41st Ohio Infantry - Prostitutes - NEW

Item LTR-11850

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 4 pages, written in period ink.


Chattanooga [Tennessee]
 
March 23, 1864
 
Friend Jennie,
 
After a long absence of correspondence, I resume my pen once more to let you know that I am still in the land of the living. Although I have not written to you in some time, I have not forgotten you. I think it is my duty to write to you, for I always found your letters cheering and comforting to me when I was downhearted, and therefore ask your pardon for long neglecting my duty. All that I can say for myself is that I have not had the chance to write here in camp that I had in the hospital.
 
I was not able for duty when I left the hospital, but I could not get to go home when I was so near there, so I thought I would go to the front if I could get there. I got to Chattanooga and there examined and put in the Convalescent amp, where I have been since the 1st of February. I will have to stay here until the doctor thinks I am able for duty.
 
The weather has been pleasant for some time, but at the present writing, there is 10 inches of snow on the ground. It commenced about 12 last night and has continued ever since. It is something very rare for the sunny south. The editor of the Chattanooga Gazette thinks the returning veterans brought it from the north. The peach trees have been in bloom for over a month.
 
Chattanooga, you would infer from the paper to be a great city, but it is not as large as Worcester, and there is not a fence to be seen. It is a filthy-looking place, and to make it still worse (pardon me if I speak plain) there is not an old crib in town that is not filled with prostitutes, even from our northern cities. We see the fruits of it very often. A few nights ago, there was an officer in a house of ill fame. When two privates came and demanded admittance, the officer refused to admit them, whereupon they went to abusing him. He showed his revolver and shot one of the men through the heart. But the officer will be sustained in it, as he said the man struck him.
 
I have not received any letter from John for some time. His regiment is at Decatur, Alabama.
 
Well, I have nothing of importance to write at present, but will surely not neglect to write as soon as I hear from this. My love to all of the family, and reserve a portion for yourself. Tell your father I will mail him two copies of the Chattanooga paper.
 
I remain yours till death, 
 
J.A. McGonagle 
 
To Miss Jennie Stirk.
 
P.S. Direct to Convalescent Camp, Chattanooga, Tennessee.