Sarah Ann Marshall writes her aunt with the family news from Cheraw. She reports that many people in the area have been sick, including family members, though most have recovered.
V. [possibly Virginia Wilkinson Belin] discusses with a dear friend the importance of applying the mind when reading, as opposed to letting the mind wander
An addendum to a longer letter, in which the writer praises Willis for keeping faith in God. The writer also states that Henry has a "lady-love" who is said to be a fine young lady, and rich.
Letter from Sarah, in Charleston, to her mother at Hopeton. She discusses the weather, the state of the house and her mother's things, and the health of their family.
Unsigned letter sent from Philadelphia. The writer tells her mother to thank her father for sending money. She reports that she went to St. Stephens Church, and saw Laurel Hill Cemetery, Girard College, and Fairmount. She also states that there will be a Torchlight Procession with 7,000 people that evening.
A letter from Mrs. Withers thanking her friend for sending a package containing a dress pattern, some tobacco for Mr. Withers, and some items for Mrs. Huger. Mrs. Huger also requests some preserved fruit be sent in the fall.
A letter from Anna Bella Wilkinson to her father, who is in Charleston for business. She discusses her trips to Town, and passes on an apology from her mother for not packing Dr. Wilkinson's shaving apparatus.
A letter written from Philadelphia, reacting to news of a serious illness in Anna Wilkinson's family. The writer wishes to come visit the Wilkinson family, but is concerned about the "severity of the laws".
In this letter, Emma apologizes for not keeping in touch with Anna since Emma's marriage, and reports that she has traveled frequently, from Beaufort to Charleston to Savannah and back. She also laments the damage done to Charleston by a fire, particularly the destruction of its two Methodist churches.
A letter from Dr. Willis Wilkinson to his daughter Anna. He discusses her upcoming visit, and talks about a nurse who may be available to work for Mary, if Mary prefers a white nurse.
A letter from Dr. Willis Wilkinson to his daughter, from New York. He writes that he heard of the gale and the cholera outbreak in the Carolinas and for those reasons, he is coming home earlier than planned.
A letter from Anna Bella Wilkinson to her mother, sharing family news from Charleston. Anna reports that Mary has a family of goslings, and that Ellen was recently vaccinated. She also discusses the high cost of renting a house, and says that small houses are renting for $600 per year.
A letter from C.G. Memminger to "Stanner" - Anna Bella Wilkinson, his sister-in-law. He reports that Anna's father will not be able to travel to Savannah to accompany Anna and Sarah home. He also wants to hear her narrative of the Ogeechee reform and its effect upon the behavior of the slaves.
A letter from Mary Wilkinson Memminger to "Stanner" - Anna Bella Wilkinson, her sister. She tries to clear up some confusion brought about by letters from their mother and Virginia. She says she does not have much news, and talks about Ellen (her daughter).
A letter from Mary Wilkinson Memminger to "Stanner" - Anna Bella Wilkinson, her sister. She writes from Greenville, and reports that they will soon start home, although her husband will first go to Flat Rock, N.for a railroad convention. She also tells stories about her daughter Alice.
Letter written to Anna Bella Wilkinson from an unknown sender with the initials P.G.E. She writes to express her concern about Emma Elliot's engagement to John Barnwell - she feels that he is not pious enough, though he does have good moral character.
A letter from Mary Wilkinson Memminger to "Stanner" - Anna Bella Wilkinson, her sister. She writes from Greenville, reporting that the weather has been very stormy and rainy. She talks about her children, and plans for their stay at Mamma's house in Charleston.
A letter from Mary Wilkinson Memminger to "Stanner" - Anna Bella Wilkinson, her sister. She writes from Greenville, thanking Anna for writing, as hers was the first letter from home she had received. She talks of visiting neighbors, and talks about her children.
Letter written by William Wilkinson to his father. He writes from school, reflecting that if he had studied more he could have entered the freshman class. He assures his father that it is warm enough to not need a cloak.
A letter from Mary Wilkinson Memminger to her mother. She writes that she enjoys the country living in Rock Hill. She also remarks on her sister Virginia's recent marriage to Mr. Belin.
