Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, July 29, 1863

In this letter from July 29, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife some time after a visit home to Joliet, Illinois. He tells her that his enlisted brother, Burritt, has died at a hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, and states, "I have not once thought since Burritt & Erastus enlist[ed] that either of them would fall." He also notes "I did not see the men in Chicago that I wanted to and have written to them but have recvd no answer yet," referring to his attempt to secure a position on the railroad closer to home.

Burlington
July 29th 1863.

Dearest Jenny

I am almost asshamed [sic] to write you after so long a time has elapsed since I left home but on my arrival here I found so much to do that I have really not had time to write to any one [sic] except on business I have some a few leasure [sic] moments now and then must start out on the line again. Brother Burritt is dead he died in hospital in Memphis how many households are made desolate by this terible [sic] war that is desolating the land. I have not once thought since Burritt & Erastus enlists that either of them would fall, but God only knows who are to be sacrificed. Whose harts [sic] are to be torn and laserated [sic] . Whose households are to be made desolate. I don't know any particulars neither does Marion. I did not see the men in Chicago that I wanted to and have written to them but have recvd no answer yet.

Excuse this very hasty letter.

Yours Affectionately

Saml. B. Reed