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Letter written by J. Edward James, 96th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment, on August 22, 1864, camped in front of Atlanta, Georgia, to his sister Lizzie James Lamberson, Galena, Illinois.
"…we are no nearer Atlanta then when I last wrote you though we have changed our position a little having moved more to the left, and as the ground between us and the City is open, we have a clear and commanding view of the place, and every shell that explodes in or over the City we can see, but being an old story we take no notice of them. From the top of a high tree in camp a most splendid view of the town, the rebel and our works and the country for many miles around can be had, but the pleasantness of the sight is somewhat diminished by the sight of the angrey [sic] and heavy lines of works which plainly tell us that ere they are in other these tra[i]torous hands many a noble hero must fall, yet we hope that Sherman will plan some [page 2] other method of capturing them then storming, and we expect it every day. Since I last wrote you this army has been almost quiet only making a demonstration here and there occasionally simply to keep the rebs posted as to our whereabouts and that we are alive and well, and once in a while coaxing them over to see us, and then “dishing them up” retaining a few of their number, by way of compliment and with a spanking send the rest home to old mother Hood, though it is not always that we come out of the “Muss” with “unbroken shins”, as the regiment in advance most allways loose [sic] some of its member, a few days ago (the 18) our skirmishers was ordered to advance their posts and the 96 Ill. and 45 Ohio ordered in support, the 96 occupying the right and most exposed position, and were discovered by the enemy and a sharp skirmish ensued, the 96 loosing [sic] eight wounded and two killed. – William Lewis of Co. “A” being one of the killed, the wounds were slight. Frank A. Weir (an acquaintance of Harvey[)] Ordering Sergeant Co “A” recd a slight wound on the right arm just below the elbow, but nothing to hurt much.” Notes that changes of regiments in the brigade have occurred in the last week. “So you think I'd laugh if I could see you and Harvey [page 4] well I took a good one any how. I just imagined and laughed the harder, and I assure you Lizzie nothing pleases me better or does me more good then to have such good accounts of your happiness and hope it may be lasting, dont mind outsiders but take all the comfort you can, and regardless of the past I have no doubt but what Harvey will ever be a true husband to you. I hope if ever any thing should come to mar your happyness you will not fail to let me know, as you will ever share my sympathy. I have often thought of writing Harvey and did intend to, perhaps he has wondered why I havent, but what I write to you I know he hears, and that is all that is needed. I give you both my best wishes of welfare. I wish he could get a business started among the soldiers (I mean a field gallery) there is a fine chance of making money."
Identifier
sc.0069.001_003.012
Date
1864 August 22
Keywords
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Correspondents
Recommended Citation
"1864 August 22, J. Edward James to Lizzie James Lamberson" (2023). Documents. 7.
https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/speccoll-mss-jamesje1/7
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