Post Summersville
36th Ohio Reg
Company I
Feb 19th 1862
Dear Wife,
It is with pleasure I embrace the present time to let you know how i am. I am well with the exception of a cold. The boys is generly well and well satisfied soldiers I believe. The weather is very changble, not two days a like. The night I got on the boat I layded on ????? and a chair for my pilow. I got her on the foloing Tuesday. I found the boys well and in good winter qarters and good clothing and plenty to eat.
If any of the children gets sick, write and let me know how they ar and tell me how you ar geting a long. We ar looking for artilery her. It is on its way. I don't no how many pieces, and ???????? a report of a 100 hundred mules coming her for pack mules. Yes, we heard that Carney Chambers was going to get maried. If so, tell me. Tell Sarah that she wanted to see some of my letters. Show this to her. I dont no how long we will stay her. I dont think we will leave till the last of March
(possibly rest of letter is missing)
March the 9 1862
Camp Summersville
Dear Wife,
It is with the greatest of pleasure that I now seat my self to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well at present and I hope that these lines may find you enjoying the same blesing. When it comes to hand there is nothing here a going on. If any notice???? news worth telling so I will tel you a little circumstance that happened. Me I soled my ov coat to one of the ????? the ?????? he lettled up with ??????? quarter master and ??????? the ?????? but ?????? him and ???? ????? him at the ?????? and made him give up the coat again. So that is the worst thing that has happened me yet. As far as my ??????, I like soldering very well. I aint been sick yet, only had a bad cold.
There was things wrote in that other letter that is not so. I want you to look over what was sed in th letter for it was not you ????? ????? wrote it. You must believe any thing else but what i am well satisfied and I am as well ?????ied heare and i have ?????? a ?????? in the ??????? a bout two weeks. ?????? a learning as fast as any of the recruits and I dont think we will leave here. I want you to rite me a letter as soon as you get this.
We are likely to go to Gallipolise. If we do I will come home and see you and the children. I would like to see you all mity well. I hope you will look over this bad writing and poor paper and pen. Likewise, write soon and give me the news from Chambersburgh and what the folk is doing for a living.
I will tel you about an old rebel that we caught ?????? got on his track ??????? last we found ?????? the ???? laying ??????? arms. And this is a bout the way all of them will be.
Tell Hellin and Lib that they must not for get me. I h???? sent my blanket home. Write in your letter w????? you get the clock from town or not. I am looking for the old man up here this month. I will send you some money as soon as I get it.
Something more at present but remains your affectionate husband,
Isaac Overall
Camp Summersville
Reg 36 Ohio Volunteers
Company I
March 17th 1862
Dear Wife,
It is with pleasure I take my pen in hand to answer yore welcome letter and to in form you of my health wich is good at present and to hope thes few lines may find you all the same blessing. I am glad to hear that the nabers is good to you. Tell them I thank them very kindly for their kindness to you and children I got 50 cents worth of stamps by unkle Ab. They got her yesterday. We have to pay 5 cents for stamps. We was glad to them. I sent a blanket to you. You will get it. Tell Mr Chambers my name is on it.
We have marching orders. We dont no when we will leave but I think it will be some 10 or 15 days yet. We still drill every day and with our knap sacks at that. When we leave her we will have fighting to do and I haint a fraid to fight the rebels. I got my likeness taken and will send it in this letter. It will do. I will bring my letter to a close. No more but remain yores truly
Isaac Overall to Jane Overall and children
Write soon as ?????
1862
Summersville
May the 10
Dear and affectionnat,
I now seat my self to in form you that I an well and hope thes few lines may find you in good helth and children all well. I am good hart that this ware will soon come to a close and I will get to come home and our country will be restored to pease wonce more.
I have just come in. I have binn out on a scout. We have binn out five days. We were after some horse theifs and Booshwhackers. Thare was a bout too hundrend of them. Our boys are out after them yet and tha think thay will get them. We hung to of them the 9 of this month at Sutton a bout thirty miles from Summersvill. Tha had killed a union boy a bout fifteen years oald and the mail curry that carred the mail cross Poul mountain. Tha cut the boy open and stuck his head in sid. I think hanging was to good fore them.
I received your welcom letter and was glad to here that you and children was well and doing well. I hope that you and children will still will remain and take care of your money that I send home to you. I want you to right as soon as this letter comes to hand and let me now what you are all doing. Tell Sarry that I am well and hope these few lines will find Sarry in good helth and in good hart. This is all at present time.
Isack Overall
Miss J. Overall
When tese few lines you read think that tha are from a husband that is fare from you and my dear children. Your affectionnat husband
I H Overall
June the 2 1862
Camp Meadow Bluff
Dear and affectionate wife,
I now seat my self to drope you a few lines to let you now that I am well at this present time and hope these few lines may find you and the children all well and doing well.
