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5 October 1863
Scarborough, William H. (fl. 1862-1865)
to Father, Mother, Brother, Sister
They took the railroad to Brashies City. They will have about 200 miles to march. He requests socks.
GLC02173.19
11 November 1863
The Rebels acknowledged a loss of 200 men while their side did not lose more than 20, but many were captured and wounded. He gives suggestions for boots and an overcoat he wants made for him.
GLC02173.20
23 December 1863
to Parents
He is now in Texas. He briefly descibes the sea journey which brought him there. The water they drink is quite brackish. But the boys seem to be good health nonetheless.
GLC02173.21
16 January 1864
He has gained quite a bit of weight since he first went into the army. So far the Texas Rebel cavalry have lost 100 men. The report is that they are now evacuating Galveston.
GLC02173.22
6 February 1864
He went to the army church and enjoyed it immensely. They recently built a new fort and two companies have to sleep in it every night to be ready for an attack, but he is not alarmed, he does not think the Rebels would be dumb enough to attack.
GLC02173.23
13 February 1864
The duty is heavy and the rations are short lately so the boys grumble. SOmetimes the soldiers go foraging for food like chickens
GLC02173.24
22 February 1864
He refers to a John who complains for no reason and does not know what soldiering really is. He has a cushy, well-paid job and knows nothing nothing of the daily life of a soldier.
GLC02173.25
6 March 1864
He describes being sea sick on the St. Mary. They landed and there is much washing going on, so he can't write much. Some say they will move again tomorrow.
GLC02173.26
2 April 1864
to Sister Maria
He tells her how they came across a sugar mill with plenty of sugar and molasses. He does not expect to see her until his term of service expires. There will be another move.
GLC02173.27
10 April 1864
to Father
Fort Spanish was evacuated after a siege of 12 days and capturing 500 prisoners and 33 pieces of cannon. The next morning they marched and soon they ran into heavy musketry. Their men were charging the fort. Over 3000 men were taken prisoner.
GLC02173.28
4 June 1864
He talks of how the newspaper falsely reported the details of a battle. Gen. Moulton was killed during the battle. This morning the news is good: Gen. Grant is confident of capturing Richmond. He says the Rebels have brought everything on themselves.
GLC02173.29
7 June 1864
A fellow soldier, Bob, has something wrong with one of his legs and this will affect marching. Their lieutinant has applied for a furlough and if he gets it, he can visit them.
GLC02173.30
13 June 1864
He witnessed the burial of a fellow soldier. Many are sick in the regiment, but he is doing doing extremely well. Extremely faded.
GLC02173.31
29 June 1864
There are rumours that Gen. Burbridge will call on the 4th division to reinforce him in Kentucky, others say there will be an expedition to Mobile.
GLC02173.32
3 July 1864
They had regimental inspection. There is considerable excitement in reenlisting for some as they are offering 1100 dollars to veterans.
GLC02173.33
17 July 1864
The 13th Army corps has been broken up and consolidated into one division, the 19th Army corps. A lot of reorganization has been taking place.
GLC02173.34
21 August 1864
He is writing during dinner and finding it difficult to write because everyone around him is talking. He is in a camp now that the Rebels frequently shell. He thinks they will go to Mobile next.
GLC02173.35
8 September 1864
The heat is causing him to break out, but otherwise he is very healthy. He thought they would remain where they are but they received orders to be ready to embark at any moment. They got on a boat back to New Orleans, but it was stalled for four...
GLC02173.36
23 September 1864
A bullet struck the tent of the comission sergeant and hit the bed, but he happened to be absent when this happened. He talks about Abraham Lincoln and how if the president were a democrat, the Rebels would call it a righteous war.
GLC02173.37
5 December 1864
He doesn't think they will leave where they are for some time. Most of the boys are healthy but Robert Stillery has been quite sick. John has not written to him for a long time.
GLC02173.38
3 January 1865
A boat named May Duke was nabbed by Gen. McGinus while trading with the Rebels He thinks they will remain in their prsent quarters throughout the winter, The paymaster has not been around for 8 months.
GLC02173.39
13 January 1865
He compares his childhood to the present circumstances. The days are rainy and downcast. There have been a couple cases of small pox in the regiment and it may spread.
GLC02173.40
1 April 1865
to ones at home
Mobile is visible from where they are now. There have been three wounded men but no losses. he got their letters.
GLC02173.41
25 May 1865
He calls the Confederate cause "desperate." He refers to his country as a "a precious jewel." As he writes a loud explosion is heard.
GLC02173.42
9 June 1865
Everyone is in good spirits because they'll be heading home.
GLC02173.43
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