112th Illinois Infantry - Died as a POW

Item LTR-203

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 3 pages written in period ink.

The 112th Regiment of Illinois Volunteers

T. J. Henderson, Colonel
E. L. Bond, Lt. Colonel
J. M. Hosford, Major
H. W. Wells, Adjutant

Camped Near Lexington, KY

November 23, 1862

Mr. H. H. Swain,

Sir, I am well at present and hope these few lines will find you the same. I received a letter from Williams last night and I was very sorry to hear of the death of Grandfather which was very unexpected to me and also his death being so sudden. Williams said he had talked with you about the settlement of his belongings. He said that they would be some coming to me out of the estate and he wanted know how I wanted it fixed if I get any thing I shall leaved it your Jackson hands till I get home. I shant bother my self about it much til I see what I am going to get but if they is any coming I will except of it with the greatest of thank for I may need it some time if I ever get back. I expect to see hard times from now on. I expect us children is entitled to a share of the estate as much as any one for father worked hard for to help make what money as any of the rest if I never should get back I want Williams and Nancy to have it. You write as soon as you get it this letter and let me know the particular about it and then I will know what rite to you about it. Tell Aunt Ioula like see her and Dora and the rest of the children you must write about all the folds I don’t know how long we will stay here but you may direct your letter to Lexington Kentucky Co E, 112 Regt, Ills Vols, Care Capt Otman for if we leave the letters will be sent to the Regiment. I am writing by candle light and it will soon be gone so I shall have to stop writing for the present. Write soon this from your Nephew.

John D. Swain
To W. H. Swain