The following letters were written by Park Henry Fryer (1840-1864) who enlisted in August 1862 in Co. B, 99th Ohio Volunteer Infantry (OVI). The first two letters were written while convalescing in Hospital No. 2 in New Albany, Indiana.
He was a sergeant by the time he sat down to write his brother later from the rifle pits outside of Chattanooga, Tennessee, in October 1863—some three weeks after the Battle of Chickamauga. In the aforementioned battle, the 99th engaged the enemy both days and had five men, including two officers, killed, twenty-eight men wounded, and an additional twenty-four men captured. Following this Union defeat, the 99th retreated to Chattanooga with the rest of the Northern army. At Chattanooga, the 99th became part of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 4th Corps.
Park did not survive the war. He died in a Chattanooga hospital from wounds received in the Atlanta Campaign. His date of death was given as 3 July 1864. It should be noted that his surname is given in the company roster as “Fryar.”
Park wrote the letters to his younger brother Samuel Lewis Fryer (1842-1920) of Spencerville, Allen county, Ohio. When Park and Samuel were quite young, they came to Allen county, Ohio, from Chester county, Pennsylvania, with their parents, Isaac H. Fryer (1813-1867) and Mary Brown (1815-1893).
The first two letters were sent to me by Patrick Leary after seeing what is now Letter 3 that I posted on Spared & Shared earlier. In sending them to me, he wrote the following:
“Forty-odd years ago, when I was working at a secondhand bookshop in Houston, the bookshop owner bought a batch of Civil War soldier letters that included several letters by Park Henry Fryer, Jerry Downs, and others. The owner was going to put all of the soldier letters out for individual sale (at $10 apiece!), but she agreed to let me first do a brief catalog of some of them, for which I transcribed excerpts and did background research among the regimental histories at Rice University’s Fondren Library. Ultimately all but two of the letters sold as a lot to the same collector and I have no idea what became of them afterward. Those two letters I was allowed to keep as “payment” for doing the catalog, and they’ve moved house with me ever since. I went on to become a historian in a small way (now retired, but keeping my hand in) but have never thought much more about this old letter project until I was going through some files this weekend and realized that I needed to share them with a specialist like you. For more than one reason I am grateful to have stumbled upon Spared & Shared. I’m attaching the Fryer portion of that little catalog. As you’ll see from the intro and these excerpts, what was unusual about these letters was that most of them were from, and between, members of his family, which of course yields an important perspective on his experience. I’m also including a photocopy of the letter dated July 6, 1863 and my transcription of it. I don’t remember why I copied only this one letter (it is not one of the two originals I retained) except that it is particularly interesting; too bad it isn’t a scan, but there were no scanners or iPhones in those days. Of course you’ll want to do your own much more expert transcription than my fledgling effort from 1981, but I include that for whatever it might be worth.” — Patrick Leary, 29 April 2024
Following the three letters, I have posted the extracts of pertinent details lifted from the Fryer collection of letters that Patrick Leary alluded to above. I have not transcribed his notes but anyone searching for information of Park Henry Fryer will undoubtedly find these worthwhile notes if they find his letters.
Letter 1
[Note: A scan of the following letter was provided to me for transcription and publication on Spared Shared by express consent courtesy of Patrick Leary.]
Hospital No. 2 1
New Albany, Indiana
April 5th 1863
My most esteemed Brother,
This bright Sabbath evening finds me well and hearty and enjoying myself hugely. I was to church this morning and heard a good sermon after which they repaired to the water where four willing converts were buried in Christ by Baptism. This meeting has been in progress for the last 6 weeks and is not broke up yet. During this time, I have heard some most splendid sermons.
The letter you wrote for Henry Rider came to hand last night. I was glad to hear that you were all well save Hank who seems to be complaining but I have no reason to believe he is very dangerous. You will give him my best respects when you see him again and tell him I am all right on the Sleigh question but most likely we will wait a couple of years yet. Say to him for me that he had better take himself a fair damsel and settle down as he will have no company know you are left. Besides, if he waits till the soldiers come home, there will be no sight for him for we all intend to take ourselves our once loved maids without we make some new discourses down in Dixie. As for that fandango at the tavern, I hope they will have a good time but you can tell Hank that I wish to receive my commission in that line of amusements as I have come to the conclusion that it don’t pay very big hereafter.
