Letter to Isabella Morrison Hill

Containers:

Box 2, Folder 63

Scope and content:

Written from Caroline County, Virgina. Letter regards "Gen. Hill" leaving the Army.

Language:

English

Other descriptive data:

My dear sister Isabella,
Your 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 & 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 & 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 & 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,
T. J. Jackson

Subjects:

United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate
Correspondence

Names:

Hill, Daniel Harvey, 1821-1899
Hill, Daniel Harvey, 1821-1899

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