We are a bout fifteen miles from Louis Burgh and a bout forteen miles from Soulimanthen(?). There is a bout fore regments here; The thirty six and the forty 47 and the forty fourth a leven peaces of artillar her with this Briggade. I was not in that Battle at LouisBurgh. I had soar feet and the captain wod not let me go. I dont now now when I will be paid of and as soon as I am paid of, I will send it to you. I want you to pay the taxes on my hous and lot if you ??? ??? ???.
I have not got any letter from you since I Left Summersvill. I wod be glad to her from you and the children how you wer a getting a long. Hew Nibert has not got her yet and William Marcil. I now(?) will fetch my cribling to a close fore have not much to right this time. I want you to right as soon as this letter comes to hand and let me now how you all get along and all of the rest of them
Mr I Overall
When these few lines you read, think that they are from a husband that is fare from you.
James Overall was in that Battle at LouisBurgh. He was as brave as a man cod be in a battle. He was shot through the cape on the lope of his head and tore the cape all to pecies. He was a lodeing when the ball struck his cape and nock it a bout teen feet. He pick it upe and went a head. Lucki there was not any thing the matter with him. I thinke if all of the men do thare part as well as J H Overall all ??. Present and we are a loocken fore six thouissand in here ever day. Tell S??key that J H Overall is well at this present time he is a cooking fore the officers.
June the 18th, 62
Meadow Bluff, Va
Dear Wife,
It is with much pleasure I by to inform you that I am well at present and hope these few lines will find you all well. I received your kind letter yesterday. I was glad to hear that you was all well. I have wrote five letters and only received one answer. I would like to no what you are all a doing that you dont write, but it may be that you have not got them or else you have wrote and I have never got them, and when you write by and write it a little planer for I can hardly read them ~~~~~~(he scribbled)
We had a little accident hapened last night. One of our men shot one of his fingers on the right hand. The first finger. He was on guard in the camp the accidently went off.
I am very sorry to hear that things has turned up the way they have as for my parl(?). I have nothing to say a bout it all. I want you to send me some postage stamps for I cant get any out here with paying two prices for them. You can tell Hellon that I say for her to do the best that she thinks best. I would like to see you all. Tell Sarah that James is well. I am a comeing home the first chance I get but I dont no when that will be.
As soon as I am paid off, I will send my money home and when you get it I want you to pay the doctor 75 cents for me. I like my captain and all the officers first rate. When you write I want to no iff you have paid the tackes yet and I want to no iff you have herd from Andrew lately or not for I have never got no letters from him since we left Summersville.
I am glad to hear that the children is all a going to school and learning so fast.
Well I dont believe I have any thing more at present time to write so I will close by saying,
I remain affectionate,
Husband Isaac Overall
June the 26th 1862
Meadow Bluffs
Greenbrier County Va
Dear Jane,
I once more seat my self to write you a few lines to in form you that i am well at present and hop these few lines may find you enjoying the same blessing of health.
I will now give you a little history of the past week. Wee left base last Sunday moring to go to Salt Sapphus(?) Springs to attack old heath(?), but when wee had reached our destination, behold and what did we find - a desolate camp. The bird had flown and we had our tramp(?) without a fight. Wee came on his pickets some fifteen miles this side of his camp. We taken all of his pickets but one that was a calvary man. He made good his esscape and give the alarm as we would have captured all of them. It was reported here that heath(?) had about ??? thousand men ???? his command but he took good ease to skeedadle beefore wee got in reach of him. He left all of his tents and wagons hid in the woods. Wee taken several of his hoses and wagons and five or six busele of ?i?? and four or five buselel of ?alkers. Wee then taken about two hundred head of as prety cattle as ever I seen in my life. Besides six or seven p?i??owrs, this is all I believe that we lost except a sad ??? to one of our calvary men. He was shot by our own men. They being out a scouting, seen him and thought that hee was a rebell calvary man. When they instantly fired on him. ???? balls luking efect on him. He lived till Sunday evening. When he did there was one or two slightly wounded of the 44th Reg. They was shot at by some Bush Whackers.
I must now bring my leter to a close for the want of Shale(?). I would like if you would send me some postage stamps in your next letr for I have no more in hand. So, I will now bring my leter to a close by saying,
Write as soon as you get this.
I still remain your faithful husband until Death.
Issac Overhall
To Mrs Jane Overall
Write Soon ????
36th Reg Company I Care of Capt R L Nye
(This letter came in an envelope with a 3 cent stamp and a postmark date of
Jul 25 Kanawha Va it was addressed to)
Mrs Jane Overall
Eureka PO
Gallia Co Ohio
Camp Meadow Bluffs
36 Ohio Regt
July the 6 1862
Dear Wife,
It is with pleasure I take my pen in hand to write you a few lines. I am well at present hoping these few lines may find you all enjoying the same blessing. I would like to hear from hom. I havent got but one letter from hom since I left Summersville. I would like to hear from home. I want you to write when you get this and tell me how you are geting a long. You must try and get a long the best you can. Tel me how your garden is and how my G???it trees is growing and how the ???? is. ??? ?? ?? long round Thur. I signed the clothing bill yester for my half yours clothing to do me for the next 11 months to come. We are looking for the pay master to come. He is to be her the 8 of this month. Then I will send you some money the first chance. We dont no how long we will re main her ??. We dont get to know any thing ???? we will but it is the opinion that we will stay here for some time yet. Tell Sarah that Jim is well and doing well also tell Helen to do the best she can.
