Head Quarters Co. “A” 129th Regt Ills. Vols.
Inftry. In the Field, Chattahoochie River, Georgia
August 31st 1864
My Dear Wife
I have given all my time for the past few days to writing up company business, and, as I shall be busy for some days to come, I scarcely take time to write to you, for, when not busy, my hand becomes tired and cramped so that my letters are made as brief as possible.
At noon to-day I lay down to rest but fell asleep & did not awaken until nearly mail time. It is 9 o clock, P.M. The evening is very pleasant. I have just laid aside the Muster and Pay rolls to talk awhile to you before retiring.
I was honored with a serenade to-night by the Brigade Band; they had been at Regtl. Hd. Qurs. playing and stopped on their way home. One piece they played was your favorite Quickstep, No. 1 in the 2nd book of the Cornet Band. They did very well, as they have had very few opportunities to practice during the Campaign.
It is very quiet to-night and reminds me of those nights 3 years ago when we sat upon the door step or by the open window looking out into the future, to us then untried and unfathomable, now read and experienced. We have both learned and suffered much since then, but amid all our trials God has blessed us. How much of hope and anticipation have we realized? The future is mercifully sealed up and hid from our vision except such as is revealed by the light of Heaven. We live by Faith and rejoice in hope of the promises of God. I wish I could look in upon you to-night and know how you are situated, whether your heart is filled with joy for unbounded blessings received or whether your heart is sad and lonely. My emotions have been very conflicting for the past week. Sometimes anxiety and doubt, love and fear would predominate, but most of the time hope, bright hope, would drive all else away. God has been so constant in his care and blessings that I feel “all is well.”
The stars shine dimly to-night, and the air is very cool but not too much so for comfort. There is but little comparison between the temperate climate here this season and the oppressive heat of the Prairies of Illinois. I know you would love this climate, especially if it is always as agreeable as this Summer has been. The cool nights will doubtless produce some ague and fever of different kinds, but I think the proportion will be much less than usual.
Yetter has been unwell for a few days, and to-day had a severe chill with a very high fever this afternoon. But to-night he is much better, and thinks that by a timely use of medicine he can ward off another attack. Lt. Smith came off Picket this evening. His health is not as good as it was before he was wounded, & I doubt somewhat the wisdom of his remaining in the service. He certainly could not stand a campaign. With every little effort, he suffers; and, on walking a mile or two, his bowels become very much enlarged. Nate [Hill] is well and hearty as ever.
We got some new potatoes to-day from the commissary & traded on the Picket line for some new beans. I can assure you we relish them very much. Alf [Huetson] was up yesterday evening; he is looking very well and enjoys excellent health.
We have been speculating considerable for a few days past upon the result of the Chicago Convention. Day after to-morrow we will get the first day’s proceedings. It is the general opinion that [Maj. Gen. George B.] McClellan will be nominated unless the convention should be divided, in which case candidates that have expressed more ultra views would likely be selected. I would not be much surprised if such a diversion were attempted to favor Vallandigham. We are deeply interested, and, wherever the soldiers are permitted to vote, the policy of the administration will be sustained. We have all to hope for.
I succeeded in getting a little money this evening from a friend which I will enclose ($10.00). I know you must be very short of funds. Lt. Smith told me that his wife had recd. some money lately and that he had written to her to lend you some until pay day. I hope it will not be much longer deferred.
We have no news from Sherman. There was a rumor that a battle had been fought about 15 miles South East of Atlanta, but it could not be traced to any reliable source. There is no communication with the army. Genl. Smith’s forces must be with them ere this, but it is not known.
The enemy is still visible along the front of our line across the River. A few days will probably reveal Sherman’s policy. May God grant us a speedy victory.
Our mails have been very irregular for a few days past owing to some neglect of the Army Post-masters; the trains are very regular. There is a large body of troops gathering here for the various Corps at the front, which will help to swell the ranks considerable when the way is open.
All the rest are fast asleep, and I must close or I will be unable to resume writing in the morning. My hand and arm get cramped very easily, as I have not been accustomed to write very long at a time lately. Last night they kept me awake until near midnight, which accounts for my long nap to-day. I hope to hear from you by to-morrow’s mail.
I recd. the Chicago Tribune of the 26th this morning, & a letter should come through nearly as soon while my last letter was dated the 21st. I hope very soon to hear that your trial is over and your health good and that the desire of your heart has been granted.
May “our Father in Heaven” bestow upon you the richest of His blessings. You told me in one of your letters that after the first anticipated event “you would count the days and weeks until my visit home.” I earnestly hope that our affairs may soon be so shaped by “Our Father’s hand” that I may succeed in getting home.
I have not heard from Carlisle yet. I think they have forgotten me entirely. Give my love to Mother [Murphy] and Maggie. Tell Mother I look for her letter very soon; you know she is to write for you if you are not able. May Holy Angels guard thee this night and all your hours be replete with happiness.
Your affectionate Husband
J. F. Culver
