Letter from Martha Craigan to Mississippi Governor Charles Clark; November 28, 1863

Documents
Letter from Martha Craigan to Mississippi Governor Charles Clark; November 28, 1863

Document Network
Document Metadata

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

People

Chalmers, James R. (James Ronald), 1831-1898 Clark, Charles, 1811-1877 Craigin, Martha Holt, L. W.Holt, T. W.Johnston, Joseph E. (Joseph Eggleston), 1807-1891 Lee, Stephen D. (Stephen Dill), 1833-1908 Polk, Leonidas, 1806-1864 Swim, T. F.

Events

Crime Crime--Arson Military Events--Impressment Military Events--Impressment. Enslaved people

Military Units

Confederate States of America. Army Confederate States of America. Army. Cavalry

Organizations

Confederate States of America--Army Adjutant and Inspector-General's Office Military Headquarters

Occupations

Cotton Gin Operators

Places

Military training camps--Mississippi. Camp Grenada Military training camps--Mississippi. Camp Meridian Mississippi--Grenada County. Grenada Mississippi--Lafayette County. Oxford Mississippi--Lauderdale County. Meridian Mississippi--Panola County. Como

Social Identifiers

African Americans African Americans--Enslaved People Impoverished People Marital Status--Widows

Page 1

[Seal]

Oxford Miss. Nov 28^th 1863.

Governor Clark,

Sir,

With the impression that citizens were allowed to take Cotton to the lines to exchange for Salt, cards, and other necessa-ties of which we are in very great need, a few of my neighbors and myself started to the lines for that purpose; the pickets overtook us crossing the river, burned our cotton, confisca-ted our drivers, wagons and teams. I never would have attempted it if necessity had not have drove me to it, having been deprived of the necessaries of life for the last three years, with a large and helpless family of girls, with no husband or son to assist in making them a support, and but one old and decrepid ser-vant, the one they confiscated. I appealed to Genl Chalmers and he released my servant, and replied he could do nothing more for me, and referred me to General Johnston. I have written to Gen Johnston, but have nor received an answer. I was advised to appeal to your generosity to give me back my wagon and team. It will do the Government no good, (for my team are oxen and too poor to cut for food, or do they work them in Government wagons) which at the same time They will al-leviate the sufferings of a poor widow and helpless family. I do not see where we are to get Salt and cards but we could better do without them than our team. I do not know whether you will listen to my poor pleadings but if you will favor me this request you will be remembered in the prayers of many grateful hearts. My wagon and team are at

Page 2

Oxford Miss. Chalmers Headquarters.

I remain yours respectfully, and am in hopes of hearing from you soon.

Marthy Cragin.

Hon Chas, Clark
Gov. of Miss.

Marthy Cragan
Nov. 28^th 1863

Page 3

[seal]

Oxford Miss Nov 28^th/863

Governor Clark

Sir

With the impression that the citizens were allowed to take cotton to the lines, to exchange for Salt, cards, and other necessaries, of which we were very much in need A few of my neighbors and myself Started to the lines for that purpose, The pickets over took us, crossing the river, burned our cotton, confiscated our driver, wagons and teams,—I never would have attempted it if necessity. had not have drove me to it, having been deprived of the necessaries of life for the lust three years, with a large and help less family of girls with no husband or Son ti assist in making these a Support, and but out old and decrepid servant, the one they Confiscated—I appealed to General Chalmer and he released my servant and replied he Could do nothing more for me, and referred me to General Johnston—I have written to General Johnston, but have not received an answer—I was advised to appeal to your generosity ti give me back my wagon and team—It will do the government no good (for my team are oxen and to poor to eat

Page 4

for food, nor do they work them in government wagons) while at the same time they will al-leviate the sufferings of a poor widow and help less family—I do not see where we are to get Salt and Cards, but we could better do with out them than our wagons and teams,—I do not know whether you will listen to my poor pleadings, but if you will favor this re-quest, you will be remembered in the prayers of Many grateful hearts, My wagon and team are at Oxford Miss, Chalmers HeadQuarters

I remain Yours respectfully and am in hope of hearing from you soon

Marthy Craigin

Page 5

Meridian Dec 9/863
Respectfully referred to Maj Gen^l Lee

Meridian Dec 9_th 1863
Referred to Maj Genl Lee who is respectfully requested to report the facts

J. E. Johnston
General
Hd Qurs Cav in Miss Grenada Dec 22 1863

Rspy referred to Genl Chalmers for investigation By Command of Maj Genl Lee
L W Holt
ComdG —

Hd Qurs Chalmers Cav Near Como Jany 6 1864I
do not rember this particular case—But it is only one of Many Such that have occured—
Genl Johnston orders were peremptory and all such wagons & teams were siezed

Jas R Chalmers
Brig Genl

H^d Qurs Cav in Mis_s Grenada Juny 11/864
Respy for ^d_" with Brig Genl Chalmers en dorsement

For Major Gen S D Lee
T. W Holt
A a g

Hd Qurs Meridian Mis Jany 22 1864

Genl Chalmer's action in this case is approved
By Command of Lieut Genl Polk
T. F. Swim
A J Genl