Clayton, Ga. May 26th 1862
Dear Mollie
I was in such a hurry last mail that I hardly had time to write at all so much to do and the mail bag waiting on me. I cant tell when I will go to Mt. Zonah. I am not very well and have a very sick man who is on the verge of dieing and wants me to stay with him if I can. I have some very good pile oint and will send you some if you don’t get better soon, let me know. Send me one bottle of castor oil medium size or the largest if you have not the medium size, send by mail bag. Have you any news from Joe & Sam? Can D Cunningham get me that horse of Abe Morris?
Love to all
Ben
Tell the girls I would like to make the cat swap now.
Franklin May 29th 1862
My Dear Husband
I seat myself again to write you. I received your letter by Mr. Bird Monday was glad to hear that you were well but sorry to hear that you were dissatisfied with the election of your officers. I was in hope when you reorganized that you would all be satisfied with the election of your officers or in other words that you would get the men for officers that you wanted. I am surprised at James Crawford, for he seemed not to like the idea of having Coleman for an officer. I ought to see into it though, he wanted to rise a little higher than Capt. I am glad that you did not run against him although I do not think there would have been anything wrong in your running as you had as much right to run as he did, and would have been as capable of filling the office. I hope that you and him will not let this interruption cause you to have any hard feelings toward each other. Do the best you can and try to do what you think is your duty both to your superiors and inferiors in office and out. I have never heard a word of complaint against you as Capt. and hope that I never will. If you think it best to get out of that regiment and our men want to, do so if you can, but do not be too hasty, remember that you are all fighting for the same cause and there ought not to be any turmoil or strife among you. For a house divided against its self cannot stand. I received a letter from Joe Saturday, written from Camp Starvation 20 miles off Richmond. When Joe wrote they had been marching day and night for 12 days with nothing to eat but 4 crackers and one ration of bacon per day. He thought it the toughest time he had ever seen. They were in neither of the fights we thought. They were in half a mile of the one at Barneville, but their Col. Davis was sick and they had no commander. Sam was detailed to go with the ambulance to pick up the wounded and Joe said he was just flying around with his eyes as big as goose eggs and his nose as big and red as no african yam, and did not even get a knapsack or overcoat to remember them by. I wrote to Joe today. I had like to have forgotten to tell you what a report he had heard on you and your company. That you have whipped 400 yankees and union men together, killing 200 and taking the rest prisoners some where in Tennessee. You ought to write to him and Sam.
Theodore Siler left for camps this morning. He has been here ere since he brought his brother home. I have not been to the farm since you left to see how things look. I think I will go as soon as I get able. Mr. Batey came to see me the other day. He says everything looks well. He thinks he will raise corn enough to do us. My garden looks pretty well. Tom never come back. John Ingram came this week and paid the money on that note. I am very well satisfied to do without him. He is too lazy to pay for his vituals and clothes and was always on some fuss. When he went over yonder to do any work he was certain to get into a fuss with some of them. He did not keep us wood cut half of his time and I do not think he even pretended to cut a stick of wood at your Pa’s. How much of that money is going to your Pa? He says he does not know. Our little babe was not well last night, cold I think. She seemed to have a great deal of phlegm in her throat and coughed a right smart. I was afraid to go to sleep for fear she would have croup. I missed you very much when I lighting the candle and attending to her. I called up Matt and we gave her some oil. She seems better today although she still coughs some and is a little hoarse. Sallie has been quite fretful for a day or two, she has a bad cold. Fannie is a splendid nurse for little a child. She can rock the babe to sleep quicker than I can. She is quite fond of nursing. They both kiss the baby for you often and are anxious for you to see it. I am afraid Coleman will not like you so well and will not let you have a furlough soon, what do you think about it do you reckon you can get a furlough soon. I want you to get one as soon as you can and come home for I do want to see you so bad. Mary Jane has gone home, Ann went with her. Pa took them in James Roanes little wagon, they started Monday. I forgot to tell you that I had been visiting. I spent Tuesday with Mrs. Reid. She seems to be getting along very well. John Birds oldest daughter is staying with her, she is company and help both for her. I want you to still continue to write me as often as you can nothing but your presence could do me as much good as your letters and that I hope to have soon. Matt and Alice are at Mr. Sloans today. They wanted me to go but I was afraid to take the babe out. Mr. Sloan has gone to Pendleton. I will close and be ready for the baby. She always gets restless and fretful of an evening. What has become of Dock? I hear nothing of him, I reckon you still have him. How happy I would be to see you come stopping in. Sallie and Fannie say make haste and come home. I will ever remain your true devoted wife
