Edith asked about my father side of the family today, so I thought one of the interesting parts of my mothers side of the family was in order.
The McCord branch of the family had two sons that fought in the Civil War. One joined the Confederate army and was never heard from again, the other the Iowa Volunteers, part of the Union Army.
Here are one of his letters home, I have others, and his discharge papers.
The handwriting, and printed words, used at the time are hard to decipher, I did my best and included [illegible] where I could not figure out what word was written. Also one footnote about the discharge papers, they where also altered sometime in the past.
The Letter on the bottom.
My transcription.
Family Feb 7 1862
You see that I wrote some time ago but failed to send it.
I left the Island day before yesterday lodged that night under niggers roof.
Yesterday I came to Uncle Ami Smiths was taken with a pain in my knee. the severest pain I ever had. Old Mother Smith
deeloved me like a mother indeed, to day I am about. I received a letter from Lawton last week he was in the fight at Springfield
Charely Dixon was wounded in the back by a shell( not very bad) another man wounded [illegible] arm.the third was killed, a man by the name of Smith, that was all that was in [?]avin company.
I have had no letter from Oscar for 3 weeks. he is all right I suppose
I heard from them since I come here George Gibbs and Clark Smith have lots have written home Robi [illegible] was killed by a shell it fell at his feet exploded. Tore off his leg and arm. C Smith, G gibbs and W Bodwell buried him C Smith says he was scared time of battle he says he cannot
describe the firing of guns better than the throwing of salt in the fire.
So quick and fast.
We are talking now of having game and children go with me to Ottuawa[?] and meet you there about the first of Aprilor if you want to come sooner you could come to Ottuawa and stop with Dixon.
I am told he is living there I have recieved no money from the boys since you left but they promise to.
Send me some even perhaps.
They have sent you some .
I got that note from Dave Seagrams sent you some and s/out the next for over shorts and to pay for washing, making and mending
Be sure and bring one of the girls with you
Yours O Mcord
The discharge papers on the top.
My transcription
.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
Know ye, that William O McCord private of captain A R Andysons company of 16 A/ 4th regiment of Iowa Infantry volunteers who was enrolled on the [illegible] one thousand eight hundred and fifty two, to serve three years or during the war is hereby discharged from the service of the United States
this 31st day of December 1863 at Meadville Alabama by reason of re enlistment Veteran Vols [illegible] on day 191 1863
Saint William O McCord was born in [illegible] county state of Wisconnson is Nineteen years of age¹, five feet eleven inches high, dark complexion, grey eyes, dark hair and by occupation when enrolled farmer.
Given at Meadville Alabama this 25th day of January 1864
Richard Roman 13th infantry
¹ Some one screwed up on the age, he was about 26 at discharge.
Interesting stuff, it is also cool to hold a letter written during the Civil War in you hands.
