Sherry Bob Merritt
15th Alabama
Thu Sep 21 15:06:37 2000


Based on the letter below, can anyone shed any light on this group of sharpshooters under Captain Waddell of the 15th Alabama.

Thanks,
Sherry

March * (further date missing but is probably 1865)
Mrs. Martha M. McKnight
Kind Lady I again write you a few lines (which find) me well. I have nothing of interest to write you at present I have not received any letter from you since the (?th) Feb. (Greer) Sorrells brought the latest news that I have from home. I suppose you (could) send a letter by hand occasionally and if you see an opportunity of sending a letter through by any one that may be passing this way you will please send as many as you can and have them mailed at any point this side of Sherman's army, any regiment soldier can bring them through whether he belongs to our Division or not and by this means I may hear from you at least one a month. I am very anxious to hear from you for that is about all the consolation that we poor old soldiers can have in these days of trouble and Distress, but notwithstanding we are cut off from our homes and our best friends and those we so dearly love, we are all quite lively and full of our jokes with few exceptions seem to be in great Distress but such cases as these are not very numerous, some have become so desperate as to Desert to the Enemy, thirteen of our regiment since Christmas have gone over and there are others suspected but we are watching them very closely one man of the 15th was captured the other night on his way to the yanks, it is supposed he will be shot all is quite on the lines and has been for 3 weeks I have seen Thomas Nixon twice since I have been here he has been in prison at Knoxville Tenn. _____ others he says that their treatment ______ intolerable during their captivity (I have) joined a company of Sharpshooters commanded by Capt. Wadell of the 15th Ala. I think I will like it much better than to have remain with the regt for we are only ( there for) skirmishing for the Brigade not to go in a regular Engagement unless we wish to go I have the right to go back to my old company if I wish I am now doing Provost guard Duty for the Brigade we have 20 men on duty in the squad.
Esq. Daniel Coggin is going to start home in a few days I send you this by him I will also send you one hundred dollars by him you will please give Lou ten dollars as a present from me to her I would send you more but I had to loan Frank some and I can not tell when we will draw again the government now owes me about four hundred dollars I will have thirty dollars on hand and fifty loaned out in hands where I can get it any time I call for it John Jackson and Andrew is well John Wright is still alive by I think he will die when the weather gets hot Lou you will please excuse me for not sending you something more I will do better next time if you will be a good girl for me while I am gone, as it is getting dark I will close for this time, we are getting good rations and plenty I mess with Thomas Wright & Lt. John Frazier our quarters are at Brigade Headquarters Please show this to Pa & Ma and all inquiring friends

I remain yours
Martha McKnight C.P.C. McKnight







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