394. CONFEDERATE OFFICER ANTICIPATES QUICK CLOSE TO WAR A war-date Confederate officer's letter, 2pp. 4to., in ink by Lt. Simon C. Wilkerson, Co. E, 18th Alabama Infantry, near Tyner's Station, Tenn., July 17, 1863 to his wife. In part: "...we have been here since I wrote last. I hardly know what to think we will do. I am a little surprised that we have been so quiet this long. I hope you will not stop writing when you have heard we have moved...I am on the sick list again. I fear another spell of sickness such as I had soon after the retreat from Corinth, Miss. I feel much better this morning...hope I shall be well in a few days-if not I shall go to some hospital where I can be better cared for than in camp...if I get much sicker I will write or telegraph you. We have more cheering news since I wrote you. Things are not as gloomy as they were then. Many think the war will terminate next winter. I wish I could think so. If I could go home...and knew the war would close this winter I would be happy...with many many kisses and oceans of love...". Wilkerson served faithfully with his regiment until he was captured during the battle of Missionary Ridge on Nov. 25, 1863 and sent to Johnson's Island prison camp. He remained there until the close of the war and returned home after signing the oath of allegiance on June 13, 1865. Light toning, else very good. $150-200