The following letters were written by Stewart C. Allen (1843-1918), the son of Edward Allen (1799-1848) and Harriet Ann Foland (1811-1885) of Hudson, Columbia county, New York. Stewart enlisted on 14 February 1862 as a private in Co. B, 93rd New York Infantry. He received a severe wound in the right shoulder during the Battle of Spottsylvania Court House on 10 May 1864 and wrote the letters of 30 October 1864 and 19 May 1865 while recuperating from that wound at Campbell General Hospital (pictured in header of this web page) in Washington D. C. That hospital was located on Boundary Street NW (now Florida Avenue NW) between 5th Street NW and 6th Street NW. It was built with 900 beds. In December 1864, 633 beds were occupied. The Freedmen’s Hospital took over the facility and grounds in January 1865.
The last two letters on this webpage were written by a volunteer nurse at Campbell Hospital where she encountered Stewart and attended to his wounds. A newspaper article informs us that Marie Barton Greene (1828-1907) was working in the Dead Letter Office of the Post Office Department at the time and volunteering her spare time at the Sanitary Commission. For a story on Marie, see John Banks’ Civil War Blog, “Death and The Soldier’s Friend: Corporal Charlie Adams’ story,” June 2016. See also—Lost in the Mail: Dead Letter OfficePhotos on American Battlefield Trust.
Stewart did not marry until 1899 when he was 46 years old. He married 22 year-old Edith Carter and she lived on her husband’s war pension until her death in 1968.
All but Letter #4 are from the personal collection of Jim Doncaster and were made available for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by express consent.
Letter 1
Washington [D. C.]
Sunday, March 16, 1862
Dear Mother,
I am well and I hope you are the same. When you wrote to me last, you saud that you was sick but I hope you are well now and if you are not, I hope and pray to God that you will soon be. And Mother, do take care of health.
Yesterday it rained very hard here and we had it quite uncomfirtable. I have just come up from a spring. I took and washed myself all over and I feel first rate and quite refreshed. They say that I am growing quite fleshy since i have been here and I feel healthy and I hope that you and Mary can say the same thing.
Mother, I am getting quite discouraged at your not writing to me oftener but I hope you will not forget to write to me twice a week because I am quite lonesome here without any of my friends and I hope that you will write oftener to me and tell Aug Mach to write to me, will you. And tell him to tell me all of the news.
We talk of joining the Burnside Expedition but I don’t know whether we will or not. It is a very pleasant place here at present. Mother, have you heard from [brother] Arthur since I came from home or have you heard from Charles? If you have, I wish that you will please tell me when you write to me again. Have you heard from Julia or from any of my friends? And has Caroline been to see you lately? Tell her that I am well and that I send my love to her. And tell her to write to me, will you please? And when you write to me again, tell me how many letters that you have received from [me]. Don’t forget I [think I] have written 6 or 7 but you tell me.
Please don’t you worry about anything. We will be home before long and be happy together. Don’t worry about us. How does the flower beds look? and the yard around the house? Don’t forget to tell Aug that I would like to have him to write to me again. Mother, when you write to me again, write me a longer letter. Don’t forget to answer this letter immediately. Don’t forget.
From your son—one that loves you dearly and hopes to see you again soon. — S. C. Allen
Please to direct [to] 93rd Regt. Co. B, New York State Volunteers, Washington D. C.
Don’t forget to write to me. — S. C. Allen
Letter 2
Washington City, D. C.
Friday, August 7th 1863
Dearest Mother and Sister,
I am once more in the great City of Washington on my way up to the enemy and the front at General Meade’s Headquarters. But my Lieutenant says we can stay here until Monday and we may get paid. And if we do, then I will send the money to you by Express.
We left Gettysburg yesterday morning about 8 o’clock and it made me feel bad to leave for I was just getting acquainted with the young people. It is quite a large town. When I get into Virginia again, it will make the third time that I have had to follow the Rebels backward and forward and I hope it is the last time.
