William T. Presley Letter
William T. Presley wrote this letter to his wife Henry (Henryetta) on September 27, 1862 from camp in or near Knoxville, Tennessee. Presley mentions that her last letter caused tears to stream down his cheeks. He remarks on the poor condition of several men in his camp, saying that one looks like an old shoe. He goes on to tell Henryetta that she must hire someone to build a pen for the hogs and try go with out killing any of them til hog Billing time.
Dates
- 1862 September 27
Conditions Governing Access
Collections are stored offsite, and a minimum of 24 hours is needed to retrieve these items for use. Researchers interested in consulting any of the collections are advised to contact Special Collections.
Conditions Governing Use
The copyright interests in this collection remain with the creator. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library.
Extent
0.1 Linear Feet
Abstract
William T. Presley wrote this letter to his wife Henry (Henryetta) on September 27, 1862 from camp in or near Knoxville, Tennessee. Presley mentions that her last letter caused tears to stream down his cheeks. He remarks on the poor condition of several men in his camp, saying that one looks like an old shoe. He goes on to tell Henryetta that she must hire someone to build a pen for the hogs and try go with out killing any of them til hog Billing time.
Biographical/Historical Note
William Taylor Presley was born to John and Margaret Jane (Daniel) Presley in South Carolina in 1830. He was one of twelve children, including Calvin (1806-1892), Evan (1809-1875), Vincent (1812-1872), Emily Tazzi (Presley) Marable (1814-1894), John (1813-), Sarah (Presley) Adams (1816-), Augustus (1820-), Juliette (1827-), George Whitt (1836-1900), Charlotte R. (Presley) Wilkinson (1839-1916), and Newton A. (1842-1862). William Presley married Henrietta A. Ward (1831-1891) in Montgomery County, Alabama on December 19, 1852 and the couple had eight children: Augustus Gus (about 1853-), George Lafayette Fate (about 1855-), Columbus Lum (1857-), Antoinette Nettie (about 1859-), Maggie (1864-1891), Newton Walter (1869-1948), William Robert Bob (1871-1943), and Randolph. One of Henrietta's sisters, Narcissa Ward, also lived with the family for some time. William Presley enlisted in Company D of the 1st Alabama Cavalry on June 30, 1863 and was later promoted to Lieutenant in Company A of the same unit. He was paroled on May 17, 1865 and returned to his family. They later moved to Titus County, Texas, where William Presley died in 1896.
Acquisition Information
Special Collections purchased this letter in 2010.
Repository Details
Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository