Civil War Letters of James Henry Lauriston Hull

Transcribed and submitted by Jamie Brinkoeter

James Henry Lauriston Hull was the eldest son of Col. Edwin Sealy Hull & Sarah Ann Young Hull of Carthage. He served in the Confederate States Army for the duration of the war from 1861 until he was surrendered at New Orleans in 1865. While he never faced combat, in his letters he describes the daily routine of a civil war soldier: the rumors of war, the loneliness of camp life, the longing for family, and the constant specters of illness, violence and death. These letters are presented unedited and in their entirety. They speak for themselves and no corrections or changes have been included. However the transcriber worked difficult handwriting reproduced on poor-quality photocopies. While every effort was made to be perfectly accurate, some occasional words or phrases could not be deciphered. There are sixteen documents available in the James Henry Lauriston civil war letter collection. These range from 1861 through 1865, and track Sgt. Hull through Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana.

1861

Fragment of letter, probably to his parents. Undated, but mentions 6 months in service, so it's very early

We had a false alarm night before last, about 3 o'clock a.m. One of the guard fired off a gun that roused the Company. The Regimental bugler sounded the alarm. The Company buglers answered. Every Company was up and 6 companies in line in 5 minutes. Saddled up & ready for action, having on guns and all the fighting utensils.
We took up the line of march to meet the enemy, went about 1/2 a mile, but the enemy faced about and fled, as it was cool we didn't pursue. We fell back to camps, formed in battle array and fired off our guns. Broke ranks & went about breakfast. Thus ended the first fight Col. Locke's Regiment has ever been in. This battle came ... 17th, being 6th month from the time of our entrance into service.
Well I believe that's about all I've got to say this time& I don't know when I may ever say anything again as I expect to leave my ...
I do want you to write to me. Do write often. You surely can't form an idea how anxious I do get to hear from home, even if I only hear that "All is well."
... Armstrong has the swelling rheumatism, Hugh McCann has the measles. We will have to leave him. We will leave Bernard Rowe and Jim Rowe also. There is one Mr. Vansickle that is going to Henderson, it may be best to send the money by him. I will see uncle Tom about it. I will not seal this till morning then I may tell you about it. For the present, goodbye.
Well, I have seen Uncle Tom and conversed with him about this matter. Uncle Tom is rather unwell this morning. I don't feel well myself. Uncle Tom took 20 dollars of the money. I have 35 dollars. I sent you every cent I had before & Uncle Tom suggested the idea that we might get sick up here, and it costs a fellow like thunder to stay anywhere but in the hospital, and that is a very sickening place to even a well man. So, I suppose he will keep 20 dollars & I will keep 15 dollars. This man Vansickle is going to leave. I must close. Uncle Tom sends his love to you all, also Joe. Give all the folks my love and best respects.
Write soon. Write often. My best respects to Mr. Scates ... to his school. My warmest love to all the family. I do not doubt but that you are constant in prayers, praying for the absent as well as those present. We need all your prayers while exposed to all the vices of camp life. May we meet in Heaven.
Your affectionate son,
J. H. L. Hull

October 10 letter to his parents. He was near Plano in Collin County, Texas

Near Plano
Collin County
October 10, 1861
My very dear parents,
You can't appreciate the pleasure and gratification it afforded me to hear one time from you after so long silence. When I was home from school, I thought it pleased me to hear from home, but I could then form no idea of the pleasure it affords to hear from home while at war. I was so glad to hear that you were all well. I did not expect to hear of anything else but that you were all sick from bad colds and excessive labor. You did not know how it grieved me to see you have to work so hard, and already so nigh sick. It has been for that reason I have been sorely anxious to hear from home. You could have heard me singing and whistling quarter of a mile across the prairie when I heard from you and that all was well. I reckon you think that those (Linsay) shirts, yarn gloves, blanket, etc., helped to make me 'sing out.' Well expect it helped to clear out my musical organ, but I would so (... make a bread pipe of it by cashing in a piece of cake that) my music or tune was set to short metre. Don't you reason that way?
Often I had eaten a piece of that delicious cake then had to go to dinner (such as it was). I felt about half vext at either you or the cake (the cake I'm sure), but I expect I will get over it before I get any more. You like to have spoiled me the cake was so good, the dinner was so bad, and then you cast a damp over me any way. I had got to thinking I was a good hand on biscuit - till I eat cake. Accept humble thanks for the welcome favors - the gloves too.
Uncle Thomas has a furlough to go home today, and I thought of going with him, but I did not start out with the intentions of coming back in 12 months, and since I have heard you are all well and father was getting along so well with his affairs, I am well contented as circumstances will permit. I am in the very flower of health and enjoying myself as well as any person in camps I expect, and if you know that any of them enjoy it if I am weill will have my share.
Well, I have just been out to see who was going home with Uncle Tom. I think it is O. L. Johnson and perhaps James Hooker will go with him. I am sitting in the tent which has fell down in front, so I am closed in sitting on a blanket on the ground writing as usual on the bread pan. I expect Jackson will want me in a few minutes to make up the dough for dinner. Yes, here he is. I surprised him when he raised the tent, he said hello and said he was looking for the pan, so I will finish on something else.
Day before yesterday we were surprised by a severe norther - it commenced about dark with thunder and lightning, and about 2 hours before day it commenced raining and the wind commenced blowing, and I tell you it did blow, for it was away here on the prairie as far as you can see, and the mud stuck to our feet and that of our horses so we could scarcely lift them, but Uncle Tom can tell you all about it. I am in a hurry, for they have called me to dinner and Uncle Tom will start immediately after.
While it was raining we could not get warm at tents so we went about a quarter and found some pecan trees and cut them and all got our pockets full of pecans. They are as fine as I ever saw, I have given Uncle Tom some for the children, tell them Bud ... sent them if Uncle Tom don't eat them or throw them away. That is as much present as a soldier in camps can give.
Well, I wrote to you that I was in a mess with the 3 Hilliard boys, Jackson & Bill Hill; but yesterday I concluded to go in a mess with the 2 Booty boys, Watt Smith of Carthage, Uncle Tom and one Grissom. I am well pleased with camp life as might be expected. I don't like the idea of being officer of the night. I had no watch of my own last night and borrowed one and was not allowed to lend it to the guards. You see after I put out the guard I am allowed to sleep 2 hours but they would come to me every 35 or 40 minutes after the first Y2 hour, so I did not sleep much last night. I want a watch if you please.
Well, I don't like Prairie country atall. I will tell you more what I think about the country when I come back. Uncle Tom will tell you all about where we are going.
Well, I close for the present. I had nothing to write at the start and have wrote nothing, so you must excuse this foolish thing.
You must tell all the people that are kind enough to write to me sure, especially the young ladies. I would be so pleased to get a few lines of encouragement from any of them if they will let me know that they are willing, I will take pleasure in writing to them.
Give my respects to old Col. Flemming and Lady Tom and the others, and my little sweetheart in particular.
I don't exactly recollect what I said about Miss ... reading my letters, but I did not want her to try to read that one or this either. When I write to her I want more time.
My love to all inquiring friends (if any). Tell them I would like to hear from them.
I close.
You must be sure to write to me by Uncle Tom. Write soon, write often. I love to hear form home.
I remain as every your aft. Devoted son.
J. H. L. Hull
I don't know whether I will have any boots to last through the campaign or not. I would like to have a watch. I need it very bad.
L. Hull

