospitalities and good-neighborhood, a smile of welcome and a gentle voice from mine hostess makes a sauce that is savory for everything. And the poor, I do not mean more especially objects of charity, but those who are in a more humble sphere of life than it has pleased God t place you – never lack, as in your little heart I am sure you never do – in consideration for them. I must not caution you against the bad taste of patronizing for your manner of life and good breeding secure you against that. What I meant to say is merely to caution you against the\nfoolish habit of waiting to be spoken to. Speak to everyone without waiting.","There is no trait perhaps which is more winning than that of a generous confidence. Self examination, constant, close self examinations are indispensable. There are some of them that may be made all the better with the assistance of our husband. Make Them. Confidence begets confidence.","I would have you both bear in mind that this is the time for you to accommodate and adjust yourselves to each other, and with two such comely dispositions to work upon, this may be soon accomplished and that so thoroughly that all your future life will abound in good result.","Then too my dear you must not forget to treat with affection and show solicitude for all of Mr. Corbin's own friends and relations. They are disposed to be kind and good to you, meet them a little more than half way.\nAs for reading, with your good taste you cannot go well amiss. Only in selecting authors, do not select merely for amusement – select for profit also.","I am writing you a very disjointed sort of letter my love, but I have been thinking so much of you, and missing you so much and loving you so tenderly since you went away, and my heart was so full and head so empty that I hardly know what I have said.","Did you plant the yellow jasmine at Farley vale? The \"boy\" will go down on his \"own hook\" Tuesday – Great boy that.","You and Wellford should write every mail to us – Goodbye, God bless you both. Yr. aff. Dad \nM. F. Maury","[The \"boy\" is Matthew F. Maury, Jr.] \n[Glum is Eliza Hall Maury]","Observatory \n31 May 1858","My dear Nannie, \nYou and Mr. Corbin are as still as mice. Even \"the boy\" has fallen into that 'Sleepy Hollow' down there in Carolina - Wake up, you Rips- Don't you know that you've had a terrible hail storm along the river, and that it has made a clean sweep right \u0026 left of your neighbor's crops -? What did it to yours? We should like to know. Then don't you know that your Ma has been afflicted with all sorts of imaginings - that she has been on the [ca\n] several times of being down upon you like a streak of lightening and hauling you up by telegraph to see how sick that [wetting made] you? Don't you know that we have been all married \u0026 [gaining on] marriage and that [we are gone/was our goal] - [Tom] \u0026 [the]\n[park] as - Tennessee [Mat] \u0026 a nice girl \u0026 that Dick Holland is trying to and [can't], that his sister [Dee] is coming to spend the winter with us - that you \u0026 Mr. Corbin are to [matr ] -that there's a courting couple walking round the grounds every evening- that there's no such thing as sunshine nowadays- that the wheat is all turning to straw---- Dear me child, wake up and tell us how you are \u0026 where you are -- the last time we heard of\nyou, you were riding 'long the road side --But where's \"the boy\" \u0026 where's his pen? I can tell you what- if we don't hear from him soon and often we shall be sending after him-","I am turning down a layer of every row in the garden. A slip from every vine \u0026 [conifer] and the [ ] \u0026 the [ ], to be planted next spring at a country place of ours in Virginia. I don't reckon you know where it is. It's down on the North side of the Rappahannock River if you know where that is. It will be a pretty good place for roses.","Your Ma was in bed all last week till Saturday. Totts has been at home for two weeks with a sore foot, and [Davy] missed two or three days from school with winter chills- The sun flowers are coming up \u0026 he has got well. Mit \u0026 Ellen are with us still--The trip to Carlisle is knocked on its head. I hear nothing of N. Carolina these times. The little parson's wife \u0026 son (M.F.M of K'y) are with us. Kiss the \"boy\" \u0026 Mr. Corbin write I am your afft. Dad.","White Sulphur \n15 Aug '58","My dear wife, \nI received yesterday your no. 2 with Nannie's letter. Bless Dick and Davy's heart for the attention and comfort they give you. Great boys are Dick and Dave. Sorry Sr. E. does not mend more rapidly. Sally F. and Nannie Gordon are talking of the Sweet Springs tomorrow.\nThe difficulty is this: both places are crowded. If they give up their rooms here and can't get in there, they can't get back here. Nannie looks thin has a cold but is well in other regards except a bad cough. William I never saw looking half so well. Black Sallie is also enjoying her visit. Dick and your cousin Georgia take to each other. She wants him to escort her back to Washington. Bob and his family are here - \"Sophy\" and\nhers- and many of your last summer acquaintances all of whom inquire after you. Nannie is very pleasantly spoken of and Wm Dick and I will leave Wednesday or Thursday for Ridgeway. Send letters there. Mr. Norwood preaches this morning. I wish I could be of service to Thompson. \nI want to go home. \nLove to Sr E and all the children \nWhere is Betty?","[Sir E is Matthew Fontaine Maury's niece Ellen Herndon, the daughter of William Lewis Herndon]","Observatory \nWashington \n12 Sept 1858","My dear Nannie \nYou and Corbin are as still as mice. If you are coming, why don't you come along?","The General and Sally got home yesterday. [Wrottesly] sends his love. Charles has been in this country. Dabney and Nannie are with us. He has been ordered on a board\nto try prisoners in Washington and he hopes to be ordered on another for Tactics and to tarry for some months yet. Dick Holland appears to be enjoying his visit. Our Dick has also relished it keenly. Dave has set into school, the \"boy\" not, and I am leaving Totts\nand Glum in Dick's hands till I get through with the \"heft\" of my book work when I shall take them up in the old fashioned way, and go back to breakfast lectures. Lucy gathers fruit and flowers and makes herself happy in giving them away. Betty is at Jessie's and after her time is up then she is to make Jno B. a visit at the University and then to Richmond. Bless her heart she is trying to eke out her time as best she may. Your Ma\nwas never looking so well or more beautiful. Fanny is cooking again and we have no dining room suit yet, \"don't [tease]\" Margaret Anderson. I am going to go lecturing up in Ohio from Nov. 22 to Dec. 3 Have not begun to get ready yet. I want to deliver 6 lectures a week for two weeks. ---raise money enough to send Dick to school, pay off bills and leave some \"shots in the locker\". I think I may be able to make out enough to\nfurnish Farley Vale if you will let me do it in a plain way. At least I can buy all the furniture for the estate that you will probably want. Let me know about it, for I do not like the idea of his purchasing any of it and so lay himself liable to be taken hold of by the tongue of slander and malice, and of finding his acts and deeds misinterpreted by mischief makers. Now if you can rough it along upon $500 or $1000 - here's at you.","I have an elegant fight on hand! Bachei has been stealing the M.S. property of the Observatory and trying to forestall me. It's an elegant fight. Bob - bless old Bob- has gone with our band to Church. It's time for him to be back for the white folks - so good by - with love to Corbin. \nYour aff daddy \nM F Maury","[Alexander D. Bache is the Head of the United States Coastal Survey]","Observatory \nWashington \nSunday night 3 Oct 58","My dear Nannie, \nYour last letter announcing that you would be here the last of this week created as great a sensation and as much joy as if old Santa Claus himself had have stepped forward \u0026 announced that he intended to have xmas at the same time- It made glad hearts \u0026 smiling faces I tell you- It was physick to your Ma - regular Doctors truck - She has been asking for some time - has not been to church for two or three weeks- indeed she has been quite poorly- and the sight of you will do her a `monstrous heap of good' so hurry along. Thank Mr. Corbin for his letter; we will talk over matters when you come- Quando-\nO Quando? Name the day.","Betty \u0026 the baby were up Friday-but as cousin Fanny Perry \u0026 Ellen spent the day with us \u0026 your Ma had to go to bed sick, I did not see much of her- I carried her a flower to church. Lucy watches for Dave on the commons \u0026 goes to meet him every P.M. as he comes from school. Totts \u0026 Glum do philosophy at breakfast \u0026 yr Ma thinks the recitations prevents digestion. The boy listens \u0026 takes quite as much interest in the lesson as they do. I am busy with lectures, sailing directions, fights \u0026 correspondence. Your Ma pronounces the 10 first pages of No. 1 Lecture passable. Sr. E is with us, but is\npoorly. She looks badly. Totts is reading to Glum, Dave to himself. Lucy \u0026 the Boy have gone to bed. So too yr Ma. Yours coming will cheer her up, \u0026 help to make her well. Sally F. has not been up for a long time. We have not had any frost yet- How comes on that Farm Journal? I have some nice grape vines in pots for Mr. C. to take back to Farley Vale- The gardener is also preparing Rose layers \u0026 rose cuttings- I am thinking of some pear trees also- But I am afraid the gate will be left open, and that you will let the horses or the cows eat them up- Love to Mr. C.","Goodnight- Hurry along to yr affect. M.F.M.","Rochester New York \n18 Nov 1858","My dear wife, \nHow-dy! I staid all night in Phila. \u0026 in Albany. Arrived in [Auburn] about 3 P.M. yesterday. There, much to my surprise I was met at the cars by a barouche, deputations and soldiers \u0026 with music \u0026 banners escorted to my lodgings. The Rev. Mr. E. H. Creesy D. O. was my host, he had lived in Tennessee - under Bp. (Bishop) Otey. It appears I was civil to the Willard Guards when they were in Washington at the Inauguration. Hence the military\nescort. At night I lectured to a large and attentive audience in the At. Tel. and I reckon gave satisfaction for I only saw one sleepy head \u0026 that one was asleep when I commenced. I slept in the room where Bp. Hobart died- and came off at 7 this morning, arriving here at 11. I lecture here tonight then take the cars at 10 P.M. for Ann Arbor. Lecture there to-morrow night \u0026 so on to Chicago.","Now how are you all getting on? Has Nannie gone- and is Betty with you- \u0026 Totts \u0026 Glum \u0026 Dave \u0026 the Boy \u0026 Lucy How are they all? I must take a little nap if I can. God bless you all yr afft. \nM.F.","Chicago, \n20 Nov. 1858","My dear wife, \nHere I am in the midst of a great snow shower- This is my lecture evening- Tickets 50 cts. Am afraid of empty benches. I am to stop at Col. Graham's, but as I had things to attend to- I will not go till after lecture.","There was a great crowd in Rochester- Had a sick headache- \u0026 when the committee waited on me to escort me to lecture I entertained them by \"cascading\"- However I got through \u0026 left in the cars at 3:45 A.M. Traveled all day- Reached Ann Arbor at 8 P.M. Found an audience waiting for me- hopped out, went straight to lecturing- delighted the audience-rode a [rail] to a party, took a hot supper and on back to the cars at 10- travelled\nall night-in a sleeping car \u0026 reached this place a 9 this morning. So here I am - I have just had dinner- am going to try a nap presently- it is only 2 o'clock.","I told Moore of the [R ] to send you a cheque- write yr name across the back of it, send it to the General and ask him to get the money for you.","Where's my Betty \u0026 where's my Nannie? I hope if the latter visits, the former comes.","Mrs. [Bland] has been [reading] along [here]. I do not know with what success.","I find nothing here from you. My head quarters will be care of B. H. Plixotto, Cleveland, till 30th. On the 22nd I lecture here-23 in Kalamazoo-24 no place fixed-Perhaps Indianapolis-25 Cleveland. 26-La Porte Ind-I reckon 27 here, 29 Cincinnati. \u0026 c.","The weather is very cold- Kiss all my children \u0026 tell me you all are well \u0026 happy- I want to astonish you with a present- Tell Totts \u0026 Lizinka \u0026 Lucy \u0026 the Boy to put their heads together \u0026 tell me what to bring. This is the House, where Dick \u0026 I stopped. This is a furious storm. Give my love to Mary \u0026 Sr. E. I hope they both continue to mend \u0026 [ ] must [that] [ ] [evening] of hers- it has [tormented] her enough.","God bless you. I am mighty tired of staying away from home. \nyr- M.F.","Kalamazoo, Mich. 23 Nov 58","My dear wife, \nI received, yesterday, your letter of 17. That was my Auburn night. It's a great while ago. So Nannie went off and you are all comfortable. That's a blessing - except poor little Glum. What say you to sending her up to Frank Minor's?","I had a time of it in Chicago! Last night it rained worse than it snowed Saturday night, and the attendance was as slim. If it had been good weather I should have made $600 or $800 I reckon, as it was I made a little over $50 only! I stopped at Col Graham's you know. He gave me a party last night nice party- He was a soldier - he would have me waked up in time for the cars at 6. He never got left. He would have breakfast for me at least the cook would. But bless your heart honey not a soul waked up til the knock came -\nso I was up and dressed and off in about ten minutes. When I arrived here Senator Stewart with a committee was at the cars to escort me to the Hotel. He and his wife leave for Washington Saturday. They will stop at the St. Charles. I wish you and Betty would call on her. She is very plain, but I want to invite them up to spend the day when I get back. You have got to make up your mind old lady to turn over a new leaf. I tell you. I shall want friends this winter and you have got to cultivate them for me. So you had\nbetter set to and make calls, renew acquaintances and leave many cards. Get a nice hack and go like a lady, and don't over do the thing by breaking yourself down. Take several days.","Betty is a sweet child. Kiss her for attending to the English [roses].\nI want to write to Nannie, if I can get some paper. Make the Boy, Glum and Totts find Kalamazoo on the map and trace me from place to place. I'll go and look for some paper. Good bye. Think about Lizinka and Ridgeway. \nLove to all yrs \nM.","Chicago \n27 Nov 58","My dear wife, \nSince last I wrote I have lectured in Kalamazoo, Indianapolis, Cleveland, \u0026 La Porte- Make the children find the places- Tonight I lecture here- It is now 10 A.M. \u0026 raining- I go to Col Graham's directly. Hope to find a letter from you. Have had but one yet. Since last I wrote I have not had time to write you. I am very well- a slight cold. I do long to get over this task.","2 P.M. I am at Col. Graham's again- They are very kind. You never did see such gloomy weather- It has been gloomy since here I have been, for I have been in the lake country for more than a week. It is now snowing \u0026 storming furiously. But I do not lecture on my own hook to night, that's one comfort. I have so far not been able to find any letters here. I do not see what the papers say of the lectures generally, for I lecture and am off, and when I get back then the papers are out of date- had a packed house in Cleveland- They had to stop selling tickets- \u0026 turn off- House full.","Here is the summing up- I have travelled since I left home 1844 miles, have been from home 12 days.--10 days on my lecture ground \u0026 have lectured 9 times- and have made $540. and the next 9 days, shall if rails will carry me fast \u0026 far enough shall make $1000 I hope. I am dying to see you all. Kiss my darling Betty for me- Is she with us why don't she write? I suppose Moore sent the check for $60- The truth is I have not had the time to send your acct. I forgot to sign purser's receipt for pay. So if you want money, get Mr. Harrison to fill up the enclosed and get my month's pay for you. Kiss every one of the children. \nyour affectionate. \nM.F. Maury","Chicago Ill \n28 Nov 58","My dear wife, \nThis is Sunday about 2 p.m. I reckon. It has stormed furiously ever since yesterday- as the day before. I go off at 8 p.m. for Cincinnati. Pretty good audience last night, though it was a dreadful night. I enjoyed the whole night's rest mightily. I shan't spend another night in bed, till I get to St. Louis I reckon. They tell me here that I have improved vastly in\nappearance since last Sunday. I wonder how you all are - got letters - Wells and Sr. Ellen, sent from the Observatory. Two more weeks now and I'll be working my way homeward.","I am mightily tired writing - have been at it now since I got here. If I go down stairs a lady will talk me to death. What a blessed thing a little quiet is. Kiss all my children for me and give love to Sr. E Mary and the Gerard's. \nGod bless you \nYour aff \nM F Maury","Cleveland \n1 Dec (1858)","My dear Nannie, \nHave just time to thank you for your nice letter to your Ma, to hurrah for Dec. 15. Send her \u0026 say I hope to be stopping in a day or two after you \u0026 Mr. C. get there --- You see I am choosing the proper time. \nGod bless you \nyr. afft. Daddy","Cleveland \n1 Dec 1858","My dear wife: \nI arrived here yesterday at noon and seem to have bewitched the people last night; as I did those of Cincinnati the evening before.","There was waiting for me here a large package of letters, in it 3 from you, 22, 23, \u0026 26- with one from that smart little witch \"poosy\". Bless her heart, tell me what present to bring her \u0026 all. Nannie's is a charming letter. Am so glad she is coming home the 15th- I shall be turning my way homeward about that time.","Last Monday there was a change of R. Road times, which has played sad havoc with mein consequence of which I can't get to Detroit for a $112 lecture to night but take over at Toledo for $50. I left Chicago at 8 p.m. Sunday for Cincinnati. when I was due at noon Monday. But bridges had been washed away I did not get to Indianapolis till 1 p.m. 112 miles for Cin. I was to lecture there at 7 1/2, and all the trains had gone. So I thought I\nwould see if I could not charter an engine \u0026 go down on it express- I found the Pres of the Road, told him who I was, \u0026 what I wanted. He fitted up an elegant car, sent me down in it, alone, \u0026 would not let me pay a cent- I arrived at 7, and found an immense audience, lectured, got in the car directly after came here, lectured, and had an elegant night's rest.\nI lecture in Chicago again Saturday, \u0026 Monday in St. Louis, on the 11th here \u0026 Buffalo 10 \u0026 13, I reckon.","Betty is elegant for coming to stay with you, wish I was there to help you along with the gals. What does Frank Minor mean by saying 25th \"cousin Ann coming next week\".","I send you some slips. Mr. Murphy promised to send you Cincinnati. papers- God bless you all yr. aft. \nM.F. Maury","[Postscript] \nDon't go out in that wagon any more. When you feel well enough make calls. Take Diana along \u0026 leave my card everywhere.","St. Louis Mo. \n6 Dec. 1858","My dear wife, \nI arrived here two hours ago. I find your letter of 2nd and Scip's. Hurrah for Scip. The mails in this part of the country are all so irregular that I have to go to the Telegraph a good deal. They call for me to lecture presently. I go away Wednesday morning, but where to I don't know- perhaps to Springfield, or Terre Haute, or Vincennes or perhaps- I can't say. But anywhere where the most money is to be made. I am dying to see you all.\ni shall be visiting the kin to-morrow so I shall have no time to write. My movements for this week are very uncertain- All I can say at present, is I expect to be in Cleveland Saturday. What is the name of the Tea I must get? I have seen Dick Ludlow \u0026 Mr. Berkeley. I mean to be at home next week---ain't that elegant.","The good night's rest last night \u0026 the quiet day refreshed me much- But I was heartily tired of being lionized in Cincinnati.","Bless Betty's heart for staying with you. When is Nannie coming up? Hurrah for Davy \u0026 the children, \u0026 the books \u0026 the lessons-","Lecture time- \nGood night, yr, M","Observatory \nFeb 17, 1859","Dear Nannie, \nWe miss you every day, \u0026 invitations for Miss Maury keep a' coming. Frank and Lucy A are coming tomorrow. I bought a pair of shoes, had my hair cut and dined with your Ma at the Gerard's. The \"boy\" has Spanish at breakfast class. I have finished writing Sailing Directions. I sent you the last [Rural].","We have had a time with the gold pin rebus. The first is a [fras] \"From\"- Lt. Myers found out that.-- the three next - in \nhos- spit-(spitbox)-able-(table) (Lt. McCauley-)the next- propose -  (prophouse - Glum) - half soled - beings - in - fidels- (Totts)-  Traducers - ([Tres_____] - me) \u0026 naves - ( [ ]-Mc)-. I fled \nunder (Dave) in-ex-tri-cable(me) em-bar-as(s) -men-ts (me) to- Iowa (Mc)-.","4 - 5 - 16 - \u0026 17- are not satisfactory- Mc reads 4' \n\"gamblers\" -gable-[unders] no good- prop-house - shoe - on i.e. proposition has been suggested for the gaiter on the shoe (5). no go. Manshoeon - mansion. Also no go- Glum says he knows you have solved it, \"From inhospitable\". - hurra!- hurra!!. I've just got it- 4 is house, Latin \"domess\" \u0026 sticks- \"domestics- \"From inhospitable domestics, half soled beings, traducers, infidels \u0026 Knaves I fled under inextricable embarrassments- to Iowa.\"","Half soled may do for 5 - but it's a gaiter boot- Certainly \"To Iowa\" for \"I\" \u0026 A is flat- Find it out \u0026 get the [pun].","The Aubicks \u0026 the Roys invite you \u0026 Mr. Corbin to parties.","Jeff Maury has sent me two boxes of Havanah Sigars! O ho! Dabney is now with Rosethey go back in the morning-Lucy takes cyphering lessons from Dave. Another officer has been ordered to the Observatory- Minnie Mason sent you a note this evening asking for flowers for the [ ] ball - Diana sent them- Mrs. Lanier has come. - Good night-Love to Mr. C. \u0026 you.","Observatory \n16 Mar `59","My dear Nannie, \nYour welcome letter of Monday last came this morning and received much solicitude. We were dying to hear from you. Your Ma has been ailing for 10 days, for the last 3 in bed of a stitch in the right side. We suppose it to be an affair of the muscles. Your letter did a heap of good.","Mr. Watt is busy packing up plants for you. Plant the roses that are wrapped in moss just as they are moss and all. The vines - little twigs - are to be planted under the river bank. They have the purple flowers over the arbor \u0026 will climb the highest trees. Pull the moss away from the stems of the roses - not from the roots. I pay freight on them at least shall tell Mr. Watt to. Betty's going to house-keeping! Davey is going to be a lawyer. The \"boy\" ain't interested now when he hears Shakespeare read by anybody else but Fanny Kemble. Sister E came up for Church Sunday and staid til yesterday. Betty is up to-day. Molly is lonesome. She has been at your Ma to pop down upon you. I reckon she'll take you by surprise some of these days. Tell Brodie he had better visit Lucy \u0026 Betty here. That would be a nice visit. Uncover your jasmine. Love to Mr. C. God bless you, yr aff Father \nMFM","Observatory \n22 March `59","My dear Nannie, \nYour waif of Tuesday last came to hand this morning. I am exceedingly annoyed about the plants. I send you the receipt. Tell Mr. Corbin he must be sure to make the Co. pay. The market value of the plants was, Mr. Watt says about $40. If they can be found soon they will live. But Mr. Corbin unless they are forth coming this week should refuse to receive them. He must make the Co. pay, for it is outrageous carelessness. They were delivered last week Tuesday p.m. just after 5 by Mr. Watts \u0026 'Cap' on board the boat. I\nshall send this evening to inquire about them. In the mean time tell Mr. Corbin to stir up at people at your end of the line. Yr Ma is up again. Mrs. Young of S.C. was here yesterday inquiring kindly for you. Sr. E has been quite sick. Send last batch of copy to the printer today. The new medal came Saturday-But I can't write. I am annoyed about the miscarriage of the plants.","Love to Mr. C. Afft. \nM.F.M.","Observatory \n23 March 59","My dear Nannie \nI went yesterday to the steam boat about the plants - 2 boxes and a bundle - could get no information. They are most likely to be in the Depot at Fredericksburg. I reckon Jno [Shippen] asked for plants or flowers. I send an invoice . They are put down dirt cheap. The roses ought to be put down at 30cts ea. Tell Mr. Corbin he must be sure to the Co. pay or deliver in good order.","Your Aunt E. is quite sick. Sent for the Dr. night before last at 1 A.M. Was better somewhat yesterday. Yr Ma is bright again, she dined yesterday at the General's.","This is Betty's day. Tell Mr. C. to pursue the plants. It's a sad loss to lose them. \nYr M.","Observatory \n12 Apr '59","My dear Wife \nGot your yesterday's letter this morning. All hands were invited to Sallie's to-day. Dave and I went. Mary thought we all would be too many. They are all coming up. Sr. E \u0026 S.F. see Charles to spend the day tomorrow. Dinner ordered - soup, fish and roast beef. Totts will rig up a dessert - ice cream I believe. Morning - 13th Got Nannie's letter just now. Kiss her for it. I am sorry to hear about Dick. But such indulgences will not do and cannot be tolerated in one holding a place of trust like his. It is an affair in which\nfeeling cannot interfere.","Stopped last evening on my way home at took tea at Caldwell's. Began with the Historical plays last night. Certainly I'll send tickets for Nannie. Sr. E \u0026 Sally rode out yesterday. I write this supposing it will be your last before going to Farley Vale. What are to be your mail days? You would like to go down knowing that \"all's well\" - I hope you will be so well and enjoy the visit so much. We are all dying to see you all. Can't you bring Nannie home with you. You may stay with her tell her till 1 May if she will\ncome along home with you.","Kiss her \u0026 Lucy \u0026 love to Mr. C., Charles \u0026 his father, Brodies \u0026 his'n, Jno \u0026 his'n, Saint \u0026 her'n.","Good bye - yr aft. husband \nM.F. Maury","Observatory \nWashington \nAp'l 14, '59","My dear Daughter, \nYour sweet letter came yesterday and to-day another from you Ma. I am mighty glad she is having a jolly time - we are dying to see her, but don't want her to come home before the first of May when you are to come with her. Dabney goes down tomorrow. I thought of you and the violets when he came to take leave, but concluded not to trouble him in the premises. He only came up to dinner yesterday and we only gave him soup, fish and ice cream. We have the rest of the dinner today. Yesterday was damp and Willie was sick which prevented our company. He is better. Rose staid up here last night, \u0026 Mary down there. Betty is not up to day- rainy- Totts got a letter yesterday from Glum. They did not [share it here] \u0026 Mary Herndon has gone off with it to the General's \u0026 I can't send it. She was well- had received the $20-and liked my letters so much- it took such a long time to read them!","My \"Brave\" is very well \u0026 happy. He bought a jug of molasses yesterday. I found my [ ] [powder]. Have not made a pass at the P.G. for schools yet. Save child's letter- Let yr Ma bring it back. Sent a note for you by Dabney-","The Lord [ ] ball did not pay- $1000 short. Had a request this morning to pony up. Can't do it.","Love to Mr. C- Kiss Lucy \u0026 buss yr Ma. [ ] \n[ ] yrs \naff Dad","Observatory, Washington \nApl 16, '59","My dear Wellford, \nI received yesterday your very kind letter of the 14th. It would indeed be a great treat to run down for a week or two, but I do not well see how it can be accomplished. I have heard some things which led me to suppose that there might be a scene made at the next court that would not be pleasant. It throws you the prospect I mean - in a position of great delicacy, as well as into one in which great caution on your part will be required. Caution so prudent and wise that those who would (if there should be such) find fault\nwith you may not have the slightest pretext.","If there is any change in the management of the estate of course you can take some part in bringing about that change. Without knowing much about it, I am clearly of opinion that with your management alone the estate may be relieved of its embarrassments much sooner than it can be by any other kind of managers. I go for the one man power and don't think much of a dual executive. Should any change be made, and should it be proposed that you should take the entire management of both farms, I hope you will not decline.","Dabney went down to King George yesterday. I have been interrupted in the writing of this. It is now time for the mail- so that just cuts me off with love to all.","Yrs sincerely \nM. F. Maury","Observatory \nWashington \n19 Apl '59","My dear wife, \nMr. Watt and I are preparing such a surprise for you and Lucy!. We miss you every day. We miss you in the morning, we miss you in the evening, we miss you at breakfast. I haven't had a flower since she went away! We miss you at dinner, we miss you at tea, we miss you by night and by day, we miss you all the time, but you must stay till you bring Nannie. Sally F., Jack, the boys and the General took us by surprise yesterday. Beef steak, mutton chops, soup and pudding. Betty rather pitched into Mary for so poor a dinner. Bad taste in Betty. Davy is unwilling to take Latin from Jno. Minor. The \"boy's\"\nreply was Solomon-ish - \"Just as you think proper sir\" - What say you? Sent Glum's things down to Kirkwoods' last night for Gilmer - shall send to see if he took them. Totts put some white wax in the bundle, Totts is a great girl. Read 3 Acts in Richard II last night- and sent the `boy' off to bed at 9. The frost has not hurt us yet. Jim Morton called up yesterday. Mr. McCauley has set up in the Grocer's business at St. Paul. Sr. E is so\nso. I wrote to Ann Thomas and begged that she would make Betsy come along. We hear nothing more from Glum. I am now waiting for David and the mail. we expect letters in it from you and her. Here he comes! Now for them. \nA letter from Frank - none from you.","All well and send love \nYr aft [friend] \nM.F.M.","Observatory \nWashington \n22 Apl '59","My dear sweet little Nannie, \nYour \"one-horse\" letter saying that your Ma \u0026 all are well came this morning. It has no date to it- so we infer it was written since hers of 14 \u0026 16- But my dear child I am not a Yankee - why do you set me to guessing? I have sent to have a pair of crutches- I do wonder what has gone with my old ones. The pain has all gone out of my ankle- but I can't walk. But the worst of it is big ankles are so shocking. Totts doctored it up last\nnight with hops - Totts is a great gal.","I finished King Henry IV last night. That \"old Feldspar\" as the boy calls Falstaff gave great satisfaction. \"Feldspar\"! So much for Physical Geography. The breakfast lessons have been quite interesting to Totts- We have got through to Botany. That is not one of my specialties, and I shall glance off from it after a breakfast or two. My \"Brave\" wanted to know this morning if any great men ever studied Latin. \"O yes-\" \"Who?\" \"General\nWashington studied Latin- I studied Latin-\" \"That will do- I just want to be as great as you are\"- The young flatterer! There was no school today. Dave went on. As he came a heavy rain came up \u0026 he got into one of the water pipes on the avenue to keep dry.","Come down for the Crit! I wish I could- I suppose you will be fetching her along up this way about the last of next week- That's about the 1st of May- always stand to your bargains. Was it not said that you were to return with her then? I'll give you tomotto plants- \u0026 egg plants, oh \u0026 every sort o' plants. It's been raining so- Ap'l showers- I have not been able to get the doctor up to say what ails this ankle.","Lucy is a witch- why don't she write a letter to a fellow? Mary has gone to church to day- I have some black Hamburg grape cuttings- If they take you shall have some.","God bless you all \nyrs aft \nDad M","4 July '59","My dear Corbin, \nI returned from a trip over the Balt \u0026 Ohio R.Road Saturday evening. Found all well- Betty still here-The baby improved \u0026 both enjoying the visit very much.","A letter came from Nannie while I was gone. I did not see it- it was torn up. But from what her mother tells me of it, it increases our solicitude to a painful extent. She is morbidly sensitive \u0026 evidently very low spirited. We think the best thing would be for you to bring her to us.","Persons in her situation require to be cared for \u0026 looked after in manners \u0026 ways which no one can do half so well as a mother. It is of great consequence that she should be with her mother now- and we hope that you also will admit the importance of it \u0026 bring her at once. If you do not come as soon as a letter would reach us, write and tell us when to expect you. It is important that you should do this for some of our own arrangements depend on certainty as to Nannie's movements.","From the tone of Nannie's letter her mother does not think that she should be consulted at all- but that you should take her right up \u0026 bring her to us. The gloomy and desponding mood that comes over her now \u0026 then is to be avoided by all means- ugly consequences may be the result- Therefore we are so [honest] in urging you to bring her to us at once. It is of great importance to her.","Give her our most tender love, solicitude \u0026 affection with a thousand kisses. We have letters this morning praising Dick \u0026 making us very proud.","They have established a new chair- Physical Geography \u0026 Agricultural science \u0026 offered it to me. I have not decided to accept. Yrs truly, \nM. F. Maury","Observatory \nWashington \n16 Nov. 1859","My dear Mr. Corbin, \nI was glad to hear as by Nannie's letter I do that the prospects for an early division of the estate seem so favorable. It is clearly to the interest of the parties concerned, and it is gratifying that they are of one mind.","What follows is based upon the supposition that the four of you have agreed to share with you in cancelling the notes which you two have endorsed for your father. This being a fixed fact you are removed from the condition of one having antagonistic interests in the concerns and placed in the category of one whose duties and whose interests are of accord. Both the one and then the other now require the closest scrutiny into the indebtedness of the estate, in order that every claim that is not good in law may be thrown out. And it remains for your consideration whether when the Commissioners report comes up you should not have someone there well posted up, to urge the throwing out of all claims the least doubtful, and especially those for which you are bound. However this can be talked over when you come up which I hope will be long before Xmas. I am wishing somebody near by would invite me to lecture - so I might raise the wind for a visit from Dick and Dave at Xmas. I sent John Minor the Alabama speech in print yesterday with the request that he would hand it over to Nannie when he has done blowing me up about it. Sally Fontaine is not so well. The General got home yesterday - killed no \"bars\" and only brought home two \"old hars\" -Betty had gone for\ndinner yesterday. But we - your Ma and I - could not go - headaches- better today. We are reading Shakespeare o'nights- Letters from Dick \u0026 Dave. Totts \u0026 Betsy go to the [dentist] \u0026 all to school- except Lucy. She studies geography at home. William plays the guitar \u0026 sings. Sr. E. had letters yesterday from Dabney. All well but \"Injuns\" about. All hands sent in love with kisses to Nannie. Good bye- God bless you. \nYr. \nM.F. Maury.","Observatory \nWashington \n5 Feb 1860","My dear Nannie: \nI got Mr. Corbin's letter several days gone. Tell him the 16th is quite convenient to me. I had promised Cip that he might go with us on the 9th - so it was quite a disappointment to him, was the postponement. I shall go down I think by the night train of the 15th and as I will not have time to go down to Farley Vale will have to come up to Fredericksburg. Crit is having a tussle with the head ache - got up with it this morning, went to church and has been wrestling with the thing ever since. Willie has been sick - a - bed for a week. Low fever - getting better. Cip burnt his finger with candy, and the girls didn't go to school but one day last week on accounts of the cold. Betty and Will dined here yesterday. Mary Herndon has been to Memphis. Jones is coming to [illegible] next Thursday. The Farmer\nis very low and the General is still there. The Physical Geography continues to engage and interest me. Lucy is [ ing]. Glum 's bird sings - I call it her owl. Nannie Bill is a \"honey\"? We are invited to Henry's parties. The Aubick's gave an elegant [_mous] party last Friday – Hauled the little Doctor home – Told me he had on his table invitations for every evening in the week and for some two days. Jennie Young and her sister Sallie are\nin Stuttgart studying six hours every day. Where's yr [Bobs \u0026 Tops?] We have not heard anything more of your sister Sue. Maria Newburgh's party comes off about the middle of the month so reports Dave. Everybody sends love to you and Mr. Corbin. It's night, your Ma has gone to bed. Hope she will be well in the morning. \nGood night. Your aft. Dad, \nM. F. Maury.","[Postscript by Ann Hull Maury (Herndon)] \nMorning- am up, and better, but poorly at that. I wish I could come down with your Papa but indeed I am not equal to it. We heard through Mrs. Mason (and she from her son at College) that Mary Minor is coming to see you, but you seem not to have heard of it. Your letter to Molly was so pleasant. Sally E. is quite mistaken about the price of my work stand. It cost $13. I don't think you can yet find one for $8 but you can try. I am so glad\nyou had a pleasant visit to Town. How came you to stay at your Uncle B's again; you must stay at your Uncle C's the next time not that I in the least object to your going to yr. Uncle B's but N. G. said when she was here that you never did go to your Uncle C's and you had been invited there so often. I love our Aunt Lucy dearly for her kindness to my precious child.","Observatory \n14 March 1860","My dear Mr. Corbin, \nI used the word also, but \"repudiation\" is not the word-- Mississippi repudiates her lawful debts. It is not the lawful but the debts that have been made against the estate without the authority of law that I would have rejected it. I am glad to hear that the other parties come so readily into the plan. There is I imagine no time to be lost- and the initiatory steps cannot be taken too soon. I imagine your Uncle William will not come into the plan because he has no right in law to consent to any such arrangement for J. If he consents, he himself will be personally liable to J. for the amounts.","I am not surprised to hear that others would like to have Farley Vale. But I reckon it is the best way to let it go to the highest bidder. It certainly is the fairest.","What does Cip do all day long and why don't he write to a fellow. I am sorry that the Holly berries are all gone. I shall be glad to have any that you can start up- I have written to Tenn. for some beech nuts. I have a fancy for a beech hedge. The beech holds its leaves during winter and the lee of its hedge is almost equal to a green house-","Give my love to Nannie- I write to her mother by this mail. \nAffectionately yrs \nM.F. Maury","Observatory \n17 Apl 1860","My dear Mr. Corbin, \nI still think you should insist on greater dispatch. Suppose you apply before the 19 July for a decree and the court refuses on the ground that K is not of age. Will that lessen your claim when she is of age? I think not. Try now and if you fail- no harm is done to the July effort. It cannot hurt much to try now, and a decree now would be worth money to you.","Lewis Walker in Rives' neighborhood wants to sell his farm so Frank Minor tells me-","I think you would do well as soon as you get Mr. Burton underway to mount yr horse and ride up to Lewis Walker's. Go up to Nelson \u0026 Amherst- also in the lower countrylook at places- let it be known that you want to buy land- and then when you do sell you can have your eyes open.","Think you had better do that at once i.e. as soon as you set Mr. B. to work for the May term. it's an important matter take a month or six weeks for the trip. Nannie can come to us. On horseback the trip can cost you very little. Any idea of duty as a trustee should not interfere with such a trip. Tell Nannie we all go down to the General's today.","Is not yr Father the guardian of K \u0026 J till they come of age? And can the court appoint one without his request?","All well \u0026 good here. In haste. Yrs truly, \nM.F. Maury","Observatory \n12 May 60","My dear Nannie, \nThis morning your Ma and Lucy got a most pressing invitation from Jno. B. to come to the convocation. An omnibus is to run between the church and the university and they are also to have morning and evening services in the Chapel. The \"Crit\" is flirting in bed with the Rappahannock chills - But she has decided to go, and to take you in Lucy's place if you'll join her. She has a free ticket for you there and back. I have written to [Jesse] B. to encourage Mary with the hope that you will come instead of Lucy. Sally F\nand Cousin Ellen are going. Your Ma will join them and go up under Tim's escort Tuesday. Your Aunt Mary will be there with the Lynchburg people - and we will expect you up Monday to dinner.","The children are well of the mumps and will sit in the school Monday again. We hope the plants were safely received. All well and send love to Mr. Corbin.","Yr aft father \nM.F. Maury","Telegraph if you are coming - yes or no - you need not prepay it. It will come to me without that.","Send this to Nannie.","Observatory \nJuly 9, 1860","My dear Nannie, \nBless your heart for that letter. I'd give an eyetooth to see you. Ask your Ma to please have another one pulled and keep you till I come. Am glad to hear of Dick's arrival. I'll send the letter from him by Sr.E. who says she is going Wednesday - Am truly sorry about the chills. Hope your Ma will keep then inside. They have been troubling me also this cold weather. Tell Jno Minor I went to see Bob this morning. He was touched by his kindness and grateful to a degree. I am to try tomorrow to get a clerkship for him in the\nCensus Bureau.","You said never a word about your Uncle Charles' wife- poor bird! N.B. stutters as Dave did.","Next week will be the 19th. I suppose you will be up then to court. Though things look so smooth in favor of paying off and dividing I can but fear something is to thwart it after all.","Betty did not go a - sherry - cobblering last night. Today I read [p] 230 of new ed. P.G. - in the last edition there are 389pp. I do not know how many there will be in this - But 400 at least I reckon.","See a letter I got this morning from my \"Injun\" yr friend Mr S. \nKiss everybody \nyour Dad, in haste -","[Note on verso of letter]\nAll well. Aunt E. expected today must meet her \nin haste \nJHM {?John Herndon Maury MIA 1863}","Observatory \n6 Aug. '60","My dear wife \nGot this morning yrs of 4th. Tell Totts I was reading yesterday that admirable, sweet precious little book. The Household of Sir Thos More and thought of her as my Megg.","Tell Jno \u0026 Brodie \u0026 Lucy, and all the rest of the \"Great Easterners\" of the family that we want to go [to] [ ] Wednesday - day after tomorrow - Leave here at 7 -40 AM. take the steamer in Balt at 10 AM Arrive alongside the Gr. at noon. Stay 2 hours, get back to Balt. in time for the Washington train at 4.20 p.m. Round trip $2.50. I have not seen Betty since I got yr letter and therefore can't make any arrangements as to accommodations. Betty does not know whether she is going. I reckon it would be a nice trip for Dick \u0026 Dave. If you think so, and they too, let them come along. Upon second thought Wednesday will be too soon. Thursday will be the day. I'll write Tom Bold we\nare coming Thursday. I'll bear Nannie's expenses too if she will come along - tell her I want her \u0026 Betty to go and to go myself out of civility to Bold. The trip would knock you up.","Thursday at 7.40 AM we shall go - let me know who will come. Love to all.","Yrs. \nM.F. Maury","If the boys \u0026 Nannie come, they should leave F'b'g Wednesday A.M. What of the trunk I'm to buy?","Observatory \nOct 1, 1860","My dear Mr. Corbin, \nBy the mail of this morning I got yr's of 29th Sept.","You are right not to go security for the parties named. My engagements are such as to prevent my coming down. Nor is that necessary.","I am not quite clear as to the amt. for which you want security. But be that as it may - show the papers to Jno. or Chas. Herndon. Ask them to draw up a deed of trust upon Farley Vale in my favor, and the negroes too if you want me to endorse for them - and have them regularly recorded. Then you can send or bring - better do the latter - the documents.","I leave the city Saturday morning - Can't you bring Nannie along - I think the sight of her would make her mother well - she had been under the weather ever since the trip North - and has not been well enough to be at the table with us more than two or three times since she came up. She is better to day, though in bed. It's a rainy \"nasty\" day you know. She was made quite happy this morning to keep the \"boy\" at home from school on account of the drizzle - about 9 - 10 it had set in for a regular pour - he came over to\nsay she wanted him to go down the City! Somehow the rain does not seem to be as wet that way it is over toward Georgetown.","I understand that there will be a prior lien upon F.V. and on to the estate - That makes no odds - I write in haste to get to night's mail. Love to Nannie. Why doesn't she let us hear from her? to Mary Herndon Sister E. \u0026 all hands","Yrs truly \nM. F. Maury","Observatory \nWashington \n22 Oct 1860","My dear Mr. Corbin, \nWhen I last wrote I was just on the eve of taking wing for Tennessee. I did not have time to write both to Charles \u0026 you, so I wrote him \u0026 sent the letter open through you. Now I write almost in as much haste, for I expect to leave for New York Thursday morning and to embark for England on Saturday.","Political affairs are in a very unsatisfactory state- so much so that shall have the country feeling quite uneasy. The state of your affairs helps to increase this uneasiness. I have had nothing in reply to my letter to Charles, but in the mere matter of endorsation you have given me all the security that I required, and such as under a more settled state of things would be considered by the most cautious timidity as ample. Nevertheless there is talk of disunion and how far property- land \u0026 negroes- in Virginia is to be affected by disunion both acts and deeds, it is simply impossible to foresee. It may not be depreciated at all- or it may be depreciated 1/3, 1/2, or 9/10th nobody can tell. No one you know ever objects to too much security. You are making it a rule of life \u0026 wisely not to go security- you do not wish to hypothecate your property for any new debts and there are many contingencies on the occurrence of which it would be better for you\nNannie \u0026 me if I had a lien also on your negro property as collateral for the land. You understand I have no right to require this. But it can't harm you, may do you or Nannie good, \u0026 will add to my own comfort. Of course, I mean a lien to come in after present obligations for which that negro property may be bound.","If you think well of this proposition, get Charles to attend to it \u0026 let the expenses be mine. Drop me a letter care of Maury Brothers New York in reply \u0026 tell Nannie she shall hear from me before I sail.","Goodbye \nYrs truly \nM.F. Maury","Perhaps it may be as well to state that when I offered to endorse I expected to endorse for both land \u0026 negroes and of course have a lien upon all- This I am still willing to do so as to get the endorsed security.","London \n21 Nov '60","My dear wife, \nYesterday \u0026 the day before I was the happiest man in all London. Your two letters, Sister E's, our -Dick's - [Glum's]-Cip's- Nannie's to you, Mr. Corbin's to me- the latest 5 Nov-all came. Bless your dear hearts every one. I am so glad to hear you are on the mend, and so gratified to those darling precious friends for taking such good care of you. Kiss Sally Fontaine for me. I am just through with book. And have accepted an invitation to return on the New York Nov 28. Tomorrow go to Wrottesley whither I will write.","God bless you, \nM","Steamer New York \nAt Sea, 9 Dec 1860","My dear Nannie \nThis is our eleventh day out. When we left England we expected to arrive at New York tomorrow; but we have had a rough time of it, we are now nearly a 1000 miles off and do not expect to get in before Thursday. This is Sunday 11 a.m. and a beautiful day. I wanted to take them all by surprise by stepping in upon them Tuesday the 11th and as good luck would have it told \"Crit\" not to expect me before the 15 or 16th- so the \"journey up the mountain\" will be prevented by it, for I hoped to be in Wash. before or by\nthe 15th.","Thank Mr. Corbin for his letter. Rutson Maury forwarded with an endorsation reporting \"all well\"- so it brought me the first news from home which was great joy for I was very unhappy about your Ma- It's all right tell him. I was at Wrottesley- Jansen \u0026 I- when your letter came. I delivered your message- he grinned. You can't imagine how cordial they all were- \"40 time\" herself came in the carriage to meet us at Codsall, \u0026 they sent us in their own carriage to the cars in Wolverhampton- the old lady insisting that we had not wrappings enough and fitting us out with hers even to London. She begged us to stay longer- so did they all. Her niece Miss Simpson was there. She took us to [Chiltington]. She hummed \"Nelly Bly\" for us as we went said you taught it to her \u0026 she had given away many copies of it. Davis the Butler has got rich and has set up on his \"own hook.\" Webb the footman has his place- Simpson the gardener is to be married Xmas, and my Lord has built for him just in the edge of the forrest the sweetest little cottage you can\nimagine. While I was there Tom Bold was to see me in London.","If you had been in London this time, you would have thought somebody had come to town I tell you. Rail ways were placed at my service to see sights and engineers to show them \u0026 \" put me thro'.\" The Navy officers there were planning [on] great blow out for me in return for \"you all's\" civilities to the prince, and they are going to send an expedition to the South Pole for me. At least Washington who is the proper person to move on it-pledged me his word so to do, saying he thought he could carry it. I made an address without notes before the Geographical Society. Had a great crowd. Ladies,\nLords, gentlemen. Was breakfasted – dinner-ed \u0026 tea-ed-- oh it was a jolly time! but I would not give one day in my own sweet home with my blessed wife and sweet children for the whole of it.","When will you \u0026 Mr. C. be up- come soon- stay long. I am trying to pull the wires to get New York to send a messenger down south to enquire of the people there what's the matter? asking them to state their grievances- the terms \u0026 c. on which they would be willing to remain in the Union. I may be too late, for my latest date as to things at home is 15 Nov- New York Herald. Things I have no doubt have assumed many new phases since then, but unless good me in each section muster themselves, I fear the Union is gone. I shall write to my Dave today to come home at Xmas. I enjoyed Jansen's visit vastly. I made many charming acquaintances, but none more so than Lady Ashburton \u0026 her Lord. I am to \"come to them\" when I go back. His mother has just had 50,000 trees blown down on her \"plantation\" in Scotland. Isn't it elegant. Our old landlady Miss Everall is just married to Scott Adir the fancy [Wollen] man. I went to the store \u0026 asked for her- there was a titter among the clerks \u0026 confusion with Scott. Jansen said he was jealous- didn't see her . Love to all hands. \nyr Dad.","Richmond \n25 Apl 1861","My dear Wellford, \nYou can best serve the cause by staying at home, planting corn \u0026 potatoes, than you can by coming here. There is a great press here. The people along the river are wanted at home to form police, guard, \u0026 c. \nIn great haste. yrs. \nM.F. Maury","Don't come","Richmond \n27 Apl 1861","My dear wife- \nSaw Lt. Carr this morning. He was Dave's Captain. Dave was a first rate soldier- enjoyed the trip, and got back all safe \u0026 sound.","I look for Dick from Washington this morning. He went for our things. He has an appoint of \"1st Lt. of Volunteers for Services in Council Chamber.\" So you see how he is tied down in Richmond and can't go to the wars - now I do hope that will make you quiet and comfortable. Corbin is back too \u0026 Dave. Why my dear we are as happy as the day is long. Ain't we? Very busy today. Hope for a quiet time tomorrow.","Kiss my Lucy. What is that boy a'doing? Why didn't the girls write - are you going down with Nanny - Had you not better come up next Saturday for church - maybe I'll meet you. \nYr M","Tell Nannie I got all her letters and to thank Mason for all of them.","Richmond \n18 May 1861","My dear Corbin, \nYour letter of 15 came to hand last night. I shall go up to Fredericksburg this evening if nothing unforeseen occurs to prevent. I hope to find you there, but in case I should not go or going should not find you I write this in answer to your many questions now.","You did right to decline Col. [Ruggles] [ ] present offer, for he had no authority of law to make such an appointment.","If you raise a company you will be mustered into the service as volunteers, and will then be furnished with arms.","So far I have not succeeded in giving practical effect to my place of organizing all the remaining white population in the border \u0026 tide water counties into a home guard to act in case of inroads \u0026 marauders as guerrillas. I did hope to bring into this organization all able bodied men \u0026 boys between 15 \u0026 60. The law opposed difficulties in the way of this, and I did hear that Gen'l Lee who highly approved of the plan is going to carry it into effect by calling them out as militia. What the precise details of the militia organization are to be, I cannot say. But I suppose that as its objects are the same it does not in the main differ much from the guerilla plan. I think so highly of this plan that I have sought to have it turned over to us navy officers looking upon it as the most honorable \u0026 useful service that the times offer to us.","This too is I think the best service for you, and for reasons both public \u0026 private. It is highly important service and a double duty to the state--you fight for \u0026 help to raise bread for the people at the same time. Sallying forth with [sword] in hand today--tomorrow with the pruning hook or sickle. The private reasons are: your whole fortune is imperiled, and it will require all the personal attention and the best management of which you are\ncapable to save you from ruin. I myself being a cripple have to conform myself to circumstances and to accept such occupation as those circumstances will allow. So it is with you- you by leaving home to serve the state now, would probably do it at the sacrifice of your entire fortune- and that you are not prepared to do. The true course and the brave course for you is cheerfully to adjust yourself to circumstances \u0026 then do the best you can.","Tom Maury has just called me out with a telegram that his child is dead.  Yrs, M.F. Maury.","Richmond \n20 June `61","Dear Corbin, \nI got your note last night and went the first thing this morning to see the Governor. If he musters you into service, you will fall under the President who can send you where he pleases. Thus the Governor:","I heard a member of the convention from Tidewater complaining yesterday that two companies in one of the lower counties had been mustered into service with the express understanding that they were to remain in their own county and they had been ordered away. They were volunteers. So you will understand that no bargain can be made with you as volunteers, short of 1 year's service to go wherever the President chooses to order you.","As to guerrillas: the convention has that subject up now and he, the Governor can do nothing.","Thus you have a full account of the result of the interview. Thorburn has [gave] up the country- after referring your letter to the Gov. I thought it useless to mention the matter to him. If you conclude to go as volunteers how would Jack Maury do as your Capt.? He is at Gloucester Pt.","I am very sorry to see our guerilla scheme fail, but the connotation is we have both done our best and all that can be done.","Love to Nannie \nyrs M.F. Maury","The Council was abolished yesterday and I am relieved of duties.","Richmond \n18 July 1861","My dear wife, \nI have just learned from the Sec. War that the boys at the university are not to be taken into service. They remain undisturbed. I shall so write Dave this day.","I shall go down to the central cars today at 2 1/2 hoping to meet Dab. He can have his folks at the junction. Come here spend 2 or 3 hours \u0026 join them in the 5 p.m. train for Fredericksburg.","Hollins has charge of the Naval defenses of James River- and will be cavorting about I suppose, \u0026 Dick with him. This will be more agreeable than a stay at one place.","There are many flying rumors about the street this morning such as the landing of 30,000 troops at Norfolk, 20,000 at Aquia Creek \u0026 c- and that they are moving upon Richmond. It is now 12.20 and no official dispatch has been received, so there is nothing in it. But I wish you all would fancy to make a visit to Albemarle until the denouement takes place. I suppose the enemy will run upon us somewhere soon and the sooner the better for us in\nmy poor judgment.","Now you know I don't want to give alarm and I know no more about the enemy's plan than the newspapers tell us. Still our armies cannot remain much longer as they are and I had rather see my people a little further off. God bless you \nM.F.M.","Charlottesville, Va: Ridgway \n18 Sept 1861","My dear Nannie, \nYour two letters came yesterday. The great drawback to what you call \"a celebrity\" is this being called on by friends for `influence' and help, where you are powerless. [?Kennedy's] inquiry I imagine had no such bearing as you seem disposed to give it. I know Mr. Corbin is missed all the time, and you may know that I am not going to permit any opportunity of having him to pass unheeded by. I understand that he did not want a commission at first when he was trying to raise that company - and now I suppose it difficult except in the Confederate Service and there I am powerless. Bless your heart for offering us your house. I have not been able to find - yet - suitable accommodations in Charlottesville. Moreover I am distressed by what they tell me of typhoid fever there - and moreover Fredericksburg is \"powerful sweet\". I am waiting for the word from Richmond to go ahead with the submarines. There is no chance for a Ltcy. in the Navy for Mr. Corbin. I think a good of his affairs. The give us solicitude. Dave and C. Minor went off a'recruiting yesterday. I think you had better come to us. We will take care of you for a year and that will help Mr. C. along with his interest. \nYr. Dad.","Richmond \n20 Nov 1861","My dear wife \nI do not go to the Miss. just yet if at all. The committee has the matter of steam launches up. I shall wait here for the result of their deliberations. I cannot speak positively about you and home Saturday.","Tom left for Manassas Wednesday morning. He took the turkey and all.","Nan and Lewis and the general were here. Now returns to Bowling Green this morning. Lewis went this morning to Norfolk. Jack came up from York River yesterday. He returns tomorrow.","The hoop skirts cost $6.00 -[Bill] waits further orders before giving $12.00 for the two.","Miss Fanny Perkins left the day I arrived. She went down to Norfolk Wednesday morning with the General's check in her corset and the other \"preciouses' behind the photographsin her album.","How are my sick? All still mending I hope. Kisses to everyone.","Yr. affectionate, M.F. Maury","Richmond \n9 Dec `61","Dear Corbin, \nYour leave is extended to the 1st Jan. unless Kennedy should sooner require your services. The leave with his letter to you go up to him this evening. Buchanan grants you the leave. I have seen it. So there is no mistake. K. no doubt will send it you.","Dave is off in the morning.","Love to Nannie, \nYrs. in haste \nM.F. Maury","Send it to C.","For Nannie \nPrivate \u0026 Confidential \nDec. 9.1861","My dear child, \nMilly's death is a sad blow. You will feel it as such and miss her mightily. A law has passed authorizing the appointment of 50 Navy Lts. to serve during the war. I do not know what rules is to be adopted with regard to appointments; but it has occurred to me that Mr. C. might stand a chance if he would like the place. If so, let him file his application with Mr. Mallory and interest his member of Congress on his behalf. If I know that you and he desire the place, that is enough. I'll help it and if I can.","Say to Blackford that the only understanding between us was that I was to stay there until I could find a place to suit us both and that he would live with us - one offsetting the other. That he had better get some of our mutual friends to fix the visit. It had better be by the month, for he may want to sell and I man find a more suitable house. We lack another room or two sadly - We'll will attend to the execution of any papers that are required in the processes. God bless you my daughter \nM.","Richmond \n30 Jan.","My dear wife, \nWill came yesterday and told me that you were poorly and also of the great thinning out. You must feel very quiet if not lonesome. I don't get much from Will about the school. Of course they are done with Mr. J.","I'll leave it entirely to you as to whether one or both shall come home. They should come soon and we should know the day so that Dave may be at the cars. Dave is a precious fellow. He has been a great comfort to me, but he and I do not think that this clerking of his is exactly the thing for him. I think I shall give the place to Bob who returned last night. I have written to Lynch asking him to take Dave with him for a little while. We are waiting\nto hear from him. The answer is daily expected for I wrote about 10 days ago. L's answer will determine the Lad's course, whether it will be back to you, or down to the south - or rather the Sounds of N.C. Tell Nannie I have exhausted myself upon Corbin both with Buchanan and the Inc. What I said seemed to go in one ear and come out of the other - S.C. must muster up his political influences and push them. 25 or 30 of the 50 Lts. that are to be made will come from the \"Old Navy\" including cases like Smith's and from the Masters and Mid of C.N. The rest are I believe to be made out of the resv. C. will come in with them if at all I suppose.","The \"Doc\" got off this morning, much to my relief.","I have got a pair of shoes at last which I can wear when the foot is only 1/2 swollen. I have them on this morning for the first time. I have ordered another and a larger pair, so I have them of three sizes.","I know my brood is doing fine in Latin. How is Lucy and the Musik Glum and the philosophy Totts and the writing. A Kiss to everyone I am dying to see you all but can't tell about coming. \nYr Aft M","Did Jno get the money Dave collected for him?","Richmond \n1 May 1862","Dear Corbin: \nI have this morning yr's of 29th. Wrote you yesterday - nothing from Fredericksburg since Dave went up there this morning hoping to take a peep of an hour or so upon the blessed group. I shall expect him back to-morrow. His appointment will probably be made out by that time. When he will put out west of course he will bring letter which I shall hasten down to you. \nIn haste \nYrs MFM","The examination as I understand it relates only to midshipmen.","Richmond \n4 May `62","Jas. M. Johnson [Hd.] carpenter of Rootes party left sick at Custis' Quarters reports himself for Norfolk today - without money. I lend him $3. which he promises to return to you 1st pay day. Please get it. Dave I expect will be off in the morning.","It is the case of yr[house on fire at night]. Your duties for the moment are and ought to be the all absorbing subjects with you. Not only yr prosperity, but your life and liberty are at stake. And you will be lucky and ought to be happy to escape with the last two.","A letter from Dick - all well.","Yrs. \nM.F.M.","- That's right. Keep your mind occupied. Don't despond or despair. The enemy has the power to possess himself of Richmond - of the Miss River and of all the Tidewater country. Look upon that as more than likely.","Richmond Virginia \n5 May","Dear Corbin: \nI have just time to say this is [the] 3rd or 4th. Have yr's of 2nd. The army came over into Fredericksburg yesterday. Nothing since direct from our folk since Dave was there. He will perhaps go off in the morning.","In haste yrs \nM.F. Maury","Richmond \n24 May","Dear Corbin: \nNothing from Fredericksburg since Brodie's letter of 13th. I have an idea that the place is evacuated. I tried yesterday and the day before to get Totts back with the aim of sending her there- Mr. White wrote to say the Alsop's went last Wednesday and he thought there would be no difficulty about Totts. I am afraid now to bring her down. I may be down to the Bluff tomorrow. Gave Lt Davidson of the [ ] a letter from you yesterday. Jack has\ngone down to take command of the battery below you. \nYrs. in haste","1 June '62","Dear Corbin, \nDick was hit yesterday in the right arm, breaking one of the bones, His wound is very much such as one as Dabney's only not so bad. I went out and brought him in. He was wounded early in the fight, but not until he had resisted the charge and driven back two Yankee regiments. Dick is a gallant fellow and has won the name \"immortal\" for his regiment - so says the Yankee General Hancock. His horse was killed under him and he was struck 4 times. He will be well in about 6 weeks. He is in my room laughing and talking as I write.","My admirable Pettigrew was killed. I write in haste. Send word to Jack about Dick. Nothing from home.","Yrs. \nM.F.M.","Richmond \n5th June 1862","Dear Corbin, \nThis morning brings in yrs of 3rd. Dick is walking about the streets and is doing well. No chance to Fredericksburg and nothing from them. I hope to get off to Albemarle with Dick next week. Jackson gives us a bright spot. In all the directions around the horizon the clouds lower upon us.","Yrs. M.","19th June","Dear Corbin: \nThis will not come to hand in time for you this morning.","Dick and I hope to get off for Ridgeway Saturday. I tried today an order for 3 Irish servants to be sent from New York. Dabney is acting Major General. Price and his staff are loud in his praise of Dab and Cave.","I [?] Nannie's letter for time was short.","July 14 (1862)","Dear Corbin: \nLooked for you yesterday, but your two letters came this morning. George has arrived at Ridgway from Fredericksburg. Dick has sent him back to get his marriage license. Nothing from Nannie or Betty. Yankee pickets are about Bowling Green. Will is home in status quo. Gen Minor has letters from Fredericksburg of 11. [Nannie] [Gardner] was very ill with typhoid fever. Harry Hasbrouck is our prisoner. I have his photograph picked up on the battlefield. I only know the mail does not go to Fredericksburg. I hope to get off this week. A letter from Dave of 3 Oct. Doing well.","Thanks for Nannie's letter. Betty had a letter from Nannie after her arrival in Fbg. I suppose Dick will be married as soon as he gets his license. \nYrs. truly \nM.F.M.","Richmond \n19 July","Dear Corbin: \nI am sorry I did not see [you] again. I am off to Ridgway in the morning. Letter from my wife of 16 - Dick's license had not arrived. It was due that day. Betty is still in Carolina. Don't know when she goes back. My wife will return next week, say the last, I reckon.","I write in haste. Read last night - letters from Dave and Dab of y. Still there, well and rejoicing over Richmond. Let us hear from you at Ridgway. My [ ] for news from home will be mainly thru you and Will. \nYrs. \nM.F.M.","Richmond \nExchange Hotel \nRoom No 12 \n29 July (1862)","Dear Corbin: \nPope's order No 11 - brought me and my wife down to-day. Our people will have to come out of Fredericksburg now. They can't stand that. I want to get authority to-morrow to send up there. So come up to town as soon as you can after the receipt of this \u0026 we will lay our plans. Give my compliments to Lee and say you coming will be a personal favor –","Yrs in haste \nM.F. Maury","Exchange Hotel - No 12 \n30 July","Dear Corbin: \nPope's order to arrest everybody in Fredericksburg that will not swear allegiance makes it necessary to get our people out. I am here for that. Come up to day. I want your help. Get his permission to ask for a leave of 10 days, if you find it necessary, at any rate come up to day.","Yrs. \nM.F. Maury","Bowdon England \n1 May 63","Dear Corbin: \nI was glad to get your letter. It was very satisfactory and interesting.","I now fancy that I see no end to the war, until the Yankees get themselves into trouble with some other nation, or until after the 4th March of `65. John Bull is drifting into war and the public mind here is beginning to chafe under the doings of Wilkes and his [c ]. Still if there is war it will not be through any the least spark of sympathy for us. I think the Government is determined to stop any more Alabamas if it can - and I think the feeling of the country is with the Government in that matter, as it is in all others that touch its conduct towards us.","Can't you find time to find a better place for our folks, as in Lynchburg or some other town a little further from the enemy's lines. They are now much nearer than is agreeable. Then they want to be in reach of schools and a little more society for the young ones than they can have in the country. Pray let there be a family council \u0026 then see what you can do to carry out what may be decided to be the best. If they board, let them if possible\nhave a parlor to themselves.","Wilkinson don't come any further than the island nearest you, but I will bear in mind yr request.","I am trying now to get a box off for the ladies on a vessel that takes this - one that Crenshaw is sending out. I have a letter from him this morning dated 3 days ago, saying she would sail in a few days - So I have sent an express message to Ferguson in Manchester who took the lists more than a month ago with a promise to fill them - I have asked him to send all 3. Bob's, Lewis' and mine if he has them ready, if not ready, I have asked him to double my order for dresses and to make them suitable to the memory of\nmy precious Davy Jones. He said the money was of no consequence when I gave him the lists, but perhaps the want of it prevented him from attending to it, however I sent him the money for mine - all I had, and told him that I expected in a week or 10 days to have the money for the others, and to send my box anyhow. I don't know the name of the vessel but it's Crenshaw's. They will tell you the name in Richmond and the box will be marked c . \"R.H. Maury, Richmond\". Do ask them to keep a look out for it.","Bobby Walker is here trying to raise a Yankee loan of £50,000,000. Moneyed men here say some that he can't \"place it\" some that he can, if he will get Peabody and [Br gs ] black \u0026 [ ] - to take hold and spend a £100,000 or so in floating it. My own notion is he will spend money like fury to get his loan to go - and I see what looks to me like a sign that he had already been \"[ploughing]\" with some of the yearlings of the Times. Saw them stepping out of the way in its city article of yesterday to explain away certain things.