Tate, Jeremiah M. (fl. 1829-1877) to Mary
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 #: GLC02082.63 Author/Creator: Tate, Jeremiah M. (fl. 1829-1877) Place Written: Petersburg, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1 February 1865 Pagination: 2 p. 20.1x12 cm Order a Copy
Tate writes that he hopes Stephens might make a compromise to "stop the war tho I am not willing to compromise on any terms I want them to contend for our independence to the last." He adds later, "If we are whipt it wil not be the fault of the solgers [sic] especial[l]y in this amy, it will be the People at Home and Hoods army." Tate expects Sherman to reach Branchville and cut their communications.
re: peace party with Alexander Stephens starting for Washington
[excerpt]
On Pickett [inserted: four miles] North of Petersburg
February 1st, 1865
Dear Sister Mary,
…. I have no important nuse to communicate as evry thing apears to be quiett hear with [inserted: the] exc[inserted: e]ption of the grate peace Rumors, which I fear will turn out as heretofore more fuss than fathers Vice President Stephens and Mr Hunter of Virginia and Campbell [inserted: of Alabama] left Petersburg day before yesterday bound for Washington on a peace mission. I hope they may make a compromise and stop the war Tho I am not willing to compromise on any terms I want them to [2] contend for our independence to the last . I am Truly sory to hear that the Alabamians and Georgians have becum so despondent as to want to go back in to the Union again they should indure the pain like the solgers in the field when the danger is nearest and the hour the darkest that is the time they shoud brave the storm like a lion and never be discourage Mary it is not worth while to dis cus this question further, for if we are whipt it will not be the fault of the solgers especialy in this army, it will be the People at Home and Hoods army. but let it all go for what it is worth for if they are willing [inserted: to] sacrafise all that is dear to them and submit to yankee tirants I do not wish to be with them so we will fight on a while longer…
yours truly,
Jer M Tate
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.