ALS signed “Thomas,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 6.5 x 8, December 6, 1855. Addressed from Lexington, Virginia, during Jackson’s tenure as an instructor at the Virginia Military Institute, a handwritten letter to his sister, and only surviving sibling, Laura Ann Jackson Arnold. Jackson begins the letter by conveying his anxiety over having not heard from her in such a long time, noting his worry that she might be ill. He then launches into the recent gossip concerning a “Mrs. McDowell,” the former wife of Governor Thomas of Maryland, writing of her impending marriage to a Mr. Miller, pastor of a church in Philadelphia, and how Mr. Miller’s church forced him to resign his pastorate due to the church’s dissatisfaction with the marriage.
Next, Jackson discusses his late wife’s family and discusses paying for schooling for Cousin William Junkin, stating that helping William is “rather acting in opposition to my judgement” and mentions money previously given that was not used for William’s education. He then inquires of his sister about relatives on his side of the family, namely the Whites. The letter closes with Jackson discussing land warrants and his desire to purchase some and mentions that he thinks they will be cheaper in Beverly, Virginia than up north. In fine condition, with writing showing through from opposing sides. Jackson and his sister Laura were very close growing up and into adulthood and were faithful correspondents until the Civil War began. Laura had Union sympathies and the differing viewpoints of the siblings strained the relationship to the point that the correspondence ceased.
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