16th Connecticut Infantry

1862-65: Martin VanBuren Culver Letters

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Orlando E. Snow showing the uniform of the 16th Connecticut

This collection of letters were written by Martin VanBuren Culver (1833-1907), the 29 year-old unmarried son of Martin Culver (1798-1867) — a stone cutter in the Portland Quarry — and Lucy P. Bailey (1803-1894). Martin served in Co. A. 16th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. He wrote the letter to his sister Harriet (“Hattie”) E. Culver (1847-1913) in Portland, Connecticut. Martin gave “carpenter” as his occupation when he enlisted in August 1862. In the 1860 Census, he was enumerated in the household of Roswell R. Robbins in Rocky Hill.

The 16th Connecticut was formed in Hartford County, Connecticut, in July and August 1862. It was mustered into service August 24, 1862 and became part of Mr. Lincoln’s Army of the Potomac. Three weeks later the regiment first saw action in John Otto’s 40-acre cornfield at the Battle of Antietam, Maryland as part of Burnside’s Ninth Army Corps. Having loaded muskets for the first time only the day before the battle, the regiment suffered significant casualties at Antietam. It next saw action at Fredericksburg, Virginia in December 1862, then at the Siege of Suffolk, Virginia in April/May 1863.

In 1864, the 16th Connecticut was part of the Union garrison at Plymouth, North Carolina, and vigorously defended Plymouth against a Confederate combined land and naval attack April 17-20, 1864 led by General Robert F. Hoke, C.S.A. Outnumbered more than 5 to 1, with no means of escape or opportunity for reinforcements, the Union garrison at Plymouth was surrendered on April 20, 1864 by Brigadier General Henry W. Wessells. Culver and the other members of his unit who surrendered were taken to Andersonville Prison. Culver’s prison record there states simply: “Survived.”

There is one letter (#11) in the collection written by Charles H Taylor of Co. F,  15th Connecticut Regiment on Sept 27th 1863. All of the letters were addressed to Martin’s sister, Hattie E Culver.

See: A Broken Regiment: The 16th Connecticut’s Civil War

“A Broken Regiment recounts the tragic history of one of the Civil War’s most ill-fated Union military units. Organized in the late summer of 1862, the 16th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry was unprepared for battle a month later, when it entered the fight at Antietam. The results were catastrophic: nearly a quarter of the men were killed or wounded, and Connecticut’s 16th panicked and fled the field. In the years that followed, the regiment participated in minor skirmishes before surrendering en masse in North Carolina in 1864. Most of its members spent months in southern prison camps, including the notorious Andersonville stockade, where disease and starvation took the lives of over one hundred members of the unit.

The struggles of the 16th led survivors to reflect on the true nature of their military experience during and after the war, and questions of cowardice and courage, patriotism and purpose, were often foremost in their thoughts. Over time, competing stories emerged of who they were, why they endured what they did, and how they should be remembered. By the end of the century, their collective recollections reshaped this troubling and traumatic past, and the “unfortunate regiment” emerged as “The Brave Sixteenth,” their individual memories and accounts altered to fit the more heroic contours of the Union victory.” — Leslie J. Gordon

In her book, Gorden frequently makes reference to “colorful” letters that Martin Culver wrote his brother Jonathan. Her footnotes say these letters are in a private collection.

Letter 1

Pleasant Valley, [Leesboro] Maryland
September 10th 1862

Dear Sister and friends,

I thought I would write you a few lines to let you know that I am well. I got your letter the 16th and was glad to hear from you. I have got most over my sold and feel first rate now. We are drilling every day 5 hours. It is not as cold as it was the last time I wrote. It [is] very pleasant here now. The mornings are very foggy so you can’t see a road.

I should like to be out of the hearing of music for one day and see if I could not hear myself think. We have got about 50 bands of different kinds all around us and they are a thrashing all the time. But that is not all. There has been heavy firing on our right center all this forenoon in the direction of Harper’s Ferry. I have not found out what forces have been engaged but I think it is part of Maeclenans [McClellan’s]. We are very strong here. We don’t know as we have got to move at present. I think that we shall not stay here much longer in this place but we may. You can’t find out anything here.

You say that Henry wants to borrow the money that I left at home. I should as soon put it in the bank and then if I come home I can get it when I am a mind to. If you have not put it in the bank, you may save some 20 dollars or so in the house so if I should be sick and want to get home, I could send and get it to help myself with. When I get paid off, I will send some home and then you can put it in when you are a mind to. I suppose that Jon will wear out all my clothes but let him have what you do not want. If there is any.

I will send home a paper today. Writing paper is very scarce here and very high. Envelopes are 25 cents a dozen. Paper you can’t get at any price and stamps are most gone here. This is the last one I have got. The chaplain writes on the letters and you will have to pay when they get there if there don’t some stamps come.

Everything is very high here — bread 50 cents a loaf for ones like yours that you make. Apples 60 cents a peck, tobacco 50 cents a hand, paper 15 cents a paper. There was a barrel of cider here yesterday but they don’t ask anything $12 dollars a barrel and sold quick at that.

I see Joel Smith ¹ here yesterday. He was well and in good spirits. I see some of the boys every day. There is no news here. It is the same as ever. I have not seen Dan Hop nor heard from him lately. Some of my letters will  be postmarked Hartford, some may be at other places for I get a chance to send hem sometimes by Connecticut men that come out to see their friends.

I can’t write anymore at present for we have got to go and drill. Write as soon as you can. Give my respects to all the folks.

From your Brother, — M. Culver

¹ Probably Joel P. Smith of the 14th Connecticut Infantry.

Letter 2

Maryland Camp near Harpers Ferry
[probably early October 1862]

Dear Sister and family,

There is a man here from Wethersfield and I thought I would write you a few lines to let you know that I am very well and hope that you are all the same. We are encamped about 5 miles from the ferry and one mile from the river. It is a very good place here. The weather is very warm here in the middle of the day and cold in the morning.

There is a good many sick with the diarrhea but not very bad. We have not had a rainy day since we left Hartford. It is some such country here as it is in Connecticut. The land is not as good. There is about as many rocks as there is to home.

I saw the Reverand G. W. J. Rankin ¹ here yesterday. I don’t know how long he is a going to stay. He is not in our camp. I don’t know when he is agoing home. Dan Hopkins ² is in the hospital. He is lame a little. Frank Peck ³ saw him yesterday. Si and Peck tent together. We stay very comfortable here now. When we get into winter quarters — if we ever do — and get some large tents and a stove, we can go it first rate.

I should like to come home and eat one meal. It would taste good to me. They say that the 22nd is on it way here but I don’t know as it is coming into this division. We are in Burnside’s 9th Army Corps under Brig. General [Isaac P.] Rodman. He was wounded in the Battle of Sharpsburg and our Colonel [Frank] Beach takes his place for awhile. There has been a good many promotions in the regiment since the battle and there is to be some more. There is no news to write here now as I know of.

I got a letter from [brother] Jon the other day. I wrote to him if Father wanted to get my chest of tools that he could get them and all my clothes and take them home and keep them. But I should rather you or mother would go after them if you could and whatever it costs I will send home the money to you. If I am alive and well, I shall send home all of my money when I get paid off — all but a little. I have got some now but if I should not feel very well, I can get something to eat a little better for there is a sutler here with the regiment but he charges so high that you would want a farm to get anything off him. Butter is $1.00 per pound, cheese 30 cents, sugar 25 cents, and all the rest of his in proportion.

If we move, I will let you know. Write as often as you can. Tell Mother to write and all of the rest of the folks. Give my respects to all and my love to yourself.

From your brother, — M. Culver

¹ Rev. Samuel G. W. J. Rankin (1822-1897) was a native of Ripley, Ohio, who graduated from the Lane Theological Seminary in 1845 and served a congregation in Portland, Connecticut during the Civil War. Rev. Rankin was married to Dolly Goodrich (1823-1892).

² Daniel R. Hopkins (1836-1923) was a native of Glastonbury, Hartford County, Connecticut. He was a resident of Rocky Hill when he enlisted in Co. A, 16th Connecticut in 1862. He was discharged for disability on 31 January 1865.

³ Franklin G. Peck was a resident of Rocky Hill when he  enlisted in Co. A, 16th Connecticut Infantry in August 1862. He among those members of the 16th Connecticut captured at Plymouth, North Carolina, in April 1864. He was paroled in February 1865 and transferred out in June 1865. 

Letter 3

Camp near Fredericksburg, Va.
November 27, 1862

Dear Sister,

Being that this is Thanksgiving and that I was on guard last night rather  I don’t have much to do today, I thought that I would write you a few lines to let you know that I am well. I have got most over my cold and if I can keep from getting more, I shall get along. There is plenty sick here. A good many in the 21st [Connecticut] and some have died. I don’t know how long we shall lay here but there don’t seem to be any move at present. But still we may move tomorrow.

It is very pleasant here today — the best day that we have had since we have been here. You have got a cousin here in the 11th [Connecticut] regiment. I saw him this morning and he gave me a drawing of tea for my breakfast. He told me his name but I have most forgotten, but I think it is Alonzo, but I won’t be sure. He is a very good looking chap. Red hair and appears to be a very fine fellow. His father lived in Chester but has moved to Rocky Hill. Lately he had a brother killed in the Battle of Antietam.

It is cold here. We have to wear our overcoats most all the time. We have got a new colonel from the 8th [Connecticut]. His name is Upham. He is only acting in place of Beach for he has gone home sick. I don’t think that he will get back this winter if the war lasts. We have all kinds of rumors here everyday but I don’t mind anything about them. They [say] that we shall be home by Christmas but I don’t want you to say so from me for I don’t think that. It is too good to be true. But I wish that it might be so for I have got sick of it and all the rest of the soldiers and I think that they have got sick both North and South. I think that it will be settled this winter but it may not be so.

I do not know as you get my letters lately for I don’t get any and the mail comes every other day. I have not had a letter for 3 or 4 weeks. I get your paper. I suppose that you are all at home today for Thanksgiving but me and if I could have my say, I should be there too. But perhaps I shall be there at Christmas or New Years. I hope so but I think that it is doubtful. But you can bet I shall be home as soon as I can.

This is a lonesome day to me for I am thinking of home today all the time. I am out of money, out of tobacco, and out of everything else. If you will send me some money and a pair of gloves, I can get along till we get paid off if I live long enough. If we don’t get paid till the first of January, they will owe me about 50 dollars bounty by the state and all and then I will send or fetch it myself if I am lucky enough to get through by that time.

For our Thanksgiving out here we have got for supper some salt horse and hard tack and coffee but we have not got anything to make it sweet with so that will have to be our supper for this time. But I hope that this the last one that I shall see out here. Tell Jon to write when you see him and send me some tobacco by mail and send me the gloves by mail as soon as you can for it is hard work to keep my hands warm handling my gun these cold mornings. Write as soon as you can.

From your brother, — M. Culver

I will write again soon.

Letter 4

Camp Hartford opposite Fredericksburg, Va.
January 15th 1863

Dear Sister,

As I have time this forenoon, I thought that I would write you a few lines to let you know that I am well. We are here on the ground that the 21st left. They have gone away from us into the 3rd Brigade. I have not seen George or Frank since they left us. I shall see them as soon as I get time.

We have lived very well now for a few days for there was a man from Hartford that brought on boxes and the boys that I tent with had 2. We had chicken pie and roast beef. The Express company brings them through now. We have got a very good tent in dry weather but it rains almost as much as if we had no tent. It rains here today. It rained here all night last night. I had to get up and put our rubber blankets on to keep from floating off. We have got a fire place and chimney so we keep warm. It is not very cold here. The wind is blowing hard from the south.

