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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