Hill, Daniel H. (1821-1889) to Isabella Morrison Hill
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.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02309 Author/Creator: Hill, Daniel H. (1821-1889) Place Written: Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 28 March 1862 Pagination: 2 p. ; 23.9 x 19.6 cm. Order a Copy
Hill discusses rumors of a new offensive, complaining that President Davis is manipulated by politicians, and passing on news of the early phases of Stonewall Jackson's Valley Campaign (Jackson's wife Anna was Hill's wife's sister). Hill signs as "Husband." Says "We had orders yesterday to be ready to march at a moments notice, but we are still here. Various here have been the conjectures as to our destination; some saying, Staunton; some Fredericksburg; some, North Carolina. We are all in the dark about it. I have had hopes that I might be sent nearer home. But probably, you would feel differently about it; as the great battle of the war will most likely take place in North Carolina. Genl Jackson has had a bloody fight & was repulsed by the enemy. He had three or four to one against him. I understand that President Davis has expressed himself as greatly pleased with Jackson's fight. By the way, Mr Moore returned last night from Richmond, where he saw Joe Davis, the President's nephew. Ive told him that the President had been anxious to make me a Major Genl but the politicians and military of N.C… opposes it. It is pitiable that the President should be influenced by the political hacks of the State .. .I lay awake last night till after midnight thinking of you, the children & our lost ones. I have a great dread that something has happened to the children Charlotte is such a sickly place that I will never feel satisfied while you are there . . . It is altogether probable that I cannot write oftener than once a month . . . It is reported that all our letters are stopped in Richmond ... May God prepare us for all the trials before us. We have a long series of trials to go through. With His grace we can pass this fiery ordeal with safety. Tell the children how much Papa loves them . . ."
"Rapid Ann Station" became "Rapidan Station" in 1886.
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.