Letter from
William Crawford Dickson
written November 22,
1861
This letter and the transcription following were submitted by Randal Tarin. The letter was written by his 2nd-Great Grandfather, William Crawford Dickson from Okolona, MS. on November 22, 1861 to his mother in Columbia County, Arkansas. He has just enlisted in the Confederate army and is about to leave for the war.
[Paragraphs divided for clairity] [Words in
brackets mine]
Okolona, Miss Nov 22nd 1861
Dear Mother,
I am now at home on furlough trying to wind up my business but the time is short that I have that I shall leave it in [text unclear] in an unwound condition. I could not get a long furlough-- On the other side of this sheet you will find what my will and wish is provided I am so unfortunate as not to get back.
Mother
do not think that I am going out with tears in my eyes, for I have not shed any
nor do not expect to shed any--for I am really anxious to go and only regret
that circumstances have been such that I could not go sooner,, and do not think
by that document than I am afraid of not getting back for I am certain that I
will stand as good a chance as any, but I only wish to prepare for any event
that may turn up-- I am going out with the full determination of facing any
circumstances that may come before me. I know that there are many that do
not get back and I only wish to prepare for the worst.
I belong to Capt. Fields company in the Baskerville battalion, and expect to be in the Pope Walker brigade. I am orderly sergt of my company, and a hard berth it is, but I accepted knowing it to be so & now I will not flush.
I will write again when I have more time and give you the full particulars as to our position in the army and when we go we expect now to go south but are not certain. I read your and Susan's letter a few days sooner. Continue to write and direct to Okolona and they will be sent to me. My health is fine. cousin Martha helps to make my clothes. I am in a cavalry company. I am well armed, and my out fit including horse arms and clothes is worth a least 400 dollars.
My love to yourself and to all the rest.
Your affectionate son, W.C. Dickson.