Thomas Wright's Diary

Letters 1934

Thom and Grace

I know all is good, for you both. Having received both your letters a few days ago. Most of what I have to tell you can wait, but I have two letters from Pop I would like to share. First off Pop was at Appomattox for the surrender of General Lee, at the time he was a Brevet Captain. Wow who would of thought Pop a Captain. The Confederate Battle Flag I found had to of come from a Colonel that surrendered to him, at Sayler Creek. That I will tell you about when you come home. Well the letters one for Momma, the other Gramma Wright.

Betsy my love,

I know you have heard by now, Robert E. Lee General of the Army of Northern Virginia! Has surrendered! I am so joyed that one part of this here War, is over! I miss you dearly not a moment goes by, I do not feel your presence in my heart. Ya have no need ta worry, I am doin just fine, Tuck has done a fine job a lookin out fer me an the boys.

Although I feel tired, an a might worried fer my boys. The real end so close, hate ta lose any now so close ta maybe gettin home. I survived a lot a fights, not plannin on gettin myself killed. A Colonel surrendered ta me, my he was a defiant sight. The man stood his ground saber in hand Battle flag flappin in the wind. Proud man with honor, I allowed him ta keep his Guidon, an broke saber. He surrendered with out a fight. Betsy, I long ta feel ya touch. The evenins spent on the porch, our talks ta pass the time.

I must tell ya about, that formal surrender how we acted an those boys in gray acted. My I do not even know ifin I could march my boys, between the ranks of the winnin Army. When they first entered they looked, like a beat down lot. As we snapped ta in a salute. Why they seemed ta become an Army. That General Gordon, well he was the one that led thum in.

He made his horse bow down, an he tipped his saber at our General Chamberlain. Not one laugh or word was said, and we acted not like a winnin Army, but one that held High regard fer thum. They step became Drill like. Heads high, some limped, a few drug a leg along, some was helped along, those helped, must of felt the need ta be close at the end.

I had respect fer those fellas, but now my respect is even greater. They marched by us, with respect an the attitude of The Grand Army they was. The orders were given ta stack arms. They did that like a real Army not just throwin down they weapons. They stacked thum proper like. Rolled they colors, some wept as they did this.

This was done, with honor not out a disrespect. I think both sides needed this ta begin ta start, this over an correct.

Betsy I love you dearly, I want ta come home when that maybe I am not sure. Till I can come home ta ya, ya must know this I can not sleep till, I tell ya goodnight.

With all my love yar Husband
Thomas

Momma

I know ya worry so, but I am doin just fine. I know Uncle Thom feels the need ta roam, probably a feelin it now. I do hope he stays till I gets home. I would like ta see him. Talk of Poppy an what his plans are.  Tell him his home is ours, no matter what. Momma sometimes yar son gets scared, the fear a run deep down. Those times, I feel like ya are with me. I can feel yar arms around me holdin me close.
That thought keeps me a goin so I can see ya an Betsy again.

We owe Theo, much more than we could ever repay includin Joe. Theo seen ta it ifin Uncle Thom did not tell ya, fer him ta escape prison. As ya know this here War is close ta it's end, I long ta come home. Although I do not feel I am Officer material, the boys follow me just fine. I have great respect fer thum. Ifin they need my help later after we all gets home, well I can not turn thum down.

Momma be nice, ta have some cherries in season, when I gets home a cherry pie, be what I miss most. Hear ya hummin while ya make it. The smell of it bakin. That first bite, the look of enjoyment on yar face, knowin I liked it. Momma that Mister Bowman best not be a botherin, ya an Betsy.

Momma I best close this up, tell Uncle Thom I miss him. Ya take care ya self. With love Momma till I gets home.
Yar son
Thomas

Grace Thom you two take care.
Your Brother
Will

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