1862

January 24 letter to his parents from Camp McKnight in Red River County, Texas

Camp McKnight
Red River County, Texas Jan. 24, 1862
My Dear Daddy & Mammy,
I have got me some great big paper and I am going to begin me a great big letter, but don't know when I will finish it. I'm thinking you are getting tolerable tired seeing great long letters unless there is more important matter in them.
.... Lt. Col. Barton got a letter from Gen. McIntosh at Fort Smith. He said something of General McCullouch having been transferred to Virginia, and that there was money in Fort Smith for this Regiment. It seems from that that we belong to Gen. McIntosh. Maj. Ector of our Regiment says as soon as Col. Locke gets back there will be a paymaster sent to Fort Smith after our pay! I suppose we will get it about the last of February or the first of March. Some think we will go to Fort Smith shortly after Col. Locke gets back. I heard our Quarter Master say so. I tell you, you need not be at all surprised at anything you may hear, for I have heard of several things that I know never did transpire. I saw it published down in Jefferson that the two companies from Wood County had a difficulty and that there were 16 killed and 18 wounded, etc. Now that is all a big lie and so are many things you may hear concerning this Regiment.
The next thing I will tell you is something of more importance to me ... that is I am well. I reckon I might tell you something about what is going on in camps. Today we have drawn our ten days rations. Coffee-sugar-candles-soap- beef-pork-flour-meal, etc. We fare pretty well in camps. ... Booty and John Hardy have gone off on a fishing frolic. Isn't it a wonder I wasn't in it? Well, I didn't want to go. They expect to be gone 2 or 3 days, so we will have larger rations.
What do you reckon I heard the other day? That you and Mrs. Parker were putting up a wool factory. Is there anything of it? I hear you have already got up a workshop, etc. I haven't told you anything about Joe Bell in a long time and I suppose he never tells you anything about himself. Well, he is well & fat. His horse is about like he was when he was at home. He lives in the other end of the Company & tells as big lies as ever. I hardly ever see him long enough to speak to him unless he is telling some big yarns.
Here comes a load of fodder, and Sergeant as I am, I must go & issue it out. I tell you what's a fact--the Sergeant's office don't pay and blast me if I ever get my foot out of it, if I ever get into such a ... ... again, I would not be Company Quarter Master, Orderly Sergeant, or any other kind of a sergeant again for "big pay." - Good evening for the present.
Good evening again to you. This is Sunday the 26th/62 since I last spoke to you. I have been on a Regimental Drill. I don't like them. This division of Companies don't please the Regiment atall--each Company likes to be mustered by its respective commander. I have heard that there has been big fighting going on in Kentucky and judging from the general talk in camps, I think it highly probable that we will go to Kentucky as soon as Col. Locke comes back.
28th. This is a cold disagreeable cloudy day. We have had cloudy weather for several days. I think the wet spell for winter is about to set in & if it does now we are in bad condition. All our tents are thin, dry-weather tents, and the first heavy rain comes, they will look like a riddle.
Let me tell you something about our religious privileges, etc. We have preaching every Sunday morning, prayer meeting at Cap. Martin's Company every Sunday evening, prayer meeting every Sunday night at Headquarters, also every Thursday night at some Company. We have got some splendid songsters in the Regiment.
Jan. 29th. Now for a few more words. This is a very wet, cold, sleeting night. One of Capt. Whetstone's men died last week. One of our men named Prince has been very low for several days and has lost his mind, & there is but little or no hope of him ever recovering! I thank a kind God that has bles't me with good health. I have been well all the time I have been in camp nearly. I have nearly filled this sheet yet there is nothing on it worth reading, but you can save this, father, untill some Sunday evening when you feel like taking a "napp" then you can read yourself to sleep, for you know you always take the Governor's ... ... or some thing of the kind to put you to sleep. Well; a little more news (for Uncle Tom's eye too). There have been three letters received from Col. Locke. The first one to Lt. Col. Barton says we have never been known in Richmond. Chilton never reported us there. Locke did though, and in his second letter (the one to the Adjutant) he says he has procured service in three different places, Mo., Ky., and Mobile. I suppose we have our choice of places. He says we may get off by the 16th of Feb. In the other letter to ... ..., he tells him to meet him at home immediately. I suppose he will be here by the 5th or 6th of Feb. I don't think we will stay here long after he returns.
Some of the boys of the Regiment coming from town today ... met a negro of the Regiment driving a team of mules. They cut the mules out of the gears, got after the negro and ran him off too, then came into camps. I haven't heard from them yet. I think I will send this to town tomorrow to go by mail. I am very cold. Good night.
Jan. 30th. Col. Barton received a letter from Gen. McIntosh today saying for this Regiment to come to Ft. Smith immediately. ... Walker and other knowing ones say we will start in about a week or a week and a half. Hold!! While I was writing this, John Hardy coming in, ... who has just seen the ... tells him a man will be sent out from each company tomorrow to bring in the furloughed. This report is true. He says Col. Barton says we will start in 10 days!! Major Ector says 5 days!! for Ft. Smith.
31st Jan./62. Several of the boys have just arrived, Walker, Scott, Melton, etc. They brought me letters from my affectionate sisters and cousin, & Col. Flemming, I was so glad to hear you were all well. I have just heard Col. Booty was murdered and Capt. Blake was dead. I do feel thankful to my God for our health.

