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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC02596.11 |
| From Archive Folder | Collection of William H. Bettes, L company, 6th regiment, Ohio, cavalry |
| Title | William H. Bettes to Lodema Bettes describing his journey through Virginia and the health of his comrades |
| Date | 19 December 1862 |
| Author | Bettes, William H. (fl. 1862-1865) |
| Recipient | Bettes, Lodema |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Encamped near Potomac Creek, Virginia about four miles from Hartford Court House and six or seven miles from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Left the camp at Hall Farm on Saturday and went to Fairfax, Ohio and found the troops. Saw S. Z. Dickinson at Fairfax, Ohio; he was still sick but able to walk. They came through Dumfries, Virginia and the roads were extremely muddy so the teams had to stop every few roads. It took them half a day to go a mile and a half. Writes that one would think this distance should be traveled in a day. The roads from here to Fairfax, Ohio run through the woods. Writes that although this may seem strange, a lot of Virginia is wilderness. Some men suffered because they did not have enough rations; fortunately, Bettes had plenty. Has been on duty for the past 24 hours, so he will make his letter short because he needs to rest and the writing conditions are poor. There has been some fighting at Fredericksburg, Virginia, but they know little about the results. Knows a few rumors, but will not repeat any as she will read them in the paper. Received and read the papers that his wife sent but does not have the time now to criticize them. Comments that the President's message is very good. Received a letter from Cyrus a few days ago saying that he is not very well, but Wellington's family are well and provided for. Writing this letter while sitting on the ground in front of a camp fire. The boys are fixing their bed, so he must go and prepare his bed. They may stay here a day or two or they may move before morning. |
| Subjects | Soldier's Letter Civil War Union Forces Union Soldier's Letter Military History Cavalry Children and Family Battle Battle of Fredericksburg Confederate States of America Health and Medical Hospital Infrastructure Travel Military Provisions President Presidential Speeches and Proclamations African American History Slavery Emancipation Colonization Military Camp |
| People | Bettes, William H. (fl. 1862-1865) Bettes, Lodema (fl. 1862-1865) |
| Place written | Fredericksburg, Virginia |
| Theme | The American Civil War; Health & Medicine |
| 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 |