A letter from Virginia Wilkinson Belin at Sandy Knowe plantation to her mother, Eleanora Wilkinson. She informs her mother that she will be visiting in the next 2 weeks, and asks her to prepare her room with camphor to keep the bugs away. She also says that she will be sending a puppy named Rollo a few days ahead of her.
A letter from Virginia Wilkinson Belin at Sandy Knowe plantation to her mother, Eleanora Wilkinson. She shares some news of nearby Friendfield plantation, where 10 slaves ran away.
In this letter from Mary Wilkinson Memminger to her mother, Eleanora Wilkinson, Mary shares news from Charleston. She discusses two deaf-mute children who came to stay with her on their way to an institute in Hartford.
Letter from Virginia Wilkinson Belin to her mother. She talks of taking her daughters, Hess and Ginger (Jinny), to their cousin Johnny's birthday party, where there was iced cream and cake.
A letter from Mary Wilkinson Memminger to her mother. She mentions Stanna's [Anna Wilkinson's] trouble with her foot, and describes her daily afternoon ritual with her children, including sitting on the piazza and having tea. She also describes some health problems her daughter Ellen has been suffering.
Anna Wilkinson writes to her mother concerning her mother's offer to come stay with her during her illness. Anna says that she is welcome to stay with her, but that the room is warm so her mother may be more comfortable staying at her own house. She also mentions a way to use quicksilver to keep away bugs.
Anna Wilkinson writes to her mother after spending a week on laudanum to relieve her pain. She discusses the recent death of a child in the Belin family. Another person writes a note at the end of the letter, and corrects the date.
Mary Wilkinson Memminger writes to her mother, chastising her for not writing. She also shares news from Charleston, including the news that her daughter Ellen has returned to Montpelier Institute, a school for girls in Georgia run by Bishop Stephen Elliott. She also informs her mother that they have met a distant cousin, a Dr. Borland, a sugar planter who lives in Louisiana.
Willis writes from the Confederate Army of the Potomac, two miles from the Chickahominy River, on the privations of camp [though he is accompanied by a slave, Paris], and the expectation of a large scale engagement. He is spiritied by news of Stonewall Jackson's successes.
Willis writes from the centre of the Army of Richmond of the loses of the 5th and 6th South Carolina Regiments, skirmishes around camp and his concern for James Island, his family and the location of their slaves
Willis - 12th Regiment, South Carolina Volunteers - writes from near Richmond on charging with the 1st Regiment, under orders of General Gregg. He reports great loss of life including two "Rhetts" and Shubrick Hayne. Willis notes he is next to head off Union General McClellan.
[Typescript] Willis - 12th Regiment, South Carolina Volunteers - writes from near Richmond on charging with the 1st Regiment, under orders of General Gregg. He reports great loss of life including two "Rhetts" and Shubrick Hayne. Willis notes he is next to head off Union General McClellan.
[Incomplete letter] Willis writes detailing life at camp, a fateful charge [also described in previous correspondence] and its death tolls, and also the experiences of his camp slaves, Paris and Fred, who apparently declined an opportunity to desert.
Willis writes from camp that they are rumoured to be sent to Stonewall Jackson in "the Valley" and that Paris has found better clothing in the knapsacks of dead Union soldiers.
Willis writes from camp outside Richmond, that he is marching to western Virginia. He has sent his slave, Paris home and is in search of another "boy".
Willis writes from near Ripadan, Virginia, where Generals Lee and Johnston are in command. He speculates on a potential attack by the Confederates, though Union General Pope has pulled his men back.
Willis writes from Camp Gregg that living conditions have easied though he expects General Jackson will have them move up the Valley once the weather improves; he and Paris have had several items stolen; Dr. Prioleau expects furlough.
Willis writes from near Frederick City, MD, on the Second Battle of Bull Run or Manassas. His account (which places him at Manassas Junction), describes the battle-scenes and skirmishes, and his belief the "Yankees" had suffered more casualties. He also notes his inability to get some goods at Frederick City on account of the store owners being "Unionists"; his discovery that his hired "boy" was a runaway slave, (he has also fled from Keith); the misery of camp and his idea of resigning and returning to South Carolina to join Marion's Artillery who "will never be sent out of state".
