Letter to little brother about prison and travels prior to imprisonment
Author
Recipient
Date Written
Sept. 24, 1864
History Referenced
Member of Series
Jonathan Gibson Taylor was 25 years old when this was written.
Jonathan Gibson Taylor died 20 days after writing it.
It was written 159 years, 9 days ago.
It was a Saturday.
BK No. 75 Rock Island Illinois September 20, 1864
Dear Brother,
I received your letter the 6th of this month. We differ in regard to prison life & the army. I would rather be exchanged than to be confined.
You are large enough to catch fish yourself now I reckon, do not think any person is more fond of the sport than myself. I caught the largest Bass I ever saw two summers ago in Tennessee, it weighed six pounds. I was fishing with a stick pole when I caught it. The fish broke three feet of the pole off & broke the hook in its mouth after he was ashore. There are great many fine fishing streams in Tenn. That state is more like Ky. than any of the states that I have passed through but none of them are equal to Ky.
I had no idea that you were so far advanced in your studies, you must learn fast. You were so small when I left home that I can scarcely realize that you have made so great progress. Cousin Lizzie Martin must be a great favorite with the family. Millie seemed to think a great deal of her.
When you spoke of your tobacco it reminded me of Bob & myself when we were little boys. I can imagine how you felt when you got 50 for your tobacco. You must not forget how to play on your tambourine. I want to hear you & Bennie play when I come home.
I am sorry you could not get your pictures taken when you went to town. You had a hard time last winter when you had the smallpox, good many of the soldiers had it here last winter. I was very sorry to hear that Taylor was dead. I got a letter from Ben the same day that I rec'd yours, said they had not decided what school they would go to. I must close. Give my love to Pa, Ben, Mil, & sister. Your aff. brother
Gibson Taylor
Scans of Letter
