[Letter from Mrs. Watts to Effie Watts, November 27, 1860] (open access)

[Letter from Mrs. Watts to Effie Watts, November 27, 1860]

Letter from Mrs. Watts, to her daughter, Effie Watts discussing how she not only misses her but her other children as well and wishes for their safety. She wonders how Effie and the people in Texas think of Lincoln being elected as the next president. Mrs. Watts also updates Effie on the situation back home.
Date: November 27, 1860
Creator: Watts, Mrs.
System: The Portal to Texas History
[Letter from Annie Watts Winston to Effie Watts, June 20, 1860] (open access)

[Letter from Annie Watts Winston to Effie Watts, June 20, 1860]

Letter from Annie Watts Winston, to her sister, Effie Watts discussing her being upset with Effie, for leaving so quickly to a hot state such as Texas. Everyone back home was distressed of her leave, illness struck little Johnnie, and a few family members put some pounds on. All of the fruits grew nicely back home.
Date: May 20, 1860
Creator: Winston, Annie Watts
System: The Portal to Texas History
[Letter from Jeanette Rector to Kenner K. Rector, April 16, 1860] (open access)

[Letter from Jeanette Rector to Kenner K. Rector, April 16, 1860]

Letter from Jeanette Rector, to her brother, Kenner K. Rector discussing how her school is flourishing, that she's learning a lot, and that she caught a cold like other students did. She sends her love back home and would love a letter from John as well.
Date: April 16, 1860
Creator: Rector, Jeanette
System: The Portal to Texas History
[Letter from John B. Rector to Kenner K. Rector, March 4, 1861] (open access)

[Letter from John B. Rector to Kenner K. Rector, March 4, 1861]

Letter from John B. Rector, to his brother, Kenner K. Rector discussing if Kenner has sold any lumber or not. For John feels as though doing a trade with him, he'll have a better advantage with the lumber. Pa sent him $10.00.
Date: March 4, 1861
Creator: Rector, John B.
System: The Portal to Texas History
[Letter from Mrs. Watts to John Watts, August 2, 1861] (open access)

[Letter from Mrs. Watts to John Watts, August 2, 1861]

Letter from Mrs. Watts, to her son, John Watts discussing how the mail has been irregular lately but she got his and Effie's letter at night. Victories have been made yet with the cost of a large number of soldiers being sick. She's grateful they won't have famine, Perry wasn't sent to war, and happy John's family is well.
Date: August 2, 1861
Creator: Watts, Mrs.
System: The Portal to Texas History
[Letter from Kenner K. Rector to Effie Watts, September 9, 1861] (open access)

[Letter from Kenner K. Rector to Effie Watts, September 9, 1861]

Letter from Kenner K. Rector to Effie Watts discussing how writing to her is the only thing that brings him delight. The other men visited Galveston, not much has happened here, but several more companies will join us soon. Since half of the rangers are here.
Date: September 9, 1861
Creator: Rector, Kenner K.
System: The Portal to Texas History
[Letter from Kenner K. Rector to Effie Watts, October 15, 1861] (open access)

[Letter from Kenner K. Rector to Effie Watts, October 15, 1861]

Letter from Kenner K. Rector to Effie Watts discussing how they were close to their destination but were sent to another state. He still awaits a letter from her after sending her sheet music from New Orleans.
Date: October 15, 1861
Creator: Rector, Kenner K.
System: The Portal to Texas History
[Letter from Kenner K. Rector to Effie Watts, October 22, 1861] (open access)

[Letter from Kenner K. Rector to Effie Watts, October 22, 1861]

Letter from Kenner K. Rector to Effie Watts discussing the build up and reinforcement of troops in his area and the likely upcoming battle between the Confederate forces and the Union forces. He additionally mentions that the Confederates accidentally blew up a magnificent rail road bridge on the Green River.
Date: October 22, 1861
Creator: Rector, Kenner K.
System: The Portal to Texas History
[Letter from Kenner K. Rector to Effie Watts, November 17, 1861] (open access)

