Library of Congress Subject Headings, 21st edition, 1998

Languages Used:

• English

LC Subject Headings:

• Kimberly family -- Correspondence.
• Family -- Southern States -- Social life and customs -- 19th century.
• Chapel Hill (N.C.) -- Social life and customs -- 19th centur
• Chapel Hill (N.C.) -- Social conditions -- 19th century.
• Southern States -- Social life and customs -- 19th century.
• Nashville (Tenn.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal narratives.
• Atlanta (Ga.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal narratives.
• Chapel Hill (N.C.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal narratives.
• Loyalty oaths -- Southern States.
• United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal narratives, Confederate.

Revision History:

• 2001-12-06,
  Natalia Smith, project manager,
  finished adding page images to the transcription of the manuscript.
  
  
• 2000-11-13,
  Celine Noel and Wanda Gunther
  revised TEIHeader and created catalog record for the electronic edition.
  
  
• 2000-01-06,
  Natalia Smith, project manager,
  finished TEI-conformant encoding and final proofing.
  
  
• 1999-12-29,
  Christie Mawhinney
  finished TEI/SGML encoding
  
  
• 1999-08-29,
  Kristofer Ray
  finished transcribing and annotating letters.
  
  

[Union Invasion]

        [Invasion of Nashville]

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Nashville Feb 16th/62

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         My own precious sister, I have but a few moments to write, and as this may be the last opportunity I will ever have to write to you I will tell you of our wretched situation. You need not expect to hear again from me as I suppose in a few hours we will be entirely cut off from all communication with our beloved, oppressed & almost crushed South. We are in hourly expectation of hearing the approach of the Northern Army. Mr Sehon, Capt Wright and all our Government officers fly to night for their lives with Gen Johnston's immense army which is here from Bowling Green and is retreating as fast as possible Southward. O my sister I cannot tell you how my heart is almost breaking to part from my precious Husband who is far more than life to me. Without him I would pray, pray

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for death, pray that God would take me from this prison world to my husband in Heaven for I know he will be there if he falls, he is so good so pure so noble. But oh God defend us spare us and avert the calamities we so much dread. Mr Sehon will take this with him & mail it. I dare not say where they are going to, but it is where I can follow him and no power on earth could keep me from going to night with my darling husband but the fact that he must fly for his life on horseback and I being with him would retard his progress. I might be the means of his being taken. We received the news this morning and I expected to be able to go with him until a few hours ago when Mr Sehon told me he would have to go on horseback. My dear sister I hope that I am not asking too much of you when I make this request. Keep posted as to the whereabouts of Gen Johnston's Army and if anything

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should happen to Mr Sehon and you can hear of it, do all in your power for him. I will be cut off from all communication from him and I dread that I may be allowed to pass to him. If you will do this my dear sister I can never repay you for your kindness, will thank you Bettie to my dying hour and bless you for any kindness to my precious darling. O God to think of our situation! But I still hope for & trust in God and I believe he will animate our brave defenders with a superhuman power and we will yet drive from our soil the hated invaders whose tread [unclear] profanation, but this is an hour to try men's souls--Fort Donelson has been taken by the enemy. Frank was there and covered himself with honor but his bravery cost him a wound; he was wounded in the leg slightly--a flesh wound only, you must not be uneasy. We can hear nothing from

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Annie M. Sehon

        [Flight from Nashville]

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Atlanta March 10th/62

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My dear Sister

        You are a little surprised are you not to hear from me at Atlanta? But I am really here and here I expect to remain until we can drive back the hated enemy and return victorious to our dear old home. You have before this learned of the taking of Nashville. It is a sad fact and woeful, woeful are its consequences. I do not know what to think of Gen Johnston to have failed to reinforce Donelson, to have given up Nashville and cowardly retreated as he has done, a general in whom we have heretofore reposed such confidence! On his shoulders rests the awful responsibility of our great disaster and probably the subjugation and ruin of the whole South. He has behaved cowardly, and will I hope meet

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his reward in having his command taken from him. Of course all our officers had to flee from Nashville, Mr Sehon and Capt Wright have been ordered to open their offices here. They left Nashville on the 19th of Feb at night and on horseback. I did not leave until the 23rd. Mr Sehon was ordered first to Murfreesboro to which place the whole army retreated, next to Chattanooga, then to Atlanta where he is stationed permanently. In Nashville he was complimented by being placed on Gen Johnston's staff and offered a high position but it was one that carried him on the field, to that I was and will ever be bitterly opposed. I am willing to make any personal sacrifice for the good of my bleeding, almost crushed country, my own life I would cheerfully give if that could save her from the impending ruin, but I am not willing to risk my Husband's life, for that is to me far far dearer than my own, without him life itself would be a burden, and daily, hourly I thank Heaven

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that I have in all our other trials & sorrows the sweetest comfort left me, that of being with my Husband under all circumstances. Let Fate lead us where it may. It was on Sunday the 16th Feb, the mournful surrender of Fort Donelson took place. We received the news just at Church time when the whole town became perfectly paralyzed, perfectly panic stricken, I believe there was not a Southern heart in Nashville that was not in complete despair. All the government officers were ordered to be in readiness to leave at any moment that Johnston should issue their orders, as gunboats from Donelson were expected every hour. This was Sunday and it was not until Wednesday night that Mr Sehon received his orders to leave. To think of such suspense! For four days & nights I was nearly frantic, not knowing what moment the Federal troops might arrive, Mr Sehon still kept in Nashville and in danger of being taken a prisoner. I never saw any human being work as he did those four days & nights.