Mary
Knoxville May 31st 1862
My Dear Wife
I recd yours of 22 a day or so ago. I think you are very despondent & look on the dark side of the picture to much. I wrote you Monday night sent you some good news. I have learned today that Stone Wall Jackson has crossed the Potomac River. I guess he will see Maryland. No other war news. Its thought the yanks is advancing on Big Creek Gap, if so we will give them a fight, though I don’t believe those reports. I have been here a week tomorrow. I have succeeded by hard work & chicanery getting some of my boys furloughed & started home, furloughed D. Guy, N.H. Balew, M. Kelly, Wood Owen, Henry Stuman, Wm. Buckner & Noah Sanders & Jes Ledford discharged. I furnished them money to go home on & sent an order to you for five dollars for Isaac Henrys wife. I could only draw 26 days pay. They said they would soon be able to pay all. I got 104 and had fifty or sixty & it broke me to fix my boys off. I bought a fine shot gun & sent by Gibs Mc for you & Matt to shoot those who dare to scare you at night by beating on your door. I wish I had been there. I would have broke them from sucking eggs but don’t be afraid. Have De to bring my other gun home & you & Matt can have four shots. I want you to be sure & have it brought home & keep them loaded & don’t be afraid to shoot. I have bought me a large navy repeater & will send you my smaller if you want it, let me know. The widow Harper lives here. Mrs. Boonerth the lady I am boarding with knows her. She lives up near the general hospital. I am not acquainted with her or I would call on her. If I knew that I could not get to go home I would like for you to come & see me but I think I will get to go before long. I shall try when my men are paid off. I & my comp have petitioned Coleman for a transfer to Thomas Indian Battalion, he has refused. I have consulted a lawyer & am going to try & have his bogus election broke. He is of low principle any thing for office. He cannot live through one battle I don’t believe though I doubt whether he would be there or not. Crawford is sick of his office a ready. I think next time he will take the advice of his friends. He has just left for camps. He come to Raleigh but the Gen. said no, so he went back this evening. I promised to go with him but met up with Thomas & Col. Zeb Love & failed to get off, will go in the morning. My sick is all improving here. Bud Gladwell was sick in camp when I left but not bad off,but I hear that he is very low & probably is dead though I hope not. Thos. Rhodes is able since I left to walk about his tent. I thought he was gone. I called the preachers in & they sang & prayed for him. I think although he was deranged it had a deep impression he prayed fervently had he died I should have believed he died a christian. I have received a letter form John Ammons in relation to his brothers affairs. He had thirteen dollars & 40 cents I wrote you to pay it to his father. I suppose either John or his Father will do, take a receipt for the same. I have turned his clothing over to his nephew Joshua Franks. I suppose he has written to his grandfather all about it. I will write John soon.
I you want to move to the farm tell pa to have my lumber hauled from Peeks & when I come I will hire men & have our house built. I don’t intend to sleep without you another winter though I think the war will close this summer. The yellow fever will whip them on the coast & I think we can whip them on land & that Pa ought to have that pasture fence built. I think Joule very particular about his meadow all right. The time will come when men will be treated, as they ought. There is a good many of those over 35 that I hope will yet have to go, was it not for the women & children I would like for the Yanks to visit Macon one time. It would learn men that they should take care of soldiers famlys while they are defending their homes & their at home speculating off soldiers familys. It frets me any time I think of it, that I almost wish Lincoln had them subjects in some of his parts. Its very hot here I drink a great deal of water & seat profusely. I wish I had some of those thin pants that you want woven and a light coat & summer vest, but I will try & come home for there is none in coming to bring us any clothing. I have ordered a lot of clothing from Raleigh for my boys & Capt. Strange has gone for clothing for the Battalion & has not returned yet. I guess we will get along some way. Ill stop, as I cannot think of any thing else to write you now. I have written you so often that every letter is so near the same thing that you are getting tired of reading them. I dream of you while sleeping, I think of you when awake. You are my dear companion, you I never no never will forget. Your devoted husband good night.
