Ward, Edward K. (1837-1864) to his sister
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02232.10 Author/Creator: Ward, Edward K. (1837-1864) Place Written: Murfreesboro, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 December 1862 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20 x 24.5 cm. Order a Copy
Writes that he has been on furlough for two months. The 4th and 5th Tennessee regiments have been consolidated and he is hopeful that he will be decommissioned as a result. He's sorry to learn that Mrs. Champlin and her daughters, are abolitionists and is particularly concerned about Miss Ettie Champlin's abolitionist inclinations. Regarding Miss Ettie, he writes: "and there goes one of my Memphis sweethearts for I can't marry a yankee girl." Mentions a girl he's met in Murfreesboro by the name of Midora Henson who meets his "pretty, smart, and rich" critera. His health has improved and he now weighs 170 pounds. Explains that in the photograph he encloses, he's wearing a borrowed coat that has a first lieutenant rank although he is actually second lieutenant. Asks that his sister remember him to his lady friends, including Miss Ettie Champlin, but only if she's not an abolitionist. Also asks that his father sent him some Confederate money, as he is broke. Contains some cross writing on the first page.
Edward K. Ward was a commissioned officer in Company A of the 4th Tennessee Infantry (Shelby Greys).
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