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.
This letter was written by Abner Newton Steele (1826-1862) while serving as 1st Lieutenant in Co. G, 11th Alabama Infantry. Before enlisting with the North Port Rifles, Abner had prior military experience during the War with Mexico having served as the First Sergeant of Co. A, Mississippi Regiment Rifle Battalion.
Abner Newton Steele (courtesy of Jeff Thomson who posted image on Find-A-Grave)
At the time of the July 1860 US Census, Abner was employed as a merchant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, having previously operated a plantation near Columbus in Chickasaw county, Mississippi. Enumerated in the household with him was his wife, Eleanor (“Ellen”) Caroline Steele (1825-1906), age 33, his three sons, Richard (age 7), Frank M. (age 3), and John C. B. (age 1 month), and two girls, Isabella (“Bell”) Vaughan (age 16) and Mary J. Vaughan (age 14).
The 11th Alabama was organized in June 1861 at Lynchburg, Virginia, under Colonel Sydenham (“Syd”) Moore. By January 1862, they were attached to Cadmus Wilcox’s Brigade and fought under him at the Battle of Seven Pines, the Battle of Gaines’ Mill, and finally at the Battle of Frazier’s Farm (or “Glendale”) where Abner Steele, leading Co. G, was killed with 48 other men of the 11 Alabama in hand to hand combat with Federals defending two artillery batteries. Incredibly, eight of the ten officers leading companies in the 11th Alabama were killed in the bayonet assault at Frazier’s Farm.
Addressed to Mrs. E. C. Steele, Plum P., Tuscaloosa county, Alabama
Camp 16 miles below Richmond, Va. May 11th 1862
My dear Ellen,
I am happy to inform you that I am alive and well. So is Peter and all the North Port boys. We left our fortifications at Yorktown on yesterday a week ago and have been on the march up to yesterday. We have made a halt and are now in battle array but I can’t say whether [Joseph E.] Johnston intends making a permanent stand or not. If he does not here, it is not far to where he will. It is supposed that the Yankees under McClellan are in hot pursuit of us with a large force and close in our rear.
We had an engagement with them at Williamsburg the day after we left and repulsed them with heavy loss. Also another near West Point with a like result, The 11th Alabama Regiment was not in it but close by and held as a reserve to reinforce if necessary. We lost several gallant officers at Williamsburg—Col. [Christopher Hayes] Mott of the 18th Mississippi and Major Forney of the 10th Alabama were among the killed. 1
Our retreat has been managed with the greatest skill of any one known in the world. It has given the whole army a great deal more confidence in General Johnston and I believe now that the army we have here can whip any army the Yanks can bring against us and I think in a few days we will have a chance to try it against the flower of the North.
You must watch the papers and see our movements. Our regiment is now in General Howell Cobb’s Brigade and in Major General Magruder’s Division. I seen nearly all our army here and it is a sight to see it. I can’t say how many men we have but enough to keep the Yanks out of Richmond.
The courier starts to the office immediately and I must close. Don’t be uneasy about me. I am in excellent health and in fine spirits. Remember me to the little boys. My respects to all. In great haste. Yours truly, — A. N. Steele
Direct your letters to Richmond, Va.
1 Col. Mott was indeed killed at the Battle of Williamsburg but Major William H. Forney was wounded in the right arm and taken prisoner. He was exchanged on 31 August 1862 and returned to his regiment where he was wounded once again at the Battle of Salem Church on May 1863. He was left on the field with multiple wounds at Gettysburg, captured again, and exchanged in August 1864. He finished the war as a Brigadier General in William Mahone’s Division.
The following letter was written by Robert Lewis Bliss, Jr. (1843-1908), the son of Robert Lewis Bliss, Sr. (1803-1872) and Susan Collins (1807-1885) of Florence, Lauderdale county, Alabama. Military records are sketchy but it’s clear that Robert enlisted as a private at Florence, Mississippi on 24 December 1861 and that he was recruited by Capt. [T. A.] Jones whom he mentions in this letter that was datelined less than a month after his enlistment. He was initially in the 27th Alabama Regiment but that he was captured at Fort Donelson but escaped and rejoined the remnants of other regiments who were organized into the 33rd Mississippi Battalion and later served as an Ordnance Sergeant in various organizations. After fighting in the Battle of Franklin in late 1864, Robert transferred to Forrest’s Cavalry Corps.
Though he was a private, Robert had excellent handwriting and at the time this letter was written in January 1862 he was probably serving as the company clerk. Most likely he and Capt. Jones were tenting together. Danville, Tennessee, where this letter was penned, no longer exists. It was permanently flooded with the creation of Kentucky Lake, but it stood near present-day McKinnon. Located on the Tennessee river, it became a location of strategic important because of the railroad bridge and the siting of a rebel commissary and hospital near the landing. It was located about 10-15 miles upriver from Fort Henry.
This letter pertains to the expedition by Flag Office Andrew Hull Foote who assigned the Lexington and the Conestoga gunboats to move from Paducah up the Tennessee River along with the transport, F. W. Wilson, carrying 500 infantry troops and artillery on 16 January 1862. On the 17th, the flotilla stopped just below Ft. Henry to fire on a suspected masked battery and at Fort Henry, though they were too far away to have any effect. The flotilla then withdrew to Aurora and the troops disembarked. For the next couple of days, the two Union gunboats probed the area near the fort and exchanged a few shots with the fort and a Confederate gunboat and then withdrew, concluding that the fort could be readily taken by Grant’s forces should he obtain permission from Halleck to proceed. [Source: Union Gunboat Action on the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers, 1861-1864, by Lowell L. Getz]
Transcription
Danville Landing January 19, 1862
Dear Mother,
A few days ago a runner came in from Paducah with a dispatch sewed up in his bootleg stating that a large force was preparing to march up the rivers Tennessee and Cumberland. Yesterday morning between 3 and 4 o’clock, the alarm was beat and the adjutant came to our tent and cried out, “Capt. get up—the devil’s to pay—the Yankees are coming!” It did not take long to dress. We were marched out to an old field where those who had no guns were ordered to return to camp to pack all things portable and to cook as many things as possible for it was thought probable we would have to abandon our position, having no fortifications and being very poorly armed, I was on the list of those who had no guns and was sent back and made manager of the camp. I had everything packed and made ready.
Two or three boats came up from Ft. Henry. All the negroes were sent up the river and all the sick were put on two other boats. Just as they were about starting, Capt. Jones ordered me to go with them and to take charge of our trunks and his negro. We left there between 9 and 10 p’clock. Two gunboats had been in sight of Ft. Henry and fired about twenty times. The scouts reported that they were landing in large force twenty miles below. On this boat were about 60 men sick and nurses. Dr. [Edward] McAlexander 1 came up this morning and reported no fight yesterday but that they expected an attack this morning had it not been for a very heavy rain which fell last night and still continues.
The enemy had landed 2,200 strong below. Our men had put all their baggage on board the “Smith” and if compelled were ready to be transported to Ft. Henry. They slept on their arms all last night. I am very well with the exception of being half starved. I did not want to come up here but Capt. Jones would not let me off. In a great hurry, — R. L. Bliss
We are now at the Tennessee [railroad] bridge but may have to go further up. — R. L. B.
