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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17 May 1863

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Writes that he has little duty to do except for picket duty. Comments on Hooker and states " I think I can see Hooker dying the same death as did Burnside and Little Mac." Discusses the Missouri compromise and abolition. Accuses his father of being a "radical abolitionist". Writes that he received a paper from his sister Sarah Ann a few days ago.

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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.

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22 July 1863

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Has found a place to board and hopes to be played soon. Offers his pay to his parents but states that if they have no use for it, he will offer it to other soldiers who will not get paid this time. Writes that he may be able to get furlough but is not sure if it is advisable. He hopes to "be free from uncle Sam's clutches" within a year. Believes that Grant will win more victories before the end of the summer campaign. Describes camp to his parents. Writes that he has been elected editor for the camp newspaper The Benton Banner, and will send the first issue to his sister Marietta.…

GLC06728.051

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

1 September 1863

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Writes that the Benton Banner is defunct because most of the soldiers have gone home. Is pleased by the news that Ohio will be drafted. Writes that he is expecting to be paid soon. Written at the Benton Barracks Union Military Camp

GLC06728.053

8 September 1863

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Sarah Anne

Gives instructions for distributing the objects he will be express mailing to her. Instructs her to keep the novels and to read the other books he's sending. Asks his sister to give the other things to his mother for preservation. Writes that the canteen he's sending was picked in Pea Ridge and the cup was carried from Rolla. Written at the Benton Barracks Union Military Camp

GLC06728.054

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

21 September 1863

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Writes that he dreads reading the list of the dead and wounded of his regiment. Reports that Colonel Bonneville has issued an order to call back all absentees for duty. Hopes to be exchanged soon. Includes a letter regarding the cost of supplies to sustain an army and asks that the writing be preserved in his journal back home. Reports that four steamboats were burned at the levee and are said to have been set afire with the intentions of burning some gunboats in between them. Reports in a postscript note that Brigadier General Lytle was killed in battle on September 22nd. Written at the…

GLC06728.056

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.

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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.

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22 December 1863

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Has been too busy marching and hasn't had a chance to write. Reports that General Granger's corps and Wood's and Sheridan's divisions are there. Is expecting Longstreet to get to Virginia as fast as possible. Hopes to take Richmond before leaving the service. Encloses a Masonic badge found in Decatur during a march.

GLC06728.061

5 January 1864

Smith, Romain, fl. 1860-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his friend Frank

He writes that he is disappointed in not receiving as much correspondence as promised by his friend. Informs Frank that since the last time he wrote, he has taught himself how to use a telegraph machine. As a telegraph operator, he has been able to leave the regiment and receive up to $100 per month. Names several soldiers who have been killed or wounded and states that he will not go back to the regiment. Written at Nashville Depot.

GLC06728.062

7 January 1864

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Writes that three fourths of his regiment has reenlisted, but he does not feel that $402 is enough incentive for him to reenlist. Reports that he has been assigned duty in the 88th Illinois, Co. K. Also writes that Grant had visited Sheridan's headquarters about a week ago. Rations are short, so many of the soldiers have to grate corn in order to have something to eat. Writes about a camp dish named "sun of a Bitch" consisting of crackers fried in grease. Expects to be home at the end of the current term of service. Includes a note dated 9th of January 1864 in which he writes about the…

GLC06728.063

January 31, 1864

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Complains about the lack and quality of food at camp. Writes that corn meal and beef bones are the primary sustenance and that the beef the soldiers eat "would stagger an American's appetite". Reports that the farthest East he's been is Dandridge, forty miles east of Knoxville, TN. Complains that he has not heard from his family since Mission Ridge and wonders why they haven't written. Describes the area he is in as very rocky and mountainous; not suitable for him.

GLC06728.064

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

3 April 1864

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Writes that he has been ill with mumps but has almost fully recovered. Reports that the railroad from Knoxville to Chattanooga is complete. Also reports that Major General Howard is commanding the 4th corps. instead of [General Robert Granger]. In addition, Brig. General Wagner is commanding the division instead of "Little Phil" Sheridan who has left for the Potomac to command a cavalry force. Also, General George Stoneman is organizing a cavalry command in the department of the Ohio. Asks that he be informed about any troops returning home on furlough. Inquires about the price of gold.

GLC06728.067

15 April 1864

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Complains of poor weather at camp. Writes that the "old 36" (36th regiment) is on its way from Nashville to Loudon

GLC06728.068

2 May 1864

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Writes that he is preparing to move as far as Stevenson, Alabama. Warns that the 23rd Army Corps is within ten miles of Cleveland, TN and will be acting in concert with the Cumberland Army. Asks that the impending battle not worry his parents and in retrospect wishes that he had not written about the possible engagement.

GLC06728.069

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.

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