All posts by Griff

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.

6th Connecticut Infantry, Gen. Truman Seymour, Samuel A. Cooley, Photographer

1864: Nathaniel Eugene Wordin to Helen Caroline Wordin

August 20, 2023 Griff Leave a comment

The following letter was written by Nathaniel Eugene (“Gene”) Wordin (1844-1915), the son of Nathaniel Sherwood Wordin (1813-1889) and Francis Augusta Leavenworth (182-1892) of Bridgeport, Connecticut. He wrote the letter to his older sister, Helen (“Nellie”) Caroline Wordin (b. 1842).

Gene enlisted on 28 August 1862 as a private in Co. I, 6th Connecticut Infantry. He was promoted to a corporal on 27 April 1864 and mustered out of the regiment on 3 June 1865. After the war he married Eliza Woodruff Barnes (1841-1921) and earned a medical degree from the Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia in 1875. He practiced allopathic medicine in Bridgeport, Ct.

In this lengthy letter to his older sister, Gene responds to numerous questions directed to him from prior correspondence with her and then brings her up-to-date with news of military affairs at Hilton Head in March 1864, including a long description of Gen. Truman Seymour, for whom he briefly worked as a clerk on the island. He also mentions the presence of Sam Cooley, the renowned photographer in the Department of the South who was setting up a studio on Hilton Head at the time.

[See also—1863: Nathaniel Eugene Wordin to Nellie C. Wordin (letter dated 19 November 1863]

Transcription

*Addressed to Miss Nellie C. Wordin, Care of N. S. Wardin, Esq., Bridgeport, Conn.*

Hilton Head, South Carolina
March 23rd 1864

Dear Sister,

It is just one week today since I received a large mail from home, a part of which—and no small part either—was a letter from yourself dated March 1864. With what pleasure it was received and read, you will never know. The most remarkable thing about it was its length, which for you was certainly very long, and as it was dated on no particular day but only the month, I could only infer thay you had been a month in writing it. Am I right in this? or will it do for me to draw my own inferences? As I said before, what the letter contained did not surprise me half as much as the length.

At the time of receiving it, I was very busy indeed on government work as you have since been informed, by two small notes from me and could not conveniently find time to make a suitable reply. As the time of writing my last note, I contemplated soon getting through with my reports and getting over my hurry and promised you an answer or a letter. I don’t know which. Well, I finished the last of my long reports last Friday and sent them to Washington on the Arago the same day. I have since written up my diary to the date for I keep every page in it filled, have had a little rest, and this is the beginning of the promised note. I am almost sorry now that I made such a promise for when you get to the end, if ever you do, I am afraid you will think it nought but nonsense. However, having made the promise, I shall keep it.

I have said that I received a large mail from home one week ago today. Besides your letter, I also received a long one from father which pleased me much—especially as it was the first one he had written since my unceremonious departure from home. He gave me a summary of news and some instructions which I needed and by which I shall profit. He seems to have a natural gift at writing—not only of letters but sentiment, both poetry and prose. I think it was too bad that he has not cultivated it and written more. I think this the more as I see more of his writings, many of which are to be found in the house.

He speaks of having made you a handsome present of furs. You told me about a part of it but not all. You were very fortunate in receiving such a splendid present, and of course you will wear them upon every possible occasion as they will be very warm and comfortable this cold winter. Besides that, if you do not make good use of a present, the giver naturally thinks that it is not appreciated. The mystery of the 10 dollar check is at length satisfactorily explained both by yourself and father. I was almost certain that it had been received but wanted to be positive. I made more trouble over it than the whole thing was worth. I have $50 more to send and will forward it at the earliest convenience; perhaps will enclose a few greenbacks with this before I get through, but everything is as yet uncertain.

Now I want to say something in regard to that little affair that you claim “roiled” me so much a few weeks since. I wish to simply say that I was not in the least “roiled.” My feelings were rather sorrow and grief than “roile”; the contents of the letter had been contemplated and studied on for several days and I went alone by myself to write it. I supposed from the hand writing of the letter I received, that you meant what was written, else why did you write this? Yet in the letter that lies before me, you say that you have no antipathy to Col. D. You will excuse me for saying that this is a contradiction of what you previously expressed. I had thought up to the time of writing that letter that you could treat him friendly and when I could not but think otherwise, I felt sorry that either yourself or mother should do the least injustice to him who had so constantly and frequently been kind to me, and for which you once had occasion to thank him in a public place. Pardon me for saying so much about it, for I could not reasonably let it pass. I am glad, very glad, that you told in the letter before referred to what you thought, but very sorry that your thoughts should have been so adverse to my best interests. Were they really your thoughts? Did you mean what you wrote? Or were they mother’s ideas? Do not evade this subject. I ask you, for I wish to understand you and be understood.

I am glad to hear that improvements are being made in and around the house. Should I return home again to live, a good and well assorted library will be one of the greatest attractions for me there, aside from the living ones. Look out for that set of Poe’s works and my Rebellion Record. I am very glad if the album adds anything to your pleasure. That, I believe, was really appreciated. I did not think so once, when I had to put the pictures in after they had lain between the leaves for weeks. I do not like that you should ask me anything about the arranging of changing of the pictures. What do I know about them? How should I know anything? I believe the book must be full and one of these days when I have made certain changes now contemplated, shall have one of my own and will then send for such of those as were my particular friends, those whose pictures were sent to me and leave you no right whatever to ask me anything about either book or contents. But since you have asked a question, I will say, change and arrange to suit yourself. If you are satisfied, I am perfectly. I have had none taken of myself since last summer. The galleries here now give pictures none of the best for $5 per dozen.

You will see by the advertisement in our Hilton Head papers that Mr. Cooley, or as Mother would call him, Sa-a-m Cooley, is going to put up a large building here 100 x 40 feet, the entire upper part of which he is to have for a gallery. The main floor is to be used by the proprietors of the “Pametto Herald.” Sa-a-m will turn out some pretty good pictures and then perhaps I will let you have one.

*Sam A. Cooley and his traveling studio wagon*

My discovering Miss Annie’s letter to Ben was all by chance, but there is some mystery about it. I was helping assort the mail when fortunately raking it up, I at once recognized the hand writing and showed it to him (Ben). I remember that he handled the letter very lively (for he was assorting too), as if he was expecting something he didn’t want anyone to see, and I have my suspicions that it is not the first one has received from the same source. Between you and I and the post office, I think these two young folks have for some time past been carrying on an underground or clandestine correspondence. I don’t believe Ben would have had me seen that letter for his two month’s pay. Do you still correspond with the young lady, and if so, what are the latest advices from the highness?

I received the Waterbury American that you sent me. The marks you had made around the column of deaths called my attention thither, and the first name was that of a fine young girl whose acquaintance I made last winter while in Waterbury.

You ask if we had any flowers here. I must say that as far as the weather is concerned, the past two or three nights have been as cold as any during the winter and cold enough, I imagine, for any of you in Connecticut. But supposing the weather as warm as some says have been, as warm as some of your fine days there, is no rumor, but very little on this island for flowers. You have no idea how much business and traveling is done here. Why the sand is kicked from one end to the other, from creek and river to ocean and back. There are, however, a few untouched spots on the island and there I suppose wild flowers can be found. I have neither time nor horses to ride around outside and see South Carolina in the spring time. Large bunches of oranges, fresh from the trees, are brought from Florida by every steamer, and sold at the wharf, but they can be handled only with great care to prevent them from falling off or else I would send you two or three for curiosities. The oranges are very large and look very tempting, but to the taste they are sour and good for nothing.

