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Head Qurs. Co. “A” 129th Regt. Ills. Vols.
In the Field Near Chattahoochie River
July 16th 1864
My Dear Wife

The mail came in twice yesterday but brought no letter from you. I heard from you, however, up to July 5th through Mrs. McDowell; she writes to Harry that you are well. I am indeed happy to hear it.

My health continues to be good. Col. Case recd. a letter from Lieut. Smith yesterday, in which he says he expects to be able to return to the Company in a few days. Major Hoskins recd. a letter from his wife yesterday of date the 5th in which she says you are well.

We still remain in Camp, while the rest of the army is working its way rapidly toward Atlanta.¹ We have heard no news lately, except that some 2,000 prisoners have been forwarded to the North.² The health of the Regiment is good, and all the boys are full of life. We have not been able yet to determine what disposition will be made of us. Some conjecture that we will be left to guard the rear, while McPherson’s army moves to the front to do the fighting for awhile.³

The pay-master is expected in a few days. Chris [Yetter] went out for blackberries this afternoon; we have had them quite plenty for a few days past. Nate [Hill] is well and enjoying himself. We had a very excellent meeting last night and anticipate a good day to-morrow. Quite a number of our Regt. are seeking the Savior. I will try and write a short letter to the Sabbath School to-morrow if I am not sent on duty. Give my love to all the family and remember me kindly to all our friends. May our Heavenly Father bless you.

Good bye,
Your Affect. Husband
J. F. Culver

1. Howard’s IV Corps had been rushed to Schofield’s support at Phillips’ Ferry; Dodge’s XVI Corps, reinforced by Newton’s IV Corps division, bridged the Chattahoochie at Roswell; and Thomas’ Pioneers on the night of the 12th laid a pontoon bridge at Powers’ Ferry. Sherman’s plans called for Schofield’s Army of the Ohio to advance from its bridgehead at Phillips’ Ferry by way of Cross Keys toward Decatur. McPherson’s Army of the Tennessee, having been moved from the right, would cross the Chattahoochie at Roswell, and, covered by a cavalry division, take position on the extreme left and strike the Georgia Railroad between Decatur and Stone Mountain. Thomas’ Army of the Cumberland was to cross the Chattahoochie at Pace’s and Phillips’ Ferries and approach Atlanta from the north. Cox, Atlanta, pp. 142-147. [↩]
2. During July, Sherman’s “army group” captured 3,200 Confederates and paroled 732 deserters. Of this number, the Army of the Cumberland had captured 2,722 Rebels and counted 576 deserters. O.R., Ser. I, Vol. XXXVIII, pt. I, p. 159. [↩]
3. General McPherson’s Army of the Tennessee in the second week of July was withdrawn from its position on the right of Hooker’s corps and marched northeast to Roswell, where Dodge’s XVI Corps had established a bridgehead. By the morning of the 17th, the last of McPherson’s soldiers had crossed the 700-foot pontoon bridge and were south of the Chattahoochie. In the advance on Atlanta, McPherson’s army would be on the left, Schofield’s in the center, and Thomas’ on the right. O.R., Ser. I, Vol. XXXVIII, pt. III, p. 38. [↩]