WILLIAMS, JAMES W.
James W. Williams papers, 1861-1865

Emory University

Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library

Atlanta, GA 30322

404-727-6887

rose.library@emory.edu

Permanent link: http://pid.emory.edu/ark:/25593/901sk

Descriptive Summary

Creator: Williams, James W.
Title: James W. Williams papers, 1861-1865
Call Number:Manuscript Collection No. 389
Extent: 1 microfilm reel (MF)
Abstract:Microfilm copy of the letters of Confederate soldier James W. Williams, who served in the 4th and 16th Georgia Infantry Regiments during the Civil War to Drucilla Page of Hartwell, Georgia.
Language:Materials entirely in English.

Administrative Information

Restrictions on Access

Unrestricted access.

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

All requests subject to limitations noted in departmental policies on reproduction.

Source

Loaned for microfilming by Janie Herndon, 1961

Citation

[after identification of item(s)], James W. Williams papers, Manuscript, Archives and Rare Book Library, Emory University.

Appraisal Note

Acquired as part of the Rose Library's holdings in the history of the Civil War.

Processing

Processed by MRD, 1961.

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Collection Description

Biographical Note

James W. Williams was first with the 4th Georgia Infantry Regiment and later with the 16th Georgia Infantry Regiment. He suffered with a sore leg through most of his time of service and was assigned at first to cooking for his company and later to nursing duties in hospitals. He married Drucilla Page of Hartwell, Georgia in 1863.

Scope and Content Note

The collection consists of a microfilm copy of the papers of James W. Williams from 1861-1865. All but one letter is from Williams to Drucilla Page of Hartwell, Georgia. In them he discusses his bad leg, an attack of yellow jaundice and fever, news of his company, fortifications near Lynchburg, Virginia, and his work in the hospital. One letter is to Drucilla from her brother, J.H. Page, stationed at Camp Bartow, near Savannah, Georgia. Two poems are written by Williams.

Arrangement Note

Arranged in chronological order.

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Container List

Box Folder Content
MF1 1 1861, August 4-15, 3 letters, Richmond, Virginia. He thinks President Davis will attack Washington City and peace will come in a short time. Two regiments left (August 15) for Manassas. He has written 14 letters to friends at home and received only 1 letter from her.
MF1 2 1862, March 7, 1 letter, Suffolk, Virginia. He has been "sick with yellow Janders." He is teaching two friends "how to cook."
MF1 3 1863, September 24-October 10, 2 letters, Farmville, Virginia, General Hospital, Division I, Ward 3. He has a sore leg and fever, his hands and arms remind him "of a Bull frogs legs." He hears that "Meads Army is falling back" before Lee. He hopes to be home for Christmas
MF1 4 1864, April 25, 1 letter, Petersburg, Virginia. He is on his way, "on his own hook," back to his company.
MF1 5 1864, May 11-18, 3 letters, McLaws Division, Waggon Yard, Near Spottsylvania Court House, Virginia. He is still having trouble with his sore leg. He has been following his regiment at his leisure, catching up with them when they stop long enough. The fighting has been heavy. The boys are "in fine cheere." He is cooking for the company. He thinks "Lee has dogs enough for all the dogs Grant can bring up."
MF1 6 1864, June 14, 1 letter, Fortifications near Lynchburg, Virginia. Rumors of approaching Yankees brought "all the slightly wounded men ... into the fortifications."
MF1 7 1864, July 13-December 18, 8 letters, Jackson Hospital, Richmond, Virginia. He is "seeing a pretty good time for a Rat. Myself and another, Rat, and a negro to wate on this section (6 tents)." He describes his duties.
MF1 8 1864, October 23. He "once thought secession was a grand skeem, but ... I cannot refrain from cursing the ground work and the leaders of seceshion."
MF1 9 1864, November 14. Chills had been "shakeing me wors than a dog would a opasom."
MF1 10 1864, December 10. He is staying in the "Gangrene Tents." He nears "heavy cannonadeing towards Petersburg." The ground is "covered some two or three inches deep with sleet."
MF1 11 1864, December 18. "My detail has not come yet, but I exspect they have sent up another for me; as I was ordered befor the board last tuesday - though they did not tell me what it was for."
MF1 12 1865, February 3-May 15, 2 letters, Jackson Hospital, Richmond, Virginia. February 3. He does not think well of "the peace committy" and others "who want to reconstruct the Union." he hears "a great deal of that sort of talk hear but I dont pay any attention to such-bosh-"
MF1 13 1865, May 15. He must stay until his patients get well. The surgeon says he will cure his "game Leg" if he stays there another month.
Miscellaneous items.
MF1 14 William J. H. Page to his sister, Drucilla; 1 letter, November 27, 1861. He writes from Camp Bartow, near Savannah, Georgia.
MF1 15 2 poems written by J. W. Williams.
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