The 8th got paid off yesterday. They say that we shall get another 2 months pay Saturday. If we do, I shall send some home and I want you to write and let me know as soon as you get it. I wrote to Jon to see if the Express would take a box and if they would, to get some money at home and get some things that I sent for — some tobacco of both kinds, smoking and chewing, for it good to keep off the smell when we have to clean up the camp. If the things don’t get started, tell Jon to send me a pair of souls for my boots and something to put them on with. They are pegged ones.

I don’t know how long we shall stay here but I think some time. There is no news here. Hatch is frying nut cakes now. I am a doing very well now. I weigh 176 lbs — fat and lazy as can be. I have got large whiskers. I have not shaved since I came from Hartford. There is a picture gallery here and if I get time after I get my money, I will let you know how I look.

I shall have to stop writing for I have not got anymore time now. I want to have the folks send me a box as soon as you can. Give respects to Mr. Tina [?] Buck and all the rest of the Bucks and everybody in the Buck town. Write as often as you can.

I will write again soon. From your Brother

Letter 5

Suffolk, Virginia
March 18th 1863

Dear Sister,

I received your letter this morning and was very glad to hear from you. I have not been with the regiment since last Friday They started from Newport News Friday and I was left back to help load the baggage and have got up with them now.

We are close to the city — if you may call it a city. But the rest of the country I have not had time to look at only it is all woods as far as I can see. We are about 20 miles from the Black Water. We came on with the wagon train and had to march 20 miles. We came to Portsmouth on the boat. Wednesday noon we started on the march. We came on 12 miles, put up to a farm house for the night and this morning came on to the regiment. 12 miles of our march was through a swamp so that we could not see our way out. I do not know what the movement is without we are to strengthen the force here.

I wish that I was at home as much as you and I guess more. I don’t see why Melly does not write. I have written to her 4 or 5 times and I have not got but one answer. You say that you like her. You will like her better the more you see her.

There is not much news here to write that I know of. There is plenty of niggers here and all along through the country where we have been.

I should like to see Hat Smith first rate and I am in hopes that this war will end some time so that I can get out of the army. I don’t know how I should act to get into a house and sit down where there was anybody for I have not seen anybody for so long that I should not know what to do. I weigh now 187 lbs and look some different since I came away. I hope that I shall live long enough to get home again.

I had a letter from Tom and Angeline this morning and shall answer as soon as I get time. I shall have to stop writing for it is getting late. Give my respects to all [and] to Nelly when you see her. So goodbye for this time.

From your Brother

I will write you more next time. Send your picture as soon as you can.

Letter 6

Camp Hartford
Suffolk, Va.
April 9th [1863]

Dear Sister,

I received your letter some days ago but have not had time to answer it till now for we have got new tents and have been busy putting them up and fitting our camp. I am well — all but a hard cold. They keep us busy all of the time most so we can’t get time to write. I hear that [William Alfred] Buckingham is Governor again. I thought that he would be for there are plenty of soldiers to home on furloughs that have stayed and voted and now will come back and it will be alright. I got the papers that you have sent along. They don’t stop any papers that are sent to us that I have heard of.

There is no news here to write. The 21st [Connecticut] has gone off somewhere to build a fort and I have not seen George or Frank for some time. I got your picture. It is a very good one. I can get one taken here and will send you one the next time I write. I should have sent it this time but I have got a cold sore on my nose. As soon as it it gets well, I will get one and send it home.

You say that you shall be a looking for me but you will have to look some time. I don’t know as I can come anyway for them that have gone have not come back till after their time had gone by for some time and it will stop the rest from going I am afraid. You said that you saw Emner Edwards. I want to know where she lives and whether she is married or not for I have forgotten. I have got some money that I am going to send home but I shall wait and see if we are ever going to get pay again or get our bounty checks. It comes due this month.

I shall have to stop for it is most time for me to go on guard. I will send you a picture next week, So goodbye for this time.

— From your Brother

Letter 7

Camp near Portsmouth [Virginia]
July 28th 1863

Dear Sister,

Charley Taylor [of the 15th Connecticut] brought me your letter today and I was very glad to hear from you. Your letter was written on the 13th. I don’t see where it has been so long. I don’t know whether we had been on our raid or not when I wrote to you before. If we had not, I will give you a description of it next time I write.

Our 4th of July was on a hard march and with the thermometer about 120. I never suffered so much in the 3 weeks that we were away from the camp.

I have not been out of my tent hardly for this week. I have got 3 or 4 of Job’s comforters [boils] on me and I have to keep pretty still. I managed to get to the river and get some oysters yesterday and some crab — they are like lobsters, and some of them most as large.

I hear that the First Brigade is going to South Carolina but I don’t know whether it is so or not. The rest of the boys are to work on forts and cutting timber.

You say that you will write to me when you write to Frank and George but I don’t want you to send anything to the 21st [Connecticut] for me for they are at Portsmouth and a good way from our camp and I can’t get there without a pass. I went down there last week. They are both well. I think that this war can not last a great while longer if our army is as prosperous as it has been for the last few months without some other nation interferes. If we get Charleston from them, which I think we will soon, it will hurt them very much. Some of our officers have gone home after drafted men to fill up our ranks. It will take some 6 or 7 hundred. I do not know when they are coming.

The weather is very hot here and will be for some time to come. It seems as if time went off very fast. We have been gone most a year. We have a thunder shower here most everyday. We had a hard one yesterday and have got one this morning. It is just commencing to rain. I don’t have nothing to do — only go up to the puke shop 3 times a day and get my dose of medicine. If I do not have any more boils, I shall get around next week. I shall have to stop so goodbye for this time. Write soon.

— Your Brother

Letter 8

Camp 16th Connecticut Vols. near Portsmouth, Va.
August 27th 1863

Dear Sister,

It has been some time since I got your last letter but we have been changing camps and I have not had time to write till now. We have moved about 3 miles from the old camp. We have got a very decent place, I guess. I don’t know yet for I have not been around. I don’t like the place so well as the old one for we [are] way away from other troops there. We are not very near now, but nearer than I wish we were.

It has rained here ever since we commenced to move and we [are] very wet to the skin. All day long. We have had news from Charleston this afternoon and there has been a salute fired at Fortress Monroe of 34 guns. I think that Charleston will soon be ours and that will be another heavy blow for the rebs if thing work well that this cruel war is about played out. I hope so anyway for I want to get out of the noise and confusion of camp life. You don’t know anything about it till you are where you can see it. There is no news to write about that I have heard.

I have got sores coming out on my face and hands. I suppose that my blood is out of order. The 15th [Connecticut] have moved above ours somewhere. I don’t know where but probably 2 or 3 miles away.

We are at work on forts the same as ever. Sweet potatoes begin to get ripe but they are very high. But we manage to get some once in awhile. I would not take anything for my shirts for they are just the things for this part of the country.

We have got very good quarters here. I don’t know how long we shall stay. We may stay a week, month, or 6 months. I can’t tell a thing about it. All that I want is to have them say pack up for home and I will be ready as soon as any of them.

I had a letter from John last week. He is out with Ranry yet. I had a letter from she that was Lib Taylor. Today her husband is drafted but I guess that he won’t come. Who is drafted in Portland [Connecticut]? I have not had any paper this two months from home so I don’t get the news from that way. If they send papers, they do not get here to me. It has been quite cold here for 2 or 3 days and seems like fall. I wish that we might get home this fall but I don’t suppose that we shall.

But it is time for roll call and I must stop. Give my respects to all the folks and I will bid you goodbye for this time. Write soon.

From your brother, — Martin Culver

Letter 9

South Mills, North Carolina
September 14th [1863]

Dear Sister,

I received your letter today and shall have a chance to send back tomorrow so I will write you a few lines. 5 companies of the regiment came here last week Wednesday. We are to stay 3 or 4 weeks. We are on picket and have to look out for bushwackers. It is about 30 miles from our cold camp. We are in Camden County on the Dismal Swamp Canal. You think that it is lonesome out our way at home but this is the most God forsaken country that I ever saw. It is all swamp and pine woods for hundreds of miles. There are all kinds of animals here — coons, wildcats, snakes, what we call at home red eyes. We don’t get a mail without some of our men come down and I shall be glad when we get out of it.

We have but 96 men — half of the regiment that are reported for duty. We have had two thunder showers. You don’t get any of the kind North. I had a letter from John a few days ago.

We have killed several hogs today. That is about all that we have to eat and will be till we get some more rations. But we shan’t starve as long as there is plenty of pork around loose. I should like to see Clark Edwards and some of them fellows out here and see how they would like it. We have 5 companies of cavalry here with ours. When we get back to camp, I will write again and let you know the news, if there is any. We should not know if the whole world was turned over as long as we stay here. You will see a piece in the Times about the 16th written by Horace Steel ¹ and it makes the shoulder straps very mad and I hear that they are a going to court marshal him but if they don’t look out sharp, they will see Torbel get with right. It was the truth — every word of it. But we have got to keep still till we get home and then they are no better than us.

But I must stop for it is getting late. If you send me a Times or Sentinel, put it into a [Hartford] Courant and then it will be sure to come. And now if I can get a stamp, I will send you this.

Direct as before, only leave off Washington D. C. and put on Norfolk, Va. and it will come one day sooner. And now I will bid you goodbye for the night.

From your brother — M. Culver

¹ Horace B. Steel served in Co. F, 16th Connecticut.

Letter 10

Camp Near Portsmouth, Virginia
September 27 [1863]

Dear Sister,

I received your letter yesterday and was very glad to hear from you again. We arrived at camp from North Carolina Tuesday night. It is cold nights here now but very pleasant days. Today is Sunday and it is the pleasantest day that I ever saw or it would be if i was at home for we have about as much to do Sundays as any day in the week. Today at 2 o’clock we have a review at or near the 15 Co about 3 miles from here. Our brigade are to be reviewed by [Brig.] General [Edward] Harland and staff. We are in the 18th Army Corps but it don’t make any difference about letters as long as we are in this part of the army — Norfolk or Washington D. C. will come just the same.

Yesterday I put pockets in my overcoat and it took me most all day. We have got a brigade band but I have not heard it play yet nor don’t want to. I have heard enough of them. I hear that all of the sick and wounded around hear have been taken to New Haven. Albert Hatch ¹ — my old tent mate — has gone and Horace Warner of Rocky Hill. ² As soon as I hear from Hatch and he gets home, I am agoing to write and tell him to go out home and see the folks. He can tell you more news in one half hour than I can write in a week but I shall have to stop now and wash my white gloves and get ready for review.

It is now Monday night. I have been out today at work on breastworks cutting and piling up logs as high as a man’s head. I went up to the 15th and saw Charley Taylor this noon. He is in the hospital. He has got the asthma so that he can hardly talk. There is no news here to write. I think that we shall move camp again before a great while. It seems to be the opinion that we shall stay around here this winter. If we do, I shall get me a small stove and try to keep warm. There was some frost here last night and I suppose that you have it at home every night. It is about Chestnut time and how I should like to be home to get some. But I don’t see how I can just now. There is no Chestnut trees around here. Nothing but Pine.

But I must stop for it is time for roll call so good night. From your brother, — M. Culver

I will send you a song that was made up by one of the boys about our sutler. His name is Merritt. He tells about driving the women. It is the ones that bring their stuff to sell to the boys and it has been stopped.

