The following letter was written by John Melville (“Mellie”) Crabb (1842-1910), the orphaned son of John M. Crabb 91804-1859) and Amanda R. Root (1818-1848). John enlisted Co. C, 120th Ohio Volunteer Infantry (OVI) which was later consolidated with the 114th OVI. John was a sergeant in Co. C of the 114th OVI when he wrote this letter of the fall of Fort Blakely in Alabama in April 1865.

As described in the letter, the 114th OVI made the march from Pensacola to Mobile Bay where they participated in the 9 April 1865 assault on Fort Blakely—the last major assault in the Civil War. Following the capture of Mobile, the regiment was assigned duty in Alabama and Texas before mustering out in July 1865.

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

Blakely, Alabama
April 17th 1865

Friend John,

Your kind letter of the 16th ult, was received yesterday with much pleasure. Since I last wrote you we have been on the move pretty much all the time. We left Pensacola, Florida, the 20th of March. After a very wearisome march through swamps and marshes and through a barren country, being compelled to live on half rations a good portion of the time, we arrived in front of Fort Blakely [on] April 2nd. General [Frederick] Steele, in command of the expedition, immediately laid siege to the fort and opened communications with Gen. Canby’s forces in front of Fort Spanish, a few miles below.

On the night of the 8th, the Johnnies evacuated the Spanish fort. Sabbath evening the 9th, we charged the enemy’s works at Blakely and carried them, capturing several thousand prisoners and 40 or 50 pieces of artillery, a large amount of ammunition and other stores. Our loss was very small. Soon after the capture of Blakely and Fort Spanish, the rebels evacuated Mobile. I think our work is about done now.

We have received the news of the capture of Richmond and the surrender of Gen. Lee and his army and other very important news. I think that the time is not far distant when we will be permitted to return home, there to enjoy the blessing of a lasting peace.

I received a letter from Charles a few days ago. Also one from his wife yesterday. He was in good health and did not complain of anything. I think that going to the army has done him a great deal of good in a political point of view.

I must close for this time. We have had no sutler with us since we left Pensacola and therefore no opportunity of procuring paper which makes it very scarce. I remain your truly, — Jno. M. Crabb