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 letters were written by Pvt. Benjamin Franklin (“Frank”) Cook (1841-1924) of Co. A, 25th Illinois Volunteers. His muster records inform us that he was a single, 20 year-old farmer with dark hair and blue eyes from Georgetown, Vermilion county, Illinois and that he towered over his comrades at 6 foot 3 inches tall. He entered the service on 1 June 1861 and remained with them until 19 August 1863 when he transferred into the 1st USCT at Winchester, Tennessee.
Frank’s parents were Enos Cook and Malinda Harris of Vermilion county, Illinois. He wrote the letter to his cousin, Josephine Cook (1847-1924), the daughter of Henderson Cook and Lucinda Trout of Georgetown, Vermilion county, Illinois.
Frank’s second letter mentions briefly the Battle of Pea Ridge that was fought on 7-8 March 1862 near Elkhorn Tavern in Arkansas. “Many of our bravest men fell, ” he told his cousin, adding, “I saw the noble-hearted soldiers laying upon the battlefield with their heads and arms shot off, weltering in their blood. Upon the Rebel side the slaughter was tremendous.”
The first four letters in this collection were written while Frank served in the 25th Illinois Infantry; the last four letters were written after he had transferred out of the regiment to accept a commission as a lieutenant in Co. E, 12th United Stated Colored Troops (USCT).
[Note : These letters are from the Sic Parvis Magna, Gratias Jesu Collection and remain in private hands. They were made available expressly for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared.]
Letter 1
St. Louis [Missouri] August 16th 1861
Dear Cousin,
I had not forgotten your folks but I cannot write to all my friends at once, nor very often. I happened to have a little leisure [time] this evening and I thought you would like to hear from us so I take my seat on the ground under my tent and using a little box for a table, I proceed to write you a few lines in a great hurry to tell you how we are getting along here in this land of slaves.
We are now encamped at the Arsenal Park, St. Louis. We live in tents made out of muslin. They are about 8 feet long and 7 feet wide and run up to a sharp top. We have to stoop down to get into them. There is seven of us occupying one tent. Some of them have 10 men crowded into them so that you can guess that we haven’t much room for kitchen or parlor.
I saw a letter just now that you wrote to Edgar [Jackson] in which you stated that you heard that we had to eat sea crackers and water. That is not so. We did have to live on sea crackers one night but we have plenty to eat now. Some of the boys grumble at what they have to eat or rather the quantity which they have to do on. The reason of that is they have lost their appetites and found a dogs in place of their own. We have a negro hired to cook for us all. He charges 70 cents per month for each man. We have first rate beds to sleep on. They are made out of our blankets spread down on the soft side of a plank or the ground with a little straw sprinkled over it. We feel first rate of a morning when we get up off of our beds.
Uncle Sam gave us a nice blue blanket apiece and a pair of new shoes, a splendid gun, and numerous other little presents. We got the guns last night. We have to drill three hours each day and stand on guard once in a while. I was on guard last night. Sylvester [Cook] is on today. This is the hardest work that we have to do. Maybe you would like to know what we do when we are not on duty? Well we can’t do much of anything the most of the time for there is so much noise all around us. Some of the boys are playing cards. Others are singing, some doing one thing and one another. Sometimes they have prayer meeting. Sometimes a dance. There are plenty of fiddlers in the regiment. Of Sundays we have preaching. But I can’t tell you anymore at present.
Tell John to be a good boy. Tell Uncle Thomas’s folks that I wish them all well but can’t write to them at present. I remain your affectionate cousin, — B. F. Cook
Write
Dear Uncle, I thought perhaps that in addition to what ideas you might gather from Josephine’s letter I would give you a few from yesterday’s proceedings which might be interesting to you. Yesterday morning St, Louis was put under martial law. Last night we expected a muss. Consequently our regiment was armed and the guards were doubled. I was on guard at the arsenal on the south wall next to the river. During the day there was 7,000 troops passed up the rive to St. Louis where they took the cars as we supposed for Springfield in the state. There was three prisoners brought ito the Arsenal yesterday. You must excuse this horrible writing for therer are two boys waiting for the paper that I write with. Tell father that I received his letter and was very grateful for the change and will answer as soon as I can. Yours, — B. F. Cook
Letter 2
Camp Welfrey, Arkansas March 16th 1862
Dear Cousin Josephine,
As I have not written to you for a long time, I thought that I would write you a short letter and tell you how we are getting along. Well we have seen some pretty hard times since we left Rolla in Missouri. We have marched about three hundred miles over all kinds of road and all kinds of weather. We have marched from morning till night over frozen ground while the snow was falling thick and fast upon us, and at night have no bed except our blankets spread down upon the cold, damp ground. And again we have marched all day through mud and rain, and at night had to cut brush or gather up cornstalks to keep our blankets out of the mud.
We have always had plenty to eat so far when we have had time to cook. When Uncle Sam can’t get provisions to us, we have to take it from the inhabitants, but when they are at home we always leave them enough to do them a while. A great many of them have left their homes and gone south leaving almost everything they possessed. When this is the case, we don’t leave them much.
A few days ago we fought a great battle and won a great victory. Many of our bravest men fell. I saw the noble-hearted soldiers laying upon the battlefield with their heads and arms shot off, weltering in their blood. Upon the Rebel side the slaughter was tremendous. But I have not time to tell you much about the battle. If you will go to our house, you can read a letter which I wrote to father in which I described the battle more fully.
Well, Josephine, I suppose that you are going to school. If you are, my advice to you is to learn all you can for you can hardly appreciate the value of an education now but when you are your own woman, you will then see its value. How I wish that I could be at school now instead of being out here in Arkansas.
Tell John that I said for him to be a good boy and go to school and make a man of himself in spite of the world. And tell Katy that she must be a good girl and when I come home, I will bring her and Emma some nice presents. Give my love to your mother and father and tell them to write to me. And write to me yourself.
I remain your affectionate cousin, — B. F. Cook
P. S. You must forgive me for not paying postage for we can’t get stamps out here. Direct your letters to St. Louis in care of Captain Clark of the 25th Illinois Volunteers.
Letter 3
Nashville, Tennessee November 17th 1862
Dear Cousin Josephine,
As I have a little time this evening, I will try to write you a letter, but you must not think strange if it does not amount to much for I cannot find very much to write about at this time. Our present camp is situated on the northern bank of the Cumberland river, just opposite the City of Nashville. We received our tents a few days ago and are now pretty well fixed for living in regular soldier style and you may guess that the 25th Illinois boys know about as well how to make themselves comfortable when they have a half chance as the most of soldiers.
It is supposed by the General Commanding our Division (Gen. Jeff C. Davis) that we will hold this post all winter. If this be so, we will have a good time this fall putting up our winter quarters. I am in hopes, however, that the tarnel war will end before Christmas for I want to come home and take dinner at your house on that day. I often wish that I could be at your mother’s table and eat of her good cookeries when we are scarce of hard bread and pork. I will tell you what we had for dinner today which was a little extra. We had cornbread and meat and stewed pumpkins. Coffee bean. Was not that a splendid dinner?
Josephine, you must not think that I am grumbling at the fare for I am as hearty as a bear. I weighed the other day one hundred and eighty pounds. Don’t you think I am a “big boy” for certain? If we stay here till after we get our pay, I intend to get my picture taken and send it home so that you can all see me for I am afraid I will not get to come home very soon.
Elwood Hadden was here just now. He belongs to McNutt’s Company in the 73rd Illinois. He says that Marquis Hawes is very sick and is expecting his father to see him. I suppose that George Baker, James Hall, and Clark Brant are at home by this time as they started some time ago. Those fellows in the new regiments are not very well satisfied. They are nearly all homesick. They have not learned how to take a joke cooly like the old soldiers. If the 25th Illinois boys can get plenty to eat and wear, and plenty of fighting to do, they never grumble.
Sylvestor [Cook] is well and considers himself as good as the best of them. Alonzo and Edgar [Jackson] is learning to play on a bugle. I believe that all of our boys are well except John Ryan. He I believe is getting a discharge from the service.
Tell Katy that I often think of her and when I come home I intend to bring her and Emma a nice present. Tell John that he is big enough to write a letter and I would like to read one from him very much. Give my love to your mother and father and all the folks. Your cousin, — B. F. Cook
Letter 4
[Nashville, Tennessee] [December 1862]
Sunday night
Well JOsephine, while I am here “away down in Tennessee” in my old smoky tent trying to write you a letter, where are you? Are you at church where the pretty girls always go? Are you at home with Pa, Ma, Katy and Johnny and little “Sigel” talking over the events of the day, cravking hickory nuts or reading some nice book? I am all alone except our colored [ ] Cane, the cook, and he is so sound asleep that he don’t know his head from a washtub. The horns are blowing and the drums are beating Tattoo which means for everybody to go to bed. But they may blow their brains out and beat their drum heads in. I am not going to bed till I finish this letter.
As you told me how you was getting along at school, I must tell you how I am getting along with the war. There are two fellows in my mess besies me and “Cane”—the quartermaster’s clerk, and Joseph Carson, my assistant. Wright is a first rate little fellow. So is Carson. But Cane—he is blacker than—well, I can’t think of anything as black as “Cane” unless it would be a stack of “black cats.” But Cane is not so bad as he is black. He can make very good bread and not get one bit of black into it for you see the black won’t rub off. But I’ll tell you what is so. He burned some of the black off of one of his hands one day and he was very proud of it, So much so that he kept it—the white spot—tied up in a rag for a long time. Our mess, you see, is very small. Consequently we get along finely. I will try to content myself with this mess until the war ends. Then I intend to start a new mess entirely. I won’t have but one person in it. If you see any right pretty and smart young lady, just tell her about me. She must be a good cook for I intend to turn Cane off when I start the new mess for I can’t afford to have more than two cooks in my mess after I leave Uncle Sam. I will be one cook; she the other.
Tell Katy I would like very much to see her “Little Sigel” and that I intend to bring her a present when I come home from the war. Tell your mother that as I can’t be at her Christmas feast this year, to invite the biggest eater in yours to eat my share for no common little man could fill the bill. Tell John to have all the fun he can on Christmas day but not make himself sick.
Write soon. From your cousin, — B. F. Cook
Letter 5
Murfreesboro, Tennessee February 9th 1863
Dear cousin Josephine,
I have just finished reading your very interesting letter bearing date February 1st 1863 and have seated myself to answer it as well as I can. So,Josephine, while you are at home surrounded by your little brother, sister, Mother and Father, never think that I am traveling over any trouble whatever. I never voluntarily draw a damper over my feelings on any account. I have learned long since to make the best of everything. If the sun shines and everything seems bright and lovely, I try to make my feelings accord with nature. In other words, to appreciate God’s blessings. On the other hand, if clouds of darkness gather round me, and new troubles and difficulties place themselves in my path, I only summon all my courage and make one grand charge right over them but never despond. Gloominess only visits those who accept her company.
We had a grand ball here on New Years. It lasted several days and I assure you, we had a lively time of it—one that will not be soon forgotten as it carried sorrow to many a mother’s heart. Many, many have youths yielded up their lives to sutain our glorious cause and rescue from the grasp of traitors our Nation’s emblems.
Our company was very fortunate, it is true. Yet it was not unscathed. Poor George Brady received his death warrant here. Thomas Agnew is fearfully wounded. So is Mike Beckel. They—poor fellows—will never again respond to the bugle’s call. Other too were hurt but not so seriously as those I have mentioned.
I am pleased to hear that you have a good school and I exhort you, Josephine, to improve your opportunity to learn, for you can place no value upon an education. It is beyond price. It is no fault of your teacher that he requires you to write compositions for you can do nothing else so much calculated to improve your language and strengthen your mind. I also think that the teacher acts very judiciously in giving you the subject on which he wishes you to write as this enables you to set your mind immediately to work upon the subject instead of sending it out in search of some favorite theme. Besides, you by this means acquire a habit of writing upon the subject, or any subject, placed before your mind for consideration. Would to God that my opportunities for receiving an education had not been cut short so soon. I can conceive of nothing that would give me so much pleasure today as to be allowed the privilege of returning to school for the little learning which I had already acquired affords me more happiness than all other things. Besides, for htis reason, I lose as little time as I can even while I am in the army. I always find something to study in my leisure hours. At present, I am studying Abercrombie’s Mental Philosophy. I find it rather interesting but not as good a work as Upham’s which I studied before I left home.
Tell your mother that she was quite welcome to the picture or I would not have sent it, but if she exhibits it as you said and some of the fair ones should fall in love with it, I shall have to acknowledge myself under a thousand obligations for I have spent no little pains to induce someone to fall in love with the original, but all in vain. However, I shall feel more hopeful in the future as you think the girls are all determined to have soldiers for husbands. But I fear you underestimate the value of promising young lads at home. They may be worth more than you think for.
As to my mess, it has changed some since I wrote you before. Old Cane has left us. Our present cook is a young fellow with black hair, black eyes, and (I had like to have said rosy cheeks) fat cheeks—his face is as round as the full moon. We have plenty to eat and drink. Plenty of clothes and good beds to sleep on. In short, we have a huge old time. Excuse me, I forgot to mention our other boy. He is as black as any other nigger. We keep him to do chores and sing for us. He is a jolly Nig. I guess that considering all things, I can stand it the war out—especially as you promise to give me a pretty mess mate when I come home.
Tell Jane Smith that I will consider her case, but I had much rather here from her personally as I would be much better enabled to judge how smart she is by her correspondence. As to her qualities as a cook, I shall have to judge afterwards. Helen Yapp—bless her little picture. Tell her that she shall have a man and a soldier too if I have to search the whole army over to find one that will please her fairly. Tell her to write ,e another nice letter like the one that she and Sarah Thompson wrote me a long time ago and I will tell here about the bravest of the brave boys that fought at Murfreesboro.
Sylvester [Cook] is well as ever, and is out after the butternuts now. He was gone when your father’s letter came to camp so I opened and read it for him. Edgar [Jackson] is in camp. He was taken prisoner at the Battle of Stones River and was paroled. Consequently he cannot go out against the Rebs until he is exchanged. Alonzo is out with the company. Wm. Hesler was here but did not get to see George as he was with the company also. He started home day before yesterday.
The weather is very warm here today. Spring will be here in a few more weeks. I hear this minute a bird singing his songs of spring. Dinner is ready and I have run short for ideas so that I will have to cease writing for the present. This leaves me well and hearty. Give my love to all enquiring friends. I remain your affectionate cousin, — B. F. Cook
Letter 6
Section 38, N & NW [Nashville & Northwestern] Railroad 1 December 12th 1863
Dear Cousin Josephine,
I received your letter of the eighth of November some time ago but have been to busy to answer until the present hour. You must not think hard of me for not writing in answer to yours sooner for it is owing to no indisposition on my part, but owing to circumstances which I am not able to govern. And I assure you that I am always glad to get a letter from you or any of my connections or friends.
I am glad to hear you have a good school and a good teacher. Let me advise you as I always have done before, to take the advantage held out to you for gaining an education. Waste no time while you are young, for you cannot always enjoy the privileges of youth. Tell John that it is very right for him to love the little girls, and be polite to them. But he must not think so much about them or talk so much about them as to neglect his books if he wishes to become a good and noble man and a blessing to the society he lives in.
I am sorry to say that I have never been able to learn anything in relation to our cousin Alonzo. I fear he has found a grave in the land of traitors. But let us hope not. [– Frank]
1 Construction on the Nashville & Northwestern Railroad began in the fall of 1863, supervised by the 1st Michigan Engineers. Several thousand conscripted African Americans made up the bulk of the work force. Companies of the 12th and 13th United States Colored Infantries guarded the laborers from raids by Confederate troops and guerillas. Steamboats carried supplies up the Tennessee River to Johnsonville. The Nashville and Northwestern then carried the supplies to Nashville, where they were shipped to Gen. William T. Sherman’s army in Georgia.
Letter 7
Camp 12th US Colored Troops Section 53 N&NW Railroad February 4th 1864
Dear Cousin Josephine,
I have received your kind letter of the 26th of January. Am happy to know that you are all well and can say in return that I never enjoyed better health in my life than at the present time. And besides, am having a good share of fun. As I have not time to write much this time, I will just tell you about some new cousins I have found from the station with the train loaded with provisions a few days ago. I stopped at a house near the road in order to allow the wagons to get ahead as I could travel much faster on horseback than the train could move through the mud. I found the house to be occupied by some very fine people who by the way were not brought up in these parts. The family consists of three handsome young ladies, their father and step mother. Their name is Harris. I first tried to claim kin with the old man but he could not see that we were related as his parents had come from a different part of the world from that which my fore parents of that name emigrated. But the young ladies and myself agreed that we must at least be cousins or let it be as it would, we would play that we were cousins while I was in this place so that I would have a good excuse for visiting them often. My near cousins names are as follows—Sallie, Carrie, and Missouri. Sallie is the prettiest. Now our officers don’t know but what we really are cousins. The girls will ask them about “Cousin Frank” and look as honest as preachers. Carrie looks very much like you or at least like you use to.
You think me selfish for wishing to see but one? I didn’t mean to say that I did not care to see any of the others but that I had one favorite in the number. But I don’t like to tell who it is that I would rather see. Give my love to all, I remain your affectionate cousin, — Frank
Letter 8
Camp 12th U.S.C.T. March 9th 1864
Dear cousin Josephine,
I have just received your letter written on the last day of February. It found me well and enjoying myself as usual. I was as usual very glad to get your letter and to hear that all are well at home. I am very sorry indeed to hear of such a sad accident as that which happened in Caroll Moore’s family. It must have been a severe trial for Mrs. Moore. I am pleased to know that Capt. Clark has made his escape from the rebels. I wish all the prisoners in Libby could be as successful. 1 I am sorry that Sylvester [Cook] has to go back to the regiment for he will not see as easy a time there as in the fort. I have not been back to see my new cousins since I wrote you last, but Sallie has been married lately to an officer in the 13th U. S. C. T.
You need not be alarmed about my falling in love with any of the girls in Tennessee for I am going to marry and Illinois girl when this cruel war is over. But I must tell you what some Tennessee ladies said about me—but you must not accuse me of egotism. I was out foraging last Saturday and Sunday. I stayed all night in Vernon, Tennessee and one of my men overheard some ladies when he was on guard talking about the Lieutenant. He says that they all agreed that he (the Lieutenant) was the best looking Yankee they had ever seen. I thought that was quite a compliment. Since I wrote you last, we have quite an addition to our family. The 2nd Lieutenant’s wife and baby have come down from Illinois to pay him a visit. I don’t know how long they will stay. Since their arrival, the Capt. and I have built us a new house, as you know it was no more than polite in us to give up our old one to the Lieutenant and his family. But we have not lost anything by the change (for we went to Williamsville and knocked the side off of an old store house and tore up the floor and built us a cozy little cottage with a nice little window and a fireplace with a mantle board over it.
You must excuse me for this time for I am so sleepy that I can hardly see what I am writing. Give my love to all. I remain yours truly, — Frank
1 I believe Frank is referring to Capt. Terrence Clark of the 79th Illinois Infantry who was captured at the Battle of Chickamauga in September 1863 and taken to Libby Prison in Richmond, Virginia. He arrived at Libby Prison on 29 September. By 25 October he and others had hatched a plan to tunnel out of Libby Prison. See Tunnel Escape.
Letter 9
Camp Section 18, N. N. W. R. Tennessee September 4, 1864
My dear cousin.
I was very much pleased this evening to receive your good letter of the 29th of last month. You do me great injustice cousin by supposing that I don’t want to hear from you because you failed to get my last letter, or rather because you failed to get an answer to your last. There are none of my relatives whose letters are more welcome than are those of my cousin Josephine. You must remember that the mails are very uncertain at times, and also that a soldier cannot always do as he wishes. I have seen the time when I would have been glad of the privilege of writing letters to my friends when I could not. When I get a letter I always try to answer immediately but often I cannot, and having a great many things to think of, sometimes I forget to whom letters are due. So after this when you write to me and in due time do not get a reply, write again and again if necessary, but never get angry or suppose that I don’t care to hear from you for then you wrong yourself and your cousin. There is never any time lost in writing letters even if we never get answers to them.
We have had some excitement here within the last week. Forrest and Wheeler have been within twenty-five miles of us with between five and six thousand men. Our forces from Nashville had quite a fight with him at Lavergne and Franklin but they whipped him and started him on his way to “Dixie” with a heavy force at his heels. We were on the lookout for some of the raiders to give us a call and some of them did come within four miles of us. Our colored boys seem very much slighted. They are anxious to show their ability to fight rebels. You would have been pleased to have seen them and heard them talk during the excitement. As we had just received a fresh supply of ammunition and the detachment above us on the road was almost out, it became necessary for us to loan them a few boxes until their came up. When they were being carried from the fort and placed in the wagon, the boys gathered around and watched the transfer with as visible signs of sorrow depicteds on every feature of their rough and black, but honest faces as though they were witnessing the burial of their nearest and best friend. What a contrast between these sable defenders of the flag and the cursed Copperheads of the North and their brethren—the rebels of the South. These blacks are willing to throw their lives, if necessary, into the clutches of death to save a government from dissolution that has ever been anything but a blessing to them as a people, while the rebels, north and south, are anxious to see the destruction of the government that has always been a source of the greatest blessings ever enjoyed by any people.
You must excuse these blots for its in fault of my pen. Strange as it may seem, we haven’t a good pen in our shebang. We will have some soon, however. We have had very hot weather here for the last few days. Fruit is in great abundance here—peaches especially are splendid. I was astonished at the prices of articles with you. We buy all the articles you mentioned except dry goods fully as cheap as you do. We have bought potatoes at $1.50 per bushel. I can’t tell when I will come home. Don’t look for me till you see me coming. Tell Aunt Lucinda that I would like very much indeed to be at the barbecue of her pig but I don’t know whether I will have the privilege or not. Mrs. Lieut. D. G. Cooke has gone home. She concluded she could not make it convenient to go by Georgetown. The Lieutenant expects her back soon. I have nothing more of interest to write. I believe so I will close. Give my love to Pa, Ma, Johnny and Katy and the baby, and reserve a portion for yourself. Write often as convenient and I wil answer. Tell all the friends to write. I am your affectionate cousin, — B. F. Cook
Please don’t show this to anyone. It is so blotted I am ashamed of it. — Frank
No. 2
Well, Josephine, who told you that I had found a little Tennessee wife? If I have a wife in Tennessee, or any other state, I have never had the pleasure of making her acquaintance. If anyone will be so good as to tell me where I can find her, I will be under lasting obligations to them. I think it very doubtful whether I get home this winter or not. Don’t look for me until you see me coming. I would be very happy indeed could I be permitted to spend the Holidays at home this winter but I fear I shall not. I wish that I could have been at the party you spoke of in your letter. Not so much for the part as for the happiness it would give me to meet one of the persons spoke of in your letter. You may guess who that person was but I can’t tell you just now.
Give my love to your Ma and Pa, Katy, John and little Sigel. Remember me kindly to all my friends if I have any.
As I have lately been promoted to a 1st Lieutenancy, you will have to direct to Lt. B. F. Cook, Co. E, 12th USC Troops, N & N W Railroad, Tennessee
The following diary was kept by Gillis James McBane (1829-1914) who proudly boasted of his having been the first white child born in Logansport, Indiana. His parents apparently died early in his life for in the 1850 and 1860 census records he was enumerated with an old brother named Thomas P. McBane (1823-1878) who lived in Anoka, Cass county, Indiana, where he served as the postmaster. Gillis never married and after his brother’s death, went to live in Walla Walla, Washington, and later Moscow, Idaho. It should be noted that the family surname was more likely McBean which is the way it appears on Thomas’s headstone.
Gillis enlisted in 1862 as a sergeant in Co G, 73rd Indiana Volunteer Infantry, which was a part of the Army of the Cumberland. He participated in the battles of Stones River, Decatur, Perryville, Athens and many skirmishes with his regiment. On 30 December 1862 he was taken prisoner at the Battle of Stones River and placed in Libby Prison. He claimed to have been held a prisoner at Libby Prison for 3 months (even 6 months as stated in an obituary) though his diary informs us that he did not arrive in Richmond and placed in Castle Thunder Prison until January 16, 1863 and that he was exchanged on 3 February 1863—just over two weeks later. His diary informs us that he was transferred from Castle Thunder to Libby Prison on 27 January until the date of his exchange a week later. Incredibly, Gillis spent as much or more time in captivity being transported throughout the South in rude box cars than he did in the Richmond prisons—rarely given the opportunity to step outside the cars and given almost nothing to eat.
It was nearly a year before Gillis returned to his regiment but we learn from his diary this absence was not due to a lengthy stay in Richmond as a prisoner-of-war, but because he accepted temporary duty at the parole camp in Annapolis, Maryland, working as a cook and a carpenter.
Since Gillis never married, his diary was lost for a time but finally surfaced some years ago and was transcribed by a woman named Judy Lee who was able to attribute it to Gillis. I understand this diary was published in the Indiana Genealogist, March 2010 though it is not available to the public without a subscription.
[Note: This diary is now in the personal collection of Sally Ivey and she has made it able for me to publish on Spared & Shared.]
1862
July 21st —Journal of Camp Life. I enlisted in the service of the USA in Logansport and got a leave of absence to go out to my work near Monticello.
Saturday, 26th—Returned to Logansport and home.
Tuesday 29th—Went to Logan. Stayed all night at D. S. P.
Wednesday 30th—Took the train 8 A.M. for South Bend. Had a huge time on the cars, some being highly spirited from the excessive use of ardent spirits. Arrived in Camp Rose 10 P.M. We being first squad in camp, found supper ready, drew our blankets and looked for a soft place on the ground to rest our weary limbs.
Thursday August 2nd—Found the company in various circumstances. Those that were high spirited from the use of whiskey the day previous was low spirited now.
Sunday August 10th—I with Orderly Sergt. G. A. Vanness attended church up to…
Monday August 11th—We had but little military discipline in camp. We had the honor to escort the first company to camp and also the remainder of Co. G. In the eve we escorted Co. H to camp and had supper awaiting them.
Wednesday August 13th—At 6 p.m. we had our first dress parade and did well.
Thursday August 14th—Rained all day. Dress parade at 6 p.m. The fair sex said Co. G. was best on parade.
Friday August 15th—Moved quarters from tents to barracks.
Saturday August 16th—The ladies of the Bend gave the soldiers a dinner which we all did ample justice. 1
1 The regiment not only furnished a dinner to the Camp Rose soldiers, but they presented a “fine silk flag” to them and Indiana Congressman Schuyler Colfax gave them a speech.
Thursday August 21st—The 73rd Regiment left Camp Rose for the land of Dixie and was escorted to the depot by the citizens and left amidst cheers and flags. Arrived at Indianapolis 11 p.m. and ordered to Louisville, Kentucky. Arrived at Jeffersonville 10 a.m., laid over until 3 p.m. and crossed the river and marched through the principal streets of Louisville. The dust raised in such clouds that we could hardly distinguish each other. Through the dense fog of dust we could discern the form of many ladies greeting us with cheers. We went into camp one mile south of Louisville.
Friday August 23rd—Finds us in camp and other troops in view. We drew our muskets 2 and knapsacks.
2 Harper’s Ferry muskets were distributed to the men which caused many of them to grumble for they had expected Springfield or Enfield rifles rather than smoothbores. These muskets fired buck and ball and proved effective only at close range.
Sunday August 24th—We struck tents 6 p.m. and took the train for Lexington.
Monday, August 25th—Finds us in Lexington. We marched out one mile to where the 55th had been camped but was then at Richmond, Kentucky. We took some refreshments, then marched 1 ½ miles south of Lexington when we stopped until Saturday.
Saturday, August 30th at 7 p.m., we took up our line of march for Richmond, Kentucky. Marched all night.
Sunday, August 31st—At 10 a.m. we arrived at the Kentucky River and rested till 12 m. and found we was in the wrong pew as [Lt. Gen. Edmund] Kirby Smith had crossed the river with 30,000 and was advancing on us and commenced cannonading our retreat at 2 o’clock p.m. We then seen a heavy fog of dust raising to our left and heading us off and supposing them to be the enemy, we formed a line of battle to make a gallant charge. But when they arrived, it was the Pennsylvania cavalry come to our aid. At 4 p.m., commenced raining. Myself, Lindol Smith, William Jacks and Ephraim Powell being unwell, stopped for the night in a barn.
Monday September 1st—At day break, beat our march on to Lexington and arrived 11 a.m. Found all in excitement. At dusk, shouldered guns and knapsacks and marched through Lexington and marched all night.
Tuesday morn, September 2nd—Found us marching and marched all day and at 10 p.m., arrived at Frankfort and expected to rest until morn, but being pressed by the enemy, we had to resume our march at 1 a.m.
Wednesday September 3rd—The 3rd morn still found us drudging along with sore feet and suffering for food and water. We marched until 11 p.m. and called a halt.
Thursday September 4th—At 2 a.m. we again pursued our journey. At 10 a.m., we entered Shelbyville. I and Dick Moss and 1st Sergt. Co. F was detailed to press teams to haul the sick and entered town in advance of the train. We found plenty to eat and drink on the streets the first 3 or 4 days. I & J. & S. called at an Inn and fared sumptuously. [Just] as the regiment was entering the town, they were attacked in the rear and had to double quick through town and form line of battle. We suffered from the heat of the day and fatigue. When we would halt, many would fall to sleep, exhausted. We marched all day and night.
Friday September 5th—The dawn found us laying on the pike, very tired and sore. We marched till 3 p.m. and arrived in the vicinity of Louisville.
Saturday September 6th—Got up to roll call sore and tired. From this date for several days we moved camp 3 or 4 times.
September 22nd—The morn found us in camp in full view of Louisville. The day was pleasant.
Tuesday, September 23rd—I & John Walters and [David] E. Pryor prepared something for the detail to eat and go to bed.
Wednesday, September 24th—At roll call at 4 a.m., Co. G goes on picket. Relieved from duty 1 p.m., I and Edward Lucas and Finla Pawling went to the cemetery and to tavern and got some lemonade there. Back to quarters at 7 p.m.
