Brunt, William (fl. 1863-1865) to Martha Weir
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07006.03 Author/Creator: Brunt, William (fl. 1863-1865) Place Written: Fort Donelson, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 September 1863 Pagination: 4 p. ; 24.5 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to Martha about hurting his hand by accidentally falling down six weeks prior to writing -- "it is still swelled some & quite weak." Discusses health of family members and friends; mentions the birth of a grandson. Writes that the mail service has been irregular because low river water prevents easy water travel. Brunt's camp has been "scouting after the Guerillas," recently capturing two guerrilla soldiers who "were pritty saucy at first." The guerrilla soldiers are being held hostage in retaliation for the capture of two Union soldiers. Tells a detailed story of a deserter who was shot -- he "rode to the grave upon his coffin with perfect indifference laughing & joking as he passed along." Writes that he has received praise from his superiors in the army and that "I am indeed proud of the stand I took in KY." Closes his letter with a story about an accidental death of a citizen taken for a guerrilla soldier, then notes that "I think the Rebels must begin to think abought peace Chattanooga is ours & Charlestown nearly ours. The Feds are doing well this year."
William Brunt was, at the start of the correspondence, a soldier in the 83rd Regiment, Ft. Donelson, Tennessee. He was later made Captain of Company Division 16th Colored Infantry. Brunt's wife, Olive, and his two children virtually accompanied him to war, living in the nearby camps while Brunt was on the battlefield. William and Olive had lived in Kentucky prior to the war, but were disliked for their strong support of Union politics. By 1864, Olive was helping to run a contraband camp with Brunt, but by 1865 the two had divorced after Olive was unfaithful to William. Brunt retained custody of their two children and, despite the emotional strain which came from marriage of one and the death of the other, remained devoted as a soldier and anti-slavery advocate.
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