[page 1]
[printed on stationary and scratched out]
Head Quarters, Army of the Potomac
Assistant Quarter-Master's Office
[handwritten]
8 th Ala Infantry
Near Petersburg Va.
7th Decemeber 1864
Miss Matilda
Dear Friend
I have an opportunity
now of sending a letter through to the "trans Georgia
and Alabama Department" by my friend Capt. Heard
who will start to morrow if nothing prevents
and if he is not captured by Sherman and his
hirelings. I am in hopes my letter will reach its
designed destination. I have been looking for
some time for a letter from you but all in
vain non has yet come, I know you have not
faled to write, but the "Rebels" have faled to keep
Sherman from destroying our communication.
I hardly know what to think of our people
down there to suffer an invading army to pass through
there country without ever offering any resistance.
Whatever it seems to me if they would they could
do a great deal to wards making there tour through
the south unpleasant, even if they were not strong
enough to give them battle there are many other
obstacles they could throw in his path that would
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bring him to "grief" and repent the day he started
through the South. When Sherman first made his
move through the South to the cost I was in high
hopes of him being [destroyid ?] but since they have let
him go so far without giving him battle I believe
he will make the "trip" through. There is no doubt but
what there will be a quantity of his men captured, and
if they do take his men it will not near pay for the
property that has been destroid since Sherman started
from Atlanta. We are getting cheering news from
Hood now, but do not know how long it will
continue. It may be like the past cheering at first
and in the end "sorrow and grief" but I am
in hopes that the history of that army in the future
will be much brighter than it has been in the
past. I hardly know what to say about our army
hear. I have not been able to hear any news about it
or even any rumors that would at all do to rely on
There has a potion of this command been sent down in
Geo (so says rumor) The enemy still seems to be in
strong force in our front but show no disposition
to bring on an engagement, and deserters say that
they are doing as we are, bulding winter quarters
but I do not like the idea of two such armies
remaining so close to each other.
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On the night of the first we were ordered up
from our slumbers, and be ready to move, then just
before day on the 2nd moved off down in the direction of "Stoney
Creek" distance of thirty miles but did not go far
before we were ordered back, Since then I learn that
the enemy made a dash on the Depot at the above named
place and captured all the garrison and supplies.
The Depot is on the Weldon and Petersburg railroad.
My prediction about the desertions in the army if
old "Abe" was reelected has come true there is a quantity
deserting from both sides I do not think either side
is benefited any for I think the desertions will about
tally, whe have had five to leave our regiment, and
I think there are some few more that will go ear long.
We have nothing to do now at all save the hateful
drilling that we have to do four hours a day when
the wether will admit which it has don for some
time. I never saw such pretty wether in my life for
the time of the year. I do not like to see so much
good wether at once would like to have it in
smaller quantities. Have not had any rain for nearly
three weeks something remarkable in this country
for the season of the year. [Cowper?] Monroe
has been elected lieutenant in Capt [Frazers?]
company, my Dad's old company, make a good officer.
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I have formed the acquaintances of several
young ladies in Petersburg, and have had a
very plesant time at parties and Balls given by
them. I am in vited to a party to night but I
could not attend have a chance to send you a letter
and can not let the opportunity pass by and stay
at home and write to you with the hope of getting
a reply soon which will do me more good than all
the parties that will be given in Petersburg for
the next five years. I do not think you appreciate
my letters like I do yours or you would certainly write
often, it will be a long time be four we can send
letters to each other from our respective Post offices, so
I hope you will write by every person you hear off coming
through the enterruption of the rail road I will do the
same, for I am never happier than when I have
a letter from you. My only hopes of future happiness
for when this war shal have to come to an end there
will be nothing but sorrow and disappointment
then were it not for you I would want my time to
end soon. I writen to you on the 2nd and 11th of
last month I hope you have received them. We have
not been able to hear from Hodge but once since
he left. I have not heard whether Bob Pryor married
or returned to his command I hope both. All
furlough further south than South Carolina are
suspended for the present Capt Heard is retired
as I have writen on all the paper I will come to a close with
a hope that I will hear from you soon My love to you & all Phelan