1 Edward Asbury McAlexander (1833-1870) was a physician from Gravelly Springs, Lauderdale county, Alabama. He was the Colonel of the 27th Alabama Infantry.
The following letter was written by Richard G. Ketchum (1832-1872), the son of John Ketchum (1798-1886) and Sarah Groome (1796-1873) of Bristol, Ontario county, New York. Richard wrote the letter to his younger brother, Jesse W. Ketchum (b. 1841).
Richard served late in the Civil War, joining Co. H, 21st New York Cavalry in the fall of 1863. From the letter we learn that Richard was detached from his regiment working as a teamster for the General Hospital at Frederick, Maryland, where he imagined himself the beau idéal of Frederick. Perhaps the war had narrowed down the bachelor pool a bit.
Transcription
Addressed to Mr. Jesse W. Ketchum, Cheshire, Ontario county, New York
USA General Hospital Frederick, [Maryland] June 19th 1865
Dear Brother,
This morning I received your kind letter. I was glad to hear from home once more. So I must come home before long as I like to stay so well and they—the people here—as well as Dr. Helsby, think so much of me that they don’t want me to go yet. They say they can’t get along without me, So the girls are trying hard to nab me for a husband. There is forty leven of them after me. Yesterday two girls came in and enquired for me, but another girl had me to her house. She is [a] very steady girl too, and [a] hard working one. She is so small that I could carry her home without setting her down and not get tired. She loves me better, or she loves me stronger than any other girls do.
There is another one whose father is so rich that he won’t work and her mother is so fat that she tales off all her clothing but her shimmy and hoops as the weather is so warm. This girl is only thirteen years old and she is as big as Mary. I took her age at twenty-six. Now I think I better leave here. I can tell you plainer when I come home about all this.
I hardly know what to do to work here in harvest or come home. I shall write before I start. I think of going to Pennsylvania to see Minnie and her brother as he has come home from a reb’s prison. He was as large as John but now he only weighs eighty lbs. they say and it will be six months before he is like he was once. I will send you a letter from them to me if I can find it. I have so many letters, I shall have to burn most of it before I leave.
It is raining hard now only a big shower. I have bought some goats that I am is going to take home if I can. I gave three dollars for old, nanny goat and three for two kids. I have been well ever since last September. We got some goats then so I think it is their stink what keeps me well. You can smell them as soon as they get to camp. Then you will be sure to know that I am there. I guess (clean your nose). I have to drive a four horse team for the people here next Saturday to a spree. They say it’s the last ride with me.
Well Jesse, I must close this hoping to be home soon. Then we can have a long chat about Frederick. I goes out in the country most every day some. Part of this county is beautiful—so nice that I would like to live there. I wish I had five thousand dozen chickens down here. I could sell them in Baltimore for one dollar per pair no larger than doves. Is not that high? The people here in the country gets thirty cents apiece for them. Beef is twenty cents a lb. That is why chickens are so high. I buy for Dr. Helsby most every day as I goes in the country some twenty miles out and back the same day. I must stop. Square off, So goodbye, — Dick
The following letter was written by James Dion, a native of Quebec who emigrated to the United States and enlisted as a private in Co. D, 2nd Vermont Infantry on 13 August 1862 and served until 21 April 1865.
A post war tintype of James Dion
During the Battle of Chancellorsville, the 2nd Vermont was part of the Vermont Brigade led by Col. Lewis A. Grant in Albion Howe’s 2nd Division of John Sedgwick’s Sixth Corps. It was the 6th Corps that drove Jubal Early’s troops from Marye’s Heights on 3 May 1863—the day before this letter was penned. Only two Mississippi regiments, the 18th and 21st, under Brig. Gen. William Barksdale (1,200 men and eight guns) defended the rebel entrenchments.
After attacks on the flanks were repulsed, Sedgwick boldly decided to attack the center of the line—hard and fast—believing the lightly held, though strongly fortified position could be overrun if his men fixed bayonets and did not stop to reload as they charged up the slopes. He arranged for the assault to be made in three lines, the first composed of the 7th Maine, and two battalions of the 21st New Jersey and the 33rd New York. The 2nd Vermont was in the second line along with the 6th Vermont and the 26th New Jersey. The third line included the 3rd Vermont, 6th Vermont, and the rest of the 21st New Jersey.
In fifteen to thirty bloody minutes in the late morning of May 3, Sedgwick’s troops achieved their objective but lost 1,100 men in the process. This letter was written from the camp of the 2nd Vermont the morning after the battle before the regiment was marched out on the Orange Plank Road into the Wilderness where lead elements of Sedgwick’s Corps had met resistance at Salem Church the evening before.
We learn that in taking the rebel works, many of Early’s men left behind their knapsacks that were plundered by the 6th Corps. James’ letter informs us that he recovered the rebel stationery from a “napesaque” left in the earthworks.
Though written in French, fortunately James’ letter is short enough—and simple enough—that I can make out most of it, more or less.
This letter was provided to me for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by Sherrie Westmoreland, who is his 3x great granddaughter. She informs me that James was married to Mary Ann Monney, a Swiss immigrant. Her father, Pierre (Peter) Monney was shot and killed at the Battle of Spotsylvania where James was also shot—twice—and taken prisoner. He then survived imprisonment at Andersonville.
Transcription
Fredericksburg, Virginia May 4, 1863
Dear woman, I am writing you a few lines to let you know that I am in good health and I hope my letter finds you well as it leaves me. Dear woman, we were in battle four days. Yesterday our regiment charged bayonets on a rebel fort and we took it. They were taken quite quickly without time to take their knapsacks and I found this paper that I took out of a knapsack.
Much respect to all the family. Kiss Emma for me. Farewell. I kiss you with all my heart. I don’t have time to write at length. I don’t have the time. Farewell.
This letter was written by Emma E. Davis (1842-1927) of Strafford county, New Hampshire, the daughter of Alfred Davis (1819-1898) and Chloe Parker (1822-1902). We learn from the letter that Emma was working as a store clerk in Boston during the last year or two of the Civil War. It appears she must have married Jacob Childs (ten years her senior) sometime shortly after this letter was penned and lived out her days in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Emma wrote the letter to her cousin, William Sydney Gray (1836-1907) of Stratford, Coos county, New Hampshire. “Sydney” was the oldest of six children born to Thomas Gray (1810-1882) and Olive F. Davis (1810-1895). Syndey enlisted August 1862 to serve in Co. F, 12th New Hampshire Infantry. He was wounded slightly in the head at Chancellorsville and again at Chapin’s Farm.
Emma expressed shock at the news of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln and marvels that she saw the benefit performance of J. Wilkes Booth at the Boston Museum a year earlier.
[Note: This letter is from the Sic Parvis Magna Collection and was transcribed and published on Spared & Shared by express consent.]
Transcription
Adressed to Mr. William S. Gray, Washington D. C., Co. F, 12th Regt. N. H. V., Point Lookout, Md.
Boston, Massachusetts May 28th 1865
Cousin Sidney,
As I was looking over some of my letters this afternoon (it being so stormy that I could not attend church), I happened to take up your last and stopped and read it, and if I recollect right, I have not answered it. And having nothing particular to do this afternoon I thought to spend a few minutes in answering it.
