James Knox Polk Sayler (1839-1919) was raised in Greene County, Tennessee, the son of John Sayler (1808-1879) and Mary (“Polly”) Fink (1809-1895). After attending Milligan College, Sayler joined Co. A of the 61st Tennessee Mounted Infantry Regiment (Confederate) as a private in mid-November 1862. The unit was dispatched immediately to Mississippi, where they spent time in Jackson and Vicksburg. On July 4, 1863, the 61st Tennessee was present at Vicksburg and was surrendered as part of Major General M. L. Smith’s Division. According to his muster rolls, he was absent on parole until 30 April 1864 but there is no record of his returning to the ranks after that date. After the war, Sayler returned home to Greene County, where he became a professor at a school in Romeo. Sayler died in 1919 and is buried in Greene County.
Serving in the same company with James were two brothers, Jacob (“Jake”) F. Sayler (1842-1863), and John R. Sailer (1841-1891). Jake did not survive the war. He enlisted at the same time as James but was in the ranks and was taken prisoner at the Battle of Big Black River Bridge on 17 May 1863. According to Jake’s muster rolls, he was taken to Fort Delaware, arriving there on 15 June 1863, then transferred to Point Lookout, Maryland, where he died of disease in October 1863. His name appears on a plaque (“J. F. Saylor”) in the Point Lookout Confederate Cemetery. According to John’s muster rolls, he deserted on 17 May 1863, the day of the Battle of Big Black River Bridge, and apparently never returned to the regiment.
The letters comprising this small collection were primarily exchanged between John Sayler (1808-1879) of Greene County, Tennessee, and his sons, James and Jacob, during their service in the 61st Tennessee Infantry. With the exception of a correspondence from Grenada, Mississippi, dated late December 1862, all other letters from the sons (primarily James) were penned in the vicinity of Vicksburg. The home front correspondences of John Sayler prominently mention numerous family names that will be familiar to individuals with deep roots in Greene County. Moreover, these letters illuminate the prevailing conflicts in Eastern Tennessee, a region marked by divided loyalties during the war.
More of James K. P. Sayler’s correspondence, writings and speeches, bills, contracts, and other papers can be found in The James K. P. Sayler Papers, 1857-1943, at the Special Collections & University Archives at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The correspondence dating after 1861 contains many letters from Sayler and his brother John, both of whom served as Confederate soldiers during the war, to their family in Greeneville. Sayler, who served in the Vicksburg, Mississippi, area, provides descriptions of camp life as well as information on military movement and battles.
See also—1861: Wyly J. Smith to James Knox Polk Sayler published on Spared & Shared 20.
Letter 1
Greene county, State of Tennessee
Friday night, December 19th 1862
Dear sons,
I take htis present opportunity of writing a few lines to inform you that we are all well at present, hoping that these few lines may find you both enjoying the same state of health. I want you to write to me as often as you can get the time to do it. I like to hear from you every week and I will write every week if I can.
The news is that Jefferson Davis is gone home or down the country. What for, I do not know. I heard that he, Davis, made a speech in Knoxville. I’d like to see his speech and hear what he spoke on. Write to me what you would like to hear from [me] or anything you would like to have. I’d like to hear from Samuel Spencer and John Davis and all the company. Tell my best respects to Captain Dodd.
We are all doing the best we can these hard times. Oh that God would bless our land again but we are a sinful people and has brought this war upon us by sin and therefore I want you to pray both for me and help me to bear my trials and troubles that I have in this world. But by the grace of God, I try to bear them all.
We have some very cold weather at present. The nights froze everything till the water are very low yet the crick does not run. So no more at present, only remain your affectionate father until death, — John Sayler
Letter 2
[Immediately after being mustered into Confederate service the regiment was placed in Brigadier General John C. Vaughn’s Brigade, along with the 60th and 62nd Tennessee Regiments, and ordered to Mississippi, arriving at Jackson, Mississippi late in November, 1862. These three regiments remained together in Vaughn’s Brigade throughout the war.]
Grenada, Mississippi
Saturday morning, December 20th 1862
Mr. John Sayler & family
Dear Parents, brothers & sisters
I take up my pen this morning to drop a few lines for your perusal and information. I am well this morning and hope and sincerely desire that this will find you all enjoying the great blessing of good health. I received yours of December 6th on last Saturday and answered it on Sunday and sent it by the hand of Rev. W. H. Crawford.
On Tuesday we received orders to cook two days rations and it was reported we were to go to Columbus, Mississippi. On Wednesday we got orders to proceed to Grenada so we left in the morning. The boil on brother Jacob’s neck was so that he could not carry his knapsack, haversack, &c. with ease or convenience so he in company with several others stayed in charge of the tents. He was in good health otherwise. We left the following men of our company at Jackson, Mississippi: Arch Campbell, Abe Lane, William Stonecifer, J. F. Sayler, Henry H. Cox, W[illiam] H. Kelsey, P. F. Farris, &c. &c. in charge of the tents.
We got to this place on Thursday morning and pitched our fires on the west side of the city. It was reported at Jackson that the Yankees had taken this place. We now have many rumors as to the situations of the Yankees. Some says they are about fifteen miles from here, others that our cavalry under Gen. Earl Van Dorn had made a circuit of 50 miles without finding the enemy. I know not which is correct. Neither, I expect.
We are ordered this morning to cook 3 days rations. Some think we are going to Columbus, others think we are going to Vicksburg. Our Brigade is in Maj. Gen. Maury’s Division.
On yesterday, Maury’s Division was reviewed by the “Scipio” of the West—Maj. Gen. “Sterling Price.” He presents a fine appearance on horseback. He is of a robust form, pleasing appearance, gray hairs, yet he appears hale and hearty. I think a great deal of him. You know I always admired him but I think more of him now, if it be possible, than I ever did before. I expect we will be required to face the enemy before long, yet it may be months. In this world of uncertainty, we cannot tell what a day may bring forth. Little did I think a month ago that we should make the trip we have and be at this place. I am as well satisfied as I expected. We have had plenty to eat till yesterday our rations were short. We are ordered to the fortifications.
Saturday evening, 3 o’clock. We went out to the fortifications this morning and returned to camp about 1 o’clock. It was reported the Yanks were advancing and that a battle was expected. Some think it was to try the courage of the men. Col. [Fountain E.] Pitts 1 made a few remarks before we marched out. He wanted Tennesseans to be true to their former renown and if any had lost their courage, he gave them permission to retire from the ranks. None, however, was so dastardly as to accept of the proposition. I know not when we will have a battle but I expect it will occur before long.
We have 6 divisions at Grenada—about 50,000. The number of the Feds are supposed to be about 50,000. I will now close for the present. Write at your convenience. Direct as heretofore. With my best wishes for your welfare, I remain your affectionate son, — J. K. P. Sayler
Sunday morning, December 21st
Grenada, Mississippi
Dear parents,
I am well this morning. I hope this will find you all well. I would love to see you all and enjoy the pleasure of your society and talk about the past and tell you my thoughts of what I have seen. Though it is with anxiety, trials and sorrow that we are separated, yet, if by the blessing of a kind Providence, I should be permitted to return, I would not regret it. It is a great school, yet the duties are hard.
