Atlanta Ga      

September 17 1864

                                               

Miss Mollie Wood

Upper Alton Ills

                                                                       

Friend Mollie: I received your very kind letter of July 20^th the 28^th. You must pardon me for not replying sooner as I have had but few opportunities to write an occasional letter home since that time.

 

            The night of the 25 of Aug Gen Sherman commenced what the boys call his "big raid" Our Corps occupied the extreme left of the army & lay east of the City / Just after dark we fell back from the works and marched around to the North of the City At the same time the 20^th A.C. fell back into strong works around the R.R. bridge across the Chattahoocha River. All of our siege guns were placed in these works. The next morning the whole army commenced moveing to the right. Aug 29^th we crossed and destroyed the Montgomery R.R. 30^th reached the Macon R.R. and the 31^st marched toward Jonesboro burning every tie & bending every rail as we came to them. Quite an engagement took place that evening. The rebel loss was very heavy considering the time the fight lasted. Sept 1^st we occupied Jonesboro and drove the rebs into their fortifications near Lovejoy Station and four miles south of Jonesboro. Here also there was hot work our Reg't lost / two killed & four wounded but none of them were from Madison Co. Heavy skirmishing was kept up until we left which occurred 8 P.M. of the 4^th. We arrived at Atlanta about noon of the 8^th. We are now camped about one mile east of the city.

 

            All seem to think that the campaign will commence again in a very short time. Time enough to be paid, get a little rest & reorganize is all we want. The sooner it is done the better. This campaign has been a success and I believe the next will be. I hear that Old Abe has put off the draft; he ought to have his neck broke for doing it.

 

            How's politics at home? Most of the soldiers if they could would vote for Old Abe. I like McClellan & his letter of acceptance but I do not like the platform of the convention that nominated him. 

 

Well Mollie I would like to be there to tend church some times; and I assure you that the pretty faces would be as much inducement for my attendance as the good sermons

 

            But Mollie: I would miss two, and when I get home, if no one objects I shall pay Jolliet a visit to see what chance three years has made in them. Please give my compliments to the family when you write there again I hear that quite a number of girls from our neighborhood are going out to Greenville to school. I hope that Cornelia is one of the number. The sooner she starts the better for her. They tell me that Nannie Moore is married. Are you acquainted with her husband? Now, Mollie just please dont say anything about your letters not being interesting. I think they are, & like them, and assure you, that hereafter I shall be more prompt in answering. How was Sol when last heard from? How are Mr Shaffers folks and every body else & the Madison Guards. My Respects to yourself and the family

                                                                       

Your Friend W^m H. Clayton

SOURCES