Skip to main content

SCOUT

Special Collections Online at UT

Letter, Robert A. Ragan to Emeline (Neass) Ragan, 1863 December 3

 File — Folder: 1, item: 5
From the Collection:

This collection houses eight letters from Robert A. Ragan to his wife, Emeline (Neass) Ragan, during the Civil War. In them, Ragan discusses battles and skirmishes with the Rebels, describes the landscapes he has seen, relates his frustration with army life, mentions his fear of moving too far South, and comments on his unit's movements and actions. He is particularly concerned for the men in his unit, telling Emeline that "You dont no how it hearts me to heare of one of my boys dieing but we all have to die and it looks like this ware is going to distroy all of us." Although he is deeply disturbed by such tragedy, Ragan consoles himself by hoping for the best and "trust[ing] in one hoo rules all." Ragan is also extremely homesick, telling his wife that "If I Could get to come home I would giv all this wourld If I had it." He also expresses his concern for his family and friends in Tennessee and asks Emeline to write to him and to "pray for me in this struggle."

Dates

  • 1863 December 3

Conditions Governing Access

Collections are stored offsite and must be requested in advance. See www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.

Extent

From the Collection: 0.1 Linear Feet (1 folder)

Repository Details

Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository

Contact:
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Knoxville TN 37996 USA
865-974-4480