Where we are now encamped, the land is rolling and the water is better than at any place we have been since we left Henderson’s. The most of the places where we have ben the land was low and the water bad. The country here is generally level. Between here and Jackson is some as good land as I ever saw. We are about 104 miles from Jackson. The company, mostly, love this place better than Jackson.
Our mail starts in a short time so I will close. Give my respects to all my friends. With my prayer to God that peace may shortly come, I am your loving son, — J. K. P. Sayler
1 Fountain Elliott Pitts (1808-1874) was an American Methodist minister and Confederate chaplain. He established Methodist missions in Brazil and Argentina in 1835–1836. During the Civil War, Pitts joined the Confederate States Army, first as a chaplain in the 11th Tennessee regiment for six months, and later as a colonel in the 61st Tennessee regiment in the Great Smoky Mountains. He also fought “Federal gunboats for about five months at Vicksburg.” He became known as “Fighting Parson.” After the war, he was the first pastor of the McKendree Church (later known as the West End United Methodist Church) in Nashville, Tennessee.
Letter 3
[The regiment’s first action of any consequence was at the Battle of Chickasaw Bayou and Chickasaw Bluffs, outside Vicksburg, December 6-29, 1862. Vaughn’s Brigade held the abattis on the left wing of the defenses. The 60th was detached to Brigadier General S. M. Barton’s Brigade on the third day of the fighting, the 62nd to Brigadier General Stephen D. Lee’s Brigade on the second day, leaving he 61st to hold the abattis. Lieutenant General J. C. Pemberton’s report stated the heavy abattis prevented the approach of the enemy except with sharpshooters who advanced continuously, but were met with firmness by be East Tennesseans. The regiment suffered only four casualties. In this battle the Federals suffered heavy losses.]
Vicksburg, Mississippi
December 26th 1862
John Sayler, Esq.
Dear Father,
As we have changed our location, I deem it my duty to write a few lines to you. We left Granada on the 23rd and came to Jackson on the 24th. I found Jacob considerably improved. On yesterday (Christmas) we arrived at Vicksburg. I and Jacob are both enjoying pretty good health. The boil on Jacob’s neck was quite bad but it is now getting well. We are now together here and in fine spirits. I wish, hope and sincerely desire that this letter will reach you and find you all in good health.
I received your letter of December 6th at Jackson on the 13th. Since then I have received none. Our moving about so often I presume is the cause. I am very anxious to hear from home, yet, I will patiently wait. I saw Jacob E. Wells, Celin Armentrout, and William Robertson on yesterday. They were all well. Buck Armentrout looks as well as I ever saw him. Jake Wells looks tolerably well. Today I saw Cyrus Armentrout. 1 He has had the chills and is very weak. They were all up here at our tents. They are encamped about one half of a mile from where we are. If I get an opportunity I intend to go to see them.
Last night we got orders to cook three days rations and be ready at short notice. Consequently, I have little time for visiting. An attack upon this place is daily expected. And now, the roar of cannon, like that of distant thunder, is distinctly heard. There has been firing of cannon for two or three days up on the Yazoo river. They destroyed the buildings on the plantation of Capt. Johnson. Yesterday I could see the smoke of the gunboats plain and today the smoke is visible more distinctly. The Yanks intend making a desperate effort to capture this place, above and below the city, by land and by water. It is said by some they have 60 gunboats above while others estimate them at one-third that number. It matters not how many they have. They can’t take it by water, if they can take it at all. The natural conformation of the country is such as to render it easy of defense. One hill succeeds another. And upon each hill, cannon are planted and entrenchments dug for the protection of the infantry. Large cannons are plenty.
I don’t know the number of our troops at this place. They are variously estimates. [Some say] about 20,000. [It’s] reported that Gen. Holmes is crossing with 12,000 reinforcements. I know not how soon I will be called upon to enter the battlefield, nor what will be my fate. But be it as it may, I am resigned to the will of an over-ruling Providence in whom I have an abiding confidence. Our destiny is not wholly in our own hand. There are some things we can avoid, whilst there are others we cannot. Those we cannot avoid, we must endure, and we should do so with cheerfulness. May the God of Mercy comfort you all in these times of troubles, and when our race is run, may we all be saved in Heaven for the Redeemer’s sake, is the prayer of your most affectionate son, — J. K. P. Sayle
Sunday evening, December 28th
Vicksburg, Mississippi
Dear Father,
We are well today though a little tired. On night before last we were ordered to the fortifications and yesterday morning we went out on picket. This morning we had a picket skirmish. Nobody hurt on our side. I don’t know whether any of the enemy was injured or not. There has been some fighting up on the Yazoo River ever since we come here which was on Christmas day. They are now shelling this place. The shells are falling near our fortifications, not more than three hundred yards from where we are. Two of Crawford’s Regiment was wounded by a shell.
There was hard fighting yesterday and today up near the Yazoo. No decisive result as yet. I expect we will have hot work shortly. May the Lord protect us.
I received two of your letters yesterday—December 14th and 19th—which gave me much satisfaction. I was glad to hear that you were well. Hope this will find [you] in good health. I sent you a letter by Parson Crawford which I presume you got. Then I sent one from Grenada on last Sabbath. I hope you will receive them both. It affords us much pleasure to hear from home. I have plenty of everything necessary for a soldier. Camp life agrees with us tolerably well. We have plenty to eat and have had the most of the time. Corn bread and beef mostly, rice, sugar, molasses, bacon, picked pork, crackers, and sweet potatoes. We have had no wheat bread since we left Tennessee. But I expect it is better for us to have corn bread than wheat bread.
Our officers are kind to us. Lts. Byerly & Britton are unwell. Capt. [I. Nathan] Dodd is in pretty good health. He was considerably excited today. Lt. Kelsey was quite sick. Our men like Col. Pitts better every day. Lt. Col. [J. G.] Rose is loved by all. I have nothing of interest to you to write of about our boys. Write about our neighbors progress, the news you have, and anything you think would be interesting. Small events that occur about home, it gives us pleasure to hear. I must close. If I am permitted by an all-wise Providence to escape the danger to which I am exposed, I’ll write in a few days. My best love to all. Yours son, — J. K. P. Sayler
1 Cyrus Armentrout served in Capt. Lynch’s Tennessee Light Artillery. He was among the members of the unit surrendered at Vicksburg on 4 July 1863. See his parole papers below.
Letter 4
In camp near Vicksburg, Mississippi
Sunday evening, January 4, 1862 [should be 1863]
Dear Parents,
I take up my pen for the purpose of writing a few lines to you. We are enjoying tolerable good health with the exception of pain in the back and legs from exposure while out on picket duty. We are better today and I hope ere long we will be entirely well. Bro. J. F. Sayler has a boil on the other side of his neck.
