This letter presented for transcription by the “Alabama Dirt Digger” was composed in the Nation’s Capitol on November 26, 1860, a mere three weeks following the election of Abraham Lincoln. This correspondence reflects the anticipated turmoil facing members of the 36th US Congress as they returned to the Capitol, confronting both the shift in political party dynamics and the looming threats of secession. Originating from the U.S. Post Office Department, the letter suggests authorship by an individual affiliated with that department; however, the absence of a full signature, with only the initials “R. G. C.” provided, precludes my ability to identify the writer despite my review of the Post Office Department employee lists in Boyd’s 1861 Washington Directory.
He composed the letter to his close acquaintance, Harriet Swan (1834-1893), a 26-year-old daughter of Tavern Keeper John J. Swan (1793-1878) and Eunice A. White (1805-1855) from Swanville, Erie County, Pennsylvania. Harriet was the younger sister of Andrew F. Swan (1832-1876), who subsequently served with distinction in the Civil War as a member of the 6th US Cavalry, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel by the war’s conclusion. It is notable that Harriet never entered into matrimony.
I find it ironic that the letter, which serves as an invitation to attend Lincoln’s inaugural in March 1861, was sent in an envelope bearing the political endorsement of John C. Breckenridge for President—the Southern Democratic candidate in the 1860 election.
Reverse side of envelope.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Addressed to Miss Hattie Vail, Swan Station, Erie county, Pa.
Post Office Department Washington D.C. November 26, 1860
Miss Hattie,
Altho’ you are now one letter in my debt, having some leisure this morning and feeling like having a little chat with you, thought I would not stand on ceremony, but write again. The picture is a long time arriving. It certainly ought to be very pretty when it does come. Judging from the length of time it required to gain your consent to give it, it would I presume, require a much longer period to get your consent, should I, one of these days have the presumption to ask for the original. What say you to that?
Congress meets this day week and I never saw so few strangers at the Metropolis at this season. I do not know of the arrival of a single member of Congress except Mr. [Thomas] Corwin of Ohio. 1 I expect they will have a stormy session. The city will of course soon be full of persons willing to serve their country in any and all capacities. They will have a jolly time of it. There will be more applicants than there are offices in the whole world. I wish you would come on to the inauguration. Has Miss Mary returned? if so, remember me to her.
I must now conclude this poor apology for a letter, hoping to hear from you soon. I am very Respectfully Yours, — F. G. C.
1 Thomas Corwin of Ohio led the House of Representatives’ effort to end the secessionist crisis that arose following the 1860 elections. Corwin sponsored a constitutional amendment that would have forbidden the federal government from outlawing slavery, even through further constitutional amendments. Though several states ratified the amendment, it did not prevent the outbreak of the civil war. Corwin resigned from Congress in March 1861 to become the United States Ambassador to Mexico. He held that position until 1864 and died the following year.
The following letter was written by Benjamin S. Kennicott (1817-1877) of Waukegan, Illinois. In the 1850 US Census, Benjamin—a native of Saratoga county, New York—was enumerated in Waukegan with his wife, Jane (b. 1822), and two children, Melissa (1842-1860) and John (b. 1846). At that time, his occupation was given as a bookkeeper. When he wrote this letter in August 1863, he was most likely a widower, but he remarried in April 1868 to Helen M. Edgecomb (1835-1928), the daughter of John Edgecomb (1803-1878) and Abby Gates (1806-1893) who outlived him by 50 years.
Benjamin wrote the letter to his friend John “Emerson” Anderson. At the time of this letter in August 1863, Emerson was serving in Co. D, 2nd Massachusetts Infantry and probably at the regimental camp near Kelly’s Ford, Virginia.
The letter provides us with a good description of Waukegan, Illinois, where Emerson Anderson once worked as a boot maker in the S. S. Greenleaf & Company, boot & shoe manufacturing firm.
Genesee Street became the primary business street in Waukegan, Illinois, in the 1860s.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Waukegan [Lake County, Illinois] Sunday p.m., August 30th 1863
My dear friend,
Yours of the 12th inst., came to hand something over a week since and read with exceeding pleasure. I was indeed surprised and knew not to whom I was indebted for a letter away in that direction, seeing it was postmarked Washington D. C. Nevertheless, I assure you, it was very welcome and was never more gratified in reading a letter. I have not forgotten you by any means, but had only heard from you once or twice by way of Warren more than a year since and concluded it was quite likely you had offered up your life on the battlefield in the cause of the country you went to defend and help uphold. Am glad to know you have escaped thus far and hope you may be spared to see the end of the conflict and return safely to your home and friends.
Well, I presume you will be pleased to learn all about your Waukegan friends and acquaintances, so here goes. In the first place, myself and the Boss and the shop’s crew. I have been with [Samuel Smith] Greenleaf 1 about four years and nearly all that time in the store doing the cutting principally and attending to the boys in the shop. Of the old hands, Kelly and Hadden are the only ones that remain of the lot you left. Tom White, 2 who worked at Bachellor’s when you left, has been with us nearly three years. Mr. Turner left last winter some time, but does an occasional job now. An old man by the name of [David A.] Gillmore is fitting for us. [Edward] Tyrell 3 has done nothing for some three months on account of hurt he received putting his shoulder out of joint in a fall he got one evening when tight. He will work for us again as soon as he can work. Another man by the name of R. H. Lee works for us and an apprentice boy. Mr. Dorsey works for Stafford and takes his work home.
Capt. Asiel Z. Blodgett (1832-1916) of Co. G, 96th Illinois Infantry, from Waukegan, IL.
The boss & wife are all alone. Amos [Greenleaf] 4 enlisted about a year ago this month with many others in this place and is in Rosecrans’ army in Tennessee—the 96th Regiment Illinois Infantry. Their little boy, Henry, died a year ago last May. Johnny 5 was in the 96th a few months as cook for Capt. [A. Z.] Blodgett. He did not enlist so only remained a short time. He is now in a bank in Chicago. Franklin 6 left home the first of June professing to go in the country a little way to work on a farm in company with two other putty hand boys. In a few days, they heard from him & the others going down the Mississippi in a small boat they had procured in some way and in a few days thereafter they were in St. Louis, enlisted as teamsters in the Government service. They were at Pilot Knob [Missouri] a short time and finally left with Gen. Davidson’s Cavalry Division for Arkansas. They heard from him yesterday ay Clarendon, about half way from Memphis to Little Rock. You would hardly know Frank, he has grown so since you saw him. He is rather taller than Warren. I believe he is not sixteen years old yet—a large boy of his age.
Gay Wiseman 7 did not enlist. He and all his family are Copperheads—the old man in particular. Gay does not live in Waukegan now, nor does George [Wiley Wiseman], his brother. Mr. Clarkson, C. Morse, Eugene Payne 8, A[siel] Z. Blodgett, and many others enlisted from Waukegan, many of whom probably you did not know. Nelson Roorbach 9 is now in Chicago—rather a worthless sort of a fellow.
[George] Grant lives in Mattoon, Coles county, Illinois. His son, Robert, is in Chicago and doing well, I believe. He has improved greatly since you saw him. Old Scott (Sally Ann) lives where he did and keeps boarders and is doing better than he has for many years. His daughter Mary plays the melodeon at the Episcopal Church at a salary of 50 dollars per year.
My boy Johnny is in Waukegan and works at the Waukegan House. He is now 17 years old and almost as large as I am. He is all I have left. Daughter [Melissa] died three years ago last July. I boarded round at Taverns for three or four years but am now at a private family—Beecher Hitchcock’s, whom no doubt you remember.
Waukegan has improved somewhat since you left and is improving as much or more this season than any since you left. The business is leaving the street we are on and going more on Genesee Street towards the Waukegan House. Nine brick stores are now building on that street. Business is very good It has been for some time past. Boot and Shoe Making is better than when you were here, and there is more demand for workmen and at improved wages. We seldom see a tramping “Jur” [Journeyman?] nowadays. The war seems to have taken all the loose shoemakers. Stock is very high and consequently the manufactured articles have advanced a good deal. Kip boots 11 sell for four and a half dollars, f 5 1/2, Fr. f. 6 1/2, and other articles in proportion. Crops came in good & everything brings a good price. Farmers are nearly all getting rich.
How long is it since you left Waukegan? I’ve forgotten entirely. I have not been 3 miles from the store in as many years and not as far as Chicago in five years, and have not been absent from the store half a day since I came here to work. Indeed, I go scarcely anywhere and see but little of the world outside of Waukegan. I may spend the remainder of my days here for aught I know to the contrary. It seems more like home than any place I know of and I am reluctant to go again amongst strangers so I do the best I can to be contented with my lot and take everything philosophically.
I believe I have now written all that’s needful in one letter and hope if this reaches you, you will write again speedily. I hope that “stray bullets will not wipe you out” but that you may see Waukegan again before I die. Any enquiries you may make of persons & things, I shall be glad to attend to, and post you in regard to what is doing in all this “upon round about.”
Please accept of my best wishes for your welfare and safety and believe me ever thy friend, — B. S. Kennicott
[to] John E. Anderson
1 Samuel Smith Greenleaf (1818-Aft1900), was the son of Flavel Greenleaf (1791-1850) and Eunice Smith (1794-1847). He was the owner of S. S. Greenleaf & Co., “manufacturers and dealers in boots, shoes, leather and findings” in Waukegan.
2 Thomas Francis White (1826-1879), was born in Sligo, Ireland, and came to the United States in 1847, settling first in Haverhill, Massachusetts. He moved to Waukegan, Illinois, in 1854 and worked as a bootmaker for S. S. Greenleaf in 1860. In March 1864, he mustered into the Chicago Mercantile Independent Light Battery and served until July 1865.
3 Edward Tyrell (1835-1863) was born in Ireland and came to the United States in 1848, settling first in Brooklyn. After a few years in Utica, New York, he came to Waukegan where prior to 1856. He was a shoemaker for the S. S. Greanleaf & Co.
4 Amos Greenleaf (1836-1914) was the son of Flavel Greenleaf (1791-1850) and Eunice Smith (1794-1847) of Oakland county, Michigan. Amos served as a sergeant in Co. G, 96th Regiment Illinois Infantry. In 1860, Amos was enumerated as a 24 year-old clerk in Waukegan, Illinois.
5 Johnny Flavel Greenleaf (1845-1887) was the son of Samuel Smith Greenleaf (1818-1915) of Waukegan, Illinois.
6 Samuel Franklin Greenleaf (1847-1933) was the son of Samuel Smith Greenleaf (1818-1915) of Waukegan, Illinois.
7 Gaius (“Gay’) Wiseman (1833-1918) was born in Gainesville, Wyoming county, New York. He came with his parents, James Wiseman (1799-1879) and Orril Lawrence (1804-1884), to Waukegan, Illinois, in the 1840s and married Mary Yeager in 1858. He was a tinner in Waukegan until 1863 when he left town and settled in Sycamore, DeKalb county, Illinois, employed by R. Ellwood and also the Haight Brothers.
8 Eugene Beauharnais Payne (1835-1919) of Seneca Falls, New York, came to Waukegan with his parents in 1837. In the Civil War, Eugene joined the Waukegan Zouaves who were eventually made part of the 37th Illinois Infantry. Eugene was made the captain of Co. C. He rose in rank to command the regiment and later made a Brigadier General.
9 Nelson Roorbach (1818-1904) was a shoemaker who lived in his later years in Chicago but was buried in Waukegan.
10 George Grant (1817-1891), a native of Scotland, was enumerated in 1850 and 1860 working as a shoemaker in Waukegan. His son, Robert Daniel Grant (1841-1911) lived in Chicago.
11 “Kip boots” in 1863 refers to durable, long-legged boots made from “kip leather”—a hide from a young cow, smaller than a full-grown ox but larger than a calf. These were commonly worn during the American Civil War era and were highly prized for their durability in heavy mud.
The following letter was written by Evan Thomas Rinehart (1828-1891), formerly the regimental quartermaster of the 165th Pennsylvania Infantry—a nine-months unit that mustered out of the service in July 1863. After he was mustered out, I believe that Evan was made a government paymaster though I have not found an 1863 record to confirm it. One such appointment of “E. T. Rinehart” dated 12 March 1864 does appear in military records.
Evan’s parents were Israel Rinehart (1792-1871) and Mary Snader (1797-1865). In 1850, he resided in Frederick, Maryland. He was married in 1861 to Euphenia Knox of Adams, Pennsylvania. He died in Baltimore in 1891. Evans’ older brother, William Rinehart (1825-1874) was a prominent neo-classical, Italian trained, sculptor. Another brother, Daniel Rinehart (1823-1886) served as captain of Company F, 7th Maryland Volunteers.
While waiting to be transported to Union-occupied Vicksburg, Rinehart’s letter gives us a good picture of St. Louis in the fall of 1863. He describes the appearance of the city, the activities, and the politics prevailing at that time, split primarily over the issue of immediate or gradual emancipation of slaves.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
The Everett House in St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri September 29th 1863
Dear Judge,
According to promise I will give a few of the outlines of the state of things out here. I have been sojourning in this city about four weeks expecting every day for the past two to leave for Vicksburg or wherever Grant’s army may be to make our first payment. To me—I suppose as other strangers—the time passes heavy and slow in this place. I have yet had nothing to do and as a matter of course I find some trouble to dispose of the day. True, I can make a pretty good staggers at killing a few hours in the morning with an extra nap but the balance of the day after reading the morning papers get very heavy.
We have rooms assigned us in a large building for an office and sleeping department. The entire house is nearly occupied by Paymasters. We use simple army cots upon which we sleep & which we take with us into the field. I make up my own bed every day which is no great matter as it is composed of a mattress & pair of blankets. I am boarding at the Everett House and find it well kept. Living is very expensive there. For good board with lodging they charge from nine to twelve dollars per week.
St. Louis is by no means a handsome city. The streets are narrow and many of them badly paved. There are many fine commercial buildings and hotels but there is such dull, gloomy and rusty appearance about the whole city occasioned by coal smoke continually pouring from steamboats, factories, and many other chimneys that it looks more like an ancient town that one of recent growth. It is now considered one of the best governed cities in the Union. The population are about one third German whom almost to a man are loyal to the core. In fact, it was owing to that element which held the balance of power that saved the city from falling into the hands of the Rebels at the onset of this rebellion.
Steamboats are now regularly flying between this place and New Orleans and all intermediate points. By some unaccountable means—supposed to be incendiary—a number of the finest river boats have within a few weeks been burned. Four were burned at the wharf since my arrival.
Politics here are very spirited and while all claim to be good Unionists as elsewhere, they differ in the mode of “running the machine.” The political fight here at present is entirely a local or state matter. We have a party who call themselves conservatives or gradual emancipationists, and another party who boldly come out as radicals and demand immediate emancipation. The latter appear to be gaining ground & many of the citizens who were formerly proslavery men declare since emancipation has become a settled fact for the state, why the sooner it is accomplished the better and there is no use in making piecemeal of what can be done at one sweep. Just so long as there is a vestige of it in the state, so long will be kept up this spirit of contention, animosity, & strife that now exists.
