S.S. Wills
Content of the Letter
Some places mentioned in the letter are Gallatin (TN), Bowling Green (KY), Camp Jim Mitchell, Monroe County (TN), Lot Bray, and Clayton (IN). In this letter, Wills was writing to his parents and other family members. He mostly spoke of animals on the farm (shoats, his mare, hogs), and gave orders for certain things to be done on the farm. He wanted to know how they were doing as well. He also spoke of the war and contemplated whether it would end and how would it end. The letter also includes information on camp life. The letter mentions, “Jaynes expectorant” - which was a medicine in the 1800’s. Find more information on it here.
Wills mentions Gallatin in his letter. This is some information we found about Gallatin around the time of the Civil War.
With the Cumberland River nearby and the Louisville and Nashville Railroad running just northwest of here, Gallatin was a logistics hub for the Union army, which occupied the area in February 1862. It was a target of Confederate raids throughout the war. After a destructive raid by John Hunt Morgan in August 1862, Union forces fortified the town. Civil War-era buildings survive in town.
Wills mentions Gallatin in his letter. This is some information we found about Gallatin around the time of the Civil War.
With the Cumberland River nearby and the Louisville and Nashville Railroad running just northwest of here, Gallatin was a logistics hub for the Union army, which occupied the area in February 1862. It was a target of Confederate raids throughout the war. After a destructive raid by John Hunt Morgan in August 1862, Union forces fortified the town. Civil War-era buildings survive in town.
Map of Gallatin, TN at the Time of the Civil War from the Library of Congress
Personal Information
Our soldier’s full name was Sylvester Stewart Wills, though he sometimes went by Stewart Sylvester Wills. His birthday was on June 2nd, 1838, and he died on a Wednesday night due to Bright’s Disease on March 11th, 1908.
His residence in 1850 (Age: 11) was in Liberty, Hendricks, Indiana. His residence in 1860 (Age: 21) was in Center, Hendricks, Indiana, United States. He was in the military from July 25th, 1862 (Age: 23). S.S. Wills was married to Mary (Molly) Maria Howland on September 5th, 1865 (Age: 26) in Danville, Hendricks, Indiana, USA. His residence in 1870 (Age: 31) was in Middle, Hendricks, Indiana, USA. His residence in 1880 (Age: 41) was in Pittsboro, Hendricks, Indiana, USA. His residence in 1900 (Age: 61) was in Middle, Hendricks, Indiana, USA. His burial was in Brownsburg, Hendricks, Indiana, USA.
His residence in 1850 (Age: 11) was in Liberty, Hendricks, Indiana. His residence in 1860 (Age: 21) was in Center, Hendricks, Indiana, United States. He was in the military from July 25th, 1862 (Age: 23). S.S. Wills was married to Mary (Molly) Maria Howland on September 5th, 1865 (Age: 26) in Danville, Hendricks, Indiana, USA. His residence in 1870 (Age: 31) was in Middle, Hendricks, Indiana, USA. His residence in 1880 (Age: 41) was in Pittsboro, Hendricks, Indiana, USA. His residence in 1900 (Age: 61) was in Middle, Hendricks, Indiana, USA. His burial was in Brownsburg, Hendricks, Indiana, USA.
Family
Sylvester's father was George Washington Wills (Born January 16th, 1814, Died April 26th, 1888). His father was a republican and Christian and was the first constable of Clayton. His mother was Francis Mershon. His brothers were James Monroe Wills, William Franklin Wills, and Henry C Wills. His sisters were Louisa Jane Wills and Miriam Ann Wills.
His wife was Mary (Molly) Maria Howland (Born July 1st, 1845, Died March 4th, 1910).
Sylvester had two daughters. Emma Alice Wills (Born 1868, Died 1941) and Nora Candacy Wills (Born 1871, Died 1957).
He also had five sons, *William Edgar Wills (Born 1866), Frank Elmer Wills (Born 1879, Died 1954), Harry Merrill Wills (Born March 1882, Death 1948), Ralph Emerson Wills (Born 1877, Died 1955), and *Infant Wills (Born March 7th 1885, Died March 11th 1885). The ones starred did not make it to adulthood.
His wife was Mary (Molly) Maria Howland (Born July 1st, 1845, Died March 4th, 1910).
Sylvester had two daughters. Emma Alice Wills (Born 1868, Died 1941) and Nora Candacy Wills (Born 1871, Died 1957).
