This letter was written by 21 year-old William McCord (1842-18xx) of Co. F, 8th Missouri Infantry. He was the son of Thomas Jefferson McCord (1810-1853) and Mary Ann Layton (1813-1889) of Knox County, Illinois. William wrote the first letter to his sister Annie Rebecca McCord (1843-1935). She married Samuel C. Varner in September 1863 in Farmington, Illinois. The second letter was addressed to his brother, Thomas Jefferson McCord, Jr. (1840-18xx) of Canton, Fulton County, Illinois.
The 8th Missouri Infantry was organized in the late summer of 1861 and was composed of men recruited from both sides of the Missouri River. This was because Illinois easily met their quotas for volunteers but pro-Southern Missouri’s split loyalties caused them to come up short in supplying soldiers for the Union army. They wore the Zouave uniform and served with distinction during the Civil War, fighting decisive battles under Generals Grant and Sherman.
The first letter was written from Fort Heiman (pictured in header) on 18 February 1862 following the Battle of Fort Donelson which is described in some detail. The second letter was written from winter quarters near Memphis in November 1863.
Letter 1
Addressed to Miss Ann McCord, Yates City, Knox county, Illinois
Fort Hymen [Heiman] February 18, 1862
Dear Sister,
I once more sit down to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well at present and hope that when these few lines come to hand, they may find you enjoying the same.
I have been in one battle since I wrote to you at Fort Donelson on the Cumberland river. The fight lasted three days but our regiment wasn’t in only two hours. We lost 75 men killed and wounded. We only lost one man out of our company and one wounded. The battle commenced on the 14th and lasted till the 16th at night. On the morning of the 17th we was drawed up in line of battle and the news came to us that they had surrendered with about 6,000 prisoners, and that many stand of arms, 160 pieces of cannon and everything that they had.
Our men fought brave. It was the hardest battle that has been fought since the war commenced. I went over the battleground the next morning. You can’t imagine everything how it looked. It looked hard to see the men lating dead. The ground was covered with dead men. I can’t tell you the number killed. At the present, 75 killed out of our regiment. The way the bullets whistled through the brush, it made me think darn it.
The secesh is about gone up now since we got Fort Heiman and Fort Donelson. I think that I will get home about the first of April—at least I hope so any how.
I want to know if you got the likeness? I sent you one and Jane one. I put yours in the office first. I hope you got my money. I sent $30 home to Jake Ryner 1 for him to keep for me. I have got a piece of the secesh flag. I will send it to you. I got it on the battlefield. I want you to keep it.
The drums are beating for roll call now and it is getting late so I must quit and go to bed for I am tired. You must excuse this scratching for it is bad but I can’t help it this time. But I will try and do better for the next time. So good night for this time. Direct your letters as before. Co. F, 8th Regt., Missouri Volunteers, in care of Capt. Neill, Paducah, Kentucky.
Goodbye. — Wm. McCord
To Miss Annie McCord
1 In the 1860 US Census, William McCord is enumerated in the household of Jacob Clinton Riner (1830-1899), the son of Peter Riner (1803-1877) and Peggy Kelly (1798-1873), in Yates City, Knox county, Illinois. He was identified as a “farm laborer.”
Letter 2
Memphis, Tennessee November 3, 1863
Dear Brother,
I seat myself to write you a few lines to let you know that I am in a little better health than when I last wrote to you.
I received your letter and money and was glad to receive it. It will help me along till I get my money.
We was mustered the 31st November for pay and I think that we will get it before long. I have now ten months pay a coming to me — $130 dollars — which I will send you about $100 of it and you can do what you want to with it. I will send it by Express and will send you a letter at the same time so that you will know that I have sent it. If I have money enough to keep me in tobacco and other little things, that is all that I care about.
The weather is getting cool. We have had several frosts and one little snow which I never expected to see in Tennessee. We are fixed for cold weather. We have got a young city out in East Memphis. You would laugh to see the brick and log houses that 8th Missouri has built to winter in. We have big fire places in our houses and we are living at home now but I can’t tell how long we will stay here. We may stay all winter and we may not stay two weeks. It is hard for a soldier to tell one day where he will be the next.
I haven’t heard from [sister] Ann for some time — only what others has wrote. I heard about you being up to Yates City [Illinois] but I shan’t tell you who told me. I should like to be there for awhile myself but I don’t [see] any chance till this war is settled and that may not be till my time is out and I know that they can’t keep me any longer. If they leave us stay here at this post till the war is over, I will be satisfied.
I would like to have you to come down and see me but it costs too much money. It would cost you 40 dollars to come down here and go back.
The boys are all fixing to go to a funeral — one of our regiment got killed. I don’t know yet whether I will go or not. The health of the troops here is good.
I guess that I have told you about all the news — only William Van Pelt ¹ is about dead with the clap. Keep this to yourself.
So I will close by asking you to write soon and oblige your brother, — William McCord
¹ Pvt. William M. Van Pelt was absent sick in October and November 1863. He died 26 November 1863 in the General Hospital at Memphis, Tennessee. He is buried in Section H, Grave No 4322 in Memphis National Cemetery.
Oscar Irving Brown, taken in 1865 when with the 41st USCT. (Henszey & Co., Photographers, 812 Arch Street, Philadelphia.)
Little can be learned from on-line sources about Oscar I. Brown (1845-1891) of Constantia, Oswego county, New York. Census records inform us that he was the son of a mason named William J. Brown (1826-1887) and his wife, Elizabeth Belknap (1828-1894). Oscar was enumerated in his father’s household in Constantia at the time of the 1850 US Census but five years later, at age 10, he was living with his maternal grandfather in Osceola, Lewis county, New York, along with his younger siblings. Oscar’s grave may be found in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Syracuse, New York, along with his wife’s, Olive Adelia (Crofoot) Brown (1844-1922), but there is no biographical sketch to inform us anything about the path he walked here on earth. No obituary could be found either though I suspect one exists somewhere. Census records reveal that Oscar practiced law in Marcellus and Syracuse in his later years. It should be noted that Oscar’s given middle name was likely “Irving” but the initial “I” was taken for a “J” while in the military service and he seems to have carried it forward that way for the remainder of his life.
Fortunately, through the efforts of a descendant, Christine Brown, who learned of Oscar’s 1863 and 1864 diaries—then in the possession of her father’s cousin—she borrowed it and transcribed it in 2007. The 1863 diary chronicles his experiences as a select school teacher and of his summer’s employment on a boat transporting goods on the Erie Canal between Buffalo and New York City. He happened to be in NYC in July when the tragic Draft Riots occurred, giving us yet another account of the riots from a civilian’s perspective.
The 1864 Diary meticulously documents Oscar’s service in Company A of the New York 10th Heavy Artillery, based in Watertown, N. Y. Insights from the 1863 diary reveal that Oscar was initially drafted but secured an exemption due to his role as a school teacher, ultimately obtaining a teaching position for the fall term. Upon his eventual enlistment in the 10th New York Heavy Artillery (NYHA), it becomes evident that his motivations were not rooted in patriotic fervor, but rather in the substantial bounties offered by the State and local communities eager to meet their enlistment quotas. In essence, Oscar stood to earn significantly more as a soldier than he would as an educator. It is also likely that he anticipated a comparatively safe existence at one of forts near Washington, D.C., serving as an artillerist. However, following his deployment to Fort Lyon near Alexandria, Virginia, in April 1864, the 10th NYHA, akin to numerous other “Heavies,” was ordered to the frontlines and employed as infantry by Grant and Meade during the Overland Campaign.
[Editor’s Note: These diaries were transcribed by Christine Brown from photocopies she took of the originals. I have edited them slightly, correcting only minor errors or adding some bracketed words. The whereabouts of the original diaries are unknown.]
A couple of Cabinet Card images of Oscar taken after the war while working as a lawyer in Syracuse, New York. (courtesy of Christine Brown)
J A N U A R Y
Sample of Oscar’s Handwriting
January, Thursday, 1, 1863—Commenced to keep a cash account this year. Went to Constantia for money from S. P. Smith. Received $5.33.
TUESDAY, 6—Went to [James] Quigg’s to board for a couple of weeks. The Quiggs’ are nice folks but poor.
January, WEDNESDAY, 7, 1863—From N. Y. to Canton via Cape Horn 22,000; via Cape of Good Hope 20,000; From N. Y. to San Francisco 17,500; via Panama 5,850.
THURSDAY, 8—Received a letter from Seth. He is to Washington and well.[Seth Belknap, age 23, cousin, son of John and Eliza Belknap, Osceola, NY]
FRIDAY, 9—[entry erased]
January, SATURDAY, 10, 1863—Went to the village today and froze one of my ears—the left one. Fosdick got a broom for the schoolhouse.
SUNDAY, 11—Heard Mr. Short preach for the first time. He is a pretty good preacher. Text “For as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness even so shall the son of man be lifted up”
MONDAY, 12—[no entry]
January, TUESDAY, 13, 1863—[no entry]
WEDNESDAY, 14—[no entry]
THURSDAY, 15—Got a letter from father. Wrote to mother, father and Hannah.
January, FRIDAY, 16, 1863—[no entry]
SATURDAY, 17—[no entry]
SUNDAY, 18—Had a nice little fuss with John David tonight in his own house too. Was too lazy to go to meeting to day.
January, MONDAY, 19, 1863—[no entry]
TUESDAY, 20—Went to Robins’s to board for a couple of weeks. Went to meeting tonight and heard Wells preach. Text Proverbs 26, 18th verse.
WEDNESDAY, 21—[no entry]
January, THURSDAY, 22, 1863—Went to the village tonight. Paid Al Allen for a bottle of hair oil.
FRIDAY, 23—[no entry]
SATURDAY, 24—Went to the Teachers Association at Bernhard’s Bay. Traded watches with Herbert Dobson.
This the Methodist Church at Bernhard’s Bay—a small hamlet of 160 residents, and a station on the New York & Oswego Midland railroad.
January, SUNDAY, 25, 1863—It being Quarterly meeting to the village, there is no meeting here. And it is too much for me to go to the village although I can ride.
MONDAY, 26—[no entry]
TUESDAY, 27—[no entry]
January, WEDNESDAY, 28, 1863—Went to the village tonight. Got a letter from Emily. Don’t get my hair oil. [Emily Brown, age 15, sister]
THURSDAY, 29—[no entry]
FRIDAY, 30—Went to the village again. Mailed 2 letters. Don’t get my hair oil yet. I believe Allen is lying to me.
[Page missing, looks like it was cut out.]
F E B R U A R Y
February, FRIDAY, 6, 1863—The snow has kept all my scholars today most. Millholland and I went to Kirks’ tonight.
SATURDAY, 7—Went to the village today. Loafing around all day. Weighed today 127 ½ lbs.
SUNDAY, 8—Went to meeting today. Saw Lib Dodd—now Mrs. Jones. Saw also Mr. and Mrs Batchelor. Burn hay.
February, MONDAY, 9, 1863—Started to go over on the flats to meeting tonight but got as far as the corner and turned back because it began to rain.
TUESDAY, 10—Went to the village tonight. Bought a valentine for my true love. Got my hair cut.
WEDNESDAY, 11—The school commissioner visited my school today. Gave me a good recommend.
February, THURSDAY, 12, 1863—Bought some yarn today from Mrs. Hartley, 6 pence a knot. Went down to Elias Robbins’ tonight. Learnt something tonight that will do me good.
FRIDAY, 13—Kirk’s woman is sick today. Went to the village tonight and got my boots fixed. Morty had a dance. Hartley was on a tear.
SATURDAY, 14—Valentine’s Day. Went over to Fosdick’s and staid all night. He has got Headley’s first volume of the great rebellion. [The Great Rebellion; A History of the Civil War in the United States by J. T. Headley, Volume 1 published 1863]
February, SUNDAY, 15, 1863—Went over to the chapel to meeting tonight and was convinced of my sins and the necessity of fleeing from the wrath to come and I pray God I may someday come to him and be blessed that he will…
MONDAY, 16—….forgive me my sins, throw His protecting arm around me and keep me in his fold. My hand is to the plow and by the help of God I will not turn back. Went to Dodd’s to board.
TUESDAY, 17.—Went to meeting tonight and came forward again for prayer & I hope am blessed.
February, WEDNESDAY, 18, 1863—My birthday today. Let out my school for the rest of the week to make applications for a school this summer. [Oscar Irving Brown was born in 1845 and would have been 18 years old on his birthday in 1863.]
THURSDAY, 19—Applied for the Cleveland school. Am told to apply again. Applied for the North Bay school but it is taken.
FRIDAY, 20—Went to South Corners, McConnelsville, West Camden, and home. All schools are taken in the county.
February, SATURDAY, 21, 1863—Went to Florence. Saw Mr. and Mrs. Abbott and their girl. Went to Redfield. All the schools seem to be taken.
SUNDAY, February 22—Got back home in time to go to meeting. Went also on the flats in the evening. Had a good meeting and a big crowd.
MONDAY, February 23—Went down to Kirks to night and seen his baby. Nothing else unusual today.
February, TUESDAY, 24, 1863—Went to meeting tonight. Although the minister did not come, we had a good meeting.
WEDNESDAY, 25—Went to meeting on the flats. George came to visit my school today and I went to meeting with him.
THURSDAY, 26—Promised George that I would commence to pray in school but I could not pluck up enough.
February, FRIDAY, 27, 1863—This morning I prayed. Went kinder hard but I did my duty. Went over on the flats tonight to meeting. Got Alec and James Clark forward.
SATURDAY, 28—Went to Constantia & applied for that school. Then went to the [Central] Square and applied for that & then to Brewerton in the night but am too late for them all.
M A R C H
March, SUNDAY, 1—Came from Brewerton today and had a nice time facing the east wind. Have not ate anything since morning yesterday till 12 o’clock today.
March, MONDAY, 2, 1863—Whipped the largest and oldest scholar in school tonight—the hardest job I have had this winter but they must mind or take it.
TUESDAY, 3—Had a still school today. My large girls are mum. So be it. Went to meeting tonight and heard Wells preach for the last time I suppose.
WEDNESDAY, 4—Nothing unusual today, only I am a ruler out. But never mind, it will all come out right in the end.
March, THURSDAY, 5, 1863—One of my large scholars left school today. Well, I can’t help it if she can’t come to school and behave. She were better out of it.
FRIDAY, 6—Was told this morning that her sister was not coming anymore because I made her pile up some wood she tore down, but she was here, but sober as an owl. Went to meeting.
SATURDAY, 7—Visited Miss Robbin’s school today. I think I can come right home for a good school yet.
March, SUNDAY, 8, 1863—S. was up to Clark’s today. Went to meeting in the afternoon. Had prayer meeting at Dodd’s.
MONDAY, 9—Went to Hartley’s tonight to bid them goodbye & staid all night.
TUESDAY, 10—Went to meeting tonight and had quite a talk with Ham Robbins. He wanted to fight pretty bad.
March, WEDNESDAY, 11, 1863—Aaron Vandeburg was here this afternoon. If he comes again, he will behave himself or I shall ask him to leave. Went to Davis’s and staid all night.
THURSDAY, 12—Jane Ann Feeler visited my school today. Went up to Clark’s and staid all night. Talked with Tom Hartley about buying his cow. He wants $30 for her.
FRIDAY, March 13—Closed my school today. All went off well. Went over to Fosdick’s and staid all night. Settled up with him.
March, SATURDAY, 14, 1863—Went to the village today and swore to my report. Garber has hired their old teacher. Bought cow of Fosdick. Gave him $33 for her.
SUNDAY, 15—Went to meeting today but it spoilt my [day]. Old Mrs. Dodd makes me shake hands with her.
MONDAY, 16—Started for home [Osceola] today with my cow. Tired her out but we got home all right.
March, TUESDAY, 17, 1863—Bought some hay of [John] Vanderwalker for my cow. Went over to Wilson’s tonight with Mother to see the school marm.
WEDNESDAY, 18—Chopped a couple loads of wood to day on Lucius Wilson’s. Fixed manger for my cow.
THURSDAY, 19—Ground my ax today. Chopped a little wood. Went down to the school house to meeting tonight. Bought 4 bushels of potatoes @ 3/_.
March, FRIDAY, 20, 1863—Chopped a little more wood. Got a letter from father. Also one from Emily. Wrote one to her and father and Carver.
