This Confederate Officer Was Captured at Missionary Ridge

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/31/2009

Camp 18th Ala. Reg., [Allisonia, Tenn., May 3rd, 1863] 4pp., He expresses concern about not hearing from his wife, then, in small part, "I think there will be a change in our Brig since Gen. Cumming has been ordered to Miss. We remain as we are and have an other Gen to take command without any change."... plus, [Allisona, Tenn., May 6, 1863]…I know that I had rather be buried than have you either die or be disgraced. How could I live without my sweet wife! We are having some very unpleasant weather…it has been raining…all day. I find that my overcoat will be very useful up here this summer…I have an oven of hot oats in my tent. With this oven I manage to keep very comfortable…I am truly sorry to learn of the Yankee's raid in Miss. when I first learned of John's misfortune I was sorry for him but on reflection. I think…he came out all right. He has enjoyed it as much or more than anyone else would & [I] would like to see and hear him give an account of himself. I guess he feels a little proud of his short campaign. If the Yankees was as much delighted in taking John from mother as I was in getting you I can't blame them, but it appears that they were not as well pleased…for they soon found that they had no use for him. I have had my prize one month& two days…my greatest trouble is that I cannot be with you all the while instead of a set of rough men. I am sorry to learn you have rheumatism in your arm…I wish I could go home to nurse you…Capt. Stewart has just come in camp. He is looking well. ... plus, …[ near Tyner's Station, Tenn., July 17, 1863]...we have been here since I wrote last. I hardly know what to think we will do. I am a little surprised that we have been so quiet this long. I hope you will not stop writing when you have heard we have moved...I am on the sick list again. I fear another spell of sickness such as I had soon after the retreat from Corinth, Miss. I feel much better this morning...hope I shall be well in a few days-if not I shall go to some hospital where I can be better cared for than in camp...if I get much sicker I will write or telegraph you. We have more cheering news since I wrote you. Things are not as gloomy as they were then. Many think the war will terminate next winter. I wish I could think so. If I could go home...and knew the war would close this winter I would be happy...with many many kisses and oceans of love... plus, [Officers Hospital, Tunnel Hill, Geo., August 3rd ('63)] 3pp., "Simon," again expressing concern, "Tomorrow will be one month since you wrote me your last letter that I have received." He continues expressing his doubt and concern regarding this lack of mail. Closing, "My health is improving slowly ..." .. [Tunnel Hill, Ga., Sept. 26, 1863, very light]…Lieut. Col. [Inge] had his leg amputated…Lt. Col. Inge fell gallantly at his post…some of my men has returned to duty…I had only one man killed; don't know how many wounded in both day's fight. Have some three or four who is in a very critical condition…I hope the Maj. [will] get well. Both my Lieuts. have returned to duty; Lieut. Stewart was not wounded…plus, …[Chattanooga, Oct. 10, 1863, very light]…everything is very quiet with the exception of a few shells being sent over to us…we had orders last night to have our men under arms…as the enemy was reported to be advancing in heavy force…I am not anxious for a fight…in our present we have commenced our drills…Lt. Stewart received a very slight wound in the late battle and will go to the hospital today. One of my men was on the battlefield yesterday. He tells me he saw several dead Yankees on the field and he thinks he saw the piece of shell that struck him; for he found a piece where I was wounded…direct to 18th Ala. Regt, Clayton's Brig, Stewart's Divn., Gen. Bragg's Army…[Chattanooga, Oct. 22, 1863]…we have no tents as yet & can not see any prospect of getting any soon...plus, [Camp 18th Ala. Reg., November 15th] 1/2 pp., again asking why his wife has not written. .. plus, …[Nov. 22, 1863]…I had met with his [her bother's] Col…he thought it would be a short time before he could hear from him as they would have to take their old route…back to their commands as the army fell back while they were out impressing horses…I have had me a little cabin built…our QM has been ordered to have our baggage wagons ready to move…" And, eight letters written to Wilkerson from his wife, October 6th - December 3rd, 1863, +/- 30 pages. She expresses her love and concern for Wilkerson, advises of family issues, and brings local news.

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