Decator Sep 9^th 1864

 

Dearest Ina,

                        Yours of Aug 18^th & 23 came to hand yesterday. they found me well. While we were making a flank move of on Atlanta we had no chance of writing. The way Atlanta was taken, Sherman moved all the troops (except the 20^th Corps which went back to the River) to our extreme right and struck the Atlanta and West Point R.R. 6 miles below East Point and tore up the track, then took a direct cource across towards the Macon road a distance of 6 or 7 miles. the skermishers of the 112^th were the first to strike the R.R. The forces massed on the road tore up nearly evry / tie and rail piled them togeather and set fire to the ties which naturaly spoiled all By making such a move the Rebel army were cut into a portion south of us and a portion in Atlanta. of cource they were obliged to vacate. by the time they vacated we were 20 miles south and at one [?] station I was awoke by the bursting of shell while 80 car loads of ammunition were being destroyed at Atlanta. Sherman drove the Rebels about 30 miles along the R.R. and completely destroyed the road. And now I greatly rejoice that the campaign has closed, and the troops have returned to Atlanta, Decator and I presume East Point. It is about time that we have some rest as this campaign has lasted 4 months & 8 days including our return to this place Decator. We do not know how 

 

ar at this time buisy drawing clothing and kooking utentials. I have just drawn a new coat the one that I wore home is a considerable the worse of ware. I presume you ar realy enjoying yourself at this time with your ever watchful and kind Mother, tempered with an affectionate sister, wich makes family associations near and dear I do hope that sister Celia is well again health is a very great blessing. wish I could swell your nomber to one at least for a few days. I hope you will get your Photo taken while at Galesburg. no doubt it will look more natural now than it would if it had been taken before you weaned Willey. I will not finish this today. And will mention an idea that I have of late thought much about. It is this do you reccol to how the receipts were / written that you gave Father for money what I sent you through him and by express. Could not Administrators of Fathers Estate compell you to pay the whole amount. If it does not take to long to receive letters from M.M. I wish some of you to ask him about it when you write request him to write a proppor receipt for you to give. explain the sircumstances plainly. I wish to avoid any chances of placing you in difficulty. I dont know but it is all right. I have not the least idea that Father has any such of an idea in his mind, not I. I place more confidence in him than that. Also I wish you to keep a span of colts the best you have so that I may have a team next summer. I must draw rations. I am well. May God bless you is my desire.

Sabbath P.M. It is quite warm and well that is so as we felt this morning as though a tight room and two blankets would not come amiss. Good news we ar ever ready to cheer loud, strong, and without time or not, an order was read on dress pirade last evening that Sheridan on the 23^d hit Johnny Reb another stuning blow. we say as once did an old squaw, do so some more Sheridan /

 

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I have wrote hastily as I have but little time and wish to answer Mothers and write one to Uncle S. We expect to draw pay soon. Does Lewis intend to go to Iowa or near Bloomington John Bolton sed Lewis intended to buy Eli Boltons land near Bloomington. I think he has the blues, if so who is to blame It is quite cool today. How is Charles doing this summer Did Fathers bees swarm. I encose 2 ground nuts keep to plant in the gardain in the spring

 

Over dear Ina,

Decator Geo. Sep 24 1864

                                    Your short but welcom letter of Sept 10^th came to hand on the evening of the 21^st just after I had mailed you a letter. The P.M. takes our letters and on his return bring the mail for the Reg^t. by such a cource we cannot conveniently answer letters without having one letter pressing closely in the wake of the proceeding one. I have written you a nomber of letters since the fall of Atlanta. Do not allow your mind to dwell tomuch on the probability or seeming danger that attends me with all other soldiers. there is not as much danger even in battle as one would believe— / in affect, I have faith to believe that God our Parrent will protect and preserve my life to enable me to return to my much desired and once happy home. Very often I fancy myself home seated on a chair with you on one knee Adda on the other and Willey between you both all having a real good time visiting. You may think the preashure would be heavy. I believe I could stand it. There has nothing very special transpired since we came in camp, no rebels in hearing distance guard duty pretty heavy but no one is mamed or killed by it. It has been a little to wet for soldiers that live in cotton houses, the past 2 or 3 days. The company /

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