I suppose you are truly glad that your time expires soon. How many happy hearts there will be when those brave soldiers come marching home. I am truly thankful that this “cruel war is so nearly at an end.” It seemed as news came over the wire that Lee had surrendered that our whole land was filled with rejoicing. Boston was all excitement. All places of business were closed and all the Military and Fire Companies of Boston and the adjacent towns marched through the principal streets and bells were rung and cannon fired.
The 10th of April was a day long to be remembered in Boston. But it seemed that their rejoicing was soon to be turned to mourning. The morning of the 15th I shall never forget. As I went to the store everybody looked so sad that I wondered what could be the reason of it. Upon entering the [store] I asked one of the salesmen why it was everyone looked so sad. And they said, did you not know that our President had been killed. I could hardly believe it. But upon opening the paper, I found that it must be so. And upon returning home that afternoon the buildings were everywhere draped in mourning. Such a sad sight as Boston presented that week will be long remembered.
It seems dreadful that such a good man as Lincoln was should die by the hand of the assassin. I saw J. Wilkes Booth a year ago this month in the Museum. That was the only time I ever went to the Museum. It was his benefit evening. It was a tragical performance. It hardly seems possible he could ever have committed such a crime as he personated that evening.
Advertisement appearing in the Boston Evening Transcript, Friday, May 20, 1864
But I suppose you will want to hear of something else so I will leave that. I presume you knew that Augustus had again enlisted for three years in the 17th US Regulars—the same regiment he was in before. He enlisted the 14th of March. I was home this spring and stopped one day. I had a letter from home yesterday. They are all well at home. Augustus is in a Recruiting Office in Dover, and expects to stop there this summer. Edwin & Charles are grown up now, nearly as large as Augustus. Lizzie is a great girl and Frank and Rubie say that they wish Emma would come home and stay. I hardly think I shall go there to stay again although Father thinks I ought to come home and stay this summer.
My health has been very poor this spring. I have sometimes thought I should not be able to work but they think they cannot spare me at the store. I suppose you are expecting to come home in a short time, as the story is here that all soldiers whose time expires this year will come home next month. If you come through Boston on your way home, please call at 25 Federal Street and see me. Or if it is in the evening or on Sunday, you will find me at 75 Brighton Street, Boston. I do not board in Chelsea now. Please excuse all mistakes writing, &c., and answer as soon as convenient and direct to Emma E. Davis, 25 Federal Street, Boston, Mass.
By the [by], I have a present from the ladies in the room. I am Overseer Officer of a photograph album and I have reserved a place for your picture in it. I have got three soldiers pictures in it now but I fear you will say, “I wish Cousin Emma would not write so long a letter to me so I will close.” Remember and call to see me when you go home. From your cousin, — Emma E., 25 Federal Street
How do you suppose Uncle Jeff likes his headquarters now?
The following letter was written by Tilman Jenkins (1840-1864), the son of David and Elizabeth (Hogans) Jenkins of Gaston county, North Carolina. Jenkins enlisted as a private in Co. C (Capt. Joseph Graham’s Battery), 1st North Carolina Artillery in the fall of 1862. They were attached to Poague’s Artillery Battalion in the summer of 1863 when Tilman scratched this message to his parents during the Battle of Gettysburg just as the artillery duel began in the afternoon of July 3rd. Tilman survived the battle but was killed instantly when he was struck in the forehead by a Union artillery round near the Mule Shoe in the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House on 12 May 1864. He was survived by his wife Margaret (Prather) Jenkins and two year-old son Nathan.
Graham’s Battery arrived on the field at Gettysburg late in the evening of the 1st day and planted their Napoleons on what is now West Confederate Avenue. They were not brought into action on the second day. On the morning of July 3rd, they opened on the Union position on Cemetery Ridge but soon ceased firing when they drew a concentrated fire on their position. They later took part in the cannonade that preceded Pickett’s charge but never used the 12 pound Howitzers which had an even shorter range than the 12 pound Napoleons (all smoothbores bronze guns). In Jenkins’ letter, however, he mentions being detailed to bring up ammunition for their “rifled cannon” which leaves one wondering what he is referring to. The answer may be found in a report by Jenkins’ captain, Arthur B. Willliams, Co. C, who wrote that Major Pogue offered them a “three-inch rifled cannon” that “had been captured during the afternoon on the left” which they could exchange for one of their inferior guns. They used it on the 3rd day of the battle but did not have much ammunition for it which might explain why Jenkin’s was detailed to the rear to get more ammunition for this gun. [See Capt. Joseph Graham’s Charlotte Artillery on Civil War Talk.]
Transcription
Gettysburg, Penna. Grahams Battery July 3, 1863
Dearest Mother and Father,
I take pencil in hand to deliver to you both my sincerest affection and to let you know that I have yet survived this horrible place. We arrived July 1st about two miles from this place and engaged the enemy who seemed to be everywhere. Gen. Longstreet arrived near two and a half in the afternoon and engaged the enemy upon a hill along our right flank on the second day. Many good men left their lives on the bloody ground including young Jacob. The sight was as terrible as could be imagined and the anguish of both men and horses was liken to drive a sane man mad. Cousin John was brought from the field without his face or legs having felt the wrath of a Yankee shell that burst next to him. Oh the horror!
Blood coats the fields and flies are all over us like the demons of Hell. I do not know how men can do to one another what they did today and ever sleep again. Last night we slept upon the rocky ground, and got no rest from the moans of those who lay dying still yet on the fields before us. The guns of the devils has now awoke as the sun is approaching half past noon. The cannon are thundering all around liken to a great storm to approach.
I am detailed to bring up ammunitions for our rifled cannon as the bronze guns have no effect on the yankee bastards. I wish them all to die in hell for what they do and to suffer forever their unjust and unholy cause. If I live through this day, I will find a way to tell you I am still alive. Pray for us, Mother, and never give up our holy cause we are dying for.
The following letter was written by James McCally (1786-1872), the son of Capt. James J. McCally (1746-1810) and Elizabeth C. Watson (1764-1834) of Pendleton county, Virginia. When James wrote this letter in January 1862 from his home in Clarksburg, Harrison county, Virginia (now West Va.), he was a widower, his wife Penelope Williams (1795-1858) having passed some three years previous. He was still practicing medicine at the time of the 1860 US Census but in 1870 he was described as a retired farmer.
James wrote the letter to his daughter Helen McCalley (1833-1882) who married George Edward Pitkin (1826-1878) in Jackson county, Missouri, in 1858. Apparently Helen and George’s first child—Charles F. Pitkin (b. 1860) suffered from chronic catarrh. Helen’s husband George E. Pitkin was the assistant auditor of the Missouri River, Fort Scott, and Gulf Railroad in 1878 when, in a drunken stupor, “blew his brains out at the office of the company in Kansas City.”
Also mentioned in the letter was Virginia McCally (1823-1874) who married Judge George Hay Lee (1806-1873) after his first wife died in 1839. The wedding of Hugh Holmes Lee (1836-1869), one of the children of the Judge’s first marriages, is described. Hugh was married to Mary Marsh Criss (1843-1906) on 25 December 1860.
Finally, Penelope Rachel McCally (1818-1897) is mentioned. Rachel was married in 1840 to Thomas Ramage (1811-1861).
