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to Libbie Elmore

They are still moving to the left but there have been no skirmishes since he last wrote. There has been a lot of rain lately. Their company is small at present because so many are in the ambulance corps. Was written near Marietta, Georgia.

GLC06588.139

to Libbie Elmore

They have managed to push the Rebels back a bit. There has been skirmishing. No one in their regiment has been hurt recently but other regiments have not been so lucky. He is doing well. Was written near Marietta, Georgia.

GLC06588.140

to Libbie Elmore

On the back Libbie has written to Bruce. There has been some fighting along their lines. 2 or 3 have been killed and many more wounded. Willard is there and doing well. Libbie is glad he is gaining on the Rebels.

GLC06588.141

to Libbie Elmore

The general opinion was that they should move right, though there don't seem to be signs of moving. Since he last spoke to her, his regiment has lost no men, though several have been wounded

GLC06588.142

to Libbie Elmore

They were all recently given six months pay. Tobacco is scarce. He asks her to send some eggs for Palen.

GLC06588.143

to Libbie Elmore

They have taken a lot of prisoners lately, but there has been very little skirmishing. They have lost no men.Capt. Bennet has come back to the Company and he is glad.

GLC06588.144

to Libbie Elmore

They got to their present place day before yesterday and yesterday received orders to make camp. This side of the river the Rebel forces have a has a heavy line of works. He requests some blackberries.He writes that he is very much disappointed with...

GLC06588.145

to Libbie Elmore

He received a copy of the Tribune and some tobacco. He tells her no to work too hard so she can keep up her strength.

GLC06588.146

to Libbie Elmore

He complains that the Rebels have more tobacco than they do. He says Uncle Sam can't get him to reenlist for any a mount of money and niether will a furlough.

GLC06588.147

to Libbie Elmore

He had diarrhea again but is now doing well. He says there is no chance for furloughs.

GLC06588.148

to Libbie Elmore

He asks her to tell WIllard he has not collected all his pay yet. He thinks that if she get the money they're owed, she can pay all their dates. And if Willard wants his pay, to let him have it.

GLC06588.149

to Libbie Elmore

He received the berries and they are excellent. He had diarrhea again. Willard is getty really well.He thinks Sherman wants to cut the Rebels' communications and supplies and force them to evacuate Atlanta.

GLC06588.150

to Libbie Elmore

He writes about his fears of not being able to make it home before his time is up. He knows the Rebels will hold out until the very end, but he thinks the rebellion is being crushed.

GLC06588.151

to Unknown

Gen. Rousan has gone on a raid towards Macon, but no one knows what will happen. The back is in a different handwriting.. The author mentions Grant and Petersburgh, an unsuccesful mission. Though he has great confidence in Grant, Mead and Button.

GLC06588.152

to Libbie Elmore

He hopes Sherman will be able to get the Rebels out of Atlanta and take them prisoners. He writes they have so much to be thankful for and will have to trust that the end is near.

GLC06588.153

to Libbie Elmore

He writes about their current debt and how it is much less than it was before. Also used as scratch paper.

GLC06588.154

to Libbie Elmore

He heard that Lee sent 30,000 troops in to reinforce his army so it might be some time before they go into Atlanta. He notes the changes in their rations. They no longer get pork and only beef because pork is worse for scurvy. Was written near...

GLC06588.155

to Libbie Elmore

He mentions berries and tobacco. He tells Libbie not to send him things if it will take too much money. He had diarrhea again. Very faded. Was written near Atlanta, Georgia.

GLC06588.156

to Libbie Elmore

He discusses selling the barn and how there is not much prospect of such a thing. He acknowledges that she has increased the number of sheep. He discusses the pros and cons of selling the farm again Was written near Atlanta, Georgia.

GLC06588.157

to Libbie Elmore

Very faded with water damage. He mentions the ambulance corps. He describes where they are prresently camped. The rebels occupy the land a couple of miles outside their line and a few shots were exchanged while on pickets.

GLC06588.158

to Libbie Elmore

The forefinger of his right hand is sore and he cannot use it to write. Therefore most of the letter is illegible

GLC06588.159

to Libbie Elmore

He thanks her for the blackberries. His finger still hurts very much. Very faded.

GLC06588.160

to Libbie Elmore

The Rebels evacuated pretty fast after some heavy fighting. They also captured a large number of prisoners. They've been mustered for pay and soon he can send her some money.

GLC06588.161

to Libbie Elmore

The rebels have lost both in men and ammunition. They've had no mail the last few days. The word is that Sherman's army will rest for a month. He hopes to hear from the paymaster soon. Was written near Atlanta, Georgia.

