Navy Christmas Letter

Item NMC-6897

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 1 pages written in period ink and 1 page Circular. Thomas Looker retired as a Navy Commodore, November 23, 1891.


Norfolk, VA
Xmas night 1860

My Own Dear Wife,


“O magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt his name together!” For “Unto us,” this day, “a Child is born, unto us a son is given “ the government Thank God that our country, as all nations is ruled instead of man, as they improvingly seem to think! Shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace!”

Yes, today we commemorate with glad and thankful hearts, the glorious birth of our savior, King and Lord, the blessed Lord” verdure of the day of which Jesus Christ came on earth, bringing peace and pardon to guilty and condemned sinners. “Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace, goodwill toward me.”

Assuredly, the day is occasion for rejoicing to all time Christians, whatever be their lot. Howsoever they may be situated. Even tho it came and found us in gloom, in trouble or in sadness, yet it is a day in which we should all “rejoice and be glad!”

I received my dear little wife’s two letters. Her dear loving xmas gifts, very early this morning. They have made me very happy.

And I do not know that I can send her a more acceptable and welcome xmas gift in return. Than the accompanying circular (now perfected, etc.) Which I now present to my loved wife and hope she will ever keep and prize as evidence of her loving Husband’s Christian faith and trustfulness and earnest, devoted patriotism.

May she henceforth take it as her text in bring up our darling boy and assiduously and faithfully inculcate in him these time principles of life which govern and actuate his Father now and which God helping shall continue so to do “unto his life’s end!”

To my Dear Lutie.
Your Husband

Copy of Circular sent to our Bishops and other Clergy”, etc. throughout the U.S.

Norfolk, VA
December/60

Thos. H. Looker, USN
And one who trusts in God