(from archived 2nd Tennessee Infantry Regiment, U.S.A., site by Dave Mathews)

This is a copy of a letter written by Private James K. Garland from Roane County, son of John Garland and Camilla Bean Garland.  James Garland enlisted at age 21 serving in Company A of the 2nd Tennessee Infantry from August 20, 1861 until his capture at Rogersville on November 6, 1863.  He was taken to Belle Isle Prison in Richmond and paroled at City Point, Virginia on April 6, 1864.  He was admitted to the U. S. Army General Hospital at Baltimore, Maryland where he died May 5, 1864.  Private Garland never married.  He is buried in grave 852 in Loudon Park Cemetery.

A transcription of the letter was generously contributed by Kenneth E. Seguin, Major, USAFR.  Ken‘s wife is a descendant of Russell Garland, older brother of James Garland who was also a private in Company A.

April the 25th 1863
Camp Near Stanford KY

Dear Mother & sisters.

It is with pleasure that I seat myself for the purpose of writing you a few lines to let you kno that we are in good health at this time and hope that these few lines may find you enjoying the same health.  We are camped at this time in a mile of Stanford KY. Stanford is 17 miles this side of Camp Dick Robinson.  We were paid off yesterday and we all have plenty of money at this time and I would send some money home if I thought it would get ther but I think it very doubtful about mony getting in to Dixy from hear as I have heard from several of boys sending money home as starting it at least.  Mother I will send you ten dollars and risk it by (unreadable/scratched out) and I want you to write to me and let me no whether you get it or not.  Also, Mother, I will send you 9 papers of kneedles 2 papers of pins.  So no moore at present.  Only remain your son, James Garlin (N.B.)  Give my love to all my friends.

Jim