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 John Gordon (1843-1925), the son of Dea. John T. Gordon (1792-1865) and Sarah Folsom (1802-1885) of Exeter, Rockingham, New Hampshire.
John Gordon wearing his captain’s uniform later in the war.
John was an 18 year-old student when he enlisted as a private in Co. C, 24th Massachusetts Infantry on 18 October 1861. He was promoted to a corporal on 5 December 1861 and was discharged from the regiment on 10 June 1863 to accept a commission as Captain of Co. I, 55th Massachusetts Infantry—a black regiment organized in 1863 by Massachusetts Governor John Andrew. After training at Camp Meigs near Readville, Mass., the 55th saw the bulk of its action in South Carolina. They served in the 1864 invasion of Florida where they took part in the Battle of Olustee in February. The 55th also saw action in battles once they returned to South Carolina, first on James Island in May, and later in July of 1864. John resigned his commission on 26 July 1864.
John’s letter to his mother describes the occupation of Seabrook Island in late March 1863 by Gen. Thomas Greely Stevenson’s Brigade (24th MA, 10th CT, 56th NY, and 97th PA regiments) and the destruction of the Seabrook Plantation main house.
To read other letters by members of Co. C, 24th Massachusetts I have transcribed and published on Spared and Shared, see: Alexander M. Hayward, Co. C, 24th Massachusetts (1 Letter) Josiah Alonzo Osgood, Co. C, 24th Massachusetts (20 Letters)
Transcription
Addressed to Mrs. S. F. Gordon, Care of J. T. Gordon, Esq., Exeter, New Hampshire
Seabrook Island At the mouth of North Edisto river April 2nd 1863
My darling Mother,
A week ago yesterday the long looked-for mail came, and by it 3 letters from you & one from Mollie. I could not answer them that day as I was engaged in taking some notes from a borrowed work: “The Army of the Potomac” by Prince de Joinville—a work which you ought by all means to read if you wish to get a true account of the battles fought by McClellan & thus be able to form an opinion as to whether he is, or no the man to save our Country, trusting in & aided by the God of nations & battles.
But to return to my dates. The next day we received new tents. We struck the old ones, cleared off the camp ground, & pitched the new ones. Our new tents are “wedge” tents—tall enough to stand up in, and large enough for four men. The next day was a grand review which took till 3 o’clock p.m. Then I was too tired to write.
The next day we broke camp & went aboard the propeller United States. We laid off in the channel that night. We were very much crowded—five in a bunk. I slept on deck with nothing over me because I could not endure the hot & poisonous air below.
Next day we got under way early in the morning & at 3 p.m. reached North Edisto River, 18 miles south of the great center of secession—Charleston. Here we landed in surf boats, two monitors shelling the woods before us. We marched three miles towards the other end of the island & bivouacked for the night. The “rebs” wounded two men & took a sergeant of the 10th Connecticut who were in advance.
The next day we (Co. C) were on picket. It rained all day like a shower & we were wet to the skin. We made our quarters for the reserve (15 or 16 men) in old Seabrook’s house (the island is named after him, and he owns the whole of it). 1 The rest of our men were posted along a little creek but a short distance back of the house & a little way from the rebel lines. I was not posted till night, so I went in to the house where large fires were kindled in the fireplaces & dried & warmed myself. Our fires were kindled & fed with solid mahogany bureaus & veneered furniture of all sorts!!
Oh war, war! How my heart ached as I gazed upon what was once the happy home of brothers & sisters, now made desolate & despoiled by the unsparing hand of war. This must have been a happy home. The creeks around the house were full of oysters & ducks, the garden full of orange & arbor vitae (in one place the ground was yellow with oranges which the soldiers had knocked off & trodden under foot). The furniture was costly, & the house large & commodious. In short, everything showed that it was once a happy home. The 10th [Connecticut] boys, enraged by the wounding of their men, assisted by the 56th New York Regiment smashed everything in & about the house. There was not a whole thing left. All the windows were smashed & the grounds were strewed with broken furniture. What if it were my home!
That night I was posted with 9 men. The rebs were close to us, & had been seen several times in the day time. We suffered much from wet and cold, but the rebs didn’t trouble us.
The next day I took to dry my self & rest. The next we were relieved by some other regiments & the pickets drawn in further. This was day before yesterday. We (the 24th [Mass. Infantry]) came down under cover of our gunboats & pitched our tents in a grove of live oaks. Right back of my tent is a great magnolia tree, larger than the elm in front of our house, which in May & June will be in full blossom. Yesterday (April fools day), the rebs shelled this island a little just at daylight & a force gallantly surrounded & charged on Seabrook’s house for to take Co. C all so nice, but they got nicely fooled, for Co. C was like the Irishman’s flea—“it warn’t there.” This is the best joke of the season, ain’t it?
We are camped in a safe place, covered by 5 monitors & other gunboats. This is the commencement of our work before Charleston. This place will be (probably) a depot for stores & ammunition. I am well & happy. Write often and direct to Port Royal, S. C., Gen’l Stevenson’s Brigade.
Your own son, — John
1 In a piece writtebn by Sue Holloman and Bob Guiffreda entitled “Seabrook Island Through the Year,” they claim that William Seabrook bought the island in 1816 and that the island was in the family’s possession until the Civil War. The Seabrook plantation house was located near Haulover Cut on the Johns Island side. In 1863, the Seabrook family sold the island to the Gregg family for $150,000 Confederate money. In that year Union troops took over the island and used it as a staging area.
The following letter was written by Senator Thomas McMillan whose biographical sketch appears in the Iowa Official Register as follows:
“Born in Scotland, on the twentieth day of February, 1809, and learned the trade of baker in his youth. In 1832 he decided to emigrate to the United States and settled first in Cincinnati, Ohio, and then removed to Dayton, in that State, and while living here was married to Miss Mary Breckenridge, in 1835, a native of the same town in Scotland. After a residence of three years in Dayton he removed to Indianapolis, Indiana, where he remained eighteen years, working at his chosen occupation. In 1854 he came to Iowa and settled in Marion County on a farm, and for twelve years was engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1864 he was elected to the Senate of the State Legislature, and the manner in which he filled this position is evinced from the fact that he was reelected in 1868, and served with great credit. His private character and public record are alike untarnished. Mrs. McMillan died in 1872, leaving five children.”
Thomas wrote the letter to his son-in-law, Alexander Morrison Clark (1832-1926). Alexander married Sarah Jane McMillan in 1864. He enlisted in the Iowa 8th Infantry in 1861 and rose in rank steadily until named the captain of Co. E in March 1865. He mustered out at Selma, Alabama, in April 1866.
In his letter, Thomas expresses deep disappointment with President Johnson’s decision to veto the Freedmen’s Bureau Bill which would have extended funding for the Freedmen’s Bureau created during the Lincoln Administration.
Transcription
Addressed to Capt. A. M. Clark, Selma Alabama Co. E, 8th Iowa Infantry
DesMoines, Iowa March 14th 1866
Dear Son,
Your kind letter from Selma was received a week ago. I am glad to hear of your welfare. How wonderfully you have been preserved in the 4½ years you have been in the service of your country. Surely we have great reason for gratitude and thankfulness to our Heavenly Father for His mercy & goodness in preserving you all through so many dangers. Col. Ryan is now a Representative from Jasper County, calls on me frequently and enquires kindly after you. Also a Mr. McConnell from Keokuk County who was hospital steward in your company. He asks to be remembered to you.
A cartoon by Thomas Nast appearing in Harper’s Weekly, April 14, 1866
This is the tenth week of the session. We have passed a resolution to adjourn on the 3d of April. This is an exciting place. We have often very warm and animating discussions. We have spent nearly a week on a series of resolutions instructing our Senators and Representatives in Congress to use their influence to prevent the Southern members from taking their seats until they grant the right of suffrage to the Negro. No doubt you have seen President [Andrew] Johnson’s veto of the Freedmen’s Bureau Bill which passed Congress by a large majority. The Bill called for an Act to protect and educate the poor blacks, but the President has by his veto turned them over to the tender mercies of their oppressors. We are sadly deceived & we are betrayed in the President.
He has opposed the express will of the people in vetoing the Freedmen’s Bill. The Copperheads throughout the land are now his friends. What the end will be, God only knows. The President’s course has cast a gloom over the friends of the Union all over the North. I fear the work of reconstruction is far from being complete. The future looks gloomy. Still I trust that [the] Providence that has led us thus far, will in the end work all well. It can not be that all our sacrifices have been made in vain, but we, like the Israelites after having been safely brought through the Red Sea, may have to wander in the wilderness before we reach the Canaan of Liberty, Justice, and equal rights.
I hope, for one, the true Union men will stand firm to the position of our faithful Representatives in Congress if it takes ten years to finish up the work. The President promised the colored men of Tennessee that he would be their Moses to lead them out from bondage, but we all fear he has turned a Pharaoh, and left the poor of the land to their task masters. The Judge of all the Earth will do right. We are in His hands. He can do with us as seemeth good in His sight. Though He slay us, we will still trust in HIm. But what a sad calamity it would be for our beloved land if those opposed to Negro suffrage and the Copperheads should be successful at the next election. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Let us leave the future in the hands of a Merciful Providence, praying and laboring for His interposition in our behalf.
Three members of the President’s Cabinet have gone over with him and sustain his course. And a great many Republicans cannot go negro suffrage. In all probability, a new party will be formed of Copperheads, Democrats and disaffected Union men. Time alone can tell the result. My family moved into Knoxville on the 6th but I have not heard from Mother or Sarah since. I had a letter from Tom today stating the fact that Gov. Stone has got into trouble. His private Secretary has appropriated some 30 thousand dollars to his own use, investing the funds in property in this city. It is thought the governor and State will lose nothing, but the transaction will give a handle to the opposition and enemies of the Party and the governor. A committee of both houses have been investigating the fraud for weeks. It will soon be printed. This and several other questions before us create quite an excitement. I feel that a more retired life will suit me better than this noise and excitement. I will, however, soon be through. I will be glad to hear from you at your convenience. Address to Knoxville [Marion county, Iowa].
This diary was kept by Rev. James Templin Holliday (1810-1881), the son of David C. Holliday (1786-1831) and Mary Kennedy (1791-1859). If Kansans find his last name familiar, it’s because his much younger brother Col. Cyrus Kurtz Holliday was one of founders of the City of Topeka, having come to settle in Kansas in 1854 in the free state movement. James was married twice, his first wife being Rebecca W. Wamsley (1815-1861), and his second wife being her sister, Angeline McCutcheon Wamsley (1833-1880).
I could not find an image of Rev. James T. Holliday but here is one of his brother Cyrus K. Holliday of Topeka fame with whom I assume he bore some resemblance.
James was filled with the spirit and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1827 when he was 17 years old. Settling in Adams county, Ohio, he became the leader of a Methodist class and later licensed to exhort by Rev. James Gurley. He began to preach about 1835, filling the office of a local preacher until about 1840 when he was admitted into the Ohio Conference as a traveling preacher. He was ordained a deacon at Zanesville by Bishop Soule and two years later ordained an Elder by Bishop Morris. He filled the pulpit in various small towns in Ohio, receiving new appointments by the Conference every two years until 1857 when he was transferred to the Kansas Conference and stationed at Topeka (near his brother) and also at Auburn.
After his first wife died in 1861, his children were “scattered” as he termed it, and he left Kansas to offer his service as a delegate in the U. S. Christian Commission. He saw duty in Nashville (TN), Cowan Station (TN), Bridgeport (AL), Cairo and Mound City (IL), Memphis (TN) and finally in Little Rock (AR) where he took up residency for more than half a year and served as the chaplain of the 77th Ohio Infantry posted there as well as taking a leadership role in meeting the needs of the resident Methodist African American population. After this, he returned to his family in West Union, Adams county, Ohio, where he asked to be reinstated in the Ohio Conference and served once again in a number of small communities until superannuated. He suffered a stroke in early June 1881 and died later that month at the age of 71.
Rev. Holliday’s diary provides us with a rich insight into the profound responsibilities shouldered by members of the Christian Commission. It also offers a poignant glimpse into the personal connections he formed while ministering to those enduring hardship in refugee camps, convalescent camps, and even prison camps. His fears, frustrations, disappointments, feelings of inadequacy, as well as his moments of triumph and euphoria, are all vividly captured within the 81 pages of this diary. This invaluable account belongs to my friend Rob Morgan and has been graciously made available for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared with explicit consent.
Transcription
Inside cover of Holliday’s Diary
Rev. James T. Holliday, Delegate to the Christian Commission, Nashville, Tennessee
Residence: West Union, Adams county, Ohio
Was commissioned on the 4th December 1863. Reached Nashville, Tennessee at 6 o’clock 5th. Visited the Rebel prisoners that night.
Sunday, 6th—Preached to the Rebel prisoners, 5th story Zollicoffer Building at 10 a.m. 18th Michigan 2 p.m., 90th Ohio 4 p.m. Opened prayer meeting 2nd Presbyterian Church 7 p.m. Met with the following singular and pleasant incident. While preaching for the Rebels as above stated, my son James, a member of the 90th Ohio, was passing on the opposite side of the street, heard my voice and knew me, came up, and introduced himself but I did not know him. Thank God that after passing through so many battles, he yet lives.
December 7th. Met with [Sergeant] A[lpheus] A. B. Caveness of the 1st Kansas Battery [Light Artillery]. Distributed 8 testaments, 360 page tracts, 8 small books among the guards at Military Prison. Visited Hospital No. 12 in company with Br. Pitcher and conversed with 11 men.
December 8th 1863—Appointed to the Barracks. Distributed among the Union soldiers 6 testaments, 8 hymns, 544 page tracts, 15 papers, and preached once. At night, visited Rebel prisoners and distributed six testaments, 300 page tracts, 35 papers, 7 books, and attended daily prayer meeting.
December 9th—Visited Rebel prisoners and distributed 100 papers, 20 testaments. Visited Union men in barracks. Distributed 6 testaments, 6 hymn books, 30 papers, 8 pamphlets, 802 page tracts, and 10 small books. Preached once for company with Br. Pitcher. Visited Convalescent Camp and distributed 29 papers, 264 tracts, 6 hymn books, 6 pamphlets. Preached on the barracks at night.
December 10th 1863—Labored in the barracks all day. Distributed a large number of paper, tracts, &c. Preached at night to a serious and attentive audience.
December 11th—In the barracks today. Distributed a large number of papers and tracts. Preached twice.
December 12th—In my old field of labor today. But few men in the barracks now. Some 150 Michigan conscripts sent out to the drilling camp. Appear to be a fine set of men. This day closes my first week’s labor under the Christian Commission and find that I have preached nine times, attended four prayer meetings, and distributed 54 testaments, 49 hymn books, 71 small books, 29 bound volumes, 3,944 page tracts, 400 newspapers, and 19 pamphlets.
Sunday, December 13th 1863—Was appointed to preach at Hospital No. 21 [McKendree Methodist Church, Church Street] at 11 a.m. and at No. 12 [Broadway Hotel on Broad Street] at 2 p.m. Attend prayer meeting at 3:30 p.m. in 2nd Presbyterian Church. Had a very comfortable time at Hospital 21. Was indisposed at night. Did not go out.
Hospital No. 16 served African-American soldiers and contrabands. It measured 82 x 105 feet. It was located on S. College Street in Nashville.
Monday, December 14th 1863—Visited Hospital No 12 and attended Chaplain’s Meeting at 10. Afternoon visited Camp Smith and distributed 6 testaments and 40 papers. Went to the barracks at night to preach but found the boys all in bed. They had to leave at 1 o’clock in the morning. In company with Br. Stater, visited the Colored Hospital in the afternoon.
Tuesday, December 15th, 1863—Visited Camp Smith in the forenoon. Distributed 12 testaments, 116 papers. At noon was informed I had to go to a place called Cowan [in Franklin county] some 89 miles on the way to Chattanooga. This is sudden and unexpected. I have to labor alone in what I fear is a hard field. Yet I hope the arrangement is in the Providence of God. At night I preached in Hospital No. 16 (the Colored Hospital) to a very attentive audience. Nine o’clock p.m., have just returned from service. I feel sad and oppressed in mind about my future work yet I try to hope and believe God has arranged this appointment and that He will go with me and bless me in my labors. This closes my week in Nashville, Tenn.
On July 3, 1863, the Confederate Army of Tennessee retreated towards Chattanooga, after its defeat in the Tullahoma Campaign, leaving Middle Tennessee under the control of the Union Army of the Cumberland. A military post was maintained at Cowan by Federal forces throughout the remainder of the war. The town was strategically important to both sides due to its proximity to the Cumberland Mountain Tunnel, which linked the railroads in the Midwest to those in the Southeast. This print depicts the soldiers’ dormitories and a defensive fortification contracted by the Union Army. A transport train prepares to leave the post. The name “Rosencrans” is written on the side, in honor of General William Rosencrans, the leader of the Army of the Cumberland. The artist of the print was Nathan B. Abbott, a Union soldier from Connecticut who served in the 20th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. He was wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg and was promoted to first lieutenant when he rejoined his regiment. He most likely passed through Cowan while traveling to take part in Sherman’s campaigns in Georgia. The print was produced and published by Henry C. Eno, a New York City lithographer active for only a short period during the 1860s. Between 1862 and 1867, he was partnered with another New York lithographer, Henry A. Thomas.[National Museum of American History]
Camp Cowan, Tennessee, December 17th 1863—Yesterday morning at 4 a.m. I left Nashville in company with three other delegates. Two were going to Chattanooga and one to Knoxville. I reached the Convalescent Camp at Cowan Station at 3 p.m. Met with a kind reception from Lieutenant [Henry H.] Crooks who is in charge of the camp. This morning I started out on my mission of mercy to the sick hospitals and found 40 men there. There is about 295 men all told in the Convalescent Camp at Cowan and the number is decreasing all the time. In the afternoon I visited the men in their tents and distributed. A large number of papers and tracts.
Lieutenant Henry H. Crooks was killed by a gunshot to the head on the 30th of August 1864 on a plantation near Jonesboro, Georgia, while reconnoitering with the 10th Ohio Cavalry. He was serving as an aide-de-camp to Lieut. Colonel Jones, commanding the 2nd brigade of the 3rd Cavalry Division at the time.
Last night I dreamed of being in Company with my brother John. He has been dead 38 years and I have no recollection of ever dreaming about him before. Nor had I thought of him for months. I thought we started in company to go to a railroad station to get on the cars. With some difficulty we got on the platform at the depot and found a large number of persons. I then noticed him sitting on a bench, and saw at once there was something the matter with him. I went to him immediately and said, “Why Hancy, what is the matter with you.” He pulled the pants off of the left leg and was showing me where he was suffering great pain in his thigh near his body when I awoke. Last night was cold and I slept cold, so I do not feel very well this morning.
December 18th 1863—I met with a young man named W. T. Adams who lives 12 miles from here. He says his parents are Methodist, that several of his neighbors are Secesh and left with Bragg’s Army. Visited the men at their tents and distributed papers and tracts. Conversed with many of them on the subject of religion. Last night was very cold and I suffered while in bed.
Saturday, December 19th 1863—Spent this day in visiting the sick in the hospitals and in their tents. Distributed papers and tracts. In the afternoon, was quite unwell. Wrote some letters.
Sunday, December 20th 1863—Camp Cowan, Tennessee. Preached in the hospital tent at 10 o’clock to a small congregation but attentive. In the afternoon, we had a prayer & speaking meeting. Three prayed and 4 spoke. Hope some good was done. Spent the evening in conversation with a Mr. [Eliphaz Cardwell] Porter belonging to the 73rd Illinois—a member of the Presbyterian Church, and [also with] a German named John Holtzhour, 46th Pennsylvania, Co. B and from Armstrong county, Pennsylvania. Mr. Holtzhour has been strongly tempted to desert and go home sick, absent far from home and deprived of religious privileges and religious society. He felt he could not live without the means of grace. He is in a better state of mind now.
Eliphaz and Lucinda Parrish Porter of Harrisburg, Saline county, Illinois. Lucinda lost three brothers in the Civil War, one of whom—John W. Parrish, was killed in the charge on Missionary Ridge just prior to the date of this diary entry.Eliphaz served from 21 August 1862 until 12 June 1865. He would have been almost 37 years old at the time he conversed with Rev. Holliday.
John Holthour (Holshower in Roster) was drafted into Co. B, 46th Pennsylvania on 18 July 1863. He was a German immigrant, a shoemaker by trade, born about 1820 and living in Brothers Valley Township, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, when he registered for the draft. He was among the 123 men in his regiment killed in action on 20 July 1864 in the Battle of Peach Tree Creek.
Monday, December 21st 1863—Camp Cowan. Spent the day in writing letters for some soldiers who could not write themselves. Visited a number of tents and distributed papers and tracts. The day warm and pleasant.
Tuesday, 22nd—Cowan Station. Spent part of the day in visiting the men at their camps and conversing on religious subjects. Visited two old and afflicted negroes who are in a suffering condition. They came with General Sherman from near Vicksburg and were left here on account of sickness. No person seems to have charge of them. One old man is entirely without bedding. The other has been cut off from his rations. The day was exceedingly pleasant—literally “as pleasant as May.” Preached to a large serious and attentive congregation at night in the hospital tent.
December 23, 1863—Cowan Station. Spent the day in writing letters and visiting the sick. Some of the poor contrabands spoken of above are suffering. May God help them. Something must be done for them or they die.
December 24th 1863—Cowan Station, Tenn. Visited my two colored sick men. They will leave tomorrow. Hope they will fare better. Was requested to marry a young soldier. At three o’clock, in company with Lieut. Crooks and Dr. Kennedy, went to the head of the valley, [to a place] called Tally Cove, and at 4 o’clock p.m. December 24th 1863 joined in matrimony John Coons to Sally Ann Bowers. Lieut. Crooks of the 10th Ohio Vol. Cavalry, and Dr. Kennedy, Surgeon of the Convalescent Camp at Cowan Station as witnesses of the fact.
Sarah A. Bowers appears in the 1860 Cowan, Franklin county, Tennessee US Census as the 13 year-old daughter of Abram Bowers (1809-1880) and Susan Sewall (1821-1904). In the 1870 US Census, she was still enumerated in her parents household in Dechard, Franklin county, Tennessee. Perhaps Sarah eloped with Coons and the father never recognized the marriage.
Friday, 25th December 1863—Cowan Station, Tenn. The day was so stormy that we could have no religious services and done what could in visiting the boys at their tents.
Saturday, 26th—Day very wet and inclement. Could do but little in camp. Received a visit from Rev. Mr. Welsh, Chaplain to the Connecticut Regiment and engaged to preach for him tomorrow at 11 o’clock.
Sunday 27th [December] 1863—At 11 a.m. and at 2 p.m. in the large hospital tent in Convalescent Camp. Day very wet.
December 28th 1863—Cowan Station, Tenn. All I could do today was to talk with the Boys as opportunity presented itself. Towards evening I was suddenly taken with a violent pain in my back.
Tuesday, December 29th 1863—Suffered greatly with pain in my back last night and all this day. Could do nothing. Preached at night.
December 30, 1863—Better this morning. In company with Lieut. Crook, went in the country some 4 miles to see a sick man. Met him on the road. Went to a Mr. Cowan’s. Had a pleasant time and good dinner.
December 31st 1863—Cowan Station. This is the last day of the year. Very wet. Have been to every tent on the ground and distributed newspapers in all. Back hurt me very much. In the night, it ceased raining and blew up very cold and snowed a little. Just as we commenced prayer meeting, the storm nearly blew the tent over and we had to suspend our meeting. This closes the year 1863—a year of great trial and many bitter disappointments and yet of many blessings.
January 1st 1864—Cowan Station, Tenn. Exceedingly cold this morning. I done but little today. I tried to review the past year and see many imperfections. May my Heavenly Father enable me to spend the year 1864 more to the glory of God than the past.
January 2, 1864. Cowan Station. The day was very cold. Could do but little. Distributed 5 pair of drawers, 5 shorts, and 7 pair socks to the men in the hospital. One case of measles in camp—a young man from Knoxville, Tenn. Very bad.
Sunday, January 3rd 1864—Cowan Station, Tenn. Weather moderated some but found we could not hold service on account of measles in hospital so I must spend the day as I can. Talked with the young man sick with measles. I think he must die. Says he never prayed. Pointed him to the Savior.
January 4th, 1864—This day very cold. Went to the hospital early to see the young man. Found him dead. Died about quarter past 12 o’clock. I greatly fear [him] unprepared. God help me to be faithful.
Thursday, January 5th 1864—An official order received to break up the Convalescent Camp at Cowan Station immediately. Preached a funeral sermon at 11 a.m. and then buried the dead man. Weather very cold.
January 6th 1864—Was called up before day[light] to go and see a young man who was dying at the hospital. Wants me to take charge of his effects and send them to his mother. Found him very penitent. Prayed with him at the close. He responded with a hearty “Amen.”
Visited the young man again and tried to point him to the Savior. Mr. Cornelius Shook died at 11 o’clock a.m. I have hope in his death.
Stones River National Cemetery
Cornelius Shook enlisted on 8 August 1862 at the age of 22 and was mustered into Co. C, 105th Ohio Volunteers. He died of disease on 6 January 1864. Cornelius was an unmarried carpenter working in Liberty, Trumbull county, Ohio, before entering the service.
January 7th 1864—Preached the funeral of Mr. C. Shook today to a serious congregation. Today I received a letter from Mr. Ewing relieving me from the Station and appointing me to labor at Bridgeport [Alabama]. My successor is a Mr. Whitehill, a lay delegate from Franklin County, Ohio. Wrote a letter to Mrs. Sarah Shook [Churchill, Trumbull county, Ohio] informing her of the death of her son.
January 8th 1864—Spent this day in visiting the hospital. Found some men very sick. Think two or three will die soon. Tried to point them to the Savior. Was exceedingly sick all night with headache. Slept but little.
January 9th 1864—Confined to my tent nearly all day with headache. Went to see the sick in the hospital. Find them better.
January 10th 1864—Sunday. This was one of the most interesting days I have spent since I have been in the work of the Christian Commission. Preached in the morning to a large and attentive congregation. Had prayer meeting and speaking meeting in the afternoon. Enjoyed myself much. Hope good was done.