Your note dated March 14th and enclosing a letter of Cook’s was received today. I am glad to know that he has commenced his vacation in so good a way and with such a long letter. I guess he improves his time better than when I was home. Tell him I will write to him soon.

It will be three weeks Friday since the [smallpox] vaccine virus was applied to my arm and it is now getting well. The huge scab is almost ready to come off. It has caused me some trouble, of course. For two days I had a fever and my arm pained me so that I could scarcely use it. This was so much the worse as it came at a time when I was most busy, and could not stop work. However, I am all right now, and glad that it has been done, and is all over. The scab, I think, I shall give to one of the surgeons as it is quite valuable down here.

Cook writes me that Mr. Day is to have his exhibition in Franklin Hall, which is rather a stretch for him. I suppose, though, that he has something very fine this time. He has given some very fine exhibitions. I may well say the best of any school in the city—those that displayed most talent and originality, and in now making them public, he is but doing what he ought to have done three years ago. I suppose he is tempted to do this from the fact that the High School do not exhibit themselves this season. I wish him the best of success and have no doubt but that he will have it, and have a fine display of talent. Be pleased to send me a bill of fare.

You have enclosed the sample of ladies cloth which you ought to have done two months ago when you first mentioned it. After what I wrote in my last letter, I supposed you would purchase the article in question ready made, but since you prefer to make them up yourself, I too wish you to be busy, doing some good. There is not much preference in cloth as all of it shrinks. I hesitate in choosing between the samples sent as the heaviest is the poorest color for such use as I give it. One of my mess mates has some made of the same kind and color as the dark and as they look well, I will choose that too. His shrunk, however, and I would suggest that you shrink the cloth before making it up. Do not be sparing of cloth, for it is wanting most in length, both of the skirt and sleeves. I want a collar on them so that I can wear a coat without a white collar—that is, if you can make one that will fit. Put a pocket on each side, outside instead of in, of the same material as the whole, and I guess you will need no further instructions. Send then by mail and I will get them the quickest.

I believe now that I have answered all questions and touched about all the points mentioned in your two letters, and will now say something for myself, as perhaps I can interest you a little with what is transpiring in this Department. The general news you get in the papers that I weekly send you and which I suppose you receive, although you say nothing in regard to them. I am situated the same as when I wrote you last, and enjoy myself very well, stopping with the company, although the conversation is not of a style that I altogether prefer. I have not received any of my extra duty money yet as the quartermaster is out of funds. Twenty-five dollars per month and “found” is not doing very badly pecuniarily and scarcely a day passes in which I do not learn something new. I believe that I am in about as good a school as I ever went to, and shall try to learn my lesson well.

*Alfred Bishop Beers (1845-1920) of Co. I, 6th Connecticut, was promoted to Captain of Co. B in March 1865.*

Corporal [Alfred Bishop] Beers went home about one week ago as a veteran volunteer—three years more in the army. He makes quite a stay this time, having a furlough of thirty days in the State. The Orderly Sergeant of our company, John Waters, has also re-enlisted and gone home. It is said by the boys in the company (and I think with some shadow of truth too) that he has received a commission as 2nd Lieutenant in Co. B. Now don’t run after the corporal, but if you should chance to meet him on the street, please ask him to tell the fact to Sergeant Waters as a kindness to him, that he may be prepared to put on the traps when he gets back. I did not ask either of them to call at the house. You will easily guess from a former letter why not.

We all wonder at the long stay our chaplain is making and want to see him back once more. The 6th Regiment think a wondrous deal of their chaplain [illegible] is well. Edy Lyon is still on the Cosmopolitan.

I forgot to say, while speaking about carte-de-visits, I wish I could in some way get Father’s, but he has had none taken. If you or any one else can persuade him to visit an artist, I wish you would send me a picture. Fan’s, I must have too.

I do not know what conclusion you came to in regard to the flute. If you send it, send also that green music book containing the “Lancer’s,” “Miserere,” &c. Send the book anyway. As I said before, I have $50 to send home and for want of other means, shall send the greenbacks. Twenty dollars you will find enclosed, as I do not wish to trust so much as $50 at once. Will send more in my letter to Father and at different times. Please be so kind as to acknowledge receipt. You will appropriate a part of the expenses you or anyone else have been at for me and pay for the shorts which you are about to make up.

Gen. Truman Seymour—a “man of moderate size and height, rather thin in the face which is somewhat wrinkled, and betokens that the owner has seen much care. A bright discerning eye, a rather lofty and manly bearing—his harir is mixed with gray.”

I see by the northern papers that the affair at “Olustee” Florida is creating considerable talk, and that many different reports are given, laying the blame of it upon innocent persons’ heads. I have seen also many sketches and remarks upon Gen. [Truman] Seymour; the commander of the Union forces in Florida. Perhaps you will be somewhat interested in him, as being one under whom I served, though, but for a short time. He had command here for several months while the expedition was being organized. I send his photograph but to tell the truth, it really does him not justice. Mounted, he is a fine looking officer, and a splendid rider. He is a man of moderate size and height, rather thin in the face, which is somewhat wrinkled, and betokens that the owner has seen much care. A bright, discerning eye, a rather lofty and manly bearing—his hair is mixed with gray. He is attentive to the wants of his men and scarcely a day passed while he was here in which he could not be seen riding around, looking after their interest, if anything was wanting, and finding out what was being done wrong.

When a man does a thing well, he praises him for it, but when he is caught in a scrape, the unlucky offender meets with a severe but deserving punishment. He is a native of Vermont, a graduate of West Poit, at present Captain in the 5th Artillery, USA, and was one of Major Anderson’s gallant band who were in Fort Sumter during its first bombardment in ’61. He has since played an important [part] in the reduction of the same fort. The way in which he made his advent in this Department, little more than a year ago, is highly characteristic of the man. Being ordered to report to Maj. Gen. Hunter, he came to Hilton Head disguised as a citizen, and in that way went on an inspecting tour all around the Head and Beaufort. He visited hospitals, offices, bake houses and stores, negro quarters, forts, magazines, and every place. Very frequently he would engage in conversation [with] some private whom he met in his ramblings, and draw from the unsuspecting soldier his opinions in regard to this thing or that, the officers in command of the Department, post or regiment. Thus he derived a great deal of valuable information. At one time he was known to approach a sentry on his beat at the head of the wharf and offer him a bottle of whiskey (which he had concealed under his coat for the purpose), if the sentry would let him pass. But the guard had his wits about him, thought the man was most too free with his whiskey, smelled a mouse, and couldn’t [ ]. He was finally discovered by a brother officer in the Regular Army who recognized him. When Gen. T[ruman] Seymour was announced to the command, of course he knew what was what—how, when and where to go to work.

He was made Chief of Staff and Artillery by Gen. Hunter. You will find a very short sketch of him in the New South which I have sent you. He was in command of the part that so gallantly stormed Fort Wagner, and met with such a bloody repulse on the night of July 18th. In this charge he was wounded in the foot and went North to recover, where he remained for some time, returning to this Department in the month of October, I believe. He was then placed in command of Hilton Head District which he held until the 6th day of Februry, he sailed in command of the expedition for Jacksonville. He is a brave man, has the confidence of his men, and is very popular with them. Lieut. S[tephen] S. Stevens of Bridgeport, Co. I, 6th Connecticut was acting as his Asst. Adjt. General when he was killed at Wagner. I don’t know as any of this will be very interesting to you, but thought it might, as you ought at least to have some concern for what transpires in this Department.