SATURDAY, 21—Went to Camden today for some things. Saw Miss Moyer there. Rode down with John Wilson and had to walk back.
SUNDAY, 22—Went to meeting today down to the school house and heard Mr. Dimblebee preach. Went to prayer meeting this evening.
March, MONDAY, 23, 1863—Chopped a little wood today and run around some. Chopped till a bloodblister came on my hand.
TUESDAY, 24—Went up to Coy’s and Blackman’s mill for some baswood boards but did not get them. Got some barks for my blood.
WEDNESDAY, 25—Done almost nothing today. Chopped a little wood and read the rest of the day.
March, THURSDAY, 26, 1863—Chopped wood today. Went up to Wileout to carry Charley and then went after him. Did not go to prayer meeting. [Charley Brown is his younger brother].
FRIDAY, 27—Donation tonight at Hanis, but I was too poor to go. They all wondered why I did not.
SATURDAY, 28—Mother went to Oceola today. She hain’t been there in most 2 months but I hain’t been there in 3 years. But that is no matter.
SUNDAY, March, 29, 1863—It has snowed hard all day. I guess there was no meeting today. If there was, I did not go.
MONDAY, 30—Nothing done today, only played on the accordion a little. Mother came home tonight and Emma with her.
TUESDAY, 31—Got a letter from father today. Went to the village this afternoon.
A P R I L
April, WEDNESDAY, 1, 1863—Nothing done to day—only lounged around.
THURSDAY, 2—Commenced to study Phonography today. I am going to stick to it this time. [Phonography—the science or practice of transcribing speech by means of symbols representing elements of sound; phonetic transcription. A system of shorthand based on phonetic transcription.]
FRIDAY, 3—Studied all day today. Getting along finely.
April, SATURDAY, 4, 1863—Studied today chopped the rest of my wood. My cow calved tonight—a little bull calf, a fine fellow. Went to Wilson’s this evening to plague Betsy.
SUNDAY, 5—Went to meeting this forenoon. There was no preaching. Went to meeting in the evening.
MONDAY, 6—Killed my calf this morning. Studied all day. [Killing a calf may seem strange to us today but it may have been an economic necessity during the Civil War. A bull calf cost considerable to raise; farmers had to weight the cost versus the return on their investment.]
April, TUESDAY, 7, 1863—Went to Camden today to sell my calfskin. Got $6 for it. Went up to Wilson’s tonight with Emma. [Wilson’s may be the Cleveland House hotel owned by A. M. Wilson.]
WEDNESDAY, 8—Tried to get a horse to take Emma home but could not get one. Studied today.
THURSDAY,9—Went to the woods to get some sugar. Did not get any. Went to Wilson’s and got some.
April, FRIDAY, 10, 1863—Went to Camden today to get my boots fixed. Got a letter for Mary.
SATURDAY, 11—Boiled sugar today with MacMullen. Boiled till after 11 o’clock. Hard work. Vanderwalker sugared off 100 lbs.
SUNDAY, 12—Went to meeting today. The folks sugared off while I was gone. Went to meeting this evening.
April, MONDAY, 13, 1863—Tapped some more trees today. Mc done a nice job stingy as an old coon. but let him go.
TUESDAY, 14—Gathered sap today. We went to syrup it off tonight and burned it. Mac is down now.
WEDNESDAY, 15—Sugared off today. Made 11 or 12 lbs. Got through sugaring for this year, I guess.
April, THURSDAY, 16, 1863—Studied today some and laid around some more. Rained all day.
FRIDAY, 17—Went to Wilson’s today & ground my ax. Got Betsy’s picture away from her. Chopped a little wood.
SATURDAY, 18—Chopped some more wood today. Got a letter from Emily. Bought some hay of Wilson.
April, SUNDAY, 19, 1863—Went to meeting to day & heard Elder Simpkins preach. Went to prayer meeting in the evening.
MONDAY, 20—Got Mary’s honey today down to the Snack’s. Got my wood drawed.
TUESDAY, 21—Started to go to New London but changed my mind and went to Oneida. West wants me to work for him.
April, WEDNESDAY, 22, 1863—Tried to hire to Gowg [?]. I could work for him if I would wait 2 or 3 weeks. Went down street with Emily.
THURSDAY, 23—Came to New London today & hired out to Henry Bissill @ $20 per month & 25 in the fall.
FRIDAY, 24—Came home today. Got home by noon. Charley’s shoes were too small.
April, SATURDAY, 25, 1863—Went to Camden today & changed Charley’s shoes. Could not change the stove. Saw Mr. Abbott & Seth Duncan.
SUNDAY, 26—Went to meeting today. Went to Lax’s child’s funeral this afternoon. Went to prayer meeting this evening.
MONDAY, 27—Sawed up my wood & cleaned out my cellar today.
April, TUESDAY, 28, 1863—Keon [?] plowed my garden today went up to Lucious’ and got ½ bushel of potatoes.
WEDNESDAY, 29—Plowed some early potatoes today. Got bushel & a half of potatoes of John. Was sick all the afternoon.
THURSDAY, 30—Finished planting my potatoes today went to prayer meeting tonight.
M A Y
May, FRIDAY, 1, 1863—Went to a trouting today. Got 10 pretty good ones. Went over to Wilsons tonight.
SATURDAY, 2—Cut some beanpoles today & got some greens tonight. Hannah came here to night.
SUNDAY, 3—Went to meeting today and heard Simpkins preach. There was no prayer meeting tonight.
May, MONDAY, 4, 1863—Rained all day today. Done nothing today. Hannah went home.
TUESDAY, 5—Set my beanpoles & finished my garden today. All ready for a start.
WEDNESDAY, 6—Started for New London today but only got to Otis Spencer’s. Staid all night there.
May, THURSDAY, 7, 1863—Got to New London today. Got here at noon. Drawed out manure this afternoon. Commence work to day for Henry Bissell.
FRIDAY, 9—Drawed manure all day today. Go a jag of hay [?] tonight. Went down to the village tonight.
SATURDAY, 9—Finished drawing out our manure today. Dragged the potato patch over.
May, SUNDAY, 10, 1863—Bissell has not come yet. Sat around all day today. Bissell came tonight.
MONDAY, 11—Planted potatoes today. Bissell is going to stop & fix his boat up.
TUESDAY, 12—Spread manure today. Commenced sleeping on the boat tonight.
May, WEDNESDAY, 13, 1863—Clark has gone to Camden today. Ploughed all day.
THURSDAY, 14—Ploughed some today but the rain drive me off. Got a jag [pile] of hay to night.
FRIDAY, 15—Chopped today. Clark came home today.
May, SATURDAY, 16, 1863—Dragged the corn ground today and planted the garden. Sowed the peas.
SUNDAY, 17—Sat in the house all day today.
MONDAY, 18—Chopped again today. All 3 of us chopped in the afternoon.
May, TUESDAY, 19, 1863—Bought a pair of boots today. Chopped again today.
WEDNESDAY, 20—Drawed stone today. My boots hurt my feet so I cannot wear them.
THURSDAY, 21—Planted corn today.
May, FRIDAY, 22, 1863—Drawed stone again today.
SATURDAY, 23—Went to Andrew Bissell‘s to work for him today. Drove his team. Kane came down here tonight.
SUNDAY, 24—None of us went to meeting today. Had to visit with Kane.
May, MONDAY, 25, 1863—Planted corn for Aidle, the Dutchman. It is rather funny to hear him ask the blessing in Dutch [German].
TUESDAY, 26—Drawed dirt today all day. Bissell got his boat on the dock today.
WEDNESDAY, 27—Went to scraping pitch off from the deck today. Not very nice work. Burnt my face bad.
May, THURSDAY, 28, 1863—Mr. Clark and I had a scrape again today. My face [burnt]. Bought a bottle of sweet oil to put on it.
FRIDAY, 29—Painted today on the sides. That went better. My face feels [tight] like a base drum.
SATURDAY, 30—My face is better today. Painted in the forenoon & drawed dirt in the afternoon. Took a swim tonight.
May, SUNDAY, 31, 1863—Went home today to see the folks. Bissell wanted me to get John Cassel to go & drive but he would not go. Saw Mrs. Feeler.
J U N E
June, MONDAY, 1—Chopped wood in the forenoon & went to cleaning out the cellar in the afternoon.
TUESDAY, 2—Finished clearing the cellar this forenoon & went to the village this past p.m. Saw John Wilson.
June, WEDNESDAY, 3, 1863—Made fence all day today & came pretty near working all night. 11 o’clock & after when I got to bed.
THURSDAY, 4—Got up late this morning. Bissell did not like it much but did not say anything. Painted today.
FRIDAY, 5—Went to painting today but it looked like rain so we quit & went to drawing dirt.
June, SATURDAY, 6, 1863—Drawed dirt again today. Bissell wanted me to lose time this afternoon to go to Tuttle’s bee but I couldn’t see his ponch [?].
SUNDAY, 7—Got up late again this morning. Bissell did not say anything—only opened his mouth. Read all day.
MONDAY, 8—Drawed dirt again all day. I am getting to be quite an Irishman.
June, TUESDAY, 9, 1863—Worked on the road today. Bissell was too lazy to hold scraper so I had to hold all day.
WEDNESDAY, 10—Bissell discharged me this morning. Settled up. Charged me $1 for his horse. Went home.
THURSDAY, 11—Done nothing all day but rested my weary limbs.
June, FRIDAY, 12, 1863—Bought some cloth today for shirts; only $1 per yard. Went over to Wilson’s this evening.
—- Starts to work on the Erie Canal —-
SATURDAY, 13—Left home this morning for good. Hired out to Al Clark for $20 per month and tonight he told me he did not want me.
SUNDAY, 14—Laid around all day today
MONDAY, 15, 1863—Hired out to Dutch Page for $18 per month. Got a team in before we had towed a mile.
TUESDAY, 16—Got into Syracuse this morning. I would like to have went & seen the folks but could not. Drove an extra team tonight.
WEDNESDAY, 17—Met John Coys back on Montezuma marsh. Seen Simpson & had a talk with him. Was out in the rain this morning.
June, THURSDAY, 18, 1863—Got into Rochester about 10 o’clock tonight. Saw nothing of any interest today.
FRIDAY, 19—Nothing unusual today on I stemmed [struck] a bridge this morning & knocked a hole in the boat. I guess [?]
SATURDAY, 20—Got into Lockport tonight. Seen Jo Hadcock & Gebe Woodard this afternoon.
June, SUNDAY, 21, 1863—Got into Buffalo this afternoon. Did not go off from the boat.
MONDAY, 22—Laid still all day today. Have not stirred from the boat since I came here.
TUESDAY, 23—Came up to the coal yard & begun to unload tonight. We had nothing to do with the unloading. We let it out.
June, WEDNESDAY, 24, 1863. Finished unloading today. Went to the elevator to load tonight.
THURSDAY, 25—Loaded this morning before breakfast & shoved around into the canal. Have got to wait till tomorrow morning for a team.
FRIDAY, 26—Started from Buffalo this morning before daylight. Drove an extra team tonight. Got to be up all night.
June, SATURDAY, 27, 1863—Nothing unusual today. Got aground to Albion but soon got off again.
June, SUNDAY, 28—Went through Rochester this p.m. Was all the afternoon going through the Brighton locks.
MONDAY, 29—Met Henry Bissell [of Verona] this morning. He was up on deck superintending operations.
June, TUESDAY, 30, 1863—Came through Montezuma tonight. Mosquitoes was so thick as I never see—big as pumpkin seeds almost.
A typical scene on the Erie Canal
J U L Y
July, WEDNESDAY, 1—Went through Jordan this morning. Got aground this afternoon twice in the mud.
THURSDAY 2—Left Syracuse at 1 o’clock a.m. Got to Canastota at 12 p.m.
July FRIDAY 3, 1863—Took a team away from the driver this morning. He would not tow along & was saucy. Saw Jerry Brown and Gebe Woodard.
SATURDAY 4 [4th of July]—Came through Utica this morning. Saw the fireworks to Frankfort in the evening by laying in the crowd.
SUNDAY 5—Went through Little Falls this forenoon. Saw Coy’s boat this afternoon.
July, MONDAY, 6, 1863—Left a letter at Burtonville P. O. for mother. Saw Joseph Scoville this afternoon.
TUESDAY, 7—Left Schenectady this morning. Got through the locks at 11 o’clock p. m. Jess & I had a row.
WEDNESDAY, 8—Got into the river this morning. Towed down to Albany & took the tow for New York [City] at 2 p.m. Got over the bars alright.
July, THURSDAY, 9, 1863—Went through the Highlands tonight. There was a cloud on the mountain which partly hid it. Oh, was it not nice! [Hudson River Highlands near West Point]
FRIDAY, 10—Saw a school of porpoises this morning playing around the boat. Got into [New] York [City] about noon. Went right over to Brooklyn and laid [by].
SATURDAY, 11—Went over to [New] York [City] a spell this forenoon. Saw Tom Hartley. Traded my watch for a soldier’s coat.
July, FRIDAY, 12, 1863—Staid around on the boat all day today. Took a little ride this evening on the river.
MONDAY 13—Received an order to go & unlock. The [New York City Draft] Riot commenced today. I was down street & seen some of it. In Clarkson Street they hung a negro [named William Jones] to a tree and then set him on fire.
TUESDAY 14—The riot still goes on. They can’t unload us because the men are all gone to the riot.
July, WEDNESDAY 15, 1863—Last night was an awful night. A great many men was shot. You could hear the shots just like a 4th of July in some village.
THURSDAY, 16—Our elevator was afraid to come over today on account of the mob so we laid still all day.
FRIDAY 17—Went to the city of Washington [Washington Heights] to finish unloading but the rain knocked us off before we got through.
July, SATURDAY 18, 1863—Finished unloading today. Saw the city of Washington start quite a sight. Took the tow tonight. Tom Hartley is in the same tow.
SUNDAY 19—Went through the Highlands this morning. Everything was very nice.
MONDAY, 20—Got to Troy this morning. Was all day getting through the locks & all night.
July, TUESDAY, 21, 1863—Hit a boat in the stern at Schenectady. Hit her lightly but the Captain had to pay $5 which he says I have got to pay—but I guess not!
WEDNESDAY, 22—There is a break in the canal at Canajoharie. We got into the crowd this forenoon at Auriesville. We shall have to lay here a spell.
THURSDAY, 23—Had a muss today with Jess. But he can cod [?] me anymore. Done nothing all day.
July, FRIDAY, 24, 1863—Went to see Delly today. Found [him] in the meadow a mowing. He has growed some. Was glad to see me. [His brother Adelford Brown, age 13, seems to be boarding with a farmer named Hernstreet and working for him.]
SATURDAY, 25—Staid here all day & visited. Hernstreet is a nice man, I guess, and Delly has got a good place.
SUNDAY, 26—Came back to the boat today. Hempstreet [Hernstreet?] and Delly came & brought me.
July, MONDAY, 27, 1863—Straitened out of the crowd this morning. Went by the break. It was a bad looking sight.
TUESDAY, 28—Was towing through the crowd all day. Not a very nice job.
WEDNESDAY, 29—Wedged the “Herrick” in the aqueduct this forenoon. Had a little fuss at the Frankfort lock.
July, THURSDAY, 30, 1863—Got home to New London this morning. Laid here all day on the dock. Straitened out again tonight. Saw Father today. [His father was William Brown, New London, Verona, Oneida, NY]
FRIDAY, 31—Arent Homer threw me overboard this morning, but never mind. I will fix him.
A U G U S T
August, SATURDAY, 1—Went through Rochester this morning. Nothing unusual today.
August, SUNDAY, 2, 1863—Got into Buffalo tonight. Tied up and went to bed.
MONDAY, 3—Freight is low. I guess he will paint. Took my washing off.
TUESDAY, 4—Went to painting today. Painted all around her.
August, WEDNESDAY, 5, 1863—Painted her deck today.
THURSDAY, 6—Painted her cabin to day and all around her again. Jack Guess wanted me to go with him. I wish I had.
FRIDAY, 7—Quit Homer [Page?] and went with Phil House. He gives me $25. Homer would only give me [ ]. Started from Buffalo this afternoon.