I want you to send me some postage stamps in a letter and a fine tooth com. Also I want is the reasons you dont write to me oftener. Tell Can(?) to look out that she will get two Therasprings(?) if she dont mind. I heard it the other day. Tell Noah(?) and Lib for all the letter they write to me. I dont want you to think I am dissatisfied for I like it as well as a person could under the circumstance altho I wouldnt like to see the children and you wory.
Well no more at present
?????? yore ??????
Husband
Isaac Overall
Dear Aunt,
I thought I would pen you a few lines. I am well at this time and hope this few lines may find you and the children well. I havent got nothing of importance to write. I have seen several people that is a quainted with unkle since I ???? this family. They ar well from what I hear tell us. Thar ????? and nearby we can yet to see sum of them. I think if I could have been at Lewisburgh I could have seen them. I want you to go and see Evelyn for me. I will close for this time.
?????? yor nepew
H L Nibert
Camp Meadow Bluff
36 Ohio Regt
July 21 1862
Dear Wife,
It is with pleasure I take this oportunity of writing you a few lines. I am well at this time hoping thes few lines may find you all the same. We have fel back near one mile to a beter ? camp wher we can get plenty water. We have as good camp as we could ask. We have been reinforced and looking for more. The ninth (Va) is her. The fourth (Va) is coming this week and part of the first (?) calvary is coming to. We will have in all near 1000 men. We have a good position.
Our men aint doing any thing at this time as they ar waiting for the new recruits. I am glad that they have past that bil for doubling men. Nearby(?), som of them men will have to com out and fight for their country. I got two letters ????? last week. I was glad to hear you all was well. You need not be afraid of me a sending Helen any money for I dont got any money for my self and when I get it I will send it to you. I have nothing of any importance to write to you this time but I think that we will have something to do before long, and in deed, I do not care for I am getting tierd of doing nothing. The times is very good considering the circumstances, and of course their are not very favorable but thare is one thing sure if the card(?) works rite, we are bound to gave(?) the day and by grace of god, we are determed to fight on and god being our helper, we will come out more than conquer.
Give your self no trouble about me. I am sure that I an on the rite side and in car of a merciful god and if he is on our side, who can be against us. I will send you some mony as soon I can.
Something more at present but remains your friend for ever
Isaac Overall to wife
Jane Overall
I forgot to say that I wanted some postage stamps. Tell hap to send me 50 cents worh in
a letter and I will send him the money for I have to pay 5 cts a piece for them heare.
Write soon
July the 30th, 1862
Camp Meadow Bluffs, Greenbrier County, Va.
Dear Wife,
I seat my self to inform you that I am well and I hope when these few lines comes to hand that they may find you enjoying the same blessing. I have not got much to write this time for I not heard nothing of our men for so long that I cant say good bad nor indiferant about any thing more than we are all well and in good spirits.
We have the best luck in our regiment of any in the brigade, however, we had a little bad luck last week in Summerville. The was two companys of the 9th Verginnia thare to held the ???? and the rebles cam in thare and captured the most of they men and the Leuitenant Colonel and a number of their rifles and 10000 round of cartrages, but that was not the fault of the 36th at all, for I am confident if we had a been theare that they could not taken neather amunition nor guns.
We hear no good news for so long that we would hardly know what good news was. I hope that we may hear something before long, eather one way or the other, and I dont care much witch. You folks at home have a better chance than we here for we are shut up in camp, so that we can not heare any thing, only as we hear it from you folks at home as you send it in letters. We have not yet been payed off but we expect to bee before long.
Being as I have not got much to write I will send you enough paper to answer this one that I send. I send my best respects to thee famley that moved in to Chambersburgh lately. I want you to write and lett me know how that was about ploughing the garden, and how mutch he charged for it.
So mothing more at present but remaining your faithful Husband untill death,
Isaac Overall to Jane Overall
Write soon and give me the news in general,
Isaac Overall
(undated)
????? ???? Miamia Co Ohio
Dear Aunt,
I received your most welcome letter some time ago but had not time to answer. This is Monday afternoon, pretty near supper time. If I dont get done fore to morrows mail, I will finish it fore Friday. I am living at Mr Cramers till after harvest is over. Then I am going home to stay. I was not at home when they got my letter out of the office. Ma did not no what to do about opening it. She did not like to open it but she thought it a long time to wait till I would come hom. That night she began to cry and opened it. She took a good cry because it was not your pictures but she was glad to see my dear Uncle and so was I. I want you to get your picture and send to me. I would like to see all of your children. I have got Ma to send to you. I have got to get supper now.