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I don't know how human nature endured it. He had but one of the nights to sleep, and not only did he work day after day, night after night, but for a whole day & night & until the next morning that he would not stop to take any refreshment, not even a mouthful. As heart broken as I was when I had to give him up, as desolate as I felt after he left, it was yet a relief to see him go, for I know a week of such intense excitement and work day and night would have prostrated him. All this time Mr Stevenson was safe out of Nashville, had fled with his wife, household furniture, wines &c. to some safe place at the first warning of danger. The night Mr Sehon left, the suspension bridge was torn up, the rail road bridge was burned and oh how frightful was the burning, the whole town was illuminated by the flames, not a bell was rung, not a sound heard, all Nashville was stricken with a stony despair. As soon as Mr Sehon reached Murfreesboro & could get boarding

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he sent for me which was four days after he left. Never while I live shall I forget, can I forget the morning when I bade my old home Good-bye; as I turned the last lingering look upon it I felt that I was leaving it forever, but I pray God will be with us in this dark trying hour and give us strength to drive from our Soil our hated oppressors, when we can return in happiness to our dear homes. When I left Nashville it was Sunday, and the calmest brightest Spring morning I ever saw, so warm that we had been sitting out on McLemore porch. At half past ten, Mother came running in & told me I had not a moment to lose, that the Federal troops had reached Edgefield (Buell's Army) and were crossing on some Steamboats which by the miserable policy of Gen Johnston were not ordered to be burned when the bridge was. When I heard this I was in despair, for one of the railroad bridges had been swept away

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by the heavy rains between Nashville & Murfreesboro, someone had stolen one of Pa's carriage horses (the young one) and not a hackman in Nashville could be induced to drive me out even six miles, out of the range of the pickets, for one hundred dollars which was offered them. They refused to go out for any sum of money, so intense was their fright. As a last resort I had to ask sister for her carriage in which I drove to Murfreesboro & sent it back the next day. Just as I was leaving, two of the Federal officers rode by home, down McLemore St. I could scarcely control my indignation but felt what would not I give to send a dagger to the heart of each! When I saw them my heart sickened and I closed my eyes to shut out the sight, realizing at last that our home was desecrated by their tread upon its soil. Their policy in Nashville is different from what every one expected. They are trying to reconcile the people to their subjugation, are very mild and

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have spoken publicly in which they promised their rights & slaves should be protected. I cannot get a letter from Nashville, but Mr Sehon saw Mr Gleaves, who married Miss Clark, just from there who gave us the news. The Federal force there is estimated at 40.000, Gen Buell, Gen Ormsby Mitchell and Gen Nelson all there, al three old acquaintances of Fathers. Mr Gleaves told Mr Sehon a joke they had in Nashville upon Father. It was really true. One night the door bell rang and Father answered it himself. When he opened the door, he saw three Federal officers, Gen Mitchell one of them who immediately stepped up to Father & said you are my prisoner Sir. You know Father's innocent unsuspecting disposition, in terror he replied can I see my wife & children Sir. Gen Mitchell assented when all four walked in, & Father went back to tell the family. On hearing it Mother & the girls rushed in the parlor to plead for him and in a few moments Father

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recognized for the first time Gen Mitchell. Gen M then laughed & told him he had not come to arrest him but to invite him to breakfast next morning at Headquarters to meet some of his old friends. The invitation Father cooly declined. I think it was presumption in Mitchell to have called. If they had come amongst us a conquered instead of a victorious people I could treat them kindly, but now I would spurn their acquaintance & request them never again enter my door. But the greatest piece of presumption was that of a young Federal officer who called on Sallie & Fannie. He being an old acquaintance called & expressed his pleasure at meeting them. They received him distantly and told him they were once glad when they would meet, but now they regretted to see him. He laughed & told them they would soon get over that feeling and asked them to visit some of the young ladies of Nashville with him. They refused telling him that those ladies would dislike as much as they did to see him. He left

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and we did not learn whether or not he repeated the visit. Did you ever hear of such impudence? It made me indignant when I heard of it. Sister and the children with Mrs Crutcher are staying with Pa & Ma. I have no doubt every thing is perfectly safe there. I was anxious to send away the portraits, your little bonnet box, my trunk of silver & c, but the road was so loaded with Government goods I thought they would be lost on the way and now I am glad I left them as I consider our homes & property in no danger. None of the private citizens have been arrested, their object is to be as mild and conciliatory as possible. My greatest anxiety is to hear of the fate of poor dear Frank. He was taken a prisoner at Fort Donelson. I have heard nothing of him since. His wound was very slight, merely a scratch. I have heard from persons who were with him at Donelson & made their escape. They left him perfectly well. He may also have made his escape, as I cannot hear from Nashville.

