Wood, Matthew (fl. 1862-1865) to Sarah Wood
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02176.17 Author/Creator: Wood, Matthew (fl. 1862-1865) Place Written: Pulaski, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27 May 1864 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.1 x 25.7 cm. Order a Copy
Written from Pulaski, Tennessee to his wife. Describes the situation of refugees (including African Americans) in the camp: "...and the darkies are here by thousands, by field fulls like cattle, they call these darky Camps corrals. The same that we call the lots where the broken down horses is put to be recruted." Talks of former bad health and the kindness of his officers who gave him easier duties. Mentions the tightness of his money situation. Expresses hope of victory and returning home soon: "Well as soon as you hear that Richmond and Atlanta is ours you may put on the tea kettle I will be there I firmly believe they will bee before many week but not without a great sacrifice of our brave vetterans."
Matthew Wood served in the Ohio Ninth Cavalry with Burnside's army in Tennessee, and William T. Sherman's army at the burning of Atlanta and capture of Savannah.
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