Well Aunt, I got supper over and am going to try to ????????. We are all well when I heard from home. Ma said now sis answer your Dear Aunts letter. Aunt, I dont know what write. We have got bad knews today. The rebbles is in .15. miles of Cincinnati. It looks like it would along time till the war is over. Aunt, write and tell me where Uncle is. I think I would love my uncle. I love the look of my uncle.
Dear Aunt, Ma wants you to come up hear to see us. If you dont stay but ????? half of a day. Write and tell Uncle you are comeing up to see us. Please do come. Dont think you cant come. Please do come. Ma says she dont know what she would do if you was to come. She says fore you to think you can and you can get hear. If we say please come you must come. Dear Aunt, if you know how bad we want to see you, you would get up and say I will go. Aunt I must quit writing fore this time. The next time I get a letter from you I will be at home and then I will do better. Well, I quit writing. Aunt, answer write away and tell me when you will be hear so we can meet you.
Now if any one gets this but Jane Overhaul please send it to Sallie Howell.
Jane
Sallie Howell
Christiansburg Champaing
County Ohio
Camp on the Potomic Md
Oct the 1st / 62
Dear Wife,
Haveing peace, time and oportunity, I would write you a few lines to let you know that I am well. Am enjoying my self as well as might be expected under the present circumstances. Wee are stil at the moth of Antietam Creek but I think wee will move down toward Harpers Fery soon. The most of our sick and wounded have ben moved to different hospitals, so that leaves us free to move at a minutes notice. James is still at Washington. Ive not herd from him since wee passed through. Wee have not ben paid yet but have the promice of our money the first of the week. I think wee will be paid inside of 4 days. Then I will send you some money. I will send it to Blacks Store in care of Will Shaw and he will give it to you. By and get a long for a few days the best you can. I will send 60 Dollars.
Ive passed through all the recent battles come out untutched. Is of no use for me to give you the particulars of our Maryland Campaign as you have saw it in the papers. Ear this, I have nothing of particular interest to write this time only I am muteh Obliged to Father and Lib and Heillen for the Letters they written. Ive ben out nearly a year and never received a single letter from Father or Hellen. Lib wrote once. Tell them Ive not forgotten them, if they have me furthermore. I will send them some paper if they cant get any the vacinity of Chambersburg. Give my kind regards to all my friends. Tell the children I would like to see them. Tell Coon(?) to come out with his ?????.
Wee are tired of running the Maryland invaders. They are moveing their force back toward Richmond and I expect wee will have to follow them up soon.
Give my best respect to Dr Fletcher and family, La??ly and family also. I cant think of anything more to write this time. Please dont neglect writeing so long next time. So good by for awhile.
From your affectionate husband
Is. Overall
Direct to Co.I 36th Ohio
Knawha Division
9th Army Corps
Via Harpers Ferry
Gauley Bridge
Nov the 12th /62
Dear Wife,
I will send by mail this morning ten dollars in addition to 5 which I send a few days ago. I want you to write just as soon as you get this and let me know if you got both sums. I will either come home soon or send my money by some one. I am well. Dont fail to write in recept of this.
Yours truly
I Overall
NB
We left Summersvill a few days a go and come down heare and are camped on the Knawha
River.
Camp Crook
Charleston Western Va
December 30th 1862
Dear Wife,
I take tim and ?? to write you a few lines. I am well at present. I have nothing of importance to write. Will you ??? you ??? received the money I sent you? Will you think hard of me for not not sending more money hom? Will you must recollect that I have only been paid for eight months only that you know what it comes to. Will I had to pay Jim Clark ten Dolars of the first payment and ten to you. I had to keep some. Will you know I had to spend something all the time for tobaco. I sent you 55 dolars this last tim. That will make 75. The rest I have som litle. I dont think it will be long til we get paid for four months. That will 59 dolars. I will have to keep some of that. The rest you will get and now, in turn, I ask you to be serving you self.
I will get a furlow and com hom as quick as I can and see how things is going on. I know you have a hard time of it but we all have that. I wish you would see ??? and get tham boots. It wont be long till we get payed off. Then I can pay him.
No more but
Remain yor Husband,
Isaac Overall
Tennesse
Camp Near Nashville
February 20th / 63
Dear Wife,
It is a gain I take time to write you a few lines. I got yores of the 8th. I was glad to hear from you and that you and the childrin was well. I am well at present hoping this lines may find you all well.
We ar under marching orders. Thar is a big army her. Thar will be a big fight out thar. I think i don't believe we will be in it. Thar is a great many sick soldiers her, several of our Regt. Thar is 7 or 8 out of Company I(?) in the hospital her. They ar geting beter. It rains a bout evry other day her.
I was glad to hear that you had got the money I sent you. You done right with it. Dont pay Harvy any thing till i com hom. I hear it from Andrew Overall he is int(?) Mufersboro. I havent heard from Jim yet. I would li like to see Naty(?) siting on the floor talking. I would like to hear all you all. I hope it wont be long til we get home. I was glad to hear of ??? having such a great meeting. I must close.
