The following letter was penned by James Holdsworth Gordon (1847-1924) in July 1864 while a student at Columbian College in the District of Columbia. Gordon was the son of William Alexander Gordon, Sr. (1802-1873) and Glorvina Blake (1810-1890). He graduated from Columbian College and Law School and was admitted to the bar in 1867.

The letter was addressed to his older brother, William Alexander Gordon, Jr. (1841-1923), who had previously graduated from Columbian College. When the war broke out in 1861, William elected to serve in the Confederate army, accepting a commission as a lieutenant, first as an adjutant of the 1st Confederate Engineers, and later on the staff of General Pickett. After the war, the brothers reunited to form the law firm Gordon and Gordon which had a long history in the District of Columbia.

The letter is relatively brief and contains little or no war news. This is because it was officially and legally transmitted through enemy lines by Flag-of-Truce couriers. All such letters were opened and read to look for any content that was considered militarily sensitive. The only other way to send mail was by smuggling it through enemy lines.

Transcription

Georgetown, District of Columbia
July 27th 1864

Dear Brother,

No letter from you for other three months until this morning when one per F. T. dated May 30th arrived for Mother. Glad to see your hand writing again if course but regretted. its being of too old a date to relieve present anxiety. Can’t account for your not hearing from home as we write constantly. Josie writes always once a month—sometimes oftener. Sent her photograph in April to you and Mr. C. All well and send love. Uncle has been ill but had entirely recovered. Frank Rittenhouse was wounded before Petersburg in June and was as soon as practicable removed to his Uncle Charles’. The surgeons pronounced his case hopeless but since the ball has been extracted, there is hope of a slow recovery.

We so much regretted to hear of Miss Bessie’s death. We loved her because she was your friend and Josie had looked forward with much pleasure to meeting her. Miss Maggie has not been in town this summer. Josie will write her immediately and deliver your message. You never mentioned Nannie Bentley’s Aunt, Mrs. Charles. Have you met her? Our commencement exercises passed off splendidly. I am now elevated to the dignity of a Junior. The [Columbian] College is flourishing and the Dr. well. He enquires most kindly for you. Did John Norwood receive my letter dated February last? All send love. Your brother, — J. Holdsworth Gordon