Confederate Soldier Letter Home to Mother in Texas – 1863
Background
John Wood was born in Scotland in 1841 and was about 10 years old when they emigrated to Texas. He became a soldier when he enlisted in the Confederate army (along with his brothers-in-law in Hill County, Texas) and went off to war. These men joined the Confederate Army on March 28, 1862, a few days before conscription went into effect. Conscription would have seen all eligible men who were not in the army arrested. There is no written evidence of their opinion about the war, but the very late enlistment date of all of the family members may indicate a reluctance to join a fight they didn’t feel was theirs. There are no records or indication that these families owned slaves.
John was one of four Wood sons. A brother, James, had drowned in Scotland. Another brother (also James) died in Leon County, Texas shortly after their arrival in Texas and as they were in route to Fort Graham. John’s older brother, Hugh, had left the family home in Texas several years prior to seek his fortune. It is believed that Hugh was killed in the Goshute attack on Eight Mile Station on the Nevada/Utah border. This is a sweet letter home to mother written by a Confederate Soldier.
The Letter
September the 8th, 1863
Dear Mother,
I take the present opportunity of writing you a few lines to let you know how I’m getting along. I’m well now but have been sick. There is a great deal of sickness in our regiment now. Out of 800 there is not more than one hundred able for duty. Mem Murphy & Bob Frazier is in the country sick. I’ve got nothing new to tell you but Doak has got a furlough he will bring this letter home to you and he can tell you more than I can. Archy is well.
I hope this will find you all well. I’m in a hurry. I will have to bring letter to a close.
Your son,
John Wood