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.
I could not find an image of David but here is one of Corp. Daniel Tarbox who also served in the 11th Connecticut and was mortally wounded at Antietam. (Claudia & Al Niemiec Collection)
This letter was written by David M. Ford (1841-1862), the son of Benjamin Ford (1792-1868) and his 2nd wife, Ann P. Osborn (1808-1874) of Greenville Post Office, Norwich, Connecticut. Receiving 25 dollars bounty which he gave to his mother, David enlisted in Co. H, 11th Connecticut on 25 October 1861. He was promoted to a corporal in the summer of 1862 but was killed in action on 17 September 1862 during the Battle of Antietam.
We learn from the pension application filed by David’s mother that prior to his enlistment, David supported her with his earnings at the mill in Greenville and that when he went into the service, he continued to support her by sending money home until his death. David’s father, it seems was unable to work due to his “rheumatism” and was therefore indigent. I’m not certain that David’s parents actually lived together at the time of David’s death as both parents apparently tried independently to obtain a pension for David’s service.
The letter suggests, perhaps, that David may have picked up a few of the bad habits of his father. David also mentions John W. Wood, a comrade and hometown friend who served with him in Co. H. with whom he occasionally had “a good bum” (drinking spree).
Transcription
Addressed to Mr. William Menerly. Greenville, Norwich, Connecticut
In camp near Newbern, North Carolina May 14th 1862
Dear William,
I thought I would write you a few lines although I said I would not write until you answered mine. But Lon wanted to send a letter so I will write. We are expecting to go home every day according to the stories. We are going to be disbanded and sent home but I guess we won’t see it. It is hard going off to the city or anywhere for if we don’t get back by time the pass is out, into the guard house you go. They shoved me in two or three hours because I did not turn out the guard for the general as I was on guard in front of the guard house. I thought it was two aides. There was one aide with him. But that was made alright.
The Dutch Captain was officer of the day and he is strict as the devil. He might have known I wasn’t near enough to see his badge or buttons. A week or two ago John Wood and I went for the city. John had business to tend to so I sent him for the pass. The Lieutenant-Colonel told John if he had got business, he would sign the pass for him but must scratch off the friend as they was so many going on passes. We just went and called on our friend Reab from a place about six miles from Norwich. You lived up that way once, I believe. He just sat right down and wrote a pass for two hours more and for both of us. We started for the city and the bridge was down so we straddled the string piece and jumped ourselves across. We promised the boys we would bring back some whiskey but we got a bottle and had to pay one dollar and a half for it and we couldn’t see the point of it so we put it down and told the boys we couldn’t get any as they had put a stop to it. We bummed around in some gay places you can bet, came home, told the boys everything was dull, nothing going on, and we did not go anywhere. They believed it all.
We have been down once since on another good bum but I don’t calculate to bum often. I have been steady ever since I enlisted, more so than when I was at home. I would like to see you and the rest of the bloods. Lon says if he gets home, he will have a good bum with you, and if we stay here, he will send money when we get paid off for you to send a box of cigars and whiskey in.
There has a large number of cavalry and artillery landed lately from the Potomac Army. Give my love to all the ducks and to your Mother. Tell her the Sh____ky is all right. Lon says drink for him often. I wrote two letters not long ago—one to Jim, one to Mary Jane. Tell Jim to take courage. Keep up his spirits and spark the ducks for me.
The following letter was written by John Sterling Bird (1836-1900), the son of David Bird (1804-1863) and Eunice A. Phelps (1805-1882) of Winchester, Litchfield county, Connecticut. He wrote the letter while attending the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1862. He was still identified as being a member of the “medical class” in the session of 1863-64. It appears that he practiced medicine in Dutchess county, New York, in the 1870s and 1880s. He was married to Alice Emma Jones (1854-19180 in the early 1870s.
Bird wrote the letter to his friend “Herb” who remains otherwise unidentified but probably a childhood friend from Litchfield. We learn that Herb was serving in the Union army but his regiment is unknown. Herb may have been serving in an Indiana regiment such as the 14th, 19th, or 27th as he adds the statement, “If the Indiana men in Virginia do as well as in Tennessee, I think they will have their reputation made.” This comment makes little sense otherwise.
Bird’s letter refers to the recent Union victories in Tennessee and in North Carolina but also mentions the latest news from Hampton Roads announcing the destruction of two Union wooden-hulled ships (USS Congress and USS Cumberland) by the ironclad CSS Virginia (Merrimack) on 8 March 1862. On the very day that Bird wrote this letter—the 9th of March—the ironclad USS Monitor would duel with the CSS Virginia for three hours, neither vessel able to inflict any significant damage on the other.
The College of Physicians & Surgeons at the corner of 23rd Street and 4th Avenue in NYC
Transcription
New York City March 9th 1862
Friend “Herb,”
I received yours of Jan. in due time for which please accept my most hearty thanks. But perhaps you say that I had better have answered it at once, if I was so mighty thankful. Well, I suppose I had, but please recollect that civilians have to keep busy, as well as soldiers.
Just because few of these ‘risque” images survive today doesn’t mean they didn’t exist. Many were probably discarded into campfires along with playing cards as soldiers prepared to march into battle.
It seems that “sweethearts” are so scarce down your way that you are obliged to make the most of such pictures as you sent me in your letter. Well, in want of the genuine article, I suppose that you will be justified in exercising your imagination to a certain extent. But I should suppose that you might convert some of those Virginia misses from the error of their ways and in doing so, make love to them at the same time. Suppose you try the experiment. You know that a handsome young man like yourself—in uniform—can accomplish wonders with the fair sex.
Unless I should forget it, I will give you an article of news which I have at once. Leroy Wetmore is married to Fred Hills’s daughter (Lucy, I believe) of Torrington—first cousins I believe. Think they must have been rather hard up, don’t you? 1
So you see that most all our old friends have got into the entanglements of matrimony. If they are satisfied, I am. When you and I get ready, when you have immortalized your name by killing people, and I by curing them, then perhaps we’ll try it.
Since I wrote you last, there has been stirring times among the national armies. Victory upon victory has been achieved. You cannot have sent terror to rebel hearts, and joy unbounded to all loyal northern homes. I can’t believe that you can conceive of the thrill of joy which shot like lightning through all the North at the news of Henry, Donelson, and Roanoke. People fairly cried for joy. Army operations seem to be progressing well at this time and if this is kept up, something will be accomplished. But it is not to be all smooth sailing yet for as I write there is an extra out with news from Fortress Monroe that the Rebels have destroyed some of our ships and are shelling our camp at Newport News.
I suppose that you are in Virginia now and whether you will get this, I know not. I expect to stay in the city for some time yet. I don’t see as I can write much more this time. Keep you courage up. If the Indiana men in Virginia so as well as in Tennessee, I think they will have their reputation made.