Mother, please let Mr. Bogardus make those boots and you keep them until I send for them. Don’t send then until I let you know when and how to send them. Mother, when are you and Mary going to send me you daguerreotype? Arthur has sent you his. Charles has sent you his and I have sent two. I don’t know of anything more to write at present. From your son, — Stewart C. Allen
Co. B, 93rd Regiment New York State Vols., Washington D. C.
Letter 3
Albany [New York]
March 16, 1864
Dear Mother,
I will be home tomorrow night. I have met my friend here in Albany and he wanted me to stay all night so I thought I would stay. I am well and I want you and Mary to take care of [ ]. No more at present. From your son, — S. C. Allen
Hudson, New York
Letter 4
Editor’s Note: The following was a pre-formatted letter, written in prose, enabling the soldier to merely fill in a few blanks and then add a personal note as a post script. The bold lettered font is what Stewart wrote; the italicized font was pre-printed. Stewart’s post script begs his mother to explain why he should address letters to his younger brother (Arthur M. Allen, b. 1845) by some name other than his given name. Apparently he was operating under an alias for some reason. I have searched for the poem on the internet and could not find it published so have transcribed it in entirety.
Campbell Hospital
Ward Nine
October 30th 1864
Dear Mother and Sister,
As writing materials often are scarce,
I purpose to write you a letter in verse;
To condense my ideas, save paper and time,
Is my object for writing the letter in rhyme.
Of course you will now it is one of my pranks!
It will take but a minute to fill up the blanks.
I received your kind letter just one day ago,
Which found me a member of “Uncle Sam’s Show,”
And for two months or better, expect to remain,
Unless like full many, I chance to be slain;
Should this be my fate, the last boon I crave
Is to mark on my tomb-stone, “A Patriot’s Grave!”
In the hist’ry of wars, as we carefully scan,
Since the first one was waged by man against man,
In all the fierce conflicts no records remain
Which will be compared to the present campaign.
The war has been general, on both land and sea,
And many have fallen for “Liberty’s Tree!”
It would fill many volumes to pass in review
What our various armies this year have been through,
Though my space is not large, yet ’twill not be amiss
To give a slight sketch on a small sheet like this.
The Potomac’s great army has nobly with stood
The wile’s of the traitors, and written in blood
The route it has taken, o’er mountain and plain,
Through forests and rivers, in hot sun and rain;
And now like a giant, aware of his power,
Aims a death-blow at Secession’s “left bower!”
In the siege of Atlanta and Charleston too,
What subjects for history’s pages we view!
Generations to come will exult in the name
of which their fore-fathers carved in the records of fame.
At the Gulf, on the flank of Secession’s domain,
From the shores of “Red River” our brave comrades slain
Are calling for vengeance; Ah! traitors shall feel
A full share of this in the siege of Mobile.
The reb who surrender’d the stronghold Fort Gaines,
We aver, was possessed of less valor than brains!
Our heroes at sea have had plenty to do:
The ports to blockade, and pirates subdue;
Let the famed Tallahassee beware of the day
When our “Yankee Tars” meet her in battle array!
I am sure they have not forgotten so soon,
the victory we gained on the 10th of June.
Thus we see every part of our army so grand,
In the “War for the Union,” on sea and on land,
Are working in concert, our cause to maintain,
To crush the rebellion, and end the campaign.
I have the honor to be your obedient son. Signed, Stewart C. Allen
P. S. on next page.
Mother, you said you wanted me to write to Arthur and to direct his letters Robert E. Allen. His name is Arthur M. Allen and not Robert E. Allen. Now I want you to write to me soon as you read this to answer it immediately and tell me why I shall direct Arthur letters, “Robert E. Allen.” I cannot see into it. Just explain to me what you mean by Robert E. Allen when his name is Arthur M. Allen. Please send me some Hudson papers so I will know the news. I am getting along slowly. Write to me today. Now don’t forget.
