This letter was written by Leonard Wright Colby, (1846-1924), the son of Rowel and Abigail (Livingston) Colby. Leonard was born in Ohio but moved in 1851 to Freeport, Illinois with his parents. As a teenager he enlisted as a substitute in Co. B., 8th Illinois Infantry on Oct. 12, 1864. He was slightly wounded at the Battle of Fort Blakely in the Mobile Campaign in April, 1865, and was mustered out on Oct. 11, 1865 after one year service. After his discharge, he—with about 50 others from his Regiment—enlisted in the forces of the Emperor Maximilian in Mexico, serving with the rank of Capt. until his resignation in December 1865.
Leonard graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1871, earning degrees in Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, as well as obtaining a law degree. He then moved to Beatrice, Nebraska where he opened a law office. In 1877, he was commissioned a Captain in the Nebraska Militia, and placed in command of four companies of mounted rifles, and pursued marauding Indians into Northern Nebraska and Wyoming. In 1881, he was commissioned Col. of the 1st Regiment Nebraska National Guard, commissioned Brigadier General in 1887, and commanded his troops against the Sioux Indians, 1890-1891, including at Wounded Knee, where he found an orphaned Lakota baby girl, (“Lost Bird”), who he took home, raised & educated. Brigadier General of U.S. Volunteers in the Spanish American War. Served in the Nebraska State Senate.
TRANSCRIPTION
Addressed to Miss Abbie J. Colby, Freeport, Stephenson County, Illinois
Mobile, Alabama
Saturday, May 13th 1865
My Dear Sister Abbie,
“Weall Abigal”—I believe that is what I used to call you when I was at home—I received your “wee bit” of a letter yesterday, with Mother and Aunt Emily’s. Was glad to hear from home once more and [that you] were all well. I see by your letter the old cat is in a flourishing condition and still continues to multiply and replenish the earth—and Fan too. I should think Father ought to give her colt to you, it is so pretty. I ‘spose they sold your other, little Whitefoot? So David trains “Abe,” does he? He can’t go the forty yet, I guess. David must be getting to be quite a chap. Maybe he thinks he can lick me when I get home. I bet you can write better than he or beat him reading, unless he has improved fast since I left. You don’t have to read Sophy or Ellen’s letters for him, do you? You are learning very fast. I want you to keep on as you have, and be a good girl.
I will send you my picture when we get paid off. We will be paid in a day or two. They have begun to pay the Brigade—are paying the 11th Regiment today—the 8th comes next. We are to be paid up to the first of March. Our Regiment has marching orders. We don’t know where for, whether to Springfield, Nashville or Texas. I don’t think we will go to Texas, for I think Old Kirby Smith will surrender before we get there. It is 7 months ago yesterday that I left home and one month ago that we marched into Mobile. I have five months more, if not sooner discharged. Colonel Sheetz says he is going to have his regiment eat dinner in Springfield the 4th of July. I shouldn’t wonder if we would, if we didn’t get there before.
I will not write any more today, because I am rather sleepy. I was on duty last night. You must write as often as you can. I don’t care how often. I shouldn’t wonder if Albert would be discharged. I haven’t heard from him lately. Good bye for this time.
From your brother, “Leonhard”
Co. B, 8th Reg. Ill. Vol. Infantry
To Miss Abbie J. Colby
Spared & Shared 19 