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.
The following letter was written by 43 year-old Silas Pardee (1820-1894) while serving in Co. I, 25th Connecticut Infantry—a nine-months regiment that served from mid-November 1862 until late August 1863.
Silas was married to Mary Brocket in 1844. The couple were divorced in February 1880—the cause for divorce attributed to intemperance on his part. In this letter to his 12 year-old daughter Estelle, Silas defends the reputation of a soldier named Josiah but I don’t believe he was in the same company as Silas. There are family references to “Fanny” so I suspect that Josiah was a relative but I haven’t established the relationship.
Transcription
Baton Rouge, Louisiana May 15th 1863
Dear Daughter,
I once more sit down to write a few lines to you to let you know that my health is very poor. I have been very sick since I last wrote to you and for a while I thought I never should live to go home and see you anymore. But I have been prospered and am on the gain slowly. I hope these few lines will find you in good health. They think we shall be home the 7th of July and I hope we shall.
I have not much courage to write home for I don’t get any answer to the letters I wrote lately. I sent home my ten dollar check to you a good while ago and have not received any word whether you have received it or not. I want you to write just as soon as you receive it for it’s probably the [last] I shall write.
Josiah sends his best respects to you all and wants you to write. I suppose you have heard the report about Joe’s gambling and drinking all is money away from Fanny, but it is entirely false and it will be proved by good respectable men as live in Plainville and Bristol. They are men that won’t lie. They have been with him every day and night and know what he has been doing while he has been out here and so do I, and I think them same folks would find enough to do to mind their own business and not try to make disturbance among a man and his wife. Show this to Fanny when you see her, My best respects to you all. — Silas Pardee
In haste. Direct to Baton Rouge, La., US General Hospital, and that is all.
The following letters were written by Francis L. Pardee (1846-1864), the son of Silas Pardee (1820-1894) and Mary Brockett (1815-1897) of Bristol, Hartford county, Connecticut. Francis enlisted 24 July 1862 and was mustered 24 Aug 1862 into Co. K, 16th Connecticut Infantry. He was captured on 20 April 64 at Plymouth, North Carolina and held a POW at Andersonville, GA & Charleston, SC. He died on 5 Oct 1864 at Charleston, SC.
Silas J. Matthews (1842-1864) is mentioned here and throughout Francis’ letters. They were cousins who served together in Co. K, 16th Connecticut, both from Bristol. Like Francis, Silas was taken prisoner at Plymouth, North Carolina. He died in Andersonville Prison in 10 September 1864 at the age of 22. Silas’s parents were Henry N. Matthews (1807-1887) and Olivia Pardee (1819-1900).
Francis wrote most of the letters to his sister Estelle Pardee (b. 1851).
Camp Hartford opposite Fredericksburg January 23, 1863
Dear Sister,
I now take my pen in hand to let you know that I am well and hope these few lines will find you the same. I received your letter last night dated the 17th and was glad to hear that you were all well. I received a letter from Charley Bradley yesterday dated the 2nd and his folks were all well when he wrote the letter. He said that he went to school this winter. I answered his letter yesterday and are a going to send it today when I do this.
You spoke about them drawers. If Mr. Churchill is a going to send a box, you can wait and send them in with Charley’s things. If they are willing, you should and it won’t cost you much that way if you do so. But I hope they will send it before long because I hain’t got any for a change so that I can wash them. I am much obliged to you for that pepper which you sent to me in this letter which I received last night.
We have got a fireplace in our tent so so that we can keep it as warm as we are might and we can do all our cooking by it too. And I have got a big pail that I found when we was over to Fredericksburg and we can make enough for three or four to one mess. The other day we made some onions soup in it and they are just the things for us for we can put on our fireplace and it will cook just like a pin.
Have you heard from Uncle James lately. I hain’t heard from him since I wrote to him last. The last letter I wrote to him was on New Year’s Day and hain’t never received any answer from it yet and I don’t no what it means. Perhaps they are sick or else he has been hard up so in the shop that he couldn’t get time for he has always answered them before till now.
You say that Amelia is living to Plainville now. I suppose she likes it first rate there and I hope she will do the best she can and get along with them. I suppose you go to school this winter, don’t you? You must try and learn all you can before I come home for we shall want to go visiting all around and see all the folks. wouldn’t you like that? I would, I’ll bet. You tell mother that I am out of postage stamps and this is the last one on this letter and if she could send some in the next letter, I wish she wood.
Silas [J. Matthews] 1 is well and send his best respects to all. He wrote a letter to his folks yesterday and is a going to send it the same time I do mine and he wrote one to Ed [Norton] the same time and will send that today too. I wrote to before that. We had got to march the next day but we hain’t left yet.
I can’t think of more to write now so goodbye. My best respects to all. This from your truly brother, — Francis Pardee
1 Silas J. Matthews (1842-1864) is mentioned here and throughout Francis’ letters. They were cousins who served together in Co. K, 16th Connecticut, both from Bristol. Like Francis, Silas was taken prisoner at Plymouth, North Carolina. He died in Andersonville Prison in 10 September 1864 at the age of 22.Silas’s parents were Henry N. Matthews (1807-1887) and Olivia Pardee (1819-1900).
Letter 2
This is probably the view of Newport News on the stationery Francis referred to in his letter. (Library of Congress)
Newport News [Virginia] March 8th 1863
Dear Mother,
I now sit down to answer your kind letter which I received yesterday, the 7th, and was very glad to hear from you and to hear that you were all well. We have just had a thunder shower and it rained pretty hard for about half an hour. We was expecting to have a Sunday morning inspection but it is so wet now since the rain that I don’t think that they will have any for it is so wet that they can’t very well inspect us. We have to have our knapsacks inspected to see if our clothes are all clean and then they have us open our coats so that they can see if we have got clean shirts on. And I have got some news to tell you. Night before last, just before dress parade, the company all had white gloves give out to wear our on dress parade.
You wrote to know whether I had ever received them candies which Freddy and Mary Allen sent to me. I believe I did find some in the toe of the boots. Tell them that I am very much obliged to them and I will try to remember them and if I ever come across anything, I will send them as much.
Yesterday we didn’t have any drill and so Co. K all went out and played ball and then in the afternoon, George Atkins and I went down to see a horse race about a mile and we had a pretty good time. This George Atkins that I’m tell you about is deaf and dumb Atkins that lives in Stafford the time we did. I wrote a letter to you with the picture of Newport News on the top of the page and I wrote one to Fannie too. Please write what you think about it and if you see Fannie, tell her to write too. You can’t tell much by it by that one for it was taken when the troops was here before, but I will get a large one for 25 cents that looks just as it does now and you can see the barracks which we are in too. And I will write over the top of it so that you can see what kind of a place it is.
I am glad to hear that you have got that money which I sent to you and if I stay here two years, I mean to have more than two hundred dollars in the bank for I guess I have got over 1 hundred now. I hain’t got much more news to write to you today.
Sile is well and sends his love to you all. What is Ed Norton doing now days? Does he trade as much as ever? I suppose that he is as fat as ever, ain’t he? Have you seen Wallace Sutleff lately? Tell him that I wish he would write and let a fellow know what is going on and wants to know whether you go hunting and what he does Sundays—whether he goes up around Elmore’s Shop and make water wheels and go up to the old shanty and down round by Waterzes old shop. I will now close my letter. So goodbye. My best respects to all. This from your own brother, — Francis Pardee
to Miss Estelle Pardee, Bristol, Conn. Please write how to direct a letter to Father.
Letter 3
Suffolk, Va, April 23, 1863
Dear mother and sister,
I not site down to write a few lines to let you know that I am well and hope these few lines will find you the same. We are still lying out by the breastworks but don’t see any signs of any rebs not I don’t think we ever shall. It has rained like shot all day but we fixed our rubber blankets we didn’t get very wet. We have just drawed some new tents and so Ed Allen and I put one and then he went and bought some cookies and some paper and a dandy and we are enjoying ourselves pretty [well]. Sile is well and sends his best respects to you all. How does Amelia get along now days? Does she live to Mr. Mather’s yet?
Estelle, I suppose you go to school every day, don’t you? You must be a good girl and try and learn all you can and try and help mother till I come home and I will bring you something nice. I wrote a letter to Fannie yesterday. Tell mother that I wish she would send me some more postage stamps for I have sent the last one I had on this letter. You wrote in your letter that you wanted to have me have my picture taken without a cap on. Sile and I had our pictures taken together a long while ago and they are taken without any cap on and I will send it home to you as soon as I can. Ed Markland sent his picture to Sile the other day and it is a pretty [good] one too.
I don’t think of much more to write to you tonight. Ed Allen sits here drawing pictures. I must now close my letter. My best respects to all. So goodbye. This from your own brother, — Francis Pardee
Letter 4
White House Landing June 27th 1863
Dear sister and mother,
I now take my pen in hand to write you a few lines to let you know how I am getting along. I am well and hope these few lines will find you the same. I received your letter the other day and was glad to find you were all well and hope these few lines will find you the same, We have had another route on the water. We was called up at three o’clock night before last to get ready to march. We then marched down about a mile down to the wharf and lay there till about 11 o’clock and then went aboard of the boat. We then started for the White House, it was called, about 70 miles from Yorktown to where we landed. We landed here about 5 o’clock in the afternoon. This White House is where General Lee was born and where General Washington was married. This house is now torn down. There is nothing but the under pinnings to it left. It ain’t but a few rods from our camp.
The rebs left here two or three days ago. They had been here and had got a fort built and was fixing the place for the guns so our folks drove them back. They had got a turn table fixed in the fort so that they could turn the gun clear around the fort and then they had got a railroad run from the fort into Richmond. They say that they was bringing in guns when our follks got here and drove them back.
