Summer 2025 PD for K–12 teachers: Registration is now open!
Or
to Sarah Anne
March 30, 1863
Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882
Writes that he sent his overcoat to Oberlin as bail to his own name. Is expecting to leave tomorrow but does not mention where.
GLC06728.041
to his parents
9 April 1863
Reports that rebels have taken possession of a part of the Cumberland River, fifteen miles away. The rebels also burned a boat filled with sutler's goods. Describes the town of Clarksville and writes that there are two regiments of infantry, a...
GLC06728.042
12 April 1863
Reports that rebels captured a train and killed several soldiers a few days ago. After capturing the train they burned it and later skedddled. Included is a letter written the next day in which he writes that he saw Lafayette [Miller] and George...
GLC06728.043
to his sisters
16 April 1863
Writes that George Mordoff came to visit him a few days ago. Reports that Ambrose Denman has gone home and that the 101st is close to their camp. Has received his six months pay ($60) and is forwarding it home. Sends his respects to family.
GLC06728.044
28 April 1863
Writes that he visited the 101st and saw Billy Hutchinson and George Morse. Reports that the fortifications are of exceptional quality; better than those in Corinth. Has sent sixty dollars to his parents and asks them to save a dollar from the...
GLC06728.045
16 May 1863
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...
GLC06728.046
17 May 1863
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...
GLC06728.047
31 May 1863
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...
GLC06728.048
22 June 1863
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...
GLC06728.049
3 July 1863
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...
GLC06728.050
22 July 1863
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...
GLC06728.051
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...
GLC06728.052
to unknown
1 September 1863
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
to sister Sarah Anne
8 September 1863
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...
GLC06728.054
to sister Ettie
12 September 1863
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
21 September 1863
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
28 October 1863
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
5 November 1863
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
26 November 1863
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
27 November 1863
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
22 December 1863
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
5 January 1864
Smith, Romain, fl. 1860-1865
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
7 January 1864
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
January 31, 1864
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
February 28, 1864
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
1 March 1864
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
3 April 1864
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
15 April 1864
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
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
10 May 1864
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
20 May 1864
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
2 June 1864
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
28 June 1864
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
17 August 1864
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
September 9, 1864
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
29 September 1864
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
6 November 1864
Pratt, E.W., fl. 1860
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
16 November 1864
Biddulph, George, fl. 1864
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
30 November 1864
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
December 29, 1864
Pratt, Emery, fl. 1860
Describes a series of events including a skirmish with General Hood's forces and the battles of Franklin and Nashville. Writes that some men from the company were lost and some "pretty badly demoralized". Also writes that the soldiers are living on...
GLC06728.080
February 6, 1865
Updates his friend on the events concerning the regiment since November of 1864. Writes that K company got into two brawls where men were missing, wounded, or killed. Discusses regimental deaths at the battle of Nashville and personnel promotions.
GLC06728.081
February 3, 1865
Writes about his visit to company 36th's encampment. Also writes that he is now working as a military telegraph operator in Athens. Reports on the regimental casualties of the last battle.
GLC06728.082
7 April 1865
Discusses his trip from Huntsville to Bull's Gap. Reports on an accident on the railroad cars where one man was badly injured. Writes that there are about 25 miles of railroad tracks to fix after General Stoneman tore them up. Informs Weeks about...
GLC06728.083
12 April 1865
Writes that in addition to telegraph operator and Adams express agent, he is also acting as rail road agent. He writes that he would not trade his current position for any commission in the regiments. Promises to reply to a letter Frank sent him...
GLC06728.084
to Miss Wright
30 April 1865
Gives his friend some sarcastic advice on life.
GLC06728.085
Poem entitled Pea Ridge Battle
circa 1861-1864
GLC06728.086
June 1865
Asks Weeks why it has taken him so long to respond to Pratt's letter. He is anxious to hear from other soldiers especially "old comrades". Has begun to take a liking to the south, especially Texas. Encloses three dollars for a blanket, pencil &...
GLC06728.087
22 July 1865
Weeks, Henry, fl. 1860
Discusses some crop business and an unknown woman who "is not entitled to respect from anyone".
GLC06728.088
5 September 1865
Wright, Lizzie, fl. 1860
Gives Weeks "permission" to call her at any time he deems proper.
GLC06728.089
15 April 1866
Writes that she will not be available at Weeks' request, as her brother has been sick. Also included is a poem written by John Weeks.
GLC06728.090
Showing results 82,501 - 82,550