Ward, Edward K. (1837-1864) to his sister
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02232.07 Author/Creator: Ward, Edward K. (1837-1864) Place Written: Tupelo, Mississippi Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 June 1862 Pagination: 2 p. : envelope ; 30 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
He writes that they are encamped on the Mobile and Ohio railroad. Expresses his hatred for the war and writes "if ever I get into another I want somebody to have me put in the lunatic asylum". Writes that he often wishes he were a negro with a good master, as the soldiers are kept hungry and are only given small portions of fresh beef and biscuits. Hopes to get appointed officer soon just so that he can get something to eat. He writes that Sam (his brother Sam Marshall Ward, also in company A) has been detailed to work in the hospital. He has not seen Clarence ( a brother or family friend) since the Battle of Shiloh. Writes that he finally got a boy, (a negro) servant but complains that he throws fits, is half sick, and doesn't know how to cook. Wishes he could be home "to see white folks once more and get something good to eat".
Edward K. Ward was a commissioned officer in Company A of the 4th Tennessee Infantry (Shelby Greys).
Direct to Tupulo
Care Copl. J.H. Francis
4th Regt [Tenn] Val
[Tupulo]. June. 14th./62
Dear Sister
I will attempt this morning to write you a few lines, although I am not quite certain that you will receive it. We are now Cut off from all Communication from [strikeout] home, but I hope not from you. We are at last encamped at the immortal city of Tupulo. in Miss. on the Mobile & Ohio railroad I expect we will be here for some time from the preparations made for staying and if you can possibly write do so often and direct to this place. I have not got that likeness yet, but, know, you will give, or rather send it to me at the first opportunity. Well, sis I say, Confound this war. I despise the whole business and if ever, I, get into another I want somebody to have me put in the lunatic asylum. I often wish I was a negro with a good master. We keep nearly starved, and get nothing but buscuit, and occasionally some fresh beef. Well there is some hopes for us yet as the blackberry season is coming on. The only difficulty is there is so many of us here there may not be enough to go around. Ain't a pity I can't get any more good vegetables, or fruit, or any thing of that kind - Well, I reckon we will come out all right after awhile. I am still acting Orderly Sargent, and have been acting Captain untill to day Lieut Webber assumed Command this morning, I think I will get some office after a while I only want one so as to get Something to eat Marshall is detailed for the present in the medical department. I think he will get a permanent detail after awhile. Campbell has also got a detail, but has not yet taken it [2] Well Sis there is nothing of importance going on at this place. We are about four miles from town and I never expect to see it again - Clarence is encamped about a mile the other side of town, and if I had a horse I would go and see him but cant afford to walk, I have not seen him but once since the battle of Shiloh, and that was when Pa was up here. I am going to try to smuggle a letter to Pa to day but am not certain I will succeed. We have at last succeeded in getting a boy but Pa was badly cheated in him He has fits every now and then and is half sick the rest of the time and dont know any thing about cooking, though that is no material objection at the present writing as there is nothing to cook. I have just returned from pickett, where we had a very nice time. Bart &. I. caught a mess of fish, and fried them in style last night We sleep in tents, and have blankets to sleep in at present. We have been sleeping without either for some time. Well Sis I must close for the present, and expect to hear from you soon. Give my love to. Rose and tell her to write. You both owe me letters. I wish you could write every other day. Give my love to all my, Uncles, Aunts and Cousins. I would love to be down there for a while to see white folks once more, and get Something good to eat. I know you have a [strikeout] nice time down there. Write soon
To your aff Brother
[Ed]
[envelope]
Miss. T. Elmira Ward
Memphis
Care, Dr. R.E. Temple Tenn
Hernando [Mit]
[verso]
Received March 8th / 64
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