Now answer this as soon as you can directing to College of Physicians and Surgeons, 23rd Street and 4th Avenue, New York.
This from your friend, — J. S. Bird
1 Leroy Whiting Wetmore (1836-1872), the son of Abel Samuel Wetmore (1802-1879) and Lucy Amira Hills (1810-1881), was married on 12 February 1862 at Torrington, Litchfield county, CT, to Lucy Ann Hills (1841-1871).
The following letter was written by George Washington Sevey (1832-1902), the son of George Sevey and Hannah Libby of LeRoy, Genesee county, New York. As mentioned in the letter, George joined a caravan of gold seekers on their way to California in 1849, signing on as a teamster. The caravan did not pass through Salt Lake City but George became deathly ill on the way west and he had to be taken there for medical treatment. As he regained his health he again hired himself out as a teamster locally in Utah where he began to convert to Mormanism and accepted the doctrine of plural marriage which he knew to be “a disgrace to the family” back East.
He married Phoebe Butler, daughter of John Lowe and Caroline Farozine Skeen Butler, on December 5, 1854, and they spend the next several years living on the Spanish Fork River. In 1861, George was called to help settle southern Utah, at Harmony, Washington County, being among the first to locate there. It was then called Ash Fort, and was near old Fort Harmony. They made the trip from Spanish Fork in a covered wagon drawn by oxen, with one extra ox and two cows. They spent the night with John D. Lee had built the fort. George and Phoebe were among the first settlers, and made camp near the Jim Payson family, also relatives by marriage. Their tent was soon replaced with a log cabin.
Though he does not mention her in this letter, George had already taken his second wife, Margaret Nebraska Imlay, daughter of James Haven and Hannah Eliza Coward Imlay. They were married in August 1868 when George was 36 and Margaret had just turned 15. In December 1877, George married his third wife Martha Ann Thomas of Pine Valley, Utah, a daughter of John Pledger and Mahala Matthews Thomas. Ancestry.com records indicate that George fathered as many as thirty children by his three wives. He died in 1902 in Colonia Juarez, Mexico, where George took his family in 1885 to avoid persecution for his polygamous marriages.
[Note: This letter is from the personal collection of Richard Weiner and was transcribed and published on Spared & Shared by express consent.]
Transcription
Harmony [Utah Territory] February 17, 1871
Dear Sister,
I take my pen in hand to answer your welcome letter—the first that I have heard from you for several years. Hannah wrote to me about ten years ago. I wrote to Livoy [Livona] several times. She did not want me to write anymore of my Mormanism for it was a disgrace to the family so I told Hannah to write to her and tell her if my religion disagreed [with] her, she shouldn’t hear from me any more. So I have not held no correspondence with her since.
It is some 21 years since I saw you. Twenty-one years ago I started for California [and] I stopped in Salt Lake. Here I found gold to my heart’s content—not that filthy lucre but the riches of eternity. It brings peace and joy to my heart here. The Lord revealed His will to me. The testimony that I received of the Earth [ ] of men could not be condemned although the world was arid again. It brought the Lord has set up His Kingdom on earth again in the last days, never to be thrown down. This is the Kingdom that Daniel saw that the gates of Hell should not prevail against. If you find the gospel that Jesus preaches by the sects of the day, I would like to know it. I have never heard the gospel preached only by a Mormon. I know you was once a Morman and probably understand the principle of the same to some extent but that light does not shine so clear to you as it once did. But if there is truth in your heart, you will be brought to the light. The Lord has set His hand again to gather the honest in from the four quarters of earth. I thank God I am here with the Saints where the Lord can reveal His will unto us from time to time. At present, the world judges the Saints but the day will come when the Saints are to judge the world.
Oh sister Emily, [ ] be a Saint. Come and try it for yourself. Call on the Lord in fervent prayer. We believe that God has ears and can hear and has and will speak unto men in the last days.
I have been married 16 years. My wife has had 10 children. We have lost three. We have four boys and three girls. The oldest is a girl 16 years old. Her name is Hannah. The next four are boys. Their names are George, John, James, Warren, Thomas. The next two girls is Georgiana, and Melinda. We believe in observing the First Commandment of God to multiply and replenish the earth.
Mother is still living with me. She is well and smart. Father died crossing the plains [Nebraska, August 1864]. John lives close to me. His folks is well. He has two children only living. He works at his trade carpentering. He is a finishing off a house for which he gets $500 dollars. I am a farmer myself. I have a sawmill [ ]….of mineral wealth in this country being developed. There is gold and silver being discovered every day. This territory will be far ahead of California in mineral wealth but it don’t excite Saints much for the earth and the fullness thereof is to be given to the Saints.
I have so far of my life had a plenty to eat, drink, and wear. Very few people come to this country rich but very poor and have got rich. We have but a very few poor. I don’t know of a beggar in the Territory. It is a good country to make a living. We don’t have much winter here. We are commencing to plow. York State is the poorest country I have seen since I left there. Iowa or Nebraska is a good country. Nebraska is the best for a poor man but Utah is the place for Saints.
I will have to draw my letter to a close. Write to me again and I will give you any information you wish as far as lies in my power. Direct your letters to Kane county, New Harmony, Harmony.
The following letter was written by Charles D. Brown, a Major in the Commissary & Subsistence department on the General Staff of Gen. Archibald Gracie, Jr.’s Brigade. Charles received his appointment by the Secretary of War in December 1862. In the fall of 1864, in front of Petersburg, Major Brown became ill and eventually went home to Mobile, Alabama, without leave in late September—not long after this letter was written. He asked to be relieved of duty in late December 1864.
Archibald Gracie, Jr. (1832 – 1864) was a New York native and an 1854 graduate of the United States Military Academy. Working in Mobile before the war, Gracie became involved in local militia and remained with his adoptive state after the attack on Fort Sumter. Gracie would eventually lead an Alabama cavalry brigade. He was killed near Petersburg.
The letter was sent to Captain Isaac Shelby, Jr., chief of commissary stores for the Confederate Department of Western Virginia and Eastern Tennessee.
Transcription
Petersburg, [Virginia] September 3rd 1864
Capt,
When I write you a few days ago, I was not aware that Capt. Kenneworth had received the amount due me from you. It has since come to hand all safe for which I am much obliged.
The vouchers you can take the receipt in your name inserting in my certificate that they are unpaid or I will send you the money by Express as you prefer.
