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to Libbie Elmore

He changes his mind about the lowest price he will accept for the farm. He warns her to trust Kniffin. He lets her in on the news that there is a large Union force where he is and it is increasing.

GLC06588.023

to Libbie Elmore [incomplete]

There has not been so much firing of the gunboats lately. There is no immediate prospect of the Rebels making an attack.

GLC06588.024

to Libbie Elmore

He had a great dinner recently but is sorry she sent him money because he expects to get paid soon. Things are quiet and he does not expect to fight soon. He brings up selling the farm again.

GLC06588.025

to Libbie Elmore

He again reiterates what his lowest price for the farm would be and warns her not go below that figure.

GLC06588.026

to Libbie Elmore

He expects to be paid within 2-3 days. He hears the Rebel army has little to eat. He mentions Kniffin again and the selling of the farm.

GLC06588.027

to Libbie Elmore

He finally got paid yesterday. It's been quiet lately except for a little sharpshooting. He mentions paying Reynolds and getting the wagon fixed.

GLC06588.028

to Libbie Elmore

Written on board the Swan.
There has been excitement around Suffolk. They are on the move. They ran into the Rebels who fired shots, killing several of their horses. Their battery soon fired back. They are now sailing and he does not know where they...

GLC06588.029

to Libbie Elmore

He writes that if he lives and they have good luck they can continue to reduce their debts. They have spent time drilling lately. Lastly, he says his new clothes look good on him.

GLC06588.030

to Libbie Elmore

The cavalry lost one officer and in return they took 2 officers and three privates prisoners. They feel very secure for the moment because they have one of the strongest rifle pitts. He mentions Kniffin again.

GLC06588.031

to Libbie Elmore [incomplete]

He doesn't know how long they will be at their present stop. It looks as thoough they may establish a base of operations.

GLC06588.032

to Libbie Elmore

The Colonel has resigned due to his health. The news from Hooker and Banks is good. He believes her calculations about the farm are good and if they want to take possession before next Spring they must pay something now.

GLC06588.033

to Libbie Elmore

He does not think kniffin will make any improvement to the farm, knowing him the way he does. He tells the story of how they came to a plantation and took some chickens with them by twisting some of their necks.

GLC06588.034

to Libbie Elmore

They taking all those not able to march to the hospital. They have just come in from dress parade and have been ordered to march tomorrow morning.

GLC06588.035

to Libbie Elmore

He discusses finances with her and then tells her about the food they've been eating. He said they mainly drill these days and describes his daily activities.

GLC06588.036

to Libbie Elmore

A lot of the men are sick witth dysentary and diarrehea. A man he mentioned before has since died of illness. On a happier note, they just got new clothes.

GLC06588.037

to [Libbie Elmore]

Possibly with GLC06588.037.
A skirmish broke out between a Rebel battery and a Union gunboat along the river. Letter is torn here. He hopes to hear of some success from their armies.

GLC06588.038

to Libbie Elmore

He describes his daily activities. They heard that the Union took possession of Vixburgh. Their regiment is sometimes derailed on the fortifications they work to strengthen each day. In other news he expects to have a new general tomorrow.

GLC06588.039

to Libbie Elmore

He is sorry to hear Mamie has been sick. Willard is sick as well. Once again, he admonishes Kniffin, this time for thinking he has the right to hire out any pasture to her or anybody else. He mention Webb Hill and Benny Marshall.

GLC06588.040

to Libbie Elmore

He complains that he does not have enough to do. He also advises her about Kniffin.

GLC06588.041

to Libbie Elmore

They were ordered to change camps. He informs her that he wants a pair of boots and gives her the necessary details for having them made.

GLC06588.042

to Libbie Elmore

He rants about Kniffin again and advises her on how to deal with him. He gives her a break down of how he has spent his money and how he wants her to spend the the money he sent her.

GLC06588.043

to Libbie Elmore

They moved recently, which prevented his writing sooner. Some of their gnerals heard that the Rebels were planning a raid and they were ordered to stack arms. It turns out they were over prepared because nothing actually happened.

GLC06588.044

to Libbie Elmore

He has received marching orders and belives they will go to Alexandria next.

GLC06588.045

to Libbie Elmore

He describes the train ride to Bridgeport, AL. They passed through Ohio, Kentucky, Louisiana, Indiana and other places.

GLC06588.046

to Libbie Elmore

He requests some postage stamps and gives a new address for her to send letters from now on.

