The following letters were written during the Civil War by Eldridge Taylor Hall (1845-1882). Eldridge was the son of Joseph Yardley (1813-1880) and Margaretta Taylor (1817-1875) of Milford Hundred, Kent county, Delaware. Eldridge entered the war in 1862 as a 2nd Lieutenant in Co. K of the 4th Delaware Infantry and left the regiment as a 1st Lieutenant in Co. B.

Eldridge wrote the letters to Clara Wilson Hall with whom he would later marry.

The garrison at Gloucester Point remained a sideshow to the great battles fought in the region. It was classic military camp life, months of monotonous routine punctuated by occasional attacks and forays into the countryside. [Historical Marker, Gloucester county, Virginia]

Letter 1

Delaware House
Wilmington, Delaware
September 24, 1862

My Dear Clara,

It is with many and strange emotions that I seat myself to write this my first letter to the one I love and as I am not adept in writing love letters, you will excuse me if this partakes something of a practical turn.

It was just one week yesterday since I left—a very short space of time indeed, yet I am beginning to want to see you very much. What a shame it is that I could not place myself within the folds of this letter and unseen by and unknown to my respected commanding officer have one peep at your smiling face and a pleasant chat as of old. But, however, there is a good chance coming and I may someday not far off make you a flying visit, but don’t be disappointed if I should not come.

You no doubt have heard ere this that my brother Dave ¹ was wounded in the late battle at Antietam Creek, He arrived last evening in Philadelphia. Pap and I were there to meet him. He is now in the hospital corner of 22nd and Wood Streets, Philadelphia. Pa. Pap is with him. He has a painful wound in his left foot—a rifle ball having gone clear through it. He also has a rifle ball just above his left knee. He is very cheerful, upheld by the consciousness of having done his duty. He was wounded while bravely leading his company to the charge and was, I am told, 20 feet in advance of his company when he fell. and about an equal distance from the enemy. How proud I feel in having such a brother—so brave, so courageous, so noble. May heaven help me to perform my duty to my country as he has performed his. It will be some time before he will be able to go into service again. The delay will no doubt be very galling to him.

Our regiment is awaiting orders to move and we are all anxious for the fray. May the day hasten when we will be able to show ourselves to be worthy sisters of the glorious 1st.

I called to see Miss Moore this morning on my return from Philadelphia. I found her to be the very lady I would have chosen for my sister; handsome, agreeable, very intelligent, and above all a perfect lady and quite sensible in the bargain, and I might add also—very patriotic. Instead of worrying herself sick over his being wounded, she rejoices that it is not worse.

Enclosing my kindest regards to all enquiring friends and hoping to hear from you very soon, I remain your devoted, — Eldridge

Address: Lieutenant E. T. Yardley, Care of Col. A. H. Grimshaw, Wilmington, Delaware

¹ David Sellers Yardley (1842-1866) entered the service in May 1861 as the 1st Sergeant of Co. D, 1st Delaware Infantry. By the time of the Battle of Antietam where he was wounded, he was the captain of Co. D. Capt. Yardley was later discharged for his disabilities and drowned in 1866 while bathing in Lake Harriet in Minnesota. The Battle of Antietam was the regiment’s first real engagement. They entered the fray on 17 September through the Roulette Farm and became heavily engaged in front of the Sunken Road. Bringing just of 700 into the fight, they suffered a 30 percent casualty rate.

---

Letter 2

Camp —– near Alexandria, Virginia
December 12th 1862

My dear Clara,

After a fatiguing march of about 10 miles through the mud and water, we have reached this place where I suppose we will have to remain for some time. I was in hopes that we were on our way to join Burnside, but such is not the case at present, although we may be called upon to leave any moment.

We are in barracks partially completed which will be very comfortable when finished. I am seated in the midst of baggage surrounded by our men who are talking and laughing, apparently unconcerned in regard to the discomfort of the place. I have a bayonet stuck in the ground with a candle init to write by the heavens for my canopy but I feel happy in thinking that I am traveling in the path of duty and that your smile of approval will greet me when I return, should it be my fortune to do so.

Paper is very scarce tonight and pen and ink not to be found. So good night. I promise myself a pleasant night thinking of you. With much love, I remain your devoted, — Eldridge

Address same as usual to Washington.

