1862 East Saginaw, MI re: Contemplating Enlisting But What to do with Wife And Kids (Transcribed)

Type

Transcribed letter

Man Contemplating Joining the Union Army. This is a really interesting find...the letter, a clipped obituary, a lock of hair, and a Western Union Telegram (three pieces to a poignant puzzle).  The stamped letter first caught my eye...a cool 19th-century US Postage stamp affixed to a small letter.  The letter itself is a marvelous personal time capsule.  It's dated August 19, 1862...still early in the American Civil War.  I believe the writer is a young East Saginaw man by the name of A.D. Willson (the included obituary seems to indicate this...I'll explain shortly). Tucked in the letter was a Western Union Telegram, a lock of hair, and a clipped obituary from January of 1894 announcing the passing of the aforementioned Mrs. Mary A. Fairbank, who, according to the obituary, was twice married.  Her first husband was the letter writer, A.D. Willson--who died in 1863.  My speculation is that A.D. Willson did, in fact, join the Union Army and was subsequently--and tragically--killed during the war, making Mary a widow. In January of 1894, Mary passed, and her son from her second husband--Hudson Fairbank--sent the Telegram informing a half sibling of the mother's death (enclosing a lock of Mary's hair).  Dear Brother and sister, and mother it is so long line - I have wrote to you that I am almost ashamed to write now but you must excuse my neglect ( it is nothing else) but there is so much war going on that a person can't think of much else, the 23rd Regt is camped here and nearly full - they raised money enough here to give man $30, Bounty that went from this county. the camp is about 80 yards? from where we live, there is a recruiting office for Col. Copeland - mounted rifles Regt,  (page 2) I suppose I ought to enlist and I would be willing if I had some place to leave Mary and the children - but will I stand a good chance to have to go - if they Draft I would like to be in the same Regt that Henry is, where do you direct to him - I suppose he has seen some hard fighting by this time if he hasn't he is lucky. Charlie has the got the aque? but the rest of is tolerable well - well you have to excuse this that letter and I will do better the next time page3 write as soon as you get this and Direct to East Saginaw, Michigan  P.S. I have been here about 4 months I am work in Machine Shop  Pick up in James Island Island near folly beach. Comes in a protector sleeve. Shipping is turned on.