Letter, Civil War - J.A. Reeves to Ms. Lizzie

 
Skip to main content
Collections Menu
Collections Categories Exhibitions Bibliography Favorites About
Letter, Civil War - Reeves Collection
Letter, Civil War - J.A. Reeves to Ms. Lizzie
Letter, Civil War - Reeves Collection
Letter, Civil War - Reeves Collection

Letter, Civil War - J.A. Reeves to Ms. Lizzie

Object number2010.052.02
DateFebruary 15, 1865
Mediumpaper, ink
Dimensions7 13/16 x 9 7/16 in. (19.9 x 23.9 cm)
Credit LineOld State House Museum Collection
DescriptionLetter written in pencil on a folder sheet of paper with blue lines. The letter was written by J.A. Reeves, who was stationed in Lousiville at the time, to "Ms. Lizzie," at the close of the Civil War. The contents of the letter are mostly romantic in nature, with Reeves describing his feelings towards Lizzie.

Joseph A. Reeves was born August 22, 1836 in Georgia. He enlisted in the Confederate Army on May 24, 1861 in Little Rock, Arkansas in the Camden City Guards and later joined Co. H of the 6th Arkansas Infantry. He was promoted twice during the war. Joseph married Elizabeth "Lizzie" (last name unknown). He died October 12, 1912 in Camden, Arkansas and is buried in Oakland Cemetery in Camden.

Louisville
Feby 15th 1865

Miss Lizzie
My Best Friend,
You see from the heading of this that I have changed my plans (?) as I do not write from Magnolia as I thought. Well I arrived here all safe except a little wetting I received while crossing some creeks.
I staid [sic] at Mr. Dan (?), last night. I arrived(?) there late in the evening with both my boots full of water & of course feeling bad. Miss Allie Johnson came to my assistance as I soon had a pair of dry shoes to wear & a good fire to sit down to; with Miss Allie to talk to. Don't you join me in feeling grateful to her for her kindness?
I will give you a description of her when I see you again. I will simply say I find it almost impossible to keep from loving her some but I must soon start on (?) (?) back by way (?) (?) (?) (?) not get back by the dayset doubtful uneasy(?)
Be assured I will get back as soon as possible. How much I have missed you a (?) & how often here I thought of you.
I have no possible way of proving to you how very dear you are to me. Life would be worth but little without you.
You are, I think, so noble, so good, I fear I am not capable of appreciating you as I should.
I did not see the Misses Dism(?) this time, but feel satisfied to have met Miss Allie. I promise to call again on my return. I must stop writing, go out, attend to some business, then I will finish.
I forgot to mention to Mr. F(?) that you had made other arrangements about sending out your (?). Well I am now ready to leave for Jefferson. I bid you good bye unitl you see me in Camden(?)
I have been so lonely all day while riding along. O! I have thought of you so much.
The sun is nearly down (?) you told me to think of you most, as you really do like (?) for me.
I saw Mr. B(?), he was complaining about not hearing from you, has written three letters.
I close
Devotedly yours,
R.
Status
Not on view
Collections