General correspondence, 1863 January-June

Containers:

Box 1

Scope and content:

Letters from Charles Henry continue to report on his health and to describe his time in New Orleans. He writes to his mother asking advice on whether he should join an African American regiment which could result in advancement. He mentions the African American regiment in several subsequent letters. In writing he shares his racist views. Lois writes to Charles Henry about news of the war, her worries for her sons, and how things are at home. Eunice's son Clarence writes letters to his grandmother Lois. Lois explains to Charles Henry how she has needed to spend the money he earns from the war to help herself and other family members. A few of the letters mention the Emancipation Proclamation. Eunice writes about working as a washer woman and about making palm leaf hats to sell. Luther writes that he heard from prisoners of war that his brothers-in-law Dudley Merill and William Stone might be with 18th Alabama Regiment in East Tennessee. Eunice writes back with instructions to Luther to write to their sister Ellen in Alabama; she urges him to be careful in what he says for fear of spys. Luther reports that he has been working in the cookhouse. Other letters from Charles Henry mention battles going on at Vicksburg and Port Hudson.

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