The following letter was written by Samuel Darwin McConnell (1834-1885) to his fiancé and later wife, Mary Eloise Brumby. It is part of a large collection housed at the University of Florida. Scans of the letter have been made available on-line, but have not been transcribed. The bulk of the correspondence describes Samuel’s admittance to the Ocala bar, his work at the East Florida Seminary, and his thoughts on the political happenings of the time. Samuel and Eloise were married on 27 August 1861.

On March 12, 1862, McConnell enlisted in the 7th Florida Infantry, and was appointed captain of Co. G. His unit, formed at Gainesville, was sent with the regiment to Chattanooga and then to east Tennessee. There, the regiment saw action at the Battles of Chattanooga and Chickamauga in 1863. In 1864, McConnell was seriously wounded at both Chickamauga and at Resaca, and was forced to use crutches for the rest of his life. He later returned to practicing law and moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 1871. In 1880, he returned to Ocala where he served as the first Mayor of Ocala until his death on June 6, 1885.

Though his regiment saw action at Chickamauga and Chattanooga, this collection does not contain any of his letters pertaining to these battles. In his early letters, McConnell writes about his thoughts on secession, the election of President Lincoln, his feelings on serving in the Confederate Army, and his regiment’s movements in the early stages of his enlistment. Towards the end of the war, while stationed in Georgia and Alabama, he discusses the Confederate Army’s retreat from Atlanta, the prospect of peace if McClellan wins election as president of the United States, and the army’s attempt to regain momentum against Union forces.

Christopher Hendrix sent me the scans of the following letter for transcription.

Transcription

Tuesday night
April 16, 1861

I have been thinking of you a great deal tonight my dear Eloise, and wishing that I were with you, participating in the pleasures you are this. evening having at home. Miss Sarah is, I presume now in longer Miss, but has assumed the weighty responsibilities of married life. I wish I could extend to her my congratulations and good wishes on this happy occasion. I did not write a part of my letter last night in consequence of being from home. Last evening I was taking my usual ride and was caught by a rain, and had to stop at a friend’s house about a mile from town. The rain continued all night so that I had to spend the night there.

Our little town has been the scene of considerable excitement today on account of the news that a fight had occurred at Charleston and that there has probably been one at Fort Pickens in this state. While I am sorry that our difficulties could not have been settled peaceably, I think the honor of the South demanded the step that has been taken atCharleston, and I am glad that the object has been accomplished with so little loss of life.

The President has made a requisition upon this state for 1500 additional troops, and it is highly probable that many more of the volunteer companies will be called out. I do not mention this, my dear Eloise, to cause you anxiety on my account—far from it—for I would not for a moment distress you, but I mention it in order that you may be prepared for it, should I have to go with our company. There are many reasons why I would regret the necessity of having to go off, and one very important one is the anxiety that it would occasion you, and the delay in our marriage which might be occasioned if there is a long war, and I should be sent off without an opportunity of seeing you. These make me deeply regret that there will probably be a necessity for my services.

It is also unpleasant to think of leaving my business. My prospects are quite flattering at this time, more so than I anticipated, and to have to leave and go for a long time, would be a great disadvantage to me. But though these are important considerations, if my country needs my services, I am ready and willing to give them at any time. Let me express the hope, my dear Eloise, that you will not suffer yourself to be distressed about the matter, but look upon the bright side of the picture, believing that Providence in whose hands are all things, will so ordain that our present difficulties and annoyances will redound to our interest. Should it so happen that I will be ordered off, I will see you before I go if there is a possibility of doing so.

Wednesday night, 12:30 o’clock. You will doubtless think that I keep late hours judging from the hour at which I am now writing. I have been spending the evening in the country and have just returned and as it is too late to write much, I can only bid you good evening and wait until tomorrow to continue my letter.

Friday night. You see I have passed one night without writing to you. Last night I was feeling rather unwell and retired early and without enjoying the pleasure of writing a few lines to you. My indisposition was not of a serious nature however, and this morning finds me feeling quite well as usual.

On Sunday I will start for Sumter county in company with several other lawyers from this place. Don’t scold me for traveling on Sunday, though I may deserve a good scolding. Court meets on Monday morning and on tomorrow I have to be here to attend a drill of our company, so that I have to go on Sunday though I dislike to do so. Of course while away I cannot continue writing daily, but will make up for lost time when I get back home.

On yesterday I was disappointed in getting a letter from you. The Savannah mail did not come through owing to some detention on the route and thus your letter did not reach me. Sunday morning’s mail will however bring me a letter. This is my expectation at least, and I will not start before the arrival of the mail.

We are all very uncertain about the movement of our company in the event of a continuation of war. We hope, however, to hear very soon. The news we have received from the North is of a warlike nature, but it is impossible to judge what the President of the U. S. intends doing.

This will be mailed tomorrow which is several days sooner than my usual day for mailing letters to you. Goodbye for the present. Affectionately yours, — S. D. McC.