1862-4: Romanzo Alexander Coats to his Family

The following 20 letters were sent to me by my friend Richard Weiner who purchased them recently. They were penned by Romanzo Alexander Coats, a flutist in Co. K of the 23rd Wisconsin Infantry. He informed me that as usual, some letters have better content than others, but in general, Romanzo had some facility with relating the experience of being a soldier. He says there is particularly nice content concerning his unit’s involvement in the Red River Campaign, particularly the Battle of Sabine Cross Roads (Letter 17).

Coats, whose father was a minister, went on after the war to become a Free Will Baptist Minister.

To read other letters by members of the 23rd Wisconsin previously published on Spared & Shared, see:

Philip Nugent, Co. B, 23rd Wisconsin (2 Letters)
James Scott, Co. B, 23rd Wisconsin (1 Letter)
Edward Edmund Huddart, Co. K, 23rd Wisconsin (2 Letters)
Elihu Alonzo Crandall, Co. F, 23rd Wisconsin (2 Letters)
Elihu Alonzo Crandall, Co. F, 23rd Wisconsin (1 Letter)
Robert Bruce Crandall, Co. F, 23rd Wisconsin (1 Letter)

[Note: These letters are from the collection of Richard Weiner and were made available for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by express consent.]

Letter 1

This lithograph of Camp Randall was taken from Bascom Hill looking southwest, circa 1864. According to the Wisconsin Historical Society, the railroad track seen in the image’s foreground runs along where University Avenue exists currently. (Wisconsin Historical Society)

Camp Randall, Wisconsin
August 31st 1862

Dear Parents & Sister,

Although it is but a short time since I left home, yet thinking you would be anxious to know how I prosper in my career as a soldier, I gladly occupy these few moments in writing you. You will know by the date that I am far from the place where I last wrote you. Wednesday afternoon we were taken down to Mazo Manie by teams & got on the evening train going east & arrived in Madison about ten o’clock but did not have any supper until pretty near eleven when we had an excellent supper which we relished much, I tell you. But the coffee was so hot that it hardly cooled before we finished eating.

*Herman and Lewis Gudmundsen of the 23rd Wisconsin proudly wearing their new uniforms in 1862 (Wisconsin Historical Society)*

The next morning after breakfast we were marched into camp. I forgot to tell you we had to sleep on the platform around the depot because no other place had been provided. But that would have been well enough if they would have kept still, but some were rowing around all night. We have been in camp since. Yesterday we were mustered into service by Maj. R. S. Smith. The day before we were examined by the surgeon & about 12 were thrown out, among whom were the two Fessenden boys who had both enlisted. One had been in the 6th Regiment who owns that book you have. The other was only 16 years of age. Many felt very bad because they could not go. Byson Reynolds was on.

We are enjoying ourselves as well as could be expected under present circumstances. We have no tents but they are building barracks for us & will soon have them finished. I can be right down on a board & sleep soundly without any difficulty. We expect to get our uniforms tomorrow. Also $25.00 advance bounty. Part of the regiment have already received both. The uniform of the 23rd is a splendid one—a great deal better cloth & better made than that of any other regiment I have seen. The coat is cut like mine I now wear. The 20th Regiment was here when we came but went away yesterday morning for St. Louis. I saw Delos several times. Also J. Williams. Warner Hathaway is here yet but expects to start tomorrow morning. John Calkin is camped near us so that I see him often. We don’t know certainly whether we will get a furlough or not.

I must close. Our company is not lettered yet & you may wait until I write again.

Letter 2

*Addressed to David N. Coats, Spring Green, Wisconsin*

Camp Randall
September 3, 1862

Dear Friends at Home,

Just after I commenced this, I was called out for dinner and will now finish it if possible. I am well and have been ever since I came here although many have been unwell, their illness caused by a change of diet and eating apples and one thing and another which are peddled around by the boys from town. We have received our uniforms excepting our shirts. I have one coat, cap, pair of shoes and pants, two pair drawers and stockings, an overcoat and blanket. Our regiment is furnished with better clothing than any other in or from the state. Our coats are as fine as broadcloth.

We have had new barracks erected for us as comfortable almost as a house. There are three rows of bunks, one above another each side of a partition running lengthwise of the house and then a space of about 6 feet wide, between the bunks and side of the building. There are eight bunks in each row and two sleep in each bunk so each building accommodates 98 persons. Alexander and I sleep together. We have not had a great deal to do yet—the regiment hardly being organized yet. The whole regiment received their arms day before yesterday and they are good ones too but I think they are partial not to give me one. I have not got any fife yet that will answer. I tried one this morning but it was not good for much. I shall have to furnish one myself I guess.

Our company has received the $25 advance bounty in treasury notes and expected to get the rest today and were marched up to headquarters for that purpose this afternoon but for some reason (a soldier never knows the why of anything, you know) did not get it but will probably tomorrow.

The prospect of getting a furlough is poor now. But few have been allowed to go yet and they the ones that have families to see to, many having enlisted expecting a 20-days furlough and left their business expecting to come back immediately. So you see the disadvantages of not being married. I don’t think there is.

Sept. 4th. Just as I wrote the last word preceding this date we were called into rank to march up to headquarters to get our month’s pay in advance which we did quite readily. Musicians only receive $12.00 per month so I have $37.00 in Treasure notes—just as good as gold. I wish I could come home to bring it for I don’t like to risk it in letters but if I can’t come, I shall send it in a few days.

We have got some first rate fellows in our band. The fife Major is a real good-natured fellow and a splendid player, I tell you. It is well for me that I enlisted as fifer if I take into consideration the difference in the respective duties of each. The men have been out drilling four hours this forenoon while I sat in a house in sight of them practicing. But sometimes I think I ought to be in the ranks while others less able are required to drill. The boys are in first rate spirits and have been since we have got regulated. Before that we had to sleep just where we could pick a place, but now everything goes off as orderly as could be wished.

Yesterday while passing along thru camp I met three women and the one next to me I thought I knew but she did not know me so I went on and happened to think it was Roana Wordworth. And then I went and spoke to her. She was quite surprised to see me here. They are well. I have been up to town once since we came into camp and staid an hour or two and have been out to the lake twice to bathe. We were glad of that for it’s a nice place and the water is warm. I wish you had time to come out here and see us as we are now. A great many folks are in the camp everyday to see the boys. If you could come out you would enjoy the visit first rate.

Our rations consist of bread, beef, potatoes, beans, rice, sugar, coffee, tea, and molasses twice a week. There are so many around talking that I cannot half write so please excuse all mistakes and poor writing and write immediately. I have spilled my ink and had to use a lead pencil. New—reliable news (for all kinds of rumors are afloat in camp) are mighty scarce here and I wish you would send me some papers.

Yours truly, — R. Coats, Madison, Wisconsin, Camp Randall, Company K, 23rd Regt., Wisconsin Volunteers, care of Capt. Frost

Letter 3

The 23rd Wisconsin Regiment left Madison on 15 September 1862 under orders to report at Cincinnati, Ohio. Arriving at Cincinnati on the 17th, they crossed the Ohio and joined the Brigade of Brig. Gen. Green Clay Smith which then held the extreme left of the Union line five miles above Newport, Kentucky.

Cincinnati, Ohio
September 17, 1862

Dear Parents & Sister,

I have a very few moments to write to you in & thought I would improve them. We have just arrived here and I am well as usual—a great deal better than when I came. We rode two days and two nights without hardly stopping. We changed cars twice. I do not know where we will camp yet. We are now right in the street expecting to go over the river. I will write again soon. — R. Coats

Letter 4

Camp Bates
September 20th 1862

I now have a little more time to write to you and will try and improve it and will begin by giving a little sketch of our journey here. We were called up last Monday morning in Camp Randall about 3 o’clock to prepare for starting but the trains did not arrive to us until nine o’ clock. Then we marched out of camp, the band ahead playing Jefferson & Liberty. We went in the same car that the Col. & the other officers were in, which was a very nice one. We played until we got underway out of town.

We had a great time between McFarland & Stoughton. The track had sunk about a week previous as much as ten feet & they had just got it toggled up but could not run over it with an engine and we pushed to it and then all the soldiers got out and walked around it & then they pushed the cars across where another engine hitched on and away we went. We turned off at Milton Junction onto the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad and went directly to Chicago. We passed through Janesville but could not see much of it. We saw some country between there & Chicago—the best we saw at all. We had some hot coffee & some of the hardest crackers I ever tried to eat before. I managed to eat one & that was enough. We did not stop until dark & then had to march two miles to another depot by gas light. I wish it had been in the daytime so we could see something o f it . We (the band) played all the way which took some wind. We got aboard of another train & the band had a car mostly to ourselves. We then had some good crackers & cheese & coffee or ice water but I guess the rest did not fare so well. The trains started about nine o’clock. l we rode all night & arrived in Toledo the next morning. We had some more hot coffee but very poor bread & beef.

