Holly, William H. (d. 1864) to Mary Ann Davis
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02165.11 Author/Creator: Holly, William H. (d. 1864) Place Written: New Orleans, Louisiana Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 September 1862 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 22.7 x 19.1 cm. Order a Copy
Written at Camp Parapet to a friend. Expresses boredom at the monotony of life. Describes an incident in which Confederate soldiers escorted under a flag of truce the wife of General John Bullock Clark, who had been taken prisoner, so that she could nurse her husband. Contrasts treatment of Mrs. Clark to the treatment of the Union's General Robert Latimer McCook. Talks of letters received from friends, and the death of an L. Smith, who was "prepared [I] think for death" but laments the death of so many men in the "wicked war." Expresses hope that he and friend William will remain far from fighting, though he feels it is not right to be idle when so many men are wanted. Also mentions a friend, Ed Nearing, who has been forced to return to his regiment by Governor William Buckingham. Discusses drilling with the heavy guns instead of rifles lately. Finally, says has heard that the draft no longer applies to teachers in New York and that there are enough volunteers in Connecticut and is happy that his friends will not have to serve. Accompanied by an envelope with an image of the American flag.
William H. Holly was mustered into the "E" Co. CT 12th Infantry on 11/19/1861. He died a prisoner of war on 12/11/1864 at Salisbury, NC. N.B. Holly spells his name "Holley."
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