150 Voices for 150 Years: An Autobiography of Us Lt. George Hurlbuts letters to his friend Angeline reveal a lot about the progress of the Atlanta Campaign. This letter shares quite a bit about the what we know historically: that the Union Army fed off of the farms and countrysides of Georgia, that women and children were forced to leave the Confederate factories in which they worked, and that the South was unable to continue the fight much longer. Georges letter is historically significant and, well, simply interesting. July 12, 1864 Good Morning, Pet, Breakfast is scarcely finished ere I am engaged at my letter writing again, bye the bye, we are living sumptuously now. My breakfast consisted of army bread, army beefsteak, new potatoes, coffee, milk and honey. The potatoes, milk and honey are the products of this territory, which has fallen into our hands. If the soul could occupy their lands, they certainly would not have embarked in this rebellion. It will be next to impossible for the people to live here, as what the Rebel Army did not destroy or carry away the Union Forces consume. When our men reach a plantation it is at once cleared of all grain, stock, meat and other supplies that may be found. I have seen splendid gardens robbed of their delicacies in the space of ten minutes. At this point, before its occupation by our army, were three large factories, one for wool and two for cotton, which employed from three to five hundred men and women, mostly women. These are now burned and the employees left to the tender memories of the world. Many of the women are going north. It is to be regretted that women and children must suffer. If the South persists in this struggle, they will be completely ruined. This country is rough and broken, yet along the river are some rich and beautiful farms. It is the greatest country for shade trees and shrubbery that I ever visited. Pine grows here in abundance, and the magnolias shade almost every gateway. Whether we will be allowed a few days rest or not I cannot tell. I presume General Sherman is anxious to push on to Atlanta which is only nine miles from the center of our lines. I must not forget to thank you for your truly good letter of June 26th. I am vexed to think my letters are so irregular. Many letters to and from the army never reach their destination. I am not in the proper mood to indulge at any length on the subject of Hattie’s coming marriage. I have a brother’s care for her as well as a brother’s care for her as well as a brother’s love. I would not desire to say aught that would tend to make her unhappy, yet it seems to me she is starting out rather young. I should regret it deeply were she to make an unwise choice. It will be an utter impossibility for me to attend her wedding, but my earnest prayer shall be for her complete happiness. Remember me to all the family. Whenever the opportunity offers I will come again. With all love and respect, George. What George failed to point out is that the women going north were not doing so of their own accord. They were forcibly removed and sent north, as Sherman considered them traitors and treasonous for working in factories to produce Confederate woolens. Some women and their children were unable to make their way back home and, in tragic circumstances, those who did sometimes returned to find their positions as wife filled by another, their soldier husbands thinking them dead. George also comments on his sisters pending marriage. He isnt a fan of the idea, but doesnt want to hurt his sister by outright objecting to it. Continue following the 150 Voices series to see what happens with George, Angie, his sister, and her fiance. #150VoicesOfUs #HashtagHistory
Posted on: Sat, 12 Jul 2014 17:00:01 +0000