CONFEDERATE HOME FRONT LETTER — MARY FERGUSON TO HUSBAND WILLIAM, MCCAA’S RANGERS, LATER 8TH CS CAVALRY

$100.00 SOLD

Quantity Available: None

Item Code: 1054-2269

Dated “Pickensville, Ala. March 28, 1862.” Addressed to “My loved one.” William” [Captain William Ferguson, McCaa’s Rangers—later commanding Co. D, 8th Confederate Cavalry, serving in the west under Gen. Joseph Hooker.] 6 pp. in ink on unlined paper, 5” x 8.” Exhibits fold-marks, else VG and easily readable, accompanied by typed transcript.

Mary Ferguson was an extremely poised 19 year old wife and plantation mistress, writing to her soldier husband only a few days before the Battle of Shiloh, in which his McCaa Rangers would be engaged. She writes with obvious affection and lyrically with considerable sophistication. As follows:

“Your letter written at Purdy on the twelveth of March, reaching on Wednesday last having been two week on the road. Oh how I treasure any thing coming from my dear William. Knowing how constantly and laboriously your time is occupied—I can appreciate your letters. You spoke of a letter coming from a dear wife—how it cheered the soldier heart. I do love to write to my dear one so far away. When I commence a letter to him—the distance between us seems lessened—and writing to him has a pleasure in akin to the pleasure I have once enjoyed in talk to him…

You must write me what tells you about the baby. He stopped to see me a few mornings ago and wanted to see Miss Ferguson. I showed her to him and sent you several messages about her—“Very well,” says Nic, “I’ll tell Billie, she grows fast and gets uglier every day.” But oh if you could only see her…You must thrash the Yankees and come home—Then I’ll make you a cup of nice coffee and put the sugar in with the silver tongs.

Father has received the appointment of Brigade quartermaster in the 5th brigade of the 2nd division of the militia. He will probably have to go with the militia. Our little village grows less and less. When Capt. Hash’s company leaves there will be nothing left but a community of women. If there are many more call for soldiers I think the ladies will have to enlist. I will go very willingly if they will let me join the Pope Walker Battalion and wait on a certain private in the McCaa Rangers when he gets sick or feels tired after a hard day’s work. The army of the Potomac have evacuated manassas and fallen back Gordonsville a hundred and fifty miles. The Fifth Alabama Regiment are reported to be at Corinth. I do not credit the report. Cousin Willie is sick again at the first Alabama hospital in Richmond.

Remarkable Home Front letter from a remarkable Confederate wife. McCaa Ranger William Ferguson was a lucky man. In protective sleeve. [JP]  [ph:L]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!

Inquire About CONFEDERATE HOME FRONT LETTER — MARY FERGUSON TO HUSBAND WILLIAM, MCCAA’S RANGERS, LATER 8TH CS CAVALRY

For inquiries, please email us at [email protected]

featured item

HISTORICAL FIREARMS STOLEN FROM THE NATIONAL CIVIL WAR MUSEUM IN HARRISBURG, PA

Please click on the photograph above to view a flyer containing information regarding a Model 1860 Henry Rifle and pair of cased presentation Colt Revolvers identified to Secretary of War Simon Cameron which were stolen from the museum on February… . Learn More »

Upcoming Events

28
Mar

April 13-14: Spring Gettysburg Military Antiques Show Learn More »

Instagram