¹ Albert S. Hatch of Co. A, 16th Connecticut was wounded at Antietam. Later he was wounded again, resulting in the amputation of a finger on his left hand, during a skirmish with Confederates while on a reconnoissance across the Nansemond River on the Providence Church Road in May 1863. Two men were killed and eight wounded in Company A. He was discharged for disability in September 1864.

² Horace M. Warner, died Oct. 24, 1864, age 29 yrs., Company C., 16th Connecticut Volunteers, buried at Newburn, N. C., Civil War marker and flag.

Letter 11

Portsmouth [North Carolina]
September 27th 1863

Friend Hattie,

I wrote to you some time ago but have received no answer yet. Thinking you did not receive mine, I will write again hoping and trusting I shall hear from you in return. I have not seen Martin for some time until today. He came and see me today and took dinner with me. I was glad to see him for it seemed an age since I saw him last. He is about three miles from where I am.

Our Second Lieutenant [Henry B. Levi] died to day with diptheria. I have been very sick but am better now except my throat. That is very sore yet. There is a great many in the regiment with sore throat.

Our boys are having a pretty hard time now. They have to go out chopping and digging every day. Sundays they either have an inspection or review. Martin is troubled with a hard cold. I hope he will not be sick for it is a hard place to be sick in the army. We do not get a kind mother’s care here. But the officer’s wives have been very good to our boys. They come down every day and see them and bring down custards to them, It does the boys a deal of good. It seems to cheer them up in fact. They get well quicker where the women take care of them.

The chaplain’s wife is in every day to see them. She goes home tomorrow. The boys will miss her very much. I would like to have the chaplain go and see them if we could not get a better one. He is a poor fellow. The other day he came into the hospital so intoxicated he could hardly stand. I don’t think he is a fit man for chaplain. I think if we had a good Christian man for chaplain, we would have a large revival. The boys will not go to hear the chaplain preach but gather in crowds outside of the camp and there worship God. We have splendid meetings by ourselves. But I would like to be home and go to church. ¹

I heard Mr. Eaton was very sick. I was very sorry to hear it. May God guide us both in the path of righteousness and finally receive us into his heavenly kingdom is the prayer of your friend, — Charlie

Write soon please.

Direct [to] Charles H. Taylor, Hospital Department, [Co. F] 15th Regt. Ct., Portsmouth, Virginia

Best wishes to you and your Father & Mother. — C. H. Taylor

¹ The chaplain of the 15th Connecticut at the time was Rev. Daniel Henry Miller (1827-1896) who resigned the position citing health reasons in November 1863 with the following parting words, “In much I may have failed to meet your expectations, yet I am confident you will ever esteem me as a man whose heart was in the ‘right place’ and whose sympathies were ever enlisted when needed and known for all without hesitation.” Miller was a pastor in Meriden, New Haven County, Connecticut, when he volunteered his services as chaplain. He was an 1845 graduate of Wesleyan Institute. His wife was Lucy Elizabeth (Latham) Miller (1816-1878).

Letter 12

December 14, 1863
Camp 16th Connecticut Volunteers
Portsmouth [Virginia]

Dear Sister [Hattie],

I received the things and letter by way of Taylor yesterday and was very glad to hear from you. The things were very good and the walnuts were the first that I have since I left home. I should like to be at home Christmas but I can’t and I don’t know when I shall come. We have had to draw cuts and I come the 9 man and if the furloughs are not stopped, I shall be home sometime this winter. I can’t tell at what time. I shall come as soon as I can, you can bet on that.

The weather is warm and pleasant. We had a very hard thunder shower last night and one today. We have got nice quarters and a good place. There is but a very few sick in the regiment now.

I am at work in my trade and have been for a long time and shall be for some time to come. ¹ Charley Taylor came up here last week. It is the first time that I have seen him for 2 months.

The 21st Regiment has left Norfolk and gone to Newport News and the 27th Massachusetts has taken their place. What brigade the 21st are in now, I do not know. If you see the Hartford Post you will see a piece from the 16th [Connecticut] every week. There is no news here. Everything is about the same as it has been for the last 6 months. I have got a stove in my house and get along first rate. If we can stay here in this department till my time is out it is all that I ask. There are a great many old troops that are enlisting over for three years and all of the unbleached Americans ² are enlisting very fast. That is what they call them now.

I want to get home and see how things look but I don’t believe that you would know me if you should meet me in the daytime for I am a great deal larger and blacker and everything else. You must write as often as you can and I will do the same and if anything happens I will let you know as soon as I can.

Col. [Francis C.] Beach is back here and is now acting Brigadier General so we shall fare pretty well I think. It is now roll call and I must stop, so good by for this time. Give my best respects to all the folks in Taylor town when you go down there. I hope that I shall get home before long [even] if i don’t stay but 3 days.

From your Brother — Martin V. Culver

¹ A house carpenter before the war, Culver wrote his brother of “hewing timber for houses for the shoulder straps” while encamped at Portsmouth. [Letter from Martin V. Culver to Jonathan Culver, 23 November 1863 — Footnote 145 in Gordon’s book.]

² Unbleached Americans is obviously referring to the colored troops.

Letter 13

Camp 16th Regt., Newbern, N. C.
March 18th 1864

Dear Sister,

I received your letter today and was very glad to hear from you again and to hear that you are all well. The 16th adn the 15th and the 21st are in one brigade and commanded by our Colonel with rank of Brigadier. The 21st are at Little Washington some way from here. Part of the 15th are here and part are at Batchelor’s Creek 8 miles from here. We are called the Connecticut Brigade.

We have got our barracks fixed up so that they are very good now. I have been building bunks today and my stove came from Plymouth tonight so that I can now keep warm. It is rather cold here nights and mornings. The Boys are at work here on a large fort to command the Neuse river.

There is no news here to write. I have got a piece of wood from the gunboat Underwriter that was boarded and taken by the rebels here in the river about 4 weeks ago. They tried to get away with her but she was fired into from our fort, blown up and burnt. She is now close by the shore at low water. I suppose you have seen the account of it in the paper. I have made a cross of it and if you get it, I want you to keep it.

Confederate troops abandoning the gunboat USS Underwriter after setting her afire, 2 February 1864.

You speak about [my] reenlisting. We cannot reenlist till after the 24th of August next after we have been in the service two years. And you need not be afraid of me reenlisting [even] if every other man in the regiment does. When my time is out, I am coming home. Time goes away fast here in the army. We have got 17 months and six days before our time is out and that will soon pass off. I got the paper that you sent the same time that I got the letter. I do not get any news—only what I get in the Hartford papers. Some of the Boys get them every week.

I have not been on guard or picket for about six months and I some expect to get detailed at headquarters for the man that was there is going to play in the band and if I do, I shall be alright for I shall be at work at my trade all of the time.

It seems to be the opinion that we shall not be here long—that we shall go back to Plymouth. I hope that we shall go back for I like to stay there better than here. If you get this, let me know. We expect to get pay every day. But i must now stop for it is roll call. So goodbye. Direct the same as this time, or Newbern, and I shall get it.

Letter 14

New Bern, North Carolina
May 7th 1865

I received your letter the 2nd of the month but have been busy till today. I am at work in the carpenter shop now. There is not much to do here. The boys are on guard at the depot and have to go on the cars and boat to Fort Monroe, Washington, and other places to guard prisoners and other things. Civil law commences here the 16th of the month and then I suppose that we shall have to leave and I think that it will be for home when we do start.

There is an order to discharge all in hospitals and all at parole camp. We have got about 20 in camp and all that are at home on furloughs so I think that we have not got long to stay.

George Creighton ¹ that you wrote about was paroled the 11th of December and came to Camp Parole. He was very sick on the road and I think that he is dead. I cannot find out for certain. But it is the opinion of his company that he is dead.

I am in tent with Jeff Miller. ² We went through some sanitary boxes last night at the depot and got lots of stuff such as apple sauce, peach, blackberry, and all such kind of stuff, pants, shirts, drawers &c.

The weather is very hot here — as hot as you get it in July. There is no more fighting to be done and I think that we shall get away from here before it is very sickly. There was 66 of the 15th [Connecticut] died here last summer. There was one by the [name of] Henry Culver, aged 25. ³ Who he is, I do not know. I have just got a letter from parole camp and the boys that are there are not coming back. They have got an order to be discharged but I will stop and go up town to nigger meeting and so goodbye for this time.

From your brother, — Martin V. Culver

You did not put on the company and regiment on the other letter. You must for I shall not get them.

¹ George Creighton — a native of Scotland — served in Co. G, 16th Connecticut. He was a resident of Glastonbury when he enlisted in July 1862. He was wounded at Antietam and captured at Plymouth, North Carolina. He was paroled on 11 December 1864 but there is no further regimental record for him. Pension records indicate that George was paroled at Florence on or about the 11th December 1864 and that he was very sick at the time with chronic dysentery. He went on board a transport steamer at Charleston bound for Annapolis (Camp Parole) but died on or before its arrival on 25 December.

² Jeffrey Dwight Miller (1844-1916) was a resident of Avon when he enlisted in Co. A, 16th Connecticut in August 1862. He was captured at Plymouth, North Carolina in April 1864 and paroled 30 Novembver 1864. He mustered out in June 1865. He served with his older brother George Washington Miller (1837-1898).

³ The roster of the 15th Connecticut includes a Henry Culver (1839-1864) who served from July 1862 until his death on 4 October 1864. He was in Company B.  Henry was the son of Caleb and Nancy Culver of North Haven, New Haven County, Connecticut.

11th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Battle of Deserted House, Dix's Peninsula Campaign, Hanover Court House Raid, Suffolk, Virginia

1863-64 Diaries of Charles N. Walker, Co. F, 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry

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This tintype of Pvt. William Harding of the 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry shows the uniform, the M1840 heavy cavalry saber, and the Colt M1860 revolver carried by its members. (The Civil War Image Shop)

The following pocket diaries were kept by Charles N. Walker (1842-1913) while serving in Co. F, 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry. He served three years, from August 1861 to August 1864. He was the son of Delanis Walker and Catherine Keeney of Towanda county, Pennsylvania.

The 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry was organized at Philadelphia as an independent regiment, “Harlan’s Light Cavalry” originally. Most of the men serving in Co. F were recruited from Tioga county, Pennsylvania, or across the state border in upstate New York.

See also the 1863 Diary kept by Jared Fuller of Co. A, 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry. It was transcribed and published on Spared & Shared in May 2023.

Walker’s diaries are from the collection of Don Andrew and were made available for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by express consent.

Transcription

January 1863

Tuesday, 1—Staid in camp all day. Was quite unwell.

Monday, 5—Went to the hospital sick.

Tuesday, 20—Drew five dollars sutler tickets. Bought this book, a portfolio cost one dollar. Am still in the hospital but able to go to town. Wrote to G. F. Ellison.

Wednesday, 21—Stayed around the hospital all day. Wrote to H. A. Guernsey. News of the capture of Arkansas Post and 3,000 prisoners. Wrote to Lydia Giles.

Thursday, 22–Rained nearly all day. Received a letter from Al and Annie Thompson. Wrote to Al. Phil Andrews came to the hospital today sick. No mail tonight.

Friday, 23—Bought a Waverly [Advocate] and read it all day, Nothing else to do. Am still in hospital. Eat 6 eggs for my supper and so did Paul Rimple and Bis[hop] Borden.