August, SATURDAY, 8, 1863—Had to take off some of our load to Tonawanda. Both drivers quit today. Sent $8 home. Cap is on a tan [drunk?].
SUNDAY, 9—Hired 2 more drivers today so we are all right again. The Cap. spent all his money yesterday.
MONDAY, 10—One of our drivers drowned a horse for us today. Drawed around a bow in open daylight. [?]
August, TUESDAY, 11, 1863—They stopped us last night at Rochester. Her overrun $24 worth and had no money to pay it.
WEDNESDAY, 12—Laid here all day. Phil went to Buffalo and has not got back.
THURSDAY, 13—Started on again today.
August, FRIDAY, 14, 1863—Kept on again today. Tied up tonight at Montezuma.
SATURDAY, 15—Towed from Montezuma to Peru. John and the driver had a fuss at Weedsport.
SUNDAY, 16—Came through Syracuse. Tied up at Harter’s tonight.
August, MONDAY, 17, 1863—Got to New London tonight about 10 o’clock. Tied up for the night.
TUESDAY, 18—Laid here all day. Got a horse and went on again. Got no letter at Rome. I wonder what is the reason.
WEDNESDAY, 19—Went through Utica this morning. Nothing happened today. Steered through little falls tonight for the first time.
August, THURSDAY, 20, 1863—Went along all quiet today.
August , FRIDAY, 21—Got into the crowd tonight at Clute’s Dry Dock. Laid in the crowd all night.
SATURDAY, 22—In the crowd all day dropping along. Got to the locks just at night. All night going through the locks.
August, SUNDAY, 23, 1863—Got into Troy this morning. All day going to Albany on account of the crowd. Got to Albany just at night.
MONDAY, 24—Did not unload any today. He was waiting to sell the load. Shifted some of the lumber tonight—a bad thing.
TUESDAY, 25—Commenced to unload ourselves today but he let it out before night.
August, WEDNESDAY, 26, 1863—They was all day at work at us to get us out tomorrow. There was a stock of lumber on her.
THURSDAY, 27—Finished unloading us today but we will not go out. He has not settled up yet.
FRIDAY, 28—Started off again this morning. Was all day getting up through the locks.
August, SATURDAY, 29, 1863—Went along all right today but tonight I hit a boat pretty hard. He was going to get a warrant for us but did not.
SUNDAY, 30—Came through Utica today. Found out I was drafted but they can draft me as much as they have a mind to. [In March 1863, the Union Draft Act was passed making all men between 20 and 45 subject to military duty. A lottery was held in July 1863 which led to the Civil War Draft Riots that Oscar witnessed in New York City in July.]
MONDAY, 31—Laid still all day at New London. Ed Bekham will sell his boat I guess.
S E P T E M B E R
September, TUESDAY, 1, 1863—Ed sold the boat today away from Phil and skinned him alive too, I guess. Went home this afternoon to get my exemption papers [made] out.
WEDNESDAY, 2—Went down to Camden today with mother & got my papers. Happened to come across Doctor Yates who was the best man I could have to get to swear to my age. Went back to New London tonight.
THURSDAY, 3—Got on with George Castle today to steer for him. As he is going East, I can stop to Utica and get discharged.
September, FRIDAY, 4, 1863—We came up to the crowd last night. Laid still all day. Saw Jess Armstrong today. The boat will be along in a day or 2 and I will get my pay.
SATURDAY, 5—Went down to Utica today and got discharged but had a hard time getting it. Saw Homer tonight and rode with him but he could not pay me now.
SUNDAY, 6—Came through Utica today. Got down to Frankfort in another crowd towards night.
September, MONDAY, 7, 1863—Got down through the crowd now I guess. We will have a clear run through now I think.
TUESDAY, 8—Went along all smooth today.
WEDNESDAY, 9—Got down to the locks about 10 o’clock p.m. Had a clear run.
September, THURSDAY, 10, 1863—Got into Troy about 4 a.m. Got into the river and hitched onto the telegraph and started about 11 for [New] York [City]. Got over the bar all right.
FRIDAY, 11—Went along slowly today but the wind blowed some this p.m. making us take in water.
SATURDAY, 12—Got into [New] York City] this p.m. all right and sound.
September, SUNDAY, 13, 1863—Laid around the boat all day. Went & saw the soldiers in Castle Garden this evening. [Castle Garden was on the Battery in Manhattan where immigrants were held when they first arrived. Union recruiters went there to enlist soldiers.]
MONDAY, 14—Went over to the Atlantic dock, Brooklyn, to unload. Went uptown tonight.
TUESDAY, 15—Went to unloading today. Took out 3,550 bushels. Passed measures all day. Saw a couple of gunboats.
September WEDNESDAY, 16, 1863—Took out 3,525 bushels today. Saw a prize boat—the Dolphin—captured by our blockading squadron.
THURSDAY, 17—Finished unloading this a.m. Went to Pier 46, East River, to put on railroad iron. Could not put it on today.
The Erie Canal boat on which Oscar worked was classified as a Cargo, Barge, or Freight Boat, akin to the one illustrated. Its dimensions were dictated by the length of the locks along the canal. This vessel was propelled by mules, which towed it via a rope fastened to the bow, serving as its sole source of power. Upon entering the Hudson River en route to the East River docks in New York City, and subsequently returning to Albany, the barge boat was required to be pulled by a tug boat as it had no means of independent power. While navigating the canal, the boat traveled at a moderate speed of approximately 3 to 4 miles per hour to mitigate bank erosion. Steering was accomplished using a rudder, although halting the vessel necessitated the use of poles by the boatmen.
FRIDAY, 18—They could do nothing to us today. Got my hair cut today, shorter than I ever had it before.
September, SATURDAY, 19, 1863—Put on 419 bars of iron today. Went uptown this a.m. to Chatham Street to buy me a vest. Hitched on to the tow tonight for Albany.
SUNDAY, 20—Last night was the roughest night I ever saw. I thought we would sink surely. The wave rolled right over us and we are leaking badly too.
MONDAY, 21—Got aground this morning below Castleton. Did not get into Albany till afternoon. Laid in Albany all night.
September, TUESDAY, 22, 1863—Towed up to Troy today. Got through the 16 ? by 9 o’clock p.m. There is a break [in the canal], they say, up here about 25 miles.
WEDNESDAY, 23—Got into the crowd [corrall?] at about 7 o’clock this afternoon. Went on to the dry dock today. Had 2 holes in her bottom that made her leak so.
THURSDAY, 24—Straitened up this forenoon. Saw Kettle this afternoon. Had quite a blow up with ?? The one who steers against me.
September, FRIDAY, 25, 1863—Went through Schenectady today. Lost a tow line & whiffletrees while we laid there. If my trick had been on, I should have to pay for them.
SATURDAY, 26—Kept along with the crowd.
SUNDAY, 27—Got through the crowd today.
September, MONDAY, 28, 1863—Came through Little Falls today. Got our figurehead stole. I’m glad of it. It was a mean thing anyway.
TUESDAY, 29—Got home today to Canastota. Saw all the good-looking gals. There is a Brian [?] talking about buying the boat.
WEDNESDAY, 30—Got into Syracuse this morning. Tied up tonight because we did not know the river.
O C T O B E R
October, THURSDAY 1, 1863—Got through Fulton today. Got into Oswego tonight.
FRIDAY, 2—Went to unloading today but the rain made us quit.
SATURDAY, 3—Finished unloading today. Shoved up to the dry dock to get a new rudder. Went to the theater tonight.
October SUNDAY, 4, 1863—Went to meeting this forenoon. Saw Dundas Havill. Took dinner at his house. Went to Catholic meeting and then took a walk.
MONDAY, 5—Commenced loading today with feed. Working all day in the hold.
TUESDAY, 6—Finished putting on feed and put on some flour. Went down to the city tonight. Gave Havill’s folks a call.
October WEDNESDAY, 7, 1863—Finished loading today. Was robbed today of 4 or 5 dollars worth. Went down to the city tonight.
THURSDAY, 8—Started out this morning. Went as far as Fulton and tied up. Went and got some chestnuts this forenoon.
FRIDAY, 9—Started out again and go as far as Liverpool and tied up for the night.
October SATURDAY, 10, 1863—Went through Syracuse today. Went and saw Talbot’s folks. Was very glad to see me—all but Olive. She did not seem to care. [The 1860 census shows that the Talbots lived next door to Oscar’s parents in Constantia and Olive Crofoot was listed as a domestic in their home. The Talbot’s and Eunice Crofoot were school teachers. Olive Crofoot became Oscar’s wife after the war and is the mother of Curtiss Crofoot Brown and Oscar J. Brown.]
SUNDAY, 11—Got to Constantia this forenoon. Settled up with the captain and going home from Kowa.
MONDAY, 12—Got home this morning. Found Mother and Emily gone to Oneida.
October TUESDAY, 13, 1863—Dug 2 bushels of potatoes today and went to school meeting tonight.
WEDNESDAY, 14—Went up to Empeyville this forenoon to see about that school but it was taken. Started for the lake this afternoon.
THURSDAY, 15—Applied for the north bay school but I guess it won’t amount to much. Applied for the Union school but he don’t want to hire yet.
October FRIDAY, 16 , 1863—Applied for the school at Constantia but Brown don’t like to hire me. Says he will write. Guess I can have the Dakin’s Bay school. He says he will write. Got home tonight.
SATURDAY, 17—Dug potatoes today.
SUNDAY, 18—Went to meeting today.
October, MONDAY, 19, 1863—Finished digging my potatoes today.
TUESDAY, 20—Went to Camden today. Got measured for a new overcoat—only 23 dollars.
WEDNESDAY, 21—Went to see Center today. Had a bad bill and went to get it changed.
October THURSDAY, 22, 1863—Studied all day today.
FRIDAY, 23—chopped a little wood today & studied the rest of the day.
SATURDAY, 24—Went down to Camden today & got my overcoat. Got a letter from North Bay. They have hired another man.
October SUNDAY, 25, 1863—Went to meeting today. Went to prayer meeting tonight.
MONDAY, 26—Started for the lake today. Saw Ed Beebe to Camden. Got to Constantia before night. Pra [?] is gone to Syracuse.
TUESDAY, 27—Staid around all day. Went up to Daffler’s tonight and saw the girls. Pra did not get home tonight.
October WEDNESDAY, 28, 1863—Laid around all day waiting for Pra but he did not get here till night.
THURSDAY, 29—Saw Pra this morning. He did not want to let me have the school but he did after a while. Went up to Clark’s and staid all night.
FRIDAY, 30—Started for home today. Stopped at Hartley’s and seen the old woman. Got home before night.
October SATURDAY, 31, 1863—Done nothing all day today. Quieted myself Brownstone and lard [?].
N O V E M B E R
November SUNDAY, 1—Sat around all day today. Sarah Scoville came up to our house & Mrs. Keon gave her a blowing up.
MONDAY, 2—Done nothing today. Drawed up a little wood.
November, TUESDAY, 3, 1863—Went up to Thompson’s this morning and got some beef. Got in my cabbage & turnips.
WEDNESDAY, 4—Sold my cow this morning for $20 and started for the examination at the creek. Rode down with Doolin’s team.
THURSDAY, 5—Was examined today and get my [Teacher’s] Certificate. Chaffee did not want to give me one but he did.
November, FRIDAY, 6, 1863—Came down to Constantia today. Done nothing all day.
SATURDAY, 7—Laid around all day. Could not find the key to the schoolhouse.
SUNDAY, 8—Went to Julia Phillip’s funeral today as one of the [pall] bearers. Cyrus was to [ ]. He got home last night.
November, MONDAY, 9, 1863—Commenced my school today with 26 scholars. Everything went off right.
TUESDAY, 10—Every thing lovely today. Maria Flora & Miss Irving was up to Dickies and opens the evening.
WEDNESDAY, 11—Nothing unusual today. Kept 7 after school. Went to prayer meeting tonight and did not get up and speak.
November, THURSDAY, 12, 1863—Everything is going off well. Went to prayer meeting tonight.
FRIDAY, 13—Everything quiet. Miss Irving visited my school today.
SATURDAY, 14—Nothing unusual today.
November SUNDAY, 15, 1863—Went to meeting to the church today.
MONDAY, 16—Had a lot of new scholars today. I shall have more work to do now.
TUESDAY, 17—Tom Hadcock is going to give me some trouble, I think. I’ll trim him.
November WEDNESDAY, 18, 1863—Gave Tom Hadcock a licking today. I’ll fix them if they don’t behave. Saw Cyrus tonight. Had quite a time.
THURSDAY, 19—School went off very well today. Went to prayer meeting tonight to the church.
FRIDAY, 20—Licked two of my boys today—Od Schoville & John Cvly [?]
November, SATURDAY, 21, 1863—Sat around all day. No school today. Read Among the Pines. [Among the Pines. Or, South in Secession-time, by Edmond Kirke. Published by James Roberts Gilmore 1862.]
SUNDAY, 22—Went to church today. Prentiss gave me a talking to. Oh well.
November, TUESDAY, 24, 1863—Everything quiet today. All well. Rec’d an invitation to Ingersoll’s to a party. I am [little] larger than I was two years ago.
WEDNESDAY, 25—Went up to Ingersoll’s tonight. Had no time at all. Had two visitors this afternoon—Sally Phillips & Frank Carter. Had another visitor.
THURSDAY, 26—Went to Sally Phillips’ tonight. Had quite a time.
November, FRIDAY, 27, 1863—Everything on the square to day—as quiet as usual.
SATURDAY, 28—School today. The scholars don’t like it much. They have not had to go Saturdays before in some time.
SUNDAY, 29—George Bartlett’s funeral sermon was preached today. A full house.
November, MONDAY, 30, 1863—Had a snag of new scholars today. Have got quite a school now.
D E C E M B E R
December, TUESDAY, 1—[no entry]
WEDNESDAY, 2—Went to prayer meeting tonight but did not do anything towards helping it along.
December THURSDAY, 3, 1863—[no entry]
FRIDAY, 4—Met at Mr. Holmes to sing tonight. Brown did not let me have any money tonight as he agreed to.
SATURDAY, 5—Started for Syracuse today but did not do much. Got some books on trust. Saw Talbot & his folks. Got me no clothes.
December SUNDAY, 6 , 1863—Went to meeting today in the church and after church went to the school house to class meeting.
MONDAY, 7—Some more new scholars today. I have got a room full and my hands full now. My books went through.
TUESDAY, 8—Sent for some more books today.
December, WEDNESDAY, 9, 1863—Thrashed two boys today. They must behave.
THURSDAY, 10—My books came last night but they were the wrong ones, most of them.
FRIDAY, 11—Had quite a fuss today. Whaled Tom Hadcock so he felt it and he made quite a fuss. Most of the boys took his part.
December, SATURDAY, 12, 1863—Everything quiet today. Got trusted for a pair of pants to the tune of $7.36.
SUNDAY, 13—Income of Prince of Wales Cornwall estate $3,500,00 Landed Property $125,000 Parliament $550,000 “ for Wife $250,000 Total $4,425,000
December, MONDAY, 14—Measured today 5 feet, 9 ½ inches.
December TUESDAY, 15, 1863 James Belknap Dr By Borrowed 1.58 Charles Groff Dr Zo Ziare 1.58
December 16 through December 31—[no entries]
M E M O R A N D A
Jan 1st—Due me from district roll Constantia $19.50. Received $5.33 from district on last years wages balance due $13.17 Have to pay from money on hand $1.08 for washing last year. Have to pay the trustee 05. for last year. For pass for Blackwells Island. Go to No 1 Bond Street N. Y. [Blackwells Island is now Roosevelt Island and housed an insane asylum at the time and a poor house.]
Oscar I. Brown, Co. A, 10th New York [Heavy Artillery];
To My Mother, Elizabeth Brown, Camden, Onondaga, New York
J A N U A R Y
January, Friday, 1, 1864—Oscar I. Brown, Camden, Oneida Co, NY. Co A. 10th N. Y. [Heavy] A., Adjutant’s Office, Albany Barrack.
January, Saturday, 2, 1864—To find a square whose area is the same as that of a given circle, multiply the diameter of the circle by 0.8862.
To find the side of a square contained in a circle, multiply the diameter of the circle by ‘7071.
