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to Libbie Elmore

Tom Smith gives a good price for the spruce and he advises her to sell the hemlock to Bill Simpson. The weather has not been pleasant lately. He has heard from Willard again who is well.

GLC06588.087

to Libbie Elmore

He scolds her for not getting her shoes made out of calf skin instead of kipp. He is anxious to know how the town meeting went He has been having pancakes every morning.

GLC06588.090

to Libbie Elmore

He discuses some food she recently sent him and which food had rotted and which had saved well. He is doing well and has sent some money home. He thanks her for everything she has sent.

GLC06588.091

to Libbie Elmore

He writes that the soldiers are living well and many have grown fat. There is plenty of food and the boxes they get from hom help out a lot. Dekay, another soldier, is Bruce's tent mate and they get along well.

GLC06588.092

to Libbie Elmore

He has been making money on the side by selling the other boys the tobacco he receives. Now he has some money to send home. He also mentions his love of suspenders and he receives a package with suspenders that day.

GLC06588.093

to Libbie Elmore

The Paymaster has arrived, so he will be sending some money. Even though he belives she does a good job managing the farm, he still wishes she could sell it.

GLC06588.095

to Libbie Elmore

They have moved camp and are now near Williamsburg..The news from Vixburgh is good snd he thinks they will soon surrender.

GLC06588.096

to Libbie Elmore

He advises her to sell the yearlings as soon as possible. He asks her how much she sold the wool for. Their camp is on the road from Williamsburg to Richmond.

GLC06588.097

to Libbie Elmore

He informs her that he just had a negative taken for some photographs and he will send them along in a few days.

GLC06588.098

to Libbie Elmore

He is glad to hear that everyone is so well. In addition to rations, he tells her that they have also been foraging. They have killed a few chickens and a few pigs.

GLC06588.099

to Libbie Elmore

Written on the back of a letter he received from his father. His father talks about what he's read in the papers concerning Vixburgh and Port Hudson. Bruce tells Libbie to sell the cattle. He will be sending money soon.

GLC06588.100

to Libbie Elmore

Appears to be a partial letter or letter draft. He writes they only have 49 men and non-comissioned officers. Charley is well.

GLC06588.101

to Libbie Elmore

They are currently under marching orders. He thinks they will go to Richmond on a raid.

GLC06588.102

to unknown

Either this is a letter draft or a partial letter. The author writes that he/she may ahve to destroy the recipient's letters as he/she has no place to keep them.

GLC06588.103

to Libbie Elmore

They have been constantly on the march. So far the Rebels have not attacked, although they have commenced fortifying a litlle but have not progressed. General Spears' cavalry landed on Friday and has gone toward Richmond.

GLC06588.104

to Libbie Elmore

He thinks they may stay where they are for some time. He mentions Hooker and Lee. He discusses the selling of the Spruce.

GLC06588.105

to Libbie Elmore

He writes that there are reports that Lee is overwhelmed. He also mentions a fellow soldier who died recently and he suspects homesickness was the principle cause.

GLC06588.106

to Libbie Elmore

They marched a long march of 29 miles and are now in Leesburg, in the vicinity of Lee's army. He wants to see Lee "whipped severely before he goes back to Vixburgh."

GLC06588.107

to Libbie Elmore

They marched for two days to find out Lee had crossed the river. He is doing very well but a lot of the men's feet are blistered.

GLC06588.108

to Libbie Elmore

He refers to the rioters in New York that were roughly handled. He says they do not get much news since no papers reach them.

GLC06588.109

to unknown

The author asks if the recipient has sold the logs to Smith and many calves recipient is raising.

GLC06588.110

to Libbie Elmore

He had a dream that he was with Libbie at home but it was too short. He requests new needles and thread.

GLC06588.111

to Libbie Elmore

The regiment started for New York for the purpose of bring drafted men down. Willard has dysentary. He believes there is a good chance the war will end soon.

GLC06588.112

to Libbie Elmore

He is glad for the picture of Eddie and requests one of her as well. He requests needles and pins again. There is a brief discussion about the yearlings she sold.

GLC06588.113

to Libbie Elmore

He read in the paper that his company would be broken up into 3 divisions used to guard the railroad. He would like that, although there is no sign of it happening. Running the farm and the selling of a hen is discussed.

GLC06588.114

to Libbie Elmore

He is concerned because Hettie and mother told him that Libbie is not well. yesterdaday they received orders to report to the railroad in order to join their old division but the order was countermanded and they returned to their old camp.

