A Good Letter from a Patriotic Lady.
November 21, 1864
Wheeling, West Va., Oct. 31, 1864.
To the Soldiers of Co. D, 1st W. Va. Light Art'y:
Gentlemen: I. H. Williams, Esq., of this city, has handed us the sum of forty-five dollars, and stated that said amount had been given to him, by you, as a contribution to myself and children.
I cannot but regard such a favor as a testimonial of respect for my husband, now a prisoner in the hands of our enemies, and trust that all such favors may soon be unnecessary, through his return to his comrades and duty.
May his present lot never be the fate of either of you, and may the God of battles soon, either through the repentance or destruction of our foes, bring both you and him to your homes and firesides, never more to mingle in deadly strife, but to enjoy the liberty maintained, the blessings purchased, and the rights secured through the perpetuity of our National Government.
I am, very respectfully,
Mary Jenkins.
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: Undated: November 1864