For Mrs J. Hanson Thomas

Baltimore

 

Jackson Feb 28^th

 

Dearest Mother

                        Through the kindness of our cousin your letter of the 15^th of Jany was forwarded me with a very sweet note enclosed.

 

            It was a Godsend, what I had prayed & wished for ever since I left Richmond. I thought that it would never come, & like many things, when least expected was received. If I could but have seen you at the moment dear Mother, with my feelings & acknowledgement of God's great mercy. It was so forcibly impressed at the time. It seems that every thing I desire of any great value & importance, is granted me / I was on my way to church, to evening prayers, when it was handed me. I trust that you may succeed in sending them often. I dont know when I can have this mailed, But Col Fonte whom you know promises me many opportunities which of course I will not neglect. I have sent several since I came out here via Memphis; which I hope have reached you. I wrote Mrs Fonte a note also, tho' I did not know her & requested the mention of my name in some of her letters to Balt^o.

 

            You spoke of my being friendless out here. I can relieve your uneasiness. There is not a place that I go that I do not meet some one of mine or fathers friends / I have never in all my life met with more kindness than I have since I [?] the C.S. Besides, with an Aunt like AnnEliza, & a sister like Betty, I am never allowed to suffer for anything. I hear from the latter once or twice a week, & from Aunt as often as her eyes will permit.

 

            It was an ill wind that blew me out to this forsaken & forlorn country. As concerns comfort & hospitality it is about the last place on earth. As far as I can see, there is but little chance of our being ordered away.

 

            I am a thousand times obliged to you for your promised presents, for me & mine, it will be a great comfort if we / succeed in getting them.

 

            The enemy during the fight at the "Bing" were fortunate enough to get hold of my trunk, which contained nearly all my worldly possessions, valuable to me, but I dont think it hardly paid them the trouble of opening it. Everything that it contained were the things that I had in Baltimore, & worn up to the time of their capture. They were no doubt much edified by the letters, some from you & B. I think I will get even with them yet.

 

            When you write me always mention Father more particularly. I am exceedingly anxious to hear all about him. But for the justice of our cause, it indeed would / be humiliating to see him suffer so much even "to the renting of the slaves". None of us ever thought what we would be brought to. Yet we should be thankful, comparatively, we have experienced but little of the horrors of war. The suffering of the Virginians is beyond comprehension. Hundreds upon hundreds, who before the war were well to do in the world, are now penniless & starving. But the glorious name she has won for herself will ever be remembered & acknowledged by the world. I dream frequently of home & its sweets, tho it's a disappointment, yet gives me much better spirits. 

 

            Give my love to Father & the boys. I hope soon to see you again, perhaps sooner than you have any idea of. Couldn't father write to me? What is Bazil doing now! I think he might send me a word or two sometimes. Give my love to Aunt Eliza Kiss Nan & Mary for me, & with many for your self dearest mother I am

 

as ever your devoted and affectionate Son &c

J.H.T.

 

"Mr Robinson" that Betty spoke of in her letter has a sister in Georgetown whom M.E.G. knows very well. I wish you would mention that he is in good health &c. &c.

 

[overwritten]

 

I have met several of Aunt Eliza's relations (Skepwiths) who have been very kind. One particularly, Mrs Foule, who asked the General & myself to take supper with her. The General wishes to be remembered kindly, says he has dined about house, knows you both quite well. Love to all,   J.H.T.

           

March 3^rd 1863

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