01 November 1861

Hutson, Charles J., 1842-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Emily McLeod

Discusses life at Camp Huger. Reports that Alston's men are in bad condition due to inactivity. Talks about his philosophy that educated men who lived inactive lives and are unprepared for hardships make better soldiers. Remarks they read only newspapers, the Charleston Mercury or the Richmond Examiner, and discusses his views on them. Explains that although he knows this war will benefit men, the next generation will suffer because education is being neglected and the young are allowed to leave home too early. Gives love to everyone at home. Emily McLeod is the daughter of Charles'…

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06 February 1862

Hutson, Charles J., 1842-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Anna Colcock

Writes he would love for her to write to him at camp. States her brothers Cornelius and William are lucky because they can visit home while serving which he cannot do stationed in Virginia. Talks about getting accustomed to the "barbarous" lifestyle and hopes he will not be unrefined when he returns. Reports that Thomas Grimke Rhett has been made Adjutant of the regiment. Remarks that the war is at a standstill and that most hope it will end soon. The government will not give their regiment anything to do. Gives his love to many family members. Hutson was a Corporal, 1st South Carolina…

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February 22, 1862

Hutson, Charles J., 1842-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Richard W. Hutson

Writes to his father that they have moved camp again. The Union forces came up the Blackwater River and attacked Confederate forces in Winton so his company expects them to strike soon. Reports that the officers did not think they could hold and decided to move camp. He discusses the hardships of crossing the river. States they camped on a plantation belonging to Capt Lawrence, who fed them. Mentions that the people were very hospitable. At Camp Butler, 5 miles away, General Blanchard stationed part of Colonel Armistead's Virginia regiment, the N.C. Battalion, and Captain Girardey's…

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25 April 1862

Hutson, Charles J., 1842-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Richard W. Hutson

Writes to his father from Camp Anderson, Guinea's Station near Fredericksburg, Virginia. Talks of the train trip to Fredericksburg and mentions that Adams Express would not allow him to take his boxes. Reports that Orr's Regiment has joined them. Johnston's army moved to the peninsula so they are short men and fear McClennan may attack when they are weak. States that Hampton's legion went to Yorktown so he could not meet Charlie. Continues letter on 26 April 1862. Comments on bad weather and low spirits. Explains that last night they were called because a Yankee Cavalry was approaching…

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18 June 1862

Hutson, Charles J., 1842-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Richard W. Hutson

Written to his father from Gregg's Brigade camp near Richmond. Discusses the possible death or imprisonment of Charles W. Hutson who served in Hampton's Legion. Writes that Hampton's Legion has been dissolved and discusses re-appointments of various Confederate officers. Mentions that Charley Colcock (prob. Charles Colcock Jones) is near. States that Orr's Regiment was transferred from Anderson's command to Gregg. Explains that the brigade is now 6000 strong and they are occupying the former ground of Joseph B. Kershaw's Brigade. Mentions General Stuart's achievement a few days earlier…

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01 July 1862

Hutson, Charles J., 1842-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Richard W. Hutson and Sarah McLeod Hutson

Written to his mother and father from Chimborago Hospital in Richmond, Virginia. States he was wounded at the skirmishes at Ellison's Mill and Gaines's Mill but he is well now. Mentions that Marion (possibly Marion Hutson, his brother) helped him. States that Willie (possibly William F. Colcock, b. 1843) has typhoid fever and is at the hospital but is getting better. States his regiment (Gregg's Regiment) suffered greatly. The Battle of Mechanicsville (Ellison's Mill) occurred on 26 June 1862, and the Battle of Gaines's Mill on 27 June 1862. They are the 2nd and 3rd of the Seven Days'…

GLC08165.48

08 July 1862

Hutson, Charles J., 1842-1902

Autograph letter

Title: to Richard W. Hutson [incomplete]

Recipient and writer inferred. Written to his father from Vaughn's Hospital. States he was planning on going to the hospital in Danville but it was full and the sick were all being sent to Lynchburg. He decided to go to the hospital in Farmville instead and talks of his trip there. Notes that the Richmond authorities detained them and treated them poorly. He is doing well but his wound will keep him from duty. Feels that since he is not being sent home, he will be fit for duty soon. Letter is possibly missing last page or pages, no signature. Hutson was wounded at the Battle of…

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13 August 1862

Hutson, Charles J., 1842-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Richard W. Hutson

Discusses a visit to Charleston, South Carolina, possibly on furlough from his post as Corporal in the 1st South Carolina Infantry during the Civil War. He arrived by train and met up with William F. Colcock, Jr. He also visted with Livingston and Sallie Wigg. Discusses William's plans to buy land. Gives family news. He does not believe his brother Marion was involved in a recent skirmish. William, Marion, and Charles were confederate soldiers. Richard Hutson was Charles and Marion's father.