Willis writes from Charlestown, Va, on having taken 1,300 prisoners at Harpers Ferry (many Vermonters); on the Second Battle of Bull Run or Manassas; his continued interest in resigning and joining Marion Artillery in South Carolina; the deaths of Nathaniel Heyward and Lt. Munroe of Charleston and his frustration at not being able to secure a slave to tend to him. He notes that he is writing on "captured paper" and the pro-Union sentiment on the envelope ("The Union and the Constitution must and shall be preserved") is crossed out.
Partial clipping if an unidentified newspaper with an obituary on Mrs. Ann Postell of Charleston, S.C., and on reverse, A Proclamation on Charleston City Council's enforcement of the Quarantine Laws in the Port and Harbor of Charleston.
Willis writes from Camp Gregg that the attack on Charleston has not come; that he has a new set of Field Officers; his hopes of returning to South Carolina but belief that General Jackson will not be sent from Virginia.
Willis writes from Camp Gregg that he has been refused furlough?; his fear the Brigade will be split up; that the "Army is in a flourishing condition" despite the cold weather
Willis writes from Camp Gregg that although the Regiment is to prepare to march, the heavy rain keeps them stationary; that his young male friends at home have little idea of the suffering in the War; Dr. Prioleau remains on furlough.
Willis writes from Camp Gregg thanking his mother for the food she sent; his fear Paris will die and his eagerness to get a replacement slave; his delight that an ironclad has been sunk in Charleston harbor
Willis writes from Camp Gregg asking about news from home. He writes that Paris is well again, but he still feels Paris will not last the war and wishes for a replacement slave.
Willis writes from near Camp Gregg on the "terrible blow" of Stonewall Jackson's death, which Keith believes the Union Army will view as better than a battlefield victory; his uncertainty in matters of faith
Willis writes from breastworks near Fredericksburg, Va. on skirmishes and picketing; a Union request for the picketing to end and its refusual; Willis's suggestion his father come to see the battlefield; the decomposing bodies of "Yankees" from the battle of Fredericksburg [De1862]; desire to acquire a younger slave
Willis writes from breastworks near Fredericksburg, Va. that the "enemy" have moved to the opposite side of the river; Willis wonders where General Hooker will make his new base; inability to get Paris a horse, except for $400
Willis writes from Chambersberg, Pa., at the end of a march from Fredericksburg, Va., on passing through "Yankee" territory, with General Jenkins at the head
Willis writes from Williamsport, MD., on a disappointing battle [Gettysburg], where "very many valuable men" were lost; that General Lee is not to cross the Potomac for a "few days".
Willis writes from Williamsport, MD., near the Potomac River, unsure if they are to cross once again. His regiment lost 25 men in a recent encounter. Willis wonders if Vicksburg has fallen, and if his family are headed to Flat Rock, N.C., soon.
Willis writes from Winchester, Va., on Paris having "disappeared" and being left with no-one "to do a hands turn for me"; his reflection: "Our reverse in Pennsylvania, and then the far greater blow, the loss of Vicksburg, and Port Hudson, look gloomy for the Confederacy"; his taking pants from a corpse? on the battlefield.
Willis writes from near Culpeper, Va., on the miserable marching at the Potomac; his impressive horse and the desire of the Regiment to go to S.to "storm the Yankees off Morris Island"
Willis writes from near Orange, Va., complaining that he does not have a slave to cook his rations, and asserting that the men of his Regiment wish to help relieve Charleston
Willis writes from near Orange, Va., that he does not expect a vigorous campaign in the short term, complaints about lack of good clothing and reminiscences about home
Willis writes from near Orange, Va., that he is upset by the dissatisfaction in some of the Confederate States, that he wishes a dictator was put in place (he would support Jefferson Davis in this role) and that civil law was abolished. He has lost all faith in England.
John writes that Union forces are putting torpedoes in the Stono river to blow up Confederate boats, but that all attempts, thus far, have been unsuccessful.