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Letter, Alex W. Feemster to Loulie Feemster, August 14, 1864
Alexander Whitfield Feemster
Letter, Alex W. Feemster in Selma, Alabama, to his wife, Loulie Feemster, in Enterprise, Mississippi. He urges her to return to Selma soon, since they don't know when ''the roads may be taken up entirely by the govt for the transportation of soldiers or stores.'' He would try to get a furlough to come and get her, but furloughs are only granted to one man at a time and cannot exceed eight days. Sam was wounded just above the hip on July 28 by ''a musket ball from a shrapnel shell which exploded behind him.'' The ''vandals'' robbed Lizzie and her family (in Mississippi) of nearly everything they had. The negroes at the Methodist church across the street are ''having one of their greatest shouting times.'' 1864.
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Letter, Alex W. Feemster to Loulie Feemster, August 20, 1864
Alexander Whitfield Feemster
Letter, Alex W. Feemster in Selma, Alabama, to his wife, Loulie Feemster, in Enterprise, Mississippi, following up on the telegram he sent several days earlier; he has not yet received a reply and is worried about Mattie. He urges her once again to return to Selma: ''if I knew it was your deliberate intention to stay away for two months longer, Id rather be in the front line of pickets at Atlanta or almost any where else on earth than here.'' 1864.
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Letter, Alex W. Feemster to Loulie Feemster, February 22, 1864
Alexander Whitfield Feemster
Letter, Alex W. Feemster in Selma, Alabama, to his wife, Loulie Feemster. He tells her about a local rumor that Columbus had been taken and burnt, adds that he gives no credence to it, and writes that he has heard Grierson is on his way. He writes that he doesn't fear for her safety because he knows that ''you will prove yourself equal to the emergency, and die, rather than submit to any indignity that the cowardly villains may attempt to put upon you.'' He tells her that Uncle Griff, Uncle Dave, and Charlie have arrived in Selma from Enterprise, Mississippi, with wagons and ''a few negro men.'' They are awaiting orders, and Uncle Griff has already hidden his machinery and ''Govt. property.'' Many soldiers are passing through Selma, heading westward. Selma has been put under martial law, and people can't walk in the streets without a pass. He closes with news about mutual friends. 1864.
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Letter, Alex W. Feemster to Loulie Feemster, January 31, 1864
Alexander Whitfield Feemster
Letter, Alex W. Feemster in Selma, Alabama, to his wife, Loulie Feemster, quoting scripture to encourage her to stay cheerful. He writes about church matters, tells her that he went to a funeral for William Lunceford's wife, and expresses sympathy for any man who loses his wife. He emphasizes that he has made every effort to try to arrange for her to join him in Selma, apparently reacting to her suggesting that he didn't really want her there. 1864.
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Letter, Alex W. Feemster to Loulie Feemster, January 9, 1864
Alexander Whitfield Feemster
Letter, Alex W. Feemster in Meridian, Mississippi (a ''miserable den''), to his wife, Loulie Feemster, telling her that he's staying there because the railroad engines on his route are all out of order. He plans to take the train to Mobile, Alabama, and go to Selma from there. He discusses the prices of thread and some thread he has sent to Columbus for her. 1864.
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Letter, Alex W. Feemster to Loulie Feemster, July 31, 1864
Alexander Whitfield Feemster
Letter, Alex W. Feemster in Selma, Alabama, to his wife, Loulie Feemster, who has traveled to Enterprise, Mississippi. He tells her that his hand is swollen and that he is fighting ''a feeling of gloom and despondency.'' Charly wrote with an account of the Battle of Harrisburg (Miss.), (Battle of Tupelo); Charly was stunned and partially paralyzed on one side for a day or two. Two days later, he writes that his hand is still stiff and sore. The monthly rations are going to be distributed. 1864.
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Letter, Alex W. Feemster to Loulie Feemster, November 12, 1864
Alexander Whitfield Feemster
Letter, Alex W. Feemster in Selma, Alabama, to his wife, Loulie Feemster, telling her that he arrived in Mobile and planned to stay in a hotel until he learned that a steamboat was available. He describes the wildlife he saw as they went up the river and relates an incident wherein his shoes were stolen and then found in another passenger's room. He continues the letter several days later and explains that he was ill. He tells her that Mr. Ransom preached for the first time since resigning as an army chaplain, and that church hadn't been held lately because coal wasn't available. He asks if she has gotten the first issue of the ''Southern Observer.'' He worries that the rent in his boarding house will be increased to more than he can pay and tells her about his other options. He mentions pin tongues he has sent her and tells her that Jesse is at Aberdeen and will likely lose his leg. 1864.
