Ward, Edward K. (1837-1864) to his sister
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02232.17 Author/Creator: Ward, Edward K. (1837-1864) Place Written: Shelbyville, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 May 1863 Pagination: 2 p. ; 26 x 20.5 cm. Order a Copy
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.
Edward K. Ward was a commissioned officer in Company A of the 4th Tennessee Infantry (Shelby Greys).
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.