My passion is studying American history leading up to & including the Civil War. I particularly enjoy reading, transcribing & researching primary sources such as letters and diaries.
A post-war watercolor of Daniel based on a photograph in Ancestry.com
The following letter was written by Daniel Joyce. Prickett (1840-1927) of Co. H, 3rd Ohio Cavalry. This regiment was organized at Camp Worcester in the fall of 1861 and remained there until mid-January 1862 when they were sent to Cincinnati, and then on to Nashville, Tennessee where they were attached to the 6th Division, Army of the Ohio. The regiment also fought in the Army of the Cumberland and in Wilson’s Cavalry Corps. Their engagements included the Siege of Corinth, the Battle of Stones River, the Battle of Chickamauga, the Atlanta Campaign, The Franklin-Nashville Campaign, and Wilson’s Raid through Alabama & Georgia.
Daniel served in the 3rd Ohio Cavalry from 5 October 1861 until 4 August 1865. He entered the service as a sergeant and for most of his time served as the regimental quartermaster. He was briefly taken a prisoner with others of his regiment at Bardstown, Kentucky, in October 1862. Also serving in the same company as a private was Daniel’s younger brother, James Hudson Prickett (1843-1924). Their parents were Japheth Leeds Prickett (1815-1893) and Phebe Sharp Borton (1815-1901) of West Unity, Williams county, Ohio.
[Editor’s Note: This letter was sent to me by Gregory Fried for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by express consent.]
Three unidentified soldiers of Co. H, 3rd Ohio Cavalry Regiment in uniforms and two unidentified men in civilian dress. Library of Congress.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Addressed to J. L. Prickett, West Unity, Williams County, Ohio
Salem, Tennessee
Sunday, July 12th 1863
Dear Parents,
From some cause or other I have had no letter from you for some weeks and I will try and re mind you of it.
If Napoleon were commanding, my fate would be sealed as I am writing a long while after tattoo. I have my usual health and hope you are as able for your rations. I got news from the county around Unity up to the 2nd and if there had been anything unusual I should have heard of it. I received a letter from [brother] James dated the 4th. He said he had a relapse and would not be able to walk in two weeks. I suppose you will get later news from him than I.
I spent my 4th [of July] running around through the country hunting forage and rations, crossing creeks and rivers, and finding but little of either and getting little rest or sleep. We left Murfreesboro on the 24th and after much delay, got to Manchester on the 25th. On the 2nd we had a brisk fight, the 3rd [Ohio Cavalry] of course in advance and the only regiment engaged. There were a few of the 1st & 4th Ohio engaged, but the 3rd principally. This was at Elk River at Morrison’s Ford. Co. H crossed first. I have not time nor space to detail the particulars—suffice it to say the 3rd did themselves and the army credit. Co. H. had Barnes, Lawrence & Whitehead wounded—not seriously. Our whole loss was eleven including two killed. My horse was struck with two pieces of shell but I was 40 rods from him, but we were within 75 yards of them at one time, the river being between us. The bullets came close, i tell you. We had to get behind trees. Their loss was 22 beside Col. Webb, 4th Alabama and report, and from evidence it is true. I think Gen. Stearns died of wounds received there. The number of wounded we cannot know as they were carried off.
We have excellent water. There is a small river of pure cold water coursing right out of the rock not more than 30 rods off. We are about 35 or 40 miles from Huntsville on the Fayetteville & Winchester Railroad. About 10 miles from the later place. The country is beautiful and rich. The crops of rye wheat & oats were good but we are consuming them together with all the old corn. I tell you what, two divisions of cavalry together with their teams, consisting of about 12 or 15 thousand head of animals, consume some grain, and it comes principally out of the country on our line of march. Beside this, the 1st 15 days after we started, it rained 12 days and the roads became so muddy our teams could not keep up and we could not get enough in the country. Some of us went hungry sometimes [but] I never suffered.
The rain was Bragg’s salvation as we could not cross Elk River before it became too high. I am back with the teams. We start for Huntsville in the morning. The 3rd [Ohio Cavalry] went day before yesterday and the remainder of the cavalry went this morning except a guard for the train and pickets to prevent a surprise and capture of the train—a thing somewhat unlikely now. The cars run from Murfreesboro to Elk River some 5 or 6 miles from Winchester and rations are plenty.
How does Charley get along? Do you work him any? Is there any school? I hope to spend Christmas and New Years at home. The prospect is cheering. I will close by asking a long letter soon. All our company things are at Murfreesboro and my paper & envelopes are there too and I have to borrow. Love to all—Uncle Si included. — D. J. Pickett, Co. H, 3rd O. V. C., 2nd Brigage, 2nd Divsion, Salem, Tennessee.
Send him (James) that receipt for making Peanuts Liniment.
Huntsville Alabama
July 15th 1863
Dear Parents,
I thought I might make an addition to my letter and give some additional information. We Left Salem day before yesterday and passed through a rather poor country for half the way, after which we struck a very beautiful and rich country. There are not quite so many acres under cultivation as in former years. There is a large breadth of wheat, rye, and oats, all of which are pretty good—better than last year. Corn looks well. There is but little cotton in this year—not five acres to the plantation as far as my observation goes. The country around Huntsville is indeed beautiful and if any one could not enjoy life here—as far as beauties of nature would make one happy—then there is no place in which life can be enjoyed.
We arrived in Huntsville at noon. Huntsville is a pretty place surrounded by hills on three sides and a rich valley of some miles in extent. The town is admirably shaded by White Mulberrys & Locusts. There is a very large spring right in town coming out of a bluff. This spring has a dam 6 or 8 feet high and a a water wheel running pumps which force the water into the town. There are some pretty good buildings here.
The dammed up spring at Huntsville, Alabama. The CdV was taken by Armstead & Taylor, Artists, of Corinth, Mississippi. The following caption was penned on the reverse: “Huntsville Spring that supplies the town with water; furnishing its pwn water power.” The CdV was in an album belonging to a member of the 12th Illinois Infantry. (Jason Lynn Pate Collection)
We encamped a half mile from the court house near a fine spring and on a spring stream. There is no end to water in this country. It is the best watered of any place I ever was in. That spring in New York would be worth a fortune. I had ripe peaches today and they looked natural.
The regiment is up about Athens and we are going there tomorrow. We will hardly get there tomorrow. It is almost dark and I must close. Gen. Turchin will undoubtedly go along and I am not sure he will “shut his eyes for two hours” this time. 1
I have not heard from [brother] James since the 4th. Write soon and oblige your son, — D. J. Prickitt
Direct via Huntsville.