January 11th 1864—This day closes my labors at the Convalescent Camp at Cowan Station. I now go to Bridgeport, Alabama. Started for Bridgeport at 4 o’clock p.m. It was dark when we got to Stevenson and after waiting two hours in the dark & cold, we started in an open car. Reached Bridgeport about 10:30 o’clock, then had one mile to walk in the dark. Finally reached the camp of the 90th Ohio [Volunteers] and found my son. Stayed with Capt. Hitchcock who is now in command of the regiment and had a pretty goo night’s rest.
January 12th—Bridgeport, Alabama. Spent this day in the office. Was somewhat indisposed [but] feel better this evening. I find Bridgeport nothing but a station—no town.
January 13th—Bridgeport. Visited the 90th and 101st Ohio Regiments in the forenoon. In the afternoon went to the colored regiment [14th USCT] and had an interesting time with them. Distributed some half dozen testaments, 12 hymn books, and 12 primers. Was confined to the office the balance of the day on duty. Brothers Pilcher, McKee, and Erving called on their return from Chattanooga “homeward bound.” May the presence of our Heavenly Father go with them and His blessing upon them.
“McKee” may have been Rev. Joseph G. McKee (1832-1868) , pictured above, who established the “McKee School” in Nashville, circa 1865, to educate the contrabands congregating there under Federal protection in 1863. This work was sponsored by the Presbyterians.
January 14, 1864—Bridgeport. Visited the 90th Ohio, 101st Ohio, the Colored Regiment, and the Convalescent Camps. Distributed in the 90th Ohio 6 testaments, 18 hymn books, and 6 papers. In the Colored Regt. 12 testaments, 12 primers, 12 spelling books. Convalescent Camp 60 papers, 450 page tracts promiscuously, 50 papers, 6 testaments, 12 hymn books.
January 15, 1864—Visited the 2nd Kentucky on the hill and distributed one hundred papers among them, 600 page tracts, 12 testaments. Returned to camp and received a message from Capt. Hitchcock in[forming me of death of soldier in 90th OVI]. Was sent to preach the funeral of [Pvt.] James Moravy of Co. D, 90th Ohio at 4 o’clock p.m. Nearly the entire regiment was present and we had an affecting time. He was buried with the honors of war.
January 16th—Bridgeport. Spent the forenoon in Convalescent Camp. Gave away 529 tracts, 91 papers. Had the pleasure of meeting with Rev. L. F. Drake, Chaplain of the 121st Ohio but now detailed as Chaplain of the Field Hospital at Bridgeport. How pleasant to meet a friend far from home. In the afternoon was on duty in the office.
A drawing of Rev. Lemuel Fordham Drake, Chaplain of the 31st OVI, preaching at Camp Dick Robinson, Kentucky on 10 November 1861.
Sunday, [January] 17th, 1864—Went to preach for the 90th Ohio in the morning. In the afternoon went to the Convalescent Camp to preach but circumstances were unfavorable and I did not. At night I preached to a very large and serious congregation to the Ship Yard. This will probably close my labors at Bridgeport, Alabama. Tomorrow I expect to go to Chattanooga.
January 19, 1864—Chattanooga, Tennessee. Left Bridgeport at daybreak in the first passenger car that has passed from Stevenson to Chattanooga. Reached Chattanooga at 9 o’clock a.m. Five delegates were on the train, some coming to this point, some going to Knoxville. Bishop Simpson of the Methodist Episcopal Church came on the same train. I find some 14 delegates here tonight from eight or ten states. In company with Rev. Holeman of the Maine Conference, I visited General Hospital No. 8 called Johnson’s Hospital. The Brethren appear to be united in their work. I hope God’s blessing will attend their labors.
January 20th 1864—Chattanooga. Preached the funeral of a young man named George E. Wolverton of Co. G, 21st Michigan Vol. Regt., aged 18 years. His home [was] Berlin, Ottawa county, Michigan. A large number of the men of the regiment attended the funeral. At night, Bishop Simpson was expected to preach in the Episcopal Church but failed to attend. I had to fill his place. 10 or 12 ministers of 5 or 6 different denominations belonging to the Christian Commission were present. A large number were in attendance and very serious.
January 21st 1864—Did not do much this day as I was quite indisposed. Visited hospital No. 8 and talked with all the Boys.
January 22nd—Chattanooga. Visited Officers Hospital with Br. Holeman but few men there. Afternoon went to see Rebel prisoners—some 150, mostly deserters [that] want to take the Oath of Allegiance. More intelligent than any I have seen.
January 23rd 1864—Bridgeport, Alabama. This day returned to Bridgport. Was detained at Whiteside more than two hours. Got to Bridgeport an hour after dark Found Br. Douglass had left to visit the 11th Corps. Chritchfield alone. Stayed on Sabbath.
Sunday, [January] 24th 1864—Preached at 11 a.m. to the 7th Pennsylvania. Had a large audience and very attentive. Afternoon preached in Convalescent Camp. At night at the Ship Yard. Heard Br. Merrell preach.
January 25th 1864—Some duty in office after visiting the 90th Ohio.
January 26th 1864—Leave today for Nashville where I expect to remain until Monday, February 1st. The Brigade of which the 90th Ohio forms a part, leaves today at 7 a.m for the front.
January 27th—Reached Nashville about 7 o’clock. Went to the Commission Boarding House and had breakfast. Visited Convalescent Camp in company with Br. Richardson of the Minnesota Conference. Preached for them at 6:30 p.m. I find not only Br. Richardson but also Br. Chauncy Hobart of the West Wisconsin Conference both good men and true.
January 28th 1864—In company with Brother [John V.] Farwell, visited Camp Smith some four miles from Nashville on the Lebanon Pike. This is a convalescent camp. A camp for new recruits and conscripts and also for broken fragments of cavalry regiments. Some 3 or 4 thousand men. We erected a large chapel tent in this camp where service will be held daily.
January 29th 1864—Nashville. Visited Baptist Church where the 3rd Ohio Regiment are quartered on their return home for reenlistment. Distributed 60 papers, 250 tracts, 14 testaments, 24 soldier’s books. Preached once.
January 30th 1864—Visited Camp Smith today, fixing Chapel Tent. Distributed a large number of papers, tracts, testaments, &c. Will have preaching tomorrow morning. Brother Farwell in company.
Sunday, January 31st 1864—Camp Smith, Nashville. Preached at 10 a.m to a large congregation in the Chapel Tent at Camp Smith. In the afternoon, had services, prayer and speaking meetings. Preached at night. Tent blew down at night.
February 1st 1864—at Camp Smith. Had service in chapel tent. Distributed a large number of papers, tracts & testaments.
February 2nd & 3rd. Same as above.
February 4th—Preached at night.
February 5th and 6th 1864—Still at Camp Smith. Nothing of special interest. Distributed [tracts, &c.] Lieut. McCormack sick.
February 7th 1864—Sunday, a day of great interest. Preached at 10 a.m to a large and attentive congregation. Prayer meeting in the afternoon of which we had a speaking meeting. Preached at night.
Saturday, [February] 13th 1864—Had preaching every night this week. The interest greatly on the increase. Some are enquiring what must I do to be saved and one man made a profession of religion and wishes to join the church.
Sunday, 14th [February]—This was a day of unusual interest. Many appeared to be deeply affected and we have strong reason to believe the Lord is about to reveal His work. Amen.
February 21st—Camp Smith. From the 14th to the 21st I have made no entries in my diary. Last week was one of great interest. Our congregation large and serious. Many feel a quickening influence and many are seeking salvation and a few have obtained pardon. For two nights we had to suspend our meetings on account of the extreme cold weather.
Sunday, [February] 21st, 1864—Our meetings were interesting today. Four ladies (Sister Smith and three others) visited our camp today and sand for us. At night our tent was crowded to excess and very attentive.
February 24th, 1864—Rev. Mr. Wright of the Baptist Preacher preached for us last night. Congregation very large.
February 25, 1864—Have a very interesting time at Chapel Tent, Camp Smith. Many are quickened. Many converted. Prospect of a general revival. This night I joined in marriage William Evans and Margaret Melissa West, both of East Tennessee. Had some doubts if I ought to have done it. Hope all is right.
A Tennessee 1961 death certificate for Fannie Belle Moore, wife of Arlie Otis Moore. She gives her parents as William Evans and her mother as Margaret M. West, Knox county, Tennessee. Could this be the same William and Margaret married by Rev. Holliday in February 1864?
February 26th and 27th, Camp Smith near Nashville. Had meeting each night. Many are serious and seeking salvation.
Sunday February 28th 1864—Preached this day at 10 a.m. Prayer and speaking meeting at 3 p.m. Preached at 6. The Chapel Tent was crowded to excess and I became very much excited—perhaps spoke louder than I ought to have done. Just after service closed, it began to rain quite hard. The tent got very wet and I caught a very bad cold. I feared all night I would lose my speach as many of the soldiers had done.
February 29th 1864—Walked to town this morning and intended to stay at home and care my throat if possible but in the afternoon, got word that the Tennessee troops were going to leave early in the morning so I had to go out to camp again, but returned to town at night. So I walked 12 miles today through the rain and mud. My throat very sore and my cold increasing.
Tuesday, March 1st 1864—Nashville. Confined to my room by indisposition. I will not be able to work for some time. Had the deepest snow today we have had this winter. Streets awful muddy.
March 2nd and 3rd 1864—For the last two days I have been confined to my room. My throat is still sore and I am scarcely able to speak above a whisper. I fear I will not be able to do much for some time. Br. Hunt has taken my place.
March 6th 1864—Nashville. Have been sick for one week. Not able to do any work. Feel better today.
Tuesday, March 8th 1864—Am now at the camp of the 4th Tennessee Cavalry camped one mile north of the City of Nashville. Expect to start home in the morning. Leave this place and work with a great deal of regret. The past three months have been months of toil and suffering, yet of some success in the service of my Heavenly Father.
March 9th 1864—Louisville, Kentucky. Started this morning from Nashville, Tenn. in cars at 7 o’clock a.m. in company with Mr. Charles Douglass of the Sate of Maine and another delegate whose name I did not learn. Parted with them at Cave City. Reached Louisville just about sundown. Had on the whole a pleasant trip and a good night’s rest.
March 10th—Louisville, Ky. On board steamboat Major Anderson waiting to start up the river. Met Mrs. Bartram [?], wife of Rev. John Bartram and sister of Rev. J. F. Marley [?]. She came down to see her sick son in the hospital and found him dead. Started up the river about one o’clock and reached Cincinnsati about daylight next morning. Slept but little.
March 11th 1864—Cincinnati. Visited the Commission Rooms and found Brothers Charles Douglass and Lawrence. Seen Rev. J. M. Waldon. Found Edward S. Moore’s family all well. At 6 o’clock p.m. started up the river on the steamboat Izetta. A great many passengers on the boat. I have traveled a great deal on steamboats but I have never seen so much drunkeness or heard so much swearing on a boat in my life. Hope to reach Manchester in the morning in time for the hack to West Union.
March 12th—Adams county, Ohio. Reached home Saturday at 3 o’clock p.m. Found my wife in usual health but her father has been sick all winter. My daughter Ella quite well. Heard my first Father-inlaw was very sick.
Sunday, 13th March 1864—Rested this day.
March 14th—Am now sitting in the room where my first wife was born and where her and I were married, March 7th 1833—31 years ago. Here my oldest son, John, was born. Sad changes have passed over me and mine since that day. She is dead, My children scattered without a home. Yet I have many mercies to record, could my ungrateful heart but appreciate the goodness of God. After all the suffering I have witnessed down in Tennessee, I should not complain.
March 28th 1864—On board steamboat Bostona No. 3. After a visit of two weeks and one day, I this morning took leave of my wife and two little daughters Ella and Flora. It was painful to part with them. I am now returning to labor under the Christian Commission. Know not to what point I may be sent, and I care not if only God is with me and will bless my labors. I have some fears I may never see my wife again. I have very little faith in such impressions yet my mind is seriously affected. I may die. She may die. The day is exceedingly pleasant.
April 1st, 1864—Steamboat Telegraph, Ohio River. I reached Cincinnati last Tuesday morning and remained there until this evening. On Wednesday afternoon attended a meeting of ladies at No. 178 Vine Street, Cincinnati, for the purpose of giving them some information concerning the refugees in Tennessee. I am in a strait betwixt two, not knowing whether to go to Tennessee or Arkansas. I wish to go where I am most needed. May my Heavenly Father guide me by infinite wisdom. I wish to do right—to go where I am most needed and where I will do the most good. I have made some effort to obtain an appointment under “Refugee Relief Commission.” On Thursday night I attended the anniversary of the US Christian Commission at Mozart Hall. Have learned that the Refugee Relief Commission cannot employ any agents at present.
April 2, 1864—On board steamboat Telegraph, Ohio River near Hanging Rock. Last evening left Cincinnati at 6 o’clock, 24 hours running to Ironton. Have felt gloomy all day. Prospects look dark. Had this evening a sweet season of prayer. Oh what would suffering saints do if they had no mercy seat. After pouring out my fears and complaints before my Heavenly Father, I felt calm in mind with a sweet peace in my soul. Bless the Lord for the privilege of prayer.
April 6th, 1864—Portsmouth, Ohio. Reached this place just in time to miss the boat. Had to wait 24 hours, then took the Telegraph. Reached Cincinnati Friday morning. Stayed until Monday 7:30 a.m., then took the cars for ST. Louis, Missouri, which I reached Tuesday at 1 o’clock a.m.
Wednesday, 13th April—On board the good boat Belle St. Louis, Mississippi river. Left ST. Louis at 5 o’clock. But few passengers on board. A splendid boat. My room is No. 41. All very civil. Bound for Memphis, Tenn.
Horrible Affair, Cairo. April 14, 1864—The steamer Platte Valley has just arrived from Fort Pillow with 10 dead men and 30 mortally wounded. The Rebels were commanded [ ]. It is supposed we had some 500 men killed, mostly negroes. The Rebel force was some 9,000 strong. They killed all negro soldiers that surrendered and nearly all the whites. There will be an awful retaliation for this sometime.
Massacre of Black Troops at Fort Pillow
I find two delegates at this place—Osmer W. Fay and Rev. Wells. The harvest great, the labors few. No boats going below today. There is also two delegates here on their way to Vicksburg, Miss., waiting for transportation down the river.
April 16th 1864—Mound City, Illinois. This evening got on a government tug and came to this place. Soon found the chaplain of the post. There is a very large hospital here with some 700 patients. Those of Fort Pillow are brought here. Many of them badly wounded and mutilated.
Here I find a Methodist preacher by the name of Elijah Littleton. Visited the hospital and distributed some tracts and books. At two o’clock p.m., preached in the chapel of the hospital to a small but serious congregation. I observe one thing here I have not seen in any other hospital—all the female nurses are Catholic nuns or sSisters of Charity, dressed entirely in black with a kind of white hood and long black vail hanging down their back half to their feet.
April 18th 1864—Mound City, Illinois. On board the United States. Spent the Sabbath in this place. Visited the hospital in the morning. Seen many of the wounded from Fort Pillow. There condition is horrible. Preach in the chapel of the hospital to a very attentive audience at night. Preached in the Methodist Episcopal Church to a large congregation. This is one of the finest fields for usefulness in this hospital for a chaplain I have ever seen anywhere. The Rev. S[tephen] S[argent] Morrill [1831-1878] is chaplain.
April 19th 1864—Cairo, Illinois. Still detained at Cairo but hope to get off this afternoon. Last night I preached to a very attentive congregation though it was small. Felt great liberty. Hope some good was done. Since writing the above, I have visited the “Refugees” quarters at Cairo. The Rev. W. C. Merritt is the Agent. I find about 400 refugees are received every week. Many are very destitute and have been robbed of all they possessed on Earth. Many are sick and dying. One very interesting came under my own observation—a Mr. Croaker from Buncombe county, North Carolina, with his family reached this place yesterday. He had to leave his home in the winter, snow 10 inches deep, no shoes, only old shoe soles tied on his feet. His wife and some small children with him. They had to find their way through the mountains without a road, had to lay out at night without shelter, all the journey performed on foot. God preserved him and his. He tells me he has five sons in the army. His brother [has] ten sons and his present wife, four brothers all in the Union army. He is 65 years old. Says his father is still living, one hundred and eight years [old in] Alabama. He left him in Bunscombe. Was a revolutionary soldier, wounded at Kingston.
Just heard of a case like this. A Mr. W. R. Allison from Mattoon, Illinois, was working a cotton plantation on the banks of Tensas Lake, Louisiana, when a party of Rebels came upon him and took 10 of his mules, 50 or 60 of his neighbors, and then made Mr. Allison dig his own grave. When they shot him and buried him in it. This information is obtained from the negroes who were working for him and escaped.
April 20th 1864—Mississippi river below Cairo. Last evebing got on board the C. E. Hillman. The clerk said he would give me a ticket but no room although half the beds were unoccupied. My feelings were much hurt, but after a season of prayer, I left more calm. A captain of artillery interested himself in my case and secured me a room. I slept sweet and feel refreshed. I was alone in a room with four beds. But few passengers on board. People are afraid to travel below Cairo. May my Heavenly Father preserve us all to our destination. When I think of the comfortable nights rest I had after a season of service, temptation and trial, I must say, “He giveth His beloved sleep.”
April 20th 1864—3 o’clock p.m. on Mississippi River half way from Cairo to Memphis. I find the woods begin to look green. Apple and plum trees are in bloom. We are wooding at an island. The stream between which us and the shore is very narrow.
April 21st, 1864—Memphis, Tenn. Reached this place this morning just before day. The trip from Cairo here was a very unpleasant one but like many other trials, it is past. I reached the Commission Rooms at No. 10 Gayoso House just after daybreak. Found it closed. Had to wait until 9 o’clock for the delegates to open. This is wrong. They ought to open at the earliest period. I feel at a great loss to know what course to pursue. May my Heavenly Father direct me with HIs spirit and word. I find two delegates here by the name of Burns and Boyington. The local agent, by the name of Ensign, is absent, So [too] the field agent Burnell. I find a little Miss ____ in the office exceedingly ____. I have yet to learn what use she is to the Commission except to play on the Melodion. I don’t like the way things are conducted at Cairo or Memphis.
April 23, 1864—Memphis. Visited Fort Pickering today with 265 papers, 400 tracts, 12 Soldier’s books, 12 hymn books. Called on Chaplain Price, 55th US Colored [Troops]. Made an arrangement to preach in the fort tomorrow. Two delegates arrived this morning by the name of Perrizine [?], Methodist, and Stewart, Baptist.
April 25th 1864—Memphis. Preached at Fort Pickering in the morning from 2nd Timothy, 4-7. In the afternoon 2nd Corinthians, 6-1 to very attentive congregations. Met with a Brother Wells of the Iowa Conference (a private).
April 29, 1864—Fort Pickering. The last five days have been very unpleasant to me and it seems as if I was doing but little good. I have had great difficulty in getting a place to board or lodge. Just at this moment, a man by the name of Martin Smith was hanged in Fort Pickering for giving aid to the Rebels. I learn he died penitent and in hope of pardon. May God have mercy on his soul.
May 1, 1864—Memphis. Friday night at 1 o’clock a.m., I was violently attacked with something like bloody flux. All day yesterday and today quite sick, under medical treatment, but better now. This is a beautiful Sabbath. Heard yesterday of the death of my brother George in Kansas.
May 9th 1864—Memphis. After being quite sick for some 5 or 6 days since which I have been laboring around the city. On Saturday I received a letter from Mr. J. Dalton, Chair Ex Com. of Refugee Relief Committee of Ohio in which they say they are sending me several boxes of bedding and clothing for the refugees at this place. On Sunday the 8th, received a letter from Christian Commission at St. Louis enclosing 25 dollars and ordering me to Little Rock, Arkansas. I do not know what to do. May my Heavenly Father direct me. I want to do that that will be most for the glory of God.
May 11th 1864—Memphis. Visited the 1st Miss. Cavalry. Distributed 110 papers, 6 testaments, 50 soldier’s books, 300 pages tracts.
In the afternoon visited the Colored School on the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church. The Rev. T. N. Stewart (Colored) of Columbus, Ohio, is teacher assisted by his oldest scholars. There are 280 scholars enrolled. The school commenced February 22, 1864. The 1st day he had 53 scholars, 2nd day 77. Some 40 who commenced in the alphabet are now reading in the 2nd Reader. He boards with a colored man by the name of Joseph Clouston whose wife is a scholar in theclass of 2nd Reader. 20 years ago Clouston bought himself for $2,250 dollars. He is now worth 50 to 75 thousand dollars. They raise almost any Sabbath from $35 to $50. The church is from $1500 to 2,000 in debt but they say they will pay it in one year. The church is some 75 feet in length, 45 wide, basement under the whole which is brick. The upper part frame, painted white and well seated, two local preachers.
May 19th 1864—After laboring in Memphis just four weeks, I started this evening just at sundown for Little Rock, Arkansas on the steamboat Tycoon. Fare 20 dollars. After a tedious trip, we reached Duvall’s Bluff Sunday morning at 4 o’clock. Started on the railroad for Little Rock at 6:30 a.m. We reached the halfway station in good time but had to wait four hours for the train to pass. We reached Little Rock at 6 o’clock p.m. sick and tired.
May 29th 1864—Little Rock, Arkansas. Have been here one week. Much disappointed in the place and things and think I will leave soon. Preached in the Colred Church at 10:30 o’clock.
June 9th 1864—Camp 77th Ohio Regiment, Little Rock. Since the above date (May 29th) I have been laboring very hard for the US Christian Commission for the Colored Church and the 77th Ohio Regiment, but yesterday and this morning I feel very much dejected and discouraged. I indulged a strong hope that a was was about to open by which I should find permanent employment by getting a position as Chaplain of the 77th Ohio Regiment and by taking charge of the Colored Church in Little Rock. The last I can get and I feel I might be usefully employed, but I fear I could not get a support for my family. I expect my efforts to secure the Chaplaincy will (as usual) fail. And if it does fail, I must take it for granted that Providence designs I shall never hold the position of Chaplain in the ARmy and I will never make another effort to secure such a position. May God help me. Amen.
I can in truth say I earnestly desire to be useful, to please my Heavenly Father, and t air at doing His will in everything. But my way seems dark and mysteriously caged up in every direction. I cannot but feel if I was more Holy—had more faith in God, it would be better with me in my temporal matters. Oh Lord, I seek light and wisdom from Thee. Be pleased to help me “Hope in God for I shall yet praise Him, &c.”
June 15th 1864—Camp 77th Ohio Regt. Since writing the last in this diary, some important matters have taken place. I have been unanimously elected Chaplain of the 77th Ohio Regiment and the papers have been forwarded to the Governor of Ohio for my commission. A commission will no doubt be granted but whether I will be mustered in is doubtful. [A note in the back of the diary indicates he began boarding at the sutler’s of the 77th OVI on this date]
In connection with the Chaplaincy, I have taken charge of the Colored Congregation in Little Rock, Arkansas. May my Heavenly Father help me so I may be useful. In this church, there is a large field of labor and perhaps usefulness. These downtrodden ones are to be enlightened, &c.
June 18th 1864—Little Rock, Ark. One week since I closed my labors in the US Christian Commission. I spent one week in Cairo, Illinois [and] four weeks at Memphis, Tenn.
July 5th 1864—In camp at Little Rock, Arkansas. The Fourth of July was spent very quiet. No public demonstration except firing 37 guns from Fort Steele. The weather has been intensely hot and sickness is on the increase. Nearly 20 in the hospital.
August 5th 1864—Little Rock, Arkansas. It is just one month since I made an entry in this journal. The 7th of this month I had, in addition to the regiment and Colored Congregation, to take charge of the rooms of the Christian Commission at this place. This has kept me constantly employed. Thayer and Stinchfield left sick. Allen left at the same time sick but being detained at Duvall’s Bluff, he got better and returned. 4 days after, he became very sick and has done nothing since. On Friday, July 29th, I received my commission from Governor Brough of Ohio as Chaplain of the 77th Ohio Regt. Vet. Volunteers, dated July 15, 1864. The next day I made application to be mustered in but found my papers were not right—or at least did not suit the mustering officer. This 5th day of August I applied again but fear I will lose one hundred dollars, if not all for two months. If so, I will not accept my commission at all. This is a source of vexation and trouble—a trial of my faith. May my Heavenly Father so enlighten my mind, so influence my heart, that I may know and do what is right, and so overrule these events as well promote His glory and my good for Jesus’ sake, amen and amen.
Some un-transcribed notes in the back of Rev. Holliday’s Diary with names and residences and/or regimental affiliations of individuals he encountered during the period he kept this diary.
The following letter was written by Pvt Thomas R. Martin, Co. F, 10th Virginia Cavalry (1st Cavalry Regiment, Wise Legion) to his mother. Thomas enlisted as a private at North Garden, Virginia, in April 1861 and reenlisted at Richmond the following year. Prior to January of 1863, he was promoted to First Corporal. He was promoted again, this time to Third Sergeant, prior to November 1863. Close to the end of war, Martin was wounded at the Battle of Five Forks, in April 1865.
When this letter was penned in mid-July 1861 at Charleston, Virginia (now West Virginia), the 10th Virginia Cavalry had not yet been organized. Thomas was a member of the Rockbridge Mounted Rangers that were part of Gen. Henry A. Wise’s Brigade. Their uniform was described as a “gray sack coat, gray shirt and pants, and a drab slouch hat.”
Transcription
Addressed to Mrs. S. P. Martin, Lexington, Rockbridge county, Virginia
Charleston [Virginia] July 15, 1861
Dear Ma,
We arrived here last night after a severe forced march of 31 miles without stopping to feed as we were met by a messenger who said that the troops from Ohio were 17 miles from this place and were advancing. Yesterday a skirmish took place 13 miles below here but I understand no one was hurt on either side & the Yankees retreated. We start from here this morning and expect a fight very shortly and are preparing for it.
I will give you a list of my debts at Salem in case of an accident. I owe Mr. Campbell $22 for my pistol & other things. If you look in my black cloak pocket, you will find Mr. Holland’s bill. It comes to $26. And I owe Mr. George Stevens $3. This is all I owe.
