Department of Archives & Special Collections
Online Payments  My Library Account

Spight Collection

MUM00752

PURL

http://purl.oclc.org/umarchives/MUM00752/

Return to Table of Contents »


Summary Information

Repository
University of Mississippi Libraries
Creator
Spight, Thomas, 1841-1924
Title
Spight Collection
ID
MUM00752
Date [bulk]
Bulk, 1874-1901
Date [inclusive]
1858-1924 (bulk 1874-1901)
Extent
3.75 Linear feet 3 boxes
Abstract
Consists primarily of the personal correspondence of the Spight and Hines families, but also includes various ephemera, including songs, poems, advertisements, and calling cards. Topics include the Civil War, religion, family life, education (male and female), Mississippi and national politics, Washington, D.C., the House of Representatives, and culture in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Preferred Citation

Spight Collection (MUM00752), Archives and Special Collections, J.D. Williams Library, The University of Mississippi

Return to Table of Contents »


Biographical Note

Mississippi lawyer and politician Thomas Spight was born in 1841 near Ripley, MS in Tippah County. He attended the University of Mississippi law school but left to fight in the Civil War. During his service with the 34th Regiment of the Mississippi Volunteer Infantry he participated in the battles of Shiloh and Atlanta. After the war, Spight was a member of Mississippi’s state legislature and also served as a district attorney. During his tenure as district attorney he prosecuted the murderer of author William Faulkner’s great-grandfather. Spight was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Mississippi’s 2nd District in 1897, a post he would hold until 1911. In 1865, Spight married Mary Virginia Barnett, with whom he had several children, including Mattie Spight, Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight, Lindsey “Lynn” Spight, Allie Spight, Henry Spight, and Lillian Spight. Mattie Spight eventually married William Hines of Tippah County in 1894. The Spight family ensured that all of their children, including their daughters, received a first-rate education. Their daughter Allie Spight became an accomplished artist, exhibiting some of her work at the Corcoran Gallery in Washington, D.C. After his first wife’s death in 1901, Thomas Spight married Thida Duncan Moore in 1903. Spight returned to his law practice after leaving Congress and died at home in Ripley, MS in 1924.

Return to Table of Contents »


Scope and Content

Primarily, this collection consists of personal correspondence between the members of the Spight and Hines families, especially during Thomas Spight’s congressional career in Washington, D.C. It also includes some correspondence with friends, businesses, and schools. Various forms of ephemera are also filed in this collection, including calling cards, envelopes, advertisements, and invitations. Box 1 includes all correspondence from 1858 to July of 1886, as well as undated letter fragments. This series details Thomas Spight’s Civil War service, his time as a state legislator, and his actions as district attorney. The letters in this series also detail the courtship and early married life of Thomas and Mary Virginia Barnett Spight. Box 2 includes correspondence from August, 1886 to December of 1898, as well as some undated letter fragments and ephemera. This series continues to address Spight’s law career and his election to Congress. It also discusses the education of the Spight children, including daughters Allie and Lillian Spight. There are also several letters from Lynn Spight and his brother Henry Spight to family during their time at the University of Mississippi. Box 3 includes correspondence from January, 1899 to June, 1922, as well as undated letter fragments and ephemera. This series addresses Thomas Spight’s political career and the Spight children’s education, including Henry’s stay at the University of Mississippi and Allie and Lillian’s duration at Washington College. It also includes letters of condolence for the death of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight in 1901.

Return to Table of Contents »


Administrative Information

Publication Information

University of Mississippi Libraries 2017

Additions

No further additions are expected to this collection.

Processing Information

Collection processed by Jennifer Ford, Amy Fluker, Jillian McClure, Sarah Parrish, and Christine Rizzi, 2016. Finding aid created by University of Mississippi Department of Archives and Special Collection Staff.

Return to Table of Contents »


Controlled Access Headings

Geographic Name(s)

  • Mississippi -- Politics and government
  • United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865

Subject(s)

  • Domestic relations -- Mississippi
  • Legislators -- United States

Return to Table of Contents »


Collection Inventory

Box 1 

Folder 1: Blank Envelopes 

Scope and Content

Assorted blank and undated envelopes

Folder 2: Blank Paper 

Scope and Content

Assorted blank paper & stationery

Folder 3: Miscellaneous Envelopes (1 of 3) 

Scope and Content

Assorted envelopes with no date

Folder 4: Miscellaneous Envelopes (2 of 3) 

Scope and Content

Assorted envelopes with no date. Continued from previous folder.

Folder 5: Miscellaneous Envelopes (3 of 3) 

Scope and Content

Assorted envelopes with no date. Continued from previous folder.

Folder 6: Letter Fragments 

Scope and Content

Assorted letter fragments with no date

Folder 7: 1858 1858 

Letter from Frances Ann Barnett to Mary Virginia Barnett 7 June 1858 

Scope and Content

Letter from Frances Ann Barnett in Ripley, Mississippi, to her daughter, Mary Virginia Barnett, regarding the garden, family matters, & James Spight’s failing eyesight.

Letter from Hutcherson to Mary Virginia Barnett 3 October 1858 

Scope and Content

Letter from Hutcherson in at F. L. Institute, a boarding school in Jackson, Tennessee, to Mary Virginia Barnett about her leaving Cotton Grove for Mississippi. Discussion of various sweethearts and life and classes at the school. Mention of an upcoming fair and a revival at Mount Carmel.

Folder 8: 1859 1859 

M. K. Bostwick Flyer 1 August 1859 

Scope and Content

Flyer in the form of a letter from M. K. Bostwick, Grocer Cotton Dealer, and General Commission Merchant in Saulsbury, Tennessee. Reminding customers and friends of his location and his stock of groceries, bagging, rope, castings, iron, etc.

Letter from Frances “Fannie” Spight to “Very Dear Brother” [Thomas Spight?] 9 November 1859 

Scope and Content

Letter from Fannie Spight discussing their mother’s failing health, religious practices, conversions, and local matters. References to the railroad, the mill, and fishing.

Letter from David J. Hill to Thomas Spight 11 November 1859 

Scope and Content

Letter from David J. Hill in Ripley, Mississippi, to friend Thomas Spight discussing Spight’s fine spirits in the last letter but sending condolences about the recent death of Spight’s little brother, James M. Spight, Jr. Discussion of the railroad, troubadours, decline of local school, and Hill’s poetry and music.

Letter from H. Thomas Counseille to Thomas Spight 19 November 1859 

Scope and Content

Letter written from H. Thomas Counseille in Ripley, Mississippi, to Thomas Spight discussing the railroad excitement, a barbecue picnic, upcoming Christmas plans, & local matters.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett 26 November 1859 

Scope and Content

Letter written from Thomas Spight in Purdy, Tennessee, to his cousin, Mary Virginia Barnett, about matters in Ripley, Tippah County, and Mississippi, including the recent barbecue and sweethearts.

Letter from H. Thomas Counseille to Thomas Spight 5 December 1859 

Scope and Content

Letter written by H. Thomas Counseille in Ripley, Mississippi, to Thomas Spight about railroad excitement dying, fishing, and other local matters.

Letter from Catherine “Katie” E. A. Pate to Thomas Spight 5 December 1859 

Scope and Content

Letter written by Catherine “Katie” E. A. Pate in Ripley, Mississippi, to cousin Thomas Spight about weather, holidays approaching, poor health, correspondence with a beau, Walter Chapman, and another beau, Mr. Muller

Letter from Thomas A. Hunt to Thomas Spight 15 December 1859 

Scope and Content

Letter written from Thomas A. Hunt in Ripley, Mississippi, to Thomas Spight, Esquire, in Purdy, Tennessee, about school, an upcoming auction, a “fuss” between Bill Roberson and Polk, and the death of John Hughey.

Folder 9: 1960 1960 

Letter from James Mumford Spight, Sr. to Thomas Spight 13 January 1860 

Scope and Content

Three letters on the same pages. Letter from father James Mumford Spight, Sr. “At Home, Mississippi” to son Thomas Spight about Dick arriving home and Thomas boarding with Mr. Walsh or living in a private residence. Discusses Mary E. D. Spight’s poor health, Uncle Simon’s poor health, and news about the College in Purdy, Tennessee. Contains a letter to Mr. Walsh from James Mumford Spight, Sr. about letting Thomas continue to board with Walsh.

Letter from James Mumford Spight, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Donelson Spight to Thomas Spight [13 January 1860?] 

Scope and Content

James & Mary Spight express concern about Thomas Spight’s leg.

Letter from Thomas A. Hunt to Thomas Spight 3 February 1860 

Scope and Content

Letter from Hunt in Ripley, Mississippi, to Spight in Purdy, Tennessee about wedding in Ripley and other local matters.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett to “Cousin” [Thomas Spight?] 16 February 1860 

Scope and Content

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett in Forest Hill, Mississippi to cousin [Thomas Spight?] about loneliness, Valentine’s Day, concerns over having to send cousin [Tommie or Fannie?] to an asylum. Cousin read “your fine speech” and expects you to have a job in Congress in a few more years.

Letter from Thomas A. Hunt to Thomas Spight 16 February 1860 

Scope and Content

Letter written in Ripley, Mississippi about Thomas Spight’s “eloquent” speech.

Letter from A. [G?]. & J. McDougal to Thomas Spight 9 March 1860 

Scope and Content

Letter written in Savannah, Tennessee, about Purdy College and being elected to honorary membership to a society.

Letter from [L. M. Huggins?] to Thomas Spight 16 March 1860 

Scope and Content

Letter written in [Navel Hill?] Tennessee, about accepting membership to the conference.

Letter from Joseph L. Morphis to Thomas Spight 20 March 1860 

Scope and Content

Letter written by Tennessee House of Representatives member Joseph L. Morphis in Nashville, Tennessee, complimenting Spight and thanking Spight for degree of honorary member in the society.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett 2 April 1860 

Scope and Content

Letter written in Purdy, Tennessee, about marriage, finishing parties, and personal matters.

Letter from Frances “Fannie” A. Spight to “Very Dear Brother” [Thomas Spight?] April 1860 

Scope and Content

Letter written in Cedar Grove relaying conversation between Fannie and Dr. Boas Holcombe about Thomas and his speeches. Discusses cousin Catherine “Katie” E. A. Pate’s eyes and health, as well as other family members’ dealings with doctors.

Letter from Frances “Fannie” A. Spight to “Very Dear Brother” [Thomas Spight?] May 1860 

Scope and Content

Letter discussing Pleasant Hill and religion. Bringing family members to hear preaching at a revival. Fannie has a number of new dresses.

Letter from James Mumford Spight, Sr. to Thomas Spight 21 May 1860 

Scope and Content

Thomas Spight’s father, James Mumford Spight, expresses happiness at hearing that Thomas is doing well in college & in the debating society. Discusses political developments, as the county candidates will have to take a stance on [Stephen A.] Douglas and the Charleston Convention. Discusses recent religious events, crops & horses, upcoming vacation.

Letter from W. C. Smith to Thomas Spight 15 August 1860 

Scope and Content

Letter written in Corinth, Mississippi, about W. C. Smith’s ailments, work, & college in Purdy, Tennessee.

Letter from Letter from James Mumford Spight, Sr. and Frances “Fannie” A. Spight to Thomas Spight September 1860 

Scope and Content

Two letters on same page. Written in Ripley, Mississippi. Letter from James Mumford Spight, Sr. to Thomas Spight discusses hearing from John McDonald that McDonald saw Thomas drunk with a friend in Oxford, Mississippi. Letter from Frances “Fannie” Spight to Thomas Spight discusses the fair, the Association, and cotton.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett 5 October 1860 

Scope and Content

Written from LaGrange College [LaGrange Synodical College in Tennessee?] to Barnett in Ripley, Mississippi. Regarding Spight’s experiences at the college, an argument with a roommate, and Spight’s correspondence with Barnett.

Letter from James Mumford Spight, Sr. to Thomas Spight 9 October 1860 

Scope and Content

Letter written in Ripley, Mississippi, discusses local news, marriages, and the Association.

Letter from J. T. [Halbrook?] to Thomas Spight 13 October 1860 

Scope and Content

Letter discusses local news.

Letter from David J. Hill to Thomas Spight 14 October 1860 

Scope and Content

Letter discusses Hill’s win in a Tippah County election, the electorate, and county sovereignty. Elected as a county surveyor? Offers to survey land for Spight. Asks Spight to come to Ripley, because Jefferson Davis would be arriving and there would be a barbecue.

Letter from C. R. Wharton to Thomas Spight 27 October 1860 

Scope and Content

Letter by Wharton written in Purdy, Tennessee, about hearing Stephen A. Douglas speak. Discusses Douglas’s comments about territorial expansion and the Supreme Court. Also discusses parties, gives updates on individuals.

Letter from L. D. Spight to brother [Thomas Spight?] [1860?] 

Scope and Content

Letter missing the first page(s). Discusses land, an encounter with a raccoon, hunting, and hunting dogs.

Letter from David “Dave” J. Hill to Thomas Spight 11 November 1860 

Scope and Content

Letter written in Ripley, Mississippi, discusses Hill’s recent trip to Spring Hill and the Cyprus swamps, Spight’s election, and Abraham Lincoln’s election. Hill believes that the South Carolina will secede and that other states will follow. Discusses secession, state’s rights, individual rights, “free negro rule,” sovereignty, religion, etc. Closes with personal news.

Letter from Thomas A. Hunt to “Friend” [Thomas Spight?] 18 November 1860 

Scope and Content

Letter written in Ripley, Mississippi, discusses the election of Abraham Lincoln, African Americans, secession for Tippah and Mississippi, the organization of “Minute Men,” and the local election results.

Letter from W. C. Smith to Thomas Spight 22 November 1860 

Scope and Content

Letter written in Purdy, Tennessee, about local events, work and labor, etc. Discusses stance on secession and responds to Spight’s support of leaving the Union at length.

Folder 10: 1861 1861 

Letter from James Mumford Spight, Sr. to Thomas Spight 5 February 1861 

Scope and Content

Letter written “At Home” in Ripley, Mississippi. James Mumford Spight, Sr. says he has not heard from Thomas since 19 January 1861. He asks for an update and says that the school opened the previous day.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett 16 December 1861 

Scope and Content

Letter written in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Spight mentions writing a previous letter with news and writing this separate letter for personal information. Spight is anxious to hear from Barnett and prays for her constantly, but he lost the only token he had to remember her. Themes of religion, patriotism, and love.

Letter from [A. Davis?] [1861?] 

Scope and Content

Front side contains a hand-written document signed by A. Davis, attorney for [PCF?] that discusses payment issues in 1847-1848. Back side contains the full, handwritten text of the poem, “Bingen on the Rhine,” by Caroline Elizabeth Sarah (Sheridan) Norton (1808–1877).

Letter from H. Thomas Couseille to Thomas Spight 12 July 1861 

Scope and Content

Letter sent from Couseille in Ripley, Mississippi, to Spight in La Grange, Tennessee. Says that people in Ripley think and talk of nothing but the Civil War, the “gallant” men fighting, and pro-war support. Talks about compromises, voting, message of deliverance, etc.

Attached: Envelope

Letter from James Mumford Spight, Sr. to Thomas Spight 15 February 1861 

Scope and Content

James Mumford Spight, Sr. tells Thomas Spight he hoped his son would become a scholar, but Thomas does not take his own father’s advice. Discussion of Thomas’s decision to move schools and not continue college, as well as the decline in his “standard.” Thomas Spight’s parents seem unaware that he had joined the Confederate Army already, as they hoped to persuade him not to do so.

Letter from Sam Neil to Thomas Spight 15 May 1861 

Scope and Content

Sam Neil writes from Macon, [Mississippi?] and acknowledges receipt of a badge from Thomas Spight. Neil says he plans to give the badge to a friend to keep, because he expects his company to be called to Randolph for the Civil War.

Letter from John N. Scally to Thomas Spight 20 May 1861 

Scope and Content

Scully writes that his regiment was encamped at Camp Walker near Linchburg [Lynchburg], Virginia, and the destruction of the camp. Discusses life and women at the camp; trek to Rock Tish Station and Charlottesville; speech by colonel; seeing Monticello; march to Winchester; locals’ reception of Mississippi regiment; trek through Charleston, South Carolina; John Brown’s hanging place; and other matters related to the Civil War.

Letter to “Cousin Virgie” [Mary Virginia Barnett] 20 June 1861 

Scope and Content

Written in Winchester, Virginia. Regarding railroad that bridges the Potomac River, blowing up of railroad bridge, and evacuation of Harper’s Ferry. Mentions Martinsburg, [West] Virginia; Winchester, Virginia; Bunker Hill; and other places. Discusses supplies, local landscape, illnesses, and a woman named Miss Tilly Russell. Letter contains one page, written front and back. Missing additional pages.

Letter from David J. Hill to Thomas Spight 18 July 1861 

Scope and Content

Hill writes from Winchester, Virginia, saying that he has been in bad health with measles since he was at Harper’s Ferry. Discusses General Patterson’s advance to Bunker Hill and the expectation that there will be a battle soon, and Hill expresses dismay that he cannot participate. Discusses friends who are ill and other local news.

Letter from David J. Hill to Thomas Spight 2 September 1861 

Scope and Content

Hill writes from Camp James near Manassas, Virginia. Regarding Tillman’s whereabouts, views of marriage, Thomas wanting to get married, weather, Civil War news, the monotony of camp, food and supplies, lack of pay from Confederate government, and admiration of Confederate military superiors. Letter contains short notes from other individuals as well.

Letter from [W. B.?] Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett 27 October 1861 

Scope and Content

Written in Camp John H. Smith to “Cousin Virgie.” Regarding Camp Fisher near the Pontotoc River and Leesburg. Spight talks about what kind of a lady he likes.

Letter from David J. Hill to Thomas Spight 30 November 1861 

Scope and Content

Written in Camp Fisher, Virginia, regarding Spight’s complaint that Hill does not write frequently enough, the weather, camp conditions, the building of huts at Camp Fisher, a night excursion where he and other members of the Confederate Army were flanked by Union soldiers near the Occoquan Pond and seized supplies. Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett 3 December 1861 

Scope and Content

Written in [Elliston?] Mississippi, about clothing repairs, sewing, and thread.

Folder 11: 1862 1862 

Letter from [Lannie?] A. Keenin to Thomas Spight 10 January 1862 

Scope and Content

Written in Owl Creek, [Mississippi?] at grandparents’ house to cousin Thomas Spight regarding family health, local and family news, and investments.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett 2 April 1862 

Scope and Content

Letter written in Yalobusha County, Mississippi, regarding weather, Confederate Army, and family news.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett 19 May 1862 

Scope and Content

Letter written in Ripley, Mississippi, to express affection to Barnett and reflect on their recent visit together.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett 17 June 1862 

Scope and Content

Letter written at a camp near Tupelo, Mississippi, regarding health and upcoming promotion in ranking to Captain.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett 11-13 July 1862 

Scope and Content

Letter on 11 July 1862 written at a camp near Tupelo, Mississippi, regarding Union soldiers in Ripley. Letter on 13 July 1862 regarding Spight’s health.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett 23 July 1862 

Scope and Content

Letter written at a camp near Tupelo, Mississippi, regarding personal affairs, Confederate prisoners, upcoming travels to Chattanooga, the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, and upcoming travels to Kentucky.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett 31 July 1862 

Scope and Content

Letter written at a camp near Tupelo, Mississippi, about his health, personal matters, and leaving Tupelo.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett 27 August 1862 

Scope and Content

Letter written in the Montgomery, Alabama, General Hospital regarding his stay in the hospital for a fever, the conditions in the hospital, the city of Montgomery, and instructions to write him back at the Chattanooga address.

Letter from N. H. Bailey to Mary Virginia Barnett 23 September 1862 

Scope and Content

Letter written in Baldwin, Mississippi, regarding his movements since he left camp in Ripley, Mississippi, under the orders of General Price. Mentions going to Marietta, traveling to Iuka, encounter with General Armstrong, falling back to Baldwin, and various wartime conditions and experiences.

Folder 12: 1863 1863 

Letter from Thomas Spight to “My Own Dear Cousin” [Mary Virginia Barnett?] 26 January 1863 

Scope and Content

Spight writes from a camp near Shelbyville, Tennessee, stating that he has not heard from his cousin in a long time. Discusses his good health and his love. Missing second page. Faded ink on letter.

Letter from Thomas Spight to “My Own Dear Cousin” [Mary Virginia Barnett?] 1 February 1863 

Scope and Content

Spight writes from a camp near Shelbyville, Tennessee, discussing the weather and camp conditions. He expresses concern that Barnett is not well, because he has not heard from her.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett 28 September 1863 

Scope and Content

Written near Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Barnett. Discusses movements and developments in the campaign. Asks for correspondence from Barnett. Faded ink.

Letter from Thomas Spight to “Cousin” [Mary Virginia Barnett?] 17 December 1863 

Scope and Content

Spight writes from a camp near Dalton, Georgia, discussing his health and Barnett’s health. Spight discusses their relationship and the problems between them. Contains a scratched-out letter on back side of page.

Folder 13: 1864 

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett 6 March 1864 

Scope and Content

Spight writes of his regiment’s move to Alabama and discusses how the Alabama girls do not compare to Barnett. He includes a poem or verse. Letter has burn marks.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett 24 June 1864 

Scope and Content

Spight writes from Marietta, Georgia, to Barnett in Macon, Mississippi, regarding his recent trip home to Ripley, his views about the war, and his recent experiences in battle.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett to Frances Ann Barnett 10 August 1864 

Scope and Content

Mary Virginia Barnett writes from Cleveland, Mississippi, to her mother in Ripley, Mississippi, regarding going home and Thomas Spight coming to visit.

Letter from William M. Bowden to “Dear Sister” [Catherine “Katie” E. A. Pate?] 24 August 1864 

Scope and Content

Bowden writes from Atlanta, Georgia, asking for their mother to visit and his desire to visit Catherine and their mother. He states that he receives ample rations, that they have not seen fighting in a while.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett [20 September 1864?] 

Scope and Content

Love letter.

Letter from [Thomas Spight?] to Mary Virginia Barnett 1 December 1864 

Scope and Content

Letter written at a camp near Corinth, Mississippi, to Barnett in Ripley, Mississippi, regarding their encampment and his duties. Discusses love, Christmas, and marriage. Letter has holes. Possibly missing second page.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett 15-17 December 1864 

Scope and Content

Letter written at a camp near Mobile, [Alabama?], to Barnett in Ripley, Mississippi. Regarding troop movements to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and regarding his military superiors. Expresses love.

Letter from W. J. Vankirk to Thomas Spight 19 December 1864 

Scope and Content

Letter written in Halls Mills, Alabama, near Mobile. Brigade assistant quartermaster Captain Vankirk discusses troop movements. Vankirk reported to Colonel Robert McCulloch of the Second Missouri Cavalry.

Folder 14: 1865 

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett 30 January 1865 

Scope and Content

Letter written in Okolona, Mississippi, to Barnett in Ripley, Mississippi. Regarding upcoming troop movement to South Carolina. Discusses love.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett 4 March 1865 

Scope and Content

Letter from Thomas Spight written in Montgomery, Alabama, to Barnett in Ripley, Mississippi. Discusses awaiting military orders. Spight plans to send money to his grandmother.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett 8 March 1865 

Scope and Content

Letter from Thomas Spight written at a camp near Montgomery, Alabama, to Barnett in Ripley, Mississippi. Regarding orders to rejoin command in the Army of Tennessee. Discusses his desire to have a photograph of himself taken and send it to Barnett. Spight hopes to return home in April and join the cavalry afterward. Discusses love.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett 13 March 1865 

Scope and Content

Letter from Thomas Spight written at a camp near Milledgeville, Georgia, to Barnett in Ripley, Mississippi. Regarding his safety, their orders to move to Augusta, and their relationship.

Letter to “Most Highly and Esteemed Cousin” from [Mary Virginia Barnett?] 6 April 1865, 8 April 1865. 

Scope and Content

Letter written from Cotton Grove, Tennessee. Letter on 6 April discusses writer’s desire to receive a letter, desire to have someone to love, and desire for the Civil War to be over. Discusses poor spirits about the war. Letter on 8 April discusses recent weddings and advises the recipient to be a “good boy.” Signature torn off or missing additional page or pages.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett to Thomas Spight 30 April 1865; 2 May 1865; 7 May 1865 

Scope and Content

Three letters sent in same envelope written from near Cotton Grove, Tennessee, to Spight in the Army of Tennessee. In the 30 April letter, Barnett expresses gratefulness and happiness that Spight has written her often. In the 2 May letter, she relays news from Baldwyn and Ripley, Mississippi, about the health and life events of their families. In the 7 May letter, she says that she recently returned from Spring Creek, Tennessee, on a visit to cousin Mollie. Expresses love to Spight.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett to Frances Ann Barnett 30 April 1865 

Scope and Content

Written from [the residence of “Uncle Miles” in Spring Creek, Tennessee?] to her mother in Ripley, Mississippi. Regarding a visit from the “yankees” to Frances Ann Barnett, the health of the family, and Mary Virginia Barnett’s stay with relatives.

Letter from [Mary Virginia Barnett?] to Frances Ann Barnett 7 May 1865 

Scope and Content

Written from Spring Creek, Tennessee to her mother in Ripley, Mississippi. Regarding opinions of relatives in Spring Creek. Discusses popular despair over war but personal belief in an eventually independent confederacy. Asks for news from home. No signature.

Letter from [Mary Virginia Barnett?] to Thomas Spight 28 May 1865 

Scope and Content

Written from near Cotton Grove, Tennessee to near Ripley, Mississippi. Discusses sister leaving. Expresses wish for Spight to join the group in Tennessee and desire to receive a letter. Discusses end of war. Questions Spight about being a “rebel.” Page possibly missing.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett June 1865; 13 June 1865 

Scope and Content

Two letters from Thomas Spight written in Ripley, Mississippi, to Barnett in Cotton Grove, Tennessee. The first letter regards catching up on correspondence. Spight answers Barnett’s questions about being a “rebel.” Discusses health and activities of family. Expresses poor health. Letter on 13 June discusses a visit to Barnett’s mother and a potential visit to see Barnett. Possibly discusses becoming a school teacher. Some lines damaged.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett to Thomas Spight 28 June 1865 

Scope and Content

Written from near Cotton Grove, Tennessee to Spight in Ripley, Mississippi. Barnett expresses unhappiness in not hearing from Spight or receiving a visit from him. Discusses excellent health and relatives. She jokes about potentially accepting an offer of marriage from a man in Tennessee. Discusses sister Mattie’s sweetheart.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett 24 July 1865 

Scope and Content

Letter from Thomas Spight written in [Mississippi?] to Barnett in Cotton Grove, Tennessee. Regarding teaching, acquaintances, and Barnett. Discusses opinion of country and government.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett 1 August 1865 

Scope and Content

Letter from Thomas Spight written in [school house?] to Barnett in Cotton Grove, Tennessee. Regarding Barnett’s letter of 28 June and their relationship.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett 16 August 1865; 17 August 1865 

Scope and Content

Letter from Thomas Spight written in school house [in Mississippi?] to Barnett in Cotton Grove, Tennessee. The first letter regards Barnett’s return and Spight’s teaching job. Discusses planned vengeance among acquaintances. Spight discusses his poverty and declares his love for Barnett. The later section regards the prospect of Barnett’s return.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett to Thomas Spight 1 September 1865 

Scope and Content

Written from near Spring Creek, Tennessee to Spight in Ripley, Mississippi. Regarding relationship, return to Mississippi, and lack of correspondence Discusses religious revivals.

Letter from Lucy M. Browning to Mary Virginia Barnett 4 September 1865 

Scope and Content

Written in [Tennessee?] to Barnett regarding a possible purchase of clothing items.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett to Thomas Spight 20 October 1865 

Scope and Content

Written near Spring Creek, Tennessee to Spight near Ripley, Mississippi. Regarding imminent departure for Mississippi.

Letter from Mattie Barnett to Mary Virginia Barnett 24 October 1865 

Scope and Content

Written in [Mississippi?] to her sister Mary Virginia. Regarding Mary Virginia’s return and lack of correspondence. Discusses health of family and Thomas Spight’s activities.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett [5 December 1865] 

Scope and Content

Written to Barnett in [Mississippi?]. Regarding his absence from home and date of return.

Folder 15: Undated Civil War Letters Undated war letters 

Poem and IOU date unknown 

Scope and Content

Fragment of poem or song featuring Annie Laurie. On opposite side, IOU from John Cuning and another partial IOU.

Letter Fragment date unknown 

Scope and Content

Regarding children, education, and government.

Letter from [W.C. Smith?] to Thomas Spight date unknown 

Scope and Content

Final page of letter written from Smith to Spight in Ripley, Mississippi. Regarding elections, politics, and Douglas.

Letter from [Thomas Spight?] to [Mary Virginia Barnett?] [received 26 December 1865?] 

Scope and Content

Final pages of letter regarding troop movements, the end of conflict, and relationships.

Letter from Mattie Barnett date unknown 

Scope and Content

Regarding life and family events.

Letter from a Barnett to “Dear Sister” [Mattie Barnett?] date unknown 

Scope and Content

Regarding relatives and family events.

Letter from [Mattie Barnett?] to “Dear Sister” [Mary Virginia Barnett?] date unknown 

Scope and Content

Regarding life events. Discusses “Cousin Tommie’s” [Thomas Spight’s?] teaching.

Letter from “Maria” to [Thomas?] Spight 28 April [year unknown]; 30 April [year unknown] 

Scope and Content

Letter from LaGrange [Tennessee?] to Spight. Regarding correspondence, family, and the war. Discusses wounded and hospitals in La Grange.

Letter from Thomas Spight date unkown 

Scope and Content

Account of a battle and troop movements.

Letter from [G. Strummond?] [4 Jan [year unknown]?] 

Scope and Content

Regarding romantic relationships, the course of the war, and friendship. Discusses the “war cloud” and Bowling Green.

Song or poem date unknown 

Scope and Content

Version of “The Bonnie Blue Flag”

Letter 15 May [year unknown] 

Scope and Content

Regarding troop movements.

Letter fragment date unknown 

Scope and Content

Regarding friendship and brotherhood among men [the troops?] and the inspiring effect of women on men.

Letter from Minnie [Crockett?] to “Virgie” [Mary Virginia Barnett Spight?] [December 1865 or later] 

Scope and Content

The writer declines an invitation to dinner because of her mother’s health. Discusses a “union” between a woman named Dollie and the recipient’s brother.

Copies of three letters from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett 28 December 1861; 27 April 1862; 9 June [year unknown] 

Scope and Content

The first letter from Spight to Barnett discusses his experiences at camp and illnesses. The second letter from Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to Barnett regards their relationship, other women, expected movements and the possibility of furlough. The third letter sent from the field to Barnett in Ripley, Mississippi, regards troop movements and morale.

Folder 16: 1873 

Letter from “Jinnie Spight” [Margaret Virginia Littleton Spight?] to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 7 January 1873 

Scope and Content

Written near [Comanche Springs, Texas] by “Jinnie” Spight to her [sister-in-law?] in Ripley, Mississippi. Regarding new house and property. Discusses relatives.

Folder 17: January – February 1874 Jan. – Feb. 1874 

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 21 January 1874 

Scope and Content

Letter from Spight written in Jackson, Mississippi to his wife. Regarding Spight’s arrival in Jackson to the state legislature. Discusses lodging and roommates. Spight expresses opinions on the government and the prospect of a long session. He sends messages to his children and relatives.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 22 January 1874 

Scope and Content

Letter from Spight written in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding Spight’s absence and events going on at home without him. The added page discusses gardening.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 23 January 1874 

Scope and Content

Letter from Spight written in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding the hardships of visiting home as a poor man and loneliness. He intends to return home the following weekend. Spight discusses a visit to “the Asylum” to visit the mother of two boys [Frank and John?] living with his family.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 25 January 1874 

Scope and Content

Letter from Spight in [Ripley, Mississippi?] to her husband. She discusses the loneliness of the family at not hearing from Spight and relates events of the family and neighborhood. A later section contains her reception of Spight’s letter [of 21 January?].

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight [1] February 1874 

Scope and Content

Letter from Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discussion of events at home, family’s sadness at lack of correspondence.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 3 February 1874 

Scope and Content

Letter from Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding Spight’s return to Jackson [from home?]. Discusses the imminent proposal of a bill to limit the session of the legislature to seventy days.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 5 February 1874 

Scope and Content

Letter from Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding Thomas Spight’s absence from home. Discusses tombstones.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 5 February 1874 

Scope and Content

Letter from Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his loneliness away from home. Spight states “there is no place like home.” Discusses God and prayer. Spight mentions the possibility of an early adjournment as well as talk of adjourning for Mardi Gras.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [10] February 1874 

Scope and Content

Letter from Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Expresses desire to be home. References God. Discusses presence of roommate’s family, the possibility of adjournment for Mardi Gras. Spight mentions someone settling a debt. Discusses his poor opinion of “Hill” and that man’s probable end in “shame.” Expresses wishes for all of the children, including wards John and Frank.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 25 February 1874 

Scope and Content

Letter from Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding developments at home. Discusses illness following Spight’s recent visit.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 26 February 1874 

Scope and Content

Letter from Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding return to Jackson. Discusses journey, the decision to adjourn the legislature on 1 April, and health.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 27 February 1874 

Scope and Content

Letter from Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses changing boarding houses to save money, the weather. Discusses romantic love and their relationship.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 27 February 1874 

Scope and Content

Letter from Spight written in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses loneliness, romantic love, their relationship, and events at home. Discusses “governor’s message” as relayed in the news.

