150 Voices for 150 Years: An Autobiography of Us Dr. Claiborne J. Walton was a surgeon attached to the 21st Kentucky, 2nd division, 4th Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland of the United States army. You will recall we posted an excerpt from Dr. Walton earlier; the following entry is the remainder of Dr. Waltons letter home to his wife from June 29, 1864. As always, spelling and syntax remain unchanged from the original letter. C P Taylor was shot dead on the field on the 20th ____________ In the last ten days we have lost killed and wounded in the 21st about 70 men. I believe I told you that Col S was wounded and had gone home. I sent you a letter by him knowing you would get it sooner than by mail. I have lost my numbers I think this is about the 28th or 29th. Here comes more of my good friends from the Regiment to interrupt me again. The weather is very warm by I am rather comfortable as I am in Division Hospital. I told you I would not expose myself - I will not any more than I am obliged to. The Rebels shelled our hospital a few days ago - you know that there is no safty in the army. You must not suffer any more uneasyness about me than you are compelled to feel - Do the best you can. I wish I could tell you all that I desire to communicate, I could talk and listen to you all night long if I could reach you without being broken down. You must not forget what you had to tell me - Do you remember how I told you I was touched sometimes? I am in much better condition in that respect, my health is good. I am indeed quite vigorous. Oh I forgot. Tomorrow I shall be 41 years old. How sad I feel to know that I am so advanced in life. I should feel as sprightly as a youthful if I could be with you as I did at 15 - But time is telling upon me. My hair is going fast and age is leaving its traces upon my face. A few more years and the fitful-fretful fiver of life will be over. My wife let us prepare for our final home - Give my love to all. Kiss our babies - One kiss one dear embrace and then goodbye. C J Walton Dr. Walton mentioned in his letter (found in the first entry we posted from him) that he was considering returning to political office and asked his wifes permission to do so. In doing a bit of research, we found that Dr. Walton made it safely home to his wife Nannie and served in the Kentucky state legislature (Senate) from 1873 - 1877 from Hart County. He had previously served in the state House of Representatives from 1851-1853 the state Senate from 1855-1863. We are so happy Dr. Walton survived the War and returned to his loving family. #150VoicesOfUs #HastagHistory
Posted on: Tue, 08 Jul 2014 10:00:01 +0000
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