The following letters were written by Thomas Matthew Elliott, Jr. (1843-1929), the son of Thomas M. Elliott (1799-1881) and Anna Wilson (1808-1893) of Paxton, Ford county, Illinois.
When he was 21 years old, Thomas enlisted as a private in Co. F, 28th Illinois Infantry. His service entry date was 1 November 1864 at Danville, Illinois, and he was not mustered out of the service until 21 October 1865 at Brownsville, Texas. When he put on the uniform of the 28th Illinois, he was described as standing 5 feet 8 inches tall, with dark hair and gray eyes.
Throughout his letters, Thomas frequently mentions his older brother Amos Wilson Elliott (1841-1891) and a brother-in-law, Simon Peter Mitchell (1840-1915), both of whom served in Co. K, 76th Illinois Infantry.
Letter 1
Memphis [Tennessee]
December 13, 1864
Dear Sister,
Yours of the 8th came safe to hand this evening, safe and sound. Was very glad to hear from you and that you are enjoying good health. Sorry that you you are having trouble about fuel this cold weather. I think if you had to resort to coal, you had a good time to keep the room warm. You say it is as cold as Greenland. Well it wasn’t very warm here a few days back, you had better think, but the weather is getting warmer and more pleasant.
Well, Jane, you ask me to excuse your delay. I can do that with pleasure knowing your circumstances and that you are commencing new studies will of course be very busy for awhile. I hope you may succeed with your studies well and find good time to answer all of your letters without breaking into your studies.
I am well at this time and in good quarters here at Memphis and having a good time for a soldier. Some may think that one coming in in the way I did is hardly worthy of the name but for my part, I intend to be as good a soldier as any of them if they give me a chance. Some of the folks around here appeared to be very fearful that we would be rather a byword among the old soldiers but I find them so far willing to act the gentlemen in general with us. Our officers are appointed out of an old company. Our captain is of a good appearance and good report among the old company. He was 1st Lieutenant of a company. We have taken several lessons on the drill. Have not received our arms yet. They are on hand. We will get them soon.
Have had the pleasure of meeting with Amos and Simon since I came here. They came here a few days after we got here. That seems to be a streak of good luck rather than anything else. Their camp [76th Illinois Infantry] is about a mile and a half from ours. Was up there yesterday. Simon was well. Amos was not very well. Had been quite poorly some days [ago] but is better now.
Well, Jane, you speak of our being together at home as sister and brother. It appears to touch your feelings. Well, I can’t say that I have no feelings on that subject. You may suppose that I miss you. We have a family circle here around the fire but when I look around, I can’t see sister, Mother, Father, or children around it. Our family consists of eight but they are all men and some rough ones too. The most of the army will swear but never mind all that if you can get through, I will try to do so and I hope that the time will come ere long when we may meet again and enjoy life together. If we should not. I hope by your prayers and the prayers of the praying people, to meet where parting shall be no more. Be of good cheer, sister, and keep your spirits up and I will do the best I can. So good night for this time. I remain your affectionate brother, — Thomas M. Elliott
Letter 2
Kennersville [Louisiana]
January 17, 1865
Dear Friend,
As it has been some time since I have heard from you all and don’t know when I shall get a letter from any of you to answer, I thought to write a few lines at a venture. I am still in the enjoyment of good health and hope this may reach and find you all in the enjoyment of the same great blessing.
This evening finds me camped on the river near a small place that goes by the name of Kennersville situated about ten miles above New Orleans. The camp is in a bad place for mud and was it not for the levee, the water would flow right out over our ground. There has been a great deal of rain and looks as though there would be more soon. We started from Memphis the morning of the third of this month, landed at this place the 6th. Saw [brother] Amos the Sunday before leaving there. He took a wal with me through the town. The 76th [Illinois] Regiment is still near us and [I] have the opportunity of visiting Simon once in awhile. He is well. Was well last week.
The letter I received from home was dated the 18th of last month. Had a letter from cousin John Wilson New Year’s Day. He and Emily is going to college this winter Mason, Indiana—Sullivan County.
