George Dodd Armstrong, D. D.
MEMORABILIA
Courtesy of Walter B. Martin, Jr., Great grandson of Rev. ArmstrongNote from the compiler: Please open the link and then enlarge using
the icon on the bottom right of the jpg. Rev. Armstrong's penmanship is excellent.
Or see the transcription of the letters.Prison letters from George to Lucretia:
March 7, 1864
March 9, 1864
March 25, 1864, side one and side two
envelope
April 12, 1864
April 25, 1864
May 9, 1864
May 16, 1864
May 23, 1864
May 30, 1864
June 6, 1864
June 13, 1864
June 20, 1864
June 27, 1864
July 4, 1864
(see transcription section for pictures of whittled objects)
July 11, 1864
July 18, 1864
July 25, 1864
August 1, 1864
August 8, 1864
August 15, 1864
August 19, 1864
September 22, 1864Gen. Butler's reply to Mrs. Mallory's request for clemency for Rev. Armstrong
Letters of Mrs. Armstrong:
March 31, 1864, side one, and side two, from Mr. Price
A note relating to the above letter.
August 12, 1864, side one and side two, to Rev. Armstrong in prisonMiscellaneous Letters:
1. November 30, 1852, from missionary to China to Mrs. Armstrong
Side 1 * * Side 2 * * Side 3 * * Side 4
2. September 14, 1855, re articles sent to Norfolk from Richmond
during yellow fever epidemic
3. September 1, 1856, to daughter Grace from father
Side 1 * * Side 2
4. June 1886 from Washington & Lee University
conferring Rev. Armstrong with LL. D.
Letter 1 * * * Letter 2
POETRY
1. Poem of Rev. Armstrong on death of daughter
2. Battle of St. Paul's - [a poem kept by Rev. Armstrong probably because
it somewhat duplicated his relationship with Gen. Butler.]* * * * * *
Transcription
POETRY
POEM OF REV. ARMSTRONG ON DEATH OF A DAUGHTER
There is a time when words cannot be spoken,
There is a time when heart strings will be broken;
'Tis where the icy hand of death chills all the frame
And we no longer call a Mother's name.My darling daughter that the Lord had lent,
Has left us, Borne by angels sent
Of God to take her spirit home,
And here her Mother sits and weeps alone,
Sad tho the parting, 'tis but the entrance into life
Here ceases suffering, here the mortal strife
Her life in Heaven begun, hark how she sings
Tunes her bright harp and soars in angels wings
Farewell to thee, my precious child.
But not forever, here with anguish wild we weep,
Then lay my sorrows at my Savior's feet,
My sins all pardoned, through his precious blood,
I'll hast to meet thee and to dwell with God.* * * * * *
BATTLE OF ST. PAUL'S
Fought in New Orleans on Sunday, October 12, 1862.
Sung by a Louisana Soldier.Come boys, and listen while I sing
The greatest fight yet fought—
That time the hated Yankee
A real tartar caught.Was not the first Manassas
Won by our Beauregard,
Nor Perryville, nor Blemont,
Though Polk there hit them hard;Nor was it famous Shilo,
When Sidney Johnston fell—
No, these were mighty battles,
But a greater I will tell.'Twas fought on Sunday morning
Within the church's walls,
And shall be known in history
As the Battle of St. Paul's.The Yankee Strong commanded
For Butler the abhorred,
And Rev. Mr. Goodrich
Bore the banner of the Lord.The bell had ceased its tolling,
The service nearly done,
The Psalms and lesson over,
The Lord's Prayer just begun:Then as the priest and people
Said "Hallowed be Thy name"
A voice in tones of thunder
This order did proclaim:"As this house has been devoted
To great Jehovah's praise,
And no prayer for Abraham Lincolm
Within the walls you raise,Therefore of rank secession
It is an impious nest
And I stop all further service
And the clergyman arrest;And in the name of General Butler
I order furthermore
That this assembly scatter
And the Sexton close the door."Up r ose the congregation,
We men were all away,
And our wives and little children
Alone remained to pray.But when has Southern women
Before a Yankee quailed
And these with tongues undaunted
That Lincolnite assailed.In vain he called his soldiers—
Their darts around him flew,
And the Strong man discovered
What a woman's tonue can do.Some cried "We knew that Butler
On babes and women warr'd
But we didn't think to find him
In the temple of the Lord."Some press'd around their pastor
Some on the villain gazed,
Who against the Lord's annointed
His dastard arm had raised.Some said, "E'en to a Yankee
We would not do such wrong,
As to mistake another
For the gallant Major Strong;""So we'll look upon the hero
Till his face we cannot doubt,"
While a stout old lady shouted,
" Do someone kick him out.""Don't touch him," cried another,
"He is worthy of his Ruler,
For he fights with women braver
Than he fought at Ponchatoula."But when the storn raged fiercest,
And hearts were all aflame,
Like oil on troubled waters
The voice of blessing came—For though with angry gestures
The Yankee bid him cease
The Priest with hands uplifted
Bid his people go in peace.And call'd down heavenly blessings
Upon the tossing crowd,
While the men their teeth were clenching
And the women sobbing loud;And then with mein undaunted
He passed along the aisle,
The gallant Yankee hero
Behind him all the while.