Folder 18: March - December 1874 March – Dec. 1874 

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 1 March 1874 

Scope and Content

Letter from Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his wife’s letter of 25 February, in which she said she was ill. Spight expresses wishes she will get better, discusses children.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 4 March 1874 

Scope and Content

Letter from Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding her letters to him, his absence from home, the weather, and the children. Spight writes of “Hill” and that man’s attempt to get money from Spight, perhaps to visit his own children in Ripley. Hill goes to Spight’s lodging late at night with a “negro boy” and attempts to convince Spight he needs money to get the boy to John [Bradley?]. Spight thinks it is a lie and refuses to lend him money. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 5 March 1874 

Scope and Content

Letter written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Dsiscusses her health and emotional well-being, his absence, and the children. Discusses vegetables and flowers. Mentions the possibility of Thomas Spight having an ambrotype taken.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 8 March 1874 

Scope and Content

Letter written by Mary Virginia Barnett Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Spight discusses the family, community and her husband’s letters. Mentions the progress of the family’s gardening.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 9 March 1874 

Scope and Content

Letter written by Thomas Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Expresses his feelings on the remaining length of their separation. Discusses health and his continued to commitment to “temperance.” Asks about gardening.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 11 March 1874 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding her health, correspondence, and the children. Discusses relatives. Mentions sending another letter from a man enclosed with hers.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 11 March 1874 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his wife’s letter of 5 March. Discusses his recent illness, the weather, and the children. Provides instruction on preparing to plow the land.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 14 March 1874 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his wife’s letters, his health, and adjournment. Possibly incomplete.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 15 March 1874 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Missisisppi, to his wife. Regarding her letter of 11 March with the enclosed letter from an unidentified man. Spight writes that he has sent the letter on to the mayor of Louisville, Kentucky, and hopes he will learn “what it all means.” Mentions “J. Spight” in connection with the letter and an amount of money said to be owed. Spight believes someone is trying to fleece him. Discusses love.

Letter from Thomas Spight to “Mayor of Louisville, Kentucky” 15 March 1874 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to the mayor of Louisville, Kentucky. Regarding an enclosed letter referencing a bill in connection with the city. Spight asks for clarification about the truth of the statements made in the letter and says if they are verified he will forward the requested payment.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 15 March 1874 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses his letter of 11 March and his health. Discusses children, gardening, and his instructions about plowing. Spight added a section about her unhappiness at his continued absence.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 19 March 1874 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding sitting for his photograph. Spight expresses a desire to hear from his wife. Discusses his health and absence from home.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 22 March 1874 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding correspondence, family, love, and plans for after the adjournment. Mentions his photograph. Contains lines from “A Song for the ‘Hearth and Home’” by William Rankin Duryea.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 22 March 1874 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding the prospect of their reunion after the legislature’s adjournment of 1 April. Discusses correspondence.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 24 March 1874 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding events at home and correspondence. Expresses sadness over not receiving more letters. Expresses happiness in her husband’s reputation of having “good morals” and in the prospect of his return home.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 25 March 1874 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding domestic concerns and her husband’s letters. Spight expresses happiness at her husband’s return. Discusses how the property has been maintained.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 26 March 1874 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Missisisppi, to his wife. Regarding his return home. Discusses love. Mentions an enclosed photograph of himself as well a photo of all Democrats in the House of Representatives.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 18 December 1874 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival in Jackson. Discusses introduction of proposal to adjourn until after Christmas. Discusses health.

Letter from Thomas Spight to A. G. Barnett 20 December 1874 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his father-in-law in Ripley, Mississippi. Spight asks Barnett to send word to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight that he will need a horse. On reverse, discussion of family, God, and love [by Mary Virginia Barnett?].

Folder 19: January 1875 January 1875 

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 3 January 1875 

Scope and Content

Letter written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding his recent departure from home.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 7 January 1875 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival in Jackson. Expresses love.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 8 January 1875 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding his letter of 5 January. Discusses family events and acquaintances.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 10 January 1875 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding her sadness at her husband’s absence, and family events. Expresses desire for him to return home and never go back. Discusses weather. Discusses illness of “Bud.”

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 10 January 1875 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses trouble with his eye, the expense of going home, sending money to her with Tom Hunt. Spight asks for information about relatives and acquaintances.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 13 January 1875 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses money sent with Tom Hunt, and possibility of adjournment at the end of February.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 14-17 January 1875 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses loneliness and love for her husband and children. Discusses the poor health of her mother and “Bud” as well as other events within the family and domestic affairs.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 16 January 1875 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses love and their relationship at length. Mentions a “Stephens” who wronged him last winter but seems to regret his actions. Stephens also joined the church. Discusses God and expenditures. Mentions improving health. Doubts the proposed adjournment of 1 February will pass.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 20 January 1875 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses love and their relationship at length. Discusses domestic, household affairs and family.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 21 January 1875 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Responding to her letter of 14 January. Mentions no fixed date of adjournment and possibilities of returning home. Discusses domestic affairs and expenditures.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 25 January 1875 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She discusses the health of the family, developments in the community, and expectations of his return.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 31 January 1875 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding disappointment that he has not returned home. Discusses children and relatives. Expresses loneliness and love.

Folder 20: February – December 1875 Feb. – Dec. 1875 

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 13 February 1875 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding arrival in Jackson. Mentions toothache but otherwise good health.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 17 February 1875 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses family and health. Expresses desire for his return and for letters. Discusses reading his speech in the newspaper.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 17 February 1875 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses having his tooth pulled. Expresses hope she saw his speech. Discusses attending funeral for state treasurer.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 19 February 1875 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding concern over not hearing from her.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 20 February 1875 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding her letter of 15 February, which discussed illness and poor health at home. Expresses sadness over illness and sadness over a relative’s miscarriage. Discusses attempting to get home as soon as possible and mentions adjournment on 27 February. Includes note written later by Mary Virginia Barnett Spight about God and her husband.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 21 February 1875 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding his expected return home. Discusses family, the weather, and gardening.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 22 February 1875; 23 February 1875 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding her letter of 17 February and his relief at receiving it. Mentions Metropolitan Police Bill passing. Discusses date of return home. Expresses love.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 26 February 1875 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding her letter of 21 February. Discusses feelings about later date of adjournment, the same as the U.S. Congress. Expresses love at length, including narrative of their wedding and relationship. Includes lines from “Is It Not Sweet to Think, Hereafter” by Thomas Moore.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 28 February 1875 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding his delayed return home and their relationship. She discusses her perspective on her life. Expresses love.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 3 March 1875 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his delayed return home and the adjournment of the house. Expresses love.

Letter from Thomas Spight to B.T. Kimbrough 19 March 1875 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to Kimbrough in Ashland, Mississippi. Spight requests answers from Kimbrough regarding Kimbrough’s opinions on legislative concerns and representation.

Letter from M.L.B. [“Mattie” Barnett?] to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 4 April 1875 

Scope and Content

Written by Barnett in Jackson, Tennessee, to her sister. Regarding life events. Discusses events of acquaintances. Discusses being out of practice writing.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 29 July 1875 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding date of return home.

Folder 21: January 1876 January 1876 

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 5 January 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival in Jackson. Discusses the prospect of “the senatorial question” being resolved. Praises the ability and make-up of the legislature. Mentions the scarcity of “radicals.”

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 7 January 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding his recent departure from home. Discusses family events. Envelope attached. [Shopping?] list written on envelope.

Postcard from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight. 8 January 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight to his wife. Regarding his break in travel.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 9 January 1876; 12 January 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding family events. Discusses illness. Mentions photograph. Discusses a new school at a nearby

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 9 January 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses family events. Expresses displeasure over her illness.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 12 January 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding lack of news from home. Discusses intention to return if he does not hear she is no longer in poor health.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 19 January 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding forwarding correspondence for him.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 19 January 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding return to Jackson. Discusses train derailing. Reminisces on their relationship and expresses love. Mentions House being in session.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 20 January 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding his recent visit. Discusses events in community. Mentions the weather.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 21 January 1876; 23 January 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Response to the story of the train derailing. Discusses God and nature. Expresses love.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 23 January 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses dream of home. Expresses love and wishes of good health.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 26 January 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses events at home. Asks about legislature, adjournment, his return.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 27 January 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his reasons for cancelling a weekend trip home. Discusses necessity of staying for a bill.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 30 January 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses disappointment at his cancelled visit. Mentions disagreement between "Mrs. M." [Mrs. Mills?] and "Ned" and her worry about the situation. Discusses loneliness and chuyrch. Mentions her feelings about his position in the legislature and a pay raise.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 30 January 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. He discusses the potential for a visit home. He writes until he can no longer see through the darkness

Folder 22: February 1876 February 1876 

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 8 February 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding his recent visit home. She mentions ill health.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 9 February 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his arrival and receipt of her letter from the end of January. He recounts his journey from home to Jackson. Spight mentions a bill reducing the salary of the legislature and relates his opinion about leaving the legislature.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 10 February 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding events at home and with community. Responds to his concern over the letter from January.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 13 February 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his dreams, the weather, the potential for a visit home.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 13 February 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She discusses her health and a

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 15 February 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She discusses the weather and the stored meat and expresses wish for his return.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 16 February 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding the receipt of her letters of 10 and 13 February. Discusses her ill health and his prospects of returning home in light of the legislature. Mentions a trial and a petition. Expresses love.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 16 February 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses the arrival of the brace.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 20 February 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his return to Jackson after a failed attempt to go home. Discusses headache and adjournment.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 21 February 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding his inability to visit and the potential for adjournment. She discusses

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 24 February 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She discusses her love, their relationship, and his absence.

Folder 23: March - December 1876 March – Dec. 1876 

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 6 March 1876; 7 March 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Love letter. Regarding his recent departure. She discusses events at home and the family

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 7 March 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his return to Jackson. He discusses expectation of adjournment and mentions the proposed impeachment of Governor Adelbert Ames. Expresses love.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 12 March 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She expresses disappointment at not receiving a letter. Discusses weather, fishing, and health. Mentions the probability of "Bud" getting married.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 12 March 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. He mentions the House getting articles of impeachment ready against Governor Adelbert Ames and says the legislature would adjourn quickly if it were not for the plan to impeach Ames. Spight discusses at length his interactions with one of his creditors, a "Gibbs." Discusses his values.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 14 March 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding a letter from her. Mentions menstruation. [Pregnancy?] Discusses political letter to The Advertiser.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 16 March 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Love letter primarily. Asks about health and weather.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 18 March 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding her letter. Discusses trial of Governor Adelbert Ames and political life.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 19 March 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses love for family. Mentions talk of Governor Adelbert Ames resigning as well as the continuing preparations for the Ames trial. Spight relates the murder of a "young Irish printer" by the proprietor of a Jackson newspaper and states there was a push to lynch the murderer, though it was not carried out since the [the murdered man or the murderer?] was not well known. Discusses the prospect of a new child and advises her to be careful not to overexert herself.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 21 March 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding the prospect of his return. She discusses the weather, gardening, and the impeachment.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 21 March 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his return home and the ill health of his family.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 28 March 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses continued poor health and events at home. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 28 March 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his return to Jackson. Discusses her health and the prospect of adjournment.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 29 March 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding the resignation of Governor Adelbert Ames, the inauguration of Governor John Stone, and the subsequent shortening of the legislative session.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 29 March 1876; 30 March 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding her improving health. She discusses his letter of 28 March and events within the community. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 31 March 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding his letter of 29 March. She discusses her happiness upon learning of Ames' resignation and receiving her husband's letter about the prospect of a sooner return. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 31 March 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding the adjournment of the legislature and recent conventions in Jackson. Spight also mentions the "happy turn of affairs" in the state. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 2 April 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding the weather, the health of the family and community, and a community death. Spight also discusses gardening and requests magnolia cuttings.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 2 April 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses happiness upon receiving letter and responds to reported health of the family and community.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 2 April 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses happiness upon receiving letter and responds to reported health of the family and community.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 4 April 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his health, the weather, and the Ripley Railroad.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 5 April 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding his expected return home. Spight mentions the weather, the family's health, and gardening.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 6 April 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Spight discusses plant cuttings and the upcoming adjournment.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 7 April 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding the reception of letters. Spight discusses family health and the prospect of her husband's return.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 8 April 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding the family's health, his expected return, and her attempts to remain "cheerful" in his absence. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 9 April 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding family's poor health. Expresses love for his family.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 10 April 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding the reception of his telegram inquiring about the health of the family. Assures him they are mostly better, though their son suffers from what she expects is worms. Spight explains what she has done for their son's ailment and later states she has called for the doctor.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 11 April 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Spight provides an update on the health of the family. She also mentions the weather and the expectation of his return.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 11 April 1876 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding the continued absence of news about the family's health and his imminent return. Spight eagerly anticipates "turning his back upon Jackson" to return home to his family.

Letter from D.A. Kelley to Thomas Spight 19 October 1876 

Scope and Content

Sent by Kelley from Waco, Texas, to Spight in Ripley, Mississippi. Written on law office letterhead, Kelley's letter answers a letter from Spight asking about living and working in Waco. Kelly provides information on population, local schools, cost of living, and other details of life in Waco. He discusses the abundances of attorneys in the city and how establishing a practice would be difficult. He discourages Spight from moving to Waco solely to set up a practice. Envelope attached.

Folder 24: 1844 1877 

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 10 January 1877 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival and the prospect of adjournment by the end of the month. Spight mentions travel and his health.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 13 January 1877 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding lack of correspondence from home and the adjournment of the legislature.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 14 January 1877 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding his absence, the health of the family and developments in the community.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 14 January 1877 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his reception of a letter from home. Spight discusses their relationship and expresses love for his wife.

Letter from [T.A. Blair?] to Thomas Spight 15 January 1877 

Scope and Content

Sent from Jackson, Tennessee, to Spight in Ripley, Mississippi. Regarding Spight's interest in possibly relocating to Jackson, Tennessee. [Blair] offers to sell Spight his practice and various possessions.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 16 January 1877 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding the health of the children and his return home.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 18 January 1877 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding correspondence. Spight discusses a John Buchanan, purchasing hair jewelry at his wife's request, and a dream about being with his family.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 19 January 1877 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding his return. Spight discusses his continued cough as well as illness in the community. She also writes about receiving a letter from a law firm. [Blair's letter of 15 January?]

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 21 January 1877 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Spight discusses her plans for the coral and hair jewelry. She also reports on the health of the family and discusses her husband's “financial business."

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 22 January 1877 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Spight writes of an excursion of members of the legislature and the expected date of his return home.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mattie Spight 24 January 1877 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his daughter. Responding to her letter. Mentions his return home.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 24 January 1877 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Responding to her letter. Mentions health and adjournment of legislature.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 26 January 1877 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. He writes of a postponement of the adjournment of the legislature.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 28 January 1877 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his imminent return home. He discusses buying the coral jewelry for the children and gifts for the rest of the family.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 29 January 1877 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She acknowledges the reception of his letter concerning the delayed adjournment.

IOU 18 August 1877 

Scope and Content

Note written by Thomas Spight regarding payment owed to Sallie Knox.

Letter from H.L. [Street] to "Carter and Spight" 29 November 1877 

Scope and Content

Written by [Street] in Walnut, Mississippi. Regarding the potential sale or auction of land.

Folder 25: January 1878 January 1878 

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 6 January 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding her loneliness at his departure and recent community deaths. Spight describes the day's funeral and the community's reactions to the deaths at length.

Letter from Mary Virginia "Mamie" Spight to Thomas Spight 7 January 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her father. She writes to ask him to come home soon and describes her younger sibling predicting their father was sitting by the fire. Mary Virginia Barnett Spight writes a postscript to her husband stating their daughter tired before she could finish her letter and the cold was preventing the children from doing their best.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 13 January 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding the family's health, particularly one child's "regular chill day." Discusses acquaintances. Spight also mentions her husband

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 13 January 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Responding to her letter of 10 January. Spight discusses his association with "Cousin Tim" regarding a bond and Tim's duty as tax collector and sheriff. He also writes to her about acquiring the cuttings and seeds she wants. Envelope attached. Sent with a postscript to his daughter Allie regarding her letter to him. Enclosed letter to daughter Mattie regarding her letter to him.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mattie Spight 13 January 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his daughter. He praises his daughters for their letters to him and encourages them to help and please their mother. References God.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 14 January 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Spight sends his wife money through an acquaintance for her to use however she may "need and wish" and promises to send more soon. He also updates her on his recent cases.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia "Mamie" Spight 14 January 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his daughter. He responds to a letter she wrote to him. He encourages her to keep practicing and tells the children to help their mother. Included is a note regarding the delayed departure of the acquaintance intended to carry the money dated 16 January.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 15 January 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She responds to his letter of 8 January. She writes that she would have been happy for the extra money but is ultimately glad he is not speaker. She updates him on the health of the family and the weather.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 15 January 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. He discusses the delay of the acquaintance who was originally intended to carry money home. Spight now intends to send some with a different acquaintance. He responds to her letter of 13 January. He states his intentions to purchase the property in Jackson, Tennessee, if he can find the money to pay for it.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 16 January 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 13 January. She remarks that she was growing worried at the lack of correspondence. Discusses the children. She also writes about neighbors: conflict with one, his recent injury caused by being kicked by a mule, and another's death.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 16 January 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. He discusses sending money to her. Mentions the possibility of returning home.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 18 January 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding the health and behavior of the children. She writes in anticipation of his return and mentions needing the money he said he would send her to buy the children shoes.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 20 January 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She apologizes for the monotony of the content of her letters. Contains unknown poetry as well as Thomas Moore. She discusses the possibility of losing some of the staff as well as potentially letting the children go to school. She encourages him to buy property.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 20 January 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. He responds to her letters of 16 and 18 January. He expresses his love for her, mentions good news, and discusses his return home. Page missing.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 23 January 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She writes about the health of the family and their anticipation of his return. Postscript from children.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 23 January 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. He writes of his approaching visit home and his recent pleasant and troubling dreams of his family.

Folder 26: February - December 1878 Feb. - Dec. 1878 

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 1 February 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival in Jackson. Updates her on the "Miller and Palmer" case and mentions his health. Sends a gift for his son.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 3 February 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. He writes of an excursion with others to the "Lunatic Asylum." He anticipates receiving a letter from home.

Postcard from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 4 February 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. He writes to urge her to either tell him she is healthy or let him know he should return home. He discusses the "Miller and Palmer" case.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 6 February 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She writes of her continuing poor health and the children.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 7 February 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She discusses her improving health. Asks about Mardi Gras and his return. Discusses his postal card of 4 February and wonders at a neighbor delivering him news of the family's health.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Thomas Spight 7 February 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her father. She writes of family developments, including a relative's "not very pretty" baby and hopes her father will return soon.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 7 February 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Spight discusses receiving her letter of 3 February. He mentions receiving news of his family from William Clark Falkner, "Col. Falkner." He discusses his intention to leave his current position and mentions the recent reduction in salary. He discusses practicing law. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 9 February 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. He discusses the reception of her letter of 7 February. He mentions the potential expansion of the railroad. He discusses his expected visit home as well as his more permanent return.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 10 February 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses the reception of his letter of 7 February and a visit from "Cousin Simon."She mentions seeing William Clark Falkner's family meet him at the station. And his delivery of her seeds. She discusses the ongoing problem with neighbors' fencing. She also mentions their daughter's request for an organ.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 10 February 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. He expresses love for his wife and asks if she requires anything. He discusses the weather, his health and the possible date of the legislature's adjounment.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 12 February 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She responds to his letter of 9 February and discusses her health and household events. She asks him to bring something for the children. Includes lines from "How Long and Weary is the Night" by Robert Burns.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 12 February 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses a prospect for a job in Tunica County, Mississippi told to him by a member of the legislature. He intends to visit the county. The Miller and Palmer case is still not decided. He writes about the reduced pay for members of the legislature and his determination to try to practice law.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 19 February 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She discusses his departure from home. She also recounts that the house of someone she calls "Uncle Sam" burned down and describes the community's reactions. She mentions the health of the family and the weather and criticizes her pen and ink.

Postcard from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 19 February 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his return to Jackson. Discusses lack of sleep and states Miller and Palmer case is not decided.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 21 February 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 19 February. Discusses his future departure from the legislature and vows not to become a candidate for a seat in the legislature again. Spight also discusses his adjusted plans to visit the prospect in Tunica County. Letter is torn and there is a piece missing.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 22 February 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She discusses the ongoing illness of their daughter, potentially caused by worms, and her plans to treat her. She advises him to wait in his travels to the river due to the probably poor conditions of the road. Mentions the arrival of copies of a speech by "Col. Lamar" [L.Q.C. Lamar?], one addressed to her husband. She supposes he does not want it forwarded. She also asks about cuttings.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 23 February 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding her desire to find a settled home. She states the presence of her children and husband as the primary condition for her continued happiness. She mentions their daughter's health. She discusses the family's disappointment that he did not come to visit and asks for specific cuttings in the event that he manages to get some for her.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 23 February 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 22 February. Discusses his health. Reaffirms his intentions to be home in a week. He also writes about the expectations of an acquaintance to receive a certain position being thwarted.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 24 February 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. States he is in good health. Recounts a dream expressing love for his wife and happiness. Discusses intentions to visit a different town on the river.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 25 February 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 23 February, in which he mentions his poor health. She urges him to return home, even without the adjournment, so he does not get worse and have to remain in Jackson where she could not help him.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 26 February 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 24 February. Expresses happiness at its contents, including the fact that he is feeling better. Mentions the weather.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 26 February 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. He writes of intention to leave on Saturday even if the legislature does not adjourn. Describes how he will get her the requested cuttings.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 28 February 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. He responds to two of her letters. He writes that his departure may be delayed. The legislature will not adjourn until Tuesday.

Letter from [M.L.] Barnett to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 10 March 1878 

Scope and Content

Written by Barnett in Jackson [Tennessee?] to her niece. Barnett describes her husband's illness and writes her emotions about the poor state of his health.

Folder 27: 1879 1879 

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 12 January 1879 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Writes of her poor health. Mentions visiting relatives and the weather.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 11 July 1879 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her mother. She discusses the health of the family and the community. There is an outbreak of yellow fever. She also writes about recent events at home while her parents have been away.

Letter from Lynn Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 23 October 1879 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his mother. Regarding his visit with his father and his disappointment at not seeing his mother. He writes of recent events in his life, including a play, and thanks her for sending him cake.

Letter from "M.L.B." [Barnett?] to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 3 November 1879 

Scope and Content

Written by in Jackson, Tennessee, to [her niece?]. The writer discusses Spight

Folder 28: 1880 1880 

Letter from "Julia" [Julia Welch Spight?] to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight date unknown 

Scope and Content

Written by in Jackson, Tennessee, to [her niece?]. The writer discusses Spight's recent visit and family events since that time.

Letter from "M.L.B." to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 4 March 1880 

Scope and Content

Written in Jackson, Tennessee, to [her niece?]. Writer desires to hear from Spight. Expresses loneliness and wish to travel. Discusses family developments including someone's new child and someone's excessive drinking.

Letter from "M.L.H." to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 1 May 1880 

Scope and Content

Written in Medon, Tennessee, to [her niece?]. Regarding writer's recent marriage to a Mr. Hackney and her happiness regarding that event. She describes his family, his occupation, and their plans for the future.

Letter from [M.I.B?] to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 17 May 1880 

Scope and Content

Written in Stonewall, Colorado, to Spight in Ripley, Mississippi. Regarding the presence of children with measles at school. They will be sent away to prevent an outbreak.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 26 July 1880 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She writes of her various worries but urges him not to be concerned and to take care of himself. Updates him on events at home.

Envelope addressed to Thomas Spight 16 November 1880 

Scope and Content

Sent from [Robin, Mississippi?] to Spight in Ripley, Mississippi.

Folder 29: 1881 1881 

Letter from "S.R.S" [Simon Reynolds Spight?] to Thomas Spight 28 June 1881 

Scope and Content

Written in Tennessee to Spight [his brother?]. Writer mentions essay to be delivered by Spight. Discusses recent establishment of Sunday School at a Methodist Church and writer's position of teacher. Discusses writer's farm and farming plans.

Letter from Minnie Crockett to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 6 November 1881 

Scope and Content

Writer asks for flowers to put on Frank's grave. Discusses her emotions and states that Frank loved flowers. On reverse: "May flowers of love / Around thee be twined / And the sunshine of peace / Shed its joys o'er thy mind." Lines followed by "M.V.S."

Letter from Hermione E. Winkler to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 23 December 1881 

Scope and Content

Winkler requests that Spight cover a parasol for Spight's daughter to use.

Letter from Minnie C. [Crockett?] to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight date unknown 

Scope and Content

Writer requests white verbena to plant on Frank's grave. She also asks about planting tube rose bulbs.

Folder 30: 1882 1882 

Letter from M.J. Buchanan to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 2 January 1882 

Scope and Content

Buchanan responds to a note from Spight. Mattie is back in school. Buchanan hopes Spight will pay to continue her daughters' music education and praises the Spight daughters

Letter from [Julia Welch Spight] to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 20 February 1882 

Scope and Content

Written in Cottage Grove, Tennessee, to Spight. Discusses children

Letter from Nannie E. McKenzie to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 19 July 1882 

Scope and Content

Written by McKenzie in Michigan City, Mississippi, to Spight. Regarding death of McKenzie's sister. She writes that Spight has gone through a similar situation and can understand her feelings.

Letter from "Cousin Lizzie" to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 1 August 1882 

Scope and Content

Regarding a gift of flowers sent from Spight to the writer. Discusses acquaintances and children.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 21 August 1882 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. He writes about how long it will take him to complete his business.

Folder 31: 1883 1883 

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 4 February 1883 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding his journey to Pontotoc. Discusses the health of the family.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 6 February 1883 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She writes about the weather and the family's health. She writes that she misses him and asks about his office.

Note from Lillian Spight enclosed in letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight date unknown [6 February 1883?] 

Scope and Content

Contains a kiss from Spight's daughter. Illegible writing, presumably from the child, and a note written by someone else.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 21 March 1883 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She asks when he will be finished in court and return home. She updates him on the children's progress in school and says she writes hastily to send her letter with a departing acquaintance.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 6 April 1883 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She writes of her loneliness and informs him of events at home. She passes on Dave's interest in buying [property?].

Letter from Luther Marmon to Thomas Spight 18 June 1883 

Scope and Content

Written by Marmon in New Albany, Mississippi, to Spight. He asks Spight to go to New Albany in connection with a primary election.

Postcard from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 19 June 1883 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. He states he is well and asks her to write to him in Byhalia, Mississippi.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 19 June 1883 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Envelope attached also contains direction to Holly Springs, Mississippi. Regarding his absence and her health.

Letter from Luther Marmon to Thomas Spight 23 June 1883 

Scope and Content

Written by Marmon in New Albany, Mississippi, to Spight. A primary election has been ordered and the writer requests Spight be in attendance. Discusses the "Young Democrat" and the publication's lack of response.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 24 June 1883 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Byhalia, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding the lack of mail in Byhalia due to weather. He will soon be in Holly Springs and will not make it home for the "K. of H. Celebration." He writes of Byhalia.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 26 June 1883 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 24 June. Regarding his expected arrival. She writes of enclosing a note from Marmon. Discusses the weather. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 4 July 1883 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding his departure from home. Mentions health of the family and the weather. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 6 July 1883 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his return home.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 8 July 1883 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding a lack of correspondence. She writes of social visits and expresses a desire for him to write her.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 9 July 1883 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. He discusses acquiring votes and writes that he will not be home for a week and will soon be in Oxford.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 10 July 1883; 11 July 1883 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Spight discusses her health and rheumatism. Mentions the children and encloses a "letter" from their daughter Lillian. "Letter" contains illegible scribbling and the words "Lililan's Letter to 'Papa.'"

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 12 July 1883 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding the weather, concern over his health, and events at home concerning the children's schooling and activities.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 13 July 1883 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Spight writes of his return home. He discusses his court cases and expresses his discouragement as the judge is "well against" him.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 18 July 1883 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ashland, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his return home. He writes of his recent poor health and expresses concern about the family's health. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 18 August 1883 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She writes about her sadness at him not returning. Discusses the moon. She also writes of sickness in town and the family's health. Pressed leaves enclosed with daughter's "letter."

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 21 August 1883; 22 August 1883 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband in Pontotoc, Mississippi. Regarding his absence, the weather, and the family's health. Pressed leaves enclosed. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 25 August 1883 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She writes of his friends' requests for news, the family's health, and a relative's intentions to sell his horse and buggy. She mentions "Old Mr. Huddleston" spending the night with them.

Letter from J.M. Barnett to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 21 September 1883 

Scope and Content

Written by Barnett in Claybrook, Tennessee, to his niece. Responding to her earlier letters. He writes of becoming the guardian of a young woman whose father had "belonged to the order of K. of H." Barnett writes of his upcoming 74th birthday. Discusses family members and their health.

Envelope addressed to Thomas Spight 7 October 1883 

Scope and Content

Sent from Ripley, Mississippi, to Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi.

Letter from Hermione "Hermie" E. Winkler to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 24 October 1883 

Scope and Content

Written by Winkler to Spight. She thanks Spight for sending a flower arrangement.

Letter from [L.P. Smith?] to Thomas Spight 25 October 1883 

Scope and Content

Written in Ripley, Mississippi, to Spight. Regarding the progress of the election campaign. Discusses Spight's supporters and the likelihood that he will receive the majority of the county's "negro vote." Discusses the primary election and its aftermath.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 10 November 1883 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She writes of an encounter with [Luther?] Marmon and that man's inquiries about Thomas Spight. Discusses familys health and the children's recent ailments. Spight mentions a large crowd of "negroes" leaving the area and discusses her feelings and experiences regarding that event.

Letter from Hermione E. Winkler 17 November 1883 

Scope and Content

Winkler requests that the recipient send her "the amount" as soon as possible. Probably missing a page.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Hermione E. Winkler 3 December 1883 

Scope and Content

Spight writes of returning her daughter Allie to school with the instruction that she is to be kindly treated due to her health. Spight refers to her as a "delicate child" and asks that any problems with the children misbehaving be brought to her attention. Discusses children's health and feelings.

Letter to "Tommy" [Thomas Spight?] 27 December 1883 

Scope and Content

Writer discusses recent crop yields and farming developments as well as recent illnesses among the animals and children. Discusses finances and property.

Folder 32: January - April 1884 Jan. - April 1884 

Envelope addressed to "Mrs. Thomas Spight." 1884 

Scope and Content

Addressed to Spight in Ripley, Mississippi. Direction written on top of previous printed direction to "Messrs. J.H. Hubbell & Co." in New York.

Envelope addressed to "Mrs. Thomas Spight." 1884 

Scope and Content

Addressed to Spight in Ripley, Mississippi. "Kindness of Mr. Aldrich" written on front.

Bill issued to Thomas Spight 6 February 1884 

Scope and Content

Regarding travel and shipping. Includes description and charges.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 6 February 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his wife. Spight writes of making money and the expectation of more. He discusses court cases including some men indicted for killing a General Tucker. Mentions his expected date of return and that he's getting enough sleep. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 February 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his wife. Writes of possible delaying his arrival home because of his involvement in a murder case. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 19 February 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. He writes about his arrival, his monetary compensation, and indictments for murder to be tried. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 21 February 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. He writes of his expected return home.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Lillian Spight 21 February 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his daughter, "Junebug." Responding to her letter.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 21 February 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. He writes of upcoming murder cases and the money he's making. Mentions acquaintances. Discusses prospect of return home.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 22 February 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter. Discusses the weather and her greenhouse. Mentions boarders for school and an individual who had acted poorly toward them. Discusses news received from family members.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 24 February 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding his departure from home. Primarily love letter. Mentions visiting her mother. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 25 February 1884; 26 February 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She writes of the weather, the family's health, and questions of hay and fodder.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 26 February 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. He writes of a verdict of manslaughter in one court case. He also discusses another court decision that could result in hanging. Mentions his health. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 27 February 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding lack of correspondence. Discusses weather and the family's health.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 28 February 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses possible return home due to poor health.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 29 February 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses mail. Spight writes of the weather, the family's health and when to expect him home.

Letter from Emma T. [Alexand?] to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 13 March 1884 

Scope and Content

Written in Middleton, Tennessee, to Spight. Responding to a letter from Spight about flowers. Discusses mutual acquaintances and writer

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight. 8 April 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses Lillian's health, the weather, and the garden.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 April 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses money earned, his expected return home, and his lodgings.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 10 April 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responding to his letter of 8 April. Discusses family's health, particularly the illness of their youngest daughter. Mentions the weather and potato crop.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 11 April 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding her letter. Discusses family's health and his intentions to return home. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 16 April 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his journey to Holly Springs. Discusses health of family. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 17 April 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding lack of correspondence. Spight writes of his and the family's health, the anticipated adjournment of the court, and love for her.

Folder 33: May - August 1884 May - Aug. 1884 

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 2 May 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses his recent departure from home as well as their daughter's. Discusses William Clark Falkner's departure for New Albany and the weather. Spight also writes about wanting to read the addresses of "Col. Lamar" [L.Q.C. Lamar] and another colonel.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 6 May 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Spight writes of his health and the money he has earned recently. Mentions the weather and his return trip home. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 7 May 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responding to his letter of 6 May. Spight discusses their daughter's illness, a chill. She also discusses corn sales.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 9 May 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She writes that their daughter's health is improving because of a tonic. She also discusses social events. Describes loneliness and his absence.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 9 May 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter about their daughter's illness. He discusses recent murder cases and the difficulty in one case of securing witnesses.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 11 May 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. He writes of his experiences in church that day. Discusses murder cases and outcomes. Spight also discusses corn purchasing.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 11 May 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responding to his letter. Discusses daughter Lillian's improving health and the children. She also discusses the weather and the state of the flowers. Mentions potentially taking a trip to the Blue Mountains. Expresses love. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 12 May 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responding to his letter. She discusses fishing and his absence.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 12 May 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Spight discusses his recent cases and his health.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 14 May 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses receiving his letter of 12 May. She writes about acquaintances and the children.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 15 May 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She writes of buying corn and corn delivery. She asks for her husband's input. Mentions acquaintances.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 20 May 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his safe arrival. He writes of expecting to earn very little money here. Discusses the corn.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 22 May 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She writes of a lack of correspondence and the weather.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 22 May 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his wife. He writes of his business and receiving compliments.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 23 May 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter. Discusses his departure for home.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Lillian Spight date unknown 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight to his daughter. Spight writes back to his daughter on the reverse of the "letter" she sent him.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Lillian Spight date unknown 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight to his daughter. He writes of being reminded of her when he sees other young girls.

