7 June 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 prove false or incompetent."

GLC06582.19

10 June 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 receive a spanking.

GLC06582.20

11 June 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 citizens were allowed a passage to Lynchburg. Mentions that the army is watching McClellan but that the uncertainty they are feeling may lead them to disaster. He informs her that Tom Jones has told him that Mr. George is to be married to Miss Knox despite the strong opposition from his children. He tells her to keep the linen clothes as he already has…

GLC06582.21

12 June 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 good news sent by Jackson that he has "repulsed Fremont and totally routed Shields." Plans on subscribing to the Young Men's Christian Association that night. He mentions that by paying the Association's fee of two dollars, he will have access to 2600 volumes. He is trying to find employment for the hours between four o'clock and seven o'clock. He…

GLC06582.22

17 June 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 favorably his handwriting has improved. Describes himself as a "demi military man" and expects to face battle as much as anyone else in the army.

GLC06582.23

17 June 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 central road is clear."

GLC06582.24

20 June 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 prices of provisions such as butter and chicken. Comments on the high costs of board (two dollars). He mentions that Ellis Sturman is going to be stationed in a small town near Goldsboro, North Carolina.

GLC06582.25

21 June 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Comments on how her last letter seemed to be "under gloomy feeling." He says he has written to Sister several times and that she has only written once. Writes of Cousin Albert, Cousin James, and Cousin Narcissa. Comments that Narcissa is dissatisfied with her present situation. He is sorry to hear that the baby is sick and hopes that his wife's fears exaggerate her condition.

GLC06582.26

24 June 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Writes that he will get the cotton and send it at along with another item she requested at "first safe opportunity." Does not think Mr. Jameson has come to the city yet. The weather has been "excessively hot." He writes that "the city is dull" except for incoming rumors from Maryland. He describes receiving a note from Woodson Hansbough which "coolly informed" him that he has told Mr. Scammell that he would settle his bill at the Hotel. He does not appreciate Hansborough's ways and expects her to treat him with " much distant civility." He discusses a man and married woman who seem to be "…

GLC06582.27

26 June 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Writes that the "roar of cannon & musketry was painfully audible and exceeded the thunder of the fiercest storm." He mentions that General Hill's division fought on his side where his troops drove the enemy three or four miles and captured three batteries. He hopes that God grants that McClellan's army face "total annihilation." He has found that tea costs seventeen dollars despite knowing someone who was able to get the tea for four dollars per pound. He is glad that Pen escaped the battle and that he does not think that the contest will last more than a week or ten days. Writes that in…

GLC06582.28

1 July 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Tells his wife she should not give way to the gloom she expressed in her letter, and reminds her that their condition is much better than that of others. Explains that he and she are both alive whereas many from the south such as Mr. Daniel and Capt. [Crittenden?] have died, away from their wives and families whom they "had not seen for months." In addition, he mentions the situations of many Southerners, which include eating half rations, "toiling in the marshes of the Chickahominy, drinking its execrable water."

GLC06582.29

8 July 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Complains about the heat, he has "never known it to be warmer. . ." Writes that he has left all that is dear to him. Although he is exhausted, upon hearing that Maj. Parks would deliver this letter he was determined to write. Informs her that McClellan "lies between the James & Chickahominy river."

GLC06582.30

16 July 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Asks if she is safe, if there have been any arrests, and the whereabouts of Uncle Jack. He would like also to hear from Greenwood. Claims that the army has received great news from Arkansas & the Mississippi River. The news is that Yankee General Curtis has been captured with eight thousand men and that the army's steel vessel, the "Arkansas" has attacked and destroyed a Yankee ship at Vicksburg. He predicts that New Orleans will be retaken. Describes the weather as sultry with the thermometer at 91 degrees.

GLC06582.31

26 July 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Reports that "every day brings the most distressing rumors from Culpeper". Most unfortunate, he confides, is that the rumors are in accordance with General Pope's orders so that he believes they may be true. As a result, he fears for his wife and family in Culpeper. He informs her that Addison arrived safely at Richmond with the cattle and that Cousin James advises it would be best to sell at once. He heard that Dr. Slaughter and Dr. Hernden refused to take a physician's oath and as a result people in need of medical help are not getting it. He asks if she would confirm this. He counsels wife…

GLC06582.32

27 July 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

He writes that he is worried about family's safety especially since he has not heard from them. Thinks that General Pope's orders will jeopardize her safety. He informs her that the fifth division of the army is on the march for Jackson and if Pope's troops do not retire there will be a fight in Culpeper.

