14 August 1863

Epperly, Christian M., 1837-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Epperly

Mentions that many men desert daily. Says that the loneliness is almost impossible to bare. If everyone else deserts, then he will too. Notes that they are near a paper mill and paper is very cheap. Adds his thoughts about the future of the Confederacy. "I dont believe in staying with the smallist [sic] and I think Session [sic] is amost [sic] dide [sic]out. I beleave [sic] it would a been a grate [sic] thing for us if it never had been a live."

GLC02715.066

15 August 1863

Epperly, Christian M., 1837-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: [A Confederate Assessment of the War]

Mentions the high price of food. States that he believes the Confederacy is doomed. "I beleave [sic] the South first started on a just course but our wickedness and diobediians [sic] has brought us to what [where] we are: and I dont think the South will stand much longer."

GLC02715.067

August circa 1863

Epperly, Joseph, fl. 1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to C. M. Epperly

Writes that many men have deserted and that several hundred cavalry may be sent to bring the deserters back.

GLC02715.068

16 August 1863

Epperly, Mary M., fl. 1859-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to C. M. Epperly

Discusses desertion: "I think [if] the head men dont soon end this war that the soldiers will for they are runing from down east by hundreds ther[e] was five hundred went through hear last weak well armed and they say they wont go back any more and I don't blame them for it. I wish they would all runaway and these head men would be obliged to fight it out but as long as they can stay at home and speculate [inserted: off] of the poor soulders they dont care how long the war lasts."

GLC02715.069

21 August 1863

Epperly, Mary M., fl. 1859-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to C. M. Epperly

Writes that she spoke to a man from Franklin, who said half the men from that army have deserted. Notes that the men do not hide but live normal lives. Says that the home guards do not bother to look for deserters anymore and asks her husband to come home. [See GLC02715.065]

GLC02715.070

27 August 1863

Epperly, Christian M., 1837-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Epperly

Writes that he received her letter, but thinks it best not to come home right now. Believes a large force will be sent after deserters and the army will be hard on them.

GLC02715.071

4 November 1863

Epperly, Christian M., 1837-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Epperly

Writes from camp near Chatanooga that many men are sick and in the hospital. Notes that he has just arrived at Chattanooga. As punishment, he and the others are in the guard house. [He had deserted.] Gives his address as: "Buckners Division, Trigs Brigade, 54 Va. Regt. Vol., Company A., Chicka[h]omany Station, Tenn."

GLC02715.072

12 November 1863

Epperly, Christian M., 1837-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Epperly

Notes that rations are in short supply. Hopes that the soldiers near Knoxville will open the railroad so provisions can be brought in. States that he wishes he had an overcoat. Adds that he is homesick since returning to the army.

GLC02715.073

19 November 1863

Epperly, Christian M., 1837-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Epperly

Writes that he has not received a letter from her since he left home. Also says that he does not believe there will be a battle here.

GLC02715.074

6 December 1863

Simon, fl. 1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Epperly

Mentions that he gave Christian her letter. Writes that both Christian and Issac have been released from the guard house and have returned to active duty.

GLC02715.075

17 December 1863

Epperly, Christian M., 1837-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Epperly

Writes that he does not think there will be any more fighting this winter, but he also sees no plans for peace. Says that he still believes the unit will be ordered back to Virginia.

GLC02715.076

27 December 1863

Epperly, Christian M., 1837-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Epperly

Says that he has written her four letters since the battle, but she received none of them. Notes that the food is very bad. Writes that the weather is miserable and his regiment does not have its overcoats yet. Believes the war is almost over.

GLC02715.077

4 January 1864

Epperly, Christian M., 1837-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Epperly

Writes that he received his overcoat, some apples, cakes, butter and soap on New Years Day. Comments that his only punishment for deserting was 20 days in the guard house. Also discusses rations.