Thursday, September 25th—Fell into line in entrenchment at 3 ½ a.m. Returned to quarters at 5 a.m. and breakfasted on yam yam [sweet potatoes] and coffee and performed our duties as usual for the day.
Friday September 26th—Called up at 4 a.m. Co. G went out on picket. Weather fair.
Saturday morn, September 27th—Finds me on picket post and it raining. Relieved at 10 a.m. Come to camp. Found some visitors from the Ninth Regt. (J. Banta, J.Chilcut, M. Pratt, J. Miller). Stayed all night.
Sunday, September 28th—The day was hot. Rained every hour or so.
Tuesday September 30th—We had monthly inspection. Afternoon struck tents and moved quarters south of town. Got supper and got to bed.
Wednesday, October 1st—We was called up at 3 a.m., struck tents for marching, but the division did not move till 2 p.m. Myself and [David E.] Pryor was detailed to guard the baggage. We had a huge supper. We had butter, sweet potatoes, Hoosier cake, and pies. Fifer [William H. H.] Smith and Isaac Sheeder went for chicken.
Thursday, October 2nd—Had a good breakfast—potatoes, tomatoes, cabbage, butter, &c. [David E.] Pryor and myself went to Express Office, got a box of provisions sent from home. In evening, put our baggage in the wagons and got in and traveled 15 miles that night. Arrived at R. 11 P.M.
Friday morn, October 3rd—Up at 4 a.m. After laying all night in the rain and no shelter, took up our line of march. At 7 a.m. went through Mt. Washington occupied the day previous by Rebs. Then crossed Salt River on rail[road] bridge as the Rebs burnt the [other] bridge. We went through cornfield and woods.
Saturday, October 4th—We again started for Bardstown 15 miles distant. We went 8 miles in a forward direction, then flanked off past Fairfield. We marched very fast and it [was] raining. At 4 p.m. the cavalry skirmished in our advance. We camped at 9 p.m. in sight of Bardstown.
Sunday, October 5th—Got breakfast which consisted of one cracker and raw bacon. Then went into town. Poor houses. Captured 100 sick Rebs in hospital and some other prisoners.
Monday, October 6th—We marched over mountainous country. Marched all day and night until 3 o’clock in the morn. Myself, Orderly [Garrett] Van Ness. Lieut. J[oseph] A. Westlake and [David] E. Pryor fell out at 11 p.m. in a meadow and slept till daybreak the 7th. We then marched to camp six miles cross Beech River. Got to camp at breakfast time.
Tuesday, October 7th—On the bank of Beech River, myself and Seth Pratt took a huge wash and filled our canteens with water. Orders to march at 10 a.m. [but were] in line until 12 M.—then we marched. We passed through Bloomfield—a small town, all secesh. I saw one Union flag. Travel slow. Water scarce. Camped for night. Cooked with poor water. Hog wallow.
Wednesday, October 8th—Orders to march at 9 a.m. and countermanded till 3 p.m. We marched 10 miles near Perryville. Brought on an engagement, heavy firing on both sides. We dismounted several guns. Camped in sight of the enemy. Not allowed to build fires.
The Battle of Perryville
Thursday, October 9th—We advanced at 4 a.m. fired a few shots, but no reply. The enemy retreated. We went through Perryville at 4 p.m. Camped in the rebel camp. Several houses in town badly shattered by shot and shell. Camped at Cave Spring. Plenty of water.
Friday October 10th—As I staid up until midnight night cooking, I had batter cakes for breakfast. We marched at 6 a.m. Went through the battlefield. The ground was covered with the dead. The hospitals was all full of dead and dying. We then marched in line of battle and heavy firing on our right and left. Went into camp at 2 p.m. Rain all afternoon. Co. G went out on picket. I took charge of the outside post of Co. G. We built rail pen and covered with fodder. I laid down and tried to sleep. Too cool and wet.
Saturday, October 11th—It rained all night. Made coffee. The boys had [all] drank their coffee but me. I had my coat off drying at the fire when [John Hunt] Morgan and his men came in yelling and firing upon us like drunken Indians. I had to lose my coffee. We retreated back to camp and formed a line of battle. We opened fire on them with artillery and sent them back with some riders less. We moved forward towards Harrodsburg, scouting the country as we went, taking many prisoners. Got to Harrodsburg at 4 p.m. Laid in town till dark. Moved 1 mile.
Diary entries following the Battle of Perryville
Sunday, October 12th—I got up early and had nothing to eat for breakfast. We marched at 9 a.m. Come upon the enemy. Formed line of battle and marched all day in that position. We skirmished all day with the musketry and artillery, our regiment being in advance. Returned back to the division to draw rations at night.
Monday, October 13th—We advanced six or eight miles. Camped on a high hill ½ mile from Danville. We stayed all day and part of the night (very hot).
Tuesday, October 14th—Called up at 2 a.m. Got breakfast at 3 a.m. Marched toward camp Dick Robinson, double quicked six miles. We have heard cannonading. We went into a grove until 4 p.m. We then marched through Stanford and camped 2 miles from town.
Wednesday, October 15th—Breakfasted on yam yam. Cannonading heard all night. At 7 a.m. we moved for Crab Orchard. Heavy cannonading all forenoon. Went through town 12 M. Marched 9 miles distance. Went into camp 8 p.m. Surrounded with a beautiful scenery of mountains. Cool.
Thursday, October 16th—Up early. Heavy dews. Drew rations and fell in line and marched at 9 a.m. 1 ½ miles and rested on the side of a mountain until 4 p.m. Then went back to old camp.
Friday, October 17th—The wagons came up with our knapsacks. I got a clean shirt and I and Edward Lucus went to the creek and washed. While there Ed brought me three letters from home. Myself, Moss Wilson, Garrett A. Van Ness, Isaac Sheeder and Seth Pratt bought some cakes, pies, biscuit at Kentucky sutler and had a huge supper.
Saturday, October 18th—Up and into line and marched through Mount Vernon for Wild Cat and captured co. rebels we laid. The road was filled full of timber by the enemy. We then turned back and went into camp 3 at 3 p.m. Water plenty and good.
3 The encampment was about seven miles from Mount Vernon, Rock Castle County. It came to be known by the men as “Camp Starvation” due to the short rations and scarcity of farms to pilfer food from.
Sunday, October 19th—We arose at leisure. We was surrounded on all sides with high mountains and laid still all day. Something unusual for us on Sunday. Wrote letters.
Monday October 20th—Got up, got breakfast for Ed Lucas and myself. Drew rations. Ed Lucas got potatoes and apples. I went to the highest mountain and wrote a letter to x.
Tuesday, October 21st—Myself and Ed went foraging. I caught a pig for breakfast.
Wednesday, October 22nd—We fell in line and marched at 5 a.m. No rest until 9. We went back the same road as far as Stanford, 30 miles, and camped at 4 p.m. Draw four days rations. Not quite half rations.
Thursday, October 23rd—Marched at 5 a.m. The air cool, heavy frost. Pass Stanford. Took a new road. Camp at 4 p.m. [four miles from Hustonville.]
Friday, October 24th—Resumed our march 3 ½ a.m. Marched from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. without resting and passed through Liberty and cross a mountain 5 miles across. I with many others fell out. I & William Etmier come in camp at 11 p.m. Six of Co. G got in with the regiment. Cool.
Saturday, October 25th—At 7 a.m., started for Columbia 18 miles distant. It rained all forenoon. I & [William] Etmier fell out. I got something to eat. It snowed all afternoon. We pass Hustonville. Come in camp at dusk. Co. G got 2 tents—the first we seen for 2 months. I and Dick Moss went for a tent and covered up with it.
Sunday, October 26th—I got up. Found ourselves covered with 4 inches snow. We pitched 2 more tents.
Monday, October 27th—Finds us in camp. We go on inspection. I wrote 2 or 3 letters. In the evening Ed Lucas and David Pryor brought in chickens and onions.
Tuesday October 28th—Myself and Corp. Ben Banta and Corp. Isaac Sheeder went to Columbia. Got a bottle of stomach bitters, cheese, crackers, &c. andn feasted on the bank of Green river among the laurel.
Wednesday, October 29th—Clean up quarters. Go to creek, washed my shirt and pants. Went in and took a swim. Go to camp, made my supper on oysters.
Thursday, October 30th—We struck tents and marched at 5 a.m. Went through Columbia. Travel through poor country six miles without seeing a house. Traveled 25 miles. I seen one pretty girl. Co. G goes out on picket. We was relieved at 1 a.m. and went to the reserve. I pulled grass for my bed.
Friday, October 31st—Myself, Sgt. Alexander Wilson, Corp. Richard Moss, instead of going to camp with company, we call at tavern in the city of Edmonton. Got our breakfast and wait till the regiment pass along,[then] joined company and march until 2 p.m. Went in camp—the earliest for some time. We camped on a large farm. The owner has two sons in the Rebel army. This the third army camped on his place. We piled his rails. I and Sgt. Alexander Wilson and Corp. Richard Moss was put under arrest simply for eating hot biscuits and fried chicken, &c.
Saturday, November 1st—We struck tents and moved at 4 a.m. Passed though Glasgow at 9 a.m. Went 2 miles farther and camped.
Sunday, November 2nd—Up early. Lay in camp all day.
Monday, November 3rd—Up at 4 a.m. The night was cold. Drawed 5 days rations. John K. Anderson died and was buried at 7 p.m. The night was beautiful. We bought a nice coffin and give him a decent burial .
Tuesday, November 4th—The night cold. The leaves begin to decay.
Wednesday, November 5th—We started at 6 a.m. Crossed the Cumberland River at 10 a.m. on a pontoon bridge. Slow crossing—one at a time. Go through Scottsville—disagreeable.
Thursday November 6th—The night cold and wet. Co. G was on brigade guard.
Friday, November 7th—In line and marched at 5 a.m. Chilly weather. Crossed all day the first state line 12 M. Snowed all day. The first house that represented the state of Tennessee had no glass in the windows but a darkey’s head in the place of glass (black glass). Hilly country and poor soil. Cold.
Saturday, November 8th—The brigade moved out at 1 p.m. to surprise the enemy at Gallatin, Tennessee. Had a slight skirmish. The Rebs [Morgan’s Cavalry] fled. We camped three miles south of town on the bank of the Cumberland River.
Sunday, November 9th—I put the day in at the river and cracking nuts and writing letters.
Monday, November 10th—Struck tents and marched at 6 a.m. and crossed the Cumberland river on trestles and boards. The bank was solid rock—30 feet perpendicular. Pass a scope of timber—all cedar, and come into the Mumfordsville and Nashville Pike. Passed a beautiful residence. Camp at Silver Springs.
Tuesday, November 11th—Laid in camp all day except myself, Patrick C. Johnson, and Jehu P. Weaver was out gathering hickory nuts. Report our baggage captured.
Wednesday November 12th—The regiment was in line at 5 a.m. and raining. Then sent guns. Cold.
Thursday, November 13th—In camp all day.
Friday, November 14th—Nothing occurred unusual.
Saturday, November 15th—Our brigade went to Lebanon and back to engage Gen. Morgan but no Morgan. 22 miles.
Sunday, November 16th—At day break I went to Silver Springs for water for breakfast. J. Patrick was over to see me.
Monday, November 17th—A dreary, rainy day.
Tuesday, November 18th—No wood on the woodpile. I made some mush. Buried one of our company [Samuel C. Hess who died of] brain fever.
Wednesday, November 19th—We struck tents at 5 a.m. and got in line and it raining. We stood around in the rain until 12 M, then started. The mud on the pike was 3 inches deep. Rained till 4 p.m. We passed General Jackson’s residence [the Hermitage].
Thursday, November 20th—We started on our march at daylight. Crossed Stone River on rails. Went into camp at 2 p.m. I got Edward Scully’s cap and gathered us some walnuts.
Friday, November 21st—We pitched tents, policed guns. Stony ground.
Saturday, November 22nd—Co. G on brigade guard. We heard the whistle of the locomotive—the first for 2 months.
Sunday, November 23rd—Heavy frost. Got breakfast, made some cake out of soaked crackers. No services in camp. I put in time writing.
Monday November 24th—The company was out on drill. The boys from the 9th [Indiana] Regiment was over. Cousin F. J. Patrick and J. Peters was over to see me.
Tuesday, November 25th—Orders to march at 1 p.m. Orders countermanded for the morrow.
Wednesday November 26th—Co. G went out on picket at 12 M. Relieved and pitched tents and marched 4 miles south of Nashville on the N. & M. R. R. We went for rails.
Thursday, November 27th—Laid off camp ground and restruck tents and policed guns, &c.
Friday, November 28th—In camp.
Saturday, November 29th—Picket. Edward Lucas got my blanket. I and Richard Moss sleep together.
Sunday, November 30th—Orders for General inspection. [David] E. Pryor [was] cleaning his gun [when he] accidentally shot himself in right shoulder.
Monday, December 1st—The brigade went foraging. Co. G was skirmishers. Had some fun with the enemy.
Tuesday December 2nd—Orders for regiment review. Co. G on brigade guard. Cool.
Wednesday December 3rd—Orders for brigade review. All went off smooth.
Gen. William S. Rosecrans
Thursday, December 4th—With orders to shoulder guns and knapsacks to go on grand review. General Rosecrans 4 was present and told the boys they needed shoes. He wanted us to eat well, sleep well and fight well.
4 General William Rosecrans Starke Rosecrans replaced Gen. Don Carlos Buell who was sacked for his poor performance in Kentucky. McBane’s impressions of “Old Rosey” (as his men affectionately called him) seemed to mirror those of Corporal Charles W. Hills of Co. A of the 41st Ohio who also saw him for the first time at the divisional review on 4 December 1862: “I was prepared to see General Rosecrans as a stiff intensely military man, whose exterior should correspond with the rigid and uncompromising nature of his military policy, but was disappointed in his genial and familiar manner which was calculated to excite anything but awe or apprehension,” he wrote. “The Roman nose and massive brow betokened intellect, but I saw nothing of the calm dignity and thoughtful manner of Buell. As he passed us, we listened for some sage remark that should remind us of the historical sayings of Napoleon. ‘Fighting is a trade,’ he said. ‘Three things must be learned by all who would practice it with success. First, the soldier must learn to eat well; second to sleep well; and third, to fight well. Failure in the first two things, he gives out, and soon falls to pieces like an old shackly wagon.” [From the Forty-First Regiment,” Cleveland Morning Leader (Ohio), December 27, 1862, pg. 1]
Friday, December 5th—Commenced snowing in morn. Snow all day.
Saturday, December 6th–A brigade in Smith’s Division went out foraging and was drove back by the enemy. Mild.
Sunday, December 7th—Our regiment went foraging and skirmished all day. Got forage.
Monday, December 8th—Quite a stir making a list of those going to convalescent camp and hospital. Lindol Smith, William H. Jacks.
Tuesday, December 9th—Cool and frosty. Cannonading. After we went to bed we packed our knapsack and haversacks for a minute’s notice.
Wednesday, December 10th—Numerous reports of the approaching of the enemy. Consolidating our forces. Received notice of myself, [Alexander] Wilson and [Richard] Moss’s liberation charges and sentences. Found not guilty. William Searight and Seth Pratt received a box of luxuries from home. I had the pleasure of testing its qualities.
Thursday, December 11th—Cool in the morn. Seth Pratt opened a can of peaches and passed them [around] for inspection. They were good.
Friday, December 12th—The ground white with frost. Clean guns, preparation for a forage expedition on tomorrow. Received 2 letters from M. Y. A. F.
Saturday, December 13th—Quite blustery. Issued clothing. I drew an overcoat but the best fun I received was 3 letters—one each from T. F. M., D. H. M., and N. H. T.
Sunday and Monday, December 14th & 15th—In line. Daylight for a forage trip [on the Lebanon Pike]. 12 M. I now stand on the skirmish line in a cornfield several miles from camp. I hear the rattling of artillery in my rear and the commanding of officers. We are in view of Jackson’s Hermitage. We start for camp. Arrive 8 p.m.…..Routed up at 3 a.m. in line and lay so till daylight and dismissed. I got breakfast for myself and orderly [sergeant] Garrett Van Ness. Our meal consisted of beef, sow belly, coffee and crackers. Edward Lucas goes to hospital with measles. 12 M. out on brigade drill. Rained so hard was dismissed. Blowed some tents down. Got a letter from L. Smith. Orders to be ready for an attack in the morning. Still rains.
Tuesday December 16th—Rain all night. Ceased this morn. Cool and cloudy. Capt. William McConnell’s trial goes off. The regiment on battalion drill. Evening quite cool.
Wednesday, December 17th—Battalion drill in forenoon and afternoon and indication of fun before before many days with the enemy.
Thursday, December 18th—Cool and frosty. Brigade drill in forenoon. At 2 p.m. general inspection. Dress parade at 5.
Friday, December 19th—On drill as usual. I drew pantaloons. I washed shirts, socks, handkerchief.
Saturday, December 20th—On guard mount. I am sergeant of the 3rd relief. At night, fall into line. Heavy cannonading in the direction of Murfreesboro [which] commenced at 7 p.m. and lasted to 9 p.m. Returned to quarters.
Sunday, December 21st—All quiet this morn. The regiment laid in camp. Something very unusual for Sunday.
Monday, December 22nd—Up at usual time. Squad drill at 8 a.m. Battallion at 10 a.m. Drill at 12 and 2 p.m. Dress parade 6 p.m.
Tuesday, December 23rd—The boys in great glee. Dr. Hogle returned with boxes of cakes, jellies and letters from home. All merry.
Wednesday, December 24th—Up and tents struck and in line ready to move at 6 a.m. Misting rain. Lay in line all day. Evening boys play ball and plotting how to spend the Christmas. We restruck a few tents with orders to be ready to move at 6.
Thursday, December 25th—Christmas morn. In line at 7 a.m. to go foraging. March several miles before we met the enemy’s picket. We drove them several miles before us. Co. G spent the day skirmishing with the enemy. Some killed and wounded in the 51st [Indiana] Regiment. Got back to camp 9 p.m. Order to move at 6 a.m. in morn.
Friday, December 26th—In line and commenced moving toward Murfreesboro. I got two letters—one from S. E. S. and [one from] H. M. Commenced raining and I [had] no coat or blanket. The enemy made a stand at La Vergne. About 50 of our men left on the field dead. We skirmished all day through the rain and camped 1 ½ miles from La Vergne and no tents but take the rain. We camped 9 p.m. I and Orderly Sergeant Garrett Van Ness went for an oil cloth to sleep under.
Saturday, December 27th—Wet and cold. The Rebs opened out with artillery. We camped on yesterday’s battle ground. While I now write, 3 or 4 of the enemy shells pass over my head. We now, 11 a.m., open on them with artillery. Some wounded come to the rear. It rains. Co’s. G and B is skirmishers. We now advance. Skirmished all day in the rain and I [had] no coat. Took 40 or 50 prisoners. In evening we pushed the enemy so they lost hats and blankets. I picked up a hat and blanket (Rebs). Go in camp at dusk. Co’s. G, B, and E goes on picket. Ceased raining and turns cool. The boys go for cotton to sleep on. We are relieved from picket 1 a.m.
Sunday, December 28th—Co’s. G, B and E goes on picket again and while I note this, the roar of musketry is heard all around. I and Ephraim Powell is on one post on the bank of Stewart’s Creek. We are relieved at 1 p.m. Go back to camp. Co. G and the 51st [Indiana Regiment] volunteered to cross the river and go into the Rebel camp. The Rebs made their appearance but were out of reach. We captured a wagon load of sabers and guns and went back [across the river].
Monday, December 29th—The roar of musketry has commenced. We move our line forward at 5 a.m. The skirmishers are in motion. Co’s. G and B is ordered forward again on the skirmish line. Skirmished all day. The balls flew as thick as bees and at dusk we advanced cross the river. Drive the enemy from the timber through a cornfield into a wheat field. The flash of guns reminded me of lightening bugs and the Minié balls [of] mosquitoes. We held the line till 12 midnight, then fell back and recrossed the river. We got in quite a mess with the Rebs. The killed and wounded is not known. We camped on the bank of Stones River.
Diary entries detailing opening stages of Battle of Stones River
Tuesday, December 30th—Up this morn at 3 a.m.. Rained all night. As soon as day begins to dawn, the roar of cannon and musketry commences. Co’s. G and B again on the line. A brisk cannonading kept up all day to cover the pioneers. Great many killed. The rebel shells come over our heads.
Wednesday, December 31st—Breakfast over by 4 a.m. Some [were] up all night, too cold to sleep. Cannonading commenced at daylight. Spitting snow. The battle commenced at 6 a.m. and lasted all day. Our regiment got into a regular Shiloh fight about 12 M. Fought well and repulsed the enemy. Then was flanked and forced back at a heavy slaughter on both sides. Great many killed and wounded. Killed Capt. Peter Doyle [of] Co. H, John Fiddler, Ephraim Powell, Wm. McDonough, John Keis, Wm. Etmeir. A number out of Co. G wounded while falling back. I was surrounded and captured and taken to the rear through the battlefield which was three miles back. It was covered with the wounded and dead and dying. The enemy captured 1,000 of us and took us to Murfreesboro and paroled us. However, the battle raged furiously on the 2nd inst. General Rosecrans fought them back over the same ground. The 3rd instant we had 72 pieces artillery in position and killed 1,800 in one hour and 40 minutes. A decided victory.
Diary entries detailing Battle of Stones River
1863
McBane describes first day of captivity
Thursday, January 1st—Cold and frosty this morn. Up all night. No place to sleep. Secesh took my coat, rubber and blanket, canteen. Took all from me and give me no grub. We took corn for fuel. Poor fare. The battle rages. The wounded rebs come in by wagon loads. I with the rest of prisoners was put in the courthouse yard. At night formed line and drove to another lot. At 1 a.m. draw pint flour and nothing to cook with.
Friday, January 2nd—Up at 3 a.m. to get ready for a trip to Chattanooga. We stood in line at depot till 9 a.m. Then 1,200 of us took the train for Chattanooga. We traveled all day and until 2 a.m. Went through poor country. Went through a tunnel one mile through. Passed through Stevenson, Alabama. Arrived at Chattanooga 2 a.m. Tried to sleep [but] too cold and rainy. 5
5 “When we got to Tullahoma, a large crowd assembled to see us and many of them provided corncakes which they distributed among us. I got a piece from a soldier that had just got home from the North, having been a prisoner. He procured all he could for us, stating that he had been well-used when a prisoner with the Federals. In marching through the streets of Chattanooga, several of the citizens indulged their spite by calling us nicknames, laughing, and insulting us. Their officers and soldiers felt ashamed of them and said “twas like fighting a Negro who durst not fight you.” We stopped three hours at a place called Ringgold, Georgia and the people here were very social and some conscripts we talked to wished very much to be in our situation, prisoners of war. All along through Georgia, Alabama, and eastern Tennessee, they people are heartily tired of the war.” Wilson’s contingent of prisoners were sent south from Chattanooga to Atlanta and had made it into southern Alabama when the train received orders to bring the Federals back north and to send them through eastern Tennessee for exchange at Richmond, Virginia. [Quotes from Private John Wilson, Howard Tribune (Indiana) dated 12 February 1863, as published additionally in Honor Fearfully Won: A Stones River story of the 39th Indiana, by Dan Masters.]
Saturday, January 3rd—Up early. Could not sleep. Too cold. I found myself in an old Rebel camp ¼ mile from town with plenty of company— about 1800 prisoners of us—all hungry as I have not drawed but a pint of flour since I drew from Uncle Sam Dec. 30th, ’62. This afternoon we draw pint of meal and sow belly. It rained all afternoon and night. We could not cook our meal but I leave at 1 a.m. for Vicksburg. Raining.
Sunday, January 4th—At 1 a.m. we marched through the rain to the depot. We traveled all day through mountain country, Georgia. We went through a tunnel. The hills is almost bare except shrubbery pine. We passed some nice towns but very little stir as the Butternuts are wanted to the front. We arrived in Atlanta at sundown. Us prisoners occupied the public square—a cold place to sleep and nothing to eat.
Monday, January 5th—Up early. Too cool to sleep. Drew small loaf bread and took train for West Point. Arrived sun down. No guard over us with promise to sleep in cars.
Tuesday, January 6th—Rather cold to sleep without fire or blankets. At 11 a.m. took train for Montgomery, [Alabama]. Rough country. Arrived at Montgomery 11 p.m. At 2 a.m., drew rations and laid down to sleep 3 a.m.
Wednesday, January 7th—Finds us in the edge of town. We drew some mule beef at 2 a.m. Laid down to sleep at 3. We take the cars and go back over the same road we traveled yesterday. The wenches plowing for corn. I noticed the post oak growing with moss hanging 2 feet in length. Also the china tree full of white berries and no leaves. And one nice looking lady—Miss Mahone. Traveled all day. Night arrived at Atlanta at day light this morn.
Thursday, January 8th—This morn finds us in Atlanta. We march ¾ mile out from town and drew ½ loaf bread and put in the day hunting graybacks [lice] at 8 p.m.. Took the train toward Chattanooga. Lay at Dalton all day. I went to the spring for water. Found 3 pretty girls. Sung songs for me. Secesh songs.
Friday, January 9th—Lay all day here. Out of rations. I bought a pie [for] 50 cents. The boys go for the rebs sugar.
January 10th—This morn finds us in Dalton in an old hog car. Rained all night. This morn at 8 a.m., we leave for Knoxville, Tennessee. Travel all day and all night. The boys sing and try to be merry; sometimes fight and quarrel. Go at a snail’s gallop. Go all night. Crowded so we cannot lay down, no sleep, no grub. So it goes with us.
Sunday, January 11th—This morn finds in the vicinity of Knoxville. The train guarded with Butternuts and all hungry. Nothing to eat. Give us no chance to buy or the citizens to give to our wants. We are to lay here all day and not get out of the cars. 9 p.m., we draw some rations. The first I had to eat since yesterday morning for two days ration is one good meal.
Monday January 12th—This morn at 4 the train starts for the Rebel capital. We saw some beautiful country. We lay in Jonesborough. The guard won’t allow the women to bring us anything to eat. Good prospect for sleeping out in the cold without coats or blankets.
Tuesday, January 13th—This morn finds us laying on the road with the old complaint, cold and hungry. We leave Jonesborough at 8 a.m. We come to Watauga River. The bridge burned by Yankees. We ferried across. We walk ten miles to another bridge burned. Promised rations at next bridge but when we get there, they promised us at Bristol. We are there and none here and have to travel all night.
Wednesday, January 14th—I find myself on the cars and still traveling and no grub for 2 ½ days and travel all day and night again. One fight in my car. Crowded so we cannot sit down. No sleep for 3 or 4 nights. Snow on the Mountains. Creeks numerous. So it goes.
Thursday, January 15th—This morning finds us on our way to Lynchburg [Virginia]. We pass through a tunnel near town. Arrived in Lynchburg 8 a.m. I sold my pocketbook to get something to eat for the first for 3 ½ days. Exciting time. [Residents] come to see the Yanks. We draw rations at 2 p.m. and took train for Richmond to travel all night again. On our way at 9 p.m.
Friday, January 16th–Still finds us traveling slow. 30 miles from Richmond. Had one fight in my car last night. Rained all night. 11 a.m. we are now laying 13 miles from town waiting other troops to leave before we enter town. We arrive in Richmond 3 p.m. March up Main Street and stood at Rockett’s [Landing] and stood in the ranks till they find some place to put us. 6 p.m. Now we go into old tobacco factory (Castle Thunder). Plenty tobacco. Draw rations, ½ loaf bread, little beef, mess of. In squads of 20. Cold.
Diary Entry indicating imprisonment in Castle Thunder
Saturday January 17th—This morn finds me on the 2nd floor. Sleep pretty well. I feel unwell. The day is spent gaming. I have been playing checkers (through the window with my nose). At 5 p.m., draw our rations, ½ loaf bread [and] spoiled meat. Evening quite cool.
Sunday, January 18th—Still in prison playing checkers through the window. It’s Sunday and none of us going to church. We draw our rations as before. Men stealing each other’s haversacks. Our rations only ¼ ration.
Monday, January 19th—No sleep last night. Too cold. Draw our grub, ¼ loaf bread and soup and no meat. Different rumors going as to where we are going. Some [say] to South Carolina and some to Belle Isle. Evening draw our grub again, as usual. No fire and weather cold. Ice sickles hanging on the eve of the house.
Tuesday, January 20th—And still playing checker. The day gloomy and dark. Different report going as to our destination. I bought $2.50 worth of bread with Northern Indiana farewell. I was detailed to go for bread.
Wednesday, January 21st—I rested tolerably. All pass off as usual. I see two Rebel flags on state house across the street. The buildings filled with conscript. I see some girls in prison. Gloomy day to be in a darkroom.
Thursday, January 22nd—Up early. Cold. Could not sleep. Walk the floor till daylight. Bought tin cup, paid 4 loaves of bread. The day spent hunting body guards [lice]. 6 Rumors [that] Illinois and Indiana [were] going to secede from the Union, clipped from the Cincinnati Enquirer. Cheers the secesh. Gloomy day. I was detailed to bring grub at night. A general row took place with the prisoners. New General in command of prisoners. General starvation.
6 Civil War soldiers had various names for body lice. These nicknames included “vermin, graybacks, Bragg’s body guards, pants rabbits and seam squirrels.” They were notoriously prevalent in the crowded Richmond prisons.
Friday, January 23rd—The day again dawns on us prisoners but cloudy. No sun. We are busy skirmishing graybacks [lice]. Report says 1,200 leave here tomorrow. I sent $9.00 for bread, loose bread and money. The guards won’t let us buy.
Saturday, January 24th—Still here and no prospects of getting away soon. The day passes off as before. Men complaining of their money; they sent for bread but no return. Rumors we go to our lines on tomorrow. Tonight 34 more prisoners come in the building. They bring news from the front.
