Camp Key Jan. 26, 1862

Beloved wife

I will take time to write you a few lines. I wrote to your father a few days since but there were some things in your letter that I have been thinking about since and will write to you what I think about them. 

You want to know what about moving out of the valley. I feel confident that you are in no danger there. The late defeat at fishing creek will not hurt us much I hope. I mean it will have the effect to make the government officers look into the capabilities of our commanders in this division and perhaps in others to remove all the drunkards. I have no doubt but you hear news from the direction of that army as soon as I do. I heard but I do not know whether true or not, that Gen. Floyd was going up Cumberland river with reinforcements, that Gen. Hardee was coming behind the Yankee army and that Critenden had been ordered back to Beach Grove. A number of the boys who were in the fight are here at Knoxville now. They are collecting them and sending them to Nashville and then up the river to Carthage so that they can again join their companies. They are worn out having walked all the way from the battlefield. 

But I have diverged - - you know I have thought that you are better fixed where you are than you would be elsewhere. Of course if the country should be invaded you would have to do the best you could, but would you (find) a place near where you would be safer than at Pikeville. I don't think there is any danger of their trying to cross Cumberland mountain soon. They could not if they wanted to. But I feel satisfied that before this reaches you, you will be satisfied that you are in no danger and you say you do not want to move if there is no danger. 

I think you had better study to get up as much of our effects in as permanent condition as possible. I would like very much for father to stay with you and assist you. I don't think it would do for you and your father's family and Campbell's to try to live to gether. I know you would soon wish you were alone. It is unnatural. I think, from observation, that families are happiest to themselves, but circumstances make exceptions. I know you are anxious to stay with your father while I am absent but it will not do for your family and Campbell's to try to live to gether. He nor you would be satisfied long. I don't want you to understand that I have more objections to Campbell's family than others of the same size. I would not be willing for you to try to live with a family precisely such as ours is. The objection is general and not particular. You understand me for we have often talked about these things. I know you want to do the best you can for yourself and our children. We are so distant and circumstances are changing so fast that you will have to do as you think best under the circumstances. 

I hope you are doing well as you are and will not allow questions of difficult solution to disturb you. You must be satisfied to do pretty well. Have as little care outside of your family as you can. We are troubled more about difficulties that are imaginary than those that are real. Franklin said "Happiness is happiness whether real or imaginary" and I suppose the same is true of trouble. I hope you may get along pleasantly. I know you are naturally bouyant and happily disposed.

Lieut. Moore told me that father talked of coming to Knoxville but was afraid we would be ordered away. I do not think he need have any fears of that now. I would be glad (if) he would (come). I want to talk with him about many things. It would be pleasant for him to visit his old friends at Knoxville any how. And he wants to see Jo. Can't you persuade him to come? Furloughs are stoped and I know not when I could come and see him.

I feel anxious to talk with him particularly about our business. I mean our mony matters. There many things I want to say that I can't think to write about. I hope he may conclude to come up soon. If not I want him to write . Jo is very well and the boys that are here are doing well. I mean the sickness. Several have been very sick but we have none now that are thought dangerous. I (am) making my letter longer than expected to when I commenced. Write when you can and do the best you can till I come home.

Your husband

W.J. Hill


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Transcription used with permission of Charles Massey.

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Transcription by Charles Massey.
Image by G. Anne Sloan