Thomas J. Goree to Sarah W. Goree, August 20, 1864
[Goree Family Papers MSS. - LS.]
Lynchburg Virginia Aug 20th/64
My dearest Mother:
I wrote you about
a week since by Capt Harding, who
expected to start in a few days for
Texas. I write again this morning
and will send my letter to Richmond
hoping it may be promptly forwarded
from there. I have heretofore writ-
ten you such unfavourable[sic] accounts
from of Ed, that I know you will
feel an intense deal of distress and
uneasiness. Do not suppose for
an instant, that I intended when
I wrote those letters to Alamo you
unnecessarily. I merely performed
what I conceived to be a sad, but
necessary duty, for at the time
judging from Ed's appearance
and from the expressed opinion
of the best Surgeons in the city
I thought there was no earthly
chance for his recovery. Now
I am happy to assure you thanks
to a kind Providence, that there
has been a very perceptible im-
provement in his condition, and
that the Surgeons have become
very hopeful of his final recov-
ery. His appetite still continues
good, and his face looks fuller.
The improvement in his spirits
is equally as much or more decided.
The inflammation in the knee joint
has very much abated, and I
think the abcess [sic] & wound are also
better. The bed sore on his back
seems somewhat improved, and
the one on his hip is no worse.
I feel almost sure that with good
careful nursing which he will
certainly have, he will struggle
through. I do no wish you
to understand that he is entirely
out of danger, but that the chances
are in favor of his recovery.
I recd a letter from Scrap three days
ago, telling me of a narrow escape he
had made, which was that the
enemy threw a shell at Genl Field & staff
& couriers. (9 in all) which fell in a
few feet of them and exploding, wounded
five horses. Nobody hurt. Yesterday
I recd another letter, stating that the
next day in the fight a shell had
struck and torn one of the legs of his horse
to pieces, and that nearly every
horse on Genl Field's staff had
was killed or wounded. The object
of his letters was for me to assist
him in making arrangements to
get another horse. In the course
of the letter he mentioned the fact
which he seemed to consider of minor
importance, compared with the horse
question, that he himself had recd
quite a severe wound in the left
arm, just below the elbow, one of
the bones, being broken. He said
that it was giving him some pain
but that he intended going before
the board in a day or two, and
endeavour to get a furlough and
go to N.C. I wrote him that he
had better get a transfer from Richmond
to the hospital, at Kittrell Springs.
Nine miles form Cousin Protheus' and
from there he could get permission
to get stay at Cousin P's and
report to the hospital every four
days for surgical treatment.
I thought think it better that
he should have regular surgeons
to watch his arm. He wishes if
he can to go to Asheville to Cousin
Robert Pulliams. Wounded as
he is, he will hardly be able
to return to duty before Nov
or Dec or probably January. I am very thankful
that his wound is no worse. I do not yet know how
I will manage to replace his horse, but will make
some arrangement before his return to duty.
I might spare one of mine, but unfortunately
one of them (My best horse which I have had for 2 years)
is about to go blind. The Govt will pay Scrap
$600 for his horse, but that will only be a drop in
the bucket, at the present prices of horses and the present
value of Confederate Money.
I recd a very kind letter a few days ago from
Cousin Lally Nelson, which I enclose for you to see.
she has been exceedingly kind to us.
I recd a letter a day or two since, from South Carolina.
they were well. Aunt Lucy's health [MS. torn] what
improved. Mr Bates, Cousin Hattie's husband, and
one of the kindest, best men in the world) insists
that he shall be informed as soon as Ed is able
to travel, and he will take great pleasure in
coming on here for him. Ed is very popular
in S.C. and they all feel much interest in him.
Away from the army as I am, I have but little
news of general interest to write, more than
you will see in the papers. Scrap was woun-
ded in the battle of "Tussel's Mill" or White's Farm
about 10 miles from Richmond, on North side of
James' river. Ed sends much love.
Present my best love to all and accept much
for yourself from Your Ever Aff Son,
Thomas
Special Collections - Thomason Room
