|
Camp McDonald
. Oct the 3rd 1861
.
Dear Sister
.
I received yesterday by the hand of Mrs. Glenn a letter
fro Father + Mother also one enclosed from you I was I was much pleased to see that you had taken up sufficient
to write a letter to Mo. and I hope you will improve every opportunity of writing to me. it affords me much pleasure to see
a line from your own hand
Well I am in good health and have been since I left
home and I hope these lines may find you and all well.
Mrs. Glenn informed me that mother was rather unwell but I hope to hear of her being well soon again
We have some three cases of measles in our company
and several in the Regiment no other sickness of consequence. We have no notice as to the time we will be ordered we will
be ordered away from here I think we will remain here perhaps three or four weeks longer we have as yet received no arms
you say you and the other children want to see me.
I do not doubt this I know I know I have sister that love me and be assured I would be glad to see you all every week but
I dont know whether I will get to come up again or not I shall come if I can get off, I will say to Mother and Father in relation
to my clothes, that if I dont get to come up I will write in time and instruct them what to do with them and how to send them
if they cant bring them. I must say to that by to days paper we learn that General Jackson with 2500 Georgians whipped and
completely routed 5000 Lincolnites the other day at Cheat Mountain and further that Gov Brown of Georgia on Wednesday last
completely routed the kid gloved office hunters of Ga by some 5-or 10,000 majority, so we feel that Ga is all right for two
years longer excuse me for touching this question to you. and write soon again tell Betty to write and give my love to father
mother and the children and receive a due portion to yourself also remember me to my many friends in the valley, come down
if you can. I will write again before long
Camp McDonald
. November the 13th 1861
.
Dear Sister
.
I take my hand this morning to drop you a few
lines for the last time at present from Big Shanty, I can say to you I am well and have been since I left home and I hope
these few lines may find you all favored with a like blessing. Bud is well and the rest of the company. Well Polly we now
have our provision boxed up our clothes packed and ready to march to the Rail Road to take the train for Richmond. And wer’e
these lines reaches you we will be getting on towards Richmond, The boys are all very anxious to get off and I hope we may
have good weather, as the appearances are favorable at this time and I am really anxiuos to get off myself as we are doing
no good here, And we will get Arms in Richmond and then I am ready to try the enemy of our country if necessary and though
I and many others good and faithful soldiers may fall by their hands I think that through the interposition of Providence
we will have success I will write as soon as we get to Richmond or wherever we may be stationed give my love to Father + Mother.
Betty Ell and John and receive the same to yourself and receive the same for yourself and may the blessing of Heaven rest
upon you all, also my kind regards to Mr. Stearns Esqr Watson and families = and I will close so good bye for the present
<Old fairgrounds
<Richmond Virginia
<25th November 1861
.
<Dear sister
.
<. I emrace this leisure hour to drop you a few lines which leaves me much better than I have been for some days I
have not been really sick but have a very severe cold as most of the men here have had, but we are all getting better and
I think when we get over this spell we can stand Virginia very well, I have nothing new to write you more than I have seen
the prisoners and many other things since I have been here, there are Yankees being brought in every day, more or less, and
are being carried south every day for safekeeping and have consequences of so many being here,
<I will say to you we received orders yesterday that our regiment has to guard the camps a while and probably all winter,
one company goes as a time or we privates two noncommissioned and one commissioned officer and awards them 24 hours and then
another guard goes from the other companies, so I have no doubt we will stay here for the winter and I had rather do it then
to go north from all reports.
<I read a letter from TG Stearns and C West the other day they were all well except Harvey who has been in the hospital
either here or at Culpeper, the boys not heard from him since he left them, which is some three weeks ago
<I am satisfied he is not here as we have hunted over most all of the hospitals in Richmond for him and other friends
M H West and Phil started to Manassas yesterday evening, they went after the body of Samuel Lovelace who died some 10 days
ago
Mr. Presley is going to carry it home, say to mother that I met with Henry Allen yesterday evening, he is just on his
way from Banks County where he has been to carry the body of his brother Robert who died at Manassas some two weeks ago, he
is a private in a company from Banks county and belongs to the 2nd Georgia Regiment, he says it will be much better for us
to stay here for the winter, we have plenty to eat here have bacon, beef, flour, cornmeal, sugar and coffee and there are
vegetables here in abundance for sale, we exchange some bacon and beef for potatoes cabbage, I must tell you that I and Bill
pool have both got to drinking coffee because the river water is bad, it is nothing but it's really not fit to drink though
it will do for winter very well, give my kind regards to Mary Margaret and Jane Watson also to Mr. and Mrs. Watson, Mr. and
Mrs. Stearns and the rest of the family and my love to father and mother and the rest of the children and receive the same
to yourself right soon
.