GLC06588.162

to Libbie Elmore

They were supposed to have a review but it was cancelled. Lately, though, they have been living pretty well. He advises her to discuss the legal aspects of selling the farm with a lawyer.

GLC06588.163

to Libbie Elmore

Once again he discusses the deed of sale for the farm. Willard is doing as well as can be expected.

GLC06588.164

to Libbie Elmore

They are enjoying a good rest. He has read that the price of gold is going down. The food is rather terrible lately. All they get is hard tack. Willard is ok.

GLC06588.165

to Libbie Elmore

There has been a lot of fighting. Their corps is the only one left in Atlanta. The rest have gone to meet the enemy. He tried to get a furlough but it wasn't approved. He takes comfort in knowing that one day he will make it home without a furlough.

GLC06588.166

to Libbie Elmore

He does not think she will be able to make a hundred dollars off the farm this year but he thinks she has done the best she could possibly have done. He hasks her to tell him how much of the farm she has sold this summer.

GLC06588.167

to Libbie Elmore

They have been having very good food lately. He requests another pair of socks. he worries about her health because she works too hard.

GLC06588.168

to Libbie Elmore

They have been foraging and they have been successful in their efforts. Willard was sent to a hospital in Nashville. He continues to worry about her health.

GLC06588.169

to Libbie Elmore

They have been preparing for a march for several days. They are hoping to gain a foothold before Lee's army can bother them. He hopes Libbie can sell the farm to that man. He is owed ten months pay.

GLC06588.170

to Libbie Elmore

He speculates on when they will get paid and what he will do if he gets the money. They have marched out of camp and back again. While their pay is late, they were told to take their bonds.

GLC06588.171

to Libbie Elmore

He assumes her father must be home by now. Tomorrow it will be ten months since they were last paid. He notes that it must be hard on those families that have nothing but the wages of their husband to depend on.

GLC06588.172

to Libbie Elmore

He says that when Father corrects the mistakes in the deed for their farm he should note that that it was done before signing. Willard is feeling no worse nor better.

GLC06588.173

to Libbie Elmore

He still hasn't been paid. She will have to manage to pay taxes herself.

GLC06588.174

to Libbie Elmore

Letter is completely faded.

GLC06588.175

Daily Diary

He describes his movements and places of encampment. for each day.

GLC06588.176

to Libbie Elmore

Peskey is down with chronic diarrhea. Dekay is well. He heard Willard is doing great. They get some clothes but they really need more clothes.

GLC06588.177

to Libbie Elmore

Includes a daily diary through Dec. 24th. He has sent some money because they finally received eight months pay.

GLC06588.178

to Libbie Elmore

He enjoyed the childrens' picture. They started from Atlanta and have been destroying railroads and burning cotton whereever they go. They had good food on the march. Written near Savannah, Georgia

GLC06588.179

to Libbie Elmore

Letter is completely faded.

GLC06588.181

to Libbie Elmore

He advises her to sell all but a cow or a hog if she feels she needs one. He wishes he could have seen the children on Christmas morning. he has felt unwell. Emmit was badly wounded. Written near Savannah, Georgia

GLC06588.182

to Libbie Elmore

He hopes the proposed bill to raise the soldiers' wages passes. They are trying to bribe the soldiers into renlisting for another two years when their time is up with 30 day furlough and a bounty. He mentions the lack of vegetables and the need for...

GLC06588.183

to Libbie Elmore

He asks for tobacco and mittens.

GLC06588.184

to Libbie Elmore

He received some woolen gloves. He gives the health status of mutual acquaintances.

GLC06588.185

to Libbie Elmore

They received orders to pack up and move and he thinks they will stay at their new camp site until the trains come. He wonders whether it would be a good idea to invest the money they make from the sale of the farm in bonds. Was written near...

GLC06588.186

to Libbie Elmore

He says they are still stuck in a Carolina swamp. Captain Bruin has just come to the regiment. Back side features an order to guards and patrolmen. Written near Savannah, Georgia

GLC06588.187

to Libbie Elmore

Bruce writes that he doesn't know what the Rebels are fighting for since they have no hope of whipping their armies. He is disappointed to learn she has not yet sold the farm. Willard has not felt better in a long time. Written near Savannah, Georgia

GLC06588.188

to Libbie Elmore

They have been on the march some of the time each day. They had to clean and fix the roads because the Rebels had filled them with timber. There was some skirmishing once they camped.

GLC06588.189

to Libbie Elmore

He describes his movements since leaving Robertsville. He says South Carolina will not be able able to recover for a long time for they have destroyed theeir railroads and public property.

