22 November 1862

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Writes that soldiers are living in the state house in Tennessee, which is a "splendid piece of workmanship." However, the soldiers are not respectful of the building and keep it dirty at all times. Writes that the men are able to buy anything they need with Secesh script (currency). Reports that he has not seen the 101st whose division is commanded by Jeff C. Davis (the Davis that shot Nelson). Includes a short letter written the next day. Writes that he will not get paid before the first of January. He would like some news on the Eastern army.

GLC06728.032

January 15, 1863

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Writes that his wound is doing better. The main part of the army is about two miles south of Murfreesboro and the rebels are far ahead of them. States that his company has lost more men in the three battles (Pea Ridge, Perryville, Murfreesboro) than any other company in the regiment. Of forty-six men, twenty-seven have been killed and wounded. Writes that the regiment has suffered greatly because Johnson's and Davis' division fell back which gave the rebels an opportunity to cross fire.

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February 3, 1863

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

He is being kept in a dark room and is accompanied by "greybacks" and five or six others from the regiment. His wound is healing slowly, but doing well. Expects to be called to go to St. Louis. Written at the Exchange Barracks.

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7 February 1863

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Writes that he has had worse treatment since being paroled and will not be doing guard duty while he is on parole. Comments that if the fighting were left to the officers, there would be another Bull Run. Plans to visit home if he gets paid soon. Written at the Benton Barracks Union Military Camp

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9 April 1863

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Reports that rebels have taken possession of a part of the Cumberland River, fifteen miles away. The rebels also burned a boat filled with sutler's goods. Describes the town of Clarksville and writes that there are two regiments of infantry, a battery, and some cavalry stationed there

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12 April 1863

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Reports that rebels captured a train and killed several soldiers a few days ago. After capturing the train they burned it and later skedddled. Included is a letter written the next day in which he writes that he saw Lafayette [Miller] and George Schaffer when he visited Co. G of 101st Ohio. Writes of some possible upcoming vacancies in the regiment.

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28 April 1863

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Writes that he visited the 101st and saw Billy Hutchinson and George Morse. Reports that the fortifications are of exceptional quality; better than those in Corinth. Has sent sixty dollars to his parents and asks them to save a dollar from the amount to purchase stamps. Reports that the troops were firing on picket most of the night.

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16 May 1863

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sisters

Has been on picket duty for six days. Writes that "contraniggers" and deserters are coming in fast and wishes his father "had a couple pigs to call him massa." Reports that he has seen some friends. Mentions "Hooker's -----" and explains that the latter term will be used until better informed. Writes that many of the prisoners that went to Richmond are exchanged and returning to their regiments.

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31 May 1863

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sisters

Writes that the company may have to move if Bragg weakens his force to reinforce the Vicksburg army. Reports the papers have erroneously reported that the company had marching orders. Includes a letter written on the following day. Writes that the town of Murfreesboro is "encircled with fortifications and the siege guns bid defiance to Secessia". Also writes that Rosecrans or "Old Rosie" is pressing confiscated soldiers into service. He has orders for a regimental inspection, so he cannot write a long letter. Mentions a letter he received from an unknown person in which "vile slang in…

GLC06728.048

22 June 1863

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Writes that the paroled men were ordered to report to General Rosecrans on the 15th of June, but they reported on the 17th instead and were sent off. Is enjoying Camp Chase, as it is very pleasant and near the woods. Writes that the farther north he travels the more he is excited about rebel raids in the north. Also writes that the people north of the river do more fighting with their tongues than with their muskets. Has heard that Morgan was coming up to Indiana. Went to visit the 101st but most of the soldiers were on picket. His friends Mordoff and Cook were there but Mordoff was not…

GLC06728.049

3 July 1863

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Writes that he is able to get vegetables of all kinds at reasonable rates. Reports that some of the boys took down a Secesh flag and put up the stars and stripes in its place. Writes that he has seen the "enticements" for reenlistments and believes the government will get better soldiers this way. Has not heard from the regiment since they began to march; has heard last accounts of them being near Tullahoma. Writes that none of his friends at camp belong to his father's order. He would like to be home helping his father hay, but it would be risky for him to run away.

GLC06728.050

22 July 1863

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

George Biddulph to his friend Frank, 3p. Writes that he left Murfreesboro and advanced to Tullahoma. No rebel forces were found at Tullahoma, as they had left five hours before. Writes that the company went after the rebels the next morning and pursued them as far as Cowan Station, where the men are now. Reports that only three men from their division were wounded and that many prisoners were captured. Is very happy with the conditions of his camp. Writes that the 2nd and 3rd brigades are not far away. Will try to get a recommendation for Frank to go home. The 36th Illinois Infantry…

GLC06728.052

12 September 1863

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Ettie

Writes that Rosecrans was in Chattanooga with his regiment and he wishes he were there. Asks how his siblings Josh and Martt are getting along. Writes that rations have been reduced to half, but there is still plenty of potatoes and beef. Urges Ettie to send the pictures he's been waiting for as quickly as possible. Has sent home a selection of pictures of the regiment. Writes that the paymaster will be looking into whether the sentence of a court martial for paroled men is authorized. Thinks that paroled men are not soldiers. Believes there is a possibility that he will be discharged…

