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Dr. John C. Gill SUMMARY Although the final pages are missing, this four-page letter from Dr. Gill to his mother is full of information about camp life and overflowing with filial devotion. Gill describes what it is like to receive letters from home and his emotions at getting a recent letter from his mother. He writes that after breaking the seal, "the tears would involuntarily steal to my eyes, and it was utterly impossible for me to suppress them. I was uneasy all the time I was reading for fear some one would come in and find me in tears." He talks about other soldiers' joy and despair in receiving or not receiving mail. "Even the sick that are hardly able to carry their feeble bodies along seem to forget their afflictions and walk off with faces more animated, step (more) firm and elastic, their minds seemingly intent on the one object - a letter, " Gill writes. He says further that a letter works better than medicine. In addition to these sentiments, Gill reports to his mother how he tried to get word to her during his time as a prisoner-of-war. He had been worried that the rumor of his death would reach her. According to this letter, Morganzia is a "very unhealthy" place, and much of the regiment has suffered "considerable sickness." TRANSCRIPTION Morganzia, LA Will the surprise that this letter may give you be detrimental to the entire recovery of your health? Will it have the least tendency to throw you into a relapse? Do you think it will in any way interfere with your growth? If you think that there will be any danger to you either bodily or mentally, do not hesitate on my account to inform me immediately. I will not harbor any hard feelings but take it all in good part. I was very sorry to hear of your illness. I hope you are rapidly convalescing and that you may write me again at no far distant day. You know that letters from my sister are always acceptable and much gratification is given me in perusing them. Now do not wait for me to write, as my facilities for so doing are not always convenient. Write whenever you can spare the time and often I know you would, if you knew what pleasure it gives me to hear from you. To hear from home. You are now the only one at home that I look to for any communication I may receive from home as Charly, Thomas and Henry are away and Mother's sight is becoming so poor that I do not feel justified in asking her to write when you are at home although a letter from her gives me the greatest pleasure and I feel doubly grateful knowing the disadvantage she labors under. I am glad to hear that Aunt Jennie is home again. She will be so much company for all of you. I hope she will remain in Cleveland. I answered her kind letter a few days ago. I also wrote to Dr. Capsener yesterday and enclosed the photographs of Col. Spiegel (lately killed on board the Steamer "City Belle," or as I should say mortally wounded as he lived some twenty-four hours) and Capt. Au? of the 120th Ohio. The Captain escaped. I will not write any particulars of our expedition up Red River as probably you have seen accounts of it err this. I will enclose a letter written by the Lieut. Col. and also one from Capt. Taylor of our regiment. Capt. Taylor's account of the disaster is the nearest correct although there are many things in his letter that is not entirely reliable. Instead of being attacked by 500 men, there was nearly 4,000 - as there was four full regiments in command of Gen'l Lane and belonging to Gen'l Major's Division. I had a fine opportunity of seeing them. I must say one thing of the Texians, and that is, should I ever so unfortunate as to be taken a prisoner again, may I be taken by Texians. We were treated kindly by their officers and fared as well as they, while we were with them. The first two nights and days after being captured, we had very little to eat and no medicine for the wounded. But I blame their Surgeon for this. The only gentlemanly Surgeon I had anything to do with was Dr. Maney the Division's Surgeon. He done everything that his limited supply would permit to make the wounded comfortable. But after he left we did not fare so well. We were put under the charge of Dr. Worsham, that is, he was the person we looked to for our supplies, as he had charge of a Confederate Hospital, and drew rations for his sick and also for the "Yanks." But the "Yanks" rations were very short generally. And we would have suffered only for the things we purchased outside, and these we had to pay the most exorbitant prices. At first the ladies of Cheneyville were very kind to us, visiting the hospital every day and bringing delicacies for the sick and wounded. But when the rebel army left Cheneyville they had a great many sick and were put into the rebel hospital in charge of Dr. Worsham. These "rebs" did not like the idea of the ladies showing us "yanks" these attentions and used every means to prevent it. They threatened to burn their houses and everything else that was cowardly, and of course they had to stop visiting us (much against their inclinations) to save their property. I formed the acquaintance of several ladies and had invitations nearly every day to call on them. I spent nearly every evening visiting. They thought I was (a) splendid performer on the piano. I imagine I can hear Kate Crow laugh heartily at this, but nevertheless this was the reputation I had at Cheneyville. I was only kept as prisoner six weeks then sent into our lines. This is a miserable place (Morganzia) very hot and dry. There is about 3,000 men here in command of Gen'l Reynolds. I expect that we will soon have marching orders. It is rumored that an excursion to Mobile, Ala. is the programme but no reliance can be placed on these camp rumors. Give my love to Mother, Aunt Eliza, Aunt Jennie, little Ella and all. Also to Mr. and Mrs. Crow, Kate and family. Til ?, Sarah, Libbie, and all the girls tell them my love is inex(h)austible. Uncle Thomas family. Uncle Charles family. Uncle John. I requested Dr Capsener to give Mother those photographs. Please see that he does so, as I value them highly. Remember me to the Doctor. Mrs. Capener + family. Dr. Strong family. And everyone. Good bye.Your affectionate brother, John I have an abscess forming in the second finger of my right hand which is very painful, and it is with much difficulty that I can hold my pen to write. Otherwise, I am very well. Please write soon. John. |