CIVIL WAR LETTER - 15th Iowa Infantry, Writes of Local Men Going to War Etc...

Description

CIVIL WAR LETTER
Civil War Letter by Soldier in
Co. A, 15th Iowa Infantry - Wounded at Shiloh!
This Civil War letter was written by John A. Wheelock (1840-1862), of Lyons, Clinton county, Iowa—the son of Charles Asker Wheelock (1809-1904) and Clarissa Betty (1811-1855). He wrote the letter to his brother, Hiram Wheelock (1835-1910) of Alson, Madison county, Illinois.
John served in
Co. A, 15th Iowa Infantry
early in the war with his younger brother,
Charles Myron Wheelock
(1844-1923). Charles was wounded in the Battle of Shiloh. John appears to have been discharged from the service early due to disability. We learn from this letter that he was suffering from the ague. His grave record indicated he died in December 1862.
He also mention another brother,
Harrison Tyler Wheewlock
(1833-1915) who was serving in Co. C, 26th Iowa Infantry (enlisted 14 Aug 1862; discharged for disability 23 Nov. 1863).
[Note: The first part of the first letter was written by Charles Myron Wheelock.
Transcription
Clinton [Iowa]
October 20, [1862]
Brother Hiram,
Your letter came to hand in due time. Always glad to hear from you and to hear that you are well and [have] plenty of work. I have more work than I can do for the shakes trouble me. I had a slight shake today. I am to work in the Car Shop. Get .25 per day. This is the third week that I have worked. I have had one half day before this afternoon. I didn’t shake so hard today as I did day before yesterday, I have got some [Quinine] bitters that will kill it, I think. Will then four or weeks. If I don’t lose my job, I shall stay here this winter. If I do, I shall come down there and stay with you and chop what wood I can. I think they let me work when I am able. The work is too hard for me. There is a great deal of lifting that I have to do and that is what kills me.
I thought there was a site for me to get a job at f_____ this morning. I tried it and it proved a [ ]. I don’t know as it would be any easier for me. I should not have to lift too hard but f____ is stooping work and my back is weak. There is another job that I suppose I could get here. They have to work so early and late that it would not suit me and it is an awful cold job. It is the switching here in the yard. They don’t have to work much in the middle of the day—only when the teams go out and come in.
Charley got here the Thursday you thought he would. I did not expect to see him looking so well.
Harrison left here the 21st. He is in Co. C, 26th [Iowa], Capt. Johnson. I expect he is down at Helena by this time. He ;eft his tools & fiddle with me. Sinthy [Cynthia] did not seem to take it so hard as some. She showed her grit. Jane is here in Clinton now making soldiers’ coats. I have not seen her this week. Guess she is well and gets along with her work well.
Poor Mariett—she is out to Jewitt alone. I ain’t seen [her] lately. I ain’t been out there but once and that was when I first come up. I want to go and see her but don’t know when I shall. I ain’t been to Fulton yet. Don’t intend to soon. I have seen Father down here three or four times. He wants me to come up there and help him pay for that hand. He says he don’t think his rib will stand it till spring. I don’ think she will myself for I think she will lay down to it the most of the time as she always has done. When she does, the rest of us will be dead.
Henriett, I pity her. She has to stay there all of the time. I hadn’t seen her but once since I have been up here. She beats the old woman so that makes it better for.
I expect Charles is up there but I don’t know. If he ain’t there, he is at Dewitt running with his old mates. You know who they are better than I do.
My love to Cass and best wishes to yourself. I have nothing that would be interesting at present even if I had room. So write son and I will try and do better next time. — John
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