<as you're absent brother
.
<Tom
Yorktown Va
. March the 24th 1862
.
Dear Sister
. I seat myself this evening to drop you a few
lines which leaves me in reasonable health; not as well as I have been though nothing seriously ails me, I hope these lines
may find you in good health with all the rest of the family and friends, as to my health it has been very good up to yesterday,
when the yellow Jaundice made its appearance on me; it is by no means a dangerous complaint, but it makes a person feel very
mean and give them the “blues” for a week or ten days; We have a good deal of sickness in Camps at present, some
20 of our company are sick and have been sent to the Hospital in consequence of an expected fight here, but it has not come
off yet nor do I think it will soon; Capt Loveless is sick and gone to the Hospital. W.H. Steel died a few days ago. as probably
you will hear before this reaches you . The Capt could not get to send him home in consequence of an order from Gen Magruder
allowing no person to leave here at present, it will not be long in my opinion ; We have no war news to write you none more
than what you hear in Georgia
I have learned through letters from home that you have gone to live with Mrs. Reeves, I have no doubt you are at a very good
place, and with a very clever lady. I hope you may be well satisfied and you and her get along agreeably, There is though
a decided difference in living at home and living abroad, but I am satisfied of you having a mind to conduct yourself right
and that you and Mrs. Reeves may be an advantage to each other, Wm Reeves is rather unwell, but not seriously ill; Mr. Edwards
has been unwell since he came back, but is getting better, I do not know when I shall be home, as no furloughs are being given
at present, but so soon as I can get a furlough, and can consistently come I will do so, I would be very glad to see you all,
it seems a great while to me since I took my leave of you all for “Big Shanty”. But I am not alone by many thousands;
many have left the home their pleasant firesides and loved ones behind; And gone to the Tented field to do service for thier
country, not knowing whether they should ever return again or not; I yet have the unshaken confidence, that Providence will
permit me to return. This I think to be the only arm to be busted in
I have had no letter from home since Mr. Edwards boxes
come to hand; I write every week, but probably my letters do not reach thier destination, I shall to continue to write once
a week home and will to you as often as I can. perhaps once in every two weeks; you write when you can I will be glad to hear
from you any time, I send you enclosed five dollars, $5.00, to use as you may wish. I have nothing more to write that will
interest you. I will close for the present
.
I am as ever your
affectionate and
absent brother
Thomas P. Forrester
.
P.S. Excuse me for frankling my Letter
Yorktown Va
April 15th 1862
.
Dear Sister
your kind letter of the 5th Inst was received
to day, which found me in good health; I was indeed glad to receive a letter from you, and to hear that you was well, further
I was glad to hear you had returned home, I was not much in favor of you remaining away from home, although I said nothing
against it, home it matters not what kind of a home it is very different from any other place or always was with me; I wrote
home yesterday in answer to a letter I received from Mother, I give all the news of interest, nothing has taken place since,
only the firing of a few Cannon by the yankees at us, but without doing any injury, I cant tell when the battle will come
on, but certainly before many days, I wrote yesterday that Joe Wooten and Dolph Morrison had been over to see us. I hope have
looking for Alf and Tom to day but they havent come yet, I have had no chance to go to see them; Count I believe the boys
said was at Richmond soo all the rest of them are hear, I intend to try to see them all before many days, Also cousin Luther,
Payton Ivie Benson and all the Grant and Ivie boys are here, I have not yet seen them, Capt Loveless is yet in the Hospital
but is mending some also Sgt Williams Burton, Quinton, Siloam Goode Joe Taylor Ike Hazelwood and Ben are all in the Hospital,
Some in camps are grunting mostly, with the Bomb fever
The Boys have learned how to dodge very well since the Yankees have been firing at us, We watch the flash of the Cannon when
they fire and every man drops behind the breastworks till the balls pass when we rise and watch again, they whistle very close
to our heads some times, but none of us have been hurt yet, and I hope we may not if I should live to get through this fight,
I shall try to come home in the course of two or three months I would be very glad to see you and the rest of the children,
I often think of you all and ask myself the question shall I be permitted to see them all again, I hope I may, say to Miss
Amanda West, that I was very glad to hear one word from her and if I could see her I could tell many a dismal tale of camp
Life, and that I hope to have the pleasure of seeing her again, tell her Lieut P.F. is right side up, and getting on finely,
also give my respects to Miss Hewet, tell her I hope to have an acquaintance with her, give my respects to Esqu. Watsons Girls,
tell them I will write to them when the fight is over, also my regards to Abr Stearns + family, and all my friends that may
enquire, give my love to Father + Mother also to the children and accept the same to yourself, write whenever you can.
.
Your affectionate Brother
Thomas P. Forrester
P.S. I must say that all is well
Yorktown Va
. April 24th 1862
.