1 This refers directly to the widely publicized May 1862 “Sack of Athens” by the 8th Brigade under Russian-born Brigadier General John Basil Turchin. Turchin reportedly told his men, “I shut my eyes for two hours,” implicitly authorizing them to pillage the hostile Alabama town. Prickitt uses the phrase in quotation marks, proving that this euphemism for sanctioned plundering was deeply embedded in the cultural lexicon of the Union army by 1863.
The following letter was written by 22 year-old William A. DuBois who served in Co. A, 22nd Regiment New York State Militia for 100 days in the summer of 1863.
On July 1, 1863, the 37th and 22nd New York regiments marched into Carlisle to help defend the town and Carlisle Barracks. Later that evening, Confederate cavalry under Major General J.E.B. Stuart shelled the town and burned the barracks in the Skirmish of Carlisle. Both units were emergency 30-day regiments from New York assigned to the 4th Brigade, 1st Division, Department of the Susquehanna under the command of Major General William F. “Baldy” Smith. The 4th Brigade officially consisted of three New York National Guard regiments—the 11th, 22nd, and 37th. While the 22nd and 37th moved forward into Carlisle, the 11th New York State Militia remained stationed closer to the Harrisburg defenses.
William’s letter describes the movements of his regiment from Harrisburg to Carlisle and the defense of the town. It is quite similar to one I transcribed in August 2024 by James C. Cresson of Co. D, 32nd Pennsylvania Volunteers. See—1863: James Clarence Cresson to his Uncle.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Addressed to Mrs. Abram DuBois, 13 West 11th Street, New York
Carlisle [Pennsylvania]
July 3rd 1863
Dear Mother,
Bill just received a letter from Kittie dated June 29th. From what she said I should judge you were rather worried about us. While we were at Bridgeport opposite Harrisburg, there was no danger but since we have been here, we have passed safely through some danger.
We were ordered from Bridgeport last Tuesday to be gone for two or three hours in light marching order. We had a brush with the enemy, none of us being injured—that is, of our regiment. There were four or five of the 37th injured. We were then marched nearly back to Bridgeport when the order was countermanded and after a few hours sleep, we started for Carlisle. It was a hard, forced march to Carlisle. Many of the men dropped out before we reached there and came on the next day. If you look on the map, you will find that from Harrisburg to Carlisle is a good walk for one day with very little sleep which we had along the road.
In reaching Carlisle, we had dinner which was given by the town. It was very acceptable and showed that they appreciated our aid to drive back the rebels. After our dinner, we were marched out of town about a mile to support a Pennsylvania Battery. We had not been there long when we heard cannonading and in looking found that the rebels were shelling the town. We were ordered back to Carlisle and Capt. Otis’ Company was ordered to remain in a house opposite where the rebels were firing but remained on the ground floor in case the rebels should make a charge on the house and the rest went upstairs and put their muskets through the shutters and were ready to pick off those at the guns. We did not fire as we were afraid they would find our position and shell it. 1
We did not get much sleep as we were in the qui vive all the while. Some of the 37th and citizens of the place were injured and the rest frightened to death. I felt very sorry for them. The rebels have retreated and may or may not attack us again. Gen. Smith, on receiving a flag of truce to surrender the place, sent back the answer, “Shell and be damned.” All the way to Carlisle we were received splendidly. People stood by the gate and gave us things to eat.
I will write tomorrow when I have more time. I should not be surprised if we moved tomorrow to some other place. We are all well and enjoying ourselves. I had the colic the other day but are now in good condition. Goodbye, — Wm. A. [DuBois]
1 Baldy Smith’s militia force consisted of roughly 1,000 men. When J. E. B. Stuart’s horse artillery opened fore from the eastern outskirts of town, the regiment was positioned in Carlisle’s center near the Market Square and along Main Street supporting the 1st Section of the Philadelphia Light Artillery. Because the streets proved a dangerous place to be when the shells began to drop into the town, most of the men were ordered to take shelter in the nearby brick houses while the artillery dueled.
Alfred (“Curly”) Mead, a veteran of Co. F. 55th Illinois Infantry (courtesy of Laura Mead Varner)
Alfred Mead came with his parents to McDonough county, Illinois, in 1841, and settled in Walnut Grove township. He was born October 8, 1839, in Macon City, Missouri, and is a son of Nathan and Nancy (Hand) Mead, natives of New York state. Alfred Mead was married November 26, 1865, to Ruth Holcomb, of Plymouth. Four children have blessed this union—Frank, Eva, George and Mabel.
“Mr. Mead is an ordained minister of the Methodist Episcopal church and was on the circuit two years. He is now, church trustee and Sabbath school superintendent. He is prominent also in county and town affairs, being at present, one of the board of county supervisors, and has served upon the city board seven years, being chairman one year, and seven years school director. He has always been in sympathy with the republican party and is an earnest advocate of the cause of temperance, favoring prohibition. He enlisted during the war of the rebellion, in October, 1861, in Company F, of the 55th Illinois infantry, and served three years. He acted as wagon-master of the 15th army corps, and participated in the battles of Shiloh, Russell House, siege of Corinth and Colliersville. He is the owner of considerable real estate in Prairie City. Has been in business the most of the time since 1867, and is now handling a general stock of merchandise.” [Source: McDonough County GenWeb]
These letters were made available to me for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by express consent by Laura Mead Varner who sent them to me with the following statement, “Our family had letters from my g-g-grandfather Alfred Mead, 55th Illinois infantry. I have photos of the letters but the originals where donated to an Abraham Lincoln museum in Springfield, IL…- Laurie
Letter 1
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
October 26th 1862
Dear Mother,
It is with pleasure that once more I take up the pen to write you a few lines to let you know I am getting along well. In the first place, I am enjoying the very best of health and having as much fun as my physical strength will admit of. To tell you the honest truth, I have some of the greatest times that I ever had in my life but still it is not home. But it seems like home to me now. I have no reason whatever to complain for I have good health and plenty to eat and plenty to wear and a good place to sleep where I stay now. We have a room in a brick house with good bunks in it. It is a place the rebel officers slept in when they were here.
I heard a sermon today at the 2nd Presbyterian Church. It was from a man from the North that is here to look after the welfare of the soldiers and to bring books for them to read this winter. I am glad of that.
I received my coat and other things that you sent me and I am very thankful to you for them. The berries were soured by the time they got here but I guess a good stirring will bring them back to their former state. I gave Giles half of the blackberries.
I was at the regiment yesterday. Also this afternoon. The boys are all well and in the best of spirits. I expect the folks at home thinks that the boys in the Army are sober and homesick, but how bad they are fooled. They are the gayfullest set of men you ever saw. I expected to have got a letter from Jeanette today but was disappointed. But hope I shall get one tomorrow as a boat has just come down. As I was sitting in my bunk the other day, I commenced penning a few lines in honor of the old flag so I composed several verses in a few moments. So thought as there was room for me to write a letter to you and leave them in it, I would do so.
