Wood, Matthew (fl. 1862-1865) to Sarah Wood
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02176.08 Author/Creator: Wood, Matthew (fl. 1862-1865) Place Written: Stanford, Kentucky Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 July 1863 Pagination: 4 p. ; 19.5 x 23.7 cm. Order a Copy
Written from Stanford, Kentucky to his wife. Is concerned that the $10 he sent won't get to her because 'it is such a secesh place." Observes "all armies is on the move it appears to be the grand rally now that is to decide the contest." Continues "now is the time to make the decisive blow and it greatly depends on the willingness and unity of the new recruits. Then, speaks of death: "let us not set our heart too mutch on the fleeting pleasures of this world but set our affects on things above." Mentions a rumor that General John Hunt Morgan has been taken prisoner. Though he doubts that this is true, there is much good news: "the news is splendid from all quarters we can hear cannonading on all sides this morning supposed to be cheers for some great victory," also mentioning that General Braxton Bragg's men are reported to be deserting by the thousands. The men are awaiting news of the capture of Port Hudson and Lee's surrender, and though some men do not want to hope too much, Wood anticipates a surrender soon.
Matthew Wood served in the Ohio Ninth Cavalry with Burnside's army in Tennessee, and William T. Sherman's army at the burning of Atlanta and capture of Savannah.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.