George R. Gear to Jerusha Gear, 16 September 1864
East Point, Ga., Sept. 16, 1864.
 
My Dear Mother:
                        Again I seat myself this morning to write you a few lines. Contrary to my expectation when last I wrote you, I am now with my Reg't again. Indeed the very day that I mailed my last letter to Jerusha expressing the opinion that I would not be able to return to my Reg't for several days, and expressing the fear of losing my chance for pay in consequence, I started for my Reg't. When I went to mail my letter I learned that our Corps would probably be paid off this week, and I resolved that as I was feeling somewhat better that morning, to undertake the trip to East Point. Accordingly I started about 4 P.M. on the train. We reached Atlanta about sundown, and staid over night at soldier's home, where we received good accommodations. The next morn- / ing I felt considerably the worse for wear and almost reproached myself for having left the Hospital. East Point is 6 miles from Atlanta, and now came the question how to get there. We could learn of no train going out that day, and I knew I could not walk, feeling as I did then. After running around town two or three hours trying to find out what to do, I finally concluded to return to soldier's home, and rest awhile. Lay down and rested an hour or two, eat dinner, and felt considerably refreshed. Learned of a train going out sometime in afternoon. Went to depot, and waited until about 5 o'clock. Gave up in despair, and concluded to return to Soldiers Home. Just then train came up. Got aboard and reached East Point about sundown.
 
            Such was the experience of my trip here. I feel better now that I am settled down. It is all for the best that I came, for two days after I left, all that could walk were sent to their Regiments, and I / should have been in that batch anyhow. The reason of this is that the army is now in camp resting, and Regimental Hospitals are again being established, and furthermore the men could receive no pay only with their Regiments. The Paymaster is not here yet but is expected soon. It is probable that we will remain in camp two or three weeks yet. The army is stretched along the railroad between here and Decatur. You make a mistake when you suppose our Regiment is in the Army of the Cumberland. The 15th 16th and 17th Corps form the Army of the Tennessee under Gen. Howard, the 14th and 20th Corps form the Army of the Cumberland, under Gen. Thomas, and the 23d and 4th form the Army of the Ohio under Gen. Schofield, the whole thing being known as Military Division of the Mississippi.
 
            Your letters were received by me last night. The $1 bill came safe to hand, for which accept thanks. The 6 sheets of / paper and the stamps were also received, but the paper and envelopes you speak of having sent in an Examiner failed to reach me. The ink sent by Jerusha was received; or rather the box was. The ink had all evaporated. Never mind. I have a little ink that I procured at the Christian Commission, and I think I can soon purchase more here, if I need it.
 
            I wrote a letter to Jno. Stewart in which I told him to call and see you. I am afraid he has not received it as I directed it to Marietta instead of Lower Newport as I should have done. Try and see if you cannot in some way convey word to him of it.
 
            I must close. Direct your next to this place.
                                               
Your aff. Son,                                                
George
 
            Hirams letter was received. I will give some little account of Atlanta in my next.
9311
DATABASE CONTENT
(9311)DL1570.112133Letters1864-09-16

Tags: Hospitals, Illnesses, Mail, Money, Newspapers, Payment, Railroads, Supplies

People - Records: 2

  • (3310) [writer] ~ Gear, George Rufus
  • (3359) [recipient] ~ Gear, Jerusha ~ Sage, Jerusha

Places - Records: 1

  • (811) [origination] ~ East Point, Fulton County, Georgia

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SOURCES

George R. Gear to Jerusha Gear, 16 September 1864, DL1570.112, Nau Collection