The following letter was written by Oscar Fox (1832-1897) who served in Independent Battery H, Pennsylvania Light Artillery (sometimes called John I. Nevin’s Battery). This unit was organized at Pittsburgh and served in the defenses of Washington D. C. from the fall of 1862 to the spring of 1863.

At the time Oscar penned this letter in June 1863, the Battery had recently come under the command of Captain William Barrowe, a seasoned U.S. Army Regular. In the fall of 1864, Barrowe faced court martial for forging documents and submitting false reports; when President Lincoln chose not to dismiss the charges against him, he was removed from his command on March 8, 1865, and dismissed from service on the same day. He was later reinstated as 1st Lieutenant in the Second Artillery in July 1865—a decision for which the Army would come to express deep regret. Four years later, while commanding an artillery unit in Alaska, he made the unjustifiable decision to shell an indigenous village, an act for which the U.S. Government continues to issue apologies (see Army will issue January apology for 1869 bombardment of Wrangell).

Battery H, Pennsylvania Light Artillery never saw any action though seven enlisted men in the battery died of disease during the war.

Transcription

Fort Ramsey
June 24, 1863

Dear Sister,

You will see by this letter that we have moved from Alexandria. We are stationed at this fort [but] will not remain long here. We are under marching orders. This Battery is attached to the Reserve Corps. We are not far from the 10th Regiment. I was over there yesterday. The whole division is under marching orders with three days rations in haversacks & seven with the teams. Where we are going, I cannot say, Some think we are going to Maryland, some [unfinished sentence]

David’s health is very good. I had a very pleasant visit with him. William Stilwell’s health is very good. Promotion makes no difference with David. I am very glad that we are going to remain with the reserves, There is not much news to write. My health is not very good. I am excused from duty by the doctor.

I sent home money to Jane last week to 17 dollars. Have not heard anything from it yet. I saw the letter that James wrote to David yesterday—quite a sad accident occurred there. I guess they will be more careful in future how they ride and go onto the water to play. Olive came very near being drowned. Keep close watch over Willie and Mary. Tell Jane not to let them go to the mill unless someone is with them. Tell Jane to write soon. I have not received any letter from Erastus since I left Cliffburn Barracks. I wrote to him since I received any letter from him.

There was a fight going on in hearing of us last Sunday.

I cannot think of anything more to write. I have just been to the hospital after some medicine. I will write to James & Netty as soon as I can. We have been moving so often that I cannot find time to write. There is [always] something to do when we move. Write soon. Kiss the children and think of me. I have not seen Miss Mary’s brother since I left Washington. I saw him in the city a short time before we left. He was looking very well. Said his health was very good. Give my love to all of enquiring friends [but] reserve a large portion for the folks at home for I have lots on hand. I shall have to close this not very interesting letter for want of something to write. You do not know how much better it makes me feel to get a letter from home.

Goodbye for this time. I should like to be there to help build that new mill. From your brother, — Oscar Fox

Direct your letter to Washington D. C., in care of Battery H Pennsylvania Volunteers, in care of Capt. [William] Borrowe