Undated letter to his parents from Jackson Port, Arkansas

Jackson Port
Jackson County Arkansas
Dear Parents,
Again I intend trying to tell you a little of what is going on in camp of the news, the health, etc.
The first thing, in the first place, and firstly, I am thankful to a kind Heavenly Father that I am well, Uncle Tom, Cousin ... , and most of the others are well. Mr. William King is sick with the measles. He is so badly scared that he don't know whether he is much sick or not. He says he promised his folks the last thing before he left home that he would not go into a hospital. He is in one now. It is a very good house. There are about 45 from our Confederate company sick on the road between this place and Clarksville, Texas. Jim Rowe and Bernard are sick with the measles. Billy Hill has had them and got well and caught up. Jim Harrison is up again. Also Joe Bell. Joe is writing home, I think.
Well, I suppose we leave this place Monday tomorrow, and go about 12 or 15 miles up the river where we can get a stop for shoeing our horses. We are camped on White River opposite Jackson Port. Jackson is a very dull, common little place, to be where it is and having the name it has. White River is a beautiful stream, very large boats are running up and down it at all times.
We will not draw any money here I don't suppose, simply because it is not here for us. The boys, as I remarked in my last letter, were all disappointed in making a draw, as they all drew only 40 dollars each, and for that reason they could not pay off & have any money left. They all seem willing to pay as soon as they draw enough to pay. What is Bob Henry's acct? He wants to pay me some. Do you want him to pay it up here, or down there through ... of them? What is S. C. Jackson's acct? He wants to pay me his. What is Alford Griffin's acct? He wants to pay me some. Also any of the other boys you may want to pay you up here. William Scott & ... or any others
We received a dispatch here that Price & Van Dorn had fought the Yankees at Boston Mountain and was victorious, killing, wounding and taking prisoners, about 5000 & was in hot pursuit when last heard from. I believe I told you all the news I know of, so I will stop. I have no idea when we will get to fight any. There was a boat came up last night bringing 200 troops. I don't know where from or where to. This is Uncle Tom's and my cook day, so I must get dinner. I will wind up my dissertation and fold up my paper after dinner.
Well, dinner is over. We had been bacon and flour bread and coffee with sugar in it. I get to sweeten my own coffee, and don't you reckon it is my notion? I just heard a man crying and coughing in Arp's company and went over to see what was the matter. He was taken sick very suddenly with congestion of the brain. Several have been taken the same way lately and some think it is poison! I will write again soon. Write soon and often to your son,
J. H. L. Hull

March 19 letter to his parents. He was at Camp Van Dorn in Independence County, Arkansas.

Camp Van Dorn
Independence Co. Arkansas
Mar 19th/1863
My Dear Parents,
I am anxious to hear from Home. I haven't heard from Home since Uncle Tom got back. I hope to hear you are all well.
We have been at Jackson Port for several days on our own, hearing nothing & doing nothing. But yesterday we began to receive news, and it all came at once.
We hear the Militia of ... has been ordered out.
We learn Gen. McColloch ... Gen. Price slightly wounded in the arm. Gen. Van Dorn has fallen back from the enemy, under false fire of blank cartridges, 14 miles, then retreated to Van Buren & there he awaits this Regiment to reinforce him. We will start tomorrow for Van Buren, leaving all unnecessary cumbrances, as baggage, surplus, bed-clothes, trunks, and so forth.
There are several of our Company sick at the Hospital and on the road. Our Company is not more than 30 or 40 strong. Our guns were left at Little Rock for repair and have not been received yet & it is the case with most all of the Companies. So we are in a bad condition for receiving an enemy. Our guns are here at Jackson Port-I hear this morning we are 8 or 10 miles above on the river. I suppose we will get them up here today.
The sickness most prevailing in camp is Measles. Mr. William King died of Measles, 3 or 4 days ago. One of our Company named ... is expected to die of Typhoid fever. William Watts, the young man that was down by the stove one day, going to San Augustine, is dead from T. fever. They are dying on every hand. I thank my God I am in good health.
I suppose when we get to Van Buren we will soon get into a fight. We will travel 25 miles per day.
I wrote to you while at Little Rock & know once since. I wrote to you about sending you $150.00. Since then I have received 15 dollars of G. F. Flemming's debt-20 of ... Walker-20 of Ritter's. I don't see much chance to send it ... by mail.
Yes! I hear that the Militia has been ordered out from Texas!! So I suppose you will all have to go. It hurts my feelings to see or hear of you leaving your family, and house & concerns now at this state of life, after so much toil, & labor to get so far along. I had much rather go in two armies for 2 such Campaigns, yes 20 of them, than hear of you having to leave & go, but I suppose that if we don't all go & fight for our families before the enemy gets into the land we must ... meet them, under every disadvantage and fight or die or be taken prisoners only to witness the very grossest of insults given to the defenseless women & innocent children.
We have met with ill fortune for some time, yet I can't think the God of Justice will permit an unmerciful, wicked, base people, employed in so unholy a cause, to prevail.

