Letter from Murfreesboro

[msimmons]

Camp-21st Ill. Regmt. near Murfreesboro Jan. 8,1863​

Friend Charles, I drop you a line merely to let you know that I passed through the battle safely as did your son John also. Our loss was severe. There was 36 killed, wounded and missing in Company D. The boys stood up to the work like men. The did themselves and their cause honor. Other companies suffered as bad in proportion as mine. See the Shield for a list of killed and wounded.We went into the fight 68 strong. Inow have the honor of commanding 31 men.My health is not the best,but I am not down yet. The boys are in good cheer and health.I must close. Very respectively, B.F. Reed *this letter was written by my G-G-Grandfather to his friend and neighbor who was helping take care of his farm and business affairs while he was away.​

 

[ExNavyPilot]

*this letter was written by my G-G-Grandfather to his friend and neighbor who was helping take care of his farm and business affairs while he was away.​

​

Awesome letter. Do you have the original? I don't have anything of my Civil War ancestors--original or copy--except a couple of post-war pictures (scanned images.)

One of my ancestors was at Stones River. Tough fight, but rather unappreciated by the average Civil War afficionado.

 

[msimmons]

​

Awesome letter. Do you have the original? I don't have anything of my Civil War ancestors--original or copy--except a couple of post-war pictures (scanned images.)

One of my ancestors was at Stones River. Tough fight, but rather unappreciated by the average Civil War afficionado.

I don't have any of his original letters.They were donated to the Univ. of Illinois.-There were approximately 30 of his letters published in a book called Johnny Has Gone For A Soldier; The Sound of Distant Drums.

 

[Just Jim]

This letter from Murfreesboro is housed at the museum inside the visitors center at Stone's River Battlefield. Surprised at the details of his death relayed to his mother.

This was an especially moving piece, a letter to Mrs. Hall in regards to her sons death:​

Manchester, Tenn. Feb. 9th, 1863​

​

Dear Mrs. Hall.​

​

As an opportunity offers itself to send a letter through to you. I conclude to write you feeling it a duty to give you information in regard to Henry, who you have doubtless been informed met his fate on the field of Murfreesboro.​

He was killed almost instantly by a cannon ball passing through both thighs, severing his legs from his body, on Friday the 2nd of January. It being almost dark and us being compelled to retire from the field, I am sorry to say his body fell in the hands of the enemy. I did not see him myself after he was killed, we was separated during the battle.​

I heard he was killed before the battle was over and tried to recover his body, but could not find it. I was very much grieved to leave him on the field, but under the circumstances it could not be otherwise. Henry and myself have associated together for several years and I always found in him a kind and faithful friend.​

You can imagine, Mrs. Hall, how much I am grieved for him, but we should not morn now he is dead. The hand of God has cut him down, and I hope, taken his soul from this world of sorrow to Himself above, where he may enjoy eternal bliss.​

You must not grieve for Henry, but only think of the thousands of mothers in your condition made so by the implacable enemy who seeks to destroy our liberty and enslave us. Your son died a martyr, nobly laying down his life for his country. He was a good boy and a good soldier. He will ever live in the memory of his comrades, whose fortunes it may be to survive this bloody war.​

I will close as I believe I have written all of which I know of the subject, painful as it is for me to speak or even think of. Virgil was wounded slightly, but has recovered entirely and is in good health.​

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From Yours Truly​

H.F. Nuckols 4th KY​

 

[Robtweb1]

If you have letters that is great. I have several as do most of my cousins - they were divided when my grandmother died. Unfortunately, they are starting to disappear as my cousins pass away and their children have no interest. Can't do anything about it.

 

[ExNavyPilot]

This poignant letter and comments were posted in another thread on this forum a while back, but I thought it good enough to repost here:
Letter Home from Richard Kidder Woodson, Jr., After Being Wounded At the Battle of Murfreesboro (Stones River)

Dearest Mother,

I am here a wounded prisoner of war having been shot through both thighs by two different balls day before yesterday in a battle near Murfreesboro. I am greatly in need of clean clothes. I had all my clothes on when I was shot. If the Federals have no objections I wish you would send me some. A pair of pants over and undershirts and drawers and socks. I have shoes and coats. I would like best in the world to see you if you cannot probably some of the family can. I suppose the Federals would have no objections to your coming. I accidentally came across Woodson Price (general, federal troops) upon the battlefield who kindly sent me here as I would yet have been in the field. My wounds are very severe flesh wounds the bones are not injured but however pain me severely. I am helpless. The Federals treat me as kindly as circumstances will permit. I must close, dear mother.
Ever your most affectionate son,
R. Kidder Woodson
At the bottom of the letter was a note from a doctor at the hospital:
Thinking that I would relieve an anxious mother I would inform you that although your son is severely wounded, I do not think him dangerous. I think he will get well
J. Adams, Surgeon
Additional Comments:
Richard Kidder Woodson, Jr. died of his wounds on January 22, 1863. He was just twenty two years old.

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.org/ky/franklin/military/civilwar/letters/woodsonj154gmt.txt

 

[ExNavyPilot]

Letter Home from Richard Kidder Woodson, Jr., After Being Wounded At the Battle of Murfreesboro (Stones River)

PVT Woodson was in Company C, 2d KY Mounted Infantry, part of Breckenridge's "Orphan Brigade" involved in the assault towards McFadden's Ford on Jan 2, 1863.