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Letters, 1864 - 1865

 File — Folder: 1

Scope and Content

From the Collection:

This collection contains two letters from William P. Testerman, of the 8th Tennessee Cavalry (Union) during the American Civil War, written from points in eastern Tennessee. The first of these letters, dated from Gallatin, Tennessee on July 25, 1864, is addressed to Jane Davis (later Testerman's wife). Testerman writes at length of his feelings for Davis: "[M]y heart is with you every moment for i often think of you when you are asleep when travailing these loneson roads in middle tenn. the thought of your sweet smiles is all the company i trust ... your sparkling blue eys and rosey red cheeks has gaind my whole afections." The second letter, addressed to Testerman's mother, is dated from Knoxville on February 11, 1865. Testerman writes that he is sending home shoes for members of the family and reports that "there is a great Deal of talk of Peace." He directs his mother to buy whatever she needs and not to worry about debts, as he will be able to settle them. Testerman adds notes to his younger siblings, admonishing them all to be good, telling his sisters that he will bring them a Yankee soldier for a "Beaugh," and advising his brother Robert to "shun the Company of those r[o]gues and rob[b]ers in that country stay at home and be a good Boy."

Dates

  • 1864 - 1865

Creator

Language of Materials

From the Collection:

The materials in the collection are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Extent

From the Collection: 0.1 Cubic Feet (1 folder)

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech Repository

Contact:
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg Virginia 24061 US
540-231-6308