He also had five sons, *William Edgar Wills (Born 1866), Frank Elmer Wills (Born 1879, Died 1954), Harry Merrill Wills (Born March 1882, Death 1948), Ralph Emerson Wills (Born 1877, Died 1955), and *Infant Wills (Born March 7th 1885, Died March 11th 1885). The ones starred did not make it to adulthood.
This is a photo of his grave today. S.S. Wills is buried at Greenlawn Cemetery in Brownsburg, Hendricks County. See more here.
Image of S.S. Wills With Friends in Front of Balanced Rock in Colorado Springs, CO.
Military Career
S.S. Wills was in the 70th Regiment (Indiana Infantry). His side was the Union, and he was in Company C. His soldier’s rank in was, “Corporal”. And soldier’s rank out was, “Sergeant”. The dates from where he started in the military to when he left was July 25th, 1862 to June 8th, 1865. That means that he was possibly in every battle mentioned.
The battles his regiment fought include Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca (Injured, Honorable Dismissal), Dallas, New Hope Church, Allatoona Hills, Kolb’s Farm, Kennesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, and Battle of Bentonville.
In Rocky Face Ridge, there were 1437 total casualties (US 837 ; CS 600). It ended in a Union Victory. The dates of this battle were May 7, 1864 to May 13, 1864.
In Resaca, there were 5547 total casualties (US 2747; CS 2800). The results were undecisive. Wills got injured in this battle and received an honorable dismissal. The dates of this battle were May 13, 1864 to May 15, 1864.
In Dallas, there were 1437 total casualties (US 837; CS 600). It resulted in a Union victory. The dates of this battle were May 26, 1864 to June 1 1864.
In New Hope Church, there were 2,065 total casualties (US 1665; CS 400). It resulted in a Confederate victory. The dates of this battle was May 25, 1864 to May 26, 1864.
In Allatoona Hills, there were 1,505 estimated casualties (US 706; CS 799). This battle resulted in a Union victory. The date this battle started was October 5, 1864.
In Kolb’s Farm, there were 1,350 estimated casualties (US 350; CS 1,000). This resulted in a Union victory. The date this battle started was June 22, 1864.
In Kennesaw Mountain, there were 4000 estimated casualties (US 3000; CS 1000). It resulted in a Confederate victory. The date this battle started was June 27, 1864.
In Peach Tree Creek, there were 4,250 estimated casualties (US 1,750; CS 4,250). It resulted in a Union victory. The date this battle started was July 20, 1864. Wills was wounded between his knee and left leg in July. Also, had an enlargement of his liver and spleen.
In the Battle of Bentonville, there were 4,133 estimated casualties (US 1,527; CS 2,606). It resulted in a Union victory. The Union side had six victories in these battles, Confederate side had two, and one battle was indecisive. The dates of this battle was March 19, 1865 to March 21, 1865.
Regiment lost during service 2 Officers and 96 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 2 Officers and 103 Enlisted men by disease. Total 203. This Unit was organized at Indianapolis, Indiana, July 22 to August 8, 1862. It ordered to march to Washington, D. C., via Richmond, Virginia, April 29-May 19, 1865 and Grand Review May 24. They mustered out June 8, 1865. Recruits transferred to 33rd Indiana Infantry.
In his other letters, he mentions Camp Benjamin Harrison. Benjamin Harrison was the 23rd U.S. President (the last Civil War general to serve as president) and had a huge involvement with the Civil War and the 70th Regiment. S. S. Wills was a personal friend of Harrison. Find more information on him here and here.
See more on his military information at these websites :
70th Regiment Battles and Locations here
70th Regiment More Information here
More Information on the 70th Regiment here and here
The battles his regiment fought include Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca (Injured, Honorable Dismissal), Dallas, New Hope Church, Allatoona Hills, Kolb’s Farm, Kennesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, and Battle of Bentonville.
In Rocky Face Ridge, there were 1437 total casualties (US 837 ; CS 600). It ended in a Union Victory. The dates of this battle were May 7, 1864 to May 13, 1864.
In Resaca, there were 5547 total casualties (US 2747; CS 2800). The results were undecisive. Wills got injured in this battle and received an honorable dismissal. The dates of this battle were May 13, 1864 to May 15, 1864.