Sunday January 25th—No church with us today. Some of the men read the history of the four kings. Lonesome day.
Monday, January 26th—Up this morn at 3. A squad of prisoners, 1,200, left at 3. One died in the room overhead with brain fever. A good many sour looking faces. Our ration reduced to one-sixth loaf bread and soup. Complaint being hungry. 18 men taken out of this room to fill out the next squad that goes.
Tuesday, January 27th—Up early. 1,100 more prisoners left town at 3 a.m. 25 prisoners broke through the bridge across James River and was drowned. This afternoon we leave our prison and go to Libby Prison. Rain the forepart of the night.
Wednesday January 28th—Up at 3 A.M. Too cold to sleep. It is sleeting and snowing. They commenced paroling yesterday and still at it today. I was paroled yesterday. We have to keep on the move to keep from freezing. Snowing.
Thursday, January 29th—Quite a snow on the ground. Two fights on this floor last night. This third floor all pass as usual. Very cold.
Friday, January 30th—This morn the Rebs are drilling in the streets. We are in good cheer with the promise and hopes of getting out of prison. We draw rations for supper with the expectation of it being the last in this prison cells. The sun sets clear and everything seems cheerful. The weather quite cool.
Saturday, January 31st—Morn finds us where we did not expect to be last night—in prison. A disappointed set. We are promised to get off at 5 a.m. in morn. We are all prophesying when and where we go.
Sunday, February 1st—Again a disappointed set of men. Instead of being on our way to Fortress Monroe, we are in the prison. We have a general cleaning up the floor as though we was going to leave soon. I believe I shan’t go to church today.
Monday, February 2nd—It moderated. Looks like Indian summer. We are still in same place. Reports say we leave at 3 in the morn. Joyful times if so.
Tuesday, February 3rd—Up all night. At 2 a.m., fell in line, 750 march out in the street and stood in ranks till 6 a.m. and it snowing and cold. Took the train at 7 a.m. Cross James River bridge, ¾ mile across and 40 feet high. Arrived at Petersburg 2 p.m. (22 miles); took cars for City Point (10 miles). I seen Water Birch with red buds. Arrived City Point 4 p.m. The Flag-of-Truce steamer New York there with Stars and Stripes flying. We gave three cheers. Took the boat for Fortress Monroe. Anchored 40 miles from City Point.
Wednesday, February 4th—Finds us at anchor 40 or 50 miles from City Point. At 6 we set sail for Fortress Monroe. We arrive at Fortress Monroe 10 a.m. Laid at anchor till 5 p.m. We pass the blockade. The Monitor on picket. I see the two large guns in the USA—the Lincoln and Union. The bay full of ships. At 5 we raised anchor for Annapolis, Md. Rough sea. Some sick. Travel all night.
Thursday, February 5th—Finds us at anchor at Annapolis at 12 M. We go ashore to the barrack. Snowing and blowing. The men are drawing clothing and going to parole camp in the Navy Yard. I see some nice monuments of some patriots. Snow and sleeting.
Friday, February 6th—In the Navy Yard and no breakfast. We go up the barricks and draw rations. We have plenty to eat but no quarters to go into. We go to fixing guns. Cold.
Saturday, February 7th—Finds us in camp and heads up. I slept but little. My mess erected an old tent. I and D. McDonald took a walk through town and Navy Yard and all through the State House and on the cupola. Had full view of town. The streets all center to State House. A nice Marine Hospital.
Sunday, February 8th—After I issued rations to my mess, I went to the bay and gathered Minooza or clams for dinner. After dinner J. Charley Coons and D. McDonnal went to the wharf and got oysters to eat. While in the State House, I saw a cannon that was found in the St. Mary’s river in 1824 and presented to the citizens of Maryland by the Rev. Jos. Harbury. It was 12 feet in length. Very much defaced. Had quite an oyster supper.
Monday February 9th—This morn Maj. Everts starts all up to parole camp except the detail. I am detailed as carpenter. A. Delany [and] T. Quay took French furlough. I seen them to wharf.
Tuesday February 10th—C. Coons and myself worked as carpenters all day. Night went R. writing room.
Wednesday February 11th—200 more prisoners come up. Maj. Everts issues them clothing. Down to reading [room] and write some letters.
Thursday, February 12th—From this date on to the 21st inst., I worked as carpenter.
Saturday, February 21st—Today 600 more prisoners came up—mostly marines. Quiet a stir among the cooks. From this time, prisoners was coming and going in squads from 3 to 800 until March 9th.
[No entry until March 10, 1863]
Tuesday and Wednesday, March 10th & 11th—1,800 prisoners left Parole Camp for Camp Chase, Ohio by boat at 6 p.m. Night….All the prisoners leave for Benton Barracks, Mo. I got a permanent detail as chief cook in charge the barracks…..From March up to June there was a continual coming and going of prisoners. Variously from five to fifteen hundred.
[No entry until 13 June 1863]
Saturday, June 13th—Three thousand of the Gettysburg prisoners arrived which made us cooks busy times. I made 40 barrels of water into coffee and ten barrels of port per meal.
Sunday June 14th—Today seven thousand prisoners arrived and was marched to parole camp and among them was Col. Abel D. Straight, command of raiders captured near Rome, Georgia, via then 73rd Regt. Indiana, 57th Indiana, 80th Illinois and 3rd Ohio.
[No entry in July, Aug. Sept. Oct. and Nov. 1863]
Annapolis, Md., Sunday, November 29th—I attended the Methodist Episcopal Church as the dedication of the church occurred today. Bishop [Matthew] Simpson was in attendance and discoursed to a full house which was excellent indeed.
Monday, December 7th, I prepare for joining my regiment and received a letter from x and go to Parole Camp at 2 p.m. Took train and arrived at Annapolis Junction at 4 p.m. Then arrive at the Relay House at 5 p.m.. Got oyster supper and 10 p.m. took train and travel all night.
Tuesday, December 8th—Finds us on the cars traveling. We pass through several tunnels in Virginia. Arrived at the Ohio River at 10 p.m. Crossed over and staid all night at Bellair [Ohio].
Wednesday, December 9th—We take the train for Columbus at 6 a.m. and at 12 noon passed through Zanesville and at 3 p.m. arrived at Columbus and stay all night at the soldiers home.
Thursday, December 10th—Take the train at 6 a.m. and passed through Xenia and arrived at Cincinnati at 12 noon. Got a dinner at the Soldiers Home, then took the boat General Buell, for Louisville, Kentucky. Arrived 2 p.m. and laid over till 7 a.m. Then go up to Barracks. No. 7. Raining. We are to get transportation tomorrow. Our grub ready served.
Saturday, December 13th—We take the train at 7 a.m. and it raining. Pass Cave City and Bowling Green. Plenty cakes and pies to buy all the way. Arrive at Nashville, Tennessee, at 7 p.m. Conducted to Zolicoffer House. 6 Got supper and go up to the 4th story of the house for the night. Rain all day.
The “Zolicoffer House” in Nashville, Tennessee, during the Civil War
6 The “Zollicoffer House” in Nashville, only partially constructed when the Civil War began, was used extensively as a prison for Confederate POWs. Many of them were housed there on temporary floors that had been constructed as makeshift barracks inside the structure, and many of them were killed or mangled when the flooring collapsed on 29 September 1863. It was also used as temporary quarters for Federal troops passing through Nashville and by May 1864, there was still no roof and the upper floors were partially collapsed. After the war, a 1st Wisconsin Cavalry Quartermaster Sergeant named James Waterman remembered the Zollicoffer House as being “more like a prison than a barracks for civilized beings, and was a disgrace to the service.”
Monday, December 14th—Finds me in the Zolicoffer House—6 stories high with 365 rooms. I got a pass to go out of town. Went to the museum, returned. Quite a lot of Rebel prisoners come in today. Tuesday, December 15th—At 3 A.M. took train for Chattanooga. Had to ride on top the cars—a very cold trip. Passed through Murfreesboro 4 a.m. thence Tullahoma, and arrive at Stevenson, Alabama, at 8 p.m. Sleep on the depot porch.
The depot at Stevenson, Alabama, under Union Control in 1863
Wednesday, December 16th—Take the cars at 7 a.m. Ride on top the cars. Arrive at Bridgeport at 9 a.m. Draw rations. Cook bean soup. Take up quarters for the night on the bank of the Tennessee River. A boat arrived at the bank 8 p.m. Transport St. Clement. 15th Regt. Wisconsin. Myself and 4 others got good quarters. It rained all night.
Thursday, December 17th—Rained all night. The boat that arrived last eve. leaves this morning and no transportation for us. We go again. Take up guns for the night.
Frida, December 18th—Up and take the boat Dunbar at 6 a.m. for Chattanooga. Arrive at Kelly’s Ford 11 a.m. and march up Lookout Valley to General Hooker’s Head Quarters. Pass Raccoon and Lookout Mountain to Brown’s Ferry to Chattanooga. Laid at the ferry till the 15th Army Corps passed down the river in pontoons, then to Chattanooga and report to Chattanooga Provost Marshal and put in guard house for the night’s lodging.
Saturday, December 19th—Up early. Sent note to Provost Marshal. We got grub at 9 a.m. The Provost Marshal come and releases me and send me cross the street to the convalescent barracks.
Sunday, December 20th—Still finds me in Chattanooga with the promise of transportation tomorrow. Short allowances, ½ rations. In afternoon I take a walk over on the hill to view the captured artillery. I counted 51 pieces and two siege guns, weight 5,557 lbs. besides—Lady Buckner and Lady Breckinridge. 7 Then return to my room.
7 The large siege guns that were used by the Confederates when they laid siege to Union-occupied Chattanooga in late 1863 were captured in the Battle of Missionary Ridge and given the nicknames, “Lady Buckner” and “Lady Breckinridge.”
Monday, December 21st, Still in Chattanooga. I went over to see Lt. Murray, 51st Indiana Vol. Infantry. He promised to assist me in getting transportation to Nashville. I returned to my quarters just as they were starting with Rebel prisoners to Nashville and fell in and marched through Lookout Valley to Kelly’s Ford. Arrived 8 p.m. Camp on the bank of the Tennessee River for the night. Cold.
Tuesday, December 22nd—Finds us on the bank of Tennessee River suffering with cold. At 3 a.m.. we took the boat for Bridgeport. Arrive at Bridgeport 7 a.m.. Took the cars at 10 a.m. Arrived at Stevenson 12 M. Stay all night.
Wednesday, December 23rd—Finds us between Stevenson and Tullahoma. Arrived at Murfeesboro 3 p.m. thence to Nashville 9 ½ p.m.. Went to Zollicoffer House.
Thursday, December 24th—I was escorted to the regiment. Found all well. Richard Moss, Finla Pawling and myself took a walk to the State House and James K. Polk’s residence, then to quarters. Pass off afternoon talking over old time. I received 4 letters at night. I, Moss and Pawling went to the New Theater.
Friday, December 25th—Christmas. Quite pleasant morn. We had a huge turkey roast for dinner. The day was spent very pleasantly. At night, Dick Moss and myself went to the New Theater. Rain.
Saturday, December 26th—The morn passed off as usual. Myself, Wm. H. Jack and F. Pawling went over to Dr. Hogle. Had quite a pleasant visit. Those present, J. Williams, Mollie Tucker and Dr. and family. At night, I posted the guard on post.
Sunday December 27th to Thurs. 31st—No changes worthy of note.
1864
[Entries at the beginning of this year are sparse—only writing one or two days for January through to May]
In January 1864, the 73rd Indiana Volunteers were quartered in Nashville, with their headquarters on the corner of Broad and Vine Streets. Captain Williamson was still in command of the regiment which was scattered around in various places in the vicinity of Nashville—some of the men at Fort Negley, some on the Northwestern Railroad, some at Cheatham’s Mills, 22 miles from the city getting out timber for stockades, bridges, etc., and some engaged in charge of the siege guns about the city. They were officially attached to the 12th Army Corps, 3rd Division, 1st Brigade, Army of the Tennessee.
January 1st—Guard on the corner Vine and Broad St. Nashville. Very cold day. Myself, Wilson, D. Moss, J. McConnell and T. Surface dined together at evening. Went to the theater to see the star actress, M’lle Vestvali 8
8 The “accomplished actress and cantatrice” M’lle Vestvali appeared in the Nashville New Theatre in a benefit on 25 December 1863. Her engagement must have been extended. She was highly popular and a favor of President Lincoln’s. Her real name was Anna Marie Staegemann or Warsaw, Poland.See Vestvali the Magnificent.
January 1st to 11th—Finds us as before on Corner Vine & Broad.
January 12th—Sergt. Alexander Wilson goes home on recruiting furlough leaving me in command Co. G. Nothing occurs. Lt. A. Murray stops with me 3 or 4 days.
February 20th—I was taken sick and taken to Post Hospital and remained there until March 6th, 1864. William H. Jacks and J. Miller being nurses.
March 9th—Today I sent a detachment of 16 men out on Northwestern Railroad.
Saturday, April 2nd—We are moving camp to Fort Gillem and it raining.
Sunday, April 3rd—Today we all arrive at Fort Gillem, Nashville.
Saturday, April 16th—Up early and marched out on Murfeesboro Pike to Mill Creek Station on the N. & M. R. R. Arrived sunset. Find a company of the 85th & 33rd Ind. V. I.
Sunday, April 17th—This morn I relieve the 85 & 33 and take command of the post No. 3.
Monday, April 18th—We commenced work on the fortification and work on until June.
Saturday, May 19th—Sergt. A. Wilson returns to the company and assumes command.
Monday, June 6th—Relieved by the 115th Ohio and at 1 p.m. took up our line of march. Arrived at Lavergne 4 p.m. Rained all night. Co. G found quarters with Co. H for the night.
Tuesday, June 7th—Today we draw our dog tents, rations &c. Rained at night. Co. G goes to Co. H for quarters.
Wednesday, June 8th—Go to the station for transportation.
Thursday, June 9th—We lay all day at the station at Lavergne. Rain.
Friday, June 10th—At 2 a.m. take the train for Dixie. Pass through Murfeesboro, Tullahoma, Wartrace, Dechard. Arrive at Stevenson, Ala. 2 p.m. Rained, several showers. At 8 p.m. take train for Decatur.
Saturday, June 11th—This morn finds on the train. We pass Scottsboro, Bellfonte, Larkinsville and Huntsville. Arrive at Decatur Junction 7 a.m. and wait the arrival of the remainder of the regiment. At 1 p.m. we marched out to meet regiment and arrive at Mooresville 4 p.m. Stake tents.
Sunday, June 12th—In camp. On the bank of Limestone at Mooresville. Rain all day. Go to church at night. Our chaplain discoursed. Come back to quarters. Find 3 letters.
Monday June 13th—Dreary, wet day. Eve. I go out with a squad on picket.
Tuesday, June 14th—While on picket post the wagon train arrived. I am relieved and fall in line to march. Arrived on the bank of Tenn. River, then swam across Limestone and went into camp. Night.
Wednesday, June 15th—This evening, fall in line and move camp.
Thursday, June 16th—All right and work on fortifications. At the mouth of Limestone Creek on the bank of the Tennessee River. During the month of June we worked on fortification.
July. Eve. Co. G moved up to Triana [Alabama] at the Headquarters of the 73rd. During July and August we made several raids cross the Tennessee River resulting in the capture of prisoners, horses, cattle &c. Continually skirmishing with the rebs.
Wednesday, August 31st—Day of excitement. Muster for pay and fell in line to go to Elk River in Tennessee to intercept General Wheeler. Marched to Decatur Junction. Arrived 11 p.m.
Thursday and Friday, September 1st & 2nd—Finds us at the Junction. We lay here then 11 a.m. take the train for Elk River Bridge. Arrive 1 o’clock p.m. Regiment lay on the bank of the river all day. I took a bath. We changed positions 3 times during night….We, the regiment, took our position in the Fort on Mt. Prospect. The Rebs burn the railroad last night within 2 miles of the Fort. Stayed with calvary and teamsters. I was in charge of ammunition train.
September 3rd to 6th—Nothing occurs except exciting rumors throughout the camp.
Tuesday, September 6th—I go out 1 ½ miles on picket post. Nothing occurs but rumors about the capture of General Wheeler. Fort on Mt. Prospect built by General Fuller and General Dodge.
Tuesday, September 13th—I go on picket.
Thursday September 15th—At 12 M, we take the train and pass Sulphur Trestle and Athens. Arrive at Decatur Junction. 2 p.m. Fell in line [and] march to Mooresville. Arrive 4 p.m. and joined by remainder of the regiment from Triana 6 a.m.
Friday, September 16th—Stake our tents and arrange quarters.
Saturday, September 17th—Corp. H. Watts, Co. G was accidently shot through lower jaw.
Saturday, September 24th—Exciting rumors prevalent. I am on duty as officer of the guard.
Sunday, September 25th—I come in off picket. We struck tents and march to Decatur. Arrive 3 p.m. At 11 p.m. we are alarmed. Pitch tents and fall in the forts. Attacked by General Forrest and Rowdy.
Monday, September 26th—The regiment goes out to reinforce cavalry. Returned without an attack.
Tuesday and Wednesday, September 27th & 28th—Go out to recapture 500 prisoners. Rained hard all day. Could not overtake them. March all night in rain. In camp 11 p.m.. …..Go out on picket 9 p.m. Struck tents and take train for the recapture of Athens and arrived midnight in the vicinity of Athens [Alabama]. Picketed till day break, then advanced. The few Rebs skedaddled on our approach.
Thursday September 29th—Stake tents and work all night on the fort in the rain.
Friday, September 30th—Moved our quarters. Work day and night.
Saturday and Sunday, October 1st and 2nd—Co. G on picket at 2 p.m. [Brigadier] General [Abraham] Buford [of Forrest’s command] with 4,000 attacked our picket and drove them in. We fell back to the fort [Fort Henderson] and skirmished until midnight and it raining hard. At daybreak (the 2nd) the enemy opened out on us with four pieces of artillery. We responded with our two. We kept up a brisk cannonading until 11 a.m.. when General Buford sent in a flag of truce for our surrender but was answered no. and repulsed by our inferior number (500) and driven from the field. We put out our pickets to bed. [See Fort Henderson]
Monday, October 3rd—This morn we go back to our quarters. At night alarmed and in line of battle. Nix.
Tuesday, October 4th—Today a division under Commander General Morgan arrived and camped near. Rain.
Wednesday, October 5th—At 6 A.M. the division struck tents and fell in line and marched up to the 15th. We fortified and skirmished, &c.”
Sunday, October 16th—The 73rd Regt. attended the funeral services of Col. Elliot of the 102nd Ohio who was wounded in battle Athens.
Tuesday, October 25th—At dark fell in line and take the train for Decatur and it raining arrive at 10 P.M. Go on guard night.
Wednesday, October 26th—This morn we go on the skirmish line and charged the rebs and drove them back and held the line all day. Relieved 10 P.M.
Thursday, October 27th—On the skirmish line all day. At night dug pits.
Friday, October 28th—The rebs made an attack on our lines but could not drive today. We skirmished all day and at night camp at depo cross river.
Saturday, October 29th—At 4 A.M. take train for Athens.
Sunday, October 30th—Exciting times. Troops passing all day. Co. G goes out foraging. At night fell in line to evacuate Athens. The 73rd boy goes for the 181st Ohio commissaries. March to Decatur Junction.
Tuesday, November 1st—Marched back to Athens. Find plenty troops there, part of 4th Corp.
Wednesday, November 23rd—Up to this time we foraged. At 11 p.m. ordered to pack up for march.
Thursday, November 24th—Fell in line 5 A.M. and marched to Decatur Junction and go in camp.
Friday, November 25th—In line and on our march early. Passed through Mooresville 11 a.m. and Madison at 3 p.m. and arrived in Huntsville 11 p.m. Camped in town for the night.
Saturday, November 26th—We laid in Huntsville all day. Great excitement.
Sunday, November 27th—Fell in line 10 A.M. and marched all day. Camped in Cedar Gap.
Monday, November 28th—Up and on our march early. Pass through Brownsboro and Maysville. Cross Flint River through mountains all day. Cross Paint Rock River. The guerrillas attacked the rear of our train and captured 100 refuge wagons and refuges and camped on Paint Rock.
Tuesday, November 29th—Marched through valleys all day. At night camped at Larkinsville.
Wednesday, November 30th—Marched all day and camped at or near Belle Fount. The report says 2,000 rebs in our front and 5,00 in our rear.
Thursday, December 1st—Our train starts out early. We camp 3 miles from Stevenson. Pleasant.
Friday, December 2nd—March in Stevenson 10 a.m. and lay in camp all day. At night rain.
Saturday, December 3rd—Finds us in camp all drowned out. In afternoon moved camp. I took a squad of 40 men three miles out to load train. The train run off track and killed 3 colored soldiers and 2 white soldiers and wounded several more. We then marched out after night.
Sunday, December 4th—Finds us all well. Load train all day and no relief and out of rations.
Monday, December 5th—In evening I return to camp with my men. Co. G goes in the Redoubt.
Tuesday, December 6th—Gloomy morn. I go on staff.
Wednesday, December 7th—At work in Adjutant’s office.
Thursday, December 8th—Myself, W. H. Jack and William McCoy go out. Timber for our shanty.
Tuesday, December 13th—We build our quarters. Cold.
Wednesday, December 14th—In camp at Fort Harker.
Friday, December 16th—Heavy cannonading heard all day and expect an attack.
Saturday, December 17th—Order for inspection but rained all day. Postponed.
Sunday, December 18th—Inspection. Afternoon received orders to march. Rain all day.
Monday, December, 19th—Up early and struck tents for marching. Commenced our march 4 p.m. Arrived at Kipworth Landing on the Tennessee [river] at dark and it raining.
Tuesday, December 20th—Gloomy, cold and wet. Still lay on the bank.
Wednesday, December 21st—The fleet arrived at 3 p.m. The troops embarks at p.m. Rained and snowed all night. Wind bound.
Thursday, December 22nd—Finds the fleet at Whitesburg. Floated down to Limestone and back to Whitesburg. Very cold. Snow. Troops went ashore built fires.
Friday, December 23rd—At the landing by Huntsville. Pitched tents for night. At 7 A.M. struck tents and marched to Huntsville. Arrive 1 a.m. next day. Cold.
Saturday, December 24th—This morn finds us in Huntsville near the fort. Moved camp in afternoon.
Sunday, December 25th—The regt. stake of the ground to build Winter Quarter Headquarters in a private dwelling, Mr. White.
Monday, December 26th—Nothing occurs.
Tuesday, December 27th—Heavy cannonading heard all day in the direction of Decatur.
Wednesday, December 28th—Cannonading still heard this morn.
Thursday, 29, Friday 30th, Saturday 31st—Order to Decatur then to Stevenson then to Brownsboro. Took the train 2 p.m. Passed on to Hurricane Creek. Left Co. G and B. We then went back to Brownsboro. Arrived at 11 p.m. Cold.
1865
Sunday, January 1st—This morn 1 a.m. took train for Paint Rock to surprise and capture post. Arrived before day light, found no resistance. Many of the boys with frozen feet.
Thursday, January 5th—I received orders to bring with me to Hd Qrs. Musicians, color Sergt, guards and Corpl. Took train 6 p.m. Arrived at Huntsville 10 p.m. One breakman fell from cars. Cut one arm and leg off. Died morn.
Friday, January 6th—At Headquarters, Huntsville.
Saturday, January 7th—Nothing occurs.
Sunday, January 8th—Cannonading heard in afternoon.
Friday, January 13th—We took the train for Larkinsville. Arrived 6 p.m. leaving Co. G and A at Hurricane Creek and D at Paint Rock. H and E at Gurley’s Tank.
Saturday, January 14th—Stake our guns. Hd Qrs in private dwelling. Regt. built all day.
Monday, January 16th—All quiet in camp. I received my commission as S. M. [Sergeant Major] up to Feb. Nothing unusual occurs.
February 5th—Corpl. A. Finney accidently shot himself on picket post. Died in few minutes….At midnight guerillas attacked home guards and killed, wounded and captured them. Then attacked the train. We was in line and brought the wounded into camp.
Tuesday, February 6th—The ground covered with snow.
Monday, March 20th—I go home on furlough. Take train, arrive at Stevenson at 10 p.m. Lay all night.
Tuesday, March 21st—6 a.m. took train for Nashville. Got on top the cars and it raining. Arrived Nashville 10 p.m. Go to Soldier’s Home.
Wednesday, March 22nd—5 a.m. took train for Jeffersonville. Arrived at Louisville, Ky 8 p.m. Cross to Jeffersonville at 9 p.m. Took train to Indianapolis. Arrived 4 a.m. next morn.
Thursday, March 23rd—At Soldier’s Home with Corp. L. Smith.
Friday, March 24th—Took the train with H. and A. M. and wife for Kokomo. Arrived at Kokomo at 4 p.m. Then to Anoka.
Saturday, March 25th—At home.
Sunday, March 26th—At church to hear Pharns and at W. H. Lucke.
Saturday, April 1st—At Dr. Surface. I and Hanes, D. D. S. D. J. C. Cross River.
Sunday, April 2nd—At church and Tucker.
Wednesday and Thursday, April 5th and 6th—At Logansport. Great excitement. Downfall of Richmond.
Friday and Saturday, April 7th and 8th—-At Kokomo.
Sunday, April 9th—Go to Penn. Snow all day. At A. Murray’s.
Monday, April 10th—Take train to Curveton to D. L. Fishers. Great excitement over General Lee’s surrender.
Tuesday, April 11th—1 a.m. start home, then go to W. P. Thomas, then Dr. Surface, then F. Sharts. Rain.
Wednesday, April 12th—1 p.m. Took train for Dixie and stop at Kokomo. J. E. and E. went to the Panorama of the bible.
Thursday, April 13th—In Kokomo.
Friday, April 14th—6 A.M. took train for Indianapolis. Arrived 4 p.m. At night myself, Lindd, Smith, Wilda, J. Miller and E. Jack went to theater.
Saturday, April 15th—Indianapolis. Great solemnity prevails over the death of President Lincoln. Be it remembered the President of the U. S. A. was assassinated and died this 3 o’clock a.m. Indianapolis in drapery. Speeches at State House at 11 a.m. by Gov. Morton, Gov. Wright, McDonal at 10 p.m. Took train for Dixie. Arrived at Jeffersonville next morn 6 a.m.
Sunday, April 16th—Finds us in Jeffersonville. We cross the river to Louisville, Kentucky, and get transportation. At Soldier’s Home till 2 p.m. Then took train to Nashville. Arrived after midnight. Went to Soldier’s Home.
Monday, April 17th—Went to Post Hospital to stop.
Tuesday, April 18th—At Nashville.
Wednesday, April 19th—At the grand funeral procession in memory of the late President Lincoln.
Thursday, April 20th—At 2 p.m. took train for Stevenson, Alabama. Arrived after midnight.
Friday, April 21st—At 1 p.m. took train for Larkinsville and arrived at 3 p.m.
Sunday, June 11th— J. W. Kaizer, J. M. Gibson went out on the mountain and dined at Wininger’s.
Monday, June 19th—Myself, Com. Sergt. Qr. M. Sergt. and S. Lay went to Salt Peter Cave. Quite a pleasant trip.
Friday, June 23rd—Myself and Lt. Brown went over to Mrs. Judges.
Saturday, June 24th—At 5 p.m. took train for Nashville. Arrived at Huntsville 8 p.m. and laid over for the night.
Sunday, June 25th—At 6 a.m. took train for home. Arrived at Decatur Junction 8 a.m. At Athens 9 a.m. Mt. Prospect Tunnel Pulaski Columbia 12 M. then at Nashville 5 p.m. Regt went to exchange barracks. I, Adjt. Maj. Col., orderly slept in car.
Monday, June 26th—Commenced preparation for muster out.
Friday, June 30th—At Poland varieties.
Saturday, July 1st—At 3 p.m. Regt. Mustered out.
Sunday, July 2nd—Orders to be at depot at 3 p.m. and at 5 p.m. took train home.
Monday, July 3rd—Arrived at Louisville, Kentucky, 7 a.m. Crossed to Jeffersonville. Took train at 9 a.m. Arrived at Indianapolis 6 p.m. Struck tents for night.
Tuesday, July 4th—Turned over our ordance, callithumpian celebrating the 4th. Go to Camp Carington.
Wednesday, July 5th—Had our reception p.m. Dined at Soldier’s Home. Speech by Gov. Morton and Hoovey.
Thursday and Friday, July 6th and 7th—Go to theater, 7 Daughters Satan. I and Sergt D. Freeman went camp.
Saturday, July 8th—Draw our pay. Get our discharge and at 10 p.m. took train. Arrived 2 a.m. at Kokomo. Change cars and arrived at Anoka 3 a.m. Sunday.
Tuesday, July 11th—At Logansport at Dan Rice Show [Circus]. Stay all night up to 22nd, nothing occurs.
Pvt. Henry Rae Dunne, Co. I, 140th New York Infantry
The following letters were written by Henry Rae Dunne (1834-1864) while serving in Co. I, 140th New York Infantry. Henry was working as a compositor in the New York Evening Express Office where he had worked most of his life when he was drafted and mustered into the service on 17 September 1863 as a private. We learn from the letters that he tried to get himself assigned or transferred into the 6th New York Cavalry so that he could serve with his brother James Dunne but was unsuccessful.
During Grant’s Overland Campaign in 1864, Henry went missing in action in the Wilderness on 5 May 1864. In the opening engagement of that battle, shortly after the noon hour, the 140th New York was ordered to charge across Saunders Field where “the regiment melted away like snow. Men disappeared as if the earth had swallowed them,” according to Capt. Porter Paley. As many as 529 members of the regiment advanced that day, sprinting across the open field where they were cut down by rebels firing from the woods beyond and on the exposed right flank of the regiment. For 30 minutes the 140th New York clung to its foothold in the woods before retreating, leaving nearly half its men shot or captured.
