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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC00715.10 |
| From Archive Folder | Collection of Paul J. Semmes, 2nd Regiment, Georgia, infantry |
| Title | Emily J. Semmes to Paul J. Semmes about his illness and their children's education |
| Date | 1 June 1863 |
| Author | Semmes, Emily J. (fl. 1862-1863) |
| Recipient | Semmes, Paul Jones |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Writes to her "dearest husband" as he is on his way to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where he was mortally wounded in battle. Hopes that he is over his cold and fatigue. Asks if he would be able to come home if one of the family got sick because knowing this would put her at ease. Gives thanks that he made it through battles. Comments on their children and their schooling. Criticizes their daughters for their excessive pride, "...they do look down upon these poor people with such contempt I think it is so wicked I pray that they may see their sin." States that she has been very frugal, they have enough supplies and the garden is doing well. Includes a postscript instructing Semmes to "Destroy this as soon as you read it." |
| Subjects | Battle of Gettysburg Military History Civil War Confederate General or Leader Confederate States of America Children and Family Marriage Women's History Health and Medical Education Morality and Ethics Finance |
| People | Semmes, Emily J. (fl. 1862) Semmes, Paul Jones (1815-1863) |
| Place written | Opelika, Alabama |
| Theme | The American Civil War; Women in American History; Children & Family; Education; Health & Medicine |
| Sub-collection | Papers and Images of the American Civil War |
| Additional Information | Semmes was a Georgia banker and plantation owner who served as agent for the State of Georgia during the preparations for the Civil War. 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. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Civil War, Reconstruction and the Modern Era: 1860-1945 |