I am now a good way from home and in a strange land—a land of frogs and swamps and green trees in winter which looks kind of odd and sounds very queer when one thinks of January. And people are plowing for cotton. It looks nice to see about eighteen teams placed along the field apart from each other. The Blacks do the most of the work here. You may see a plantation, one nice house perhaps, and a nice yard all around, green trees and fancy shrubs, and then a number of houses in rows and perhaps a large sugar factory and altogether looks quite like a town on the railroad.
I have seen oranges growing on the trees. Some of them would do to eat for I tried them. This wold be [good] country for Father. He could have greens all the year around. The Old Darkies come round with the greens to sell and trade. The woman bring their cornbread. The days are generally warm and the nights cool. The weather is some like April weather in the North. A frost once in awhile. Well, I have not much news here in this land of mud. I will close for this time. Though separated far from friends, yet have warm affections for the folks at home. And believe me your affectionate son and brother, — Thomas M. Elliott
P. S. Direct to the 28th Illinois Infantry, Co. F. via Cairo.
Letter 3
[Camp near Kennersville, Louisiana]
Saturday, January 21m 1864 [1865]
Dear Sister,
Yours of the third come to hand yesterday. Was glad as ever to receive a message from you. It is now 15 minutes of nine. I have got the breakfast over and washed up the dishes. There is eight of us. Nine of us mess together, take it turn about, and this is my day. I tell you I had a good time of it this morning. It has been raining a day or two and you would naturally suppose the wood was somewhat wet and consequently hard to start a fire in the mud, but I must make haste.
Well, Jane, I am glad to hear that you enjoyed yourself well through the holidays. It must be pleasant after more than three months hard application to your books. You say you have had nary a sleigh ride. I should think that buggy ride would fill the bill considering the driver. I can’t see why it should be hard to begin your studies after such a nice rest unless High has stolen your heart away and you cannot bring your mind down to such things. It is too bad for our neighborhood to dry up in that style, make a refreshing shower such as we have here might help it. I’ll bet it wet it some anyhow.
I have news from [brother] Amos as late as the 11th. He does not seem to be getting along very well. Has letters from home of the 1st and 5th.
And Dudley has sold out at last, has he? And Jack must leave for certain? I suppose there will be tears shed and kisses spent on him more than Burty. Well, I must stop and get dinner.
It’s now thirty minutes or more past 12. Dinner is over. The sky is partly clear. It is quite warm and I think I hear the frogs singing.
And Captain is flourishing around Mrs. Chuinewith, is he? Bully for him. Glad to hear that Joshua has got home. He has had a long turn in the service—not much. If he is a little rough for he was a little that way when he left and the army is just full of wickedness and there is no trouble for one to learn to play cards or almost anything else. True it is—a term of service in the army is apt to let go the morals of a man and generally for the worse. I think if the regiments are all as bad as this one, there is no chaplain in this regiment nor any respect to religious affairs except there is not much done on the Sabbath when in camp.
We are camped in the mud about 12 miles of New Orleans near a place they call Kennersville [Louisiana] on the river. The 76th [Illinois] is camped a mile or so from us so I have a chance to visit [Amos] once in awhile. Simon was well the last I saw him. I think he is getting quite tired of service from what he says.
I am still in good health. Have no complaints to make. Hope you may keep your health and succeed well in your studies. I will close for the present. Your affectionate brother, — Thomas
P. S. You tell Nannie I did not have very flourishing times through the holidays but good enough for a soldier.
Letter 4
Camp east of Mobile [Alabama]
April 6, 1865
Dear Sister,
Having written to you a few days before receiving these letters that I am now about to answer bearing dates of the 12th and the 17th of March, I have deferred writing until now. Was glad to hear from you and of your getting along so well in attending school which you say is nearly out and is quite out ere this. You have probably went through with the examination and exhibition and I hope you got through without failing for it certainly would seem a [ ] undertaking for one not in the custom of appearing before the public. And of course, as you say, it is to be in the court [house], it will be full of patrons and people from the country. And then to read to the assembly a composition of your own is what would cut the feather. Tell me if it is not so. Oh how I wold have enjoyed an opportunity of being with you on that occasion,. But I will venture to as this much of you and think you will respond and that is to send me a copy of the said composition with all the particulars concerning that affair in your next.
Now that your school is out, you will soon change the program. I am glad to hear that you have succeeded in getting a a good situation and so near home which will be very convenient for you.
