Waste Family Letters, 1858-1888 | Eastern Kentucky University - Special Collections and Archives

This collection of letters is almost entirely between William and Sarah Jane Waste before and during the Civil War. There are, however several letters from various other family members including two written to Sarah and William after the war from William's father, Luke Waste and a letter written in 1888 to Miss Bertha Waste.

The earliest letters discuss religion, society in general, events, their relationship, and health. After William enlists in the army there is much information about life in the army, the movements of the regiment and information about various battles he was involved in. William describes camp, conditions and the places he is staying, as well as rumors about battles. Sarah's brothers tell her great details about events, such as the execution of two soldiers for deserting. The 23rd O.V.I. was involved in the following battles and skirmishes that William speaks of: Lynchburg, Virginia; Fisher's Hill, Virginia and Cedar Creek, Virginia.