McClelland Letters

Web Author's Notes:
Images of the following letter were provided by Bob and Judi Hill. They were found in a box of papers owned by Judi's mother. The letter is from Judi's ancestor, John F McClelland, a private in Company B of the 16th OVI, to his wife, Rachel Lockhart of Millersburg, Ohio. The letter was written from an encampment on the Cumberland River, just west of the Cumberland Gap, where the 16th OVI, along with other Union forces, were staged, ready to assault and take The Gap.

Additional history tells us the letter's author, sadly, was later captured during subsequent action at Cumberland Gap and died of disease on September 20, 1862, probably as a Confederate prisoner.

Below the images of the letter is my attempt at transcription to the best of my ability.

Thanks to Bob and Judi Hill for sharing these precious artifacts from the colorful and poignant history of the 16th Ohio Volunteer Infantry and the American Civil War.

Please note the contrast of the letter images has been enhanced to make them more readable. Spelling is transcribed as near as possible to match the original author's and end of sentence periods were added, when necessary, to make reading easier.

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Cumberland Ford, Ky May 14, 1862 Dear Rachel I take this opportunity of writing you a few lines to let you know how I am getting along. I am well as well as the rest of the boys. I am still acting as the Col's orderly. We had brigade drill yesterday and all four of the Regts belonging to our brigade drilled together. The pay master will be here in a few days and I will send some money home with Dr Woods when he goes back. I recd Jame's letter with much satisfaction. I have not much to write to you at present. Wm. Bigham is the Adjustants orderly	and we both have a tent to ourselves. We have a horse between us and you may think we make him lope. Tell Jane I understood her to say once that she would like to see a battle. It is pleasant to see the cannons booming more pleasant than to stand before them. I wish you to write soon and let me know all about thing in general. You need not expect very long letters from me from the fact that I have to be constantly on the watch. Nothing has occurred worth mentioning. Tell Mrs Martin that Josiah is well. No more at present. I remain your affectionate husband. John McClelland
This is the original envelope which contained the above letter sent by John McClelland to his wife, Rachel:
Flat Lick May [?] Mrs. Rachel McClelland Millersburg Holmes Co Ohio