Saturday, 24—Received a letter from Em. Answered it and wrote Ike Townsbery. Went up to camp. Received an [Wellsboro] Agitator from Sate.

Sunday, 25—Received a letter from Juke. Answered it and wrote to W. E. Calkins. Stayed to the hospital all day. Very nice day. Enos Ackerly Co. He got a furlough for 20 days.

Monday, 26—Returned to camp today. Green, Co. D, 7th Confederate Cavalry was paroled and went away from the hospital.

Tuesday, 27—Signed the pay roll for four months pay. Rained nearly all day. Very muddy.

Wednesday, 28—Still rains. The paymaster did not come today but is expected tomorrow. It is raining very hard tonight. Coffee, rice, and bread and molasses for supper.

Thursday, 29—Went out on a scout at midnight and returned in the morning. Received pay at night. the whole regiment went out to fight the rebs.

Friday, 30—In camp all day. Fight going on at the Deserted House. Our troops come off victorious. All in camp.

Saturday, 31—Got my likeness taken. Very busy times about town. Greenbacks are plenty. Am on light duty yet. Received a letter from Em & Mother.

February 1863

Sunday, 1—Wrote a letter to Em. Went on company inspection. Got my likeness taken and sent it to Juke. Sent $5 to Ma.

Monday, 2—Went and saw J. Brady. he is well. Had an oyster supper. No news of importance.

Tuesday, 3—Snowed all night. Very cold. Went out on a scout to Holland Corners. Snow about 8 inches deep. No mail today. Rather tough scouting.

Wednesday, 4—Still very cold. Have sat by the fire all day. The snow has not yet gone off. Capt. gets leave of absence for 7 days. get me a pair of boots.

Thursday, 5—Capt. went home today. Still cold. No news of importance.

Friday, 6—Received a letter from Juke. Rained all day. Very muddy going. News of the blockade at Charleston being raised.

Saturday, 7—Received a letter from Em. Lieut. Palmer is officer of the day. Still muddy. Had the toothache all day.

Sunday, 8—Dress parade at ten a.m. Went to town. Wrote a letter to Em. Very nice day. Everything quiet.

Monday, 9—Detailed for police duty today. Very nice day. the Boys played ball nearly all day. received a letter from Sarahan. Bought a Frank Leslie [Illustrated].

Tuesday, 10—Dress Parade at 8 a.m. without arms. Went on a scout to Holland Corners. Did not get back until 10 o’clock at night.

Wednesday, 11—Wrote to Sarahan & Juke and sent a paper to Jane. Very nice day.

Thursday, 12—Detailed for regiment guard and picked out for orderly for Lt. Col. [George] Stetzel for one day. No mail today. Very nice day. Phil Andrews was put in the guard house today.

Friday, 13—Stayed around camp all day. received a letter from Al.

Saturday, 14—-Went on a scout to Carrsville. Had a good time.

Sunday, 15—Had a tooth pulled. Went to church. Received a letter from home. Wrote to Al and Ma. Sent a Waverly [Advocate] to Em.

Monday, 16—Stayed in camp all day. No news of importance.

Tuesday, 17—Rained all day. Stayed in camp. Capt. [Benjamin B.] Mitchell returned on the evening train.

Wednesday, 18—Detailed for fatigue. Rained all day. No news tonight.

Thursday, 19—No news of importance. Rained nearly all day.

Friday, 20—Doct. Borden & Mr. Far came down to see us. Got my horse shod.

Saturday, 21—Went out on a scout to Carrsville. Was on stable guard. Doctor and Mr. Far went on a scout with us. Received a letter from Lydia and a likeness from Juke.

Sunday, 22—Snowed some last night. Rained all day. Wrote to Ma. No news of importance.

Monday, 23—Doctor Borden goes away today. Sent a letter to Ma by him. Middling cold.

Tuesday, 24—Still cold. No news of importance today. Received three [Wellsboro] Agitators from Sate.

Wednesday, 25—Started on a three days scout this day at 3 p.m. Co. F, H, & D under command of Lt. Col. Stetzel. Marched 12 miles to Big Fox Church.

Thursday, 26—Marched to Gatesville and from there to Sunbury, distance of 30 miles. Stayed all night at Sunbury. Am orderly for Lt. Col.

Friday, 27—Received letter from Em and Jennie. Started for camp at sunrise. Went in advance to buy chickens for the Lt. Col. Arrived at Suffolk at 4 p.m. Was alarmed at 9 o’clock. Went out to the pickets but there was no show.

Saturday, 28—Mustered this morn at 9 a.m. by Col. Dodge, Am on stable guard today. Somewhat rainy. received a letter from Juke. Wrote to Jennie.

March 1863

Sunday, 1—Wrote to Juke. Rained nearly all day. No news of importance.

Monday, 2—Rained today. received a letter from Ma and Al. No news today. The ram Indianola captured by the rebs at Vicksburg by the Queen of the West.

Tuesday, 3—Co. F went on a scout to Carrsville. I was in the advance guard. the whole regiment went out to Franklin at midnight.

Wednesday, 4—Wrote to Al. Was on regiment fatigue chopping wood. the regiment came back tonight. they captured three prisoners.

Thursday, 5—Very nice day. No news of importance.

Friday, 6—Co. F went on a scout to Carrsville. Had a good time.

Saturday, 7—Received a letter from C. N. E. Calkins and H. A. Guernsy.

Sunday, 8—Wrote to Alice Bishop. Borden returned today from home. Thomas Depu came with him. Received a letter from Em & Olive. Received a kerchief from Ma.

Monday, 9—Went and saw Jerome today. Marched through town on review by Gen. Peck. No news. Tonight 4 companies on a scout.

Tuesday, 10—Rained all day. No news of importance.

Wednesday, 11—Was on regimental guard. Middling cold day. Co. H was on a scout to Carrsville. Corporal Smith, Co. K, was shot through the head by a guerrilla near Deserted House.

Thursday, 12—Nothing new today. Went on drill. Made two charges. Very nice day.

Friday, 13—Co. F & D went on a scout to South Quay. Drove in the pickets and returned safe and sound.

Saturday, 14—The 9th Army Corps has arrived at this place. No other news. Very fair day.

Sunday, 15—Wrote o Ma. Went to town. Inspection at 9 a.m. Dress Parade at sundown.

Monday, 16—Co. F received orders to get to Norfolk to relieve Co. M. Started at 2 and arrived at 12 o’clock.

Tuesday, 17—Stayed all night near Norfolk. Today the various details were made. I came to the city as orderly. Am orderly for the Provost Judge. Wrote to Warren.

Wednesday, 18—Went up to camp today and served two summons. one on James Street. The other on East Wide Water Street, No. 147. Went to the theater at night.

Thursday, 19—Went to the jail three ties with orders. received orders to return to camp. Snowed some.

Friday, 20—Snowed last night and all day. Went to the city on detail with three days rations. The weather being bad, we were sent back. Corporal D[avenport] and 5 men.

Saturday, 21—It has cleared up some today. the snow is going off. It was about 8 inches deep.

Sunday, 22—Went and took a ride with William Tompkins. Went to church in the evening.

Monday, 23—Went out to Kempsville on picket. Went to Prince Ann Court House on a scout. Bought two dozen eggs. Wrote to Ma.

Tuesday 24—Returned to camp. Received a letter from Jennie & Ma. Very nice day. Went to the city.

Wednesday, 25—Received a letter from Juke. Answered it same day.

Thursday, 26—Went to the city with the captain. Received orders for a scout. Went as far as Kempsville and stayed all night.

Friday, 27—Marched through the county of Prince Ann and picked up all the arms we could find. Saw some very nice young ladies. Stayed at Kempsville.

Saturday, 28—Marched through the county of Norfolk picking up arms. returned to camp in a drenching rain.

Sunday, 29—Received a letter from Al & Alice. Have a very bad cold. Fixed up my stable. Rather a cold day. There is two men here from Bradford visiting the Boys.

Monday, 30—Detailed with 4 of the Boys and Corporal Davenport to report to the Lt. Col. of 173rd Pennsylvania. Went to Prince Ann Court House. Stayed at Kempsville.

Tuesday, 31—Nothing of importance.

April 1863

Wednesday, 1—Did not get fooled today. Middling cold day. Have a very bad cold. Nothing new.

Thursday, 2—Went to the city with Captain. Very nice day.

Friday, 3—Wrote to Al. No news. Cold and rainy.

Saturday, 4—Went to the city and got my horse shod. Cold and windy today. Lay in the house all the rest of the day. Received a letter from Em.

Sunday, 5—Cold, snowy and wet this morning. Wrote to Jennie.

Monday, 6—Went on a scout to Blackwater. Marched over 50 miles.

Tuesday, 7—Wrote to Sate. Went to town and to the Express Office. News of the capture of Charleston, S. C.

Wednesday, 8—Detailed on fatigue. Building bake oven. Pay rolls came tonight. Went to the city with the team.

Thursday, 9—On fatigue. Got pay today. Lieuts. [David] Tears & [Philip] Palmer were here.

Friday, 10—Went to town. Bought a new neck tie and a pair of suspenders and 50 cents worth of stamps. Wrote to Em. Sent Ma $5. Went on a scout to Hodge’s Ferry.

Saturday, 11—Received a letter from Ma. Went on picket 10 miles from the city.

Sunday, 12—Still on picket. Got my meals to a neighbor’s house.

Monday, 13—Went to Sleepy Hole on a scout. Came into Norfolk with a dispatch. Staid in and Lyman Cole went out in my place.

Tuesday, 14—Went to the city and got my horse shod. Nothing new.

Wednesday, 15—Nothing new.

Thursday, 16—Went to Deep Creek with the Captain. Got wet. Sent Ma $45 by Express.

Friday, 17—Went up to Great Bridge with John. Put under arrest. Staid all night.

Saturday, 18—Came from Great Bridge with Irvine Arnot [Irwin Arnet].

Sunday, 19—Received a letter from Ma.

Monday, 20—Went out to David’s Mills on picket.

Tuesday, 21—Went out to the neighbors to see the girls.

Wednesday, 22—Nothing new.

Thursday, 23—The same. Received a letter from Juke.

Friday, 24—Went over to Mr. Peak’s and saw Martha Jane Brown. She is same.

Saturday, 25—Wrote to Juke adn staid around the church the rest of the day.

Sunday, 26—Went on a scout in the country to the Nansamond [river], breaking up boats.

Monday, 27—Went out riding with Miss Emily Howell. Had a very pleasant ride. Received a letter from Alice & Ma.

Tuesday, 28—Went up to Mr. Taylor’s and got acquainted wit htwo very nice young ladies.

Wednesday, 29—Came to camp with morning report. Baily went out in my place. Received a letter from Em & Alice. Wrote to Alice. Thunderstorm in the evening.

Thursday, 30—Went on a scout to northwestern branch, distance of 25 miles from camp. Captured a horse.

May 1863

Friday, 1—-Went to the [blacksmith’s] shop. Got my secesh horse shod. Before wrote to Em. In the evening, Sergt. [George W.] Tooker returned to the company. Today Charley Clark and Turner went to jail.

Saturday, 2—Went to Kempsville on picket with Corporal [N. M.] Davenport.

Sunday, 3—Came in from picket by way of the plank road.

Monday, 4—Stayed in camp all day. News of Gen. Hooker’s advance.

Tuesday, 5—Received a letter from Dora Howcell. Got me a Waverly [Advocate]. Went to the city on a pass. Went a fishing and did not get a fish.

Wednesday, 6—Wrote to W. E. Calkins. Rainy today.

