1862 Diphtheria Taking Fort Donelson News Civil War Soldier Letter 24th NY #11

  
K, 24th Reg't, NYSV, was killed at 2nd battle Bull Run Letter of 2/1862 to his wife Lestina. Ill with Diphtheria, War News Taking of Fort Donelson by Union. Dear wife, I did not write to you last Sunday I was too unwell to do it. Last Friday morning I got up feeling rather unwell, the result of a cold taken on inspection three or four days before. After washing and getting breakfast I felt better but my throat felt a little sore nevertheless I banged round going over to the hospital in the afternoon.

The next morning found me better all but my throat and that grew worse. I could not swallow anything but what was soft so I went to work and made some gruel. I found that my joints began to grow weak, head began to ache, and on the whole it was one of my old fashioned spells, when night came I was pretty hard up.

Redway is a first rate fellow to take care of sick folks but I tell you he did not fill the place of you, how i longed to have you take my head in your lap and pour on the cold water, then comb my hair, and do lots of good things, but i was deprived of them all, and all i could do was to think of you, which i did most of the night. Sunday morning came and it was the day to go on picket, but I was too sick to go so I got an excuse from the doctor. I was some better than the night before but still weak and throat growing worse. After the boys had gone out I went up to Cyrus' and George's tent and stayed most of the day and at night Cyrus slept with me. I kept pork on my throat and gurgled salt and vinegar.

Monday morning came and i perceived that my throat was no better but worse for I could not drink cruel without a great deal of pain. I mistrusted it was something of a dangerous character and needed attention. I did not know whether I could finish this to you or not but I guess I can get in a short one. This seems strange to be writing so about myself, I was in hopes that I should not have occasion to. Wife you must not borrow any trouble. I hope soon to be well again, he who can afflict can as soon cure. The doctor ordered me to the regimental hospital, I went and stayed about an hour and concluded that was long enough. My tent is much more comfortable and get the best of care.

Well wife the news of the past two weeks is enough to make a sick man well, if he is Union, but the taking of Fort Donelson is the cap chief, all we need is the capstone in the person of Floyd, his legs will never stand to see his head abused. Two or three more such victories and the rebellion is over.

I have not heard from George in a long time but somebody told me that he had gone to the war, but whether he is at Saratoga or not I cannot say. You had better stop with Lucretia and tell Joseph now that he has let out his farm he had better come and help us thrash out the rebels. It will be good past time now. It would pay him to make us a visit after the mud has gone, it rains here about every other day.

Well wife you must excuse me, I have done better than I thought I should. I hope soon to be with you. Letter and envelope in good antique condition. TEEAR, FRANK (FRANCIS) Age, 27 years. Enlisted, May 7, 1861, at. Ellisburg, to serve two years; mustered in as private, Co. K, 24th Reg't, NYSV.

May 17, 1861; promoted sergeant, date not stated; killed. August 30, 1862, at Bull Run, Va. Also borne as Frank Tear.

Enlisted, May 7, 1861, at Pierrepont Manor, to serve two years; mustered in as private, Co. K, May 17, 1861; promoted corporal, January 1, 1862; sergeant, March 1,1863; mustered out with company, May 29, 1863, at Elmira, N. Enlisted, May 7,1SG1, at Belleville, to serve two years; mustered in as private, Co. K, May 17, 18G1; transferred to the band as musician, July 1,1861, and retransferred to Co.

K, August 16, 1862, as private; wounded, August 30, 1862; died, September 11, 1862, at Finley Hospital, Washington, D. John Buchanan Floyd (June 1, 1806 - August 26, 1863) was. The 31st Governor of Virginia, U. Secretary of War, and the Confederate general in the American Civil War who lost the crucial Battle of Fort Donelson.