I see that Capt. [William Lewis] Hubbell ¹ has been exchanged and has arrived within the Union lines. He has made quite a stay in Richmond, but has been far more fortunate than many others who were confined some time before him. I suppose he has arrived home and is among dear friends long before this. I think he ought to have been Major of the 17th while there was a vacancy. But Colonel [William H.] Noble did not know of his release at the time Capt. [Henry] Allen was made Major and even then he might not have got it. Among the promotions I see that Theod. Gray is Captain. Hen. North 2nd Lieutenant; both in the 17th.

Some of our boys on guard at the wharf speak of seeing Col. Noble on the Arago. I believe he went North on her. Perhaps you do not know that the Capt. [Henry B.] Chamberlain [97th NY] who “tunneled out” of Libby and succeeded in making his escape into the Federal lines with Col. [Abel Delos] Streight and other 16 Union officers and who recently delivered a lecture in Bridgeport is no less a personage than the brother of Oscar of G. H. I. notoriety.

I don’t like to hurry you but would like one of those shirts by return mail if possible. Am not, however, very particular. Please ascertain the price of paper collars, garrotte, both single and by the box. If you conclude to put a cloth collar on the shirts, send me a plain black cravat about one inch and a half wide.

Now let me conclude. I have said enough for once. And let me be understood when I saw, this is not “to be continued in our next.” If there is any point which I have not fully explained, or if I have omitted any subject on which you are curious, mention it when you write again, if indeed you are not now discouraged in doing so. Perhaps I ought not to have written as much, or just what I have done, but I was prompted to it by the ill-timed promise made so hastily in my last note to you. As I now use altogether the paper in the office, I thought to have a little change this time by taking some government “note”, but do not propose a long continuance of the use of the same.

It is now Friday, the 25th. This letter commenced the day before yesterday, has been written at odd moments, which accounts for most of its flightiness. Your last letter was received on the 23rd by the steamer United States. The Fulton arrived Thursday morning with a mail, but it did me no good. The mail by the Fulton, going North, will probably close tomorrow.

I most respectfully inquire about, and send my kind regards to everybody. With love to all, I subscribe myself as usual in the same old style and place, — Gene

¹ William Lewis Hubbell of Bridgeport, Connecticut, served in the 17th Connecticut Infantry. He was taken prisoner at Gettysburg while serving on the staff of Brig-General Francis Barlow. He was held prisoner at Libby Prison in Richmond until 7 March 1864 when he was exchanged.

3rd Ohio Infantry, Train Wreck

1861: Asa Howard Battin to John & Sarah (Howard) Battin

August 20, 2023 Griff Leave a comment

This letter was written by Asa Howard (“A. H.”) Battin (1829-1896), the son of John Battin (1800-1875) and Sarah Dew Howard (1804-1875). From an obituary we learn that:

Asa was born on a farm one mile west of Hanover, Columbiana County, Ohio, March 16, 1829. His boyhood and youth were spent upon a farm in the vicinity of his birthplace, and his early education was obtained in the district school. Later he attended a private school under the auspices of the Quaker church, of which both his parents and grandparents were members. He was studious and ambitious, and, at the age of eighteen years, he became employed as a teacher. The next five years he taught in the district schools of Columbiana County, and during that time he took up and pursued the study of law. He was admitted to the bar at New Lisbon in May, 1853, and in April, 1854, he began the practice of his chosen profession at Salem, Columbiana County. In December, 1858, he removed to Wellsville, where he opened an office and practiced law for ten years, with the exception of the time he spent in the army during the Civil War. He enlisted April 19, 1861, shortly after the rebellion began, as captain of Company K, Third Regiment, Ohio Volunteers. He returned home from the field about May 1, 1862, broken in health. His one year’s service was chiefly performed in West Virginia and Kentucky.”

Asa was married to Eliza Atkinson (1834-1871) in 1855 and their oldest daughter was Anna Gertrude (“Gertie”) Battin (1856-1920), both of whom are mentioned in the final paragraph.

Transcription

Wellsville [Ohio]
April 21, 1861

Folks at Salem,

Things are rather exciting around here these days and I suppose they are also at Salem. I have been on the sick list for near two weeks but am better and hope to be around all right. I commended with a bilious attack and was in bed the portion of the time for five days since which time I have been better but don’t get it entirely removed. Have taken some of the “most disagreeable” medicine in the world, I reckon. But I suppose Will told you I was not well. He just escaped from Washington in time. He could not come from there now by the same route he did then and probably by no other. Such times the world has never seen and never need again.

Our company is recruited up to 112 men and goes to Columbus on day after tomorrow; from there to Cleveland, I suppose, and from there nobody knows; probably to Cairo or somewhere on the frontier of the free states. I shall go to Columbus if well enough and probably through the three months’ campaign, but if I do not get better than I am now, I shall not go further than Columbus. There is but one sentiment here. We have a government and it must be defended. The citizens of Wellsville and vicinity have contributed $650 to buy us an outfit of articles which the State cannot well furnish, and they have also subscribed $1,000 for the benefit of those families who were depending upon the volunteers for support with the promise to raise it to 3,000 or 5,000 if necessary.

On Friday afternoon, the down river train broke down a new bridge at dry run a few miles above Martinsville and a Wellsville man by name of Stafford was killed. He was buried this afternoon. The railroad men suspect that there had been foul play about the bridge, but they do not know it. A heavy train of volunteers had passed over it but a short time before and the supposition is that it was intended to throw this train off, but it is surmise. The bridge superintendent made a thorough examination of the wreck but could find nothing wrong. The train ran over the bridge and the cars fell down the embankment at the side of the track. An iron rail ran up through the car, cutting Stafford’s leg off at the thigh and breaking the other. He bled to death in a short time.

I do not know of anything else that I can write of interest. There are all manner of rumors circulating but I do not believe any of the startling items until they have been telegraphed more than once. There is intense excitement at Wheeling and fears are entertained that the city is to be taken by the secessionists. They will have some work to do if they succeed.

I shall write you from Columbus if I have time. If not, I will soon. Eliza and Gertie in usual health. As ever, — A. H.

4th of July Celebration, Antebellum New Jersey, Henry Clay

1844: William Dare Garrison to Harriet Fithian Garrison

August 20, 2023 Griff Leave a comment

The following letter was written by 18 year-old William (“Will”) Dare Garrison (1826-1847), the eldest child of at least six born to Edmund Fithian Garrison (1802-1858) and Rebecca Dare (1808-1845) of Swedesboro, Gloucester county, New Jersey.

When war was declared on Mexico in May 1846, Will enlisted in Co. D (“Cambria Guards”), 2nd Pennsylvania Volunteers. Although he traveled with the volunteers in 1846 he did not officially enlist until 21 Jan. 1847. William would pass away on 11 July 1847 from illness at the Castle of Perote in Mexico City, aged twenty-one.

In this incredible letter, Will provides us with rich detail of the 4th of July events in Camden, New Jersey, in 1844 which happened to coincide with the Presidential campaign of Whig candidate Henry Clay and his running mate, Theodore Frelinghuysen. We learn that a political barbecue with food and speeches was held in the afternoon of the day’s events on Smith Island, in the middle of the Delaware river between Camden and Philadelphia. The letter was written on 6 July 1844, just one day before a major riot erupted across the river in Philadelphia between the Nativists and Roman Catholics.

