Cook, George B. (fl. 1845-1865) to sister
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00653.22.16 Author/Creator: Cook, George B. (fl. 1845-1865) Place Written: Fort Anderson, North Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 February 1865 Pagination: 2 p. ; 28.8 x 18.0 cm. Order a Copy
Is writing in reply to her letter from the 9th. Is well; hopes she is too. Got the box they sent through Mr. Bailey. Did not need tobacco, as it "is an article I have quit using." Send the box home; asks her to give the piece of grape shot to Brother Harrison. The box will be at the Mocksville depot. "We had a little fight on the 17… the yanks charged our works with negroes. We drove them back after killing nearly all of them." Lost about 25 men, none of whom were in his company. "I can tell you the soldiers are the worst… I ever saw them. They all have come to the conclusion that we are [whipped]." Troops are deserting rapidly. Rations are short. One day they will get meat and bread, but another day they might not get any bread. Believes the war will end within a year.
[draft excerpt]
16 February 1865:
"...I can tell you we had a little fight on the 17 inst the yanks charged our works with negros we drove them back after killing nearly all of them our loss was about 25 though but one of our company that was Henry Kessler he was killed nobody else was hurt in company F I can tell you the soldiers are the worst cut I ever saw them they have all come to the conclusion that we are whiped and they are leaving heare by the whole sail & retail but where they go I cant say..."
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