AW Bell
This is all the paper I have up here, so I must cut my letter short. I wish I was with you, it would save paper & ink, there is none here for sell, though I have plenty in camp. I happened to bring 2 sheets alone to write you, so I did write you one & thought I would not write until I got back to camp but got yours & I could not wait any longer but thought I would send you another & try and keep you cheered up until I come then I will. I hope it wont be long for (?) is now anxious for you to care & you only can I love. I recd a letter from Beng I would like for him to come and see us. I would see Coleman in ___ before I would ask him for favors for myself or friends so I wont ask for furloughs. Beng can come for half price by calling for a soldiers ticket or he can come with Gibs down the river on horse back. John Moore is still up at Big Creek. I heard from him yesterday, he is well. My paper is short I will write in a few days. Write me offtimes, my love to Matt & Pa & relations, howdy to Lyze, Lyza, Barbrey & kiss my babys all & tell that little one that she shall see her Dad before long. Think of me often & dream of me as a true devoted husband,covitious but one woman, my wife.
A.W. Bell
Franklin June 5th 1862
My Dear Husband
I write you a few lines although I am scarcely able to sit up and if I could lie in bed I would not be up, but I am in so much pain that I can neither sit nor lie long at a time. It is cold. I think you know how I used to suffer when my breast would cakeup and I would think that it was going to rise. My breast is very sore now, pains me a great deal and would burst open. I am in hopes my breast will not rise although it appears very much like it. I shall do all I can to try and put it back. I do not know any cause only day before yesterday I went out after the rain and showed and helped Liza to set out beet plants. I have the headache a great deal anyhow. I have the piles and am very costive all the time. I can hardly get anything to operate. I am going to get Pa to write to Raleigh for some of his pile medicine. He thinks it such great medicine. The babe has not got well. I believe her cold is worse today than it has been. I have done everything I know and I cannot get the phlegm out of her throat and breast. It seems quite loose but I cannot make her throw it up. I am afraid she will take croup. Mary Cansler is here nursing today, just like she was hired. Matt has gone after cherrys to Mr. Foutes. The babe is very cross, it keeps Mary busy. Liza is hardly able to go. She has been sick about a week first a headache and now her mouth and throat is very sore. I reckon it is cold, there has been so much wet damp weather lately but do not be uneasy. I think we will all get well in a few days. Sallie has taken up with her Grand Pa. She got mad last night and went over there after dark by herself and staid all night with him. He said she coughed all night and I notice she has been coughing today. I am so sorry that there has been such a splitup among you and that you cannot come home now. I was so in hopes you could have been at home by this time. I think if you were to come stepping in this evening we would all get well. I know it would help me a great deal if it did not cure me. Do try and come as soon as you can and stay at home as long as you can. I shall look and listen every letter to hear that you are coming. I will be obliged to close for I have written more than I had any thought when I commenced. You must excuse this short letter when I get able I will write you a longer one. I do dread this night I do not expect to sleep much. If I had you to sleep with I would be contented if I did not sleep, just to known that you was with me. Good bye ever your devoted wife. Mary
Camp Kirby Smith June 6th 1862
My Dear Wife
Yours of 29 come to hand today found us all as well as usual. I have the sad news to write you of the death of two more of my noble men. Calvin L. Gladwell died last Friday 30th May, Typhoid & Wm. T. Carpenter June 4th at Knoxville in hospital has been sick about 3 months. I thought him better when I left there last Sunday. Gladwell died in camp while I was in Knoxville. There is but two of my boys in camp but what is able to go about & attend to wait on their selves that is Thos. Rhodes & E. L. McConnel. They are very weak not able to set up much but improving very slowly & will get well if no back set. I have them over in Clinton in a comfortable room & two of the boys to attend on them. There is several of Crawfords boys sick, none dangerous yet though. One of the Nicholes boys is pretty bad off, measles & mumps & diarrhea I believe is the general complaint. The war news is very exciting here. I suppose you have heard ere this that the grand battle is going on near Richmond, commenced last Saturday evening 31st great slaughter on both sides. We have lost several generals, colonels & officers. I was very much excited day before yesterday evening. James Peek come from Clinton & told me that he heard a man reading the casualitys on our side & said Capt. Robinson