In Camp 9 miles west of Savannah

                                                                                                Sunday Jan 22^nd 1865

 

Dear Parents

                        We are still in camp and no signs of moving yet. it is rumored that this move is only a feint to draw the Johnnies out of Charleston so that the 17^th & 11^th Corps can take the place but whether it is so or not I can not say for there are so many false rumors that one dont know when to believe them it is also said that we are out here to support Kilpatrick while he is after Wheeler I guess the latter is the most likely story. you northeners must not think that we soldiers know more about the progress of the war than you do for we do not we would like to get / to get all the news you can send us for all that we hear is only grapevine reports and they can not be relied on.

 

I received your letters last night both Pa’s and Ma’s. Pa has a lot of questions for me to answer and I will now put myself to the task or rather pleasure.

 

in the first place about the changing my name I have often been sorry for that and often wished it changed but now it can not be helped I will have to suffer for it for it cannot be changed now for to change it would bring trouble as I have signed so many documents first I signed 3 at Toledo where I was examined and 3 more to be enrolled and another at Columbus 3 more at Chattga where I drew my gun and again when I was / mustered into the regt and twice on the clothing roll here and 3 times at Toledo and several at other times that I can not remember at present now all those would have to be changed and to do so would cause a great deal of trouble to the authorities which they would not do without being paid pretty dearly for it and that we are not able to do. I wish that I had volunteered instead of coming as a Substitute for the substitutes are reckoned with the drafted men and no honor will be confered on them unless they are noted for bravery or do some very valuable act for the gov’mt and I am not very brave nor either am I likely do any valuable service although I will do my best for my country /

 

Well now about who I went for as a substitute, I went to Toledo and after trying in vain to hire I met an acquaintance that I had formed on the cars he asked me why I did’nt enlist I told him that I had a notion to he said that he would if he was in my place. I was reckless and did’nt care what I did so I agreed to go with him to the office and see about it. when I got there there was a man trying to find a sub he asked me what I would take. I asked what he would give he said 400 dollars I told him that I was going any how and did’nt care whether I got any money or not, that I wd go for him so he paid me the money I put it in charge of the provost marshal only taking $75 with me I stayed 1 week in the barracks at Toledo and one week at Col. the food was so poor that I bought most of my victuals and while there and also on the road to Chattga and when I got there the 75 dol was gon While at Col I bought me a silver watch and chain price $8 dol it was a patent lever that got stolen from me at Chattga and when I got there I received the rest of my money amounting to 325 dol’s I bought 2 revolvers for 50 dol and severall

 

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I have not kept the pledge as I ought but I will try and do better hereafter I have been rather wild since I left home but will try to do better pray for me Elam

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