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Telegraph, Alex W. Feemster to Loulie Feemster, August 16, 1864
Alexander Whitfield Feemster
Telegraph, Alex W. Feemster in Selma, Alabama, to his wife, Loulie Feemster, in Enterprise, Mississippi, asking if their daughter is dangerously ill, and whether or not he should go to them. 1864.
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Letter, Loulie Feemster to Alex W. Feemster, January 17, 1864
Mary Louise Feemster
Letter, Loulie Feemster to her husband, Alex W. Feemster, in Selma, Alabama, mentioning home and sewing matters and the text of the morning sermon. She had feared that Mattie would have the ''Flux,'' but she took care of it with rhubarb, and the baby is now well again. 1864.
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Letter, Loulie Feemster to Alex W. Feemster, March 10, 1864
Mary Louise Feemster
Letter, Loulie Feemster at Bigbee Bottom, Mississippi, to her husband, Alex W. Feemster, in Selma, Alabama, opening with religious reflections. She tells him that the church is raising money for maimed soldiers. She writes about clothing, hats and the difficulty of finding fabric at a reasonable price. She asks him to get her a dress if he has the money. Letter has significant missing text along folds. 1864.
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Letter, William O. Feemster to Alex W. Feemster, September 28, 1864
William Orpheus Feemster
Letter, William O. Feemster, at ''Bro. Bob's,'' to his brother, Alex W. Feemster, in Selma, Alabama, telling him about traveling along the river on mules and horses. Sam got home and seems to be improving, though he still looks ill. Uncle Whitty passed through Memphis and had to ''take the oath,'' along with his family. He closes with religious reflections. 1864.
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Letter, Anne to Loulie Feemster, June 12, 1864
Anne (Nannie) Gaston
Letter, Annie Gaston to her sister, Loulie Feemster, who has apparently joined Alex in Selma. She tells her sister not to expect a long letter because she lives ''in the back woods where I dont see nobody hardly.'' She writes about ducks and guinea fowl and wants Loulie to tell Mattie that if she comes back, she will give her a ''guinea of her own and a chicken too,'' as well as ''a big red apple.'' She tells Loulie that their father needs silver to get the cloth from Mrs. Neelly. Sue's baby, Joe, and their sister Lelia have had the whooping cough. She writes that the ''servants'' send their love. 1864.
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Letter, E. B. Gaston to Loulie Feemster, June 10, 1864
Elihu Bay Gaston
Letter, E. B. Gaston in Columbus, Mississippi, to his daughter, Loulie Feemster, telling her that some cloth she had requested can only be obtained with silver, and asking Loulie how she wishes to proceed. 1864.
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Attendees and minutes of Cumberland Presybterian Church Convention in Selma, Ala., 1864
Minutes of Cumberland Presbyterian Church convention held in Selma, Alabama, in 1863. Includes roll of ministers and elders present on each day of the convention, most from Alabama and Tennessee. The convention established committees for a newspaper and for evangelizing the soldiers, among other business.
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Letter, Alex W. Feemster to Loulie Feemster, December 2, 1863
Alexander Whitfield Feemster
Letter, Alex W. Feemster in Selma, Alabama, to his wife, Loulie Feemster, telling her how difficult it is for anyone to get a furlough, and none longer than ten days except for special emergencies. He expects to get a ten-day furlough soon and wants to plan his trip so that the clothing she is making will be finished. He remarks on a friend in Pontotoc being ''visited by the heartless foe'' and mentions ''cheering rumors'' about Knoxville and Ringgold. 1863.
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Letter, Alex W. Feemster to Loulie Feemster, December 6, 1863
Alexander Whitfield Feemster
Letter, Alex W. Feemster in Selma, Alabama, to his wife, Loulie Feemster. He writes that he saw the Royal Arch degree (a Masonic rank) conferred. He assures her that ''it is not in me to love a dollar'' and refers to ''The Widow Bedott'' stories by Frances M. Whitcher. He writes about being more practical than idealistic when it comes to duty. He tells her of a sermon he heard and that Charly Harper just went home on a 25-day furlough. 1863.
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Letter, Alex W. Feemster to Loulie Feemster, February 8, 1863
Alexander Whitfield Feemster
Letter, Alex W. Feemster in Selma, Alabama, to his wife, Loulie Feemster, upon his arrival in the city. He tells her about the railroad and steamboat trip, finding a place to board in Selma, and mentions passing through Artesia and Meridian, Mississippi, and Demopolis, Alabama. Signature missing. 1863.
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Letter, Alex W. Feemster to Loulie Feemster, November 11, 1863
Alexander Whitfield Feemster
Letter, Alex W. Feemster in Selma, Alabama, to his wife, Loulie Feemster, telling her about the newspaper (the ''Southern Observer'' referred to in subsequent letters), a weekly halfsheet which will start running in January and cost $5.00 a year. Brother Ransom will be resigning his post of duty and returning to Selma in a few weeks. 1863.
