Dear Sister;
I received your letter dated April
4th, and it is hardly necessary to say that
I was exceedingly glad to hear from you all.
I am still in Richmond and do not pos-
itively know that I shall leave for a
month, unless my services shall be requir-
red in South Carolina, or some other point,
when I will leave on very short notice.
You have heard, no doubt, that the troops
in Charleston have attacked Fort Sumter,
and last night they had quite a jollica-
tion on the receipt of the news that the
Fort had been taken yesterday. There was
about 100 guns fired in consequence. Con-
siderable excitement exists throughout the
city.--
I am in tolerable health, and very
anxious to see you all very much.
Give my love to Martha and Kie
and all friends and acquaintances.
Remember me to Miss Nancy, and
tell her that before long I will be home
to greet you all.
Give my best respects to the two girls
on Buck Island, and say to them for me
that they do not wish to see me more
than I do them.
Please let me know when you answer
whether you are at the same place you were
when I left, and if you are not, write me
where you are now, and who you are board-
ing with.
When you write again, do a little
better than you did last, as you certainly
did not have tome or would not take time
to write to me.
Give to my love to all the Union
boys and to friends everywhere.
Write soon, and let me hear
from you all.
Yours affectionately,
J M. Parrish
MSS 10305-a
Thursday, April 14, 2011
1861 April 14 Richmond, Va.
My dear Judge
Truly we are on the verge of an
awful crisis--Revolution is upon us. War and
rumors of war is now [?] from every breeze.
The commissioners from the convention
to Lincoln, have returned disheartened, without
hope and at a loss to know what to say or do--
AHH Stewart the strongest Union man
in the state has drifted ashore--He
told me just now that he had no conjecture
what a day might bring forth--He says
Lincoln treated them coldly- He is
evidently mortified. There is a perfect
rush for Summers room. It is thought
he has some information under cover of
confidence. What is to be the result I have
no idea. Lincoln has called for 75,000
troops and is fiting out all the ships that
can be made ready for service. You
will get the information of the adminis-
tration's policy before this reaches you.
This place is composed of mad men
[page 2]
last night they hoisted the confederate
flag over the capital and defied
the Gov. to have it taken down--
They denounced him as a shaking
crouching Gov. and abused the
convention as false to Va because
they would not secede--
Almost every boy here is armed
and equiped ready for war.
and war they say they will
have--Good of M^'e'cklenburgh said
in a speech yesterday in convention
that Eastern Va intended to leave
and so help him God no power
could or should prevent it--
What must the west do. I
begin to think we must secede
or divide the state..what do you
say. there is danger in delay.
We must act soon and act definitely-
what must that action be? Let me
know what Harrison wants--what is
your opinion.
[page 3]
A band of men called at the capital
last night and inquired for Carlile
-They swore they intended to take
him out & hang him. I have
no idea they will do so, but you-
cant tell what is to come-
They say he is encouraging
Lincoln
Sunday as it is There are 3,000 people
in the streets- Last night
they had a grand torch light
procession and the wildest
fanatacism prevailed-indeed
they looked like Lunatics
I wish I could give you
assurance of peace but I cannot
Every day changes the aspect of
affairs. somedays we have
a prospect of adjustment and
allparts becomes quiet- and
in an hour some telegram changes
the calmness into a storm--
Write me-
Yr. fd-
BW
MSS 11540
Truly we are on the verge of an
awful crisis--Revolution is upon us. War and
rumors of war is now [?] from every breeze.
The commissioners from the convention
to Lincoln, have returned disheartened, without
hope and at a loss to know what to say or do--
AHH Stewart the strongest Union man
in the state has drifted ashore--He
told me just now that he had no conjecture
what a day might bring forth--He says
Lincoln treated them coldly- He is
evidently mortified. There is a perfect
rush for Summers room. It is thought
he has some information under cover of
confidence. What is to be the result I have
no idea. Lincoln has called for 75,000
troops and is fiting out all the ships that
can be made ready for service. You
will get the information of the adminis-
tration's policy before this reaches you.
