Letter from James A. Hall near Dalton, Georgia, to his father, Bolling, in Alabama.
During the Civil War, James Hall served as a captain in Company K of the 24th Alabama Infantry regiment. In the letter he discusses conditions in camp ("comfortable winter quarters") and news he has received about his brothers. He also reflects on the soldiers' desire to be home and t...
| Format: | Electronic |
|---|---|
| Published: |
Alabama Department of Archives and History
|
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://cdm17217.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/voices/id/4815 |
| Summary: | During the Civil War, James Hall served as a captain in Company K of the 24th Alabama Infantry regiment. In the letter he discusses conditions in camp ("comfortable winter quarters") and news he has received about his brothers. He also reflects on the soldiers' desire to be home and their drive to fight: "Those who have never been in service cannot concieve [sic] why it is that the dreams and thoughts of the confederate soldier are so continually & so earnestly of his past at home. In the first place he is absent from home and thinks of it as any one else would do. But why is he absent? because he has to go forth and place his body a breast work to protect that home...How often does his heart grow faint when he fears that he may sacrifice himself and yet not save his home and how does his heart leap for joy...at the thought we may save our home and that he may go and enjoy the peace, the happiness, the home which he has secured. The dangers of camp life and campaigning are many...No soldier can go home oftener than once in 18 months unless by accident. So many dangers beset his pathway on every side that and so many are stricken down by his side that he can...scarcely expect to survive the eighteen months therefore when an opportunity occurs for him to get home for a short time he considers that he has an opportunity which he could not have expected and can never expect again." A transcription is included. |
|---|