Dear Sister
.
I avail myself of a leisure moment to write a
few lines which leaves me well and I hope may find you all equally blessed. I have no news of interest to write you. The great fight here has not yet come off, though the enemy is yet lieing around
here; Some are of the opinion there will yet be no fight I cannot tell about this, they have been here long enough to have
had several fights if they were very anxious, there may yet be a fight but I have some doubts about it, yesterday I saw Thomas
Stearns, this morning I saw Alf. I was so glad to see them, they look just like Tom and Alf yet, they are both well, I see
some them nearly every day
Well I send you a small bunch of Toms hair, I had to
cut it out with my knife, and it hurt so bad I could not cut out any more. I will try to bring it all home and let you cut
some out, it is tolerably short and very dirty, I havnt time to write much and havnt much to write, write when you can, tell
Betty Ell and John I havnt forgot them, that I want to see them very bad. give my love to father + Mother also to the children
and accept to yourself the best wishes and love of
an absent Brother
.
Tom
P.S. I will write again in
Richmond Va
. Thursday Evening 22nd May 1862
.
Dear Sister
.
I have just been Town Brought Bought some paper
pen and ink, and have one hour till supper and think I could not devote my time more pleasantly than in writing to a kind
Sister, I am glad to say to you that I am again good health, think I will go to the Regiment to morrow, perhaps I may not
go to till Saturday Lieut Ferguson is here with me very unwell if he does not get better Tomorrow I shall not go till Saturday, I hope these lines may find you all favored with good
health which certainly is a great blessing, I have nothing like news to write you, our army around Richmond is lying very
still, and I hear but little of the Yankees in the last few days, I suppose they are slipping around trying to sneak in some
place that we are not watching, as the bell has rung for supper I must stop for the night as it is getting to dark to write
now, I will finish in the morning, so good night
.
Friday Morning 23rd May
Another sun has rose bright and clear, I am well Lieut
Ferguson is better, By the way of news I must tell you that I saw Wm P. Ivie yesterday also Benson and James Kimbrel they
are all here on the sick list though not dangerous. James Kimbrel has his fore and middle finger on his right hand shot off
Just below the first Joint done accidentally by himself, its healing very well. he will get a discharge when it gets so he
can travel with it, Benson talked a great deal about you all was very proud to see me, and says tell Uncle Hiram he wants
to see him very bad, and wants the war to end. Pate looks pretty healthy, he has been at the Hospital a week or two, his wife
is dead she died in April, John C Grant is dead he died at Petersburg Va of fever some weeks ago and was buried there, also
Joe Fields is dead and buried here at Richmond, the rest of the boys are all well and with their Regiments I heard from Luther
but have not seen him, he is with his regiment and is well, In my other letters I forgot to mention that I had received a
letter from Aunt Sarah and one from Aunt Betty, just before we left Yorktown, they were generally all well, Elijah Echols
is dead, he died in Febr or March, they requested me when I wrote home to give their love to you all I have not had time to
write to them yet I will write before long, There is a great deal of talk about Richmond now some are of the opinion that
a great fight will come on here soon, while others think that Richmond and even all Virginia will be entirely evacuated by
our forces for a while and leave it at the mercy of the Yankees, This I hope will not be done, I have no idea it will not
do I think there will any fight soon I think if any movement is being made by the Enemy it will be to try to cut off our supplies
and starve us out, but I have no fears of their success in this, There is no opinion as to peace being made, when we whip
them, then we will have peace and not before, As to a furlough there is none being given now, dont expect there will be soon,
I would be glad to see you all, be glad to at home and stay if we could have peace, If there is a chance I would like to come
home in July or August during the very hot weather and stay three or four weeks, but I am of the opinion chances will be bad
during this year. I want you to write soon and give me all the news you know, tell Mary, Margaret and Jane I would be glad
to see them and for them to write, my chances are going to be very bad for writing when I go to camps again for we have no
tent nor nothing else only Just what we pick up and carry when ever we are ordered to march, I me a blanket yesterday and
carpet sack, am going to carry one suit in it one on my back and that is all I want ata time, Tell Betty, Ell, and John, I
want to see them very bad and if I live I will come home some day, give my love to Father and Mother also the children and
accept a great portion for yourself. give my kind regards to Mr Watson and family, also Mr Stearns and family, and those that
may enquire after me write soon
.
your affectionate
Brother,
Camp near Richmond
. Sunday Evening 20th July 1862
.
