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Two page letter written from the U.S. Military Prison Camp Chase in which Livingston addresses the sad state of affairs of the Confederacy. He reports of the loss of many acquaintances and devastation throughout the countryside to land and property. He also writes that he is hopeful an exchange will occur soon and that he will be able to go home to continue with his life. Clearly from his sentiment, the war is over and his only wish is to return home.
Donated by the James City Cavalry, Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 2095, Williamsburg Virginia, through the Jean Keating- James City Cavalry Endowment, 2019.
Archibald A. Livingston letter, 1865 February 15, Special Collections Research Center, William and Mary Libraries.
Born October 10, 1836, the oldest son of 11 children to Daniel and Rhonda Livingston in Marlboro City, SC. At some point, the family moved to Madison, FL. In May, 1862, Livingston enlished in Company G of the Madison Gray Eagles which was soon consolidated into the 1st and 3rd Florida Consolidated Infantry. In November of 1862, Livingston was promoted to Sergeant. In 1863, Livingston was captured at Franklin, TN and sent to Camp Chase. On June 12, 1865 he took the Oath of Allegiance to the United States and was sent home. After the war, Livingston married Mary Webb on April 26, 1881 and settled in his boyhood town of Madison. He died April 22, 1916.