17 January 1865: “the triumphal march of Sherman through the heart of Georgia to the congress of Savannah are events significant of greater misfortunes in the coming spring campaign.”

Item Description: A letter from Edmund Kirby-Smith to his mother describing plans to see each other in the spring and lamenting Sherman’s march through Georgia. Kirby-Smith was a confederate Army General during the war.

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Item Citation: From Folder 46, in the Edmund Kirby-Smith Papers, #404, Southern Historical Collection, The Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Item Transcription:

Shreveport Jan. 17 /65

I received your letter of Oct 23rd yesterday, though a long time on the route it, my dear mother, has made my hear glad. We feel for you in the trials you have undergone and the discomforts which surround you Cassie and myself both regret the return of Mr. Calhoun without you had I known of his intentions, uncertain as I regard my position I would certainly have arranged for you to have  accompanied him. How delightful it would be to have you with us and how your heart would rejoice in your secret little Grand children. Unless misfortunes overtake us this winter, I shall endeavor in the spring to arrange for your coming the river, it is a tremendous undertaking, but with your will and fortitude it may be safely accomplished the country is now in horrible, the river overflows and the swamps bottomless  – until the early part of the season the attempt would be worse that foolhardy The bad news from the co. Mississippi has cast a gloom over all the defeat of Hood and the triumphal march of Sherman through the heart of Georgia to the congress of Savannah are events significant of greater misfortunes in the coming spring campaign. The unfortunate exchange of the wise + prudent Johnson for the a general who though bold lacked I fear the judgment + experience necessary under such trying emergencies has produced results that might have been anticipated. God in his mercy + wisdom is chastening us with the heavy hand of misfortune. We must not despair or lose heart, I feel that the will ultimately had us through all our trials to final + complete success. I wrote to you two weeks since, I fear my letters miscarry. You must call on Mr. Booker for funds Cassie + myself both desire + expect you to do so. Say to Mr. Anderson I will send your William’s immediately home. How my heart yearns to Auntie + yourself – when will I ever clasp you again in my arms tell her how I love her May God in his infinite mercy shower blessings on you all in the midst of your trials + adversities From, Your devoted Son, Edmund Jan. 17th 1865.

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