Union Soldier John W. N. Doak Letter #6, Camp Davies, Miss., Jan. 11th, 1863

Private John W.N. Doak was home in Paris, Illinois on medical leave from October through December of 1862.  He finally arrived back in Corinth, Mississippi on January 9th, 1863 and found his way to a place called “Camp Davies.” Camp Davies was still being built when John arrived, it was a camp with several buildings including cabins the soldiers built for themselves and was surrounded by a wooden stockade. Camp Davies would be John's home, and the home for the 66th Illinois/”Western Sharpshooters” for the next eleven months. 

The letter below gives some feeling for the difficulty of travel in the 1860s, especially in a war zone, as John traveled by rail, steamboat, and by foot on an arduous journey that took him about eleven days. 

John uses the term “Butternuts” at the end of this letter. As you may know, "Butternuts" is a somewhat derogatory term used for southern civilians who sympathized with the south. John also uses it as a term for southern rebel guerrillas and Copperheads: northern Democrats who did not support Lincoln or the Union cause. 

Camp Davies, Mississippi

January 11th, 1863 

Dearest Emma,

On the evening of 29th I left Springfield with 17 recruits, came to St. Louis that night, remained there a few days then left for Cairo where we landed on the night of the 3rd. Were there two days, floated down to Columbus, got on the cars, came 4 miles below Union City. There we found railroad bridges burned & the track torn up so we walked 6 miles and again climbed aboard the cars for Corinth where we found ourselves on the evening of the 8th. About the first man I saw of our regt. was Colonel Smith. I was really glad to see him. He said he was glad to see me, asked how the girls were getting along, how I got home, etc. Of course I told him you were all doing well, that I was sent north to the hospital. He told me to stay at the hospital that night and I could ride to camp the next morning in the ambulance. So I did found the boys well & enjoying themselves as soldiers generally do. 

With the exception of a bad cold I am well. 

We are camped on the Tuscumbia river seven miles from Corinth, will remain here sometime I think though we might have to leave soon. 

I wrote to you while at Springfield, told you to write to me at Corinth so I have expected a letter but been disappointed. I am very anxious to hear from you, hope I will soon. 

The boys have been wishing me much joy, they all thought I was married, some think so yet but will learn better perhaps. 

The weather is very pleasant, seems almost like spring. Some of the Butternuts I believe have been making gardens. 

I might write more but am too lazy, please excuse me and write soon to 

                   Yours truly, 

                   John W. N. Doak