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[Collection of John Jones, Company F, 45th regiment, Illinois, infantry] [decimalized]

Contains vivid battle descriptions and political content. On 13 March 1863, he writes of his opposition to a $300 fee to avoid draft "based precisely on the same principle with the conscription of the 'Southern Confederacy' which exempts a man...

GLC05981

to his wife

Explains the situation of the Civil War. Written from up the Tennessee River.

GLC05981.01

to his wife

Explains the mail he has received lately. Tells his wife he is sending 33 dollars and writes on what to do with the money. Tells her that his family cares about her very much.

GLC05981.02

to his wife

Discusses the Civil War.

GLC05981.03

to his wife

He is trying to cheer up his wife because she feels lonesome. Explains the evacuation of Corinth in detail.

GLC05981.04

to his wife

Described his trip to Jackson. Describes the land. Discusses the situation of the Civil War in Jackson.

GLC05981.05

to his wife

He says that July 4th (mistakenly written 1st) went quietly. He wanted at least a parade. Hopes to be back home by next year's 4th of July. Writes about the march.

GLC05981.06

to his wife

Gives a detailed account of a skirmish that happened earlier. Writes what happened after the skirmish in detail.

GLC05981.07

to his wife

He heard that the western army is in combat. Talks about the Negro Companies in the Civil War. Discusses the Emancipation Proclamation. Writes about a train accident. He hopes to be home by spring.

GLC05981.08

to his wife

His family is thinking about moving to the west. Received a few letters. He is asking his wife to teach in a certain district. Describes his colonel. Wants to know about Edwin, his brother.

GLC05981.10

to his wife

Explains in detail what happened when he was leaving Jackson. Wants to get paid.

GLC05981.11

to his wife

Thanks his wife for the items she sent him. Describes the place where he is sleeping. Thinks about the end of the war. Writes about a rumor. Includes a detailed weather report.

GLC05981.12

to his wife

Explains his daily routine. Describes his marching adventures. Tells wife what is going on with his sister.

GLC05981.13

to his wife

Writes about the food, an adventure with his regiment, and the rumors that have surfaced around camp. Hopes Vicksburg, Mississippi has fallen by now. Gives a short weather report.

GLC05981.14

to his wife

Says that he postponed sending this letter earlier in fear of someone taking the 10 dollars he was sending. Notes how the city of Memphis gets men drunk. Mentions his plans after the war is over. Gives his opinions on the war and "the Negro" in...

GLC05981.15

to his wife

Describes the letters he has received. Hopes to receive a large salary soon, and tells wife what to do with the money. Gives his opinion on African Americans.

GLC05981.16

to his wife

Mentions the first anniversary of their wedding day. Writes about when they first got married, and discusses how the first year of marriage has impacted his life. Writes, "We shall go toward Vicksburg." Expects to be paid in a few days. Mentions...

GLC05981.17

to his wife

Described his trip leaving Memphis. Describes the scenery and gives a weather report. Mentions some plans to fight against the South in and around Vicksburg. Describes a house where he found a mahogany table. Mentions receiving a few letters.

GLC05981.18

to his wife

Reveals his favorite time to write letters. Mentions his experience meeting someone from home. Writes, the "South will yield." Loves being in Lake Providence. Describes the situation at the bayou.

GLC05981.19

to his wife

Notes that he is happy to receive mail from Mary, his wife. Includes opinions on the Confederates. Explains a dream he had.

GLC05981.20

to his wife

Written from the bank of the Mississippi, six miles from Providence. Explains his trip leaving Lake Providence. He is camping in a corn field. Mentions a disaster in Louisiana. Feels sorry for the ones who lost loved ones in the war.

GLC05981.21

to his wife

Starts to number his letters because Mary complains of not receiving any of them. Includes his opinion on African Americans.

GLC05981.22

to his wife

He is admiring the scenery, feels a little homesick, and talks about his childhood. Soldiers are building a bridge to get healthier water.

GLC05981.23

to his wife

Writes about a few things that happened to his fellow soldiers. Notes that he wants new clothes.

GLC05981.24

to his wife

Writes from the "rear of Vicksburg." Does not know how long he will remain there. Thinks that the end of the war is near. Mentions the fall of Vicksburg, noting that the siege lasted two weeks. Describes his health and eating habits.

GLC05981.25