McClelland Letters

Web Author's Notes:
Images of the following letter were provided by Valerie Davison, great great granddaughter of John McClelland. The letter was written by John McClelland, a private in Company B of the 16th OVI, to his wife, Rachel Lockhart of Millersburg, Ohio. The letter was written from the Union encampment at Cumberland Gap, shortly after it had been taken from the Confederates and occupied.

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, just 52 days after the below letter was written. Below the images of the letter are transcriptions made by the donor, Valerie Davison. Thanks to Valerie 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 Gap Tenn July 30th, 1862 Dear Wife I take this oppertunity to write a few lines to you. I received your most welcome letter and was very happy to hear that you wer all well. I am very happy to state to you that my health has improved very mutch since I last wrote to you. It was just one month from the time I was taken sick untill I returned to duty and feel that your Prayers for me have been answered. You wished to know what all I received in that box of Provision. It was as follows four Pr Socks, one [Poke??], Dried Apples, one Can of Peatches, Crackers & Sweet Cakes and Pound Cake. they wer all moldy. I hope if Liget does not leave before you receive this you will send me a couple Pr of Drawers. I shall send you my Picture which was taken in Cumberland gap. I was unwell at the time. had nothing on but my rough Soldier clothes and the day being cloudy did not get a very good Picture. I want you to write and let me know wheather it looks natural or not. I sent you $5.00 by Lieut. Liget and would like to know wheather you got it. I have no dout but you will be some what a larmed at seeing him as he promised me he would call there and tell you how I am. Please tell Father that I received his kindly letter and was very happy to hear from him. it is impossible for me to answer it at present but will as soon as convinient. when I was first taken Sick before I went to the Hospital there was Two Little girls that live near by here
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about the size of Lucy and Allie brought me Milk regular for a long time. I will close for this time as [News?] is very scarce here at present. give my love to all Enquiring friends your self in particular and a Sweet Kiss for all the little ones. Answer as soon as convinient. From your Affectionate Husband John F McClelland
This is the original envelope which contained the above letter sent by John McClelland to his wife, Rachel:
Mrs Rachel McCleland Millersburg Holmes Co Ohio Cumb Gap Tenn July 31