The contest is bitter in the extreme. The journals handle each other with ungloved hands. The conservatives support Gen. Schofield who is in command of this department while the radicals denounce him in unmeasured terms. Gen. Frank Blair who a short time since was king of the radicals quarreled with that organ & by a prodigious leap falls in with the other party. But he is too late. He made a speech here last night. Those who heard it pronounce it a perfect failure. The fact of it is the Blair influence in this state is completely played out, and as for slavery, it is about ditto.
Union people here laugh at the idea of Vallandigham being elected governor of Ohio and it is generally expected Curtain will be reelected in the Old Keystone. How do things look at home? I suppose the Copperheads will make a clean sweep of the county this fall. I have not yet heard who are nominated but I guess it matters but little who they are if they are only “dyed in the wool.” The party will support anything that hasn’t horns & cloven feet.
Well, Judge, I fear my letter will not prove as uninteresting as you might expect but you must excuse it & attribute it partly to want of more influence on the Mississippi. I have the assurance we will get off this week for Vicksburg. Present my kindest remembrance to your family while I remain with the highest regards your friends, — E. T. Rinehart
The following letter was written by Thomas W. Wick (1839-1891) while serving as a private in Co. G, 28th New Jersey Infantry—a nine-months regiment mustered into service in September 1862. Thomas claims that he is “willing to do my part” to put down the rebellion though many of the men who enlisted in the regiment probably assumed they would see comparatively little service in their nine-months. They were wrong. Instead, the regiment led the charge on Marye’s Heights at Fredericksburg and they were in the brutal fighting around Salem Church near Fredericksburg in the Chancellorsville Campaign.
Thomas was the son of John Wick (1806-1876) and Eliza Ann Eldridge (1810-1893) of Turnersville, Gloucester county, New Jersey. In the 1860 US Census, Thomas was enumerated at Chew’s Landing in Camden county, New Jersey, residing in the household of Thomas A. Chew where he was identified as a “laborer.”
Thomas wrote the letter to his friend, Elizabeth (“Lizzie”) Brick (1845-1919) of Hurffville, Gloucester county, New Jersey. Lizzie married John C. Thompson (1838-1911) in 1864.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Addressed to Miss Elizabeth Brick, Hurffville, Camden county, New Jersey
Chain Bridge November 5th 1862
Dear Lizzie,
I received your most affectionate letter and was very glad to hear from you and was well and your letter found me the same.
I have just come in from picket duty and I thought that I would write to you again for the last letter done me so much good that I received from you. We have been thrown out on picket 48 hours about 6 miles from camp and we have had a very nice time of it. We have not seen anybody that wanted to hurt us not anybody that we had to hurt, but if anybody had undertook to get inside of our lines, we would have been right on hand. But everything went smoothly. We have to stand on two hours and off 6 in the day time, and at night on two and off two. It comes midling hard on us at night but we make it all right when the sun begins to pop up.
It is a very nice place out here. There are several nice farms. They are Union men that lives in them but the secesh farms look as if there had been some of the true blues. [They need] to work at their fences. You cannot see a sign of a rail on any of the farms. There are real nice fields all out to the commons. It looks too bad, but we cannot pity them for it is their own fault. I went out to look around to see what I could find and about the best thing that I found was a rabbit sitting in a brush heap and I up with a stone and killed him and I took him in and dressed him and broiled him over the fire. It was quite a treat, I tell you Lizzie. We do our own cooking when we are out on picket and you can imagine how nice it is done. It would be a great note if we come out extra cooks before we come home.
They have been fighting for two or three days close to Winchester. We heard the cannons all day on Sunday. The rebels is retreating towards Richmond. They are heading for their winter quarters but I guess thy will not get any this winter without they lay down their arms and give up the struggle for our generals says that they do not expect to put up this winter. They lay out to go right through and put an end to this war. I hope that they will for God knows that it has been going on long enough. For my part, I am willing to do my part and I guess that the rest are too for they are just getting in earnest now.
Lizzie, you said that you heard that Iks Cark [?] was dead. It is not so for there was a man over here out of his regiment and he is all right yet and there was some Boys over to our camp to see me that used to live to Turnersville. They are encamped right along side of Jakey and Bill Chew and Tom Clark. They are well and as fat as pigs. They said they are about 8 miles from us. Bill Chew is Fife Major now. 1 I would love to run on to them some day unbeknownst to them. It will do me so much [good] to see them.
Lizzie, I suppose that Mr. Thompson’s class is going on now Saturday night and I hope that you all have good and happy times as we once did. Oh when I think of the happy seasons that we have had together, it fills my heart with joy. Oh, never will I forget the night when God removed all my sins and Oh! the joy that I received. And Lizzie, I have been made happy many times when I have heard you and Mary Hurff and Amy tell of the goodness of God to your heart. Oh Lizzie, may God ever keep us all faithful and one day we shall rise where war will be no more, but where all will be love and peace and where Jesus is that hung on the cross for our sins. Oh that all the world would turn to God and live.
It makes me feel bad to see how that some of my dear friends go on from day to day taking the name of God in vain. It seems as if some of them has give up to the Devil since they have come down here. But may God open their eyes before it is too late. When you pray, think of me and I will remember thee. I must bring this bad writing to a close for the present. So good night. Write soon. From a true friend, — Thomas Wick
Direct your letter to 28th Regt. N. J. V., Co. G, in care of Captain [Louis W.] Schock, Washington D. C.
1 William S. Chew (1821-1911) was Fife Major of Co. I, 6th New Jersey Infantry. He served from August 1861 to September 1864.
I could not find an image of William but here is one of Albert Woolson of Co. I, 4th Minnesota Infantry. His leg was injured in the Gladiator steamboat accident on the Tennessee River on 13 May 1862 (mentioned in letter).
The following letters were written by William W. Milhollin (1839-1864), a native of Ohio, who enlisted in Ramsey county, Minnesota, as a private in Co. K, 4th Minnesota Infantry. He was discharged for disability on 30 January 1863. William (“Billy”) died on 24 May 1864 at Champlin, Hennepin county, Minnesota, and lies buried in Champlin Cemetery.
Serving in the same company with William were his older brothers, Jonathan McClintic Milhollin and Saul M. Milhollin. Though not signed, I believe the second letter to have been written by Saul who died in December 1862 at Quincy, Illinois.
The brothers were the sons of William Milhollin (1796-1871) and Rebecca Ann Henkler (1816-1906) of Champaign county, Ohio. The Milhollin’s moved from Ohio to Minnesota in 1853.
Letter 1
Camp Benton December 25, 1861
Dear Sisters,
Tis Christmas yet I would not know it if I did not hear the boys shout it once in a while. One of the cooks were taken sick day before yesterday and we help by turns till he is well. It is my turn today and I am slopping around washing dishes, carrying water, &c. There was a snow fell last Sunday and the ground froze, but it is so warm yesterday and today the water is running in streams so that it is very disagreeable walking. All is quiet today. There are none on drill and very few crossing the parade ground. So different from a few days since when it was like fall weather that the camp looks almost deserted. It is evening or night.
I worked hard all day and feel tired but like to write on Christmas as I feel almost certain you are at home. You must write what you are doing and if there was anyone at our house and who it was. There is a man here by the name of Coe who got the privilege of treating the boys and some of them are having a merry time in their own way.
I received a letter from Martin Smith a few days since. He is well and very well and busy. He said he wrote to Kate and got an answer. He says also that he is almost in despair of having a fight. They take a few prisoners but let them go after swearing them in. There was nine hundred horses brought in here captured from the rebels. I did not see them but others say they are very fine horses but were poorly equipped. I have seen several men who have been in battle. There is one in the same barracks who was at the Battle of Bull Run. He was in all the fight and says the secessionists had the advantage of numbers nearly eight to one and were fresh while the Union men had to travel considerable and the rebels were scarcely ever seen while themselves were exposed all the time from crossfires.
I saw a splendid thoroughbred stallion and a beautiful shetland pony which had been taken from an old rebel colonel whose name is often mentioned in the papers but I have forgotten it. The ones who took them were infantry but they keep them for show. They stopped at the colonel’s house for several days in hopes he would come home. They had part of their men concealed so as to deceive them. The pony is the smallest thing of horse kind you ever saw. He is six years old and could almost walk under Mary’s belly.
Ten or twelve regiments have left here lately and only a few come in. Must go to supper now and will write after supper.
Thursday, December 26th. It is warm this morning. The snow is all gone and the ground is drying fast. I sleep on the top bunk eight feet from the floor. I have cut a hole in the boards with my knife large enough to put my head through and looking this morning at daybreak, saw the Iowa 3rd Regiment leaving quietly without music or noise. Tis a very fine regiment—all well dressed in black with bright bayonets flashing and banners flying. 1
1 The 3rd Iowa Infantry moved from Quincy, Illinois, to Benton Barracks in late November 1861. They marched out of St. Louis on 26 December 1861 to perform guard duty at Mexico, Missouri, and along the Northern Missouri Railroad where they remained until March 1862. They were then ordered to Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee, prior to the Battle of Shiloh.
Letter 2
[Editor’s Note: The regiment moved from the siege lines around Corinth (which ended May 30) to camp at Clear Creek, Mississippi, which is roughly 6 miles south of Corinth. During this period, they were tasked with protecting the railroad and scouting the area for Confederate activity.]
Camp 6 miles south of Corinth June 6th 1862
Dear Mother,
Your kind letters was received late last night & we were very glad to hear that you were all well. I got one from T. S. with the wreaths in it & one from father & you. Both of them was written on the 26th. T. S. said that you had heard of the Gladiator breaking down & he thought the 4th Regiment was not on board. Now I will explain. We did leave St. Louis on the John J. Roe but got off of it at Paris Landing 10 miles above Fort Henry. We went back in the country some 20 miles in pursuit of some rebels that had captured some of our cavalry. We was gone 3 days, came back to Paris Landing, stopped there 3 or 4 days, and then took the Gladiator for Hamburg Landing. It was on this part of our trip that the accident happened which you spoke of but you got an exaggerated account of the affair. The truth was that there was only one man lost. He was on guard on deck and was either knocked overboard or was scared and jumped over and was drowned. There was several slightly hurt but none seriously injured so you can see you live about far enough from the seat of war to get big tales. None of us was hurt. For my part, I was asleep back between the engines & knew nothing of it until the thing was all over.
One month ago today we marched through Corinth. We had got our entrenchments up pretty close to theirs & had our siege guns planted within half a mile of the town. On Thursday evening, we threw a few shells among them. They thought best to leave. They left the place leaving everything they had behind. We found beef, flour, sugar, molasses, guns, cartridge boxes, clothing, camp equipage of every kind. In many places they had been cooking. Some had their flour in the pan and had their biscuit made out & some had them in the oven baking & the fire was not dead on the lids. They use the dutch oven for baking altogether.
About a mile from here the rebels tried to burn a large lot of commissary goods, wagons, &c. They had piled them up and set them on fire but they did not burn very well. Some 30 or 40 was somewhat injured. Some had a wheel, some the tongue or an axel. We took a good many barrels of sugar & molasses. No pen can describe the scene. Some of the dead secesh were not covered entirely up & the flies were on them. You may judge that I turned from the sight with disgust. From every appearance the rebels were awfully scared & perfectly demoralized, I will not attempt to estimate the value of the property they left behind.
The health of the regiment is pretty good considering the circumstances. Today [Robert S.] Perkins was taken back to the hospital. He has the bilious fever. He is pretty sick. [Brother] Clint is back some 5 miles. He has the rheumatism but the last I heard he was able to walk about. I hope to hear from him tomorrow. Billy & me are in tolerable good health & getting better. The change of climate and water has given us all the diahhrea but we have got over it now. Milo has been troubled in the same way. He is better. He is able for duty & you would be surprised to see how cool all our boys are when they expect an engagement every hour. They will march up as cool in a skirmish as they would to eat. In some cases it is necessary to skirmish a piece of woods…
Sergt. Major Charles Seager showcasing the special chasseur-style uniforms awarded to the 62nd Pennsylvania for their excellence in drill. These were distributed in mid-December 1861.
The following letter was written by Caspar Bradenbough of Co. D (the “Finley Cadets” of Armstrongcounty), 62nd Pennsylvania Infantry (he signed his name Casper Brady). Enrollment records describes him as 18 years old, with brown hair, brown eyes, and 5′ 6.5″ tall. According to a letter from 1st Lieutenant Putney, Bradenbaugh died at Washington Street General Hospital, Alexandria, Va. on 18 May 1862 at 7 P.M. of pneumonia. He was buried on 19 May 1862 in the Alexandria National Cemetery in Section A, Grave 9. Bates, in error, indicates Grave #8.
The 62nd Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment was organized by Colonel Samuel Black at Pittsburg as the 33rd Independent Regiment under the authority of Secretary of War Simon Cameron. T. Frederick Lehman was appointed Lieutenant Colonel and Jacob Sweitzer was appointed Major. The authority to raise ten companies was later raised to 12. The name of the regiment was changed to 62nd Pennsylvania Infantry on 19 November 1861.
In late August 1861, the regiment moved to Baltimore, Maryland, after training at Camp Cameron near Harrisburg. The regiment, commanded by Colonel Samuel Black, camped at Patterson’s Park, across the harbor from Fort McHenry, before continuing to Washington. It was at this location that Casper wrote the following letter.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Camp Bagley 22nd August 1861
Mr. Andrew Bradenbough,
Dear Brother, It is with pleasure that I seat myself to inform you that I am well at present and I hope that these few lines may find you in the same state of health.
We can see a great part of the city from our camp. Our camp is joining a park. There was a battle fought on this ground in 1812. We can see where the entrenchments were thrown up. I like this place very well and I like my travel very well so far. We have not got our uniform yet but I think we will get them before long. This is a very nice place. I can see a great many nice things here. I see the ships sailing on the Bay here and a great many camps around here. It is a beautiful place. It is the nicest place that I have seen yet. But the one half of this city is secessionists but they dare not say anything or Fort McHenry will fire on the city and blow it up. The stars and sripes are waving here in the city.
I have not very much to say at present and I think I must bring my letter to a close. Tell John Bartho that I send my best respects to him and tell the rest of the folks that I send my best respects to them and I would like to know if Maggie got the letter I wrote her and if you got the one that I sent the paper in that you was to give to mother.
Write soon. Direct to Casper Brady, Camp Bagly, Col. [Samuel] Black’s Regiment, care of Capt. [William C.] Beck, Baltimore, Maryland
This letter was written by 50 year-old Mason Brayman (1813-1895) while commanding the Union forces in the District of Natchez in August 1864.
Brig. General Mason Brayman
Brayman was born in Buffalo, N. Y., May 23, 1813. Brought up on a farm, he became a printer, then editor of the Buffalo “Bulletin,” studied law, and in 1836 was admitted to the bar. Removing to the West, he became city attorney of Monroe, Mich., in 1838, editor of the Louisville “Adviser” in 1841, opened a law office in Springfield, Ill., in 1842, and in 1844-45 revised the state statutes. In 1843, as special government commissioner, he adjusted the Mormon disturbances at Nauvoo, and conducted the negotiations which resulted in the withdrawal of the Mormons from Illinois. He was from 1851 to 1855 attorney for the Illinois Central railroad, and then, until the outbreak of the Civil war, was a promoter of railroad enterprises in Missouri, Arkansas and the southwest.