This is a beautiful country and there are splendid crops here. Yesterday we passed the oil works & also the salt works but had not time to examine them. The people out here are mostly Union men and they look at us as if they would kill us if they could, and others of them cheer for Jeff Davis but you can see they have no heart in it while our true men could be known by the joy depicted on their countenances. In town here we have been treated very shabbily and have paid no attention to us whatever and we could not even get a bit of supper by paying for it. We had to eat like dogs on the corner of the street and such a supper I never did eat & hope never to eat again. I thought we had hard eating in camp but our cooking is good to what that was last night.
I am very well but want sleep badly. Wise has given us liberty to take horses & everything else from the Yankees and the Union men. 1 I expect we will thrash the Yankees like everything or they will have to shoot better than they have yet. I have no idea of being killed and expect to bring any quantity of mementos of the war home with me.
I wrote to you by Mr. Hartsook two days since and will write again after the fight—if we have one. I must close. Write to Charleston, care of Capt. D., Rock[bridge] Rangers, and I suppose I will get it. I haven’t heard from you but I suppose I haven’t had time to do so. Write soon. Love to all. Your affectionate son, — J. Thos R. Martin
1 The statement that Gen. Wise has “given us liberty to take horses and everything else from the Yankees and the Union men” is surprising as he had strict orders from the Confederate War Department to “protect the personal and property rights of the inhabitants” in the Kanawha Valley. Stealing from the civilians, whether they were pro-Union or not, would only further alienate the region, reasoned the politicians in Richmond.Wise’s correspondence makes it clear that he despised the pro-Union residents in the Valley; he called them “traitors” and “copperheads.”
The following letter was written by Church Hoskins Smith (1843-After1920), the son of Stephen Smith, (1808-1891), a stonemason, and Amanda M. Carter (1816-1890) of Stephenson county, Illinois.
I could not find an image of Church but here is one of Ferdinand Fox of Co. I, 46th Illinois Infantry wearing his veteran’s stripes on his lower sleeves. (Al & Claudia Niemiec Collection)
Church enlisted as a private in Co. A, 46th Illinois Infantry on 10 September 1861. He was describing by the mustering officer as 5′ 4″ tall, with black hair and hazel eyes. Before his three year term of enlistment was up, he reenlisted as a veteran and served until 20 January 1866 at Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The 46th Illinois were first engaged at Fort Donelson, then Shiloh, Corinth and Vicksburg. When this letter was penned in the summer of 1864, the regiment was still in Mississippi sharing duty with the 76th Illinois pursuing rebel forces through the summer, fall and winter. They did not move further south to the Alabama coastal region until early 1865.
After he was discharged from the service, Church married Marie Ellen Himes (1850-1920). They were wed in Cook county, Illinois, on 23 December 1871 and had at least two children.
Transcription
Addressed to Mrs. Amanda M. Smith, care B. H. Chase, Esq., Manchester, New Hampshire
Vicksburg [Mississippi June 5th 1864
My ever remembered Mother,
It is the sabbath, late in the day that I commence this letter to you. The thermometer rests at 100, being four degrees lower than one hour ago. I am still well. My time has mostly been occupied today with “Miles Standish Courtships” & “Stuarts Poems,” both of which are agreeable. The last beautiful. I have lately read “Henry Ward Beecher’s Star Papers.” They are unsurpassed & need no comments. If I were a spiritualist, I would quote Beecher for authority.
I have received your letter of the 22d. It came yesterday. Two days before I had sent you a letter with $10.00 enclosed. The river above has been blockaded by the Rebs for a short time & this accounts for the long time your letter was coming. If they are not gone yet, this epistle may be somewhat delayed. The boat that brought our mail ran the gauntlet of a ten-gun battery and was pierced by 8 cannon shot & shell.
Those portions of the 16th & 17th Army Corps that were up the Red River started for Cairo yesterday or day before having made a stop of several days at this place. There goes the sunset gun with a roar and an earthquake that is grand. The hills have taken up & reechoed the music. But a glance to the heavens shows me the artillery of Heaven approaching supported by a stately pile of dark old clouds moving in solid phalanx from the south. The air as if in submission to the clouds of storm gently ruffles each leaf and blade of grass. The everlasting old hills that have seen such scenes for ages stand out in bold relief, stern & unyielding as though ready for any trial. Anon comes the flash of lurid lightning lighting for an instant the black veil of Heaven. Then comes the crash of the fearful thunder leaping out into the murky stillness of evening. Hushed & still is all nature save the elements overhead.
But I must stop at once for it is getting dusk. Write. — Church
I could not find an image of Eldridge but here is one of Lt. Pierce Neals of Co. B, 4th Delaware Infantry (Photo Sleuth)
The following letters were written during the Civil War by Eldridge Taylor Hall (1845-1882). Eldridge was the son of Joseph Yardley (1813-1880) and Margaretta Taylor (1817-1875) of Milford Hundred, Kent county, Delaware. Eldridge entered the war in 1862 as a 2nd Lieutenant in Co. K of the 4th Delaware Infantry and left the regiment as a 1st Lieutenant in Co. B.
Eldridge wrote the letters to Clara Wilson Hall with whom he would later marry.
The garrison at Gloucester Point remained a sideshow to the great battles fought in the region. It was classic military camp life, months of monotonous routine punctuated by occasional attacks and forays into the countryside. [Historical Marker, Gloucester county, Virginia]
Letter 1
Delaware House Wilmington, Delaware September 24, 1862
My Dear Clara,
It is with many and strange emotions that I seat myself to write this my first letter to the one I love and as I am not adept in writing love letters, you will excuse me if this partakes something of a practical turn.
It was just one week yesterday since I left—a very short space of time indeed, yet I am beginning to want to see you very much. What a shame it is that I could not place myself within the folds of this letter and unseen by and unknown to my respected commanding officer have one peep at your smiling face and a pleasant chat as of old. But, however, there is a good chance coming and I may someday not far off make you a flying visit, but don’t be disappointed if I should not come.
You no doubt have heard ere this that my brother Dave 1 was wounded in the late battle at Antietam Creek, He arrived last evening in Philadelphia. Pap and I were there to meet him. He is now in the hospital corner of 22nd and Wood Streets, Philadelphia. Pa. Pap is with him. He has a painful wound in his left foot—a rifle ball having gone clear through it. He also has a rifle ball just above his left knee. He is very cheerful, upheld by the consciousness of having done his duty. He was wounded while bravely leading his company to the charge and was, I am told, 20 feet in advance of his company when he fell. and about an equal distance from the enemy. How proud I feel in having such a brother—so brave, so courageous, so noble. May heaven help me to perform my duty to my country as he has performed his. It will be some time before he will be able to go into service again. The delay will no doubt be very galling to him.
Our regiment is awaiting orders to move and we are all anxious for the fray. May the day hasten when we will be able to show ourselves to be worthy sisters of the glorious 1st.
I called to see Miss Moore this morning on my return from Philadelphia. I found her to be the very lady I would have chosen for my sister; handsome, agreeable, very intelligent, and above all a perfect lady and quite sensible in the bargain, and I might add also—very patriotic. Instead of worrying herself sick over his being wounded, she rejoices that it is not worse.
Enclosing my kindest regards to all enquiring friends and hoping to hear from you very soon, I remain your devoted, — Eldridge
Address: Lieutenant E. T. Yardley, Care of Col. A. H. Grimshaw, Wilmington, Delaware
1 David Sellers Yardley (1842-1866) entered the service in May 1861 as the 1st Sergeant of Co. D, 1st Delaware Infantry. By the time of the Battle of Antietam where he was wounded, he was the captain of Co. D. Capt. Yardley was later discharged for his disabilities and drowned in 1866 while bathing in Lake Harriet in Minnesota. The Battle of Antietam was the regiment’s first real engagement. They entered the fray on 17 September through the Roulette Farm and became heavily engaged in front of the Sunken Road. Bringing just of 700 into the fight, they suffered a 30 percent casualty rate.
Letter 2
Camp —– near Alexandria, Virginia December 12th 1862
My dear Clara,
After a fatiguing march of about 10 miles through the mud and water, we have reached this place where I suppose we will have to remain for some time. I was in hopes that we were on our way to join Burnside, but such is not the case at present, although we may be called upon to leave any moment.
We are in barracks partially completed which will be very comfortable when finished. I am seated in the midst of baggage surrounded by our men who are talking and laughing, apparently unconcerned in regard to the discomfort of the place. I have a bayonet stuck in the ground with a candle init to write by the heavens for my canopy but I feel happy in thinking that I am traveling in the path of duty and that your smile of approval will greet me when I return, should it be my fortune to do so.
Paper is very scarce tonight and pen and ink not to be found. So good night. I promise myself a pleasant night thinking of you. With much love, I remain your devoted, — Eldridge
Address same as usual to Washington.
Letter 3
Position of Camp Gilpin & Vicinity on 7 February 1863. Lt. Rodman Smith, 4th Delaware, sent this hand-drawn map of Yorktown/Gloucester Point to his mother in Wilmington, Delaware. His regiment’s camp was marked with an E, then called Camp Gilpin. He was in command of pickets along Sailor’s [Sarah’s] Creek. Courtesy of the Historical Society of Delaware.
Camp Gilpin Gloucester Point, Virginia March 22nd 1863
My dear Clara,
I arrived here safely last evening and found myself very flatteringly welcomed by both officers and men and indeed, some of the men of our own company seemed overjoyed at my return. I had no idea that I was a favorite with them.
I was much surprised on landing at Fortress Monroe to find the ground covered with several inches of snow and slush, and found on enquiring that a terrible storm had raged in this neighborhood on Friday and Saturday, so fierce was the warring of elements that the boas between Yorktown and Fortress Monroe were unable to make their usual trips for two days and the boat which I came up in yesterday was the first that had been up since the storm.
Those photographs have not arrived yet. I have not time to write any more now but answer this very soon and I will promise for the future long and, if possible, interesting letters. With much love I remain, as ever yours, — Eldridge
Letter 4
Camp Gilpin Gloucester Point, Virginia April 11th 1862
Miss Clara W. Hall,
I would respectfully submit—that this is the third time I have written to you and as yet have received no reply.
I would crave that your most gracious ladyship would condescend an early reply to this, if such be not incompatible with your inclinations. I am most respectfully your obedient servant, — Eldridge T. Yardley, 2nd Lieutenant, Co. K, 4th Delaware Infantry
Letter 5
Camp Gilpin Gloucester Point, Virginia May 3rd 1863
My dear Clara,
It is Sunday evening and beautiful indeed is it without. The full moon has just shown its broad, genial face above the treetops and is making our camp look lovely with its radiance. The crickets are chirping cheerfully around and altogether is the perfection of a spring evening.
Our chaplain preached a sermon this evening on the parade ground to a very large and attentive audience, myself being one of the number. As I listed to beautiful words of the man of God, my thoughts ran back to similar occasions in the woods of Old Delaware on last summer. Oh! many a pleasant hour have I spent at Camp Meetings in Delaware and hope to spend many more. How well I remember the Camp Meeting at Bridgeville last summer. It was there that I first met with our noble old Governor and his charming daughter. By the bye, the Governor has been to see us and do you think he seemed to have forgotten me entirely after my taking so much pains to make myself acquainted with him last summer. I suppose his daughter is equally forgetful. Governor Cannon expressed himself much pleased with his reception here and was delighted with appearance and arms of the men of the “Plucky Fourth.” We treated him as well as we knew how, had a review, serenaded him the evening before he left, and had a good time generally. The morning he left we had a dress parade and he delivered quite a neat little speech to us, something quite unusual for him.
And does my Clara get so tired going to school? The poor dear girl/ I am so sorry. Even now her graceful form may be wasting away with hard study and yet she thinks herself selfish for saying so. Why Clara, the life I am living now is perfectly splendid. I really delight in it. In fact, the only fault I have to find with ir is that there is not enough to do. But the good time is coming and from all accounts we will soon have plenty to do with fighting Rebels. A considerable force is reported to be in our immediate vicinity. There will be an expedition probably go out tomorrow to dislodge them which I shall certainly be with if I can. I was cheated out of partaking in the last expedition by being on other duty. I see a good account of it in yesterday’s Philadelphia Inquirer.
Our regiment is gaining quite a reputation for itself. We were reviewed the other day by Secretary Seward who expressed himself as highly pleased with our appearance. I guess I have written enough for the present. I am sure it’s quite as much as you deserve for writing me so short a letter. Many thanks for the bouquet you sent me. Tell Miss Sallie Adkins that I think she might condescend to acknowledge the receipt of my photograph in writing. I am very well at present and will hope to hear from you very soon.
I am yours respectfully, — E. T. Yardly
Letter 6
Camp Gilpin Gloucester Point, Virginia May 12th 1863
My dear Clara,
It is a very pleasant evening—rather warm perhaps, but pleasant anyhow. I have been out sailing on the water. Romantic is it not? How I wished you could have enjoyed it with me. I am sure you would have liked it. I promise many a pleasant sail on the water if we remain here all summer. You have no idea what a pleasant camp e have. It is situated on a broad, level plain which is just beginning to grow green under the genial rays of the sun. It would be pleasant indeed to live here if this unhappy war was ended. But as it is, I cannot but think it a sin for us to remain here, living in comparative ease and luxury while other less fortunate brothers in arms are nobly fighting and pouring out their life’s blood in defense of our country. Oh! how I wish we belonged to the glorious Army of the Potomac that we might put what some call our “Patriotic Cherries” into practice. Would it not be a glorious death to die for the noble cause in which we are engaged? Even now, perhaps, my dearest brother is lying dead or dying on the battlefield. Kind Heaven! grant that it may not be so, but I am sure he would not wish a more glorious death. But enough of this. I suppose I will have to be satisfied with my lot and will endeavor to be as useful as I can in my limited sphere of action.
Hark! the soft sweet notes of a flute come stealing on the still night air. It is our beloved Colonel playing in his tent. How it reminds me of certain impromptu serenades we used to give you in dear Old Milford. Do you remember the last one I participated in? You threw a beautiful bouquet out the windown and John A. being taller than the rest of us secured the prize. How I envied him.
How is Johnny getting along? I have not heard from him since I returned to camp. That beautiful little bouquet you sent me in your last letter (by the bye, it has been so long ago I can hardly remember) has unfortunately met with an accident. I placed it in my portmanteau along with the rest of my valuables and some rogue came into my tent at night and stole the portmanteau, bouquet and all. So you will be a dear girl if you will send me another which I will be certain to take better care of. I would like to have your photograph too very much. Do send it to me won’t you?
I suppose that famous wedding has come off at our house. It will be a great trial to part with Louise. She will miss her so much. I am sure we all shall miss her. She has been so kind and good a sister to us. I wanted to attend the wedding real bad but it was impossible, there were so many others that wanted to go home that hadn’t been at all. I don’t mean to go home until I can go with honor.
We have had quite exciting times here for the last week occasioned by the arrival in our lines of portions of Stoneman’s Cavalry consisting of the 12th Illinois & 20th New York Cavalry, they having accomplished the most daring and successful raid on record. In fact, they have covered themselves with glory and have won for themselves a name that will be honored and revered by posterity.
We have news here this evening that General Hooker has again crossed the Rappahannock and is in pursuit of the enemy who is supposed to be retreating towards Richmond. We also have a rumor that Richmond has been taken by Gen. [Erasmus] Keyes but inasmuch as Gen. Keyes is now in Yorktown, it must be false. I hope that we shall soon be on the march to Richmond and be there to join in the grand attacks which I have every reason to believe will be successful. What a glorious thing it will be to be at the taking of Richmond. It will be something to be proud of the rest of your life.
Hoping that you have now gained your accustomed good health and assuring you that I am very well, I remain with much affection, your as ever, — E. T. Yardley
to Miss Clara W. Hall, Milford, Delaware.
Please write soon.
Letter 7
Camp Gilpin Gloucester Point, Virginia June 1st 1863
My dear Clara,
I have waited patiently for one month to hear from you. Meanwhile I have written twice and as yet have received no word from you. Why don’t you write to me? The suspense is torturing. I fear that you are very ill or something dreadful has happened. Were not U. S. mail carriers so punctual, I might indulge the thought that my letters had miscarried, but as it is, I think it highly improbable. I sincerely hope that you will write as soon as possible and tell me the true reason of your long silence.
I am enjoying excellent health at present. With emotions of sincere regard, I remain as ever yours, — E. T. Yardley
Letter 8
Fort Keyes Gloucester Point, Virginia July 11th 1863
My dear Clara,
Your letter dated July 3rd was just received this morning and I hasten to answer it. Clara, I am ashamed of myself for writing such a letter to you. Do forgive me and if I did imply any mistrust, I really did not mean to for I am sure I never have mistrusted you. Remember that I was sick and out of heart. I had not heard from you for so long and I wrote just as I felt and I did feel as though everyone had forsaken me. Then I was penned up in the hospital while the regiment was marching daily in the direction of Richmond winning laurels for itself which I could not share. I am sure it was enough to make a much more amiable person than myself ill-humored. But I feel better now. The regiment has gotten back to its old camping ground and we are inside of Ft. Keyes. They did not win a great deal of glory and so I am satisfied.
I left the hospital yesterday. I am not entirely well but am getting better. I would like to come home to sue forgiveness in person for that dreadful letter but I cannot. Don’t be too severe with me & I will promise to try and deserve your confidence in future.
Dear Clara, don’t think me quite so bad as to think you frivolous. You have the truest and best heart and are the nicest, dearest girl that ever blessed man with her regards. Heaven forgive me if I ever give you occasion to think I mistrust you again. I think we can have perfect confidence in each other, don’t you? Only remember when you don’t fel like answering my letters soon that I am anxiously waiting to hear from you and I am sure you will try and write.
I must quit now or I will be too late for the mail. So goodbye. Write very soon. With much love, I am your devoted — Eldridge
Address 4th Regt. Del. Vols, Ft. Keyes, Gloucester Point, Va.
Letter 9
Ft. Keyes Gloucester Point, Virginia July 12th 1863
My dear Clara.
We have marching orders and I suppose are to go to Washington. If any farther, I do not know. Be of good cheer and rest assured if the 4th Delaware does get a chance at Old Lee, she will not disgrace herself. I am much better and will go with the regiment and try and do my duty. And should I fall, I will fall loving you as dearly as ever. So goodbye. Write to me and address to Washington, D. C.
I reached the regiment this afternoon after a long and tiresome journey by rail and water and ride of three miles in an ambulance over the most horrible roads you could possibly imagine. But I was well repaid for the journey by the cordial reception from my fellow officers. What a nice thing it is to have the esteem of those upon one daily associates with. Colonel [Arthur H.] Grimshaw was particularly cordial in his greeting and at once offered me a position on his staff (you must know he is now commanding a brigade) but after considering the matter concluded to accept the Acting Adjutancy of the Regiment instead which was also offered me. I am now performing the duties of the Adjutant—who is detailed to other duty. I have my quarters in a large home near the camp which is very nice and comfortable for a soldier.
The camp of the regiment is splendid—located on a nice piece of ground about three hundred yards from the village. It was formerly the camping ground of the famous 69th New York Volunteers—an Irish Regiment that did such splendid fighting under the command of Colonel Michael Corcoran at the first Battle of Bull Run. They were compelled to leave their camp to move to another portion of the command after having fixed it up snugly for winter. Such is the fortune of war. A soldier when he lies his head down to rest at night never knows but what he will be miles away ere the next night [comes[. Yet it is a gay and careless life and sometimes I think that I would always like to be a soldier. But then I think of the dear ones at home—of you, the star of my [illegible due to tape]. I would never have been able to withstand the manifold temptations with which through the army are surrounded had not your image—so pure and so innocent—ever been before me, inciting me o renewed exertion to make myself more worthy of your priceless love. Heaven grant that this sad war may soon be over, when those great principles for which we fight will be nobly vindicated before all the world and those of us so disposed can relinquish the sword for the plowshare. Then how proudly would I claim you for my own, mine to love and protect. Oh! Clara, I sometimes think, it could be too much happiness for mortal to know.
It is very late at night. Perhaps even now your thoughts are roaming through the wide expanse of dream land in search of those you love. You may eve at this moment be thinking of me. How I wish I knew if you were. I would be so glad. I will not write any more now but will promise you a real long letter next time—when you have answered this. Please write to me soon. Days will seem like weeks until your letter arrives. Your devoted, — Eldridge
Letter 11
[In pencil written on scrap paper; written during the Battle of Cold Harbor]
Headquarters 4th Delaware Vols. In the field, 8 miles N. of Richmond June 2nd 1864
My dear Clara,
I snatch a few moments to write to you midst the whizzing of bullets and the bursting of shells. We reached this army (Army of Potomac) yesterday after a march ordered from Port Royal on the Rappahannock. We are now in line of battle and throwing up breastworks within 200 yards and in plain sight of the Rebel lines. Our loss has as yet been very small. I am safe.
We have not received a mail for more than a week and I have not heard from you for a long time. I suppose your letters have miscarried for I cannot think you have been willfully so cruel as not to write. I have addressed several letters to you since your last and sent them all to Milford so that I hardly think they can have miscarried.
Longing to hear from you, I am with much love yours affectionately, — Eldridge
Letter 12
Headquarters 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 5th A. C., December 1, 1864
My Darling Clara,
Your long silence perplexes me and I am distracted with doubts and fears. I feared you were ill when I wrote my second letter but now I am sure you are dangerously so. Please, darling, this suspense is terrible. Even to know that you were alive would be a relief. If you are too ill to write, I beg you—as you love me—to let your sister or your friend Mary write me and relieve this dread uncertainty. As ever, your own loving, — Eldridge
Letter 13
Headquarters 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 5th A. C., December 24, 1864
Darling,
It seems a long time since I have heard from you but I will not complain as long as I am assured you are enjoying yourself as you must be among your friends in Philadelphia.
Christmas will be here tomorrow with all its manifold joys and delights. I wish everyone could be as happy as I will be tomorrow, yet perhaps there are very few but will have as just cause. We will have a grand dinner tomorrow for soldiers to have—turkey, cranberry sauce, &c. I was much amused at a remark a friend made this morning. Wat a pity it is that Christmas should come on Sunday. It seems like a day lost. It struck me as quite original as Christmas you know is generally considered a sort of Sunday in the middle of the week.
How long do you propose stating in Philadelphia? [portion of letter ripped off]…my service too valuable to be dispensed with at the present time. Things look very fair now for a speedy termination of the war. We have just received news of the unconditional surrender of Savannah to Sherman and the capture of Ft. Fisher off Wilmington, N. C. by the forces under Butler and Porter. We have also news of the serious illness of the Rebel President and reports that the citizens of Richmond are on the eve of starvation for the want of the necessaries of life. All these items point to the speedy overthrow of the rebellion and it certainly cannot long survive the effects of such repeated blows at its vitals as Thomas, Sherman, and Butler have inflicted and Grant and Meade soon will inflict. I confidently expect to see our glorious Union united before mid summer.
Everything is quiet in this immediate vicinity since the late expedition of our Corps [Raid on Weldon Railroad]. No movement of importance has occurred …. [rest is missing]
Letter 14
[In this letter, Eldridge refers to the fighting by the 4th Delaware at Dabney’s Mills, Hatchers Run on 5-7 February 1865.]
Headquarters 2nd Division, 5th Army Corps February 9th 1865
Darling,
I reached the command yesterday morning and found them in a plight indeed, having been fighting for two days in the most inclement weather and the men without any shelter whatever (for particulars, see the papers). There has been no fighting since I came but fear that you might be anxious on my account, I write this hasty scrawl. I will write you a letter as soon as we become settled. I enclose photograph with love, — Eldridge
Letter 15
Near Moonsville, Pennsylvania June 18, 1865
Darling,
Did you ever feel as though you were melting and being gradually reduced to nothing? No, of course you never did. You always keep surprisingly cool under all circumstances. But I feel as though I was continually melting. You have no idea how warm it is here—as great deal warmer than it ever is at Milford.
I am now at Uncle John Hendrickson’s within sight of the City of Trenton. Have just been up a cherry tree and have eaten of the luscious fruit until I can eat no more. I have had a splendid time and Oh! what a kind reception I have met with. Everybody seems glad to see me and my dear old aunties that I have not seen so long a time welcome me with open arms. Congratulations upon congratulations are heaped upon me for my safe escape from the perils of war and of people keep on, I am afraid I shall become very conceited.
The bridal party that I wrote about came off at the appointed time with great elan but I must say I thought it rather countrified. I never could describe a party and won’t attempt this. The bride looked very sweet and interesting adn anyone who saw her had a faint impression of how charmingly my darling will look some of these days on a like occasion. The last two days of last week I spent at Newtown—a town about the size of Milford. I became acquainted with several young ladies and was quite favorable impressed.
I will go down to Bristol tomorrow and will reach Philadelphia about the last of the week. Don’t think I will get home before the last of next as I have to stop at Wilmington & New Castle. I am sorry Darling I came away without your ring and instructions on the subject. If I remember tightly, you wanted a ring the size of one of your hands. If such was the case , I would like you to enclose them both t me at Wilmington, care of Col. A. H. Grimshaw so that they will get there by Saturday and I will attend to it.
Hope you are well, Darling, and enjoying yourself very much. I long to see that darling face that always smiles on me. Fondly your own, — Eldridge
“God grant that before I fill another diary that us poor, miserable fellows will be enjoying ourselves in peace and luxury.”
So wrote Edmond Silas Randall (1845-1924) in the final entry of his 1864 diary while serving in Co. C, 13th Michigan Infantry. He enlisted on 19 November 1861 at Oakfield for three years when he was only 16 years of age. He reenlisted as a corporal on 18 January 1864 at Chattanooga, Tennessee and mustered out of the service on 25 July 1865 at Louisville, Kentucky.
Edmund’s death certificate informs us that he was born in St. Lawrence county, New York on 16 October 1845. His father was Silas Randall and his mother was “Not Knowen” (not known). According to Michigan records, Edmond moved to a farm in Cannon township, Kent county, Michigan, with his parents in May 1851. In 1870 he moved to Lawrence county, Tennessee where he farmed and engaged in lumbering. He returned to Michigan in 1884 and settled in Oceana county where he served as township supervisor and county board of supervisors. He served in the 42nd Legislature in Michigan in 1903-04.
