Epperly, Christian M. (1837-1904) to Mary Epperly
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02715.091 Author/Creator: Epperly, Christian M. (1837-1904) Place Written: Georgia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 8 May 1864 Pagination: 4 p. Order a Copy
Writes about recent executions in his brigade. "I havent any nuoos [news] to write to you at this time only the sad and awful Execution which taken plase in our Brigade yesterday which was too cruel for mortal man to behold. There was 14 North carlinerns [Carolinians] shot to Death yesterday with muskettry. 10 belonging to the 58 North Collinear [Carolina] and 4 to the 60 Regt. ah thear cries and Grones how sad they did sound. They was tide to stakes by thear Captens and their cruelley murderd by the order of a few wicked men and had don nothing I dont sopose but left the army and went home to see thair Fameleys and Friends... I have often times seen wicked things don but this was the cruels thing ever I sean ma[y] God forbid that I Should witnes another such a deed commited by men."
Military desertions were treated harshly. A Confederate soldier describes the fate of men who tried to leave their companies and were recaptured.
Camp Near Stone
Fased Mountain Ga
May the 8th/ 1864
My Most Dear Companion,
It has been throo The cind Murcys of God that I am blest with this privalige of answering your cind letter which came to hand on the 2 of the month which found me well and harty and more than Rejoised to hear that you was all well and harty. dear Mary I hope this letter will come quick to hand and find you all well and doing well: you dont no how Glad I am to get your most cind letters and hear that God is so favorable to Blessing you all with Good health and I too sincerely hope he will still bless you and be your Guide and protecter in my absins from you and provide for you obendontly, health, spiriteral and bodily food. [2] Dear Mary I havent much nwoes to write to you at this time only the sad and awful Execution which taken plase in our Brigade yesterday which was too cruel for mortal man to behold. There was 14 Northcarlineins shot to Death yesterday with muskettery 10 belonging to the 58 North Carolina and 4 to the 60 Regt; at thear cries end Groans how sad They did sound. They was Ride to stokes by thear Coffins end Then cruelley murderd by The order of a few wicked men and had don nothing I dont sopose but left The army and went home to see Thair Fameleys and Friends if they don any thing else I never heard any Thing about It. I hope thear soules is today rejoising in in [sic] a better world than this. I have often times seen wicked things don but this was the cruels thing ever I sean ma[y] God forbid that I should [3] witnes a nother such a deed Committed by man: If any people can prosper by doing so I dont think it makes any differns how wicked they dov' so I will drop that Subject Dear Mary I havent much mor [illegible] to write to you at this time. I believe The army is peaciable at this time Tho I cant tell how long it will Remain so Jensen is fortifying here every day. I believe ther will be a Big fit clos here befor long The yankees is in front of us and on both sides [me?] and hold this place but I think it doubtful we ar stil near Dalton about 8 milds north of it. Dear Mary I resevied your cind letter you sent By Lien Dickerson and the one dated the 19 of April I want you to write to me wheather you have got my Rasar I sent home by Asa Sumter and allso wheather you ever got the thing you sent by
Ratlif back or not he has never com out here yet I don't think he will [4] you must not and give one the [illegible] of Virginia as we cant hear any thing only by letters. I must close for this time hoping to hear from you soon again. Mai God bless you all and Guide you safe throo this wourld ok Ma[y] The time [text loss] again and leave this cruel war and if I should not be permitted to meet you on with ma[y] it be [our] constant [aim] to meet in heaven when parting will be no mor for ever. So [illegible] for a while. I still Remain your true Husband til Death write very soon.
C M Epperly
For my dearest Mary
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