---

Letter 3

Camp Gilpin
Gloucester Point, Virginia
March 22nd 1863

My dear Clara,

I arrived here safely last evening and found myself very flatteringly welcomed by both officers and men and indeed, some of the men of our own company seemed overjoyed at my return. I had no idea that I was a favorite with them.

I was much surprised on landing at Fortress Monroe to find the ground covered with several inches of snow and slush, and found on enquiring that a terrible storm had raged in this neighborhood on Friday and Saturday, so fierce was the warring of elements that the boas between Yorktown and Fortress Monroe were unable to make their usual trips for two days and the boat which I came up in yesterday was the first that had been up since the storm.

Those photographs have not arrived yet. I have not time to write any more now but answer this very soon and I will promise for the future long and, if possible, interesting letters. With much love I remain, as ever yours, — Eldridge

---

Letter 4

Camp Gilpin
Gloucester Point, Virginia
April 11th 1862

Miss Clara W. Hall,

I would respectfully submit—that this is the third time I have written to you and as yet have received no reply.

I would crave that your most gracious ladyship would condescend an early reply to this, if such be not incompatible with your inclinations. I am most respectfully your obedient servant, — Eldridge T. Yardley, 2nd Lieutenant, Co. K, 4th Delaware Infantry

---

Letter 5

Camp Gilpin
Gloucester Point, Virginia
May 3rd 1863

My dear Clara,

It is Sunday evening and beautiful indeed is it without. The full moon has just shown its broad, genial face above the treetops and is making our camp look lovely with its radiance. The crickets are chirping cheerfully around and altogether is the perfection of a spring evening.

Our chaplain preached a sermon this evening on the parade ground to a very large and attentive audience, myself being one of the number. As I listed to beautiful words of the man of God, my thoughts ran back to similar occasions in the woods of Old Delaware on last summer. Oh! many a pleasant hour have I spent at Camp Meetings in Delaware and hope to spend many more. How well I remember the Camp Meeting at Bridgeville last summer. It was there that I first met with our noble old Governor and his charming daughter. By the bye, the Governor has been to see us and do you think he seemed to have forgotten me entirely after my taking so much pains to make myself acquainted with him last summer. I suppose his daughter is equally forgetful. Governor Cannon expressed himself much pleased with his reception here and was delighted with appearance and arms of the men of the “Plucky Fourth.” We treated him as well as we knew how, had a review, serenaded him the evening before he left, and had a good time generally. The morning he left we had a dress parade and he delivered quite a neat little speech to us, something quite unusual for him.

And does my Clara get so tired going to school? The poor dear girl/ I am so sorry. Even now her graceful form may be wasting away with hard study and yet she thinks herself selfish for saying so. Why Clara, the life I am living now is perfectly splendid. I really delight in it. In fact, the only fault I have to find with ir is that there is not enough to do. But the good time is coming and from all accounts we will soon have plenty to do with fighting Rebels. A considerable force is reported to be in our immediate vicinity. There will be an expedition probably go out tomorrow to dislodge them which I shall certainly be with if I can. I was cheated out of partaking in the last expedition by being on other duty. I see a good account of it in yesterday’s Philadelphia Inquirer.

Our regiment is gaining quite a reputation for itself. We were reviewed the other day by Secretary Seward who expressed himself as highly pleased with our appearance. I guess I have written enough for the present. I am sure it’s quite as much as you deserve for writing me so short a letter. Many thanks for the bouquet you sent me. Tell Miss Sallie Adkins that I think she might condescend to acknowledge the receipt of my photograph in writing. I am very well at present and will hope to hear from you very soon.

I am yours respectfully, — E. T. Yardly

---

Letter 6

Camp Gilpin
Gloucester Point, Virginia
May 12th 1863

My dear Clara,

It is a very pleasant evening—rather warm perhaps, but pleasant anyhow. I have been out sailing on the water. Romantic is it not? How I wished you could have enjoyed it with me. I am sure you would have liked it. I promise many a pleasant sail on the water if we remain here all summer. You have no idea what a pleasant camp e have. It is situated on a broad, level plain which is just beginning to grow green under the genial rays of the sun. It would be pleasant indeed to live here if this unhappy war was ended. But as it is, I cannot but think it a sin for us to remain here, living in comparative ease and luxury while other less fortunate brothers in arms are nobly fighting and pouring out their life’s blood in defense of our country. Oh! how I wish we belonged to the glorious Army of the Potomac that we might put what some call our “Patriotic Cherries” into practice. Would it not be a glorious death to die for the noble cause in which we are engaged? Even now, perhaps, my dearest brother is lying dead or dying on the battlefield. Kind Heaven! grant that it may not be so, but I am sure he would not wish a more glorious death. But enough of this. I suppose I will have to be satisfied with my lot and will endeavor to be as useful as I can in my limited sphere of action.

