7 August 1862: “I see no chance of going home until seseshdom is used up & I hope that won’t be long, unless England interferes.”

Item description: Letter, 7 August 1862, from Robert Stuart Finley to his fiancee, Mary A. Cabeen. Finley was a member of the 30th Illinois Infantry.

Item citation: From the Robert Stuart Finley papers #3685-z, Southern Historical Collection, The Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Item transcription:

Jackson Tenn.
Aug. 7th 1862

Miss M.A. C.

D’r friend,

Your kind letter was received a few days ago and I think it is time that I was answering it, though I fear that I can give you very little news.

We are still at Old Jackson where the first sesesh flag was hoisted in Tennessee, and times are rather dull – weather extremely warm. The last few day have been son hot that it is almost beyond endurance even in the shade. I might entertain the idea of emigrating towards the north Pole, were I at liberty to do so, but that’s out of the question, now that we have been so unfortunate as to belong to Uncle Sams army.

I learn from the papers this evening that another call has been made for more troops, and that drafting is to be resorted to, to fill up the ranks.

There are some fellows in Mercer & other places that I would like to see drafted, and others I wish would stay at home.

Bro. Will writes that he is going to volunteer but I have been all the time advising him not to do it. I expect he will come now any how, and perhaps he ought to come.

It seems to be the object of the President to make quick work, and crush the rebellion with an overwhelming force. I hope how soon it may be done, that we may return if spared to our dear friends and peaceful homes.

We were paid off to day and the boys are jubilant over it.

Co. “A” went down 15 miles on the R.R. to [M?] to guard the station. The boys are generally well, [S.D. Dihel?] has the fever but is not dangerous. Sam Paxton is here and appears to enjoy himself. He was a good and brave soldier, but unfortunately is now disabled.

Tommy Moore is not gaining but is very weak & has applied for a discharge.

Capt. Burnet of Co. A has tendered his resignation on account of a bealing of his ear causing deafness.

It is thought that we will leave here in a few days, but I hope not, for I am getting attached to this place, and it is so much trouble to move our goods &c.

I see no chance of going home until seseshdom is used up & I hope that won’t be long, unless England interferes.

I hear that Wm Thompson is in Mercer Co. wonder if Maggie is glad? I would like to see him.

But I must close for the mail and have no news to write. I hope something will happen soon to make times more interesting.

Hoping to hear from you soon. I am most certainly.

Your humble servt.
R.S. Finley
Jackson, Tenn.

M.A. Cabeen
Viola Ills.

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