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Manuscripts of the American Civil War
John M. Jackson Letters

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Document Type: Autograph Letter Signed

Author: John M. Jackson
Date: August 31, 1864
Place: 2nd Division Hospital, near Petersburg, Virginia
To: Betsey Mower Jackson and Alonzo Jackson

Physical Description: Ink on paper; 4 pages (20 x 13 cm.) on 1 folded sheet

Number: MSN CW 5017-30


Transcription
(Please click on our Technical Details button at left
for more information on transcription conventions,
image scanning conventions, etc.)

Page 1      Images: 150 DPI100 DPI72 DPI

2nd Div Hosp. Before Petersburg Va Aug 31st/64
Dear Mother.

     You are already aware that while I am here I am occupied much of the time in thinking of you and the other dear objects at that dear old home. I have been thinking more of home since I came to the hospital, and I believe that nothing but duty could tempt me to leave it for such hardships as I have to endure here. still I want to bear my part in the great struggle for freedom.
     I want to be doing so many things at home and in that vicinity that I feel a little impatient for the war to close but I think I shall have time enough to do those things after I get home. The Drs. have just passed through the hospital an if I had not been writing I think I should

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have been sent to City Point but I believe I as lief stay here and run the risk. The pesky lice are thick here and I expect they are full as plenty there as they are here. I shall be glad to have lice lose their power over me I had got pretty clear of them before I came to the hospital, still the flies tormented me terribly, but, like poor Whittington Jack's "troubles now afresh did rise, By night as well as day." I have not heard from Cousin Converse for a long time. I trust he is pretty well by this time. Our Co. is extremely small I dont know how many there are but know there are very few. I so want to look in on the quiet family ciricle. I should like to take a look at the ornamental trees. And more than a passing look at the apple trees. I dont feel as though I could help eating enough to make myself sick.

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     I long to see the flowers. Where I went first there was a flower garden overgrown with weeds. even that seemed good. It seems pleasanter here since so many that were quite disgusting have been sent off. I am anxious to have something done still I cannot but feel that we ought to have some of the new troops so as to rush them when we get the rebs started. I hope the good news of last night will not be contradicted tonight.
Seems to me most of the Greene [i.e., Greene, Androscoggin County, Maine] boys have got home. Bully for them. I am glad for any one after such a campaign as we have had to get a little rest. the poor fellows need it I'll warrant. I find all soldiers think considerable of their homes and an amazing amount of their mothers. I know but few of them have so good mothers as mine, none better, but then they love their mothers I do not doubt. I dont believe they love them so well

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as I do mine. I hope you will continue to write me often. From your aff. Son,

John

Dear Brother. I have not written you for some time but have written you several times since you wrote me. I expect the women take up your attention so you dont have time to write me. I have spoken about your keeping our accounts, to the rest, but I want to tell you to be sure to keep an account. We cannot remember very distinctly three years if I have to stay so long--Sergt. Gibbs [i.e., 1st Sgt. Charles Gibbs, Co. E, 32nd Maine Infantry] has returned and brings me a nice long letter from Mother, Delinda [i.e., Delinda Jackson] and Delora [i.e., Delora Jackson] under dates Aug 21st to 23rd I also rec'd one letter from Mrs. Sedgby and one from Sergt. Arnold [i.e., Sgt. Lloyd Q. Arnold, Co. D, 32nd Maine Infantry]. Some of the things I inquired about are answered in it. I hope you are enjoying all the blessings that one mortal can. I hope you will write me soon. it leaves a void not to hear from my own dear brother. I wish you could see what is going on here and how it looks to give you an idea of the army but I dont care to have you here as a soldier. When the war is over I shall be happy to be with you again for awhile but I expect you will have some very much dearer than brothers by that time
I want you to see about that house lot and see if you and father cannot decide on some lot if not on that.

Your aff. bro John.

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You are wrong in thinking that I am worse than I write for I write you as I am

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I dont calculate to hurry back on duty until I feel well and get rested somewhat I was lost to go off duty but now I dont care if at all about it I feel as if I had done my part and now I want to see some of the others "go in"

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It makes me feel so well to get a letter from you that I almost think of reporting for duty tomorrow.

 
Transcription last modified: 11 Nov 2004 at 11:05 AM EST


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