The letter contains a great description of James McCally’s heritage (the surname sometimes spelled McCauley) as well as his views on the war in 1862.
Transcription
Clarksburg, Virginia January 3rd 1862
My dear Helen,
I received your affectionate and kind letter of the 24th ult. (Christmas eve) on yesterday & I will first reply to that part of it relating to our correspondence. There must have happened a failure of the mail. You did not receive two of my letters—the first promptly acknowledging the receipt of the box containing Dody’s clothes. I informed you of the fact, and how well they fit her and how well they pleased her, and of the other fact I think that there was some little delay in consequence of the box being directed to the care of G. Hoffman for it seemed to me strange that anything addressed to our house should be sent to the care of anyone else. I who have lived here upwards of fifty years can hardly be so obscure as to render it necessary to direct a package to my little granddaughter to anyone else.
Next, how I gave the Gum Ammoneack. Well, I seldom have given it & lately not at all. It is not now much used but it is thought it has some good effects in chronic catarrh. The way to prepare it is as follows, Zake of Amononcac 2 drams, which is a quarter of an ounce, and water half a pint, rub in a mortar, the amoniac with the water gradually added until they are thoroughly mixed, then strain through a thin cloth in order to remove impurities. This is called Lac. Ammonieaci. The substance called Ammoniack generally comes in a dirty condition & ot is pretty difficult to get it clean. The best way for you to do is to buy say a quarterer of a pound & pick out two drams of the gum. The dose of the milk thus prepared for a grown person is a table spoonful. Your baby I suppose might take a common tea spoonful. I have but little confidence in it though it has been used as a medicine from high antiquity.
Now I must say something about your dear little Charra Joe. She is in most excellent health and happiness & grows fast enough to make a woman exactly like her mother in body & mind. She is acknowledged to be the most apt & talented child amongst us. I undertook to learn her to write & you will see a specimen in her letter to you. The way I done it was to write a line of a comic song & she would copy it, then another line, and she copy until we would write the whole song in this way. And then another song, and whilst she was highly delighted she learned to write. The letter you will receive is every word of her own diction, and writing. The way that was done was she wrote the letter herself on a sheet of this paper on which I now write, but she had generally left too much space between the words, so I copied it placing it on the paper & on a sheet the size of the one sent. She then drew it off again as you will receive it. It is directed by her as you will see. I am sorry I don’t write myself a better hand, for I find she is copying my hand almost exactly. This plan has had the advantage of learning her to read writing which she does with very considerable facility. She reads print remarkably well. I often get her to read pieces in the newspaper for me in the dim of the evening when I cannot well see, and she does it very satisfactorily. She is growing, I think, very handsome. The skin is smooth and her countenance very radiant, particularly when she is in a good humor which is her wont.
Your sister Virginia is at home with her fine baby. I was there last night. She sends her love to you & instructed me to say that she intends to write to you that her baby Grace Darling is very much like Maud was when a babe. I think her health is quite as good if not better than usual under similar circumstances. I think Judge Lee’s health good although he has had two attacks of gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) and is not yet quite over the last one which I think he brought on by eating a little too much & drinking a little too much wine at his son’s infare, who was married on Christmas Day evening and the infare at Lee’s on the next Friday. The entertainment at Cress & at Lee’s were certainly as fine as I ever saw. Hugh married Mary Cress, the 4th daughter. There is one single older than her & two younger. Aaron Cross has six daughters.
Your sister Rachel’s health is not good. She was dangerously ill two or three weeks ago but has got better. I have not seen her.
Tell Mr. Pitkin to give me his views on the disastrous affairs of the U. S. I wish I could give him mine to my own satisfaction. I am a native of about the middle of Virginia. My blood is full anglo-saxon. My grandfather Henry McCally was born in Scotland, married an English woman by the name of Aspy, and settled in Ireland in the linen draper business where my father was born who was raised a cabin boy at sea until he became a captain in the British Navy, which office he resigned on the approach of the Revolution in the United States Colonies and married in Virginia Elizabeth Watson, the daughter of the brother of that Bishop who wrote the apology of the bible in answer to Thomas Paine’s Age of Reason.
My grandmother was Margaret Hunter, a daughter of one of the Doctor Hunter’s of English medical fame so that I am of that stock of men that would rather lose their lives than liberty. I am in favor of the call of a convention of the People of Virginia and their amending the Constitution of the US and submitting it to all the states and with those states who ratify the Constitution thus amended unite, be they north, south, east, or west, and to dissolve with all who refuse. And that this amendment shall open the territories to the settlement of all the people of all the states, slaves or no slaves, and that no state shall ever come into this Union thus formed or reformed who prohibits the holding of African slaves except the states which now exists, and that they shall not harbor or admit the immigration of either free or runaway negroes, and that none of them shall allow negroes the right of suffrage.
Well, my dear child, my own dear daughter, I have filled my sheet. Excuse its errors and may God bless your pure heart. — J. McCally
The following letter was written by George A. Weldon (1838-1900), the son of James Weldon (1791-1860) and Dorothea Williams (1798-1850) of Negro Heel, Harris county, Georgia. He enlisted in late June 1861 to serve as a private in Co. E (the “Whitesville Guards”), 20th Georgia Infantry. His military record indicates that he was wounded in the Battle of Chickamauga on 19 September 1863 but survived the war and was surrendered at Appomattox Court House on 9 April 1865 as a corporal.
George married after the war and lived in Chambers county, Alabama, where he died in 1900. He was buried in the Mount Hickory Cemetery.
Transcription
A very rare 10-star configuration Stars & Bars flag appears on the stationery Weldon used to write his “hasty and ill-composed note.”
Richmond, Virginia July 29, 1861
Miss Jennie Smith,
With the most profound pleasure I resume my seat to make a few hasty remarks as time is precious and my pen is bad. I am happy to say that I am well at this time though I have been in bad health for some days. I am much better pleased with camp life than I anticipated (not well pleased at that). We enjoy ourselves very well—as much so as could be expected at the present period. But when I get in high spirits, I am apt to think of my dear friends that I have left in Georgia and it saddens my heart to a great degree. But I have one consolation to cheer me on—that is, I live in hopes of returning again to my native land.
Miss Jennie, I am obliged to you under many obligations for the beautiful memorial that you presented to me on the day of our departure which will be long remembered by me. Often have I thought of the pleasant hours that we spent together in Whitesville. Oh, may we enjoy them again.
I hope you will excuse this hasty and ill-composed note. I could willingly write more had I the time but the evening growing [late] (but not twelve o’clock), therefore, I must close. Give my respects to Amos and Fannie. Accept the same to yourself, be sure. I expect an answer soon. Nothing more at present but remain your true friend. As ever the same, — G. A. Weldon
N. B. Let no one see this—only yourself for my sake.
The boys of Co. K, 19th Indiana Infantry, after the Battle of Antietam
These letters were written by William Harrison Campbell (1838-1912), a 23 year-old school teacher from Selma, Liberty Township, Delaware county, Indiana. His parents were Samuel Graham Campbell (1797-1873) and Elisabeth Goings (1804-1882). He wrote the letters to his older sister, Jane Campbell (1835-1906).
