The signature on this letter is baffling. It seems clear that he belonged to Co. B, 1st Virginia [later designated West Virginia] Cavalry. His name looks like John H. Gullon but there is no one on the roster by that name. There is a John Gibbon, however, and there is also a letter I transcribed some time ago by John P. Allen who wrote to Rebecca Jane Carroll. He was also in the same company and his handwriting is very similar. There are sketches in both letters as well, but the signatures appear different.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Fort Good Hope 1
December 25, 1861
Dear Jane,
It is with pleasure I take my pen in hand to inform you that I am well at present, sincerely hoping these few lines may find you enjoying the same health.
Jane, it is Christmas and it is passing away very dry. Nothing going n. I would like to be at your house today. This day one year ago I was there but never thought that I would spend my next Christmas standing to fight for my country. We can’t tell what time will bring.
There is a sham [battle] to be fought between this regiment and a Rhode Island regiment. That will be some fun but that is all the good it will do me. I can’t [walk] one mile to save me. If I was at home two or three weeks, I could cure my leg but here I can’t take any care of myself. But I think I will come home in a month or two and then I will have a big time. I would like to be there now if I could get there.
Jane, here is the city as plain as it can be seen where I have roamed through. Jane you must keep all the letters you get from me and be sure to keep this one for it is the nicest one I could [get] in camp.
Jane, I could not get out to get my likeness but I will send you some soldiers money as a gift though it is small but you can see what kind of money we have here. Jane, you must write to me whenever you get a chance. Nothing more at present but remain yours, Dick Jane
— John H. Gibbon [?]
The taller the tree, the tighter the bark
The fairer the Lady, the harder to spark
Cumberland Moreland
Co. B, 1st Va. Regt of Cavalry
In care of Capt. Farabee
1 Fort Wagner also known as “Fort Good Hope” ( 1861-1865) was a Union fort established in 1861 in Southeast Washington DC. It was an earthen fort with a perimeter of 166 yards and emplacements for five guns. The gun placements were intended to sweep the valley through which the road leads up the heights.
Spared & Shared 23 