1863

August 2 letter to his parents. He was in the Office of Post Quarter Master, Alexandria, Louisiana

Office of Post Quarter Master
Alexandria, La.
August 2nd, 1863
My Dear Parents,
Another week has past, and I, as faithful as ever, am going to write you. ... Now mother, I haven't anything to say atall that is of serious importance, except that I am just as well as I could wish, but yet when I think of it, it seems some consolation to think that I have a mother to whom I can tell over all my little changes & frivolous "ups & downs," without for once supposing she would get tired listening. Now I know Father would desire to hear something substantial, and that had some weight to it, and you know when I hear anything of that nature I certainly will write it gladly.
Well I think that is preface enough for one little letter. I told you I was well. Next think to tell you is - I am doing well. I will give you a little history. When I came here I was thinking nearly as bad of this place as I did of ... at first, but I now think I would like very much to stay here We first put up at a Mrs. Mayhall's, but she charged $100.00 per month for board and we furnish our own towels and candles. After looking around I saw but one alternative and that was to go into a mess at $40.00 per month and pay my own washing and lodging extra, or board at a Mr. Goodman's at $50.00 per month & get also lodging, towels, candles, and everything except washing thrown in. So there is where I and Maj. Ford are. I tell you Alexandria is a dear little place, though I don't like dears like that! But to reconcile the matter somewhat, there has been an act of Congress passed that all clerks west of the Mississippi get $3.00 per day untill the 31st day of December, 1863. That will be $90.00 and my other pay will ... all amount to $125.00 per month. I can make out on that, it leaving me $75.00 to pay for washing, etc., with.
Well now I must say something of the kind of board. We have about as good a table as any in town, far better than our $100.00 house. There was more aristocracy and show there than substance, and you know I always did despise it, so that I was glad to get away. I will tell you of a few things we have, firstly beef, fresh though and well cooked. Then we had different other kinds of meat and all kinds of vegetables-tomatoes, beets, squashes, that name used to be hard to spell, you know-also green corn, etc., etc. Then for dessert we have these big ... peach pies with spice in them, and preserved peaches, a little like you fix them, mother, besides honey, molasses, etc. Yes, I must tell you we have okra though I despise it, it looks so slimy and nasty. I never have tasted it nor do I intend to, & this is Sunday Morning and we had fish, big catfish, for breakfast. We, that is Major and I, have a large room all to ourselves ... a splendid bed for each with good "mosquito bans," which are an indispencible article in this boggy country. The mosquitos did annoy me awfully at first but I don't mind them now much more than I would a fly. You recollect that I got regularly initiated into the mysteries of "mosquitery" at New Orleans, when I could get more than half the sidewalk all to myself. Well that's all, I expect, about my "boarding news."
Now at the office-everything goes on swimmingly. Maj. Ford, as I told you in my other letter, is Post Quarter Master at the Port of Alexandria, La. And by the bye, I have been made Cashier. There are several clerks in the Department, some have charge of Transportation, some the forage, some Labor, some vouchers, some the Abstracts, and I have charge of the "Safe Key." Right responsible place and I know it, but I try to fill it satisfactorily. I suppose I must have paid out $50,000.00 Fifty thousand dollars this last week. Yes! More than that! I like the business very well. ... All of Gen. Watkins' Division will be here tomorrow. What a bustle we will have of it. Col. ex-Governor Clark of Texas walked in here this morning & he and Maj. Ford went off together. Our ex-Governor is a fine looking old fellow.
We have no war news worth telling you. We hear of heavy riots in New York, Philadelphia, and other places, on account of the "conscript act" trying to be enforced. They resist it there, they say, with a "vine". We sometimes hear that Johnson has whipped Grant two or three times lately, then 'tis contradicted. We also hear very gloomy things from Lee and Meade. We hear that Meade drove Lee back in 25 miles of Richmond, and was fighting him hard there. We hear it contradicted by some, though every person acknowledges that our Confederacy is in a gloomy state at present. There is also strong talk of a raid being made into Texas ... from the northern borders. I can only hope it is not so. Red River is falling very fast at this point; they say by day after tomorrow transports will not e able to get below the falls just above this place.
The citizens of this country round here have suffered very heavily from the Yankees, when here getting a great many things ... , and they still suffer. All their wagons and teams and negroes are being impressed for the use of the government. I tell you war and the rules of war is the most tyrannical power ever usurped by any nation, and I am really glad you are where you are. 'Tis far better to have but little & be able to keep that little than have some more, & have all taken away. Don't you think so?
O! Yes! Let me tell you. I am getting very anxious to get a letter from home!!!! ...
Good news! Great news! Glorious news!!! I hear James Bond and Tom Flemming & others I know are only 2 miles from here. I am going to see them this evening.
I tried to read this and I find so little punctuation, I can hardly make sense of it. You can excuse a hurry if you want to.

August 30 letter to his parents. He was in the office of Post Quarter Master, Alexandria, Louisiana

Office of Post Quarter Master
Alexandria, La.
August 30th, 1863
My Dear Parents,
Another Sabbath morning finds me seated in good health in my monotonous old prison just after attending preaching at the quarterly meeting at the Methodist Church. In this town of evils, I finally believe they are practicing the word Method-(ist) literally. Oh such a system! Oh the vast difference between a quarterly meeting in this town where they seem to vie with each other in putting bunches of ribbon and other things, goose feathers, and other fancy laces, etc., on their "Beauregard" hats (until they really look like hen's nests) and then go to show them; and our preacher, not to speak of the cold formal manner of his speech, as he tries to say everything with exactly the peculiarly right vim and everything else in accordance. I say 'tis disheartening to see the great difference between this and a meeting of the same kind in Texas. There we have, at such times, soul rousing, soul inspiring, Heaven inspired sermons that send forth that same flame that burns on the speaker's heart to light up every man within hearing whose heart is not scored over with vice as with a hot fever.
I even heard a lady say in this town that if she should see a daughter of hers become excited and shout in a congregation she would be sure to whip her when they got home. Nay, you know I am no advocate of the shouting principle though I believe 'tis right for a person to express that happiness they find if they choose, and I am sure I would far rather see any person or persons shout 'till they were hoarse from it than sit in the cold, moody systematic manner I see so many, indeed all here! I really should not have known 'twas a quarterly meeting had it not been announced last meeting, unless I shall have taken the hint of something of the kind, by this having the "Lord's Supper" and passing the hat around, to which of course I added my "mite." But that Communion! After the sermon the preacher told the congregation such might leave as did not choose to stay till after the Lord's Supper, and I suppose there were a dozen or so remained! No wonder such coldness when there were so few to take any interest in Christianity. His text was very appropriate; 'twas in Matthew, and read something thus: "Unto him that hath shall be given in abundance, but unto him that hath not shall be taken even that which he hath, " speaking of men and their talents, which I suppose means that if we don't make use of what we have it will be taken away, and I fear what little remains of Religion they possessed has been taken away. I hope to find it different in our little church when I return, though I should find it thus in my heart which God forbid.
Well I shall go again this evening if I can slip away from this place, and then worry you again with another long, tedious account of our times going to church, but I hope to have better tidings to bring this evening. For the present, I will wear away the time by telling you some more of the "rumors" so current in this little villa. War of course. There are Yankees, ten thousand strong at Monroe, only 180 miles from this point and only 120 miles from Shreveport, so I expect you will hear of and from them before this reaches you, if it ever does. Well, this is reported for truth here, and they have already had a skirmish with our Cavalry at that place. General Walker's Division will be here again in a day or two, and I'll see all the boys again. ...
Well, the lunch bell is ringing, and I must go - and I went, but when I got near the church I found I was likely to be the only colored person as the remainder were all black, so I haven't anything more to say about the quarterly meeting except that thus it ended Sunday evening. That doesn't look much like our meeting that was in session when I returned home, does it! So much for preaching in Alexandria. For one day, oh that I could once more sit under the sound of Mr. Wilson or Mr. Lucas' voice again.
Well, 'tis precious little news you will get from me this time. I can tell you, for I have written up this sheet telling you something about meetings, and I have just read it over & to save me I can't think what I was driving at for a point at which to arrive and stop!
...
There is not much apprehension of a movement on this country from below here, though such a thing may be. as it is reported that the Yankees intend to make simultaneous advance on all Louisiana at once. They may come, but if they do, they won't find us asleep-at least the Quarter Masters and the Clerks-they will be away towards Shreveport long before the Feds get to this little place!
...
J. H. L. Hull