Will enlisted in Co. K, 19th Indiana Infantry on 29 July 1861 as a first sergeant and was promoted to 2nd, then 1st Lieutenant during the war. The 19th Indiana was, of course, part of the famed Iron Brigade or “Black Hat” Brigade. He was discharged for medical disability in October 1863 on account of the wound he received in the right hand while fighting Pettigrew’s North Carolinians in the afternoon of July 1st above Willoughby Run near Gettysburg.
After he was discharged from the service, he worked on his parents farm for a few years and then went to Newton, Iowa, where he worked as a clerk in a dry goods store. He then returned to Indiana and worked in the dry goods business at Anderson. He married Nancy Clyne (1849-1920).
Letter 1
Addressed to Miss Jane E. Campbell, Selma, Delaware county, Indiana
Chain Bridge October 1, 1861
Dear Sister,
I take pleasure this evening in responding to your very kind letter. You cannot imagine the pleasure it afforded [me]. A letter from home is like a bright rose in a desert land. Well, we have changed our place of encampment. We have moved from Camp Ordnance back across the Potomac river on a beautiful hill right at the end of Chain Bridge on the bank of the river. We have as nice a place to camp as could be found in the U. S.
We have got a new uniform excepting coats. On last Sabbath morning we went out on some kind of an expedition. I called it a fox chase. We got up before daylight, put on our new britches and new caps, shouldered our muskets and before the sun was up were marching to Falls Church. When we got 2.5 miles from camp, the 19th was deployed as skirmishers and then we were strewn out in line five feet apart and went skulking through the woods as though we were trying to start up a fox. In this way we went on to within three-quarters of a mile of the church. All that troubled was this. It was against our morals to be running through the woods with a gun on the Sabbath and taking our guns to church.
We were drawn up in line of battle in a large clover field. We were certain then we would have a fight. We remained in that position a few minutes [but] seeing no rebels to fight, we then sent a few scouts into the village who returned in a short time without discovering any. The command, “in place rest” was given. We then laid down in the ground in the field and remained there till 9 o’clock unmolested without seeing any. rebel to skeer us or make us afraid. They had got information of our approach and pulled stakes and left. Hard learned we intended to attack them. I can’t tell you what we are here for but I judge from the position we occupy we are to guard the bridges.
I have given you about all the news. James Crock [ ] are all in good health. The health of the company is fastly improving. Don’t forget to write every opportunity for we do love to hear from home. We are having a good time and plenty to eat now. Nothing more at present. From your affectionate brother, — Will H. Campbell
Excuse all mistakes.
[Note: Fort Craig was a small lunette constructed in September 1861 less than a mile from Arlington House, the estate of Gen. Robert E. Lee.]
Letter 2
Patriotic stationery on Will’s letter of 17 November 1861
Fort Craig November 17, 1861
Dear Sister,
I take pleasure this evening in replying to your very kind and interesting letter which I received last evening. I am in good health at present with the exception of a bad cold. I never had better health in my life than I have since I came here. The boys say my cheeks look just like a ground squirrel—jaws full of wheat.
I am very sorry to hear that Father is in bad health. I feel somewhat uneasy about him. I fear he has too much to attend to at home. Tell him I would love to have a long talk with him.
Well, I have no news to write this time more than we have got new guns. We have got the Springfield rifle muskets. They are the best gun that is now in use. The boys feel quite proud over of them.
You said you would love to see the style of Miss Tildra’s composition. Her style is, I think, very pleasant. It is just as she appears and talks. I will send you a couple of her letters. You said I had better be a little jealous of Mr. Jarrel. You do not want me to be so, do you? You will have to watch your P’s & Q’s fr your rival is an angel. Sister, ain’t this a nice point we are discussing now? ha-ha-ha. Take a good laugh. What will we do? Were it not for you, I would not be so much troubled. There is one other from whom I have received just as affectionate letters as I have from her. Perhaps Mr. Jerrel and I are both in the same dilemma. Yes, it’s quite likely. Well, it’s real fun anyway we can fix it. I will say no more about it at present.
I have not time to write a lengthy letter. I will write you all a long letter when I get time. I want you to write as soon as you get this.
We are having a heap of fun with old Sammy Weidner. He will start home Tuesday. I will send you some things from General Lee’s garden.
I must now close, read a chapter in the bible, and retire to bed. Capt. Williams, Sam Weidner, Lieutenants Orr & Harter are now snoring on the ground by my side. Tis near 11 o’clock and I have ben ordered once to put out my light. Good night, dear sister, — Will. H. Campbell
I can not send you but one of Tildia’s letters. I have lost all but one, or at least I can only find the last one. It is but a few lines.
Letter 3
Addressed to Jane Campbell, Selma, Delaware county, Indiana
I take the pleasure this evening in replying to your very kind letter. I am in good health at present and as fat as a pig. The health of the regiment is good. The boys are all highly set up with the idea of a forward movement. We are now under marching orders. When we will be called out, I cannot tell. Our orders are to hold ourselves in readiness to march at a moment’s warning. We are allowed to take with us only one blanket, one change of clothes, and a small shelter tent which we have to carry in our knapsack. But 4 wagons is allowed to go with the regiment and they go for the purpose of hauling our rations.
Where we are going to, we know not. I think, however, it is to Richmond and probably by the way of Manassas. If that be the rout of the 19th, we will have to encounter their fortifications. Be that as it may, if that duty devolves upon us, we are ready and willing to do it. If we attack their fortifications, the conflict will be desperate. But let us not give ourselves trouble by painting dark pictures in the future. Our camp equipage will be left at Fort Craig.
I received a good, sweet letter from Jennie and Kate Campbell this evening. They said they had sent their miniatures to Mary. They also said they had not heard whether she had received them or not. Perhaps she had better write to the soon if she has not already written to them. You said she had got them. Which is the best looking? and which must I correspond with? They both write very interesting letters. You wished to know if I or James have any objections to your prefixing Martha to your name. I have none whatever and James says the same.
I have a miniature here which I will send in this letter. I want you to give it to George got I believe he has none of mine. Tell him I have never received an answer to the last letter I wrote him.
The weather is quite cold tonight and if it continues so our march will be quite disagreeable. I think we will leave here about Monday or Tuesday. My impression is that we are going right to Manassas. I have no further news to write at present. Give my love to all inquiring friends, reserving a portion yourself. Your affectionate brother, — Will. H. Campbell
An unidentified private in the 112th New York Infantry
This diary was kept by James Stafford (1841-1864), the son of Orrin Stafford (1812-1879) and Lydia Slawson (1814-1891) of Hanover, Chautauqua county, New York. James enlisted on 10 September 1862 as a private in Co. C, 112th New York Infantry and was with his regiment until he was wounded in the fight at Darbytown Road on 27 October 1864 and died on 25 November 1864 at the Hospital in Hampton, Virginia, near Fortress Monroe.
