Camp near Clinton

Hickman Co. Kentucky

J[faded]7^th 186[faded]

 

Dear Wife:—

                        You will see by the heading of this letter that we have changed our place of residence since I wrote you the other day inclosing you some money. We were then at Columbus. We were ordered away from that place yesterday, together with the 24^th Mo. Infantry, the 4^th Mo. Cavalry and two pieces of Artillery. Clinton is a small town having the appearance of once being quite a nice looking place, but it has, like almost every other town in the South received a blow from the desolating hand of war. We have now decidedly the prettiest place for a Camp that it has been our fortune to enjoy. The tents are situated on a beautiful grassy slope in the midst of a splen / did grove of poplar, oak, ash, elm, and chestnut. Indeed there is such a great variety that it would be dificult to enumerate them all. But how long we will remain here to enjoy this beautiful place, it is hard to say. we may receive marching orders before night. This place is eleven miles from Columbus—nearly due east. The mail runs regularly to this town, so that if we stay here, we will get our mail accordingly.

 

            My health at this time is reasonably good; but marching goes pretty hard with me, but I hope to get along tolerably well.

 

            It is impossible for me to write to all that I would like to. Paper, envelopes and everything requisite to writing are very dear, besides our time for writing is slim in the extreme, so that I hope that my friends who do not hear from me through the medium of letters, will take all this into consideration, and overlook my seemingly negligence. What / does that section now think about the war since the recent Union victories at Vicksburg, Gettysburg, Helena, Fort Hudson, &c. I suppose the good Union men and women possess bright and cheerful countenances, and indulge in many smiles and congratulations, while those of their neighbors of the Copperhead persuasion, put on agony, wear long faces, and indulge in oft repeated groans and bitter denunciations.

 

            It is my daily,—yea almost hourly prayer that God may, in his infinite mercy, bring this Rebellion to a speedy but honorable and permanent close, that we may all soon be permitted to return to our loved ones at home, and enjoy, in its fullest sense, the blessing of the family circle, and the joys of pure and undefiled religion. But I do, at at the same time, composedly resign myself wholly to the will of God. Pray often for your soldier husband, that / do all to the honor and glory of God, that he may be a good soldier and a good christian, and at last meet you in Heaven.

 

            Please write soon and give my love to all. Direct your letters to

 

            Your faithful Husband,

                        Ed. Hickman

                                    Co. "I" 101^st Reg. Ill. Vols.

                                    Clinton, Hickman Co., Ky.

            (To follow the Regiment)

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