GLC06582.33

31 July 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

He writes that he spent the day with "C B****." He asks her to kiss the baby, encourage the servants, and to pray to God for his blessings. Explains that it would have been imprudent to mention names in his letters and thus give away valuable information if a letter should fall into enemy hands.

GLC06582.34

1 August 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Clayton

Writes that he is suffering from occasional headaches, neuralgia, and a sharp pain in his side. He mentions that he "would give much" to hear from family and even more to see them. He tells her that if possible she should "secure all [his] traps and [her] own valuables for everything is liable to be taken." He mentions that the weather continues to be "warm & sultry" but notes that autumn is only a month away.

GLC06582.35

5 August 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Writes that he has not heard a word from home but worse yet he has not heard a rumor. Heard that Greenwood was stripped of everything except 5 barrels of corn and 300 pounds of bacon. He also heard of Parsons Cole being dragged from Church and arrested for praying for the welfare of Confederate authorities. Mentions that the Yankees are becoming "savages" that have forgotten the teachings of civilization. He trusts that God will no longer "indulge them" but destroy them like the Assyrians. He calls Stonewall "the angel of pestilence."

GLC06582.36

11 September 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Mentions missing travel connections and seeing Uncle Jack and William. He reported to Colonel Deas but because Deas might have to go the field George may have to find another office. He writes of plans following the departure of Deas. He says that he is starved and has not eaten a mouthful since the day before. He claims to be more and more depressed as the separation from his wife endures. He reflects on how when they first married neither one expected this war. He reports news of the democratic victory in the elections and hopes that the war will end soon. He says that he was upset over…

GLC06582.37

12 September 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Writes that he will be home the following week if he is still feeling ill. He tells her to ask Uncle Jack to tell Tom Rixey that the ad failed to reach either the Whig or the Enquirer. He mentions not being able to find a soldier to serve as his replacement. He describes the weather as "hot, damp, and sultry." He says he saw Jacque Wood at Gordonsville. When asked what he was doing there, Wood responded that he was a Yankee prisoner and expected to be hung. He heard that Williams and Browning took oaths to support the Yankee Government. He writes that the Confederates have occupied Maryland…

GLC06582.38

15 September 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Feels he is a changed man since leaving home. He believes that faith in God is the foundation to domestic happiness and national prosperity. "Equality of rights can only be secured to man . . .by establishing the sovereignty of God." Wants her to get Uncle Jack to see George Thompson. Mentions seeing Montague Wood. He is tired of Richmond and is anxious to leave. Regards Pendleton to be "a man of words & no mind," but hopes that he has not misjudged him.

GLC06582.39

16 September 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

He has been informed by Mr. Brown that Thom Lewis is dead and that Mrs. Shackleford is extremely low. Mr. Brown also informed George of the diseased conscripts that are to report to Camp Lee. He writes that he expects a "large congregation of Culpeper men" to arrive. He describes a spiritual change he feels he is undergoing. He mentions the arrival of Cousin James. He writes that it is too early to make plans for the winter because he may have to go to the field or that the war may be over. He suspects that the latter is most probable because with McClellan in Maryland and Buell in Kentucky,…

GLC06582.40

17 September 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Hopes that the war ends soon. Asks her to tell Uncle Jack that three of his pieces have been published. Encloses copies of Lee's and Johnson's proclamations to the people of Maryland, and praises Lee's leadership: "Did any General ever give greater evidence of Military genius - It reminds one of the exploits of Napoleon." He tells her to not be sad but grateful that none of her loved ones is dead or injured. He notes that it is the anniversary of "poor Jack's death."

GLC06582.41

19 September 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Writes about a "scheme" he has thought of that may allow him to leave the army without fear of conscription. His scheme involves making an arrangement with Mr. Short, the Sheriff of Culpeper, to be a deputy sheriff until his health is fully restored. He will meet with Mr. Short that afternoon. He hopes that Short agrees because George will be able to make more money and would "master of his own time." Encloses a receipt.

GLC06582.42

8 October 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Wants her to tell Cousin Ella that he is honest enough to pay his own debts. He discusses Jimmy, old accounts, and loans. Describes how grateful he was to be given an "untarnished last name." He writes that he is "always too sanguine." Comments on Jim Bonghan's conceit and simple wife. Informs her that Albert's wife died of diphtheria but that Albert was able to see her before she died and will leave the army to stay at his father-in-law's home.

GLC06582.43