This partial letter was written by Ellen (“Ella”) Maria (Fairbanks) Eakin (1837-Aft1900) to her husband, Sgt. Edmond W. Eakin (1835-1906) of Co. D, 125th Illinois Infantry. Edmond enlisted on 3 September 1862. At the time of enlistment he was described as standing 5’8″ tall, with dark hair and black eyes. He gave his birthplace as Wythe county, Virginia and his residence as Dallas, Vermillion county, Illinois.
Edmond remained with his regiment until he was seriously wounded at Kennesaw Mountain while on Sherman’s March to the Sea.
Ella’s father was George Washington Fairbanks (1799-1864)—a member of the clergy in the Methodist Episcopal Church.
TRANSCRIPTION
[partial letter]
..Hanigan & Soller are both to start back Monday. They both intend to call on you. Eva & Hattie were both highly pleased with the letter & money. They have the first money you sent yet. I did not get down to the office last night until the children were asleep as the mail did not come. Eva said just before she went to sleep, “I think it is provoking that I cannot get a letter from my pa.” She has been watching ever since her letter was written for an answer. She was looking up at the moon the other night and said, Ma, that is God’s light, ain’t it. He is carrying it round to other people’s houses too.”
You seem to think it doubtful about getting a discharge. Have you or are you trying? I hope if you do not get a discharge, you will be transferred nearer home and to some easy post of duty. It is the opinion of many that such men as you will be discharged if there is prospect of peace soon. R. thought so. Mr. Grace was here this morning. He expressed himself in the same manner. He is a true friend of yours, I assure you.
You need not worry about me. I have very good health & the children & Ma are well & if you can be well, i will not ask for more. My work is hard. I am pretty fleshy & feel somewhat burdened but am willing to forego comfort a little while if I can get through safe and all right. Sometimes I get a little blue but I try to overcome it. It seems as if it would be such a comfort to have you here, There is no one so near & dear as a husband.
I have written all I can think of now. Hope you will soon be well, my dear. I cannot help feeling anxious about you. Write often. There is not a day—yes, a dozen times a day almost—but the children talk about their dear pa.
Your own, — Ella Eakin
We got the Nashville paper from Mr. Grace today. Thank you. Excuse bad writing & soiled paper. It was all I had by me.
Spared & Shared 18 