Ephraim Tuttle of the 45th Ohio Infantry Writes from Kentucky & the Torments of Confederate General Kirby Smith
This 4-page letter in pencil comes with a colorful patriotic envelope. Ephraim enlisted on July 19th, 1862 at Camp Chase Columbus, and a month later finds him down in Kentucky. Here is the content (a very uneducated poor speller, be glad that we transcribed it!) :
- Sept. 3rd ’62 Kentucky. Dear parents, I take the present opportunity of addressing a few tines to you. We are all well as common, but some tired.
- WE HAD TO SCAMPER LAST NIGHT. THE REBELS ARE A PLAYING ENOUGH. THERE ARE SOME OF OUR TROOPS ARE A PASSING ALONG. EVERY LITTLE WHILE THERE WAS A GREAT MANY TAKEN PRISONERS. THERE WAS SOME OF COMPANY D TAKEN. ONLY 1 WAS LOST IN THIS REGIMENT.
- Some of the boys are not in yet. THE OFFICERS ALL LEFT THEIR COMPANIES, BUT OUR MEN ALL STUCK TOGETHER. We marched about five miles from noon till sometime after night, over as rough a road as ever need be, full of stones and hilly and through woods and rivers.
- We are in the city of Falmouth. It is about as big as Iberia, but we will not stay here very long. l do not know when we will go. We had not enough men to hold Cynthiana, and so we retreated back north.
- We are a waiting marching. Some of the officers left the men and got on the cars and left their men to take care of themselves, but Payne and the Lieutenants stuck like hounds of Company F. It was the only one that did.
- We had got our quarters first. Pretty comfortable and then had to leave them. Some of the boys left all but their guns, their knapsacks and blankets. I come very near being in the same fix.
- Yesterday we went back to Cynthiana, but we did not stay very long. WE SAW THAT THE REBELS WAS A GOING TO SURROUND US, SO WE GOT ON THE CARS AND LEFT. THE REBELS WAS ON THREE SIDES OF US, BUT WE WAS A LITTLE TOO SHARP FOR THEM.
- The 6, we are come on the railroad close to Falmouth. There is but two Regiments here. We have not got our bounty yet, nor any money and don’t know when we will. Some of the boys are a growling about the pay. I like our officers pretty well. There are a great many of the men out on duty today.
- We have nine prisoners with us. We let two get away night before last. I have been a great while a writing this letter. Tell Hiram not volunteer. We have not had much sleep for two or three days. A soldier’s life a hard one, but we are in for it. l am a high private in the rank. I do not have to stand guard. Some of the men are not very well today. I do not know whether you can read this or not. You can’t let me know and we’ll get some ink. We are on the cars two days and nights almost. Write soon and tell all the news. Yours with Love I got one letter from home last week, so good day. Ephraim
An action letter with cover.
#L9-3-62OH – Price $65
