This letter was written by Jasper Newton Barritt (1841-1905), the son of Lemuel Barritt (1800-1857) and Mary Matilda Pearce (1807-1880) of Iroquois county, Illinois. Jasper wrote the letter to his brother, William Marion Barritt who served during the war as a sergeant in Co. M, 5th Kansas Cavalry.
Jasper wrote the letter while serving as a private in Co. E, 76th Illinois Infantry. At the time of his enlistment in August 1862, he was described as a single farmer, standing 5 for 9 inches tall, with black hair and blue eyes. (His muster records give his surname as Barrett.) After the war, Jasper returned to Iroquois county where he took up farming and married Matilda E. Stephenson (1838-1882).
Known as “Kankakee’s Regiment,” the 76th held the distinction of having fought in the last major battle of the Civil War, near Mobile, Ala., some six hours after Robert E. Lee surrendered his forces to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox, Va.
[My thanks to Stacy Cookenour for providing a first draft of this transcription.]
Transcription
Morganza Bend, Louisiana
August the 3rd, 1864
Respected brother and mother & sister,
It’s with pleasure that I attempt to pen you a few lines to let you know where and how I am getting along. I have been a little under the weather for a few days but nothing serious.
We left Vicksburg on the 29th of July and landed here on the 30th. There was 5 regiments and a battery came down in the fleet. For what we were brought here, I cannot tell but I think that they were looking for an attack on the troops at this place. We are about 5 or 6 miles below the mouth of Red River. This [is] rather an important place. It is about all the place that the Rebs can get across the Mississippi River to reinforce Johnston. But if the news is true, I don’t think that he needs any reinforcing. It is reported that Sherman has had a fight at Atlanta and succeeding in capturing the place and also Mobile is reported to be ours. It is said that Farragut took it with but slight resistance and that from Fort Morgan.
Well Marion, I will give you a short history of our situation. We are quartered on the bank of the Mississippi River within 50 yards of the water’s edge and have a fine place to bathe. We also have shade to lounge under and we have but little duty to do. I can’t tell how long we will stay here but I think that we won’t stay long for we are out of our department. We are only 185 miles from New Orleans. The weather is very pleasant here. There is a good breeze a stirring all the time.
Marion, I am rather uneasy about home for it has been almost 2 months since I got a letter from you. I am not certain but I think that the last letter that I got was dated the 8th of June. Anyway, you had not got the money that I sent to you. I am in hopes that there is nothing wrong at home. Marion, I have rather sad news to tell you. On the morning that we left Vicksburg, Wes Hall was reported to be dying but I hope he is not dead. But in all probability, he is dead. George Roberts was waiting on him and if Wes is dead, he will write it to the neighborhood so you will get the strait of it. The other boys that were wounded were getting along fine when we left Vicksburg.
Marion, I have but little news to write. I want you to write as often as you can conveniently and give me all the news. Mother, I send my love and respects to you and Amelia and I hope that this may find you all in good health and getting along fine. Marion, I guess I will close by wishing you luck and speed. I want you to tell me how you are getting along at farming and how you are getting along with the house, &c.
Your Brother, — Jasper N. Barritt
[to] Wm. M. Barritt, Esq.
Spared & Shared 22 