-
Winter Quarters
Union soldier, Jessie Wilkerson, wrote a letter to his brother and sister telling them that he was alive and well in a camp about a half mile west of Little Rosck, Arkansas. He tells them that the winter hasn't been harsh so far and he is in "excellent spirits". He told them that Col. Clayton of the 5th Kansas had been attacked by rebels.under Marmaduke. The rebs had about 60 men lost, union had 12 lost.
video of Arkansas civil war
VIDEO of Arkanas Civil war -
Period: to
Life between battles
-
Camp McClenin
This letter home is Jessie giving instructions on how the farm should be handled. He tells them to get some hired hands to help with the corn. He wants them to make sure the oats and wheat do not go to waste. Jessie feels like they should sell his horse because 2 horses is enough for her to handle. He tells Sarahett a few people who owe him money or rails. -
Nashville, TN
Franklin-Nashville Campaign
Jessie wrote a letter to Sarahett from Nashville, TN. He tells her that they have been battling with Hood and trying to hold him off. He feels like they have enough soldiers to do that. Jessie's regiment is with Sherman and they plan to go there when they "whip Hood." -
Alabama
Sherman's March to the SeaThey have moved down to Alabama and Jessie tells Sarahett that he has been sick with diareah and is a little better but still not well. They have been marching and fighting as they go. Jessie says the country looks distructed and that there aren't provisions enough to feed the women and children. -
letter to Jessie
Sarahett sends a letter to Jessie reporting of how life is at home while is gone. She misses terribly and wants him to send a name for the baby. She asks whether she should sell the oxen and cattle. -
Doing better in Ohio
Jessie writes a letter to Sarahett saying that things are better and the hardest times are over. They have moved to Ohio and are getting good rations. He said that there were times when they marched all day with only eaten two spoonfuls of cornmeal. They got on board a boat in Nashville and came down the Cumberland River to the Ohio. -
Newberne, NC
Jessie sends a letter again to Sarahett telling her he is alive and doing ok. He said when he was on the Ohio River the ice got so bad that they could go no further. They travelled by train and on foot to arrive in Newberne, NC. He feels like they will stay there to drill and get rest.
He says there is a good deal of talk about peace and he is hopeful to come home soon.