GLC06588.116

to Libbie Elmore

He writes that the weather is very warm but the water is not very good and there is not enough to drink. They wash their clothes in the brook.

GLC06588.117

to Libbie Elmore

The Paymaster came and he will be sending money home. He does not know when the Paymaster will come again and he has not heard from Willard.

GLC06588.119

to Libbie Elmore

Willard is doing better.

GLC06588.120

to Libbie Elmore

Willard is doing much better. His father would like to visit him if he could get a pass and transportation. Palen is sick. He doesn't think he'll be able to send as much money as he did last time.

GLC06588.121

to Libbie Elmore

He notes he has been in service now for a year and 5 days. The news from Charleston is very positive and it looks as though Fort SUmpter will soon be theirs. He ehard a rumour that Gen. Grant will control of the army of the Potomac.Willard will...

GLC06588.122

to Libbie Elmore

Clark is in a hospital and Palen is away on sick furlough. He is positive Willard will be leaving on sick furlough soon as well, though he has not heard from him in a while.

GLC06588.123

to Libbie Elmore

He tried to talk to R.E. Palen but he was about to leave on sick furlough and didn't have time. He mentions the buckwheat that did not load well and the difficulties Libbie had with the oats.

GLC06588.124

Morning Reports of Capt. R.W. Bennett of the 143rd regiment

Lists the soldiers that present and absent, on duty, or sick and contains a summary of the information.

GLC06588.125

to Libbie Elmore

Yesterday they were reviewed by General Howard. They all passed. Their pickets and railroad guards were relieved by another brigade. He is doing very well.

GLC06588.126

to Libbie Elmore

He can't find a package that was sent to Bruce though he has tried in vain. It seems to have been lost in the mail. He anxious to hear news about the regiment since he has been sick for so long.

GLC06588.127

to Bruce Elmore

He writes that it will be such a happy time when he can finally come home and see his kids. He also mentions Mamie, hettie and Elmira.

GLC06588.128

to Libbie Elmore

They have orders to be ready to take the field and they are under Hooker. He asks if she has sold the cows yet.

GLC06588.129

to Libbie Elmore

There are citizens in the area that are a little mad that from now on, rations will only be given to those under government employment. He mentions a Ted.

GLC06588.130

to Libbie Elmore

Lt. D. Divine just returned from furlough. Dwight came with recruits for his department but only 4 for their regiment. He heard that another brigade is coming to relieve them.

GLC06588.131

to Libbie Elmore

Dwight was with him the night before. He has come to Tullahoma to get mustered. Palen had hopes of getting mustered too, but Bruce does not think it will happen.

GLC06588.132

to Libbie Elmore

He prays for strength and knows taht people at home are parying for him and this gives him courage.

GLC06588.133

to Libbie Elmore

He hopes Libbie does not for instant doubt his love for her as it would cause him great pain. He hopes to have the chance to come home soon.

GLC06588.134

to Libbie Elmore

They started out from Bridgeport May 2nd. His feet got blistered. He passed over a battlefield.

GLC06588.135

to Libbie Elmore

He is doing well and hears that they are getting a pay raise soon. There was some fighting but they were not engaged.

GLC06588.136

to Libbie Elmore

They are now in a small village called Cassville. The night before they engaged in a skirmish. The Rebels backed off though. He is doing well as always.

GLC06588.137

to Libbie Elmore

They have been moving towards the left of their lines, all the while skirmishing with the enemy.Only two of their men have been wounded so far. Their Captain is sick and so is Palen. Was written near Marietta, Georgia.

GLC06588.138

to Libbie Elmore

They are still moving to the left but there have been no skirmishes since he last wrote. There has been a lot of rain lately. Their company is small at present because so many are in the ambulance corps. Was written near Marietta, Georgia.

GLC06588.139

to Libbie Elmore

They have managed to push the Rebels back a bit. There has been skirmishing. No one in their regiment has been hurt recently but other regiments have not been so lucky. He is doing well. Was written near Marietta, Georgia.

GLC06588.140

to Libbie Elmore

On the back Libbie has written to Bruce. There has been some fighting along their lines. 2 or 3 have been killed and many more wounded. Willard is there and doing well. Libbie is glad he is gaining on the Rebels.