I am still flat on my back so you must excuse my writing in pencil. Yours very truly, — Chas. D. Brown, Major CS
I could not find an image of George but here is one of Jonas Shattuck who also served in the 26th Massachusetts. (Cowan’s Auctions)
The following letters were written by George Varnum Hildreth (1837-1915), the son of Moses P. Hildreth (1800-1879) and Eliza Ann Murdock (1809-1892) of Chelmsford, Middlesex county, Massachusetts. George was married to Mary J. Wentworth (1840-1931) in June 1857 and had one daughter, Estella, age 3, when he enlisted in September 1861 to serve in Co. E, 26th Massachusetts Infantry. George served 1 year and 7 days before he was mustered out of the regiment with a discharge for disability at New Orleans. After he was discharged from the service, George took up residence in Nashua, New Hampshire, where he worked as a carpenter.
The first two letters were written from Ship Island which served as a staging area for Gen. Butler’s expedition against New Orleans in the spring of 1862. Shortly thereafter, the island became a prison camp for Union soldiers guilty of crimes in New Orleans and civilian detainees. Later in the war, the facility was expanded to accommodate Confederate prisoners of war captured in the Union attempt to take Mobile, and more than forty-two hundred Confederate prisoners were held there by the end of the war. Finally, the Union Navy built machine shops to repair and refit ships from the blockading fleet.
Twenty-seven Union infantry regiments, six batteries of light artillery, and a battalion of cavalry saw service on Ship Island during the Civil War. Union troop strength peaked in April 1862, when more than fifteen thousand men assembled for the final assault on New Orleans. After the city fell, the Union garrison on Ship Island was reduced to one regiment of infantry, the 13th Maine.
Scenes of Ship Island
Letter 1
Ship Island, Mississippi Sound January [should be February] 16, 1862
Dear Wife,
I take this chance to write you a few lines to inform you that the long looked for Constitution has at last arrived here with two regiments and a company of cavalry. 1 She came in on the 12th and landed the troops on 13th and 14th making our force here 4,000 strong. The first duty that the Maine 12th done was to form a funeral procession to bury two of their comrades on the evening of the 14th about half past 7, and the moon was shining brightly on the scene as the procession slowly took its way up the beach. It was hard to think of these poor men dying on that boat with no kind friends to attend to them.
They have used this last lot of troops shamefully on the passage out. They did not have proper treatment when they were sick. They brought out some men for our artillery and one of them was so sick when he came on shore that he died the next day and was buried on the 15th and one died on the 15th and will be buried today at 3 o’clock. He belongs to the Mounted Rangers. He was married—a wife and one child. He lived at No. 8, Lee Street, Lowell.
There is another almost dead that belongs to the 2nd Bay State. It is a wonder that the ship fever did not break out amongst them—they were so long on board of the boat—40 days.
I have received two letters. One from Lucy and one from you—a good nice long one. And you must keep on doing so well. Send me a paper once in awhile and write often.
There was quite a curiosity here the other day in the shape of a some white women—the first that has been seen on the island since the 7th of December. The married men think of home and “the girl I’ve left behind me.” The men that landed here this time were digging for bricks to build their fireplaces. They found lots of crockery ware nicely buried in sand—tumblers and jugs but no whiskey.
It has been wet here for these last four days. The health of our regiment has been good. Not but little sickness and only one death and that was on the 7th of January. He was a Frenchman and belonged to Co. A and lived in Lowell.
We have quite a large fleet of vessels laying [here]—nearly 20 of them. When we came here there was not but 3 or 4. And we have quite an addition in the shape of contrabands. Something like 20 or 25 in all that have come over since we have been here.
The steam frigate Niagara came in yesterday from the Southwest Pass with a small schooner that fired a shot at her when the Niagara sent her one that cut both masts off smooth.
Our island is about 7 miles long and a quarter wide. Up at the farther end is a small [cluster] of pines and scrub oak and half a mile from the camp up the island is the burying ground. Then just above the camp is a rifled cannon placed to throw shot up the island or across the channel. Then [at] the fort at the other end of the island, they have been putting some more guns in position and making this place very strong.
I must now close my letter by telling you that I am enjoying good health and a strong appetite. Can eat anything that is set before me and am strong and rugged. You must take good care of yourself these cold, wet, spring months and take care of the little one. Take especial care of yourself. Now my love, take my best wishes for your welfare and if anything goes wrong, let me know. My love to [my siblings] Lucy and Rufus and all my friends. From your sincerely, — George V. Hildreth
1 The SS Constitution was the same vessel that delivered the 9th Connecticut and 26th Massachusetts to Ship Island—the first of 27 Union infantry regiments to see service on Ship Island during the Civil War. When they were delivered to Ship Island on 2 December 1861 and caught their first glimpse of the desolate island, the boys of the 26th were not impressed. “What a hell of a place to send 2000 men 300 miles,” remarked their Quartermaster.
Letter 2
Ship Island, Mississippi April 7, 1862
To my woman at home,
I will now give you a few of the passing events on this Island. In the first place, on the afternoon of the 22nd of March, we were notified to hold ourselves in readiness to march on the next morning with four days rations in our haversacks. Well, morning came and we were ready but it seems that they were not and we were out on line four times that day and the next (our clothes were packed already). We waited that way four days expecting to, but not going, and here we are in the same position now as before.
But on the 2nd of April, the 9th Connecticut went over to Biloxi and staid there two days when they returned. 1 They had plenty of trophies in the shape of knives and guns and uniforms and quite a lot of letters out of some camp and they were amusing to read for the composition and spelling was bad. And our gunboats took a nice river steamer by the name of D. C. Walls loaded with turpentine. It is a nice boat and the boys are merry as can be. The boys are getting trophies and send them home but we shall probably be sent where we can get plenty of these things or they will get us.
Col. Edward Franc Jones, 26th Massachusetts Infantry (LOC)
Gen. Butler and Col. Jones have gone today off somewhere to see what they can do about moving us for we have not elbow room here now and more are coming. They will jam us into the sea if they keep on coming for two ships came in here the 4th. One was the Great Republic—the largest merchant ship in the merchant service.
Last Saturday there was five men drowned when in bathing. They have recovered four bodies and they were buried Sunday. The principal sickness here is typhoid fver, rheumatism, and colds. It is very warm here by spells. Saturday it was very warm and the thermometer stood at 102. That is about as warm as you generally find it at home in the summer.
Now for sights. The best sight was a white woman—wife [Eliza (Cushing) Fearing] of the Colonel [Hawkes Fearing, Jr.] of the 8th New Hampshire Regiment.
I did not intend to write till after we had made a move but Dutton was going home so that I thought it best to send by him. They are going to send home all that are unfit for duty. There is some 70 or 80 going out of this regiment and about 90 out of the 30th [Mass.].
Give my love to all and remember me ever the same and write often and take good care of yourself and to the little ones take good care. I remain sincerely yours, — G. V. Hildredth, Co. E, 26th Mass. Vol.