I hope this will find you all enjoying the great blessing of good health, and surrounded with the comforts of life. I am well aware that your trials and sorrows are many and that they are hard to endure, but God has promised to be with us in six trials, and in the seventh not to forsake us. Our only protection and comfort that is sure not to fail us, is a firm dependence and reliance upon the Lord. We are surrounded with many temptations and often do things we ought not to do, and omit things we ought to performm but if they are not too great, we have an Advocate with the Father who is willing to forgive the penitent.
In my last letter I informed you that we had a picket skirmish with the pickets of the enemy on last Sunday morning. I wrote then that nobody was hurt on our side. Since then I have ascertained we lost one killed—J. F. McConnell. Wednesday evening an armistice for four hours was received from the enemy. We then got his body. The main battle was away up the river and ended on Tuesday. The losses are variously estimated. I expect you will get as true account as we have. Anyway, we repulsed them and they retired to their gunboats.
I extract the following from my journal.
Monday, December 29th. Our company deployed along the road. One half the company detailed for picket, including me and brother. Rained nearly all night. Suffered from the cold. Firing during the “day.”
Tuesday, 30th. Picket firing commenced soon after day light and continued during the most of the day. We fell back about 200 yards, Penty of the balls whizzed by us, yet, by the grace of God and the blessing of a kind Providence we were preserved. A battle going above most of the day, Our artillerists threw a few shells and the Feds fell back but soon returned to first line. At dar, received by Co. F, Capt. Alexander. Went to our tents. W. McAnus left this evening for the hospital at Jackson. Stayed all night.
Wednesday, 31st. Deployed along the road as skirmishers. Suffering from pain in the legs. Dr. Brumly gave me a pill but it do perceptibly good. At 1 o’clock armistice proposed by the Feds, &c. At night relieved by Col. Bradford’s regiment. Saw Thomas Luster, Samuel Wells, and St. Dunwoody—all well, Returned to tents.
January 1st. Dr. Brumly thought if possible I had better walk out to the regiment. Gave no medicine. Made my way out with difficulty. Pain in legs all day. Silence during the day. Near sundown our batteries fired a few shots. Gen. Vaughn received official [dispatch] of a Confederate victory near Murfreesboro, Tennessee, resulting in the capture of 4,000 prisoners, 31 pieces of artillery, 400 stands of arms, 2 Brig. Gen. and a large number of wagons. Our loss heavy. The enemy’s much greater. Went to camp with difficulty.
January 2nd. At camps unable for duty. Pain in legs, head, back, &c. At night, rained in torrents, &c.
January 3rd. At camps. Company in camps. Rained all day. Went to Brumly for a dose of salts. Had none. At night took a dose of “Jamaica Ginger” and in the morning was much better.
Today we are better. I and Jacob & Felix Brown went down to where Lynch’s Artillery is stationed. We saw Cyrus Armentrout and J. E. Wells. Buck was on guard. They are all in tolerable good health. Jacob and Cyrus are improving. Buck is appointed a corporal. We also saw T. Luster and Adjt. Hawkins & Jacob Couch of Crawford’s Regiment. Thomas J. Fink is sick at Jackson.
The sun is about down and I must close. Give my respects to G. O. Wells and my friends, Dear sisters, receive our best love. Give brother John and Margaret 1 our most affectionate regards. Write as soon as you receive this. You may direct to Jackson as before as some think we will leave here shortly. However, I don’t believe it. But it will come as soon anyhow. Your affectionate sons, — J. K. P. Sayler [and] J[acob] F. Sayler
Mr. P. N. Correll, respected friend,
I take up my pen to redeem my promise. I am in tolerable health and hope this will find you in good health. I was in a picket fight and came out uninjured. I am as well satisfied as I expected. I would be better satisfied if I was with you and knocking around among the pretty girls of Tennessee. I want you to write to me how you are getting along and how the girls are enjoying themselves and particularly how Miss Martha is doing, and whether you have went to see her yet or not. Write as soon as you receive this. Your loving friend, — J[acob] F. Sayler
1 John R. Saylor (1841-1891) married Margareta Ann Hendry (1841-1906) on 23 May 1862 in Greene county, Tennessee. The surname on his headstone is spelled “Saylor.”
Letter 5
Greene county, State of Tennessee
11 January 1863
My dear sons,
I again take up my pen to write a few lines to you both to inform you that we are all well at present, hoping that these few lines may find you both enjoying good health. I can inform you that I received your letter of December 26th. I was glad to hear that you were both alive and well and in fine spirits. I can inform you that the bridges was burnt across Holston river and across Watauga river by the Yanks. They took all the guards prisoners that guarded the bridges and paroled them. They say that there was about four thousand of them. There were five regiments of these thieving abolitionists. One was an East Tennessee renegade tory regiment under the command of Col. Jim Carter. 1 One was the 7th Ohio, one the 9th Pennsylvania, one the 2nd Michigan, all under the command of Brig. Gen. Sam Carter, the infamous tory and renegade from East Tennessee.
I can inform you that Lafayette Jeffers was to see me today. The neighbors are all well. The conscripts are in the country doing no good. Since the bridge was burnt, they are getting very impudent and they go to meeting. If there isn’y something done with them, the people can’t live in this country. They steal horses, bees and chickens and everything they can get. Joseph Maury is at home and all the Carters. I saw two of the Carters—Alphus and Henry. I saw John Hendrey and Alex. Cooter go past my house this morning. They are going to and fro.
January 12. I again take my pen in hand to write a few more lines. We are all well this morning. Two of the girls were vaccinated and John R. Sayler was vaccinated. He is afraid to venture out. Rebecca Sayler and Mary Sayler was the two girls that was vaccinated. The small pox has been in Greeneville. There was three that died.
John Rush was shot and has since died. We had another battle at Murfreesboro and it is reported that James B. Johnson is wounded and Isaac Wheeler also wounded in the thigh. We are all doing the best we can these hard times but there is one consolation, we must put our trust in God—the giver of all good. My prayer is that God will protect you all in time of trouble. In six trials he will be with you and in the seventh, he will not forsake you.
