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[Collection of Edward Ward, 4th regiment, Tennessee, infantry] [decimalized]

The collection consists of thirty-four letters written by Edward K. Ward to his sister Elmira Ward. Edward enlisted in Company A of the 4th Tennessee as a Second Lieutenant. He writes of his experiences at Murfreesboro, Shiloh, Nashville...

GLC02232

to his sister

Writes that their father has been sick and their mother has the chills. He would like to visit his sister in Somerville but claims to be too bashful of coming within fifty yards of a female academy. Updates his sister on family and friends. Writes...

GLC02232.01

to his sister

Writes that he is unwell. Reports on some of the news at camp and home. His brother Sam, also known as "Marshall," is still detained in the hospital. Reports that it is likely that the men will be moving soon and has been assured by the officers...

GLC02232.08

to his sister

Writes that spending Christmas away from home will be difficult for him and he will miss his family. Discusses his celebration plans for the holidays. Explains that despite being away from home, he is able to visit his lady friends. Reports on...

GLC02232.11

to his sister

Ward writes that he's heard from a member of his company, Dave Poston, who was wounded in Perryville. Also writes that he has gotten fatter and has never enjoyed better health. He reports that federal troops are constantly getting secesh families...

GLC02232.14

to his sister

Writes that he is very disappointed that a "fat letter" from home has been lost. Also writes that his brigade has been on outpost for over a month and he is anxious to leave. He asks his sister to deliver the enclosed notes to Miss Ettie (his ex...

GLC02232.15

to his sister

Writes that he is fat and healthy. He's been attending picnics and fishing parties with his lady friends. Reports that they have received orders to prepare for immediate service and advises his sister to keep posted for news of battles in the...

GLC02232.16

to his sister

He was upset with his sister but has decided to write to her despite of it. Referring to why he was upset, he writes that he had not intended to be engaged and that "in love making you may either naturally run into an engagement or are led into it."...

GLC02232.19

to his sister

Writes from the line of battle before Chattanooga. Reports that he has survived the Battle of Chickahominy with just a slight wound to the chest. He spent two days in the hospital and rejoined his command on 22 September. Ward writes that the...

GLC02232.23

to his sister

Written from the line of battle before Chattanooga. Writes that he has heard from his brother Marshall who is slowly recovering from dysentery. Discusses communicating with Miss Mollie and Miss Tillie and other mutual friends. Writes that he has...

GLC02232.25

to his sister

Refers to "P" from the previous letter and writes that he is likely to go to Marietta to see Marshall (their brother, Samuel Marshall Ward). He writes that he has fallen "powerfully in love" with Miss Mollie. Discusses leaving the battle line...

GLC02232.26

to his sister

Written from camp near Dalton, Georgia. Writes that he has been in poor spirits lately, especially since he was unable to see "P & M" ("M" refers to his brother Marshall). Desperately wants his sisters to visit him in Marietta, as he can get a few...

GLC02232.27

to his sister

Tells his sister that George (possibly a friend) has taken Ward's daguerrotype of her and has asked to keep it. He requests a picture of his sister. Writes that he is afraid he won't get his furlough.

GLC02232.28

to his sister

Written on Shelby Greys stationery. Writes that due to his health, he will not be able to visit Memphis until September. Will be leaving Randolph due to the lack of Yankees. Mentions that putting on a white shirt is a serious offense, as it...

GLC02232.03

to his sister

Complains that his sister doesn't write often enough. Writes that they are expecting to engage in fighting everyday, as there are a lot of yanks in the area. Inquires about Miss Belle Crawford, a sweetheart he wishes to see again.

GLC02232.04

to his sister

Ward writes that there has been heavy skirmishing and fighting is expected every hour (possibly referring to the First Battle of Corinth or the Siege of Corinth). He is getting tired of the war and hopes to get a furlough. Asks his sister and...

GLC02232.05

to his sister

Ward writes that they will be moving from Corinth soon, as the enemy is too close to the Tennessee River and Beauregard doesn't have room for strategic operations in Corinth. He complains of skirmishing with enemy pickets and being in the cold rain...

GLC02232.06

to his sister

Writes that some letters he sent to his father were confiscated and later returned to him by General Grant. He laments that General Clarke has been reassigned and writes that "there was never a general so beloved by his troops." Explains that his...

GLC02232.09

to his sister

Describes the events leading up to and including his involvement in the Battle of Stones River (Murfreesboro). He reports that he and Marshall (his brother, also known as Sam) are alright but Captain [Thomas H.] Francis of company A suffered a foot...

GLC02232.12

to his sister

He describes the interior of his tent in detail including some of the books and newspapers sitting on his table. Ward tells his sister that he and his tent mate, Webber, have hired an old hotel cook at $40 per month to cook for them. Writes that he...

GLC02232.13

to his sister

Advises his sister that in order to keep a sweetheart she should give him a daguerreotype and not a photograph of herself. Writes that his "sweetheart," Miss Melinda, has replaced him for another fellow. He discusses how many of the soldiers get...

GLC02232.17

to his sister

Informs his sister that he will be sending her a letter by way of a friend who has been discharged. Advises her to make acquaintances with him, as he can get letters out for her. Asks his sister to send him her daguerreotype and to correct the...

GLC02232.18

to his sister

Writes that he hasn't heard from his family in a long time. He updates his sister on Marshall's (Ward's brother, also referred to as Sam) whereabouts and condition. Ward writes that he spends most of his time in camp reading Waverly novels and the...

GLC02232.20

to his sister

Apologizes for his last letter and the impact it had on his sister (referring to a letter regarding Miss Ettie). He writes that he wrote it on an impulse and wants to forget about the whole situation. He is on the eve of battle and he is willing to...

GLC02232.22

to his sister

Written from the line of battle before Chattanooga. He writes that he's been in the same position for the last fifteen days. They opened on the enemy last night but he doesn't know if they are still shelling this morning, as he is too far away to...

GLC02232.24