Raynors HCA 2014-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/6/2014
A good war-date Confederate Trans-Mississippi home front letter, 4pp. 4to., written by the mother of Pvt. "Willie" Lea, 9th Arkansas Vols., Princeton, Arkansas, April 30, 1862 to her brother Robert asking him to look out for her soldier son among other things, in part: "…to those loved ones so far away…you are remembered…and many a heart felt prayer ascends daily…for your protection and for your health and happiness…we heard yesterday some very distressing news…the Federals had taken New Orleans…Lord help us. What are we to do…they will take possession of Mississippi River and we will be cut off…all our soldiers on the other side of the river…we heard it from a traveler, also that Fort Pillow was evacuated. If so…where [are] our dear boys…what place they will be sent next. We have committed them into the hands of the Lord…he will take care of them…there is a great commotion hereon under the conscript law that will soon go into effect…some are trying to get off before the middle of May as volunteers…many do not want to go at all…some are ungenerous enough to exult over their weakness. I feel sorry for Mrs. Bridges as it will take all her boys this time. Clem Farrer had expected to return home to stay and Peter Stubblefield…never seems to think of going…[he] will have to…whether he likes it of not…Banks Thompson will leave here tomorrow and…will soon be with you all…dear Bro watch over my boy. He is young and had never had to act for himself…he loves you and would always take advise from you…I could not have been willing for him to go if you had not been going…same as an elder brother hesitate not to tell him when he is going wrong and you will relieve a mother's heart…for I know camp life is a trying place for one so young…O if he was only a christian I should be so happy, but I have faith…he will be…several of the wounded soldiers from Corinth have arrived at home. Poor Hamilton died. Lockridge and Flippin are here too…if the Yankees have not taken the river there will be someone passing very often…I hope you all saw Mr. Dawson…he intended…to stay with you all till fall…he is a good deal worsted by his year in the service, looks very thin and weak…dear Bob and Willie if you need any thing we can do for you do not fail to let us know and we will find someway to send it…I hope you will be able to stand your rough life…we know you have many duties to perform in camp…[as] a soldier on the banks of the Mississippi…Jim wrote us. They had quite a feast of good things in the Yankee camps near Corinth…Mr. Lea directed it to Fort Pillow…". VG
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