Your uncle Joel Coburn is here in the 8th New Hampshire Regt. He sends his love to you and Estelle and hopes that you will not forget him. H. Chapin sends his kind regards to you and hopes that you will try and enjoy life pleasantly till we return. Yours, — G. V. H.
1 Under a flag of truce, Gen. Butler had arranged to deliver a 4 year-old girl who had been rescued from a sinking schooner returned to New Orleans by way of Biloxi. Butler’s chief of staff delivered the girl to Biloxi without incident but in leaving Biloxi the small schooner stuck on a sandbar and in this vulnerable state, local southern-sympathizing rogue citizens fired on the Union men which enraged Gen. Butler when he learned of it after the schooner finally extricated itself and returned to Ship Island. To retaliate, Butler sent the 9th Connecticut over to Biloxi to teach them a lesson on 2 April 1862. They also went to the camp of the 3rd Mississippi at Pass Christian and skirmished. The details of this incident are beautifully written in a piece by Marty Brazil appearing in the Hancock County Historical Society Newsletter entitled, “Battle of Pass Christian—Bedsheet Surrender.”
Letter 3
Fort Saint Philip May 8, 1862
Dear Wife,
I write a few lines to let you know that I am well and that we have moved from Ship Island. we started the 15th of April on the steamer Mississippi. We went up the Mississippi river as far as the mortar fleet and saw the fight between the fleet and Fort Jackson and Fort St. Philip. After staying several days we went down the river and up the bay on the east side and landed at the quarantine station 5 miles above the forts the 28th of April. The forts surrendered on this day. A rebel ironclad gunboat laying there was fired at by our boats, The magazine was blown up [and] pieces of iron and timber are scattered in every direction.
The 30th of April, the 26th [Mass.] Regiment went into Forts St. Philip and Jackson. Fort Jackson is tore all to pieces inside. Fort St. Philip is not so badly damaged. There is plenty of work here for us to do and we get something to eat most of the time as good as can be expected by a soldier.
I received your letters and papers last Tuesday. The things you sent have come safe.
New Orleans has surrendered and the fleet has gone up the river to meet Commodore Foote. I think we shall stay here till we are sent home and have seen all the fighting we shall. The other regiments are up to New Orleans. Send Frank Leslie’s Harpers Weekly papers. Write often as you can. We expect to get home by the 4th of July and hope to anyway.
Direct to Co. E, 26th Reg. Mass. Volunteers, Fort St. Philip
This letter came to me for transcription unsigned but we learn from the content that he served in the 74th Ohio Volunteer Infantry (OVI) which was organized at Xenia beginning in October 1861. Seven of the ten regiment’s ten companies were recruited from the vicinity of Xenia. Beyond that, however, I am unable to identify the name of the soldier.
The regiment was ordered to Camp Chase, four miles west of Columbus, Ohio, on 24 February 1862, and were on duty there until 20 April when they were ordered to Nashville, Tennessee, to join Dumont’s Independent Brigade in the Army of the Ohio. While at Camp Chase, their primary duty was to guard the civilian and Confederate prisoners who had begun to arrive there in large numbers following the surrender of Fort Donelson. Granville Moody (see image in banner), the colonel of the 74th OVI and who would later earn the sobriquet “the Fighting Preacher” for his gallantry at Stone River, was placed in charge of Camp Chase at the time of this letter and Major Ballard, also if the 74th, was appointed to supervise the police of the camp.
The letter was written to Mary Anot Halley (1836-1888), the daughter of John and Jessie (Spital) Halley of Markinch, Fifeshire, Scotland. John brought his family to America in 1847. Mary’s mother, however, died in Montreal, Canada, while enroute to Vermont where John Halley settled in Orange county. Mary is believed to have either been a teacher or student at the Xenia Female Seminary in 1862 and a member of the literary society there.
Transcription
Addressed to Miss M. A. Halley, Corresponding Secretary of Aesthetic Society, Xenia, OH “Soldiers Letter, G. Moody, Col., 74th Regt. Camp Chase, OH”
Camp Chase [Columbus, Ohio] March 20th 1862
Members of Aesthetic Society,
Through your kind Secretary, Miss Halley, I received the information that I had been chosen as your anything but local correspondent. While I feel highly grateful for the honor, I cannot help feeling myself in a great degree unworthy of the compliment, both because I do not feel myself capable of affording you much entertainment, and because I have heretofore proved myself to be such an unprofitable member to the Society.
Ever since my acceptance of a membership with you, I felt that I was a drawback rather than an advantage to you as you never knew when to depend upon my being present with you, and some time ago believing on account of our military restriction that I could serve you better with my pen than with my voice, I proposed to someone, half in fun, that I would become your camp correspondent, not knowing that the subject would ever be considered. But as you have thus kindly shown your remembrance of me, I accept with great pleasure the appointment and shall endeavor to prove myself worthy to the best of my humble resources.
Of course, not much will be expected of me while I remain in such a monotonous place as this, where although excitements frequently occurs, they are not generally of a kind that would interest a literary society.
The state of the Potomac (the name of a creek which runs through our camp) employs often our most particular attention. At present it is low and clear, presenting to view many old boots, hats and sundry other articles to the soldier, awakening our minds to sorrowful reflections of the terrible scenes of carnage and dissolution that at one day must have been enacted there. During the present stage of water, I think we need apprehend no attack.
Our next source of interest is the guarding of rebel prisoners, most of whom have settled down to a state of sullen resignation to their imprisonment. A little boy came with his father the other day to see them expecting a rebel to be some huge monster and upon going away, he greeted father with the uncomplimentary conclusion that “they weren’t hard at all and looked prettier than he or Uncle John.”
And if a rebel is to be recognized by a horrid and unattractive appearance, I think we of the 74th would suffer were we to meet an army of ladies in the field for we hardly received a glance from the fair (few, thank fortune) who visit camp—the great attraction appearing to be inside the prison. I have had conversations with a good many of the rebels who appear to be most able and intelligent men, causing one to wonder why they were ever so intellectually blinded as to take the part they did.
I am glad to hear from recent reports that the Shaker doctrine is not promulgated from the Aesthetic Society. I trust that the occurrence will not take any members from your society. I would advise that hereafter no officers of your society be one that contemplates matrimony for it is the death of any institution to be constantly changing officers. I wish the pair much happiness and hope that they wil not carry their love for your society so far as to introduce lectures *certain ones) and critiques into domestic life.
Wishing your meetings to continue in interest and profit, I close expecting to receive reports of your proceedings, and hoping to entertain you better when opportunities are better. I anticipate the pleasure of being once more with you when the present rebellion is crushed and Columbia once more sings her sweet song of Freedom over the Land.