This regiment, known as the Chautauqua regiment, was raised in Chautauqua county—the 32nd senatorial district. The companies rendezvoused at Jamestown, and were mustered into the U. S. service on Sept. 11, 1862, for three years. Col. Drake at the time of his appointment was a captain in the 49th N. Y. infantry, and was a graduate of Rochester university. He had left the pastorate of a Baptist church in West-field, N. Y., to respond to the first call for troops. The regiment left the state Sept. 12, embarking for Fortress Monroe, whence it proceeded to Suffolk, Va. It was engaged at Franklin, Zuni, and Deserted House, having 1 killed, and 1 wounded in the last named action. It shared with credit in the siege of Suffolk in the spring of 1863, where much sickness prevailed and it lost severely by disease. In June, 1863, with Foster’s brigade, 7th corps, it participated in the campaign up the Peninsula,—a campaign, trying by reason of the heat and the rapid forced marches.
The regiment was ordered to Folly island, N. C, in Aug., 1863; shared in the operations about Charleston harbor, including the siege of Fort Wagner and the bombardments of Fort Sumter. In the latter part of Feb., 1864, it sailed for Florida, encamping at Jacksonville until April 21, when it embarked with its division for Yorktown, Va. Here it was placed in Gen. Butler’s Army of the James, and assigned to Drake’s (2nd) brigade, Ames’ (3d) division, 10th corps, with which it took part in the campaign in May against Richmond, via the James river. On May 6, it disembarked at Bermuda Hundred and was engaged during the month at Port Walthall Junction, and Chester Station, Swift creek, Proctor’s creek, Drewry’s bluff, and Bermuda Hundred, losing 35 in killed, wounded and missing, the gallant and popular Lieut.-Col. Carpenter being mortally wounded in the engagement at Drewry’s bluff on May 16. In the first assault at Cold Harbor it suffered severely, losing 28 killed, 140 wounded and 12 missing. It suffered some loss during the first assaults on Petersburg, and at the mine explosion. At the battle of Fort Harrison it lost 6 killed, 38 wounded and 16 missing, and at the Darbytown road, 7 killed, 28 wounded. In Dec., 1864 it sailed with Ames’ division to Fort Fisher, N. C., where in the final assault on the works it lost II killed and 36 wounded, Col. Smith being killed while bravely leading the regiment. Its subsequent active service was at the Cape Fear intrenchments, Fort Anderson, Wilmington, and the final campaign of the Carolinas, in which it was engaged at Cox’s bridge, Faisson’s and Bennett’s house. It was mustered out under Col. Ludwick, June 13, 1865, at Raleigh, N. C.
James Stafford’s 1864 Diary
[Note: This diary is from the personal collection of Greg Herr and was transcribed and published on Spared & Shared by express consent.]
Transcription
Wednesday, May 25, 1864—Company C was sent out on picket and we remained there two nights and one day. We fired some shots the first night.
Thursday, May 26, 1864—Co. C was all day in the rifle pits. Could not hardly look up without being shot by the sharp shooters. It rained some during the day. Charlie was taken sick in the evening and went to camp.
Friday, May 27, 1864—We returned to camp from picket and got ready for to march. We went about 10 [miles?] and stopped for some breakfast. We started again and went about 4 miles.
Saturday, May 28, 1864—We marched to the landing and got on board of the boat and stayed all night in the James River. We did not have a very pleasant time and the boys found some fault.
Sunday, May 29, 1864—We started quite early for Yorktown and arrived there about 5 p.m. I did not sleep. Received orders to go to [White House Landing?].
Monday, May 30, 1864—Arrived at the White House at 5 p.m. and landed and got some [ ] and made coffee and fixed our tents for the night. it is quite a pleasant place and plenty of good water.
Tuesday, May 31, 1864—At the White House Landing this morning. We drew rations about 3 p.m. and about 4 we were on the march. We marched until about 3 a.m. the next morning. Pretty hard march.
Wednesday, June 1, 1864—We marched nearly all day and were tired out but we were ordered right into the fight [at Cold Harbor] and we charged with knapsacks on. Many of our noble [boys] fell dead and dying. Capt. Allen was killed, David S. Crowell killed, Corp. [James M.] Potter wounded and died. Col. J[eremiah] C. Drake.
Thursday, June 2, 1864—This morning we were ordered out to the front and many were killed and wounded. I was quite unwell but had to lay in the sun and the bullets came all around me but I got along and lie tonight on the ground in the rain. I have got three rails for my bed.
Friday, June 3, 1864—This morning we were ordered behind the breastwork. We remained there about one hour and then marched around. We are now resting a little. There has been some hard fighting today and in the evening the rebels charged on our works and were repulsed twice. Our regiment worked part of the night throwing up breast works. We made some good ones.
Saturday, June 4, 1864—It is quiet this morning. Not a great deal of fighting. Some picket firing and some wounded have been brought in. In the evening there was considerable firing and one of Co. H was wounded but not very bad. We were all ready for an attack but they did not come.
Sunday, June 5, 1864—Quiet early this morning. We were ordered to march and started. We went about 100 rods & stopped. We had to go on fatigue & work all night. We were sleepy enough the next morning.
Monday, June 6, 1864—We came off from fatigue this morning and went to sleep and at night we were ordered out on picket. There was not much firing in the evening.
Tuesday, June 7, 1864—There has been a great deal picket firing today and the rebels have been shelling us this afternoon. I received two letters from home. One man was hit with a shell. Broke both legs, smashed bones. I think he will not live. He began to cry, “My wife and my children.” Poor fellow.
Wednesday, June 8, 1864—We lay here in camp. Did not have duty to perform. At night we had roll call and lay down by our guns & went to sleep. I did not feel very well from a cold I had.
Thursday, June 9, 1864—We had inspection at 8 o’clock this morning and expected to march but did not. We remained in camp all day. At night we were ordered to get ready for picket but we got on the reserve and it was a pretty good place.
Friday, June 10, 1864—We were in the rifle pits all day but it was a good place to stay and at night we were relieved and came to camp and had a very good rest. The pickets did not fire much either night.
Saturday, June 11, 1864—This morning they inspected our guns and cartridges and we did expect some to march but did not. We remained in camp all day. I saw some of the 49th boys. The rebels threw some shells but did not harm.
Sunday, June 12, 1864—We had inspection again this morning and we are to start at 10:30 o’clock a.m. to march. The rebs are shelling us here. We will be glad to get away from here but we may find as bad a place. I cannot tell where we will go.
Monday, June 13, 1864—We are on board of the transport going up the James River, I think, to Bermuda Hundred or near there. I got off from the boat to get some cheese and the boat left me and I came on another boat. I was not far from my brother but cannot get to see him.
Tuesday, June 14, 1864—We got to Bermuda Hundred about 9 a.m. and I went ashore and got something to eat. I was not very well that day. We marched from the landing and stopped for the night but did not sleep.
Wednesday, June 15, 1864—We marched here to the front this morning. We are near to the City of Petersburg. We can see it from here. I think we [ ] lying in the woods, We don’t know what they will do with us.
Thursday, June 16, 1864—We advanced on the rebels and drove them, taking three forts & one or two lines of breast works. We have a splendid view of the City. At night we were ordered to the front and we thought we would have to charge but did not.
Friday, June 17, 1864—We lay upon the hill until nearly night when we were ordered to get ready to march and we started and marched most all night. Got here this morning. We are going to Butler’s front.
Saturday, June 18, 1864—We got to this camp last night. We may remain here two or three days. The 13th Indiana will go home tomorrow, their time being out. They feel pretty god to think that they will be done with war for a short time at least.
