20th New York State Militia, Battle of Bull Run

1861: Girard Lindsley McEntee to Mary Swan (McEntee) Vaux

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14 year-old Girard Lindsley McEntee of Co. F, 20th New York State Militia, 1861 (watercolor based on photo on Find-A-Grave)

This incredible letter was written by Girard Lindsley McEntee (1847-1913) who enlisted at the age of 14 to serve as a drummer in Co. F, 20th New York State Militia (a.k.a. “Ulster Guard.” He was the son of James Smith McEntee (1800-1887) and Sarah Jane Goetchius (1805-1883) of Rondout, Ulster county, New York. He served from April through August in 1861. Serving with him in the same regiment were two older brothers, lieutenants, Jervis McEntee (1828-1891) and Maurice Wurts McEntee (1836-1883). In 2024, one of Jervis’ letters came to me for transcription which can be found here—1861: Jervis McEntee to Anna Gertrude (Sawyer) McEntee.

Girard wrote this letter to his older sister, Mary Swan (McEntee) Vaux (1830-1892), the wife of Calvert Vaux—a prominent landscape architect who collaborated with Frederick Law Olmstead in the design of Central Park in New York City and well as other important similar projects in Buffalo and Chicago.

Girard’s letter was datelined from Camp Banks near Patterson’s Park on the east side of Baltimore, Maryland, where they had been since the 29th of June, 1861. It contains his reaction to the Battle of Bull Run.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

Directed to Mrs. Calvert Vaux, Mount St. Vincent, Central Park, New York, State of N. Y., envelope was free franked by MC (Member of Congress), John Benedict Steele who entered Congress in March 1861 representing New York’s 11th District.

Camp Banks, Baltimore

July 25th [1861]

Dear Sister Mary,

I received your kind letter last week but as we were expecting to return home the first of this week but were disappointed on account of this terrible battle that our side so noble fought and afterward had the pleasure of losing the day. Well it is all for the best as the old folks say, I suppose.

The city [of Baltimore] was very quiet on the day of the arrival of this sad news, I can assure you. I was in the camp and one thing more I have to say, I really think there was no such feeling in this city as there is not a great many very union people in this city. There is one, I am sure, and that is the Mr. B of this district. He, I can safely say, is one of the best Union men in the state. I had an invitation to supper at his house the other evening but could not go as I had no clean clothes. I think I shall take tea there next Sunday as I have had another invitation. This one I shall no doubt accept of. He has two sons that visits us very frequently and very nice behaved little fellows they are. One of them—smallest of them—comes up here every afternoon on parade and brings his flag with him (he has a very handsome flag). And he goes with the Colonel [George Watson Pratt] and stands beside him until the parade is over and then he returns with the color guard to headquarters. 1

We have a secession color that Jervis and his bold little company captured last night in the city. It is a very handsome one indeed. It is one of Kane’s Guard flags. It was not finished when we got it. It would been a very handsome thing indeed if it was finished. It is a pity it was not. 2

Pa arrived here this afternoon with the 3 o’clock train. He started from home last night with the [steamer] Manhattan. We were all delighted to see him and he was to see us. They have been expecting us home this week. Have you not? Well, you have had reason to think so. We were never more disappointed in our lives than we were Wednesday. But the most of them hearing of this sad news, set them up to feeling as if they would like to go to the [Manassas] Junction and capture the whole thing themselves. While others wanted to go home—they said their time was out and they wanted to go home and enlist for the war. Well their time is out by right, but the Secretary of War denies it and I suppose we will have to stay until the 8th of August. I wanted to go home as much as any of them but I did not want to go home and get hissed at by all of our 20th Regiment friends. That would not do, you now. It would not do for about half of the regiment to get a bad name just for the other half, would it? No, indeed, it wouldn’t. And so here is one that is agoin’ to stay until he gets an honorable discharge.

Mary, I have a photograph that is not very good but it will tell. It is the one it is meant for, I guess, although you have not asked me for it. I think you would not object having it. It will please the boys, I know, to see my picture. How I should like to see them. And little Downing, tell him we have a little dog up in Jervrey’s tent that he would like, I know. I believe Jerce is agoin’ to take him home with him.

Well, Mary, I must close as the Officer of the Guard has been here and told me to put the light out but I replied that this was the Post Office and he said I must put it out as soon as I could as there is a suspicious looking man around here and he must be found. The camp has been in an excitement all day. There was a man shot today as he was sleeping on the grass. A ball struck his leg and went downward near his ankle and there it lodged. Dr. took it out and immediately then sent two companies out but came back with nothing. 3

Well, I shall bid you goodbye. Receive this from G. L. Mc.

Geo. Wm. Brown, Mayor of Baltimore, Md. in 1861 (LOC)

1 My hunch is that “Mr. B” was none other than George William Brown (1812-1890), the mayor of Baltimore. He was married to Clara Maria Brune (1817-1919) and the two young boys that Girard mentions would have been his sons, Arthur (b. 1843), and Frederick (b. 1847).