GLC06728.055

28 October 1863

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Writes that he came back to camp to find that the men were living on half rations of hard tack and beef with no other food. Explains that the short rations are due to the limitations of transporting provisions. Reports that four soldiers were killed and some are missing. Also reports that only two hundred soldiers were mustered, fifty of which are sick. Writes that he can see the rebel camp from his camp. An agreement has been made between Union and Confederate pickets to not bother each other. Writes that the pickets have been exchanging papers, but the practice has now been prohibited…

GLC06728.057

5 November 1863

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sisters

Complains about the reduced rations of food. Reports that the rebels still hold Lookout Mountain but the breastworks are substantial enough that the rebels would be defeated. Writes that General Osterhaus is in Tuscumbia, Alabama. Continues to write about the lack of food. The soldiers contemplated eating some mule meat, but were able to get some hard tack and sow belly to appease their hunger. Mentions the exemption law and hopes that it is repealed by January of 1864. Advises that a friend not move to the West as "the conveniences he will find in the West he will find as many…

GLC06728.058

26 November 1863

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Hank

Writes that he is enjoying Thanksgiving in celebration of taking Mission Ridge, Lookout Mountain and the valley. Reports that his regiment suffered more in proportion to numbers at Chickamauga than Murfreesboro. Writes that he got through the battle of (Mission Ridge) without a scratch and that none in his company were killed or wounded. Believes that the loss of the enemy is greater than that of his regiment.

GLC06728.059

27 November 1863

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Hank

A continuation of the previous letter. Writes that he marched to Chickamauga Creek the day before and spotted rebels burning bridges and their own baggage. Reports that the men have taken 80 pieces of rebel artillery and estimates that they will have 15,000 rebel prisoners. Writes that the envelope and paper are of Confederate style, the envelope being made of wallpaper.

GLC06728.060

28 February 1864

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother and sister

Writes that he is having trouble with his lungs but is in comfortable winter quarters. Believes that contrary to newspaper reports, Longstreet's forces will attack in Georgia not Knoxville. Akins his like of soldiering to a cat's love for hot soap and writes that the rebel forces shoot carelessly. Names the battles he's participated which include Pea Ridge, Perryville, Stone River, and Mission Ridge. Gives an account of men in his company that were killed or wounded in Stone River, Chickamauga, and Mission Ridge. Tells his siblings that he will teach them how to make a soldier's holiday…

GLC06728.065

1 March 1864

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Reports that Longstreet has left the vicinity of Knoxville and is likely headed towards Georgia. Writes that there is considerable sickness at camp caused by "sick wheat flour". Believes that the bridge crossing will be finished by the middle of the month. Hopes to be paid soon upon which he will try to send some money home.

GLC06728.066

10 May 1864

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother Henry Weeks

Writes that he has been in the line of battle for a few days and is now in front of enemy works. Some heavy skirmishing began yesterday and is still going on. Reports that Harker and Wagner's brigades charged Buzzards Roost and were repulsed. Also writes that the colonel of the 69th Ohio has been reported dead.

GLC06728.070

20 May 1864

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Writes that he has fought in three engagements and is unharmed, but one of his comrades has been killed and five wounded. Names the Army Corps present: 4th, 14th, 15th, 20th, 23rd, and a part of the 16th. Reports that heavy fighting was heard last night and that the rebel train can be seen. Written north of Atlanta, Georgia.

GLC06728.071

2 June 1864

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister Ettie Weeks

Writes that they have been under musketry attack for eight days, but their works have been a safe place. Hopes that more one-year men will be drafted into the war. Asks his father about the late quotations of gold and how it will affect their interests. Reports that the 15th Corps. took position on the left to relieve Hooker who is moving into Marietta. Also reports that during this campaign, the regiment has lost 83 men killed and wounded.

GLC06728.072

28 June 1864

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Reports that Brig. Gen. Harker was killed yesterday along with two of Weeks' company. Of Weeks' regiment, 43 were killed and wounded leaving 108 men. Writes that the only battle he has missed was the Chickamauga campaign but has been with his comrades for every other battle. Report that they are south of the Kenessaw Mountain where they can see Yankee shells exploding. He writes "sometimes a few of the calico tribe can be seen on the top of the MT. but the soft entreating voice of the Yankee Parrott induces them to vamoose the ranch at a rate of note." Asks that a piece of the "old 36…

GLC06728.073

17 August 1864

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Writes that he was following the Augusta Railroad while skirmishing. Updates his parents on other soldiers from home. Inquires about recruitment at home. Reports on some of the movements of his company. Writes that Colonel Miller has died after being wounded a month ago. Also writes that his captain, George Biddulph is in the hospital. Was written near Atlanta, Georgia.

GLC06728.074

September 9, 1864

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sisters

Describes Atlanta in ruins. Writes that Sherman has issued an order of evacuation for the city. He is anxious to complete his term of service and come home which he expects to do in thirteen days.

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