These letters were shared with me by Paul Stokes, the great, great, grandson of Pvt. Dunne. According to Paul, his ancestor “was wounded, shot in the stomach, at the Battle of the Wilderness, taken prisoner and confined at Andersonville. He never returned home.”
According to the “Widow’s Pension” application that Mary Agnes (Higgins) Dunne filed, Henry’s Captain (Samuel McBlain) testified that Henry “was in the engagement on 5 May 1864 and to the best of his knowledge was wounded and died from the effects of said wounds….The widow swears that she has not seen or heard from him since that time.” On the muster out roll of the 140th New York, Henry is reported as “Prisoner of War since May 5, 1864. No evidence of death.” A comrade who claimed to know Henry well told Mary Agnes that “the last he seen of my husband he was laying wounded. He said he was either taken prisoner or died on the battle field.”
Henry and Mary Agness were married on 3 November 1857. Their two children were Catherine (“Katy”) Ann Dunne (b. 27 October 1860) and Joseph Henry Dunne (b. 16 October 1863).
Keith Rocco’s painting of the 140th and 146th New York Regiments charging through Saunders Field on 5 May 1864
Letter 1
Alexandria, [Virginia] September 24th 1863
Dear Wife,
I arrived here after a very unpleasant passage of 54 hours by steamer. We had to sleep on deck all the time. We got plenty to eat. It was salt pork, bread, crackers, and something they call “coffee” which was horrid. I wrote to Jim the moment the vessel got near here but could not get it posted yet. They kept us on board in the river all night. I expect him over here every moment. I have not yet been put in any regiment or company. Our officers do not yet know what to do with us so you need not write until you hear from me again.
I see by the Herald that I am entitled to $25 advance pay which I did not yet get. Also that I’m entitled to all other bounties the same as volunteers. I am trying to get in the 6th Cavalry. Jim will do his best to help me.
I hope this will find you, Ellen, Katy, and the baby—if there is one—all well. Give my respects to the friends that you see. As soon as I am in any regiment or company, I will attend to the relief ticket right away. If you wish to write on receiving this, direct your letter to James Dunne (care of Thomas Brooks), Headquarters 6th New York Cavalry, Washington D. C.
Letter 2
Camp near Culpepper, Va. October 6th 1863
Dear Wife,
Jim came to see me today, the first opportunity he has had since leaving home, having been detained in Washington two weeks longer than he thought he would be. He brought me all you gave him for me and some other things besides what were very acceptable and came in good. He gave me the letters. I am very glad to hear that you, Katy, Ellen, Mother and all are well. Jim came nearly sixteen miles this morning to see me. He said he would come again on Saturday or Sunday, whichever day he had a chance.
He has spoken to the Adjutant General of Buford’s Cavalry about my case and he thinks that I yet [will] be transferred. He had but very little time to spare today. I spoke to him about the Relief Money and I will have it settled soon. I do not want to speak to my Captain or Colonel about [it] now but will soon if I cannot be transferred to the cavalry.
Your affectionate husband, — H. R. Dunne
Co. I, 140th New York Volunteers, Washington D. C.
P. S. You will find a note for Mrs. James Dunne enclosed in this letter which I wish you to send to her immediately on receiving it as Jim has not written since leaving home and told me to write one for him. Send it promptly.
— H. R. Dunne
Letter 3
New Baltimore, Virginia October 23rd [1863]
Dear wife,
I received your letter last night. I wrote one to you and one to Jim the night before. Jim came to see me that night. He had but little time to spare. The cavalry were going to Warrenton. I gave him the letter to post for you, forgetting that I mentioned not seeing him in it.
I got the Relief Ticket. You could get Mr. Moran in 19th Street to help you to get it. I will send all my money when we are paid. We are to be paid every two months. I am glad you get along so well and that Mother is attending to you. I am glad also that Peter and B [paper torn]…godfather and godmother. Make sure and have a good time. If you move, it would be best to move into the 16th Ward but I do not know that it would make any difference. I would call the young one James Henry if I were home but you do as you please. I expect to see him again in a few days.
Enclosed you will find the ticket. You need not send any more stamps till I write for them. I bought 8 for twenty-five cents the other day and there was three in your letter.
Give my love to Mother, Peter, Briidget, Mr. and Mrs. Gills, Pay and [ ] if you see them and all [other friends]. Your affectionate husband, — H. R. Dunne
Write soon and let me know what kind of a nurse Katy makes. Let me know how the ticket does. If [you] want a different one, I can get it.
Letter 4
Warrenton Junction, [Virginia[ Tuesday, February 8th [1864]
Dear wife,
In my last I told you that I did not get your letter with the stamps in. It came the evening of the day I posted the letter. It was sent to the 146th Regiment instead of the 140th. You made the “0” so much like a “6” that the difference could not be told. The 146th is in the same Brigade with the 140th. Be more careful in future. What is probably the way the 50 cents worth of stamps were lost some time ago.
It looks now as though we will not be paid until March. One of the officers says it is on account of our pay going to be raised to $20 a month. I hope so but I have not yet seen the Bill for it has [not] become a law—only talk i nCongress so far.
There was a fight out at the Rapidan on Sunday but I do not know anything about it yet. You will know all about it in New York before we will out here. I have not seen Jim since. You need not send any stamps. Give my love to all. Let Laty write. Your affectionate husband, — H. R. Dunne
Be careful in making the 0 in 140th.
Letter 5
Warrenton Junction [Virginia] March 23rd 1864
Dear Wife,
I got paid today and send you $10 in this letter. The rest I will send $10 at a time. I think it will be the safest way [to send you the money.] I got the $25 US Bounty. It is to be taken out of the $100 Bounty at the end of the war.
I cannot get a pass to go see Jim now. I wrote to him today and as soon as I get an answer from him I will go down there. We have not had [illegible].
The rebs did not make the expected attack on the railroad and I do not think they will for a while yet. It commenced snowing here yesterday afternoon and snowed and drifted with great severity all night. It was bitter cold. I was lucky enough to be off duty. It is quite warm today and the snow of which there is about two feet is melting rapidly. In a few days we will have an excellent crop of mud. The Rebs, ladies, Union soldiers, intelligent contraband [illegible]…A number of soldiers of African descent, negro-ous types, &c. will not be inclined to march around much. Virginia mud is a great institution. It is dough, mortar, pitch and tar, all in one. You ought to come down here and take a walk of a few miles in it. You would enjoy it. [illegible] We have a good quality and quantity on hand—some to spare, and we would like to give five or six thousand acres to those at home who ask, “Why don’t the Army move?” About fifty barrels can be scraped up around my tent which I will give to anyone who wants it.
I sent the likeness and a letter to you yesterday. Send me your likenesses as soon as you can. Answer t his the moment you get it. You need not send any stamps. I can buy them for 3 cents apiece here.
Enclosed you will find $10. The rest I will send $10 at a time. Kiss for Katy and the baby. Your affectionate husband, — H. R. Dunne
Letter 6
Warrenton Junction March 30th 1864
Dear Wife,
I received your letter of Sunday together with the likenesses today (Wednesday). I sent you one yesterday without any money in it because I hadn’t received any from you to let me know whether you got the last four I sent you. There are two more on the way with ten dollars in each, making thirty dollars I sent you so far. I send five dollars in this. I will send more in another letter.
I am very glad to get your likenesses. Yours is taken badly. Katy’s is a good one. Of course I cannot judge of the baby’s but he’s a good-looking baby—just like his big sister Katy. Katy looks quite fat.
I do not know where the 164th [Regiment] is. In Tuesday’s Herald you can see all about our Corps, Division, and Brigade. We are in the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 5th ARmy Corps. The Division General’s name is Griffin. The Brigadier’s name is Ayers. The command of the Corps is Gen. Warren.
We had another heavy rainstorm last night and yesterday in the morning it changed to snow for a while. We have very curious weather out here but it’s not very cold. We have plenty of mud—some to spare if anyone wants it.
Katy must stop letting Josey. Write as soon as you get this. You need not send any stamps.
I have not seen Jim yet. I sent him word by the news agent last week that I would go up there Sunday or Money but passes to go from here to Culpeper must first be signed at headquarters and that is a good deal of trouble for both captain and colonel. There is as much red tape about getting a pass to go 15 miles out here as if it was worth a thousand dollars. But they cannot be blamed for it. If they were not strict, anyone could go to the rebel’s lines with all the news. I expect to go some day this week.
I hope you have got all the letters I sent you. Enclosed you will find five dollars. Will send more in a day or two. Write soon. Kiss for Katy and the baby. Give my respects to all. Your affectionate husband, — H. R. Dunne
Letter 7
Warrenton Junction, [Virginia] April 16th 1864
Dear Wife,
I received your letter this (Saturday) afternoon. I am glad to hear that you are all well. We expected to be away from here before this. We may go at any moment but other regiments will have to take our places. No one can get a pass to go any distance away from the regiment—not even the Major or a Captain. I could not [get] a pass to go about fifteen miles to see Jim. It is against orders from Headquarters for anyone to go away from the line of the railroad around their Brigade.
That Zouave was a he-tail, not a she-mail. I did not meet him since. All the sutlers have left. They went yesterday. The newsmen will be allowed to stay. I got a Sunday Mercury from Peter last Wednesday. I am much obliged to him for it. Let me know if he was a member of the Engine Co, No. 50 or not; also what they (50 and 54) were disbanded for.
I wrote a letter to Patsy yesterday. It will leave here in the mail tomorrow morning. I suppose it will be two weeks before I will get an answer to it if it reaches him at all.
We have plenty of rainy weather again but I am lucky this time. I will not have to go out much, if we stay here for two or three days.
That letter ought to be reported at the General Post Office. He has no business to run away with a letter on Saturday and keep it in his possession until Monday. If he does it again, say nothing much about it to him, but get someone in the house as a witness that you came quickly and send a note complaining of him to the Postmaster. I think the Postmaster’s name is Wakeman but you can easily find that out.
You talk about coming out here to see me. Of course I would be very glad to see you but I would not want you to come out here while we are in the field under any consideration. There are no hotels nor houses. What few houses there are left are taken by commissaries and used as storehouses. A few of our captains had their wives out here this past winter. I would not have you in their places under any circumstances. If we be stationed in Alexandria, Washington, or Baltimore, I would be very glad to have you come but not while we are out here. You can go to Albany or somewhere this summer and let Kate see the river. I think there will be a lively time in Virginia this summer. Every train that passes here is crowded with soldiers going to the front.
Write as soon as you get this. you need not send any stamps. Give my best respects to Ed and Mag. I sent a letter to Bendolina in Katy’s care but did not get time to finish it. Tell her to answer it. I want Katy to be a good girl and take good care of Josey. Katy’s letter is avery good one. Let her write to me again. Give my respects to all. Kiss for Katy and baby. Your affectionate husband, – H. R. Dunne
The man who advertised for a wife got a great many letters. He answered a few. One of them was from a young lady in New Jersey. He represented himself to her as being a sergeant—second enlistment—time near out—quite rich—owned some property in Grand Street—very moral—good looking, &c. Young lady showed his letter to her father—father quite patriotic—approves of her keeping up the correspondence and marrying him. Father and daughter will be disappointed. He has 2 years and 4 months to serve, cannot write but can read. Spends his money as fast as he gets it. Often gives $5 for a canteen of whiskey. Would have no objection to sleeping with young lady but can’t see the marrying part. Has sport out of the letters.
Letter 8
Warrenton Junction [Virginia] April 29, 1864
Dear Wife,
We are to leave here tomorrow (Saturday) or Sunday. We are to be relieved by negro troops. General Burnside with [his] Corps passed here this Friday afternoon. The troops along the railroad did not like the idea of having their places taken by negroes and most of them burned and otherwise destroyed their shanties. I do not think that our camp will be left in very good order for them. The regiment is anything but satisfied at having to make room for negroes. But most of them would rather go to the front with the main army than remain here now as all the cavalry have left this neighborhood. This is one of the worst places for guerrillas along the whole line of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. The cavalry and some guerrillas had a brush night before last about three miles from here on the Warrenton branch.
The mail has been stopped for the last week in some Corps. The 11th say that they have had not had any mail for over 10 days. I heard some time ago that our mail was to be stopped for 60 days but it has come and gone regularly every day so far. I do not know how long it will continue. It may be stopped soon.
I would have had a pass to Culpeper on Sunday only for this move. The whole regiment is going together. The weather is quite good for marching now. The roads are in good condition and it is not too cold to sleep out doors nights without tents.
We expect to be mustered for pay tomorrow or Sunday but it would be hard to guess when we will be paid. That will depend altogether on the success of this campaign. I will write to you to let you know when I see any sign of it.
Grant is making the most extensive preparations to be successful. Regiments, wagons, artillery, ambulances, and everything to complete an army are passing here all the afternoon. A string of troops were five miles long here already passed and there is no sign of the end yet. For my own part, I would rather go to the front. I think it a great deal safer than to be a target on the railroad for some concealed sharpshooter on the roads at night.
I sent you a letter a few days ago with $1 in it for Katy or yourself as you see fit. Tell Katy I cannot send the leaf yet/ I will bring it when I come home myself. You need not send any stamps. Kiss for Katy and the baby. Give my love to Mother, Jim, Pete and Ellen. I will write again from wherever we stop if the mail goes. Write soon. Your affectionate husband, — H. R. Dunne
I have sent a letter to Jim at the same time that I send this. – H. R. D.
The following letter was written by Pvt. Jacob Hair who enlisted in Co. I, 209th Pennsylvania Infantry on 29 August 1864 and was discharged from the service on 11 July 1865. His name was sometimes recorded as Harr on the muster rolls. While at Bermuda Hundred, the regiment was attached to the Ninth Army Corps, 1st Brigade, Third Division.
[Note: Images of this letter were provided to me for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by Jeff Hilsmeier who owns the original.]
Transcription
Bermuda Hundred, Va. October 4, 1864
Dear Brother,
I seat myself to inform you that I am well at present hoping that you enjoy the same blessing. I will now inform you that I am away down in Virginia in the army playing soldier. The place that I am is called Bermuda Hundred. It is only about three miles from Petersburg and about eight miles from Richmond and our army had a heavy fight towards Richmond. We could see them fighting from our camp but what the result is, we don’t know. 1 They also fought towards Petersburg but we have not heard from there yet [either].
Last Friday I was out on picket. I could see that the rebs retreated back toward Richmond. I was out on picket twice and took it well. We are well fortified here. We are only about 25 steps from our rifle pits and the rebs’ fortifications are only about half a mile from ours. Our pickets and the rebs’ pickets are only about 30 steps apart. We still invite the over. There are a great many that comes over every night—some nights as high as 6 to 8, and there would be a great deal more come if they darst but they are watched too close. I hope that the time will soon come that they would all come over into the Union.
On last Saturday night when I was out on picket, I heard a reb say that he believes that the damned Yankees would whip them out before a month was around.
I have not heard from home since I left home. I am looking for a letter every day. I want you to give my love to all my friends and tell them to write to me. I am your affectionate brother, — Jacob Hair
Write as soon as you get this letter. Direct to Mr. Jacob Hair, Co. I, 209th Regt. Penn. Vols. in care of Capt. [John] Klugh 2
1 The battle Jacob refers to was the Battle of Chaffin’s Farm fought on 29-30 September 1864 in which Butler’s Army of the James successfully assaulted and captured Fort Harrison which they later renamed Fort Burnham. The loss of this fort caused the Confederates to have to withdraw their lines of defense between Richmond and Petersburg.
2 Capt. John Klugh was wounded at Fort Steadman, Virginia, on 25 March 1865 and was discharged from the service on 10 May 1865.
The following letter was written by Roger Hannaford (1804-1882), a native of Devon, England, who emigrated to the United Stated on 1844, settling in Hamilton, Butler county, Ohio. Roger and his wife, Mary Northcott (1810-1852) were married in Devon, England, and had at least nine children before her death in 1852, her last born being Robert (“Bob”) Hamlyn Hannaford (1843-1870) who was a year old when the family sailed to the United States. In 1880 he moved to Marion, Kansas, which is where he died. In the 1860 US Census, Roger was enumerated as a widower farmer in St. Clair, Butler county, Ohio.
In Roger’s letter to his niece he refers to a letter received from his son Edwin (“Win”) Augustus Hannaford (1841-1915), a quartermaster sergeant in the 6th Ohio Infantry. It was written shortly after the Battle of Chickamauga that took place on 19-20 September 1863 and conveys the sad intelligence that the youngest of Roger’s sons, “Bob”—a private in Co. C, 93rd Ohio Infantry—was wounded in the battle and taken prisoner by the Confederates. The details of Bob’s captivity are not known but others in the 93rd who were captured at Chickamauga were taken to the Confederate prison at Danville, Virginia (see 1863: Isaac W. Newton to Sallie McQuiston). We know that he survived the war, however, and was discharged from his regiment on 3 November 1864. He married Mary Judith Coppage (1842-1915) and had one son before he died in 1870 of consumption (tuberculosis).
Ebenezer Hannaford (1840-1905)
Roger had another son who served with Win as a Corporal in the 6th Ohio Infantry. His name was Ebenezer Hannaford (1840-1905). After Ebenezer was mustered out of the regiment in 1864, he received a commission as Adjutant Lieutenant with the 197th Ohio Volunteer Infantry in April of 1865. He wrote several articles of his unit’s course during the war and had a couple of them published in Harper’s Magazine in 1863 and 1864. He published a few books after the war about his time in the service including: “The Story of a Regiment, Campaigns and Associations of the 6th Ohio Regiment (1868)” and the “Last Survivor (1904).” He died at his residence in Springfield, Ohio in 1905.
[Note: This letter was made available for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by Kathy Nicholson by express consent. Kathy is the great- great granddaughter of Roger Hannaford.]
Transcription
Hamilton [Ohio] October 5th 1863
My dear Lu,
Yours to your aunt Sarah has been received (that is to say your note). Herewith I send Maggie’s and Willie and Tykes’ photographs. I think they are good—especially Willie’s and Mary Lizzie’s. Your Grandmother received a note from Julia a day or two since (Saturday).
Robert Hamlyn Hannaford, Find-A-Grave
We received a letter from Win dated Chattanooga, 21st September. He was safe but poor Bob was wounded in the leg, and what is worse, is a prisoner, if alive. He was wounded on the 19th (Saturday). Poor dear boy. I fear I shall never see him more. Edwin tells me that his comrades offered to help him off the field. His reply was, “Join your company and never mind me.” He little expected a repulse but such was the case so that that part of the battlefield where he was lying was soon in possession of the rebels. No one knows his fate.
I can write no more. All well and all unite in kind love. Your affectionate Uncle, — Roger Hannaford
The following collection of letters were written by Thomas H. Capern (1842-1907), the son of English emigrants Thomas Capern (1820-1857) and Mary Capern (1817-1902) of Moorestown, Burlington county, New Jersey.
Thomas enlisted on 23 August 1861 as a private in Co. E, 4th New Jersey Infantry. He was captured as a prisoner of War by the Confederates on 27 June 1862 at the Battle of Gaines’ Mill and was held prisoner at Belle Island in Richmond until 13 September when he was paroled and sent to the hospital at Annapolis, Maryland, where he was exchanged within two weeks. Later in the war he was captured again and sent to the notorious Andersonville Prison, from which he escaped! Unfortunately he was captured again and sent to Libby Prison and finally spent his longest time as prisoner at Danville. He was ultimately discharged from the 4th NJ at Annapolis, Maryland on June 7, 1865.
The 4th New Jersey saw more than its share of action throughout the war, and the Overland campaign in spring of 1864 was no exception. It was heavily engaged at the Battle of the Wilderness, being attacked several times along with the 1st and 10th regiments. In the Battle of Spottsylvania, which began on 9 May and lasted until 21 May, the regiment was again heavily involved. Just three days before the letter featured here was written, Capern’s regiment had participated in the charge upon the “bloody angle,” which gained notoriety for the intensity of fighting that took place there and the gruesome results. It is likely that Capern’s description of men “riddled by bullets” was drawn from what he experienced there.
A diary kept by Thomas during the war was sold by RR Auction House which included an account of the Overland Campaign including the Battle of Cold Harbor. Extracts from the diary were posted on line that included:
The diary opens with the “Commencement of the Island Campaign of 1864 against Richmond.” In part: “Broke camp at daylight and started for the Wilderness. Upon our arrival where we found the enemy in strong force. Hostilities commenced immediately. Our Regt. charged them three times with considerable loss to us. After that we laid in line all night…one of the members of our Company by the name of John Crispin…was shot through the heart…Monday 9th…It was on this day that Gen’l Sedgwick (the noble & valiant commander of our Corps) was killed by a Sharpshooter…He is very much lamented by our Corps and also by all the army…We saw many of our wounded who were seriously hurt dragging themselves slowly along…It was truly hard for us to see the poor fellows lying in front of us groaning & crying on account of their wounds & of the danger of their position. But not one of us dared go & help them for fear that the watching rebels would shoot us both…We had a large number wounded & missing. I saw men upon the battle field who had been pierced by so many bullets that they were literally reduced to jelly.
Saturday 14th, Moved 5 miles to the left to reinforce Burnside’s Corps & at night went out upon the skirmish line…June 1st, Left the Picket line at 4 A.M. very quiet & still indeed & went to Cold Harbor & found skirmishing going on between the dismounted cavalry & the rebels…We found the bullets coming so close to us that we had to pull the fence down to shield us…Indeed a ball came straight for my heart but the fence rail stopped it. In it I recognized the hand of God…I was watching for the rebels who were secreted at the house & presently one of them blazed away at me. Then I looked and saw a rebel sitting behind a rosebush & he was in the act of loading—when I rested my piece &…aim & fired. There was no more firing from that quarter by him. Now although it gives me no feelings of remorse to know that I killed a rebel yet I am not glad that I killed a man.
Then we on the skirmish line—got orders to lie down and let the advancing column charge over us. So—they did and then commenced in good earnest the terrible & dreadful battle of Cold Harbor in which the whole of our line charged repeatedly but were repulsed with great slaughter. A good many of the under genls were said to have been drunk and unable to perform their duty for Genl Grant had expected to have whipped the rebels badly…August 17th…I with 17th others were taken prisoners of war. I could hardly walk off the field.” The diary goes on to describe life while imprisoned; this portion seems to be written postwar, potentially as a much later recollection as it appears to be in an more elderly hand. In part: “Once Lt. Col. Smith commanding our post sent on word by telegraph to Jeff Davis that we were starving to death fast…Jeff sent back word that he should hold on to us till we told him to let go…We were at last told one time in February at midnight that we were all going to Richmond to get Paroled…Then on the night of the 20th of Feb 1865 we got Paroled.”
It appears that Thomas lived his entire life in Moorestown, New Jersey. Notice of his death on 20 March 1907 was published in the Philadelphia Inquirer on 22 March 1907, informing readers that he was 65 years old and was married to a woman named Keziah (1851-Aft1907).
Letter 1
Camp Seminary September 2nd 1861
Dearest Mother,
I take up my pen to write to you a few lines to inform you how we are getting along. I like soldiers life so far very much. We have a very nice captain and our officers as far as I have perceived are first rate men. Yesterday was Sunday but if I hadn’t knew it, I would not have known it from any other day. The first work of any amount that I have done I did yesterday. We were throwing up breastworks at For Taylor. I shoveled dirt for three hours in the afternoon. They had preaching in the morning but I occupied [my time] in wheeling rations and I did not get to it.
We hear pretty plenty of cursing and swearing here. Some of us are in the hospital. Those are nice things which we got from Moorestown and were very acceptable. I am going to have my uniform tomorrow and my gun. I am well at present. We may have a fight pretty soon but we are not afraid of all the force that the enemy can bring. We are all desirous of having a good shot at the rebels. I have been through Alexandria and Washington. I saw General Kearney yesterday.
I wish that you would buy me a little memorandum book with black covers that has got the name of the months in. I want to write in it anything remarkable that comes to pass.
There are dead men brought in every day from the picket guards. This afternoon I shall have to go to work in the trenches. I wish that when the Moorestowners send a box or package out here you would put in some Union envelopes and a quire of letter paper with some pens. Every one of those little things are very acceptable to us soldiers. Whenever pay day comes, I will send you some money.
How is little Willie? Tell him to remember me and be good to his mother. Tell Mary Lizzie & Emily J. to write to me and to consider this a letter as to them and you. Remember me to Mr. Fendall and all enquiring friends. Give my love to all.
Direct to me: Thomas H. Capern, care of Captain [Charles] Hall, Company E, 4th Regt. New Jersey Volunteers. Write soon.
Letter 2
Addressed to Mrs. Mary Capern, Moorestown, Burlington county, New Jersey
[On Picket Duty] September 24th 1861
Dear Mother,
I received your welcome letter and was in one way disappointed for I expected when the letter was handed to me that you had received my letter and I expected to hear that my parcel was on the way or was here. I can get paper here but it is dear. I received the letter you sent me the other day and as soon as I got an opportunity I wrote to you to send me on my things and calculated that this was the answer to it. I am sorry that you did not receive it.
I am well and in perfect health. I hope that you will get this. I shall not write much for we are out on picket and have to sleep in daytime because we have to keep awake at night. We are out on the outside pickets. We are near the secessionists. We are not a half mile from them. A part of the woods we are in are full of them. Their forts on Mason’s Hill 1 is within gunshot of here.
Please to send me those things as soon as you can for I very much need the blanket. Two nights now I have laid out in the cold and my rubber blanket would be very acceptable especially when it rains. Please to send me a pair of thick gloves. It is very warm here in the daytime but at night it makes one shiver. Tell Willie I seen a fox the other day. There are plenty of wild cats and squirrels here. I am so sleepy that I can hardly keep my eyes open. Be assured, dear Mother, that as soon as I receive your letters that the very next opportunity that I get, I commence to write to you and sometimes it is two or three days before I get a letter finished.
We are very closely confined here in our regiment. I should not wonder a bit if there should be a battle pretty soon. Our fort is rapidly being finished and they are mounting the heavy guns as fast as they can. The rebels are hard at work night and day upon their forts. They have four forts right close to where I am. The other night the secessionists ran our pickets into camp in a big hurry. I should wonder if we will make them run into their camp in a bigger hurry than they came out in [ours].
Please to write soon. Al[fred] Woodard got his things some time ago. I told you all about the time when he got his box in the other letter. It will come safe if you pray that it may. I received a Christian Chronicle yesterday and was much pleased with it. I like that way of sending my money home in draft when I get it. I am expecting to get paid everyday. If we do not get pay this week, I do not suppose that I shall get it for a month. I got a regular jawing just now about a note that I wrote to the captain. Some of these times I will tell you what the note was about.
We are out on picket guard here and have to keep awake all night and stay at our post in the day time and we have had nothing but a little dry bread to eat while the rest of the guard that are with the Captain and lieutenants have plenty to eat and we sent a note to the captain. He took no notice of it and we sent one to the General. Lieutenant [Samuel H.] Ellis just give me a growling at because the names signed had all been written in the same hand writing. But the rest are poor writers and some of them cannot write at all and we were so hungry that we never thought of anything else. But we will have redress. From your son, — Thomas H. Capern
1Mason’s Hill, seven miles south of Washington, D. C., derived its name from Capt. Mason in the Confederate service at Norfolk, Va. who was the proprietor. Mason’s Hill is a very high and commanding position, and about two miles from Munson’s Hill, both of which were fortified and in possession of the Confederates in October 1861.
Letter 3
October 20th 1861
My dear Mother,
I received your ever welcome letter a day or so ago and was very glad to hear from you. I have a little time now to myself and I thought that I would embrace the opportunity to answer your letter. I am glad that you receive my State money and please to write when you write tell me how much you get for there are so many reports about here as to the amount of money each gets from the State. I expect that you get six dollars.
We have had one of our officers killed out on picket. He was killed on Thursday night. The circumstances of his death are a little peculiar. He was our Sergeant Major and an excellent officer. His place will not be soon filled up in this regiment. The whole regiment deeply mourn his loss. His death occurred through his own carelessness. He told the Captain whose company were out on picket that he was going to have some fun with the pickets. Now our pickets have been fooled with so much already, and our pickets upon the outposts nearest the enemy, if they hear anybody coming or going or hear a person moving, their duty is to give the command to halt and if they do not halt, then it is the picket’s duty to fire.
Our Sergeant Major was with several others going from post to post giving the soldiers their instructions (it was pretty dark) when as he advanced from a certain post he received the command to halt. He kept on and upon the second time being commanded to stop he jumped into the bushes for the purpose from what I can hear was to fool the soldiers and have some fun with them but he paid too dear for his fun turned out to be a solemn reality. As he jumped into the bushes, the picket fired and the ball took effect. He jumped as high as two feet from the ground and then fell forward upon his face and nothing but the body remained for the spirit had fled to its maker.
This morning the ceremonies were performed over him excepting that his body will be sent to his home. His body was laid in a box in the hospital and this morning nearly two-thirds of the regiment turned out and escorted his body from the hospital to the Colonel’s tent where the funeral ceremonies were performed over his body. Those who were detailed to be an escort for the body to Alexandria fired 3 rounds over his coffin. There was a brass band in attendance. So we have lost one of our own officers and from what I have seen and know of his character his home is not an enviable one for he was not a Christian. His name is Sergeant Major [Thomas S.] Bonney. He had only been married 10 days before he came here.
While I am writing, another accident has happened. Another man has been badly wounded but I have just heard that he is getting better. A Co. were going out on picket and they got leave to go out in the woods and fire their loads off. As it appears some of them held their pieces too low, the consequence was that a man a half mile off was struck right upon the button of his cap. The ball luckily glanced off the bone. He fell for the concussion stunned him.
I have just come in from a little march of two miles. We have been out to wash our clothes and I tell you, it makes us feel nice. As we were coming home we met a Major and the Doctor with their aide-de-camp. He asked our Lieutenant if we had been out on picket. We told him we had been to wash. The Doctor remarked that we looked remarkably well and clean.
