2 October 1861: “Peter is well acquainted with horses, is a capable servant in many respects, he can make clothes and is a first rate nurse”

Item description: Charles L. Pettigrew to James Johnston Pettigrew, 2 October 1861

In October 1861, Charles L. Pettigrew sent Peter to the Confederate army to serve Brigadier General James Johnston Pettigrew, Charles’s brother. Peter had the responsibility for managing General Pettigrew’s personal belongings and welfare. (Adapted from North Carolina and the Civil War: They Were There: Peter (http://ncmuseumofhistory.org/exhibits/civilwar/explore_section4e.html)).

Item citation: From folder 247 of the Pettigrew Family Papers #592, Southern Historical Collection, Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Item transcription:

Bonarva Oct 2d 1861

My dear Johnston

I was glad to hear from you by a letter to brother William. In that letter you wished him to get a servant for you. I said to him I thought my man Peter would answer your purposes; he a greed, and accordingly I have dispatched him this morning. He is in the charge of a Mr. D.G. Cowand who is going to Norfolk, and Mr. C. says he will find some one going to Fredericksburg and but should he not find any one going he will keep him subject to your directions. As soon as you receive this letter, you had better write to Mr. Cowand to care of “P. Hannebury[?] & Co. Norfolk Va.” if Peter does not arrive.

Peter is well acquainted with horses, is a capable servant in many respects, he can make clothes and is a first rate nurse; he has not been sick for several years. He is doubled in the way of money as you know, my reason for being willing to part from him, is that he has begotten a child by one of the girls about the house, and it is necessary for him to leave the place.

In camp with you I know he would have few opportunities for his weaknesses; He is a man of so many capabilities, that was not willing to sell him in the market, but concluded he might be very useful to you.

 

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