\nIt looks suspicious. This \"City Article\" as it is called is more read by moneyed men than all other parts of the paper. The \"City Article\" is the first thing they look at.","So I am on the lookout for something [further]. This morning's Times will be here before the mail closes and if there be any more indications I'll clip them out for you.","Please let Nannie copy such parts of the letter as relate to public affairs and send them to Mr. Seddon. I wrote him Dec. 11 Jan 20- \u0026 31 March - and ask him to see that the new Navy Bill does not operate prejudicially in one's absence.","Explain to R.A.M. about the boxes. I wrote nearly a month ago for money from [Jody] for him \u0026 L. as I had it not.","Where is Jack stationed now? Give my love to Jack - He is a kind hearted fellow.","This is May-Day. Some ladies called in their carriage to take me to see the country people - May-But I had not the [ ] and I proposed to stay at home and [ ] home.","Send also to Ludlow the slips that you think he would like to see. Love to Uncle Jordan and Nannie and all hands.","Yrs. truly \nMF","I go to London Monday of Tuesday and then to France. It goes hard to part with Brave. But he likes his school, is getting interested with the boys - and his vacation will commence 13 June - Six weeks hence when he will join me again.","London England \n7 July 1863","My dear Nannie: \nCarter stopped in upon us today with your and Corbin's letter. Bless my Davy's sweet face - his [coal] is [quenched], his light is put out - his pitch broken, and his spirit returned unto God who gave it. I doted on that splendid countenance. Twas a rich pleasure to me always to steal glances at it when he knew it not. I read in it unutterable things and always a pleasant present and a pleasing future Oh-ho! Lord Wrottesley is in town.\nBrave called today to say we would breakfast with him in the morning. Brave said `Sir' to him and he took him up. We learn by Carter that Murdough had got in. Thanks for that - Corbin will find his pistol in the trunk sent by him, but not the saber. It is difficult to find one good [natured] enough to charge himself with such a piece of luggage. I saw his cousin in Paris. He was very civil. I liked him and his family very much. One of his daughters - the yellow haired one particularly quite took my fancy. I was miserable in\nParis. Exceedingly depressed all the time - so much that Brave said to me one night in tears - that I had treated him with reserve ever since he come there. Bless the child's heart. I had no heart for anything. I was making no progress about my business I was doing nothing to help the case - and my actions were controlled by me, that were unequal to the task. All this and the fact that I am kept here all the time with hands tied for the want of means and that I am told to build this and buy that as tho' I had the Bank of England to draw from. All this - the fact that I am of no use - oppressed me exceedingly.","The small parcel by Hudson, Elie tells me has been received. The next was also a small one - say 7- by Ramsey in Apl- What became of that? The next by the [Venice]- [Crenshaw's] ship- in I know- the next was by the Advance- [Crosson's] ship in charge of Hughes the brother of Tom's friend. She was in Bermuda last month-and the last by Murdough who is in. I have had but two letters from you. Love to Corbin with thanks for his letter. I hear he is a great worker and gives satisfaction.","Bowdon (England)  \n4 Aug 1863","My dear no. \"dos\", \nJust as we were leaving Liverpool yesterday a parcel of home letters was handed to me.\nYours of Jun 14, Corbin of 15, Totts 10th 13 and Elie's no date at all. Totts to the Brave. This is the second letter from you.","Just before we left London Mrs. [G ] with her youngest daughter \"Carie\" arrived there from Baltimore. They are great secessionists - you remember they used to give children's parties in the first ward and that Dave particularly and I believe Totts used to go to them. The first thing that Miss Carie said was an inquiry after Dave. She only remembered me as his father. When I told her - her mother exclaimed - + don't you believe he's drowned they've got him cooped up to spite you. You don't know their villainy or their spite against you. The idea and their positive air gave me a glimpse of hope, which started up, lasted for a moment and it was all dark again.","Another batch of letters. Lt. Carter brought them from L'pool just at 6. Meiklejohn was dining with us, so we put them away and have now about 10 just got through with them. I reading and [checking] over them to Brave. There is one form you of 25 May to me and of June 6th to Brave. One from Totts to him and one to me one from Nannie Belle to him. All on the thin blue paper and from his Ma to him and one to me with the copy by Elie of\nD's letter of the 14th Feb - giving all the account he could of the loss. It is singular that just as I was telling of Mrs. G. for I had only got to the +. D's letter should have come encouraging the same idea. 5th {pencilled in margin} I had never before heard of the cartridge boxes - the rubber cloth and the tracks of the mare as to or from a boat. Had I heard of that at first I should have clung to hope as you and Totts and yr Ma have done.\nIt evidently gave D. hope for the flag followed. But what did Burnett think. Burnett the Texas Trailer. At what gait was the man going that two miles after having crossed the crevasse - at what gait when she returned - was there any sign of a scuffle, of a halting or a quickening of pace where the cartridge boxes were - what does he mean by cartridge `boxes'? cartridge papers? I think the trailer could tell by the tracks for two miles whether\nthe horse was riderless. The tracks about the turning place would indicate that most likely. Then why should the mare keep along just two miles and then turn back.. The man in the boat might have seen him coming, and concealing themselves [till] he came up - and then calling a halt he might have found himself so completely in their power as to make all attempt at escape useless - and so he might have reined up. But then what would have been the use of the cartridges? On the contrary if he had been fired at or\nshot, the tracks would have showed a sudden change in the gait of the steed. I read from this account of Bob's that on that two mile stretch below the crevasse, the horse as she went down was guided by the rider, and that therefore the probabilities, nay I should say the chances, the almost certain chances are that that precious boy was not drowned in the crevasse. When the mare returned to the brook, was she riderless? How near did the returning tracks go to it? Did they enter it? If they don't, he perished there - if not, then he was made away with, somewhere between the brook and the end of the two miles below. Thank my merciful Father for this precious crumb of consolation, for now I feel almost persuaded that my brave boy had a chance of fighting for his life, and if so, then I know he did quit himself like a man as he was.","You see my love I have been building up this theory on these straws that D almost casually as it were has held out. The tracks down the road, the cartridge boxes, the rubber cloth and the tracks down to the boats.","Let us suppose that D. means cartridge boxes and not paper, then the rubber cloth, was it Yankee? The boat party had taken off their cartridge boxes and spread the bit of rubber cloth to lie on. My Dave came upon them suddenly and so fell into their hands. Were there any signs of a scuffle of men in a high state of excitement moving about. And the rubber cloth - was it of the cartridge boxes [ ] - and did the tracks of the men pass them?","I say he rode the mare that far, because she was seen soon after he had crossed - by 3:30 p.m. near the canal without her rider- and was found then at 10 the next morning. She wanted to get back - and after she lost her rider on the 27 - she made for Vicksburg. Had he been taken alive he would surely have been taken up to headquarters. He would have been too great a prize - no He was dealt foully by and they were afraid to report it.","I send D. a letter written some days ago. I may not have time to add more - but any how send him copy of the copy of this, till you are he gets it. Ask him to send it to Major Burnett, and after discussing the whole case over with him, ask him to let us know what the Major says. Love to C. to Betty and 10 Tell N.B. hers was a sweet letter to the Brave.","Kiss everybody. I am worried about L.A.'s \"spies\"-","England \nFeb. 15, `64","My dear \"Nig\": \nThat was a capital bargain. How came they to let him pay off? He ought to be made Sec. Treasury if he can financier in that way. The bonds that F.B. had? I hope he looked after them, and that they gave you and him a most comfortable fire to warm by.","Yesterday morning Brave brought down a Legendre that he had brought over with him- Davie's. In the evening he was criticizing some of the propositions and demonstrations and proposed to burn it up. I happen to look on the fly page in the book and there was my precious Dave's own hand writing \"Charlotte is my dulce.\"","S-H- and in full below, and a sum that he had been doing. I suppose that the `Dulce' was the „Charlotte‟ that Kate or Sarah [ ] used to talk to him about. He had the book at the University. So Brave was ordered to put it away among our \"preciouses\" - I have written 2½ diverse times and grieve to know that he doesn't get my letters. My last was 26 Dec. It related to that famous brooch pin affair - was a great secret, and I hope that it has not\nmiscarried. No further development has occurred in that matter and you may rely upon it. I shall suffer it to proceed no further, unless it be clear that I can be more useful there than I can be here, or rather than I am permitted to be here. Any premature disclosure would as you may readily imagine give rise to any amount of scandal- to encounter which with equanimity all those virtues which made Duncan `so clear in his High office' - I must rely upon angels and \" my Innocents\" for defense, for if I enter into that scheme, my lips will be sealed. And in all this I rely upon the reticence, the prudence and the judgment of you all. If it comes to anything, you will know of it from other quarters long before you will\nfrom me. The possibility that you might so hear induced me to tell you of it before hand. I know it would set somebody to climbing the mountain, and I thought it was better to climb with the lights before you there in the dark.","Your Petersburg letter of Dec 11 to Brave is our latest date. [`Sophy'] is in New York having her old laces renovated.","4 March 6 p.m.","My dear Wellford: \nI have just received this from Paris. It is a little scrap which you may like to preserve. I have no new developments in the matter of the brooch pin.","Brave and I are mourning over the loss of our things by [Cameron] in the Petersburg - Another pair of specs for Mary among them. It's always so Brave says with our Xmas boxes. Love to you - Yrs","Bowdon, England \n4 Aug. `64","My dear N: \nI dreamed last night that your troubles were all over. I hope they are with all my heart. They have not only been the cause of the most tender and anxious solicitude but of many painful emotions also - which I would fain forget.","I send you the last I have heard of Corbin. I can't find out when or how he was made prisoner. I have asked R. to let him have any funds he may want, and I will return the same through his cousin [J.]B. in Liverpool. I do not know whether any exchange of prisoners is now going on. I am rather under the impression that there is another hitch of some sort in the way.","The first notice I had that he was certainly captured was by his notice from Pt. Look Out to R.H.M. cut from the N.Y. Daily News of 28 June and sent me by an officer in Paris. I rec'd it 16 July in the cars as I left London for Lland[ ]. Bob in his letter of June 23rd makes no mention of him. So I infer he must have been captured between that and the 26th or 27th. You however should not give yourself any trouble nor go to climbing any mountains on that score, for I have no doubt he will, with such assistance as I can give,\nbe able to provide very well for his material comforts.","I went down to [A ] day before yesterday to get some tooth brushes to send by an officer who is going home, and I don't like to see such a good opportunity to pass without sending something. So I thought of tooth brushes- All the shops are in [Albrincham] none in Bowdon, Mit said, O don't get them here, get them in Manchester. You get them so much better. He got a friend to get them for you-all right. Tell him to get the best brushes as to hair, such as gentlemen and ladies ought to us, and add to them 6 nail\nbrushes. They have just come, were bought at wholesale prices, and for the nail brushes behold the little shoe brushes. I wish they had been white, I should like 5 \u0026 6 to have a nice white one. But I reckon you can make them do.","Brave said the other day, \"Sister B is an elegant woman I tell you. I should like to have such a one for my wife\" \"Why-?\" \" Oh she keeps her things in such nice order, and looks good in anything\" So charge 5 \u0026 6 to be neat and clean, but I fancy they are, and that they will look mighty good in one of these nail brushes set off by an ivory handled tooth brush. Bless their hearts I wish I could bring myself instead of sending these nice brushes for the narsty Yankees to get. Brave is commencing Greek and French this half.\nHe is not quick, but has what is better than quickness viz. industry and perseverance, the will to make good resolutions and the force to carry this out. I now, since I have been sick take 4 meals a day, breakfast at 8, lunch at 1½, dinner at 5½ and tea at 9, Brave breakfasts and teas and soups. God bless you. Love to Sr. E \u0026 S.F.M. and all hands.","The Parsonage \nBelsize Park \nLondon, N.W. [England] \n30 Dec 64","My dear Corbin, \nHow are you and Jack these dreary times, well and bright I hope. I have no later dates, since I last wrote you. I saw Arthur Sinclair and Pegram last night. The latter left in Oct. I learned more from them as to how our folks get on, than I had learned before. My friend is named T r e m l e t t, not Triplett. Your first letter they knew was for me and sent it to Bowdon right away. I have settled with Rutson for the $167.85 and the $20 advanced by\nJno W. to you and Jack the $20 to Jack, the rest to you, total $187.85. Brave grows fast and sends love. God bless you both \nYrs afty M. Fontaine","The Parsonage \n[Belsize Park \nLondon, N.W., England] \n3 Feb. 65","My dear Mr. Corbin, \nI have been ill for nearly a month, but hope now I am all right again except in strength, and the roast beef and pudding will soon rectify. My last letters from home are four days older than yours. I had comforted myself with the belief that you and Jack had been exchanged. I think you are bound for that tailor bill whether the cape reaches you or not, for as I understand you ordered them to be sent and they were sent at your and not the tailor's risk. Love to Jack in which Brave joins me to both. I have refunded to R. all he has advanced for either of you. \nYr. aft. M. Fontaine","Off San Domingo \n19 May 1865","My dear Sir: \nWe expect to be in Havana next Monday. I have seen New York papers of 2nd. Taking for true what they say this Confederacy has come to a miserable wreck. I write this now for the chance of finding in Havana a vessel ready to take it away. Brave, will go home from Havana, but it will take a day or two there for him to get thro' with his business. In the mean time my friends will be anxious to know what I intend to do. I do not know where they are. I take the liberty of sending this to you thinking you will guess whence it comes, and hoping you will not consider it inconsistent with your new relations, to give it the proper direction.","I was utterly astounded at the brick-row tumble of our armies; and at the ignoble end of the Confederacy I am grieved and mortified beyond expression, My friends will know to whom and to what I attribute the great calamities that have been brought upon us. They need not have been. But as gloomy as the record is, and as black as is the mirror of the future, now is the time to be stout and brave and to rub it bright. The soil of Virginia has now for me no charms save those which memory flings around it. At present it is red with blood and bitter with the tears of those who were and are very precious, and its future is black with misery and utterly horrid. I have no wish to see it, and long to withdraw from it those who graced it, and those who made it very dear to my heart. In my judgment the only course that becomes them and that is left to those noble sons and daughters who have graced the fall of the noble old state is expatriation. There are too many voices coming up in bloody, to cry from her battlefields to admit any to tarry there now, who can get away. And I go from Havana with the design of finding for them a new country, and of obtaining such advantages as will induce 1000s to come. And among the first are my wife's brothers my own kin and our immediate friends especially such as those of Ridgway and others. Please consult your friend [L.E.] upon this subject. The discussion of it involves many considerations, considerations not so much of the present as of the future. The future of every true hearted Virginian is a life dragged out under the yoke amidst secret spies and truculent informers. Remaining on the [soil] their doom is that of a proscribed race.","The best service that I can now make the state is to propose an asylum to which her sons can flee and sit under their own vines and fig trees. Your nephew goes home over for the purpose of developing our plans and with the hope of seeing it received with favor by those whose presence and society would make us at home in any country. My wife has a diamond and [chain]. They will tell her if she will consult them who I seek to plant that home.","I wish 2 you would join me, if possible, and for several reasons - One is he is a better farmer than I am, and another is I shall if at all successful have more to do that I can attend to. Discuss the subject frankly and freely among our own friends, but privately and by letter, not publically nor in print, until I have something clear and definite to propose - which I hope to be at least this much:- [Leave] to come into the country with our effects\nwithout any duties of any sort, a grant of Lands exemption for a term of years from taxation and military conscription \u0026. Perhaps other terms more or less advantageous may be obtained. In the mean time broach the subject to the two generals, big and little - to Will's uncles and brothers, to Jessie, to the \"Squires\" boys and his sisters - to Jno. B. his brothers and nephews to Frank and his and their whole circle of friends - not forgetting mechanics of various sorts. I hope to be ready for the pioneers to come early in the winter if not before. They can make ready for a larger number to follow a few months later and they for a still larger number and soon. Tell L.E. I intend to pick out a settlement so sickly that everybody will want the Doctor and pay him too and so healthy that the old people will just dry up and blow away. Hey Ho!","Important from Mexico \nWe, Maximilian, Emperor of Mexico in consideration of the sparseness of the population in the Mexican territory, in proportion to its extent; desiring to give to immigrants all possible security for property and liberty, in order that they may become good Mexicans, sincerely attached to their new country; and having heard the opinion of our Board of Colonization, do decree, as follows:","Article 1. Mexico is opened to immigration from all nations.","Article 2. Immigration agents shall be appointed, who will be paid by the government, and whose duty it will be to protect the arrival of the immigrants, install them on the lands assigned them and assist them in every possible way in establishing themselves. These agents will receive the orders of an Imperial Commissioner if Immigration, specially appointed by us, and to whom, through our Minister of Improvement (Fomento) all communications relating to immigration shall be addressed.","Article 3. Each immigrant shall receive a duly executed title incommutable, of landed estate, and a certificate that it is free of mortgages.","Article 4. Such property shall be free from taxes for the first year, and also from duties on transfers of property, but only on the first sale.","Article 5. The immigrants may be naturalized as soon as they shall have established themselves as settlers.","Article 6. Immigrants who may desire to bring labourers with them, or induce them to come, in considerable numbers, of any race whatever, are authorized to do so; but those laborers will be subject to special protective regulations.","Article 7. The effects of immigrants, their working and broad animals, seeds, agricultural implements, machines and working tools, will enter free of custom house and transit duties.","Article 8. Immigrants are exempted from military service for five years. But they will form a stationary militia, for the purpose of protecting their property and neighbourhoods.","Article 9. Liberty in the exercise of their respective forms of religious worship is secured to immigrants, by the Organic Law of the Empire.","Article 10. Each of our Ministers is charged with carrying out such parts of this decree as relate to his department.","Given at Chapultepec on the 5th of September 1865. \nMaximilian","To the Minister of Improvement. \nBy the Emperor, \nManuel Orozco y Berra, \nSub-secretary, in the absence of the Minister of Improvement","Regulations \nUnder article 6, of the foregoing decree, we ordain as follows:","1. Under the laws of the Empire, all persons of colour are free by the mere act of their touching Mexican territory.","2. They shall make contracts with the employer who has engaged, or may engage them, by which such employer shall bind himself to feed, clothe and lodge them, and give them medical attendance, and also pay them a sum of money, according to whatever agreements they may enter into with him, and more over he shall deposit in the savings bank hereinafter mentioned, for the benefit of the labourer, a sum equivalent to one fourth of his wages, the laborer shall on his part obligate himself to his employer to perform the labour for which he is employed, for a term of not less than five nor more that ten years.","3. The employer shall bind himself to support the children of his labourers. In the event of the father's death, the employer will be regarded as the guardian of the children, and they will remain in his service until they become of age, on the same terms as those agreed on with their father.","4. Each labourer shall receive a book certified by the local authority, in which book his description, the statement of his place of labour, and a certificate of his life and habits, will be entered. In the case of a change of employer, the consent of the former employer shall be entered in this book.","5. In case of the death of the employer, his heirs or whoever may acquire his estate, shall be bound to the labourer in the same manner in which such employer was and labourer in his part shall be bound towards such new proprietor, on the same terms as in his former contract.","6. In case of desertion, the labourer when arrested, shall be placed, without pay, on public works, until his employe presents himself to claim him.","7. In case of any injustice of the employer towards the labourers, he shall be brought before a magistrate.","8. Special police commissioners will watch over the execution of these regulations, and officially prosecute all violators thereof.","9. A savings bank will be established by the government for the following objects.","10. The employers shall deposit in said bank, every month, for the benefit of the labourers, a sum equivalent to one fourth of the wages which each is entitled to, under his contract of employment.","11. The labourers can deposit, in addition, in the savings bank, in money, such sum as they may desire.","12. These deposits shall bear interest at the rate of 5 percent per annum.","13. At the end of his engagement, and on presentation of his book, the labourer shall receive the entire amount of his savings.","14. If at the end of his engagement the labourer wishes to leave his money in the savings bank, he can then receive the interest accrues, or if he wishes to leave this also, it will be added to his capital, and also draw interest.","15. In case a labourer should die intestate or without heirs, his property shall pass to the treasury of the government.","Given at Chapultepec, on the 5th of September 1865. \nMaximilian \nTo the Minister of Improvement \nBy the Emperor: \nManuel Orozco y Berra \nSubsecretary, in the absence of the Minister of Improvement.","The following Regulations and Instructions have also been approved by His Majesty the Emperor. [signed by M.F. Maury] \nSeptember 11th 1865.","1. The lands offered for Colonization are divided into three classes:","2. 1st those that are of the public domain and have never been reduced to\ncultivation:","3. 2nd Those that have been more or less improved as Haciendas, the right to\ndispose of which, the Government has acquired, either by purchase or otherwise:-","4. 3rd Private lands and Haciendas, the proprietors of which are disposed to offer them to immigrants on liberal terms for colonization. Many Haciendas that are, or have been, under cultivation, may be bought on easy terms, for less that $1 per acre.","5. These private Haciendas or plantations, sometimes embrace several hundred\nsquare miles; those of the smaller sizes often afford lands and room for a settlement of a dozen or more families.","6. Immigrants are advised to establish themselves, at first, in settlements or communities, as will for mutual protection and assistance, as for the benefit of churches and schools, and the convenience of mills, blacksmith shops, etc. etc.","7. It is the policy of the Government to encourage settlement upon private, as will as upon public lands; and the same rights, privileges and exemptions are offered to immigrants who may settle on the former, as are granted to those who settle upon the latter.","8. Lands of Class 1. are offered in alternate sections, as donations to actual settlers, and in quantities varying from 160 acres for single men, to 640 for the heads of families according to circumstances, to be explained presently.","Immigration \n9. The Government not only invites all well disposed persons to come and assist in the occupation of its vacant places; but His Majesty, the Emperor, touched by the spectacle of good men struggling with adversity in other lands, tenders hospitality and homes especially to these. Moved by the generous impulses of his nature, he offers them material assistance, to enable them to reach this bountiful and beautiful land. To those of them who wish to change their skies, make Mexico their homes, and identify themselves with the country, a free passage for their families and their effects by\nsea, is offered.","10. Immigrants are therefore divided into two classes: A. \u0026 B. - The former being of those first alluded to, who. by misfortune, have last all their substance; and the latter, those who are less straightened in their means.","11. Not only a free passage by sea is offered to Class A., but when they arrive in the country, a travelling allowance of a Real the league, there to their new homes, will be made for each member of their families, counting as members also, their apprentices.","12. Lands of Class 1. will be donated to these immigrants by alternate sections, viz: 160 acres to a single man, and 320 to a man with a family, with a pre-emption right to as much more in each case.","13. Immigrants of Class A. who, after arriving in the country, may prefer to settle upon Haciendas or other lands are a liberty to do so; but in that case, they will be required to refund, with interest, the money that may have been advanced in assisting them to reach their new domiciles.","14. Immigrants of Class B., who are those that can afford to pay their own\nexpenses, have the whole country before them. They may establish themselves\nwherever they can find suitable and available lands. If they prefer the unimproved lands of the public domain, they also can have them free in alternate sections, but only for actual settlement, at the rate of 320 acres for a single man, and 640 to a man with a family, with a pre-exemption right to as much more in each case.","15. These donations of land to persons whether of Class A. or B., are made on condition, and with the understanding, that the donee shall, in good faith, proceed forthwith to occupy, subdue and cultivate the land so donated.","16. The lands of the public Haciendas will be offered at government prices, and pro - rata, according to the actual cost of purchase by the Government.","17. As it regards private lands and Haciendas, the field of selections is much larger, Immigrants are free to make their own bargains with proprietors, the Government waiving its fees on such transactions, as per Art. of the Decree.","18 As it regards the public Haciendas, a reservation of improved lands will be made from each, to serve; during the first years, as a common for the free use of the colonists. The size of the Common will be determined by the number of families the lands of the Hacienda may be sufficient to accommodate. It will be large enough to give them breadstuffs and vegetables at once, and until they can bring their own lands into cultivation. It will be large enough also to afford space for a village in case the immigrants\nshould find it desirable, as probably at first they will, to establish themselves in villages. No rent will be charged for the first years for the use of this Common.","19. This Reserve or Common is ultimately intended for educational purposes;\nand, after the first years, a ground rent of ten per cent upon the value of the land, but not upon the improvements, will be required.","Agencies \n20. Agents for immigrations will be stationed at convenient points abroad, for the purpose of affording information to the immigrant there, as to this country, its lands, the best way of reaching them, and upon all other subjects pertaining thereto.","21. Persons wishing to emigrate, will first apply to the most convenient agent, The applicant must state his occupation: whether agricultural, mercantile, mechanical or professional. He must also give his age, with the name, sex and age of each member of his family, including apprentices. If he requires assistance for the journey, he must state his circumstances, and give satisfactory references as to his character and standing in the community.","Permits \n22. The permit of the Immigration Agent is necessary to entitle the immigrant to the privileges of the decree. Unless he brings with him such a permit into the country, he will neither be entitled to lands, to free entry at the customs-house, nor to any other privileges beyond those accorded to mere strangers.","Effects. \n23. Immigrants with such permits may bring in, duty free, all their personal and household effects; their live stock, their implements of husbandry, tools and instruments of all sorts, used by them in the pursuit of their trade, art, profession or calling. But they may not bring, without the payment of duty, any merchandize or thing for sale, exchange or barter.","24. Before embarking, if coming by sea, or leaving home, if coming by land, the immigrant should furnish the agent for Immigration a complete list of persons and effects thaty of Mexico, will be completed. A charter for another rail-way, from the Capital to the Pacific Ocean, has been granted to responsible parties.","25. Immigrants arriving in port, or crossing the line will find an agent there, whose duty it is to give them such assistance, and afford them such further information as they may require to speed them on their way.","Apprentices \n26. The agents for immigration will give no permits for Apprentices: unless the indentures shall conform to the terms of the decree, and be otherwise not inconsistent with the laws of the Empire; unless the indenture be attested by three respectable witnesses, certifying that the Apprentice was free, and that he, his parent or guardian, as the case may be, entered into the contract for apprenticeship, freely, and without threat, fear or intimidation; and unless the agent himself shall be satisfied that the \"patron\" is a humane man and a proper person, made so by his habit and education, for the care of such Apprentices.","27. In all cases, the \"patron\" must furnish a descriptive list of his Apprentices, taking the time and terms of their indentures, with their names, sexes, and ages. He must exhibit to the agent, the indentures in duplicate, or in duly certified copies, one of which the agent shall deliver to the Apprentice, and retaining another, shall return the third to the patron.","[verso] Regulations \u0026 Instructions to be published with the Decree.\nIn connection with the foregoing, I beg leave to add, for the information of those who are displaced to avail themselves of the very liberal terms offered by this Decree, a few remarks on the physical geography, the agricultural resources and industrious pursuits of this beautiful country:","The Empire of Mexico lies between the parallels of 15° and 32° of the North latitude.","The shores are bathed by the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea on one hand, and by those of the Pacific on the other.","It is celebrated for its mines of silver and gold; copper, iron and lead also abound; but though its mineral wealth has dazzled the world, its mineral wealth is, as a source of riches, by no means equal to its soil.","Its climates are genial and its harvest perpetual; under good husbandry, the yield is bountiful, being 50, 100, and sometimes 200 fold. On the way up from Vera Cruz to the Capital in May, I saw the cereals in all the ways of cultivation between the hands of the sower and the arms of the reaper.","The seasons in Mexico are not marked by the vicissitudes of heat and cold so distinctly as they are by their characteristics of wet and dry. The coolest time of the year in this City is about the end of the dry season in April and May. The rainy season throughout the country commences generally with June and ends with September; still, there are occasional showers both before and after.","In the tierra caliente- the rainy season is the sickly season.","Between the mountains and the sea there is, on both coasts, a flat country, varying in breadth from 10 to 60 miles or more. These lowlands reach back to the mountains which form the edge of the Table-land or great central plateau. This low country corresponds to that which, in Virginia and the Carolinas, lies between the Blue Ridge and the sea. It is the hot country of Mexico, the tierra caliente. Everything which delights in rich soils, bright\nskies, warmth and moisture, finds a genial habitat there.","Ascending the mountains, which are timbered all the way up, you reach the table-land, an immense plain from five to eight thousand feet above the level of the sea, and hundreds of mils in breadth. In length, it is commensurate with the Empire; and in the lap of its western declivities, lies the tierra caliente of the Pacific coast. This table-land is the tierra\ntemplada, or the temperate regions of the Empire. Its climates are delightful: a happy mean between hot and cold, where cloth clothes are not uncomfortable by day, nor a blanket or two too heavy by night. Nevertheless, fire is never to be required, even in the coldest weather, for the houses generally are built without chimneys or fireplaces. It is very healthy.","The surface of this table-land is diversified with hills and dales, with an occasional snow clad peak; so that one, by descending into the valleys, may find, at the difference in level of a few hundred yards, and in the distances of a few miles, the productions and staples of all climates and latitudes, from those of Virginia and Missouri down to the shore of the\nGulf of Mexico, and there through the West Indies to the Equator or Brazil.\nEmigrants for Mexico, come at what season they may, will always be in time to plant something; but the best season for crop planting is generally in the spring, and the best time for coming is in the dry season, from October to May, when the newcomer may live in tents, put his seed into the ground and till June to build and get his family comfortably housed, by the time the rains set in.","The staples of agriculture in Mexico are like its climates: according to height above the sea level, somewhat controlled also by latitude. They are: corn, wheat, barley and oats; cotton, sugar and coffee; hemp, rice, tobacco, cocoa, cochenille, pimento, indigo, oranges, fruits and vanilla. On the dry table-lands, where nothing else scarcely will grow, flourishes the lordly Maguey or Pulque plant, the glory and wonder of Mexican flora. A single plant of this marvelous production is worth from $4 to $12, according to age and size. It yields but for a single season, and then dies. Some of the wealthiest establishments in Mexico are these Pulque plantations.","There is no lack of range and pasture for herds of cattle: goats, sheep, cows, and horses do well. Nay, gentlemen who are from the grazing lands of the Western States, and who have travelled through the northern part of Mexico, assure me, that they have never seen so fine a stock country.","The forests abound in useful trees and ornamental woods, among them, the mahogany and the india-rubber tree. As for fruits and vegetables, they are of great variety and excellence. The immigrant can find climates and soils suitable to any cultivation that he may choose to adopt. From the sea to the top of the tablelands, he will find these soils and climates ranged in belts suitable for sugar, coffee, tobacco, and the like. These declivities are generally the best watershed lands, and are fit for cultivation all the way up.","The population of the Empire, counting in round numbers, is estimated at eight millions, about seven millions of which belong to what may be called the laboring classes.","Agricultural labor, however, is poorly paid: the average rate of wages being from 25 to 37 cents a day, the laborer finding himself. His skill is rude. I have seen him sawing with an ax, plowing with a stick, hoeing his corn with a shovel, and his wife grinding with a pebble. He yokes his oxen by the horns to the plow or cart; and fetches and carries cheaply on his own back, or on that of mule and donkeys.","Owing to the unsettled state and the constant revolutions in which the country has been for more than forty years, the people now find themselves with energies paralyzed, haciendas neglected and industry itself at a stand-still. There is no lack of evil-minded persons in all countries, and great political revolutions, as experience elsewhere shows, never fail to call forth such. Mexico has not escaped them; and bandits, or guerrillas as\nthey are called, go about the country in certain parts, levying blackmail and forced contributions upon peaceable and defenseless people. To avoid any molestation from these, immigrants, especially the first comers, should travel in company and establish themselves, for mutual protection and convenience, in settlements of not less than a dozen or two. They should bring with them their farming implements, and encourage in every settlement the establishment of blacksmith and other shops, the erection of mills,\netc. ","The Emperor is governing mildly and wisely. Internal improvements are encouraged. Education is fostered; and all useful enterprises are sure to find in their Majesties earnest and active support. A railway is in the process of construction from Vera Cruz to the city of Mexico. Fifty miles of it, from Vera Cruz to the foot of the table-land are already in operation; next year another section, from Pueblo to the City of Mexico, will be completed. A charter for another railway, from the Capital to the Pacific Ocean, has been granted to responsible parties.","An able corps of civil engineers has recently been organized, and steps taken for the repair and construction of wagon roads in various parts of the Empire. Telegraphic lines are also encouraged, and several are already in operation.","The Mexican Times, a weekly paper printed in English and devoted to colonization, will, in a few days, make its appearance from the press of this city. Those who wish to come to Mexico, will find in it much useful information relating to the country.","It will, however, afford me much pleasure to give to those who may desire it, any special information that it may be in my power to give, and until the agencies alluded to in the Decree and Regulations, be filled. Their letters will receive prompt attention if directed to the care of Col. Talcott [Tolcott], Engineer in chief of the Imperial Mexican railway.","City of Mexico \n11 Sept. 1865 \n(signed) M. F. Maury","fr. Manhattan - recd. by R.M. 18 Nov a.m. in company with a shorter letter to himself and a short note to Mr. Thos. Bold, but none others.","To Mr. S.W. Corbin \nOffice of Colonization \n13 Calle San Juan de Letran \nMexico 31 Oct 1865","My dear Corbin \nDick and party arrived here all safe about a week ago. Pip has a little bout with chills: - the rest are well. - The Yankee papers now have it that \"Professor Maury, the vilest of traitors has asked for pardon.\" - In the name of sense what do I want with a \"pardon\"? I have no idea of going to the U.S. now, whatever I may do in the future: and when I want to come back its quite time enough to talk about a \"pardon.\" Therefore, pray you and\nNannie let all my friends know that the greatest mortification that they can cause me is to talk about asking Mr. Johnson for anything for me, or to talk about pardon.-","I am not a seer, nor can I control events. I may want to go to the U.S.: I may want to go to Siberia: but when the time comes, then there will be time enough also to decide as to the way.","I have asked, and the Emperor has ordered the authority to be given, to make Dick my Sub. at $2500.\"(salary.)\" I have not been officially informed of it yet: but he has been hard at it in the traces.","As to the success of Colonization, those \"ifs\" which have hitherto prevented me from calling you and Nannie here, are still in the way.","Mexico has been trying for 40 years to put the tide of immigration this way, it can't. - I have from the beginning told the Emperor I must have full sway in the matter. - otherwise I couldn't. This sway has not been given yet: and in the mean time many immigrants have come,- knocked, and no one opening. they have gone away. - As I have always said, if colonization fails, Mexico is no place for me. But before I set about to hunt a place to die, I wish to make the experiment. Where that place is, I cannot tell: - it may be Farley\nVale - it may be Old England. - But of I stay here that long, I shall want you to come out a little after this time next year, look at the country and bring Nannie. - It will take you two months: - 2 weeks to come, a month to stay, and 2 weeks to go.","I am now in a condition to support my family again in their wonted comfort; and that's a great blessing for a man who has done all the foolish things attributed to \"Matthew F.\" This is early. I have not seen Dick. I wait with some curiosity to see if Dab: and Will between them, will in that free country of theirs, dare to publish our Decrees etc., etc. - Kiss \"(I know not whether it is \"Maria or 'Mama\", or what)\" for me.","Yours affectionately, \nM.F. Maury","[Note by the copyist]\nThere are 3 copies hereof; of which one goes to Nannie, another to Betty, and the 3rd will go to Mrs. M.F. - on 22 Nov [ ] Cunard str. from Boston. The letter to myself encloses a draft for £100 to repay my advances for Dick. Except that it does not name the application for Dick, the invitation to Mr. \u0026 Mrs. Corbin or the remarks about Will and Dab: it is to the same purport as this: and I sent a copy of it today (18th)Nov.) to Mrs. M.F. under cover to Mr. Bold. R.M.","Office of Colonization \nMexico \nNov. 27th 1865","My dear wife: \nThe last steamer from New York brought us three days ago from the indefatigable Rutson copies of your dear letters to Bettie and Cousin Ann, and Tom Bold's letter to Rutson, reporting you as his guest till Xmas and all well. Also letters from Nannie and Cousin Ann, press copies of which even also sent to you.","I reckon, maybe I have \"gone [clean] daft,\" that my children and friends should think it necessary to write me such letters and make me such appeals. But it looks to me mightily like I have done, and am doing the thing that is right, wisest and best - Surely it was worth some sacrifice of feeling on your part as well as mine, and the endurance of a little longer separation to get Dick so snugly established as he is likely to be here-","My own; no, our own mutual interests require that I should be in England at no distant day, and not being a prophet I could not foresee the turn that things would take, which would compel me to be here now, instead of half way across the sea towards your sweet embraces and my children's arms-","The rainy season sets in the last of May and continues till Oct. Nov- this too is the sickly season, Yellow Fever both in Vera Cruz and West Indies - This is the time of year when immigration must stop and when therefore I can best be spared from my duties here - Now, between these months of May and October, I should be afraid to risk a voyage from here to England or the reverse.","I was afraid to leave you in Virginia because I was afraid and am afraid of troubles there. See what is going on in South Carolina and La. now. From the accounts I received from you and the children as to the difficulties on the score of servants, and other matters, I could not bear the idea of your encountering this winter in Virginia, surrounded as I fancied you would be, with such material discomfort - You remember my continued anxiety upon this subject during the war; and how last Spring I urged you to go North, surround yourself with material comforts and await events.","Therefore having to go to England at the earliest moment practicable (and that will be in the Spring on account of the sickly season and official duty here and I can't venture back, until the dangers of Yellow Fever are over) I thought England the best place for you to wait; and I thought they to join you in Dec.","In this sketch I make no allusion to the other reasons which we have so freely discussed before, and for which it was also wisest and best for you and the children to go to England - Bless my little Lucy's heart, I did not know before that she stammered—","Now then:- suppose I were to heed Bettie and Nannie, Cousin Ann and Rutson and write for you to come. You might be able to leave by the Str. of 1st Jan - but more probably not before February - That would bring you here about 4th March - And then, by the last of April at furthest I should have to leave for England - where on account of Yellow Fever by the way back, I should have to stay till Oct. You would then be left here with a people\nspeaking an unknown tongue for six or seven months and these six or seven months we had better spend together in \"merrie old England\" I think, that in dodging each other behind \"Albion's chalky cliffs\" and the sierras of Mexico - Don't you? –","Another thing: - and this is among my muttered thoughts, and if, and if and if all these ifs should conjoin, I may not come back - This though is way down deep among the remote contingencies of the future - It is not to be mentioned, except with injunctions, even to the most reticent, for still more reticence, for there is not enough of consistency about it, even for you to hang a hope upon - I can only contemplate it so far as to let the possibility of it enter into my calculations, so that should that possibility turn out a reality, I should not be taken by surprise.","Hey Ho! This thing of being so opposed by friends, when one \"feels it in his bones,\" that he is doing what is right, wisest and best; this having to defend and explain and excuse oneself, and all in vain: - the feeling added to and piled up above this, that I am prejudged and condemned by children and friends who don't know - makes me feel, - oh! so flinty! I am right - and I must keep so. I sink myself I live for the reflected pleasure which the happiness and approving smiles of my wife and children alone can give - And the hope of this sustains, cheers and comforts me. And if they will but have patience with me, and God will spare me, this I will do yet - I hope—","Dick is a great help and comfort to me - Bless his heart, he wins upon me every day - so crippled! yet so patient, so devoted to his new duties and so hardworking - He surprises and delights me with his business tact and capacity. He is so handsome too and in his nice new clothes looks the gentleman every whit-","Here, my dear, precious darling wife, is a great reward to you and consolation too, for this vexations separation;- and a proud, nay a glorious vindication too of the wisdom so far, of the course pursued by your husband in coming here - Suppose, instead of coming here last Spring, I had remained in England, or gone to Halifax to bide my time - Perhaps we should have been together now in England, - But what would have become of him? You know I became very uneasy about the tendency of his habits in consequence of the taste engendered by those immense doses of medicine which when wounded he was compelled to take. With those habits upon him, I trembled at the idea of seeing him risk alone and unaided, as he must have done, the battle of life there in Va. - Under such ordeals, there was no telling what might have become of him - Suffice it to say, the apprehensions and the fear that he would give way, haunted me - Now I find he is safe from that at any rate. He has position, with head and hands full of honorable and useful employment - with emoluments all things considered such as you and I, even in the balmy days of our \"munificent provision' never enjoyed - He was consulting me today about buying some Cordova lands- I had it in my mind to bring Corbin here and induce him to settle upon them. And tho I believe he and Nannie would have come, if I had but urged them, yet in the face of so much opposition, I did not have the heart to do it - In the olden times Cordova was the garden spot of New Spain. ","Price, Perkins, Shelby, Harris and all our people who have been there say it has the most delightful climate and the finest soil they ever saw. There stands on one side of it and but a little way off, the Peak of Orizaba with its cap of everlasting snow, and on the other the sea in full view-","When slavery was abolished suddenly fifty years ago- as with us- down it went - and its splendid Haciendas and baronial old mansions are now in ruins. They were heavily in debt to the church and as the church property has been confiscated, not by the Emperor, he took possession of these estates for colonization- The railway hence to Vera Cruz passes right through there and I am now selling them to immigrants as fast as they can\nbe surveyed, at $1 the acre, on five years credit. There are about 40 of our people already there. Perkins has bought him a house and has sent for his wife - so has Shelby, and so has a number of others - Mr. Holdman and Episcopal clergyman with his family - nice people, has been engaged by the settlement as pastor, teacher etc and I am going to reserve land for a church, school house, cemetery etc.","Thus you see my dear, sweet wife, colonization is not a chimera- By the time these lands are paid for they will be worth even if no more come to the Empire, $10, $20, $30 aye $100 the acre - for they produce everything under the sun, and yield perpetual harvests. What do you think of coffee growing wild, of fig trees 100 feet high, and 3 feet in circumference - and the most luscious pine apples at a cent apiece? Yet they tell me all these things are there. Now if I could have gotten Corbin here on one of these stately old\nHaciendas - he would with his skillful husbandry have made it bud and blossom again, and thus we should have found us a nest again. There is a great rush for this settlement, and it is here that Dick wanted to go, but as he was my son, I advised him against it, because there are not lands enough for them all. However I am going to extend the settlement and then Corbin and Nannie can come.","Lafayette Caldwell who used to be draftsman at the Observatory has sent for his family, Magruder for his, and there is a number of families already here. Some of them established in this city, but they are going to break up, and go down to this \"new\" dear old Spottsylvania.","Now if I can only get lands surveyed in time and there is a probability of this, -\"Here is your New Virginia\"- There are other settlements forming in other parts of the Empire. Colonization is a success if we can only find instruments and get surveyors to bring the lands into market. The people of the South are restrained from prudential considerations from speaking of their intentions. But we have letters. Thousands are dying to come. And I hope to have a decree this week which will put them in motion. Hurrah! -----30th The decree has come with an appropriation of $2,000,000.","[Verso]\nN York [ ] [ ] \nThis was sent to my sister for her and for my perusal (exclusively) and with the same injunction of reticence as to the \"-if, if \u0026 if\" matter - to apply to you and to Nannie we were requested to send this for you and for her perusal.","Mexico \n30 Nov. 1865","My dear Nannie, \nMany thanks my loving darling for your last letter. The \"Ticup-o-pitchin [In]\", though you have done less of it than others. I send for you and Betty an extract from my letter to y'r Ma, induced by your and her letters and one from Cousin Ann. My friends in England have now [confessed] themselves satisfied that in coming here I did the best thing that under the circumstances could be done. And your Ma being now out of the way of having\nthe move discussed, criticized, and condemned will be much happier. You know how her mind is [ ] by divided councils. In the letter I received from her yesterday, just after mine from which the extract is taken, had been mailed. It contained the \"hypes\" of my Molly dear, and darling Elie.","I wish now that I had induced Corbin to come, and settle on one of the Cordoba estates.","Is the spirit of manliness clear gone out of those noble Virginia people. Can't Corbin raise a settlement and come now under the new decree. It authorizes me to loan 1/3 of the [] money to any settlements of not less than 25 families who will come here buy a hacienda and settle upon it. The most splendid Haciendas are to be bought for $2. or $3 hundred thousand dollars [i.e.] at the rate of not over $4 or $5 the acre. 1/5 down and\nany credit you like as an illustration suppose a community of 25 families or more, will send Corbin and others here to select a place for them. They find a Hacienda to their liking at say $150,000. This office will give him a certificate that $50,000 will be bound for 15 years to the settlement, to be proportional among them, as soon as the 25 families appear. His cash payment will be $10, 15- 20- or 30,000$ according as he may bargain with the vendor. The balance of the $50,000 can go to the working of the farm. He and\nthe rest can stay, put in a crop and get ready for the rest to follow. I am to have $2,000,000 for this purpose. I sent the decree to R.H. Maury to be published. If it be not published ask him for it, and do the best you can.","Send this and your Ma's letter to Betty - and stop all of you telling the Crit that she is miserable and that I ought not to do this, and it's [better] to do that - praise everything she does. My troubles now - up the mountains- are about chairs, and that brass-eyed young Bold. But I don't think yr Ma will stay there, until now. But Tott's [ ] [looks] mighty [ ] I\ntell you.","God bless you all my dear children. We will build our house together yet I hope. \nYr affectionate father, M.F.","Reasons for establishing colonies in Mexico.","1. Va is not a fit place to live in now. All must come to Mexico. If they stay in Va they will have to free their nigs, will have to pay taxes heavier than in Mexico will very likely have a nig tax collector coming around, will be always haunted by the Yankees, will have to pay the Yankee war debt, will have to help pay pensions to the widows and orphans of the men that have been fighting against us and do nothing for ours and will perhaps have our lands confiscated. The Spartans of the war who remain in Va will be in the category of a conquered race.","2. All must come to Mex. Pa is going to Max and get form him grants of land in different part of Mex for the best blood of Va. and the South to go to. He will get Max to allow them to come to Mex and bring all their effects with them free of duty, get them exempted from taxes and conscription in the army for a term of years. Besides these he will get such other privileges as my be practicable including those of religion.","3. Brother Wellford must come right off the reel to pick the lands for us to settle on. Some steady young men who are not afraid to work must be sent to get ready for the rest to come. Must set all the nigs free and then bring them along as persons owing passage money to be paid in labour. Then they can be held as peons till the debt is discharged. That is you pay them but can compel them to work for you as long as they owe you money or labour. Must get mechanics of all sorts to come with their tools and uncle John or Uncle Charlie or Brother Will or someone else must stay behind to wind up the affairs of all.","Those persons that intend to leave the Confed anyhow had better send someone to him at once; but he wants no one to come simply on his representation. Indeed the idea is that those people that wish to settle together and intend to leave the country any how should appoint a certain on and send him to Pa who can offer him better privileges that he could get by himself. Then if Max don't suit him he can go back and report to the people that sent him and they will be just where they started from.","Mexico \n7 Dec. 1865","My dear sweet brave Nannie: \nI laid awake most of the time last night a thinking over that letter of yrs from Ridgway that came yesterday. Rutson gave you good reasons for your ma not passing by F.V. on her way to Mexico.","About yr. coming here, I was trying last night to work it out. I sent you by the [Ltr] which left Vera + yesterday a copy of the New Decree that is to be and my address with suggestions in relation thereto for Corbin's action.","Suppose this plan don't take. I think still that Corbin can do better here than there under present aspect of affairs. That supposing he can't raise a settlement of 25. to come, he had better work up to this idea. Stay and gather his crop next year. and sell F.V. in case he can get a good price. If he can't then let him reap his crop and leave his land, and come say about this time next year. In the mean time what will you do? Here's my pillow\nthought of it - vision o' the night.","F.V. will be a bad place for you to weather next summer and fall, and rainy season. I am laying my plans to leave in the B'r steamer of 1st April. It would not be desirable for you to come later than May on account of Yellow fever in V \u0026. I landed the last of May and some of my fellow passengers took it and died. The end of your troubles in Va. is not yet. Now then how do you and Corbin like this idea? You come out here next spring and so escape the chills of F.V. Here's your home. If Corbin can rent or sell on good terms, he can come with you, but if not he can stay to gather his crops and then come, with the intention of staying here two or three years anyhow. During that time he can manage to get along here, and hold his own. So that should it be desirable for him to return, as time passes by, he can return. In these two or three years the people will have adjusted themselves to this new condition of things, and he then see how it looks. And in this time he will not be able to make much in Va. anyhow.","And then the next year we will get Betty and Mary to make us a visit. Wouldn't it be \"jolly\"? You will get this i.e. - you may, by the 23rd. Write to Rutson and ask him to send it by 1st Steamer to Havana under cover to Mexican consul there - the way this goes - and from there here. There's a steamer every week. As I said, let me know, for your coming is for my treat.","I am glad you had the Decrees \u0026 c published. Tell Corbin I am now negotiating for Santa Anna's Hacienda near Jalapa. 300,000 acres and a superb one it is, at say $7.50 cts the acre, on condition of putting 200 families there. The country round about is healthy. The climate is superb, and nature so prolific, bountiful and [benignant], that she chases you about with fruits and flowers in her hand. Now if he will put himself at the head of 200 families and come, I. Max- will advance him one third the purchase money in cash, out of which he can pay his first installment and establish his people. In a few years they will all be rich, for we intend to build a railway thru to V.+","The final offer is to be made me this week. Then you are as near to N. Orleans as you are now. Think over these things and let me know you can't imagine how Dick has improved in appearance. He looks so well, so handsome and genteel. He has a great tact for business, and works like a horse bless his heart. Love to Brodie, Lucy Ellen and the 'gals' with a 1001 good wishes to `Ducks' bless her heart. To Jno and Charles and theirs, to Mary, Sr. E. and SF., to Dabney , wife and children and to everybody. Send all my letters to Betty. Why don't you tell me of my dear friends Frank Minor and Lucy Ann.","10th- I wish with all my heart I could appoint Corbin - but it is necessary for the Agent to [hire] him in Richmond or Norfolk, [and] $1,200 would not pay Corbin for quitting. Corbin- I send you and him an offer of a splendid estate please publish. It is Santa Anna's splendid Hacienda now in ruins near Jalapa. All the officers of the Army who were here with old Scott will tell you of its magnificence. Their agent is afraid St. Anna will withdraw\nthe offer or thwart him if he finds out that he is offering it in so practical a shape. Therefore, while you may tell it to friends don't say in print that the estate is Santa Anna's. If Corbin can make up a company under the new decree sent you last mail, I'll advance him what the decree allows as soon as he plants his 200 families there.","This is an offer. I have no doubt if you send someone, he will get better terms. And to send first is the proper way.","Jack reported himself yesterday by telegram for Orizaba, dead broke. Rutson had asked me to send him a lift.","Yr aft. \nM.F.","An offer of 350,00 acres of land is made to Confederate settlers who wish to establish themselves in Mexico.","These lands the most fertile of the Empire, are crossed by three rivers. They are situated on the line of rail-road from Vera Cruz to the Capital, and are near the road from V Cruz to Jalapa. They are in the healthy part of Sierra Caliente, and produce equally well coffee, cocoa, indigo, cotton and sugar cane, as well as all the tropical fruits and vegetables.","The proprietor will sell them to settlers as soon as the letter shall have filled with the Agents of Colonization in the United States or Mexico subscriptions for 200,000 acres at the following rate: \nThe first 50,000 acres chosen at ---- $1.75 \n\" second \" \" \" \" ---- 1.50 \n\" third \" \" \" \" ---- 1.25 \n\" fourth \" \" \" \" ---- 1.00","The first subscribers will have the right to choose at the above rates with the understanding that not less than 320 acres shall be sold to any of them.","When the 200,00 acres shall have been subscribed for, and chosen the rest shall be sold at a price to be agreed upon between the seller and the purchaser.","The payments shall be made in the following manner: \nThe third part of the value shall be paid in cash at Mexico, Ver Cruz or New Orleans. The rest thereof shall be paid in four years time causing the payments thereof to be effected in equal parts and yearly, that is to say one sixth of the value of the property adding thereto the interest at the rate of six percent.","As villages and towns will be formed on these lands, a lot will be given gratis to each settler in said villages or towns. Said lots shall be chosen and allotted by Mr. Maury the Imperial Commissioner of Colonization.","The surveying and the cost of the title of the property will be at the expense of the settlers.","City of Mexico \nDec 9th 1865-","Colonization Office \n13 San Juan de Letran Mexico \nDec 10th 1865","The Hacienda offered herewith known to have been one of the finest and most celebrated in Mexico It presents, especially to the former planters of the South, a fine opportunity for establishing a flourishing American settlement. Those who are disposed to visit the country for the purpose of colonizing it under the Imperial Decree to promote immigration will receive every encouragement from this Office. The offer is made by respectable\nparties, and persons wishing to treat, will be put in communication by addressing the Commissioner","Apprentices as per Imperial Decree of September 5th 1865 would do well here, though there is no lack of native labour.","M.F. Maury \nImperial Commissioner","Mexico \n1 Jan 1866","My dear Corbin, \nMy letter of the 18 ultimo, proposing start after present crop you should let or lease F.V. and come here to watch events - crossed yours to the self some time. It appears to me for reasons in my letter to Nannie that it's the best thing for her to come in the spring and for you to follow in the fall.","It will be more consistent with yourself respect to abandon that country at least for the present. Don't stay there and help fasten the yoke upon your own neck that my precious Davy Jones gave up his life in trying to shake off. Don't stultify yourself, but come here to look over - and then when you see what means of Govt. the victors will impress, you can decide whether you will accept it. For God sake don't you help them, whether others may. This looking on will last probably till `69, in the same time, you can't make anything at F.V. You can barely live - but that you can do here.","You mention the \"ifs \u0026 ifs \u0026 ifs\": I recd letters yesterday from England, that give a semblance of reality to one of those \"ifs\". It is probable that I shall be sent for by the New Atlantic Telegraph Co. and if be that I shall ask leave of absence till the fall and take the\nstr of 1 Feb. But I shall have Dick and you in charge of the house, and my room for you and Nannie. But I am not gone yet. And you shall hear more about it before I do go. In the mean time continue to write care of Y.P. Oropesa, Colonization Agent Vera Cruz.","I have a letter asking here for room for 10,000 of those noble [Carolinian] families, that fought and lost as we did and who two years ago, left their desolated houses to the victors and sought refuge like me of true pluck in a foreign land. Bless their hearts I'll do my best to help them to homes in these lovely climes. Tell Nannie to swap this letter with Betty for one to Will. \"So Tidem\" Good night \nYrs \nMaury","Sue \u0026 pip send words of New Years calls \u0026 gifts. They are great belles.","Send to Betty \u0026 Will \nThere's only this one copy \nSo Betty after studying it must send it to Nannie","\"To her Majesty The Empress. \nMadam: \nI have the honour to transmit for the information of your Majesty, the communication made to this office by Mr. T.C. Hindman of which I had the honour of speaking yesterday.\nIt relates to colonization, in connection with a system of internal improvements, a land survey and a census of the Empire. The subjects are of high importance, and the\nsuggestions expressed by the author of the paper, are worthy of careful consideration.","It has not escaped Her Majesty's observation, how the Empire is gaining ground and acquiring strength: That it is gaining the confidence of the people of stability, no better evidence can be afforded that the potent fact, that capital is leaving its hiding places, and seeking investments in various enterprises throughout the Empire.","The times therefore seem propitious for inaugurating those great measure of policy the adoption of which would impart new vigour to this nascent life.","The revenues of the Empire may be increased and its prosperity promoted by revision of the whole excise system; and one of the first steps towards this is a census which will tell the number of the people, and the value of the property.","Another step, requiring years for its accomplishment, but nevertheless redounding the glory of our Emperor; the good of His people, and the welfare of His Empire, is a landsurvey: - for the two fold purpose of [cadastre], and of separating the lands of the crown from those of the subjects.","Another pillar in the edifice which I am so anxious to see raised up here by His Majesty, to our honour and His glory, is a judicious system of internal improvements, self supporting, and sustained by the wealth which itself [creates]","As an illustration, let us take the case of an imaginary farmer in Cuernavaca: - It costs him annually in freight alone to send his crop to market in the City, say $10,000 - If there were a Railway, his freight bill would be perhaps $1000 instead of $10,000; and his hacienda\nwould probably be trebled in value. Now if the owner of such a hacienda, was required to invest, in the shares of the Company, a certain portion of in increased value given to his property by the road - and the law were applied to all lands within a certain distance of the road, its construction would be secured without further tax upon the public treasury. The people would find in a little while, that this so called tax, instead of being a burden, was\nreally a benefaction; for the stock-holders thus created by the paternal care of His Majesty, would stand upon a different footing from any other stock holder; for they would draw treble dividends: - first, from the earning of the road; and next upon the principle that a \"penny saved is a penny gained,\" in paying at the rate of $1,000 instead of $10,000 annually for transportation of produce to market: - and last, in the increase of value which\ntheir lands derive from the existence of the road. Certain states in my native \"sunny south\" adopted this system: it worked like a charm and produced magic effects.","Another pillar to the superstructure which His Majesty is so nobly striving to raise, is a revision of the revenue laws, in homage of free trade: and the establishment of the warehousing system.","These measures, with colonization, will make us great; and the undersigned having some little knowledge of a practical sort, connected with them, hold, it together with the homage due from the most loyal of subjects, at the service of Their Majesties","M.F. Maury \nJanuary 18th 1866. \nImperial Commissioner","Cuernavaca, January 29th 1866","My dear Sir: \nI have spoken to the Emperor respecting our conversation of Friday last, and he wishes me to tell you, first, that he grants you a complete leave of absence to arrange your affairs in England, and allows you to set off by the next French packet, but that if he returns to Mexico in the meanwhile, he hopes yet to have the pleasure of seeing you; secondly, that he quite agrees with your purchasing the instruments for studying the rainy season, and thirdly that he approves of any effort you may make to introduce the \"cinchona\" tree and authorized you to have sent from Kew a few specimen of this valuable plant.","Hoping to have fulfilled my errand to your satisfaction, I only want to renew my best wishes for your voyage and successful exertions in England whilst I remain","Yours sincerely, \nCharlotte","Mexico \n2 Feb. 1866","My dear children: \nI have taken my seat in the coach of the 8th expecting to sail from Vera Cruz in the F'r Str. of 13 and to arrive at [San Nazaire] about 10 March to lie about till the fall say the last of Oct. I want send you Max and my Carlota's princely letters. I expect to bring all hands with me when I return and so to Corbin at that Corbin and Nannie may join us in Havana on the way.","I leave Dick in charge of affairs. He is writing a book for the information of those who wish to come to Mexico. He has his heart very much in it. Dick is a fine character and I admire its beauty more and more every day. He is very full just now of buying some of these beautiful islands that dot the lake with acre spots, and go into the market gardening business.","You see by the letter of the Empress that I am aspiring to the glory of planting a [tribe].","Colonization is going on is spite of the want of public lands; our projects are dotting the Empire with settlements here and there. My own Carlotta Colony at Cordoba is flourishing. The settlers there are now being joined by their families from your country. 