2 In the regimental history of the Ulster Guard” by Theodore B. Gates (page 105), it is reported that, “Frequent detachments were sent out in search of concealed arms designed for improper purposes, and large quantities were from time to time seized. A large quantity of arms and munitions of war, were found concealed in the building occupied by Marshal Kane. Captain Lent’s Co. E. went out at midnight, on the 24th of July, a short distance from camp, on the Philadelphia Road, and fished out from under a hay rick a quantity of arms and war munitions. About the same time Lieut. Jervis M’ Entee, H. Co., captured two secession flags, which were about being sent South. In one house where a search was made for arms, was found among other things, a drum belonging to the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment, and which had been captured at the time of the brutal atack upon the regiment in the streets of Baltimore. We took possession of the drum not only, but also of its custodian, and turned him over to the Provost-Marshal to explain the circumstances under which the drum came into his possession. It was prima facie evidence of his connection with the rioters who had attacked the Sixth Massachusetts.”

3 The regimental history (page 108) informs us that, “A few days before our final departure from Patterson Park, Simon S. Roos, of Company C, was wounded in the leg by a Minie ball whilst he was lying upon a bench, within a hundred yards of regimental headquarters, and far inside the line of sentinels. No report of the gun was heard, and no one could tell from whence the shot came. The direction of the wound indicated that the ball must have been fired from the north side of the camp, and three companies were soon scouring the country, but failed to discover the would-be assassin.”

5th Florida Infantry, Johnson's Island Prison, Point Lookout Prison Camp

1864: Robert Watkins Adams to Jane Eliza (Brown) Bestor

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The following letter was written by 1st Lieutenant, Robert Watkins Adams (1839-1886), Co. F, 5th Florida Infantry, who was taken a prisoner on July 3rd 1863 at Gettysburg. He was held at Johnson’s Island Prison until 10 February 1864 when he was transferred to Point Lookout, Maryland. He was sent to City Point for exchange in early March 1864.

Robert’s father, Nathaniel Alexander Adams (1797-1849) was a wealthy planter and slaveholder at Athens in Clarke county, Georgia, but died when Robert was about ten years old. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 1859 and in 1860 was enumerated on the plantation of Francis Broward where he tutored the Broward children as well as other children in the neighborhood. He enlisted there on 14 March 1862 and mustered into the Frink Guards as a private. They became Co. F of the 5th Florida Regiment and he was promoted to 1st Sergeant on 2 May 1862. During the Antietam campaign, he became ill and was sent to a hospital at Frederick, Maryland, where he was left behind and taken prisoner. He was sent to Fort Delaware and exchanged in November 1862.

By the time of the Gettysburg campaign, Robert had been promoted to 1st Lieutenant and was in command of his company at Gettysburg where he was captured again on July 3rd 1863.

He married Sophia Broward in 1862 and had 5 children, Frank Adams, Nathaniel Adams, Robert Watkins Adams, Julia Adams and Minnie Adams. He was elected to the Florida Senate in 1870. By 1880, he was a merchant with his son Frank in a store at White Springs, Hamilton county, Florida.

Robert wrote the letter to Jane Eliza (Brown) Bestor (1820-1885), the wife of John Rollin Bestor, Sr. (1813-1867). This Baltimore couple had twin sons who served in the Maryland Guard that became Co. B, 21st Virginia Infantry. Eliza seems to have corresponded with numerous Confederate soldiers seeking information about her sons. The Bestor brothers’ letters have been transcribed and may be found at 1861-65: The Bestor Brothers of Baltimore.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

Point Lookout, Maryland

February 15, 1864

Mrs. J. Eliza Bestor

My dear Madam,

Perhaps you may be surprised to see a letter addressed by me from this point instead of Johnson’s Island, but together with quite a number of other officers I arrived here at the Point a few days ago. I was very much disappointed in not hearing from you at Johnson’s Island more; but, I, immediately on the reception of your letter of Sept. 6th/63—which I received at the hands of Col. Pierson—wrote you a reply, returning you my kind acknowledgements for your kindness towards me. I have never been fortunate enough to hear from you since, but I trust that as the distance is but short from here to Baltimore, I may have the pleasure of hearing from you frequently.

I am well pleased with our situation here and our treatment so far. We are at present located in the Hospital and have very pleasant quarters. I suppose this is merely temporary and other quarters will be assigned us soon. The climate on the Point is so much pleasanter than the cold temperature of Johnson’s Island that every one is pleased with the change.

I hope, my Dear Madam, that you have had the blessings of good health since I heard from you last and that you have been gladdened by tidings of your sons in that interval. I trust they were well when heard from.

There are some few articles which I would task your kindness to procure and send me if you can conveniently do so, but not otherwise. I need a few articles of underclothing, such as shirts, drawers, & socks, a handkerchief, &c. Now, my dear madam, I would not have you send these articles if not perfectly convenient. I shall be glad to hear from you soon. With my best wishes for your happiness. Your sincere friend, — R. W. Adams

Direct to Lieut. R. W. Adams, Ward II, Point Lookout, Maryland

Johnson's Island Prison

1865: Unidentified Confederate Officer takes Oath

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The following letter was written by a Confederate officer who signed his name Will but gives us no clue as to the regiment he served in prior to being confined at Johnson’s Island Prison. We know that he took the Oath of Allegiance on June 18th 1865 along with a considerable number of others. He informs us that his mother still lived in Lexington, Kentucky, and that she had been separated from her family serving in the Confederacy for four years. His mother had written him recently that someone named Ol or Al, presumably a brother, had joined with Gen. Joseph Shelby who led several hundred Confederate soldiers into Mexico rather than surrender to Union forces.

