Headquarters

General Hospital M.S. G.

Springfield, Missouri (1861?)

Dear John (J.S. Wilson)

I suppose ere this you have had correct information in regard to the fight. So I will say nothing about it. I am not in good health nor in very good spirits. I can see no end to this infernal war, my appointment may send me to any part of the state, so do not know when I will see you--or Springhill. I want you to get my business in as good a shape as you can--if possible, to collect. Let no one loose. Tell Dr. Shuman if he does not pay that bank debt if ever I get back I will start a boot factory in his posterior extremity--so enough about business matters.

I saw all of the boys not long ago, they were all in good health--did not know or care where they were going to go. Springfield presents rather a gloomy appearance. Every house nearly has been converted into a hospital. The wounded are generally doing well--there have been a great many amputations. I have taken off a good many legs and arms--until I am sick and tired. I have heard nothing from home since I left.

We get nothing to drink and damn little to eat here. I got a fine mull from a Dutchman--may get some more. Give my love to Mary (J.S. Wilson's wife) and the little ones--respects to inquiring friends and tell my enemies to go to hell.

Yours fraternally,

O.A. Williams Asst. Surgeon

General Hospital M.S. G.

John S. Wilson

Virgina House

St Louis Missouri

July 11, 1862

Mrs. Lou Ann Williams

I arrived here day before yesterday, for the purpose of obtaining the release of your father (William F. Miller) who was confined in the county jail under charge of conspiracy against the U.S. Government.

I succeeded in getting him released this evening on bond for his appearance at the next term of the U.S. District Court which is in October next. He has been confined here about three weeks in a miserable hole. I wonder at his enjoying as good health as he does. Your Pa will remain in the city a few days, probably all summer. He does not know what he will do as yet. It is useless for him to try to stay at home in peace. I will start home in the morning.

Your brother Willie is no more. He died last week 3rd of July after an illness of about 36 hours. He farmed corn all day on Monday and was buried on Friday. Alas how uncertain is life. His disease was congestion of the brain. Toward the last, he seemed to be sensible of his condition and resigned to his fate. Asked his Ma (Elizabeth Moseley Miller) and sister (Mary Ellis Miller, J.S. Wilson's wife) if they would meet him in heaven. Also requested that Brother John D. Vincil preach his funeral.

The balance of the family and relatives were well when I left home last Tuesday Morning. Lou, if Doc (Dr. O.A. Williams) is at home, tell him that I have done the best that I could with his business. I have not got his debts all paid yet. I have applied all of his techniques and operations as far as possible on his debts. I have some yet, but they are hard.

Orsino, if you are at home, I want you to write me without fail. It is growing late and I must close. Write soon, we are all anxious to see you. Give my respects to old Mr. Williams (Daniel Williams, O.A. Williams father) and family. Your friend and brother-

Adieu,

J.S. Wilson

Richmond VA

March 23, 1864

My Dear Son & Family,

Your very welcome favor of the 11th just per "Flag of Truce" came to hand this morning. When I tell you this is the first intelligence I have had from you, either directly or indirectly, since I left St. Louis in 1862, you may well imagine the pleasure it gave me. I was glad to hear you were all well and had read the letter set you in December last

Am still in Richmond, engaged as named in my letter of December (working as clerk in the Confederate Treasury). Heard from your brothers a few days ago, their families all well. Received a letter from Mr. Wiley Griffing last week. He is in Harrisburg, VA guild. Saw John H. McNeil in the St. Louis livery lines, looks stout and hearty. Heard from L.B. Brookshire, he is well and at Demopolis, AL. I am sorry to learn of the death of his father.

My dear wife cheer up and do the best you can for our dear little children. It is sad to be separated, but it cannot be otherwise at present.

Remember me very kindly to my children and grandchildren, and do not let them forget me. The property belonging to Pa's estate, I mean the real estate is yet undisposed of.

Write to the Doctor and Lou (Dr O. A. Williams and Lou Miller Williams) and present them and little Fred (William Frederick Williams, his grandson) with my kindest regards. Oh! A kingdom to see you all! Write often, per the "Flag of Truce", I send you Confederate Postage stamps.

Remember me to all, forever yours till death (I am pretty healthy). William F Miller

Dear Doc (Dr O. A. Williams)

Yours of the 29th is received tonight. Being in command of camp (J.S. Wilson was a Captain in the CSA) and having leisure I will devote the lonely hour in noting you. Doc, I am glad to hear from you and although I may not cherish as much hate toward my opponents, I yet hope to come as near the heart of a "friend inimical." You speak of individual hardships endured on your account. Unpleasant things are incident to war. I am not defending the wrongs done by our own party, but when you fully appreciated the condition to which the body of Union men in Missouri have been reduced, you will then understand why the reaction sometimes, perhaps.

Last election, and there's the pretext, I think slavery was safe then; is it so now? I am not for confiscation nor abolition, but my dear Doc, your or my opinion will have little to do in controlling the fiats of Jehovah. Yet, it appears to me that Negro Slavery is doomed, and every event which is taken to prevent it, like a miscalculation in chess, but hastens the checkmate. I endeavor to look upon this war, even with its horrors, as the naturalist upon the earthquake, a thing necessary to the well being and advancement of man. Aristocracy is an evil and contains its own correction. Further, any species of property which is so circumstanced as to render it dangerous for man to talk about is not in the condition nature finally intended it.

As to Rolla's being taken by the rebels, you have been misinformed. I understand that Joe Thurston was killed at Pea Ridge. Doc, if the Lord gives the thoughts to the brain and emotions over the proud to learn these things, I knew him when he received his name. Gone, gone away. Verily, life is a brevity. My sister said if she were a woman of faith as of remaining a secessionist, she would be happy. Let us hope he is happy and other memory comes and passes.

Willard accidentally wounded himself by shooting last winter, the ball striking five inches above the left nipple and coming out just above the internal angle of the Scapula. He is discharged. Remember me to Aunt Mary, Phebe, Lou and the children. All hoping for a special and satisfactory solution, and if found, conditions such that when the peace again comes, both friend and foe shall forget wars.

J.S. Wilson

P.S. Since writing it occurs that I would like to send this to you, Lou, as Doc may be gone. Letitia is with me here, and sends her best of wishes to you--persuade Doc to come back to Livingston County. Your, John