Good by,
Isaac Overall
Jane Overall
Carthage Tennys
April 1th 1863
Dear Wife,
It is with pleasure I take my seat to write you a few lines. I am well at this time hoping when thes few lines comes to hand they may find you and the children the same. I havent nothing of importance to write.
Stakes is her with his caverly. They com in last week. I have seen him. Jasper Hanes is with him. He says he would like to see the old man.
The rebels com in sight of camp the other night and camped. They say they wer 500 hundred of them. They were on the other side of the rive. We are fortifying her. That is the 11th Ohio. I dont think they will com in on us. We have to scout about twice a week. Sometimes we capture som rebels.
Hugh got a letter and said you was well and the children. I wish you would send me some postage stamps if you can. I have ben in 3 miles of Wesley Overall hous. I dident no it at the time.
Do you ever hear from Jim and Andrew. I would like to hear from them.
No more but remain yore affection husband,
Isaac Overall
Jane Overall
Carthage Tennessee
May 1, 1863
Dear Wife,
I thought I would rite you a few lines in answer of yours April 21. I was truly glad to hear you all was well. I am well hoping this lines may find you the sam. I was glad to hear you had such a good meeting. Well I wish I coud be at hom to see your flowers you sent. You wished I woud hury and get payed off. Well we was ????? yesterday. They ow us for four months. I think we will get payed off before long. Try and get a long the best you can.
I got a letter from the old man. He sent me som postage stamps. I dont need any just now. Tell Naty to be a good boy till I com home. Tell the children all to be good and mind thar mother.
Well I think them felows had but little to do to desert. They ???? nothing going on her(e). Now, we have got a new cornal. I dont know how we will like him yet. The weather is very warm her. Well about that fence, I cant do any thing with it, he is thar and I her. Do the best you can a bout it.
Give my love to all and dont slight your self and children.
From your ever true husband
Isaac Overall to
his Wife and children
Jane
Carthage, Tenn.
May 13th /63
Dear Wife,
I seat my self this ??????? to pen you a few lines in reguard to my health. I am well at present and believe the health is generally good in the Regt. I sent you ten Dollars a few days ago. I was only payed for two months. Wee had our ??????? accounts to settle. Consequently, I could not send you any more this time. I think that wee will be payed a gain soon.
Thare was exciteing times heare on yesterday. One, J. Smith, a citizen of this County, was hanged on charge of being a spy. He had bin carring news from our camp to the rebles for some 2 months before he was cot. He leaves a wife and 9 children. It fell on our Regt to construct a scafel and execute him. I think it will be a warning for the citizens in and about Carthage. Thare is some more heare that if had their just dues would go the same way.
I want you to write and let me know when you heard from Andrew last. I have not heard a word from him since I was down home last winter. I wish that you would write oftener. I have not had a letter from you for something like a month. I wish you would send me a few post stamps if you can make it convienint. We have to pay double their value heare.
Tell Sarah Overall that I received a letter sometime since that she had written to Jim on or about the 1st of February. It had went to Washington and was sent to the Regt. I opened it and burned it. James owed a little in the Co, but I think the boys will make the sum up and pay it.
I have no more to write this ?????
My love to all ???? soon,
I Overall
Murfreesboro, Tenn.
June 15th 1863
Dear Aunt,
With regret I seat my self to announce the death of Isaac. He died the 10th(?) of this month. He was taken sick near the first of May. He had the sore throat. He got nearly over that and then he rote to you that he was geting beter. He was then he too the pneumonia. He took it before we left Carthage. He didnt sufer vary much while we stayed thar. He was left thar in the hospital. I dont know what hour he died. David Kent rote to Captain Henry stating that he died the 10th (?). I dont no how how he died, whether he died easy or not. I have told you all I no of his Death.
If they ar any thing you want to no, write to me and will find if I dont no. I am well my self at this time.
No mor but
Remain your,
H L Nibert
Camp near Tallahoma Tenn
July 8th 1863
Mr Clark,
Sir. Having received a letter from you requesting me to write you concerning the death of Isaac Overall, I ???????? this the first favorable opportunity of replying. Isaac was taken sick about the 15th of May though not dangerously. Remained with his Company until June 4th when we were obliged to leave him at Carthage. His disease was Diptheria. I know nothing of any papers in his possession. I do not think he had any of any kind. An inventory of his effects accompanied by a Final Statement was sent immediately to Washington City which will enable his friends to obtain all back pay and Bounty I think there will no difficulty whatever in that. He died June 11th at Carthage Tenn. I know of nothing that I can do that would be of any benefit to his afflicted family. If so I would do it willingly.
