Bartlett, I. Chapin. Letter to uncle (June 28, 1863)

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Edgefield [Tennessee] June
28th 1863 [June 28, 1863]

Dear Uncle

Ma wrote me sometime ago that you intended writing your rebel nephew but I have waited as I think long enough for the epistolary document. So "here's to you" anyhow. Now uncle Vess, I write to you with as much freedom and hearty good will as I would to the home folks. Notwithstanding you professed to be an enemy to the cause I have battled for and spilled my hearts best blood for, and though grieved that you should have seen fit

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to differ with me as to the justice of the cause I love better than life, my love for [yourself] my uncle has not abated a particle on that account, and I trust you will receive this letter as an indication of the sincerity of what I say. As you have doubtless learned from my letters home, that I have had a most serious time of it since I was wounded, and the result is I have a limb about 1 inch 8 1/2 shorter than the other, which I will have to carry with me through life, but so far from [illegible word] and abusing myself that I ever entered

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the army, I would not now exchange that wounded limb for a sound one which had never been in battle. I trust my misfortune will not materially interfere with my future prospects in life since the profession I had marked out for myself will call rather for the labor of the head than the body.

In a letter which I received from Ma yesterday of 22nd June, she says every thing is growing splendidly, and I am glad to hear it. Suppose you and Pa have turned that ridge into a perfect paradise. But I shall have

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to enter the complaint against you both, that you have spoiled my hunting ground. Aunt Mary how I should like to see your merry self now. You know I always liked you better than any body else. Wish I could eat dinner with you today. Do you still go to "Hepsibah" - believe that's the way to spell the church - or has the war closed its doors as it has a great many others? Have you seen my photograph? How do you like the looks of your soldier nephew? Love to Willard, Uncle Vess, you or Aunt Mary must write me soon.

With much love your nephew
Ma will tell you how to direct.