Image Courtesy, Wade Dillon Illustrations
Mollie’s War
This intimate letter, penned by Mollie Mann to her husband, Rufus, during the American Civil War, offers a rare and poignant window into the lives of those left behind. As the nation grapples with a bitter conflict, she navigates the complexities of domestic life, the anxieties of war, and the unwavering love for her absent spouse.
Her words paint a vivid picture of a society on edge. Rumors of military victories and political maneuvering swirl through her community, offering fleeting moments of hope amidst pervasive uncertainty. The letter also reveals the harsh realities of daily life, as she grapples with the health of her child and the tragic loss of a neighbor’s daughter.
Beyond the personal, the letter provides valuable historical context. References to key figures like Grant, Lee, and Lincoln offer insights into the major events of the war, while the mention of diseases like measles and whooping cough highlight the public health challenges of the era.
Ultimately, this letter is a testament to the enduring power of human connection. Mollie’s longing for her husband’s return, coupled with her resilience in the face of adversity, creates a portrait of a woman determined to maintain hope in the darkest of times.
This story ends well. Rufus returned home after the war. He and Mollie would have several more children and both would live relatively long and productive lives.
I often wonder how authors, like Mollie, would feel about our making their stories public. I am not certain they would approve, but where else could we find a more useful and inspiring threshold into the past that provides such an open and candid quality to life than a personal letter? My wish is that she would understand.
Thank you, Mollie.
* * * *
Mollie Mann, 1862
July 26th (1864)
My Dear Husband,
We have later news yesterday and today confirming the good news and making it better every time. We have it from two different sources that Gen’l Lee held Gen’l Grant in check on his last ‘On to Richmond’ and sent 30 or 40 thousand troops round to Maryland and took Wash- ington City. It is more generally believed than any former report of the kind ever has been; and whether it be true or not all minds are satisfied that Grant has failed and will ever do the same. No one seems to doubt our success and many are confident that this year will terminate the war. Freemont and Lincoln it is thought will divide the war party so that a Peace president will surely be elected. Freemont’s letter of acceptance for the nomination is going the rounds and from all that can be learned Lincoln is sure to run. Some think Franklin Pierce will be the Peace Candidate, others McClellan, as for me it matters not who is elected. I am sure I would rather have my husband home in peace and safety than have him President of either government, or be myself queen of the proudest kingdom on earth. “Oh tell me not of lofty fate, of glory’s deathless name the bosom’s love leaves desolate has naught to do with fame.”
Wirt is no worse but has not improved in the two days past as I could wish or had expected. The Drs. however say there is no chance for a cure until cool weather and that with his head and temperament to cure his bowels while teething would probably bring on high fever and convul- sions.
Mrs. Dyer has just returned from a meeting where her child was exposed to measles and hooping cough which terrifies me very much. Wirt would stand a poor chance to get well of measles now and hooping cough would doubtless continue in the family until fall which I would consider cer- tain death to all new comers. I have told you of Sallie Stephens little girl, Abbie, being drowned in the well. Sallie went from home, left her child in the care of a negro boy 12 yrs of age, giving him a task of weeds to cut and mind Ab- bie, promising a whipping if he failed to complete it. The child was neglected, fell in the well. I have heard her skull was fractured and her neck was broken. I may be unfortunate someday but it will never be the consequence of neglect. I never left Wirt one half hour in the care of anyone but his Grand Ma, not even his grown Aunts who often begged the charge, and are fond and attentive as can be!
Mag has just started to the hotel to see Dump and took Wirt along to see Bula Lee. She has been to see Wirt twice. Wirt looked back, Goodbye Mollie. Will and Dump have rented some rooms up there and are keeping house.
My Dear you say I must tell you what I am thinking and doing. My thought are varied. Sometimes cheerful enough and again very sad. In either mood they wander always toward Ft. Smith. I sew some, mostly for Wirt, read some and keep house some. I am preserving some today and have put your name in the kettle in large type. You must be sure to come and claim it. I intend to have peach cobbler for dinner tomorrow, and apple dumplins the next day. Mrs. Tom Turner sent me the fruit today from below Daingerfield by Mag and Mrs. Dyer who attended a meeting there. Why can’t you come and dine with us? I often think how well and how happily we might live if we could only have a chance, but if we could only enjoy peace and happiness, as much as I dislike coarse fare, I could be content with the plainest. My Dear, I have imposed quite a lengthy, common-place epistle upon you, but knowing that you are good-natured, at least with me, I hope you will excuse such a blunder. I don’t often feel like writing and have indulged more than common. It seems longer this time since you left home than ever before, but My Dear, you know I have never annoyed you about coming home, much as I desire it for I believe you will come as often as convenience and propriety will permit, and I would not have you exposed unnecessarily to censure or fatigue for any gratification of mine. I pray the Lord to take care of you and keep and guard you from every evil and danger and one day restore you to your ever loving and devoted
Mollie
Mollie to Rufus Mann, 26 July 1864, File 000005, Rufus Brooks Mann Civil War Papers, Archives and Records Program, Texas General Land Office, Austin, TX.
Why Historify?
I discovered the power of story as a history teacher, and the singular privilege of working at a Texas state archive filled with letters penned by common people whose thoughts, attitudes, and experiences reflect the times in which they lived.
Their stories are the heartbeat of history that give life to memory, and these letters are everywhere, in private collections, libraries, archives, and museums across the country, waiting to be discovered by an interested public.
This simple website was created as a free, uncomplicated, and time-saving introduction to the richness and value of historical sources, and as impetus for readers to explore history on their own.
Please join me as we study the past through the words of those who lived it, one life at a time, and thank you for being here.
Buck
Why Historify?
I discovered the power of story as a history teacher, and the singular privilege of working at a Texas state archive filled with letters penned by common people whose thoughts, attitudes, and experiences reflect the times in which they lived.
Their stories are the heartbeat of history that give life to memory, and these letters are everywhere, in private collections, libraries, archives, and museums across the country, waiting to be discovered by an interested public.
This simple website was created as a free, uncomplicated, and time-saving introduction to the richness and value of historical sources, and as impetus for readers to explore history on their own.
Please join me as we study the past through the words of those who lived it, one life at a time, and thank you for being here.
Buck