The following letter was written by Tilman Jenkins (1840-1864), the son of David and Elizabeth (Hogans) Jenkins of Gaston county, North Carolina. Jenkins enlisted as a private in Co. C (Capt. Joseph Graham’s Battery), 1st North Carolina Artillery in the fall of 1862. They were attached to Poague’s Artillery Battalion in the summer of 1863 when Tilman scratched this message to his parents during the Battle of Gettysburg just as the artillery duel began in the afternoon of July 3rd. Tilman survived the battle but was killed instantly when he was struck in the forehead by a Union artillery round near the Mule Shoe in the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House on 12 May 1864. He was survived by his wife Margaret (Prather) Jenkins and two year-old son Nathan.

Graham’s Battery arrived on the field at Gettysburg late in the evening of the 1st day and planted their Napoleons on what is now West Confederate Avenue. They were not brought into action on the second day. On the morning of July 3rd, they opened on the Union position on Cemetery Ridge but soon ceased firing when they drew a concentrated fire on their position. They later took part in the cannonade that preceded Pickett’s charge but never used the 12 pound Howitzers which had an even shorter range than the 12 pound Napoleons (all smoothbores bronze guns). In Jenkins’ letter, however, he mentions being detailed to bring up ammunition for their “rifled cannon” which leaves one wondering what he is referring to. The answer may be found in a report by Jenkins’ captain, Arthur B. Willliams, Co. C, who wrote that Major Pogue offered them a “three-inch rifled cannon” that “had been captured during the afternoon on the left” which they could exchange for one of their inferior guns. They used it on the 3rd day of the battle but did not have much ammunition for it which might explain why Jenkin’s was detailed to the rear to get more ammunition for this gun. [See Capt. Joseph Graham’s Charlotte Artillery on Civil War Talk.]

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Gettysburg, Penna.
Grahams Battery
July 3, 1863

Dearest Mother and Father,

I take pencil in hand to deliver to you both my sincerest affection and to let you know that I have yet survived this horrible place. We arrived July 1st about two miles from this place and engaged the enemy who seemed to be everywhere. Gen. Longstreet arrived near two and a half in the afternoon and engaged the enemy upon a hill along our right flank on the second day. Many good men left their lives on the bloody ground including young Jacob. The sight was as terrible as could be imagined and the anguish of both men and horses was liken to drive a sane man mad. Cousin John was brought from the field without his face or legs having felt the wrath of a Yankee shell that burst next to him. Oh the horror!

Blood coats the fields and flies are all over us like the demons of Hell. I do not know how men can do to one another what they did today and ever sleep again. Last night we slept upon the rocky ground, and got no rest from the moans of those who lay dying still yet on the fields before us. The guns of the devils has now awoke as the sun is approaching half past noon. The cannon are thundering all around liken to a great storm to approach.

I am detailed to bring up ammunitions for our rifled cannon as the bronze guns have no effect on the yankee bastards. I wish them all to die in hell for what they do and to suffer forever their unjust and unholy cause. If I live through this day, I will find a way to tell you I am still alive. Pray for us, Mother, and never give up our holy cause we are dying for. 

Your affectionate son, — Tilman Jenkins

Address Company C, 1st N. C. Light Artillery, CSA