In Dallas, there were 1437 total casualties (US 837; CS 600). It resulted in a Union victory. The dates of this battle were May 26, 1864 to June 1 1864.
In New Hope Church, there were 2,065 total casualties (US 1665; CS 400). It resulted in a Confederate victory. The dates of this battle was May 25, 1864 to May 26, 1864.
In Allatoona Hills, there were 1,505 estimated casualties (US 706; CS 799). This battle resulted in a Union victory. The date this battle started was October 5, 1864.
In Kolb’s Farm, there were 1,350 estimated casualties (US 350; CS 1,000). This resulted in a Union victory. The date this battle started was June 22, 1864.
In Kennesaw Mountain, there were 4000 estimated casualties (US 3000; CS 1000). It resulted in a Confederate victory. The date this battle started was June 27, 1864.
In Peach Tree Creek, there were 4,250 estimated casualties (US 1,750; CS 4,250). It resulted in a Union victory. The date this battle started was July 20, 1864. Wills was wounded between his knee and left leg in July. Also, had an enlargement of his liver and spleen.
In the Battle of Bentonville, there were 4,133 estimated casualties (US 1,527; CS 2,606). It resulted in a Union victory. The Union side had six victories in these battles, Confederate side had two, and one battle was indecisive. The dates of this battle was March 19, 1865 to March 21, 1865.
Regiment lost during service 2 Officers and 96 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 2 Officers and 103 Enlisted men by disease. Total 203. This Unit was organized at Indianapolis, Indiana, July 22 to August 8, 1862. It ordered to march to Washington, D. C., via Richmond, Virginia, April 29-May 19, 1865 and Grand Review May 24. They mustered out June 8, 1865. Recruits transferred to 33rd Indiana Infantry.
In his other letters, he mentions Camp Benjamin Harrison. Benjamin Harrison was the 23rd U.S. President (the last Civil War general to serve as president) and had a huge involvement with the Civil War and the 70th Regiment. S. S. Wills was a personal friend of Harrison. Find more information on him here and here.
See more on his military information at these websites :
70th Regiment Battles and Locations here
70th Regiment More Information here
More Information on the 70th Regiment here and here
1. Battle Flags of the 70th Regiment Indiana Volunteers
2. Photograph taken of 70th Indiana battle flag remnants just after the capture of Savannah
3. Left to Right: Colonel Benjamin Harrison; General William Rosecrans; General George Thomas; Indiana Gov. Oliver P. Morton
4. Image located on the site of Fort Negley
5. View of gun positions
6. Fort Negley During the Civil War, Located in Nashville, TN
All of the above images can be found at http://www.acw70indiana.com/
2. Photograph taken of 70th Indiana battle flag remnants just after the capture of Savannah
3. Left to Right: Colonel Benjamin Harrison; General William Rosecrans; General George Thomas; Indiana Gov. Oliver P. Morton
4. Image located on the site of Fort Negley
5. View of gun positions
6. Fort Negley During the Civil War, Located in Nashville, TN
All of the above images can be found at http://www.acw70indiana.com/
The image above is part of the muster roll for the Indiana 70th showing him mustering out June 8th 1865.