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I can hear nothing of him. Ma can now hear from him as communication is opened with all the North. His fate seems a hard one, imprisonment, but I felt so relieved to hear he had passed through that terrific battle with his life saved & he not a cripple that I can feel reconciled to his being a prisoner, and being a prisoner he is safe, in no danger of his life being again imperiled in battle. The battle of Fort Donelson was the bloodiest, the most terrific struggle that has yet taken place and oh if Johnston had only reinforced then we would have been saved. Our men fought with a courage and desperation almost superhuman and bravest among the brave was dear Frank. In the thickest of the battle, he took off his cap, waved his sword above, rallied his men around him and told them he would fight and die there and like lions they all fought. He lost every one of his officers and many of his men and oh with a heart full of fervent gratitude I thank the Good God who protected him

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in his imminent peril while his men fell thick and fast around him. I have a dispatch from Gen Pillow which I shall always preserve. While the battle was raging my anxiety was so intense Mr Sehon telegraphed to know how he was. Gen Pillow took the time to answer which he did in these words, "Capt Maney wounded slightly in the leg, fought as bravely as any boy I ever saw." The Editor of the Gazette was present when the dispatch was received and asked permission to publish it, which he did the next morning. I received three letters from you while at Chattanooga, the Nashville mail is now stopped and distributed there. I received also while there a letter from Will. He is still at Cumberland Gap and perfectly well. George's regiment is at Knoxville. But it is so dark I cannot see what I write. Direct your letters to me to this place. Give my best love to Mr K and a kiss to the little darlings. Mr S tells me always to give his best love.

Your affectionate Sister

Annie M. Sehon

        Nashville occupation

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Atlanta July 22nd 1862

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My dear Bettie

        I wrote you a few hurried lines some days ago and this afternoon as Mr Sehon is sleeping I will write again. Mr Sehon is improving very rapidly and will soon be able to travel. We will leave Atlanta on the 2nd of August, (Saturday) spend Sunday in Augusta, then my dear sister go on to see you, and oh how happy I will be to see you all once more. We will only travel in the day, will stop every night on Mr Sehon's account. We will sell all our furniture &c, Mr George Cunningham will I think buy it, as her ladyship, his wife seems willing to live for the present in such an humble little home. As plain as it is, I shall ever remember it with tender love, as the birth place of my boy and the home where many happy hours have been spent. I know you wish to hear from home. A few days ago I received a letter from Ma, in which she sends you love & messages which I will deliver by letting you read her letter. She writes of you dear Bettie with so much affection. All well at home. Kittie McEwen & Lit Trimble Ma writes me are going to marry Federal officers. Isn't that shameful! Miss Hays writes to her brother that at the examination in the Catholic convent near

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Nashville, the Bankhead girls appeared leaning on the arms of Federal officers. I regret that any of our Nashville girls should have so disgraced themselves. Father has been arrested and confined in the Penitentiary in company with the other ministers of Nashville, all in one room 15 feet square, and allowed none but the coarsest fare, not even wheat bread. Poor Father I think it is so unjustifiable to treat him in such a manner, they are however allowed to receive visitors & Mother writes me for once in her life she thanks the inventor of hoops as they are excellent for smuggling, which she adds is carried on extensively. On yesterday Jim spent the day with us on his way to Tupelo to join George. G_ has given him the position of brigade quartermaster. And you think Frank & Mr Sehon treated you shabbily in passing you by--really you must excuse them as it was impossible for them to stop, Frank was under orders to proceed directly to join Gen Bragg. The dear boy I wish you could have seen him, he is such a noble fellow. He talked so much about you & said he would get a leave as soon as he could go & go to Chapel Hill to see you, he declared he was going to write to you to tell you how sorry he was he could not stop, but I expect that letter has shared the fate of the one he promised me, lost before he could find pen ink and paper.

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Jim told me he expected Will would soon be ordered to Tupelo. How pleasant that will be, all four together, and such a proud return to Nashville, all four marching home with the first of the Army. Mr Sehon received a letter from Will a few days ago, he is well. I think I wrote you that he has been made the surgeon of his regiment, now ranks as major, so also does Jim. Our brothers have positions that we may be proud of, George a General, Jim & Will majors & Frank a Captain. Mr Sehon says if the war continues George will make Major General. I sent your letter & paper to Ma a day or two since, I know it will go safely. I sent them by Mr John W Walker, who has a pass for sealed baggage probably you would like to hear something of the baby. He grows & improves it seems to me every day. I will not tell you how beautiful he is, but leave that for you to say, and oh I have such a treasure of a nurse for him, Mrs Kennedy has promised to stay with me.

        But now dear Bettie I must close. Give my best love to Mr K_ and kisses to the darling children. my love to Susan & Nannie, with best best love for the dearest of sisters.

