Click here for this soldier’s biography:
https://micivilwar.com/authors/painter-william/
Regiment: 22nd Michigan Infantry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
Oct. 20th, 1863
Field Hospital near Chattanooga
My dear Hannah
I am not able to write so My nurse is writing for me as I
have written before my right limb is taken of below my Knee and I
cant set up to write I am doing as well as can be expected I
get very tiard as I have to lay on my back all of the time My
dear I often wish I was to home It would be so much better
but I expect It will be sometime before I will be able to come
Home if ever I must say I have seen some pleasant moments since
I was woulnded I beleave God has forgiven me all my sins I am
willing to die if it is my lot but still I would be happy to
return to my loved home. I think of you and little Abby every
night and morning in my prayers Oh could I but see you What a
blessed moment I have wating for George Owen to write for me but
he is driving team and I dont see him very often I expect he has
written to you about me some time ago I am in a nice wall tent
and have as good a bed as can be expected in the Army I have a
very good appatite I had for my dinner here crackers and apple
sauce and coffe and a piece of a gray squirrel It was very good
but still I I could onely be to home and you could cook for me
It would be much better It would be much better I long for a
change of food The doctors do all they can for me but still It
is not like being with friends to home We have 12Boys in the
Hospital wounded some of them will not liver lonq We are sending
to Nashville all that are able to go by trains which are going
after supplies We have prayer meeting almost every night-I like
the Chaplain which 1s here very much he prayed for me and I
tried to pray for myself I felt releaved I feel hapy
Tuesday after dinner
Mrs Painter I am taking care of your Husband and will do the best
I can He is asleep while I am writing rests very well If
you want to know anything concerning mr Painter & you like you
can direct to me
J. S. Lamb
22 nd Michigan
Infantry Co A
Wm. Painter, Give my Love to all Friends Good bye
give my best respects to Walter and Abby My dear Hannah I feel
religion is a good thing & I hope you will seake with all your
heart until you find the Savior is good and If we do not live to
see each other on Earth we will mete in Heaven to part no more on
Cannans Happly land 1 feel to commend myself to Jesus and If die
I must I am willing to go but hope I must for the best
Good bye and God bless you & abby Wm Painter