January, Sunday, 3, 1864. through February, Friday, 19, 1864—[pages blank]
F E B R U A R Y
February, Saturday, 20, 1864—Today I enlisted in the 10th New York Artillery for 3 years unless sooner discharged for which I am to receive $702 and for which I am to serve my country honestly and faithfully and to the best of my ability.
February, Sunday, 21, 1864—Went up to Grandfather’s today to bid them goodbye. I probably shall not see them again for over 3 years—and maybe never—but we must hope for the best.
February, Monday, 22, 1864—They raised $25 for me down to the flats today to count for that town [to meet its draft quota] which I shall do. James enlisted today noon. We started about 3 P.M. for Camden to take the train for Watertown in the morning. James and I got home about 8 p.m. They don’t know we have enlisted and we shall not tell them. We told them we was going to buy calve skins for Cowles.
February, Tuesday, 23, 1864. We got to Watertown about 2 p.m.. today but when we got there, we found we could not get a furlough after we were mustered in and drawed our bounty and we was going to come back home but they said we could swear in and then go home and not muster till we came back, so we did and started for home on the 8 p.m. train. Got to Camden at 11:30. Staid there all night.
February, Wednesday, 24, 1864—Had some photographs taken this morning and started for home. Got home about 2 p.m. I told them I had enlisted but they could hardly believe me at first. They don’t like it much but it was my time to go and I am going.
February, Thursday, 25, 1864—Father and I went to see Mrs. Murdock’s place today. They want to buy it so as to have a home. I then went down to Mr. Cain’s to see the folks and also into Simpson’s. Folks all seem to be well but some surprised at my enlisting. Went over to Brewster’s tonight to a party and it was some party, I tell you.
February, Friday, 26, 1864—Father went up to Florence to see Widow Murdocks to see her about that place. I went to Camden to get my pictures but they were not done. Too bad because I wanted to take one to Alice and Hannah but it can’t be helped now.
February, Saturday, 27, 1864—Started to see Alice this morning. Come across Henry Marble on the cars and had quite a pleasant ride to Rome. I got to Carver’s about 8 o’clock this evening. Alice was glad enough to see me. She has growed a considerable since I saw her last which was a year last Christmas.
February, Sunday, 28, 1864—Visited pretty well to day. I like Carver’s folks first rate and Alice has got a good place. Went to meeting this afternoon—Alice, Mr. Carver, and I. Saw Bradford Stewart, a young man in the company that father was in.
February, Monday, 29, 1864—Started this morning for York Mills to see Hannah and Emma. Carver went to the Depot with a load of apples and Alice went with us to the schoolhouse. I bought me a pen and pair of gloves to the depot. I got to the Mills about 5 p.m. Found the girls and went to supper with Hannah and then we went and spent the evening with Emma.
M A R C H
March, Tuesday 1, 1864—Visited with Hannah and Phoebe Hall this forenoon and started for home this afternoon. Got home about 9 o’clock p.m. I ran around Camden about an hour trying to get my pictures and did not get them after all.
March, Wednesday, 2, 1864—Went down to Camden again for my pictures but could not find the artist. I guess I shan’t run anymore for them. He can keep them. Running 4 miles there and back 4 times for nothing ain’t what it is cracked up to be. Cain’s folks tried to get up a party for my honor but failed. Oh my.
March, Thursday, 3, 1864—Ran around this forenoon. Talked with Father and he made up his mind to go with me to Watertown so we started this afternoon instead of waiting until morning as I calculated. I don’t want to get home again in one while if it is so hard to part. We got to Watertown about 8 o’clock. Went to the Kirby House and went to bed.
March, Friday, 4, 1864—Cowles came up this morning with the rest of the men. We was mustered in this afternoon. Got our bounty and clothes and started off for Albany on the double quick. They would not take Father on account of his teeth. I took my $200 and got a check with it and my $100 I had made over to Vandewaker to get for me and put it all in the bank.
March, Saturday, 5, 1864—We got to Albany this morning about half after 6. Marched up to the barracks, stood around about 2 hours, and then got in the barracks. I was hungry and went to the cook room for something to eat. They gave me a chunk of sour bread and some salt beef, but I was hungry and I knawed on it till I was satisfied. It was my first breakfast soldiering.
March, Sunday, 6, 1864—Sunday today, but no Sunday here—not a bit different from what it was yesterday. We go out on inspection in the forenoon and stand out about 1 hour while they clean out the barracks. We get bread and salt beef to eat and sometimes soup. Oh, it’s nice.
March, Monday, 7, 1864—Got our breakfast this morning and then went on inspection. We had bean soup for dinner. Our barracks are brick. They used to be a schoolhouse. They are warm and comfortable. There are 2,000 men in it so they are pretty crowded.
March, Tuesday, 8, 1864—It is the same today and everyday—all alike. Eat, sleep, and grow fat. Tonight there was a row in the barracks. The officers put guards to all the doors after dark and would let no one out. And they [the boys] made a row—smashed in the windows and carried out sundry actions too numerous to mention.
March, Wednesday, 9, 1864—The windows out the back side of the barracks look pretty hard to day but it served them—the officers—right. They had no business to put a guard at the doors. I am detailed to go in the Adjutant’s Office as clerk. We shall get a little more pay and better accommodations. I go in the morning.
March, Thursday, 10, 1864—Went to the [Adjutant’s] Office this morning. There is nothing to do for 2 or 3 days as there is no blanks [military forms]. We did not have any better victuals than we did in the barracks and they make a row about some stinking butter which they had and the contractor said we might go without our meals and draw our rations as the rest of the men did.
March, Friday, 11, 1864—This morning we waited for our breakfast till 9 and then took our cup and plate and went and got our rations as the rest of the men did. It goes rather hard but the major said he would see to it that we had our meals as they should be.
March, Saturday, 12, 1864—Found this [diary] book this morning. It probably belonged to Edward P. Smith as his name was in it but I could not find him, so I appropriated it. Commenced to keep my cash account today. The boys had quite a time this afternoon when they got to snowballing and throwing plates and kept it up for some time. Done nothing all day for want of blanks.
March, Sunday, 13, 1864—Nothing going on today. I got a letter from home containing six of my photographs. Wrote a letter to mother and one to Hannah and the rest of the time lounged around. I would have gone to church if I had a good suit of clothes.
March, Monday, 14, 1864.—We done nothing at all today. Wrote a letter for Charlie Groffs.
March, Tuesday, 15, 1864—Went down to the city. Have a standing pass so I can go when I have a mind to. Got some paper collars. Our [blank] rolls came today so we had to work this afternoon. Our table ain’t set yet. I begin to think that we won’t have it anymore.
March, Wednesday, 16, 1864—Wrote all day today and part of the evening. Wrote a letter to Ellen Allen. The 10th [N. Y. A.] was paid off today but there was 35 names left off and mine was amongst them. But the Adjutant said he would have them put on tomorrow.
March, Thursday, 17, 1864—Made out the rolls for the 16th Artillery today. They make out passes for us today and said that mlf [?] would start up tomorrow. Stow was drunk tonight.
March, Friday, 18, 1864—Made out the pay rolls today for our men that was left off the other rolls. We signed them tonight. We shall get paid tomorrow. Wrote a letter to Sallie Phillips to day.
March, Saturday, 19, 1864—Got paid off today. Went down town today to get a check but the banks were shut before I got there. Bought a suit of clothes today. Cost me $24. Went down to the theater tonight. Lent Sam Thompson $5 till he is paid off.
March, Sunday, 20, 1864–Went to the cathedral this forenoon. Did not like the services much. Went to meeting to Division St. to meeting. Saw a considerable carrying on there and not much religion in it. Wrote another letter home.
March, Monday 21, 1864—Went down to the Express Office tonight and sent off my money. Expressed about $600 for some of the other boys. Got me a set of Chess men and a chess book. Got home to the barracks before 10 o’clock.
March, Tuesday, 22, 1864—Worked all day today and when I did not work, I played chess with a Whit Mills. When we begun, he could beat me all to pieces, but this evening we played 3 games and I beat him 2 of them. Got a letter from Dolly.
March, Wednesday, 23, 1864—Went down to the theater tonight. The play was Colleen Baron. The 10th [N. Y. A.] boys went off today. There was 380 went in all. I almost wish I had gone too. I shall get lonesome. I don’t get any answers to my letters. Lizzie Loveland played fool with me tonight sure but I will fix her.
March, Thursday, 24, 1864—Staid in the barracks today and worked all day. Cannot get any letters from anybody anymore. I would like to get a letter to see how it looked once. Gave up keeping a cash account as I am all mixed up, so that it is more bother than it comes to.
March, Friday, 25, 1864—Went down to the city today and saw Ed and Alf Champlin. I got some notions to the pawn shop in Pearl Street and sold them out this evening. I did not make much but I will try again tomorrow.
March, Saturday, 26, 1864—Went down to the city today and got some more things and sold them out and almost doubled my money. I had $14 and when I got through I had $26.45. There was a man shot tonight for trying to desert. Served him right.
March, Sunday, 27, 1864—Worked on the rolls almost all day. There were 2 or 3 men went off today. I went to meeting tonight to the Methodist meeting house on James Street and was well used in every respect and pressed to come again.
March, Monday, 28, 1864—Did not do much of anything today. Garrett went home today on 10 days furlough. Went down to the city tonight. Liz [Loveland] wanted to see me but I could not see her there. Bought me a large pen today—an awful big one. Also bought me a hat. Cost me $4.75.
March, Tuesday, 29, 1864—Worked hard all day today and till 11 o’clock at night. Wrote a letter to Hannah and Mother today. Got no letters today. I would like to get one or two just for luck.
March, Wednesday, 30, 1864—Laid around again all day. Did not do enough to stick in my eye. Went down town tonight to see the gals. Went to the Gayety. It is the worst place I ever was in yet in the shape of a theater. [The Gayety Theatre was located on the east side of Green Street, south of Beaver Street, and was sometimes referred to as the “old Green Street Theater.” John Wilkes Booth played there. It was eventually destroyed by fire.]
March, Thursday, 31, 1864—Staid downtown all night last night at No. 21 William. Had a pretty good time generally. Got to the barracks about 7 o’clock this morning.
A P R I L
April, Friday, 1, 1864—Some fooling going on today. The boys are cutting up all day. Had a considerable to do all day.
April, Saturday, 2, 1864—Got off another squad of men today. Worked hard again. I am getting sick of this business. All work and no pay don’t agree with me.
April, Sunday, 3, 1864—Worked again today till night. Then Preland and I went to church. It is a hurrying time now and we have got plenty to do.
April, Monday, 4, 1864.—Work. Work. Work.
April, Tuesday 5, 1864—Work more yet. I tried to get to the city tonight but could not do it. Too much work to do. Work.
April, Wednesday, 6, 1864—Got down to the city today and made a stay of it till night. Got my photographs taken today. Will have them Saturday. I am going to the regiment out with the next squad. Can’t fool me.
April, Thursday, 7, 1864—Garrett got back tonight just in the right time for we have got enough to do and not help enough either. Breland don’t get off as much work as Garrett.
April, Friday, 8, 1864—Work again. But I will soon be out of it. I am going to my regiment tomorrow. WORK! How are you, WORK.
Saturday, April, 9, 1864—Packed up my things today. Lost my chess men. I believe Whit stole them. Got my photographs. Sent home 7. Sent home a blanket and 2 vests. Started about 7 for [New] York [City]. Got some cigars and sugar to sell. They went off like shot. Had a stateroom and everything nice.
April, Sunday, 10, 1864—Got to [New] York [City] this morning about 8. Lost my gloves at a saloon. Got on a transport in the afternoon. Got some cigars and tobacco to sell. Got a stateroom on the boat. I’m going to have my ease when I can. I found $85 on the boat that one of the men lost. Went ashore in the evening with some of the ship’s men.
April, Monday, 11, 1864—Laid in the river all day. I went to buying pies to speculate on. They cost me 10 cts. I sold them for 20 cts. I bought over 300 and sold them most all. I have to pay 12/_ a day for board but never mind, I’ll make it up.
April, Tuesday, 12, 1864—Laid all day still. Bought some more pies. What fools soldiers are when they have got money. Started this afternoon. Went down as far as Sandy Hook and anchored. I have to do all the commissaries work—giving out the rations. Berry does nothing.
April, Wednesday, 13, 1864—Started on again this afternoon. The sea is pretty rough but I guess they will stand it. The men still keep buying pies. They will come up as soon as they get seasick. Some of them don’t feel very well now.
April, Thursday, 14, 1864—Lost my pocket book this morning with $137 in it. We are making good time now. The sea is smooth as can be. We are out of sight of land this morning.
April, Friday, 15, 1864—Still going it at a good rate. We will get into the Chesapeake tonight. There are two men on here with the sweat board and they are fleecing the men at a great rate.
April, Saturday, 16, 1864—Got into the Chesapeake Bay last night about 2 o’clock. The bay is wider than I had any idea of. We are out of sight of land on both sides this morning. The ducks are thick enough.
April, Sunday, 17, 1864—We anchored last night just below Mt. Vernon. We passed Mt. Vernon while I was at breakfast so I did not see it. We got to Alexandria about 10 a. m. We landed and went up to the [Soldier’s] Rest. Got there about noon. There was 500–600 men packed in one room and about 2,000 old veterans. Camped outside all night. I never saw such a jam in my life.
April, Monday, 18, 1864—Started from the [Soldier’s] Rest about noon. Got to Fort Lyon about 2 p.m. The boys were glad to see me. The surgeon told me he wanted me for his secretary over to the hospital and would have me detailed. It will be a good berth. [Fort Lyon was a timber and earthwork fortification constructed south of Alexandria, Virginia as part of the defenses of Washington, D.C. It was situated on Eagle Hill south of Hunting Creek, then known as Cameron Run. From its position on one of the highest points south of Alexandria, the fort overlooked Telegraph Road, the Columbia Turnpike, the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, and the southern approaches to the city of Alexandria.]
Union camp in front of Fort Lyon (1862)
April, Tuesday, 19, 1864—Run around all day today seeing the sights. Fort Lyon is a nice place. Can see Washington and Alexandria plain.
April, Wednesday, 20, 1864—Done nothing all day today. I went to see the surgeon about having me detailed. He saw the colonel but he did not like to have me detailed before I learned the drill. I had rather wait too.
April, Thursday, 21, 1864—Drilled a little today with Lens [?] gun. I am in a hurry to get the drill learned. There is a pile of soldiers going by here to the front. There are a good many will never come back. [Fort Lyon was garrisoned by the 15th New York Heavy Artillery Regiment until the Spring of 1864 when they were ordered to join Grant’s Overland Campaign as infantrymen, serving in the 5th Army Corps. The troops observed passing the fort were being mobilized to join Grant.]
April, Friday, 22, 1864—Got my gun and equipments today. I can drill now as good as the men that came here 4 weeks ago. I have drilled 4 hours. The Captain sent for me this evening and told me to get a coat, cap, and pair of pants.
April, Saturday, 23, 1864—Drawed me a coat, cap, and pair of shoes today. I got a first rate coat. Cleaned my gun today. Did not drill any as we have to get ready for Battalion drill tomorrow.
April, Sunday, 24, 1864—Had inspection today. We recruits did not go out with the rest of the company as we did not have any [shoulder] scales. We was very glad of it as it is pretty hard work to march 2 or 3 hours with a gun, knapsack, and accoutrements.
April, Monday, 25, 1864—Drilled some more today. It is getting to be easier for me. Wrote a letter home today. Also one to E. A. There are a good many soldiers going by here to the front.
April, Tuesday, 26, 1864—Done a little more drilling today. Drilled for the first time on artillery. That is rather heavy work. Saw an advertisement in the Waverly [Advocate] for a correspondent by Lillie Talbot, Station D in N. Y. City and answered it.
April, Wednesday, 27, 1864—Saw a sight today I never saw before—Burnside [moving] with 30,000 men, with artillery and baggage, for the front. They was about 15 hours going by here. Went on battalion drill today. We don’t drill separate any more but drill with the company.
April, Thursday, 28, 1864—Took a dose of physic last night. Consequently did not feel very well. Went on battalion drill but did not go on artillery drill. Robert Harris went to the hospital today pretty sick.