Your Affectionate Sister

Annie M Sehon

[Nashville Occupation]
[excerpted]

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Chapel Hill Jan 5th 1863

My dear Sis

        "I intended to start this little bundle on last Thursday but was disapointed [sic] in getting a little dress that I had been promised and wished to send to Johnnie. And after it did come it is such a short pattern that I am almost ashamed to send it. It is the specaled [sic] callico, you see I began to cut it out, but afterwards thought I had better not so I send it so. As it is French, callico two widths will make it wide enough and you must tear off the belt before you tear the widths in two the ballance [sic] will make the body and the piece I have torn off will make the sleeves. If however you will let him wear a plain tight waist it will make him one with less trouble to you. There is enough to make a full dress in the pink lawn and the pink callico. The one you gave my Johnnie I send back as he has all Maney's old clothes for next summer

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and will not need it. There is a piece of linen that will make him two or three aprons and a piece of cambrie for a petticoat for him. There is a chemise I cut out for my self when I was last in Nashville but have never had time to make it so I send it to you. I am really ashamed of the meagerness of my bundle Sis and would not send it if you had not lost every thing but as you did I hope even these few things may be of service to you. Mr Kimberly received yesterday a letter from Pa written by Cousin Bettie Frazer. Written on the back of the envelope is "Examined and approved by Brig Gen Negly" and that is some what of an excuse for its perplexing content. It is written with the greatest caution evidently with the expectation of its being read by the authoritys [sic] at Nashville, which seemed was done. All I can make out of the four pages is that Pa and Ma wish us to come to Nashville but for what reason is the perplexing

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part of it. Whether they think we could be of service to them or whether they wish to do us a service I cannot draw out of the tangled words. The oath of course would be required of Mr Kimberly should he go and Pa certainly knows that, and so it seems that that contradicts the letter, for Pa must know that Mr Kimberly would never take the oath of allegiance to the Federal Government for only personal advantage to himself. But to imagine, how Mr K could be an advantage to Pa is equally confounding he has nothing to fear from any one except the Federal authorities and no man can protect him from them. I can not understand the letter and it has made me more miserable than ever and still more anxious to go to Nashville. Cousin Bettie says Ma has been very sick but was setting up when she wrote. I am all anxiety for the termination of the battle of Murfreesboro hoping we may gain some

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advantage from a great victory there, though I am in fear and trembling for the boys. They are all there I expect and God grant that they may all escape."

Bettie M Kimberly

[Morale (Nashville)]
[excerpted]

Atlanta Jan 28th 1863

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Dear Bettie [ . . . ]

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        [ . . . ]". . . for I am terrible afraid the Federals will destroy Nashville if they ever have to give it up. Mother says they are determined upon it. I can't say when I am going to Nashville--I beg Mr Sehon nearly every time he comes in the house but he says it is now impossible as a battle is constantly expected, but as soon as I can I shall go. I am so anxious about Pa & Ma. I can think

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Your devoted sister

Annie M Sehon

[Federal Occupation]
[excerpted]

Atlanta May 4th '63

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My dear Bettie

        ". . . To day we are all feeling anxious and miserable enough, feeling as we did when we were expecting the fall of Nashville. You will see from the papers that the Federals have passed Rome which you know is not very far from here. where they are going we cannot tell, our officers here think they are either coming into Atlanta to destroy our departments or are going to take the Ettowa iron works. It is a regiment of cavalry, 1000 strong, and it is thought they could easily dash into Atlanta and do an immense amount of damage though of course they could not

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Your devoted sister

Annie M Sehon

[Disease and Death]

[Disease]
[excerpted]

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Atlanta March 28th [1864]

Dear Bettie

        "I have time for only a few lines this morning as Johnnie is still sick and requires constant nursing. The reason that I now have an opportunity of writing is because I have persuaded him to lie down a little while on hid bed promising him that I would sit by him and he is now lying beside me, so my letter must be hastily written, as he will not stay out of my arms scarcely a moment at a time. But just as I am writing he is falling asleep. O Bettie how my heart aches to see his suffering, to see his wan colorless little face and his helpless condition. Before his sickness he could run & walk as steady as I could, but now he can not even stand alone, and cries out

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        "[ . . . ] I know I have written an uninteresting letter Bettie, but I know of nothing to write. I never leave John a moment, & since he has been sick I have not been out of the house except to take him a little walk or drive. Poor little darling I would give all I have on earth to see him as he was a few months ago. Give much love to Mr. K & kisses for the dear children & know always that when I do not write it is because sickness prevents.

Annie

[Disease]
[excerpted]

Atlanta April 4th '64

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        My dear Bettie

        "I received on yesterday your letter containing one from Pa, both of which I was delighted to receive. It was such a gratifying letter from Pa and I always feel so relieved when I hear from him and hear that he is still comfortably situated and unmolested by the Federals [in Nashville]. O what I wouldn't give to see Pa again! but I fear dear Bettie that our reunion with him must be on a day far distant. There is not a day, scarcely an hour that I do not think of him. Tomorrow is the 5th of April! Six years since dear Henry entered the happy home where I often wish I were with him. O how I long to visit his grave again and place fresh flowers above his breast. I am thankful to be able to write you

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        "You ask Bettie how to have your waist and sleeves made. I think the tight waist & small open sleeves are the prettiest. I wish I had some patterns to send you. Fannie says that in Richmond the ladies dress a great deal & the most fashionable style for making dresses, is the tight waist with the short-skirt behind & points in front, very much like the old fashioned short basque. If I can get a pattern of one I will send it to you, even if I do not get it until after you have made your dresses. You must tell Ma that I am going to send her by the first opportunity the dress she gave me, for

I know she will need it."

