Francis R. Nicks Letter, 1863
Note:
Francis Rinaldo Nicks served in Company C, Third Florida Infantry Regiment.
He was born around 1837 in Leon County, moving with his family to Hernando
County in 1855.
Tullahoma, Tenn March the 9th 1863
Dear Mike
I seat my self this morning to write you according to promise. This informes
you that I am well at present and enjoying fine health. With the exception of
a bad cold my general health is better than it has been for some time. Hope
this few lines will reach you safe and find you an the family enjoying the same
blessings. The Boys are all well an in fine spirits. We have but verry little
sickness at this time and the weather is very pleasant this morning. Although
it has been very cold and wet. Mike, this is the worst country I ever saw in my
life. It rains all the time and when it aint raining it is snowing. I dont think it will
cold much longer.
Well, Mike, I have no news that would interest you. I wish that I did have some
to write you. We are building batteries and throwing brest works up and cutting
down hammock preparing to have a fight. The Jenerals are expecting that we will
have a fight soon. They say that Rosancrance is advancin on us. We will have it
soon. We have a pretty large force at this place. Our force is estimated at thirty
two thousand. Van Dorn had a fight last week with the Yanks and killed 2600
hundred an taking 1,000 prisoners. I cant hear one word from my Brother Ben.
Mike, I do feel lost. We are pretty well fixed here. We have tents an little Chimneys
to them. We get plenty to Eats. I suppose you have heard the Death of James
Ellis. Poor fellow, I do feel so sorry for him and his family. Benton has gone to
Hospital.
I tell you Mike, Old Jeneral Bragg is being tight on us. We can�t get a furlough
unless we are going to Die and every man that don�t report to his command
soon will be reported as deserters an treated as such.
Well, Mike, I did think some time back there was some likely hood of peace
but now from what I can learn their is no such good news. Every person I hear
speak of it says it will last as long as Lincoln�s administration last. I hope the
old rascal will Die. Jeneral Joseph E. Johnson is going to inspect our Brigade
tomorrow. We are in Jeneral Prestons Division an Breckenridge Brigade under
Jeneral Johnson.
Well, Mike, you must excuse bad every thing. I had to work this letter in a hurry
to go on review. Mike, you must give my love to all the Girls an tell them I am fat
an sassy. Mike, you must write as soon as you get this an tell me all the news.
I will be glad to hear from you at any time. Your letters will be received with
pleasure. So I must close. Give my love to the Family an receive the same for
your self. I remain as ever your Friend until Death.
Francis R. Nicks
Direct your letter to
F. R. Nicks
Company C
Third Regt Fla
Vols Tullahoma
Tennessee
Mike, I have no postage stamps nor no change so you must excuse me.
Cant get any.