This page contains a letter written by W. J. Watts, a member of the 1st Texas, who participated in the Siege of Petersburg.
Willis Watts biography: The 1850 Federal Census shows Willis at age 12, born in South Carolina, living with his parents Alexander and Martha Watts in Sumter County, South Carolina. The 1860 Federal Census shows him working as a horse breaker for James J. Gathings of Covington, Hill County, Texas. His parents lived in Anderson County, Texas.
Willis Watts record of service: Enlisted at Palestine, Texas, Apr. 5, 1862, age 23; Private in Company “G”, 1st Regiment Texas Infantry, Hood’s Brigade; Wounded at Chickamauga (Sept. 19 & 20, 1863); Wounded at Wilderness (May 6, 1864); Paroled at Appomattox (Apr.12, 1865).
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Letter of Willis J. Watts:
(Note: Individual entries will appear below as they are posted at The Siege of Petersburg Online.)