You said that you had had a letter from Mirum. If I knew where to direct one, I would write to him. I don’t [know] of much more to write today. I wish when you write again that you would send me some fish hooks and lines and some large ones for it is a good place to fish down here and we can catch some big fish here too. Have you heard from Father lately? If you send them fish lines, you had better send them in a little bundle.
We are within 21 miles of Richmond and I guess that it is about as near as we ever shall get too. You spoke about the men being afraid that they would be drafted. I hope they will draft the right ones when they do draft. Sile is well and is writing to Amelia to put in with mine. I thank you very much for them postage stamps which you sent to me in your letter. I wish you could send me a little money for we don’t get much to eat now since we left Portsmouth and if you could send me a little box with dried beef, it would go first rate on a march—and a couple of calico shirts for I hain’t got but one shirt in the world.
I must now close my letter so goodbye. Give my respects to all and write as soon as you get this letter. This from your son, — Francis Pardee, 16th CT. V. M.
Letter 5
Camp near Portsmouth, Va. July 23, 1863
Dear sister and mother,
I now sit down with pleasure to write you a few lines to let you know that we are well and hope these few miles will find you the same. I received them lines that you sent to me in Sile’s letter yesterday and you wrote that you would send them things in Charley Churchill’s box. I think that that would be a good thing and it saves you some work too, and it will be just as well. Have you heard from father lately? I haven’t heard from him yet and I don’t see why he don’t write unless he is sick. Perhaps he is. Mother, I wish you could send me some more postage stamps for I have sent my last one on this letter. There has two officers started this morning from our regiment to go to Connecticut after some drafted men to fill up our regiment. There is about 500 of them, I believe.
Mother, I wish you could see what a nice camp we have got. There is any quantity of preachers down here. I guess that the drafted men will find it a pretty hard place to come in with a lot of old soldiers for there will be a good deal of fun when they get here. I hope that there be some of them Republicans that have stayed at home and tried to get others to enlist so as to save them from going. I haven’t received any letter from Ed or Jo Bradshaw yet. I wish you would tell them that I want them to write and let a fellow know what is going on around Old Bristol now days. I don’t think of much more to write to you today. I wrote a letter and sent to Fannie yesterday.
Sile is well and sends his best respects to all. Give my best respects to grandmother and Uncle Henry’s folks. I must now close my letter so goodbye. Please write soon. This from your dear son, — Francis Pardee, 16th Regt. C. V.
The roses red the violets blue, I shall some time be with you.
Letter 6
Camp near Portsmouth, Va. July 21st 1863
Dear sister and mother,
I now sit down to answer your kind letter which I received last night and was glad to hear from you and to hear that you were all well and hope these few lines will find you the same. We have just had a pretty hard shower. We have been trying to have a review for three days but the General didn’t come so we tried it today. We got out and stood in line for about two hours and the General just got here as it began to rain so we hain’t had any yet but the General is here ready to review us just as soon as it blows off. The man’s name is Foster, He is a going to take command of this Division. I tell you, when we have showers here, they come right straight down and the wind blew so hard that it blew some of the tents down and then the boys would laugh at them.
The story is now that we are a going to have Thanksgiving here next month and we have been to work fixing up the camp ever since we got back from the march. I have not heard from Father since I wrote to him to the White House, and I hain’t had any answer from it yet. I should have wrote to Uncle James before but I did not know [how] to direct the letters so I didn’t write. I wrote one when I was up to Suffolk but didn’t know how to direct it so I didn’t send it. I have wrote to Amelia and Lib since I got back and one to Ed day before yesterday. Please send the box as soon as you can and direct it to Portsmouth, Va., and when you don’t know where we are, direct them to Washington the same as you use to. But now direct them to Portsmouth for they will come through sooner. They say we ain’t a going to get our pay again under two months from this time but I don’t know the reason why. Give my best respects to grandmother and tell her that I am all right yet, and tell that I should like to have her write to me and I will do the same. And tell Uncle Henry’s folks that Sile is well and sends his best respects to all. And give my respects to Uncle Henry’s folks and tell them that I should like to have them write. Estelle, I am glad that you love to go to school so well. Give my best respects to all. This from your dear brother Francis Pardee
Please write soon as you get this letter.
Letter 7
Camp Tenent Portsmouth, Va. September 6th [1863]
Dear Sister,
I now take my pen in hand to answer your kind letter which I just received and was glad to hear from you and to hear that you were all well and hope these few lines will find you the same. I have had the sore throat for a week back but it is getting better now. There is a good many down here with the sore threat. i believe I wrote to you some time ago about mr. Rowley that died with the sore throat in our company. There has been quite a number of our boys in our company had it and are getting better now. Sile and Coony Sutliff have had it but are getting better now.
It hain’t been very warm down here for a week or two back till today it’s pretty warm and makes a fellow sweat writing letters. Estelle, ths is the first letter that I have had for over a week from anybody. I got a letter from CHarley Bradley today. Did mother show or tell Mrs. Allen what I wrote about the money> Tell mother that I think we shall get paid off again before long for the pay rolls have been made out. I have had my bounty check and I wanted some money so bad that I let it go to the sutler and he paid me the money for it so I have had spending money about all the while. I have got some of it left yet. I shall send home to have mother send me one pair of boots and a couple of woolen shirts for winter. But I shall write before I want them and what kind.
I don’t think if much more to write to you today. Sile sends his love to you and all the rest of the folks. How does Uncle Henry’s folks get along now days? I hain’t heard from them in some time. Give my love to them all and kiss the girls for me and tell them to write to me. I don’t think of any more to write now so I will close my letter and give my best respects to all. This from your own dear brother, — Francis Pardee
To his sister Estelle Pardee, Bristol, Conn.
Letter 8
Camp 16th Regiment September 26, 1863
Dear sister and mother,
I thought [I] would write you a few lines as I have just received a letter from you. I have just put in one about 15 minutes ago but I thought I would answer this so as to get there as soon as I could. But I shall have to close now for I have got to go on fatigue but I will finish writing tonight.
You wanted to know what number my boots wanted to be. I want number 7s and I wrote in the other letter that I wanted a vest for it is getting pretty chilly down here and it’s pretty cold night down here. I am sorry that Amelia is so sick and hope she will get well before long. Please tell father that I want him to write to me and give him my best respects and Siles too. Sile is well and sends his respects to all. Does Fannie work to Forsville now, and Lib? Tell them the next time you see them to write to me. I hain’t had any letters from family in a long time. I must now close my letter. So goodbye. Please write soon. This from your own dear brother, — Francis Pardee
Rose red, violets blue, you love me and I love you. Goodbye Estella.
Letter 9
Camp 16th Regt Conn. Vol. Near Portsmouth, V. November 6, 1863
Dear mother,
I now take my take my pen in hand to answer your kind letter which I received today dated the 2nd of November and was glad to hear that you were well and hope these few lines will find you the same. Sile has received one from his folks the same time that I got one from you, and we thought we would sit down and write together, I was on guard yesterday and came off this morning and I am rather tired but I had not anything else to do only to write after I came off guard this morning.
Our regiment started to see two deserters shot and got about half ways to where they were going to be shot and then heard that they weren’t a going to shoot them today so we turned around and went back to camp. But I heard that they are a going to be shot Monday and some say that they ain’t a going to be shot at all.
We have begun to drill again. We commenced last Monday. We had not drilled any for about six months. I believe that I had rather do fatigue duty a good deal than to drill for it ain’t so hard work for me. Oh, Ike Dozier came here day before yesterday to see his folks in Norfolk and so he came to see us and is a coming again tomorrow noon or tomorrow night and I am in hopes that he will bring me something. But I don’t know whether he will or not. Perhaps you have given him something to bring to me? Who knows. I hope so if nothing but a hundred dollars for I would accept of it.
You wanted me to write what number I was for a furlough. I am somewhere between 15 and 25 so you need not make any preparations for me yet awhile. Our captain started today on a furlough and will be there in two or three days or if nothing happens. I am very much obliged to you for them postage stamps that you sent to me. I don’t think of much more to write to you today. Give my best respects to father and tell him to write to me. I will now close for today. So goodbye. This from your affectionate son, — Francis Pardee
Letter 10
Camp 16th Conn. Vol. Plymouth, North Carolina January 31st 1864
Dear mother and sisters,
I now sit down to answer your kind letter which I received last night and was glad to hear that you were all well and hope these few lines will find you all the same. I am very much obliged to you for that money and also the postage stamps. The postage stamps I will keep but the money I will send back for I have got plenty without it as we have been paid off sooner than we expected to when I wrote for the money. I have answered the letter that I received from Estelle and Amelia three or four days ago and was glad to hear from them. Yesterday I wrote a letter to Ed Parsons.
Last night there was a detail from our regiment to go out on a road and I was one of them and we took a ferry boat and sailed about five miles and then we met another squad coming back that went out day before our regiment so we turned around and came back. I can’t think of much to write to you today. Please give my best respects to all of my friends and relations. The boys all send their best respects to father. Tell father that I should like to have him write to me. I suppose father is getting along well getting his saloon. I now close, so goodbye. Please write as soon as you get this. This from your dear brother, — Francis Pardee
The following letter was written by 42 year-old Dr. Solomon Steward (1823-1918), an 1847 graduate of the Cleveland Medical College who was practicing medicine in Troy, Richland county, Ohio, at the time of the 1860 US Census. Solomon was the son of William Steward (1778-1858) and Mercy Clark (1783-1867). He was married to Olive D. Hyde (1830-1906).
Dr. Solomon Steward & his daughter Cora, ca. 1915
According to a biographical sketch, Solomon served as a surgeon at the Mound City, Illinois, Hospital in 1864 and 1865. In 1867 he relocated to Missouri and took up farming near Trenton, Grundy county. He eventually returned to medicine in Trenton, however, and practiced until 1898. (Source: Missouri History Encyclopedia, 1901)
Solomon’s letter contains the tale of a nephew’s service with an Illinois regiment and of his capture at the Battle of Pea Ridge (March 1862) and extended confinement in Confederate prisons—including Andersonville. The particulars of this tale appeared incredulous and a subsequent search of the soldier’s service record revealed that he didn’t even join the regiment (81st Illinois) until months after the Battle of Pea Ridge and, though he was taken prisoner, it wasn’t until June 1864 and his incarceration at Andersonville was limited to a “short stay” only. While it may have made for an entertaining story, the facts behind it are far from accurate.