Hark! the soft sweet notes of a flute come stealing on the still night air. It is our beloved Colonel playing in his tent. How it reminds me of certain impromptu serenades we used to give you in dear Old Milford. Do you remember the last one I participated in? You threw a beautiful bouquet out the windown and John A. being taller than the rest of us secured the prize. How I envied him.

How is Johnny getting along? I have not heard from him since I returned to camp. That beautiful little bouquet you sent me in your last letter (by the bye, it has been so long ago I can hardly remember) has unfortunately met with an accident. I placed it in my portmanteau along with the rest of my valuables and some rogue came into my tent at night and stole the portmanteau, bouquet and all. So you will be a dear girl if you will send me another which I will be certain to take better care of. I would like to have your photograph too very much. Do send it to me won’t you?

I suppose that famous wedding has come off at our house. It will be a great trial to part with Louise. She will miss her so much. I am sure we all shall miss her. She has been so kind and good a sister to us. I wanted to attend the wedding real bad but it was impossible, there were so many others that wanted to go home that hadn’t been at all. I don’t mean to go home until I can go with honor.

We have had quite exciting times here for the last week occasioned by the arrival in our lines of portions of Stoneman’s Cavalry consisting of the 12th Illinois & 20th New York Cavalry, they having accomplished the most daring and successful raid on record. In fact, they have covered themselves with glory and have won for themselves a name that will be honored and revered by posterity.

We have news here this evening that General Hooker has again crossed the Rappahannock and is in pursuit of the enemy who is supposed to be retreating towards Richmond. We also have a rumor that Richmond has been taken by Gen. [Erasmus] Keyes but inasmuch as Gen. Keyes is now in Yorktown, it must be false. I hope that we shall soon be on the march to Richmond and be there to join in the grand attacks which I have every reason to believe will be successful. What a glorious thing it will be to be at the taking of Richmond. It will be something to be proud of the rest of your life.

Hoping that you have now gained your accustomed good health and assuring you that I am very well, I remain with much affection, your as ever, — E. T. Yardley

to Miss Clara W. Hall, Milford, Delaware.

Please write soon.

---

Letter 7

Camp Gilpin
Gloucester Point, Virginia
June 1st 1863

My dear Clara,

I have waited patiently for one month to hear from you. Meanwhile I have written twice and as yet have received no word from you. Why don’t you write to me? The suspense is torturing. I fear that you are very ill or something dreadful has happened. Were not U. S. mail carriers so punctual, I might indulge the thought that my letters had miscarried, but as it is, I think it highly improbable. I sincerely hope that you will write as soon as possible and tell me the true reason of your long silence.

I am enjoying excellent health at present. With emotions of sincere regard, I remain as ever yours, — E. T. Yardley

---

Letter 8

Fort Keyes
Gloucester Point, Virginia
July 11th 1863

My dear Clara,

Your letter dated July 3rd was just received this morning and I hasten to answer it. Clara, I am ashamed of myself for writing such a letter to you. Do forgive me and if I did imply any mistrust, I really did not mean to for I am sure I never have mistrusted you. Remember that I was sick and out of heart. I had not heard from you for so long and I wrote just as I felt and I did feel as though everyone had forsaken me. Then I was penned up in the hospital while the regiment was marching daily in the direction of Richmond winning laurels for itself which I could not share. I am sure it was enough to make a much more amiable person than myself ill-humored. But I feel better now. The regiment has gotten back to its old camping ground and we are inside of Ft. Keyes. They did not win a great deal of glory and so I am satisfied.

I left the hospital yesterday. I am not entirely well but am getting better. I would like to come home to sue forgiveness in person for that dreadful letter but I cannot. Don’t be too severe with me & I will promise to try and deserve your confidence in future.

