59th Illinois Infantry - Wounded at Murfreesboro

Item LTR-9187

Description

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


Headquarters 1st Division
Right Wing, 14th Army Corps

January 31st 1863

Friend Frank,

I have not heard from you in a log time. But I think that I owe you a letter and so I am going to drop you a few lines. I think that you will excuse me for not writing sooners. But you will remember that you was not ever prompt in answering the last letter that I wrote you. And therefore, you ought not to expect an answer very promptly. But that has not been thought of and is not the curse of my not writing to you sooner. But I have a good deal to do. I am in the Adjutant General’s Office and have a good prospect of getting a position as aide-de-camp on the General’s staff. I could have got a Lieutenancy in my company long ago if I had remained with it. but I preferred to remain where I am. I have had all the forting that I care about and don’t intend to do any more of it. I am allowed the privileges of a staff officer and am treated the same as though I was one. And in fact, I do the duties of an aide-de-camp as much as any of the regular aides.

I acted as volunteer aide to the General during all of the Battle of Murfreesboro and came several times near going under. I was struck in the breast by a piece of shell which penetrated through my overcoat and inside coat but fortunately went no further. The same shell killed a Captain on the General’s staff and two horses.

The sufferings endured by the troops throughout this entire battle and it lasted seven days, has not been surpassed during this war.

Well, Frank, how are times in Pittsfield? Have all the boys gone with the Army? If they ain’t, I am in hopes that they will draft all that are fit for it. For in my opinion the place for every young man that can stand it is in the army. I have been in the army eighteen months and am willing for this thing to end at any time. But I intend to stay until the end of it if God is willing. I am in hopes to be able to visit Pittsfield before long. But it is not an easy thing to get a leave unless a chap gets sick. Which I see no prospect of my doing at present. I have not been hurt but once since I entered the army and then I did not have time to go east. I would have done so.

It don’t seem much like winter down here. There is no snow on the ground and we have had but very little during the winter. Which is a very fortunate thing for those that have to live in tents as we do.

Write me all the news and let me know how things are going in Pittsfield. There is no news here and therefore, but little for a person to write. Give my respects to your folks and all friends and write me soon.

From yours truly,

Frank Clark

Direct

Frank Clark
Care of General Davis
1st Division, Right Wing
Via Nashville, Tennessee

14th Army Corps