Dear Sister
I seat myself this Evening to drop you a few
lines, which leaves me unwell, but some better than when I wrote to Father + Mother, I hope this may find you in good health,
and all the rest of the family for surely good health is an inestimable blessing
I have no news to write you, only to tell you that
Dr A.H. Stearns has Just, He has been over all evening he is in very good health I was very glad to see him as I had not him
since we left Yorktown and then he looks so much like Alf, It makes me think of home to be with him. Samuel Allred come over
with he is well too and in fine spirits, I have got off to a private house yet nor dont know that I can, If I dont probably
I will get able for duty in Camps before long, I am still going, but feel very week in my knees and hips, If I get off to
a private house I will let you know, I have received no letter from home since date 22nd June, none from you since I wrote
to you before, I am looking for two or three every mail, As I have no news to write I will close for the present; give my
love to all accept a due share to yourself, write when you can . Excuse my short letter for this time
Camp Near Frederick City Maryland
Sept the 7th 1862
Dear Sister.
.
You be some what surprised to hear from me in Maryland,
but we are here. Our Brigade crossed the Potomac night before last I crossed yesterday morning with the waggons being in charge
of them. Part of our forces have advanced 16 or 20 miles into the state. Gen Jacksons army is at or beyond Frederick City
some 4 or 5 miles from here we are 10 or 12 miles from the River. I suppose that we now 250,000, two hundred and fifty thousand
men across the River. We have met with no opposition yet but have had some accessions to our forces, some 4 or 5 Companies
are said to have Joined us since we crossed and that more are comeing, this is a beautiful country, the finest I ever saw
and the people generally received us very cordially. Everything
is quite cheap here. Bacon 12 ½ c pr lbs, flour 31/2 c pr lbs Butter 10 c Molasses 40 to 60 c pr gallon good shoes $2.00 pr
pair Boots $4.00 to $5,00, and before I forget it say to Father that I have a pair of Boots, have swapped my old shoes for
them, that will do me till Christmas and for him not to have any made if he has not, clothing too is cheap if I can get to
it before its all sold, and besides that they take Confederate money here freely with some few Exceptions, the weather is
very fine now though rather warm, I am in good health so most of the Company I regret very much to say that Capt Loveless.
Lieuts. Ferguson and Kelly are all behind sick. I am
detailed with the waggons so that our Co. has no officers of thier own, though one is appointed to take charge of them, to
day is sunday and we are resting the first rest we have had in two weeks, we will move on in the morning. I dont know what
direction we will go but I suppose toward Baltimore at least I hope so, I dont know when I will have a chance to send my letter
back to Orange, as we have no mail from there only as waggons passes and it is 70 or 80 miles. I will write as often as often
as I can and send them the same way. I hope we will have a mail soon. as we have had no letters since we Orange, I have nothing
more of interest to write, the troops are all in fine spirits; and stand the marches finely
Tell Mary + Margaret I forgot that I am due them a
letter, tell them I will write as soon as possible, you must not git out of patience waiting for letters I have wrote two
before this since we left Orange City, write and direct to Richmond give my best love to father and Mother also to the Children
accept a due portion and write soon to
Camp Below Fredericksburg Va
. Dec 19th 1862
.
Dear Sister,
.
I seat myself this Evening to write a few lines,
which leaves me in good health, and I hope may find you all favored with like blessing. Well as you have perhaps learned before
this reaches that the Yankees have again been beaten by the Rebels; I know you have all been very anxious to hear the results
of this great fight, as all Expected it would certainly come on; One hard days fighting was however done though our Division
was not engaged; notwithstanding they were on the front line Monday Morning the 15th just when a general attack was Expected to be made. At day light it was found that the yankees
had all or nearly all crossed over the River; that they did not intend to give us battle here; our regiment was ready the
boys were all at their posts; and had determined to meet the enemy boldly I know they would have done i; But when it was found
that the enemy had give back; a thrill of Joy seemed to run through every heart; and a yell such as I hardly ever heard ran
through of our noble and gallant army upon the reception of the news: I am confident if they had fought us, we Should have
whipped desperately; but would necessarily have lost many good men; as it is we have a Complete victory over them, but I hear
this evening that they are again crossing the River and we doubtless may have to meet them again, if we do I am satisfied
we shall give them a good brushing; Well I must tell you that I put on my new pants this morning; they fit me splendid; but
I hate to wear them in rainy weather to muddy them; yesterday I received a letter of from E.P. Price; He is at Frederick Maryland,
doing very well, and says he will be to see us in a few weeks. I hope he may I am so proud to hear he is alive; although I
had written Mrs? Price he was dead, I shall write her or Miss Low to day, to day I received a letter to day from Aunt Sarah,
which I enclose to you read to all, she seems to think a great deal of me; I surely love her as much as any of my Aunts, if
not more, I shall write her to morrow. James Roach
to day received his discharge will start home day after tomorrow; Well Pollie, Christmas will soon be hear again and I shall
not be at home; how much I should like to be their a few weeks; I know I could not be Contented long; but so it is I ask a
Christmas gift of you; and will come home as soon as I can and get it, I hope the war may end by spring at farthest, but I
fear it will not end that soon.