'Old Jubal' is here and I have offered him a place as agent. He is writing a history which your masters will not allow to be read or believed.","I have various inexpensive irons in the fire still. Some of them may come to a welding heat some of these days. If they do, we'll all be glad; and if they don't we will be none the worse.","I think the best thing for Corbin to do is to come down next fall and watch events. I take it that the South will be all at sea at least until after the next President takes his seat. Love to Sr. E, Mary, Brodie, Jno, Bob and all hands. God bless you all, \nYr. affectionate M.F.","mail to Will or Corbin \nHavana Arrived 9","Veracruz, Mexico \n1 March 1866","My dear Children \nThe English steamer in which I have paid my passage £49.10 is now over-due two days, and her day of sailing again is day after to-morrow.","I left Mexico Saturday the 24th at 2 A.M. arrived at [Puebla] at 7 p.m. when I \"pernocted\" in a room with diverse others for $2. Was called at 1 A.M. and off again at 2, over a very rough road -a very fatiguing journey. Passed between long ridges of my lordly maquay shooting up it magnificent flower stalks, as large and as high and as straight as a common telegraph pole. Indeed unless you were near enough to see the wires I found it often difficult to tell one from the other. This `first of Flora\" with its enormous height and proportions is pushed up in the course of 6 or 7 days. To compare great things with small, imagine an immense asparagus stalk say one day old and before its head has swollen out sufficiently to begin to burst and shoot out branches, well imagine it to 18 or 20 inches in circumference, 30 or 40 feet high and you have it as I generally saw them, rising out its magnificent tuft of foliage 30 feet around and 12 feet high. Occasionally the more forward ones had commenced to shoot out, from the top and horizontally their splendid flower brackets and to assume the appearance of splendid and gigantic candelabras from which the genie of the hoary hooded orizaba which with his night cap of snow was looking down upon us, intended to light up the plains through which the coach was teetering its toilsome way. Ascending the Western slopes of the [`Cumibres'], the highest range between Mexico and the Gulf, we left its `boast of Bacchus\" and entered the cloud region. It was blowing a furious gale, the wind was howling amongst the rocks and cliffs, and driving a cold and penetrating mist through a white darkness so thick that you could see\nnothing beyond the distance of a few feet. It was piercing cold: I had on 3 flannel shirts, but as we began to climb, I began to draw around and button tight and finally found\nmyself wrapped in cloak and blanket and uncomfortably cool. Presently we dropped down through this thick cloud stratum into bright sun shine and the coolest air that is was possible for heart of men to conceive. This was the lovely little valley of [Acu ] at our feet, and spreading out miles away into the plains of Orizaba which are 4000 feet above the sea. The valley was quilted over by swirling crops in all the stages of growth form the sprouting corn to the ripe grain. The reapers were in golden fields of the yellowest and\nthe brightest barley I ever saw, the wheat was just coming up; and immense herds of cattle as they fed on the rich pasturage lent a charm to the landscape that made it\naltogether lovely. Passing a cascade of milk white foam as it leaped from the mountains.","We entered the valley and felt what old Job had said about the scent of water - we were in the midst of fruits and flowers. Orange trees loaded with ripe fruit. And the peach tree is all the glory of blossom. Hedges and copens of roses, fuschias, arborvitaes, rhododendrons. Oh a wilderness of the loveliest flowers and the gayest colors, and such only as I used to think in Tennessee had never grown anywhere except in the garden of \"Beauty and the Beast\" - and it too has its beast, for two months ago it had been then in the shape of an earth-quake and shaken down the adobe huts of the village, which owners were reconstructing of some rustic materials, such as bamboo, reeds - palm [fronds] straw and hides. After passing through these beauties for 12 or 15 miles, and at\n6½ p.m. drove into Orizaba in the midst of a rain storm - Coffee, tobacco, the cereals, and the banana with other fruits seemed to be the principle article of cultivation. Here I pernocted again in another [ ] whereas before there was little chance for sleep. Was called at 5, off at 6, and at 10 breakfasted at Cordoba, and I arrived at Pas del Macho where I pernocted again as unsatisfactorily as before. And so the next day at 6 started in the cars for this place. Total expenses $45.50 the $0.50 being spent for extra's such as a cup of chocolate or so between the early hours of starting and the late one of breakfasting. There were fresh arrivals of immigrants, all the hands were taken up. Cordoba looked lively \u0026 everybody in high spirits. Two ship loads had just arrived. Sheridan had refused to let them embark at New Orleans as he was determined to break up that Maury nest of Confederates which was agitating the public mind of the South \u0026\npreventing the people there from quietly submitting to subjugation. I thank him for the encouragement. The Mexican plan is spreading over the South. We are going to have happy homes, a fine country, \u0026 a bright future here. Let those who lack gall or who having it, have steeped it in honey, stay. I seek to plant my posterity here.","Dick has got land in my Carlota colony, 640 acres. He has sent to China for labourers- 12 or 15 to work it, and to Virginia for young Crutchfield to take charge of it. I have such good irons in such good fires, that some of them will surely be got to welding heat. If so, I hope to find comfortable homes, and a bright future here for you all at last. Corbin and Nannie will come in the steamer that is to leave New York Oct 8. They will without stopping here a night, take the cars to Paso del Macho- 50 miles-they are then by stage 5 hours from Cordoba, where they will arrive say 21st or 22nd and wait a week for us. We will be due here say on the 27th. Corbin can spend this week profitably \u0026 both of them pleasantly in visiting the Colony, examining the coffee plantations \u0026 c. [Then] will take a [whole] stage for Puebla, by which time the railway thru to Mexico will be completed- so will teeter over the cumbres and among the maguey in a stage coach.","My letter to \"the people at home\" has never been published. It should be. So should the anachronistic one to Dr. Dabney. Let my brave backers- Nannie \u0026 Corbin- do the thing that is right and send copies of them to Jno Tyler of the Whig or someone else who has a bone in his back to publish. Among the misfortunes that have befallen our people, I regard as not the least, the advice that has been given by the best men among them, viz.- to stay at home \u0026 help the enemy to establish his power \u0026 complete our degradation. The Yankees have conquered Virginia, it's theirs, we are subjugated, \u0026 have no rights except such as the victors in mercy may vouchsafe to give. If the whole South is not a conquered territory then I have never read in history of one that was conquered, and Dabney \u0026 them who like him consider it to be their duty \u0026 their interest to help build up that Yankee despotism called the Union, owe it to the grace and mercy of their conquerors, that their conquerors do not cross from the map the very name of Virginia, blot out all former state lines, make new provinces and call a part of what was Virginia the state of Winnepisscogee, South Carolina Peasquod, \u0026 such like Yankee innovations \u0026 that nothing should remain to remind the vanquished of the ancient renown.","Paris \n21 May 1866","My dear Corbin: \nThe last I heard of you was about two weeks ago, through a letter from Brodie Herndon, who thought Nannie was as earnest for Mexico as ever, but that you were cooling off a little. All right.","The banker with whom I had deposited my `little money' went down in the London panic week before last, and I lost all the money \u0026 more too that I brought away from Mexico. I am here trying to make some more.","My last letters from Dick are up to Apl. 6th.","No sooner had I left, than intriguers set to work and colonization was going on so badly, and the opposition of the minister was so vexatious that he talked of giving up the office. Immigrants were returning in disgust and the very thing was happening that I told the Emperor would happen unless he acted with more energy. In short complaints were being uttered against me in the U.S. so I hear. Now I had as you know been discouraging any of our people from coming unless they could come with a little ready money. And I had long ago told them not to rely upon good lands but to buy abandoned Haciendas.","All the promises and inducements that I have held out to immigrants were made by authority of H. majesty, and if they have not been made good I am the aggrieved party.\nNow I tell you and Nannie confidentially, that what has happened since I left Mexico has shaken my resolution about going back. I don't see what good I can do there except in the way of colonization, and if our people are flocking back as rumor has it, with curses hard \u0026 deep upon Mexico, it will be more than I can do to change such a current. I have no alternative in view- nor am I decided- Indeed I have not said anything in this view to my wife \u0026 children, and am saying it to you now, so that you too may cast about \u0026 not be taken `quite aback' should I decide that Mex. is `no go.' I do not wish you to speak of it to any one, simply because my own mind is not made up nor can it be without further \u0026 fuller information. If I should be compelled to give Mexico up, it will be a hard blow I tell you. I know not where to go or what to be at. I shall be here a week or ten days, perhaps two weeks before I set off to return to England. I must be in London 5 June, when I expect to here from Dick up to the 1st ins. 'So tider' \u0026 sleepy. God bless you both, yrs. \nM. F.","11 Aug. 1866","My dear Corbin, \nI wrote you from Paris 21 May telling you to hold on, as I probably should not return to Mexico. I have as you know decided not to go back there in the face of bad faith to me, bad treatment of our people and bad turns that everything has taken. I have never heard that you received the letter. It is the only one within that time, that I have written to any of my children, except Dick. This onset upon us as soon as my back was turned in Mexico,\nwas a terrible blow. It put me to sea again, and I have been so hard at work or so busy preparing to get to work that I have not had time for writing much. I suppose I shall stay here and write school books for a New York publisher. That will give something to do for a year or two- but will not interfere with my flirting with other matters wherein there are promises. Dick poor fellow is left in Mexico as flat as possible. I want to get him out of that. But where he is to go or what to do after that is a problem that puzzles me much. Perhaps I may find occupation for him in Central America. But I shall be able to speak more positively upon that point by the time the rains are over \u0026 it will be safe to come down to the sea-board. He must come away in the fall anyhow. The breakdown in Mexico damaged your plans as well as my own. What are you going to do now. I always as you know regarded F.V. as not the most judicious purchase in the world, chiefly on the score of health and locality. I don't think affairs in the U.S. as either settled, or stable. The government is obliged to be broken up as it now exists. Still I don't see what better you can do than to hold on, and try to make a living there. I hope indeed if the New York publisher- Richardson- be a responsible man, and I have no reason to doubt, I should be able to assist you with a few hundred $ as far as that will go towards setting yourself up. I reckon I shall be able to let you have $1000, but of this I can speak positively by the time I hear from you and hear what your plans, wishes, and wants are.","In the first place I hope you know exactly how you and F.V. stand with regard to the estate. I hope you have your release and consequently my security-ship touching your\nindebtedness in black and white and in regular ship-shape style. Not Mr. B's word \u0026 opinion merely but the regular Documents. If you have the note, urge the having of it, and if the plea will help you, say that the assistance promised by me depends upon that. I am afraid you will not live long enough to escape from the tangled inheritance imposed by that unfortunate estate. Even if the school-book plan goes well, I should not be able to let you have the $1000 all in a lump, but by driblets, but say all between this and Xmas. See Charles Herndon and find out what sort of obligation - by lien if need be you ought to be given - (not by personal securities) - so in case of need. This loan may have purposes over other claims upon you. So if things turn out ugly, I can protest that money. We are all well. Molly had this morning an invitation to visit Scotland and `not put her hands in her pocket. I am going to put Brave in a school of chemistry and Lucy to a boarding school. I have all the [other] news of family affairs to the rest and will [write] Love and blessings upon all yr. folks. \nYr aft M.F.M.","3 Belsize Square \nLondon N.W. \n9 Dec. 1866","My dear Nannie, \nYour and Mary's letter afforded much gratification and did us a heap of good. Elie has all of Nan-na's pretty sayings at heart. She will repeat them to the congregation to\nnight. I reckon for she Totts Lucy and the Brave have gone to church. Your Ma has a cold and is sitting by pouring over the maiden and married life of Mary Powell. The editor had a right to refuse to publish and Will did right to hand him my paper. Never my child tamper with principle for the sake of the expediency. I have no copy of that letter but the time will when you will wish you had \u0026 would give jewels for it. Suppose Sir Thos. More [Harindon], Montrose (this last always calls up my blessed Davy Jones \u0026 his beautiful recitative) but supposed they had not acted up to principle because of fear when the time came, what should we have cared for them. Perhaps that letter would have strengthened the wavering, at any rate it would have shown that one at least could dare to speak.","It's as well- for I am not yet prepared to make Corbin the advances I spoke of-tho' I hope soon to be. I expected and still desire to kill 4 birds with that stone. \nFirst to help you \u0026 him with a little left. \n2. To enable him to stir B up and get his affairs \u0026 papers with him all right, for I fear that these payments made by him during the war do not, or rather have not cancelled\nthe debt to the estate. \n3. I wanted Charles' opinion in the matter, with the assurance that a lien could be so drawn as to make me a preferred creditor. \n4. And in case of misfortune to enable me to step in and give that much to you \u0026 him.","I hope to sent the M.S. of the first geography off by xmas, and to be able to let Corbin have a part of the $1000 at least by the time he can pick the above 4 named birds chosen and to our satisfaction. I do not think as I told him before the war that F.V. is a desirable place for him. I think so chiefly for the same reasons now that I thought so then. Events have vindicated the soundness of my views ante bellum. I presume therefore he is now on the look out for a sale or a swap. If he thinks the 4 birds are all right and want $200 about Xmas `mighty bad' \u0026 will report to Rutson, I'll ask R. to advance him the money from me. Love to everybody Brodie-Charles-and ---------. I am quite proud to hear such good things of `Tim'. I always thought Tim with his big mouth would make a good preacher. God bless you. Yr affect father M.F. Maury.","3 Belsize Square \nLondon N.W. \n19 May 1867","Dear Corbin, \nRutson with his usual kind thoughtfulness and industry told me yesterday of your letter in reply to his offer to [use] his loan of $200. I see by that that your are undecided as to your future plans. As far as I can make out, you have abandoned the idea at least for the present of rebuilding at Farley Vale. That seems to me to be a wise decision. The question with you, seemed to be, between buying and renting in town. In the present state of affairs buying does not commend itself to me, for two reasons: While that suit is pending, you do not know where you are. This fact, irrespective of the social, industrial\nand political whirlpool which is wracking the South, should give you pause about any such investment just now. Nannie I suppose will come to us, and that will give you time to look about.","But for that suit, I dare say the purchase of a house in town would be a good investment. You know better as to that than I do. I am not able - though I have tried - to\nsee things thro' Brodie's \u0026 Rutson's \u0026 Will's and other friendly spectacles that have been so kindly offered. For me, the future of the South is very dark. I am no more able to look into it than you are. But I try to get an idea of it by looking quite in the opposite direction\nand examining those agricultural countries that once had and now no longer have, slaves, or serfs, or peon labour; and the conclusion that I came to is, that town property in the South may hold its own, and even rise, but land in the country must go down, down until the taxes will be intolerable. If you ask me to state the process of reasoning by which I arrive at this conclusion, I will ask you to say why do you think otherwise, seeing that in all\nthose agricultural countries where slave labour once was \u0026 is not, the value of farming lands has gone down to nothing. In Spanish America \u0026 in Jamaica the most splendid\nplantations have gone back to the bush and are wild lands again. But the South, we flatter ourselves, is neither Spanish America, nor Jamaica. That's true. But they are\nbeacons- and we must not shut our eyes to the light which their experience casts before us. But admit my reasoning to be wrong; and I am far from claiming clearness for it- there is still another view drawn from broader premises in favor of an enhancement in the South of town, as compared with country, property. I have travelled about the world\n\"some\", and have always aimed to have my eyes about me. And in no agricultural country, have I ever found any country society in which a gentleman or a lady of refined\ntastes and habits could find the least congeniality. The reasons are obvious. You have heard my anecdotes of \"Mr. Smith, Brown, Jones\" et.al- rich New York farmers, that had \"retired to town\" to live, because Mrs. Smith had got tired keeping boarding house for, and waiting on farm hands. Let me be not misunderstood- I am not speaking of\ngentlemen of fortune who live in town or do business there and have their \"country seats\" but I am speaking of the farmers, the tillers of the soil, the bone and sinew of an\nagricultural country. How is it with the Pa. farmers? How with the Ohio \u0026 the West?\nDon't you know that a labourer in the country will not service your `country farm' in the\nU.S. except upon terms of perfect equality? He must sit at the same table and warm by\nthe same fire with the \"boss \u0026 his gals\". Go among the Pa. farmers, or any where else\namong the farmers of the far states, and you will see the colored labor \u0026 the white upon\nthe most perfect terms of equality and the wife and daughters of the farmer serving meals\nto them both and standing behind their chairs, as they sit at [meat]. You and other Va. gentleman are not yet quite prepared for wife and daughter to do that. But that we who\nlive in this country have to come to it is as clearly indicated as is the march of any other human want. Barriers have already been broken down between the blacks \u0026 the whites which two years ago, your wisest statesmen did not have the sagacity to think were in the round of possibilities. And do the lines of demarcation between the races- [vouch] only the skin and certain antipathies (antagonisms shall I call them?) are being done away\nwith, \u0026 that too with a rapidity that the whole South deemed impossible. Is it to be presumed from what you have already seen, and from what everybody who has studied\nhuman nature knows, -?-is it to be supposed, that white \u0026 black hirelings are, in the end, going to work side by side in the field upon any other terms but that of perfect equality? If our [lots] \u0026 [ships] in the \"great House' so must [wish] the other. I can readily imagine that many a country gentleman, [piercing] the shadows of these events- for they are very plain- is already for \"returning to town\". Therefore I say it's more likely that town property\nwill increase in value than the country property. And but for that suit, I should be less disinclined to say buy a house in town now.","Many changes have come over our people which they did not expect; and in my judgment, many more are in store for them, for which they are not even now prepared. All that refined and elegant country society which was the pride \u0026 boast of Va. has, sooner or later, to abandon the country and \"retire to town.\" In sea ports of the world that\nI have been, have I never found among the farmers, in the farm house, in the country, any society at all comparable for intelligence and cultivation to the country society of the South. On coming here to England, where there are so many industries besides agriculture, one of the first things that would strike you, would be its high state of\ncultivation and improvement. Elegant fields, wide domains, flocks and herds (splendid plantations you would think they were) and then you would begin to look for the Mansion, the splendid house to which all this belonged, as contra-distinguished from the \"Country seat\" of some gentleman of fortune who is not a farmer. But you would not find it. Most of the people whose labour made the landscape so [ ing] are grouped together in a little\nvillage. I remember in passing through Indiana with Dick in 1857, that I was reminded of what I saw in Germany in 1855: a country under superb cultivation but scarcely a farm house - and never one at all in keeping with the manor. But you were amazed at the number of small towns and little villages. You remember how that the census of New York and other Northern States which are taken intermediate as [between] the U.S. census, astonished the whole country in 1855. In many parts, the rural population\nappeared to be actually decreasing while the actual population was largely on the increase- It was the farmers \"retiring to town\"- not actually giving up farming, but coming to town for the sake of society, and to buy [exemptions]. And instead, as the political economists argued, its being a sign of decreasing prosperity, it was the very reverse. Instead therefore of your lordly plantations and large farms at the South, the country as it is filled up in the process of time by natural increase and immigration, is to be dotted over with villages like all the free labour agricultural countries that I have ever seen. And whether you are to have any sudden immigration is to depend upon the wisdom and sagacity of your law makers.","I have thought it as well, dear Wellford, to lay these views before you, that you might ponder them, sift them, and if they embrace anything worth the having, that you may [turn] it to account in your own private affairs. These are views that would shock many of our people. But I don't write them for the vox pop. I write them for you, and the personal friends around you such as Brodie Herndon et al who may care to know them. I hope I shall always have the courage to look things in its face and draw legitimate conclusions. Nothing can keep up the value of land in the South but a large influx of people to [till] there. Since I went to Mexico the subject of immigration has been a speciality. And I can tell you that there must be some steps taken by you wise men and [] very different from any yet, else you will not live to see enough to do you any good. Cousin Anne has indefinitely postponed her trip, Nannie I hope will have set off to us before this reaches you. If not let her come in the same liner her Ma did. Rutson will see her on board and Cousin Ann will speak the Captain and the Stewards, and I will meet her at L'pool, and so she can come without an escort. Give our best love to Brodie and Lucy, and tell her I'd give anything for one of those cosy little chats with her - Brodie to listen. Mit is still in L'pool. All hands send love, \nYrs truly M.F. Maury","My love to [Sandy Little]","May 21 Mit came to us last night - Here's something for you to turn over in you r mind. I am not sure, but I believe that Dick has to manage for his Co. a cocoa or a coffee plantation. I don't know which - How would you like to [put] yourself up about it with the idea of taking charge of it. I'll mention it to him and you can [ ] by str of 10 June. [Yr M]","No. 3 Belsize Square \n22 Sept 1867","Dear Corbin- \nTremlett and I thought we were on a good trail for you the other day. Semmes wrote that there was no English insurance agency in Memphis. Off we went to beat up the [ ] \u0026 some of these solid fellows and put them to the establishment of agencies in Tenn., La., Va. etc. for Semmes, Dabney you \u0026 c. But we found that 4 of the more\nventuresome ones were already there. Nannie wrote you about them, and told you how to proceed in case there was an opening in Richmond \u0026 the place seemed inviting to you.\nThe pay is on per customer or business done and therefore I cannot advise one way or another as I have no idea as to the amount of business that might be done in Richmond.\nIt is better as you know to work for nothing than to rust and though the wish to help to put you in the way of something that will pay is ever present it does not seem likely soon to be gratified. Elie is still forging ahead slowly. She has been very ill. Nana is very bright a\nsort of privileged character \u0026 pet of the parish. Her mother is very sobersided and loath to take as much outdoor exercise as health seems to require in these latitudes. Lucy is at school and Brave sets in tomorrow week. Brave is getting a fine education. Molly is not\nvery strong and her mother is pulled down a good deal by nursing. As for me \"I'm right smart\". Love to Betty all at Brodie's- Charles \u0026 everywhere. Your affectionate, \nM.F. Maury","3 Belsize Square. \nLondon N.W. \n29 Jany '68","Dear Corbin, \nYour Newburgh letter was very welcome. Kiss my Maria for me, and tell her, that after caring for her good father and mother as a duteous daughter should, and as she is\nsure to do that she is not to make any rash resolutions as to what she'll do etc- that we shall want her at the University of the South.","You have acted well and wisely in [renting] F.V. and I have so told Rutson. The Jamaica planters were paid for their negroes and had 7 years notice to prepare for\nemancipation. None of them are there now who could get away. One of them told me last night that his plantations yielded him $30,000 a year- that he sold it on emancipation about 30 years ago for $5000 \u0026 that the purchaser- his former manager- still owes some $2500. As I told you from Mexico neither one of the three great experiments that are now going on in the south is promising enough to tempt any of our people into it, who can afford to stand off \u0026 look on as you propose to do. Now if you can only find something that will enable you to live and lay by yr rents, you will be doing what any son of the southern gentry that stick to their old plantations will be able to do. And when your lease expires you will find that events will have vindicated this forecast. The Dutch since that war began emancipated their slaves--in Surinam and Jansen tells me that that colony is already Africanised. The South is no place- especially in this country - for any gentleman with wife and daughters to\nlive - if he can get away- to live now, nor will it be until the contest that is now brewing and going on there between blacks \u0026 whites, is finally settled. Why then do I go to Tenn.? Because I hope to have boys enough there to make that out of the way place, safe. I have no doubt Hasbrouck is acting in Minnesota for the best. I am content tell him with any arrangements that he may make. Elie I do hope, is now in a fair way to recover. All the rest are well- Nannie has gone out to work- and Nanna is a great pet in the neighborhood. She is very full of fun. Your affectionate, \nM.F. Maury","Belsize Square \nLondon, N.W. \n8 Feb. `68","Dear Corbin, \nI write this in connection with what Nannie tells me you said in your last letters about you coming. If you come in the [International] line, the line my family came in , and take a return ticket which lasts for a year I believe, it will cost you about $100 in gold - not so much than it would take you to live in New York while you are at sea, coming and going - and unless you find something to do, or have a fair prospects of finding something by staying, I fancy the brood would be agreeable and wise. A friend of mine in Lpool is the agent of this line of steamers and therefore I shall go in it. I have not heard yet form the\nTrustees about the University. And until I do, I shall fix no time for going over. Though it will not be earlier than May I reckon at any rate. I base my idea of yr coming very much if the supposition that I am going to Tennessee and will be able to have house room for you there by next winter, if in the meantime we can't rig up something better. Of course we shall be glad to see you. And it certainly it would be more agreeable all round for you to\ncome, and it might be more economical too - for if Nannie comes to you and you go to the expense of establishing her there, then the breaking up to come to the University in case it be thought advisable and I hope it will, may prove more expensive than yr trip here. Still I am too timid to be very absolute as to what is best. Judge you. yrs. [fond] Maury","3 Belsize Sq'r \nLondon N.W. \n15 Ap'l `66 [1868]","Dear Corbin, \nNannie and the boy have both been having a hard time of it for the last two or three weeks. She as nurse and he as patient. The little fellow has been very ill, with congestion of the brain super-induced by teething. We were afraid we should lose him, but he seems now on the fair road to recovery again. He is very much better than he was\nthree days ago, and so hopes have brightened. Elie continues to forge ahead and we begin to think about a time for turning our face westward. Probably not Tennessee ward, but westward in time for peaches. At any rate I have stipulated with Elie to be there in time for that provided she will get well enough for the voyage - and she seems to be in a fair way for that. I hope you will be able to rough it along in your new vocation at least until we all get back. At our last dates you were in Charleston. It's the letter in which you mention the [ ] phosphates. I received a box of them some time ago from New York, but as there was no account of them, I did not know where or why they came- [ ] Dr. Jarrett's letter [now] come to hand, but as you mentioned R.H. Maury, Dr. Ravenel - St. Julien. I suppose-and other friends in connection with them - I immediately put myself in communication with one of the largest phosphate dealers in London. He responded [readily] to the new [ ] so I have turned over the box to him, and shall probably soon know what he has to say about them. There is not the least chance of an outsider as I\ngetting orders for yr principles. The only way of doing that is through special agents, friends and correspondents of their own who can speak by the card. Nothing later from\nDick than you have heard. When we come we leave Brave behind to finish his education. Nana has just returned from a play in the \"Parsnip's Grounds\" She is an interesting little thing and a great favorite in Belsize. Nannie and I have just returned from a walk in the green fields and all send their love. \nYr affectionate \nM.F. Maury","No. 3 Belsize Sqr \nLondon N.W. \n25 Ap'l 68","Dear Corbin, \nI have not seen Nannie this morning. She and her mother are both much [worsted] by nursing, and she did not come down to breakfast. She's asleep and it has not been sent\nto her yet. Her little boy has been having a hard time of it. He has been now in a state of stupor for two weeks from congestion of the brain with violent attacks now and then of sickness at the stomach- just lying quietly and taking no notice. Yesterday he began to crow and coo and, as his mother told me when we started out to walk and I broke down with the foot, to carry on quite a communication, and our hopes raised- but they are dashed again this morning. Brave went off at 5 for the Doctor, for though the little thing was ravenously hungry, his stomach refused everything. But the Doctor did not cheer us. Certainly the dear child can't go on this way many days longer. Indeed a few hours may decide so I'll leave this open for a word at the last moment. It's now 10 a.m. and I have written this early that nothing might interfere with, thinking it quite likely that Nannie would not feel herself equal to a letter- so I'll save room for a word at the last moment this p.m. Her new nurse came last night- she has been without one since Lizzy went crazy.","Elie continues to forge ahead. She and her Ma are going next week to spend a few days with her friends at Kensington. The Bp. told me yesterday he should take my advice and return in the Manhattan week after next. He is very anxious that Nannie should go with them. I am highly gratified that you should so have won upon W. \u0026 E. It gives you something to hold on by, at least until you can get hold of a better tow line. When the Dr's say that Elie's well enough to try the seas I shall fix a day. Yr aft. M. P.S. 4.45. Our little 'Davy Jones' is no better. But he is in no pain. Nannie's taking a little nap and Nanna has gone out to ride. She has just come in from a wedding at the church. We'll write again by the next steamer.","3 Belsize Square \nLondon N.W. \n13 May '68","My dear Corbin, \nThanks, hearty thanks both to Hasbrouck and you for your kindness in re Lt. Paul's estate. You did exactly right, each of you and tell Hasbrouck I shall write him a letter of special thanks for his kindness and generosity. The property was his, and he might have kept it. Why not turn the bonds over to him for collection?","`The boy' is going to get well. He was downstairs yesterday. He has had such a time of it and has clung on to his little silver painter so manfully when all was so blue, and made such a brave struggle for precious life, that he has endeared himself to us all so much, we cannot now [couch] to give him up. Betty Dabney and other friends say don't come yet. Impeachment will be over in a few days, and I'll have time to read the new leaf that is to\nbe turned over before Elie is well enough for the trip - say last of June or first of July. As soon as its prudent to [venture] on her account, I'm disposed to sail, unless indeed that new leaf should contain something startling. Did you order those herrings for me? Don't disturb yourself about the ways and means for Nannie.","I am glad to see you taking hold of y'r new calling with so much vim. I think its well to leave the pay to Hasbrouck. I hope tho' when I come, we shall be able to chalk out something more to our fancy. If I am to develop resources and encourage industry in Va., what way more effective than introducing steam agricultural machinery. I intend, before I go away to see some of the manufacturers here of steam plows- which are also threshing machines- saws, mills \u0026 c. The price of one is some £ 3000. I believe - what would be the chance of introducing them in Va? What would be the duties on one? What's the chance of raising a company to start one? And how would you like to take the management of one? All these questions I ask [`ran just so'] for I have [matured] no plans. But I take it that once among the great desiderata of our people now is Labour saving agricultural machines -no? Elie keeps forging ahead. \nYr affectionate \nM.F. Maury","Liverpool \n2 July 1868","Dear Corbin, \nNanna is here [after eating] out. We are all well and the day is fine. We sail at 3.30. Then Va. is a 'slow coach. I have been [entrapped] into [here]. For the chance of this reaching you before our arrival I write to say we have an immense amount of baggage, say in all some 20 trunks and boxes besides carpet bags and bundles - many- can't you make some economical arrangements for storing it away or have a baggage wagon to take it off? or both? The hacks will carry off what we want to use. Perhaps it will be best the express wagon to come and take it at once -: I reckon it would be cheaper to send it off to Richmond that way at once, than it would be to [freight] about with us. What does Rutson advise? He knows. \nYrs in haste \nM.F. Maury","The last! and no mistake.","Liverpool 2nd July \nDear Corbin\nWe are off at 3½ p.m.-","We have much luggage.- Can't you have an Express wagon on the wharf to take it for Richmond? It will cost less to send it that way at once than it will to lug it about with us. - There's too much of it to go in 4th St. or any private house. Do what you and Rutson think wisest, cheapest and best.","All well, and weather superb. \nYours \nM.F. Maury","[Note by Rutson Maury] \n13th July—","Monday night.- \nThe above came as intended via Southampton , per \"Harmonia\", a very fast craft, which left there on 3rd July and arrived here this afternoon. She reports light, variable winds throughout the passage and dense fogs the last 4 days.-","I got the letter out of our box at 5½ p.m.-","Richmond \n3 Aug '68","Dear Corbin, \nI had a long talk with Charles \u0026 just as we finished W. Barton stopped in and introduced the subject himself. All the bonds have been endorsed by order of the court. That's all right unless it be decided hereafter that the payment in Confederate money was no payment. A special term for hearing this case had been fixed for this month- But [Cab ] had written to say he could not attend. B. promised to urge C. up to the mark- for it's impossible to get a hearing [in] the regular term- the case is so long it would crowd all\nothers out. The delay this time is not B's fault, \u0026 for that reason I told you not to write to\nB. until you heard from me. Cha's thinks M'Casky's case is much stronger than B. represents it, and that should the case go against him, the case will be carried up- If so,\nthere's a suit for y'r life time.","Chas thinks \u0026 so do I that in case there's no settlement this term, a compromise ought to be tried. He seems to think that the whole may be compromised for some $15 m\nor $20 m. Rather than stand and risk the uncertainties of the law, I think I should be inclined to pay the whole. As soon therefore as you learn that the case is not to come up as appointed, make J's coming of age \u0026 y'r own situation an excuse and try the temper of the other side for a compromise. Better let me [sound] for you. Maybe other parties will agree to arbitration. Nannie's letter with yr sent this morning. Next Monday go to Albe.- stay a week. Go to Lex then to the White, where I join Will, B. \u0026 the girls- We as guests.","All well- Love to N. the children \u0026 the H's.","Yrs \nM.F. Maury.","Richmond \n8 Aug 1868","Dear Nannie, \nHave this p.m. yours of the 6th. Kate is here. Tell Corbin I shall get John Herndon to [sound] about compromise as soon as the Aug. term be disposed of. We - all except y'r\nMa, leave for Albemarle Monday. Dabney's [Nannie] is at [Rugged] [Mts]. Lucy \u0026 Eliza both under the weather which is very hot","Rockbridge Baths \n4 Sep. 1868","Dear Nannie, \nI am grieved to hear you and the children have been so poorly. Yesterday morning I sent the girls down under escort of Jerry Morton's grandson- a cadet, and toured at Goshen till 5.20 p.m. for your Ma and Nannie Bell. We arrived here at a little after 8. Betty and Will went on via Charlottesville for a visit to Charlie Blackford. Mary \u0026 Alice came up with your Ma on a visit to Sally F.","Dabney's Nannie with their children is at the Mason's. Rose sick with chills. Tomorrow Smith comes to fetch me to Lexington. Totts or Elie, perhaps both will go with me. I am to be installed on the 10th and deliver an address with pomp \u0026 circumstance and with all my decorations. After that we shall return here and wait till frost for Richmond. I go to work immediately in preparing a preliminary report of the natural wealth \u0026 c of Va. such\nas its climates, productions and favored position. I strike for a line of steamers between Norfolk \u0026 Holland, expecting to turn a stream of immigration - German- thro Va. as it flows to Ohio and forts beyond. And so hasten the completion of James River Canal, and Va. Central to the Ohio branches getting some immigrants to stop by the way. Tell Corbin, C held this special term expressly, but lawyers were not ready. Jno Herndon will go to F'bg\nnext week. I have asked him to sound about a compromise. That I am seen is the best way of ending that matter. Ask him to get from Rutson the m.s. of P.G. and Astronomy\nand the first time he comes South to bring me them. I am not in a hurry for them. \"Where had you best live?\" In a New York City Boarding house when the dog days are over.\nTaking care to spend enough time in Va to keep up the idea of Va residence on ac't of them suits with which Corbin was threatened. Tell him the chances of being useful to the state in my own vocation are very fair. Everybody appears to be looking to politics for help. I almost [ ], exclusive to agencies outside of this political arena for material help. Stir up about J.B.'s grapes. Love to the H's with kisses to Maria. Tell Nanna I wish she was here to eat maple sugar. Yr. aft father. \nM.F. Maury","Richmond \n22 Sept '68","Dear Corbin, \nI returned yesterday with N.B. \u0026 Alice leaving all hands including Mary in Albemarle, say till 1st Oct. Stir up Nannie as soon as she gets well for that grape information for Jno B.","Saw John Herndon last night. He worked with the case vs. Corbin- read commissioner's report. Says it's all in your favor- and he thinks the case must come off next term, and\ndoes not, he nor Will, advise compromise. It's important for you to know this, before you get to Fredericksburg.","Be sure to let me see you as you pass through- give me the average price of grain wheat \u0026 corn- oats \u0026 c. for each month during this year- Can you? and oblige yrs truly \nM.F. Maury","Richmond \n4 Oct 68","Dear Corbin, \nThanks for the statistics. It's a useful table, nicely got up. If I was going to `keep' such a table, I would do it as a chart of engraved squares. How do you get your averages- from the quantity sold, or from the price on each day? I have been on crutches with the foot. The furniture over from Fredericksburg yesterday. Glad y'r business is on the increase. What do you \u0026 Nannie say to Betty's suggestion about xmas. Don't you want your £ 35?","Dick may be in New York last of next month. Expecting all hands down from the mountains, tomorrow or next day. Wife now having a bout with ague \u0026 fever. Be sure you stop to see me when you do go south.","Cal wheat is a larger grain \u0026 therefore makes more flour to the bush. than ours. Has not that something to do with the price?","That's a good letter of yours. Brodie is off to [ ] this week. Give a letter to Hasbrouck. \nLove to N \u0026 the [children]. \nYrs, M.","Richmond \n11 Oct 68","Dear Corbin, \nA letter last night from the admirable Rutson tells me you were to leave New York day before yesterday \u0026 be with us Tuesday. There is no sleeping place, but you must come\nto dinner \u0026 tea on arrival. Dabney is at the General's. I expect him down in the course of the week. I hope the Burtons did not submit to a postponement of the case in re Corbin. It would be cruel of the judge to permit any more trifling. We are all pretty well, my wife has not quite recovered from her bout with the chills.","Dying to see you, \nyrs affectionately \nM.F. Maury","Richmond Va. \n3 Dec. 1868","Dear Corbin, \nI suppose you have got back after I hope a trip that pays. I have heard thro' Rutson \u0026 [Carrie] of your having left New Orleans the day before Nannie's telegram reached there.","I hasten to write you. I learn confidentially that your tenant is insolvent- that everything that he has is in a fair way of being gobbled up by upcountry creditors, that the wheat crop has been sold and there are no signs of anything being done towards that [house]. That he has had to leave the house in which he was in Fredericksburg 'cause he couldn't pay the rent, for which he still owes. In short that he is wholly [unreliable], a bad case, \u0026\nthat unless you are pretty quick, the corn crop will be gone too \u0026 you may whistle for your $1000 \u0026 your house too.","So from all I know you had better run down and look after things. If you do I hope you will give us a hail.","The girls tell Nannie had a small party last night- about 50 dancers- sprinkled only with 5 or 6 married couples. Totts did the honors. Betty was top [ ] and they all four looked splendid. We missed you and her, Dick \u0026 Sue. It went off 1st rate. Dick left day before yesterday for Kanawha. May come down from the mountains some day, to take up Sue, who is getting well but still in bed. Lucy Ellen passes through today on her way to Savan'h- your Ma \u0026 I go down to the cars to meet her at 2.25. I gave yesterday to the Whig Preliminary Report No 1 Ph. Survey. I like it. Now for a favor- I should like to send a barrel of first rate apples to Tremlett, and 1/2 bbl. to Bold, in time for their xmas dinnerfreight and duties paid. Bold the consignee, must pay R. Road freight to Tremlett. Rutson will manage this when you get the Bbls. ready. Don't get any apples unless they are very good. Let them be pippins or Lady apples, which ever be the best. Hasbrouck could not get any in Newburgh. All well. Kiss the children.","Yrs affectionately, \nM.F. Maury","Richmond \n11 Dec. '68","Dear Corbin, \nThanks for the apples. You managed this nicely. When you want the £35 I. O. U. - go to Rutson. I have asked him to pay. I sent Nanna 10 cts in a letter- Did she get it? Your\ntenant's bill of sale that you ask for is no good. It is sufficient that the sheriff should find the mules \u0026 horses in his possession to pitch down upon him with his execution. It's only produce in the shape of rent that you can keep out of his clutches, \u0026 then it must be divided \u0026 your pile set off to itself. The wheat is gone, \u0026 you can't claim the balance of that in corn. All I know is what I gather from John about it. He thinks the case much more dispirited than you seem to do. T! Good night with love, \nYrs \nM.F. Maury","Richmond Va. \n23 Dec. 1868","Dear Corbin,\nNannie's letter to her mother recd yesterday tells us you are going to F.V. after xmas. \u0026 then to N.C. Be sure to give us a call. You do well to go- Bear in mind, that R's bills of sale or notes of hand are worth nothing as against the demands of the sheriff- and that you are safe in your rents only after you have set apart your share of the crop. But if R. sells it, or you don't divide it, the sheriff can clap his clutches upon it. As for the prison\nadvances better let them be bygones and ask Rutson for the £35 when-ever you get \"hard up\". C.B.R. talks about forking over in \"a very few days\"- I hope so - for the work already done comes to when it's paid for- $10 [m] in gold, though it's not all done yet, for you know I have not delivered all the m.s.s.","Lucy is still a great sufferer. Had a pretty good night, but is now wracked with pain.","I went last night to spend the evening with [Weckham] - against the grain- but one has to do things sometimes that are not altogether delightful. Ask Nana if she thinks old\n[Christinger] lives in New York, and how he can go from here there in a night-for he is now I know a stuffing of his pack, I've seen him put two doll babies in it for Alice. A happy xmas to you all, \nYrs \nM.F. Maury","Richmond Va. \n8 Jany `69","Dear Corbin, \nI am grieved to hear my warning proved so true. This pocketing of losses in times like these, is a hard thing. Have you yet come to any definite understanding with W \u0026 E? I think it is time you should have a talk with them and a distinct understanding. If you have it so, the chances are that somebody I know will get fleeced. I'll send you next week one of my pamphlets, which you can give them to read, and then tell them what a great man it is going to make of me in the South, the prestige it will give you, and then tell them what you want.","The silver and the trunk came yesterday. Sorry you did not have time for a run to Richmond. The Gen'l came down from the 'Rugged' last night. He brought me a [cheese] of [--] from Sally. Have not seen him yet. Sue dined with us yesterday. Then Lucy and all hands spend the evening at 'Zoras' tonight. Tell Nannie she was at a party last night, they played \"Chopin and Chopout\" and she doesn't know what that is. \nLove to Nannie \nYrs M.F. Maury","Richmond Va \n14 January 1869","Dear Corbin, \nI am sorry to have such an account of yr tenant. You will be lucky to get rid of him without more trouble. His contract shows that he is one of those who are unworthy of confidence - his London trip is I take it a sham.","I hope to send you in a few days copy of the Report. The Railway and Canal men have been watching the press and literally devouring the sheets as fast as they were printed. They think it will wake up a lively interest especially in the South and West. Smith - V.M.I. will be down to-morrow, we are going to send copies to Governors of the states and ask them to make it the subject of official action by calling it to the attention of legislatures \u0026.","The Report will I am sure tickle vox pop especially the planters, farmers and factors in the Mississippi Valley, and it ought to give you favor among them.","Indeed it may be worth considering whether it be not wise for you to look in the direction of Norfolk anyhow, for the Report makes a Dutch line of steamers from Flushing to\nNorfolk look very promising anyhow. In beating about the bush in my mind for something for Dick, I have been looking that way. I fancy this report will give us an influence which if we have the tact and the luck on our part may be made of commercial value. In the course of two or three weeks you will see by watching South-Western and N. Western papers how the thing works, and can then better shape your course.","If W. \u0026 E. have lost money it don't sound well for a partnership. Anyhow, I question whether it would not be better for you to be looking out for something else. I doubt whether a monthly salary would not be better than a partnership with them. A partnership would tie you down and in coming, as this Report and my other work here will bring, so [prominently] before your customers, I may have a chance in some unexpected way of helping you along, of which, if you're tied down by co-partnership, might be lost. In short the chances are that you may be able to do quite as well, South, pecuniarily and a great deal better socially than you are now doing. Therefore when the time comes for your talk, consider well the grounds you should take: a good monthly salary to be antedated: what think you? I suggest but don't [persuade].","This is my birth day tell Nannie. Sue's going up to F'bg next month. Mary Herndon is here, her brother is at V.M.I. We are all well and send love. I think that so called\n\"conservative [Va.] [ca ] impolite and foolish. \nyrs truly \nM.F. Maury","Richmond Va \n29 Jan. `69","Dear Corbin, \nPrinters here are slow. The Reports are not all out yet. I sent you two of the past batch to read and then give to `yr bosses.' I now send you one to keep.","It seems to have hit the public mind in Va anyhow. I hope you will have a talk soon about your pay. I do not much fancy a co-partnership - commercial - these times. For though you may put in nothing, financiers here are ticklish. Your house may break and so sweep away all of your Va. property. Moreover I think it worth something to keep yourself free, so that you may be in a position to take advantage of anything that may turn up.","Isn't the first payment due on those Minnesota lands Please inquire of Hasbrouck. Love to Nannie and the children \nYrs \nM.F. Maury","Richmond \n1 Feb `69","Dear Corbin, \nBrodie is here and I have yrs of Saturday. All well about Wade. [Still Sue doesn't care to travel]. Suppose you get two or three weeks leave - run down to Norfolk and try this:","I am urging Smith and his [ ] in the [ ] to send agents out to the states where interests are touched by preliminary No. 1 to ask the legislatures and the principle cities to order each a few thousand copies and so help to circulate the docs. If they will order we will get up a revised \u0026 improved edition especially for them. Norfolk, Petersburg and Richmond ought to order ea. 2000 copies so ought [Mahone] - begin by asking them to order 500 ea. Postmasters ought to order 1000, ditto Seaboard R.R.'s, and the line of steamers that ply between New York and Norfolk ought to order 500. I am proffering to Smith to put the New Edition @ $2 per copy, and give his agents 50¢ per copy upon all orders. Now if he comes into this how would you like to drum up in Va.? The doing of it, would pay expenses at any rate - `twould identify you and make you acquainted with the Norfolk people, and so may be give a string to your bow to send an arrow at W \u0026 E with. Jansen is working like a horse with the Dutch Va. line of steamers. You could preach that up at the same time. Money has to be and is to be raised for that. You can try that too - somebody must be employed for this - and why not you? So turn the idea over in your mind, and in case Smith says the word, be ready to broach the [ ] to old [Wade]. You can then come here - we post you up, have a meeting called and so Launch you. I can fancy that this business may not be altogether agreeable at first blush. But all you have to do is to put on a bold face and teach those people what they ought to do. Am glad to hear the children are O.K. again. Tell Nannie her Ma is in bed with a cold. Dick is in Lexington and all the rest well. \nYrs truly M.F. Maury","I send you ten more pamphlets.","Richmond , Va \n16 Feb. 1869","Dear Corbin, \nThanks to you and Hasbrouck for the $925.56/100. Its welcome I tell you.","I understand Charles has made all things straight with your tenant touching past rents.","W. requires you to put more faith in him than he puts in you. \"Take any \"ipse dixit\" and you make it all right\" - he says to you. But why does he not let you know what his plans are? Suppose they turn to naught - then there you are. For that reason I wanted you to have two strings to your bow. Look at C.B.R. promises are bountiful, Wait, Wait, and [`nary red'] since I came back. W. may be all right and his intentions may be ever so good, but you have to look out for yourself and when he comes to [shout up] his plans you may find them `[St py] with ifs.\" And would not have you break with him, but I would have you ask to be informed, so that if they don't strike your fancy you may be on the lookout for something else. Therefore I would take the first opportunity and ask him to tell\nyou the precise character of the arrangement that he has in view.","The Reports are in great demand. I send you a couple. Love to Nannie and the children. All well. \nYrs \nM.F. Maury","Richmond Va \n20 Apr `69","Dear Corbin, \nI feel uneasy about that warehouse swindling case. Let me know if you are in any way hurt by it. I suppose at any rate it interferes materially with your plans. I am told it ruins W \u0026 E. Please let me know all about. In haste, \nYrs \nM.F. Maury","Richmond VA \n30 Ap'l '69","Dear Corbin, \nI have been very much engrossed. Have just finished for Mr. Johnson a notice of my blessed Davy Jones.","Yrs of 28th came duly to hand. Was relieved to know that Wade \u0026 [Estey's] misfortune did not involve you. You know better than I can suggest what to do now.","It is within the power of the people to be represented in the Norfolk convention to say whether they will have direct trade with Holland. If they say `yes' and give the right sort of earnest, then the Dutch will probably establish a large house in Norfolk. In that case they\nwill probably want a businessman for associate, who is well acquainted in the South \u0026 West. Now the question is how can you manage to bring yourself to the acquaintance of the trading businessmen in Montgomery- Memphis - Knoxville, Chattanooga, Huntsville - Nashville, Louisville, Cincinnati \n[and-]. \nIf you or I had any authority to speak for the Dutchmen in the matter, it would be plain sailing, and we should know how to go to work. But there's no hurry, look out for the\nproceedings of the convention, \u0026 find out the leading houses in N.C. \u0026 the West, try as opportunity allows to get into correspondence of some sort with them- and if during the next 12 months you can bring yourself to their acquaintance, perhaps, if the Dutchman comes, you may have a chance to show him around.","Packing up for VMI.","I am afraid the day I'll move will not turn out so well. Nannie \u0026 Nan are very good friends now. Do you think that [boarding] them will make them any better? It's only in that aspect \u0026 the mosquitoes that I \"has my doubts about\"","All well and send love \nyrs \nM.F. Maury","Richmond VA \n22 May 1869","Dear Corbin, \nAbout the Piano- I wish you would get Ellen Lewis to help you and Nannie select a first rate one, to cost not over $800 - eight hundred $. Go for performance and richness of\ntone, not just for outside appearance. Bargain for freight paid here if they can, but for delivery on board steamer and packing up anyhow. It should be directed to Maury,\nLexington, and consigned with bill o'lading, to Col. Dillon (DILLON) James River Canal Office. His office is right at steam boat landing. You can draw at sight on R. H. Maury \u0026 Co. where I have given you a credit for $800. Yr draft to be signed M.F. Maury for yourself. Perhaps you may make a better arrangement with R. H. Maury himself who left last night for New York.","Please you and Nannie keep your eyes about you for carpets. They ought to be cheap now. Small figures and bright colors are [the] go for small rooms, small figures some [worsted]. [Then these] down stairs rooms should be good Brussels, or Wilton- the dining room and parlor the most costly, but none over $2 the yard, including the making which must be done there, \u0026 including also packing and delivery on board str. consigned as the piano is to be. They can be made by the enclosed draft which please take care of.","Brave's and the up-stairs rooms should be cheap remnants, 3 ply or Brussels, according to bargains. You know I like variety, therefore don't go for matching the rooms. Rugs also, and carpet-[slips] I reckon for the upstairs passage. Dick has coloured it you see for oil cloth- We have oil cloth for the bare passage already on its way up there. I have shut up all the doors in the Parlour except one. Please enquire for bargains \u0026 report progress before going further. All well. We expect to get off next Tuesday.","Yr Aft. \nP.T.O. M.F. Maury","[verso] \nAlso inquire as to the price of a neat electroplate water pitcher and tea kettle such as the one we used to have at the `Sup'","V.M.I. \n17 June `69","Dear Corbin, \nNannie's room is all ready, but we have heard nothing from her than what is mentioned in yours of 15th just to hand.","In re: carpets, I did not expect you to do more just now than to post me up as to prices \u0026 c. The girls wanted to have something to say as to colors, patterns, \u0026 c. Moreover I did not want to buy now, have no funds, no place to store them, and $500 for Dining room \u0026 Parlour is beyond my mark. Therefore unless you are committed for them, I don't want them. If however you are committed for them, bargain that they are not to be sent until\nwe are ready for them in the fall, and that they shall send with them all the scraps \u0026 pieces which are wasted in the cutting. We have already two rugs in the parlour \u0026 a [ ] [ ]. I take it that you have not ordered any of the other carpeting *. { (*I do not want it) in margin}. You did right not to order the iron bedstead, for I did not expect you to do that upon what I said. Caution the upholsterer not to make the mattress a hair's breadth\nlarger than the bed in the [ ]- a little smaller it will still fit- an inch larger, no!. You do not say anything about the andirons, [fender] \u0026 c. We have none of them at all and fires at night are often pleasant. The canal is in repair, and will not be open again from Richmond before 1st July- Therefore I had rather these things \u0026 the mattress should not be sent till then.","Rutson wrote me last Saturday -12- that Stewart's man had been to him with a bill for $500 odd for goods for me to know if I was good. R. said he would pay if I didn't- I replied to R. that I knew nothing about it, that I had authorized no such bill- not dreaming it was you \u0026 the carpets. If as I said you have made yourself liable for them insist that they shall be kept until called for. There is no place for them without putting them down. We don't\nwant to do that- 1st because we prefer bare floors. 2. Plasterers and other workmen have work to do which probably will not be done for months- 3. There is no place to store them. Therefore they must not be sent till we are ready for them.","The Piano has come - all safe- Elegant. Everybody pleased with it, and Elie is now making it \"talk\"! Thanks.","Which way do you go on the 22nd. Can't you come this way? There's plenty of room for you- Dick is in W. V. He \u0026 Sue have engaged lodgings at the Pendleton's.","I am invited to take charge of the University of Ala. at Tuscaloosa. Have it under consideration. My decision when they ask it will be something like this- Give me full swing and $10 m {10,000} a year for 5 years and I'll try to build you up- Before the war it had 350 boys- vs 25 now- so you see it's right low. You may well consider I'm not anxious to go- they offer $4m and I fancy they are not prepared to give $10,000. Please put the prices on Edgerton's list \u0026 return it. \nyrs truly \nM.F. Maury","V.M.I. \nSeptember 1st '69","Dear Corbin, \nUse the accompanying letter as you think best. I should like to have Gould sounded upon it \u0026 to know what he says. I send you the pamphlets. Please get from Stewart his carpet bill. It is getting most time for me to order them forward, but before I do that I want to raise the money for paying for them, \u0026 the first step is to know how much that is. Inquire also, if you please as to the discount he will allow if you pay him on the shipment of the\ncarpets instead of forwarding his bill here to be paid when they are delivered to me.","Nannie \u0026 Sue did not go to the Baths, because I fancy, I was not here to make them, \u0026 now they are looking so well that I do not think it necessary for them to go.","All well \u0026 send love.","V.M.I. 9th/9/'69","Dear Corbin, \nI suppose my letter last week in reply to yours about the Dutch steamers must have miscarried.","So here's at you about the carpets again. Have them shipped via steamer to Smith (Genl's brother), Norfolk- ask him to pay charges and forward by what the Gen'l calls his air[ ]- viz rail to Lynchburg \u0026 canal thence. If Stewart will allow discount, pay him there on presentation of bill o'lading. Rutson has been asked to honor your draft. Better see R. first to make sure for I am not in a hurry \u0026 don't care if the carpets don't arrive before the\n25th. If he won't discount, then let T. ship on the 20th as above and let \"charges follow\". I'll pay on delivery.","I wish you would get from him \u0026 have them put up in the same* { (* to save freight) at bottom of page} bundle with the carpets, \u0026 have charged on the carpet bill - 12 doz. table napkins - not extra fine or extravagant - but such as a gentleman ought to have on his table every day - Such for instance as cousin Ann has; perhaps she or [`Quincy'] will select them for me. Of course I don't care where you get them so they are good, decent, and not extravagant \u0026 so they come with the carpets - inside - without extra freight. If possible \u0026 to save freight the carpets should all be in one bundle, or in as few bundles as economy suggests. Nanny \u0026 the children all well.","Betty with her aunt will leave us next Tuesday. \nyrs M.F. Maury","N.B. It's 144 Table napkins that I want - linen all-","[On reverse of second sheet] \n\"Messrs Paten \u0026 Co \nMy friend Mr. Corbin wants 12 Dz napkins similar to sample, please give him the right kind \u0026 price. \nYrs, \nR.P. Richardson","V.M.I. \n10 Sept. 1869","Dear Corbin, \n12 doz. will be too many. 6 doz. napkins will do- Let them be all of the usual dinner size. If not too late therefore let the order be for 72 instead of 144 table napkins Dinner size. \nYrs, \nM.F. Maury","V.M. I. \nLexington, VA \n16 Sept. '69","Dear Corbin, \nYours of 13th rec'd. Napkins \u0026 consignment O.K. Thanks-","Nannie is still at the McD's. Is waiting till our new cook comes. Weather fine. Children well \u0026 my nerves distressingly 'shaky'. \nYrs, \nM.F. Maury","V.M.I. \nLexington, VA \n20/12/69","My dear Corbin, \nI was sorry to hear that Edgerton has gone 'by the board'. My observations teach me that the merchants who never fail are comparatively few- and they are either men of means outside of the capitol embarked in their business- or men who have friends to back them. I should be exceedingly sorry to see you entering into mercantile business in any way except as an agent or employee- and that is a business that is desirable only until you\ncome into possession of your inheritance so find out when you are. At any rate I hope you will enter into no \"entangling [obligation] before we meet which I hope will be soon. I still look for you before New-Year. Xmas week is a holy-day time in New York.","Please jog Hasbrouck's memory about the St. Paul bond. I am hard up \u0026 should like to have the money on the very day it falls due, if possible. 'The Boy' is the life of the housecoming out every day with something original. \nYrs \nM.F. Maury","VMI \n4th March 1870","Dear Corbin, \nI have asked Will to send you $200 which fall due on the 9th. I left word in Richmond with Bob to collect some dividends to send you the proceeds. Should he do so you can transfer it over to me and accept the enclosed $300 instead which with what Will will send and what I left with you makes $1000. \nIn haste \nM.F. Maury","V.M.I. \nApril 6th \n1871","Dear Corbin- \nI got last night a letter telling of the investment of the $321.34. Thank you. Will says, that the law treats it as usury to compound the interest in that way. Please ask John Herndon about it for I want to keep within the law.","My aim was to let you have just $1,000. It is therefore that I ask you to remit in case you should receive more than that.","Tell Nannie, that Elie is in bed with a headache, \u0026 Lucy is under the weather with a cold, \u0026 I don't hear them say a word about going down.","Heavy rain last night. In haste yours truly, \nM.F. Maury \n(pr M.H.M.)","[Postscript by Mary]\nI got my dear Sister Nannie's letter \u0026 will write after the Fair comes off.\nThe girls certainly expect to go down the middle of the month","V.M.Institute \nJuly 26th 1871","Dear Nannie, \nYour Ma got your letter this morning ain't we so glad, glader, glady. Tell Corbin he must come along too.","I returned from Ala. last Monday evening and took them all by surprise. Since graduating, Brave had made a fee and had gone off on a spree, and had gone off with Tots \u0026 Elie to the White \u0026 Capertons. I suppose his money will give out soon and we may expect them back the last of the week.","My going to Tuscaloosa, is still in abeyance. I found when I got to Montgomery that the Board of Regents at its meeting last June had gone farther in their injudicious course than I had fancied, for besides establishing chairs \u0026 filling them without conference with me, they had chalked out a plan of operations for the Univ. which appeared to me altogether impracticable.","The Board of Regents had not been called together as I had requested, but all the professors save 3 were there with Hodgson who is ex officio President of the Board of Regents. During our first session I found out that there was not only no money to fit up the Univ. but there was nothing to keep it a-going: for more than all its annual endowment had already been appropriated. The charges against the cadets were at figures so low that they would inevitably bring the Univ. in debt. A sum not exceeding $200 was to be the expense per cadet. So in the afternoon I formally proclaimed that I could not undertake the responsibility of such an institution \u0026 therefore begged leave to decline. Whereupon there was \"sensation.\" Some made hy-falutin speeches \u0026 professors asked \"what shall I do.