Title

Harris Flanagin, "Camp near Chattanooga," to Martha Flanagin

Creator

Files

Date Original

1862 July 29

Description

Flanagin informs his wife that the Confederate Army is marching toward Knoxville, Tennessee, the next morning. He states that he wish he could come home, but that to leave at the "darkest hour" would be unimaginable. He concludes by stating he hopes to be home by fall, or at latest, Winter.

Biographical/Historical Note

Following Arkansas's secession from the Union in 1861, Flanagin served as representative from Clark County to the Constitutional Convention in Little Rock. Flanagin fought in the Second Arkansas Mounted Rifles during the Civil War. In camp near Knoxville, Tennessee, the news of Flanagin's nomination did not reach him until after the election. By the time he was able to arrange for a leave of absence, a telegram arrived announcing that he had been elected governor. Therefore in 1862, Flanagin left active duty to take office. His administration dealt primarily with war-related measures, maintaining order, and continuing government while enduring an invasion. The capitol at Little Rock fell to Union troops on September 10, 1863, at which time Flanagin moved the state government to Washington, Arkansas.

Transcription

[Page 1] Camp near Chattanooga
July 29th 1862
Mrs M E Flanagin
Dear wife.
I sent a letter by a
man going to Prairie county Arks.
we expect to move too morrow [sic]
towards Knoxvill [sic] Tenn. we suppose
we will stop at Loudon a few
miles this side.
The only news I have
heard from home lately was
by mr S[ ]'s letter.
I should like to go home
but it would not do to think
of leaving at this darkest hour
of our countrys [sic] need.
I feel in hopes that
I can come home this
fall. If not I do not doubt
if I live to get home next winter [Page 2] I am glad mr Ross and mr Speaks
have got off
your Husband
H Flanagin Col
2 arks McRae

Physical Description

Document, 6" x 8.75"

Subjects

Marching; Winter

Contributor

Flanagin, Harris, 1817-1874

Geographical Area

Camp near Chattanooga, Hamilton County (Tenn.)

Language

English

Identifier

MS.000061

Collection

Flanagin papers, MS.000061

Publisher

Arkansas State Archives

Contributing Entity

Arkansas State Archives

Recommended Citation

Harris Flanagin, "Camp near Chattanooga," to Martha Flanagin, Flanagin papers, Arkansas State Archives, Little Rock, Arkansas.

Rights

Use and reproduction of images held by the Arkansas State Archives without prior written permission is prohibited. For information on reproducing images held by the Arkansas State Archives, please call 501-682-6900 or email at state.archives@arkansas.gov.

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