1864 Confederate Soldier Letter - Causes of the Civil War
1864 Confederate Soldier Letter - Causes of the Civil War - Inventory Number: CON 601
Unknown Rebel solider "Samuel" writes home from Georgia with a 'modest proposal' to end the Civil War.
Banks of the Chattahoochee
Near Fulton County, GA
July 16, 1864
Dear Sister,
Much quieter since I last wrote you. Pickets on both sides no longer trouble each other. Either heat or shortages in cartridges. We go down to the edge of the river and Yankees from the other side come down and talk with us. They are from New York and are tired of the war. One showed us where he was hit by a ball in the arm but the minie went right through and he kept his arm and was told to keep soldiering. One of the Yankees said they were voting for McClellan. They said come over and fire a bullet at Old Abe Lincoln and we will put another in Old Jeff and then we can go home or sit here and argue about niggers' rights or states' rights like civilized men. We all laughed heartily at that. Some of the Yankees were more friendly than just talk. They very much want to trade.
Mostly for tobacco. They have knives, canteens, books and things but all they want in trade is tobacco or photographs of immoral women. The Yankees and our boys got too well acquainted, but our officers quickly found out and they watch who goes to the river and what they come back with. I found a cap at the site of our last engagement so you need not send me another. I like this one.
There continues to be a force of Yankees on the other side of the river. Why General Johnson remains still and does not move against them is unknown to me. Yankees still come down to their side of the river. They tried for some time to trade and talk with us, but we told them enough times trading was prohibited so they stopped. There be two a bit a-ways upriver washing their shirts. They talk loud and fast and curse often. I don't care for them much even if we all want to stop fighting. I will write again soon. All of my love,
Samuel
*To purchase this item directly with a credit card, please click on this link.