The following letter was written by Theodore Norton Hyde, the son of Ambrose Hyde (1814-1899) and Eunice Ann Lewis (1819-1900) of Quasqueton, Buchanan county, Iowa. The couple were married in 1841 and made their way west to Iowa by 1853. Theodore enlisted with Co. C,  9th Iowa Infantry on 25 September 1861 and served with his regiment until he was killed in the fighting on Missionary Ridge on 25 November 1863.

See also—1862: Theodore Norton Hyde to Parents on Spared & Shared 17, published in October 2019.

Transcription

Camp near Helena
Sabbath afternoon, October 12th, 1862

Dear Parents,

It is with pleasure that I received your kind letters enclosing those little necessaries which with the others were very acceptable. It is a very pleasant Sabbath. We had a very good sermon this afternoon. The Chaplain of the 34th Indiana preached. His text was [illegible due to fold] …up treasure in heaven, &c. He is quite an old man and a very good speaker. While I write, I have the likeness of Anna and Brother and Father lying before me pasted inside of my [ ]. Ann sends her best respects to you and father. Said she was making a present for Franky.

I am writing under (what would sound strange to you but does not to me) an almost steady firing around us. The cavalry discharging their guns. They have just come back from a scout (yes, a fight too). Our cavalry has been fighting all day today and part of yesterday. Several killed and wounded. I should not be surprised if we were not called out tomorrow as we have moved a little nearer town—4 miles nearer town. A splendid camp, nicer than the other camp a great deal. I will send you a sketch of the camp. Enclosed you will see the different stripes by which you can recognize officers. My cold is better, I think, than it was. Write soon. Give my love to all.

Your unworthy son, — Theodore Hyde

to Mother & Father