The following letter pertains to Edwin Martin Whipple (1842-1904), the youngest son of Herman Whipple (1774-1842) and Phoebe Boa Lafferty (1816-1904) of Erie County, Pennsylvania. Edwin served in two different regiments during the Civil War. He first enlisted in enlisted in Co. C (the “Jackson Guards”) of the 23rd Illinois Infantry—the “Irish Brigade” led by Col. James A. Mulligan of Chicago. He marched with them on their expedition into Missouri and then was mustered out with the regiment in October 1861, after six months service. He then enlisted in late November 1861 to serve three years in Co. C, 111th Pennsylvania. As far as we know, Edwin remained with the regiment and was with them at the Battle of Gettysburg where he shot the hat off a rebel Colonel while skirmishing in the twilight of 2 July 1863. In the book, “Soldiers True; the story of the 111th Regiment Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers” (page 181), Edwin is listed among the wounded at the Battle of Lookout Mountain on 24 November 1863. The company roster indicates he mustered out of the 111th in late November 1864.

The letter was penned by someone named Henry McKenzie who was most likely fulfilling the duties of a hospital warden or nurse. It appears that the content of the letter was dictated to him by Edwin and that he (Henry) was not a member of Edwin’s regiment. He may have been the sergeant in the 5th Ohio Infantry by that name who was transferred to the 2nd Battalion, Veteran Reserve Corps. It’s not possible to confirm his identity. The letter does provide us with more details of Edwin’s history following the Battle of Lookout Mountain, however. Edwin’s letters can be found at The Glorious Dead.

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Transcription

Tullahoma, [Tennessee]
January 10th 1864

Mrs. Edy,

Madam, at the request of your son [Edwin], I address you to let you know how he is getting along. He received your letter of 30th December day before yesterday and was happy to learn that you were all in good health but thinks that Jim was foolish for enlisting.

I am sorry to inform you that his wound is much worse than it was. He got cold in it and in consequence, his shoulder is very much swollen. The doctor is under the impression that it will require to be lanced. He is unable to leave his bed but we hope that with the return of warm weather that he will speedily regain his strength. He wished you to write frequently to him and not await his replies as he is not personally able to do as yet. He wishes you to tell Jim to stay and see him as he passes. All the trains stop at Tullahoma and he cannot miss seeing the Hospital. It is the largest building here and immediately beside the Depot on the left hand side.

I remain, Madam, yours respectfully, — Henry McKenzie

P. S. He forgot to mention that he seen the Regiment going home but did not see Ben. He saw Capt. Todd and Jim Raymond of Co. H. Raymond would tell Ben the condition he was in when he saw him. — H. McK