He wrote the letter to Maggie, a good friend and possibly a cousin of his but her location is not given. We know only that it is not Lexington.

A former seller on eBay claimed this letter was written by “1st Lieut. & Adjutant Will A. Reed of the 1st Missouri Cavalry captured at Vicksburg” but I cannot find any such record and question its accuracy.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

U. S. Military Prison

Johnson’s Island

12 o’clock M. June 18th 1865

Dear Maggie,

I have just returned from the outside, when with an interview with Col. [Charles Wesley] Hill, 1 settled my account with the Confederacy—my poor lost country. At four this evening I bid a last farewell to Johnson’s Island. In a few short days I will be with my dear Mother who for four long years has been separated from those who are dearest to her. My heart bounds with joy when thoughts remind me that I shall soon see her, one to whom in future I will devote my life. I shall not attempt to describe my feelings occasioned by the terms upon which I am released, your imagination being a far better descriptionist than my pen.

I received your sweet letter some days since and enjoyed hugely the vim with which you resented the “insult” offered our mutual friend, Cousin Mollie. With that good taste & candor prover vial of her—thought as I did—that he should feel complimented, however will send you one in a few days that will make you agree with us, that he ain’t half as good looking. I wrote some days since to Cousin Mollie. Hope it has been received. A letter from Ma this morning says Ol [Al?] has gone with Gen. [Joseph] Shelby to Mexico. Too bad. The next thing we will hear is that he has married a squaw. What do you think?

My sheet is full & must close. My best love to Mollie & your Ma & family. Also to Cousin Laura & the Judge & Jennie, Miss Eustice, & all my friends. When you write, direct to Lexington, Kentucky where I will remain for some little time. I am yet uncertain as to what movements I will make but rather think it will be Texas.

Plate will tell you all the news. Goodbye. May God in His goodness ever watch over you is the prayer of one who loves you as a brother, — Will

1 Charles Wesley Hill served in the Civil War as Brigadier General, Ohio State Volunteers, Colonel 128th Ohio Infantry, Commander of Johnson’s Island Military Prison. He was appointed Brevet Brigadier General, USV and Brevet Major General, USV on March 13, 1865. In civilian life he was a lawyer and promoter of public school education.

21st Connecticut Infantry, Desertion, Military Execution

1865: Hubert Edgar Carpenter to Martin Leonard Roberts

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Hubert Edgar Carpenter, C. H, 21st Conn. Vols.

This letter was written by Hubert Edgar Carpenter (1839-1902), the son of Anson Carpenter (1806-1856) and Diantha Skinner (1811-1873) of East Hampton, Connecticut.

Hubert’s obituary states that “he served his country valiantly in the Civil War, enlisting at Chatham, August 14th 1862 and serving in Co. H, 21st Connecticut Infantry until April 13th 1865 when he was transferred to Co. F, 20th Regiment, Veteran Reserve Corps. He was wounded June 3rd 1864 at the Battle of Cold Harbor, receiving a bad wound over his left eye, being hit by a piece of bursting shell. June 30, 1865, he was honorably discharged.

After the war he represented Chatham in the State Legislature 1878-79 and was a justice of the peace for a time as well as the post master through three administrations. He was married to Annie Hodge (1844-1928) in October 1865.

Hubert wrote the letter to his friend and future brother-in-law, Martin Leonard Roberts (1839-1910) of East Hampton, Middlesex county, Connecticut. Martin married Ruth Ann Carpenter (1853-1937). Martin was a member of the Connecticut Legislature in 1869 and served as the postal clerk at New Haven for many years.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

[Emory Hospital] Washington D. C.

January 31, 1865

Friend Martin,

Your note of the 25th inst. is at hand & I now take pleasure in writing a few lines in return though I must tell you to commence with that I am destitute of news and just humor. You will please excuse a short note this time.

I notice you are still undecided whether to come or not. A very good idea—think before you leap. As I said before, I should be pleased to see you out here but you must consult your own interests. Ed cannot stay away from East Hampton any more than a year or so before he must come back & stay two or three months. But who has a better right provided he is loyal to the government that protects him. But I am of the opinion that if he talks his secession glab before you that he will get hitch-holed some. At any rate, I hope so.

[Newell W.] Root, I notice by the papers, has suffered the penalty of his crime. He justly received his fate for by deserting to the enemy, he might expose the lives of thousands of his comrades by giving information to the enemy of our position. I am sorry that he ever belonged to our company. But still I don’t know as he has disgraced anyone but himself. What do you think about that? But I have nothing further to say on the subject—only that I hope that he has received pardon for his sins in the sight of the Author of All Good. 1

Everything is quiet here as usual though they are making pretty extensive preparations for the inaugural of the President on the Fourth of March next. The boys are all well at the front & in comfortable quarters & cheerful spirits.

As I have nothing further to communicate at the present, I will close by wishing you good success in all of undertakings that are virtuous in character. Yours truly, — H. E. Carpenter, Emory Hospital

1 Newell W. Root served with Hubert in Co. H, 21st Connecticut Infantry. His alias was George H. Harris. From the Petersburg Project we learn that Newell was influenced by Lee’s General Order No. 65 which promised leniency and assistance to Union defectors. Root deserted to Richmond, and with a group of 170 men made his way to Louisa, Kentucky, where he attempted to claim he was a Confederate deserter fleeing to the Union. He was arrested and a military court martial sentenced him to death. On January 25, 1865, President Lincoln asked Grant to review the case but based on the report, responded, “I do not interfere further in the case” and Root was subsequently executed by hamging. His execution was depicted in Harper’s Weekly. It should be noted that Root is often identified as having served in the 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery which is false; he served in the 21st Connecticut Infantry.

