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Latest revision as of 13:56, 28 July 2017
Letter from ____ L. (White Marsh, Va. to Hattie Powell (Brunswick Cty., Va.)24 July 1863
Powell Papers – 65 P875, Box III, Folder 4
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White Marsh July 24th 1863
Dearest Hattie Though it has been a long time since I
have written to you – it has been longer still since I have
heard from you as the date of your last letter was the
21st of March – in my answer to that I told you of
many outrages the Yankees had commited - The
burning of mills, barns, &c they have taken every
thing from here that can breathe & until an order
comes from Lincoln to sieze household furniture
& wearing apparal – I suppose we shall be com-
paritively comfortable – we have not seen a Yankee
for several weeks – for which I feel thankful – The
sight of the dreadful creatures seems as if it would
almost craze me – They have in truth brought sorrow
& desolation to every Southern home. but I think the
terrible fate of my timid ____ Williams is by far
the most dreadful affliction which I have ever
known to befal a family – if his dying as he did is
such a grief to us what must it be to his poor sister
I look on his death as quite as honorable, as if he
had fallen on the field of battle, he gave his life
for our cause – his sacrifice adds but another to
the list of the many who have gone before us –
I cannot look on death now, as anything, but a
blessed release to those who are prepared to go.
Look when we will, there is nothing but sorrow.
You, only know before through his – he has been
for many years, more as a brother than a friend
[2]
- he was a man of great genius & a brilliant mind – with
a warm generous heart – willing to do any thing for those
for whom he professed a friendship – One of the
sweetest letters I ever received was one from him
after dear ______s death – he was very far away
but no distance or circumstance ever made him
forget us – I feel that another tie is broken &
that care & sorrow – have made me a sad & weary
woman – I hardly can hear of a battle that I
do not see that some of my young cousins has
not fallen – The last one was Thomas Pollocks
but still no blood but that of simpleton has
flowed & I know that God in his own good
time, will send us peace – May he also give
us strength to bear on trials – Hattie it would
do me good to see you – I want to be with you
to talk to you – but who can say when we will
meet – I do not look for word to bring him home in
winter, because I cant stand the thought. The
country is so lonely – but I cant be seperated
from Mother & dont know what is before us –
We get on quite well with the old servants, during
the warm weather, but as the best of them are poorly
in cold weather, I dont know how it will be worth the
"lame, halt & blind" I still remain & I trust will
continue as Mother is very dependent on me. She ap-
pears contented & I think does not at present
desire any change – but I dont think any of them
can assist __________.
[3]
Sister Jean, _____ & John got back about two weeks
ago. Sister is looking remarkably well & on the whole
is much benefited by her stay in Richmond, though
they all seem to enjoy the abundance of delightful
vegetables, we have six or eight dishes every day
& I wish all the time some of our starving friends
could have some of the abundance the garden yields
we have very little fruit – Mother has been confined
to ther room for the last ten days & with a violent rheumatism
in her back – She is better but not entirely
relieved - I wish could have some change, think
it would be of great benefit to her – If Brother
Frank could get a house & I could get the place
I have applyed for I think we could manage
to live in Richmond with Brother Edmunds as
sistance. he is ready to fall into any plan Mother
thinks best for a home for us – at present we have
nothing we look forward to & until Sisters troubles
are over we of course are stationary – we are all, here
anxious to know what you all intend doing – Becca
did not seem to expect to return to the place she
loved last year – Do you expect to make any changes
I suppose you are all together, which must be
a great pleasure to you – and your Lot is cast
within the Confederate lines for which you can
not be too thankful – Oh that our borders could
be enlarged – Hattie just think of our being
obliged to listen to the guns those miserable
brothers fired in triumph when we bowed
[4]
our heads in Sorrow that Vicksburg had fallen –
but I did not, could not believe it true until I heard
sister say it then I felt as if I would faint – I feel
most anxious to hear something of my friend
You must write to me as soon as you get this – we have
a mail now, but as it unknown how long the way
may be clear you must not put it off atal. I write
a great deal but about the time I expect answers
to my letters the mail is stopped – This will be
sent by Dr. T who goes to Richmond on business
He will also take a small package for dear Sister
(Sister P sends) The piece of linen is to make some Collars for your
Father & you all if there any left - trim it - this
cap is a speciman of my handiwork which I hope
will be useful to Sister – The cravat ______ Jean ____
for your Father - she begs you will not forget the ___
____ & we are very anxious to see a piece of your
homespun dress & to know if we can get dresses
like it & at what cost – Now I have written you one
of my long stupid letters, but when I hear from
you I will promise to send you a brighter one – tell
me about everybody – of our Winchester friends &
would particularly like to know – Aunt Lolly is here
very well Cornelia & Hally are well but we dont see
them very often - Mother is lying on the couch
says I must give her love to you all & tell you she
longs to see you. Sister P is looking better
than I have seen her for years – All send love to
Sisters Becca Nina & your Self – Your cheerfully
Ch__ L.
Brother Frank will send the packages up to Charlotte
