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to Mary

They will be leaving in the morning. He went to town today and had his picture taken for her. He says for her to keep the deed safe in case Chapman calls for it. If he doesn't she should burn it.

GLC02415.002

to Mary

They rode the train cars through Ohio and Michigan. The Rebels tried to brake their picket but they were pushed back. A few regiments were taken across the river. A lot of the boys are anxious to fight.

GLC02415.003

to Mary

They are camped in a very nice area near Louisville. There is a large plantation with lots of sweet potatoes. He asks if Taylor has decided to take the farm yet and if not she will have to let it. He asks if she heard from Wes. Was written near...

GLC02415.004

to Mary

There is nothing going on at the moment. They left him at camp for the last five days because he has not been feeling well. He wants to know all about the animals on their farm. He tells her not ask Father for help in the farm because he is old and...

GLC02415.015

to Mary

He thinks his regiment has seen harder times than most, since they have been in two battles already. He responds to her request for details of William Sears' death.

GLC02415.016

to dear wife and beloved children

He is glad she is trying to sell the farm but the price she has set on it is the lowest it could possibly go for. He is not that anxious to sell but if the money is there take it. He says to pay Uncle Cheleb what he owes him.

GLC02415.020

to Mary

He talks about the differences in climate in the North vs. the South. This leads to the next topic of Southern diseases.

GLC02415.023

to Mary

He figures it is time to send her some money. They will stay where they are five more days. There are four sick men in the company.

GLC02415.024

to Mary

He is anxious to hear from the boys in the potomac. He goes on to talk about the sacred principles of defending one's country as his grandfather and father did. David is not very well

GLC02415.026

to Mary

A very patriotic letter about why it is important to make sacrifices for the nation. Fighting for your country will benefit posterity.

GLC02415.041

to Mary

He talks about Bragg and Gen. Rosecrans. He says Bragg is a coward and a traitor and is afraid of Rosecrans. Then he goes on to speculate whether Father ought to save his wheat for the Spring market or Fall.

GLC02415.044

to Mary

He still doesn't know where they will send him, either to the regiment or the Convalescent Camp, but ultimately feels he will go back with his regiment. He hopes it is true that H. Pratt was discharged.

GLC02415.045

to Mary

He has been detailed in the hospital dining room. He has to set the table and do the dishes. He apologizes for not having sent her money yet, but he should be able to do so this week.

GLC02415.047

to Mary

He asks her to let him know right away if she does not receive the money he sent. She mentioned that a Mr. Shear has written to him but he has not received any of the letters.

GLC02415.050

to Mary

Money goes very fast these days he says. Even after receiving two months pay some of the boys have no money left. But he is very careful about how he spends his money. Other soldiers waste their money on drinking and gambling.

GLC02415.055

to Mary

He wants to know how living in Mr. Sterans house is for her. Apparently their corn crop did not do well this year. He asks what Mr. Graw wants to do with their farm.

GLC02415.057

to Mary

He received a letter from his father who is well. His father told him that William H. Pratt is in the hospital. James assures Mary that he is safer now than if he had stayed in the brigade.

GLC02415.059

to Mary

He has no wish to rejoin his regiment and march around in the cold. He would like to have a taste of her mince pies. He says to tell Mr. Roland he can work on the improved land.

GLC02415.060

to Mary

He writes again how education is so important for their children. If she does not have money for the taxes, he insists she let him know and he will send her some money.Their pay is late.

GLC02415.063

to Mary

He talks about the music they practice playing in camp to keep busy during down times. Some of the boys play cards, while he prefers to read.

GLC02415.067

to Mary

He has never been healthier. There is some talk of going to Cincinnati but he thinks they will most likely go to Georgia or Alabama.

GLC02415.069

to Mary

He responds to the news from his wife. She has said William and Jane Nickerson might move back to Calhoun. Mary has not decided if she will go to Dester this summer.

GLC02415.070

to Mary

He would like William to work the farm so that he could live there with Mary and the children and then she wouldn't have to worry about the milling.

GLC02415.071

to Mary

He talks about the current prices of different articles of clothing. He says he is getting lazy and doesn't know how long he will remain in Chattanooga. He still owes his uncle money.

GLC02415.077

to Mary

He talks about the inevitability of death and the many vices of the army. It takes a very stable mind to reject all the vices of the army. He mentions a friend who wants to enlist because his wife died, but he thinks it would be better if he stayed...

GLC02415.079