to Mary

He goes over the particulars of the mortgage with her. At present he says they are having a great time.

GLC02415.001

to Mary

They will be leaving in the morning. He went to town today and had his picture taken for her. He says for her to keep the deed safe in case Chapman calls for it. If he doesn't she should burn it.

GLC02415.002

to Mary

They rode the train cars through Ohio and Michigan. The Rebels tried to brake their picket but they were pushed back. A few regiments were taken across the river. A lot of the boys are anxious to fight.

GLC02415.003

to Mary

They are camped in a very nice area near Louisville. There is a large plantation with lots of sweet potatoes. He asks if Taylor has decided to take the farm yet and if not she will have to let it. He asks if she heard from Wes. Was written near...

GLC02415.004

to Mary

They left Lousiville on the first and started in pursuit of the Rebels. The Rebels outsmarted them and put lumber in the roads to slow them down. The Rebels are now within about a half mile of them

GLC02415.005

to Mary

He describes the battle of the eight. 5 or 6 men were wounded, one of which ended up dying.. He was detailed to take care of the wounded and in the hospital he was appointed ward master

GLC02415.006

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

to Mary

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

to Mary

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

to Mary

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.Written in a camp near Nashville, Tennessee

GLC02415.010

to Mary

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

to Mary

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

to Mary

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

to Mary

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

to Mary

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

to Mary

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

to Mary

.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

to Mary

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

to Mary

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.Written at a camp near Stony River

GLC02415.019

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