We have some very nice meetings in the church here. The Chaplain of the 1st Regiment holds 3 or 4 meetings there every week. We had a select meeting last night for those who were Christians and those who wished to be Christians. We had quite a sprinkle and a glorious meeting. We were all as you may say strangers in the flesh but we felt that we were brothers in spirit. We talked about our trials, our temptations, and how we came to be Christians and how we had got along in our journey. We spent one happy hour there and were sorry when the meeting broke up. Oh, it was a lovely and glorious sight to see officers and privates giving in their testimony for our Captain Jesus Christ. Oh, how I felt that it was good to be there. Backsliders are being brought back and sinners are being awakened to a true knowledge of their ways, while Christians are being led nearer to the cross and being renewed in spirit day by day. Pray for us, Mother, that this state of things may continue and increase. Next Sunday there is going to be communion at eleven o’clock but I fear that I shall not be able to get there as we shall have about that time a knapsack drill. I should love to have been with you at the communion table. But I can live a Christian here if I try through God’s grace.
I do not think that I can send my money with my state money. We shall be paid some more money in two or three weeks and I will send home all the money I can. I would like it for you to make me a couple of military shirts with two pockets in each. My clothes are not worth sending home but I will take good care of the valise. My knife is of great service to me. I believe that I am getting stronger and stockier. I hope and believe that the Lord will take good care of you this winter. I have in consequence of the loss of my money drawed upon the sutler 4 dollars for you must know that we have to get things here. But I will send home all I can and let you get me what things I shall want in Old Jersey. We are drilling all about the way to fight out in the battle fields.
But I must close. Please remember me to all inquiring friends. Give my best respects to Mr. and Mrs. Fendall. Tell Mr. Fendall that those papers are very nice and that they prove very acceptable to me for whenever it happens that I have any leisure time, I pull out a paper and go to reading. Give my love to little Willie. I send much love to you. Write soon. From your affectionate son, — Thomas H. Capern
Letter 4
October 26th 1861
My dear Mother,
I received your ever welcome letter. I am always pleased to hear from you. I never enjoyed better health than I now enjoy. And I sincerely hope that it is the same way with you. Those shirts are made of grey flannel. Please to make two pockets in each of them. I would like two or three pair of good warm stockings. I wish that if it will not deprive you of anything you would send me some post stamps to put on the other letters which I send away to other persons. I get a letter every two or three days. And lately I have been much gratified at receiving one or two newspapers every week. Last night a paper and some tracts come to me. The papers come from Mr. Fendall for I can tell his handwriting as soon as I receive a letter. The minute I lay my eyes upon it, I can tell who sent it. Please don’t send me things until I write again.
I heard from the Debore’s the other day. They were all well. I shall send them a letter by this mail. I often think of you, my dear Mother. I hope that the day is not far distant before I shall see your dear face again. But at present, it looks rather gloomy in the distance. But God controls and we will hope for the best.
I went to that meeting last Sunday morning and we had a precious time of it. I shall never forget it, I can tell you.
I have been out on picket this week for three days and took up lodging for the nights in our secessionist officer’s tent. It was made of poles being driven firmly into the ground and thatched with straw. We were about six miles from camp. We could see our camp from there and our fort showed plain. Only a short time ago there were only two or three rebel regiments encamped where we were on picket. They were there the whole time we were there building our fort. They never molested us in the least. But as soon as we got our rifled cannon mounted, we thought that we would try and see what effect a few shells would have upon them. It was soon apparent to all of our men they were not relished in the least by the rebels for the rascals ran in every direction.
I expect to send home all the money I can. I will send home over 15 or 18 dollars and then whatever I want I will send home for it and get a box sent to me with plenty of prayers after and with it and then I am sure it will come. We expect to get paid on the 5th of next month. I like my gloves first rate. I must soon conclude for it is getting late and it’s precious little time that I have to write anymore. Remember me to all enquiring friends. From your affectionate son, — Thomas H. Capern
Much love to you and tell little Willie that I will write him a letter some of these times when I can get time. Give my love to him. From his dearest brother, — T
Oh, dearest, dearest Mother, please write. Know that I do long to see you soon—your dear face. Remember me to all once more, and to Mrs. Fendall. Tell Mr. Fendall that the papers are read by others besides me and I hope good may result from it. Those attractive little stories which are in the Chronicle are read quicker and with more interest that a tract would be. tell him that the papers do me a great deal of good. I shall send all the money home that I can and then I wish that you would send me some postage stamps.
On hearing the drums beat for a funeral. Death and disease are all around us. Oh that we may be prepared to die when the angel of death shall come to call us to our long home beyond the grave. Another one has left our ranks for to see the realities of another world and let us be ready to go when we are called for it’s not our lot to know how soon we have to go.
Goodbye Mother, for tonight. May thou live to be a good old age and the blessings of the Lord follow thee.
Letter 5
Fairfax Seminary December 25th 1861
Dearest Mother,
I received your welcome letter last night and was glad to hear from you once more. I am glad that my box is underway. Probably I shall get it by Saturday night. My cold is a little better than it was and I hope that when I get that medicine it will by the blessing of God entirely cure me. I wish that when you answer this you will tell me which regiment Samuel McCambridge is in for there are quite a number of Pennsylvania regiments here. Yes, I know William Jones’ wife right well. Ah, Mother, death is always around us. But here especially we look for deaths to happen for there are so many sick in the hospital all the time.
Today is Christmas but is rather dull. No drill for us. Some of the men are enjoying Christmas in the worldling’s way of getting drunk. This morning I was invited to take a social drink of whiskey in my tent two or three times but I tell them I believe that it is wrong to drink it and I believe that it hurts men and therefore as I didn’t believe in it I would not taste it. I have already seen this morning its evil effects. There are some men in the guardhouse that had it not been for liquor very probably would not have been.
I am unable to tell you how long Lieut. [Samuel H.] Ellis will stay home but this much I can tell you, he applied for his discharge from the service and got it and it was read off on Dress Parade where most everything is read off. Edward Force in this regiment and in Co. H which is the one right next to ours.
Well, Mother, I will close my letter pretty soon. I send my love to you. Write soon. Remember me to all enquiring friends. From your son, — Thomas H. Capern
Letter 6
Fairfax Seminary February 26, 1862
Dear Mother,
I take my pen in hand to write you a few lines to let you know that I received your letter and was glad to hear from you. I am well at present and hope these few lines will find you the same. The weather here is the same as usual—more rain, more mud. We drilled today in the mud when we could scarcely walk. I will be careful about the medicine. There are so many sick with bad colds here. There are 27 I believe out of Company I in the hospital. Tis the bad weather that does this and I am very thankful that my health is as good as it is. Surely the Lords is merciful to me and watches over me.
We are under marching orders once more.
Well, Mother, I do not feel like writing much tonight. May the Lord soon bring this war to a close. The rebels from all accounts are beginning to cry for peace. Nashville, on of their boasted strongholds, has fallen.
I feel kind of dull. Write soon. Well, Mother, I will soon close. I will write more next time. Those papers do me a great deal of good. My pastor sent me a paper last week—The Watchman and Reflector. My pastor writes me very beautiful letters. I guess that I will send you one of the letters to me sometime so you may know how well he writes to me. Besides, he always tells me about Emily.
From your affectionate son, — Thomas H. Capern
Letter 7
Near Alexandria April 16, 1862
My dear Mother,
I received your letter yesterday and was glad to hear from you again. I am well at present and hope these few lines will find you the same. Dear Mother, I am penning these few lines before breakfast although it will not go today. We expect to go on board of a fleet either today or tomorrow and go down to Yorktown. Franklin’s Division has been telegraphed for three times and as our Brigade is the first in the Division by rights we go on board first.
For two days past we have been up before four o’clock and off marching before sunrise and marched nearly the whole day. A week ago orders came for us to march to Warrenton (some two or three miles the other side of Manassas). Well, we went up above Manassas from there on the cars about four miles the other side of Manassas [where] we camped for the night. The next afternoon we marched seven miles further up. We had to march because the railroad was torn up for three or four miles and the bridges burnt by the rebels when they left. We laid there a few days. While we were there we experienced the hardest time of any since I have been a soldier—an awful ever snowstorm came on. Then it turned to hail and then it rained. Thus it stormed for three days. The water ran under us at night all over our beds, and leaked through the tents which are only intended to keep the dew off. Right outside of our tents and all around the mud and water was over our shoe tops and thus our feet were dripping wet and cold all the time. Besides this, we had to fall in line every half hour through the day to answer to our names which you will perceive must have been very disagreeable.
We were 15 miles from the Rappahannock river. We could hear General Banks shelling the rebels but we were held back. We were 40 miles from Alexandria and we came that in two days. The 4th [New Jersey] Regiment can march better than any of the rest. We have been marching up and down the railroad but we hope we are going now where we shall see something.
Manassas has only one or two small forts which are hardly worth the name of forts. The place looks bare for the rebels set fire to everything when they left. From there we took the pike to Centreville. We seen the graves all over the fields around. We passed over Bull Run. There was a good many graves and large ones by the roadside as if there were some over 15 buried in one place.
Centreville is a very formidable place. There are barracks for a large army. All winter the rebels must have had a large force there. If our troops had advanced in to them, they would have cut a good many of them down for the rebels had some 20 forts, long rifle pits, and they had one place fixed where they might retreat from one fort to the next without our knowing anything about it.
Some said we are not going on board of the fleet. Well, Mother, it is almost 4 months now since we had any money and when we are going to get paid off, I don’t know. I hope that you will get along. May the choicest blessing of heaven rain upon and over you all is my prayer. Now we should thank the Lord for all His good blessings to us in preserving our lives and in granting our soldiers such great success in all their matters. Great victories and hard battles are now being fought as the final death blows to the Rebellion are being struck. God grant to be with us in all things. Write soon. From your dear boy and affectionate son, — Thomas Henry Capern
Give my love to Willie and Mary E. Tell them I have no time to write.
Letter 8
Camp White House [Landing] May 17th 1862
Dear Mother,
I received your letter and was glad to hear from you and that you were well. I am well and hope these few lines will find you the same. When I received your letter we were camped at Cumberland but on the 15th we, though there was a cold rainstorm setting in, we were ordered to strike our tents and prepare for marching. We marched through the drenching rain some 4 or 5 miles. But it took a long time to go those few miles for the roads were awful and there was a train of wagons ahead of us and some artillery. We would march a hundred yards, then sit down and rest awhile.
About the time that the rain began to pour down, then we had to camp in this field in the cold rain and clover a foot high. But one or two days has altered the appearance of the field very much. The grass has nearly all disappeared. The weather is fine with the appearance of rain. We are camped some 23 miles from Richmond. How near the rebels are to us, I do not know. There are 80,000 of us camped in a field of not less than 200 acres.
Well, Mother, it is an opinion that the war will not last long—at least we hope so. I shall not be able to write much this afternoon. Tell Brother F. that I have received those papers and was very much pleased with them. Remember me to all enquiring friends. Write soon. Dear Mother, I hope that it will be not long before I shall be able to see you all once more. May the choicest blessings of heaven rest upon you all.
From your affectionate son, — Thomas H. Capers
Letter 9
Camp Picket Duty along the Chickahominy Creek at Mechanicsville [Virginia] June 17th 1862
Dear Mother,
Patriotic stationery used in Thomas’s letter.
I am well at present and hope these few lines will find you the same. I received your last letter and was glad to hear from you. The weather is very warm. Everything is unusually quiet along this position of the line. The rebels, however, are throwing up breastworks in front of us. They in all probability work at night when we cannot see them for we went down along the creek last Sunday morning and we saw a fort beginning to be thrown up to the right of a barn and yesterday morning when we came back it extended a good ways to the left. We could see a battery of artillery. Last night heavy firing was heard on the left and we also hear it beginning again this morning. Our boys are throwing up breastworks below us.
Mother, we get the news here about the war and that’s all we care about. But I would like for you if you could send me a Christian Chronicle or some other real sound religious paper. I love the little treats you send me and they are read by others. I was requested by a comrade to ask you to send 12 copies of the Swearer’s Prayer and the Gambler’s Balance Sheet.
Our colonel’s name is Colonel [James H.] Simpson and our general, General George W. Taylor who used to be colonel of the 3rd [New Jersey] Regiment. Kearney is several miles to the left of us and is across the Chickahominy Creek while we are upon this side. As to that secret, I will tell you soon but for certain reasons I cannot this time.
Mother, there is a delay between here and the York River in the post office arrangements because all the letters which go from around here do not get here as quick as they used to. But must give a grain of allowance and not become uneasy for we are upon picket away from our division and close to the rebels—so close that they shell us once in a while.
The church received my gift in the parsonage very well and my pastor says that they pray a great deal for me and that I will not be forgotten. I often get a letter from him. Yes, Mother, we get plenty to eat unless an accident occurs to our trains or wagons and then we are set for one or two days. I have taken no medicine since I have been in the service—only what you sent me for a cough.
Well, give my love to cousin Martha. Well, Mother, we are pretty fair times here. I received a letter from Emma Darchlery. She was well. She said she had received a letter from sister and was going to pass it out at the service. I wish you would send me a quarter’s worth of postage stamps for there are none here and yesterday I lost all the money I had which was 3 dollars which I was saving and now I haven’t a cent. But I am thankful to the Lord for His goodness towards me. Write soon. From your dear son, — Thomas H. Capern
I asked my pastor’s advice about that whiskey ration and I send this letter.
Letter 10
Across the Chickahominy near Fair Oaks June the 21st, 1862
Dear Mother,
I received your letter and was well pleased to hear from you again. I am well and hope these few lines will find you the same. On the 19th we had a very hard march considering the heat of the sun of 14 or 15 miles. We were upon Brigade picket duty at Mechanicsville as I have told you before. Well, we had to march from there to here. We crossed at Woodbury Bridge and now are camped near the battlefield of Fair Oaks. There was fighting took place here. Five minute’s walk will take you out to the scene of desolation where the iron hail was profusely scattered fairly riddling all the trees and where friend and foe were scattering during the fight upon the bloody field. The graves are scattered. Here and there is a long trench, and away there is another and another and so [on]. The further you go towards the railroad, the more evidences of war you see. The rebels are generally buried in trenches or have been piled up and dirt thrown over them and the air smells bad already.
Ah! many a one is there in his narrow, cold home. There is a tremendous power of us here and the rebels seem inclined to want to renew the bloody fight again. We hope they will for that will give us a little advantage over them for we have breastworks thrown up for miles for a hard fight there will be, and must be. We may have a hand in it. Now look on a map of the Seat of War in Virginia and find the battle ground of Fair Oaks and we are camped all around. Then you’ll know where I am. The rebels shelled in advance yesterday but our boys did not reply to them until this morning.
Well, Mother, I am glad to know that you have got the money. When payday comes again, I’ll send you enough to pay off that bill on the sewing machine. I met with a loss the other day. I lost all the money I had amounting to 3 dollars which I was saving. I helped make one bridge and crossed on another one some 6 miles below.
Well, as to clothes, I’ll tell you about it. Uncle Sam allows us so much a year for clothes and if we overrun that amount—whatever is owed, that amount every payday is deducted from our pay after we once draw over the amount allowed. All we draw then till the next year is up we have of course to pay back. You must write to Grandmother. Let me know. I got a letter from Emma D___ lately also. I received a letter from sister Emily on the 19th. She was well.
Dear Mother, indeed I do know that prayer is the Christian’s vital breath. But that is what we are the most prone to forget to do here. Our minds are kept in a whirl pretty much all the time and tis as much as we can do to get to thinking seriously—unless he sees something solemn going on.
Now dear Mother, I must soon close. God grant to come watch over and preserve such a good Christian Mother as tis my privilege to have. Some tell me they only wished they could receive such letters as I receive. May God keep me and preserve me in safety to come home. I am sure of a glad and hearty welcome home by all. Write soon. Remember me to all. From your affectionate son, — Thomas H. Capern
Letter 11
Camp near Warrenton, Virginia August 29th 1862
My dear Mother,
I received your welcome letter last eve and now sit down to write an answer in return. The weather this morning is quite cool and rainy. It would seem as if a long storm is setting in from the North. You at home must be having a cold storm and it is carried down to us and it has cooled the air off nicely for us. Besides, we are quite close to the mountains.
Well, Mother, we have [been] changing round again. We have come back to the old brigade once more where we shall probably remain till our time is out. Our regiment got too small to do all the duty that was required of us on the ammunition train so we were relieved by another larger regiment from our job. And so we marched back to rejoin the old brigade who were stationed at Warrenton and here we are. But as we are here again, I am terribly afraid that as soon as you will hear tell of the army a moving that you will worry yourself about our going into a battle. It is quite likely we shall and if we ever do, I think that we will have to be the skirmishers of the division of the brigade—that is, go ahead of them all and feel for the enemy and when you see a man, pull for him and keep advancing, loading as you walk until you receive orders to retreat. But we are in hopes that we won’t have to fight no more but tis well to be prepared for the worst that can happen. Lee has a large and powerful army as we will find out if we tackle him.
Tip Snyder 1 is getting well fast. I received a letter from Joseph Snyder inquiring after his brother. It seems strange to me that there are some who are so careless as to write news that such a one is dying or dead when they know he is not. I have not caught any fish yet for I have had no chance. We have not heard anything of our being going to be sent South nor do I think that we shall. There is some talk of taking the 15th Regiment out of the Brigade to go on some expedition, I reckon, but don’t be alarmed about us. The Lord can take care of us one place as well as another and if they choose to send us off anywhere, why we will endeavor to do good work for our country. When we think of hard fighting to be done, we should not shrink from it for that is what we enlisted for.
Tell Mother I would rather be here than at home now. There are so many orders coming out. I am here satisfied and contented. While if I were at home I should be afraid that they would bring an order after me again. I have been quite sick lately with the dysentery and could not eat or hardly to walk about. But I prayed that the Lord would bless the medicine I took to the restoration of my health and He has done so. Tell Lizzie that she must write next time as I always look for her letters. I will send Willie a funny paper. I received some papers from him lately and am much pleased with them. Well, Mother, I must soon close. Please to write soon. I love your letters, Mother. There are no news here of much account. So much love to all, I remain your affectionate soldier son, — Thomas H. Capern
Mother, the Lord will take care of you.
1 Believed to be Sgt. William Henry Harrison Snyder (nicknamed “Tip” after Tippecanoe Harrison) of Colestown, Camden county, New Jersey. He served in Co. E with Thomas.
Letter 12
[The following letter was advertised for sale by The Excelsior Brigade and transcribed by them so I cannot vouch for the accuracy of the transcription.]
U.S. General Hospital Annapolis M.D. Oct. 16th 1862
Dearest Mother,
I was very much pleased to receive a letter from you and this morning it came to hand. The money came safe. Well, these kind of bills are all the go here. Indeed, we would rather have these than state notes. It came in the right time. I am sure you could not have sent any more when you sent me all you had. It will do me a great deal of good. I have no doubt it will give you great pleasure to know that I am nearly well. I can walk about first rate. But you must not count upon seeing me soon for all the prospect I see is now as soon as the requisition for clothes comes in, you will see or hear of my going to my company and regiment. If so, I shall not be a bit sorry that Captain Hall has resigned his commission.
I got a letter from my Pastor lately. I am glad that Lieutenant [William H.] Eldridge is with the company. I hope he is captain. I shall be glad to see the boys and they will be glad, no doubt, to see me. You wish to know whether I am exchanged or paroled. Well, I am both. On the 13th of September, I was paroled on Belle Island by Captain Montgomery of the Rebel Army. Well, after I had been in the hospital maybe some 2 weeks or so, I saw in the New York Herald that all of the paroled prisoners from Belle Island who were paroled on the 13th of September were declared to be exchanged. So you see, I am good as soon as I get these clothes for the regiment, for the doctor has intimated to me that I was well enough for my regiment a week ago.
Well, Mother, if I do not be able to see you this winter, yet we will not repine at our Heavenly Father’s will, for He doeth all things well and we will see everything in the true light by and by. But I hope and trust He will keep me safe from all harm and in his ever good time return me safe home once more. I will do the best I can you may be assured.
Tis dinner time for the bell has rung for the Ward tenders to bring their trays to the cook staff for the dinner. Write soon and tell me about the company. [Braze Willsey] is here in the parole camp or rather expects to go there today. I should like a [Christian] Chronicle very much. I will write a few lines to Grandmother. But I must close, hoping this will find you all well and happy. Remember me to Brother and Sister F. and to all inquiring friends. So, no more at present from your affectionate son, —Thomas H. Capern
Dear sister Lizzie,
I was glad to hear from you again. I am pretty well now. You must not expect to see me soon for as hostilities will, in all probability, continue for sometime yet. Therefore, the army needs every man that belongs to it and I expect to go there soon. Yes, Sister, I am an exchanged prisoner and as good as any of the rest of them. I should have been glad to have the pleasure of seeing your dear face once more. But for the present, all my hopes of seeing you soon seem to be predicated by an elusive but mysterious Providence. But God has his own plans and we must not repine or complain, but should go and do our duty with contentment and cheerfulness wherever our lot happens to fall. But we all pray that this war may speedily come to an end. Let us pray earnestly that the Lord, who thus far has cared for me and brought me out of every trouble, will keep me safe from every harm. Give my love to little Willie. No more at present from your dear brother, — Thomas H. Capern.
Much love to you all. I am glad that you have been down country. My Pastor told me in a letter which I received the other day that a good many of my associates had joined the army lately. — T. H. Capern
Letter 13
Camp in the woods near Belle Plains January 26th 1863
Dear Mother,
As there is an opportunity to send you a line by William Brock who is down here. We expect to get paid tomorrow. I hope so for we want some money bad now at this present time. We are out of ink and paper, &c.
We have been for the past few days upon the march. We marched away up the river intending to cross and attack the rebels. Well, we got up where we intended to cross the river from the next morning when Lo! what a relief to us, we found that it had rained there all night and that the splendid roads were almost converted into impassable mud. All of a sudden the pontoons and artillery were all stuck fast. How we had to go on and pull them out going up to the knees in the mud and water. We soon perceived that this advance movement was checked for the present by the sudden change of the weather. There we were in mud and the boys believe that the Lord sent the rain on purpose to prevent our crossing over the river.
Well, give my love to all. We are back in our old camp. Yesterday was Sunday. We done the most fatiguing march we’ve done. All the way nearly up him and down steep hills through the mud. We like to have stuck fast at every step we took, the mud was so deep. We feel at present very nearly dead with fatigue and exhaustion.
Well, my love to you all. Write soon. It seems a long while since I heard from you. I remain your loving son, — Thomas H. Capern
Letter 14
Camp near White Oak Church, Va. March 1st 1863
My very dear Mother,
I received a letter from you day before yesterday but have had no time to answer it. We had just come off of picket, then got our dinner and had to go and fix for another camp about a half a mile from the old one. So I worked hard shoveling sand all the afternoon. Came home to the camp sometime after sundown, then had to get some supper ready. By that time it was nearly roll call for bed time. Next morning I needed to get ready for muster and inspection at 9 o’clock. So we were as busy as we could be. Our guns on account of the rainy time which we had while on picket were very rusty so it took all our time almost to make them look like anything. Went out on inspection. Was mustered, then marched over to where we had made arrangements to camp. Then went back to the old camp and carried up some things. Then some of us were detailed about sundown to go back and guard the camp to keep the 15th Regiment fellows from stealing our tents. And now I have passed a rough night. Went on guard at 7 o’clock last night, then laid down two of us together by the fire. When we woke up, our blankets were soaked through and through with the rain. Then went on again at one o’clock and came off at three o’clock in the morning. It was still raining but we laid down on the wet ground and covered up ourselves with our wet blankets and slept until 7 o’clock this morning. Then stood on post till 9 o’clock. Then came off and came to this camp after breakfast and then I shall have to stop very soon in order to go over again to start another trip in the rain.
The reason we moved our camp is because the Chaplain and the Doctor said that our old camp was getting very unhealthy so we moved to this place.
Tuesday, the 3rd. I received another letter and a paper yesterday evening from you with some money and paper in. You have obliged me very much by sending it. I am writing to you in a hurry as I have but very little time for any such thing as writing. Just as soon as we are up in the morning, the Adjutant sends for detail after detail of men before we get our breakfast. Yesterday I had to leave my breakfast half finished and I was gone all day. All of our company was on guard and upon detail yesterday and all the time we can get, we have to fix our tent. We have got all the logs up and part of the chimney. Now we have to mud it all over. Now comes an order to fall out and police the ground so I shall have to leave my letter unfinished.
I will try to finish now. I will go over to the 23rd just as soon as I can get a chance. Charles Busby must have given me the wrong things. Give my love to all. Excuse me for not writing more. I remain your affectionate son, — Thomas H. Captain
Write soon. We are all well. We have no commissioned officers in our company now.
Letter 15
Camp near White Oak Church, Virginia March 19th 1863
My very dear Mother,
I had the happiness to receive a letter from you of March 12th yesterday and was very glad to hear from you all again and that you were all so well. I feel that thankful you are so. As for me, I have been quite unwell for the past few days and I don’t ever expect to be any healthier while I remain in the service. This is my candid belief and I suppose I might as well tell you about it first as last. I keep just as cheerful as I can and [ ] as long as I can, but still I don’t think at least I feel sure that I cannot stand as much as I have. But I suppose that t’will be alright in the end. I suffer with the heartburn exceedingly. Have a good appetite but my food don’t seem to do much good. Then I feel often times a feeling of general debility all over and this is the reason why I wanted these medicines so badly. Well, Mother, I hope they will bring the box straight through.
The weather is very pleasant indeed this morning but lately it has been quite stormy indeed and it has been bitter cold. We are in the full expectation that in the course of a couple of weeks or so we shall have to break up this pleasant camp and once more enter upon the duties and exposures and dangers incident to another active campaign. May the Lord be merciful to us and preserve our lives in the hour of danger. We believe that we have many battles yet to encounter with the enemy.
Well, Mother, great preparations are being made. Gen. Joseph Hooker is a fighting man and a good man. He knows where he attempts to go through—that is, if there is any such thing as going through, he will go through. We have known him all through the campaign on the Peninsula. Kearny and Hooker were upon the left of us.
Just heard that the rebels tried to cross the river last night somewhere along the line. The long roll beat in the distance in the midst of the night. We expect [ ] time pretty soon.
As to Tel. McHenry, he was discharged some time ago. I am sorry to hear about Wm. Bassett acting so [illegible] could see him. I am sorry Aunt Martha was so ill that she could not write. Then you are going to write back? Please do let me know….I wish that you would send me some of those British Messengers for the boys all call me a regular John Bull. You see there are some in the company who know you and besides, I speak yet just like the English do. Well, Mother, I hope to live to get home. I suppose that quilt be some time.
The name of that young lady is Miss Mary E. Heally, a 7th day Baptist. If you please, keep her name to yourself. Give my love to all the friends. Remember me kindly to Brother and Sister F. Give my love to Willie and to Mary E. I wish Mother that you will send me some ink powder for often times ink is not to be found here either for love or money. We have but little this time for I accidentally spilt mine, then went and sit down and unknowingly spilt another comrade’s ink so that we have about enough to write a letter apiece. So sister Mary E. will have to excuse me answering her letter this time. So goodbye. Write soon. May heaven’s merciful blessings rest and remain upon you in my prayers. I remain your affectionate son, — Thomas H. Capern
There are some rumors of the paymaster coming here but I see no signs of him as yet. Eli Haines and Al Woodward send their best to folks.
Letter 16
Camp near White Oak Church, Virginia March 29th 1863
My dear Mother,
I just received a letter from you again. It is the quickest that I have received from you since I came back to the regiment. I have written three letters with this in 5 or 6 days to you but as long as I can get paper and ink and pens to write with, I am bound to answer any letter that I get from home. I am sure of an answer back right away.
Tis most beautiful weather indeed and tis my opinion that it will not be long before we shall obliged to take up the line of march. Well, we have been waiting for some time for our bread for dinner. Tis coming we hear. I have no doubt that we soon will have to come down to eating hard tack. I wish they would for I would rather have the shingles to eat now for I can make them last much longer as we often eat up our bread at two meals. Then we have to go without for our breakfast.
We have to drill a great deal now. I hope that my box may come safe to me for I am getting out of everything. Well, Mother, I sometimes come to a stand and hardly know which way to stand or move. One thing I am resolved never to turn away from the path of the Christian. Sometimes I am lying upon my bed, still perhaps asleep. Now I will tell you how I am treated sometimes. And often when they do treat me so, I lose my temper for they carry it on so long and far that I cannot stand it. Well, say I am doing nothing but reading my bible when some of them will come over and lay down along side of me and torment and then they will jump on top of me while some of the rest almost strips me and others bend my arms and hold my legs and if I make a struggle to get out on my unpleasant and painful position, they they will begin to curse me up and down and call me an hypocrite—a liar, and all such things—and then call me a Johnny Bull—an Englishman—and then curse me for being me, and all such like things. Then perhaps or very likely I will tell them that they are not men of principle but act real mean and it seems often times that tis all that I can do to keep from cursing them. I hear so much cursing and swearing all the time that the words are at the tip end of my tongue before I think of it. I tell you, Mother, then they will say we can’t let him, the hypocrite, get down upon his knees to pray at night. Yesterday they told me if I ever get down there to pray again that they would throw water upon me and push me into the fire. I would say nothing at all about these little petty issues but I am often puzzled what to do. Which way to turn. Oh Mother, think over it and send me words of counsel.
There has two men come back to our company—George Buss and Samuel Wells—from the [ ] Hospital. They look fine. But Sam, I fear, has forgotten the verse and covenant that he once took upon him to serve the Lord. He talks quite hard. OI pity him. They are trying hard to get me and I know it becomes me to pray much and watch much so that I may be enabled to hold out. I am the only one in the company at the present time who still continues to make a profession of religion. Oh that I may be enabled to stick fast unto my profession and fight the good fight of faith.
