Summer 2025 PD for K–12 teachers: Registration is now open!
to wife
6 May 1865
Boston, John W., fl. 1862-1865
writes that that he is hoping to hear from her soon. tell mother and father "I will be home in a few weeks iif the lord spares my life."
GLC09315.49
8 June 1865
left Washington D.C last Saturday and are now heading toward Cinncinatti. writes they would have been home by now if not for the regimental commander.
GLC09315.50
30 June 1865
will be heading to Louisville, KY. notes they are getting closer all the time and she should look for him within the month.
GLC09315.51
[Collection of Union private John W. Boston] [Decimalized .01- .52]
1862-1865
52 articulate letters of Union Pvt. John W. Boston, Company A, 81st Ohio Volunteers, between October 1862 and July 1865. Describes fighting in Sherman's Atlanta Campaign at Corinth and Resaca; also describes the March to the Sea. "[Camp Limy 10/13/62...
GLC09315
to wife and children
8 October 1862
writes that he is in good health and is sending 20 dollars home. believes they will soon be victorious
GLC09315.01
13 October 1862
very faded. would like to come home once more before he goes to Dixie. promises to do his duty as a soldier.
GLC09315.02
4 December 1862
front page torn. writes that he is sending Mary a locket and will be sending the boys something as well. tells the story of an orderly who shot a captain in another company.
GLC09315.03
5 December 1862
is afraid his wife will have changed so much by the time he arrives home that he will not know her. asks her to send him a good pair of boots, also requests sponge cake and tobacco.
GLC09315.04
14 December 1862
has come down with a cold. says he is in a dangerous place. says the only women he sees are "nigger wenches, and I hate them, every once and a while I see a white woman..." would like to be with her and the children.
GLC09315.05
2 December 1862
writes they have to survive on half rations.
GLC09315.06
1863
writes that the regiment will be reorganized ina week. the new recruits will have to stay for the full term of enlistment. but they are confident the war will end before the term is up.
GLC09315.07
sorry to hear that Mary (his daughter) was sick but hopes she is better now. refers to old friends and asks his wife to tell them he remembers them well and ask how they are getting along.
GLC09315.08
February 1863
writing from the hospital where he is helping out. many are afflicted with the measles. prefers working in the hospital to picket duty.
GLC09315.09
February 11, 1863
in very good spirits because he is eating very good food lately. hopes his wife is getting fat. doesn't know when he'll get paid, but when he does, he'll send some money home.
GLC09315.10
writes that while he has some health complaints like his side and his throat, he doesn't let it get him down because he has a duty to fulfill. talks about witnessing the death of a fellow soldier who got sick.
GLC09315.11
12 April 1863
informs her that officers claim they will all be home in five months. fears that someone will ravish his wife while he is away, asks if she received the money he sent.
GLC09315.12
13 April 1863
writes that he got paid and he will send her 30 dollars and if it gets to her safe he will send another 20 dollars.
GLC09315.13
25 April 1863
glad that the children are doing well and hopes she will stay well. sent William a watch.
GLC09315.14
28 April 1863
describes his sleeping arrangements and plans for a march coming up. the surgeon has exempted those with a disability.
GLC09315.15
to father
6 May 1863
hopes the day day he gets to see his wife and children is not far off. writes that he despises young men that have chosen not to fight, for choosing not to save their country from destruction is a sin.
GLC09315.16
May 1863
hopes they can see each others' faces again. thinks their marching may be over however, as he thinks they will stay where they are until the end. he is in good quarters and they have had nice weather for three months.
GLC09315.17
16 May 1863
says his family is very dear to him but so is the country. writes they are in the best camp they've ever had so far. certain that the Rebels will die a traitors' death
GLC09315.18
17 July 1863
heard that four men will get a furlough of 30 days. next time he will find out if he gets one. promises to bring something for everyone when he comes.
GLC09315.19
writes that they pay him very late and he is still owed checks from four months ago. can not write as much as he wants because of the lack of money. believes the Rebel army is completely demoralized.
GLC09315.20
29 September 1863
discusses the possibility of a furlough. if they move and get settled again they will give out furloughs, but if they don't they may not grant furloughs for a while. tells her not to get discouraged and trust in the Lord.
GLC09315.21
Showing results 1 - 25