This place is composed of mad men
[page 2]
last night they hoisted the confederate
flag over the capital and defied
the Gov. to have it taken down--
They denounced him as a shaking
crouching Gov. and abused the
convention as false to Va because
they would not secede--
Almost every boy here is armed
and equiped ready for war.
and war they say they will
have--Good of M^'e'cklenburgh said
in a speech yesterday in convention
that Eastern Va intended to leave
and so help him God no power
could or should prevent it--
What must the west do. I
begin to think we must secede
or divide the state..what do you
say. there is danger in delay.
We must act soon and act definitely-
what must that action be? Let me
know what Harrison wants--what is
your opinion.
[page 3]
A band of men called at the capital
last night and inquired for Carlile
-They swore they intended to take
him out & hang him. I have
no idea they will do so, but you-
cant tell what is to come-
They say he is encouraging
Lincoln
Sunday as it is There are 3,000 people
in the streets- Last night
they had a grand torch light
procession and the wildest
fanatacism prevailed-indeed
they looked like Lunatics
I wish I could give you
assurance of peace but I cannot
Every day changes the aspect of
affairs. somedays we have
a prospect of adjustment and
all
in an hour some telegram changes
the calmness into a storm--
Write me-
Yr. fd-
BW
MSS 11540
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
1861 April 13 Charleston, S. C.
The Battle of Fort Sumter and First Victory of the Southern Troops April 13th, 1861.
Published by Request
...At seven o'clock, a vigorous and steady fire was
opened from Fort Moultrie, and a heavy cannonade ensued.
But at eight o'clock the cry arose from the wharves, and rolled
in one continuous wave over the city, "Fort Sumter is on
Fire!" The watchers of the night before, who had retired
for a few moments, were aroused, occupations were instantly
suspended, and old and young, either mounted to their points
of observation, or rolled in crowds upon the Battery, to look
upon the last and most imposing act in this great drama.
The barracks to the south had been three times set on fire
during the bombardment of the day before, but each time the
flames were immediately extinguished. Subsequently, how-
ever, a red-hot shot from Fort Moultrie, or a shell from else-
where, found a lodgment, when the fact was not apparent, and
the fire, smouldering for a time, at length broke forth, and
flames and smoke rose in volumes from the crater of Fort
Sumter. The wind was blowing from the west, driving the
smoke across the fort and into the embrasures, where the
gunners were at work, and pouring its volumes through the
port-holes; the firing of Fort Sumter appeared to be renewed
with vigor. The fire of the Fort, long, fierce and rapid, how-
ever, was gradually abated, and although at distant intervals a
gun was fired, the necessity of preserving their magazines and
of avoiding the flames, left the tenants little leisure for resist-
ance. But the firing from without was continued with re-
doubled vigor. every battery poured in its ceaseless round of
shot and shell. The enthusiasm of success inspired their cour-
age and gave precision to their action; and thus, as in the
opening, so in the closing scene, under the beaming sunlight, in
view of thousands crowded upon the wharves and house-tops,
and amid the booming of ordnance, and in view of the five
immense ships sent by the enemy with reinforcements, lying
idly just out of gun shot on the Bar, this first fortress of des-
potic power fell prostrate to the cause of Southern Indepen-
dence.
About eight o'clock, Fort Moultrie had commenced to our
in hot shot, to prevent the extinguishment of the spreading
flames, and to kindle new fires in all the quarters. The fight
between the two forts was terrific. At this time, Sumter fired
fifty-four shots at Moultrie in one hour, tearing the barracks to
pieces. But the work was vain. Moultrie was too much for
Sumter. In five minutes, she returned eleven shots. At
about nine o'clock the flames appeared to be abating, and
it was apprehended that no irreparable injury had been sus-
tained; but near ten o'clock, a column of white smoke rose
high above the battlements, followed by an explosion which
was felt upon the wharves, and gave the assurance that if the
magazines were not exploded, at least their temporary ammu-
nition were exposed to the element still raging. Soon after
the barracks to the east and west were in flames, the smoke
rose in dedoubled volume from the whole circle of the fort, and
rolling from the embrasures, it seemed scarcely possible that
life could be sustained. Soon after another column of smoke
arose as fearful as the first. The guns had been completely
silenced, and the only option left to the tenants of the fort-
ress seemed to be whether they would perish or surrender.
