[According to the Federal Census of 1860, neither Ellen Walters or her husband Jackson Walters could read and write. Jackson Walters served as a private in Co. G, 26th NC Inf. He was wounded and captured at New Bern in March 1862. There are no further records.]

Simmons Grove chamtham Co N C April 17
1863
Z B vance Dear Sir
I take this oppertunity to drop
you fines [1] asking you what Soljiers wives
are to do for spun thread we have bin
to the Factorys and offord five Dollars
and ahalf and they would not let us have
any at all they wont Sell it for Money nor
Provison we cant get cards and what we
are to do cloth our Soljiers and litle
Children I canot tell my husband was
wounded in the Neubern Battle I have not head
from him yow knowed Jackson Walters [2]
I am his wife I am left with 6 little
Children the oldest 9 years old the oldest
boys if I cant get thread they will
have to go with out clothes pleas write
to me soon and let me know if there
is any way to get it or if is law to press it
my Mother has 3 sons in the 26 Reg to
cloth when they draw cloth they are tow
small She cant get any thread to make
cloth So for them my husband was in
the 26 Reg they ask 10 Dollars per Bunch
W Ronsleys wife is left with six children
he has to go gain She cant get any
yours truly
Mrs E Walters