Transcript and images of two 1862 letter from prison commander to family of James Innes
Dear Lizzie,
I was somewhat surprised at receiving a letter from you. But I can assure you that it was the most agreable surprise that I have met with for some time. First let me endeavor to try (?) & answer your letter. I was realy glad to hear that Grandma was improving & I hope that she will continue to improve until she can walk. I allso was glad to hear from my dogs. Take care of them until I return if ever I should.
It is more than likely that I shall be ordered back to assist Ky. in her struggle for independence against the supporters of that vile scoundrel Lincoln. Tell Sue that I have sent her letter to Nashville & I intend to visit Mag (?) if I can get a furlough after Johnnie Davis returns. Lizzie I guess you would like to know something about the life I lead, it is a perfect soldiers life out & out & one of the most corrupt lives that anyone can live if they choose to make it so. I tell you that it will contaminate the most moral of young men (?) without they possess strong facculties of resistance. As for myself I do not know but what I have been led off of the right track a little. But hereafter I will act as becomes myself & family. I never enjoyed myself better for seven weeks before in my life although I am under the strictest of laws. I drill three hours every day excepting Sunday. We have that for a day of rest & those who choose can listen to the word of God on that day (?) we have preaching every Sunday in both regiments. We get up every morning at half past four o'clock by the noise of 7 or 8 drums & then form in a long row & answer to our names. Then we proceed to get breakfast & after we eat we all to the number of about 2000 march out to a large field & drill one hour--then we return, rest two hours, then we drill again & after drill we get dinner & late in the evening we drill again. Then we busy ourselves about getting supper. Now I have told you the whole proceedings of the camp. We are not allowed to go over one mile from camp. But there is a great many boys who desert. But before I desert I would prefer being shot.
I would like to see you all very much. But the duty I owe to my country prevents me. Kentucky is glorious. Ken, who has disgraced herself so much. Which state I think will yet be redeemed. But only by the sword. Sister you must give my love to all the family & you must write soon. Give my love for all enquiring for sure.
Your Brother,
James Innes,
Confederate at Camp Boone Near Clarksville, Tennessee