At a quarter to one o'clock, the staff, from which the flag still
waved, was shot away, and it was long in doubt whether, if
there were the purpose, there was the ability to re-erect it.
But at the expiration of about twenty minutes, it again ap-
peared upon the eastern rampart, and announced that resist-
ance was not ended. In the meantime,however, a small boat
started from the city wharf, bearing Colonels Lee, Pryor and
Miles, Aides to Gen. Beauregard, with offers of assistance, if
perchance, the garrison would be unable to escape the flames.
As they approached the fort, the United States' flag re-ap-
peared; and shortly afterwards a shout from the whole circle
of spectators on the islands and the main, announced that
the white flag of truce was waving from the ramparts. A
small boat had already been seen to shoot out from Cummings'
Point, in the direction of the fort, in which stood an officer
with a white flag upon the point of his sword. This officer
proved to be Col. Wigfall, Aid to the Commanding General,
who, entering through a port-hole, demanded the surrender.
Major Anderson replied, that "they were still firing on him."
"Then take your flag down," said Col. Wigfall: "they will con-
tinue to fire upon you so long as that is up."
After some further explanations in the course of which it
appeared, that major Anderson's men were fast suffocating in
the casemates, the brave commander of Sumter agreed that he
would, unconditionally, surrender--subject to the terms of
Gen. Beauregard, who, as was said by Col. Wigfall, "is a sol-
dier and a gentleman, and knows how to treat a brave enemy."
Col. (later Gen.) Louis T. Wigfall (1816-1874) was an alumnus of the University of Virginia.
A1851 .B37
Published by Request
...At seven o'clock, a vigorous and steady fire was
opened from Fort Moultrie, and a heavy cannonade ensued.
But at eight o'clock the cry arose from the wharves, and rolled
in one continuous wave over the city, "Fort Sumter is on
Fire!" The watchers of the night before, who had retired
for a few moments, were aroused, occupations were instantly
suspended, and old and young, either mounted to their points
of observation, or rolled in crowds upon the Battery, to look
upon the last and most imposing act in this great drama.
The barracks to the south had been three times set on fire
during the bombardment of the day before, but each time the
flames were immediately extinguished. Subsequently, how-
ever, a red-hot shot from Fort Moultrie, or a shell from else-
where, found a lodgment, when the fact was not apparent, and
the fire, smouldering for a time, at length broke forth, and
flames and smoke rose in volumes from the crater of Fort
Sumter. The wind was blowing from the west, driving the
smoke across the fort and into the embrasures, where the
gunners were at work, and pouring its volumes through the
port-holes; the firing of Fort Sumter appeared to be renewed
with vigor. The fire of the Fort, long, fierce and rapid, how-
ever, was gradually abated, and although at distant intervals a
gun was fired, the necessity of preserving their magazines and
of avoiding the flames, left the tenants little leisure for resist-
ance. But the firing from without was continued with re-
doubled vigor. every battery poured in its ceaseless round of
shot and shell. The enthusiasm of success inspired their cour-
age and gave precision to their action; and thus, as in the
opening, so in the closing scene, under the beaming sunlight, in
view of thousands crowded upon the wharves and house-tops,
and amid the booming of ordnance, and in view of the five
immense ships sent by the enemy with reinforcements, lying
idly just out of gun shot on the Bar, this first fortress of des-
potic power fell prostrate to the cause of Southern Indepen-
dence.
About eight o'clock, Fort Moultrie had commenced to our
in hot shot, to prevent the extinguishment of the spreading
flames, and to kindle new fires in all the quarters. The fight
between the two forts was terrific. At this time, Sumter fired
fifty-four shots at Moultrie in one hour, tearing the barracks to
pieces. But the work was vain. Moultrie was too much for
Sumter. In five minutes, she returned eleven shots. At
about nine o'clock the flames appeared to be abating, and
it was apprehended that no irreparable injury had been sus-
tained; but near ten o'clock, a column of white smoke rose
high above the battlements, followed by an explosion which
was felt upon the wharves, and gave the assurance that if the
magazines were not exploded, at least their temporary ammu-
nition were exposed to the element still raging. Soon after
the barracks to the east and west were in flames, the smoke
rose in dedoubled volume from the whole circle of the fort, and
rolling from the embrasures, it seemed scarcely possible that
life could be sustained. Soon after another column of smoke
arose as fearful as the first. The guns had been completely
silenced, and the only option left to the tenants of the fort-
ress seemed to be whether they would perish or surrender.
