The following letter was written by Josephine (Green) Wright of Springfield Township, Lagrange county, Indiana, the widow of Pvt. Jerome [Gerome] Wright. Jerome was killed by a gunshot wound in the Battle of Shiloh on 6 April 1862 while serving in Co. H, 44th Indiana Infantry. Jerome was mustered into the regiment on 22 November 1861.

Josephine and Jerome were married at Eton Rapids, Michigan. At the time of their marriage in 1854, Jerome was 23 years old, and Josephine Green was 42 years old—almost twice his age. She had a son that she brought with her from her first marriage.

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[Lagrange county, Indiana]
November 9, 1862

Much loved sister,

I take this opportunity to answer your letter which I received with much pleasure. I am well at present and I hope that this will find you and your family well. It was a long time before I got your letter. It was miss-sent and went to Springfield, Illinois, and I thought you had quit forgotten your friend. But it come at last and stilled all my doubts for it gives me comfort to know that I am still remembered by those that [I] love and esteem.

I was glad to hear that your mother thought her sons better off our dear loved ones. Yes, far better off than to be in this land of war and blood shed. When I read of the sufferings of the poor soldiers, I feel almost thankful that they have escaped so much. But O! if I could fly and join them in their blissful abode, how soon I would leave this unhappy world, for my heart is not here but has gone with him that died on the battlefield. Still I have one more to think [of]—my son that is now a soldier. He will have to suffer the privations of a soldier and perhaps lay down his life with them. But still I have a hope that this abolition war will soon end. Indiana has gone democratic over eleven thousand. It makes the nigger men look very down.

Tell your mother that I thank her kindly for that poetry she sent to me. It caused my tears to flow afresh. They brought him back before my eyes in all his suffering. I can see him. I can hear his groans. But he is at rest now and I will say no more. Tell the author of those lines that I shall always remember her with gratitude.

Tell Lucin that I will keep one of Jerome’s shirts for him if he wants it. I have not got anything that was coming to Jerome yet, but if I ever do, I shall come and see you all. Give my love to your father and mother and the rest of your friends. Write as soon as you get this and let me know about your mother’s heath and if White has gone to the war. I want you [to] let me know how the election has gone in your state.

Your affectionate friend and sister, Josephine Wright

to Ester Dyson