"You'd better bring a gunboat,
For that's your winning card,"
Said a haughty little beauty
As the Strong man call'd a guard."Tis only 'neath their shelter
You Yankees ever fight,"
Cried another spunky woman
Who stood upon his right.But the Major thought a cannon
(If his men could not succeed
In clearing off the sidewalk)
Would be all that he would need.And I guess his light artillery
'Gainst Christ Church he will range
When his "base of operations"
Next Sunday he shall change.'Twas thus the tyrant Butler,
'Mid womens sobs and tears,
Seized a priest before the altar
He had served for twenty years.We know in darkest ages
A church was holy ground,
Where from the hand of justice
A refuge might be found;And from the meanest soldiers
To the highest in the land
None dare'd to touch the fugitive
Who should within it stand;'Twas left the beastly Butler
To violate its walls,
And to be known in future
As the victor of St. Paul'sHe as called our wives "She adders"
And he shall feel their sting,
For the voice of outraged women
Through every land shall ring.He shall stand with Austrian Haynan
Upon the rolls of fame
And bear to latest ages
A base, dishonored name.* * * * * *
The following transcription places the Armstrong letters in sequence.
Shanghai, November 30th, 1852 [From a missionary to China, partial letter.]
Tuesday morningI cannot, my very dear friend, tell you half how glad we were on the arrival of the last mail to find in our parcel a letter from you, giving us an account of you and yours from the time we parted. It was indeed a treat to us. The letter was read again and again by my dear husband and myself, and even "your little boy", though but a babe when you last saw him, was so delighted to look at the letter from "dear Mrs. Armstrong" and would say again and again "Mamma, I love her, don't you", and then would look at your likeness and say, "Mamma, is it from that dear Mrs. Armstrong. She is a good lady and I love her so."
For some weeks I have been wearing you dear little pin, and I am sure if you knew how often your dear little boy during the day comes to me and looks at it and ever utters some expression of love, you would be gratified at his fancied remembrance of you. The other night he was talking about you to his papa and myself, and we asked him who was Mrs. Armstrong's little boy, and putting his little finger on his breast said, "Here he." The Bible you gave him he comes every Sunday morning and asks for saying, "Mama, give me my good Bible that dear Mrs. Armstrong gave me." But I could fill up this paper about his love for you which is very sweet to us.
Your letter does indeed tell of many, very many, changes since we left Lexington, where we can both say some of the most pleasant months of our lives have been spent. Your breaking up must have indeed been a very great trial, to leave the spot where two dear loved ones are buried, and on a child whose love description had given so much sunshine to your life. Precious little Kate, how often does she come before me now, as I have seen her at your side, and though no longer there, she is not forgotten - a bright flower she was, too bright for earth, and has gone up higher.
Your sympathy for me I knew I had, and in the hour of trial and suffering, your were one of the dear friends I thought of. And how often during the many weeks of suffering did I rejoice that in my dear native land I had left such a friend of as you, one who would pray for me and mine unceasingly. I am truly thankful to hear that Mary got safely through her trial and had a boy too, perhaps you may have a dear little boy of your own too one of these days, but he is not to steal away all your love for your adopted little boy away out here in China. I don't think I can allow it.
Jimmy was told on board the ship of the birth and burial of our dear child, and constantly now comes to us begging to be told of his little brother and rarely ever can hear of him without crying. How often, when telling him of his little body being put in the deep ocean, have I seen his eyes fill with tears, and then if you will only say, "but he is in the happy land now," his little face will brighten up instantly. He has some little playmates near him and I have sometimes heard him tell them he had a little brother in heaven.
