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My love to Carter when you see him.   I wrote to Mary a few days
since.
                    Windrow March 18th 1863
My dear Sister
        From week to week I have been intending to
write & acknowledge your kind letter but something has hitherto
prevented(?).  Today I have resolved to put it off no longer.  Tho’ it is very
cold &I had to sit at a window to see and am just with a severe
headache, I hoped that that they had left me, but find them return-
ing again with all their pain and violence and I am much longer
recovering from the affects.  I have several times heard from you
through letters from Mary to Tiff.  The last in a letter to Beck while
she was here informed us that you would return home with her.
I was very much pleased to hear of your improved health & hope my
dear Sister that you have found mental as well as physical
relief, it must indeed be a great relief to feel that you
are out of the reach of Lincoln’s minions.  I was so glad to hear
of it, altho’ I felt disappointed at not seeing you before you
left.  I suppose you hear from John frequently.  Anne sometimes
gets a letter from Mattie, it is sad to think of their con-
finement & the innumerable privations & annoyances they
have had to endure & yet I wonder that they have not
suffered more from such wretches.  They have one advantage, that
of being able to make purchases at very low prices.  Oh! is it not
distressing to think of so large a portion of our Confederacy being
under Yankee dominion.  I trust in God to enable us to recover
all we have lost & with it a glorious independence.  I believe
we shall succeed in the end, not perhaps in our day for I fear
the war will last for years.  I feel very much disappointed at
times am almost in despair but I look unto God who has
hitherto aided us & so often given us the victory when  every-
thing seemed against us.
    I am feeling very anxious about George since Lincoln has
called out his Conscripts.  I do not see how he can escape, there
is no chance now to return to Va.  He might to have been
firm & not yielded to Sidney’s wishes to return, he was very
unwilling to go but was willing to run all risques rather
see that pretty young wife of his in trouble.  I hope
she may not have reason to repent it.
    John is in good quarters.  Has the appointment of
Asst. Surgeon with Dr. Walher in the  Huguenot Hospital.
Charles Dupuy tells me he has heard his examination be-
fore the Medical Board very highly complimented and
[page 2]
(Written upside down across top of this page:
George R is here, we are fixing up his wardrobe, Beckie Lein[illeg] is
making vest and pants the latter a present from Etta Eher(?).  The girls and I
have made up some cotton into drawers.  Poor fellow has not a place to call home.)

Dr. Walher told him that he was a very great acquisition to the
Hospital.  John is a great deal better off than as a private
has his private room, comfortable board furnished without cost,
& other other comforts, fuel, horse feed etc & 110 dollars per
month.  He can come to see us more frequently, was with us
about 2 weeks since for a few days.
    William is now with us on furlough looking very well and
in great spirits, he and Charles left for Richmond last even-
ing.  The former on business which will keep him there a day
or two, the latter will return to his Battalion until his
appointment is formalized & transferred to the 1st Louisiana Reg
now at Vicksburg it will be some weeks before he leaves &
will be here again.  Anna is sitting by me writing to Anne.
Marshall, Julia and Jennie are still at Ruthven.   Nannie
Ruffin and Bunnie Goche(?) are with her, she will return  home
with Nannie.
    I often think of our last meeting at the Globe
and that stormy morning when you would go; I little ima-
gined all the troubles before us & anticipated many happy
meetings but trouble has cast a deeper cloud , “has gathered
thick and thundered loud”? but still we have much to comfort
us in our pathway to the grace, none can be really unhappy
blessed with such children as God has given us, and that he
has deprived me of one who was the joy of my heart & the
delight of my eyes I am enabled to bow with submission to his
will & feel that he was taken in mercy from the anxieties
& troubles that were to gather around him had he lived
longer to witness the evils of this war.  I have so much assurance
of his being a Christian that I have never felt a doubt of
his salvation.  I have felt & still mourn my loss but have the
comfortable assurance that Death has been his gain.