Tell Mary and Margaret to think hard of me I will write
them very soon that hardly write any where only home, give them my Respects;
the other day I saw all the valley boys again I was
very glad to see them Mr. Stearns was out there, but as it was dark and he was back with the waggons I did not get to see
him, I wanted to see him very bad
Tell the children I should be glad to see them all
and for them to write when they can I am always glad to hear from home. tell Father and Mother I will write them before long;
Tell Mrs Glenn, when I heard that Lieut Glenn was gone home, I divided his butter with James Roach; and intend giving him
half Malinda’s apples and shall eat the others myself; The boys are generally in very good health and doing finely
give my love to Father Mother and the children; accept a due portion to yourself write soon
.
your afft Brother
Tom
Direct to Richmond Colquitts Brigade
Camp near Fredericksburg Va
. February The 22nd 1863
.
Dear Sister.
.
As I am closely housed up to day by a severe
snow storm, which has been raging since early last night. The snow is now some 18 inches deep and yet snowing with a fair
prospect of it continueing this evening and to night, I shall not be surprised if it falls to the depth of two feet or more.
as the citizens say it is frequently 2+ 3 feet deep in the winter. The weather is not as cold as one would think it to be,
or else we have become accustomed to it more than we used to be, we are all tolerably well fixed up now, at least most all
have tents or little pole houses, I have a good Tent, and chimney to it for myself and Quarter Master Sergeant we also have
a bed stead made of poles plenty of Blankets and are living very well. I had expected to been with the Company before now,
but have again been detailed, and it will probably be some time in March or April before I am relieved again. As I could not get off home, I have no objections to remaining on duty in the
quarter Master department till the winter is over, as I can take care of myself much better, There has several heavy snows
within the last six weeks more snows and much deeper than I ever saw in Ga. There has not been so much rain as was last winter but it has been a much colder winter so if there is any sign in
a cold winter, I think we will have a good crop year, at least I hope so. Well Pollie I reckon you have all been very lonesome
since Father died, I should like to have come to see you while you were so much alone, but I could not get off. I shall Come
Just as soon as I can. I think there will be some chances for me when Lieut Ferguson and Kelly both get back if there is
no fight expected. The Yankees are now near all gone from hear some gone to Washington City, and others to Suffolk below
Richmond, I do hope they will remain quiet another month as the weather is so bad to think of marching now. The boys are
generally all well in the Company, Capt Loveless is well and speaks of resigning and going home.
Jessee Berry is well and hearty also tell Bettie Drew is well and has been Cooking for me a week or two.
I suppose before this you have received my letter by
mail to Mother, in that I advised Mother as to what, she had better do, I hope you will all get a long well and do the best
you can. tell the children to be agreeable with each other, and to lose no time when the weather is good, tell Mother if
she thinks it best and can sell one of the horses, perhaps it would be as well, but to Exercise her own feelings about that,
Tell Margaret her letter is received, I will answer it in a few days. I have no news of interest to write.
My health is very good, and I hope this may find you
all favored with the same blessing, give my love to Mother, Bettie, Ell, and John, accept a due portion to yourself, I received
a letter from Mr. Luter a day or two ago, written at the request of Mother, the only news from you in some time. write soon.
Camp 23rd Ga Regt
. April 2nd 1863
.
Miss Mary Forrester
Kind Sister,
Your Letter of the 21st March was received
Yesterday, I was very glad to have a letter from you, as had not had one since Bud came in, and I was getting very anxious
to hear from home, this leaves me in good health and I hope may find you all favored with a like blessing, I have no news
of interest to write you only to say that everything is yet quiet along the lines of the Rappahannock, and I wish them to
remain so, I have another pack I will send home if I have a chance. It has been such bad weather you have not had an opportunity
to do much work at least it has been so hear. I hope
you may get another hand to help you soon. Betty and John cant plow very well with the large plow Before this reaches you
Squire Kelly and E.P. Price will have got home, go up and see Eroc, he can tell you all the news, and about your Tom too,
I am sorry for Eroc because he is so badly crippled, now a word about your Tom and others, I like Tom very well but I always
thought very well of Joe and do yet. I must tell you I think more of him than of Tom, though I have nothing whatever against
Tom, but I think Joe much the best young man as there is no harm in corresponding with a credible young man now especially
if you were acquainted with when at home, I have several lady correspondents, very nice ones, I will tell you all about it,
should I ever to be so fortunate as to get home.