Letter from Mary Virginia Spight to J.E. Rogers 2 June 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to Rogers, who is seeking payment of a freight bill. Spight states she did not know delaying a few hours would cause such a problem. On the reverse is Rogers' answer. He writes that waiting for a child to bring the payment by is usually acceptable, but at the end of the month paying the railroad is more urgent.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 4 June 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She writes of the weather and the health of the family.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 6 June 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She writes of receiving his letter and responds to his breaking of his ankle. Discusses the weather and its effects on the community. She writes of a "big day" in connection to one of their daughters and school. She also discusses the health of their youngest daughter.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 8 June 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding his return home. Mentions his canvassing and success in Lafayette County. Discussess their son.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 21 July 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Claybrook, Tennessee, to her mother. Discusses arrival in Tennessee and staying with relatives.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 4 August 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Fairview to her mother. Discusses arrival at the house of "Mr. Fitzpatrick." Mentions the weather and having to ford a creek.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Mary Virginia "Mamie" Spight 5 August 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Fairview to her sister. Green ink very faint.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 5 August 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Writes about his journey after escorting their daughter. Discusses daughter Mamie's separation from her sister and an attempt to send Mamie to her. Someone had a baby and someone else joined the church. Mentions the weather.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 7 August 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his wife. Mentions his work and earnings in Pontotoc. Spight also writes of an injury sustained by their daughter Mattie and money he has sent home. Includes note to his daughter Lillian at the bottom.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 10 August 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Spight writes of being anxious for her injured daughter and her husband. She discusses a community death and funeral. She also discusses the children at home.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 10 August 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Cherry Creek, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding correspondence and upcoming trials.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 12 August 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Fairview to her mother. Spight writes of friends and relatives and discusses her visit. Mentions attending church. She comments on news from Ripley. Includes note to her sister Lillian on final page.

Postcard from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 12 August 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his wife. He writes of news from their daughter and his business. Mentions his next return home.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Lynn Spight 14 August 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Fairview to her brother. She writes of selecting a "sweet-heart" for him. She discusses her visit and attending "sociables."

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 16 August 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responding to his letter. She writes of the family's health. She mentions two acquaintances getting arrested for selling whiskey.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 19 August 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. He writes of the money he's earning and his work.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 20 August 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. He writes about his work and making money. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 22 August 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. He discusses correspondence, the money he has earned, and his return home. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 23 August 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Writes about his work in court and his expected departure for home.

Folder 34: September- December 1884 Sept. - Dec. 1884 

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 6 September 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She writes of his absence and continuing sickness in the community. Mentions the death of an acquaintance.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 17 September 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ashland, Mississippi, to his wife. He writes of a continuing murder case and his expected return home. He mentions a visit from Luther Marmon and a fire in the area.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 7 October 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival. Discusses speeches made in the court. He mentions the money he expects to make and when he expects to be home.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 9 October 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses court business and sending men to the penitentiary.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 9 October 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses the weather. Discusses work at home.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 10 October 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses lack of correspondence and his expected return home. Mentions death of acquaintance's daughter.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 11 October 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letters. Discusses health of family and illness of son Henry. Mentions weather and the papering of the walls.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 12 October 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses the weather and the family's health, particularly her mother's. A postscript requests a copy of the speech "Col. Lamar" delivered in Holly Springs.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 13 October 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She writes of the work progressing on the house. Possibly sent with letter of 12 October.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 12 October 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his health and his day. Mentions when he expects to return home. Discusses a future trip to Memphis.

Letter from Dolly Carter to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 13 October 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Carter from "College" to Spight. Carter writes of hearing a remark that Spight said she would not send her daughter to any school at which Carter was teaching. Carter requests a confirmation or refutation.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 14 October 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses his return. Mentions an upcoming marriage in the community. She writes of work on the house stopping. She also discusses their daughters' activities.

Letter fragment from Dolly Carter [to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight?] 14 October 1884 

Scope and Content

Half of page regarding confirmation or refutation of a remark sent from "College."

Envelope addressed to Thomas Spight 15 October 1884 

Scope and Content

Envelope addressed to Thomas Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, and Ripley, Mississippi, from Middleton, Tennessee.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 6 November 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his safe arrival and upcoming cases. Discusses election and work going on at home. First letter in collection written on office of Spight and Marmon letterhead.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 7 November 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Mentions money earned. Discusses election of Grover Cleveland. Mentions an influx of people into the town from the country.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 November 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Mentions money earned and expected return home. Discusses sending money home and asks about work at home.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 9 November 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responding to his letters. Discusses community's happiness over elections. Mentions work stopped at home.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight1884 9 November 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses anxiety over lack of correspondence from her. His health is improving. Discusses a murder case. He expresses happiness over his life and discusses asking God to help him be more deserving of his blessings.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 11 November 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses delay in correspondence. Mentions the family's health. Discusses work at the house and a neighbor adding three stories to his home. Final page includes a letter from Lillian Spight to her father written by Mary Virginia Barnett Spight.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 12 November 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses the family's health, the weather, and the prospect of his return home.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 18 November 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses the family’s health, the weather, and her greenhouse.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 18 November 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival and his recent poor health.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 21 November 1884 

Scope and Content

Addressed to Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, from Coffeeville, Mississippi.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 1 December 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses her recent poor health and his absence. Postscript on reverse discusses a misplaced bill.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 2 December 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his journey and his work prospects.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 3 December 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responding to his letter of 2 December. Discusses the family’s health and the weather.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 3 December 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. He writes of wanting to be home, but also wanting to make money.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 4 December 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. Responding to her letters of 1 and 2 December. Discusses his upcoming cases and making money. He writes about his return home.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 5 December 1884 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding a delay in his return home. Mentions court business.

Folder 35: January - April 1885 Jan.-April 1885 

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 9 January 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses court, his health, and when he plans to be home.

Letter from Ida Alynn to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 28 January 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Alynn in Kenton, Tennessee, to Spight. She writes of receiving a teaching position in Tennessee and recommends suitable teachers to Spight.

Letter from Leila V. Griggs to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 4 February 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Griggs in Tuskegee, Alabama, to Spight. She writes of receiving Spight’s offer of employment as a teacher. She discusses terms of her employment and tells Spight when she can reach Ripley if they are agreeable.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 7 February 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight to his wife. He writes of his return home and ongoing court cases.

Letter from Lizzie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 14 February 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Troy, Mississippi, to her aunt. She writes of her family, school, and the weather.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 15 February 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival in New Albany.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 17 February 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. He discusses his prospects in court and estimates how much money he will make. Mentions his health and the weather.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 17 February 1885; 18 February 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responding to his letter of 15 February. Mentions the family’s health and the weather.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 19 February 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 17 February. Discusses the family’s health, pneumonia in the area, and his return home.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 20 February 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 17 and 18 February. Discusses court business and a delay in his return due to road conditions.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 21 March 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ashland, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses court business, when he expects to be home, and money earned.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 23 March 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ashland, Mississippi, to his wife. Sends a letter home with an acquaintance to update his wife on when he expects to be home.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 7 April 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight to his wife. Regarding his safe arrival and stay at the Waverly House. Discusses court prospects in town and the money he expects to make as well as when he expects to return home.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 8 April 1885; 9 April 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 7 April. Discusses the weather and the health of the family as well as the children’s teacher, Leila V. Griggs. Also discusses a dedication sermon.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 9 April 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. He sends a letter with Luther Marmon to update his wife on court proceedings and his health.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 10 April 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She writes of her uneasiness over lack of correspondence from him. She also mentions the weather and planting the corn.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 11 April 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. He writes of his health, his business in court, and his earnings.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 12 April 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. He discusses his work in court and missing his wife. Mentions an expected trip to New Orleans, Louisiana.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Lynn Spight and Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 25 April 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Orleans, Louisiana, to her brother and mother. The first section to her brother discusses their trip and the exposition. The second section to her mother also includes comments on her teacher Leila Griggs and Griggs’ mother. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 25 April 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Orleans, Louisiana, to his wife. He writes of his daughters and their teacher, who are with him in New Orleans. He discusses their health and the events of their trip, including an exposition. Expresses love for his wife. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 26 April 1885; 27 April 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 25 April. She expresses joy at their happiness on the trip. Spight discusses a near-death experience for Fannie Falkner and Mrs. Falkner involving the train. She also writes of the family’s health.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 26 April 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Orleans, Louisiana, to his wife. He writes of church services and the group’s expected return home. Envelope attached.

Folder 36: May - June 1885 May - June 1885 

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 4 May 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his arrival and the probability of murder cases going to trial. Mentions his health.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 5 May 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi to her husband. Discusses her poor health and settling finances with Miss Griggs for the New Orleans trip. She also mentions the weather and receiving the whiskey he sent. She uses it for eggnog.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 6 May 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She writes of her improving health. Mentions the weather. “Letter” from Lillian Spight to her father written by Mary Virginia Barnett Spight included on last page.

“Letter” from Henry Spight to Thomas Spight [6 May 1885] 

Scope and Content

Spight writes to his father that he is improving his spelling. Sent with Mary Virginia Barnett Spight’s letter of 6 May.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 6 May 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. He discusses her health. He writes that he doesn’t expect to make much money in this court.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 May 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Responding to her letters of 5 and 6 May. He discusses her health and his murder cases in court. Mentions the weather. He also discusses the financial settlement for Miss Griggs. Spight also responds to the “letters” sent by his children.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 10 May 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter. Discusses the weather and the garden. Mentions their son Lynn taking people for drives. Spight also discusses her health and the financial matters involving Miss Griggs.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 10 May 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding lack of correspondence. Discusses churches and his murder cases.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Lillian Spight 10 May 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his daughter. He responds to her letter of 6 May. Sent with his letter of 10 May to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 12 May 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responding to his letter of 10 May. She writes of the children, including their progress in school. She praises their son Lynn’s driving and mentions. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 12 May 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 10 May. Discusses her health and his upcoming work schedule, including the participants in trials.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 14 May 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 12 May. Discusses his health and a case involving a man “said to be related to Col. Lamar.” His speech in that case has received compliments. Spight also discusses more recent murders and the progress of his son Lynn and other children.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 15 May 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She discusses the family’s health, his return, and local churches.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 16 May 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Writes of his displeasure with the court not adjourning until next Monday, so he has no time to go home before he is supposed to be at court in Coffeeville. Mentions the resolution of the Lamar case.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 17 May 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. He writes of his health, church, a walk with Judge Kimbrough, and his plans for his next visit home.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 17 May 1885; 20 May 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responding to his letter of 16 May. She expresses her disappointment at his delayed return and discusses his work. Spight also mentions events at local churches and the weather. The second section dated 20 May responds to his letter of 17 May. She writes of the children receiving praise in school.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 19 May 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival. He writes of losing a case in Oxford and states he has no murder cases in Coffeeville.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 21 May 1885; 22 May 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 17 and 20 May. Discusses his remaining work in court and the money he’s earned. He also mentions his expected return home. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 2 June 1885; 3 June 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter. Discusses his health and the family’s.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 3 June 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. He writes to assure her of his improving health. Mentions the money he has earned.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 3 June 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter. She tells him to get enough rest. She discusses a sick child in the area and expects he will not live long. She also mentions a Mrs. Buchanan running a school and the expectation that she will attempt to get Miss Griggs to join it.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 4 June 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 2 and 3 June. Discusses his health and the money he has earned. He also mentions receiving letters from the children and discusses when he will return home.

Folder 37: July - October 1885 July - Oct. 1885 

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 10 July 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses the weather and the prospect of sickness. Mentions the departure of Miss Griggs. Writes of the speculation in town that her husband is one of two anonymous writers in the newspapers, “Justice” or “G.G.J.” Discusses his next return home.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 11 July 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses a trial that has just begun and the date of his expected return home. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 12 July 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his disappointment at not being at home. He discusses his expectations of receiving court cases. He also gives his wife advice in case she should get sick.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 14 July 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his health and his prospects for work.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 14 July 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 14 July. Discusses her loneliness and the prospect of his return. Mentions “Squire” possibly going home.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 15 July 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his health, his business in court, and his delayed return.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 17 July 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses his work and health. She mentions “Squire” staying in the area at the hope of seeing Thomas and his recent visits to “Cousin Fannie” and “Uncle Abbott.” Also discusses the weather and church.

Letter from Leila V. Griggs to the Spight family 23 July 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Griggs in Tuskegee, Alabama, to the Spights. Regarding her journey home to Tuskegee. She discusses her family and friends, one of whom died soon after her return. She asks for news from Ripley about their acquaintances.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 4 August 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his safe arrival. Discusses his prospects for work and the money he expects to make. He also mentions his associates.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 27 August 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses Luther Marmon losing the note her husband sent with him. She expresses annoyance. She also writes of the children’s health and the sickness of neighbors.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 27 August 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding lack of correspondence from her. Discusses the weather and the death of a Mr. Thomas of Pontotoc, who was a member of the “K. of H.”

Letter from Julia [W?] Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 2 October 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Tennessee, to her relative. Discusses their journey and the weather. She writes of relatives, deaths, and the children. She also writes of her displeasure at travelling.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 5 October 1885; 6 October 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding his absence. She discusses Lillian’s poor health and the weather.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 7 October 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding court business. Discusses the shooting death of a young lawyer named Watson caused by a Mr. Mullins who had been in the legislature. He writes Mullins will not be indicted, as the shooting was believed to be self-defense.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 7 October 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 7 October. Discusses the family’s health, the completion of a wood house, and the continuing progress on a greenhouse. She also mentions receiving news from Spights in Ripley, Tennessee.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 9 October 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 5 and 6 October. He discusses her news of the children’s health and upcoming court business. Mentions his expected date of return. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 9 October 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 9 October. Discusses Lillian’s improving health. Discusses continuing construction work at home. Mentions a visit from relatives and writing to Julia Spight, who she refers to as “Squire’s wife.”

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 11 October 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his happiness at Lillian’s improving health. Mentions the money he has made and future court business.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 11 October 1885; 12 October 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses when he expects to return home. Mentions his sons taking over his work when he is away. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 11 October 1885; 12 October 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses an unusually poor sermon at church. Mentions her loneliness at his absence and Lillian’s health. Mentions lack of correspondence from him.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 13 October 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses the trial of a woman for the murder of [Mrs. Doxey?] and his return home.

Letter from Mattie Spight and Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 13 October 1885 

Scope and Content

Written in Ripley, Mississippi, to Spight. Regarding the reception of his letters. Mentions the weather and Allie’s time in school. They write of his absence.

Letter from [Marie?] to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 29 October 1885 

Scope and Content

Written in Cherry Creek, Mississippi, to Spight. A delayed response to a letter from Spight. Discusses common acquaintances. The writer relates an event in which she had to serve dinner unexpectedly.

Folder 38: November - December 1885 Nov. - Dec. 1885 

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 4 November 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses the election and writes that it is good no lives were lost. She then states that it is better to not have to “vote and fuss and fight.” Discusses the results of the election and the community’s reactions. Discusses his absence.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 6 November 1885; 7 November 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter. Discusses the family’s health and the weather. She also discusses the aftermath of the election and construction work at the house.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 7 November 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Mentions murder cases and correspondence.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 8 November 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 7 November. Discusses his absence, the weather, a new parlor grate, and Judge Kimbrough’s presence in town.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 November 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 6 and 7 November. Discusses church and his work week. Mentions a murder case resulting in a life sentence that has earned him praise. Spight also discusses his return home and sending money home. Mentions the weather.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 11 November 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 8 November. He discusses not losing any cases, the praise he has received, and the money expects to make. He encourages her to order the furniture and carpets she wants before it is too late. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 11 November 1885; 12 November 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 8 November. Discusses his absence, Mattie’s eye troubling her, and the other children’s health. She also mentions construction and the parlor grate. She asks about cotton seed. In the later segment she writes of Mattie’s improvement. Envelope and piece of fabric attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 12 November 1885; 14 November 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 11 November. She writes of Henry’s education, the children’s health, and encouraging them to write letters to their father. She mentions the weather. Mentions fixing the fireplace and the parlor grate.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 13 November 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his return home for a brief visit. Responds to her letter of 11 and 12 November.

Letter from “Mrs. C.A. Cox, nee M.K. McCarley” to Thomas Spight 15 November 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Cox in Robin, Mississippi, to Spight. She writes of a suit against the estate of a family member [her father?]. She asks Spight for information on counsel of the Kendrick estate.

Letter from Mattie Spight and Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 17 November 1885; 18 November 1885 

Scope and Content

Written in Ripley, Mississippi, to Spight. Mattie discusses her father’s absence, updates him on construction, and mentions her mother’s health as well as her own. Virgie Spight writes her husband of the family’s health and the weather.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 18 November 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She updates him on construction and discusses the delivery of fodder as well as hauling corn.

Letter from [Henry?] Spight to Thomas Spight 18 November 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by one of the children and Virgie Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to Thomas Spight. Regarding construction.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Thomas Spight 19 November 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her father. She writes of fence construction and events involving the neighbors, including a death. Mentions her brother [Lynn?] and Charlie Bright performing music on the harp and accordian. She discusses her mother’s health.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 19 November 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his court cases. He writes of a man shot and killed in the street nearby a day before.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Lillian Spight 20 November 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his daughter. Expresses wish to see her. Sent with other three of the same date.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mattie Spight 20 November 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his daughter. Responding to her letter of 17 November. Discusses her health and his return home. Sent with the other three of the same date.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Henry Spight 20 November 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his son. Discusses Henry’s progress in school and Henry becoming his law partner. Sent with the other three of the same date.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 20 November 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his letter writing, the money he has earned, and his return home. Sent with the other three of the same date.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 21 November 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his health and hers, his work, and his return home.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 22 November 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses her loneliness caused by his delayed return. She writes about the family’s health and their letter writing.

Letter from Allie Spight to Thomas Spight 22 November 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her father. Discusses attending church, her new cloak, and a very ill community member. She mentions her sister Mattie attending church with Mr. Willie Hines. Sent with Virgie Spight’s letter of the same day.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 7 December 1885; 8 December 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses his absence and the family’s activities. Mentions “arrangements” made with “Mr. Marmon” [Luther Marmon?]. She also mentions “Mr. Falkner” [William Clark Falkner?] leaving with his family for Oxford, Mississippi.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 8 December 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses wanting to celebrate their anniversary together. Mentions a visit from Jim Marmon. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 December 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses money he has earned and when he expects to be home.

Letter from Allie Spight to Thomas Spight 9 December 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her father. Discusses “Mr. Marmon” finally leaving. Discusses her younger siblings writing letters to him and that she has been stringing popcorn. Discusses studying and Lynn’s problems with his thumb.

Letter from Henry Spight to Thomas Spight 9 December 1885 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to his father. Regarding his father’s return.

Folder 39: Undated 1885 Undated 1885 

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Mattie and Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight date unknown 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight to her daughters. Regarding the daughters’ trip and expected return. Possibly the trip in April 1885 they took with their father. [Sent with a letter to Thomas Spight?]

Folder 40: January - March 1886 Jan. - March 1886 

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 4 January 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival. He mentions meeting Mrs. Marmon. He also discusses hearing a sermon from Mr. Parrott, the crowding in the hotels, and his lodgings. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 15 February 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival and journey. Mentions the expected work at court that week. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 17 February 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 15 February. Discusses the family’s health and Lillian’s letter to him. Envelope attached.

“Letter” from Lillian Spight to Thomas Spight 17 February 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her father. Illegible. Sent with Virgie Spight’s letter.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 17 February 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses work in court.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 18 February 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 17 February. Discusses his business in court and mentions his return home.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 18 February 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. In anticipation of his return. Mentions the weather and lack of correspondence. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 18 February 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 17 February. Expresses disappointment at his extended absence. Mentions weather. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 19 February 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses bill in legislature that would limit his earnings to a salary, with no fees. Also mentions court business and his return.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 21 February 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She writes of Mr. Marmon’s return and his thoughts on the bill regarding district attorneys. She also discusses events at church and a death in the community. Mentions the train several times.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 21 February 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses attending church and social events. He also writes of the death in the Ripley community and mentions another death. Discusses the bill regarding district attorneys. Page missing.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Lillian Spight 21 February 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his daughter. Responds to her letter. He tells her to take care of her mother.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 23 February 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 21 February. Mentions business in court and discusses return home.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 17 March 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ashland, Mississippi, to his wife. Mentions his health, his return home, and acquaintances.

Folder 41: April 1886 April 1886 

Letter from Lizzie Spight to Mary Virginia "Mamie" Spight 4 April 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Tennessee, to her cousin. Responds to a letter from Mamie. She discusses schooling, the weather, and fashion. Letter torn, but all pieces attached. Envelope attached. Shopping list written on envelope.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 5 April 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Mentions the family's health. She discusses a shooting that occurred in connection with an election. Mr. Nance was shot by Mr. Johnson.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 5 April 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival. He mentions his health and encountering a male acquaintance of Mattie's.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 6 April 1886; 7 April 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 5 April. Mentions the family's health, construction at home, and the aftermath of the earlier shooting.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 7 April 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 5 April. Discusses his reactions to the shooting. Mentions his return home and his work in court.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 8 April 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She writes of the family's health and construction on the fence. Update on Nance

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 8 April 1886; 9 April 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 7 April. Discusses the family's health as well as Nance's improving condition. She writes that even should he recover, Johnson would "not get off very light any way." She mentions construction and the Marmons' new home.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Lillian Spight 9 April 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his daughter. Responding to her letter. Expresses desire to see her.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 9 April 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letters. Mentions return home. Asks her to borrow money should she need it before he can send her some. Discusses Nance. Discusses joining an organization and insurance.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 11 April 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his health, his return home, and construction.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 11 April 1886; 12 April 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She discusses her loneliness and lack of correspondence. Later section written by Mattie Spight about her mother's worsening health. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Thomas Spight 12 April 1886; 13 April 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her father. Regarding her mother's poor health. Mentions a death in the area, Nance's health, and road construction.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 13 April 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Responding to her letter of 11 and 12 April. Discusses his concern over her health and when he will return home.

Folder 42: May 1886 May 1886 

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [day unknown] May 1886 

Scope and Content

Addressed to Spight in Ripley, Missisippi.

Letter from Birdie Askew to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 1 May 1886 

Scope and Content

Written in Spring Creek, Tennessee, to her cousin. Responds to Spight’s letter. The writer discusses a shopping trip to Jackson and her recent discussions with Mattie Spight about Ripley. Mentions the erection of a confederate monument and the town’s reactions over the telephone. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 3 May 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival. He writes that she should get money from Jim Rutherford to spend on hats and mentions his expectations of the docket.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Jim Rutherford 3 May 1886 

Scope and Content

Sent with his letter of 3 May to Virgie Spight. He asks Rutherford to give his wife the funds she requests from his monthly salary.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 4 May 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Mentions a change in the train schedule. She also discusses the suicide of Willie Phyfer in detail.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 5 May 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 3 May. Discusses the weather and Willie Phyfer’s burial. She discusses cases of very poor health in the neighborhood and mentions guests of Colonel Falkner. She also mentions buying hats for the children. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 5 May 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Mentions lack of correspondence, his health, and a murder trial.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 6 May 1886; 7 May 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter. Discusses gardening and the weather. Writes of Major Buchanan’s death by morphine overdose. Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Thomas Spight 6 May 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to his father. Writes of school and the railroad. Sent with Virgie Spight’s letter of the same day.

Letter from Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight to Thomas Spight 7 May 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her father. Discusses the recent suicide and Nance’s current health. She also mentions people in Memphis for the races and her new hat.

Envelope addressed to Thomas Spight 8 May 1886 

Scope and Content

Addressed to Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, from Ripley, Mississippi.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 May 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Responding to her letters. He discusses the Phyfer suicide and Major Buchanan’s death, which he considers a suicide.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 9 May 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She writes of the loneliness she expects from the day. She mentions Major Buchanan’s death and Mrs. Phyfer’s improving health.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 9 May 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She writes of her loneliness at his extended absence and her happiness with her life. Some of the children attended a baptism.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 9 May 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. He discusses his cases, including the other participants and his opponents. Discusses Major Buchanan and Mrs. Phyfer. Mentions development of the railroad.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 10 May 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter. She discusses her dislike of housecleaning. Discusses the home and garden. Envelope attached. Three names written in a list on back of envelope.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Thomas Spight 11 May 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her father. Discusses the weather and the flowers. Discusses her siblings’ activities and Mrs. Phyfer’s health. Envelope attached.

Letter fragment from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 12 May 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight to her husband. Discusses putting glass in the windows of Sarah’s house and asks about acquiring the lawn chairs he had mentioned. Probably sent with Mattie Spight’s letter of 11 May.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 11 May 1886; 12 May 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Responding to her letter of 9 May. Discusses his work in court.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 13 May 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses the family’s health and the weather. Expresses desire for his return. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 13 May 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to the letters from home of 11 and 12 May. Expresses love for his wife and children. Discusses his work in court and mentions the compliments he received for one of his speeches.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 14 May 1886; 15 May 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responding to his letter of 13 May. Mentions the garden, his absence, and Lynn going fishing. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 19 May 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival. He mentions the money he earned in court and when he expects to return home.

Letter from Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight to Thomas Spight 19 May 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her father. Discusses the weather. She writes of developments and events in the lives of many of the family’s acquaintances.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 19 May 1886; 20 May 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Mentions weather and the family’s health. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 21 May 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his return home and the money he earned in court.

Folder 43: June - July 1886 June - July 1886 

Letter from Julia Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 6 June 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Tennessee, to her relative. Discusses being busy with teaching and upcoming commencement for her daughters. Mentions her husband’s near injury and the weather. She also writes of potential visits from the recipient’s family.

Letter from [Mattie S.?] to Lynn Spight 7 June 1886 

Scope and Content

Written in Claybrook, Tennessee, to Spight [her cousin?]. Spight’s relative responds to his letter. She writes that she has “given him to a friend” of hers as a sweetheart, so he should visit with his sisters to see her friend. She also writes of acquaintances and schools ending. Postscript states she got a letter from Mamie but does not think she deserves a response yet.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 8 June 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding his absence. She mentions someone being “hurled” out of church as part of a larger investigation into “erring members.” Mentions the weather. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 June 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival. Mentions the money he has made in court and his poor health – trouble with his bowels.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 10 June 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. Mentions his improving health and the weather.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 12 June 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. Mentions his good health and the adjournment of the court.

Bill for Thomas Spight 15 June 1886 

Scope and Content

A list of charges accrued by Spight through May and 4 June for shoes. Paid in full on 15 June.

Letter from Mattie [Gilliam?] to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 7 July 1886 

Scope and Content

Written in Walnut Grove to her relative. Responds to a letter from Spight. Mentions her writing utensils and her social activities. She discusses a relative’s baby’s poor health and epileptic fits and expresses it would be best if it died. Mentions flowers and seeing the Spight daughters when they reach the area.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 July 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival. Discusses court cases and money has earned.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to “Mattie” [Gilliam?] 11 July 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her relative. Regarding her daughters’ upcoming travels.

Letter from Mattie Gilliam to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 12 July 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Gilliam in Walnut Grove to her relative. Discusses the death of a young Mr. Marmon and how she was emotionally affected by it. Discusses social activities. She also mentions that “Cousin Al’s” baby is improving.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Mattie, Mamie, and Lynn Spight 15 July 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her children. Regarding their absence and relatives. She discusses news in Ripley and requests they write immediately if anything goes wrong.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 15 July 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Corinth, Mississippi, to her mother. She writes of their trip and when she expects to meet cousin Mattie in Jackson. Discusses her siblings’ health and reactions to Corinth

Letter from Mattie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 16 July 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Kenton, Tennessee, to her mother. Regarding their arrival. She discusses her relatives in Kenton and mentions her siblings’ health.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 17 July 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her daughters. Writes of everyone’s health at home. Her own health is poor and she cautions the children from eating certain fruits and vegetables as flux is prevalent and cholera has been mentioned. Offers advice on what to do if they should not meet anyone in Jackson. Envelope attached, addressed to Mattie Spight.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Lynn Spight 17 July 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to his son. Mentions his wife’s health. He wrote a letter to cousin Mattie in case the children forgot. Tells Lynn to send for more money should they need it.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Lynn Spight 18 July 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to his son. He writes of his wife’s health and asks Lynn again to send for more money should they need it. He also asks if Lynn has the pistol he sent him from Oxford. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mamie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 18 July 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Kenton, Tennessee, to her mother. Discusses relatives and their experiences on the trip. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Mattie Spight 19 July 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her daughter. She writes of the family’s health and the garden. She mentions Thomas wondering about Lynn’s pistol. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Lynn Spight 20 July 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her son. She writes about the lack of correspondence from the children and asks for any news from him. She mentions a relative running away with a man and getting married.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Mary Viriginia “Mamie” Spight 22 July 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her daughter. She expresses a desire to hear from her children soon, as they have not replied to her letters. Discusses their absence and acquaintances. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Mattie Spight 23 July 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her daughter. Responds to letters from her daughters of 16 and 18 July. Discusses the garden and asks for information on their upcoming journey. She advises them on matters of health and sends greetings from people at home.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Thomas Spight 23 July 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Claybrook, Tennessee, to her father. Regarding the pistol, she writes that Lynn does not have it and thought his father did. Discusses relatives and forwarding mail.

Letter from Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 25 July 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Claybrook, Tennesse, to her mother. Responds to her mother’s letter of 22 July. She writes of forwarding mail. Discusses relatives and activities on the trip.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 25 July 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to his daughter. Writes of their travels, money, and correspondence. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 26 July 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Claybrook, Tennessee, to her mother. Responds to letters from home. Discusses relatives and activities. Mentions the weather and their return journey.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 27 July 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Claybrook, Tennessee, to her mother. Mentions relatives and their expected return.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Henry Spight 27 July 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Claybrook, Tennessee, to her brother. She expresses a desire to see him and writes of their return home. Mentions her uncle’s pigs and one of them being killed and barbecued.

Box 2 

Folder 1: August - September 1886 Aug. - Sept. 1886 

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 2 August 1886; 3 August 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses his absence and their houseguests, Birdie Askew and “Cousin Mattie” [Gilliam?]. Writes of sickness in the community.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 4 August 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival and health. Mentions money he has earned and his work in court.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 5 August 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Writes of the weather and sickness in the community, including Colonel William Clark Falkner.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 16 August 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. She forwards a letter given to Lynn for his father from Charlie Thurmond. Writes of his absence and sickness in the area.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 17 August 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival and health.

Letter from Birdie Askew to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 18 August 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Askew in Spring Creek, Tennessee, to her relative. Discusses her recent departure from Ripley and her journey home. Discusses a mob intending to remove a black woman from jail and hang her for the suspected poisoning of several women.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 18 August 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding his absence and the departure of their guests. Writes of the continuing “meeting” in town and sickness in the area.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 18 August 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his business in court and when he expects to return home. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mattie [Gilliam?] to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 19 August 1886 

Scope and Content

Written to her cousin. Regarding her departure from Ripley and her arrival home. Discusses her health.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 19 August 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses the weather and the garden. Writes of sickness in the area and news about the Marmons.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 19 August 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding when he expects to return home, the Williamson murder case, and his health.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 20 August 1886; 21 August 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Writes of sickness in the area and their daughters having company.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 21 August 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letters. Discusses his work in court and when he expects to return home. Envelope attached.

Letter from Birdie Askew to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 25 August 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Askew in Spring Creek, Tennessee, to her relative. She writes of her family, including Uncle Miles who they believe is close to death. Discusses her social activities in Spring Creek as well as sickness in the area.

Letter from [M.T. Lowrey?] to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 14 September 1886 

Scope and Content

Written in Blue Mountain, Mississippi, to Spight. Regarding an open place for Mamie in a boarding house affiliated with Blue Mountain Female College.

Letter from Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 15 September 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Blue Mountain, Mississippi, to her mother. Regarding her arrival. She writes of her lodgings at school and acquaintances. Misses her sister.

Letter from Mattie [Gilliam?] to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 25 September 1886 

Scope and Content

Written to Spight. Discusses her increasingly good health and increasing weight. Mentions the health of relatives and social engagements.

Letter from Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight to Mattie Spight 29 September 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Blue Mountain, Mississippi, to her sister. Mentions her sister sending her a key. Discusses her return home and the sociable their mother said they could have. Mentions acquaintances.

Folder 2: October 1886 October 1886 

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 4 October 1886; 5 October 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding his absence. She writes of church and the meeting. Mentions the weather and receiving money.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 5 October 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival and his expected work in court. Mentions putting carpet down.

Letter from Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 5 October 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Blue Mountain, Mississippi, to her mother. Discusses correspondence and expresses a desire to go home that weekend. Mentions her sister’s visit and her acquaintances.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 6 October 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 5 October. Mentions Mr. Nance’s reported improving health. Discusses the end of the “Presbyterian meeting” and the expectation of a sermon from Mr. Collins. Envelope attached

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 October 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Mentions correspondence, his health, and his work.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 8 October 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses his absence and Mamie’s. Mentions sickness at Mamie’s school as well as in the area, including Mr. Nance.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 9 October 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Mentions her decision to keep Mamie from school. Discusses Mamie’s friends, who visited. Mentions Mr. Nance’s death. She also writes of the children’s opinions on Mr. Collins’ preaching.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 10 October 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses spending Sunday alone thinking of his family and how pleased he is with his life and his relationships. References God.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 11 October 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses Mr. Collins and Mamie’s poor health.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 12 October 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses Mamie’s health. Discusses the preaching of Mr. Collins and his wife as well as the community’s reactions to them. Mentions conversions. Mentions the weather. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 12 October 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Responding to her letter of 9 October. Mentions his health and his work in court.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 13 October 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses her loneliness and the weather. She also describes in detail her disgust at witnessing the attempted conversion of children by the Collins’ assistant.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 14 October 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Mentions court business, how many people he has sent to the penitentiary, and the money he expects to earn.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 16 October 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding when he expects to return home.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 16 October 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding when he expects to return home and his church plans.