How many dear little children are missing from the little circle in Lexington, but they have only gone home, and it is sweet to think that they are now safe from all harm. Oh, what a goodly company there around the throne of the Lamb, and will we not rejoice that we each have a little one there with harps in their hands, tuning them to the glad song that is ever swelling in that bright blissful home. I have lately, my dear friend, read several little books, which would I know go down into your heart, one is "The Folded Lamb" written by an English lady who lost her only child. It is beautiful, every word shows such a meek lovely spirit. I trust it may find its way to the U. S. The others are the "Broken Bud" by a lady, and the "Early Called" by Dr. Lewis of Brooklyn, a minister in the Episcopal church. I would love for you to read them, the last two can be gotten at home.
But, my dear Mrs. Armstrong, as my time for doing anything now, is very uncertain, I will try and give you a little sketch of the eleven months we have spent in China, and which have rolled by since I wrote to you. My letter told you of our being at the Bishop's house. We remained there until the eighth of May, when we left and went to housekeeping. The house we are now living in was the first house built in the mission. At first when our mission was established here, they all lived in the city, as it was thought best for the missionaries to live as much among the people as they could. But after trying it a few years, the Bishop thought it necessary for the health and comfort of the families to get them from the intense heat and closeness of the crowded city, and to say crowded city it does not seem to me could possibly give you an idea of a Chinese city.
The streets are only a few steps in width, built up as closely on each side as possible with low black-looking houses, and the streets so filthy as to make a ride or walk through the city almost over powering. Then the people going to and fro carrying burdens, for man is the "beast of burden" in this country, and their burdens are carried on the end of a long bamboo, and as they trot along to and fro shouting and hallooing, it does present a picture one cannot see without being amused.
The ladies here rarely ever venture in the city except in a Sedan Chair which is borne by two men on their shoulders. It is a tall box which can sometimes be seen very handsome, and this is swung between two long poles, and makes a very pleasant carriage. At first it seems very hard to make men carry you for hours at a time, but when you have lived here for a few months and see them so constantly carrying all manner of things, your heart loses it tenderness.
Our houses are built about a mile from the city on the river passing by the city, and as there are numbers of boats near us, which are constantly going to and fro between us and the city, it makes it quite easy to get there at any time, and the gentlemen can go during the day to their work and return at night to their homes and find it delightful after the close crowded city, to get where they can breathe the pure fresh air as we have it here. And then you must not think we are entirely away from the Chinese; if we go to walk, before we are a hundred yards from our houses we are surrounded by perhaps fifty or more, and everywhere it is so. The whole country is covered with little hamlets or villages. In an hour's walk we could get to many more Chinese than we would be able to give anything like instruction to, but our own houses are rather to them __ and we make quite a little village.
There are four houses in our mission, and in our midst is an English church missionary and his family, and we are having a chapel going up now so you see we are quite a little settlement. It is a most delightful situation, we have a beautiful view of the river, and of the shipping, which during this summer has presented a very lively scene there, sometimes being upwards of forty in port, and at any time we choose we can call a boat and go on the river and enjoy the delightful breeze.
The house we live in we call the school house, as in it is kept a boy's school of about fifty. These boys are here day and night and are supported by the Church at home. There are three teachers now employed in it, my brother who is the principal, and two ladies, Miss Tenney and Miss Kory. Miss Tenney and my brother live with us, and Miss Kory keeps her own table. We are all under the same roof, and a very long roof it is. When the house was first built the Bishop and Mr. Lyle with their families, and two young ladies and a gentleman were the occupants, and the piece of ground required the houses a certain shape, so there was one long row of rooms up and down stairs and then two ells running back, which are used for the school. In one of these there is a room used for a Chapel, but as soon as the new Chapel is done this will be given up.
By and by there was a house built for the Bishop and when we came last Xmas another house was just finished which is now occupied by Miss E. C. Jones, who came out with the Bishop eight years ago. She has a girl's school in it on the same plan as the boy's school, and has now twenty-six girls under her charge. She came out here with a desire to establish such a school, but for many years for the want of a house, was unable to carry out her wishes, and in the mean time labored most faithfully for the boys, some of whom may look upon her as their spiritual mother. Whilst she had the charge of the boys, she had a few little girls under here charge, and Mrs. Lyle assisted her in teaching them, but no (there is no further pages in existence of this letter except a note written on the side of the first page.)