Tell Dodd that John R. Sayler is not able to travel. As quick as he is able to come, he will if he can stand it. I must bring my letter to a close. Only remain your affectionate father, — John Sayler
1 “In late December, 1862, Brig. Gen. Samuel P. Carter led 1200 cavalrymen into East Tennessee from Kentucky to raid the East Tennessee and Virginia Railroad. On December 30, Carter moved rapidly from Blountville to Union and, without wasting time, dispatched Col. Walker and a strong force to Carter’s Depot, about ten miles west of Union, to burn the railroad bridge across the Watauga River. Riding along the railway line, Walker and his cavalrymen fortuitously intercepted a locomotive advancing to investigate reports of Union activity at Union, capturing Col. Robert Love, who commanded about 200 Confederate troops defending Carter’s Depot. The northern raiders then reversed the train and rode it back into the station, where Love’s men deployed to meet them. Col. Walker immediately ordered a charge, which broke the Confederate line, sending the defenders scampering towards a nearby copse of woods. Two companies of the Ninth Pennsylvania under Maj. W. P. Roper set out in pursuit, capturing and killing many Confederates before they reached safety. Union losses were slight—two killed and at least three wounded. The Confederate force lost 12 to 16 killed, with a like number wounded. There may have been more wounded men who fled into the woods. Following the skirmish, Union troops quickly fired the railroad bridge before destroying arms, stores and equipment found onsite. They had a little fun with the captured locomotive, which was gingerly rolled out onto the burning trestle where it dropped into the river when the bridge collapsed, taking out part of a stone pier in the process. With the task of destruction largely complete, Samuel Carter, sensing that his luck might be running out as forces inexorably began to converge on his position, decided the time was ripe for a return to Kentucky. During the early morning hours of December 31, the cavalry column mounted up and headed north to Kingsport, having been almost continuously in the saddle for three days.” [Source: Carter’s Raid]
Letter 6
Camp near Vicksburg, Mississippi
January 17th 1863
Mr. John Sayler & family
Dear parents and sisters,
After anxiously waiting for two or three days with the expectation of receiving a letter from home, and not receiving any, I take up my pen to write a few lines to you. I and Jacob are in tolerable good health with the exception of rheumatic pains in the legs. We have not been able for service for two weeks. I hope this will find you all enjoying good health.
There is considerable sickness in the Brigade—mostly dysentery. I am of the opinion that the beef we have to eat, and the water we have to drink, is the cause of it. I have not suffered very much with it as I have eat but little beef.
It snowed here on the night of the 15th and has been cold ever since. It fell to the depth of about an inch. It is nearly all disappeared this evening. It has been clear and sunshiny all of today.
We heard today that John Rush had died from the wounds inflicted by the Provost Marshal. We also heard that Charles Hays had been shot.
Vicksburg is mostly situated among the hills. It is a tolerably nice city. There are plenty of stores, livery stables, and other establishments at this place, but goods are scarce and high. Paper is worth $2 per quire. Envelopes are worth $1 a pack. Other things in proportion. This place is well fortified for about 18 miles along the river—from Port Hudson up to the Yazoo river. The people and country are indebted to the energy and perseverance of Col. [William T.] Withers for the splendid fortifications on the Yazoo river, by the means of which the Yankees were repulsed. In the late battle of this place, Gen. [Stephen D.] Lee 1 commanded the forces upon the field. Our regiment was upon the extreme left wing, and done some hard skirmishing. Crawford’s [60th Tennessee] & Rowan’s [62nd Tennessee] Regiments was immediately upon our right. They suffered some more than our regiment did.
F. W. Earnest, our regimental quartermaster, has gone to Richmond, Virginia. Several sent money home by him, but, I did not know whether to run the risk or not.
The wood we have to burn is bad and hard to get. The water is mixed with sand and is of a sweetish taste. The river water is the best, but it is too far to carry. Our boys buy a good deal to eat and pay a high price for it. A meal costs from $1 to $1.50. Sweet potatoes are worth $2 per bushel, butter $1.25 a pound, and we can’t get any at that. I would love to have some but I know of no way to obtain it. I presume we will have to subsist on the same diet we have been living on all the time, but a change of diet would be quite agreeable.
I hope to hear from you soon. I wrote to G. O. Wells from Jackson, but have got no answer yet. Your affectionate son, — J. K. P. Sayler
1 Colonel Stephen Dill Lee performed meritorious service at the Battle of Sharpsburg on the bloodiest day in American history, playing a prominent role in the defense of the Dunker Church, Cornfield, and the West Woods. After the morning fight, his unit was moved across the battlefield and unlimbered near the town of Sharpsburg, helping to repel the Union attack across Burnside Bridge. Following the Battle of Sharpsburg, President Davis inquired of Robert E. Lee to select his most accomplished and efficient artillery officer for duty in Mississippi. Lee chose Stephen Dill Lee. Assigned to General Pemberton’s western army defending Vicksburg, Colonel Lee received a promotion to brigadier general on November 6, 1862. He was ordered to take command of General Pemberton’s artillery at Vicksburg. At the Battle of Champions Hill, Lee was wounded in the shoulder and subsequently taken prisoner when Vicksburg fell on July 3, 1863. General Lee was exchanged and paroled on October 3, 1863. [Source: Stephen D. Lee Institute]
Letter 6
State Tennessee, Greene county
Thursday morning, January 29th 1863
Dear sons,
I again take up my pen to write a few lines to you both that we are all well at present hoping that this may find you both well. I hope and trust that the pains may leave you. I received your letter dated January 10th on the 27th inst. We all rejoiced to hear that you are both alive and in tolerable good health. You wrote in your last letter about the raid. I state as near the fact as I have heard, they burnt one bridge and tried to burn the other one and was hurried so that they cut the other down, They captured one engine and put it on the bridge and run it into the river. They took a great many horses and left their broken down horses and left in a hurry, They have not been heard of since.
We have four company at gass shed and one regiment at Greenville from Florida. There is no school at Morelock, either at Hatley School house. Fayette Jeffries is teaching in the Dunkard Church. The neighbors are all well as far as I know, B. Knight was at my house since you left. Knight is a true Southern as ever. Jacob Justice is doing tolerable well when I saw him last. I heard that Pitt’s Regiment was in the battle at Vicksburg and he lost one man, Jacob wrote that I had done with them sinful steers I sold dock. He brung me about sixty dollars. The soldier got him the other steer I have yet. I have killed my hogs. They were tolerable fat. My horses are doing pretty well. I have a good deal of hay yet. I have not fed any husk yet. My straw stack is whole yet. I have a little fodder and some wheat yet.
A few lines from your mother. She wants you to take care of yourselves and take a little pepper. If you have not got [any], try to get some. It would be good for your health. My prayer to God is that he will protect you through all your trials and troubles in this present world. You are dear to me and far from home. Try to bear it patiently. I have thought a many time of your writing novels. Your travels now put me in mind of them.
Everything here is very high. Beef from 9 to 10 cents a pound, pork 25 cents a pound, corn from $1.50 to $2, pies atr 50 cents apiece.
I heard that we gained a great victory at Vicksburg or so stated in the papers. Our loss was small. That of the enemy about 15 hundred to two thousand of hhis best troops, It secured for us some fifteen hundred of the best guns. It placed in our possession five stands of colors and five hundred Yankee prisoners and drove the enemy away from the place. I got my news out of the Athens Post. I was in Greenville and saw two trains as full of Yankees as both could be and on the top as thick as could be sat. They were Yankee prisoners and were taken at Murfreesboro and sent to Richmond. And I heard another train full went up. St. [St. Clair] Armentrout saw them going up. I saw an advertisement for the conscripts to meet on the 5th of February and bring their blankets with them.
