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Near Wartrace May 7th 1863
Dear Fannie: I have just
received your letter of 4th ult.
I think you must be mistaken
about Mr Mooney having varioloid
He has had sores on his body
for a long time, the effects of
vaccination. I sent some
things to you some time ago
by Mr Culver. I also sent by
him $150.00. I have never heard
whether or not you got them
Please write in your next letter
I do hardly know how to
answer your appeal for me
to procure a substitute. If I
were a private, I would be
sure and get one if possible.
It is very difficult to put one in
here now, in fact it is [illegible, crossed out] only
now and then any one succeeds -
and if I were to try and fail
my situation would be a great deal
worse than it is. In the first place
I would be obliged to resign at least
my commission and [illegible, crossed out]
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to do that I would have to state
my reason for resigning. My health
is good and I cannot give a reason
that would be received at head
quarters without acting the hypocrite
You do not wish me to do that
But suppose my resignation was
accepted, then I would have to
risk getting the substitute received
and if I were to fail in that
conscription would be the result
God knows I am tired of
a soldiers life and would change
it if I could honorably do so
but I do hope I may never be brought
so low as to compromise my honor.
I do not mean to say that it
is dishonorable to employ a substitute
but I am afraid that I could
not get one received in my place
without deception. If I find I
can, I will gladly avail myself
of the chance. I am fully as
anxious to be at home as you can
be for me. I know I am losing
the most valuable part of my life
yet it may all turn out to my
benefit in the end. God knows
I would not make the money required
an objections. Money now is a minor
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consideration.
There appears to be more life in
the army than has been for some
time. There is a revival going
in a regiment near us. a good
many are joining the church
and there is preaching every
night. We must endure our
privations and hardships as yet
The time may come and I trust
will when we will be happy
together. I have no news to
write you. I leave you all
in the hands of our Protector that
we all should be willing to trust
Write often Yours Truly
G.W. Cherry
God bless our little children
Cherry Family Civil War Letters
