Images and transcribed letter from Robbie L. Hayter
Letter from Camp Trousdale
New Middleton, Sept 1st 61
Mr. James B. Hale
Dear Sir, I take this opportunity to drop you a few lines to let you know that I have not forgotten you and the other boys. I have written to you, John and Thomas more than a half dozen letters and have not received the first scratch of a pen since you left Camp Trousdale. I was at your Fathers today and learned that you had not received a letter from me since you left (xxx). Why this is I cannot tell, the fault must be in the Post office department, Your Fathers family are all well they received your letter dated 17th August and we were glad to hear that your condition is not as bad as has bin represented by some of your regiment. I have heard said by men that had received letters from your camp that you were surrouned by the Yankees and were living upon half rations and that not fit to eat. If these reports are not true they ought not to be circulated for they cause a great deal of distress for (xxx) those that have friends fighting for their liberties. I want you to write to me and let me know how you fare in camps and if you are wanting anything that can add to your comfort while in camps. If so, let it be known and it shall be sent to you. I will now tell you a few things that has taken place in the last few days. In the first place I can inform you that I have another sister, Brown has married to Mis Mat Smith this morning. It was a dull wedding nobody there but their own family. Come over to Fathers tomorrow and take dinner with them. This is the only marriage that has taken place for some time past and I think it will be the last for (xxx) the volunteers return home for the ladies are determined to give soldiers the preference. Captain Landers and a part of his company arrived in (xxx) yesterday. They are out on a scouting expedition. They have been over in Macon County after one Dr. Clemons who is for rebelling against the State authorities and fighting for Old Abe if they get him he will be hung. There has been a great change in the 17th district since you left. I think the last man is willing to fight for the South with a few exceptions who will not fight at all but their sympathies are with the South. Capt. Wright is one of the hardest cases about fighting and he is getting up provisions for the volunteers wives and children and he is very liberal in contributing to their wants. Our neighborhood has turned out about Fifty volunteers and all that is left are waiting for a call. We are determined to die before we will submit to the (?upsurpation, ?aspirations) of Old Abe Lincoln. You must all write to me every chance you get. I would be glad to hear you every day. Show this to John and Thomas, tell them to write (xxx)
Fraternally, John S. Gill
THE LIBERTY HERALD
Editor, Will A. Vick
November 13, 1895
New Middleton
Maj. John S. Gill who was very sick died Tuesday, Oct. 29th and was buried Wednesday at the Barnett Camp Ground near Rome.