Wortham, George (ca. 1823-1883) to James S. Wortham
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02233.22 Author/Creator: Wortham, George (ca. 1823-1883) Place Written: Kinston, North Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 May 1863 Pagination: 2 p. : envelope ; 22 x 15 cm. Order a Copy
Writes his father saying his regiment is leaving for Virginia, his application for a furlough was denied, and he is temporarily in command of the regiment. Informed by a General that he "cannot be spared from the field," but he expects to be granted a furlough soon. Wortham is in command of the Regiment because Colonel Washington is sick.
Adds, "P.S. May 19th I have just learned where we are going to. It is Virginia. We have been waiting here since the 17th for transportation and do not know when we can get off - perhaps tonight, perhaps not in two or three days…."
George Wortham was a Confederate officer, who served as a Captain in the Twelfth North Carolina Infantry and later Colonel in the Fiftieth North Carolina Infantry.
Camp Near Kinston May 17th 1863
My Dear Father
The Regt has just been relieved from picket duty and ordered to Kinston to atake the cars for someplace unknown to us. We presume it is Virginia, tho it may be Wilmington or Charleston. We leave in the morning early.
I have only time to say that I am well and shall write to you as soon as I find out where our destination is. My furlough came back with the following endorsement "The commanding Seneral regrest not just at this time Col. Wortham cannot be spared from the field. The application will be favorably considered when there is a prospect of his being absent for the time mentioned ? ? detriment to the service". From this I enfer that I shall soon be successful at least it shows that the Genl is disposed to behave handsomely in the matter.
My love to all I will keep this letter open until the last moment as I may find out where we are going to.
Col. Washington is quite sick and I am in command of the regt and much pressed for time, hence the shortness of my ?.
Truly your affectionate son
Geo. Wortham
P.S. May 19th I have just learned where we are going to. It is Virginia. We have been waiting here since the 17th for transportation and do not know when we can get off - perhaps tonight, perhaps not in two or three days. I do not know what portion of VA we will be sent to.
Affectionately your son,
Geo. Wortham
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