17 July 1861: “I heard from Rob yesterday. He was wounded in the last fight on the 2nd and left on the field supposed to be killed…”

Item description: Letter, 17 July 1861, from May to her husband in which she sends news of Rob [relations unknown]. The enclosed letter, of 12 July 1861, relates Rob’s battle wound and subsequent detainment in a wagon for “five days and nights.”

[Transcription available below images.]

Item citation: from folder 89 in the George W. Mordecai Papers #522, Southern Historical Collection, The Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Item transcription:

Raleigh

17th July

My dear husband

I merely write a line to enclose you this note which will explain itself. I sent it over to the depot but the train had left. If poor Rob is in Richmond do try and have him brought on here but don’t let his coming detain you one moment.

Give much love to every body as if named. I do hope you have had a comfortable and safe journey and found all our dear friends in their usual health. Kiss them all for me including brother Sam. Rowen sends much love. Milly [unites?] with me in warmest love your own May.

[Enclosed letter, addressed to Mr. Mordecai]

Friday Morning

Dear Cousin George,

I heard from Rob yesterday. He was wounded in the last fight on the 2nd and left on the field supposed to be killed. Was apparently dead for four hours. Wrote a few lines in pencil on the 9th from Williamsport to which place he was carried in a wagon. He was lying in the wagon when he wrote and had been in it five days and nights. He was going to Winchester but had been waiting three days at Williamsport for the Potomac to fall. His wound is in the right thigh. He sent love to all his friends. I hope your nephews are safe. Rob’s friend, Lt. Montgomery was killed poor fellow. Your cousin, [A?k]

Rob says he will try to get to Richmond. His letter was mail’d on the 12th at Winchester and I suppose he had reach’d there. My love to the ladies. I want to see you very much. If I don’t have that pleasure before you leave for Richmond will you give my love to Miss Ellen and Mrs. Rosina, and I would like to add Miss Emma, but she might think it a liberty. I hope I am better but don’t know.

 

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