Transcription of the Letter
Camp Jim Mitchell Gallatin
Dec. 10th 1862
Respected Parents and Family, I seat myself this evening to answer a letter That we need from father, last night it found us still not very well Monroe is chilling some and and I have a cough that hurts me very much and I fear is not going to turn out very well If I had a little or two of Jaynes expectorant I think it would help me very much We are still at Gallatin and I do not know how long we will stay here we may leave in a day or two but I do not think so The goods that were sent from Clayton have arrived except 5 boxes which are still at Bowling Green And there is no telling when they will come the boys are very much pleased with their boots and other things If it had not been for that infernal deserter we might have had our boots to Lot Bray is the one that I have referenced to some of the boys have needed letters from Clayton stating that he never intended to go back to the fight until he is forced to and I hope that may be seen for I would like to give him xa good kick I want you to buy 20 good shoats next spring that will make 50 which if well fattened, would bring a good kill of many. But as for us boys getting home to help raise the cows I think is rather doubtful for I cannot see any prospect of the war closing very soon although I hope it may I do not think that peace will ever be gained by fighting. Write and tell me what the people and papers think of the war closing Some of the boys gets letters from home every few days and the word is that we will get home by spring they think that if the war is not closed by fighting that it will be by a compromise and I believe that they would take the latter if they could not get the former It seemed to me that the army everywhere is buying still and doing nothing This nice weather at last it is as nice as I ever saw in my life anywhere. I think that you had better keep your wheat until spring and then it may be worth a dollar or more per bushel and I would keep the corn and feed those shoats next summer I want you to write how much your hogs weighed per head when you killed them if you have killed them when you answer this I would like to know how my mare looks and whether you ever work her or not All of this division has marching orders to start tomorrow morning part of them towards Bowling Green and the rest to Heartsville. I will close write soon and give all the news and oblige
-S.S. Wills
Dec. 10th 1862
Respected Parents and Family, I seat myself this evening to answer a letter That we need from father, last night it found us still not very well Monroe is chilling some and and I have a cough that hurts me very much and I fear is not going to turn out very well If I had a little or two of Jaynes expectorant I think it would help me very much We are still at Gallatin and I do not know how long we will stay here we may leave in a day or two but I do not think so The goods that were sent from Clayton have arrived except 5 boxes which are still at Bowling Green And there is no telling when they will come the boys are very much pleased with their boots and other things If it had not been for that infernal deserter we might have had our boots to Lot Bray is the one that I have referenced to some of the boys have needed letters from Clayton stating that he never intended to go back to the fight until he is forced to and I hope that may be seen for I would like to give him xa good kick I want you to buy 20 good shoats next spring that will make 50 which if well fattened, would bring a good kill of many. But as for us boys getting home to help raise the cows I think is rather doubtful for I cannot see any prospect of the war closing very soon although I hope it may I do not think that peace will ever be gained by fighting. Write and tell me what the people and papers think of the war closing Some of the boys gets letters from home every few days and the word is that we will get home by spring they think that if the war is not closed by fighting that it will be by a compromise and I believe that they would take the latter if they could not get the former It seemed to me that the army everywhere is buying still and doing nothing This nice weather at last it is as nice as I ever saw in my life anywhere. I think that you had better keep your wheat until spring and then it may be worth a dollar or more per bushel and I would keep the corn and feed those shoats next summer I want you to write how much your hogs weighed per head when you killed them if you have killed them when you answer this I would like to know how my mare looks and whether you ever work her or not All of this division has marching orders to start tomorrow morning part of them towards Bowling Green and the rest to Heartsville. I will close write soon and give all the news and oblige
-S.S. Wills
Original Scans of the Letter
Local Publications
“...at Pittsboro is to be recorded. Stewart S. Wills died Wednesday night. Only a few months ago bis brother, James Monroe, died and a few weeks ago his brother, Jesse T , passed away. The cause of death was Bright ... member of tbe Christian church, noted for hia charities and hia ability as a peacemaker w ;th his neighbors among whom differences bad arisen. For the third time within a year a death in the Willsfamily ... as to the condition of the churches. A. H. DeLong will report on the Hospital and E. S. Shumaker on the Anti-Saloon Leaaue. H. N. Ogden will report on the Preachers' Aid Society and there will also be a report ... .TWO VETERANS GONE.They Swell tbe Number..." - Danville Republican
“.... Death of Pittsboro Veteran. A Pittsboro special says: "Stewart S. Wills, sixty-eight years old, is dead at his home in this place of Bright's disease. He was a sergeant in com-cany C, Seventieth Indiana ... infantry, and a personal friend of (Jeneral Harrison. He leaves a widow and six children. One son, Merril Wills, is in the United States weather bureau at Indianapolis. The burial, which will be under ... law for six years. He is a member of Centenary Methodist church and of the order of Odd Fellows. He was married July 16, 1899 to Miss Carrie Billingley, of this county, and they, with one surviving son ... a dozen or more business men of the town were present with their extinguishers and a large crowd had gathered. No damage was done. Death of Veteran Practitioner. A North..." - Lebanon Patriot
Sylvester Willis son, Merrill Wills (mentioned in the second article) was the first occupant of this weather bureau house, known today as“Wills House”. See more about that here.