Thursday, 7—Went to the city at night.

Friday, 8—Went to the city & got my bit fixed. Received a letter from Al.

Saturday, 9—Captain went to Old Point. Went to the city.

Sunday, 10—Drove the team up to Great Bridge for Ben received a letter from Alice. Very warm and pleasant.

Monday, 11—Picnic party went up the river from Portsmouth. Wrote to Al. Started on a two day’s scout. Went to Great Bridge and staid all night.

Tuesday, 12—Scouted about 30 miles out. Got some corn and ham. Returned to Great Bridge. Staid all night there.

Wednesday, 13—Returned to camp today. Very warm.

Thursday, 14—Received a letter from Em. Wrote to Ma. Thunderstorm in the afternoon. Moved stables &c.

Friday, 15—Went to the city.

Saturday, 16—Received a letter from Eugene Herring [Co. H, 45th Pennsylvania] . He is at Acqua Creek.

Sunday, 17—Went to the city and visited the burying ground. Called on Miss Nickels in the evening.

Monday, 18—Went on a scout to Blackwater. Fine day. Rode about 50 miles.

Tuesday, 19—Went to the city and got my horse shod. The Reverend Mr. Whittaker called on us in the afternoon. Played a game of ball with us.

Wednesday, 20—Nothing new. Went out calling in the evening.

Thursday, 21—Wrote to Em and Eugene Herring.

Friday, 22—Stayed around camp all day. Went in Mr. Ive’s field and got all the strawberries I could eat.

Saturday, 23—Went over to Portsmouth to attend a picnic but there was none there. Very warm day.

Sunday, 24—Inspection in the morning. Went out to see the gals in the afternoon.

Monday, 25—Went into the country after some men. Did not get them. Wrote to Alice.

Tuesday, 26—Wrote to Juke. Very nice day. Received a paper from Jennie.

Wednesday, 27—Received letters from Al, Alice, and Juke.

Thursday, 28—Stayed around camp all day. Very warm day.

Friday, 29—Went to the city in the daytime. Went and saw the girls at night.

Saturday, 30—Cleaned the yard up and went to the city.

Sunday, 31—Went out in the country 4 miles to church. Had a good sermon. Very warm day. Went out in the evening to see the girls.

June 1863

Monday, 1—Wrote to Al. Nothing new.

Tuesday, 2—Went to the city with A[delbert] D. Keeney. Received a letter from Eugene Herring.

Wednesday, 3—Received a letter from Em. Large fire in Norfolk in the evening. Went down to Mr. Nichol’s. In the evening, mounted drill.

Thursday, 4—Went to the city with the team. Stayed around camp the rest of the day. Mounted drill in the afternoon.

Friday, 5—Bishop Borden came to see us today. Stayed all night. I went to the city in the evening.

Saturday, 6—Bishop went to Suffolk today. Very nice day. Pay rolls came today. Signed the pay roll. Went on a scout.

Sunday, 7—Stayed at Great Bridge last night. Went out in the country about 20 miles. Returned to camp.

Monday, 8—Wrote to Em & Jennie.

Tuesday, 9—Some of the Boys went to Great Bridge and stayed all night.

Wednesday, 10—Went on a scout by way of Great Bridge. Stayed all night at the bridge.

Thursday, 11—Started for camp. Received orders to return on a scout. Did so. Went to Shingle Landing.

Friday, 12—Marched all night. Arrived at Blackwater at daylight. 77 officers got away from one of our boats and we are trying to cut them off.

Saturday, 13—Corporal July [?], H. C. Palmer, and myself went to arrest Mr. Baum. He ran into the woods. Received a letter from Ma and Al.

Sunday, 14—Went with Lieut. [Philip A.] Palmer after Baum. He was away but the ladies said he would be in in the morning.

Monday, 15—Mr. Baum gave himself up. Went up after him. One of the young ladies played on the piano for us. Mr. Baum came to the city.

Tuesday, 16—Went into the country with Lyman & Wilson Cole. Sergt. Ward came out with orders to gather up horses. Received a paper from Jennie.

Wednesday, 17—Marched through the country picking up horses. Came to Great Bridge at night.

Thursday, 18—Returned to camp today. Brought 81 horses in and turned them over to the quartermaster. Very warm and dusty.

Friday, 19—Went to town and got my horse shod. Received a letter from Alice. Wrote to Ma.

Saturday, 20—Received marching orders to join the regiment.

Sunday, 21—Co. K, 1st New York Rifles came to relieve us. Wrote to Ma, Juke, Alice and Al. Went to the city with the captain.

Monday, 22—Packed up . Went to the city. Joined the regiment at Portsmouth. Saw Emily Howell. Staid all night in Portsmouth.

Tuesday, 23—Took the boat for Yorktown. Arrived in the afternoon. Encamped for the night.

Wednesday, 24—Took the boat for White House [Landing]. Moved as far as West Point [on the York River] and anchored for the night.

Thursday, 25—Landed at the White House and started on the road for Hanover Court House. Captured some rebel pickets. Staid in the country.

Friday, 26—Moved on to the Court House. Captured a wagon train and 75 prisoners. Had a small fight.

Saturday, 27—Returned to the White House on the opposite [side] of the river safe and sound. Co. B’s 1st Sergeant [Richard McFarlan] was killed [at South Anna River, Va. on 26 June 1863].

Sunday, 28—Moved across the river and encamped on the bank of the [Pamunky] river.

Monday, 29—Wrote to Mam Al, and Juke and Emily Howell.

Tuesday, 30—Lay around camp all day. Received a letter from Ma.

July 1863

55th Illinois Infantry, Battle of Arkansas Post, Battle of Jackson, Grant's Canal, Siege of Vicksburg

1863: Isaac Thorn Bishop to Victoria A. Bishop

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Isaac Thorn Bishop, Co. C, 55th Illinois Vols.

The following letters were written by Isaac Thorn Bishop (1844-1920), a native of Somers, Kenosha county, Wisconsin, who was working as a dry goods clerk in Kenosha when he volunteered for service as a private in Battery B, 2nd Illinois Light Artillery Regiment. He was quickly transferred, however, to Co. C, 55th Illinois Infantry and joined the regiment following their transfer to the western theater. He saw extensive combat during the Vicksburg Campaign, and wrote an account of the Battle of Arkansas Post in a letter to his sister on 14 January 1863 [see Letter 1 transcript below from The Telegraph-Courier, 12 February 1863 via Newspapers.com].

In the summer of 1863, while at Young’s Point, opposite Vicksburg, they helped to dig the canal which was usually called by the soldiers, “Grant’s Ditch.” Isaac then fought with his regiment from Grand Gulf to Raymond, and next at Champion Hills, Black River Bridge, and in the siege of Vicksburg. During the siege of Vicksburg he was assigned special duty in the Ordnance Department of the 15th Army Corps. After the capitulation of Vicksburg, he was transferred to the Post Ordnance Department. In January 1864, he was assigned to duty in the Ordnance Department, Military Division of the Mississippi, located at Nashville, Tenn., by order of Lieut. Gen. U.S. Grant, where he remained until the close of the War, in May 1865.

Isaac wrote all of these letter to his older sister, Victoria A. Bishop (1841-1903) who never married and most likely deserves the credit for having preserved her brother’s letters.

See also—1863: Jacob Bishop to Isaac Thorn Bishop, published in 2015 on Spared & Shared 9.

Other letters by member of Co. C, 55th Illinois Vols. published on Spared & Shared include:
Augustus C. Goakey, Co. C, 55th Illinois (3 Letters)
Thomas Goakey, Co. C, 55th Illinois (7 Letters)
Henry H. Joslin, Co. C, 55th Illinois (1 Letter)

Letter 1

On board the Southwestern
January 14th 1863.

Dear sister,

Since I wrote to you last I have been through another bloody battle, and have been through hardships and trials that would wreck the strongest frame of man. But I can put up with it because we have had such good luck.

We sailed up the Arkansas river about 150 miles; stopped about five miles below Fort Arkansas Post, (this is an old military post—the oldest fort in the United States, having been built before the Revolutionary war) and landed our forces Saturday morning; 25,000 infantry, four companies of cavalry, 10 batteries, and four iron-clad gunboats. We marched slowly along until within about a half mile of the Rebel lines, drove in their pickets, and then the order came for the 55th [Illinois] to deploy as skirmishers and advance. It was getting pretty dark then, so that we could not see ten rods. All that we could see to aim at was the flash of their guns. After we had gone about fifty yards, we stopped and kept up a continual fire.

There happened to be a large stump right before me when we stopped, and I just dropped down behind that where I was safe, and loaded and fired as fast as I could. I can tell you, it looked pretty to see the bomb shells fly over us and burst, but we had not been there long before they got the range on us with their artillery, and then—boom, boom—went the shells right amongst us. One hit and burst right on a man’s hip that lay a little way from me and tore him up dreadfully. And then a piece struck the man lying next to me and wounded him. Then the Colonel drew us back a little way, and stopped firing for that night.

Sunday morning—as it is a rule for the northern army not to fight on Sunday—we did not make the attack but at one o’clock, the rebels began to throw shot and shell at as, and you know the yankees could not stand that, and so we let into them. Our gunboats threw shell into the Fort from the river and we shelled them from the land, at the same time advancing towards their breastworks, and everyone that attempted to shoot would fall. We fired at them so fast that they could not get time to [reload and] shoot.

When we got within about 20 rods [110 yards] of the breastworks, one of our regiments laid down and crept along on our bellies We did not get up to fire, but would load and then roll over on our backs, and fire. We worked it in that way about one hour, and then the firing began to cease a little, and we jumped up to see what was the matter, and to our surprise, they had run up the white flag to surrender. Then our men gave three cheers and all was still as death for a moment—except the groans of the dying and wounded—and then we surrounded them to see what we had got. We marched them into the fort, and as they went in,
they piled up their arms at the door.

Well now I will tell you what we got: nine thousand stands of arms—most of them the best of Enfield rifles, seven thousand prisoners, and as near as I can find out, about one million bushels of corn and meal, every horse and mule they had, all their commissary goods and wagons, cartridge boxes, belts, any quantities of sugar, molasses, beet &c., three siege guns, 132-pounders, 20 pieces of light artillery, and a boat load of ammunition. Perhaps you remember of reading about the rebels taking a boat loaded with ammunition a short time ago? Well we took all that back again and considerable more with it.

But the joke comes now on the rebels. The next morning after the battle, two regiments of reinforcements and the stage with four horses came in and we took them; so you can see we made a clean sweep of everything. I got a nice dirk knife and scabbard which I am going to send home the first chance l can get. Also some secesh letters by which you will see how things are going in Texas.

Monday morning. I visited the battlefield before breakfast. I thought Vicksburg was a dreadful sight, but it was nothing like this; our artillery just tore them all to pieces. I will tell you a few of the horrible sights I saw on the field. First about their artillery. The battery on the left had only two horses left out of twenty-four. I saw one cannon with six splendid gray horses hitched to it, but they were all blowed to pieces with balls, and the caisson that belonged to it had four dead ones hitched to it; their horses were nearly all killed. Our guns threw shot so thick that the rebels were obliged to leave their guns and go to their breastworks.

Now to the men. The first was a man with his head all gone but just his face. I thought that was dreadful but the next was four lay side by side, one was cut open from his hips to his shoulders, the next was one with both legs off at the knees, right by his side was one that his hips and legs were about four feet from the rest of his body, the next was one that a shel had struck and cut one arm off and set fire to his clothes, and it burnt him all over to a crisp. One more and I will stop, and that was three brothers lay together, two of them were struck by our balls and the other seeing both his brothers dead he drew his revolver and shot himself. They lay side by side just where they fell.

