The following letter was written by Enoch H. Harker (1839-Bef1900), the son of Rev. Enoch Harker (1804-1867) and Christiana Sheets (1806-1861) of Goshen, Clermont county, Ohio. In the 1860 US Census, Enoch was enumerated in Nottingham, Wells county, Indiana, employed as a laborer on the farm of Jacob Yount. Enoch enlisted on 21 September 1864 and Anderson, Indiana, to serve three years in Co. B, 34th Indiana Infantry. He was promoted from a corporal to a sergeant in April 1862.

This letter was penned from Camp Wickliffe, Kentucky on 4 February 1862 where the regiment was on duty from December 14, 1861 to February 7, 1862.

After three years of service, Enoch returned home to Indiana and married Mary A. Yount, 13 years his junior. He taught school in Indiana for a time and then moved to Iroquis county, Illinois.

Transcription

Camp Wickliffe [Kentucky]
February 4th 1862

Mr. Shinn, dear sir,

It is with pleasure I improve the present in writing and answer to epistle of the 25th inst. I was glad to hear you was in the enjoyment of good health but permit me to say while many are being consigned to the narrow limits of the tomb, I am still able to masticate my sea biscuit. the health of the army in this division is very poor. Half of this regiment is sick and some others are in a worse condition. There has been from one to ten buryings a day in this division for several weeks. There is only about 40 of our company able for duty.

You stated in your letter about some charges against some of us which I am happy to inform you is untrue. The report about Campbell’s taking boots that were sent to the boys and selling is not so. His company did request him to resign but it did not avail anything. Capt. [James W.] Campbell is under arrest and has been for about a month. Although he cursed the officers, that was not the charge that was brought against him. The charge found against him was for getting up a petition to remove Col. [Asbury] Steele. The petition was effective but our condition is not bettered for a more tyrannical despot never was than the man who is over us now. He is no more than the personage of Old [Townsend] Ryan.

You stated the report was in circulation that I had caught a man in Co. I asleep on his post, took his gun away from him, and that he was to be shot which I am happy to say is not so for I am clear of wanting any of our men shot, much less to be the instigation of it myself.

I would not be instrumental in killing any secesh if it could be settled without and it seems to me the work is about done. I think the day is beginning to dawn. It is an old saying the darkest hours are before day and I think the campaign is about as dark as it can get.

I believe I have nothing more of any importance to write at present. I am under obligation to tender my sincere thanks to the members of the Institute for the resolutions that came to my notice yesterday and promise to contribute something for your paper the first convenient opportunity for the present/ I slall have to close hoping to hear from you soon. No more at present. Yours truly. — Enoch J. Harker

To B. G. Shinn

N. B. Direct as before. We expect to stay here till we get orders to go back to Indiana. Yes, I am so bothered I forgot to write initials of your name on the envelope and &c. — E. H. Harker