Sunday, June 19, 1864—This morning the 13th [Indiana] started for home and before they went, we listened to a few remarks from Chaplain Hyde on the death of our Colonel J. C. Drake and then we were ordered to march and we cheered the boys as they passed our camp.
“Yesterday we moved from the rear to this place. Just before we started a part of the 13th Indiana Regiment ¹ whose time is now expired were formed in line with their officers and marched past the other regiments of the brigade and received three cheers from their comrades in arms. Our regiment has been brigaded with them ever since we were at Suffolk and had formed quite an attachment for them. It is pleasing to know that although the duties of the army are now great, yet the government can afford to discharge men when their term of service expires & it is to be hoped that when about a year and three months hence our regiment will have served out its three years, there will be less need of such mighty hosts marshaled in battle array as there is now.” — Samuel Bush, Co. K, 112th New York, 20 June 1864.
Monday, June 20, 1864—We are now encamped near where we were before. We will not stay here long for we have got a very place. The water is good.
Tuesday, June 21, 1864—We are here yet in camp. The days seem pretty long for I have been sick for two or three days. I have wished many times I was where I could get something that I could eat & drink at night. We had to march over to the left of where we first camped.
Wednesday, June 22, 1864—We came to this camp last night. Our company was sent out on picket. There is no picket firing now all along the line and we can see & talk with the rebels and when they want to open their artillery, they will tell our men to get down for they are going to shoot.
Thursday, June 23, 1864—This is a very beautiful morning. I am sentinel on a cartridge box in a bomb proof and there are more flies here than there are rebs in the southern army. Our regiment has orders to march right away. I cannot keep up.
Friday, June 24, 1864—This morning I am about 1 mile from where we were last night. We don’t know where the regiment went to, We can go no further. We have just heard that our regiment had taken some prisoners. I think they said two hundred.
Saturday, June 25, 1864—We stayed in the grove until nearly night and then went back to the camp that we had left. We stayed all night and then moved up where Capt. [Ephraim A.] Ludwick [of Co. K] was.
Sunday, June 26, 1864—This morning we are to move up to where Capt. Ludwick is. This is a beautiful Sabbath day. I wish I could be at home to attend church. It would be a great privilege.
Monday, June 27, 1864—We came up where the Captain was last night. It is quite pleasant here. We are ordered out on picket. I am feeling some better. We have drawn four days rations today. We must get ready for picket.
Tuesday, June 28, 1864—We are out on picket. It is all still out here. No firing night or day and the boys exchanged hard bread for corn cake. I must get ready for we are to march to the regiment. We got started about three o’clock p.m.
Wednesday, June 29, 1864—We got here about dark and our regiment was in the trenches, and we were ordered back a short way and stayed all night and all day. At night we went at the front and then we were relieved and came to the right. The shells are plenty.
Thursday, June 30, 1864—We remained in the trenches till nearly night when we were ordered to leave our knapsacks and get ready to move at a moments notice. We thought that we had got to charge but we did not. We had shovels and picks and we will act as reserve while another Brigade made the charge.
Friday, July 1, 1864—We came again to the front. Co. C & H were ordered out on picket and i and some others had to go out as videttes between our pickets & the rebels while our men threw up earthworks. We were not fired on.
Saturday, July 2, 1864—We were relieved from picket and remained in the trenches all day. Our cook was shot in the arm at noon while bringing coffee.
Sunday, July 3, 1864—We remained in the trenches all day [illegible] killed and one was wounded in the leg—flesh wound. We was relieved. We went to the creek and washed our clothes.
Monday, July 4, 1864—We did expect to hear more noise on the Fourth [of July] but it was quiet. Still more than on some other day before. We had a privilege of washing our shorts and socks.
Tuesday, July 5, 1864—We remained on the reserve all day. At night we went into the trenches and we sent out some pickets. I did not have to go out this time. There was no picket firing during the night.
Wednesday, July 6, 1864—We are still in the trenches. Have not had any wounded but one of Co. A [Lauren Arnold] was killed by a sharp shooter shot in the heart and died in a few minutes. We were relieved at night and came to the rear.
Thursday, July 7, 1864—We were at the rear all day. We expected to go into the trenches but will not have to go. The shells came and did some harm. One man was badly shot. He lost one leg and may not live.
Friday, July 8, 1864—We are still back here but will have to take the trenches tonight. I have not been well today, About 5 p.m. the rebels made a scare and we were called out. We then came to the front.
Saturday, July 9, 1864—We are in the front works this morning. Our company was out on picket but I did not go. Was not well. The [rebs] have thrown some shells but have not hurt any of our men. The sharp shooters improve the time and they shoot close.
Sunday, July 10, 1864—We are still in the trenches. Our company have been relieved from picket. This is a bad place to lay all day in the pit. Not much air. I hope that we may be relieved tonight and i think that we will.
Monday, July 11, 1864—We were relieved last night and came to the rear short distance. We can now get some rest. We are glad that we did not have a man hurt. Other regiments lose some every day but we are quite fortunate.
Tuesday, July 12, 1864—We lay here today back from the front a short distance. We will have to go to the front tonight and remain there 48 hours. I dread going since I don’t feel very well but all must go and there is no other way.
Wednesday, July 13, 1864—We came to the front last night. We are to move out today from the shell drop where we are now. We went back about 100 rods. We are to go into the pits tonight. The rebels don’t fore so much at night.
Thursday, July 14, 1864—We remained in the trenches all day and at night we were relieved and came back about 50 rods from the front. The shells come over our heads but none of our regiment was hurt.
Friday, July 15, 1864—Today we are in the second pit. We have not had any mail for two days. We go further to the rear tonight. We hope to leave this place soon. We are tired of these pits.
Saturday, July 16, 1864—Lay all day in this second line of works but came to the front last night. We will be relieved tomorrow night.
Sunday, July 17, 1864—We came to the front here last night. The rebels have fired but very little today and it has been very quiet along the lines. We will have to stay until tomorrow. Then we will be relieved.
Monday, July 18, 1864—We were out to the front all day but at night we were relieved and came down to the creek a short distance where we can stay 48 hours and then we will have to go to the front again.
Tuesday, July 19, 1864—We are having some rain today. It has rained quite hard most all day. I have got pretty wet and wish it would stop for a while. this will be a bad night for me to sleep with my clothes wet.
Wednesday, July 20, 1864—This has been a good day and now the sun is shining bright and we will not have to take the front tonight and stay 48 hours.
Thursday, July 21, 1864—We are at the front today. Came in here last night. There is not much firing today and it is quite cool after the rain. Our men have to keep awake half of the company half of the night, and they often do.
Friday, July 22, 1864—Still at the front. I received two letters from home. Tea and $2 in money. I was glad to get the same and can now get some things that will do me good.
Saturday, July 23, 1864—We were relieved from the front last night and came to the rear, We expect to go to the front Sabbath evening again to stay 48 hours more.
Sunday, July 24, 1864—We were ordered up on the hill from where we were and will fix our camp. We will not have to go to the front as soon as we expected and I am glad of it.
Monday, July 25, 1864—We put up our tents last night and it rained quite hard. The shelter tents did not keep us dry. We got some wet and quite cold before morning.
Tuesday, July 26, 1864—Today we had inspection. We go to the front tonight and stay there 48 hours and then we come off and stay four days. Some better than it was.
