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Service record of Christian M. Epperly.

[page one] "Went to the Army on the 15 of March 1862 and Remained thare untill June [inserted: the] 14 1863 When he returned and staid untill the 25 of the same month on which he returned to the army again and remained thare untill 27 Sep. on which...

GLC02715.125

[Collection of Christian M. Epperly, 54th regiment, Virginia, artillery] [decimalized]

The collection contains 136 letters (122 war-date) mostly from Private Christian M. Epperly to his wife, Mary Epperly, living in Floyd County. The collection also contains a few letters from Mary Epperly to her husband. Throughout the war, Epperly's...

GLC02715

to Christian M. Epperly

Writes that there is enough work for six or eight months. Discusses girls and asks Christian not to get married without letting him know first.

GLC02715.123

to Mary Epperly

Writes that he misses her and promises to write to other family members.

GLC02715.030

[Poem]

Poem about spring.

GLC02715.124

to C. M. Epperly

Reports that the army issued an order that all men between 17 and 50, who had not reported for service, were to be taken by force to join the army. [See #85] Writes that Harvey was caught when he went to town, not knowing about the order and that...

GLC02715.114

to C. M. Epperly

Writes that many men have deserted and that several hundred cavalry may be sent to bring the deserters back.

GLC02715.068

to Mary Epperly

Advises his wife not to let Charlie work on his saddle again. Notes that he may still do work on the farm and at the mill.

GLC02715.058

to Mother

[See # 135.] Apologizes for not going somewhere last Monday night. Thanks Mathe for taking care of "No. 6."

GLC02715.131

to Christian Epperly

Writes that she will help find spouses for Christian and his sisters.

GLC02715.132

to Marion Epperly

Discusses a friend or family member [illegible] who she says ought to join her out west. Writes that there have been a number of weddings this season, but she has not yet been asked. Letter was written on 8 January, year and state not listed.

GLC02715.127

to Mary Epperly

Writes that his unit is camped nine miles from Richmond, Virginia. Says he hopes to get a furlough and visit his wife at the end of June. However, Captain Pelham has been very hard on the regiment since one man deserted.

GLC02715.013

to: Mary Epperly

Describes himself as a cannoneer who helps to load the guns. Notes that three of their guns have been ordered away, probably to join General [Stonewall] Jackson. Mentions that men of a nearby infantry unit offered members of his regiment $50 to...

GLC02715.016

to Mary Epperly

Says his legs are swollen. Reports that the Confederates drove the Yankees back to the Chicahominy River. Believes they fought five or six battles in the last eight to ten days. Says his unit still has not fought in a "regular battle." He...

GLC02715.019

to Mary Epperly

Requests Mary sends him butter and soap.

GLC02715.022

to Mary Epperly

Describes a march toward Fredricksburg, Virginia where his unit encountered and engaged a large number of Yankees (Massaponax, 5 August 1862). Wrties of his appreciation of his wife's offer to raise money to hire a substitute, but says that General...

GLC02715.025

to Mary Epperly

States the army returned to Virginia (likely referring to the men who fought in the Battle of Antietam, which his unit did not.) Asks Mary to write to him the moment anyone becomes ill so he has an excuse to come home.

GLC02715.028

to Mary Epperly

Suggests she name the baby (likely his son) Christian Dolphus.

GLC02715.031

to Mary Epperly

States he is nearly barefoot and hopes to get his boots soon. Mentions that General [W.E.B.] Stuart rode around [General George] McClellan's army in Maryland. Page four is a religious poem.

GLC02715.034

to Mary Epperly

Writes from camp his appreciation of his wife's encouragement not to join the volunteers. He still is not sure if he wants to join them. Closes with discussion of prayer and a religious exhortation.

GLC02715.005

to Mary Epperly

Says he may not be able to get a furlough. Mentions the army is moving toward Rapidan Station, but he expects a fight near Culpeper.

GLC02715.037

to Mary Epperly

Writes that they are five miles from Yorktown, Virginia and seven miles from Williamsburg, Virginia. Says his unit does not see close action like an infantry unit does. States he is unhappy with his regiment's assignment. Notes he would now give...

