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to his wife
3 April 1863
Jones, John, fl. 1862-1864
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
11 June 1863
Writes from the "rear of Vicksburg." Discusses why he does not like getting wet. Mentions the Illinois soldiers fighting in Vicksburg, noting that some soldiers were wounded.
GLC05981.27
22 June 1863
Writes from the "rear of Vicksburg." Notes that he is happy to receive a photo from Mary (his wife). Reports on the Civil War. Gives his opinion on African American regiments. Discusses the adventures of a man who went to jail. Mentions how...
GLC05981.28
30 June 1863
Writes from "befor Vicksburg." Notes that his regiment fought and his general was killed. During battle, many soldiers have been wounded but another regiment came in and helped. He wonders when the killing will stop.
GLC05981.29
14 July 1863
Discusses the situation with the mail. Writes about his friend who is a soldier. Notes that he has been working very hard.
GLC05981.30
4 August 1863
Writes "I don't think my poor body can stand much more severe broiling." Mentions his first experience on a mule.
GLC05981.31
10 August 1863
Wants to come home but has no idea where or how he will end up after the war. Tells Mary that he cannot come home at this time, like he said a year ago.
GLC05981.32
19 September 1863
Discusses his adventures going down the river. Hopes to be home soon.
GLC05981.33
23 September 1863
Complains about all the dust. Feels lonesome. Writes about an incident he had with a woman he met.
GLC05981.34
2 October 1863
Has been feeling very lonesome. Mentions when he first met Mary. He has been promoted to quartermaster in his regiment. Reports that a boat was burned and 40 people died in the fire.
GLC05981.35
29 October 1863
Has not been able to write because he was on an expedition. Writes about a woman with 6 children. Promises to send Mary some money as soon as he can.
GLC05981.36
17 November 1863
Expects a letter from Mary.
GLC05981.37
23 November 1863
He just got paid, and paid off his debts. Sends Mary 10 dollars. Gives a weather report.
GLC05981.38
4 December 1863
Went to Vicksburg, Mississippi on horseback. Mary told him to explain a passage in one of his letters, but he cannot because he does not remember. Wants to know what he wrote in previous letters. Notes that he gets the "blues" once in a while....
GLC05981.39
December 8, 1863
Relates that nothing new is going on. Mentions a small skirmish that the Union won. Mentions reenlistment, noting that he is looking for someone to take his place in the army.
GLC05981.40
22 December 1863
Goes into detail about a person he met in town. Went to visit a regiment. Gives a detailed weather report.
GLC05981.41
6 January 1864
Expected mail from Vicksburg, but the mail never came. Notes that it has been a long time since he has received any mail. Writes a weather report. Some soldiers will be leaving on furlough. He envies them. Relays a conversation with Lieutenant Bush...
GLC05981.42
January 28, 1864
Reports that mail came in, but he did not receive any. He is disappointed that he has not been able to go home yet. Gives a prediction of the end of the Civil War and a detailed weather report. Notes that he got paid.
GLC05981.43
12 May 1864
Comments on the weather. Reports some benefits he has received. Describes the food he has been eating. Remembers the Battle of Raymond. Anxiously waits for the mail. Finishes the letter on Saturday morning, 14 May, noting that the fleet arrived...
GLC05981.44
19 May 1864
Complains about Pulaski. Says that "it has been somewhat tedious." He is tired from marching. Mentions [General Ulysses S.] Grant being victorious against the Confederates. He says "the rebellion must soon be crushed."
GLC05981.45
19 June 1864
A large amount of mail was captured and burned near Dalton. Apologizes for not writing enough. Mentions a confrontation with the Confederates. "Railroad atrocities." Predicts Richmond will fall soon. Writes about the weather.
GLC05981.46
26 June 1864
Wants to write more often. Discusses the mail and the flies of Etowah.
GLC05981.47
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