I wish you could see Jimmy on a little donkey someone gave him. He looks so cunning. He has a saddle in which he is tied and then he is led by a servant and holds the reins. He does enjoy it. Besides the donkey tell the children he has a cat and dog so he is well off for play things.
* * * * * *
Richmond, Sept. 14, 1855. This letter was too difficult to decipher word for word. It appears to be from a Mr. Taylor in Richmond who has sent some supplies to Rev. Armstrong that had not arrived. He asks what things were needed for the sufferers and also sends encouragement to the pastor.
* * * * * *
Norfolk, Virginia
September 1st, 1856My dear Grace.
I reached home on Friday morning of last week. I found that Vincent was expecting me. She had the house all clean, and the windows up to air it, and my room all fixed ready for me. I have seen a great many of the people since I got home, and they all most all asked, how I left you, and when you were coming home. Miss Helen has gone up to Lombardy. Lizzie Allen is away with her mother at the Springs. Roberta Noe has gone to Saint Louis. The rest of the people you know are all here. Mrs. Anderson and Miss Lilly and Miss Beck and Miss Lucretia and Mrs. Hallet, say they want to see you. Jimmy Read has gone to college again. Mary Ford told me that she had a little brother. I had a nice basket of figs from our bushes yesterday. As I was eating them, I wished I could give you some. The weather has been quite cool for some time, and to-day, it is storming right hard.
You must write me a letter very soon, for I want to hear how you are; and how you are getting along at school. I hope you will be a very good girl, and that God will take care of you. Do not forget to pray to God, and I shall pray to him too, that he will keep you from being sick, and teach you to love Jesus.
Your Father,
G. D. Armstrong* * * * * *
Fortress Monroe
March 7th, 1864My Dear Wife
I am now in momentary expectation of leaving this place. The hand-trunk you sent is in the Provost Marshal's hands and I presume I shall have it and find in it all that I need. I am very well. God be with you and guide you, and bless you and the children. To your entire control I leave all my worldly possessions. Do with them as will be best for you and the children.
Your affectionate husband,
Geo. D. Armstrong* * * * * *
Fort Hatteras
March 9th, 1864My Dear Wife
I reached here yesterday. The trunk and bedding you sent I have with me. I am perfectly well, and much more comfortably fixed than I thought I might be. God be with you my dear wife and bless and take care of you and our children is the prayer of
Your aff. husband
Geo. D. Armstrong* * * * * *
Provost Marshal's Office
Hatteras Inlet
Mar. 25, '64Major
I have the honor to forward herewith a letter addressed to Rev. Geo. D. Armstrong - a person in my charge. You probably remember Genl. Butler's orders are that he - Armstrong - have no communication, either personally or by letter, except through his - Genl. Butler's - Head Quarters - This letter did not so come. I respectfully return it for the General's approval.
I am Major
Very respectfully
Your Obt Sevt
A. H. Hamblin
St. & Pro. Marshal
HatterasMaj. R. S. Davis
A. A. Genl.
Fortress Monroe[reverse side]
Madam
The enclosed letter has been forwarded to Mr. Armstrong- This is sent you for your information lest any _ _ attempt should be made to forward another letter. They must be sent through these Head Qrs.
Respectfully
H. C. Claske
Capt. V. H. D. C.Mrs. Geo. D. Armstrong
PortsmouthBy Command of Maj. Gen'l Butler
* * * * * *
New York, March 31st, 1864
Dear Mrs. Armstrong,
Your letter to Mrs. James came duly to hand - and be assured that we all deeply sympathize with you in your great affliction. I together with some other gentlemen are making the effort to lay your husband's case before the President, and to this end would ask of you to be so kind as to give an answer to the questions on the enclosed slip of paper as briefly and as much to the point as possible - do this as soon as possible, and enclose it to me and I will see that is is laid before the President. All of the family are well - and all send much love to you and Grace. Every effort is being made in your husband's behalf and be assured we will do all in our power for his release - Mrs., I and family send much love to you and family - answer this as soon as possible.
I send this letter to Mr. Thos. Broughton - to whom you will please hand your reply and ask him to mail it as below. That God in his mercy may bear you safely through this great trial is the prayer of
Yours truly
John M. PriceAddress
John M. Price
No. 77 Front Street
New York[Enclosed slip of paper]
Ask Mrs. Armstrong to write as concisely and briefly as possible the charges as she understands them against her husband. The object is to get them brought to the notice of the President. She may also furnish such evidence as she can to show that the charges were untrue.
