Click here for this soldier’s biography:
https://micivilwar.com/authors/chalker-george-n/
Regiment: 26th Michigan Infantry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
Camp in the Woods
Headquarters 1st Brigade, 1st Division
2nd Corps. Oct the 29
th, 1863
Dear Father & Mother & sisters.
I sent you a few lines yesterday and last night after dark a spell as I lay on my bed a
talking with Will. The orderly came with the mail and then there was I around each man
eager to hear from his home. They called off several names and finally George’s name
was called over three times. I was glad to hear from home and that you was well and the
rest of the folks the same. We have better than we did when we was in the fort. You
wrote and wanted me to tell you whether I got that letter that you directed to for
Richmond as not I did get it but I wasn’t at the fort nor the letters hadn’t never been there.
One of the letters was dated the 13th, 15th, & 20th of Oct. We had Brigade drill this
forenoon and this afternoon. The regiment is on battalion drill. We have it easy and I am
a writing a few lines to father and mother. It don’t make any difference to me but then I
shall ask one question of some one of you. What kind of use do you find the money that
I have sent home? I’ve not a doubt but it was put at good use in the least but then I want
to know. Just for fun have you got any now and how much of it? I have got some and
when I get some more pay, I will send as much as I can home. How much money have I
let you have since I have been a soldier? Counting everything that is green backs. I
mean ….. it isn’t but a little I know but I believe that I have let you have more money
than I would as could if I had of been at home some where at work, don’t you? Yes,
George, stay where you are. You are a doing well. Oh, you said that mother was making
great preparations in our coming in to the state this fall. What do you think about it?
Mother you must as may smoke your pipe a good may times before I come home. Yes,
and Father can chew his tobacco the same. Father, I have seen tobacco sold for ten cents
a chew. That’s so to and glad to get it at that. You can dream about my coming around
the west end of the house as much as you are a mind to. When I come there you won’t
know me at all. How does the cattle and all look, Father? Does Hannah take care of
Flore yet or not? I like it first rate here but the country has all gone to rack and ruin.
I don’t think it is worth fighting for myself but then to give up to successionism I
won’t till the last if I can do anything for it. Well, I must get supper for Cousin Will.
His is on drill.
Evening and all is quiet and still around this camp and the mail has just come in
and George got two letters. On from father and one from Lif and he wants any letter. I
hope that he will get his discharge before he goes any further. He can’t stand it down
here. I know the letter that I got tonight was dated the sixth of this month. We are a
getting back mail now I think.
Then there is no more about them boxes. I am glad that they was all right. I sent one box
at Staten Island and one nice blanket. I want you to get it and keep it for me. I have told
you before what I sent in the box with the blanket. I shall send Aunt Matilda a letter
before long. Will got a letter from his folks and they was all well. Well, I must close
soon. I think that I write often enough don’t you? Well I must close. Write often. Good
by. This from George Chalker to father & mother and sisters. I got one from father
tonight safe. Camp of the woods this from bill bidden.
If ever I like till the sun shines tomorrow I am bound to go back to Alabama again, I
mean Michigan. Good night all day. Write soon.
