The following letter was written by William Semple Ryland (1836-1906), an 1858 A.M. graduate of Richmond College where his father presided. William’s father, Rev. Robert Ryland, was a “prominent leader in Virginia and pastor of the large First African Baptist Church. He believed all people deserved equal access to biblical teaching while at the same time he enslaved people and hired them out to Richmond College and others in the region. He was in many ways a paradox, embracing spiritual equality while rejecting racial equality.” [Source: University of Richmond]

During the Civil War, William served the Confederacy as a Chaplain of the 13th Virginia Infantry. He later held pastorates in Frederick County, Virginia, Winchester, Virginia, Logan County, Kentucky, and Lexington, Kentucky. He was president of Lexington Female College 1877-1880 and of Bethel College 1889-1898 where he also was professor of natural science and chairman of the faculty.

William wrote this letter to Miss Evalina Peale (b. @ 1820) who lived four miles east of Staunton, Rockingham county, Virginia. She was the spinster daughter of Bernard Peale (1762-1818) and Catharine Newman (1776-1866). Her house burned down in 1867. Her brother, Jonathan Peale, had a home nearby (still standing) that served as Stonewall Jackson’s headquarters in the spring of 1862.

Transcription

Harrisonburg [Virginia]
November 29th 1864

Miss Evelina Peel,

I am informed by Mr. John T. Harris, lawyer of this place, that it is likely that you have in your employ a servant woman of Col. Wager’s, formerly of Culpeper county. The said woman, Martha Ann by name, was formerly living in this place, Col. Wager informs me, and requested me to learn what I could about her as he lost sight of her entirely some time ago. I would not intrude this matter upon you but for the Colonel’s being confined in camp & my having the opportunity to do him a favor so easily. Allow me to renew the expression of thanks to you for the kindness you exhibited to me last summer while the army was en route for Brown’s Gap and assure you that the good things you sent the wounded were highly appreciated and relished by them.

I am, Miss, with sentiments of high esteem, your obedient servant, — W. S. Ryland, Chaplain 13th Virginia Infantry

N. B. Col. Wager’s address is Co. B, 13th Va. Infantry, Pegram’s Brigade, Early’s Division.