circa February 23, 1863

Epperly, Mary M., fl. 1859-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Christian M. Epperly

Says she heard that all soldiers will come home the fourth of next month. If he does get to come home, she does not want him to go back to the army. Tells him that George has been home nearly three weeks and no one has come to look for him. States that she believes the army is not interested in catching deserters because there are too many of them. She addresses her husband as "Marion" (possibly Epperly's middle name). Top quarter of first page written in very light pencil.

GLC02715.048

May 1863 circa

Epperly, Mary M., fl. 1859-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Christian M. Epperly

Writes that she received several letters from him all in the same day. She was greatly relieved to finally hear from him. Informs him all the ladies at home are putting in crops and that Goods are costly. Notes that Joseph is helping her with the farm.

GLC02715.052

2 May 1863 circa

Epperly, Mary M., fl. 1859-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Christian M. Epperly

Notes that she has not heard from him since the 28th of last month and is worried. States that she hopes he was not involved in the battle near Fredericksburg, Virginia.

GLC02715.053

9 August 1863

Epperly, Mary M., fl. 1859-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to C. M. Epperly

Notes that she finds it hard to eat knowing that her husband has such poor a diet. Says that she will try to send him some food. Mentions that deserters from his old regiment fought with the home guards. [See GLC02715.070]

GLC02715.065

16 August 1863

Epperly, Mary M., fl. 1859-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to C. M. Epperly

Discusses desertion: "I think [if] the head men dont soon end this war that the soldiers will for they are runing from down east by hundreds ther[e] was five hundred went through hear last weak well armed and they say they wont go back any more and I don't blame them for it. I wish they would all runaway and these head men would be obliged to fight it out but as long as they can stay at home and speculate [inserted: off] of the poor soulders they dont care how long the war lasts."

GLC02715.069

21 August 1863

Epperly, Mary M., fl. 1859-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to C. M. Epperly

Writes that she spoke to a man from Franklin, who said half the men from that army have deserted. Notes that the men do not hide but live normal lives. Says that the home guards do not bother to look for deserters anymore and asks her husband to come home. [See GLC02715.065]

GLC02715.070

4 December circa 1863

Epperly, Mary M., fl. 1859-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to C. M. Epperly

Reports that the army issued an order that all men between 17 and 50, who had not reported for service, were to be taken by force to join the army. [See #85] Writes that Harvey was caught when he went to town, not knowing about the order and that Christian has begun to speak. Date was taken GLC02715.085.

GLC02715.114

circa February 5, 1865

Epperly, Mary M., fl. 1859-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to C. M. Epperly

Writes that she just received his letters dated 13 January and 16 January. Notes that she had not received a letter since November 1864 and she was sure something had happened to him. Blasts the "sesech" who "look worse than a passle of Dog's catch" and vows to burn all her money before she will let them have any of it. She claims the "sesech" are trying to cheat people out of money by selling bale cotton for $100 Confederate currency or $2 in silver. Times are rough and many families are starving. Notes that George has been taken into the army. He now belongs to the 54th Regiment,…

GLC02715.118

24 March 1865

Epperly, Mary M., fl. 1859-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to C. M. Epperly

Writes that she thinks the Yankees have stopped the mail and that is why he has not received her letters. Notes that she believes the Federal Army will soon occupy Richmond and Lynchburg, Virginia. Comments that she does not believe the Yankees will treat them any worse than the Confederates have. If all the soldiers would desert then they would have peace.

GLC02715.122