GLC06588.047

to Libbie Elmore

They are on the direct road from Bridgeport to Chatanooga and they are on half rations. Willard wants an extension on his furlough.

GLC06588.048

to Libbie Elmore

He hasn't been able to write because the Rebels made a raid and succeeded in teaming up several miles of track between Bridgeport and Nashville. He tells her that at one point 40 Rebels gave themselves up to their men. The food he's been eating and...

GLC06588.049

to Libbie Elmore

He describes his food, which is mainly hard tack. The duty there is mainly picket and guard. He inquires about Dwight and informs her that John C. Roosa andAnthony Bashley have died.

GLC06588.050

to Libbie Elmore

He writes that they have had a long rain since they last talked. He hopes that one day the long separation will be over and he will be able to clasp her in his arms. He asks about Willard.

GLC06588.051

to Libbie Elmore

The draft has been drawn, but he feels it is no worse for a drafted man than for a volunteer. C.H. SImpson's brothers were drafted. He refers to Libbie's last letter in which she mentions that someone stole some of her bees.

GLC06588.052

to Libbie Elmore

He wishes she could sell the farm. He asks about Willard.He wishes he could eat pancakes with her in the chilly mornings they''ve been having.

GLC06588.053

to Libbie Elmore

The Rebels still occupy Lookout Mountain and a few shots were exchanged. He brings up the subject of farm again and how he wishes she would sell it. He is anxious to hear who of the drafted men are exempt.

GLC06588.054

to Libbie Elmore

He is weak from living on hard tack. He mentions a John Evens who wants a place by Spring. If only she could sell for 12000.

GLC06588.055

to Libbie Elmore

Eight men have been detailed from his company to to go on another expedition, though he does not say what it is.

GLC06588.056

to Libbie Elmore

There was another fight in the vicinity between Sherman's corps. and the Rebels. They came out the winner. Letter is very faded.

GLC06588.057

to Bruce Elmore

She went to his parents the other day and they discussed what to include in his care package which will contain mostly food. John L. Dow is dead of typhoid fever.

GLC06588.058

to Libbie Elmore

He summarizes the recent activity around Lookout Mountain which culminated in a fight breaking out on Wednesday morning. They managed to escape without being severely engaged. Later theyw ere ordered to Knoxville to help Burnside.

GLC06588.059

to Libbie Elmore

He requests a pair of gloves or mittens.

GLC06588.062

to Libbie Elmore

He writes that he hopes another winter will bring peace to this country.

GLC06588.063

to Libbie Elmore

Pages missing. People talk of starving the South but Elmore says they find plenty of corn in their barns and other crops growing and they are not allowed to touch it.They expect the Rebels to surrender in Vixburgh soon.

GLC06588.064

to Libbie Elmore

He describes his meals in detail He also warns her that there is little chance he can get a furlough since only one out of twenty may get one.

GLC06588.065

to Unknown

Author reports that Bruce is well. They have had to march 3 or 4 weeks to near Knoxville but now they have pretty good quarters. He is sharing a tent with Bruce and two others.

GLC06588.066

to Unknown

He notes that the draft has come off in Fallsburgh, though he suspects many will be either exempt or used as substitutes. Bruce is very well and quite fat.

GLC06588.067

to Libbie Elmore

He requests a pair of gloves or mittens again. The regiment may go back to Nashville. He talks of the difficulties of sending packages.

GLC06588.068

to Libbie Elmore

He wishes he could have spent Christmas with her. Willard came to the regiment a few days ago and he will go to the ambulance corps again.

GLC06588.069

to Libbie Elmore

Picket duty is over but now they are sent on various kinds of fatigue. Many of the men are sick with diarrahea or scurvy.

GLC06588.070

to Libbie Elmore

They have changed camp and are now at Bridgeport. The officers did not like the previous quarters and forced them to tear down the shanties and put them up again.

GLC06588.071

to Libbie Elmore

The Christian Commission brings them vegetables. He writes about which animals she should sell and which crops she should try to grow. Willard is still in Chattanooga.

GLC06588.072

to Libbie Elmore

He advises her to sell the oxen and not to let Kniffin take any more hay for his cow. He says to watch Kniffin closely. He requests a comb and postage stamps.

GLC06588.073

to Mother

Lt. Col Watkins is now in command and Col. Brighton is in command of the brigade men. Once again he warns of the difficulties of sending packages. A lot of the men are sick.