Folder 3: November – December 1886 Nov. - Dec. 1886 

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 2 November 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses election including Chalmers and Morgan and the town’s reactions to it. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 2 November 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival. Mentions receiving spectacles for his wife. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 2 November 1886; 3 November 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Blue Mountain, Mississippi, to her mother. Regarding school and her friends. Discusses a teacher leaving and the weather.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 4 November 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses court business and mentions election in Tippah County.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Thomas Spight 5 November 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her father. Regarding her mother’s health and her sister Mamie’s return. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 5 November 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi to her husband. Responding to his letter of 4 November. Mentions election results, Mamie’s return, and her own health. Mentions spectacles. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 6 November 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses business in court and when he expects to finish his docket. Mentions election results and his reactions to them. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 7 November 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses his absence and her intentions to keep Mamie from the college unless she insists upon it. Mentions the weather and news from various family members.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 7 November 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to Mattie’s letter of 5 November. Discusses his Sunday and work in court.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 8 November 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responding to his letters. Discusses Mamie’s absence from home. Discusses the “Sentinel” and the election. Mentions Ripley votes for Chalmers and a county win for Morgan. People are leaving for the winter and she has new shoes. Discusses financial and agricultural matters as well as the account for Mamie’s first quarter at college.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 November 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Mentions court, his health, and when he will return.

Letter from Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 9 November 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Blue Mountain, Mississippi, to her mother. Regarding the “napkins” and “gossamer” she left at home.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 10 November 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter. Discusses his absence. Mentions fodder, an upcoming marriage, and sickness in the area.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 10 November 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 7 November. Expresses love for her and concern for her happiness. Discusses court and murder trials. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 12 November 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses weather and firewood. Writes of Mamie’s expected return and his absence. Also mention’s family’s health. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 12 November 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Mentions health and work in court. Responds to her letter of 8 November.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 14 November 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses lack of correspondence and her health. Mentions people from town taking trips and the girls’ escorts to church. Discusses receiving a photograph of General Walthall [Edward Cary Walthall].

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 14 November 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival. Discusses weather. Expresses happiness about their life together. Discusses corn and wood. Mentions money he has earned at work.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 15 November 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter [of 14 November?]. Mentions her health and Mamie’s health. Discusses the Graham family leaving and William Clark Falkner. Mentions fodder, corn, wells, and wood.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 16 November 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 12 November. Discusses the weather, court business, and his return.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 17 November 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter [of 16 November?]. Discusses their daughters. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 18 November 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letters of 14 and 15 November. Discusses his health, the weather, and his return home. Describes court cases.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 19 November 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Regarding lack of correspondence. Mentions a new carpet and their daughters.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 19 November 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his return. Envelope attached.

Bill addressed to Thomas Spight 20 November 1886 

Scope and Content

Bill including list of various goods purchased by Spight family from Barnett Bros. in Ripley, Mississippi. Paid in full.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 6 December 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival. Discusses his business for the week and when he will return home.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 December 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his return. Mentions the weather.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 9 December 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding lack of correspondence and his return home.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 11 December 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his return.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 12 December 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival. Discusses court and his return home. Mentions lack of correspondence.

Folder 4: Undated 1886 Undated 1886 

Envelope addressed to Thomas Spight 1886 

Scope and Content

Addressed to Spight in Coffeeville, Mississippi.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 1886 

Scope and Content

Addressed to Spight in Ripley, Mississippi.

Letter fragment from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 

Folder 5: January – April 1887 Jan. – April 1887 

Letter from “Tommie” to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 5 January 1887 

Scope and Content

Written in New Albany, Mississippi, to Spight, the writer’s cousin. Regarding confinement to bed and expectation of death. Requests specific clothes. Describes poor condition.

Letter from Julia Spight to Allie Spight 9 January 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Kenton, Tennessee, to her cousin. She writes of school and Christmas festivities.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 11 January 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight to his wife. Regarding his arrival and when he expects to be home.

Letter from Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 18 February 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Blue Mountain, Mississippi, to her mother. She asks for news and letters from home. She asks for a new toothbrush from her sister and new lead pencil from her brother.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 21 February 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival. Discusses the docket and a man dying of hydrophobia after a dog bite.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 23 February 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter. Mentions his health. Discusses William Clark Falkner in connection to mining and silver. Mentions other acquaintances and the weather.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 28 February 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival. Mentions his health and court cases.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 4 April 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival. Discusses court and his opponents. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight to Mattie Spight 6 April 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Blue Mountain, Mississippi, to her sister. Asks for news of her mother’s health. Mentions examinations.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Thomas Spight 6 April 1887; 7 April 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her father. Regarding her mother’s sickness and improving health. Discusses relatives’ activities and her appointment to an aid society at the Baptist church. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 7 April 1887; 8 April 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding lack of correspondence. Discusses money he has earned in court and men he has sent to the penitentiary. Later section requests she visit him so they can go to Memphis together.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 April 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to Mattie’s letter of 6 and 7 April. Discusses her illness. Expresses regret at not being rich so he could stay home with her.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 8 April 1887; 9 April 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses her illness and improving health. Responds to his letter of 7 and 8 April. Expresses regret she is too sick to visit him as he proposed. Discusses the children’s activities. Later section discusses her health and the weather.

Letter from Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 9 April 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Blue Mountain, Mississippi, to her mother. Regarding the upcoming performance or recital.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 10 April 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 8 April. Mentions “Williamson” being killed the night before. Discusses her health.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Thomas Spight 10 April 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her father. Discusses the murder of “Bud” Williamson in detail, learned from a family member summoned to the jury. He was being held in jail. A “posse” of disguised men from New Albany broke into the jail after the key was refused to them and shot him eight times.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 10 April 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses her health. Mentions a highly regarded sermon from Mr. Latimer. Discusses the Williamson murder in detail. Mentions Mamie’s participation in the upcoming concert.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 10 April 1887; 11 April 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 8 and 9 April. Discusses work, when he expects to return, and his health.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 11 April 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Responding to letters from home of 10 April. Discusses her health and his expected return. Reacts to Williamson’s death and other news from home.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 15 April 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Mentions his poor health.

Folder 6: May 1887 May 1887 

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 4 May 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses court adjourning. Expresses desire to see family. Mentions the weather, the money he has earned, and a primary election he is participating in. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 5 May 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter. Discusses health of family, their activities, and the weather.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 5 May 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter. Discusses court cases. Asks for his son to get him underclothes. Mentions a shooting in Jackson.

Letter to Thomas Spight 6 May 1887 

Scope and Content

Sent from the Department of the Interior [in Washington, D.C.?] to Spight. Regarding Spight’s request to have a surveyor sent to Tippah County. Typed.

Letter from Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 6 May 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Blue Mountain, Mississippi, to her mother. Expresses desires to come home. Discusses the illnesses and activities of her associates. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 6 May 1887; 7 May 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses his absence. Mentions the weather, the election, and the children. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 May 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Desires to be home. Mentions Lynn’s farm work and his own in court

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 8 May 1887; 9 May 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses the children. Mentions the weather and the reactions to a speech from Lamar.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 10 May 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 8 May. Discusses his absence, the children, and strawberries. Mentions the family’s health.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 10 May 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 7 May. Discusses court business and when he expects to be home. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 11 May 1887; 12 May 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter. Discusses her health and community opinions on him running in the election. Mentions a “railroad capitalist" meeting with William Clark Falkner. Mentions the weather and corn.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 12 May 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter. Expresses desire to be home. Mentions work in court.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 14 May 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses family’s health and sickness in town. Envelope attached. [Forwarded to Coffeeville?]

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 14 May 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses work. Expresses love for his family. Writes planting advice for his son. Mentions being told William Clark Falkner sold his interest in the railroad. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 16 May 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses being busy with company and poor health. Mentions someone [a black man?] she calls the “Elder” giving a speech in City Hall. Mentions a death in town.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 16 May 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his return home and his prospects in the election. Sends advice for his son. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 17 May 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 14 May. Discusses his absence. Mentions the children, the weather, and the family’s garden. Mentions William Clark Falkner and his interest in the railroad.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 18 May 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter. Discusses his absence and return. Mention’s Lynn’s experiences doing planting work. Mentions a rumor of William Clark Falkner selling his railroad shares.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 18 May 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his court business and his return home. Expresses love. Envelope attached.

Postal card from Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight to Mattie Spight 20 May 1887 

Scope and Content

Sent by Spight in Blue Mountain, Mississippi, to her sister. Writes of her return home, who will come with her, and who cannot come with her.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 20 May 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses the prospect of his return. Mentions him potentially being gone “another term of four years” should he be successful [in the election?]. Mentions the end of Mamie’s school term.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 30 May 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi to her husband. Responds to his letter. She writes of Mamie’s delayed return to school due to an “excursion” of “the colored fraternity.” Mentions his return and the weather.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 30 May 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Grand Junction, Tennessee, to his wife. He mentions his health and reminds her to call on Jim Rutherford for money should she need any. Envelope attached.

Folder 7: June 1887 June 1887 

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 4 June 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter. Mentions spraining his ankle. Discusses the election. Mentions the weather.

Telegram from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 5 June 1887 

Scope and Content

Sent by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. He writes that he has probably carried the county in the election. Message taken by The Western Union Telegraph Company.

Telegram from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 6 June 1887 

Scope and Content

Sent by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. He writes that his majority is over 100. Message taken by The Western Union Telegraph Company.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 6 June 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding updates on the election, his health, and his absence from home.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 7 June 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival in Water Valley. Discusses congratulations he has received and expresses love for her. Envelope attached.

Letter from Laurence Johnson to Thomas Spight 8 June 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Johnson in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to Spight. Johnson is there to survey the area, as Spight requested of the Geological Bureau a month prior. He writes of wishing to hear from Spight before he proceeds.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 June 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. Responding to her letter of 6 June. He writes of her health and his correspondence to her. Encloses letter from Johnson.

Letter from Mattie G. [Gilliam?] to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 14 June 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Gilliam from Claybrook, Tennessee, to her relative. She writes of her recent travels to Helena, Arkansas, and Jackson. She mentions acquaintances and family members.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 14 June 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her daughter. She writes of sending and altering dresses. Mentions the activities of Mattie and Lynn.

Letter from Mollie A. [Askew?] to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 20 June 1887 

Scope and Content

Written from Spring Creek, Mississippi, to her relative. Mentions the weather, rheumatism, and other aspects of her health. Discusses the hot weather, family, and acquaintances, including Mamie’s popularity with children. Envelope attached.

Letter from “Mattie” to Mattie Spight 29 June 1887; 30 June 

Scope and Content

Discusses health and activities of family members. Describes their visit in “the country.” Discusses her “Jackson sweetheart” in detail as well as other sweethearts. She mentions one young with whom she has a disagreement. She asks about acquaintances in Ripley and the Spight family.

Folder 8: July – October 1887 July – Oct. 1887 

Letter from “Mattie” to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [date unknown] July 1887 

Scope and Content

Sent from “home” to Spight. Responding to her letter. Discusses health of family and the weather. Describes the intense heat. Mentions a neighbor ill with the flux.

Letter from Emma Marmon to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 7 July 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Marmon in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to Spight. Thanks Spight for offering sympathy about the death of their child. Discusses her family’s relocation to Fort Smith. Envelope attached.

Letter from Birdie [Askew?] to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 July 1887 

Scope and Content

Written in Spring Creek, [Tennessee?], to her relative. Discusses her recent visit to Nashville. She mentions seeing an Egyptian mummy at the Watkins Institute, beautiful houses, and Vanderbilt University. Discusses her social engagements on the trip and current fashion. Mentions sickness in the area. Requests her cousins visit.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 2 August 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Mentions patterns of mail delivery. Discusses her health. Expresses hope that her husband’s and daughter’s trips are pleasant. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 3 August 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to her mother. Discusses her arrival with her father and General Featherston. Mentions being unable to live in a place with no railroad. Discusses the architecture and her new acquaintances.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 3 August 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his wife. Mentions his health and being busy. Discusses his work and Mattie’s social engagements.

Envelope addressed to Thomas Spight 16 August 1887 

Scope and Content

Sent from Ripley, Mississippi, to Spight in New Albany, Mississippi.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 17 August 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses the construction of a bathhouse. Mentions her health and the dust. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 17 August 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter. Discusses business with the state docket.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 18 August 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter. Mentions when he expects to return.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 3 October 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his arrival in Holly Springs, his improving health, and when he expects to finish the docket. Discusses a case involving an editor who was whipped. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 4 October 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses his absence. Mentions relatives visiting and rumors of Mattie getting married. Mentions a marriage in town. Mentions dissatisfaction among Baptists in town. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 4 October 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 3 October. Discusses the running of the trains. Mentions weddings in the area and Lynn’s interest in Nelson’s Business College. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 5 October 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her first letter of 4 October. Discusses his work, including a murder case.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 6 October 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her second letter of 4 October. Discusses his work, including trying a man for cow stealing. Two saloon-keepers were indicted for whipping the editor. Mentions sending Lynn to Memphis.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 6 October 1887; 7 October 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter. Discusses his absence, the family’s health, and the weather. Discusses crops and livestock and Lynn’s work with them. Asks about the whipping case involving the editor.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 7 October 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his improving health and his work, primarily with the grand jury.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 8 October 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 6 October. Discusses Lynn possibly going to Memphis. Mentions relatives.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 October 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 6 and 7 October. Discusses his health and the money he has made. Mentions the saloon-keepers indicted for the whipping. He writes instructions for Lynn on gathering corn.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 10 October 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Mentions his letter of 7 October being misdirected. She intends to send Lynn on the trip to Memphis. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 10 October 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 8 October. Discusses the corn and the weather. Mentions Lynn’s trip to Memphis.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 10 October 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his health and money he has earned. Mentions possibly going to Memphis to see the president and wants Lynn to go.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 12 October 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letters of 10 October. Mentions the whipping case and money he has earned. Writes he will not go to Memphis.

Folder 9: November – December 1887 Nov. – Dec. 1887 

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 9 November 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses election results and opinions about them. “Mr. Rutherford” has been successful. Mentions relatives and the weather.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 10 November 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his arrival and Rutherford’s election.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 10 November 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his work and money earned. Mentions the election and General Featherston’s poor health. Discusses seeing a production of The Silver King. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 11 November 1887; 12 November 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses health. Writes of a visit from cousins. Mentions an altercation in which one man bit the ears off of another man on the day of the election.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 12 November 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. General Featherston’s health is improving and Spight went to the theater again.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 13 November 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Mentions the “meeting” commencing and their daughters’ participation. Discusses Mr. Hatch and unconverted children. Mentions illness and injury in the area as well as a wedding.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 13 November 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 11 and 12 November. Mentions Mr. Hatch and attending church. Discusses his work and spilling ink on his nightshirt. Discusses the punishment for the man who bit off another man’s ears.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 15 November 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses reading a sermon on children titled “Parental Blunders” and praises Henry. Discusses his role as a father and his hopes for their children.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 15 November 1887; 16 November 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 12 November. Discusses children’s illness, the meeting, and opinions of Mr. Hatch. The later section mentions conversions happening the night before.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 16 November 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 13 November. Discusses his spill, the meeting, and Mr. Hatch. Relative Mattie Gilliam is to be married to Mr. Newman. Discusses the incident involving the man who lost his ears.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 16 November 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 13 November. Discusses court business, being wired money, and Mr. Hatch. He declined an invitation to dine with John Falkner.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 17 November 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his work, his health, the mail, and the meeting. Responds to her letter of 15 and 16 November. Letter to Lillian Spight included.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 18 November 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses court taking longer than expected. Mentions receiving and envelope from her addressed to him that contained a letter written to a female relative. He discusses their children’s religious faith. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 20 November 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses his absence and sending him the wrong letter. Mentions the end of the meeting and an accident with the train. She also discusses fires in Memphis.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 20 November 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his arrival and lack of correspondence from her.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 21 November 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter. Discusses their correspondence and her happiness with her life and family. Mentions Allie has joined the church. Asks for advice regarding woodcutting. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 21 November 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his love for her and the children.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 22 November 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses his absence, the weather, and cotton burning. Discusses a fire killing “Barnum’s fine animals.” Mentions relatives visiting and expected baptisms.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 22 November 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter. Mentions the weather and when he expects to return home. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 23 November 1887; 24 November 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letters of 20 and 21 November. Discusses fires, Allie’s health and Henry’s birthday. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 4 December 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival, his health, and his travel.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 5 December 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his health and work and their correspondence. Mentions General Featherston’s health.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 6 December 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his work in court, including indictments against saloon keepers serving minors.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 7 December 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 5 December. Mentions her poor health and Aunt Mary staying with them. Mentions their wedding anniversary.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 7 December 1887; 8 December 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. Mentions receiving an offer for some of his property. Mentions correspondence, work, and his health as well as missing her.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 8 December 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter. Discusses the weather, her health, and relatives.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 December 1887 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to a letter from Mamie. Discusses his return home. Expresses love for his wife. Quotes “Break, Break, Break” by Tennyson. Envelope attached.

Folder 10: Undated 1887 Undated 1887 

Envelopes addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 1887 

Scope and Content

Five envelopes addressed to Spight in Ripley, Mississippi.

Envelopes addressed to Thomas Spight 1887 

Scope and Content

One envelope addressed to Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi. One envelope addressed to Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi.

Newspaper clipping 1887 

Scope and Content

Clipping includes announcement of Thomas Spight’s campaign for re-election as district attorney. It also includes a notice about William Clarke Falkner’s participation with the railroad.

Letter fragment from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 1887 

Scope and Content

Mentions his majority in the election. Written on a Sunday night

Folder 11: January – February 1888 Jan. – Feb. 1888 

Letter from Mattie Spight to Thomas Spight [27 January 1888] 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight to her father. Sent with a letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight. She writes that it is her first letter. Mentions the weather, her mother’s poor health, and visiting relatives.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [February 1888] 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife in Ripley, Mississippi. Responds to her letter. Mentions work in court and the money he has earned.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 5 February 1888; 6 February 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Expresses anxiety over his health and travels.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 6 February 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his wife. He writes of his improving health and his arrival. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 6 February 1888; 7 February 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Expresses anxiety over his health. Mentions the health of the children.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 7 February 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his wife. Mentions his improving health and a case involving an election. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 7 February 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his wife. Mentions his health and his work in court, including the election case. Discusses encounters with acquaintances.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 7 February 1888; 8 February 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 7 February. Mentions the health of the family and the weather.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 February 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 6 and 7 February. Mentions correspondence and the election case.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 8 February 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Mentions mumps and measles spreading in the area. Discusses acquaintances in Pontotoc.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 9 February 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 7 and 8 February. Discusses his work and boarding arrangements. Envelope attached. Newspaper clipping of “The Journey” by Bessie Chandler enclosed.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 10 February 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 7 and 8 February. Discusses his absence and the weather.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 10 February 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 8 February. Discusses the election case, the mail, and when he expects to return home. Mentions his work in court.

Letter from Minnie B. Crockett to Thomas Spight 11 February 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Crockett at Chickasaw Female College in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to Spight. She invites him to dinner.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 12 February 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 10 February. Discusses the sickness of relatives and acquaintances and the spreading of the mumps and measles. Mentions the children’s health and upcoming weddings.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 14 February 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses letters sent to him from a Mr. Fitzgerald. Pressed leaves enclosed as a valentine. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 21 February 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his arrival and when he expects to return home.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 22 February 1888; 23 February 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his work and a newspaper to be started in New Albany.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 23 February 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 21 February. Mentions her and Lynn’s health. Discusses the garden and sickness. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 23 February 1888; 24 February 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter. Mentions work and money he has earned.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 24 February 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter. Mentions events at the house and the actions of acquaintances.

Letter from “Jas. C. Harris” to Thomas Spight 24 February 1888 

Scope and Content

Sent to Spight in Ripley, Mississippi. Responding to a letter from Spight. Harris writes that he prepared a bill to amend some section of a code at Spight’s request.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 25 February 1888 

Scope and Content

Addressed to Spight in Ripley, Mississippi.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 28 February [1888?] 

Scope and Content

Addressed to Spight in Ripley, Mississippi.

Folder 12: March - July 1888 March - July 1888 

Letter from Mollie Askew to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 5 March 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Askew in Spring Creek, Tennessee, to her relative. Responds to a letter from Spight. Discusses her daughter, Birdie, and other relatives. Mentions a “tumor” on her eyelid. Mentions a wedding in connection to Spight.

Letter from “M. L. H.” to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 10 March 1888 

Scope and Content

Written in Jackson, Tennessee, to Spight. Responds to a letter from Spight. Discusses relatives and acquaintances. Someone received a government claim.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 22 March 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ashland, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his work and health.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 12 May 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses his absence and the health of the family, Lynn in particular.

Letter from Mollie Askew to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 3 June 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Askew in Spring Creek, Tennessee, to her relative. Discusses her daughter, Birdie, and horses. Mentions relatives.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 12 June 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his work and when he expects to return home. Asks about Lynn’s health and offers advice for his work.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 13 June 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter. Discusses work, including murder cases. Mentions the weather. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 14 June 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses a man he convicted managing to escape the jail by locking the jailor in with the other prisoners and taking the keys. Discusses work and the money he has earned.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 2 July 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses the train, a barbecue, and work.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 5 July 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his mother. He writes that his father received her letter. Discusses dogs, acquaintances, and their lodgings.

Letter from Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight to Henry Spight 5 July 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her brother. Discusses his absence and their arrival home. Mentions their mother’s health and the weather.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 5 July 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Her health is poor. Discusses Henry and asks for a dog.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Henry Spight 5 July 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her brother. Discusses his absence.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 5 July 1888; 6 July 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter. Discusses work, Henry, and dogs.

Letter from Allie Spight to Henry Spight 6 July 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her brother. Discusses his watermelons and the weather.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Henry Spight 6 July 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her brother. Discusses his absence.

Letter from Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight to Henry Spight 6 July 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her brother. Responds to letters from Henry and Thomas Spight. Discusses their mother’s health, his watermelons, and acquaintances.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Henry Spight 6 July 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her son. Discusses his absence and acquaintances.

Letter from Henry Spight to Allie Spight 6 July 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his sister. Responds to her letter. Discusses dogs and his watermelons.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 6 July 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter. Discusses Henry’s health and activities and dogs.

Letter from Henry Spight to Lillian Spight and from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 6 July 1888: 7 July 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his sister. Responds to her letter. Mentions dogs and watermelons. Later section written by Thomas Spight to his wife about their return.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to [Mrs. G. M. Bostwick?] 8 July 1888 

Scope and Content

Spight writes that Henry is sick and would like George to come play with him. Discusses other social events.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight and Thomas Spight 23 July 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Tennessee, to her parents. Discusses attending different churches, acquaintances, and relatives.

Letter from Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 23 July 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Tennessee, to her mother. Discusses attending churches and a lunar eclipse. Mentions friends and acquaintances.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Henry Spight 28 July 1888; 29 July 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Tennessee, to her brother. Responds to his letter. Discusses relatives and acquaintances.

Letter from Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight and Thomas Spight 29 July 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Tennessee, to her parents. Discusses social engagements and relatives.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 29 July 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Tennessee, to her mother. Discusses social engagements. Mentions reading something in The Sentinal about the Ripley “B.B. Club.” Asks after acquaintances in Ripley, including “Will H.” [Hines?]

Folder 13: August – December 1888 Aug. – Dec.  

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [10?] August 1888 

Scope and Content

Addressed to Spight in Ripley, Mississippi.

Envelope addressed to Thomas Spight [13?] August 1888 

Scope and Content

Addressed to Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi. Stamped in Ripley, Mississippi.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 21 August 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses work and money earned in court.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 22 August 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter. Discusses work and money earned as well as a murder case. Asks about Lynn’s corn crop.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 23 August 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter. Discusses work.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 24 August 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter. Discusses work, including the murder case. Describes a dream he had about her.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 17 September 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival in Holly Springs. Discusses work, including a murder case. Mentions yellow fever.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 18 September 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses work and social engagements.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 19 September 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter. Discusses meeting “Will H.” [Hines?] and having a long talk with him. Discusses a delay in work because of a civil case involving the railroad.

Certification of Thomas Spight’s lack of exposure to infectious diseases 22 September 1888 

Scope and Content

Signed by W.F. Hyer, president of the Mississippi State Board of Health. Witnessed on back by [George C. Myers?].

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [date unknown] October 1888 

Scope and Content

Addressed to Spight in Ripley, Mississippi.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 7 October 1888 

Scope and Content

Addressed to Spight in Ripley, Mississippi.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 9 October 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses his absence and work at home with Lynn’s crops. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 9 October 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival in Oxford. Discusses work and offers suggestions for Lynn’s corn.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight [10 October 1888] 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter. Discusses Lynn’s corn crop and letters received for Thomas Spight. Mentions her letter accidentally going into the fire.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Thomas Spight 10 October 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her father. Writes about progress on the farm with the corn. Discusses her siblings.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 10 October 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 9 October. Discusses his health and pea vines.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Thomas Spight 12 October 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her father. Discusses the family’s anxiety over not hearing from him. Mentions farming.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Thomas Spight 13 October 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her father. Mentions her mother’s poor health. Discusses farming and her brother Lynn. Mentions the weather.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 13 October 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to the family’s letters. Discusses his work, including indictments against people selling whiskey.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 14 October 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses work and church services. Asks if the family requires any more money.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 15 October 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Mentions Allie coming home sick from Blue Mountain. Discusses her illness and the deaths of two schoolgirls in the area.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 16 October 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to letters from the family, including hers of 15 October. Requests that Allie stay at home until he returns. Discusses work.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 18 October 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letters. Discusses sickness in the area and Allie’s health. Lynn and others are cutting vines. Discusses “Matt” and his work ethic. Discusses mail delivery.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [20?] October 1888 

Scope and Content

Addressed to Spight in Ripley, Mississippi. Stamped in Water Valley, Mississippi.

Letter from Mollie Askew to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 22 October 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Askew in Spring Creek, Tennessee, to her relative. Discusses being unaware of the Spight daughters being in town. Discusses relatives and the death and burial of an acquaintance’s baby. Mentions having visitors. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 22 October 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival. Discusses work at the farm. Responds to her letter. Mentions work. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 23 October 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses his absence and the family’s health. Mentions the weather and Matt’s absence from work.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 23 October 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses the weather and his work.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 24 October 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter. Mentions the family’s health and the weather.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 25 October 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his birthday. He’s forty-seven. He muses about their past and future. Mentions work.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 30 October 1888 

Scope and Content

Addressed to Spight in Ripley, Mississippi.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 31 October 1888 

Scope and Content

Addressed to Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, from Water Valley, Mississippi.

Letter from [Russell Hunt?] to Lillian Spight 1 November 1888 

Scope and Content

Written in Austin, Texas, to Spight. Discusses his school, calls himself her sweetheart, asks for a picture of her, and says he will send her one of him.

Letter from “Misses Tison and Walker” to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 19 November 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Tison and Walker in Baldwyn, Mississippi, to Spight. Respond to her letter. They send her fabric samples and discuss them. Includes descriptions of fashion and the process of producing clothes for order.

Letter from “Misses Tison and Walker” to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 23 November 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Tison and Walker in Baldwyn, Mississippi, to Spight. Discuss fabric prices, trimmings, and buttons.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 11 December 1888 

Scope and Content

Addressed to Spight in Ripley, Mississippi. Envelope from Coffeeville, Mississippi.

Folder 14: Undated 1888 Undated 1888 

Envelopes addressed to Thomas Spight [date unknown] 1888 

Scope and Content

Two envelopes addressed to Thomas Spight. One sent to Water Valley, Mississippi, and one sent to Ripley, Mississippi.

Envelopes addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [date unknown] 1888 

Scope and Content

Two envelopes addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight in Ripley, Mississippi.

Letter fragment from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [date unknown] 1888 

Scope and Content

Written “Wednesday morning.” Discusses his absence from home.

Folder 15: January – February 1889 Jan. – Feb. 1889 

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 January 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter. Discusses when he expects to return home and his lodgings. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 9 January 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his return home, the weather, and the money he has earned.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 10 January 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 10 January. Discusses work. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 11 January 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses a delay in court that changes the date of his return home. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 13 January 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his wife. Expresses regret over not being able to go home. Mentions his health, acquaintances, and money he has made.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 13 January 1889; 14 January 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses work at home, the weather, and her health. Discusses hearing from a relative in Montana. Also writes of the children. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 13 January 1889; 14 January 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival. Discusses his health. Responds to her letter of 11 January. Mentions money earned and when he will be home.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 15 January 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 13 and 14 January. Mentions Birdie Askew visiting. Mentions getting a receipt of payment from Tison and Walker. Also discusses her health.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 15 January 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses when he expects to be home. Writes about Judge Rogers.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 16 January 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 13 and 14 January. Discusses his work in court and their health.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 18 February 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight [in New Albany, Mississippi?] to his wife. Regarding arrival and expectations of work. Discusses postal cards.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 19 February 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 18 February. Discusses his absence. Mentions a new calf and work on the farm. Last page torn.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 20 February 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 19 February. Discusses work and money earned.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 20 February 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter. Discusses the weather, grain, and a mishap with a train. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 21 February 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter. Discusses his absence and family’s health.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 22 February 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 21 February. Discusses the weather, his work, and his return. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 22 February 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses his absence and Mamie returning to Blue Mountain to study music and art. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 23 February 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 22 February. Mentions his health.

Folder 16: March – April 1889 March – April 1889 

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 5 March 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses the health of the family, with nicknames, and his absence. Mentions mail from Mr. Finley of Tupelo.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 6 March 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ashland, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 5 March. Mentions weather, his health, and beer.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 7 March 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter. Discusses work at home and the children. Henry went fishing. Lynn is planting oats. Mentions that he gave her more money than he probably intended.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 7 March 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his arrival and his health.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 8 March 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Mentions the weather. Discusses farm work. She writes of the death in New Orleans of Theo Johnson who was buried in Ripley. An acquaintance plans to open a girls’ school and Mattie may be able to teach. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 9 March 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 7 March. Discuss sickness in the area and the weather. Mentions the children.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 11 March 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses his recent visit home and his departure. Mentions a death in the community and the children’s activities.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 12 March 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival. Mentions his health and work.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 13 March 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses weather and farm work going on at home. The town held a funeral. Discusses the family’s health and the children.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 13 March 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses correspondence and his health. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 14 March 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Expresses anxiety over not hearing from him. Mentions the weather and pneumonia in the area.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 15 March 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to two letters from her. Mentions his health and work.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 17 March 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses a train delay that prevented him from going home and recent court cases. Mentions the weather and his health.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 18 March 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses his inability to return home. Mentions problems with her lung. Several people in town are expected to die from illness.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 24 March 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to a telegram from Mattie. Discusses his health, the weather, and when he will be home.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Thomas Spight 25 March 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her father. Discusses her mother’s health and sickness in town. [Envelope attached.]

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 26 March 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Spirngs, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to Mattie’s letter. Discusses her illness and his work.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 1 April 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival. Mentions his health and work.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 1 April 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses her health. Mentions the weather and Lynn being asked to buy manure.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 2 April 1889  

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Expresses happiness over soon being able to go outside. Discusses the weather and his absence. Requests flowerpots.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 2 April 1889  

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 1 April. Discusses court cases and his valise arriving. An ore examination suggested gold deposits.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 3 April 1889  

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 1 April. Discusses the weather and her health. Mentions Lynn’s planting and Henry’s health.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 3 April 1889  

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his health and writes that when his head is “stopped up” he smokes cigarettes. Discusses work. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 4 April 1889  

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 2 April. Discusses her improving health and food.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 4 April 1889  

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses a delay in his return home. Mentions his health.

Letter from [R. Schriner?] to Thomas Spight 5 April 1889  

Scope and Content

Written in Holly Springs, Mississippi. Requests Spight’s opinion on several matters not mentioned in letter.

Receipt of payment from A.G. Barnett 12 April 1889  

Scope and Content

$6.30 paid in full to Hunter Bros.

Letter from Mollie Askew to Mamie Spight 15 April 1889  

Scope and Content

Written in Spring Creek, Tennessee, to her cousin. Discusses her mother’s poor health, possibly including neuralgia which she also suffers from, and other relatives. Asks about Allie’s health. Includes a message from Birdie Askew, who discusses the Spights’ health as well. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 17 April 1889  

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his wife. Mentions a letter stating “Dock” has left Jinnie. Discusses his work in court, including a murder trial, and his health. Envelope attached.

Envelope addressed to Thomas Spight 17 April 1889  

Scope and Content

Addressed to “Mr. Tom Spight” in Coffeeville, Mississippi.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 18 April 1889  

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses the weather and planting. Mentions she forgot to write him a letter.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 18 April 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses when his work will finish and when he will be home.

Folder 17: May – September 1889 May – Sept. 1889 

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 1 July 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses his absence and the weather. Mentions selling “the old buggy” to George Alvis, who claimed Spight owed him money.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight and Thomas Spight 13 August 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Tennessee, to her parents. Discusses their journey and relatives. Mentions improvements in Jackson. Asks that they send her sister’s trunk key. Envelope attached.

Envelope addressed to Mattie Spight 13 August 1889 

Scope and Content

Addressed to Spight in Jackson, Mississippi. Stamped several times, unclaimed. “Key” written on reverse.

Letter from Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 14 August 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Tennessee, to her mother. Discusses her missing trunk key. Discusses relatives and acquaintances. Asks for news from home.

Letter from Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight to Henry Spight 15 August 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Tennessee, to her brother. Discusses their activities, the weather, and mosquitos. Mentions weighing herself at an ice factory.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 15 August 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Tennessee, to her mother. Responds to her mother’s letter. Mentions the weather and the group’s health.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 18 August 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Tennessee, to her mother. Discusses a visit to Spring Creek and relatives. Mentions attending churches.