[Letter from Kenner K. Rector to Effie Watts, November 17, 1861]

Letter from Kenner K. Rector to Effie Watts discussing how anxious he is to hear from her, because he has not yet received anything from her for a while. He believes that it is unlikely for any engagement to happen between the Confederates and Union forces in Kentucky, but he is not certain of his prediction because he isn't receiving much accurate information.
Date: November 17, 1861
Creator: Rector, Kenner K.
System: The Portal to Texas History
[Letter from Kenner K. Rector to Effie Watts, December 7, 1861] (open access)

[Letter from Kenner K. Rector to Effie Watts, December 7, 1861]

Letter from Kenner K. Rector to Effie Watts discussing how the camp has been moved but now have active service with scouting, doing all the picket guard, and holding the outpost. Even with the move and being in service there's a sickness going around that's deadly. It's late, nothing more to inform.
Date: December 7, 1861
Creator: Rector, Kenner K.
System: The Portal to Texas History
[Letter from Ms. Watts to Effie Watts, December 16, 1861] (open access)

[Letter from Ms. Watts to Effie Watts, December 16, 1861]

Letter from Ms. Watts, to her sister, Effie Watts discussing that in the mountains everyone is safe since there so high up. Even with being high up in the cold, with not much fire, they still received news of Charleston, South Carolina having a fire.
Date: December 16, 1861
Creator: Watts, Ms.
System: The Portal to Texas History
[Letter from Mrs. Watts to Effie Watts, January 17, 1862] (open access)

[Letter from Mrs. Watts to Effie Watts, January 17, 1862]

Letter from Mrs. Watts to Effie Watts discussing the delight she felt in receiving Effie's letters, for she loves writing. Tells Effie she doesn't dream of her or her children and how a fire started at Monticello House. Everyone sends love from home and wonders how her husband an child are.
Date: January 17, 1862
Creator: Watts, Mrs.
System: The Portal to Texas History
[Letter from Kenner K. Rector to Effie Watts, January 20th, 1862] (open access)

[Letter from Kenner K. Rector to Effie Watts, January 20th, 1862]

letter from Kenner K. Rector to Effie Watts discussing him being cared for in a private house since he became sickly. No one knows when the fighting will occur at Bowling Green, over 100,000 confederate soldiers there now, and some citizens have volunteered to fight. Kenner is still wondering where her letter is.
Date: January 20, 1862
Creator: Rector, Kenner K.
System: The Portal to Texas History
[Letter from Mrs. Watts to John Watts, February 28, 1862] (open access)

[Letter from Mrs. Watts to John Watts, February 28, 1862]

Letter from Mrs. Watts to her son, John Watts, discussing that times are rough currently, but she is hoping things will get better so she can see everyone again.
Date: February 28, 1862
Creator: Watts, Mrs.
System: The Portal to Texas History
[Letter from Annie Watts Winston to John Watts, February 2, 1862] (open access)

[Letter from Annie Watts Winston to John Watts, February 2, 1862]

Letter from Annie Watts Winston to John Watts discussing the illness she's come down with that hasn't gone away for two seasons now. She wishes Effie was at home and safe instead of in Texas, where it obviously isn't safe with all the fighting going on.
Date: February 2, 1862
Creator: Watts, Annie
System: The Portal to Texas History
[Letter from Kenner K. Rector to Effie Watts, April 16, 1862] (open access)

[Letter from Kenner K. Rector to Effie Watts, April 16, 1862]

Letter from Kenner K. Rector to Effie Watts discussing the surprise victory in the Battle of Shiloh, and both armies are using all of there strength in the battle. Managed to acquire supplies when the enemy left a camp in confusion but they were able to capture a few who seemed wanting out of the war. More recruits are arriving and he sends his thanks as well as John, for the sock she sent them.
Date: April 16, 1862
Creator: Rector, Kenner K.
System: The Portal to Texas History
[Letter from Kenner K. Rector to Effie Watts, June 16, 1862] (open access)

[Letter from Kenner K. Rector to Effie Watts, June 16, 1862]

