Central Illinois in the Civil War, Day by Day : A Journey through the Civil War through the eyes of individual Soldiers, and their loved ones, with additional documentation provided by the newspapers of Central Illinois.
Date:
04/07/1863
Object ID:
2012.44.12
Object Name:
Letter
Accession#:
2012.44
Catalog Type:
Archive
People:
Erford, Benjamin
Scope & Content:
Civil War letter written by Benjamin F. Erford, who served in the Union Army.

Addressed to his son, John. He talks to him about the farm at home and describes what he should plant: lots of potatoes, some cabbages, and try to get tobacco plants if possible. Says those are the things they need and hopes to spend next winter at home. Talks about if he can do any hard work/labor anymore. He wants to get home in time to help plant things. Goes over the prices for plants and seeds. He's changed hospitals six times since he's hurt his back and he's seen a lot of women coming to get their husbands discharged.

April the 8th 1863 Hospital No. 9. He received a letter this morning. Is going to send a letter back without a stamp so they must pay. Says he hasn't gotten his pay yet. "The pay masters fools just as long as they please with our money. This war is a speculation ? from the beginning and will end so." (?) They think the war will be over in less that two months from now
Search Terms:
Civil War
Union Army
Letter
Source:
Rodgers, Jan
Subjects:
Civil War
Union Army
Letter
Title:
Civil War letter written by Benjamin F. Erford
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