The object is to get something tangible and to the point so that the President can dispatch the matter quickly.
* * * * * *
Fort Hatteras, N. C.
My dear Wife
I have just received yours of March 14th. Hereafter send your letters to the care of Maj. R. S. Davis, A. A. Genl., Fortress Monroe, and they will reach me much more speedily. I am perfectly well and stand my imprisonment much better than I feared. God be with you and bless you and the dear children.
Your affectionate Husband
Geo. D. ArmstrongApril 12th, 1864
Mrs. Lucretia N. Armstrong
Care of Geo. Reid, Esq.
Norfolk, Va.* * * * * *
Fort Hatteras, N. C.
April 25th, 1864My Dear Wife,
I was rejoiced to learn from your letter of the 16th, which reached me on Saturday (23rd), of your continued good health and that of the children. My own health is perfectly good. During the storm to which you refer I was well provided for, so that you need feel no apprehension on that point in the future. Kiss the dear children for me. God bless you, my darling wife, and grant us speedily a happy meeting again is the prayer of your
Husband
Geo. D. ArmstrongMrs. Lucretia N. Armstrong
Care of Geo. Reid, Esq.
Norfolk, Va.* * * * * *
Fort Hatteras, N. C.
May 9th, 1864My dear Wife,
Your letter of the 22 April reached me on Friday last, and that of the 29th on yesterday. Also the bundle of clothing. I have now all the clothing necessary for some time to come, and any more would here be in the way. Two months ago, yesterday, I reached Hatteras - during this time my health has been fully as good as usual in the spring of the year, and to-day, I think I weigh more than when I arrived - nevertheless, with you I shall rejoice when "God's time to return me to you shall come." Kiss the dear children for me. Tell Grace I am glad to receive a good account of her attention to her studies. Give love to Mother and all at home. You are very often in my thoughts and not forgotten in my prayers, my darling wife.
Your husband
Geo. D. ArmstrongMrs. Lucretia N. Armstrong
Care of Geo. Reid, Esq.
Norfolk, Va.* * * * * *
Fort Hatteras, N. C.
May 16th, 1864My dear Wife
My letter of last Monday (the 9th) has reached you, I hope, ere this. Since then the weather has become quite warm though not uncomfortably so. My health continues perfectly good. I shall try to write you once a week, but do not be uneasy if you do not hear from me regularly, as the communication between such an out-of-the-way place as this and the rest of the world must be very uncertain. I long to see you again, my darling wife - but keep a good heart. All in God's good time. Kiss the children for me.
Your husband
Geo. D. Armstrong* * * * * *
Fort Hatteras, N. C.
Monday, May 23rd, 1864My dear Wife,
Your letter of the 13th reached me on Wednesday of last week. I have written you twice since my letter of April 25, viz: on May 8th, and 15th. Though communication between this place and Norfolk is so limited and irregular that the non-receipt of my letters causes me no surprise. I hope this will find you and Lucretia both better of your cold and cough. As you may well believe you are much in my thoughts and remembered in my morning and evening prayers. My health is perfectly good. Tell Grace I am glad to hear the good report of her diligence in her studies - and Lucretia not to forget Papa in her prayers. God be with you and bless you my darling wife is the prayer of
Your husband
Geo. D. ArmstrongMrs. Lucretia N. Armstrong
Norfolk, Va.* * * * * *
Fort Hatteras, N. C.
Monday, May 30th, 1864My dear Wife
Since I wrote you, a week ago, I have received no letter from you, though I suppose there is one on the way. With the exception of a cold, taken from the sudden change in the weather a few days ago, and which I hope is passing off, I am well as usual. I long to see you and the dear children again, but all in God's good time. Kiss them for me and take much love for yourself, my darling wife, from your husband.
Geo. D. Armstrong
Mrs. Lucretia N. Armstrong
Norfolk, Va.* * * * * *
Fort Hatteras, N. C.
Monday, June 6th, 1864My dear Wife
Another week and I have no letter. Your latest that has reached me is of May 13th - though I doubt not there are later ones on the way. When I wrote you on last Monday, I was suffering from a cold - This has passed away and I am now in the enjoyment of my accustomed good health. When you write again enclose me 20 dollars - I am not in need at present, but will be by the time your letter will probably reach me - for washing, and though they cost but little, yet amount to something in a series of months. With love to the children - and much for yourself, my darling wife - I can only pray that God may shortly restore us one to the other.
