1857 David Wilson Livingston Letter

Contributed by: Elnora Lloyd League
Email: LeagueTree@aol.com




David Wilson Livingston enlisted in Marshall, TX, March 1, 1863. Muster rolls 
show David W. Livingston present 1963, 1864 and 1865. He was sent to Trenton, 
LA hospital in Dec. 1863, and again in Monroe, LA Dec. 1864.

Private David W. Livingston served in "K" Company, 17th Regiment, Texas 
Dismounted Calvary, C.S.A. He was paroled July 7th, 1865. We have a copy of 
his parole papers which family members say he carried in his wallet for many 
years. Originals are in the possession of the Harry Stracener Estate. The 
following letter is in the Harry Stracener Estate which has been donated to 
the Knox Co., TN Historical Library.

1875
My Dear Miss Kate:
It is now about 4 years since I first had the great and highly appreciated 
pleasure of being received at your house on the footing of a friend. During 
all that time I will frankly confess that one attraction and one strong hope 
have been drawing me ever to your residence, and I need scarcely add, that 
your own dear self was the attraction. The desire of winning your favorable 
regard, my hope. Have I been successful? Has the deep faithful love that I 
feel for you any responce in your heart? All my hope of happiness in the 
future hangs upon your answer. For mine is not the fleeting fancy of an hour. 
But the true abiding love that is founded upon respect and esteem, and has 
been for months my life's dream. Your own maidenly dignity has kept your 
heart so securely hidden from me that I scarcely venture to hope I have a 
place there. But I feel that I can not endure suspence any longer, and so I 
will write to win or lose all. If you will be my wife it will be the pride 
of my life; to try to shield you from all sorrows and to give you all the 
happiness that a tender loving husband can bestow upon his first and only 
love. Hoping to hear from you soon, I am with respect and devotion 
Ever yours truly,
D.W. Livingston

[Note: The letter worked, as they were married on the 7th of December, 1875.]