Following is a heavily edited transcript of a letter Private William H. Strickland wrote to his “aunts and uncle” in September 1864, while he was home on furlough. This letter is part of the Sally G. Quinn Papers viewable on the Private Voices website (https://altchive.org/node/281). The original transcript is also available on 51stnct.com HERE.
Magnolia NC Sept the 6 1864
Aunts and uncle, I once more take the pleasure of writing you a few lines to inform you that my health is improving some, but very little. I want to see you all very bad, but you may know that I can’t hold out to walk it yet, and so I want you all to come to see me and as soon as I get able, I will go. As you can come, you all do so. You can’t tell how bad I want to see you. Come as soon as you can, all. I shall look for you until I see you. I can tell you a heap. It has been some time since I saw you all last. Kate[1] says as A[?] you want to see Mr South[????] you had better come, for he has got to go off and she wants you to see him before he leaves. So I shall look for you to come. As to the family, all are well and send their love to you all. I shall close.
Yours until death,
Wm. H. Strickland
[1] Likely Catherine E. Strickland, William’s sister.
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