22nd Wisconsin Infantry - Wounded & POW

Item LTR-6182

Description

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

Headquarters, 22nd Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers
Nashville, Tennessee
March 15, 1864

Mr. Ford

Sir,

Your very welcomed letter was gladly received yesterday morning. I did not answer it yesterday for the want of proper lines. I was just in from picket in the morning and had to drill at two o’clock p.m. and dress parade at five o’clock p.m.. besides the above duty we have roll call four times everyday. Our Regiment does camp guard, train guard, picketing, prison guard and depot guard.

The colonel started for home on the eleventh. We have heard since that his wife died on the tenth. His visit home will be sad. Our Lieutenant Colonel Bloodgood will command the regiment while the colonel is at home.

Four of our officers’ resignations have returned approved. Lieutenant King was of our company is one of them. Mr. Kingman was the best drill master in the regiment. Captain Brown’s papers have not come back. They will very likely be accepted.

Three of our company was detailed to go on board a gunboat yesterday for twenty days. Where the expedition is going has not been made published yet. The health of the regiment is good. The new recruits stayed as well as can be expected. Mr. Smith preached to us a week ago Sunday. Our Regimental Chaplain is here now. His name is Bradley. I have heard from Asad and the others. They are all well. Asad has reenlisted and will see you again soon. I am very glad to hear you speak so highly of Mr. Hamlin and wife.

Lieutenant General Grant is back here again planning I think for a forward movement soon. All soldiers have the greatest confidence in his ability to successfully carry out whatever undertaking he attempts.

I am very sorry to hear that Harriet has been so sick. It has been some three weeks since I heard from her. I wrote to her a few days ago. The boys are all well. I suppose you have heard that Martin Stephens has got a commission in the 35th Regiment.

Give my best respects to all friends.

Very Respectfully,

J. M. Wilson