GLC06588.074

to Libbie Elmore

He says of course he would like to be home with her. Lately, they have not not heard anything from the Paymaster. E.P Perskeys and A COuthers have got furloughs approved.

GLC06588.075

to Libbie Elmore

He has heard nothing of Willard but thinks he may have sent in his resignation.

GLC06588.076

to Libbie Elmore

He writes of several packages that the company received safely, but still thinks it is risky. Willard wrote to Dwight requesting some items. Theya re expecting the Paymaster soon.

GLC06588.077

to Libbie Elmore

Willard and Bruce sent a package to father. They put a mark on each one and they are hoping nothing happens to the box.

GLC06588.078

to Libbie Elmore

He writes that things are going the same as usual with picket duty. The food is the same but they are building a bake-house for the brigade. He heard from Willard who is well.

GLC06588.079

to Libbie Elmore

He is glad she sold the oxen and thinks she is getting to be quite the business woman.In other news , Willard did not get his pay and is not well at present.

GLC06588.080

to Libbie Elmore

He has sent some money and tells her to look out for it. WIllard is feeling better. He received his boots, tobacco and berries..

GLC06588.081

to Libbie Elmore

He is glad she got rid of Kniffin. As for selling the cows he tells her to use her own judgement but discusses the pros and cons of keeping the sheep. He is waiting for the Paymaster. Includes separate note to Martha.

GLC06588.082

to Libbie Elmore

He received a letter from Sarah Carrier who will spend the summer teaching.He thinks Kersey is asking too much money for working their place. Garret Leroys is also mentioned. The regiment might be consolidated,

GLC06588.083

to Libbie Elmore

The Captain has written, saying he thinks he will be back by the 20th. They will most likely stay in Bridgeport for some time. Letter is written over and illegible in some parts. The Major says their company operates better than any other in the...

GLC06588.084

to Kniffin

He writes that he heard from Libbie that Kniffin is already out of hay and he accuses Kniffin of being wasteful. He also criticizes his handling of the cows.

GLC06588.085

to Libbie Elmore

There are no men on the sick list currently. He heard from Willard who is doing well. He says he is doing well also and inquires about the sheep.

GLC06588.086

to Libbie Elmore

Tom Smith gives a good price for the spruce and he advises her to sell the hemlock to Bill Simpson. The weather has not been pleasant lately. He has heard from Willard again who is well.

GLC06588.087

to Libbie Elmore

He scolds her for not getting her shoes made out of calf skin instead of kipp. He is anxious to know how the town meeting went He has been having pancakes every morning.

GLC06588.090

to Libbie Elmore

He discuses some food she recently sent him and which food had rotted and which had saved well. He is doing well and has sent some money home. He thanks her for everything she has sent.

GLC06588.091

to Libbie Elmore

He writes that the soldiers are living well and many have grown fat. There is plenty of food and the boxes they get from hom help out a lot. Dekay, another soldier, is Bruce's tent mate and they get along well.

GLC06588.092

to Libbie Elmore

He has been making money on the side by selling the other boys the tobacco he receives. Now he has some money to send home. He also mentions his love of suspenders and he receives a package with suspenders that day.

GLC06588.093

to Libbie Elmore

The Paymaster has arrived, so he will be sending some money. Even though he belives she does a good job managing the farm, he still wishes she could sell it.

GLC06588.095

to Libbie Elmore

They have moved camp and are now near Williamsburg..The news from Vixburgh is good snd he thinks they will soon surrender.

GLC06588.096

to Libbie Elmore

He advises her to sell the yearlings as soon as possible. He asks her how much she sold the wool for. Their camp is on the road from Williamsburg to Richmond.

GLC06588.097

to Libbie Elmore

He informs her that he just had a negative taken for some photographs and he will send them along in a few days.

GLC06588.098

to Libbie Elmore

He is glad to hear that everyone is so well. In addition to rations, he tells her that they have also been foraging. They have killed a few chickens and a few pigs.

GLC06588.099

to Libbie Elmore

Written on the back of a letter he received from his father. His father talks about what he's read in the papers concerning Vixburgh and Port Hudson. Bruce tells Libbie to sell the cattle. He will be sending money soon.

GLC06588.100

to Libbie Elmore

Appears to be a partial letter or letter draft. He writes they only have 49 men and non-comissioned officers. Charley is well.