A view of Camden from Philadelphia in 1844. Smith’s Island is in the middle of the Delaware river at left where all the trees are shown.

Will wrote the letter to his sister, Harriet Fithian Garrison (1831-1919) who married John W. Kirby (1826-1897) in 1854. That the family admired the statesman Henry Clay seems to be of little doubt as Will had a younger brother named Henry Clay Garrison (1835-1913) who humorously wrote his own epitaph: “Poor old Garry, Here he lies. Nobody laughs, And nobody cries; Where he has gone, Or how he fares, Nobody knows, Nobody cares.”

[Note: to see a map of Lobos Island drawn by Will in April 1847 during the Mexican-American War, see Manuscript Map.]

Transcription

Camden [New Jersey]
July 6th 1844

Dear Sister,

I received your kind note last week and feel myself very much obliged to you for so kindly writing to me when I had neglected to perform a duty due to you as well as myself by not writing to you. I was very unwell during all of last week but have felt very well all of this week or you would have seen me at home before this time. I should have liked very much to have been with you at Wilmington on the fourth. Tell Father that his walking with two other men’s wives has reached us even here and also it is hinted that Dr. Wiley had some ladies hanging on his arm. Therefore, you see that I hear most of the current news and even sometimes the particulars.

There was a great time in the city. The native Americans turned out an immense array. The procession was beautifully decorated by splendid banners and flags of American silk. There were two large ships in the procession fully rigged and manned and also a beautiful Temple of Liberty drawn by thirteen large gray horses and followed by twenty-six men on horseback representing the States of the Union. It was one of the most chaste and elegant affairs I ever saw.

“…what a scene presented itself. Four long tables with about 700 hungry men hard at work—the only sound was the rattle of knife and fork and the grind, grind of teeth for everyone appeared to be eating for a wager.”
— William Dare Garrison, 6 July 1844

In the afternoon, I went over to Smith’s Island to the dinner. There, a splendid and novel scene met my view on landing. We landed under six large flags which floated gaily to the breeze. At a little distance on were a large enclosure surrounded by a fence which was decorated by a hundred small flags. In front was suspended a large piece of canvas. After I had passed this, what a scene presented itself. Four long tables with about 700 hungry men hard at work—the only sound was the rattle of knife and fork and the grind, grind of teeth for everyone appeared to be eating for a wager. The place was one of the best adapted I ever saw for the purpose consisting of a grove of splendid trees. Over the tables were suspended from the trees two noble United States flags and the tables were decorated with numerous small flags bearing the names of Clay and Frelinghuysen. At one end and against the screen was an elevated platform and a table for the officers and speakers. Over them hung a portrait of Henry Clay with U. S. flags festooned over it and two splendid banners hung on either side of it. Opposite to it at the other end of the table, hung a splendid banner surmounted by a gilt eagle festooned with flowers. Upon the side nearest the water was erected a stand for the speakrs, gaily decorated with flags. After dinner we had some toasts and very good speaking interrupted only be cheers and the roar of cannon.

The afternoon concluded with cheers, the firing of cannon, and the bursting of rockets and other fireworks. In the evening there was a splendid display of fireworks.

Give my best respects to all my friends and kiss the family all around for me. There has been a great number of persons over here since the fourth and yesterday there were several fights in the [beer] gardens and a good deal of hard fun. The Dutch [Germans] brought over a band and they danced all the afternoon. Altogether the fourth has gone off with less trouble than was anticipated. I hope that the fourth at Swedesboro went off without any new sprees. Tell Mother that I aim to get up at 5 o’clock after this in order to take exercise and hope by that means to keep from getting sick any more. Give her my love. Tell Father I am looking for him every day in order to make some arrangements. I must now conclude for business calls me to attend to something else. Therefore, I subscribe myself your affectionate brother, — Will D. Garrison

Write back soon.

Burn all my letters for I do not want them kept as monuments of my foolishness and tell John to do the same. — WDG

*Programme of Events, Pennsylvania Inquirer, 4 July 1844*

72nd Ohio Infantry, Clement Vallandigham

1863: Jonathan F. Harrington to Lionel E. Harrington

August 20, 2023 Griff Leave a comment

The following letter was written by Jonathan F. Harrington (1835-1916), the son of Ralph Harrington (1802-1863) and Anna Paxton (1809-1884) of Groton township, Erie county, Ohio.

*Capt. Jonathan F. Harrington, Co. A, 72nd OVI*

His on-line obituary claims that “he grew up in a time when Erie county, Ohio, was still in a pioneer condition. He was reared on the home farm and secured his educational training in some of the early schoolhouses familiarly known only to the oldest residents now living. After getting the advantages offered by the schools of Groton township he also spent one year attending school at Detroit, Michigan.

His vocation since early manhood has been that of farming and soon after getting started in that vocation, he went away to help fight in the battles of the Union. Capt. Harrington enlisted in May 1861 in Co. A, 72nd regiment OVI ad his first duty was in recruiting the company for that regiment, and after getting its quota mustered in he took his place in the ranks as a private soldier. A year later he was made 2nd Lieutenant, and later promoted to 1st Lieutenant and during the last two years of is service to his country was captain of the company. He continued in the war four years until his honorable discharge in September 1865. Capt. Harrington fought in the great battle of Shiloh, participated in the siege of Corinth and also in the campaign ending in the fall of Vicksburg.

On January 1st 1868, he was married to Miss Sarah E. McKesson (1845-1935) who also represents some of the pioneers of Erie county.”

In this letter datelined from the regiment’s encampment 8 miles in the rear of Vicksburg, Mississippi, Capt. Harrington informs his younger brother Lionel E. Harrington (1841-1895) of their location, the health of the regiment, and reacts to the recent gubernatorial election results in the regiment and at home in Ohio in which the “Peace Democrat” Clement Vallandigham lost in a landslide to the pro-Union War Democrat John Brough.

*Field Desk used by Capt. Jonathan F. Harrington during the Civil War*

[Note: To read Harrington’s account of the Battle of Shiloh, go to: Civil War Talk.]

Transcription

*Addressed to L. E. Harrington, Esq., Groton, Erie county, Ohio*

Camp in rear of Vicksburg
October 28, 1863

Brother,

In answer to yours of the 14th which arrived at its destination this evening finding me in fine health and enjoying camp life as well as can be expected under the present circumstances which now exist, we have been having some rather cool damp weather for some time until within the last two or three days. The weather has moderated a great deal. Today has been a very warm day, nice day. We have no stoves and the cool snap made our teeth rattle considerably but as the sun has shown himself again, I think we will have some more nice weather yet this fall.

We are encamped about eight miles a little northeast of Vicksburg and about six miles from any house. And furthermore, we are right in the woods. Have been trying to lay out a new camp today so that we could move this afternoon but we failed to make the riff [?] but got the camp staked out and intend to move in the morning. We are only a going to move about eighty rods [quarter mile].

I was glad to hear that Old Groton still hangs to the Union, or at least a portion of her. There was only 16 votes cast in the regiment for [Clement] Vallandigham and that is 16 too many. I suppose Aunt Sylvia & Uncle M. are as stern in the political line as ever. I have a man in my company that voted for Vallandigham but—well, you know him. It was M. Pilgrim. He done it mostly for spite—nothing more nor less.

