Acc. 2013.306 was received by Special Collections from the donor on 12/16/2013.
Accessioned and minimally processed by Steven Bookman, University Archives Specialist, in December 2013.
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William S. Jefferys Letters, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.
The fragile nature of this material may limit handling.
Collection is open to all researchers.
Contains the letters of William S. Jefferys, a Union soldier from West Virginia, during the American Civil War. Based on his letters he probably was in the 7th Regiment, West Virginia Infantry. The bulk of the letters consist of Jefferys writing home to his father from the battle front describing the conditions of his fellow officers, asking about the condition of his relatives back home, and stories from the front lines including the occupation of Winchester in 1861. He also describes his feelings about the "slavery question" and assures his father he will not desert the Union Army.
Camp near Paw Paw Tunnel [near Oldtown, Maryland]. Reports "North Branch Bridge in Maryland was burnt last night. ...John has the mumps; there is a great many sick in Cumberland [MD] and a great many that has the mumps."
at Grafton,WM, to Mother. "Had fine time in Boothsville [WV]; took 70 prisoners and swore them all but two and then we sent them to Columbus Ohio and shot one man the ring leader in that country; there was five rebels there to one union man....Colonel talks of taking us in Preston County [WV] on a scout and if he does maybe we will come through that part of the county and in Tucker County [WV] also to hunt out the rebels."
from Romney Headquarters, Hampshire County VA [today part of WV]. To Father, "...met preacher from home, discuss who of their acquaintances were Union or Secess...I get 20 dollars a month...working in hospital...General Banks took Winchester last night; the government has called out 500,000 men for two months; I don't think the rebels is going to hold out very long now."
Cumberland, Maryland to Father, "…I came to Cumberland [Maryland] yesterday evening to the hospital; I have got the mumps and the doctor said I best come to Cumberland as our force are expecting to leave Paw Paw Tunnel [Maryland]."
from Harrison's Landing, Virginia to Mother and Father..."came to Fortress Monroe [Virginia] and from there we came up James River to Harrison's Landing [Virginia]; got off and came 5 miles toward Richmond [Virginia]. You need not be wear about me diserting but there is one thing I am afraid the salve question has too much to do with the cause but when ever they want us Union soldiers to free the negroes we will just quietly lay down our arms and give up the ghost. I hear cussing and swearing every day but nevertheless it don't induce me to swear in the least."
Harrison's Landing, Virginia, "...and iu know we came out to fight for the Union not to free the negroes...we have fine encampment and tolerable good water for this country and we got plenty to eat."
Harewood Hospital, Washington, D.C. To Father and Mother, "…my health is not so good; I hear this morning that our regiment was in the big fight in Maryland; I am about 4 miles from the city [Washington DC]."
Harewood Hospital, Washington, D.C. To Father and Mother. "My health is improving rite smart; everything is quiet here about Washington except there is a great deal of growling about the President's Proclamation in regard to freeing all slaves after the first of January."
"I heard from the regiment yesterday they are still at Falmouth opposite Fredericksburg [Virginia]"
Camp near Falmouth. To Father and Mother. Speaks of friends and family. Will send pay home
envelope addressed to F. Baylis 3513 E. Lombard St