The following letter was written by John F. Kent (1836-1866), the son of John Greer Kent (1808-1862) and Margaret Hanna Gardner (1812-1900) of Cuba, Fulton county, Illinois. John was 25 years old when he enlisted on 25 May 1861 in Co. H, 17th Illinois Infantry and was promptly promoted to a corporal. He enlisted at the same time as his younger brother, David A. Kent (1838-1862), who was severely wounded in the Battle of Fort Donelson and died on the steamer D. A. January on 14 April 1862. Two other younger brothers, Elmer Y. Kent (b. 1841) and Charles W. Kent (b. 1848) also served in the war. Elmer a private in 17th Illinois Infantry and later in the 11th Illinois cavalry. Charles was in the 137th Illinois and 151st Illinois.

John survived the war, mustering out of the regiment in June 1864, but died not long after in 1866. He was married to Charlotte C. Corbin (1837-1918) in 1865.

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

Camp Lyons, Bird’s Point, Mo.
August 4th 1861

Dear Ellen,

I take my seat to write you a few lines to let you know how we are getting along in camp life. Well we are all well at present, hoping these few lines will find you the same. We have been over a considerable portion of Missouri since we left Illinois. We went from Alton into the northwest part of Missouri and then to St. Charles and then to St. Louis and then to Bird’s Point, Missouri, and we still remain here. We are now in an enemy’s land and we know not when we will be attacked by the Rebels as they are on all sides of us.

General Frémont says he is prepared for them at any time. General Frémont is a fine-looking man. He is here himself in command of the Western Division of the army. We are making great preparations for the fight. There is a detail of so many men from a company for work every day. When I say from the company, I mean the privates. Therefore, I am exempt from it. The work is throwing up breastworks. The present breastwork extends about two and a half mile in length.

I received a letter from Eliza when we was in St. Louis stating that you wanted me to write you a letter and let you know how we are getting along in camp life. I have hardly spoken to a girl since we left home. It would do me good to have the pleasure of conversing with some of the ladies of Old Fulton County, but God only knows whether I ever shall or not.

Ellen, you know a soldier’s life [is] very uncertain. We may be killed at any moment but we live in hopes that we will gain the day. We will try for it. There is several men here that I know. The health is pretty good here. I must close my letter. I will write more the next time. Please write soon and often. Please excuse haste with a bad pen. So goodbye. From your sincere friend till death, — John F. Kent

Direct to Company H, 17th Regt. Illinois Volunteer. Infantry, Bird’s Point, Mo.

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