November 21 letter to his mother. Written from Office of P.Q.M

Office P.Q.M.
Nov. 21st, 1863
My Dear Mammy,
In answer to your little note, I would say that I do not need those boots now, they will come in exactly right for early in spring when such things will be much higher and scarcer. You didn't say anything about your shows. You must not let ... cheat you out of them. Two or three shoe makers here told me there was enough to make a large pair of shoes, and I believe Col. Did, too. I would rather you would have the shoes than that I have the boots. I do feel very grateful for your kindness in thinking of me so often, but really I have more clothes than I know what to do with therefore I don't and will not need anything soon. I got a little sick the other day, and I had so many friends waiting on me I thought they would have killed me. I didn't know I had so many distinguished friends here before. The Lady who runs my boarding house sent a servant around to bathe my feet in warm water and had me some soup made the next day, and a young lady there made me a cup of pure coffee and called to ask how I was, and everyone seemed anxious to lend a hand. Then came Major Ford to see how I was (you see we board now at different houses). So when one morning while they were fixing up ever so many soups and teas, etc., I just slipped out of bed, got on my clothes and went up the street. Mrs. Barrett had just had me some nice soup made and was sending it around when the servant said to her yonder goes Mr. Hull up street (now she had never been in to see me you know & thought from my groanings at night that I was half dead. When she jumped up and went to the door and saw me, she said she had a good notion to throw the dish at me. So, I have been well ever since -
Well Mother I didn't intend to say anything except about those boots and clothes, but I got on that long "yarn" about Mrs. Barrett.
But now about father writing to me at Liberty, now I wrote something about that before. I have never received any letter from him since that little note of half a dozen lines to tell me when the Quarterly Meeting would be, and that is not all, he may be at Liberty, till "Liberty" comes to us but I don't intend to write to him any more until I do receive a letter from him. If he has not got time to write to me then I am equally busy. Every letter I wrote as much for him as you, yet he never seemed to notice them, at least not by answering any of them.
Well, I don't think of anything else, only when you write always tell me of the two or three last letters you have received that I may know which got through. I am your affectionate dutiful son
J. H. L. Hull

1864

Fragment of letter to one or both of his parents. Undated, but by content appears to be spring of 1864

Rain, Rain, Rain! That is the cry with every farmer and every stock raiser and every other farmer. There has been but two or three little rains here since last summer. The creeks are all dry, perfectly hard. The river is very low. The farmers have not all finished planting corn! The cold weather has not broken yet. The fruit is nearly all killed. The wheat, so farmers tell us, will not make over third crops! Not that much in comparison to what was raised last year, for firstly, there is not near the amount sown, then the heavy freezes have killed it out. If they could have seasons they will make tollerable good crops of barley. This country can't stand drought. The citizens' wells are drying up or giving out. They are now digging a well in the public square. Cattle are dying all over the prairies. The late spring has disappointed them, and they are starving for want of food, grass. You may travel all day and never be clear of the scent of a carcass. If you should come to a pond in a creek you may find more than a dozen bogged down trying to get water, and any quantity laying around dead. I have seen this & know. Taking this view of things, which is a tollerable correct one, we may reasonably suppose there is probability of much suffering and want amount the Soldiers of our army and the families at home. For we know Texas has been rightly termed the "bread basket" and the "smoke-house" of the C.S., but I fear the lands will be wanting this year.
But I want to prospect a little more about my trip to my command. I may be permitted to remain a while longer though but a short time. Though I have long expected this, so long that it does not surprise me atall. I think I can stand a campaign. The difficulty is getting across the Miss. River to the "bloody 10th". I think it highly probable I will be assigned to duty on this side. I don't know yet how I will get there. Maj. Ford says he will let me take a horse and turn it over to Quarter Master at Shreveport. I don't know yet whether he will do so.
Well, I will quit. My health is good. I take a ride on Maj.'s fine mare every morning, which I suppose I will soon quit. I can't tell you where to write to me any news now ...
I am, your devoted loving son
J. H. L. Hull

March 27 letter to his parents, from Office P.Q.M. Bonham, Texas. This letter is of some significance. Lar tells of a raid by Quantrell's men, a notorious group of Confederate sympathizers who conducted raids during the Civil War, mostly in Missouri.