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Letter, Alex W. Feemster to Loulie Feemster, October 10, 1863
Alexander Whitfield Feemster
Letter, Alex W. Feemster in Selma, Alabama, to his wife, Loulie Feemster, addressing the issue of her joining him in Selma. He suggests again that her father might loan her the money, and that he might prefer to use Confederate money. He also says that if her father is ''fortunate enough to keep his negroes till we gain our independence,'' they will be worth even more money. He mentions their son, Henry, who died the year before. He talks about church and ministers, including one who promotes infant baptism, and writes that the negroes are having a service at the Methodist church across the street, mentioning a hymn they are singing. When he resumes writing after the church service he attended, he says that the minister didn't preach, but talked about visiting the army in northern Virginia. In a marginal note, he mentions a revival in Masonry and says that he has attended the Lodge and Chapter several times in recent weeks. 1863.
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Letter, Alex W. Feemster to Loulie Feemster, October 22, 1863
Alexander Whitfield Feemster
Letter, Alex W. Feemster in Selma, Alabama, to his wife, Loulie Feemster, agreeing that her teaching in Chunky, Mississippi would not help their situation because of the timing of the trains running between the two towns. He tells her that he has the ''blues.'' 1863.
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Letter, Alex W. Feemster to Loulie Feemster, September 18, 1863
Alexander Whitfield Feemster
Letter, Alex W. Feemster, Selma, Alabama, to his wife, Loulie Feemster, explaining that it is impossible for her to join him in Selma because they can't afford it, and that there is no chance of her finding a little school to teach in. He suggests that her father might loan her the money if he sells ''the nigger.'' He says that he would rather let the Yanks have her (the slave) than have to see her again. He calls the unnamed slave an ''old black hypocrite'' and writes, ''God grant that her black race may be better than I can give them credit for!'' He discusses the cost of boots and materials briefly. 1863.
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Letter, Loulie Feemster to Alex W. Feemster, August 1, 1863
Mary Louise Feemster
Letter from Loulie Feemster to her husband, Alex W. Feemster, in Selma, Alabama. She begins by telling him about a social visit and her friends' babies, one of whom is ''not hurt with beauty.'' She tells him that Willie (possibly Alex's brother, William), who had been ''quite sick'' before he left camp, had come to visit with a Lieutenant Davis, and that Willie still seems ill and weak. She writes about her boil and breastfeeding and that Mattie and herself are both doing well. 1863.
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Letter, Loulie Feemster to Alex W. Feemster, July 1863 07/1863
Mary Louise Feemster
Letter from Loulie Feemster to her husband, Alex W. Feemster, in Selma, Alabama, mainly regarding a boil on her breast, which makes it difficult to feed their baby, Mattie. The doctor recommended that she use ''Tansy poultice'' on it, but she followed the advice of her Aunt Edith and used raw cabbage leaves, which she found ''very soothing.'' She mentions that she thought she would have child-bed fever. 1863.
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Letter, Loulie Feemster to Alex W. Feemster, March 10, 1863
Mary Louise Feemster
Letter, Loulie Feemster, Bigbee Bottom, Mississippi, to her husband, Alex W. Feemster, in Selma, Alabama, opening with news of church and business. She lists the fabrics she bought for clothes and includes a humorous limerick about wives spending their husbands' money. Her Uncle Dave visited and told them that Yankees in Tennessee were stealing fences and other farm supplies so that local farmers had no way to make a living; when the families got hungry, the Yankees would give them supplies if they took the oath of allegiance. The Yankees stole wood that Dave had cut, but they treated his wife, Annie, with respect and never came in the house. Dave also reported that ''the negroes are as free as the white people,'' and ''if you want one to do anything you have to ask them very kindly.'' Loulie lists some supplies she needs if Alex can spare the money and tells him about her sadness when she thinks of their young son, Henry, who died the year before. She closes by quoting from a letter from a courtship letter from Willie to her sister, Emma. 1863.
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Letter, Loulie Feemster to Alex W. Feemster, May 17, 1863
Mary Louise Feemster
Letter, Loulie Feemster, Bigbee Bottom, Mississippi, to her husband, Alex W. Feemster, in Selma, Alabama, discussing her Bible reading, news from family and friends and the fact that she is 'lonely and gloomy.' She mentions a letter sent to her father by Dr. Waddell, who compares the impending battle to Armageddon and thinks it will decide their fate. She writes that someone went over to a neighbor's place and cut the skirts off some of the saddles. She writes disapprovingly of her sister Emma's flirtation with a Captain Skipper. She describes feeding some turkeys given to her by her mother. She also tells him that she wrote a sermon about Moses wanting to see Canaan, though she wasn't satisfied with it. 1863.
