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Knight, William W., Letter to Mary Knight. June 3, 1863

Knight, William W.

Date: 1863-06-03

Abstract:

Dated June 3, 1863, from a Camp Near Yazoo City, Mississippi, this letter by W. W. Knight to his wife Mary provides vivid insights into their conditions. The author praises the picturesque campsite by a creek with clear limestone water. W. W. Knight conveys their location, south of Yazoo City and around 50 miles from Vicksburg, and describes the challenging recent march, marked by broken terrain, hot weather, and severe water scarcity that caused some men to faint. He discusses the ongoing campaign around Vicksburg, detailing the presence of both Confederate and Union forces. Knight mentions sickness among the men, including fever and diarrhea, and provides updates on Jonathan's and other soldiers' health. He describes the absence of tents, the scarcity of cooking resources, and the difficulties of finding and using water sources during the march. W. W. Knight also reflects on the character of some soldiers and the farming practices of the area. The author expresses gratitude for receiving Mary's letters, reassures her about their finances, and ends with a promise to write whenever possible.

Description:

Knight, William W., Letter to Mary Knight. June 3, 1863. William Knight Civil War Letters, Box 1, Folder 3, Valdosta State University Archives and Special Collections. 1 pdf document and scans, 4 pages. Includes transcript.

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