37th Alabama Infantry

Item CON-8445

Description

Original Civil War Confederate document. 2 pages, written in period ink.


Hospital #2
Vicksburg, Mississippi

July 10th 1863

Dear and affectionate companion,

I once more embrace the opportunity writing you a few lines to inform you that I have not forgotten you yet. And that I am still in the land of the living. Though not well. I was wounded with a minnie ball in the left shoulder on the first day of June last. I was sick at the time that I was wounded and have been sick ever since. My wound is healing up very fast. I have been very low but I am improving some now. My wound has never been very bad. I truly hope that this will find you all well. We was besieged by the Federals 48 days and was surrendered on the 4th of this inst. I hope and trust in God that I will be able to come home soon.

Our regiment will be paroled today and will start out today or tomorrow. They will parole the sick as fast as they get able.

Brother Absalom is well and is nursing me. He will stay with me until I get able to go and then we intend to come home. The Federals treat us very well. I started to write this letter myself but I found that I was almost too feeble and I got a friend to write it for me. I must close. So, nothing more at present. But remain your affectionate companion until death.

R. J. Kent

To Martha J. Kent