
Mentioned in the Letters written by Washington Lafayette Culbertson and his brother William Patton Culbertson
during the Civil War. (1861-1865)

Washington Lafayette signed his letters sometimes W.L.C and others as just Lafayette.
Willam Patton signed his letters sometimes as W.P.C. and others as just Patton.

Connection of those mentioned in the letters:

Green Culbertson's Family				(Brother to Bird Culbertson and Thomas Culbertson)

Louisa Jane - born Oct 9, 1827 - married Wm. M Solomon

Mary Elizabeth - born Feb. 8, 1830 - Died at age 30 in 1860 - married Dougald Stewart, Jr. - Had 4 children, one of
		whom Mary Ellenora, ("Ellen) who was 11 years old when war started.

Washington Lafayette - born Jan. 18 1838 - would have been 23 years old in 1861.

Sara Frances "Sallie" - born about Aug 6, 1840 - would have been 20 years old in 1861.
	Note: When Sallie's sister Mary Elizabeth became Ill, she went to take care of the children.
	She later married her brother-in-law "Doug" (Dougald Stewart, Jr.) and they in turn, had children of their own.

William Patton - born Jul. 12, 1842 - would have been 18 years old in 1861

Susan Josephine "Josie" - born Dec 5, 1846 - would have been 14 years old in 1861.

Laura Ann (Bird) - born May 12, 1849, died Dec 31, 1850.
Also there were two brothers, Samuel Green and Thomas Franklin, both died in their youth before the war began.


Bird Culbertson Family

Mary Jane - born Aug 11, 1840. age 20 in 1861) Married 1st. Jimmy Foster - killed Battle of Atlanta Aug 1864.
			Had two children Mary Adela and Willie. Both died in Mobile as young children.
			Married: 2nd. James Miles Killian Guinn after war ended.
			Note: Mary Jane was 14 years old when her mother died.
			Note: Mary Jane was a first cousin to Sheriff Pat Garrett who shot Billy-The-Kid

Emily - born Jan 14, 1843 - would have been 18 years old in 1861.
			Note: Emily was in constant communication with her cousins Lafayette & Patton

Ann - born about 1847 - would have been about 14 in 1861.

Susan Ellen - born Dec 1, 1850 - would have been 10 in 1861.

Brothers James and Samuel not mentioned in letters. They died before war started.

Thomas Culbertson family
No mention of family - He is referred to as "Uncle Thomas" in the letters.

The Start of the Letters

Camp Moore, La. Dec. 11, 1861

Dear Brother,

I received yours and father’s letters day before yesterday morning. I am in fine health and weigh 115 lbs. Patton has had a few chills for the last few days. Walter Scott left the things that he started with at Monroe. He could not get them aboard. They will be here in a few days. The buffer and candles are very acceptable. Father said in his letter if we needed anything to let him know it and we should have it, tell him that we are not needing anything at present. We have lost two men both died with the measles one was Lee Wilson’s brother the was name of Farmer. We have several sick but none dangerous. I have not been a day since I have been here. We have today been mustered into the service of the Confederate States. I cannot tell how long we will stay here. Our colonel is trying to get us moved to Baton Rouge for winter quarters. I think we will either go there or below New Orleans. The boys are all anxious to get to Baton Rouge. I was sorry to hear of Sallie’s getting hurt but I hope she will soon get well. I have wrote to Josie but have not got any answer yet. We have wrote a good many letters and have got but very few answers. Tell Ellen to write me and I will answer it. Tell Sallie she must write too, when she gets well. Our regiment is completed. The tenth company is in N. 0. waiting for us. It is from Sabine Parish.

Tell Irby White that George is well and hearty and well satisfied. When you write tell me all the news in the neighborhood. Tell David I would like to hear from him. When you write, tell me whether WillIam Aycock and his sister have got well or not for I would like to hear. Let the family read this letter and it will do all. I have nothing more at present. Give my love to all.

I remain truly your brother,

W. L. Culbertson

(continuing on same paper}

Dec. 12, 1861

We have marching orders we will leave for New Orleans in the course of two or three days. Don’t write till you hear from us again. I will let you know where we are soon. Perhaps we may be sent to Kentucky from the city. Patton missed his chill last night. Tom Jones is not well today. The Nineteenth, Sixteenth, and Seventeenth Regiments will form a brigade. Nothing more.

W. L Culbertson

Carillon, Camp Romar, Dec. 26, 1861

Dear Sister,

I take the opportunity of writing you a few lines to let you know how we are. I am not very well. I have been a little puny far three or four days. I feel a great deal better though, today. Lafayette is well. Tom Jones is about well. Lafayette & him stood guard yesterday & they have gone down to town today. Yesterday was the first time Tom has stood on guard. I stood on guard one day last week at the breastworks about a mile above here. It commences at the river and goes right straight out from the river for about two miles. It is made in the shape of a fence worm, the panels about 25 or 30 feet wide on the upper side. They intend to mount about 60 cannon on the breastworks. They have 17 at the river. They had 4 of them mounted the other day and are still at work at them. They will scatter the balance along the breastworks. We never got the things you sent us until this morning. They all come safe. The butter tastes a little old, but then it is mighty good to us. Some of them had some cakes sent to them that tasted awful good. Capt. Scott had some sausage meat, but is was spoilt. Weldin got back Sunday. I looked for a letter by him from some of you but he never brought any. I told Lafayette to write to some of you at home by Wm. Crayton but I don’t believe that he did. We had no Christmas at all in our regiment. The 18th had some last night throwing up sky rockets and I don’t know what they had yesterday. I saw a gunboat go down the river the other day. It was painted black and had four guns on it - one at each side and one at each end. I have nothing more of any importance to write now. The health of the company is tolerable good. We have several sick, but none of them sick much. All of the sick that we left at Camp Moore come down yesterday. Ben Wrenn is well and as much like a monkey as ever. Capt. Butler’s Company got some clothes from home yesterday. Each one got an overcoat, two shirts, two pair of drawers and a pair of shoes. I would like to hear from Uncle Birds folks very much. I wrote a letter to father the other day. Write soon and often. Tell Mr. Solomon to write.