I am becoming very impatient for the war to end, I
want to see some of the Girls, I want to wear one more starched shirt, Black my boots, and go to meeting again like I used
to, the 27th of March, being fast day we had preaching in Camps, had a very good sermon, I didnt fast any more than usual,
though I perhaps ought to have done it, and I know I ought to have prayed, you asked me if I think you improve any in writing,
I think you do I can read all your letters very well the only objection I have is that I dont get enough of them, I guess
it puzzles you to read some of mine, and this one of them, I dont always have time to write as good as I wish to.
I have been relieved as acting Quarter Master, but
am on ____ other detail as Commissary of the Regiment it is now seven months since I have done any duty in the Company and
I suppose will be two months longer yet The boys grumble about it but I am doing very well, and Col Best detailed me to act
and no one can object to it properly, Col Best is a good friend of mine and I shall endeavor to keep him so.
Say to Bettie to Drew is still cooking for me, Drew
is a very good boy, always does anything I ask him to. I have no more that will interest you as I know of at present, you
mentioned in your last letter about me going to Capt. Steels Company there has been such talk, but I shall not go now. Capt
Steel will hardly resign as he would be conscripted immediately, Capt. Loveless will resign and go home soon I think I shall
then have as good a position as I want in the army that of 1st Lieut, do you hear or see anything of my “deary nowadays,
I should be very glad to see her write again soon give my love to Mother and the other children accept a due portion to yourself;
Camp on James Island
. near Charleston, Aug 15th 1863
.
Miss M.T. Forrester,
My Dear Sister
You no doubt think I have not received your Letter
or that I am negligent in writing to you. your kind letter of the 19th July was received before we left Wilmington, but having
some other letters to answer to some of my friends, I laid yours over for a day or two; as I had Just written to Mother, and
was ordered from Wilmington in a few days. I have only written home once from here, that to Mother. I now respond to your
letter. I have no news to write you from Charleston all is quiet heir, Except occasional Cannonading which may be heard at
intervals during the day and night. But little damage I think is being done by either party at this time. our people are still
making every improvement and preparations that is thought necessary to defeat the Enemy again while they no doubt are doing
the same, my opinion now is that we shall be able to meet, and successfully defeat any force the enemy may bring against the
City. I learn that some 25 or 30 Gunboats are lieing off around Morris Island. Forts Sumpter and Moultrie, they are very formidable
looking monsters, and can throw shell a great distance, our Battery on Morris Island holds out yet, and is now said to be
stronger than when the siege Commenced. An attack may be made at any day. our people and soldiers are all in good spirits
and Confident of success here. The health of our Regiment is as good as at any time since we left Virginia. Some few in the
Company Complaining, none seriously ill, myself and mess are all well. The weather has been very hot since we have been here,
but is more pleasant now, a light rain haveing fell to day, water is not good we get our drinking water from a pump, about
one mile from Camps, which is very fair water, our rations are not so good here, as we have been accustomed to, We get Beef
instead of Bacon. Rice sometimes instead of flour or meal. The boys charge when they get rice in place of flour or meal We
get no flour here, and not much Bacon, But I think we can stand that for the length of time we shall remain here. as I dont
think we will stay here longer than the present siege last. Then we calculate going to Georgia Curling, if the Yankees invade
Georgia we want to meet them there. I hope they may never get there, but from all indications, now I very much fear they will.
The Vicksburg boys I learn are all at home. I guess they are haveing a good time I am glad that some soldiers can get home.
I fear however though they will not get back soon. I wish so much that some of the boys in the 20th Ga could get a furlough,
they have been gone so long. besides this, they have done a great deal of hard service and some of them deserve a furlough
What was the matter with Uncle Willis and Mother about
the wheat ? Did they have any differences about it ? I
hope not, I think myself he charges pretty high but I have always looked upon Uncle Willis as a man that was disposed to do
what was right. He perhaps thought it was not too much. I hope there will be no feelings about it, as he has been good friend
to me, and to you all. and I have no doubt will be again if you should call on him you said you had been down Emelissa, didnt
get any beer you say. I shall want some when I come home and go down. I have written her a letter since I came back. hope
to hear from her in a few days. I am writing to some of my lady friends that I have never written to before. Dont Expect that
they will all write back. They need not if they dont want to. I wrote Margaret before we left Wilmington, am looking for a
letter from her. I shall not neglect writing home in consequence of my Lady Correspondents
you spoke of going to Antioch to preaching. I should liked to very much to have been there, you thought maybe you would see
my deary there; Did you see her? If so did she speak to you, or you to her? I have received no letter from her since I returned
of Course I have written to her. not often though. I have heard that some of the Girls were displeased in the manner I treated
them about the fishing party, those are the ones I have written to simply to give them satisfaction and to satisfy myself,
I am yet satisfied that I did right, and I should do so again under the same circumstances, I hope you have got all your wheat
out, and your Corn done and that you are now resting. Since
I have returned to the army I have thought a great deal about becomeing a Candidate. I dont know what to do about it, I know
I ought to be at home, and I believe my friends are willing that I should be at home, but I have not yet got my own Consent
to leave my friends here, the boys with whom I have been for two long years so closely allied, Boys who have borne hardships,
toils, and privations by my side, men who would stand up and die with me upon the Battle field if necessary, It would indeed
be a trial for me. I will consider the matter in all its bearings, Its a good while yet. If I should be spared till the time
I may Conclude to come, I will write you again about it, Lest I Weary you with too long a letter I will hasten to a Close.