Letter from Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight and Thomas Spight 19 August 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Tennessee, to her parents. Discusses when they will return home, Lynn’s health, and his resolution to quit smoking. Mentions attending church services.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 19 August 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Mentions his health. Asks for Henry to find papers on his windowsill from W.H. Fitzgerald and deliver them to someone. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Mary Virinia Barnett Spight 20 August 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Tennessee, to her mother. Responds to letters from home. Discusses their visit to Henderson and when they will return home.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 20 August 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Mentions he no longer needs the papers he requested. His health is improving.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 22 August 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his return home and receiving the papers he asked for.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 23 August 1889; 24 August 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Henry received a letter from Thomas Spight. Mentions entertaining company and sickness in the area. Mentions preaching in town -- the meeting -- and [Bud Lyndsy] getting married. Later section describes visiting a sick man. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 24 August 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to Mamie’s letter. Discusses murder case. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 16 September 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. He has arrived in Holly Springs. Discusses his health and docket for court. Judge Rogers asked him to visit the governor, as he is an applicant for “supreme judge.”

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 17 September 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses his absence and the family’s health. Henry and Lillian have entered school. Albert and his family have moved to White Springs. Mentions the weather, especially heavy rain, and sickness in the area. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 17 September 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses work in court and the weather. He might try a murder case involving a young black man killing his grandmother.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 18 September 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letters of 17 and 18 September. Allie is at Blue Mountain Female college and Mamie visited to bring her items. Discusses the sickness in town. Cows broke out of their pasture. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 18 September 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses anxiety about lack of correspondence from her. Mentions his health and his work in court.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 19 September 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 17 September. The murder case was tried and the man received a life sentence. Discusses going to Jackson for Judge Rogers.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 20 September 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 18 September. Discusses sickness in town and the family’s health. Envelope attached.

Folder 18: October – December 1889 Oct. – Dec. 1889 

Letter from Alma Dorsey to Thomas Spight 2 October 1889 

Scope and Content

Written in Mechanicsburg, Yazoo County, Mississippi. Dorsey is a candidate for state librarian and asks for Spight’s support. She graduated from Whitworth College in Brookhaven, Mississippi.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 7 October 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his arrival in Oxford. Mentions work and the weather. Sends instructions to Lynn if the pea vines die in the frost.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 8 October 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Mentions the weather, flowers, and vegetables. Discusses his absence. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 October 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses work and money earned. Postscript responds to her letter of 8 October. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 9 October 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses work in court. Mentions health. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 10 October 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses lack of correspondence from home, his health, and work. Describes case against two white men for attempting to kill their brother-in-law. A speech he made for the case has been highly praised.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 11 October 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses lack of correspondence from him. Mentions the family’s health, the weather, and protecting plants. Later responds to two letters from him. A baptizing will happen. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 21 October 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Mentions a wreck upsetting the train schedule. Describes the wreck and related injuries. William Clark Falkner and “the other rail road man” were sent to the wreck.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 21 October 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his health and work. Mentions when he will be home. Envelope attached. [Shopping?] list on reverse of envelope.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 22 October 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 21 October.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 23 October 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses his absence and his upcoming birthday. Mentions William Clark Falkner and family leaving for Memphis. Updates him on the wreck and discusses the children. Envelope attached.

Telegram from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 24 October 1889 

Scope and Content

He will be home Saturday. Message taken by The Western Union Telegraph Company.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 29 October 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses farm work and the weather. Mentions sick acquaintances, including “Mr. Fant.”

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 29 October 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his trip to Water Valley and his health. The docket for court is light. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 30 October 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses work, his health, and when he will be home.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 31 October 1889 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter. Mentions train irregularity. Allie had her sixteenth birthday. “Aunt Violet K” reached a compromise with the “R.R. Co.” which will give her a house and weekly annuity for life. Envelope attached.

Folder 19: Undated 1889 undated 1889 

Envelope addressed to Henry Spight date unknown 1889 

Scope and Content

Addressed to Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi.

Envelopes addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight date unknown 1889 

Scope and Content

Seven envelopes addressed to “Mrs. Tho. Spight” in Ripley, Mississippi.

Envelopes addressed to Thomas Spight date unknown 1889 

Scope and Content

Five envelopes addressed to “Capt. Tho. Spight,” three in Oxford, Mississippi, one in Ashland, Mississippi, and one in New Albany, Mississippi.

Letter from [H.C. Dennings] to “Mr. Spight” date unknown 1889 

Scope and Content

Written in Grand Junction. Writer discusses meeting with a woman Spight asked him to see. She says she cannot come now as her grandson is gone, and she does not know when she can.

Letter from Mamie Spight to Lillian Spight date unknown 1889 

Scope and Content

Asks about friends and acquaintances. Discusses flowers, children, and family.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Lillian Spight date unknown 1889 

Scope and Content

Responds to her letter. Discusses family and acquaintances. Mentions animals.

Note from [Hattie] date unknown 1889 

Scope and Content

Asks for “cousins Mattie, Mamie, Allie, + Lynn” to stay with them longer.

Folder 20: January – July 1890 Jan. – July 1890 

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 6 January 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his wife. Mentions when he will return home and his health.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 6 January 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his health. He is concerned about the family’s meat because of the warm weather. Offers advice on what to do with it.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 7 January 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 7 January. Mentions money earned in court.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 10 January 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses work in court. The Harris and Stubbs case will not be tried. He expresses displeasure that [Richard Simon?] Thurmond’s friends have been appointed to the Grand Jury. Spight expects they will try to protect Thurmond and he intends to prevent that. Expresses concern over the warm weather’s effect on meat.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 17 February 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding arrival in New Albany. Discusses docket.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 18 February 1890 

Scope and Content

Responds to her letter. Discusses reading the Bible and keeping his “contract.” Asks if the family have kept theirs. Mentions death of Capt. Rutherford.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 19 February 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 18 February. Answers his question about the family reading the Bible as agreed before he left home. Mentions the weather and Mr. Brown’s poor health.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 19 February 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 14 February. Discusses work and when he will be home. Mentions continuing to read the Bible. The weather has been warm, he expects rain, and “La Grippe” is present in the area. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 20 February 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter. Mentions his health and return home. Expresses sadness over Mr. Brown’s death. Discusses work in court, including Charlie Thurmond and John [Murry] trying to get prisoners discharged and several cases. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 21 February 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 20 February. Mentions the children’s health. The weather has been cool so she had a hog killed. Discusses Mr. Brown’s funeral and his widow’s reaction. She mentions “Marie” having a variety of suitors and a cow giving birth.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 22 February 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter. Mentions the family’s health and the weather. Discusses news in Ripley.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 17 March 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival. Discusses the weather and farm work.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 18 March 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Mentions Dan Rutherford asking about farm work and seeks her husband’s advice. Mentions the calf.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 19 March 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 17 March. Discusses weather and crops. The town has a new mill. Mentions deaths in the area. Discusses mixed gender schools and public opinion.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 19 March 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 19 March. Mentions his health.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 20 March 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 20 March. Discusses work, including sending one man to the penitentiary, and when he will return home. Envelope attached.

Envelope addressed to Mattie and Mamie Spight 29 March 1890 

Scope and Content

Addressed to the Spights in Ripley, Mississippi. Stamped in Henderson, Tennessee.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 9 April 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter. Discusses work with the Grand Jury and when he expects to be home. He ought to visit his “poor, unfortunate brother.” Mentions social engagements.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 10 April 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letters. Discusses the weather, farm work, and bifurcated skirts. Mentions families relocating in town, including their neighbors. Asks him to purchase Ben Hur by Lew Wallace.

Letter from L.D. [Lyndsey Donelson] Spight to Thomas Spight 11 April 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight “at home” to his brother. Responds to his letter that discusses “Simon” in the asylum. Discusses what he knows of the situation. Simon’s “mind was deranged on religion” but seemed “rational” on other subjects when he visited him in March. Spight writes that a doctor said Simon’s problems arose from previously drinking too much whiskey. Describes Simon’s wife Julia’s account of Simon quitting drinking and then reading the Bible “a great deal before he went deranged.” Discusses treatment, living arrangements, and earlier impressions of Simon.

Envelope addressed to Thomas Spight 12 April 1890 

Scope and Content

Addressed to “Capt. Thos. Spight” in Ripley, Mississippi. Stamped in “Kewton” [Kenton?], Tennessee.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 28 April 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses the weather, the family’s health and activities, and work on the farm. Envelope attached. Addressed to Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi.

Letter from Julia W. Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 28 April 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Durhamville, Tennessee, to her relative in Ripley, Mississippi. Asks if Thomas Spight has visited “Dr. S” [Simon Reynolds Spight] and if there is news of his condition. Mentions weather and the family’s health. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 29 April 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 28 April. Discusses work, money earned, and the family. Envelope attached.

Letter from Edward Hunter & Co. to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 28 June 1890 

Scope and Content

Sent from Memphis, Tennessee. Regarding a missing package. The company has written to Ripley, Tennessee, at her request to ask if her package was sent there by mistake. Envelope attached.

Letter from [Corrie] Marmon to Mattie and Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 1 July 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Marmon in Hickory Flat, Mississippi. Discusses the weather, family, and acquaintances. Expresses regret that she did not say goodbye to them when she left. She has a toothache and someone received bananas. Envelope attached.

Letter from Julia W. Spight to [Thomas Spight] 4 July 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Durhamville, Tennessee, to her brother. Discusses a land trade and advice she has received on selling price. Asks for his opinion and relates news on “Dr. S” [Simon Reynolds Spight] from Bolivar.

Envelope addressed to Thomas Spight 8 July 1890 

Scope and Content

Addressed to “Capt. Thos. Spight” in Pontotoc, Mississippi. Stamped in Ripley, Mississippi.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 July 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his health. He’s been having trouble with diarrhea and discusses what he’s doing about it. Mentions work. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 9 July 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter. Discusses his health and what he has been doing for his bowel trouble. Discusses work, including two murder cases.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 10 July 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 9 July. Mentions work, his health, and the weather.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 11 July 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses correspondence. Discusses the weather. The lack of rain is threatening the crops. Mentions social engagements and Henry and Lillian going to visit him.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 11 July 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses tchildren’s visit and reaching a compromise in the Stubbs case.

Folder 21: September – December 1890 Sept. – Dec. 1890 

Letter from L.R. Gwaltney to Thomas Spight 2 September 1890 

Scope and Content

Written from Shorter College in Rome, Georgia. Discusses Spight possibly sending his daughter to the college. E.D. Miller discussed the possibility with Gwaltney and left a catalogue with Spight. Envelope attached.

Letter from Edward Hunter & Co. to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 4 September 1890 

Scope and Content

Sent from Memphis, Tennessee. Regarding an order placed by Mamie. A blazer she had ordered was only available in a different color, so they sent her that one. Envelope attached.

Bill from Edward Hunter & Co. 4 September 1890 

Scope and Content

Sent from Memphis, Tennessee, to Mamie Spight. Includes itemized list of prices of waists, hose, shirts, ties, blazers, and pants. “Hunter Brothers” printed on bill but stamped over with “Edward Hunter & Co.”

Letter from Allie Deupree to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 5 September 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Deupree in Jackson, Tennessee. Responds to Spight’s letter. She will not teach in the fall so will be unavailable to teach the Spight children.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Mattie Spight 8 September 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Corinth, Mississippi, to her daughter. Discusses travel and acquaintances. Mentions the Hines’ intentions to travel to St. Louis.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Lillian Spight 9 September 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her sister. Discusses most of the family’s absence. Writes of animals, acquaintances, and their brother Lynn.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 9 September 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her mother. Responds to her letter of 8 September. Mentions receiving the letter from a female acquaintance who threw it to her from the train. Discusses their absence, news from home, Lynn’s health, and the “St. Louis crowd.” Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to her children 10 September 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Jackson, Mississippi. Responds to their letters. Discusses travel and advises them to socialize. Tells them to treat Willie Carter kindly. Provides news involving acquaintances and traveling companions. Discusses fashions.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 11 September 1890 

Scope and Content

Addressed to “Miss Mamie Spight” in Ripley, Mississippi. [Shopping list?] on reverse.

Letter from Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight and Thomas Spight 12 September 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her parents. Responds to her mother’s letters of 10 and 11 September. Discusses their absence and visitors. ‘Miss Willie’ visited them. Asks them to bring Birdie and Hattie back with them.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight and Thomas Spight 12 September 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her parents. Responds to her mother’s letters. Discusses social engagements and acquaintances, including ‘Miss Willie.’ Mention’s the group’s return.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 16 September 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. The family arrived home. Discusses family’s health, weather, and work at home. Allie is too sick to attend school. Lyle Hunt and Jennie [Hilliard] eloped to Blue Mountain.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 16 September 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his separation from her, the weather, and his work. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 16 September 1890; 17 September 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 16 September. Advises him to be careful about his diet. Mentions weather, family’s health, and the Carter family planning to move.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 17 September 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 16 September. Discusses his absence and when he will be finished with work. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 18 September 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses work, their contract to write to one another, and when he will be home. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 19 September 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letters of 16 and 17 September and 18 September. Discusses return home. Envelope attached.

Telegram from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 20 September 1890 

Scope and Content

Sent by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Work prevents him from returning home. Message taken by the Alabama, Mississippi & Tennessee Telephone Co.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 20 September 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses a murder case preventing him from going home. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 21 September 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter and telegram/telephone message. Discusses his absence, the family’s health, and farm work.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 21 September 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses the opening of school in Blue Mountain and whether they should send Allie back. Prof. Lowry is leaving and she hopes Ripley gets a good pastor. Discusses neighbors, weather, and farm work. Hands are picking cotton. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 22 September 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her first letter of 21 September. Mentions money earned and writes that he has been praised for his speeches in court. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 23 September 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses work and when he expects to be home. Mentions a dinner invitation.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 23 September 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to three letters from him. Discusses his absence, work at home, and the weather.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 24 September 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Mentions work, his health, and his absence from home. “Judge Watson” died.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 7 October 1890; 8 October 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to her mother in Ripley, Mississippi. Discusses social engagements and acquaintances. Her father’s health is poor. Envelope attached.

Telegram from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 October 1890 

Scope and Content

Sent by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. His sickness continues. Message taken by the Alabama, Mississippi, & Tennessee Telephone Co.

Telegram from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 9 October 1890 

Scope and Content

Sent by Spight in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. His health has improved and Mattie is well. Message taken by the Alabama, Mississippi, & Tennessee Telephone Co.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 20 October 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival. Describes a meal at the Holly Springs Hotel in detail. Describes his journey on the train and discusses his upcoming plans. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 21 October 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter. Discusses his health and when he will be home. Mentions smoking “three or four” cigars because of the weather, though he does not intend to make it a habit again.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 23 October 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his health and his progress at work.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 27 October 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. Attended church. Discusses his health and progress at work. Page missing.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 28 October 1890 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses difficulty of getting letters mailed appropriately. Writes that he was “mad enough to have whipped a trifling negro.” Discusses work and when he will get home. Envelope attached.

Folder 22: Undated 1890 Undated 1890 

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight date unknown 

Scope and Content

Addressed to “Mrs. Tho. Spight” in Ripley, Mississippi. Envelope’s return address in Pontotoc, Mississippi.

Letter fragment from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight date unknown 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight to her mother. Mentions her health and the activities of “Papa” and Henry.

Letter fragment from [Lillian Spight] and Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight date unknown 

Scope and Content

Dated 21 and 22 in 1890. Mentions “Uncle Albert” going to Memphis, the weather, and Thomas Spight’s promise to his wife to take care of himself.

Letter fragment date unknown 

Scope and Content

Sends a message from “Aunt Mille.” Writer unknown.

Letter fragment from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight date unknown [27 October?] 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. Offers advice on Lynn’s work at home. Mentions work.

Folder 23: January – April 1891 Jan. – April 1891 

Letter from “Your Uncle and Aunt” to “Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Spight” 5 January 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Claybrook, Tennessee. Writers thank the Spights for gifts.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 7 January 1891 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his health and a lack of letters from her. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 7 January 1891; 8 January 1891 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses the children, Lynn’s work and studying, Later section mentions the weather and newly completed shed. Envelope attached.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [12] February 1891 

Scope and Content

Sent from Spring Creek, Tennessee, to “Mrs. V.B. Spight” in Ripley, Mississippi. Both sides covered in names.

Letter from Mollie Askew to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [1] March 1891 

Scope and Content

Written by Askew in Spring Creek, Tennessee, to her relative. Mentions widespread sickness and rain. An aunt has died. A man was shot through a window and is expected to die. Asks if Colonel Falkner had a son. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 16 March 1891 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his arrival and work expectations. Mentions weather.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 17 March 1891 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses the weather and work in the garden. Mentions the health of the family. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 18 March 1891; 19 March 1891 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. A cousin has died of “neuralgia of the heart.” An accident delayed the train carrying her remains and family, which delayed the funeral. Discusses crops and the weather. Later section mentions another burial and cats.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 19 March 1891 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her 17 March letter. Mentions work and his health.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 21 March 1891 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Mentions sending her a postal card and writes that he is unable to return home due to work and his involvement in a murder case. Envelope attached.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 22 March 1891 

Scope and Content

Sent from Holly Springs, Mississippi, to “Mrs. Tho. Spight” in Ripley, Mississippi.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 23 March 1891 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses work and when he will get home. Mentions health. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 24 March 1891 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter. Discusses hiring hands and Judge Campbell’s health. Mentions his return. Envelope attached.

Letter from N. L. Marmon to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 24 March 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Marmon writes of his young son and sends the Spights a picture of him.

Letter from Lynn Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 25 March 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his mother. His father’s health is better and they will be home tomorrow.

Letter from Lynn Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 26 March 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his mother. Court adjourned, and his father and he will be home tomorrow.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [date unknown] April 1891 

Scope and Content

Sent from Coffeeville, Mississippi, to “Mrs. Tho. Spight” in Ripley, Mississippi.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [date unknown] April 1891 

Scope and Content

Sent from Coffeeville, Mississippi, to “Mrs. Tho. Spight” in Ripley, Mississippi.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [date unknown] April 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter. Discusses work and when he will be home. Expresses happiness at Lynn’s progress.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 6 April 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses his absence and the weather. Lynn’s working in the fields. Henry and Lillian have restarted their studies. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 6 April 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival and upcoming work. He hopes Lynn got his “hand ‘straightened out.’” Mentions the weather and his health.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 7 April 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 6 April. Mentions his health, work, and the warmer weather. Discusses food and remarks on Lynn’s work.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 April 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter. Mentions his health and work. References the death of a young girl. “Squire” [Simon Reynolds Spight?] may soon be discharged from the asylum in Bolivar.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Thomas Spight 8 April 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Ripley, Mississippi, to her father. Responds to his letter. Discusses her kittens. [Sent with Mary Virginia Barnett Spight’s letter of 8 and 9 April?]

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 8 April 1891; 9 April 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to two letters from him. Mentions the family’s health. Discusses the warm weather and work at home, including installing a roof on the veranda and hiring hands. Envelope attached.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [17] April 1891 

Scope and Content

Sent from Oxford, Mississippi, to “Mrs. Tho. Spight" in Ripley, Mississippi.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 20 April 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival in Coffeeville. Mentions the weather

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 22 April 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Coffeeville, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter. Discusses his health and when he’ll be home.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 28 April 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his arrival. Responds to her letters. Discusses work and the docket. Mentions Lynn’s health and work with the cotton.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 29 April 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Mentions the weather and discusses Lynn’s work planting cotton.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 29 April 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter. Mentions work and the docket.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 30 April 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 29 April. Mentions work and money earned.

Folder 24: May – August 1891 May – Aug. 1891 

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 6 July 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his wife. Mentions improving health and how he’s treating diarrhea. Discusses two murder cases at work and rainy weather. Lillian might get a bird.

Fragment of sales receipt 7 July 1891 

Scope and Content

Receipt includes prices and quantities of canvass, crinoline, dress shields, and hooks and eyes.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 7 July 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 6 July. Expresses concern for his bowels. Discusses Lynn’s work at home and the weather. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 7 July 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her “first” letter. Discusses his health, her health, and the weather. Expresses concern about the rain.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 8 July 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses work going on at home and his absence. Lillian is excited about the bird. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 July 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his wife. Mentions trouble getting letters mailed and the weather. His health is improving.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Thomas Spight 9 July 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Ripley, Mississippi, to her father. Discusses Allie’s social activities. Asks about her bird. Pressed flowers enclosed.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 9 July 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter. Discusses weather and Lynn’s farmwork with the hands. Mentions the first anniversary of the YMCAs. A delegation from church went to another church. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 9 July 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses mail, work, and a judge’s illness. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 10 July 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her and Lillian’s letters of 9 July. An acquaintance was shown their house. Mentions his health and work. He has “bleached.”

Newspaper clippings date unknown 

Scope and Content

Three clippings included with Thomas Spight’s letter to his wife of 10 July 1891. Two discuss Spight as district attorney. One is the poem “My Loved One” by Ruth Ward Kahn.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 3 August 1891; 4 August 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses correspondence and asks about the meeting. Later section mentions millet. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 4 August 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter. Discusses sermons and social activities. There will be a baptizing and their boys will participate. Sick people in the area are improving, and an amateur dramatic club wants to put on a concert. Lynn has been cutting millet. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 5 August 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 4 August. Mentions his health and that he will be home for the baptizing.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 5 August 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter. Expresses worry over his health. Mentions the baptizing. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 7 August 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter. Mentions the family’s health and the children attending a prayer meeting. Thomas Spight is teaching a class.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 11 August 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 10 August. Discusses work. He tried Jeff [McCoy] in that man’s absence and describes his sentence.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 11 August 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 11 August. Discusses his absence. Offers an opinion on McCoy. Mentions the family’s health and warm weather.

Letter from “Byrd” [Birdie Askew?] to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 26 August 1891 

Scope and Content

Written from Fairview Cottage to her relative. Discusses returning from the meeting and the potential of visiting the Spights. A friend from Nashville delayed a trip to visit her due to a relative’s illness. Offers wishes for her relatives.

Folder 25: September 1891 September 1891 

Envelope addressed to Thomas Spight 16 September 1891 

Scope and Content

Addressed to “Hon. Thos. Spight” in Ripley, Mississippi. Stamped in University, Mississippi.

Letter from “F. B.” to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 17 September 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to her friend. Discusses when she will go home. Alludes to her reasons for leaving. Has lost a photo of “Charles.” Asks Mamie to visit her and encloses “directions” for a cape. Hugh Robbins has died. Offers “love” for her sisters and brothers. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 22 September 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses Lynn and his departure on the train. Work carries on with fodder and cotton. The diphtheria in the area is milder now.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 22 September 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses visiting the University of Mississippi with Lynn, who will begin classes there. They arrived in Oxford two days earlier and met with Professor Fulton when Chancellor Edward Mayes was unable to meet with them. Discusses Lynn’s accommodations and upcoming coursework. Expresses pride over how his son conducted himself. Spight then left for Holly Springs to work. There are 20 indictments for selling whiskey in Holly Springs.

Letter from Lynn Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 23 September 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Mississippi, to his mother. Discusses his experiences at college and meeting professors. He requires towels. He has examinations tomorrow. There are “some pretty bad boys” there, but he states that would be true of every college.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 23 September 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 22 September. Discusses work, including money earned and a murder trial. Mentions warm weather.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 24 September 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Envelope attached. Discusses his absence and Lynn at college. Mrs. Rutherford might be dying. Mentions weather and farm work.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 24 September 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. He has received no letter from her or Lynn. Mentions work and money earned. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 25 September 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to two letters from him. Discusses Lynn’s arrangements at college. Mentions farm work and the weather. Mrs. Rutherford died. Envelope attached.

Letter from Fannie Bright to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 26 September 1891 

Scope and Content

She will go home Sunday and wants to see Mamie before she leaves.

Letter from Lynn Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 26 September 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Mississippi, to his mother. Responds to her letter. His roommate Andrew arrived and joined the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He is considering joining Delta Tau Delta or Sigma Chi, but will wait until his father visits. Discusses his impressions of the university and his roommates. Some men have mentioned Mattie. He and Andrew are going to register in the chancellor’s office. He is in preparatory classes.

Letter from Lynn Spight to Thomas Spight 28 September 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Mississippi, to his father. Responds to his letter. His classes have begun. Discusses letters from home. Explains his plans to attend church and Sunday school.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 28 September 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in “College Park” to her sister. Responds to her sister. Writes of Lynn at college. Mr. Watson is dead. Mentions weather. Eva Lowrey is getting married and they are holding a reception. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 29 September 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses Lillian’s health, particularly regarding her throat. Mentions work at home. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 29 September 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his arrival in Holly Springs and work. Mention’s Lillian’s health.

Folder 26: October – December 1891 Oct. – Dec. 1891 

Letter from Lynn Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 4 October 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Mississippi, to his mother. Asks about Lillian’s health. Discusses his social activities, food at school, and the weather. He is having trouble with algebra. Includes a note to his brother about work at home. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 6 October 1891; 7 October 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses Lynn at college and his trouble with algebra. Later section discusses the weather and Henry’s work picking cotton. Envelope attached.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 7 October 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in “College Park” to her mother. Discusses uniform requirements, rocking chairs, and Mrs. Lowrey’s poor health. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lynn Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 October 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Mississippi, to his mother. Discusses receiving letters and flowers from home. He visited his father, who is busy in court. Discusses pork at school and at home.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 8 October 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter. Discusses his absence, Lynn at college, and when he will see his son. Mentions farm work.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 9 October 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter. Discusses Lynn, the weather, and farm work. A letter has not arrived from Jackson. John Barnett arrived on horseback. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Lynn Spight 9 October 1891; 10 October 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Ripley, Mississippi, to her son. Asks about his experiences and acquaintances at college. Urges him to have a dictionary and be punctual to Sunday school. Discusses farm work and the cotton crop.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Lynn Spight 9 October 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Ripley, Mississippi, to her brother. Responds to his letter. Discusses the upcoming winter and holidays. The country’s financial state is improving. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lynn Spight to Mattie Spight 10 October 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Mississippi, to his sister. Discusses their father’s work in court and his delay going home.

Letter from Lynn Spight to Henry Spight 11 October 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Mississippi, to his brother. Responds to his letter. Discusses their father’s work and writes that he has joined the Delta Tau Delta fraternity after deciding against Sigma Chi. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 11 October 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Oxford, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his absence from home. Lynn is doing well. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 11 October 1891; 12 October 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his telegram. Mentions Lynn, farm work, and the weather. The letter from Jackson arrived. Envelope attached.

Letter from L. Fulton to “Dear Sir” [Thomas Spight?] 15 October 1891 

Scope and Content

Typed in Denton, Texas. Fulton is an attorney seeking more work in Texas dealing with debts, heirs, and estates.

Letter from [Hatty] to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 15 October 1891; 17 October 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Jackson, Tennessee, to her relative. Discusses recent sickness in the family. Mentions bicycle riding. Asks the Spights to visit. Birdie Askew is expected to get married.

Letter from Lynn Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 17 October 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Mississippi, to his mother. Responds to her letter. Discusses his studies. Thomas Spight went to Memphis.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 19 October 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Mentions letters from Lynn. “Old Red,” a cow, died. Discusses his absence. Envelope attached.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 19 October 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Blue Mountain, Mississippi, to her mother. Responds to her letter. Discusses her health and the weather. She passed all of her classes without examination.

Letter from M. L. H. to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 19 October 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Jackson, Tennessee. Discusses Hattie’s letter. Mentions having “La Grip” and discusses the family’s recent sickness. Envelope included.

Letter from Lynn Spight to Thomas Spight 20 October 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Mississippi, to his father. Responds to his letter. Describes intending to see his father pass on the train but being unable to. He plans to visit his father in Water Valley with his mother.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 20 October 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Mrs. Bostwick visited and shared news about Lynn and others at school. Mentions a frost and woodcutting at home.

Letter from N. E. McKenzie to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 22 October 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Maxwell, Mississippi. Responds to Spight’s letter. Discusses crop gathering and the writer’s family. Includes a recipe for cough syrup. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 23 October 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses his absence and his birthday. Hands are still gathering crops and picking cotton. Mentions potentially visiting him, but decides against it. Expresses unease because of his lack of correspondence and a bad dream she had.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 24 October 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses her inability to visit him on his birthday, progress at home with the farm work, and Henry’s role in gathering crops.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 25 October 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. It is his birthday. She discusses being unable to spend it with him. Mentions her poor health and the health of the children. Envelope attached.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 25 October 1891 

Scope and Content

Addressed to “Mrs. Tho. Spight” in Ripley, Mississippi.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 26 October 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses Lynn’s visit with him and relays praise of Lynn. Mentions crop gathering, “Old Red,” his health, and when he will be home.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 26 October 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Discusses correspondence. Discusses crops, particularly corn and peanuts, and Henry’s work on the farm.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 29 October 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter of 26 October. Expresses desire for him to be return home. Advises him not to take “intoxicating drinks” with “pretended friends.” She also received a letter from Lynn.

Envelope addressed to Thomas Spight 2 November 1891 

Scope and Content

Addressed to “Thoms Spight atty.” in Ripley, Mississippi. Stamped in Denton, Texas. Printed return address for attorney L. Fulton in Denton.

Letter from Lynn Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 15 November 1891 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Mississippi, to his mother. Describes attending church and sermons from Mr. Lowrey. Discusses his boarding options until Christmas. Envelope attached.

Account statement from Blue Mountain Female College for Thomas Spight 23 November 1891 

Scope and Content

Bill showing the cost of tuition, board, books, and a matriculation fee

Envelope [from Blue Mountain Female College] 3 December 1891 

Scope and Content

Partial front of envelope, recipient missing. Stamped in Ripley, Mississippi, on 3 December.

Folder 27: 1892 1892 

Letter from W. E. Berry to Thomas Spight 27 July 1892 

Scope and Content

Sent from Blue Mountain Female College regarding the enclosed statement of account. Mentions changes to fees. Envelope attached.

Account statement from Blue Mountain Female College for Thomas Spight 27 July 1892 

Scope and Content

Bill showing the cost of tuition, board, books, and a matriculation fee for September through June. Sent with W. E. Berry’s letter of 1892

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 27 July 1892 

Scope and Content

Sent from New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses work, especially a murder case, the ‘white cop case,’ involving poor defendants. Mentions the warm weather and his health.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 28 July 1892 

Scope and Content

Sent from New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses his work in court and Henry’s work at home on the farm. Expresses his disappointment at not returning home yet.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 30 July 1892 

Scope and Content

Sent from New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. His work on the murder case has grown as the number of defendants recently increased. Advises Henry on field maintenance. Mentions seeing some Falkners. Envelope attached.

Folder 28: 1893 1893 

Telegram from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight date unknown 18933 

Scope and Content

Sent from New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. He missed a train and will return this evening. Message taken by the Western Union telegraph company.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 22 July 1893 

Scope and Content

Addressed to Mamie V. Spight in Ripley, Mississippi. Stamped in Boston, Massachusetts. Return address printed for “Youth’s Companion” in Boston.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 25 July 1893 

Scope and Content

Sent from New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. He slept well and does not expect to “have any more trouble.” Mentions murder cases. Envelope attached.

Renewal solicitation from Perry Mason & Co. 26 July 1893 

Scope and Content

Letter discusses owing payment for “The Companion.” Inside page lists the Terms that accompany a subscription to The Youth’s Companion. Enclosed materials include envelope with The Youth’s Companion address printed on it, instructions on “How To Send Money By Mail,” a reminder to include your name and post office, and a blank “Renewal of Subscription” form.

Letter from Lynn Spight to Thomas Spight 11 December 1893 

Scope and Content

Written from San Francisco, California, to his father. Discusses his arrival in San Francisco in time to go to preaching and Sunday school. They plan to look for work with attorneys. The previous night they did not sufficiently put out the gas and were “poisoned by it.” Envelope attached.

Letter from Lynn Spight to Thomas Spight 15 December 1893 

Scope and Content

Written in Los Angeles, California, to his father. He has been unable to find employment and asks his father for money to return home. He does not feel well and wants to work.

Letter from Lynn Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 16 December 1893 

Scope and Content

Written in Los Angeles, California, to his mother. They have been unable to find work with law firms or any other kinds of work to help pay for board. He does not feel well, is ashamed of his trip, and hates having to ask for money.

Telegram from Lynn Spight to Thomas Spight 30 December 1893 

Scope and Content

Sent from Los Angeles, California, to his father. They leave in the morning and will travel via New Orleans. Message taken by the Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee Telephone Co.

Folder 29: 1894 1894 

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 29 March 1894 

Scope and Content

Written at “home” to her husband. Discusses his absence. Bud Lyndsy is leaving for Texas. Mentions correspondence.

Folder 30: 1896 1896 

Envelope addressed to Lillian Spight 20 January 1896 

Scope and Content

Addressed to “Miss. Lillian Spight” in Ripley, Mississippi. From Maxwell, Mississippi.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 9 March 1896 

Scope and Content

Written in Ripley, Mississippi, to her husband. Responds to his letter. Discusses his absence and preparing to plant strawberries.

Letter from J. N. McMillin to Thomas Spight 24 June 1896 

Scope and Content

Written on University of Virginia letterhead to “Dear Bro.” Discusses Spight’s candidacy for congress and Senator John W. Daniel. Remembers the Spight family. Envelope attached.

Folder 31: 1897 1897 

Letter from Birdie A. [Askew?] to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 11 February 1897 

Scope and Content

Written from “Fairview Cottage” to her relative. Responds to her letter. Discusses sickness in the area and family, particularly La Grippe. Her friends assumed she was getting married, but she did not. Discusses visits from friends.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 16 November 1897 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Mississippi, to his mother. Discusses being away from home. He has pledged to a fraternity and become a ‘Loyal Sigma Ki.’ A friend joined another fraternity. Discusses fraternity members and how pledging operates. Mentions lodging at Mrs. Crockett’s. Mentions enclosing a note to Lillian.