I remain as ever your brother

W. P. Culbertson

If’ any tales come back home on the company let me know what they are. Direct your letters to Carrollton care of Capt. Scott.

Camp Benjamin Jan 12, 1862

Dear Sister

I take my seat on the floor of my tent this evening to drop you a few lines to let you know how we are getting along. We are doing as well as could be expected under the circumstances. We have had some very bad weather since we came here. It is so muddy it is almost impossible to walk. We are both well. Tom has the diarrhea more or less all the time but he is able to get about all the time. This is the worst camp we have been at yet. I will be glad when we leave it, and I don’t care how soon. There is some talk of our going to Mobile. I hope we will. All the boys are anxious to get away from this place. I reckon you have killed hogs before now. I would like to have chitlings and hogs feet and liver and some sauce. Our butter is gone but we lived fine while it lasted. Patton went to the city today. We are only two miles from it. Colonel Slage is not able to attend to his business. Ben Wrenn is in fine health and is as lively as a kitten with a mouse. You ought to have been here the other day to take dinner with us. We had a dish of fried oysters. Tell Doug write to me. I heard that Dick Butler was married. I was surprised to hear it. Tell him to come to the war for he has something now to fight for. How is old man Bickley getting along? What is Irby doing? Tell Bill White to come down, that we have a fine time of it. The Capt. has gone to the city after our money. Tell me whether Miss Bell is well or not. George Bickley is well. I saw Gen. Ruggles the other day. Tom sends his best respects to you both. You must all write soon and tell us all you know.

Affectionately

Your Brother

Lafayette Culbertson

P.S. Direct to letter to New Orleans in the care of Capt. Scott, Nineteenth Reg.

Camp Benjamin, La. Feb. 2nd 1862

Dear Sister

I received your letter sometime last week but have neglected to answer it until now. I and Lafayette and Tom Jones are all well at present. Ben Wrenn is sick but is getting well now. You say he wrote home that he enjoyed religion as much as he ever did. I don’t know what enjoying religion is if he enjoys it. If he goes on as he does now and is saved, I don’t think any of the rest of us need to fear. He has gambled away his money more than once I think I saw him bet a right smart pile & lose it not a week ago. This I can prove by more witnesses than one, and cursing is a regular thing with him. I had no idea when we left home he would do as he has done. I would not tell this on him now, but I believe that he has written something back borne on some of’ us that is not so. I don’t know, though. I have not heard anything about Capt. Scott’s sending an officer after Irby White and there is nothing of it. George Bickley says he is very well satisfied and wants to know why Susan White has not answered his letter. I heard today that White would have to have his arm cut off We have mighty bad weather here sometimes it has been raining so for the past two days that we cannot drill. I and some more of the boys went out to the lake yesterday, and brought some catfish and we had a good mess this morning for breakfast. We got our uniforms the other day, more of us like the way they fit. The legs of the pants are about one third too big. Capt. Scott did not like it because some of them grumbled about their suit and said he never intended to buy another garment for any one of the company again. There is a petition going round in the company this evening for him to resign. The petition read about as follows, "We the undersigned solicit the resignation of’ Capt. Scott as we are satisfied that he will never make an efficient officer." and tendering him their thanks for the kindness that he has shown them since he has been Captain. These are not exactly the words but it is the amount. Just to tell the truth he is the greenest captain I ever saw, but I am not going to sign it. He has treated me well enough. You asked me some questions when we were at Camp Moore that I don’t believe I had answered yet, Capt. Scott did cry and but for his persuasion. I don’t believe I would be here now. I, Tom & Lafayette & Frank McIntyre were the last to agree to join the company that morning. Dr. J Murrell was here today and I expect to send this letter by him on Wednesday. We have no late war news here of any importance. Lafayette got a letter from Emily a week or two ago. They were all well. I have nothing more of any importance to write at present. Your letter was dated the 19th. It was the last letter that I have received. Write soon & often.

Your Brother

W. P. Culbertson

Corinth, Miss., Feb. 28, 1862

Dear Sisters

As I am at leisure I will drop you a few lines to let you know how we are getting along in camps. Our regiment is in bad health at this time. Me and Patton are both unwell but I feel better now than I have for a day or two. Patton has running off of the bowels and the headache. I think the cause of so much sickness is lying on the damp earth. One half of the company is complaining.

We have had fine weather for the past week. It begins to look like spring. I will be glad when summer time comes for I think we will get rid of our bad colds and enjoy better health. The people here are very kind to wait on our sick. There is a good many sick coming here from Columbus Ky. The 18th Regt. has gone to Tennessee River some 15 or 20 miles off, and today four companies of the 17th are going off but I don’t know where abouts up in Tennessee. Though I guess. I saw Billy Martin, Willie Garrison & John Lancaster the other [day] on their way home from Virginia. In this part of the world we can [buy] chickens for 30 cts apiece, eggs 15 to 20 cts a doz., butter 30 cts per pound, potatoes 75 cts per bushel. We bought a bushel of potatoes yesterday. We had chicken and dumplings the other day for dinner. None of our boys has enlisted for the war yet. There is two or three in this company that will be discharged. I reckon you all are beginning to think about planting corn. What is old man Brinkley & Irby doing? How is Mathis hand getting on? Has Ben told any more tales, If he has I want to know what they are. I have nothing more of interest to write at present. You and Josie must write to me as soon as you get this. Emily says you and Josie must be dead or married. She says she never hears anything from you. I have got two letters from her since I have been in camps. Tell Doug I will write to him before long.

Truly your brother

W. L. Culbertson

P.S. Direct your letters to Corinth Mississippi W. B. Scott, Capt. 19 Reg.