GLC02715.008

to Mary Epperly

Discusses the damage the armies have done to the local farms, crops and livestock. Continues writing on 17 May 1862 that he ran out of money and borrowed some from a man who is going home. Tells Mary to feed the man as repayment.

GLC02715.011

to Mary Epperly

Mentions his regiment has been paid. Notes he paid back the money he borrowed from a gentleman since the man never went home to collect the money from Mary. Says he will keep $15 for himself.

GLC02715.017

to Mary Epperly

Reports that the Yankees are thirty miles from Richmond, Virginia and believes that they are reinforcing for another attack.

GLC02715.020

to Mary Epperly

Complains about the cursing, drinking and card playing in camp. Says he will apply for a furlough. Adds that he will understand if Mary is unable to send him the butter and soap. Discusses his sister Margaret being ill.

GLC02715.023

to Mary Epperly

Writes from North Ames Creek that he wants to hire a substitute. Says he believes the army must accept a substitute, if one can be found. Mentions the Yankees are heading toward Manassas, Virginia.

GLC02715.026

to Mary Epperly

States that the army is centered around Winchester, Virginia. Advises his wife to send her letters to "Capt. Henery Stuarts Hors Artillery."

GLC02715.029

to Mary Epperly

Says he does not grieve for his lost brothers and sisters, but trusts in God that they will meet in heaven someday. States the army is near Winchester, Virginia. Mentions his hopes of receiving a furlough.

GLC02715.032

to Mary Epperly

Writes to his wife from Camp Windsor. He complains about not receiving any letters from home and about a sore throat. Discusses prayer and religion in camp.

GLC02715.003

to Mary Epperly

Writes from camp complaining that the Yankees "steal" people's stock and grain to supply their army. Tells Mary that if she has any grain she should use it to fatten up the pigs and sell them. Also discuses the price of corn, bacon, and butter.

GLC02715.035

to Mary Epperly

Writes from camp that he believes his unit may be released if General [Joseph E.] Johnston's army defeats the Yankees at Yorktown, Virginia. Mentions the reported size of the forces now engaged at Yorktown.

GLC02715.006

to Mary Epperly

Writes from camp in Spotsylvania County, Virginia that the Yankees are camped across the river. Notes that all the civilians have left Fredericksburg in fear of Federal bombardment.

GLC02715.038

to Mary Epperly

Notes his unit has not received any tents and the men are using blankets that they brought from home. Says he hopes it is not too late to volunteer and join "Trigs Regiment."

GLC02715.009

to Mary Epperly

Says the Union has control of the James River all the way up to Richmond, Viriginia. Believes that the Yankees will take Richmond soon. Reminds his wife to pay back the man whom he borrowed money from and asks her to sell his watch.

GLC02715.012

to Mary Epperly

Writes that his unit missed a recent battle (likely the Battle of Fair Oaks) because the muddy roads made it impossible to move the artillery. Believes the casualties are in the thousands. Says the wounded are being moved to Richmond, Virginia.

GLC02715.015

to Mary Epperly

Mentions the battles on 26 June (Battle of Mechanicsville) and 27 June (Battle of Gaine's Mills). Says he managed to miss the battles but mentions the fate of friends and relatives who did fight. The top quarter of the third page is missing causing...

GLC02715.018

to Mary Epperly

Discusses the price of various food items.

GLC02715.021

to Mary Epperly

Discusses his sister Margaret's death. Comments, "Wee would all be a grate deell better off if if [sic] wee could as she did and bid farewell to this proud and wicked world and mount on eagles wings and fly to the mansions above whair there hant...

GLC02715.024

five letters to his family

There are five letters on one folded sheet. Includes two letters from Epperly to Mary Epperly, one letter from Epperly to Harvey D. Phleagar, one letter from Epperly to his "Mother" Catharine Phleagar, and a letter to his "Brothers." Mentions a...

GLC02715.027

to Mary Epperly

Reports that some of the men from his unit joined the volunteers. Discusses the health of several members of his regiment. Closes by invoking God's protection for his wife.