Letter from Henry Spight to Thomas Spight 21 November 1897 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Mississippi, to his father. Responds to his letter. Discusses his class with “Gov. Shands” and the books he requires. Wants to make satisfy his parents’ wishes for him. Discusses his initiation into Sigma Chi. Mentions the Blackstone Club. He has the option of exercising with a class but thinks it would be “$10.00 thrown away” and asks his father’s advice. Discusses the Baptist and Methodist churches. Asks about his brother Lynn’s career intentions.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 23 November 1897 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Mississippi, to his mother. Responds to her letter. Discusses an unbearable “racket” from the room above him that prevents him from studying and might force him to relocate. Asks about one of his father’s successful cases. Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 26 November 1897 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Mississippi, to his mother. Responds to her letter. Discusses being homesick and visiting with Mrs. Falkner. Mentions a ball he is not attending. Discusses Thanksgiving dinners at Mrs. Crockett’s and Mrs. Falkner’s. Young is a doctor. The noise problem has been resolved.

Letter from Henry Spight to Thomas Spight 29 November 1897; 30 November 1897 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Mississippi, to his father. Responds to his letter of 24 November. Discusses homesickness and attending recitations. Discusses his funds. Plans to ask Chancellor Fulton if he can leave the university and go home for Christmas. He was asked to write for a newspaper but does not have the time.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 1 December 1897 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Mississippi, to his mother. Responds to her letter. Asks about his siblings. Attended a show. He will probably join the Blackstone Club soon. Mentions the weather

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 4 December 1897 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Mississippi, to his mother. Responds to her letter. He will not join the Blackstone Club, as the ‘Moot Courts’ are free to all law students and he would be paying only to “defray the expenses of the club whenever they want to have a ball.” He saw his first football game, between the seniors and the sophomores. Offers his opinion on the sport and the resulting injuries. Asks about his brother Lynn. Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Thomas Spight 5 December 1897 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Mississippi, to his father. Discusses buying a book in Oxford and his father’s inability to visit him before Christmas. Discusses Christmas and his funds. He met with Judge Kimbrough.

Letter from [Hermie?] to Lillian Spight 27 December 1897 

Scope and Content

Written from “I. I. and C.” She has received presents. One of them was from Spight. She asks Spight about her current school and her family. Discusses acquaintances and former instructors. Envelope attached.

Folder 32: January – February 1898 Jan. – Feb. 1898 

Envelope date unknown 

Scope and Content

Blank envelope with “C. L. Byrd & CO. Memphis, Tenn” embossed on the back. Contains a sheet of tissue paper.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 2 January 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Mississippi, to his mother. Responds to letters from home. Discusses his studies. Asks about his brother and father. Discusses acquaintances and the weather.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 7 January 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Mississippi, to his mother. Responds to her letter. Discusses law licenses. The legislature could change the current requirements, which would affect Henry’s university plans. Asks about his family.

Letter from Henry Spight to Allie Spight 12 January 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Mississippi, to his sister. Mentions his health. Discusses books needed for class. Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 14 January 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Mississippi, to his mother. Responds to her letter. Discusses his health and university marks. He hopes his family will not be disappointed in him. Envelope attached.

Letter from [Henry Spight] to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 16 January 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Mississippi, to “Mama.” Final page(s) missing. Discusses marks on sessional and examination and the total score required to pass.

Letter from Henry Spight to Allie Spight 20 January 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Mississippi, to his sister. Responds to letters from home. Discusses studying, exams, and family.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 22 January 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Mississippi, to his mother. Discusses the outcomes of examinations and an acquaintance Herschel Gassaway’s poor scores. Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Allie Spight and Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [24] January 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Mississippi, to his sister and mother. Responds to their letters. Discusses a bill to change the requirements for a law license and “Gov. Shands’” opposition.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 25 January 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Mississippi, to his mother. Responds to her letter. Mentions a picture and his health. Asks about family.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 29 January 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Mississippi, to his sister. Discusses homesickness. Asks for peanuts and socks. Asks about siblings. He has been playing guitar. Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Thomas Spight 30 January 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Mississippi, to his father. Responds to his letter. Discusses homesickness. Asks about Herschel Gassaway’s plans for university. Discusses school and his father’s work, including the Self case.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 3 February 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in New Albany, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses a delayed telegram and work. Envelope attached.

Postal card from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 4 February 1898 

Scope and Content

Sent from Blue Mountain Female College to her mother. Responds to her letter. “The girls” will not go home with her. Printed date reads 1897 and stamped date reads 1898.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 February 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Mississippi, to his mother. “Doctor Jones’” son died that morning and school has been suspended. The young man was a former student. Discusses classes and when he will be home. Envelope attached. Address for “Anabel Hall” on reverse.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 12 February 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Mississippi, to his mother. Responds to letters from family. Discusses taking up extra classes, lodgings, and neighbors. He could move and room with Herschel Gassaway, though he would rather not. Discusses a “fraternity fight” and says he and Sigma Chi took no part in it.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 15 February 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Mississippi, to his mother. Responds to letters from family. Asks about his siblings and his mother’s health. Discusses books for class.

Postal card from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 17 February 1898 

Scope and Content

Written from Blue Mountain Female College to her mother. Responds to her letter. Discusses friends going home with her and the weather.

Letter from Minnie C. [Crockett] to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 20 February 1898 

Scope and Content

Written from University, Mississippi, to her friend. Discusses the lodging situation involving Henry Spight and the company currently staying at the house.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 20 February 1898 

Scope and Content

Written from University, Mississippi, to his mother. Responds to her letter. Discusses her health, his lodgings, and pictures. Envelope and letter to Thomas Spight attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Thomas Spight 20 February 1898 

Scope and Content

Written from University, Mississippi, to his father. Responds to his letter of 17 February. Asks about the McDonald case. He has had to pay fraternity dues and other fees. Asks about pictures. Discusses lodgings. Envelope and letter to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 23 February 1898 

Scope and Content

Written from University, Mississippi, to his mother. Responds to letters from family. Discusses lodgings, going home, and pictures. Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 25 February 1898 

Scope and Content

Written from University, Miss., to his mother. Responds to her letter. Discusses his health, horses, and examinations. Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Allie Spight 27 February 1898 

Scope and Content

Written from University, Miss., to his sister. Discusses visiting Holly Springs. He is reading a book, “From Jest to Earnest” by his “favorite writer,” Edward Payson Roe. Expresses his views on the book and reading on Sunday. Mentions horseback rides. Envelope attached.

Folder 33: March 1898 March 1898 

Letter from Henry Spight to Mamie Spight 2 March 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., to his sister. Responds to her letter. A Mr. Allen from Ripley came to see him. The noise problem at his lodgings has ended. Beulah Norris is ill. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 3 March 1898 

Scope and Content

Written from “B.M.F.C” [Blue Mountain Female College] to her mother. Responds to her letter. Discusses her brother Henry, going home, and laundry. Mentions Beulah’s health. Envelope attached.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 3 [March] 1898 

Scope and Content

Addressed to “Mrs. Thos. Spight” in Ripley, Miss. Via New Albany. Stamped in University, Miss.

Letter from Henry Spight to Thomas Spight 5 March 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., to his father. Discusses his health and work. Asks about his father’s work. On verso: “Lynn D. Spight / ‘The Magnolias’ / May 28/98”

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 7 March 1898; 8 March 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., to his mother. Mentions going to Holly Springs and seeing “Marion.” Discusses trip fare and going home. Envelope attached.

Postal card from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 17 March 1898 

Scope and Content

Sent from Blue Mountain Female College to her mother. Responds to her letter. Discusses acquaintances and Henry’s return home. Asks about Beulah’s health.

Letter from Henry Spight to Thomas Spight 18 March 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., to his father. Responds to his letter. Discusses money sent to him, new shoes, and going home. He received his recitation score. The “little fraternity affair” is settled. He has gained 11.5 pounds. He attended court and discusses the trials he saw. A young African-American child, “5 to 6 years old,” was indicted for burglary and grand larceny. Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 19 March 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., to his mother. Possibly sent with the letter to Thomas Spight dated the day before. Discusses when he will go home and the prospect of fishing with “Uncle Albert.” Discusses packing and clothing. He does not study on Sundays.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 22 March 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., to his mother. Responds to letters from her and Mamie. He has been studying. Discusses the rise and his packing. Discusses sausage, eggs, and ham. He acquired some strawberries. Envelope attached.

Letter from [M. L. H.] to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 24 March 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in Jackson, Tenn., to her [niece]. Responds to her letter. Discusses Birdie Owens (sic.) [Birdie Askew Owen] and her family. “Mr. O” changed jobs because of the yellow fever. Discusses other family members and sickness in the area. Expresses a desire to see the family.

Letter from “Hattie” to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 27 March 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in Jackson, Tenn., to her cousin. Responds to her letter and a letter from Mattie [Hines, née Spight]. Asks about Lillian. She ordered flowers. Includes prices.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 28 March 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in Blue Mountain, Miss., on a Blue Mountain Female College letterhead, to her mother. Discusses her health and grades.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 30 March 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., to his mother. Responds to her letter. Discusses his grades and his attempts to meet his parents’ expectations. He plans to study at home next year and not return to university. Asks about Beulah. Envelope attached.

Folder 34: April 1898 April 1898 

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 3 April 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., to his mother. Responds to her letter. Apologizes for his last letter as he fears he has offended her. Discusses baseball and returning home. Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 5 April 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., to his mother. Discusses receiving clothes and making a recitation. Asks about town elections. Ray Rogers has withdrawn from school because “he was not studying like he ought” and the chancellor advised he withdraw. Rogers intends to set up a barbershop in Ripley, and Spight vouches for his character. Asks about Beulah and other acquaintances. Expresses love for “Mattie and William” [Hines].

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 10 April 1898 

Scope and Content

Written on a University of Mississippi letterhead to his sister. Responds to her letter. Discusses the weather on Easter day, Easter church services, and dinner. He is not relocating. Discusses the cost of the paper. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 12 April 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in Blue Mountain, Miss., on a Blue Mountain Female College letterhead, to her mother. Responds to her letter. She lost the turquoise in her ring and is determined to pay to replace it herself. Asks about Mattie and William [Hines].

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 15 April 1898 

Scope and Content

Written on a University of Mississippi letterhead to his mother. Responds to her letter. Discusses the remainder of his school session. Discusses his lodgings and returning home. Hopes for a family fishing trip. Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Lillian Spight 15 April 1898 

Scope and Content

Written on a University of Mississippi letterhead to his sister. Possibly sent with the letter to his mother dated the same day. Discusses her visit with “Marion” and her examinations. Mentions other acquaintances.

Letter from Henry Spight to Thomas Spight 17 April 1898 

Scope and Content

Written on a University of Mississippi letterhead to his father. Responds to his letter. Discusses his marks in class, horses, and transportation. He went to Judge Kimbrough’s Sunday school class and the Baptists are about to “have a meeting.” His fraternity is going to have a banquet, and he does not approve of the cost.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 20 April 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., to his mother. Responds to her letter. Discusses the possibility of the U.S. going to war with Spain and expresses his opinions. Discusses his brother going to Memphis and taking a break from his store. Mentions Beulah Norris. Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 22 April 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., to his mother. Responds to her letter. Discusses his recitation, the potential war, and preaching. Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 24 April 1898 

Scope and Content

Written on a University of Mississippi letterhead to his sister. Responds to her letter. Mention’s Beulah’s death. He’s reading “Near to Nature’s Heart” by Edward Payson Roe. Discusses finishing schoolwork and being home soon. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 25 April 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in Blue Mountain, Miss., on a Blue Mountain Female College letterhead, to her mother. Discusses her arrival and flowers in her room. Asks about Mattie and William [Hines]. Middle page(s) missing.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 26 April 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., to his mother. Responds to letters from home. Mrs. Swain has died. Asks about Hattie’s visit to the family, his mother’s health, and “Mattie and the baby.” Discusses courses.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 28 April 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., to his mother. Responds to her letter. Discusses shirts and his brother. Mentions war. Envelope attached.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [28 April 1898] 

Scope and Content

Addressed to “Mrs. Thos. Spight” in Ripley, Miss., via New Albany. Sent from University, Miss.

Folder 35: May – June 1898 May – June 1898 

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 1 May 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., to his mother. He received shirts, flowers, and a letter from home. Discusses holiday at the university and baseball. “Marion” was visiting. There was an oratorial contest and the contestant from Louisiana beat the representative from Mississippi. Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 10 May 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., to his father. Asks about farmhands. Discusses the possibility of going to Jackson, TN, instead of staying for commencement. Discusses relative costs. Envelope attached.

Letter from “Hattie” to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 11 May 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in Jackson, Tenn., to her cousin. Barnett has been sick with tonsillitis. Discusses fundraising events. The flower cuttings Spight gave her are doing well. Discusses names of roses and her trip home. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lillian Spight to [Mattie or Mamie Spight] 12 May 1898; 13 May 1898 

Scope and Content

Written from Blue Mountain, Miss., on Blue Mountain Female College letterhead to her “dear ‘big’ sister.” Discusses the end of term and her school acquaintances. Asks for flowers.

Postal card from Henry Spight to Thomas Spight 13 May 1898 

Scope and Content

Sent from University, Miss., to his father. He might not go to Jackson [TN] because the chancellor has not given him permission.

Letter from [Henry Spight] to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 15 May 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss. He went to Jackson after getting permission and discusses his trip. He met with family, including Birdie Askew Owen and her husband. Final page(s) missing.

Envelope for jewelry repair for Thomas Spight 19 May 1898 

Scope and Content

J.N. Mulford’s address in Memphis, Tenn. Spight left two rings and the envelope includes directions for fixing them, the time completed, and the price.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 25 May 1898 

Scope and Content

Written from Blue Mountain, Miss., on Blue Mountain Female College letterhead to her mother. Discusses the postal system and visiting home with friends. Her leg recently cramped seriously.

Letter from Henry Spight to Thomas Spight 27 May 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., to his father. He has heard of his father’s candidacy for congress. Lynn is leaving to join the army. Mentions recitations and an open senate seat. Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 29 May 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., on a University of Mississippi letterhead to his sister. Discusses his health, his letter-writing, and Lynn’s imminent departure. Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 31 May 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., to his mother. Responds to her letter. Discusses Lynn joining the army and his own intention not to join. Mentions commencement and his return home.

Postal card from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 2 June 1898 

Scope and Content

Written from Blue Mountain Female College in Blue Mountain, MS, to her mother. Responds to her letter. She has been sick with a headache but feels better. Mentions people coming home with her and “Brothers pictures”

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 2 June 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in Blue Mountain, Miss., to her mother. Discusses her health and classes. Asks about family. Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 5 June 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., to his mother. Responds to her letter. Discusses his “last Sunday in Oxford” and a letter from his father. Asks about family. Envelope attached.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 6 June 1898 

Scope and Content

Addressed to “Mrs. Thomas Spight” in Ripley, Miss. Stamped in Blue Mountain, MS.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 14 June 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in New Albany, Miss., to his wife. Discusses his travel plans and a case.

Folder 36: July – November 1898 July – Nov. 1898 

Letter from Marshall [Hairston] to Thomas Spight 7 July 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in Oakland, Miss. Congratulates Spight on his election to congress. Mentions the Civil War.

Letter from [James] P. Horton to Thomas Spight 7 July 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in Holly Springs, Miss. Writer congratulates Spight on his “recent success.” The letter is signed “fraternally.”

Letter from J.A.P. Campbell to Thomas Spight 11 July 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in Kirksville, Missouri. Congratulates Spight on his election to congress. Envelope attached.

Letter from James C. Harris to Thomas Spight 12 July 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in Sheffield, Ala. Congratulates Spight on his election to congress and discusses being proud of his “native state.” Envelope attached.

Wedding announcement 14 July 1898 

Scope and Content

Announces the marriage of James Hugh Moore and Anna Anfield Edmunds in Evansville, Indiana.

Letter from E.D. Solomon to Thomas Spight 4 September 1898 

Scope and Content

Written from the headquarters of 2nd Miss. Vol. Infantry in Panama Park, Fla. Responds to receiving a letter from Spight that included money. Discusses furlough and Spight’s son [Lynn]. Envelope attached.

Envelope addressed to Thomas Spight 24 September 1898 

Scope and Content

Addressed to “Capt. Tho. Spight” in Holly Springs, Miss. Stamped in Ripley, Miss.

Envelope addressed to Thomas Spight [23] October 1898 

Scope and Content

Addressed to “Capt. Tho. Spight” in Coffeeville, Miss., via New Albany.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 15 November 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., to his mother. Discusses his arrival and lodgings. Mentions homesickness. Mrs. Leavell died yesterday. Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Thomas Spight 19 November 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., to his father. He received a watch from his father. Envelope attached.

Wedding announcement 23 November 1898 

Scope and Content

Announces the marriage of Carrie Hines to William Eugene McClamrock in Ripley, MS.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 23 November 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., to his mother. Discusses work, his health, and correspondence. Mentions his birthday and Thanksgiving. Received a letter from Lillian. Mentions Carrie Hines’ wedding.

Folder 37: December 1898 December 1898 

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 1 December 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., to his mother. Discusses being away from home. Mentions his health and his intention to send Allie the “University Record.” His father will leave soon, and Christmas is approaching. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 4 December 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., to his wife. Discusses his travel to Washington, particularly mountains. Congress will meet soon. A newspaper wanted to interview him. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 4 December 1898; 5 December 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in Ripley, Miss., to her husband in Washington, D.C. Responds to card from him. Discusses family’s health. Mr. McIntyre died. Envelope attached.

Tampa Bay Hotel advertisement 5 December 1898 

Scope and Content

Map of Plant System railroad and steamship routes on verso.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett 6 December 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., to his mother. Responds to a letter from Mamie. Mentions McIntyre’s death and other acquaintances. He went to the federal court. ‘Old Sam’ Edgeron was convicted of selling whiskey. Envelope enclosed.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 6 December 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., to his wife. Discusses congress and Washington, including his colleagues. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 8 December 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in Ripley, Miss., to her husband. She has not heard from Lynn. Relates army news. Discusses Mr. McIntyre’s funeral. Mentions the cold weather and “dear little William.” Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 11 December 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead to his wife. Responds to her letter. Discusses uneasiness over not hearing from Lynn and plans to telegraph Col. Montgomery. The chancery clerk will be appointed. Discusses going to church to see [Thomas De Witt] Talmage and the preacher’s “theatrical” manner. Asks for church news from home. A Miss Chenowith from Holly Springs called on him to ask for his help. Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 13 December 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., on University of Mississippi letterhead to his mother. Responds to her letter. He is learning shorthand. He is glad his brother is well. Disapproves of Mr. Hunt’s appointment to a position. Discusses his lodgings and food. Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Thomas Spight 14 December 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., on University of Mississippi letterhead to his father. Responds to his letter. Mentions taking shorthand and eventually joining him in Washington. Asks for a letter to allow him to go home for Christmas. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 14 December 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead to his wife. Responds to her letter. Discusses the chancery clerk. He telegraphed Lynn. Sends her newspaper clippings. Mentions their anniversary. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lynn Spight to Thomas Spight 15 December 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in Columbia, Tenn., to his father. Responds to his letter. Discusses his lodgings and if he will return for Christmas.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 16 December 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in Ripley, Miss., to her husband. Responds to his letter. Discusses William’s letter from his aunt Carrie Hines McClamrock and how Mattie and Mamie dressed him up. Discusses Lynn’s letter. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 16 December 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., to his wife. Responds to her letter of 13 and 14 December. Discusses cold weather, Lynn, an upcoming recess, and his route home. Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 18 December 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., on University of Mississippi letterhead to his mother. Responds to her postal card. Discusses the family reuniting for Christmas and letters from Thomas Spight and Lillian Spight. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 18 December 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead to his wife. Discusses his return home. Discusses church. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 19 December 1898 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead to his wife. Responds to her letter of 16 December. Discusses travelling home. Mentions Lynn, Henry, and his boarding plans. Envelope attached.

Box 3 

Folder 1: January 1899 January 1899 

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 2 January 1899; 3 January 1899 

Scope and Content

Written from Blue Mountain Female College to her mother. Discusses her arrival. Apologizes for her behavior. Mentions flowers and her mother’s health.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 5 January 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., on University of Mississippi letterhead to his mother. Responds to her letter. Discusses his health and urges her to be optimistic about his and his father’s returns. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 5 January 1899; 6 January 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead to his wife. Discusses his arrival and Lynn’s presence with him. He received a telegram stating that five men were injured by the explosion of an ‘infernal machine.’ Spight suspects it was done out of revenge. Later section responds to her letter. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lynn Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 January 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead to his mother. Discusses how he and his father are doing. Mentions the weather, their lodgings, and where they attended church. Envelope and Thomas Spight’s letter of the same day attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 January 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead to his wife. Discusses church and Lynn’s employment and progress with a typewriter. Envelope and Lynn Spight’s letter attached.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 January 1899; 9 January 1899 

Scope and Content

Written from Blue Mountain Female College to her mother. She is homesick and wishes to visit. Asks about news from her father and brother. There will be a new postmaster. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 10 January 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead to his wife. Responds to her letter of 6 and 7 January and Lillian’s of 7 January. Discusses his and Lynn’s work. The president’s [reception] is tonight. Three men have been arrested for the “villainous attempt at murder.” Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 11 January 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., to his sister. Responds to her letter. He is in a moot court. He heard from his father and brother and received a souvenir postal card. Mentions food and asks for his dictionary. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 12 January 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead to his wife. Responds to her letter of 8 and 9 January. Mentions a campaign for some position involving Joe Owen and “Abbott.” Discusses his and Lynn’s work and health. He intends to sell some land. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 15 January 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead to his wife. Responds to her letter. Discusses the preacher he found too theatrical again. Mentions the death of “Mr. Dingley of Maine.” Discusses leaving Washington. Mentions sickness in the area. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lynn Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 18 January 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead to his mother. Responds to letter. Discusses a debt. Mentions the weather and his father leaving. Discusses Washington. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 18 January 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead to his wife. Discusses his departure and Dingley’s funeral. He’s ordered photographs. “Order of Services at the Funeral of Honorable Nelson Dingley, late a Representative from the State of Maine” attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 20 January 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., to his mother. Responds to her letter. Discusses his recitations and examinations. Mentions his marks.

Letter from Lynn Spight to Thomas Spight 21 January 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., to his father. He intends to run for a public office and has taken the first steps; he asks his father’s opinion. Envelope attached.

Announcement from Blue Mountain Female College 23 January 1899 

Scope and Content

Advertises teacher training under “Prof. Ellett.” Mentions a change in president and yellow fever in the state “last fall.” Signed “Lowrey & Berry, Proprieters.”

Form letter from Organization Committee for the Constitution of a National Anti-Polygamy League 23 January 1899 

Scope and Content

Sent from New York to “Mrs. Thos. Spight.” Discusses their intention to bar Brigham H. Roberts, a “polygamous Mormon,” from congress in a step to oppose the influence of Mormonism. Signed Aaron M. Powell, Josiah Strong, Isabella Charles Davis, Mary McElroy, B.F. DeCosta, and D.J. McMillan. List of members and associated organizations attached. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lynn Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 24 January 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead to his sister. Responds to her letter. Discusses work with the Agricultural Department and seeds. Discusses Dingley’s funeral and seeing the president, vice president, congressmen, and ambassadors. Discusses his opinions of “Rev. T. DeWitt Talmage.” Mentions rainy weather.

Letter from Lynn Spight to Thomas Spight 24 January 1899 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead to his father. Mentions work with seeds and receiving correspondence.

Letter from W.A. Montgomery to Thomas Spight 24 January 1899 

Scope and Content

Sent from Edwards, Miss. Announces his candidacy for governor of Mississippi and asks for support. Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 26 January 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., to his mother. Discusses his examination and how long it took him to complete it. Mentions a well at Ripley. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 27 January 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in New Albany, Miss., to his wife. Mentions her health and when he will be home. Someone was indicted for sending the bomb. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lynn Spight to Allie Spight 28 January 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on a House of Representatives letterhead to his sister. Responds to her letter. Mentions “Winslow” being “burned out.” Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Thomas Spight 29 January 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., on University of Mississippi letterhead, to his father. Discusses his scores and examination. Asks if he should continue learning shorthand.

Letter from Lynn Spight to Thomas Spight 29 January 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on a House of Representatives letterhead to his father. Responds to his letter. Discusses his father’s expected arrival and needing money for board. Mentions his continuing work with the seeds.

Envelope addressed to Thomas Spight 30 January 1899 

Scope and Content

Addressed to “Hon. Thomas Spight” in Washington, D.C.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 30 January 1899 

Scope and Content

Addressed to “Mrs. Tho. Spight” in Ripley, Miss.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 30 January 1899; 31 January 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in New Albany, Miss., to his wife. Mentions her health and taking Mamie and Allie to Memphis. Discusses Henry’s letter and his stenography lessons. Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 31 January 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., on University of Mississippi letterhead, to his mother. Mentions his health, the weather, and class. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lynn Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 31 January 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on a House of Representatives letterhead to his mother. Discusses his father’s arrival and the weather. Leaf attached. Envelope attached.

Folder 2: February 1899 February 1899 

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 5 February 1899 

Scope and Content

Responds to her letter. Discusses her improving health and the weather. Discusses his brother and father as well as her flowers. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 6 February 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead, to his wife. Responds to her letter to Lynn. Discusses Lynn’s plans to get into politics. He sends a check to be deposited by Will Hines.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 February 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., on University of Mississippi letterhead, to his mother. Discusses her health and the weather. He might join the orchestra.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 9 [February] 1899 

Scope and Content

Addressed to “Mrs. Thomas Spight” in Ripley, Miss. Blue Mountain Female College envelope.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 9 February 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead, to his wife. Responds to her letter. Discusses money and Lynn’s campaign. Mentions Mamie going to Memphis

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 10 February 1899; 11 February 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead, to his wife. Responds to her letter. Discusses the weather, photographs, and going bald. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 12 February 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead, to his wife. Discusses the snow. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lynn Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 14 February 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead, to his mother. Responds to Mamie’s “message” about their mother’s health.

Letter from Lynn Spight to Mattie Spight Hines 14 February 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead, to his sister. Responds to her letter. Discusses the cold weather and his time in Washington.

Telegram from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [14] February 1899 

Scope and Content

Sent from Washington, D.C., to his wife in Ripley. Discusses the snow and asks after her health. Message taken by The Southwestern Telegraph Company. Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 15 February 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., on University of Mississippi letterhead, to his mother. Responds to letters from his sisters. Discusses her health and plans to go home if she tells him to. Mentions his father’s photographs. Discusses the weather and his classwork.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 16 February 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead, to his wife. Mentions sending her a telegram on Valentine’s Day. Discusses the weather and her health. Envelope attached.

Envelope addressed to Thomas Spight [16] February 1899 

Scope and Content

Addressed to “Hon. Thos. Spight.” at the House of Rep. Stamped in Washington, D.C.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 16 February 1899; 17 February 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead, to his wife. Respond to letters from home. Discusses the weather and plans to make their bedroom warmer. Writes about his lodgings.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [18] February 1899 

Scope and Content

Addressed to “Mrs. Tho. Spight” in Ripley, Miss. House of Representatives envelope stamped in Washington, D.C.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 19 February 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead, to his wife. Mentions Mamie’s letter to Lynn. Discusses her health, the weather, and his absence. Lynn has found a Baptist church he likes. Spight gave his first speech in the House and discusses its length and reception. Envelope attached.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [February 1899 ?] 

Scope and Content

Addressed to “Mrs. Tho. Spight” in Ripley, Miss. Stamped somewhere with [Cotton] in the name.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 21 February 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., on University of Mississippi letterhead, to his mother. Discusses his arrival and her health and spirits. Mentions shorthand. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 21 February1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead, to his wife. Discusses her health and if there will be an extra session. Lynn has withdrawn from the race. Spight has been asked to deliver funeral orations. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 22 February 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Ripley, Miss., to her husband. Responds to his letter of 19 February. Mamie and Allie had Grippe. Henry visited. Mentions flowers and reminds him to get “silver-hearts” for Lillian’s silver bangle bracelet.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 22 February 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead, to his daughter. Responds to letters from her. Discusses his wife’s health. A relative, “Tommie Spight” has asked for his help to get discharged.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 23 February 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead, to his wife. Discusses letters and Lynn’s work. Discusses his upcoming eulogy for Walthall and her health.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 24 February 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., on University of Mississippi letterhead, to his mother. He is glad Lynn is not running for Floater. Mentions shorthand and her health.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 25 February 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead, to his wife. Responds to her letter of 22 February. Discusses eulogies on Walthall and Love. Lynn got hearts for Lillian. Discusses photographs and going home. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 26 February 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead, to his wife. Discusses leaving Washington for home. Encloses newspaper containing his eulogy for Walthall. Discusses buying a buggy. Jimmie Spight has a baby. Tommie Spight is probably at home. Discusses two editorials on Lynn’s withdrawal. Envelope attached.

Letter from T.J. McFarland to Thomas Spight 27 February 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Water Valley, Miss. Discusses Spight’s first speech in congress and hearing him orate in college. Discusses war and the military, specifically about regular and volunteer soldiers. Asks for the memorial address for Walthall. Mentions confusions over his salary with the war department. Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 28 February 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., on University of Mississippi letterhead, to his mother. Discusses the weather and his lodgings. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 28 February 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead, to his wife. Discusses her health and the weather. Describes his route home. Envelope attached.

Folder 3: March-April 1899 March – April 1899 

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 2 March 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead, to his wife. Discusses Lynn’s work and finding a shrub for his wife. His name was left off of the eulogy for Walthall in the Commercial Appeal. Mentions his return home. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 3 March 1899; 4 March 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead, to his wife. Discusses Lynn’s work and his travel plans. He bought luggage and a Kodak for his daughters. Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 5 March 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., to his mother. Responds to her letter. His father might visit town. Discusses his new boarding place, food, and table manners. Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 7 March 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., to his mother. Responds to her letter. Discusses an encounter with his former landlady, Mrs. Crockett. Describes his new landlady, Mrs. Burt, and her family. Discusses his food and lodgings. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 9 March 1899 

Scope and Content

Written from “B.M.F.C.” to her mother. Responds to her card. Discusses her mother’s health and a recital. She lost an opal. The weather is warm. Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 10 March 1899 

Scope and Content

Written from “U of M” to his sister. Discusses presents from his father for the family.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 12 March 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., to his mother. Responds to her letter. Discusses her health and a visit from his father. Mentions home and fishing. Read his father’s speech on Walthall. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 12 March 1899 

Scope and Content

Written from “B.M.F.C.” to her mother. Describes a sermon from Prof. Lowrey. Someone was put in an asylum. Mentions tea cakes, traveling, and a new car on the train. Envelope attached.

Letter from [William] Werner to Thomas Spight 21 March 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on Congressional Art Studio letterhead. Responds to Spight’s letter regarding delay in pictures. Envelope attached.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 23 March 1899 

Scope and Content

Addressed to “Mrs. Thos. Spight” in Ripley, Mississippi. Stamped in University, Miss.

Letter from Henry Spight to Allie Spight 4 April 1899 

Scope and Content

Responds to her letter. Discusses studying. Mentions family being proud of ‘Miss Virginia Hines’ and his plans for William. Discusses going home and the weather. Envelope attached.

Envelope addressed to Thomas Spight 17 April 1899 

Scope and Content

Addressed to “Capt. Thomas Spight” in Washington, D.C. Stamped Middleton & Pontotoc.

Envelope addressed to Thomas Spight 18 April 1899 

Scope and Content

Addressed to “Capt. Tho. Spight” in Coffeeville, Miss.

Envelope addressed to Thomas Spight 20 April 1899 

Scope and Content

Addressed to “Capt. Thomas Spight” in Washington, D.C. Stamped Middleton & Pontotoc.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 23 April 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Mississippi, to his mother. Discusses correspondence and baseball. Asks about Lillian visiting him during games with Tulane. Mentions acquiring films for Allie for her Kodak. Envelope attached.

Folder 4: May – November 1899 May – Nov. 1899 

Calling card from Miss Ida Brillinger May 1899 

Scope and Content

Charleston, S.C.

Calling card from Mrs. William Schirmer May 1899 

Scope and Content

Charleston, S.C. Stamp included in envelope.

Marriage announcement 3 May 1899 

Scope and Content

Lula Fitzpatrick married Dr. Thomas Wilson Smith in New Albany, MS.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 5 May 1899 

Scope and Content

Written from the University of Mississippi to his mother. Mentions her upcoming Charleston trip and Lillian and Lynn visiting him during Tulane baseball games. Discusses campus. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virgina Barnett Spight to Allie Spight 12 May 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Charleston, S.C., to her daughter. Discusses Charleston and visiting cemeteries. They met the Read family. Mr. Read used to be a missionary in Africa. They attended several events. Discusses their travel plans.

Letter from [Mary Virgina Barnett Spight] to Allie Spight 13 May 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Charleston, S.C. Discusses food and her health. Relays travel plans. Page(s) or signature missing. Envelope attached.

Letter from [Henry Spight] to [Mary Virginia Barnett Spight] 21 May 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., to “My dear Mama.” Responds to her letter about Charleston. Mentions commencement. Page(s) missing.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 30 May 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in University, Miss., on personalized University of Mississippi letterhead to his mother. Discusses his cumulative score and his expectations for the remainder of his term. The Mandolin Club has been contracted for some of the commencement music; discusses payment. Mrs. Crockett sent him food. Discusses thesis procedure. Mary [Rucker] is marrying Jim Pennebaker. Envelope attached.

Postal card from Mrs. A.H. Taylor to Mamie and Allie Spight 1 June 1899 

Scope and Content

Sent from Bowling Green, Ky. Regarding receipt of their order and payment.

Envelope addressed to [Mary Virginia Barnett Spight] 1 June 1899 

Scope and Content

Addressed to “Mrs. Thos. [Spight]” in Ripley, Miss. Return address of Mrs. A.H. Taylor in Bowling Green, Ky.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 July 1899 

Scope and Content

Addressed to “Mrs. Thos. Spight” in Ripley, Miss. Return address of Jesse J. Roberson, Clerk of the Circuit Court in Pontotoc, Miss.

