84th Indiana Infantry

Item LTR-9130

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 4 pages, written in period ink.


War Trace, Tennessee
Camp of the 84th Indiana Volunteer Infantry
First Division, First Brigade, Reserve Corps

July 31st 1863

Dear Willie,

I received your most welcome letter a few days ago and you must excuse me for not writing sooner. For I will try and do better the next time. I was exceedingly glad to hear from you and specially to hear that you was well. I have the greatest of pleasure in informing you that I a well and hearty and enjoying the soldier’s life. Bully at this present tie and it is my hope that this letter will come to hand and find you enjoying the same blessing.

Oh yes, Willie, I have been out in the country. I go only to buy chickens and eggs and butter and get to talk with the Tennessee girls a little. I have a jolly time with them once in a while. They all claim to be hot for the old flag and stripes. It would make you laugh to hear them talk. William, there is a good many Union people live here and they was in by the rebels while they was here. The news is dull now here. But there is rebels coming in and giving themselves up. But that has got old to me. But they say the Tennesseans will swear they will never cross the Gum River. Oh, I think this thing is about gone up with them now and they have been seeing it themselves. Don’t you?

Willie, the camp rumor is that this Corps is ordered to the Potomac. It is just a camp rumor. If it is so, we will get a bully ride on the cars. We will go from here to Nashville. Then to Cincinnati. I hardly think it is so, but it may.

The regiment’s health is the bulliest since we have been here than it ever was. I would like to been to your Temperance Picnic and seen the old friends and see how the load is getting along anyhow and the friends attending. I think they was a big time there when Morgan crossed the river. Old Prages mine is attended all in the mountains. I hope they will never let him get back safe but I am afraid he will.

It has been raining and looks like it would rain more yet before it is through of it.

I will bring my letter to a close by saying tell Father that I am well. So, they may learn and keep in good haste.

Give my best respects to all. This is all for the present. I still remain yours,

W. R. Way

To W. D. Kizer