Well, as I have not got anymore room, I will close for this time hoping to hear from you soon. I remain your ever true son, — Alfred
I have no stamp and no money that will get them so I will have to send this without. It is not the way I have of doing business but can so no better now.
There is a flag more dear to me
Than houses, land, or money
A flag for which affliction dear
Flow sweet as milk or honey
This flag has sheltered you and me
Oh long may it wave
And we will fight until we die
This glorious flag to save
But when our flag did shine so bright
And we’ll but tell her story
A rebel traitor from within
Has tried to break her glory.
We’ll down, down with the traitor
Who dares to do this thing
We’ll run them from our shores
We’ll peace and comfort bring.
I think Old Abe has done the thing
That will bring them to their senses
And if they do not head to him
He will take away their wenches.
The rebels they are very wroth
And say they will use dirk
And every officer they get
They will put them at hard work.
Old Abe he says you’d better quit
Your forces will get no bigger
While we can rally from the North
Enough to take your nigger.
And when the war is ended
And the deadly strife is o’er
We will return to our homes
And leave to war no more.
Then we’ll have some good old times
we’ll all go heart in hand
When the battles we have won
And saved our glorious land.
This was composed by Curly and I will send it to you so you can see how sharp he is getting. But I have not got my machine in order yet for writing poetry. As this is the first I have tried it, you can have it for half price. I guess it will work after I get it well oiled. So you must receive this as the first of my grindering but this grist is mostly brand. I will have to get a bolt so as to separate the brand from the flour. And it was written when it was so dark I could hardly see the lines and could not follow them.
Letter 2
Huntsville, Alabama
March 26th 1864
Dear Sister,
I have been waiting so long for a letter that I have just made up my mind to wait until it came (wise conclusion). I cannot tell reason but I do not get any letters from any source. The last letter that I received from you was dated February 25th. You see that has been some time ago. I have never been so long a time without letters before since I have been in the service.
I composed a few verses the other day while I had nothing else to do and I will send them to you in the shape of a letter. I have seven more verses that I will send you in my next. I will send you Gen. Herman’s photograph in this. I will send you Col. Smith in my next. Remember that I will want them if I get home. There cannot be a better likeness of Gen. Sherman than this. — Alfred
The Veteran Volunteers
What is that I hear a coming
It is the Veteran Volunteers;
Coming at their country’s drumming
For to meet the Southerners.
Welcome true hearted soldiers, welcome
We will greet you with a shout;
We love to hear your brave one telling
Three years more; we’ll see it out.
It shows a true and gallant heart,
For our country and our cause:
Although tough it was hard to part,
With those that’s bound by nature’s laws.
But while you leave your friends and home,
Those dear ties are ne’er forgotten;
Neither do you come alone,
To fight and die in the land of cotton.
Know that these verses are not very good but you must consider the source from whence they came. Generals Sherman and McPherson arrived here today. They are welcome visitors.
I could not find an image of Henry but here is an Ambrotype of William Hewitt who also served in the 12th New Jersey Infantry. (John Banks Collection)
The following letters were written by Henry C. Derrickson (1845-1864), the son of Isaac Derrickson (18xx-1850) and Sarah [Moore?]. Isaac and Sarah were living in Marietta, Ohio when Isaac died in 1850.
Henry enlisted in Co. G, 12th New Jersey Infantry on 12 August 1862, mustered in on 4 September 1862, and transferred to Co. 136, 2nd Battalion of the Veteran Reserve Corps (VRC) in March 1864. He died at the US Military Hospital in Trenton on 20 June 1864 “from the effects of stabs inflicted” (murdered) and was buried in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Philadelphia. A surgeon named James B. Coleman filed an affidavit certifying that he attended Henry and stated that he died from the effects of a stab in the left lung received about two weeks previous to his death.” Another surgeon, A. M. Kelway,” claimed the attack took place on the night of June 9th, 1864 and that he lingered until the night of June 20th 1864. Henry was on detached service at the Provost Marshal’s office in Trenton at the time. According to the Pension file, Henry was “not to blame in any respect” for his death.He was “wantonly attacked in front of his rendezvous without any apparent provocation.”
Probably Homicide—At 10 o’clock on Saturday night a controversy arose between some soldiers and others in Trenton about a boquet, when one of the soldiers named Derrickson, was stabbed by a man named McEllis, and doubts are entertained of his recover. McEllis and a companion named Jones were arrested, and bail was refused for the former. Another of the soldiers named John Smith, who has but one arm, having lost the other at Gettysburg, was also severely cut in his remaining arm. The scoundrels who committed the outrage were lodged in jail. [Newark Daily Advertiser, Monday, June 13, 1864]
In his letters, Henry frequently mentions his Uncle John and Aunt Hannah, presumably siblings. They were John Lavery (1818-1868) and Hannah Lavery (1825-1878). John was a dentist in Philadelphia.
Douglas & Stanton Hospitals, Washington D. C.
Letter 1
Mrs. Sarah M. Derrickson, C/O Mr. John Lavery, No. 1004 Pine Street, Philadelphia
Stanton Hospital, Washington D. C.
May 10th 1863
Dear Mother,
It is with pleasure that I will send you a few lines to let you know how I am getting along. I am getting better slowly. I am a good deal better than I was the last time that I wrote. I have got a very good appetite and can eat very well and I am getting so that I can get about.
I received a paper yesterday that my brother sent me with a note in it and I have got my four months back pay and I would like some of you to come and see me . If you can’t come yourself and get the money, I do not like to send it in a letter for fear I lose it. The head doctor’s name is John A. Lidell.
Excuse me for this short letter for I am not able to write myself. Give my love and best respects to Uncle John and Aunt Hannah and keep a good share for your own dear self. No more but remain your true and affectionate son, — H. C. Derrickson
So goodbye until we meet again in the flesh or with the pen. Direct as before.
Written by L. Wright, Head Nurse
Letter 2
Stanton Hospital
May 15th 1863
Dear brother,
I take the opportunity to write these few lines to let you know that I am getting better fast as I can. I received your letter dated the 8th and I was very sorry to hear that Mary was sick abed. But I hope that she is better by this time.
We had a very hard battle [at Chancellorsville] and there [were] a great many wounded in my company. My Captain and 1st Lieutenant was wounded—captain in the hand and lieutenant in the side. And I heard that my 2nd Lieutenant was killed but I [don’t] know it for certain. But I hope not.
The young man that brought my boots down to me was wounded but I don’t [know] where he was wounded. They promoted a Major out of the 6th New Jersey and he was killed in the fight.