Camp near Tupelo, Miss. August 1862

Dear Sisters

As I have a good opportunity to send you a letter, I will drop you a few lines to let you know how we are. We are in tolerably good health at the present time. I have nothing new or interesting to tell you. I thought I would try to get me a discharge. I have not said much about it yet. It is right difficult to get one in this regiment though some have got them that were much stouter than I am. I am going to try for I don’t believe I will ever get sound as long as I stay here. I am very weakly and only weigh 96 pounds but my appetite is good. There is some talk of us going to Mobile. The most of the troops have left here for Chattanooga I suppose. Oh how glad I would be to see you all again but I cannot tell when we will meet again, but I hope we will soon. Several of the Minden Blues were killed in the last flight before Richmond. Wm. Martin, Ferdinand Simmons, Wm. Craton, John Monzingo & Joe Collins and several others that I don’t know. I am looking for a letter from Emily every day. Ben Wrenn is trying to get a discharge. I think he will get it without any trouble. We had roasting ears for dinner today. What does the girls do since the boys all left for beaus. I reckon the widowers see fine time now. Tell them they had better do what they are going to, for when us boys gets back we will give them no showing at all. Give my best respects to all the girls.

Truly your brother,

W. L. Culbertson

We have had plenty of rain recently. It is raining now.

Camp near Pollard, Ala. Aug. 18th 1862

Dear Sisters

As I have not written to you in a long time. I will do so to let you know how we are. I and Lafayette and Tom are as well as common. I have not been well of the diarrhea since we come to Corinth nor I don’t believe I ever will get well as long as I stay in the army. I am able for duty most all the time. George Bickley is very sick and has been for some time. William Newsom died in the hospital while we were at Corinth. I am very glad that we are stationed away from the main army, for here we have a better chance to get things to eat, but the country is so poor there is not much to eat in it. The last letter that we got from home was brought by Birton Miller. Father wanted to know something about our clothes and I forgot to say anything about them when I wrote. The clothes that we brought from home are nearly worn out. I have worn one shirt and one pair of drawers entirely out. I have one good pair of pants & drawers and I have just bought a shirt for $4.50 It is made of bed ticking and I think will last a good while. I need another pair of socks at present and Lafayette is in about the same fix for clothes that I am. I would be glad to get any clothes that you may have to send us. Our yarn drawers are good yet. We left them and our overcoats at Theman’s house where we staid when we were sick close to Jackson but I reckon that we can get them before winter. Everything is very high here or anywhere else about here. The coarsest and cheapest kind of a wool hat sells for $4.10 I have not bought any yet but will have to. Dr. Cannon is suiter of our regiment now. He has just got back from Montgomery some goods such as shirts, pants, socks, hats, paper, etc. One company of our regiment is going to start form here to Greenville somewhere above here, this evening. I wish that it was our company instead of theirs for I want to go where I can get some peaches and watermelons to eat. We get a few watermelons here but very few and they at a very high price. I gave a $1.00 for one the other day that would not weigh more than six or seven pounds. I could have eaten two each Tom got two letters from Frank today. He said they had plenty of watermelons and then I wished I was at home to get some, but I reckon we will get to go home some time or other. The officers of our company & regiment have changed mightily since we left home. All the officers in the company are changed except the Capt. All of the lieutenants that we first had are gone - one killed and two - gone home. Morris Miller was 1st sergeant and is first Lieut. now. Walter Scott is 2nd and Wm. Newman was orderly and is now third Lieut. but our commissary has been arrested and I’m appointed in his place. Hodges is colonel of the regiment but has never been with the regiment a day - only while I was off sick. Hollinsworth was Lieut. Col. but resigned after the battle of Shiloh. J. Major, Winorns has been appointed Lieut. Colonel and Capt. Turner, Major Col. Winans is a mighty good officer and we all like him, but we don’t like Turner. He’s too tight. I got a letter from Emily just before we left Tupelo, but she had nothing new to write. There is a man in this regiment that is well acquainted with the whole family. You have no idea how sorry I would be if Tom should lose Col. anyway. He waited on us all the time we were sick at Corinth. He is the best negro in the regiment and is worth a dozen common negros. I had about as soon loose one half of my wages as to loose what he does for me. We have a man in our company that I have never mentioned in my letters

to any of you. His name is Stanley & joined us at Homer. We got some good clothes and some money from the company and then run away from it before we got to Monroe & some caught him with negro dogs & Capt. Scott took him and brought him on. He is about eighteen years old and just beats anybody that II ever saw for meanness. He is nearly always in the guardhouse or under the arrest. Just after we got to Corinth he committed rape on a little girl about 8 or 9 years old and was kept in house confinement for about a month and a hag was then tried and come clear. But I believe ought to have been shot. And then at Tupelo he stole some things from a citizen, was kept under arrest for a long time, was tried and come clear again but both were plain cases that he was guilty. And now since we have got here he got hold of an old pepper box revolver and tried to shoot his forefinger on his right hand off, but did not quite do it - the ball went between it and his middle finger. I have nothing more of any importance to write. We are in Conecuh County about a mile and a half form the Florida line close to the Conecuh river. I wrote a letter to father last week. When you write direct to Pollard, Ala. Write soon and often. I remain as ever your brother.

W. P. Culbertson

Pollard, Ala. Sept. 20, 1862

Dear Sisters,

As I have a good chance to send you a few lines by Mr. B. Miller. I will let you know how we are getting on. We are in normal health and doing as well as could be expected. For the last week we have had a great deal of rain. Our spring is four or five feet under water. We have been looking for Mr. Moton to bring us some news from home but he has not come yet but he will certainly be here in a few days. Lieut. Sam Newton is at home on a furlough. We sent by him for some clothing but was not certain he would bring us any. Since we left we made out a requisition for some clothes. Patton got two pr. drawers and a pr. of pants. I got two pr. drawers. We also sent for two shirts apiece but we did not get them though we may get them yet. If I had one pr. pants, two shirts and pr. or two of socks I have a plenty of clothing to do me all winter, If you have not sent me any pants by Sam Newman, I would be glad you would send me a pr. by B. Miller as he comes back. If you have not got them made and will not have time to make them, send me the cloth and can have them made here. I got a letter a few days ago from cousin Emily. They were all well. I am very anxious to know how Dick is. I will close and let Patton write some. Give my love to all of Doug’s & Mr. Soloman’s children. Tell Lewis to put me up some watermelons and keep them for me - If I get the chance to go home this fall. Write soon and tell me all the news.