Your husband
Geo. D. ArmstrongMrs. L. N. Armstrong
* * * * * *
Fort Hatteras, N. C.
Monday, June 13th, 1864My dear Wife
Your letter of May 20th reached me last Tuesday, June 7th. I observe that it bears the past-mark of Newbern, May 25, and of Old Point, June 4th - from which I infer that it received a wrong direction in the first instance at the Norfolk P. O. Either direct more conspicuously to the "Care of the A. A. G." at Old Point, or what would probably be better, enclose my letters to him and they will reach me more promptly. I am perfectly well in body - though sometimes troubled in mind as I think of you all at home. To the hand of our Heavenly Father I commit you all, hoping that it may be his will that we soon meet again. Kiss the dear children for me my darling wife -
Your husband
Geo. D. ArmstrongMrs. Lucretia N. Armstrong
Norfolk, Va.* * * * * *
Fort Hatteras, N. C.
Monday, June 20th, 1864My dear Wife
Your letter of May 27th reached me on Thursday of last week (June 16th) having been just three weeks on the way. I am truly sorry the "presentment" you mention was not fulfilled - had it depended on my will it certainly would have been. Do not let any such presentments prevent your writing regularly - for your letters, short as they necessarily are - cheer my prison life more than you can well think. God knows you are all often in my mind. May he hasten the time when we shall meet again. My health continues perfectly good - the confinement of a prison having thus far had but little effect upon me. Kiss the dear children for their father - and take much love for yourself, my darling wife from
Your Husband
Geo. D. ArmstrongMrs. Lucretia N. Armstrong
Norfolk, VA* * * * * *
Fort Hatteras, N. C.
June 27th, 1864My dear Wife,
On last Wednesday (22nd) the box you sent reached me - and on Friday (24th) your letters of June 4th and 11th. I rejoice to hear of the continued good health of yourself and the children. May our Heavenly Father have you all in his keeping until we meet again. My own health continues uninterrupted. Do not send me any more clothes at present as I am sufficiently supplied for the summer. A prisoner in "close confinement" does not need frequent changes of clothing - and all that one has with him more than necessary is an incumbrance. You are all often in my thoughts, - God grant that the time when we shall meet again may speedily come - God grant us patience that we may await his own good time. Kiss the children for me, my darling wife
Your Husband
Geo. D. Armstrong* * * * * *
Fort Hatteras, N. C.
Monday, July 4th, 1864My dear Wife,
Your letter of June 17th, enclosing the money for which I wrote, reached me on yesterday - It came in time to supply all my wants. My health continues perfectly good. You ask me how I employ my time. I answer - partly in the careful study of my Bible, of which I usually read from 50 t0 100 chapters each day - partly in the prisoners peculiar employment - whittling, of which I hope to show you some specimens some day - and partly in taking such exercise as my prison bounds allow of. I would I could write you more freely - But when we meet again - which I hope will be before long - I can tell you all. Kiss the children for their pa, my darling wife, and let us trust in the God who has never forsaken us.
Your husband
Geo. D. ArmstrongMrs. L. N. Armstrong
Norfolk, Va.Whittled Objects
Courtesy of Walter B. Martin, Jr.Domino Box Picture One and Picture Two
Needlework Item
* * * * * *
Fort Hatteras, N. C.
Monday, July 11th, 1864My dar Wife
Your letter of June 24th reached me on Saturday. About two weeks is, I find, the shortest time in which your letters come, so we must calculate accordingly. I rejoice to hear that you and Cretia have entirely recovered. That God may have you all in his keeping is my daily prayer. I tried on yesterday to preach myself a sermon on Lam. 3:25. God grant me grace that I may patiently wait his time. My health continues perfectly good - and although soldiers fare is hard fare for a prisoner in "close confinement," yet I get along with it much better than I feared. As I wrote you on last Monday, the money you sent reached me safely and I have now all that I want in the way of clothing. Kiss the children for me, my darling wife.
Your husband
Geo. D. Armstrong* * * * * *
Fort Hatteras, N. C.