There we had to change cars again & did not have enough cars to give one to the band so each one of us had to go with his company. I had to get into a 2nd class car without any cushions which was rather hard for us. We went within 25 miles o f Cleveland & then went almost back again to Columbus and got there just after dark. There we had our supper but without coffee. Had some water instead & some good cakes. We saw lots of fruit coming through Ohio but what a country—nothing but trees or woods & then a farm covered with stumps. But it was worse in Indiana for there was hardly nothing but woods, woods, and elms at that.

The cars stopped at one place in Ohio & I got out of the cars and went to an apple tree a little ways off where the owner gave me permission to get what I wanted & I got a lot of them. They tasted first rate. We staid in Columbus about an hour and then rode all night & got into Cincinnati about 8 o’clock the next morning. Then we left the cars for good a mile or so through the city & then halted right in the street and threw off our knapsacks, and after a little [rest], had a first rate breakfast furnished us by the citizens—good bread, ham, coffee, tomatoes, onions, apples peaches, cheese, and I ate it on a good table under shelter. We then had permission to run around town and staid until noon when we had as good a dinner as the breakfast was. There were plenty of peaches peddled around by the boys and women—great large ones for a penny and smaller ones for almost nothing. Here were nice large grapes for 5 cents a pint. I bought 3 cents worth and that was all I could eat.

I had quite a misfortune happen to me while here. My feet commenced to swell & became feverish & painful about 11 o’clock and in two hours I could hardly walk so when the regiment marched away, I was carried with the sick. The regiment was marched across the Ohio River into Kentucky about 3 miles and by that time it was dark. The regiment had to camp right out [in the open] without any tents or supper. I slept in a wagon which had a cloth cover.

The next morning we had our breakfast of bread & cheese and beef. My feet were not bad in the morning, yet I could hardly walk a rod. John had been on the sick list but was almost well & he took care of me. If he had not, I don’t know what I should have done. That morning the regiment marched 3 or 4 miles to our present camping ground & it was astonishing how many gave out in walking that little distance, but there are not a great many sick now. Alexander has not been very well but is getting better now.

We have a pleasant camp here but it is an awful rough country around here. There are a great many regiments around here guarding Cincinnati. The 21st and 24th Wisconsin are here. I have heard that the 11th is around here somewhere but I don’t know whether it is or not. I wish it was for there would be a chance of seeing the boys. We don’t know how near we are to the rebels. Some think they are within 5 or 6 miles & some think they are more than 20 miles. I think they will not trouble us while we are here at any rate. We have had very pleasant weather here thus far & it is lucky for us it has been for we have not yet our tents but expect them soon. We have good bread and meat and coffee & sugar & that is about all. The water we use we get out of the Ohio River about a mile distant but is rather poor.

Well I guess I’ve written a bout as much as you will wish to read. My feet are well now & I feel first rate. John is well. Give my love to all friends & write soon & often & send me some papers. Your affectionate son, — R. Coats, Co. K, 23’d Reg’t Wisconsin Vol.

Letter 5

Milliken Bend, Louisiana
March 25th 1863

It is with pleasure I hereby acknowledge the receipt of your kind & affectionate letter of the 12th day before yesterday. I am happy to inform you of my good health & spirits & hope these few lines will find you all the same. I am glad you were so thoughtful to send me those stamps as I had sent away the last one I had the same day and although we plenty of money, not a postage stamp can we get here and I shall have to depend on you to furnish me & this currency is to purchase some with and send three or four at a time. Oh Father, if I were only permitted to receive thy counsels as it was my privilege to formerly, how precious it would seem for I do yearn for Christian society, for it is so dreary & lonesome here. When I view the course of life so many adopt in the army, so much profanity & immorality are exhibited, yet I don’t know as this is to be wondered at where so many are brought together, & then the absence of all social restrictions & under strict military laws so different in their moral & religious tendencies from our civil and liberal laws at home, that even old professors go astray & grow cold in their love to their Savior. But i do try to do my duty and live in His love & there seems to be a feeling of peace & security in thus trying in my feeble way to lead the life of a Christian. And how cheering the assurance that I am remembered in your prayers at home. And Father, I do know if I am permitted to return to you, we can live more happily & enjoy each others society much more.

I thank you for printing out the excellent passages of scriptures & hope it may be of true value to my soul. Oh how the importance of being a Christian has developed itself to my mind since I have made up my mind to find & love my Savior. I daily feel the need of His love & protecting care & pray to be strengthened in faith and acknowledge His ways in all my doings. You alway write such encouraging letters that it is a great comfort to receive them, and is, as it were, a beam of sunshine across my dreary pathway. But yet I don’t intend to convey the idea that ours is only a tedious and cheerless routine of duties for it is a life we are getting accustomed to & hence our difficulties are regarded as trifle and if it were not for such much sickness in our midst, the boys would be must more content & there would be less pining for the comforts of home.

The change of climate and water has had a terrible effect on the health of our boys and many is the one but for this might have still been with us in the full enjoyment of health. And where so many are sick, it is difficult to care for them properly. At best, it is poor treatment a soldier can expect in the army.

You generally speak hopefully of a speedy termination of this bloody strife. I did not know but you might speak so as an encouragement to us or it might be your sincere opinion in view of expected events. For our part, we think we have a mighty work to do yet before the South is conquered. It is just two years since the war was begun and then consider what we have gained and what we are to gain. I know we have drove them inch by inch in the West and gained many glorious victories but yet they seem as determined as ever. That statement mother sent me respecting the various successes of each party I received and it was a fair view of our affairs, but we look the matter right in the face and make up our minds to fight it out—long or short. Two months ago there was a good deal of talk about running, deserting, being taken prisoner and paroled, &c. &c., but now that is all over with and everone is bound to stick it out.

Often times when I get to thinking about home and its pleasant associations, I do wish I could be there. But generally speaking, I am about as cheerful & in as good spirits as any of them and much more fortunate than a great many, having an easy position as musician & enjoying such uniform good health. I am glad you had a good time at the quarterly meeting & I should like to have been with you. I would like to have heard Elder Miller preach first rate for I used to like him so well. How I wish he could have been our chaplain, for he would have been the right man in the right place. We are now without any and have no divine services at all.

It seems too bad to sell one of your horses to pay the debt as you have had them so long together and then you will be without any team. If you could pay for them by using the money I have sent you, would it not be best to use it? You can act your pleasure but you are perfectly welcome to use it. If you think best I suppose it would be best to let those people take the children if they would be kind to them as it must be a great task for you & mother to support and care for them these hard times. Yet I suppose it would be hard to part after being with you so long. I’m sure as little as I’ve been with them, I should miss them if I were to come home.

The weather is getting pretty warm in these parts this early & by a month to come I expect eggs will bake in the sun it will be so hot. Father, you wrote me a real good letter and I was very glad to get it. I received one from Susie & mother the same day I got yours & shall answer it in a day or two. John is quite smart now if it were not for that heartburn that troubles him so. Frank is well & so is Alex & most of the boys in our company. It is getting nearly bedtime & I shall have to bring this to a close. I have just been out to play tatoo. This morning I had to play all alone as the others were not very well. Give my love to all my friends & neighbors & ever remember your affectionate & truant son, — Romanzo Coats

Our overcoats have been drawn to the boats to go up river & I suppose you will have to go after it or send for it. It will go to L. V. Tabor in Prairie du Sac & your name is marked on it. Good night.

Letter 6

Holmes Plantation, Louisiana
April 19, 1863

Dear Mother & Sister,

The morning after arriving here I wrote you a short note and having more leisure time today, I thought I could better improve it in no way than by having a sociable chat with you at home. I am well & hope these lines will find you all the same. Day before yesterday I was quite unwell with the sick headache but feel well today as usual. At first I did not know what ailed me—only I knew I had most awful headache which commenced in the morning & kept growing worse until in the afternoon when it was so bad I went up to the surgeons & he gave me a dose of castor oil & turpentine & excused me from the dress parade, much to the
disappointment of the boys in the band for I was the main one they depended on. I felt a good deal batter in the afternoon and am well enough today. This was the first dose of medicine the doctors gave me & the first dress parade I had missed on account of being sick.

