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In Line of battle. I don't know where
July 6th 1864
Dear folks at Home
I received your letter of the
1st ult and one from Fayette of the 2nd yesterday
I also got one from Nick yesterday. You must
know that I was glad to learn that you were
well. My health is tolerably good, but it spite
of me. I am as blue as Indigo. We have been
continually fighting – fortifying and falling back now
for two months to day, and yesterday we came here
near Chattahoochee river and went in some concerns[?]
called fortifications, that were built by negroes
and such works, I have never seen. We had
much rather have built them ourselves than to
have to fight in such works. We could have
built better in two hours. The men are dis-
couraged in spite of anything I can do, and I cannot
help but believe that if we are vigorously attacked
on our present line, we will suffer severely in
men and "morale" It is probable however that we
may not be attacked much.
I am afraid that I will not be able to save the
contents of the box you speak of sending me, as
we are generally moving every day or "night" or
two. If I get it however I will try and eat
one fill of the goodies anyway. I hope it will
be small and "unique" so I can toat[?] it.
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If Gintry[?] will do as he say's he will I shall
be satisfied provided he does it immediately
Nick in his letter, proposes that you move down to
the place that Ma lived on and make a little
crop next year. The only objection that I
have to the plan is that he might be put to
some inconvenience in consequence. I look upon
it as a favor from him in making this -
proposition. I believe him to be a good friend
to me. If you like the plan and it is agreeable
to all concerned, I am confident that you can
do better than if you stay in Opelika, and shall
not object to it but rather favor it
He says that you could use his wagon and
steers, - You cannot buy now, and that would be
an object. I would advise you to buy all the
corn you can when it comes in, and if possible get a sow and
pigs or some kind of hogs. The government now
owes me $650.00, which if I can get I will
send mostly to you to use as you think best
You will be obliged to have wheat and had
best buy, if you have the money.
And now, I will give you my plans for you
to pursue if the enemy overruns that country
Move out of town, say to Ma's old place and
be as quiet as possible, treat them with a dignified
politeness. Give them no cause to maltreat you
and I think you would have nothing to fear except
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the loss of our property.
These are trying times, and the issue is in the hands
of God. He cannot err. That is a consoling thought
I "know" that if we will implicitly trust Him He
will protect and sustain us
We hear a rumor this morning of a considerable
disaster to Grants army, but do not know whether
to believe it or not. if it is true, it is probable
we may either have a hard battle here or some
rest – maybe both. I will try and write to
Nick and Fayette this evening if nothing happens
to prevent. Give my love to Ma Sister - Em – and all
my relation and friends God bless our children
Truly yours G.W.Cherry
I would be glad you would make me a good
haversack and send to me by first convenience
also send me two medium sized needles and a little
thread in your next letter
Tell Nick to eat some fruit pies for me and
about a peck of squashes and cream mixed along
with a few Irish potatoes say half bushell in all
I always think of him when I cook my poor-do
and bacon, and am glad he has something better
Write every day or two, and I will try and keep you posted
as often as possible. God bless you
G.W.C