These letters were written by William (“Willie”) Henry Payne (1840-1914), a native of Shelbyville, Kentucky. He was born on 2 March 1840 and came to Harrisonville, Cass county, Missouri, with his father, a cabinet maker named Winchester Payne, and family, when three years old. In 1850 the family moved to property on East Pearl Street in Harrisonville. Willie was married in September 1865 to Elizabeth Endres of Santa Fe, New Mexico. The couple returned to live in Harrisonville for a time but then relocated to Nebraska where Willie was engaged in the lumber business. He died there in 1914.
From these five letters (only two transcribed), we learn that Willie was working as a civilian in the Quartermaster’s Department at Fort Union in New Mexico Territory during the Civil War. Working in the same vicinity as a day laborer was his younger brother, George Winchester Payne (1841-1909). George’s obituary, published in the Selma Enterprise [Selma, California] on 30 October 1909, claims that he fought for the Confederacy throughout the entire Civil War under Old Pap Price who would call him “Sonny” but we know from these letters that by January 1864, George was working in New Mexico and seems to have been there for some time. It may be that both Willie and George went to New Mexico to avoid further service in the Civil War.
Cass County histories inform us that Winchester Payne was loyal to his southern heritage and supported the Confederacy. Local Union troops knew he was “secesh” an targeted his farm frequently when foraging. In the summer of 1862 alone it is reported that they took 28 hogs, 50 bushels of corn, and a ton of hay off his farm despite his having previously taken the Loyalty Oath. Things did not get any better in 1863 when General Ewing issued General Order No. 11 expelling Southern sympathizers from their homes in Cass county. It is reported that the Payne family moved temporarily to Boone county. These letters confirm that Winchester continued to look for alternative employment outside of the region despite his ailing health. They also suggest that several Cass county acquaintances had found employment at the military post or in Santa Fe while in exile from Missouri.
Willie’s letters were all written from Fort Union—a military post on the Santa Fe trail in New Mexico which was begun in 1851 to provide security along the trail as well as serving as a depot to other smaller forts. Work on the large Fort Union complex pictured below was started in August 1862, the structures constructed with adobe bricks set on stone foundations. They included officers quarters, enlisted men’s barracks, corrals, warehouses, a hospital, and other structures. Little of the complex remains today.
An artist’s rendering of how Fort Union looked in 1866 when it was the largest military base for 500 miles in any direction during the latter half of the 19th Century.
Letter 1
Addressed to Mr. Winchester Payne, Harrisonville county, Missouri
Fort Union, New Mexico January 31, 1864
My Dear Father,
Again I seat myself to write a few lines as it is time, for another week has passed, and I am desirous to keep up weekly correspondence with you, for I know how uneasy you are when you fall short of receiving your regular rations at the office.
I received two letters from your last mail—one, for myself, and one for brother [George]. They were both dated January 10th. I was very anxious to get them, for your letter the week previous was not satisfactory. You had just returned from your trip to Sedalia and I feared you was sick, which your last letter proved to me. I am in hopes you are not dangerously ill [and] that you will recover soon. I shall be uneasy about you though until I hear better. You are exposing yourself too much for a man of your age. You will soon be on the delinquent list if you do not take care of yourself. I had rather hear of your selling the cattle and depending upon brother and I for your support, than to see you work as hard for we are now plenty able to do so.
I am sorry to hear our old town is in such an unhealthy condition. I fear the worst is to come in warm weather for it is so filthy and unclean.
I received your letter some time ago respecting that trade which you see, to have some apprehension of my not receiving. I wrote to them today, three weeks ago, my first letter. Have not up to this time received anything from them. I wrote a short note to Mrs. Avery as Mr. B thought it best for she has the directing of all of his affairs. I wrote as if he was from home and solicited an answer from her as soon as possible to know if he was in the same notion he was some time since. I look for an answer this next Tuesday. If I cannot do anything without going there, I will, for I do not want to lose the chance to make every cent I can for you.
You say in your letter Ma & Lizzie will write next week, as both of these letters were from you, of course, they needed responses I will write to them next week.
I and brother will as soon as we can, make a contract for a ranch this summer. The man gives us everything. We give him half. It is situated six miles south of here, being the nearest to the pond and a good place for you to rest, for it is as good grazing as this country affords. The owner is in Santa Fe at present. Will be here next Tuesday. If they will give me $65 a month, I will remain here for I can then furnish brother two American hands with my wages. If not, I will go with him for I can make more there than I can here at $30. Mr. Moore & Krany promised to give him $45 for running day and half the night, but when they came to the scratch, they flew off. Brother will quit there pretty soon and go on the ranch.
You speak of a very severe winter in that part of the world. I am really sorry to hear it for I can sympathize with some poor families that are sure to be out in all of it. We have had a very nice fall—warm and pleasant weather up to Christmas evening [when] it commenced snowing and blowing. It lasted two days when it quit and remained on the ground about a week and went off. Now it is the first of February and as nice March weather as you ever saw. My hands and feet has not been cold this winter though I have six patients in hospital now—some with all toes, some with all fingers frozen off. They came out in the coldest weather. I only had 20 on sick report this morning.
Artist’s rendering of “Star Fort” not far from the Fort Union Complex. Only remnants exist today.
I must begin to close. Gus Yurley is here. Said ask you where his uncle was living. Mr. Bouta comes over here from the fort every time the mail comes in to hear from his family. Has not got anything from them since he come here. John Jackson has received several letters from his wife lately. He looks very well now.
Button Jack is still here. 1 He is well. Has written two or three letters home since he come here. Brother did not come up this Sunday. I will send your letter to him Tuesday. I must now close. Direct me in relation to sending that….as soon as you can and I will try and let you know a week before hand when I send it. Receive my love and letter, I am your son, — Wm. H. P.
1 I’m not positive but I think “Button Jack” may be “Col. William A. Jack” who served as the postmaster of Harrisonville in 1850 and was a merchant there before and during part of the Civil War.After the Civil War he ran a dry goods store in Pleasant Hill, Cass county, Missouri.
Letter 2
Quartermaster Hospital Fort Union March 6th 1864
My dear Father,
Time and circumstances have again afforded me the pleasure of writing you a few lines in answer to your kind favor of February 15th (16 days from your hand). I was very glad indeed to see something directly from you, for your sickness has caused me a great deal of trouble and restlessness, doubting your safety. I am happy you are convalescing for I knew not how to appreciate my parents when I was at home, but now that I am away from you (though doing well), I feel my weakness.
Brother has been in my room all day until a few moments ago when he returned to his quarters at the New Post. He is working here now at $65 per month as painter. His rancher seemed so fluctuating that he would not bear with him longer. He came to me to try to get him work at the best wages. I enquired after the best job I could find for him and succeeded in getting him in as a painter. He has got work that will last him all summer and fall if he suits his boss. He told me he would write to you this week but does not feel very well. Said he would next week. I send you a letter this week dated February 24th for him.
