We Had Much Rather Take Gen. Grant…Soldiers Here Almost Worship Him.

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/23/2020

Pair war-date Union officer's letters, 5pp. 8vo., written by 2nd Lt. John W. Wilbur, Co. F, 47th Ohio Vols., "Camp Sherman," Miss., Aug. 22-23, 1863, to his mother, in small part: "…we have just heard that our corps (Gen. Sherman's) is to go to eastern Va. & report to Gen. Meade…we would have to go and fight Gen. Lee…so we [may] succeed in putting down this awful rebellion…we will show them how 'Western boys' can fight. We are going under one of the best fighting Genls. in the service, but then we had much rather take Gen. Grant with us & placed him in command of the army. We would then be confident of success [of] the man whom I have heard no soldier ever say a word against. The soldiers here almost worship him &…speak highly of him…since in this camp our Regt. has lost 5 men by disease, but they were all old cases who have been sick for a long time. It has been reported that there were a few cases of yellow fever in Vicksbg. among the citizens, but it is not believed to have been that disease at all. Where we are is very healthy for this time of year…talk about the soldiers not standing it down here. They do a great better than the citizens…direct Camp Sherman, Miss. 47th Regt. O. V. I., 3d Brig. 2nd Div. 15th A. C…John W. Wilbur…[In U. S. Hosptl. at Rome, Ga., July 4, 1864]…I am gaining slowly but do not think that I will be able for duty for some time…that is hard duty such as marching, drilling etc…I will try to do my duty & remain with the Regt…I despise being in a Hosptl. There are over 1200 sick & wounded at this place. I have a very nice room in the officer's Hosptl where there are 23 other officers…there is some talk of sending us to Chattanooga…from the front…Gen. Sherman is making another flank movement…John W. Wilbur. Minor soiling, else VG 300-500 (2 letters)

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