A post war watercolor of Hubert based on poor quality image on Ancestry.com

Pensacola, Florida, U.S.S. Courier

1864: Eben Plummer Brown to Martin Leonard Roberts

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This letter was written by Eben Plummer Brown (1840-1868), the son of Rev. Thomas Gibson Brown (1799-1885) and Caroline Maria Daniels (1808-1892) of East Hampton, Middlesex county, Connecticut. Eben wrote the letter from aboard the USS Courier while anchored off the Pensacola Navy Yard in late February 1864. He provides us no clue as to why he was on board except to suggest he was not a casual passenger. I could not find him listed among the crew of the vessel in 1864 (or earlier years) so I feel confident he was not in the US Navy.

The USS Courier was a store ship used by the US Navy during the Civil War. In 1864 she sailed between Boston and the Gulf of Mexico, supplying ships engaged in the blockade of Southern ports. She ran aground in the Abaco Islands in the Bahamas on 14 June 1864 and had to be abandoned, but her crew and cargo were saved.

Eben wrote the letter to Martin Leonard Roberts (1839-1910) of East Hampton, Middlesex county, Connecticut He married Ruth Ann Carpenter (1853-1937), the daughter of Andson and Diantha (Skinner) Carpenter. Martin was a member of the Connecticut Legislature in 1869 and served as the postal clerk at New Haven for many years.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

Directed to Martin L. Roberts, Esq., East Hampton, Middlesex county, Connecticut

U. S. Ship “Courier“

Off Pensacola Navy Yard

Monday eve, February 29th 1864

Friend Roberts,

We arrived at this port on the 25th of February after a sail of 17 days—one day longer than going to New Orleans on our last trip. I have not set foot on the “sacred soil” yet but expect to soon. We are anchored about 30 rods from the shore exactly opposite the Yard. From where we lay, the forts Pickens, McRee, and Barrancas are to be seen looking as saucy as you please with their Bull dogs eyeing you from every quarter.

Pensacola at the first sight of the beholder (or rather Warrington strictly speaking) impresses upon the mind that Warrington before the war was a splendid looking place as far as the buildings are concerned, but now nothing remains of most of the buildings but the chimneys which can be seen standing all along the shore for a mile or more.

Down the bay opposite Fort Pickens the Rebs had a battery of sand. When our guns were being fired from Pickens, a shot happened to go directly into the muzzle of one of the reb guns and bursted it off clear up to the trunnions. I guess that “Sesesh” got wasper jawed 1 that time.

The city of Pensacola is up the bay about 9 miles from here but the number of houses has diminished about one hundred inside of a month. About two weeks ago about 100 buildings were burnt. The reason or circumstances I do not know.

People at the North, to get a correct idea how the war has told on the South, ought to visit this part of the world. Our northern potatoes sell for only 7 dollars and apples for twelve and other things in proportion.

It is getting late and I must turn in. Hoping to hear from you in Boston, I remain as ever your friend, — E. P.

March 1st 1864

I send this by the way of New Orleans by the tug “Jasamin” Yours, &c. — E. P.

1 “Wasper-jawed” (more commonly spelled wapper-jawed or whomper-jawed) is a traditional regional dialect term used in the United States and parts of England to describe something that is crooked, out of alignment, uneven, or askew.

Draft Resistance, Vermont Homefront

1862: Jacob Azro Gould to Silas W. Merrill

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The following letter was written by 19 year-old Jacob Azro Gould (1843-1889), the son of Jacob Townsend Gould (1805-1853) and Sophia E. Samson (1818-1882) of Hopkinton, St. Lawrence county, New York.

How Jacob might have looked. This unidentified clerk is from the editor’s private collection.

When Jacob wrote this letter in August 1862, he had been working as a clerk in a dry goods store, living with and employed by Orren Dorman of Swanton, Vermont. He lived there 16 years before relocating to Rutland and entering into partnership with his brother in law, A. F. Davis.

Gould’s letter speaks of the enlistment of volunteers in Vermont in August 1862 in response to Lincoln’s call for troops under the federal Militia Act of 1862. He speaks of the federal order issued by Secy. of War Edward Stanton temporarily banning all draft-eligible men from leaving the country. Gould claims he’d serve rather than run if drafted but apparently the call never came. I could find no evidence he was drafted.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

Directed to Mr. Silas W. Merrill, Hopkinton, New York

Swanton, Vermont

August 10th 1862

Friend Silas,

Probably you will be glad to hear of my safe arrival at home again. And as I owe you a letter, I will try & pay you now. The folks here are all half frightened to death for fear of being drafted—especially the Frenchmen. They are running to Canada almost in droves. But it is now against the law for anybody leaving the state without a pass. They search the cars & boats everyday. Yesterday they caught seven or eight on their way to Canada in the cars. They were arrested and sent back. I do not know where.

Well, if they wish to draft me, all right. I will not try to run. But I tell you, Silas, this war is an awful thing. We know nothing about it here at the North. But perhaps we may yet before we get through with it. Well we must make the best of it.

