These letters were written by James Forsaith Grimes (1835-1910), the son of Hiram Grimes (1798-1885) and Clarissa Forsaith (1799-1873) of Hillsborough Center, New Hampshire. He was married on 8 February 1864 to Sarah Ann Jones (1834-1906), the daughter of Ebenezer and Mary (Carr) Jones of Hillsborough. The following biographical sketch was summarized from Find-A-Grave:

James Forsaith, a resident of Hillsborough, spent his youth on his family’s farm and received education from district schools and various academies. He worked as a teacher during the winters, gaining a reputation for discipline. In 1859, he began studying law but interrupted it to volunteer for the Union army during the War of the Rebellion. He was commissioned as a captain and served in the Seventeenth Regiment of the United States Infantry, participating in significant battles and sustaining injuries. Following the war, he continued his military service, gaining promotions and commendations for his bravery. Notably, he married Sarah Ann in 1864, enduring the challenges of army life with her by his side. His health declined, leading to his resignation from the service in 1871 after nearly ten years of dedicated military duty.

See also—1865: James Forsaith Grimes to Sarah Ann (Jones) Grimes.

Letter 1

Ogdensburgh, New York
March 25th 1863

My dear Sarah,

Your letter was duly received yesterday afternoon and perused with much satisfaction. I am happy to know that you have adopted your present form of writing for it truly seems so much better than the “old style.” You need not entertain any fear of your letters becoming in any way troublesome. When they do, you will be sure to know it. Therefore, you can write just as often as you like for they will always be gladly received. It is not very probable that I shall be able to visit Hillsborough again until I am ordered from this place. Therefore, do not delay your visit to New York on that account. Although I should [be] most happy to see you there, and most sincerely wish I was so situated as to be able to spend an evening in your society [even] if it was only one evening, should feel very thankful for the privilege. But as that will be impossible at present, I will endeavor to content myself where I am.

You judge me justly when you say I would not ask you to come to Ogdensburgh unless I thought it was proper. No, Sarah, I would not. But as I do not see anything that is improper about it, I shall hope—earnestly hope—you will not disappoint me for I should truly be disappointed.

You say Mrs. Mary Jones has been telling you come news in relation to Rev. Mr. Hatfield. I heard the same a very long time ago and supposed at first it was true but I have changed my views. When I was at home I also heard that you was engaged to Lieut. Charles Wilkins. How long since the engagement?

I hear a great many strange things when I came to Hillsboro and if I believed everything, think my head would be full. My cold has got entirely well, and my face is doing finely, but it will be some time before I shall have perfect control over it as my jaw troubles me considerably yet. However, it may be a good thing for I shall not have quite as much of the article as heretofore. Still I never thought I could spare any. I will send you a photograph of my humble self as soon as I have some taken.

“Canada is filled with deserters & secessionists—many of them from the Southern states. They talk like mad men and fools.”

— James F. Grimes, 17th US Regulars, 25 March 1863

I was obliged to leave my writing yesterday as my friend Mr. Lawrence called to have me accompany him to Canada having enjoyed to go with him some time previous. We had a very pleasant time upon the whole, but I tell you Sarah, Canada is filled with deserters & secessionists—many of them from the Southern states. They talk like mad men and fools. We had quite an exciting discussion upon the various questions which agitate the mind of our American people. I do not claim any honor for myself, but my friend Lawrence done nobly. He did not get very much excited but used sound, logical reasoning to refute their argument which is the best means employed by man. They were not able to reply by way of argument and therefore were compelled to keep quiet most of the time, much against their inclinations however.

I am doing very little by way of recruiting this month—as yet have not enlisted but one man. All of the army officers have been ordered away from here except myself so you see I have plenty of time to be lonesome. Wish you might [be] here for I really think your presence would drive away all such feelings. I have been at Ogdensburgh since the tenth of June 1862 and during all that period, have never been so lonesome or felt the need of someone to cheer me as now. Why it is, is more than I can tell. Surely the people are just as friendly.

I may not always be so prompt in replying to your letters but that need not make any difference with you for rest assured, I will always write when I find time and opportunity. I have no doubts but that you will enjoy your visit to New York [City]. Wish I could be there also but that is not likely at present although the will is good enough.

