Empty envelopes

File — Box: W0112.01, Folder: 6

Scope and Contents

From the Collection: This collection contains fifty-six letters; George Woodard wrote forty-four of them, all to his fiancee, Gene Smith. At times he addresses letters to Genie, and the envelopes are often addressed to E. E. Smith--her name was likely Eugenia. His letters show his love and devotion to Gene and allude to activities they shared during their courtship. He also discusses camp life and the campaigns he was involved in, including the battle of Corinth and the siege of Vicksburg. A letter written on April 26, 1863, includes a small, hand-drawn battle map of Vicksburg. Many of his letters discuss his love of the Union and his willingness to sacrifice his life for his country.

The collection includes six letters written from Gene to George; her letters are often humorous, but her handwriting is less legible than George's.

There are three letters written to Gene from three friends or family members: Olive Woodard (George's mother); Otis Woodard (most likely his brother); and Gus. She received these after George's death, in 1864 and 1865.

In addition, there are three death notification letters written in 1864, presumably received by Gene. The nurse who cared for him at the Gayoso Hotel hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, incorrectly dated her letter on predated letterhead as February 1, 1863. Her kind letter includes details of his death, which occurred the previous day. The hospital steward at Gayoso, Michael Cahill, wrote a letter, also incorrectly dated February 1, 1863, which discusses his death and the process through which his heirs could obtain his belongings and pay. His commanding officer and friend, Lieutenant S. C. McDowell, wrote her a kind and personal sympathy letter, correctly dated February 7, 1864.

Each letter includes a typewritten, brief summary. These were presumably supplied by the seller.