Letter to Eliza Johnson

Scope and content:

Written at "Hillery's, 9 miles west of Beverley," West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid, West Virginia and the Union sympathies of Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson).

Language:

English

Other descriptive data:

Hillery's, 9 miles West of Beverly
Tuesday April [28, 1863]

My Dear Wife
Fortune has favored us though we do not deserve it. We had advanced to within 12 miles of Philippi--the same distance from Buckannon--news came that 8 Brigades had reinforced the enemy--we commenced to retreat on Beverly and had reached this point. This morning we know that the enemy have fled from Buckhannon & Philippi--that Jones has captured New Creek and destroyed the Railroad at Rowlesburg. We start west again this morning either by Buckannon or Philippi.

Had Jackson been in command we would have been in Clarksburg today, The railroad would have been destroyed. When we turned back almost every man was dissatisfied--all wanted to fight the enemy without regard to numbers. Mrs. J. Arnold --sister of Gen. Jackson--went off with the yankees. Arnold stayed at home says he is a good southern man, that his wife is crazy but Hell he says, could not govern a Jackson.

If Porter comes he must come with a crowd or with the mail which has a guard. Love to you all.

May 1st 1863

I was too late for the mail when I wrote the note on this sheet. We have been here two days. I do not know when we shall leave. I shall not be able to leave this command while it stays here and shall have to share its fortunes. The enemy have retired to Grafton & Clarksburg. Our information is very uncertain. Gen. Jones we are informed is at Evansville. It is very hard to communicate with him and we may have to form a junction with him before we advance against Clarksburg.

The Union people have fled by thousands. Dick was near Henson Hoff's--Hoff and his two sons have fled. He had held office under the Lincoln Government. If Porter has not started he had better come with the crowd that guards the mail. I have purchased dress patterns enough for our family for some time to come (calico Gingham) & also for Mr. Withrow's and some others, cloth for Porter and entire suit overcoat & c. I have boxed them up- do not know when they will reach you. I have been appointed agent to take charge of all abandoned property. This will be a heavy work--

Subjects:

Correspondence

Names:

Arnold, Laura Ann Jackson, 1826-1911
Arnold, Laura Ann Jackson, 1826-1911

Places:

West Virginia -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865

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