CORRESPONDENCE:  Robert Kennedy HORINE to Captain George HORINE, 1864

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Transcribed by:  Bill Horine (WRHorine@webtv.com)
Submitted:       10 June 2003
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Following is a letter written by Robert Kennedy HORINE to his father,
Captain George Horine. 
This letter, I believe, has some (now this is just my humble opinion)
historical significance.  Following the letter will be a couple of 
brief
explanatory notes.  Permission is granted to post to the archives and
publish in Wilderness Road, if deemed suitable.

Capt:  George. Horine
Shepherdsville, Bullitt 
County,  Ky
                               Taylor. Barracks. Louisville
                                Kentucky.  Nov: the 8th 
                                1864

Dear Father and Dear. Sisters   I thank our kind and Heavenly Father
that through his tender Mercies I am permitted this day to write you a
few lines to inform you that I am tolerable well to day and  do most
sincerely hope that these few lines will find you all well.  I have not
heard from Brother Jacob yet.  well I dont no when I will be sent a way
from hear nor where I will be sent two.  I think that they will send me
a way soon.  well 5 or 6 Capts:  and that many sargents and Lieuts took
72 Drafted Men out to the Election to day Dick Quick and myself was in
the squad And we voted for Little Mac   I think that he got a majority
out of the squad   I am a fraid that I had better voted for Lincoln for
my own good.  but I could not go the pull.  well Pap I have heared a
heap of Preaching in those Barracks, and thank God I have felt a taste
of Religion.  I am getting better sure.   I am a going to try to 
prepare my soul to meet them that give it if I can.  if disease dont 
kill me I fear not the Battle field.  those two Bollenger boys went to 
the sick room yesterday red hot with the Measels there is some mumps in 
hear. well you must save all of the corn that you can for if you have 
brad ma be you wont starve.  I hope that I will get home next spring to 
rase some corn taters and water mellons.  well I dont think that the war 
will be over until the south is exterminated  well Father you must excuse
this bad writing and spelling I cant see good in this corner.  give all
of my inquiring friends my compliments an give my love to my Darling if
you see her.  so no more at present only I remain your most obedient 
son untill Death
                                      Robert K. Horine
                            to his father George Horine

Note:  "Little Mac" was Union General George McClellan.  He was said to
have been loved by his troops, but was criticized by Lincoln and many
others for his reluctance to commit his troops to battle.  Lincoln
relieved McClellan of his command in 1862 and he was never re-assigned.
In August 1864 McClellan won the Democratic nomination and most people,
including Lincoln, thought McClellan was going to win the presidency.
But the tide bagan to turn for the Union and the victory at Atlanta on
September 2 assured Lincoln's re-election.  McClellan won the electoral
vote in only three states:  Kentucky, New Jersey and Delaware.  

Bill Horine