The following letter was written by George W. Evans (1836-2893), the son of Samuel Evans (1781-1851) and Sarah Doubngin (1792-1845) of Lawrenceburg, Indiana. At the time of the 1860 US Census, George was enumerated on the farm of his younger brother, Charles P. Evans near Cotton Wood, Gallatin county, Illinois.

During the American Civil War, George enlisted in the 14th Illinois Cavalry, mustering in as 1st Lieutenant of Co. E on 6 February 1863 at Shawneetown, Gallatin county, Illinois. His military record suggests he was married but his ancestral record says otherwise.

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

Camp 14th Illinois Vol. Cavalry
Pulaski, Tennessee
April 17, 1865

Dear Mollie,

I hope you will pardon me for not writing sooner but will excuse myself by saying that we have been on the war path again but are again stationed at this point and seeing very good times. The army has been cheered with glorious victories won by Grant over Lee and we all felt as if we should soon go home until the wires brought the melancholy intelligence of the death of President [Lincoln] which has not only cast a gloom over the army here but the entire community received any particulars.

I think we can soon wind the war up now. We wait to hear from Sherman everyday. We expect to hear of him capturing Johnston’s entire army.

I have not heard from home since I seen you. I cannot account for other than the high water has washed some of the railroad bridges away between here and Nashville which makes the mail very irregular. My regiment left Nashville the next day after I returned from my visit. We are seeing a nice time here—have only to go on picket once a week.

Mary, I don’t know that I have anything of interest to write. Yell me how you like the pin cushion. Tell Allie and Lawrence I shall write to them next. My regards to [ ] Fellow and remember the invitation.

I am anxious to hear from Old man [George Daniel] Sanks and Aunt Susan [Terhune and] how they have got [along]. Write often. My love to one and all. I remain your uncle, — Lieut. George W. Evans, 14th Ill. Vol. Cavalry