All hopes seem to be gone for me to do anything about that trade we were writing about. Mr. Allison has sold his train for $500 per wagon and team, and will start to the States pretty soon to buy an entire new outfit. I will let you know when he goes if I can anyway, so that you can see him there, for I am positive he will do nothing here. This other man I wrote about says he cannot do anything for his man has already given the contracts to have one made in St. Louis. I shall not stop at this. I will continue to enquire of persons only who I think would buy. I made enquiries about that arrangement you spoke about in your last letter. The agent says it can be sent by draft or in package. If you take it in a check, you will have to send it to New York to have it cashed, for you cannot get the money for it at Kansas City. He says they are just as responsible for it in package as by check. Said send it to the Express as at Kansas City and they would inform you by letter that it had arrived.
I have come to the conclusion to send it by package. I have a very large sheepskin “Port Montie” that I will send it in and mark your name on the inside of it. I will let you know by the return mail after you order it by letter. Just as soon as you think your letter will get here, and time for the next mail to return, you may be confident it has come for I am going to be very punctual about it. Joe Carter is here trying to get work but I do not think he will succeed. He has quit the printing office in Santa Fe to find a worse job, and I think he will not fail in his expectations. 1
Mr. Whiting is talking of returning home in the spring, so Joe [Carter] says, to remain. 2
Mr. Willett is working at a mill in Santa Fe. Says he has not spent but “six bits” since he has been there. He saves money, don’t he? 3
Mr. Banta started home last Wednesday (March 1st). Went in an ox cart outfit. Will be there in about thirty-five days. 4
George Farley wished me to ask you if you knew where his Uncle lived at. Please do so and inform me as soon as you can. I wrote to you in one of my subsequent letters what the Quartermaster said in relation to your working here. If you were here now with your family, you could get all the cabinet work you could do at $65 a month with a ration, and a house to live in. I would much rather you would come out here yourself first and see the prospects than to take my word for it, for you would be better satisfied.
Button Jack is staying with me in the hospital. He is a fine fellow adn has every quality of a gentleman—more than I can say of some that are my particular friends that have ruined themselves with the female natives.
I must now close. Accept mine and Button’s best wishes. With my love, letter and intelligence of our good health, and believe me ever your son, — Willie
1Joseph Henry Carter (1841-1913) was from Harrisonville, Missouri. He learned the printers trade at an early age and worked for a variety of newspapers throughout his life until finally settling on a ranch in Kansas.
2 Probably W. E. Whiting (b. 1836) who was working as a tailor in Harrisonville, Missouri at the time of the 1860 US Census.
3 Probably Roberts Willett (b. 1828 in Tennessee) who was a banker in Harrisonville, Missouri, at the time of the 1860 US Census.
4 Dewitt Clinton Banta (1829-1869), a native of Kentucky, and a resident of Harrisonville, Missouri, in 1860 where he was enumerated as a farmer with a wife and three children.
These letters were written by John S. Halley (1837-1913), the son of John and Jessie (Spital) Halley of Markinch, Fifeshire, Scotland. He wrote the letters to his sister, Mary Arnot Halley (1836-1888).
I could not find an image of John but here is a tintype of Pvt. William W. Heath who also served in Co. H, 4th Vermont Infantry. Health was killed on 5 May 1864 in the Wilderness. (Bruce Hermann Collection)
Their father, John Halley, came to America with his family in 1847, his wife dying enroute in Montreal before he settled in Vermont. John grew up in Orange county, Vermont, and was married there in 1861 to Eveline A. Richardson (1841-1924) before enlisting in late August 1861 as a private in Co. H, 4th Vermont Infantry. He was wounded on 14 September 1862 at Crampton’s Pass, South Mountain, but the wound was not disabling and he continued in the service until mustering out on 30 September 1864. His name appears variously in military records as Holley or Halley.
John’s enthusiasm for fighting flagged considerably by the summer of 1864, prompting him to confess to his sister, “I am willing to recognize the South. I have got tired and sick of seeing so man men killed and mangled every day…I have but little faith of getting out [alive] anyway. It will make but little difference with me anyway. I have got demoralized out here.”
After the war he relocated to Lincoln, Black Hawk county, Iowa, where he made his living as a farmer.
Letter 1
Camp Winfield Scott April 29, 1862
Dear Sister,
I received a letter from you day before yesterday. I was very glad to hear from you/ I should have answered it yesterday but lacked time so I will scratch a few lines today. You must not expect much of a letter more than to merely let you know that I am well. I was very much obliged to you for the stamps that you sent me as I was nearly out and was very saving of what I had left as I do not know when we shall get paid off. We have not got our pay for January and February yet. The boys are pretty short. I get along very well. All I need is stationery and I guess I shall get along till we are paid. I have saves some for some stamps.
My health is very good now—as good as it has ever been. I have written to no one but you and my wife for some time but I must write to Lizzie and Willy soon.
This place in front of us on the Peninsula is probably the strongest fortified place that the rebels have. How we shall succeed in taking it, time along will tell. I have not faith in us taking it although I hope we shall. You have ere this read in the paper about the skirmish that the Vermont Brigade had with the enemy. We got the most of it and had to retire. What the next move will be, I do not know. I do not know much about what is going on as I do not see many papers and what I do see is about a week old before I get them. I have no news to write nor nothing else. I suppose the most you care about is to know how I am getting along.
We had a lot of new recruits come in today. I pity them. I wished I was to home. But I also do not expect to get home till three years are out, if I live. I try to be as good as I can but I am in an awful place. I need your prayers. My letters you can [ ] as you have done. I will close hoping and praying for you, from your brother, — J. S. Holley
Letter 2
Addressed to Miss Mary A. Halley, Xenia, Ohio
Camp near Hagerstown, Maryland October 5, 1862
Sister Mary,
I received a letter from you the other day. the first that I have got from you for some time. I was very glad to hear that you was well. Did not know but that you was sick and I was glad to learn that you was back in Xenia. I feared that times were so hard that you would shut the school down.
Well, as I said, we have got into comfortable quarters for the present. It is rumored that we are going to move soon. How true it is, I cannot say. I hope not, however, as I want to stay here all winter. I like it here first rate. We are near what is called the White Springs, Maryland. We are near the town of Hagerstown. It is a place of about four thousand inhabitants.
There is nothing here now but our Brigade. I expect the whole Corps will be here soon. I have passed through the campaign of Maryland safe. At the Battle of Antietam, there was a piece of a shell struck me on the shoulder. It just bruised me a little making my arm a little lame for a day or two. If it had struck my shoulder two or three inches lower, it would have shattered my shoulder and probably I should never get better.