Our furloughed men have got back to Dixie again after their visit down North and say they don’t want another furlough until their time is expired. Then they want a long furlough.

I see by the papers that the draft was to go off in Ohio today. Bully for the draft if they would only draft enough to amount to something, but fifty thousand won’t be a taste. Now if they would draft about 300,000, it would be something of an object. How is Capt. Fernald getting along? Is he getting any men or not? According to your tell, Kit has been having a rough time since he got home. I am glad to hear that he came out victorious every time.

The men here are all feeling gay over the election news and the health of the men in the 72nd Regiment OVI is very good now and it is getting late. Will bid you good night.

Give my respects to all and write soon and give all the news. Oh my sakes alive, it is chilly tonight. Jacob Beecher got here yesterday from home. He said he saw you but didn’t get a chance to speak to you.

From your brother, — J. F. Harrington

I cannot think of anything to write. Therefore, you will have to excuse me for not writing something.

3rd Vermont Infantry, Battle of Antietam, Peninsula Campaign

1862: Ira E. Morse to his Siblings

August 19, 2023 Griff Leave a comment

I could not find an image of Ira but here is a tintype of John L. Cleveland of Co. B, 3rd Vermont Infantry

The following letters were written by Ira E. Morse (1837-1862) of Co. D, 3rd Vermont Infantry. Ira enlisted on 1 May 1861 and was mustered into the regiment on 16 July 1861. He received a gunshot wound on 16 April 1862 at Lee’s Mills, Virginia, but recovered only to die of disease on 29 November 1862. It appears that Ira, weakened from chronic diarrhea, had fallen out of the ranks while on a march and that a Boonsboro, Maryland, resident named Cornelius Wertz found Ira by a tree in the woods near his home and took him in and cared for him until he died. He was buried “in front of the church in Boonsboro where several Union soldiers had been buried.” David Trull claimed to have received Ira’s diary and bible from Mr. Wertz and delivered them to Ira’s parents.

Ira was the son of David Morse (b. 1807) of Charleston, Vermont, who was said to be physically unable to support his family financially. David and his wife Fanny’s net worth in 1860 was only $400 and they had come to rely on the money that Ira sent home to his family. By the time of his death, Ira had sent home $200 between his wages and the bounty he received for enlisting.

While researching Ira, I discovered in the “Widow’s Pension” claim filed by Ira’s mother following his death, that two of Ira’s letters written during the Peninsula Campaign in the summer of 1862 had been sent to the Pension Office as proof of Ira’s having sent money home to his parents for their use. I have transcribed these and added them with the 3rd Letter describing the Battle of Antietam.

Letter 1

Dixie Land
June 13, 1862
Camp at Fair Oak, Va.

Dear Parents,

I received your letter last night & was very glad to hear from you & now I seat myself in my little tent to write a few lines to let you know that we (Port & I) are well and hope that these few lines will find you the same.

We have crossed the Chickamoniny Creek at Fair Oaks on the grapevine bridge. We are now encamped on a hill on the south side of the creek. Our regiment is detailed out to build a bridge across the crick. The rest of the [Vermont] Brigade is 1.5 miles ahead. There is heavy cannonading up there this morning. Our picket is so close to the Rebs that they have to post themselves in the night & lay flat on their bellies until the next night. Our men are a building forts all along the lines. We shall have Richmond before long.

This is a very pretty place here. It is all oak on the hills and pine in the swamps. The niggers is as thick as the hair on a dog. One old nigger is 106 years old. Little niggers from 10 to twelve will carry a pail of water on their heads and not touch a hand to it.

I am sorry to hear that Dan ain’t so well. I don’t think he had ought to work at all. You may take any of my money that you need and use it and get Dan some clothes too if he needs them. I don’t want any of my folks to suffer as long as I can work. We probably shall be paid off again before long & then I shall send home some more.

I see in the papers that the Mississippi River is open now.There was a great fight here the last day of May & the 1st of June. The Rebels got licked. The loss was great on both sides. The Vermont boys weren’t in it but we could hear it. There is nothing more to write—only direct as before. So goodbye from your son, — I. E. Morse

I wrote this in a hurry.

Letter 2

Camp near Berkeley’s Landing, Va.
July 6th 1862

Dear Parents,

I received your letter the third. I was very glad to hear from you. i now take this opportunity to write you a few lines to let you know that Port and I are well and I hope that these few lines will find you the same & to let you know where we be & how we come here. Probably you have heard of our skedaddle before this time and are anxious to hear from us.

Well, first of all I will say that them postage stamps was all right.

Thursday the 26th of June, a battle was fought on our right & we got news that our boys was a licking them. Cheers after cheers was given all along the lines. We was paid off the same day & Port & I sent home our money the next day by the pay master…

Well. Friday the 27th we was all under arms & marched up onto the hill into some rifle [pits] by a little fort that we had built to support a battery & the pickets. We had not been there long before the artillery on both sides began to fight. It was the hottest place that I ever see. I see that some of our batteries throwed shell over across the crick to the Dr. Gaines’ farm & I could see rebel troops & further around to the right I could hear fighting & hard fighting too.

And then I began to think that there was something up. Our artillery silenced the rebel guns. In the afternoon we went down & tore up a bridge that some of the nigs built across the creek & there I had a fair view of a battle. Our men drove the rebs & then the rebs drove our men & they kept up just so all day and then our men give up the battle & come back across the creek. We stood to the bridge that night to keep they rebels from coming across. The next day—that was Saturday—our troops wrecked the rebels all out and took a lot of prisoners. We was completely cut off twice but forces come up in the rear from the James river and drove the rebels back. The 2nd day we arrived at this landing. It rained all day hard & the mud was half a knee deep & we all got wet as rats & our legs was all mud up to our bodies.

The next day the rebels got into a hill and began to shell some of our camps. The cavalry went up and drove them off & took their guns & then we loved to the place that we are now. We lost everything on this retreat almost. We are a building a fort here. There is not much danger here. Our front is only 5 miles long. The gunboats is right in sight of some of our camps. They protect our flanks. I said that we had no one hurt in our company but one of our boys has not been seen since the Battle of Sunday night at Savage Station. I am a going to send 3 gold dollars in this letter. There is nothing more for me to write. So goodbye. Please write soon. From your son, — I. E. Morse

Direct as before.

Letter 3

Camp near Hagerstown, Maryland
October 13, 1862

Dear Brother & Sister,

It is with pleasure that I can have time to write you a few lines to let you know that I am some better than I have been. I had had the diarrhea for two months but I am on the gain now. I shall be all right before long now.

We are to Hagerstown a doing guard duty. You have probably heard of our big fight here so I can’t tell you any news about that. I was sick about this time so I was in the rear but I went all over the battlefields. Our brigade drove them over the Blue Ridge. The 4th regt. was skirmishers & they done a most all the fighting on this ridge. They give it to them Rebs good. They took two guns and drove them all out of sight.

The valleys here is full of all kinds of fruit & corn & wheat. The farms is as pretty as I ever see in old Vermont.

Ira’s account of the battlefield—the stench, the unburied soldiers and animals, & the houses filled with wounded are described in detail in Steven Cowie’s new book, “When Hell Came to Sharpsburg”

The Battle of Sharpsburg was an awful slaughter. Our Brigade lay on their bellies 36 hours under a raking fire of the enemy [guns]. ¹ John Stanton was shot through the heart. He was all the one that was hurt in our company. Every house & old barn and shed was full of wounded. The fields was full of dead. We passed across the battlefield en route for this place three days after the fight. It stank awfully then. The dead was not nye all buried. They burnt a lot of them.

