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

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

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

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

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

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

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

26 October 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Writes that the weather is somber with a "winter spirit." In addition to informing her that he has received a letter from Uncle Jack, he writes that he will try to send a dress for Lizzie and a handkerchief for Aunt Betsy (with prices marked on them so she will be able to collect the money). He hopes that she will be able to stay with Uncle Morton and Aunt Betsy for a while. Fears that his office may close. If so, he will have to enlist as a private, as he does not expect a position. He blames his own failings for this, not his friends.

GLC06582.46

11 November 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

He received her letter, detailing her flight from home. He also learned by reading someone else's letter that she and his aunt are going to go to "Halifax to Mr. Bruce's," but reasons that Cousin Ella must have been mistaken because she has not mentioned it in any of her letters. He writes that the appointments have yet to be announced. Thinks it would be "prudent" for Uncle Jack to hire servants and give up working on the farm until "more quiet times." He admits to not knowing what to write to her. He says he is "compelled to go into the Army" when he is finished with his present work.…

GLC06582.50

14 November 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Writes that although he was surprised he was also pleased to see John, who arrived last night. He thinks the best thing she can do right now is board with Mrs. Pannill because the board is cheaper. He also thinks that it will be the safest choice because it will be three to four miles inside army lines. He describes potential movements of the Yankee army. He reminds her that Albert's wife has died of diphtheria.

GLC06582.51

18 November 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Informs her that Jack will go up in the morning and will bring with him a package of soap, candy, a dress for Liz, and this letter. He saw Dr. Rixey today and sent him $51 to be delivered to her. He got three handkerchiefs for Aunt Betsy at $1.50 a piece. He asks her to deliver them and collect the money. He says he has yet to hear about his application and that further delay should be expected with the resignation Mr. Randolph from the Cabinet. He admits that not hearing much from home leads him to think that the family has forgotten him.

GLC06582.52

19 November 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Informs her that John left that morning for Soldier's Rest. He mentions sending fifty dollars with Dr. Rixey and says that he will send fifty more dollars when he gets paid. He writes that he has heard nothing more about his application. Additionally, he mentions that he has heard a rumor that the "President is dissatisfied with the nominations sent to him by Mr. Randolph." He mentions that Charley Williams will go up to Redwood and offer himself as a volunteer. He mentions that if he had the money he would do the same thing although that does not "bar the operation of the Conscript Act." He…

GLC06582.53

25 November 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

He still does not know about his application but hopes he will soon hear the results. He is unsure about when he will be home and for how long he will stay. Admits to not knowing what to write since he has not heard word from home. He writes "the city is agitated in relation to Fredericksburg." He describes Nannie Pendleton (evidently a cousin) as a "sweet & smart girl." He asks about the condition of his horse and rifle and if the dress for Liz and the handkerchiefs for Aunt Betsy were well received. He mentions that Gen. Haymond does not want him to leave the city and will try to find…

GLC06582.55

27 November 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

He is worried because his wife has not written. Thus he thinks she is sick or has been offended by his letters, and so asks her to write back. He informs her of the Yankees' position. He tells her "they have evacuated Manassas, Warrenton & all the country north & west of Falmonth," and are now at Fredsburg or "opposite to it." There, he writes, the Yankees will probably "go to Suffolk & attempt a movement from that place." However, he assures her that the army is not worried and is ready for Lee in front with his great army, able & willing to meet & repulse them." In…

GLC06582.56

3 December 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Informs her that he received her letter and is very thankful. He also mentions that he bought her several hairpins "and any other little articles I think you may need." He tells her of his departure which will be between the 16th and 20th, and explains that he is "now exempt from military service, being a Notary Public", and so will soon see her. He also mentions that he is worried because as " the weather grows winterish day by day," the poor will suffer more and more for they have nowhere to go and the wood is "at 18 & 20 dollars per cord." He also describes the Yankees' position. He…

GLC06582.57

6 December 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Writes that the day before was one of the worse days of the season. He mentions that at approximately four o'clock the guard cried out that some prisoners were escaping. He writes that it was later discovered that three prisoners escaped and that one used a rope made out of their bedclothes. While three made it out safely the fourth prisoner fell from the ripped rope thirty or forty feet downward. He thinks that the prison guards will be fired on Col. Pendleton's return. He is anxious to get home, as this has been the biggest separation yet. He writes in haste and will have to stop to go out…

GLC06582.58

7 December 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Enjoyed reading the letters she sent him by Bob Daniel despite the fact that they were weeks old. He also mentions receiving a letter written by her the same day but delivered by John Gibson. He asks her to tell John that the 16,000 Yankees are in Winchester and that the Confederate troops have fallen back at Strasburg. He mentions seeing Mr. Major and that he has told him that Mr. Beckman has sold his farm to Sterns who also bought Mr. Morton's farm at fifty dollars per acre. He begins to say that he does not think it "bad policy to sell real estate." He mentions some conditions on the…

GLC06582.59

December 11, 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Writes that John will bring this letter up to her as well as a package of things for the family. He mentions that Uncle Jack got to Richmond last night. Says that Hansborough will be at their house within the next week or so she is to remember what he told her about him long ago. He was glad to get the long letter she sent him from Uncle Jack. He went to see the Assistant Secretary and his commission will be ready the following day. Comments on how her Aunt Mary, despite her faults, is a good woman and that he is sorry to hear of Mr. Beckham's situation.

GLC06582.60

19 December 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

He writes that Uncle Jack has yet to be awarded a contract and that the Secretary of War has yet to sign his commission as Quarter Master. He mentions his "horrid dream" about her last night that bothered him all day. He says that Nannie Pendleton and Miss Buffington will go up with him and that she should expect them on Monday. He is anxious to be home. He says that he has no time to write any more. He will go to see if Uncle Jack's collar is done. He sends his love to all and closes the letter with the idea that they will soon see each other "after so long a separation."

GLC06582.62

16 November 1993

Atkins, Susan, 1948-2009

Typed letter signed

Title: to Kregg Sanders

Atkins writes to Sanders from prison while serving time for her part in the Tate-LaBianca murders committed while a member of the Manson family. She discusses making a birthday present for her sister-in-law, her typewriter, a new sewing project, and the 3-D computer generated image she wants for Christmas. She likes reading Christian books, and would like copies of "Flying Closer to the Flame" and "Divine Romance." She answers Kregg's question about Pat Krenwinkel--remarking that she has only contempt for "what's his name [Manson]." She hope's Pat's anger will subside so she can be…

GLC05508.024.01