My writer went home a week ago. He lives in Harrisburg but I don’t know where to direct the letters to but I will find as soon as I can and write to him. I did not like to see him go away for he seen that I got everything that I wanted and he took good care of me while he was here.
This is the best hospital that you can find. They are very clean and neat and the best of all, you get plenty to eat and you can get whatever you want if you ask for it. Tell mother if she does come to see me, I would like her to bring me two dark shirts. I didn’t think of it when Uncle John was here. My old ones is wore out.
I will now close my letter by saying goodbye. No more at present. You must excuse my bad writing for I am weak. I send my love to you. Give my best respects to Mary and Mother and Hanna and John and all the family and also to all of my enquiring friends. Good[bye]. No more at present. Write soon and let me know how you all are. The head doctor’s name is John A. Lidell
Letter 3
Washington
May 19th 1863
Dear Brother,
I take this opportunity to write these few lines to let you know how I am getting [along]. I think I will be able to go out next week if I don’t get no worse. I am glad to hear that Mary got well. I received your two papers today and the note. Tell Mother to send me my black hat and send me some small writing paper and some envelopes but don’t direct them. If you send them by express, send it by Adams [Express].
I haven’t had my [boots] on my feat till today and i tried one on and it fit very well. The reason I haven’t had them on, I had very sore feet. I think they are a good pair of boots. I think they will wear well. Tell Mother I haven’t eat all of my apples and oranges [and] lemons yet.
Write when you send the [hat]. It will be brought to [me] from the office. I will bring my short letter to a close. No more at present.
Give love to Mary and Mother and all the family. From your loving brother, –Henry C. Derrickson
[To] John L. Moore
I wrote to Mr. Featherer
I would like you to send me a good pencil.
Letter 4
August 23, 1863
Dear brother,
I take this opportunity to write these few lines to inform you that I am well and I hope these few lines will find you the same.
I left the Camp Convalescent on the 20th and I got to the regiment on the 22nd. We had to march about twenty miles after we got off of the cars. We was encamped about twenty miles from Warrington, way out in the woods. It does very well—all but the water and it ain’t fit to drink. I don’t think we will stay here long for they don’t stay longer than a week in a place. They keep moving all the time.
I don’t know what i can do about that money. I was sent away before we was paid off. They are paying off in the Corps but I don’t know when he will get to our regiment but if I can get it, I will send it to you if I can, if it will be in time to get the store.
I answered your last letter but I didn’t get no answer before I left. But I told Jesse Peterson if any come for me, to send them to me. They didn’t send him away—his head was too bad yet.
I will close my letter. No more at present. Give my love to Mother and Hanna and Uncle John, Mary and Jake and Mary and yourself also, and all of my inquiring friends. From your brother Henry C. Derrickson
To John L. Moore
Direct your letter to Co. G, 12th regiment, New Jersey Vols., Washington D. C. or elsewhere.
Tell Mary Moore that i would like her to send me a glass of beer, and don’t forget to send me what she promised me she would.
Letter 5
[Louden Mills near Rapidan River, Virginia]
Monday 21st [September] 1863
Dear Brother,
I take this opportunity to write these few lines to inform you that i am well and I hope these few lines will find you enjoying the same health. I received your kind letter dated the 18th last night and I was glad to hear that you were all well and Mother and Uncle John and Aunt Hanna also. And tell them that I am well.
Everything is still here yet. The rebs advances their picket line every night but General Hays took some of [our] sharp shooters out last night and drove them back. I went on picket Saturday night and we was relieved last night. We could see the rebs’ picket line plain. We was supporting a battery [for] two days.
Dear brother, I don’t know what it [will] be here yet if we advance on them, I think it will be something like the Battle of Fredericksburg fight. Here is where Pope was defeated last July but we will do our best.
Dear brother, they don’t show no quarter for deserters here. We had two shot in our division last Friday. One of them had his father there. It was hard to see them. They had to put eight loads in him before they could kill him. The two first shots, one went through his cheek and his shoulder. It knocked him over but he jumped up and pulled the cap off of his eyes and looked it either one was killed. He was kicking. He begged for them not to shoot no more but that was no use. It was too late then. [unsigned] 1
1 The two deserters were Edward Elliott and George Layton of the 14th Connecticut. Edward was a 22 year-old draftee, and George was a 20 year-old substitute who sometimes used aliases such as George Joy or Charles Eastman. The 14th Connecticut was brigaded with the 12th New Jersey (2nd Brigade) of the 3rd Division in Hays’ 2nd Army Corps. A more graphic detail of the execution of these two men can be found in a letter written by Edward H. Wade of Co. F, 14th Connecticut, datelined from Louden Mills near Rapidan River, Virginia, on Sunday, September 20, 1863 (see Letter 3)—1863-64: Edward H. Wade to Ellen Nancy Wade.
Letter 6
Co. G, 12th N. J. Vols., Encamped at Robison [Rapidan] River
October 1st 1863
Dear Brother,
I take this opportunity to write these few lines to inform you that I am well and I hope these few lines will find you and all the rest of the folks well. I received your letter last night and I was glad to hear from you. I wrote to Mother.
Today I have been out on picket for two days but I think that we will be relieved this afternoon and go back to camp again. There is some talk of getting paid off when we get in camp. Jesse Peterson is back again and I will get what he owes me. Tell Mother that I don’t want anything at this present time without we go into winter quarters.
Tell Mary that theres some jumping [?] rum down here for the officers all got drunk and got to fighting among themselves. The Captain of Co. D was a goin’ to whip our Lieutenant and he reported him. I don’t know how they will make out about it.
I will close my letter. No more at present. Give my best respects to Mary Moore and your wife Mary, and Eliza and Jake and you also. Please write soon as you can.
From your loving brother, — Henry C. Derrickson, Co. G, 12th N. J. Vols., in camp near Robinson [Rapidan] River
To John L. Moore
Letter 7
[Bull Run, Virginia]
October 17th 1863
Dear brother,
I take the opportunity to write these few lines to let you know that I am alive and well and i hope these few lines will find you the same.
Dear brother, we were in the fight on the 14th and 15th [Bristoe Station]. The rebs opened on us on the march. We was the rear guard. That was on the 14th. But we was too much for them and that night we fell back to Bull Run and the next afternoon we had it again and we drove them again. We hadn’t many wounded or killed. Lieut. [James T.] Lowe was wounded through both legs. We lay now at Bull Run.
Dear brother, I will close my letter. I will write more the next time. Give my love to Mother and Aunt Hann and Uncle John and also Mary and your own Mary and Eliza and Jake and you also. From your brother, — Henry C. Derrickson
To John L. Moore
Letter 8
[Douglas Hospital, Washington D. C.]