GLC06588.190

to Libbie Elmore

They may go somewhere nearer the coast but they are not sure yet. Everyone is doing well and no one has been killed or wounded lately.

GLC06588.191

to Libbie Elmore

He received berries and tobacco from her for which he is very grateful. They should get some new clothes soon. Lt. Brown went foraging with a party of men the other day and was attacked by the Rebels.

GLC06588.192

to Libbie Elmore

He is glad she is selling hay for an extra profit but warns her not to work too hard.

GLC06588.193

to Libbie Elmore

The good news is that Richmond has fallen. The Rebels said that Sherman must be stopped as the Confederacy has gone up but Lee cannot help them anymore.

GLC06588.194

to Bruce Elmore

She sympathizes with her husbands' struggle without much clothing. She mentions Tom, Jim and Dick. She discusses their problems.

GLC06588.195

to Bruce Elmore

She is happy that Lee has surrendered. She mentions friends that died in the war and is glad he is coming home. She hopes he can be home by the 4th of July.

GLC06588.196

to Libbie Elmore

From Goldsboro, they marched for four days where they had a skirmish with the Rebel cavalry.They don't know what Gen. Johnston intends to do next Written near Raleigh, North Carolina

GLC06588.197

to Libbie Elmore

General Johnston finally agreed to surrender to General Sherman. Willard and Dekay are both doing well. Written near Raleigh, North Carolina

GLC06588.198

to Unknown

She expects her husband will present her with an album upon his return. SHe prefers to leave the sale of the farm until he returns.

GLC06588.199

to Libbie Elmore

General Sherman has made an agreement with General Johnston and he he expects soon to send the army home. He mentions Lincoln's assassination.Willard is not doing too well. He tell her to make sure there are plenty of potatoes when he comes home...

GLC06588.200

to Libbie Elmore

He advises her to sell the farm for 1100 dollars. Bac side has order to guards and patrols.

GLC06588.201

to Bruce Elmore

She hoped to see the funeral sermon of the president at her local church but it was postponed. She mentions the activities of Tom and Dick,

GLC06588.202

to Bruce Elmore

The author says there is nothing here from him but a letter to his father. Also that the honored Sherman has lost his glory...

GLC06588.203

to Father

He describes his daily routine to his father. They must be ready to start out each day with the ambulances. He mentions the crops that are growing in the area such as corn and wheat. Was written near Acworth, Georgia.

GLC06588.204

to Bruce Elmore

She heard a report that Grant was shot on his way to Sherman's army but she does not believe it. Tom and Jim are mentioned. She does believe that Sherman may have been bribed by Jefferson Davis.

GLC06588.206

to Bruce Elmore

She has heard more reports concerning Sherman and his possible Benedict Arnold ways. She has read some of his letters to his father who finds it amusing that he asked for a lot of potatoes. Libbie palns to hire Wilber to some work in the farm...

GLC06588.208

to Bruce Elmore

Wilber says Bruce must get a good horse as they fetch good prices. But as for Libbie, she would be contented without a horse.

GLC06588.209

to Libbie Elmore

After nine days of marching they are within 7 or 8 miles of Richmond. Willard is corporal of train guard. As always, he hopes to be home soon. Written near Falling Creek, Virginia.

GLC06588.211

to Libbie Elmore

Rations have been scarce and they have been marching for days. he has never wanted to go home more. Was written near Alexandria, Virginia.

GLC06588.212

to Bruce Elmore

She mentions their friends, Jim, Dick and Hettie. Her bees feature prominently in this letter.

GLC06588.219

to Unknown

The author writes that he/she has just received the recipient's letter and he may have sent a box as well. Everyone is well.

GLC06588.220

to Bruce Elmore

Libbie talks about Lincolns death at length and what a tragedy it is. Unfortunately there are poeple that rejoice in his death. She also she will farm as he proposes.

GLC06588.222

to Libbie Elmore

He read that some other regiments were mustered out. He still thinks that it may be some time before he can come home and doesn't think he has much chance of getting a furlough. The favorable time for selling the farm has passed, he feels.They got...

GLC06588.224

to Bruce Elmore

She is glad peace is coming and that "carnage is over." She went to a Ladies' Aid Society meeting. The weather has been rainy. Jim Reynolds has shown interest in buying the farm.

GLC06588.225

to Bruce Elmore

She and his mother and Hettie heard that his regiment could be mustered out in two weeks. She is getting ready to sow some buckwheat with the help of her father.

GLC06588.226

to Libbie Elmore

He asks her to send some berries in the mail. The weather is very hot.

