Letter from Lydia Hodges to Mississippi Governor John J. Pettus; January 26, 1863

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Letter from Lydia Hodges to Mississippi Governor John J. Pettus; January 26, 1863

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Each transcribed document contains links that connect it to other documents on the same topic in the collection.

People

Bolding, Unknown Hodges, Lydia Pettus, John Jones, 1813-1867

Events

Confederate States of America--Draft

Military Units

Mississippi. Militia

Organizations and Businesses

Farms Mississippi. Legislature

Places

Grenada (Miss.)Okolona (Miss.)

Social Identifiers

Enslaved people Military Status--Military families

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[seal]

Okolona. Miss Jan 26^th 1863

Gov Pettus

Dear Sir

I see by the Act of the Legislature that you have the power to release any one who has been drafted or ordered in the militia service if the safety of the neighborhood depend on it. That is just ^the^ situation we are in. Mr Bolding was my overseer, when the militia were first ordered out for three month. He has been in service ever since & has never been turned over to the Confederacy, and I appeal to you in behalf of his wife & six little children my own condition also, left with no one to superinted my buisness & four small children that ~~are~~claim my attention all the time even if I were capable of managing a farm & controling negroes, I could not do justice to myself & them: The country is left destitute of men all are gone but a very few very old men and we need some one to protect as well as help to make a living. Then in the ~~name~~^behalf^ of unprotected families, I make my appeal. I ask you how to make it according to law. There is cause enough for it. Truth & Justice and humanity all on our side but ignorance ^on our part^ may cause us to, be defeated. If names are necessary please let me know & I can give

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enough of unprotected womens to move the heart of any one, and all the old men would readily help us. I write you this, hoping you will inform me how to apply in proper form, for Mr. Boldings release. He is 38 years old, & is at Grenada with the militia. Hoping you will be so kind as to let me know very soon. I remain sir

Very Truly & Resptfully

Lydia Hodges

P. S. My husband is in the war & has been for sixteen or eighteen months, & I have no friend near to assist me. Then let the love you bear for your own loved ones, help to plead our cause.

Respt. L. H.

Gov. Pettus
Jackson [gap] Address—
Mrs. L. Hodges
Okolona
Miss

Mrs Hodges wishes Mr Boling released from militia service to oversee for herself & several neighbors

Ansd. Jan 29^th 1863.