I am very thankful that I came off so easy. There is no news to write so I will close for this time. Yours respectfully and sincerely, — John S. Halley
Letter 3
Camp in the field Near Spottsylvania Court House May 21st 1864
Dear Sister Mary,
I write you a line and let a [ ] at the present. I suppose you will want to hear from e. I am well and am unhurt so far for we have had some terrible fighting and it is not over with [us] yet. It is as near a drawn battle as can be—at least that is the opinion of your humble servant.
We have lost fifty thousand in killed, wounded, and missing. Our reinforcements will keep our army as strong as when they crossed the Rapidan—that is, in point of numbers. Our regiment and brigade suffered terrible, losing more than half. It is awful. I can not give you particulars at this time. I am at the division hospital in the field. We keep one mile or two in the rear of the troops according to guard for the hospital. I have escaped unhurt so far.
My love to you, — John S. Halley
Letter 4
Camp in the field, Virginia June 24, 1864
Dear Sister,
I received your letter today dated June 16th. I was very glad to hear from you and learn that you was well. I was very glad to learn of your intended change. Hope it will be for the better. You have my best wishes with you.
I am truly sorry, however, for Willie. He is too young. He ought to have a little more experience before he takes that step. I shall say nothing to him. Let him act his own pleasure. I wish it was otherwise. It may be all for the best. I have not heard from him since he left home or rather since he went back home.
I had a letter from [my wife] Eveline. She was well. No news worth repeating. Everybody was well. There is no news to write from here—only we are not in Richmond yet and hardly think we shall get there in a hurry. I am willing to recognize the South. I have got tired and sick of seeing so man men killed and mangled every day. Yesterday they used up the rest of the 4th [Vermont] Regiment. 1 They were on the skirmish line one mile and a half from any support. They were flanked by the rebels and there is but fifty men with the colors now [though] some more may come in. The rest are either killed, wounded, or prisoners. Capt. Tracey was brought in dead today. They will probably put what is left of us in to some other regiment. If so, I shall have to carry a gun and if I do, my chances of getting through safe are not worth much.
I have but little faith of getting out anyway. It will make but little difference with me anyway. I have got demoralized out here and will not work and there will be no other way for me to live. I can never save enough to but a house.
Excuse this as I feel blue. Truly yours, — J. S. Halley
1 On June 23, 1864, the regiment “suffered the greatest loss of men by capture” it ever experienced. It was engaged with the brigade and the Sixth Corps in a movement against the Weldon Railroad, and was thrown out in front under command of Major Pratt, with a battalion of the eleventh. The enemy broke through the line with a strong force, and surrounded and captured seven officers and 137 men of the Fourth, as well as almost the entire battalion of the Eleventh. The colors of the Fourth were saved by the activity and coolness of the color guard. The officers so captured were Major Pratt, Captains Chapin and Boutin, and Lieutenants Carr, Fisher, Needham and Pierce. Among the killed was Captain William C. Tracy, of Co. G. His dead body was found on the field next day, stripped of arms, watch, money and boots, and surrounded by the muskets of his men, showing that he had rallied his company around him, and that they threw down their arms only when their gallant leader had fallen.”
The following diary was kept by William H. Hogan (1846-1900) while serving in Co. C, 4th Wisconsin Cavalry during the American Civil War. He was the oldest child of James Hogan (1821-1862)—a carpenter residing in Sheboygan Falls, and his wife Rosannah. William’s father died in March 1862 when he was 16 years old.
I could not find an image of William but here is a CDV of Monroe J. Wetherwax of Co. I, 4th Wisconsin Cavalry who also enlisted at a very young age. (Wisconsin Historical Society)
On 2 November 1863, when he was 17, William enrolled himself in the 4th Wisconsin Cavalry where he served for the next two and a half years as a corporal. This regiment was originally organized at Racine as the 4th Wisconsin Infantry and mustered in on July 2, 1861. It moved to Baltimore, Maryland, July 15-22, 1861, then to Virginia en route to New Orleans, Louisiana.
As the 4th Wisconsin Infantry it fought at the Siege of Vicksburg, the battle of Port Hudson, and the occupation of Baton Rouge in 1862 and 1863. On September 1, 1863, it was reconstituted as the 4th Wisconsin Cavalry and spent the remainder of the war policing occupied territory in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.
The 4th Wisconsin Cavalry returned to Madison June 3-18, 1866, almost a year after the war had ended. The regiment lost 431 men during service. Eleven officers and 106 enlisted men were killed. Three officers and 311 enlisted men died from disease.
[Note: This diary is from the personal collection of Mike Huston and was transcribed & published on Spared & Shared by express consent.]
The 4th Wisconsin Cavalry’s Camp at Baton Rouge, October 1864 Wisconsin Historical Society
Lt. Col. George W. DurginPvt. Charles W. SteelePvt. Elisha W. Howard
Three members of the 4th Wisconsin Cavalry from the collection of my friend, Jim Rivest. The image of Howard was taken early in the war before the regiment was converted into a cavalry unit and shows the original gray uniform.
January 1864
First entries in William’s 1864 Diary
Friday, 1st—Thus began the year 1864. Got up at 8 o’clock and ate breakfast and then staid in camp all day. It is very cold here. was on camp guard last night from 8 o’clock until 12. Then was relieved. Wrote home. Thus began the New Year. May it always be prosperous.
Saturday, 2nd—Encamped at Baton Rouge, La. Went out to the picket post on Port Hudson Road. Went in the afternoon to carry out their supper. Nothing more worth note.
Sunday, 3rd—Wrote home to Mother & Dell. Went out to the picket post on the Port Hudson Road. Went out for some meat that the boys had killed but failed to get it. Brought in some wood to camp .
Monday, 4th—Drawed one pair of shoes $2.05. It is a very rainy day in camp. Mike Benson arrived in camp. Reported some recruits at Natchez waiting to come down.
Tuesday, 5th—Staid in camp all day. Nothing worth writing of. It is very cold.
Wednesday, 6th—Staid in camp all day. It is very cold.
Thursday, 7th—James Knowles & Mr. [George H.] Hill, [William] Hanford & [George W.] Honey, Charley Brown and 6 other recruits came from Sheboygan county. Received from Mother by Mr. Honey 1 pair of boots, 1 pair of socks, and 1 towel. Was relieved from camp guard.
Friday, 8th—Staid in camp until 10 o’clock & then James Knowles and Charley went down town 2 hours and a half and then returned to camp & at 5 o’clock went out on Port Hudson Road with pickets.
Private Henry C. Stafford and 1st Lieutenant Isaac N. Earl of Co. I, 4th Wisconsin Cavalry Wisconsin Historical Society
Saturday, 9th—Went down town twice—once in the forenoon with Mr. Hill & Hanford and in afternoon with Tommy and Johnny. It is very pleasant overhead but muddy underfoot.