Lewis, I had like to forgot to tell you about our Easter. We did not take it till night. Four of us then eat three dozen of eggs. They are only 12 per dozen here. Well, I’ve been to church again this evening and I must say that we have the best meetings I ever attended. It holds another week longer. I witnessed the scene of four sisters, one father and son, unite with the church last night making 6 out of the one family. There was truly a happy meeting with them such as I never before witnessed. [The] meeting held till 10 o’clock. I finished my task of reading the Bible through on Saturday. This is what you can’t say nor it isn’t likely I could of said it if I would of been at home so you see soldiering ain’t so bad after all.
Well, Lewis, I have drawn my rations of greenbacks which was $98.60, $60 of which I expressed to Father, which I expect will be at hand before Uncle Sam’s Boys can afford $5.50. I used to could write with a 75 cents pen but once Uncle Sam’s Boys can afford a $2.00 one. I also bought me a military vest which cost me $3.75, [and] other little traps to tedious to mention. You would smile to see the citizens look down their noses since the boys have drawn their greenbacks. You see, they can’t put on the style so we carry the day amongst the fair set. Who wouldn’t be a soldier and with the ladies dwell?
Well. Lewis, I made some new discoveries last week. I found three of the Brave 99th Boys and one of them belongs to the Gallant Co. B. His name is Peter Charpier [or Charpin], 2 if you remember him. He was wounded at Murfreesboro in the jaw but is now well. He can’t open his mouth much further than Jany Rider. He will get a discharge, I think. The other two belongs to Co. A, one of which was with me all the time at Bowling Green. His name is Benjamin Casteel. 3 Father will know him. He is well and hearty. The other is Sergeant Thomas J. King from Vanwort. He is got a lame back and he’s lost the 1st Lieutenancy by being absent.
Well, Lewis, I got a picture taken on Saturday and spoke for 5 photographs out of which I shall send to you the picture I sent to Ann. I put it in the office yesterday and if you don’t recognize it as Park H. Fryer, you have forgot how he looked. I shall also send you another photograph which we term Hospital Scene No. 2. The first on the left you will recognize as Franklin Hickock, a 15th Indiana boy and one of my roommates. 4 He was wounded in the Murfreesboro Battle. This white spot in his shoulder and [ ] is to represent the bullet holes. He is now able to go without his crutches and I and him are having grand times. The next one to him with his bones you will recognize as a convalescent church member. Mr. Skinner and Ohio men enlisted at Toledo. The next you will recognize as assistant cook, Richard Harpeth, a 36th Ohio boy. The next with his violin you will recognize as assistant nurse Mr. Brady, a Michigan boy. The next you will recognize as nurse Charles Webb, a 15th Indiana boy. He is the one that nursed me through the erysipelas, His instrument you will see is a crutch and cane. He is struck with surprise and has gone o keep time. The next standing behind him you will recognize as boss cook Albert Benton, a 15th Ohio boy who wouldn’t be a soldier. This I want you to show to Mr. Welch and ask him if he can recognize any of them. They were all here when he was to see me. I want you to take it to town with you and show it to all my friends there—especially to [ ]. Also to Stickey’s folks. I want you to take good care of it.
Father has been requesting me to give him the preacher’s name. I will send him a slip taken from the paper which has his name and his [re]marks of last Sabbath week which I received from one of the prominent members of the church.
Well. Lewis, I have got them photographs and will send you one in this letter. I have 4 more which I will send to various others—one goes to Hark and another to Sarah Nugent. The weather here is fine and times stirring in town. I should be glad if you could spend a week in such a place as this as you have always been deprived of seeing much city style. I, for my part, am all right. I weighed myself yesterday again and I drew 144. I expect I will [weight] 200 if they don’t quit feeding so well. Give my respects to all enquirers and remember me as your affectionate brother, — Sargeant Fryer
This is finished on the 7th.