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09 December 1862

Hutson, Charles J., 1842-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sarah McLeod Hutson

Mentions cold in Fredericksburg. Comments that George C. MacKay, and a man named Clap, of McCreary's South Carolina Infantry (1st South Carolina Infantry, Provisional Army) arrived and brought clothing and other supplies from Richmond. He has enough blankets to stay warm. Discusses food. Talks about the composition of the company and its leaders. He is "glad that the negroes have been dispersed of advantageously." Discusses the army's near future. Asks for a pair of winter boots. Hutson was a Corporal, 1st South Carolina Infantry, during the Civil War. Sarah was his mother. Written…

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January 15, 1863

Hutson, Charles J., 1842-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Marion Hutson

Comments on possible hesitation by General Daniel H. Hill and General Jackson, either James W. Jackson or Thomas J. Jackson, to transfer Marion out of the Army of Northern Virginia. Discusses furlough policy. Mentions that President Jefferson Davis has "good reasons" to believe that the Civil War will end by 1 July 1863. Aks Marion to send him food. His regiment is currently sitting idle, but may soon be called to North Carolina. Would like someone to take his place. Wants to visit Charles Colcock, in a regiment near Fredericksburg. Discusses suit his parents will be making for him.…

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23 April 1863

Hutson, Charles J., 1842-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Received her last letter after visiting Charles Colcock. Discusses his visit and mentions Colcock's desire for either a commission or a transfer. Describes the weather and cooking as disagreeable, and comments on rationing. Comments on family news. Believes General Robert E. Lee will attack General Joseph Hooker. Hutson was a Corporal, 1st South Carolina Infantry, during the Civil War. Written at Camp Gregg.

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08 June 1863

Hutson, Charles J., 1842-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Richard W. Hutson

Discusses his regiment's recent move to Guineas Station, Virginia. Mentions indefinite reports about the actions of General James Longstreet at Culpeper, Virginia. Refers to a possible heavy movement of troops being orchestrated by General Robert E. Lee. Mentions that his letters may be sporadic due their movements and engagement with Union troops. He revisited a camp site and remembered when so many of his enlisted friends and relatives were still together. Laments their death or separation. Charles was a Corporal in the 1st South Carolina Infantry during the Civil War. Richard was his…

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25 June 1863

Hutson, Charles J., 1842-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Richard W. Hutson

Reports progress on the Maryland Road, citing a current boundary of the Potomac River. Comments that General Richard S. Ewell was in Maryland and General A.G. Jenkins was in control of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Comments that the Union troops are scared, and they should be since General Robert E. Lee is moving forward. Discusses his fellow troops and their treatment by others. Charles was a Corporal in the 1st South Carolina Infantry during the Civil War. Richard was his father. Written a six weeks after the Battle of Chancellorsville and a week before Gettysburg.

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28 June 1863

Hutson, Charles J., 1842-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sarah McLeod

Discusses his regiment's movement into Pennsylvania. He has been instructed to observe the Sabbath. They will march to Strasburg tomorrow. Calls the movement into Pennsylvania a "grand expedition" and expects it to be fruitful. Describes Pennsylvania as beautiful and marvels at the apparent lack of impact of the Civil War on the people there. The people there have not refused to sell them foodstuffs and other goods, but his fellow soldiers have engaged in some pillaging that Hutson disapproves of. Hutson was a Corporal in the 1st South Carolina Infantry during the Civil War. McLeod was…

GLC08165.56

11 August 1863

Hutson, Charles J., 1842-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Received the news that clothes were on the way. Is very grateful to have a family that readily supplies his wants. Remarks on beauty of Maryland, and comments that his brother Marion remembers the countryside and the "famous stampede" there the previous summer, possibly a reference to the second battle of Bull Run in August 1862. Mentions news from home he has read about in the papers. Speculates that General Robert E. Lee is amassing troops in Gordonsville, Virginia, to make it "the line of defense." Remarks on traitors contemptuously. Asks about the fruit season at home. Comments on…

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14 September 1863

Hutson, Charles J., 1842-1902

Autograph letter

Title: to Richard W. Hutson

Writes to his father that General James Longstreet, William Lewis, and John B. Hood's divisions have all moved to the west. They are expecting the enemy to approach anytime. Mentions that George E. Pickett's Virginia division has taken the place of Jenkins and Henry A. Wise's troops around Richmond and Petersburg so their brigade is the only one from South Carolina left in Virginia. Explains that the enemy occupied Culpeper, Virginia yesterday but he feels the fighting in Virginia might be over for this season. Discusses witnessing Robert E. Lee's review of Richard S. Ewell and Ambrose P…

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26 September 1863

Hutson, Charles J., 1842-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Marion Hutson