During 1864, the 13th Michigan was stationed on the Chickamauga; engaged in picket duty and cutting timber for warehouses in Chattanooga till February 17, 1864. Engineer duty at Chattanooga and stationed at Lookout Mountain constructing military hospitals till September, 1864. Relieved from Engineer duty and pursuit of Forrest into Northern Alabama September 25-October 17. Joined Sherman’s army at Kingston, Ga., November 7. March to the sea November 15-December 10. Skirmishes at Dalton, Ga., November 30 and December 5 (Detachments). Siege of Savannah December 10-21.
Note: This diary was donated to Michigan’s Military Heritage Museum and was offered for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by express consent. It has never been previously published.John Beeler should be credited with preserving the diary.
Transcription
Union encampment near Chattanooga in early 1864
January 1864
1st—Very cold weather. Wrote a letter home. Officers had a dance tonight.
2nd—Very cold today. Have got a very bad eye. Went to the doctor today—the first time since I was at Shiloh.
Sunday, 3rd—Weather a little more moderate. Eye a great deal better. We had a meeting today in camp. Nothing of any importance today.
4th—Quite warm today. My eye is a great deal better Nothing going on in camp today.
5th—Pretty cold again today. On guard today. Do some washing. Feel pretty well today.
6th—Weather a little more moderate today. Receive some jewelry today from Philadelphia. Receive some certificates from Washington today. Send to Washington for a gold pen and pen holder. Calvin Morse and Walter Bullman send with me.
7th—Rainy today but freezes as fast as it falls. Feel like a fighting cock today. Nothing of any importance today.
8th—Pretty cool today. The ground is covered with snow—the first snow that we have had here yet. I was on fatigue duty today. Cut the end of my thumb pretty bad.
9th—Very fine weather today. Feel pretty well. Thumb is pretty sore. Nothing of any importance occurred today in or out of camp.
Sunday, 10th—Had meeting today. Very warm weather. Receive a letter from C. C. today.
[Missing entries for 11th through 14th]
15th—Was on fatigue duty this morning. Pretty cool weather today. Had charge of a squad of men unloading logs today.
16th—Very pleasant weather today. Was not on duty today. Expect the rebel cavalry in tonight. Nothing else of any importance.
Sunday, 17th—Pretty warm today. Was on guard today. Feel pretty well today.
18th—Cloudy today. My fatigue duty today was to dig a spring and sink a barrel and draw up some wood for headquarters. Great excitement today about reenlisting. I reenlisted this evening.
19th—Cold today but clear. Was put on extra duty today for not turning over my instructions to the new corporal of the guard. Expect the rebel cavalry in again tonight. Great excitement about reenlisting. A great many reenlisting.
20th—Well here I am again this morning and no rebels have come yet. My fatigue duty today was to haul up some wood for headquarters.
21st—Very pleasant weather today. Was sworn in to the Veteran Service today. Expect to go to a spree tonight if don’t get slipped upon it.
22nd—Well, I went to the spree and a hell of a time we had too. Had a very good supper but not very good dance. Broken up at one o’clock.
23rd—Very warm today. Was on fatigue today and it was the laziest day that I ever saw. The rebels are reported within three miles of here drawn up in a line ready for to give the Yankees what they don’t like.
Sunday, 24th—Pretty warm and the prettiest weather that I have seen this winter. There was meeting in camp today. Nothing of any importance today. Receive a letter from N. R. and answer it.
25th—Very warm and pleasant. There was six rebels came into our camp. There is more or less [deserters] coming in every day. There has 44 new recruits came into our regiment today. Three came into our company today and more is coming in when we get back.
26th—Very fine weather. Made a small mistake in my diary. It was today that the new recruits came in and the rebels came in also today. Had a very fine game of ball today and tonight.
27th—Very pleasant yet. Had another fine game of ball today. Had a stag dance in the hall this evening. Had my hair cut today. There is nothing of any importance occurred in or out of camp today. Feel pretty well.
28th—Awful warm and lazy day. Officers had a small evening dance. There was some more new recruits this evening. Expected to muster this evening or it has today but did not. Expect to start for home next Monday [on Veteran’s furlough].
29th—Warm as usual. Mustered into the Veteran Service today. Had a general time in tearing off the sergeant’s stripes. Heard that they was fighting at Knoxville. Nothing else of any importance occurred today.
30th—Cloudy today. Sprinkled this morning. Had a game of ball. Received a letter from home today and a lusty old one it was too. Sent a guard down after the paymaster but he did not come.
Sunday, 31st—Cloudy this morning. Went down to town and saw Lum Bishop and Cal Thomas. Found Captain Yerkees. He came to the regiment tonight. Had to go on guard after I come back. They are keeping a strict guard today. They caught a secesh spy last night.
February 1864
1st—Very fine weather. I have not had any fatigue duty today. I did settle up all my little debts. I received two hundred and six dollars and thirty-five cents. Nothing else of ay importance today.
2nd—Pretty cool and looks very much like rain. Had company drill this morning & battalion drill this afternoon & dress parade this evening. Feel pretty well today. Received some scrap books from Ohio.
3rd—Clear and cold today. Had company drill this morning & battalion drill this afternoon & dress parade this evening at five o’clock. Have not heard anything about coming home. Nothing else of importance.
4th—Made a mistake in my diary. Turned over two leaves. Clear and pleasant today. Had company drill, battalion drill, and dress parade today. Received orders to go to town to leave town next day.
5th—Pretty warm and pleasant. Lou Bickford and H. Clemmons and Frank Atkins came up to our camp today. Brought me a pair of boots from home. We went to town today and get ready to start for home tomorrow. Saw lots of the boys in the Engineers. Pretty cool this evening. Nothing else.
6th—Left Chattanooga this morning. Pass Whiteside, Bridgeport, & stopped at Stevenson. Left there at five o’clock. Passed through Anderson Station about eleven o’clock. Having very good times now do far. Nothing else of importance.
Sunday, 7th—Came into Murfreesboro this morning. Left there at seven o’clock, passed through Lavergne and came to Nashville at twelve o’clock. Are now encamped in the barracks. Expect to start tomorrow for Louisville. Feel first rate today.
8th—Clear and cold. Leave Nashville this morning at seven o’clock & reach Louisville at 6:30 o’clock. Passed through Gallatin, Cave City, Bowling Green, Mumfordville, & Elizabethtown & Scotchville. Boys feel first rate. Knocked over two or three niggers, &c.
9th—Laid in Exchange Barracks No. 1 today. Bought me some new clothes. Having a regular time running around town. Expect to leave for Michigan tomorrow at ten o’clock. Nothing else of any importance occurred today.
10th—Clear and cold today. Crossed over the river this forenoon. Had a grand old time in Louisville. Leave Jeffersonville [Indiana] at eleven o’clock. Had to take second class coaches. The boys feel pretty angry about it. Nothing else of importance.
11th—Still on the cars bound for Kalamazoo. Passed through Franklin, Indianapolis. Got supper at Lafayette.
12th—Reached Kalamazoo this morning at ten o’clock. We met with a very warm reception. Had a very nice dinner. The flags were thicker than flies on a lump of sugar. Are having the best of times. The boys are all in fine spirits.
13th—Was in town today all day & are having the very best of time. Nothing of any importance occurred.
Sunday, 14th—Got our furlough this morning & transportation to Grand Rapids. Stay tonight twenty-one miles from the Rapids & twenty-eight from Kalamazoo. Expect to eat supper at my own home tomorrow night.
15th—Left Chamberlain’s Tavern this morning at daylight and got to the Rapids at twelve o’clock. Left there at two and got to Cannonsburg at five. Left there at six o’clock & arrived hime at eight. Growing pretty cold. Nothing else of importance.
16th—Most awful cold weather now. Went down to Uncle Ward’s & had a good visit. Saw Sid & his woman. He belongs to Co. G of the 40th [48th?] Illinois. He has reenlisted. Wend down to the grandparents tonight. Had a good old visit.
17th—Cold as ever today. Went over to Mr. Bickford’s & to Mr. Smith’s. Had a pretty good visit. Went down to Mr. Closes’ in the evening. Had a very good visit. Stayed to Mr. Closes’ house all night. Was having first rate times.
18th—About as cold as ever. Went up to Hannah Smith’s & went from there to Mr. Bickford’s & had a good visit. Saw Mr. McArthur’s folks & Mr. Climmon’s folks. Went home just before dark and went & took a ride with Judson Bond and girls.
19th—Weather a little more moderate. Went down to Mr. McArthur’s to get some potatoes & some sheep. Went down to Gilley’s [?] and saw all of the folks. Came back and found John Smith’s folks here. Went down to Mr. Brooks in evening.
20th—Made a small mistake in my diary. It was today that John Smith’s was here. I went down to see Sid today. Also he starts tomorrow. Went down to Mr. Cook’s this evening. Had a pretty good time. Nothing else today.
Sunday, 21st—Went up to meeting this forenoon & brought home a whole load of girls—Ludie Cook, Sarah Cook, Ette Cook, Mary Watson, & some more. Went up to meeting this afternoon or rather evening.
22nd—Went down to the rapids today. Pretty warm weather for this time of the year. Went to the theatre and had a pretty good time. Stayed at the Eagle. Saw Albro Atkins.
23rd—Done up our trading today and started out of town about one o’clock. Got up as far as Mr. Brooks’ and stopped and stayed all night. Had a good visit with the boys.
24th—Left Proviso this morning at six o’clock and arrived home at noon. Went over & saw Sam Brooks about going to Greenville Friday next & went over to Mr. Closes’ and around home.
25th—Judson Bond stayed with me last night. We went a hunting today. Did not kill anything. Went up around home & went up to Mr. Abner Ashley’s and stayed in the evening.
26th—Got up this morning and got ready to go to Greenville to the dance. Went over to Bickford’s and Sam came along. Had pretty bad luck. Broke a buggy and hitched on to our wagon. Got into Greenville at five p.m.
27th—Left Greenville at four o’clock and got home at noon almost tired out. Did not go over west to school because we was so late coming home.
Sunday, 28th—Colder than usual. Went up to meeting today and came back home and found John Randall here. Had a good visit & went up to meeting in the evening. Went home with J. R. Calculate to go up Mr. Watson’s Friday night. Nothing else of any importance occurred.
29th—Pretty cool weather. Went down to Mr. Bush’s & had a very good visit. Hear of a dance at Mr. Brown’s next Friday night. Nothing else of importance.
March 1864
1st—A little more pleasant today. Went out on the farm in Cannon and looked at the wheat. Went down to Isaac Bush’s this morning and went down to Cannonsburg today to see the boys & they had gone to Rapids.
2nd—Went down to Mr. Cook’s. Had a roast turkey in the afternoon & warm sugar in the evening. Lydia came back home with us. Had a splendid time. Had music. Joel came up from the corners. Had a skate in the ice before going to Mr. Cooks.
3rd—Went down to Mr. Green’s today and came back home and went up to Mr. Watson’s in the evening. Had a splendid time. Lydia & Jetora, Saphina, Flora, Mary Jardeson, and myself went in the load together. Got back home at twelve o’clock at night.
4th–Laid around home till about noon and then went and took Lydia to Mr. Brooks’ & went down to Cannon to a party to Mr. Brown’s. Had a splendid time. Saw Bill Wall and all of the young folks. Left my horse at Mr. Brown’s.
5th—Started for home this morning at seven o’clock & went up to Mr. Brooks’ & got Lydia and took her up to Mr. Pond’s and came home & then went down to Mr. McArthur’s and had a baked goose. Came back up to Mr. Pond’s & got Lydia in and came up to our house to stay all night.
Sunday, 6th—Pretty warm and pleasant. Went up to meeting this forenoon & Sarah Cook and Detora Reid came home with our girls. Had a pretty good visit. Went to meeting this evening.
7th—Very warm & pleasant this morning. Went up to town meeting today and came back and stopped to Mr. Potter’s and took dinner & then came up to Dick Welles’s & took supper and then came home & I am pretty tired.
8th—Start for the Rapids this morning. Got into town at 3 p.m. Saw Cran Kenyon. Put up at the Bronson House.
9th—Start out of town this morning & go as far as Plainfield. Stop and feed my horse one peck of oats & it began to snow. Have a great time going up to Cannonsburg. Stay to the dance.
10th—Find myself on the floor dancing this morning at daylight. Go up to Henry Broom’s and get breakfast and go to bed sleepy until ten o’clock. Get up them and get out my horse, settle up my bill, and come home. A whole load of young folks came here on visits tonight.
11th—Rained all night most. The young folks stayed here all night. I did not sleep much. Had a first rate visit. They went away this morning at daylight. I went to bed and slept until one o’clock. Got up and went down to Squire Watkin’s & got some money. From there to Tom Reds and from there around home.
12th—Went down to Mr. Caukin’s and to Mr. Welles’ and back to John Davies’ and came around home & then took the horse and went to Mr. Fuller’s and then to Uncle Ward’s & bid them goodbye. Came back home and our folks was gone over to [ ].
Sunday, 13th—Went to meeting today and then went down to Mr. Cook’s and stayed until evening & then went out to meeting and from there home. Bid farewell to all the young ladies. Expect to start tomorrow.
14th—Leave home this morning and bid farewell to the girls—that is, my sisters, and get to the Rapids at two o’clock this afternoon. Find all the boys & they are having a good old time. Stay at Courtright’s.
15th—Pretty cold this morning. Bid farewell to Father and Mother and start for Kalamazoo at six o’clock. Had a very fine time. Nigger got drunk & fell off from the top of the stage coach three times. Reach Kalamazoo at seven.
16th—Started from Kalamazoo last night at twelve o’clock & reached Jackson at four. Stayed in the cars till daylight. Went up to camp, run the guard and went down town. Stayed a spell and came back. Saw Lewis S____.
17th—Got up this morning at nine o’clock & went down town & stayed until quarter to twelve and then came back to camp.
18th—Stayed in camp all day waiting & laid a bed. Had a dinner & supper on Uncle Sam’s expenses—the first meals that I have had since I left home. Wrote a letter to E. T. tonight.
19th—Cold as fury today. Am on guard & they put on more style than a little. Have got two prisoners in the guard house for deserting. Snowed some today. Nothing of any account occurred today.
Sunday, 20th—Cold as ever. Was relieved this morning and laid in camp all day. Wrote a letter to Alice today & wrote one to Mother this evening. A lot of the boys went down town this evening to meeting. Nothing else of an importance occurred in camp today.
21st—Nothing of any importance occurred in camp today, The boys are going down town in hacks pretty freely and I think that I will try my luck tomorrow.
22nd—Laid in camp all day today. Did not go to town today. Getting lonesome here [with] nothing to do. I will desert if we have to stay here a great while.
23rd—Warm and pleasant here today. Received a letter from home. It said there was a good sleighing there & knew there would be as soon as I got away. Well, there is no news to put down.
24th—Pleasant today. Went down and drawed fifty dollars state bounty. Expressed thirty-five of it home. Stayed in town till evening and went to the theatre. Had a fine time.
25th—Laid around camp today. Was on fatigue duty this forenoon and went down town in a hack & bought me things and back to camp. Stayed in camp this evening. Nothing else of any importance.
26th—Was on guard today. Left Jackson at five o’clock this evening. Reached Kalamazoo at eight this evening. Reached Michigan City at three o’clock on Sunday morning.
27th—Left Michigan City at 9:30 o’clock this morning. Pass over a very nice country. Reach Lafayette, Indiana, at eleven. Cars got stuck. Broke and engine & was delayed one hour. Reached Indianapolis at three p.m. Got dinner.
28th—Got to Jeffersonville at ten this morning. Crossed the [Ohio] River immediately and went into barracks. Some talk of our leaving tomorrow. Don’t know whether there is any truth in it ir not. Feel first rate.
29th—Wrote a letter to Sophina today. Do not leave here today. Got a boil coming on my face. Don’t feel very well. Went down town to the Theatre this evening. Did not have a very good time.
30th—Feel pretty hard up. Have orders to leave here today. Stew a cup full of berries and have to throw them away. Face most awful sore. Leave here at ten and ,arch down to Portland seven miles. Get on to the boat to cross over to New Albany/ Stay all night.
31st—Commence to load the boat. Go up town & buy a box of cigars to peddle out. Feel awful hard up. Leave here at dark. Pass by West Point about ten in the evening. Hear that there is some rebels at Smithville, Kentucky. Nothing else of importance.
April 1864
1st—On our route as hard as we can go. Passed several boats today. They holler, “Look out for the Rebels.” Have orders to clean up our guns. Am pretty sick. Was sent up into the cabin yesterday.
2nd—Still on the Ohio river. Still rumors about there being rebels ahead. Pass by Evansville, Indiana. Are now on the Illinois shore. There is nothing going on on the boat & I am getting tired of staying here. Feel pretty bad. Sell all my cigars.
3rd—Very warm today. Made a mistake in my book. Being unwell, I neglected my diary for two or three days & when I came to fill up, I made a mistake. We came into the Cumberland [river] yesterday. Reached Nashville this evening.
4th—Rains a little this morning. I am on guard today. Leave the boat this evening & go up to the barracks. Was dismissed this morning & had to report again. Saw Lewis Thomas [and] Leroy Nesbit today. They beat us to Nashville. They leave these barracks this evening. Report that we are going back to Chattanooga.
5th—Was relieved this morning at nine. Now I have nothing to do but lay around. Saw Robert Howard. He is well. Went to the theatre this evening & had a first rate time. Col. Culver has gone to Chattanooga to get us transportation. Have not heard from him yet.
6th—Very warm & pleasant today. Makes me think of summer. Saw George Howard. I was asleep & he came and pulled me out of bed. He is as fat as a bear. He left & then came back. They are under marching orders. Wrote a letter to Judson B.
7th—Warm and pleasant. Have orders to march on foot to Chattanooga. Nothing else going on in camp.
8th—Leave this forenoon at ten o’clock & it rains like fury. Muddy as the old boy. March eleven miles today and camped on the right hand side of the road. Feel pretty sick. Have not felt well since I left Louisville.
9th—Got up this morning at sunrise. Feel some better. Start on the march at half past seven. March ten miles & then camped on the banks of the Stewart Creek on the right hand side of the road. Feel a great deal better than I did yesterday.
10th—Rained most all night last night. Got up this morning at five and marched at seven. Marched through Murfreesboro & three miles on the Shelbyville pike & camped on the banks of Cripple Creek on the left side of the road. Marched twelve miles today.
11th—Was awful cold last night. Got up this morning at four and marched at six. Went thirteen miles and camped on the left hand side of the road. Feel first rate.
12th—Rainy this morning. Got up at five. Marched at seven. Went eleven miles. Went through Shelbyville & camped in a cedar grove. Had pickets out tonight. Feel first rate.
13th—Got up this morning at five. Marched at six. very fine day. Marched twelve miles through a very poor country. Camped on the right hand side of the road. Feel well as usual.
14th—Cloudy this morning. Reveille at five and marched at seven. Went through Tullahoma this morning. Marched ten miles and camped on the bank of Elk river within four miles of Decherd Station. Sprinkles some this evening. Feel first rate.
15th—Cloudy this morning. Arose at five. Marched at seven. Marched eleven miles and camped at the foot of the Cumberland Mountains. Passed through Decherd Station. Drew rations at the station to last to Stevenson. Feel first rate.
16th—Arose this morning at five. Marched at seven. Marched 14 miles over the mountain & camped on the bank of Crow Creek. Was an awful cold night last night. Mountain was not high where we crossed over.
17th—Very cold last night. Arose this morning at five and marched at seven. Drew rations at Anderson Station. Marched three miles on the railroad. Marched ten miles and camped within two miles of Stevenson. Rains this evening pretty hard.
18th—Rained all night last night. Am on guard today. Crossed over the mountains, Cut off three miles. March through Bridgeport & cross the Tennessee river & camp about two miles from Bridgeport. Was up from ten until two this evening. Pretty cool this evening.
19th—Was relieved this morning. Start at seven and march thirteen miles & camp in Whiteside Valley. Expected to get some mail tomorrow. Only 14 miles to Chattanooga. Saw DeWitt Newton. He is in the 9th Michigan Battery. Feel first rate.
20th—Start this morning at seven. March to the point of Lookout Mountain & stop and get dinner. Then start and climb the mountain. Marched sixteen miles today. Got our mail. I got seven letters. Picked out our camp. Swept it off and pitched our tents. Expect to stay here quite a spell, &c. &c.
21st—Quite pleasant today. Are busy clearing off our camp. Lon and Silas came up here today & I sent some things by them to the boys in the Engineers. Tried to get a pass to go back with them & could not. Feel first rate. Nothing of any importance a going on today in camp.
22nd—Clear and pleasant today. Had four men to drill this forenoon & company drill this afternoon & dress parade this evening at five o’clock. Received three letters today—one from Mother, one from Sabrina, and one from N. R. Write one letter to Father. Nothing else of importance.
23rd—Was on guard today. Was not out on drill today. Drew rations this evening. Maynard Burgess came to the company this evening. Wrote a letter to David Randel & one to H. C. and one to E. T.
24th—Rainy this morning but clears off this afternoon. Was relieved at eight o’clock. Took the camp guard off today. Went to bed and slept until they woke me up to dinner. Went on inspection this afternoon & dress parade this evening at six o’clock. Nothing else of any importance occurred today in camp.
25th—Clear and pleasant this morning. Went out and drilled a squad this forenoon. Drilled two hours & then dismissed the squad. Had company drill at two this afternoon of two hours. Drilled in the flank movement & facings. The new recruits are getting along finely. Went on dress parade this evening at six. Wrote a letter to Nettie Rowlison.
26th—Most beautiful weather. Got a pass this morning and went down to Chattanooga to the Engineers. Saw all the boys. Lon cut my hair. Went over the river to the 21st Michigan and saw Dwight Fitch, Lew Thomas, Leroy Nesbit. Took dinner with Leroy and Lew. Reached camp at half past six.
27th—Very warm and pleasant today. Am on guard today, second relief. Quite a large mail came today but none for me. Drew one day’s rations. Hear that our company is a going to build a sawmill and run it. Do not know whether it is so or not. Feel first rate today but my eyes are pretty weak.
28th—Very fine weather today. Was relieved this morning at eight and had to go on fatigue duty. Cleaned out an old bakery and covered up some dead mules and cleared outa road for the regiment to march out on dress parade. Got done at noon. Had a little more in the afternoon. Fixed up our tent and fixed up a bunk. Drew two days rations. Dress parade this evening.
29th—Very warm and pleasant today. I help the captain make out the muster rolls. He puts a new man in sergeant. The boys do not like it very well. There is nothing of any importance going on in camp. Rainy and windy this evening. Write a letter to Samuel Brooks. Was up till eleven o’clock helping make out the muster rolls.
30th—Rainy this morning and forenoon. Nothing going on in camp today. Wrote a letter to Phin Brooks and one to Flora Bryan. Slept all the afternoon. Cooked a mess of beans this afternoon. Had quite a feast this evening with the Lieut. Williams, George L. Cathey & myself and some other boys.
May 1864
1st—Wet and rainy this morning. Strike tents, our company and Co. A, and go about three miles from camp and relieve. We are going to stay here until some troops move up from Chattanooga. Got a very nice place. Wrote a letter to Sarah Cook. Wrote one to [ ]. Rained this evening. Nothing else of importance.
This sawmill was built during the Civil War and it was located on the Glenview branch of Lula Lake Road near the head of present Ochs Highway on Lookout Mountain.
2nd—Am not on duty today. Very clear and pleasant this morning. Had a considerable policing to do around our quarters this morning. Went over to the sawmill this forenoon and ground the axe and sawed out some laurel root to make rings of. Very windy this afternoon and pretty cool this evening. Drew two days rations this evening.
3rd—Clear and cold this morning. Was on guard last night here in camp. Only stood two hours. Some of the new recruits got pretty badly scared last night on picket. Two of them shot their guns off. Received a letter from Judson P. this evening. Went to bed this noon adn slept till supper time. Feel pretty well except my eyes.
4th—Clear and pleasant this morning. Am on picket today. Had some policing to do this morning. Drew two days rations this evening. Abner Martin came to the company today to do duty and George Baker came to the company today. There was no mail this evening. Commence standing post today. Reduced to ranks at my request.
5th—Very warm and pleasant today. Was relieved this morning at eight o’clock and came in and done out some washing. The old pickets shot at the mark today at noon and I made the third best shot. Am having good times wrestling, jumping, and trying tricks. Feel like a fighting cock.
6th—Warm and pleasant today. Am on picket again this morning. Richard Chirgwin went outside of the picket this morning and did not get back today. He may be captured. Troops are on the move now. Seven Corps have went through Chattanooga since last Monday. Everything going on in camp all right.
7th—Warm and pleasant as usual. Was relieved this morning at eight o’clock. Came into camp this morning and went and had a bath and changed my clothes and washed some today. There is nothing going on in camp. Received a letter from David Randel yesterday.
8th—Very warm and pleasant today. Had inspection this morning. Had a talk with the captain about my pulling off my straps. Shot at the mark today an noon with another man’s gun and did not hit the tree. Took a little walk this afternoon. Heard that our mail is to come in five days. Had a fine game this evening in leaping.
9th—Very warm and pleasant today. Went down to Summerville and had a good visit with the boys. Took some letters to put in the office. Got back at noon. Helped Lieut. Flint bring over a bedstead and I shot off my gun at noon [but] did not hit the tree. Had company drill this afternoon and bayonet exercise this evening.
10th—Very warm and pleasant today. Had company drill this afternoon and bayonet drill this evening. Received a letter from Father and one from Mother. They are getting along first rate at present. The letter was dated April 24th. Are having first rate times in camp, jumping, wrestling, pitching quoits, and all the rest of amusements. All quiet on the picket line.
11th—Quite cold this morning. Rained all night like fury. Am on picket today on second relief, No. 3 post. One of the boys saw a man and shot at him this evening. It is as cold as fury. Wrote one sheet to Father today. Had a little fight with John Storing—no one hurt. Hit him on the back with a hickory club. Nothing else of importance today. Hear good news from the front.
12th—Cleared off a little this morning. Was relieved at eight o’clock a.m. Everything going off alright in camp. Fixed up our tent some today. Received a letter from Philadelphia with twelve certificates in it. Had a good game of quoits—Blood and myself beat two of the other boys ten games out of twelve. Had company drill this afternoon.
