This letter was probably written by a member of the 27th Georgia while in the trenches at Petersburg. Unfortunately I was not able to identity who wrote it and I’m not certain that I have actually gotten the names correctly. The author wrote the letter to his sister “Jocie” which was probably short for Josephine. She was married to someone named John and they had a young daughter named “Sadie” or Sarah. The author may have had a brother serving in the 27th as well who was assigned to duty in Savannah rather than Petersburg.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

Petersburg, Virginia
September 27th 1864

Dear Sister Jocie,

I received your most welcome letter today and was glad to hear from you once more and to hear that Bro. Shon was at home but sorry to hear of his sickness. I was in hopes he was well when I heard he had gone back to camp [ ] but am sorry [to] hear different in your letter.

I have no news of importance to write. Everything has been very quiet here for the last day or two. Of course we have the usual cannonading and picket firing along the lines which does not do much damage to either side. Some days they take a notion and shell the city very furiously. It does not generally result in much damage in the way of life. I went over to see Frank last Sunday. They were both well. I will deliver your message to them when I see them again.

I have not heard from home since the 18th. All was well and expecting the Yankees to come at any time which I am afraid they will do some night before they know it. I am afraid I will never get to see my home again—at least until the war is ended. And you know chances are slim in war. If the Yankees were all sunk in the middle of the blue sea, it would not grieve me much.

I would like very much to see your little Sadie. You say she is so interesting. I am afraid you praise her good looks too much. You must let me judge for you. As you know, a mother always looks on her children with [ ] eyes. I am in hopes I will have a chance of coming to see you before the war ends but I think it very doubtful. Nothing would give me more pleasure but furloughs are so short that by the time I got home and tell them all howdy, I’d have to pack back to the army. I am as tired of this war as mortal ever was.

You wrote to know Willie’s address. Direct your letter in care of Capt. Dougherty, Co. E, Savannah 27th Ga. Battalion, Savannah, Ga. Willy seems to be very lonely down there but I think he is much better off there than here.

Sister, I think you are mistaken when you say you have the advantage of me for I know I love you as much as any brother ever loved a sister and think all the rest do also. I almost despaired of hearing from you or Bro. John. I wrote several letters and did not receive and answer to any of them. Excuse this short letter as my candle is waxing low which reminds me that I must bid you good night. Kiss John for me. Love to all and reserve a portion for yourself. From your brother, — Jonnie B.