The following letter was written by Horace Palmer (1835-1881), the son of Paul Micheaux Palmer and Ann Emily Stith (1806-18xx) of Fayette county, Tennessee. In the 1860 US Census, 24 year-old Horace was enumerated in Somerville and working as a doctor. He was married in 1863 to Anna Bucher Bullock. He died in 1881 and was buried in Hempstead county, Arkansas. His grave marker identifies him as an Assistant Surgeon in the Confederate States Army.

Horace initially served in Co. D (“The Somerville Avengers”), 6th Tennessee Infantry—a regiment recruited in Haywood, Madison and Fayette counties. They organized at Camp Beauregard, Jackson, Tennessee. This letter was written not long after the Battle of Belmont and was probably penned from Columbus, Kentucky.

By 1862, Horace had joined Carter’s 1st Tennessee Cavalry where he served as an assistant surgeon. He was taken prisoner in 1864 and sent to Johnson’s Island Prison.

Horace wrote the letter to his sister, Mary Belle (Palmer) Hafford (1833-1870), the wife of Rev. W. D. F. Hafford (1827-1880). Rev. Hafford was a Methodist minister who served briefly as the chaplain of the 13th Tennessee Infantry.

T R A N S C R I P T I ON

November 14, 1861

Dear sister,

I have but a few minutes to answer your very interesting letter as Mr. Tatam leaves in a very few minutes. Enclosed you will find my sentiments expressed briefly with what scanty news I have been able to glean.

I am well as usual. I am very closely confined not having been to town more than once in two weeks. We are expecting an attack daily though—that is, with the enemy. We will give him a warm reception whenever he makes his appearance. I was very much surprised on going down to [John V.] Wright’s Regiment to see Mr. Hafford the other day to learn that he had resigned. For your sake, I am glad. Hope he is stationed in Somerville this year.

I hope you will excuse this short epistle. Will write the first opportunity. Your brother, — Horace