The following letter was written by William H. Miller of Co. E, 7th Illinois Infantry. William entered the service on 25 July 1861 at Mound City, Illinois, as a corporal. At the time of his enlistment he was described as a 5′ 10″ tall, brown-haired, gray-eyed single farmer. He gave his residence as Atlanta, Logan county, Illinois. However, he and Martin (“Mart”) Miller are both listed as being from Arminton, Tazewell county, on the roster as was Solomon Roberts (also mentioned in the letter). William mustered out of the service on 16 June 1865 as 1st Sergeant of his company.

In his letter, William describes the departure of the 7th Illinois Infantry from Camp Holt with other regiments on the week-long reconnaissance of the Confederate stronghold at Columbus, Kentucky that took place from January 13th to the 20th, 1862.

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Fort Holt, [near Wickliffe, Ballard county] Kentucky
January 16th 1862

Dear Sister,

I have taken my pen to try to answer those which I received from you some time ago. When your letter reached its destination, it found me lying on a bed of affliction unable to peruse your kind letter for several. days. But I have once more regained my health to a considerable degree. I am today engaged in administering medicine to Mart who has been very sick with the intermittent fever. The fever is now broke and he will get along now if he takes no back set.

I was taken sick on New Year’s Eve with the pleurisy while on my post as Sergt. of the Picket Guard.

Well, Mattie, all things in camp are almost as still as the tomb. All the Boys left here on the morning of the 14th inst. bound for Columbus. Mart and Solomon Robinson was left behind on the account of our health. I intend to rejoin my company tomorrow if Mart will continue to mend. The ground is covered with snow. The weather is very cold. You ought to saw the Boys when they left here. There was 46,000 of them left in one body with their guns glittering in the sun like so many stars in the blue etherial and the stars & stripes waved over them. It was a solemn time when our kind old Colonel [John] Cook came out and addressed them with a few words to see the tear roll down the cheek of the brave old soldier when he pointed to the stars and stripes, the sweet emblem of Liberty.

Well, Mattie, those socks you sent me was gladly received. I hardly know how I am to repay you for your kindness. Yet I will try and manage some way. You spoke of so many weddings. You needn’t be surprised if you find my name numbered on the list (to some of those Ky. Negros).

Well I must close by requesting you to write. Gove my love and respects to Mrs. Yeny & Family. So farewell. — Sergt. W. H. Miller

To Miss Mattie