We have got a good place to stay now. The citizens bring in a lots of good provisions & sell it cheap too. It has cost me some money to live since I have been sick. The government don’t furnish one thing that a sick man can eat. We are to the head of a large spring. The water that comes from it carries two grist mills & two saw mills & several small shops.

Tell Dan to be saving of his money for we shall need it sometime more than we do now. Tell him to let father get his clothes and have mother mail them. Direct to Washington. From your brother, — I. E. Morse

¹ The 3rd Vermont, being in Brooks’ Brigade, left its camp in Pleasant Valley at 6 A.M. of the 17th, crossed the Antietam at Pry’s Ford and reached the field about noon. It was ordered to the support of Sedgwick’s Division, Second Corps, on the Union right but, before getting into position, was ordered to the support of French’s Division and formed in Mumma’s Cornfield, on ground vacated by the 14th Connecticut, its left connecting with French, its right resting on Mumma’s Lane, facing south parallel to and about 170 yards from the Bloody Lane. It was subjected to a galling fire of both Artillery and Sharpshooters, causing some loss. It remained in this position until the morning of the 19th.

17th Missouri Infantry, Corinth, Mississippi, Western Turner Rifles

1863: James Ferdinand Mallinckrodt to Cecelia Mallinckrodt

August 19, 2023 Griff Leave a comment

*Private Louis Hottowitz and another member of the 17th Missouri or “The Western Turner Rifles” holding their Colt revolving rifles. (Bruce Hermann Collection)*

The following letter was written by James Ferdinand Mallinckrodt (1842-1925), the son of William Hermann Mallinckrodt (1810-1895) and his wife Louise (1817-1897) of St. Louis, Missouri. Ferdinand enlisted in the 17th Missouri Infantry as a corporal in 1861. The 17th Missouri Volunteer Infantry Regiment was formed at St. Louis in August 1861 by the St. Louis Turner Society, a German-American athletic and social organization. Under the leadership of Charles Stiefel and Frederick Leser, the St. Louis Turnverien placed its meeting hall in the hands of General Lyon, the Union military commander in St. Louis, and Col. Sigel, a former German officer. A new regiment known as the Western Turner Rifles was quickly recruited to serve for three years composed primarily of German-American officers and enlisted men from St. Louis who had previously served 90-day enlistments from May to August 1861 with the First, Second, Third and Fourth Missouri Regiments. These units fought under Brigadier General Lyon and Sigel at the capture of Ft. Jackson in St. Louis, the relief of St. Genevieve, Missouri and later in the summer at the battle of Wilson’s Creek.

Ferdinand would be promoted to Sgt. in Co. H, and then following the Battle of Ringgold, Georgia, and in winter camp, promoted to Lt. in Co. C by the commander Col. Cramer (pretty tragic end to that guy). He also eventually did a tour on recruiting duty in St. Louis.

After the war, Ferdinand embarked on an eclectic career as a machinist, draughtsman, and scientific model-maker. He also styled himself a literary figure, publishing several pamphlets and frequent letters to the editor, and corresponding with famous authors. In 1915 he removed to Salt Lake City to live with his brother and nephew; he is not thought to have been a Mormon.

Ferdinand sent this letter to his sister, Cecilia D. Mallinckrodt (1845-1873).

Transcription

*Addressed to Mr. H. Mallinckrodt, St. Louis, Missouri*

Corinth, Mississippi
October 2, 1863

Dear Cecilia,

What do you think of the heading of this letter?! Corinth, Miss! Now that Wilhelm has just left here, his regiment is ow in camp at Pocahontas only 16 miles back on the railroad. Day before yesterday evening, we stopped about 15 minutes there coming through and if it had not been for your letter of the 10th ult. announcing his arrival at St. Louis, and which I received at Vicksburg as we were embarking, I would have been left by accident and hunted up the 9th Illinois. On the 28th at 8 p.m. we arrived at Memphis. Lt. Neun, going on furlough, I gave him a letter for you which you will have by this time I think. On the 30th, we arrived out here at Corinth at 10 o’clock at night, having had a dreary, rainy day—a continual. drizzling rain during our whole trip from Memphis. We are today in the Seminary Barracks and tomorrow at light we move out to Camp Davis where we expect to lie in camp for some time. I understand, though, we have nothing positive yet that the 16th Army Corps, which has been mostly idle here for 18 months, is to reinforce Rosecrans while we (the 1st Corps) takes their place in guarding the railroad from Memphis to this place, and from here to Tuscumbia which part of the road is to be repaired and put in running order.

There were some soldiers from the 1st Missouri Artillery here this morning who knew some of our officers, being “Turners” by whom I heard the 9th Illinois & Col. [Augustus] Mersy mentioned very favorably in their descriptions of the 2nd Battle of Corinth, &c., which of course interested me very much.

The barracks in which we lie, called the Seminary Barracks, because they include a building once a seminary but now used as a hospital, are nearly surrounded by a long line of breastworks, including within their area perhaps some 15 or 20 acres. The different points in the line are forts in which there are mounted about 10 or 12 heavy guns in all. From my little experience during the Siege of Vicksburg, it seems to me that these works could not withstand very much battering and especially are they rendered defective on the west side by a height 300 yards rising, however, no higher than the fort’s own location, but in such a manner that an enemy might approach under cover of it to its top and there establish himself with a few heavy guns and batter down our works. Forts are visible in all directions.

Corinth is a little town about like Pilot Knob. Now that you have Wilhelm at home, you certainly have a good source of information about Corinth—better than I could possibly be. Capt. Wilhelm came back from furlough yesterday and reports that nothing is done yet about drafting and we will most probably be consolidated. In that case, I would most probably come home, which I would be glad to do. Well, more about that when the time comes. I am quite well as ever. Give my love to all and William. To King’s and Ewald’s. Your brother– Ferdinand

Early Maine History, Kittery, Maine

“Rambles About Home,” Stories of Kittery, Maine, Recorded by Samuel Badger Neal

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In the 1860s, Samuel Badger Neal of Kittery, York county, Maine began to conduct interviews with some of the older members of his community, thinking to record some oral history of the area before it was lost. He recorded their stories on stationery, some bound, some not, and kept them bundled together with a string thinking, perhaps, he might someday publish them. He did not. He passed away and they were handed down to a niece or nephew who slapped a note on the pile which read, “Most of these are Uncle Sam’s gossipy notes on early Kittery.” They were indeed, and while some of the recorded stories are of limited historical significance, there are nuggets of information buried within them that would likely be of keen interest to historians of the area and particularly Kittery—the oldest settlement in Maine.

Samuel (“Sam”) Badger Neal (1842-1901) was the son of John Robert and Anna Maria (Badger ) Neal. He was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on 29 April 1842 and fitted for college at Phillips Exeter Academy. He graduated from Harvard College in 1864 and the following year entered the NH National Bank of Portsmouth as a cashier. He then went to New York as a salesman in the coal business, to Boston as a bookkeeper, and then as a coal salesman. He suffered from ill health and lived with his parents in Kittery for a while, managing his father’s coal business. He lived until 1901. He was found dead in his stable, having been knocked down and trampled by his horse.

Some of Sam’s personal papers are at the Portsmouth Athenaeum under the title, Badger Neal Locke Collection, MS132.

