This letter was written by Nathan Brazier of Beloit, Wisconsin, who served in Co. K, 18th Wisconsin Infantry. Nathan enlisted on 28 February 1862 and was one of the members of the regiment taken prisoner a few weeks later in the Battle of Shiloh. After he was exchanged he returned to the regiment and reenlisted as a veteran. He mustered out on 18 July 1865.
Members of the 18th Wisconsin (1865)
Letter 1
Nashville [Tennessee]
January 12th 1865
I now take my pen in hand to let you know that I am well. I am in Nashville. We are a going to go to [join] Sherman in a few days. That will be a long ride.
The weather is quite cold here now. There is not much comfort for a soldier here after he has had a furlough and seen a good time.
I have been a guarding substitutes from Chicago down here and that was a pleasant time, but I should rather be excused.
Write to me as soon as you get this. Direct to Co. K, 18th Regiment Wisconsin Vet. Vols., Nashville, TN.
Give my respects to all the folks. Yours in haste. — Nathan Brazier
Letter 2
[Note: The following transcript comes from The Excelsior Brigade website where the letter is offered for sale. I cannot vouch for the accuracy of the transcription.]
Cincinnati, Ohio
January 29th 1865 AD
Aunt Nan,
It is with pleasure I now write you a few lines to let you know that I am still well. I am on my way to Savannah, Georgia. We expect to go to help to take Charleston. We have got four hundred recruits for our regiment so we make quite a show. The good time I had when I was on furlough made me sick of soldiering but I shall come out all straight in time. You must write me soon as you get this. I saw Al Kisset. He is a hell of a man. So, I think he don’t tell any big things when he comes to see us. When you write to me direct Nathan Brazier, Company K, 18th Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers, Savannah, Georgia. I am writing today to pass away time, as I have a good chance. We left Nashville the 18th day of January 1865 and today is the 29th. So you see, we don’t travel very fast. If anyone asks about me, tell them that I think of soldiering as long as I live. For the soldiers in the regular army now. But I think that they won’t get me for I don’t think I take it well enough. Our boys is all at getting sick. But I have not felt that way yet. There is more from sick ones than I ever saw.
Write soon as you get this. Breakfast soon. Tell me all the news of what is a going on in Newark.
Yours in haste,
N. Brazier
Company K
18th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry
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