Civil War Letters

George W. Joines was born 18 Mar 1822 probably in Giles Co TN and died 27 Feb 1908 in Giles Co. He is buried at the Joines/Shrader Cemetery. He married first Elizabeth Keltner (4 Mar 1826-1886) daughter of Emmanual and Nelly Pernina Musgraves Keltner. George and Elizabeth had 11 children: Julia, Mary Catherine, Emmanuel Thomas, General Andrew, Nellie P., Sinthy, Nancy P., Rufus C., William Lee, Ella, and an infant son that died at birth.

George was a private in Co K, 53rd Tennessee Infantry. His name first appears on a muster roll for 9 Dec 1861. He left his wife and eight children and at the age of 39 went to war. He was captured at Fort Donelson on 16 Feb 1862 and was listed as a prisoner of war at Camp Morton, IN in June, 1862. George was then listed on the Camp Morton roll (28 Aug 1862) to be exchanged at Vickburg, MS.

The following letter was sent to Mrs. Elizabeth Joines, Campbellsville, Tennessee from her husband G. W. joines. Mr. Joines wrote this letter to his wife while in camp during the Civil War and he sent it to his wife in the care of James Sands. (At the time that this letter was printed in the newspaper, it was in the possession of Mrs. A. H. Carpenter, a granddaughter.)

Port Hudson, La.
February 3, 1863

My Dear Wife,

I avail myself of the present opportunity to write you a few lines, to inform you that I am well at this time, hoping this may find you all in the enjoyment of health. I have no news of importance to write at present. The health of the company is tolerable good, except several of the boys are complaining a little, but nothing serious the matter. Tom and William Wall are both well.

I will give the reason why I did not write. I was at a hospital and confined there and was not allowed to write from there, not even to camps, on account of smallpox. I have gotten well enough to be back in camp, and I am making from one dollar and a half to three dollars a day.

You wanted to know if I needed any clothing. I need one pair of pants, one pair of underwear, and one pair of socks. If you have the chance to send them between now and the first of March, do so. I have the promise of getting off between the first and the middle of March. I don't know whether I will get off or not. I hope so.

A few words to the children. I want you all to be good children and obey your mother and all the commands that are left for you to obey. I hope the time is not far off, when I will meet with you, if not, I hope to meet you in a better world. Betty, I want you to hug and kiss Billy for me. Nothing more at present only requesting you to write every chance you get. So, I remain your most affectionate till death.

G. W. Joines

George was discharged 21 Mar 1863 and paid 28 Mar 1863. He apparently was able to go home to be reunited with his family. Family tradition has it that a relative told Yankee forces under the command of Maj. Gen. Thomas where he was hiding when they went through the area. He was recaptured 20 Nov 1863 andwas listed as a prisoner of war, Department of the Cumberland. He arrived at the Military Prison in Louisville, KY 11 Dec 1863 and was immediately discharged to Rock Island, IL. The Rock Island roll was dated 1 Jan 1864.

George was confied at Rock Island for the remainder of the war and signed the Oath of Allegiance 21 May 1865 with his mark X. He was physically described as having a light complexion, auburn hair, blue eyes and was 5 feet, 8 1/2 inches, age 46.

After Elizabeth died in 1886, George married Nancy C. Hewitt 10 Mar 1890. She was the daughter of K & D Hewitt and died 5 Aug 1899. She too is buried at the Joines/Sharader Cemetery.