Our last company left here yesterday morning for headquarters. They are [en]listing pretty fast all over the state. It may be that they will not have to draft here but probably they will. We shall know by Friday, the 15th, most likely. There has a great many good boys gone from here the last week which of course a great any will never return. Well it is in a good & glorious cause, of course you know. Are not you glad that they cannot draft you? Probably they will have to draft a great many in New York State. Do they talk much of it there? If they take me, I shall hold my tongue & make the best of it.

I wonder how Frank R. gets along. Was it not too bad because I did not make her a call? Well it is too late now so I will not cry. Going home from your house that night, I bothered Chloe considerable about you. I told her I did not have any objections &c. Well if I go to war, I will write to you as I do now of course for if I go, I am not agoing to be killed of course, not although they are pretty careless down that way. They come near killing folks sometimes but, however, all right.

Give my best respects to all, especially that man who caught those trout—I cannot think of his name. No more. Goodbye. — J. A. Gould

4th Michigan Infantry

1861: Jonathan Webster Childs to James Webster Childs

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Col. Jonathan Webster Childs, 4th Michigan

The following letter was written by Jonathan Webster Childs (1834-1896) who volunteered in May 1861, accepting a commission as the Major of the 4th Michigan Infantry (1st organization). Following the Battle of Bull Run, Childs was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. He survived a gunshot wound to the hip at the 27 June 1862 Battle of Gaines’ Mill and was soon after promoted to Colonel of the regiment when Colonel Woodbury was killed by a shot to the head in the Battle of Malvern Hill on July 1, 1862. He led the regiment at the Battle of Antietam though they were held in reserve and suffered no casualties. In November late November 1862, just prior to the Battle of Fredericksburg, Childs resigned his commission and returned home. Later, in September 1863, he accepted a commission as Captain of Co. D, 2nd Regiment, US Colored Troops. He remained with them until January 1866, stationed in Florida.

Jonathan was the eldest son of Aaron Childs (1806-1882) and Hannah Frost Bemis (1814-1896) of Washtenaw county. He wrote the letter to his uncle, James Webster Childs (1826-1882), a Washtenaw county civil leader and politician who served two terms in the Michigan Legislature and then in the Michigan Senate. Just prior to his volunteering for the service, Jonathan was employed as a teacher at the Manchester Academy in Washtenaw county, Michigan.

[Editor’s Note: The photocopy of this letter was sent to me for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by Janet Buchanan, a descendant relative of the Childs family.]

The 4th Michigan marching through Adrian in 1861 (Crossing Hell on a Wooden Bridge)

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

Head Quarters 4th Michigan Infantry, Camp Union

August 15, 1861

Dear Uncle,

Several weeks has passed since I wrote you last. And notwithstanding I have not heard from you, allow me to try again. You have doubtless been informed that our regiment is brigaded under Gen. [WilliamTecumseh] Sherman who ranks at the head of the Brigadiers. He had given him to make the selection [from] thirty-two regiments and the following are those he chose—9th Regt. Mass., 14th Regt. New York (Utica), DeKalb, N, Y. City (German, all of whom have seen service), 4th Regt. Michigan, Ayers Battery (formerly Sherman’s), Company I, US Cavalry.

During the past week there has been added to his brigade one other battery and a company of cavalry. It has been about a week since we came here and were placed in advance of the other regiments. The remainder of the brigade lies between us and the river. The enemy is at Falls Church and we are constantly expecting to have a brush with them. Our pickets are doing a little skirmishing each day.

Our pickets until Sunday extended about a mile beyond the railroad but now they are taken in and extend only half a mile this side of the railroad. Yesterday our scouts brought information that the rebels had advanced to the railroad with two pieces of artillery and several companies of cavalry. Several companies of our troops are stationed out with the furthest picket. I was out there one night with two companies.

We are all of us kept continually in the dark as to when, where, or how the next movement will be made. Defeat in a great measure seems to attend our armies, both here and in Missouri. But our zeal in the cause does not relax in the least. The men are all anxious to have a fight and I venture to say when the “Fourth” [Michigan] is called into an engagement, they will fight most desperately.

Col. Dwight A. Woodbury, 4th Michigan Infantry (David Finney Collection)

Many things has been said in Michigan against our regiment calculated to lower it in the estimation of people at home and abroad. Several of our officers have been spoken of by those same designing persons in a manner calculated to give a false impression as regards their ability to discharge the various duties devolving upon them. As regards our Colonel [Dwight Woodbury], he is a man admirably calculated for the position which he holds. He is in a word—beloved, by the whole regiment and not one could be found who would for a moment hesitate to risk his own life for the safety of the Colonel. His devotion to the regiment is unbounded. Unlike many commanders, he is always to be found in the camp instructing his men and never leaves except upon business connected with the regiment.

As regards the proficiency of our drill, few regiments if any now in the field can excel us in Battalion movements and had it been otherwise, we should not have received the second post of honor in Gen. Sherman’s Brigade of which with pride, we can now boast. And furthermore, a cordiality of feeling never greater existed between the officers of a regiment. To my certain knowledge, there has not a thing transpired to mar the good feeling which has ever existed. We believe there is one and only one exception—Dr. [Joseph] Tunnicliffe of Jackson, who at the urgent request of the Governor, was placed upon the Colonel’s staff as Surgeon with the rank of Major. [He] has, during the whole time he has been with [us], shown great dissatisfaction and more particularly, since the Colonel requested him for his own good and that of the men also, to remain in camp and not visit Washington so frequently as he was in the habit of attending Congress daily and frequently would not return for many days. He is now in Michigan on a furlough and we have information from good authority that he is saying all he can against the regiment. Later information says he has received an appointment in the 1st Regiment.