1860 Interview of William Jackson (1808-1871)

William Jackson (1808-1871) was a ship builder in Kittery. He was married to Mary C. Young (1820-1886). He died on 1 April 1871 and was buried in the Orchard Grove Cemetery in Kittery.

On the Navy Yard

*The Naval Yard at Portsmouth, N. H. as seen in 1853*

Mr. William Jackson recollects when the Washington, a seventy-four [gun], was built [during the War of 1812]. He used to go aboard with an old fellow who used to trade in various things. The Washington was built where the Alabama, a seventy-four, is at present. There was no ship house then, but as the Alabama ¹ was built after the Washington, and in the same place, a ship house was built over the Alabama. The Marine Barracks were where the mast house now is. The wall which now extends from the ship house which contains the Franklin to the basin occupied by the dry dock was then lined with small trees.

There was a ship just after the War of 1812 which came into Portsmouth and catching on fire, someone said there was powder on board. They cut her adrift and the tide running down, she went down river and drifted on the place where now is the stone beacon. There was a buoy formerly there. His mother carried him to the window in the night. The ship was burned in the night. She was loaded with hemp. The place now having the red beacon over it was called Pumpkin Island because it was wholly planted with pumpkins by old Mother Shaw. The Huckleberry Island was also much larger but is now washed away on the eastern part of this shipyard and Samuel Badger’s great grandmother Fernald said she picked huckleberries on the part extending from Mr. Jackson’s house to the water.

A wall used to extend along the front of the yard by the water side and where the present wharf is, used to be the wharf of the old Master Whitten. On the southeastern part of the yard was a nice orchard and along the shore a row of pear trees called Button Pear trees.

He has seen the whole of it—the yard—planted with corn. A little distance from the house, southeastern direction, was what was called a “loom house” where they used to work weaving, &c.

The first ship [that] Samuel Badger launched from the yard was the Charlotte. She was pointed south and the ship ran against Huckleberry Island. The rudder got loose, cause of it, when then tide come down, she sustained serious damage. She was beached where the wood dock now is and he estimates the damage at $500.00.

It is said that the Indians used to go to the shoals. The Indians used to come up by the Portsmouth bridge, a hundred at a time, and steal everything. The America was built at Badger’s Island in 1690. The Falkland, 54 guns, was built here by order of the British government, and this place was selected as a naval depot prior to the Revolution. At this yard was the Ranger was built, commanded by John Paul Jones. The frigates Congress, Crescent, and Portsmouth of 24 guns were built here prior to 1799. The Washington, 74 guns, in 1814. Schooner Porpoise in 1820. Sloop Concord, 24 guns, in 1828. Sloop Preble, 16 guns, in 1839.

¹ The 74-gun Alabama mentioned by Sam was one of “nine ships to rate not less than 74 guns each” authorized by Congress in 1816. She was laid down in the Naval Yard in June 1819 and ready for launch in 1825 but remained on the stocks until the Civil War when she was launched under the name USS New Hampshire instead and used as a store ship in the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

9th New York State Militia

1861: Unidentified Member of 9th NY State Militia to Eliza Ann Harbutt

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This partial letter (and unsigned) letter seems to have been written by a member of the 9th New York State Militia which became the 83rd New York Volunteers. This regiment spent much of the summer following the Battle of Bull Run at Camp Stone near Darnestown, Maryland, where Union General Nathaniel Banks kept “a firm and certain hand” on the citizenry of Marylanders with a large military presence.

The letter was addressed to Eliza Ann Harbutt (b. 1843), the daughter of John Harbutt (b. 1822)—a clothier in New York City, and his wife Sarah Niffen (b. 1822). Both of her parents were English emigrants as was her grandfather, Francis Niffin—a taylor, who resided with the Harbutt’s in the same household in New York’s 14th Ward in 1860. Nothing further could be found on Eliza.

Transcription

Addressed to Miss E. A. Harbutt, care of Mrs. J. Williams, 165 Allen Street, New York

Camp Smith
Darnestown, Maryland
Tuesday, September 17, 1861

Dear Eliza,

I have now on hand three letters that I have received from you that I have not answered. One is dated 7th inst. and the other 14th inst.; the two last I received today along with one from Larry and one from home.

Larry wants to come out here; he wanted to know if there was any chance for him to join my company. I have just mailed an answer to him telling that he can join whenever he likes. I hope he will make up him mind to come. I would like to see him very much.

In your favor of the 9th, you say you have a beautiful duet which you and Mrs. Colston are to sing. I would like to hear it very much. I don’t know what a piano is now. I don’t think I have heard one since I left New York. When I come home, I will hammer your piano to pieces.

I would like to hear of a marriage between Mr. Higgins and a certain lady friend of yours. It would greatly relieve the monotony of his life.

You seem to think it ridiculous for me to think of coming home before next April; the fact is it is useless for anyone to make up their mind to see the close of his war within any definite period. It is all in the hands of the Almighty. We may see the close of it before New Years; then again we might not see the close of it for years. I have great hopes in the next battle. If we should prove to be the victorious party and the rebel army should be broken up, there is little doubt but the worst of the struggle will then be over. I hope so anyway.

Sunday, Hiram and myself had quite a picnic. We got a bottle of claret wine, two very nice pound cakes that we bought from a countryman that sells bread, biscuit, cakes, and pies, and such things around the camp. We also had some biscuit and a half pound of butter. We started about 10 o’clock in the morning. It was a beautiful day—cool and clear—and went a short distance from camp to a beautiful grove. We took our blankets along. There is a beautiful spring close by. We spread our blankets and spent the day there (Sundays we don’t have any drills) smoking, reading, writing, and eating and drinking all day. I tell you, we had a gay time. I am sure you would have enjoyed yourself had you been along, dear, for the surrounding scenery was most magnificent. Everything, in fact, was sublime.

We started for camp about five o’clock, arriving just in time for evening dress parade. We had supper. After supper there was ten men detailed for picket duty so Hiram and myself were among the number. We slung our blankets and reported to the guard house ready for duty. It was a splendid night. We expected some work that night. We were told to load carefully and be very diligent on our watches. Gen. Banks won’t let any of our officers go home on “furlough.” In fact, he won’t let them leave camp for scarcely two or three hours at a time. He seems to expect an attack every day. His headquarters are in the next field from us and he is always on the watch to see that everything goes on smoothly. He reviews all the troops around here most every day. It is hard telling how many troops there are here but I can see over twenty thousand from a hill near here. I suppose there must be a great many more than that though.

Let the rebel rascals undertake to cross anywhere near here and they will get the greatest warming they ever had. Larry ought to be out here now so as to take a hand in this grand affair that is expected to come off.

Larry promises to send me a sketch of my home…[remainder of letter missing]

Return address on envelope reads: Headquarters 9th Regt. N. Y. S. M, Darnestown, Md.

Early Maine History, Kittery, Maine, Witches

“Rambles About Home,” Stories of Kittery Maine, Recorded by Samuel Badger Neal

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1860 Interview of Hannah Jackson (1774-1866)

Houses

There were eight houses in the place she recollects at first belonging to Nathan Dame, Jonathan Dame, Grand or great-grandfather Fernald, Chandler, Jackson, Traip, Whitten, and one other. The house enlarged by S. Badger formerly consisted merely of the portion now used as dining room, comprising two rooms, two closets, and cellar. In the cellar of what is now Jackson’s house used to be a house or room the old lady called it and her mother used to show her where the steps were. When her mother first came here there were no houses (on the foreside) but many clamshells all around the field where the Indians had been. Her mother was 92 years old and 5 months and died between 20 and 25 years ago. Mrs. Jackson (the above) is 86 or 7 and says the house she lives in (Jackson’s House) was built by her father 10 years before the Revolution. Her father died in Rhode Island of the yellow fever.