GLC06588.101

to Libbie Elmore

They are currently under marching orders. He thinks they will go to Richmond on a raid.

GLC06588.102

to unknown

Either this is a letter draft or a partial letter. The author writes that he/she may ahve to destroy the recipient's letters as he/she has no place to keep them.

GLC06588.103

to Libbie Elmore

They have been constantly on the march. So far the Rebels have not attacked, although they have commenced fortifying a litlle but have not progressed. General Spears' cavalry landed on Friday and has gone toward Richmond.

GLC06588.104

to Libbie Elmore

He thinks they may stay where they are for some time. He mentions Hooker and Lee. He discusses the selling of the Spruce.

GLC06588.105

to Libbie Elmore

He writes that there are reports that Lee is overwhelmed. He also mentions a fellow soldier who died recently and he suspects homesickness was the principle cause.

GLC06588.106

to Libbie Elmore

They marched a long march of 29 miles and are now in Leesburg, in the vicinity of Lee's army. He wants to see Lee "whipped severely before he goes back to Vixburgh."

GLC06588.107

to Libbie Elmore

They marched for two days to find out Lee had crossed the river. He is doing very well but a lot of the men's feet are blistered.

GLC06588.108

to Libbie Elmore

He refers to the rioters in New York that were roughly handled. He says they do not get much news since no papers reach them.

GLC06588.109

to unknown

The author asks if the recipient has sold the logs to Smith and many calves recipient is raising.

GLC06588.110

to Libbie Elmore

He had a dream that he was with Libbie at home but it was too short. He requests new needles and thread.

GLC06588.111

to Libbie Elmore

The regiment started for New York for the purpose of bring drafted men down. Willard has dysentary. He believes there is a good chance the war will end soon.

GLC06588.112

to Libbie Elmore

He is glad for the picture of Eddie and requests one of her as well. He requests needles and pins again. There is a brief discussion about the yearlings she sold.

GLC06588.113

to Libbie Elmore

He read in the paper that his company would be broken up into 3 divisions used to guard the railroad. He would like that, although there is no sign of it happening. Running the farm and the selling of a hen is discussed.

GLC06588.114

to Libbie Elmore

He is concerned because Hettie and mother told him that Libbie is not well. yesterdaday they received orders to report to the railroad in order to join their old division but the order was countermanded and they returned to their old camp.

GLC06588.116

to Libbie Elmore

He writes that the weather is very warm but the water is not very good and there is not enough to drink. They wash their clothes in the brook.

GLC06588.117

to Libbie Elmore

The Paymaster came and he will be sending money home. He does not know when the Paymaster will come again and he has not heard from Willard.

GLC06588.119

to Libbie Elmore

Willard is doing better.

GLC06588.120

to Libbie Elmore

Willard is doing much better. His father would like to visit him if he could get a pass and transportation. Palen is sick. He doesn't think he'll be able to send as much money as he did last time.

GLC06588.121

to Libbie Elmore

He notes he has been in service now for a year and 5 days. The news from Charleston is very positive and it looks as though Fort SUmpter will soon be theirs. He ehard a rumour that Gen. Grant will control of the army of the Potomac.Willard will...

GLC06588.122

to Libbie Elmore

Clark is in a hospital and Palen is away on sick furlough. He is positive Willard will be leaving on sick furlough soon as well, though he has not heard from him in a while.

GLC06588.123

to Libbie Elmore

He tried to talk to R.E. Palen but he was about to leave on sick furlough and didn't have time. He mentions the buckwheat that did not load well and the difficulties Libbie had with the oats.

GLC06588.124

Morning Reports of Capt. R.W. Bennett of the 143rd regiment

Lists the soldiers that present and absent, on duty, or sick and contains a summary of the information.

GLC06588.125

to Libbie Elmore

Yesterday they were reviewed by General Howard. They all passed. Their pickets and railroad guards were relieved by another brigade. He is doing very well.

GLC06588.126

to Libbie Elmore

He can't find a package that was sent to Bruce though he has tried in vain. It seems to have been lost in the mail. He anxious to hear news about the regiment since he has been sick for so long.

GLC06588.127

to Bruce Elmore

He writes that it will be such a happy time when he can finally come home and see his kids. He also mentions Mamie, hettie and Elmira.

GLC06588.128

to Libbie Elmore

They have orders to be ready to take the field and they are under Hooker. He asks if she has sold the cows yet.

GLC06588.129