GLC06588.141

to Libbie Elmore

The general opinion was that they should move right, though there don't seem to be signs of moving. Since he last spoke to her, his regiment has lost no men, though several have been wounded

GLC06588.142

to Libbie Elmore

They were all recently given six months pay. Tobacco is scarce. He asks her to send some eggs for Palen.

GLC06588.143

to Libbie Elmore

They have taken a lot of prisoners lately, but there has been very little skirmishing. They have lost no men.Capt. Bennet has come back to the Company and he is glad.

GLC06588.144

to Libbie Elmore

They got to their present place day before yesterday and yesterday received orders to make camp. This side of the river the Rebel forces have a has a heavy line of works. He requests some blackberries.He writes that he is very much disappointed with...

GLC06588.145

to Libbie Elmore

He received a copy of the Tribune and some tobacco. He tells her no to work too hard so she can keep up her strength.

GLC06588.146

to Libbie Elmore

He complains that the Rebels have more tobacco than they do. He says Uncle Sam can't get him to reenlist for any a mount of money and niether will a furlough.

GLC06588.147

to Libbie Elmore

He had diarrhea again but is now doing well. He says there is no chance for furloughs.

GLC06588.148

to Libbie Elmore

He asks her to tell WIllard he has not collected all his pay yet. He thinks that if she get the money they're owed, she can pay all their dates. And if Willard wants his pay, to let him have it.

GLC06588.149

to Libbie Elmore

He received the berries and they are excellent. He had diarrhea again. Willard is getty really well.He thinks Sherman wants to cut the Rebels' communications and supplies and force them to evacuate Atlanta.

GLC06588.150

to Libbie Elmore

He writes about his fears of not being able to make it home before his time is up. He knows the Rebels will hold out until the very end, but he thinks the rebellion is being crushed.

GLC06588.151

to Unknown

Gen. Rousan has gone on a raid towards Macon, but no one knows what will happen. The back is in a different handwriting.. The author mentions Grant and Petersburgh, an unsuccesful mission. Though he has great confidence in Grant, Mead and Button.

GLC06588.152

to Libbie Elmore

He hopes Sherman will be able to get the Rebels out of Atlanta and take them prisoners. He writes they have so much to be thankful for and will have to trust that the end is near.

GLC06588.153

to Libbie Elmore

He writes about their current debt and how it is much less than it was before. Also used as scratch paper.

GLC06588.154

to Libbie Elmore

He heard that Lee sent 30,000 troops in to reinforce his army so it might be some time before they go into Atlanta. He notes the changes in their rations. They no longer get pork and only beef because pork is worse for scurvy. Was written near...

GLC06588.155

to Libbie Elmore

He mentions berries and tobacco. He tells Libbie not to send him things if it will take too much money. He had diarrhea again. Very faded. Was written near Atlanta, Georgia.

GLC06588.156

to Libbie Elmore

He discusses selling the barn and how there is not much prospect of such a thing. He acknowledges that she has increased the number of sheep. He discusses the pros and cons of selling the farm again Was written near Atlanta, Georgia.

GLC06588.157

to Libbie Elmore

Very faded with water damage. He mentions the ambulance corps. He describes where they are prresently camped. The rebels occupy the land a couple of miles outside their line and a few shots were exchanged while on pickets.

GLC06588.158

to Libbie Elmore

The forefinger of his right hand is sore and he cannot use it to write. Therefore most of the letter is illegible

GLC06588.159

to Libbie Elmore

He thanks her for the blackberries. His finger still hurts very much. Very faded.

GLC06588.160

to Libbie Elmore

The Rebels evacuated pretty fast after some heavy fighting. They also captured a large number of prisoners. They've been mustered for pay and soon he can send her some money.

GLC06588.161

to Libbie Elmore

The rebels have lost both in men and ammunition. They've had no mail the last few days. The word is that Sherman's army will rest for a month. He hopes to hear from the paymaster soon. Was written near Atlanta, Georgia.

GLC06588.162

to Libbie Elmore

They were supposed to have a review but it was cancelled. Lately, though, they have been living pretty well. He advises her to discuss the legal aspects of selling the farm with a lawyer.

GLC06588.163

to Libbie Elmore

Once again he discusses the deed of sale for the farm. Willard is doing as well as can be expected.

GLC06588.164

to Libbie Elmore

They are enjoying a good rest. He has read that the price of gold is going down. The food is rather terrible lately. All they get is hard tack. Willard is ok.