So no more at present. Write as soon as this comes to hand and may God bless you both adn save us all is my prayer. Amen. — John Sayler
Letter 7
Greene county, State of Tennessee
February 10th 1863
Dear Sons,
I again take up my pen to write a few lines to you both that we are all well at present, hoping that these few lines may find you both enjoying better health than you were when you wrote last. I received your letter dated [January] 22nd. I received it 7th of February and was sorry to hear that you both were afflicted with the rheumatic pains. You must try and bear it patiently as you can. Don’t get out of heart. Put your trust in God. He will protect you in six trials and in the 7th he will not forsake you. My trials and troubles are many but I try to endure them all as well as I can for these troubles will all have an end for by grace are we saved through faith and that not of myself for it is the gift of God.
I can inform you that Jacob Justice is in tolerable health and his family is well. He said that B. Knight family were all well. A. J. Cornell’s family are all well. D. Miller’s family are all well. R. H. Morelock was at home. I saw him. He looked fat and hearty and is well satisfied. He has gone to his company. John Nead stated all night with us last week. George O. Well is in tolerable health.
The soldiers have left Gasses Shed, all but a few sick and a few well ones to wait on them. Joseph Hendrey’s family are all well. John has left so said. I have not saw T. N. Sayler since he left. The soldiers have caught some of the conscripts. Caught Hugh Key 1 and John Reynolds and Ely Henricks. They caught Reynolds and Key in a ground hole.
We have had some cold weather and snow. The winter will soon be over and spring is coming. Oh how delightful it is to see the grass a coming. We are all doing the best we can. The girls have been weaving for Miss Armentrout. They have got her piece out and they are putting in a piece for themselves. I have not killed my other steer yet. He is getting very fat. I expect to kill him shortly.
I have wrote every week except one. I will write every week if I can. I like to hear from you both. Jacob, you writ some too as often as you can. It gives us all a great deal of satisfaction to talk to each other by letter for that is all the chance we have now. I have wrote eight letters now. May the Lord bless and save us all is [my] prayer. I must close for the present. Only remain your affectionate father, — John Sayler
1 Hugh Key (1840-1900) later served in the 1st Tennessee Cavalry, Co. I, (Union). He was the son (or possibly grandson) of David Key and Jemima Casteel of Cross Anchor, Greene county, Tennessee.
Letter 8
Near Vicksburg, Mississippi
Tuesday, February 10, 1863
Dear Parents,
I embrace the present opportunity of sending you a few lines by the hand of Col. Bullen. I and my brother Jacob are in moderate health. I hope most sincerely that this will find you all enjoying good health [and] also enjoying the pleasures of life. Health is good in the army. If it was only possessed by a greater number of individuals. I saw Mathias Nead yesterday. He called at our tent to see us. He was enjoying tolerable health. He had been afflicted to some extent with the diarrhea. He is “prescriptionist” in Crawford’s Regiment. I have not seen Thomas Fink or William Pickens for several days. They were then only in moderate health.
There is very little news afloat now. Yesterday it was rumored that the Yankees were leaving, yet, last night our regiment was ordered out to the trenches. A great deal of the movements are to try the men. It is said that “Old Dad Price” has arrived here. It is also said that a Division of Mississippians are ordered here and some think that we will therefore be relieved from this place and sent back to Tennessee. Some go so far as to assert that Gen. Pemberton said that “Vaughn’s Brigade” would be in Tennessee in three weeks, and that it would be drenched in blood. These are the reports in camp but they are only reports.
There are firing of cannon now and our regiment goes out. I expect the enemy are trying to pass with a gunboat or it may be a general engagement impending.
I send home a book entitled, “The History of Romulus.” I hope you will all read it. I feel confident it will interest Hannah and Margaret. It’s mixed, however, a great deal with mythology. He is celebrated in mythology as the son of the Vestal Virgin, Sylvia Rhea, and in history as the “Founder of Rome”—the city that in after years was termed the “mistress of the world.”
I send enclosed $22 in money, $10 in Confederate bill. You can apply it to any purpose you think will pay the best. If you save any, save the S. C. State money and spend the Confederate money. Jacob sends $20. We could send more but we need some along and then I thought it would be enough to risk at one time. Anyhow, hope it will reach you in safety.
Tuesday evening. All is quiet this evening. There was nothing of importance occurred today. Our regiment returned to camp about 1 o’clock. The company drawed their wages this evening for two months and 12 days. $26.40.
I hope you will write soon. With the best wishes for your welfare, I close for the present. Your most loving and affectionate son. — James K. P. Sayler
Camp near Vicksburg
February 10, 1863
Dear Parents,
It is with great pleasure that I take the present opportunity to write a few lines to you again to let you know that I am well except the same old hurting in my back and my leg. I hope these few lines will find you all well.
I can inform you we have had some very winter weather here but warm and pleasant at present. The sweet merry songs of birds make it appear like spring today here.
We expect a fight here before long. Our regiment are out in the batteries today. We are prepared for them here. If they attack us, we will give them blixon here. We will whip them worse than we did before if the Lord be with us.
We received $26.40 cents of our wages and I enclose & send you a $20 bill. You can dispose of as you see proper. — Jacob F. Sayler
Dear sisters, a word to you. You can tell the Lincolnite gals that I love them as well as I ever did & that is awful well. I want you all to write to me as often as you can. Tell brother John R. Sayler I want him & Margaret to write to me. I would like to receive a few lines from him occasionally. The sun id down and I must close. Give my best respects to all my friends. So no more at present. Write soon. — J. F. Sayler
Letter 9
Camp near Vicksburg, Mississippi
Sunday evening, February 22nd 1863
Dear Father,
By the grace of God and through His merciful providence, we are still in the land of the living, enjoying a moderate portion of health and some of the blessings of life. We were made quite happy a few moments ago by the reception of your very kind and affectionate letter of February 10th. We were glad to hear that you were all well and pray to God that this will find you enjoying good health.
Our boys are all improving except those who have lately taken the mumps. None as yet has had them very severe. I was glad to hear that my neighbors were well.
The ram, or gunboat “Queen of the West” that passed by here on the 2nd of February was captured up the Red River by Capt. Kelso of the C. S. Army on the 17th inst.
The Yankees commenced shelling Vicksburg on last Wednesday (18th) evening and shelled it on Thursday until 5 o’clock p.m. when our large guns at the lower batteries fired a few shots at their mortar boat when it retired from the contest and up to the present has not renewed it. Their shelling effected nothing except damaging a few buildings and wounding a few persons, &c. This morning there was a number of salutes fired up on the river to celebrate the anniversary of the birthday of George Washington, the “Father of the Country.” “He who was first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.”
