Simeon C. Wilkerson to Nancy Bryson, 3 May 1863
Camp 18th Ala Rgt
Allisonia Tenn
May the 3rd 1863
           
My Dear Wife
                                    I have written to you three letters, since I came in camp, and have not received or heard one word from you since I left you some twelve days since. What can be the matter? Is it caused by sickness or is the fault in the mail? I shall be badly disappointed if I do not get a letter from you in the morning. I received a letter from Clinton, Ala. via Mobile. It was written on the 28th of April. This looks as though I should have received one from you at least three days since. I have been uneasy about you for some time and I am growing more so every day. I would give anything to receive a letter from you or to know that you are well. 
 
            I think there will be a change in our Brig soon. Genl Cumming has been ordered to Miss. We may remain as we are and have another Genl to take command without any change. This will hardly be done, unless some Col of the Brig can get promotion, and be assigned to this command, which I think very doubtfull. If there is any change, I will write you as soon as the change is made. I hope we will stay as we are and things may soon get so I can send for my dear little wife to come and spend the summer with me. It would be so pleasant to have you spend the summer up here if I could only know there would be no danger of having you disturbed by the Yankees. I hope you and Mrs Hammond will be able to come up this summer. 
 
            The health of our men is not so good as it was when we left Mobile. I can see nothing here to cause sickness. I think the most of the sickness we have was caused by the men being so much exposed after leaving such good and comfortable quarters. The health of my company is good. I have some in hospital at Atlanta Ga. Don't know how they are getting on. Lt Stewart is improveing. Think if he would have a cheering word from Miss Susie he would soon get entirely well.
 
            When will you leave Mobile for home? Write often and tell me how you enjoy life since you marryed. If you are well I will be proud to know it. If you are not, I wish to know the worst. I am well. Write soon to your affect husband. S. C. Wilkerson /
 
            P.S! Remember me to all my friends. Give my love to Cousin Mary and Father & Mother when you go home. What would you think if I should tell you that I had not taken a chew of tobacco for eight days and that I never expected to use it again? This I can tell you. I will not pledge myself, for then it would not be as easy for me to stop the use of it. If I onley kniew that your health is good I would be content.
                                               
Your affect husband in trust
Sim
11151
DATABASE CONTENT
(11151)DL1643.001165Letters1863-05-03

Tags: Anxiety, Camp/Lodging, Family, Hospitals, Illnesses, Mail, Marriages, Promotions, "Yankees" (Confederate opinions of)

People - Records: 2

  • (3971) [writer] ~ Wilkerson, Simeon Cornelius
  • (3972) [recipient] ~ Bryson, Nancy ~ Wilkerson, Nannie B. ~ Wilkerson, Nancy

Places - Records: 1

  • (1409) [origination] ~ Allisonia, Rutherford County, Tennessee

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SOURCES

Simeon C. Wilkerson to Nancy Bryson, 3 May 1863, DL1643.001, Nau Collection