Athens, Alabama, March 31, 1864

 

Dear Mother:

                        Jerusha's letter of the 25^th was received last night. I was glad to hear from home again after having no letter for one week. I was sorry to learn of your illness. You must be careful of your health, and not overwork.

 

            Things are progressing here very quietly. The regular routine of camp duty,—guard, drill, roll call and dress parade fill up the time. I hear the rumor flying to-day that we are soon to leave here, but I can trace it to no authentic source. Still it is time that the spring campaign was actively commenced, and I am ready to move whenever the orders come.

 

            I have become acquainted with a couple of widow ladies here, a mother and her daughter. They have been at one time in comfortable circumstances, / but by means of the war they have become somewhat reduced in resources. They are both very worthy, kind hearted, pious women, members of the Baptist Church. It is very pleasant to call there occasionally and have a friendly chat. They have a black woman who does washing, and I always take my clothes to them. They are neatly ironed and folded after being washed, and any mending that is needed is also done before they are returned. I am glad to have such a place, where my clothes will be safe and good care taken of them.

 

            I have made acquaintance with another Baptist family, a Mr. Brown, his wife and daughter. He is a Union man, and always has been such. His wife also is a good Union woman. They are very pleasant and hospitable. They tell me that it has been nearly a year since the Baptist Church here has been open; that the Church originally was but small, / and that secessionism has killed it out. The last preacher they had left his pulpit to enter the Southern army as a captain. She Mrs. Brown says that she never could take any enjoyment in hearing him talk or preach, as he mixed up his secessionism with everything, and that finally she would no longer go to hear him. I asked them how it was that they had been permitted to remain here. She told me that her husband was too old for conscription under the rebels first act; and that he was a man of but few words, and by a discreet silence passed comparatively unnoticed. She says that for a long time she found it impossible to hold her tongue, until finally it became absolutely dangerous to talk longer, and then she was compelled to keep silence. I said to Mr. Brown, how is it that nearly all the Union men have turned secessionists since. He said that it was because of their belief in the / heresy of State rights, that they owed their allegiance to their State rather than the United States. He also told me that such original Union men who have turned secessionists, are now the most bitter ones and hold out longest, whilst those who were the original rabid ones are the first to profess Unionism after our troops come in. "In fact", said he, I have seen so many such instances of professed Unionism in your presence that I am almost ashamed to own myself a Union man, lest I should be classed with them."

 

            The weather is sunny and pleasant to-day. In fact it is the most pleasant day that we have had this month. I hope that our cold, windy weather has departed at last.

 

            Have I any photographs—the last ones taken—left at home? If not I wish you would have four more taken and send me two—one at a time, retaining the others until further orders. I have received a request from a committee in college for one or two which I can hardly deny.

 

            The money sent was received, and proved very acceptable. Please send me some writing material as I am almost out.

 

                        I am well; so is William also

                                   

Your aff. son,

SOURCES