32nd Wisconsin Infantry - Killed at Atlanta

Item LTR-6481

Description

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


In Camp Near Memphis
November 5, 1863

Dear Sister Harriet,

It is with great pleasure that I take pen in hand to write you a few lines to let you know of my whereabouts. I am well at present and enjoying myself as well as could be expected under the existing circumstances. Times is rather dull down here at the present, and so cannot find much news to communicate to you that would interest you. We came out on picket last Tuesday morning to stay twenty-four hours and we are here yet, and this is the fourth day, and I don’t know how much longer we shall stay. For the regiment is called off somewhere I don’t know where and so there is no one to relieve us. But I heard that they was a coming back today, but I don’t know nor care much. I don’t know but they will have a fight. If they [will] we will lose all the fun. Lola wrote that John talked of enlisting. I will give him my advice. I don’t think he had better. A soldier’s life is rather a hard life to live anyway. If he is a young boy in the first place he is not old enough, and then he is not used to hard work and I don’t think he could stand it very well. Well Harriet, I voted this Fall for the first time. I voted a straight Union ticket to a man. Now I think I have got to be a man. What do you think about it, when I get so I can vote. Sergeant Brasted arrived about a week ago. He said that he saw you and that you was well. Well Harriet, I guess I must close for this time. Excuse all mistakes and poor writing, for I am sitting on the ground. Please write soon as you get this.

Yours, Truly, from A. Woodard to his sister.

Direct to Company A, 32nd Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers
Memphis, TN

Write soon.