“MMS 1405 - Walter S. Burns Letters.” Finding Aids. BGSU University Libraries, 2 May 2014, lib.bgsu.edu/finding_aids/items/show/1791. Accessed 13 May 2025.
I rec'd A letter from you to day the first one in 3 months. It was old but done me a good bit of good. It was dated Sept 9th I suppose you have written me several since but they have not been able to reach me. To day was the first male we have rec'ed since we have been in this town. I rec'ed a letter from Dr. Dick Pohusin of the 3rd Ohio. Cav he was well. Also Lieut John Brown they was at Lebanon. Mo. and I reed one from Luther Robinson. He was at Haysville but all was old news. I will expect plenty of news with James Blakley. We are expecting our recruits today or tomorrow. Yesterday we was in grand review line Rosecrans. His whole was in this vicinity. He is a middle sized man and has a brave smile on his countinance. We expect to go on a big martch soon. It rained a very little last night the first since we have been in this place we are drawing full ration of everything the heath of thig [this] regt is good at present. My heath is sgood as it has been since I have been in service I supose you are glad I came to war when I did for I would stand a good chance to of been drafted. The 49th is on the other side of the river. Capt Sameul Gray stayed with col. neibling last night and several of the 49th boys have been over to see us I am going to see the daywalt boys and the elrose boys. There was 8 old men here from Arcada to see their in the 49th regt. One of them was that old Irishman that we bought that fat cow off in Arcada once.
You must write soon and remember your son a soldier
Walter S. Burns Co. B. 21st Reg't OVI USA Present to G. and R Burns
February 4, 1863
Murfreesboro Tenn Feb 4 '63
Dear Mother
I rec'd your kind letter yesterday in care of Capt. J.E. Steamres. Our Lt. Parker gave me the letter and socks. The socks are good ones andwill come mighty handy at presant for it is pretty cool here at presant for a week so it will bear up a man. Since father left here we have built a shed and a good fire place in it so live as nice as as in a house.
We got the news of the death of Mr. Davis some 3 or 4 days ago it was sad news to us but I suposed it was mutch sadder to his family and friends. We are expecting to be payed off soon for four months. If so I will send fatehr some money. I wrote a letter to Uncle Walter last night and will write to Henries folks to day I was very sorry to hear of the death of Margreats little girl. If I had been in her place I would of not taken her to Tibbon. We got the new here of the death of Dr. Carlins a few days ago it must of been a hard stroke on the 6-7 tell father he is relieved of one abolisionist I suppose.
Chatial when when elec monroe comes to his regt if you will send me some nice butter it will come very supspsscive [?] or any other good chance you get.
Has not Margarett any other hcildren I thought she had 2 with her. I should think Henries feal very bad about their children did Tally get through rite. This morning we can hear the roar of cannon to the south. Our men discovered a squad yesterday some 5 or 6 miles from here and our men has surounded them and from the roar of the cannon they hare having a little fight.
Chatial when you send me that other pair socks if you will send me one or two under shirts. Did father get his canon ball home and the rest of his tropheys of the battle field. You must write soon.
Yours Walter S. Burns OVI USA
May 6, 1864
Ringgold GA May 6th 1864
Dear Parents
I recd your kind and interesting letter to day and was very glad to hear of your good heath but was verry sorry to hear that you had to move we was expecting to be payed off to day but I guess we will not be until we get in an other camp as we have marching orders in the morning by day light and I should not wonder if there would be a fight before tomorrow night.
I have had some letters from Serieca to and they tell me that it is very unheugtry these [??]
Lafe is doing remarkable well as present and I think he will send some money home this pay day.
If I can get all my dept [debts] payed I will send you some money
You must writ soon you must of had the blues for you for got to sign your name. You must excuse this nasty [hasty?] letter for I must prepare for a march.
Write soon Walter S. Burns Provost Guard HO 2rs [Headquarters] 3rd Brigaade 1st Div. 14th AC