Those vague rumors of disaffection in the 36th Regt O.V.I. that you have heard continually are as chaff in the mind. When you ?????? them up they amount to nothing. You may know that from experience wile you was connected with the Regt. Capts Nye and Kelly were dismissed from the service April 26th 1863, are now at home. But I think they will be reinstated. That is my opinion only. I suppose you heard there was also great dissatisfaction with our Colonel. I cant say all are dissatisfied with him but the majority would have been better pleased had Davol been appointed instead of Jones. Wm G Jones (our present colonel) was formerly a Capt of the 10th Regt U.S. ??????, he is stricter than ever George Crook was so you may judge of the manner of soldiering which we are compelled to employ with. I would like to tell you of some of his extras but I refrain for the present. I hope I will have a chance to talk with you on the subject before the summer ends. If not it will all be forgotten.
I wish you were here to enjoy the present Campaign with us. We are having a glorious time. We are 10 miles south of Tallahoma, eager to move forward on the enemy. We heard this morning through official circles of the downfall of Vicksburg and the overthrow of Lees Army.
It would be unnecessary for me to enter into detail of the movements of the army of the ?????????? since we left Murfeesboro the Starting Point. Suffice it to say the Army is in excellent spirits - confident of success and anxious to move forward on the enemy (if he could be found). The health of our Regt is good as in the entire Army, but I am wearying your patience longer than necessary and will close I would be glad to hear from you when convenient
Ever Yours,
Wesley Martindill(?)
Addison Champaign C. Ohio
Aug 10th, 1863
My Dear Aunt,
Today finds me as ever. We are all well and hope this may find you all the same. It made me feel sad to hear of my Dear Uncle death. I no I would have loved my Uncle. If it had ben the lords will, his life should have been spared. The lord gave and he taketh. He done all thing well. We all no we would give our friends up better if we knowed they wanted nothing and could have seen then draw the last breath, and to heare what his last words were. We will soon ?????? to part no more.
Aunt, ma and pa wants you to come out heare and see how you will like it. Dont sell out till you come out and see this place. We want you to come out and see. We will meet you at ?????. We want you in your next to tell us when to meet you ????????. You can come and ??????? start. Ma want you to come. Be sure. I write no more fore this time only say ma and pa says fore you to come out and see this place.
I quit.I dont feel like writing any more and say write soon and tell us when to meet you ?????.
Good by
Write soon.
(unsigned but handwriting matches Sallie Howell)
Christiansburg Ohio
Apr ??, 1864
My Dear Aunt,
It has ben some time cince we have heard from you. You letter has ben delayed. I first receivd it the other day. We was glad to hear that you was all well. We are all well at this time excepting bad colds. That is a general thing around hear.
Dear Aunt, we was sorry to hear you say you could not come up to see us. I want you to send me your pictur. If you cant come please dont fail in sending me your pictur. I dont no what I would do if I was to get your pictur. I am about half sick to night. Ma want you to come if you can and if you cant, she wants you to send your pictur. She want to see you once more. Please dont forget, Dear Aunt. You will have to excuse me for not writing any more this time fore I do feel so bad. I cant see. Writ soon and then I will do better then next time. Your letter was delayed. I did not get till last week and did not get to answer.
Please answer soon ????
No more fore this time.
Your Niece
Salli to hear Aunt
Good by
Good night
----------
This letter also has a list of names in pencil which appears to be written by someone else.
Miss Florence V Overall
Mr Jacob A Overall
Mr John W Overall
Mr Jasper V Overall
Mrs Martha J Overall
Miss Ellie Carter
Miss Florence V Overall
Miss Augusta ???tcher
Shenandoah Co
Oct the 8th, 1865
My Dear and Much Loved Sister,
It is with much pleasure that I now seat my self to drop you a few lines to inform you that I and my family is all well and sincerly hope when these few lines reach you, they may find you enjoying the sweetest of health and all of my relations. I am sorry to hear of your sad misfortune Dear sister. I do wish that you could of kept your husband and I feel very much grieved to hear of sister Elizabeths death. I got a letter from Clarrys son but did not get to see him and was very sorry of it.
Jane, there is no living about here any more. I have seen hard times I tell you and I would like so well to come out to you if I could get there. Give my love to Cassy and ?????? and tell them that I would like to come out there next spring if I could. Please write to me and tell me wether you think that I could do better by coming or not. My husband is a splendid farmer but times are too hard about here. We cannot get along at all sister. I must now tell you how many children I have. I have 4 girls and no boys. ????, Liz and Fannie is both ????? but dont know but what Mary Elizabeth will marry soon.
I must tell you the news of my last children. The first is Victory Catharine, the second is Virginia Bell and the third is Pheby Jane, and the baby is named Ann Rebecca Cartine(?) and she is a little darling and the one that I named after you is the prettiest of them all and I would like for you to have her; and Jane, if I never see you I never can forget you as long as I can see Mary Liz for she is your very image and your condition. They never was too peas more alike than you and her. She send her love to you, and Frannie also sends her love to you. Oh sister, if I only could be with you I never would wish for more enjoyment than that.