April, Friday, 29, 1864—There was a man shot today for deserting. He took it coolly enough. There was no drill this afternoon as we are going to be mustered tomorrow for pay and we must get ready for it. [The soldier executed for desertion was Scott James, 2nd New Hampshire Infantry.]
April, Saturday, 30, 1864—We was inspected today and mustered for our pay. That was all the drill we had. Had some biscuits and butter for supper tonight down to Andrew Murdoch’s. We mustered for $40 bounty and 40 days pay.
M A Y
May, Sunday, 1, 1864—Had inspection today. Went to Smith’s outside of the pickets. Went around a considerable. Got a letter from Lampry today. He had some considerable news to write.
May, Monday, 2, 1864—Wrote home again today. I don’t get any letters from the folks yet. I don’t like this pretty much. But I’ll will get one by and by, I guess. Drilled as usual. Battalion drill from 8 ½ till 10 ½ a.m. Artillery drill from 4 till 5 p.m.
May, Tuesday, 3, 1864—Drilled today again. Fired blank cartridges on battalion drill—that’s fun, but it is work to clean your gun after it.
May, Wednesday, 4, 1864—We was inspected this afternoon by Gens DeRussey and Howe. We made a very good appearance, so they said. The captain said he never wanted us to behave better.
May, Thursday, 5, 1864—Went on guard today for the first time. Have done well all day. Have not made a single mistake. It was a fine day so I could not dislike it much. Three Colonels visited our fort today.
May, Friday, 6, 1864—Came off guard this morning pretty tired. I could not sleep last night—I had such a bad cold. Had to work all the forenoon cleaning up. The countersign last night was “Toledo.” Got a letter from Lillie Talbot today.
May, Saturday, 7, 1864—Had to work this forenoon at policing till I was so faint I did not know what to do. Had to get ready for inspection tomorrow.
May, Sunday, 8, 1864—Had another inspection today. Wrote 2 letters today—one to mother and one to Lillie Talbot. Had a letter from Sallie Phillips. There is some big fighting going on down to the front [the Wilderness west of Chancellorsville]. It commenced Thursday.
May, Monday, 9, 1864—There is a great rush for papers by the boys now when the newsman comes around. Done our drilling as usual. Wrote a letter to Sallie Phillips. It is getting pretty hot here now. General Sedgwick was killed today.
May, Tuesday, 10, 1864—The boats coming up the [Potomac] river are loaded down with wounded men. Also the cars coming in from the front. I am detailed tonight for guard tomorrow.
May, Wednesday, 11, 1864—Got on Captain’s orderly today. They pick out the best looking and cleanest man—or pretend to. I don’t like it very much but it will do on a rainy day and it rained today. General Wadsworth was shot today.
May, Thursday, 12, 1864—Had nothing to do today. My gun was clean so I laid around all day. News are coming in pretty fast now and we are getting the best of it. But we have lost two good Generals—Sedgwick and Wadsworth. Sent my suit of clothes home today.
May, Friday, 13, 1864—Am on police today but it rains so I have not done much. We had a cup of beer today with our dinner. The Captain is getting extravagant.
May, Saturday, 14, 1864—All getting ready for inspection again tomorrow. A pretty good thing this inspection is. I like it first rate.
May, Sunday, 15, 1864—Had our inspection today of course. Wrote a letter home today.
May, Monday, 16, 1864—Went on guard again today. They are cutting this regiment all up. Two companies went off this morning to a fort about a mile from here.
May, Tuesday, 17, 1864—Came off guard this morning and had to go on monthly inspection this afternoon. Borrowed $1 from J. Harris today. There was four more companies went away this afternoon. They have cut our company into just half of it in Fort Weed about 40 rods [220 yards] from here.
May, Wednesday, 18, 1864—Went over to the hospital today and got some medicine for my cold. We did not drill today.
May, Thursday, 19, 1864—We all had to work today policing around the quarters. I have got to go on guard tomorrow.
May, Friday, 20, 1864—On guard today No. 1 [post], first relief. We will go on guard about every other day now. I must get Colonel’s Orderly once in a while. Captain’s Orderly has played out. There are so few men for duty.
May, Saturday, 21, 1864—Come off guard this morning. The countersign last night was “Syracuse.” Got ready for inspection tomorrow. Got a new gun and set of accoutrements today.
May, Sunday, 22, 1864—Had inspection today. There was a regiment of militia came here last night. They are pretty raw. Don’t seem to know much about military matters.
May, Monday, 23, 1864—Was on fatigue today. Cleaned up my gun and things. Slept in the fort tonight.
May, Tuesday, 24, 1864—Was on guard today again. Nothing unusual today—
May, Wednesday, 25, 1864—Come off guard today. Marching orders come this morning to get ready to march at 3 o’clock. Packed up what I could not carry and sent it home. Got all ready and then wrote to all the folks.
May, Thursday, 26, 1864—We have not gone yet but are all ready to start tomorrow at 6 a.m. All the other companies came here today. We don’t know where we will go yet but expect to go to front.
May, Friday, 27, 1864.
Started this morning about 6, marched down to Washington to get on the steamers the boys some of them throwed away their coats some their blankets and some their knapsacks. We got to Washington about noon. We drawed 5 days hard tack and 100 rounds of cartridge some of the men were drunk as could be.
May, Saturday, 28, 1864—We anchored last night, passed Ft. Lookout about 11 a.m. Entered the Rappahannock about 5 p.m. We are going through an enemy’s country and have to keep a sharp lookout. This is a nice country here. I would not want a nicer country to live in.
May, Sunday, 29, 1864—We anchored last night. Started on this morning and ran aground about 8 o’clock. Did not get off till dark and lay at anchor. I went in a swimming and was put under arrest for it but they released us about dark. There was a slew of boats ran aground today.
May, Monday, 30, 1864—We started on again this morning and got to Port Royal about noon. The rest of the regiment got here about noon yesterday. We had a gunboat to convoy us up. Port Royal is no place at all hardly. There is some few good houses around here and gardens but they are all guarded—every house. We have got to start for the White House on York River in the morning.
May, Tuesday, 31, 1864—We packed up and started about 3 p.m. and marched about 5 miles. I throwed away my knapsack after we had marched a mile. I lost my gun near night. We camped about 6 p.m. There was more than 10 wagon loads of clothes burned up at Port Royal today.
J U N E
June, Wednesday, 1, 1864—We got up about 4 o’clock but did not get under way till about 7. We marched 10 miles before we stopped. A great many men fell out. I had to take one of the men’s gun at noon. If I had had a load to carry this forenoon, I could not have marched as far as we did. We marched through Bowling Green this afternoon. It is quite a pleasant place—or has been. Marched 17 miles today.
June, Thursday, 2, 1864—We got up bright and early this morning and started off but was bothered all day with the wagons. We heard heavy firing this afternoon in the direction of Hanover C. H. [Battle of Cold Harbor]. Marched about 10 miles. We got as wet as rats and had to sleep with our wet clothes on. I drawed me another gun today and had to carry two guns for a long time.
June, Friday, 3, 1864—We was on the rear guard today and I never want to be there again. We marched 22 miles and did not get in camp till after 10 o’clock. I went out foraging this afternoon and got a quarter of veal. I eat up all my rations this morning and I have got to live somehow. We passed Ellis this noon. It was a nice country all through here before the war.
June, Saturday, 4, 1864 Crossed the Pamunkey Riverthis morning at Hanovertown. We passed through where they had the fight yesterday. There was two lines of breastworks that our men drove the Rebs from. We got to Burnsides Headquarters about 4 p.m. and moved out to the front about 8. I saw Burnside about 7 p.m. There was some pretty sharp firing out to the front and he was going out.
June, Sunday, 5, 1864—We was packed up by 7 o’clock. Drew our rations and went out to the field [where] we was drawed up in line of battle on a hill. The Rebs spyed us and shelled us out. One shell went through the ranks, killing one man in Co. K [?] and knocking down 5. We went into camp behind some woods but bullets kept coming through the camp every little while. Wrote a letter home this afternoon.
June, Monday, 6, 1864—Our boys had quite a rub last night. The Rebs made a charge on our works but in about 20 minutes our boys drove them off. We was drawn up in line and marched out a piece but the firing ceased and we came back. We worked today on a battery to mount 8 guns. The Rebs throwed a few shells over there. It is reported that Burnside has crossed the Chickahominy [River] at Bottom’s bridge. The Rebs are on our right flank anyway.
June, Tuesday, 7, 1864—The Rebs shelled us out of our camp last night and we had to go in the woods on our left and camp. We lay there till this afternoon when they shelled us out again and again we had to move. The Rebs throwed about 20 shells over to us this morning but we did not stir. I went out in the 5th line of rifle pits to see some of the 81st [New York] boys this forenoon.
June, Wednesday, 8, 1864—We lay out all night in an open field. We worked on some rifle pits today to cover our selves. We moved in the ditches tonight. We are fortifying ourselves pretty well now. I went about two miles today to see the boys in the 147th [New York] but could not find them. They have gone to Bottom’s Bridge, about six miles from here.
June, Thursday, 9, 1864—We finished our work today. We have got ourselves pretty well fixed now. The Rebs would not have a very nice time coming at us here. I went on guard tonight at the Colonel’s Headquarters.
June, Friday, 10, 1864—Was on guard today. Everything is getting quiet on the front. The Rebs are getting quite civil.
June, Saturday, 11, 1864—We had orders to get ready to march. Probably to go in the pits. The 2nd Pennsylvania went out this forenoon.
June, Sunday, 12, 1864—We packed up this morning. We are going to the White House [on the Pamunky River] and then around to Butler. We started about 12 and got to the White House about 7. It was the hardest marching I ever done. The Sanitary Commission done all they could for us after we got there. They gave us tea and crackers and one of the boys gave me a can of soup. I never was so tired in my life.
June, Monday, 13, 1864—Got on board of a transport for Bermuda [Hundred]about noon. We went to Fortress Monroe that night before we stopped. Did not see it as we got there after dark. There was 7 companies of us on one boat.
June, Tuesday, 14, 1864—Got to Bermuda [Hundred] about 10 a.m., turned around, and went up the Appomattox[River]about 3 miles and landed. We marched about 2 miles and camped to wait for the other part of the regiment. They came up about 7 p.m. We have got orders to march at two in the morning.
June, Wednesday, 15, 1864—We started about 2 a.m. and traveled till daylight when we came on the Rebs. But we drove them in and followed them up. The Negroes took the first line of pits and 2 guns. We then went in advance and came on the Rebs in a fort on a bluff. We skirmished till night when our boys charged on the east side and took it. We took 13 guns and 500 prisoners. I don’t think we lost a great many men—not over 50 at any rate.
June, Thursday, 16, 1864—We went to work today and changed the front of the fort. About night we opened on them and made 3 or 4 charges. There was warm work for about 3 hours when they quit. Our boys took 3 lines of rifle pits and a large number of prisoners. We was in line and marched around all over but was needed nowhere. We snatched a little sleep on the ground about 12 o’clock.
June, Friday, 17, 1864—Went on the skirmish line today. We did not do much as the Rebs were pretty scarce. They did not show themselves much and we did not care to [either]. We was relieved at 8 p.m. and marched to Point of Rocks. Our boys had some more work on hand tonight but I don’t know how they made it.
June, Saturday, 18, 1864—We got here about 3 a.m. We camped and drew rations of beans, dried apples, vinegar, and several other little things. We will probably lay off a little time now. We received our mail today—the first one we have had since we left Fort Lyon. I got one from Dolly and one from N. Y. but none from home.
June, Sunday, 19, 1864—We drew each a loaf of soft bread today—the first I have tasted since I left Fort Lyon. I wrote home today and to Dolly. We are having a noble rest and we need it.
June, Monday, 20, 1864—I done up my washing today and wrote to New York. We drew some new clothes today. I drew a shirt and haversack. We had orders to be ready to march at 6 a.m. tomorrow morning for some place. We don’t know where.
June, Tuesday, 21, 1864—We started about 7 a.m. and went right back in the place where we started from in the rifle pits. Nothing unusual happened on the march. Royce and Penny came back today from Washington. They don’t look quite as smutty as we do.
June, Wednesday, 22, 1864—We lay still all day today. Our forces are a considerable farther on from where we were when we were here before. Nothing happened today. We got another mail but I did not get anything.
June, Thursday, 23, 1864—We expected to go on picket last night but did not. We go on tonight. Laid around all day. The Rebs shelled us most all day. We drew rations for 4 days tonight. We started about 9 p.m. for the rifle pits but did not go in the front line. We was in the support.
June, Friday, 24, 1864—Laid all day in the [rifle] pits. It is a pretty warm place here. The Johnnys wont let a fellow show his head much before he gets it shot at. We were ordered to charge and the captain went to the rear very sick. But when the order was countermanded he got well mighty sudden. I got a letter from mother today the first one I have had since I left Fort Lyon.
June, Saturday, 25, 1864—We got all ready to charge last night but the order was countermanded. There are about 150 of our men laying in front of us that have lain there since last Saturday night. They smell awful bad. The Rebs made a charge and we took 140 prisoners and killed as many more with little loss on our side. Wrote to Emily today.
June, Sunday, 26, 1864—We moved up further to the left last night. There are a great many men in these [rifle] pits now and we are losing some in the regiment. Lieut. [Leeman A.] Rising is very sick and went to the rear this morning. We have got but one real officer with us now and that is [John H.] Westcott. Got a letter from Emily today.
June, Monday, 27, 1864—Still in the pits. Nothing occurring unusual today. We were relieved tonight after being in four days and nights.
June, Tuesday, 28, 1864—We laid still all day. They got us up last night to go on the left but it was a false alarm. We started for the [rifle] pits again tonight.
June, Wednesday, 29, 1864—We laid all last night out to the front. Our boys dug a new line of pits about 30 rods in advance of our old line. We expected to be attacked but was not. The Rebs did not discover it till daylight. They shelled us pretty well all day. We went to go in this morning but Capt [John S. Vanderburgh [Co. F] did not get us off and we had to lay here all day. Andy Murdock [of Co. A] was wounded today pretty bad in the right shoulder.
June, Thursday, 30, 1864—They put us in the [rifle] pits this morning. There was pretty sharp firing all day. There was a charge ordered at 5 o’clock p.m. on the left and our lines kept up a heavy fire for a long time. The Rebs tried to shell us out but could not do anything. They throwed about 30 shells per minute for half an hour when the firing ceased. I don’t know what results attended the move but I guess not much. We mustered for $32 more which makes about $86 due.
J U L Y
July, Friday, 1, 1864—[Edward] Sweeney [Co. A] was wounded yesterday and Billy Redfern [of Co. A] today—both slightly in the leg. Nothing occurred last night or today unusual. We were relieved this evening and went to the rear. Dan Petrie was detailed as sharpshooter and Tom Howard [Co. A] as teamster.
July, Saturday, 2, 1864—Had a good night’s rest last night. The diarrhea is troubling me some today—in fact, pretty bad. Got a letter from Emily and one from Mother today.
July, Sunday, 3, 1864—Went to the hospital today. The diarrhea troubles me awfully. We drawed whiskey today. I think it done me all sorts of good. I got a letter from Lillie today with her photograph.
July, Monday, 4, 1864—4th of July, and how different from the 4th at home. There is nothing today going on any more than other days. The company went into the [rifle] pits last night and before they had got in, a shell wounded three men. Corporals Tolly Monroe and Bill Haas left me in the hospital and I feel pretty hard up. We drew a ration of whiskey today.
July, Tuesday, 5, 1864—Nothing today unusual I feel no better this hospital is just no place at all. I shall go to the company tomorrow. I got a potato today—the first one I have had since the 26th of May and probably won’t get another in a month more.
July, Wednesday, 6, 1864—Went to the company this morning. They came in from the rifle pits last night. Nothing happened today. We all laid in our tents and rested. Saw Lt. Shoney [Sperry?] from the 147th [New York]. I am going to see them tomorrow if we don’t leave here.
July, Thursday, 7, 1864—Went this morning and found the 147th but I saw no one but Ezra [M.] Bedell [of Constantia]. All they other boys are dug out. But [Alavandus] Plumb was shot only 2 or 3 days ago. [Plumb of Constantia was KIA 22 June 1864] There was only 10 men in the Company left. We went in the [rifle] pits again tonight.
