Submitted by Lane Cheney
[Letter written from Stephen Wilcox to his brother-in-law Walter Clark]
[Jule is Stephen's wife, Walter's sister]
Jackson Ville, Florida, March 31st, 1864
Dear Brother Walt,
I take this opportunity of answering your short note. I am in good health
and have all that I can do. I am on duty continually either on camp or head
quarters guard or fatigue and picket. I suppose I shall have to go on picket
tomorrow. We are drilling principally on skirmishing. It is a very pretty
drill. We have to drill one hour before breakfast and two hours in the
forenoon and two hours in the afternoon.
Walt I should like to be with you this afternoon where I could get some
lager. It is a dry place here. I have not seen a drop of whiskey since I
left Folly Island. They have a little [pop] beer to sell down town and that
is all. How is Johnny & Billy? Are they too busy to write to a fellow or
don't they want to write to such a country-man as my humble self. I should
like to hear from them once in a while. Walt, do you ever go to Norwalk? You
ought to go over once in a while to see the girls. They are very fine girls
and would make a smart man a wife. They are pretty well educated and good
company. You must go up and see Jule when you can and look after her. She is
a dear good sister to you and thinks a good deal of you, and I entrust her
in your's and Pop's care until I return which I hope will be before long. I
have but [17] months more to stay and I hope it will [play] off quickly and
pleasantly without anything happening to me. I have made my mind to come
back again and shall try to weather it through. I hope to live a long and
good life of [wonderfulness]. Walt you know how things are at home. I hope
every thing will [play] off well, and I should like to be there if I could
but I think it will be impossible. I know that you will do all that you can
for her and pop too. He is a good father. I don't know what Jule would do
without him. I think a great deal of the old gentleman and will always give
him a home as long as he will be content to stay with me.
Walt I would like some paper & envelopes and a pair of suspenders, if you
will oblige me by sending them, I will try and pay you if in no other way
but by sending for some more when I get out. I am in hopes that I will be
payed off before long so that I can send Jule some. I don't know how I am
going to get along if they don't raise the soldiers pay. I'm hoping that I
may be home where I can earn a good living. I will close by sending kind
regards to all enquiring friends.
I remain yours Bro
Stephen R. Wilcox