Gray Letters 1864 11 27

Letter

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Museum of History Benicia

The image depicts a handwritten letter dated November 27, 1864, from Mary Morton in Georgia to her brother Samuel Gray in California during the Civil War. The letter is written on blue-lined paper and expresses Mary's concerns about not receiving letters or messages from Samuel despite knowing he sailed for California in October. She mentions learning from a third party about his departure and expresses frustration and doubt about his efforts to communicate. Mary also describes how her husband, George, joined a company called the Fire Guards, tasked with protecting homes from enemy forces, who were invading their land, destroying cities, and creating distress. She describes the emotional toll, noting the anguish caused by the separation and threats of war.

The image depicts a handwritten letter dated November 27, 1864, from Mary Morton in Georgia to her brother Samuel Gray in California during the Civil War. The letter is written on blue-lined paper and expresses Mary's concerns about not receiving letters or messages from Samuel despite knowing he sailed for California in October. She mentions learning from a third party about his departure and expresses frustration and doubt about his efforts to communicate. Mary also describes how her husband, George, joined a company called the Fire Guards, tasked with protecting homes from enemy forces, who were invading their land, destroying cities, and creating distress. She describes the emotional toll, noting the anguish caused by the separation and threats of war.

Name/Title

Gray Letters 1864 11 27

Entry/Object ID

2024.10.1.97

Description

This is a letter to Samuel C Gray from his sister Mary dated 11/27/1864. In the letter she tells of her husband joining the Confederacy, "City Guard". She expresses sadness at not having heard from anyone in the family except Emily for four years. She laments that in the South the war is fought by husbands, brothers and sons whereas in the North the war is fought by foreigners. She describes the destruction of the land in the South and wonders how anyone could support Lincoln and four more years of war. The letter provides a very touching portrait of the toll the Civil War had on Southerners.

Collection

Benicia Historical Museum Collection

Letter Details

Letter Date

Nov 27, 1864