David F. C. Weller Collection
In spring of 2005, a History Center volunteer, Nina Brehm, started a project to study and document the Weller Collection. David F.C. Weller enlisted as a Confederate Volunteer on July 16, 1861 at Camp Boone. He was a theatre critic for the Louisville Times newspaper. He served as a Private in the Kentucky Infantry, 2nd Regiment, Company C. His unit was part of what was later called the “Orphan Brigade”. It was so named because Kentucky’s government declined to join the Confederacy and supported the Union cause. Having no source of support from their home state, the Kentucky Confederates had to scrounge for arms, uniforms and other supplies. Also, these units were outlawed in their home state, which made if very difficult for the soldiers to see their families. Soldiers were on the move and family members at home sometimes had to relocate. Communications were infrequent. Soldiers and their families were overjoyed when they received some word that their loved ones were alive and well. Fellow soldiers also tried to keep track of each other and their letters were often filled with news concerning the status and whereabouts of friends and relatives serving in other units.
While David served in the Confederate Army, he exchanged letters with several fellow soldiers, who shared their war experiences. The following letter dated July 27th, 1864 was received from David’s uncle, Jim H. Ellis, a lieutenant assigned to Company B, 9th Kentucky.
Griffin, GA, July 27th, 1864
Dear Dave
I am in hospital at this place. Slightly wounded in the right thigh. My blanket saved me, the ball cut 23 holes in my blanket and dog tent before it struck me. Tom Lilly lost his right arm at the shoulder. Ike Bryant was wounded through left heel. Charly Ceib through the right arm. Weedman through left thigh. Druary shot in fingers left hand, Lou Miller on the chin, Moore is wounded and missing. I am going to the front Friday, write to me and let me know how you are getting along. Direct your letters to the dept. Col Wickliffe, Lt. Applegate and Mattingly are safe. The last letter I reced (sic) from home was dated May 12th,all were well also need Mollie’s photograph. Moses Black is dead. Dick Hast was wounded on the 17th June in right hand severely, Joe Wilson and Crit Holtshousen was wounded near Kennesaw Mountain, both in left thigh. Kim Brissba was wounded in foot at Dawson. Co. B has caught the devil but none killed thank God. Our Brigade has only 450 for duty now, out of 1160 they left Dalton with. Bird Joyce was killed on the Second. Jim Talbot is wounded severely in head, he is at the L. P. Moore Hospital Ward, No. 1 Room B. He wants you to write to him. I am expecting a letter from home and
I will let you know the news. Write soon. Yours
J. H. Ellis.
Confederate Soldier