Your Brother,

W.L.C.

Dear Sisters

I wrote a letter to father and started it by mail day before yesterday, but as I have another good chance of sending one by Mr. Miller I will do so. Mr. Miller says that he left our army in Maryland and was with it in the battle of Manassus. I am very well satisfied with this place and have no anxiety to be with Stonewall or Bragg either for I guess their men see hard times. There is a young man in this regiment that has a father living near Uncle Bird’s and he came down to see him the other day. He said that Uncle Bird started to the war once as a substitute last summer for two thousand dollars but did not go. For fear that letter I wrote the other day may not reach home I will put some of the same in this. After Sam Newman had got ready to start, Frank Mcintyre concluded to send his pistol to Bill Miller and told Sam to give it to father. Sam never had money enough to go home and back and was not certain whether he would draw any in Mobile or not, so I let him have twenty dollars and he said that if he got his in Mobile he would give what I let him have to father and take a receipt for it. It was all I had at the time but we have drawn twenty more since then. I have two good pair of pants and two good pair of drawers. If I had two good shirts and two of three pair of socks, I would make out very well this winter. If you would send me some for there are none to be had and my old one is worn out. Everything is awful high here. I had a pair of cotton socks that was given to me

when I was off sick and I did not want to wear them and I sold them the other day for 75 cts. Good yarn socks will sell for $1.00 any time. I have one good pr. of socks, the balance have holes in them but will do until cold weather. Dr. Cannon sells dried fruit for 50 cts a pound and honey sells at one dollar a pound and everything else in proportion. I believe I have nothing more of any interest to write this time. Write soon and often.

Your Brother

W. P. Culbertson

Pollard Ala. Sept. 21, 1862

Dear Brother

Mr. Moton came last night and [brought] our thing safely to us. We were very glad to hear from you all once more. We are in normal health & doing as well as I expect any soldier m service We drill three hours a day except Sunday & Saturday evening. B. Miller was to leave last night for home, but did not get off. I wrote Sallie & Josie by him but Mr. Moton came last night so will write them again. I have nothing new or interesting to write, only our men are whipping the Yankees in Virginia, Tennessee & Kentucky every chance they get. Tell Sallie all the clothing I want now is 2 shirts and one pr. pants. If she can I would like for her to send them back by B. Miller as he is coming back soon. I have drawn 2 good pr of drawers & I have one pretty old pair. I am on guard today and have not time to write much. We have had a great deal of rain last week. Uncle Bird’s family is all well. Our time will be out in six weeks, If we stay here all winter, we sill have a chance to hear from home often I hope. My letter is short. I would write more but I have not got time just now. Give my love to all the connection and receive a portion yourself So good for the present.

Truly Your Brother

W. L. Culbertson

Dear Father

Mr. Moton got here last night and brought us some letters which I was very glad to get and hear that you were all well. I was very glad you sent me a shirt instead of some drawers for I have drawers enough to do me this winter. You need not send me but one pair of pants if you have them ready. I have not got time to write anything hardly for Mr. Miller is going to start directly. We have made out very well for clothes so far and I think we will this winter. I have nothing more that I think of now as I wrote to you yesterday.

Your Affectionate Son

W. P. Culbertson

To Green Culbertson

Camp near Pollard, Ala. Oct. 19, 1862

Dear Sisters

As we have moved and are fixed up again, I will drop you a few lines to let you know how we are getting along. We are usual health though I have a severe cold. We are now 15 miles from Pollard on the railroad towards Mobile. Gen. Butler is at Pensacola. Some think he is coming out here to try to get possession of this railroad - whether it is so or not, I do not know. If he does come we will give him a fight. Gen. Bragg has whipped the Yankees in Kentucky badly and taken a great many prisoners. We have had fine weather now for some time. It has been rather cool for the last week but no frost yet. I am glad it has turned cooler for we have had some very warm weather. I think we will get along very well this winter if we stay here for it. I have not heard from Emily in some time. I am looking every day for a letter from her. I am anxious to hear from home too. I have not heard from home since Sam Newman came back. Your letters and things you sent by him all came safely. I have clothing a plenty to do me all winter but shirts. I need two shirts. The ones I have are almost worn out. I will send this letter by Mr. Minshew who lives near Minden. He is on a 30 days furlough. I have asked him to bring them when he comes back. Tell father to go and see him as soon as he can and know of him when he going to start back so you can have the shins ready by the time he starts back. Do them up in as small a package as possible so they will be easy to carry. How have your potatoes and peas turned out? I am in better health since potatoes came into market. I am not as heavy but I am in better health than I have been in since I left Corinth. How did Mr. Soloman get along making salt on the lake. I have no idea when we will get a furlough to go home, may not be at all until the war ends, If so I hope it will end soon and let us all go home to stay.

Tom has quit our mess so we will have to do our own cooking. I am sorry Cleal will not cook for us anymore. Tom has gone to the commissary as a clerk. If you have any gloves that will fit me, send me a pair. I have some but they are worn out. I have nothing more to tell you about at this time. Write soon and tell me all the news. Give my love to all.

