I can’t be absolutely certain of the identity of these correspondents but am reasonably confident that the letter was written by George “Manly” Norris (184801934), the son of George Norris (1812-1862) and Amelia Avinger (1812-1883) of Vance’s Ferry (near Santee), Orangeburg county, South Carolina.

Manly wrote the letter to a brother whom he calls “Budder.” This may have been Daniel Keating Norris (1846-1905) who served in the 2nd South Carolina Artillery. Apparently with Budder or encamped nearby was another brother, Joseph (“Joe”) Furman Norris (1849-1923) who enlisted in 1864 at the age of 17 in Co. D, 19th Battalion, South Carolina Cavalry.

In his letter, Manly mentions his brother Thomas P. Norris (1842-1865) who served as a 1st Sergeant in Co. F, 2nd South Carolina Artillery. Thomas was wounded at the Battle of Bentonville N.C. March 19th 1865, from the effects of which he died three days after.

[The following letter is from the personal collection of Greg Herr and was transcribed and published on Spared & Shared by express consent.]

Transcription

March 3rd [1864/5]

Dear Budder,

Ma received a letter from you and Joe last week and was very glad to hear that you and Joe was well. We are all well and I hope these lines will find you and Joe enjoying the same health,

Gabe and Emer [Emma] Avinger, I and Harrison Dorsan went up to the cave up to the old Chapel yesterday. We enjoyed ourselves finely. We went in the cave about 20 feet. We would have went through it if there was no so much water in it. There are hundreds of names in it. I seen some there ever since 1780. We all wrote our names in there. I seen Brother Edward’s name in one of the part of the old Chapel.

I got an introduction to Harrison’s sister yesterday. She is not very pretty. I expect Harrison will start today for camps. Mr. Dorson’s school will commence next week. I expect he will have a pretty good school. I am going to town next week. I haven’t heard from Tom in a week or more. The last time I heard from him he was well.

Budder, I have sent the books you wrote for by Mr. Dorson. I expect you have got them before now. Sam Preacher went to Columbia but did not succeed in getting his exemption signed. He wants too much waiting on. He made Nelly sash for him all day last Saturday.

I hear that your fare is pretty good—cornbread without salt. What’s Joe do for milk? If he don’t get milk, tell him to take coffee. Budder, we work Dunkey in the plow and carriage. She draws fine in the carriage. I am going to draw her in the buggy before very long. I think she will draw the buggy noble. She trots pretty fast in harness.

When you come home, Ma will have some pretty cloth for our pants. It is dyed a deep blue. Ira started for Virginia this morning. Bill Bull is home. He will stay until the reserves are called out. [Ira] Porter Bull is gone to Spartanburg to school. I will close as I know no more to write by telling you what you know already.

I am your brother, — Manly.

I don’t know how to direct this letter. I will direct it as good as I can. Write soon and tell me the correct way to direct a letter to you. Tell Joe to write soon also. I am going to see some girls this evening.