Envelope addressed to Thomas Spight 31 July 1899 

Scope and Content

Addressed to “Hon. Thos. Spight” in Ripley, Mississippi. Return address for Randolph-Macon Woman’s College in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Letter from Archibald A. Jones to Thomas Spight 5 August 1899 

Scope and Content

Sent from Asheville College in Ashville, N.C. Discusses the distribution of scholarships and offering two to Spight. Mentions costs and discounts. Envelope attached.

Letter from William W. Smith to Thomas Spight 7 August 1899 

Scope and Content

Typed from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College in Lynchburg, Va. Responds to his letter and discusses enclosed informational documents.

Letter to Lillian Spight 1 September 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Oakland, Tenn. Writer discusses not returning to Blue Mountain Female College in order to be closer to home. Asks about Ripley and Lillian’s plans. Page(s) missing.

Invitation from Ed. J. Canturell for the National Association of Letter Carriers 4-9 September 1899 

Scope and Content

Invites recipient to the Tenth Annual Convention in Scranton, Penn. Address in Washington, D.C.

Program for the Tenth Annual Convention of the National Association of Letter Carriers 4-9 September 1899 

Scope and Content

Includes schedule of events for the convention in Scranton, Pa.

Letter from David [Brady] to Lillian Spight 28 September 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Pleasant Hill, Miss. Responds to her letter. Calls it an “unexpected pleasure” as he did not expect her mother to allow her to write to him. Mentions his letters being read by her mother and Lillian’s studying. He has attended meeting and been asked to sing in the choir. Asks about the frequency of their correspondence.

Invitation from the Philadelphia Commercial Museum 12 October 1899 

Scope and Content

Invitation to the opening ceremonies of the International Commercial Congress at the National Export Exposition in Philadelphia.

Admission cards to the International Commercial Congress 12 October 1899 

Scope and Content

Two cards for entry to the National Export Exposition for the International Commerical Congress. Contain name of Director General W. P. Wilson.

Folder 5: December 1899 December 1899 

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 2 December 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., to his wife. He and Henry arrived in Washington. Discusses their journey and lodgings in The Varnum. A Democratic Caucus was held. Spight expresses opinions on candidates. Discusses sending his letter with Henry’s of the same day.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 2 December 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., to his mother. Discusses his lodgings at the Varnum and the Democratic Caucus. Describes his impressions of the city. Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Lynn Spight 5 December 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead to his brother. Discusses his time in the city. He and his father saw Charlie Bright and Belle Withers. Discusses his work and the [Brigham H.] Roberts case, which ended with Roberts being unable to take his seat. He misses hot biscuits. He met Congressman Henry and his son, who asked about Lynn. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 6 December 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead to his wife. Responds to a letter from home. Discusses the events surrounding [Brigham H.] being denied his seat and Spight’s opinions about the situation. Mentions seeing Miss. Withers, her sister, and Charlie Bright. Asks to be sent a letter from a man wanting an army commission. Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 7 December 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead to his sister. Asks Lynn to look for a letter from Geo. C. Myers of Holly Springs about a widow’s pension. Discusses seeing an automobile for the first time and his opinions on it. Describes his visit to the National Library

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 December 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead to his wife. The House will meet to discuss a financial bill on the gold standard. They received an invitation to a recital at Washington College. Discusses the weather and the “Roberts matter.” Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 10 December 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead to his wife. Discusses church and members speaking fondly of Lynn. Requests that she come visit when Allie and Lillian do. He has almost quit smoking. Advises her to kill an animal and asks about her cook. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 12 December 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead to his wife. Sends two checks, one his and one for Lynn. Advises her on what to do with his money should she need any of it. Mentions painting going on at home. Discusses gifts for the family. Responds to her letter.

Postal card from A.H. Taylor to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 14 December 1899 

Scope and Content

Sent from Bowling Green, Ky. Responds to questions about the working schedule in January.

Postal card from A.H. Taylor to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 14 December 1899 

Scope and Content

Sent from Bowling Green, Ky. She has started her suit

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 14 December 1899 

Scope and Content

Written from Blue Mountain Female College. Responds to her letter. Discusses upcoming trip to Memphis and her health.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 14 December 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead to his wife. Responds to her letter of 10 December. Discusses their anniversary and Mattie’s birthday. Reflects on their time together. Mentions orphans in Jackson and yellow fever. He might attend memorial services for “Pres. Washington.” Mentions the weather. Envelope attached.

Bill from A. H. Taylor to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 16 December 1899 

Scope and Content

Includes cost of skirt and assorted trimmings from Taylor’s “Fine Dress Goods, Trimmings, and Novelties” based in Bowling Green, Ky.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 16 December 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead to his wife. Responds to her letter of 14 December. Describes his and Henry’s visit to Washington College, including a tour of “the room reserved for Allie and Lillian.” Discusses cold weather. Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Allie Spight 17 December 1899 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead to his sister. Discusses Washington College and their return home. Envelope attached.

Bill from A. H. Taylor to Allie Spight 18 December 1899 

Scope and Content

Includes cost of skirt and trimmings from Taylor’s “Fine Dress Goods, Trimmings, and Novelties” based in Bowling Green, Ky.

Bill from A. H. Taylor to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 18 December 1899 

Scope and Content

Includes account balance regarding a suit for Lillian from Taylor’s “Fine Dress Goods, Trimmings, and Novelties” based in Bowling Green, Ky. Envelope attached.

Postal Card from A. H. Taylor to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 26 December 1899 

Scope and Content

Sent from Bowling Green, Ky. Regarding reception of remittance.

Folder 6: Undated 1899 Undated 1899 

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight date unknown 1899 

Scope and Content

Addressed to “Mrs. Thos. Spight” in Ripley, Mississippi. Stamped in University, Miss.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight date unknown 1899 

Scope and Content

Addressed to “Mrs. Thos. Spight” in Ripley, Miss.

Incomplete letter from Henry Spight to [Mary Virginia Barnett Spight] date unknown 1899 

Scope and Content

Written on personalized University of Mississippi letterhead. First page(s) missing. Discusses finding lodgings for visitors [for commencement] with Mrs. Allen. Lillian wants him to buy a book for her friend.

Incomplete letter from M. L. Berry [Modena Lowrey Berry] to [Mary Virginia Barnett Spight date unknown 1899 

Scope and Content

Written on Blue Mountain Female College letterhead. First two pages missing. Regarding rearranging roommates to accommodate an “objectionable girl” and Lillian’s role in the reorganization.

Folder 7: January 1900 January 1900 

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 3 January 1900 

Scope and Content

Written on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead, including list of members, from Washington, D.C., to his wife. Regarding his arrival. Mentions a call being made to reduce the representation of some states, including Mississippi. He writes of enclosing an invitation to the “Misses Spight.” He received a letter from a Spight in Oregon.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 26 January [1900] 

Scope and Content

Written in New Albany, Miss., to his wife. Discusses his health. Dickson Hotel letterhead

Folder 8: 1-17 February 1900 1-17 Feb. 1900 

Envelope addressed to Thomas Spight February 1900 

Scope and Content

Addressed to Spight in Ripley, Miss. Return address for the Confederate Reunion Committee in Louisville, Ky.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 6 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written in from Mount Vernon Hotel in Salisbury, N.C., to his mother. Regarding their arrival there on the way to Washington. “The girls” will stay with them before going to the college. Envelope attached.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 7 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from the Varnum in Washington, D.C., to her mother. Describes the journey and the city.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 7 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from the Varnum in Washington, D.C., to her mother. Regarding her journey and being away from home. Discusses family. Envelope and letter to Mamie attached.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight [7 February 1900] 

Scope and Content

Discusses their travels and being away from home. Possibly sent with her letter to her mother, attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virignia Barnett Spight 7 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead to his wife. Regarding their journey and arrival. Discusses daughters. Mentions enclosing a check.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead to his mother. They visited the National Museum. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from the Varnum in Washington, D.C., to her mother. Describes visiting the library and museums. They visited some acquaintances. Possibly sent with Henry’s letter.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 9 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., to her mother. Discusses visiting Miss Withers and the weather. Encloses the beginning of a letter she never finished the day before that describes their time at the library and museums. Envelope attached.

Incomplete letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 9 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Discusses her time in Washington. Asks her mother to come visit them and discusses her current and future living arrangements. Envelope attached. Missing pages 13, 14, 17, and 18.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 9 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead to his wife. Responds to her letters. Discusses Lillian and Henry. He sends a check to be deposited. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 10 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead to her sister. Discusses correspondence and wanting to see them. Tells Mamie to enjoy the lecture of Ralph Bingham. Discusses the weather; a blizzard was predicted.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 10 February 1900; 11 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from the Varnum in Washington, D.C., to her mother. Responds to her letter. Discusses their stay at the hotel and moving to the college soon. Discusses the weather. Discusses attending the Calvary Baptist Church. Discusses her mother potentially visiting. Envelope attached.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 11 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Addressed to “Mrs. Tho. Spight” in Ripley, Mississippi. Stamped in Washington, D.C.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 11 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead to his mother. Discusses the trip to Washington through North Carolina and the mountains. Focuses on the train ride. Expresses a desire for her to visit them. Discusses his sisters. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 11 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead to his wife. Discusses attending Calvary Baptist Church with his daughters. Mentions the weather. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 11 February 1900; [12 February 1900] 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead to her mother. Discusses attending Calvary Baptist Church and her opinions of a preacher. Mentions her clothes.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 13 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. Regarding their arrival at the college. Discusses the college and responds to her letter of 11 February. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 13 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead to his wife. Discusses their daughters moving to the college. He received a letter from Lynn. Mentions Valentine’s day. Envelope attached.

Advertisement for the St. Valentine’s Skating Rink and Love’s Carnival 14 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Includes description of the event, a potential prize for couples, and the price of admission. To be held in City Hall. [Sent with The Sentinal.]

Letter from Allie Spight to Thomas Spight 14 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Describes her negative impressions of the people at Washington College and expresses a desire to leave.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 14 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Discusses moving into the college and her opinions on the place and people. Miss Lila [Barrten] would like to visit them, as they are also from MS. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 14 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead to his wife. Discusses his daughters’ dissatisfaction with Washington College and their homesickness. Describes his plan of action.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 15 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. Discusses their previous letters and Lillian’s comparatively worse homesickness. They will stay a little longer. She writes of what she will need for her classes and meeting the art teacher. Discusses the White House reception and her mother’s health. Discusses photography and her Kodak. Relays messages for Virginia and William.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 15 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Discusses her previous letter and their intentions to stay at the college a little longer. Discusses her options if she leaves the college and expresses her opinions on it and the other students. Mentions her brother’s rink being a success.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 15 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., on House of Representatives letterhead to his wife. Discusses his conversations with his daughters and the owner of the school regarding his daughters’ dissatisfaction with Washington College. Lynn made an announcement [about the skating rink]. Envelope attached.

Incomplete letter from [Henry Spight] to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 16 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C. on House of Representatives letterhead. Discusses “the girls” and asks Mamie and their mother to visit, as he thinks it would help. Final page(s) missing.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 17 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C. on House of Representatives letterhead to her mother. Regarding their resolve to be satisfied at Washington College. Apologizes for her previous letter. Discusses Mr. Gould’s health and her opinions on the family’s actions. Mentions the comparative weather. Discusses buying a skirt. Envelope attached.

Folder 9: 18-28 February 1900 18-28 Feb. 1900 

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 18 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C. on House of Representatives letterhead to her sister. Discusses her brother’s Valentine’s rink. Mentions heavy snowfall and being away from the college for the weekend. Asks about acquaintances. Responds to her letter.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 18 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C. on House of Representatives letterhead to her mother. Responds to her letter. Discusses returning to the college. She and Allie were invited to a cakewalk next weekend.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 18 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C. on House of Representatives letterhead to his wife. Responds to her letter of 15 February. Discusses the Allie, Lillian, and Henry. Urges her and Mamie to visit as soon as they can. Mentions weather. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 19 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. Discusses being back at the college. Mentions buying paper and the upcoming cakewalk. Urges her mother to visit soon. Discusses the hotel and its guests. Mr. Gould died. Envelope attached.

Invitation to a meeting to endorse erecting a monument to Lafayette 19 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Includes lists of member of associated committees. Card to reserve seats attached. Program of meeting attached.

Bill from J.A. Norriss & Co. Hardware 19 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Itemized list of purchases in Ripley, Miss. Includes quantities and prices for fabrics and other objects.

Letter from Thomas SPight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 20 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C. on House of Representatives letterhead to his wife. There will be a cakewalk. Discusses their daughters at Washington College. There was a fire at Blue Mountain. Anderson is sick. He is preparing a speech on Puerto Rico. Envelope attached.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 20 February 1900; 21 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. Responds to her letters. Discusses her opinions on the college and its owners. Describes her classes and mentions things she intends to buy and people she has interacted with. They might pose for photographs and her mother has asked for a painting. Discusses the weather. Later section describes room décor at the college. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 21 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Responds to her letter of 17 February. Elaborates on her dissatisfaction with the college and suggests her sister dislikes it as much as she does and is dishonest in her letters home. She purchased name cards and writing paper. “When Knighthood was in Flower” will be played in the city with Julia Marlowe. Name card and envelope attached.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 22 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her sister. Discusses her time at the college and the weather. Responds to a letter from home. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 22 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C. on House of Representatives letterhead to his wife. Responds to her letters of 19 and 20 February. Discusses the weather and the House. Describes the situation of their daughters at Washington College. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 22 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. Responds to her letter of 19 February. Mentions warmer weather. Discusses the upcoming cakewalk and acquaintances. They saw [E.] Baxter Perry perform. Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 23 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C. on House of Representatives letterhead to his mother. Responds to her letter. Discusses playing music with other residents of the hotel, mostly Southerners. He visited the Cabin John Bridge. Mentions his father’s speech on “the Porto Rican Bill.”

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 23 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C., to her mother. Discusses the weather and hearing a reading. She will require a skirt. Discusses a letter from Henry about congress. Expresses her opinions on city and small town life. They will have their pictures taken.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [24 February 1900] 

Scope and Content

Written from the Varnum in Washington, D.C., to her mother. She and Lillian are visiting the hotel. Describes seeing a cakewalk performed. She expresses surprise that they were black performers instead of white. Discusses letters from home. William and Virginia are sick. Describes social events and clothes. Discusses visiting with Miss Withers and her sister.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 24 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from the Varnum to her mother. Mentions the cakewalk and expresses surprise that the performers were black. Describes food at the college. Expresses her opinions about the college and its people. Discusses clothing and being willing to give up taking voice at the college.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 25 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from the Varnum to her mother. Responds to letters from home. Assures her mother she will not fall in love with any boys in Washington and discusses one she likes. Mentions clothing and returning to the college. Asks about their visit.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 25 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C. on House of Representatives letterhead to his wife. Discusses their daughters at the college. He has written to Lynn on business and discussing sending money. Discusses her potential visit. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 26 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Discusses returning to the college soon and her opinions on the college. Page(s) missing.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 26 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. They have returned from the hotel, and she writes that it feels like “coming to prison.” Expounds on her continuing displeasure. Asks about flowers and acquaintances.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 26 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C. on House of Representatives letterhead to his wife. Responds to her letter of 24 February. He has resolved to remove their daughters from the college. Mentions her visit, the weather, and farming. Envelope attached.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 27 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. Discusses her opinions on the college and her art. Explains she is less opposed to the school than Lillian.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 28 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her sister. Responds to her letter of 25 February. Asks after acquaintances. Discusses the school and their approaching visit. Richard Mansfield was there. Expresses a desire to go to theaters and discusses the cakewalk.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 28 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. Relays a dream she had. Asks about the children’s health. Responds to her letter of 26 February. Discusses her studies and expresses her displeasure with the situation. Writes that she considers walking home. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lillian Spight to [Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 28 February 1900 

Scope and Content

Written to “My dear ‘Miss Spight.’” Discusses the food at the college. She is not intending to marry soon. Pages possibly missing.

Folder 10: 1-8 March 1900 1-8 March 1900 

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 1 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington D.C on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to his mother. Responds to her letter. Discusses his work and offers to buy books Mamie wants. Urges her to visit soon. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 1 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Responds to her mother’s letter. Discusses her mother’s upcoming visit and health.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 1 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington D.C on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to his wife. Their daughters have resolved to remain at the college for now. Envelope attached.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 2 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. Discusses the weather and her health. Mentions the college situation and her reading. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 2 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Discusses the college and her recent letters. Mentions silks.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [3 March 1900] 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington D.C on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to her mother. She and Allie are visiting the hotel. Her father is sick. Discusses the college and the courses she will take. They are becoming better acquainted with the other pupils.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight [4 March 1900] 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington D.C on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to her sister. Discusses the boys in Washington and asks about acquaintances and family. Writes about her sister and mother coming to visit. Discusses being away from home so long.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 4 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington D.C on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to his wife. Regarding his health and his intention to visit her. Envelope attached.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 5 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington D.C on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to her mother. Her father’s health is improving. Discusses her mother’s upcoming visit. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 5 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington D.C on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to her mother. Discusses her father’s improving health, his visit home, and her mother and sister coming to Washington. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 5 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington D.C on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to his wife. Regarding his improving health and his visit home.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 6 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. Responds to letters from home. Discusses her father’s health and trip home. They are getting new clothing. Discusses the school and asks about acquaintances. Regrets being so far from the city.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 6 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. Responds to letters from home. Discusses the poor laundering done at the college. Addresses her mother’s concerns about her behavior. Describes the plans [for Blue Mountain after the fire.] Lists reasons for wanting to leave. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 6 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C. on House of Representatives letterhead to his wife. Discusses his sickness. Envelope attached.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 7 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Addressed to “Miss Mamie Spight” in Ripley, Mississippi. Stamped in Washington, D.C.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 7 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C. on House of Representatives letterhead to his wife. Responds to her letter of 5 March. Discusses his health and travel plans.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. They will visit their father at the hotel. Some students will go see a play and the school is holding a book donation. Mentions Lynn’s activities. Responds to her letter of 6 March and asks about Judge Kimbrough. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [8 March 1900] 

Scope and Content

Responds to her mother’s letter of the 6th and discusses her visit with her father and brother at the hotel. Discusses Easter cards and clothing. Mentions flowers.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C. on House of Representatives letterhead to his wife. Responds to her letter of 6 March. Discusses their daughters visiting him before he leaves for home.

Folder 11: 9-21 March 1900 9-21 March 1900 

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 9 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. Discusses her plans to leave the college and recent gift purchases. Allie went to a reception held by the Chinese minister. Responds to her letter of 7 March. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 10 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. Discusses being away from home. Mentions the school holding a debate about “the War between the Boers + Eng.” Expresses dissatisfaction with laundry and meals. Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 11 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C. on House of Representatives letterhead to his mother. Discusses his father’s visit home. He heard “Dr. Talmadge” preach. Writes of purchasing flowers and music for his sisters including “The Moth and the Flame” and Where the Sweet Magnolias Bloom.” Discusses his room and the weather.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 12 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. Responds to her letter of 10 and 11 March. Discusses clothing and her father’s visit home. Asks about family.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 12 March 1900 

Scope and Content

House of Representatives envelope addressed to “Miss Mamie Spight” in Ripley, Mississippi. Stamped in Washington, D.C.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 14 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her sister. Discusses their father’s arrival home and their impressions of the play Quo Vadis. Asks about family.

Letter from Henry Spight to Thomas Spight 14 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C. on House of Representatives letterhead to his father. Responds to letters from home. Updates his father on business, including appointments and a proposed bill. Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 14 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C. on House of Representatives letterhead to his sister. Mentions sending her music and books. He got a new suit. Sent with his letter of the same day to Thomas Spight.

Incomplete letter from Lillian Spight to [Mary Virginia Barnett Spight] 14 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Final page only. Page(s) missing. Mentions seeing recipient soon. Signs letter “Your devoted daughter.”

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 15 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. Responds to her letter of 13 March. Discusses family and clothing. She has progressed in her water color studies. Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 15 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C. on House of Representatives letterhead to his mother. He saw Quo Vadis performed. Mentions the weather. Page(s) possibly missing.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [22 March 1900] 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. Discusses her mother coming to visit and clothing selections.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 16 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her sister. Responds to he letter of 14 March. Discusses the family’s health and her father’s visit. Mentions Quo Vadis and Julia Marlowe in Barbara Frietchie. Discusses clothing, sight-seeing, and the weather. Envelope attached.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Viriginia Barnet Spight 16 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written in Washington, D.C. on House of Representatives letterhead to his mother. Discusses his work and her visit. Mentions getting pictures taken. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 16 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. Discusses the weather and Quo Vadis. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 16 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her sister. Mentions correspondence and music.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 17 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her sister. Responds to her letter. She wants to visit Fort Myer. She and Lillian plan to go to the hotel on Sunday.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 18 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. Discusses spending time with Henry, a school trip to Fort Myer, and shopping plans for Lillian and herself. Reassures mother that both girls are “all right.” Envelope attached.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 20 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her sister. Mentions Thomas Spight’s surprising return and package of goods from friends and family back home. Mentions meeting a young man from Virginia, “Mr. Ford,” at the hotel with her “collar off” after relaxing with family. Envelope attached.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [19 March 1900] 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. Discusses plans for church services the next day either with Henry or the school. Mentions trying to purchase presents for Henry and “Virginia” [Mamie?].

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 20 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. Thanks her mother for the care package of goods from home brought by Thomas Spight to D.C. Mentions meeting Mr. Ford at the hotel and considers him a cute and nice boy.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 20 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on The Merchant Marine and Fisheries letterhead to his wife. Discusses health of both his wife and himself. Mentions death of friend’s wife, Mrs. McLain. Envelope, with note, attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 21 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on letterhead from the Committee on Invalid Pensions to his wife. Discusses Henry’s trip to the theater to hear Julia Marlowe and plans for Allie and Lillian to see the same show. Thomas mentions his improving health and his desire that his wife’s health should improve. Envelope attached.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 21 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. Received letters from mother, brother-in-law William Hines, and sister Mamie. Discusses plans to visit the Corcoran Gallery of Art in D.C. and “present her drawings.” Mentions clothing she received from Ripley, MS that she enjoyed more than clothes from New York.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 21 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her sister. Discusses mother’s health. Implores sister to come to D.C. to get a “nice ‘fellow.’” Mentions meeting “Mr. Ford.” Envelope attached.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 21 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. Discusses her mother’s health and promises to be kind to her father. Mentions plans to see Julia Marlowe’s play “Barbara Freitchie” on Saturday. Talks about clothes and shopping for silk waists. Envelope attached.

Folder 12: 22-31 March 1900 22-31 March 1900 

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 22 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. Discusses homesickness and desire to leave. Discusses plans for mother to visit once she feels well. Mentions Allie’s watercolor paintings and possibility of exhibiting at the Corcoran.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 22 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington D.C. on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to his wife. Discusses family health and purchasing rain water to drink instead of the city water. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 23 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written to mother. Discusses clothes and shopping on “bargain day” at Saks. Mentions plans to see Julia Marlowe. Discusses studying German and Latin in school.

Postcard from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [20?] March [1900?] 

Scope and Content

Written from “H.S.” to his wife. Sends condolences concerning death of cousin “Lizzie” and “Dr. Embry.” Promises to write later that night.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 23 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on The Merchant Marine and Fisheries Letterhead to his wife. Discusses his improving health. Mentions death of “lady from Missouri” at the hotel. Envelope attached.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 24 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. Discusses receiving “certificate” from Corcoran that morning. Mentions seeing Julia Marlowe play, which was “sad and truly southern.”

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 30 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written to her mother. Discusses clothes and some health troubles. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 25 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to his wife. Discusses her health and the children in D.C. with him. Mentions that Allie and Lillian are “reconciled” to the school. Also mentions Allie’s certificate at the Corcoran and the Julia Marlowe play. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [25 March 1900] 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to her mother. Discusses clothes and plans to return home in May.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 26 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from the Varnum on Committee on The Merchant Marine and Fisheries letterhead to her mother. Discusses clothes and shopping. Envelope attached.

Bill from A.H. Taylor to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 26 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Includes account balance regarding a suit for one of Spight’s daughters from Taylor’s “Fine Dress Goods, Trimmings, and Novelties” based in Bowling Green, Ky.

Letter from A.H. Taylor to “My Dear Madam” [Mary Virginia Barnett Spight?] 26 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Bowling Green, KY. Discusses future purchases of an Eton jacket, “in some jaunty style,” and a short jacket. Mentions promise to “do the very best” in price.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 27 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. Discusses clothes purchased on the 26th. Mentions studying German and French under Lillian and not taking classes at the college because they interfered with her art lessons. Envelope attached.

Letters from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 27 [and 28?] March 1900 

Scope and Content

Two letters written from Washington College to her mother, one written “Wednesday afternoon.” Discusses clothes and shopping. Mentions missing her mother and plans for when the family is reunited. Second letter mentions “Mr. Ford.” Envelope and catalogue advertisement attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 27 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on House of Representatives Letterhead to his wife. Discusses health of family. Mentions sending out campaign letters with help of son Henry. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 28 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Ripley, MS to her husband. Discusses family health. Mentions Allie’s work at the Corcoran and her artistic talent. Also mentions that she hasn’t heard of Allie or Lillian’s dissatisfaction with Washington College lately. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight to [Henry Spight] [28 March 1900] 

Scope and Content

Written from “Home,” Ripley, MS to her brother. Discusses health and activities of family at home.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 29 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to his wife. Discusses Allie and Lillian’s activities in Washington and at the college. Mentions memories of their marriage. Envelope attached.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 30 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her sister. Discusses Mamie’s health and possible Easter plans. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lindsey “Lynn” Spight to Allie Spight 30 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Ripley, MS to his sister. Responding to Allie’s letter from 25 March 1900. Discusses Allie’s artistic talent. Mentions “Nannie” [Nancy Gibson, married Lynn in 1901]. Envelope attached.

Letter from Allie to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [31 March 1900] 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother at 4pm. Mentions mother’s birthday. Discusses possible plans for mother to visit over Easter and her time at the Corcoran in the morning. Also discusses shopping for hats and other clothing matters. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 31 March 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Ripley, MS to her husband. Discusses her health, the weather, and farm matters. Also discusses Allie and Lillian’s activities at Washington College.

Folder 13: 1-11 April 1900 1-11 April 1900 

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 1 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. to her mother. Mentions attending church services at Metropolitan Baptist Church with Lillian, Henry, and her father. Discusses a visit with “Mr. McLain” and his family.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [1 April 1900] 

Scope and Content

Written from the Varnum to her mother. Discusses trip to church at Metropolitan Baptist and visit with McLain family. Also discusses decision to stay at school until the end of the term but will not continue after that. Mentions Easter plans. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 2 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Responds to letters from her mother and sister. Discusses Easter clothes and plans for a possible visit from her mother.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 2 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to his wife. Discusses love for his wife and plans to see each other. Also discusses “Ship Subsidy” bill coming to the House of Representatives sometime in April from his committee. Wishes to make a speech on it. Responds to her letter from 31 March 1900 about fence building and other home matters. Envelope attached.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 2 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her sister. Discusses possible visit in April from Mamie and their mother. Updates her sister on health of father and brother. Also mentions weather, clothes, and meeting daughter of Mr. McLain. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight [2 April 1900] 

Scope and Content

Responding to Mamie’s letter. Discusses decision to stay at college until just before commencement.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 3 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. Discusses wedding of Nancy “Nannie” Gibson’s brother. Also discusses her art and feeling that she has not “done anything wonderful in art.” Mentions sending playbook of “Barbara Frietcher” in the mail. Envelope attached.

Letter from A.H. Taylor addressed to “My dear Madam” 3 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Bowling Green, KY to one of the Spight daughters. Discusses suit for “your mother” [Mary Virginia Barnett Spight?] and attached fabric samples.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 4 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her sister. Asks about lapse in letters from home. Discusses weather and trip to town

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [April 1900 ?] 

Scope and Content

Written to her mother. Complains about lack of new letters from home. Discusses weather and hopes everyone at home is healthy.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 4 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on House of Representatives letterhead to his wife. Discusses business matters and Lillian and Allie’s decision to only stay at school up until commencement. Also discusses plans for his wife and Mamie’s visit. Envelope attached.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 6 April 1900 

Scope and Content

House of Representatives envelope addressed to “Mrs. Thomas Spight” in Ripley, MS. Stamped in Washington, D.C.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 6 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to his wife. Discusses weather and wearing his “Chesterfield” suit. Envelope attached.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 7 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Envelope addressed to “Mrs. Thomas Spight” in Ripley, MS. Stamped in Washington, D.C.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 7 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Ripley, MS to her husband. Discusses household matters and her health.

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to his mother. Discusses family health and writing campaign letters. Mentions being anxious to get back to “Dixie land.”

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to his wife. Discusses her health. Also discusses activities of Lillian and Allie. Mentions plans for his wife’s trip to Washington. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [8 April 1900] 

Scope and Content

Written to her mother. Discusses her mother’s upcoming trip to Washington, D.C. Mentions plans to see “When We Were Twenty One,” starring Nat Goodwin and Maxine Elliot.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [8 April 1900] 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. Mentions her mother’s decision to postpone her trip to Washington. Discusses possible plans for the Easter holiday, including sight seeing or a trip to Atlantic City. Also discusses health of family and friends. Mentions clothes as well.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 9 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. Discusses health and activities of family and friends back home. Envelope attached.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight [9 April 1900] 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. to her sister. Discusses mother’s health. Also discusses the “Egg-rolling” at the White House for Easter, which she hopes to attend. Mentions weather and trip to Calvary Baptist church to hear “Dr. Greene” preach. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 9 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Ripley, MS to her husband. Discusses Allie and Lillian’s plans to leave school after commencement, which their mother agrees with. Also discusses possible visit to Washington, which might improve her health. Mentions bad storm in Ripley the night before which washed out the railroad. Also mentions a “joke” about Thomas Spight and a “bath-tub” appeared in the Commercial Appeal newspaper.

Letter from A.H. Taylor to “My dear Madam” [Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight] 9 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Bowling Green, KY. Includes a fabric sample. Discusses whether or not the fabric is suitable for a dress that Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight ordered. Mentions that a dress for Mary Virginia Barnett Spight is also being made. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 10 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to his wife. Responds to letter about her health. Discusses outbreak of diphtheria near the Varnum hotel, but says that precautions are being taken to prevent the spread of the disease. Envelope attached.

Letter from F. Menefee to “Mr. Spight” [Thomas Spight] 11 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to Thomas Spight. Discusses error in the bill that Menefee sent to Spight. Did not include a $200 credit. Envelope attached.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 11 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. Discusses her slim chances at getting into a water color class at the Corcoran. Also discusses her health and the weather in Washington, D.C. Mentions plans for an Easter painting and going to see Nat Goodwin and Maxine Elliott in “When we were Twenty One.” Envelope attached.

Folder 14: 12-18 April 1900 12-18 April 1900 

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 12 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to his wife. Responds to her letter of the 9th. Discusses family health and the small outbreak of diphtheria, which abated. Also discusses farm business. Mentions that he did not see the “joke” about him in the Commercial Appeal but saw it in a New Orleans paper and was subsequently picked up by the Sentinel. Claims there is “not a word of truth in it.” Envelope attached.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [12 April 1900] 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. to her mother. Received letter from Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight. Discusses plans to send “chicks” to the children back home. House of Representatives envelope attached.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 13 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her sister. Responds to her letter. Discusses Easter plans in Washington. Wanted to attend the “egg rolling” at the White House but was informed by her teachers that it was a “rowdy affair” and often attended by “negroes.” Still plans to go to see for herself.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight [13 April 1900?] 

Scope and Content

Written to her sister at 7 P.M. Discusses her health and the family’s activities. Mentions an engagement with “Miss Barton.” Also mentions “Mamie” and mother’s plans to visit Washington, D.C.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight [13 April 1900] 

Scope and Content

Written to her sister. Discusses Easter hats and wishing to be home for the holiday. Also discusses “Mamie” and mother’s trip to Washington, D.C. Wants to introduce “Mamie” to “Mr. Ford.” Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 14 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Ripley, MS to her husband. Responding to his letter of the 11th. Discusses Allie’s health and possibility that staying at school is harming her health. Also discusses funeral of “Uncle Coleman,” which was heavily attended by fellow Masons. Envelope attached.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 14 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her sister. Responding to her letter of the 12th. Mentions grief over “Uncle Coleman’s” death. Discusses going to the “Matinee” to see Nat Goodwin and Maxine Elliott in a play [“When We Were Twenty One”?] Also discusses Easter plans. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thoms Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 15 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to his wife. Responds to her letter of the 12th. Discusses missing home and his wife. Mentions Easter activities. Went to Metropolitan Methodist Church, which President McKinley attended. Allie also went to a Catholic Church that evening. Discusses gradual abatement of diphtheria. Mentions seeing that “Quo Vadis” is playing in Memphis and the family should go. Mentions constituent letters from DeSoto, Lafayette, and Panola counties. Envelope attached.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 16 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. Discusses Easter activities, including going to “McKinley’s church.” Mentions wanting to go to Catholic Easter service. Also discusses attending the “egg rolling” at the White House. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [16 April 1900] 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. Discusses Easter activities, including church services at President McKinley’s church, Metropolitan Methodist. Mentioned meeting a “Mr. Mitchell,” who she liked. Also discusses sightseeing around Washington, D.C.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 16 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to his wife. Responding to her letter of the 14th. Discusses Allie’s health. Also discusses plans for his wife’s visit.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 17 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to his wife. Mentions Allie and Lillian’s trip to the “egg rolling.” Discusses possible plans for his wife’s visit to Washington, D.C. Also discusses meeting with wife before her trip to accompany her on the journey. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 17 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Ripley, MS to her husband. Responding to his Easter letter. Discusses Easter at home. Discusses household issues, especially water for the cisterns. Also discusses missing her husband and children on Easter. Mentions family and friends at home.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginina Barnett Spight 17 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. Written as a note to be attached to Lillian’s letter. Tells her mother not to be uneasy about her health. Mentions Thomas Spight’s plans to visit Ripley the following week.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 18 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her sister. Discusses Mamie and mother’s plans to come to Washington, D.C. Also discusses Easter clothes and weather. Mentions sightseeing plans for when Mamie and their mother come to visit. Envelope attached.