Truly Your Brother

W. L. Culbertson

Dear Father

As I have a chance I will send you a few lines to let you know how we are getting along. Dick Harris, P. L. Minchew, & Gus Rhymes were under 18 and have reinlisted and got a 30 days furlough. I will send this by Dick Harris as he will have to go by our house. I and Lafayette and Tom are well as common. We have moved 15 miles from Pollard on the road towards Mobile, I do not know why we moved. Our post office will still be at Pollard though, I reckon I wrote to you some time ago there was a man killed another in our regiment. He has been tried and the sentence was that he should wear a ball weighing 32 lbs for two months and be kept at hard labor all the time. There was a man shot accidentally by another in Capt. Turner’s company one day last week. He was shot through the side and died in a few hours. The health of the regiment is better than it has been for some time. I could send you twenty dollars but I do not like to risk it with either of these boys for they all drink when they can get it. I hear some of the boys say that Capt. Scott is going to resign when his twelve months was out. I do not know whether it is so or not. This is very poor piny wood country, hardly any body living here. Since writing the above we have got orders to go back to Pollard in the morning. I do not know what they move us so for. I have nothing more of any importance to write now. I will write again when we move. Nothing more but remain your affectionate Son.

Patton

Camp Near Pollard, Ala. Nov. 27, 1862

Dear Sisters

As I have a good chance to send you a letter by Mr. Mane, I will drop you a few lines to let you know that we are in fine health. Mr. B. Miller left here last Sunday for home. He is going by Tupelo to put a tombstone over Mike Miller’s grave, so it will take him some ten or twelve days to get home. We sent $20.00 by him to buy some cotton cards with in Mobile or wherever he can get them cheapest. Uncle Bird staid all night with us night before last. He had been to some salt works in Clark County to buy salt for his neighbors. He looks pretty old - his beard and hair is almost white, his head is bald. He favors father a good deal. His eyes & eye brows and nose are just like father’s. He has a good deal more beard than father. Oh, I wish you could see him. He is a jolly old fellow. He said he thought he would go back to the salt works after he went home & made arrangements for his children. He says he can make a great deal more there than at home. Mary Jane is in Mobile with her husband. Uncle said she spoke of staying till Christmas. I am going to try for a furlough for five or six days to go to Uncle Bird’s in a week or two. I think I can get one for that. If I can, I will stay 7 or 8 days. Some few are getting Furloughs all the time. We have a right nice little shanty to stay in. This morning is the coldest we have had yet. Uncle Bird said Susan & Ann weighed about 60 pounds apiece. As I have nothing more to interest you with I will close & let Patton write some. Answer me soon and tell me all the news generally. Tell Mr. Soloman to write to me. I have not got a letter from him since August. Give my love to all & buss Louisa’s baby for me.

Truly Your Brother

Lafayette

On back of preceding letter

Dear Sisters

I have nothing of interest to write to you this morning. We are all well and doing very well. Uncle Bird staid with us night before last, he resembles father a great deal. He had been to Clarke County after salt. He said that it would cost the owners over $40 a bushel by the time they got it. Gus Rhymes got here last Saturday night and brought us a letter which we were very glad to receive. We sent a letter by Mr. Miller but he has gone by Tupelo and it may be some time before he gets home. The man that we send this by, Mr. Mahne has hired him a substitute for $1700. What has become of Bill White & Mathis & Join King and has George Bickley got home safe? I have nothing more to write this time. Walter Scott said that his father had applied for a furlough and that if he did not get it he was going to resign. I hope that he will not get it. I am very sorry that our clothes were lost for I know that it is a hard matter to get such things. I will write you again soon. I remain as ever your brother.

W.P. Culbertson

Pollard, Ala. Dec. 18th 1862

Dear Sister

I take this opportunity of sending you a letter to let you know that I am well and in better health than I have been since I left home. I weigh 135 lbs & am getting heavier every day. Lafayette is in good health also. Nearly all of the company is in good health. Lafayette has got a furlough for five days & gone to Uncle Bird’s. He started last Monday. Mary Jane went home the day before on Sunday. She expected to come by the Sunday before but was taken sick and never (?) until last Sunday. I was very glad to see her. I think she is very good looking & has a very pretty baby but she had a very bad cough - that I didn’t like. She only staid a few minutes, but we went with her until we met the other train which was about ten miles off. There we had to leave her & come back. It is a very hard matter to get a furlough unless one has a very good excuse. Lafayette made out as though he was nearly destitute of clothing. He (7) but he had plenty of other clothing for the present. I tried to get a seven day furlough a while back to go after us overcoats in Miss, but did not get it. I think that it is time that Bob Scott was getting back if he is coming this winter. Col. Winnon got a letter the other night from some girls in Minden asking him to extend Bobb’s furlough until the first of January. Now the clothes that he has gone after ought to be here now & not wait until the winter is over before he comes, though I do very well yet awhile. We got some letters last Sunday was a week ago from home by Mr. Hill. We would have sent a letter by Capt. (?) but we had to be gone off all that day on (7) at work on a bridge & so we had no time. I told Tom to write home the reason that we never wrote. We have had some very cold nights here of late. But we have had scarcely any rain in over two months. Drake Newsom took a furlough to the Colonel the other day for him to sign but he said that the Capt. told him before he left that all of his men could do without furloughs now and not to give them any while he was gone. Now if he did say this aint he mean? He is mean anyhow whether he said it or not. You all don’t know him like we do. I believe I have nothing more of any importance to write this time. We have got turnips & greens for dinner. They cost us 4 bits a dozen and they are not much larger than a hen egg at that but everything is high. Butter has got up to $1.50 and lard 8 cts. I will write again soon. Give my love to all. Give my last respects to Mary Allen or love if you think she is worthy of it & to all the other girls one in particular. I remain as ever your brother

