Corporal Oscar Overman
Company B, 103rd Illinois Infantry
“I hope and pray as I said above that the coming Campaign will wind it up. Since we have been here, we have received one recruit, namely James Anno, son of Henry Anno, deceased. Jim will make a very good soldier by appearance, …” Oscar Overman Dec 1863
December, 1863
I hope and pray as I said above that the coming Campaign will wind it up. Since we have been here, we have received one recruit, namely James Anno, son of Henry Anno, deceased. Jim will make a very good soldier by appearance, for he is well and in very good spirits, always ready for duty that is assigned him and we have also Joshua Hall. Again, I think he will stick to us. He seems satisfied and content to stay.
We have heard of the arrest of James Baker . Alls, the commanding officer of our Company received word of it and we may be looking for him in a few weeks. Such fellows we care little about after leaving as they did, but think they will be satisfied to hardly try it again. I would like to know what has become of W. T. Pratt , as I cannot hear anything of him anymore. His soldiering has not been much, but we cannot tell whether he will get clear yet or not. I would think they would feel better if they were with the Company, but I am no judge of their feelings.
I received a letter from Bushnell a few days ago, stating what good meetings they were having. I would like to attend some of them, but circumstances will not admit at present. I have heard of no series of meetings in Hickory. I suppose they have none. Mother wrote her health was not very good this winter. I hope she will recover by spring for I do not want to hear of her being so unwell.
Well, Em, I have been trying to write all the afternoon and now it is about sundown and I have wrote nothing of importance and will try to close by asking a little favor of you. It may seem strange, but nevertheless, I mean it. Before Henry and I sent our likeness, you was repeatedly begging—and now after so long a time, I, poor unworthy me, wish you to grant me the same favor—without any words about it. The first time you can write, enclose the miniature, and all will be satisfactory. Words will be of no use. It will only be the delay the longer and now I will close. Hoping as this leaves me in good health it will find you in the enjoyment of the same. Do not fail, but let me hear from you soon. You may think strange of my writing so, but still I always write my feelings under any circumstances.
P.S. As soon as convenient, let me hear from you and also see the image of yourself. From a sincere friend in the Army—Oscar.
P.S. Look over poor writing for I am in a hurry and am writing under very inconvenient circumstances.
Read the Overman Letters: 6 Jan 1863 on Steamer Rocket | 6 May 1863 | Dec 1863