Ward, Edward K. (1837-1864) to his sister
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02232.11 Author/Creator: Ward, Edward K. (1837-1864) Place Written: Murfreesboro, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 December 1862 Pagination: 4 p. ; 12 x 26.5 cm. Order a Copy
Writes that spending Christmas away from home will be difficult for him and he will miss his family. Discusses his celebration plans for the holidays. Explains that despite being away from home, he is able to visit his lady friends. Reports on news of various men that serve with Ward including Charly Locke whom he believes was been taken prisoner. Describes an incident where a shot hit his canteen and he mistook the water running down his leg for blood. When he determined he was not injured, he continued until shortly after, he was shot in the foot. Asks his sister to remember him to all of his lady friends back home. Ward is particularly interested in knowing about Miss Ettie, a girl he was previously engaged to. Also inquires about Miss Ettie's political tendencies: "I understand that her mother and sister are Union, but is she secesh?" Writes that many of the men's black servants ran away from their masters in Kentucky. Ward feels that Lem (his servant) would never leave him and that as long as he keeps away from the whiskey, he will be fine. Contains some heavy cross-writing on pages 1-3.
Edward K. Ward was a commissioned officer in Company A of the 4th Tennessee Infantry (Shelby Greys).
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