In 1861 Brayman joined the Union army as major of the 29th Ill. volunteers, became colonel of the regiment in May, 1862, and fought with such conspicuous gallantry at the battles of Belmont, Fort Donelson and Shiloh that he was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers. He was in command at Bolivar, Tenn., when Van Dorn’s attack was successfully repulsed. He afterwards reorganized about sixty Ohio regiments, at Fort Dennison; was president of a board of inquiry to investigate the conduct of Gen. Sturgis, commanded at Natchez, Tenn., from July, 1864, to May, 1865, and was presiding officer of a committee to investigate cotton claims. He was mustered out of the service at the close of the war with the brevet rank of major-general of volunteers. After the war he was engaged in reviving railroad interests in the south, was editor of the “Illinois State Journal” in 1872-73, practiced law in Ripon, Wis., from 1873 to 1877, and was then appointed by President Hayes governor of Idaho. At the expiration of his term, in 1880, he resumed the practice of his profession in Ripon, Wis. He afterwards settled in Kansas City, Mo., and died there Feb. 27, 1895.
Brayman’s letter formally addresses a request from the citizens of Natchez for the return of horses that had been seized by his order to equip his cavalry in the pursuit of rebels and guerrillas within his District. He respectfully declines the request, citing military necessity as the rationale for commandeering the horses, while simultaneously expressing an understanding of the vital role that these animals play in supporting civilian physicians who care for the ill both in town and the surrounding areas. Brayman assures the citizens that he will facilitate the provision of horses liberated from the rebels as soon as it is feasible to do so.
One of the two gentleman that Brayman addressed his letter to was Judge Josiah Winchester, a native of Salem, Massachusetts, who studied law in Boston before moving to Natchez. His uncle, George Winchester, was a prominent lawyer, member of the Mississippi Supreme Court, and the longtime tutor to Varina Howell, future wife of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. He married in 1846 to Margaret Graham Sprague, a first cousin on Varina Howell—an attendant to Varina’s wedding to Jefferson Davis the previous year. He was a prominent Union sympathizer despite his ties to Jefferson Davis.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Headquarters United States Forces Natchez, Mississippi August 11, 1864
Stanley J. Trott & J[osiah] Winchester, Esq’s.,
Gentlemen,
I have carefully considered the paper presented personally by yourselves, signed by a large number of respectable citizens of Natchez, asking in behalf of its people that horses recently taken from certain physicians may be restored to them that thereby they may be able to minister to the sick, &c.
The order for seizing horses was one of necessity. The enemy in large numbers and in marauding bands infested the neighborhood, taking and destroying property and endangering life, being well mounted and in many cases on horses furnished by their families and friends in and about Natchez. It is my duty to pursue, capture, and destroy these depredators. I must have mounted men to do it. My cavalry were mostly on foot. I could not get horses from the North. I did the next best thing—took them in Natchez. In this way, many that I know of, who have voluntarily furnished horses and supplies to the enemy have, though not willingly, aided us. I must confess, however, that they have done it gracefully.
If rightly advised, I may class the physicians you name, Drs. Davis, Lyle, Harper and Page, among whose friends are outside. But they have fared no worse than their neighbors, the Union men. The question was about horses, not loyalty, though it is intended to take more, hold longer, and pay less, in the case of men who are responsible for the first necessity of taking—that is to say, adopting the doctrine of Andy Johnson in his Nashville speech that, “a rebel has no right to own anything.”
These physicians are very excellent gentlemen. Personally I think I may say that I like them. Yet they, as such, can get no horses, not even a mule from me. Why should they, per se, ride, while Union men, equally venerable—perchance more denefied [?], go on foot? But gentlemen, you ask that the doctors may ride for the good of the sick and suffering. This is an appeal on the score of humanity and I admit its force. When God lays his afflicting hand upon his creature, that touch makes the sufferer sacred to us, and, whether it be an enemy or an offender against the law, our hand must be stayed or extended only to relieve.
Your appeal is just to deny what you ask would not fairly represent the humane policy of the Government, whose servant I am. The horses taken from the physicians have been branded “U. S.” and are doing loyal service. In fact, they have “taken the oath” and are showing their faith by their works. I really would not think it safe for the doctors to mount them again. The horses might throw them.
That the sick and suffering may at this dangerous section have prompt attendance, I will endeavor (as I cannot give them branded horses) to provide them the best that I can find in place of them as soon as they can be captured from rebels not belonging to the learned professions. I will try to have them mounted as soon as possible so that their patients shall not fail of their professional ministrations. Respectfully, your obedient servant.
The following letter was written by Joseph Alexander Davison (1838-1879), the son of Abraham Smith Davison (1802-1854) and Sarah Loller (180201895) of Antrim, Franklin county, Pennsylvania. Joseph enlisted on 24 April 1861 as the 1st Sergeant of Co. D, 6th Pennsylvania Infantry (35th Pennsylvania Infantry). In August 1862 he was commissioned a 1st Lieutenant, later a Captain and finally, in March 1865, was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. Before the war ended, he married Anna Mary Taylor and later fathered Charles Meade (b. 03/10/65), Smith L. (b. @1868 – Sp-Am War vet), Robert Francis (b. 1870), and Maud M. (b. 1872).
The letter was sent to Joseph’s captain, William Dunlop Dixon (1833-1916). He eventually commanded the regiment and was brevetted Brigadier General of US Volunteers in March 1865 for “gallant conduct at the battles of Spotsylvania Court House, North Anna, and Bethesda Church, Va.”
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Camp Pierpont, Virginia March 2nd 1862
Capt. W. D. Dixon,
My dear friend, enclosed you will find a letter which arrived in camp last evening and which I hasten to forward to you, hoping it may reach you in due time.
Gen. Edward O. C. Ord
Well, inspection and muster is over. Gen. [Edward O. C.] Ord was the mustering officer. I assure you that the [general] put things through with a rush. He was only about two minutes in inspecting our company. He said nothing to any member of our company except Sergt. [Samuel K.] Furley. And to him Gen. Ord said, “Sergeant, what No. boots are those? If you should go on a march, you will find it very difficult to take all that leather with you!!“
We were then marched to company quarters where we were mustered afterward. The quarters were not inspected. The payrolls did not come until the evening of the 28th. I finished them yesterday and handed them in.
Well, we heard from Henry B. Smith this morning. There was an order came here from the Adjutant Generals Office for his descriptive roll and for a copy of his clothing account which I made out and sent it in. He is reported to be perfectly well but it is recommended that he be discharged from the service. I understand that he will be in camp for a few days.
There was also an order came to us to make a requisition for six Sibley tents, poles & pins, which we did on February 28th. This will place about 14 men in a tent—rather a crowded arrangement I think.
We have been having fatigue drills since you left. The regiment marched once to the picket line and twice to the Chain Bridge with knapsacks, with overcoats packed on top.
We have been under marching orders ever since you left with three days rations in our haversacks. But I think that was only for a march in case Gen. Banks was attacked in crossing the river. Everything is going on smoothly. Give my respects to your family, Lt. Burgess, and all friends. We have received one of Burgess’s recruits. Yours, — J. A. Davison
The following letter was written by John F. Kent (1836-1866), the son of John Greer Kent (1808-1862) and Margaret Hanna Gardner (1812-1900) of Cuba, Fulton county, Illinois. John was 25 years old when he enlisted on 25 May 1861 in Co. H, 17th Illinois Infantry and was promptly promoted to a corporal. He enlisted at the same time as his younger brother, David A. Kent (1838-1862), who was severely wounded in the Battle of Fort Donelson and died on the steamer D. A. January on 14 April 1862. Two other younger brothers, Elmer Y. Kent (b. 1841) and Charles W. Kent (b. 1848) also served in the war. Elmer a private in 17th Illinois Infantry and later in the 11th Illinois cavalry. Charles was in the 137th Illinois and 151st Illinois.
John survived the war, mustering out of the regiment in June 1864, but died not long after in 1866. He was married to Charlotte C. Corbin (1837-1918) in 1865.
The 17th Illinois Infantry in 1864.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Camp Lyons, Bird’s Point, Mo. August 4th 1861
Dear Ellen,
I take my seat to write you a few lines to let you know how we are getting along in camp life. Well we are all well at present, hoping these few lines will find you the same. We have been over a considerable portion of Missouri since we left Illinois. We went from Alton into the northwest part of Missouri and then to St. Charles and then to St. Louis and then to Bird’s Point, Missouri, and we still remain here. We are now in an enemy’s land and we know not when we will be attacked by the Rebels as they are on all sides of us.
General Frémont says he is prepared for them at any time. General Frémont is a fine-looking man. He is here himself in command of the Western Division of the army. We are making great preparations for the fight. There is a detail of so many men from a company for work every day. When I say from the company, I mean the privates. Therefore, I am exempt from it. The work is throwing up breastworks. The present breastwork extends about two and a half mile in length.
I received a letter from Eliza when we was in St. Louis stating that you wanted me to write you a letter and let you know how we are getting along in camp life. I have hardly spoken to a girl since we left home. It would do me good to have the pleasure of conversing with some of the ladies of Old Fulton County, but God only knows whether I ever shall or not.
Ellen, you know a soldier’s life [is] very uncertain. We may be killed at any moment but we live in hopes that we will gain the day. We will try for it. There is several men here that I know. The health is pretty good here. I must close my letter. I will write more the next time. Please write soon and often. Please excuse haste with a bad pen. So goodbye. From your sincere friend till death, — John F. Kent
Direct to Company H, 17th Regt. Illinois Volunteer. Infantry, Bird’s Point, Mo.
The following letters were written by John “Emerson” Anderson (1833-1896), a boot maker and the son of John May and Parney (Hastings) Anderson of Oakdale, Worcester county, Massachusetts. Emerson enlisted on 25 May 1861 as a private in Co. D, 2nd Massachusetts Infantry. He was taken prisoner on 24 May 1862 during the battle of Winchester but was paroled in June 1862 and promoted to sergeant, mustering out of the regiment in mid-July 1865. The 2nd Mass Vols. participated in the battles of Cedar Mountain, Antietam, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Resaca, Kennesaw Mountain, Siege of Atlanta, March to the Sea, Savannah, and others.
Sgt. John Emerson Anderson, 2nd Mass. Infantry
Emerson’s regiment marched to Washington, D.C. in mid-1861. In a letter from September 8, 1861, he hopefully told his parents: “There seems to prevail the opinion that the war soon be ended and we permitted to go to our homes, certainly our prospect looks bright at the present…” Unfortunately, the war would not end until 1865. Many of John’s letters to his family involved his descriptions of day-to-day life in military camps; he describes being a “silent spectator” as his fellow soldiers gamble, drink, and fight, and he comments on the demoralization of the soldiers as the Confederacy continued to withstand major assaults: “I am not anxious to fight—that is—not over-anxious to expose myself to the enemies bullets—but if we could go into battle today, or soon, I should feel a strong inclination to conquer or die…we need a victory now and must have it soon.”
Emerson’s regiment marched to Atlanta in 1864, where he and his companions camped outside the city while more and more Union armies surrounded it. He wrote to his parents: “Sometimes too I feel that I would like to sit by mother and father in that quiet little room away from the noise and confusion here…as far as my knowledge goes I am convinced that we are slowly tightening our chain of armies around the enemies making it harder every day for him to hurl us back—each charge being but another slaughter to add to the list of casualties…” The Union eventually captured and occupied Atlanta, and Emerson’s regiment took part.
Emerson was clear on what he was fighting for. “Patriotism as I understand it,” he wrote his parents, “is to be willing to sacrifice something to promote any good cause for our common country. It is not in words that great things are accomplished but in deeds, and in actions…continue to pray, Mother, for our common cause and I have the best assurance that you will not pray in vain.”
Thankfully, the war finally ended, but Emerson found it difficult to rejoice once he heard about the death of President Abraham Lincoln: “I thought I would drop you a few lines though I do not feel like writing. We seem to be on the eve of peace. Lee has surrendered to Grant and Johnston to Sherman. About an hour ago a report came to camp that President Lincoln has been assassinated. I do not know what to do. I would like to rejoice that peace is ours. I cannot now. I will wait till my mind is settled.”
As far as I know, Emerson’s letters have never been transcribed in full and published on line. I have found a few of his war-time letters quoted in a book entitled, “Upon the Alter of the Nation, A Moral History of the Civil War” by Harry S. Stout, 2007. The author lists the American Antiquarian Society of Worcester, Massachusetts as his source.
Over the years I have transcribed and published a number of letters on Spared & Shared written by members of the 2nd Massachusetts Infantry. These include:
Having plenty time on my hands to spare, I thought a word from me would be acceptable although I have not much to write. Our company is full & the regiment nearly so. My health never was better than at the present but I have got a boil on my neck as big as a piece of chalk or about as big as a hen’s egg. It has not come to a head yet but hope it will soon. When it does, I shall want some of your bandages or cloths & some salve. And by the way, I have thought perhaps some of our friends would visit from Oakdale. If they do, you could send me some things that would be very acceptable such as apples (a few), paper & envelopes—Cuttings has some just the thing, and a bottle of ink, and some fine cut tobacco. We had a present from our friend Addison Hosmer of some tobacco and some wooden pipes which will not break which were very acceptable.
I suppose we are government property now for we have taken the oath to a man to support the President of the United States fora term of three years and we are ready and it is our duty to remain true to our obligation to God & to man. We are under pay. We shall receive the regular army pay. I have just learned from our Lieutenant that the government furnishes tobacco for their men. Have got a piece in my mouth now—the very best. No copperass. It is called the Navy Tobacco.
A letter from you would be very acceptable. Our Boys are all well and are enjoying camp life. From your son, — J. E. Anderson
P. S. If you wish to write, please direct like this and it will come right straight along:
J. E. Anderson Camp Andrew West Roxbury Care of Capt. Savage
My love to all enquiring friends and a large share to yourselves. By the way, I received a present from Mr. Cooledge and have written him this mail. Tell all to write, write. My uniform consists of one rubber and one woolen blanket, a mattress, and some presents from the Ladies of Boston. We have not got our uniform yet. We have been used first rate. — J. E. Anderson
Letter 2
Camp Andrew June 5th 1861
Dear Parents,
Your present was received by me Sunday afternoon & gratefully too for I had wanted some acid in my stomach for some time & the lemons & sugaar was just the thing. Also the apples. Fact, everything that comes from home is just the thing we want for it is hard work to get anything here but our regular rations.
Sunday morn. June 9th. My time is pretty much occupied so that I do not get much time to write. There is not much news to write except we have found the bodies of our fellow soldiers that were drowned in the river.