I could get my daguerreotype taken I suppose as well as George Mc____ could if I had the money. He borrowed some but nobody seems to care to do hardly anything to accommodate me. If I had 2 dollars I could get it and send it home—that is, if we stay here much longer. I cannot write much at this time so give my love to sister Lizzie and to little Willie. I haven’t time to write to sister or else I would. Much love to cousin Martha and all of the friends. Goodbye. I remain yours affectionate son, — Thomas H. Capern
Enclosed you will find a few lines for England.
Letter 17
Camp in the Pines near Falmouth, Va. April 22nd 1863
My dear Mother,
I received last evening by the hands of Lieut. Brooks your letter containing the red pepper & comb. I thank you very much for them. I have sent you 35 dollars for your own use. It is all that I could send this payday. I had a great notion to only send you 30 dollars and keep the other five for to buy some knit shirts. You see that I have revolved over many plans in my head before payday came as to what should I do. I therefore came to the conclusion to send the 5 dollars to you. If it is possible before the army moves I am going to try hard to get a pass and get my likeness taken that I will send to you. Then I wish for you when you get it to have 4 more taken from it for you can get 4 taken there at home for the price that I can get one taken here. And then I wish you to send me a couple of them. But I guess we will not form visions of the air castles.
Well Mother, I hope that you are getting along first rate. I feel well in some respects but I am breaking out in sores all over so that it makes me feel bad while I don’t get so that I cannot drill. I guess that you need not send me anymore steel pens for a comrade and me have sent to A. Morton of New York for a couple of good gold pens as they are the best pens in the world and the cheapest and the best in the long run. I just saw his advertisement in the Christian Chronicle so I thought I would give him a trial this time.
If I had been able to have got my ration as I had good reason to expect that I should soon have got it, I would have been enabled to have sent you 50 dollars but after running from one Colonel to the other who were quartermasters, &c. I haven’t got yet. I hope to get it if I live sometime. These quartermasters send a fellow from one to the other in order that they may get shed of paying a little money out of their pockets.
Well, Mother, there is very little news a going—only they are preparing to take the sick away to Falmouth and we think before many days shall roll around that we too shall be upon the move. The papers say that some troops are across the river. I shall be glad when the day comes when we can give the Johnnies a crushing blow. I just feel now as if I could fight against them all day long and these other Nations of Europe who are assisting them. England says she is neutral and she shows it. If I ever come a soldiering again when I get out of this, it wil take a war with England to bring me out and I will fight against her with all the might and energy I possess. To have the chance of fighting those who on the other side of the Atlantic are assisting the rebels, I would re-enlist for 3 years more—willingly. I say this—and this is my spirit, crushed be they who dare insult and give aid to the enemies of my country’s flag. If England don’t look sharp, she will get peppered as well as the rebels. But there is a terrible day of reckoning.
Well, Mother, I guess that I will close. So write soon. Remember me to all inquiring friends. Much love to you all. I remain your loving and affectionate son, — Thomas H. Capern
Letter 18
Camp near Falmouth, Virginia May 9th 1863
My dear Mother,
I had the happiness day before yesterday to receive another kind letter from you. I am glad that you got the money safe. I received the postage stamps but still there is always something in war time which turns up to be still wanting. I now find I cannot send them books home without having some sealing wax which I cannot get here. So please to send me a piece soon. I dislike to send home for anything. That goes against the grain. But still you know how it is. I shall write this letter by tid bits. I am expecting all the time to hear the drums roll for drill. And I am taking time to write to you that I should be a sleeping for I was on guard yesterday and therefore I am quite tired and sleepy today so that I can scarcely keep mine eyes open. I often write when if I were to consult my feelings I should be sleeping.
Well, Mother, I am pretty well at this time and hope these few lines will find you all the same. You need not be so very anxious and worried about me for so long as we stay guarding this ammunition train, we don’t calculate in getting into any fights. Here this time we have for the first time been enabled to stand back and see and hear the fighting. From the top of the high hills all around us close to the river, we have seen our brave boys battling with the enemy. In the dead hour of midnight, when standing upon post upon the [ammunition] train, we could hear the fierce rattle of the musketry as the echo reverberated from the opposite hills and we could see the shells bursting in the air. There has been a dreadful struggle and a fearful loss of life. Our old Division has been fearfully cut up. Oh how thankful should we be that we are here in this position.
Col. William Birney—“He wouldn’t have cared if we had been all butchered. Not he. All he is aiming at is promotion to a generalship.”
Col. [William] Birney tried his best to get us in the fight—right into the front where the hottest fire was. He wouldn’t have cared if we had been all butchered. Not he. All he is aiming at is promotion to a generalship. But being foiled in his attempts to get us into the battles, he is doing all he can in his power to put us in some other Brigade or Division. The other day he sent three orders over to the reserve artillery General’s Headquarters. One was to have us to go back into the old Brigade. The next was to have us put into his brother’s Division, and the next to have us put with the 2nd New Jersey Brigade. We are all hoping and praying that he will not succeed in any of his plans because he only has the interest of his own self in view—not that of his men. To have such a man in command as our Colonel is enough to ruin the best regiment in the army. I think that you will hear tell of more fighting in these quarters soon.
Please send me a Philadelphia Inquirer for I would like to see some of the news. It seems a long time since I saw a paper in camp. We drew some fresh bread again yesterday. Bully for Old Joe Hooker. I have two other letters to answer when I get time—one from Bro. Wright and one from Henry Beckwith. They are well as usual. One by one are passing away. If I stay my time out, I shall hardly know Moorestown anymore.
This last move of Hooker’s is considered a very smart move upon his part but the rebels had too many reinforcements for him so they are in possession of all their hills again. I wish now that they would put the Conscript Law in place and bring out all able to carry a musket and whip the Johnnies & bring the war to a termination. I want to see Richmond taken and see myself strutting around the streets making all the secesh men, women, and girls step around. I couldn’t take no sass off of them. I am in more than ever for the country.
Well, Mother, by the grace of God, I will endeavor to stand fast in the faith. So please to write soon. I can write no more at present. There—if it had not been for these drums sounding so soon, I might have got this letter in today’s mail.
Well, we have come in from a long, wearisome two hours drill. I feel very tired and sleepy here before—tis sundown. These are the things which produce disease in the soldier—want of rest. But one Colonel foiled in his attempts to get us into the battle is now wreaking forth his spite upon the men. He had better never go into a battle with us or some other regiment that know him for he would never come out alive. I am just as sure of that as I am writing to you at this time. Remember me to all inquiring friends, Much love to all. I remain your dear son, — Thomas H. Capern
I’ll try to write clearer next time.
Letter 19
Camp near Falmouth, Virginia May 13th 1863
My very dear Mother,
I have just received a letter from you and was much pleased to hear from home again. I am pretty well and hope you are all the same. I also received at the same time a small package containing some little tract books with the pills & ointment and the Castile Soap. I often think of you. I should write oftener, Mother, but we have to drill so much that we have no time for anything else. And then I write a good many letters for others who cannot write themselves and what with one thing and another, I am busy all the time.
There is no news here. A good many of the boys are out playing and exercising themselves but I am writing and shall in all probability be writing up till the time for Tattoo at 8 o’clock. I am quite sorry to hear that Bro. Fendall is so unwell but I hope and trust that his trip to a western climate will help him. Well, Mother, I have just finished writing a long letter to John Glover. I received quite a long and welcome letter from him last night. He wishes to be kindly remembered to all the friends in Moorestown. Also he trusted me to remember him to you all. His regiment—the 58th Penn. Volunteers—is at Newbern, North Carolina. They see a good deal of fighting, he says. He is well.
“We hear of Gen. [Stonewall] Jackson’s death but we don’t credit it for he has been dead so many times already. But in time of battle he was always found to be alive and on hand.”
—Thomas H. Capern, Co. E, 4th New Jersey, 13 May 1863
Well, Mother, we know no news at all here or are allowed to know any. All newspaper correspondents who write about the movements of the army will have to stop it or be sent out of the lines of the army and the newspapers are not allowed to come into the army. This is a good and important order of Gen. Hooker’s. We hear of Gen. [Stonewall] Jackson’s death but we don’t credit it for he has been dead so many times already. But in time of battle he was always found to be alive and on hand. Mother, Gen. Jackson is a smart man and a religious man. A minister and he preaches to the soldiers of his Corps. But he takes a text and renders it so to appear as if the treasonable South will ship at last. Now, do you suppose that he will get to heaven by his acts? He is inciting a resistance and a revolt against freedom, liberty, &c., and against the best government the world ever saw. I have heard others say that a good many of the ministers were mere traitors at heart than any other class of individuals. Now, I cannot reconcile the idea of Stonewall Jackson going to heaven after doing as he has already done. Really, tis hard to say. But it strikes [me] that if a man were a true, genuine Christian, he would go in for the Union. At any rate, I could shut him deliberately and if I were in battle and were to know him as he were about, I would try hard to fetch him down, I tell you. I think the rebellion is going to feel the weight of iron sledge hammer of the Union.
Mother, I am much pleased with these little tracts and I am beginning to feel that indeed and have not quit my round with the Army of God. And I can see the cause of my unhappiness and my shortcomings.
We have been signing some rolls for our rations, money, &c. I wish I could have some religious magazine to read such as Guide to Holiness and others. But Mother, I must soon close so please to write soon, will you not? Please to send one dollar with more of stamps for I have been using some of those you sent. And when I get the ration money I will send the money. So I must close. Write soon. I remain your affectionate son, — Thomas H. Capern
Letter 20
Camp near Falmouth, Virginia May 25th 1863
Dear Mother,
I had the great pleasure tonight to be the grateful recipient of another kind and exceedingly welcome letter from you. I am glad to hear that you are all so well. I also am in pretty good health at this present time and hope these few lines will find you the same. The weather has been very hot and sultry for the past few days or rather over a week but now it looks a little like a storm again. I hope it will rain for a few days now to settle the dust.
There is no news again here except what the papers state about the affairs in the Southwestern Department. I have today’s paper before me now with the cheering intelligence in it that a glorious victory has been achieved by the Army of the Southwest. Give God the praise if tis only so. There is plenty here who now in spite of all the good news, yet content themselves in looking upon the dark side of the picture and perceiving nothing but a train of defeats for to be our army’s destiny. But I feel otherwise. I firmly believe that the Lord now in our hour of the Nation’s extremity is about to stretch forth His omnipotent arm and cause our armies to achieve splendid victories over the rebels. May the Lord still prosper us.
We have suffered a defeat here, tis true. But after all, it may come out in the mysterious course of events that our defeat on the returning across the river was a good thing. I am contented with my situation and I am quite resigned to the Lord’s will. I tell you, I find that a great many cannot see things in the same light as I can and that too with composure. I leave all things with the Lord whilst I humbly strive to do my duty towards my country which they don’t but keep a worrying all the time. Therefore, it is not strange when they put not their trust in God that they should wonder at my calmness amidst so much peril. I was too much like them two months ago but I prayed that the Lord would give me submission to His will and to my fate and it has been granted to me. And I rejoice that it is even so.
I haven’t felt very happy in mind for the past few days for I have been troubled with evil thoughts and I have entertained them too much and thus my thoughts have been less of God things.
It is growing dark so that I soon shall have to come to a close. I have suffered with the toothache a great deal for the past few days. I wish I had a few cloves. From accounts in the papers, we will be paid off soon. Two months pay. I shall send home for two checked shirts and a good silk pocket handkerchief. There is not many in this regiment who wear good shirts as they find that it pays them better to send home for colored shirts or to buy them here. You could send them by mail. I received two Inquirers from you. Also these postage stamps. I have sent the Memorandum Books. They ought to have reached you by this time. Write soon. I remain as ever your loving son, — T. H. Capern
Letter 21
Camp What Shall I Call It May 28th 1863
My very dear Mother,
I received your ever welcome letter and was glad to hear from you again. Tis a wet but lovely day. We have moved our camp some three miles yesterday and we lay down near Potomac Creek. The whole [ammunition] train moved on account of the lack of good water where we were before so now we are—some of us—have to get our tents up while others are fixing a beginning on theirs. We don’t like the new camp for instead of putting us down alongside of the creek in some nice spot (as there are plenty of them), our Colonel came to our camp yesterday before we moved and told the officers he had picked out a palace of a place so that we thought that we were going to get in some nice place. So when we had come to it, we were a little taken aback for t’was upon a side hill which was covered with stumps, bushes, and briars quite thick. All united in saying that tis the meanest camp we have had since we have been out. But we will have to nevertheless make the best of it. Such is military law that we cannot help ourselves in many things which we would otherwise.
Well, we have one tent nicely fixed up. I sleep upon a bed made of barrel staves. I tell you, if I fare we well while I am in the service as such a bed as that, I won’t growl.
Now Mother, really it seems to me as if you expect too much of the soldiers. When I write home that I am not able to do so and so, it seems as if you either soon forget it or do not credit it. Now you say when I get my likeness taken (and I am afraid that it will be a long when too as I cannot help unavoidable circumstances happening), you wish me to get it taken with my gun by my side or in my dress coat. In the situation I am now, I doubt being able to get it taken and if I should, I could not take my gun along for it is so far to an Ambrotypist. They are few in the field. And to my dress coat, our regiment packed them up in boxes as soon as summer weather set in and turned them into the Quartermaster’s hands to keep for us. So you see how I am fixed.
Well, Mother, we have been paid off once more two months pay and I have sent you 20 dollars so be on the look out for it some now.
Mother, I seem determined to hold fast to my profession [of faith] but I do feel very dull indeed as regards spiritual matters. I hope to be able next time I write to be able to record a more lively spiritual disposition. I have not received the Chronicle yet but I hope to get it tomorrow. I begins to look like a storm. Very likely t’will rain tonight. Well, Mother, I have sent you two check shirts. Also a silk pocket handkerchief. Well, we have plenty of work here for a month to do. I don’t suppose as I shall get time to write. Give my love to all. Write soon. I remain your loving son, — Thomas H. Capern
Please to send me some thread.
Letter 22
Camp near Belle Plain, Virginia June 3rd 1863
My very dear Mother,
I have just received by the hands of Clayton Holingshead the package you sent me. I am glad that you received the other Memorandum Books safe. Can you make out the writing in them? Do please to send me the date of the last day I put down in the small book. Just tell me what day of the month it was when I left off writing because I came to the final end and therefore had to stop.
The weather is fine but promises a storm which we are longing to see just now on account of the dust which comes blowing over the hills in perfect clouds. As for health, I enjoy better health than I have for a long, long time and I trust that the Lord will continue to bless me. They tell me that I am getting very fat indeed. Well, I think that I am in pretty good condition at this present time. I am beginning to get in good order to be captured again for when upon the 27th of last June we were captured by the Johnnies, I was so fat that I could hardly see.
I have no news to tell whatever. I don’t think that I shall finish this tonight but leave it for tomorrow.
I hope these few lines will find you the same in perfect health. I am very thankful for the religious newspapers. I received two the other day from you and two recently from my pastor. I am very sorry that Bro. Fendall’s throat is no better and that he has to leave but I trust that the Lord will be gracious unto him and bless the means used for his recovery and that he may soon be restored to his wonted health and strength.
Well, Mother, here we just guard munitions and I feel just as though t’were afternoon instead of being only half past 7 o’clock in the morning. It is cloudy this morning and looks like rain. We hope that it will rain to settle the dust. Yes, Mother, that is a nice piece about that young Lt. Williamson. He was good and brave & true. But Mother, here is one thing I have yet to say when the soldiers see such pieces in the nespapers, they are not half so likely to read it as if t’was about a private soldier. I don’t see why they always or most always have pieces in about the officers while the privates receive but a passing notice. Money and rank should not make that difference between the Christian officer and the Christian private. I am led to these conclusions by what I hear my comrades frequently say. I hope that you have received those 20 dollars I sent you a short time ago. Yes, Mother, I cannot but exclaim when I think of the mercy of the Lord which has been bestowed upon me. Surely goodness and mercy hath followed us all our days. To Jesus be all the glory.
June 5th. Well, Mother, you must excuse me for not sending this letter before. I hardly know whether I shall get this in today’s mail. Just as I began to write you and answer, I had to go upon a detail which kept me till supper time. Then the next morning I was upon guard.
Well, Mother, we are under marching orders again. Orders are to have three days rations cooked ahead. The opinion is that we are going to fall back upon Washington. You see the 9 month’s men and the two year’s men’s going home has weakened our army a great deal and the Johnnies know it full well.
I must close so please to write soon. I remain your affectionate son, — Thomas H. Capern
Tell Emily and Lizzie that they must excuse me for not writing to them as I haven’t time at present. But give my love to all of them and to Willie and to all inquiring friends, — T. H. Capern
Letter 23
Camp on the Centreville Road near Fairfax, [Va.] June 16th 1863
My Dear Mother,
I have embraced the first opportunity that has been unto us since I received your last and welcome letter which I received on the afternoon of the 13th of this month. I’ll tell you about our retreat from Belle Plain. I went out on a hunt after some cherries and as I was a coming back, as I got on the top of a hill, I looked towards the camp and spied the boys all striking tents. Then I run as hard as I could while the heat made me sweat to run down from my body in streams. At that time there was a heavy black thundershower coming up slowly in the west. About sunset we shouldered knapsacks and started for the wagon train, then we stacked arms and laid down in the rain for to wait till the wagins had begun to get into line. One man was allowed to [ ]. We on the left did not get started before 1 o’clock in the morning and by that time the right of the wagon train was some 4 or 5 miles ahead of us. 300 wagons with 6 mules—when they all get into one line makes a long string, I can tell you.
After we did get started we went along very slow, stopping every little while and then going ahead again. From the large fires that we saw lighting up the horizon all around we concluded that we were upon a retreat. Well, I can tell you we got no sleep to do us any good for three nights and we only stopped twice to give the mules something to eat all that time but we kept on marching night and day. We came over some awful roads, I can tell you. We came through Dumfries and through Ococquan (if you will get the Map of Virginia you will find them places near Centreville on the road from Fredericksburg. I can tell you we got in here yesterday afternoon tired out with sore feet and blisters. We were put through pretty charply.
Today we fell in line to go again but the orders were countermanded. But we expect to go tonight or tomorrow. We expect to have to go towards Maryland. All the news we have here is that the Johnnys are in Pennsylvania entrenching themselves. The boys don’t seem to care much. We are of opinion that it will do the North good. T’will wake them up to a true sense of their condition. They are not willing to come for a soldier to defend their country but they would rather stay at home and discourage us. I hope the Johnnys gets some of these who are in for resisting the draft. I’d laugh to see them catch them. We hope that they will stay there long enough to let us have time to get after them. They said that they were a going to invade the North and they are fulfilling their promises. I firmly believe that this rebel invasion will be of great benefit to the North. The soldiers—the majority of us—think alike.
Well, Mother, I expect that we are a going to have several weeks of hard times a marching. Whenever you may get this Memorandum Book that I have got now, you will see a history of all this. Well, Mother, we see great news in the papers but it don’t alarm us in the least. Well, Mother, I am pretty well and hope that you are the same. Please to write soon. You had better went and not send those shirts yet a bit. But if you can, I wish that you would send me a few dollars. There are no sutlers in the army now and if we go into Maryland or up that way, maybe if I had some money I could buy some milk and homemade bread.
Give my love to all enquiring friends. Give my love to all my sisters and Willie. Much love to you. I remain your affectionate son, — Thomas H. Capern
Letter 24
Camp near Fairfax Court House June 18th 1863
My dear Mother,
I am upon camp guard this morning and I have sat me down to write you a few lines. I have got one letter new in the mail bad but I forgot some things. Please to send me some cloves and those shirts right away. I remain your son, — T. Capern
Letter 25
Camp near Frederick City, Maryland June 29th 1863
My dear Mother,
I have just sat down to write you a few lines to let you know how I am getting along. I received your letter with the dollar. I tell you, I was glad to get it. We were then encamped near Fairfax Station, Virginia. We started the next day. Just as I was a going to write, the order came to strike tents and march. We then struck out for Edward’s Ferry upon the Potomac River. We had a tough time of it going very fast and over rough roads.
Well we crossed the river and camped for the night in a beautiful clover field and made our beds of clover hay. As I took some rails to make a fire to cook my pork and coffee by, I thought that it seemed hard. Well, Mother, it really did my eyes good to come here and see as we marched along, the fields of golden wheat waiting to be reaped. And all seemed like home. The houses and yards and flowers seemed to be quite natural. But we have had a tough march across the mountains and another range of mountains not over two miles from us and beyond that another range still. There is some guerrillas hovering around here. A squad of men has just come in from a scout after the rebels. Found traces of them but they were gone. That is about a mile from us. But we ain’t afraid of them.
I am so tired from marching that I can scarcely hold my pen to write. We may have to march further along for ought that we know. I had no dinner yesterday nor any supper nor any breakfast this morning but I slept in a house among the mountains—three of us. We had feather pillows and was offered a feather bed but we declined.
Some wagons were smashed up. We came past the Sugar Loaf Mountain. I have seen more girls and young women that I have seen for a long, long time. I also had a narrow escape for my life. One place the road was very narrow and the wheels of the wagons passed right under the bushes along side of which we were walking. Well, you see a team came rather too close to me and I held back till it had got by when someone rushed by me and I fell on my back unable to roll over for fear that I would roll right under the wheels and then I should have been killed for certain. But Tip Snyder, one of our company happening to be coming along, soon grabbed hold of me and rolled me over in the bushes out of danger. So you see that there is danger all the time.
We have marched a great part of today, the 28th, just as fast as we could walk. Well, my dollar came into play for I bought something to east as we came along. I gave 20 cents for a homemade pie in the city this morning as we came along. Nearly died. I have 15 cents left now with which I am going to buy some homemade bread. If I had money now I could live cheap and t’would be such a change from hard tack. There is a plenty of milk to be had.
And now, I tell you Mother, it is a hard temptation to be borne when passing along side of a garden to keep from taking some vegetables when we had just come from the most barren spot in Virginia—where there was nothing but pine stumps. I wish you would please to send me all the money you can spare at present or from time to time if you will. You know that I will do the best I can for you. I wish they would pay us off here in Pennsylvania. It takes 25 cents to buy a large homemade loaf. Give my love to all. Write soon. I remain your affectionate son, — Thomas H. Capern
Letter 26
Camp near Pennsylvania July 1st 1863
My dear Mother,
I want you to send me some money soon if you can for I must have something to buy victuals with or else I must steal. There has been some bad mismanagement on the Quartermaster’s part and we are short of several days [rations]. I have come off of guard after marching all day and been marching several days and nights without getting hardly a meal’s victuals. I have had no dinner nor supper nor breakfast and after marching on the double quick too a good part of yesterday and you may judge how I feel. Your son, — Thomas H. Capern
Letter 27
Camp at Warrenton, Virginia July 31st 1863
My Dear Mother,
I received your last letter of the 22nd and was much rejoiced at perusing it. These letters which one gets from home could help the wanderer himself. Yes, I received the one dollar you sent me and that is all gone but 5 cents now. Well, Mother, when you write again, please to send me an envelope and two sheets of paper for I had to take some of the thread you sent to me to tie this sheet of paper together. I spilt some ink powder on another letter which you ought to have seen by this time. I can’t always answer your letters as soon as possible after I get them.
I am pretty well but I am still in want of some more of those Holloways Pills and ointment. I would like to have two boxes of pills. Well, Mother, [having] no money is making me a great deal of trouble to you I fear but there are no sutlers here in the army any more—for the privates or the officers. I wish you could send me some postage stamps. Dear me, how glad I shall be when the time shall come that I can make up to you all these things. I am afraid that you will go without on my account. The thread and needles I thank you much for. I used them as soon as I got it. I am glad you are going to send some more for this will be all used up in a day or so.
I have received a letter from cousin E. Darch lately. She says they are all well. They are having an awful dry time out there. The dist she says is ankle deep in the roads while the corn and potatoes are dried up. And the trees are loaded with peaches drier than the stones. That’s bad, ain’t it. I also got a letter from Mary Ann Beckwith. She says that Grandfather and Grandmother Robbins are both well and they with Mr. and Mrs. Beckwith wish to be kindly remembered to you all.
Well, Mother, we have been lying here for a week or so and we are getting rested up nicely besides. We have drawn some new pants which we needed very much indeed. Could you now send me a small package and put in it a towel for I want one as bad as I do anything else. Well, Mother, I am afraid I shall never get those shirts for I have just received an answer to my letter to the 3rd Assistant Postmaster at Washington and he tells me that no such package has been received there. So it has been stopped before it go to Washington. Did you have it registered, Mother? for that is the safest way for them. It is at the postmaster’s risk.
Well, Mother, we only got one year and 17 days longer to stay. Our old Brigade is 9 month’s men. They are three months ahead of us. May God in mercy spare our lives. Some out of our regiment has gone home to Trenton to bring enough draftee men to fill up our regiment. That will make the duty lighter upon us.
Well, Mother, I feel about the same in spiritual matters. Oh, I need a waking up. One here is rather inclined to go to sleep—there is so much in his way that comes in his line of duty. The drum calls you to go to sleep about the time you are right sleepy and the drum awakes you and then you have no time until after guard mounting time. Well, I must soon come to a close. Write soon. Remember me to all inquiring friends. May the Lord bless you and take care of you. I remain as ever your affectionate son, — Thomas H. Capern
When you write, be sure and send an envelope for there are none to be had. We lay at Warrenton Junction.
I am aware all the time that you are going without a good many things on my account but I hope that the Lord will smile abundantly upon you all and bless you and reward you for all your bequeaths and care toward your absent soldier boy. It worries me to know that very likely for a long, long time that I shall not be able to do anything to requite you for your trouble. Cannot you get someone to send me a fishing line with several lures? We are getting where there are fish, since hearing that fish were caught in a creek close by this morning. I am quite well. The air is most awful and barely holds the boys on a march. — T. H. C.
Letter 28
Camp at Warrenton, Virginia September 7, 1863
My very dear Mother,
I have just received your welcome letter and was so glad to hear from you again and to hear that you were all so well for which I thank God. I am pretty well today and feel first rate today And I hope that htis may find you the same. That parcel you sent me has not reached me yet for I doubt whether Mr. Macalvane knows where we are yet. He didn’t put up far from Warrenton Junction, or did when we were there. However, I will hope that I may get it. If you can, please to send me 1 dollar and I will try if we stay here to get a pass into town and get my likeness taken and send home.
Well, Mother, we are anxiously reading day by day our foreign correspondence. Everything is working well. Slowly and surely we are putting down the rebellion. We hear of continual successes crowning our arms through the blessing of God. Well, I shall have to hurry and get through as tis approaching drill time and Dress Parade when I reckon we shall come out in white gloves.
September 8th. Tis very foggy this morning. Where we used to go out blackberrying when we came here with the ammunition train now we have to keep a strong picket force on account of the guerrillas.
Well, there is certainly, I think, a great crisis in the history of the world a coming to pass. Europe, I think, will soon be the scene of bloodshed. England and France are now aiding the rebels all they can and the French army now confronts our own upon the Rio Grande, the southern border of Texas. Were it not for my belief in a God who holdeth the Nations in His hand, I should count myself dead almost. But I believe that all of this was preordained to come to pass. This will be a great shaking of the Nations. God’s ways are mysterious, his wonders to perform—and often when we seem about to be overwhelmed, then God turns the scale. Let us put out trust in the Lord and pray to Him to save us from destruction and with His assistance a thousand, as it were, may put 10,000 to flight. I expect if I live to see my time out that I shall have to come for a soldier again. Oh there is an awful bloody time shut out from our vision just now.
Well, Mother, the secesh here are quite high about France helping them. God grant that we may be able to whip them all combined for I believe as true as I am sitting here writing to you, my dear Mother, that God will cause some great interposition of His favor to take place in our behalf. We are ready to fight them bitterly and if foreign nations will place their armies upon our soil, many a one of them will have to bite the dust. We will sweep down as a whirlwind upon them.
Please to send me a little more ink powder. We are in hopes of being paid off soon. I owe 7 dollars, two from last payday to the sutler and 5 I borrowed last payday for you know I got no pay last payday. This payday I expect to get $25.39. Seven from this will leave me 18 dollars. I will send you all I can. Give my love to all. Write soon. I remain your affectionate son, — Thomas H. Capern
I received Willie’s letter. My love to him.
Letter 29
Camp near Culpeper, [Va.] September 20th 1863
My dear Mother,
I received your ever welcome letter and was truly glad to hear from you again. They say ’tis Sunday but indeed, I confess I can’t tell since we’ve got to marching and the stormy weather, I can’t keep the run of the days. We were paid off the same day that I wrote to you and also marched to Sulphur Springs the same day. So I was disappointed after all.
Well, Mother, we have waded rivers and stood out in the pouring rain night and day watching for the enemy till we were completely wet through and through and our rations were wet and our clothes also. I shall not be able to send you home any money this time but next time, if God spares my life, I hope to be able to send nearly all. We are on the march and shall be often without rations and a little money on hand will be nice. We have to pay 65 cents a pound here for good butter.
There was a man drummed out of the 3rd [New Jersey] Regiment yesterday for robbing the mail of the 99th Pennsylvania Regiment, and besides, he is sentenced to an imprisonment for 5 years. We are getting along fine. There are no large bodies of rebel troops anywhere around here we don’t believe, but there may still be things turn up that we are not thinking of and though we are taking all the care we can to out General Lee, yet there may be a big battle out not far off.
The names of the company officers are Capt. John Evans, 1st Lieutenant David Flannery. Our regimental officers are Lieut. Col. [Charles] Ewing and Lieut. [William] McElhaney, Adjutant. Now the report says that our Corps has to take up the front line of march tomorrow and fight whatever comes on hand. Well, if we do, I hope God will help me to do good work and do my duty and preserve my life. I am in HIs hands. To hHis care and protection I resign myself. Pray for me more, Mother.
Well, we can see Culpeper from here. There are rebels not far from here as they shell our boys and our men don’t reply. These shells are savage things, I can tell you. If a shell hits a man, it goes clean through him or knocks his head off. There is given rumors about Lee’s army here.
