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Start Over Collection Galt Papers (I), 1745/1892 Date range 1864

Sally Maria Galt to Colonel West, 1864 Box Series 2, Box 11, Folder 113

Requests mitigation of the requirement of taking the oath. Has not given the Confederates any information, and has no intention of writing, for has no relative in the Army, and no relatives closer than a distant cousin. Has kept the Federal laws. Would like an extension, in order to get a letter of intercession from Mrs. Dix. In May 1862 General Groves said she was to be protected because she was so kind to his people. Dr. Alesander, a Federal Surgeon from Chambersburg, Pa., asked for her name so that he could mention her kindness in a Northern newspaper. Cannot leave the servants, one of which is nearly 80. "I know no Federal person abhors slavery more than I do." Knows he has the influence necessary to intercede with General Wistar. [Note: At the bottom of this letter is a recommendation to General Wistar from Rob W. West, Colonel, Commanding, headed Hd. Quarters, Fort Magruder, February 3, 1864, that Miss Galt is "truly grief stricken and desolate" and without a home beyond the lines. She does not object to the oath on political grounds. "Her character is rather that of a religious recluse. Moreover she lives in a part of the town which makes it almost impossible for her to hold Communication with the Enemy..." He will be surety for her if she can remain. On the front, and also dated February 3, 1864, is General Wistar's order that Miss Galt "and all others like her" be undisturbed.]

  1. College of William and Mary
  2. Galt Papers (I), 1745/1892
  3. Series 2: Personal Papers, 1755/1904
  4. Box 11, 1861/1868
  5. Folder 113, 1863/1864

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