1864 Jan 23
To Mrs. Nancy J. Harden
Thunderbolt Battery
January 23, 1864
Dear companion,
I seat myself to drop you a few lines to inform you that I am well, except a slight headache, hoping these lines may reach and find you and Mollie well, also the rest of the family and friends.
I received a letter from you yesterday and was glad to hear from you, and that you was well.
I was sorry to hear that Pa was sick.
I have no news. There is no hope, prospect or inclination for a fight here at this time. I do not think we will ever fight. You need not be uneasy about a fight. Neither do I think we will leave here soon. The excitement is all over now, and nobody hurt.
You said you would send me a box of provision by express. You will have to lock some hoops around the box or they won’t take it. I will be glad to get it. Sift me some good cornmeal and send. We get some stuff called meal, but it is very poor.
I will be glad to get some water, for I had to pay one dollar a drink, and I have taken four drinks since I have had this cold.
You need not send me but one shirt. I have a good one and a bad one, but I can wear my old one some time, yet.
If you don’t get the chance to send the box by hand, send it per express, and mark the box thus:
W. H. Harden
Company G
Sixty-third Regiment
Georgia Volunteers
Savannah, Georgia
I am glad you can get some shoes at fifteen dollars. I know you need them. When you get them, you will not be so apt to take cold or the toothache. Fifteen dollars is cheap. I hope you will get them soon.
And send me a kiss in the box, my lip has got a fever blister on it.
We have very fine weather here now, rather cool mornings but clear, and dry healthy weather. The health of our regiment is very good at this time.
I would like to have some chitlins. I think I would fatten on them.
I dreamed the other night of seeing a very large swarm of bees, and they covered me all over, but they did not sting me. They were not mad, but seemed to be very peaceable and quiet.
I went to town yesterday and while I was there I saw Mary and Lu Hunt. They were well. I went to the college where they were going to school. Mary has improved very much, but Lu seems to be dissatisfied. They have very strict discipline, and no person – unless a relation – is allowed to have any interview with the college girls. They are well prepared there for all kinds of fancy work – music and literature, Greek, Latin, French, and English.
I also saw Benjamin Greer, brother to Columbus. He is here in the State Troops. He says they are all well at his house. His half brother is here also, but I did not see him.
If I get the chance, I will send you some things home.
I said I would write Margaret a letter today, but I got one from you yesterday, and I thought I would write to you about them things. I will write to her soon, maybe tomorrow, or in a few days at best.
Tell Sammy to stay at home as long as he can. We have got some men here in a heap worse fix than he is, and they have to stay here.
I don’t think there is a chance to get a furlough soon -– I would be glad if I could get a furlough.
I will close. Nothing more at present.
Only, I remain your affectionate husband, until death.
William H. Harden
Remember me.
W. H. H.