Augusta: Maggie Shields to Kate Armentrout, March 4,
1862
Summary:
Maggie shares with Kate news of friends and family, continuing the description of
John Lightner's death and funeral. She also mentions that several of their
acquaintances had re-enlisted in the Confederate army, and describes religious
services held on the recent fast day.
March 4th, 1862
Green Valley
My Dear Kate,
I have been promising you a letter for more than a fortnight, but have neglected writing until this late period, though
doubtless it will be quite unexpected to you even now as it is almost entirely
unwonted for [added: those] at home to introduce a
correspondence with an absent friend; but you know as hard times increase, all
precedent customs as well as general formality diminishes & as I deem my
"own dear self" a miss of self-competence sufficient
to be governed by momentary impulses I will preface a fashion which I anticipate
will remain unimitated
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though hope not depreciated, if it be a breach
of former civility or etiquette if you please. Well, Kate I scarcely know what
to communicate first; as I am aware you hear directly
from the neighborhood [deleted: that] so frequently that you receive
the news almost as early as myself; suppose from what I have learned that your
fruition has been dazzling in the zenith of its magnificence during your visit
up to the present time; & presume it will not cease to continue as long
as parties, are the fashion & Valley Rangers, with plenty of "Tobacco"
are the Chorus in your "Town"; Oh! I have a great desire to hear from you. There has no material cha[added: n]ge occurred within the limits of our
vicinity since you left us, we still experience the alternations of joys
& greifs which we have been accustomed to
almost daily since the war commenced; we, in accordance
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with the
dictates of the Sacred writings rejoice in time of victory & grieve when
conquered. Suppose you [added: have] heard the
particulars attending our friend John Lightner's sickness & death; he
died wishing us all to meet him in heaven, which should be our unwearied
endeavor & consequently our final end. You had my heart-felt sympathy
upon hearing the melancholy news; but this Providence like theirs should be
weighed with the balance of humiliation, as the loss of one is the gain of
another.
Fast Day was generally observed in the neighborhood, preaching at St. Johns
& Bethel but none in Greenville or at Calvary. I met with your sister
Lizzie, & Jacob at St. Js. that day, we all thought Mr Crawford did
admirably on the occasion; but I believe some had the presumption to say it was
nothing but a perfect abolition sermon; so much for diversity of opinion.
Captain Newton came home yesterday, suppose he has reenlisted, your brother
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John has recovered from the mumps I believe. From what I can learn
the defeats which our forces were compelled to experience have not discouraged
our men; as the spirit of reenlisting is [added: still] prevailing to a great extent. Well Kate, as my last page is
generally appropriated to messages of others which are sometimes prerequisite to
a conclusion, I [deleted: will] now give place. Sister Lizzie with
Miss Evaline are spending the day with us; Miss Evaline sends her love,
& says take great care of Moses in the
bulrushes; sister Sue says to captivate him
thoroughly bring him up with you, & make a
great big wedding for she is almost sick to be at [added: a] wedding; just such a one as you & [added: Moses] the brother to Jesse would make. Sister Mary
sends love & wishes you much success in the beau-line she says tell you that she is afraid the South will be
subjugated since- "The man who did his country save, Lies cold and silent in his
grave."
Mother says tell you Rockingham is the place "for the right sort" so dive down, make a sure grab, & bring up by the locks a most precious Pearl one of dazzling splendor & none to equal.
Sue & [unclear: Mag] join me in love. Please excuse all imperfections & honor me with a response very soon if you please.
From yours aff,
Maggie E. Shields
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