396. CONFEDERATE OFFICER'S LETTER A good war-date Confederate officer's letter, 2 1/2pp. 4to., in ink by Lt. Simon C. Wilkerson, Co. E, 18th Alabama Infantry, Allisona, Tenn., May 5, 1863 to his wife. In part: "...two more long days have passed and not a word from you since I left Mobile...we have had some changes in our brigade. As the 18th is at the same post guarding bridges...we have some cheering news-you will get the news...before...a letter from the army...we have as pleasant a location as we could expect. The health of my company is as good as could be expected after such a change...I have two digging stumps in front of my tent...and will keep them at it for some time. One of them whipped John Hand. As he is the cause of my being blessed with such a good kind...wife I must see that he is not maltreated and that he is cared for. John has been a fine soldier ever since he has been in Tenn. when he met me he seemed to be glad...and gave my hand a hearty shake. I have not been as well as usual...if I could get a letter from you...I would improve much faster...I don't know whether you are in Mobile or Macon...write me when you start to Macon...keep me well enough posted of your where-abouts...you have no idea of my anxiety until I hear that you are well...direct every letter to me at Estell Springs, Tenn...I will get them a little earlier...as if they were directed to Tullahoma..." Some spotting, else very good. $150-200