1861-1864

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Header Record

Title: [Collection of Edward Ward, 4th regiment, Tennessee, infantry] [decimalized]

The collection consists of thirty-four letters written by Edward K. Ward to his sister Elmira Ward. Edward enlisted in Company A of the 4th Tennessee as a Second Lieutenant. He writes of his experiences at Murfreesboro, Shiloh, Nashville, Chattanooga, Seminary Ridge, and Atlanta, where he was killed. The collection is accompanied by an oil painting of Ward and a collection of carte-de-visites of Ward family members and acquaintances. Also making a frequent appearance in the correspondence is Edward's brother Samuel Marshall Ward (often referred to as "Marshall"). Marshall Ward enlisted…

GLC02232

February 17, 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

2 April 1864

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Written from camp near Dalton, Georgia. Complains about not getting any correspondence from his family. Comments on the "abolitionizing" of his hometown. Chides his sister for associating with "blue coats" and abolitionists and advises her not to flaunt her associations as some people will hate her for it. He writes: I would rather see you fight open and above board against our cause than cloak your enmity under the treacherous disguise of reconstructionist." (As an individual state, Tennessee had entered its reconstruction period before the end of the Civil War). Discusses…

GLC02232.30

21 April 1864

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Written from camp near Dalton, Georgia. Asks if she can visit him at camp. Complains about the unusual cold weather and writes that men are living quite poorly as everything has become too expensive. Updates his sister on Miss Tillie and Kate Cook. On the verso of the letter he includes a short note "I would write more but can't write without tobacco and I have none or money to buy it."

GLC02232.31

17 July 1864

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Writes that their brother Marshall has returned from the hospital. As Ward had no immediate occupation to assign to his brother, he sent his brother back to the hospital and put him in the charge of one of the surgeons. He writes that Marshall is better off working in the hospital as he is paid $25 per month, which takes care of clothing and other necessities. Comments on the heavy trading of tobacco with Union soldiers. Some of the Confederate soldiers were found trading with the Union soldiers and have been punished. Ward describes the "ominous stillness" of the two armies; the calm…

GLC02232.32

30 October 1861

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Writes that their father has been sick and their mother has the chills. He would like to visit his sister in Somerville but claims to be too bashful of coming within fifty yards of a female academy. Updates his sister on family and friends. Writes that he is having a hard time financially and will have to join the army for want of clothes. Complains that Memphis is boring and dull.

GLC02232.01

18 June 1861

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Complains that letters from family in Memphis are few. Writes about his experience during a scouting expedition. Also mentions that the soldiers have been getting very good food because they are paying a nearby plantation cook to prepare food for them weekly. Comments on the independence of a soldier.

GLC02232.02

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

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