Write me all the news when you have an oppertunity,
I will write some of you in a few days again, My love to Mother , and the children. receive a large share to yourself, Direct
to Charleston, S.C.
your affectionate Brother. T.P.F.
what about the male Do you get letters at Sanderstown
yet and what days
Camp on James Island
. Sabbath Sept 6th 1863
Miss M.T. Forrester
Dear Sister
.
you letter of the 29th August, to hand, I was truly
glad to hear you and all the rest were well. These lines leaves me in good health, though some what reduced by the chills,
I think I will soon regain my lost flesh. Some sickness in the company, at least several complaining. Capt Ferguson has had
two very severe attack of Colie or Cholera morbis; one last night, that was very bad for two or three hours this morning he
is much better. Jessa Berry, Pat Hood and several others are well, we cant have good health here, The mulesles bad; Well the
Bombardment still continues. yesterday the gun boats, mortars and Land batteries of the enemy kept up a furious fire up on
our works at Battery Wagner, also last night, and Considerable fireing is going on this morning; Battery Wagner and Fort Sumter
yet hold out, but they surely cant stand much if the Yankees continue to bombard them. When these places fall then comes
the last for Charleston. ____ _____ to give the Yankees some trouble then, before they get it
The Yankees comm and did demand they surrender Battery Wagner and Fort Sumter, and threatened to Shell the City if they were
that surrounded. Gen Beauregard informed him by should not surrender them to him. Some few shells were thrown in the city
but very little damage was done. It is unknown how the _____ may terminate, I think we will be able to hold Charleston for
several months yet and perhaps never lose it. The Yankees are making a desperate effort to take it, while we are doing the
same to save it. You have bad in all the special letters I write you, Though there was nothing very special in the last one
I wrote. I am glad to hear that Bud mending, I hope he may soon get well.
I am sorry to hear the people are so much out of heart
in Pickens. They must cheer up. I must close soon, my love to the Children and Mother, yourself not forgotten .
Excuse my very bad paper and written letter. If you
cant read it send it back and I will write another.
.
write when convenient to your Brother Tom
Camp on James Island S.C.
. Nov 6th 1863
Miss M.T. Forrester
Dear Sister.
.
We have Just returned from a three days tour
of Picket duty, some two miles from our Camp: The Picket line, runs in the direction of Stono River and is the South Boundary
of James Island. The Yankees may be seen at some points of the line, Their drums have been heard very distinctly for several
Morning and Evenings until this morning no drums could be hear: and the impression is that they may be leaving here. I hope
it may prove to be true. If they Should abandoned the Siege of Charleston and we got to remain here: We Expect to have fine
times; as the Boys are nearly done their winter quarters. Most of them have split log Cabbins Covered with new Pine Boards
+ Brick Chimneys. Our mess have not Commenced building yet.
We will Commence next week. The weather is fine and
warm almost like summer. Capt Ferguson is at Fort Sumter yet with 5 men from our Company. 43 from the Regiment.
The bombardment for the last two days and nights has been very heavy.
I received a telegraphic dispatch from Capt Ferguson
saying he and the men from our Regt were all safe, and in fine spirits. I hope he may come out safe. If the siege Continues
we will all have to take a tour of duty in the old strong hold. Charleston in my opinion is yet safe. Stirring times at Chattanooga
now; dont want to go there. Mr Moss and Mr Corbin, are both in Camps now.
They speak of leaving tomorrow Be sure and send my
Books by first safe hands. I have nothing more of interest to write. My health is very good now. Boys generally well. Capt
Glenn well. My love to Mother the Children and yourself.
.
write me soon.
Your affectionate Brother
Camp 23rd Ga Regt
. Nov 28th 1863
Miss M.T. Forrester
My Dear Sister
Your kind letter of 22nd Just received
last Evening. glad to hear from you all + to hear you were doing so well. This leaves me in good health. I have not time to
write you a long letter as we go on Picket this morning
(Saturday, I am not Compelled to go but Lieut Pool
is gone home + Lieut Worley gone to Fort Sumter so I shall go with Pack and stay till to morrow evening Monday I have to attend
a Court Martial. Have no news of interest to write. you surely do not get my letters. I write to some of you twice a week.
Have written you one or two letters.
