Letter from E. Jefferson Lee - Company C, 17th Louisiana Infantry

Louisiana Historical Quarterly, Vol. 26

 

Camp Moore, La.

Nov. 15th. 1861

Tangipahoa, La.

[Brother]

Your letter of 10th inst. came to hand this morning through James Beaird and was rec and read with pleasure. I have nothing of importance to relate, more than usual. I never was in as good health as I am now. My weight is 160 lbs., 22 lbs. hevier than I was when I came to Camp Moore. Our company are all able to be up and will soon be able to do duty. I believe the soldiers here have about run through the measles. There is no other sickness here that I hear of. I recived all the articles that you sent me. I am under many obligations to you for such a great favor. Tell Aunt Sally Gary that I rec the gloves that she has knit for me. Tell her that I never shall forget such favors as that, and I do hope that I will see the day when I can return the favor. Jord I have been thinking that I would come home at Christmas, but you must not look for me, for I dont know where we will be by that time, but my opinion is we will stay here all winter, though circumstances alters cases. There is no telling where we will go when we leave here. I can hear 20 different tales here every day. I want to see Starling when I come home, and if I go at Christmas I wont get to see him, but if life lasts and I can get a furlough I will be at home sometime between Christmas and the first of March. The 19th Regt. has been organized here since I wrote to you and only lacks one company of being completed. B. L. Hodge of Caddo Parish is Col., Hollingsworth of Desoto Parish lieut. Col, Butler of Bosier Maj. There is three Regts here lacking one company.

Yesterday was a great day with us. We was visited by Brig Gen Lovell of New Orleans. The soldiers all put on their uniforms and marched to Tangipahoa to meet him. We was there drawn up in lines and presented arms to him as he got off the cars. He come up here to take a view of the camp and to inspect our arms and to see if we were well enough drilled to fight the Yankees. He said we performed very well. The 16th Regt is well drilled, much better than ours. The 16th. has had the best drilled officers in the State. Our Liut Col and maj has not been with us but very little, and our Col has had it all to do. This is reason why the 16th. Regt. is better drilled than ours. It is late at night and I must quit writing. Give my respects to all my relations and enquiring friends.

I remain as ever your friend and brother.

E. J. Lee

P. S. One of Joes Heath's sons come down with James Beaird and joined our company. E. J. Lee

 

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