I am now situated as near as I can guess near the head of Mobile Bay near what is called the Spanish Fort. There ison the right two other forts near this one. The siege has been in operation since the 27th of March. There has as yet been not much musket fighting—only the skirmishing. The large guns has done the most of it. There is a large amount of fatigue to be done in making breastworks for guns and a large portion of that done in the night on account of the other party which of course does not like to see such work going on in front of their works. I presume they fear the consequences. I just hear that there is to be a salute fired in honor of some victory up Alabama River. The salute will come off and I will close for the present.
Well, Jane, it is after dinner and the salute is over. Things are quiet on the lines just at this time. It does not seem much like we was so close to the enemy. They report the rebels are cut off with the exceptions of a small boat way. How true it is, I cannot say. I hope it may be the case. Then we will have them where we want them.
Well, that is all that I can think of that would interest you. Give my respects to all enquiring friends. Love to the folks at home. Your brother, — Thomas
This leave me in good health and hope it may find you enjoying the same great blessing. Have not heard from Simon for some time. Had a letter from Amos on the 12th of March. Let me know how they get along with the meeting house. That is all at present. Good night.
Letter 5
Near Mobile City [Alabama]
Sunday, April 16, 1865
Dear Sister,
It is Sabbath morning. I have resorted to the grove away from confusion of camp to write and answer to yours of the 27th which came to hand the 15th of this month…. [illegible]
Letter 6
Camp near Mobile [Alabama]
May 30th 1865
Dear Sister,
This afternoon things are quiet in camp. Rumors not quite so numerous as at some times. Still laying, doing but little and not knowing what we are going to do. Only have orders to be ready to march at short notice, keeping a person unsettled in mind and having [nothing] particular to occupy the time in makes times naturally go slower than it otherwise would. It I was near enough to step over and plow awhile each day, it would help pass the time off. However, as long as I have good health, I won’t complain.
Have good news from Amos—that he was about starting home. Isn’t that good? If his health will permit, suppose he will help Father some. He certainly needs help. Don’t see how he can manage to go it alone, but I fear Amos will not be able to do much this summer.
Simon came over yesterday. Stopped a short time with us. He has moved to town the wonderful city of Mobile. Don’t think they bettered the thing much.
Have no news of importance to write so guess I will give you a little geography of this country to fill up the page. If you have not time to read it, it won’t be lost time to me anyhow. First we will begin with Mobile Point which we find abounding in white sand and of course nothing will grow there. Standing off the bay shore we find some sand pitch pine trees and occasionally a wet place. Then a rare farm but of little consequence. Farther up the timber is larger but mostly of the same kind and many of the trees having been cut for the manufacturing of resin, turpentine, or something of the kind. Onward the swamps are more frequent. Mostly tall pines grow on the ground.
On towards the Spanish Fort, the ground is more rolling and looking some more like land should. But a very poor country indeed. One thing I can say for that fact of the country, is it is finely watered, and that is about all. Up as far as Blakely, not much change. On this side of the [bay], you would think big looking on the map. For instance, the Mobile Ohio Railroad. Look at the first 30 miles.
Next Mobile. You will say at once, what an amount of station that must be in interspersing country. But you can see it better on the map than on the road itself. On the whole, I consider this country almost a blank. More, the explosion damaged the town considerably. 1 It is an awful thing—a dreadful destruction of life and property. But enough nonsense. Write soon as convenient. Hoping his may reach you well as it leave me and that you may succeed well in your vocation. Yours truly, — T. M. Elliott
to Sister Jane
1 This is a reference to the ordnance depot explosion that occurred on 25 May 1865 killing some 300 persons in Mobile, Alabama.
Letter 7
Camp near Mobile [Alabama]
June 29th 1865
Miss Jane, dear sister,
Your kind letter of the 13th came to hand and was read with interest by your humble servant. Don’t let the thought come into your head that your letters to not interest for the receiving of friendly correspondence is one of the greatest sources of enjoyment I enjoy. Received a letter from Sarah bearing date 18th. She is better. Said she felt better but was quite well. Went to see Simon yesterday but behold, when I got there, he was gone. Did not learn definitely where to. Only somewhere around on the Gulf.