\" One urging that he \"had given up his house\" another, \"his practice,\" another \"his business,\" another \"his college\" another that he \"was engaged to be married,\" all under the expectation that I would accept. The strong men of the city were\nbrought in who promised to make the legislature do the needful. And the judges of the Supreme Court who are said to hold the legislature in the hollow of their hands, black \u0026 white radicals \u0026 all- Sent word that they would do the needful at its next meeting. In short, the question was asked, that \"if they would raise a launching fund, change the fees, so as to be a source of revenue, instead of loss, and alter the course of instruction so as to suit my views, would I accept\"? Yes Well it was funny to see the plan they had laid down. They had three parallel course which were \"selectable\" and every boy that came was answered in terms \"you have paid your money, take your choice\" And they told me they had copied after the Univ. of Mississippi, which never did prosper, though it has a clear revenue of $77,000. So the plan that I propose requires the three Rs for admission\n\u0026 then curriculum all the way up to any specialty, that the student- being qualified to enter upon it- may select, all boys to be examined and to be put as high up as they are qualified to stand.","These matters are to be referred by letter to the Board of Regents, and if the majority pledge themselves by letter to stand by me , if I make the alterations \u0026 to sanction them at their next meeting in Nov. and then if the friends of the Univ. will raise a launching fund, I will go.","The earnest desire manifested by the good people of the state, for me to take charge of their Univ. was very gratifying.","It appears to me that almost all the good people in Ala. who have sons \u0026 means intend to rally around me, and among the events that were particularly gratifying was a proposition on the part of the professors to lend: some their whole salary: some $1000: and the others $500 to get the thing underway.","They were to let me know, in a telegram, whether my views would be met by the Regents. And thus the matter stands.","My plan for the present is modeled after V.M.I. with the open features of the Univ. of Va. In the mean time I am working like a Turk here in collecting statistics and transmitting \"useful and entertaining knowledge\" to \"Tusca.\"","I did not go to \"Tusca\", because my house had not been vacated by my radical\npredecessor, with his three students, but hastened back for the telegram.\nI traveled Saturday in the cars with Dabney \u0026 Family, they have broken up in New Orleans, and have come to Va. for the summer. They were to stop a few days in Lynchburg, then go to the Bath Alum.","Kisses to the children \u0026 love to all hands. I brought some maple-sugar for them, they must make haste and come up or it will be all gone, \nM.M.","V.M.I. Lexington Va. \nAugust 9th 1871 \nS.W. Corbin Esqr. \nFredericksburg Va","Dear Corbin \nI have this morning your letter of 3rd introducing Mr. Boulware. No letter was necessary. I had the pleasure of forming his acquaintance last Fall in Fredericksburg and was much pleased with him. All the chairs at Tuscaloosa are full.","We expect Dick back from W.V. tomorrow or next day. When is Nannie coming up? We expect Will to come next week. Can't she come with him? We don't mean to let you off: you must come and fetch Nannie back. Yesterday was \"Crits\" birthday: cords of presents---60 years old, and as young as a [sentence fragment]","I am busy with Tuscaloosa but begin to think it will not be ready by Oct. My illustrious predecessor is still in the President's house. Betty has mended vastly since she has been here. Ask Nanna and that boy when are they coming up? We are dying to see them.","In haste yours, \nM.F. Maury","V.M.I. Lexington VA \n17th Aug 1871","Dear Corbin, \nPlease don't remit but re-invest \u0026 let it roll up. You have always told me I could realize upon ten days notice.","The Goshen stage don't get in now until about 10'clock; We shall set up for Nannie \u0026 the children. Dick left for Richmond last night.","The funds of University Alabama are just like \"jack-o-my-lanterns\". I was to have had $40,000 to begin with \u0026 have got $16,000 maybe. It bothers me enough.","Ask Brodie when he gets to New York please to call at 156 \u0026 7 Crosby Street \u0026 enquire for C.B. Richardson \u0026 if he is not in for Prof Lawrence \u0026 ask for a copy of Geog No 3 New Edition, for my young friend his little grandson \u0026 take it with him to Savannah. I will write \u0026 tell them he's a-coming.","You must be sure \u0026 come to fetch Nannie back \nYours truly","V.M.I. 23 Sept '71","Dear Corbin, \nTwas a source of profound regret that none of us could get down to help render the last offices of friendship and affection to John. He died as he lived, like a Christian gentleman.","We had Brodie's room ready for him last night and felt disappointment when his letter came saying he had to go to Savannah.","Elie Lucy \u0026 I expect to leave for Tenn. about the 5th maybe 1st. I think you had better come up to escort Nannie \u0026 the children back- we should be mighty glad to see you. Want to talk over the Tenn. speech with you. There is a stage that leaves here twice a week at 11 AM for Goshen where it connects with a train due in Staunton at 8.45 P.M. There you stay all night \u0026 at 9 next morning leave for Richd. I think this is the best way to go for it saves that long night in the stage house. The boy has improved wonderfully \u0026 is a great pet.","Tell me the lowest price of wheat in Aug. last, with date, and the price now. Jno Herndon had my will, please ask Charles when he comes across it, to hand it to you. You can fetch it up with you.","The weather here is lovely. Give my love to Ellen Mercer Charles \u0026 Lucy.","Yrs. truly \nM.F. Maury","V.M.I. \nLexington \n11 Nov. 71","My dear Nannie, \nLet's hear that boy whistle- why that's like the cars. Let's hear you whistle like the darkies. Well! cut a somersault. How does he like the new house? and Nanna the dancing school? She must teach him all her steps, gaits and [moves].","We got back last night week- and if they will send us free tickets again Elie and I will go to the Agricultural Congress in Selma 12 Dec. Tell Corbin I am going to carry that plan- i.e.- do my best and so roll that ball over Henry \u0026 the rest of them. But the rascals they'll catch it up as soon as they see it rolling along finely and say it was theirs. I think [Thomps] is behaving most shabbily-plagiarism \u0026 piracy are mild terms to [ ] what he\nis doing. He used to make a living by lecturing on my works-carrying PG's under his arm. Now he not only steals my brains, and ignores my books, but gives other people the credit that belongs to me.","Sally F. and Sister E. have gone to the Pendletons. We have no coal yet.","I begin Monday to prepare my P.G. lecture - to be [based on the question] - \"What science has done for mankind.\"","Crit got a letter from Sue yesterday. Dick stays downtown all day. Totts is poorly- Have been working Crit, Mary, Lucy \u0026 Elie hard this week I tell you. The Lee quilt is to be raffled at the Letcher's tonight. We will draw it, I reckon- some of us have tickets- 24 chances- Totts had this morning a letter from Tom Bold - speaks well of Price. Frank Smith has gone over there. Will reports Betty as recovering fast \u0026 Nannie Bell in high glee over her new piano. Don't hear often from Brave. Love to Corbin, Sue, Mat and the\nchildren. \nYrs affectionately, \nM.F. Maury","V.M.I. 20 Dec. 1871","My dear little grandson that's named John Maury Corbin, some of this letter is for Nana too but I send it to you because xmas is a coming-","You just ought to be here- we are having so much fun- Last night your Ma's chimney caught afire- F i a r F i a r! Como. Maury's house is afiar! The drums beat, the fife squeaked \u0026 the cadets came tumbling up- some with \"guns\" to shoot the robbers- some with buckets to quench the fire. Oh it was so nice, but the fire went out just so before they could ever get here- And [then] it's so cold the river is frozen- all the girls- and Jimmy\nMoore \u0026 Genl Pendleton and all the other little boys go a skating. They take lunch, and have picknick on the ice. `The boy' can skate \u0026 the littlest Johnson is the best skater of them all- [ ]. And then it's been snowing \u0026 rainy \u0026 hailing- and what do you think it did yesterday at dinner in the dining room- there was money shower and the flakes were GreenBacks! You and Nana ought to have been here for 'scrambling'. They went like soap bubbles- and so you had to catch them quick nobody could get more than one flakeand\nsomebody saved these two for you two - not too and your Ma- She is to give you at least 10 cts out of it \u0026 Nanna 20 cts \u0026 Charlie 20 cts- for you to go down street by [yourselves] and buy just what you please.","She's to keep the rest","And do the best-","Can you write poetry?","Tell her your Aunt Eliza has been very poorly- is getting better. She hasn't been here since the day after we got back from Memphis.","I have been to see her once- walked- was laid up for a week part of the time unable to turn over in bed. Have sent for a carriage to go \u0026 see her this evening- She's afraid that Sally F. is going away from her \u0026 that helps to make her sick.","You all ought to be here these times- Your Uncle Charlie sent us some Blue wings- by the time they got here they had turned to Canvas Backs- they are so good!","Here comes somebody. A Merry Xmas to your Pa \u0026 Ma and sister \u0026 your own sweet little self. Who is Mat's sweetheart? I know Charlie's- Have you got one? What's her name? \nYour affectionate friend. \nM.F. Maury","V.M.I. 1 March (1872)","My dear Corbin, \nTake Nannie, Totts, Nanna \u0026 the boy into your counsels- read to them Elie's M.S. in confidence- take their vote- \"Fire or Sandy Little\" \u0026 if they say Sandy, hand it to him- on condition that he's to \"harry\" the Whig without letting Whig or anybody know who `Old Spotsylvanian' is. It's a shame that the Whig should be fooling that \"foolish little legislation\" so.","If you or Nannie do not want to S. [ ] so for y'r scrap book, hand it to Totts for 'hern'. Why don't those children answer my letters? I've got the whooping cough- used to have it in Ten. Catch it from the children at the house- [up] [ ]- [ ].","When is the height of the fishing season? Tell me- for if at that time I feel as young as the whooping cough \u0026 in the [ ] I may run down, pick up Totts \u0026 Ho for Glymont. Mrs. M. is pestering me mightily to go A - W A Y ! Got a letter this morning from Taffy imploring me not to let the yankees light Jno Bull.","Tell Totts -O now I wish I had some birds- all well \u0026 send love. Yrs M. F. Maury.","\u003e\u003e\u003e\u003e\u003eIf Sandy publish- send me a few extras.","V.M.I. 27 March '72","Dear Corbin, \nTotts had been telling us of \"the Boy's\" deafness and how badly Nannie was looking. I sent the cheque to \"buy exemptions\" so you did exactly right- and I hope it will buy [cards].","Tell Nana \u0026 the boy they ought to be here just to see me. I go about the house whooping like a red Indian on the war path- Does he remember his island? There it is- In the last three snows it was as naked as a rock- now why wouldn't the snow lie on it- can he tell?","Tell Totts Mrs. Sinclair is at the point of death. Betty Page has come up to help nurse her. We hope Nannie will run down to Richmond. [Credits] - Miss Mildred is engaged to Prof. Blair. College Calithumps on the night of 1st- two boys fought a duel- one shot tother two times. Old Hughes keeps [up] pinched for wood- Dick's at home on crutches sprained ankle. Va- I reckon- is going downhill all the time- and tho I fancy I can see ways for letting up- I don't see the wisdom for putting her in those ways, \u0026 so her course\nis downward ho!","This is a beautiful day- I am not well enough to venture out. Don't know when Lucy is coming- Love to all \nyrs. M.F. Maury","V.M.I. 10 Apl '72","My dear Nannie, \nWhy don't I come out and prevent people from stealing my brains torpedoes \u0026 all? Why don't the passenger at sea come out \u0026 stop pirates from pirating? Didn't Queen Vic her own dear self steal my torpedoes right before my face- and as for `[thunder]'-look at 'Thomps' \u0026 your dear yankees.","That's a fact- Corbin is a great financier- He has managed the estate with much ability and fine judgment \u0026 J P owes him 'a heap'. I suppose J.P. did not find enough to do in the office to occupy him- and I think idle hours drag more ways than one before a young man that is not yet fairly engaged in the battle of life.","And can the boy read? Ask him to read this letter. \nJIM BIT A FOX \nTHE CAT EAT A RAT. And go [up] [head].","I've got the whooping cough in my back \u0026 all over. And I've \"got no work to do-o\".","There is nothing [any] my table- Elie is writing a great speech for the National Agricultural Association which is to meet in St. Louis next month. Fish refuses to help my `ball' along. Elie's speech is going to roll it right over him. Don't those fellows in Washington hate me with a hate? And ain't it elegant to make 'em do, what you tell's em?","Mat repeated to me last night most beautifully the Death of Montrose. It reminded me so much of my blessed Davy Jones. My eyes filled with tears \u0026 my heart with emotions unutterable. Sue brings up \u0026 teaches Mat very well. He and your Nannie are the best child-readers I ever heard. You ought to be here just to see the sons in law- as many as twenty at a time- I hide under the bed-Crit jumps on the sofa Aunt Mary and the rest scramble up stairs. You are right- Totts is chief among 10,000 \u0026 altogether lovely. Where am I to go? Can't stay here another winter. Take away my house \u0026 my pay- and\nthen leave me to rent a house and do without the $1800! -how's the pot to be kept a going? The question is bothering me a good deal. The weather here is beautiful and the grass green- and the trees vocal at early matins. When are you coming up? I'd give a cow \u0026 calf to come down but the way is so hard \u0026 I so rickety. Everybody sends to you Corbin \u0026 the children \nyr aft M.F. Maury","V.M.I. 19 Apl '72","My dear Corbin, \nI made up my mind this morning to break out from my pleasant surroundings \u0026 happy relations here about 1st Sept. by which time it will not be imprudent to settle somewhere in Eastern Va. The high rents in Richmond Nannie's letter \u0026 the Taylor (?) houseopposite Uncle Charlie's- with its $250- set my mouth to watering for the old burg. In what sort of repair is it- Do the windows rattle? do the doors open \u0026 shut easily \u0026 without noise- How are the grates and fire places. Does the house smoke. Is it lighted with gas \u0026 has it a water closet? If nay, can it have all these things and I the refusal of it, till Sept.? I would ask you to engage it now but for the chance of my being offered something somewhere else which will strengthen my money power and enable me, with material surroundings - to be more comfortable than I could be upon my own only in Fredericksburg. How many rooms has the house? Can you rough sketch me the grand plan?","Could the boy read my letter- and ain't he coming up here to help us pack up, and show us the way to his house?","I send Nanna a newspaper. It is printed by [ ] Pratt, a little cripple- He is about her size- He has got a printing press and a font of type. He sets these and prints and edits all himself. I send her also a splendid composition by Alice. Alice is a physical geographer- A has told about a drop of water on the earth- Now can N. tell about one in the sky? Water is a beautiful thing I tell you. It is protean- and you think that in every new shape you see it, it's more lovely yet. Yesterday it was dropping down in little white pits, as hard as pits and hopping about the town more than the cadets. It made them scamper I tell you. Then it laid itself in the grass, and peeped at you for a little while-as much as to sayhere goes your [Tennessee] ice cream- come \u0026 catch me if you dare- and by the time you got there 'twas just nothing at all. That No 3 Geography you are studying is an old edition and a great many mistakes such as you and Molly found- have been corrected, maps like those at p.p. 21- 148 \u0026 152 have the scale all the way up and down the sides- it varies with the latitude- Thus reason on a piece of paper the distance for 20 between the equator \u0026 20 N. and then try it for 20 between 40 \u0026 60 N. Your Pa will show you. \nAll well and send love yrs \nM.F. Maury","V.M.I. 10 May '72","My dear Corbin, \nI give you many thanks for the trouble- all for naught- that you have so kindly undertaken in re Carter House. Dr Wellford's figures are too large, so I will get you to keep your eyes about you for one on easier terms.","I have most got my courage up to the sticking point for St. Louis. Here I feel somewhat like Sin Bad the sailor in his valley of Diamonds- so hard to get out. Dick took the cars this morning for Richmond. The weather is mighty hot. That was a first rate physical Geographical composition of N. I sent it to Alice. Bless her heart give her a kiss- and ask her to ask the boy if he knows what river that is that goes by Fredericksburg and where does it come from \u0026 where does it go to- and if she can write a composition and tell\nwhat's the use of rivers anyhow? Love to Nannie- all well- Tell her there's another [ ] of S.C. [rice] on the way. \nyrs, \nM.F. Maury","V.M.I. 12 May '72","My dear Corbin, \nI have no doubt of Carroll's fitness because you speak of him so highly. But rules work sometimes inconveniently. I have found it necessary to make rules for conduct, and one is not to recommend unless I can speak from personal knowledge \u0026 sufficient acquaintanceship. So I hope neither he nor you will take my rule amiss.","I expect to leave for St. Louis on 22. But the getting out of this valley is the trouble. The idea of getting out oppresses somewhat as Sin Bad the Sailor was oppressed in the Valley of Diamonds.","Thanks for your kind invitation, but I don't reckon we shall get away from here before the fall. Moreover we are hedging now so as to treasure up for the move. Today it's very hot. Lucy is under the weather. The church is to be pulled down tomorrow. Mrs. Burwell is here- and we are all well. \nyrs truly \nM.F. Maury","V.M.I. 19 May '72","My dear Children, \nI set off for St. Louis day after tomorrow- a day earlier than I intended for the purpose of spending Thursday at the Arlington in Washington to meet C.B.R. He is very much opposed to my `burying myself alive' and makes a proposition which amounts practically to an allowance sufficient to pay house rent say $1000 in Richmond. This is `[now] just so'. I'm to do nothing for it but just live in Richmond. I have not accepted nor declined it\nbut have it to stand just so tall after our talk.","C.B.R. and his Co are doing a roaring business. From all I hear they expect the Geographies alone to clear this year not less than $125,000.","We have been expecting a visit from Jim Monroe \u0026 his girls. He wrote word last Tuesday they were coming- and sent word that he would go with me to St. Louis, and that's all. I shall be sorry to miss them. Crit talks of going with me as far as Gordonsville on his way to Betty. But Betty don't write to say she \"can't get along without her\" so I should not be surprised if she don't go, though she had her trunk brought down three days ago intending to ship off in the 'Packet' tonight. Dick is still in Richmond. They have begun to pull down our church \u0026 we have 'nowhere to go'. Dabney expects to move this week to Nashville. He tells me he has a letter from [T.] saying he didn't think anything of my `ball' at first and that now he has changed his opinion and advised Dabney as to what I ought to do- a great [piece] of imprudence- I have no doubt he wants to get a chance to steal more thunder and have asked D. not to hold any correspondence with him upon the subject.","Tell Nana I did answer her beautiful composition and asked her to tell me the use of Rivers and make the boy tell where the Rapp. comes from \u0026 whither it goes. Don't she want to go to St. Louis \u0026 see the great big river that runs by there? What is its name. Totts is going on a visit to the [Cock's] of [Bowston]. Don't know when she's coming home. All well and send love \nYrs \nM.F. Maury","St. Louis \n30 May '72","My dear wife, \nThe Congress never before knew what an address was. It was delivered last night- and everything has been done exactly as I would have it. I was surly yesterday. Am having a bout with the foot in the elbow- was in bed half the day- and was not fit to speak and thought I should break down but am much better today. Charles escorts me to the Guthrie's tomorrow- I return Monday- 37 miles and then strike for you and home as hard as I can rattle. Have not decided which route to take. Col. Withers who C.B.R. sent to take care of me fancies to go through Tenn. I shall be governed a good deal by him for\nhe is so considerate and kind I can't get on well without him. If I go via Wash. shall touch at Fb'g- and at Richmond anyhow. Send this letter and the papers I mail with it up to Nannie to be passed on to V.M.I. for I [have] to [trim] the [wick]. Love to all. Who is 'Kate'? I haven't had time to see her. \nYrs M.F.","St. Chas. Co. Mo. \n1 June 72","Dear Corbin, \nI am to leave this Monday A.M. and St. Louis at 3 P.M. Straight onward for you \u0026 Nannie say 50 hours. \nyrs in haste, M.F.M.","send to my wife","V.M.I. 19 June '72","Dear Corbin, \nThanks for the 13 [Newses]: you and Nannie [regard] the [speech] nicely. Monday the Minor girls left in a carriage under Walker's escort, to spend the night at Goshen and proceed yesterday to Hanover. Crit without writing and accompanied by Totts, Nannie Bell \u0026 Alice took us quite by surprise Monday night. They found the Minor girls at Goshen- scorned the carriage and came straight on in the stage arriving here at 10 1/2 pm. as bright as the moon and as gay as larks. They left Betty still in bed. Will's trip to\nWytheville has been put off till 1st July. We are writing for Betty to come along up. I sent in resignation yesterday to take effect 10 Sept. The day before sent off new ed. of Geog. no. 3. and this morning have \"the foot\" also a letter from Dab- of 16- from Nashville where they all are saying little Dab is very ill with scarlet fever. This morning also I got a copy of the Physical Geography of the Sea in Italian, which [Gat a] has published in\nRome. He never knew what a book was before. Love to the children. \nYrs, M.F. Maury","V.M.I. 24 July (1872)","Dear Corbin \nWe are driving to see Nannie \u0026 the children. Look for Betty also. Sorry you don't come too. Plenty of room. Totts lie \u0026 I are off for [Yellow] next week- [thence to 6] or -13th Aug. for an Ag. Address- then back, then to Boston! 18 Sept. for another. Thence to St. Louis 1st Oct for another- so you see I am knocking the 'balls' along.","Don't bother yourself about the money. If I want it- we can discount old\n[Harmon].","Better come up and get those Farley Vale 'tadpoles' \u0026 Fredericksburg chills out of you. \nYrs, M.F. Maury","Knoxville Tenn. \nSunday Aug 11 (1872)","My dear wife, \nI arrived here last night at 11.30- It is now 9 A.M.- The ride did me a `heap of good' knocking the remains of that [severe] bout in the knee into the middle of next week. I left the girls lodged next door to, \u0026 in charge of, the Taylors- nice people. I [propose] to be back Saturday- to leave Monday and to be at home Tuesday. I had a fancy to spend Saturday night \u0026 Sunday at the White, for the sake of rubbing bright the links that bind me\nto the Maury's there - Uncle Phils' - and of seeing gentlemen [there] \u0026 'roll any balls'. Higgins who married one of them was very kind \u0026 [pressing] and told Totts he would come and fetch her any day she'd name \u0026 'Dilly' promised to take them into her room. I suggested to Totts that she should write for him to fetch them Saturday p.m. so we might arrive about the same time. They did not appear to take the hint that I wanted them to go- so I did not press. The trip is not so long as I was told it was- so I should not be surprised if I were to pick the girls up at the 'Yellow' Friday p.m. and be with you Saturday. How's Betty \u0026 when's Will coming up? I suppose I shall be putting out for \"The Hub\" about this time next month so if he don't come I shan't see him. Betty [resistive] that of going to the White by herself-V.M.I. is a better place than Springs for her anyhow. I can sleep in Barracks if need be- so tell her to be comfortable \u0026 stop that climbing. One\nmorning Totts was at the Bowling Alley- all of a sudden your son in law \u0026 his sister hitched up, bid me goodbye, and when Totts came back she was surprised to hear they had gone!","The trains here are just 12 hours apart- so I shall take the one at 11 1/2 today- and go to Dalton- due at 6- or to Atlanta due at midnight according to my feeling.","I think the girls are having though not a grand, yet far from a dull time. I left the Boston speech for Elie to flirt with. I met with no adventures on my way save an interesting looking youth, of 17, sent by the Tribune to carry Tennessee. He was on their city staff, was a practical printer- had worked at the fonts 3 1/2 years- learned shorthand, and was such an expert that he could take down 200 words in one minute. When he takes down a speech, doesn't know what it's about! He could take down a Chinaman's speech - as well as an Englishman's- but then he would have to have Chinese to report it.","Love \u0026 kisses to everybody. Dying to see [you] \n[Yr.] M.","V.M.I. 4 Sep. 72","Dear Corbin, \nI am suddenly called on to make a raise.","I have sent R.H. Maury \u0026 Co. Richmond an order requesting you to discount that paper and send them the proceeds.","They are to send you the order only in case it be necessary. So if you get it from them you will know what to do. They will want $1200. Expect Will \u0026 Betty tonight. \nYrs \nM.F. Maury","V.M.I. 8 Sept. 72","Dear Corbin, \nThanks for yrs of [recd] this morning. [Secure] at some time from R.H.M. Better let them carry at 8 prct. while ours run at 10-? So hold on for further orders.","I reckon houses in Fb'g will not fall much lower- and that purchase would be wise.","I congratulate you on security debts- think you have done first rate.","What do you think of buying in Richmond instead of Fb'g? property is going up there. I don't see when the tide is to turn for Fb'g.","I mail with this the Ga. speech. Whatever may be the local exceptions here \u0026 there, the south is as there stated going downhill.","Elie \u0026 I are off for Boston Thursday. Nannie writes and gives you chit-chat. \nyrs \nM.F. Maury","New York (Jim's) \n15 Sept '72","My dear wife, \nWe arrived here at 5 p.m. yesterday all safe \u0026 sound. Elie had `the [head]' say from 10 to 2. I got her a cup of coffee at Wilmington- also a sandwich and [they] set her up. We only stopped there 10m so there was no time for dinner- I brought her the coffee, after a while a man came hopping through the cars, selling papers \u0026 crying fresh fried oysterspiping hot, especially for this train- each box has 6 oysters- 6 crackers and a pickle. I bought the last box and that set Elie completely up. She's as bright as a lark this morning going to church 10 sqrs off. Too far for me. Jim and Pierpont have not returned. I shall leave here about 10 in the morning, spend the day at publisher's and then at 5 go to 4th street for dinner and the night. All of Jim's folks were at home- glad to see us - \u0026 send love. Elie told 'em she was hungry as a hawk- They had tea at 6.30 and the best beef steak I ever did taste. I went to bed at 9 - and got up at 8. Glorious night- for I made a [bed] out of it in Washington- left there at 8. Arlington expensive place- went there in a [bus] and came away in the [bus]- total cost including lodging \u0026 2 meals ea. $11. It's cool today. Leave this for Elie Love to Bettie, Nannie, Will, Lucy, Molly \u0026 Mary \u0026 all the children. So sorry I forgot to tell Lucy to copy [that] [Res.] from the letter book- they are\nthere in her hand at the end of the Boston Speech. yrs M.","[Letter continues in hand of Eliza H. Maury) \nI thought about that black dress once or twice, but felt quite satisfied I had put it back in the trunk after wearing it at the Waddells. Went to Grace Church today but didn't see Cousin Ann \u0026 Cousin Rutson. A beautiful Gothic Church with stained glass windows, fine music, \u0026 a real good sermon, I enjoyed it ever so much. Saw Mr. [Ned] Rives as I was coming out, but don't think he saw me. The girls gave me a very warm welcome \u0026 cousin Ellen too. Lucy \u0026 I have a room together \u0026 she makes a great fuss over me. This house\nis right next door to everything. Stuart's, Tiffanys, Cousin Ellen Lewis, Cousin Matts! Cousin Ellen Mercer's \u0026 every hing. Lucy admires my new trunk very much \u0026 says she is going to have on just like it. This is such a pretty house \u0026 so very nicely furnished. They rent it furnished but all the pictures \u0026 ornaments are their own \u0026 there are some very pretty ones among them- bronzes \u0026 things. The children seem unnaturally quiet to me, they scarcely speak above a whisper at the table. What do our children say to that?","Give my love to everyone \u0026 kiss my dear [Jim] for me. Tell Lucy Mr. Noland was here on his way to South America not long ago \u0026 gave Annie his photograph with a moustache, oh such a nice nice picture! \u0026 I haven't got one \u0026 my heart is broke. Good bye dear sweetness were you mad when I left my dress? It was horridly stupid of me; it has not been delivered yet but will come tomorrow I expect- Your own Beloved.","St. Louis. 10th Oct 1872","My dear Corbin, \nI have just time to say that I am too poorly to undertake the long journey East \u0026 propose going tomorrow to Jefferson City to Genl James Minor's to recuperate; he is George Minor's brother you know. \nYours- M.F. Maury \nper E.M."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eMatthew Fontaine Maury papers, MS 0103, Virginia Military Institute Archives, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Matthew Fontaine Maury papers, MS 0103, Virginia Military Institute Archives, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe Matthew Fontaine Maury papers consist primarily of letters written by Maury to various members of his family, including daughter Diana Fontaine Corbin (Maury) (1837-1900), son-in-law Spotswood Wellford Corbin (1835-1897), and wife Ann Hull Maury (Herndon) (1811-1901). Other correspondents include Maximilian (1832-1867), Emperor of Mexico, and Empress Carlotta.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn addition to personal and domestic matters, topics include:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLecture series\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCareer at the National Observatory in Washington, D.C.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConfederate service in Richmond, Virginia\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eActivities in England\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColonization efforts in Mexico\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProfessorship at VMI\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e   \nThe papers also include related correspondence and printed material.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis correspondence series was given to VMI as a single donation by a descendant of Diana Fontaine Corbin (Maury), \"Nannie,\" a daughter of Matthew F. Maury.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards family news and the presidential election.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. The letter states that Diana Fontaine Corbin (Maury) must wait one year before an engagement can take place.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn the letter, Ferdinand Maximilian, Archduke of Austria, thanks Matthew Fontaine Maury for sending a copy of \"Sailing Directions.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards Diana Fontaine Corbin's (Maury) new marriage.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from White Sulphur, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. The letter regards family news and mentions that Matthew Fontaine Maury will soon begin a lecture series in Ohio.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Rochester, New York. Letter regards the lecture series, which has a \"large and attentive audience.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Chicago, Illinois. Letter regards the itinerary for the rest of the lecture series.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Kalamazoo, Michigan. Letter regards a poor turnout at the Chicago, Illinois lecture due to weather.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Chicago, Illinois. Letter regards the lecture series and distance Mathew Fontaine Maury has traveled since leaving home.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Chicago, Illinois. Letter regards lecture series and travel to Cincinnati, Ohio.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Cleveland, Ohio. Letter regards general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWrittenf from Cleveland, Ohio. Letter regards a disruption in train schedule that led to travel in a private car supplied by the president of the railroad.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Louis, Missouri. Letter regards travel for the next week.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards the solution to a rebus (puzzle) enjoyed by the family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter discusses plants that were lost in transit to the Corbins.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter discusses plants that were lost in transit to the Corbins.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter alludes to legal matters regarding the management of the estate.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards family health news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards legal matters and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards family news. Letter contains postscript written by Ann Hull Maury (Herndon).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards legal matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards legal matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards  signing a deed of trust upon the estate Farley Vale.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards the political situation in Virginia as it may affect property.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from London, England. Letter regards general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Steamer New York.\" Letter describes stay in England and an address before the Geographical Society.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards the outbreak of the Civil War.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards a  plan to organize home guard.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards Spotswood W. Corbin's war service plans and failure of \"guerilla scheme.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards Civil War news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Charlottesville, Virginia. Letter regards Spotswood W. Corbin's plans for service and housing.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards an extension of Spotswood W. Corbin's leave.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards Spotswood W. Corbin's service.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards family news and Spotswood W. Corbin's service.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards news of \"Dave's\" appointment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Acknowledges receipt of letter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards that Dick was wounded in battle and will be out 6 weeks.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards situation in Fredericksburg, Virginia (Pope's order to arrest those who will not swear allegiance).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Bowdon, England. Letter regards personal news and mentions that Yankees are trying to raise money in England.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from London, England. Letter regards a trip to Paris, France.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Bowdon, England. Letter regards the death of his son John Herndon Maury (Davy), who died in January 1863.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from England. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from England. Lette regards general family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Bowdon, England. Letter regards the capture of Spotswood W. Corbin.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"The Parsonage, Belsize Park, London,\" England. Letter regards general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"The Parsonage, Belsize Park, London,\" England. Letter regards health issues.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Off San Domingo.\" Letter regards the end of the Civil War.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eContemporary copy of the decree by Emperor Maximilian that regards immigration and benefits granted to immigrants, and regulations regarding use of laborers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCopy of an addendum to emperial decree, in which Matthew Fontaine Maury outlines the climate, economy and other features of Mexico for the information of prospective immigrants.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Office of Colonization, 13 Calle San Juan de Letran, Mexico. Letter comments about colonization effort and false rumors that Matthew Fontaine Maury has requested a pardon from the United States government.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCopy by Rutson Maury, with notations.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Office of Colonization, Mexico. Letter regards a potential trip to England, the situation in Virginia, and colonization.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Mexico. In the letter, Matthew Fontaine Maury urges Diana Fontaine Corbin (Maury) to consider establishing a settlement in Mexico.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter fragment copied by Diana Fontaine Corbin (Maury). Letter regars colonization of Mexico.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter fragment regards colonization in Mexico.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Mexico. In the letter, Matthew Fontaine Maury urges Diana Fontaine Corbin (Maury) to consider establishing a settlement in Mexico.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Mexico. Document announces an offer to Confederate settlers to purchase the estate of Santa Anna.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from theColonization Office, Mexico. Document concerns an offer to Confederate settlers to purchase the estate of Santa Anna.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Colonization Office, Mexico.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Mexico. Letter regards possible settlement in Mexico.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Mexico. Copy of a letter to Empress Charlotte (Carlotta) regarding colonization and internal improvements.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Cuernavaca, Mexico. Copy of letter from Empress Charlotte regarding Matthew Fontaine Maury's trip to England.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCopy of letter from Maximilian regarding Matthew Fontaine Maury's settlement in Mexico.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Mexico. Letter regards trip to England and  colonization in Mexico.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Veracruz, Mexico. Letter regards travel across Mexico, ongoing colonization, and the political situation in Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Paris, France. Letter regards issues with the colonization of Mexico.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from England. In the letter Matthew Fontaine Maury voices that he has decided not to return to Mexico.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from London, England. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from London, England. Letter regards Matthew Fontaine Maury's views of the South.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from London, England. Letter regards business and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from London, England. Letter nentions renting Farley Vale.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from London, England. Letter regards family news and the possibility of Matthew Fontaine Maury taking a position at the University of the South in Tennessee.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from London, England. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from London, England. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from London, England. Letter regards family news and plans to help revive industry in Virginia with steam agricultural machinery.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Liverpool, England. Letter regards trip back to the United States.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Liverpool, England. Letter regards luggage and weather at sea. Also included is a note by Rutson Maury dated July 13.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards legal matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter fragment regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Rockbridge Baths, Virginia. In the letter, Matthew Fontaine Maury notes that VMI Superintendent Francis H. Smith will come tomorrow to take him to Lexington, Virginia, where he will be officially installed on the faculty of the VMI.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards grain prices and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards the  insolvency of Spotswood W. Corbin's tenant and resulting problems.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards the insolvency of Spotswood W. Corbin's tenant and resulting problems.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards business and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards business news and the publication of Matthew Fontaine Maury's report on the Physical Survey of Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards Matthew Fontaine Maury's report on the Physical Survey of Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards business news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards business news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards business news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards the acquistion of household goods for move  to Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the move to Lexington.  Matthew Fontaine Maury has been offered Presidency of University of Alabama, which he is considering.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards bills for household goods.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards carpets for home in Lexington.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards six dozen napkins for home in Lexington.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Spotswood W. Corbin's business prospects.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards business news and discussion of potential for plantations in San Domingo, Dominican Republic.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards finances.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Spotswood W. Corbin's financial matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the situation at the University of Alabama and whether or not Matthew Fontaine Maury will take the position there.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and references the position at the University of Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter references the position at the University of Alabama and business matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards travel plans and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards travel to St. Louis, Missouri.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Louis, Missouri. Letter regards Matthew Fontaine Maury's speech and travel plans.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Charles County, Missouri. Letter regards travel plans.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Knoxville, Tennessee. Letter regards travel plans.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Knoxville, Tennessee. Letter regards financial matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards financial matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from New York. Letter regards travel and includes a note by Eliza H. Maury.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Louis, Missouri. Letter regards health issues and travel.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Louis, Missouri. Telegram regards travel plans.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The Matthew Fontaine Maury papers consist primarily of letters written by Maury to various members of his family, including daughter Diana Fontaine Corbin (Maury) (1837-1900), son-in-law Spotswood Wellford Corbin (1835-1897), and wife Ann Hull Maury (Herndon) (1811-1901). Other correspondents include Maximilian (1832-1867), Emperor of Mexico, and Empress Carlotta.","In addition to personal and domestic matters, topics include:\n Lecture series Career at the National Observatory in Washington, D.C. Confederate service in Richmond, Virginia Activities in England Colonization efforts in Mexico Professorship at VMI    \nThe papers also include related correspondence and printed material.","This correspondence series was given to VMI as a single donation by a descendant of Diana Fontaine Corbin (Maury), \"Nannie,\" a daughter of Matthew F. Maury.","Written from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards family news and the presidential election.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. The letter states that Diana Fontaine Corbin (Maury) must wait one year before an engagement can take place.","In the letter, Ferdinand Maximilian, Archduke of Austria, thanks Matthew Fontaine Maury for sending a copy of \"Sailing Directions.\"","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards Diana Fontaine Corbin's (Maury) new marriage.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards general family news.","Written from White Sulphur, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. The letter regards family news and mentions that Matthew Fontaine Maury will soon begin a lecture series in Ohio.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards general family news.","Written from Rochester, New York. Letter regards the lecture series, which has a \"large and attentive audience.\"","Written from Chicago, Illinois. Letter regards the itinerary for the rest of the lecture series.","Written from Kalamazoo, Michigan. Letter regards a poor turnout at the Chicago, Illinois lecture due to weather.","Written from Chicago, Illinois. Letter regards the lecture series and distance Mathew Fontaine Maury has traveled since leaving home.","Written from Chicago, Illinois. Letter regards lecture series and travel to Cincinnati, Ohio.","Written from Cleveland, Ohio. Letter regards general family news.","Writtenf from Cleveland, Ohio. Letter regards a disruption in train schedule that led to travel in a private car supplied by the president of the railroad.","Written from St. Louis, Missouri. Letter regards travel for the next week.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards the solution to a rebus (puzzle) enjoyed by the family.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards general family news.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter discusses plants that were lost in transit to the Corbins.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter discusses plants that were lost in transit to the Corbins.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards general family news.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards general family news.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter alludes to legal matters regarding the management of the estate.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards general family news.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards general family news.","Written from Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards family health news.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards legal matters and family news.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards family news. Letter contains postscript written by Ann Hull Maury (Herndon).","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards legal matters.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards legal matters.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards family news.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards family news.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards family news.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards  signing a deed of trust upon the estate Farley Vale.","Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards the political situation in Virginia as it may affect property.","Written from London, England. Letter regards general news.","Written from \"Steamer New York.\" Letter describes stay in England and an address before the Geographical Society.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards the outbreak of the Civil War.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards a  plan to organize home guard.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards Spotswood W. Corbin's war service plans and failure of \"guerilla scheme.\"","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards Civil War news.","Written from Charlottesville, Virginia. Letter regards Spotswood W. Corbin's plans for service and housing.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards general news.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards an extension of Spotswood W. Corbin's leave.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards Spotswood W. Corbin's service.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards family news and Spotswood W. Corbin's service.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards news of \"Dave's\" appointment.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards general news.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Acknowledges receipt of letter.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Letter regards that Dick was wounded in battle and will be out 6 weeks.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards general news.","Letter regards family news.","Letter regards family news.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards situation in Fredericksburg, Virginia (Pope's order to arrest those who will not swear allegiance).","Written from Bowdon, England. Letter regards personal news and mentions that Yankees are trying to raise money in England.","Written from London, England. Letter regards a trip to Paris, France.","Written from Bowdon, England. Letter regards the death of his son John Herndon Maury (Davy), who died in January 1863.","Written from England. Letter regards family news.","Written from England. Lette regards general family news.","Written from Bowdon, England. Letter regards the capture of Spotswood W. Corbin.","Written from \"The Parsonage, Belsize Park, London,\" England. Letter regards general news.","Written from \"The Parsonage, Belsize Park, London,\" England. Letter regards health issues.","Written from \"Off San Domingo.\" Letter regards the end of the Civil War.","Contemporary copy of the decree by Emperor Maximilian that regards immigration and benefits granted to immigrants, and regulations regarding use of laborers.","Copy of an addendum to emperial decree, in which Matthew Fontaine Maury outlines the climate, economy and other features of Mexico for the information of prospective immigrants.","Written from the Office of Colonization, 13 Calle San Juan de Letran, Mexico. Letter comments about colonization effort and false rumors that Matthew Fontaine Maury has requested a pardon from the United States government.","Copy by Rutson Maury, with notations.","Written from the Office of Colonization, Mexico. Letter regards a potential trip to England, the situation in Virginia, and colonization.","Written from Mexico. In the letter, Matthew Fontaine Maury urges Diana Fontaine Corbin (Maury) to consider establishing a settlement in Mexico.","Letter fragment copied by Diana Fontaine Corbin (Maury). Letter regars colonization of Mexico.","Letter fragment regards colonization in Mexico.","Written from Mexico. In the letter, Matthew Fontaine Maury urges Diana Fontaine Corbin (Maury) to consider establishing a settlement in Mexico.","Written from Mexico. Document announces an offer to Confederate settlers to purchase the estate of Santa Anna.","Written from theColonization Office, Mexico. Document concerns an offer to Confederate settlers to purchase the estate of Santa Anna.","Written from the Colonization Office, Mexico.","Written from Mexico. Letter regards possible settlement in Mexico.","Written from Mexico. Copy of a letter to Empress Charlotte (Carlotta) regarding colonization and internal improvements.","Written from Cuernavaca, Mexico. Copy of letter from Empress Charlotte regarding Matthew Fontaine Maury's trip to England.","Copy of letter from Maximilian regarding Matthew Fontaine Maury's settlement in Mexico.","Written from Mexico. Letter regards trip to England and  colonization in Mexico.","Written from Veracruz, Mexico. Letter regards travel across Mexico, ongoing colonization, and the political situation in Virginia.","Written from Paris, France. Letter regards issues with the colonization of Mexico.","Written from England. In the letter Matthew Fontaine Maury voices that he has decided not to return to Mexico.","Written from London, England. Letter regards family news.","Written from London, England. Letter regards Matthew Fontaine Maury's views of the South.","Written from London, England. Letter regards business and family news.","Written from London, England. Letter nentions renting Farley Vale.","Written from London, England. Letter regards family news and the possibility of Matthew Fontaine Maury taking a position at the University of the South in Tennessee.","Written from London, England. Letter regards family news.","Written from London, England. Letter regards family news.","Written from London, England. Letter regards family news and plans to help revive industry in Virginia with steam agricultural machinery.","Written from Liverpool, England. Letter regards trip back to the United States.","Written from Liverpool, England. Letter regards luggage and weather at sea. Also included is a note by Rutson Maury dated July 13.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards legal matters.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter fragment regards family news.","Written from Rockbridge Baths, Virginia. In the letter, Matthew Fontaine Maury notes that VMI Superintendent Francis H. Smith will come tomorrow to take him to Lexington, Virginia, where he will be officially installed on the faculty of the VMI.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards grain prices and family news.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards the  insolvency of Spotswood W. Corbin's tenant and resulting problems.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards the insolvency of Spotswood W. Corbin's tenant and resulting problems.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards business and family news.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards business news and the publication of Matthew Fontaine Maury's report on the Physical Survey of Virginia.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards Matthew Fontaine Maury's report on the Physical Survey of Virginia.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards business news.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards business news.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards business news.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards the acquistion of household goods for move  to Lexington, Virginia.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the move to Lexington.  Matthew Fontaine Maury has been offered Presidency of University of Alabama, which he is considering.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards bills for household goods.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards carpets for home in Lexington.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards six dozen napkins for home in Lexington.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Spotswood W. Corbin's business prospects.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards business news and discussion of potential for plantations in San Domingo, Dominican Republic.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards finances.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Spotswood W. Corbin's financial matters.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the situation at the University of Alabama and whether or not Matthew Fontaine Maury will take the position there.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and references the position at the University of Alabama.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter references the position at the University of Alabama and business matters.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards travel plans and family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards travel to St. Louis, Missouri.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from St. Louis, Missouri. Letter regards Matthew Fontaine Maury's speech and travel plans.","Written from St. Charles County, Missouri. Letter regards travel plans.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. Letter regards travel plans.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. Letter regards financial matters.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards financial matters.","Written from New York. Letter regards travel and includes a note by Eliza H. Maury.","Written from St. Louis, Missouri. Letter regards health issues and travel.","Written from St. Louis, Missouri. Telegram regards travel plans."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information"],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_fd2a03b38d0537639ba5d5a285e66e93\"\u003eManuscripts Stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts Stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Maury, Matthew Fontaine, 1806-1873","Maury, Ann Hull (Herndon), 1811-1901","Corbin, Diana Fontaine (Maury), 1837-1900","Corbin, Spotswood Wellford, 1835-1897","Maximilian, Emperor of Mexico, 1832-1867","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Maury, Ann Hull (Herndon), 1811-1901","Corbin, Diana Fontaine (Maury), 1837-1900","Corbin, Spotswood Wellford, 1835-1897","Maximilian, Emperor of Mexico, 1832-1867"],"persname_ssim":["Maury, Matthew Fontaine, 1806-1873","Maury, Ann Hull (Herndon), 1811-1901","Corbin, Diana Fontaine (Maury), 1837-1900","Corbin, Spotswood Wellford, 1835-1897","Maximilian, Emperor of Mexico, 1832-1867","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"language_ssim":["English \n.    "],"total_component_count_is":149,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:11:36.434Z","odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFredericksburg Va\u003cbr\u003e\n10 Nov 1840\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Mother,\u003cbr\u003e\nI shall devote my spare time this morning to you. I got up earlier than usual for the purpose of showing the cook how to manage the stove. The parlor stove I wrote you about is a great improvement upon the old plan. It sits in the dining room, \u0026amp; with less coal for the day than it used to take for our fire in the grate, keeps both dining room \u0026amp; parlor warm. The door between them is thrown open, \u0026amp; we sit in the parlor. The parlor fireplace\nis on the summer arrangement, fire screen, etc. up so that you see besides the economy of the fixture, we have gained in personal comfort to ourselves, \u0026amp; in the saving of labor \u0026amp; trouble to the servants neither do we have any dust to contend with. The cooking stove has not had its trial yet; but I have no doubt that we shall gain as much by that as with the other.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e'The boy' comes bravely on; Nannie, tho' not sick, is feeble. `The boy' is to be called Richard L. He is a fine looking fellow; \u0026amp; is decidedly the pet with his two aunts. I think Kate too is allowing him to divide the place in her affections, where little Annie, your little namesake, reigned supreme before. Since Nannie's illness I have taken to teaching Betty. She begins to read, \u0026amp; is very fond of entertaining us, by reading aloud at night her\nlittle stories for our amusement. She is docile, though one has to be firm with her and she soon finds out the length she may go with each one. They are both very affectionate children, though unlike in their disposition---I hear Annie's merry little voice saying \"Beakfak is weady, beakfak is weady\".-----Betty is devotedly fond of flowers; Annie cares very little about them--she takes more delight in associating with dogs \u0026amp; cats than in\narranging plants \u0026amp; flowers. They both often talk about their grandma, \u0026amp; grandpa. Annie is sitting in my lap she says I must tell you to send her some toy things. Cousin Ann wrote that they must say what she shall bring them from England. Betty said \"tell her she must bring her whatever she thinks proper. Annie said \"tell her to bring me some candy, \u0026amp; some sponge cake.\"\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAunt Gatewood did not make a visit to Louisa, as she intended. After she went from here to visit her daughter near Spotsylvania Court House she was taken sick; she had a severe attack there of chills \u0026amp; fevers, \u0026amp; after her recovery, she returned home. Uncle Minor writes in good spirits; the same may be said of Aunt Goodwin. Old Mrs. Crutchfield is in town on a visit to her daughter who married a son of Mr. Young who used 2 to keep a tavern here. She always inquires kindly after you. She is a nice old lady. it\nseems as though I am not to find an opportunity for sending Pa the clothes that cousin Ann left here for him. It is a very nice suit of black \u0026amp; besides tending to make him comfortable, I think he would be pleased with them. I do not perceive any improvement in the leg. If Nannie \u0026amp; I be well enough in the\nspring, I should like to make you a visit. Ask Betsy if she could make room for us \u0026amp; `the boy.'\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe political excitement which has been great with regard to the presidential election has subsided in a great measure. Pennsylvania \u0026amp; New York have both cast their votes for General Harrison---of course he then is elected already. I received a letter last night from Washington \u0026amp; from a Locofoco---he said it was given up there \u0026amp; that Mr. Van Buren acknowledged his defeat. For [Kemp's] gratification I will not close this letter till I go down town to hear the latest returns from Virginia \u0026amp; elsewhere.\nWell, I have returned---Maine, New York, \u0026amp; Pennsylvania have all gone for General Harrison. Virginia---\"Ephraim is joined to his idols, let him alone\"---returns are in from all but eight counties, which last spring gave a Locofoco majority of 45---The Van Buren ticket is 900 ahead.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eNannie, the children \u0026amp; all hands, send love to both of you, \u0026amp; to all the kith \u0026amp; kin.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate son,\u003cbr\u003e\nM. F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eObservatory\u003cbr\u003e\nWashington\u003cbr\u003e\n6 Feb 1857\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sir,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter was received day before yesterday. I meet you with its frankness which it invites.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe 'failing' to which you allude is a grievous one; it constitutes the chief but not an insuperable objection to the continuation of your visits to my daughter. She is wise and discreet, I defer to her judgment and approve of the answer which she has given you and by which she requires one year to elapse before she shall be pressed for an answer to your suit. She is a dear child.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThis will give us time Mr. Corbin to become better acquainted with you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn the meantime permit me in the indulgence of that solicitude which the relation you are seeking to establish are calculated to excite in your behalf, to express the hope that if you have not, you will lay off and pursue a regular course of reading \u0026amp; study.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eVery truly yrs.\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSir!\u003cbr\u003e\nI avail myself with real pleasure of the opportunity given me by your kind offer of the \"Sailing Directions\" to express to you my warm and sincere thanks for it, to tell you how since years I observed with intent interest and admiration your noble and unequalled efforts in order to hasten the improvement of the scientifical part of our profession.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI trust you will accept this little present, as a token of my gratitude towards a man whom all seafaring nations are bound to look upon with respect and thankfulness.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBelieve me Sir\u003cbr\u003e\nYours truly\u003cbr\u003e\nFerdinand Maximilian\u003cbr\u003e\nArch Duke of Austria\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMilan\u003cbr\u003e\nDec the 10 1857\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eObservatory\u003cbr\u003e\n9 May 1858\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Nannie,\u003cbr\u003e\nYours was a sweet letter. It and Mr. Corbin‟s did our hearts good. We miss you so much! The flowers look lonesome, and the songs of the birds sound loud. This is little Lucy‟s birthday – seven years old. It will be ten years I reckon before she will be cutting out. Her Ma pitched into her and the \"boy\" i last evening. She found a moss rose in flower this morning. Davy and the boy went fishing in the wagon at the Little Falls yesterday. They were gone all day but didn‟t get a nibble. Molly is rubbing her chin with a lotion. I hope the appliance will drive those bumps away. As near as I can calculate it‟s just about seven years since you went away. I have not\nseen Betty since, and we have heard from Dick but once and Glumii twice. Went to the Capitol with cousin Anne and Mary Friday. Mit and Ellen are with us. Ellen is going this morning to the [_uney‟s] to make a long or short visit as the time may go. Your Ma and I only want a little stirring up to perpetrate a visit to Dabney next Thursday or Friday to stay till Monday.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOur hearts were touched by the conduct of those excellent people who greeted you with so much kindness, consideration and affection on your arrival at Moss Neck. Such a welcome must have gone far towards making you feel comfortably at home right off the reel. Life is made up of trifles, and our greatest happiness often depends upon a word, the glance of an eye, the\ntone of the voice, or what is more expressive but more indescribably still, the manner. What a boon, a pleasure and a blessing are pleasant manners! They give grace and confer happiness. They embellish, set off and adorn character far more than jewels and precious stones. Cultivate day by day pleasantness of manners. Let us analyze it. Of what or in what does pleasantness of manner – that trait which give grace and elegance to woman, comeliness and the power of doing good.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAfter church Davy, your Ma and I dined alone. The children stayed down to the Sunday School anniversary. But I was speaking of the Christian graces and human virtues and those traits which you should cultivate and which embellish and adorn the character. The one great point which after duty to God you are to keep constantly in view is to identify yourself with your\nhusband, and strive mutually each to make yourselves the companion of the other. There is but one way to do this, and that is by teaching yourself, my dear, to take an intelligent interest in those affairs and occupations which are from time to time engaging his thoughts and time. The husband's affairs are in the married life the \"affairs of state.\" He provides; and to say the least, the wife who seeks to be posted up in everything that concerns him, especially in the everyday affairs of life, does nothing more than render gracefully a grateful homage. Do you my love first set the example and if you do not win back tenfold, I have much mistake the character of the\nman who won your affections. You must learn the servants by name, the cattle and the fields too. You must learn of Wellford in the morning what he is going about for the day and take that lively interest in his occupations which you would do were they your own. The \"farm book\" will help you to do that. And if its dry details be mastered for the first year, they will be dry no longer – for then you can tell him when to sow, how the seasons and the signs are, etc. Then hospitalities and good-neighborhood, a smile of welcome and a gentle voice from mine hostess makes a sauce that is savory for everything. And the poor, I do not mean more especially objects of charity, but those who are in a more humble sphere of life than it has pleased God t place you – never lack, as in your little heart I am sure you never do – in consideration for them. I must not caution you against the bad taste of patronizing for your manner of life and good breeding secure you against that. What I meant to say is merely to caution you against the\nfoolish habit of waiting to be spoken to. Speak to everyone without waiting.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThere is no trait perhaps which is more winning than that of a generous confidence. Self examination, constant, close self examinations are indispensable. There are some of them that may be made all the better with the assistance of our husband. Make Them. Confidence begets confidence.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI would have you both bear in mind that this is the time for you to accommodate and adjust yourselves to each other, and with two such comely dispositions to work upon, this may be soon accomplished and that so thoroughly that all your future life will abound in good result.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThen too my dear you must not forget to treat with affection and show solicitude for all of Mr. Corbin's own friends and relations. They are disposed to be kind and good to you, meet them a little more than half way.\nAs for reading, with your good taste you cannot go well amiss. Only in selecting authors, do not select merely for amusement – select for profit also.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am writing you a very disjointed sort of letter my love, but I have been thinking so much of you, and missing you so much and loving you so tenderly since you went away, and my heart was so full and head so empty that I hardly know what I have said.