Your affectionate brother, — Isaac Bishop

Letter 2

Louisiana
January 29, 1863

Dear Sister,

I am so pleased because I received a letter from you today and one from Joseph that I thought I would write a few lines to let you know that I am well and I hope these lines will reach you the same.

Since I wrote you last, we have moved back about half a mile in a very pleasant place right in the edge of the timber and a very good camping place. All we have to do is to work two day hours in a day and stand guard once a week. We work on the levee and canal. We have got the water to running through and we have to make a levee to keep the water from drowning us out. The levee is fifteen feet thick. If this levee should give way, there would be some tall running among the boys to get to the old levee along the Mississippi river. There has got to be a tremendous sight of work done at it yet before the boats can run through but the boys are willing to do a sight of work at it rather than try and climb the hills at Vicksburg under the enemy’s fire. I tell you, it is amusing to see eight or ten regiments to work at it. You may judge for yourself how much they enjoy it. The officers let the boys work to suit themselves. They will work a little while and then talk awhile. Two hours a day is only just exercise for us.

From my tent I can see the city. Oh how I dread the place. But if we can only get the canal dug, I don’t think they will try and take the place. Generals Sherman, Grant, McClernand, Steel, Stewart and Banks were here this morning. It would be worth $50 to Father if he could see them and their staff ride by our house. You said when you got three letters from me that some of them were laughing, some crying. I should like to know what they were crying about. Don’t cry over my departure for pity sake. If this war ended today, I would not come home until spring—it is much more comfortable down here in the winter than it is up there.

If Aunt Ann says the 55th was not in the Vicksburg battle, she is very much mistaken for we were in the fight three days. Haven’t you got the letter I wrote after the fight at Arkansas Post [dated Jan. 14th]? It was a very hard battle for a little while. We were in the hottest of it. I believe the earnest prayers of our chaplain [Milton Lorenzo Haney 1] has saved many a poor man’s life in the two recent battles for we have lost but two men in our regiment and they fell like rain drops on each side of us. I think he is one of the finest men I ever saw. Vick, I wish you could hear him preach once. He beats anyone I ever heard in my life. I was very much pleased with that lock of hair of Lizzie’s. Tell her to write in the next letter.

Since the fight at the Post, I have written two letters to Phebe, one to you, one to Fannie, sent several secesh letters, a gold pen, ring, and some [religious] tracts. You asked me if I wanted you to send me a box of socks and gloves. I have no need of gloves now and I have three pair of socks. I got some things at Arkansas Post. I received Father’s letter and am going to answer it as soon as I can. I shall write often while we are here and I shall number the letters on the envelopes so you can tell how many are lost.

It is getting so dark that I must close for this time hoping I soon shall have the privilege of shaking hands with you. Love to all. — Isaac Bishop

1 The chaplain of the 55th Illinois Infantry was a Methodist named Milton Lorenzo Haney (1825-1922). He was known as the “fighting chaplain” and was awarded the Medal of Honor while voluntarily carrying a musket in the ranks during the fighting on 22 July 1864 before Atlanta.

Letter 3

Haines Bluff
June 2, 1863

Dear Sister,

As I have a few spare moments, I will occupy them by writing to you. It is a beautiful morning and everything looks bright. We have just got into camp here. We left Vicksburg the next day after I wrote Phebe’s letter, marched out near Yazoo City where we met Gen. Johnston with reinforcements for the rebs at Vicksburg. We had a skirmish with them but our force was so much larger than his, he was obliged to get up & dust. He was intending to come up & attack us in the rear which we were pecking them in the city, but old Gen. Grant was too smart for him. We have got them in now like sheep penned up. We’re just merely guarding prisoners.

Just think how we have whipped them within the last six weeks. First at Grand Gulf, next at Port Gibson, then we marched on towards Vicksburg, met them again at Walnut Hill. Here we had a hard fight but drove them on like chaff before the wind. Next at Raymond where they got a sound whipping. Grant divided his troops and sent part of them to Jackson & they gobbled every thing the rebs had there. Then they rushed back to Haines Bluff where they took the rebs by surprise & gobbled everything at this point, siege guns and all. While Grant’s left wing was up to this little trick, we pitched into them at the Big Black Bridge and gave them the soundest whipping the rebs ever got, taking 27 siege guns and any quantity of ammunition. And now we have got them in the little place & guarding them as a little boy guards his chickens.

My health is good as usual. Will Shepherd says to remember him to all the friends (I suppose he means Phebe). I can tell you he is a splendid fellow. I received your letter & Mary Graves’ dated May 16th and Mary L’s May 10th. Tell Mary just as quick as I get in camp where I can write, I will write every week to her. You cannot think how thankful I feel that you write so often. Give my love to all friends and accept this from, — Isaac

Letter 4

Vicksburg [Mississippi]
July 17, 1863

My dear sister Vickie,

It is a long time since I have written to you but I assure you that you are not forgotten by me. But you know last winter Phebe had weak eyes and she could not write, so I am trying to make it up with her now. But after this, I will try and answer every one of them. My health is not very good. I have the [malarial] fever every two or three days. The only way I can stop it is to dope down the quinine and that is enough to kill anyone.

Nothing of local importance has transpired since I wrote you last. Our men have improved the city very much since we came here. Gen. Sherman is having a hard fight out at Jackson. They have been fighting four days and old Johnston holds his ground yet. Our loss is very heavy. One of our generals made a charge without orders and he lost nearly half of his division. His men were mown down like grass. This poor fool was Gen. [Jacob Gartner] Lauman. He was immediately relieved from his command and put under arrest.

The Old 55th [Illinois] is standing her ground in the fight. I do not know how many they have lost in the late battle. This makes nine fights the 55th have been engaged in. I feel proud tp say that I belong to the 55th Illinois Vols. for they are highly spoken of all through Grant’s army.

We are going to Memphis as soon as we can get our business fixed up here. I think we will go within a week. Did Mother get the note I sent her? And another little thing, ask Father if Mr. Windslow paid that note I left with Mr. Doan. Tell Joe I have a life preserver that I confiscated here [that] I am going to send home when I get to Memphis. Also a Miss Leslie’s Cookery Book for you and several other books. When you write, tell what coffee & sugar is worth now. How does the mustard in front of the house look?

Vic, I am going up town this afternoon to see some young gals. By the way, Vic, do you know Mariah Mygatt that used to live in Kenosha? I think she went to school in our district once. I saw Mr. Mygatt yesterday. He says she is teaching school out in the country about 7 miles. I never thought of seeing Kenosha friends in Vicksburg. They lived in a cave dug in the bank during the siege. I am getting along finely in the Ordnance Department. You must write often and I will do the same. Give my love to all the folks and a cordially portion to yourself. and never forget your absent brother, — I. T. Bishop

P. S. Last night in sleep’s delightful land, we sat together, hand in hand.

Gulf Blockading Squadron, Ship Island, U. S. Steamer South Carolina

1861-62: William Johnston to Julia French (Moody) Johnston

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The following letters were written by William Johnston (1827-1922) who was employed as a grocer in Newburyport, Essex county, Massachusetts, prior to the Civil War. He was married to Julia French Moody (b. 1832) in December 1857. Their first child, Henry W. B. (“Beta”) Johnston, was born in January 1859 but died young. Their second child (her birth mentioned in Letter 1), was Agnes L. Johnston, born 19 August 1861. William’s brother, John Quincy (“Quince”) Adams Johnston, married Julia’s younger sister, Lucy Stevens Moody (1837-1860). Quince served in Co. A, 17th Massachusetts Infantry (see 1863: John Quincy Adams Johnston to William Johnston). William and Quince were the children of shoemaker William Johnston, Sr. (1805-1881) and Lavina Flint (1806-Aft1860) of Newburyport.

We learn from these two letters that William Johnston enlisted in the US Navy during the Civil War, serving one year aboard the US Steamer South Carolina on duty in the Gulf Blockading Squadron. His first assignment aboard the steamer was as quarter master but he was later reassigned to be gunner’s mate. His letters describe taking blockade runners as prizes, particularly the sidewheel steamer Magnolia out of New Orleans.

Letter 1

US Steamship South Carolina
Off Barataria
October 22, 1861

Dear wife,

I don’t know when I shall get a chance to send this but I write because i have time. I received your letter the 8th of October. Also two letters at he same time. I was very glad to hear from you. Also to hear you had a daughter. I should rather it had been a boy to take little Beta’s place but we must take them as they come. I like the name [Agnes] much. I should like to see your daughter. Please send me a description of it the next time you write. I think Mrs. Chace has her arms full & Boon Ann, I pity her. I am very sorry little Eddy Scott is dead. I hope they will try and be reconciled to it.

I have not sent any half page yet but will try to send it this time. I am enjoying good health, have easy times, rather poor fare, but I can stand anything if we can save the country. I am quartermaster, get 24 dollars per month, and I hope to get some prize money. We have taken 16 prizes altogether worth a great deal of money. We have had two fights—one at Galveston with batteries, and one in the Mississippi river with steamers. We drove the steamers up river.

I should like to come home but don’t expect to till our year is out. We don’t know how the war is going. We don’t get any news very often. But I expect we shallwhip them this winter. I think this trouble will be over in less than six months.

October 28th. Dear wife, we have not had a chance to send a letter lately so I will add a few lines more. Since I commenced this letter, we have had another fight. Nobody hurt. A young man fell overboard the other night and was drowned. He belonged to the [store] ship Pampero. He was doctor’s steward. 1

I have got an allotment from the purser made payable to you the last of every month. I will write to brother Moulton and he will fix it for you, drawn on the Navy agent at Boston. It has cost me 40 dollars for clothes. If I had my clothes I left at home, it would not cost me twenty-five. I have made me a hat, a cap, and a short—the first of that kind of work I ever done.

We have not had any news for a month. We are anxious to hear from the North. Haven’t had a chance to send a letter for over six weeks. Take good care of that baby. I want to see it. Answer this letter when you get it and tell me all the news. Has Sarah got married yet? Give my love to all the folks and tell them I have not forgotten them, From your William

Sunday, November 3rd, 1861 All well. It is six months tomorrow since I shipped.

1 The surgeon’s steward was David Brainard Tilton (1840-1861), the son of Rev. David Tilton (1806-1869) and Mary Felton Bachelder (1806-1848). He fell overboard while attempting to pass from one vessel to another. “every exertion was made to save him, but it was dark, and the sea very rough, he could not be found. He was a young man of much promise, and his sudden death will be deeply felt by his relatives and numerous friends in this city [Lowell]. [Source: Lowell Daily Citizen & News, Monday, November 11, 1861]

A lithograph depicting the US Steamer South Carolina shelling the batteries at Galveston on Monday afternoon, 5 August 1861

Letter 2

US Ship South Carolina
Ship Island
February 22, 1862

Dear wife,

I received your letter last night. Glad to hear you are all well. I want to see that baby. We celebrated the day she was six months old by taking a splendid prize—the fastest steamer they had in new Orleans, called the Magnolia. [She] ran the blockade loaded with cotton. The US Ship Brooklyn chased her all day but could not catch her. We were lying off Mobile on blockade when we saw her, We gave chase & captured her after firing a dozen shots at her. When they found that we had them, they blew up one boiler, killing the engineer, set fire to her in several places, & took to their boats. We took them all & saved the steamer worth $150,000. The Brooklyn claims her. I don’ know how they will fix it. We towed her to Ship Island & gave up to the Commodore.