Bonham, Texas
March 27, 1864
My Dear Parents,
I once more, and I suppose for the last time while remaining at this post, address you, and that too without having heard a word from home except two letters received from Mollie dated some time past. Do you write?
Well, I write this principally to tell you that "my doom is sealed. " Maj. Ford said nothing for some time, but order after order came until there was no choice, so he made application in very strong terms. (The) "Application for Detail Per-manently, " was approved by Maj. King, Chief Quarter Master of the District; also approved and forwarded by Gen. McCulloch, commanding Sub-District, to Gen. Magruder. He disapproved it on the grounds that the late act of Congress pro-hibits any able bodied men from being detailed or kept in these Departments. Therefore I consider myself in the field. I have not seen Major Ford since the application returned, but I suppose he can say nothing but "go." My application came back numbered "2320." I don't wonder at the refusal though I object to it.
Well, there is but little news of any kind that will interest you, though I will give you what I know just as I think of it. We have no military news. All is quiet in this District. General Price is reported moving his forces down near Shreve-port.
... Quantrell's[1] men are doing a great deal of injury to the Southern cause. They shoot old gray-headed men, rob widows, threaten to burn their houses, and take anybody's horses they want. They had a difficulty between them-selves recently, and their band is rather broken, though neither fears the other. I think they are the coolest, bravest, most reckless desperadoes I ever saw. They were at town yesterday and said they intended to ride off a certain fine horse in the Government Staff stables last night-said it right in the face of General McCulloch. He only had a guard of twelve men placed there. They did not take the horse! We had a "band" of music to come over from camps a few nights since, and called on Gen. McCulloch, Col. Roberts, Col. Throckmorton, Maj. John H. Brown (the correspondent of the Houston Telegraph) and the great orator, Bob Taylor (said to be the greatest man and the smartest orator in Texas), also Capt. Record and Col. Towns. Well, all these men made speeches ... I went the whole rounds, and I heard each one's opinion separately. You see, everyone having gone to bed, did not hear the other's views, therefore his opinions were original. All seem to corroborate in the idea of speedy peace. Each one having had opportunities of observation, and knowing many circum-stances, all seemed to go to prove that incidents were culminating in the north which would bring a speedy peace. They seem to agree also that our most bitter enemy is at home, especially in northern Texas. Gen. McCulloch told them they had paid him an undeserved compliment, therefore he would open his mind to them on a subject much to their interest, but he said he could only tell them dark news of northern Texas. This country is in a most horrible condi-tion. The people are afraid to make oath against anyone they may know has stolen a horse or anything of this kind. None of us know when we are safe. Quantrell's men expect to start to Missouri soon, and they are confiscating enemy horses and anything they want. Their field of operations principally at present is near Sherman.
We had the Indians in to visit a few days since, the Osages headed by Chief Black Dog named "Wawawaee, " also the Comanches, two of the wildest tribes. They were noble looking fellows-tall, athletic, commanding looking savages. They had some squaws along-they were small and ugly. They came to trade Buffalo rugs for blankets, etc. They had their bows and arrows for killing game for food, and were draped in their savage costume, which is very ... They left well pleased, saying they were "friends to ... ".
Well, that's all about Quantrell. He will probably turn up at Ft. Arbuckle or some other place where he can procure provisions, but I don't think him apt to try this district again. You should have seen old McCulloch. He was white as a piece of chalk. He ran a "pretty good hickory" across the square. Some say Quantrell has not crossed the river, but that he will have to fight yet, and I credit this report least. I will hear soon, perhaps before I send this off.
But we hear more news. I don't suppose it will be news to you, though I will speak just to let you know what we hear. We hear Lee has fought Meade and has defeated him most signally; we hear that our forces have gained another decisive victory in Florida; that Gen. Price has moved his whole army to Louisiana, forming a junction with Taylor at Walnut Hill, 18 miles this side of Alexandria; that we are making heavy preparations to meet the enemy; that E.. K. Smith in person heads the column; that the Feds actually possess Alexandria, capturing two cargos or cotton, four thousand negroes and any amount of sugar and other stores. I wonder just here, what has become of Cousin Judith and the rest of the family!!! I hope sincerely that they are safe, as they were "determined to stay just where they are till the war ends. "
We also see here the "Currency Act." What do you think of that? Right "heavy brick" isn't it? Not much attention turned to it yet, though it will rage after a while!
March 29th at night. Well Father, now a little more news. Our usually dull little villa was thrown into a very sudden commotion yesterday morning. Excitement ran high for a while. The renowned Quantrell came into town followed by some twenty-five of his men. He was ordered to report to Gen. McCulloch. He came in and reported. Gen. told him to consider himself under arrest! He gave up his pistols which Gen. laid on the table. Gen. then stepped out to have some officer take him in charge. Quantrell went to the window, saw Gen. get out of sight, seized his pistols, rushed down stairs, mounted and yelled to his men to "mount up, " "mount up "! They mounted in a trice, each drawing a pistol, Quantrell at the same time saying "close up, G_D_ you, close up, or every d __ one of you will be arrested." By the time this was said, they were every one of them at full speed with pistols drawn, muttering deep threats. You know I told you his bond dissolved. Well, Lt. Anderson by prompt order from McCulloch mounted and followed, accompanied by a few desperate men who had sworn death to Quantrell for former offenses, and his own squad num-bering in all 21. At last account, Quantrell had arrived at camps, warned his men, and all had decamped to the Indian Nation, baffling all present. But after crossing the river, Quantrell sent word to Col. Weaver that he did not wish to fight the Confederates, but if he cornered him he must bide the consequences.
Now a word or two more about that which lay and hung most on my mind.
I am astonished that I could write along so much as I have and say nothing of it! I mean my prospect for crossing "Old Mississippi." It strikes me very forcibly that there being no transportation but skiffs or canoes, and by my calculations by the time I reach the banks of "Mississip" the old lady will have expanded till she will measure from twenty to twenty five miles across her "bosom, " and I dare say I fear to venture on a "bosom" so broad. So I have come to the conclusion that I will be assigned to duty on this side, and with a few recommendations from Major Ford (and he says he will give me any I may ask or can want), I will appear before E. K. Smith in person and see what he can do for me. Maj. Ezelle, his Staff Quarter Master, told Maj. Ford you know, when I was about being "knocked under, " that if I wished to go with him he would see that I did not go to the field but stay with him till I said go. I think I will try to find his opinion again. At any rate, I have a "peg" or two set ahead that I will pull at as I pass them. Maj. Ford told me today he wanted me to remain with him tell he got those old ... up anyway, which will be more than two weeks" then he said he will give me the best horse, saddle and bridle this "layout" can muster to be turned over at Shreveport, also furlough to pass by home. "Bully for Major!"
...
... 'Tis now said Lee and Meade had no fight ... Quantrell did get across the river out of Gen. McCulloch's District where he stopped and sent word that he was out of the Dist. And that he did not with to fight Confederate troops, but if they crowded him he would fight them & die before he would go farther or surrender. He will be allowed to remain there one month. He is then going back to Missouri. The people seem to apprehend a forward move on this portion of Texas by the Feds this spring.
Penwell, who you know, with his crowd attempted to go north and was caught, is yet in chains at ... Some of his followers got through, some were killed, some have returned ... to this place, one called "Cap Harris."
We had one blustery rain the other night, then it blew up another norther' which is now as cold as winter. The ground has scarcely thawed here yet. ...
I am blessed with very good health and find plenty to do.
Tender my regards to any inquiring friends and give my love to all the family.
...
J. H. L. Hull
[1] "Quantrell's Band" was an unorganized group of Confederate sympathizers who, during the Civil War, conducted raids, mainly in Missouri. Certain members of this group after the war became notorious outlaws.