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDid you plant the yellow jasmine at Farley vale? The \"boy\" will go down on his \"own hook\" Tuesday – Great boy that.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou and Wellford should write every mail to us – Goodbye, God bless you both. Yr. aff. Dad\u003cbr\u003e\nM. F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[The \"boy\" is Matthew F. Maury, Jr.]\u003cbr\u003e\n[Glum is Eliza Hall Maury]\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eObservatory\u003cbr\u003e\n31 May 1858\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Nannie,\u003cbr\u003e\nYou and Mr. Corbin are as still as mice. Even \"the boy\" has fallen into that 'Sleepy Hollow' down there in Carolina - Wake up, you Rips- Don't you know that you've had a terrible hail storm along the river, and that it has made a clean sweep right \u0026amp; left of your neighbor's crops -? What did it to yours? We should like to know. Then don't you know that your Ma has been afflicted with all sorts of imaginings - that she has been on the [ca\n] several times of being down upon you like a streak of lightening and hauling you up by telegraph to see how sick that [wetting made] you? Don't you know that we have been all married \u0026amp; [gaining on] marriage and that [we are gone/was our goal] - [Tom] \u0026amp; [the]\n[park] as - Tennessee [Mat] \u0026amp; a nice girl \u0026amp; that Dick Holland is trying to and [can't], that his sister [Dee] is coming to spend the winter with us - that you \u0026amp; Mr. Corbin are to [matr ] -that there's a courting couple walking round the grounds every evening- that there's no such thing as sunshine nowadays- that the wheat is all turning to straw---- Dear me child, wake up and tell us how you are \u0026amp; where you are -- the last time we heard of\nyou, you were riding 'long the road side --But where's \"the boy\" \u0026amp; where's his pen? I can tell you what- if we don't hear from him soon and often we shall be sending after him-\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am turning down a layer of every row in the garden. A slip from every vine \u0026amp; [conifer] and the [ ] \u0026amp; the [ ], to be planted next spring at a country place of ours in Virginia. I don't reckon you know where it is. It's down on the North side of the Rappahannock River if you know where that is. It will be a pretty good place for roses.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour Ma was in bed all last week till Saturday. Totts has been at home for two weeks with a sore foot, and [Davy] missed two or three days from school with winter chills- The sun flowers are coming up \u0026amp; he has got well. Mit \u0026amp; Ellen are with us still--The trip to Carlisle is knocked on its head. I hear nothing of N. Carolina these times. The little parson's wife \u0026amp; son (M.F.M of K'y) are with us. Kiss the \"boy\" \u0026amp; Mr. Corbin write I am your afft. Dad.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWhite Sulphur\u003cbr\u003e\n15 Aug '58\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear wife,\u003cbr\u003e\nI received yesterday your no. 2 with Nannie's letter. Bless Dick and Davy's heart for the attention and comfort they give you. Great boys are Dick and Dave. Sorry Sr. E. does not mend more rapidly. Sally F. and Nannie Gordon are talking of the Sweet Springs tomorrow.\nThe difficulty is this: both places are crowded. If they give up their rooms here and can't get in there, they can't get back here. Nannie looks thin has a cold but is well in other regards except a bad cough. William I never saw looking half so well. Black Sallie is also enjoying her visit. Dick and your cousin Georgia take to each other. She wants him to escort her back to Washington. Bob and his family are here - \"Sophy\" and\nhers- and many of your last summer acquaintances all of whom inquire after you. Nannie is very pleasantly spoken of and Wm Dick and I will leave Wednesday or Thursday for Ridgeway. Send letters there. Mr. Norwood preaches this morning. I wish I could be of service to Thompson.\u003cbr\u003e\nI want to go home.\u003cbr\u003e\nLove to Sr E and all the children\u003cbr\u003e\nWhere is Betty?\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[Sir E is Matthew Fontaine Maury's niece Ellen Herndon, the daughter of William Lewis Herndon]\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eObservatory\u003cbr\u003e\nWashington\u003cbr\u003e\n12 Sept 1858\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Nannie\u003cbr\u003e\nYou and Corbin are as still as mice. If you are coming, why don't you come along?\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe General and Sally got home yesterday. [Wrottesly] sends his love. Charles has been in this country. Dabney and Nannie are with us. He has been ordered on a board\nto try prisoners in Washington and he hopes to be ordered on another for Tactics and to tarry for some months yet. Dick Holland appears to be enjoying his visit. Our Dick has also relished it keenly. Dave has set into school, the \"boy\" not, and I am leaving Totts\nand Glum in Dick's hands till I get through with the \"heft\" of my book work when I shall take them up in the old fashioned way, and go back to breakfast lectures. Lucy gathers fruit and flowers and makes herself happy in giving them away. Betty is at Jessie's and after her time is up then she is to make Jno B. a visit at the University and then to Richmond. Bless her heart she is trying to eke out her time as best she may. Your Ma\nwas never looking so well or more beautiful. Fanny is cooking again and we have no dining room suit yet, \"don't [tease]\" Margaret Anderson. I am going to go lecturing up in Ohio from Nov. 22 to Dec. 3 Have not begun to get ready yet. I want to deliver 6 lectures a week for two weeks. ---raise money enough to send Dick to school, pay off bills and leave some \"shots in the locker\". I think I may be able to make out enough to\nfurnish Farley Vale if you will let me do it in a plain way. At least I can buy all the furniture for the estate that you will probably want. Let me know about it, for I do not like the idea of his purchasing any of it and so lay himself liable to be taken hold of by the tongue of slander and malice, and of finding his acts and deeds misinterpreted by mischief makers. Now if you can rough it along upon $500 or $1000 - here's at you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have an elegant fight on hand! Bachei has been stealing the M.S. property of the Observatory and trying to forestall me. It's an elegant fight. Bob - bless old Bob- has gone with our band to Church. It's time for him to be back for the white folks - so good by - with love to Corbin.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour aff daddy\u003cbr\u003e\nM F Maury\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[Alexander D. Bache is the Head of the United States Coastal Survey]\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eObservatory\u003cbr\u003e\nWashington\u003cbr\u003e\nSunday night 3 Oct 58\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Nannie,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour last letter announcing that you would be here the last of this week created as great a sensation and as much joy as if old Santa Claus himself had have stepped forward \u0026amp; announced that he intended to have xmas at the same time- It made glad hearts \u0026amp; smiling faces I tell you- It was physick to your Ma - regular Doctors truck - She has been asking for some time - has not been to church for two or three weeks- indeed she has been quite poorly- and the sight of you will do her a `monstrous heap of good' so hurry along. Thank Mr. Corbin for his letter; we will talk over matters when you come- Quando-\nO Quando? Name the day.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBetty \u0026amp; the baby were up Friday-but as cousin Fanny Perry \u0026amp; Ellen spent the day with us \u0026amp; your Ma had to go to bed sick, I did not see much of her- I carried her a flower to church. Lucy watches for Dave on the commons \u0026amp; goes to meet him every P.M. as he comes from school. Totts \u0026amp; Glum do philosophy at breakfast \u0026amp; yr Ma thinks the recitations prevents digestion. The boy listens \u0026amp; takes quite as much interest in the lesson as they do. I am busy with lectures, sailing directions, fights \u0026amp; correspondence. Your Ma pronounces the 10 first pages of No. 1 Lecture passable. Sr. E is with us, but is\npoorly. She looks badly. Totts is reading to Glum, Dave to himself. Lucy \u0026amp; the Boy have gone to bed. So too yr Ma. Yours coming will cheer her up, \u0026amp; help to make her well. Sally F. has not been up for a long time. We have not had any frost yet- How comes on that Farm Journal? I have some nice grape vines in pots for Mr. C. to take back to Farley Vale- The gardener is also preparing Rose layers \u0026amp; rose cuttings- I am thinking of some pear trees also- But I am afraid the gate will be left open, and that you will let the horses or the cows eat them up- Love to Mr. C.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGoodnight- Hurry along to yr affect. M.F.M.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRochester New York\u003cbr\u003e\n18 Nov 1858\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear wife,\u003cbr\u003e\nHow-dy! I staid all night in Phila. \u0026amp; in Albany. Arrived in [Auburn] about 3 P.M. yesterday. There, much to my surprise I was met at the cars by a barouche, deputations and soldiers \u0026amp; with music \u0026amp; banners escorted to my lodgings. The Rev. Mr. E. H. Creesy D. O. was my host, he had lived in Tennessee - under Bp. (Bishop) Otey. It appears I was civil to the Willard Guards when they were in Washington at the Inauguration. Hence the military\nescort. At night I lectured to a large and attentive audience in the At. Tel. and I reckon gave satisfaction for I only saw one sleepy head \u0026amp; that one was asleep when I commenced. I slept in the room where Bp. Hobart died- and came off at 7 this morning, arriving here at 11. I lecture here tonight then take the cars at 10 P.M. for Ann Arbor. Lecture there to-morrow night \u0026amp; so on to Chicago.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eNow how are you all getting on? Has Nannie gone- and is Betty with you- \u0026amp; Totts \u0026amp; Glum \u0026amp; Dave \u0026amp; the Boy \u0026amp; Lucy How are they all? I must take a little nap if I can. God bless you all yr afft.\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eChicago,\u003cbr\u003e\n20 Nov. 1858\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear wife,\u003cbr\u003e\nHere I am in the midst of a great snow shower- This is my lecture evening- Tickets 50 cts. Am afraid of empty benches. I am to stop at Col. Graham's, but as I had things to attend to- I will not go till after lecture.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThere was a great crowd in Rochester- Had a sick headache- \u0026amp; when the committee waited on me to escort me to lecture I entertained them by \"cascading\"- However I got through \u0026amp; left in the cars at 3:45 A.M. Traveled all day- Reached Ann Arbor at 8 P.M. Found an audience waiting for me- hopped out, went straight to lecturing- delighted the audience-rode a [rail] to a party, took a hot supper and on back to the cars at 10- travelled\nall night-in a sleeping car \u0026amp; reached this place a 9 this morning. So here I am - I have just had dinner- am going to try a nap presently- it is only 2 o'clock.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI told Moore of the [R ] to send you a cheque- write yr name across the back of it, send it to the General and ask him to get the money for you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhere's my Betty \u0026amp; where's my Nannie? I hope if the latter visits, the former comes.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMrs. [Bland] has been [reading] along [here]. I do not know with what success.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI find nothing here from you. My head quarters will be care of B. H. Plixotto, Cleveland, till 30th. On the 22nd I lecture here-23 in Kalamazoo-24 no place fixed-Perhaps Indianapolis-25 Cleveland. 26-La Porte Ind-I reckon 27 here, 29 Cincinnati. \u0026amp; c.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe weather is very cold- Kiss all my children \u0026amp; tell me you all are well \u0026amp; happy- I want to astonish you with a present- Tell Totts \u0026amp; Lizinka \u0026amp; Lucy \u0026amp; the Boy to put their heads together \u0026amp; tell me what to bring. This is the House, where Dick \u0026amp; I stopped. This is a furious storm. Give my love to Mary \u0026amp; Sr. E. I hope they both continue to mend \u0026amp; [ ] must [that] [ ] [evening] of hers- it has [tormented] her enough.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGod bless you. I am mighty tired of staying away from home.\u003cbr\u003e\nyr- M.F.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eKalamazoo, Mich. 23 Nov 58\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear wife,\u003cbr\u003e\nI received, yesterday, your letter of 17. That was my Auburn night. It's a great while ago. So Nannie went off and you are all comfortable. That's a blessing - except poor little Glum. What say you to sending her up to Frank Minor's?\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI had a time of it in Chicago! Last night it rained worse than it snowed Saturday night, and the attendance was as slim. If it had been good weather I should have made $600 or $800 I reckon, as it was I made a little over $50 only! I stopped at Col Graham's you know. He gave me a party last night nice party- He was a soldier - he would have me waked up in time for the cars at 6. He never got left. He would have breakfast for me at least the cook would. But bless your heart honey not a soul waked up til the knock came -\nso I was up and dressed and off in about ten minutes. When I arrived here Senator Stewart with a committee was at the cars to escort me to the Hotel. He and his wife leave for Washington Saturday. They will stop at the St. Charles. I wish you and Betty would call on her. She is very plain, but I want to invite them up to spend the day when I get back. You have got to make up your mind old lady to turn over a new leaf. I tell you. I shall want friends this winter and you have got to cultivate them for me. So you had\nbetter set to and make calls, renew acquaintances and leave many cards. Get a nice hack and go like a lady, and don't over do the thing by breaking yourself down. Take several days.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBetty is a sweet child. Kiss her for attending to the English [roses].\nI want to write to Nannie, if I can get some paper. Make the Boy, Glum and Totts find Kalamazoo on the map and trace me from place to place. I'll go and look for some paper. Good bye. Think about Lizinka and Ridgeway.\u003cbr\u003e\nLove to all yrs\u003cbr\u003e\nM.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eChicago\u003cbr\u003e\n27 Nov 58\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear wife,\u003cbr\u003e\nSince last I wrote I have lectured in Kalamazoo, Indianapolis, Cleveland, \u0026amp; La Porte- Make the children find the places- Tonight I lecture here- It is now 10 A.M. \u0026amp; raining- I go to Col Graham's directly. Hope to find a letter from you. Have had but one yet. Since last I wrote I have not had time to write you. I am very well- a slight cold. I do long to get over this task.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e2 P.M. I am at Col. Graham's again- They are very kind. You never did see such gloomy weather- It has been gloomy since here I have been, for I have been in the lake country for more than a week. It is now snowing \u0026amp; storming furiously. But I do not lecture on my own hook to night, that's one comfort. I have so far not been able to find any letters here. I do not see what the papers say of the lectures generally, for I lecture and am off, and when I get back then the papers are out of date- had a packed house in Cleveland- They had to stop selling tickets- \u0026amp; turn off- House full.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHere is the summing up- I have travelled since I left home 1844 miles, have been from home 12 days.--10 days on my lecture ground \u0026amp; have lectured 9 times- and have made $540. and the next 9 days, shall if rails will carry me fast \u0026amp; far enough shall make $1000 I hope. I am dying to see you all. Kiss my darling Betty for me- Is she with us why don't she write? I suppose Moore sent the check for $60- The truth is I have not had the time to send your acct. I forgot to sign purser's receipt for pay. So if you want money, get Mr. Harrison to fill up the enclosed and get my month's pay for you. Kiss every one of the children.\u003cbr\u003e\nyour affectionate.\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eChicago Ill\u003cbr\u003e\n28 Nov 58\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear wife,\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is Sunday about 2 p.m. I reckon. It has stormed furiously ever since yesterday- as the day before. I go off at 8 p.m. for Cincinnati. Pretty good audience last night, though it was a dreadful night. I enjoyed the whole night's rest mightily. I shan't spend another night in bed, till I get to St. Louis I reckon. They tell me here that I have improved vastly in\nappearance since last Sunday. I wonder how you all are - got letters - Wells and Sr. Ellen, sent from the Observatory. Two more weeks now and I'll be working my way homeward.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am mightily tired writing - have been at it now since I got here. If I go down stairs a lady will talk me to death. What a blessed thing a little quiet is. Kiss all my children for me and give love to Sr. E Mary and the Gerard's.\u003cbr\u003e\nGod bless you\u003cbr\u003e\nYour aff\u003cbr\u003e\nM F Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCleveland\u003cbr\u003e\n1 Dec (1858)\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Nannie,\u003cbr\u003e\nHave just time to thank you for your nice letter to your Ma, to hurrah for Dec. 15. Send her \u0026amp; say I hope to be stopping in a day or two after you \u0026amp; Mr. C. get there --- You see I am choosing the proper time.\u003cbr\u003e\nGod bless you\u003cbr\u003e\nyr. afft. Daddy\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCleveland\u003cbr\u003e\n1 Dec 1858\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear wife:\u003cbr\u003e\nI arrived here yesterday at noon and seem to have bewitched the people last night; as I did those of Cincinnati the evening before.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThere was waiting for me here a large package of letters, in it 3 from you, 22, 23, \u0026amp; 26- with one from that smart little witch \"poosy\". Bless her heart, tell me what present to bring her \u0026amp; all. Nannie's is a charming letter. Am so glad she is coming home the 15th- I shall be turning my way homeward about that time.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLast Monday there was a change of R. Road times, which has played sad havoc with mein consequence of which I can't get to Detroit for a $112 lecture to night but take over at Toledo for $50. I left Chicago at 8 p.m. Sunday for Cincinnati. when I was due at noon Monday. But bridges had been washed away I did not get to Indianapolis till 1 p.m. 112 miles for Cin. I was to lecture there at 7 1/2, and all the trains had gone. So I thought I\nwould see if I could not charter an engine \u0026amp; go down on it express- I found the Pres of the Road, told him who I was, \u0026amp; what I wanted. He fitted up an elegant car, sent me down in it, alone, \u0026amp; would not let me pay a cent- I arrived at 7, and found an immense audience, lectured, got in the car directly after came here, lectured, and had an elegant night's rest.\nI lecture in Chicago again Saturday, \u0026amp; Monday in St. Louis, on the 11th here \u0026amp; Buffalo 10 \u0026amp; 13, I reckon.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBetty is elegant for coming to stay with you, wish I was there to help you along with the gals. What does Frank Minor mean by saying 25th \"cousin Ann coming next week\".\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI send you some slips. Mr. Murphy promised to send you Cincinnati. papers- God bless you all yr. aft.\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[Postscript]\u003cbr\u003e\nDon't go out in that wagon any more. When you feel well enough make calls. Take Diana along \u0026amp; leave my card everywhere.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSt. Louis Mo.\u003cbr\u003e\n6 Dec. 1858\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear wife,\u003cbr\u003e\nI arrived here two hours ago. I find your letter of 2nd and Scip's. Hurrah for Scip. The mails in this part of the country are all so irregular that I have to go to the Telegraph a good deal. They call for me to lecture presently. I go away Wednesday morning, but where to I don't know- perhaps to Springfield, or Terre Haute, or Vincennes or perhaps- I can't say. But anywhere where the most money is to be made. I am dying to see you all.\ni shall be visiting the kin to-morrow so I shall have no time to write. My movements for this week are very uncertain- All I can say at present, is I expect to be in Cleveland Saturday. What is the name of the Tea I must get? I have seen Dick Ludlow \u0026amp; Mr. Berkeley. I mean to be at home next week---ain't that elegant.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe good night's rest last night \u0026amp; the quiet day refreshed me much- But I was heartily tired of being lionized in Cincinnati.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBless Betty's heart for staying with you. When is Nannie coming up? Hurrah for Davy \u0026amp; the children, \u0026amp; the books \u0026amp; the lessons-\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLecture time-\u003cbr\u003e\nGood night, yr, M\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eObservatory\u003cbr\u003e\nFeb 17, 1859\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Nannie,\u003cbr\u003e\nWe miss you every day, \u0026amp; invitations for Miss Maury keep a' coming. Frank and Lucy A are coming tomorrow. I bought a pair of shoes, had my hair cut and dined with your Ma at the Gerard's. The \"boy\" has Spanish at breakfast class. I have finished writing Sailing Directions. I sent you the last [Rural].\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe have had a time with the gold pin rebus. The first is a [fras] \"From\"- Lt. Myers found out that.-- the three next - in\u003cbr\u003e\nhos- spit-(spitbox)-able-(table) (Lt. McCauley-)the next- propose -\u003cbr\u003e (prophouse - Glum) - half soled - beings - in - fidels- (Totts)-\u003cbr\u003e Traducers - ([Tres_____] - me) \u0026amp; naves - ( [ ]-Mc)-. I fled\u003cbr\u003e\nunder (Dave) in-ex-tri-cable(me) em-bar-as(s) -men-ts (me) to- Iowa (Mc)-.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e4 - 5 - 16 - \u0026amp; 17- are not satisfactory- Mc reads 4'\u003cbr\u003e\n\"gamblers\" -gable-[unders] no good- prop-house - shoe - on i.e. proposition has been suggested for the gaiter on the shoe (5). no go. Manshoeon - mansion. Also no go- Glum says he knows you have solved it, \"From inhospitable\". - hurra!- hurra!!. I've just got it- 4 is house, Latin \"domess\" \u0026amp; sticks- \"domestics- \"From inhospitable domestics, half soled beings, traducers, infidels \u0026amp; Knaves I fled under inextricable embarrassments- to Iowa.\"\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHalf soled may do for 5 - but it's a gaiter boot- Certainly \"To Iowa\" for \"I\" \u0026amp; A is flat- Find it out \u0026amp; get the [pun].\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Aubicks \u0026amp; the Roys invite you \u0026amp; Mr. Corbin to parties.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJeff Maury has sent me two boxes of Havanah Sigars! O ho! Dabney is now with Rosethey go back in the morning-Lucy takes cyphering lessons from Dave. Another officer has been ordered to the Observatory- Minnie Mason sent you a note this evening asking for flowers for the [ ] ball - Diana sent them- Mrs. Lanier has come. - Good night-Love to Mr. C. \u0026amp; you.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eObservatory\u003cbr\u003e\n16 Mar `59\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Nannie,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour welcome letter of Monday last came this morning and received much solicitude. We were dying to hear from you. Your Ma has been ailing for 10 days, for the last 3 in bed of a stitch in the right side. We suppose it to be an affair of the muscles. Your letter did a heap of good.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMr. Watt is busy packing up plants for you. Plant the roses that are wrapped in moss just as they are moss and all. The vines - little twigs - are to be planted under the river bank. They have the purple flowers over the arbor \u0026amp; will climb the highest trees. Pull the moss away from the stems of the roses - not from the roots. I pay freight on them at least shall tell Mr. Watt to. Betty's going to house-keeping! Davey is going to be a lawyer. The \"boy\" ain't interested now when he hears Shakespeare read by anybody else but Fanny Kemble. Sister E came up for Church Sunday and staid til yesterday. Betty is up to-day. Molly is lonesome. She has been at your Ma to pop down upon you. I reckon she'll take you by surprise some of these days. Tell Brodie he had better visit Lucy \u0026amp; Betty here. That would be a nice visit. Uncover your jasmine. Love to Mr. C. God bless you, yr aff Father\u003cbr\u003e\nMFM\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eObservatory\u003cbr\u003e\n22 March `59\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Nannie,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour waif of Tuesday last came to hand this morning. I am exceedingly annoyed about the plants. I send you the receipt. Tell Mr. Corbin he must be sure to make the Co. pay. The market value of the plants was, Mr. Watt says about $40. If they can be found soon they will live. But Mr. Corbin unless they are forth coming this week should refuse to receive them. He must make the Co. pay, for it is outrageous carelessness. They were delivered last week Tuesday p.m. just after 5 by Mr. Watts \u0026amp; 'Cap' on board the boat. I\nshall send this evening to inquire about them. In the mean time tell Mr. Corbin to stir up at people at your end of the line. Yr Ma is up again. Mrs. Young of S.C. was here yesterday inquiring kindly for you. Sr. E has been quite sick. Send last batch of copy to the printer today. The new medal came Saturday-But I can't write. I am annoyed about the miscarriage of the plants.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLove to Mr. C. Afft.\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F.M.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eObservatory\u003cbr\u003e\n23 March 59\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Nannie\u003cbr\u003e\nI went yesterday to the steam boat about the plants - 2 boxes and a bundle - could get no information. They are most likely to be in the Depot at Fredericksburg. I reckon Jno [Shippen] asked for plants or flowers. I send an invoice . They are put down dirt cheap. The roses ought to be put down at 30cts ea. Tell Mr. Corbin he must be sure to the Co. pay or deliver in good order.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour Aunt E. is quite sick. Sent for the Dr. night before last at 1 A.M. Was better somewhat yesterday. Yr Ma is bright again, she dined yesterday at the General's.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThis is Betty's day. Tell Mr. C. to pursue the plants. It's a sad loss to lose them.\u003cbr\u003e\nYr M.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eObservatory\u003cbr\u003e\n12 Apr '59\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nGot your yesterday's letter this morning. All hands were invited to Sallie's to-day. Dave and I went. Mary thought we all would be too many. They are all coming up. Sr. E \u0026amp; S.F. see Charles to spend the day tomorrow. Dinner ordered - soup, fish and roast beef. Totts will rig up a dessert - ice cream I believe. Morning - 13th Got Nannie's letter just now. Kiss her for it. I am sorry to hear about Dick. But such indulgences will not do and cannot be tolerated in one holding a place of trust like his. It is an affair in which\nfeeling cannot interfere.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eStopped last evening on my way home at took tea at Caldwell's. Began with the Historical plays last night. Certainly I'll send tickets for Nannie. Sr. E \u0026amp; Sally rode out yesterday. I write this supposing it will be your last before going to Farley Vale. What are to be your mail days? You would like to go down knowing that \"all's well\" - I hope you will be so well and enjoy the visit so much. We are all dying to see you all. Can't you bring Nannie home with you. You may stay with her tell her till 1 May if she will\ncome along home with you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eKiss her \u0026amp; Lucy \u0026amp; love to Mr. C., Charles \u0026amp; his father, Brodies \u0026amp; his'n, Jno \u0026amp; his'n, Saint \u0026amp; her'n.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGood bye - yr aft. husband\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eObservatory\u003cbr\u003e\nWashington\u003cbr\u003e\nAp'l 14, '59\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Daughter,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour sweet letter came yesterday and to-day another from you Ma. I am mighty glad she is having a jolly time - we are dying to see her, but don't want her to come home before the first of May when you are to come with her. Dabney goes down tomorrow. I thought of you and the violets when he came to take leave, but concluded not to trouble him in the premises. He only came up to dinner yesterday and we only gave him soup, fish and ice cream. We have the rest of the dinner today. Yesterday was damp and Willie was sick which prevented our company. He is better. Rose staid up here last night, \u0026amp; Mary down there. Betty is not up to day- rainy- Totts got a letter yesterday from Glum. They did not [share it here] \u0026amp; Mary Herndon has gone off with it to the General's \u0026amp; I can't send it. She was well- had received the $20-and liked my letters so much- it took such a long time to read them!\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy \"Brave\" is very well \u0026amp; happy. He bought a jug of molasses yesterday. I found my [ ] [powder]. Have not made a pass at the P.G. for schools yet. Save child's letter- Let yr Ma bring it back. Sent a note for you by Dabney-\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Lord [ ] ball did not pay- $1000 short. Had a request this morning to pony up. Can't do it.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLove to Mr. C- Kiss Lucy \u0026amp; buss yr Ma. [ ]\u003cbr\u003e\n[ ] yrs\u003cbr\u003e\naff Dad\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eObservatory, Washington\u003cbr\u003e\nApl 16, '59\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Wellford,\u003cbr\u003e\nI received yesterday your very kind letter of the 14th. It would indeed be a great treat to run down for a week or two, but I do not well see how it can be accomplished. I have heard some things which led me to suppose that there might be a scene made at the next court that would not be pleasant. It throws you the prospect I mean - in a position of great delicacy, as well as into one in which great caution on your part will be required. Caution so prudent and wise that those who would (if there should be such) find fault\nwith you may not have the slightest pretext.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf there is any change in the management of the estate of course you can take some part in bringing about that change. Without knowing much about it, I am clearly of opinion that with your management alone the estate may be relieved of its embarrassments much sooner than it can be by any other kind of managers. I go for the one man power and don't think much of a dual executive. Should any change be made, and should it be proposed that you should take the entire management of both farms, I hope you will not decline.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDabney went down to King George yesterday. I have been interrupted in the writing of this. It is now time for the mail- so that just cuts me off with love to all.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYrs sincerely\u003cbr\u003e\nM. F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eObservatory\u003cbr\u003e\nWashington\u003cbr\u003e\n19 Apl '59\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear wife,\u003cbr\u003e\nMr. Watt and I are preparing such a surprise for you and Lucy!. We miss you every day. We miss you in the morning, we miss you in the evening, we miss you at breakfast. I haven't had a flower since she went away! We miss you at dinner, we miss you at tea, we miss you by night and by day, we miss you all the time, but you must stay till you bring Nannie. Sally F., Jack, the boys and the General took us by surprise yesterday. Beef steak, mutton chops, soup and pudding. Betty rather pitched into Mary for so poor a dinner. Bad taste in Betty. Davy is unwilling to take Latin from Jno. Minor. The \"boy's\"\nreply was Solomon-ish - \"Just as you think proper sir\" - What say you? Sent Glum's things down to Kirkwoods' last night for Gilmer - shall send to see if he took them. Totts put some white wax in the bundle, Totts is a great girl. Read 3 Acts in Richard II last night- and sent the `boy' off to bed at 9. The frost has not hurt us yet. Jim Morton called up yesterday. Mr. McCauley has set up in the Grocer's business at St. Paul. Sr. E is so\nso. I wrote to Ann Thomas and begged that she would make Betsy come along. We hear nothing more from Glum. I am now waiting for David and the mail. we expect letters in it from you and her. Here he comes! Now for them.\u003cbr\u003e\nA letter from Frank - none from you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAll well and send love\u003cbr\u003e\nYr aft [friend]\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F.M.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eObservatory\u003cbr\u003e\nWashington\u003cbr\u003e\n22 Apl '59\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear sweet little Nannie,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour \"one-horse\" letter saying that your Ma \u0026amp; all are well came this morning. It has no date to it- so we infer it was written since hers of 14 \u0026amp; 16- But my dear child I am not a Yankee - why do you set me to guessing? I have sent to have a pair of crutches- I do wonder what has gone with my old ones. The pain has all gone out of my ankle- but I can't walk. But the worst of it is big ankles are so shocking. Totts doctored it up last\nnight with hops - Totts is a great gal.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI finished King Henry IV last night. That \"old Feldspar\" as the boy calls Falstaff gave great satisfaction. \"Feldspar\"! So much for Physical Geography. The breakfast lessons have been quite interesting to Totts- We have got through to Botany. That is not one of my specialties, and I shall glance off from it after a breakfast or two. My \"Brave\" wanted to know this morning if any great men ever studied Latin. \"O yes-\" \"Who?\" \"General\nWashington studied Latin- I studied Latin-\" \"That will do- I just want to be as great as you are\"- The young flatterer! There was no school today. Dave went on. As he came a heavy rain came up \u0026amp; he got into one of the water pipes on the avenue to keep dry.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCome down for the Crit! I wish I could- I suppose you will be fetching her along up this way about the last of next week- That's about the 1st of May- always stand to your bargains. Was it not said that you were to return with her then? I'll give you tomotto plants- \u0026amp; egg plants, oh \u0026amp; every sort o' plants. It's been raining so- Ap'l showers- I have not been able to get the doctor up to say what ails this ankle.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLucy is a witch- why don't she write a letter to a fellow? Mary has gone to church to day- I have some black Hamburg grape cuttings- If they take you shall have some.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGod bless you all\u003cbr\u003e\nyrs aft\u003cbr\u003e\nDad M\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e4 July '59\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nI returned from a trip over the Balt \u0026amp; Ohio R.Road Saturday evening. Found all well- Betty still here-The baby improved \u0026amp; both enjoying the visit very much.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eA letter came from Nannie while I was gone. I did not see it- it was torn up. But from what her mother tells me of it, it increases our solicitude to a painful extent. She is morbidly sensitive \u0026amp; evidently very low spirited. We think the best thing would be for you to bring her to us.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePersons in her situation require to be cared for \u0026amp; looked after in manners \u0026amp; ways which no one can do half so well as a mother. It is of great consequence that she should be with her mother now- and we hope that you also will admit the importance of it \u0026amp; bring her at once. If you do not come as soon as a letter would reach us, write and tell us when to expect you. It is important that you should do this for some of our own arrangements depend on certainty as to Nannie's movements.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFrom the tone of Nannie's letter her mother does not think that she should be consulted at all- but that you should take her right up \u0026amp; bring her to us. The gloomy and desponding mood that comes over her now \u0026amp; then is to be avoided by all means- ugly consequences may be the result- Therefore we are so [honest] in urging you to bring her to us at once. It is of great importance to her.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGive her our most tender love, solicitude \u0026amp; affection with a thousand kisses. We have letters this morning praising Dick \u0026amp; making us very proud.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThey have established a new chair- Physical Geography \u0026amp; Agricultural science \u0026amp; offered it to me. I have not decided to accept. Yrs truly,\u003cbr\u003e\nM. F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eObservatory\u003cbr\u003e\nWashington\u003cbr\u003e\n16 Nov. 1859\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Mr. Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nI was glad to hear as by Nannie's letter I do that the prospects for an early division of the estate seem so favorable. It is clearly to the interest of the parties concerned, and it is gratifying that they are of one mind.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhat follows is based upon the supposition that the four of you have agreed to share with you in cancelling the notes which you two have endorsed for your father. This being a fixed fact you are removed from the condition of one having antagonistic interests in the concerns and placed in the category of one whose duties and whose interests are of accord. Both the one and then the other now require the closest scrutiny into the indebtedness of the estate, in order that every claim that is not good in law may be thrown out. And it remains for your consideration whether when the Commissioners report comes up you should not have someone there well posted up, to urge the throwing out of all claims the least doubtful, and especially those for which you are bound. However this can be talked over when you come up which I hope will be long before Xmas. I am wishing somebody near by would invite me to lecture - so I might raise the wind for a visit from Dick and Dave at Xmas. I sent John Minor the Alabama speech in print yesterday with the request that he would hand it over to Nannie when he has done blowing me up about it. Sally Fontaine is not so well. The General got home yesterday - killed no \"bars\" and only brought home two \"old hars\" -Betty had gone for\ndinner yesterday. But we - your Ma and I - could not go - headaches- better today. We are reading Shakespeare o'nights- Letters from Dick \u0026amp; Dave. Totts \u0026amp; Betsy go to the [dentist] \u0026amp; all to school- except Lucy. She studies geography at home. William plays the guitar \u0026amp; sings. Sr. E. had letters yesterday from Dabney. All well but \"Injuns\" about. All hands sent in love with kisses to Nannie. Good bye- God bless you.\u003cbr\u003e\nYr.\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eObservatory\u003cbr\u003e\nWashington\u003cbr\u003e\n5 Feb 1860\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Nannie:\u003cbr\u003e\nI got Mr. Corbin's letter several days gone. Tell him the 16th is quite convenient to me. I had promised Cip that he might go with us on the 9th - so it was quite a disappointment to him, was the postponement. I shall go down I think by the night train of the 15th and as I will not have time to go down to Farley Vale will have to come up to Fredericksburg. Crit is having a tussle with the head ache - got up with it this morning, went to church and has been wrestling with the thing ever since. Willie has been sick - a - bed for a week. Low fever - getting better. Cip burnt his finger with candy, and the girls didn't go to school but one day last week on accounts of the cold. Betty and Will dined here yesterday. Mary Herndon has been to Memphis. Jones is coming to [illegible] next Thursday. The Farmer\nis very low and the General is still there. The Physical Geography continues to engage and interest me. Lucy is [ ing]. Glum 's bird sings - I call it her owl. Nannie Bill is a \"honey\"? We are invited to Henry's parties. The Aubick's gave an elegant [_mous] party last Friday – Hauled the little Doctor home – Told me he had on his table invitations for every evening in the week and for some two days. Jennie Young and her sister Sallie are\nin Stuttgart studying six hours every day. Where's yr [Bobs \u0026amp; Tops?] We have not heard anything more of your sister Sue. Maria Newburgh's party comes off about the middle of the month so reports Dave. Everybody sends love to you and Mr. Corbin. It's night, your Ma has gone to bed. Hope she will be well in the morning.\u003cbr\u003e\nGood night. Your aft. Dad,\u003cbr\u003e\nM. F. Maury.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[Postscript by Ann Hull Maury (Herndon)]\u003cbr\u003e\nMorning- am up, and better, but poorly at that. I wish I could come down with your Papa but indeed I am not equal to it. We heard through Mrs. Mason (and she from her son at College) that Mary Minor is coming to see you, but you seem not to have heard of it. Your letter to Molly was so pleasant. Sally E. is quite mistaken about the price of my work stand. It cost $13. I don't think you can yet find one for $8 but you can try. I am so glad\nyou had a pleasant visit to Town. How came you to stay at your Uncle B's again; you must stay at your Uncle C's the next time not that I in the least object to your going to yr. Uncle B's but N. G. said when she was here that you never did go to your Uncle C's and you had been invited there so often. I love our Aunt Lucy dearly for her kindness to my precious child.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eObservatory\u003cbr\u003e\n14 March 1860\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Mr. Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nI used the word also, but \"repudiation\" is not the word-- Mississippi repudiates her lawful debts. It is not the lawful but the debts that have been made against the estate without the authority of law that I would have rejected it. I am glad to hear that the other parties come so readily into the plan. There is I imagine no time to be lost- and the initiatory steps cannot be taken too soon. I imagine your Uncle William will not come into the plan because he has no right in law to consent to any such arrangement for J. If he consents, he himself will be personally liable to J. for the amounts.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am not surprised to hear that others would like to have Farley Vale. But I reckon it is the best way to let it go to the highest bidder. It certainly is the fairest.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhat does Cip do all day long and why don't he write to a fellow. I am sorry that the Holly berries are all gone. I shall be glad to have any that you can start up- I have written to Tenn. for some beech nuts. I have a fancy for a beech hedge. The beech holds its leaves during winter and the lee of its hedge is almost equal to a green house-\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGive my love to Nannie- I write to her mother by this mail.\u003cbr\u003e\nAffectionately yrs\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eObservatory\u003cbr\u003e\n17 Apl 1860\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Mr. Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nI still think you should insist on greater dispatch. Suppose you apply before the 19 July for a decree and the court refuses on the ground that K is not of age. Will that lessen your claim when she is of age? I think not. Try now and if you fail- no harm is done to the July effort. It cannot hurt much to try now, and a decree now would be worth money to you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLewis Walker in Rives' neighborhood wants to sell his farm so Frank Minor tells me-\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI think you would do well as soon as you get Mr. Burton underway to mount yr horse and ride up to Lewis Walker's. Go up to Nelson \u0026amp; Amherst- also in the lower countrylook at places- let it be known that you want to buy land- and then when you do sell you can have your eyes open.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThink you had better do that at once i.e. as soon as you set Mr. B. to work for the May term. it's an important matter take a month or six weeks for the trip. Nannie can come to us. On horseback the trip can cost you very little. Any idea of duty as a trustee should not interfere with such a trip. Tell Nannie we all go down to the General's today.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIs not yr Father the guardian of K \u0026amp; J till they come of age? And can the court appoint one without his request?\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAll well \u0026amp; good here. In haste. Yrs truly,\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eObservatory\u003cbr\u003e\n12 May 60\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Nannie,\u003cbr\u003e\nThis morning your Ma and Lucy got a most pressing invitation from Jno. B. to come to the convocation. An omnibus is to run between the church and the university and they are also to have morning and evening services in the Chapel. The \"Crit\" is flirting in bed with the Rappahannock chills - But she has decided to go, and to take you in Lucy's place if you'll join her. She has a free ticket for you there and back. I have written to [Jesse] B. to encourage Mary with the hope that you will come instead of Lucy. Sally F\nand Cousin Ellen are going. Your Ma will join them and go up under Tim's escort Tuesday. Your Aunt Mary will be there with the Lynchburg people - and we will expect you up Monday to dinner.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe children are well of the mumps and will sit in the school Monday again. We hope the plants were safely received. All well and send love to Mr. Corbin.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYr aft father\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTelegraph if you are coming - yes or no - you need not prepay it. It will come to me without that.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSend this to Nannie.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eObservatory\u003cbr\u003e\nJuly 9, 1860\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Nannie,\u003cbr\u003e\nBless your heart for that letter. I'd give an eyetooth to see you. Ask your Ma to please have another one pulled and keep you till I come. Am glad to hear of Dick's arrival. I'll send the letter from him by Sr.E. who says she is going Wednesday - Am truly sorry about the chills. Hope your Ma will keep then inside. They have been troubling me also this cold weather. Tell Jno Minor I went to see Bob this morning. He was touched by his kindness and grateful to a degree. I am to try tomorrow to get a clerkship for him in the\nCensus Bureau.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou said never a word about your Uncle Charles' wife- poor bird! N.B. stutters as Dave did.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eNext week will be the 19th. I suppose you will be up then to court. Though things look so smooth in favor of paying off and dividing I can but fear something is to thwart it after all.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBetty did not go a - sherry - cobblering last night. Today I read [p] 230 of new ed. P.G. - in the last edition there are 389pp. I do not know how many there will be in this - But 400 at least I reckon.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSee a letter I got this morning from my \"Injun\" yr friend Mr S.\u003cbr\u003e\nKiss everybody\u003cbr\u003e\nyour Dad, in haste -\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[Note on verso of letter]\nAll well. Aunt E. expected today must meet her\u003cbr\u003e\nin haste\u003cbr\u003e\nJHM {?John Herndon Maury MIA 1863}\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eObservatory\u003cbr\u003e\n6 Aug. '60\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear wife\u003cbr\u003e\nGot this morning yrs of 4th. Tell Totts I was reading yesterday that admirable, sweet precious little book. The Household of Sir Thos More and thought of her as my Megg.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTell Jno \u0026amp; Brodie \u0026amp; Lucy, and all the rest of the \"Great Easterners\" of the family that we want to go [to] [ ] Wednesday - day after tomorrow - Leave here at 7 -40 AM. take the steamer in Balt at 10 AM Arrive alongside the Gr. at noon. Stay 2 hours, get back to Balt. in time for the Washington train at 4.20 p.m. Round trip $2.50. I have not seen Betty since I got yr letter and therefore can't make any arrangements as to accommodations. Betty does not know whether she is going. I reckon it would be a nice trip for Dick \u0026amp; Dave. If you think so, and they too, let them come along. Upon second thought Wednesday will be too soon. Thursday will be the day. I'll write Tom Bold we\nare coming Thursday. I'll bear Nannie's expenses too if she will come along - tell her I want her \u0026amp; Betty to go and to go myself out of civility to Bold. The trip would knock you up.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThursday at 7.40 AM we shall go - let me know who will come. Love to all.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYrs.\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf the boys \u0026amp; Nannie come, they should leave F'b'g Wednesday A.M. What of the trunk I'm to buy?\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eObservatory\u003cbr\u003e\nOct 1, 1860\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Mr. Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nBy the mail of this morning I got yr's of 29th Sept.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou are right not to go security for the parties named. My engagements are such as to prevent my coming down. Nor is that necessary.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am not quite clear as to the amt. for which you want security. But be that as it may - show the papers to Jno. or Chas. Herndon. Ask them to draw up a deed of trust upon Farley Vale in my favor, and the negroes too if you want me to endorse for them - and have them regularly recorded. Then you can send or bring - better do the latter - the documents.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI leave the city Saturday morning - Can't you bring Nannie along - I think the sight of her would make her mother well - she had been under the weather ever since the trip North - and has not been well enough to be at the table with us more than two or three times since she came up. She is better to day, though in bed. It's a rainy \"nasty\" day you know. She was made quite happy this morning to keep the \"boy\" at home from school on account of the drizzle - about 9 - 10 it had set in for a regular pour - he came over to\nsay she wanted him to go down the City! Somehow the rain does not seem to be as wet that way it is over toward Georgetown.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI understand that there will be a prior lien upon F.V. and on to the estate - That makes no odds - I write in haste to get to night's mail. Love to Nannie. Why doesn't she let us hear from her? to Mary Herndon Sister E. \u0026amp; all hands\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYrs truly\u003cbr\u003e\nM. F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eObservatory\u003cbr\u003e\nWashington\u003cbr\u003e\n22 Oct 1860\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Mr. Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nWhen I last wrote I was just on the eve of taking wing for Tennessee. I did not have time to write both to Charles \u0026amp; you, so I wrote him \u0026amp; sent the letter open through you. Now I write almost in as much haste, for I expect to leave for New York Thursday morning and to embark for England on Saturday.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePolitical affairs are in a very unsatisfactory state- so much so that shall have the country feeling quite uneasy. The state of your affairs helps to increase this uneasiness. I have had nothing in reply to my letter to Charles, but in the mere matter of endorsation you have given me all the security that I required, and such as under a more settled state of things would be considered by the most cautious timidity as ample. Nevertheless there is talk of disunion and how far property- land \u0026amp; negroes- in Virginia is to be affected by disunion both acts and deeds, it is simply impossible to foresee. It may not be depreciated at all- or it may be depreciated 1/3, 1/2, or 9/10th nobody can tell. No one you know ever objects to too much security. You are making it a rule of life \u0026amp; wisely not to go security- you do not wish to hypothecate your property for any new debts and there are many contingencies on the occurrence of which it would be better for you\nNannie \u0026amp; me if I had a lien also on your negro property as collateral for the land. You understand I have no right to require this. But it can't harm you, may do you or Nannie good, \u0026amp; will add to my own comfort. Of course, I mean a lien to come in after present obligations for which that negro property may be bound.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf you think well of this proposition, get Charles to attend to it \u0026amp; let the expenses be mine. Drop me a letter care of Maury Brothers New York in reply \u0026amp; tell Nannie she shall hear from me before I sail.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGoodbye\u003cbr\u003e\nYrs truly\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePerhaps it may be as well to state that when I offered to endorse I expected to endorse for both land \u0026amp; negroes and of course have a lien upon all- This I am still willing to do so as to get the endorsed security.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLondon\u003cbr\u003e\n21 Nov '60\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear wife,\u003cbr\u003e\nYesterday \u0026amp; the day before I was the happiest man in all London. Your two letters, Sister E's, our -Dick's - [Glum's]-Cip's- Nannie's to you, Mr. Corbin's to me- the latest 5 Nov-all came. Bless your dear hearts every one. I am so glad to hear you are on the mend, and so gratified to those darling precious friends for taking such good care of you. Kiss Sally Fontaine for me. I am just through with book. And have accepted an invitation to return on the New York Nov 28. Tomorrow go to Wrottesley whither I will write.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGod bless you,\u003cbr\u003e\nM\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSteamer New York\u003cbr\u003e\nAt Sea, 9 Dec 1860\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Nannie\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is our eleventh day out. When we left England we expected to arrive at New York tomorrow; but we have had a rough time of it, we are now nearly a 1000 miles off and do not expect to get in before Thursday. This is Sunday 11 a.m. and a beautiful day. I wanted to take them all by surprise by stepping in upon them Tuesday the 11th and as good luck would have it told \"Crit\" not to expect me before the 15 or 16th- so the \"journey up the mountain\" will be prevented by it, for I hoped to be in Wash. before or by\nthe 15th.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThank Mr. Corbin for his letter. Rutson Maury forwarded with an endorsation reporting \"all well\"- so it brought me the first news from home which was great joy for I was very unhappy about your Ma- It's all right tell him. I was at Wrottesley- Jansen \u0026amp; I- when your letter came. I delivered your message- he grinned. You can't imagine how cordial they all were- \"40 time\" herself came in the carriage to meet us at Codsall, \u0026amp; they sent us in their own carriage to the cars in Wolverhampton- the old lady insisting that we had not wrappings enough and fitting us out with hers even to London. She begged us to stay longer- so did they all. Her niece Miss Simpson was there. She took us to [Chiltington]. She hummed \"Nelly Bly\" for us as we went said you taught it to her \u0026amp; she had given away many copies of it. Davis the Butler has got rich and has set up on his \"own hook.\" Webb the footman has his place- Simpson the gardener is to be married Xmas, and my Lord has built for him just in the edge of the forrest the sweetest little cottage you can\nimagine. While I was there Tom Bold was to see me in London.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf you had been in London this time, you would have thought somebody had come to town I tell you. Rail ways were placed at my service to see sights and engineers to show them \u0026amp; \" put me thro'.\" The Navy officers there were planning [on] great blow out for me in return for \"you all's\" civilities to the prince, and they are going to send an expedition to the South Pole for me. At least Washington who is the proper person to move on it-pledged me his word so to do, saying he thought he could carry it. I made an address without notes before the Geographical Society. Had a great crowd. Ladies,\nLords, gentlemen. Was breakfasted – dinner-ed \u0026amp; tea-ed-- oh it was a jolly time! but I would not give one day in my own sweet home with my blessed wife and sweet children for the whole of it.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhen will you \u0026amp; Mr. C. be up- come soon- stay long. I am trying to pull the wires to get New York to send a messenger down south to enquire of the people there what's the matter? asking them to state their grievances- the terms \u0026amp; c. on which they would be willing to remain in the Union. I may be too late, for my latest date as to things at home is 15 Nov- New York Herald. Things I have no doubt have assumed many new phases since then, but unless good me in each section muster themselves, I fear the Union is gone. I shall write to my Dave today to come home at Xmas. I enjoyed Jansen's visit vastly. I made many charming acquaintances, but none more so than Lady Ashburton \u0026amp; her Lord. I am to \"come to them\" when I go back. His mother has just had 50,000 trees blown down on her \"plantation\" in Scotland. Isn't it elegant. Our old landlady Miss Everall is just married to Scott Adir the fancy [Wollen] man. I went to the store \u0026amp; asked for her- there was a titter among the clerks \u0026amp; confusion with Scott. Jansen said he was jealous- didn't see her . Love to all hands.\u003cbr\u003e\nyr Dad.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\n25 Apl 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Wellford,\u003cbr\u003e\nYou can best serve the cause by staying at home, planting corn \u0026amp; potatoes, than you can by coming here. There is a great press here. The people along the river are wanted at home to form police, guard, \u0026amp; c.\u003cbr\u003e\nIn great haste. yrs.\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDon't come\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\n27 Apl 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nSaw Lt. Carr this morning. He was Dave's Captain. Dave was a first rate soldier- enjoyed the trip, and got back all safe \u0026amp; sound.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI look for Dick from Washington this morning. He went for our things. He has an appoint of \"1st Lt. of Volunteers for Services in Council Chamber.\" So you see how he is tied down in Richmond and can't go to the wars - now I do hope that will make you quiet and comfortable. Corbin is back too \u0026amp; Dave. Why my dear we are as happy as the day is long. Ain't we? Very busy today. Hope for a quiet time tomorrow.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eKiss my Lucy. What is that boy a'doing? Why didn't the girls write - are you going down with Nanny - Had you not better come up next Saturday for church - maybe I'll meet you.\u003cbr\u003e\nYr M\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTell Nannie I got all her letters and to thank Mason for all of them.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\n18 May 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter of 15 came to hand last night. I shall go up to Fredericksburg this evening if nothing unforeseen occurs to prevent. I hope to find you there, but in case I should not go or going should not find you I write this in answer to your many questions now.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou did right to decline Col. [Ruggles] [ ] present offer, for he had no authority of law to make such an appointment.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf you raise a company you will be mustered into the service as volunteers, and will then be furnished with arms.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSo far I have not succeeded in giving practical effect to my place of organizing all the remaining white population in the border \u0026amp; tide water counties into a home guard to act in case of inroads \u0026amp; marauders as guerrillas. I did hope to bring into this organization all able bodied men \u0026amp; boys between 15 \u0026amp; 60. The law opposed difficulties in the way of this, and I did hear that Gen'l Lee who highly approved of the plan is going to carry it into effect by calling them out as militia. What the precise details of the militia organization are to be, I cannot say. But I suppose that as its objects are the same it does not in the main differ much from the guerilla plan. I think so highly of this plan that I have sought to have it turned over to us navy officers looking upon it as the most honorable \u0026amp; useful service that the times offer to us.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThis too is I think the best service for you, and for reasons both public \u0026amp; private. It is highly important service and a double duty to the state--you fight for \u0026amp; help to raise bread for the people at the same time. Sallying forth with [sword] in hand today--tomorrow with the pruning hook or sickle. The private reasons are: your whole fortune is imperiled, and it will require all the personal attention and the best management of which you are\ncapable to save you from ruin. I myself being a cripple have to conform myself to circumstances and to accept such occupation as those circumstances will allow. So it is with you- you by leaving home to serve the state now, would probably do it at the sacrifice of your entire fortune- and that you are not prepared to do. The true course and the brave course for you is cheerfully to adjust yourself to circumstances \u0026amp; then do the best you can.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTom Maury has just called me out with a telegram that his child is dead.\u003cbr\u003e Yrs, M.F. Maury.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\n20 June `61\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nI got your note last night and went the first thing this morning to see the Governor. If he musters you into service, you will fall under the President who can send you where he pleases. Thus the Governor:\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI heard a member of the convention from Tidewater complaining yesterday that two companies in one of the lower counties had been mustered into service with the express understanding that they were to remain in their own county and they had been ordered away. They were volunteers. So you will understand that no bargain can be made with you as volunteers, short of 1 year's service to go wherever the President chooses to order you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAs to guerrillas: the convention has that subject up now and he, the Governor can do nothing.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThus you have a full account of the result of the interview. Thorburn has [gave] up the country- after referring your letter to the Gov. I thought it useless to mention the matter to him. If you conclude to go as volunteers how would Jack Maury do as your Capt.? He is at Gloucester Pt.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am very sorry to see our guerilla scheme fail, but the connotation is we have both done our best and all that can be done.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLove to Nannie\u003cbr\u003e\nyrs M.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Council was abolished yesterday and I am relieved of duties.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\n18 July 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear wife,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have just learned from the Sec. War that the boys at the university are not to be taken into service. They remain undisturbed. I shall so write Dave this day.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI shall go down to the central cars today at 2 1/2 hoping to meet Dab. He can have his folks at the junction. Come here spend 2 or 3 hours \u0026amp; join them in the 5 p.m. train for Fredericksburg.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHollins has charge of the Naval defenses of James River- and will be cavorting about I suppose, \u0026amp; Dick with him. This will be more agreeable than a stay at one place.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThere are many flying rumors about the street this morning such as the landing of 30,000 troops at Norfolk, 20,000 at Aquia Creek \u0026amp; c- and that they are moving upon Richmond. It is now 12.20 and no official dispatch has been received, so there is nothing in it. But I wish you all would fancy to make a visit to Albemarle until the denouement takes place. I suppose the enemy will run upon us somewhere soon and the sooner the better for us in\nmy poor judgment.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eNow you know I don't want to give alarm and I know no more about the enemy's plan than the newspapers tell us. Still our armies cannot remain much longer as they are and I had rather see my people a little further off. God bless you\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F.M.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCharlottesville, Va: Ridgway\u003cbr\u003e\n18 Sept 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Nannie,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour two letters came yesterday. The great drawback to what you call \"a celebrity\" is this being called on by friends for `influence' and help, where you are powerless. [?Kennedy's] inquiry I imagine had no such bearing as you seem disposed to give it. I know Mr. Corbin is missed all the time, and you may know that I am not going to permit any opportunity of having him to pass unheeded by. I understand that he did not want a commission at first when he was trying to raise that company - and now I suppose it difficult except in the Confederate Service and there I am powerless. Bless your heart for offering us your house. I have not been able to find - yet - suitable accommodations in Charlottesville. Moreover I am distressed by what they tell me of typhoid fever there - and moreover Fredericksburg is \"powerful sweet\". I am waiting for the word from Richmond to go ahead with the submarines. There is no chance for a Ltcy. in the Navy for Mr. Corbin. I think a good of his affairs. The give us solicitude. Dave and C. Minor went off a'recruiting yesterday. I think you had better come to us. We will take care of you for a year and that will help Mr. C. along with his interest.\u003cbr\u003e\nYr. Dad.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\n20 Nov 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI do not go to the Miss. just yet if at all. The committee has the matter of steam launches up. I shall wait here for the result of their deliberations. I cannot speak positively about you and home Saturday.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTom left for Manassas Wednesday morning. He took the turkey and all.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eNan and Lewis and the general were here. Now returns to Bowling Green this morning. Lewis went this morning to Norfolk. Jack came up from York River yesterday. He returns tomorrow.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe hoop skirts cost $6.00 -[Bill] waits further orders before giving $12.00 for the two.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMiss Fanny Perkins left the day I arrived. She went down to Norfolk Wednesday morning with the General's check in her corset and the other \"preciouses' behind the photographsin her album.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHow are my sick? All still mending I hope. Kisses to everyone.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYr. affectionate, M.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\n9 Dec `61\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour leave is extended to the 1st Jan. unless Kennedy should sooner require your services. The leave with his letter to you go up to him this evening. Buchanan grants you the leave. I have seen it. So there is no mistake. K. no doubt will send it you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDave is off in the morning.