Letter 5
Campbell Hospital
May 19, 1865
Dear Mother & Sister,
I now take the present opportunity of penning a few lines to you to inform you that if nothing happens, I shall be home with you on Tuesday at noon & please do not tell anyone for I do not want a crowd around for I shall be probably pretty weak & have a nice bouquet ready for me. From your son, — Stewart C. Allen
Letter 6
[Editor’s Note: The following two letters were written by Mrs. Marie Barton (White) Greene (1828-1907), a clerk in the Post Office Department who we learn worked in the “Return Letter Office.” She wrote both letters to Stewart after he left Campbell Hospital to return home. The letters reveal that she met Stewart while visiting her brother Lt. Alonzo Augustus White (1833-1905) of Worcester, Massachusetts, who was also an inmate of Campbell Hospital at the same time, having been severely wounded at Spotsylvania in May 1864. Alonzo served in Co. I, 36th Massachusetts Infantry. He was discharged from the hospital on 11 November 1864. Marie was the daughter of Mason White (1789-1839) and Rhoda Wood (1800-1859) of Uxbridge, Massachusetts. Marie was married in 1859 to James W. Greene (1825-18??). No additional information can be found about him. According to the Litchfield Historical Society, Marie Barton Greene served with the Sanitary Commission and as a volunteer nurse in the Medical Department. Congress appropriated her with a pension in 1901 for $12 a month. Marie and Clara Barton who was a nurse and opened the Missing Soldier’s Office in Washington were cousins.]
Washington [D. C.]
October 3rd 1865
Stewart Allen
Dear Friend,
A long time has elapsed since we parted beside your hospital cot. Just as you was about starting for your Northern home on the beautiful banks of the noble Hudson river. A long time had you been parted from your friends. Sometimes wandering, heavy burdened thro’ wind and storm. Sometimes on the open plains beneath the scorching rays of a midsummer sun, sometimes through shot and shell, and at length, wounded and weary, placed on a Government transport, brought to the Capitol, and given into the hands of strangers. In your helplessness and suffering, far away from home and friends, laid side by side with your comrades who were dying day by day. Then it was my good fortune to meet and converse with you, to sit by your side from time to time. and strive to add a few comforts and words of cheer to vless you in your suffering.
For long, weary months you lingered and we scarcely knew whether you was destined for life or death. And even now, when I recall your face, your form and and your ghastly wounds as I saw then then, I seem to think it a miracle wrought in saving your life. Dr. True 1 did all a physician could and you was nursed as gently as a child.
I said it seemed a long time since we parted and indeed, it is. Many changes have occurred. The Old Campbell Hospital is now a Contraband Camp and where once the wounded and helpless lay who had fought for libery. we now see a race those same heroes have rescused from bondage, where our noble comrades and brothers died all along those neat and tastefully arranged wards, now live and move and sleep in the same spot the children of Liberty whose precious freedom was bought by their dear blood—and the sacrifice of their lives [ ] they breathe the free air of Liberty which should seem doubly dear and sacred for living where they died.
I am going up there some day to see them. Mr. Sisson is the last soldier left from that Hospital. I attended the [Henry] Wirz trial with him a few days since. Don’t know whether he is now in the City or not.
When we parted, I had but partially recovered from my serious illness. I continued feeble until July when I was granted leave of absence and went North for two months. I visited my Brother who is living at East Douglass now and well as usual [but] will probably always suffer some from his wound. (Is now in a store). From his house I went to Newport, Rhode Island—that celebrated watering place—where I fully regained my health and strength by drinking ocean breezes, bathing, riding, &c. &c. Returned to my desk first of September. Should have written you had I known where to direct while I was at my Brother’s.
Why, my friend, did you not answer my letter addressed to you at Hudson soon after you left here? You remember I promised to write first and did so. And you don’t know how anxious I was because I did not hear from you? I feared you was very ill in consequence of traveling. It was a long time before I heard anything from you. Mr. Sisson said you wrote for my address but I have seen no letter yet. Hope I shall soon. How are you? I’m informed that nearly all the soldiers have had their wounds operated upon that I knew and came near losing their lives since they went home.
