The following letter was written by George Erwin Comstock (1839-1911), the son of Isaac W. Comstock (1808-1883) and Catherine W. Erwin (1809-1852) of Fayette county, Iowa. Erwin enlisted as a private in Co. C, 12th Iowa Infantry on 14 September 1861 and was promoted to a corporal on 8 December 1862. Erwin was with his regiment at Shiloh where they fought valiantly the first day, holding back the enemy until Buell’s army arrived. Erwin was among the number taken prisoner on that day while the few remaining members of the 12th were assigned to the “Union Brigade.”

Erwin’s letter was datelined in late February 1863 at Benton Barracks in St. Louis after they had been exchanged and were ready to be reorganized. We learn from the letter that many of the members took french leave to make visits home while they were awaiting exchange.

After the war, Erwin became a butcher and settled in Westfield.

Erwin wrote his letter to his friend, Sgt. George Throop (later Lieutenant), with the Chicago Mercantile Battery. See Throop-Vaughan family papers, 1838-1928.

See also:
Owen Weed Nims, Co. I, 12th Iowa (1 Letter)
Edward H. Wells, Co. I, 12th Iowa (1 Letter)

To read more: A Perfect Picture of Hell: Eyewitness Accounts by the Civil War Prisoners from the 12th Iowa by High H. Genoways and Ted Genoways, 1998.

Transcription

Benton Barracks
St. Louis, Missouri
February 25th 1863

Dear Friend George,

Perhaps ere this you have thought that I was a going to keep silent, but not so. But to begin with, I ask your pardon for not writing as I agreed to. Since I last saw you, I have ben home [and] had a grand time, I assure you. I remained at St. Louis about a month after leaving Chicago last fall before I received pay after which I took a french furlough, that being the only way as Gen. Halleck had issued an order that no furloughs should be given to any except wounded soldiers. This cut us out and Benton Barracks, I assure you, is any place but a good one for soldiers in our condition—the ague handing around some (ailing me) other thing and some another, but all in a poor condition. Notwithstanding, it was a direct violation of the military law yet they instantly saw the need of our going somewhere to recruit and thought that home would be as good a place as any. But of course did not say it out loud, but we were not so dull of apprehension but what we were bold enough to venture. Consequently, off we went.

I started in about two hours after I got my pay. One principal difficulty was to get out of the Barracks which was pretty well guarded at the gates and there being so many going at a time we were afraid it would cause suspicion. That was one reason I hurried off so. I made out to get out all night but as you well know by this time, it wants a soldier that has seen a little service. At any rate, I only had five sentinels to pass at one gate all within 3 rods of each other, but on I went with[out] any particular trouble.

In going home, I did not go by the way of Chicago, consequently did not see your folks. We remained at home 4 weeks when we received the official orders that we were exchanged and to report at Benton Barracks by the 1st of January which we did with a hearty good will—every man that was able. Some of our company were left at home because they were not able to come. Considerable many have been discharged and we are badly broken up. Out of the 105 men that first went in to camp with all in the full bloom of youth have dwindled away to a small squad. There are twenty-five of us here and 16, I believe that are in the Union Brigade. Some of these are soon to be discharged. Although we made out to get out of the Confederacy alive, yet many never will get over it. As far as I am concerned, I am all right now and ready for another siege at any command.

I found Father’s folks all well and I need not say they were glad to see me. I took them somewhat unawares. [My brother] Frank has grown like a weed since I first left home. He is about to my shoulders. He wanted to come back with me but I prevailed upon him to stay. The army is no place for a boy at his age (too many of them there now).

The 17th I wrote to Martha for your address and yesterday I received an answer giving your address, also a history of your travels, &c. as she last heard. You were then before Vicksburg. I don’t understand what this means but I presume the ones that have the doing with it do. I expect that are waiting for the 12th to come and make a charge. Well, “so be it.” I would not be much surprised if we were there as soon as we get organized. It would be kind of strange if it should be us to support your battery some time. I hope we may. Stranger things that that has happened.

I tell you what one thing we have done already. We (a detachment from our regiment of 120 all told) had the exquisite pleasure (if so you call it) of escorting those rebels that you helped capture at Arkansas Post, or rather a part of them, the commissioned officers some, over 300 in number, Gen. [Thomas] Churchill and staff, &c. a gas set (if you don’t care what you say). We took them to Columbus, Ohio, and there they will be kept until Jeff releases those officers of ours at Richmond which he keeps in confinement. “Woe to him,” if he don’t release them. It surely is not the movements of a wise head.

There is a Bill before the House with regard to mounting the fragments of wester regiments (infantry_. I expect it will pass without a doubt. If so, we may possibly come in, in that time.

Gen. Tuttle (formerly Colonel of the 2nd Iowa) came here yesterday to try and get the 8th, 12th, and 14th Iowa to go immediately to the field under him. How he will succeed, I can’t say.

I was glad to learn that your health had been good and that you were in fine spirits, the latter of which is a blessing to a soldier.

I really would give considerable if I could meet you in the field. A gay time we would have, I dare say. I often think of what your Uncle John use to say, “Boys will be boys,” &c. Although we have arrived to the years of manhood, yet I am thinking the boy would stay itself as of old. Martha says the folks are all well as usual. Well, George, I must close for the present with the promise that I will be prompt after this as I have your address. My kindest regards to your messmates. Success to you in all your exertions in the way of disposing of rebels, and all other ways. Please excuse this scribbled up letter and remember me as a friend that wishes you well. Hoping you will write soon, I remain yours, truly, — Erwin Comstock