GLC06588.227

to Libbie Elmore

He writes that the other soldiers are getting drunk for Independence Day. He wishes he could have spent the day with her. "Freedom is no longer a doubtful trial, but a certainty..." he says referring to the recent victory. He wishes she could hire...

GLC06588.228

to Libbie Elmore

They were finally mustered out but there was a problem with the paperwork so they have to wait for someone to go to D.C. and fix the situation but he will be coming home soon. Was written near Alexandria, Virginia.

GLC06588.229

to Libbie Elmore

Since the officers have so much to do, they can't get mustered out until next Thursday and then they have to wait for transportation. It could take another three weeks for them to get discharged and paid out. Was written near Alexandria, Virginia.

GLC06588.230

to Libbie Elmore

They were officially mustered out and taken to New York. At the Astor House they saw General Hooker and gave him three cheers. Bruce does not like most of the officials however because they seem only to care for themselves and not the soldiers.

GLC06588.231

My Life is Like the Summer Rose and Heavily Falls the Rain

One is a soldier's poem, the other is a metaphor for the loss of life in the war perhaps...?

GLC06588.232

to Libbie Elmore

No year. He gives instructions for how he wants his boots made. He wants them made with calveskin and double-soled. He tells her to do what she wants with the pig.

GLC06588.233

to Libbie Elmore

They have been given marching orders and there are no mor furloughs to be granted. He says she should come and see him before he leaves but do not bring the children.

GLC06588.234

to Libbie Elmore

He describes his journey so far. There was marching in the rain and staying in a hotel where he only got bread and cheese for dinner. Theyw ere ordered not to buy anything to eat or drink, but he got a mince pie anyway.

GLC06588.235

to Libbie Elmore

He writes that there has been considerable skirmishing. He asks her to write soon and tell all the particulars of her days.

GLC06588.236

to Libbie Elmore

They are now in Virginia. Their tents are not completely organized yet. They are now on one of Burnside's boats. They passed through Baltimore and Virginia.

GLC06588.237

to Libbie Elmore

They have spent most of their time on picket duty but there has been very little drilling. Willard is not very well. Written at Upton Hill

GLC06588.239

to Bruce Elmore

Aunt Sarah is very ill and not expected to live. Libbie has had a toothache. She feels bad that she lives in comfort while he is exposed to danger and suffering.

GLC06588.240

to Partner

The letting is engraved with a picture with the title "Storming a Battery." He writes this is nothing but a picture, in reality it is not that bad. The men are against Col. Dewitt and in favor of Holly. During a bad storm, he and Willard took...

GLC06588.241

to Libbie Elmore

He describes Piquet or Grand Guard duty to Libbie. He is sorry to hear about her toothache and Sarah's sickness. He says officer French is not as disagreeable as he once was ever since he was superseded by Lt. Col. Boughton. Written at Upton Hill

GLC06588.242

to Libbie Elmore

He says all the boys enjoy piquet duty. He describes the food they've had lately. A woman passed by inquiring about Pennsylvania cavalry but she appeared to have some kind of hidden agenda. They took her to headquarters as a prisoner. She wore a belt...

GLC06588.243

to Libbie Elmore

Lt. Clark is doing better but French is no officer at all. There was talk of them going to Texas but all that has blown over. He talks about the pros and cons of selling the pork.

GLC06588.244

to Bruce Elmore

She heard that a large majority of their state has gone secession. She is afraid this will prolong the war but hopefully the Republicans will end it soon. Some sheep that he and his father owned died suddenly without explanation.

GLC06588.245

to Libbie Elmore

They have been camping in the snow. He describes how they built their own fireplace in the ground.

GLC06588.246

to Bruce Elmore

She notes that they are often writing to each other at the same moment and thinking of each other at the same time. She describes the children and what they've been up to. She made apple cider recently.

GLC06588.247

to Libbie Elmore

He liked the penmanship example from Eddie. He recommends keeping the sheep salted to prevent them from getting poisoned. They have been having great weather.

GLC06588.248

to Bruce Elmore

She heard that he has been given marching orders to leave Upton Hill. She dreamt about him and Willard the other night. The hog is up for sale.

GLC06588.249

to Libbie Elmore

He describes the "spicy time" that occurred on picket duty the night before. A shot was fired at the next post over and the sentry fired at the culprit. They stopped the intruder after the Rebels hit one of their corporals in the foot. He assures...

GLC06588.250

to Bruce Elmore

Letter from his father and Libbie. Father writes he is glad bruce keep his courage and unwavering faith. Libbie writes that they are all well and live in comfort. He should not worry about her being too saving like the neighbors, for example.

GLC06588.252