There is also another. The correspondent of the Detroit Free Press who signs his articles “Hamilton” & “H” (H. H. Finley) who went with us from Adrian to Washington expecting to receive the appointment of Captain or Lieutenant or anything else he could obtain in the regiment. But the Colonel received word from the Governor not to give him any position. Consequently the Colonel told him it was not likely any opening would occur for him and from that time, he has openly declared that he was by nature vindictive and would do his utmost to ruin the reputation of the regiment. And he has constantly been putting in circulation false reports concerning us. Viz—that the officers were intemperate, that there was no discipline, that the Colonel and Quartermaster contrived to cheat on the rations, that the officers quarreled among themselves and were despised by the soldiers, &c. &c., all of which are the blackest, bare-faced lies. He made himself busy with the 1st, 2nd, & 3rd [Michigan] Regiments circulating such reports. He is careful to keep without our lines. Should he enter there, the men would tar and feather him, and no power could prevent them from doing so.

There are other things in this connection that I will write soon. If outsiders would leave us alone, there would be nothing to mar the peace of this camp. Every report that has been put in circulation calculated to injure us can be proven to originate from a spirit of jealousy and envy.

Hoping to hear from you soon, I remain, dear Uncle, ever yours affectionately, — J. W. Childs

11th Michigan Infantry

1862: Lewis E. Childs to James Webster Childs

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Hon. James Webster Childs, ca. 1860.

The following letter was written by Lewis E. Childs (1835-1889) who entered the service at Ypsilanti on 24 August 1861 at 1st Lieutenant of Co. I, 11th Michigan Infantry. Through the influence of his uncle, he was promoted to Captain of Co. H on 12 March 1862; was wounded and taken prisoner at the Battle of Chickamauga on 20 September 1863. Exchanged and mustered out of the service on 30 September 1864.

After the war, Lewis married Fanny Richardson (1842-1900) and worked at the Board of Trade in Detroit. He then was engaged in the produce and greenhouse business at Ypsilanti where he died at the age of 53.

Lewis was the son of Aaron Childs (1806-1882) and Hannah Frost Bemis (1814-1896) of Washtenaw county. He wrote the letter to his uncle, James Webster Childs (1826-1882), a Washtenaw county civil leader and politician who served two terms in the Michigan Legislature and then in the Michigan Senate.

[Editor’s Note: The photocopy of this letter was sent to me for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by Janet Buchanan, a descendant relative of the Childs family.]

This is a photograph of Stanley’s Brigade of the Army of the Cumberland assembled near Stevenson, Alabama (19th Illinois, 11th Michigan, 18th Ohio, plus Battery M, 1st Ohio. In the Battle of Chickamauga where Capt. Lewis Childs was wounded, the 11th Michigan held its ground for two days and repulsed repeated attacks on Snodgrass Hill, saving the Army of the Cumberland.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

Head Quarters, 11th Regt. Michigan Vols.

Belmont, Kentucky

March 21, 1862

Dear Uncle,

Knowing the willingness you have already manifested to use your influence for my benefit, I again ask a favor of you. Lieut. Col. [William Lewis] Stoughton (the man of the regt.) with some of the other officers of the regient have written to Gov. [Austin] Blair to give me a captain’s commission, and Ephraim G. Hall a 2nd lieutenant’s commission. The Col. requested me to write to you requesting you to recommend us to the Governor for the same. The Col’s letter was sent last Saturday. If you will write the Gov. as soon as convenient and can conscientiously recommend us for those for those positions, you will much oblige. The Col. said there was no doubt but the Gov. would grant them but he wished you to write so the Gov. would know and feel satisfied.

Fortune has seen fit to cast out lot in “the Dept. of the Ohio” but not in the advance of that army which has lately moved its Headquarters from Louisville to Nashville. Four months have we been anxiously waiting to be ordered into more active service, but today finds us scattered for thirty miles along the railroad guarding its depots and bridges. This line of railroad is indispensable to our army and every bridge from Louisville to Nashville is guarded night and day. The trains run on the road so one can go to Bowling Green and back in a day.

Some of us are talking of going to see the cave in a few days but situated where we are, one does not wait to go for to find scenes interesting and wonderful to us who have never seen a hill much higher than our heads. Just to the south of our camp are three high hills and the one in the center, which is a number of hundred feet higher, looks as if it were monarch of all it surveyed. I went to the top of it a few days ago and for the first time in my life, stood where I could look in every direction just as far as the eye could reach. 1

Today the paymaster is here and we are being paid off. The paymaster is late from Washington and he and his clerk were well acquainted with Webster. This afternoon as soon as they are through paying [us], we are to ride out in the country. I am to be pilot and shall direct the way to where two young ladies live.

