Boston, John W., fl. 1862-1865 [Collection of Union private John W. Boston] [Decimalized .01- .52]

to wife and children

writes that he is in good health and is sending 20 dollars home. believes they will soon be victorious

GLC09315.01

to wife and children

very faded. would like to come home once more before he goes to Dixie. promises to do his duty as a soldier.

GLC09315.02

to wife and children

front page torn. writes that he is sending Mary a locket and will be sending the boys something as well. tells the story of an orderly who shot a captain in another company.

GLC09315.03

to wife and children

is afraid his wife will have changed so much by the time he arrives home that he will not know her. asks her to send him a good pair of boots, also requests sponge cake and tobacco.

GLC09315.04

to wife and children

has come down with a cold. says he is in a dangerous place. says the only women he sees are "nigger wenches, and I hate them, every once and a while I see a white woman..." would like to be with her and the children.

GLC09315.05

to wife and children

writes they have to survive on half rations.

GLC09315.06

to wife and children

writes that the regiment will be reorganized ina week. the new recruits will have to stay for the full term of enlistment. but they are confident the war will end before the term is up.

GLC09315.07

to wife and children

sorry to hear that Mary (his daughter) was sick but hopes she is better now. refers to old friends and asks his wife to tell them he remembers them well and ask how they are getting along.

GLC09315.08

to wife and children

writing from the hospital where he is helping out. many are afflicted with the measles. prefers working in the hospital to picket duty.

GLC09315.09

to wife and children

in very good spirits because he is eating very good food lately. hopes his wife is getting fat. doesn't know when he'll get paid, but when he does, he'll send some money home.

GLC09315.10

to wife and children

writes that while he has some health complaints like his side and his throat, he doesn't let it get him down because he has a duty to fulfill. talks about witnessing the death of a fellow soldier who got sick.

GLC09315.11

to wife and children

informs her that officers claim they will all be home in five months. fears that someone will ravish his wife while he is away, asks if she received the money he sent.

GLC09315.12

to wife

writes that he got paid and he will send her 30 dollars and if it gets to her safe he will send another 20 dollars.

GLC09315.13

to wife

glad that the children are doing well and hopes she will stay well. sent William a watch.

GLC09315.14

to wife

describes his sleeping arrangements and plans for a march coming up. the surgeon has exempted those with a disability.

GLC09315.15

to father

hopes the day day he gets to see his wife and children is not far off. writes that he despises young men that have chosen not to fight, for choosing not to save their country from destruction is a sin.

GLC09315.16

to wife

hopes they can see each others' faces again. thinks their marching may be over however, as he thinks they will stay where they are until the end. he is in good quarters and they have had nice weather for three months.

GLC09315.17

to wife

says his family is very dear to him but so is the country. writes they are in the best camp they've ever had so far. certain that the Rebels will die a traitors' death

GLC09315.18

to wife

heard that four men will get a furlough of 30 days. next time he will find out if he gets one. promises to bring something for everyone when he comes.

GLC09315.19

to wife

writes that they pay him very late and he is still owed checks from four months ago. can not write as much as he wants because of the lack of money. believes the Rebel army is completely demoralized.

GLC09315.20