GLC02715.001

to Catharine Phleagar

Says the army has been quiet, but he believes a big battle is coming. He mentions food available and a lack of soap. Asks Mary, his wife, to make him a shirt, drawers, pants, and a knit cap. Notes he received two months pay and that he intends to...

GLC02715.033

to Mary Epperly

Writes from camp. Notes he still refuses to join the volunteers. States that he fears the army will put him in a company from another state if he does. Says he misses the mountains of Floyd County, Virgina and hates being in the valley. Informs...

GLC02715.004

to Mary Epperly

Describes engagements between Confederate artillery and cavalry and Union forces. States his unit almost lost two guns when the Yankee cavalry charged past them. He places the battle at Marrun Station, Fauquier County, Virginia.

GLC02715.036

to Mary Epperly

Writes from General [J.E.B.?] "Stewards" [Stuart's] encampment, five miles from Yorktown. Notes that his company is attached to General Stuart's Horse Artillery, under Captain Pelham. Says he thinks they may have to stay with this unit until the...

GLC02715.007

to Mary Epperly

Informs Mary that Joseph, her brother, was wounded in the arm, and the doctors had to amputate it. Says he nursed Joseph while he was in camp and wanted to accompany him to Richmond, Virginia but General [William Henry Fitzhugh] Lee would not allow...

GLC02715.039

to Mary Epperly

Describes the Battle of Williamsburg, Virginia.

GLC02715.010

to Mary Epperly

Writes from Camp Leids that there is a case of smallpox in the company, but he does not think it will spread since the company has been vaccinated. States that the Yankees are crossing the river above Fredricksburg, Virginia. Notes he will likely...

GLC02715.042

to Mary Epperly

Advises Mary from Camp Loids to sell the grain before the government takes it at a very cheap price. Warns her to watch any Cavalry men that may be in the area because they steal chickens and "beecomes." Offers a lengthy description of their...

GLC02715.043

to Mary Epperly

Says he cannot get a furlough. States he wants Aunt Peggy to move in and nurse his wife who is pregnant (see GLC02715.031). Date taken from the content of the letter.

GLC02715.014

to Mary Epperly

Writes from Camp Lee that the Yankees are crossing the river. Says he expects another fight near Fredricksburg, Virginia. Notes his unit has been order to go to Orange County, Virginia.

GLC02715.045

to Mary Epperly

Says that he has written her four letters since the battle, but she received none of them. Notes that the food is very bad. Writes that the weather is miserable and his regiment does not have its overcoats yet. Believes the war is almost over.

GLC02715.077

to Mary Epperly

Writes from camp near Culpeper, expressing his desire to see his family and to visit the graves of his dead relatives. Adds that he may be transferred to the western army and if so, he will try to spend a few days at home.

GLC02715.051

to Mary Epperly

Says he thinks he may start for home. He is trying to get a transfer because he would prefer to be in a company with men from his own county rather than "this wicked compeny [sic]. . . ."

GLC02715.054

to Mary Epperly

Writes that he has been home on leave and has just returned to the army. Notes he is in a new regiment, "Company A 54 Va. Reg. Vol." Does not believe the men in his new company are as wicked those in the old one. Mentions that they came to...

GLC02715.057

to Mary Epperly

Says that he has heard the Yankees took 35,000 prisoners at Vicksburg, Mississippi, 175-200 pieces of artillery, and about 10,000 shells. Writes that he was sorry to hear that George Phleagar died in the battle of Gettysburg.

GLC02715.060

to Mary Epperly

States that he wishes he had something else to eat besides bread and meat. Says that he is more satisfied here than in the eastern army. Notes that the regiment keeps going back and forth on the railroad.

GLC02715.063

to Mary Epperly

Writes he has not received any arms. Notes that some volunteers have been waiting seven months for their weapons. Says he will not join the volunteers yet. Includes an embossed seal in the upper left hand corner.

GLC02715.002

to Mary Epperly

Mentions that many men desert daily. Says that the loneliness is almost impossible to bare. If everyone else deserts, then he will too. Notes that they are near a paper mill and paper is very cheap. Adds his thoughts about the future of the...

