The following letter was written by Gustavus “Warren” Knowlton (1840-1862), the son of Stephen C. Knowlton (1782-1873) and Mary Green (1793-1882) of Danbury, Merrimack county, New Hampshire. Warren was a 22 year-old shoemaker when he enlisted on 15 May 1861 to serve in Co. D, 3rd New Hampshire Infantry. He did not survive the war; he died of disease on 26 March 1862 at Hilton Head—just three weeks after sending this letter to his “far distant friends.”

A second letter is also posted on this page which was penned by Capt. Charles F. Dunbar of Co. D, 3rd New Hampshire Infantry, informing Warren’s next of kin of his death on 27 March 1862 and of his planned interment later that same day.

Letter 1

Hilton Head, South Carolina
March 3rd 1862

Far Distant Friends,

I received a letter from you this morning. Was very glad to hear from you and more. I am in good health and spirits and hope this will find you the same. If my memory serves me, I wrote you nearly one year ago soon after I joined the army & have heard nothing from you until I received your letter of February 10th. Your Mother also.

Article First

Probably you will get very much disappointed—that is, if you expect to hear a great deal of adventure from me. I must make some excuse so I will tell you on the start that I was unfortunate enough to lose my diary at the disembarkation here. Since that, I have not kept any written account of things which have transpired. Consequently I shall have to draw from my memory which is very forgetful as you know. So you see that whatever history of our moves I give you will be rather broken, unconnected, and irregular.

The New Hampshire 3rd Regiment left Concord the 23rd of September 1861. Went direct to [Camp Scott on] Long Island, New York. Encamped there a few weeks for the purpose of forming a Brigade. The Maine 8th joined us soon. Brig. Gen. [ ] was assigned to the command of us.

Meantime, the gentlemanly conduct of officers and men won for us as a regiment the praise and respect of the Long Islanders, so much so that they soon after we left sent a committee of their townsmen of Mineola and presented us with a beautiful flag.

After we had encamped some three weeks at Long Island, a sudden panic seized the government about the safety of Washington and we was ordered there double quick. Arriving at Washington we again encamped near the city on Capitol Hill. Here we remained some two or three weeks more, there being no fighting to speak of in that vicinity. About this time we began to hear of the intended Expedition down the coast in which we were expected to take part in. Gen. [Thomas W.] Sherman, as you know, took command of the Expedition.

We left Washington & went direct to Annapolis, Maryland, where we again encamped & where again our well disciplined appearance won the admiration of Governor Hicks so much so that he wanted us to stay and garrison the fortifications there. But Gen. Sherman would not give us up on no account. So we embarked some time about the middle of October on board the steamship Atlantic for an unknown destination. But it seems that we fetched up at Port Royal, South Carolina, where we now are. I had the pleasure of viewing the bombardment of Port Royal which you probably have heard about ere this. Since we landed here, I have been engaged in various duties of soldiering. I have acted as scout with some success & picket duty is familiar to me.

Article Second—On the War

My opinion in regard to this war is soon told. In the first place, the Southern people alone are responsible for it (if we except a few hot headed Abolitionists which are of no account). In the next place I think this war is rather a necessity and will do the country as a Nation more good than hurt. There is one thing sure and that is this—the southern power is broken and will never assume the importance which it has heretofore. And when this rebellion is subdued—which it will be, and that soon—I believe the country will assume a more prosperous & flourishing condition than it ever has yet. It will be better prepared to resist foreign invasions than ever it was yet.

And as for Southern gentlemen or rather scoundrels trampling under foot Northern principles and rights again, is out of the question.

As for grub, we get a plenty to eat and that what is good enough for anybody. As for treatment, I should like to see the man or men that would mistreat or ill treat New Hampshire volunteers. I guess he would vamoose quicker. But I have taxed your patience long enough already. So adieu. Yours, &c. — Warren Knowlton

It has been cold, wet and backward this spring. Love to Father & Mother and want very much to see them and all.

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Letter 2

Hilton Head, South Carolina
March 27, 1862

Mr. J. S. Knowlton

Sir, an afflictive duty compels me to inform you of the death of your brother, G. Warren Knowlton, a member of the company of my command. He entered the hospital on the eve of the 12th instant, and was sick of “Typhoid Fever.” He was doing well until a violent attack of “Dysentery” set in lasting sixty hours, terminating his life this morn at 1:20. We used all the means in our power to save your brother but God saw fit to take him from us. We mourn the loss of a dear brother soldier—one whom we all loved and our tears mingle with those of his bereaved friends at home.

His effects I have in my possession, agreeably to Army Regulations, and I will await until I hear from his friends or his representation as to their disposal. I desire to hear as soon as possible.

We inter his remains this remains this p.m. with religious and military ceremony. Your friend in affliction, — Charles F. Dunbar, Capt. 3rd New Hampshire Vols., Commanding Co. D

To Mr. J. S. Knowlton, Danbury, New Hampshire