Your devoted sister

Annie M. S.

        [Death, religion]

        [Annie Maney Sehon wrote this letter to her sister Bettie Maney Kimberly upon the death of their Father, Judge Maney of Nashville, Tennessee. Annie herself would pass away in August]

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Atlanta May 22nd 1864

My Dear Bettie

        I received your letter with Cousin Bettie's to Ma. Jim came up and I sent the letter by him. It was much more full and satisfactory than was her letter to me, but oh Bettie as long as life lasts will his dying words ring in my ears. I hear them in every thing that I do, every where I go, during the occupation of the day, in the stillness of the night. Those plaintive words echo around me, "he had pined for his wife and children." my dear sister my heart has ached until I feel that Death would be a sweet, sweet relief, even were there no hopes, no life beyond the peaceful quiet grave, but blessed be God, there is a home above, where parting is unknown, and tears and want and care--oh Bettie no bleeding hearts are there, is it not the sweetest thought, that when this troubled life is over we shall go to a home far happier than any on earth could be, we shall there find joys far more enduring than those of earth, without its sorrows and trials. God is a wise, merciful and tender Father. He sends sorrow upon us here, but let us remember "Whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth," "He tempers the wind to the shorn lamb," then let us say as dear Henry said in his last beautiful Christmas address, bear bravely on oh stricken soul. Who knows, perchance before another year hath passed into Eternity, thou shalt have ceased thy weary beating at thy prison bars and shalt be at rest. I do not remember his words, but this is the idea.

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        You asked me for directions for writing to Nashville. I do not know the regulations concerning flag of truce letters. When I write I always direct my letters to the person Nashville Tenn and in one corner write Per flag of Truce, via Fortress Monroe and then stamp the letter with a U. S. stamp, after which Mr. Sehon encloses it with a note to a friend in Richmond, who sees that it is not lost or mislaid. I wrote to Cousin Bettie a few days ago. If you will send me your letters, Mr. Sehon will send them to Richmond to a friend who will take particular care to send them off. I will send you the black calico as soon as we can send a bundle by express. At present every one is in such a state of excitement that nothing is done. We are looking every hour for notice to leave Atlanta, it is thought our army will be compelled to retreat to this point and that the enemy will press on. It is very disturbing, but I never can feel again

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        Before I close I will ask you if you could get me several packages of mourning envelopes and paper to correspond. I cannot find any in Atlanta, Mr. Sehon has looked every where for me. I like yours very much, my only objection is the little black flower on the back of them, I like them with just a broad black band around them. If you can get them, do not send them to Atlanta yet, as we do not know what hour we may have to leave. Give much love to Mr. Kimberly and kisses to your precious children. do not fail to write every week and have Mr. Kimberly write me when you safely through your trial, I feel so anxious about you.

Your devoted Sister

Annie M. Sehon

        [Death, religion, philosophy]

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Augusta, Ga. Oct. 20 1864

My Dear Sister:

         Even yet I cannot write to you as I would and should. Ten weeks ago on yesterday my darling was taken from earth to heaven, and each day since then, and oh my dear Bettie how sad, how wearisome they are, as I have stood at my Annie's grave, my prayers and thoughts have embraced you and yours, for whom her love was so deep, so tender. At her grave, now, the dearest spot of earth to me, I find no consolation in the truths of religion--this lightening of my burden is not for me--my mind will not, in fact cannot think of the future--dwells only on the past--sees only her form, her face lighted by her living eyes, as they looked on me in those hours, when we were dreaming only of happiness and were happy--oh so happy. If I could but feel in my heart reconciled to such a manifestation of God's will--and trusting implicitly in his divine mercy--look only forward to that heaven to which she so constantly in life endeavored to turn my thoughts--then I might realize the consolation said to be reserved for the Christian--but, Bettie I cannot school my heart nor control my thoughts; they will travel backward, not forward--the hours first spent with her, our engagement and all those treasured days of our married life--these recollections even at the side of her grave, I cannot exchange for the thoughts of heavenly reunion and happiness. My heart will repine--I cannot see why God, that God she so loved and served, should have selected, and taken from me, her, whose purity and love might have moulded my thoughts, and influenced

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        Mother has doubtless told many incidents connected with my darling's illness and her last hours. When I arrived in Covington on the 20th of July, I found Annie sad, pale and thin--and with fever but still going actively about the house insisting she was not sick. The evening of that day, however, I went for Dr. Hendrick, who was recommended as the best physician in the place. He returned with me to the house, and after seeing Annie, told me, she was from her symptoms suffering from [ ] fever which might lapse into typhoid. The following day the first Yankee raiding party entered Covington, while I was making preparations to remove my darling to Augusta. This raid of course excited her and increased her fever. As was ever the case, she

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        But if, my dear sister, I have one desire stronger than all others, it is, that you, upon whom my angel had lavished all the wealth of sisterly love, it is, I add, that you will receive me into your heart, and give to me a portion of that love my, yes, our Annie so prized. Will you not my dear Bettie? Let out children, yours and hers, know and feel, as it would have been her

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        John is enjoying fine health, stout and active--would that his mother could have seen him thus. Maney, poor little fellow, improves very slowly--worn by disease to a mere skeleton, I often look in pity on the poor child, so early robbed of a mother's love# [sic], but my Mother and Sisters by day and night minister to his little wants with such tenderness and love, that I feel my Annie must bless them in heaven.

