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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC02829.09 |
| From Archive Folder | Letters of the Allen Family, including five while on U.S. gunboats off South America |
| Title | George D. Allen to Mary Mayberry about his weight and health, exploring the countryside, news of Stonewall Jackson's death and making a suit for Mary's son |
| Date | 31 May 1863 |
| Author | Allen, George D. (fl. 1859-1864) |
| Recipient | Mayberry, Mary |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | References her letter of the 25th. Is sorry to hear she is in such bad health, but sends her encouraging words. Says "If you have seen me fourteen months ago you would not have given much for me as I dont believe I weighed 80 lbs. but I never mentioned it before." Claims he lived on port wine and arrow root for 3 weeks, but thanks God he is now in good health again. Says he is now 133 lbs. Says he went to shore in Washington, North Carolina where his friend Cromwell has a cousin, a major in the 178th Pennsylvania regiment. Says it is a pretty place (in contrast to his negative opinion in GLC02829.08). At Hill Point, they were given a pass by a colonel and allowed to go past the picket lines. They went 6 miles and ended up at a house where they scared the residents. But everything was alright when the people realized they were not there to plunder. Mentions their poor condition. They learned of General Stonewall Jackson's death from them. Asks for measurements for "little Wiles" and says he will have a suit made for the 4th of July for him. Says he is "a regular old codger[.] I make and mend all my old clothes[,] do my own cooking and in fact I dont know what I dont do." Sends greetings to his family and friends. |
| Subjects | Civil War Military History Union Forces Navy Soldier's Letter Union Soldier's Letter Health and Medical Alcohol Diet and Nutrition Military Provisions Confederate States of America Wartime Pillaging and Destruction Poverty Confederate General or Leader Death Military Uniforms Clothing and Accessories Holidays and Celebrations Fourth of July Gift Military Camp Children and Family |
| Place written | Aboard USS Delaware near New Bern, North Carolina |
| Theme | The American Civil War; Naval & Maritime; Children & Family; Women in American History |
| Sub-collection | Papers and Images of the American Civil War |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Civil War, Reconstruction and the Modern Era: 1860-1945 |
| Civil War: Recipient Relationship | Sister |
| Civil War: Theater of War | Main Eastern Theater |
| Civil War: Unit | USS Delaware |