November 6, 1863
Dear Brother,
I take this opportunity to write these few lines to inform you that I have been sent to the hospital. I took a cold a wading those runs. I am getting better now but I can’t eat anything. John, I would like you to send me $5. I haven’t got no money. I had $6 stole from me since I come to the hospital. I would like you to send it in your next letter.
John, I can’t write much this time. Give my love to Mother and Uncle John and Mary Moore, and Mary, your wife also, and Jake and you also. I will close. From your brother, — Henry C. Derrickson
Direct your letter to Douglas Hospital, Washington D. C.
To John L. Moore
Write soon as you can.
Letter 9
Philadelphia [Penn.]
Monday, November 9th 1863
My dear brother,
Your letter dated the 6th I have just received and I feel very sorry to hear that you are sick. I hope you are not seriously ill. Mother is well [but] she is worried very much about you. I told her I thought you was better. The folks are all well, Mary, myself, and all and we all send our love to you and hope these few lines will [find] you getting better.
Enclosed you will find the $5 you sent for. I would like to have hold of the person that took your $6. I would punch his head. Look sharp or else you will lose something else. If you want anything, don’t forget to write to me and let me know.
Everything is dull here. Nothing stirring. I hope you will get better. Mother will go to Jersey sometime this week, I guess. Tell me in your next letter if you are confined to your bed. Write to me soon as you get this letter. Tell me where your regiment is now. Do you likethe hospital that you are in? Do they use you well?
My dear brother, I will now close my letter so goodbye for a while. We are all well and all send our love to you. No more at present. From your loving brother, — John L. Moore, No. 2, Kinsley Place, back of 247 South 6th St., Philadelphia
To Henry C. Derrickson
Letter 10
[Market Street Hospital, Newark, New Jersey]
November 12, 1863
Dear Brother.
I take this present opportunity to write you a few lines to inform you that I have been sent to a Jersey hospital. We arrived here today. We got in Philadelphia at 1 o’clock last night. I’m gaining in health. I wrote to Mother today. We are in Market Street Hospital at Newark, New Jersey.
John, if you sent that money that I sent for when I was at Washington, I wish you would write to the post master in the hospital and tell him to send the letter back again. John, I haven’t time to write much at present. Give my love to all.
Direct your letter to Market Street Hospital, Newark, New Jersey, Ward 10. I would like you to see Mother. I didn’t tell her what Ward I was in. Write soon as you can. From your brother, — Henry C. Derrickson
To John L. Moore
Letter 11
U. S. A. Hospital at Newark, New Jersey
Wednesday, January 6, 1864
Dear Brother,
I take this opportunity to write you these few lines to inform you that I feel very well and I hope that these few lines will find you the same and all of the rest. I received your welcome letter today. I am very sorry to hear that you are sick but I hope that you will get well again soon.
Tell Mother that my rooster crowed before I got to Newark and that is the last I have saw of him. Tell her that I haven’t got shut of all of my chickens yet.
We had a very good dinner here on New Years Day and they had one on Christmas too. The ladies of Newark gave it to the hospital.
John, I will see Mother. I will take the watch when I get paid if I get what I think I will. I will take it if it suits me. I am very glad to hear that you have been doing well in your store and I hope that continues so. I think myself that it will be better for you to move in back soon for you can be there all the time.
I have put in for a furlough but I don’t know whether I will get it or not but I will try. I put in for one for 30 days.
Dear brother, I will close my letter. No more at present. Give my love to all of the folks and to Mary. Also you and all of my enquiring friends also.
From your brother, — Henry C. Derrickson
To John L. Moore
Come in out of the draft soon as you can.
Letter 12
U. S. A. General Hospital, Newark, New Jersey
February 5, 1864
Dear brother,
I take this present opportunity to write you these few lines to inform you that I am well and I hope that these few lines will find you and all the folks well also.
Dear brother, I received the bundle on the 3rd all right. We had a military ball on the night of the 3rd and we had a big thing. It broke up in a mob fight with citizens. We fought for about 15 minutes. Some of the boys got black eyes but we got the best of them. They was two to one of us.
John, it is dangerous to travel this town at night as soldiers specially. I want to get something to defend myself soon as I can get some money to get it and then they may come as fast as they please. I didn’t get hurt much the other night. I got one of my knuckles drove in and a kick under the neck but he got the returns for it as quick [as I could] give it to him. 1
John, I will close my letter. No more at present. Give my love to Mother and Aunt Hanna and Uncle John, and Mary your wife also, and also to yourself and all of my enquiring friends.
From your brother, — Henry C. Derrickson
To John L. Moore. Write soon if you please.
1 Newark, New Jersey was home to strong anti-war sentiment, led locally by newspapers like the Newark Daily Journal, edited by Edward N. Fuller. Peace Democrats frequently criticized the Lincoln administration. Street-level brawls increased early in 1864 when veteran regiments returned home on furloughs.
Letter 13
Newark, New Jersey
March 11, 1864
Dear brother,
I take this present opportunity to write you these few lines to inform you that I am well and I hope that these few lines will find you and all of the folks the same. I received your letter dated the 8th and I was glad to hear that Aunt Hanna was better.
John, I am here yet in Newark. I think we will get paid off next week and I will come home then. The small pox is getting better now and I don’t think there will be any danger if I come home. If Mother thinks that there is any danger, I won’t come. That will be the only chance that I will get to come home very soon.
John, I will take that watch if you can spare the money when I get paid if it suits me.
I close my letter. No more at present. Give my love to Aunt Hanna and Uncle John and Mary your wife, and Mother and you also. And tell Mary Moore that I want to see her when I come home the next time.
From your brother, — H. C. Derrickson
To John L. Moore
Letter 14
U. S. A. General Hospital, Newark, New Jersey
April 12th 1864
I take this present opportunity to write you these few lines to let you know that I am well and I hope that these few lines will find you the same. I received your letter dated the 10th today. I am very sorry to hear that Harry was sick but I hope that he is better by this time.
The weather has been very bad here for three or four days. John, if you do come down here, you can get board from 75 cents to $1 a day. The fare from Philadelphia to Newark is $3 and some cents. I would like to see you very much.
John, I think we will be sent away from here next week but I don’t know where to. John, come if you can this week or the forepart of next. I will take that watch and I will pay you next payday for certain and you get that dog for me. Bring him down with you. I don’t care how large he is. The larger the better.
Give my love to Mother and Aunt Hanna and Mary your wife. Also Eliza and all of my enquiring friends. You must ask Mary Moore id anybody runs after her in the street now.
Write soon as you get this letter and let me know when you will come down here to see me and we will go to [New] York together and we’ll get one of those things that does your soul good before I leave. I have been a little sick and I suppose you know in what way.
From your brother, — Harry C. Derrickson
To John L. Moore. Let me know soon as you can. Write soon.
