Northeast Ohio and the Civil War: Primary Source Manuscripts at Cleveland Public Library

by throwing himself in the tall geat weeds, through which he was being taken, thus eluding his enemies. Not a man of ours was hurt, which was truly fortunate.

Concerning the articles for which I sent some time ago, I wish to say, that you need not send me the vest and comfort, but only a pair of [illegible] boots and a pair of gloves. Send me such gloves as you sent me last winter. They were very good to gloves, as were also the boots; similar ones of each would highly gratify my desires. Send them by the first chance, as they cannot come too soon.

I am well, in common with the most of our boys. Off and on, I have a touch of diarrhea, but of late it has not proved very serious, at least, I have not been off duty from its effects. John Wertsbaugher has it at present. I hope he may soon be well, as I perceive it sets pretty hard upon him.

The weather here is fair today, and we are therefore glad. Nothing adds more to our contentment than good weather. We have seen enoug hard times, and if Providence wills we hope to be better cared for in the future. For a long time s we were without tents but now we have some tents, and plenty of clothing. We are to receive three more tents to make up our full amount of new tents. John W. W., J. G. W., J. H., J. Cries, H. Claymen, P. Claymen, H. Clay, B. Smith, and A. Helsel are quartered in a large Sibla tent, we preferring to remain together till we get our full amount of tents when more room will be allowed to each man.

At the interview I had with Austin, at Louisville, we spoke of the payment of our debts, and your welfare in general, he claiming that we should help Henry along as best we could, and alledging that he intended to send money home as soon as paid; but, I see he has not lived up to his intention, from what cause I know not. He surely received pay since we met as they were making out the pay rolls at the time. I am inclined to think that he consumes all his money in eatables, which wantoness is really unnecessary as Uncle Sam gives us food enoug, such as it is. True, I could spend all my money at the army "swindlers" but I do not wish to squander my hard earned wages. I say squander for, indeed, to buy of Sutlers, is throwing money away. We are oblig-

ed to pay three prices for almost every article we buy. For a can of peaches we are asked the small (!) sum of "one dollar and a half", and wat size do you suppose these cans are? They are about the size of a pint measure. For a can of butter containing two pounds, we are asked "one dollar and a quarter and meethinks the smallness of a can but little alters the price, as Jacob Hoverstock bought a can last night which is one third smaller than some I got some time ago for the same price. You see that to spend money with Sutlers, is to trow money away. Rest assured that I care more for the welfare of my relatives at home than for the gratification of my own appetite. If Aust does not, I cannot help it. He knows, as well as I do, the condition of affairs at home, and if he does not aid in paying for the debts, I will do it myself or at least try my best to do it. We expect soon to be paid and then I shall send you fifteen dollars out of twenty-six, which I dare say you will say is liberal enough, as I should have some money at hand for purchasing things really necessary for my welfare. I have made up my mind to give you fifteen dollars out of each two months pay, thus helping you as much as I can while in the army; and when I return home, something shall be done to render myself free from supporting one who could himself lend a hand to defrey the expenses which he himself helped to make

As I wish to say a few more words, my paper bein filled; I must add another piece to the two piece, already written. You will read by piecemeal, which, although bothersome, may give all I desire to communicate.

When do you think this your will end? Will be this, or the next year. O, I hope it will be this is year, for God knows, I am tired of this bloody strife. How I long to return home, where I may pursue a course which can advance me to the position I so ardently desire. I suppose you are aware that farming is not my favorite occupation. I have resolved to pursue a literary career. My desire for knowledge has been excited and nothing short of death shall keep me from M reaching the goal of my aspirations. I shall pursue only that course that will advance me to my position. Then do not be disappointed when I return home and pursue some other vocation than farming. I think you may look for a more vigorous occupation prosecution of the war. Wait until Rosencrans has reorganized, and then look out for something great.

This afternoon there will be preaching at our Colonel's quarters, by whom, I do not know. It is not our Chaplain, for, indeed, we have none, our last having "played out" at Battle Creek. I hope we may soon have one, as it would be a source of gratification to many.

