Sending A Loving Letter To His Wife

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2005

A 4pp. 4to., ink inscribed letter date lined: Camp 18th Ala. Rgt., Allisona, Tenn., May 7, 1863 to his wife, reading, in part: "…I am content only when I…hear Capt Hammond speak of how soon the war will terminate and how we will be repaid when we go home to spend a long happy life with the loved ones…I will not have to remain in the army long…when I get home you will then be glad to say…your husband was one of the first to enter the service of his country, and was one of the last to avoid his duty…Capt. Hammond thinks of going to Europe…Capt Hammond's wife is at some point on the M.C. R.R., a few miles below Macon, Miss…Hammond and I contemplate having her and you make us a visit in the summer if we are stationed where you can do so with comfort and without any danger of the Yankees getting you. We think if there is no fight up here soon there will be none until fall. If we are stationed then as we are now and there is no chance for a fight you can spend some of the summer months very pleasantly up here where you could get the fresh mountain breezes every day and a plenty of the best water in the world. I think if you could spend a summer up here you would grow stout and look as fresh and rosy as some of the mountain girls. I do wish I could have you visit me. It is strange to think you I did to live so long without loving anyone or having anyone to love me. If the war was at an end and I knew I could make you as good a husband as you deserve I would be happy. It pains me to think I will never learn to be as kind and gentle as I should be towards you. I never knew how rough I was until I learned how kind, gentle and tender you were. Lt. Stewart would be glad to hear from Miss Sussie. He loves her and would marry her but thinks she would not be happy to live with him and live as he was raised. Can you give him comfort?…our fish trap is a failure. The 18th Ala is at the same old post. If there should be a fight it would be known only as the R.R. Guard. I am Officer of the Day today. Will be very busy all day…with a world of love and a thousand kisses I am your affect but unworthy husband. S.C. Wilkerson…". VG

Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).