Solomon’s letter also expresses a disappointment in the manner in which President Andrew Johnson was administering the reconstruction of the South which he called a “criminal experiment,” believing it would require “re-subjugation.”
Transcription
Mansfield, Ohio December 18th 1865
Dear Cousin,
I received a letter from you something more than a year since, but was at that time ready to leave home, which I did acting as Surgeon in the Army until the close of the war. Though I have been so negligent in answering I am glad that you have reminded me of a neglected duty by writing to Mother. She received your letter not long since and was very thankful for your remembrance of her.
My mother is making her home with me this winter, Sister Sophronia and family having moved to their own farm. 1 She is quite feeble and greatly afflicted by her cough. The relations here are all reasonably well and situated much the same as when you were here.
Thomas Pyeatt (1842-1927), not long after war’s end.
Sister Amanda 2 had two sons in the army when you was here, that had been in since the commencement of the war. They both had the good fortune to return with good health after having been engaged in most of the bloody battles of the southwest. Sister Elizabeth 3 who lives in Illinois had a son [Thomas Pyeatt] taken prisoner at the Battle of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, but he did not have the privilege of writing or rather of getting a letter through to his mother and therefore for nearly two years she knowed not whether he was dead or alive, but expected him dead. He also came home after the close of the war having received the hospitalities of Andersonville Prison as well as that of some ten others much of the same kind.
The cost of conquering the South can never be computed but was fully dine by our noble boys who counted sufferings and death in its most appalling forms as nothing compared with victory. They nobly done their work and the South were ready to receive with thankfulness whatever terms of reconstruction their government might have adopted, but such is not the case now. They must be conquered again because of President Johnson’s criminal experiment. The fresh recollection of the past will make their re-subjugation an easy and bloodless task if Congress carries on its healthful treatment of the ex-rebels so nobly commenced.
I received your New York paper which you had the goodness to send me, but I think its teaching much more conservative than the welfare of the country demands. There have been and now is some very fine opportunities to invest money in the late rebel states. I some think of visiting Alabama next month for the purpose of investing what money I can conveniently raise at a venture.
We have had a very nice season just past—very healthy with all. My wife wishes me to ask you for your process of purifying sugar, If not too much trouble, please let us know when you write next. Harriet Steward is teaching here yet. Mrs. Moor is not enjoying very good health. Has been at the Water Cure for some time past. We hope to hear from you often and I will try to be more prompt in answering in the future.
Please give my respects to your family. We would be much pleased to receive a visit from any or all of them. Yours respectfully, — Solomon Steward
December 24th 1865
1 Sophronia Steward (1828-1898) was married to George V. Anders in 1855. They were enumerated in the 1870 US Census in Madison township, Richland county, Ohio.
2 Amanda Steward (1804-1879) was married to James Williams (1800-1852). Her sons in the service were probablyWilliam Williams (b. 1839) and James Williams (b. 1844) though I have not looked up their service records.
3 Elizabeth Steward (1805-1875) was married to Jacob Pyeatt (1802-1857) of DuQuoin, Illinois. She had many children but it was her son Thomas Pyeatt (1842-1927) that was mentioned as a prisoner of war. Thomas enlisted in August 1862 as a musician in Co. K, 81st Illinois Infantry. He was taken prisoner on 10 June 1864 at Guntown, Mississippi, and paroled on 17 June 1865.
The following letter was written by 52 year-old Rev. Henry G. Stewart (1811-1871), a native of Vermont employed as a clergyman in Warwick, Kent county, Rhode Island, on the cusp of the Civil War. He was married to Ardelia Bailey Day in 1841 and had several children one of whom—Sarah (b. 1846) added a post script to this letter. He wrote the letter to his older brother, Harvey Stewart (1798-1868), a farmer in Clarendon, Rutland county, Vermont.
In his letter Henry refers to the Rhode Island Association for Freedman that was established in early February 1864 (predating the Freedmen’s Bureau by almost a year) of which he anticipated serving as a general agent upon his return from a trip to the Mississippi river valley to visit the Freemen’s (Contraband) Camps sited there. Some of the best accounts of the condition of these Contraband Camps was captured in a piece by E. C. Collins, the Secretary of the Friends Association of Philadelphia; see—1863-64: Condition of Contraband Camps.
Henry also refers to the 14th Rhode Island Heavy Artillery Regiment (Colored) that was mustered into service at Providence in late August 1863 for three years service. They were later designated the 8th US Colored Heavy Artillery, and then again to the 11th US Colored Heavy Artillery. They spent some time garrisoning a fort on Matagorda Island, Texas.
Transcription
Providence [Rhode Island] March 28th 1864
My dear Brother,
Your last came duly to hand and I have only time to say a few words in reply. Tomorrow I expect to start for New Orleans direct, by transport from Newport, with the 14th Rhode Island [Heavy Artillery] Regt. (Colored). I go with them as far as New Orleans, from whence they will go to Texas and I shall go up the Mississippi river to visit the different camps of the Freedmen on its banks between New Orleans and St. Louis. I expect to be absent eight or ten weeks and will write you again on my return, and perhaps while I am on my tour, I go as a delegate of the Christian Commission, not for, and as General Agent of the Rhode Island Association for Freedmen in whose behalf I expect to labor in Rhode Island and vicinity after my return. My pay is $75 per month and expenses paid.
We are all very well at present. Sarah has recovered from her severe sickness excepting strength. There is nothing of special interest with us. Yours truly, — H. G. Stewart
[to] Harvey Stewart, Esqr.
P. S. Dear Uncle, I have had some pictures taken for our friends in Vermont. Since I have lost my hair by the fever as a “natural curiosity”—enclosed is one for your family. Your affectionate niece—Sarah
The author of the following letter has not been identified though his initials appear to be “G. C. M.” The letter was datelined from Camp California on 4 January 1862. This camp was located southwest of Fort Worth, two to three miles west of Alexandria, Virginia. It was occupied principally by units from New York, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island that were part of Sumner’s Division including the famed 69th New York, the 63rd New York, the 57th New York, the 5th New Hampshire, the 53rd Pennsylvania, the 8th Illinois Cavalry, the 52nd New York and the 88th NY. It was named Camp California because the Division commander — Gen. Edwin V. (“Bull”) Sumner — had recent service there. It was approximately eleven miles (by horse) from Washington D. C. in Fairfax county, Virginia.
A soldier from the 69th New York described it: “We are located on a very fine hill, overlooking a magnificent valley, studded with white tents, and presenting a view of some ten miles in every direction. The location is exceedingly healthy, the soil is dry, firewood abundant, in fact inexhaustible, and the men getting wise by experience, have not only put up their tents scientifically, cut drains round them, but have been able to put in substantial floors, and glean as much straw in the neighboring fields as to make themselves beds.”
The soldier wrote the letter to his sister who is not named in the letter though I suspect her children were “Mary, Stuart, Lizzie, and little Harry.” I’ve checked the rosters of all the above named regiments for a soldier with those initials but did not find an obvious match. More time would be needed to search exhaustively though the content is not particularly newsworthy. The author’s handwriting skills were quite good so I suspect he was not in the Irish Brigade regiments (63rd, 69th, and 88th New York Regiments) as they were mostly Irish emigrants.
[Note: This letter is from the personal collection of Greg Herr and was transcribed & published on Spared & Shared by express consent.]
A black arrow points to the general area where Camp California was located. The map is an 1861 map of the Defenses of Washington reprinted in the “Atlas to Accompany The Official Records of the Union and confederate Armies.” Camp California was under the shelter of nearby Fort Worth (misspelled as Ft Wohth on this map).
Transcription
Camp California January 4th 1862
Dear sister,
I received your letter. Also the package from Richard for which I am much obliged.
We have had some very cold weather since I last wrote home but we have changed our quarters and are fixing up fr the winter, I think, now that we will stay in the place we are all winter. We live very comfortably although we have not much room. I spent Christmas out on picket duty and New Year’s Day in Alexandria. We had a very pleasant dinner party at one of the restaurants for which we had to pay $5 apiece—rather dear. In our county the same dinner might be gotten for one dollar. We had terrapin and canvas back duck, oysters, &c.
There is very little of anything occurring here to write about except the army and that you can see in the papers everyday. Nothing but drill all the time except when it comes our turn on picket. I thought a great deal of home on Christmas. I think it is one of the first I ever spent away from home. I could very easily imagine what was going on in my absence. I should like to see all the children. I suppose they will have grown considerably by the time I get home if I am lucky enough. I think I may get home in the spring if nothing happens and things look now as if the war would end before many months.
I like military very much and think I would like to spend some time at it in a good position. I got a letter from Cele last evening and am looking out anxiously for a box from home. Almost every man in the army has got one.
We had quite a snow storm here yesterday but it did not amount to much. I should like to enjoy a little sleighing at home. I suppose my sleigh has been out already. I hope the folks will be able to enjoy it. I got a letter from Charley and will answer it soon as I get time. I must draw this to a close as I have several others to write. Give my love to all the family. Tell them I am well and never enjoyed better health. I suppose the children are have fine times. I would like to see little Mary, Stuart, Lizzie, and little Harry especially. Write to me as often as you can. I am always so glad to hear from home. I never enjoyed letters so much as I do now.
Remember me to all. Direct as before. Your affectionate brother, — G. C. M.
