February-December 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Header Record

Title: 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 Merrimac blow up. Mentions Jackson's good news in the valley: "Vicksburg is relieved and New Orleans will soon be retaken -- then to Butler the Beast... if he had forty lives he should lose them all by hanging." During the period of these letters, Williams, the adopted son of Congressman John S. Pendleton, had been ordered to Richmond for…

GLC06582

February 14, 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 greatly he loathes these "troublesome and disagreeable separations" from his wife. He writes that there is no news from abroad and that he has gotten a rattle for the baby.

GLC06582.02

February 15, 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 "rapidly improving" and that she is well before he visits. He asks her to telegraph him if she gets worse.

GLC06582.03

19 February 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 of the "pure and noble love" which he considers "cherishable" and is proud to possess. He is glad to hear of her improving health and that he hopes her health will be entirely restored. He mentions buying a rattle for the baby. Additionally, he writes that he has begun to wear spectacles and that he believes the reason for this may be that…

GLC06582.05

February 23, 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 business" that were delayed due to his abrupt departure. He describes how disheartening it is to see "so many men in the city" while "the Yankees are journeying triumphantly through our Territory". He sends regrets at not being able to attend a female friend's wedding.

GLC06582.06

February 25, 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 very sleepy. He points out that the recent rainfalls are signaling "the birth of spring." Furthermore, he writes that flannel can be bought at high prices in stores on Main and Broad. He reminds her that although the price for flannel is high that he would be more than happy to provide it for her if she only asks. He sends his "love to all." He…

GLC06582.07

2 March 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 how the city was "astir with excitement" when some prominent citizens were arrested for allegedly belonging to a Union association whose object was to restore the old form of government. He asks her to write back on how she and the baby are doing. Lastly, he mentions that he will write to his aunt the following day.

GLC06582.08

8 March 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 with Molly Green. He relates a rumor that the army at Manassas has fallen back. He says that if the army does actually fall back, he will speedily make arrangements to be with her. He writes that he has selected a dress for his wife, baby, and aunt and that he will get them when he receives his monthly pay.

GLC06582.09

10 March 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 back as Gerdensville. He confesses that the falling back of the army will dampen the hopes of the People. He predicts that the aftermath of the war will be determined in the months of April, May, and June. He asks his wife to "fix all the papers" and not to misplace his bonds. He exclaims that he would rather burn his bonds than lose them since…

GLC06582.10

12 March 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

13 March 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 informs her that James Fields will be going up on Friday and that if he can not be there he will ask him to escort her down.

GLC06582.12

14 March 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 policemen or rangers. He writes that the army will fall back to the south side of James River. He goes on to explain that if the North achieves possession of the Railroad that the southern troops may have to evacuate. He tells his wife of news from Arkansas that Price has captured the entire Yankee army and that Stonewall has removed his heavy…

GLC06582.13

12 May 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 her "more than [she] can imagine."

GLC06582.14

17 May 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 thinks is proper.

GLC06582.15

20 May 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 "approach intimacy" as that would cause a loss of respect. As an example he provides his Cousin James who gets ill at the Penitentiary because he talks so often with convicts who no longer fear or respect him. He informs her that Mr. Shields has returned. He says that his health is improving with the only exception being his continuing side pain.

GLC06582.16

24 May 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 mentions that the Southern states are dissatisfied.

GLC06582.17

5 June 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 from town on Williamsburg Road. He says his right arm is recovering from the rheumatism and that he has continued to hear cannon fire.

GLC06582.18

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