Civil War letter written by Benjamin F. Erford, who served in the Union Army. Written to his wife, Lydia, and son, John, from a camp outside Nashville Tennessee.

He writes that many soldiers have died (possibly over 400 of the whole army) and many are sick in the hospital (possibly ten thousand?). He also writes of the type of work he is doing–carpentry and building bridges, which he does not like. He is missing his family and is looking forward to getting home and says he has learned the meaning of liberty and peace.

Residence Lancaster IL;
Enlisted on 8/11/1862 as a Private.

On 8/27/1862 he mustered into “I” Co. IL 86th Infantry
He was discharged for disability on 6/8/1863

Other Information:
Member of GAR Post # 432 (Timber) in Glasford, IL
died 9/25/1900