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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC02596.05 |
| From Archive Folder | Collection of William H. Bettes, L company, 6th regiment, Ohio, cavalry |
| Title | William H. Bettes to Lodema Bettes discussing domestic issues and the defense of Richmond |
| Date | 24 November 1862 |
| Author | Bettes, William H. (fl. 1862-1865) |
| Recipient | Bettes, Lodema |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Writes from Chantilly Camp. Received a letter from his family and was very glad to hear that they are all well at home. Writes that it appears Wilford Merriman is doomed to suffer as long as he lives. Glad to hear that Eusebus Austin is likely to succeed in getting his quota of men because he is a good man and would make a good officer. His wife wrote about sending his trunk by Eusebus, but Bettes does not think that this is the best idea. Needs two pairs of drawers, one pair of socks, one pair of pants, a shirt, and a quilt sent to him. Finds it very difficult to get clothing while they are in the field. Has been at the camp since last Friday, which has given them a nice rest, but they expect to be on the move again in a few days. Expects to have good news in a few days because "the Rebels have concluded to act upon the defensive again in place of invading the North. They think it best to defend Richmond." The whole Rebel force has fallen back to Richmond, only leaving a few stragglers in the war. Believes that there will soon be a decisive battle fought near Richmond; it will be a terrible affair. Thinks that the Union forces must number some 200,000 men and Sigel's Corps number around 40,000. Feels that they will move from here to protect the rear of Burnside's Army. Washington is no longer in immediate danger. Writes that the days of the Southern Confederacy are already numbered and nothing but treachery on the part of Union generals can prolong its existence. |
| Subjects | Soldier's Letter Civil War Union Forces Union Soldier's Letter Military History Cavalry Children and Family Battle Battle of Fredericksburg Union General Confederate States of America Clothing and Accessories Military Camp Washington, D.C. |
| People | Bettes, William H. (fl. 1862-1865) Bettes, Lodema (fl. 1862-1865) |
| Place written | Chantilly, Virginia |
| Theme | The American Civil War; Women in American History |
| Sub-collection | Papers and Images of the American Civil War |
| Additional Information | Folder Information: This collection consists of fourteen letters written by William Henry Bettes. Eleven of these letters are written to Lodema Bettes, his wife, one letter is written to Charley Bettes, his son, one letter is written to Carrie Bettes, his daughter, and one letter is written to Lieutenant W. H. Betty. William H. Bettes enlisted on 5 October 1861 as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was commissioned into Company L 6th Regiment Ohio Cavalry on the same date. He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant on 16 December 1861 and was discharged for disability on 23 March 1863. Selected highlights include: Bette's thoughts on the Battle of Fredericksburg (11 December - 15 December, 1862) and his descriptive accounts of the war generals and their tactics. Further highlights include the touching letters to his children, and his genuine concern for the men that are sick in the hospital. Eleven of the letters have original postal covers. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Civil War, Reconstruction and the Modern Era: 1860-1945 |
| Civil War: Recipient Relationship | Wife |
| Civil War: Theater of War | Main Eastern Theater |
| Civil War: Unit | 6th Ohio Cavalry, L Company |