Lincoln Letters

Francis R. Nicks Letter, 1863 (M88-3)

Detail from letter

Francis Rinaldo Nicks served in Company C, Third Florida Infantry Regiment. He was born around 1837 in Leon County, and moved with his family to Hernando County in 1855.

Francis Rinaldo Nicks served in Company C, Third Florida Infantry Regiment. He was born around 1837 in Leon County, and moved with his family to Hernando County in 1855. Francis was mustered into Confederate service in August 1861. He apparently served throughout the war, although he was often absent from his unit due to illness.

This collection includes the letter that Francis Rinaldo Nicks wrote from Tullahoma, Tennessee, on March 9, 1863. He addressed the letter to "Mike," who is believed to be William Michael Hope of Hernando County, Florida. In the letter, Nicks describes the weather, living conditions, military activities, his hopes for a furlough, and his thoughts on the outcome of the war. He wrote the letter after the Battle of Murfreesboro (Stones River), Tennessee, which ended on January 3, 1863.

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