Well Mother, your predicted long letter did come sure enough & right glad was I to get it. The fellows think I’m the luckiest fellow in the company for getting letters & I think no one has been more thoughtful of the soldiers sons than you at home of me—at least none of them get so many letters & that is about as good an evidence we require of being remembered at home for nothing hardly will so animate the boys as to know the mail has come. Then there’s sure to be two or three for me & good long, long good ones too.

Dear! it was to bad we did not get those things that were sent to John & I feel if you had only said at first that it had been sent by express we might have had it long ago for we would have had to send an order to the express agent at Memphis and have it forwarded to us and then by the time we knew it was sent by express, we had to leave and come here so I don’t know where we will get it.

I don’t know as it will do to have too many chaps named after me as I could not remember them all in my will. I did write to Lucy Ann & I presume she has got it by this time. Too bad about Frank H, but don’t know as I could advise him in this matter. I guess you will think by my letters lately that I am not down hearted & in truth I am not for I never have felt more cheerful, hopeful or healthier than I have the last month or so—especially since we were paid off. By that we mean we have had good living. In fact it seems as though the boys are more encouraged and better spirits than any time since we left Kentucky. We are getting used to soldiering & only desire to whip the rebels soundly, restore the Union & (not slavery) but freedom. I guess you can tell pretty well how I feel by the way I talk for you were always a pretty good judge of humane nature & could not be very well deceived by me, at any rate.

Yes, mother, how thankful we ought to be to God for His kindness & mercy to us. I’m sure we could not have asked for more & I pray that it may be continued. Oh Mother, I’m so glad you feel so reconciled to our separation and apparently in such good spirits for it would grieve me exceedingly to know I should cause you unhappiness on account of my willfulness. Keep up your spirits. Don’t get to worrying & dream any of your ominous dreams & all will turn out all right in time. Only have patience and trust implicitly in God’s mercy. I knew the Harris you spoke of well and he had a pretty hard time before he got his discharge. As he said, I have to take the lead in the music and I don’t like it much either.

I did not think Abbie could scare you so easily as that about sending small things in a newspaper for most all the boys get things that way & to think of your being in prison—what a preposterous idea. But I suppose it is against the law and it is best to be on the safe side. Dear! Susie, how excessively flattering you are getting to be. I believe you have become so accustomed to such language in addressing or conversing with brother Frank that it has become a habit, hey? That makes me think about the story about Honey, or Sugar, but shaw! what am I t a l k i n g about. But please excuse me & I’ll turn over a “new leaf” & try to do better. Yes, I never could find out what it was & have about made up my mind I am only a common personage after all. I expect it was being praised so that made me think so. Isn’t that it? If I only had time I would praise you ever so much but I have got to finish this tonight so I can’t this time.

I am really glad Willie has made a start & I’m going to write him a letter one of these days & you must have him answer it too. I believe he could write a pretty good letter. I’m so glad Mary is getting better. I hope to see the day when we can have a good visit together. Well, are you going about “keeping house” in good earnest? Well you must be careful about breaking the dishes and tripping over the kettles or Frank will think you ought to have tin dishes as we do. How did you know that letter was from a dash, I never heard of him. I’ll have to see about that. I have seen the house. I think it quite a pretty one. Dear Susie, I know you will be happy if you only try to make others happy and let your happiness take care of itself.

The 29th Regiment came down the river two or three days ago & yesterday I heard they were a mile or so from here so I went up there and found King Buller and Joe King & had quite a talk with them. They say the most they have done is to guard cotton & they don’t like it much. I heard yesterday the C Battery had come down and in hopes to see the boys. Kinder curious how we come across the boys down this way, ain’t it. But it beats all how the troops are coming down the river, They are bound to make a sure thing of Vicksburg this time, I think sure. We are making great preparations for it at any rate. Part of Farragut’s fleet has come up and a night or two ago, eight or ten gunboats ran the blockade by Vicksburg and two or three transports and one was sunk. According to reports, the troops in Vicksburg and vicinity are pretty short of provisions and the plan seems to give it a regular siege.

We had quite a rain shower last night but today it is pleasant. Where we are camped now the ground is 8 to 12 inches high and the cover around here is fi v e or six inches high & we have a right smart of warm weather too. I saw some peaches on a tree as large as plums and trees look as green as in June at home. We are in the land of crocodiles but as yet I have not seen any. One of the boys found part of one’s hide & gave me a bit of it. John is well and in first rate spirits and appears almost like a new man. Franklin is well. Alex was not sick but was not strong enough to march. Isn’t it singular about our tent boys—only two left for duty; myself and Jefferson Daggett. Alex Thompson, Augustus Thomas, Wm. Jones, Charley Frim, George Partin, and Thomas Loysee & David Jones were left behind at the band unfit for duty. The rest are away in hospitals or dead. Well, I guess if I write much monger you will not be able to read it all for it gets poorer and poorer all the time. Give my love to all and ever remember your affectionate son and brother, — Romanzo

Letter 7

Smith’s Plantation, Louisiana
April 25, 1863

Dear Friends at home,

Last evening after dress parade, our mail came in and letters from you, Mother & Susie dated the 12th and was glad indeed to receive it. We were then on Holmes’ Plantation and just after supper came the unexpected order to pack up and march. We hurriedly packed our things and about an hour after sundown we started. The roads were pretty bad and in some places a good deal muddy. The moon did not shine much and it was pretty dark but we jogged along the best we could and after marching 8 or 10 miles, came to a halt about midnight. We were tired enough and prepared to camp down. Our wagons did not come up but
as we were going after some water, we came across some bales of cotton and the way the cotton walked was a caution.I got me a good arm full which made me a nice soft bed worth from 6 to 10 dollars—rather costly, but I don’t have to pay it.

What was our surprise to see two steamboats close by in the morning which had run the blockade past Vicksburg and had run up a bayou to us 6 or 8 miles from the river. They fared pretty hard coming down, I tell you. On one boat there were two shots through the pilot house, one through the smokestack from which a piece of iron flew & killed the pilot and then there were three or four shots through the engine room. They are to take the troops across the Mississippi to the mouth of the Black River. Part of our brigade went today and we may yet go tonight. I expect we are preparing to attack Vicksburg and perhaps before you get this, it may be ours.

It is getting very warm here now yet not very uncomfortable.I have not seen Leonard lately but the regiment is on ahead of us and I think I shall see him. I have not the time to write much of a letter now. I thank you very much for those stamps as I was entirely out and had to send some without any.

Susan, I think a good deal of that photograph you sent me and it looks so natural and lifelike. Frank looks just as he used to. John is well and myself too. I forgot to tell you before, I feel as well as I ever have in the army. I got a paper also from you last night. You must excuse this poor letter as I have not much time but thought I would write a few lines as I may not have time to write again for quite a spell. Remember me in your prayers and write soon to your affectionate son and brother. Franklin is well and will send his love. — Romanzo

Letter 8

Hospital Rear of Vicksburg Miss.
Tuesday, June 23, 1863

Loved Mother,

I received your letter of the 11th inst. and perused it with my usual gratitude for I am indeed grateful that you write me so promptly & affectionately & if this is a poor method of conversing, it is the bearer of those messages of love & friendship treasures inestimable to us, cheering and enabling the heart to retain sacred those pleasant associations of bygone days and assurances of a loved remembrance even in this long separation.

I acknowledge the probability of a special providence in being unable to participate in our recent engagements. Yet it seemed that I ought to be with the boys and perform my duty as a true soldier. Yet, it may all be for the best. My ankle is not entirely well yet for it is painful to walk the distance of a mile or two as it is weak. I should have used that sweet oil you sent me but the bottle was broken that contained it and it was lost.

It was really too bad Lephe should have missed my letter. I addressed her long ago as I thought surely she had received it and I was waiting for an answer. Your motives for sympathizing with her were disinterested, I suppose, & Mary rejoiced at my misfortune. Should think she might be more affectionate than to exhibit such a spirit as that. I’ll —–. News indeed about Marion & Teresa. I will allow it will be a shock to Sylvester. Guess it is only a story. It would be just like Alex not to write home even if he were well for I used to almost drive him to make him write before. He generally writes home and waits for an answer before he writes again which would be sometimes over a month.

I did not write home between the 10th and the 25th as we were marching & fighting so much & [had] no opportunities for sending mails. I got a letter yesterday from Leonard and was happy indeed thus to learn directly from him of his partial recovery as I was very anxious about him. He wrote quite encouraging & I am in hopes he is much better. I have a real mind to scold you for talking so about your poor abilities in writing a letter for I think they are so good and kind. I can almost imagine you as invisible, talking to me. Father must find time to write to me soon or I shall have to talk to him. Yes, I think I could drink just about my hatful of that new milk you spoke about and that would be about as much as one cow gives. Most of those things were good but I could not keep them all. I sold a few dried apples & currants but they were just as thankfully received. I did not see anything of the cake at all—too bad. I get all your papers and love them dearly.

