Morristown Tenn.

Nov. 28, 1861

Beloved wife

I take the opportunity of addressing you from this point. We are all well. Will consume our rations very easy. We were ordered to this point with instructions to guard some pork packing establishments. We or some other troops will have to stay here all winter. We are 40 miles from Knoxville. The road to Cumberland intersects the Va. r.r. here. There is always some Government property here which we have to Guard. 

This is a good place to get supplies. There will be thousands upon thousands of hogs slaughtered here and we will have the back ribs and spare bones to pick. We will do well but how does Mary do? I am anxious to hear from you. I want to learn that those dark clouds that seemed to over hang you before my departure are dispelled. I assure you that you need not be uneasy about me. If you can only get along yourself with the children all will be well. I am sure that camp life will suit me in point of healthfulness. Jo's throat has hurt him a little. I hope he may be able to stand the campaign. We could scarcely get along without him. Will be better pleased when I get fixed to live and eat to ourselves. But Mr. Moore is wanting to go to the office and will not wait. Tell Ras. to be certain to press me a Darkie and meet at this place provided we are not ordered away before he gets away.

Love to all and especially to

yourself & children

Your loving 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