1862 April 17 Camp Butler Illinois

Camp Butler
April 17th, 1862

Dear Friend John:

It is always
a great source of pleasure
for me to answer letters &
especially those coming
from friends, upon whom
I can depend to be
true friends.  Remem
bering as I do the many
pleasures of youth, and
those youthful associates
who enjoyed those pleas-
ures with me, I am
now made to wish that
I could live my short
life again. I am sure
that it would be pleasant

[page 2]
to me; would it not be
pleasant to you John?
But our School-days have
fled--youth has nearly
past with all her bloom
and gayeties--our lovely
associates are scattered
abroad oe'r this cold
hearted world to act
each for himself, and
we must be content
with reflecting upon
the past, acting in the
present, and looking
forward with hopes to
the future.  John
as you say "I hope, if we
are not permitted to meet
on earth, that we may
meet on a fairer clime
and not only us; but all
our loved friends and acquaintances

[page 3]
I do not now know
when I shall be at home
but probably before long,
as the war is fast coming
to a close.  The great
victory at Pittsburg Landing
explains the determination
of our northern Army
We find there that nothing
but victory or death would
do our northern boys; and
so it will be in every Case
Years will fly by and
Ages roll in to eternity
but the bravery and
heroism which our troops
showed at Pitsburg Landing
shall never be forgotten---
We are expecting hourly
to hear of another battle
at Corinth. This, it is
thought, will decide the War

[page 4]
All the boys who went
from Genesee Grove
were in the battle, or at
least their regiments were
Lafayette Wilcox lost one
finger.  So the papers state--
I have not heard from
any more of the boys.  I
suppose that they are
all right  It is thought here
that the war will not last
much longer. About one
thousand more prisoners were
brought here a few days ago
from Island No. 10.  There are
here now about three thous-
-and they are rough
looking criters indeed.
How long we shall stay here
I cannot tell you--probably
untill we are disbanded--
You will please excuse poor
writing and answer as soon
as convenient.
Yours Very Truly
W. H. Redman

John Overhol[s?]er

William Henry Redman,  Co. C, 12th Cavalry Regiment of Illinois Volunteers


MSS 7415