Slipping up on that visit, I spent the day [instead] in town as I was on pass with one of my comrades. The first place we went was towards the wharf and looked over some of the ruins caused by the explosion. It is a curiosity to see the various kinds of shot and shell. Every size and shape one would think of a shell or shot being in. On up the landing there are a great number of transports—both river and Gulf steamers. And on the streets you would see every kind of fruit almost one would wish for. Peaches 20 cents a dozen, watermelon 50.
I stepped into a music store. There was an old gentleman playing on piano and [you] know I love music first rate. You might prepare yourself and we will have that melodeon yet if I am lucky enough to get home, and I have no reason to fear about that as nearly two-thirds of the time is past without a serious accident.
Had a fine shower after which we visited to the hospital. The hospital is a nice place for the [ ] things appear to be left in order. Saw five of our company, two of which are doing pretty well. I think the others are in bad fix though my acquaintance with them is distant, yet they appear in some way near to me.
You speak of getting letters from a stranger. If it is not a matter of secret, wish you would give me the initials for, by the way, one of the boys appears to take some interest in those pictures and asked the names. Happy to hear of your good success in school. You have, it appears to me, a good averae. 13 is enough to take all your attention in school hours. Well, Jane, the page is nearly full and but little said. But you may imagine my opportunity of obtaining news, laying in one place so long. This morning is very pleasant. Some appearance of rain again. Write soon and give all the particulars and the noticulars also. No more. Yours affectionately, –T. M. Elliott
Letter 8
Clarksville [Texas]
July 22, 1865
Dear Sister,
Oh, but it is warm today. It makes me sweat like anything to sit here in the tent and write. Soiled my papers before I thought of it by the sweat of my hand, Your letters bearing dates June 19th and the other looks like July 27th but you know what it is, however they came and was gladly received and read by your humble servant….
Well, this subject of laziness is a thing I must confess very closely connected to a soldier. Let us see, once in awhile the soldier is required to drill a little—say one hour in the morning. You ought to hear the growling. They don’t like to do anything that seems to be of little or no use.
Paxton is getting some spunk, is she? Well that is good news if they will clean out a few of those faint-hearted Copperheads, a drinking saloon or a gambling house or two, Paxton may be something yet.
As to that essay, I should have liked to have seen it very well. The time won’t be long I hope until I can come home and your excuse is perfectly satisfactory for not sending it…
I imagine about the day you wrote yours of the 19th, I was laying in camp near Mobile just taking it easy. Since that have taken quite a nice boat ride on the Gulf of Mexico and landed here where the dust blew like snow does over the prairie and made the atmosphere quite as disagreeable as that—yes, more so. Finally moved down here near the town Clarksville set among the weeds. As long as the water keeps down, it will do, but if it raises, we float I fear…
The health of the boys is not good at this time. Quite a number are at the hospital. Ed is quite unwell but improving now. I think he will soon be well if no backset. I am still in the enjoyment of god health—a great blessing in this deserted land.
…yours affectionately, — Thomas Elliott
Letter 9
Camp near Brownsville [Texas]
Monday, October 2, 1865
Dear Sister,
I take this opportunity of replying to yours of August 27th which came to hand some days since. This is a fine morning though pretty warm. Has been rainy for some time past and of course not very pleasant. My health is still good—as good as one could expect—and I will think myself a lucky chap if my health continues a month or so longer and I have a safe trip across the waters. One of our boys came from home to this place within 16 days.
The health is reasonably good. Some few sick in the company. One died at few days since. Was sent to the hospital and died quite suddenly with a fit, I understand. Another fine boy. Ho. Ho. Quite a family on the hill…
The river is pretty high again for about the third or fourth since our arrival here.
Some of the boys in the regiment are getting furloughs. It is a general thing through the brigade. There hain’t much sign of being discharged. It is our Lieut. Colonel that is putting the boys through, ditching around the camp as though he calculated to stay here awhile.
Well, Jane, I must soon close—not for want of time but for the want of something to write. I am on the last month of my time and waiting for that to pass. Had at one time hopes of starting home by or before this time but slipped up on that.
But with the blessings of Providence and good health, I can not complain. No more at present. Your affectionate brother, — T. M. Elliott
P. S. My respects to all enquiring friends.
Spared & Shared 23 