Charles Van Martyr of New Brunswick, a musician in the 35th New Jersey, Co. A. (Rick Brown Collection)
The following letter was written by 39 year-old Enoch Carkhuff (1824-1881), the son of Jacob Quick Carkhuff (1786-1865) and Catharine Cole (1793-1862). Enoch was married in 1844 to Mary Reed (b. 1825) of Somerset county, New Jersey. Their only child was George Van Nest Carkhuff (b. 1850).
It was in late August 1862 when Enoch volunteered to serve as a private in Co. E, 30th New Jersey Infantry—a nine-month’s regiment. He mustered out of the service on 27 June 1863. At the time that Enoch wrote this letter in March 1862, the regiment had already participated in the “Mud March” and were awaiting orders that would eventually take them to the Battlefield at Chancellorsville, their only major engagement, but they escaped with little exposure and no casualties. They had 64 deaths from disease and 14 desertions during their nine months service.
Transcription
Belle Plain Landing, Virginia March 7th 1863
Mary and George Carkhuff,
Dear friends—I take the opportunity to let you know that I am well and hope these few lines will find you the same. I have no news to write about the move for all is quiet here now. We have plenty of work to do now days but we ain’t going to work very hard for the pay we get.
The mud is drying up a little but it is bad enough yet. I got my box last Sunday the 1st of March and it was all first rate. There was four loaves of bread and four good pies, ginger and doughnuts, and a fine big pound cake and cheese and butter and apples and two first rate pair of stockings. I tell you that I live bully now days. You must let us know who sent us our night caps. You must tell them we are very much obliged to them for their present. They are very nice to wear in our tents or outdoors, either. The boys wonder who made them. Some of the stuff they did know and some they did not know where it came from but they are very much pleased with them.
I suppose you are thinking about moving pretty soon. George, you must work smart and help mother get ready to move. You must let me know who moves where you are. They say that we will get some more pay this month. I hope they will pay us some so that you can pay doctor all his rent before you move. Maybe he will let you stay yet for 4 dollars a month if he don’t rent it soon. You must let me know who bought Dunman’s houses and whether they are all rented or not. Give my respects to Mr. Ore’s folks. Tell Mr. Ore he will have to come down to Old Virginna and see the elephant and then they will know how it goes to have a box.
You must let me know whether Tunis is home yet or not. Mr. John Whitenack and Sherfeherder and Mr. Hope has been down here this week and they said that John Davis and Ellis Porter is coming down next week. But the boys don’t think that they will come. Our young boys is getting tired of the business. Samuel Davis is not very well. He don’t do much duty now nor hain’t for some time. He has got plenty of the war. If he gets back, he won’t come again. But I must close for it is most time for the mail to go. But you must write soon for I have not heard from you since I wrote the other letter. Goodbye mother and George. Your dear husband and father, — Enoch Carkhuff
An unidentified private believed to be from the 2nd Michigan Infantry (Dale Niesen Collection)
This letter was written by Myron Harvey Skinner (1842-1904), the son of Adolphus Harvey Skinner (1811-1892) and Mary Angeline Fuller (1811-1893) of Walled Lake, Oakland county, Michigan. Myron enlisted on 25 May 1861 in Co. G (“Constantine Union Guards”), 2nd Michigan Infantry. He was transferred out of the regiment on 21 January 1863 into Battery H, 1st US Light Artillery. Myron datelined his letter on 19 December 1862, just days after the Battle of Fredericksburg when the regiment was encamped near Falmouth, Virginia
Myron wrote of visiting the encampment of his older brother, Dolphus Skinner (1835-1903) who had been serving as a private in Co. F, 10th US Regular Infantry since March 1858 and had only recently been attached to the Army of the Potomac. Previous to, and in the early part of the war, Co. F of the US Regulars had seen duty in the far west but in late November they were sent to Aquia Creek, Virginia, and were attached to Sykes Division of Butterfield’s 5th Corps during the Battle of Fredericksburg. During the battle, Sykes’ regulars moved up after darkness on the 13th and spent the night on the field. The Regulars were significantly engaged during the day of the 14th, with fighting around the Tannery on the northern end of the line.
Myron addressed the letter to “Jule” whom I’m guessing was his cousin—Juliann Hubbel Skinner (1831-1922), a daughter of Hiram and Elizabeth (Otto) Skinner of Oakland county, Michigan.
[Note: This letter is from the private collection of Dale Niesen and was transcribed and published on Spared & Shared by express consent.]
Transcription
[Camp near Falmouth, Virginia] December 19th 1862
Dear Jule,
I received yours some days since. I will endeavor to answer it. I learned by letters from home that Dolphus was in the Army of the Potomac and yesterday he came to my camp. I knew him just the minute I set my eyes on him. He don’t look as he used to but the longer I am with him, I see more of his old looks. He was glad to see me, I tell you, and I was glad to see him as he was to see me and this morning I came over to his camp and seen him. They are camped about 6 miles from my camp. But 6 miles hant much for a soldier to walk to see his brother that he hant seen in 5 years. You know he is well and doing well.
I would have answered your letter before this but I didn’t have a sheet of paper or couldn’t get any so I couldn’t write. So you must excuse me this time. I will try to do better next. You must excuse a short letter this time for I have got to write two more today.
The following letter was only signed “B. B.” so it is difficult to say with certainly who he was. He addressed the letter to “Doctor” who seems to have been from the same area of Virginia as “Capt. F” of his regiment. Since the author describes the recent action known as the Battle of Haulover Cut on James Island and the only Virginia troops participating in the fight were from the 26th Virginia Infantry, my hunch is that the author served in that regiment. The only “Captain F.” in the 26th Virginia was Capt. Patrick H. Fitzhugh (1818-1864) of Co. B who would later be mortally wounded in the 17th June 1864 Battle of Petersburg. Additionally, the 26th Virginia was assigned to the 1st Military Sub District which is how this letter was datelined.
I could not find a “B. B.” serving in Co. B of the 26th Virginia but it isn’t clear from the letter that the author was necessarily from the same company as the captain mentioned. In fact, there were several companies recruited from the same general area of Virginia. Three possible candidates Are Benjamin Boughton of Co. C who was later killed at the Battle of Nottoway Bridge; Benjamin Booker of Co. H who was captured on 17 June 1864 and died at Elmira in October 1864; and Benjamin Broach of Co. H who was captured at High Bridge on 14 April 1865 and died on 2 May 1865. I can’t be certain that it was any one of these three; they are only possibilities. Whomever he was, he had excellent handwriting which would indicate an advanced education and suggest a position of higher rank. None of the possibilities mentioned above fit that description.
[Note: This letter is from the private collection of Greg Herr and was transcribed and published on Spared & Shared by express consent.]
Transcription
Headquarters, 1st [Military] Sub. District February 12, 1864
Dear Doctor,
It has been a long time since I have heard from you and I feel real anxious to get a letter from you. Captain F got a letter from your father a few weeks ago. I frequently make inquiries whether or not the Yankees occupy your part of the country but no one seems to know anything about it. I have experienced some pretty hard times during the past Spring & Summer. When we returned to Yorktown, our tents were sent to Petersburg. We have no wall tents. The only tents we have here are fly tents. And they only issue 5 to a company. We have had very poor rations. Fatty meat to eat the most of the time and nothing other but crackers.
The fight at Richmond I was the only one in the battle, our regiment not being called into action till the last day of the fight. The Captain acted very bravely and came out of the fight without a scratch. I got a slight wound in my head. The ball struck me on top of the head, cutting through the skin. I fear that many of my friends have been killed in the later fighting in Virginia. You have a better opportunity of hearing from the army that I have. We have no other than river water to drink. The gnats & horseflies are already great pests. There is a great many alligators visible every day. We captured one yesterday and had his tail for supper. I understand we are to commence on hardtack in a few days. They look like all jawbones.
I used to think I could see some end to the war. I don’t see any chance now for it to close at all. I know the Yankees cannot, nor ever will, whip us. I do think it depends entirely on the election of the next President of Yankeedom whether we will have any peace for the next 5 years to come.
In our latest skirmish, I am happy to say that the Yankees retreated in great haste, leaving their dead on the field. They had burned the houses at Haulover and retreated to their gunboats. Our losses were 10 from Jenkin’s Cavalry and 1 wounded from the 59th North Carolina. I must close right now. I pray God for the success of our righteous cause and that He protect our brave men. Your friend, — B. B.
I could not find an image of Joseph but here is one of Samuel W. Jennings who was a corporal i nCo. K, 161st NY Vols.(Photo Sleuth)
These letters were written by Cpl. Joseph Francis Philp of Company B [later C], 161st New York Infantry. The regiment was organized in the fall of 1862 and transported to Louisiana where they participated in the siege and attack on Port Hudson, at the battle at Donaldson, Louisiana, and on the unsuccessful Sabine Pass expedition to Texas. It then participated on Banks’ Red River campaign in the spring of 1864 before being stationed at Columbus, Kentucky. He was mustered out of the service at Fort Jefferson in Florida in September 1865.
Joseph Francis Philp (1843-1920) was born in Crediton, Devon, England, the son of Joseph Philp (1793-1872) and Ellen Ann Hutchinson (1816-1884) who emigrated to the United States in the mid 1840s. In 1867, Joseph (Jr.) married Sophronia Abigail Knapp (1843-1916) in Reading, Schuyler County, New York.
Letter 1
Addressed to Mr. Joseph Philp, Altay, Schuyler county, New York(Note Confederate Stamp!)
Algiers, Louisiana Monday, September 14th 1863
Dear Father & Mother,
It is with a great deal of pleasure that I sit down to answer your kind letter of August 30th which came to hand today. I was glad to find you all well & I hope these few lines will find you the same. I am well as usual & in the best of spirits. D. W. C. [David W. Chapman] is the same. He is now writing home. I think we have good times together talking of olden times now past & gone forever, perhaps never to return, but we hope for the best.