Give my love to all. Write soon as you can. I haven’t got that parcel yet nor do I ever expect to get it now that we are on the march. If we have to fight, I reckon that we will throw away everything.
I must close, Write soon. I remain your affectionate son, — Thomas H. Capern
Eli Haines and Al Woodard are both well. — T. H. C.
Don’t you recollect a Methodist preacher who used to be at Moorestown by the name of [Joseph H.] James. He is chaplain of the 3rd [New Jersey] Regiment.
Letter 30
Camp near Culpeper Court House, Va. October 2nd 1863
My Dear Mother,
I now sit down to write an answer to two letters which I have received from you during the past two days. I am glad that you got my likeness for it was a good one.
Well, Mother, it is very stormy this morning but warm. There were troops moving last night, I am sure, the way the drums beat and the wagons rattled. There have been several Corps gone from here to reinforce Gen. Rosecrans and as Gen. Gilmore, they say, is to be reinforced at Charleston, some are afraid that our Corps will be sent there. Yesterday our Brigade cleaned up and made ourselves to look as nice as possible and came out with our white gloves on. Those who witnessed us out there said we presented quite a beautiful sight & scene. We were reviewed by Major Gen. Sedgwick (he is our Corps General) and Brig. Gen. Wright who commands our Division, and Gen. [Alfred] Torbert who commands our Brigade. Then we all marched around in review. The 15th [New Jersey] Regiment got the praise for the best marching. You see we used to get the praise but the boys in the old regiments are getting so they don’t seem to care how they do.
The 17th [New Jersey] has got two years yet to stay and they have a very strict colonel. When we came to an order arms in our regiment, if we had a strict colonel like old Birney was, he would make us shoulder arms and order arms till we brought all our pieces down together. We have been trying to surmise what the review was for but we can’t find out.
Well, Mother, I haven’t got that parcel yet. I guess that I shall never get it, but never mind. How do you like my having a Bible in my hand and my hat off when my likeness was taken? I guess that Mrs. Haines has got a likeness from her son by this time.
Well, Mother, I guess the rain will stop me melting for a while but it can’t stop our praying. Oh Mother, pray with me in behalf of a stricken sin sick soul. He belongs in the 13th regiment. He first was attracted to come to our meetings after the camps were all still. Every night a few of us go our into the woods and pray for a revival that God will bless us and help us to live closer to Him. And He blesses us. That spot has become sacred to us already. Two souls found Jesus there one night precious to their souls and now they can go on their way enjoying a hope of heaven. Several backsliders have come back. One night as I was going over to Bro. James’ meeting, I went up to Co. I to look for Brother Tish and I asked another one to come with me. I found out that he was a backslider and that he was beginning to feel serious. He went with me and that was the turning point. He now rejoices in the love of Jesus and so I might mention others who are seeking Jesus and some have found him who never sought His face before they came in the army. I was out last night till after eleven o’clock. In pious conversation, we held our meeting. I done all I could to point the stricken one to Christ as the savior of sinners. But I need much grace though to keep from falling. I could rejoice to see some of my company out on the Lord’s side but I seem to meet only with bitter opposition. Some says we ought all to be arrested and our heads clubbed for holding such meetings. And then they assail me with, “You are a regular hypocrite.” That is, they say if there are any. And many other things so they say so that it shall come to the officer’s ears and he brings such tales as they tell about me falsely. He comes and wants to know if so and so is true. Then they run off and deride me. This is hard to bear. He says my grace is sufficient for thee and I believe it. But I can pray for them. Write soon. I read those papers.
So much love to you. I remain your affectionate son, — Thomas H. Capern
Letter 31
Camp between Centreville and Chantilly, [Virginia] October 17th 1863
Dear Mother,
I received your letter some few days ago but had no time to answer it as we were on a hard march marching for this strong position. We were running a race with the rebel army and we were a little ways ahead of them and we were bound to keep ahead and we have done it and are here waiting for the rebels to come and attack us. We came here the other night in a hurry. Old Lee was fighting only a few miles off and we could see the smoke of each cannon. That was the 2nd Corps fighting the rebels while we were having to get to the hills of Centreville before Gen. Lee could get there. After we got to Centreville, we formed into lines of battle behind the breastworks and got the artillery into position so that thy could sweep the plains below us.
Well then some another Corps came along and took our position and we moved further up to here the same evening. I tell you, the whole army was so tired out and sore that we could hardly walk at all. Well we came here and took up our position expecting the rebels to come and attack us every moment for this is the place that they flanked Pope last summer. But we were determined that we would conquer this time or die. We got up the next day and dug rifle pits and cut down trees and planted artillery to throw grape and canister.
Pretty soon, down towards Bull Run—Boom, boom went the cannons. There was a hard fight that day but they did not think well enough to come and tackle the 6th Corps. We have whipped them twice now and we can’t hear where they are now. Maybe they’ll come and give us a hitch soon. Well we are ready for them. We’ll give them a warm reception if they do come. There is an open field before us and if they come here we will pile them all over that field before we will yield.
I would like to give you an account of our long and tedious march and how we came near being captured on the Rapidan, how we slipped away right under the rebels’ noses, and how we marched side and side with the rebels and didn’t know it, and how we crossed the Rappahannock River and then recrossed back again the next day and formed into line of battle to fight the Johnnys and then how we drove them away beyond Brandy Station and in the night slipped away again and blew up the bridge and came on the march to here. Old Lee was ahead of us but as we turned back after Hill’s Corps, he turned back too and then we turned round and came this way as hard as we could and got ahead of him 24 hours start.
I am well, Mother. Write soon. Send me some money or paper as this is nearly all I get. I wish much love to you all. I remain your affectionate son, — Thomas H. Capern
Letter 32
Camp at Warrenton, Virginia October 24th 1863
My Dear Mother,
Once more I sit me down to pen you a few lines. Perhaps in the camp there is a letter from you to me but as I have had no chance at all for the past three days to go into camp, I know not what is going on. Neither do I know what is in the mails. I was sent in here the next day after our Corps came here from Centreville on guard duty as a patrol to patrol the town. After a while the sergeant of the guard came into the Court House where I was and said two more safeguards were wanted so I came to be one of them and I am now in another place also. Where I am sitting now writing this letter is in a kitchen by the warm stove in out of the storm which is raging at the present time of an old regular Baptist minister. He is a good man, I can assure you. Him and I have had some good old talks together about Jesus, &c. His wife too is an excellent woman. She is just as tall and as stout as you and a very pious, devoted woman, She told me to tell you that I had come across some of the regular Baptists and while our political ideas were opposite, yet in one way we could take each other by the hand and call each other brothers and sisters in the Lord. They declared that I was the first Baptist in our army that they had come across and I think the first Christian that they had an opportunity of conversing with in our army. They had met with a few in their own army they told me. They told me that indeed ’twas quite a treat to come across a Baptist and especially as I was their safeguard.
Mother, I am learning a great deal about Southern life and many other things. I find some excellent people and I have formed some acquaintances her in this rank Secession place and I shall never forget them. Indeed, I am glad that I have formed such acquaintances as I have. In many things I have been mistaken. These people’s name is Rev. Mr. Spilman 1 and they tell me that if they can do a favor for me [if] in their power. They have furnished me with this sheet of paper, pen and ink. Well, I do really feel here as if I were at home. What do you think of that? And your son is bringing credit to his Mother from even in one sense of the word from his enemies. She seems to be much pleased with me and thinks that where she will find one like me, she will find a thousand different. Indeed they seem, to think that I am something of a peculiar character in this way—that all my conversation seems to be of a religious character. And again I seem to be one that can feel for others and can feel it in my heart to show kindness to them whom I regard as mine enemies.
But I must close soon. I hope this may find you in good health and getting along right well. Well, Mother, give my love to sister and brother. We have done some very hard marching lately and have gone some considerable time on nothing much more than wasted corn which we found along the road. Much love to you all. Write soon. I remain your affectionate son, — Thomas H. Capern
1 Probably Alexander Hamilton Spilman (1806-1875) of Warrenton. He was ordained a minister in 1849. According to a biographical sketch, during the Civil War he “sometimes found work as a preacher serving several outlying churches being interfered with by troop movements of either side. One day while on his way to keep a ministerial appointment, he was captured by a group of Federal soldiers. That night while sleeping on the ground with his saddle bags for a pillow, he heard his captors exulting over haing captured a “Major.” When they learned he was only a Baptist minister they were sorely disappointed and chagrined.” He was further described as “a man of great integrity, respected, loved, and esteemed by all; a kindly understanding person and a good husband and father.” His preaching was “practical, earnest and often truly eloquent.” Alex (as he was called) was married in 1825 to Adeline Green Allan (1807-1865). They had 13 children.
Letter 33
Camp at Warrenton, Virginia October 26th 1863
My dear Mother,
I received your letter and those papers and was much pleased with them. I have also received that hymn book and the little book also. This is my last sheet of paper I have.
Well, Mother, I am sitting in an old regular Baptist minister’s kitchen sending this letter to you. This is an awful poor pen. Sister Lizzie will have to excuse a letter this time.
So you heard some talk about getting the boys to reenlist, did you? Well you heard right. My own name is on the list and if you don’t wish me to go, I can take it off when I please. By the arrangement before the late move began, we was to have been home and then stay in Jersey all winter. There is a 1,000 dollar bounty altogether offered and that is a great inducement, you know. And by going I thought to clear the old debt of your house. And then as you know, we run a chance of a whole campaign next summer. I thought if I should happen to get killed, it would have been some satisfaction to you to have seen your son since he had left you but I guess I won’t go. It was so arranged by the government that we could back out of our engagement in a week after they engaged to take us home. What do you think of it? I have explained all about it. Most of the regiment put their names down and you see I didn’t want to be put in another regiment.
Well there is some fighting going on all the time. Yes, I have a memorandum book but t’will soon be full. When we were at Warrenton last summer I was safeguard three days at a Mr. Payne’s house near where I am. Well, I left my bible there, I having laid it down and forgotten it, and they picked it up and kept it for me when the army should come again thinking that I must prize it highly, it being a present from my mother. I was up there last night and Mrs. Payne gave me the Bible and also gave me a bottle of ink of which I was entirely out of. So you see they are kind to me. They think very highly of the Jersey Brigade and also of our Corps.
Well, Mother, I must now draw to a close. Please to write soon. May the Lord preserve you and keep your son in the right path. These people think that this war is the beginning of the last and terrible war between Gog and Magog. They think that the Mississippi Valley will be the battlefield of the nations of the Earth before the Millennium. What do you think of it?
I remain as ever your affectionate son, — Thomas H. Capern
Much love to you all. Write soon. Remember me to all the friends.
Letter 34
Camp near the Rappahannock December 5th 1863
My dear Mother,
I am well and hope that these few lines will find you the same. I have just received a letter from you. Tis the first mail we’ve had for eight days now. We have been seeing mighty hard and rough times lately and don’t know that they are all over with yet for this winter.
On Thanksgiving morning we took up the line of march & marched all day, crossing the Rapidan at Germania Ford. There we clumb up a very steep hill, or rather we marched nearly all night. Then we halted and laid down to get what rest we could. Up early next morning and pretty soon to our left, we heard cannonading going on. Once in a while it would come quite close and sometimes we could hear volleys of musketry so we made up our minds that we would soon have to go into a fight.
Towards night we loaded and pushed on towards where the firing was going on. We kept getting nearer and nearer. There was nothing but skirmishing going on. Then soon came heavy volleys of musketry. There was a battery of artillery with us and they went ahead of us on the full run. Then the firing came closer and we had to go upon the double quick through a thick woods. All of us boys thought that we were going to go into a fight then sure, but we did not, but camped a while and then early in the morning at 1 o’clock we started on again. We kept on the march till daylight, then we stopped and made our coffee. Well, I must say then, some fresh bread come and we have been two days without anything to eat.
Then we formed lines of battle and threw out skirmishers. We would have been the first into the battle if we had come in that day through the woods. Adn then down came the rain. It rained all day but we kept on advancing and then filed down a turnpike and then swung around to the right on to the Orange Plank Turnpike. Pretty soon we came to a dead rebel. Then we knew that there was warm work ahead. Fighting soon commenced but the 1st Corps were ahead of us. Then our Corps advanced towards the right. We formed lines along a hill covered with small pines and bushes. T’was a place called the Wilderness.
After we had formed our lines, we stacked our arms and built fires & the 15th [New Jersey] Regiment went out on the skirmish line. It was awful cold I can tell you. Then some of us went out in the open place and looked across and saw the rebels—any quantity of them on the next row of hills waiting for us to come and attack them. The sharpshooters would send a ball over among us once in a while and the boys would get back under cover. They had strong rifle pits. We calculated to charge up them hills the next day but we laid still all day. Between us and the rebs was a swampy piece of ground and a creek through which we would have to wade through when we charged.
Now comes the awfullest time of all. At 1 o’clock in the morning we got up and filed off to our right and came out into a open place. There was wasn’t allowed to make the least little noise and had to lie down for a while upon the frozen ground. We were so sleepy from losing our sleep that we could hardly keep awake. Our feet came near freezing there. Well, up and off again through a piece of woods, then into a pine woods. Then we formed our lines and Gen. [Alfred] Torbert came and told us to cover up in our blankets [but] we couldn’t make a fire. As soon as it come daylight, Gen. Torbert wouldn’t let a man stand up for fear the Johnnys would see. If they had known that we was there, they could have killed us all. We intended to charge the rebel hills at 9 o’clock that morning but Oh how glad we were when they put it off for we piled up our knapsacks in a pile never expecting to see them again for we knew if we made a charge that those who were not killed but were wounded would freeze to death on the battlefield.
I felt calm and composed. I put my trust in Jesus and felt happy in his love. The rebels threw a few shells close to us. We laid there nearly freezing all day. Then about dark we went back to an old camp on the hill tips. There we made fires and cooked our coffee and tried to get a little rest. Then about dark we commenced to march this way. We marched all night. We were so sleepy that we could scarcely keep our eyes open. Indeed, I believe I marched a good piece with my eyes shut. We came some 14 miles that night. About sunrise we stopped to make our coffee. How tired we were then. And then hardest of all, our rations run out. All I had to eat was a little dust and dirt out of the bottom of my haversack.
Then we marched on and rested for the night. We got the best night’s sleep there that we had had for some time for the ground wasn’t frozen then. I just tell you, Mother, it hurts a man to sleep out on the bare, frozen ground these frosty nights. We only got a little piece of fresh beef to eat.
Well, up in the morning and off again—another all day march without anything to eat. But we are back in camp again and don’t know how long we are going to stay here. We hope to go into winter quarters soon. But Mother, we have had a most mighty hard time of it. But I am thankful that after seeing what I have seen, I am thankful to God for having got off with my life. Mother, I am going to send for a box and I want you to send me some Bologna sausage, some apples and some fresh butter—not much of it, and some tea & sugar, some plum pudding. O well, anything you can send. I would love to have a piece of roast fresh pork and some preserves. But Mother, send it on as soon as you can by Adams Express. I have had such a rough time of it upon this march that I would live to have something nice for once in a while. Some roast sweet potatoes. Well I must soon quit. I hope you are well. I am very glad that you received the money. I have hardly time to write to you. Mr. Samuel Beckwith and wife and Grandfather and Grandmother Robbins wishes to be remembered in love to you all. I can’t help smiling when you say that in my likeness, I look as if I wanted to speak to you. Look out for my Memorandum Book. Send me another in a hurry. Send that ink powder. Much love to you all. I remain your affectionate son, — Thomas H. Capern
Letter 35
Camp near the Hazel River, Virginia December 6th 1863
My dear Mother,
I am on guard for several days now as the rest of the regiment are scattered around on picket and upon detail so that there are only a very few of us left in camp. Well, Mother, I wrote for a box in the other letter of day before yesterday and I forgot several things which I wanted badly. I want you to send me a good size box. I want a small frying pan; also a quart kettle—one of them round kind that the boys take to het milk in. Also a small pepper box and a small tin cup. Also I need worse than all a small butcher’s knife, fork and a strong table spoon. If I buy these things down here [I will pay] 5 times the price for them. I want some good black tea and sugar. I wish ’twas killing hog [time]. I want a plum pudding for Christmas dinner and I want a loaf of homemade bread. You know what. Somehow after this rough and tedious starving march, I fancy I want something good. Writing paper and envelopes are very dear while ink can’t be got. Well, Mother, do the best you can. Don’t go beyond your means. But I’ll make it all [up to you] someday if God spares my life.
Mother, I am happy in a Savior’s love and I feel that I can truly say that to depart from this life would be far better for I then would be enabled to join dear Father and the rest of the ransomed hosts in glory. And most of all, I’d see Jesus, my Savior. But while I am spared here below, I’ll strive to press on in the narrow path. But I must stop soon. There was strong talk yesterday of moving back to Warrenton. We are safe here except Lee moves on us and then we would be forced to fall back. But it’s getting late in the season and the weather is getting very cold.
Perhaps some of the friends will help you make up my box. Send it to Adam’s Express. Direct it to Thomas H. Capern, Co. E, 4th Regiment New Jersey Volunteers, Army of the Potomac, Washington D. C. via Adam’s Express
Well, goodbye Mother. Much love to you all. Remember me to all inquiring friends. Tell Bro. Pierson to look out for a long letter from me soon as I can get time to write. I remain your affectionate son, — Thomas H. Capern
Letter 36
Camp near Brandy Station April 18, 1864
Dear Mother,
Last evening I had again the great privilege and pleasure of again receiving a welcome letter from you. I was kind of down-spirited when I received the letter for it kind of seems to me as if my friends were deserting me. It’s precious few letters which I have received lately and I was 4 or 5 days looking for one from you. But although I was very much disappointed at the results of last night’s mail, yet my heart felt glad to see there was a letter for me from my home and the loved ones there. I am glad to learn that you are all so well. I am pretty well at this present time and I hope that you are all the same when this shall reach you. I hope that Willie will have a good time of it. It will do him good to go out into the country.
Dear Mother, I am right glad that you like your pastor so well. I hope too that you may have a great revival and that you may see what we see and hear down here. We see sinners in other regiments seeking their soul’s salvation and hear them cry for mercy and hear them tell that they have experienced love and bloody Jesus. Glorious, isn’t it? Mother, Oh it does me good to witness such scenes. It quite lifts our minds from off of this earth and makes us look up higher. Oh my dear Mother, that I indeed may be enabled to make my calling and election sure. For indeed, I want to be a true possessor of it. I want to lead the life of a Christian and thus glorify my Savior who is in heaven interceding for me.
Mother, I have not got my box of papers yet. Neither do I think that I shall get them for they are down at Brandy Station and it’s so far from here to there that I cannot go and get them. When I sent for them, I thought that they would come right straight through along with the rest of the boxes. But somehow it has not yet made its appearance. But still there is one good thing which has resulted from the sending of that box for I have had two letters from W. Sanford of the Branch Office of the Christian Commission at Washington and he is going to send me weekly a small bundle of papers free. I received some last night. I have just wrote a letter in acknowledgment of them.
Well, Mother, there is a review today but as our regiment has been upon picket and has not come in yet, and as there are hardly enough left in camp to do the guard duty, we we have got out of it. But I reckon that it’s only preparatory to a Grand Review of the whole Army of the Potomac.
The weather seems to be getting right nice now though still there is snow to be seen upon the Blue Ridge Mountains some 40 miles from us. I have received the camphor bag and am wearing it. Dear Mother I am going to ask you to do something which I hate to do after sending it home. But if you can do it, won’t you send me 5 dollars. Out sutlers and picture men are all gone now, but still I want to lay in a stock for the march of some things which I must have and which there is still a way of getting. I had expected to have got my ration money for the time I was home upon furlough long ere this time but I ain’t got it yet, nor is there any show. Part of the regiment has got it and part have not.
Well, I must close for I am upon guard today and perhaps the regiment will come after me. Write right soon. Remember me kindly to all inquiring friends. Much love to you all. I remain as ever your affectionate son, — Thomas H. Capern
Letter 37
Camp near Brandy Station, Va. April 25th 1864
My dear Mother,
I received your ever kind & welcome letter last eve and was right glad to hear from you again and to know that still by the blessing of God you were all kept well. I am enjoying the same blessing at this time and hope that you will all be enjoying it still when this shall reach you. The weather here is truly delightful. We are expecting to move now most every day. We are almost ready to commence a hard and vigorous campaign. Oh that we could realize the war as the Southern people do. Then this would soon come to a close. But I trust that God who holdeth all the destinies of Nations in His hands will go with us and give wisdom unto our generals and cause the enemy of our government to be dumbfounded before us and overthrown with a speedy destruction.
Very soon, perhaps, from now we will be engaged in the deadly strife. Three of us were talking together yesterday and strengthening each other that perhaps we were nearer our Father’s home that we think that we are. Oh that we may be ready to go if the messenger shall come for us.
Well, Mother, I think that that was a great idea of Grandmothers. But if you write home soon, tell her that perhaps I may be in a fierce engagement with the enemy’s of freedom and liberty before the letter shall reach her. But tell her before she leaves this world to send me His blessings. I received the money Mother, and am thankful for it. I send back those two State bills. I want you to send me a dollar’s worth of post stamps and 50 cents worth of writing paper and 50 cents worth of envelopes. I want them right away. Send the stamps in a letter. Send me two or three little fish hooks for I lost them. I have caught no fish yet but I have seen some splendid fish caught here lately.
Mother, you must do the best you can for I don’t know when we shall get paid again. In 20 more days it will be pay day but before that time in all probability may of us will be numbered with the silent dead or in the hospital wounded, or prisoners in the hands of the enemy. God only knows what will be. But we can trust Him. It is good that we can trust Him.
Did you read Willie’s letter to me? If you did not, you ought to have read it. It would have done your heart good. It is the best letter he ever wrote to me.
Write soon and send those things as possible. AlsoMother, please send me two pairs of socks for they last so much longer than the government stockings.
When we had inspections yesterday our Major told us to fix our knapsacks to carry five days rations in and that we would have to throw away some of our clothing. So we are to carry 8 days rations again. God grant that these 8 days rations will bring us nearer to Richmond by the time they are out than when Joe Hooker first issued 8 days rations before Chancellorsville. And I want to go to Richmond this time as a conquerer than as one conquered.
Well, Mother, please to tell sisters that I am so near out of writing paper that I won’t be able to answer all those kind letters which I received. I sent one in this to Willie. Give much kind love to Lizzie and to Emily. Clara’s letter was good. She will be a smart woman if she lives. I hardly know whether to answer her letter for I am short of paper. I ought to have sent for some before now.
Well, I must close soon. I suppose that according to a letter received from Mary Ann last eve that you will have the pleasure of seeing if they live—Grandfather and Grandmother Robbins. Mary Ann sent her love to you all. I must now come to a close. Write soon. I remain as ever your affectionate, — Thomas H. Capern
The Lord bless you all and take care of you is my prayer.
[The following letter is from the personal collection of Matt Snihur and is published here by express consent.]
Camp upon the field May 15th 1864
Dear Mother,
As there is an opportunity of sending a letter home now I thought that I would let you know that your absent son is still alive. I am pretty well and hope you are the same. But we are all sore after 11 days fighting and marching and how much longer it will continue God only knows. I hope that the rebels will not come on to us before I have time to write this letter.
We have seen some dreadful hard fighting lately and we have suffered a dreadful loss. Our Brigade is very small—only about 12 men to a company now. We have 16 or 17 men. I have only caught up to the regiment this morning from the battle of Thursday but our regiment had a small fight here yesterday. The 10th [New Jersey] Regiment is cut awfully. We are all so thankful that we are alive. Al Woodard is wounded in the neck slightly. A large number of our company are wounded. Eli Haines is all right. George Wilkins and [Sgt.] Ben Jones are all right yet. Tom Makens is all right. Won’t you please to write to Mary Ann and tell her I send my love to her and am still alive and in trusting in the Lord.
Have been seeing some awful hard fighting. Were in a fight on the 12th which lasted from daylight till the morning of the next day. I was in it all the time. Please to write and tell Pastor [Thomas G.] Wright that I am alive and have been fighting the rebels. There was 20 pieces of artillery and several thousand prisoners taken the other day of the rebels. They say we have Richmond but we hardly credit it. We are fighting for Spotsylvania Court House. The rebels captured a regiment yesterday of our division. General Lee took breakfast in a house close to here yesterday morning.
Charles Hall is well also. We are having a hard time. We don’t get no time to sleep. We have nearly all lost our knapsacks and everything. I have lost all my things. I am thankful that I got out with myself. I felt happy in the Lord. Jesus is near me and he feels precious to my soul. I hope to be spared yet to come home. Give my love to all the friends. I seen lots of Johnnies charge on us the other day but we would hold our fire till they came close up and then we would rise up and give them all that they wanted. There was plenty of rebels here yesterday. I have seen men perfectly riddled by bullets and mashed to a jelly. What do you think of that?
I want you to be sure and write to Pastor Wright and tell him to tell the church that I am alive or was on the 15th of May. That I am sitting out in the battle field on Sunday knowing not how son we may be called to fight. Much love to you all. I want you to lay in a stock of things for me for you see I have lost and the most of us have lost all we had [and] glad to have ourselves left. But I must stop. I leave you in the hands of the Lord. I lost my Memorandum book up in the Wilderness, But I am glad that I am alive.
The rebels strip our wounded and bayonet them. Leave me in the hands of a kind Providence. Goodbye Mother. Pray for us. I will write when I get a chance. I remain in much love to all of you at home. Your affectionate son, — Thomas H. Capern
Letter 39
Camp near Cold Harbor, Va. June 11th 1864
Dear Mother,
I now sit me down to tell you that still, through the good and mercy of the Lord, I am still spared and I am very thankful for such a real blessing. I rejoice in telling you that I am pretty well and hope that you are the same.
I am with the regiment again. I was surprised to see the Johnny’s breastworks so close to us. Why our front line of works must be within 40 yards of the rebels. We have lots of rifle pits out here and we are digging up more.
We are having beautiful weather. The rebels are kind of still today which is something we like for in reality tis not so pleasant to hear a continual stream of balls coming close to you and wounding comrades along the line. Occasionally, however, one comes along here to remind us that they are still about. Our regiment are today upon the third line of works which is the most dangerous line except the 2nd line. The front line are so close that the balls go over them and what don’t strike in the 2nd line comes to this line. Some good shots are made by the rebels. They come mighty close—close enough, I can tell you. We have to keep down pretty well and pretty close up to the breastworks.
Our artillerists give them a few round shot and shells once in a while to show them that we are not all asleep. There is something in the wind surely. May the Lord make everything to come out all right for our side. We may move from here tonight for ought that we know as in all probability we shall go upon the front line.
Some letters came for me two or three days ago from you and T. Makins did not know where I was. As you know, when a man gets wounded, he goes to the rear immediately if he can and the rest knows not where he goes to. So he tore up the letters and kept the stamp and gave them to me when I came back this morning. I got that paper and envelope and 1 pair of socks. Then afterwards I received the bundle containing 1 pair of socks and drawers and shirt. Thank you very much, dear Mother, for your kindness and promptness.
Well, Mother, if I live when we get paid someday, I will repay you if I can, but still I shall have to send for something more. Please to send me some ink powder and more envelopes & paper and a Memorandum Book. By and by, perhaps, there may be a time when things will stop coming again. Although I am afraid that I am taking away from you, I trust that my life will still be spared. In God is my confidence.
I shall soon have to come to a close. Tell Willie that I am pretty sure that in the afternoon of the 1st that I am sure that I straightened a rebel out. He had been sending some shots mighty close—a little too close for to be comfortable, and so we watched him and I spied him and took good aim on him and that was the end of them close shots from that direction.
Much love to you all. Tell all to write of they can. When I write next time, I guess that it will be much farther upon the left. Remember me to all inquiring friends. Write soon. I remain as ever your affectionate son, — Thomas H. Capern, Co. E, 4th Regt. N. J. Vols., Washington D. C.
Letter 40
Camp near the James River June 15th 1864
Dear Mother,
As I have an opportunity this morning to write a few lines to you. I received a letter from you the other day dated the 9th and I can assure you was thrice welcome to me. I have read and reread the letter over and over again. It found me well and I am the same this morning and sincerely hope that these few lines may find you all the same. I was right glad to see a few lines from sisters and very glad to hear that Willie was having such a fine time. Give him my love when you write to him.
We have got up and traveled from Cold Harbor and now we are away down by the James river. We can hear the whistle of the transports in the river. Where our destination [will be], we don’t know. We don’t know anything nowadays.
Sheridan is on a grand raid in the rear of Richmond. Some think we are going to operate on Ft. Darling and across to Petersburg. I don’t believe that the rebels followed up our rear with much force at all. We fooled them considerably. We took one road and they climbed after us on the other side on another road. They threw some bomb shells out of some of their mortars down upon our left and I tell you, in the dark they looked pretty. This is the way they go up [sketch]. They can throw them anywhere they please. I hear some of the shells fell among themselves.
Well, Mother, this is most truly a splendid morning. I wrote you a letter the other day telling you I had received those things you sent me and I have them on now. I want you to tell me how you are making out. I am sorry that I have to send home for so much but we won’t get paid now before there will be 4 months pay coming. I had the misfortune on the night of the battle of June 3rd of losing my haversack containing many articles which I wouldn’t have lost for a great deal but I couldn’t help it. I got in the dark someone else’s haversack and somebody got mine. You see I was asleep and another line came into the trench when I was asleep and they must have seized onto my things so I made a grab for one. Then as you know, I was slightly wounded that day I traveled to the rear. I wish not that at the earliest opportunity you will send me a small package containing a butcher knife, a table spoon, a fork, a bottle of pepper, some ink powder, &c. If you can spare me a little money without robbing yourself, I wish you would. If I weren’t hard up, I wouldn’t ask for anything. But you see how I have nothing to eat for three means now in all probability. Now it isn’t pleasant, I can tell you, to go without anything to eat. I am not the only one for most of us here have ate the last in our haversacks for our breakfast. The boys begin to cry out hard tack. Well, Mother, I don’t like to send home but you see I am compelled to do so. I hope to live to make it all up to you. That cake went very nice. I was right glad to receive it.