At a quarter to one o'clock, the staff, from which the flag still
waved, was shot away, and it was long in doubt whether, if
there were the purpose, there was the ability to re-erect it.
But at the expiration of about twenty minutes, it again ap-
peared upon the eastern rampart, and announced that resist-
ance was not ended. In the meantime,however, a small boat
started from the city wharf, bearing Colonels Lee, Pryor and
Miles, Aides to Gen. Beauregard, with offers of assistance, if
perchance, the garrison would be unable to escape the flames.
As they approached the fort, the United States' flag re-ap-
peared; and shortly afterwards a shout from the whole circle
of spectators on the islands and the main, announced that
the white flag of truce was waving from the ramparts. A
small boat had already been seen to shoot out from Cummings'
Point, in the direction of the fort, in which stood an officer
with a white flag upon the point of his sword. This officer
proved to be Col. Wigfall, Aid to the Commanding General,
who, entering through a port-hole, demanded the surrender.
Major Anderson replied, that "they were still firing on him."
"Then take your flag down," said Col. Wigfall: "they will con-
tinue to fire upon you so long as that is up."
After some further explanations in the course of which it
appeared, that major Anderson's men were fast suffocating in
the casemates, the brave commander of Sumter agreed that he
would, unconditionally, surrender--subject to the terms of
Gen. Beauregard, who, as was said by Col. Wigfall, "is a sol-
dier and a gentleman, and knows how to treat a brave enemy."
Col. (later Gen.) Louis T. Wigfall (1816-1874) was an alumnus of the University of Virginia.
A1851 .B37
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
1861 April 11 Phi Kappa Psi Hall, University of Virginia
Fraternity called to order by Bro Shearer the
Proedrus, Prayer by Chaplain---
Rolled called & Bros Berkeley, Page, Payne, Smith
& Washington were absent--
Minutes of two last meetings were read
& stood approved.
Communication was read from Fort Sumter
where the South Carolina ^'(Col)' Chapter has adjourned to
T. Moore Fr.
2 Comns from Penn. Z. with regard to levying a
tax etc were read---
Bros Poague & Smith were excused from fines
for absence.
A dun from Mr T G. Vaughan for $15.00 1 quarters
rent was brought before the Fraternity--
Mr Reeve was not informed thro negligence
put off he was elected again--
Fraternity adjourned
R. B. Shearer
E B Massie
Richard Baxter Shearer, a Confederate captain, fell at Monacacy Md. 1864
Edwin Blackwell Massie later farmed in Albemarle County, Va.
John James Reeve, a Confederate major, was a merchant and planter in Kentucky after the war
James Edgar Poague was later a physician in Tensas Parish, Louisiana
Robert J. Washington, a Confederate Lieut. and Adjt. was a lawyer in Westmoreland County, Va., after the war.
John Meem Payne, a Confederate captain, farmed in Lynchburg after the war
RG-23/4/8.781
Proedrus, Prayer by Chaplain---
Rolled called & Bros Berkeley, Page, Payne, Smith
& Washington were absent--
Minutes of two last meetings were read
& stood approved.
Communication was read from Fort Sumter
where the South Carolina ^'(Col)' Chapter has adjourned to
T. Moore Fr.
2 Comns from Penn. Z. with regard to levying a
tax etc were read---
Bros Poague & Smith were excused from fines
for absence.
A dun from Mr T G. Vaughan for $15.00 1 quarters
rent was brought before the Fraternity--
Mr Reeve was not informed thro negligence
Fraternity adjourned
R. B. Shearer
E B Massie
Richard Baxter Shearer, a Confederate captain, fell at Monacacy Md. 1864
Edwin Blackwell Massie later farmed in Albemarle County, Va.
John James Reeve, a Confederate major, was a merchant and planter in Kentucky after the war
James Edgar Poague was later a physician in Tensas Parish, Louisiana
Robert J. Washington, a Confederate Lieut. and Adjt. was a lawyer in Westmoreland County, Va., after the war.