Patton

Pollard, Ala. Jan 17, 1863

Dear Brother

As I am at leisure I will pen you a few lines to give you a full detail of camp & camp life. We are in fine health. My health is as good as it was at home. Patton weighs 146, I weigh 109. Bob & the Capt. got back last Thursday (15). 1 was glad to see them for I was entirely out of shirts. I think the shirts. I think the shirts they sent me will last me twelve months. My knit coat is the most comfortable thing that I ever had on. I have only one objection to it and that is it [has] no packets in it but I can have some put in. You just ought to see me eating butter and potatoes and egg bread. A soldier has something good once in awhile. We had a nice pudding the other day. It was decided I am going to have another one in a few days. I have got so I can make as good bread as any woman. When I get back home and get myself as an old lady or young one as the case may be I can do the cooking when she gets sick. I believe I will go the Mississippi to get me a wife for there is some of the nicest girls in that state I ever saw. I got a letter from one of them the other day. She wrote me a splendid letter. I staid at her fathers house two months last summer when I was sick. They are as kind people as I ever saw any where. Her name is Berta Bennitt. I write a good letter. I done my english best on it. I will look for an answer from her in a few days. She lives 12 miles north of Jackson and about the same distance from Canton. If I ever get a furlough home I am going to stop and see her. I have been up to see Uncle Bird & Uncle Thomas. I was gone nine days. I had a fine time of it. I got to see all of my kin people. Uncle Thomas favors father a good deal. He is not so gray nor does [he] look quite as old. Uncle Bird is very gray. He is a jovial old soul. Cousin Martha has four children. Her husband is in service, his name is Phillips. She is about the size of Mrs. Pope and is very good looking . She lives with Uncle Thomas. Cous. Mary Jane is a very small woman. She has one of the sweetest little babes you ever saw. Its name is Mary Adela. Cousin Ann is about the size Ellen was when we left home. Cousin Susan is quite small and Cousin Emily weighs 100 pounds five feet five inch high. She is one of the nicest little woman you ever saw. She keeps everything about her nice and clean too. Who ever gets her for a wife will have a splendid little piece indeed. Some of the boys has tried to get her but they could not make the trip. She told me some of secrets, but will not divulge them. Some of the boys are writing her love letters all the time. She got one not long ago from a Georgia boy but she said she was not going to answer his letter. She says she is going to Louisiana when the war ends. She says she will captivate some of the boys out there.

Today is quite rainy. The boys are all in their huts, some playing cards, some playing the fiddle, some reading, some cooking while I’m writing. I will tell you who is in my mess. Patton, J. P. Geren and Frank McIntyre. Frank is going up to Greenville this evening on picket. He will be gone ten days to guard some bridges - it is some 75 or 80 miles. If we stay here till spring I am going to try to get a furlough to go home but I don’t have much idea of getting it. There is some talk of an armistice in the north. I hope there will be one for six months. If there is one I believe will be no more fighting. I hope so at least (7) the yanks out at Vicksburg. We are seeing a fine time here. Better than we ever had seen yet. I hope it will continue to be a good time. Our regiment is in fine health. This place beats any place for lewd women I ever saw except a city. I don’t believe there is a virtuous one in ten miles of here. The most of them have been run away from Pensacola by the Yankees. You just ought to be here and see some of the boys bust around with the girls. Bu I never say anything to them. If the war ends while we are here or anywhere near here I am going to Uncle Bird’s and stay awhile. I want you to tell me all the news in old Claibome. Tell me what the girls all do since the boys are gone. I am looking for a letter from Fannie. She is nearly dead about Tom Jones. I will close for this time. Write soon.

Truly Your Brother

W.LC.

Dear Brother & Sister

As I have a good chance of writing to you, I will do so although I have nothing of any importance to write. Bob Scott got here last night with our things safe & sound. Our knit coats are very comfortable. My uniform coat that I got at New Orleans is getting too little for me. I want them to make me one at home and send to me whenever they get the chance. They need not be in any hurry about it sometime, yet. I believe I would like for them to make it like the one Tom Jones wore home & if they have the chance to send us anything in a month or two we will want some pants. We have two tolerable good pair apiece but then the Yankees may get Vicksburg some time & they would have a bad chance of sending us anything anymore. I have not saw Tom’s substitute since the first day that he got here. He has gone up above here somewhere to stay until Tom gets back, I reckon. The colonel has wrote for Tom to come back. I thought we would get a letter from some of you when Bob & the Capt. come but we never. I wrote a letter to Mrs. F.L.J. & sent it by Capt. Hodges & have been looking for an answer some time but have not got any yet. You must talk to the girls for me. Give them my love & best respects. I believe I have nothing more of any interest to write to you this time. It is a very rainy day but we have nothing to do but stay in our houses. I hope that this war will stop soon, and that we may all get home safe to sound. Nothing more this time but write soon & give my love to all the connection. I remain as ever your affectionate brother.

Patton

P.S. I, for fear this will not reach you, will not pay the postage. I will write home soon.

Pollard, Ala. Feb. 13, 1863

Dear Sister

As I have a good opportunity of sending you a letter, I will drop you a few lines to let you hear how we are all getting along. We are all in fine health and getting along exceedingly well for soldiers, plenty to eat and very little duty to do. I am perfectly satisfied as along as I can fare like we are and have been since we came to this place. The boys have become perfectly fat. Some of them weigh 50 pounds more than they did when they came here. Although I am in good health I am not as heavy as I was last winter. Patton’s weight is 145. Mine is 109 to 110. I am the least man in the regiment. Dan Sanders weighs 240 pounds. Patton got a letter from Cousin Emily last Saturday. They were all well. She said she weighed 117. She sent me one of the prettiest bookmarks you ever saw. The motto on it is - Think of me. There was another young lady made one and sent it to Patton. The motto on it is - A soldier’s friend. Mary Jane says she will give her negro woman & child for a substitute for her husband. He is in Mobile in the 18th Ala. regt. Emily says she is going to start to school in about 3 months. I don’t believe she likes Mary Jane’s old man much from the way she talks. She says she is going to La. after the war ends. Capt. Scott got a letter from Tom Jones last evening. It made the boss pretty hot when he found out he had his furlough extended. He says Tom does not (?) to come back The Capt. can’t help himself now Tom is at home & I am glad of it. Bob was gone 72 days. We have heard that George Wrenn was killed in Va. Is it so or not? Don F. Kingby was killed at Vicksburg by a citizen. I am in hopes we will all get home by the 4th of July. There are a great many who think peace will be made by the last of June. I want another pair of pants - that is, I am not needing them at present but I will need them before many months. Send them by the first good chance, by Tom when he comes if you do not have a good chance before.

