Franklin County: Franklin Rosenbery to John Abraham
Rosenbery (father), January 15, 1864
Summary:
Rosenbery expresses his desire for the North to crush slavery. He goes on to
express his disgust for shirkers of military service, contrasting their behavior
with his own willingness to sacrifice his life for the nation. Rosenbery also
notes that he anticipates a big spring battle, and he requests supplies from
home.
January 15, 1864
Camp Near Stephensville, Virginia
Dear Father-
I use the present opportunity of informing you that I am well and am enjoying myself well under the present circumstances.
Hoping that when these few lines reach home they may find you all enjoying good health and happiness and a strong faith that this wicked rebellion must soon close. I cannot last long if the men of the North only pull together as they ought and show the South that they will tramp slavery down and are determined to have a free country and a free government.
Father, I would like you to tell me how Henry Forister made out about paying his fine and how the other skedaddlersare making. Now, I would simply say that such persons as George Fleagle and others that are trying to slip the draft. I say they are worse than the Southern rebels if the draft misses them it is all right.
The Army is no place to be. Therefore it should be every honest man's duty to do what he could if men would view this the way I do they would better have no home as to have no country.
Let all turn out that could come. This rebellion would soon be terminated. My opinion is this that we will have a tremendous battle in the Spring or when the weather settles. So that the artillery can move.
If the men of the North would come out as they should. No doubt this rebelliousness would end without a battle.
I feel satisfied that I felt it my duty to come out as a man for my country. And if it costs my life it is right.
As I was going to say about Fleagle and some more in the Valley that could come and will not. They are a perfect nusiance to the country and would deserve hanging.
Well, I must drop this subject or you will think I am crazy.
Well, I only have 4 envelopes yet and 3 stamps. You might send me a pack of envelopes by mail and my watch you may send it as soon as you can conveniently send it by mail as I think it will come perfectly safe.
I cannot say how soon we will get our pay.
I hear nothing of my brothers. I know where that station is where they were but whether they are there yet or not I cannot say.
We have a lot of picketing to do that I cannot go to see. I hope that I will see them some fo these days.
Well, as I have nothing of importance to write, I shall close by send my respects to all.
Let me know if my tools is at home yet or not.
I will soon write to you again. Take care of your health.
My prayers to God is that peace and freedom may soon prevail our land.
No more but write soon.
Yours Truly
Franklin Rosenbery
Farewell for this time. to his father John Rosenbery
