The following letter was written by Major Henry Bloomfield McIlvaine (1828-1883) of the 5th New York Heavy Artillery. Henry enlisted on 2 December 1861 at New York City as a 1st Lieutenant in Co. A, 5th New York Heavy Artillery and was promoted to Major in March 1862. He was married to Margaret (“Maggie’) J. Mitchell (1840-1920).

Henry wrote this letter from Harpers Ferry, Virginia, some three weeks prior to the Stonewall Jackson’s attack on the town during the Maryland Campaign. At the time, Henry was serving as Chief of Artillery and clearly overconfident in his assessment of their readiness to defend the strategically important town. “I do not think that the enemy can ever get here, or anywhere near it,” he wrote his wife. The town and Union garrison of 13,000 men were surrendered to Stonewall Jackson on 15 September 1862—the largest single Union surrender of the war.

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Headquarters, Harpers Ferry, Va.
August 21st 1862

My dear precious Maggie,

Your letter of 17th came yesterday. I am well. Glad to hear that both you and Angie are so. Can write you but a few lines today. Nothing new here. Enjoy myself as much as can be expected without you and baby. The flowers were lovely. I wrote you yesterday sending you $20, picture and a curiosity. Many things of small interest occur every day but I forget them. Every night and day, you are in my mind. When night comes, I lie awake for hours thinking of you. Go to sleep—dream you are in my arms. Awake to find the old pillow next my face & my arm around it. I think you will have to hide little Mag when I get near for I shall eat her up. God is truly good to us all. We should not murmur against anything. Certainly everything has been for our good so far. You may rest assured that just so soon as I can retire from the army without discredit, shall do so. I certainly expect to pass the most of this winter at home, but if necessary for all soldiers to stay, shall do only my duty.

The dust here is immense. Want rain badly. Had a letter from the Bishop. Send me Mr. Cox’s address at Cincinnati if you know. Love to all. Goodbye. Will write you more soon.

Am at work placing another two gun battery on the Shenandoah River defending the arsenal, the ford, railroad & road. Have 30 contrabands & 5 whites at work. Time of peace, make ready for war. I do not think that the enemy can ever get here, or anywhere near it.

Kiss our child 100 times for me. Give my particular love to your mother.

There is some excitement almost every day about the country with strolling bands of guerrillas. If you think of me as much as I do of you, you do well. I love you just as must or more than ever and as to our Mag—Why Golly!! could eat her.

Yours with much love, — H

P. S. Have had to write at railroad speed. Thought this better than none to you.