13th—Very warm and pleasant today. Am on picket today. Had a quiet time in the night. The second relief was on post half an hour over their time. The third relief was on post an hour over time. The corporals got asleep. Everything else is going off alright in camp. The boys feel well as usual today.
14th—Was relieved this morning at eight. Very warm and pleasant today. Drew rations today for two days. Went to sleep this afternoon & slept until four o’clock. Had company drill this afternoon and bayonet exercises this evening. Everything going on alright in camp. Shot at the mark today noon. Did not hot the tree.
15th—Very warm & sultry today. Am on picket today on second relief, No. 1 post. Signed the pay roll this evening. Everything going off alright in camp. Received some butter from home today. Some of the boys was up here from camp today. It is very lonesome here. Nothing going on in camp.
16th—Very warm, pleasant, and lazy day. Drew two days rations today. Received two letters from Michigan—one from Emma and one from Alice. Answered both of them. Nothing going on in camp. Feel pretty well except my eyes are not very well. Was relieved this morning from picket at eight. I sent to New York to get circular for gold pen. Nothing else of importance.
17th—Am on picket today again. Slapping me on every other day. Rained some this forenoon. Clear this evening. Am on second relief, post No. 2. Captain was around this evening & caught me sitting down. Expect to draw pay tomorrow. Received a pair of pants today from government.
18th—Clear and pleasant this morning. Feel first rate today. Was relieved this morning at eight o’clock, the usual hour. Came into camp & done some washing. Cleaned my gun up first rate. Did not draw pay today but am going to draw tomorrow. Grubbed out the parade ground. Had company drill this afternoon and bayonet drill this evening.
19th—Warm and pleasant today. Am on picket today. DRew pay today from government. Rained some today in little showers but cleared off today. Was on second relief, Post No. 1. We are having very good times, raising the old boy in general. There is not a reb in fifty miles of here.
20th—Was relieved this morning at the usual hour. There is some talk of our moving camp. Went to Summerville this morning and bought a box of cigars and straightened up and rode an old horse up here to camp.
21st—Very warm and pleasant day. I’m not on duty today. Lay around camp all day. Peddled out a box of cigars, Made two dollars and change. Sent my coat down to the regiment to a tailor to have a roundabout made of it. Feel first rate. Had company drill this afternoon and bayonet exercises this evening.
[As warmer weather approached, infantrymen had the skirts cut off their frock coats to make a shorter jacket. The roundabout did not meet regulations but it was tolerated by most western regiment officers.]
22nd—Very warm and pleasant. Am on picket this morning. Am having a very good time. Am on second relief, Post No. 2. Three men came into the lines at my post out of the 22nd Michigan this evening at eleven o’clock. Nothing else of importance.
23rd—Very warm and pleasant today. Was relieved this morning at eight o’clock. Moved camp about two miles & a half back toward the regiment. Fixed up camp a little. We are a going to cut timber for the hospitals upon the mountain here.
24th—Some windy this morning. Rained some this forenoon. Went down to the mill and piled out some timber for to fix up bunks of the boys in the company. Did not get a team to draw it up to the company. Went to Summerville this evening.
25th—Very warm and pleasant this morning. Received [ ] this afternoon. Laid around camp. Nothing going on. Got a Faro Board. Fixed up our tents some and got a box of cigars. Peddling out. Started a letter to Mother.
26th—Rainy and cloudy this morning. Was detailed to drive team today and hitched up and went down town. Had a pretty good time although got wet and the mules being green, I had a pretty tiresome journey. Nothing else of importance.
27th—Clear and pleasant this morning. Hitch up and haul loads of timber. Mules get pretty tired. Had a pretty hard day’s work. Got done at about four o’clock. Received a letter from Flora.
28th—Very warm and pleasant. Went down town and hauled up seventeen boxes of hard brick [?]. Feel first rate. Had a very pleasant day. Mules getting broke so that they drive first rate.
Sunday, 29th—Very warm and pleasant today. Went down around the point of the mountain and pulled two sacks of grass and came back. Did not feel very well and went to sleep. Did not wake up until 3 o’clock.
30th—Warm and sultry today. Went down town and hauled up some quartermaster goods and got back at about two. Run off into a gutter and broke the tongue of my wagon. Went over to the company and saw Charles Morse & George Fields. They was take prisoners at Chickamauga.
Silas Allen Yerkes
31st–Pleasant as usual today. Report to Captain [Silas Allen] Yerkes to haul timber. Haul [ ] and one load of lumber. Nothing going on. Don’t hear any news.
June 1864
1st—Haul timber for Captain Yerkes today again. Warm as usual today. Haul five loads of timber and come to camp and turned out and go up to the company.
2nd—Some cloudy this morning. Report to Captain Yerkes and haul two loads of timber and it commenced to rain and so I came to camp and turned out. Went down around the point of the mountain and pulled two sacks of grass and came back. It has not rained any since three o’clock.
3rd—Very rainy this morning. Go down and draw lumber. Haul lumber two loads and come to camp. Had a pretty wet, nasty time. Went down around the point of the mountain and caught a large grey mule and am a going to work him tomorrow in my team. Pulled sack of grass and brought to camp.
4th—Some rainy and wet this morning. Haul timber for Captain Yerkes. Haul three loads of timber and come to camp and raining. Rained all the afternoon.
5th—rained some today. Otherwise very pleasant. Did not do anything today. Went and got some grass for my mules.
6th—Lost one of my mules last night and had to put a convalescent in. Hauled a load of timber and turned out. Very warm and pleasant today.
7th—Hauled timber today. Everything going off very well. I worked four mules today. Feel very poorly today.
8th—Hauled timber today. Worked four mules. Feel very weak and poor today. Rained some today.
9th—Hauled some square timber from the mill today. Feel a little better than I did yesterday.
10th—Hauled timber for Captain Yerkes today. Rained some. Feel very well.
11th—Hauled lumber to Captain Yerkes. Feel first rate and got some wet today.
Sunday, 12th—Wet today. Went down around the point and got some grass for the mules. Went down town.
13th—Rained some this forenoon and did not go out to work until this afternoon and haul one load of lumber and go to camp.
14th—Clear and pleasant today. Hauled lumber.
15th—Haul lumber today. Received some letters today.
16th—Haul lumber today again. Received a letter from home.
17th—Haul lumber today again. Report to headquarters. Leave my team and expect to go to Co. A for duty tomorrow.
18th—Some cloudy today. Report to Headquarters of Co. A for duty. Go back to Bummertown [?] and get my things and return to company.
Sunday, 19th—Very rainy today. Am on picket today, second relief. No 6 Post. There was two letters sent up to me from the company and one was lost. The one that reached me was from New York—a circular giving the prices of gold pens.
20th—Some rain and wet this morning. Was relieved at seven o’clock. Came to camp and cleaned my gun. Wrote a letter to Watson. Went down to company…
21st—Am on picket today again. On third relief, No. 6 post. There was [illegible due to faint ink]
22nd—Very warm and pleasant today. [Faint ink]
23rd—Am on guard today again or rather picket. Feel very poorly. Do not believe that I can stand picket feeling as I do now. Am on third relief, Number one post. Was relieved this evening. Was not able to stand my trick [for] the first time.
24th—Feel pretty weak today. Go down to town and get some paper and pens, envelopes, and cigars to peddle. Took dinner with George L. Cathey. Came around to the company and take supper with the cooks and return to Co. A. Feel pretty tired.
25th—Am not on picket today. Feel pretty sick. Very warm and pleasant today. Good news from the front. Do not think that I will do duty as long as I feel like I do today.
26th—Very warm today. Am not on picket today. I feel very poorly today although better than I did yesterday.
27th—Am on picket today. Feel some better than I did yesterday until this evening. I have got the colic.
28th—Came off picket this morning and I feel awful sick. Get a chance to ride down to the company and stay all night. Had the colic the worst way last night. Rained some this evening.
29th—Cloudy this morning. Feel pretty weak today. Got some medicine and am commencing to take it this evening—the first medicine I have taken since I was at Shiloh. Received a letter from Flora with a few lines from Sabrina. All well at home.
30th—Feel pretty hard up today. Nothing going on in camp today. The boys are all out to work.
July 1864
1st Very warm today. Went down to Summerville. Had a hard time to get back. Very dull times. Feel a little better today.
2nd—A little better today. Some cooler today. Took a walk to where the boys was to work. Rained a little this evening and rained some in the night.
3rd—Went to work today making bunks for the sick soldirs. Worked all the forenoon and then went out this afternoon after supper and worked until dark. I went over to Summertown and around to camp. Nothing else of importance occurred.
4th—Today is the Fourth of July and a dry one too. Went over to Summertown and had a speech or oration delivered by Col. Stanley, the Declaration of Independence read by Lieut. Barton. The officers had a party here on the mountain today.
5th—Very warm and pleasant today. Went to work laying floor in the cook room. Everything going off alright. Do not get any mail. Do not know what the reason is. Guess that they have all forgot me at home. Went over to the sutlers and had quite a spree. There was eight of us went. Nothing more.
6th—Very warm and pleasant today. Put up a tool house this forenoon. Did not feel very well this afternoon and so I did not work. Went and got some berries. Had a good game of Euchre and then sat and read until dark. Everything going on alright.
7th—Sent to New York for some books. Feel pretty hard up this morning. Did not go out to work this forenoon. Fixed some pockets in my pants. This afternoon I went out to work but returned to camp again, being not able to work. Do not get any letters from home. I do not know the reason.
8th—Very warm this forenoon. Feel some better. Go out to work laying floor in the Eating Room of the Field Hospital. Clouded up this afternoon but has not rained any yet today. Blood went down in the valley this morning and has not got back yet this evening.
The hospital on Lookout Mountain that William worked on may have been this one constructed in 1864. It later became Robert’s College which opened in May 1866 and closed in June 1872. The college was also known as Lookout Mountain Educational Institutions and was founded by Christopher Robert. Photo taken from Glenn View Bluff at the rear of the J. B. Pound property. Published in Chattanooga Yesterday and Today, vol. 3, p. 36. Reproduction of National Archives photo no. 165-C-498; stamp on verso. Also in Linn Collection Acc. 129.17; negative in 8 x 10 box. Paul A. Hiener Collection (Acc. 318). Chattanooga Public Library.
9th—Warm as usual today. Go to work this morning over to the Field Hospital in the Eating Room. Making doors and hanging them. Made myself a box to put my things in. Do not get any mail yet. Guess that they are all dead. Grant orders a surrender of Petersburg.
10th—Very warm. Went down in the valley and got a large coffee pot full of black berries and took dinner at one of the houses. Paid twenty-five cents for it. Came back to camp. Got back at five. Rained some this afternoon but clear now.
11th—Very war, this forenoon but some cooler tis afternoon. My going down in the valley yesterday used me up so bad that I could hardly work. Do not hear from home yet. Sent after five books yesterday. Made tables for the hospital.
12th—Very warm today. Finish up the work over to the hospitals making tables. Feel a little better today. Clouded up this afternoon but did not rain any. Did not receive any letters today. Guess I am forgotten.
13th—Some cloudy this morn but it cleared off and was very warm. Go to work down on point putting up roof boards. Feel first rate today. Done a pretty hard day’s work. One of the men is sick tonight from the effects of the sun. He is out of his head.
14th—Most awful war today. Was detailed this morning to do washing for the company. Washed out forty-two pieces. Have got the toothache so that I am almost crazy. Went down to the doctor’s and he could not pull it. Got some stuff to put into it. Stopped it.
15th—Warm as usual today. Received a letter from Alvin Porter last eve. He is in the Convalescent Camp at Knoxville, Tenn. Finish washing today. Will not have anything to do tomorrow. Washed out forty-seven pieces today. Went and picked a few berries for supper.
16th—Very warm and sultry today. Haven’t got anything to do today. Went to sleep this morning at nine and did not wake up till noon and then went to sleep at one and did not wake up till five. Do not feel very well. I am as weak as a cat.
Sunday, 17th—Very pleasant although warm. Go out towards the west side of the mountain and pick some berries and then go and get some green apples and then come back to camp. There was meeting this evening at seven o’clock. Nothing going on more than usual on the mountain.
18th—Warm as usual. Do out a large washing for the company wash. Did half of them today. Looks a little cloudy this evening. Guess that we will get some rain before great while. Received a certificate from Hinsdale, New Hampshire for writing paper.
19th—Some cloudy today. Do out the washing for three bunks. Do not feel very well today. Went to sleep after dinner and slept till most supper time. Do not get any mail from home yet. Do not know the reason. Guess that I am forgotten entirely. Nothing going on today more than usual.
20th—Some cloudy this morning. Finish up washing this forenoon. The mail came in this afternoon and I received some books and some papers but none from home.
21st—Clear this forenoon but some cloudy this afternoon. Rained a little this noon. Bought some sugar this forenoon and peddled out some lemonade this afternoon. Received a letter from Alice Cranston today and answered it as soon as I received it.
22nd—Cloudy and windy today. Peddled out some lemonade and laid around camp. Do not get any letters from home yet. Nothing of importance occurred today in or out of camp. Heard of the fall of Atlanta. The news is confirmed.
23rd—Cold this morning and cloudy. Went down in the Valley and picked a pail of berries. Got back at one o’clock. Am some tired. Feel a great deal better now than I used to a spell ago. Do not get any letters yet. Am afraid they are unwell at home. Very warm this afternoon.
24th—Very warm and pleasant today. Went down to the regiment this forenoon and then back to camp and slept the rest of the day. Received a letter from Flora and Sophina and answered it.
25th—Went to washing this morning and washed the clothes for six bunks. Feel pretty tired. Received a letter from Father and answered it this evening. Went down to the sutler’s this evening.
26th—Clear and pleasant today. Done out the washing for four tents today and then went down to the regiment and stayed a spell and then came back to camp.
27th—Was ordered out in a line of battle this morning at three o’clock. Rainy this forenoon but cleared up this afternoon. Did not finish up washing today. Do not feel very well today. The boys worked this afternoon. I slept all the afternoon.
28th—Rainy today. Went up to the orchard and got some apples and then came back. Everything going off alright.
29th—Warm and pleasant today. Finished up washing today. Mahlon Abby came up from Chattanooga today to see me. He has been wounded and has just got out of the hospital. Nothing else of importance.
30th—Most awful hot today. Laid around camp all day except going over to the regiment this forenoon. I feel first rate now. The mail came in this evening but I did not get any letter. Have been expecting one this long time. Do not know the reason.
31st—Warm and pleasant this forenoon. Rained some this afternoon. Went down to the regiment this forenoon and again this evening. Feel pretty well this eve. Dwight Fitch was here this evening or rather this afternoon.
August 1864
1st—Very wet and rainy today. Washed out the clothes for four tents. Did not get any mail today. Wrote a letter to Clark Church. George Church got a box from home tonight. Feel pretty well today.
2nd—Rained some last night but cleared off today. Done out the washing for four bunks in the forenoon and laid around camp this afternoon. Received a letter from Jetora Reid. All well at home. Nothing else of importance.
Jetora Reid (1848-1919) was the 16 year-old daughter of Thomas Reid (1821-1907) and Malinda King (1821-1897) of Grattan, King county, Michigan. She was married to George D. Smith (1852-1921) in 1875.
3rd—Cloudy this forenoon but cleared off this afternoon. Finished washing this forenoon. Went down to the regiment this afternoon. Did not get any mail today. Wrote a letter to Jetora last evening. Expect to get pay tomorrow. All quiet here.
4th—Rainy this morning but cleared off this afternoon. Drew two months pay from the government today. Received a letter from E. F. today and answered it this afternoon. Wrote a letter to Mother this morning. The boys are all gone off on a bender.
5th—Wet this morning but cleared off this afternoon. Went down o Chattanooga today. Get back at about three o’clock. Nothing going on in town.
6th—Very wet this morning but cleared off some at noon but it is raining very hard this evening. Received a letter from Lucy Watson today. Answered it this evening. Went over to Summerville this evening or rather this afternoon. Nothing else of importance occurred today in camp or out of camp.
Sunday, 7th—Pleasant this morning and stayed so all day. Did not get any mail today. Went over to the 21st [Michigan] Regiment this afternoon. Had a very good visit. Came back to camp and stayed the rest of the day. Expect to have to go to washing tomorrow. Nothing happening.
8th—Clear and pleasant today. Done out the washing for four bunks this forenoon. Went down to the regiment this afternoon. Nothing going on in camp today. Received a letter from David Randel today. He is well. They are at Atlanta now. Answered it this evening. Nothing else of importance.
9th—Some wet today. Done out the washing for four tents and went over to the regiment. Nothing going on in camp. Wrote a letter to Father this evening and sent ten dollars for him.
10th—Very rainy this morning and all day. Went over to town today. Bought a lot of sugar. Everything going off alright in camp.
11th—Wet all day today. Laid in camp today. There is nothing going on in and out of camp. Received a letter from Father today stating that he had sent me a box of eatables.
12th—Cleared off a little more today. Finished washing this forenoon. Laid in camp this afternoon. Nothing going on.
13th—Very pleasant today. Went down to Summerville today. One of the boys was at Chattanooga today and saw a box there for me. Am a going to get a pass Monday and go and get it. Did not get any mail today. Nothing going on in camp today.
Sunday, 14th—Very warm today. Rained some this afternoon. Went up to Co. A and from there around to the lake and then back to camp. Nothing going on in camp.
15th—Went to Chattanooga today. Rained some. Got a box out of the Express Office. Had a pair of boots and some sundry articles in. Got back to camp at four o’clock. Some of the things are spoiled. Dried fruit was alright.
16th—Pleasant this forenoon but rained this afternoon. Done out the washing for four shanties today. Went to sleep today at noon and slept all the afternoon. Don’t feel very well today. Am afraid that I am a going to be sick. Sent to Howell’s for paper this evening.
17th—Most awful warm today. Feel some better than I did yesterday. Done out the washing for four tents. Laid around in camp all the afternoon. Wrote a letter to Father this afternoon. Hear that the rebels are in possession of Dalton.
18th—Warm and pleasant today. Finished up washing. Went down in the point where the boys were at work and then came back to camp. Nothing going on today of any importance.
19th—Pleasant today. Rained very hard last evening. Blood went down in the valley after work and did not get back until three o’clock in the morning. All quiet on the Potomac.
20th—Pleasant today in the forenoon but rained this afternoon. Went down in tye valley today and brought up some peaches. Nothing going on in camp today. Blood went down in the valley this afternoon and brought up about a bushel of peaches.
21st—Wet and rainy today all day long. I went down to the regiment this afternoon and stayed a spell and then to camp. Everything going off alright.
22nd—Pleasant today—the first day that it has not rained this month. Went down to the Point to work today. Quit washing. Unloaded lumber today. Everything going on alright. The mail did not come in today. Heard that the tracks were washed away.
23rd—Pleasant today all day. Go to work down on the point. Unload lumber. Received three letters today—one from Nettie Rowlison, one from Emma Thomas, one from Jetora Reid. Do not have time to answer them today. Nothing else of importance.
24th—Warm and pleasant today. Went down on the Point to work. Scored for them to counter hew. Feel pretty well. Wrote a letter to Jetora Reid this evening.
25th—Hot as fury today. Worked down on the Point today. Scored again. Feel pretty tired this evening. Wrote a letter to Emma Thomas this evening. Heard today that the valley was full of rebels. Do not know whether to believe it or not.
26th—Warm and pleasant today. Went down on the Point to work today. Scored timber today in the forenoon and did not do anything this afternoon. Received a letter from David J. Randell. Also some writing paper and envelopes from New Hampshire. Went over to Summertown this evening. Got back at eight.
27th—Pleasant today but rained very hard last evening. Went down on the Point to work. Shingled all day today. Received a letter from Mother today and answered it. Everything going off alright.
28th—Pleasant today all day. Went up on the Point today—the first time that I was ever up there. Got back to camp at two o’clock. Stayed in camp the rest of the day. Wrote a letter to Miss Nettie Rowlison this evening.
29th—Went to work down on the Point. Feel pretty well. Shingling today. Did not get any mail.
30th—Warm today but some chilly this evening. Went down on the Point to work this forenoon but helped make out the pay rolls this afternoon. Did not receive any mail today.
31st—The weather is dry and windy today. Singled this forenoon. Helped make out the pay rolls this afternoon. Finished up this evening. Went down to the building this evening. The boys are having a little dance down there amongst themselves. The mail did not come in from the North today.
September 1864
1st—Pleasant today. Feel pretty hard up today. Have got a very sore mouth. Wrote a letter to David Randell today. Did not go down to work. The mail did not come in today. The reason I do not know.
2nd—Warm and muggy today. Feel about the same as I did yesterday. Did not get any mail today. Don’t know the reason. Hear that Wheeler is between here and Nashville. Perhaps that is the reason why we do not get any mail.
3rd—Warm this morning but rained some this forenoon and afternoon. Went down on the Point to work. Don’t feel very well. The mail came in today and I got some ink powder. Got a comical photograph from Hunter. Nothing else today except we hear that Atlanta is taken.
4th—Rained very hard last night but is pleasant and very warm today. THe mail came in today but there was not much. Only one letter and one paper. New is conformed that Atlanta was taken. I sincerely hope that it is so but am rather afraid it is a false report. Nothing going on. Had inspection this evening.
5th—Cool today. Rained some at noon. Went down on the Point to work. There was not much to do. Piled up some scantling and helped put up rafters. The mail did not come in. Everything is going on alright.
6th—Pretty warm today in the forenoon but cool this afternoon. Went down on the Point to work. Sawed logs for underpinning to a building. The mail did not come in today. Good news from the front. The mail comes in tomorrow.
7th—Cool today. Rained some. Went to work down on the Point but came up and build a sink and then rested the rest of the day. The mail did not come in today. The railroad is almost done and we will soon have some mail now.
8th—Went down on the Point to work. Carried up shingle. Cool and a good day to work. The mail did not come in today. Hear that there is seven miles of railroad torn up between here and Nashville. Hear that General Wood is severely wounded. He was our old Division Commander.
9th—Cool today and a good day to work. Rained some while we was at dinner. Fixed up some stairs this forenoon and carried shingle on the roof this afternoon. Everything going on alright. We do not get any mail and we will not get in quite a spell. Nothing else worth mentioning.
10th—Very warm today all day. Went down on the Point to work. Shingled today. The mail came in and I received one letter. It was from Sarah Cook. It stated that our folks was not very well. I am anxious to hear from them. There was not much mail came in.
11th—Very warm and pleasant today. Had inspection this morning. After inspection I went over to the 21st Michigan and from there to the regiment and from there around home. Received a letter from Father. He was not very well. There was quite a mail came in today.
12th—Warm today. Went down to the buildings to work today. Shingled. There was a dance in one of the buildings this evening. Went down. Had a pretty good time. Nothing else of importance.
13th—Cold last night and this forenoon until about nine o’clock when it began to get warmer and it was most awful hot shingling in the afternoon. There was some new recruits came to our company today. The mail came in but I did not receive anything whatever.
14th—Warm today. Shingling as usual. Received a letter from David Randell today. There is no news today.
15th—Shingled again today. It was awful hot today on the roof. The mail came in twice today but I received nothing. Guess that they have forgotten me at home.
16th—Most awful hot through the middle of the day. Lyle Ward was up here today. I expect to go to Chattanooga tomorrow afternoon and stay all night—that is, if I can get a pass.
17th—Cooler today than it was yesterday. Singled on the buildings this forenoon. Got a pass this afternoon and went down to Chattanooga and stopped with the Engineer’s, Co. D. The Boys are all well but Parm Stocking. He is not well. Am having a good visit. Received a letter today from Jetora.
18th—Looks a little like rain this afternoon. Clears off some this afternoon. Had a splendid visit today. Started for home at four o’clock. Got to camp at dusk. Am some tired. Found a letter there for me from David Randel. He is well. Saw about one thousand rebels in Chattanooga yesterday.
19th—Pretty cool this morning but awful hot this afternoon. Shingled today. Feel pretty well. Some sore from my journey to Chattanooga and back. Wrote a letter to Jetora Reid this evening. The mail did not come in today. Do not know what is the reason.
20th—Pleasant today. Singled all the forenoon and carried up shingles in the afternoon and then went to camp. Mail came in today and I did not get a letter. Have not got a letter from home in a long time. Guess I am forgotten.
21st—Very wet and rainy today all day. Did not work today. Went over to the regiment today and stood around a spell and then came back to camp. There is a great excitement in camp today or rather this evening about going to the front. Do not know how true it is.
22nd—Very foggy today all day. Wet and rainy this afternoon and evening. Did not work any today. Went over to Summertown this forenoon and from there around to camp. Went down to the buildings this afternoon and piled up some lumber and hewed up some. Nothing else today.
23rd—Rainy today all day long. Run around today till noon and then ate my dinner and went to sleep and slept till half past four and then was ordered to go on guard down in the buildings. There was a dance there in the evening. Everything all in a [ ].
24th—Some clearer today and very pleasant in the afternoon. Was relieved this evening just before dark. Quite cool this evening. I guess that we will have a frost. The mail came in today but I do not know the reason I have not received a letter from home since the 11th.
Sunday, 25th—Most awful cold last night but some warmer today. Had inspection at nine o’clock. There was preaching in this camp today at two o’clock. Then the company was formed at four and marched over to the regiment and had dress parade. Quite a fuss about supper tonight.
26th—Clear and cold this morning but warm through the day and pretty cool this evening. Had drill this forenoon and afternoon. Went over to Summertown between drill ours. Tried to get my boots fixed but could not do it. Nothing else going on in camp today. The mail came in today but I did not receive any.
27th—Was aroused this morning long before daylight by the Orderly with orders to march. Picked up and went down the mountain and camped and about five o’clock came to Chattanooga and got on the cars. I went to sleep and did not know when we left. Received a letter from D. Randell.
28th—This morn found us in Stevenson, Alabama. We got off here and went into camp. Had drill this afternoon. Had inspection. Everything going off alright. We stopped here to guard the station. There was no troops here…
29th—Very warm today. Had drill this morning and drill this afternoon. At Stevenson yet. Nothing going on of any importance.
30th—Had drill this forenoon. There was a train captured this evening on the Huntsville Road and we was sent out but they was gone. Nothing there but the burning train. Got back to town at about nine o’clock.
