20 June 1861

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Written on Shelby Greys stationery. Writes that due to his health, he will not be able to visit Memphis until September. Will be leaving Randolph due to the lack of Yankees. Mentions that putting on a white shirt is a serious offense, as it signifies that you're in good health and you're therefore put on extra duty. Adds that he never takes off his socks until the bottoms are worn out.

GLC02232.03

January 17, 1862

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Complains that his sister doesn't write often enough. Writes that they are expecting to engage in fighting everyday, as there are a lot of yanks in the area. Inquires about Miss Belle Crawford, a sweetheart he wishes to see again.

GLC02232.04

19 April 1862

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Ward writes that there has been heavy skirmishing and fighting is expected every hour (possibly referring to the First Battle of Corinth or the Siege of Corinth). He is getting tired of the war and hopes to get a furlough. Asks his sister and family's opinion of the conscription law. Informs his sister that their father has bought him and [his brothers] a negro but has not sent him up yet. Asks that his sister and Rose, his other sister, write longer and more frequent letters. Begs his sister to get daguerrotypes of her and Rose done and sent to him. Asks to be updated on news and…

GLC02232.05

27 May 1862

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Ward writes that they will be moving from Corinth soon, as the enemy is too close to the Tennessee River and Beauregard doesn't have room for strategic operations in Corinth. He complains of skirmishing with enemy pickets and being in the cold rain without any blankets, food, or sleep. Writes that every time the men go out on picket, they say goodbye to their friends. Reports that he expected to be promoted but still remains a non-commissioned officer. He fears that communication with his family in Memphis and Port Gibson will soon be cut off and would like photographs of his sisters. He…

GLC02232.06

14 June 1862

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

He writes that they are encamped on the Mobile and Ohio railroad. Expresses his hatred for the war and writes "if ever I get into another I want somebody to have me put in the lunatic asylum". Writes that he often wishes he were a negro with a good master, as the soldiers are kept hungry and are only given small portions of fresh beef and biscuits. Hopes to get appointed officer soon just so that he can get something to eat. He writes that Sam (his brother Sam Marshall Ward, also in company A) has been detailed to work in the hospital. He has not seen Clarence ( a brother or family…

GLC02232.07

18 June 1862

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Writes that he is unwell. Reports on some of the news at camp and home. His brother Sam, also known as "Marshall," is still detained in the hospital. Reports that it is likely that the men will be moving soon and has been assured by the officers that they will not move further South. Also reports that Samuel Lapsley of Company A is dead. Comments that he is going to quit his foolishness and find some nice pretty, smart, and rich girl that will marry him. Comments on how he's lost his good looks stating that he looks as "black as a negro." Writes that there is a good supply of turkey…

GLC02232.08

11 July 1862

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Writes that some letters he sent to his father were confiscated and later returned to him by General Grant. He laments that General Clarke has been reassigned and writes that "there was never a general so beloved by his troops." Explains that his company has every Saturday to clean up camp, and do the wash and other chores "like negroes" do. He jokingly admits that the men are better at playing poker on Saturdays. Ward is anxious to see girls again and is still resolved to marry. Discusses his feelings on women and marrying and warns his sister to never be "green enough" to let someone…

GLC02232.09

17 December 1862

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Writes that he has been on furlough for two months. The 4th and 5th Tennessee regiments have been consolidated and he is hopeful that he will be decommissioned as a result. He's sorry to learn that Mrs. Champlin and her daughters, are abolitionists and is particularly concerned about Miss Ettie Champlin's abolitionist inclinations. Regarding Miss Ettie, he writes: "and there goes one of my Memphis sweethearts for I can't marry a yankee girl." Mentions a girl he's met in Murfreesboro by the name of Midora Henson who meets his "pretty, smart, and rich" critera. His health has improved and…

GLC02232.10

23 December 1862

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Writes that spending Christmas away from home will be difficult for him and he will miss his family. Discusses his celebration plans for the holidays. Explains that despite being away from home, he is able to visit his lady friends. Reports on news of various men that serve with Ward including Charly Locke whom he believes was been taken prisoner. Describes an incident where a shot hit his canteen and he mistook the water running down his leg for blood. When he determined he was not injured, he continued until shortly after, he was shot in the foot. Asks his sister to remember him to…