I have received your letter with money enclosed. Also some postage stamps. I was not in need of money but it may come handy at some future time. We have not got our uniform yet but shall have it soon. I do not know how long we are to stay here and I do not think our officers do but they expect to be called away soon as we are all uniformed & equipped which will take two or three weeks. Our Capt. says he cannot give us furloughs to come home so I do not think we shall have a chance to see one another again at present. We shall probably pass through Worcester on our way to New York but there will be no chance to talk for we shall be used as prisoners for fear of our desertion.
I was just called out of our tent to see Mr. Prescott. We have had considerable rainy weather the last week so that it has been necessary to floor our tents. We do not drill rainy days but have to answer to roll calls. I do not get so much sleep as when at home but presume I have enough for health. The first roll is called at half past four in the morning & the last at nine in the evening, and then when I am on guard, I do not get any sleep so that I can lay down anytime in the day and go to sleep in five minutes. But my health was never better than it is now. I hope your health is good. It is hard work for me to write today so I guess I will close and write again soon.
Tell Aunt I., that I shall remember her & also Uncle Luther. Give my love to Lizzie and all the rest. I will get my picture taken if I can. This from your son, — J. E. Anderson
Letter 3
The officers of the 2nd Massachusetts Vols. at Camp Andrew/Brook Farm, 1861. From left to right the men are: J. Parker Whitney, Francis H. Tucker (formerly identified as Charles R. Mudge), Fletcher M. Abbott (formerly identfied as Richard Cary), William Cogswell (formerly identified as Robert G. Shaw), Thomas R. Robeson, James Francis, Edwin R. Hill, Robert B. Brown, Rufus Choate, Richard C. Goodwin, Harrison G.O. Weymouth, Samuel M. Quincy, William D. Sedgwick. (Mass. Historical Society)
Camp Andrew June 13, 1861
Dear Parents,
Being at liberty I thought I would improve my time and let you know that my health continues to be good as all the rest of the Oakdale Boys. I have just read in the paper that we are to go from here the 22nd. You probably will see it in the Journal.
Camp Andrew, Tuesday, [June] 25, 1861. Well, you will see by this date that I have not changed quarters yet & so the papers were wrong. Our Captain told us this morning that we are going to start for headquarters next Monday. Most of the boys are very anxious to leave here. We have been here so long it has become an old story to go through with our daily exercise.
Yesterday our regiment changed the muskets for the Enfield Rifles which are a very pretty piece. Now our drill is mostly skirmishing and we have got to go by the sound of the bugle. I do not know whether our band will go with us or not. We have a very good regimental band of 20 pieces. Presume you have heard from me a number of times since I have written you by the way of those that have been here to see us. It seemed good to see the faces of those that we have been so accustomed to see at home & it brought a feeling of sadness to part with them—perhaps never to meet this side of the grave. We are bound to go from here next Wednesday and as soon as we go there will be another regiment encamped here.
There has been some talk that we should all have a chance to go home on a furlough before leaving here and perhaps I shall come and see you if the time is sufficient. Those things you sent me were just the things—especially the lemons and sugar. I shall send back what clothes I have here as soon as I get my uniform.
I cannot think of any more to write at this time but will again before we leave here. If I do not come home, I would like to hear from you and would like to have you write if you have received that money from Cumming & Hudson. Give my best respects to all enquiring friends & accept a share of my love & thanks for your interest for my good—both spiritual and temporal. And I hope that if we never meet on earth, we may so love and serve God that we can meet in one unbroken circle in heaven. This from your son, — J. E. Anderson
Letter 4
An unidentified member of the 2nd Massachusetts Infantry wearing the first issued uniform of the regiment, circa July 1861 (Dan Binder Collection)
Camp Andrew July 3rd 1861
Father,
I suppose we shall leave here soon as we have been ordered to send home our things today & we are receiving our knapsacks, hats, and a full outfit. I have no time to write more as we have to be on the run all the time. But I have sent you a letter in this morning’s mail. I will get my picture taken the first opportunity. Yours in haste, — J. E. Anderson
Letter 5
Camp Andrew July 7, 1861
Dear Parents,
Probably this is the last opportunity I shall have while here to write you for our knapsacks are all packed ready to take a start tomorrow. We got to Boston first and then we are to go on the Providence Road. We have got a pretty heavy load to carry. Our knapsacks will weight about 30 or 35 pounds & our gun and other fixings 30 or 35 more. The regiment had them all on Tuesday and was inspected to see that every man had his full allowance.
I would have liked to have heard from you before going but cannot. If any letters are on the way for us, they will follow on after to our place of destination. The talk is here that we are going to join Gen. Peterson’s [Patterson’s] forces in Virginia.
Well, dear parents, I have not felt like backing down yet. But I should like to see you before going if it were possible. But it is not so I must be satisfied. I cannot write more now. Will as soon as possible. Give my love to all & tell them to write often. This from your son, — J. E. Anderson
P. S. Evening, 8 o’clock. Well, we start en route for Washington tomorrow morning at 9 o’clock. Goodbye for the present. May God ever be our guide & protector is the sincere prayer of your son. — J. E. Anderson
Letter 6
Martinsburg, Virginia July 13, 1861
Dear Parents,
I take this opportunity to inform you of my whereabouts & to let you know how I came here. I wrote you before leaving Camp Andrew & when I got to Boston there was a gentleman in the cars who took the letters and put them in the Office for us. We had a very hard time of it in Boston—it was so hot. About four o’clock we took the Providence train and rode to Groton in Connecticut & then took the boat for New York. We stayed there a spell and then took a boat for Jersey City where we took the cars for Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. From there we took the cars and crossed the beautiful Susquehanna River for Hagerstown, Maryland. We were then in the enemy’s country & a hard looking place it was. As we marched through the streets, the people looked daggers at us. We stayed there till afternoon &then slung our knapsacks & prepared for a march, we knew not where.
We marched six miles to Williamsport & camped beside the river Potomac. It was my turn for guard & so I stood guard and the next morning about 3 o’clock we broke up camp and crossed the river. We had to for the river as there was no bridge. We had a march of twelve miles & arrived here and are now in camp under Gen. [Robert] Patterson’s command. There is about 30 or 40 thousand Federal troops here under the General’s command. On our march, we passed a place where our troops whipped the rebels & killed one or two hundred of them & lost one man. The houses were deserted and the fields for miles as we passed along.
We are in the town where the Rebels burned the engines & cars. We are in sight of the Rebel camp now. They are encamped on the mountain about six miles from here.
Sunday, [July] 14th, 1861. Well, dear parents, having plenty time to spare, I thought I would try to finish this & send it when I could for I expect we shall be on the march soon if the rebels do not succeed in compromising with the government. The New Hampshire regiment that Oliver White is in is here.
Letter 7
In camp [Pleasant Hill, Maryland] August 12, 1861
Dear Parents,
It being a rainy day and there being no drill, I thought a word from me would occupy my time & would be acceptable. Yours with the stamps was received. I am not feeling very well today but presume I shall feel better in a few days. The heat has been very excessive the last few days and there has been considerable complaining of diarrhea and chills or ague among the soldiers. This month is the worst for complaints. You need not send me any more stamps till I send for them.
I am glad to hear that your health is better mother. Hope this may find you still better. I do not think of anything to write that would interest you. Do not get any news in camp that can be relied upon. We get enough to eat now & the Colonel says we shall have. The boys are all well. Windsor Newton 1 has not come yet but suppose he has got well. You may use that dollar if it will do you any good. We have got no pay yet but expect some soon.
If you hear from Warren or any of our friends, write. You probably will think this is a curiously composed letter but it is just about as I feel. Give my respects to all enquiring friends & receive this from your son, — J. E. Anderson
P. S. When I feel better, I will write again & more. This will let you know that yours is received all right. Did you receive my clothes from Camp Andrew? When you write, please let me know. My trust is still in the Lord of my salvation. — J. E. Anderson
When you write me, send a blank sheet of paper every time as it is no place to keep paper here, it gets so dirty. Yours in love, — J. Emerson
1 Windsor Newton was also a boot maker from Oakdale. He was wounded in the neck during the Battle of Antietam, recovered, and afterward joined the 18th US Infantry.
Letter 8
Hyattstown [Maryland] August 27th 1861
Dear Parents,
Yours of the 17th I have before me. The last I wrote you we were in the mountains overlooking Harper’s Ferry. The 21st we were ordered to strike tents and prepare for a march. Accordingly, we packed our knapsacks and took the road. The rest of the regiment had preceded us and left us as rear guard. We have marched about 30 miles since then on the direct road to Washington.
We are now with our brigade. Our regiment is to have the honor of guarding the town while encamped here. I cannot write you much this morning as there is no news of any importance here. Everything is quiet here. We expect to stay here sometime. I received a letter from George this morning stating that Grandmother was very sick and that Mother had gone to see her. I hope she will recover but if it is the will of God that she should die and commence a new life which is everlasting in the Heavens where there is no tears, no sorrow. Shall we murmur or complain? No, let us rather praise Him tht Je has been so mindful of those that He has created us to prepare so great happiness for all that will look to Him that was sacrificed that we might live. The tears will fall for those we love and it is well that we remember the dead. Although George did not say, I heard that Ezry May was dead. If so, when you write, tell me if he became reconciled to the will of God.
Father, I received the paper you sent & although it was a week old, it was welcome for it came from home. You may send me one when you like. I see by the Boston Journal that the 21st Regiment leaves Camp Lincoln this week. I hope they wil join Gen. Banks’ Division. If they do, they will come here. There is a large number of troops here now but I understand there is to be more.
Our Brigade received pay up to July 1st last week from the State of Massachusetts. I received 18.70 as my share. The Captain says we shall receive two months pay from the government in a week or two. I thought of sending home some money this week but will wait till I get some more. I am sorry business is so dull but we must expect it in such times as these. I will write again soon. This from your son, — J. E. Anderson
Hereafter when you direct anything to me, let me be where I will, please direct in a plain hand to:
J. E. Anderson, 2nd Regt. Mass. Vols., Company D, Washington D. C. (Gen. Banks Division)
This direction will be good for all the time I am away, let me be where I will.
P. S. I had to open this after sealing it. I thought I would inform you that the camp is to be broken again and we are packing our knapsacks. It is now about 5 a.m. We have a long march before us (we suppose). — J. E. Anderson
Letter 9
Camp Ellsworth September 8th 1861
Dear Parents,
I have not much to write this morning but know that a letter is acceptable when written you. My resource for news is not great. It is just two months today since we left Camp Andrew. How rapidly time passes away. Summer is gone and autumn with its cold nights is upon us. Soon will the forest and fields that are now decked with green put on another hue which reminds us that we are passing on and that our summer will soon end here below, & we shall enter upon a new life. And the question comes to my mind, shall it be a summer life when everything is fair to look upon, or will it be dark and dreary like the winter of this life? Methinks I hear a voice within my soul in whispers speaking, be faithful in Jesus and all shall be well with thee. Be faithful &thy life shall be like the running river which creeps along through the valleys with nothing to mar its surface or stop its onward course. Blessed voice, speak on! I feel to praise God on this Sabbath day that He has set aside especially for His worship, for the promises to His children of everlasting life & feel that I would not miss of Heaven, for all the pleasures of this life. Sometimes He hides His face from me for a time &with the poet, I feel to say:
Tis hard to work for good To rise and take His part Upon this battlefield of earth And not sometimes lose heart.
He hides Himself so wondrously As though there was no God And seems to leave us to ourselves Just when we need Him most.
And then the watchword comes and says:
My soul be on guard Ten thousand foes arise And hosts of sin are pressing hard To draw thee from the skies.
Fight on my soul, till death Shall bring thee to thy God. He’ll take thee at they parting breath To His divine abode.
Surely this life is a life of conflict. I will not dwell longer upon this subject now but will try and tell you something about our prospects.
Our regiment is very healthy & all seem to enjoy themselves. There seems to prevail the opinion that this war will soon be ended & we permitted to go to our homes. Certainly our prospect looks very bright at the present. Everywhere our troops seem to be victorious. The report is that Jeff Davis is dead. If true, they (the secessioners) have lost a man that it will take a long time to find another to fill his place. If what the papers say is true, already the South are beginning to feel the powers of Uncle Sam and are coming back under his protection. I hope we shall not be deceived if we think that the coming winter will find us again enjoying peace and quiet.
The Oakdale Boys are all well. I received a letter from George. Have written two to you since then & have received none. I will send 5 dollars in this. If you receive it safe, just remember to mention it in your next. Please send 12 postage stamps. Give my love to all enquiring friends & accept this from your son, — J. E. Anderson
Letter 10
Camp Ellsworth September 13th 1861
Dear Parents,
Being very anxious to hear from you, I thought another letter from me would inform you that if you have written me of late, the letter must have miscarried. This is the 3rd or 4th within two weeks that I have wrote you last I heard from you. Mother was up to Russell last Sunday. I put a letter in the mail with a five dollar gold piece enclosed. Today find one dollar enclosed.
The boys are receiving or getting certificates of enlistments in the service to send home for the purpose of drawing money from the town or State. I do not understand which have not noticed any such Act. If you know anything about it, or if there is such a benefit and I am entitled, just inform me and you shall have the benefit of it.
Windsor Newton just received a letter from home stating the death of Rufus Bennett. I have also heard of the death of Wm. Thomas. I have wrote you to send me one dozen stamps. I have not time to write more this morning but shall expect to hear from you soon and will answer as soon as received. Yours in haste. From your son, — J. E. Anderson
P. S. Direct to Washington, D. C.
2nd Regt. Mass. Vol., Company D, Gen. Banks Division
Letter 11
Camp near Darnstown, Maryland September 22, 1861
Dear Parents,
I am in very good spirits this morning having received two letters—one from my dear parents, and one from my good friend Dora. I was glad those little pieces went safely. The mails come to our camp regularly now from Washington—once in two days. You can do with what I send you as you like, if you need it. Do not be afraid to use it. We expect to get paid off in a few days and then I hope to have more to send. It is much safer to send it home than to try to keep it here. Shall save enough to give me a little rarity once in a while. We have plenty of good soldier’s fare—hearty food now, and are getting along nicely. We have stayed in this camp much longer than we expected to at first.
I suppose you have the accounts of another great battle in Missouri ere this. We are expecting that our Army of the Potomac will do something before long.
The weather has been very warm (or this time of the year) for the last few days till there was a sudden change last night. Tis quite chilly today. I was very glad to hear that grandmother had partially recovered. Hope she will remain with us for a long time. I would like to see her and Uncle Lewis & you all but cannot now & perhaps never. But there is a comfort to be found in the thought that if we are faithful, we shall meet again and when we consider how fast we are passing away, the time of our separation does not seem long if we are called to part with our friends, here below, still the ties which bind us here, if broken will cause us to mourn & sorrow.
Now my dear parents, if it should be my lot to fall in battle or disease should lay hold of this earthly form, and you should see me no more here below, I will try to live in the sight of God in such a manner that we can meet again where there will be no more wars or separation. God help us all to be faithful till we arrive at home.
