Title: J.S. Hanna Letter

Date/Date Range :   circa 1862 November 24

Extent: 0.1 linear feet

Abstract:

This file contains a four-page letter written by J.S. Hanna circa 1862 November 24. The letter describes the bleak living conditions at Fort Sanderson in Bolivar, Tennessee during the fall of 1862.

Call number: MS-3168

Repository: University of Tennessee Special Collections Library, Knoxville, TN

Aquisition Information:

Purchased by Special Collections, 2007 August 18

Access Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Copyright:

The copyright interests in this collection remain with the creator. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library.

Preferred Citation:

[Identification of Item], J.S. Hanna Letter, MS-3168. University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Special Collections Library.

This collection consists of one folder.

No biographical information is available.

The letter, composed by J.S. Hanna in November of 1862, is written on Union stationary with an embossed eagle and shield on the first page. Hanna states that he is stationed at Fort Sanderson in Bolivar, Tennessee and describes difficult conditions at the camp. He writes about the doctors' lack of compassion and the resulting deaths of many men through sickness: "I am more afraid of sickness than I am of bullets. There is some chance of escaping them but it seems like there is very little chance for a person when he goes to the hospital." Hanna describes the geographical landscape of Bolivar as being absent of farming, but does note the blooming of apple trees in the area.

• United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865.
• Tennessee -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865.