    These words of his dying Savior are now music to my ears
and I bring comfort to my stricken heart.  “ Father I will that
they also whom Thou hast given me, be with me, where I
am¸ that they may behold my Glory.”?
    I am at a loss where to direct Him to Mobile or Greens-
borough.  Give my love to Tiff and tell her I greatly appreci-
ated  her sympathy tho’ I did not reply to her letter I felt it
painful to write.  All join me in love.  Ma Esses has been
sick for nearly a week with neuralgia in the head & other parts
of her body.  Farewell my dear Sister.  Yrs affly Jane S Dupuy
[page 3]
                    Mobile March 21 1863
My dear Mother
        I did not go out on the Boat
this trip –as I did not feel very well, having
had a Chill or two & some right high fever.  But
I feel all right today, having had Dr. Ketchum
afoul(?) of me - & the few days rest I will get will
benefit me amasingly [sic].  Do not be at all uneasy for I
am doing first rate. & Should not have mentioned that
I had been unwell except that several Greensboro people
came down with me & went up on the Boat & I am
afraid they might report me Sick.
    I got a long aff letter from Brother this morning
written Feb 16th  ̴They have all been Sick Since You
left but were well when he wrote.  – Oh! how I do wish
they would get out of Yankee Land - !  There is nothing
of much interest here.  Everybody expecting to Starve.
Provisions are Enormously High.  Flour $80.00 a Barrel.
Beef from $0.50 to $0.75 for 16  Turkeys 6 & 7$ apiece & Every
thing else in proportion.  God bless you my loving Mother.
I must say farewell.  I long to see you.  But don’t hasten
your visit on my account.  I have written to Mattie
Several Times lately – but have not heard a word from her.
Got a very kind & friendly letter from Tom Henley also
Several from Miles – they both asked to be particularly
remembered to you.   John has received your letter &
Says it shall be attended to if possible.  I will go up
& See Mollie this Evening.  She has not moved out to
her new home yet.  Expects to do so in a few days.
Write to me soon.
Give My Aff Love to Tiff        Your Aff Son
& the Children                    Carter
[page 4]
                Warrenton, James City Co.
                April 15th 1863
Dear Harriett
        I cannot tell you how sad it made me
feel to leave home under such trying circumstances.
Oh I did not know  how very very much I loved it
until then.  The inhabitants are leaving rapidly.
All who can possibly do so.  Saturday the Yankees
commenced shelling very fast on it.  Lucy and I
remained at home until the officer told us it
was not safe.  The rest had gone to the asylum
where we followed them.  Such confusion you
never saw not even at the evacuation.  We
did not stay at home until Monday.  Jne  Fairen(?)
came in on that day and would insist on my
coming home with her.  Have had several in-
vitations to different places.  The rest of the family
are in Wmsburg.  Jne Coupland has moved to Jne
Ambler’s.   Ma Henley says she will stay at her house
until forced to leave.  Oh Harriett there is no place
like home.  Genl Wise is still there.  I heard a flag
[sideways, same page]
April 18th
    Last night just as we about to retire a rap was given at the door
on enquiring who it was I heard someone call Mr. Hansfords name.  I was
so glad to see him.  We sat up until  nearly 11 o’clock talking to him.
He left this morning for our dear home.  He returned this evening and
has promised to take a letter to you.  I wrote this to send by Joan, went
down to Mrs. Hawkins to carry it – found Bittie and herself had gone.
Tell her later she must let me know how she is getting on in
“[]”?.  Mr. Blake called here this morning – did not see him, had
Walked over to Dr. Bush’s with very [] he had have remained.
Rode down yesterday to uncle’s found them cooking good things
to send Rich.  They are coming for me to stay with them.  Saw four Confed
erate officers there.  Genl Wise has fallen back to leave dear old
WmsBurg again in the Yankee hands.  Met Tom Barlow & Johnnie Maupin
on their way to town yesterday – heard they succeeded in getting I town.