You will hear from me as often as an opportunity occurs to write. Give my best respects to all and rest assured that you, my dear parents, are not forgotten. Another little piece for the bank. Bye Emerson
Letter 12
Camp near Darnestown October 12, 1861
Dear Father,
Having a chance to send a letter to Washington today, I thought it a good opportunity to send you some of my wages which I received yesterday. I received two months pay amounting to $23.73 and will send you $20—two notes of $10 each. You will see we have to take Uncle Sam’s notes for our pay but I suppose it is just as good as the gold and should you wish to use them, you can easily get them changed at the banks and I have no doubt they will be as freely circulated in the country in a few months as any bank notes. I send this home for your use and I wish you to use it if you want it and I shall feel thankful that I have any way of paying up old arrearages.
But as I have not much time to write, I must draw this to a close. I am enjoying good health and trying to serve God in my feeble way. I hope this will find you in the enjoyment of the blessing which God gives.
I hear by W. Newton that Mother is on the gain and is likely to recover. I think I shall get my picture taken in a few days and will send you the same. In haste. You shall hear from me again soon. This from your son, — J. E. Anderson
Letter 13
Camp near Darnestown [Maryland] October 20, 1861
Dear Parents,
I am still as you will see by this in the same place as when last I wrote and the prospect is that we shall stay here some time yet as we are making preparations for cold weather, building horse sheds, and digging cellars under the officers’ tents. We have had some cold and frosty nights and one has had to cover up with his clothing on in order to keep warm. But I have not suffered any yet.
I cannot write you a long letter today but I know you wish to hear from me often and so you will excuse a short letter. There is no news to write. I hear from you once in a while by the boys and I am glad Mother is recovering. I hope, Mother, you will soon recover sufficiently to write me another letter. I miss your letters much although I have others to write me.
I think you have received by this time my last letter in which was enclosed two of Uncle Sam’s ten dollar notes. I will send you a two and a half piece in this if you receive it or what I send, let me know when you write. I wrote a letter to Warren the other day.
We continue to drill daily and there is not much change in our duties from day to day. It makes me feel quite homesick sometime. I hope we shall have a change of scenes pretty soon. I am still endeavoring to live to attain the great end for which man was created but it is needless for me to tell you how utterly I fail to live a holy life. I hope this wil find you enjoying the blessing of God.
This from your son, — J. E. Andrews
Letter 14
On the march October 28, 1861
Dear Parents,
I thought I would just drop you a line this morn as I have to write by the jump if I would write at all. We have been pretty busy for a week. we left our camp last Monday night and since that time have traveled 50 miles or more. Have been wet, cold and hungry a good share of the time but my health is good yet and I feel very comfortable this morning. Have had a good breakfast. I have not heard from you since Monday last when I received a letter from George. I hope you have received my last letters as there was money in them both.
The other Oakdale Boys are all well. You no doubt have the account of the battle fought at Conrad’s Ferry where our troops were defeated. We did not get there till the morning after the battle but you have the papers to read and will get the account better than I can give it.
We have a report current here that McClellan has taken Manassas but we have learned not to believe all we hear.
We are now near Muddy Creek. I do not know where we shall go next but think from what I learn that we shall go to Chain Bridge. The nights are quite cold and frosty now but we manage to keep comfortable and shall as long as fence rails and straw lasts. Our tents are the bell topped tent and we can have a fire in them. And while I am writing this, my feet are warming by a fire in the center of the tent. I hope this may find you in better health. I can but feel thankful to God that while I am far away I have the assurance that in your sickness you have had the sympathy of kind friends. I wish I could see you but my work will hinder me.
I have no time to write much and will close now, with the best wishes for your prosperity. I remain your son, — J. E. Anderson
P. S. Father, I had no opportunity to get my picture taken
Letter 15
Ridgeville [Maryland] February 8th 1862
Dear Parents,
Your last letter was received by me and I should have answered before had I have been in camp, but as you will see by this, I am away and have been for more than a week. I was very sorry to learn that you, Mother, were having those distressed turns. You seem to recover from your sickness very slowly. I am afraid you work too hard. I am glad you have got Aunt Eliza with you. Keep her as long as you can and do not work too hard.
My health is good now. Have had a slight cold but am getting over it. That cough medicine was just the thing. I am on duty here as a guard to detect deserters. Am boarding at a public house. Have enough to eat and a good bed to sleep in. Do not know how long I shall stay here. I have heard from our company yesterday. They are not drilling now—ther is so much mud. We have not had but one or two days that the sun has not thawed the ground.
I think of no more news to write you now. I will enclose a ten dollar note in this trusting that you will receive it all safe. This from your son, — J. E. Anderson
P. S. Direct yours to Frederick, Maryland. Shall write again soon.
Letter 16
Camp Hicks 1 February 26, 1862
Dear Parents,
I have been away from camp on duty four weeks today and have been called in today for our regiment marches early tomorrow morning for Harpers Ferry. I wrote you three weeks ago and enclosed ten dollars in the letter and William Blunt tells me that you have not received any word from me for a long time. I cannot see why it should happen sp. Can it be possible that there is men so depraved that they would rob us who are willing to sacrifice our lives in their behalf while they are enjoying the comforts of life?
I have written to Lizzie—Dora—George—Lewis—and yourself and have received no answer from either. There was a letter came to camp while I was away and William Chase says he thought it was directed in Lizzie’s hand writing but it has been lost and I shall not have the pleasure of reading it. When you write to me, write me who wrote the letter if you can find out. I feel very anxious to hear from you.
My trust in Jesus. God bless you. This from your son, — J. E. Anderson
In haste.
1 Camp Hicks was the winter quarters of the 2nd Massachusetts Infantry. It was located four miles east of Frederick, Maryland, by the Baltimore Pike.
Letter 17
Camp of the 2nd Reg. Mass. Volunteers near Edinburg, Virginia March 5th 1862
Dear Parents,
I received yours of the 28th yesterday. I was very glad to get yours. I cannot write you a long letter now for the mail goes out soon and I have not got time. Since I last wrote you, we have had quite a march. We expected to see some fighting on the way but did not have much for the rebels kept at a safe distance and there was no fighting to amount to anything.
My health is pretty good now except I have got one of the worst colds I ever had. Can hardly speak aloud. Shall get over it soon I hope. I do not know when we make another advance but will write you as often as I can. Our mail will not come as regular as it has done but write as soon as you get this, Mother, so that I can get one from you before we leave this place. I expected a letter from George ere this. I want you to send me 25 stamps as soon as you can. We can get none here. We have not been paid off yet. Hope we shall be soon and will send you some more by the mudfull.
Yours in haste. From J. E. Anderson
P. S. You may send me one dollar’s worth of stamps instead of 25 stamps. I think we shall get paid off before we march again. Write as soon as you get this. — Emerson
Letter 18
Camp of 2nd Regt. Mass. Vol. Shenandoah River March 23rd 1862
Dear Parents,
Just as I was ordered to fall in yesterday, I received your kind and welcome letter of the 17th. Was glad to get it. I cannot write you much now for I am somewhat tired and have but little time to write. I suppose you are well aware that our army is on the move now and will be till this trouble is settled. We have got two days march before us now and owing to our bridge breaking down this morning, we have got to march tomorrow two days arch in order to make up for our delay today. I think we shall….
March 25th, 1862 I did not have an opportunity to finish this Sunday and so I thought I would finish it today. Yesterday news came to our Brigade that our troops were attacked at Winchester soon after we left on Saturday and so we were ordered back. We arrived here last night. The battle was over before we got back. Our troops are following Jackson but it is needless for me to give you an account of the battle for you will get it in the papers if you have not ere this. Our regiment was not in the fight. I have been looking around town this morning. Winchester is a large town. There is nothing that I can think of now to write you but will close. All the Oakdale Boys are well. This from yours, — J. E. Anderson
Direct to Washington or Baltimore. T’will make no difference. — Emerson
Letter 19
Monday eve, March 30th 1862
Dear Parents,
I have but a few moments to write in before tattoo, but as I go on guard tomorrow, I will just drop you a line now while I have a chance. I received those things you sent in William’s box today. I do think those figs are nice and so does everyone who has had a taste. The chestnuts were the first I have tasted this year. (There comes the drum) and I must close. My health os good. I will write again soon. Good night Father and Mother. — Emerson
Letter 20
Camp of Paroled Prisoners Annapolis, Maryland July 17th 1862
Dear Parents,
I am here and well. Arrived yesterday noon. There are about 150 here now, only three with myself of the 2nd [Massachusetts]. We have nothing to do as yet. We feel somewhat uneasy to lear our final fate and destination. If we are to stay here in idleness, I for one shall feel uneasy. I cannot give you any description of the town for I have not been here long enough and I do not know as I shall have the privilege ofgoing into town as we have to get a pass from the Colonel to get out of the encampment so you will not get much news from me at present.
I hope you will excuse me for the shortness of this and I will try and write more in a short time. I wish to hear from you soon. When you write, please direct yours to Annapolis, Maryland in care of Chaplain of the 67th Penn. Vols. and write as soon as you can find time. From your son, — J. E. Anderson
I will give the full directions here below so there will be no misunderstanding on the other page.
Direct:
J. E. Anderson 2nd Reg. Mass. Vol. Company D Annapolis, Maryland In care of Chaplain of 67th Regt. P. Vol.
Paroled Prisoner
Letter 21
[Annapolis, Md.] August 12, 1862
Capt. James Savage, Co. D, 2nd Mass. Regt. Killed at Cedar Mountain.(David Morin Collection)
Dear Parents,
Our minds are full of anxious thoughts for the rumor of another battle, [as] I wrote you yesterday, is correct and our regiment has been in another battle [Cedar Mountain]. Our loss is said to be severe. Now I want you to send me Mass. papers so I may know of our loss, as papers we get here do not state the full numbers of the killed and wounded of any, only men from their own states. I learn that we lost one captain killed and three or four wounded besides. We lost Captain (or Maj. [James] Savage now). Isaac Childs was one of the killed or wounded. I want you to send me the correct list of the casualties of our Mass. men or regiments. And oblige yours &c. — J. Emerson
Camp Parole, Annapolis, Md., August 12th 1862
Letter 22
Camp Parole Annapolis, Maryland September 14, 1862
Dear Parents,
I was made glad by receiving yours with the miniature of Father. It is natural and life like and I feel proud of the two pictures and shall preserve them. I love to look at them and my only regret is that I am not more worthy of so kind parents. Your letter, Mother, is full of encouraging words and I feel that my lot is not so bad as many of my late companions. They are now in the field and have hard times while I am here. But I had rather share the hardships & danger with them than to be here in idleness.
You know how elated the rebels are at their recent successes & how eagerly they are working to bring this war to a speedy end by giving us a whipping. But I look upon this crisis as the turning point in our favor for we are now to fight on the defensive. There seems to be a united feeling in the States of Maryland and Pennsylvania to expel the invaders at once and not give up the chase till traitors are driven from our land. I like such a spirit. We have been too slow to work. We have learned to respect our foes for their daring and energy and now we see no other way to put down such a foe but by united exertions on our part. Let the people rise to a man and give one more struggle and victory is sure to follow.
I have not heard from the boys in the regiment since I last wrote you but presume they are all well. I learn that the regiment is in Washington and is recruiting. I send my last postage stamp on this letter and I have no more money. We have received no pay since we have been here. I have to go without tobacco. It comes rather tough. If you will send me some stamps as soon as you receive this, I will promise to pay you good interest on your money as soon as I receive any.
Postage stamps is money now you know and will buy anything thst is sold for money. I think of no more to write now so goodbye, Father and Mother, for this time. From your son, — John E. Anderson
Letter 23
Camp Parole, Annapolis, Maryland September [21?] 1862
Dear Parents,
Yours of the 17th I have just received with the stamps. Have received one paper this week from Father. I am not feeling very well today but think there is nothing very serious ailing me. We have been reinforced considerably this week. We now number 11 thousand or more. All those prisoners taken in Banks’ retreat have been released on parole and are here now. We are hearing the best of news from our army now. We have whipped the rebels in Maryland and every day our cause looks brighter. I hope we shall meet with no more reverses but success on every hand till our foes shall be compelled to surrender.
I cannot write you a long letter today but will write you soon for I do[n’t] feel well enough to write much so I will close now. Hoping to hear from you soon, I remain your son, — J. E. Anderson
Letter 24
Camp Parole, Annapolis, Maryland September 24, 1862
Dear Parents,
Your letter containing one dollar’s worth of stamps has just been received by me all right. I am well now. My sickness was of only a day’s duration and now feel as well as ever. Your love and faith is strong, Mother.
Our camp is all in a stir now for many of the paroled prisoners are exchanged and are going to their regiments while others are going away—some to the frontier to fight Indians as is supposed by us. My name is does not appear among those that are going away but presume I shall know soon what is to become of me. I can think of no more to write you now but will write again soon. I expect to be paid this afternoon and think of sending you some money by Adams Express. So if you receive money before I write you again, you need not be surprised. With much love for you, dear parents. I remain yours &c. — J. E. Anderson
In haste.
P. S. I shall receive the book this afternoon. Love to Lizzie and all. — Emerson
Letter 25
Camp Parole, Annapolis, Maryland October 7th 1862
Dear Parents,
Your letter I have received. Was glad you received the package of money. I have not much news to write you for things remain about the same as when I last wrote. Our officers and men are leaving one or two in every train and I have thought some of doing in the same way. They have to go in citizen’s dress but I will wait a spell longer. It does not seem a very honorable way of leaving. Still if the officers go, the men may. Many will desert and some go to their homes and wait for orders. If I had have known what I know now, I should not have come to Camp Annapolis. Some have not come at all and it is just as well and better.
I guess going to fight the Indians has played out. We probably shall not go unless we want to. The talk seems to be now in the South to hoist the black flag and give no quarter to the Yankee. That is all talk, I guess. Poor Childs is dead—one more oof the number gone. War is terrible, truly. Our country is in a curious state.
Well, I can think of no more to write you now. Give my respects to all the good folks. Oh, Father, I have got my boots on now. One of them has burst out from toe to heel and the soles are all wore out. But never mind. I can get a good pair of shoes (if I want and if not it is a good place to go barefoot here in the sand. This from your son, — J. E. Anderson
Letter 26
Camp Parole, Annapolis, Maryland October 14th 1862
Dear Parents,
Your kind letter, Mother, is before me and I will answer as I have time which hangs heavily on hand. There is no prospect of my going away from this place yet but as my health is good and I have plenty to eat, I will try and be contented. The weather has been cold and stormy for a number of days but I manage to keep warm for we have got our tent floor boarded and I have got two blankets so shall get along till cold weather—if we stay here this winter, which I do not think likely as our government is making an exchange every now and then and my time will come sometime.
I have not heard from the regiment lately but presume our boys are doing well. If not, I should have heard. I got a letter from Lewis yesterday. They are all well. Uncle Lewis is carpentering at home now and Lewis is at work outdoors. They have not heard from Horatio yet. Poor boy, perhaps he was compelled to go into the Confederate army and he may have fallen in some battle. The suspense his parents are in must be painful indeed.
So Uncle Lemuel can hear nothing from Martha or Charley? Poor Uncle. Does he know his fate? I would not give much for all the happiness Martha enjoys though perhaps she tried to justify herself with the idea that she has done right.
