Cassville Republican, Thursday, March 27, 1919
A Civil War Letter


The REPUBLICAN has been publishing numerous letters from the soldier boys who have served in the world war. Below for the contrast we publish a soldier boy's letter written home by a soldier in the Civil War. This letter was written by the father of Gus Tracey east of Cassville which he has kept:

Little Rock, Ark.,

Sept. 1864

Dear Brother and Sister:

I am as well as could be expected. We have been looking to be attacked here and the Rebs have made a faint or two, but I do not believe they really mean to give us battle here. It is only to draw attention in one direction while they make an attack at some other place.

There has been much excitement here among the citizens but not much among the soldiers except the new recruits. Our regiment got into a spat the other day but no damage was done to speak of. Only a few were wounded. It was a 3rd U. S. officer in command and he ran and did not show fight, the cowardly devil.

Our army is doing well in the east and the re-election of Old Abe will do more toward restoring peace than five thousand men can do to the field. I think he can run the country side if the Lord is willing and I am sure he is with us. So I think the Union is safe. This government must be preserved at all hazards. We do not want the kind of peace that Valandignam and Fermium Wood are willing to put up, peace on any terms, we want peace that is permanent and for this we risk our lives. That is the kind of peace we will get with Old Abe's election. I know that the army must be kept up. My first enlistment has expired but I will go in again I do not intend to be behind.

Your brother, L. R. Tracey.

This letter shows the spirit with which the soldier of the Civil War fought. In it can be seen the spirit which animated the soldier boys who have fought in the world war for world freedom.
Descendant Linda Bennett reported this solider is buried in St. Joseph, Buchanan Co., MO in a message from her in 2010. Donna Cooper


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