Box 4

Scope and Contents

"Still in all this beautiful land is desolation -the desolation of war." "Our boys seem determined - and most of them are anxious to fight."Number of pages: 3

Scope and Contents

Studying medicine in Phil.-Tours the city during Thanksgiving (Letter is incomplete).Number of pages: 4

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Describes crossing the mountains on a hard seven mile march with ambulances and twelve hundred teams in the ambulance train.Number of pages: 3

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Terrible battle on Sunday-"we had 90 ambulances and about 40 wagons loaded-estimated at 700 wounded some of them very badly." "Sixty miles over the mountains"..."six days going and coming"-"thousands of wounded here in tents"..."our boys have proved themselves brave and noble soldiers".Number of pages: 4

Scope and Contents

"Deserters still come in large numbers than ever. They say there is no use in fighting us any longer that the country is alive with "Yanks"..."It requires a hard struggle to decide between one's family and his country in danger"..."the hardships that may follow are almost too much to be borne. Yet in after years those who live to see the end will look back with pride" - Discusses his finances.Number of pages: 4

Scope and Contents

Back from almost a month long march - Describes the conditions on their return. "Our poor boys were nearly naked-dirty and barefooted". Discusses a possible leave of absence. Shows concern for his wife's pregnancy (confinement). Reviews his finances. "I will have the proud satisfaction of having done my duty for my country."Number of pages: 4

Scope and Contents

Wife is about to give birth and Githens is anxious to know the result-Talks about a Surgeon's position and the possibility of going home-Mentions a sudden storm and very cold weather-Discusses use of churches and fine residences for hospitals, officer headquarters and for defenses - "This country will bear the devastating marks of war for many a year".Number of pages: 3

Scope and Contents Reminds her of the importance of writing and spelling, as well as music - Wants her to be a good scholar -""Jack" (a black boy) has just come with his book wrong end up to ask me what some little letters spell"..."He seems pretty sharp"..."some of the Black Boys learn to read in a few weeks"... "if they only had teachers some of them would make good scholars"... "you wish for me to come home - how will the poor wounded boys get along -...

Scope and Contents

Wife has given birth to a boy-Mentions children and family-Discusses a leave of absence disapproved-Conditions at camp are much improved-Mentions Battle of Chickamauga and Mission Ridge-Many people are returning, bands are playng as civilization returns.Number of pages: 4

Scope and Contents

Talks of church services, the singing, the sermon-Anxious to get home on leave of absence-Thinks, for the children, "I could commence with new energies" and "make a name for myself that they would be proud of". Closes by saying "I have seen enough of battles and war-and have satisfied myself that I am not a coward-but a man is a fool to want to see more than one battle". (See also 9/18/64).Number of pages: 4