Today is Washington’s Birthday. The fort & vessels fired a salute at noon. All the vessels are dressed in flags. It is a beautiful day here. I expect we shall start for home soon. Don’t write me any more letters. There are 4 or 5 thousand troops here besides a large fleet of vessels. We hear cheering news from our forces & I hope it will continue to be so till this rebellion is crushed out. I haven’t seen Mitchell since I wrote last. Their ship is off Pensacola. A gunner’s mate is the best berth on board ship. I sleep all night. A quarter master stands watch night and day. I am glad our time is most out. Our captain [Lt. William Evelyn Hopkins (1821-1894)] is a floating brandy cask.

Don’t stop the paper, — William

Boston Daily Advertiser, April 5, 1862

17th Massachusetts Infantry, Battle of Goldsboro, N. C., Battle of Kinston, Battle of White Hall, Blount's Creek

1863: John Quincy Adams Johnston to William Johnston

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The following letters were written by John Quincy Adams Johnston (1836-1906)—known to his comrades as “Quince”—who served as 1st Sergeant in Co. A, 17th Massachusetts Infantry. He enlisted in May 1861 at Amesbury and was discharged for wounds on 10 September 1863. He was married to Lucy Stevens Moody in 1857 but she died a little over two years later in 1860.

Quince’s first letter describes the Goldsboro Expedition in December 1862. His 2nd letter concludes with a brief recap of the expedition made with other troops of the 18th Army Corps to the relief of the besieged garrison at Washington, North Carolina. When they engaged the enemy at Blount’s Creek on 9 April 1863, they found them strongly entrenched and finally withdrew and returned to New Bern.

Quince wrote the letters to his brother William Johnston who served in the US Navy during the Civil War.

Colonel Thomas Jonathan Coffin Amory, 17th Massachusetts Infantry. Albumen print likely taken at New Berne, N.C. He commanded the 17th Massachusetts Infantry at the time this letter was written in March 1863. (Dale Niesen Collection)

Letter 1

Newbern [North Carolina]
December 26, 1862

Dear Brother,

I take this opportunity to write you a few lines to let you know that I am all right. I said we were all right. I meant to say that we had got back from the expedition alive and with the exception of a very few that were wounded are quite well. I suppose you have been [ ] to hear the result of the last expedition. I will attempt to give you a kind of an account of it.

Weleft Newbern on the 11th, marched 17 miles & camped for the night. The next morning, the 12th, we again marched ten miles. Again camped for the night. 13th marched 8 miles and camped again On the 14th marched 4 miles and came up with the rebs in force. We fought them 4 hours & gave them particular fits. We then flanked them and they skedaddled. This was the first time that I ever had a fair chance at them & you better believe I improved it. I gave them pills as long as they was in sight. We then took possession of the town [Kinston, N. C.] which is quite a pretty place. I tell you that there was some amusing scenes. Some of them were crying, some laughing, and more of them were drunk. I am now speaking of the prisoners for we took about 800 and I should judge killed as many more. We got one fellow that I named Alvin Martin.

We stayed in the place on the night of the 14th and the morningof the 15th we took up again the line of march. Went about 16 miles and bivouacked again. On the 16th, marched 6 miles and came up with them again & fought them at a place called White Hall. The battle lasted two and a half hours and when all at once they took a notion to run and we started for Goldsboro. Marched until dark & went into camp.

On the 17th, marched 6 miles & came up with them again. Here was the tug of war. This was the object of the expedition—to destroy a railroad bridge here. The rebs seemed to make a stand & the 17th [Mass.] Regiment was ordered to go down the railroad and dislodge them. In the meantime, several of the battery men got into position till within about 20 rods of the bridge where the rebs opened a volley from the works on the left which made us [ ]. About 25 men were shot at once. I was struck in the left leg between the knee and thigh by a spent ball but I kept on firing until the fight was over. We rallied & in less than half an hour we cleared them out. When the excitement was over, I found that I could not stand on my leg. I got a board [rest of letter is missing]

— Quince

Letter 2

Newbern [North Carolina]
March 10th 1863

Dear Brother,

I thought perhaps you would like to hear a word from me. I have little or nothing new to write. My health is very good and I hope this will find you enjoying the same blessing.

There was an expedition left here last Thursday morning but the 17th was left behind although we have been under marching orders since they left. But I think it was only to be in readiness in case they came across a force too large for them. But today they have returned, or a part of them. They say they did not fire a gun. They took some ten or twelve prisoners.

There is a report here that there has been another call for troops and I am glad of it although I don’t want any of my friends to get into the army. Let some of the lazy bummers that have got plenty at stake as well as liberty. You and I have dine enough for nothing. If they want my services as much longer, they will have to give me a better berth. I have heard within a few days by way of a [ ] that I was to have the next promotion. I hope it is so. We have got the best captain in the regiment. He is a perfect gentleman. He has the most influence of anyone in the regiment and he improves every opportunity to use it for [his] men. At the Battle of Goldsboro, I was wounded in the first volley but I kept on firing as long as the battle lasted and the captain tells everybody of it and also tells them that I am an abolitionist or I never would have such hatred towards the Rebs. When I got through fighting, my leg was so swollen that I could hardly get my pants off but it is as well as ever now. We shall whip them at last. The Rebs must come. Uncle Sam is good for them.

There is a report here now that our gunboats have got up past Fort Sumter. I hope it is true, If it is, they will soon break Charleston into a cocked up hat. We heard heavy cannonading last night and I think it was a bombardment of either Wilmington or Charleston.

About those boots that Rowe sent me, I sold them the next day after they arrived for $29. They cost me $18.13—a very good profit. I wrote to Rowe for a case of twelve pairs. I was glad to hear that you had got a job on the Navy Yard but don’t say in the next [letter] of being drafted. If it should happen that you should have to go at all, go in the Navy, but be sure and not get into the army. It is enough to kill anybody, these long marches made in [ ], I tell you. — Quincy

April 11th. We have just returned from an expedition just as I finished this letter and before I had time to send it. We had the order to march this way. At 9 o’clock on Monday evening and 10 o’clock we were on the way to what is called Bay [Blount’s Creek]. We had a fight with the Rebs and had some 12 men wounded in our regiment, four in Company A slightly by a rebel shell. I will give you the particulars in my next. I will give you the names of the wounded [on 9 April 1863]: G. Rezen, S. Reed, T[homas A.] Murray, F[rancis] Peabody

— Quincy

165th New York Infantry (Duryée's Zouaves), 26th Massachusetts Infantry, Steamer Iberville

1863: A Note of Thanks

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The following letter was written by a “paroled Confederate Prisoner,” otherwise unidentified. It was written to the editor of The Era, also known as the Daily Era or New Orleans Era—a prominent Union-occupied newspaper published daily from 15 February 1863 to 18 January 1865 in New Orleans, Louisiana. In the letter the paroled prisoner praises the manner in which he and other prisoners as they were being transported, presumably from New Orleans to Baton Rouge aboard the steamer Iberville.

Two officers in particular are called out in the letter for their kindness—Capt. Felix Agnus of Dryée’s Zouaves (165th New York Infantry) and Capt. Benjamin W. Frost of Co. H, 26th Massachusetts Infantry. Both officers were captains and known to be in the Mississippi River valley at the time this letter was written in early May 1863. The author wrote to the editor of the newspaper urging its publication. If it was, I could not find it in on-line documents.

Because the identity of the paroled prisoner is unknown, I could not confirm if it was truly written by them. It’s possible it was written by someone else trying to praise the officers mentioned, but I doubt either officer would want their superiors to know they were associating so freely and liberally with the enemy. There was an envelope accompanying this letter that does not seem to match its contents.

The steamer Iberville, depicted in the foreground, was used as a hospital ship to treat wounded Union soldiers.

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

Banner of The Era, a daily newspaper published in New Orleans, La.

A note of thanks from paroled Confederate Prisoner
On Steamer Iberville of Baton Rouge
May 3rd [1863]

Editor of the Era

Sir—we cannot refrain from expressing through your columns our sincere thanks for the kind manner in which we have been treated by the “Zouaves.”

As prisoners of war to be paroled, we have just been taken up the river by Company A, Captain Felix Agnes [Agnus] of the famous [Duryée’s] Zouaves. We received every care and attention possible from them and heard not a word calculated to wound our feelings. And to see us smoking and chatting together one could scarcely imagine us enemies.

The liberality of Capt. Agnes [Agnus] and his kindness to our sick men we shall never forget nor must we omit to mention the kindness of Capt. B[enjamin] W. Frost of the 26th Massachusetts. Although of course we are glad to get to our homes, we are one and all sorry to part with our guards and only hope that if the Zouaves must be captured, we may have the pleasure of guarding them and endeavoring to reciprocate the countless favors we have received from them.

Hoping you will give this a place in your paper, we remain yours very respectfully, — Paroled Confederate Prisoner

Addressed to Commanding General, Fortress Monroe, Va. [envelope does not appear to go with letter]

31st North Carolina Infantry, Fort Fisher

1864: John Primrose Dewar to Mary (Beamont) Dewar

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I could not find an image of JP but here is an AI-generated watercolor of George Williams of Co. C, 31st NC.

The following letter was written by John Primrose (“JP”) Dewar (1844-1864), the son of Andrew Henry Dewar (1803-1873) and Margaret Mary Beamont (1802-1883) of Summerville, Harnett county, North Carolina. JP’s father was an emigrant from Scotland; his mother was born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut. Following their marriage in 1826, the Dewars moved to New York for a time and then relocated to the northern part of Cumberland county, North Carolina, which eventually became Harnett county. Here Andrew farmed his property, assisted by several slaves. Andrew was also the postmaster and a store keeper in his locality (“Chalk Level”) for a time and after the war he petitioned President Johnson for a pardon claiming that he never rendered any help to the rebellion.

In 1861, when JP was 17 years old, he enlisted in Capt. McKay’s Co. I, 31st North Carolina Infantry. His older brother, William Ambrose Dewar (1830-1902), served in that same company and eventually rose to be its captain. In 1863, William was taken prisoner and confined at Fort Delaware. He was one of the officers taken from that fort to South Carolina to be used as human shields on Morris Island. See Immortal Six Hundred. Another older brother, Henry Beamont Dewar (1826-1875)—who took over his father’s store—also served the Confederacy by joining the Second Artillery (36th State Troops) at Fort Fisher.

JP was captured at Roanoke Island on 8 February 1862, but paroled not long afterwards. He was promoted from Corporal to 3rd Sergeant of Co. I in February 1863. He was wounded on 4 June 1864 and hospitalized in Richmond, Virginia. He died on 30 June 1864 at Petersburg.

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

Wilmington, North Carolina
May 1st, 1864

Mary B. Dewar,

Dear Ma, it’s with pleasure that I embrace the opportunity to write you a few lines by Jas. Arnold to let you know that I am very well at this time, hoping when these few lines comes to hand, they may find you enjoying the same state of health.

I received a letter from J. A. Johnson yesterday. He was mending slowly. I haven’t much news of importance to write. The Garda left here day before yesterday to go to Charleston. She had a load of cotton and coal. The Nashville is a going to start back a Saturday. She is a going to carry cotton. We have got to organize and elect officers. We was to do it today but it was put off so I can’t tell when we will. I expect that it will be a mess of it.

