Messer, George, 1833-1863 (SC 3211)

Authors

Manuscripts & Folklife Archives, Western Kentucky UniversityFollow

Publication Date

4-25-2018

Comments

This collection is archived in Manuscripts & Folklife Archives at Western Kentucky University; 270-745-6434; mssfa@wku.edu

Abstract

Finding aid and full text transcription (Click on "Additional Files" below) for Manuscripts Small Collection 3211. Letters, 6 January-31 May 1863, of George Messer to his wife Lottie in DeWitt County, Illinois, while encamped in Hart County, Kentucky and at Camp Hobson, Glasgow, Kentucky. He writes of illness and death among his comrades, troop strength, wage payments, food, and his commanding officers. Weary of a soldier’s life and anxious for the South’s total defeat, he criticizes conscription laws that allow exemption on payment of a fee, and accuses politicians and “Eastern men” of prolonging the war. He notes local citizens’ reluctance to sell goods in camp for fear of confiscation, and reports fraternization with Kentucky women by a relative and fellow soldier.

Disciplines

Military History | United States History

Recommended Citation

Folklife Archives, Manuscripts &, "Messer, George, 1833-1863 (SC 3211)" (2018). MSS Finding Aids. Paper 4467.
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/dlsc_mss_fin_aid/4467