I wrote Emily & Miss Marie Thornton some Valentines the other day. What is Doug doing these days. Does he court any of girls or not. Tell him I say if he wants to marry, now is his time while all the bays are out of his way. When the boys get home, they will not give him any showing at all. I will cut him out every chance I get just to keep him in hot water, I believe I will get myself a Mississippi or Ala. girl for a wife. Some of them are very nice girls. When I was up at Uncle Bird’s some of the girls fell in love with me. One of them I did not even speak to. One of them I did not like her much. But she may be a very nice girl - she is the one that Emily gave me for a sweet heart. I dreamed night before last that I was with my Mississippi girl. We have had some very pleasant weather for the last few days. It was warm enough today to plant corn. Tell Dick to raise a plenty of watermelons. Maybe I will get to go home next summer. Patton bought a slate & pencil an arithmetic today. We can pass off the time ciphering. It has been just twelve months today since we left New Orleans. The Yanks are doing their big best to get Vicksburg but I don’t think they will ever get it.

I am looking for a letter from Emily this evening. I expect she will have a great long rigmarole to tell me about some of the girls. She tells me a good deal of him sometimes. When I was up there I read a great many of her letters that she had got from the boys. I read same that she had got from an old widower - they were splendid. I know

you would laugh if you could get to see them. She has not answered his letters yet. She says she has quit writing to the boys. She told me about her courtships but I promised her not to tell them. Ann is large & old enough for some of the boys to begin to court her a little. I believe she will make a prettier woman than Emily. Uncle Bird is a right funny old coon. Emily said there was some talk on Uncle Thomas marrying again. Three or four of the 19 has married since we came here. I would not have one of these Gopher gals if she had a fortune to give me. There is going to be a party near here tonight. If I can get off I am going to it. Well I will quit writing for the present. If I go to the party I will tell you all about it.

Feb. 20

Well I did not go to the party. There was so many there that I concluded I could not see any fun. I did not get any letter from Emily yesterday evening. I think I will be certain to get one this evening. I am going sparking today with a Gopher gal. I met up with her yesterday. I think she is a pretty good case. I will make her think I am one of the boys. There is (?) 7 ladies here from Greenville Ala. They have been stay here 2 weeks. They say they came here so the soldiers could have the chance of talking with & being in the company of ladies. The officers stick to them like a sick kitten to a hot brisk, so the privates has no showing at all. Some of them are right pretty. I think that they are hunting husbands. I do not know how they will stay. Well, I have not much more to say this time. I have some good news if it be true. The North western states say they are going to withdraw from the United States and come with the South if we will let them, if not they will form themselves into a confederacy. They are going to meet in convention the 1st of Feb. to agree on what plan to pursue. Write soon & often.

Your Brother

W.LC.

Lafayette has left me but little room here for me but I have but little to write. We wrote a letter to you and sent by Capt. Kennedy, but you may not get it and I will mention some things in this that I did in that for you to send us. I want two pair of pants and Lafayette said he wants one, and if you can get one, a pair of drawers easy if some one comes. I hate to put you all to so much trouble for I know that such things are hard to get. There was a young lady by the name of Gillespie sent me a beautiful book mark with the words "a soldiers friend" worked on it. I believe I have nothing more of any interest to write you this time. I would be very glad to hear from home. I have not heard form home since Christmas.

Your Affectionate Brother

Patton

Pollard, Ala. Feb. 21, 1863

Dear Brother & Sister

As I have a chance to send a letter to you by hand I will do so. We are in fine health at this time. We have not got a letter from home since the one Tom’s substitute brought us. Patton got one from Tom a few days ago. He said you were all well. I hear nothing that is interesting to tell you only we are doing extremely well for soldiers. I was at a party a few nights ago. We had a fine time and a good deal of fun, something that a soldier seldom if ever sees. There was some ladies come from Greenville down here to see the soldiers but the officers stuck so close to them that the privates had no showing at all. They staid in some houses close to the regiment. They sent word to the privates several times to come and see them but they did not go. One of the ladies said she would consider herself slighted if the privates did not call on her. The reason why they did not go to see them was this: They felt like they would not be as welcome as the officers. I think they are themselves a husband, pick up a (?) rich cotton planter. If they (?) among the officers was a poor place to find him, for there is but one rich officer in the regiment and he did not pay attention to them. Some of the ladies it is said is worth one hundred thousand dollars. We have had some pretty warm weather for the few days, fine weather for planting corn. I guess the people will soon begin to plant corn. The Northwestern states say they must have peace. They are speaking very strongly about coming with the south. I hope they will. When Tom Jones comes back send me a pair of pants by him. Send me two if you have them made, if not, one pair will do. Patton wants two pair. We are not needing them right off but for fear we might need when we could not get them you had better send them by Tom. I weighed 110 this morning, Patton weighs 145 or 150. I got a long letter from cousin Emily a few days ago. They were all well. Uncle Bird is employed in a cotton factory. I got a nice Valentine too I think came from a Miss Thornton close to Uncle Birds but I am not certain. Emily says she wants Sallie & Josie to write to her. You must all write soon and tell us all the news. Tell Tom the old Capt. is hot because he got his furlough extended. But he has a poor way of helping hisself. I will close for the present. Write soon.

Truly Your Brother

Fayette

I got a letter from Fannie not long since Frank McIntyre says tell Bill Miller to send him a pair of pants.

In the woods near Marietta, Ga.

