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M. W. [Major Wiley] Parris of Jackson County, North Carolina, was 37 when he enlisted in May, 1861, and became a private in the North Carolina 25th Infantry Regiment, Company B. The three letters presented here are to his wife, Jane Parris. Less than two weeks after his letter of July 3, 1862, he was discharged “by reason of being over age” (North Carolina Troops, vol. 7, p. 376). The Federal Census of 1860 for Jackson County, North Carolina, lists an M.W. Parris, age 36, and Jane Parris, age 34, as wife.

Wiley Parris, Camp Lee, Grahamville, South Carolina, to Jane Parris, February 6, 1862. Parris writes of his health, that his unit has not yet seen military action, gives advice on planting crops, and asks Jane to settle specific debts. He notes when he has written or received letters from her, and asks for details on when she receives his letters.

The Federal Census of 1860 for Jackson County, North Carolina, lists a T.T.S. Sherrill, age 47, and mentions that he was a Baptist preacher.

M.W. Parris, Lenoir County, Kinston, North Carolina, to Jane Parris, April 13, 1862. Parris writes of camp life and drills, his health and that of family members with him, the shortage of paper with which to write letters, his interest in how his wife’s crops are doing, his hopes to return home, and that he has not seen military action.

The Alfred referred to in letter is probably Alfred Parris, who was age 20 at enlistment in the North Carolina 25th Infantry Regiment, Company B. Alfred Parris was wounded at Malvern Hill on July 1, 1862 (North Carolina Troops, vol. 7, p. 375).

M.W. Parris, Petersburg, Virginia, to Jane Parris, July 3, 1862. Parris writes of the battle at Malvern Hill, Virginia, on July 1, 1862, which was part of the Seven Days’ Battles (June 25 - July 1, 1862). He lists the names of fellow soldiers from Jackson County killed and wounded in the battle. He briefly mentions the military action and comments on men in the hospital.

North Carolina Troops, vol. 7, lists the men of the North Carolina 25th Infantry Regiment mentioned in the letter: the Long mentioned in the letter may be Peter G. Long, who was wounded at Malvern Hill on July 1 and died of his wounds on July 17 (p. 374). John B. Queen was killed at Malvern Hill on July 1 (p. 376). Among the wounded at Malvern Hill were Joseph H. Moody (p. 374), Joseph W. Cogdill (p. 371), Daniel H. Hooper (p. 373), Samuel J. Parker (p. 375), and Alfred W. Parris (p. 375). Leander B. Hall was wounded at King's School House, Virginia, on June 25 and died July 12 (p. 373). William M. Beard was wounded at King's School House and died in the hospital at Richmond around July 7 (pp. 369-370). David W. Wilson died at Petersburg about July 1 of "febris continuous communis" (pp. 377-378). In addition, the letter mentions Captain Andrew W. Coleman [“Coalman”] of Company A, North Carolina 16th Infantry Regiment, who was "killed by a shell" at Frayser's Farm, Virginia, on June 30 (North Carolina Troops, vol. 6, p. 13).

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