GLC02715.066

to C. M. Epperly

Discusses desertion: "I think [if] the head men dont soon end this war that the soldiers will for they are runing from down east by hundreds ther[e] was five hundred went through hear last weak well armed and they say they wont go back any more and...

GLC02715.069

to Mary Epperly

Notes the Yankees are once again across the river. Says the army has gone into winter quarters in cloth tents. States that General [W.H.F.] Lee will submit his application for a furlough to General Stuart.

GLC02715.040

to Mary Epperly

Writes from camp near Chatanooga that many men are sick and in the hospital. Notes that he has just arrived at Chattanooga. As punishment, he and the others are in the guard house. [He had deserted.] Gives his address as: "Buckners Division...

GLC02715.072

to Mary Epperly

Mentions that he gave Christian her letter. Writes that both Christian and Issac have been released from the guard house and have returned to active duty.

GLC02715.075

to Harvey & George

The letter is signed "Marion" which is possibly Christain M. Epperly's middle name. The handwriting appears to be the same as Christian Epperly's. Writes from Camp Lee that he grows tired of fighting and dislikes the cursing in camp.

GLC02715.046

to Mary Epperly

Writes from Camp Lee that his company intends to go home in the spring. Justifies desertion saying that the army would not give them any furloughs.

GLC02715.049

to Mary Epperly

Writes from camp near Cupeper that he had hoped to "run the blocade" [sic] and come home, but the army is moving again. Notes that General [W.E.B.] Stuart may be heading into western Virginia.

GLC02715.055

to Mary Epperly

Says that he heard a rumor that the regiment was ordered back to Virginia. Notes that he would rather in be Tennessee.

GLC02715.061

to Mary Epperly

Believes peace will be made this fall. Says that he had no news to write her but wanted to write to her.

GLC02715.064

[A Confederate Assessment of the War]

Mentions the high price of food. States that he believes the Confederacy is doomed. "I beleave [sic] the South first started on a just course but our wickedness and diobediians [sic] has brought us to what [where] we are: and I dont think the South...

GLC02715.067

to C. M. Epperly

Writes that she spoke to a man from Franklin, who said half the men from that army have deserted. Notes that the men do not hide but live normal lives. Says that the home guards do not bother to look for deserters anymore and asks her husband to...

GLC02715.070

to Mary Epperly

Notes that rations are in short supply. Hopes that the soldiers near Knoxville will open the railroad so provisions can be brought in. States that he wishes he had an overcoat. Adds that he is homesick since returning to the army.

GLC02715.073

to Mary Epperly

Writes that he does not think there will be any more fighting this winter, but he also sees no plans for peace. Says that he still believes the unit will be ordered back to Virginia.

GLC02715.076

to Mary Epperly

Discusses the Battle of Culpeper. Informs here that Major Pelham was killed and [W.F.H.] Lee lost 250 men. Mentions the high price of food including bacon, which now sells for $3 a pound.

GLC02715.047

to Mary Epperly

Believes the Yankees are heading toward Gordon's ville to cut the railroad to Lynchburg, Virgina. Informs her that two men in camp have gotten married. Expresses his desire to go home.

GLC02715.050

to Mary Epperly

Writes to his cousin noting that he is well. Asks about Billy Epperly, whom he has not heard from in a long time.

GLC02715.056

to Mary Epperly

Reports that the Yankees have possession of Vicksburg, Mississippi. Believes that his unit may be ordered back to Virginia.

GLC02715.059

to Mary Epperly

Reports that there was a battle at Wythville, but his regiment did not get there in time to participate. Notes that the Yankees destroyed a lot of property there. Says that the prospects for peace are not good and the soldiers are becoming "gloomy...

GLC02715.062

to C. M. Epperly

Notes that she finds it hard to eat knowing that her husband has such poor a diet. Says that she will try to send him some food. Mentions that deserters from his old regiment fought with the home guards. [See GLC02715.070]

GLC02715.065

to Mary Epperly

Writes that he received her letter, but thinks it best not to come home right now. Believes a large force will be sent after deserters and the army will be hard on them.

GLC02715.071

to Mary Epperly

Writes that he has not received a letter from her since he left home. Also says that he does not believe there will be a battle here.

