CIVIL WAR LETTER - 6th Wisconsin Infantry - Writes of Drafting as Substitute !

Description

CIVIL WAR LETTER
Civil War Letter by Soldier in
Co. G, 6th Wisconsin Infantry
This Civil War letter was written by 43 year-old Louis Frank Dupless (1821-1895) who entered
Co. G, 6th Wisconsin Infantry
as a substitute on 29 November 1864 and mustered out of the regiment on 14 July 1865.
Louis F. DuPless (1815-1895)
Louis was born in Bordeaux, Aquitaine, France. He served in the Mexican War and was enumerated as a farmer in Lyndon, Juneau county, Wisconsin in 1860 with his wife Elisabeth (Walkin) DuPless (1827-1869) and their five children—Maria Theresa (b. 1852), Caroline (b. 1855), Francis (b. 1857), Emaline (b. 1859) and Fred (b. 1862).
Transcription
Fond du Lac [Wisconsin]
December 30th 1864
Dear Lis,
At last I have put on the blue coat and may I never be sorry for it. I cannot help it for our circumstances compelled me to take this step. You may believe that it cost me a hard struggle to do it but I believe it may turn out for the best. When I think that for the sake of a few hundred dollars I may have to lay down my life, may never see you or the children again, I could in my inmost heart curse this selfish world, and wish then what might have been avoided, to everlasting damnation. But enough! I went as substitute for the sum of five hundred and eighty dollars (580). It was considerable trouble to get in but I managed it pretty well, I believe. Tomorrow we will have to go to Madison and will not receive a cent till we leave this place. I shall take the money to Madison and send it by Express to you—very likely 550 dollars—to Killbourne and send my clothes likewise there and I believe that by Monday you may look for the money.
Pay Fred Marten and Topping at once, and how o use the rest of the money I shall direct you in my next letter. We will pay up everyone and then I shall meet my fate cheerfully—whatever it is. Look out to home for our interest and don’t let the folk do to our premises as they see fit. Get for yourself and the children all necessary clothes. Don’t suffer for you will have over a hundred dollars for your own use. Try and keep the children under subjection, but bless their little hearts, don’t find always fault with them. Kiss them for me and tell them I want them to be good children. I want them to learn their books and obey their mother. I shall feel pleasure in hearing they do.
I shall write again I think by Friday when I think I shall send the money. My heart is full. I want to stop writing and I think I shall write calmer next time. I will and shall try to see you before I leave and if I have to go without furlough. But you may come to Madison if I cannot come and see you. We will see. As I said before, I write again on Friday. I am well. Hope you and the children are so likewise. Greet our neighbors that is human. Let the rest slide.
I wish I was with you all but don’t think I feel sorry for the step I took. My teeth is set and I shall meet my future destiny with an unflinching heart. I am determined to do my duty. Greet Marten’s folks and all our friends heartily. Receive my love for you and the children and may God help us. Remember me kindly and I shall always think of you with a loving heart.
Your loving husband, — Louis F. DuPless
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