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4 November 1862
Kellogg, James H. (fl. 1862-1864)
to Mary
He is anxious to hear about the farming affairs. He inquires after family members and friends. He thinks they will be stuck at their present location three or four weeks.
GLC02415.007
19 November 1862
He thinks they will go to a town called Lebanon about 19 miles away. His only real satisfaction these days is knowing he will get mail. He is sorry to hear that she is sick. He is healthy.
GLC02415.008
7 December 1862
He arrived in Nashville on the 5th and the next day joined a regiment about six miles from there. Their company has been reduced to half its former size. Alot of soldiers are sick but not in body, in mind, he writes. Everyone is tired of the war. He...
GLC02415.009
25 December 1862
He explains why he has not written as often as he could have. He then describes how amazing the army can look in battle and how splendid they can look as they take their position.
GLC02415.010
26 December 1862
There has been terrible fighting. They lost 160 men in the first round. He fears that W.J Scare has died. He was shot int he knee and he does not know what happened afterward. He tells her to kiss the children for him.
GLC02415.011
10 January 1863
He has a cold but otherwise is fine. They started toward Memphis. A lot of rain has been falling and turning into mud. On Monday fighting commenced. They camped near a corn field and the next morning after breakfast started fighting again. He goes on...
GLC02415.012
18 January 1863
They are having an easy time of it lately but he does not know how long it will last. They are getting plenty to eat and he may get a raise. He had to make out a muster roll for the captain the other day.
GLC02415.013
2 February 1863
He has not been as well as he was before the battle. He notes that she found the house in poor condition. If she lets it, he wants her to get a good down payment for it.
GLC02415.014
6 February 1863
There is nothing going on at the moment. They left him at camp for the last five days because he has not been feeling well. He wants to know all about the animals on their farm. He tells her not ask Father for help in the farm because he is old and...
GLC02415.015
10 February 1863
He thinks his regiment has seen harder times than most, since they have been in two battles already. He responds to her request for details of William Sears' death.
GLC02415.016
15 February 1863
.There has been a lot of sickness in the camp. He remarks that Southern homes have a chimney on the end instead of the side and this looks strange to Northerners. He describes the way plantations are built.Later he notes that William and Jane will...
GLC02415.017
March 1863
William H. Tratt is in the hospital with a pain in his side. He himself has been unable to participate in any hard duty since he hurt his back trying to lift a brass cannon.
GLC02415.018
18 April 1863
After marching a good deal they arrived in camp where they had a feast. The weather is getting warmer and he can go without socks. He will send her five dollars.
GLC02415.019
5 April 1863
to dear wife and beloved children
He is glad she is trying to sell the farm but the price she has set on it is the lowest it could possibly go for. He is not that anxious to sell but if the money is there take it. He says to pay Uncle Cheleb what he owes him.
GLC02415.020
19 April 1863
He talks about the business of selling or keeping the farm. The buyer wants it on account of the house which they may or may not keep. He talks about the possibility of crops.
GLC02415.021
25 April 1863
He is glad she finalized agreements with Mr. Shaw to let the farm. He talks about the possibility of crops in the orchard.
GLC02415.022
3 May 1863
He talks about the differences in climate in the North vs. the South. This leads to the next topic of Southern diseases.
GLC02415.023
6 May 1863
He figures it is time to send her some money. They will stay where they are five more days. There are four sick men in the company.
GLC02415.024
11 May 1863
He is concerned because she doesn't have any money to get the children shoes. He doesn't want them to catch cold so he will spare some money, though he sent her some previously. He warns her he may have to do the best she can without.
GLC02415.025
13 May 1863
He is anxious to hear from the boys in the potomac. He goes on to talk about the sacred principles of defending one's country as his grandfather and father did. David is not very well
GLC02415.026
21 May 1863
He heard of the death of a fellow soldier, whom he hoped had lived. They are under marching orders and have to be ready to leave at any time. He talks about the hand of providence.
GLC02415.027
26 May 1863
He is glad the only time he has gotten sick was when he had jaundice last winter. He describes a chase between the Rebels and some of the men in the company. There 8 of them and 20 Rebels. They were cornered at one point and decided to take them on...
GLC02415.028
28 May 1863
He is getting news about Vicksburgh and he hopes the victory there won't be confined to Vicksburgh. David English has left Murfreesboro and was sent to a hospital in Detroit. He is getting better.
GLC02415.029
3 June 1863
He refers to slavery as one of the most degrading institutions ever and says the Rebels should soon see the error of their evil ways. They have broken up camp. Everyone is being sent elsewhere and they expect to join the others soon.
GLC02415.030
22 June 1863
He has been sick on his back, but is improving. The medicine could only do so much. He is too weak to write many letters so he tells his wife to tell everyone he will write as soon as he is able.
GLC02415.031
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