Folder 15: 19-30 April 1900 19-30 April 1900 

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 19 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to his wife. Expresses disappointment in not hearing from his wife for a few days. Discusses the bad weather in the area around Washington, D.C. Also discusses his plans to return home the following week. Mentions diphtheria has left the city. Also mentions homesickness of Henry and himself. Wants to hear from his daughter Mattie’s children. Envelope attached.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 19 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. Mentions taking a “stroll in the woods nearby” the college with some other students and teachers. Discusses Mamie and her mother’s plans to visit. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginina Barnett Spight [19 April 1900] 

Scope and Content

Mentions receiving a letter from sister Mattie. Hopes that her mother and Mamie “really come soon.” Mentions the walk in the woods taken at the school. Discusses visit from “Miss Withers.”

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [20 April 1900] 

Scope and Content

Responding to her mother’s letter of the 18th. Describes activities from the weekend. Discusses diphtheria outbreak and having to stay at the college because of it. Mentions doing well in Latin and German classes. Asks mother to bring “summer hose” for her and to send waists and corset covers. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 20 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Ripley, Miss. to her husband. Responds to his letters of the 15th and 17th. Discusses her health and the weather. Hopes that her husband is on his way home. Feels troubled about possibly not being able to make the trip to Washington because of her health. Catches her husband up on family and friends back home.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 20 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her sister. Responding to letter of the 17th. Apologizes for not writing more descriptions of Easter services. Discusses “spring attire” and other clothing.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 20 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on the Merchant Marine and Fisheries letterhead to his wife. Discusses new diphtheria outbreak and death of young son of a fellow Congressman. Assures his wife he will be leaving the Varnum to stay at the same boarding house as Mr. McLain in order to avoid illness. Mentions he is postponing his trip home. Envelope attached.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 21 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. to her mother. Responds to her letter of the 18th. Apologizes for not writing more about Easter and blames it on a lack of talent for letter writing. Discusses her art work. Mentions the new diphtheria outbreak and the death of the Congressman’s son. Also discusses family health back home. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 21 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Discusses diphtheria outbreak and death of “Mrs. Loyd’s” son. Also discusses father moving boarding houses.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 22 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Committee on the Merchant Marine and Fisheries envelope addressed to “Mrs. Thomas Spight” in Ripley, Miss. Stamped in Washington, D.C.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 23 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Ripley, Miss. to her husband. Discusses Thomas Spight’s decision to move from the Varnum to another boarding house. Mentions Thomas Spight’s plans to come home at the end of the week. Also mentions family health and weather in Ripley.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 26 April 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on House of Representatives letterhead to his wife. Responds to her letter of the 23rd. Discusses plans to go home the next day. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [27 April 1900] 

Scope and Content

Discusses father’s trip home and possible trip by her mother and sister to come visit. Mentions Thomas Spight and Henry back at the Varnum.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight [27 April 1900] 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her sister. Discusses possible trip to Washington, D.C. by mother and sister. Mentions plans to see a show starring Viola Allen[?] and attend the “fete” at the college. Envelope attached.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [30 April 1900] 

Scope and Content

Mentions picnic the following day. Letter continued the following day. Discusses possible trip by her mother, sister, and brother [Lynn?] to come to Washington, D.C. on Thomas Spight’s return journey. Envelope attached.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [30 April 1900] 

Scope and Content

Tells mother not to worry about gingham dresses. Urges mother to come to Washington, D.C. with sister “Mamie.”

Folder 16: May – November 1900 May – Nov. 1900 

Letter from Thomas Spight to Lynn Spight 6 May 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on House of Representatives letterhead to his son. Updates Lynn on Mary Virginia Barnett Spight and Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight’s trip to Washington, D.C. Took trips to the Congressional Library and Calvary Baptist church. Expects Congress to adjourn mid June.

Envelope addressed to Lillian Spight 8 May 1900 

Scope and Content

Envelope addressed to “Miss Lillian Spight” care of The Varnum in Washington, D.C. Stamped in Ripley, Miss.

Envelope addressed to Mattie Spight 9 May 1900 

Letter to Mattie Spight from Lillian Spight [11 May 1900] 

Scope and Content

Discusses Mattie’s roses and clothes. Updates Mattie on family’s visit in Washington, D.C.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 13 May 1900 

Scope and Content

Envelope addressed to “Mrs. Thomas Spight” in Washington, D.C., care of The Varnum. Stamped in Ripley, Miss.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [illegible May 1900] 

Scope and Content

Envelope addressed to “Mrs. Thomas Spight” in Washington, D.C., care of The Varnum. Stamped in Ripley, Miss.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 14 May 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Ripley, Miss. to her mother in Washington D.C. Includes pressed flower. Discusses family, friends, and flora at home. Envelope included.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 16 May 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Ripley, Miss. to her mother in Washington, D.C. Updates her mother on news from home. Reminds her mother to get a picture done of the family while in Washington. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 15 May 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Ripley, Miss. to her mother in Washington, D.C. Hopes her mother’s health is improving. Discusses flowers and vegetables at home. Updates her mother on family and friends at home. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 18 May 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Ripley, Miss. to her mother in Washington, D.C. Discusses her mother’s activities in Washington and her health. Updates her mother on news from home.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 19 May 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Ripley, Miss. to her mother in Washington, D.C. Responds to her mother’s letter of the 16th. Updates her mother on news of family and friends.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 21 May 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Ripley, Miss. to her mother in Washington, D.C. Updates her mother on news of family and friends at home. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 24 May 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Ripley, Miss. to her mother in Washington, D.C. Updates her mother on family and friends in Ripley. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 28 May 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Ripley, Miss. to her mother in Washington, D.C. Responds to her mother’s letter of the 26th. Asks if solar eclipse was viewable in Washington. Updates her mother on news from home.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 29 May 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Ripley, Miss. to her mother in Washington, D.C. Mentions this will be the last letter Mattie sends to her mother since the family is coming back on June 4th. Discusses events going on locally, including Blue Mountain College commencement and a picnic at “White Springs.” Updates her mother on news of family and friends. Envelope attached.

Order form for Thomas Spight 29 May 1900 

Scope and Content

Order form of Thomas Spight at the Varnum Hotel for laundry services from Tolman Steam Laundry in Washington, D.C.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 31 August 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on House of Representatives letterhead to his wife. Discusses family health, activities in Washington, and matters at home related to fencing. Wishes his wife a happy birthday and reflects on their life together.

Letter from T. Menefee to Thomas Spight 8 November 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College. Discusses possible plans for Lillian and Allie to return to Washington College. Assures Thomas Spight that a choice room has opened up. Post script discusses the recent election.

Folder 17: December 1900 Dec. 1900 

Postcard from E. [Edward?] Hunter to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 2 December 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Memphis, Tenn. to “Mamie” Spight. Discusses order of clothes.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Allie Spight 3 December 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. to his daughter. Resonds to her letter of November 30th. Asks Allie to relay his directions to Henry about household business matters. Discusses Allie’s approval of new servants. Updates her on acquaintances in Washington.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 3 December 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on The Varnum letterhead to his wife. Discusses trip with Lynn to Washington. Discusses possible family visit to D.C. after the holidays. Describes changes to the hotel. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 6 December 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on The Varnum letterhead to his wife. Discusses death of “Chap Hines” [related to William Hines?].

Letter from Lynn Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 December 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from The Varnum to his mother. Updates his mother on activities in Washington, D.C.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 10 December 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on The Varnum letterhead to his wife. Discusses his poor health from a cold and fever. Responds to wife’s letter asking about his return home. States he won’t know until he hears about case from Pontotoc. Envelope attached.

Letter from Lynn Spight to Lillian Spight 11 December 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from The Varnum on House of Representatives letterhead to his sister. Discusses living at the hotel. Also discusses his father’s health. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 14 December 1900 

Scope and Content

Thanks her mother for the gift of a basket with “bonbons.”

Letter from “Jess.” to Lillian Spight 15 December 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Blue Mountain, Miss. on Blue Mountain College letterhead. Updates Lillian on activities and gossip at Blue Mountain.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 21 December 1900 

Scope and Content

Envelope addressed to “Miss Mamie Spight” in Ripley, Miss. from “Edward Hunter & Co. Importers of Dry Goods.”

Folder 18: 1900 - Undated 1900 - Undated 

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight date unknown 1900 

Scope and Content

Envelope addressed to “Mrs. Tho. Spight” at “The [illegible]”

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight date unknown 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to her mother. Discusses her father’s health and plans to leave the college. Asks her mother not to tell “outsiders” about Lillian and Allie’s plans to leave school.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight date unknown 1900 

Scope and Content

Discusses her feelings about Washington College and apologizes for seeming ungrateful for her opportunities.

List of song titles date unknown 1900 

Scope and Content

List of song titles and styles, including “Happy Day in Dixie” and “You’re Just a Little Nigger, Still You’se Mine.”

Letter fragment from [Lillian Spight?] to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight date unknown 1900 

Scope and Content

Written to her mother. Discusses plans for her mother’s possible visit to Washington, D.C.

Letter fragment from [Lillian Spight?] to [Mary Virginia Barnett Spight?] date unknown 1900 

Scope and Content

Discusses clothes.

Letter fragment from Lillian Spight to [Mary Virginia Barnett Spight?] date unknown 1900 

Scope and Content

Discusses some shopping in Washington, D.C. and going to see “Quo Vadis.”

Letter fragment from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight date unknown 1900 

Scope and Content

Passionately discusses their mother’s health.

Letter fragment from [Lillian Spight?] to [Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight?] date unknown 1900 

Scope and Content

Discusses plans for “Mamie” and mother’s trip to Washington, D.C.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight date unknown 1900 

Scope and Content

Informs her sister that they do not receive mail at the college on Sundays.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight date unknown 1900 

Scope and Content

Discusses activities in Washington and health of family members, especially her father who is back at home. Also discusses clothes.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight date unknown 1900 

Scope and Content

Discusses her mother’s health and plans to visit Henry at the hotel. Mentions her mother’s possible plans to visit. Also mentions German classes and clothes.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight date unknown 1900 

Scope and Content

Discusses clothes.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight date unknown 1900 

Scope and Content

Discusses activities in Washington, D.C., including shopping.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight date unknown 1900 

Scope and Content

Discusses seeing a matinee featuring Nat Goodwin and Maxine Elliot in “When We Were Twenty One.” Also discusses presents sent to Mattie Spight’s children. Asks about clothes.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight date unknown 1900 

Scope and Content

Promises to write a longer letter after she is done with “important studying.”

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight date unknown 1900 

Scope and Content

Expresses disappointment that “Mamie” and mother might not make it to Washington, D.C. by April 1. Discusses family activities in D.C.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight date unknown 1900 

Scope and Content

Asks about “Mamie” and mother’s plans to visit Washington, D.C. Also asks her mother to send food from home.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight date unknown [March?] 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. Discusses activities and sightseeing in Washington.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight date unknown 1900 

Scope and Content

Discusses her mother’s health and asks Mamie to update her frequently. Expresses disappointment that Mamie and mother could not visit Washington, D.C. for Easter. Discusses plans for their future trip.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight date unknown 1900 

Scope and Content

Discusses activities in Washington, including seeing various department buildings. Mentions clothes and shopping. Also discusses children of Mattie Spight.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight date unknown 1900 

Scope and Content

Discusses plans for Mamie and their mother’s visit to Washington, D.C. Also mentions decision to stay at Washington College until commencement.

Unfinished letter from [Lillian Spight] to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight date unknown 1900 

Scope and Content

Discusses clothes. Mentions Congress would be adjourning June 1st. Requests that the family could spend two weeks together in Washington, D.C. for sightseeing.

Folder 19: 1900 – Undated (2) 1900 – Undated  

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight date unknown 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. Discusses clothes. Mentions that Thomas Spight received flowers from the botanical gardens in Washington, D.C. which he sent to Lillian and Allie. Begs her mother to come visit Washington, D.C.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight date unknown 1900 

Scope and Content

Discusses Thomas Spight’s health and his trip home. Also discusses clothes. Mentions family friends taking civil service exams.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mattie Spight date unknown 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead. Discusses family health and activities at home and in Washington.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight date unknown 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead. Discuesses family health and activities in Washington, D.C. Mentions that Lillian and Allie are staying at the college while their father is away, not at the hotel.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight date unknown 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her sister. Discusses her views on going to church and Lillian’s habit of not wanting to attend church. Describes attending the “Chinese Reception” at the Chinese Legation’s building near the college. Also discusses family health and activities.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight date unknown 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. Discusses family’s health in Washington, D.C. Also discusses clothes. Mentions Allie’s work at the Corcoran and her art.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight date unknown 1900 

Scope and Content

Asks about her mother’s plans to come visit Washington, D.C.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight date unknown 1900 

Scope and Content

Discusses weather at home and in Washington, D.C. Mentions plans to take pictures with her father, brother, and sister. Asks about mother’s plans to visit Washington, D.C.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight date unknown 1900 

Scope and Content

Mentions seeing a matinee and enjoying plays. Discusses health of family, including sadness of hearing about death of “Uncle Coleman.”

Letter from Allie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight date unknown 1900 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington College to her mother. Expresses disappointment at not going to church. Asks her mother not to make the trip to Washington, D.C. until she is well.

Letter from Lillian Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight date unknown 1900 

Scope and Content

Discusses her mother’s health and some clothing matters. Also asks about family members back home. Mentions Easter plans. Very fragile letter, wrapped in paper.

Letter fragment from [Lillian Spight?] to [Mary Virginia Barnett Spight?] date unknown 1900 

Scope and Content

Discusses clothes for spring. Also discusses health of Thomas Spight. Also mentions news of friends back home.

Letter fragment from Lillian Spight to [Mary Virginia Barnett Spight?] date unknown 1900 

Scope and Content

Discusses weather and gardening back home. Asks about strawberries.

Letter fragment from Lillian Spight to [Mary Virginia Barnett Spight] date unknown 1900 

Scope and Content

Thanks her mother for sending “the nice things” she sent the family in Washington, D.C.

Folder 20: January 1901 January 1901 

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 6 January 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to his wife. Discusses her health. Writes that he feels “right envious” when he sees other Congressmen with their wives. Lynn is now in Washington, D.C. working with his father.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 8 January 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to his wife. Discusses her health and possible plans to visit Washington, D.C. Mentions business matters and news from home. Also mentions that the Congressional Apportionment bill passed, which increased the size of the House of Representatives from 357 to 386. The bill gave Mississippi one more member. Discusses plans to add one more district to Mississippi in the next session a year from now.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 10 January 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to his wife. Discusses news from home and business matters. Mentions the health of President McKinley.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 13 January 1901  

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to his wife. Discusses his activities for the day. Also discusses his possible trip to New Albany for court, despite some disease in that area, possibly smallpox. Mentions that Lynn will probably take some Calomal for an illness. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 14 January 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to his wife. Discusses some family financial matters.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 16 January 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to his wife. Complains about not receiving new letters from home. Discusses some financial matters and Lynn’s work. Mentions the court issue in New Albany. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 17 January 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to his wife. Responds to his wife’s letters. Discusses news of family and friends. Also discusses family business matters and political activities in Washington. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 19 January 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to his wife. Responds to her letters. Discusses court issues in New Albany. Mentions how much he misses his wife. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 20 January 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to his wife. Responds to her letters. Expresses his longing for his wife. Discusses plans to go to New Albany court. Also discusses news from home. Mentions Queen Victoria and the Boer War, which Thomas Spight calls “cruel.” Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 21 January 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to his wife. Responds to her letter. Expresses love for his wife. Mentions possible trip home for court. Envelope attached.

Letter from J.L. Power to Thomas Spight 21 January 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Jackson, MS on Office of Secretary of State letterhead to Thomas Spight in Washington, D.C. Thanks Thomas Spight for a copy of Spight’s speech. Suggests that he might run the speech in a newspaper. Includes note from Thomas Spight on bottom of letter, possibly to his wife or other family member to whom he forwarded the letter.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 22 January 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to his wife. Discusses his health and a possible illness that he refers to as “Grippe.” Might delay his trip home due to his health, but promises to take care of himself. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 23 January 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to his wife. Responds to her letters. Discusses his health and improvement. Mentions plans to return home. Also mentions death of Queen Victoria. Discusses compliments on his speech from “Will Cox” and “Maj. Strickland.” Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 24 January 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to his wife. Responds to her letter. Discusses his health and improvement. Also discusses news from family and friends.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Thomas Spight 30 January 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Ripley, MS to her husband in New Albany, MS. Discusses her husband’s health. Expresses gratitude that her husband is so close by. Mentions issues with rheumatism. Envelope attached.

Folder 21: February – April 1901 Feb. – Apr. 1901 

Envelope addressed to Thomas Spight 23 February 1901 

Scope and Content

Envelope addressed to “Mr. Thos. Spight” at the Varnum in Washington, D.C. Stamped in Washington, D.C.

Letter from Allie Spight to Mattie Spight 24 February 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. to her sister in Ripley, MS. Expresses condolences over Mattie’s dead bird. Discusses pictures that were made of Mattie’s children. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Virginia Barnett Spight to Mattie Spight 25 February 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to her daughter in Ripley, MS. Tells her daughter not to grieve over her dead bird. Updates her daughter on the family’s visit in Washington.

Telegram from A.B. Andrews to Thomas Spight 26 February 1901 

Scope and Content

Telegram sent from A.B. Andrews in Raleigh, NC to Thomas Spight in the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. Informs Spight that “pass” was sent to son [Henry?] in Ripley, MS.

Letter from Mary Simpson to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 1 March 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Petersburg, VA to Mamie Spight in Washington, D.C. Apologizes for not being able to meet Mamie and the Spight family while they are in Washington, D.C. because she is recovering from “Grippe.” Envelope and calling card attached.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 1 March 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Ripley, MS to her mother in Washington, D.C. Updates her mother on news from home, including weather, gardening, and news of friends.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Lillian Spight 4 March 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Ripley, MS to her sister in Washington, D.C. Updates her sister on news from home, including gardening and news of friends. Envelope attached.

Envelope addressed to Thomas Spight 6 March 1901 

Scope and Content

Addressed to “Hon. Thomas Spight & family,” in Ripley, MS. Stamped in Washington, D.C.

Invitation from Washington College 11 March 1901 

Scope and Content

Invitation to a recital at Washington College by the pupils of Miss Anna Webb of the School of Dramatic Arts.

Letter from Elise Featherstun to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [20 March 1901] 

Scope and Content

Written from Holly Springs, MS to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight in Ripley, MS on United Daughters of the Confederacy letterhead. Discusses Spight’s agreement to start a UDC chapter in Ripley, MS. Envelope attached.

Letter from Hester Whitten to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [26 April 1901] 

Scope and Content

Written to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight in Ripley, MS. Discusses sewing supplies. Envelope attached.

Folder 22: May 1901 May 1901 

Letter from Brooks Harmon to Thomas Spight 21 May 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from New Albany, MS to “Thomas Spight & family.” Expresses condolences about the death of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight. Envelope attached.

Letter from “Nattie” to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 22 May 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Memphis, TN to “Cousin Mamie” in Ripley, MS. Expresses condolences about the death of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight. States that she will “wear a crown of many stars.” Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary Ratleff to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 23 May 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Raymond, MS to “Mamie” in Ripley, MS. Expresses condolences for the death of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight. Envelope attached.

Letter from “Ana Lou S.” [Spight?] to Thomas Spight 23 May 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Decatur, AL to “Capt. Thomas Spight” in Ripley, MS. Conveys condolences over the death of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight. Envelope attached.

Letter from J.A. Hooper to Thomas Spight 23 May 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Sardis, MS to “Capt. Thomas Spight” in Ripley, MS. Conveys condolences over the death of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight. Envelope attached.

Letter from A.H. Ellett to Thomas Spight 23 May 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Blue Mountain, MS to “Hon. Thos. Spight” in Ripley, MS. Conveys condolences over the death of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight. Envelope attached.

Letter from M. Alexander to Thomas Spight 23 May 1901 

Scope and Content

Written to “Cousin Tom & family.” Conveys condolences over the death of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight.

Telegraph message from E.J. Mathews to Thomas Spight 23 May 1901 

Scope and Content

Telegraph message from E.J. Matthews delivered by R.J. Shannon, Dealer in Dry Goods, Notions, Fine Groceries, and General Merchandise in Ripley, MS to Thomas Spight. Sent from Holly Springs, MS. Expresses condolences over the death of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight.

Telegraph message from R.A. McWilliams to Thomas Spight 23 May 1901 

Scope and Content

Telegraph message from R.A. McWilliams delivered by R.J. Shannon, Dealer in Dry Goods, Notions, Fine Groceries, and General Merchandise in Ripley, MS to Thomas Spight. Sent from Holly Springs, MS. Expresses condolences over the death of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight.

Telegraph message from J.W. Stephenson to Thomas Spight 23 May 1901 

Scope and Content

Telegraph message from J.W. Stephenson delivered by R.J. Shannon, Dealer in Dry Goods, Notions, Fine Groceries, and General Merchandise in Ripley, MS to Thomas Spight. Sent from Holly Springs, MS. Expresses condolences over the death of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight.

Letter from “Arthur & Mrs. Graham” to Thomas Spight 23 May 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Cotton Plant, MS to “Capt. Spight & family.” Expresses sympathy for the death of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight.

Envelope addressed to Thomas Spight 23 May 1901 

Scope and Content

Envelope addressed to “Capt. Tom Spight” in Ripley, MS. Stamped in [Middleton?] TN.

Copy of telegraph message from J.W. Stephenson to Thomas Spight 23 May 1901 

Scope and Content

Copy of telegraph message sent from J.W. Stephenson in Holly Springs, MS to Thomas Spight in Ripley, MS. Expresses sorrow over the death of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight.

Copy of telegraph message from E.J. Mathews to Thomas Spight 23 May 1901 

Scope and Content

Copy of telegraph message sent from E.J. Mathews in Holly Springs, MS to Thomas Spight in Ripley, MS. Sends condolences over the death of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight.

Telegraph message from “Mr. & Mrs. L.B. Mosley” to Thomas Spight 23 May 1901 

Scope and Content

Telegraph message sent from “Mr. & Mrs. L.B. Mosley” in Holly Springs, MS to Thomas Spight in Ripley, MS. Conveys sympathy over the death of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight.

Letter from Willy Ford to Thomas Spight 23 May 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Holly Springs, MS on Headquarters Second Brigade Mississippi Division, U.C.V. [United Confederate Veterans] letterhead to Thomas Spight. Expresses regret and sympathy over the death of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight. Envelope attached.

Letter from J.N. McMillin to Thomas Spight 23 May 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Hattiesburg, MS to Thomas Spight. Expresses sympathy over the death of “Sister Spight” [Mary Virginia Barnett Spight]. Envelope attached.

Letter from E.S. Candler, Jr. to Thomas Spight 23 May 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Corinth, MS on House of Representatives letterhead to Thomas Spight. Extends sympathy to Thomas Spight and his family over the death of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight. Envelope attached.

Letter from A.H. Longino to Thomas Spight 23 May 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Governor Andrew H. Longino in Jackson, MS on Executive Department letterhead to Thomas Spight. Expresses regret over the death of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight. Envelope attached.

Letter from Eugene N. Hill to Thomas Spight 24 May 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Booneville, MS to Thomas Spight. Extends sympathy over the death of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight. Envelope attached.

Letter from “Mrs. A.M. Owen” to “Friends” [Spight Family] 24 May 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Corinth, MS to Spight Family. Expresses shock and sympathy over the death of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight.

Letter from A.C. Anderson to Thomas Spight 24 May 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Dumas, MS to Thomas Spight. Conveys regret and sympathy over the death of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight.

Envelope addressed to Thomas Spight 24 May 1901 

Scope and Content

Envelope addressed to “Hon. Thos. Spight & [Family]” in Ripley, MS. Stamped in University, MS.

Letter from “Auntie” to Thomas Spight [24 May 1901] 

Scope and Content

Written from Ingomar, MS to Thomas Spight. Expresses sadness over the death of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight. Especially regretful over the impact on the Spight children. Envelope attached.

Letter from L.M. Hunt to Thomas Spight 25 May 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from University of Mississippi on University of Mississippi letterhead to Thomas Spight and children. Expresses sympathy over the death of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight.

Letter from L.P. Cassitt to Thomas Spight 25 May 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Blue Mountain, MS to Thomas Spight. Conveys sympathy over the death of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight. Envelope attached.

Letter from Minnie Owen to “Misses Spight” [Mattie Spight, Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight, Allie Spight, and Lillian Spight?] [27 May 1901] 

Scope and Content

Written from New Albany, MS to the Spight daughters. Expresses sympathy for the loss of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight. Envelope attached.

Letter from “Dr. Neil Thurman Chatham” to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 27 May 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Charlotte, NC to Mamie Spight in Ripley, MS. Expresses condolences over the death of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight. Envelope attached.

Envelope addressed to Thomas Spight 27 May 1901 

Scope and Content

Envelope addressed to Thomas Spight in Ripley, MS. Sent from “Mrs. A.M. Owen” in Corinth, MS.

Letter from Corrie M. Hall to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 27 May 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from New Albany, MS on Office of D.H. Hall letterhead to Mamie Spight. Expresses shock and grief over the death of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight. Mentions her own longing for a mother. Envelope attached.

Letter from Anna Murry to Allie Spight 29 May 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Hico, TX to Allie Spight. Expresses condolences over the death of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight. Envelope attached.

Letter from B.G. Lowrey to Thomas Spight 29 May 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Blue Mountain, MS on Blue Mountain Female College letterhead to Thomas Spight. Expresses sympathy for the death of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight. Discusses decision to “release” Thomas Spight from his arrangement to give a commencement address at the school.

Letter from J.W. Allen to Thomas Spight 31 May 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Booneville, MS on personal letterhead to Thomas Spight. Expresses sympathy over the death of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight. Lists appropriate Bible passages for death and bereavement. Envelope attached.

Folder 23: June – Dec. 1901 June – Dec. 1901 

Letter from Edna Earle Sims to “Misses Spight” [Mattie Spight, Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight, Allie Spight, and Lillian Spight?] 6 June 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Linden, TN to the Spight daughters in Ripley, MS. Conveys grief over the death of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight.

Letter from Virginia A. [Reid?] to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 9 June 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Charleston, SC to Mamie Spight in Ripley, MS. Expresses condolences over the death of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight. Discusses Mrs. Spight’s “friendliness.” Envelope attached.

Letter from J.W. Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 10 June 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Durhamville, TN to her neice. Expresses sympathy over the loss of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight. Asks Mamie to console her father. Discusses family that attended a “reunion” in Memphis.

Letter from Kathleen Long to Thomas Spight 12 June 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Cordova, AL to Thomas Spight. Expresses sympathy over the death of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight. Envelope attached.

Letter from Pat Henry to Thomas Spight 14 June 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Brandon, MS on U.S. House of Representatives letterhead to Thomas Spight. Expresses sympathy for the death of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight. Envelope attached.

Letter from Mary L. Simpson to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 24 June 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Petersburg, VA. Expresses “deep sorrow” over the loss of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight. Envelope attached.

Letter from “Lowrey & Berry,” Proprietors of Blue Mountain Female College to [?] 30 July 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Blue Mountain, MS, addressed to “Dear Miss.” Describes Blue Mountain Female College, including its location and amenities.

Letter from Virginia A. Reid to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 9 August 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Sullivan’s Island, SC to Mamie Spight. Responds to her letter. Discusses her imminent trip back to Waco, TX and apologizes that she will not be able to visit Mamie on her way back. Reminisces about Mamie and her family’s visit to see Virginia and her family in Charleston. Describes Sullivan’s Island. Envelope attached.

Letter from “Nattie” to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 20 August 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Memphis, TN to “cousin Mamie & all.” Discusses trip to “Cousin Emma’s.” Complains about the condition in which renters left their home. Describes trip to Jackson.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 9 December 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on Invalid Pensions letterhead to his daughter. Updates Mamie on the family’s health in Washington, D.C. Asks about family business back home.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 9 December 1901 

Scope and Content

U.S. House of Representatives envelope addressed to Mamie Spight in Ripley, MS. Stamped in Washington, D.C.

Folder 24: 1901 – Undated 1901 - Undated 

Envelope addressed to Thomas Spight date unknown 1901 

Scope and Content

Mississippi House of Representatives envelope addressed to Thomas Spight.

Letter from Mary Alice [Drave?] to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight date unknown 1901 

Scope and Content

Written from Blue Mountain, MS. Conveys sympathy over death of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight. Discusses her plans to travel back home to Winona. Asks Mamie to tell Lillian about her trip back to Winona so that they can continue corresponding. Envelope attached.

Folder 25: 1902 1902 

Letter from William T. Hines to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight [1902] 

Scope and Content

Written to his aunt. Asks her to give his love to “Aunt Lillian.”

Letter from “Auntie [?]” to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 13 January 1902 

Scope and Content

Discusses weather, health, and daily activities. Also discusses her thoughts on heaven and dying.

Letter from Mattie Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 22 April 1902 

Scope and Content

Written from Ripley, MS to her sister in Atlanta, GA. Discusses Mamie’s visit with Mrs. Simpson. Mentions visiting cemetery, possibly to visit their mother’s grave. Updates her sister on other news in town. Envelope attached.

Letters from Thomas Spight to Virginia Hines and Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 17 December 1902 

Scope and Content

Two letters written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on War Claims and Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries letterhead, respectively. First letter addressed to granddaughter Virginia. Thanks her for letter and kiss. Second letter addressed to Mamie Spight. Mentions that he forgot Lillian’s birthday on the 13th. Discusses Christmas matters. Envelope attached.

Folder 26: 1903 1903 

Copy of invitation from “President and Mrs. Roosevelt” to “The Misses Spight” [5 February 1903] 

Scope and Content

Copy of invitation sent from President Theodore Roosevelt and Mrs. Roosevelt to “The Misses Spight” for a reception at the White House on the fifth of February.

Folder 27: 1905 1905 

Letter from Henry Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 3 February 1905 

Scope and Content

Written from Ripley, MS on Spight and Spight, Attorneys at Law letterhead to his sister. Updates his sister on weather, news in town, and his activities. Discusses joining a “Booklover’s Club.” Also asks his sister to mail some sheet music if she finds anything she thinks is pretty.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Lynn Spight 1 December 1905 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Hotel Varnum letterhead to his son. Discusses decision to stay at the Varnum again. Did not like The Driscoll because there were no southern people there and he did not think “the girls” would enjoy it. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Allie Spight 7 December 1905 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on House of Representatives letterhead to his daughter. Discusses Allie’s future visit to Washington, D.C. and issue with hotel. Mentions “Mother Thida,” his second wife. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 12 December 1905 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on House of Representatives letterhead to his daughter. Discusses the anniversary of his marriage to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight. Reminisces about their life together and expresses regret for “every harsh word” he ever spoke. Also mentions Lillian’s and Mattie’s birthdays coming up. Envelope attached.

Card from Office of the Sup’t Folding Room, Doorkeeper’s Dept., House of Representatives 15 December 1905 

Scope and Content

Card given to members of the House of Representatives detailing distribution of the Congressional Directory.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 16 December 1905 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on House of Representatives letterhead to his daughter. Discusses travel plans for returning home. Congratulates Mamie on raising $100 for “monument fund” at her bazaar. Also discusses buying Christmas presents. Envelope attached.

Folder 28: 1906 1906 

Letter from Nancy Gibson to Allie Spight [20 April 1906] 

Scope and Content

Written from DeWitt, AR on James A. Gibson, Attorney at Law letterhead. Discusses clothes and sewing patterns.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 20 April 1906 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on War Claims letterhead to his daughter. Discusses business at home and buying clothes. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 22 May 1906 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on War Claims letterhead to his daughter. Discusses the anniversary of Mary Virginia Barnett Spight’s death. Envelope attached.

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 9 December 1906 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries letterhead to his daughter. Mentions “Mother Thida,” his second wife. Discusses Christmas travel plans and difficulty thinking of presents to buy. Also discusses having to go back to Congress after Christmas to debate the “Ship Subsidy Bill.”

Folder 29: 1907 1907 

Letter from Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight 31 January 1907 

Scope and Content

Written from Washington, D.C. on Committee on War Claims letterhead to his daughter. Discusses health in Washington and of family at home. Mentions reception at the White House. Also discusses the hotel he is staying at and other Congressional members. Envelope attached.

Folder 30; 1912 1912 

Letter from “Winnie” to Allie Spight 29 January 1912 

Scope and Content

Written from Tupelo, MS. Discusses Spight genealogy project. Mentions President Polk and “Senator Spight”

Folder 31: 1922-1924 1922-1924 

Envelope addressed to Allie Spight 17 April 1922 

Scope and Content

Envelope addressed to Allie Spight in Ripley, MS. Stamped in Seminary Hill, TX.

Envelope addressed to Thomas Spight 23 February 1922 

Scope and Content

Envelope addressed to “Capt & Mrs. Tho. Spight” in Ripley, MS. Stamped in Seminary Hill, TX.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia “Mamie” Spight and Allie Spight 11 January 1924 

Scope and Content

Envelope addressed to “Mrs. and Misses Mamie and Allie Spight” in Ripley, MS. Stamp illegibile. Hand-written note on front of envelope that reads “answered.”

Letter from Lillian Spight to Allie Spight [23 February 1922] 

Scope and Content

Thanks her sister for the flowers she sent with her last letter. Discusses clothes. Mentions making coffee at home in an electric percolater with Maxwell House coffee, which she refers to as a “good brand.”

Letter from Lillian Spight to Thomas Spight and Thida Spight [23 February 1922] 

Scope and Content

Discusses weather where she is [Seminary Hill, TX?]. Thanks “Mother Thida” for the bed linens that she sent. Also discusses trying to join a church where she is currently living.

Letter from L.R. Scarborough to Jefferson Davis Ray 7 June 1922 

Scope and Content

Written from Seminary Hill, TX on Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary letterhead to Jefferson Davis Ray. Reminisces about their friendship. Discusses church matters.