I must tell you that poor Sarah Jane is dead. She was married to a man named Samual Hannon. He is dead too. She left one little boy, James Franklin. John has got him. John lives in Wheeling. Liz is married and doing well and sends her love to you. She married a man by the name of Martin?? Wetzel. She has three children. Tell brother Lewis Myers that I would like to see him as it has pleased to take Betsy from him. It would be a great satisfaction to see him and converse with him. Tell Clarry H.L spoke of bringing her in and I hope that he will and then I know that I will get out there, for I would never see her go back with out me. The next time I write I will give you more satisfaction.
No more but remain you affectionate sister untill death,
Serenah Estep
Write soon and direct to Columbia Furnace Shen. Co. Va.
How oft I sit and think of thee when I am far away and in my mind thy image see as plain as open day.
Tell Brother George that I have not forgotten. Give him my love.
Good by sister for the present. Write soon.
Near Columbia Furnace
January the 12th 1866
My Dear Aunt,
It is with much pleasure that I seat my self to inform you that my self and family is all well at present with the exception of my husband. He is complaining with a headache this evening. Dear Aunt, I do hop when these few lines comes to hand they find you and your little children enjoying the sweetest of health.
Aunt Jane I must now tell you of my bad luck. I had a young son four weeks ago and is dead. It was the largest child that I ever saw born in my life. I never thought that I would get well again. I was so ill but I am well again. Cousin Bettie McElvy nursed me. She is still with me yet but is going home to morrow she still says she is coming out to see you.
Oh Aunt Jane, it would afford me so much pleasure to see you and your children. I have been almost crazy to see you ever cince I heard from you. I did not know whether you was living any more or not untill I heard from you and I was so happy to hear from you. My little children is always talking of you. Emma wonders how you look, wether you look like Aunt Lirenah or not, and Willie talks of you too. He is a very interesting little fellow and little Franky is runing about the room now pratting as fast as he can. He was on the table awhile where am witing but he got too sassy. I had to put him down. Aunt Jane, I was going to call my baby ?????? Milton if he had lived.
Aunt, do wish you could come to see me or I could come to see you but I wish you would pleas send me your likeness. That would afford me great pleasure indeed. If I could not not talk to it, I could look at it. Oh Aunt, you cant imagine how bad I want to see you. When you write, tell us what land is selling at. My husband has a good little farm heare but he says if he can by out there at a reassonable price, he will sell out here and come out there. We received a letter from Brother John last week he lives in Wheeling and is doing well. He wants us to sell and come out there but if we sell I would like to come out to you.
Give our love to Aunt Clouy(?) and her family, and I would like to see them too if I dont remenber them. We send our love to you all. My husband sends his love to you and says he would like to see you. Aunt Irene and her family send their love to you all. Believe they have postponed coming out untill spring. They think it is too cold to travel with their children, but I tell you they are anxious to come. John wrote to no your name he wants to write to you, and had forgotten your husbands name.
Well, I believe that I have told you all the news that will interest you, so I will close for this time hopeing to hear from you soon, for I can hardly wait untill get answer to this. So, no more at present, but remain your affectionate Niece untill death,
Mary Wetzel
and Martin Wetzel
to Martha J Overall
Direct your letters to Woodstock
Columbia Furnace Shen Co Va
Dont forget to write. Aunt ????? want to ??? how far you live from ????? county. He has a brother lives there.
February 22, 1866
Wheeling West Va.
My Dear Aunt,
It is with pleasure that I seat my self this morning to answer your kind and welcome letter wich came to hand a few days a go. I was glad to here that you and your family was all well. We are all well at this time and hope when these few lines come to hand they may find you all enjoying the best of health.
Aunt I will now give you my childrens names. The first one was a girl. Her name was Mary Catherine. The second was a boy. His name was James Franklin. They are both dead. The third one was a girl. Her name is Sarah Jane. And the fourth one was a boy. His name is William Preston, and I tell you, he is a ???? for six months old. He weighed 11 1/2 pounds and a half when he was born. You want to know who ????? looks like? He looks a little like his mother. He sais he would like to see you and the children. My little Sarah is the very picture of sister Sally. My wife is quite smawl. She only weighs a bout one hundred and sisty poinds and she is as good a purty.
Aunt, I want to know what my unkles and aunts names are. It has been so long cenes I have herd from them that I have forgot some of thare names. And tell them that I want them to wright to me and try to get me a place thare to work. For I would like to be with you all. I do not know wether I will get down shortly or not, but Ill try and come as soon as I can.
Me and my wife sends our love to all. I will close for this tim. Give my love to all of my friends and except a portion for your self and children. No more at present but remain your nephew until death.
John W Middleton
Dear Aunt,
I seat my self this morning for the first time to let you know wee and family are well at this time and hope these few lines may find you and family well and doing well. Dear Aunt, I was truly glad to heare from you all though you are a stranger to mee, but I hope it wont be long before i can see you all. For I long to see you very mutch. I think if nothen happens, wee will move down there this spring if Johny can get work there, and if he cant get work, we will come down to see you this somer anyhow. For I want to see the country for I expect it is very purty parts there from what I can hear.