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Letter, Loulie Feemster to Alex W. Feemster, November 9, 1863
Mary Louise Feemster
Letter, Loulie Feemster to her husband, Alex W. Feemster, in Selma, Alabama. She tells him about friends and relatives, then mentions that her father is thinking of selling his place and his slaves. She doesn't think very highly of the Dunnings: ''The girls act very imprudently. They do not work much & their mother eats opium & begs.'' She writes that Mattie has a sore ear and that Uncle Scott is discharged from the army. She describes purchasing wool, spinning, and weaving. She writes about visiting Henry's grave in Friendship Cemetery. Jimmie Elihu has not gone into camp yet. 1863.
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Letter, Loulie Feemster to Alex W. Feemster, October 18, 1863
Mary Louise Feemster
Letter, Loulie Feemster to her husband, Alex W. Feemster, in Selma, Alabama. She writes about staying with Hallie while her husband John was in Mobile. When John returned, he brought an orange for each of them. She tells him that she finally spoke to her father about helping her join Alex in Selma, and that her father rejected the idea because she ''would have to stick down in some dirty little hut in a strange place.'' She says that her father cannot appreciate their wish to be together because he doesn't understand ''reciprocity of sentiment or feeling that which constitutes domestic bliss.'' She says that other friends understand and support her wish to go. She tells him that if anyone would look down on her for living in a humble place to be with her husband, she wouldn't value their regard. She writes about the duties of motherhood, expresses her contempt for women who neglect their children, and disparages the ''negro nurses of the Confederacy.'' She writes at length about Mattie's development. In a margin, she mentions that Mose Humphries has charge of the government stables, and that General Barksdale's funeral was preached in the new Methodist church that day. 1863.
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Letter, Loulie Feemster to Alex W. Feemster, October 9, 1863
Mary Louise Feemster
Letter, Loulie Feemster to her husband, Alex W. Feemster, in Selma, Alabama. She is at her friend Hallie's and opens by telling him about her recent social calls. She says that the church doesn't seem ''much revived,'' but that the soldiers have expressed interest and ''professed to have found hope.'' There were 25 or 30 conversions, most of them soldiers, including Sam Johnson and a Frenchman named Myers. A Campbellite named Lizzie Case joined the church, and her sister Lydia Ross ''professed but did not join.'' Both she and Hallie have colds, Hallie's husband, John, is leaving for Mobile, and Loulie is going to stay with Hallie. Emma had a letter from Jimmie Manahan, who was fighting at Chattanooga, Tennessee: ''he was struck twice & had the muzzle of his gun broken off; but was not hurt enough to make him leave the field.'' She compares Mattie to Hallie's child, Cora. She says that John and Hallie are ''very comfortably fixed up,'' though their young cook is ''fully as slow as old Aunt Suky.'' They have a 9-year-old girl who runs errands and rocks the baby. 1863.
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Letter, Loulie Feemster to Alex W. Feemster, September 21, 1863
Mary Louise Feemster
Letter, Loulie Feemster to her husband, Alex W. Feemster, in Selma, Alabama. She writes about a revival taking place among the Masons and tells him about some acquaintances who have joined. She also names people who have made professions at the church. She tells him how Mattie, who is now three months old, is doing, and expresses concern because she has already seen ''will manifested.'' She emphasizes that she would rather be with him in Selma than anywhere else, even if she has to live in poor conditions. She tells him that Mattie had a cold, and that she used ''Tinct. Lobelia & Hive Syrup'' on it. She writes that Jimmie Cox was conscripted and tried to get out of it, but was unable to do so. 1863.
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Letter, Loulie Feemster to Alex W. Feemster, September 26, 1863
Mary Louise Feemster
Letter, Loulie Feemster to her husband, Alex W. Feemster, in Selma, Alabama, opening with news from the church. She says that not all the ministers were as enthusiastic as they should have been, but five professions were made. Willie has not heard from Lieutenant Steele and is still feeling ill. Sammie still hasn't recovered from a lightning strike, but he hasn't been able to get a furlough. Loulie has been sewing ''Government shirts'' but isn't happy with the pay. She feels that her way is dark and that she is not exactly in her sphere. She begs Alex to forgive ''our injurer'' (the slave mentioned in a previous letter?) for his own sake. She asks if he wants to have the baby baptized if he can't come to visit. 1863.
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Poem, To Mrs. L. Feemster
Martha A. Feemster
Poem dedicated to Loulie Feemster by Martha A. Feemster at Ridgeway, sympathizing in the loss of her young son, Henry, and assuring her friend that he is happy in heaven. ''Original poem on death of little Henry'' is written on the reverse. 1862.