Will write again in a few days.
My love to Mother + the Children accept to yourself
a due portion
Camp at Baldwin Fla. March 14th 1864
.
Miss M.T. Forrester
Dear Sister,
.
I wrote Mother a few days since, by Mr Glenn.
I do not expect he has gone yet, as a portion of the Rail Road between Lake City and Madison has been washed away. There is
nothing new to write you. Every thing continues to be quiet in front. Dont hear anything from the Yankees reliable. We have
here several days working on fortifications. We expect to return to the Brigade soon.
Their Camp is six or seven moles from here. Seven
deserted from Capt Glenn’s Company one night last week. Seven men from our Company three nights ago. two of the Crows,
two Corbins one Neil + John Agan + Jessee Cox. Efforts
are being made to catch them. I hope they will be caught and an example made of them by shooting.
Weather is very nice now, only days are very warm
for the season. I have not got the rings made yet. have no more to write now that will interest you.
My love to Mother, the Children and yourself. Write
me soon.
.
As ever your
Brother.
T.P. Forrester
.
Excuse my stamp
.
.
.
.
March 15th 1864
.
Capt Ferguson left yesterday for Ga on business, will
no doubt reach home before you receive this. He will carry his trunk home and some things of mine. My old Blue Pants, My Yankee
shirt. a woolen home made shirt, two or three pairs socks, the socks are marked. also my “Spectacles” and Ball
of Wool Yarn. Please to send that back. go down and get the other things, wash my old pants and send them back, keep the shirts.
Capt is gone to try to catch those deserters. I will write if I think of any other things I want
Camp Milton Fla
. April 6th 1864
Miss M.T. Forrester,
.
Dear Sister,
Your letter of the 24th March I received several
days ago; but as I had a pass for three days to go to Gainesville Fla. I concluded not to write you till I returned. I have
Just got in. Gainesville is 60 miles from here due south and is a very nice Town, The most pleasant place I have seen in Florida.
I enjoyed my trip pretty well saw some nice young Ladies. Had an introduction to them, heard them perform on the Piano, saw
lots of flowers, and above all had a Turkey for dinner yesterday at the Hotel.
Plenty of Oranges at 20 cts per piece I eat several,
wish you all had
I am very much pleased with some portions of Florida,
Expect I shall want to move down here when the war is over, if I shall live that long. Cousin Henry Meeks lives about forty
miles from Gainesville, He works in a waggon shop in Gainesville, but was gone home when I got there. I saw his son Henry.
He is 17 years of age. Just a Meeks. Henry had gone
home to work over his corn. Since I have been gone the 6th Ga Regiment had a skirmish with the Yankees and a general fight
was expected, but I believe it has all passed off without a fight; at least all is quiet now. The order for furloughs has
been Countermanded for the present. Bud is in good health and the boys generally. My health Continues very good., except Cold, I bought a good pair of shoes at Gainesville or had
them made as mine were worn considerably and shoes are very hard to get here. I paid thirty (30) Dollars and got a good pair
of shoes. Cheap as they can be bought any where. I hope the weather will soon moderate in the Mountains so you can work as
it will very soon be planting time. I believe I have written all that will interest you. will write soon again. My love to
Mother and the Children a large portion to yourself.
Camp Milton Fla
. April 14th 1864
Miss M.T. Forrester,
Dear Sister,
.
Because I have not written you since I returned
to the Regiment, you must think that I have forgotten you. No by no means. I have wrote the greater portion of my letters
to Mother I believe one or two to Polly one to John, so I think I am due you one, also Ell. I have nothing new to write you.
Everything remains quiet on the front lines, Yankee deserters are comeing in almost every day, two came in yesterday. Last
night our Regiment received orders to cook three days rations and be ready to move at moments notice. The rations are Cooked
and every one ready. Dont know when it is to go, nor whether we will go or not such orders are not uncommon in the army. If
we move I will write you soon again.
Say to Mother I received her letter of the 5th Inst.
on yesterday, glad to hear from home again. you are having a long cold winter in the Mountains. Has been pleasant nearly all
the time since we came down here, No snow, frost nor nothing of the kind. Bud is in very good health and the boys generally,
I am expecting to have chills this spring again have already had light, Came near having another on yesterday, today I feel
very well. To morrow is chill day again, If I have them bad I shall try to get a furlough, I should like to have the furlough
but am not willing to have the chills right bad for a furlough. I hope the weather has moderated so you can commence planting
before this time. I am glad to learn that Capt Glenn is doing well . Hope he may be sufficiently recovered to rejoin his Command.
Shall expect Capt Ferguson in ten or fifteen days. Say to Ell I will write her before long. shall expect to hear from you
very soon.
My love to Mother Pollie Ell and John, My regards to my friends that may enquire.
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