Dear Aunt, I think I have the purtiest and best man in the world. You stated in your letter that you wanted to know how we got here to Wheeling. John run away from the rebels and come to gree?? land gap, and my father cam with him, and then me and mother came out there, and a few weeks after wee got there the rebels came there and taken them both prisoner, and there we was left, and then we came out here, and they kept John three months, and then he got away from them and come out here, and they had my papy about,thirteen months and he got away from them too.
Dear Aunt, you all dont know nothen about this war, for I do think it has ben the dredfullest thing, for it has cased so many friends to be parted and some to part to never ???? in this world. It cased mee a more trobel I think than any body else, for I had to part with friends and relations and some of them to never see now more in this world. But now we can say this dread full rebellion is over and our glorious union is restored a gain.
Dear Aunt, do try and com to see us, for we would bee very glad to see you come. You have nothen to ???? you from comin, and do try and come soon and tell the rest of our
(remaining part of letter is lost)
April the 8, 1866
My Dear Aunt,
It is with pleasure that I seat my self this morning to inform you that I received your kind letter sum time ago. I was so glad to hear from you all that it made me quite nervis for awhile. We are all well at this time and I do hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you and your little children enjoying the swetest of helth.
My dear Aunt, you must for give me for not writing sooner to you. I was so varry bizzy at my carpit that I did not take time to do any thing and now I have got it to the wever and of a Sunday that was allways sum boddy heare. Aunt Jane, you dont no how bad I want to see you. You must be sure and send me your likeness for I no I will take it to bed with me when I get it for I was so glad when i got your letter that I did not sleep enney that night.
Aunt Srenah and her family is well. Fanny was hear last Sunday and Betty was hear week before last all week helping me to cut carpit rags. Aunt, they all want to see you varry bad, but I dont expect they will ever be able to come out thare. My husband says that land is to hie out thar. We have good little home heare and all kinds of good ??????. We have one cow and a buty full young heffer too years old nine sheep and 8 hogs. Aunt, I never node what it was to suffer for enney thing since I have ben marride.
Aunt, I heard that Uncle Adam had moved up on the river not far from Pine Forge and Aunt Srean talks of going up thare at whisentide and I will tell you all about them in the next letter, and I can not tell you enney thing about Uncle Jimmey. Poor feller, I dont know where he is. I seen him once after the Mexico wore and he walks laem. He was therone by his horse and broke his ancle.
I will now tell you whar my poor sister barrid. She is barrid down at the union forge on Stonny Creek. Her next to the oldes child is barrid thare and that was her request to be barrid by the side of little Willey. Sally deide this March 4 years ago on the 2022. She deide varry happy. She left a baby 8 monts old and he is dead too and her husband was kield in the armey, and brother John has her oldes child, little Jimmy. I heard from John shortly. My husbands brother John Wetzel and his wife was out at Wheeling and was to see John and his family. Thay was all well and John cent my children some nice presents.
O Aunt, I wish that I could see you and your children. Kiss them all fore me and tell them that I love them. I am sorry to hear you was left a widdow but I hope that god will be with you and your little family. Aunt, when you write again, tell me all of your children names. Aunt, my children talk about you every day. Emmey says she wishes that you lived close to hear and then she would come to see you and show you her dolls. Her uncle John cent her a chinney doll and little ?????? is as sassy as ever with his curly head and Willy is big and fat. Give my love to aunt Can(?) and tell her to write to me and all so to Aunt Clarn(?) and family.
I must close my letter. Write soon. Direct you letter to Columbia Furnace. We have a
regular mail hear now.
No more.
Mary and Martin Wetzel to
Martha J Overall
North Hamilton Clark Co
Sunday eve Dec 23 1866
Dear Aunt,
This is the first letter that I have ever wrote in too years. I have never wrote any cince I wrote to you last and that was before I was married. It will be too years the 16 of Feruary next. I will not write much this time. I will only say we are all well but Father is has not ben well for some time but he was better when I was up home last. I live 9 miles from Addison but go home once a week. I was not maried one year yet till my sister was maried and that left Ma without any body to help her. She has a big family for to do for and they keep ????? to about four weeks ago. Sallis Myers came. She is a living with Ma now. Ma says she is as good a girl to work as she would want. She talks about coming down to see you. I thout I would write to you and to Jane ?????. I talk of coming down in about four or five weeks if I can find out how far it is from Cincinnati. I write to you to no how far it is. I want you to write just as soon as you get this and tell me all about it.
My Husband name is Mr George Ray. I gess he has pictur here I will send to you. Any how, he is very anxious to bring me to see you all. I will tell you in the next letter when we will be thaire when I hear from you. Please answer soon. I will wait with pai???? till I hear from you. I will close for this time.
Good night
When you write to me be sure and direct as this:
Mrs Sallie A H Ray
North Hamilton
Clark County Ohio
Sallie and George
to Aunt Jane
Write soon if you want me to come down this winter.
I will not forget to say Christmas Gift Aunt Jane