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The Letters of John M. Jackson– Letter 6, April 26, 1858

On one of his usual treasure hunts in Maine, our CEO, Will Seippel  stumbled upon a massive collection of letters from a soldier in the Civil War.  These letters will be published in chronological order in The Insider over the coming weeks, months and years, as we follow John Mower Jackson’s personal victories and struggles within the greater national struggle of the Civil War. Click here to read our introduction to this new column that sets the stage with our soldier’s background story.

This sixth letter in our collection is another letter from John Holmes, a good friend of John Jackson; the two frequently wrote letters to each other before Jackson left to fight in the war. 

Middleboro April 26, 1858

Dear Bro’ John

It is Declaration Friday again, today and as I have got through my speech, I will improve the remaining time of the afternoon in answering your welcome and kind letter.

I was glad to hear of your good health and hope it still continue such. There is nothing new with me, except that I am in my usual good health (that isn’t much news) for which I feel very grateful to God. I am also still rejoycing in the hope of acceptance with God.

I am glad to hear such good news from you however, and to know that God has not left you nor forsaken yo, but that he is still with you, by the might of his power, working to do and to will according to his own good pleasure. What a blessed thing it is to know that those who have left their first love, are returning to their Fathers house like prodigals, and thus again being made fit for the joys of the kingdom of God. Yes, and not along those who have trampled under foot the once loved savior, but those also who have never made a single effort to become Christ’s, but Have on the other hand continued in sin and reused to give themselves to Christ.

I trust your meetings are interesting as ever and I trust that you will yet see many be brought to Christ in your midst. How are the converts getting on, John? Do the take right hold and do their duty both in meeting as well as out of it? If not, you tell them that they must do their duty if they desire to be happy in the cause of Christ. Give my kindest regards to them all.

But I must draw to a close as I have but very little time to spare. My mother is going to leave for Europe (Denmark) for a visit, next Wednesday. I shall go in to see her before she goes. But I close in the hope soon to hear from you. Love to all friends. And remember now as ever your aff. friend & Bro’ in Christ,

John S Holmes

Please give enclosed note to Calvin

This is another letter from Holmes, who is writing to John on Declaration Friday. This is definitely one of Holmes’ shorter letters. He has finally finished polishing his speech (which was included in the previous letter) and is happy to know that people who have had different experiences and opinions about Christianity are turning their attention towards God; Holmes seems to believe that his speech will have quite an impression. He abruptly finishes the letter by saying he must visit his mother, who is leaving for Denmark next Wednesday, and also wishes for a quick response from John.


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