30 May 1861, [Sally M. Galt] to "Dearest Cousin" [2 drafts]

30 May 1861, [Sally M. Galt] to "Dearest Cousin" [2 drafts]

United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865

The enemy has not advanced past Warwick County, and our soldiers hold the roads between there and here. Many families left Williamsburg, and were replaced with refugees from Hampton with nothing but what they wore. The first night, many slept on the Court House green. Col. Magruder "has just sent John for the old map of the battle ground which is the only copy exant and belonged to our grandfather who you know was chief Surgeon to the forces in VA. General Lee also has sent for a copy." Most servants are opposed to the enemy. Soldiers are coming and going from the house all day, and officers are staying with them. Mary Copland and she have given about a thousand soldiers permits to visit the Asylum.

[draft]

[Note: A second letter, addressed "Dearest Cousin" and signed S. M. Galt is probably of the same date since the information contained is identical. It also mentions that the College and Court House are being used for barracks, they have been making beds for the hospital for wounded soldiers, and that Cousin Sarah has rented her house to refugees and is going to live with Sally.]

[Sally M. Galt]

Galt Papers (I), 1745-1892, Mss. 78 G13, Box II, Folder 111

Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary

30 May 1861

SCRC Civil War Transcription Project Volunteer

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The finding aid for the Galt Papers (I), 1745-1892 can be found at http://scdb.swem.wm.edu/index.php?p=collections/controlcard&id=7489&q=Galt

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Text

Mss.78.G13.010 and Mss.78.G13.011