July, Friday, 8, 1864—Nothing unusual today for the place we are in. The Johnnys made a dash this afternoon but just for a spree I guess. There was a considerable firing but it did not amount to much. No one in our company hurt as yet.
July, Saturday, 9, 1864.—Very still all night last night and quite calm today. The sharpshooters are not so thick on the other side, I guess, or they would be bringing down more men I think. We were relieved as soon as it was dark enough. Not a man hurt in our company this time out, and but ten [wounded] in the regiment.
July, Sunday, 10, 1864—We were got out this morning bright and early for action but it all blowed over and we pitched our tents again. They expected an attack from the Rebs I believe. Had inspection and then had meeting. The Chaplain read four prayers and dismissed us. He only gets $125 per month. We drew clothing tonight.
July, Monday, 11, 1864—Worked nearly all day on the clothing account for the company so I was kept pretty busy. Nothing of interest going on. It rains some this evening but not much. We went in the [rifle] pits again tonight. Wrote to Lillie Talbot today.
July, Tuesday, 12, 1864—Nothing unusual occurred today. The sharpshooters are pretty lively on both sides. There was a Rebel band came up within hearing about 8 a.m. and played Home Sweet Home, Dixie, and several other tunes. The Johnnys asked us how we liked that and one of our boys told them to come over here and we would give them Dixie. I guess they thought we would for they did not come.
July, Wednesday, 13, 1864—Was relieved tonight. Again drew bread today. Nothing occurred along the line today. Got a letter from Mother today and answered it.
July, Thursday, 14, 1864—They fooled us around all day today getting into a new camping ground. We drew 3 potatoes and a piece of ham today. It tasted good. We drew another ration of bread tonight. We have not had any apples in some time. They marched us out to work tonight leveling down the batteries we took a month ago.
July, Friday, 15, 1864—Was pretty tired today. They worked us all night and we could not get any sleep today on account of the flies. We went into the [rifle] pits tonight. Our regimental hospital was broken up today. Things looks here as if we was agoing to leave before long or something else.
July, Saturday, 16, 1864—We was in the same place we were in before—a pretty good place too. Nothing going on at all—only a little sharpshooting. We are in the second line of pits. We went in the first line tonight after dark.
July, Sunday, 17, 1864—Nothing going on at all. The sharpshooters are pretty quiet. It is not so comfortable in this line as it is in the rear lines. They are old pits by the side of the road and there are trees all along. We were relieved at dark.
July, Monday, 18, 1864—Came in and camped. They got us up at 2 this morning expecting a charge by the Rebs but it did not come. Capt. [Elisha H.] Tobey came back last night. We had dress parade tonight. We drew potatoes, bread, fresh beef, onions, soup, and lot of good things. Our cooks have got a considerable assortment of vegetables on hand.
July, Tuesday, 19, 1864— It commenced to rain this morning and rained steady all day. Mud will be deep enough now. We went in the [rifle] pits again tonight. They were all full of mud and water. We bailed out the water and got brush and laid down.
July, Wednesday, 20, 1864—Was quiet all day today. We went into the front line this evening expecting an attack by the Rebs but they did not come and we went back in the rear line in the morning.
July, Thursday, 21, 1864—All quiet as usual today. We were relieved again to night. There was an awful heavy cannonading in the night and I expected there would be a fight but there was not.
July, Friday, 22, 1864—We had Regimental inspection today. Dell Sayles and Fin Shoney came over to see us today. They had a canteen of whiskey and a box of cookies. I took right hold of the cookies. They were the first I have had since I came down here. Was writing all the afternoon for the company.
July, Saturday, 23, 1864—Nothing occurred today at all unusual. We done up all our washing and went into the [rifle] pits tonight. All was quiet through the night.
July, Sunday, 24, 1864—It was very cool today all day. Not much firing all day. It begins to rain about 6 p.m. with prospects of its raining all night. We went into the front line as soon as it was dark.
July, Monday, 25, 1864—It rained all night last night and we were in a pretty muss. Our holes got full of water and the mud was nearly a foot deep. The sun came out warm in the day. We did not catch cold, many of us, but it was a wonder. We were relieved tonight again.
July, Tuesday, 26, 1864—Went on guard today. Nothing unusual. Everything is quiet all along the lines but an occasional bit of artillery practice. Capt Tobey got his discharge tonight.
July, Wednesday, 27, 1864—Came off guard this morning. Was writing almost all day for the Capt. He was turning over his command to Lt. [John H.] Westcott. We went into the pits again tonight—this time in rear of a battery which is not a very nice place if there is any cannonading.
July, Thursday, 28, 1864—Nothing out of the usual line occurred during the day. I wrote to Mother at night. Our folks got to throwing shell and the Johnnys returned the compliment, throwing them right into us, but fortunately no one was hurt.
July, Friday, 29, 1864—We lay very still all day. James got a little box by mail today with some medicine in it. We were relieved tonight by the 2nd [Amy] Corps. We went down to camp but had not been there but a few moments till we had orders to go on the left and support Burnsides [9th] Corps. We started about 12 and arrived in position and laid down to wait for proceedings which are to commence in the morning by the blowing up of a rebel fort.
July, Saturday, 30, 1864—Our folks sprung the mine this morning at 4 ¼ o’clock which brought us to our feet in double quick time. They opened with artillery and throwed shell for 1 ½ hours and then a charge was made. There was charging and counter charges all the forenoon when the music ceased. We went to the rear about ½ a mile and camped or laid down. We laid there all the afternoon and then went back into our camps. Our men got possession of two lines of works but the Johnnys drove them out again. I have not heard the last.
The mine explosion (Battle of the Crater”) from the vantage point of the 9th Corps which the 10th New York Heavy Artillery was supporting on the morning of 30 June 1864. Drawn by Andrew McCallum of Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper., August 27, 1864, p. 360-361.
July, Sunday, 31, 1864—We got up at 2:30 and went out into the picket line where the 10th Army Corps was. The lines are only about three rods apart. There was some mortar firing in the afternoon. There was musketry all the time continually. We were in the rear line of pits all day but went into the picket line and staid all night. That is getting too close to the Rebs for me.
A U G U S T
August, Monday, 1, 1864—We came off picket this morning and laid in the rear line till night and then went back into camp. Nothing occurred during the day. They throwed a few shells into us during the afternoon and wounded Bellinger. There was a flag of truce up all the forenoon. They buried three dead men in front of us who were shot on the 18th day of June.
August, Tuesday, 2, 1864—We laid in camp all day. I took it easy. We drew a whole cod today each—one of the greatest rations I ever heard of. All quiet today.
August, Wednesday, 3, 1864—We had a good time cooking our cod. Nothing out of the usual run of business. Our sutler came down tonight. We went into the [rifle] pits again tonight. I wrote to Mother again today.
August, Thursday, 4, 1864—We went in the same place we were in last time we were in. Everything quiet all day. We drew a mackerel this time.
August, Friday, 5, 1864—Nothing going on today till about 6 p.m. when the Rebs attempted to blow up our picket line. But their aim was short and did us no hurt. There was a great deal of noise—shelling and musketry—but not much damage done.
August, Saturday, 6, 1864—I was hit to day in the shoulder, bruising me slightly. I went to the rear at night but shall not go to the hospital. Everything quiet on the lines.
August, Sunday, 7, 1864—Laid around all day. Nothing to do or see. It is the most Sunday-like Sunday I have seen down here. One of the Sanitary [Commission] preached to the 89th. The boys came out of the [rifle] pits at night. Wrote home and to Emily.
August, Monday, 8, 1864—We lived good today anyway. Al got a check for $2 and we eat it all up in the course of the day, besides a dollar that I had. We eat crackers, cookies, and cheese all day.
August, Tuesday, 9, 1864—We did not do anything today. We went into the [rifle] pits again tonight.
August, Wednesday, 10, 1864—The Rebels are firing shell all the time with their mortars which makes it not a very nice place around here. Got a letter from Emily today. Not any firing this afternoon.
August, Thursday, 11, 1864—There was no firing all night last night and none today. Our boys changed a paper this morning. James and I were detailed this afternoon to guard an ammunition train.
August, Friday, 12, 1864—I went on guard today. Only had to wear my side arms. There was some hard shelling this morning out to the front.
August, Saturday, 13, 1864—The 10th [NYHA] went off this morning for Washington. We probably will be relieved and follow them. James is in a great stew now. He is so afraid we won’t follow them he don’t know what to do.
August, Sunday, 14, 1864—Went over to see Lew Anringer today. He is a sharpshooter. There is nothing going on here of any interest.
August, Monday, 15, 1864—There was a freshet here today that cleaned out this ravine pretty well. It took down all the camps commissaries, sutlers, and all that came in its way. There was some men drowned but I don’t know how many.
August, Tuesday, 16, 1864—Things look hard around here today. I am on orderly today. I went out in the [rifle] pits in the course of the day. It is as bad there as elsewhere. I came very near being shot too.
August, Wednesday, 17, 1864—Nothing very much out of the way today. There was an awful cannonading tonight. I was on the hill back of our camp looking at it. It lasted for two hours and then ceased and we went to bed again.
August, Thursday, 18, 1864—We were relieved today and ordered to report to the regiment. Glad of it too. We were back almost to the Depot and staid all night so as to be ready to start in the morning.
August, Friday, 19, 1864—Got on the cars this morning and rode down to City Point, took the boat for Washington, got as far as Fortress Monroe, and laid all night for fear of the wind.
August, Saturday, 20, 1864—Started this morning again and got to Washington about 7 p.m. Went up to the [Soldier’s] Rest and staid all night.
August, Sunday, 21, 1864—Started for the regiment after breakfast. Crossed the river at Aqueduct bridge. Got to the company about noon. They were at Fort Albany. They had been paid too. They were paid the 17th.
August, Monday, 22, 1864 through August, Sunday, 28, 1864—[pages blank]
August, Monday, 29, 1864—Detailed this week to write, making out the pay rolls so I shall be writing all the week.
August, Tuesday, 30, 1864 through September, Friday, 2, 1864—[pages blank]
S E P T E M B E R
September, Saturday, 3, 1864—The company moved today up to Fort Tillinghast about 1 mile from Fort Albany.
September, Sunday, 4, 1864––[page blank]
September, Monday, 5, 1864—Returned to company duty this morning. On guard this week down to the engineer camp.
September, Tuesday, 6, 1864 through September, Sunday, 11, 1864—[no entries]
September, Monday, 12, 1864—Taken this morning with the chills. The Dr. took me up on the sick list.
September, Tuesday, 13, 1864—[no entry]
September, Wednesday, 14, 1864—[no entry]
September, Thursday, 15, 1864—Slept last night on a straw tick and with my clothes off for the first time since the 25th of May.
September, Friday, 16, 1864—[no entry]
September, Saturday, 17, 1864—[no entry]
September, Sunday, 18, 1864—Feeling very well this morning.
September, Monday, 19, 1864—[no entry]
September, Tuesday, 20, 1864—Returned to duty this morning. Everything is the same here one day after another.
September, Wednesday, 21, 1864—The sergeant skipped me this morning in detailing the guard.
September, Thursday, 22, 1864—The sergeant skipped me again this morning.
September, Friday, 23, 1864—Marching orders again this morning for Harpers Ferry. Started about 10 o’clock. Got to the Depot about 1. They put us in cattle cars—50 men in a car. We left about 5 p.m. Some of the men were drunk as could be conveniently. We left 77 men sick.
September, Saturday, 24, 1864—Got up to Harpers Ferry about 10 a.m. Went out about 2 miles on the hills and camped.
September, Sunday, 25, 1864—Did not sleep very warm last night. We like to froze. Did not move today. Had Battalion drill in the afternoon. The Secretary of War should know of it too. We drew 5 days rations tonight and were ordered to be ready to march at 7 a.m. tomorrow.
September, Monday, 26, 1864—The order to march was countermanded. I had a shake of the fever and ague today and the Captain drilled me after it. We will probably march tomorrow.
September, Tuesday, 27, 1864—The regiment started today but I was left behind with an order to go to the hospital, but the Medical Director sent me to the convalescent camp. I got there just about night and was completely tired out. Had another shake today.
September, Wednesday, 28, 1864—Wrote to Mother and Emily today. Had another shake. I tried to get over to the hospital but could not. Geo Chat came back today. He fell out after they had gone about 9 miles. It rained a considerable today.
September, Thursday, 29, 1864—Had another shake this forenoon—an old snifter too. I tried to go to the hospital but could not get there. I don’t eat hardly anything anymore.
September, Friday, 30, 1864—I took 4 doses of quinine this morning before my shake came on. It broke it off some, I guess, for I did not shake as hard as I did yesterday.
O C T O B E R
October, Saturday, 1, 1864—It rained all day today. I had another shake today nothing unusual.
October, Sunday, 2, 1864—They said we were to have an inspection today but we did not see anything of it. I did not have any shakes today for a wonder.
October, Monday, 3, 1864. Went to the hospital today. I think I shall do a little better now. They put me in ward 12. I had a shake this morning.
October, Tuesday, 4, 1864—Did not have a shake today had a pretty good day of it.
October, Wednesday, 5, 1864—Had a shake today. The Dr. put me on extra diet.
October, Thursday, 6, 1864—Had another shake today. We get toast and corn starch mostly. (No further entries. Oscar had Malaria).
In 1865 he was commissioned a Lieutenant of Co. A, 41st United States Colored Troops (USCT)
City of Philadelphia State of Pennsylvania
Before H. Tomson [?], an Alderman of the City of Philadelphia, personally came Oscar J. Brown, late 2nd Lt. Co. “A”, 41st USCT, and being duly sworn according to law, doth depose and say.
I received my appointment as 2nd Lt. Co. A, 41st USCT from the Sec. of War at Washington D. C. on the 3rd day of August 1865, and accepted it the 7th day of August at my place of residence, Osceola, New York. I entered the Army originally as private Co. A, 10th New York H. ARtillery but at the time of muster into the 41st US Colored Infantry, was a citizen, my regiment being mustered out about the time of my discharge. — Oscar J. Brown
I have never received any pay or allowance for traveling expenses. Sworn and subscribed before me this 14th day of December 1865
Chaplain Henry Elijah Parker, 2nd New Hampshire Infantry
The following sympathy letter was written by Henry Elijah Parker (1821-1896) while serving as the Chaplain of the 2nd New Hampshire Infantry during the American Civil War. Henry’s great-great-grandson, Lawrence A. Brown, inherited his ancestors letters, papers, books, and other family treasures in 1989 and published a book in 1992 to showcase the best 70 letters and other documents in the collection. He shared all of the letters on Roots Web which are fascinating to read. Much of the collection includes political commentary, typical of mid-19th century. Henry was a personal friend of President Franklin Pierce, a member of his congregation on Concord, N. H. Henry “wrote and received letters from President Pierce and was a guest of his at the White House during the Pierce presidency. The record of this visit, along with drafts of several letters to President Pierce, are included in a journal that Parker kept during the years of 1854 to 1855. The Civil War is a central focus of many of the letters Henry wrote to his wife Mary during the period of somewhat more than a year that Henry served as a chaplain in the 2nd New Hampshire Volunteer Regiment. There are first hand accounts of battles as well as Henry’s own reflections on the war and its effect on him at a personal level.” The entire collection inherited by Lawrence Brown was subsequently gifted to the New Hampshire Historical Society (Call No. 2021.061).
In a letter from Henry’s collection posted on Roots Web, datelined on 13 January 1862—just prior to the following letter, Henry wrote his wife, “It has been one of the rainiest days of the season today. It has stopped, however, this evening, and it is now blowing cold. We lost another of our men last night from typhoid pneumonia. His death has seemed very sad to me. The funeral services will be tomorrow morning, when the remains will be taken to his native place, Roxbury N.H.: his name was Lawrence. An uncle of his was an old friend of Horatio’s. How I pity his poor father and mother.”
What follows is a transcript of the letter that Henry wrote to Asa and Clarissa (Johnson) Lawrence of Roxbury Center, Cheshire county, New Hampshire, expressing his sympathies for the death of their son Alanson Rawson Lawrence (1841-1862). Alanson was 19 years old when he enlisted as a private in Co. A in April 1861.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
2nd New Hampshire Regiment Near Hooker’s Headquarters Doncaster, Charles county, Maryland January 15th 1862
My dear Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence,
Although a stranger to you, I desire to express my sincere sympathy with you in the sad trial which has come upon you. The loss of your son so suddenly and under such circumstances is a very great and sore affliction. I pray that God may comfort and support you.