John Meem Payne, a Confederate captain, farmed in Lynchburg after the war
RG-23/4/8.781
Monday, April 11, 2011
1861 April 10 Richmond, Va.
Dear Judge
We have intelligence from Charleston
that 7 war steamers are standing off from
Charleston harbour. The supositon is they are
to attempt to reinforce Fort Sumter. We
also have a dispatch that the Charleston
authorities have ordered all the ships
out the harbour and that tomorrow morng
that Fort will be attact, and the fire kept
up til the Fort shall be taken. What this
may lead to no one can tell. This city is
wild with excitement it is all astir tonight--
you have seen that the convention has
sent three commissioners to Washington to
consult with Lincoln [?], to enquire his
policy, and to get him to stay the hand
of war until this state shall make
a further effort to redeem the country--If
this is not done the most awful
consequences may be anticipated -- The settled
policy of the Convention -- Union men and all, is
[page 2]
to recognise the [?] prudence of the
seceded states--The Forts have been the
great trouble--Summers today presented
a compromise proposition, it is to recom-
mend the gov't to surrender to the
seceded states all the forts, arsenals
dock yards & on the main land
or within the harbors of those states--
and to obtain possession for the present
of the quo national forts such as
the Tortugas and Key west-- as they
stand far out in the gulf and
afford a protection to the navigation
of the gulf and the Mississippi
River -- The Union men have
the responsibility of the state on their
hands, and you would be surprised
to see what a burthen it is to them--
They re all making a mighty effort to
sustain the state rights doctrine and
yet they find it a bitter pill--I
speak more particularly of the old
Federalists--Goggin and Branch
have gone entirely over. Flourney
[page 3]
is nearly over. Preston may now
be said to be in the right wing of
the state rights party--Marshall
of Winchester is the head and front.
Does this not surprise you--
At the commencement of the session
they made a terrible attac on Wise,
but he has baged them one by one--
I have never seen his equal. He
never fails in his speech. He
never fails in his everlasting tact
to get some advantage--Sommers
prevailed over him today about the
forts. that was however by the
force of numbers. In the arguement
Wise sustained himself manfully-
Tonight he literally slaughtered
Brown from Preston on the tax
question-- the fact is the whole
convention is afraid of him except
Tim Rives.
I fear we will not get off from
here till week after next, day
20 or perhaps 25. yet we may
If I do not I wish you to have
[page 4]
all my cases passed. I am to
defend [?] Knight for felony.
Set the case to about 4 may--I
will at home by that time.
Your old friends often enquire
after you. Chambliss
Wise Price Carpenter and
others. They want to know
what kind of Judge you
make. Chambliss thinks
you are to determined, too
unyielding for a Judge. Whilst
I told him you were not I
thought there was a good deal
of truth in his remark.
Carlile and I had a brush in the
Convention yesterday-- he says
our people dont want any
thing from the North. You will
see the report. He is on the Bots platform
Write to me and oblige Yr. frd.
B. Wilson.
MSS 11540
We have intelligence from Charleston
that 7 war steamers are standing off from
Charleston harbour. The supositon is they are
to attempt to reinforce Fort Sumter. We
also have a dispatch that the Charleston
authorities have ordered all the ships
out the harbour and that tomorrow morng
that Fort will be attact, and the fire kept
up til the Fort shall be taken. What this
may lead to no one can tell. This city is
wild with excitement it is all astir tonight--
you have seen that the convention has
sent three commissioners to Washington to
consult with Lincoln [?], to enquire his
policy, and to get him to stay the hand
of war until this state shall make
a further effort to redeem the country--If
this is not done the most awful
consequences may be anticipated -- The settled
policy of the Convention -- Union men and all, is
[page 2]
to recognise the [?] prudence of the
seceded states--The Forts have been the
great trouble--Summers today presented
a compromise proposition, it is to recom-
mend the gov't to surrender to the
seceded states all the forts, arsenals
dock yards & on the main land
or within the harbors of those states--
and to obtain possession for the present
of the quo national forts such as
the Tortugas and Key west-- as they
stand far out in the gulf and
afford a protection to the navigation
of the gulf and the Mississippi
River -- The Union men have
the responsibility of the state on their
hands, and you would be surprised
to see what a burthen it is to them--
They re all making a mighty effort to
sustain the state rights doctrine and
yet they find it a bitter pill--I
speak more particularly of the old
Federalists--Goggin and Branch
have gone entirely over. Flourney
[page 3]
is nearly over. Preston may now
be said to be in the right wing of
the state rights party--Marshall
of Winchester is the head and front.