You must excuse the rapid hand I write. If I should be particular, I should never answer half my letters. I have two more soldiers to write to tonight and it is near nine o’clock. Let me hear soon. As ever, truly, the soldier’s friend, — Mrs. M. B. Greene
Please direct [to] Mrs. Marie B. Greene, Room 53, Return Letter Office 2
Have you secured your pension yet? Are your papers filed yet? Can I assist you?
1 Dr. William Henry True (1825-1897) of Freeport, Maine, served early in the war as a surgeon in the famed 20th Maine. In 1863 he was assigned to Campbell Hospital and was described by one souce as “one of the most faithful and efficient surgeons to be found in any of our hospitals. When any under his charge were dangerously ill, he would often visit them four and five times during a single night, watching every symptom and noting every change, whether for better or worse, and only relinquishing hope with the last expiring breath. Oh, how much the world needs such humane, Christian physicians!” Source: Page 128 in “The Boys in White.”
2 A Register of Civil, Military, and Naval Service, 1863-1959 list Mrs. M. Barton Greene of Massachusetts as one of the “Ladies Employed in Dead Letter Office Under Act of January 21, 1862” She was paid a salry of $500/year.
Letter 7
Washington [D. C.]
November 21st 1866
Stewart Allen
Dear Sir,
You must have ceased to look for letters from me long ere this but I have not forgotten you nor the many pleasant visits I used to make while you were an inmate of Ward 9, Campbell Hospital, where my wounded Brother was. I have been negligent. Pray pardon me. I am guilty of neglecting all my correspondents. Indeed, I write so much in the Dept. that it seems almost a tedious task to write a letter when at leisure.
But I have often been anxious to hear of your welfare and my Brother [Alonzo] has often inquired if I heard from you and said I ought to write you. He is now at home in Massachusetts busy as possible in a large store. He has more fully recovered from his wounds than I ever supposed he would. You would not recognize him—he is so stout and healthy looking. Only suffers some inconvenience if he has occasion to lift any considerable weight. He is so ambitious that he overtaxes his strength at times. As iside from business duties, he studies and writes sremons, ofentimes and fills the pulpit about one half of the time. And of late, has been very much interested in political affairs. Was delegate to several Republican Conventions &c. (for I should feel disgraced to have any of my soldier Brothrs interested in any but Republican politics).
Brotther has also recentlyattended a meeting of the members of his old regiment and had an intersting time. He would have been before this (as I secured him an appointment here) only his wife has been a confirmed invalid for months. Yes, more than a year.
I spent the month os August in New England. Was with my Brother most of the time. She was then helpless (my Sister) but is somewhat better now. She reminded me of the wounded ones who used to sit months in these hospitals so calm and patiently awaiting their fate. The little girl you will remember. She is bright and lively as usual.
Mr. Sisson—the “steward” is at Westerly, Rhode Island. Was at the “Atlantic House, Watch Hill” duringthe summer. I have just received a letter from him. He wishes to secure a situation at Washington but has only a faint hope of success under the present administration as he is intensely loyal and would employ only radical influence which has but little affect in the Department at present. He has more than once inquired about you.
Now my friend, I sincerely hope that you have been gaining health and strength ever since I heard from you and are now able to walk about. I know that one wounded so severely and suffering what you have can never fully recover your former perfect health. But I hope you are not a helpless invalid.
I have jusr received a letter from another soldier friend from whom I have not heard in many long months, and who left this City in quite as helpless a condition as you did after having been an inmate of Armory Square Hospital two years. He can now walk about and eat hearty food but pieces of decayed bone are still coming from the wound. His was a compound fracture of the hip and was only treated at first as a flesh wound until it was too late to pursue the proper course in similar cases.
Please give me a particular account of yourself since I heard from you for I am anxious to hear all about you. Very truly your friend, — Mrs. Marie B. Greene
Please direct to Room 53, Return Letter Office
A poem written by Marie Barton Greene (under pseudonym Daisy Dell) that was read every memorial day by her in ceremonies at Washington D. C. during the 1870s. It was titled, “They Are Sleeping Today.”
Click here: Uxbridge Remembers Marie Barton Greene, Civil War Nurse
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