Semmes, Paul Jones (1815-1863) to Emily J. Semmes
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00442 Author/Creator: Semmes, Paul Jones (1815-1863) Place Written: Winchester, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 29 October 1862 Pagination: 4 p. ; 24.8 x 19.8 cm. Order a Copy
Advises his wife on how to address letters to him and tells her she must not write anything that will attract the attention of the Yankees, should they intercept the letters. Refers to his previous letter (possibly GLC00175). Discusses mail communication, personal items, and their daughters' music education. Hopes to get a leave this winter to visit them in Arkansas. Comments on selling their slaves, "...negroes bring large prices throughout nearly all of the Cotton States...of course, they would not sell very high in districts [owned?] by the Yankey..." Is anxious to hear from the plantation and wonders why Mr. Dye (possibly the overseer) has not written. Laments their separation, "I look forward to our long separation with sadness ... I am not happy, when long separated from my family ..." Signed with initials on page one. Written from camp seven miles from Winchester, Virginia. On blue lined paper. See GLC00175 dated 21 October 1862 for further information.
Semmes was a Georgia banker and plantation owner. He served as colonel of the 2nd Georgia in the Confederate Army at the outbreak of the war and was promoted to brigadier general in March 1862. He was assigned to a brigade in McLaws' division of Longstreet's corps fighting in Crampton's Gap, Sharpsburg, Fredericksburg, Salem Church, and Gettysburg, where he was mortally wounded.
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