I heard today that three of our boys died since we left Baton Rouge. I will give you the names for you might know some of them. Edward Matson ¹ — I do not know exactly where he is from. Edmond [Edgar W.] Ballard ² — that fellow that married Kate Perrigo of Havana. Also Savallen A. Whitehead ³ of Altay — a young fellow. His brother Freeman died a few days before we left there. There is two brothers gone to eternity, never to return; both sinners, but the first had time to repent, the latter was taken so sudden he was a sinner, I am sorry to say.
You thought I had of forgotten you but it was not through the cause that I could not send a letter just when I saw fit. I had to wait for the mail to take it. Do not neglect writing for not knowing where I am for they will come to us wherever we are. I wish I could come back to spend the winter with you & cut your wood but it is impossible to think of, There is no such good luck for the 161st [New York Infantry] — especially Co. B — but there is some lucky ones so far. It is better born lucky than rich as you have told me in times gone by forever.
I am very thankful for the things you sent me. You need not of sent me the shirts for I can get more than I can carry. I had rather of Father to of had them. They would of done him good this next winter but I will make it all up many times if God spares me to come home.
I am glad that Mr. Clark is so kind to you. If you get in need of anything, you know where to go & it will not seem so hard to you if you do not have hard times to have a safe to call on in time of need. Do not be afraid. I will do all I can. You told me not to send you any money when I wanted it myself. Do not be alarmed. I always take care of myself, then you. I look a little the farthest for you for I can do without it & you can’t so I will endeavor to send you $2.00 for this time. We got our pay today — four month’s pay. I got $12.00 & an allotment of $40.00. Please keep count of all I send to you [and] also what I send to Clark & Jackson. I do not know as you can of the latter so you need not. I send in a letter to them today a check of $20.00 of my last pay at Donaldsonville so you see I ain’t spending all my pay. If I do most all I guess I send as much as anyone of that section & have money every pay day. Today I had nearly $3.00 dollars left while many were out & had been for a month. I do more with one dollar than some do with five. One thing is I do not use tobacco & drink. I use my money when I feel as if I needed something in the way of eatables. D. C. & I have money to lend and a plenty to spare, but do not intend to get out of. We are brothers & to remain so we do for each other & help each other when we can enjoy ourselves first rate. Old age & hardships will bring many to failure.
I am sorry to hear that William Brien is so near death by consumption. I am feared in my next letter I will hear of his death. We are all subject to death. Perhaps in the next letter you will hear of my being near death, but thanks to yourselves, it is God’s will must be done & think we will meet again in a few days so trust in God. Your advice is good. I see by recollecting what my Ma used to tell me when I were a boy if you call me a man now. She used to tell me look to God. It will come good to you when you come to die. I do not know if I am doing right in saying what I am, so goodbye.
Give my love to all the girls & old folks & remember me to all. Please write soon & often so good bye. From your son, — Joseph F. Philp
From the collection of Al & Claudia Niemiec
¹ Regimental records indicate that Edward Matson (1844-1863) was discharged for disability on 29 August 1863 at Baton Rouge, prematurely ending his three years commitment to service in Co. B, 161st New York Infantry. A different record indicates he died on 6 September 1863 at Baton Rouge. Pvt. Matson was from Catlin, Chemung County, New York, the son of Dennis and Mary Matson.
² Edgar N. Ballard (1837-1863) enlisted at Reading to serve three years in Company B, 161st New York Infantry. He died on 4 September 1863 at Baton Rouge. An affidavit in Edgar’s pension file signed by Charles B. Kress of Company B attests to the death of Ballard at Camp Convalescent at Academy Hall Hospital in Baton Rouge on 6 September 1863 from what the attending physician pronounced as heart disease. He further stated that he saw Ballard’s body placed in a coffin and knew him to be married to Catharine Ballard.
³ Savallen A. Whitehead (1844-18xx) enlisted to serve three years in Co. B, 161st New York Infantry. Regimental records do not indicate that he died at Baton Rouge; rather, they indicate he was discharged for disability on 24 August 1863 and that he survived the war. His older brother, Freeman Frazier Whitehead (1844-1874), was discharged for disability on 17 August 1863 at Baton Rouge.
Letter 2
Near New Iberia, La. Tuesday, December 25, 1863
Dear Parents,
It is with pleasure that I endeavor to answer your kind letter of December 6th. I was glad to find by its contents that you were all well excepting Maria & she is about the same. I am in hopes she is better before this time. I am well as usual & enjoying myself first rate. David C. is the same.
You will see by this that we are still in our old camp ground but I do not think we will remain here all winter for they are drawing the force from here day after day. All there is here at present is two Divisions of the 19th Army Corps. It will not number 4,000. It is a small force, I think, to leave here where there is so much danger of being attacked any day at any moment.
You say there will be a plenty of youngsters left for to meet my return, if such is my lot. I do not doubt it but if not, I will be contented. I used to think when I were about 14 years of age what a nice thing it would be to get married. Do I think so now? No. It is something does not trouble me any. I may get one in time, but I fear it will be a good long time ere such a thing transpires in my behalf. At any rate, it will not do as a young man of R. Center did a short time ago to try to get married before I get the consent of the lady a pretty pass in this day and age of the world; pretty hard up for a wife, what do you say?
I am glad to think that some of our ladies have someone to wait on them. It makes me glad to hear of it. I do love to hear of their enjoying themselves for it is not a very easy matter to enjoy themselves when their comrades and friends are in the army serving their country. They should be willing to be deprived of some of it in the opinion of some. I say enjoy themselves as best they can. In one of my letters of today I found that Wallace Alderman of Tyrone died not long ago—a member of the 141st. He was a comrade of mine. He first enlisted in Co. B of the 161st. He took a notion to go in that regiment (141st) and so he went. Where is he now? Is he with his God? I fear not for he was careless & reckless of future happiness. It is so with thousands of others. It makes me sad indeed & it has been a happy Christmas too [for] I and D. C.—not in the way it is with a good many officers by getting drunk.
P. S. Please give my love to all. Please tell me in your next letter how much money you have received from me in different times & see if you have got all I have sent you. I do not recollect how many different times I have sent to you…
Letter 3
Camp Harrower, Franklin, LA. Sabbath, February 28, 1864
Dear Parents,
It is with pleasure that I endeavor to say a few words in answer to your most welcome letter of January 24th. I found by its contents that you were well as usual. It found me the same. I am well as usual and enjoying myself first rate. You will be surprised to hear that we are again under marching orders, again to make our way up through to Red River. I do not know how soon we will leave this place but I presume in less than ten days as we are ordered to pack our knapsacks so that they can be sent back to Brashear City or New Orleans. I think they have given us a short rest but it is time if we should have this rebellious war brought to a close, the sooner the better for both sides.
They commonly begin to work here the 10th March or thereabouts. It is a good deal like summer here — only very cool nights [and] very foggy, making it rather damp to stay out. But you know a soldier must be able to endure almost anything or go in the hospital and of course that is not a very desirable place. But we are all subject to going there. Still we must submit if necessary. You know I have seen many go there and many that have been there have never returned to the camp, and I have been spared thus far. I have seen a good part of my time pass away and if it be God’s will, I will see it all pass by. It is but 18 months yet to stay. It will soon pass if I can but have my health. Every day is one less to spend — not only in this war, but in our lives. Every hour is one less.
All of the boys are well as common, I believe. Our camp have increased since we got back here. We have now with us 42 men — all good for duty. Some days one or two get excused from duty but that is nothing. It does not stop the progress of the days work. Even if death takes a comrade, it is not noticed in our duty. It is one thing over and over. The first thing reveille in morning, then have roll all, next is Dr. call, next you will hear the cups & plates rattle getting their morning meal. Next it will be guard mounting. Perhaps it will be on parade ground. Next will be camp drill from 9 until 11. Next will be cups & plates for dinner. Next will be fall in for battalion drill, perhaps drilled by Col. or Major from 2 until 4. Next will be dress parade. Come out in the nicest you have got — brasses all scoured up — buttons like gold. Next will be tattoo at 8, calling roll which composes the exercises of the day. We have every Saturday afternoon for washing. Sabbath is only an inspection of guns, camps &c. which takes perhaps an hour. Our guard duty is light — only have to go on about every 6 or 8 days. I would not of written to you today but I thought perhaps you would leave before I could get another chance. Direct your letters as usual until further ordered from me. Do not go by anyone else for a good many has different ways. I must close for the present hoping to hear from you soon and often. Give my love to all enquiring friends.
From your son, — J. F. Philp
Letter 4
Camp Harrower Franklin, La. Monday, March 14th 1864
Dear Parents,
It is with pleasure that I endeavor to reply to your most welcome letter of February 21st which came to hand a few days since. I was glad to find by its contents that you were well as normal. It found me the same.
I am well as usual and enjoying myself first-rate. I told you in my last letter of the 7th that I expected we would be on a march again in a short time. You will see by this that we are still here but we expect to leave tomorrow. We are to be ready at a minute’s notice after reveille tomorrow morning with two days rations in haversacks. The cavalry went out this morning (as the niggars say — a real host of ’em). the report is that they captured 480 prisoners but I do not believe it. It is too good news to be true.
The weather is beautiful. The nights are rather cool with heavy fogs making it very unhealthy.
Dear parents, do not be disheartened if you do not hear from me in a good while for I expect all communications will be cut off in a few days. I will endeavor to write once a week whether it goes directly or not. I wish you to do the same.
In your letter you said you sent me a lot od writing paper & envelopes — also a couple of papers. I did not get either of them. Also 4 postage stamps. They were not to be found. The paper may come after a spell but I doubt it. We must expect to have some things lose the way by evil hands. I would advise you not to send me anymore writing paper for I can generally get it here but do not neglect sending some postage stamps whenever I send for such. If you will, I would like to have you send some at times for I may need them by the time I get them.