When your son was first brought to the hospital, I thought his sickness would not be severe and that he would return to his quarters again in a few days. But his disease soon took a very unfavorable turn and he rapidly sank under it. The very wet and changeable weather we have had for a week past must have been particularly trying to one suffering as he was from typhoid pneumonia. He bore his sickness very patiently without a word of complaint, I think. He was inclined to sleep nearly all the time and his reason was considerably affected as is so apt to be the case in the disease under which he was laboring. There hence was little opportunity to converse with him. Had he been more conscious of his situation, he undoubtedly would have had some kind and tender messages for you all; for from what I can learn of him, he was warm-hearted and affectionate in his nature.
His comrades were strongly attached to him and his Captain could not speak of him today with me except with tears flowing down his face. He says he was a good soldier—always filling his place well and well-deserving praise. Think of him as one ready to lay down his life for our beloved country and as having done it and so as having earned the honor of a patriot soldier’s death. It would have been a melancholy comfort to you to have been with him in his last hours and I am sorry it was deprived you. But such was God’s will. May His consolations be given you. May you be enabled to carry the burden of your grief to Him who “bare our griefs aand carried our sorrows,” and who praises to give rest to them who labor and are heavy-laden that come to Him.
We who are here feel for you in your bereavement & parental grief; kindred and friends around you will feel for you; but none will know how to pity you so fully or will sympathize with you so truly as He who alone is capable to comfort you now as you need. Go to Him with your affliction and may you find it made the instrument of bringing much blessings to your hearts of a spiritual nature, and to the souls of your mourning children so that you will say even in this world, “God was good in this affliction” as you will undoubtedly say hereafter.
Trusting that the Divine Comforter will do for you in this hour of your need what earthly friends cannon, I remain, respectfully and sympathizingly yours, — Henry E. Parker
Lewis Mason Foster (1846-1912) served with Co. C, 9th New York Heavy Artillery. He enlisted as a private in 1862. He became a corporal in November 1864. He mustered out with his regiment in July 1865. At the time of his enlistment, Foster was 18, suggesting he was born about 1844. Prior to the war, he lived in Conquest, NY. He was the son of Chandler and Amelia Pierce Foster.
The Special Collections and University Archives at Virginia Tech has one letter written by Foster in their collection to his mother in December 1864. Written near Petersburg, Virginia, Foster’s note describes his regiment’s travels from the Shenandoah Valley to the Petersburg area. He writes of the defenses of the nearby fort in detail, daily activities, and food and rations supplied to the troops. He also talks about living on the site of previous battles and building winter quarters there: “The boys have accidentally dug up dead Johnnies when they have been building their houses and there is lots of solid shot, shell and bullets and pieces of muskets laying around all over the ground.”
Over the years I’ve transcribed quite a number of letters by member of the 9th New York Heavy Artillery and published them on Spared & Shared:
I received your welcome letter last night and I hasten to answer it. Will has gone to the hospital. Went about ten days ago. I don’t know where he is. He promised to write to me as soon as he got where he could get a letter back.
We have advanced our picket line in front of our fort. It took some hard fighting to do it. The line was advanced Saturday. Yesterday everything was quiet but this morning about four o’clock the Rebs tried to get our lines back, but they didn’t make it out. Our company went in the fight, but lay in the fort. The bullets and shells flew into the fort but didn’t hurt anyone ver bad. Co. L of our regiment worked a Battery of 30-pounder Parrott guns and made some of the best shots that were made on the whole line. They silenced two of the Johnnies’ forts. They fired one shot that went through an embrasure in one of the Reb’s forts and dismounted one of the Reb’s guns and blowed up their caissons of ammunition. It was a pretty hard fight for a picket line fight.
Our men got so close to the Reb’s camp that they killed some of the Johnnies right in camp. A solid shot struck in our fort, bounded, and went out again without hurting anyone. This morning a Minié bullet struck one of our boys on the back of the neck and knocked him down but he got up all right. The force of the ball was spent. I went out yesterday where the hardest fighting was. There was lots of dead Johnnies all shot through the head—one Colonel, one Lieutenant-Colonel, and one Captain.
Willard did not get any pay. His Descriptive List didn’t come, I don’t know what is the matter with him but I think it is the acclimating process. He is not used to the climate yet and everyone has to have their turn some time or another. I got a letter from Lute and Cornelia this morning. Rube escaped the draft. Send me a county paper if you can get one with the list of the drafted in Wayne county. According to all accounts, the water must be very high in York State. It has delayed the mail on account of the railroads being washed away.
It is a very fine day [here]. A bullet went through my house Saturday but there was no one in it. You will get notice when that money I sent gets to the Depot. I don’t know what Depot it will go to. They will send it to the nearest one. I sent the receipt. Did you get it? I had the money directed to you. The Chaplain took it to City Point for me. I wrote a letter to [ ] some time ago. Did he get it? Has he found a place yet?
The sharpshooters are popping away out in front but I must close. Give my best regard to Grandpa and John. Don’t be uneasy about Will. He may come out all right yet. Write soon. Your loving boy, — Lewis
Fort Fisher near Petersburg, Virginia
1 Fort Fisher was a major Union siege fort on the southwest side of the City of Petersburg at the intersection of present-day Church Road and Flank Road. It was built after the September 1864 Battle of Peeble’s Farm. It is now part of the Petersburg National Battlefield’s Western Front and is stop number 3 on their driving tour.
Letter 2
Arlington Heights, Va. June 6, [1865]
Dear Mother,
I received your welcome letter some time ago but have not had time to answer it until now. We lay within three and a half miles of Washington. We expect to be reviewed in a few days and to be sent to Albany and mustered out of the army. I think I will get home sometime in July. I woul like to get home by the 4th but don’t think I can. The weather has been very hot for the last few days but is cool this morning.
We had a hard march from Richmond.The weather was very warm with the exception of three days that it rained. We marched ten miles one day when it rained as hard as it could and the mud was knee deep. Had to ford one creek where the water was three feet deep. A great many died on the march from heat. I stood it as well as anyone and feel none the worse for the march. Willard has been transferred to Philadelphia to Satterlee Hospital. I think I will get my discharge nearly as soon as he does. His Descriptive List has not been sent to the hospital yet and he can’t get his discharge until it is sent. Our officers are all busy making out final statements and muster rolls preparatory to mustering us out.
Our Corps has got to be reviewed yet. That will be a hard day’s work but we will willingly do that. There is some talk that we are going to take our guns home with us. I hope so. We will be mustered out at Albany and I can go which way I am a mind to from there. I shall go to Clyde and take the stage. I shall go home the first place I go to (I have not got the itch but I have got now and then a greyback [lice] as the boys call them. I don’t know what you call the Camp Itch. I never read any of it. Do you think I had best to buy me a suit of clothes at Syracuse or wait until I get home?
We will get no pay until we get to Albany and get our discharges. Then we will get all that is due us. The men that enlisted in our regiment in 1863 have got to stay a while yet. Old soldiers whose times expire before the 1st of October will be discharged immediately. The rest will be kept. There is but 32 old boys left in our company of 100.
I spent half of a day looking around the City of Richmond. I visited Libby Prison, Castle Thunder, the Statehouse, and various noted places in the City. There has been millions of dollarsworth of property destroyed there. A great many nice houses destroyed and all the government buildings and four or five bridges across the James river.
Some of the boys that have got to stay after we are discharged are beginning to get homesick already. I don’t think I should get homesick if I had to stay my time out. Well, I must close as the company are drawing clothes and I want a new shirt and pair of pants. Write soon. Give my best respedcts to all enquiring friends. From your loving son, — Lewis M. Foster
P. S. Send me $5 in your next. Send it right away as we may leave here ibuprofen a couple of weeks. — Lewis
The following letter was composed by Jessie Ann Benton Frémont (1824-1902), the daughter of Missouri Senator Thomas Hart Benton and the spouse of General John Charles Frémont. It was inscribed on Jessie’s personal stationery, adorned with her monogram embossed at the top center of the first page. The letter was addressed to Schuyler Colfax, a distinguished member of the US House of Representatives whom she regarded as a political ally and supporter of her husband. She dispatched the letter in an effort to secure support for her forthcoming publication, entitled “The Story of the Guard: A Chronicle of the War.” In this work, she advocated for her husband and his distinguished bodyguard, particularly the “California Hundred”—a specialized volunteer cavalry unit. Her stated objective was to raise funds for the families of the soldiers within this unit, who had been denied pensions.
This letter resides in the personal collection of Peter G. Meyerhof, who has kindly provided me with a verified transcription for accuracy, along with comprehensive footnotes from his rigorous scholarly research. He has generously permitted the publication of the letter on Spared & Shared.
Evidence that Schuyler Colfax was a close, personal friend of President Lincoln can be found in the following letters published in Spared & Shared. See—1861-64: Letters of Charles M. Heaton.
The General 3 has not had two days at a time in any one place lately so that he missed you although we learned afterwards you were at Mr. Bowen’s. 4 I wanted to see you myself to tell you about my little Story of the Guard. 5 You behaved so splendidly in making that speech 6 full of truths about the General, when it was not the fashion to do so that I look to you for a certain approbation at my doing the same for the Guard. You know I’m not “strong-minded” and that I avoid a fuss but this is a case out of the limits of consideration of self.
As the Guard were “dismissed” their families could have no pensions and there is absolute want in some of the families. Through Mr. Eliot, 7 we managed for some few cases last winter but our income has been at a dead lock since last winter when the floods carried away the dam and stopped the principal mills on the Estate. 8 And even if we had been able to do all we wished it would have been—what is so sore to take—private charity. But by telling the truth of their brief and noble career, I thought a sum could be realized which would at least help them on to better times. You shall judge if its well done as soon as I get the first copies. But with you a greater point will be to know if it’s done wisely. That I tried to do too and it has been scored and scissored until some of my best points were gone. I didn’t flourish, for it’s not for myself I’m working, so my vanity doesn’t come into play. I only stipulated that no truth should be altered. I could leave it out but not tone it down. You, who knows so many of the truths of that Department, will agree with me that I can quote Clive’s answer, for “when I remember what was there to take, I am amazed at my own moderation.” 9
What you wrote me of the President’s 10 personal interference in behalf of Mrs. Dempsey 11 was a more convincing proof of goodness than the set praises I have heard. I wish he would read this little book—(its ever so much shorter than other books, not over a hundred and thirty pages, 12 large type and broad margins) that he may see what came of listening to interested and false men. 13 You will see how gently I have dealt with the calamities that followed that unfortunate abandonment of Union people. Depend upon it—Truth is mighty, and Missouri has not been blind to her own interests.
You have so much to do that I will not write you any more except to ask you to read the copy I shall send you and to tell any one disposed to condemn it on hearsay to read it first. Mr. Fields 14 only subtracts the cost of printing etc. so that almost all the profits will go to the widows and mothers and orphans of the Guard and to some of the wounded men who lost also with their other rights the privilege of Hospital attendance.
I see Genl. McClellan 15 asks and obtains the usual privileges for his Guard. His ox is always stalled.
I have been quite ill but am alive and on duty again and use my first strength for this letter. Always, kindly and truly yours, — J. B. Frémont
[to] Hon. Schuyler Colfax
1) Although the year 1862 does not appear in the letter (as was typical on most of her other letters), it can be determined from dating the publication information on The Story of the Guard, the speech of Colfax, and the California flood of 1862 as provided in notes # 5, 6, and 8 below.
2) Schuyler Colfax (1823-1885), Republican Congressman from Indiana, friend of the Frémonts, energetic opponent of slavery, and later Speaker of the House of Representatives (December 1863 to March 1869), and Vice President under U. S. Grant (1869-1873).
3) General John Charles Frémont (1813-1890), husband of Jessie Benton Frémont
4) Henry C. Bowen (1813-1896), New York abolitionist, Congregationalist, cofounder of the religious weekly, New York Independent, friend of Colfax and Frémont.
5) The Story of the Guard: A Chronicle of the War, by Jessie Benton Frémont, published by Ticknor and Fields, Boston 1863, written in December 1861 – early 1862 according to JBF in her book. Temporarily withheld from publication pending possible reassignment of General Frémont to active command (according to Sally Denton in her biography on JBF, Passion and Principle).
6) Fremont’s Hundred Days in Missouri. Speech of Schuyler Colfax, of Indiana, in Reply to Mr. Blair [Francis P. Jr.], of Missouri, delivered in the House of Representatives, March 7, 1862.
7) Rev. William Greenleaf Eliot (1811-1887), Unitarian minister, founder of Washington University of St. Louis, and grandfather of T. S. Eliot. He was to use the profits of this book to pay the wounded veterans as well as the widows and orphans of the Guard. Following the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, Rev. Eliot, appalled by the inadequate facilities to treat the Federal wounded in St. Louis, approached Jessie Fremont with a plan to aid the sufferers. Jessie had already sent for Dorothea Dix, the superintendent of female army nurses, to inspect the city’s facilities, and together they agreed to Eliot’s plan to form the Western Sanitary Commission. The Commission performed invaluable work during the war, establishing hospitals, providing nurses, and soliciting funds and supplies for soldiers and refugees. Jessie also formed the Frémont Relief Society, which later merged with the Ladies Union Aid Society. http://www.civilwarvirtualmuseum.org/medicine/hospitals-and-civilian-efforts/jessie-benton-fremont.php Also see Herr, Pamela, and Spence, Mary L., eds. (1993). The Letters of Jessie Benton Frémont. University of Illinois Press, Chicago, IL, p.244
8) “The Great Flood of 1862” occurred in January 1862 and affected the entire west coast following record rainfalls. The Estate refers to Las Mariposas, the estate of the Frémonts in California, upon which a large amount of gold ore was found, but which was vigorously contested by squatters. The Alta California (1-17-1862) reported, “the Benton Mills and dam have been ruined. The loss not less than $70,000” though the estate manager estimated the loss at $100,000 (Herr and Spence, 1993) p.313. The Benton Mills were on the south shore of the Merced River just east of Hall Hollow, which was at the very northern boundary of the Las Mariposas estate. There was a dam just to the east, across the Merced River. Frémont’s residence at Bear Valley was 3 miles to the south, which in turn was about 11 miles NE of Mariposa. Fremont sold his estate in June 1863 (H & S, 249), for $2 million in shares.
9) General Robert Clive (1725-1774), British officer who secured India for the British crown, later politician. In 1772 Parliament opened an inquiry into the East India Company’s practices in India. Clive’s political opponents turned these hearings into attacks on Clive. Questioned about some of the large sums of money he had received while in India, Clive pointed out that they were not contrary to accepted company practice, and defended his behavior by stating “I stand astonished at my own moderation” given opportunities for greater gain. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Clive
10) Refers to President Abraham Lincoln. By the end of 1863, with General Frémont’s failure to be reappointed to active duty, the Frémont’s felt less favorably to Lincoln and increasingly blamed the influence of the Blairs.
11) The identity of Mrs. Dempsey and the act of charity by Lincoln on her behalf cannot be corroborated. It most likely suggested that Mrs. Dempsey appealed to Lincoln, begging mercy for her son who was sentenced for some military crime. Lincoln regularly commuted death sentences throughout the war. Dempsey was the name in some of these narratives; Murphy in others.
12) The book was actually 230 pages in length.
13) “Interested and false men” refers principally to Congressman and later General, and bitter political rival of Frémont (p. 77 and The Crisis, 1861)* Francis Preston Blair Jr. (1821-1875), Postmaster General Montgomery Blair (1813-1883), Attorney General Edward Bates (1793-1869) (The Crisis, 1861), * editor and Lincoln advisor Francis P. Blair Sr. (1791-1876), and Adjutant General Lorenzo Thomas (1804-1875), named as an enemy by Frémont (p. 86). The Blairs had been close friends of the Frémonts and supported his campaign for presidency in 1856 but turned intensely antagonistic during and after Fremont’s 1861 Missouri campaign when there was evidence that self-interest by the Blairs was influencing political decisions that affected Frémont.
14) James Thomas Fields (1817-1871). Junior partner with William Ticknor of Ticknor and Fields, publishers and booksellers. Also editor of The Atlantic Monthly.