And by the way, you remember the Browns? They attended his school at Mount Washington and have given me a whole history of their proceedings in Kentucky. But I must close for the room is full—they are paying in my room. 2 Please answer soon and receive this hasty note from your affectionate nephew. — Lewis E. Childs

1 Lewis is probably referring to the Bullitt County “Knobs” immediately around Belmont Furnace where the 11th Michigan was stationed in March 1862. Belmont Furnace was located on the Louisville & Nashville Railroad. The highest knob—Dobbins Knob—is about three miles southwest of Belmont Furnace. The geography of the area was quite a dramatic departure from that of southern Michigan. The cave that Lewis refers to was probably the Mammoth Cave which was a popular site for soldiers to visit during the Civil War.

2 The 11th Michigan Infantry was assigned to railroad guard duty in March 1862 and the main objective of those posted at Belmont was to protect the L&N Railroad Bridge located roughly 3/4 of a mile from the Belmont Furnace village. Because the iron-producing furnace had shut down in 1861 and was deserted, the Union soldiers did not have to live entirely in tents. Many of the men, at least the officers, were quartered in the workmen’s cottages left behind by the furnace laborers.

18th Ohio Infantry, 19th Illinois Infantry

1863: George W. Clark to Margaret (Smith) Clark

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The following letters were written by George W. Clark (1837-1901) of Co. K, 18th Ohio Infantry. He enlisted on 21 October 1861 and was mustered in as the 1st Sergeant of his company. His second letter of August 1863) suggests that he was on detached service and performing duties normally given to an officer although he had not yet received officer’s pay. Muster rolls reveal that he was commissioned a 1st Lieutenant on 4 January 1863, but this may have been backdated. He resigned his commission and left the service on 20 September 1864.

George’s death certificate informs us that he was born in Philadelphia to Irish emigrants William Clark and Margaret Smith. He died in Dupont, Jefferson county, Indiana, where he had been a farmer. The 1850 US Census reveals that the Clark family had settled in Ohio, prior to that date. At that time, his 62 year-old father, was farming in Sutton township, Meigs county. George was enumerated as a 12 year-old. Other [resumable] siblings in the household included 26 year-old Henry, 19 year-old Thomas, and 19 year-old John (though Henry and John may have been half-siblings?).

Letter 1

Murfreesboro [Tennessee]

March 27, 1863

Dear Mother,

I received your letter three or four days ago but did not have time to answer it, we have had so much duty to do. Tuesday I was on picket. Wednesday on camp guard. Thursday we were on review. Gen. Negley has come back. He is a Major General. We were reviewed by Gen. Rosecrans. We went out on the parade ground at eight o’clock and stood around with our knapsacks on until 12 o’clock, Then we were inspected by the General. As he rode along by our regiment, he kept saying, “Nice…nice boys…good fighters.” Then we marched by him in review after. The rest of the Division had gone to camp [but] they kept our regiment and the 19th Illinois to drill awhile. We drilled in the bayonet and Battalion Drill. They said we were as well drilled as any regiment in the army. 1

Mr. Sweeney is here. I am going to send this letter by him. Harvey Stanchman is sutler of the 6th Tennessee Regiment. If you had the box at Cin[cinnati] , Mr. Sweeney could have brought it right to me.

Col. Timothy Robbins Stanley of the 18th OVI (Find-A-Grave)

I am not going to write much more. I do not know what to write about. Ed[win] Cross, my partner, is going to be discharged. We have slept together ever since we left Camp Dennison. I do not like to have him leave. Col. [Timothy Robbins] Stanley is his uncle. 2

Deserters are coming in from the rebel army every day. They say that they are on half rations. I wish they would starve out. I have not heard from John for some time. He was well when I last heard from him. Charley Stivers is Brigade Commissary. Will & him are together. Harry Stanchman is at Cin[cinnati] now and if you could get the box there, he could bring it o me. I do not know what else to write so I will close. Give my love to grandfather & grandmother. Kiss Frank & the girls for me. Goodbye. — George

1 The 19th Illinois Infantry was widely recognized and celebrated for it exceptional drill, discipline and military appearance. When General Buell reviewed the regiment, he accepted Colonel Turchin’s proposal to watch a full battalion drill instead of just a standard march. After observing the manual of arms, loading, firing, bayonet exercises, and evolutions, Buell confessed he “never saw a better drilled Regiment.” [Source: 19th Illinois Infantry Regiment History.]

2 Edwin Cross served as a private in Co. K, 18th OVI. He was discharged on 4 April 1863 on Surgeon’s Certificate of Disability.

Letter 2

Camp near Stevenson, Alabama

August 23rd 1863

Dear Mother,

I received your letter last night and was very glad to hear from you. I got a letter from John the other day but have not answered it yet. I expect he will be home before I will have time to write to him.

Oh, it is so hot that I can hardly write. We are encamped between two mountains and there is scarcely a breath of air stirring. I was lucky to get acquainted with the old farmer. I did not eat but three dumplings. We do not get anything to eat now but hard tack and sow belly. We are about thirty miles from Dechard and about 40 from Chattanooga. They are shipping pontoons down to the river and I expect we will cross before long. 1 When we were at Cowan, two of the regiments of the Brigade were over the mountain about 12 miles and I had to go over twice alone. I tell you, it was lonesome and I began to think about bushwhackers. When I had got half way over, I saw a citizen coming towards me with something in his hand that I thought was a gun. I got my revolver out, cocked it and held it under my coat so as to be ready and get the first shot if he made any false motions. When he got up close to me, I saw that it was a crooked stick in his hand so I put my revolver up.

