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Title
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Letter from Victoria Elizabeth Cunningham to Margaret Cunningham (possibly Sullivan) — August, c. 1860-61
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Accession Number
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2022.1.1.1
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Accession Date
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February 4, 2023
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Accession Creator
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David Lovegrove
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Depositor
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Shuman B. Gerald, III
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Description
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Victoria Cunningham, age 18 or 19, is writing her sister Margaret, who is seven years older. Margaret had married at age 16, but her husband died a year or two before this letter was written; she remarried just after this letter.
This letter is very unusual in several respects. It is not fully dated, as most of Victoria's letters are. It begins with “Dear Margaret,” a striking departure from the normal “My dear Sister.” The grammar and spelling are less developed; and the “sound” of her writing feels younger and less mature than her other letters. It doesn’t mention their brother Mike at war, which implies it was written before he left. The postscript is also very unusual, and seems to indicate an early discomfort with letter-writing (many other American womens’ letters from this period have requests to burn or destroy or hide or protect the letter, but Vic does this no other time — even for letters discussing rather private matters). For these reasons, I tend to think this is August, 1860. She does mention Ben Morgan being elected Lieutenant, but the Confederate military had not yet begun muster at that point; that could indicate an August 1861 date. However, all the other factors point to an earlier date, and it’s entirely possible Ben is in the state militia — which was in massive growth and development in August 1860. The letter makes no mention of Washington Sullivan; Margaret married him in December of 1860.
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Date
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August, likely 1860 or 1861.
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Storage Location
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General Archive Box #7 Folder #1
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Text
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Dear Margaret
Your very kind letter was recieved by a due course of Mail. and its contents read with much pleasure.
I was beginning to think you had forgotten there was such a person in existence as Myself. You must excuse the dullness of my letter, as there is no news about Pleasant Grove
Mary’s examination I believe is The Theme at present. she is very busy and all her pupils. has about 35 in number, They are expecting a good many persons there. They are to have a Picnic which I think will not be much, so there is nothing to eat in this neighborhood. We are expecting you and family up there, so you can bring a basket of Cake with you, Uncle Chives family is coming down, Suppose he wants to hear John’s speak,
Grand Mother and Uncle Mike was here last week all is well with them, Aunt Hannah is better, Uncle Mike is not so lively as usual. Made me promise to visit him soon, but I am fearful it will be a failure. Grand Ma and I was to have gone to Morganton this summer but she has declined going at present, Uncle [Prater?] is on Moris Island.
We went to Mount Tabor last Sunday heard Mr. Cromey preach (he is a Methodist Minister)
There is a good deal of sickness in this neighborhood Mrs. Nancy Foster is very low, Mr. Jesse Foster has lost one Negro Man, has another very sick, all have Typhus fever, Mr. Nat Morgan is still alive and that is about all his sons has been at home to see him Ben has gone back has been elected Lieutenant lately.
I see some people going on to the Association they will have a nice time, among the number was Hurbert Hawkins & wife, the Westmorelands are to [hope?] yet they are going. [Nannie?] has been staying at Mr. Morgans, went home last week to make some preparations for the Association
John’s family was here a few days ago they are well except Matilda she has been very sick, they speak of visiting you but I suppose not until after you come up. Your friend Hugh Mc. has had fever is well again.
Mary sais she would have written but has no time and sais when you come bring her Black Lace Cape to make a Cap for Mother and if you will make it it will be a great accommodation to me, & sais tell Mr. Featherston there will be a great disappointment should he fail to come at the time appointed,
This leaves us in Moderate health hoping it may safely reach you and find you in the enjoyment of health, wealth, and prosperity. —
Your sister Vic
P.S. show not.
Etta Bailey Burgiss papers