August 9 letter to his father, from Kickapoo, Texas and separate letter to his mother

Kickapoo,Texas
August 9, 1864
My Dear Father,
I received your kind letter and was exceedingly glad to hear from you again. I understand a Mr. Miller is going to start after those negroes and I will try to send this by him. If I can't there is no telling when you will get it.
I have just written a letter to Mother and Mollie telling them of my health, etc. I had a pretty severe time of it. The fever was on me without ceasing for seven days when it was broken, and I am now very convalescent and hope (with no ill luck) to be up and well by next week. There is a great deal of sickness through this country. In fact it is alarming!
This country, politically, is in a deplorable condition. There are more than twenty-five men immediately in this neighborhood to be pointed out who say right openly that they voted Union Ticket and are yet union men, and the Union will stand forever. Even today, Ike Mosely said in a crowd (that) he voted the Union ticket, and that they would never get their independence as a Confederacy. Mr. Miller's brother is strong union, but he is secessionist, or he pretends to be.
I think this is a permanent thing here, these iron works. Col. Clawson speaking said he did not expect us to make iron before Christmas, so if I can make myself indispensable and these infernal Conscript Laws don't get too tight, I will have a good thing of it.
...
Mr. Harris, my host, has some ten sick, two or three of his white family. I know of but few families that have not several sick. Mr. Harris has just assisted me to my chest to get some Flux-Weed to cure one of his negroes. The doctors have quit her. They think she will die.
We have just had a visit from our chief, Col. Clawson. He came dressed in very plain common clothes, his head and whiskers shaved, he looked very rough but was not!! He was much pleased with the progress of our works, though it was slow. He is visiting and inspecting all the works. He shipped our stack builder, but we have a better one and sent his son to camps. I don't think he will be pleased with Mr. Bell's work below as he spoke badly of it while here. He was over to see me. We like him very much, and that's all about Col. Clawson.
...
War news has played out. My ... paper office has burned down and I get no papers and no news. Hood has given Sherman a powerful thrashing. Everything seems quiet at Richmond.
...
J. H. L. Hull

The same date you know

My very dear mother,
I greedily devoured the contents of that little scrip at the end of Mollie's letter which was mighty little, but I was glad to get that. You made a great long promise of a great long letter. I fear the promise will be longer than the letter.
I have just been telling Mollie of my health so 'tis useless for me to say anything of that. But you see our Allwise God has seen fit to scourge me though lightly with sickness on account of my much iniquity-and with health of body I pray for a healthiness and regeneration of spirit also that I may be more worthy of God's kind blessings so copiously bestowed on us as a family, and more humbly not making boastings of His blessings.
Well Mother, I suppose Tom and Jim have gone back. I hope they enjoyed the time much. Sis Ellie remembers her Bud-Lar & has put up for me some preserves. Bless her little heart! Bud-Lar won't forget her nor any of them. And Miss Lizzie, thought maybe you was writing to her sweetheart! Now you tell Miss Lizzie that I thought she had her hands full to take care of the one there; the initials of his name seem to be Mr. Meek.
I have not ate but one or two pieces of watermelon this season.
Well, I'll quit. I wrote to Miss Sallie Ann Strong a few days since and told her a great long story of ... office news which I thought might interest her Pa-but I find out since that there is but little of it so, but I said then I only hoped it was so, for I didn't believe it all. Oh Yes! I received a letter from Miss Sallie Hannah. I have written long since to Judith ... , but I get no answer. Have you heard anything from them yet? Tom Flemming didn't write to me did he? The rascal. I never will write to him again if he don't give me cause.
Oh!! Mother, I like to have forgotten to tell you that my old "Chief-Boss" Col. Clemson was out to see us & is now. He came down, walked half a mile to my boarding house to see his Friend Hull, he said. Yes, the old gentleman came in, shook hands with me and seemed glad to see me & said as much. Expressed many wishes for my good health. Chatted and laughed a good while. My host Mr. Harris offered him a toddy which he accepted, wishing "his friend Hull" to drink with him, which Hull refused. He drank to my health, etc., etc. He is much pleased with our works better than with some of the others and we are pleased with him.
...
Give my love to all the family & Uncle Tom. Write soon if you want to, to your loving son
J. H. L. Hull

August 9 letter Mollie Young (his cousin, Mary Laulette Young, who later married Judge J. G. Hazlewood), from Kickapoo.

Kickapoo, Anderson Co. Texas
Aug. 9th 1864
Miss M. L. Young
Dear Mollie,
Mollie, I am nearly well but I have been sick since Saturday week and tis now Tuesday. I had one of those pesky chills Saturday & the fever has lasted now a week or 8 days without breaking. My physician went fishing the 3rd day ... my fever was very high. Luckily there was another here and I employed him. He by the help of a kind merciful God, has affected a cure.
O! Mollie, Mollie, what a very kind lady is Mrs. Harris. Except that she is not my mother and can not feel a mother's love, she did everything. Yes, I never had more gentle, attentive good devoted treatment anywhere, nor could I deserve it. And Mr. Harris did all that any man could, with a willingness. We will move from his house down to the works soon to board, but they gave me a passing invitation to go to their house and remain if I should get sick.
Well perhaps 'tis time I was telling you that I received the kind letters of yourself and father by Mr. Bowles. I was then in bed and could not read them till 5 days afterwards. I was very glad to get them. Some one talks of starting after those negroes again this morning, that is my reason for writing now. I don't intend this as a letter, but will answer yours soon, also the one received the mail before. If I don't forget it, I will send you that "Vicksburg Coward" for I am heartily tired of him. Mollie, you must tell me what H. K. said about "Blue Eyes." You have my curiosity excited. Now don't you forget it. I never received Mr. ... 's note dropped at Palestine. Miss ... was very kind while I was sick, sending her wishes for my good health and expressing herself interested in my welfare. I hear she has something pretty for me when I come down!
Mollie, I love to hear from you. Write very often & long to your affectionate
J. H. L. Hull

