Letter - Mary Anna Jackson to Stonewall Jackson

Stonewall Jackson's wife, Mary Anna (whom he affectionately called "Esposito"), sent him this letter sometime in April of 1863:

My precious husband -

I will go to Hanover and wait there until I hear from you again, and I do trust I may be permitted to come back to you again in a few days. I am much disappointed at not seeing you again, but I commend you, my precious darling, to the merciful keeping of the God of battles, and do pray most earnestly for the success of our army this day. Oh! that our Heavenly Father may preserve and guide and bless you, is my most earnest prayer.

I leave the shirt and socks for you with Mrs. Neale, fearing I may not see you again, but I do hope it may be my privilege to be with you in a few days. Our little darling will miss dearest Papa. She is so good and sweet this morning. God bless and keep you, my darling.

Your devoted little wife.

Stonewall Jackson was mortally wounded, by "friendly fire," soon after this letter was written.

Credits

Date: Late April, 1863
To: Stonewall Jackson
From: Mary Anna Jackson
Original Letter:  Maintained at Virginia Military Institute
It is unknown where Mrs. Jackson was when she wrote this letter.