        I have several times gone to Annie's trunks to take from them some articles, I know she would have liked you to have, but each time my anguish drove me from them. There lie letters, clothing, books, everything as placed by her dear hands--this article and that she touched and handled--that poor cold hand, that I have so often held in mine, and in whose warm pressure there was so much happiness for me. Where is it? What is it? Oh, my Sister, my Sister, my heart is in agony. What am I to do? What am I to do? I will either soon send by express or bring to you such things as you would like to have. Is there any thing or things of hers, that you particularly desire, if so, please name them to me. Within the last ten days I have had

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        Dear Sister, please write me once a week as you did to my darling, and oh how eagerly she looked for, and read those letters. Write of yourself, your husband, your children, your plans, your wishes. Write, of you can, as you did to her, and above all--remember that in your heart I claim a brother's place, and that in mine, my Annie first implanted a love for you. And if at any time I can serve you or yours, remember, I repeat, it is a brother, whose happiness it will be to do so. With this I send you an obituary of our dear Annie written by my father. Kiss for me your little ones, and Mother to whom I send much love. My love to Mr. Kimberly & Will. Remember me most kindly to the young ladies.

With much love my dear sister
I am ever
Your affectionate brother

John Sehon.

[Homefront]

         [Nashville homefront]

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Nashville Jan 20th/62

My Dear Sister

        It has been two weeks since I had a letter from you--I am afraid either you or the children are sick but I hope not, but that the delay may be attributed to the irregularity of the mails. But I must tell you of my beautiful, beautiful birth day present. It is from Mr. Sehon and is a Set of jewelry made of his hair, breast pin, ear rings, bracelet and necklace. It is what I have wanted and wished for so much, & nothing would have been so acceptable. It was my twentieth birthday--out of my teens and 20 years old! The thought makes me feel quite aged. Yesterday we attended the funeral of Men Nichol, Son of James Nichol. You probably remember him, he was a clerk in Mr. McNairy's store. Father preached his funeral by the request of his family, although they are all Presbyterians. Do you remember Bettie which hymns and chants were Sung at Henry's

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        For the last two weeks the weather has been like the times, exceedingly gloomy. Thus far we have had no winter, until within the last two weeks we have had almost entirely the most beautiful balmy spring weather, the brightest sunshine and clearest skies. I think it the peculiar blessing of God upon our Southern troops. Accustomed to a warm climate, particularly those from the very far South, they could not bear up under a severe Winter campaign as could the hardier Northerners. The last two weeks have, however, been all rain and so warm fires have often been oppressive and winter wrappings entirely given up. The political excitement now is very great. An attack was made a few days ago on Fort Henry twelve miles from Frank. [Annie's and Bettie's brother, serving at Ft. Donelson] Our leaders seem

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Annie M. Sehon

[Nashville homefront]
[excerpted]

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Nashville Feb 8th 1862

Dear Bettie

        "I received your letter of the 2nd this morning. I am glad to hear Rebecca is well but sorry Mr Kimberly is suffering with rheumatism. I have nothing to write you this week dear Bettie but painful news. Fort Henry has been taken by the Federal troops with a loss on our side of three or four killed and eighty taken prisoners. Our men retreated in good order, Saved their guns I am glad to say, instead of throwing them away as in the disgraceful stampede of Fishing Creek. Our field pieces however we were obliged to leave. My anxiety about Frank is intense. He is at Fort Donelson (11 miles from Fort Henry) where a desperate battle is hourly expected. It is thought they may now be fighting there. The battle must be a hard fought and decided

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        You ask if your enema is safe. Yes perfectly and if you are willing to trust it by express I will send it to you. Tell me in your next about the vaccine matter. I do not know that there is any in Nashville, but I will try to get some from one of the physicians."

Your affectionate sister

A. M. S.

         [Atlanta homefront]

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Atlanta March 29th 1862

My dear Sister

        I received your letter of March 17th--the reason I have not written for some time is that I have been so busy I have not had time. We are now housekeeping. I was perfectly willing to board but Mr Sehon insisted upon keeping house as it would be so much more pleasant for me and indeed I do find it a great comfort to be in a home of my own where I can be quiet and do just as I wish. It is much more pleasant to us both, the only reason I objected was the expense it would be to rent a house, furnish it and hire servants. We have been in the house two weeks tomorrow and you would be really astonished to look in upon us and see how cozy and home like every thing already looks. Of course every thing is plain but I have every thing for my comfort. Mr Sehon is without a doubt the most thoughtful considerate being I ever knew. When we reached Atlanta, for a week we had nothing but the rainiest most gloomy weather I ever saw, but that did not deter him. For two entire days he walked all over the town through the Storm and stopped at nearly every door in the place to know if the house was for rent--he at last succeeded. Houses here are in great

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Ever your affectionate Sister

Annie M. S.