1 There were as many as 12 hospitals in New Albany, Indiana, during the Civil War. Fryer identifies the one he was in as “Hospital No. 2” which was in the “Lower City School” located on Market Street between West 5th and 6th Streets.
2 Peter F. Charpier (1840-1918) was born in France. He served in Co. B of the 99th OVI from 16 July 1862 to 31 December 1864. The 1890 Veterans Schedule says he was transferred to the Invalid Corps before he was discharged. He gave his residence as Cynthian, Shelby county, Ohio.
3 Benjamin Casteel (1837-1864) served in Co. A, 99th OVI. He was from York, Van Wert county, Ohio. He was killed in action at the Battle of Kenessaw Mountain on 21 June 1864.
4 Franklin (“Frank”) H. Hickock (1839-1896) served in Co. K, 15th Indiana Infantry.
Letter 2
[Note: The transcript of the following letter was provided to me for publication on Spared Shared by Patrick Leary. There is no scan of the original available for me o verify the accuracy of the transcript.]
New Albany, Indiana
July 6, 1863
Kind Brother,
Your welcome favor of the 2nd came to hand this evening and found me in good health and fine spirits. I believe I never felt as well in my life as I have the last month. [We have] good times—nothing to do and less to think about, and well paid for that. Take it lazy while you can for there is hardships coming but here is what is prepared for it in any shake for as long as he can stand it. I have been packed for the last two weeks, ready to start but have been mustered [for pay] during the time and will not leave till we are paid. The pay rolls came over tonight. We will sign them tonight and tomorrow morning so that we will be apt to get paid this week. Then here is going to report to headquarters for transportation to his regiment. There is two more of the 99th boys in town now. One of them is Isaac Crawford of Co B if you remember him—the one that could not eat but such a little at camp. (He left Dixie because they failed to keep him in Apple Jack for he was drunk the first time I saw him and the last and still holds his own.) The other is a fifer out of Co I. They are both able to run around and celebrated the Fourth [of July] with us.
The [99th] Regiment is now in the fortifications at Murfreesboro and expect to stay there all summer. They are in good health and fine spirits and enjoying themselves well. They write for me to join them as soon as possible.
Well, about the Fourth. We had a soldier celebration. There were about 1,000
of us. We formed into companies and marched round the streets with the band in front and two pieces of artillery with a large band wagon loaded with young ladies, namely the glee club as we term them here. In other words the, singing Club. Having finished our march, we stopped at No 5 Hospital 1 where we raised a Flag after which the Declaration of Independence was read after which we had several very appropriate speeches suitable for the occasion from some of the honorable gentlemen of New Albany—one from Doctor Fry, after which we partook of a dinner got up partly by citizens and partly by soldiers. This being over, we were marched up on the corner of Bank and Main, dressed up and broke ranks for our respective Hospitals. There were several other celebrations
but on account of our own, I did not attend any of them. There was a smart shower of rain in the afternoon which made it quite disagreeable for the Sabbath school celebrations but from what I could learn, they had a good time in general. But how different was the scene to me to what it was last Fourth. Then I was at home and celebrating it with my friends and relations up by Davises, if you remember, in the Grove. We had the swiveling swing there too and Hank and George and myself run it.
Well, all there is about is this, I did not ride beside quite as many ladies this time. Neither did I take Harriet Dickey to the ball this time and liten Rod if you chose. Well instead of going to a Ball, I spent my evening in an Ice Cream Saloon and tried to keep it from spoiling. Well this is easy Soldering but still we must look out for no one or no one else will for him. So who blames me for having good times when I have the chance.
The war news here is favorable tonight and I have the expectation of seeing something soon. Health in New Albany is good. The Hospitals are all filled up here in the last week but they are generally convalescent. You stated in your letter that you would of liked to of seen me on my pony. I guess I would of just as leave of seen you as not and it wouldn’t of been long till you would of had those. You said that pressing business looked hard. It looks hard to see men march too and plenty of horses in the country and us to protect them and their owners. Why not ride when you can got the chance? All you want is the spunk to step up to them and tell them to dismount and it is all right.