GLC06588.165

to Libbie Elmore

There has been a lot of fighting. Their corps is the only one left in Atlanta. The rest have gone to meet the enemy. He tried to get a furlough but it wasn't approved. He takes comfort in knowing that one day he will make it home without a furlough.

GLC06588.166

to Libbie Elmore

He does not think she will be able to make a hundred dollars off the farm this year but he thinks she has done the best she could possibly have done. He hasks her to tell him how much of the farm she has sold this summer.

GLC06588.167

to Libbie Elmore

They have been having very good food lately. He requests another pair of socks. he worries about her health because she works too hard.

GLC06588.168

to Libbie Elmore

They have been foraging and they have been successful in their efforts. Willard was sent to a hospital in Nashville. He continues to worry about her health.

GLC06588.169

to Libbie Elmore

They have been preparing for a march for several days. They are hoping to gain a foothold before Lee's army can bother them. He hopes Libbie can sell the farm to that man. He is owed ten months pay.

GLC06588.170

to Libbie Elmore

He speculates on when they will get paid and what he will do if he gets the money. They have marched out of camp and back again. While their pay is late, they were told to take their bonds.

GLC06588.171

to Libbie Elmore

He assumes her father must be home by now. Tomorrow it will be ten months since they were last paid. He notes that it must be hard on those families that have nothing but the wages of their husband to depend on.

GLC06588.172

to Libbie Elmore

He says that when Father corrects the mistakes in the deed for their farm he should note that that it was done before signing. Willard is feeling no worse nor better.

GLC06588.173

to Libbie Elmore

He still hasn't been paid. She will have to manage to pay taxes herself.

GLC06588.174

to Libbie Elmore

Letter is completely faded.

GLC06588.175

to Libbie Elmore

Peskey is down with chronic diarrhea. Dekay is well. He heard Willard is doing great. They get some clothes but they really need more clothes.

GLC06588.177

to Libbie Elmore

Letter is completely faded.

GLC06588.181

to Libbie Elmore

He advises her to sell all but a cow or a hog if she feels she needs one. He wishes he could have seen the children on Christmas morning. he has felt unwell. Emmit was badly wounded. Written near Savannah, Georgia

GLC06588.182

to Libbie Elmore

He hopes the proposed bill to raise the soldiers' wages passes. They are trying to bribe the soldiers into renlisting for another two years when their time is up with 30 day furlough and a bounty. He mentions the lack of vegetables and the need for...

GLC06588.183

to Libbie Elmore

He asks for tobacco and mittens.

GLC06588.184

to Libbie Elmore

He received some woolen gloves. He gives the health status of mutual acquaintances.

GLC06588.185

to Libbie Elmore

They received orders to pack up and move and he thinks they will stay at their new camp site until the trains come. He wonders whether it would be a good idea to invest the money they make from the sale of the farm in bonds. Was written near...

GLC06588.186

to Libbie Elmore

He says they are still stuck in a Carolina swamp. Captain Bruin has just come to the regiment. Back side features an order to guards and patrolmen. Written near Savannah, Georgia

GLC06588.187

to Libbie Elmore

Bruce writes that he doesn't know what the Rebels are fighting for since they have no hope of whipping their armies. He is disappointed to learn she has not yet sold the farm. Willard has not felt better in a long time. Written near Savannah, Georgia

GLC06588.188

to Libbie Elmore

They have been on the march some of the time each day. They had to clean and fix the roads because the Rebels had filled them with timber. There was some skirmishing once they camped.

GLC06588.189

to Libbie Elmore

He describes his movements since leaving Robertsville. He says South Carolina will not be able able to recover for a long time for they have destroyed theeir railroads and public property.

GLC06588.190

to Libbie Elmore

They may go somewhere nearer the coast but they are not sure yet. Everyone is doing well and no one has been killed or wounded lately.

GLC06588.191

to Libbie Elmore

He received berries and tobacco from her for which he is very grateful. They should get some new clothes soon. Lt. Brown went foraging with a party of men the other day and was attacked by the Rebels.

GLC06588.192

to Libbie Elmore

He is glad she is selling hay for an extra profit but warns her not to work too hard.

GLC06588.193

to Libbie Elmore

The good news is that Richmond has fallen. The Rebels said that Sherman must be stopped as the Confederacy has gone up but Lee cannot help them anymore.

GLC06588.194

to Bruce Elmore

She sympathizes with her husbands' struggle without much clothing. She mentions Tom, Jim and Dick. She discusses their problems.

GLC06588.195