Letter from Kenner K. Rector to Effie Watts, discussing how the Yankees turned the tables on them. By making the rangers retreat for days not able to cross the river, with barely any food to eat to where mush had to be created. Continued killing or capturing the enemy and not much news from Texas so it worries him.
Date: June 12, 1862
Creator: Rector, Kenner K.
System: The Portal to Texas History
[Letter from Mrs. Watts to John Watts, August 3, 1862] (open access)

[Letter from Mrs. Watts to John Watts, August 3, 1862]

Letter from Mrs. Watts, to her son, John Watts discussing the whereabouts of the enemy in near by areas. She wishes it would all be over for far to many are wounded or sick. Typhoid fever is going about and she really wishes her son would have more faith. Religion is important to her an she doesn't want her children not being able to get into heaven. She asks John again to let God into his life.
Date: August 3, 1862
Creator: Watts, Mrs.
System: The Portal to Texas History
[Letter from Kenner K. Rector to Effie Watts, August 11, 1862] (open access)

[Letter from Kenner K. Rector to Effie Watts, August 11, 1862]

Letter from Kenner K. Rector to Effie Watts discussing how letters from Texas aren't coming in. Since the Mississippi River isn't cleared yet. Stores with needed supplies got burnt but they still move forward to fight in Murfreesboro.
Date: August 11, 1862
Creator: Rector, Kenner K.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Letter from Kenner K. Rector to Effie Watts, November 2, 1862 (open access)

Letter from Kenner K. Rector to Effie Watts, November 2, 1862

Letter from Kenner K. Rector to Effie Watts discussing how the fighting with the enemy seems nonstop. Fighting appears everyday to him, from field fights to skirmishes. He wants it to end and wants to hear news from Effie about Texas.
Date: November 2, 1862
Creator: Rector, Kenner K.
System: The Portal to Texas History
[Letter from John B. Rector to Kenner K. Rector, July 4, 1863] (open access)

[Letter from John B. Rector to Kenner K. Rector, July 4, 1863]

Letter from John B. Rector, to his brother, Kenner K. Rector discussing the awful weather in Tennessee while dealing with the enemy. He explains the whole battle of how separate groups were on the battleground; he hopes Kenner's arm heals quickly. John warns his brother to not come back to battle, for nothing good is waiting for him. He's starving, in need of sleep, and wishes he was home.
Date: April 4, 1863
Creator: Rector, John B.
System: The Portal to Texas History
[Letter from Annie Watts Winston to John Watts, June 24, 1863] (open access)

[Letter from Annie Watts Winston to John Watts, June 24, 1863]

Letter from Annie Watts Winston, to her brother, John Watts discussing how letters coming in were burned by the enemy. So finding out what's going on or a response from someone will be hard. She informs her brother how the family is doing and wishing him good health.
Date: June 24, 1863
Creator: Winston, Annie Watts
System: The Portal to Texas History
[Letter from John Rector from Kenner K. Rector, December 29, 1863] (open access)

[Letter from John Rector from Kenner K. Rector, December 29, 1863]

Letter from John B. Rector, to his brother, Kenner K. Rector discussing the many losses during the war. Not only were certain men killed in battle, but a lot of horses were as well. Food supply will be very low so they'll have to make do with what they have.
Date: December 29, 1863
Creator: Rector, John B.
System: The Portal to Texas History
[Letter from John B. Rector to Kenner K. Rector, September 9, 1864] (open access)

[Letter from John B. Rector to Kenner K. Rector, September 9, 1864]

Letter from John B. Rector, to his brother, Kenner K. Rector discussing how he's returned to the regiment again, General Wheeler raiding Tennessee in order to force General Sherman to fall back and stop his attack on Atlanta, and his confidence on General Hood's ability to hold Atlanta for some time to come. He additionally mentions the brilliance of the nomination of George McClellan and the Democratic Party strategy, and believes that no matter what the Confederacy should continue to fight for its independence.
Date: September 9, 1864
Creator: Rector, John B.
System: The Portal to Texas History