“.... Death of Pittsboro Veteran. A Pittsboro special says: "Stewart S. Wills, sixty-eight years old, is dead at his home in this place of Bright's disease. He was a sergeant in com-cany C, Seventieth Indiana ... infantry, and a personal friend of (Jeneral Harrison. He leaves a widow and six children. One son, Merril Wills, is in the United States weather bureau at Indianapolis. The burial, which will be under ... law for six years. He is a member of Centenary Methodist church and of the order of Odd Fellows. He was married July 16, 1899 to Miss Carrie Billingley, of this county, and they, with one surviving son ... a dozen or more business men of the town were present with their extinguishers and a large crowd had gathered. No damage was done. Death of Veteran Practitioner. A North..." - Lebanon Patriot
Sylvester Willis son, Merrill Wills (mentioned in the second article) was the first occupant of this weather bureau house, known today as“Wills House”. See more about that here.
“Wills House” that Merrill Wills lived in, donated to MSU (Michigan State University) and is still there today.
Transcripts of Additional Letters
Camp Benj. Harrison near
Bowlinggreen
August 17th, 1862
Friends,
One and all, I seat myself this hot afternoon to write to your to let you know that we are well and getting along very well. I suppose you have heard where we are from the time we left Indianapolis last Tuesday morning and came to Jeffersonville that day, crossed over to Louisville and marched about three miles through the mist that was so thick that we couldn’t see a man twenty steps. We camped that night about nine o’clock and never had anything to eat from Monday evening until Wednesday morning. We pitched our tents and thought we were going to stay awhile but we got marching orders that evening about 4 o’clock and pulled up stakes in hardest kind of rain. We got aboard of the cars just about dark and started for this place and box cars in the bargain. We road all that night and until ten o’clock the next day when we arrived here, doing without anything to eat from Wednesday at noon until Thursday evening when we got some flatrock bread. On Friday we fixed up our camp and yesterday of our camp, and we were called out in line of battle and stood about two hours, and last night one of the guards at the spring where we get our water was shot four times but was only slightly wounded in the left arm. He had a miniature in his pocket which saved his life. We were called out in line and stood for more than two hours and then laid on our arms all night. There is all kinds of rumours in camp we are camped on the ground where the rebels were camped last winter. Write soon.
Address S.S. Wills
70th Regt Ind Vol
In care of Capt. Ragan
Camp Benj. Harrison
Bowlinggreen, Ky
Sept. 8, 1862
Kind Sister,
I seat myself this pleasant day to answer your kind letter which came to hand last evening and found me with a bad cold. There is several of the boys sick but wil Jackson did not have the measles. Albert Thompson was very sick last but is about this morning. I think he eat to much fruit and pies. There is great excitement in camp about the fight near Richmond Va. and Richmond Ky. While I am writing the train is starting south with six Companie of our Regt. Ours did not get to go this time. Since I last wrote to you six Companies of our Regt. went down south about 40 miles to clean out some of the scoundrels but alas! The bird had flown. They followed them about 4 miles but could not get sight of them. We are going to town today to have our picture taken and I will have to quit writing for present.
1 o’clock P.M.
I have just returned from town and have eaten my dinner. I will tell you what I had for dinner. I had roasted shoat, corn bread, light bread, coffee, and peach.
Camp Ben Harrison
August 24, 1862
Friends one and tall, it is with pleasure that I get down beside a large box to write a few lines to inform you that we are will and hearty and getting as fat as a bear. Monro rec’d a letter from you yesterday. We were glad to hear from you. It was the first letter that had come from hendrix. There had not been 25 letters that had come to this regt. Since we left Ind. and yesterday there was 500 or 600. There was a great excitement over it. Some of the boys are sick with the measles. Will Jackson is sick and I suppose he is taking the measles too. We are camped where the rebels camped when they were here and a desolate looking place it is. The farms mostly around here are very much desolated. The rails are all burnt except on one or two farms that is owned by (sechs?). This is the hardest looking country I have ever seen. It is so hilly and rocky and the cedar trees grows on top of the rocks where there is scarcely any dirt. We have them planted in our camp. The rebels has a strong position here they thirteen batteries here. We can get on tops of one of them and see all of the town of Bowlinggreen and the country for miles around. We will have our miniatures taken the first chance. We cannot get out of camp only on duty. We have to get a pass to go out for wood and water. We have to drill from six to eight hours per day. We heard from Mildred Watthall the other day when out on picket. William McGinnis her brother in law passed and told where she lives. She lives about 40 miles from here. She is married and has a child two years old. Her man is a captain in the Federal Army. We got marching orders last Friday night about ten o'clock and packed up and got in line and laid on the ground about an hour and then the order was countermanded and we went back to bed. There is all kinds of rumors in camp. I expect we will stay here a month or so. Albert Thompson is well and getting along very well. The boys says he is one of the best boys in the Com. He is always full of fun and makes fun for the boys. I will close. Write Soon.
