The following letters were written by Nathaniel Jacob Beachley (1831-1908), a native of Somerset county, Pennsylvania, and a graduate of the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia who was practicing medicine in Vernon, Jennings county, Indiana, when the Civil War began in 1861. In the first year of the war he organized Co. H, 26th Indiana Volunteers and served with that company until mustering out on 24 February 1863 to accept a commission as Assistant Surgeon of the 22nd Indiana Volunteers. In April 1864, he was commissioned Major Surgeon of the 69th Indiana Volunteers.

In his first letter, datelined from Vernon, Indiana, in late April 1861, he describes himself as an “old batch” though his biography states that he was married just three weeks later to Emily Vawter (1842-1866). After the war, Nathan moved to Bridgeport, Indiana, where he resided until 1877 at which time he relocated to Seward, Nebraska. In 1880 he moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, where he lived out his days.

Nathaniel wrote the letters to his boyhood friend, George Washington Shober (1826-1897) with whom he apparently carried on a correspondence throughout the Civil War. George was married in 1852 to Leah B. Berkley (1833-1916) in 1852. George was a farmer in Brothers Valley, Somerset county, Pennsylvania.

Letter 1

Vernon, Jennings county, Indiana
April 27th 1861

I got this evening your answer to my letter which I was exceedingly glad to receive. I am much gratified at the exhibit of my affairs you make and feel under lasting obligations to you for the manner in which you have conducted my little matters, &c.

Well, George, things look dark in the future. We are looking for an outbreak among us almost daily. What has our land come to that brother has to take up arms against brother. But such is the fact and we must meet it as it becomes men patriots and good and loyal citizens to do, &c. I can freely say with you my country first and last, may she ever be in the right, but if she is not my country still—-

Everything looks like war. We have now in the little state of Indiana on regular drill and in the state service about ten thousand men besides all the militia over the state. Six thousand have been mustered into the United States Services. I expect likely I shall have to go in a short time. I am an officer of an independent company which is drilling nearly every day for service, &c.

I am still an old batch. What do you think will become of me, &c. Write me soon again and tell me all the news, &c. Give my love to all my friends and especially to Old Jacob Hauger. Good night. From your sincere friend, — N. J. Beachley

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Letter 2

Chattanooga, Tennessee
April 12th 1864

My esteemed friend, G. W. Shober, Esq.,

I will endeavor to drop you a few words tonight, &c. My dear friend, I have written to you long since but never got one word in reply from you, &c. The cause, I presume, is either the miscarriage of my letters or that of yours, &c. But hoping this may be more fortunate than former letters, I hasten to scratch another scroll to you, &c.

In the first place, my love to Mrs. Shober and the little Shobers; also to Mrs. and Mr. Berkley. Hoping you are all enjoying good health.

Please tell me how did you come out in the draft. Was you exempted or did you have to stand the draft, and if so, how did you come out, &c.? Had you to serve Uncle Sam with Greenbacks any or not, &c.? How did the Haugers and Peter come out? I suppose if they were drafted, they thought it was nearly Hell. ha! ha!! ha!!!

Well we have just been home on a thirty days furlough. The Regiment has reenlisted as Veterans for thre years or during the war, unless sooner discharged. I am still in the service you see, and the prospect of another three years is by no means flattering to contemplate. But we veterans have to make the best of it we can, &c.

George, what is the prospect of the Pittsburgh, Connellsville, and Cumberland Railroad being completed soon, &c. And what is our Milford Land worth now per acre? Be sure and answer these queries with as good an understanding as you can obtain because I may want to sell my interest in those lands. And I also wish to know how many acres of land the Estate owns in Somerset county, Pennsylvania.

Have you finally settled the Hauger claim or not? You know, George, I do not wish to perform these services for nothing, &c. You must make your changes and keep money enough to satisfy you, &c. Goodbye. From your sincere friend, — N. J. Beachley

To G. W. Shober

P. S. Direct to 22nd Regt., Indiana Veteran Volunteers, Chattanooga, Tennessee