Summer 2025 PD for K–12 teachers: Registration is now open!
to his wife
7 April 1862
Jones, John, fl. 1862-1864
Explains the situation of the Civil War. Written from up the Tennessee River.
GLC05981.01
22 May 1862
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
31 May 1862
Discusses the Civil War.
GLC05981.03
2 June 1862
He is trying to cheer up his wife because she feels lonesome. Explains the evacuation of Corinth in detail.
GLC05981.04
12 June 1862
Described his trip to Jackson. Describes the land. Discusses the situation of the Civil War in Jackson.
GLC05981.05
6 July 1862
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
3 September 1862
Gives a detailed account of a skirmish that happened earlier. Writes what happened after the skirmish in detail.
GLC05981.07
24 September 1862
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
22 October 1862
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
9 November 1862
Explains in detail what happened when he was leaving Jackson. Wants to get paid.
GLC05981.11
20 November 1862
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
7 December 1862
Explains his daily routine. Describes his marching adventures. Tells wife what is going on with his sister.
GLC05981.13
4 January 1863
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
February 1, 1863
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
February 8, 1863
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
February 12, 1863
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
February 23, 1863
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
1 March 1863
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
12 March 1863
Notes that he is happy to receive mail from Mary, his wife. Includes opinions on the Confederates. Explains a dream he had.
GLC05981.20
20 March 1863
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
1 April 1863
Starts to number his letters because Mary complains of not receiving any of them. Includes his opinion on African Americans.
GLC05981.22
3 April 1863
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
22 April 1863
Writes about a few things that happened to his fellow soldiers. Notes that he wants new clothes.
GLC05981.24
1 June 1863
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
7 June 1863
Progress report on the situation at Vicksburg. Mentions [General Ulysses S.] Grant.
GLC05981.26
Showing results 1 - 25