This letter was actually penned by Sergt. H. W. Thompson of Co. K, 1st Confederate Regiment Georgia Volunteers. Sgt. Thompson was later killed in action on 20 July at the Battle of Peach Tree Creek. Ga. He wrote it at the request of his mess mate, George Schmitt, who was apparently illiterate.
The letter was penned from Dalton, Georgia, where the Army of Tennessee wintered in early 1864. The names of many comrades who deserted during the winter were recorded in the letter.
Transcription
Dalton, Georgia
January 18, 1864
Dear Wife,
I drop you a few lines to let you know that I am in good health and am doing as well as could be expected under all the circumstances. We are in very good winter quarters and they have stood us in good hand, for the winter has been excessively cold and disagreeable so far. Indeed, it has been uncommonly cold for this climate.
There are five in our mess now. H. W. Thompson & W[illiam] H. Hargrave. You do not know the other two men. We have a good cabin and nice bunks to sleep in. Our fare is rough and very scanty sometimes but we can buy a little something to help us along.
A good many of the men are running away and going home among the Yankees. Of those that you are acquainted with I can name Rufus Ellison, Charles Snodgrass, Ward Harris, Bud Ballew, George Kingston, & many others whom you do not know. Bill Pitts ran away last night. The Yankees send them all up north to Nashville & elsewhere. So we are informed. 1
Your uncle X. G. McFarland was here a few days ago and I sent you one hundred and fifty dollars by him. I wish you to be sure and keep all the silver you have if you possibly can for we will need it and it is very hard to get any of it now.
C[olumbus] D. Harrison has been in bad health for some time but he is able to be about yet. I intend to try to get a furlough to go to see you soon. The chance is bad, however, now. There is some talk of our being sent to Mobile but that is uncertain. All the officers in the regiment are anxiously trying to get our regiment all together at Mobile again and they may succeed. I hope they will for then I will be much nearer to you and I should be very happy to be with you now if possible.
Your uncle X. G. said he would be back again in a short time to get his family out and if you have a chance, you must send me a letter by him. If not, you must be sure to write to me by mail. It gives me the greatest pleasure always to hear from you and to know that you are well & doing well. There is very little sickness in this Army now and I am blest with excellent health at present myself, and that is worth everything to a soldier far away from home & from those who are near & dear to him.
I have no news of any kind that will interest you and I will close with the request that you be sure to write very soon. Give my best respects to all the family and friends, and believe me ever your affectionate husband, — George Schmitt
To Mrs. G. A. Schmitt
Dear Sister, I avail myself of this chance to say that I cannot get any letters from any of you at all. I have written several letters to you and I get no answer from any one. I am getting along very ell considering and I hope you are all well and well satisfied with your new home. If I could het a furlough I would go & see you but it is difficult to get one at present. I want some of you to write sure. Our address is C. D. Harrison, Co. K, 1st Confederate Georgia Battalion, Jackson’s Brigade, Cheatham’s Division, Army of Tennessee, Dalton, Ga.
Written by request, H. W. T. [H. W. Thompson]
1 It appears that most if not all of these soldiers were eventually sent to Louisville, Kentucky, where they were administered the Oath of Allegiance and pledged to stay north of the Ohio River for the remainder of the war.
Spared & Shared 23 