Does this not surprise you--
At the commencement of the session
they made a terrible attac on Wise,
but he has baged them one by one--
I have never seen his equal. He
never fails in his speech. He
never fails in his everlasting tact
to get some advantage--Sommers
prevailed over him today about the
forts. that was however by the
force of numbers. In the arguement
Wise sustained himself manfully-
Tonight he literally slaughtered
Brown from Preston on the tax
question-- the fact is the whole
convention is afraid of him except
Tim Rives.
I fear we will not get off from
here till week after next, day
20 or perhaps 25. yet we may
If I do not I wish you to have
[page 4]
all my cases passed. I am to
defend [?] Knight for felony.
Set the case to about 4 may--I
will at home by that time.
Your old friends often enquire
after you. Chambliss
Wise Price Carpenter and
others. They want to know
what kind of Judge you
make. Chambliss thinks
you are to determined, too
unyielding for a Judge. Whilst
I told him you were not I
thought there was a good deal
of truth in his remark.
Carlile and I had a brush in the
Convention yesterday-- he says
our people dont want any
thing from the North. You will
see the report. He is on the Bots platform
Write to me and oblige Yr. frd.
B. Wilson.
MSS 11540
Saturday, April 9, 2011
1861 April 9 Concord, N.H.
Dr. Friend Thoreau
A friend of mine
away in New York, wishes
very much a copy of each
of your "Memoirs"--id
est "in the Woods," and
"on the Rivers." I told
him they were not in mark-
et; but if he would com-
mission me, perhaps it
would achieve the object.
Now can you, & will
you cause a copy of each
to meet me at An-
ti Slavery Office, 221 Wash-
ington St. some day
the present week!
[page 2]
And more unreason
able still, will you take
me for pay-master?
Probably you will not
very long be kept out of
your money--certainly
not longer than you
have been sometimes
when writing for our
pretentious, progressive
monthlies!
Seriously however, if
you will direct them to
me, as above, to care of
Mr. Wallcut, with the prices,
I will remit the money
so soon as I receive
them. My remunera
tion for my trouble, is as-
sured beforehand.
[page 3]
But what anyone
can want to read your
"battle of the Pissminy" for
at a time like this, is past
finding out--Have we not
Sumpter & Pickens, the
Texas Frontier, nay & our
very Capital to defend?
Or who wants to read
how you can play with
a "bream" in the water
when the Leviathan of Slav-
ery is hourly threatning to
swallow 'Old Abe" like Jo
nah, never to vomit
him, till our ^'northern' Nineveh
is also whelmed in
the sea of God's wrath!
But the old "de gustibus"
holds good yet.
[page 4]
Is it not hopeful, however,
that we have some who
are not daft nor damned
by the eternal screech of
politics? Men & but men,
who stay at home with God
and the Lord and let the hea
then rage? I glory in
such even from the muzzle
of cannon & the mouth of mobs.
But I am troubling you too
long, & to no purpose. Please
give my kindest regards to
Mr. Emerson, should he cross
your path. Tell him I hope
to hear a part of the Boston
Lectures--and with my very
sincerest remembrances
to your excellent mother & sis
ter, believe me
Ever fraternally yours
Parker Pillsbury
Nor you nor Mr. Alcott
need ever urge me to condescend
to Concord when the way opens.
A friend of mine
away in New York, wishes
very much a copy of each
of your "Memoirs"--id
est "in the Woods," and
"on the Rivers." I told
him they were not in mark-
et; but if he would com-
mission me, perhaps it
would achieve the object.
Now can you, & will
you cause a copy of each
to meet me at An-
ti Slavery Office, 221 Wash-
ington St. some day
the present week!
[page 2]
And more unreason
able still, will you take
me for pay-master?
Probably you will not
very long be kept out of
your money--certainly
not longer than you
have been sometimes
when writing for our
pretentious, progressive
monthlies!