Monday, July 18th, 1864My dear Wife,
Your letters of July 1st and 8th reached me together, on Saturday last, the letter of the 8th having much the shortest passage of any you have written. Do not be troubled on account of my situation here - there are worse things than being a "prisoner in close confinement." Thus far I have suffered very little from the heat, - not more than I usually do at home. ___, you know, I do not mind much - nor have we had any more here than we usually have in Norfolk. My health continues perfectly good. My greatest trial is my separation from you all, and my entire deprivation of all religious services, except reading my Bible and private prayer. Oh, now I long to meet with God's people again. But all in God's good time. Kiss the dear children for me, my darling wife and pray with me that we may soon be permitted to rejoin each other.
Your Husband
Geo. D. ArmstrongMrs. L. N. Armstrong
Norfolk, Va.* * * * * *
Fort Hatteras, N. C.
Monday, July 25th, 1864My dear Wife
Since I wrote you a week ago, I have received no letter from you. This however does not surprise me - as our mail communication with Newbern (through which place all my letters come) is very irregular and I had received two letters the week before. Matters here, with us prisoners, continue without any change, and confinement does not come any more pleasant by continuance. It is a thing which it would be very hard to become used to, when it involves separation from you all - God grant that my imprisonment may soon be brought to a close - and God grant me patience to bear it without murmuring while it is his will that it should continue. My health continues perfectly good. For this I have occasion to be thankful. I have suffered from the heat hardly at all thus far, and the hottest part of the summer I suppose has passed. Kiss the dear children for their father, my darling wife.
Your husband
Geo. D. ArmstrongMrs. L. N. Armstrong
Norfolk, Va.* * * * * *
Fort Hatteras, N. Carolina
Monday, August 1st, 1864My dear wife. -
You letter of July 15th reached me on Wednesday of last week - By the next mail from Newbern (which will probably reach us in a day or two) I expect to get letters of a later date. The life of a prisoner in such an out-of-the-world place as Fort Hatteras must of necessity be very uniform. I have therefore nothing to communicate in addition to what I have written before - excepting to say that my health continues perfectly good - and imprisonment becomes none the less distasteful as time wears away. On yesterday it was five months since I have been permitted to meet with God's people and take part in his public worship - "O when shall I come and appear before the Lord."
God bless you, my darling wife, and the dear children, and speedily restore us one to the other again is the prayer of
Your husband
Geo. D. ArmstrongMrs. L. N. Armstrong
Norfolk, Va.* * * * * *
Fort Hatteras, N. C.
Monday, August 8th, 1864My Dear Wife
Writing the date above reminds me that to-day I enter upon the sixth month of my imprisonment in this place - A long time it seems - not so much on account of any positive suffering I have endured - or in my separation from my friends and especially my darling wife and children, and my entire exclusion from all the privileges of the church. May God hasten the time when all this shall end - and until then grant us patience that we may suffer as well or do his will. My health continues perfectly good - and the weather by no means as oppressive as I feared I should find it. Your letter of July 22nd reached me yesterday.
God keep you and bless you, my darling wife and the children, is my prayer of your
Husband
Geo. D. ArmstrongMrs. Lucretia N. Armstrong
* * * * * *
Norfolk, Aug. 12th, '64
Friday MorningMy dearest Husband
Your letter of July 25th Pa brought me last Saturday, but not till after he had opened and read it himself, he was writing to Charlie and Lob, and wanted to give them the latest news from you, so he thought he might take the liberty, and you know we cannot say any sweet things to each other as our letters have to be seen by others. I always feel as restrained in writing you for I cannot write as I would like. I had such a sweet dream of you night before last, that you had come home and so many hearts were made glad beside my own; and Cretia dreamed of you too the very same night. One of your kind friends suggested to me Wednesday afternoon that your books at the study ought to be looked after, they would probably be injured by mold and moth, and advised me to depute himself and Mr. Bagnall to superintend or rather attend to it. I immediately gave him the authority with many thanks. I knew you too would appreciate his kindness, I know it will be no little trouble to look after them all. Mr. G. F. A. left for Baltimore Tuesda, after having spent about twelve days in Norfolk. His plans for the future are not settled yet. He has rented his house to the same tenant for the ensuing year. Mary Hallett arrived from the West the first of this week looking very well. I am glad to hear you have not suffered from the heat where you are. We have had some warm days but the morning and evening breezes are very delightful. Pa and I spent last Wednesday evening with Mrs. McIntosh and you may well guess what our chief theme of conversation was your own dear self. She is expecting her mother and sister the latter part of this week. As we were coming home and saw the beautiful moon on the water. Pa and I had the same thought, wondering if you were looking at the moon just then. Oh that God would permit you soon to return to us; it is my unceasing desire, but His will not mine be done. He knows what is best, tho' I sometimes wish I could have my own way. I know it is wrong and pray and struggle against it. Grace and Cretia send Papa much love and with fond love
I am ever your truly attached wife
Lucretia A. Armstrong.