Dear Clara, don’t think me quite so bad as to think you frivolous. You have the truest and best heart and are the nicest, dearest girl that ever blessed man with her regards. Heaven forgive me if I ever give you occasion to think I mistrust you again. I think we can have perfect confidence in each other, don’t you? Only remember when you don’t fel like answering my letters soon that I am anxiously waiting to hear from you and I am sure you will try and write.

I must quit now or I will be too late for the mail. So goodbye. Write very soon. With much love, I am your devoted — Eldridge

Address 4th Regt. Del. Vols, Ft. Keyes, Gloucester Point, Va.

---

Letter 9

Ft. Keyes
Gloucester Point, Virginia
July 12th 1863

My dear Clara.

We have marching orders and I suppose are to go to Washington. If any farther, I do not know. Be of good cheer and rest assured if the 4th Delaware does get a chance at Old Lee, she will not disgrace herself. I am much better and will go with the regiment and try and do my duty. And should I fall, I will fall loving you as dearly as ever. So goodbye. Write to me and address to Washington, D. C.

Your devoted, — Eldridge

---

Letter 10

Camp 4th Delaware Infantry
Fairfax Court House, Va.
January 26, 1864

My dear Clara,

I reached the regiment this afternoon after a long and tiresome journey by rail and water and ride of three miles in an ambulance over the most horrible roads you could possibly imagine. But I was well repaid for the journey by the cordial reception from my fellow officers. What a nice thing it is to have the esteem of those upon one daily associates with. Colonel [Arthur H.] Grimshaw was particularly cordial in his greeting and at once offered me a position on his staff (you must know he is now commanding a brigade) but after considering the matter concluded to accept the Acting Adjutancy of the Regiment instead which was also offered me. I am now performing the duties of the Adjutant—who is detailed to other duty. I have my quarters in a large home near the camp which is very nice and comfortable for a soldier.

The camp of the regiment is splendid—located on a nice piece of ground about three hundred yards from the village. It was formerly the camping ground of the famous 69th New York Volunteers—an Irish Regiment that did such splendid fighting under the command of Colonel Michael Corcoran at the first Battle of Bull Run. They were compelled to leave their camp to move to another portion of the command after having fixed it up snugly for winter. Such is the fortune of war. A soldier when he lies his head down to rest at night never knows but what he will be miles away ere the next night [comes[. Yet it is a gay and careless life and sometimes I think that I would always like to be a soldier. But then I think of the dear ones at home—of you, the star of my [illegible due to tape]. I would never have been able to withstand the manifold temptations with which through the army are surrounded had not your image—so pure and so innocent—ever been before me, inciting me o renewed exertion to make myself more worthy of your priceless love. Heaven grant that this sad war may soon be over, when those great principles for which we fight will be nobly vindicated before all the world and those of us so disposed can relinquish the sword for the plowshare. Then how proudly would I claim you for my own, mine to love and protect. Oh! Clara, I sometimes think, it could be too much happiness for mortal to know.

It is very late at night. Perhaps even now your thoughts are roaming through the wide expanse of dream land in search of those you love. You may eve at this moment be thinking of me. How I wish I knew if you were. I would be so glad. I will not write any more now but will promise you a real long letter next time—when you have answered this. Please write to me soon. Days will seem like weeks until your letter arrives. Your devoted, — Eldridge

---

Letter 11

[In pencil written on scrap paper; written during the Battle of Cold Harbor]

Headquarters 4th Delaware Vols.
In the field, 8 miles N. of Richmond
June 2nd 1864

My dear Clara,

I snatch a few moments to write to you midst the whizzing of bullets and the bursting of shells. We reached this army (Army of Potomac) yesterday after a march ordered from Port Royal on the Rappahannock. We are now in line of battle and throwing up breastworks within 200 yards and in plain sight of the Rebel lines. Our loss has as yet been very small. I am safe.

We have not received a mail for more than a week and I have not heard from you for a long time. I suppose your letters have miscarried for I cannot think you have been willfully so cruel as not to write. I have addressed several letters to you since your last and sent them all to Milford so that I hardly think they can have miscarried.