We are expecting an attack here every day. They have sent off for men. They come last night and are sent to Fort Fisher. I heard that Capt. McKay’s company was a going to reorganize last Tuesday but I don’t know whether it is so or not.

I must come to a close asking you to write soon. So good day. Yours, — J. P. Dewar

1st Georgia Infatry (local troops) Augusta Battalion, Charleston, South Carolina

1863: Robert Sylvanus Bryan to Mattie

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I can’t confirm the identity of the author of this letter though I think it might be possible it was Robert Sylvania Bryan of Talbert county, Georgia. It is unsigned but the name “R. S. Bryan” in period handwriting has been annotated on the reverse side of the letter and I cannot find any other Confederate soldiers with that name. Robert’s confederate pension record, however, states that he served the entire war in the 10th Georgia Cavalry under Capt. Perry Morris in Gen. Joe Wheeler’s command but this regiment wasn’t organized until late in the war.

The author was a member of volunteers raised in Georgia and South Carolina to aid in the defense of Charleston which was blockaded by Union gunboats and believed to be threatened by land as well. The letter was written two days after the 7 April 1863 attack that failed to force Fort Sumter’s submission. He mentions fighting at the Stono river on Johns Island where Confederate forces attempted to protect critical supply lines with Savannah.

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

Charleston, South Carolina
April 9th 1863

Dear Mattie,

I accept the first opportunity to write you a few lines. As yet we have done nothing but lay in camps though they will commence drilling us tomorrow & say we will drill 4 hours per day. And the Captain tells us tomorrow we will have to go to James Island to be put on duty. So you see we don’t know what time we will have to fight nor when we will go home—but you may look for me inside of thirty days.

I walked over a portion of this town this morning & don’t think it near as pretty a place as Augusta. I saw four Yankee gunboats today but no fighting today except in Stono river. But you will see everything in the paper long before you can hear from me. I see 12 Columbian’s [Columbiad’s?] here.

Tell brother to plant my cotton whenever it suits as he knows best what to do. And he can have my corn replanted as it comes up. Be sure to send to Mr. Bradshaw’s for the cotton seed.

The Boys keep up such talking that I can’t write. We have a good tent. I don’t much think we will have to fight at all so don’t give yourself any uneasiness. Do the best you can. Kiss the children for me and accept my love. The same to brother. All well so far. Yours affectionately. Direct in care of Capt. G[eorge] T[wiggs] Jackson, Augusta Volunteers, 1 Charleston Hotel

1 The captain was George Twiggs Jackson (1822-1899), an Augusta businessman. During the Civil War, he was elected captain of a company he helped raise in Augusta and responded to Gen. Beauregard’s call for volunteers to go to Charleston, South Carolina, when that city was threatened with a land attack while being bombarded from the Federal ironclads. Subsequently he was promoted to the command of the Augusta Battalion, and saw active service in Georgia and South Carolina. No unit history exists for this regiment which is sometimes designated the 1st Regiment, Georgia Infantry (Local Troops) (Augusta).

6th Tennessee Infantry, Columbus, Kentucky

1861: Horace Palmer to Mary Belle (Palmer) Hafford

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The following letter was written by Horace Palmer (1835-1881), the son of Paul Micheaux Palmer and Ann Emily Stith (1806-18xx) of Fayette county, Tennessee. In the 1860 US Census, 24 year-old Horace was enumerated in Somerville and working as a doctor. He was married in 1863 to Anna Bucher Bullock. He died in 1881 and was buried in Hempstead county, Arkansas. His grave marker identifies him as an Assistant Surgeon in the Confederate States Army.

Horace initially served in Co. D (“The Somerville Avengers”), 6th Tennessee Infantry—a regiment recruited in Haywood, Madison and Fayette counties. They organized at Camp Beauregard, Jackson, Tennessee. This letter was written not long after the Battle of Belmont and was probably penned from Columbus, Kentucky.

By 1862, Horace had joined Carter’s 1st Tennessee Cavalry where he served as an assistant surgeon. He was taken prisoner in 1864 and sent to Johnson’s Island Prison.

Horace wrote the letter to his sister, Mary Belle (Palmer) Hafford (1833-1870), the wife of Rev. W. D. F. Hafford (1827-1880). Rev. Hafford was a Methodist minister who served briefly as the chaplain of the 13th Tennessee Infantry.

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

November 14, 1861

Dear sister,

I have but a few minutes to answer your very interesting letter as Mr. Tatam leaves in a very few minutes. Enclosed you will find my sentiments expressed briefly with what scanty news I have been able to glean.

I am well as usual. I am very closely confined not having been to town more than once in two weeks. We are expecting an attack daily though—that is, with the enemy. We will give him a warm reception whenever he makes his appearance. I was very much surprised on going down to [John V.] Wright’s Regiment to see Mr. Hafford the other day to learn that he had resigned. For your sake, I am glad. Hope he is stationed in Somerville this year.

I hope you will excuse this short epistle. Will write the first opportunity. Your brother, — Horace

30th Maine Infantry, Sheridan's Valley Campaign of 1864

1864: Henry Nathaniel Fairbanks to Parents

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Henry Nathaniel Fairbanks, Co. E, 30th Maine Infantry (watercolor based on image in Maine Historical Society)

Henry Nathaniel Fairbanks (1838-1913) of Wayne, Kennebec county, Maine, wrote the following letters to his father while serving in Co. E of the 30th Maine. According to a biographical sketch newspaper clipping appearing on Find-A-Grave, Henry first served as a band member in the 3rd Maine Infantry. He then did home duty in the 44th Massachusetts at the time of the draft riots in Boston, and then enlisted as a sergeant in November 1863 at age 25. He participated in the Red River expedition where he was slightly wounded in the arm and later with Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley. He was promoted to 2nd lieutenant on April 9, 1864 and was discharged on August 20, 1865.

I had previously encountered Henry N. Fairbanks of the 30th Maine while researching a letter pertaining to the 19th Texas Infantry Regiment. See 1862: Fanny Benners’ Speech to 19th Texas Infantry. That research yielded memoirs of the Red River Expedition of 1864 written by Henry.

Both of Henry’s letters were written in August 1864 when the 30th Maine Infantry was attached to the Army of the Shenandoah in Virginia and actively involved in Sheridan’s Shenandoah Valley Campaign. During this period, the regiment was heavily engaged in detached duty, which included securing supply trains and protecting stores as they moved through the region. Unfortunately the second letter is only partial and missing the signature page, but Henry mentions hearing the fighting on 21 August 1864 when Early and Anderson launched a converging attack on Sheridan’s army at Cameron’s Depot.

A vulcanized rubber comb made by Goodyear found at a site that was the winter camp of a Union regiment near Falmouth, Virginia. It has the initials “H. N. F. = BAND” etched into it which has been traced to Henry Nathaniel Fairbanks who served in the 3rd Maine Infantry Band. It was found that Henry returned home prior to the establishment of this particular winter camp on disability leave so the assumption is that the comb was borrowed (with or without permission), traded, sold, or lost and picked up by someone else in the regiment. Through a process of elimination, Henry is the only band member with all three initials, rank/regimental band, state of origin, and corps/location of camp. See story of relic.

Letter 1

Monocacy Railroad Bridge
Three miles from Frederick, Maryland
August 1st 1864

My dear Father,

I think I wrote you last at Bermuda Hundred, The 23rd July we marched over to Deep Bottom and that night threw up rifle pits. The 24th we were on picket & cami in on the morning of the 25th. That day we devoted to fixing up camp. At night we were ordered out to work on the works. The 162nd New York Vols. were on picket & allowed the rebels to drive them in—a disgraceful thing. The 26th we were falling timber and the night of the 26th worked on rifle pits. At about 3 o’clock on the same morn, the Second Corps crossed over and about daylight advanced on the Rebs, took 4 twenties and some 50 prisoners.

We were ordered away that same day & marched to Bermuda Hundred & embarked on the steamer “Diamond State” and arrived at Washington the noon 29th and marched out four miles near Chain Bridge & camped. The night of the 30th we marched to Washington and took cars and arrived at Monocacy Junction the 31st at night and went into camp. And here we are in Maryland to prevent the rebels from making another rain in Maryland.

I am pretty well. Lieut. Rowe joined us in Washington and is in command. I hope to get mustered now. Expect to get pay as Lieutenant from the 13th day of June though I can’t tell yet. I am somewhat free now and if we remain long in camp, shall visit you often. I don’t expect we shall long remain, however.

I saw Grafton Norris H, Dexter L., We___ Rufus Burgess, Clarence Frost, and Nelson Norris at deep Bottom. Nelson Norris was badly wounded and I saw him in the ambulance. In Washington, I saw Frank Pullen & I will assure you it was a joyful meeting.

My letter in the Waterville Mail was published I understand. Write me immediately and address me at Washington D. C. Believe I ‘s truly your son, — H. N. F.

Letter 2

Bolivar Heights
2 Miles from Harpers Ferry, Va.
August 22, 1864

My dear Parents,

I have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of two letters dated July 28th and August 9th respectively. And I will write you first concerning questions and points.

Let me twoo you first that Morroe & James R. were both sent to the hospital, both weak and not able to march. I hope they will get a furlough though it is doubtful. Did well with those coupons but needn’t sell any more of them until I let you know. I received stockings long ago all right.

I wish you would write me more of the particulars of George Starrett’s arrest. I received a letter from George by last mail. He writes me a very different letter this time. The cause of my writing to him as I did was that I had just got to the Mississippi at the close of a terrible hard campaign; worn out [and] hardly able to do duty. A letter came full of complaining words—did I complain of hard times? No! Was it encouraging to receive such a letter? No! And I gave vent to a few ideas.

I thank you my dear father and mother for your many kind wishes and encouraging words. As I write, my eyes fill with tears. Some may suppose from my lively ways that I’m always without trouble. But believe I have had many things to contend with that have called forth all of my manliness to bear. But I am bound to stand up until I die.

I have ordered Miss Philbrook to send Julia Maira that gold watch and chain. It is a splendid affair. Don’t know how much it is worth but it can’t be less than $125. I hope Miss Philbrook is perfectly satisfied. I am. I wrote you a few lines at Winchester. Will tell you of our movements since.

We went up the Shenandoah beyond Middletown, then ordered to guard wagon train. This you know if you received my letter written in Winchester. The 16th at night, we moved out of town & camped. I was very sorry for I had made friends with Mrs. Vernon and the acquaintance of Miss Virginia Sallyards. With them I found good society. Spent the day mostly employed reading Longfellow. Got copies in New Orleans. They were Union families. In Winchester there are seventy-six that long have made their sentiments known in favor of the stars & stripes.

About 12 o’clock the 16th we moved again & marched 15 miles, not far from Charlestown, a cross road, and parked out train & went into camp. 17th at night we marched to within one mile from Berryville & there remained until the morning of the 18th.

Moved again that day slowly & at night camped again at a place known as “Flowing Springs.” The 19th at Flowing Springs. 20th got mail and this gave us much joy. 21st yesterday they began fighting in front and we were ordered back here & are in camp. They have had fighting since yesterday morning. I could hear plainly this morning musketry & cannons most all of the time.

I think the rebels were repulsed as they have not pressed us. I believe we have a large force in front of the enemy. One is the 6th Corps, Gen. Wright, 8th Crook, 19th Gen. Emory with Gen. Sheridan’s Cavalry—he commanding all. I hear Grant has got between Petersburg and Richmond. If so, I hope to hear of the fall of our [rest of letter missing]