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| Contributor: |
Transcription contributed by Vivian Combs Moon 31 Aug 2003 |
| Surnames: |
Warwick |
| Comments: |
Vivian writes, "Amos Warwick is talking about what Kentucky looks like and the sights that he has seen. He had just enlisted in the Union Army August 4, 1862 in Warren County, Ohio. But as the war goes on his letters to his brother change. In one letter he tell his brother to put old Tom to the plow and plant every inch of ground for the people of the south would surely starve to death. He talks of coming on Rebel troops that are so weak with hungry that they can hardly lift their rifles and he passes them by. Another time he talks about not being able to shoot the walking dead. Amos did not desert but as I read these letter with tears in my eyes I wondered about all the men that did deserted during this war and wondered if they didn't feel much the same way. That they were not cowards afraid to die but just men that couldn't shoot a man that was so weak he couldn't lift his rifle...What a terrible time it must have been." |
| Related Links: |
Amos S. Warwick Civil War Record Amos S. Warwick Tombstone at Miami Cemetery |
Envelope postmarked October 2, 1862, Louisville, Kentucky. The
stamp was removed.
Addressed to Mr. H. V. Warwick, Oregon, Ohio
Dear Brother,
I will commence writing you a letter to day, but I do not expect to finish it.
Our whole redg is out on picket to day. Our camp is right at the heart of broadway
on a small hill. We are about 2 or 3 miles from camp, Stretched across the country.
Each company is divided into 2 or 3 squads. We will stay out here until tomorrow.
Our company is stationed on a road. Picket duty is very pleasant provided the
weather is good and there is no rebels about. Well I had thought before now
that I had seen large crowds but I never seen anything like the crowds here.
Tis a sight worth seeing above candelingting. I suppose there is a100,000 men
here, probably more. Buells army is here. The 35th Redg had not more than arrived
before our camp was full of them. They looked hearty and greasy. The armys of
this lower country seem to be consentrating here. What is going to be done I
cannot tell. Surely there is troops enough in Ky- to clean her out if they want
to.
Tell Mother I am fat and hearty. I reckon as hearty as if I had been at home.
I have seen a great many things I never saw before. Feel very well paid so far.
I have seen some things that was cheering and others that was sickening to the
heart. For instance breaking into the houses and distroying & taking things
that is of no earthly use to me. I have seen the finest of houses guted of its
contents. Board fence that protected good crops torn down and in some instances
the crops taken. When there was a poor family depending on it. When war brings
about such things it brings to memory that I have a wife and children at home.
I cannot engage in it. Though they be an arrant Secessionist. And I have the
ssurance that our officers do not sanction it, Though they cannot hinder it.
at times I understand the confiscation as it is for the government & not
to give license to privates to plunder. But such is war.
I WANT YOU TO USE OLD Tom and sow all the wheat you can, this fall for I do
not see as they can raise any thing in this country. It has been very dry here
for three months (Though we had a good rain here yesterday). Besides what incouragement
is it to a man to sow, when he has not the assurance that it will be protected.
I believe now that the south can be starved out if the war can be kept on their
own soil, which can be done. We was back in covington 30 miles, and I did see
more than 100 acres that I would pay the taxes on. But what I have seen around
Louisville I like verry well. Substantially built though not very fancy. It
was a splendid river view & landing. Two railroad depots. And the most and
best water of any city that I was ever in. In my travels I have met with Noble
Warwick & Isaac Boatman. I am goig to correspond with Noble. I wrote to
Father
yesterday. And the day before that Smith & I were all over Lou & I got
my three pictures taken & expressed them to F. Jeffery to Fort
ancient. If they do not come you can write to me & let me know &
I will hunt them up. Well I guess I will finish this to day yet. I have had
a verry easy time so far. My duties have been verry light. With the exception
of marching which gets me down after lying in camp. Please write and give me
all the news. hand this to Mary & mother
(signed)
To H. V. B. Warwick A. S. Warwick
This page created 31 August 2002 and last updated
30 April, 2012
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