You will greatly please me if you take all the exercise out of doors that you can. I think you will be much benefitted thereby. I would not have you think by any means that I am of the opinion that you are sick. But I think exercise will do you a great deal of good. When you come to Ogdensburgh, I shall want you to ride on horseback with me. Not however, upon the same horse. Yours truly, — James

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Letter 2

Thursday afternoon
June 11th [1863]

Dear Sarah,

Being our quite late last night, did not wake up in season to finish my letter for this morning’s mail as I intended. Therefore, I have concluded to do so this afternoon.

We had a splendid time last night and as I might say, “didn’t get home until morning.” Think it was one of the finest parties I have ever attended. They have a nice supper of everything which the market affords including all kinds of choice wines which I think played a prominent part. I would not have you infer that the wines were in any way used with indiscretion or that anyone became intoxicated for that would be as injust as it is untrue. We had a magnificent time “and all went merry as a marriage bell.”

Hon. Preston King was among the guests. Also Dr. Peters & Miss Fanny. There was quite a display of brass button, including Colonels, Majors, Captains & Lieutenants, but there was but one General present to take command. That was Gen. Good Time. However, he is a fine officer and executed justice upon this occasion according to my judgement. If you had been here, you must have enjoyed yourself.

It is very warm here this afternoon and Shad Flies [mayflies] are so very thick you cannot hardly see across the street. It reminds me of a snowstorm in winter season. No one can go out without being completely covered with them. Yesterday morning I should think at least six quarts were taken out of my rooms. The windows had been left open during the night, when the gentlemen stepped in and seemed to take possession. I enclose a scrap from the morning Journal which will perhaps give you something of an idea how thick they are.

I was somewhat disappointed in not getting a letter from you this afternoon but hope to receive one tomorrow. I am thinking that your pen is not a good one, else you would use it more. Am I right in so thinking? I know you have a great many things to do, and it is not always convenient for you to write so I will not censure you severely, as I think you will always write when you have opportunity.

Remember me to all and believe me yours truly, — James

P. S. If nothing happens, I think I can get permission to come home in about three weeks.

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Letter 3

Camp 17th US Infantry
Near Catlett’s Station, Virginia
February 2, 1864

Dear Sarah,

Uncle Sam has been kind enough to furnish me with a supply of stationery this afternoon, and I thought best to try its quality this evening.

Received your letter Saturday afternoon and can assure you I was glad to hear from you but sorry to learn that you was not feeling well. Hope it will not prove anything serious for I should feel very unhappy to be away from you and should feel that in case of sickness I was by duty bound to come to you which I fear would be impossible at present and this feeling would indeed make me most miserable.

I have made arrangements for a leave of absence but it is very uncertain when it will be granted (if at all). I think, however, I shall be home before the Spring Campaign opens, or in other words, before the birds eat the snow up in New Hampshire. By the way, we have had none to speak of here. Have not seen any but once, and then there was hardly enough to snow ball.

Last night the quiet of our camp was somewhat disturbed by an alarm (supposed to be by guerrillas) about ten o’clock. The regiment fell in under arms in a little less than no time. I had the guard stationed in front of the camp all ready for action, but no enemy advanced upon us, and you may rest assured we would not advance to meet them upon such a night, for by so doing it would give them a great advantage, whereas by our remaining perfectly quiet, we would have a decided advantage as it was impossible for them to ascertain either our position or strength, The night was very dark and it was impossible to tell an object the size of a man until you came in contact with it. Besides, the air was filled with a heavy fog, making it very difficult to see even a light at any distance.

Tomorrow, Gen. Ayres sends out a large scouting party consisting of several companies cavalry with about as many infantry. I don’t think Johnny Reb means to attack us upon our ground, but tries now and then to draw us out in the night. Yet he has not been very successful thus far.

Am happy to learn that you have made my folks a visit and also that you enjoyed it so well. I received a letter from home a few days ago in which they mentioned you in the kindest terms, and also informed me of your visit. You say you think my mother thinks a great deal of you. I don’t think you have any reason to harbor doubts upon that subject for I trust she is not deceitful. I found it very hard once, I recollect, to make you think she even thought well of you. But my dear Sarah, you dwelt upon imagination in those days and turned small hills into unsurpassable mountains.

I will not have time to write more tonight for some of my fellow officers are coming to my tent to play whist after Tattoo and that has already sounded. Therefore, I bid you good night & pleasant dreams. Affectionately your own, — James [Grimes]