Letter 15
Trenton, New Jersey
July 4th 1864
Friend Moore,
Esteemed friend, I have made out Henry’s account with the United States and sent them to Washington as the Law directs.
You will have to make application to the “second auditor” for his Bounty and Back Pay. I would advise your mother to give it to some reliable Pension Agent to collect. They understand the business.
I regret very much that your mother is so poorly. Advise her to come up and stay with us a while. It shan’t cost her a cent. She appears to me almost as dear as a mother. May God bless and comfort her in this her hour of trial and sadness. I sympathize with you all and believe me that I shall ever remain your warmest friend.
I think that Harry has a blanket and some other articles here. Whatever is her, I will keep and you can get the articles at any time.
You did right in telling me all about your circumstances. I honor you for it. I am going to Washington tomorrow and return in a few days. So let me hear from you again. May God bless you all. Remember me to Mrs. Derrickson & her brother.
Emanuel Cave was born in August 1838 in Ohio. In 1861, he married Susan Bender (1842-1922). Shortly after his marriage, he enlisted in the Union Army. He served as a private in Co. H of the 69th Ohio Infantry Regiment between 1861 and 1865. This regiment saw extensive action in Tennessee and Georgia, including the Middle Tennessee (or Tullahoma) Campaign and the Atlanta Campaign. After the war, Cave returned to his family in Ohio. He died in Pickaway County, Ohio on May 15, 1916.
In the Texas Civil War Museum
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Directed to Mrs. Emanuel Cave, Circleville, Pickaway county, Ohio
Camp 69th Ohio Vols.
Near Atlanta, Georgia
August 24, 1864
My Dear Wife,
Your kind and affectionate letter of the 17th has just been received and I will not delay one moment in replying. My surprise can hardly be imagined when I read of the death of your sister. I could not think any better of my own sister than I did of her. She was good and kind, and I can hardly realize that she is no more. But we ought not to complain at the will of the great Dispenser of us all. We must submit to His decrees. Death is the destiny of us all, and sooner or later, it is sure to overtake us. It behooves us all, therefore, to be ever ready, for we know not the hour when we may be summoned to the bar of a just God.
I am pleased to learn that you are again well and trust that you may so continue. My own health was never better, and my courage has never faltered for I hope and firmly believe that we will soon be reunited and live to enjoy the society of each other for many years—that many years of unalloyed happiness will be ours, and that the brightness and joy of the future will more than repay us for the sad, long months we are now spending apart. Let us both hope and believe that the present trial is for our mutual benefit and so live that when they are all passed, we can point back to this time as the incentive that led us on to the enjoyment of such happiness as we never before experienced. I am satisfied that it will make me a wiser and a better man; and that will have taught me to appreciate the blessings of home, and the affection which you bestow upon me.
The photograph was duly received. I told you so in my last. We are still in the same position and are not doing much of anything. Both armies are at present pretty quiet—occasionally shelling each other. Atlanta is regularly shelled from two or three different points and occasionally we notice a fire in the city. Considerable quantity of hot shot have also been thrown into it.
Your letters are the source of much pleasure to me and are read with a feeling of joy that cannot be explained.
Write to me often—oftener if possible that you ever have, and again I must ask you to try and feel that after this “cruel war is over,” all will yet be well.
Don’t feel uneasy about me. Ii is unnecessary to “borrow trouble.” If it does come, it will be time enough to grieve then. I will write again in a few days. Respects to all friends and much love to you. Affectionately yours, — Emanuel Cave
The following letter was written by Dr. Edward William Murphy (1802-1877), a prominent physician who pioneered advances in obstetrics. He patented an inhaler in 1848 that delivered chloroform through a mouthpiece to numb a patient during childbirth. In the 1850s he gave a series of lectures on the principles and practice of midwifery.
Dr. Murphy’s Chloroform Inhaler, ca. 1850
Dr. Murphy’s letter asks a fellow physician to use whatever influence he might have to elevate his son, Edward Horatio Murphy (1842-1864) who has recently enlisted in the service of the United States, from an ordinary “clod-hopper” enlisted man to an officer. Muster Rolls reveal that Edward enlisted on 16 December 1863 at Buffalo, New York, to serve as a private in the 27th Independent New York Light Artillery. At the time of his enlistment, he was described as a 5′ 7″ common “laborer” with blue eyes, brown hair, and a fair complexion. He was never promoted. He died a private at City Point, Virginia on 6 September 1864, a victim of disease.
The New York City physician to whom Dr. Murphy addressed his letter was Dr. Gunning S. Bedford (1806-1870). Dr. Bedford was the nephew of Gunning Bedford who was an aide-de-camp to George Washington during the revolution. After the war, the elder Bedford was a framer of the Constitution of the USA and the first Attorney General of Delaware. Later, President Washington appointed him as the USA Judge for the District of Delaware. The younger Bedford distinguished himself in the practice of medicine. In 1836, after his medical education and two teaching appointments, he developed an extensive and lucrative private practice in New York City. From 1840 to 1862 he was a founder and professor of midwifery at the University of New York medical department. There he founded the first obstetric clinic in America. It was estimated that over 10,000 poor patients a year were treated free of charge at his clinics.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Directed to Gunning S. Bedford, 66 Fifth Avenue, New York, postmarked London
41 Cumberland Street, Bryanston Square
March 19, 1864
My dear Dr. Bedford,
I am about to make a request which I trust you will be able to grant because if do, I know that you will willingly do so.
A son of my, Edward Horatio Murphy, went out to Canada in May 1863 intending to be a farmer. We did not hear from him for some time but have just now received a letter announcing the appalling fact that he has enlisted in the service of the United States. It came upon us like a thunderbolt and of course makes me very anxious. He is now at Washington in the Camp Barry going through the necessary drill and it occurred to me to write and ask you to assist me in endeavoring to improve his position.
I presume you have many influential friends in Washington and if any of these would say a word in his favor, his officers might perhaps take care to treat him less roughly than the “clod-hoppers.” They will find him an extremely well conducted young man and perfectly temperate. As to his merits as a soldier, they are to be found out. I do not know how promotion is managed in your services but of course I should rather see him an officer than a common soldier.
Did Dr. Miller 1 of Chicago give you the late edition of my work? If so, I hope you like it. I have just got a glance at yours and was greatly surprised and pleased to find in how many points we are agreed—especially about “meddlesome midwifery.”
Pardon this troublesome note and believe me very faithfully yours, — Edward W. Murphy
1 “Dr. Miller” may have been Dr. De Laskie Miller (1818-1903), a prominent Chicago obstetrician and medical educator who published influential works on obstetrics in the 1860s.