I received a letter from George and my new cousin the other day. They seem to enjoy themselves. I think they can live like clams together, don’t you? I should like to hear Olive calling you Aunt Parney and Uncle John. Has she ever done it yet? I suppose you see Suzie every day. Give her and Lyman my best respects.
I do not intend to have you think that I had any notion of deserting by mentioning a citizen’s dress in my last letter. I merely meant that I could come home and stay till I was called for the same as Wm. Andrews has done and a great many others, but I do not think it will pay. Besides, it is using deception which I abhor. So as you say, I will stay till I can go away honorably.
I must close now for want of timber. My love to all enquiring friends and a large share of my best love for yourselves. This from your son, — J. E. Anderson
Letter 27
Camp Parole, Annapolis, Maryland November 9, 1862
Dear Parents,
Yours letter reached me last night and I will answer so your mind may be at ease as regards my welfare. I have waited a little longer than usual as I wanted to have something to write about when I did write. My health is good and I am enjoying myself as well as circumstances will allow. There is nothing I hear that we are exchanged yet.
I wrote a letter to Abbie Hall the other day to fulfill a promise made to her four years ago. She answered my letter and a very pretty letter it was. Our Western relations are all well so far as she knew. George is in the 36th Regt. Illinois and was in the Battle of Pea Ridge and Perryville. Is unharmed by shot or shell but is suffering from want of clothing (as all the Western troops are).
We had a severe snowstorm the last three days and as it blew from the north, I suppose you had a taste of the same storm. What snow fell here will not last long though the weather is quite cold now. I am just going out on a little spot to hear a man preach. He is one of the Agents for the Tract Society of Boston.
I have just come in from hearing a short distance by the Agent. The weather was cold and blustering but it is so seldom we have any preaching that we could bear to stand the cold for once. I wish we had a good large tent for our friendly ministers to preach in when they visit us. But I suppose we shall get along without it.
Well, I can think of no more to write now so will close this. You will hear from me soon again if nothing happens. I hope you will write soon. This from your son, — J. E. Anderson
Letter 28
Camp Parole, Annapolis, Maryland November 16th 1862
My dear Parents,
You cannot expect me to fill this great sheet of paper, can you? It almost frightens me the thought of it. But fill it or no, I will try. So here goes.
It is Sabbath day today but one would hardly think it to hear the noise here in camp. I can hear men chopping wood, driving nails, and see them gambling, fighting and selling articles of every description of merchandise. Whiskey—the principle article—is the article most called for and as I do no gamble, fight or drink, I stand back a silent spectator of these scenes and wonder when man, that most wonderful work of nature knowing as he does the evil of his ways, and the utter misery, destitution, and want, which is sure to follow such a course—knowing all this, why does he rush madly on? I think among the 10 or 12 thousand here, you could hardly find five hundred temperate men or to which some vice or other could not be attached. I tremble when I think of the evil consequences which the young and inexperienced are sure to be surrounded with here, and at home when the war is over. The evil which they have imbibed they will carry to their homes and nothing but the power of God & an extra effort on the part of God’s people can stay the hand of the evil one. But let us hope that it will not be so bad as I have pictured. I will try and live so before them that some may be influenced to go not after their worst enemy but shun the evil and hold fast that which is good.
I have written more about the camp that I calculated to when I commenced this but you know one can write about what he or she is doing or seeing better than he or she can what they hear. I hear from the army everyday as we have the daily papers to read. I know not what to think of the recent removement of McClellan but I am afraid our government will be calling for another six hundred thousand men before another year this time to be sure. I hope not, but something tells me that Burnside is not the man to lead the troops that have become so attached to McClellan, Perhaps our officers will be willing to be lead by Burnside but if they are not, you may expect to hear of another defeat such as Pope experienced.
I heard my regiment today. The regiment is doing picket duty near Shephardstown, Maryland. I hear nothing from our Oakdale Boys. I intend to write to some of them soon if I do not see them. The papers talk that we are all exchanged but it is not quite likely I think. Still it may be true. We shall know soon.
Enclosed in this you will find 20 dollars. You can use it or put it in the bank as you proposed to do with the other money I sent you. If you want wood for winter, or Mother may want a good winter dress, or Father a warm suit of clothes—fact, it there is anything you want, buy it with the money and I shall feel satisfied with the investment. I hope this may find you enjoying good health. When you write me again, let me know O. D. Ford’s address as I wish to write him. Give my love to all enquiring friends and accept this from you boy, — J. E. Anderson
P. S. I will send you one dollar in this. Send me postage stamps in exchange for(don’t send me any that have been used as change) one dozen at a time. — Emerson
Letter 29
Camp Parole, Annapolis, Maryland November 26th 1862
Dear Parents,
One week ago yesterday I sent you by Express 21 dollars ample time to receive a letter from you stating if you received the remittance or not, and I hear nothing from you. I feel anxious to know whether the fault is the Express not forwarding the package, or in the mail. I want you should answer this as soon as you receive it. In the meantime, if I should receive a letter from you, answer it immediately. (in haste) — From Emerson
Letter 30
Camp Parole, Annapolis, Maryland November 27th 1862
Dear Parents,
Your long and interesting letter was gladly received by me this evening for I wrote you a few lines on the 26th that were all impatience to hear from the remittance I sent you fearing that all was not right. But I am happy to learn that my fears were groundless and it is with a thankful heart that I now take pen in hand to inform you of my perfect good health. I have passed a very pleasant Thanksgiving Day. I am quite comfortable situated now having a snug little house to live in. Some boys of my acquaintance built themselves a nice little house large enough to contain four, and as two of them were going home, they invited me to stay in their house while they were absent and take care of their things which I gladly consented to do. So I am in very comfortable quarters for the winter months providing we stay here so long which I am inclined to believe is our destiny for according to what I hear, our being exchanged is a humbug. I have had a good dinner today—one whole chicken with only my companion and myself to share it (by the way, my companion is a fine man about my own age) and we had a good plum pudding to top off with. We bought the materials for our Thanksgiving dinner and Ned (i.e. my companion) being a good cook, why the chicken was frigazied in good shape and the pudding was as goos as I ever eat (excepting Mother’s make of course).
I should like to write you a long letter tonight but the hour is late and I wish to drop this in the office so it will go out in the first train in the morning. So I guess I will close. The first reason I sent so much money home was that if you wanted anything for your comfort, you could have it, and the other reason is I wish to save all the money I can for it will come handy sometime if I should not want it myself. I suppose, Mother, you will answer my letter I wrote yesterday and so I will not ask you to answer this. I will write you again soon. I can get along first rate without any box so long as I stay in this camp. And now I must say goodnight. From Emerson
Letter 31
Camp Parole, Annapolis, Maryland December 9, 1862
Dear Parents,
I thought a few lines from me would not come amiss. I am well and am doing duty for drilling without arms. I think we shall stay here this winter, There is no doubt now that we are exchanged.
I can think of no news that would interest you so you will have to put up with a short letter hardly worth reading perhaps you will say, but you must take the will for the deed and I will try and write more at another time. Till then, goodbye. From Emerson
Letter 32
Camp Parole, Annapolis, Maryland December 14, 1862
Dear Parents,
I received your last letter last evening. Was very glad to hear from you and to hear that you were well. I did not expect to have another from you while in this camp for we had orders last Tuesday that we might expect to go to our regiments by Thursday. However, the order was countermanded and we are still here. And some think we are likely to stay till spring but I do not know what to think.
We continnue to drill, as usual. The weather is delightful—not a particle of snow visible, and the ground quite dry. I like this climate first rate, but when we do have a cold snap, we feel it.
I had already read in the papers of the death of Surgeon Hunt. The soldier that will murder a Surgeon now when they are needed so much by both armies must be a hard-hearted man, and I don’t think they would havedone it had they known he was a Surgeon.
We are hearing very good news from Burnside’s army now. I hope our day of reverses is over and that our army will push on, never to retreat till the last blow to treason shall be struck. You may continue to write or direct your letters to Camp Parole the same as now till you hear from me from some other quarters. If Father should see this letter, he would say it looked as though I wrote it with the claw of a hen. My pen is very course and weak in the back. I think of nothing more to write you now so will close. This from your son, — J. E. Anderson
Letter 33
Annapolis, Maryland December 15, 1862
Dear Parents,
I thought a few incidents about our departure from Camp Parole would not be uninteresting to you although I wrote you a letter yesterday. I knew not when I wrote that letter that I should leave so soon. Orders came to our Battalion last evening about 9 o’clock to prepare to leave camp at 9 o’clock this morning. Accordingly we hurried our things on and are now on board of a steamer which lies at the Navy Yard. I have a fine view of the City of Annapolis as I sit here penning these lines. I wish the boat would start for I am anxious to get to my place of destination.
2 o’clock p.m. We are just now starting. We stop. When will we get under weigh? 4 o’clock, orders have just come to put on the steam—we move—we are off now, and as we move down the Chesapeake, we lose sight of the city where we have spent nearly six months of our lives. As I look back upon the fast receding city, I cannot help but look forward (vain endeavor)—I cannot see. Then I will try to be prepared for what is in my future, let it be good or let it be evil.
5 o’clock. The sun is setting in all its splendor, but as it goes down, we are reminded that it was made to give warmth to the earth as well as to give light, for the air is very keen and frosty. A cold night we must have and we are on deck.
Having filed up my sheet & finding that my name was lacking, I thought another sheet would go for the same price and concluded to scratch a few more lines. Well from all I can learn as regards our going from here, I should judge that we shall be in Boston on the 4th [of July]. I would like to come home and see you once more before going but shall not have an opportunity & I do not know whether I shall have an opportunity to get my picture taken or not. We are kept pretty close here for volunteers. Fact, we are about the same as prisoners. Yet there is none too much discipline as there is some pretty hard boys here. You know the laws are made for the hard ones & we have to suffer in a measure for their misconduct.
I have asked the West Boyleston Boys whether there was anything the Ladies could do for us and we conclude we had about as much as we should like to carry or about as much as we can carry in our knapsacks. I had the misfortune to lose my gold pen last night & the pen that Lizzie sent me comes very handy although it does not write like the gold one.
It is a very stormy day today—a regular Northeaster. We feel it more here being so near the coast. Well, I must close for this time. Will write again soon. My love to all those that enquirer & thank the kind friends that have remembered me. Aunt Johan sent me a cake by George. It was a nice one. This from your son, — J. E. Anderson
Letter 34
Camp of 2nd Regt. Mass. Volunteers Near Fairfax, Virginia December 25th 1862
Dear Parents,
I am at last with the regiment and am ready to share the hardships of a winter’s campaign with my brave comrades. I am in the mess with William Blunt and two others of my old messmates. The company is quite full. I see many new faces and look inn vain for the old ones. William wished me to say here that he is well and that he received a box from home and he would have wrote if he had had the stamp but you may tell Mrs. Blunt that I shall make him write oftener to her.
I will send you a memorandum of my journey from Annapolis to the regiment. We were sent hundreds of miles out of our way (by mistake). I write you just before leaving Annapolis and I presume there is an answer from you on the road for me. I cannot write you more now but will write you again soon. Give my love to Lizzie and as I owe her a letter, let her read this memorandum some day when she is over to our house and I will write her a long letter when I have an opportunity.
I have to write with a pencil and a poor one at that, but I guess you can make this out and you will not care if it does not look well, will you Mother? I would send my respects to all my friends, and you have a good share of my heart’s best affections, my dear parents. Write me soon and direct as you used to (to Washington D. C.) before I was taken prisoner. This from your son, — J. E. Anderson
Letter 35
Camp of the 2nd Regiment Mass. Near Fairfax, [Virginia] January 9th, 1863
Dear Parents,
I have got a little time and so I will write you a few lines just to let you know that I am well. Our regiment has got a little city of log houses built and we hope to stay here long enough to enjoy them. Fact, we rather suppose we shall stay here all winter. I am now writing on a table we built. Have just got as snug a little house as we could build. The house is 12feet long, 7 feet wide. Have got a good fire place built of brick, the cracks between the logs are plastered with clay, and we are just as warm and comfortable as we should be in a palace. There is only four of us to each house. My companions are strangers to you except William Blunt.
I have received your two last letters, and now I will give you a name for the bird. After thinking of every name that would be appropriate for a bird and at last I have pitched upon Lillie as suiting a female bird as well as any name I could think of. If you have a better [one], just use it instead of this.
I think of no more to write now so will close. William is well. I will write again soon. With much love, I am your son, — J. E. Anderson
P. S. I send a letter to Johnnie enclosed in this. Give it to him when he comes over to see you, and write me what he says and how he receives it. — Emerson
Letter 36
Camp of 2d Regt. Mass. Vols. Near Stafford’s Court House, Virginia January 25th 1863
Dear Parents,
You will see by the heading of this that we have been on the march again. Well we had one of the hardest marches I ever had anything to do with—32 miles in five days and only rations for three days. A rain storm came on soon after we left the Station and made the roads so bad we could not get here any sooner. I would write you more about it but cannot because it is parade time and I have got no candle to use this eve and I want to send this tonight. I have wrote Mary and send in this mail.
Our regiment is paid off today and I shall get nothing for I received my pay at Camp Parole. Father I hold the same rank in the company as when I was at home. You wrote me that you had ten dollars and would send it if I wanted it. you may send it now. I think you can send it by mail safe. Send it soon. I wrote you one week [ago] today. I will write you again soon.
This from your son. In haste, — J. E. Anderson
Letter 37
Camp of 2nd Mass. Regt. Near Stafford Court House, Va. February 6th, 1863
Dear Parents,
Yours of January Jan. 30th I received last evening—all correct. The change is just such as we have here. Silver and gold is hoarded up by speculators. I have not received yours which you speak of writing Tuesday evem nor Lizzie’s. The roads are so bad that our mail is delayed. It rains like everything now. We have had no fair weather to speak of since we left Fairfax. Snow, rain and mud is the order of the day now. We feel almost discouraged sometimes, but such weather will not last always.
I wish I could write you some good news about the war and the final success of our cause, but everything we learn here looks gloomy enough so I think I had better not write anything about the war but wait for better news.
I wish you would send me two bottles of cough syrup if Uncle Bigelow has got it. I have got a slight cold and that medicine is just the thing I want. I think you could send it by mail. You could pack the bottles in a paper box. I do not care so much about the cost. You may use the 5 dollars you have to send it. I would not pay the full amount of postage but stick on 4 or 5 stamps and if there is anything more to pay, I will pay it when I get it.
I have written this in a hurry for my hands are cold and I sit on the ground under one of these little shelter tents where I cannot straighten up so my position is not very comfortable. I thank you Mother for your long letter. Hope you will excuse this broken mess and I will try and write you a better letter soon. This from your son, — J. E. Anderson
Letter 38
Camp of the 2nd Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers [Near Stafford Court House] [February 1863?]