No more at present but remain.

Yours Truly,

R. Allen

Camp Near Nashville, Dec 6, 1862.

Dear Sister: -- Yours of the 23d ult. was received some time ago, and this being a favorable opportunity, I proceed to answer it.

We are now encamped seven miles east of Nashville. Today, the ground is covered with snow, but it is gradually disappearing. It is warm today, though yesterday, it was cold. I hope it will continue warm for mild weather is the most gratifying to us, as we have a good deal of outdoor work to do. We have to stand picket about every other day, and frequently go foraging. We expected to do the latter today, but fortune favored otherwise.

Times are pretty good now, but soon

I expect worse times, as we will then be on the march towards Chattanooga. I hope the advance will soon begin, as lying here will not end the war. I am for action although in action would please many. I am aware that dalays are dangerous, and, indeed, fatal in the present crisis. May the new commanders so consider them, and act accordingly!

We are all well, I might say. Occasionally we are troubled with diarrhae but it soon leaves the most of us, if we eat proper food. We get full rations, and every thing conspires to render us contented. We believe the war will be over by Spring. Oh! how I hope it will, that we may again return home, from which I hope we may never again be called to face our country's foes. We would rest in peace, to do, which, our country

must be at peace at home and abroad. I hope soon to receive see her thus.

At present there being no prospect of being paid, and I stand in need of some few trivial articles, I ask mother to send me some money. I wish about five dollars. Tell her to send me three dollars in postage currency, and two in a bill, or if she can send it all in postage currency, let her do it, for change is very scarce here. I have seen sheets of postage currency, and I think by going to the post office, and giving a five dollar bill, or five dollars, she can receive a sheet to that amount. I do not like to send home for money, as I know that mother needs all she has. But I stand in the utmost need of some things, and having no money with which to buy them, I must appeal to her as the only source from which I can

receive it.

Tell mother to send me the articles for which I wrote, as soon as possible, for I stand in need of boots and gloves, and could at times bear a vest. Tell her it is not necessary to send me a comfort, as I have bought one already. But boots and gloves I would have at any cost. If it were not for John Wertzbaugher, my hands would often suffrer with cold. He lends me his gloves when I go on duty, for which favor I can but thank him. It is a matter of wonder to me that you or mother did not see take the precaution to send me those needful articles with John. Do not wait for me to ask when you know I need any thing, but at the earliest opportunity send them to me. However, the articles for which I send being in my possession I can fare well, and will not trouble you for things if moment til next winter, if it is our misfortune to stay so long.

Nothing more at present but to ask you to give any best respect to your better half and others inquiring, as I now send mine to you. From

Your Brother

Robert Allen

Main Street Hospital, April 10, 1863

Mother: Your last letter, bearing date of the 5th inst., has been received, and I now proceed to answer it.

This pleasant day finds me yet an inmate of this hospital, but, judging from appearances, I hope soon to leave for my regiment. My wound is not quite healed yet, the place where the ball entered, having a scab, which occasionally gets rubbed off, and consequently, the wound being thus irritated, is kept sore. It is hard to keep bandages or cerate on the thigh, and in consequence of which, the sore is sometimes exposed to the drawers, which rub when I walk. By proper care I will soon be well, but until that time I suppose I will be obliged to remain here, as no chance to get a furlo-

ugh is yet apparent. Ickas will be likely to get John a furlough, if his case is as you declare. He has not been here yet.

All goes well here as usual. On the afternoon of nice days, we are all allowed to walk around town. Yesterday, Sam and I went down town, and had quite a walk. While on a certain street, a company of soldiers headed by a band, came marching down. They stepped off as though they thought it nice to soldier, which made me wonder how those same fellows would think, if down where real soldiering is played. D No doubt they would conclude it not so nice after all. I cannot say that I really hate soldiering, althoug I would freely choose some other employent, if a choice merely were to be made. I would not be a