No envelope available:
Letter’s author:
John Hickerson to his father
Contents:
Columbus __
Oct 9th 1861
Dear Father:
This is the first time
that I have wrote you since I volunteered but I hope you will excuse me,
when we first started out to fight we were ordered to Virginia,
we got as far as Knoxville & then were ordered back to Memphis.
We come back to Memphis & staid here a few weeks when we were ordered to
Arks [
Arkansas], we went up there, when we were ordered up in Kentucky
we went up there & staid a few weeks. When we were ordered back to Arks,
staid there a few more days. When we were ordered to Point Pleasant, Mo.
We stopped there a short time when we were ordered to this place, where
I think we will fight before tomorrow night. This morning the Yankees
come down the river in two gun boats & fired upon us, without effect.
We returned the fire, with but little success. When they retreated back
to Caro [
Cairo, IL], It is supposed that they will attack us tonight
or tomorrow, we are ready for them let them come, I am well & have been
all the time. Bill is with me, & is well, I want you to write me word
where George and Dave are & what their Capt is named, & what Regiment &
whose command they are in.
I would like for you & all the
rest to come see me, I am here and cant leave. I will see if I cant
get a furlough & come home if I can. If you will come, you can go to
Jackson & take the Bail Road, & come to Columbus in two or three days.
If you want to find me when you get there, inquire for Capt Warfield
Company (C) Hindman’s Legion (in Gen Hardee’ Command) Tell Sam &
Sarah & mother & all the rest that I want to see them. Bob Campbell
& the Duncan boys are here & well, direct your letters to me in care
of Capt Warfield Company (C) Hindman’s Legion. I remain your affect son.
John Hickerson
P.S. Frank is here & well
Notes:
This letter from John Hickerson to
his father on the 9th of October, 1861 from Columbus, Hickman County,
Kentucky to Perry County Tennessee. Contributed by Darlene Hickerson Johns,
g-g-granddaughter of John Hickerson.
From the Collection of
Darlene Hickerson Johns
A treasured family heirloom. 