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLove to Nannie,\u003cbr\u003e\nYrs. in haste\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSend it to C.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFor Nannie\u003cbr\u003e\nPrivate \u0026amp; Confidential\u003cbr\u003e\nDec. 9.1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear child,\u003cbr\u003e\nMilly's death is a sad blow. You will feel it as such and miss her mightily. A law has passed authorizing the appointment of 50 Navy Lts. to serve during the war. I do not know what rules is to be adopted with regard to appointments; but it has occurred to me that Mr. C. might stand a chance if he would like the place. If so, let him file his application with Mr. Mallory and interest his member of Congress on his behalf. If I know that you and he desire the place, that is enough. I'll help it and if I can.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSay to Blackford that the only understanding between us was that I was to stay there until I could find a place to suit us both and that he would live with us - one offsetting the other. That he had better get some of our mutual friends to fix the visit. It had better be by the month, for he may want to sell and I man find a more suitable house. We lack another room or two sadly - We'll will attend to the execution of any papers that are required in the processes. God bless you my daughter\u003cbr\u003e\nM.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\n30 Jan.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear wife,\u003cbr\u003e\nWill came yesterday and told me that you were poorly and also of the great thinning out. You must feel very quiet if not lonesome. I don't get much from Will about the school. Of course they are done with Mr. J.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI'll leave it entirely to you as to whether one or both shall come home. They should come soon and we should know the day so that Dave may be at the cars. Dave is a precious fellow. He has been a great comfort to me, but he and I do not think that this clerking of his is exactly the thing for him. I think I shall give the place to Bob who returned last night. I have written to Lynch asking him to take Dave with him for a little while. We are waiting\nto hear from him. The answer is daily expected for I wrote about 10 days ago. L's answer will determine the Lad's course, whether it will be back to you, or down to the south - or rather the Sounds of N.C. Tell Nannie I have exhausted myself upon Corbin both with Buchanan and the Inc. What I said seemed to go in one ear and come out of the other - S.C. must muster up his political influences and push them. 25 or 30 of the 50 Lts. that are to be made will come from the \"Old Navy\" including cases like Smith's and from the Masters and Mid of C.N. The rest are I believe to be made out of the resv. C. will come in with them if at all I suppose.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe \"Doc\" got off this morning, much to my relief.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have got a pair of shoes at last which I can wear when the foot is only 1/2 swollen. I have them on this morning for the first time. I have ordered another and a larger pair, so I have them of three sizes.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI know my brood is doing fine in Latin. How is Lucy and the Musik Glum and the philosophy Totts and the writing. A Kiss to everyone I am dying to see you all but can't tell about coming.\u003cbr\u003e\nYr Aft M\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDid Jno get the money Dave collected for him?\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\n1 May 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin:\u003cbr\u003e\nI have this morning yr's of 29th. Wrote you yesterday - nothing from Fredericksburg since Dave went up there this morning hoping to take a peep of an hour or so upon the blessed group. I shall expect him back to-morrow. His appointment will probably be made out by that time. When he will put out west of course he will bring letter which I shall hasten down to you.\u003cbr\u003e\nIn haste\u003cbr\u003e\nYrs MFM\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe examination as I understand it relates only to midshipmen.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\n4 May `62\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJas. M. Johnson [Hd.] carpenter of Rootes party left sick at Custis' Quarters reports himself for Norfolk today - without money. I lend him $3. which he promises to return to you 1st pay day. Please get it. Dave I expect will be off in the morning.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt is the case of yr[house on fire at night]. Your duties for the moment are and ought to be the all absorbing subjects with you. Not only yr prosperity, but your life and liberty are at stake. And you will be lucky and ought to be happy to escape with the last two.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eA letter from Dick - all well.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYrs.\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F.M.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e- That's right. Keep your mind occupied. Don't despond or despair. The enemy has the power to possess himself of Richmond - of the Miss River and of all the Tidewater country. Look upon that as more than likely.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond Virginia\u003cbr\u003e\n5 May\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin:\u003cbr\u003e\nI have just time to say this is [the] 3rd or 4th. Have yr's of 2nd. The army came over into Fredericksburg yesterday. Nothing since direct from our folk since Dave was there. He will perhaps go off in the morning.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn haste yrs\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\n24 May\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin:\u003cbr\u003e\nNothing from Fredericksburg since Brodie's letter of 13th. I have an idea that the place is evacuated. I tried yesterday and the day before to get Totts back with the aim of sending her there- Mr. White wrote to say the Alsop's went last Wednesday and he thought there would be no difficulty about Totts. I am afraid now to bring her down. I may be down to the Bluff tomorrow. Gave Lt Davidson of the [ ] a letter from you yesterday. Jack has\ngone down to take command of the battery below you.\u003cbr\u003e\nYrs. in haste\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1 June '62\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nDick was hit yesterday in the right arm, breaking one of the bones, His wound is very much such as one as Dabney's only not so bad. I went out and brought him in. He was wounded early in the fight, but not until he had resisted the charge and driven back two Yankee regiments. Dick is a gallant fellow and has won the name \"immortal\" for his regiment - so says the Yankee General Hancock. His horse was killed under him and he was struck 4 times. He will be well in about 6 weeks. He is in my room laughing and talking as I write.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy admirable Pettigrew was killed. I write in haste. Send word to Jack about Dick. Nothing from home.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYrs.\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F.M.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\n5th June 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nThis morning brings in yrs of 3rd. Dick is walking about the streets and is doing well. No chance to Fredericksburg and nothing from them. I hope to get off to Albemarle with Dick next week. Jackson gives us a bright spot. In all the directions around the horizon the clouds lower upon us.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYrs. M.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e19th June\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin:\u003cbr\u003e\nThis will not come to hand in time for you this morning.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDick and I hope to get off for Ridgeway Saturday. I tried today an order for 3 Irish servants to be sent from New York. Dabney is acting Major General. Price and his staff are loud in his praise of Dab and Cave.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI [?] Nannie's letter for time was short.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJuly 14 (1862)\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin:\u003cbr\u003e\nLooked for you yesterday, but your two letters came this morning. George has arrived at Ridgway from Fredericksburg. Dick has sent him back to get his marriage license. Nothing from Nannie or Betty. Yankee pickets are about Bowling Green. Will is home in status quo. Gen Minor has letters from Fredericksburg of 11. [Nannie] [Gardner] was very ill with typhoid fever. Harry Hasbrouck is our prisoner. I have his photograph picked up on the battlefield. I only know the mail does not go to Fredericksburg. I hope to get off this week. A letter from Dave of 3 Oct. Doing well.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThanks for Nannie's letter. Betty had a letter from Nannie after her arrival in Fbg. I suppose Dick will be married as soon as he gets his license.\u003cbr\u003e\nYrs. truly\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F.M.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\n19 July\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin:\u003cbr\u003e\nI am sorry I did not see [you] again. I am off to Ridgway in the morning. Letter from my wife of 16 - Dick's license had not arrived. It was due that day. Betty is still in Carolina. Don't know when she goes back. My wife will return next week, say the last, I reckon.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI write in haste. Read last night - letters from Dave and Dab of y. Still there, well and rejoicing over Richmond. Let us hear from you at Ridgway. My [ ] for news from home will be mainly thru you and Will.\u003cbr\u003e\nYrs.\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F.M.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\nExchange Hotel\u003cbr\u003e\nRoom No 12\u003cbr\u003e\n29 July (1862)\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin:\u003cbr\u003e\nPope's order No 11 - brought me and my wife down to-day. Our people will have to come out of Fredericksburg now. They can't stand that. I want to get authority to-morrow to send up there. So come up to town as soon as you can after the receipt of this \u0026amp; we will lay our plans. Give my compliments to Lee and say you coming will be a personal favor –\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYrs in haste\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eExchange Hotel - No 12\u003cbr\u003e\n30 July\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin:\u003cbr\u003e\nPope's order to arrest everybody in Fredericksburg that will not swear allegiance makes it necessary to get our people out. I am here for that. Come up to day. I want your help. Get his permission to ask for a leave of 10 days, if you find it necessary, at any rate come up to day.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYrs.\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBowdon England\u003cbr\u003e\n1 May 63\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin:\u003cbr\u003e\nI was glad to get your letter. It was very satisfactory and interesting.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI now fancy that I see no end to the war, until the Yankees get themselves into trouble with some other nation, or until after the 4th March of `65. John Bull is drifting into war and the public mind here is beginning to chafe under the doings of Wilkes and his [c ]. Still if there is war it will not be through any the least spark of sympathy for us. I think the Government is determined to stop any more Alabamas if it can - and I think the feeling of the country is with the Government in that matter, as it is in all others that touch its conduct towards us.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCan't you find time to find a better place for our folks, as in Lynchburg or some other town a little further from the enemy's lines. They are now much nearer than is agreeable. Then they want to be in reach of schools and a little more society for the young ones than they can have in the country. Pray let there be a family council \u0026amp; then see what you can do to carry out what may be decided to be the best. If they board, let them if possible\nhave a parlor to themselves.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWilkinson don't come any further than the island nearest you, but I will bear in mind yr request.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am trying now to get a box off for the ladies on a vessel that takes this - one that Crenshaw is sending out. I have a letter from him this morning dated 3 days ago, saying she would sail in a few days - So I have sent an express message to Ferguson in Manchester who took the lists more than a month ago with a promise to fill them - I have asked him to send all 3. Bob's, Lewis' and mine if he has them ready, if not ready, I have asked him to double my order for dresses and to make them suitable to the memory of\nmy precious Davy Jones. He said the money was of no consequence when I gave him the lists, but perhaps the want of it prevented him from attending to it, however I sent him the money for mine - all I had, and told him that I expected in a week or 10 days to have the money for the others, and to send my box anyhow. I don't know the name of the vessel but it's Crenshaw's. They will tell you the name in Richmond and the box will be marked c . \"R.H. Maury, Richmond\". Do ask them to keep a look out for it.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBobby Walker is here trying to raise a Yankee loan of £50,000,000. Moneyed men here say some that he can't \"place it\" some that he can, if he will get Peabody and [Br gs ] black \u0026amp; [ ] - to take hold and spend a £100,000 or so in floating it. My own notion is he will spend money like fury to get his loan to go - and I see what looks to me like a sign that he had already been \"[ploughing]\" with some of the yearlings of the Times. Saw them stepping out of the way in its city article of yesterday to explain away certain things.\nIt looks suspicious. This \"City Article\" as it is called is more read by moneyed men than all other parts of the paper. The \"City Article\" is the first thing they look at.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSo I am on the lookout for something [further]. This morning's Times will be here before the mail closes and if there be any more indications I'll clip them out for you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePlease let Nannie copy such parts of the letter as relate to public affairs and send them to Mr. Seddon. I wrote him Dec. 11 Jan 20- \u0026amp; 31 March - and ask him to see that the new Navy Bill does not operate prejudicially in one's absence.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eExplain to R.A.M. about the boxes. I wrote nearly a month ago for money from [Jody] for him \u0026amp; L. as I had it not.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhere is Jack stationed now? Give my love to Jack - He is a kind hearted fellow.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThis is May-Day. Some ladies called in their carriage to take me to see the country people - May-But I had not the [ ] and I proposed to stay at home and [ ] home.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSend also to Ludlow the slips that you think he would like to see. Love to Uncle Jordan and Nannie and all hands.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYrs. truly\u003cbr\u003e\nMF\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI go to London Monday of Tuesday and then to France. It goes hard to part with Brave. But he likes his school, is getting interested with the boys - and his vacation will commence 13 June - Six weeks hence when he will join me again.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLondon England\u003cbr\u003e\n7 July 1863\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Nannie:\u003cbr\u003e\nCarter stopped in upon us today with your and Corbin's letter. Bless my Davy's sweet face - his [coal] is [quenched], his light is put out - his pitch broken, and his spirit returned unto God who gave it. I doted on that splendid countenance. Twas a rich pleasure to me always to steal glances at it when he knew it not. I read in it unutterable things and always a pleasant present and a pleasing future Oh-ho! Lord Wrottesley is in town.\nBrave called today to say we would breakfast with him in the morning. Brave said `Sir' to him and he took him up. We learn by Carter that Murdough had got in. Thanks for that - Corbin will find his pistol in the trunk sent by him, but not the saber. It is difficult to find one good [natured] enough to charge himself with such a piece of luggage. I saw his cousin in Paris. He was very civil. I liked him and his family very much. One of his daughters - the yellow haired one particularly quite took my fancy. I was miserable in\nParis. Exceedingly depressed all the time - so much that Brave said to me one night in tears - that I had treated him with reserve ever since he come there. Bless the child's heart. I had no heart for anything. I was making no progress about my business I was doing nothing to help the case - and my actions were controlled by me, that were unequal to the task. All this and the fact that I am kept here all the time with hands tied for the want of means and that I am told to build this and buy that as tho' I had the Bank of England to draw from. All this - the fact that I am of no use - oppressed me exceedingly.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe small parcel by Hudson, Elie tells me has been received. The next was also a small one - say 7- by Ramsey in Apl- What became of that? The next by the [Venice]- [Crenshaw's] ship- in I know- the next was by the Advance- [Crosson's] ship in charge of Hughes the brother of Tom's friend. She was in Bermuda last month-and the last by Murdough who is in. I have had but two letters from you. Love to Corbin with thanks for his letter. I hear he is a great worker and gives satisfaction.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBowdon (England)\u003cbr\u003e \n4 Aug 1863\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear no. \"dos\",\u003cbr\u003e\nJust as we were leaving Liverpool yesterday a parcel of home letters was handed to me.\nYours of Jun 14, Corbin of 15, Totts 10th 13 and Elie's no date at all. Totts to the Brave. This is the second letter from you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJust before we left London Mrs. [G ] with her youngest daughter \"Carie\" arrived there from Baltimore. They are great secessionists - you remember they used to give children's parties in the first ward and that Dave particularly and I believe Totts used to go to them. The first thing that Miss Carie said was an inquiry after Dave. She only remembered me as his father. When I told her - her mother exclaimed - + don't you believe he's drowned they've got him cooped up to spite you. You don't know their villainy or their spite against you. The idea and their positive air gave me a glimpse of hope, which started up, lasted for a moment and it was all dark again.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAnother batch of letters. Lt. Carter brought them from L'pool just at 6. Meiklejohn was dining with us, so we put them away and have now about 10 just got through with them. I reading and [checking] over them to Brave. There is one form you of 25 May to me and of June 6th to Brave. One from Totts to him and one to me one from Nannie Belle to him. All on the thin blue paper and from his Ma to him and one to me with the copy by Elie of\nD's letter of the 14th Feb - giving all the account he could of the loss. It is singular that just as I was telling of Mrs. G. for I had only got to the +. D's letter should have come encouraging the same idea. 5th {pencilled in margin} I had never before heard of the cartridge boxes - the rubber cloth and the tracks of the mare as to or from a boat. Had I heard of that at first I should have clung to hope as you and Totts and yr Ma have done.\nIt evidently gave D. hope for the flag followed. But what did Burnett think. Burnett the Texas Trailer. At what gait was the man going that two miles after having crossed the crevasse - at what gait when she returned - was there any sign of a scuffle, of a halting or a quickening of pace where the cartridge boxes were - what does he mean by cartridge `boxes'? cartridge papers? I think the trailer could tell by the tracks for two miles whether\nthe horse was riderless. The tracks about the turning place would indicate that most likely. Then why should the mare keep along just two miles and then turn back.. The man in the boat might have seen him coming, and concealing themselves [till] he came up - and then calling a halt he might have found himself so completely in their power as to make all attempt at escape useless - and so he might have reined up. But then what would have been the use of the cartridges? On the contrary if he had been fired at or\nshot, the tracks would have showed a sudden change in the gait of the steed. I read from this account of Bob's that on that two mile stretch below the crevasse, the horse as she went down was guided by the rider, and that therefore the probabilities, nay I should say the chances, the almost certain chances are that that precious boy was not drowned in the crevasse. When the mare returned to the brook, was she riderless? How near did the returning tracks go to it? Did they enter it? If they don't, he perished there - if not, then he was made away with, somewhere between the brook and the end of the two miles below. Thank my merciful Father for this precious crumb of consolation, for now I feel almost persuaded that my brave boy had a chance of fighting for his life, and if so, then I know he did quit himself like a man as he was.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou see my love I have been building up this theory on these straws that D almost casually as it were has held out. The tracks down the road, the cartridge boxes, the rubber cloth and the tracks down to the boats.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLet us suppose that D. means cartridge boxes and not paper, then the rubber cloth, was it Yankee? The boat party had taken off their cartridge boxes and spread the bit of rubber cloth to lie on. My Dave came upon them suddenly and so fell into their hands. Were there any signs of a scuffle of men in a high state of excitement moving about. And the rubber cloth - was it of the cartridge boxes [ ] - and did the tracks of the men pass them?\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI say he rode the mare that far, because she was seen soon after he had crossed - by 3:30 p.m. near the canal without her rider- and was found then at 10 the next morning. She wanted to get back - and after she lost her rider on the 27 - she made for Vicksburg. Had he been taken alive he would surely have been taken up to headquarters. He would have been too great a prize - no He was dealt foully by and they were afraid to report it.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI send D. a letter written some days ago. I may not have time to add more - but any how send him copy of the copy of this, till you are he gets it. Ask him to send it to Major Burnett, and after discussing the whole case over with him, ask him to let us know what the Major says. Love to C. to Betty and 10 Tell N.B. hers was a sweet letter to the Brave.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eKiss everybody. I am worried about L.A.'s \"spies\"-\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEngland\u003cbr\u003e\nFeb. 15, `64\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear \"Nig\":\u003cbr\u003e\nThat was a capital bargain. How came they to let him pay off? He ought to be made Sec. Treasury if he can financier in that way. The bonds that F.B. had? I hope he looked after them, and that they gave you and him a most comfortable fire to warm by.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYesterday morning Brave brought down a Legendre that he had brought over with him- Davie's. In the evening he was criticizing some of the propositions and demonstrations and proposed to burn it up. I happen to look on the fly page in the book and there was my precious Dave's own hand writing \"Charlotte is my dulce.\"\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eS-H- and in full below, and a sum that he had been doing. I suppose that the `Dulce' was the „Charlotte‟ that Kate or Sarah [ ] used to talk to him about. He had the book at the University. So Brave was ordered to put it away among our \"preciouses\" - I have written 2½ diverse times and grieve to know that he doesn't get my letters. My last was 26 Dec. It related to that famous brooch pin affair - was a great secret, and I hope that it has not\nmiscarried. No further development has occurred in that matter and you may rely upon it. I shall suffer it to proceed no further, unless it be clear that I can be more useful there than I can be here, or rather than I am permitted to be here. Any premature disclosure would as you may readily imagine give rise to any amount of scandal- to encounter which with equanimity all those virtues which made Duncan `so clear in his High office' - I must rely upon angels and \" my Innocents\" for defense, for if I enter into that scheme, my lips will be sealed. And in all this I rely upon the reticence, the prudence and the judgment of you all. If it comes to anything, you will know of it from other quarters long before you will\nfrom me. The possibility that you might so hear induced me to tell you of it before hand. I know it would set somebody to climbing the mountain, and I thought it was better to climb with the lights before you there in the dark.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour Petersburg letter of Dec 11 to Brave is our latest date. [`Sophy'] is in New York having her old laces renovated.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e4 March 6 p.m.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Wellford:\u003cbr\u003e\nI have just received this from Paris. It is a little scrap which you may like to preserve. I have no new developments in the matter of the brooch pin.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBrave and I are mourning over the loss of our things by [Cameron] in the Petersburg - Another pair of specs for Mary among them. It's always so Brave says with our Xmas boxes. Love to you - Yrs\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBowdon, England\u003cbr\u003e\n4 Aug. `64\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear N:\u003cbr\u003e\nI dreamed last night that your troubles were all over. I hope they are with all my heart. They have not only been the cause of the most tender and anxious solicitude but of many painful emotions also - which I would fain forget.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI send you the last I have heard of Corbin. I can't find out when or how he was made prisoner. I have asked R. to let him have any funds he may want, and I will return the same through his cousin [J.]B. in Liverpool. I do not know whether any exchange of prisoners is now going on. I am rather under the impression that there is another hitch of some sort in the way.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe first notice I had that he was certainly captured was by his notice from Pt. Look Out to R.H.M. cut from the N.Y. Daily News of 28 June and sent me by an officer in Paris. I rec'd it 16 July in the cars as I left London for Lland[ ]. Bob in his letter of June 23rd makes no mention of him. So I infer he must have been captured between that and the 26th or 27th. You however should not give yourself any trouble nor go to climbing any mountains on that score, for I have no doubt he will, with such assistance as I can give,\nbe able to provide very well for his material comforts.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI went down to [A ] day before yesterday to get some tooth brushes to send by an officer who is going home, and I don't like to see such a good opportunity to pass without sending something. So I thought of tooth brushes- All the shops are in [Albrincham] none in Bowdon, Mit said, O don't get them here, get them in Manchester. You get them so much better. He got a friend to get them for you-all right. Tell him to get the best brushes as to hair, such as gentlemen and ladies ought to us, and add to them 6 nail\nbrushes. They have just come, were bought at wholesale prices, and for the nail brushes behold the little shoe brushes. I wish they had been white, I should like 5 \u0026amp; 6 to have a nice white one. But I reckon you can make them do.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBrave said the other day, \"Sister B is an elegant woman I tell you. I should like to have such a one for my wife\" \"Why-?\" \" Oh she keeps her things in such nice order, and looks good in anything\" So charge 5 \u0026amp; 6 to be neat and clean, but I fancy they are, and that they will look mighty good in one of these nail brushes set off by an ivory handled tooth brush. Bless their hearts I wish I could bring myself instead of sending these nice brushes for the narsty Yankees to get. Brave is commencing Greek and French this half.\nHe is not quick, but has what is better than quickness viz. industry and perseverance, the will to make good resolutions and the force to carry this out. I now, since I have been sick take 4 meals a day, breakfast at 8, lunch at 1½, dinner at 5½ and tea at 9, Brave breakfasts and teas and soups. God bless you. Love to Sr. E \u0026amp; S.F.M. and all hands.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Parsonage\u003cbr\u003e\nBelsize Park\u003cbr\u003e\nLondon, N.W. [England]\u003cbr\u003e\n30 Dec 64\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nHow are you and Jack these dreary times, well and bright I hope. I have no later dates, since I last wrote you. I saw Arthur Sinclair and Pegram last night. The latter left in Oct. I learned more from them as to how our folks get on, than I had learned before. My friend is named T r e m l e t t, not Triplett. Your first letter they knew was for me and sent it to Bowdon right away. I have settled with Rutson for the $167.85 and the $20 advanced by\nJno W. to you and Jack the $20 to Jack, the rest to you, total $187.85. Brave grows fast and sends love. God bless you both\u003cbr\u003e\nYrs afty M. Fontaine\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Parsonage\u003cbr\u003e\n[Belsize Park\u003cbr\u003e\nLondon, N.W., England]\u003cbr\u003e\n3 Feb. 65\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Mr. Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have been ill for nearly a month, but hope now I am all right again except in strength, and the roast beef and pudding will soon rectify. My last letters from home are four days older than yours. I had comforted myself with the belief that you and Jack had been exchanged. I think you are bound for that tailor bill whether the cape reaches you or not, for as I understand you ordered them to be sent and they were sent at your and not the tailor's risk. Love to Jack in which Brave joins me to both. I have refunded to R. all he has advanced for either of you.\u003cbr\u003e\nYr. aft. M. Fontaine\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOff San Domingo\u003cbr\u003e\n19 May 1865\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sir:\u003cbr\u003e\nWe expect to be in Havana next Monday. I have seen New York papers of 2nd. Taking for true what they say this Confederacy has come to a miserable wreck. I write this now for the chance of finding in Havana a vessel ready to take it away. Brave, will go home from Havana, but it will take a day or two there for him to get thro' with his business. In the mean time my friends will be anxious to know what I intend to do. I do not know where they are. I take the liberty of sending this to you thinking you will guess whence it comes, and hoping you will not consider it inconsistent with your new relations, to give it the proper direction.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI was utterly astounded at the brick-row tumble of our armies; and at the ignoble end of the Confederacy I am grieved and mortified beyond expression, My friends will know to whom and to what I attribute the great calamities that have been brought upon us. They need not have been. But as gloomy as the record is, and as black as is the mirror of the future, now is the time to be stout and brave and to rub it bright. The soil of Virginia has now for me no charms save those which memory flings around it. At present it is red with blood and bitter with the tears of those who were and are very precious, and its future is black with misery and utterly horrid. I have no wish to see it, and long to withdraw from it those who graced it, and those who made it very dear to my heart. In my judgment the only course that becomes them and that is left to those noble sons and daughters who have graced the fall of the noble old state is expatriation. There are too many voices coming up in bloody, to cry from her battlefields to admit any to tarry there now, who can get away. And I go from Havana with the design of finding for them a new country, and of obtaining such advantages as will induce 1000s to come. And among the first are my wife's brothers my own kin and our immediate friends especially such as those of Ridgway and others. Please consult your friend [L.E.] upon this subject. The discussion of it involves many considerations, considerations not so much of the present as of the future. The future of every true hearted Virginian is a life dragged out under the yoke amidst secret spies and truculent informers. Remaining on the [soil] their doom is that of a proscribed race.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe best service that I can now make the state is to propose an asylum to which her sons can flee and sit under their own vines and fig trees. Your nephew goes home over for the purpose of developing our plans and with the hope of seeing it received with favor by those whose presence and society would make us at home in any country. My wife has a diamond and [chain]. They will tell her if she will consult them who I seek to plant that home.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI wish 2 you would join me, if possible, and for several reasons - One is he is a better farmer than I am, and another is I shall if at all successful have more to do that I can attend to. Discuss the subject frankly and freely among our own friends, but privately and by letter, not publically nor in print, until I have something clear and definite to propose - which I hope to be at least this much:- [Leave] to come into the country with our effects\nwithout any duties of any sort, a grant of Lands exemption for a term of years from taxation and military conscription \u0026amp;. Perhaps other terms more or less advantageous may be obtained. In the mean time broach the subject to the two generals, big and little - to Will's uncles and brothers, to Jessie, to the \"Squires\" boys and his sisters - to Jno. B. his brothers and nephews to Frank and his and their whole circle of friends - not forgetting mechanics of various sorts. I hope to be ready for the pioneers to come early in the winter if not before. They can make ready for a larger number to follow a few months later and they for a still larger number and soon. Tell L.E. I intend to pick out a settlement so sickly that everybody will want the Doctor and pay him too and so healthy that the old people will just dry up and blow away. Hey Ho!\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eImportant from Mexico\u003cbr\u003e\nWe, Maximilian, Emperor of Mexico in consideration of the sparseness of the population in the Mexican territory, in proportion to its extent; desiring to give to immigrants all possible security for property and liberty, in order that they may become good Mexicans, sincerely attached to their new country; and having heard the opinion of our Board of Colonization, do decree, as follows:\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eArticle 1. Mexico is opened to immigration from all nations.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eArticle 2. Immigration agents shall be appointed, who will be paid by the government, and whose duty it will be to protect the arrival of the immigrants, install them on the lands assigned them and assist them in every possible way in establishing themselves. These agents will receive the orders of an Imperial Commissioner if Immigration, specially appointed by us, and to whom, through our Minister of Improvement (Fomento) all communications relating to immigration shall be addressed.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eArticle 3. Each immigrant shall receive a duly executed title incommutable, of landed estate, and a certificate that it is free of mortgages.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eArticle 4. Such property shall be free from taxes for the first year, and also from duties on transfers of property, but only on the first sale.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eArticle 5. The immigrants may be naturalized as soon as they shall have established themselves as settlers.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eArticle 6. Immigrants who may desire to bring labourers with them, or induce them to come, in considerable numbers, of any race whatever, are authorized to do so; but those laborers will be subject to special protective regulations.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eArticle 7. The effects of immigrants, their working and broad animals, seeds, agricultural implements, machines and working tools, will enter free of custom house and transit duties.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eArticle 8. Immigrants are exempted from military service for five years. But they will form a stationary militia, for the purpose of protecting their property and neighbourhoods.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eArticle 9. Liberty in the exercise of their respective forms of religious worship is secured to immigrants, by the Organic Law of the Empire.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eArticle 10. Each of our Ministers is charged with carrying out such parts of this decree as relate to his department.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGiven at Chapultepec on the 5th of September 1865.\u003cbr\u003e\nMaximilian\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTo the Minister of Improvement.\u003cbr\u003e\nBy the Emperor,\u003cbr\u003e\nManuel Orozco y Berra,\u003cbr\u003e\nSub-secretary, in the absence of the Minister of Improvement\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRegulations\u003cbr\u003e\nUnder article 6, of the foregoing decree, we ordain as follows:\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e1. Under the laws of the Empire, all persons of colour are free by the mere act of their touching Mexican territory.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e2. They shall make contracts with the employer who has engaged, or may engage them, by which such employer shall bind himself to feed, clothe and lodge them, and give them medical attendance, and also pay them a sum of money, according to whatever agreements they may enter into with him, and more over he shall deposit in the savings bank hereinafter mentioned, for the benefit of the labourer, a sum equivalent to one fourth of his wages, the laborer shall on his part obligate himself to his employer to perform the labour for which he is employed, for a term of not less than five nor more that ten years.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e3. The employer shall bind himself to support the children of his labourers. In the event of the father's death, the employer will be regarded as the guardian of the children, and they will remain in his service until they become of age, on the same terms as those agreed on with their father.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e4. Each labourer shall receive a book certified by the local authority, in which book his description, the statement of his place of labour, and a certificate of his life and habits, will be entered. In the case of a change of employer, the consent of the former employer shall be entered in this book.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e5. In case of the death of the employer, his heirs or whoever may acquire his estate, shall be bound to the labourer in the same manner in which such employer was and labourer in his part shall be bound towards such new proprietor, on the same terms as in his former contract.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e6. In case of desertion, the labourer when arrested, shall be placed, without pay, on public works, until his employe presents himself to claim him.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e7. In case of any injustice of the employer towards the labourers, he shall be brought before a magistrate.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e8. Special police commissioners will watch over the execution of these regulations, and officially prosecute all violators thereof.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e9. A savings bank will be established by the government for the following objects.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e10. The employers shall deposit in said bank, every month, for the benefit of the labourers, a sum equivalent to one fourth of the wages which each is entitled to, under his contract of employment.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e11. The labourers can deposit, in addition, in the savings bank, in money, such sum as they may desire.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e12. These deposits shall bear interest at the rate of 5 percent per annum.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e13. At the end of his engagement, and on presentation of his book, the labourer shall receive the entire amount of his savings.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e14. If at the end of his engagement the labourer wishes to leave his money in the savings bank, he can then receive the interest accrues, or if he wishes to leave this also, it will be added to his capital, and also draw interest.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e15. In case a labourer should die intestate or without heirs, his property shall pass to the treasury of the government.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGiven at Chapultepec, on the 5th of September 1865.\u003cbr\u003e\nMaximilian\u003cbr\u003e\nTo the Minister of Improvement\u003cbr\u003e\nBy the Emperor:\u003cbr\u003e\nManuel Orozco y Berra\u003cbr\u003e\nSubsecretary, in the absence of the Minister of Improvement.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe following Regulations and Instructions have also been approved by His Majesty the Emperor. [signed by M.F. Maury]\u003cbr\u003e\nSeptember 11th 1865.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e1. The lands offered for Colonization are divided into three classes:\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e2. 1st those that are of the public domain and have never been reduced to\ncultivation:\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e3. 2nd Those that have been more or less improved as Haciendas, the right to\ndispose of which, the Government has acquired, either by purchase or otherwise:-\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e4. 3rd Private lands and Haciendas, the proprietors of which are disposed to offer them to immigrants on liberal terms for colonization. Many Haciendas that are, or have been, under cultivation, may be bought on easy terms, for less that $1 per acre.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e5. These private Haciendas or plantations, sometimes embrace several hundred\nsquare miles; those of the smaller sizes often afford lands and room for a settlement of a dozen or more families.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e6. Immigrants are advised to establish themselves, at first, in settlements or communities, as will for mutual protection and assistance, as for the benefit of churches and schools, and the convenience of mills, blacksmith shops, etc. etc.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e7. It is the policy of the Government to encourage settlement upon private, as will as upon public lands; and the same rights, privileges and exemptions are offered to immigrants who may settle on the former, as are granted to those who settle upon the latter.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e8. Lands of Class 1. are offered in alternate sections, as donations to actual settlers, and in quantities varying from 160 acres for single men, to 640 for the heads of families according to circumstances, to be explained presently.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eImmigration\u003cbr\u003e\n9. The Government not only invites all well disposed persons to come and assist in the occupation of its vacant places; but His Majesty, the Emperor, touched by the spectacle of good men struggling with adversity in other lands, tenders hospitality and homes especially to these. Moved by the generous impulses of his nature, he offers them material assistance, to enable them to reach this bountiful and beautiful land. To those of them who wish to change their skies, make Mexico their homes, and identify themselves with the country, a free passage for their families and their effects by\nsea, is offered.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e10. Immigrants are therefore divided into two classes: A. \u0026amp; B. - The former being of those first alluded to, who. by misfortune, have last all their substance; and the latter, those who are less straightened in their means.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e11. Not only a free passage by sea is offered to Class A., but when they arrive in the country, a travelling allowance of a Real the league, there to their new homes, will be made for each member of their families, counting as members also, their apprentices.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e12. Lands of Class 1. will be donated to these immigrants by alternate sections, viz: 160 acres to a single man, and 320 to a man with a family, with a pre-emption right to as much more in each case.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e13. Immigrants of Class A. who, after arriving in the country, may prefer to settle upon Haciendas or other lands are a liberty to do so; but in that case, they will be required to refund, with interest, the money that may have been advanced in assisting them to reach their new domiciles.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e14. Immigrants of Class B., who are those that can afford to pay their own\nexpenses, have the whole country before them. They may establish themselves\nwherever they can find suitable and available lands. If they prefer the unimproved lands of the public domain, they also can have them free in alternate sections, but only for actual settlement, at the rate of 320 acres for a single man, and 640 to a man with a family, with a pre-exemption right to as much more in each case.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e15. These donations of land to persons whether of Class A. or B., are made on condition, and with the understanding, that the donee shall, in good faith, proceed forthwith to occupy, subdue and cultivate the land so donated.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e16. The lands of the public Haciendas will be offered at government prices, and pro - rata, according to the actual cost of purchase by the Government.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e17. As it regards private lands and Haciendas, the field of selections is much larger, Immigrants are free to make their own bargains with proprietors, the Government waiving its fees on such transactions, as per Art. of the Decree.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e18 As it regards the public Haciendas, a reservation of improved lands will be made from each, to serve; during the first years, as a common for the free use of the colonists. The size of the Common will be determined by the number of families the lands of the Hacienda may be sufficient to accommodate. It will be large enough to give them breadstuffs and vegetables at once, and until they can bring their own lands into cultivation. It will be large enough also to afford space for a village in case the immigrants\nshould find it desirable, as probably at first they will, to establish themselves in villages. No rent will be charged for the first years for the use of this Common.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e19. This Reserve or Common is ultimately intended for educational purposes;\nand, after the first years, a ground rent of ten per cent upon the value of the land, but not upon the improvements, will be required.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAgencies\u003cbr\u003e\n20. Agents for immigrations will be stationed at convenient points abroad, for the purpose of affording information to the immigrant there, as to this country, its lands, the best way of reaching them, and upon all other subjects pertaining thereto.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e21. Persons wishing to emigrate, will first apply to the most convenient agent, The applicant must state his occupation: whether agricultural, mercantile, mechanical or professional. He must also give his age, with the name, sex and age of each member of his family, including apprentices. If he requires assistance for the journey, he must state his circumstances, and give satisfactory references as to his character and standing in the community.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePermits\u003cbr\u003e\n22. The permit of the Immigration Agent is necessary to entitle the immigrant to the privileges of the decree. Unless he brings with him such a permit into the country, he will neither be entitled to lands, to free entry at the customs-house, nor to any other privileges beyond those accorded to mere strangers.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eEffects.\u003cbr\u003e\n23. Immigrants with such permits may bring in, duty free, all their personal and household effects; their live stock, their implements of husbandry, tools and instruments of all sorts, used by them in the pursuit of their trade, art, profession or calling. But they may not bring, without the payment of duty, any merchandize or thing for sale, exchange or barter.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e24. Before embarking, if coming by sea, or leaving home, if coming by land, the immigrant should furnish the agent for Immigration a complete list of persons and effects thaty of Mexico, will be completed. A charter for another rail-way, from the Capital to the Pacific Ocean, has been granted to responsible parties.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e25. Immigrants arriving in port, or crossing the line will find an agent there, whose duty it is to give them such assistance, and afford them such further information as they may require to speed them on their way.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eApprentices\u003cbr\u003e\n26. The agents for immigration will give no permits for Apprentices: unless the indentures shall conform to the terms of the decree, and be otherwise not inconsistent with the laws of the Empire; unless the indenture be attested by three respectable witnesses, certifying that the Apprentice was free, and that he, his parent or guardian, as the case may be, entered into the contract for apprenticeship, freely, and without threat, fear or intimidation; and unless the agent himself shall be satisfied that the \"patron\" is a humane man and a proper person, made so by his habit and education, for the care of such Apprentices.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e27. In all cases, the \"patron\" must furnish a descriptive list of his Apprentices, taking the time and terms of their indentures, with their names, sexes, and ages. He must exhibit to the agent, the indentures in duplicate, or in duly certified copies, one of which the agent shall deliver to the Apprentice, and retaining another, shall return the third to the patron.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[verso] Regulations \u0026amp; Instructions to be published with the Decree.\nIn connection with the foregoing, I beg leave to add, for the information of those who are displaced to avail themselves of the very liberal terms offered by this Decree, a few remarks on the physical geography, the agricultural resources and industrious pursuits of this beautiful country:\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Empire of Mexico lies between the parallels of 15° and 32° of the North latitude.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe shores are bathed by the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea on one hand, and by those of the Pacific on the other.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt is celebrated for its mines of silver and gold; copper, iron and lead also abound; but though its mineral wealth has dazzled the world, its mineral wealth is, as a source of riches, by no means equal to its soil.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIts climates are genial and its harvest perpetual; under good husbandry, the yield is bountiful, being 50, 100, and sometimes 200 fold. On the way up from Vera Cruz to the Capital in May, I saw the cereals in all the ways of cultivation between the hands of the sower and the arms of the reaper.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe seasons in Mexico are not marked by the vicissitudes of heat and cold so distinctly as they are by their characteristics of wet and dry. The coolest time of the year in this City is about the end of the dry season in April and May. The rainy season throughout the country commences generally with June and ends with September; still, there are occasional showers both before and after.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn the tierra caliente- the rainy season is the sickly season.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBetween the mountains and the sea there is, on both coasts, a flat country, varying in breadth from 10 to 60 miles or more. These lowlands reach back to the mountains which form the edge of the Table-land or great central plateau. This low country corresponds to that which, in Virginia and the Carolinas, lies between the Blue Ridge and the sea. It is the hot country of Mexico, the tierra caliente. Everything which delights in rich soils, bright\nskies, warmth and moisture, finds a genial habitat there.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAscending the mountains, which are timbered all the way up, you reach the table-land, an immense plain from five to eight thousand feet above the level of the sea, and hundreds of mils in breadth. In length, it is commensurate with the Empire; and in the lap of its western declivities, lies the tierra caliente of the Pacific coast. This table-land is the tierra\ntemplada, or the temperate regions of the Empire. Its climates are delightful: a happy mean between hot and cold, where cloth clothes are not uncomfortable by day, nor a blanket or two too heavy by night. Nevertheless, fire is never to be required, even in the coldest weather, for the houses generally are built without chimneys or fireplaces. It is very healthy.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe surface of this table-land is diversified with hills and dales, with an occasional snow clad peak; so that one, by descending into the valleys, may find, at the difference in level of a few hundred yards, and in the distances of a few miles, the productions and staples of all climates and latitudes, from those of Virginia and Missouri down to the shore of the\nGulf of Mexico, and there through the West Indies to the Equator or Brazil.\nEmigrants for Mexico, come at what season they may, will always be in time to plant something; but the best season for crop planting is generally in the spring, and the best time for coming is in the dry season, from October to May, when the newcomer may live in tents, put his seed into the ground and till June to build and get his family comfortably housed, by the time the rains set in.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe staples of agriculture in Mexico are like its climates: according to height above the sea level, somewhat controlled also by latitude. They are: corn, wheat, barley and oats; cotton, sugar and coffee; hemp, rice, tobacco, cocoa, cochenille, pimento, indigo, oranges, fruits and vanilla. On the dry table-lands, where nothing else scarcely will grow, flourishes the lordly Maguey or Pulque plant, the glory and wonder of Mexican flora. A single plant of this marvelous production is worth from $4 to $12, according to age and size. It yields but for a single season, and then dies. Some of the wealthiest establishments in Mexico are these Pulque plantations.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThere is no lack of range and pasture for herds of cattle: goats, sheep, cows, and horses do well. Nay, gentlemen who are from the grazing lands of the Western States, and who have travelled through the northern part of Mexico, assure me, that they have never seen so fine a stock country.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe forests abound in useful trees and ornamental woods, among them, the mahogany and the india-rubber tree. As for fruits and vegetables, they are of great variety and excellence. The immigrant can find climates and soils suitable to any cultivation that he may choose to adopt. From the sea to the top of the tablelands, he will find these soils and climates ranged in belts suitable for sugar, coffee, tobacco, and the like. These declivities are generally the best watershed lands, and are fit for cultivation all the way up.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe population of the Empire, counting in round numbers, is estimated at eight millions, about seven millions of which belong to what may be called the laboring classes.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAgricultural labor, however, is poorly paid: the average rate of wages being from 25 to 37 cents a day, the laborer finding himself. His skill is rude. I have seen him sawing with an ax, plowing with a stick, hoeing his corn with a shovel, and his wife grinding with a pebble. He yokes his oxen by the horns to the plow or cart; and fetches and carries cheaply on his own back, or on that of mule and donkeys.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOwing to the unsettled state and the constant revolutions in which the country has been for more than forty years, the people now find themselves with energies paralyzed, haciendas neglected and industry itself at a stand-still. There is no lack of evil-minded persons in all countries, and great political revolutions, as experience elsewhere shows, never fail to call forth such. Mexico has not escaped them; and bandits, or guerrillas as\nthey are called, go about the country in certain parts, levying blackmail and forced contributions upon peaceable and defenseless people. To avoid any molestation from these, immigrants, especially the first comers, should travel in company and establish themselves, for mutual protection and convenience, in settlements of not less than a dozen or two. They should bring with them their farming implements, and encourage in every settlement the establishment of blacksmith and other shops, the erection of mills,\netc. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Emperor is governing mildly and wisely. Internal improvements are encouraged. Education is fostered; and all useful enterprises are sure to find in their Majesties earnest and active support. A railway is in the process of construction from Vera Cruz to the city of Mexico. Fifty miles of it, from Vera Cruz to the foot of the table-land are already in operation; next year another section, from Pueblo to the City of Mexico, will be completed. A charter for another railway, from the Capital to the Pacific Ocean, has been granted to responsible parties.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAn able corps of civil engineers has recently been organized, and steps taken for the repair and construction of wagon roads in various parts of the Empire. Telegraphic lines are also encouraged, and several are already in operation.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Mexican Times, a weekly paper printed in English and devoted to colonization, will, in a few days, make its appearance from the press of this city. Those who wish to come to Mexico, will find in it much useful information relating to the country.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt will, however, afford me much pleasure to give to those who may desire it, any special information that it may be in my power to give, and until the agencies alluded to in the Decree and Regulations, be filled. Their letters will receive prompt attention if directed to the care of Col. Talcott [Tolcott], Engineer in chief of the Imperial Mexican railway.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCity of Mexico\u003cbr\u003e\n11 Sept. 1865\u003cbr\u003e\n(signed) M. F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003efr. Manhattan - recd. by R.M. 18 Nov a.m. in company with a shorter letter to himself and a short note to Mr. Thos. Bold, but none others.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTo Mr. S.W. Corbin\u003cbr\u003e\nOffice of Colonization\u003cbr\u003e\n13 Calle San Juan de Letran\u003cbr\u003e\nMexico 31 Oct 1865\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Corbin\u003cbr\u003e\nDick and party arrived here all safe about a week ago. Pip has a little bout with chills: - the rest are well. - The Yankee papers now have it that \"Professor Maury, the vilest of traitors has asked for pardon.\" - In the name of sense what do I want with a \"pardon\"? I have no idea of going to the U.S. now, whatever I may do in the future: and when I want to come back its quite time enough to talk about a \"pardon.\" Therefore, pray you and\nNannie let all my friends know that the greatest mortification that they can cause me is to talk about asking Mr. Johnson for anything for me, or to talk about pardon.-\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am not a seer, nor can I control events. I may want to go to the U.S.: I may want to go to Siberia: but when the time comes, then there will be time enough also to decide as to the way.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have asked, and the Emperor has ordered the authority to be given, to make Dick my Sub. at $2500.\"(salary.)\" I have not been officially informed of it yet: but he has been hard at it in the traces.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAs to the success of Colonization, those \"ifs\" which have hitherto prevented me from calling you and Nannie here, are still in the way.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMexico has been trying for 40 years to put the tide of immigration this way, it can't. - I have from the beginning told the Emperor I must have full sway in the matter. - otherwise I couldn't. This sway has not been given yet: and in the mean time many immigrants have come,- knocked, and no one opening. they have gone away. - As I have always said, if colonization fails, Mexico is no place for me. But before I set about to hunt a place to die, I wish to make the experiment. Where that place is, I cannot tell: - it may be Farley\nVale - it may be Old England. - But of I stay here that long, I shall want you to come out a little after this time next year, look at the country and bring Nannie. - It will take you two months: - 2 weeks to come, a month to stay, and 2 weeks to go.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am now in a condition to support my family again in their wonted comfort; and that's a great blessing for a man who has done all the foolish things attributed to \"Matthew F.\" This is early. I have not seen Dick. I wait with some curiosity to see if Dab: and Will between them, will in that free country of theirs, dare to publish our Decrees etc., etc. - Kiss \"(I know not whether it is \"Maria or 'Mama\", or what)\" for me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYours affectionately,\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[Note by the copyist]\nThere are 3 copies hereof; of which one goes to Nannie, another to Betty, and the 3rd will go to Mrs. M.F. - on 22 Nov [ ] Cunard str. from Boston. The letter to myself encloses a draft for £100 to repay my advances for Dick. Except that it does not name the application for Dick, the invitation to Mr. \u0026amp; Mrs. Corbin or the remarks about Will and Dab: it is to the same purport as this: and I sent a copy of it today (18th)Nov.) to Mrs. M.F. under cover to Mr. Bold. R.M.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOffice of Colonization\u003cbr\u003e\nMexico\u003cbr\u003e\nNov. 27th 1865\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear wife:\u003cbr\u003e\nThe last steamer from New York brought us three days ago from the indefatigable Rutson copies of your dear letters to Bettie and Cousin Ann, and Tom Bold's letter to Rutson, reporting you as his guest till Xmas and all well. Also letters from Nannie and Cousin Ann, press copies of which even also sent to you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI reckon, maybe I have \"gone [clean] daft,\" that my children and friends should think it necessary to write me such letters and make me such appeals. But it looks to me mightily like I have done, and am doing the thing that is right, wisest and best - Surely it was worth some sacrifice of feeling on your part as well as mine, and the endurance of a little longer separation to get Dick so snugly established as he is likely to be here-\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy own; no, our own mutual interests require that I should be in England at no distant day, and not being a prophet I could not foresee the turn that things would take, which would compel me to be here now, instead of half way across the sea towards your sweet embraces and my children's arms-\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe rainy season sets in the last of May and continues till Oct. Nov- this too is the sickly season, Yellow Fever both in Vera Cruz and West Indies - This is the time of year when immigration must stop and when therefore I can best be spared from my duties here - Now, between these months of May and October, I should be afraid to risk a voyage from here to England or the reverse.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI was afraid to leave you in Virginia because I was afraid and am afraid of troubles there. See what is going on in South Carolina and La. now. From the accounts I received from you and the children as to the difficulties on the score of servants, and other matters, I could not bear the idea of your encountering this winter in Virginia, surrounded as I fancied you would be, with such material discomfort - You remember my continued anxiety upon this subject during the war; and how last Spring I urged you to go North, surround yourself with material comforts and await events.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTherefore having to go to England at the earliest moment practicable (and that will be in the Spring on account of the sickly season and official duty here and I can't venture back, until the dangers of Yellow Fever are over) I thought England the best place for you to wait; and I thought they to join you in Dec.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn this sketch I make no allusion to the other reasons which we have so freely discussed before, and for which it was also wisest and best for you and the children to go to England - Bless my little Lucy's heart, I did not know before that she stammered—\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eNow then:- suppose I were to heed Bettie and Nannie, Cousin Ann and Rutson and write for you to come. You might be able to leave by the Str. of 1st Jan - but more probably not before February - That would bring you here about 4th March - And then, by the last of April at furthest I should have to leave for England - where on account of Yellow Fever by the way back, I should have to stay till Oct. You would then be left here with a people\nspeaking an unknown tongue for six or seven months and these six or seven months we had better spend together in \"merrie old England\" I think, that in dodging each other behind \"Albion's chalky cliffs\" and the sierras of Mexico - Don't you? –\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAnother thing: - and this is among my muttered thoughts, and if, and if and if all these ifs should conjoin, I may not come back - This though is way down deep among the remote contingencies of the future - It is not to be mentioned, except with injunctions, even to the most reticent, for still more reticence, for there is not enough of consistency about it, even for you to hang a hope upon - I can only contemplate it so far as to let the possibility of it enter into my calculations, so that should that possibility turn out a reality, I should not be taken by surprise.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHey Ho! This thing of being so opposed by friends, when one \"feels it in his bones,\" that he is doing what is right, wisest and best; this having to defend and explain and excuse oneself, and all in vain: - the feeling added to and piled up above this, that I am prejudged and condemned by children and friends who don't know - makes me feel, - oh! so flinty! I am right - and I must keep so. I sink myself I live for the reflected pleasure which the happiness and approving smiles of my wife and children alone can give - And the hope of this sustains, cheers and comforts me. And if they will but have patience with me, and God will spare me, this I will do yet - I hope—\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDick is a great help and comfort to me - Bless his heart, he wins upon me every day - so crippled! yet so patient, so devoted to his new duties and so hardworking - He surprises and delights me with his business tact and capacity. He is so handsome too and in his nice new clothes looks the gentleman every whit-\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHere, my dear, precious darling wife, is a great reward to you and consolation too, for this vexations separation;- and a proud, nay a glorious vindication too of the wisdom so far, of the course pursued by your husband in coming here - Suppose, instead of coming here last Spring, I had remained in England, or gone to Halifax to bide my time - Perhaps we should have been together now in England, - But what would have become of him? You know I became very uneasy about the tendency of his habits in consequence of the taste engendered by those immense doses of medicine which when wounded he was compelled to take. With those habits upon him, I trembled at the idea of seeing him risk alone and unaided, as he must have done, the battle of life there in Va. - Under such ordeals, there was no telling what might have become of him - Suffice it to say, the apprehensions and the fear that he would give way, haunted me - Now I find he is safe from that at any rate. He has position, with head and hands full of honorable and useful employment - with emoluments all things considered such as you and I, even in the balmy days of our \"munificent provision' never enjoyed - He was consulting me today about buying some Cordova lands- I had it in my mind to bring Corbin here and induce him to settle upon them. And tho I believe he and Nannie would have come, if I had but urged them, yet in the face of so much opposition, I did not have the heart to do it - In the olden times Cordova was the garden spot of New Spain. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePrice, Perkins, Shelby, Harris and all our people who have been there say it has the most delightful climate and the finest soil they ever saw. There stands on one side of it and but a little way off, the Peak of Orizaba with its cap of everlasting snow, and on the other the sea in full view-\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhen slavery was abolished suddenly fifty years ago- as with us- down it went - and its splendid Haciendas and baronial old mansions are now in ruins. They were heavily in debt to the church and as the church property has been confiscated, not by the Emperor, he took possession of these estates for colonization- The railway hence to Vera Cruz passes right through there and I am now selling them to immigrants as fast as they can\nbe surveyed, at $1 the acre, on five years credit. There are about 40 of our people already there. Perkins has bought him a house and has sent for his wife - so has Shelby, and so has a number of others - Mr. Holdman and Episcopal clergyman with his family - nice people, has been engaged by the settlement as pastor, teacher etc and I am going to reserve land for a church, school house, cemetery etc.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThus you see my dear, sweet wife, colonization is not a chimera- By the time these lands are paid for they will be worth even if no more come to the Empire, $10, $20, $30 aye $100 the acre - for they produce everything under the sun, and yield perpetual harvests. What do you think of coffee growing wild, of fig trees 100 feet high, and 3 feet in circumference - and the most luscious pine apples at a cent apiece? Yet they tell me all these things are there. Now if I could have gotten Corbin here on one of these stately old\nHaciendas - he would with his skillful husbandry have made it bud and blossom again, and thus we should have found us a nest again. There is a great rush for this settlement, and it is here that Dick wanted to go, but as he was my son, I advised him against it, because there are not lands enough for them all. However I am going to extend the settlement and then Corbin and Nannie can come.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLafayette Caldwell who used to be draftsman at the Observatory has sent for his family, Magruder for his, and there is a number of families already here. Some of them established in this city, but they are going to break up, and go down to this \"new\" dear old Spottsylvania.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eNow if I can only get lands surveyed in time and there is a probability of this, -\"Here is your New Virginia\"- There are other settlements forming in other parts of the Empire. Colonization is a success if we can only find instruments and get surveyors to bring the lands into market. The people of the South are restrained from prudential considerations from speaking of their intentions. But we have letters. Thousands are dying to come. And I hope to have a decree this week which will put them in motion. Hurrah! -----30th The decree has come with an appropriation of $2,000,000.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[Verso]\nN York [ ] [ ]\u003cbr\u003e\nThis was sent to my sister for her and for my perusal (exclusively) and with the same injunction of reticence as to the \"-if, if \u0026amp; if\" matter - to apply to you and to Nannie we were requested to send this for you and for her perusal.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMexico\u003cbr\u003e\n30 Nov. 1865\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Nannie,\u003cbr\u003e\nMany thanks my loving darling for your last letter. The \"Ticup-o-pitchin [In]\", though you have done less of it than others. I send for you and Betty an extract from my letter to y'r Ma, induced by your and her letters and one from Cousin Ann. My friends in England have now [confessed] themselves satisfied that in coming here I did the best thing that under the circumstances could be done. And your Ma being now out of the way of having\nthe move discussed, criticized, and condemned will be much happier. You know how her mind is [ ] by divided councils. In the letter I received from her yesterday, just after mine from which the extract is taken, had been mailed. It contained the \"hypes\" of my Molly dear, and darling Elie.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI wish now that I had induced Corbin to come, and settle on one of the Cordoba estates.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIs the spirit of manliness clear gone out of those noble Virginia people. Can't Corbin raise a settlement and come now under the new decree. It authorizes me to loan 1/3 of the [] money to any settlements of not less than 25 families who will come here buy a hacienda and settle upon it. The most splendid Haciendas are to be bought for $2. or $3 hundred thousand dollars [i.e.] at the rate of not over $4 or $5 the acre. 1/5 down and\nany credit you like as an illustration suppose a community of 25 families or more, will send Corbin and others here to select a place for them. They find a Hacienda to their liking at say $150,000. This office will give him a certificate that $50,000 will be bound for 15 years to the settlement, to be proportional among them, as soon as the 25 families appear. His cash payment will be $10, 15- 20- or 30,000$ according as he may bargain with the vendor. The balance of the $50,000 can go to the working of the farm. He and\nthe rest can stay, put in a crop and get ready for the rest to follow. I am to have $2,000,000 for this purpose. I sent the decree to R.H. Maury to be published. If it be not published ask him for it, and do the best you can.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSend this and your Ma's letter to Betty - and stop all of you telling the Crit that she is miserable and that I ought not to do this, and it's [better] to do that - praise everything she does. My troubles now - up the mountains- are about chairs, and that brass-eyed young Bold. But I don't think yr Ma will stay there, until now. But Tott's [ ] [looks] mighty [ ] I\ntell you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGod bless you all my dear children. We will build our house together yet I hope.\u003cbr\u003e\nYr affectionate father, M.F.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReasons for establishing colonies in Mexico.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e1. Va is not a fit place to live in now. All must come to Mexico. If they stay in Va they will have to free their nigs, will have to pay taxes heavier than in Mexico will very likely have a nig tax collector coming around, will be always haunted by the Yankees, will have to pay the Yankee war debt, will have to help pay pensions to the widows and orphans of the men that have been fighting against us and do nothing for ours and will perhaps have our lands confiscated. The Spartans of the war who remain in Va will be in the category of a conquered race.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e2. All must come to Mex. Pa is going to Max and get form him grants of land in different part of Mex for the best blood of Va. and the South to go to. He will get Max to allow them to come to Mex and bring all their effects with them free of duty, get them exempted from taxes and conscription in the army for a term of years. Besides these he will get such other privileges as my be practicable including those of religion.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e3. Brother Wellford must come right off the reel to pick the lands for us to settle on. Some steady young men who are not afraid to work must be sent to get ready for the rest to come. Must set all the nigs free and then bring them along as persons owing passage money to be paid in labour. Then they can be held as peons till the debt is discharged. That is you pay them but can compel them to work for you as long as they owe you money or labour. Must get mechanics of all sorts to come with their tools and uncle John or Uncle Charlie or Brother Will or someone else must stay behind to wind up the affairs of all.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThose persons that intend to leave the Confed anyhow had better send someone to him at once; but he wants no one to come simply on his representation. Indeed the idea is that those people that wish to settle together and intend to leave the country any how should appoint a certain on and send him to Pa who can offer him better privileges that he could get by himself. Then if Max don't suit him he can go back and report to the people that sent him and they will be just where they started from.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMexico\u003cbr\u003e\n7 Dec. 1865\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear sweet brave Nannie:\u003cbr\u003e\nI laid awake most of the time last night a thinking over that letter of yrs from Ridgway that came yesterday. Rutson gave you good reasons for your ma not passing by F.V. on her way to Mexico.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAbout yr. coming here, I was trying last night to work it out. I sent you by the [Ltr] which left Vera + yesterday a copy of the New Decree that is to be and my address with suggestions in relation thereto for Corbin's action.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSuppose this plan don't take. I think still that Corbin can do better here than there under present aspect of affairs. That supposing he can't raise a settlement of 25. to come, he had better work up to this idea. Stay and gather his crop next year. and sell F.V. in case he can get a good price. If he can't then let him reap his crop and leave his land, and come say about this time next year. In the mean time what will you do? Here's my pillow\nthought of it - vision o' the night.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eF.V. will be a bad place for you to weather next summer and fall, and rainy season. I am laying my plans to leave in the B'r steamer of 1st April. It would not be desirable for you to come later than May on account of Yellow fever in V \u0026amp;. I landed the last of May and some of my fellow passengers took it and died. The end of your troubles in Va. is not yet. Now then how do you and Corbin like this idea? You come out here next spring and so escape the chills of F.V. Here's your home. If Corbin can rent or sell on good terms, he can come with you, but if not he can stay to gather his crops and then come, with the intention of staying here two or three years anyhow. During that time he can manage to get along here, and hold his own. So that should it be desirable for him to return, as time passes by, he can return. In these two or three years the people will have adjusted themselves to this new condition of things, and he then see how it looks. And in this time he will not be able to make much in Va. anyhow.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAnd then the next year we will get Betty and Mary to make us a visit. Wouldn't it be \"jolly\"? You will get this i.e. - you may, by the 23rd. Write to Rutson and ask him to send it by 1st Steamer to Havana under cover to Mexican consul there - the way this goes - and from there here. There's a steamer every week. As I said, let me know, for your coming is for my treat.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am glad you had the Decrees \u0026amp; c published. Tell Corbin I am now negotiating for Santa Anna's Hacienda near Jalapa. 300,000 acres and a superb one it is, at say $7.50 cts the acre, on condition of putting 200 families there. The country round about is healthy. The climate is superb, and nature so prolific, bountiful and [benignant], that she chases you about with fruits and flowers in her hand. Now if he will put himself at the head of 200 families and come, I. Max- will advance him one third the purchase money in cash, out of which he can pay his first installment and establish his people. In a few years they will all be rich, for we intend to build a railway thru to V.+\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe final offer is to be made me this week. Then you are as near to N. Orleans as you are now. Think over these things and let me know you can't imagine how Dick has improved in appearance. He looks so well, so handsome and genteel. He has a great tact for business, and works like a horse bless his heart. Love to Brodie, Lucy Ellen and the 'gals' with a 1001 good wishes to `Ducks' bless her heart. To Jno and Charles and theirs, to Mary, Sr. E. and SF., to Dabney , wife and children and to everybody. Send all my letters to Betty. Why don't you tell me of my dear friends Frank Minor and Lucy Ann.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e10th- I wish with all my heart I could appoint Corbin - but it is necessary for the Agent to [hire] him in Richmond or Norfolk, [and] $1,200 would not pay Corbin for quitting. Corbin- I send you and him an offer of a splendid estate please publish. It is Santa Anna's splendid Hacienda now in ruins near Jalapa. All the officers of the Army who were here with old Scott will tell you of its magnificence. Their agent is afraid St. Anna will withdraw\nthe offer or thwart him if he finds out that he is offering it in so practical a shape. Therefore, while you may tell it to friends don't say in print that the estate is Santa Anna's. If Corbin can make up a company under the new decree sent you last mail, I'll advance him what the decree allows as soon as he plants his 200 families there.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThis is an offer. I have no doubt if you send someone, he will get better terms. And to send first is the proper way.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJack reported himself yesterday by telegram for Orizaba, dead broke. Rutson had asked me to send him a lift.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYr aft.\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAn offer of 350,00 acres of land is made to Confederate settlers who wish to establish themselves in Mexico.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThese lands the most fertile of the Empire, are crossed by three rivers. They are situated on the line of rail-road from Vera Cruz to the Capital, and are near the road from V Cruz to Jalapa. They are in the healthy part of Sierra Caliente, and produce equally well coffee, cocoa, indigo, cotton and sugar cane, as well as all the tropical fruits and vegetables.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe proprietor will sell them to settlers as soon as the letter shall have filled with the Agents of Colonization in the United States or Mexico subscriptions for 200,000 acres at the following rate:\u003cbr\u003e\nThe first 50,000 acres chosen at ---- $1.75\u003cbr\u003e\n\" second \" \" \" \" ---- 1.50\u003cbr\u003e\n\" third \" \" \" \" ---- 1.25\u003cbr\u003e\n\" fourth \" \" \" \" ---- 1.00\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe first subscribers will have the right to choose at the above rates with the understanding that not less than 320 acres shall be sold to any of them.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhen the 200,00 acres shall have been subscribed for, and chosen the rest shall be sold at a price to be agreed upon between the seller and the purchaser.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe payments shall be made in the following manner:\u003cbr\u003e\nThe third part of the value shall be paid in cash at Mexico, Ver Cruz or New Orleans. The rest thereof shall be paid in four years time causing the payments thereof to be effected in equal parts and yearly, that is to say one sixth of the value of the property adding thereto the interest at the rate of six percent.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAs villages and towns will be formed on these lands, a lot will be given gratis to each settler in said villages or towns. Said lots shall be chosen and allotted by Mr. Maury the Imperial Commissioner of Colonization.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe surveying and the cost of the title of the property will be at the expense of the settlers.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCity of Mexico\u003cbr\u003e\nDec 9th 1865-\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eColonization Office\u003cbr\u003e\n13 San Juan de Letran Mexico\u003cbr\u003e\nDec 10th 1865\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Hacienda offered herewith known to have been one of the finest and most celebrated in Mexico It presents, especially to the former planters of the South, a fine opportunity for establishing a flourishing American settlement. Those who are disposed to visit the country for the purpose of colonizing it under the Imperial Decree to promote immigration will receive every encouragement from this Office. The offer is made by respectable\nparties, and persons wishing to treat, will be put in communication by addressing the Commissioner\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eApprentices as per Imperial Decree of September 5th 1865 would do well here, though there is no lack of native labour.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eM.F. Maury\u003cbr\u003e\nImperial Commissioner\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMexico\u003cbr\u003e\n1 Jan 1866\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nMy letter of the 18 ultimo, proposing start after present crop you should let or lease F.V. and come here to watch events - crossed yours to the self some time. It appears to me for reasons in my letter to Nannie that it's the best thing for her to come in the spring and for you to follow in the fall.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt will be more consistent with yourself respect to abandon that country at least for the present. Don't stay there and help fasten the yoke upon your own neck that my precious Davy Jones gave up his life in trying to shake off. Don't stultify yourself, but come here to look over - and then when you see what means of Govt. the victors will impress, you can decide whether you will accept it. For God sake don't you help them, whether others may. This looking on will last probably till `69, in the same time, you can't make anything at F.V. You can barely live - but that you can do here.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou mention the \"ifs \u0026amp; ifs \u0026amp; ifs\": I recd letters yesterday from England, that give a semblance of reality to one of those \"ifs\". It is probable that I shall be sent for by the New Atlantic Telegraph Co. and if be that I shall ask leave of absence till the fall and take the\nstr of 1 Feb. But I shall have Dick and you in charge of the house, and my room for you and Nannie. But I am not gone yet. And you shall hear more about it before I do go. In the mean time continue to write care of Y.P. Oropesa, Colonization Agent Vera Cruz.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have a letter asking here for room for 10,000 of those noble [Carolinian] families, that fought and lost as we did and who two years ago, left their desolated houses to the victors and sought refuge like me of true pluck in a foreign land. Bless their hearts I'll do my best to help them to homes in these lovely climes. Tell Nannie to swap this letter with Betty for one to Will. \"So Tidem\" Good night\u003cbr\u003e\nYrs\u003cbr\u003e\nMaury\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSue \u0026amp; pip send words of New Years calls \u0026amp; gifts. They are great belles.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSend to Betty \u0026amp; Will\u003cbr\u003e\nThere's only this one copy\u003cbr\u003e\nSo Betty after studying it must send it to Nannie\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e\"To her Majesty The Empress.\u003cbr\u003e\nMadam:\u003cbr\u003e\nI have the honour to transmit for the information of your Majesty, the communication made to this office by Mr. T.C. Hindman of which I had the honour of speaking yesterday.\nIt relates to colonization, in connection with a system of internal improvements, a land survey and a census of the Empire. The subjects are of high importance, and the\nsuggestions expressed by the author of the paper, are worthy of careful consideration.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt has not escaped Her Majesty's observation, how the Empire is gaining ground and acquiring strength: That it is gaining the confidence of the people of stability, no better evidence can be afforded that the potent fact, that capital is leaving its hiding places, and seeking investments in various enterprises throughout the Empire.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe times therefore seem propitious for inaugurating those great measure of policy the adoption of which would impart new vigour to this nascent life.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe revenues of the Empire may be increased and its prosperity promoted by revision of the whole excise system; and one of the first steps towards this is a census which will tell the number of the people, and the value of the property.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAnother step, requiring years for its accomplishment, but nevertheless redounding the glory of our Emperor; the good of His people, and the welfare of His Empire, is a landsurvey: - for the two fold purpose of [cadastre], and of separating the lands of the crown from those of the subjects.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAnother pillar in the edifice which I am so anxious to see raised up here by His Majesty, to our honour and His glory, is a judicious system of internal improvements, self supporting, and sustained by the wealth which itself [creates]\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAs an illustration, let us take the case of an imaginary farmer in Cuernavaca: - It costs him annually in freight alone to send his crop to market in the City, say $10,000 - If there were a Railway, his freight bill would be perhaps $1000 instead of $10,000; and his hacienda\nwould probably be trebled in value. Now if the owner of such a hacienda, was required to invest, in the shares of the Company, a certain portion of in increased value given to his property by the road - and the law were applied to all lands within a certain distance of the road, its construction would be secured without further tax upon the public treasury. The people would find in a little while, that this so called tax, instead of being a burden, was\nreally a benefaction; for the stock-holders thus created by the paternal care of His Majesty, would stand upon a different footing from any other stock holder; for they would draw treble dividends: - first, from the earning of the road; and next upon the principle that a \"penny saved is a penny gained,\" in paying at the rate of $1,000 instead of $10,000 annually for transportation of produce to market: - and last, in the increase of value which\ntheir lands derive from the existence of the road. Certain states in my native \"sunny south\" adopted this system: it worked like a charm and produced magic effects.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAnother pillar to the superstructure which His Majesty is so nobly striving to raise, is a revision of the revenue laws, in homage of free trade: and the establishment of the warehousing system.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThese measures, with colonization, will make us great; and the undersigned having some little knowledge of a practical sort, connected with them, hold, it together with the homage due from the most loyal of subjects, at the service of Their Majesties\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eM.F. Maury\u003cbr\u003e\nJanuary 18th 1866.\u003cbr\u003e\nImperial Commissioner\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCuernavaca, January 29th 1866\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sir:\u003cbr\u003e\nI have spoken to the Emperor respecting our conversation of Friday last, and he wishes me to tell you, first, that he grants you a complete leave of absence to arrange your affairs in England, and allows you to set off by the next French packet, but that if he returns to Mexico in the meanwhile, he hopes yet to have the pleasure of seeing you; secondly, that he quite agrees with your purchasing the instruments for studying the rainy season, and thirdly that he approves of any effort you may make to introduce the \"cinchona\" tree and authorized you to have sent from Kew a few specimen of this valuable plant.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHoping to have fulfilled my errand to your satisfaction, I only want to renew my best wishes for your voyage and successful exertions in England whilst I remain\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYours sincerely,\u003cbr\u003e\nCharlotte\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMexico\u003cbr\u003e\n2 Feb. 1866\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear children:\u003cbr\u003e\nI have taken my seat in the coach of the 8th expecting to sail from Vera Cruz in the F'r Str. of 13 and to arrive at [San Nazaire] about 10 March to lie about till the fall say the last of Oct. I want send you Max and my Carlota's princely letters. I expect to bring all hands with me when I return and so to Corbin at that Corbin and Nannie may join us in Havana on the way.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI leave Dick in charge of affairs. He is writing a book for the information of those who wish to come to Mexico. He has his heart very much in it. Dick is a fine character and I admire its beauty more and more every day. He is very full just now of buying some of these beautiful islands that dot the lake with acre spots, and go into the market gardening business.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou see by the letter of the Empress that I am aspiring to the glory of planting a [tribe].\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eColonization is going on is spite of the want of public lands; our projects are dotting the Empire with settlements here and there. My own Carlotta Colony at Cordoba is flourishing. The settlers there are now being joined by their families from your country. 'Old Jubal' is here and I have offered him a place as agent. He is writing a history which your masters will not allow to be read or believed.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have various inexpensive irons in the fire still. Some of them may come to a welding heat some of these days. If they do, we'll all be glad; and if they don't we will be none the worse.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI think the best thing for Corbin to do is to come down next fall and watch events. I take it that the South will be all at sea at least until after the next President takes his seat. Love to Sr. E, Mary, Brodie, Jno, Bob and all hands. God bless you all,\u003cbr\u003e\nYr. affectionate M.F.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003email to Will or Corbin\u003cbr\u003e\nHavana Arrived 9\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eVeracruz, Mexico\u003cbr\u003e\n1 March 1866\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Children\u003cbr\u003e\nThe English steamer in which I have paid my passage £49.10 is now over-due two days, and her day of sailing again is day after to-morrow.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI left Mexico Saturday the 24th at 2 A.M. arrived at [Puebla] at 7 p.m. when I \"pernocted\" in a room with diverse others for $2. Was called at 1 A.M. and off again at 2, over a very rough road -a very fatiguing journey. Passed between long ridges of my lordly maquay shooting up it magnificent flower stalks, as large and as high and as straight as a common telegraph pole. Indeed unless you were near enough to see the wires I found it often difficult to tell one from the other. This `first of Flora\" with its enormous height and proportions is pushed up in the course of 6 or 7 days. To compare great things with small, imagine an immense asparagus stalk say one day old and before its head has swollen out sufficiently to begin to burst and shoot out branches, well imagine it to 18 or 20 inches in circumference, 30 or 40 feet high and you have it as I generally saw them, rising out its magnificent tuft of foliage 30 feet around and 12 feet high. Occasionally the more forward ones had commenced to shoot out, from the top and horizontally their splendid flower brackets and to assume the appearance of splendid and gigantic candelabras from which the genie of the hoary hooded orizaba which with his night cap of snow was looking down upon us, intended to light up the plains through which the coach was teetering its toilsome way. Ascending the Western slopes of the [`Cumibres'], the highest range between Mexico and the Gulf, we left its `boast of Bacchus\" and entered the cloud region. It was blowing a furious gale, the wind was howling amongst the rocks and cliffs, and driving a cold and penetrating mist through a white darkness so thick that you could see\nnothing beyond the distance of a few feet. It was piercing cold: I had on 3 flannel shirts, but as we began to climb, I began to draw around and button tight and finally found\nmyself wrapped in cloak and blanket and uncomfortably cool. Presently we dropped down through this thick cloud stratum into bright sun shine and the coolest air that is was possible for heart of men to conceive. This was the lovely little valley of [Acu ] at our feet, and spreading out miles away into the plains of Orizaba which are 4000 feet above the sea. The valley was quilted over by swirling crops in all the stages of growth form the sprouting corn to the ripe grain. The reapers were in golden fields of the yellowest and\nthe brightest barley I ever saw, the wheat was just coming up; and immense herds of cattle as they fed on the rich pasturage lent a charm to the landscape that made it\naltogether lovely. Passing a cascade of milk white foam as it leaped from the mountains.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe entered the valley and felt what old Job had said about the scent of water - we were in the midst of fruits and flowers. Orange trees loaded with ripe fruit. And the peach tree is all the glory of blossom. Hedges and copens of roses, fuschias, arborvitaes, rhododendrons. Oh a wilderness of the loveliest flowers and the gayest colors, and such only as I used to think in Tennessee had never grown anywhere except in the garden of \"Beauty and the Beast\" - and it too has its beast, for two months ago it had been then in the shape of an earth-quake and shaken down the adobe huts of the village, which owners were reconstructing of some rustic materials, such as bamboo, reeds - palm [fronds] straw and hides. After passing through these beauties for 12 or 15 miles, and at\n6½ p.m. drove into Orizaba in the midst of a rain storm - Coffee, tobacco, the cereals, and the banana with other fruits seemed to be the principle article of cultivation. Here I pernocted again in another [ ] whereas before there was little chance for sleep. Was called at 5, off at 6, and at 10 breakfasted at Cordoba, and I arrived at Pas del Macho where I pernocted again as unsatisfactorily as before. And so the next day at 6 started in the cars for this place. Total expenses $45.50 the $0.50 being spent for extra's such as a cup of chocolate or so between the early hours of starting and the late one of breakfasting. There were fresh arrivals of immigrants, all the hands were taken up. Cordoba looked lively \u0026amp; everybody in high spirits. Two ship loads had just arrived. Sheridan had refused to let them embark at New Orleans as he was determined to break up that Maury nest of Confederates which was agitating the public mind of the South \u0026amp;\npreventing the people there from quietly submitting to subjugation. I thank him for the encouragement. The Mexican plan is spreading over the South. We are going to have happy homes, a fine country, \u0026amp; a bright future here. Let those who lack gall or who having it, have steeped it in honey, stay. I seek to plant my posterity here.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDick has got land in my Carlota colony, 640 acres. He has sent to China for labourers- 12 or 15 to work it, and to Virginia for young Crutchfield to take charge of it. I have such good irons in such good fires, that some of them will surely be got to welding heat. If so, I hope to find comfortable homes, and a bright future here for you all at last. Corbin and Nannie will come in the steamer that is to leave New York Oct 8. They will without stopping here a night, take the cars to Paso del Macho- 50 miles-they are then by stage 5 hours from Cordoba, where they will arrive say 21st or 22nd and wait a week for us. We will be due here say on the 27th. Corbin can spend this week profitably \u0026amp; both of them pleasantly in visiting the Colony, examining the coffee plantations \u0026amp; c. [Then] will take a [whole] stage for Puebla, by which time the railway thru to Mexico will be completed- so will teeter over the cumbres and among the maguey in a stage coach.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy letter to \"the people at home\" has never been published. It should be. So should the anachronistic one to Dr. Dabney. Let my brave backers- Nannie \u0026amp; Corbin- do the thing that is right and send copies of them to Jno Tyler of the Whig or someone else who has a bone in his back to publish. Among the misfortunes that have befallen our people, I regard as not the least, the advice that has been given by the best men among them, viz.- to stay at home \u0026amp; help the enemy to establish his power \u0026amp; complete our degradation. The Yankees have conquered Virginia, it's theirs, we are subjugated, \u0026amp; have no rights except such as the victors in mercy may vouchsafe to give. If the whole South is not a conquered territory then I have never read in history of one that was conquered, and Dabney \u0026amp; them who like him consider it to be their duty \u0026amp; their interest to help build up that Yankee despotism called the Union, owe it to the grace and mercy of their conquerors, that their conquerors do not cross from the map the very name of Virginia, blot out all former state lines, make new provinces and call a part of what was Virginia the state of Winnepisscogee, South Carolina Peasquod, \u0026amp; such like Yankee innovations \u0026amp; that nothing should remain to remind the vanquished of the ancient renown.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eParis\u003cbr\u003e\n21 May 1866\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Corbin:\u003cbr\u003e\nThe last I heard of you was about two weeks ago, through a letter from Brodie Herndon, who thought Nannie was as earnest for Mexico as ever, but that you were cooling off a little. All right.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe banker with whom I had deposited my `little money' went down in the London panic week before last, and I lost all the money \u0026amp; more too that I brought away from Mexico. I am here trying to make some more.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy last letters from Dick are up to Apl. 6th.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eNo sooner had I left, than intriguers set to work and colonization was going on so badly, and the opposition of the minister was so vexatious that he talked of giving up the office. Immigrants were returning in disgust and the very thing was happening that I told the Emperor would happen unless he acted with more energy. In short complaints were being uttered against me in the U.S. so I hear. Now I had as you know been discouraging any of our people from coming unless they could come with a little ready money. And I had long ago told them not to rely upon good lands but to buy abandoned Haciendas.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAll the promises and inducements that I have held out to immigrants were made by authority of H. majesty, and if they have not been made good I am the aggrieved party.\nNow I tell you and Nannie confidentially, that what has happened since I left Mexico has shaken my resolution about going back. I don't see what good I can do there except in the way of colonization, and if our people are flocking back as rumor has it, with curses hard \u0026amp; deep upon Mexico, it will be more than I can do to change such a current. I have no alternative in view- nor am I decided- Indeed I have not said anything in this view to my wife \u0026amp; children, and am saying it to you now, so that you too may cast about \u0026amp; not be taken `quite aback' should I decide that Mex. is `no go.' I do not wish you to speak of it to any one, simply because my own mind is not made up nor can it be without further \u0026amp; fuller information. If I should be compelled to give Mexico up, it will be a hard blow I tell you. I know not where to go or what to be at. I shall be here a week or ten days, perhaps two weeks before I set off to return to England. I must be in London 5 June, when I expect to here from Dick up to the 1st ins. 'So tider' \u0026amp; sleepy. God bless you both, yrs.\u003cbr\u003e\nM. F.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e11 Aug. 1866\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nI wrote you from Paris 21 May telling you to hold on, as I probably should not return to Mexico. I have as you know decided not to go back there in the face of bad faith to me, bad treatment of our people and bad turns that everything has taken. I have never heard that you received the letter. It is the only one within that time, that I have written to any of my children, except Dick. This onset upon us as soon as my back was turned in Mexico,\nwas a terrible blow. It put me to sea again, and I have been so hard at work or so busy preparing to get to work that I have not had time for writing much. I suppose I shall stay here and write school books for a New York publisher. That will give something to do for a year or two- but will not interfere with my flirting with other matters wherein there are promises. Dick poor fellow is left in Mexico as flat as possible. I want to get him out of that. But where he is to go or what to do after that is a problem that puzzles me much. Perhaps I may find occupation for him in Central America. But I shall be able to speak more positively upon that point by the time the rains are over \u0026amp; it will be safe to come down to the sea-board. He must come away in the fall anyhow. The breakdown in Mexico damaged your plans as well as my own. What are you going to do now. I always as you know regarded F.V. as not the most judicious purchase in the world, chiefly on the score of health and locality. I don't think affairs in the U.S. as either settled, or stable. The government is obliged to be broken up as it now exists. Still I don't see what better you can do than to hold on, and try to make a living there. I hope indeed if the New York publisher- Richardson- be a responsible man, and I have no reason to doubt, I should be able to assist you with a few hundred $ as far as that will go towards setting yourself up. I reckon I shall be able to let you have $1000, but of this I can speak positively by the time I hear from you and hear what your plans, wishes, and wants are.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn the first place I hope you know exactly how you and F.V. stand with regard to the estate. I hope you have your release and consequently my security-ship touching your\nindebtedness in black and white and in regular ship-shape style. Not Mr. B's word \u0026amp; opinion merely but the regular Documents. If you have the note, urge the having of it, and if the plea will help you, say that the assistance promised by me depends upon that. I am afraid you will not live long enough to escape from the tangled inheritance imposed by that unfortunate estate. Even if the school-book plan goes well, I should not be able to let you have the $1000 all in a lump, but by driblets, but say all between this and Xmas. See Charles Herndon and find out what sort of obligation - by lien if need be you ought to be given - (not by personal securities) - so in case of need. This loan may have purposes over other claims upon you. So if things turn out ugly, I can protest that money. We are all well. Molly had this morning an invitation to visit Scotland and `not put her hands in her pocket. I am going to put Brave in a school of chemistry and Lucy to a boarding school. I have all the [other] news of family affairs to the rest and will [write] Love and blessings upon all yr. folks.\u003cbr\u003e\nYr aft M.F.M.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e3 Belsize Square\u003cbr\u003e\nLondon N.W.\u003cbr\u003e\n9 Dec. 1866\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Nannie,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour and Mary's letter afforded much gratification and did us a heap of good. Elie has all of Nan-na's pretty sayings at heart. She will repeat them to the congregation to\nnight. I reckon for she Totts Lucy and the Brave have gone to church. Your Ma has a cold and is sitting by pouring over the maiden and married life of Mary Powell. The editor had a right to refuse to publish and Will did right to hand him my paper. Never my child tamper with principle for the sake of the expediency. I have no copy of that letter but the time will when you will wish you had \u0026amp; would give jewels for it. Suppose Sir Thos. More [Harindon], Montrose (this last always calls up my blessed Davy Jones \u0026amp; his beautiful recitative) but supposed they had not acted up to principle because of fear when the time came, what should we have cared for them. Perhaps that letter would have strengthened the wavering, at any rate it would have shown that one at least could dare to speak.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt's as well- for I am not yet prepared to make Corbin the advances I spoke of-tho' I hope soon to be. I expected and still desire to kill 4 birds with that stone.\u003cbr\u003e\nFirst to help you \u0026amp; him with a little left.\u003cbr\u003e\n2. To enable him to stir B up and get his affairs \u0026amp; papers with him all right, for I fear that these payments made by him during the war do not, or rather have not cancelled\nthe debt to the estate.\u003cbr\u003e\n3. I wanted Charles' opinion in the matter, with the assurance that a lien could be so drawn as to make me a preferred creditor.\u003cbr\u003e\n4. And in case of misfortune to enable me to step in and give that much to you \u0026amp; him.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope to sent the M.S. of the first geography off by xmas, and to be able to let Corbin have a part of the $1000 at least by the time he can pick the above 4 named birds chosen and to our satisfaction. I do not think as I told him before the war that F.V. is a desirable place for him. I think so chiefly for the same reasons now that I thought so then. Events have vindicated the soundness of my views ante bellum. I presume therefore he is now on the look out for a sale or a swap. If he thinks the 4 birds are all right and want $200 about Xmas `mighty bad' \u0026amp; will report to Rutson, I'll ask R. to advance him the money from me. Love to everybody Brodie-Charles-and ---------. I am quite proud to hear such good things of `Tim'. I always thought Tim with his big mouth would make a good preacher. God bless you. Yr affect father M.F. Maury.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e3 Belsize Square\u003cbr\u003e\nLondon N.W.\u003cbr\u003e\n19 May 1867\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nRutson with his usual kind thoughtfulness and industry told me yesterday of your letter in reply to his offer to [use] his loan of $200. I see by that that your are undecided as to your future plans. As far as I can make out, you have abandoned the idea at least for the present of rebuilding at Farley Vale. That seems to me to be a wise decision. The question with you, seemed to be, between buying and renting in town. In the present state of affairs buying does not commend itself to me, for two reasons: While that suit is pending, you do not know where you are. This fact, irrespective of the social, industrial\nand political whirlpool which is wracking the South, should give you pause about any such investment just now. Nannie I suppose will come to us, and that will give you time to look about.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBut for that suit, I dare say the purchase of a house in town would be a good investment. You know better as to that than I do. I am not able - though I have tried - to\nsee things thro' Brodie's \u0026amp; Rutson's \u0026amp; Will's and other friendly spectacles that have been so kindly offered. For me, the future of the South is very dark. I am no more able to look into it than you are. But I try to get an idea of it by looking quite in the opposite direction\nand examining those agricultural countries that once had and now no longer have, slaves, or serfs, or peon labour; and the conclusion that I came to is, that town property in the South may hold its own, and even rise, but land in the country must go down, down until the taxes will be intolerable. If you ask me to state the process of reasoning by which I arrive at this conclusion, I will ask you to say why do you think otherwise, seeing that in all\nthose agricultural countries where slave labour once was \u0026amp; is not, the value of farming lands has gone down to nothing. In Spanish America \u0026amp; in Jamaica the most splendid\nplantations have gone back to the bush and are wild lands again. But the South, we flatter ourselves, is neither Spanish America, nor Jamaica. That's true. But they are\nbeacons- and we must not shut our eyes to the light which their experience casts before us. But admit my reasoning to be wrong; and I am far from claiming clearness for it- there is still another view drawn from broader premises in favor of an enhancement in the South of town, as compared with country, property. I have travelled about the world\n\"some\", and have always aimed to have my eyes about me. And in no agricultural country, have I ever found any country society in which a gentleman or a lady of refined\ntastes and habits could find the least congeniality. The reasons are obvious. You have heard my anecdotes of \"Mr. Smith, Brown, Jones\" et.al- rich New York farmers, that had \"retired to town\" to live, because Mrs. Smith had got tired keeping boarding house for, and waiting on farm hands. Let me be not misunderstood- I am not speaking of\ngentlemen of fortune who live in town or do business there and have their \"country seats\" but I am speaking of the farmers, the tillers of the soil, the bone and sinew of an\nagricultural country. How is it with the Pa. farmers? How with the Ohio \u0026amp; the West?\nDon't you know that a labourer in the country will not service your `country farm' in the\nU.S. except upon terms of perfect equality? He must sit at the same table and warm by\nthe same fire with the \"boss \u0026amp; his gals\". Go among the Pa. farmers, or any where else\namong the farmers of the far states, and you will see the colored labor \u0026amp; the white upon\nthe most perfect terms of equality and the wife and daughters of the farmer serving meals\nto them both and standing behind their chairs, as they sit at [meat]. You and other Va. gentleman are not yet quite prepared for wife and daughter to do that. But that we who\nlive in this country have to come to it is as clearly indicated as is the march of any other human want. Barriers have already been broken down between the blacks \u0026amp; the whites which two years ago, your wisest statesmen did not have the sagacity to think were in the round of possibilities. And do the lines of demarcation between the races- [vouch] only the skin and certain antipathies (antagonisms shall I call them?) are being done away\nwith, \u0026amp; that too with a rapidity that the whole South deemed impossible. Is it to be presumed from what you have already seen, and from what everybody who has studied\nhuman nature knows, -?-is it to be supposed, that white \u0026amp; black hirelings are, in the end, going to work side by side in the field upon any other terms but that of perfect equality? If our [lots] \u0026amp; [ships] in the \"great House' so must [wish] the other. I can readily imagine that many a country gentleman, [piercing] the shadows of these events- for they are very plain- is already for \"returning to town\". Therefore I say it's more likely that town property\nwill increase in value than the country property. And but for that suit, I should be less disinclined to say buy a house in town now.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMany changes have come over our people which they did not expect; and in my judgment, many more are in store for them, for which they are not even now prepared. All that refined and elegant country society which was the pride \u0026amp; boast of Va. has, sooner or later, to abandon the country and \"retire to town.\" In sea ports of the world that\nI have been, have I never found among the farmers, in the farm house, in the country, any society at all comparable for intelligence and cultivation to the country society of the South. On coming here to England, where there are so many industries besides agriculture, one of the first things that would strike you, would be its high state of\ncultivation and improvement. Elegant fields, wide domains, flocks and herds (splendid plantations you would think they were) and then you would begin to look for the Mansion, the splendid house to which all this belonged, as contra-distinguished from the \"Country seat\" of some gentleman of fortune who is not a farmer. But you would not find it. Most of the people whose labour made the landscape so [ ing] are grouped together in a little\nvillage. I remember in passing through Indiana with Dick in 1857, that I was reminded of what I saw in Germany in 1855: a country under superb cultivation but scarcely a farm house - and never one at all in keeping with the manor. But you were amazed at the number of small towns and little villages. You remember how that the census of New York and other Northern States which are taken intermediate as [between] the U.S. census, astonished the whole country in 1855. In many parts, the rural population\nappeared to be actually decreasing while the actual population was largely on the increase- It was the farmers \"retiring to town\"- not actually giving up farming, but coming to town for the sake of society, and to buy [exemptions]. And instead, as the political economists argued, its being a sign of decreasing prosperity, it was the very reverse. Instead therefore of your lordly plantations and large farms at the South, the country as it is filled up in the process of time by natural increase and immigration, is to be dotted over with villages like all the free labour agricultural countries that I have ever seen. And whether you are to have any sudden immigration is to depend upon the wisdom and sagacity of your law makers.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have thought it as well, dear Wellford, to lay these views before you, that you might ponder them, sift them, and if they embrace anything worth the having, that you may [turn] it to account in your own private affairs. These are views that would shock many of our people. But I don't write them for the vox pop. I write them for you, and the personal friends around you such as Brodie Herndon et al who may care to know them. I hope I shall always have the courage to look things in its face and draw legitimate conclusions. Nothing can keep up the value of land in the South but a large influx of people to [till] there. Since I went to Mexico the subject of immigration has been a speciality. And I can tell you that there must be some steps taken by you wise men and [] very different from any yet, else you will not live to see enough to do you any good. Cousin Anne has indefinitely postponed her trip, Nannie I hope will have set off to us before this reaches you. If not let her come in the same liner her Ma did. Rutson will see her on board and Cousin Ann will speak the Captain and the Stewards, and I will meet her at L'pool, and so she can come without an escort. Give our best love to Brodie and Lucy, and tell her I'd give anything for one of those cosy little chats with her - Brodie to listen. Mit is still in L'pool. All hands send love,\u003cbr\u003e\nYrs truly M.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy love to [Sandy Little]\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMay 21 Mit came to us last night - Here's something for you to turn over in you r mind. I am not sure, but I believe that Dick has to manage for his Co. a cocoa or a coffee plantation. I don't know which - How would you like to [put] yourself up about it with the idea of taking charge of it. I'll mention it to him and you can [ ] by str of 10 June. [Yr M]\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eNo. 3 Belsize Square\u003cbr\u003e\n22 Sept 1867\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin-\u003cbr\u003e\nTremlett and I thought we were on a good trail for you the other day. Semmes wrote that there was no English insurance agency in Memphis. Off we went to beat up the [ ] \u0026amp; some of these solid fellows and put them to the establishment of agencies in Tenn., La., Va. etc. for Semmes, Dabney you \u0026amp; c. But we found that 4 of the more\nventuresome ones were already there. Nannie wrote you about them, and told you how to proceed in case there was an opening in Richmond \u0026amp; the place seemed inviting to you.\nThe pay is on per customer or business done and therefore I cannot advise one way or another as I have no idea as to the amount of business that might be done in Richmond.\nIt is better as you know to work for nothing than to rust and though the wish to help to put you in the way of something that will pay is ever present it does not seem likely soon to be gratified. Elie is still forging ahead slowly. She has been very ill. Nana is very bright a\nsort of privileged character \u0026amp; pet of the parish. Her mother is very sobersided and loath to take as much outdoor exercise as health seems to require in these latitudes. Lucy is at school and Brave sets in tomorrow week. Brave is getting a fine education. Molly is not\nvery strong and her mother is pulled down a good deal by nursing. As for me \"I'm right smart\". Love to Betty all at Brodie's- Charles \u0026amp; everywhere. Your affectionate,\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e3 Belsize Square.\u003cbr\u003e\nLondon N.W.\u003cbr\u003e\n29 Jany '68\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour Newburgh letter was very welcome. Kiss my Maria for me, and tell her, that after caring for her good father and mother as a duteous daughter should, and as she is\nsure to do that she is not to make any rash resolutions as to what she'll do etc- that we shall want her at the University of the South.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou have acted well and wisely in [renting] F.V. and I have so told Rutson. The Jamaica planters were paid for their negroes and had 7 years notice to prepare for\nemancipation. None of them are there now who could get away. One of them told me last night that his plantations yielded him $30,000 a year- that he sold it on emancipation about 30 years ago for $5000 \u0026amp; that the purchaser- his former manager- still owes some $2500. As I told you from Mexico neither one of the three great experiments that are now going on in the south is promising enough to tempt any of our people into it, who can afford to stand off \u0026amp; look on as you propose to do. Now if you can only find something that will enable you to live and lay by yr rents, you will be doing what any son of the southern gentry that stick to their old plantations will be able to do. And when your lease expires you will find that events will have vindicated this forecast. The Dutch since that war began emancipated their slaves--in Surinam and Jansen tells me that that colony is already Africanised. The South is no place- especially in this country - for any gentleman with wife and daughters to\nlive - if he can get away- to live now, nor will it be until the contest that is now brewing and going on there between blacks \u0026amp; whites, is finally settled. Why then do I go to Tenn.? Because I hope to have boys enough there to make that out of the way place, safe. I have no doubt Hasbrouck is acting in Minnesota for the best. I am content tell him with any arrangements that he may make. Elie I do hope, is now in a fair way to recover. All the rest are well- Nannie has gone out to work- and Nanna is a great pet in the neighborhood. She is very full of fun. Your affectionate,\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBelsize Square\u003cbr\u003e\nLondon, N.W.\u003cbr\u003e\n8 Feb. `68\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nI write this in connection with what Nannie tells me you said in your last letters about you coming. If you come in the [International] line, the line my family came in , and take a return ticket which lasts for a year I believe, it will cost you about $100 in gold - not so much than it would take you to live in New York while you are at sea, coming and going - and unless you find something to do, or have a fair prospects of finding something by staying, I fancy the brood would be agreeable and wise. A friend of mine in Lpool is the agent of this line of steamers and therefore I shall go in it. I have not heard yet form the\nTrustees about the University. And until I do, I shall fix no time for going over. Though it will not be earlier than May I reckon at any rate. I base my idea of yr coming very much if the supposition that I am going to Tennessee and will be able to have house room for you there by next winter, if in the meantime we can't rig up something better. Of course we shall be glad to see you. And it certainly it would be more agreeable all round for you to\ncome, and it might be more economical too - for if Nannie comes to you and you go to the expense of establishing her there, then the breaking up to come to the University in case it be thought advisable and I hope it will, may prove more expensive than yr trip here. Still I am too timid to be very absolute as to what is best. Judge you. yrs. [fond] Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e3 Belsize Sq'r\u003cbr\u003e\nLondon N.W.\u003cbr\u003e\n15 Ap'l `66 [1868]\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nNannie and the boy have both been having a hard time of it for the last two or three weeks. She as nurse and he as patient. The little fellow has been very ill, with congestion of the brain super-induced by teething. We were afraid we should lose him, but he seems now on the fair road to recovery again. He is very much better than he was\nthree days ago, and so hopes have brightened. Elie continues to forge ahead and we begin to think about a time for turning our face westward. Probably not Tennessee ward, but westward in time for peaches. At any rate I have stipulated with Elie to be there in time for that provided she will get well enough for the voyage - and she seems to be in a fair way for that. I hope you will be able to rough it along in your new vocation at least until we all get back. At our last dates you were in Charleston. It's the letter in which you mention the [ ] phosphates. I received a box of them some time ago from New York, but as there was no account of them, I did not know where or why they came- [ ] Dr. Jarrett's letter [now] come to hand, but as you mentioned R.H. Maury, Dr. Ravenel - St. Julien. I suppose-and other friends in connection with them - I immediately put myself in communication with one of the largest phosphate dealers in London. He responded [readily] to the new [ ] so I have turned over the box to him, and shall probably soon know what he has to say about them. There is not the least chance of an outsider as I\ngetting orders for yr principles. The only way of doing that is through special agents, friends and correspondents of their own who can speak by the card. Nothing later from\nDick than you have heard. When we come we leave Brave behind to finish his education. Nana has just returned from a play in the \"Parsnip's Grounds\" She is an interesting little thing and a great favorite in Belsize. Nannie and I have just returned from a walk in the green fields and all send their love.\u003cbr\u003e\nYr affectionate\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eNo. 3 Belsize Sqr\u003cbr\u003e\nLondon N.W.\u003cbr\u003e\n25 Ap'l 68\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have not seen Nannie this morning. She and her mother are both much [worsted] by nursing, and she did not come down to breakfast. She's asleep and it has not been sent\nto her yet. Her little boy has been having a hard time of it. He has been now in a state of stupor for two weeks from congestion of the brain with violent attacks now and then of sickness at the stomach- just lying quietly and taking no notice. Yesterday he began to crow and coo and, as his mother told me when we started out to walk and I broke down with the foot, to carry on quite a communication, and our hopes raised- but they are dashed again this morning. Brave went off at 5 for the Doctor, for though the little thing was ravenously hungry, his stomach refused everything. But the Doctor did not cheer us. Certainly the dear child can't go on this way many days longer. Indeed a few hours may decide so I'll leave this open for a word at the last moment. It's now 10 a.m. and I have written this early that nothing might interfere with, thinking it quite likely that Nannie would not feel herself equal to a letter- so I'll save room for a word at the last moment this p.m. Her new nurse came last night- she has been without one since Lizzy went crazy.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eElie continues to forge ahead. She and her Ma are going next week to spend a few days with her friends at Kensington. The Bp. told me yesterday he should take my advice and return in the Manhattan week after next. He is very anxious that Nannie should go with them. I am highly gratified that you should so have won upon W. \u0026amp; E. It gives you something to hold on by, at least until you can get hold of a better tow line. When the Dr's say that Elie's well enough to try the seas I shall fix a day. Yr aft. M. P.S. 4.45. Our little 'Davy Jones' is no better. But he is in no pain. Nannie's taking a little nap and Nanna has gone out to ride. She has just come in from a wedding at the church. We'll write again by the next steamer.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e3 Belsize Square\u003cbr\u003e\nLondon N.W.\u003cbr\u003e\n13 May '68\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nThanks, hearty thanks both to Hasbrouck and you for your kindness in re Lt. Paul's estate. You did exactly right, each of you and tell Hasbrouck I shall write him a letter of special thanks for his kindness and generosity. The property was his, and he might have kept it. Why not turn the bonds over to him for collection?\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e`The boy' is going to get well. He was downstairs yesterday. He has had such a time of it and has clung on to his little silver painter so manfully when all was so blue, and made such a brave struggle for precious life, that he has endeared himself to us all so much, we cannot now [couch] to give him up. Betty Dabney and other friends say don't come yet. Impeachment will be over in a few days, and I'll have time to read the new leaf that is to\nbe turned over before Elie is well enough for the trip - say last of June or first of July. As soon as its prudent to [venture] on her account, I'm disposed to sail, unless indeed that new leaf should contain something startling. Did you order those herrings for me? Don't disturb yourself about the ways and means for Nannie.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am glad to see you taking hold of y'r new calling with so much vim. I think its well to leave the pay to Hasbrouck. I hope tho' when I come, we shall be able to chalk out something more to our fancy. If I am to develop resources and encourage industry in Va., what way more effective than introducing steam agricultural machinery. I intend, before I go away to see some of the manufacturers here of steam plows- which are also threshing machines- saws, mills \u0026amp; c. The price of one is some £ 3000. I believe - what would be the chance of introducing them in Va? What would be the duties on one? What's the chance of raising a company to start one? And how would you like to take the management of one? All these questions I ask [`ran just so'] for I have [matured] no plans. But I take it that once among the great desiderata of our people now is Labour saving agricultural machines -no? Elie keeps forging ahead.\u003cbr\u003e\nYr affectionate\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLiverpool\u003cbr\u003e\n2 July 1868\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nNanna is here [after eating] out. We are all well and the day is fine. We sail at 3.30. Then Va. is a 'slow coach. I have been [entrapped] into [here]. For the chance of this reaching you before our arrival I write to say we have an immense amount of baggage, say in all some 20 trunks and boxes besides carpet bags and bundles - many- can't you make some economical arrangements for storing it away or have a baggage wagon to take it off? or both? The hacks will carry off what we want to use. Perhaps it will be best the express wagon to come and take it at once -: I reckon it would be cheaper to send it off to Richmond that way at once, than it would be to [freight] about with us. What does Rutson advise? He knows.\u003cbr\u003e\nYrs in haste\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe last! and no mistake.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLiverpool 2nd July\u003cbr\u003e\nDear Corbin\nWe are off at 3½ p.m.-\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe have much luggage.- Can't you have an Express wagon on the wharf to take it for Richmond? It will cost less to send it that way at once than it will to lug it about with us. - There's too much of it to go in 4th St. or any private house. Do what you and Rutson think wisest, cheapest and best.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAll well, and weather superb.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[Note by Rutson Maury]\u003cbr\u003e\n13th July—\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMonday night.-\u003cbr\u003e\nThe above came as intended via Southampton , per \"Harmonia\", a very fast craft, which left there on 3rd July and arrived here this afternoon. She reports light, variable winds throughout the passage and dense fogs the last 4 days.-\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI got the letter out of our box at 5½ p.m.-\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\n3 Aug '68\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nI had a long talk with Charles \u0026amp; just as we finished W. Barton stopped in and introduced the subject himself. All the bonds have been endorsed by order of the court. That's all right unless it be decided hereafter that the payment in Confederate money was no payment. A special term for hearing this case had been fixed for this month- But [Cab ] had written to say he could not attend. B. promised to urge C. up to the mark- for it's impossible to get a hearing [in] the regular term- the case is so long it would crowd all\nothers out. The delay this time is not B's fault, \u0026amp; for that reason I told you not to write to\nB. until you heard from me. Cha's thinks M'Casky's case is much stronger than B. represents it, and that should the case go against him, the case will be carried up- If so,\nthere's a suit for y'r life time.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eChas thinks \u0026amp; so do I that in case there's no settlement this term, a compromise ought to be tried. He seems to think that the whole may be compromised for some $15 m\nor $20 m. Rather than stand and risk the uncertainties of the law, I think I should be inclined to pay the whole. As soon therefore as you learn that the case is not to come up as appointed, make J's coming of age \u0026amp; y'r own situation an excuse and try the temper of the other side for a compromise. Better let me [sound] for you. Maybe other parties will agree to arbitration. Nannie's letter with yr sent this morning. Next Monday go to Albe.- stay a week. Go to Lex then to the White, where I join Will, B. \u0026amp; the girls- We as guests.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAll well- Love to N. the children \u0026amp; the H's.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYrs\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\n8 Aug 1868\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Nannie,\u003cbr\u003e\nHave this p.m. yours of the 6th. Kate is here. Tell Corbin I shall get John Herndon to [sound] about compromise as soon as the Aug. term be disposed of. We - all except y'r\nMa, leave for Albemarle Monday. Dabney's [Nannie] is at [Rugged] [Mts]. Lucy \u0026amp; Eliza both under the weather which is very hot\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRockbridge Baths\u003cbr\u003e\n4 Sep. 1868\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Nannie,\u003cbr\u003e\nI am grieved to hear you and the children have been so poorly. Yesterday morning I sent the girls down under escort of Jerry Morton's grandson- a cadet, and toured at Goshen till 5.20 p.m. for your Ma and Nannie Bell. We arrived here at a little after 8. Betty and Will went on via Charlottesville for a visit to Charlie Blackford. Mary \u0026amp; Alice came up with your Ma on a visit to Sally F.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDabney's Nannie with their children is at the Mason's. Rose sick with chills. Tomorrow Smith comes to fetch me to Lexington. Totts or Elie, perhaps both will go with me. I am to be installed on the 10th and deliver an address with pomp \u0026amp; circumstance and with all my decorations. After that we shall return here and wait till frost for Richmond. I go to work immediately in preparing a preliminary report of the natural wealth \u0026amp; c of Va. such\nas its climates, productions and favored position. I strike for a line of steamers between Norfolk \u0026amp; Holland, expecting to turn a stream of immigration - German- thro Va. as it flows to Ohio and forts beyond. And so hasten the completion of James River Canal, and Va. Central to the Ohio branches getting some immigrants to stop by the way. Tell Corbin, C held this special term expressly, but lawyers were not ready. Jno Herndon will go to F'bg\nnext week. I have asked him to sound about a compromise. That I am seen is the best way of ending that matter. Ask him to get from Rutson the m.s. of P.G. and Astronomy\nand the first time he comes South to bring me them. I am not in a hurry for them. \"Where had you best live?