         [Homefront, morale]

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Atlanta May 1st 1862

My own dearest Sister

        I have time this afternoon for but a hurried note and I would not attempt to write but I want to thank you for your last kind letter and say I will write again at the earliest opportunity. I thank you sincerely my dear sister for the deep interest you feel and your constant & repeated invitations to me to go to see you and I only wish I could my dear sister be with you, there is no one living to whom I would go so soon as to yourself, but Mother being with me you know it is impossible. I would give any thing to have you with me and I wish I could make you comfortable enough to ask you to come now, but I cannot promise to make you comfortable until Mother leaves, as our house is such a tiny mite. She is beginning to be very impatient to return home as her sister Aunt Sarah Gwynne is now at her house in the most delicate health, not expected to last much longer. But I do not know that she will be able to return for months, for I don't see how it is possible for a lady to get through. Every one who has come out says it is attended with the greatest difficulty and for miles across the mountains it is impossible to go in a carriage or buggy, in no way but by horseback, which of course Mother could not attempt, so I think she

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Your devoted sister

Annie

        [Chapel Hill homefront]

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Chapel Hill June 8th 1862

My Dear Sis

        I was somewhat surprised on yesterday to receive your letter of May 27th as I had been anxiously expecting one from your Mother every morning since your last announcing the event safely over. I expect you are almost as bad a calculator in such matters as I am. You speak of the very high prices you have to pay for every thing in Atlanta in the way of provisions. I am not at all surprised to hear it and that was one reason I was so anxious for you to come here and stay with me. To be sure I have no right to intrude my lessons on economy upon you, but my unpleasant experience in reduced salarys [sic] and war prices have given me such a habit of counting cost and studying out where a little may be saved here and a little there that I could not help thinking that it was great extravagance in you two to go to housekeeping with all its attending expense when you might just as well have come here and staid with me till the times looked brighter. I could not it is very true have given you as good fare as you have in Atlanta but considering all things I think you could have tolerated the

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Your affectionate sister

B M K

         [Home life, morale]

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Atlanta Jan 9th '63

Dear Bettie

        I received this evening your letter and the nice bundle you sent me. I can't tell you my dear sister how much I thank you, but I really feel mean about it. If I had one thought of your sending me any thing I would not have written you one word about the fire for I know such nice material as you sent me cannot now be replaced at any price. I will accept the chemise for I have not enough to feel [page torn] but as for the others I will not think of taking for I have tried and I know you cannot get such material. I do no think there is one yard of linen in any store in Atlanta and the idea of making Johnnie linen aprons is unheard of. I cannot even get linen for chemise bands & sleeves--common domestic is now $2.00 a yard. The dresses you send Johnnie are beautiful. I think the pink muslin is the sweetest little thing I ever saw but I know your children will need all those things next summer if they do not now and next summer I fear will be even harder times than the present. I will use your skirt until I can get enough

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Your affectionate Sister

Annie M. Sehon

        [Atlanta homefront]

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Atlanta March 17th '64

My Dear Mother

        I received your two letters, and would have answered them immediately had not dear little John been sick, but my time has been given entirely to him. He would not stay with any one or let any one nurse him but me. For two or three days past he has seemed much better, but I have felt so completely worn out that I can scarcely sit up, but I expect soon to get over this fatigue, but you can imagine that I have had & still have my hands full with the two children. Not only have I nursed John ever since I was able to sit up, but have had the entire care of the baby--when he was three weeks old I had to commence bathing & dressing him myself as my monthly nurse had

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Your devoted daughter

Annie M. Sehon

[Morale]

         [Morale]

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Atlanta April 27th/62

My dear Father & Mother

        Mr G . . . has just been in to tell Mr Sehon he will carry letters to our friends in Nashville and I will write again as I have a few moments before he calls for the letters. I wrote to you dear Ma a few days ago by Mr R . . . I hope he reached Nashville safely, but if he was arrested by the Federals, I think they ought to have allowed him to forward the letters he carried as they are merely friendly letters to our absent families. In my last letter dear Ma I asked you to roll up in as small a bundle the chemise I was married in & send it to me by Mr R . . . Father can tell you when he will leave. To read my letter it would sound ludicrous to ask for one chemise to be sent to me. I wish I had them all with me, but they would be too much in Mr R . . .'s way, so I must content myself with only one, but one I am very anxious to have as I always like to have with me one nice change of clothes at least. I wish very much I had not only all my clothes with me but every thing we value as I don't know when we can be back in Nashville if we are ever there again. Every thing looks dark & gloomy enough now, and the clouds still gather thick and fast. The enemy seem to be hemming us in all around. This news from New Orleans is most discouraging

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Your devoted daughter

Annie

[Morale]
[excerpted]

