Author Archives: hhthomas

25 May 1863: “I am glad to see by your let-ter to me that Mr. McKay is a gentleman…”

Item description: Letter, dated 25 May 1863, written by Charles L. Pettigrew to his brother William.  The letter discusses the engagement of their sister Annie to the Reverend Neill McKay and William’s plans to leave the town of Winston for … Continue reading

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21 May 1863: “I have seen the battle field of Chancelorsville and I am inclined to think that it has been greatly exaggerated…”

Item description: Letter, 21 May 1863, from John A. Ramsay to Julius D. Ramsay. John A. Ramsay of Salisbury, N.C., was captain of the Rowan Artillery, later Company D, 10th North Carolina Artillery Regiment, which served with the Army of … Continue reading

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16 May 1863: “one thing I can say I was not in the least scart and filled up my pipe and had a good smoke while the bullets were fling pretty nimbly.”

Item Description: Letter, 16 May 1863, from George Washington Baker to his sister describing the Battle of Chancellorsville. Baker hailed from Washington County, N.Y., and served with Company K, 123rd New York Volunteers in the Civil War. The collection includes letters … Continue reading

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15 May 1863: “I am sorry to inform you that I unfortunately fell into the hands of the enemy on Sunday the 3rd inst.”

Item description: Letter, 15 May 1863, from Corporal Andrew J. Proffit to his father, William Proffit of Wilkes County, N.C., in which the son described his unsuccessful attempt to protect the North Carolina 18th Regiment’s colors (and himself) from capture … Continue reading

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9 May 1863: “Twas a splendid charge, straight forward for two miles, while their cannon were pouring an iron hail into our ranks.”

Item description: Letter, dated 9 May 1863, from Harrison Wells to his sweetheart Mollie Long.  Wells, a sergeant in the 13th Georgia Infantry Regiment, describes his homesickness and his experiences at the Battle of Chancellorsville.  He notes the injury of … Continue reading

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8 May 1863: “I have just passed through another of the bloodiest battles of the war.”

Item Description:  Letter, dated 8 May 1863, from Corporal William H. Proffit to his parents.  In this letter Cpl. Proffit provides some details of the the bloody battle on the Rappahannock River, as well as gives an account of the … Continue reading

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1 May 1863: “The Yankees Repulsed Above Fredericksburg. Great Battle Expected.”

Item Description: Article from the Wilmington Daily Journal, announcing an expected battle near Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. Item citation: Wilmington Daily Journal, 2 May 1863, page 3, column 1.  From Miscellaneous Newspapers in the North Carolina Collection, Wilson Library, University of … Continue reading

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19 April 1863: “…I dont suppose the Jenkin’s being Presbyterians, will dance.”

Item Description: Letter, dated 19 April, 1863, from John Steele Henderson to his mother, Mary Henderson.  He discusses family members, including the death of a cousin, and the recent visit of a band to Salisbury. From folder 33 in the … Continue reading

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4 April 1863: “Paid Mrs Suky midwifes fees…”

Item description: Receipt, dated 4 April 1863, presumably signed by Edmund Wilcox Hubard (E.W. Hubard), for midwifery services performed by “Mrs. Suky.” [Item transcription available below images.] From folder #185 in the Hubard Family Papers, Southern Historical Collection, Wilson Library, … Continue reading

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25 February 1863: “Troops have been pouring in in great numbers from North Carolina.”

Item Description: Letter, dated 25 February 1863, presumably to Jane North Pettigrew, from Henry Lesesne. Item Citation: From folder 261 in the Pettigrew Family Papers #592, Southern Historical Collection, Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Item Transcription: … Continue reading

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