Franklin County: Sylvester McElheney to Harriet
McElheney, March 1, 1865
Summary:
McElheney scolds his wife for not writing more often. He also writes about
applying for a furlough and making rings out of rebel shells.
March the 1st, 1865
Camp in Front of Petersburg
Dear Wife
It is with pleasure that I take the opportunity to let you know
that I am well at present and hope these
few lines
will find you all
well but I am beginning to
think that you don't
care
anything About me for if you did you would
attend to writing a little better than you do. if you would
write
every
week I would
too but I think if you don't think
worthwhile
writing I won't
either. I haven't
had A letter from you for three
weeks
or more. I sent A letter with [unclear: Bill Sibert] and I sent three
shirts and a revolver and a pair of gloves and a
[unclear: testamont] and a ring and my watch to get it
fixed. I told him to fetch the watch
[page 2]
back
along and I want to know if he
gave you them things
or
not. Our
furlough is sent off and
if it comes
back
all right we will get home. we got
paid off on Saturday and if
we don't get going home I will
send it home to you and I want you if [unclear: Kirk]
hasn't paid that money to write to him that you want it as soon as he
can
pay it for I think it is time. I am going to send you
and Annie a ring apiece. I
made them out the Rebels shells that they
throwed over and that didn't
bust and I took the screws out and made them rings. Tell miney that I will
make her one as soon as I can get a screw. So nothing more
at present but remain yours. Write A little sooner than you [unclear: generally]
do.
Sylvester McElheney
If I don't get going home I will get some photographs and send them to you I would like to have yours.