October 1864
1st—Went out again this morning to where the train was captured and guarded the road while the workmen fixed it. We then came back to Stevenson. Met six trains loaded with troops going to Huntsville to cut off Wheeler’s retreat. We laid in camp the rest of the day. Went down town and got my dinner.
Sunday, 2nd—Had orders this morning to be ready to march in an hour. Got onto the cars and went to Tullahoma and from there to Nashville. From Nashville we started out on the Tennessee and Alabama [rail] road going to Franklin.
3rd—This morning finds us in Franklin, Tennessee. Got off the cars and stayed until the afternoon. Moved out of town and camped about one mile from town. Drew one hundred rounds of cartridges.
4th—Had reveille this morning at two o’clock. Went out on the road and was loaded into wagons. Expect to go on a chase after Forrest. Went to Columbia, twenty-eight miles, and camped. Rained like fury this evening.
5th—Very wet this morning and almost all day. Went about twenty-five miles. Camped and had a pretty hard time getting supper. Everything is so wet. Foraged like fury today.
6th—Clear and pleasant today. Went about 26 miles and camped. There is lots of shooting tonight killing hogs and cattle. Am on guard today.
7th—very warm and pleasant today. Was relieved this morning. Start on towards Florence. The boys have not anything to eat and they are killing hogs and sheep and cattle by the wholesale. Came through Florence at sundown. The 2nd Michigan Cavalry had a fight with the rebels. They lost one Lieutenant and three men killed and two wounded.
8th—Moved out in the open field this morning and stayed until noon and then went down the river about five miles and camped. Stayed there until evening and then moved out and marched down to the river about eight miles. Have had fresh meat and sweet potatoes to eat today.
9th—This morning found us standing in a line of battle. We did not have any fires last night and there was an awful hard frost. We almost froze to death. The pickets kept shooting and giving false alarms all night. Moved out and met the other regiments. Got into the [ ] and went on down the river apiece and then turned around came back to Florence.
10th—Laid in camp today. There was a forage train went out this afternoon and my messmate got some potatoes and fresh pork. Have nothing but potatoes and meat to eat. Have no bread.
11th—Clear this morning. Moved camp today. There is not much going on. Was detailed to go and help shell corn to be ground up in meal for the regiment. Went out this afternoon and got some sweet potatoes and sorghum molasses. Got back to camp at dusk.
12th—Clear this morning but cloudy this afternoon. Went out and got some molasses and sweet potatoes. Got back to camp at two o’clock. Received orders to march tomorrow at five in the morning.
13th—Arose this morning at three o’clock and marched at five. Went through Florence and then packed our things on the way, fourteen to the wagon. We rode all the time. Went till five p.m. and the stopped and fed the mules and then went until twelve o’clock midnight having marched forty miles.
14th—Arose this morning at four and marched at five. Went to Athens, Alabama, and went into camp and stayed until dark and then got onto the cars and I went to sleep.
15th—Moved out of Athens this morning at one o’clock and rode on the cars all day. Came into Chattanooga at dark. Went into camp and drew rations—the first time for twelve days. Received the mail for the first time since we left here. I got five and I was glad to receive them.
16th—Got up this morning at daybreak and got our breakfast and then went to fixing up camp. Lou Bickford came up here and made me a visit. Took dinner with me and then I went home with him and took supper. Got back at dusk. Saw Thomas Watson today.
17th—Pretty cold last night. Pleasant today. Cleaned up my gun this morning and then laid around camp till afternoon. John Baker out of the 25th Michigan came here. He is on his way to his regiment. I went over to his camp with him and saw Purdy and Berry. Wrote a letter to J. R. this evening.
18th—Laid in camp today. Nothing going on.
19th—Today there was not anything going on. Went over to the Engineers this evening. The boys are all well. Received a letter from Alice and one from Emma.
20th—Drew pay today. I expressed fifty dollars home. Run around town a spell and then went to camp. Nothing going on today.
21st—Moved camp about twenty rods today. Edward Howard came to this regiment today. I was asleep when he came and woke me up.
22nd—Packed up today and got in the cars and went to Cleveland, Tennessee and rode on the cars all night. They was afraid to run int the night. Was an awful cold night. Saw Tom Bickford and Ben Story this morning in cars.
23rd—Started this morning and went to Dalton, Georgia, and got something to eat and then marched nine miles and camped. Feel first rate with the exception of my feet. They are some sore.
24th—Very cold last night. Got up this morning before day break, got breakfast, and marched to Tilton Station and camped. Do not know how long we are a going to stay here. Nothing going on…
25th—Very cold last night. Had reveille this morning at day break and our company went out a foraging. Got some beef, pork, mutton, and fodder and then had to divide with the regiment. The boys are pretty made about it. Have not had any bread.
26th—Am on picket today. Looks a little like rain. Amon on No. 1 post today. Saw George Purdy and John Baker. They are going to the front.
27th—Rained all night last night. Was relieved this morning at nine o’clock. Went into camp. Had Battalion Drill this afternoon and got wet as sop. The railroad was finished today between Chattanooga and Atlanta. Nothing else going on.
28th—Pleasant today. Fixed up my tent today. Nothing going on. Drew rations today. Was pretty hungry.
29th—Fixed up my tent. We are under orders to march to Rome. Frew clothing today [illegible].
30th—Started out [illegible]
31st—[ ] this morning at day light and marched fifteen miles [ ]
November 1864
1st—[illegible due to faded ink]
2nd thru 5th—missing pages.
6th—Cloudy today. Had inspection this morning at ten o’clock and then I laid in my tent the rest of the day. Have to go about a mile after water in this camp.
7th—Cloudy today and rained some. Had company drill this forenoon and went and got my boots fixed this afternoon. Went over to the 21st Michigan. [remainder of entry illegible]
8th—Pleasant today all day. Went on company drill this forenoon and battalion drill this afternoon. Made a mistake. Got behind of my time. Today was the great day of election. [Remainder illegible]
9th—Busy ready. Had [illegible.]
10th—Had company drill this forenoon and battalion drill this afternoon. The mail came in today and I received a letter from Flora and Sophina. The folks are all well as usual at home.
11th—Went out on company drill this forenoon but did not [illegible].
12th—Had reveille this morning at four and [ ] at seven went down to the town of Kingston and stayed till one o’clock in the afternoon. Started out and marched to Cartersville twelve miles and camped about eight o’clock in the evening. Drew rations this evening. Expect to go on tomorrow.
Sunday, 13th—Got up this morning at five and started out of camp. Marched 18 miles today and tore up the railroad. I expect that we are going on a raid. Camped in Big Shanty tonight. Feel pretty well. Feel some sore. Awful cold nights now…
14th—Moved out this morning at eight and passed Kennesaw Mountain and through Marietta and stopped and got dinner and then went on to the Chattahoochie River and camped. Marched about 18 miles. Feel first rate except my feet. They are pretty sore. We are now nine miles from Atlanta.
15th—Marched out of camp at six o’clock and crossed the river and went into camp. Just our regiment to guard the bridge. Lay here all day. Are getting the bridge ready to burn. Expect to go to Atlanta yet tonight. Feel pretty well today. Nothing going on besides what I wrote.
16th—Burned the bridge last night. Left at twelve and went into Atlanta and camped. Got in there at four this morning and then drew rations and some clothing and marched at seven and marched twenty miles and camped in a little town. My feet are very sore but I am well otherwise.
17th—Started out this morning at six o’clock and went fifteen miles and camped and went to tearing up the railroad. We are in a good foraging country and we have got plenty of stuff to eat. Feel first rate today. There is bands of guerrillas and rebel cavalry following us and ahead and becoming…
18th—Pretty cold last night but very warm today. Started out of camp at six o’clock and crossed the Okechee river and pass through Covington and go about 12 miles and camp. Some of the Boys went out a scouting and found some arms that belonged to a band of guerrillas—also a keg of powder. Am on picket tonight.
19th—Rained some last night. Was relieved this morning at seven. We left camp at noon and marched 10 miles and got in to camp about eight o’clock. Pretty wet day. Passed through Sandtown this evening. Feel first rate today. Got some potatoes. We do not have any bread. More sweet potatoes and meat and coffee is our living.
20th—Pretty wet today. Marched 18 miles today. Am pretty tired this evening. Feel well otherways. Rains very hard tonight.
21st—Awful wet today but it cleared off some this evening. Today the wagons could not get along very well. Feel first rate today.
22nd—Most awful cold today. We marched ten miles today and camped eleven miles from Milledgeville. Have got plenty to eat. Feel first rate today.
23rd—Had reveille this morning at four and marched at six. Marched into the Capitol of Georgia today without firing a gun. Marched 11 miles today. Went out and got some sweet potatoes and chickens and some meal and some pork.
24th—Marched out of town this morning at six and crossed the Oconee river at the edge of town and marched ten miles and camped. Feel kind of sick today. Guess that I have ate too much.
25th—Laid in camp today till night and then went on picket. Am on with the 69th Ohio. Was taken away from our squad. Feel pretty tired. Have got plenty to eat and drew several hard bread and coffee and tea last night.
26th—Was sent to camp this morning at five and marched at six. Marched very slow today. Crossed Buffalo Swamp. Pretty muddy. Got into camp at ten o’clock. Marched about 8 miles today. Am well as usual.
27th—Moved out of camp this morning and crossed a swamp and marched 17 miles and camped. Passed through Sanderstown. Lots of forage here tonight. Build breastworks in front of our camp tonight. Pretty moderate weather lately. Our brigade is all alone on this road today.
28th—Very pleasant today. Marched out at six and joined the army at noon and camped about 17 miles from the old camp. Crossed a river and swamp. Camped at ten o’clock.
29th—Moved camp this morning at six o’clock about two miles and stayed all day and we were out a foraging. Have got plenty to eat. Potatoes, meat, molasses, and meal. Feel pretty well today.
30th—Most awful warm today. Marched at 6 o’clock. Marched about 22 miles and camped at dark. Was some tired this evening. Have got plenty to eat yet. Got some potatoes this evening. Did not stop for dinner.
December 1864
1st—Marched today at 6 and went five miles and camped about ten o’clock in the forenoon. Went out a foraging and got some flour meal, h___, potatoes, &c. The 20th Army Corps passed us this evening. The Engineers passed. Saw all the boys. Have got plenty to eat and drink. Some of the boys got some silver.
2nd—Very warm today. Marched at six. Marched about 16 miles and camped at dark. Stopped for dinner. Has been some skirmishing through this country. Found a man shot through the head by guerrillas today. Buried him. Feel pretty well today.
3rd—Marched today at six. Marched ten mile and camped about seven o’clock in the evening. Have got a pretty sore foot. Feel pretty well otherwise. Pretty hard up for grub tonight. Rained some this evening.
4th—Wad aroused last night at twelve and went on picket. Rained some but is very pleasant this morning. Guard the men today while they tear up the railroad. Marched at 1 o’clock. Marched 6 miles and camped at 7 o’clock. Have got plenty to eat. Our men had a fight this day.
5th—Marched this morning at six and went about sixteen miles and camped at dusk. Have got plenty to eat. Feel pretty well today. Stopped for dinner today. Pretty country today.
6th—Marched at six as usual. Marched twenty miles and camped at seven o’clock. I went about one mile off from the road and killed a hog and carried half into camp. Am some tired. Feet pretty sore. Feel well enough otherwise.
7th—Pretty wet today. Marched at six. Marched twenty miles and camped at eight o’clock. We are now within twenty-eight miles of Savannah. Feel well enough today but have not for anything much to eat. A great many men fell out today. I stuck through.
8th—Marched at six and went about 3 miles and stopped a spell and then formed a line of battle. Some skirmishing in our rear. Stayed here till nine o’clock and then crossed Ebenezer Creek and camped about 3 miles from the line of battle. Feel pretty well today.
9th—Marched this morning at eight. Marched about 12 miles and camped. Have got plenty to eat tonight. Heard cannon today. The rebels have sent a gunboat up the river to shell us. We are now nearly in the advance. Feel well today. Nothing else of importance.
10th—Marched today at ten o’clock. Marched six miles and camped at dinner and then moved camp about 40 rods and stop for the night. Have not much to eat. Hear some cannon today. Are within about ten miles of Savannah. Rained some this evening. Feel pretty well today.
11th—Marched this morning at eight. Marched very slow. Marched round to the right of Savannah about three miles of town. Relieved the 17th Army Corps in the pits. Are about three-quarters of a mile of the rebel earthworks. Some shelling today. Have nothing but meal to eat.
12th—Left Kingston one month ago today. Opened the ball today about ten o’clock. Shelling some and some picket fighting all day. Got two pretty close calls myself today. Five men wounded in our regiment today. One man in our company with a piece of shell. Drew rations tonight.
13th—Pretty warm today. Some skirmishing today. One man wounded slightly in the hand with a piece of shell today. Nothing else of importance.
14th—Warm and pleasant today. Fort McAllister fell into our hands today. Gen. Sherman went aboard the fleet. Also captured thirty-six pieces of artillery. We gave three rousing cheers for it today. Our men have planted three pieces of artillery out to the skirmish line and shelled the rebels like fury.
15th—Very warm today. Some skirmishing on the line and some cannonading. No one got hurt today. Was called out this evening to dig pits on the skirmish line. Worked till three o’clock in the morning. All quiet this evening.
16th—Got some behind in my diary. Laid in camp all day today. Drew rations of coffee, sugar, beef shoulder, salt, rice. Some picket shooting on the line today. Have orders to go on the skirmish line in the morning at 4 o’clock. All quiet today or rather this evening.
17th—Went on the skirmish line at four and have a fine time. Very warm today. [illegible]
18th—Was relieved this morning and went to camp. Have not got much to eat today—nothing but beef and poor stuff at that. Very pleasant today. Warm as summer. Wrote letter to Jetora last evening. Some skirmishing on the line today.
19th—Was relieved from the trenches this morning at five o’clock. Went for rations across the Oceebee [?] canal and camp. Then went foraging. [illegible].
20th—Laid in camp today and washed my clothes. Have got plenty to eat today—potatoes and rice, beef. Drew a few crackers today. There are rumors afloat in camp today that we are a going to charge the [illegible] tomorrow. Pretty wet and cold all day. Some skirmishing on the line today and cannonading besides.
21st—Woke up this morning and the rebels have gone. Left the town. We went over to the works and saw some artillery. The Twentieth Corps is in town now. Our men had a bridge built. [illegible]
22nd—Leave camp this morning and march within one mile and a half of Savannah and laid out a camp. Expect to stay here some time. Go down to town this afternoon and get some rice. The guard came pretty near getting us in the guard house. Git back to camp at sundown.
23rd—Laid in camp all day. Did not do much today. Got mail this evening. I received one letter from Sarah Cook. All well in Gr_____. Very cold today all day. Nothing going on today of any importance today.
24th—Very warm and pleasant today. Drew rations this afternoon. Two days rations to last four. Wrote a letter to Sarah Cook. Nothing going on in camp of any account.
Sunday, 25th—Had inspection three times today. It looks some like rain today. Had a very rusty gun to clean today.
26th—Fixed up our shanty today. The company had drilled but I did not. Have not got much to eat nowadays. Got plenty to eat of rice but it is a poor living.
27th—Some rain this morning but it clears off in afternoon. Had General Review of our Corps today. Was reviewed by Gen. Sherman in the streets of Savannah. Got back to camp at one o’clock in the afternoon. Wrote a letter to E. Y.
28th—Rained very hard today in the forenoon but cleared off in the afternoon. Laid in camp all day. Drew four days rations to last five. Hard bread, coffee, and salt pork and salt. Wrote a letter to Alice Cranston today.
29th—Very clear and cold today. Have got the toothache pretty bad today. Laid in camp all day today. Saw Dan Spring this morning. Nothing going on in camp today.
30th—Clear and cold today. Laid in camp today. My teeth ache as hard as ever. Saw Ben Tewes and Joe Morse today. Nothing going on in camp today. Two rockets were sent up this evening. The mail came in today but I did not get any.
31st—Today is the last day of what will be long remembered year of 64 and may God speed the time when we will be once more free and happy as times passed by. God grant that before I fill another diary that us poor, miserable fellows will be enjoying ourselves in peace and luxury—Farewell.
I could not find an image of the Hall family but this photograph of an unidentified family looks to be representative of 35 -year old William, 29 year-old Cornelia, 9 year-old daughter Carrie, and 1 year-old Mary Jane.
The letters below were penned by William H. C. Hall (1830-1895), a native of Saratoga county, New York, who, at the time of his drafting in 1865, was married and farming near Owosso township, Shiawassee county, Michigan. In his absence, his wife, Cornelia (Payne) Hall (1836-1895), and his 9-year-old daughter Caroline (“Carrie”) managed the farm of 80 acres with the assistance of a hired hand. William reported to Camp Blair in Jackson, Michigan, where he was inducted into the US Service on 1 April 1865 and eventually sent to his assigned regiment—the 16th Michigan Infantry in Virginia.
William never experienced battle; in fact, he was never even issued a musket. Nevertheless, he endured the hardships of the field and camp, marching long distances with limited rations and inadequate shelter. He survived the ordeal, while sadly many of the late war drafted soldiers—often in their 30s and 40s—were not as fortunate and never returned home to their families.
William was mustered out of the regiment on 8 July 1865.
Note: These letters were donated to Michigan’s Military Heritage Museum and were made available for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by express consent.
A photograph of the Barracks at Camp Blair, taken shortly after Lincoln’s Death in April 1865.
Letter 1
Camp Blair, [Jackson, Michigan] April 1st 1865
Dear Wife,
I am well & enjoying myself as well as I can, hoping you are all well & not giving yourselves any fears about me. I am getting used to camp life. I now sit in my bunk writing on a little shelf made for that purpose as every bunk here has. Henry Monroe is writing beside me. I think he takes it very hard, but I give up to it, contented with my lot for I can make it better [even] if I do worry. It is impossible to get a furlough of any kind, or pass out of the yard. I have slept on nothing but the floor with nothing but one thickness of blanket under me & knapsack for a pillow since I left you. There is about two thousand in our yard in the same fix that I am in, so you see I am not alone. I cannot be lonesome—only when my thoughts are at home.
There are all classes of people here, from thieves to ministers, whites & niggers (but few). The yard we are in contains about 10 acres of ground fenced with boards about ten feet high & guarded on the inside day & night. We have the privilege of going where we please inside of that with police all over it to keep order. There are about 30 barracks for all kinds of purposes in the yard. I will describe one of them that I sleep in. It is about 100 feet long, 32 feet wide, 10 feet high, divided with a partition lengthwise. In the room I sleep in, 180 drafted men sleeped in last night and as many sleep in the other room. Sears Johnson is in with us too (he says Orton is dead).
I will now describe our way of going to dinner. The building is of the same dimensions of the rest (as above described). It has two doors. When the dinner horn blows, the soldiers all rush for these doors, two abreast for each door. There the cook meets them at & divides the two files—one on one side & the other. There is 4 tables, 100 feet long. We all stand up at the table. No snatching of victuals is going on for there is none to spare. The cook knows just how much every stomach will hold. The victuals are as good as we could expect. For breakfast & supper we have coffee—a pint; one thick slice of bread [and a] chunk of meat. That comprises every thing in the extent of eatables. At dinner we have cold water and beans in place of coffee.
Our yard is all sweeped clean every day with splint brooms by subs detailed every morning, put in wagons & wheelbarrows [and] carried to a hole in the yard. We are 1 ½ miles west of Jackson. I will give the rest of a description of what is going on some other time. (When you write, direct to Camp Blair, Jackson, Mich.)
I cannot tell when we have to go. It may be tonight and may be next fall. When I move I will drop a line. I do not know what to say about things at home for I don’t know what has been done since I left with things on the farm. Do what you think is best. Get along as well as you can. A year won’t be as long with me as it seems to you. I can draw no money until I leave here. Then I get 33 dollars and two months pay, if I stay as long here. Carrie, be a good girl and mind ma. She is all that can see to you now. So goodbye. May heaven protect you all. — Wm. H. C. Hall
This marker describing Camp Blair was created recently using William H. C. Hall’s letter of 1 April 1865 as the source.
Letter 2
Camp Distribution City Point, Virginia April 10, 1865
Dear wife and children,
It is with pleasure I write this morning. Today is our birthday & I hope we both will live to see another.
One week ago today, I was called out on roll call at Jackson at eight o’clock a.m. & there told to shoulder our knapsacks, where to go or when we did not know, but at noon found our way on to Baltimore. Thursday, took the ship Daniel Webster for City Point, 25 miles below Richmond. 175 men come with me. At Baltimore, some 400 more come on with us.
I have not undressed myself yet and probably will not—only to change my clothes. I have a very snug little house to live in, carpeted floor, but no straw under the carpet. I will describe one room that two of us have sole possession, and how we got possession of it. Yesterday we were turned out on a camping ground just left by the other soldiers. The sun was burning hot, not a tree to be seen, nor a board to got hold of. So we got two crotches that stand about as high as the table that Frank often gets under while you eat. Then put a pole on them, then stretched a soldier’s blanket over it, pinning both ends to the ground. I, being lucky, got a deserter’s blanket, coming down here, so that I am a good deal better off than a good many others. Two of us have three blankets to make our roof & carpet & cover us up. The night was very cold. Rained all night & still rains.
Last night 100 guns was fired on our grounds & this morning 600 cannon were fired and some two hundred steamboat whistles blew steady for an hour on the arrival of Lee’s army coming in to our quarters. Some of them were hard looking sights.
We are on [the] James River in Virginia. I have been well most of the time & think I can stand it as well as the most of white folks. It is tough but most put up with it. I do not know as I can get a letter from you till I get to the 16th Michigan Infantry. The talk is now we will not go any further, but be discharged, but I fear that is too good luck for me. You may send a letter to me directed to City Point, Camp Distribution, Va.
We have hard tack, coff[ee] & pork, dealt out once a day. The hard tack is not as hard as I expected—about like soda crackers. About 400 more has just come in from New York. I have no chance to write more so goodbye. My paper gets all wet & dirty writing, part of the time out in the rain. I have got a great deal to tell you when I get home, if my life is spared, which we will continually hope and pray. Goodbye all, including Carrie & Grandmother.
If any change is made, I will write. — Wm. H. C. Hall
Letter 3
Burkeville, Virginia April 19, 1865
Dear wife & Carrie, Mother & all,
This morning finds me on a side hill, somewhere in the south side of Virginia near Carolina At. Gen Meade’s headquarters called Burkeville. Last Friday, 30,000 soldiers of us were marched out of City Point to go to headquarters. We walked 75 miles. Got here last night. Don’t know what we are going to do. The talk is we are to be discharged right away, but fear not. I am growing poor but feel the best I have since I left Flint. In all of our march, we did not go ten miles in road. It was across fields, woods, breastworks, creeks without bridges, wading streams & mud all of the way—men dropping out by the way all along. But I come out as good as the best. They can pick off the whole mass of us at City Point. I help[ed] carry six of our squad of 154 men that left Jackson with me to the Hospital. They were of the ruggedest men we had [yet] they seemed to give out first. Some had fevers, measles, small pox, mumps. I’ve had a chance at all of them, but guess I am fire proof. Was vaccinated at Jackson, but would not work.
Did not see a dozen white women from City Point, or Baltimore, to here. Not a white man’s dwelling left on our march—only those occupied by our officers. Have seen hundreds of two-story chimneys, but no house around them. Seen houses on fire, regiments walking away from them in good order.
Our march was through Petersburg where Lee surrendered his army to Gen. Grant. Petersburg is three miles through it. Most all the buildings have marks of balls of shells and fire in them. The best houses that were left [are] occupied by niggers & the streets filled with them and union soldiers, fed by our government rations. We are not armed yet. Don’t know what regiment I will be put in. Expect 16th Michigan.
Met on our way Sheridan’s Cavalry, 30,000 strong, and as many regular colored troops going home. Divided hard tack with some of them. Said they had had nothing to eat for two days. There is nothing among us to eat today. Expect some tomorrow. There is no village here—nothing but a railroad station. The railroad is used for bringing provisions and carrying prisoners to City Point. Guess I will quit.
Cornelia, if you are all well, try to get along as well as you can. Thinking you are as comfortable as I am. I cannot hear from you yet, nor do not expect to till I get to some regiment or home. If you are in the old brick house, try to suit the folks you live with if possible & keep mother with you all you can. I am out of money and can get along without any if not sick. I must close so as to send this by the sergeant of the guard. Give my respects to all that inquires after me and my welfare. So goodbye Cornelia, Cassie, mother & all. — Wm. H. C. Hall
I write this on my knapsack, my pillow, &c.
Letter 4
U.S. Christian Commission [stationery] April 25th, 1865
Dear Wife & Children,
I can now write to you with better spirits than when I wrote from Burkeville. We had but 9 hard tack to eat since the day that I wrote to you up till yesterday morning—making 5 days, and the last day we marched 28 miles with nothing in our stomachs but poor water & a few kernels of corn that the mules left on the ground. Yesterday’s marching got us to our regiment—16th Michigan, District of Columbia. Direct in that way every time & I will get your letters.
Since I continued to write, we have got orders to march towards Petersburg in an hour. We are within nine miles of it now. I was very sick yesterday, but am most well today. All I want is rest. We have the best of usage now—go where we have a mind to, only when on drill.
If mother is there, I wish she would send me a few postage stamps so that I can write when I want to. I have a two dollar [bill] on the state of New York. It will not pass here, but is good at home. Nothing but greenbacks will go here. Henry Monroe is about the same—situated as myself. But I guess he will get along. So you see we have no time to write anymore. I will write when I hear from you. Our colonel said this morning we would all be home in a few weeks. Goodbye. — Wm. H. C. Hall
Letter 5
Washington [D. C.] May 15th, 1865
Dear Wife & Children,
Yesterday, I received yours of May 4th—the first word I have got from any of you since I left Flint. I was glad to hear you were all well. H[enry] Monroe received a letter yesterday too. We are now in sight of the [U. S.] Capitol & expect to start for home as soon as three or four days. It may take two or three weeks to get home—maybe less. There is so many thousands here that it takes time.
