Letter from Joe Bowers, Co I, 5th AL Infantry, aka Grove Hill Guards to Isaac Grant, Editor of Clarke County Journal, Clarke, Alabama http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/clarke/militery/civilwar/jbowers.txt ================================================================== USGENWEB PROJECT NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. ALGenWeb Archives File Manager, Carolyn Golowka ================================================================== Contributed by Jackie Feldman December 2000 This letter was published in the Clarke County Journal of Feb 9, 1865 was written to Isaac Grant, Editor of the Clarke County Journal, from Joe Bowers of Co. I, 5th AL Infantry, also known as the Grove Hill Guards. "Camp Co. I, 5th ALA. REG'T, Near Petersburg, VA., Jan. 8, 1865 Dear Grant: Being at leisure this morning, I have concluded to write you a short letter. The Brigade left this morning at 8 o'clock for the front on picket, and will remain about three days. The camp presents quite a gloomy aspect since the troops left; but having a short leave of absence in my pocket, I anticipate a "huge" time after tomorrow, for I expect to spend the next seven days in the Confederate metropolis. We are about through building our winter quarters, and if we are permitted to remain here through the winter, I think we will have a nice time, provided "Uncle Jeff" gets to feeding a little better. Our bill of fare is as follows: Breakfast--pickled beef and crackers; dinner--crackers and pickled beef; supper------; hence you will perceive that we are living high and playing soldier upon a grand scale, "in a horn"; but do not let this prevent our liberal friends from sending on their dainties, for really, I believe we could worry down a little more. In behalf of company I, I feel at liberty to say that we will reject nothing in the eating or clothing line that they may see proper to send us; and in case that some of our friends might desire to ship us something, to keep them from being disappointed, I would suggest that transportation can be obtained at Montgomery for any box or boxes that they may desire to send. From the heading of my letter, you will discover that we have changed our "modus operandi" and are again attached to the Army of Northern Virginia. The corps is at present commanded by Maj. Gen. John B. Gordon, formerly colonel of the 6th Alabama, and by the way, a most excellent and gallant officer. Mr. Jube Early is still in the poverty stricken Valley, with Breckinridge's old division and Lomax's and Rosser's cavalry. As Gen. Lee and myself are not upon speaking terms, I am unable to post you as regards affairs before Richmond and Petersburg; however everything has been remarkably quiet during the last eight or ten days, save occasional shelling and picket firing, and I do not think that a fight is anticipated soon. There is a geat deal of talk as regards the consolidation bill, which has or doubtless soon will become law. A majority of the troops are opposed to the bill, but I hope they may become more reconciled to it, and that great good may arise therefrom. As soon as it passes, I expect to visit Old Clarke, en route to "jine" the cavalry. I have divers (sic) reasons for quitting the infantry service. I am tired of its monotonous routine of duties, and think the cavalry will open a more extended field of operations, in which I expect to do my country more real good than in my present "posish". Only weighing 175 lbs. I feel physically unable to perform the duties of an infantry soldier. I do not wish to witness any more of Mr. Jube Early's stampedes. I am determined, if I can, to fling myself on the outside of a horse. We have all been terribly stricken, since Mr. Sherman's tramp through Georgia, with a disease known as the blues, from the effects of which I have suffered severely for many days. It seems a matter of impossibility to hear from my "dearest Juliana Marina," or if you prefer, "my gal." I will feel under obligations to Mr. Sherman if, in the future, he will permit; "official documents" to reach, unmolested, their points of destination. Your humble servant, Joe Bowers."