We were paid off a few days ago to the Ist of May but had to take all our money here. have sent $10 home by Mr. Paymaster.I am well as usual—only a little tired out by sitting up nights taking care of the wounded. I have t o sit up half the night and cannot get much sleep during the day, but it will not be so hard from now on for me as the poor fellow has died that I had to sit up with. Things go on about the old style around here but the Rebs acknowledge that they cannot hold out much longer. Theirs and our pickets stand within 2 or three rods of each other and by mutual agreement do not shoot but come right together and talk if their officers are not about.

I saw John yesterday. He has been a little unwell lately but said he was getting better. Franklin is a little unwell too but looks better. Mother, I am so glad that you are so hopeful and resigned in relation to our happy reunion and I pray for that day to hasten when our nation may be over from the yoke of civil war and our labors be blessed by the reign of peace. May our faith be strengthened to increase our love of God, the obeyment of His holy will. Remember me to all my friends and neighbors and please write to your affectionate boy, — Romanzo

I thank you for that tea but you need not send any more enough on hand. Yours in love, — R.

Letter 9

Front of Jackson, Mississippi
Sunday, July 12, 1863

Dearest Relatives,

Again, by Gods Providence, I am permitted to address you, informing you of my good health and spirits. We received mail today—the first in a good while and received a letter from you, Father, and Susie on the date respectively June 25th and 22nd adn was very glad to get them and peruse them as usual with interest. You doubtless have heard ere this of the surrender of Vicksburg and today we hear of the surrender of Port Hudson. I wrote you on the 3d inst. the day the flag of truce came out and at 8 o’clock on the 4th, the white flag was hoisted on all the rebels’ forts, and then it was that our hearts were cheered by our final victory and expected immediately to march into town & take possession. But alas for human expectations, we found we were to march to Jackson & rout Johnston, but I was bound to see the town at any rate so I managed to elude the guard & went inside.

I wish I could minutely describe the appearance of the forts and town. I don’t see hardly how a rebel was left alive in there. There was hardly a house, tree, bush, or rock but what had been riddled or smashed and the houses near the fortifications looked like a nutmeg grater on a larger scale. I tell you I felt proud when I could walk along that town on which I had so often looked with longing eyes and behold our boats lying alongside the town and I took the opportunity of taking a good bath in the waters of the old Mississippi which I had not before seen since we crossed below Grand Gulf.

You probably know better than I how many prisoners & guns we took. I have seen no official statement out. I asked men plenty in town that day if it was ours. I don’t know what people in the North will think of the terms of surrender—that is, paroling the prisoners—yet I think it is well enough as they are as tired of fighting as we are and I don’t think their authorities will dare to force them until honorably discharged. They are considerably chagrined at their defeat—that is, most of them. Some were sulky, some mad, and some glad. Our boys rummaged the town considerably after getting in there but not as bad as I expected that they would.

The next morning, the 5th, we started for Jackson & came on by short marches to here. Yet it was quite fatiguing as the weather is so warm. But I get along first rate & feel as good as ever. It was a good thing I came away from the hospital when I did or I believe I should have been sick as
I lost my appetite and got considerably poor.

We are here now at Jackson as we were at Vicksburg, camped close to it and throwing shells and bullets into it occasionally. I don’t know what force Johnston has here but they say they are mostly conscripts, picked up around the country, deficient of arms & ammunition. I hope we can soon rout him here & then have a rest for a spell for I think we have had a pretty heavy campaign for one army & done pretty good work too.

I still have faith in God and love to pray and read His word & I feel that He will protect and preserve me to return to you again where we can together offer Him our mingled prayers of gratitude & thankfulness. I know you always remember me in your prayers and may we all remain steadfastly in our faith and leave all to the Lord. John was not very well when we started from Vicksburg but he is much better now as marching has strengthened him up. He got a letter from you, Frank and Susie today. We left our knapsacks & took only our blankets so as to march easier so I have nothing very elegant to write on.

Keep up good courage at home and write to us often. Our boys are in good health and spirits and if we only get good letters from home we feel all right. Franklin was not well when we left Vicksburg and did not come with us. William Jones was wounded at Vicksburg and had his leg amputated so there are only J. Daggett and myself left of the S. Green tent. No more at present from your loving son and brother, — Romanzo C.

Letter 10

Vicksburg, Mississippi
July 27, 1863

Beloved Mother,

Again with glad heart I improve this opportunity of writing you a few lines in answer to your excellent & affectionate letter written after your return from Quarterly Meeting which I received while on the march from Jackson to this place but had the misfortune to lose it. Too bad. But I had read it over twice and guess I can remember most of it. It was indeed a real good, long letter and I thought a good deal of it. In the first place, I’m sure you had fully sufficient reasons for not writing sooner & shan’t scold you a bit. I cannot expect you to write all the time & I think you do extremely well as you used to write so seldom and are making fine progress in the epistolary science. Flattering ain’t it. I cannot think of half what I wish to write because I lost that letter. It was just at night when I got it and I had a great time reading it. We had no candles and we had to read it by the firelight for I could not wait until morning.

Today it is Sunday and it is then that I think the most of home as I miss its privileges the more. But I try to bear it all cheerfully & succeed well generally. I am still well and healthy and hope you may be the same. I have just got another letter from you of the 12th with the rhubarb in it and I thank you very much as it is sometimes very hard to regulate the stomach.

I am glad you got the pictures.I knew you would like that one the best though I guess the features are not quite so distinct. Yet I thought you would like the position and appearance the best. But I guess I’m the “old plain sixpence” in them all. Yes, Mother, if I had only been there I would gladly have gone with you to meeting but I know you thought of and prayed for me and that is one comfort to me and hope I may always live worthy of your lively affection. You need not thank me so many times for that money for I’m sure they are worth more than a penny a piece for them and then I shall be your debtor. I did send that money by the paymaster and doubtless you have received it by now.

I was up to the 6th Battery today & W[ ] came back with me and I let him read your letter. He sends his love to you. He is not very well now and is not very tough, I guess. Albie looks first rate and I had a good visit with him today. He is just as sober as ever. Rollin is not very well either, yet is with the company. I guess I will leave the milk question alone until I come and then I will settle it (the question and milk both). You must not place too much confidence in my coming home but if we get up the river as we think we shall now, I shall try to get a furlough. I did write about sending Mary’s photograph but forgot to put it in both times. I think I am pretty well furnished in the medicine line at present & will not send any more orders.

We have moved down on the river bank now and gone into camp again in regular style—the first time since leaving Holmes Plantation a long time ago and it seems real good too. But yet I can sleep the soundest to spread down my rubber & put my blanket over me with my coat for a pillow. We have just had a fine shower of rain which was quite refreshing this warm weather. The other day while marching through town, the dust and heat was quite oppressive and then I had to play [my flute] which I had not done before of any account since crossing the river made it rather tough and I expect I shall have more to do now than I have had. While marching back from Jackson, I went with the wagon train and so got my things carried and took it pretty easy coming back as I had nothing to carry.

The more I see of this place and its defenses, the more I wonder at our achievement and the master mind that planned its capture. And then I think they are talking of taking him from us to the Army of the Potomac. That’s just the way. If we have a good western General, he is immediately transferred to that army, and then has to retire because he cannot be successful, trammeled as he is sure to be by the government there—Pope and Sigel, for example. General Grant is the pride of the army and to remove him would be to impair the usefulness of this army. What a series of successes there has been of late, though at the cost of many valuable lives and I hope these may be followed by the still more glorious achievement of a restored and peaceful Union.

While I think of it, I remember you spoke something of my letters being good enough to publish. Gracious, I should as soon think of jumping to the moon or taking a battery with a wooden gun as to think of such a thing, but guess after all you were only joking. Only I would say, don’t do so any more. I have read to the 22nd chapter of Elias and only a few chapters of Mark. Lately I have been so much engrossed by worldly cares that I have been too negligent in regard to reading my book faithfully, but will try to do better. I still love my Savior and put my trust in Him. He has been my most faithful friend and mau I ever remain true to Him.

I have done so little writing lately that I have got behind and having 10 or 12 letters to answer immediately and each one a scolding in it because I don’t write oftener. I have so much to do sometimes I can’t even wash my clothes. Don’t you pity me? But I will write home if I have to go without eating or sleeping. While out to Jackson we could not send mail as we did not have any writing material. Please accept them as they are in old envelopes.