\" In a New York City Boarding house when the dog days are over.\nTaking care to spend enough time in Va to keep up the idea of Va residence on ac't of them suits with which Corbin was threatened. Tell him the chances of being useful to the state in my own vocation are very fair. Everybody appears to be looking to politics for help. I almost [ ], exclusive to agencies outside of this political arena for material help. Stir up about J.B.'s grapes. Love to the H's with kisses to Maria. Tell Nanna I wish she was here to eat maple sugar. Yr. aft father.\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\n22 Sept '68\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nI returned yesterday with N.B. \u0026amp; Alice leaving all hands including Mary in Albemarle, say till 1st Oct. Stir up Nannie as soon as she gets well for that grape information for Jno B.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSaw John Herndon last night. He worked with the case vs. Corbin- read commissioner's report. Says it's all in your favor- and he thinks the case must come off next term, and\ndoes not, he nor Will, advise compromise. It's important for you to know this, before you get to Fredericksburg.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBe sure to let me see you as you pass through- give me the average price of grain wheat \u0026amp; corn- oats \u0026amp; c. for each month during this year- Can you? and oblige yrs truly\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\n4 Oct 68\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nThanks for the statistics. It's a useful table, nicely got up. If I was going to `keep' such a table, I would do it as a chart of engraved squares. How do you get your averages- from the quantity sold, or from the price on each day? I have been on crutches with the foot. The furniture over from Fredericksburg yesterday. Glad y'r business is on the increase. What do you \u0026amp; Nannie say to Betty's suggestion about xmas. Don't you want your £ 35?\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDick may be in New York last of next month. Expecting all hands down from the mountains, tomorrow or next day. Wife now having a bout with ague \u0026amp; fever. Be sure you stop to see me when you do go south.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCal wheat is a larger grain \u0026amp; therefore makes more flour to the bush. than ours. Has not that something to do with the price?\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThat's a good letter of yours. Brodie is off to [ ] this week. Give a letter to Hasbrouck.\u003cbr\u003e\nLove to N \u0026amp; the [children].\u003cbr\u003e\nYrs, M.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\n11 Oct 68\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nA letter last night from the admirable Rutson tells me you were to leave New York day before yesterday \u0026amp; be with us Tuesday. There is no sleeping place, but you must come\nto dinner \u0026amp; tea on arrival. Dabney is at the General's. I expect him down in the course of the week. I hope the Burtons did not submit to a postponement of the case in re Corbin. It would be cruel of the judge to permit any more trifling. We are all pretty well, my wife has not quite recovered from her bout with the chills.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDying to see you,\u003cbr\u003e\nyrs affectionately\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond Va.\u003cbr\u003e\n3 Dec. 1868\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nI suppose you have got back after I hope a trip that pays. I have heard thro' Rutson \u0026amp; [Carrie] of your having left New Orleans the day before Nannie's telegram reached there.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hasten to write you. I learn confidentially that your tenant is insolvent- that everything that he has is in a fair way of being gobbled up by upcountry creditors, that the wheat crop has been sold and there are no signs of anything being done towards that [house]. That he has had to leave the house in which he was in Fredericksburg 'cause he couldn't pay the rent, for which he still owes. In short that he is wholly [unreliable], a bad case, \u0026amp;\nthat unless you are pretty quick, the corn crop will be gone too \u0026amp; you may whistle for your $1000 \u0026amp; your house too.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSo from all I know you had better run down and look after things. If you do I hope you will give us a hail.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe girls tell Nannie had a small party last night- about 50 dancers- sprinkled only with 5 or 6 married couples. Totts did the honors. Betty was top [ ] and they all four looked splendid. We missed you and her, Dick \u0026amp; Sue. It went off 1st rate. Dick left day before yesterday for Kanawha. May come down from the mountains some day, to take up Sue, who is getting well but still in bed. Lucy Ellen passes through today on her way to Savan'h- your Ma \u0026amp; I go down to the cars to meet her at 2.25. I gave yesterday to the Whig Preliminary Report No 1 Ph. Survey. I like it. Now for a favor- I should like to send a barrel of first rate apples to Tremlett, and 1/2 bbl. to Bold, in time for their xmas dinnerfreight and duties paid. Bold the consignee, must pay R. Road freight to Tremlett. Rutson will manage this when you get the Bbls. ready. Don't get any apples unless they are very good. Let them be pippins or Lady apples, which ever be the best. Hasbrouck could not get any in Newburgh. All well. Kiss the children.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYrs affectionately,\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\n11 Dec. '68\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nThanks for the apples. You managed this nicely. When you want the £35 I. O. U. - go to Rutson. I have asked him to pay. I sent Nanna 10 cts in a letter- Did she get it? Your\ntenant's bill of sale that you ask for is no good. It is sufficient that the sheriff should find the mules \u0026amp; horses in his possession to pitch down upon him with his execution. It's only produce in the shape of rent that you can keep out of his clutches, \u0026amp; then it must be divided \u0026amp; your pile set off to itself. The wheat is gone, \u0026amp; you can't claim the balance of that in corn. All I know is what I gather from John about it. He thinks the case much more dispirited than you seem to do. T! Good night with love,\u003cbr\u003e\nYrs\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond Va.\u003cbr\u003e\n23 Dec. 1868\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\nNannie's letter to her mother recd yesterday tells us you are going to F.V. after xmas. \u0026amp; then to N.C. Be sure to give us a call. You do well to go- Bear in mind, that R's bills of sale or notes of hand are worth nothing as against the demands of the sheriff- and that you are safe in your rents only after you have set apart your share of the crop. But if R. sells it, or you don't divide it, the sheriff can clap his clutches upon it. As for the prison\nadvances better let them be bygones and ask Rutson for the £35 when-ever you get \"hard up\". C.B.R. talks about forking over in \"a very few days\"- I hope so - for the work already done comes to when it's paid for- $10 [m] in gold, though it's not all done yet, for you know I have not delivered all the m.s.s.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLucy is still a great sufferer. Had a pretty good night, but is now wracked with pain.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI went last night to spend the evening with [Weckham] - against the grain- but one has to do things sometimes that are not altogether delightful. Ask Nana if she thinks old\n[Christinger] lives in New York, and how he can go from here there in a night-for he is now I know a stuffing of his pack, I've seen him put two doll babies in it for Alice. A happy xmas to you all,\u003cbr\u003e\nYrs\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond Va.\u003cbr\u003e\n8 Jany `69\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nI am grieved to hear my warning proved so true. This pocketing of losses in times like these, is a hard thing. Have you yet come to any definite understanding with W \u0026amp; E? I think it is time you should have a talk with them and a distinct understanding. If you have it so, the chances are that somebody I know will get fleeced. I'll send you next week one of my pamphlets, which you can give them to read, and then tell them what a great man it is going to make of me in the South, the prestige it will give you, and then tell them what you want.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe silver and the trunk came yesterday. Sorry you did not have time for a run to Richmond. The Gen'l came down from the 'Rugged' last night. He brought me a [cheese] of [--] from Sally. Have not seen him yet. Sue dined with us yesterday. Then Lucy and all hands spend the evening at 'Zoras' tonight. Tell Nannie she was at a party last night, they played \"Chopin and Chopout\" and she doesn't know what that is.\u003cbr\u003e\nLove to Nannie\u003cbr\u003e\nYrs M.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond Va\u003cbr\u003e\n14 January 1869\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nI am sorry to have such an account of yr tenant. You will be lucky to get rid of him without more trouble. His contract shows that he is one of those who are unworthy of confidence - his London trip is I take it a sham.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope to send you in a few days copy of the Report. The Railway and Canal men have been watching the press and literally devouring the sheets as fast as they were printed. They think it will wake up a lively interest especially in the South and West. Smith - V.M.I. will be down to-morrow, we are going to send copies to Governors of the states and ask them to make it the subject of official action by calling it to the attention of legislatures \u0026amp;.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Report will I am sure tickle vox pop especially the planters, farmers and factors in the Mississippi Valley, and it ought to give you favor among them.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIndeed it may be worth considering whether it be not wise for you to look in the direction of Norfolk anyhow, for the Report makes a Dutch line of steamers from Flushing to\nNorfolk look very promising anyhow. In beating about the bush in my mind for something for Dick, I have been looking that way. I fancy this report will give us an influence which if we have the tact and the luck on our part may be made of commercial value. In the course of two or three weeks you will see by watching South-Western and N. Western papers how the thing works, and can then better shape your course.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf W. \u0026amp; E. have lost money it don't sound well for a partnership. Anyhow, I question whether it would not be better for you to be looking out for something else. I doubt whether a monthly salary would not be better than a partnership with them. A partnership would tie you down and in coming, as this Report and my other work here will bring, so [prominently] before your customers, I may have a chance in some unexpected way of helping you along, of which, if you're tied down by co-partnership, might be lost. In short the chances are that you may be able to do quite as well, South, pecuniarily and a great deal better socially than you are now doing. Therefore when the time comes for your talk, consider well the grounds you should take: a good monthly salary to be antedated: what think you? I suggest but don't [persuade].\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThis is my birth day tell Nannie. Sue's going up to F'bg next month. Mary Herndon is here, her brother is at V.M.I. We are all well and send love. I think that so called\n\"conservative [Va.] [ca ] impolite and foolish.\u003cbr\u003e\nyrs truly\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond Va\u003cbr\u003e\n29 Jan. `69\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nPrinters here are slow. The Reports are not all out yet. I sent you two of the past batch to read and then give to `yr bosses.' I now send you one to keep.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt seems to have hit the public mind in Va anyhow. I hope you will have a talk soon about your pay. I do not much fancy a co-partnership - commercial - these times. For though you may put in nothing, financiers here are ticklish. Your house may break and so sweep away all of your Va. property. Moreover I think it worth something to keep yourself free, so that you may be in a position to take advantage of anything that may turn up.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIsn't the first payment due on those Minnesota lands Please inquire of Hasbrouck. Love to Nannie and the children\u003cbr\u003e\nYrs\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\n1 Feb `69\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nBrodie is here and I have yrs of Saturday. All well about Wade. [Still Sue doesn't care to travel]. Suppose you get two or three weeks leave - run down to Norfolk and try this:\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am urging Smith and his [ ] in the [ ] to send agents out to the states where interests are touched by preliminary No. 1 to ask the legislatures and the principle cities to order each a few thousand copies and so help to circulate the docs. If they will order we will get up a revised \u0026amp; improved edition especially for them. Norfolk, Petersburg and Richmond ought to order ea. 2000 copies so ought [Mahone] - begin by asking them to order 500 ea. Postmasters ought to order 1000, ditto Seaboard R.R.'s, and the line of steamers that ply between New York and Norfolk ought to order 500. I am proffering to Smith to put the New Edition @ $2 per copy, and give his agents 50¢ per copy upon all orders. Now if he comes into this how would you like to drum up in Va.? The doing of it, would pay expenses at any rate - `twould identify you and make you acquainted with the Norfolk people, and so may be give a string to your bow to send an arrow at W \u0026amp; E with. Jansen is working like a horse with the Dutch Va. line of steamers. You could preach that up at the same time. Money has to be and is to be raised for that. You can try that too - somebody must be employed for this - and why not you? So turn the idea over in your mind, and in case Smith says the word, be ready to broach the [ ] to old [Wade]. You can then come here - we post you up, have a meeting called and so Launch you. I can fancy that this business may not be altogether agreeable at first blush. But all you have to do is to put on a bold face and teach those people what they ought to do. Am glad to hear the children are O.K. again. Tell Nannie her Ma is in bed with a cold. Dick is in Lexington and all the rest well.\u003cbr\u003e\nYrs truly M.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI send you ten more pamphlets.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond , Va\u003cbr\u003e\n16 Feb. 1869\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nThanks to you and Hasbrouck for the $925.56/100. Its welcome I tell you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI understand Charles has made all things straight with your tenant touching past rents.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eW. requires you to put more faith in him than he puts in you. \"Take any \"ipse dixit\" and you make it all right\" - he says to you. But why does he not let you know what his plans are? Suppose they turn to naught - then there you are. For that reason I wanted you to have two strings to your bow. Look at C.B.R. promises are bountiful, Wait, Wait, and [`nary red'] since I came back. W. may be all right and his intentions may be ever so good, but you have to look out for yourself and when he comes to [shout up] his plans you may find them `[St py] with ifs.\" And would not have you break with him, but I would have you ask to be informed, so that if they don't strike your fancy you may be on the lookout for something else. Therefore I would take the first opportunity and ask him to tell\nyou the precise character of the arrangement that he has in view.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Reports are in great demand. I send you a couple. Love to Nannie and the children. All well.\u003cbr\u003e\nYrs\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond Va\u003cbr\u003e\n20 Apr `69\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nI feel uneasy about that warehouse swindling case. Let me know if you are in any way hurt by it. I suppose at any rate it interferes materially with your plans. I am told it ruins W \u0026amp; E. Please let me know all about. In haste,\u003cbr\u003e\nYrs\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond VA\u003cbr\u003e\n30 Ap'l '69\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have been very much engrossed. Have just finished for Mr. Johnson a notice of my blessed Davy Jones.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYrs of 28th came duly to hand. Was relieved to know that Wade \u0026amp; [Estey's] misfortune did not involve you. You know better than I can suggest what to do now.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt is within the power of the people to be represented in the Norfolk convention to say whether they will have direct trade with Holland. If they say `yes' and give the right sort of earnest, then the Dutch will probably establish a large house in Norfolk. In that case they\nwill probably want a businessman for associate, who is well acquainted in the South \u0026amp; West. Now the question is how can you manage to bring yourself to the acquaintance of the trading businessmen in Montgomery- Memphis - Knoxville, Chattanooga, Huntsville - Nashville, Louisville, Cincinnati\u003cbr\u003e\n[and-].\u003cbr\u003e\nIf you or I had any authority to speak for the Dutchmen in the matter, it would be plain sailing, and we should know how to go to work. But there's no hurry, look out for the\nproceedings of the convention, \u0026amp; find out the leading houses in N.C. \u0026amp; the West, try as opportunity allows to get into correspondence of some sort with them- and if during the next 12 months you can bring yourself to their acquaintance, perhaps, if the Dutchman comes, you may have a chance to show him around.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePacking up for VMI.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am afraid the day I'll move will not turn out so well. Nannie \u0026amp; Nan are very good friends now. Do you think that [boarding] them will make them any better? It's only in that aspect \u0026amp; the mosquitoes that I \"has my doubts about\"\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAll well and send love\u003cbr\u003e\nyrs\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond VA\u003cbr\u003e\n22 May 1869\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nAbout the Piano- I wish you would get Ellen Lewis to help you and Nannie select a first rate one, to cost not over $800 - eight hundred $. Go for performance and richness of\ntone, not just for outside appearance. Bargain for freight paid here if they can, but for delivery on board steamer and packing up anyhow. It should be directed to Maury,\nLexington, and consigned with bill o'lading, to Col. Dillon (DILLON) James River Canal Office. His office is right at steam boat landing. You can draw at sight on R. H. Maury \u0026amp; Co. where I have given you a credit for $800. Yr draft to be signed M.F. Maury for yourself. Perhaps you may make a better arrangement with R. H. Maury himself who left last night for New York.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePlease you and Nannie keep your eyes about you for carpets. They ought to be cheap now. Small figures and bright colors are [the] go for small rooms, small figures some [worsted]. [Then these] down stairs rooms should be good Brussels, or Wilton- the dining room and parlor the most costly, but none over $2 the yard, including the making which must be done there, \u0026amp; including also packing and delivery on board str. consigned as the piano is to be. They can be made by the enclosed draft which please take care of.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBrave's and the up-stairs rooms should be cheap remnants, 3 ply or Brussels, according to bargains. You know I like variety, therefore don't go for matching the rooms. Rugs also, and carpet-[slips] I reckon for the upstairs passage. Dick has coloured it you see for oil cloth- We have oil cloth for the bare passage already on its way up there. I have shut up all the doors in the Parlour except one. Please enquire for bargains \u0026amp; report progress before going further. All well. We expect to get off next Tuesday.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYr Aft.\u003cbr\u003e\nP.T.O. M.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[verso]\u003cbr\u003e\nAlso inquire as to the price of a neat electroplate water pitcher and tea kettle such as the one we used to have at the `Sup'\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I.\u003cbr\u003e\n17 June `69\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nNannie's room is all ready, but we have heard nothing from her than what is mentioned in yours of 15th just to hand.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn re: carpets, I did not expect you to do more just now than to post me up as to prices \u0026amp; c. The girls wanted to have something to say as to colors, patterns, \u0026amp; c. Moreover I did not want to buy now, have no funds, no place to store them, and $500 for Dining room \u0026amp; Parlour is beyond my mark. Therefore unless you are committed for them, I don't want them. If however you are committed for them, bargain that they are not to be sent until\nwe are ready for them in the fall, and that they shall send with them all the scraps \u0026amp; pieces which are wasted in the cutting. We have already two rugs in the parlour \u0026amp; a [ ] [ ]. I take it that you have not ordered any of the other carpeting *. { (*I do not want it) in margin}. You did right not to order the iron bedstead, for I did not expect you to do that upon what I said. Caution the upholsterer not to make the mattress a hair's breadth\nlarger than the bed in the [ ]- a little smaller it will still fit- an inch larger, no!. You do not say anything about the andirons, [fender] \u0026amp; c. We have none of them at all and fires at night are often pleasant. The canal is in repair, and will not be open again from Richmond before 1st July- Therefore I had rather these things \u0026amp; the mattress should not be sent till then.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRutson wrote me last Saturday -12- that Stewart's man had been to him with a bill for $500 odd for goods for me to know if I was good. R. said he would pay if I didn't- I replied to R. that I knew nothing about it, that I had authorized no such bill- not dreaming it was you \u0026amp; the carpets. If as I said you have made yourself liable for them insist that they shall be kept until called for. There is no place for them without putting them down. We don't\nwant to do that- 1st because we prefer bare floors. 2. Plasterers and other workmen have work to do which probably will not be done for months- 3. There is no place to store them. Therefore they must not be sent till we are ready for them.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Piano has come - all safe- Elegant. Everybody pleased with it, and Elie is now making it \"talk\"! Thanks.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhich way do you go on the 22nd. Can't you come this way? There's plenty of room for you- Dick is in W. V. He \u0026amp; Sue have engaged lodgings at the Pendleton's.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am invited to take charge of the University of Ala. at Tuscaloosa. Have it under consideration. My decision when they ask it will be something like this- Give me full swing and $10 m {10,000} a year for 5 years and I'll try to build you up- Before the war it had 350 boys- vs 25 now- so you see it's right low. You may well consider I'm not anxious to go- they offer $4m and I fancy they are not prepared to give $10,000. Please put the prices on Edgerton's list \u0026amp; return it.\u003cbr\u003e\nyrs truly\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I.\u003cbr\u003e\nSeptember 1st '69\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nUse the accompanying letter as you think best. I should like to have Gould sounded upon it \u0026amp; to know what he says. I send you the pamphlets. Please get from Stewart his carpet bill. It is getting most time for me to order them forward, but before I do that I want to raise the money for paying for them, \u0026amp; the first step is to know how much that is. Inquire also, if you please as to the discount he will allow if you pay him on the shipment of the\ncarpets instead of forwarding his bill here to be paid when they are delivered to me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eNannie \u0026amp; Sue did not go to the Baths, because I fancy, I was not here to make them, \u0026amp; now they are looking so well that I do not think it necessary for them to go.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAll well \u0026amp; send love.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I. 9th/9/'69\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nI suppose my letter last week in reply to yours about the Dutch steamers must have miscarried.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSo here's at you about the carpets again. Have them shipped via steamer to Smith (Genl's brother), Norfolk- ask him to pay charges and forward by what the Gen'l calls his air[ ]- viz rail to Lynchburg \u0026amp; canal thence. If Stewart will allow discount, pay him there on presentation of bill o'lading. Rutson has been asked to honor your draft. Better see R. first to make sure for I am not in a hurry \u0026amp; don't care if the carpets don't arrive before the\n25th. If he won't discount, then let T. ship on the 20th as above and let \"charges follow\". I'll pay on delivery.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI wish you would get from him \u0026amp; have them put up in the same* { (* to save freight) at bottom of page} bundle with the carpets, \u0026amp; have charged on the carpet bill - 12 doz. table napkins - not extra fine or extravagant - but such as a gentleman ought to have on his table every day - Such for instance as cousin Ann has; perhaps she or [`Quincy'] will select them for me. Of course I don't care where you get them so they are good, decent, and not extravagant \u0026amp; so they come with the carpets - inside - without extra freight. If possible \u0026amp; to save freight the carpets should all be in one bundle, or in as few bundles as economy suggests. Nanny \u0026amp; the children all well.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBetty with her aunt will leave us next Tuesday.\u003cbr\u003e\nyrs M.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eN.B. It's 144 Table napkins that I want - linen all-\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[On reverse of second sheet]\u003cbr\u003e\n\"Messrs Paten \u0026amp; Co\u003cbr\u003e\nMy friend Mr. Corbin wants 12 Dz napkins similar to sample, please give him the right kind \u0026amp; price.\u003cbr\u003e\nYrs,\u003cbr\u003e\nR.P. Richardson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I.\u003cbr\u003e\n10 Sept. 1869\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\n12 doz. will be too many. 6 doz. napkins will do- Let them be all of the usual dinner size. If not too late therefore let the order be for 72 instead of 144 table napkins Dinner size.\u003cbr\u003e\nYrs,\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M. I.\u003cbr\u003e\nLexington, VA\u003cbr\u003e\n16 Sept. '69\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nYours of 13th rec'd. Napkins \u0026amp; consignment O.K. Thanks-\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eNannie is still at the McD's. Is waiting till our new cook comes. Weather fine. Children well \u0026amp; my nerves distressingly 'shaky'.\u003cbr\u003e\nYrs,\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I.\u003cbr\u003e\nLexington, VA\u003cbr\u003e\n20/12/69\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nI was sorry to hear that Edgerton has gone 'by the board'. My observations teach me that the merchants who never fail are comparatively few- and they are either men of means outside of the capitol embarked in their business- or men who have friends to back them. I should be exceedingly sorry to see you entering into mercantile business in any way except as an agent or employee- and that is a business that is desirable only until you\ncome into possession of your inheritance so find out when you are. At any rate I hope you will enter into no \"entangling [obligation] before we meet which I hope will be soon. I still look for you before New-Year. Xmas week is a holy-day time in New York.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePlease jog Hasbrouck's memory about the St. Paul bond. I am hard up \u0026amp; should like to have the money on the very day it falls due, if possible. 'The Boy' is the life of the housecoming out every day with something original.\u003cbr\u003e\nYrs\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVMI\u003cbr\u003e\n4th March 1870\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have asked Will to send you $200 which fall due on the 9th. I left word in Richmond with Bob to collect some dividends to send you the proceeds. Should he do so you can transfer it over to me and accept the enclosed $300 instead which with what Will will send and what I left with you makes $1000.\u003cbr\u003e\nIn haste\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I.\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 6th\u003cbr\u003e\n1871\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin-\u003cbr\u003e\nI got last night a letter telling of the investment of the $321.34. Thank you. Will says, that the law treats it as usury to compound the interest in that way. Please ask John Herndon about it for I want to keep within the law.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy aim was to let you have just $1,000. It is therefore that I ask you to remit in case you should receive more than that.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTell Nannie, that Elie is in bed with a headache, \u0026amp; Lucy is under the weather with a cold, \u0026amp; I don't hear them say a word about going down.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHeavy rain last night. In haste yours truly,\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003cbr\u003e\n(pr M.H.M.)\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[Postscript by Mary]\nI got my dear Sister Nannie's letter \u0026amp; will write after the Fair comes off.\nThe girls certainly expect to go down the middle of the month\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nJuly 26th 1871\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Nannie,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour Ma got your letter this morning ain't we so glad, glader, glady. Tell Corbin he must come along too.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI returned from Ala. last Monday evening and took them all by surprise. Since graduating, Brave had made a fee and had gone off on a spree, and had gone off with Tots \u0026amp; Elie to the White \u0026amp; Capertons. I suppose his money will give out soon and we may expect them back the last of the week.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy going to Tuscaloosa, is still in abeyance. I found when I got to Montgomery that the Board of Regents at its meeting last June had gone farther in their injudicious course than I had fancied, for besides establishing chairs \u0026amp; filling them without conference with me, they had chalked out a plan of operations for the Univ. which appeared to me altogether impracticable.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Board of Regents had not been called together as I had requested, but all the professors save 3 were there with Hodgson who is ex officio President of the Board of Regents. During our first session I found out that there was not only no money to fit up the Univ. but there was nothing to keep it a-going: for more than all its annual endowment had already been appropriated. The charges against the cadets were at figures so low that they would inevitably bring the Univ. in debt. A sum not exceeding $200 was to be the expense per cadet. So in the afternoon I formally proclaimed that I could not undertake the responsibility of such an institution \u0026amp; therefore begged leave to decline. Whereupon there was \"sensation.\" Some made hy-falutin speeches \u0026amp; professors asked \"what shall I do.\" One urging that he \"had given up his house\" another, \"his practice,\" another \"his business,\" another \"his college\" another that he \"was engaged to be married,\" all under the expectation that I would accept. The strong men of the city were\nbrought in who promised to make the legislature do the needful. And the judges of the Supreme Court who are said to hold the legislature in the hollow of their hands, black \u0026amp; white radicals \u0026amp; all- Sent word that they would do the needful at its next meeting. In short, the question was asked, that \"if they would raise a launching fund, change the fees, so as to be a source of revenue, instead of loss, and alter the course of instruction so as to suit my views, would I accept\"? Yes Well it was funny to see the plan they had laid down. They had three parallel course which were \"selectable\" and every boy that came was answered in terms \"you have paid your money, take your choice\" And they told me they had copied after the Univ. of Mississippi, which never did prosper, though it has a clear revenue of $77,000. So the plan that I propose requires the three Rs for admission\n\u0026amp; then curriculum all the way up to any specialty, that the student- being qualified to enter upon it- may select, all boys to be examined and to be put as high up as they are qualified to stand.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThese matters are to be referred by letter to the Board of Regents, and if the majority pledge themselves by letter to stand by me , if I make the alterations \u0026amp; to sanction them at their next meeting in Nov. and then if the friends of the Univ. will raise a launching fund, I will go.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe earnest desire manifested by the good people of the state, for me to take charge of their Univ. was very gratifying.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt appears to me that almost all the good people in Ala. who have sons \u0026amp; means intend to rally around me, and among the events that were particularly gratifying was a proposition on the part of the professors to lend: some their whole salary: some $1000: and the others $500 to get the thing underway.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThey were to let me know, in a telegram, whether my views would be met by the Regents. And thus the matter stands.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy plan for the present is modeled after V.M.I. with the open features of the Univ. of Va. In the mean time I am working like a Turk here in collecting statistics and transmitting \"useful and entertaining knowledge\" to \"Tusca.\"\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI did not go to \"Tusca\", because my house had not been vacated by my radical\npredecessor, with his three students, but hastened back for the telegram.\nI traveled Saturday in the cars with Dabney \u0026amp; Family, they have broken up in New Orleans, and have come to Va. for the summer. They were to stop a few days in Lynchburg, then go to the Bath Alum.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eKisses to the children \u0026amp; love to all hands. I brought some maple-sugar for them, they must make haste and come up or it will be all gone,\u003cbr\u003e\nM.M.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I. Lexington Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nAugust 9th 1871\u003cbr\u003e\nS.W. Corbin Esqr.\u003cbr\u003e\nFredericksburg Va\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin\u003cbr\u003e\nI have this morning your letter of 3rd introducing Mr. Boulware. No letter was necessary. I had the pleasure of forming his acquaintance last Fall in Fredericksburg and was much pleased with him. All the chairs at Tuscaloosa are full.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe expect Dick back from W.V. tomorrow or next day. When is Nannie coming up? We expect Will to come next week. Can't she come with him? We don't mean to let you off: you must come and fetch Nannie back. Yesterday was \"Crits\" birthday: cords of presents---60 years old, and as young as a [sentence fragment]\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am busy with Tuscaloosa but begin to think it will not be ready by Oct. My illustrious predecessor is still in the President's house. Betty has mended vastly since she has been here. Ask Nanna and that boy when are they coming up? We are dying to see them.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn haste yours,\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I. Lexington VA\u003cbr\u003e\n17th Aug 1871\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nPlease don't remit but re-invest \u0026amp; let it roll up. You have always told me I could realize upon ten days notice.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Goshen stage don't get in now until about 10'clock; We shall set up for Nannie \u0026amp; the children. Dick left for Richmond last night.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe funds of University Alabama are just like \"jack-o-my-lanterns\". I was to have had $40,000 to begin with \u0026amp; have got $16,000 maybe. It bothers me enough.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAsk Brodie when he gets to New York please to call at 156 \u0026amp; 7 Crosby Street \u0026amp; enquire for C.B. Richardson \u0026amp; if he is not in for Prof Lawrence \u0026amp; ask for a copy of Geog No 3 New Edition, for my young friend his little grandson \u0026amp; take it with him to Savannah. I will write \u0026amp; tell them he's a-coming.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou must be sure \u0026amp; come to fetch Nannie back\u003cbr\u003e\nYours truly\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I. 23 Sept '71\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nTwas a source of profound regret that none of us could get down to help render the last offices of friendship and affection to John. He died as he lived, like a Christian gentleman.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe had Brodie's room ready for him last night and felt disappointment when his letter came saying he had to go to Savannah.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eElie Lucy \u0026amp; I expect to leave for Tenn. about the 5th maybe 1st. I think you had better come up to escort Nannie \u0026amp; the children back- we should be mighty glad to see you. Want to talk over the Tenn. speech with you. There is a stage that leaves here twice a week at 11 AM for Goshen where it connects with a train due in Staunton at 8.45 P.M. There you stay all night \u0026amp; at 9 next morning leave for Richd. I think this is the best way to go for it saves that long night in the stage house. The boy has improved wonderfully \u0026amp; is a great pet.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTell me the lowest price of wheat in Aug. last, with date, and the price now. Jno Herndon had my will, please ask Charles when he comes across it, to hand it to you. You can fetch it up with you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe weather here is lovely. Give my love to Ellen Mercer Charles \u0026amp; Lucy.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYrs. truly\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I.\u003cbr\u003e\nLexington\u003cbr\u003e\n11 Nov. 71\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Nannie,\u003cbr\u003e\nLet's hear that boy whistle- why that's like the cars. Let's hear you whistle like the darkies. Well! cut a somersault. How does he like the new house? and Nanna the dancing school? She must teach him all her steps, gaits and [moves].\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe got back last night week- and if they will send us free tickets again Elie and I will go to the Agricultural Congress in Selma 12 Dec. Tell Corbin I am going to carry that plan- i.e.- do my best and so roll that ball over Henry \u0026amp; the rest of them. But the rascals they'll catch it up as soon as they see it rolling along finely and say it was theirs. I think [Thomps] is behaving most shabbily-plagiarism \u0026amp; piracy are mild terms to [ ] what he\nis doing. He used to make a living by lecturing on my works-carrying PG's under his arm. Now he not only steals my brains, and ignores my books, but gives other people the credit that belongs to me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSally F. and Sister E. have gone to the Pendletons. We have no coal yet.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI begin Monday to prepare my P.G. lecture - to be [based on the question] - \"What science has done for mankind.\"\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCrit got a letter from Sue yesterday. Dick stays downtown all day. Totts is poorly- Have been working Crit, Mary, Lucy \u0026amp; Elie hard this week I tell you. The Lee quilt is to be raffled at the Letcher's tonight. We will draw it, I reckon- some of us have tickets- 24 chances- Totts had this morning a letter from Tom Bold - speaks well of Price. Frank Smith has gone over there. Will reports Betty as recovering fast \u0026amp; Nannie Bell in high glee over her new piano. Don't hear often from Brave. Love to Corbin, Sue, Mat and the\nchildren.\u003cbr\u003e\nYrs affectionately,\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I. 20 Dec. 1871\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear little grandson that's named John Maury Corbin, some of this letter is for Nana too but I send it to you because xmas is a coming-\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou just ought to be here- we are having so much fun- Last night your Ma's chimney caught afire- F i a r F i a r! Como. Maury's house is afiar! The drums beat, the fife squeaked \u0026amp; the cadets came tumbling up- some with \"guns\" to shoot the robbers- some with buckets to quench the fire. Oh it was so nice, but the fire went out just so before they could ever get here- And [then] it's so cold the river is frozen- all the girls- and Jimmy\nMoore \u0026amp; Genl Pendleton and all the other little boys go a skating. They take lunch, and have picknick on the ice. `The boy' can skate \u0026amp; the littlest Johnson is the best skater of them all- [ ]. And then it's been snowing \u0026amp; rainy \u0026amp; hailing- and what do you think it did yesterday at dinner in the dining room- there was money shower and the flakes were GreenBacks! You and Nana ought to have been here for 'scrambling'. They went like soap bubbles- and so you had to catch them quick nobody could get more than one flakeand\nsomebody saved these two for you two - not too and your Ma- She is to give you at least 10 cts out of it \u0026amp; Nanna 20 cts \u0026amp; Charlie 20 cts- for you to go down street by [yourselves] and buy just what you please.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eShe's to keep the rest\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAnd do the best-\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCan you write poetry?\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTell her your Aunt Eliza has been very poorly- is getting better. She hasn't been here since the day after we got back from Memphis.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have been to see her once- walked- was laid up for a week part of the time unable to turn over in bed. Have sent for a carriage to go \u0026amp; see her this evening- She's afraid that Sally F. is going away from her \u0026amp; that helps to make her sick.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou all ought to be here these times- Your Uncle Charlie sent us some Blue wings- by the time they got here they had turned to Canvas Backs- they are so good!\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHere comes somebody. A Merry Xmas to your Pa \u0026amp; Ma and sister \u0026amp; your own sweet little self. Who is Mat's sweetheart? I know Charlie's- Have you got one? What's her name?\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate friend.\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I. 1 March (1872)\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nTake Nannie, Totts, Nanna \u0026amp; the boy into your counsels- read to them Elie's M.S. in confidence- take their vote- \"Fire or Sandy Little\" \u0026amp; if they say Sandy, hand it to him- on condition that he's to \"harry\" the Whig without letting Whig or anybody know who `Old Spotsylvanian' is. It's a shame that the Whig should be fooling that \"foolish little legislation\" so.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf you or Nannie do not want to S. [ ] so for y'r scrap book, hand it to Totts for 'hern'. Why don't those children answer my letters? I've got the whooping cough- used to have it in Ten. Catch it from the children at the house- [up] [ ]- [ ].\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhen is the height of the fishing season? Tell me- for if at that time I feel as young as the whooping cough \u0026amp; in the [ ] I may run down, pick up Totts \u0026amp; Ho for Glymont. Mrs. M. is pestering me mightily to go A - W A Y ! Got a letter this morning from Taffy imploring me not to let the yankees light Jno Bull.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTell Totts -O now I wish I had some birds- all well \u0026amp; send love. Yrs M. F. Maury.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026gt;\u0026gt;\u0026gt;\u0026gt;If Sandy publish- send me a few extras.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I. 27 March '72\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nTotts had been telling us of \"the Boy's\" deafness and how badly Nannie was looking. I sent the cheque to \"buy exemptions\" so you did exactly right- and I hope it will buy [cards].\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTell Nana \u0026amp; the boy they ought to be here just to see me. I go about the house whooping like a red Indian on the war path- Does he remember his island? There it is- In the last three snows it was as naked as a rock- now why wouldn't the snow lie on it- can he tell?\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTell Totts Mrs. Sinclair is at the point of death. Betty Page has come up to help nurse her. We hope Nannie will run down to Richmond. [Credits] - Miss Mildred is engaged to Prof. Blair. College Calithumps on the night of 1st- two boys fought a duel- one shot tother two times. Old Hughes keeps [up] pinched for wood- Dick's at home on crutches sprained ankle. Va- I reckon- is going downhill all the time- and tho I fancy I can see ways for letting up- I don't see the wisdom for putting her in those ways, \u0026amp; so her course\nis downward ho!\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThis is a beautiful day- I am not well enough to venture out. Don't know when Lucy is coming- Love to all\u003cbr\u003e\nyrs. M.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I. 10 Apl '72\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Nannie,\u003cbr\u003e\nWhy don't I come out and prevent people from stealing my brains torpedoes \u0026amp; all? Why don't the passenger at sea come out \u0026amp; stop pirates from pirating? Didn't Queen Vic her own dear self steal my torpedoes right before my face- and as for `[thunder]'-look at 'Thomps' \u0026amp; your dear yankees.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThat's a fact- Corbin is a great financier- He has managed the estate with much ability and fine judgment \u0026amp; J P owes him 'a heap'. I suppose J.P. did not find enough to do in the office to occupy him- and I think idle hours drag more ways than one before a young man that is not yet fairly engaged in the battle of life.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAnd can the boy read? Ask him to read this letter.\u003cbr\u003e\nJIM BIT A FOX\u003cbr\u003e\nTHE CAT EAT A RAT. And go [up] [head].\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI've got the whooping cough in my back \u0026amp; all over. And I've \"got no work to do-o\".\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThere is nothing [any] my table- Elie is writing a great speech for the National Agricultural Association which is to meet in St. Louis next month. Fish refuses to help my `ball' along. Elie's speech is going to roll it right over him. Don't those fellows in Washington hate me with a hate? And ain't it elegant to make 'em do, what you tell's em?\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMat repeated to me last night most beautifully the Death of Montrose. It reminded me so much of my blessed Davy Jones. My eyes filled with tears \u0026amp; my heart with emotions unutterable. Sue brings up \u0026amp; teaches Mat very well. He and your Nannie are the best child-readers I ever heard. You ought to be here just to see the sons in law- as many as twenty at a time- I hide under the bed-Crit jumps on the sofa Aunt Mary and the rest scramble up stairs. You are right- Totts is chief among 10,000 \u0026amp; altogether lovely. Where am I to go? Can't stay here another winter. Take away my house \u0026amp; my pay- and\nthen leave me to rent a house and do without the $1800! -how's the pot to be kept a going? The question is bothering me a good deal. The weather here is beautiful and the grass green- and the trees vocal at early matins. When are you coming up? I'd give a cow \u0026amp; calf to come down but the way is so hard \u0026amp; I so rickety. Everybody sends to you Corbin \u0026amp; the children\u003cbr\u003e\nyr aft M.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I. 19 Apl '72\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nI made up my mind this morning to break out from my pleasant surroundings \u0026amp; happy relations here about 1st Sept. by which time it will not be imprudent to settle somewhere in Eastern Va. The high rents in Richmond Nannie's letter \u0026amp; the Taylor (?) houseopposite Uncle Charlie's- with its $250- set my mouth to watering for the old burg. In what sort of repair is it- Do the windows rattle? do the doors open \u0026amp; shut easily \u0026amp; without noise- How are the grates and fire places. Does the house smoke. Is it lighted with gas \u0026amp; has it a water closet? If nay, can it have all these things and I the refusal of it, till Sept.? I would ask you to engage it now but for the chance of my being offered something somewhere else which will strengthen my money power and enable me, with material surroundings - to be more comfortable than I could be upon my own only in Fredericksburg. How many rooms has the house? Can you rough sketch me the grand plan?\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCould the boy read my letter- and ain't he coming up here to help us pack up, and show us the way to his house?\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI send Nanna a newspaper. It is printed by [ ] Pratt, a little cripple- He is about her size- He has got a printing press and a font of type. He sets these and prints and edits all himself. I send her also a splendid composition by Alice. Alice is a physical geographer- A has told about a drop of water on the earth- Now can N. tell about one in the sky? Water is a beautiful thing I tell you. It is protean- and you think that in every new shape you see it, it's more lovely yet. Yesterday it was dropping down in little white pits, as hard as pits and hopping about the town more than the cadets. It made them scamper I tell you. Then it laid itself in the grass, and peeped at you for a little while-as much as to sayhere goes your [Tennessee] ice cream- come \u0026amp; catch me if you dare- and by the time you got there 'twas just nothing at all. That No 3 Geography you are studying is an old edition and a great many mistakes such as you and Molly found- have been corrected, maps like those at p.p. 21- 148 \u0026amp; 152 have the scale all the way up and down the sides- it varies with the latitude- Thus reason on a piece of paper the distance for 20 between the equator \u0026amp; 20 N. and then try it for 20 between 40 \u0026amp; 60 N. Your Pa will show you.\u003cbr\u003e\nAll well and send love yrs\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I. 10 May '72\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nI give you many thanks for the trouble- all for naught- that you have so kindly undertaken in re Carter House. Dr Wellford's figures are too large, so I will get you to keep your eyes about you for one on easier terms.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have most got my courage up to the sticking point for St. Louis. Here I feel somewhat like Sin Bad the sailor in his valley of Diamonds- so hard to get out. Dick took the cars this morning for Richmond. The weather is mighty hot. That was a first rate physical Geographical composition of N. I sent it to Alice. Bless her heart give her a kiss- and ask her to ask the boy if he knows what river that is that goes by Fredericksburg and where does it come from \u0026amp; where does it go to- and if she can write a composition and tell\nwhat's the use of rivers anyhow? Love to Nannie- all well- Tell her there's another [ ] of S.C. [rice] on the way.\u003cbr\u003e\nyrs,\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I. 12 May '72\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have no doubt of Carroll's fitness because you speak of him so highly. But rules work sometimes inconveniently. I have found it necessary to make rules for conduct, and one is not to recommend unless I can speak from personal knowledge \u0026amp; sufficient acquaintanceship. So I hope neither he nor you will take my rule amiss.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI expect to leave for St. Louis on 22. But the getting out of this valley is the trouble. The idea of getting out oppresses somewhat as Sin Bad the Sailor was oppressed in the Valley of Diamonds.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThanks for your kind invitation, but I don't reckon we shall get away from here before the fall. Moreover we are hedging now so as to treasure up for the move. Today it's very hot. Lucy is under the weather. The church is to be pulled down tomorrow. Mrs. Burwell is here- and we are all well.\u003cbr\u003e\nyrs truly\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I. 19 May '72\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Children,\u003cbr\u003e\nI set off for St. Louis day after tomorrow- a day earlier than I intended for the purpose of spending Thursday at the Arlington in Washington to meet C.B.R. He is very much opposed to my `burying myself alive' and makes a proposition which amounts practically to an allowance sufficient to pay house rent say $1000 in Richmond. This is `[now] just so'. I'm to do nothing for it but just live in Richmond. I have not accepted nor declined it\nbut have it to stand just so tall after our talk.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eC.B.R. and his Co are doing a roaring business. From all I hear they expect the Geographies alone to clear this year not less than $125,000.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe have been expecting a visit from Jim Monroe \u0026amp; his girls. He wrote word last Tuesday they were coming- and sent word that he would go with me to St. Louis, and that's all. I shall be sorry to miss them. Crit talks of going with me as far as Gordonsville on his way to Betty. But Betty don't write to say she \"can't get along without her\" so I should not be surprised if she don't go, though she had her trunk brought down three days ago intending to ship off in the 'Packet' tonight. Dick is still in Richmond. They have begun to pull down our church \u0026amp; we have 'nowhere to go'. Dabney expects to move this week to Nashville. He tells me he has a letter from [T.] saying he didn't think anything of my `ball' at first and that now he has changed his opinion and advised Dabney as to what I ought to do- a great [piece] of imprudence- I have no doubt he wants to get a chance to steal more thunder and have asked D. not to hold any correspondence with him upon the subject.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTell Nana I did answer her beautiful composition and asked her to tell me the use of Rivers and make the boy tell where the Rapp. comes from \u0026amp; whither it goes. Don't she want to go to St. Louis \u0026amp; see the great big river that runs by there? What is its name. Totts is going on a visit to the [Cock's] of [Bowston]. Don't know when she's coming home. All well and send love\u003cbr\u003e\nYrs\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSt. Louis\u003cbr\u003e\n30 May '72\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear wife,\u003cbr\u003e\nThe Congress never before knew what an address was. It was delivered last night- and everything has been done exactly as I would have it. I was surly yesterday. Am having a bout with the foot in the elbow- was in bed half the day- and was not fit to speak and thought I should break down but am much better today. Charles escorts me to the Guthrie's tomorrow- I return Monday- 37 miles and then strike for you and home as hard as I can rattle. Have not decided which route to take. Col. Withers who C.B.R. sent to take care of me fancies to go through Tenn. I shall be governed a good deal by him for\nhe is so considerate and kind I can't get on well without him. If I go via Wash. shall touch at Fb'g- and at Richmond anyhow. Send this letter and the papers I mail with it up to Nannie to be passed on to V.M.I. for I [have] to [trim] the [wick]. Love to all. Who is 'Kate'? I haven't had time to see her.\u003cbr\u003e\nYrs M.F.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSt. Chas. Co. Mo.\u003cbr\u003e\n1 June 72\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nI am to leave this Monday A.M. and St. Louis at 3 P.M. Straight onward for you \u0026amp; Nannie say 50 hours.\u003cbr\u003e\nyrs in haste, M.F.M.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003esend to my wife\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I. 19 June '72\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nThanks for the 13 [Newses]: you and Nannie [regard] the [speech] nicely. Monday the Minor girls left in a carriage under Walker's escort, to spend the night at Goshen and proceed yesterday to Hanover. Crit without writing and accompanied by Totts, Nannie Bell \u0026amp; Alice took us quite by surprise Monday night. They found the Minor girls at Goshen- scorned the carriage and came straight on in the stage arriving here at 10 1/2 pm. as bright as the moon and as gay as larks. They left Betty still in bed. Will's trip to\nWytheville has been put off till 1st July. We are writing for Betty to come along up. I sent in resignation yesterday to take effect 10 Sept. The day before sent off new ed. of Geog. no. 3. and this morning have \"the foot\" also a letter from Dab- of 16- from Nashville where they all are saying little Dab is very ill with scarlet fever. This morning also I got a copy of the Physical Geography of the Sea in Italian, which [Gat a] has published in\nRome. He never knew what a book was before. Love to the children.\u003cbr\u003e\nYrs, M.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I. 24 July (1872)\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin\u003cbr\u003e\nWe are driving to see Nannie \u0026amp; the children. Look for Betty also. Sorry you don't come too. Plenty of room. Totts lie \u0026amp; I are off for [Yellow] next week- [thence to 6] or -13th Aug. for an Ag. Address- then back, then to Boston! 18 Sept. for another. Thence to St. Louis 1st Oct for another- so you see I am knocking the 'balls' along.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDon't bother yourself about the money. If I want it- we can discount old\n[Harmon].\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBetter come up and get those Farley Vale 'tadpoles' \u0026amp; Fredericksburg chills out of you.\u003cbr\u003e\nYrs, M.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eKnoxville Tenn.\u003cbr\u003e\nSunday Aug 11 (1872)\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear wife,\u003cbr\u003e\nI arrived here last night at 11.30- It is now 9 A.M.- The ride did me a `heap of good' knocking the remains of that [severe] bout in the knee into the middle of next week. I left the girls lodged next door to, \u0026amp; in charge of, the Taylors- nice people. I [propose] to be back Saturday- to leave Monday and to be at home Tuesday. I had a fancy to spend Saturday night \u0026amp; Sunday at the White, for the sake of rubbing bright the links that bind me\nto the Maury's there - Uncle Phils' - and of seeing gentlemen [there] \u0026amp; 'roll any balls'. Higgins who married one of them was very kind \u0026amp; [pressing] and told Totts he would come and fetch her any day she'd name \u0026amp; 'Dilly' promised to take them into her room. I suggested to Totts that she should write for him to fetch them Saturday p.m. so we might arrive about the same time. They did not appear to take the hint that I wanted them to go- so I did not press. The trip is not so long as I was told it was- so I should not be surprised if I were to pick the girls up at the 'Yellow' Friday p.m. and be with you Saturday. How's Betty \u0026amp; when's Will coming up? I suppose I shall be putting out for \"The Hub\" about this time next month so if he don't come I shan't see him. Betty [resistive] that of going to the White by herself-V.M.I. is a better place than Springs for her anyhow. I can sleep in Barracks if need be- so tell her to be comfortable \u0026amp; stop that climbing. One\nmorning Totts was at the Bowling Alley- all of a sudden your son in law \u0026amp; his sister hitched up, bid me goodbye, and when Totts came back she was surprised to hear they had gone!\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe trains here are just 12 hours apart- so I shall take the one at 11 1/2 today- and go to Dalton- due at 6- or to Atlanta due at midnight according to my feeling.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI think the girls are having though not a grand, yet far from a dull time. I left the Boston speech for Elie to flirt with. I met with no adventures on my way save an interesting looking youth, of 17, sent by the Tribune to carry Tennessee. He was on their city staff, was a practical printer- had worked at the fonts 3 1/2 years- learned shorthand, and was such an expert that he could take down 200 words in one minute. When he takes down a speech, doesn't know what it's about! He could take down a Chinaman's speech - as well as an Englishman's- but then he would have to have Chinese to report it.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLove \u0026amp; kisses to everybody. Dying to see [you]\u003cbr\u003e\n[Yr.] M.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I. 4 Sep. 72\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nI am suddenly called on to make a raise.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have sent R.H. Maury \u0026amp; Co. Richmond an order requesting you to discount that paper and send them the proceeds.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThey are to send you the order only in case it be necessary. So if you get it from them you will know what to do. They will want $1200. Expect Will \u0026amp; Betty tonight.\u003cbr\u003e\nYrs\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I. 8 Sept. 72\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nThanks for yrs of [recd] this morning. [Secure] at some time from R.H.M. Better let them carry at 8 prct. while ours run at 10-? So hold on for further orders.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI reckon houses in Fb'g will not fall much lower- and that purchase would be wise.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI congratulate you on security debts- think you have done first rate.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhat do you think of buying in Richmond instead of Fb'g? property is going up there. I don't see when the tide is to turn for Fb'g.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI mail with this the Ga. speech. Whatever may be the local exceptions here \u0026amp; there, the south is as there stated going downhill.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eElie \u0026amp; I are off for Boston Thursday. Nannie writes and gives you chit-chat.\u003cbr\u003e\nyrs\u003cbr\u003e\nM.F. Maury\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eNew York (Jim's)\u003cbr\u003e\n15 Sept '72\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear wife,\u003cbr\u003e\nWe arrived here at 5 p.m. yesterday all safe \u0026amp; sound. Elie had `the [head]' say from 10 to 2. I got her a cup of coffee at Wilmington- also a sandwich and [they] set her up. We only stopped there 10m so there was no time for dinner- I brought her the coffee, after a while a man came hopping through the cars, selling papers \u0026amp; crying fresh fried oysterspiping hot, especially for this train- each box has 6 oysters- 6 crackers and a pickle. I bought the last box and that set Elie completely up. She's as bright as a lark this morning going to church 10 sqrs off. Too far for me. Jim and Pierpont have not returned. I shall leave here about 10 in the morning, spend the day at publisher's and then at 5 go to 4th street for dinner and the night. All of Jim's folks were at home- glad to see us - \u0026amp; send love. Elie told 'em she was hungry as a hawk- They had tea at 6.30 and the best beef steak I ever did taste. I went to bed at 9 - and got up at 8. Glorious night- for I made a [bed] out of it in Washington- left there at 8. Arlington expensive place- went there in a [bus] and came away in the [bus]- total cost including lodging \u0026amp; 2 meals ea. $11. It's cool today. Leave this for Elie Love to Bettie, Nannie, Will, Lucy, Molly \u0026amp; Mary \u0026amp; all the children. So sorry I forgot to tell Lucy to copy [that] [Res.] from the letter book- they are\nthere in her hand at the end of the Boston Speech. yrs M.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[Letter continues in hand of Eliza H. Maury)\u003cbr\u003e\nI thought about that black dress once or twice, but felt quite satisfied I had put it back in the trunk after wearing it at the Waddells. Went to Grace Church today but didn't see Cousin Ann \u0026amp; Cousin Rutson. A beautiful Gothic Church with stained glass windows, fine music, \u0026amp; a real good sermon, I enjoyed it ever so much. Saw Mr. [Ned] Rives as I was coming out, but don't think he saw me. The girls gave me a very warm welcome \u0026amp; cousin Ellen too. Lucy \u0026amp; I have a room together \u0026amp; she makes a great fuss over me. This house\nis right next door to everything. Stuart's, Tiffanys, Cousin Ellen Lewis, Cousin Matts! Cousin Ellen Mercer's \u0026amp; every hing. Lucy admires my new trunk very much \u0026amp; says she is going to have on just like it. This is such a pretty house \u0026amp; so very nicely furnished. They rent it furnished but all the pictures \u0026amp; ornaments are their own \u0026amp; there are some very pretty ones among them- bronzes \u0026amp; things. The children seem unnaturally quiet to me, they scarcely speak above a whisper at the table. What do our children say to that?\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGive my love to everyone \u0026amp; kiss my dear [Jim] for me. Tell Lucy Mr. Noland was here on his way to South America not long ago \u0026amp; gave Annie his photograph with a moustache, oh such a nice nice picture! \u0026amp; I haven't got one \u0026amp; my heart is broke. Good bye dear sweetness were you mad when I left my dress? It was horridly stupid of me; it has not been delivered yet but will come tomorrow I expect- Your own Beloved.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSt. Louis. 10th Oct 1872\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Corbin,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have just time to say that I am too poorly to undertake the long journey East \u0026amp; propose going tomorrow to Jefferson City to Genl James Minor's to recuperate; he is George Minor's brother you know.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours- M.F. Maury\u003cbr\u003e\nper E.M.\u003c/p\u003e"]}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_593_c02"}}],"included":[{"type":"facet","id":"repository_ssim","attributes":{"label":"Repository","items":[{"attributes":{"label":"Virginia Military Institute Archives","value":"Virginia Military Institute Archives","hits":37},"links":{"remove":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bdate_range%5D%5B%5D=1854\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Series\u0026f%5Brepository%5D%5B%5D=Virginia+Military+Institute+Archives"}}]},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/facet/repository_ssim.json?f%5Bdate_range%5D%5B%5D=1854\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Series\u0026f%5Brepository%5D%5B%5D=Virginia+Military+Institute+Archives"}},{"type":"facet","id":"collection_ssim","attributes":{"label":"Collection","items":[{"attributes":{"label":"Board of Visitors correspondence and administrative records, historical","value":"Board of Visitors correspondence and administrative records, historical","hits":2},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Board+of+Visitors+correspondence+and+administrative+records%2C+historical\u0026f%5Bdate_range%5D%5B%5D=1854\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Series\u0026f%5Brepository%5D%5B%5D=Virginia+Military+Institute+Archives"}},{"attributes":{"label":"Cadet Life, Organizations, and Activities","value":"Cadet Life, Organizations, and Activities","hits":2},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Cadet+Life%2C+Organizations%2C+and+Activities\u0026f%5Bdate_range%5D%5B%5D=1854\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Series\u0026f%5Brepository%5D%5B%5D=Virginia+Military+Institute+Archives"}},{"attributes":{"label":"Charles A. 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