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Letter Home to His Sweetheart Frant (Francelia)
Atlanta, Georgia
September 7, 1864
Dear Frant
This morning finds me well., In the best of spirits. I hope this may find you the same. Although I hardly expect it will
as I learn you are sick, why did not you tell me; Frant, so I might learn it from you; or not from others. I think you
stayed at school to long. penned up as young ladies always are in such a place; a young man will get around some but a
young lady they keep under their thumb. I do not believe sacrificing the back to improve the mined.
Now Frant you must not get sick; for I think I will be at home sometime & I want you to be able to run all over the
country with me, up in our orchard, down to the mill pond, up to see Eunice: or just where we please; would like to
make the folks lie or talk a little; if possible; if I come home on a furlough I will make them all mad & lick three or
four small fellows, then I think I can come back & stay my time out. Now if you are sick again you must let me know.
On Sept 3rd just at dark we had orders to march we crossed the river first dark, & traveled in the mud & rain until one
o’clock when the teams ahead of us got in the mud & could not get out, we hauled into a lot & stay all night. The next
morning at seven we moved into town, it is a very pleasant place I think and nice as I ever saw. Splendid houses, the
most beautiful yards I ever saw. I would not ask a more beautiful place to live. The place is full of woman & children
some men. I tell you there are some handsome young ladies here, Sesch as old Jeff himself. I like to talk with them ask
them what they think of the yanks, where Johnston is going after Macon is taken, how they would like to marry a yank.
I don’t think would have to coak [coax] them a great while to get one to marry & go north. Guess I won’t get married
yet. Don’t you Frant, till I get home, you won’t will you.
Sherman has demoralized the Johnies very bad. I think this is the worst blow they have had in a long time. There was a
general order read yesterday that the army would rest a month & get paid. I rather think that will be gay. I have eight
months pay due. I will get my photograph taken when I gat a chance. You shall have the best one that will be poor
enough. How does Helen Branel get along; where is Hall Milliman; who is drafted in our place. The boys are all well.
Bill & Cel [Cel is crossed out] are well. Cel is in the hospital (?) Del is tough as a knot; give my love to all who enquire
that is the friends, write soon good bye
From Edgar Shannon to Frant
[Written down the left side of the front page is the following text:]
Here is my benediction: May Old Abe be successful against the rebs & copperheads. May Jeff & his associates be hung
40 feet high & the boys come home & kiss the girls they like eighty times or until their lips are sore.
Source: soldierstudies.org
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