These letters were written by William Harrison Campbell (1838-1912), a 23 year-old school teacher from Selma, Liberty Township, Delaware county, Indiana. His parents were Samuel Graham Campbell (1797-1873) and Elisabeth Goings (1804-1882). He wrote the letters to his older sister, Jane Campbell (1835-1906).

Will enlisted in Co. K, 19th Indiana Infantry on 29 July 1861 as a first sergeant and was promoted to 2nd, then 1st Lieutenant during the war. The 19th Indiana was, of course, part of the famed Iron Brigade or “Black Hat” Brigade. He was discharged for medical disability in October 1863 on account of the wound he received in the right hand while fighting Pettigrew’s North Carolinians in the afternoon of July 1st above Willoughby Run near Gettysburg.

After he was discharged from the service, he worked on his parents farm for a few years and then went to Newton, Iowa, where he worked as a clerk in a dry goods store. He then returned to Indiana and worked in the dry goods business at Anderson. He married Nancy Clyne (1849-1920).

Letter 1

Chain Bridge
October 1, 1861

Dear Sister,

I take pleasure this evening in responding to your very kind letter. You cannot imagine the pleasure it afforded [me]. A letter from home is like a bright rose in a desert land. Well, we have changed our place of encampment. We have moved from Camp Ordnance back across the Potomac river on a beautiful hill right at the end of Chain Bridge on the bank of the river. We have as nice a place to camp as could be found in the U. S.

We have got a new uniform excepting coats. On last Sabbath morning we went out on some kind of an expedition. I called it a fox chase. We got up before daylight, put on our new britches and new caps, shouldered our muskets and before the sun was up were marching to Falls Church. When we got 2.5 miles from camp, the 19th was deployed as skirmishers and then we were strewn out in line five feet apart and went skulking through the woods as though we were trying to start up a fox. In this way we went on to within three-quarters of a mile of the church. All that troubled was this. It was against our morals to be running through the woods with a gun on the Sabbath and taking our guns to church.

We were drawn up in line of battle in a large clover field. We were certain then we would have a fight. We remained in that position a few minutes [but] seeing no rebels to fight, we then sent a few scouts into the village who returned in a short time without discovering any. The command, “in place rest” was given. We then laid down in the ground in the field and remained there till 9 o’clock unmolested without seeing any. rebel to skeer us or make us afraid. They had got information of our approach and pulled stakes and left. Hard learned we intended to attack them. I can’t tell you what we are here for but I judge from the position we occupy we are to guard the bridges.

I have given you about all the news. James Crock [ ] are all in good health. The health of the company is fastly improving. Don’t forget to write every opportunity for we do love to hear from home. We are having a good time and plenty to eat now. Nothing more at present. From your affectionate brother, — Will H. Campbell

Excuse all mistakes.

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[Note: Fort Craig was a small lunette constructed in September 1861 less than a mile from Arlington House, the estate of Gen. Robert E. Lee.]

Letter 2

Fort Craig
November 17, 1861

Dear Sister,

I take pleasure this evening in replying to your very kind and interesting letter which I received last evening. I am in good health at present with the exception of a bad cold. I never had better health in my life than I have since I came here. The boys say my cheeks look just like a ground squirrel—jaws full of wheat.

I am very sorry to hear that Father is in bad health. I feel somewhat uneasy about him. I fear he has too much to attend to at home. Tell him I would love to have a long talk with him.

Well, I have no news to write this time more than we have got new guns. We have got the Springfield rifle muskets. They are the best gun that is now in use. The boys feel quite proud over of them.

You said you would love to see the style of Miss Tildra’s composition. Her style is, I think, very pleasant. It is just as she appears and talks. I will send you a couple of her letters. You said I had better be a little jealous of Mr. Jarrel. You do not want me to be so, do you? You will have to watch your P’s & Q’s fr your rival is an angel. Sister, ain’t this a nice point we are discussing now? ha-ha-ha. Take a good laugh. What will we do? Were it not for you, I would not be so much troubled. There is one other from whom I have received just as affectionate letters as I have from her. Perhaps Mr. Jerrel and I are both in the same dilemma. Yes, it’s quite likely. Well, it’s real fun anyway we can fix it. I will say no more about it at present.

I have not time to write a lengthy letter. I will write you all a long letter when I get time. I want you to write as soon as you get this.

We are having a heap of fun with old Sammy Weidner. He will start home Tuesday. I will send you some things from General Lee’s garden.

I must now close, read a chapter in the bible, and retire to bed. Capt. Williams, Sam Weidner, Lieutenants Orr & Harter are now snoring on the ground by my side. Tis near 11 o’clock and I have ben ordered once to put out my light. Good night, dear sister, — Will. H. Campbell

I can not send you but one of Tildia’s letters. I have lost all but one, or at least I can only find the last one. It is but a few lines.

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Letter 3

Fort Craig
February 28, 1862

Dear Sister Jane,

I take the pleasure this evening in replying to your very kind letter. I am in good health at present and as fat as a pig. The health of the regiment is good. The boys are all highly set up with the idea of a forward movement. We are now under marching orders. When we will be called out, I cannot tell. Our orders are to hold ourselves in readiness to march at a moment’s warning. We are allowed to take with us only one blanket, one change of clothes, and a small shelter tent which we have to carry in our knapsack. But 4 wagons is allowed to go with the regiment and they go for the purpose of hauling our rations.

Where we are going to, we know not. I think, however, it is to Richmond and probably by the way of Manassas. If that be the rout of the 19th, we will have to encounter their fortifications. Be that as it may, if that duty devolves upon us, we are ready and willing to do it. If we attack their fortifications, the conflict will be desperate. But let us not give ourselves trouble by painting dark pictures in the future. Our camp equipage will be left at Fort Craig.

I received a good, sweet letter from Jennie and Kate Campbell this evening. They said they had sent their miniatures to Mary. They also said they had not heard whether she had received them or not. Perhaps she had better write to the soon if she has not already written to them. You said she had got them. Which is the best looking? and which must I correspond with? They both write very interesting letters. You wished to know if I or James have any objections to your prefixing Martha to your name. I have none whatever and James says the same.

I have a miniature here which I will send in this letter. I want you to give it to George got I believe he has none of mine. Tell him I have never received an answer to the last letter I wrote him.

The weather is quite cold tonight and if it continues so our march will be quite disagreeable. I think we will leave here about Monday or Tuesday. My impression is that we are going right to Manassas. I have no further news to write at present. Give my love to all inquiring friends, reserving a portion yourself. Your affectionate brother, — Will. H. Campbell