The house now belonging to the Hanscom (Isaiah) about 3 or 4 feet east of her own (Jackson’s) before consisted of a small house occupied by a Mr. Chandler. One day after going all round his field rather curiously, he came to the doorstep, stumbled in the house and dropped down in fit which he never came out of. In the War of 1812, folks carried their things back some distance of by Mendon’s somewhere and some of them 3 miles when the British were expected to attack them. The soldiers with drums and fifes passed by her house making a great noise on their way to the Point Fort McClary.

She could hear the bell ring down at Rye, and a fire alarm was touched off at the hay yard and there was great consternation. The could see the English with the naked eye. The old lady said she could recollect the first building on the Navy Yard and before it was done she went over there one night with a party of girls and found a bottle of rum and had a grand time over it. (Probably they drank it.) This building was part on the south part of the yard somewhere, probably one of the old ship houses. (The old lady whose apartment was in the cellar of Jackson’s house was old Mrs. Pope.) The old lady (Jackson) says that she dreamed twice that there was something buried down by the shore on the hill just southeast of where the present blacksmith shop of Badger’s yard stands, and says if she had the use of her legs, she would go there and dig it up.

Capt. Traip used to go to sea. He picked up a brass cannon there once. An old scow full of iron once laid in the river and the old man (Traip) used to dive after it in a diving bell. She said she often stood on a scow and watched when he came up. He would look as pale as a ghost. He used to get two or three barrels of iron every time.

Witches

*Emerson Baker’s book on witchcraft in Kittery and Southern Maine*

At the old ferry (by Mrs. Rice’s at present), Mrs. Rice used to have an parrot who would call people all kind of names. When Mr. John Rice [1788-1871] took charge of the ferry, he was worth 25 cents, people said, and now he is a large land owner, but has lost lately by signing notes it is believed. The author’s mother was one day going there for milk (to Mrs. Rice) and meeting John Rice who had major prefixed to his name (in company with her sister) sung out. “How do you do Major Rice!” which caused immense fun at home when it was rehearsed by the younger sister. The author’s mother also recollects when the militia used to parade, they would come up in front on the grass and be treated by the Badger witches. She formerly lived near Dover. One time she and another girl went to take in some clothes, the girl exclaimed that she heard witches, and sure enough, you could hear them coming over the hill shrieking and making an infernal noise. They ran in the house and a minute afterwards there was a terrible banging against the door. They (the witches) nearly broke it down. If they had got in, they would have killed them all (the girls). A man also was out gathering hay the same night and was taken by the witches and carried over all places, through bushes and everywhere and didn’t get home till morning and then half dead from fright and fatigue.

Two boys were sleeping in a bed. one had been growing thin the past short time and the other asked him what ailed him. “Oh,” said he, “if you knew as much as I did, you would know.” They changed places. The other lad got on the outside. At midnight he saw a woman come to the bed having a halter. He immediately outwitted her and clapped it over her neck when she changed into a horse. The next morning he told his father to look at her. The father said, she is all right but wants to be shod. The horse was shod. “Take the bridle off,” said the father. “Let him have some grass.” It was taken off and immediately turned into a woman and it proved to be the man’s wife and all shod too.

An old man was going along the street and met another man ad asked him what the matter was as he seemed to be depressed. He told him that he was poor and his mill was haunted and he could not grind. The man did not believe in ghosts and told him that he would tend it. He therefore went home with him and the old man gave him food which he carried to the mill and placed it on the shelf. At 12 o’clock, a cat followed by many others came into the window. He cut off her paw. It changed into a woman’s hand and had a ring. He knew it was the old man’s wife. In the morning the old man came down and told him that he did not expect to see him alive. After looking at the hand, he went home and told his wife he was going on a long journey. She reached out her hand but kept the other in her pocket. He wrenched it out and found there was no hand and there. He had her hung immediately. The witches also sailed a sloop up the river and went off to the Bermudas and back again in one night after rosemary and compelled a man to go with them.

*Hannah Jackson’s Grave Marker in Orchard Grove Cemetery, Kittery, York county, Maine*

Early Maine History, Kittery, Maine

“Rambles About Home”, Stories of Kittery, Maine, Recorded by Samuel Badger Neal

August 19, 2023 Griff Leave a comment

1863 Interview of Lydia Fernald Remick (1776-1866)

Lydia was the daughter of William and Mary (Staples) Fernald. She was married to Josiah Remick (177-1825) in 1801 and died in November 1866 at the age of 90. Lydia’s father was a Lieutenant in Capt. Samuel Leighton’s Co. from Kittery in the American Revolution.

“Here lyes Buried the Body of the Revd Mr. John Eveleth who Departed this Life August 1st, Anno Dom: 1734: Aged 65 Years” copied September 10, 1863

I found 10 graves round his which I at first supposed were those of his family, but an old lady, Mrs. [Lydia Fernald] Remick, who is now 87 years old, told me that the graves had all been made since she remembered. She said that old Mr. John Fernald, who 20 years ago had died at the age of 80 or more, had told her that when he was a child, he had played with some of the “rounds” which they had on their seats. ¹

She assured me that no person about the place had any knowledge of or any tradition about the church or its pastor. ²

There is a footstone of small size to Mr. Eveleth’s grave which has simply upon it “John Evelith.” All I now know of him is his birth place, time of birth, class in Harvard, time of death, &c. “See college graduates” [in] the book which Mr. Dennett owns and the meagre statements of individuals. So completely has the memory of the good man passed away that many of the town do not know the name of the hill upon which his church stood and very few have any knowledge whatever of his very existence and were it not for the labors of men in time past even that would be forgotten. September 10, 1863.

¹ I don’t have a clue what Sam is referring to when he speaks of the “rounds” on the seats.

² One source on Kittery history says of John Eveleth: “There is said to have been a meeting house in which he preached, and which, not being used after his decease, fell rapidly into decay. It does not seen likely that he had any established parish. It has been said that he was an Episcopalian.” [Early History of the Wilson Family of Kittery, Maine, page 60] Another source claims that the meeting house was built on Gowel’s Hill, so called (now Cole’s) near the residence of the late Captain Mark Fernald, some time previous to the year 1729 and was occupied by the Rev. John Eveleth, Episcopal clergyman, about five years. He died August 1, 1734, and was buried in the neighborhood of his ministerial labors, aged sixty-five years. The grave is on the estate of the late Samuel Fernald, half way from the highway to Spinney’s Creek and is marked by a slab of slate with a sculptured cherub. The meeting house was near the line of the present town of Eliot and must have been the most convenient place of worship for the people at South Eliot.” [Old Eliot: A monthly Magazine of the History and Biography…] Another source claims that this church served from 1729 to 1834 by the Rev. John Eveleth, the son of Joseph Eveleth of Gloucester, Mass., and was born there 18 Feb 1769-70. He graduated from Harvard College in 1689 and was ordained at Manchester, Mass., 1 October 1693. “His tombstone may still be seen in a pasture, about half way from where the church stood to Great Cove.” {See Old Kittery]