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Atlanta Oct 25/62

Dear Bettie

        ". . . Since I reached here the baby has been really sick, he had a wretched cold and cough and I feared was going to have the Dyptheria [sic] as that has been going the rounds, but I am thankful he has escaped and is now quite well. Mrs Kennedy has returned to me and you can imagine how glad I was to see her. I have written you how pleasantly we are now situated with a private family in Atlanta but just to think we have to leave and what we are to do Heven only knows. I fear I will yet have to go to Marietta or some town near by where Mr Sehon can come to see me once a week. Mrs Cox (the lady we are now boarding with) is very kind and says she could not bear to tell us she could not keep us, but every thing has become so scarce that she finds it almost impossible to supply her family, and her

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Your Affectionate Sister

Annie M S

Dear Bettie

        This letter was carried to Athens Ga, and then brought back here. Annie has not yet heard from you, and feels very anxious, fearing you are sick. Annie is now

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        My father has been unconditionally released; and this morning telegraphed me from Murfreesboro Tenn, saying he would arrive here to-morrow night. He will doubtless bring letters from Father & Mother Maney. I heard from Nashville last week, our families are well.

        Mrs. Gen. Harding, Barrow and Mrs. Nicholson are all in the Penitentiary. A great scarcity of provisions and supplies is still complained of. George and Jim are with the advance of Bragg's army. Bettie and Mrs. Landell and family are in Marietta and will remain there for some time. George will visit her in a few days." "Nothing new in the city. Will you not honor me with a letter in reply to this. My love to Mr. Kimberly, the young ladies, children and yourself. Write soon to Your afft. Bro."

Sehon

[Morale (Nashville)]
[excerpted]

Atlanta Jan 28th 1863

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Dear Bettie [ . . . ]

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        [ . . . ]". . . for I am terrible afraid the Federals will destroy Nashville if they ever have to give it up. Mother says they are determined upon it. I can't say when I am going to Nashville--I beg Mr Sehon nearly every time he comes in the house but he says it is now impossible as a battle is constantly expected, but as soon as I can I shall go. I am so anxious about Pa & Ma. I can think

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Your devoted sister

Annie M Sehon

[Loyalty oaths]
[excerpted]

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Atlanta May 25th '63

Dear Bettie

         I have again been disappointed in not receiving a letter from you. Do my letters reach you as irregularly? If so it is not my fault. I write every week. This week I have something very unpleasant to tell you. Would you believe that Cousin William Murfree has taken the oath? I did not, but he has. I saw a lady, Miss Mann, sister in law of the Baptist minister, Mr Ford, a few days since. She was just from Nashville, having been a sent out for refusing to take the oath. She did not like to tell me about Cousin William & did not until I asked her. O I am so disappointed in him, I always thought him a man of such firm unyielding principles, & I am ashamed to confess that a relative of mine has so perjured himself, for I cannot regard it in any other light. I do

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Your devoted sister

Annie M Sehon

         [Wedding, morale]

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Atlanta Sept 22nd 1863

Dear Bettie

        Ma received your letter on Sunday and I will now answer it for her as she never writes you know to any one. We are now deeply concerned and anxious about this battle which is still going on, and I feel little like being present at Sallie's wedding which is to take place day after tomorrow. I send you the cards. The wedding will not be very large, about one hundred will be present, Father [Rev. Sehon] of course will marry them. They are not going away, and will remain altogether with Father & Mother. For some time I have been a very important personage as Sallie has wanted my advice about all her arrangements and for the first-time I have had the direction of a bridal vail [sic]. The milliner insisted upon fixing it on the wreath so that it did not fall over the face at all, but

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Your devoted Sister

Annie M[aney] Sehon

        [Poem]

"The Rights of Woman"

                         The rights of woman, what are they?
                         The right to labor, love and pray;
                         The right to weep with those that weep,
                         The right to wake, when others sleep.

                         The right to dry the falling tear;
                         The right to quell the rising fear;
                         The right to smooth the brow of care,
                         And whisper comfort in despair.

                         The right to watch the parting breath,
                         To soothe and cheer the bed of death;
                         The right, when earthly hopes all fail,
                         To point to that within the veil.

                         The Right the wanderer to reclaim,
                         And win the lost, from paths of shame;
                         The right to comfort and to bless
                         The widow and the fatherless.

                         The right the little one to guide
                         In simple faith to him who died;
                         With earnest love, and gentle praise
                         To bless and cheer their youthful days.

                         The right the intellect to train,
                         And guide the sould to noble aim;
                         Teach it to rise above earth's toys
                         And wing into flight for heavenly joys.

                         The right to live for those we love;
                         The right to die, that love to prose;
                         The right to brighten earthly homes
                         With pleasant smiles, and gentle tones.

                         Are these thy rights? Then use them well;
                         Thy silent influence, none can tell.
                         If there are thine, why ask for more?
                         Thou hast enough to answer for.

                         Are these thy rights? Then murmur not
                         That woman's mission is thy lot;
                         Improve the talents God has given;
                         Life's duty done, thy rest is heaven--

        (From Miss Sophie Mallett's Album written by Miss M E Mitchek B M Kimberly.)