We came through Richmond a week ago yesterday. We have marched about 300 miles in all. Had to throw away all of my clothing, being sick & the weather so hot. Have not been to a table to eat till this morning. I went out to get something to eat & the first house I stopped at happened to be an old neighbor of Sager Pintless and Perkins. They invited me to eat breakfast at a rick table. We talked & I eat some, I guess! Their old cook baked me a loaf of bread & [I] thanked them as well as I know how & went back to camp. I will wait till I get home for the rest.
So goodbye. — Wm. H. C. Hall
Letter 6
U.S. Christian Commission [stationery] Near Washington May 31st 1865
Dear wife,
It is with pleasure that I write you for I am well at present, or nearly so I hope. I have been very sick for some time but stayed in the company. I was taken with diarrhea on the way from Michigan & have not been free from it a minute since—sometimes very bad, then easier. They say I am very poor but feel the best today [since] I have been in Virginia.
Today I sent my overcoat home by express & Henry Monroe’s dress coat too. The rest of the bundle is mine. Tell Geo. R. Mopes to let you know when it comes so that the clothes will not mold. Henry’s coat has got a card in it with his name on it. There is two rings in one of my coats made from laurel on the land belonging to Gen. Lee—or used to. That is all they are good for. I live in his orchard now. Have not moved since we came here—that is most three weeks. Apples are most large enough to stew. The most peaches in Virginia I ever saw all put together and large as hickory nuts now. I think I would like to live here bye & bye.
I was very glad to get that money. It did me good. The most I ever had five dollars do me in the world, but will soon be out. If I stay here long, we have not got a cent yet & the rations are very stunted. A well man cannot live on what little the soldiers get. There is a great many troops going home now. We may have to lay here a month yet before we can go to Michigan, but be patient. We are building bunks in our tents to sleep on now. That don’t look much like moving very soon. Don’t look for me until I write you that I’m coming. If you write, the letter will come to the regiment anywhere we go—if we go to Michigan or Texas.
Last Sunday, Henry Reableman came to see me. He is well and tough. Fred Tick too & Pat Watters. They are in sight of us. Fred is as fat as he ever was. They are the only boys I have seen that I am acquainted with. We can find out nothing on [our discharges]. Job Crapo was here yesterday and told us to be patient as the time would soon come that we would all be home.
I cannot say what about shaving the wool. Most likely will be there in harvest [time]. I guess Mr. Byerly will get somebody to do it right if I am not there. The mail horn is blowing now. I [hope] there is a letter for me from some of you. Laying here so idle makes me think of nothing but home & friends, wife and children. Tell some inquiring one to write me a letter. — Wm. H. C. Hall
Letter 7
U.S. Christian Commission [stationery] Washington [D. C.] June 7th 1865
Dear Wife & Children,
Today I feel pretty smart so I went down to the Christian Commission & got some medicine that is helping me. Tomorrow we start from here, they say to Louisville, Kentucky, but the most of us think we are going to Michigan. Perhaps you know more about where we are going to than we do here as we are not allowed to know anything until the order is given. By the time you get this, you can find out where we are probably in the Detroit papers. Some say we are going the southern route on account of the pressure of travel on the other railroads. It will be a good ways out of our way unless we are going to stay there some time.
We have not been armed yet nor paid anything, and our rations cut shorter every day. I have not got any letter yet since I wrote you requesting more money. I expect to get one today. I do not feel strong enough to write a very long letter. I will let you know as soon as we stop where we are. [Henry] Monroe is well yet. We start tomorrow for sure and I am glad to get out of here for the air and water is so filthy, it being covered (the country) so with soldiers. But it is nearly half thinned out now. The Pennsylvania & New York & Maine troops have left here mostly.
Direct your letters the same as you have and I will get them. So goodbye Cassie, Grandma & all. If there is anything you want to know about things at home, you write & not wait for me to get home. It only takes three days for a letter to come to me. Once more, good bye. — Wm. H. C. Hall
Sears left us in Richmond for Alexandria Hospital. I have not heard from him but once since we have been here. He was sick then.
Letter 8
Near Jeffersonville [Indiana] Midnight, July 5, 1863
Dear wife and Carrie,
I am well tonight. hoping you are all well. I write to keep you from looking for e every day. Tomorrow night our papers for mustering out of service will be done & expect to be mustered out Friday morning and expect to start Friday. But some of the officers want to wait till Monday and have the 5th, 7th, 16th & 1st Regiments all go home together. The 5th and 7th talk of going tomorrow. They are all ready. Our officers have tried to keep us in service [until] our time [was] out and found that would not work. Now they dally along to keep us here as long as they can to draw all the pay they can. We came very near [going] to Arkansas but our regiment rebelled and said they would not go & threatened the colonels’ lives if they took us there. I am so up in end about getting home that I cannot sleep so I write at this hour of the night to kill time.
A great many have deserted & gone home. I could just as well or not but for the name of it, & strength to walk. One of my tent mates—three of us in it, went home a week ago. About that time some 20 or 20 left every night. Now, by waiting a little longer and getting an honorable discharge, it will be a great deal better for me & my family in after years. I have sufferd what no one could expect to endure, have seen great sights, and a great deal of Southern country. I have been through Michigan, Ohio twice—north and south ends, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Chesapeake Bay—the whole length, Virginia, District of Columbia, Washington [City], Kentucky, Indiana, swam in the James river, Potomac [river]—been the whole length of it from the mouth to its source, in the Ohio [river] now every day.
We are in the pleasantest place now we have been in for soldiers since we left home. I manage to get enough to eat here. The farmers are very hospitable to us that behave well & treat them well. I will be glad when I can lay down on a bed of straw again. I have not laid on straw since the night I told you that I probably would not lay on a bed again in a year, but I guess next Wednesday will bring me back to it again if the Lord spared my life which I pray for every night on lying down to rest under my little canvas [shelter], the size of a bedstead now for Henry & me. He wrote to his wife today respecting going home but got it a little too quick. He got a letter today from his wife but I have not got any from home since the 15th of June. It seems a good while. Hope I will get one before I leave here.
Do goodbye for now as it is one o’clock. Do not look for me till you see me a coming and I shall throw off my budget when I go by. — Wm. H. C. Hall
The following letters were written by Seymour Dexter (1841-1904), the son of Daniel Dexter (1806-1891) and Angeline Briggs (1816-1891) of Independence, Allegany county, New York. Seymour received his preparatory education at Alfred Academy and graduated from Alfred University in 1864 (A.M., Doctor of Philosophy). Studied law,1864-1866. He was admitted to the bar at Elmira in 1866 and became the City Attorney in 1872. In that same year he was elected to the New York Assembly.
Carl A. Morrell’s book showcasing Dexter’s wartime diary and letters.
Seymour enlisted in May 1861 at Elmira to serve two years in Co. K, 23rd New York Infantry. He entered the war as a private, was promoted to corporal in Mach 1863 and mustered out of the regiment on 22 May 1863. There was a book published in 1996 by Carl A. Morrell which contained the Civil War writings of Seymour Dexter [See: Seymour Dexter, Union Army: Journal and Letters of Civil War] but I don’t believe that this letter was included. The introduction to that book states, “‘Freedom, the true government, has called upon her loyal sons, and as our response to this call and also to the demands of truth and humanity, seven of us determined on the 26th day of April, 1861 that we would immediately volunteer our services in the defense of the stars and stripes.’ So wrote Seymour Dexter in the opening pages of his Civil War journal. A student at the time of Fort Sumter, Dexter joined Co. K in Elmira, New York. Private Dexter, who would enjoy a distinguished career as a lawyer following the unpleasantness, gives us an unusually keen view of the war, capturing the emotions of the men in the field and the camaraderie of Company K.”
Dexter wrote the letters to Charles Tubbs, the corresponding secretary of the Orophilian Lyceum of Alfred University in Alfred Centre, New York. Founded in 1836, Alfred University was an early-day coeducational college. Tubbs later attended Union College, graduated with honors in 1864, and then attended the law school in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In researching Tubbs, I was surprised to discover a 1996 publication entitled, “Mr. Tubbs’ Civil War” by Nat Brandt. In his introduction. Brandt wrote that, “Charlie Tubbs experienced the Civil War vicariously. He never volunteered nor was drafted in the Union military forces. But many of his friends went to war, and it was through them that the day-to-day experience of the war came alive for him in the most personal way. Throughout the war, Tubbs received more than 175 letters from his friends, ordinary young men, all products of rural New York and Pennsylvania.” Curiously, of the 17 letter writers mentioned in Brandt’s publication, Seymour Dexter is not listed and his letters do not appear in the book. It may be that these letters, which were once part of a larger collection of Tubb’s collection, were separated from the rest at an early date. It may also be possible that Brandt chose not to include these letters in his book for some reason.
Members of the 23rd New York Volunteers. These boys are from Co. A. (National Archives)
Letter 1
Camp 23rd Regt New York Vol. Opposite Fredericksburg, Stafford County, Va. May 3, 1862
Brother Oro’s:
When events like those that are about to transpire at Yorktown and in the southwest upon which may depend the destinies of the nation attract your attention, I feel that the quiet place of Fredericksburg will be of little interest to you and was it not for the sympathy which I believe to exist from the memory of bygone days, I should feel like withholding my correspondence until something of greater interest should occur.
“Why don’t it clear off?” is a question that has been almost as paramount as, “What is the news from Yorktown?” I presume we should not notice it so much if we were ensconced beneath some sheltering roof but now night after night, we are awakened by the rain, dripping pot, pot into our face or else running beneath our bed of boughs until they “feel cool in vice.” Notwithstanding the super abundance of wet weather operations one steadily progressing with all possible dispatch for a further advance of this division towards what seems its destination—Richmond.
A floating bridge formed by laying the timbers and plank upon canal boats lacks but a few rods of completion. A regular pontoon bridge is here also, ready to be thrown across whenever it is deemed necessary. A corps of workmen are engaged in repairing the railroad from Aquia to this place. Two locomotives have been already shipped down the river and placed upon the track. No advance movement will be made from this point undoubtedly until this is entirely repaired and a sufficient number of cars placed upon it to form an abundant means of transportation.
Since the last communication was written to you, our brigade has moved its camp farther down the river and more back upon the hill. The situation is pleasant as well as being convenient. A beautiful wood, principally oak, furnishes us with wood, and their new, robust boughs with a screening shade when, perchance, the sun finds a clear spot in the watery reservoir through which to shoot his searching rays. Springs and rivulets exist in abundance and from our elevated position a fine view is given of the city and surrounding country. A view is about all we can get for a guard of 120 men are stationed around the entire camp, day and night. No one is allowed to pass from his colonel, countersigned by the general. To procure this requires a greater use of the “red tape system” than most are able to manage.
Our General, (M. R. Patrick) is a graduate of West Point and he seems striving to enforce all the severe discipline which is supposed to exist among regulars. Many of his orders seem onerous to a volunteer corps and to speak in soft terms, bitter are the anathemas uttered against him at times.
Gen. Wadsworth paid us a visit last Sunday and the outburst of joy which pervaded the whole brigade when his presence became known could not but have stirred his heart with joy and pride. He had not rode halfway across the parade ground ere almost the entire brigade was around him. Cheer upon cheer echoed upon the surrounding hills and the band played “Hail to the Chief.”
The health of the men is excellent and all are anxious to move forward and meet the enemy if we are to have any to encounter. Thus far they have kept themselves so far aloof that we have not been able hardly to get a peep at them. If McClellan is entirely successful at Yorktown, of which no one seems to entertain a doubt, it is doubtful whether this division will ever meet the boasted chivalry upon the field of carnage. With McClellan moving towards Richmond from the seacoast, McDowell from the north, Banks and Fremont from Gordonsville, it will be as impossible to check their triumphal progress as to hold back the thundering avalanches of the alps. Richmond must today be able to read her doom approaching fast with inexorable certainty.
The Crescent City has already seen the emblem of Columbia hoisted over her treason stained blocks, and Beauregard—the main pillar of their entire army—is surrounded by a coil from which he never will come out until shorn of his power. The columns of the S. C. A. already begin to topple and for ought I know, at this moment the thunder of battle may be heard at the renowned place of Yorktown and in the Southwest, the concussion of which will fell them to the ground, and over their eclipsed majesty shall be raised the standard of the free forever and age. — S. Dexter
Letter 2
Addressed to Corresponding Secretary of Oro. Lyceum. Alfred Centre, Allegany county, N. Y.
Leesborough, Maryland September 9th, 1862
Brother Oro’s:
The labors and fatigues of the last three weeks have made the pen a useless article to the soldier but now some miles nearer the north star than ever before since we landed in Washington one year ago last July. A short interval has been allowed us to rest amid our dancings to “Stonewall Jackson’s” music. On the night of the 18th ult. the “Army of Virginia” with its boastful leader [Maj. Gen. John Pope] began its retreat from the Rapidan and which did not cease until a portion of it was lodged behind the lines of defense about Washington and the other portion of McClellan’s army and also that of Burnside’s. From the 22nd ult. until the 3rd inst., not a day passed but the thunder of cannon was borne to our ears and many of the conflicts were most desperate and bloody. On the 22nd ult., our Division was engaged in an artillery duel across the Rappahannock near the Station, our regiment supporting a section of one of our batteries. From there we marched to Sulphur Springs via Warrrenton where upon the 25th ult. we were again in an artillery fight with skirmishing—our regiment acting as a guard on the left flank with companies K & G thrown out as skirmishers. Here for the first time as a company we fired our guns at real rebels.
From there we took up our line of march for Gainesville and about one mile this side upon the Orange and Alexandria turnpike, upon the evening of the 27th ult., our Division was again engaged in the most desperate conflict [see Brawl at Brawner’s Farm] that I have yet witnessed. Gen. Gibbon’s Brigade stood the brunt of the battle, losing 800 men in killed and wounded in one hour and ten minutes firing and driving a whole division of the enemy from their position with a loss of 1,000. Darkness closed the scene. It was a grand yet terrible sight to behold. The thunder of the cannon and sound of musketry was incessant, while amid the shades of evening their flashes of smoke and fire filled the air with a lurid glow. Cheer upon cheer went up with the groans of the dying and wounded and to one not filled with the excitement of battle or inured to the dangers of a soldier, it would have been a scene too fearful to behold.
The wounded were picked up and about midnight we started for Manassas Junction where we arrived at sunrise. Many of the wounded with mutilated arms, hands and faces had to walk from a lack of transportation. We remained there until noon when we again started for the field of conflict then raging at Bull Run. We arrived on the field at sundown and were immediately sent to the front. Our forces had just driven them from their position but rallying in a commanding position, they were prepared to meet us. We had exchanged but a few volleys with them when the darkness made it prudent for both parties to cease the bloody strife. Our General (Patrick) received a wound in the leg and one of his aides was shot through the lungs. A brigade of the enemy charged upon the battery to which Tommy Sanders was attached and during the fray, he was either killed or taken prisoner. But by those knowing the circumstances, it is thought most probable the latter. Had he been killed we should have found his body the next day.
Our company was out to the front of our regiment as skirmishers and pickets and in our deployment amid the darkness, our left ran in between two bodies of the enemy. Two privates and one sergeant were taken prisoners while two others made their escape with an orderly sergeant of the enemy a prisoner. That day had proved a victory to our arms and all felt confident on the morrow of sending the rebel horde back to the mountains with as great speed as they had come up.
Morning showed the enemy to have fallen back and taken up a new position. Very heavy reinforcements arrived for them during the night and morning. The forenoon was spent in arranging our forces and preparing for the attack. Whoever planned was out generaled by the enemy and the sequence proved most fatal to our cause. McDowell’s Corps began the attack between one and two o’clock with cannon and skirmishing. Our Division had the right of the centre. We advanced in two lines of battle, our regiment being in the second. We had to push through a dense piece of woods beyond which lay the enemy. As soon as our front lines became visible, they opened with battery after battery and infantry, filling the woods with a perfect shower of shell, grape, canister, and musket balls. Still our lines in the centre and right pressed forward and for the moment broke the enemy’s centre but we soon found the enemy were turning the left flank and thus getting an enfilading fire upon us and cutting us off from the position held before the attack.
A retreat was ordered and we fell back in perfect order behind our batteries. The enemy continued to turn the left and not until our whole front had been changed to the left were our forces able to hold them in check. Our position after leaving the woods was one where nearly the whole field of conflict was in view. My pen would prove but a poor portrayer of the reality. The enemy fought with a bravery worthier of a better cause—charging again and again upon our batteries with the desperation of mad men. The slaughter was terrible but greater upon the enemy’s side than ours. Our regiment was most extremely fortunate—but very few were killed or wounded. Our company did not lose a man. We had but 20 muskets in the fight and I am proud to say that 7 of those were borne by Alfred [New York] Boys.
We marched back to Centreville that night and stretched ourselves out upon the ground almost exhausted without any supper. On the next day our regiment with the 21st New York Vols. came back to Fairfax as a guard with a baggage train. On the following morning the remainder of the brigade came up and we were ordered to hold some rifle pits which protected our flank. We remained there until the next day after noon when the whole except the rear guard had passed back. We arrived behind our old fortifications on Upton Hill. We were completely worn out by fatigue, hunger, and the want of sleep.
On the next day the enemy came up and began throwing shell into a body of cavalry near Falls Church. Our brigade was ordered to the front where it remained over night. On the night of the 6th inst. a large portion of the army came back across the Potomac and is now laying north of Washington, ready to be moved either way to confront Jackson if he shall dare to push a heavy force into Maryland or to protect Washington in the front if it shall be attacked there.
Pope—much to our satisfaction—has gone to the Northwest and McDowell, I trust, to his home. The restoration of McClellan to command has given a new confidence to the army. He is their favorite and they will fight under him as under no other man. Marching orders have just come and I must close. Receive this most hastily written correspondence from an old Oro. — S. Dexter
Letter 3
Camp 23rd New York Vol. Near Sharpsburg, Maryland October 14th 1862
Brothers Oro’s:
Over one month has swept by in time’s swift and eventful course since last I attempted to send you a letter. During that time, circumstances have prevented me from doing that which would have given me pleasure—that is, sending you another in regard to the short, but brilliant and most successful campaign in “My Maryland.” Now the facts have become too familiar to you to bear repetition from my pen at least. As regards ourselves, suffice it to say that your [lyceum] brothers here on the bloody fields of South Mountain and Antietam verified by action their fidelity to those principles which so often they have uttered within that well remembered and almost sacred room. Having been spared through those dangers, they are now in good health and prepared for future action in defense of our country’s honor and the cause of freedom.
Since the Battle of Antietam, we have been camped on the gentle bluffs that lie between Sharpsburg and the beautiful waters of the Potomac. Four weeks ago this was a beautiful region—large plantations under the best cultivation with excellent fences extended far and near, while a most bountiful harvest showed their laborer had been paid for his work. Ripening fruits bent low the boughs through the many orchards as if their loads were too heavy for their strength. The scene now is sadly changed. Many of the harvest have been destroyed. The fences have disappeared upon the soldier’s camp fire while the fruits have vanished much to the gratification of the soldier’s palate.
The battlefield still continues to attract many visitors—some through curiosity, but other come to seek the name of some beloved one from among the many hundred head boards that mark the resting places of so many heroes and martyrs to their country’s cause who fell on that terrible and memorable day.
Our future stay at this place is uncertain. We have been under orders for some days to march at half an hour’s notice with two days rations and 100 rounds of ammunition. This to new troops would seem prophetic of deadly work not far in the future, but to us with our past experiences, it bears no such portent.
From the tone of the Northern press, it seems the public are in high expectations of another grand and, they trust, successful campaign being immediately begun which shall once more sweep southward from the Potomac, the hordes of the enemy ever beyond the boundaries of Virginia. Undoubtedly we shall soon cross the river and if the enemy do not retreat. there will be a battle somewhere between the river and Winchester. But you will say we have been idle for one month now when we should have been engaged in a most vigorous campaign. True, we have been idle. But do you know what was the condition of this army when it halted upon the north bank of the Potomac? Since the 9th of August the whole army had been marching and fighting constantly, undergoing fatigue and exposure such only as the soldier undergoes. Our division for illustration, from that date until the 19th of September, stopped but three times over 24 hours in one place and the longest of those halts was three days. We were constantly broke of our sleep while our food was scanty and irregular. When we entered the Battle of [2nd] Bull Run, we had been 60 hours with but 4 hours sleep and starvation really staring us in the face. Pope’s official report was true in that respect.
When we halted here, brigades were but regiments, and divisions but brigades. Our brigade numbered but 825 men for duty and Hatcher’s Brigade of five regiments did not number half that amount. And so it was throughout the whole army. All were dirty and be not shocked, most were lousy. We had not even found time and opportunities to wash our clothes. This remnant of the army was completely worn out like the horse that has lumbered all winter upon scanty fare. Could civilians, unless they believe a soldier is proof against fatigue and exposure, expect that such an army which had so nobly crowned its country’s banners with victory in her darkest hour should immediately, without rest, be sent into another campaign equally laborious? And because it has been delayed thus far already? Yes! Scarcely before the lightning messenger had ceased to transmit the details concerning the victories in Maryland, the northern Republican press began to heap its abuses upon Gen. McClellan because he did not immediately, without a halt, throw his decimated and worn-out columns across the Potomac.
As those expectations have been unrealized so far, so I think they will be in the future to a certain degree. You ask why. It is simple. Because the lateness of the season will not permit it. Four weeks more and it would be inhuman to ask troops to live in shelter tents and should they attempt it, not many weeks would elapse ere over one half the army would be on the sick list or in their graves. Four weeks more and the condition of the roads in Northern Virginia will be such that artillery and baggage trains cannot be moved except upon macadamized roads and these are not in sufficient numbers. Most surely that length of time at this season when no dependence can be placed upon the weather, is not sufficient to warrant the success of a movement as extensive as such an one must necessarily be.
The military authorities know what an army could stand and because they ordered a halt, the radical press of the North with the N. Y. Tribune at the head, began anew to poison and distract the public mind by charging McClellan with incompetency. They belie facts and have belied every act of McClellan’s and that simply because he does not belong to their party politic. The whole race of New York editors would be but little safer in this army than in a rebel camp. It makes the heart of the true patriot in the field fighting for his country’s cause weep to see the public mind thus poisoned and distracted by political intriguers. And were it not for that true patriotism, that untainted integrity, that unswaying judgement that characterizes him who holds the helm of our national ship, I should almost fear for the final issue. But he is the right man in the right place and by him the distracted element may be brought into unison for the common good.
Your brother Oro., — S. Dexter
Letter 4
Purcellville, Va. November 2, 1862
Brother Oro’s:
One week ago today as we sat huddled up in our tents, striving fruitlessly to be comfortable with a cold, windy, autumnal storm sweeping drearily over the land, orders came to march. It was after dark before we got under motion—the rest of the Division going ahead. We supposed we had experienced rough marching before and we expected it that night but it proved to be far beyond any of our former experiences. A constant rain of twelve hours together with the large amount of travel upon the roads had formed a mud pudding over shoe deep in most places, say nothing about the regular mud holes and ruts. The darkness was so great that it was impossible to pick our path. Imagine a column of men marching along under these circumstances, heavily loaded down with their accoutrements, some slipping down, others slipping into some unseen hole or rut, going head long, knapsacks, gun, and all into the muddy bed while others striving to save themselves from the threatened descent accidentally hit their next neighbor over the head with their guns. Some laughing at their comrades misfortune, some cursing the General who had ordered such a move, while all joined in the wish that [newspaper editors] Greeley, Bennett, and their compeers were marching with us.
Unlucky baggage wagons overturned with their contents strewn in the mud, and you will have a faint picture of our attempted march that night. We proceeded about three miles in three hours. Our General came to the conclusion it was next to impossible to proceed further so turning into the fields, we halted for the night. We had orders to proceed to Berlin—a railroad station near the river about 6 miles below Harpers Ferry. We did not arrive there until Tuesday afternoon when we pitched our tents a short distance from the station and remained until Thursday evening. When we once more crossed to the soil of the Old Dominion and proceeded about one mile beyond Lovettsville and bivouacked for the night. It was a beautiful evening and as we once more set foot upon the “sacred soil”, there was a feeling of humiliation to think that fifteen months ago we had crossed the same river for the same purpose and after thirteen months of occupation, we had been forced back by the foe whom we thought to reduce.
On the following morning we were mustered for pay and in the afternoon moved for want about one mile farther. And yesterday moved forward to this place which is a small hamlet situated on the pike leading from Leesburg to Winchester. Snicker’s Gap, the point where the pike crosses the mountains that lay between us and Winchester, is about six miles distant and is said now to be in our possession. Our advance cavalry under Gen. Pleasanton drove the enemy’s cavalry from this vicinity yesterday and took one piece of their artillery.
While we were coming forward, the roar of their guns gave us music to march by. Quite early this morning there was cannonading abour six miles to the front that soon ceased and very distant cannonading could be heard in the direction of Thoroughfare Gap. We suppose that to be Siegel. At present there is very heavy firing I should judge about 10 miles to the front and we judge it to be at Ashby’s Gap.
The long demanded advance seems to have been begun and that in earnest. And before this week passes, Gen. Lee will have been forced to fight or run. The army never was in a better condition or higher spirits. The feeble and those constitutionally opposed to fighting have been pretty well sifted out and those remaining of the old troops can truly be called veterans. The 23rd Regt. is in Hooker’s Division of the army. Gen. Reynolds Corps, Doubleday’s Division and Gen. Paul’s Brigade.
Since the storm at the beginning of the week, the weather has been most beautiful, acting very much like the “Indian Summer.” That portion of Virginia through which we are at present passing is truly grand. Mountains upon either hand stand out in bold relief while intermediate are beautiful valleys. The forests are robed in their richest autumnal tints. The coming events of the present week fill the heart of the patriot with deep anxiety. If the impending battle before us should be a complete victory upon the side of freedom and James S. Wadsworth should be elected Governor of New York, I should have no fears as to the final issue of this civil strife. But if the Empire State should prove recreant to the man whom she helped place in the executive chair in this his most trying hour, I shall feel like disowning her as my native state. Add to this political defeat another defeat in our army now advancing and I should despair of success. Time alone shall be the revelation of the issue which now is known only to Him “who rules the destinies of nations.”
The following letters were written by Charles Anthem Chapin (1841-1900) who enlisted in May 1861 at Elmira to serve two years in Co. K, 23rd New York Infantry. He entered the war as a private, was promoted to corporal and then sergeant before mustering out of the regiment on 22 May 1863.
