Letter, C.J. Webster to his Father

Letter, C.J. Webster to his Father

Object number1998.055.37

DateMay 10, 1863

Mediumpaper and ink

DimensionsOverall: 9 15/16 x 7 11/16 in. (25.2 x 19.5 cm)

Credit LineOld State House Museum collection

Terms

DescriptionThe letter is handwritten on unlined paper in black ink. There is an embossed insignia to the right of the middle crease. Many rips and tears.

Little Rock, Ark.
May 10th, 1863

Dear Father
As we make it a rule never to neglect writing when there is probably (?) an opportunity of sending a letter to you and as I am going to Brookses[sic] Camp this evening, I may meet with some one going to Washington County by whom I can send this letter. We are all well and in good spirits since we learn that the (?) have gone from that section but I fear they will be among you again before this reaches you as we learn they have orders to return to the line in force to meet Price. General Marmaduke has returned to Cross County from a raid into Missouri; his loss in killed, wounded, left sick, etc. is 200 men. (?) lost no property. He damaged the Feds over 1,000 killed, wounded and taking prisoners.
As to the contemplated movement of Price's Division, we know but very little. But our knowledge of & confidence in him satisfys[sic] us that when he can he will. A son of one of the C(?) of Benton County is in jail in Little Rock for selling numerous boxes of sticks for cotton cards. He had 1 box of cards for a sample. I believe we have no news of importance from over the river(?). We learn Lincoln has ordered another attack on Charleston. We were defeated at Alexandria, VA a short time since our loss in killed & captured 5 to 6 thousand. Lieut. E. Kirty(?) Smith was forced to move his headquarters to Shreve Port[sic] on Red River. Dave Son(?) who deserted and joined the Feds last winter has voluntarily returned to his command. He got into camp yesterday and (?) to with Walker's Company. Please sell the contents of a certain box in Washington County belonging to me. When the Feds are good gone, I will try to get a furlough and come up.
I have been very arguably surprised several times on learning that you was yet alive. When I left Fayetteville on the 10th of January I felt confident that I had seen you for the last time. But I now indulg[sic] the hope if written(?) (?) (?) (?) we may not (?). I think Simp & Tom & I will remain here until the close of this war should it ever close. We are of opinion if you would search for opportunity to us as we do to you we would receive at least one letter every week. (?) states that one of our Generals at Vicksburg sold it to the Feds for 3,000,000 and the courier by whom he sent and received dispatches from the Feds was captured. He was arrested, cut to pieces & burned. Write by the first & every opportunity and let us hear from you once by letter. We have not (?) (?) (?) (?)
C.J. Webster

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