June 16th, 1864

Dear Father,

As we have the chance of sending a letter across the river by Capt. Hines(?) I will write you a few lines to let you know that we are still on the land of the living. We have both been in very bad health for some time but have managed to keep up with the company so far. We left our camps at Dalton on the 6th of May and have been fighting & marching nearly every day & night since. You cannot imagine the hardships that we have gone through since the first of May but I cannot give you any details of them now for I have neither time nor space. It has rained nearly every day since the __ of May, the most rain I ever saw this time of the year. Brained got here one day last week and brought us some letters which we are very glad to get, but I was greatly surprised indeed to hear of such a thing as Sallie & Doug marrying. Never did I dream of such a thing before. lam glad to hear that you are all well and doing well. We have had the following men wounded in our company: Lieut. Walker in the right thumb since amputated, Searg Rochester m the leg. Pendergrast A. Ga. recruit) in the leg amputated. J. N. Lewis through the face, Jesse Barnard in the foot. Dee Wrenn and J. P. Geren were struck with spent balls but neither hurt much. Maj. Scott was shot in the thigh on the 27th at New Hope church and died on the first of June. Bolt has been appointed 2d Lieut by the president and is now in a battalion of artillery in our division. Lieut. Gen. Polk was killed two days ago by a cannon ban. It is a great loss to this army. I do not know whether we will fall back any further than here or not. The Yankees still keep trying to flank us. They seem afraid to attack us. I wish this campaign would end. Tired almost to death marching. I am glad that the Yankees were whiped so bad in La. The 12 La. is up here. I saw the Crow boys day before yesterday. They were all well then. Tell Tom Jones that I would like to write to him but this is all the paper we have and no money to buy any more but tell him I should be glad to hear from him any time because he has the best chance to write. Tell him to write all he knows for I like to get letters from home. We have no money but will have plenty when they pay us off for they will owe us for six months at the end of June. And we had $120 on hand which we funded(?) and will get them when we are paid off. Besides Capt. Miller owes us $50 but he has not got the money to pay us at present. So we will have plenty for a while when we are paid off We get plenty of corn bread and bacon to eat at present and eat apricot vines for greens & they go very well. Tell Mr. Solomon and Louis I will answer their letters soon if I can. Give my love to all.

As ever your son,

Patton

[no date of place - on small slip of paper]

Braden will go back some time before long and we will write some letters and send by him if possible. When you get any letters from us let us know by whom we sent them so that we will know which of our letters get through. I don’t think there is much prospect of a general engagement here soon. I must stop - they are sending the letters off

Patton

Write every possible chance and tell all the balance to write. I like to get letters.

In the ditches near Atlanta, Aug. 17th 1864

Dear Father

As Cal. Turner is going to start home in a day or two, I will write a short letter by him. We are in pretty good health and are getting along as well as could be expected under the present circumstances. it is true we are having a hard time and have had ever since we left Dalton. But that is nothing if we can only gain our independence. But if reports are true, I think this campaign will soon close. Report says Wheeler is in Sherman’s rear going north tearing up the road and burning bridges as he goes. I hear that he has torn up 30 miles of railroad It is also stated that Forest burned the bridge at Bridgeport. if these reports are true Sherman will have fight us in our works on retreat soon on account of rations. Everything has been very quiet for the last few days. I don’t know what it means. In a fight on the 28th of July our brigade suffered great loss, out of 1125 men 425 were killed & wounded. Co D lost 3 killed on the field & one has died since, loss in all 16. I will name them killed Billy Dance, James M. Geren, John A. Harris, D. N. Britt, Wounded, Capt. Miller, Walter Scott, St. John Brown, D. B. Childers, W. B. Lewis, J. F. Shettlesworth, James H. Sehan, W. N. Hargrove, H. A. McFarland slight, S. F. Bridges slight, E. W. Hardy slight and myself slight. John Felder was badly wounded a few days since with a piece of shell in the leg. It has been amputated. I have not heard from him since - I got a letter from William Solomon a few days since. He is well. He has not been in any fight during their campaign. But he says he has done a great deal of hard marching. Grant is trying to make his way back to Washington. I believe a defeat with Sherman & Grant will wind up the war by next March. I believe it will cause a peace man to be elected to the presidency. I sincerely hope & pray for peace by spring. I would [be] glad to see you all again. I saw the Crow boys yesterday. They are well. I Also saw the Minden Cavalry. They are well, too. Tell Angeline, Irby is detailed as a carpenter to work. I did not see him, but he is well. Jesse Grounds & Need Taylor and one or two others are gone in the rear of the enemy to mount themselves. They have been gone several days. There has been a great change in our army since last fall, for the letter: We have prayer meeting nearly every night. Tirdy Dance was killed yesterday by a ball out of a shell while lying in the ditches. He was a good soldier & a good man. Drade Newsom is off sick. He has not been with us since we left Dalton. Uncle Bird’s family are all well. I got a letter from Cousin Emily a few days since. A Yankee raid went to Rock Mills not long since and from there on to Lafayette and Opelika. They done a good deal of mischief but they nearly all captured by our cavalry. Father, when you write, white me all that is going on back there. The last letter we had from home was dated the 29 May. I had a mess of apple dumplings yesterday for dinner.

Your Affectionate Son

Fayette

Dear Sisters,

I will write you a few lines, but I have already told all the news that is of any importance. Patton has gone to see the Minden Cavalry today. Sallie I was surprised to hear of your marriage, but I reckon it is all right. Give the girls all my best wishes. We have lost 6 men killed since we left Dalton. Their names are Billy Dance, Jim Geren, John A. Harris, T. P. Godwin a recruit, H. N. Pendergrass a recruit, D. N. Britt. Tell Louisa’a & Doug’s children I would like to see them & tell them what I have seen. Let Louisa & Mr. Soloman read this letter & it will be for all. I will close for the present. All of you write every chance. I remain as ever your brother till death separates us.

Fayette

Col. Turner is going home on wounded furlough Maybe you will get to see him. Send Tom’s letter to him the first chance. There is but 3 of the Minden blues able for duty. The rest are wounded and kill and captured. Aug. 23 Ben Fedder is dead. He had the measles. All quiet today. Gen Wheeler has been and is now in Sherman’s rear for the last ten days. It is reported that he has done a great deal of damage to the R. road.

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