Charles was the son of David Jewett Chapin (1802-1876) and Alice Glazier (1799-1865). I believe that Charles was slightly wounded at the Battle of Antietam but not so badly he could not fulfill the term of his enlistment.
Brandt’s book on Charles Tubbs’ Collection of Civil War Letters
Chapin wrote the letters to Charles Tubbs, the corresponding secretary of the Orophilian Lyceum of Alfred University in Alfred Centre, New York. Founded in 1836, Alfred University was an early-day coeducational college. Tubbs later attended Union College, graduated with honors in 1864, and then attended the law school in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In researching Tubbs, I was surprised to discover a 1996 publication entitled, “Mr. Tubbs’ Civil War” by Nat Brandt. In his introduction. Brandt wrote that, “Charlie Tubbs experienced the Civil War vicariously. He never volunteered nor was drafted in the Union military forces. But many of his friends went to war, and it was through them that the day-to-day experience of the war came alive for him in the most personal way. Throughout the war, Tubbs received more than 175 letters from his friends, ordinary young men, all products of rural New York and Pennsylvania.” Curiously, of the 17 letter writers mentioned in Brandt’s publication, Charles A. Chapin is not listed and his letters do not appear in the book. It may be that these letters, which were once part of a larger collection of Tubb’s collection, were separated from the rest at an early date. It may also be possible that Brandt chose not to include these letters in his book for some reason.
Letter 1
Addressed to Corresponding Secretary Orophilian Lyceum, Alfred Centre, Allegany county, N. Y.
Camp opposite Fredericksburg, Stafford county, Va. April 1862
Dear Oros,
On the morning of the 18th pursuant to an order that previous night at 6:30 o’clock, General Patrick’s Brigade was on the march en route for Fredericksburg. We had marched to Catlett’s Station two days before—a distance of 10 miles from Bristol on the Orange & Alexandria Railroad. We had two day’s rations in our haversacks and were told we had a hard march before us of about 32 miles which was to be accomplished in two days. Gen. Augur’s Brigade had gone the day before accompanied by a portion of Capt. Gibbon’s artillery.
The morning dawned clear and bright and the merry sound of martial music rose with sweet and cheering melody upon the gentle morning breeze. The harsh command along the line, the careless shout of the soldier, and the rattle of heavy baggage wagons all gave a scene of curiosity to the observing eye and yet to the careless and accustomed, nothing worth of note. Knapsacks were tightened and many a fine overcoat and blanket lay on the campground. Every article not absolutely necessary was dispensed with. General Patrick’s stern and repulsive form was seen here and there along the line directing everything according to his own military notions whether it was for the good and ease of the soldier or not. All concerning him, as a commander may be summed up as follows—he wishes to make no distinction between volunteers and regulars.
On we marched over roads very bad and in some cases impassable. After three or four miles, we halted. The boys’ knapsacks seemed heavier than ever and here another draw was made on the contents. The country for several miles south of the railroad is rough and poor though well watered with clear running streams. The timber is mostly second growth oak and pine. We found a greater number of slaves through this part of the state than in any other through which we have passed. And many were the questions pertaining to the Rebel forces asked them as they followed our train, in some instances by scores. They were, for the most part, illy clad and expressed great warmth of feeling toward our troops and cause. Some of their masters were in the Rebel army; others at home whose sons had gone.
At noon we halted near the line of Prince William county and Stafford county. Here I counted 27 negro men, women and children in squads, running here and there, gathering up everything in the line of clothing they could obtain. The plantations along the southern boundary of Prince William County looked very fine. The fields were green with grass and wheat lying in some instances a foot high. Peach and cherry trees were in full bloom and the first trees just beginning to don their spring attire. But strange to say, I saw but one plow going through a tract of country of 33 miles. Men sat idle and seemed to wait for the results of the Rebellion while their negroes ran here and there as if the day of Jubilee had come. Indeed, I was astonished at the confidence they had that God would set them free.
The day was extremely hot and many of the soldiers were compelled to leave the ranks and seek some shade near at hand while a few fell from exhaustion and had to be carried from the road. One of the 20th Regiment died. I thought the march was illy managed.
At about 5:30 p.m., we had marched 17 miles and had a very good chance to camp for the night, but it was not our worthy General’s opinion to halt us for the night so he gave us orders to march 6 miles further. A heavy rainstorm was fast coming on and already the vivid lightning and hoarse-toned thunder could be seen and heard. Quite a number had already fallen out of the ranks and the rest were tired of the march but at the word “forward” all sprung into the ranks and moved onward with resolute hearts. In half an hour, the rain came down in torrents—yet still the men pushed on through mud and water. Darkness came and on we moved. “A little way further” ran along the line and cheered us for the last mile. When at last the brigade was to camp for the night and at 9 p.m. we had unslung knapsacks and commenced building fires for which purpose a goodly amount of rails were confiscated, contrary to the General’s orders but in accordance with Col. [Henry C.] Hoffman’s.
Soon a thousand fires were flickering through the darkness and the busy hum of voices told that the soldiers were busily engaged at their evening meal. A dish of hot coffee, hard crackers, and pork, gave us a comfort which none but the weary and hungry soldier can fully appreciate. The rain had ceased and the stars began to look once more with pleasant smiles. The next thing on the program was to dry our clothes which was soon done and at 10 o’clock I lay down with my tent mate, S[eymour] Dexter, to seek a night’s repose. Fortunately for us, the night was not very cold and no more rain fell. A sounder sleep I never enjoyed.
During the first day’s march, General Patrick captured a rebel prisoner from the 16th Mississippi Regiment who had fought under him as Major in Mexico. He readily knew the General and called him by name. He was tall and fearless—6′ 2″—armed with a Lancaster rifle & Bowie knife.
The second day our regiment was detailed to act as rear guard to protect the baggage train and bring up all, square in the rear. Before we started, we learned that a severe skirmish had occurred between a regiment of our cavalry and a regiment of Rebel infantry—the details of which I will give below. Our march this day was quite easy as we halted often to wait for the wagons and we had only 11 or 12 miles to go. When we got within about two miles of Falmouth, we came to a pile of knapsacks and some dead horses. General Ruger’s Brigade had marched all night the 18th and ascertained the day before that the Rebel pickets had fled across the [Rappahannock] River to Fredericksburg and so pushed to get here before the bridge was burned. Our cavalry was about a half a mile ahead of the infantry and just at daybreak were surprised by 400 or 500 Rebels in ambush. They had recrossed the river the night before and made a rail fortification across the road, flanked on one side by a house and the other by some trees. Into this our cavalry rode unawares and were fired upon with considerable effect. Some of our men were killed and 20 wounded and 6 of the Rebels—so we were informed by a man near the skirmish ground—were carried back dead. Also quite a number wounded.
The 14th New York Zouaves were ordered up, thus the reason of their throwing off their knapsacks, but our cavalry had routed them so they had no part in the fray. Our forces followed up just in time to shell the Rebels away from the bridge and save about two-thirds of it; the rest having been burned. As near as I can learn from the citizens here, and the contrabands who daily flock into our lines—some being quite intelligent, Fredericksburg contains about 5,000 inhabitants. It is situated on the right bank of the Rappahannock and though quite ancient in style, yet tis a very pleasant town. Two large churches and a courthouse are visible from our camp. I have not been out of camp to take a view of the town in full. Some of our boys have visited the town but contrary to orders and had to do it clandestinely.
I must mention one instance which came under my observation of the readiness some of the negroes manifest n learning. I called into a negro hut while on patrol and began to talk about education to them, and at the same time took out a scrip of a leaf having the alphabet on it. I called upon a little negro girl of seven years who was perfectly ignorant of the alphabet to come and learn it. She readily responded to my request and in half an hour could repeat the whole of it. The same girl could tell the number of each regiment in our brigade and the Colonel’s name from once hearing them told her.
Many of the citizens of Fredericksburg have left at the approach of our troops and there is but little trade going on in the town. A Mr. Woodruff, formerly from Chemung county, New York, who resides here, told me that he knew of a band of Rebels organized near here called the Moccasin Rangers who had permission from the Governor to fight just as they chose and one of them made his brags to him that he had “turned the Yankees loose”—a term used here for the word kill. This same man [Woodruff] is known by several of our company and I can put reliance on what he says. He came over to our camp the other day bringing with him five ladies. They, to show their benevolence, brought to us four or five gallons of milk, a pail of butter, a basket of cooked eggs, and bread and cookies in proportion, making our hearts rejoice once more at the sight of such a luxury—to say nothing about the fair ones of Union sentiments.
The citizens say we Yankees have an awful name, but the Confederate troops never stationed a guard in every house for the protection of property as we have done. Law and order prevail!
We have had no newspapers the last week and are hungry for fresh news. Have rumors of a great fight at Yorktown but this is all. There are three brigades here now—Augur’s, Patrick’s and one, Col. Cutler commanding, formerly King’s—he now commanding the Division. We have had a great deal of rain during the last week and for the last 24 hours it has rained almost incessantly. But now it has the appearance of a fair spell of weather. Our comrades [Mark] Shephard and [Lewis] Kenyon are not with us. I understand they are Alexandria Hospital. The rest of the Alfred Boys are in good health. Your brother Oro, — C. A. Chapin
Letter 2
Corresponding Secretary of the Orophilia Lyceum, Alfred Centre, Allegany county, NY
Fredericksburg, Virginia May 11th 1862
Dear Oros,
The 23rd [New York] Regiment now holds this famous town—famous because it is as old as Philadelphia—because we lay two weeks on the opposite bank of the Rappahannock and did not enter the city while the Rebels had free access to it and removed all the stores and provisions valuable therein—and because tis the place where Washington spent his youthful days from the time he was four years old till he was thirteen. It is by nature a most beautiful place. The valley is sufficiently wide to give ample room for a large city. The chain of hills on either bank is not abrupt but gently sloping, while here and there, back from the river, tower lofty mansions with almost every feature of beauty and grandeur.
The city has many bad features and some good ones. It looks deserted and neglected, which it is, and contains many poor negro huts—a characteristic of all Southern cities—while on the other hand some beautiful dwellings remain undisturbed, surrounded by well-planned and neatly kept gardens and flower beds. Toward the northwestern part of the city stands the Tomb of the mother of Washington. As I approached this sacred spot, I felt a sort of holy horror to know that in the midst of the thousands where the spirit of rebellion is so rife, reposes the ashes of that mother who trained Washington on these very grounds in those principles which even the characteristic of the man through his whole life. Now the scene is changed—the mother and her son are gone—the city long since ceased to grow, while its present inhabitants are deluded and the soldiers tread is heard on the street instead of those in peaceful occupation.
I was told the other day by an Eastern man that the water privileges and facilities for manufacturing purposes rival those of Lowell, yet slavery has prevented the erection of any of these factories and nothing but Northern enterprise can redeem the place from ruin.
Last Wednesday the 23rd Regiment was detailed from the Brigade to act as guards and patrol and from what the “Christian Banner”—a journal printed in this city says, I judge we are doing up our military duty with admiration to the citizens. Our company do patrol duty; the others guard all the principle avenues and approaches to the city. The above mentioned journal had been suppressed for one year of account of its opposition to the secession principles of the South. The editor’s name is [James W.] Hunnicutt. The paper is destined to do a good work here.
The Christian Banner, a weekly newspaper, was edited by James W. Hunnicutt. The paper began publication in 1848 but ceased operations on May 9, 1861, in the midst of the secession crisis, with Hunnicutt bowing to public pressure over his pro-Union views. He resumed publication on May 9, 1862, after the Union army entered Fredericksburg. When the troops withdrew from the city at the end of August 1862, Hunnicutt fled the city. Newspaper Virginia Fredericksburg. Special Collections, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va.
Day before yesterday our company was ordered to go scouting and ascertain the whereabouts of the enemy picket lines. We proceeded out the railroad toward Richmond four miles from this place, surprised two of their pickets who fired at our skirmishers on the right. The distance, however, was too great to affect any injury to us. After making the ordered reconnoissance, we returned all safe. The object was to ascertain if possible the amount of railroad iron, ties, chains, &c. &c. along the road. This morning our videttes had a slight skirmish with the enemy about a mile and a half from here and drove them back. Last night the rest of Patrick’s Brigade crossed the river.
One thing looks so grand—the proud old Stars and Stripes wave over the town. I helped to put them out the morning we came and a long loud shout went up from the negroes but the whites were silent as the grave & it is amusing to see some who call themselves the fair ones of the South go flirting along the walk till they get almost under the flag when they will dodge out and take to the dust rather than walk under that flag which has borne the honors of their nation to the world for years. 1 But they must yield to the laws. They may hold out for a time but they are about “played out.” Even here they are growing tired of the war. The church bell is now sounding each night. We have to lie on our arms.
The weather is pleasant and propitious. A negro from Richmond says the inhabitants there are leaving fast. They believe McClellan is coming upon them with a vengeance. The Richmond papers are bitter against the Rebel Congress. All goes well. Let the right bear sway. Your Bro. Oro, — C. A. Chaplin
1 In the New York Herald of 2 May 1862, a war correspondent reported that the women of Fredericksburg looked “as if they could swallow the entire army of live Yankees; they are riling mad and can’t help showing their dislike and hatred to the “mudsills. Their “pouting” and effeminate scowls are amusing to our troops who nearly kill the poor “secesh creatures” with their Yankee smiles and “frolicking.” There are some good looking “Ginny g’hals” here that have already struck the fancy of some of our “Bowled solder Boys,” which, if I mistake not, will in some instances bring about a Union between secesh damsels and our boys. A good chance to get a live Yankee husband will not be allowed to slip through the fingers of these young ladies; for such an excellent bargain they will readily bring their minds to the belief that secesh is a “bad egg” and won’t do to such.”
Letter 3
Camp near Fredericksburg, Va. May 16th 1862
Brothers of the Orophilian Society,
Years ago when all was peace and none [ ] could look beyond the then happy day of America and see the red cloud of war in the distance, gathering deep and dark, my voice was occasionally and feebly heard in the same hall where you now sit. But where are all those who heard it? Do they still fill the same chairs and tread the same halls or walk beneath the same cool shade? Ask the tented fields of the Sunny South. Ask the grave yards and the hospitals. As the man-of-war that plows the ocean. Ask the sentinel that walks the midnight but ask the hotly contested battle field where the clash of arms and the cannons thunder make old earth tremble and the armies of the free meet the demons of desperation to maintain a nation’s honor and a nation’s greatness and a voice filled with patriotic emotions answers, ‘Here!”
None have had brighter anticipation blasted and have sacrificed more upon the altar of their country than those whose names are enrolled upon your book. None are toiling today with a more determined will to never lay off their armor until the last traitor sleeps in his grave forever and the South acknowledges that cotton is no longer king, whose throne is the Gulf States and whose empire is the world, and all little kings and queens on earth must bow down and worship him, than those who once thronged the Orophilian Hall!
There are no braver and better soldiers in the armies of the North than those who have received their education among the free old hills of Allegany, for there they were taught to love freedom as they loved their own life and to hate the cursed institution of slavery which is today the cause of all our national trouble. Yes, it is the fountain of sin, the stream of corruption, and the gulf of wretchedness and misery! No one knows how to hate it until he goes upon the plantations and three sees it as it is and reads from the great book of nature, and from the dark faces of the degraded sons and daughters of Ham their own miserable condition. A traveler through this country meets with many aspects of interest but with very few of beauty.
The history of the country is interesting for in viewing the country today, we behold the forms, the manners, and the habits of those who lived, grew old, and passed away before the days of the Revolution, for these customs all pass down from generation to another as unchangeable as the star that keeps it’s orbit. There are but two grades of society in the South—the rich and the poor, or in other words, the slaves and the masters. The nobobs live a life of ease and a life of indolence, They have slaves to till their farms, slaves to make their clothes, slaves to cook their meat, and slaves to fan them while they sleep. They have nothing to do adn nothing to care for. They always have plenty of money and whenever their purse gets low, they sell one of their children.
The white slaves (for the poor whites are as much a slave as though they were bought and sold) live a life of trickery and a life of immorality. They stand upon the same level with the blacks. They toil by their side and go and come at the master’s bidding as much as though they were one shade darker.
The villages through Virginia “are like angel’s visits to earth, few and far between”—their streets irregular and dusty, and the buildings old and dilapidated and the walls covered with moss and cobwebs and fast going to decay. The architecture is the same today that it was two hundred years ago, without the least improvement. The most of the buildings are of a plain style with the chimney (as the soldier says) turned out door. The son patterns after the father, the grandson after the son, and the great grandson after the grandson. The planters generally select the highest point of ground on their plantation for a building spot without any reference to the road whatever, and if there is a rocky, romantic cliff there, you will find it hid among the giant oaks and shrubbery. Around these mansions, at a distance of from ten thirty yards are generally scattered from ten to twenty little log huts about the size of a Northerner’s hog pen or corn house, in which the slaves enjoy all the luxuries of the house of bondage, which is hie-cake, hard work, and the cat of nine tails. These huts are almost invariably white-washed on the outside—this is white-washing the institution, but they may white wash from now until Gabriel bids old time to end and it will be slavery still!!
This day the Stars and Stripes—the proud emblem of the free—the flag our fathers bought with blood and death—the flag which all nations honor—the flag under which we were born, have lived, and fought and expect to die, was unfurled to the breeze in sight of the capitol of Rebeldom. Wave on, old time-honored flag! May you forever proudly float over us, our children, grandchildren, till the Angels shall stand on the land and ocean and aid the world to halt them. Goodbye. — C. C.
Letter 4
Fredericksburg, Va. May 17th 1862
Dear Oros,
I sit on the shady side of my tent this afternoon playing up soldier as well as I can. The sun shines hot and there is but little energy to indulge in games of quoits or ball to pass away these long monotonous hours. As for reading matter, we have but little and when a late paper comes into camp, it is soon sought out and someone selected to read it to the crowd. We cannot leave camp and stroll about for we have to be on hand at a moment’s warning. Our camp is now about three-fourths of a mile south of the town to which place we came last Monday morning, it being necessary to have a stronger force here than there was before we came. Our frequent encroachments by the Rebel pickets had to be managed without getting out the whole brigade whenever they were so bold as to drive our men from their outposts and so five companies of our regiment now act as picket guard, the other five still patrolling the city. Each company has to go a mile or so to the front and stay 48 hours when it is relieved by another. Co. K came off yesterday morning. It was very rainy all the time we were out and as the Rebels did not make their appearance, I judge they are too delicate to endure exposure.
Last Sunday they made every appearance of an attack but from their quietness for the last few days, I think it was only a feint to cover a retreat. Brig. Gen. Shields is in command of the forces in front of us. I saw his brother-in-law and talked with him while I was on picket near his house and from what I can learn, there are only about 7,000 or 8,000 troops in this vicinity and these a contraband informs me are quietly leaving for Richmond. And from the close proximity of McClellan and his force to that place, this statement looks plausible at least.
A Brigade belonging to Gen. Banks has joined us and I understand some more are to make a junction with part of McDowell’s force at or near Gordonsville. The railroad bridge will be completed across the Rappahannock by Monday next and then the road for the transportation of supplies will be open. 1
The weather is fine and the prospects for an abundant harvest are flattering. I saw a wheat field the other day containing over a hundred acres which will be fit to harvest in a month but all the help the man has is two or three old negroes, the rest having “crossed the line.” The man’s name is Alfred Bernard, brother-in-law to Gen. Shields. His plantation is a splendid one and highly cultivated. The wheat is now being waist high. It was near the field last Sunday that the skirmish occurred. Gen. Patrick had a ball pass between him and his aide, killing his orderly’s horse in the rear of him.
May 18th. Today the camp has been all astir about a flag-of-truce which came in to Gen. Patrick’s Headquarters. A Major of the Rebel force was the bearer of the flag. He was conducted through the town blind-folded. The import of the message has not yet been ascertained. McDowell’s Corps has had orders to prepare themselves with two pairs of good shoes to each man, and as many pairs of socks. This indicates something. The bridge is now completed across the river. The news came tonight that Richmond is in our hands. They boys are all wild with enthusiasm, ready for three times three for the old Union and the success of our brave soldiers when the statement is known to be a sure thing.
The citizens of Fredericksburg are beginning to be somewhat reconciled to the presence of Union men and Union sentiments, though as Parson Brownlow says, “the Devil is in some of them yet.”
This morning at about daylight two pickets of the 35th New York Vols. were taken prisoner by the Rebels. They were careless and wandered from their posts. One day last week, one of the Harris Light Cavalry surprised a Rebel horseman and shot him dead rather than let him get away. It is believed that we go from here in a day or two. Everything is being put in readiness. The troops of this corps are in excellent discipline adn health. Gen. McDowell is highly pleased with them.
The Christian Banner has again made its appearance. It is quite bitter against the Rebellion and although some of the citizens will not patronize this paper, it finds a quite lively sale among the soldiers.
The large foundry which before our appearance here was employed by the Rebels in manufacturing guns and various kinds of machinery is now worked by some of the “detested Yankees” and their workmanship makes quite a striking contrast when compared with that of the Rebels.
A man in town—I have not learned his name—last night offered a negro $200 to fire the railroad bridge just completed and gave him the necessary instruction, but thanks to the black, he had too much honesty to thus be tempted and [ ] so he reported the man who was today arrested and the negro was rewarded. But being on guard tonight, I have not time to write more. Your true Bro. Oros, — C. A. Chapin
1 Newspaper accounts dated 13 May reported that between three and four hundred soldiers under the directions of civil engineers were engaged in building a Trestle Bridge across the river immediately over the ruins of the old Railroad bridge “which the rebels, in their madness, destroyed. This bridge is seventy-five feet in height and six hundred in length. The work progresses finely and will, if nothing happens be completed by the last of this week or the first of next, this bridge connects the Acquia Creek Road with the Richmond and Fredericksburg. When completed, communications by rail from the creek to Fredericksburg will be opened them. We look for an advance of the forces now encamped upon the east side of the river. If the work of repairing railroads and building bridges belongs to this division of the army, it will be sometime before we enter Richmond as the work of destruction along the road we are informed has been quite extensive.”
Letter 5
Three miles west of Fredericksburg, Va. May 26, 1862
I snatch a few moments this morning to write to you, not knowing however that I shall have time to complete this communication. Day before yesterday Co. K was detailed to perform picket duty again on the Bowling Green Road. Accordingly they took their post at about 7 o’clock a.m. As I was stationed on the outpost, I had an opportunity of observing somewhat closely the movements of the enemy. A few Rebel videttes were all that could be seen of the enemy during the day and they were sure to keep a good distance from our horsemen who were in the advance of our infantry lines for they were armed with Sharps carbines.
Along in the afternoon, dense volumes of smoke were visible in several places along their line, as near as I could learn, reaching from the Richmond Turnpike to the Richmond & Fredericksburg Railroad—a distance of nearly 4 miles. It was evident they were evacuating the place. At about 4 p.m.. a captain of one of the companies of the Harris Light Cavalry took his command and started on a reconnoissance. He drove in the enemy’s cavalry and proceeded far enough to ascertain the fact that they were leaving. But this fact was not communicated to the pickets ands guards so they had to keep up another night’s earnest and faithful watch.
When night came, the lights of their fires could be plainly seen not more than three or three and a half miles distant. Col. Lord of the 35th Regiment made a trip toward their camp at 5 a.m. yesterday morning and arrived with his force in sight of one of their camps just in time to witness their departure. He deemed it expedient to follow up as his force was not large enough to make it a safe movement against a superior force.
Yesterday—Sunday—at 10 a.m. the pickets and guard were taken up and orders given to be ready to march at 4. Some more of our cavalry went yesterday to reconnoiter the place and found that the enemy had actually skedaddled, burning another railroad bridge five miles south of Fredericksburg which must delay our progress three or four days—that is, if we stay to repair the road as we go, and stop whenever the enemy stops.
Yesterday afternoon three Rebel deserters came in—one Lieutenant, one Sergeant, and a Corporal. Also several contrabands. The Lieutenant said there were not over 14,000 men in front of us and not the 30,000 or 40,000 as had been stated—under General Anderson. He also stated that one regiment had 350 made to do duty and that all but 15 of his own company would desert if they were sure they could succeed. One contraband came in who had all his captain’s baggage save his tent. He was cook and when the captain started, he followed on until he came to a wood. There he hasten, making an excuse to fix his bundle. As soon as the captain and his troops had passed, he made off in the other direction and succeeded in reaching our lines.
About 3 p.m., General Gibbon’s Brigade passed our camp on the Bowling Green road accompanied by the 1st Rhode Island Battery. Yesterday morning at about half past three, Gen. Shields who had a few days before come from Gen. Banks’ column to reinforce McDowell was ordered back as it was reported that the Rebels had been working some severe mischief on Gen. Banks’ baggage train and had torn up several miles of the railroad. I have no particulars on this point—merely make mention of it. Gen. McDowell’s force before Gen. Shields left was estimated at nearly 70,000 men. Last Thursday President Lincoln was at Fredericksburg and reviewed at portion of the troops in that vicinity. The way the people’s eyes stuck out in Fredericksburg may well be imagined. They had hoped to see his head born through there as they had some of the victims of Bull Run, but that “were a delusive hope” to them. 1
“The top of cap worn by William March who was killed in civil war at Falmouth, Va., 1862 while on guard at an arsenal. The building was blown to pieces and William with it. John sent this top to mother, — E. M. M.”
Yesterday a building used by the Rebels as an arsenal near the railroad depot was blown up by means of a torpedo which was left there by them when they evacuated the town and one of Co. A, 23rd Regiment was killed. His name was [Pvt. William] March. 2 Some of the “Ladies” expressed much joy at the killing of one Yankee and up to this day the 23rd Regiment’s band has never played one of our National airs in the City. Bravo men! to be so observant of the feelings of the people of Fredericksburg!!
Five companies of this regiment are now doing guard duty in the City. The other five came to this place on the road to Gordonsville last night, three miles out of the town.
The weather is fair and pleasant yet what we are to do aside from picket and guard duty at the approaches of the city is wholly unknown to me. I do not intend to criticize the moments of this Corps but I do believe we might have given the enemy battle and routed him before he retreated to Richmond to join the force opposed to McClellan. The health of the troops here continues extremely good. — C. A. Chapin
Spared & Shared 23 