GLC02715.074

to Mary Epperly

Writes his wife from Camp Leids. Sends her $115 and requests that she pay a $75 debt to David Williams.

GLC02715.041

to Mary Epperly

Writes two letters from Camp Lee; one to Harvey and George and the other to his wife Mary Epperly. Informs Mary that the Cavalry is being issued furloughs but his Captain will not issue any. He thinks the unit will desert if they do not receive...

GLC02715.044

to Christian M. Epperly

Says she heard that all soldiers will come home the fourth of next month. If he does get to come home, she does not want him to go back to the army. Tells him that George has been home nearly three weeks and no one has come to look for him. States...

GLC02715.048

to Christian M. Epperly

Writes that she received several letters from him all in the same day. She was greatly relieved to finally hear from him. Informs him all the ladies at home are putting in crops and that Goods are costly. Notes that Joseph is helping her with the...

GLC02715.052

to Christian M. Epperly

Notes that she has not heard from him since the 28th of last month and is worried. States that she hopes he was not involved in the battle near Fredericksburg, Virginia.

GLC02715.053

to Mary Epperly

Writes from Florrans, Alabama (possibly referring to Florence, Alabama). Notes that they have spent two days putting up a pontoon bridge. Writes extensively about God's will, his hopes for peace, and his desire to see his family. Also mentions...

GLC02715.109

to Mary Epperly

Writes that diphtheria has struck his home town and he prays that Sarahgill and Christian do not contract it. Says that he believes the army will have to go back to Georgia. Written from "Flarans Ala." (possibly referring to Florence, Alabama.

GLC02715.112

to Mary Epperly

Discusses the quality and quantity of rations.

GLC02715.086

to Mary Epperly

Says that he misses her. Writes about trusting God's mercy to bring them together. Notes that he does not think they will move anytime soon. Fading.

GLC02715.089

to Mary Epperly

Reports that 1,119 men were killed and wounded within ten minutes at the Battle of Resaca. Says that they are now forty miles from Atlanta, Georgia. Notes that the Yankees are close behind them and have possession of the railroad. Written from Ash...

GLC02715.092

to Mary Epperly

Informs her about friends and family members who have been wounded. Notes that he thinks they should fall back to Atlanta, Georgia. The Yankees may be trying to flank them out of their current position.

GLC02715.095

to Mary Epperly

Writes from camp near Marietta that he still has not received mail. Discusses building breastworks in the hot weather and writes about those wounded and killed in recent battles.

GLC02715.098

to Mary Epperly

Reports that the Yankees are still on the other side of the river. Notes that he does not expect any major fighting in the near future. Both the army and the civilians are moving stuff out of Atlanta, Georgia. Text loss.

GLC02715.101

to Mary Epperly

Reports that the Yankees have fallen back and crossed the river. Notes he received a letter from William, who is in Macon, Georgia. Believes William will be sent to rejoin his regiment, so the family need not worry. Expresses his desire to come...

GLC02715.104

to Mary Epperly

Writes that Governor Brown has furloughed the Georgia militia for 30 days. Reports that [General William T.] Sherman has ordered all the citizens out of Atlanta. Notes they are half way through a ten day armistice.

GLC02715.107

to Mary Epperly

Writes that he received his overcoat, some apples, cakes, butter and soap on New Years Day. Comments that his only punishment for deserting was 20 days in the guard house. Also discusses rations.

GLC02715.078

to Mary Epperly

Writes that he dreamt he was home holding Sarahgill and Christian. Notes that they are building breastworks. Says that the army owes him seven months wages and $45 for clothing.

GLC02715.110

to Mary Epperly

Notes that they are almost out of rations. Writes that diphtheria claimed one of his relatives, but the rest are improving.

GLC02715.113

to Mary Epperly

Writes that he does not think the Southern army will ever fight as well as they did at the beginning of the war and that the South has become wicked. "May God show us our erro[r]s and put us in the rite way and Bring us Back to our old Union again."

GLC02715.087

to Mary Epperly

Writes that he thinks there will an upcoming battle. Also mentions General Longstreet and rations.

GLC02715.090