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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...

GLC06728.055

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...

GLC06728.056

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...

GLC06728.057

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...

GLC06728.058

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...

GLC06728.059

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...

GLC06728.060

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...

GLC06728.061

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...

GLC06728.062

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...

GLC06728.063

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...

GLC06728.064

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...

GLC06728.065

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...

GLC06728.066

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...

GLC06728.067

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

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...

GLC06728.069

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...

GLC06728.070

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...

GLC06728.071

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...

GLC06728.072

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...

GLC06728.073

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...

GLC06728.074

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.

GLC06728.075

to Frank

Updates his friend on regimental news since his departure. Writes about some news that the rebels had attacked Dalton and had a garrison of 44th USCT surrounded.

GLC06728.076

to John Weeks

Explains why he has taken so long to write. Discusses an incident where a man shot a fellow soldier in the head by mistake. Writes that they are going to be paid soon.

GLC06728.077

to Frank

Writes about various soldiers in the regiment including the death of Jimmy Haslehurst, the man who was accidentally shot by a fellow soldier (see letter #77). Reports that a large number of recruits have come to the regiment of which company "K" has...

GLC06728.078

to Frank

Apologizes for not being able to write. Writes that he became very sick and applied for furlough shortly after an order had been issued to furlough all soldiers (from Illinois) in hospital that were unfit for field service. He also writes about...

GLC06728.079