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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 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

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

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 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

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

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

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 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

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

GLC02715.064

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

[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 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 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

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 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 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

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 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

Instructs his wife to make good use of the grain. Says that it will become scarce before next harvest and there will be suffering both at home and in the army. Notes that they put up their winter tents and built chimneys to keep warm.

GLC02715.079

to Mary Epperly

Says that he has heard a rumor that the regiment will return to Virginia. Writes that he misses her greatly and discusses their future in heaven.

GLC02715.080

to Mary Epperly

Writes that his uncle died in a distillery explosion. Says that he has not received any pay since he returned to the army and has to borrow money from a neighbor. Instructs Mary to repay the man's wife.

GLC02715.081

to Mary Epperly

Notes that he has received several letters from her including one dated 4 August 1863. Says the army is falling back towards Atlanta, Georgia. Also reports an account of mutiny that took place in December where officers attempted to punish a group...

GLC02715.082

to Mary Epperly

Writes that William has gone to the hospital with a broken leg. Also mentions that he went to Sunday "preaching."

GLC02715.083