Seriously however, if
you will direct them to
me, as above, to care of
Mr. Wallcut, with the prices,
I will remit the money
so soon as I receive
them. My remunera
tion for my trouble, is as-
sured beforehand.
[page 3]
But what anyone
can want to read your
"battle of the Pissminy" for
at a time like this, is past
finding out--Have we not
Sumpter & Pickens, the
Texas Frontier, nay & our
very Capital to defend?
Or who wants to read
how you can play with
a "bream" in the water
when the Leviathan of Slav-
ery is hourly threatning to
swallow 'Old Abe" like Jo
nah, never to vomit
him, till our ^'northern' Nineveh
is also whelmed in
the sea of God's wrath!
But the old "de gustibus"
holds good yet.
[page 4]
Is it not hopeful, however,
that we have some who
are not daft nor damned
by the eternal screech of
politics? Men & but men,
who stay at home with God
and the Lord and let the hea
then rage? I glory in
such even from the muzzle
of cannon & the mouth of mobs.
But I am troubling you too
long, & to no purpose. Please
give my kindest regards to
Mr. Emerson, should he cross
your path. Tell him I hope
to hear a part of the Boston
Lectures--and with my very
sincerest remembrances
to your excellent mother & sis
ter, believe me
Ever fraternally yours
Parker Pillsbury
Nor you nor Mr. Alcott
need ever urge me to condescend
to Concord when the way opens.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
1861 April 5 Harper's Ferry
[letter of Philip Edloe Jones continues]
Sunday morning Apr 5th/61
Dear Pa,
I will add a little more to my letter
but I have not much more time to write.
It is a very fine morning, has cleared off beautifully,
it snowed yesterday for an hour or two as hard as I
every saw it snow. We have had some right cool weather
in the last week, & it is still right cool.
I expect to go to preaching this morning in the
Methodist Church. It makes me think more about
home Sundays, than any other time, Sunday is very
little, if any more respected here than any other day.
Every thing is very quiet now, not much excitement.
Five hundred Kentuckians were expected here yester-
day evening, I did n’t hear whether they arrived.
I would like to have Penny here with me very
much, hope he will come on yet. I got acquainted
with some Robertsons the other day, Ma’s relations.
I will be very glad to see Mr. Thompson & Chiles,
hope they will be on here soon. We all miss Hyman
& Mr Lane very much, Hyman was fine amusement
for us, & he was a great deal of service to us, my
respects to him. It is said we can get letters
through mail now, I hope you all will write very often.
I was very fo sorry to hear of Jim’s sickness,
hope he is well by this time. Ask Mattie when
she is coming over to wash for me? Tell her she
must come over with Mr. Bickers. I wish Jim &
Nead would write to me, I would like very much
to get a letter from them. I’ve been expecting a
letter from Sister Page, but have been disappointed
this far, tell her she must write to me soon.
[page 4]
I want to see you all at home very much,
I reckon the Baby has forgotten me before this
time, but she knew me the night I started, though I
had on my uniform. I have no idea when I’ll
get home, I reckon I’ll be amongst the last to go,
as I don’t expect to beg anybody to let me go home.
Our fare had been better for the last two or three
days, the “Beef” has n’t been quite as tough as
ususal, the reason for it, is I do n’t, but I hope it is
because all of the “Old Cows” have been killed, &
we are getting to the young ones. I will never
want to see any more Beef after getting home.
My best love to all of the Ladies & all inquiring
friends. Joe & I got a very nice letter from Miss
Lute Payne, yesterday, my love to her & thank her
for it. My best love to Mrs. Cammack, & thank
her for the nice work case she sent me.
Write very often, I’ll write as often as I can.
My best love to all at home
& at Aunt Cynthias. From yr devoted &
Most Aff Son
P. Edloe. Jones.
Louisa Blues
Cap. Muray
Direct yr letters through mail, Via Win chester
Edloe
Col. J. W. Jones
Phillip Edloe Jones, was one of three brothers from Louisa Court House, Virginia, who fought in the "Louisa Blues" 13th Virginia Regiment. The other brothers were Francis Pendleton Jones and the Rev. John William Jones, later famous as the author of "Christ in the camp."
[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]
MSS 13407
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