I saw John a few moments ago and he is very well and good natured
as ever. War don’t make any difference with him—just the same everywhere, ever ready to do his duty to both his country and God. You and father may have the secesh money if you want it. A negro let me have it. My well wishes to father, Frank and Susie, and hope to hear from you soon and often. Yours as an affectionate and only son, –Romanzo

Letter 11

Vicksburg, Mississippi
Sunday, August 2nd 1863

My dear Father,

After a long silence I gladly improve this pleasant Sabbath morning in writing to you. I ought not to have delayed so long but for one reason and another I have kept delaying it until now, but this morning I thought I would answer your excellent letter. I received your excellent letter while on our campaign out to Jackson and it gave me a good deal of pleasure
and it was such a good long one. I have almost forget how to write them and had to write short ones from necessity, but there’s nothing like trying. I still enjoy excellent health and spirits and hope you may have the same blessing.

A number of the boys are sick but not more than the usual number, I guess. Although the weather is so warm here. We have to take good care of ourselves or we have a good deal of sickness among us. After all our ardent desires to occupy this stronghold, it isn’t a place to reside in long as it has been occupied by troops so long and under peculiar circumstances that it is a filthy, unwholesome place, and I suppose our stay here will be rather short for we are under marching to go to Natchez as soon as transportation comes and our Army Corps is to keep the river clear between here and Port Hudson. I suppose it is a healthier place down there than it is here, yet I had strong hopes we would go back to Memphis. i suppose we will go in a day or two as Hovey’s Division is getting on today. Our corps comprises Gen. Osterhouse, Carr, Smith and Hovey’s divisions averaging perhaps 3500 men apiece, efficient men because there is always a great difference between the aggregate and efficient number of a regiment as ours, for instance, numbers between 150 and 200 men for duty and has over 600 sick and well here and in the hospital scattered from here to St. Louis.

It seems almost a strange kind of a life to go into a camp and adopt its usages again instead of the march and the line of battle to which we have been so long used since crossing the river as also the whiz of the bullet and the crashing of the shell so common before. We fared harder out to Jackson than we did for here the country was such that we could find protection easily behind the ridges and be in comparative security while there we were in almost all level country where they could have range on us all the time and it is a wonder to me that there was not more of us hurt. But they generally shot too high as the shells would go thrashing through the tree tops making everything rattle and I have had the pieces fly all around me when the shell would burst and the bullets whizzing through the air continually with that peculiar sound which sometimes startles the most daring. But it is with this as with other soldiers duties, nothing after we get used to it.

Letter 12

Camp 12 miles from Opelousas, Louisiana
November 4, 1863

My Dearest Relatives,

Having only a few moments allowed me to write you a few lines, I hastily & gladly improve them to inform you that I am still alive & well although you will doubtless hear ere this of the terrible ordeal our regiment has just passed through, mourning the great loss of so many of our brave boys. I cannot write you in detail this time as I am now at the hospital taking care of the wounded & the mail will go out within a short time.

Yesterday about noon our Brigade—which was in advance of all troops about three miles quietly in camp—was suddenly attacked by a greatly superior force of Rebel infantry & cavalry and hardly before we could form a line & move out to meet them, they were around us on three sides, being flanked both right & left & of course it was beyond human endurance to stand in such a cross fire. And as our Brigade was ordered to fall back, they came on pell mell right into our camp where we had left everything & we were quickly forced to retreat. A few things were thrown into the wagons & they escaped just in time to save themselves.

Our regiment was cut up fearfully. We were a little less than 200 strong & lost 127 killed, wounded, & missing. Isn’t that terrible. Our whole Brigade was at a little over 1000 strong & they had a least six or eight thousand & came on us when so little expected. Before reinforcements could arrive, they had driven us a mile & then before they retreated took & destroyed most of our tents, clothing, &c. and robbed the killed & wounded & took a great many prisoners—about 100, I guess, from our regiment. Col. [Joshua J.] Guppey was wounded & taken prisoner, one captain killed, one missing, & several lieutenants. In our company, one sergeant was killed, one wounded, & two missing. One corporal wounded, one private killed, one mortally wounded, & three missing. One of the missing was Jeff Daggett who was out on picket & captured so that there are ten left in our company yet. I tell you, it was a a dreadful day for us. A great blame must rest on somebody in having us so far in front without any reinforcements any nearer but our boys did nobly & stood as long as they could.

The brigade, the 29 is in, came to our relief as soon as possible & checked them or they would have taken every one of us prisoners. The cavalry were following us right up & we could not escape them. They held our camp about an hour & then our reinforcements having arrived, they retired & by the kindness of Providence, I was spared although I had almost given up hopes of escaping as they were right around me. I’ll try to write soon again. Hoping to hear from you soon, I remain as ever your affectionate son, — Romanzo Coats

[to] Father, Mother, Sister, Brother

Letter 13

Berwick, Louisiana
December 10th 1863

My Dear Respected Father,

I gladly embrace the opportunity to write a few lines so as you may [know] of our whereabouts & that I am still in excellent health & spirits & hope that this may find you all well.

You’ll observe that we have changed camp again by the commencement as we are back again to our old camp on Berwick Bay. It is now Thursday evening. Monday about ten o’clock, we received orders to be ready to march at one—pretty short notice—but we were ready & marched that day & part of the next two days & got in here about noon today & altogether had an easy march of it as it was good weather and we had our knapsacks carried, though it rained some Monday night but I had a pretty good shelter and did not get wet any. We expect to go on again from here tomorrow to New Orleans & what next after we get there, we have not definite idea, though of course there are rumors that we are going to Texas, Memphis & be mounted infantry, &c. but nothing positive. There are no troops with us—only our division. The 3rd Division &19th Army Corps. are still back at New Iberia & I don’t know whether they are coming back now or not.

We are having quite fine weather here for this season of the year as we have had but little cold weather or rain but l expect we’ll soon have enough of both.

We have lately heard of the brilliant success of our brave hero Gen. Grant & almost wish we could be with him again to share his victories as we think almost everything of him. I have not read the account of the fight [Lookout Mountain & Missionary Ridge] yet but hope to soon. I hope it may prove as great as we hear but I rather doubt it as rumor says he took 60 pieces of Artillery & 20,000 prisoners.

John is well & hearty & stood the march first-rate. Franklin is well also. I have not much news to right that will interest you though I wish you could travel through this country to see what a splendid rich country & but for this destructive war would be the most productive district in this state. Many of the plantations are partly cultivated this year but so we took possession they were abandoned leaving large quantities of sugar & cane not crushed & now many are carried on by the Government & I had the opportunity of seeing the operation of crushing the cane & making sugar which we was well worth seeing as it was on somewhat a more extensive scale than your little sugar mills up there & make eight or ten hogsheads a day.

Give my love to all the folks & please write to your affectionate son,
— Romanzo Coats

Letter 14

Matagorda Bay, Texas
Port Cavalla
January 2nd 1864

Dear & Loved Mother,

Again in good health &enjoyment I am permitted to write you that you are still remembered by your soldier boy although you’ll think it a long time since I had last written—at last it does seem to me for we have just passed through one of those ever changeful scenes incident to our life & are now landed on the bleak and sandy shores of Texas. But still our hearts turn to the far loved homestead & distance only renders its association the more dear. And whatever the variations of life, the heart like the infallible magnet, invariably turns to its principal point of attraction—the loved homestead. Yet this life is not for more pleasure or gratification & if we only have Christ for our friend, He is ever with us in whatever land we are.

We did not leave Algiers until the morning of the 26th, therefore spent our Christmas there. But nothing uncommon occurred with us, only we did not have any drill. It was rather a cold, unpleasant day after all. The boat we got on was an ocean steamer, or propeller, & only had our regiment & a company of pioneers on & we all had good bunks on the lower deck which was much better than river boats we had been on before. We rode down the river that night pleasantly enough & in the morning we passed the forts near the mouth of the river—Forts Philips & Jackson—which are almost black with the large number of cannon they have as there in a line of them close together on each side for a long ways. It would not be well for any boat to try & run their blockade.

We soon came across the bar into the Gulf & it had commenced storming before we came into it & some of us began to feel sick enough as the vessel began to rock & pitch & it soon became manifest. The boys’ breakfast did not do them much good & they were heaving up in good style. I would not go below but staid on deck & determined not to be sick but it had to come at last & made me think of those terrible Lobelia emetics you used to give me. I soon got bravely over it though & after that day was not sick any more.

