This letter was written by two members of Co. A, 11th North Carolina Infantry (the “Bethel Regiment”). Company A named themselves the “Edgcombe Guards.” Most of its members came from Mecklenburg and Gaston counties in the southwestern Piedmont region of North Carolina. The first part was penned by Lt. William B. Taylor. The second part by Sergt. Thomas W. Neely.

21 year-old William Barnette Taylor (1840-1928) of Charlotte, Mecklenburg county appears to have joined the 11th North Carolina in June of 1862 and was elected 3rd Lieutenant of his company. He continued in that capacity well into 1864 though he often signed the muster rolls as being in command of Co. A. In the May/June 1864 muster rolls he was reported “absent wounded” (a gunshot wound) and he remained in a hospital until September 1864 when he returned to the regiment, having been promoted to 2nd Lieutenant. In January & February 1865, he was reported “On furlough of indulgence” from their encampment at Petersburg. His final muster record shows him to have been paroled at Appomattox in April 1865.

Thomas W. Neely (1843-1910) of Charlotte, Mecklenburg county, appears to have accepted a $50 bounty and volunteered to serve in the 11th North Carolina at an earlier date than William Taylor—February 1862. He was elected the 5th Sergeant of Co. A in June 1862 and promoted to 4th Sergeant in June 1863. He was wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg and the July/August 1863 muster roll carried him as “Wounded. At home with leave.” He did not return to the regiment until 17 December 1863, just two weeks before this letter was written. The May and June Muster report reported Thomas “At home on wounded furlough” for a second time (a gunshot wound to the left thigh), and this time it looks like he did not return to the regiment but was detached and assigned duty in Richmond. Like Taylo, he was also paroled at Appomattox in April 1865.

I’m not confident I have accurately transcribed either of these letters or properly interpreted the meaning of their words. Both letters contain sexual innuendoes that I think might imply the risk of contracting venereal disease.

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

Camp 11th North Carolina
January 2, 1864

Well Sam, I received your letter bearing date of the 28th December. I was beginning to[to] think you had not received mine of the 17th. We have no news here at present—only that we are putting up winter quarters and they are granting furloughs again. I sent up 8 the other day for the company but none for myself. I wish I could send up one for my humble self but my day will come someday before long. Elias Grier Todd L Roberts have got furloughs already and when they come back, look out for Squalls for this shild is going to try. But Sam, I have nothing worth writing.

I will send you the other $1000 in a few days. I don’t think it is safe to send it by letters. You will remember me to Miss Ellen and the other Ladies of your acquaintance. Tom Neely says look out or you will get squashed like him. He said the greasy thing but it would not do.

I remain yours, that is plain, until death cuts us in twain. — W. B. Taylor

[in another hand]

Camp 11th North Carolina
January 3, 1863 [should be 1864]

Friend Sam, I now attempt to write you a few lines. I have nothing to write that would prove interesting to you in the least. Sam, I recon you are a having a good time at home with the girls but take a fool’s advice and be very careful how you stick the greasy word to them. If you don’t, you will come out like I did. I put the greasy word to one while at home but I think I received an answer that was greasier than my question so you can guess I have played out (so most it be).

I recon you and Ellen are all ok on the goose. Sam, I advise you to take unto yourself a wife if you can make the riffle. Old Carlow has gone into the business but I think it doubtful about him making a raise.

Sam, you ought to be here to see Leck and his aide fly. Even Leck knows more about an orderly’s business than any man that I have seen lately. His aide is here but not for duty. He has a sore hand.

Sam, if you get [conflumed?], please let me hear from you for I have an idea how a man feels for it has not been long since I had the pain to endure myself. I will close. Write soon to your friend, — T. W. Neely