1864: Unidentified “George” to his friend Mary

This letter is only signed “George” but it was most definitely written by a member of Waterhouse’s Battery—Co. E, 1st Illinois Light Artillery. Not only was it written on stationery branded with the unit’s name on the letterhead, but the content of the letter is consistent with the Battery’s movements as well. Regrettably there are too many George’s in the unit who were unmarried to narrow it down to less than a handful of possible soldiers.

After participating in the siege of Vicksburg and then of Jackson, Mississippi, Battery E spent the remainder of the summer and fall in the vicinity of Bear Creek. On November 5 they took boat for Memphis, arriving there the 12th. During that winter they went to Lagrange, Tennessee and also, Corinth, Jack Creek, back again to Corinth, then finally back to Memphis via Lagrange. It was at this point in time the following letter was penned. Later in 1864 they would participate on the Meridian expedition and then in the disastrous Battle of Brice’s Crossroads where they performed some heroic actions.

“Waterhouse’s Battery, Sherman’s Corps, before Vicksburg. The interior view of Waterhouse’s battery, in Tuttle’s division, shows the guns in position and the huts in which the men are crowded. These were built of canes tied together and covered with branches, the soldiers resorting to the style of dwelling of the Indians who dwelt there two centuries ago.”— Frank Leslie, 1896

Transcription

*Stationery used for George’s letter with image of artillery and “Waterhouse’s Battery”*

Waterhouses’s Battery
Co. E, 1st Regiment Illinois Light Artillery
Camp Lagrange, Tennessee
January 26, 1864

Miss Mary,

I received yours today. We have orders to be ready to leave at any moment. The road will be evacuated to this place in a few days. The troops came up from Corinth yesterday. The rebs were in before our troops had fairly left it. The wagon train all started for Memphis this morning. We have orders to provide [ ] clothing. Infantry likewise to carry 120 round cartridges to the man. Only three wagons allowed to a regiment. We leave three guns at Memphis, double teams on the other three. Other batteries the same and like Gen. Meade, cut off communication and over to Richmond or some other post, no doubt, but it will prove quite as successful.

*Private James Bolton who served in Congress. E from 1862-1865.*

Our troops are noted for making good time on the march and if the officers’ horses don’t fail, you may expect to hear of the best time on record and a call for three hundred thousand more to pass over the same ground or to take the place of the many thousands who are not possessed of power of endurance or capabilities of accomplishing impossibilities.

You say that Lizzie is growing handsome. Indeed, she must be very pretty by this time as I always thought her handsome. Can you not say as much for Mollie (not that she is to be married, but that she is.) Well success to Lizzie and all others that are in a fair way to be married. I would advise you not to be anxious to get into the affections of the family first, although very good people. I deem it a bad policy to many a whole family. Kinfolks by marriage are dangerous friends in most cases. If I should marry, I would prefer to marry some dear little, blue-eyed lass without friends or fortune. Those are the breakers that I have always avoided. I cannot please a whole family. Neither can I consent to be governed by one. True, in a dollar and cents point of view, family connections and first position is a desirable post, but as regards spiritual advice or guardian angel ship of a host of jealous friends and connections, I consider it all dangerous to peace and happiness.

Marry a man that you have confidence in and let the rest go to thunder. If I am ever deceived, I don’t wish to know it. I stand to all [ ]. Will send the photographs when I get to Memphis. Goodbye, — George

My love to Mollie. Success to Lizzie and Mr. Turner.