August 15 letter to Mollie Young

Aug. 15th 1864
Dear Mollie,
Mr. Miller did not start as he expected but will start soon-and I did not get well as expected, so my moves are very unsteady: sometimes my hand flies away from the line in spite of me. I acted very imprudently, ate too much good beef, and had no one to tell me so. My host being at home thought too delicate a thing. Then I attempted to assume my duties at the office. The walk up there 1/2 a mile was too much and in half an hour I had a chill then I concluded to walk home before ... so by the time I got home I had a "shaking ague." The fever rose about 11 o'clock and lasted till 3 in the morning. Then I took quinine till bedtime and again two doses in the morning, during which time I was sweating ... and continue to. With prudence & the permission of Divine Providence I will be well soon. I am about as well now as before this ... though somewhat weaker. So much for my health.
I received a letter Sunday from ... and was glad to hear from them by letter and will answer today. Mollie don't forget to send me recipe for making "quick custards." Also send my flute by Mr. Miller if it is convenient.
I have not used by Flux-weed ... much more. Mrs. Harris wanted it for her family, black and white. The doctor had left one of his negroes and it cured her and several others. Then one of his daughters was sick and it permanently cured her. It has cured others in the neighborhood, and today as good a doctor as Anderson County can boast of called to learn this weed that he might gather it for his own family.
Well Mollie, this is "2 days later" as the papers say. Another chill slipped upon me away in the evening when I was not expecting it, while I was writing to you. The chill was very light but I just thought the fever would put me in a blaze. The chill came about 2 o'clock p.m. ... I commenced taking quinine in big doses by dark ... all night, and all next day till 4 o'clock p.m. every two hours. Well this is the most sickly letter I ever want to write. I have nearly filled it tell of my health-but enough. I am inclined to think that if there is any virtue in active labor all such chaps as I will be healthy next year, for I have no idea that the War will end this year, and if it don't, every man that can hold the weight of a musket will be certain to go to the field regardless of Depts of any kind. We have at last met with sad news. Mobile has fallen! Ft. Gaines was delivered to the enemy by the ... of a scoundrel, Col. Anderson. He should be burnt at the stake.
Other War news unimportant. I suppose Father knows that J. E. Johnson has been relieved and ordered to Richmond & Hood is in his stead; also that General Walker commands the Dist. for New Mex. & Arizona. Magruder ... Arkansas & Missouri, Buckner ... The Crockett (?) paper comes again and I will save a copy. ... Who was elected in our county?
J. H. L. Hull

November 29 letter to his father. Written from Office of Quarter Master, Anderson County, Texas

Office of G. Iron Works
Anderson Co., Texas
Nov 29th/64
My Dear Father,
Your anxiously looked for, kind letter has been received & read with delight & though I hasten to ... yet I hope under the smiles of ... Providence to outstrip these lives to their destiny ... to leave here Saturday the 3rd and ... early as I could have ... started. I will mail ... noon & it should reach you by Monday or Tuesday. I am blest with very good luck & a peaceful mind.
There is nothing worthy of ... in this corner of the Confederate States. No weddings; one death though lately. Mrs. Ayres, ... Miller's sister, she died suddenly of "choking quinsy." She had given her son, just starting to the Army, a party, and the next day started with him and accompanied him as far as Magnolia & was meeting & on the road at Mound Prairie took sick & died!! Oh the mysterious workings of Divine Providence. We know not the hour of our end & it continually behooves us to live as living to Death on Earty daily & to life everlasting in heaven-may the chasteness of ... & the giver of all good gifts, keep us as in the hold of His hand, giving sufficient as to help in times of need & enable us in the end to obtain that "pearl of Great Prize."
Your devoted son
J. H. L. Hull

1865

February 18 letter to his brother, Thomas Fulton Hull. Written from the Disbursing Office, Govt. Iron Works, Anderson County, Texas.

Disbursing Office
Govt. Iron Works
Anderson Co. Tex.
February 18th 1865
Mr. T. F. Hull
Dear Brother,
Our dear, good father wishes me to write to you concerning your attendance of Baylor University (a "Military School").
He wishes me to say to you to take those exemption papers on the 16 bales of cotton to Mr. Watson of Carthage and ask him if you have a right to transfer them & what endorsement is necessary to make the transfer. After getting that matter correctly arranged, he wishes you to mount that large bay mule which Jeff was to have worked (as he is a bad mule & jumps fences & a large mule sells well) and ride him to Independence, Washington County, Texas, at which place the school is, conducted by Rev. Gary Crane who is authorized to receive students between the ages of 17 & 18 years to drill & be ready to march out in a body if the State is invaded.
Father does not know the tuition, board, Etc., but wishes you to take those exemption papers with you & sell them to someone in or near Independence, at 6 or 8 cents ... which will pay your way for 12 months. Then as for the mule, either sell him, save the money & when you start to the army buy a horse, or, if you can, loan him out till you start to off & swap him for a fine young horse to ride to the front. He thinks that is the best you can do as Confederate money is not worth more than 20 or 30 to 1. Jeff can work the big horse or some other mule.
This is about what he wished me to say. I suppose he wishes you to start immediately, but you had better wait till you get a letter from him on the subject. I hope if you do go you will try to stand as high up on the ladder as any one & be No. 1 at anything you go at and not fool around. You will there get a year's education - improve it or it is forever lost.
Father says he bought a beautiful little gray mare that paces finely & is very gentle, will just suit the family & he is going to send her home & get a mule to give for his very soon, but she is in the "family way" ...
Your brother,
J. H. L. Hull