GLC02232.11

January 12, 1863

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Describes the events leading up to and including his involvement in the Battle of Stones River (Murfreesboro). He reports that he and Marshall (his brother, also known as Sam) are alright but Captain [Thomas H.] Francis of company A suffered a foot injury and was left behind after the battle. After his experience he writes: "I never would have thought that human man could have suffered the exposure we were subject to." Ward is quite confident that the battle was a Confederate victory and gives details on the numbers of men killed, wounded and taken prisoner on each side. He writes that…

GLC02232.12

January 26, 1863

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

He describes the interior of his tent in detail including some of the books and newspapers sitting on his table. Ward tells his sister that he and his tent mate, Webber, have hired an old hotel cook at $40 per month to cook for them. Writes that he usually visits the ladies of the town he is in, but hasn't been to town this time because he has boils on his neck. In an effort to get rid of the boils, he has stopped eating meat and is taking a dash of salt every morning. He updates his sister on camp news and news of other soldiers. Ward closes the letter by stating that he has lost "many…

GLC02232.13

17 February 1863

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Ward writes that he's heard from a member of his company, Dave Poston, who was wounded in Perryville. Also writes that he has gotten fatter and has never enjoyed better health. He reports that federal troops are constantly getting secesh families out of Shelbyville and escorting them inside confederate lines. Writes that the men have learned to not get their hopes up for peace any time soon and states that "now we have concluded to place the limit of our trials to the end of Lincoln's administration." However, he writes "our boys are willing to suffer this and more, sooner than give up…

GLC02232.14

5 March 1863

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Writes that he is very disappointed that a "fat letter" from home has been lost. Also writes that his brigade has been on outpost for over a month and he is anxious to leave. He asks his sister to deliver the enclosed notes to Miss Ettie (his ex-fiancee) and Miss Mollie. Writes that he's concerned that Miss Ettie has not been receiving his correspondence, but is certain that despite his sister's dislike for Miss Ettie, she would never cease from forwarding his letters to her. Requests that his sister send him a fat letter whenever possible. In a postscript note, he informs her that he has…

GLC02232.15

19 April 1863

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Writes that he is fat and healthy. He's been attending picnics and fishing parties with his lady friends. Reports that they have received orders to prepare for immediate service and advises his sister to keep posted for news of battles in the vicinity. Ward comments on the kindness of the ladies in the area. He writes that he's made many good friends and even has a sweetheart. Asks that his sister remember him to all the girls.

GLC02232.16

5 May 1863

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Advises his sister that in order to keep a sweetheart she should give him a daguerreotype and not a photograph of herself. Writes that his "sweetheart," Miss Melinda, has replaced him for another fellow. He discusses how many of the soldiers get positions (promotions) just talking their way up. Asks his sister to give his love to all the girls and writes that he will marry any that will take him, assuring them that he is still good looking and not "as some contraband, or American gentleman of African descent." There is missing text due to holes in the paper. The letter is very fragile.

GLC02232.17

10 May 1863

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Informs his sister that he will be sending her a letter by way of a friend who has been discharged. Advises her to make acquaintances with him, as he can get letters out for her. Asks his sister to send him her daguerreotype and to correct the rumor that he is currently engaged. Writes that he never knew how much he loved his family until now. He also mentions that he and his brother Marshall have talked about transferring to the Navy. Requests that he be sent a blank diary from home, as the current diary will soon run out of space.

