Fuller, Franklin W. (fl. 1861-1865) to Mary
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.42.30 Author/Creator: Fuller, Franklin W. (fl. 1861-1865) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 September 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 20.6 x 26.1 cm. Order a Copy
Written at camp in Wills Valley, Alabama. He thanks her for remembering him in his "soldier life" and for writing him as much as she can. Explains that her letters arrive every four or five days while his take as long as two weeks to be delivered. This is because of the large number of letters leaving camp. He has time to write as they have stopped their march to wait for a train of supplies. He explains that since the troops are unsure of when the mail will leave they must have the letters written and ready to go whenever the mail arrives. Writes of the hardships of marching and being away from loved ones. States that he has a letter ready to be mailed out to Laura. The army marched over the Sand Mountains. The troops were careful on the descent and frequently halted to rest. The men had to then march three or four miles further down the valley as more troops arrived. Thinks that they will stay in this camp for a few days and then march again. While they were at Winchester, Tennessee the orders came to start re-enlisting the troops. He should have mentioned that before but he did not. He states that if he enlists as a Marine he could have a 30 day furlough. He is unsure of what he will do.
Franklin W. Fuller from Howard, Illinois enlisted on 14 August 1862 as a Sergeant. He mustered into the I Company of the Illinois 74th Infantry on 4 September 1862. He was mustered out on 10 June 1865 in Nashville, Tennessee.
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