106. Gill, Dr. John
Three Civil War Letters (Late 1864)

St. Charles, Arkansas; Camp at Mouth of White River; Morganzia, Louisiana: October 16, November 10, December 17, 1864
The rigors of military life are taking their toll on Dr. Gill. In his October letter, he writes of his physical condition: "When on that Clinton march my feet were so swollen that I could not find socks large enough to wear had to put bandages on I could not stand on them but had to be helped on and off from my horse. The pain I endured when riding was intense being increased by having my feet hang down." Apparently, Gill was also covered with undiagnosed red spots. Rations are low; "many of the men living on parched corn" and "they got at the last issue but four pounds of meat to ten men and 3 crackers a day." ( Pages missing in this letter.) In the November letter, Gill is once again on the move - this time aboard the Steamer Wallace. The mission is again a secret one, but "the general impression is that we will go up to White River again to Devils Bluff and from there on to Little Rock." One of the other doctors is ill and has requested a leave of absence leaving Gill with double duty. "But Mother," he writes, "there is no use of worrying. I have learnt to take things coolly. This is the only way to do as we are Father Abraham's children and consequently dutiful children must do his bidding. If I live long enough I still hope to see you sometime and make Cleveland a visit." In the December letter, Gill's regiment has been consolidated with a number of smaller regiments. They are now all called the "114th O.O.T." in the "Reserved Corps Military Division of West Mississippi." Gill is in the 3rd Brigade commanded by General Andrews. Their duty is "to protect different points in the river. Kind of a flying corps to be ready to move at anytime and at a moment's warning." Gill continues to complain about his family's negligence in letter writing. "What has happened to Tommy and Henry.They at one time were very punctual in writing but of late I have heard nothing from them. As for Anna I never expect to be the recipient of a missive written by her fair hand. I gave up all hopes long ago." Additionally, there is still no money. According to this letter, Gill has not been paid a visit by the paymaster since April (eight months.)

100/200     SOLD: $247.25

Condition: Very Good