* * * * * *
Fort Hatteras, N. C.
Monday, August 15th, 1864My dear Wife.
Your letter of July 29th reached me on Tuesday of last week - by a steamer which passed here for Newbern on Saturday and which will return by tomorrow, or the next day, I hope to receive your letter of a week later date - By such round-about ways do all your letters reach me. Since last I wrote, things here - i. e., in my prison house - have continued very much as before. My health continues good, and I have suffered very little from the heat during the summer - and as the warmest part of the season must now be passed, I do not think I shall suffer much. My occupation continues as when I wrote you some weeks ago- reading my bible, which I read through in from 20 to 25 days, and the use of my pen knife in whittling. There is generally too much noise about me for anything like study or writing. God grant that my imprisonment and separation from you all may soon end. My constant prayer is that He may have you, my darling wife, and the children, and the Church in his keeping -
Your Husband
Geo. D. Armstrong* * * * * *
Bermuda Hundred, VA
Augt 19th, '64My Dear Wife
Leaving Fort Hatteras on Tuesday morning last I was brought here last night, and now learn that I am to be sent through the lines to Richmond. My bed and hand-trunk which I left at Fortress Monroe yesterday morning, if I do not get them to take with me, I shall request Capt. Cassells to send to you. Keep a good heart, my darling wife, a better day will come. Advise with your father about all our affairs, and be assured that whatever you do will meet with my approval. I am perfectly well - you shall hear from me by "flag of truce" or sooner as I reach Richmond and have had time to look around me. Kiss the dear children for me. I would I could give you and them a parting kiss - but "God's will be done." To the care and keeping of our Father in Heaven, who never yet has forsaken us, I commit you all.
Your husband,
Geo. D. Armstrong* * * * * *
L. B. page 29. No. 50
Head Quarters, Dept. of Virginia and North Carolina
Fort Monroe, Va., Aug. 19th, 1864Madame
Dr. Armstrong's conduct has not been such as to cause me to interfere in his behalf. Writing pamphlets in behalf of the Divinity of the Institution of Slavery, preaching sermons at the request of Jefferson Davis, and showing himself disloyal upon his examination, I think it becomes me humbly to give a sentence which he will bear hereafter. "Let him go to his own place."
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully
Your obedient servent
Benj. F. Butler
Maj.Genl NavyTo. Mrs. M. F. Mallory
Norfolk* * * * * *
Flag of Truce Steamer, New York
at Aiken's Landing
Thursday Morning, Sept. 22, 1864My dear Wife,
After various detentions I am at last just about to start for Richmond which I hope to reach before this eve shall set. My health continues perfectly good. In a few days I shall hope to write you from the other side of "the lines." God be with you, and bless you, and take care of you, my darling wife, and of the children, until we meet in better times.
Your husband,
Geo. D. Armstrong.PS I have my trunk and all with me.
* * * * * *
Release Certificate at the End of the War
Courtesy of Walter B. Martin, Jr.
Appomattox Court House, Virginia
April 10th, 1865
The Bearer George D. Armstrong, Missionary, Regt.
of 3rd Corps A N Va, a paroled prisoner of the Army of Northern Virginia, has
permission to go to his home, and therein remain undisturbed.
By Comd of Lt. Genl. Longstreet, etc.* * * * * *
Sons of Temperance Membership Certificate
for Rev. George D. Armstrong, D. D.* * * * * *
Grace Armstrong,
4th daughter of George & Mehetable Armstrong,
their only child who lived to adulthood
Courtesy of Walter Martin
Great grandson of George Armstrong* * * * * *
Thomas L. Dornin,
Husband of Grace Armstrong
George Dodd Armstrong
Early portrait
Courtesy of Walter Martin* * * * * *
Later pictures of Rev. & Mrs. Armstrong
* * * * * *
1893 Armstrong Family Photo
Lucretia & Robert DeJarnette are behind Rev. & Mrs. Armstrong
Courtesy of Walter Martin.
