Letter from C. L. Atwood to J. Amanda Buffum
This information was submitted by Carol Cathers. Carol submitted photocopies of the original letters. Unfortunately, they could not be scanned so that they would be readable.
Ever Dear Amanda
Having a few leisure moments I will write you a few lines to inform you that we are still counted among the living all enjoying good health and are in good spirits doing all we can for our countries cause. hoping to be successful and some day return home to friends once more. Our folks sent me your last letter directed to ? and I have read it many times. Austin and I wrote you while in Monmouth but received no answer. I went to the office twice every day but all in vain. While we were in Monmouth we were visited by several of our friends nearly all the young folks in Georges neighborhood were there and several of our Yates friends. ? and Mr. Faly ? the rest. Martha was there to see Austin. Sarah Ingham visited her husband ?.
We left Monmouth August 25th for Cairo. reached there saturday morning only staid there 5 days and left and came to Fort Henry Tennisee. We had a very pleasant journey take it all through and like here very much. This Fort is situated on the banks of the Tennisee in sight of Fort ?. Fort Donnelson is 15 miles south of here, the nearest town around here, but the boat runs from here to Cairo to carry letters to and fro.
I have not rec'd but one letter from home since I left and that was while we were in Monmouth. We tried to get our minatures taken while there, but the daguurean rooms were filled all the while and all in vain. I am in hopes to get some letters when the boat comes again. Austin and I rec'd a letter from George yesterday he has the "blues" the worst way and is afraid he will be drafted. He writes your father has been sick ever since we left.
We have drawed our guns and we feel quite proud of them. We were called into ranks night before last prepared for a fight. The report was there was a company of secesh approaching us two miles long. We stood ready until midnight when the news came that if was a false report and we were then ordered to repose with our guns by our sides ready in case the enemy should approach us, but nothing disturbed us and I was really provoked for I felt just like fighting. Anson Geer and myself and two others were out on picket-guard two miles from Camp last night and I feel somewhat dull just now. I hope you are prospering well with your school and I s'pose you feel as though you were most done and I guess when you come to get home it will seem quite lonely throughout the neighborhood as everybody are gone. "They say" Olive is nearly crazy. Poor girl I pity her to the bottom of my heart and gave her all the advice I could before leaving, but I don't s'pose she considered it worth appreciating and I don't know as it was. I have written to her 3 times and have never heard a word from her yet. I expect Diantha has said something that has miffed her so she won't write. Well you see I shall have to close I hope you will write soon and direct to Company G 63 Regiment Illinois Volunteers, By way of Cairo, Ills., Care of Cap'n G. G. ?
Austin went out as a scout this morning and hasn't got back yet. He seems well contented but often speaks of Bena. Oh! How I would like to see him when you go home if you see him give him a good kiss for Chet. Joe is well and is on guard today also the rest of the boys are full of fun. Give my respects to all that enquire. From your ever dear friend and well wisher,
C. L. Atwood