Wednesday, July 27, 1864—We went to the front after supper. We got shelled pretty hard the first night but no one hurt while in the pits. One hit while coming to the front.
Thursday, July 28, 1864—We are still in the pits. We will be relieved this night and hope to have a good rest. We are to have four days off after this fun.
Friday, July 29, 1864—We came from the front last night and now we can rest some time. The order has come for to be ready to move wen wanted and we have got to go.
Saturday, July 30, 1864—We marched last night to the left of our lines. The object is the fight after the fort is blown up—the one that undermined. I have just felt the ground tremble and I saw the dirt fill the air.
Sunday, July 31, 1864—We marched back from the left near where we was and went to the front Saturday night.
Monday, August 1, 1864—This morning we cleared off the ground for our tents, put them up. We may stay here a few days. & we don’t know how long.
Tuesday, August 2, 1864—We moved our tents back a little from where they were and cleared off our main ground where we were and we are glad to get back where we are now.
Wednesday, August 3, 1864—Today I am on picket. Can see the Johnnys quite plain and could count the buttons on their coats of those who have yet got them, but some have neither coat or buttons.
Thursday, August 4, 1864—This morning I am in camp. Came off from picket last night, Had a good time while out. No shooting on either side, night or day.
Friday, August 5, 1864—Today I am on fatigue burning logs and brush. We think that it is hot enough to work in the sun without working in the fire. I have got to go on picket tonight.
Saturday, August 6, 1864—I am on picket. Did not sleep much last night and am some sleepy now but cannot sleep in the day time worth one cent.
Sunday, August 7, 1864—We had inspection this morning and after that we had services. Chaplain [William L.] Hyde preached to us a short sermon.
Monday, August 8, 1864—Today I am in camp and am busy doing something all of the time. We are cleaning our camp and it is a great deal of work.
Tuesday, August 9, 1864—I am still in camp but will go on picket tonight. I have to go every time they are called from the company, but picket is not so bad here as at Petersburg.
Wednesday, August 10, 1864—Today I am on picket. We are [ ].
Thursday, August 11, 1864—Today I am on guard. We have camp guard yet nut not as many as we used to have. Ten on a relief now.
Friday, August 12, 1864—I came off from guard this morning and have been walking around all day and I am tired enough. I did not get much sleep.
Saturday, August 13, 1864—We have marching orders. We are to be ready with three days rations. We don’t know where we will go.
Sunday, August 14, 1864—We are on picket on the extreme left. The rebels are quite tame. We get water from the same spring and they exchange papers with our boys. We expect to be relieved tonight.
Monday, August 15, 1864—We are at the breastworks this morning. We came here last night at 12 o’clock after troop went away from here before we came. We were near where we were encamped when we first came to this place.
Tuesday. August 16, 1864—Today we on picket. We came out last night. I am near where I was the night of the 25th and 26th [May] when we left this place for Cold Harbor.
Wednesday, August 17, 1864—We are in from picket & will go out again soon for there are not many men left here and one Brigade will have to do the most of the duty.
Thursday, August 18, 1864—We are out on picket again today right in front. We will remain here 24 hours and then will be relieved by our men & detail from the regiment.
Friday, August 19, 1864—We will go to camp tonight. It was raining and we was wet, blankets [illegible].
Saturday, August 20, 1864—We had inspection this morning in the rain. We will be mustered for six months pay the last of this month and then I hope we will get our pay we want very much.
Sunday, August 21, 1864—I was on guard in the day time but was relieved to go make charge on the rebels works. We went but did not charge and the boys felt pretty well about it. We did not want to charge.
Monday, August 22, 1864—I was on guard and because we did not stand last night, I shall not have to go out on picket in two days.
Tuesday, August 23, 1864—I had to stand on post [ ] and then I was relieved for to get my breakfast and was dismissed when the new guard came.
Wednesday, August 24, 1864—I came out on duty today…I am so tired as though I had a worked. We have to get up at 3 o’clock in the morning and go one mile to the breastworks.
Thursday, August 25, 1864—This morning our picket was attacked, Some of them captured. Lieut. [George F.] Mount [of Co. K] was mortally wounded and died. I am for picket tonight.
Friday, August 26, 1864—We came from picket at dusk. We had a very good time out on picket. The rebs exchanged papers with our men and all passed off still and pleasantly.
Saturday, August 27, 1864—We started for Petersburg and got near there about noon and stopped and got some dinner and stayed until sunset. We are to go on the right. We had 4 men taken by the rebels on the 25th. 15 of our regiment.
Sunday, August 28, 1864—We are in the trenches today. We came here last evening. We have a better place than when we were here before. I hope that we may remain here for some time.
Monday, August 29, 1864—We are still in the pits. We will stay three days and then go to the rear and rest a little.
Tuesday, August 30, 1864—We will be relieved tonight. We have witnessed some hard shelling this evening. The relief has not come. I hope they won’t keep us waiting much longer than usual.
Wednesday, August 31, 1864—We are at the rear today and will be mustered for 6 months pay. I hope that we may get it soon for we are out of money.
Thursday, September 1, 1864—The first time is passing fast away and soon winter will be with us. I hope that it won’t be as cold as sometimes is. We will have more cold weather than last winter, I think.
[next entry]
Wednesday, September 28, 1864—We arrived at Deep Bottom before daylight and marched to the front. The first charge was made by the Colored men. They lost heavy. We then went on and our regiment went into two charges and lost some men.
[next entry]
Monday, October 17, 1864—This forenoon we had to drill. We drill this afternoon. I will write home and send some money ($25.00).
[next entry]
Friday, October 21, 1864—I am out on picket and hope to be relieved soon. Last night was a cold night. We had no fire. We received some good news by telegraph of Sherman’s success.
[next entry]
Waud’s sketch of the fighting on Darbytown Road 27 October 1864 where Stafford informs us he was wounded “before I had fired once.”
Thursday, October 27, 1864—We were ordered into a charge about five o’clock and I was wounded before I had fired once. I walked about one mile and got to the ambulance and lay on the ground all night.
Friday, October 28, 1864—My wound was not dressed until about three o’clock and soon after I was moved to another ward and stayed there all night and then come to the Base Hospital.
Saturday, October 29, 1864—I have had a very good place here. I shall go to Fortress Monroe today.
[No more entries]
[Editor’s Note: The following was written in the “Memoranda” Section in the bank of the diary.]
Col. J[eremiah] C. Drake was mortally wounded [at Cold Harbor]. I helped to carry him from the battlefield. Sergeant [Loren] White, Co. K, was killed and many of that company and many of each company of our regiment. Charles O. Warner [of] Co. C [was] wounded in the leg—flesh wound. Almon Sloan [of Co. C was] wounded mouth and arm. Newell B. Richardson [had] one finger shot off. Lewis Scofield was wounded in the leg [and later died]. Warren Kingsland [of Co. c] was wounded in the breast bad. John G. Paschke [of Co. C was] wounded in the arm. Corporals [Simeon L.] Allen and [Pattie?] killed. David S. Crowell [of Co. C was] killed. Joseph Barna [was] missing. O[liver] C. Myers [of Co. C was] missing. Frederick D. Phillips Missing.
Spared & Shared 23 