I am always glad to see anyone from Williamsburg.  Let me know if
you are coming back home or if you cannot get a situation in
the department what you intend on doing.  Oh Harriett how much
I wish we were together.  Could console each other in our distress.
Best love to Uncle Toby, Cousin Beck, Lizzie – and all.  Kiss the
darling little children for me.  Tell Lottie(?) she must not forget
Cousin Mattie.  I would like very much to go up for a few days
on a visit to the boys but do not know whether I can or not.
[page 5]
of twice had been sent in -  for the Confederates to
appoint a Physician at the Asylum only hope it is
so – if such is the case, they intend surrendering
the town.  I cannot express my joy on seeing the
dear Confederates on Saturday.  They were under our
window before we know anything about it.  Col. Tabb
has quite distinguished  ̭himself.  Came in the rear of the fort and
burnt the camp -  and commissary stores.  The army
in front were very uneasy for fear he had been
captured – not coming up as soon as they thought.
I had the honor of shaking hands with him also
Had an introduction to Col. Shinglar.  Harriet I was
so happy I scarcely knew where I was.  And I sent
the Champaign to the two Cols.  Betie Peachy came
Up yesterday on her way to Richmond with Joan.
Went to Mr. Hawkins yesterday.  Clarissa and family
took their departure early Saturday morning
have not been heard from  ̭ him since.  The others are true,
stand by us in distress.  Several negroes have been
taken, Old Moore was arrested – and you think
they have not released him.  After all he has done
and said against us.  I hope he will get his reward
yet.  I hear Jennie and Mrs. Sully have declined
going away after their many efforts to obtain a
pass.  Jennie is very cool indeed to us.  Zettie and
herself are very intimate now.  Ina is at Mr.
Bowman’s farm with Pa.  The poor  WmsBurg people
are scattered in every direction.  Please let the
boys see this.  My very best love to them.  Tell Cousin
I sent down to Norfolk by Sallie Ball for her things
do not know when she will even return, also for
Anna’s shoes.  I am sorry it happened so but I did it
for the best.  How comes on Bunnie.  I wrote you
a note sometimes since enclosed in an envel-
ope with several others one for Anna also Joan
is looking very well and pretty.  She only seen her
mother for a few minutes feel very sorry she
cannot go in.  It seems difficult for her to get away
I saw Mr. Hansford  -  he is looking badly.  The people
in the county and town are wild with delight
at the idea of being able to go and come at will.
Freedom is certainly sweet – we certainly will know
how to appreciate it.  Everyone here is so kind to
me.  I feel so grateful to them.  Mrs. Charles Fuller
has gone to Gloucester.  I feel so anxious all the
time to hear from home.  The Yankees will  certainly
fire the town when our men leave.  I fear How
mad they will be.  I hope that Genl Wise will drive
them down to Old Point.  Since the raid that Col
Tabb made they have been strengthening
the fort and digging rifle pits reinforced also.
All were well at home yesterday, Love to everybody
You must write to me, telling all the news.  I will
write when I can.  How much delighted if it is so
we can return to dear old WmsBurg.
