Robert Land Houston McAfee

Robert was a private in Capt. Isaac Arnolds Co. A: 46 Reg. of Illinois Infantry Veteran Volunteers from Jan. 4,1864 to Ja. 20, 1866 in Baton Rouge, LA. Sophronia's father was Samuel McAfee born 5/16/1793 in New York. Daniel and Samuel were brothers.

Synopsis ofLetters written by Robert McAfee to his wife Sophronia. These were written during the Civil War. Received from Kris Malone. Robert Land Hughson McAfee was born on March 1, 1826 in the District of London, Upper Canada. He married his first cousin, Sophronia Eleanor McAfee, on August 22, 1849, in Freeport, Illinois. Robert had brown hair and blue eyes and was a potter by occupation. During the great Civil War between the North and the South, Robert volunteered to serve in the Union Army. He was assigned the rank of Private in Captain Isaac Arnolds' Company, "A" 46th Regiment of the Illinois Infantry Veteran Volunteers. He served from January 4, 1864 until he was discharged at Baton Rouge , Louisiana on January 20, 1866. The 46th Regiment was the Rear Guard for Commissary Goods. War was difficult and he missed his family. The following is a synopsis of Robert's Civil War letters which can be seen in the Laws Museum near Bishop, California. Camp Hebron - March 20, 1864 Robert mentions General Grant will not try to take Richmond until reinforcements arrive from Western boys. Big Black River Bridge, Miss. - April 5, 1864 Will evaluate this place and move into breastworks at Vicksburg and let the Rebs have this country. Rebs are deserting their army. Camp Big Black River, Miss. - April 24, 1864 Sickness intheir company. Robert is sending Sophronia a ring that he made for her from abutton on his uniform. Contains poem "Before the Battle" and mentions the northern traitors that should enlist. Vicksburg, Miss. - April 25 ,1864 Childrenhave written that they are "good boys" it brought tears to soldier Robert's eyes. Vicksburg, Miss. - April 29, 1864 "The complete regiment hasn't' arrived. The 46th is the rear guard for commissary goods. They evacuated the Black River and what they couldn't take, they burned." The men are alarmed and thought once they would be wiped out. The Rebs were crossing the river above and below them with considerable force. "Oh, when will this great trouble end?" Vicksburg, Miss. - May 30, 1864 The Division is camped on the hill above the harbor. Many tents are on the beach. There is a stench from dead animals. Fruit on the trees to eat. Robert has sustained a bruise on his heel from the march to Vicksburg. He can't wear shoe. Robert has sent $50 home to the family in Freeport, Illinois. He has a few little shells picked upon the beach for the children, if he should be so lucky to be back home. Vicksburg Arsenal, Miss. - June8, 1864 "We are getting some good news from Grant now . If Grant continues, this cruel war will soon be at an end." Robert is down to 115 pounds - is ill. The doctor gave him a big dose of medicine to take. On the road back to camp,Robert throws the pills away. Looking out of his tent he sees a boat coming down the river and hopes that there is a letter for him. Vicksburg Arsenal, Miss. - June 23, 1864 "Oh how welcome are letters from home to a soldier boy." Encourages wife at home to make decisions for the family. Robert has severe eye trouble and the severe sun in Vicksburg hampers recognizing soldiers across the street. He is writing this letter under a fig tree. Vicksburg - July 2, 1864 Robert mentions new baby at home. He nearly has heat stroke standing on guard. "A large force from here and also at Jackson , Miss have started to head off the cold blooded rebel, General Forrest. Should string him up the first tree.

https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/2:2:SGZS-Y7X