Written to his brother from camp near the Rapidan River in Virginia. Mentions that the Yankee cavalry, supported by infantry and artillery, tried to crop the river but they drove them back. The Yankee cavalry numbers worry the troops. Remarks that they were cheered by news of Braxton Bragg's victory in Tennessee and comments that James Longstreet's troops were probably a great help. Anticipates that Union General Quincy Gilmore will attack Charleston but he thinks Confederate General Pierre G.T. Beauregard can hold. Discusses the killing of seven Confederate army deserters and states…

GLC08165.60

17 October 1863

Hutson, Charles J., 1842-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Richard W. Hutson

Writes to his father that they have been constantly on the move and he has not had a chance to write. They have taken a circuitous route to flank the enemy and drive them out of the country. Discusses engagement at Bristoe Station the past week. Reports that they suffered but the enemy ran away and they captured many prisoners. Thinks the seat of the war has moved out west. Describes the war ravaged countryside around Manassas but comments that the few people still in residence are very hospitable to them. They are waiting at the river for a bridge to be made since they cannot ford the…

GLC08165.61

28 October 1863

Hutson, Charles J., 1842-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to my dear Sister

States he has not had the energy to write because camp life is so dull. He hopes 1864 is the last year of the war. Mentions his brother Marion Hutson's furlough and remarks that the furloughs given the troops are too short at 21 days. He will request one when they settle into winter quarters. Thinks that Marion should stay home because he doesn't know how his foot will be and mentions he is glad Charley Colcock is home. Comments that he has the use of the blankets of Sergeant Powell, who is a prisoner of war. Notes that the troops are poorly provided for. Captain Abner M. Perrine…

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February 1, 1864

Hutson, Charles J., 1842-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Richard W. Hutson

Writes to his father that he arrived safely back at camp yesterday having left Columbia Thursday (possibly on furlough). Reports that he was able to bring his trunk and is glad because rations have been irregular. He did not have to buy food during the trip because he had enough in his haversack. His friends are all doing well. Mentions that he visited George Mackay and Fraser Miller. States that he arrived just in time to help the Regiment and Brigade move camp into the woods. Gives love to all family members and states Ben Martin is leaving for home today. Charles J. Hutson was a…

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19 February 1864

Hutson, Charles J., 1842-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Marion Hutson

Writes to his brother that he has been back at camp 19 days and has not heard from anyone in Pocotaligo, South Carolina. Reports on what has been happening in camp since he has been back. Explains that they discussed Congress, first negatively, then with praise for their military tax bills. 133 conscripts have been added, they have gotten coffee and sugar but little meat, they have moved to a new camp, and have praised General Lee for granting furloughs. Mentions that he is lonesome. He is waiting for a box Marion is sending. Comments that is he waiting for a recruit that Marion is…

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January 4, 1865

Hutson, Charles J., 1842-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Richard W. Hutson

Writes to his father that years of war have past and still no peace. His brother has told him of the military situation on the coast and he thinks they might have to give up some low country to the Union. Reports that General William T. Sherman seems to be resting, and he has heard nothing of General John B. Hood, who seems to be retreating. States that furloughs are being granted freely and he will apply in late February or March. Mentions that Congress is passing a bill giving transportation to officers on leave. Notes that New Year's dinner will arrive today but that it will probably…

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January 5,1865

Hutson, Charles J., 1842-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Richard W. Hutson

Discusses letter he received from his brother. Is concerned about movements forced on his family in order to escape union troops, as well as the defense of their homes. Charles was a Corporal in the 1st South Carolina Infantry during the Civil War. Richard was his father.

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January 9,1865

Hutson, Charles J., 1842-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Richard W. Hutson

Hutson is "sad to hear about the breaking up of our home & the giving up of our country" in South Carolina. His family has moved to Barnwell, South Carolina, but he advises them to move again if the union advances further. Comments that Kenshaw's old brigade has been sent to join General William J. Hardee, and that John C. Haskell's 7th South Carolina regiment was on its way to South Carolina. Hutson is anxious to protect his home state. Discusses a possible furlough. Reports that a Union attack on Wilmington, Virginia, failed, but troops from Hutson's army have been sent there to…

GLC08165.68

16 March 1865

Hutson, Charles J., 1842-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Richard W. Hutson

Discusses suffering in the south during the Civil War. He is getting along well in the army. He heard about the occupation of Orangeburg, South Carolina, but took longer to find out whether or not their family had left. Discusses correspondence (or a lack of) with various family members. He has heard that William T. Sherman has left their county and moved to the east. He has not changed location since his last letter. Calls the Union troops "lawless wretches" and hopes "the negroes have proved true and faithful." He would not be surprised if Richmond was lost. Discusses the Confederacy…

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