Your fond Cousin
Mattie
[page 6]
[sideways]
Miss Harrie Cary-
    Richmond
        Va
[page 7]
                    [] []
                    Petersburg
                    April 21st ‘63
Dear Mrs. Dorsey,
        I have delayed answering your kind
letter partly because I was waiting to give you my
plans – though I have really been very much hinder-
ed in my duties by company, which we have constant-
ly entertained since our arrival here – Mr. C. [Hal?],
of course, given you the points concerning myself
up to the time I wrote him, shortly after I reach-
ed Petersburg. I left Williamsburg [captive?] []
and doing as well as possible under the trying
circumstances – Mr. [Corpland’s?] whole family had
been sick, but are all at that time improving,
with the exception of Aunt Susan, who last
Saturday was no better. I feel particularly sad
to-day distressing accounts from home have
reached me through Mrs. [Ambler?], who with
Ms. [Ambler?] & her sister left [] on that day
while the Yankees were shelling – General Wise’s
command has kept them girls busy since the attack
on the South-side of James River began – he
has at times occupied the home, and would
again fall back – ‘twas during his stay that
it was shelled, though little damage was done –
Mr. [Vest’s?] house was struck, but I don’t suppose
seriously injured – the asylum seems to have
been a place of refuge for the times – housed
in wood pecker & Mrs. [Morrison?]’s home were
very much [torn] – persons were leaving very fast-
Mr. [] tells me Mr. H & family have deter-
mined to remain [into?] the last extremity, which
[page 8]
I very much fear will not only be [persecution?] but
starvation. Before any demonstration was made
by General Wise they tightened rein, forbidding
the citizens to go above or below without taking the
oath of allegiance – they were of course very much
reduced in supplies, and many families I am
told, are in want – those who are best off had
had no flour in weeks – this morning’s paper
states General Wise’s retreat – a  short distance,
I believe – his object is not known – some
think he will hold Williamsburg, if possible
– others that it is but a diversion in Long-
street’s favor, who is engaging the enemy at
Suffolk – It is a great blow to the Williams-
burg people – anyhow, & if left again [entirely?] to
Yankee rule, their hardships cannot be imagined.
I had made arrangements to return home certain-
ly [til?] I can Mrs. [Ambler]. I may yet go down,
if I can get in – I am enduring uncertain-
ty with regard to my appointment, and if I
don’t succeed, will scarcely know what to do with
myself – ‘Twas my intention, leaving here Wednesday,
to stay a few days in Richmond and go on
down – If I get my situation, I cannot be happy
separated from my mother – I would so much
rather share her surround – yet I may do some-
thing to alleviate them, and in that case will
be resigned, if possible, to my lot. Cousin
[] wrote you some ten days since – she
& her little family are [well?]. Mrs. [Coche?] has been
sick for several days – confined to her bed, but is
much better – I have always thought my energy
& spirit were [] to any emergency – I feel
[page 9]
sometimes now they are totally insufficient for the
times – the promises God makes the righteous are
truly comforting, but there are so few who can enjoy
the consolation they give – a trusting faith is mine
but my unworthiness of His benefits forfeits the
[] he accords to His people – he can make
men worthy, and I shall yet trust him “who is
the help of my countenance & my God”?.
You are by this time in Mobile – Mr. [] wrote
me he would much you [] trip. It must be
so cheering to be with him – he is so affection-
ate and kind – no, I am not a bit jealous –
as he says, I am highly gratified. He very well
knows my estimation of a dutiful, loving son,
and there may be some consideration for that
which [] his attentions – tell him I say
so – I will write him in R. You, I am sure,
will not object to a few confiding lines – I
will tell you his proposal – do you think I am
right to [delay?] – don’t you think it most pru-
dent [] he has now a refugee mother to care
for & I [choose?] him for the [] to bestow
all his love and kindness on her – I am so
sorry to hear of his constant indisposition –
he is so wrong to confine himself as he does
There is no use in sacrificing his health to
making money – you must excuse Dear Mrs.
Dorsey all fault – I am so annoyed by care
for the future my brain is completely [upset?]
[] [] your arrangements – school teach-
ing I am incompetent to undertake, but thank
you for the kind suggestion scientific [] I know
nothing of, & any French has [] forsaken me
[page 10]
a little translation I can amuse myself with
occasionally, but that is all that’s left me of
the accomplishment – [Bonnie?] is well and
sends love. She would [] with [] if
Mrs. [Coche?] were well – “[Centre street?]”? is a de-
lightful place and she seems very well satisfied.
This is my first visit to Petersburg, and while
I like the people very much, I must say there
is nothing else desirable in making it one’s home.
Indeed there is no place like our dear
little village, whose glory is now departed.
[] never never from the desolation, I fear
old associations will scarcely be revived, and
its present sufferings will be forgotten. My love
to Mrs. Marshall & [] Witherspoon – also Anna
when you see her. All send love –
            Affectionately
                Harriette