Morristown Feb. 21, 1862.

Beloved wife

You doubtless have been expecting a letter from me. We were ordered to this point three days ago. Since I have been here I have been very busy being the commander of the post (Senior Captain). Today I have been relieved by the presence of Maj. Eakin. I have never passed through a period since I have been in camp so harrassing as for the last week. We have had to pay of(f) the boys and I drew the money for the whole company and had to settle with each one. Added to all this the boys, since they have been removed from the Regiment have been almost uncontrollable. I have had some of the most trying cases of discipline here I ever experienced. We are cursed with groceries and hours at every point. I am resolved that my company, while I command it, shall not be demoralized by them.

I rather expected to have seen you before now but the way the thing stands now I can not expect to go home. We are subject to be ordered to the scene of action at any time and I want to go with my company. Our political news had been very unfavorable lately. I have been thinking about you since the Federals have entered Middle Tennessee. I have pondered it day and night. I have finally come to the conclusion that you are in as good a place as you can get unless you were farther south than Tenn. There will be soon a large force in East Tenn.

There never will be a large army in Sequatchie. The only danger is in Guerillas. They are too busy now to permit any one who might desire to make such an expedition. I think you are safe. I have confidence in Him who notes the fall of a sparrow that He will regard you. I am sorrow that you write me letters having in them so much sadness. It is true your letters are welcome although they wring from me many a tear. Ought you not rather sustain me? Encourage to deeds of valor worthy the husband of such a woman and the father of our children. I would not have you understand that I am actuated by ambitious notions or seeking fame. God knows that such motives never enter my mind. I don't crave to be famous. All I desire is that I may do my duty - - that we may procure an honorable peace and be permitted to return home to live with my family in quiet. There is no happiness like that of home. But it sometimes becomes necessary to sacrifice our dearest interests, earthly. 

O! it seems so cold to write. I want to see you. I want you to write to me at this place. Direct to me as Capt. I hope you may continue to earnestly pray for me. How are you getting on generally? I was disappointed at not seeing Mr. Rogers at Knoxville. How are our monied interests getting on? Has Brown fixed the Spears matter and how? I have no doubt that you have written letters that I have not got owing to our removal. It almost makes me sad.

I am Your husband truly

W.J. Hill

(Note: This letter, dated February 21, 1862, is the last letter that William J. Hill ever wrote. He became afflicted with typhoid fever and died March 15, 1862.)

 


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Transcription used with permission of Charles Massey.

Archivists:
Transcription by Charles Massey.
Image by G. Anne Sloan