Jackson, Thomas J. "Stonewall" (1824-1863) to Laura Jackson Arnold re: secession and preservation of the Union
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07079 Author/Creator: Jackson, Thomas J. "Stonewall" (1824-1863) Place Written: Lexington, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1861/02/02 Pagination: 4 p. + print 25.8 x 20 cm Order a Copy
"But if after we have done all that we can do for an honorable preservation of the Union, there shall be a determination on our part by the free states to deprive us of our rights which the fair interpretation of the constitution... guarantees to us, I am in favor of secession."
Lexington, Va.
Feby 2d, 1861
My dear Sister
I am glad to learn from your last, that you are all well. I have had a very severe cold and for the last two or three weeks have been suffering from neuralgia about the temples & forehead but am much better at present. Anna's health is tolerable good.
I send you a catalogue of the Institute by the same mail with this letter. I am much satisfied to see a strong union feeling in my portion of the state but it may go a little further [2] than I think it ought [struck: illegible] though I hope not. For my own part, I intend to vote for the Union candidates for the convention, And I desire to see every honorable means used for peace, and I believe that Providence will bless such means with the fruits of peace. I hope that a majority of the votes will be in favor of referring the action of the convention to the people, for their final decision of the questions involved as this will not only be an additional safeguard to our liberties but will give time for an amicable adjustment of our difficulties. But if after we have done all that we can do for an honorable presen [3] tation of the Union, there shall be a determination on the part of the Free States to deprive us of our rights which the fair interpretation of the Constitution, as already decided by the Federal court guarantees to us, I am in favor of secession. Tell Thomas that Jimmie Graham died a few weeks since in Harrisburg from interference. Dr. Ned and Dr. Archy appear to be well. Dr. Ned has bought Mr. Bean's house and is living in it. His mother is living with him. Miss Nancy & Miss Lizzie are having a house built on their old lot this side of the Episcopal Church, & expect to move there before long. Mr. McFarland [4] has gone South , & it is rumored that he is to be married. I [inserted: unintentionally] omitted to answer the part of his letter respecting his friend. You ask whether Col. Smith has offered his services to South Carolina. I have not heard the subject mentioned here, but I am well satisfied that he has not. Though he is in my opinion throwing his influence in favor of secession.
I hope that you will send me Carlile's address in full if you should meet with it.
Anna joins me in love to you all.
Give my kindest regards to all my friends.
Your affectionate brother,
Thomas
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.