Willie wrote the letter to his mother, Henrietta (Dey) Parshall
William (“Willie”) Henry Parshall was born on February 25, 1845, in Lebanon, Ohio, to William F. Parshall and Henrietta Dey. His father was a banker who owned $10,000 of real estate and $25,000 of personal property in 1860. Parshall grew up and attended school in Lebanon.
He enlisted in the Union army on May 29, 1862, and mustered in as a private in Co. B of the 73rd Ohio Infantry. He mustered out on September 20, 1862. He returned to the Union army a year later, serving in the 4th Ohio Infantry from August 1, 1863, until February 15, 1864. He enlisted for a third time on March 25, 1864, mustering into the Co. B, 79th Ohio Infantry. He mustered out on July 26, 1865.
Parshall and his parents moved to Walker, West Virginia, after the war. Parshall worked as a merchant, and by 1870, he owned $1,000 of personal property. He married Harriet Davis in Brooklyn on February 25, 1881, and they had three children, two of whom survived: Henrietta, born in October 1882; and Dora, born in March 1900. Parshall worked as an office clerk, and the family rented their home in Brooklyn. Harriet died on June 17, 1901. Parshall lived with his daughters in Brooklyn until his death from “Chronic Nephritis” on August 26, 1911. [Source: Biographical Sketch lifted from John L. Nau II Center for Civil War History, University of Virginia, who holds 12 of Parshall’s Letters]
I have only transcribed one other letter and one diary fragment by other members of the 79th OVI. These include:
I received your last letter written from Portland, Maine, day before yesterday. I should have answered it yesterday but they had us moving nearly all the day. Then in the afternoon, there was some pretty heavy fighting on both our right and left and heavy skirmishing in our front. You will see that we are in the centre. There is the 4th Corps on our left, and the 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, and 23rd Corps on our right. There is also cavalry on both flanks.
We laid out on the right flank of the line for three days and were then moved back here. We were on the extreme right of the army. It was a good long ways around there. The 23rd Corps was then on the extreme left. We moved around there to support Jeff Davis’ Division of the 14th Corps. It was to advance on the railroad and try to take it. It did not go, however, while we were there. The 23rd Corps relieved us and we moved to the line of works just behind us. While we laid there, the men would go out in squads on new entrenchments. We advanced the line about two hundred yards nearer the enemy. We commenced the works in the night and threw up enough dirt to shield us from the rebel shells and shot if they should take a notion to play on us.
Sorry to hear that Pa has been sick again. I do hope that he will soon get over these attackes. I hope that when this reaches you, both of you may be in good health. Have you heard from Laura lately? I have written her two letters now since I have been out and have not received any answer. I don’t think that I shall write soon again. It has been about a month since I wrote the last letter to her. If she don’t want to write to me, she need not. I shall not write to her again. If she knew how anxious I am to hear from her and all the rest of the family, she would write to me. But if she thinks it is any trouble to write to me, she need not do it for I don’t want to put her to any trouble.
Are Pa and yuo well? I had a letter from Grandpa and Lewis the other day.
We drew soft bread this morning—the first I have tasted or seen in ninety-eight days. That is the length of the campaign. It tasted real good.
Well, I must close as my messmate has got supper ready. Write soon and often to your affectionate son, — Willie
Co. B, 79th Regt. O. V. I., Chattanooga, Tennessee
I could not find an image of Silas but here is a CdV of Daniel Jameson who served as a private in Co. F, 75th New York Infantry (Photo Sleuth)
Silas C. Doolittle was born on August 14, 1843, in Butler, New York, to Loren Doolittle (1790-1860) and Phebe Worth (1805-1872). His father was a lawyer who owned $550 of personal property in 1860. Doolittle grew up and attended school in Wolcott, New York, and by 1860, he was working as a farmer.
He enlisted in the Union army on September 21, 1861, and mustered in as a private in Co. H of the 75th New York Infantry on November 26. According to his service records, he was 5 feet, 6 inches tall, with light hair and light eyes. The regiment spent most of the war stationed in Alabama and Mississippi. The army transferred the men to Virginia in 1864, and they took part in the Third Battle of Winchester, the Battle of Fisher’s Hill, and the Battle of Cedar Creek. He voted for Abraham Lincoln in the election of 1864, explaining that, “as long as I am trying to put down Treason in the field, I cannot countenance it at the Polls.”
He later declared that he “want[ed] to see those southern traitors humbled like dogs and then banished from the country as being too false to live among civilized people.” He fiercely opposed African American enlistment, insisting in March 1865 that “it is an insult to U.S. soldiers to put the uniform on Orang-ou-tangs.” He became a regimental musician on November 19, 1864, and he mustered out in Savannah, Georgia, on August 31, 1865.
Doolittle moved to Michigan after the war, and he married Julia M. Foster on January 12, 1867. They had at least four children: Frank, born around 1868; Elsie, born around 1870; Loren, born around 1875; and Carrie, born around 1880. By 1870, he was working as a mason in Dowagiac, Michigan, and he owned $800 of real estate and $500 of personal property. He applied for a federal pension in February 1893 and eventually secured one. They moved to Wayne, Michigan, in the early 1900s, and he died there on April 22, 1911. [Source: Quoted from Letters Home, Silas C. Doolittle, John L. Nau, III Center for Civil War History]
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Camp Arnold
Pensacola [Florida]
August 7th 1862
Dear Brother,
It has been a long time since I have heard from you & I thought I would write & put you in mind of it. There has nothing of importance transpired here since I wrote last.
August 14th. I commenced this a week ago but have been busy doing guard & fatigue duty but have now a resting spell of about a week.
Silas’s letter includes this sketch he drew of a Marine.
There is a part of Commodore Porter’s Mortar Fleet and part of Commodore Farragut’s here also & they keep coming in every day. They are coming to drill their Marines & recruits. The steamer Harriet Lane was in here the other day but she has gone out in pursuit of a strange craft in the Gulf. The Harriet Lane is the prettiest craft I ever saw. She is the flag ship of Farragut’s fleet.
Day before yesterday was the hottest day I ever saw. The thermometer stood at 124o in the shade. I was on guard the same day on Post No. 14. A fellow in our company on No. 9 was affected so by the sun that he had to give up & was very sick & a fellow on No. 10 dropped down on his post and was picked up for dead but was finally brought to and is getting better.
Our Colonel [John A. Dodge] has gone to Key West for his health & we expect him on the next steamer. Our regiment & Billy Wilson’s [regiment] don’t agree very well. They are jealous because Gen. [Lewis G.] Arnold gives us the most praise. The other day some of our boys and some of the 6th [New York Zouaves] got in a row down to the springs. A lot of our boys went down there & also some of theirs and they kept coming until about half of both regiments were there. But the guard turned out [and] stopped the row so there was not much bloodshed. 1
There was a deserter come in our picket lines last night from Mobile. He states that the rebels are leaving Mobile.