It rained all that day but cleared away just at night & I had a good night’s rest if I was on the sea. The next day was pleasant but the swell of the ocean rocked the ship worse than the day before. A good many of the boys were sick that day. We were out of sight of land all that day with nothing but the grand terrible ocean all around us. The next day, in the afternoon, we came in sight of land & soon came to the entrance of this bay but the water on the bar at its entrance was so shallow we could not go over & had to cast anchor outside & have smaller boats come & unload us and the old boat would rock like fury so that at times a person could not stand up at all & at noon when we were eating dinner, it upset our coffee & ourselves, producing a scene laughable enough.

That night (of the 30th) the wind rose from shore blowing almost a hurricane so that we could hardly walk the deck. It was most bitter cold to us too as it froze water on deck & so all that day we lay in sight of land & could not get off but the but the waves [did] not rock us as bad as the day before for we were close to shore & the wind was from there. The wind blew us all that day & night & till noon the next day, making us shiver if we were on deck a moment & we began to think we would have to spend our New Years aboard the DeMolay—the name of the boat.

But suddenly it became calm in the afternoon & a boat came out and & took us ashore just at dark & Oh! so cold. I thought I should most freeze. And then such a desolate scene that met our eyes as we came to land. Nothing but a plain of sand before our sight & the tents of the troops that had come before us. No timber or fuel in sight nor for miles away & we were almost freezing. We thought “Happy New Year” then sure enough, but it was far north by the side of a warm fire and dear friends.

When we got ashore, I shouldered my knapsack & without further ado, made for the camp of the 11th which I found was not far off although it was then after dark & soon found Leonard in his tent & he was kind enough to give me a welcome lodging three that night free of charge & so I made myself at home & soon were talking over old times pleasantly enough. He looks well & hearty as ever & I was glad enough to see him again. They have been here quite a long time. Jerome & Steven were both well as usual.

It was warmer the next morning & we soon pitched our tents again & we are now in damp in Texas. Wood has to be hauled six or eight miles but the water is pretty good—only a little sulphury. Most of the boys were glad enough to get ashore again as some had been sea sick all the time but I thought we had a “right smart” of a time & enjoyed it pretty well although we had pretty hard fare in the eating line as there was no chance for cooking—only making coffee—so we had only hard tack, uncooked bacon, though Ted and I bought us some good butter before we started which served us well. Franklin was sick most of the time & thought he would not make much of sailor. John was well. George Van Loan was the sickest in our company & many thought they would rather march the distance if they could, but I wouldn’t.

The first, second & our division are here now & part of the 3rd have come to the bar and when the rest of it comes, the 13th Army Corps will be in Texas instead of Memphis.

Mother, I am ever truest to God & love to read & obey His holy word the best I can though I often fall short of performing my duty, but I pray that I may be faithful & steadfast to the end. Keep up good courage for our time is nearly half out & then after 3 years service for my county, I think I can return conscious of having done my part. Yours in love forever, — Romanzo A. Coats

Letter 15

Port Covalla, Texas
Feb 12th 1864

My Dear Mother,

How do you do today? I am very well indeed & have enjoyed excellent health since our arrival here—much better than I might expect. Although we must live on just what “Uncle Sam” provides for us, it is good, wholesome food & I believe is better than buying those little knick-knacks we would sometimes if they were brought around to us. We have first rate hard bread, salt pork or beef, beans, coffee, sugar &c. which we have got pretty well used to by this time. We have not had any soft bread since we came here as there is no flour that can be drawn for our use & I don’t know but it is just as well & healthier.

We have had nice splendid weather for the last three or four weeks—warm & pleasant without scarcely any storms. It seems as though Providence had favored the extension of this revival in this respect as in all the time they have been having meetings, over five weeks, it has not been so but that they held meetings & in the open air without any covering but the heavens & seated on the mother earth. There are now over 400 that have joined the band of Christians & probably over a hundred never before belonged to a church. Yet there does not seem to be much interest manifested in our regiment but a few belong to the band. None in our company but myself. I wish there were some.

Most of the 11th Regiment have reenlisted for three years & those that have not—50 or 60 in number—have been attached to our regiment. We have eight or more in our company. But Leonard [and] the Calkins boys have enlisted again. I did not think they would after serving so long. You would not let me go again, would you? The greatest inducement is the opportunity of getting a furlough to return home for a spell. I suppose they will soon be back there for a month or two.

John & Franklin are well. John stands it first rate since he came back to the regiment. I got a letter from Elvira a few days ago & she gave me quite a reprimand for being so negligent in writing to her. I felt rather bad about it—that she should think me rather ungrateful or distant as I always did value her correspondence highly. But none scarcely considers the difficulties to overcome in a punctual correspondence in the army. Have you not got that photograph I sent you from New Orleans yet?

I want to see home very much & sometimes I feel so heartsick at these deprivations, I hardly know what to do. Yet there is only one best way for us & that is to be patient & cheerful. I generally succeed. Our time is now half gone. If God is as merciful and kind to us, His poor mortals, may we not hope for a sweet reunion when we may enjoy life more sweetly? Remember to all my dear friends in affection, as well as spiritual contrition. Your ever loving son, — R. A. Coats.

Letter 16

Nachitoches [Louisiana]
Sunday, April 3d 1864

My Dear Father

Again am I permitted to pen you a few lines & inform you of our safe arrival at the above mentioned place after a five days march from Alexandria where we were a week ago today. We left Alexandria a week ago tomorrow, the 28th ult. It was a rainy day & we had a muddy, tedious march which rather dissipated the romance of a soldier’s life—especially to our new recruits—yet we only made the best of it, the boys only making the more merriment so that a person could but laugh in spite of himself. It cleared off before night & we had good camp & bed for the night.

The next day we came into rough, hilly country covered mostly with pine timber & very poor land. Heretofore it had been level, rich country & had been extensively cultivated before the war on the culture of sugar & cotton but now it is mostly a deserted country.

The next two days march brought us to within a few miles of this place & yesterday morning we came close by town & went in camp & pitched our tents. I & another fellow went & got a lot of cotton to sleep on & just after getting all fixed up nicely there came an order for our regiment to go up in town & act as provost guard & we had to pull up & move about half a mile to this camp & where we may remain a few days.

From Alexandria we came ahead of the 19th Corps though now they have gone ahead of us. It was expected that the Rebels would try & give us a fight here but they skedaddled as usual though our cavalry captured three or four hundred prisoners & several pieces of artillery. We do not expect them to make any determined resistance till we get to Shreveport—about a hundred miles from here.

I got a letter from you & one from Mother at Alexandria & was very glad of them indeed & have not had any mail since. I do not know as I can send this today but I hope so. I am in good health & notwithstanding our long marching, feel as well as ever. Our soldiers are all very well on this expedition. This is quite an old town here, formerly settled by the French. All the cotton nearly along this route has been burned by order of the Rebel authorities to prevent its falling into our hands.

Monday, April 4th. We were again rejoiced once more by the receipt of another mail & I was particularly favored by getting six letters & was happy. One from Mother of an old date the 1st of February, written just before she left Mr Johnson’s. Also one from her of March 12—her birthday. Also got one from Susie, one from Mary Hoyt, & one from Albie & one from Lephe. I was very glad of them all indeed. Also of those Journals in our mail received at Alexandria. I read a letter from you and one from Mother dated, respectfully, March 24th & Mar 4th (how irregular our mails are). I would like to answer yours more at length as it was indeed an excellent letter in advise & counsel. I will soon try to answer more fully & write in reference to your request for me to the Journal.

Saturday evening we had a good meeting in an empty house close by camp & a real good one though there were not many in attendance. I find a love peace & joy in striving to live a Christian. There is not that dreariness about it that I had fancied. It is encouraging & pleasant even though we do have or trials & difficulties. I shall never forsake this good part, but pray I may daily increase in the love & knowledge of the Lord. Remember me to all my relatives & friend & as your affectionate son, — Romanzo A Coats

Letter 17

[An account of the Battle of Sabine Crossroads.]

Grand Ecore, Louisiana
April 12, 1864

My beloved Mother,

Again through the mercies of a kind Providence am I permitted to inform you of my personal safety & good health, hoping this may find you as well
though not as wearied for we have just passed it through one of the most trying es well as “terrible scenes” I might say that I have ever witnessed of which you will probably have learned before this & at present I cannot write particularly as I please. Yet please let it suffice for the present.