We have not got paid off in a good while so I could not send you any but will as soon as it is possible. There is four months pay due us by the time it is paid. I do not complain as far as I am concerned — only for you. I can get along without money for a good while but it is not a great many that say thus. One thing I do not use — tobacco nor intoxicating drink. Therefore, all I spend is in useful things to support the family. What I mean by family is I supply them in writing paper. Do not take me that I have a family in this southern clime. I do not intend to have one as long as a soldier I am. When I am clear from military discipline, then I can talk with some of the young gals either north or south. I do not intend to say I will get a wife north, but I will say it may be here in this state that I find a suitor. You know a person should not be bound to his own state for a lover. There is too much deceit afloat.
Capt. George Morton Tillson (1841-1907), 161st NY Vols. George mustered in as Captain of Co. K and remained with the company until 8 April 1864 when he was severely wounded at the Battle of Sabine Cross Roads in Louisiana and had his arm amputated. (Al & Claudia Niemiec Collection)
We have a great deal of sport here about the gals all wanting to get married so bad. I feel sorry for them — poor creatures. They all should be united to someone if it is to the lowest of the low for the war will take a good many of the poor soldiers lives. So I would advise them if they get married to marry a man that is exempt for he may have to go & leave their honeymoon and perhaps will lose his life. I would — if I were a gal — wait until after this cruel war is over. I could have a better choice though. I do not know. These soldiers are a hard lot of men but there is exceptions, I hope, in this as well as anything else.
D. W. Chapman is not very well but intends to start on the march but he will not go farther than New ____. There he will be brought back to this place, thence to convalescent camp to remain for we know not how long. Perhaps he will get a furlough to go home. He has been sick so long. He is very poor. He is not able to walk a mile. All the way he can get from here is in the ambulance. I hope he will be taken to New Orleans where he can be taken care of. I hope I never may be sick.
You will think it strange if I tell you I am writing this by the light of the fire only because the bugle has blown for us to put out lights. I must put this in the office tonight for the orders have just come to start at 7 in the morning. So this will be the last letter I will write in this place. I must close hoping to hear from you soon and often. Give my love to all enquiring friends. Give my love to Mr. & Mrs. Dillistin. So goodbye. From your affectionate son, — J. F. Philp
To Parents, Joseph & E. A. W. Philp
Letter 5
Camp of 161st New York Vols. White River Landing, Arkansas Sabbath morning, July 31st 1864
Dear Parents,
It is with pleasure that I endeavor to say a few words in answer to your most welcome letters of July 10th. Also one bearing date of 17th. I was glad to find by both of them that you were well and gettin along as could be expected in these hard times. They both found me well & enjoying myself as well as can be expected in this hot climate. It is pretty warm but not as much as it was in the Department of the Gulf. D. C. has not got here as yet. I am looking for him on every boat coming from New Orleans. I am anxious to see him. I was sorry to hear of his feeling so bad when leaving home. I will use all in my power to make him happy knowing his folks are friends to me.
The boys are all well as usual and in good spirits but they complain some of staying here for it is about the same as being in the wilderness. We can get nothing in the way of vegetables. I do not know how long we will remain here. The other regiment (6th Michigan) that belongs to this Brigade has gone up White River. The General Headquarters are here as yet. Perhaps we (161st) will remain here & build a small fort as there is to be one built here.
Dear parents, is it possible that Phrona Knapp is of that disposition? I could hardly believe [it] but as it is from a reliable source, I cannot help but believe it. I can hardly tell my thoughts. I wrote to her last—the 16th of April—[but] I never got a word from her. I could not tell what was the matter. I would of written to her in a day or two but as it is, I am out done. I never will renew my correspondence. She should not blame me. I am in a distant clime. I cannot hardly tell what I am writing to. I will stop writing entirely if one young lady is jealous over another or because she does not like her that I should be the same? No, that is not my disposition. I could not harbor one thought of it. If it were concerning love or something in that way, it would be different. But as it was there a friendly correspondence were friendship. Well, well, what is the world coming to. I used to think differently of Phrone. We will see the fall of the Vanduzer Family yet. Let them work. Of course they will try & do all the hurt they can to us. You may Phrone wrote to me again. I have not got the letter as yet. I have not from Amelia Laney as yet. I wrote a letter yesterday & addressed it to Tyrone instead, State of Michigan. I must close my hasty letter hoping to hear from you soon and often/ So goodbye. From your son, — Frank J. Philp
Letter 6
Camp 161st New York Volunteers White River Landing, Arkansas August 5th 1864
Dear Parents,
As we (161st) are about to leave here for a different part of the Mississippi, I thought I could but sit down & let you know that I am well as usual and enjoying myself first rate considering the warmth of the weather. Perhaps you will think it warm when you can put matches out in the sun & they will catch fire with the warmth of the sun. Why it is enough to melt a person right down. It affects everyone this summer. I know it does me for one. It never troubled me as it does this summer but I can work it through if it does not get any warmer & I have my health. The prickly heat bothers me now but not so as to make me sick.
The Altay boys are all well as common. I am glad we are agoing to leave here but I do not like the idea of going down the river. The gen[eral] opinion is that we are agoing to Morganza [Louisiana] to build an arsenal. I can hardly believe it. They only will tell a soldier. Of course our General knows our destination.
The 6th Michigan has got back from up White River. Some say we (161st) are agoing to join the 19th Army Corps on the Potomac. I do not believe it. They cannot spare us from here. They have got about all of the forces along the river now down there & at Mobile. There is but a few troops along this river to what there should be. It is stated Gen. Dick Taylor (C. S. A.) is threatening Morganza now. I guess it is a good deal like all other rumors we hear false.
I have had to write this in a great hurry but you will excuse haste. We expect to leave in about 30 minutes. As we are encamped by the side of a cotton field, I will endeavor to send you a blossom which resembles a hollyhock somewhat others red. The stalk grows about five feet high. ¹
Give my love to all enquiring friends. So goodbye. From your son— F. J. Philp
P. S. Address your letters to Vicksburg as before ________ for we know not how we are a going. — Frank
¹ “The cotton plant belongs to the family known as the mallows. It is related to the hollyhock and the cotton blossom bears a close resemblance to that of the hollyhocks. The technical name for cotton is gossypium.” [Source: The Cotton Industry of the United States, by Allen Douglas Cook, 1920]
The General Store in Altay, Schuyler County, New York
Letter 7
Camp of 161st New York Vols. Morganzia, La. Friday, August 12, 1864
Dear Parents,
It is with the utmost pleasure that I seat myself to say a few words to you by way of letter. I am well as usual & enjoying myself first rate. I hope this will find you the same. you will see by this that we are still in Louisiana. I do not know how long we will remain here but I should [not think] very long. I have got so that I do not care where they take us. If we are soldiers, let us be such. If it is tough, it is for such. We must expect in this time of war.
The boys are all well as common and all in good spirits. D. C. has not got here as yet. It will be some time before he comes, I presume, for he was in Washington D. C. by last accounts as they would not give him transportation for New Orleans as the 29th Corps was on the Potomac. I was in hopes he would of been along ere this time for I do wish to see him & have a long talk with him.
The other regiment (6th Michigan) that belongs to this Brigade is now getting on boats for to go to New Orleans or some other place unknown by any of us—perhaps Mobile. I presume you have heard of our having Fort Gaines & Fort (well I have forgot the name in that Bay, & Fort Morgan invested. I presume it will be ours in a few days. I think all or nearly all of the troops here will start for Mobile in a few days.
Last night there was five regiments came down from White River. They are still in the boats. They have stopped here to get rations, then will proceed in their journey. Now is the time to go to work at such places while all of the army are engaged with our forces at Richmond and Atlanta. Now is the time to make a strike if ever. I do hope Grant & Sherman will be successful. It will be the winding up of the Rebellion if both are successful. If bother are unsuccessful, then look out for the war lasting seven years. It will encourage the enemy more than anything else. But I do not look at the dark side of the picture. Time only will tell. I look forward with hopes of success.
There is not much said in regard to reenlisting as yet—only among the boys all say right up and down I will not reenlist for I think if I serve out my time, it will be enough for me. I am sorry that they this but if I had no parents, I should stay with the army as long as the war lasts but for your sake, I will not reenlist. I wrote to Maria some time ago. Has she ever got it? I wrote a note to you on the 9th. Have you ever got it?
P. S. Please address your letters to New Orleans. Give my love to all enquiring friends. So goodbye for this time. From your son, — Frank J. Philp
Letter 8
Camp of 161st New York Vols. Columbus, Kentucky Tuesday, November 2, 1864
Dear Parents,
Again I seat myself to say a few words to you. I am well as usual & enjoying myself first rate considering the duty we have to do. Since coming here, it is every other day with the privates & every third & fourth day with the non-commissioned officers. I do not know how long we will remain here but I presume all winter as there is plenty of duty to do. All the white troops there is here is our regiment & one small battery & there is one colored regiment.
We left Paducah on the 25th for this place. The rest of our brigade is there or was by last account. I am in hopes we will stay here all winter as it is getting cool weather. It is time if we are to go into winter quarters this winter. We got all fixed up at Paducah but it was of no use. We have got fixed up here with our fireplaces & stoves — those that have any ambition at all. A little fire comes good these cool nights. It will be cooler to us this winter than it was last as we are a good deal farther north, but it will be healthier for us than it was. The weather does not go by fits & starts.
We will be apt to get letters a good deal sooner. It has been a good while since I last got a letter from you. Your last letter was dated September 18th. I got it October 13th — almost a month. Should it take so long? I should think not.
Capt. [William H.] Clark got back here on the 30 of last month. He looked first rate. He is well. So are all the Altay boys that are here. The new recruits has not got here as yet. There is one squad at Memphis of 80 men, I believe. I do not know whether the Altay boys are there or not. I heard David Chapman ¹ was at Columbus, Ohio, on the way to the regiment. He was taken sick there I heard by a fellow that was with David on his way to regiment. He got here a few days ago.
