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4 September 1864
Kellog, James H. (fl. 1863-)
to Mary
He is glad his family knows nothing of the hardships he has seen amongst the Rebel army in Kentucky. Meanwhile, he waits for the Paymaster.
GLC02415.043
10 September 1864
He talks about Bragg and Gen. Rosecrans. He says Bragg is a coward and a traitor and is afraid of Rosecrans. Then he goes on to speculate whether Father ought to save his wheat for the Spring market or Fall.
GLC02415.044
11 September 1864
Kellog, James H. (fl. 1862-1864)
He still doesn't know where they will send him, either to the regiment or the Convalescent Camp, but ultimately feels he will go back with his regiment. He hopes it is true that H. Pratt was discharged.
GLC02415.045
15 September 1864
He says there are those who have gotten out of touch because they are fighting on opposite sides and in some cases have not heard from their friends in 8 or 10 months.
GLC02415.046
21 September 1864
He has been detailed in the hospital dining room. He has to set the table and do the dishes. He apologizes for not having sent her money yet, but he should be able to do so this week.
GLC02415.047
23 September 1864
He reminds her that there are thousands of women who no longer have a husband to write to. A lot is riding on the current battle they are in. If the Rebels lose it, they will all be taken prisoner. Right now there are 1100 prisoners from Bragg's army...
GLC02415.048
28 September 1864
He warns her about keeping warm because warm clothes are cheaper than doctors' bills. Also he says if she wants to live in Saranac this winter she ought to consider the costs of such an endeavour.
GLC02415.049
3 October 1864
He asks her to let him know right away if she does not receive the money he sent. She mentioned that a Mr. Shear has written to him but he has not received any of the letters.
GLC02415.050
7 October 1864
He is glad their daughter Nellie is attending school for he says all they have to give them is an education and it is better than gold or silver. He goes on to brag that he is used to hard living now and has gotten by on nothing but hard bread for...
GLC02415.051
20 October 1864
It iis difficult to see what he is referring to exactly, but he says a Fletcher has not made a payment. But when he does, to add interest. Barton is in a bragging move.
GLC02415.052
5 November 1864
She acquired a five year old cow as a result of trading. If the cow yields a hundred punds of beef then the trade was a good one. He tells her to let the farm to Mr. Graw. His advice is not to let them know she has money or she will have to pay a tax...
GLC02415.053
7 November 1864
He talks about the importancce of Chattanugh and how they need to keep the Rebels contained. They do not want them to get into Eastern Tennessee so they will try to cut off their supplies.
GLC02415.054
12 November 1864
Money goes very fast these days he says. Even after receiving two months pay some of the boys have no money left. But he is very careful about how he spends his money. Other soldiers waste their money on drinking and gambling.
GLC02415.055
23 November 1864
He changed jobs from working in the dining room to giving medicine. The size of the company has diminished greatly in the past year. He asks how her provisions are.
GLC02415.056
30 November 1864
He wants to know how living in Mr. Sterans house is for her. Apparently their corn crop did not do well this year. He asks what Mr. Graw wants to do with their farm.
GLC02415.057
3 December 1864
He is working in the dining room again. She told him a Mr. Holland wants to build a wood house on the end of their house and he discusses the cost of such a project. He wants Mr. Holland to write to him.
GLC02415.058
10 December 1864
He received a letter from his father who is well. His father told him that William H. Pratt is in the hospital. James assures Mary that he is safer now than if he had stayed in the brigade.
GLC02415.059
16 December 1864
He has no wish to rejoin his regiment and march around in the cold. He would like to have a taste of her mince pies. He says to tell Mr. Roland he can work on the improved land.
GLC02415.060
25 December 1863
He is now in Chattanooga, after having spent some time at the Convalescent Camp. He has now rejoined his regiment.
GLC02415.061
3 January 1864
They are near Lookout Mountain, in the heart of the enemy's country. He describes the country they passed through on the way from Lousiville to Chattanooga which he says is unlike anything she's ever seen before.
GLC02415.062
24 January 1864
He writes again how education is so important for their children. If she does not have money for the taxes, he insists she let him know and he will send her some money.Their pay is late.
GLC02415.063
1 February 1864
There are many deserting the rebel ranks. There are reports that these deserters may join the Union but he does not see much truth in these reports. One of the shirts she made him has shrunk terribly.
GLC02415.064
18 February 1864
He saw the boys from Boston the other day and it made him nostalgic. He will send some more money.
GLC02415.065
21 February 1864
He refers to the spirit of the war and says it has grown into an animal... He got 2 months pay recently and he will send her fifty dollars.
GLC02415.066
27 February 1864
He talks about the music they practice playing in camp to keep busy during down times. Some of the boys play cards, while he prefers to read.
GLC02415.067
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