I am going to send $10 in this letter. I sent one with five about two weeks ago. The mail closes now & I am in a hurry and I must close but will write again in a day or two. Please write as soon as you get this and let me know how you are getting along. Give my love to Mother and the rest of the family. Yours truly, — Silas Doolittle
1 Billy Wilson’s 6th New York Zouaves, many of them former firemen from NYC, had a reputation for drunkenness, theft and dereliction of duty. These “roughs” were as likely to pick a fight with Union men and Confederate soldiers.
Colonel Billy Wilson (seated at middle) with several members of his regiment.
Harry’s sketch of a Powhatan sailor—perhaps a self portrait?
The following letter was written by Henry (“Harry”) Hamilton Tyson (1846-1915), the son of Daniel Tyson (1803-1899) and Louisa Jane Robertson (1815-1897)—formerly of Covington, St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, but relocated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the late 1850s. A family history informs us that Henry enlisted on 9 June 1862 in the US Navy and shipped aboard the Sloop of War Saratoga. He was later transferred to the US Frigate Powhatan—the flag ship for the West Indian Squadron under Admiral Porter. He participated in the capture of Fort Fisher in January 1865 when the Powhatan was disabled and sent to the Navy Yard. He was discharged at Boston on 25 September 1865 and returned to Philadelphia where he engaged in the milk business. He married Clara Virginia Alward in 1875.
In his letter, he refers to his older sister Lydia Tyson (1838-1912) and addresses his letter to his older brother Jonathan (“John”) Knight Tyson (1840-1918) who enlisted in Co. L, 2nd Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery on 15 February 1864. Prior to his enlistment Jonathan was employed as a milk man in Philadelphia.
The USS Powhatan
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Fortress Monroe
November 23rd [1864]
Dear Brother,
I received your letter & was very glad to hear that you was well. I expect you seen a good bit of sport when you was up North. Did any of the girls ask about me? Did Lydia Williams say anything about my leaving home so mysterious? I will tell you some of these days the reason I shipped.
Oh yes, you spoke about being at Hampton Roads the other day. I came ashore all dressed up in style expecting to see you but alas! you had vamoosed when I got ashore. I would have given anything to have seen you in your soldier clothes.
I wrote to several young gals on the old route but I won’t mention any names. I was struck when I heard you had enlisted. I guess you don’t get your fried oysters & lemonade where you are now. Oh yes, we had a concert on board a few days ago—it was pretty good.
How long have you enlisted for & did you get any sugar? I hope you did. When you write home, send my best love to all the old folks at home. How does Mother & Father & Lydia look? Do they look worried any?
I am now sitting at my mess chest a writing. The Boys are coding me by saying, “Give my best love to her, Harry,” and blowing out the candle. John, take good care of yourself and look out for the lead pills [bullets]. No more at present, so take an affectionate love from your brother, — Harry Tyson
This letter was written by Sergt. Fenton W. Smith (1839-1864) of Co. G, 12th Michigan Infantry. Fenton, an English emigrant, enlisted at Augusta, Michigan on 19 December 1861 and died of disease at Little Rock, Arkansas, in 10 May 1864. Fenton’s parents were George and Eliza (Burgess) Smith of London, Monroe county, Michigan. He wrote the letter to James “Webster” Childs (1826-1882), a Washtenaw county civil leader and politician who served two terms in the Michigan Legislature and then in the Michigan Senate.
Smith’s letter formally petitions his well-connected acquaintance to intercede with the Governor on his behalf and secure a commission. The letter also reports on prisoners taken near Middleburg, Tennessee, where they were assigned to guard the railroads. It was written only one week before Confederate General Earl Van Dorn launched his attempt to seize the stockade and blockhouse near Middleburg, fortified and held by the 12th Michigan.
[Editor’s Note: The photocopy of this letter was sent to me for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by Janet Buchanan, a descendant relative of the Childs family.]
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Middleburg, Tennessee
Middleburg, Tennessee
December 18th 1862
Webster,
I once more take my pen in hand to write you a few lines this pleasant morning in December. It has not been long since I wrote to you but I have been think[ing] of another plan to get a commission if it is not too late and your friend’s plan is this, if it will work and I think it will, my friend Webster, if it will not be too much trouble to you. If you will write to the Gov. Blair and see if he will give your friend a commission as Second Lieutenant or First Lieutenant in some of the new companies that are being raised or that are goin’ to be raised in the state now. If he will, I will try and get all the men I can for the company if the Gov. gives me a commission in some of the new companies that are being raised, it will clear me from my regiment that I am in now. The Gov. can give me a commission for a new company or regiment other a company that is goin’ to be raised without Col. Graves’ recommending at all.
My friend Webster, I am willing to fight till the last rebel or traitor is shot but i think I ought to have a small reward as a Second or First Lieutenant in some of the new companies. If there is a chance for me and if Col. [William H.] Graves would do the fair thing with me, he would recommend me for a 2nd Lieutenant in my own company for I always have been true and faithful to the Government & my country’s cause ever since this unholy war broke out and always done my duty and I have fought for my country’s cause in 3 bloody battles 1 and I think that the Governor will give a commission in some new company or some that are goin’ to be raised—that is, if it will not be too much trouble to you, Webster, to try the Governor about it for me.
I am very thankful to you for what trouble you have been [through] for me before for me and if I get a commission, I will try & pay you for all your trouble, my friend Webster.
My health is very good at this time. I hope these few lines will find you enjoying the same good blessing to you all. I do not forget you all in my prayers that God will be with you all & I do not forget the prayer meeting and oh, may God be with you & prosper you all and the blessed Sabbath School too. How I do wish I could enjoy these blessed privileges with you once more with you all. I hope you will all remember your friend in your prayers that I may live a good Christian life in all the tumults of war. I think of you all often during the day and about all my friends.
We are at Middleburg yet but how long we will stay is more than I can tell. We are taking prisoners every day round Middleburg. We have very fine weather here now, some of the time. We have had about 3 inches of snow & the citizens tell me that it is the largest snow that they have had had for five years. The weather is very changeable now. Some of the time it will be very fine and sometimes it will rain two or three days to a stretch. Oh, then what mud.
We have not been paid yet. Well, I must close for this time. Excuse all mistakes and bad writing. Give my best respects to all and write soon. May God be with you all. It is now about day light so good morning to you all. I wish you all a Happy New Year & hope this war may soon be brought to a close. May God speed the time. From your friend, — Sergt. Fenton W. Smith
To my friend Webster Childs
1 The three bloody battle would have been Shiloh, Iuka, and Metamora.
