Submitted by Carolyn Cooper, Special Thanks to Wilbur Cone and Bill Cone for Sharing this Letter.

Letter of Jesse Mercer Cone

while Serving in Civil War

Jesse Mercer Cone served in Co. I, 3rd Alabama Cavalry, CSA.  He enlisted
August 1861 and separated April 1865.  He was wounded at the Battle of
Girard in Alabama.  From his post, on November 29, 1864, he wrote this 
letter to his brother, Francis Marion (Frank) Cone, who also served in 
the 3rd from March 15, 1862 until he was discharged on June 29, 1863 due 
to the aftereffects of measles.  However, Frank re-enlisted less than 
2 months later, on August 14, 1864, in the 4th Alabama Cavalry and served 
until the end of the war.  
William Stephen Cone owns the original and we thank Wilbur Cone for
sharing it.  Shown here is the content with its original spelling and
punctuation:  
(Jesse and Frank were two of the sons of Lewis and Martha Ann Stuckey
Cone.)

Grantville Geo
Nov. 29th 1864

Dear Brother

I have got back to my post again.  I arived here yesterday morning at
nine Oclock safe and well and I sincerely hope that this may reach you 
and find you the same.  I left all well at home.  I brought a letter for 
you that was handed to me it was directed to Jacksonville and mother 
had just got a letter from you that stated that you was at Oxford and 
after I started I heard that you had moved over this way som where and I 
brought the letter on but I cant hear anything from you here and I have 
put the letter in an other Envalope and directed it to Oxford.  I had a 
very good time at home con sidering the rain and bad weather we had while 
I was there I had a very nice time with my little pet and a grate many 
other girls.  I went down to se Bill Watson and it mad me very sorry to 
se him getting about on his crutches though he seemed not to be troubled 
very much about it his foot is cut off at the ancle joint but Bill said it
was better his foot than his head.
The yankees have gon down by Macon and are still going on in the
direction of Augusta though we cant hear what they are doing.
times seem to be very dull here very little news any way.  I have got no 
horse yet and I dont expect to get one soon.  I expect to remain at this 
place some time with Capt Ridly but I dont know what I will do yet I hope
I can stay with him this Winter.  but if I have to go to the Regt and cant
get a horse pritty soon and cant get some detail I have a notion of 
aplying for a transfer to McNeils company though I do not know what I will 
do yet. Frank if you do come round this way come and se me for I want to 
se you the worst that I ever did and I do hope that I will se you soon. 
be shure to [write] me as soon as you get this and remember your ever 
devoted Brother
               Jefse

Actual image of Letter

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***Note from Carolyn Cooper
Besides these two, the following family members are known to have served
in the War Between the States (probably others that I've missed):

Eli Bibb Cone, son of William Neal Cone, grandson of Jesse and Sarah
Bailey Cone

Jesse Travis Cone, son of William Neal Cone, grandson of Jesse and Sarah 
Bailey Cone (died of wounds)

James B. Cone, son of James Bailey Cone, grandson of Jesse and Sarah
Bailey Cone (died of illness)

George Washington Cone, son of James Bailey Cone, grandson of Jesse and
Sarah Bailey Cone

James Lewis Cone, son of Lewis Cone, grandson of Jesse and Sarah Bailey
Cone

William J. Weatherford, husband of Nancy Cone (oldest daughter of Lewis
Cone) (died of illness)

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