Passionate Abolitionist and
Witness to the American Civil War
Passionate Abolitionist and
Witness to the American Civil War
This is one of the few letters which acknowledges that Thomas Jackson has received a letter from Caleb Slater! It is clear that TJ remembers his Aunt Reiley with great affection and led the move to encourage his American relatives- particular the Watsons- to send financial support to her.
It is clear that there is information on the reverse of this sheet that is yet to be scanned and transcribed.
Reading, March 21, 1859
Dear Cousin, I received your kind later with much pleasure & am glad to hear that you are all well.
I inclose you a draft for £1 for our Dear Aunt Reiley. It is from Wm & Amos Watson, And I hope it will be acceptable to her. Please give my love to her and tell her that I hope to see her once again in this world. If I can
hare time and money to come to England once again. Business has been very poor here the last 18 months. When it will be better I don’t know. I shall be much pleased to hear from you at any time & happy to know that you are all well. We are all about as usual here.Please excuse this short note as it may make Wm;s letter too heavy. With best love to you all I am your affectionate cousin
Thomas Jackson
Aunt Reiley is the sister of John Watson’s wife but has seemingly lived in England all her life. Everyone appears to think of her with great affection but now, as she has aged,it is reported that she is poor and lonely. Thomas Jackson (and possibly others) were moved to send money asking that it be used to make “Dear Aunt Reiley” as comfortable as possible