| Summary: | During the Civil War, Semple served as a captain of an artillery battery organized in Montgomery (known as Semple's Battery). He was later appointed a major and transferred to Mobile. In the first letter he writes his oldest son, giving him advice on being a gentlemen: "I am glad to know that you escort the girls - All the men I ever met, who were good men, were fond of associating with girls, when they were boys - Such habits refine the character and make boys gentle and kind in their manners & conduct - You must not think that men who are gentle and kind, are not also brave." In the letter to his wife he discusses mutual acquaintances; sickness in camp; a recent review of the troops ("a noble sight"); and his desire to avoid further fighting if possible ("but also that I may go in with something like equal numbers if we do fight again, so that we may have something decisive."). He also reflects on the ultimate impact of the war on families: "We shall all have many gaps in our family circles & lists of friends, after the war is over." A transcription is included.
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