Dear parents, I have almost come to the conclusion to stop writing to everyone but you as one is jealous over another. I have not written to anyone with any idea of marriage. It was done with friendship merely because it was a request of them once in awhile. It is not such an awful thing to get a letter from a young lady. They tell you nothing but what you know already or some slander of some near neighbor. Any young lady desiring to write to me must think on this before writing to me. I have no idea of getting a woman in less than ten years & perhaps twenty. ² It will not happen until I have a home to go to & live in happiness. As you say, without money, love is nothing. I believe it to be true.
In being a soldier I have learned the disposition of many. I have learned a great deal that it would take thousands to deprive it of me to take it from. I see I must close as time draws near. Hoping to hear from you soon & often. From your son, — Corp. Joseph F. Philp
P.S. Address your letters to Cairo, Illinois. Give my love to all enquiring friends. Adieu. — Joseph
¹ David W. Chapman enlisted at the age of 21 on 15 August 1862 at Elmira, NY, to serve three years. He was mustered in as private on 9 September 1862. He mustered out with Company B on 20 September 1865 at Fort Jefferson, Florida.
² Joseph was married three years later to Sophronia Abigail Knapp (1843-1916) in Reading, Schuyler County, New York.
Letter 9
Camp of 161st New York Vols. Columbus, Kentucky Wednesday, November 9, 1864
Dear Parents,
Again I seat myself to say a few words to you in answer to your most welcome letters of October 2nd & 9th which came to hand a few days since. I was glad to find by them that you were both & all well as the times will admit. I did not know the reason of not getting a letter from you in so long a time but as it seems they were stopped at White River [Landing] where part of our regiment is waiting for us to come back. One of our company got transportation to Cairo to join his regiment & so he brought all of the mail along for the regiment. By him I learn that David C. is there. He will be here in a few days with the rest of the boys. We left 12 there so you may now our company is rather small — only 17 privates, six corporals, three sergeants, including orderly. The major [Charles Strawn] of the regiment has gone after the boys [and] also the new recruits which are at Memphis, Tennessee. Also one squad at Vickburg, Mississipp. When we get all of these, our duty will not be as hard as it is now.
A rough plan of town & fortifications of Columbus KY drawn on 10 November 1864
Dear parents, do not let it trouble you about our coming to Elmira [New York] to provost guard duty. It will never be until we are there to get mustered out of service. I would not wish to come there either as we have a good name now. I would wish to keep it. If we were to go there, the boys would steal everything, do everything that would condemn them. I would be ashamed to see any of them doing as they done at Paducah ¹ — even go into a man’s barn & take the floor right out, go into a man’s dooryard & kill poultry & take it off as if though it was in a rebel state. But we know this state [Kentucky] never did turn against the Union. Then should such absurd actions be allowed? Even one young man went so far as to tell a respectable woman to kiss his —–. Is this not harmful for ____ man?
The boys are all well as common. I am well as common & enjoying myself first rate. I am tough, tough, & rugged & more so than when I enlisted. Perhaps you will think it strange but it is true. I only weight 160 pounds [and] look about the same as ever.
You done just right in substituting one dollar for me. I would send you the money now but it has been some time since we have had our pay. Money is getting short with me. Only one dollar left. The talk is that we will get our pay in a few days. I hope we will as I want some things here. The scurvy has left me, I believe. Onions is what done it. I see I must close.
Hoping to hear from you soon & often. From your son, — Joseph F. Philp
¹ I believe this is a reference to the reported atrocities carried out under the command of Brig. Gen. Eleazer Arthur Paine (1815-1882) in the District of Western Kentucky headquartered at Paducah in 1864. A newspaper account at the time claimed that General Paine had swindled the people in the vicinity of Paducah out of $150,000 and that at the time he was relieved of command, it took eight army wagons to haul away “his private effects, besides six large boxes shipped by steamboat.” Major Bartling, the Provost Marshal was also implicated in the charges. In committee of inquiry found the charges against Paine to be sufficient to warrant a formal reprimand for brutality towards citizens and violating their civil rights.
Letter 10
Camp of 161st New York Vols. Memphis, Tennessee Friday, December 2nd 1864
Dear Parents,
Again I seat myself to say a few words to you. I am well as usual & in the best of spirits & I hope this will find you the same. You will see by this that we have again moved southward. I am not sorry as I know s of for it is a good deal warmer here than at Columbus [Kentucky]. But the worst of it was that we had to leave our good quarters & again rebuild.
We got here on the 30th & now all — or nearly all — have good tents as we all went to the different saw mills & purchased to suit our taste for a house paying $40.00 dollars per thousand. It is poor stuff at that. It is the opinion that we stay here for some time now. If not here, at Columbus. I do hope we will stay here now as we have got all fixed up again.
There is quite a good many troops here but they are all under marching orders to be ready to leave after the 4th of this month — I believe to go to Nashville, Tennessee to reinforce Gen. Thomas. I hope our luck has changed after so long a time.
The boys are all in good spirits. The weather is very warm considering the time of year. Time goes fast & I am glad to see it thus.
We got pay again. I expressed $50.00 to Clark & Jackson yesterday. $40.00 to be credited to me & $10.00 I make a present to you in time of need. Do as you see fit with it. I got $76.00 but as I have to buy a considerable of articles to eat &c. &c. I saved $26.00 for it may be a good while before pay day again. If you want any money, please send to me at any time. If I have it, I will send it to you. If not, I will send you an order on Clark & Jackson. I close for this time.
From your son, — Jos. F. Philp
P. S. I told Marin to tell you that I was now a private as I was reduced on the 20th by an order issued by Com. Gen. of Department. Capt. Clark told me I would be put back as soon as he could put me back. I would not of been reduced only he had to reduce two of us. So good night. — Joseph
Letter 11
Camp of 161st New York Vols. Infantry White River Landing, Arkansas Friday, December 23rd 1864
Dear Parents,
Another week has passed since last I wrote to you. I am now well as usual & in the best of spirits considering that I have the rheumatism a considerable in one of my legs. It is not serious. I am always ready for duty. I have got over the cold I had when I last wrote. The boys are all well as common. D. C. is well & in good spirits.
You will see that we are in the same old regiment as we are all on the move continually. I do not know how long we will remain here but I should think not long. We brought our lumber along with us from Memphis so we had a better chance to get up tents again. We went into an old camp that had of been left by some other regiment so it was not so bad as it might be. I had lumber enough to build a house to suit myself so I did so — I and my tent mate — as two in a tent is enough to be comfortable. We have got a nice little fire place as usual. I have got so that I do not care how long they stay in a place. I am ready to go any minute. It is tough but fair. It will not last always I hope on my part or anyone else’s either, as we have but a few more months at most. Three years is long enough for me at one time. Let some one else try it.
The war looks better to me now than it has before in regard to coming to a close. I do not think it will close in less than one year but I hope it will come sooner. I would like to see it close while I am a soldier. Time will tell the story how soon it closes.
The weather is rather cool. We have had a considerable rainy weather fork six or eight days back. Nothing I hate to see worse than a cold rain — especially when on the move. There was rain all the time while on the move from Memphis. I could not dislike anything worse. We left there last Monday. We were three days on the boat [with] little or no shelter to lay our feeble bones to rest unless to get wet. Well it done me good to get wet as I got better right off in one sense & in another it was worse as my cold settled in one of my legs.
I am still a private. I do not know how long I will remain thus — perhaps some time. It does not hurt me to be a private. I have always been one. I was not reduced through disgrace. In my last letter to you I sent you $1.00 to pay for the flag. I got two Havana Journals from you tonight but no letter. It has been some time since last I got a letter from you. I see I must close as it is getting late in ___. Give my love to all.
From your son, — Joseph F. Philp
P. S. Good news come to us yesterday of the capture of Hood’s Army by Thomas. The capture as I heard was 23,000 men, 100 pieces of cannon, 140,000 stands of arms, 200 wagons, 1200 horses & the complete route of the army. There was a salute fired of 30 guns here yesterday at noon. Bully for Thomas. The news Sherman got Savannah. Bully for him.
Letter 12
Camp of 161st New York Volunteers Apalachicola, Florida Sabbath Eve, July 23d 1865
Dear Parents,
Again I seat myself to say a few words to you hoping to hear from you soon and of hearing that you are well. I am well as usual and in the best of spirits considering the heat of he climate for it is most awful warm. The boys are in pretty good health — a good deal better than when we first came here. A good many of them have been sent to New Orleans. There is but 30 men in the hospital at present. I do not know when there is any more agoing. The Dr. sends them off as fast as he can get them away. The Col. commanding here does not like to send them off for some reason or other or else they would go as fast as they become sick.
Time goes on and still we remain in this southern climate. I do not know how long we will remain here. Nothing looks like our going to our homes much before our times expire but it will not be long at longest. Still we are all anxious to leave.
We have not heard from David Ellison as yet so we do not know whether he has left New Orleans or not yet but we all think he is home by this time. David C. is well as common. I have had a boil on my arm for a few days back or I would of written to you ‘ere this time.
Everything is going on nice in this place. The wharfs are covered with cotton, the old store houses a being filled up with goods of various kinds, the stores are open that have been closed for the past four years, the citizens are coming in on every boat & there is four boats going up & down the river everyday fetching in peaches, apples, & melons, green corn &c. &c. &c. &c. and everything looks like peace once more. Everywhere the yanks goes, there comes peace and good will towards men. The soldiers are thought a considerable of here by a good many and not so much by some as there is always some that still hold fast to their evil wars but they will come to it in course of time.
Well, I do not know what I can say to you that would interest you. Everyday is the same old thing (for soldiers) so I will close for this time.
From your affectionate son, — Joseph F. Philp
Letter 13
Note Confederate Stamp on Envelope
Fort Jefferson, Florida August 14, 1865
Dear Parents,
Again I seat myself to say a few words to you hoping to find you well and in the best of spirits looking forward to the time of my being home once more to enjoy your company.
