Spight Collection

MUM00752

Folder 1: Blank Envelopes 

Scope and Content

Assorted blank and undated envelopes

Folder 3: Miscellaneous Envelopes (1 of 3) 

Scope and Content

Assorted envelopes with no date

Folder 5: Miscellaneous Envelopes (3 of 3) 

Scope and Content

Assorted envelopes with no date. Continued from previous folder.

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.

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 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 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 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

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

Scope and Content

Letter discusses local news.

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 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 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.

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 [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 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 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 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 [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 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 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 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 31 July 1862 

Scope and Content

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

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.

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 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.

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

Scope and Content

Love letter.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Mattie Barnett date unknown 

Scope and Content

Regarding life 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 Thomas Spight date unkown 

Scope and Content

Account of a battle and troop movements.

Song or poem date unknown 

Scope and Content

Version of “The Bonnie Blue Flag”

Letter fragment date unknown 

Scope and Content

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

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.

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 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 [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 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 [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 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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.”

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 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 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 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 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 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 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

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 [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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 "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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 "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.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 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.

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 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 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 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 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.

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 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?].

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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.

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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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. He writes of being reminded of her when he sees other young girls.

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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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."

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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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; 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 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 [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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 [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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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?]

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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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; 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 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 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 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.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [day unknown] May 1886 

Scope and Content

Addressed to Spight in Ripley, Missisippi.

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 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 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 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.

Envelope addressed to Thomas Spight 8 May 1886 

Scope and Content

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

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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 10 June 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. Mentions his improving health and the weather.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 [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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 11 December 1886 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Water Valley, Mississippi, to his wife. Regarding his return.

Envelope addressed to Thomas Spight 1886 

Scope and Content

Addressed to Spight in Coffeeville, 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 “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.

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 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 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.

Envelope addressed to Thomas Spight 16 August 1887 

Scope and Content

Sent from Ripley, Mississippi, to Spight in New Albany, Mississippi.

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 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. 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 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 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 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. 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

Envelopes addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 1887 

Scope and Content

Five envelopes addressed to Spight in Ripley, 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.

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 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 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 health and his work in court, including the election case. Discusses encounters with acquaintances.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 25 February 1888 

Scope and Content

Addressed to Spight in Ripley, Mississippi.

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 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 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 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 2 July 1888 

Scope and Content

Written by Spight in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to his wife. Discusses the train, a barbecue, and work.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight [date unknown] 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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 31 October 1888 

Scope and Content

Addressed to Spight in Ripley, Mississippi, from Water Valley, Mississippi.

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.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 11 December 1888 

Scope and Content

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

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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

Receipt of payment from A.G. Barnett 12 April 1889  

Scope and Content

$6.30 paid in full to Hunter Bros.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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.

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 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 Mamie Spight to Lillian Spight date unknown 1889 

Scope and Content

Asks about friends and acquaintances. Discusses flowers, children, and family.

Note from [Hattie] date unknown 1889 

Scope and Content

Asks for “cousins Mattie, Mamie, Allie, + Lynn” to stay with them longer.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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.

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 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 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 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.

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 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 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.

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 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 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.

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 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 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 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 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.

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. 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 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 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.

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.

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 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 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.

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] 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 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 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.

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 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 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.

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 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 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.

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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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 “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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

Envelope addressed to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 25 October 1891 

Scope and Content

Addressed to “Mrs. Tho. Spight” in Ripley, Mississippi.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Envelope addressed to Lillian Spight 20 January 1896 

Scope and Content

Addressed to “Miss. Lillian Spight” in Ripley, Mississippi. From Maxwell, Mississippi.

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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 “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 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.

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 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.

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 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 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.

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.

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 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.

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 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 “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 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.

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 “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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 “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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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 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 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.

Wedding announcement 14 July 1898 

Scope and Content

Announces the marriage of James Hugh Moore and Anna Anfield Edmunds in Evansville, Indiana.

Envelope addressed to Thomas Spight 24 September 1898 

Scope and Content

Addressed to “Capt. Tho. Spight” in Holly Springs, Miss. Stamped in Ripley, Miss.

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.

Wedding announcement 23 November 1898 

Scope and Content

Announces the marriage of Carrie Hines to William Eugene McClamrock in Ripley, MS.

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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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.”

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 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 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 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.

Envelope addressed to Thomas Spight 30 January 1899 

Scope and Content

Addressed to “Hon. Thomas Spight” in Washington, D.C.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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 [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.

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 18 April 1899 

Scope and Content

Addressed to “Capt. Tho. Spight” in Coffeeville, Miss.

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.

Calling card from Miss Ida Brillinger May 1899 

Scope and Content

Charleston, S.C.

Marriage announcement 3 May 1899 

Scope and Content

Lula Fitzpatrick married Dr. Thomas Wilson Smith in New Albany, MS.

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 [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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 “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 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 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.

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 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.

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 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 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.

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 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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 “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 “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.

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 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 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 “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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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.

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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 “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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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.

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 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.

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 “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 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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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.

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.

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 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 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 “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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Thomas Spight to Mary Virginia Barnett Spight 16 April 1900