Rebecca writes a letter to Wm. Edward after she hears about his wounds...

1864

Pittsfield, Ill., August 5th

Dear son, we are glad you can begin to hop around some but do not exert too much or you may be injured and much longer getting well or getting home. We wish you were here but don't start until you are sufficiently able to take care of your self on the road. We have not got any letters from Franklin since we wrote to you and we are very anxious to hear from him for we have heard they had taken Atlanta and had lost 2,000 soldiers lately and 3,000 about the 27th of June. Franklin wrote the 11th of July and told us about you only told us about one leg and you said both. William Sharp said he thought I could not bear it all at once. I can bear to hear all that I am willing for you to endure. I hope soon to hear that Franklin is not killed for there is much danger and fighting of late and no one to write to me. I wish you were well and with him. I can't wait very patiently. I am so anxious to hear from him. Dear Boy, why doesn't he write do you think he is wounded. He may be or he would write. I hope he is well but where would they send him if he is wounded. If you hear tell me soon as you can about him. Was he barefoot when he left you on the 4th Or had he got shoes. I am sorry indeed but I hope that is the worst that has happened to him. We got 2 letters from Marion. Mary one and me one. He is well.

Milton is helping Curless' thrash. He sent his wife to see if he could get Henry for he can't find a horse to buy now so I let them have Henry. He is to thrash our wheat soon. He helped to bind it. Gerten cut it. Our corn is good but was not plowed but twice. Milton wants to go to you. He is too young and I think one should stay here. Marion says he is going to stay at home then I want Milton to go to a trade for Marion minded just as much what I said as Milton does so I think he better learn a trade.

I am getting tired writing. I just wrote one to Franklin and I was just the best pleased just now for Rachel Curless brought me 4 letters from you and one from Franklin wrote on the 25. He was well then but his writing did not look like he felt well for it was poorer than mine. Now don't think we don't go to the P.O. for Mary was there yesterday and William Brown was here. We have your Book too. Franklin said he was thinking of coming home to go to school next winter. I hope he will.

I must close this for I must send them in the morning by Mrs. Crone. My love to you dear boy. I did tell you about Marion if you got it. He is in Co. H. I will send you his letter.

Signed Wm. Cooper                    Rebecca Cooper
(Apparently, the family called Jacob Milton by his middle name - Milton.)

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The following is from the discharge papers issued to Wm. Edward (William E. Cooper) on the 8th day of July, 1865, just 1 year and four days after his wounding in the Battle of Smyrna, GA.

 Copy of the Discharge Papers from the 16th Regular Illinois Infantry:

To All Whom It May Concern.

Know ye, That William E. Cooper, a private of Captain John M. Bryant Company (K) 16th Regular of Illinois Infantry, ____ volunteers, who was enrolled on the 22nd day of January, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty Four, to serve three years or during the way, is hereby DISCHARGED from the service of the United States this Eighth day of July 1865, at Louisville, Kentucky by reason of Gen. Order No. 24 Army Tenn., June 28th, 1865 (No objection to his being reenlisted is known to exist.)

Said William E. Cooper was born in Madison Co., in the State of Illinois, is 18 yrs. of age, 5 ft. 5 1/2 inches high, Light Complexion, Hazel eyes, Light hair, and by occupation when enrolled a Farmer. Given at Louisville, Ky., this Eighth day of July, 1865.
        
                                R. Pabst
                                Capt. 10th Mich. Infantry
                                A.C.M. 2nd Div. 14th A.C.
Chas. D. Kerr
Lieut. Col. Comand'g
16th Ill. Infantry, V.V.