Return to: Civil War Letters . Hunter Library . WCU

There are two letters to James Watson while he was serving in the North Carolina 25th Infantry Regiment, Company B. The first, from his wife Elizabeth, gives a glimpse of life in Jackson County, North Carolina, early in the war. The second letter is from Alfred Wilson, a friend. James Watson was 29 when he enlisted in May, 1861. He was discharged in May, 1862, after Jacob M. Woodring became his substitute (North Carolina Troops, vol. 7, p. 377).

Elizabeth Watson, Jackson County, North Carolina, to her husband, James Watson, October 29, 1861. Elizabeth Watson writes to her husband, who is in service, about her health and that of the children, and of other family members, hardships being experienced in the community due to the Civil War, price of commodities, community news such as a death and army enlistments, the weather and crops, and her desire to have him return soon.

Alfred Wilson, Hamburg, Jackson County, North Carolina, to James Watson, March 8, 1862. Wilson writes to his friend to express his gratitude for Watson’s service in the army and offering encouragement in the present military situation, the costs of commodities in the community, recent army enlistments.

Return to: Civil War Letters . Hunter Library . WCU

Send comments or questions to:
George Frizzell
Hunter Library Special Collections
Western Carolina University
176 Central Drive
Cullowhee, NC 28723
828-227-7474