I last wrote you or Father at Natchitoches the 3rd & this is the first opportunity since. We left that place the morning of the 6th last Wednesday, our Corps taking the advance with only the cavalry ahead of us, leaving the 19th Corps to follow us & the 16th Corps—Gen. Smith’s forces—to follow them. That day we marched about 16 miles & camped right in the woods & the next day marched 18 miles and camped on Pleasant Hill, the cavalry having quite a severe fight just before evening and got pretty badly used as they ran into a kind of trap the rebs set for them by concealing their front line of men and showing themselves in their rear when our men charged upon them and lost pretty heavily.

Friday morning just our Brigade, having the four regiments—67th & 77th Illinois, 19th Kentucky, and ours with one battery (Nims of 6 guns; in all not numbering 2,000 men—were ordered up at 1 o’clock, ate our breakfast and were on the march by 8 o’clock to support the cavalry in their advance while the rest of the troops lay in camp till daylight. Our regiment was in advance. We marched on till 7 o’clock when we came to where the rebels were in line in the woods when our brigade passed all the cavalry but two regiments who dismounted and went just ahead of us as skirmishers and our regiment and the 67th [Illinois] formed in line of battle. We went on in this manner all the forenoon, getting pretty tired as we did not have much rest.

Finally we came to a large clear plantation on the side of a sloping hill facing us which we crossed & stopped just on the top as we discovered a large force in the woods ahead of us ready to receive us. Here our Brigade formed a line of battle and waited for our second brigade to come to our assistance as it was evident the rebels intended attacking us. It came up about 3 o’clock and formed on the right of ours. Our regiment was on the extreme left supporting four pieces of Nims Battery. We were anxiously wishing for the 3rd Division to come to our support as we had only one line of infantry and did not know what force there was to oppose us. But it did not come.

Soon we heard the rebels cheering and coming upon us with an overwhelming force of as much as twenty thousand against about five thousand of us. The firing on both sides became almost terrific—one continuous roar of musketry and the rapid boom, boom of our cannon. Our boys fought bravely, nobly and stood their ground while the rebels came on, on with irresistible power until they were almost to the very point of our bayonets. Then we were ordered to retreat. The line on our right broke before our regiment, leaving both the right and left flank of it exposed. Our Major then ordered us to retreat. I was right with the boys till then and we turned and ran as fast as possible across that field as much as a mile in width, all the time exposed to the fire of the enemy who were following us in good time and as fast as possible.

I ought to have mentioned that there was a support of cavalry in the rear of us which somewhat checked them as they drove us out. The cavalry could do nothing towards stopping them and they also soon turned and ran. And then it became one precipitate, disorderly retreat, each running for dear life, the rebels pouring in their galling fire among us, their bullets whizzing past our heads like hailstones and we were almost in as much danger of being killed by our own cavalry as being shot—and many were hurt that way.

Just as we came into the woods across the field, the 3rd Division came up on the double quick to our assistance but too late. Half an hour sooner they might have [helped] us but now we were in full retreat and it was a hard matter to rally even the remnant that were not disabled or taken prisoner. The 3rd DIvision formed as soon as possible and prepared to do their best to save this day, but the rebels, flushed with success, came steadily but surely on and it seemed that no power could hold them. They fought madly, recklessly, as they knew our inferior force & were confident of victory. They used no artillery and ours, as they advanced, would sweep down whole groups of them in a place, but the gaps would be filled by fresh men and on they would come.

A whole division in three lines of as much as six or seven thousand charged on just our regiment and the battery alone & as the pieces, charge after charge of grape and canister through their ranks, they still came on. At one time their flag was shot down right in front of us and they slightly wavered, but someone grasped it, waving it above his head, when they rallied around it and came on. Their line extended far beyond our left so that there was no force to oppose them at all but some cavalry which could do nothing towards checking their infantry. Those battery boys stood by their pieces like heroes and fired so rapidly that their guns got so hot. Their horses were partly killed and they had to leave pieces be captured by the enemy.

The 3rd Division could not hold them long and where was the 19th Corps all this time? They ought to have aided us four hours ago and still they had not come and if not all would be lost. the rebels were driving us all now and to make it more disastrous, our train had followed us closely as we were advancing and now we were driven back onto that, and being in the woods, our artillery and cavalry and ambulances could not pass it, could not be turned, and at this time everything seemed lost and our only hope relied on the assistance of the 19th Corps and it now was getting almost dark. We fought and marched hard all day from 1 o’clock in the morning, and all wearied out, but still we had to retreat and soon it became a general stampede of cavalry, riderless horses, mules, negroes crazy with fright, everyone fleeing for their lives.

Suddenly the music of a brass band struck our ears. Heaven be thanked. Success was at hand, the 19th Army Corps had at last arrived. Never did music sound as sweetly as that splendid band leading to our rescue. How it cheered our drooping spirits. Such cheers that were given in our joy were never given with such fervor before. The 19th formed their line three or four miles from the position we were driven from and soon were ready to receive the advancing rebels who were coming on whooping and cheering, all confident of complete victory. As they came, volley after volley from the 19th were poured into them & those taken said never before were they so surprised and so astonished as when they met the 19th. They had no knowledge of their presence till those volleys were poured into their midst. then they were checked.

It was now growing dark and our boys were scattered here, there, and everywhere. No company or regiment of our Corps were together and no one knew where to go or where to stop. While retreating, I found a cavalry horse all equipped without any rider and bestriding him, I went with the crowd. Finding a number of boys of our regiment late in the evening, we stopped together, built up a fire, and laid down to rest.

When first meeting the enemy in the morning, we left our knapsacks to be put on our wagons, but there were some blankets on my horse and I used them. I did not rest more than two or three hours when the whole forces and trains commenced retreating to Pleasant Hill. So we got up again and plodded on, marching till morning when we marched to Pleasant Hill, the place of our departure the morning before, having marched a distance of over thirty miles. Here were Gen. A. C. Smith’s forces who were hurrying to our assistance. Here the shattered regiments were reformed and matters somewhat more arranged.

The loss of our regiment was not as great as I at first supposed. I do not know it exact but not over 50 or 60. I think that our company was the most unfortunate as usual—one killed, one wounded, and seven missing. We do not know whether the missing are injured or not. As soon as we got organized again, our Corps were ordered back on the retreat to Natchitoches while Smith’s forces and the 19th Army Corps, which had fallen back to Pleasant Hill, remained to give battle to the rebels if they should advance. Although most tired out with so much marching, we marched back all that day and kept on all that night again with but short rests till after midnight, and then only had a rest of four hours when we had to get up and go on again. We are so tired and fatigued that we would fall asleep while marching along and I don’t know what I would have done but for my horse which I rode most of the way.

I ate the last I had the morning we retreated from Pleasant Hill and had only one small cracker which one of the boys gave me till the next morning and never did I relish a breakfast as I did that of crackers, coffee, and a bit of meat. We only marched Sunday till about noon and then our regiment was detailed to guard prisoners taken in the fight on Saturday, and then yesterday (Monday). We came on through to this place on Red River, four or five miles from Natichtoches.

The day we left Pleasant Hill, Saturday, Smith’s forces and the 19th Corps had by far the most severe battle and having sufficient forces and a competent general (Brig. Gen. A. C. Smith), repulsed the enemy and drove them from the field. As we were not there, I do not know the particulars and you will probably know more by the papers than I can tell you. Gen. Smith would take no part in the fight unless he had the whole command and although both Maj. Gen. Franklin and Banks were both there, they gave him the command and he won the day although it must have been hotly contested and since have fallen back to this place.

As I expect the expedition abandoned simply on account of carelessness or inefficiency of certain generals which I’m going to speak of plainly, and you may judge of its reasonableness or rather unreasonableness. In the first place, just our small Brigade was ordered so far in advance to attack the enemy whose force was not known, and then our train and the cavalry train were ordered right in to follow between us and the rest of the troops, here being a distance of four hours travel between our brigade and other troops and any other troops. Then, after driving their force which but retreated to decoy us after them (and of which we were confident all the time) seven or eight miles, our regiment though it ought to have been relieved by other troops as we were all tired out before the fight and even while fighting them, we were anxiously awaiting reinforcements. The 3rd Division & 19th Corps were going into camp 6 or 8 miles away, then after it was seen that we were overwhelmed, the 3rd Division was ordered up on the double quick and the 19th Corps drew two days rations and delayed two or three hours before they would come to our assistance. Is it to be wondered that we should be defeated under such management—or rather mismanagement> If only our two corps had been together and formed where out brigade was defeated, we could have checked, repulsed, and utterly defeated them, and now have beeb almost with Shreveport and the object of this expedition attained instead of being a repulsed and disappointed army.

