The Harrison Family Papers are comprised of 17 personal letters written primarily between Mr. J. S. Harrison and his wife, Julia E. Harrison during his enlistment. Letters from Julila and Mr. Harrison’s family are also included; a letter from Sallie (unknown relation) to a Mr. West; and one from Sallie writing to her husband.

Two letters predate the Civil War, one in which a sister to either Mr. or Mrs. Harrison writes of the family coming to see “the negro” which the Harrisons intend on selling and speaks a bit about Mary, her family’s slave, whom they will hire out for Christmas. A later letter from J.S. Harrison to wife Julia mentions two slaves, Sam and Henry, who had successfully run away.

Mr. Harrison’s correspondance with his wife dates back to September 13th, 1861 in which he explains he is stationed at a boarding house attending the sick. Subsequent letters speak of certain battles and run-ins with “Lincolnists.”  In some letters he sends his wife money in the amounts of $10 or $20, and in others he divulges his discontentment and boredom with the war and the Southern Confederacy, describing his surroundings as a bunch of “swamps and frog ponds” and often complains that there is nothing to do. He writes that his regiment travels 5 to 10 miles a day.

In his letters from 1863 to 1864 he declares the “war will end with Abe’s Presidential Career” and that their “cause is just and God will give us the victory” but then his attitude takes a shift mid-1864, writing how he is “tired of the cruel war….Yanks are determined to...destroy this country”. In the same letter he mentions how he is staying in a private house because of an injury he received. He tells his wife “You must not let your temper run too high with the Lincolnites as they have the advantage now”. His last letter concerning the War is dated July 22nd, 1864.

The locations of his letters are sent first from East Tennessee, and later from Kentucky (Mills Springs, Camp Waldy, Camp Milloparego), Alabama (Decater), and Mississippi (Corinth, Okolona).

The Collection also includes letters that post-date the Civil War (1869) from a Mrs. Sallie writing to her husband and to a Mr. R. B. West, in which she speaks of church, her family, and going on buggy rides.

Scope and Contents note: This letter, written by Olif Johnson, includes commentary on an expected marriage, family matters, and a change in weather.

Scope and Contents note: This letter is a family letter written to G.S. Harrison and wife, Julia, from their sister/sister in law Ellen, detailing the on goings of their parents and siblings. There is a note on the Harrison's contemplation of selling a slave included in the letter.

Scope and Contents note: Letter contents include updates on Harrison's position in the Confederate Army, future plans to visit home, and thoughts on the war and companions.

Scope and Contents note: The letter contents include a recount of a small shoot out between North and South troops near Mills Springs, Kentucky and updates regarding daily life as a confederate soldier.

Scope and Contents note: Letter contents include recounts of shootings and battle updates between Harrison's company and Northern soldiers, in which they killed 15 men and took 15 prisoners. Harrison received word, mid letter, that his company killed 12 to 15 more men and took 11 more prisoners in a skirmish in the middle of the night.

Scope and Contents note: Letter contents include an anniversary note from G. S. Harrison to Julia, recounting and reminding her of his love and an accompanying gift of $10. The letter contents also include commentary from W. W. Harrison to Julia and recounts of company moral and bad weather.

Scope and Content note: Letter contents includes recounts of battle engagement near Mill Springs, Kentucky, updates on Harrison's hurt shoulder, and a gift of $20 to his wife.

Scope and Contents note: Letter contents include an update on Harrison's hurt shoulder, and commentary of the delivery of mail to his wife.

Scope and Contents note: Letter contents correspondence with wife.

Scope and Contents note: Letter contents include recounts of the passing of a young soldier named A. N. Ramsey, whom Harrison befriended in Knoxville, and his subsequent burial. Ramsey may have been a part of the Sixteenth Alabama Regiment. The letter also includes a short epitaph or piece of writing on Ramsey for his burial. The letter also includes updates on Harrison's company and leaders.

Scope and Contents note: Letter contents include commentary on disapproval of Confederate Army and leadership, as well as disapproval of leaving home state for Alabama. The letter recounts travel on foot and current immediate leadership.

Scope and Contents note: Letter written n Burnsville, Mississippi. Letter contents include health updates, moral updates, commentary on Harrison's horse, and well wishes to wife.

Scope and Contents note: Letter written in Okolona, Mississippi. Letter contents include health updates, location updates, and commentary on military resignation and daily life.

Letter date March 1, March 4, and March 7, 1863.

Letter signed by "Sallie"

Letter signed by "Sallie"