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Headqrs. Co. “A” 129th Ills. Vol. Infty.
Nashville, Tenn., Octr. 31st 1863

My Dear Wife

I recd. your despatch this evening informing me of Frankie’s death.¹ Let us cheerfully Submit to the will of him who doeth all things well. I telegraphed in reply to bury him in a zinc lined coffin, so that if we should ever wish to remove him, it could easily be done.² If my despatch arrives too late, do not be worried about it.

I send you a pass from Louisville here to the United States Hotel. It is good for 20 days from this date. I thought you might wish to come immediately. If not and you come within the 20 days, it will still be good.

You will be short of money unless Remick has sent more. If so, tell Father or Mother to give you $50 or more if necessary, & I will forward it as soon as we are paid off, which I think, will be very soon. It is past due, & the paymaster has promised to pay in a few days. If he should fail, I will still send it shortly after your arrival if necessary.

I will write to Mother [Murphy] that in the event you wish to come direct here to express what things you need, waiting for you to name the articles.

I must go on duty in the morning again & will be absent a couple of days. I have made arrangements for you should you arrive during my absence at Mrs. Wilkinson’s.³ It is the next to the last house on the right hand side, on the South end, of Summer Street & easily found. Take a hack at the Depot. Telegraph to me from Louisville what train you come on.

Should you wish to go to Pontiac first, you will have time to hear from me again. Though God’s ways are mysterious, yet he has given us so many evidences of his love and mercy that we should not murmur. Give my love to all. I should like to get your letter which I think will come in the morning, but must wait until my return. May God abundantly bless you.

Your Affect. Husband
J. F. Culver

1. Mary Culver’s telegram read, “Frank C. died last night, eleven o’clock. Bury here on Sunday [November 1].” Mary Culver to J.F.C., October 31, 1863, Culver Collection. [↩]
2. The telegram sent by J.F.C. to his wife on October 31 is missing from the Culver Collection. [↩]
3. Mrs. Wilkinson’s house was within a few feet of regimental headquarters. Mrs. Culver was to take her meals with the officers until J.F.C. could make other arrangements. [↩]