War Time Letter from Fair M. Willis
1st SC State Troops - 1863 -64
Company G
Laurens District

Sunday Sept. 27, 1863
Charleston, SC
In quarters

I take this opportunity of dropping you a few lines to let you know that I am up. I never expect to be well. My liver is deranged. I have been as bad at home often, as I am now. I have not had chill in three days. I am still taking quinine, three doses per day. My appetite is very poor. So for these are several on the sick list. [ T. L. ] Boyce is getting better. [ 1st Sergeant W. H. ] Stewart will go to the hospital today. Geo. Thomason is sick with a cold for a day or two.

The Yankee's have 15 guns mounted on the breast work on Cummings Point that will range all over the city. They can shell us out anytime they want to. There is no news in camp. Three of company have dysentary. [ Jackson ] J. Kirby and T. Holland. From 10 to 15 got off from other companies, but our Captian didn't want any discharges from his company. I am trying to be continted [sic] but with the health I have I don't enjoy any satisfaction. I wanted to hear from home very badly this morning, but no letter came. I hope I will get one soon. I hope you are all well. I want you to take good care of the crop and stock, and take council from my friends. I may get on detail to mend shoes for the company, I don't know yet. I have applied to the Captain. He is willing, if it is allowed. I have just heard that the Regiment will be sent home to gather the crops and sow wheat. But we can hear anything in the camp but the truth. I think we are in for war - all that are under 45. I would like to go home very much to see you all and hear [ Gidion ] Kemper sing "Over Jordon." God Bless Him. I want you all to sing every night and study your books. I am trying to get testaments for you all. But the book store has been closed up over a week. I will get them the first chance and send them home. I am needing my overcoat but will make out till I can get it. If I get detailed I may get home to get my tools. I have written everything I can think of now.

W. A. Turkyfield is well and wants to see home pretty bad, but is enjoying himself very well. Smith is well, [ Corporal D. William ] Wm Kellet and [ J. L. ] Woodside are complaining with bowel trouble today - eating fresh beef is the cause. [ Sergeant L. C. ] Rice is well - he is doing the cooking for our mess. There are 8 in mess. Woodside, Turkeyfield, Smith, Kellet, Rice, Thomason, Boyce and myself. I will write more this evening before Kirby starts home.

Sunday Eve have first returned from hospital to see Thomason and Stewart. Thomason is not very sick. I think he will be well in a day or two. Send Jennie word about it. Stewart is bad off with liver complaints. Boyce is mending very fast. He will go home in a week or so. Tell Mr. Turkyfield to have his papers sent to Judge O'Neal and he will get off. Tell Mr. Tollison to stay at home til they send for him, as there is not a commisioned officer in our Regiment. I don't think they will send for him. They will write and try to scare him but he is too old for the war.

As Mr. Kirby is ready to leave, will close. I want all of you to write me. Purchase ( Mary Purchas ), Lizzie ( Elizabeth Harriet ), Bud ( James Perry ) and Wylie ( Robert Wylie ). I want Quint ( John Quincy ) and Fate [ Milton Lafayette ] to learn to write so they can write me. I hope you all will live together in Peace and love. so as to have the protection of the Lord over

Your husband and father,
F. M. Willis

Source:
Maggie Inman



Contact her or Tanica, direct descendents og Private Willis or me

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