GLC02232.18

16 July 1863

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

He was upset with his sister but has decided to write to her despite of it. Referring to why he was upset, he writes that he had not intended to be engaged and that "in love making you may either naturally run into an engagement or are led into it." Describes a difficult march from Shelbyville and complains that they haven't had tents for a long time. Informs her that he has caught a cold, the first one since enlisting and continues to have headaches, slight fever, and achy limbs. Writes that there is little chance for furlough and that the ladies should think about making a trip to Dixie…

GLC02232.19

14 August 1863

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Writes that he hasn't heard from his family in a long time. He updates his sister on Marshall's (Ward's brother, also referred to as Sam) whereabouts and condition. Ward writes that he spends most of his time in camp reading Waverly novels and the Bible because he doesn't care for Chattanooga or its residents. He complains that he is broke and needs a new pair of boots, which he hopes his sister will be able to furnish for him. Mentions Ms. Ettie (a former love interest with abolitionist tendencies) and writes that he wishes never to discuss her again. Informs his sister that Clarence (a…

GLC02232.20

15 August 1863

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Updates his sister on their brother Marshall's condition. He writes that Marshall is in a good place and being well taken care of. Mentions that he has requested money, drawers and undershirts from their sister Fannie. Informs his sister that he has applied for a four-day leave and is planning to go to Marietta to visit Miss Mollie and Miss Katie Cook.

GLC02232.21

17 September 1863

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Apologizes for his last letter and the impact it had on his sister (referring to a letter regarding Miss Ettie). He writes that he wrote it on an impulse and wants to forget about the whole situation. He is on the eve of battle and he is willing to forgive all that have offended him. He has not heard from his brother Marshall, but thinks he is probably in Marietta, Georgia. Ward complains about the hard time they have had marching and skirmishing with the lack of rain. Ward also writes that he is part of the 'barefoot squad" which affords him the luxury of riding a horse. He mentions his…

GLC02232.22

25 September 1863

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Writes from the line of battle before Chattanooga. Reports that he has survived the Battle of Chickahominy with just a slight wound to the chest. He spent two days in the hospital and rejoined his command on 22 September. Ward writes that the enemy is still in Chattanooga and he predicts that there will be another battle soon. Reports that his messmate and friend, Lieutenant Webber, was killed in the field. Writes that his consolidated company went into the fight with 40 men and lost 10 (one killed, eight wounded, and one missing). Ward writes that they've had a difficult four weeks with…

GLC02232.23

6 October 1863

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Written from the line of battle before Chattanooga. He writes that he's been in the same position for the last fifteen days. They opened on the enemy last night but he doesn't know if they are still shelling this morning, as he is too far away to hear. Ward reports to his sister that he's heard from their brother Marshall who has come down with dysentery and has lost a lot of weight. Writes that Marshall is anxious to get back but Edward is afraid he'll return before he is well. Discusses his affections for Miss Mollie. Requests that he be sent some undershirts, drawers, No. 8 boots,…

GLC02232.24

12 October 1863

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Written from the line of battle before Chattanooga. Writes that he has heard from his brother Marshall who is slowly recovering from dysentery. Discusses communicating with Miss Mollie and Miss Tillie and other mutual friends. Writes that he has been promoted to Senior Second Lieutenant and his company has elected Ben Thurman to replace him as Junior Second Lieutenant. He mentions to his sister that he received a letter from his friend Page's father. Page has been missing and is believed to have been taken prisoner. Writes that someone named "P" will be getting out soon. Requests that…

GLC02232.25

31 October 1863

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Refers to "P" from the previous letter and writes that he is likely to go to Marietta to see Marshall (their brother, Samuel Marshall Ward). He writes that he has fallen "powerfully in love" with Miss Mollie. Discusses leaving the battle line before Chattanooga and marching up the railroad. They are presently located about 12 miles from Lauden and 40 miles from Knoxville. Complains of the cold weather, lack of food, and shelter but reassures his sister that the boys are still in fine spirits. Tells his sister that he has forwarded all the letters he's received from home to his brother…

GLC02232.26

8 December 1863

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Written from camp near Dalton, Georgia. Writes that he has been in poor spirits lately, especially since he was unable to see "P & M" ("M" refers to his brother Marshall). Desperately wants his sisters to visit him in Marietta, as he can get a few days off to see them. Updates his sister on their brother Marshall who has been living with a Mrs. Cook in Marietta. Provides a detailed description of fighting during the Battle of Missionary Ridge in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He expresses to his sister that he is thankful to God that his life has been spared once again. Mentions that a…

GLC02232.27