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ouaLetter Tells of Desertions by Rebel Soldiers in Fall of ’63eraCinJo)“caDeiJohnny Reb, in the fall of 1883, was getting tired of war and desertion from Confederate lines was common, according to a letter produced today by Dwight S. Sneary of Newcomerstown. It was written by his grandfather, Amos P. Sneary, who was a member of Co. D. 118th regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The letter was addressed to members of the Sneary family and was received by Jacob Sneary, father of Dwight, who preserved it for many years and turned it over to his son.The letter is as follows?Headquarters, Sept. the 8th, 1863, camp at Louden's bridge, East Tennessee, Co. D. 118th Reg., 1st brigade, second division, 23 army.”“Kind father, I set down to let you know that I am well at present, hoping these lines may find you all well. Now I will tell you that we had a long march. We went to Louisville and from there to Lebanon, Ky., by railroad and then took it by boat. We marched 18 da'ys and 250 miles by boat. From Lebanan we went to Green River and from there to the Cumberland river.“We waded it and marched over the Cumberland mountains. We met our brigade on the mountains. It was very cold on them and then we marched for Knoxville, Tenn. We had to wade three rivers in bur march. The whole army had to strip off and wade. They were the Big (Emery?) the Clinch and the Cumberland rivers. We marched some days for 22 miles and our feet got very sore at first but we had to go it. We marched within four days march of Knoxville and then left our knapsacks and wagons back, expecting a fight, and took eight Crackers apiece for 5 days rations and went on. We ran out «t rations and had to live on green com for a week and anything we, could get. We sent half of ourj force to Knoxville and the other-haif to Loudon’s bridge across the Tennessee river. But when we got there the rebs had left and burned the bridge. It was 1.180 feet long. We throwed * few shell after them, but they were too far gone. We killed the man that set the bridge on fire. The steam boat ran all the time the rebs were here, but they don’t run now. They tore up the railroad track and done all the mischief they could before they left. There were 20,000 of them. They were well fortified. We are camped now at their fortifications. Our teams have come up and we get crackers again as usual but not enough. We have (9,000) bushels of wheat and got the mill started to run. I waded half of the Tennessee river when we got there for to get com to eat on an island that the rebs had planted and worked. We have got both Knoxville and this place and the trains run from here to Knoxville already. When we get the bridge built and the road open to Louisville, we will get plenty again. This is a very nice place.InieSa^theLc^terVtoThe rebs is deserting their army fast and giving themselves up. They come in here every day in squads and one told us that their whole army was disheartened and would desert if they could get away. He said that they had to guard them to keep them from deserting and coming to our lines. I can't tell you half of the news this time. Tell me whether you got the last 30 dollars I sent home. I have not had a letter from you for nearly two months. I send my love to all, hoping you are well So nothing more at present. But write soon and tell me how you are all getting along.”(Signed) Amos P. Sneary.THE BIRTH OFA BABTMU WA TUSTARTS SUNDAYYOURPAYMENTREDUCE
Newspaper Details
Coshocton Tribune
Coshocton, Ohio, US
Wed, Jun 22, 1938
Page 10
Full Page
Clipped by
Gary C.
USA 22 Oct 2018
Other Publications Near Coshocton, Ohio
Coshocton Morning Tribune
Coshocton Daily Tribune
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Coshocton Daily Age
Coshocton County Democrat
