Lot 150
CIVIL WAR LETTERS OF CONFEDERATE SOLDIER S. C. WILKERSON
A pair of fine content A.L.S.'s by S. C. Wilkerson who enlisted as Captain in Co. "E" of the 18th Alabama Infantry and was captured at Missionary Ridge. The first, 4pp. 4to., "Camp 18th Ala. Rgt. Near War Trace, Tenn.", June 17, 1863, to his wife, in part: "...I am ever glad to learn of your spending your time pleasantly with your friends. Well you took a cry when you heard of our regiment being moved. It may prove to our advantage yet. Who knows but that we will go into battle soon and then perhaps I may get a flesh wound that will not pain me much and then I will be able to go home and be with you for some time. I've most never despaired but always look on the bright side of the picture. Many think we will have an engagement soon. I think it is very doubtful. No longer very cheerful news from Vicksburg. You seem to think my happiness is resting on the fall of Vicksburg. What if you do lose all your father could give you? If I am permitted to return home with unbroken limbs and good health what need is there in giving ourselves trouble about it. I know I can take care of you and if you don't have thousands more than you will ever have any sue for I can't see any use of fretting over it...When I married you I expected to take care of you and did not expect you to remain on your father's hands...I may be shot and left a helpless creature for life and then perhaps you will wish you had not married until the war was over. I don't think we committed any great crime in marrying when we did...I hardly know what is the matter with me...". Wilkerson continues in this vein in the second A.L.S., 4pp. sm. 4to., "Camp 18th Ala. Regt. Near Chattanooga Tenn.", Nov. 2, 1863, in part: "...While on picket yesterday your kind letter...was handed to me. I assure you that I was glad to get it...I am fearful that you are not as well as you think you are. I am almost ready to say that I am sorry you came to see me when I was at Tunnel Hill for when I think of the pleasant hours I spent with you pains me to think how much you suffered while you were there and then to think that perhaps I have caused you to take cold that you may never get rid of...You must not be uneasy about my being exposed. I am much better clad than thousands in this army and have a much better change to protect myself from the rain than many others. I can withstand the hardships I once thought would kill me, I am in as good health as I ever was in my life, and when I look around me I see thousands who have to stand more than myself half clad and many without either shoes or blankets. I know you could stay at home and with all the care you take of yourself could enjoy as good health as I can, exposed as you think I am...I have received the clothing you sent me...Won't I have a fine time wearing my underclothing and thinking about my dear little wife who sent them to me...", and concludes with more loving thoughts. Both very good condition.
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