Feb. 9, 1864

Indianapolis, Indiana: To loving wife.  Been sick with mumps and measles, now has a bad cold.  We “will furnish our own horses.  If so, I will be home in a short time – if not I don’t know when I will get to come home.”

July 30,

1864

Saturday evening: Enclosed photograph of wife and son George, but he did not remember how his son looked. She also sent tobacco. “I have plenty to eat.” He thinks his colonel will go home to the Election this fall.   

Sept. 17, 1864

Decatur, Alabama: Soldiers think they will go home to the election this fall. The 6^th Indiana passed near, on their way home.  Wife Mary Ann had been chopping wood. James wanted her to hire someone to chop wood. General Sherman took Atlanta. “I want Lincoln to be elected for President.”

Sept. 22,

1864

Decatur, Alabama: Rebels tore up the railroad a few weeks ago. I nearly got shot on picket duty one night. The bullet came a little closer than James liked. They heard that Generals Wheeler and Forest (Forrest) are 15 or 20 miles below on the other side of the Tennessee River with 11,000 men, but don’t know if it is true.  If Lincoln is elected, James thinks he will be home by spring. “There is great dissatisfaction among the rebels Soldiers.” In South Carolina, because of shortages of mules and horses, the hitch 16 negroes to a wagon to haul supplies.

Oct. 15, 1864

Decatur, Alabama: Mail, which comes by way of Chattanooga, is stopped often. About half the 9^th Ind. Cavalry and part of the 18^th Michigan were captured.

Oct. 18 1864

James was sent to Athens to get horses. “They keep a fellow as busy here as a farmer in harvest time.” “Our regiment is mounted at last.” P.S. “John Christie is well and Hearty.”

Oct. 31^st, 1864

Decatur, Alabama: It is out of the question for James to get a furlough.  They were attacked by Hood’s Army on the 26^th and the fight continued until Oct. 30. Sherman’s Army is coming up in their rear. They took some prisoners.  None killed in his company, but one wounded. He bought tobacco with the money she sent. A courier informed them that the rebels crossed below them and are coming to attack their rear.

No date

Spring Hill Station, Tenn. They have been on a raid after General Hood. James is not with the regiment now. His horse gave out, so he was left at Spring Hill. He is on detached duty, guarding private property. He is living in a house, and missing home. He thinks when they destroy Hood’s Army, the rebel congress will be in favor of peace.  When rebels retreated through Spring Hill Station, hundreds said they would fight no longer under (General John Bell) Hood. Direct letters to Nashville.

Jan. 1865

Nashville, Tenn. His regiment was not in the fight until General Hood retreated. His horse gave out on the 4^th day of the raid. About 200 of his regiment is there. A detachment under Major Williamson was left at Decatur. Chris Garber was wounded. William Stephenson has small pox. They think the war will be over soon. Draw that $50.00 county bounty money.

Nov. 29, 1865 (1864)

Nashville, Tenn. We evacuated Old Decatur on the 25^th. As they went out, the rebels came in, but did not get anything, because they burned everything they could not take. We came on the gunboat to Bridge port and the rest of the way on the cars (train). Our company and three other companies were captured at Columbia by Hood’s army. A great many conscripts were at the Depot yesterday and looked sad. Jim Thompson was drafted. John Christie has the chills and fever. Send letters to Co. H, 10^th Ind. Cav., Nashville, Tenn. Care of Capt. Mitchell.  A letter will get to James in four days.