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Collection of Confederate soldier George Morton Williams] [Decimalized: .01-.62]

Includes 56 complete and 3 incomplete letters written to his wife. Williams was a captain in the 9th Virginia, Hansbrough's Battalion. Discusses family matters, and important military information including the surrender of Fort Donelson, and the...

GLC06582

to his wife

Informs his wife that he has arrived at his position in Richmond without many inconveniences, except a headache. He mentions that he has yet to see Taylor but expects to do so early the next morning. He goes on to explain how he misses home and how...

GLC06582.02

to his wife

Mentions that he has been introduced to Colonel Deas. He writes that the press is "so great" because of re-enlistments in the Army. Very much like "a boy at boarding school for the first time," he admits to being very lonely. He hopes that she is...

GLC06582.03

to his wife

He describes how he saluted to the (day) light in a prayer of gratitude for living to see another night and that his wife would be "watched tenderly" in his absence. He says he witnessed the impressive funeral of O.J. Wise, who was killed on Roanoke...

GLC06582.04

to his wife

He mentions that he was too tired the previous night and too busy the next morning (as at nine o'clock he had to report for duty) to be able to write her a letter. However he later writes that he has received her letter and that it serves as evidence...

GLC06582.05

to his wife

He writes that he has received her letter. He describes how he worked that day until twelve o'clock when an inauguration took place and the public office closed. He expects to be able to go home next Friday where he will "attend to some matters of...

GLC06582.06

to his wife

Written in the form of a poem. Discusses how thinking of his wife puts him in "good heart," and compares his heart to that of Newton, Milton or Shakespeare. He says that all must fight for country and cause, or submit to tyranny. He writes that he is...

GLC06582.07

to his wife

Attributing alternating cold and warm weather as the cause, he writes that he is suffering from a slight touch of rheumatism. He mentions meeting Uncle Jack who looked frozen (from the cold) and John. He supposes they got home safely. He describes...

GLC06582.08

to his wife

He describes the irregularity and unreliability of mail. He writes that he has bought four yards of red flannel, eight dozen hair pins, paper, large-sized soap but that he has not yet been able to find a knitting cloth. He will send what he purchased...

GLC06582.09

to his wife

He is distressed to hear that his wife is suffering from neuralgia. He had made plans for her to see him. He confirms rumor that army has fallen back at Manassas. He mentions plans to see Mr. Benjamin to ascertain whether the army will retreat as far...

GLC06582.10

to his wife

Describes the uncertainty of army movements. Advises his wife to take the next train to him if she fears anything. He complains that the Government maintains too much secrecy, and so exaggerates peoples' fears.

GLC06582.11

to his wife

Says he is confident that in times like these she will not let a week go by without writing to him. He regrets not sending for her by writing, "Procrastination ruins more plans than anything else." He mentions wanting to see her "very much." He...

GLC06582.12

to his wife

Asks why his wife does not write more frequently so he does not need to be as worried for her safety. He writes that he was unable to get a leave of absence. He thought up an idea to ask the Secretary of War to station troops in Culpeper to serve as...

GLC06582.13

to his wife

Expects a telegraph from her. He describes uncomfortable conditions at a local tavern where he shared a room with three men and his bed with one of them. However, by the next day he was able to get a room that was vacated. He also says that he misses...

GLC06582.14

to his wife

Writes that the city was thrown into "great commotion" by an announcement that the Yankees were eight miles away with gunboats despite the obstructions placed since Norfolk. He was given permission by Colonel Deas to go and stay for as long as he...

GLC06582.15

to his wife

Mentions that the end of the war will "require strict economy and management in all affairs." Predicts that after the war is over, money will be harder to get and taxes will be "mountain high." He warns wife to treat servants kindly but to not...

GLC06582.16

to his wife

Heard cannon firing in the morning and suspects (but does not know for a fact) that it was a "scary sight" since it lasted for about four hours. Thinks "the enemy" wants to enter Richmond. Believes "Jeff" (Davis) and his cabinet are a "failure." He...

GLC06582.17

to his wife

Writes a reply to her two letters, to be sent by Uncle Merton. Agrees that his letters have been unfortunate because very few have made it through the mails. He mentions that Uncle Merton has been to Richmond to see Bruce who is stationed three miles...

GLC06582.18

to his wife

Asks whether she and his aunt have received the supplies he sent. Hopes to get two weeks leave soon so that he can visit. He contradicts rumors that the south will soon be conquered, writing that "our people can never be subdued, unless our leaders...

GLC06582.19

to his wife

Sends this letter by a Mr. Jones. He says that not an hour passes that he does not think of her. Asks about the baby and if she can say "father" or if instead she continues her "babbling" of "dad dad dad." He also mentions that she is old enough to...

GLC06582.20

to his wife

Writes that the current "state of things" leads him to worry. Mentions that Tom Jones may not be able to go out because he may be part of the reinforcements for Jackson in the valley. Claims that 5,000 men were to leave this morning and that no...

GLC06582.21

to his wife

Describes two battles two weeks in passing where 3,000 were killed, wounded, or missing. Furthermore, he describes the battle to be more destructive than all other previous battles in the war with the exception of Kernstown. He informs her of the...

GLC06582.22

to his wife

He sent a pencil letter to his wife with Mr. Day including lemon syrup and castor oil. Writes that he will send his aunt soda powders. "Richmond is starving almost" due to the high selling prices and scarcity of goods. Asks her if she has noticed how...

GLC06582.23

to his wife

He has received letters from her every day for the past several days. The news is dull, but he has seen General Price, who looks too benevolent to be a warrior. Price's troops have not yet arrived. Plans on going home to see her "as soon as the...

GLC06582.24

to his wife

Asks if she is sick or in need of stamps. He asks her to write to him if she has not done so already. He would like her to record the progress of Liz and to report the effect the chicken pox had on Lizzie's "head piece." He describes the rising...

GLC06582.25