Dear Parents,
I have just received the box and a letter containing two dollars. The handkerchiefs and figs were quite an addition to the present. I think the figs are excellent. The cap cover I shall put on the first rainy day. My cold is better. Cough has almost left me but the syrup is just as good and I am glad I have got it. I wrote you a few days ago and requested you to send me a bottle of tincture rhubarb. If you have not sent it ere you receive this, you need not send it as I shall get along without it. The piece Father sent I had already seen.
Gen. McClellan is the lion of the day among a certain class, however I do not see why we cannot find someone in the army that is just as smart.
I received a letter from Abbie Hall a few days ago. Uncle Sidney feels the loss of Gro. to be great. The family are all well. I must draw to a close for we have to drill twice a day and it is almost time to fall in. Our regiment has received the mark of honor in Gen. Slocum’s Corps—it being the best in his corps. He has appointed it to be Provost Guard as long as we retain that position. We shall have to black our shoes and look neat. My officers thought me worthy of promotion and so I am appointed sergeant. My warrant dates from the 1st of January.
We are having a day or two of pleasant weather now. I must close. From your son, — Emerson
Letter 39
Camp of 2nd Mass. U. S. A. Near Stafford Court House, Va. March 26th 1863
Dear Parents,
I thought I would send you a few lines this morn as it is some time since I wrote you, though I have no news to write. My health is good. It is quite warm this morning. We shall soon be on the move now. I hope these few lines will find you in good health. We drill at 10 o’clock and it is now 9 so I must get ready love to all enquiring friends. This from your son, — J. E. Anderson
Letter 40
On the Rappahannock South Side May 5th 1863
Dear Parents,
We have been in action. We had some hot work Sunday last. I have not time to write you particulars/ Sufficient to say that we have been successful so far and God helping us, we will conquer. William Blunt is safe. I can write no more now (in haste). From, — Emerson
P. S. William Prescott and James Prescott, Hide, and all the other West Boyleston Boys are safe. — Emerson
Letter 41
Camp near Kelly’s Ford, Virginia August 8th 1863
Dear Parents,
The paymaster has just paid us 4 months pay in good greenbacks. I send you in this package four ten-dollar notes—$40. You may use some of it or all if you like. I cannot write you any news in this as I have no time to write today. Will write you a long letter soon. When you write me again, please send me a dozen stamps. I received Mother’s last letter. I wrote to Mr. Blunt yesterday.
I hope this package may get to you in safety and find Mother perfectly recovered. From Sergt. J. E. Anderson
Letter 42
New York [City] August 23rd 1863
Dear Parents,
Here I am in New York [City], only a little distance from you and yet I have to use the pen. Well, I hope it will not be long before I have the privilege of coming home for good. Still, do not know what may happen.
You may want to know what we are here for. Some say to enforce the draft (if necessary) but I do not pretend to know. I suppose we shall stay here a spell. We are quartered in the Park Barracks at the City Hall. I cannot write more now. I wish you to send me ten dollars of the money I sent you last for I can spend it to good advantage here.
I sent a letter to Mr. Blunt. Also a package from Alexandria. I wish to know whether he received it or not. Write soon and direct to J. E. Anderson, 2nd Regt. Mass. Infantry, New York City, Care of Col. Cogswell
I must close now. Yours in haste. — Emerson
I gave you wrong directions and will now give it right.
J. E. Anderson 2nd Regt. Mass. Infantry City Hall, Park Barracks New York City
Why I am in so much haste is that I have got to go on duty. Love to you all from Emerson
Letter 43
City Hall Park Barracks August 26th 1863
Dear Parents,
I have just received your last letter with ten dollar note. I did not expect to receive it so quick. I have not received the letters you spoke of. They were probably carried on to the front and will have to be brought back before we shall get them, or be kept until we go back. I will try and get my picture taken as you desire. Still I do not think it will be possible as we are closely guarded and are not allowed to go out without a pass, and then only for a short time to carry any musket out is out of the question. Tell Mr. Blunt that I know nothing about William’s knapsack & coat except it was taken off his back where he fell. 1
If you would have me receive another letter from you while here, write soon for I do not think we shall stay here long. The draft is going on quietly here. I can write no more now. This from Emerson
1 Sgt. William Harrison Blunt (1841-1863) served in Co. D, 2nd Massachusetts Infantry with Emerson. They were tent and mess mates, both from West Boyleston and both boot makers. One source claims that William was shot in the right side of his neck in the 3rd day’s fight at Gettysburg and died of his wounds. Another source (Medical & Surgical History of the War of the Rebellion) claims that he received a gunshot flesh wound in the left groin and sent to the 12th Corps Hospital where gangrene supervened. On 18 July, he hemorrhaged badly from the epigastric artery which could not be tied and he died.
Letter 44
Park Barracks, New York August 28th 1863
Dear Parents,
Mr. Prescott & wife are here. Came yesterday and are intending to return tonight and I thought it would be a good opportunity to send you a letter. I wish you were well so that you could come and see me, but I suppose Father’s health would not permit it. Many of the boys’ folks are here to see them and more are coming every day. I understand that Gov. Andrew has asked the permission of the authorities at Washington to grant a furlough to whole regiments. If it is granted, we shall go to Boston and from there to our homes.
The draft was completed in this city last night. It only remains now to pick up the conscripts which take fifteen or twenty days. There is so much noise and confusion here that I cannot think of all I want to write (the noise is so different from what I generally hear) so my letters are short. However, if I get home, I can tell you all. I have not received those letters so I think we shall not get any mail from the front. It will be kept for us. I will close now hoping that these few lines may find you in a good degree of. I now sign myself yours, — Emerson
Letter 45
Kelly’s Ford, Virginia September 15, 1863
Dear Parents,
I wrote you at Alexandria the day before we left. We had to march from Alexandria, a distance of 60 or 70 miles, When we arrived here, we got all our back mail. I received6 letters and yesterday received two more. Am intending to answer some of them if not all of them today, One of them was from George. Another from Abbie. Three from you, and the others from those you are not acquainted with.
You wished to know in one of yours if Houghton gave me things you sent. He did not. He was so long in getting to the regiment that the apples spoiled and he lost the “kerchief” with his knapsack. Yours of the 7th inst. I received. You may keep out the 5 dollars or more just as you see fit. I have perfect confidence in your ability to appropriate my savings with advantage to me, only do not go needy yourself but use any or all I send if you need. I do not think I shall need more at present. We should have got two months pay if we had got back sooner but I guess the paymaster is gone. I think we shall march soon.
You may direct your letters in the old way. The western friends are well. I must close now for it is drill time. This from your son, — Emerson
Letter 46
Elk River Run, Tennessee October 18th 1863
Dear Parents,
I thought I would not wait longer for a letter from you but would answer one that I received some time ago dated September 28th. I don’t expect to get mail regular here as on the Potomac but I suppose you can hear from me regular if I cannot from you so I will continue to write. I sent you a letter from Alexandria stating that we expected to come out here. We had a long and tedious ride in the cars. It took us just one week to make the trip. The battle was over before we got here. Our Corps is guarding the railroad that carries supplies to Rosecrans’ army and our regiment is stationed at this place to guard a bridge over Elk River.
We are making preparations to go into winter quarters. It has rained continuously for a week. We have a rainy season here and then winter sets in. I do not get any war news now so it is hard work for me to write a letter.
I wrote Warren the other day and Abbie. If I was near home enough, I would have you send me a box. Adams Express reaches here. There is an office at the station and if I knew the Rebs would not tear up the track again, I would have you send a box right off. However, I guess I will wait a spell. I think of no more to write now so will close. Give my love to all enquiring friends and reserve a large share for yourselves and when you write, direct to:
Sergt, J. E. Anderson, Company D, 2nd Regt. Mass. Infantry, 1st Division, 3rd Brigade, 12th Army Corps. via Nashville, Tenn.
This from Emerson
Letter 47
Christiana, Tennessee November 4, 1863
Dear Parents,
No. 1 I have by me received it two days ago. I also received one some time ago when on the march (by the way it is a good plan to number our letters if we keep the numbers ourselves so that we shall make no mistake). I have adopted this plan and this is my first number.
We are guarding the railroad and not at the front as you supposed. We have built winter quarters here and have been in them a few days but there is a regiment just come to the Depot to relieve us and so we must leave again (and where next is the question). The fact is we have had no peace nor rest since we came here but continually on the move with no purpose whatever. We do not belong to this army and so are shoved around from place to place. It rains two thirds of the time here and the citizens say it will continue till next June.
My health is good now. Have been feeling worn out. We have been over the Cumberland Mountains twice since we have been here and we are going in that direction again. It seems too bad to leave our little houses but we are soldiers and must obey. This letter may seem to you a blue one but there is cause for my feeling as I do. Our mail does not come regular nor can we get news readily.
I will not write more now as we are ordered to pack up for a march so goodbye. I should have sent you for a box if we had have stayed here but cannot now. If I did, there is a prospect that I would not receive it. This from yours &c. — Emerson
Letter 48
Elk River Bridge, Tennessee December 17, 1863
My Dear Parents,
Nos. 3 & 4 came to hand in due time. Have also received the paper Father sent. We have no difficulty in getting our mail now. We still continue to guard the bridge and our knowledge of what is going on to the front is limited though I believe there is nothing going on. The prospect is that the army has gone into winter quarters, or is about to do so. There is much said about Veteran Volunteers and many of the old men of other regiments reenlisted. We have got an enlisting officer for our regiment but I think it is doubtful whether our regiment will reenlist or not. Certainly our boys will not enlist to serve under our present officers.
I got a letter from Abbie a few days ago. The folks were well. I think you asked me something about Windsor Newton in one of your letters and I have forgotten whether I wrote you anything concerning him in reply or not. But if not, I will now say that I have never heard anything about him. But my impression woul be that if his name did not appear among the list of killed or wounded, he would be found among the prisoners at Richmond. But perhaps his folks have heard ere this his whereabouts.
We had one of the hardest thunder showers last night and the wind blew cold from the southwest this morning. We do not get any snow here but a great deal amount of rain. The citizens tell us this kind of weather lasts till spring. The top of the ground will freeze in the night and thaw next day.
I am glad you are having an awakening of the Spirit. Hope many souls may taste of the bread of life. I must close now. will try and write better next time. Father will send a Journal once in a while and you may send 2 or 3 stamps every time you write which favors I will try and remember. You need not send paper and envelope as I have a sufficient quantity. This from yours, &c. — J. E. Anderson
Letter 49
Cassville, Georgia May 22, 1864
Dear Parents
Having an opportunity to send you a line by William Prescott, I thought I would improve the opportunity. I will not attempt to write all about our last campaign for William will tell you all about it. Suffice it that tomorrow we go on another tramp in fighting order with rations for twenty days. Do not think I shall have an opportunity to send any letters and so shall not write at present. I hope though my former correspondents will not wait for me to write but send a letter now and then for we have a mail once in a while and it is very pleasant to receive a letter when the mail is so irregular, and when we are so far from home and so hard at work. So just tell my friends to drop me a line occasionally whether they receive any letters from me or not.
Direct to 2nd Brigade, 20th Army Corps instead of 12th as heretofore. I will not write any more now for we have an inspection in a few moments and I do not know how soon the boys will start and I wish to send a word to Grandmother by one of our boys who goes to Russell so I must close. Goodbye for the present. In haste. From Emerson
Letter 50
In the field—Georgia June 15, 1864
Dear Parents,
I know not as you will ever see this sheet or not for I should judge that our mail agents do not care much whether mail matter goes regular or not. About all that is thought of now by any of our officials is, “Who will be the next President?” I have not received any news from home or any letter from you since the 27th day of April—nearly two months—No. 4 so my memorandum says.
Well, I trust you are well as I am at present. And as far as fighting goes, we are getting along first rate. We still advance and some parts of our line are pretty close to Atlanta skirmishing, cannonading, and changing positions, is the order of the day. We cannot get much news from Grant but suppose we are being generally successful everywhere. “I do believe the decisive struggle is at hand, and that we shall not have to wait long before the glad tidings of peace shall sound through the length and breadth of our land.” Pray for our success for the mighty hand of God is our trust, our strength, our everything. We have the right.
I can write no more at present and perhaps this is more than you will ever read. From Emerson
1st Division, 2nd Brigade, 20th Army Corps, commanded by Gen. Hooker
Letter 51
In the Field near Marietta, Georgia June 27th 1864
Dear Parents,
I received that bundle and the letter in due time and you may rest assured that I was very glad to hear from you. Our facilities for getting information from the North is very slim but we have a mail now and then. How eager the boys look for a letter and if disappointed, how cooly they take it.
It has been very hot here for a number of days. The thermometer 190 [109] in the shade—pretty warm for military operations but still we have to keep to work. There is, and has been for a number of days, skirmishing and fighting at different parts of the line. Our Division has been in a number of times. Our regiment has not suffered much. We are expecting to have a general engagement every day but the Rebs are in too strong positions to drive them out by assault and they get the worst of it when they attack us on fair ground.
But I have not time to write you more of our operations now. I would like to know what regiment George Kingsman belongs to. Perhaps I should see the regiment some time and might see him. Your sentiment, Mother, about the sacrifice being great enough wsa proper enough and is in accordance with our feelings, but it seems the end is not yet. I have faith to believe we shall soon see it through. It will be an awful struggle though, but liberty shall triumph.
You may send me another picture or send them as you spoke of in yours. This from your son, — Emerson
Letter 52
Near Atlanta, Georgia August 22, 1864
Dear Parents
I am in receipt of your two last letters and now will try and answer one of them. I am glad you do not wait for me to write and think your expressing so much confidence in our willingness to write every opportunity I can get goes to show that I am not forgotten, and also to show that you believe me to have that love for parents which it is a child’s duty, as well as privilege, to manifest in some way or other. And now I am far away from you and can only think of you, and write occasionally. Yes, one thing more better than all else, it is the silent prayer of the heart, that God may add blessings in abundance upon the “Old folks at home” and that death, when it comes, may have no pangs. But that life may pass like the smooth flowing river out into the broad ocean of eternal joys. Sometimes too I would feel that I would like to sit by Mother and Father in that quiet little room away from the noise and confusion here. “Well, the time may not be very distant when I shall have the privilege if living.”
We have not captured Atlanta yet as you will see by the heading of this and our Corps is just in the same position as when last I wrote. The only change is that we have lost our Gen. Hooker, he having resigned on the account of differences between Gen. Sherman and himself. Our Corps is commanded now by our Division Gen. Williams. I suppose I cannot enlighten you much as regards the situations of the various armies. You have a more extensive knowledge of what is going on than I. But as far as my knowledge goes, I am daily convinced that we are slowly but surely tightening our chain of armies around the enemy, making it harder every day for him to hurl us back, each charge being but another slaughter to add to the list of the casualties already noticed. They cannot drive us back and this is their only hope. Let us wait patiently for the election and I assure you it will bring peace sooner than to take Atlanta and Petersburg both by an assault.
I will not try to write a long letter this time as it is nearly night and the mail goes out soon. In the same mail with this, I send a long letter to Grandparents in Russell. I did not ask Grandmother to write me for it is so hard work for her to write and I can hear from you how she gets along.
