This letter was written by D. H. Lee — a union soldier — but I have not been able to determine his regiment. The Seventh Tennessee (Union) Mounted Infantry was operating in the area of Loudon, Tennessee at the time this letter was written by there is no one by that name on their roster.
TRANSCRIPTION
Loudon, Tennessee
March 1st 1865
Dear Sister,
I received your letter in due time and was glad to hear from you and to hear that you was all well. It is nearly exciting times here now. The Rebs burnt the depot at Philadelphia [Loudon County, Tennessee] last night and captured one of our scouts this morning. I went within three miles of Philadelphia after some horses that morning but didn’t happen to meet any of them but I would like to meet any of them. I have been out almost two years now and never fired a gun at a Reb yet and ever expect to.
I like the ___ line very well. I think I can get on the regular scout. I am agoing to try pretty hard ____ . I will give the _____. If they capture me they have got to be pretty sharp. I was glad to hear that G___ had been fighting. It will learn him to take a joke and give his blood a little exercise. I like to see one-year’s men do something. They get a big bounty and I want them to pay for it. I tell you, if I was out of the war, M___ would not ___ to go. I would go of a good will. I got $100 hundred of the government and didn’t ask anyone you fighting for my country.
Now as I am trying to, but doing very little. The next time I write, I will send you my photo. I have not much to write this time but will write again soon. I wrote this letter with a quill. Give my love to all. Kiss the baby for me. This is all this time. Write soon to your dear brother, — D. H. Lee
Please excuse haste. Frozen in a house. Tell Ed to write. — D. H. Lee
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