28 August 2006 17:43
One Sunday (that happened to be a a beautiful spring afternoon) back in April the twins and I decided to take a driving tour. One of our stops was the Confederate Breastworks at Fort Edward Johnson. We spent some time tramping around the trail and chuckling at the signs. The signs were for the most part copies of letters from one Lieutenant Sheperd Pryor to his wife back home. He was a good ol boy from Georgia stationed there during the winter of 1862.February 23, 1862
My Dear Penelope,
I write a fiew lines this morning to let you know that I am well & doing as well as I have since Iv been in the service.
Well, Dear, wee had an allarm Friday knight about two oclock, and the way wee got around quick untwill we were all way ready was a site. The regiment formed & was ready in ten minutes. Marched up to the intrenchments, got in the ditches and they were half full of snow. It was cold business, sure. I marked time for three hours to keep my feet from freezing, but when the day dawned wee did not have to fight: I dont want to fight as long as wee can do as well without it. I dont want to be shot at: some of them stand a good chance to hit a fellow. I want to see the close of this war & live at home a free man once more.
Give my love to all my friends. Kiss the babies for me.
I am yours.
Shep
It was cold business, sure. That's one way of putting it...
part of the trench, did I mention it was a beautiful spring day? and then on across the ridge a view of Highland County. Slightly less populated than Rockingham.
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