Charles A. James Martin family papers

This item is a group of letters written by Charles James Martin, a Confederate soldier and member of the 29th Georgia Infantry Regiment. Martin writes these letters to his family during the Atlanta Campaign. He discusses his health and the war situation in most of his letters. Just by looking at a page or two, it is clear that Martin was not highly educated and quite young during the war. In this specific letter on May 12th, 1864, Martin starts by thanking God for allowing him to communicate with his family back home. He also spends a good amount of time discussing their tactics for the future, and the situation that the Infantry Regiment is in. Martin writes, “ we are about 12 miles from dalton and about 3 miles of Resca but we are Expecting the Yankees Every Hour in the day. Our Division is in a Good Posistion to git a figh for the yankees are trying to flank us and we was Sent hear to keep it from it” (Martin Letter 2, Page 1). Martin explains that they were awaiting the attack of the Yankees at any moment. He reassures his family that his group is in a good position to fight. This group were part of many “difficult campaigns of the Army of Tennessee from Chickamauga to Atlanta, endured Hood's winter operations in Tennessee, and fought at Bentonville” (National Park Service). Later in the letter he discusses how he is part of a group that “old Johnson thinks we are the best Troops that is in his Command” (Martin Letter 2, Page 1). It is interesting to see even in 1864, a person is telling his parents about his accomplishments and it really shows how proud Martin was. Martin could of included this to show his parents that he is skilled, and they should not worry too much about him.

Source: Charles A. James Martin family papers, ms 3738. Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.