Well I am looking forward to that time to come as it has been almost three long years since last you saw me. I have been a soldier three kong years the 10th of this month. I should by rights be out of the service by this time but no, it is not thus and it does not look as if though we would be out much before our time is out as a regiment (27th October next). There is no signs of the one-year men going home before the old men. They do take on like a wet rag. It is useful to be kept over their time. Some say they will not do duty after their time is out and as old soldiers do not say a word but be content [and] let what will come, and they to keep finding fault all of the time. Come for money, and you will dislike to be a soldier. A man that comes for nothing, he is constant. So goes the world.
The other regiment (110th New York) has not left here as yet nor do they know when they will go. Perhaps we will go as soon as they? We should by rights.
The boys are all well as common and in the best of spirits considering all in all & it is a good healthy place here. We get fresh beef three times in ten days and that is more than we have been in the habit of getting unless we were on the march. Then we got it all the time.
The prisoners like our regiment first rate. They treat a prisoners as he should — not as a lot of hogs — because they stumbled on their way and fell on this island. I do not believe in misusing a person because he is under your hands because you have power to do as you see fit.
I do not know what to say to you but would interest you so I will close for today. Give my love to all enquiring friends. So goodbye for today. From your son, — Joseph F. Philp
These letters were written by James Forsaith Grimes (1835-1910), the son of Hiram Grimes (1798-1885) and Clarissa Forsaith (1799-1873) of Hillsborough Center, New Hampshire. He was married on 8 February 1864 to Sarah Ann Jones (1834-1906), the daughter of Ebenezer and Mary (Carr) Jones of Hillsborough. The following biographical sketch was summarized from Find-A-Grave:
James Forsaith, a resident of Hillsborough, spent his youth on his family’s farm and received education from district schools and various academies. He worked as a teacher during the winters, gaining a reputation for discipline. In 1859, he began studying law but interrupted it to volunteer for the Union army during the War of the Rebellion. He was commissioned as a captain and served in the Seventeenth Regiment of the United States Infantry, participating in significant battles and sustaining injuries. Following the war, he continued his military service, gaining promotions and commendations for his bravery. Notably, he married Sarah Ann in 1864, enduring the challenges of army life with her by his side. His health declined, leading to his resignation from the service in 1871 after nearly ten years of dedicated military duty.
Addressed to Miss Sarah A. Jones, Hillsborough Centre, New Hampshire
Ogdensburgh, New York March 25th 1863
My dear Sarah,
Your letter was duly received yesterday afternoon and perused with much satisfaction. I am happy to know that you have adopted your present form of writing for it truly seems so much better than the “old style.” You need not entertain any fear of your letters becoming in any way troublesome. When they do, you will be sure to know it. Therefore, you can write just as often as you like for they will always be gladly received. It is not very probable that I shall be able to visit Hillsborough again until I am ordered from this place. Therefore, do not delay your visit to New York on that account. Although I should [be] most happy to see you there, and most sincerely wish I was so situated as to be able to spend an evening in your society [even] if it was only one evening, should feel very thankful for the privilege. But as that will be impossible at present, I will endeavor to content myself where I am.
You judge me justly when you say I would not ask you to come to Ogdensburgh unless I thought it was proper. No, Sarah, I would not. But as I do not see anything that is improper about it, I shall hope—earnestly hope—you will not disappoint me for I should truly be disappointed.
You say Mrs. Mary Jones has been telling you come news in relation to Rev. Mr. Hatfield. I heard the same a very long time ago and supposed at first it was true but I have changed my views. When I was at home I also heard that you was engaged to Lieut. Charles Wilkins. How long since the engagement?
I hear a great many strange things when I came to Hillsboro and if I believed everything, think my head would be full. My cold has got entirely well, and my face is doing finely, but it will be some time before I shall have perfect control over it as my jaw troubles me considerably yet. However, it may be a good thing for I shall not have quite as much of the article as heretofore. Still I never thought I could spare any. I will send you a photograph of my humble self as soon as I have some taken.
“Canada is filled with deserters & secessionists—many of them from the Southern states. They talk like mad men and fools.”
— James F. Grimes, 17th US Regulars, 25 March 1863
I was obliged to leave my writing yesterday as my friend Mr. Lawrence called to have me accompany him to Canada having enjoyed to go with him some time previous. We had a very pleasant time upon the whole, but I tell you Sarah, Canada is filled with deserters & secessionists—many of them from the Southern states. They talk like mad men and fools. We had quite an exciting discussion upon the various questions which agitate the mind of our American people. I do not claim any honor for myself, but my friend Lawrence done nobly. He did not get very much excited but used sound, logical reasoning to refute their argument which is the best means employed by man. They were not able to reply by way of argument and therefore were compelled to keep quiet most of the time, much against their inclinations however.
I am doing very little by way of recruiting this month—as yet have not enlisted but one man. All of the army officers have been ordered away from here except myself so you see I have plenty of time to be lonesome. Wish you might [be] here for I really think your presence would drive away all such feelings. I have been at Ogdensburgh since the tenth of June 1862 and during all that period, have never been so lonesome or felt the need of someone to cheer me as now. Why it is, is more than I can tell. Surely the people are just as friendly.
I may not always be so prompt in replying to your letters but that need not make any difference with you for rest assured, I will always write when I find time and opportunity. I have no doubts but that you will enjoy your visit to New York [City]. Wish I could be there also but that is not likely at present although the will is good enough.
You will greatly please me if you take all the exercise out of doors that you can. I think you will be much benefitted thereby. I would not have you think by any means that I am of the opinion that you are sick. But I think exercise will do you a great deal of good. When you come to Ogdensburgh, I shall want you to ride on horseback with me. Not however, upon the same horse. Yours truly, — James
Letter 2
Thursday afternoon June 11th [1863]
Dear Sarah,
Being our quite late last night, did not wake up in season to finish my letter for this morning’s mail as I intended. Therefore, I have concluded to do so this afternoon.
We had a splendid time last night and as I might say, “didn’t get home until morning.” Think it was one of the finest parties I have ever attended. They have a nice supper of everything which the market affords including all kinds of choice wines which I think played a prominent part. I would not have you infer that the wines were in any way used with indiscretion or that anyone became intoxicated for that would be as injust as it is untrue. We had a magnificent time “and all went merry as a marriage bell.”
Hon. Preston King was among the guests. Also Dr. Peters & Miss Fanny. There was quite a display of brass button, including Colonels, Majors, Captains & Lieutenants, but there was but one General present to take command. That was Gen. Good Time. However, he is a fine officer and executed justice upon this occasion according to my judgement. If you had been here, you must have enjoyed yourself.
It is very warm here this afternoon and Shad Flies [mayflies] are so very thick you cannot hardly see across the street. It reminds me of a snowstorm in winter season. No one can go out without being completely covered with them. Yesterday morning I should think at least six quarts were taken out of my rooms. The windows had been left open during the night, when the gentlemen stepped in and seemed to take possession. I enclose a scrap from the morning Journal which will perhaps give you something of an idea how thick they are.
I was somewhat disappointed in not getting a letter from you this afternoon but hope to receive one tomorrow. I am thinking that your pen is not a good one, else you would use it more. Am I right in so thinking? I know you have a great many things to do, and it is not always convenient for you to write so I will not censure you severely, as I think you will always write when you have opportunity.
Remember me to all and believe me yours truly, — James
P. S. If nothing happens, I think I can get permission to come home in about three weeks.
Letter 3
Camp 17th US Infantry Near Catlett’s Station, Virginia February 2, 1864
Dear Sarah,
Uncle Sam has been kind enough to furnish me with a supply of stationery this afternoon, and I thought best to try its quality this evening.
Received your letter Saturday afternoon and can assure you I was glad to hear from you but sorry to learn that you was not feeling well. Hope it will not prove anything serious for I should feel very unhappy to be away from you and should feel that in case of sickness I was by duty bound to come to you which I fear would be impossible at present and this feeling would indeed make me most miserable.
I have made arrangements for a leave of absence but it is very uncertain when it will be granted (if at all). I think, however, I shall be home before the Spring Campaign opens, or in other words, before the birds eat the snow up in New Hampshire. By the way, we have had none to speak of here. Have not seen any but once, and then there was hardly enough to snow ball.
Last night the quiet of our camp was somewhat disturbed by an alarm (supposed to be by guerrillas) about ten o’clock. The regiment fell in under arms in a little less than no time. I had the guard stationed in front of the camp all ready for action, but no enemy advanced upon us, and you may rest assured we would not advance to meet them upon such a night, for by so doing it would give them a great advantage, whereas by our remaining perfectly quiet, we would have a decided advantage as it was impossible for them to ascertain either our position or strength, The night was very dark and it was impossible to tell an object the size of a man until you came in contact with it. Besides, the air was filled with a heavy fog, making it very difficult to see even a light at any distance.
Tomorrow, Gen. Ayres sends out a large scouting party consisting of several companies cavalry with about as many infantry. I don’t think Johnny Reb means to attack us upon our ground, but tries now and then to draw us out in the night. Yet he has not been very successful thus far.
Am happy to learn that you have made my folks a visit and also that you enjoyed it so well. I received a letter from home a few days ago in which they mentioned you in the kindest terms, and also informed me of your visit. You say you think my mother thinks a great deal of you. I don’t think you have any reason to harbor doubts upon that subject for I trust she is not deceitful. I found it very hard once, I recollect, to make you think she even thought well of you. But my dear Sarah, you dwelt upon imagination in those days and turned small hills into unsurpassable mountains.
I will not have time to write more tonight for some of my fellow officers are coming to my tent to play whist after Tattoo and that has already sounded. Therefore, I bid you good night & pleasant dreams. Affectionately your own, — James [Grimes]
Spared & Shared 23 