Winegar, Daniel G. (fl. 1862-1865) to: Elvira Winegar.
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01014.023 Author/Creator: Winegar, Daniel G. (fl. 1862-1865) Place Written: Memphis, Tennesee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 January 186[3] Pagination: 2 p. ; 20.7 x 26 cm. Order a Copy
There was a snowstorm that brought a foot of snow. Peter Carmen shot his thumbs off that morning while mishandling his gun. He will probably be discharged. They have orders to leave soon.
Jan. 16th 1862
Camp near Memphis Tenn.
Dear Wife
I rec yours of the 4th Jan. day before yesterday and was glad to hear from you[.] I am well. we have had an old Illinois snow storm the snow is about a foot deep now on the ground now, it rained all day before yesterday and night and it snowed yesterday and it is snowing some yet. Peter Cramer shot one of his thumbs off this morning (it was his right thumb). he went to draw a [illegible] from his gun[.] He reached down to cock his gun His thumb was over the barrel of the gun he drawed the hammer back his thumb sliped [sic] off and the gun went off, you would like to know how we get along in such a snow storm[.] I will tell you we have got a good tent[.] we build a fire plase on one side and we have got tools to cook with so all we have to go out is to get wood. so we are comfortable as could be expected[.] we have got a thick comforter to sleep on[.] we double it so we have enough under us and we have both of our army blankets over us and an overcoat [2] We had orders to get ready to leav this morning but it is ten oclock now I dont believe we shall get ready to leav to day[.] I hope we wont[.] it is so bad for the boys that hasn't got shoes [.] the sun shines now and I hope it will be warmer this after noon we do not know where we shall go when we leave here. this is three letters I have written scinse [sic] We have been here[.] I think Peter Cramer will be discharged[.] Capt has made out his papers for discharge[.] if he does he will be home in a few days[.] I had a letter from Jesse Hawes a few days ago[.] He was at Helena[.] George is well[,] he wrote to father yesterday[.] he is cooking [illegible] for the Capt so they carry his knapsack so he gets a fan[c]y first rate [meals]. they are going to cut us down to five teams when we le[a]ve here. I wish the war was ended[.] it dose [sic] not seams as if we could canker [sic] the South[.] the way things are going now, I hope it will close and I may be permited to see my family again. if I am I shall know how to appreciate home and friends[.] I will close this from your ever true and affectionate husband
DG Winegar
I will write to Phil in a few days if we are where I can
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