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to his wife
4 January 1863
Jones, John, fl. 1862-1864
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
March 20, 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
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
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