We have not been paid off yet though the papers keep talking about it. How does the people talk as regards the paper currency (or greebacks). I suppose there is some parts of the country where they will not pass readily at par—that is, where specie is mostly used.
You may send me a half dozen stamps in your next if you have them to spare. Kindly remember me to all enquiring friends and believe me to be ever rejoiced to know that you are well off in worldly things as well as in spiritual. I think you will like this way of my writing as it will be easier for you to read. When you write, say if it is not so. This from Emerson
P. S. I do not care about anymore of my photographs. — Emerson
Letter 53
Atlanta, Georgia September 15, 1864
Dear Parents,
Yours of the 3rd came to hand in due time. As I am not on duty today, I thought I would just drop you a line so you would know that I am well.
The railroad in our rear has been cut and consequently there was no mail from north of Chattanooga for a week or more so your two last letters came about the same time. Before I was aware of the road being cut, I wrote George & Lizzie. As I have had no answer, I expect those letters were delayed and perhaps lost.
I have read Sherman’s letter and with you, Father, I think he has the right of the subject. We want good men—men that care something how this war is settled. Now this regiment is filled up with a rough class of men. I think I have never written you about our recruits. The reason I have not mentioned it before is that I supposed you would notice in the papers the advertisements of our recruiting officers. Well, we have had enlisted for us the last summer from 5 to 7 hundred and there is not 50—no, I do not think there was 25 of them Massachusetts men. Most of them are New York City bounty jumpers, procured by brokers for the quota’s of the different wards of Boston. A large majority of these men know as much about the Army of the Potomac as I do. They are men who have deserted from that army and come here to get the large bounty knowing that they will not be detected so far away. Many of them are veterans who went home last winter and did not return. What are such men good for? I say we have had enlisted for us from 5 to 7 hundred of such and how man men do you suppose we have got? The way they come to the regiment was in squads as fast as recruited. They were sent to Gallops Island in Boston Harbor and when they got a hundred or more, they would be started for the regiment. The first squad numbered over a hundred and when they arrived to the regiment, there was only 30 of them. The rest had jumped from the cars and boat, gone to get another bounty. The next squad started from Boston 170 or more and only about 70 got to the regiment. The next squad was over one hundred started and only two got through, and so they have been coming in about the same ratio until we have got the last squad and about one half of that got here have deserted since coming so our regiment has been not much benefitted by the recruiting. O! what a shame. The braves who in 1861 and ’62 volunteered to fight for the benefit of all (many of them have fallen) and how have they been supported? Shall I tell you that the true soldier hates Massachusetts for her duplicity and endeavors in trying by trick to fill up her quota with vile trash that are no help to us but rather a moth to eat out the life of the government—viz: the treasury and its patience. Were all the states alike in this thing, we could say nothing, but it is not so, and I hope Sherman’s letter will come home to the Massachusetts government with effect for they most need the lesson.
Well, I have written quite a long letter and now I must come to a close. We are a going to remain here some time or expect to. I have to go on duty pretty often. The chaplains have opened a church close by and have preaching every evening. When I am not on duty, I go in adn I think if nothing interrupts, there will be an awakening and there will be souls coming to Jesus. Pray for us. I must close now. You need not get any more photographs. If Jane L____d thinks so much of my face, I am glad you let her have one, and if she leaves hers, you may preserve it and thank her from me. If she has not returned home, you may tell her that I remember her with much pleasure and thank her for her kind regards.
There is going to be furlough granted to one man in our company for a term of 20 days from Nashville. This is Gen. Sherman’s orders. Presume you have seen or will see the order. Ten men from a regiment at a time. I do not think it will pay so I guess I will not try to go. I did not think of writing more than a page so I took this torn sheet. I hope you are in good health and will be so when this reaches you. Please give my love to all enquiring friends and save a large [share] of my love for your own dear selves. And believe me thy unworthy son, — Emerson
Letter 54
Atlanta, Georgia November 9th 1864
My dear Parents,
We are about to take another tramp and so I thought you would like to hear from me. I have received your last letters but do not know whether I shall hear from you again at present or not but do not stop writing. I send you a little box that I made to send my watch home in. You will find a fig and leaf as I picked today in a garden. Also you will find some roses which I picked in the front yard of a fine mansion house. The flowers are in bloom and look very fine just now. I cannot write much. I am in a hurry, though I am well in all respects. Bless the Lord. And I hope you are enjoying like blessing.
Yours in haste. From your son, — J. E. Anderson
Letter 55
Gibbons Island December 18, 1864
Dear Parents,
I have about an hour to devote in writing before the mail goes out. It is the first opportunity we have had to send mail for a number of weeks. We have had a long and tedious march—very little skirmishing—adn have at last arrived at Savannah, Georgia, and we have our communication opened with the North. I have not time to give you any details of our campaign this far and I presume you will get it all in the [Boston] Journal before this reaches you, so I will hasten over the subject and just say that we are at present on an island about 6 miles above the city guarding and running a rice mill. I have called the isle Gibbons for such was the man’s name that owned it. 1 It is about three miles long and one and a half wide and is all laid out in rice fields. The rice crop was gathered but not threshed out so our forces are working at it with the help of th Negroes. Our living is principally rice. Our army is running a number of mills—enough to supply our army with swamp-seed for a long time.
Yesterday—or last night—we received our first mail. I got three letters from you mailed November 1st, 8th and 16th. I was very glad to hear from you and hope you will get my letters. I wrote a letter just before starting from Atlanta, enclosing a 20 dollar note. In the same mail I sent you a little box full of flowers but I am afraid you did not receive them as the Rebels are on the Nashville & Chattanooga Road.
I have not time to write more now. I have plenty of stamps now. Savannah is not ours yet but we must take it. No more now. Love to all enquiring friends. Ever breathing a prayer for our mutual blessing, I remain your son, — Emerson
1 Whitehall Plantation was located 6 miles north of Savannah on Argyle Island. At the time of the Civil War, it was owned by William Heyward Gibbons.
Letter 56
Savannah, Georgia December 25, 1864
Dear Parents,
You will see by the dates of the enclosed lines that I have kept my letter. I done so because we moved directly after I had wrote. Our Brigade moved across the river onto the South Carolina side causing the Rebels to send a force in our front from here and we had a little skirmish with them after which we entrenched ourselves and remained two days. Whether our move had anything to do about causing the Rebels to evacuate Savannah or not, I am not able to say but think it had for they hurried over the river and the remainder of our Corps walked into the city on the morning of the 20th finding the stores and markets open for business as though nothing happened. It was a surprise for those who were left in the city knew nothing about the Rebs leaving till they saw the Yanks coming into town.
We are encamped about a mile and a half from the city but do not expect to remain long before starting on another campaign. I wish you to send me 5 sheets of sand paper. I think I left some at home. And if you can get some emory cloth, send me 5 sheets—not very coarse. Also send me a set of kit-files and about two three–cornered files, small sized, and oblige. Yours, — Emerson
Letter 57
Sister’s Ferry, Savannah River, Georgia January 24, 1865
Dear Parents,
Yours of the 6th inst. I received today. Glad to hear from you. Have a few moments to spare and a boat is going to Savannah at one o’clock and will take on our mail. I am well as usual and ready for another campaign which it is probable we shall get for we are now on the road. We are weather bound but the sun is out and the roads will soon dry. I will send you another little keepsake to put with your others. It is a sprig of live oak. It derives its name from being an evergreen oak. You will observe how rich and green the leaves are. It grows abundantly in these extreme southern states and is cut for ship timber.
I send you another 20 [dollar] note in this. If my watch stops again, just ask Mr. Hunt if there is not too much main spring in it. You may send me two or three stamps in your next. Yours in haste. Ever the same, — J. E. Anderson
Letter 58
Near Fayetteville, North Carolina March 12, 1865
Dear Parents,
I have now an opportunity for the first time in a number of weeks of sending a letter though it is a venture for we have no communication yet. Our campaign is not ended yet though we hope it will be in a few days. This note will inform you that I am well though rather tired with long marches. The last [letter] I received from you was read with pleasure, I assure you. I don’t remember the date but was informed that my watch was read to send and those other little things. You may send them as soon as you receive this. Direct as usual with exception of place—that is, Co., Regt, and Corps. Be sure to write in in a plain hand and I shall be sure to get yours no matter where I am. Yours in haste, with much love. I remain yours, — Emerson
Letter 59
Goldsboro, North Carolina March 30th 1865
My Dear Parents,
We arrived here the 24th inst., tired and worn out with our hard marching but very glad to get to someplace where we could hear from the absent ones. Our last campaign was the toughest one yet—over five hundred miles of swamps, extensive pineries, sand and muddy roads. [They] came all alike to us—there was nothing to stop us—we must go ahead. The last thirty or forty miles had to be corduroyed with fence rails and trees in order to get our wagon train along. We had some fighting but succeeded in driving everything before us. Our company lost none. Some companies in our regiment lost quite a number, The account of our campaign is published in the New York Herald. I presume you have seen it and so I will not attempt to tell you all we passed through.
My health is very good and in a few days I shall be ready to start again if there is anything to do. I have received three letters from you since I arrived here dated January 1st, 31st, and February 25th, but I have seen nothing of the package. I expect it went down on the mail boat which was sunk some time in January. Well, I am not very particular about the things but should be if I was in camp or a going to remain a great while.
Sgt. William D. Toombs of Co. D, 2nd Mass. Vols. was promoted to 1st Lt. of Co. G in January 1865
William Toombs is a 1st Lieutenant. He was promoted the other day. I cannot say exactly ow it happened, but he is a good soldier, quick to duty and brave in battle and I duppose some officer thought they saw qualities in him for making a good officer and I certainly think he will. I was very glad of his promotion. As regards rank in our regiment, there is none except as an officer so it is nothing uncommon for what is termed jumping. I have been jumped and reduced and promoted without cause a number of times but as there was no harm done me, I care not for it. I am satisfied to do my duty in any position I may be placed in as well as I can and when my brother soldier goes up, I rejoice (if he is worthy). I consider jealousy as one of the worst of evils which exists in the army to a great extent in high places as well as low.
Another mail this eve brought me yours of the 18th ult. Sorry to learn that Mother is afflicted with those pains in the stomach. Was in hopes you would never be troubled more. And father is poorly too? I hope you will be in better health the next time I hear from you. How would you like to live in the house you now occupy and call it your own if it is sold at auction and goes cheap? You may make a bid if you like.
I would like to send you some more little flowers but everything is dead here—we are so far north. I send enclosed another note of 20 dollars and I wish you would write me how many you have received in all. I think this is the 4th one I have sent by mail making 80 dollars. I have forgotten how many you have received and your letters I have to destroy after devouring the contents as I cannot carry them all. I have four of your last ones by me now. Shall keep them all by me until we march. There is a rumor that now our Corps is going to Tennessee soon. I do not know as there is any truth in the report. Keep the notes or use them as you see fit. I think you must have heard from me ere this as I have written you some three times since we started on this campaign. I will write you again soon. Direct yours as you have done and they will come to me no matter where the regiment is. This from your son with best wishes for your happiness. — Emerson
P. S. I like the President’s message. The scripture he quoted was very appropriate. 1 One stamp at a time is sufficient at present.
1 Lincoln’s 2nd Inaugural Address, delivered on 4 March 1865, was laced with scriptural references. “The first three paragraphs of Lincoln’s Address can be viewed as its indicative, as Lincoln discusses some events leading up to the Civil War, the reality of slavery, and the stain of the war. God’s judgment can be viewed as the war or the tragic extent of the war that atoned for the sins of slavery. The final paragraph of the speech consists of Lincoln’s imperative, as he implores the nation to action, to “strive,” “to bind up,” “to care” “to do all” to receive God’s grace.” For specific quotations, see “Sermon from the Capitol Hill” Abraham Lincoln’s Usage of the Bible in His Second Inaugural,” by Ben Atwood.
Letter 60
Goldsboro, North Carolina April 5th 1865
Dear Parents,
There is quite a jubilee in camp today owing to a report that Richmond is captured with many prisoners. I hope it is true and I trust it is. We expect to move from here soon. We have got new clothes and feel better for our rest. We shall move confident of success in our good cause. I hope the time is not far distant when we shall have conquered our enemies.
I have nothing to write about as I wrote you last Friday all news that came under my observation. I hope these few lines will find you all well. My last contained a bank note of 20 dollars. Did you receive it?
Yours in haste, — Emerson
Letter 61
Raleigh, North Carolina April 19, 1865
My Dear Parents,
How I long ot hear from you, to hear from those 4 or 5 letters which I have written. I do not understand why it is that I do not get my letters for I am sure you write me. You direct yours plain enough but I am afraid they go to the 2nd Mass. Heavy Artillery as many of their letters come here. I am inclined to believe that is where my package went.
I wrote you to send my watch. I hope you did not get that letter for if you did, I would not give a farthing for the watch. If you have not sent it, keep it till you hear from me or see me. The next time I wrote, I enclosed a 20 dollar note. I hope you did get that. I suppose you get my letters but I do not get yours. The railroad is in running order now and so we shall expect to get our mail regularly once a day. I expect to hear from you soon. Please write me and you shall have an answer soon.
From Emerson
Letter 62
Raleigh, North Carolina April 22, 1865
Dear Parents,
I have received yours of the 31st March and 11th of April. I am glad to hear from you. I should like to write you a good long letter had I time but never mind. Perhaps I shall have the chance to tell you soon all or more than I could write in a number of letters. Our general has effected the surrender of all the Rebel forces this side of the Rio Grande and we expect to start soon for the North. Do not anticipate my coming home before the middle of August. It will take a long time to muster out so many troops. Besides, we have got a long and tedious march before us before we get to where it is expedient to commence mustering out.
I hope you will continue to write and I will do the same. With best wishes for your good health, I would say goodbye from Emerson
Letter 63
Worcester, [Massachusetts] June 1, 1865
Dear Mother,
I arrived in the city this afternoon. I am without money and cannot appear at home in such a plight as I am in. If you will send me 40 dollars by the morning Express tomorrow, I will try and be with you tomorrow night. I write on the train in haste. — Emerson
Letter 64
Washington D. C. July 1, 1865
My dear Mother,
Yours of the 23rd of June with its contents I received in due time and I assure you it was with much pleasure that I read its contents for you must know I felt somewhat anxious to know whether you had succeeded in getting a tenement. Was afraid you would be troubled to find any convenient place. But your letter relieves me from all anxiety in the matter and no doubt you are more at rest now.
My health is good now but suffer some from the heat. It is very war, here now. The 1st Sergeant of our company is home on a furlough and I have to act in his place until his return. The duties are light compared with what they are in the field. Our regiment would in all probability have gone home ere this had not there been a disposition on the part of certain officers of our regiment to induce the proper authorities to keep us because of selfishness on their part. But I trust the authorities have found them out and will give us our rights. Yes, Mother, we hope to come home soon. May we not be disappointed.
I hope you will write me often so I can keep posted as to your health. No matter how short your letter is, it will be acceptable. Love to you and all enquiring friends. Yours, &c. — Emerson
Spared & Shared 23 