You want to know who our officers are. Well, I’ll tell you how you may know when our regiment goes into battle. Maj. Gen. Wright commands the 6th Corps. General Russell commands the 1st Division of the Corps, and Col. Penrose commands the 1st Brigade of the 1st Division, 6th Corps. So when you read in the papers of Colonel Penrose’s Brigade being in the action, you may remember that we are in all probability into it hot and heavy. There are four regiments in our brigade now—the 4th, 15th, and 10th New Jersey Vol. and the 1st Delaware Cavalry. These cavalry have no horses yet and so they had to take guns & come in our brigade. When you read of the 6th Corps being engaged, remember to look and see if the 1st Division was engaged because we are the 1st Division and our brigade is the 1st Brigade in the Corps, and in the division. When we first came out, we were the 1st Brigade in the Army of the Potomac.
Mother, I love your letters. I love to read them and they do me much good. tell Alfred Woodard’s wife when she writes to him to give my kind regards to him and that we all hope that he will do well and see good times.
Well, I do hope that Abe Lincoln will get reelected again. I believe in putting the war right through. May the Lord bless us ,ore and grant that soon a decisive blow may be struck—one which will make the rebels feel it, Eli Haines is well and sends his love to his mother. Remember me kindly to all enquiring friends. Please to write soon. Send those articles as soon as you can. I wish you send me something that would make a cooling drink. Something like cream of tarter and essence of lemon. Please to write soon. I don’t know when I shall get a chance to send this. Goodbye. I remain your affectionate son, — Thomas H. Capern
May the Lord take care of you all.
Letter 41
Camp in the woods between the James & Appomattox Rivers June 18th 1864
My dear Mother,
Again I sit down to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well this morning. We have had no mail for several days now but we are in hopes to get one soon. Last night at 12 o’clock we were roused up and left here in light marching order and went out and formed in line of battle. We came in however at 4 o’clock again, the attack having not been made. We came here yesterday morning from off of the transports. We are about 12 miles they say from Richmond and 8 or 10 miles from Petersburg at which latter place some most terrific cannonading and desperate fighting has been going on. We could hear a perfect war of cannons all yesterday afternoon and then the rumor came that Petersburg was ours but then came another rumor that the rebels were doing their best to get it back again. We have heard pretty heavy musketry and cannonading on our right this morning. We may leave to pitch in today for aught that we know. We hope not.
You see as we are upon the south side of Richmond if we should happen to whip the rebels here, Old Jeff and Lee will be in a scrape because here are their communications. May the God of victories smile upon us. There must be a great number killed and wounded down here already. Close to where we are is a darkie company. They were in the fight the other day and drove the rebels. They say that they killed every rebel that they got a chance at. They take no prisoners whatever and of course the rebels kills all they catch of them too.
I’d like to know what makes the flies so thick down here. Why they seem as if they would almost eat a well man up and the Lord have mercy upon a wounded man upon the field. The fighting is coming down our part of the line. There is hard work going on. There will be something decisive done here, so I think. It looks like a poor show for a man to come out with his life but still the Lord can keep me for not a single shaft can hit till the God of love sees fit. I don’t feel, however, for the past few days as I would like to feel. I don’t feel that happiness in my heart that I want to feel. I feel so afraid when I think that I am going into battle lately that I keep thinking that if I was to get killed, I would not be prepared to die. I have not been praying so much of late as I ought to and I have been rather careless till we came to where the scene of death is again and that brings one to a sense of things again. I feel sorry that I’ve got so but I trust that God will forgive my sins for Jesus’s sake and give me that inward assurance and peace of mind that I am longing for. I am afraid that I have too strong a hold upon this life. I think that perhaps I sin in wishing all the time so much that I will not get killed. If so, may God forgive me. I still hang on to my Bible. I read that everyday. I feel that though if I persist, I will perish clinging to the cross of Christ. I have felt before now that if I were to be killed that I would go to heaven right away and that’s how I want to feel now.
Well, Mother, I want to get to heaven. I kind of believe that we all shall get there. I sent for some money. I hope you can send some now. Yesterday, I could if I had had a dollar could have bought in a few minutes all the sugar and coffee and hard tacks I wanted to carry but I had to go without. However I went up to a pile of moldy crackers and there was some good pieces in amongst the moldy ones and so I got something to eat. There are a lot of these Hundred Days’s men here. They have their soft bread but they haven’t been marching so many miles as we have. So send me some if you can. Eli Haines is well and wishes to send his love to his mother. Write soon. Much love to you all. I remain your affectionate son, — Thomas H. Capern
Letter 42
Behind a little breastwork near Petersburg, Va. June 20th 1864
Dear Mother,
Once more I sit down to write you a few lines. I think that I sent you a letter last night but as we are in a perilous position this morning, I thought that I would write down a few things to show you how thankful we ought to be to the Lord for His goodness to us.
This morning very early we were roused up to go upon picket or upon the skirmish line as we supposed. But after we had marched toward the post a ways, we halted in a long trench and laid down for to rest awhile. Soon a Captain came along and told us that we were going to support a battery and that we had better get a shovel and dig holes to protect ourselves with from the eyes of the rebel sharpshooters. So we went to work with a hearty good will. Anything to save one’s life here. The Lord favored us a great deal this morning, there being a thick fog in the air until the sun were high in the heavens. Then we got a glimpse of the rebel forts across the river and also we could see one of the church spires of Petersburg. And of the fortifications on the other side—well, there was several small forts built here also last night. Just as soon as our artillery opened upon the rebels here, the rebels replied by a heavy crossfire from three ways and they made the places around here tremendous hot for them and us. The shells and shot came bursting all around us and whistling mighty close to us. But I felt that God could help me and all of us safe and He has thus far. One shell came and burst within a few feet of our company. To be sure, it did not burst more than three yards of all of us but it struck close to two, right on top of the breastwork behind them covering them all over with the earth. It stunned them a little.
Now when we are delivered from so much danger, don’t you think that we ought to be thankful and yet such is the depravity of the human heart that even when death is seemingly so near, yet the most awful swearing goes on. I am sometimes afraid that God will send some judgement upon us for our ingratitude and wickedness. I was to a nice prayer meeting. The chaplain of the 15th Regiment led the meeting. We had a good season together. How many of us will meet alive again at the next Sunday meeting, God only knows. Ain’t it good that we can have such good seasons of Christian worship and fellowship together?
Well, Mother, I never keep back from you a knowledge of the dangerous situations that it is my lot to be in from time to time. Most of the boys think that I do very wrong in thus telling you of such things but does it worry you to know that I am in such circumstances? I don’t believe it does for I know that you leave me in the hands of the Lord.
We calculate that towards night there will be a warm time in this place now. If so, may the Lord preserve us still. The rebels are in very strong positions here. Well, I have just received your ever welcome letter of the 16th and was glad to hear from you again. I think, Mother, that if you will look over the letters I have sent to you, you will find that I have told you several times that I received those drawers and short, &c. You must not be afraid to send me anything at all for I always get all you send to me. I have been looking for these papers for a long time and wondered why you did not send me any more. I have sent for more things. Did I tell you to send me some ink powder? The flies here don’t give a fellow any peace of mind at all.
There was quite a time in our company last night occasioned by Sam Wells getting a letter from home stating that Alfred Woodward was dead. Your letter seemed to me uncommonly short. You think that we have been in the front enough? Well, well, I’ll tell you where we will be in all probability till the war is over. We will be in the front in places of the thickest dangers. THat seems o be the fortune of our brigade. But we have to trust to Providence and do the best we can.
I am going to sit down and read them little books now. Please send me these things I send for as soon as you can for I need them very much. This is an awful hot, sultry afternoon. The whole of our company are gathered together in a small trench. Well, if they kill us and we are not relieved before tomorrow, we will dig again tonight and make a young fort grow up here.
Remember me kindly to all enquiring friends. Write soon. Give my love to all. You never will hear me think we can never take Richmond by a direct assault but we must work by the left flank around them to evacuate Richmond. Then our commander, Maj. Gen. Wright has come out here to look around and see where is a good position to plant a battery for to rake the one who gave us such a terrible raking fire this morning. Their generals are changing the rebel position. Godly Mother, I am pretty well and hope that you are the same. May God bless you all. I am as ever your affectionate son, — Thomas H. Capern
We are to get our mail any day now. The rebels are on one side of the river and we are upon the other. I need some envelopes pretty soon if I live.
Letter 43
In the woods I know not exactly where getting ready to build breastworks June 24th 1864
Dear Mother,
I received a welcome letter from you this morning and also two papers containing a Memorandum Book and some envelopes and paper. Thank you for them. In the letter were some stamps and some ink powder which articles came in due time. I am pretty well now and hope that you are the same. The weather is very warm and we suffer from the heat considerably. We are some ways down upon the left of Petersburg but where I cannot tell you. Our lines were continually changing the whole of yesterday and this morning they have changed again and as how our lines run now, none of us can tell for there are batteries stationed completely in our rear. Our line seems to run in this shape—say here is Petersburg. [sketch] I can’t form an idea how it is.
There was heavy fighting near us this morning and yesterday and we may be into it before the day closes. There is an important railroad out here somewhere that we want to get hold of but I guess we will have a stiff engagement before we get it, and after we get there, it will be fight all the time till we get it torn up.
Well, Mother, I trust that I may be spared. Tip Snyder has come back to the company again. We know nothing what is going on—only that things look like war here.
Well, I will stop and cook some dinner. I am at a loss it seems to me for to know something for to write about. I am sorry to hear that Clara is unwell but I hope that she may get well soon. Write soon. May the Lord hear your prayers in my behalf and may the Lord continue to bless you. I remain in much love to you all. Yours affectionate son, — Thomas H. Capern
Our company are all pretty well.
Mother that shirt and drawers don’t suit me. They ought to have been of some thinner material like what I had on when I came back to Virginia. This stuff is too thick and fuzzy and ot ought to be check shirts and drawers. Can’t you make me some soon as we get no chance at all to wash our things.
Letter 44
Camp in the woods near Petersburg, Va. June 27th 1864
Dear Mother,
I have received this morning a letter and some papers containing the paper, Cream of Tartar and ginger. Also the knife and spoon but you forgot the fork I reckon. I am very thankful to you for them and for the money.
The sun is very hot upon us. Cannonading is going on quite heavy not far upon our right. We have been and are still looking day by day for it to commence where we are. Then may the Lord be gracious unto us and preserve us from all harm. Well, Mother, I have no news at all to communicate although with this exception—that on our right there is a continual picking away of musketry and cannonading day and night. During the night it often breaks out in a general roar down the lines.
Well, the wind is rising sure and it looks a little like rain. Surely if it does rain it will be a Godsend for we need it very much. Well, Mother, I am sorry to tell you that this shirt of mine is actually tearing to pieces. It must be very poor material. Now in future when if I live I may send for drawers and shirts, you will please make them out of cotton flannel or something like that stuff. I hardly know what to write about. I have got the record of this campaign so far in my book down. This ink is made from that ink powder. I wish when you send me more papers that you would put a few little bottles in for they are so handy to carry little notions in such as what you sent me. I could carry little bottles of notions in my pockets, you see, and they would carry well too.
I know that, dear Mother, that you are all longing for the time to come when we shall get Richmond. But don’t be discouraged if I tell you that I don’t think Richmond will be taken much before next fall. We will have o have 50 or 60,000 more men in the opinion of most of us. But Mother, keep up good heart and although gold is very high and I know not what we shall do, yet when I come to look ahead I can’t see the way clear. Yet there is one source of dependence left and that is I know that there is a God above who overruleth all things and who is permitting these things so to be and who can cause them to come to an end soon. If I did not trust in Him, I don’t know what I would do. We all hope for this cruel war to soon come to a peaceful end but as yet there are no signs down this way.
I would often times be willing to give 5 dollars for a pitcher full of clear well water. Most all the water here tastes and smells bad. Yet we are compelled to drink it. When you write, give me a list of the prices you pay for provisions such as flour, sugar, &c. I could wish that we would get paid off soon. They are preparing for next muster day which will be on Thursday. Then there will be 4 months pay due us and 50 dollars besides of bounty. I hope to be able when we get paid—if we get 4 months pay—to send you 75 or 80 dollars. That much would do you some good. Are you much in debt now? How about the house? Has Mr. Roberts paid you for his as yet? How I wish to see that settled.
Well, I must soon close. Eli Haines has written to his mother. He is well. We are all pretty well. Much love to you all. God keep and provide for your every want is the prayer of your affectionate son, — Thomas H. Capern
The author of this letter, written like a newspaper, was Hiram Whitacre. He was presumably from Wood county, Ohio, because he speaks of the 111th Ohio Volunteer Infantry (OVI) which is where the regiment was organized. In checking the census records for Wood county in 1860, I can only find one individual by that name and he was the 22 year-old son of Preston Whitacre (1804-1840) and Martha Lucy (1804-Aft1870) of Jersey City, Wood county, Ohio. He was born in 1838 and died in 1915.
An obituary claims that Hiram was born within three hundred feet of where he died, one and a half miles west of Jersey City. He had always ben a resident on his parent’s farm. He never married though he did serve in Co. B, 67th Ohio Infantry from 1 October 1864 to 10 October 1865.
Hiram wrote the letter to an unidentified cousin named Thomas.
Transcription
The Beacon
November the 12th 1862 Vol. 1. No. 3
The War
The war has raged so long that the question is forced upon us what is the cause of so bloody a strife? We answer by saying that virtue and vice are progressive,
The human heart Never knows a state of rest bad leads to worse and better tends to best
Tyranny as well as other vices is progressive. The people of the South at first were content to tyrannize over their slaves but soon took to tyrannizing over the poor white men of the South. Then, not content with that, they wanted to oppress the poor laborers of the North. They have repeatedly said that free society has proved a failure and that the North would adopt the system of master and slave. They have denounced us as small-fisted farmers and greasy mechanics, not fit company for their slaves and they have called the laboring class of the North mudsills. Senator Wigfall of Texas said that poverty was crime but the question will be asked, “Do you really think that the South would enslave the laboring class if they had the power?” We answer by saying that they have done this in New Mexico to a certain extent by passing a law in that Territory by which a debtor may be sold and held as a slave until the debt is paid.
H. V. Johnson of Georgia said that capital should own its labor virtually saying that rich man should own the poor man that labors for him. Governor McGoffin of Kentucky said that it would be a happy day when white men instead of black ones should do the drudgery of slave owners. Besides being more handy, they can be used as voters. Thus you see that this traitor expects to make his slaves elevate him to office. There is something more that geographical lines to be considered in this war. Truth and justice, liberty and free institutions on one side; dishonor, tyranny, injustice on the other. This war has been forced upon us.
Education
We expect to keep school this winter. We got our certificate yesterday and shall commence school next Monday. This will be our first attempt at school teaching. We will in due time publish our experience as a school teacher. We feel that our position is one of honor and responsibility as we have for a time the youth of the land, the pride of the Nation, entrusted to our care. Our greatest anxiety will be to do justice to all.
Emancipation
We see that some opposition is made to the President’s Proclamation and some attempt to make a false issue and say that the war is to free the Negroes. The fact is the emancipation of the Negroes of Rebel masters is intended to shorten the war. Shall the lives of our brave boys be lost in protecting the property of Rebels? We say no. We say emancipate and let Rebels know that it is a grave offense to trample on the Old Flag. We are happy to see [ ] and Stanton stand by the President. Parson Brownlow says that he will stand by Old Abe. This is encouraging. General Cass—a life-long Democrat—supports the President’s measures. He is a tried Patriot. General Halleck says that it is a military necessity and that we can never conquer the South till we take away their labor. It takes a good deal of moral courage to be President now but Old Abe is able for the position and will do his duty.
The 111th
Capt. John McGowan (Marcus McLemore Collection)
We hain’t heard from this regiment for some time. At last accounts, it was at Bowling Green, Kentucky. Most of the men was well. I believe probably they have moved ere this.
Your aunt Emma is getting along very well. Her daughter [ ] is living with her. I was there to a wood chopping not long ago. Charles 1 is in the 111th [Ohio] Regiment. I don’t know where the regiment is now. His company is D. Captain [John E.] McGowan is his captain. Jacob Harvy is in the 8th Ohio Regiment. He is some place in Virginia. Thomas, I was glad to hear that you was well. We are all well. I believe that I have no news to tell you. Nothing of importance is going on now. Once in a while we have a corn husking but that is poor fun. We have a nice fall for work. Excuse my bad writing as I write in haste. I remain, Tom, your affectionate cousin, — Hiram Whitacre
1 There were only two soldiers named Charles in Co. D, 111th OVI; 2nd Lt. Charles H. French and Corporal Charles H. Milburn.
I have not been able to confirm an identity for the author of this letter who we learn was detailed away from his regiment as a clerk in the Quartermaster Department of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division of the 25th Army Corps—a corps that was composed entirely of Black troops. He speaks of having a couple of close calls in avoiding capture while serving with his regiment and my hunch is that he was from the Army of the James under Butler’s command and was probably present in the Battle of Fair Oaks & Darbytown Road in late October 1864. There was a Black solder in the 26th USCT from New York State who would have been in the 25th Army Corps but the pay scales seem to rule out his being the author. The author mentions two towns—Bloomingdale and Keeseville—which are in Essex county so my presumption is that he came from that county but I have not found him in census records.
In any event, his letter provides us with a great description of a prisoner exchange that took place at Jones Landing on the James River. The date of the exchange is not given but it appears to have taken place on the same day that Union Batteries surrounding Petersburg fired a celebratory salute at the news of the surrender of Charleston which occurred on 18 February 1865.
Transcription
Quartermaster Dept., 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 25th Army Corps February 20th 1865
My best loved ones at home,
I have once more been made glad by reading another very kind and welcome letter from my own dear home. Oh how precious those letters are coming from home & written by those that we love best on earth for who can we love more than wife, mother and children. If anyone knows of the sweet pleasure of home & home comforts & feels the need of them, it is the poor lonely soldier away from all he holds dear on earth. All the comforts that they have is the pleasure of hearing from his friends & in using his pen as a medium between himself and his friends—at least I have found it so in my own case. How little our friends at home surrounded by all the comforts of home know of the duties they owe the soldiers in the field in doing what little they can to beguile the tedious monotony of camp life.
Well, I was very glad to hear from you and to learn that you were as well as you are and doing well. May God prosper you all and also myself & keep us all safe to meet once more. So you think I meant to stay here after my present term is expired? Well things have gone so far now that I could not give it up without making myself appear ridiculous and offering an insult to those that have interested themselves in my behalf & have recommended me, but I had rather do that than to do any such thing contrary to your wishes if you have considered it cooly and candidly and made up your mind.
Evening & here I be. Well, there is no news of any importance. There is nothing going on here. It is the same old thing over & over but I expect it won’t be long before the spring campaign will open & then look out for breakers. I expect when that takes place that I will be sent to the regiment again. That was one reason that made me think of going into one of these regiments for I thought that if I had to be in the ranks at the front, that I might as well be drawing $105 per month as $15. But I see you are so very bitterly opposed to it that perhaps I had better give it up although I have gone too far now to retreat with honor. But perhaps it will be better so.
I saw Frank a few days ago. He came down and stayed all day with me. He is well & tough. He thinks we have a great time here and so we do. One of our number has left us and gone over the river along with the commissary that has been here but has been promoted to Division Commissary. That leaves now but three & we have some gay old times you had better believe. Oh dear, I don’t feel very much like writing tonight. I feel very downhearted. I think I will close for tonight. Good night. Pleasant dreams to you.
I have been away all day and when I got home I found another letter from home which I will have to answer in this, I was very glad to learn that you could enjoy yourself as well as you do on the sleigh rides, oyster suppers, &c. I should think you might get along without me you seem to fare very well without me as far as beaux are concerned so that I might as well stay here as not.
In going down to Jones Landing I saw an exchange of prisoners. There were about 2,000 of each that once more regained their liberty. There were some sorry-looking fellows there, I tell you—-some that had to be carried, not being able to walk. While the exchange was taking place, there was heavy artillery firing nearly the whole length of our line. The Johnnies wanted to know what that meant. They were told it was a salute on the capture of Charleston. They could hardly believe it some of them, and some expressed no surprise at the news (which I suppose is true). They were a rather hard-looking set but you had ought to have seen some of our boys that has been in their hands for some months. They were poor, pale, and haggard-looking as you ever saw. They brought some of their prison bread along. It is made of corn ground, cobs and all, and stirred up with cold water and is about as hard as a brick and they are not allowed but a very small piece for one day—about as much as a man would eat along with other victuals (if it was fit to eat) at one meal.
I hope and trust I may never have the luck to fall into their clutches & I don’t never mean to either. What is more, if my legs will carry me out of their way, they have done it twice—once at Drury’s Bluff and again at Fair Oaks. Well, I have got to stop again. The quartermaster wants me.
Wednesday and I have not had time to write a word since Monday evening & now I can’t write but a few words for I have got to go away & I won’t wait any longer. If I don’t fill the sheet up, I will write to Bill as soon as I can. Write often all of you to — C. C. Lowry
P. S. If there is any chance at Bloomingdale to get photographs taken, I want you to take the best of my pictures that I have sent home and get half a dozen taken from it & send me. I should think the one I had taken when we were in Maryland was about as natural looking as any but use your own judgement. I want the one that looks the most as I did when at home last. If there is no chance, then send to Keeseville & oblige. — Charley
The following letter was written by 19 year-old Charles Robert Benedum (1842-Aft1870), the eldest son of lumberman Phillip Benedum (1801-1885) and Mary Loofborough (1823-1867). Though proclaiming himself a “Union Man” and eligible for service, Charles did not enlist during the Civil War as he considered his health to be too poor to withstand the rigors of a soldier’s life. In the 1863 Draft Registration, Charles was enumerated in Lancaster as a single, “laborer” with no military service. He was still enumerated in his father’s household at the time of the 1870 US Census.
Charles wrote the letter to his cousin, Laura Delilah Hartman (1835-1919), the daughter of John Henry Hartman (1798-1877) and Catherine Maria Benedum (1798-1866) of Findlay, Hancock county, Ohio.
The letter was datelined from Lancaster, Ohio, which was populated by residents who were split roughly 50:50 between those who were from southern-leaning states favoring the Confederacy and those who supported the Union. They came predominantly from three different states—Virginia, Kentucky, and Western Pennsylvania—and they brought their value systems with them. Though street brawls were few, tensions remained high and the two leading newspapers carried on a war of words throughout the war.
Lancaster, Fairfield county, Ohio
Transcription
Lancaster, Ohio 4 September 1861
Dear Cousin,
We are all well and I hope these few lines will find you the same. It has been some time since I heard from you. Are you sick or too much work to do or what is the matter? I would of wrote before this but I have not been well all summer. One of my brothers is not well nor has not been for two weeks. He has the ague and fever. There is a great deal of sickness here.
Dear cousin, secession is very strong here. A Union man dare not open his mouth about the Union or they will land him in the calaboose or jail. But there is one thing here, six companies left here and there is another one to leave from here by Saturday and one from here some time next week. Eight companies gotten up here. Good for Old Fairfield! Beat that in one county if you can. I will not go this time. If I was well and could stand it, I would go, but the doctors tell me I could not stand it two weeks. I am not healthy enough.
A dispatch came here yesterday that Jeff Davis died. If it is true or not, I cannot say. You can’t believe the dispatches that come here—the half of them are not true. War excitement is great here but the secessionists—or the Red Lodge we call them here—they are the head leaders—they must look pretty sharp or the Union men will put them in the Callaboose or Jail. But I am none of your seceshers. I am for the Union—now and forever! Yes, a very Union man. It makes no difference who knows it. If that be true about Jeff Davis, dying was too good for him. They ought to hung him, I tell you.
I am a Union man. I cannot say what you are or your father. I hope you will not get angry at me like some people do here because I tell them this Union cannot be dissolved. They get angry at me when I tell them it won’t be. Or maybe I am going a little too far with you. I am afraid you will get angry. I think I had better stop and not go any farther. If I am wrong in this matter, I want you to correct me in your letter if this don’t make you too angry to write. I have used some very strong words I know but it could not be helped.
I must close by saying goodbye and sending my love to you, one and all. You will think this a hard letter. — Charles R. Bendodum
Lorain and Mary send their love. Write soon if this don’t make you too mad that what I am a Union Man. No more.
The following letter was written by Henry C. Hartman (1830-1884), the son of John Henry Hartman (1798-1877) and Catherine Maria Benedum (1798-1866) of Findlay, Hancock county, Ohio. Henry wrote the letter to his sister Delilah Hartman (1835-1919). From municipal records we learn that Henry was married in March 1853 to Philabena Shyer (1833-1885) in Hancock county, Ohio, and the couple had one daughter named Lorie S. Hartman, born in 1859.
In the 1860 US Census the Hartmans were enumerated in Deepwater, Henry county, Missouri, where Henry was employed as a store clerk. We learn from the letter that Henry’s brother, Samuel Hartman (1832-1924) was living in the same vicinity as Henry with his family too. In the 1870 US Census, Henry’s family was enumerated in Des Moines, Iowa where he supported his family as a “country merchant.” In 1880, he and Philabena were farming in Sheldahl, Story county, Iowa. Henry and his wife are buried in Madrid, Boone county, Iowa.
This letter is significant as it alludes to the destruction of the town of Osceola, Missouri, where Henry had settled his family in 1861. When Henry moved his family to Osceola, he must have imagined that he had located himself in a town with great promise for growth, sited as it was on the Osage river. But there were a significant number of secessionists who lived in the town and who were beginning to make life miserable for those who did not share their views. Believing the town to be populated entirely with secessionists, James S. Lane led his Jayhawkers into the town on a Sunday in September 1861 and left Osceola in “a heap of smoldering ruins. Well over two thousand people were left homeless and perhaps the fairest city in Missouri had been utterly wiped from the face of the earth.” Lane’s army “left Osceola with all their plunder and headed for Kansas, leaving old age, and helpless innocents to keep vigil over the dead and wounded, and life blood and tears marked the spot which only a few short hours before had been peaceful, contented, happy homes.”
From Henry’s letter we learn that it was not just the secessionists who suffered, but Union supporters like the Hartman’s as well who left the state entirely. “Lane was severely criticized for his actions in Osceola, most severely by General Henry Halleck, Commander of the Department of Missouri, who believed that the attacks made by Lane and Colonel Charles Jennison aggravated anti-Union sentiments in Missouri and intensified resistance to federal authority in the state. Of their actions, he would state: “The course pursued by those under Lane and Jennison has turned against us many thousands who were formerly Union men. A few more such raids will make this State unanimous against us.” [Legends of America]
The Burning of Osceola, Missouri
Transcription
Fort Des Moines, Iowa September 1st 1861
Dear Sister Delila,
Yours of August 9th came to hand—contents read with interest. You wanted to know concerning our escape from Missouri and what was dine with our household furniture & how much we lost. We lost some claims that we had standing out; I sold a fine cow to a wealthy man on a short credit, and because we were leaving he would not pay me a dollar of it. We lost other claims to considerable amount. Samuel and myself sold furniture to the amount of fourteen dollars between us. The rest we had to leave.
Samuel traded for two yoke of cattle and a wagon, loaded our clothing, bedding, women and children into the wagon, hitched up, and rolled out in daylight. We told the people that he was a going to take our families out of the battlefield and that I was a going to stay and take charge of the goods. I stayed two days when I went out in the evening four miles to stay with two friends where there was a horse left for me. I mounted him next morning and bid goodbye to Osceola forever, overhauled the wagon at Pinson’s at which place we stayed three days on the account of high waters, settled up some business and traded for another wagon and then started for the North unmolested.
We was on the road three weeks, camped out every night, and had a very pleasant trip of it. We were all fat, ragged, and sassy—more especially when we got out from among the secessionists. We have not heard anything from Keifer or the goods since we left except Ezekias’s mother wrote that he had gone out. There is no chance to get into business here at this time. Samuel traded his cattle and wagon into a house and lot and is keeping confectionaries in the front room. It is a nice property for the present. I am driving team at very low wages until I can see something better.
I am unsettled. There is no money here but more provisions and produce of all kinds I ever saw any place. I think some of going further east in the state—probably to Illinois to where they have sale for their produce where I would be more likely to get at something that would pay better. If I could have got what was coming to me in Missouri and what I ought to have had, I would have been home by this time. As it is, I can’t come as I have but little money left. Wages are very low here but a man can get plenty to eat and drink for his labor. I believe if I had my family back home I would join the army and go to killing the Rebels. I would like to help rid Missouri of secessionists—especially Thomas Johnson’s Company, John W. Jones.
We are all well. It is very healthy here now. Trust you are all well. Yours respectfully, — H. C. Hartman
Delila, I think before I write again I will get a new pen. I will give the prices—-corn 15 cents per bushel, wheat 30, potatoes 30, flour 100 to 1.59 hundred, bacon 5 to 9 cents per pound, butter 10, eggs 4 to 5 per dozen, green apples 75 to 100 and have been as high as 200 per bushel, wild plums 30 cents per bushel. I paid 10 cents for 3 common peaches last week.
When you write again, give the prices of produce and wages of common hands. Father, I would like to see you all and the old stomping grounds. Have you got the buggy yet? Have you got Old Doll yet? Have you got any other horses? Have you the big wagon yet? How many head of cattle have you got? How many hogs? How many Bramys and Shanghigh’s? Is Elmer farming your little farm? Where is [ ] and Teny? I don’t hear anything of them anymore. What has become of anybody else in that country?
Give our love to Brother Briggs and family. Delila in her last said they were in Findlay. Lorie says she is going to Ohio to see her Grandma & Pa. She says she loves all her uncles and cousins. Nothing more now.
Yours as ever, — H. C. Hartman
Some of you write every week or two. It ain’t no great job if you would think so, Excuse this bad writing as my pen hain’t fit to make rabbit tracks with. I will get a new one. — H. C. H.
Spared & Shared 23 