At about 12 o’clock heavy firing was heard up towards the mouth of the Yazoo river, supposed to be an engagement of gunboats. It is reported that the Confederates launched five gunboats at Yazoo City a few days ago and some are of the opinion that they were trying to come down. Their gunboats and transports are in full view, leaving and returning almost every day. Their fleet looks like a town upon the water, the smoke stacks appearing like black trees with the tops broken off.
Both sides are using a great deal of energy for the struggle that is impending—the one for the defense of this city; the other for its reduction. Our authorities are confident of their ability to defend this place. They are decided on one point: they never will surrender. It appears as though nature formed this place for a city of easy defense. High hills line the river for several miles on which our dangerous cannons frown defiantly.
The days star of peace and liberty is about to dawn upon our beloved land. The true men of the North West are beginning to utter their sentiments and show their opposition to this bloody and unnatural war and cry for “peace.” Under the leadership of Vallandigham, a numerous party appears, and old Greeley, when at Washington, says the cry was an “Eastern Confederacy”—a “Republic of the West,” &c. The legislature of Illinois proposes a “Peace Convention” to be held at Louisville, Kentucky. Thus the ball is rolling onward. God speed the return of peace and the cause of rational liberty.
We have had no mail here since last Tuesday (as some of the bridges between here and Jackson were washed away) until today. Hence, this will be a few days later than usual. I must now close as I desire to send it today and look for another in a short time. My best love to mother and sisters. Also to J. R. and Margaret. Excuse bad writing as I finish in haste. Now, may the God of love and mercy be and remain with us all. In the hands of filial affection, your most devoted and loving son, — J. K. P. Sayler
Letter 10
State of Tennessee, Greene County
February 25, 1863
Dear Sons,
I received your letter of January 24th and one January 30th and one February 6th and one February 10th, which gave us a great deal of satisfaction to hear that you both were alive and in tolerable health. I received them on Monday 23rd. I was so glad to hear from you again. I can inform you that we are all well at present, hoping that these few lines may find you both in better health than you was last when we heard from you.
I can inform you that the money you sent come safe but for any else came nothing. You wrote that you sent a book—the History of Romulus. I have not got it yet. What has become of it, I do not know though I may get it yet. I can inform you that I got the Athens Post tolerable regular ever since you sent for it. I wish you could get some good paper. You can read the Holy Bible, that good old book—the best of all books.
The conscripts are all absent and gone but where to, I know not. I got the money that you sent. Was forty-two dollars in one letter that Lloyd Bullen brought, and twenty dollars in another letter that. L. Britten brought. It came safe.
Write to me for what you sent it for and that will do. I must bring my letter to a close. I will write again soon. You both must write as often as you can, May God have mercy on us all is my prayer for Jesus’ sake. Excuse for not writing more at present. I am in a hurry. So no more—only remaining your affectionate father until death, — John Sayler
Letter 11
Greene county, State of Tennessee
March 1, 1863
Dear Sons,
Through the kind mercy of God, I again take my pen in hand to write to you to let you know that we are all well at present hoping that this may find you both in good health. The soldiers had taken J. R. Sayler down to Lien Creek bridge and he stayed there all night and the next day I went down and they give him a furlough for a few days and he went home again the third time and then he was transferred to Lieut. [Daniel] Britton’s command. John reported to Lt. Britton. We went to Mr. Britton’s house. He is a gentleman about his house. He treated us well. I saw Robard Brown’s sister at Lt. [Daniel] Britton’s. She is a nice looking lady. You can tell Robard she is well. I saw Col. Bullin and he told me that the book you sent was at his house and he would bring it to Greeneville as soon as he could think of it. I saw James Jackson. He said that the soldiers were in tolerable health.
We have a great deal of bad weather, a heap of rain. It is very muddy here at present. The roads are bad. Me and John was at your uncle Jacob Fink. He is not st strong a Union [man] as he was but Jane is a Lincolnite in full. They are all well. I hear that Samuel Fink had joined the Dunkard Church but William Fink is just the same old Lincolnite as ever. They have it a going here that you soldiers have nothing to eat but mule meat and are all starving to death but Lt. Britton told me that there is enough for the army for nine months. Britton says that it is rough sometimes. Beef is poor. He said you have sugar and rice and molasses and peas.
Monday morning, March 2nd. I again seat myself to write a few more lines to let you both know that we have not forgotten you. We love to hear from you both and how you are a getting along. Jacob Justice was well last week. I have not heard from B. Knight for a few weeks. George O. Wells was well far as I know of.
I have plenty of hay yet. I have not fed many of my husk yet. I think I will have nearly enough of corn and wheat to do us till harvest. My wheat looks tolerable well. My rye looks fine. My oats is little yet though it may come out. I have three sows and eight pigs. They look well at present. My horses look tolerable well. My cattle look bad.
I must bring my letter [to a close]. May the God of love and peace bless and save us all is my prayer. Write soon and I will do the same. So no more, only remaining your affectionate father, — John Sayler
Letter 12
Camps near Vicksburg, Mississippi
March 10, 1863
Dearly beloved Father,
I am under the pleasant obligation of acknowledging the reception of your kind letter of the 1st and 2nd of March, which arrived yesterday. I was happy to hear that you was all well; and that Jacob Justis, G. O. Wells, and the neighbors generally were in good health. I can inform you that I am enjoying moderate health, some better than when I wrote before. I hope this will find you embowered in health’s purest and most delightful domain. Dwelling there tho’ fed on a crust, is better than to live in a house of knickknacks and sickness accompanying it.
I am pleased to hear that Col. Bullen had taken my book safe and tat you would get it.Though not very large, it is seldom found. Glad that Uncle Jacob is not so strong Union! William is past recovery, I reckon. William Pickens told me he had heard Samuel had joined the Dunkards. Hope you will continue to get the “Athens Post” regularly. I read the best of books [Bible] some, and other publications. The Psalms are my favorite. THey suit my mind & heart. Day before yesterday we drawed salted pork. The sick got flour and bacon. We have plenty of meal, sugar, peas, rice and molasses. This is a fact. Beef is generally poor. A man will not starve on what we get. True, a man of a delicate stomach would rather have butter, chickens, &c. &c.
