Two Immigrants for the Union.' Their Civil War Letters - Norwegian ...

IMMIGRANTS FOR THE UNION
troops advance, especially when they find a Rebelowned
farm. Many of the farmers have come into town
and swear loyalty to the Union, as they dare do nothing
else. Those who do not join up are put under arrest. I
stood watch at a house here the other night where they
had six of those men and I saw one whose hands were
ti ed. Our troops scout the countryside for them and bring
them into town, where they are questioned by our
officers. 24
How long we will be here we do not know. We have
received no pay and we don't know when we get it
either. Things look pretty grim, but as soon as it emnes, I
will send some home to you, as I know you are waiting
for money fromme. It is over four months since we were
paid.
By your letter I see that you have spoken to a man from
our regiment who was home on a short leave. You wish
that I, also, could come home, but that is impossible
when I have no money. Besides, I think that those who
are well cannot get leave, only those who are sickly or
have been ill. I certainly wish I could come but it is hard
toget away now.
Lars Olsen Dokken
10. WE SCROUNGE FOR BETTER RATIONS
Camp luka, Mississippi August 18, 1862
Every day I hope for a letter, as I want to know how
you are getting along in Wisconsin this summer. I have
heard through others that it was a poor year for wheat.
Also, I would like to hear about the recruiting in the
state, whether they are getting enough volunteers, or
have they begun to draft in order toget enough men It
certainly is hoped that more troops will come in quickly
so that there will be an end to this war.
The last time we moved was to a small town about 18
or 19 miles on. It is on the railroad line from Corinth
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