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Letter written by J. Edward James, 96th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment, on September 30, 1863, at Chattanooga, Tennessee, to his sister, Lizzie James, Galena, Illinois.
Transcription:
[page 1] “Chattanooga, Tenn
Sept 30th 1863.
Dear Sister:
Another opportunity arriving I will send a few more lines, though in a hurry. I am near the same place as when I last wrote you that is on the northern side of the Tennessee River opposite Chatanooga [sic], am still with the teams and baggage. The Regiment or what is left (which is not much, as Cos C. and H were captured a few evens ago while on picket) ar[e] guarding the river three miles below here opposite Lookout Mountain, the rebs are on one side of the river and our boys on the other eather [sic] party that shows himself clear of [page 2] a tree is reminded of his situation by a minie eather [sic] hiting [sic] him or a tree close at hand, quite a conversation is kept up in this way day and night. I go down every other day with rations, we have been on half rations since the fight we hope to do better before long. But I am wanted to go out to the regiment with a days rations of whiskey so must close for this morning.
2 oclock p.m. back again, issued my whiskey, saw all the boys of Co. A. Robert says his health was never better in his life and would write if he had paper and ink or could get them. Christopher Bey [Berg?] wants to let his folks know he is all right. There were nine wounded and including Beau four killed of the com. Lieut Vincent was sent to [page 3] Bridgeport, we have not been able to gather up our killed yet, a flag of truce with an ambulance train started out but were fired on by the rebs. I feel bad at not being able to get Beaus and Scheaffers remains. I suppose before this you have seen detailed accounts of the fight. I should like to write an account of it to you but have not the time.
Our Brigade scarcely numbers what one of the regiments did before the fight. Lieut Pe Roan [?] was the only one of Whittakers staff that did not get wounded or killed the Gen got a few scratches. The enemy and our forces remain in the same position as the[y] did a week ago, firing is heard every day but what the results are I dont know, in fact I guess you are better posted then [sic] we are for we get no papers at all. [page 4] Captain Green that formaly [sic] belonged to our Reg. arrived here this morning on a visit, he look well I think a little soldiering would not hurt him. I almost forgot to tell you that Cap Chas Rowen was eather [sic] captured or killed on Saturday in the skirmish he was sent out with orders and never came back and we have not heard from him since.
I understand that a camp as to be selected this afternoon and I am in hopes we will once more get to gather and settled in camp, before long, you must excuse such a poor letter, our desk, paper pens and all were left to Bridgeport they will be up before long I cant buy any now I paid 10 cents for three sheets of paper and three envelopes. The weather has been very fine so far but today it is quite cool, and look like rain we expect the rainy season will soon set in. Yours of the 7th is the last I have recd, write as soon as you can. I am quite well and hoping you are I will bid you goodbye Edward”
Identifier
sc.0069.001_002.015
Date
1863 September 30
Keywords
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Correspondents.
Recommended Citation
"1863 September 30, J. Edward James to Lizzie James" (2023). Documents. 15.
https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/speccoll-mss-jamesje1/15
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