Letter from Mattie Clayton Woodfin to Mississippi Governor John J. Pettus; November 18, 1862

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Letter from Mattie Clayton Woodfin to Mississippi Governor John J. Pettus; November 18, 1862

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People

Pettus, John Jones, 1813-1867 Woodfin, Mattie Clayton

Events

Holidays and Observances--Day of Fasting and Prayer

Military Units

United States. Army

Places

Mississippi--Lowndes County. Crawford

Page 1

Crawford'sville, Miss. Nov. 18: 1862

Governor Pettus:

Sir;—

I think I see behind the cloud a silver beam. I think I see peace de-clared upon conditions to our troubled country. From a thorough search of God's word I find no denial of peace to nations that humble them-selves before God. We have had state and na-tional fasts and saw light rise out of darkness. Fasts have become so common that when pro-claimed they are not [hearkned?] to. Another fast is absolutely necessary for the good ^of^ our land; I would suggest in the name of God and the suf-ferings of Jesus Christ, (and I hope you will not think me officious) that our state have a fast like Esther's,—a three days fast, taking neither meat nor strong drink in that time. requesting that bond nor free, high nor [low?] desecrate that fast. May it be at an early date and the object of prayer be that Extortioner's our worst foes—may fall from their heights, and that the Northern Enemy may drop his arms & flee

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to his own country with fright and discourage-ment. I have thought of this matter much and sincerely believe where this thing is done. peace will open before us. I would also suggest that this fast be made sacred by publishing all violaters of it as enemies to our country. It should not be violated. Knowing that you are a friend to your country I have pre-sumed to write this letter. I do not write that I may be known it far from it.

Truly yours,

Mattie Clayton Woodfin

Mattie Clayton Woodfin
In relation to a fast (assumed)