I was glad to hear you had plenty of feed and provisions, that your stock looked well except the cattle. They will be apt to improve when grass comes. You have enough of hogs for one hand. Glad to hear wheat and rye looked well. There is none to be seen here. The leaves are getting green on the trees; we still have a great deal of rain. I tell you our cannons roared last night. It is thought a gunboat passed. It is reported a fight is now going on at Port Hudson. If they pass that place, it won’t be long before an attack is made here. But you will get the news in the paper by telegraph sooner than by letter. For the present, I close. May God protect and save us all is the prayer of your loving and affectionate son, — J. K. P. Sayler
Dear sisters, as it is rainy today, you will have to excuse my failure to answer your letters separately. I was glad to hear from you and hope you will write whenever you can. I was glad to hear of your reading a good deal. Read history and study grammar. I would love to be with you. It would make me as happy as it would you to spend those evening hours with you. But we cannot enjoy that pleasure so let us be as contented as we can. I send “Liberty” by Lt. Kelsey to Mary. You must write soon. Your loving brother, — James K. P. Sayler
Letter 13
Camp near Vicksburg, Mississippi
Tuesday morning, March 17, 1863
Dearly beloved Father,
Your kind letter of March 8th came to hand yesterday evening, and by the tender mercies of a kind and loving Providence, I am permitted this beautiful spring morning to employ my pen to communicate a few lines for your perusal and consideration. I was glad to hear that you were all well and doing well. I can inform you that we are enjoying tolerably good health at present. I have nearly recovered from my spell of the mumps. I hope to be able for duty in a few days. I most sincerely desire that this will find you all in the enjoyment of good health. It gives is a great deal of pleasure to read your letters and converse together through the medium of writing. I love to read the kind words that my sisters wrote and hope they will write every opportunity they have. It will improve their hand at writing as well as afford us much satisfaction. I also hope that mother and Sarah and Rebecca will write whenever they can, or get you to write for them. We love to hear from you all. It gives us comfort and encouragement.
I am glad you got the book I sent, and that you loved to read it. Jacob F’s boots would last a good while if they were mended. He has not wore his new boots yet. It was bad weather when he bought them but since then the weather has been more mild. My shoes are pretty good yet. They are worn very little. This country is not bad on shoes, being of a sandy nature, it is not long muddy. I sold thew last of my tobacco at Grenada. I am not able to inform you how much I made on it. I sold some at 60 cents a plug and some at 75 cents a plug. I reckon I gained some $5 or $6—about enough to pay me for my trouble. It appears that everything has got very high in Greene county as well as at other places. Eggs is worth $2 a dozen here, butter $2 a pound, chickens $2 apiece, corn $1.50 a bushel (is what the Government pays) and other things in proportion. We have plenty of bacon now, if it only continues.
I saw Henry S. Stewart, my old teacher, last Saturday. He was in good health. George Monteith is well. He is in Latrobe’s Battery of field artillery. Dolphus M. White was here last Sunday. He was in good health. Wells & Armentrout’s were in tolerable good health at last accounts. I have not heard from W. Pickens or Thomas Fink for several days. Crawford’s [60th Tennessee] Regiment is camped about 1 mile from here. Our company is in about as good health as usual. John Davis is well. A. A. Campbell has had the varialoid or small pox. He has been out at the hospital two or three weeks. He is getting nearly well. None others have taken it yet. As it has been some time, I hope none will.
We are expecting Lt. [Daniel] Britton to arrive in a week or so as we have been informed he was to start yesterday. We do not know whether we will go to Tennessee shortly or not. It is very sultry here this evening.
The enemy’s fleet attempted to pass Port Hudson but were repulsed, except two gunboats, one of which was burnt to the water’s edge, and the other crippled. So report has it.
An early attack is expected at Greenwood up on the Yazoo. Gen. Loring is in command of our forces at that place and I hope he will be able to meet successfully any attack. It is said the Yankees threatening that place number 14,000. Gen. Price is sent to Arkansas. The great struggle for the Mississippi Valley is near at hand. May the God of Battles give us a victory in this stern conflict, and may it bring about a speedy peace. I would love to hear about our situation at Cumberland Gap, &c.
Enclosed I send a tract entitled, “A Mother’s parting words to her soldier boy,” as I expect you would all love to read it. We get tracts to read occasionally and they give us great comfort at times, while others contain themes for thought and reflection and a considerable amount of information.
My watch has got out of fix and sometimes I wish it was at home, and if we stay down here, I have no use for my overcoat. But I will manage all to the best advantage under the circumstances. I was glad to hear you had bought you a pair of breech lands. You got them cheap if they are good. Who did you get them from? I reckon you have been plowing in the new field next to Jo Hendrey’s. What are you putting in the bottoms where you had corn? Write about affairs generally. What would you all say to our joining Lynch’s Company of Artillery? Or is there any company in Tennessee you would rather we would join? We are satisfied in our company but don’t know whether we can stand marching or not. If we were sure our regiment would go back to Tennessee, we would rather stay in it. Give us your views.
Tell T. F. Jeffries I received a piece of his poetry in a letter to A. J. Grubbs, and that I anxiously await another. Give P. M. Correll our best respects, and tell him to write to us whenever he can. Sisters, you must not forget to write. May God guard, guide, and protect us in this our day of trouble, and if it be consistent with his holy will, enable us to meet again at home to spend many a joyful hour in each other’s society, and finally get home in Heaven, is the sincere desire of your devoted son, — J. K. P. Sayler
Letter 14
Greene county, State of Tennessee
March 20th 1863
Dear sons,
By the help of God, I am permitted to write again to let you know that we are all well at present without the exception of the piles that I am plagued with. I am suffering at the time through. I am doing my work as usually. I received your letters of February 22nd that was received with gladness and joy to hear that you both was getting better. I hope that you both will recover and get well again in a few weeks. I was glad to see that Jacob F. Sayler wrote a few lines to us all.
Well, as far as I know, the soldiers are gathering the conscripts. The report is that Jackson A. Smith is shot and Reuben Neel, he is shot in the leg, and Smith through the back. Both was alive when heard from. I saw R. H. Morelock on the 18th of March. He is well. Him and the Battalion was over on Laurel [?] and caught some and killed some and moved all the women and children out and fed all the grain that they had in there. I want you to write a few lines to Fayette Jeffries in Caton [?] to see whether he can read it or not. He wonders how you got to be such a scholar. He asked whether you had studied Greek or the Spanish or Latin. Write a few lines in Latin on a strip of paper and send it to him.
I like to know how the Regiment likes Col. Pitts or not. My best respects to all my friends. I have plowed the stubble field next to the big road. George O. Wells and wife was at our house last Sunday. They were both well. We have five lambs, two sets of twins. The one a pretty sight. My sheep are doing well and my hogs are doing tolerable well for the chase they have.
I have not seen John B. Correll since he left. He has not been home since he left, He is still at Big Creek Gap. He wrote that he was well and P. H. Babb was fatter than he ever saw him in his life.
I can inform you that J. R. Sayler has planted three bushel of potatoes and made some garden. J. R. will come with Lt. Britton. I have not saw him since the 25th of February when me and John R. was at his house. He is to let J. R. know when he is to start.
J. F. Sayler, write as often as you can. J. K. P. Sayler, write as often as you can. I like to hear from you every week. I cannot write as often as I would like to for I have not the chance to write for at night I am too tired to sit down and write. You must forgive me for not doing my duty. May God bless and save us all is my prayer. So no more at present. Only your affectionate father until death, — John Sayler
March 20th 1863
Dear brothers, I seat myself to drop you a few words. I am well and I hope this will reach you in good health. I am now waiting on Britton to go back. I expect he will go soon. I have nothing of importance to write. If we all live, I expect to see you both shortly. Give my best respects to all the boys. So I must close, only remain your affectionate brother until death, — John R. Sayler
Letter 15
Camps near Vicksburg, Mississippi
April 1st 1863
Dear parents and sisters,
I seat myself this beautiful morning to let you know that I am enjoying tolerable good health at present. I can inform you that I am about well of the mumps. I hope when I get over them that I will have my health better than I have had before down here. I hope when this comes to hand, it will find you all well.
