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

24 October 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Writes that he is staying with Cousin James for a fee of ten dollars a month and that he is suffering from a sore throat. He still has the pain in his side, which he hopes does not augur anything fatal. Informs her that he is "applying for the position of Judge Advocate in one of the Court Martial [sic] about to be organized." He has bought a dress for his daughter Liz. He suspects that his office will close soon and he plans that when he does he will leave for home until "Conscript man [sic]."

GLC06582.44

25 October 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Asks her if she liked the "old homestead of [his] ancestors." He informs her that he passed most of his childhood there and goes on to describe the beauty of the land. Advises her to get Tom to accompany her to Newman's Hill from which she "can see Greenwood & Capt. Ward's with the country intervening." Writes that the office has been closed temporarily because Colonel Deas is acting as Assistant Secretary of War. He writes that he is staying with Cousin James. He also writes that General Raymond and his wife are also staying with Cousin James because they have rented their house away…

GLC06582.45

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

29 October 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Reasons that she may not be letter writing as much because she is staying at a "frontier place" where communication can be "occasional & uncertain." He informs her that Col. Taylor has heard from Col. Deas that George should have no trouble receiving the appointment as Judge Advocate. He explains that despite this good news he is still "not sanguine." However, if he does get the place, he will arrange for positions for Jero and Pen. He writes that if they only knew where her father was they would be able to invest in the Redwood Farm. He says that there was a heavy rain that flooded the…

GLC06582.47

4 November 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Mentions that he is "quite well with the exception of the side pain" which he does not believe will ever go away. He provides a sketch of his "mode of life." He explains why he may not win the appointment ("unknown to the appointing power, don't belong to the right political faith."). He asks whether Uncle Jack has sold his horses yet. He asks her to burn the letter after she has read it because he has written about particular people and the Judge Advocacy.

GLC06582.48

7 November 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Informs her that he received a two-day-old telegraphic dispatch as a reply to his letters from Jack. He thinks that his family must be in a "hurry & bustle" since the army headquarters are now stationed where they live. He asks who the various officers are. At the time he is writing this letter it is one o'clock and "snowing furiously" which he says has been the case since "before day break." He asks what price Jack received for his horses and colts. He also asks how long General Longstreet will stay at Redwood.

GLC06582.49

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

22 November 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Writes that he knows nothing about his appointment. However, he predicts that he will not receive the appointment because the other applicants "are men of great influence." He is uncertain about entering the army because he does not have enough money to hire a substitute, would not buy one if he could, and doubts that a physician will grant him a certificate of disability.

GLC06582.54

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