The following letter was written by James Paltridge (1839-1927) of Ulster county, New York, who enlisted on 2 September 1862 when he was 25 years old to serve three years in Co. E, 156th New York Infantry. He mustered in as a private and was promoted to Corporal on 14 June 1865, and to Sergeant on 1 May 1865.

James’ younger brothers, Edmund (1842-1926) and Samuel (1844-1924) also served in the same company. They were the three of at least eight sons and one daughter born to Richard O. Paltridge (1812-1881) and Hannah D. Elmendorf (1813-1880) of Moderna, Ulster county, New York.

James survived the war and returned to Modena where he married Josephine Babcock (1847-1922) in 1867 and labored as a carpenter.

James’ letter was addressed to his captain, Matthias S. Euen, Co. E, 156th New York Volunteers. Captain Euen had been wounded at Port Hudson in June 1863 but was sent East in the winter of 1863-64 to gather conscripts for the regiment.

Transcription

Baton Rouge [Louisiana]
February 16th 1864

Most Esteemed Captain,

With delight your favor of the first was read. We were very happy to hear from you & to hear you was so well. The most of the boys would be delighted to see you once more at our head. We miss your presence & am sorry to part with for so long a time. We can only hope for your speedy return. Many of us are willing to follow you to victory or death.

Gov. Seymour’s message is in our possession. Have you read it? It has been read by many of us & considered one of the most insulting pieces of abuse of the age. It not only abuses the Administration but all engaged in the sacred cause of human liberty & justice—too base to think of. [But as] he is my superior, must therefore hold my peace come what may. ¹

Sir, allow me to thank you for your confidence in one so unworthy as myself as you say my temper too often rages too high & say many things before thinking for which sorrow is my only recompense. Captain, the sound of your voice is often wished for. You are talked of daily. To you we owe the many thanks for our reputation as a company. We are willing to follow you over the plains where deadly hail is sweeping many to an untimely grave. I for one will follow the Stars & Stripes to victory or beneath its ample folds fill the rude grave of a soldier. Down with treason—North or South; a crime abhorred by God & true men.

The appearance of the company is as usual. We have clothes & food plenty, are doing Provost Duty, and having good times. James Jansen & [Jabez H.] Crookston started for home today on a furlough. We have no others sick in E Company.

You will please pardon my other note for I had many things on my mind. If I have caused any trouble, am sorry for it and hope you will forgive me with very many wishes for your speedy return. Will close. If you deem this worthy of answer, your letters will be gladly received. The boys, one & all, send their compliments. You may think mine included for they are. Believe me, Sir, to be your subordinate and friend, — James Paltridge

P. S. Shall be very happy to receive your carte-de-visite. There was a mass meeting here yesterday. It was listened to by many of the people of this State. [They] hold their election on the 22nd. The meeting was addressed by Mr. [Michael] Hahn of this state, & a gentleman from Massachusetts.

¹ New York Governor Horatio Seymour’s speech was critical of the Lincoln Administration’s prosecution of the war and strongly aligned with the Copperheads in the North who opposed the continuation of the war.