Root Family Civil War Letter

Cobb Landmarks and Historical Society Collection

This letter from Henry Root (16 years old) was written to his father, William Root, after Henry and his mother fled from Marietta in 1864. They left Marietta in hopes of avoiding the advancing Union Army. The family eventually reunited in Washington, Georgia, where they lived through the end of the Civil War. They returned to Marietta in 1865.


Sis started this but did not finish it                  Anderson Dist. S.C.
                                                                              May 31st 1864
Dear Father,
It is nine days since we left home and have not heard any thing from home yet. We are anxious about hearing from you. Ma has been sick every since she has been here. She wants to know where you will meet us. So we can go home. The people do not know that there is a war going on. We want to go home very much. At least where you are. This is a very lonesome place. We can’t hear no news out here at all. We get plenty of fish out here. Ma has a strong notion of going home. She wants to start this week but is too sick. I have enjoyed myself as much as I can considering. I wish you would come out here. We want to see you. We have been looking for you the last 3 days. Write an tell us the news if you don’t come yourself. I had just as stay at home as to go away. Money will hardly buy any thing out here. You would have to give provisions or any thing of that kind for any thing you want except in the village. I am going to Anderson with Etty Sadler tomorrow. It is 15 miles from here. The Post Office is 2 miles. When you come bring a box of pills. Your Elixir of Rhubarb, and Ess. Ginger, and a bottle of ink that I made. I hope you will get here by the last of this week certain. Lall knows how to direct a letter here.
I remain you affectionate son

Henry S. Root