Well, regret are of no avail now, but I do feel almost disheartened. We are so disgusted (you may think that a hard word but it is so) with such generalship that has been shown in this department that we have lost all confidence in our leaders here. I had great hopes that this expedition at least would be successful and it might have been but for such poor disposition of the troops with us. We had forces enough if they had only been judiciously employed. I did not intend writing so lengthy at first and yet have not said half I wish to. I do not know what is intended to be done next. Do not think me discouraged or disheartened—only several disappointed. I’ll try and write soon and interesting perhaps as such a letter as this may not be of much interest as of a different style. But excuse all for love of your soldier boy, — R. Coats

Franklin is by me and is safe. Gen. Ransom was badly wounded.

Letter 18

Grand Ecore, Louisiana
April 20th 1864

Dear Dear Mother,

I sit down carefully to write a few lines in answer to your very good letter of the 21 ult. just after you have moved into the old home again. I think I must compliment you on your good improvement. I’m writing not by any means informing that you were not a good correspondent before, but have very much improved for you can write such long, interesting letters. I think all the world of them. You have really moved back to the old homestead again? How different from when were all there before–one of you children given away & the other lent. You hope to get him back sometime, don’t you? May a kind Providence permit it.

I am going to write to Uncle Charlie if I can have the opportunity for I know he likes to hear from the soldier boys. I don’t know what to say about that cry but I guess it is all right if you felt so much better after, isn’t it? I don’t know but you’d think by my last letter after so much trouble that I was a little down-hearted &I don’t know but I did write a little that way but we are getting to feel pretty well again. You must still have good spirits & not worry even if we do have it a little hard. I still have hope that it will all come out right. Perhaps this affair may not be so bad as we at first thought for the next days fight. I suppose the rebels were pretty badly defeated & lost a great many men but we had to fall back here for supplies.

I am in real good health & Iguess about as tough as most of the boys. I think I h a d been very fortunate about having such good health as but a few have enjoyed as good. I think a good deal of those shirts &things you sent me for they are just what I wished but I think the postage would not have been so much if the package been sealed. It ought [not] to have cost so much.

Some pretty good breastworks have been built here as I think the rebels will not dare to pay us a visit here. I had a real good letter from Susan last night &they were having great times with the 11th boys who had just got back. I am glad they have such good times for they have earned it or will certainly. We are having such uncommon cold weather here for this climate and season. Our two blankets hardly keep us comfortable some of these cool nights but I expect it will soon be warm enough to make it all up.

Mr. Hague that sometimes preached to us & took the lead in our prayer meetings was killed in the battle. We feel his loss very much. He was a real good man & seemed so earnestly engaged in his good work. I don’t know what we will do about them now but I mean to live right if we cannot have our regular meetings & try not to neglect my religious duties.

Mother, I have got entirely out of Postage stamps & wish you would buy me quite a number that I may have some ahead as that I will not send any not prepaid for it does not look well, does it. John is well & I expect about the best cook in the regiment. That is what his boys say. A person can live & learn most anywhere. Frank is well. How fortunate he has been in all our battles. He is a good soldier & a brave one too. We lost our shelter tents or they were thrown from the wagon so that they could get along with it better or the rebels would have got everything we had out it. I must close for this time. Yours in affection, — Romanzo A. Coats

Letter 19

Baton Rouge, Louisiana
June 6th 1864

My loved & honored Father,

It seems a long time since I have written to you & I fear you’ll think me too negligent but I hope you will excuse me this time & I’ll try to do better in the future. I received your welcome letter of the 15th written at Sea Cross a short time ago and it seemed rather odd to hear from you in that part of the ate. I am glad you have encouraging success in your new business and I hope it may be profitable and pleasant to you. I suppose you have learned by this time most of the particulars concerning our late expedition and it will be unnecessary to enumerate the rather unpleasant details.

Gen. [John Alexander] McClernand came to us at Alexandria and took command of our [XIII] Corps and was greeted with the most enthusiastic cheers by his old Vicksburg heroes. But much to our regret, he was soon taken sick & very severely too & the last I heard of him he was hardly expected to recover. Gen. Banks was very unpopular with the army but whenever Gen. Smith rode along the lines the boys would give cheer after cheer for him & I see he has been rewarded for his meritorious conduct during our recent struggles by an additional star—now Maj. Gen. Andrew Jackson Smith. All honor to him, I say.

I hardly know when this letter will reach you as we hear the river is blockaded above here at Greenville but I guess it will be but a temporary obstruction. But it deprives us from hearing of the news from Gen. Grant which we are somewhat anxious to hear. I do so earnestly hope that he may be successful for there is so much at stake in the result of that terrible strife for the capture of Richmond. The last we heard, he was on the march again from the scene of a severe seven days fight. May Providence favor him with ultimate success.

We have had quite a pleasant time here although it is getting quite warm weather now making it somewhat uncomfortable in the middle of the day. The rest of those prisoners taken at Carrion Crow have just come to the regiment having been exchanged for those prisoners captured at the battle of Pleasant Hill April 9th. They have been in the Parole Camp at New Orleans ever since last December having had such an easy time of it. Col. Guppey has also returned to us. We have lately been joined by such a number of recruits from the state and now we have quite a respectable regiment, but the 11th [Wisconsin] boys in it have been ordered to the regiment. They number about 100.

The hardships & exposures of our late campaign are telling somewhat on the health of our boys—especially the recruits as quite a number are on the sick list but not very serious. We have considerable drilling to do now
to remedy the demoralization we have lately experienced. I suppose our band had only two drummers left when we got here but now it is pretty well filled out and of course have our dress parades and in military style. Ours is the only division now here but we soon expect the 1st here and then we expect to go to Carrolton again.

Charlie Finn has come to the company again at last after an absence of more than a year. He looks well and hearty. I had a letter from Leonard a few days ago. His regiment is at Brashear. He thought the return to military life was somewhat tedious after enjoying the pleasure of a visit home. How true it is of what you wrote of the comfort of true religion. It is an inestimable treasure the more I strive to adopt its precepts yet, it is a source of regret that I cannot enjoy it. I would wish a circumstance from its hallowed influence & the enjoyment of religious society. Yet this only endears the heart to its worth. I hope Mother may come to you there for it seems more lonesome to me to think you separated. Please write. Your affectionate son, Romanzo

Letter 20

Morganza, Louisiana
August 19th 1864

My loved & honored Father,

Your kind epistle of the 5 inst was yesterday received with much pleasure & it is a most agreeable task to employ these few moments in writing a few lines in reply. You must not expect much of a letter this time. There is such a dearth of any interesting news from this quarter that it is extremely dull with us.

That was a great story about the 23rd having been in a fight & the other still more absurd about the furloughs. I think that Bowers has a Machausen like style of story telling. Furloughs can only be granted in case of sickness.

I think there was quite an extravagant idea of cotton speculation connected with that Red River Expedition as subsequent events have pretty well proved. When we left Alexandria, one Division of the 19th Corps was left there together with our Corps supply wagon train & its guards. Also a good many of our regiment were with it & they were employed almost continually bringing cotton into Alexandria all the time we were away from there. They found immense quantities around there, yet a great portion was destroyed when we evacuated the place as the blockade of the river prevented its removal. It with a large portion of the town was burned. The expedition was dishonorable both in intention and results, the latter to be expected from the former.

Those papers did not come with the letters. They will probably come in the next mail. They are oftener delayed than letters. I would like the Star very much to read as there is no such paper taken by the company. Several take the Journal so I can read that. I wish you would send me the Star.

I still have excellent health, only my eyes are no better. They are not painful—only very weak, impairing my sight. There are eight cases of them in our company—rather unfortunate. John & Franklin are well & I am glad your health has improved as I was afraid you were unwell. I don’t know what I should do if you were ill & I could not come to you.

It is a rainy afternoon. We still have the most encouraging news from Sherman’s army. What a successful campaign he has had thus far & I think he will soon gain the prize of Atlanta which will surely prove a serious loss to the rebels. It is too bad Grant should have been unsuccessful in his charge at Petersburg. I’m afraid it will prove a serious drawback for his progress. It must have been some such a disaster as our famous charge on Vicksburg May 22d 1863. That was a terrible day.

We have more pleasant weather or at least more agreeable as these occasional showers make it cool &refreshing. It is too bad about having to pay that extra postage. I did not know before that it was so & can be more careful & send them without their being so heavy. I’m glad you told me. Of course I would not think you meant any such thing as that. This is rather a poor letter, yet please accept it as a slight token of the love of your affectionate son, — Romanzo

I still have stamps though not many. Please send 8 or 10 extra & then I’ll have them for a reserve. Yours in affection, — R. A. Coats