of NC was killed. I though then it was our Jimy. I dreamed that night that it was a Capt. Robinson from Ala. I find he was from Ala. or Va. I have forgotten which but I have no doubt but what poor boys have been in it before now. Our latest news is that our forces are still driving them back, have taken a good many prisoners, 3 batterys & a great many small arms a large amount of provisions & five hundred barrels of whiskey & their camp & all their baggage. Stone Wall Jackson has gained two great victorys. One in the volley of Va. & crossed the Potomac & whaled them again in Maryland & is marching on Washington. I hope he will take it & lay it in ashes, kill old Abe, Seward & company then they would begin to compromise, make peace & let us alone. We are ordered to be ready to march at daylight in the morning. We suppose for Chattanooga. I think it very doubtful about us going so soon if at all though our boys are very anxious to go. Our Gen.Reynolds come down from the gap today & he & his brigade is ordered to Knoxville. He wants us to go & has sent to Gen. Smith asking him to let us go, though I think it very doubtful yet as these canoes, flats & comisarys have to be guarded & I think under the present Col. & Lt. Col. that is all we are fit for. I have not written Joe or Sam since I left home for this reason. I did not know where to write. I have looked for letters from them or some of the boys but none comes. I would write them often if I knew where to direct my letters. I laughed & so did my boys when I read to them what Joe had written about Samys eyes & nose & Samey not getting anything on the battle field to remember the Yankees. I imagined I could see Joe talking to Samey. I have not written Beng. I wish he would go to Richmond. He might be of great service to some of our boys there, were I foot loose I should certainly go & attend to my Macon boys. If they are wounded a friend could be of great service to them. I hope Beng will go. I am glad Old Dillard has paid you the money, there was thirty dollars Pa’s money the balance is ours. I wish it was invested in land. I wish Old Jess would sell me that land that joins ours. I think he ought to let me have it anyhow as it is along narrow slip & joins ours & suits us so well, as for a furlough I don’t ask our Col. He is not the man, Gen. Smith is the bird, but he wont furlough any officer or soldier now. Its very hard to get a sick soldier furloughed a sick officer that the Dr will give a certificate can get one. When this squall is over I think they will not be so tight. I think I will come before long. Dock is here & a first rate boy. We have 3 darkeys in our company Reid went up to Greasy Cove & got Marion Lou for them, Mary Janes half brother, I reckon. We are faring pretty well now. I am getting the most of my boys back to camp from the hospital, eight come this evening there is six or eight yet. I think they will be able for duty soon. I shall be so glad when the boys all get well &return to camp & one time more look like Co B.
I will close as I have given you all the news will, write again in a few days. Please write me often, give my love to Pa & Matt & relations. Kiss my sweet girls & tell them to kiss the babe for their Pa, was I there tonight their Ma would be kissed. Howdy Liza, Lize & Barbara. Ever look on me as a true devoted loving husband, direct to Knoxville until further notice.
A.W. Bell
The following was loose and not in order with the collection
Capt. Bell’s Com
In ap with L.F. Siler & Co
1862
Nov 13 --------- J. H. Stewman, 1 Hat 1.75," 1 knife .60 = 2.35
Nov 13---------- Thomas Low, 1 pr shoes 2.50, 1 yd gingham .25, 1 plug tobacco .20= 2.95
Nov 13---------- C. L. Glidewell, 5 plugs tobacco .20= 1.00
Nov 13-----------J. N. Vanhook, 5 plugs tobacco .20= 1.00, 1 pocket book .70, 1 envelopes .25= 1.95
Nov 13----------- Richard Glidewell, 1 snuff .10, envelopes .10= .20
Nov 13----------- Mathew Mashburn, envelopes & tobacco .50
Nov 13----------- Noah Sanders, pocket book .60, 1 plug tobacco .25, ½ sett teas .25, 1 pa. Pins .10, 1 thmble .10, 1 knife .90= 2.20
Nov 13----------- W. C. Corbin, 5 yds bleached .15= .75, 1 knife .60= 1.35
Nov 13----------- W. A. Fulcher, knife .40, hat 3.00= 3.40
Nov 13----------- A. G. Young, 1 hat = 2.25
Nov 13----------- Dan’l Guy, pocket book .60, tobacco .20 = .80
Nov 13-----------Wash Sotherds, Pocket book = .60
Nov 13----------- John Vanhook, 1 plug tobacco = .40
Nov 13------------James Fulcher, Tobacco = 1.00
Nov 13-----------Andrew Low, 2 pocket books 1.00 =2.00, envelopes .75, tobacco .25 = 3.00
Dear Captain,
Above I hand you the accounts against your men, which you will please add to the accounts in that little book. These have never been sent on before.
We are all quite out here, though look for squally times if the yankees overrun the remainder of Zollicoffer’s forces. I think the Gov. ought to send your battalion down there. Leave the militia to defend home, is my doctrine. Friends are all well. Remember me kindly to all your men and inform them of my continued interest in their welfare.