Welch tells me friend Yucky(?) is arrested as a deserter and sent to Columbus and that Marion Williams is discharged. All right. Every dog is to have his day and I’ll have mine yet but I would not choose Yackeys. Them Copperheads will do something else besides swear and look down there noses before the thing is over. I am afraid the sweat will run down their backs and legs from packing knapsacks and guns yet, and tears stand in there eyes from the thought of lying down in the rain to go to sleep and in the mud at that, and all together likely without a blanket. That is what will bring them to there milk is pasture is poor and I won’t insure them fried ham and eggs for supper neither. But if they get hardtacks, they will fare better than I have at all times for I was down to parched corn two or three times and was glad to get that. Let them who has not tried it live and learn. I have not graduated myself yet.
My best respects to all at home expecting to be remembered as an absent Brother and Son. I shall write to you when I leave here. You can write as often as you please. They will all follow me if I should leave. As I have nothing more of importance, I will come to a close by sending you my best respects. Lewis, take care of the fair sex and speak a word for your absent brother occasionally. [Yours] absent brother, Park H. Fryer
I here send you a [ ] Song. If you can get the tune, it will be nice to [ ] send you any of the late songs if you want them there is a great variety of them here. I don’t suppose you hear as many as myself. So goodbye for this time.
1 Number 5 Hospital in Albany, Indiana, was located in Anderson’s College between West 3rd and 4th Streets.
Letter 3
Chattanooga, Tennessee
October 15, 1863
Dear Brother,
This afternoon finds me seated in order to pen a reply to yours of the first which came to hand on yesterday and was glad to hear from you and to learn that you were getting in better health. It found me well though I had had a very severe spell a few days before.
It has been raining here for the last 4 days and is not through yet which makes it very disagreeable for us as we have nothing but our small tents. I suppose we will get the others tomorrow. We are still encamped along the rifle pits but expect to leave as soon as it clears up. We will move across the river to our brigade we are now consolidated with and other Corps. Our brigade is also consolidated with another. We now belong to the 4th Army Corps, 2nd Division, 2nd Brigade. Our Colonel [Peter T. Swain] is also taken from us. He was ordered to Cincinnati for some purpose. We mourn his loss but must put up with it till he returns as it is only on detached duty. Kephart is here with us and able for duty.
We now draw full rations again and the boys are in better spirits if they are a little wet at present. The sun is out now. Well, when a man wants nice comfortable times, let him be in the army when it rains for two or three days right ahead and then he can give some idea what a soldier’s life is.
Well, about our [Ohio Gubernatorial] election. It went off fine in our regiment. We put in 211 for [John] Brough & 26 for [Clement] Vallandigham. I went a Brough ticket with the exception of one man—that was Dorsey. I scratched him.
As for news, it just stands here as it was two weeks ago anymore than we are still getting better fortified. There is a few [rebels] comes in and gives themselves up but we can’t put any dependence in anything. They say [they may as] well as we have rations to draw and divide.
I must cut my remarks short. I expect to go on picket tomorrow and if it quits raining, I would just as leave. Well, Bill Hariff has just made a tin of coffee and divided with me so I guess I can stand it. I want to know if Frank Rider is amongst the living yet and if so, give him my best respects. I am perfectly ignorant of news at to town as there is no one writes to me anymore so you will have to keep me posted. As for my hat, it is gone up Shit Creek and I was very well satisfied to get off with a whole head minus a hat. But perhaps I will have the fun of seeing some of them lose theirs yet as several did that day.
As for standing up to the old colors, you need not be alarmed though they had like to of shot ours all away. Allen County ought to furnish us with another and we will warrant it to come out on the right side every time.
Well, hoping this will find you all well, I will close. My best respects to all enquirers. This leaves me well hoping to hear from you more often. Your absent brother, — Park H. Fryer
P. S. Chattanooga, Tennessee
Co. B. 99th OVI.
NOTES
Notes prepared by Patrick Leary along with extracts from the letters he catalogued back in 1980.
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