The following letter was written by James Peden (1828-1896) of Co. F, 104th Ohio Volunteer Infantry (OVI). He was the oldest son of William Peden and Elizabeth Richards of Wellsville, Columbiana, Ohio. Serving with him in the same company were his younger brothers, Hezekiah Peden (1831-1881) and William Peden (1841-18xx). James was married to Christina McIntosh (1808-1896).

James enlisted in Co. F, 104th OVI on 12 August 1862 and mustered out of the regiment on 17 June 1865 at Greensboro, North Carolina. “Co. F was recruited from Wellsville, and the towns adjacent, up and down the Ohio river, and along the line of the C & P Railroad with the disadvantage of having within its ranks an undue proportion of “toughs” and “dead beats.” Still Co. F always held its own with any other company in the regiment for efficiency and readiness for duty.

Co. F also rejoiced in the ownership of two dogs which became the pets of the regiment. “Old Harvey” had been in service before; was wounded in Virginia and again at Resaca. He was an aristocrat and wore a brass collar with the legend, “I am Lieutenant D. M. Steam’s dog; whose dog are you?” After Lieutenant Williamson’s death, “the blue pup” became a “child of the regiment.” By his antics, especially his tricks with fire, the boys were often thrown into convulsions of laughter. Unluckily, he tumbled off the train on which the regiment were going from Cincinnati to Washington.”

James’ letter speaks of the fighting by the regiment at Tunnel Hill and at Resaca. The 104th Ohio sustained a total of 183 fatalities (including those killed, mortally wounded, and died of disease) throughout its service, with Resaca being one of its earlier, significant battles in the 1864 campaign.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

[In the Altoona Mountains]
June 8, 1864

Miss Jenette McIntish in haste.

I will pen a few lines to let you know that I am well, hoping you & yours to be the same. Well, Janet, we are fighting a little every day. We have drove the Rebs about 80 miles into Georgia, We had a hard fight at Tunnell Hill & still harder at Resaca. We lost a good many men but not as many as the Johnny Rebs. We charged on their breastworks. The contest lasted about 30 minutes & the two armies was very close together during that time, varying from 10 to 40 feet apart. I shall not say anything about the field after the fight was over.

Now, at this instant, we are in the Altoona Mountains following after the scared Johnnies. They are retreating towards Atlanta, Georgia—a distance from this point of 30 miles. It is supposed they will make a stand 15 miles from here called the Lost Mountain but I think it will be of no use to them for we must or will whip them. I would say to you that the Armies of Sherman & Thomas & Hooker have grown desperate & will wipe rebellion out afor they get a chance so to do. Officers & privates generally think we will be in Atlanta on or before the 4th of July, 1864.

Now I will close by wishing you a long and happy life. Give my respects to your father and mother and mother’s sister [?]. Keep a bucket full for yourself.

[James] Peden to Jenette McIntosh

Now Jenette, this letter, I want everyone that may read this to consider that I wrote it to him or her as the case may be.

To Mrs. Crisy James Peden, I am thankful to you for your likeness which you sent me accompanied with a kind & acceptable letter, hoping the time will soon be that I may see the original. Pictures the [ ] of all my [illegible].

There was two killed out of Co. F, 104th OVI. Their names was Van Tyne & [blank] & there was four slightly wounded. Hick [Hezekiah Peden] got a letter this morning from William. He is still at [ ]ville & was better of his illness. Tell father that his sons Heck & James are in the field & is alright as yet and their cry with all true men is down with the traitors wherever they may be.

Write soon. Direct to Chattanooga, Tennessee. First Brigade, 3rd Division, 23rd Army Corps. Co. F, 104th Regiment O. V.