I can inform you that some of the Yankees’ boats are in sight of us yet though they are very cautious to keep out of reach of our guns for they will bark when they come close enough. I was glad to hear your sheep was doing so well & your hogs. I was glad to hear you had the stubble field plowed & getting along so well with your work. I would like to be there at Easter to win all the eggs I could for I han’t eat but one since I left home & it costs [ ].
I han’t anything of any importance to write to you, only the trees and grass looks as green as it will get so I must close my brief letter. I will try and write oftener than I have been. Give my best respects to all enquiring friends. I want you all to write as often as you can get the chance to do so. No more at present, only remaining your son and brother until death, – Jacob F. Sayler
Letter 16
Camp near Vicksburg, Mississippi
April 6, 1863
Dear Father,
I am again permitted to write a few lines to you. I received your letter dated March 27th and mailed at Bull’s Gap. March 29th on last Saturday, which gave me great joy and pleasure to hear from you and that all was in good health, except yourself. I was sorry to hear that you was suffering with the piles. I hope you will soon recover. I am in moderate health. Some days I feel tolerably well, and of others I suffer considerably. I am quite weak and have done no duty lately. If I had good water now and plenty of wheat bread, I think I would gain some strength. I had biscuits for breakfast this morning. The flour cost 60 cents a pound. It and good pork sop and rice coffee made me a very good breakfast.
Our company has been out at town as commissary guard ever since last Tuesday. Brother Jake F. went out Thursday morning. He was well this morning. Yesterday, I suppose, was Easter, but poor “Jim” had no eggs. Jake bought some in town for his breakfast, Corporal Stout told me. They cost $1.50 at $2 per dozen. Biscuits $1 @ $1.50 a dozen. Butter $1.50 @ $2 a pound. Green onions 33.33 @ [ ] a dozen. Several persons in our company has got provisions from home, yes, in the whole Brigade. Quartermaster Stephens brought them. Mostly flour, bacon, eggs, butter, onions, &c. &c. They all deem them a treasure and would not sell of them for any consideration. I don’t attempt to blame them for as apt as not, I would be as selfish.
There is no news of general interest to send you. The Yankee fleet up the river have nearly all disappeared. I do not know where they have gone, but I expect up on the Yazoo. Their fleet of boats on the Tallahatchie river to Sunflower Creek, then through Hushpecauna Bayou to the Yazo river, up above Greenwood. If they could open a passage by this route, it would give them several advantagesm but I presume our generals will throw osbstacles in the way to thwart their designs. An engagement up in that portion of the country is expected before long. From Snyder’s Bluff to Greenwood is the line of expected battle. A great many troops have passed by here going up. The 29th and 36th Georgia Regiments went up on Saturday.
You will write about all the neighbors. How William Ross and family are doing. You can tell them that his brother George is well. Jacob Couch was here yesterday. He was well. J. E. Wells was here last Wednesday. He was in good health. Buck Armentrout is not well. Cyrus had got better and went on duty and took another chill. William Robertson passed by here today. You will write how old William Brown is and the folks generally. Tell John R. to write if he is still at home. Tell him to work as long as he remains.
I hear today that Capt. Henshaw is dead. I hear that he got home. I sent my watch by him which I hope you have got before now. I get your letters in a week generally and it appears it takes mine two weeks or more to reach you. I cannot tell the cause. I was glad to hear what you all was doing Thanksgiving Day. I read and wrote a letter to you. Mother and sisters write to us. Your children and brothers would love to hear from you. Father, write as often as you can. With the hope that this will find you all in good health, I close. May the blessing of God rest and abide with us now and forever is the prayer of your loving son, — J. K. P. Sayler
Letter 17
Greene county, State of Tennessee
April 19, 1863
Dear sons,
Through the kind mercy of an overruling providence, I am again permitted to write a few lines to let you know that we are all well. I have got better of the piles at present, hoping that this letter may find you all in good health.
John R. left on the first day of April and we have not heard from him since he left home. I received two letters on the 12th of April. The one was dated March 27th; the other was April 1st. I have got No. 21. That is the last number we have received. Oh how glad it made our hearts to hear that our boys are well and doing tolerable well. I can tell you that the Lincolnites had taken Wash Smith but he has come back, They have also taken George E. Jorgel and another man by the name of Woods and have not been heard of since the war taken on. What has become of them is not known. What they will do next is not known.
I received your letters today dated April 6th. They gave us a great of satisfaction to hear from our children. I received the Vicksburg Daily Whig that you sent. There was nothing wrote on it by my name. The neighbors are generally well. William Brown is crazy yet. Lewis Brown went and give himself up and give security for ten thousand dollars, so I heard. David Brown is at home. James R. Baily is well. B. Night was the last time I saw him. Jacob Justice was in tolerable health. William Justice is a wagoner in government service and the other William Justice is a wagoner too in government service. Sherlwood Hatley has moved to Doctor Young’s place where Spencer’s live and A. Johnson has moved where Hatley left. Aaron Woods has moved to old William Brown. William Ross and family are well as far as I know. John Baxter is not well yet. He gets no better.
A few words for Margaret Ann Saylor to [her husband] John R. Saylor to let you know that she had a daughter on 12th day of April but it was dead born. I had Miss Canter with her and Doctor Young. He done all he could to save it but alas, it is gone to world of spirits. J. R., don’t fret for it is far better off than we are. Margaret is doing as well as can be expected for the time. She has been sitting up. The neighbors has been very good to come to see us. We have buried it at Gass Shed. It was his request to have it buried there. It was at head of Sarah W. Brown’s grave. It was a pretty child. It favored J. R. James Kebler made its coffin. Daniel Miller carried the corpse to the graveyard. Me and Hendrey girls and two of John H. Brown’s girls and three of our girls and A. I. Connell and I. Hendrey was at the burying and John Brown, Lydia and Catherine was at the wake and have been up to see us once since to see us.
I must bring my letter to a close. Write soon. I cannot write as often as I would. I cannot get them to mail as quick as I would wish to. I will write as often as I can. Don’t get out of patience. May God bless us all and save us is my prayer. — John Sayler
Here I send you some of its hair and some of that it was buried in for you to see. So no more at present. Only remaining your affectionate wife until death. — Margaret Ann [Hendry] Saylor
Letter 18
[Editors Note: I did not transcribe the following letter which was co-written on 3 May 1863 by Rebecca and Margaret Sayler to their brothers.]
Spared & Shared 23 