Goodly
L. F. Siler
(The following not dated and out of order)
2 o’clock I have just recd your kind & loving letter also the poetry. I think it very nice. I think of you offtimes & act upon the principal. It speaks of, love pure & true as to the soldiers dream some fellow dreamed it with his eyes open, as to sleeping dreams they pass off like a___ & only gives relief to the part it escapes from. There is no more sign in a sleeping dream, than awaken thought. I dreamed the other night that I went home & you had gone to your Pa’s & I could not get you to come home & you said that you never intended to come back nor live with me again. The cause of this was our march through the mud from Clinton to the head of the RR & I stopped at a house & eat a very hearty diner about 3 o’clock. I know that dream will never come to pass nor no other. When I wrote you before I thought that probably our Regt would be disbanded but Col. Coleman told me that Gen. Smith says that now go to the springs, but we could stay where we was or come closer to Knoxville. I guess we will stay where we are for a while as we get plenty of milk & good water.
I am now looking to hear of a fine son at home. I hope so but come to disappointments. I am glad Baty has sowed my clover seed & Tom is sowing oats & you are getting along so well. I hope to see you before long so will not come before we reorganize if you get along well. If not I shall come if I have to resign my office. I find I am in for the war or 3 years form last July & I believe if the boys wishes to give me an office that will let me ride I will accept, what say you to that. How would you like a Col. or Maj. for your husband? I want you to do the best you can & content yourself & think of the happy days we may see when I get my house built & you & my little cubs nicely in it, we will be happy. I must close as it 4oclock & I have not slept one wink & will start to the camp 9 miles to go before breakfast on horse back. I think George is a little better. My love to Matt, Pa & relations. Kiss my babys for me & think of your true loving husband offtimes & kiss me in your imaginations often. I will ever be true to a dear loving wife. Write me offtimes to Knoxville.
A.W. Bell
(The following was noted that it could not be dated)
I would like you get Mrs. Allen to make me 2 janes patons of janes for pants, mixed about one third black & 2 thirds white, nothing new this morning my pants is getting away about the seat of government
A.W.B.
Elm Grove
June the 7th 1862
Dear Sister,
I received your very acceptable letter several days ago but have not had time to write you. I have been staying with Jennie a week. She has a little girl more than a week old. I went to spend the day with her last Wednesday was a week, concluded to stay all night. Eliza, Lillie & Mr. John Mitchell stayed too. The babe was born very early next morning. Dr. King nor Mrs. B. either got there in some time after. Jennie is getting along tolerably well. The Babe weighed ten pounds, has been sick some.
I guess you have heard of the death of Coryden Perry, he had Typhoid Fever. We went to see him buried yesterday. I saw Addie, Helen & Bettie P. Uncle Billy was very sick in Tarboro, is not well now. Cousin Patience has a daughter named Alice I believe. Pattie Whitley is at her fathers has a daughter three weeks old named Leola Girth. Jennie speaks of naming her little girl Jessie but meets with discouragement. Cousin Betsy Perry is sick in bed. I did not see her, she did not see company at all, they did not set up with her, do not seem to think she has the fever.
Has Ed sold his horse? Brother is wishing & trying to buy one, but can not get one. Perhaps he would buy his if he will sell him. He would have given Uncle Wesley, two hundred dollars for one he had but he would not sell him. He left his horse at Yorktown in the care of Baldy Massenburg, he was afraid he could not get him & the bay here safely so he sold him for two hundred dollars, the same brother gave for him a year ago nearly. I do not think he will get another for the same. He has been asking me about Ed’s horse. He speaks of going to Raleigh soon. He has improved a good deal lately but is not well yet. Andrew is at Kitrella. He is sick very often, is trying the water to see if it will break his chills. Tell Paul, Eliza has covered her bonnet with pink silk and flowers & some narrow black lace, is at work on the bean and strings made of silk with black lace around it. Bettie Massenburg has paid that long talked of visit. She is a very sweet girl, she & I were naturally taken with each other I believe. She is prettier than I thought she was. To day is Lillie’s birthday, she thinks it hard she cannot get any presents, says she knows cousin Paul would give her one. Bettie Massenburg & Johnny carried on at a great rate, called each other sweet heart and finally courted her for his uncle. I would not consent to give her Andrew. She says I ought to be proud of my children. Ma, will go down after Jes this month if nothing presents. Do excuse bad writing and haste. I am going to write to Jes now to tell her when Ma will go. I fear she will get sick, she is at Jennies now in (?) E. W. Jefferys