GLC02715.078

January 15, 1864

Epperly, Christian M., 1837-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Epperly

Instructs his wife to make good use of the grain. Says that it will become scarce before next harvest and there will be suffering both at home and in the army. Notes that they put up their winter tents and built chimneys to keep warm.

GLC02715.079

January 15, 1864

Epperly, Christian M., 1837-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Epperly

Says that he has heard a rumor that the regiment will return to Virginia. Writes that he misses her greatly and discusses their future in heaven.

GLC02715.080

January 23, 1864

Epperly, Christian M., 1837-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Epperly

Writes that his uncle died in a distillery explosion. Says that he has not received any pay since he returned to the army and has to borrow money from a neighbor. Instructs Mary to repay the man's wife.

GLC02715.081

February 1, 1864

Epperly, Christian M., 1837-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Epperly

Notes that he has received several letters from her including one dated 4 August 1863. Says the army is falling back towards Atlanta, Georgia. Also reports an account of mutiny that took place in December where officers attempted to punish a group of soldiers by forcing them to wear barrels (a common punishment in both armies). When the soldiers refused, a regiment was brought up to enforce the punishment. Still not willing to submit to their punishment, the offenders formed a line and fired on the regiment, killing 10 and wounding 100 of their comrades. "[O]ur men had a little Brush…

GLC02715.082

February 21, 1864

Epperly, Christian M., 1837-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Epperly

Writes that William has gone to the hospital with a broken leg. Also mentions that he went to Sunday "preaching."

GLC02715.083

28 February 1864

Epperly, Christian M., 1837-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Epperly

Describes a skirmish near Dalton.

GLC02715.084

5 March 1864

Epperly, Christian M., 1837-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Epperly

Says that he was sorry to learn that all men ages 17-50 will have to join the army. [See GLC02715.114] Comments that he hopes George will not join the army. "I become stronger for the union every day I live... I don't think we will ever be able to gain another victory."

GLC02715.085

12 March 1864

Epperly, Christian M., 1837-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Epperly

Discusses the quality and quantity of rations.

GLC02715.086

10 October 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Expresses disappointment with not receiving a letter from William, but writes this letter for both William and Henry Jackson. Discusses being recalled from New Jersey in response to sightings of British ships. Tells William to not give credit to reports that an American garrison has been taken, because it has not be verified. Comments on cannons he is getting for Henry Jackson to be mounted on a privateer. Mentions that Lucy Knox and their daughter visited briefly. Composed at Mount Washington.

GLC02437.00472

7 November 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: William Knox

Was worried to hear from Henry Jackson that William had gone aboard a ship going to confront the British ship the Mifford. Notes that after pursuing the Continental Army to White Plains, the British have turned back toward New York and Knox speculates that they intend to besiege Fort Washington and then pass to New Jersey and possible Philadelphia. Believes Fort Washington could withstand a two or three month siege. Notes that the Hessians and the British "plunder all before them." Instructs William to pick Lucy Knox up from New Haven, Connecticut, if she wants to winter in Boston. A…

GLC02437.00483

2 October 1776

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Explains why he has not written recently. Reacts to Knox's account of Major Thomas Henley's death in a failed surprise attack against the British on Randall's Island. Notes that he has published accounts Knox requested. Indicates that Bostonians are "much alarm'd, about the burn'g, hang'g & cut'g the throats of some of our people..." Discusses the appointments, resignations, and selection of several officers. Reports the capture of a British vessel with light horse on board.

GLC02437.00466

10 October 1776

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Laments the loss of Bergen Point, New Jersey, as well as any other easy victory by the British because it lifts their spirits and emboldens them. It also discourages the Americans. Wants there to be no more works built that cannot be properly defended. Discusses several prizes taken by privateers and the supplies seized. Also relates news from London papers that were aboard one of the ships. Discusses a ship his is outfitting and inquires again about the guns he requested from Knox. Mentions the marriage of Ebenezer Oliver to Sucky (Susanna) Johonnet.

GLC02437.00474