These letters were written by Frank Ashley (1834-1926) of Co. H, 64th Ohio Volunteer Infantry (OVI). Frank enlisted on 4 November 1861 to serve three years. He was appointed corporal on 1 May 1864 and mustered out with the company on 3 December 1865 in Victoria, Texas. Frank wrote the letter to his future wife, Celesta Ewing (1845-1868) at Plymouth, Richland county, Ohio. His parents were Jonah Ashley (1797-1862) and Sarah Hawks (1799-1875).

These letter were among the 125 letters written by Ashley sold by Heritage Auctions some time ago. I transcribed one other letter of Frank’s from a separate private collection back in 2018 that described the losses experienced by the regiment and, in particular, of his company at the Battle of Rocky Face Ridge where the 64th OVI participated in a charge on the enemy’s breastworks that was over in minutes and “gained nothing.” See—1864: Frank Ashley to Celesta (Ewing) Ashley on Spared & Shared 7.

Letter 1

Camp near Mooresville, Alabama
July 3rd 1862
Co. H, 64th Regt. OV, 20th Brigade and 6th Division [Army of the Ohio]

Dear Love,

I find a little more time to write to you. We have moved 8 miles east of Decatur in a very nice place. This probably where we will [have] our 4th [of July]—a little different from last year, but hoping you will enjoy yourself contrary to expectation which I made when I left home. But it is different from expectation of all of us. But we are good for it any they take us. the 64th is all right yet. But it is hopeful that this war will soon be over and we can return home to our homes and to our loved ones whom we love dearly. But God only knows when that will be, but hope it will be soon.

But I am looking for us to be stationed at some place. If so, we cannot leave till we are relieved by regular troops along the railroad running from Memphis to Chattanooga. We are going to Chattanooga but the citizens say will [never] get there for this war will be ended before we reach that point. That is near Virginia and North Carolina line. If this war does not close for some time, we will be in Virginia—at least I think so. But I may [ ] wrong, but time will tell all these things.

But to my health, it is better than when I last wrote to you. That [was] five or six days ago. But I am gaining slowly. I have been out twice since I got better after forage. I have to see to getting that but have not tended to it for some time on the account of being [sick]. I was comfortable sick for three days and on the move too. I had some kind of a fever but now I am better.

James is well. He was on picket at Mooresville. They said that the town was full of girls but all secesh. But they would not marry till we stopped fighting. Then I think we can make union, but I would rather have one that’s already Union—the one that lives in Ohio near Old George Bloom’s across the woods. Dear, I remain the same to you as ever and remember [me] as your lover.

Love to all from the one that loves you, — F. Ashley to C. A. E.

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Letter 2

Camp near Mooresville, Alabama
Sunday, July 13, 1862
Co. H, 64th Regt. OVI, direct to Huntsville, Alabama

Dear Lest,

It is with pleasure that I address you these few lines. I am enjoying good health at present—better than usual—better than [when] I last wrote. We are still at Mooresville or near there. Do not know how long we will stay here. The batteries are leaving now. Do not know where they are going to. Our regiment is at Decatur guarding the town. I do not know how long they will stay there. It is 6 miles from our camp. They are running ferry boat across the Tennessee river. Mitchell’s men have left there.

The boys are all well. James is well and in fine spirits. I received your letter mailed the 16th and have answered it but that makes no difference. I will answer it again. I am always glad to hear from those that I love. I got one from Leanora also and have answered it but have not sent it yet. Will send them all at once.

Love, I cannot write a large letter this time and therefore you must excuse me but I remain the same to you as ever—your lover and friend—one that is true to you. I heard some things by way of a friend of mine how things are going about home, but Love, never mind what folks say about you or me. Tell them to mind their own business and let others alone. Love, I have not forgot you nor the pleasant times we spent together nor never will.

It is hard to tell when we will come home. It is highly probable that we will serve our time out as near—it is most one year now, but it is hopeful that this war will soon be over and the weary and lonely soldier can return to his peaceful home and friends—and enemies. If they were here, I would not mind them but they are there and I am here but who cares for them for I know that you are true to your promise and I know that you love me, I have no fears on that score. But Love, if my life is spared, I shall be with you some day. God knows all things but death is in the land and I do not know but that we are just as safe here as at home. I do not know as there is more deaths than at home according to the number of men. There is ten to one here to what there is at home. But enough of that for this time.

Love, it will be owing to how they get along in Virginia when we get home. The 21st Brigade left today or this afternoon. General Wood went to Hunstville. His headquarters will be there. I do not know when we will move but are looking for orders every day. But I must close. You must excuse this poor writing for my book is my desk when laid on my knee is complete but I have to write in a hurry and make mistakes. I have not had time to write Sarah but give her my best respects and your Father & Mother also.

I still remain you affectionate friend and lover, from one that loves you. Remaining yours as ever, — F. Ashley

To C. A. Ewing