15) General George Brinton McClellan (1826-1885) had just been removed from command of the Army of the Potomac for failing to pursue General Robert Lee after the recent battle of Antietam. “I have just read your dispatch about sore-tongued and fatigued horses, General. Will you pardon me for asking what the horses of your army have done since the Battle of Antietam that fatigues anything?” Lincoln to McClellan, October 25, 1862, Washington, D.C.
*The Crisis, Columbus Ohio, October 10, 1861
The Mariposa Land & Mining Co was organized in 1871 and incorporated in the state of New York. This is one of the several companies that were formed to operate John C. Fremont’s Mariposa Estate. Frémont spent six years after California statehood attempting to have his Mexican Land Grant validated under American Law. Finally, in 1856, the Supreme Court (Heydenfeldt was on the Court at that time; a conflict of interest???) restructured and approved of his original claim. Known as the Rancho Las Mariposas. The grant included the mineral rights not previously obtained over a property area of over 70 square miles. Frémont then reclaimed the property which had been illegally claimed and developed by others. He tried to obtain financing to continue to develop the mines on the property. However, the Civil War had started and in January 1863, Frémont, then a Major-General in the Union Army, sold Rancho Las Mariposas with its mines and infrastructure to Morris Ketchum, a New York City banker, who formed a public corporation, the Mariposa Company incorporated in 1863, and sold stock. Later that year, Frederick Law Olmsted, noted New York architect, came to Mariposa as superintendent for the Mariposa Company. Olmstead was not a mining expert however, he administered investments in stamp mills, tunnels, shafts, and the other infrastructure related to nearby mining towns. The Mariposa Company was incorporated in 1863 and by the next year had five mines and five mills operating. The richest gold quartz ore came from the Princeton Mine. By 1865, the Mariposa Company was bankrupt, Olmsted returned to New York, and mines were sold at a sheriff’s sale. (Ref. Newell D. Chamberlain, 1936, The Call of Gold: True Tales on the Gold Road to Yosemite, Gazette Press, Mariposa, California and The Mariposa Estate: its past, present and future. Comprising the official report of J. Ross Browne (U.S. commissioner) upon its mineral resources, transmitted to Congress on the 5th of March, 1868). The estate encompassed Bear Valley and was encircled by Mount Bullion on the east and the lower foothills of the Sierra Nevada on the west. The Merced River ran along the northern line of the property. The Mariposa Mining Company operated, with some difficulty and constant litigation over title to the estate, until 1874, when it was bought out by the newly formed Mariposa Land and Mining Company of California, which assumed complete ownership of the Mariposa Estate. This new company owned and managed all facets of life on the estate, including the mines, water power, quartz mills, mill dams, engines, ore houses, dwellings, and stores. The principal mines on the estate were the Princeton, Josephine, Pine Tree, Linda, Green Gulch, Mariposa, and Mount Ophir mines. Ore was treated at the Ophir Mills, located on the Merced River and powered by means of the Benton Dam (and, after 1900, by the Benton Mills hydroelectric power plant). (Ref. ABN VI-331 P395) [ California
The following letters were written by Henry Darling Osborne (1841-1917), a native of Ovid, Seneca county, New York, who came with his parents to Macon, Lenawee county, Michigan prior to 1850, and to Sioux City, Iowa by 1860. His parents were John H. Osborne (1818-1856) and Laraine Smith (1820-1879). He wrote the letter to his older sister, Rebecca Osborne (1840-1926), and mentions his younger brother, Gideon (“Giddie”) Perry Osborne (1848-1916). Rebecca was married in 1859 to Dr. William Remsen Smith (1828-1894) and resided in Sioux City, Iowa, where he was practiced medicine and was elected to be mayor in March 1863.
Both of the letters were written during the American Civil War when Henry served as a private in Co. E, 18th Michigan Infantry. He enlisted on 5 August 1862 at Tecumseh and was dispatched on 15 May 1863 as an artillerist on the Union gunboat News Boy. He mustered out of the regiment on 26 June 1865 at Nashville, Tennessee.
Letter 1
Point Isabel, Kentucky [Cumberland river]
My dear sister,
We have just arrived at this place & I thought I would write you a few lines to let you know that I am alive & well. We had a good deal of trouble on our way. Part of the boats got aground & will have to stay there until the river rises. We had three fights with the Rebs coming up. There wasn’t but one man killed & two wounded & none of them belonged to our boat. They shot sixty-seven balls into us. I expect they will pepper it to us when we go back. We are going down to guard the other boats this morning. They are 50 miles from here.
I would like to write you more but I haven’t time. I am well and in good spirits. I will write you when we come back. I have got a good many things to tell you but haven’t time this morning. I remain your brother, — Henry Osborne
Written in hurry.
Letter 2
Nashville, Tennessee December 27th 1863
My dear sister,
Again I sit down to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well & in good spirits. I haven’t much to tell you of any importance but I will do the best I can.
As far as the war news is concerned, I haven’t heard of any in four or five days. We are laying at present at Harpeth Shoals 40 miles from Nashville. We have been down here several days & a very poor prospect of getting to Nashville very soon. Some of the other gunboats have gone up the river three hundred and fifty miles above Nashville & we will have to stay here until they come back again. I was glad we didn’t have to go up for it [is] rather a scaly country up there.
I spent Christmas [day] on the Cumberland River for the first time in my life & a good time we had. We [had] a tip top dinner & supper. We all throwed in fifty cents apiece and got oysters and turkeys. I enjoyed myself very well. All that was missing was the Ladies. I expect we would have had som of them if money would have bought them. When you write, tell me how you spent Christmas. I will write a letter to the Dr. as soon as I get up to Nashville. I don’t know when I will get this mailed. I intend to send it up to town by some of the transports if I can. I wrote a letter to Giddie the other day. I expect he is alone now. How I wish I was there to be company for him. I don’t know whether you are in Fort Dodge yet or not. I will direct this there & if you have gone home, the Dr. can send it to you. I haven’t heard from home in some time now.
You must excuse this rambling letter & write as soon as convenient. Give my respects to the doctor and Giddie when you go home. I remain your brother, — H. D. Osborne.
The following letter, probably retained as a personal copy, was penned by 49 year-old Armistead W. Groves (1812-1878) of Rapid Ann township, Madison county, Virginia. His parents were Joseph Groves (1759-1823) and Charlotte Guy (1771-1830) of Fauquier county. Armistead married Emily Finks (1814-1850) in 1841 and they had four children before her death in 1850. Fourteen years after Emily’s death, Armistead married her younger sister, Frances “Anne” Finks. Anne died sometime prior to the 1870 US Census.
From the letter, it is evident that Armistead sought a commission as a surgeon in the Army of Virginia—a position he believes he was promised. Intriguingly, I cannot locate any evidence that he ever practiced medicine. Furthermore, there is no record of military service prior to or during the Civil War. It appears he was a planter, much like his father.
Armistead wrote the letter to his friend, Angus Rucker Blakey (1816-1896), a lawyer who represented Madison county as a delegate in the 1861 Virginia Secession Convention. “Prior to enrolling at the University of Virginia (UVA) in 1834 to study ancient languages and mathematics, Angus Blakey received an early classical education in Madison County. After completion of his studies at UVA, Blakey studied the law under U.S. Supreme Court Justice Phillip Barbour, a Gordonsville, Virginia native, whom President Andrew Jackson nominated in 1836 to be a Supreme Court Justice. After passing the bar exam, Blakey served as Greene County’s Commonwealth Attorney between 1838 and 1850, and also became Madison County’s Commonwealth Attorney between 1842 and January 1864, replacing James T. Hill. As the position in those early years was not considered full time, it was possible to serve two counties simultaneously as well as engaging in an active private legal practice.”
Though he voted in favor of Virginia’s secession from the Union, Blakey “did not actively participate as a soldier due to “medical reasons.” He was ordered to serve with the Rockbridge Reserves in January 1864, but never saw action. After the war, in 1865, from his then residence in Rockbridge County, he wrote a letter to President Johnson requesting amnesty. In his letter he gave a few details of his service with the Confederacy. He stated his exemption from active service was due to “his disease,” but no details on his disease were ever found. During his reserve duty, he was responsible for collecting taxes for tobacco sales in Nelson County for the Confederacy. He was granted amnesty August 9, 1865, and subsequently moved to Albemarle County.” [Source: A Short Biography of Madison county Commonwealth Attorney Angus Rucker Blakey by Jonathan Noggle & Michael Noggle.]
Dear sir, I was in Richmond several weeks since and solicited from the Governor & Council a commission as Surgeon in the Medical staff in the Army of Virginia. Dr. Gibson assured me if the Governor permitted him to make any more nominations that I should be appointed. The Governor, Haymond, & Smith told Gen. Kemper though whom I made the application to them, that I shoud be commissioned. I wrote to Gen. Haymond last week in regard to it, but have heard nothing from him. As I am at a loss what to do under the circumstances, I will ask the favor of you to see the Governor and remind him of his promise, and please urge him to commission me at once. Please get Mr. Morton to see him with you as I assisted him in his election for the convention. The time is approaching for a fight and I am very anxious to be in. Please let me hear from you at your convenience.
Your friend, — A. W. Groves
P. S. Gen. Kemper told me a few days since he had written to Dr. Gibson and urged them to commission me immediately as no appointments had been made from Madison & Greene [counties]. — A. W. G.
This letter was written by Allen A. Cameron (1819-1865), a native of North Carolina. In 1850, he was a merchant in Rusk, Texas. He enlisted on April 7, 1862, in Co. C of the 18th Texas Infantry, and was chosen a first lieutenant. He resigned October 3, 1863, due to ill health. The regiment was formed in the summer of 1862 and included men from Rusk, Jefferson, Sulphur Springs and Jacksonville. It was assigned to O. Young’s, Waul brigade, Trans-Mississippi Department. It lost 10 killed, 40 wounded and four missing at Bayou Bourdeau. It was in the Red River campaign and fought at Jenkins’ Ferry, Ark. It moved to Hempstead, Texas and disbanded in May 1865, having spent the entire war in the trans-Mississippi theatre.
Allen was married twice; first to Susan A. Wade in 1849, and second to Anna M. Moore in 1861; his children were Allen Wade Cameron (1851-1890) and Laura Catherine Cameron (1862-1939).
The Butler Center for Arkansas Studies at Little Rocks holds a small collection that consists of a diary and two letters written by Allen A. Cameron while he served with the 18th Texas Infantry. See Allen A. Cameron Collection (BC.MSS.11.82)
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Camp Hope near Austin, [Lonoke county] Arkansas 1 September 6th 1862
My dearest Anna,
This morning give me leisure to drop you a line, from which you will learn that I am well. The health of our company is tolerably good & of the regiment much improved since we got through with the measles. Capt. Tom [Thomas Reuben Bonner] has not come up yet. The captain & John arrived the day before we left Camp Rogers. We trailed two days and the captain took fever again. I prevailed upon him to stop. I went out & found a widow who agreed to take care of him. I heard from him 6 or 8 days after. He was mending & intended staying until he was thoroughly well. I am now looking for him up every day. I hope and trust this may find yourself, my sweet little Maggie, [ ] Wm. & family all well.
Your letter per capt. & [ ] to Lewsville came safe to hand, but I was sadly disappointed at Little Rick. Not a letter did I find then from anyone. I expected letters from home and from Miss. both. We passed through Camden on the Ouachita river. It is rather a pretty place, but looks quite dilapidated. Also Princeton. It is vacated almost. The Ladies (God bless them) at each place waved their handkerchiefs & cried aloud their cheers for Texas. The shout that went up from our Boys made the welkin ring for it alarmed the children so that we could hear them screaming for sometime after we passed.
We also marched through Little Rock in order. There we were greeted with the same smiles & cheers by the Ladies. Col. [William Beck] Ochiltree rode along [on] his stately steed and said he was proud of his regiment and well he may be for it is given up to be the finest looking one that has ever passed through Little Rock.
The latter place is a beautiful one, on the south bank of the Arkansas river. The river is very low, but it is a beautiful stream, about three hundred yards wide. Two days after leaving the river we arrived at this place. There are about 15 regiments encamped round about in the space of 4 or 5 miles. We were in great dread that we would be under Col. [Horace] Randal [28th Texas Cavalry] but fortunately Ex. Gov. Ed[wards] Clark is our Senior Brigadier General who will govern us until Gen. Henry [Eustace] McCollough comes on and takes charge which will be in a few days. There was great rejoicing when we found that we had to report to Gen. Clark instead of Randal.
I found many acquaintances here. The Holberts, Thomasons, Henrys, Hicks, & one Bonner—Uncle Henry Bonner’s son. It almost appears like home, if I could see my dear Anna, darling boy, and sweet little babe.
We will probably remain here three or four weeks and then perhaps go to Helena. The Federals (we learn) are concentrating a large force there. I expect we will have some hard fighting down there. We are now [with]in 75 or 80 miles of them.
My dear, should I fall in this struggle, remember me to my darling boy & sweet little daughter. Tell them I fell in defending your rights & privileges which I think is the greatest legacy could be left you and them. I cannot be cheated out of but few days. And if I can strike one blow to the advancement of our cause, I will have done something. I have faith to believe that an all-wise Providence will provide for and protect you through this unfriendly world. We must put our trust in Him who governs all things.
My dear, you speak of making me some winter clothing. It will be very acceptable, but I fear you will be very much troubled to make it having neither cords nor wool. But you can do this—you may find some jeans [?] to sell in the country. Mr. Clift & Robert Wilson say their people make jeans to sell. You can buy it. You can also get Wm. to assist you for I know he can find some if there is any in the country. Just drop him a note to you 7 yards of good jeans or 3 or 4 yards as he can find it. A coat and pants will be enough. Have them lined if you can. Make the coat large. The Colonel promises to send for the clothing if enough can be procured to induce such a trip. A course shirt or two would also be acceptable. There are no goods up in this country. I shall look anxiously for letters. I wrote to sister Rebecca yesterday or day before. Continue to write to Little Rock, Arkansas.
I was sorry to hear of Dr. Taylor’s death. Cal. But I was truly glad to hear from sister Margant to know that Herman was still safe and all was well. I will write every opportunity. I wrote to brother Wm. last week. Hope he got it. Paper is an object up here. I wrote you to get some paper out of my old blank books for Mr. Murphis. I wrote to Mr. Robert Martin to cut it out and send it down to you. Tell brother Wm. if he gets out and can’t do any better, to go up and get what he wants out of my old store books at Mr. Martin’s. They are upstairs on the desk. My paper admonished me to close. Remember mr kindly to Mother when you see her. Also [ ] John & family, Dr. & Sis Jinnis, Bro. Wm., sister. Cynthia’s little son, Rev. Asbey, Sister R. [ ] darling boy. Hub, Lettie, Bill, George, and families. And accept (my dear) for yourself & dear little Maggie the kindest love of your ever devoted, — Allen
I very much fear I shall not soon. I was glad to hear from Sister Margant. I wrote to her to write meat Little Rock. They got it long since, I guess. I wrote to Dr. Wightman a few days ago. Wrote to brother Wm. by Mr. Hornes. Will write to sister Rebecca soon. I hope my darling boy has recovered & keeps well. Wm. Adams is in good health now. We have fine water and plenty of beef & bread & peaches a plenty. We make a peach pie any time. The people of Arkansas are very kind to us. Fruit is very abundant here. Apples are not ripe yet. Peaches are small owing to the dry season.
My paper admonishes me to close. My love to all. Kiss my dear little Maggie for papa and accept for yourself the best love of your ever devoted — Allen
September 7, 1862
My dear Anna, I am well this morning. I send your letter by express. Please write immediately and send it up to W. P. Brittain. Letters left with him in 6 or 8 days after the express gets there will be brought back but it. I received yours of the 27th July to Little Rock this morning. Was glad to get it though it was old. Love to all. Kiss Maggie and Allie for Pa. Yours as ever, — Allen
1 Camp Hope was located near Austin in Lonoke county, some 30 miles northwest of Little Rock. The camp name was changed to Camp Nelson in the fall of 1862 after Br. Gen. Allison Nelson died there in October 1862. In the fall of 1862, measles, typhoid and mumps killed roughly 1500 soldiers, leading to mass graves across the area.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
Spared & Shared 23 