Civil War Letter from
Wilson Newberry Cope to
William Wyatt

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The following is a Civil War letter preserved in the Mocksville, North Carolina, library. Wilson Newberry Cope had emigrated from Davie County, N.C., to Dyer Co., Tennessee, by the time of the Civil War. When he wrote this letter in 1863, he was unaware that his brother "Sandy" Alexander Cope, who had crossed the Mississippi River to live in the border state of Missouri, was fighting on the opposing Union side in the War Between the States. [Later, Wilson Newberry Cope married Narcissus Elizabeth Hendricks, daughter of Uriah C. Hendricks & Mary McMahon, all emigrants from North Carolina to Dyer County.] Newberry Cope's 1863 letter is written to his uncle-by-marriage who remained in North Carolina, William Wyatt:

Chattanooga Aug. 15th 1863

Uncle William,

It has been a long time since I’ve heard from you, and many changes have taken place in two brief years. War now is experienced in all of its horrors The enemy now has possession of many of our homes, and our kindred subject to their malicious Caprices. They hold Middle and West Tennessee, and rule with an iron rod. This truly is a dark hour in the history of our Country. Yet I believe she will yet come forth purified and better fit to enjoy Liberty. This generation knew not the value of the freedom they enjoyed until they lost it, But should they gain their independence, they will know how to appreciate it.

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From my address you will know that I am not at home. I belong to the Army. I came into the 47th Tennessee, last December was 12 months ago, a private. Since that time I have been made Third Lieutenant and my Regt. being consolidated with the 12th I am now 3. Lt. of Co. Of the 12th & 447th Tennessee Regiments. I supposed you have seen in the papers of Braggs [sic.] retreat from Shelbyville. We had a hard time of it. It rained all the time nearly during the retreat. We are still at Chattanooga fortifying but may not stay long. Our Army is somewhat discouraged because they had to fall back from Shelbyville Tennessee without a fight. I supose [sic.] you get the war news by the time I do & that is about all the news a Soldier gets.

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I will now tell you about what I know of my folks at home. Ive [sic.] not heard from home since last of Spring [sic.] they were all well then. [Brothers] William [Cope] and Dan [Cope] are both at home. I have not heard from [brothers] Sandy and Graves in nearly three years. (You recollect they moved to Missouri.)
Brother Reynard Cope has been dead about two years. He belonged to the 12th Tennessee Regiment. Died with Tyaphoid [sic.] fever.
Sister Elmino [Elmine? Elmina?] is living with Uncle Sandy Wyatt. Ive [sic.] nothing more to write at present. I hope you will write to me as soon as you can conveniently. Direct your letter to me
{Company I of 12th & 47th Tenn. Regt}
{Smith’s Brigade}
{Cheethams Division}

W. N. Cope [signed in the same hand]"


© 2005 - Marsha Cope Huie

This letter has been provided for personal use only, and is not to be copied,
redistributed, or used for any commercial purposes.

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