A distant family member has taken the time and effort to unearth some ancient family letters and retype them for the enjoyment of all. I am finding them to be such an interesting read, that I can’t resist passing one on.

The following letter is from Ida Jane (Beasley) Williams to Dorothy “Dolley” (Foster) Williams who was the wife of her son Hayne. Charles – who is in the army – was another son. Ida Jane (Beasley) Williams is my Great Great Great Great Grandmother (is there a better way to say that?).

On to the letter…

Ark Homestead County
July 24th 1861

Dear Daughter,

I embrace the present opportunity of writing you a few lines to let you know that I am well at present hoping these lines may come safely to hand and find you well. Dolley I have bin waiting for a letter from you till I have got out of patience. I haven’t herd a word from Carolina since your last letter that was dated the Fourth of May. I wrote to you shortly after that and I hav not received an answer yet. I am getting very anxious to hear from you all. Hayne has quit writing to any person in this neighborhood. I haven’t received a letter from him since he was at home in April.

Dolley it is with grief that I must inform you that Charles left Nashville on the 18 of June in Capt. Neals Company of Voliunteers. They went to little rock and was sent from there to Fort Smith. He wrote to me from Fort Smith but did not know where to tell me to write to him. I have not got a letter from him since. I expect that he’s in Missouri some place. I understand there will be some hard fighting there. I live a mile and a half of the road that leads from Washington to Missouri. The volunteers are going this road almost every day going to Missouri. There was two Companys of Calvery just a few days ago and a large number of foot men has been passing ever since. We were expectin two Companys to pass today. Dolley I herd there has been several battles fought in Virginia and a good many kild. If Hayne is kild I want you to let me know. I think his time is out that he first volunteered for but I don’t expect that he will come home.

I have nothin more to interest you. We have very good crops in this country though it is rather dry at this time but corn is made.

Dolley I want you to write to me as soon as you get this. Tell me all the news. You don’t know the trouble I see about my children. If they were to die at home I would know where they were laid but if they are kild I don’t know whats become of them but I hope some one will bury them. I will come to a close. Give my best respects to all inquiring friends if there be any and reserve a portion for yourself. Tell all of the children howdy and kiss them for me. I would be glad to see you all. Nothing more here at present only remain your most kind mother.

~Jane Williams

When you write to Hayne remember my love to him. I would write to him but I don’t know where to direct a letter. Be certain to write.