Before I got back to camp, the rain just poured down. I got as wet as a drowned rat but I have got used to that so that it does not hurt me. All the pistols that I have belong to Uncle Sam and I could not send them away. Maybe I will capture one from a reb before long and I will send it to you.

I only have a little over a year to serve now and I don’t believe I will serve that. I think the war will be over this winter. Then we will trim the Copperheads in fine style. I do not get any more wages than I did when I am with the regiment. Will get commissioned officer’s pay. A 1st Lieutenant gets somewhere near $100 per month.

I am sorry that John is sick and I hope he will get to go home. I have had good luck. I have not been sick two days altogether since I enlisted.

We have a brass band with our Brigade now. I wish you would send the shirts as soon as you can for I am about out of shirts and do not want to draw any off the commissary. Never mind the pictures now. You can send them by mail some other time. If I had a thought [of it], I could have had you send them down to Aunt Carrie. My Captain just came from home and brought some things for Will. No more at present. From your affectionate son, — George

I could not send you any money this time for I had to buy me a pair of boots. I had none and could not draw any. We will be paid off soon again. — George

1 The pontoons were being moved toward the Tennessee River crossings west and southwest of Chattanooga. Rosecrans put most of his army across at places including Caperton’s Ferry, Bridgeport, Battle Creek, and Shellmound. By September 4th, virtually the entire striking force was south of the Tennessee.

Battle of Fort Stevens, Mount Pleasant General Hospital, Washington D. C., President Abraham Lincoln

1864: William Little Chrisman to Mary (Carpenter) Chrisman

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Dr. William L. Chrisman, ca. 1915

This letter was written by William Little Chrisman (1834-1917), the son of John Chrisman and Sarah Evans of Warwick, Pennsylvania. “His father was a farmer who owned $14,300 of real estate in 1850. He grew up in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and attended Tremont Academy and Morgantown Academy. He began studying medicine in 1854, and he enrolled at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1855.

He graduated two years later and began practicing medicine in Virginia. He settled in Eldred, Pennsylvania, in the late 1850s, and by 1860, he was working as a teacher. During the Civil War, he served as a surgeon in the Union army. He married Mary Carpenter around 1863, and their daughter Mary was born around 1870.

He became a prominent physician in the Eldred community, and by 1870, he owned $4,000 of real estate and $500 of personal property. In the 1870s, he began diversifying his economic interests, purchasing oil-rich lands and buying stock in a Colorado gold mine. He also reportedly became “one of the leading and most progressive farmers in the county.” His wife died in 1915, and he passed away of “general paresis” in Eldred on August 4, 1917.” [Source: Letters Home, University of Virginia]

Chrisman’s letter is not dated but must have been written on July 13, 1864 after two days of skirmishing (11th and 12th) between Confederate Gen. Jubal Early’s men and the Union fortifications around Fort Stevens northwest of Washington City. Early began the withdrawal of his men during the night of July 12-13th. The incident involving the near shooting of President Lincoln at Fort Stevens took place on July 12th.

The letter suggests that he was contemplating leaving the service at the time. A roster of men examined in 1864 for physical disabilities reveals that he was examined on June 28, 1864 and determined eligible for discharge due to “loss of teeth.”

Header image: This c. 1892 painting by Eugenie De Land Saugstad hangs in the superintendent’s lodge at the Battleground National Cemetery. “President Lincoln is shown visiting Fort Stevens during the battle on July 12, 1864 as he comes under enemy fire while standing on the parapet.… The painting was donated by the artist to the Lincoln Museum which became Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site.” — NPS

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

Mount Pleasant Hospital, Washington D. C.

[@13 July 1864]

Dearest Companion,

I have not received anything from you yet and have not been looking.

We are fastened in by the rebels. They have been two days within 2 or 3 miles of this hospital. The lines were fighting all day yesterday. We could hear it all. President Lincoln was very near being shot by a Sharp-shooter. The ball struck a surgeon by his side.

It is believed by everybody that our fortifications can grind them to powder. Our men are trying to coax them in. Part of Grant’s army is here. From our hospital we see most of the movement as it is between the two main streets to the defenses.

The weather is very hot here but I can have a cool suit of clothes and live in a tent in the woods and it is not so bad. I supposed you got a letter written last Friday. I would like to know what you and Marcel intend to do and how he succeeds with his collection.

I can draw my pay every month it is said when there is plenty of money so I can send you some when I get [it] but don’t let the people know it. You will have to send me some in course of a week or two. I have enough to satisfy it three weeks if it can be had.

What is the feeling about my leaving? I guess I will remain long enough to get us out of debt and build us a house and buy a carriage, &c. but I cannot tell.

What have you done with George?

The shirts and stockings you may send when you get ready. I guess you had better hold on with them. I may send for a trunk. The stockings ought to be colored too.

I don’t want you to sell Frank until late in the fall without we are compelled to do it as I may want him and he will cost us nothing and will be all the better and I am quite fond of him.

I want you to pay Marcel first when you pay my debt.

I would like you and Marcel to write me soon and often, not that I care what you are doing. What [can____] if any are made in the neighborhood? Tell Mrs. Moses that there was a Moses from 58th, same company, but not same initials, but I am sure it was Josh, here some time ago. He was sent to New York City.

Give my respects to all. — W. L. Chrisman, A.A.S., USA, Mount Pleasant Hospital, Washington D. C.

[See also: William L. Chrisman to Mary (Carpenter) Chrisman, undated]