Longing to hear from you, I am with much love yours affectionately, — Eldridge

---

Letter 12

Headquarters 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 5th A. C.,
December 1, 1864

My Darling Clara,

Your long silence perplexes me and I am distracted with doubts and fears. I feared you were ill when I wrote my second letter but now I am sure you are dangerously so. Please, darling, this suspense is terrible. Even to know that you were alive would be a relief. If you are too ill to write, I beg you—as you love me—to let your sister or your friend Mary write me and relieve this dread uncertainty. As ever, your own loving, — Eldridge

---

Letter 13

Headquarters 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 5th A. C.,
December 24, 1864

Darling,

It seems a long time since I have heard from you but I will not complain as long as I am assured you are enjoying yourself as you must be among your friends in Philadelphia.

Christmas will be here tomorrow with all its manifold joys and delights. I wish everyone could be as happy as I will be tomorrow, yet perhaps there are very few but will have as just cause. We will have a grand dinner tomorrow for soldiers to have—turkey, cranberry sauce, &c. I was much amused at a remark a friend made this morning. Wat a pity it is that Christmas should come on Sunday. It seems like a day lost. It struck me as quite original as Christmas you know is generally considered a sort of Sunday in the middle of the week.

How long do you propose stating in Philadelphia? [portion of letter ripped off]…my service too valuable to be dispensed with at the present time. Things look very fair now for a speedy termination of the war. We have just received news of the unconditional surrender of Savannah to Sherman and the capture of Ft. Fisher off Wilmington, N. C. by the forces under Butler and Porter. We have also news of the serious illness of the Rebel President and reports that the citizens of Richmond are on the eve of starvation for the want of the necessaries of life. All these items point to the speedy overthrow of the rebellion and it certainly cannot long survive the effects of such repeated blows at its vitals as Thomas, Sherman, and Butler have inflicted and Grant and Meade soon will inflict. I confidently expect to see our glorious Union united before mid summer.

Everything is quiet in this immediate vicinity since the late expedition of our Corps [Raid on Weldon Railroad]. No movement of importance has occurred …. [rest is missing]

---

Letter 14

[In this letter, Eldridge refers to the fighting by the 4th Delaware at Dabney’s Mills, Hatchers Run on 5-7 February 1865.]

Headquarters 2nd Division, 5th Army Corps
February 9th 1865

Darling,

I reached the command yesterday morning and found them in a plight indeed, having been fighting for two days in the most inclement weather and the men without any shelter whatever (for particulars, see the papers). There has been no fighting since I came but fear that you might be anxious on my account, I write this hasty scrawl. I will write you a letter as soon as we become settled. I enclose photograph with love, — Eldridge

---

Letter 15

Near Moonsville, Pennsylvania
June 18, 1865

Darling,

Did you ever feel as though you were melting and being gradually reduced to nothing? No, of course you never did. You always keep surprisingly cool under all circumstances. But I feel as though I was continually melting. You have no idea how warm it is here—as great deal warmer than it ever is at Milford.

I am now at Uncle John Hendrickson’s within sight of the City of Trenton. Have just been up a cherry tree and have eaten of the luscious fruit until I can eat no more. I have had a splendid time and Oh! what a kind reception I have met with. Everybody seems glad to see me and my dear old aunties that I have not seen so long a time welcome me with open arms. Congratulations upon congratulations are heaped upon me for my safe escape from the perils of war and of people keep on, I am afraid I shall become very conceited.

The bridal party that I wrote about came off at the appointed time with great elan but I must say I thought it rather countrified. I never could describe a party and won’t attempt this. The bride looked very sweet and interesting adn anyone who saw her had a faint impression of how charmingly my darling will look some of these days on a like occasion. The last two days of last week I spent at Newtown—a town about the size of Milford. I became acquainted with several young ladies and was quite favorable impressed.

I will go down to Bristol tomorrow and will reach Philadelphia about the last of the week. Don’t think I will get home before the last of next as I have to stop at Wilmington & New Castle. I am sorry Darling I came away without your ring and instructions on the subject. If I remember tightly, you wanted a ring the size of one of your hands. If such was the case , I would like you to enclose them both t me at Wilmington, care of Col. A. H. Grimshaw so that they will get there by Saturday and I will attend to it.

Hope you are well, Darling, and enjoying yourself very much. I long to see that darling face that always smiles on me. Fondly your own, — Eldridge