Address
S.S. Wills
70th Regt. Ind. Vol. In Care of Capt. Regan
Bowlinggreen
August 17th, 1862
Friends,
One and all, I seat myself this hot afternoon to write to your to let you know that we are well and getting along very well. I suppose you have heard where we are from the time we left Indianapolis last Tuesday morning and came to Jeffersonville that day, crossed over to Louisville and marched about three miles through the mist that was so thick that we couldn’t see a man twenty steps. We camped that night about nine o’clock and never had anything to eat from Monday evening until Wednesday morning. We pitched our tents and thought we were going to stay awhile but we got marching orders that evening about 4 o’clock and pulled up stakes in hardest kind of rain. We got aboard of the cars just about dark and started for this place and box cars in the bargain. We road all that night and until ten o’clock the next day when we arrived here, doing without anything to eat from Wednesday at noon until Thursday evening when we got some flatrock bread. On Friday we fixed up our camp and yesterday of our camp, and we were called out in line of battle and stood about two hours, and last night one of the guards at the spring where we get our water was shot four times but was only slightly wounded in the left arm. He had a miniature in his pocket which saved his life. We were called out in line and stood for more than two hours and then laid on our arms all night. There is all kinds of rumours in camp we are camped on the ground where the rebels were camped last winter. Write soon.
Address S.S. Wills
70th Regt Ind Vol
In care of Capt. Ragan
Camp Benj. Harrison
Bowlinggreen, Ky
Sept. 8, 1862
Kind Sister,
I seat myself this pleasant day to answer your kind letter which came to hand last evening and found me with a bad cold. There is several of the boys sick but wil Jackson did not have the measles. Albert Thompson was very sick last but is about this morning. I think he eat to much fruit and pies. There is great excitement in camp about the fight near Richmond Va. and Richmond Ky. While I am writing the train is starting south with six Companie of our Regt. Ours did not get to go this time. Since I last wrote to you six Companies of our Regt. went down south about 40 miles to clean out some of the scoundrels but alas! The bird had flown. They followed them about 4 miles but could not get sight of them. We are going to town today to have our picture taken and I will have to quit writing for present.
1 o’clock P.M.
I have just returned from town and have eaten my dinner. I will tell you what I had for dinner. I had roasted shoat, corn bread, light bread, coffee, and peach.
Camp Ben Harrison
August 24, 1862
Friends one and tall, it is with pleasure that I get down beside a large box to write a few lines to inform you that we are will and hearty and getting as fat as a bear. Monro rec’d a letter from you yesterday. We were glad to hear from you. It was the first letter that had come from hendrix. There had not been 25 letters that had come to this regt. Since we left Ind. and yesterday there was 500 or 600. There was a great excitement over it. Some of the boys are sick with the measles. Will Jackson is sick and I suppose he is taking the measles too. We are camped where the rebels camped when they were here and a desolate looking place it is. The farms mostly around here are very much desolated. The rails are all burnt except on one or two farms that is owned by (sechs?). This is the hardest looking country I have ever seen. It is so hilly and rocky and the cedar trees grows on top of the rocks where there is scarcely any dirt. We have them planted in our camp. The rebels has a strong position here they thirteen batteries here. We can get on tops of one of them and see all of the town of Bowlinggreen and the country for miles around. We will have our miniatures taken the first chance. We cannot get out of camp only on duty. We have to get a pass to go out for wood and water. We have to drill from six to eight hours per day. We heard from Mildred Watthall the other day when out on picket. William McGinnis her brother in law passed and told where she lives. She lives about 40 miles from here. She is married and has a child two years old. Her man is a captain in the Federal Army. We got marching orders last Friday night about ten o'clock and packed up and got in line and laid on the ground about an hour and then the order was countermanded and we went back to bed. There is all kinds of rumors in camp. I expect we will stay here a month or so. Albert Thompson is well and getting along very well. The boys says he is one of the best boys in the Com. He is always full of fun and makes fun for the boys. I will close. Write Soon.
Address
S.S. Wills
70th Regt. Ind. Vol. In Care of Capt. Regan
Sources
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