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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC02596.06 |
| From Archive Folder | Collection of William H. Bettes, L company, 6th regiment, Ohio, cavalry |
| Title | William H. Bettes to Lodema Bettes discussing the end of the war and activities of comrades |
| Date | 6 December 1862 |
| Author | Bettes, William H. (fl. 1862-1865) |
| Recipient | Bettes, Lodema |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | [Writes from Chantilly Camp]. Writes that they are still in their old camp. Has been out on a scouting expedition once since he last wrote. Started about 12 o'clock at night and returned the next day at four o'clock in the afternoon. Is certain that there are almost no Rebels left in the northern part of Virginia except for a few Guerilla bands, which do not amount to much. Has not read the President's message yet, but it is greatly eulogized by those who had already read it. Expects this affair will end in a compromise, but Bettes would rather a fight ended the war since battles have already commenced. S. Z. Dickinson is unwell so he will be sent to the city tomorrow if he is able to ride. He will be missed more than any other man in the company would be because he has kept all their accounts and knows more about the company business than anyone else does. Luther is acting as clerk in one of the hospitals in Washington, where he is well liked by his colleagues. George Andrews is nurse in the Regiment's hospital. Adam and Peter Gordon are both well and with the company; they are all as well as could be expected. Does not think it is a good idea to send his trunk because he could be 50 miles away in two days, nobody knows when and where they will be going next. If he could receive a pair of pants and a quilt he will be well provided for. Sorry to hear that diphtheria is again in the neighborhood. Writes that it is so cold that he will have to cut his letter short. |
| 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 Guerrilla Warfare President Presidential Speeches and Proclamations Clothing and Accessories African American History Colonization Slavery Emancipation |
| People | Bettes, William H. (fl. 1862-1865) Bettes, Lodema (fl. 1862-1865) |
| Place written | Chantilly, 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 |