McCormick Letter

Web Author's Notes:
The following letter was transcribed from the original letters of William McCormick, a private in the 16th OVI. This transcription was kindly provided by Joni Crane, 3rd great-grandaughter of Private McCormick. The McCormick family passed these letters down through the years until they were acquired from Alice Armstrong (McCormick) by her grandson, David A. Hilliard. The letters were donated to the United States Library of Congress, Rare Manuscripts Division, with copies retained by the family. Please go to the McCormick Letter Index page to read an introduction by Joni Crane.

This letter is from a friend and comrade of William's, Pvt. Cyrus Anderson, who is responding to previous inquiries by John McCormick's widow, Lottie, concerning John's feelings toward her and money matters.


Pvt. William McCormick	Wife Charlotte (Lottie), children Clara Jane & John Bechtel	Pvt. Cyrus B. Anderson

Carrollton- Near New Orleans, LA
September 26, 1863

Friend Charlotte,

Your favor of August 2nd which came to hand during my absence has been handed me and I shall proceed to answer your questions with pleasure.

The Confederate Script of which you spoke is worth nothing here - is not passable.

You spoke about William having twenty- two dollars standing out among the boys, I have endeavored to ascertain who was owing him but as yet have not found a single one. There are any number of men in the army who, for a paltry sum, are ever ready to deny their indebtedness provided they can do so without being detected. Transactions among soldiers, as a general thing, are simply verbal and unless the men who owe your husband are honest enough to forward you the money - you can set it down as lost.

The letter you referred to has either fallen into the hands of someone or been lost. Captain Patterson of the Pioneer Corps says the letter never came to his office.

In answer to the interrogatory whether William ever complained of being neglected or mistreated by you, I am happy to say that I never heard him speak of his wife except in terms of endearment. Have often heard him regret his inability to make you more comfortable pecuniarily as well as sorrow at the deprivation or loss of your society and that of his children.

Absence, you know, serves to strengthen our affection. It also makes us appreciate better, the blessings of home. Speaking of home reminds me of having just returned from its fond endearments. Was on a brief visit to see my family (who by the way live five miles East of Wooster) I had intended to give you a call but my furlough being so very brief I was unable to do so.

While in Wooster, I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. McCormick, (William's father) to whom I related the circumstances connected with William's death.

I have nothing more of special note to add everything being quiet in our department, I therefore beg leave to close,

Yours respectfully,
C. B. Anderson

P.S. Andrew Sprowl from your vicinity is well, the 16th Regiment is now at Brashin (Brashear) City - I will rejoin it tomorrow.