Sunday, 10th—Write home & wrote to Wilson Matherson. Staid in camp all day. Charley left our tent and went to tent with Glover. Nothing more. Was on horse guard.
Monday, 11th—Went out to picket post on up river road with dinner and in evening on Greenville Springs Road with supper. It is reported that Lt. Earl and 18 men were taken prisoners. Only two returned yet of Co. I. Two companies go to relieve them if possible. 1
1 While returning from a raid, members of Lt. Earl’s group found themselves surrounded and most of them were captured. Earl and four others, however, eluded capture by galloping through the woods toward Baton Rouge. They managed to cross several small streams before arriving at the deeper and wider Comite River where Pvt. Miles Stanford of Co. I was captured. Earl and Co. D.’s Sergeant George Bailey managed to get across the river became separated from their horses and were soon apprehended. Only Pvts. Pharus parker and Charles Bush of Co. D made it back to Baton Rouge.(Source: “The Notorious Isaac Earl and His Scouts” page 103.)
Tuesday, 12—Went out on Clinton Road 2 to carry the pickets meals out. It is a very nasty day. Nothing worth note.
Wednesday, 13th—Staid in camp all day. Our company went on a scout and returned with one prisoner and horse. Nothing more heard from Lieut. Earl & men. I am on horse guard.
Thursday, 14th—Went down town with James G. in forenoon & then carried out pickets’ dinner on Clinton & Port Hudson Road. Received orders to have our arms ready for use at any moment.
Friday, 15th—Staid in camp all day. It is a cold day. Was detailed for 3rd relief to clean up around camp. Johnny was on horse guard. Tommy relieved him tonight. Drilled in saber exercise. Lt. [Aaron C.] Bush drilled us. Did not feel well today yet [ ].
Saturday, 16th—Mistake. Look to January 22nd.
Sunday, 17th—Wrote home. Our company was detailed on a scout. Went to church to hear farewell sermon of the 128th New York Regimental Chaplain. Was detailed on 2nd relief horse guard.
Monday, 18th—Staid in camp at Baton Rouge all day. Nothing of importance occurred during the day. Wrote to Chloe today. It is quite warm weather.
Tuesday, 19th—Was detailed to go with the wagon train for a guard after wood. Mail came but no letter for me. Went down town. Order was read in reference to enlistments. The Indiana boys gone home on a furlough.
Wednesday, 20th—Received my horse today. Lieutenant Brooks drawed 10 horses for the company. Was detailed for camp guard. Our horses belonged to the 7th Kentucky Regiment who have dismounted.
Thursday, 21st—Staid in most of the day. Went down town with Charley to get a box to feed our horses in. Went to a prayer meeting inside of the fort. Let my horse go on a scout. [Zadoc] Thrasher rode him.
Chaplain George W. Honey Wisconsin Historical Society
Friday, 22nd—[actually January 16th—went down town with James & Johnny. There was two Kentucky regiments arrived here in Baton Rouge & an Illinois Battery. 10 men from our company were detailed on scout at 3 o’clock in the morning.] This is a mistake in date. Turn back one week from today.
Saturday, 23rd—Was detailed for camp guard. Drawed 1 saddle, 1 blanket, 1 bridle & 1 watering bridle., 1 pair of spurs. Staid in camp all day. Nothing more worth note for today. Received letter from Chloe.
Sunday, 24th—Staid in camp until evening. Then went down to hear the 128th New York Brass Band. Went to meeting on the parade ground. Was relieved from camp guard. Mr. Honey to preach next Sunday at 3 o’clock.
Monday, 25th—Detailed on a scout for the first time. Charley was detailed to do the Lieutenant’s writing. Turned his horse over to Johnny. Drawed 10 cartridges for my carbine. 2
The Burnside Breech-loading Carbine
2 According to 1864 Ordnance Returns now available on ResearchArsenal, Co. C, 4th Wisconsin Cavalry had 47 carbines issued. These were specifically 0.54 caliber breech-loading Burnside Carbines. Ambrose Burnside designed and patented this rifle in 1857. It was the third most popular carbine of the Civil War; only the Sharps carbine and Spencer carbine were more widely used.Members of the company also carried 0.44 caliber Remington Revolvers.
Tuesday, 26th—Went down town with Johnny. We raised a Liberty Pole on our parade ground. Had a detail from our company to clean the ground.
Wednesday, 27th—Was detailed for picket on the Clinton Road. It is the first time I was on. Johnny was on Greenville Springs Road for the first time. Received letter from Nervie.
Thursday, 28th—Was relieved from picket this morning at 9 o’clock. Slept about 4 hours in the afternoon. Nothing more worth note. It is very warm today.
Friday, 29th—Was detailed on a scout this afternoon—Johnny & me, Tommy got his horse and equipments. Nothing more, only it is very warm.
Saturday, 30th—Staid in camp all day. Wrote to Nervie . Tommy was detailed out with a scout and had to leave his horse for he was sick. Rode in a ambulance. It is warm and pleasant weather.
Sunday, 31st—Was detailed for picket on the Clinton Road. Johnny was detailed on the Greenville Springs Road. Tommy’s mule died this evening on account of not being properly fed. It is warm with a little rain.
February 1864
A sketch by Charles Wellington Reed, Library of Congress
Monday, 1st—Was relieved from picket this morning at 9 o’clock. In the afternoon went in the woods and got some poles and built a stall for my horse. It is warm and cloudy.
Tuesday, 2nd—Staid in camp until evening. Then went to a Union Meeting held at the City Hall for the purpose of electing a State Governor. Received a letter from Ella West & Uncle George. It is war, weather.
Wednesday, 3rd—Went with the regiment over to the 128th New York Volunteers. They raised their regimental flag. Had orders to start on a raid over the river. Start at 2 o’clock. Write home today. It is warm.
Thursday, 4th—Started according to our order. Took passage on Blackhawk. Went up the river 10 miles, then landed and went to the town Rosedale. Took Reb’s wagon train & 12 prisoners & one Major. Went to guard at a bridge 10 miles back. Lost two of our men prisoners.
Friday, 5th—Started from depot for the river. Staid till boat came up. Then went aboard John Warner. Went back to camp.
Saturday, 6th—Staid in camp all day. Slept about 4 hours. Was tired and sore from the effect of my ride. It is quite warm & pleasant. Nothing more worth note.
Sunday, 7th—Was detailed for picket. Was on Highland Road. Received one letter from Dell and one from Nervie with a picture. Was warm and pleasant. Nothing more to take note of.
Henry Brooks rose from 5th Sergeant to Captain of Co. C during his service in the 4th Wisconsin Cavalry (Wisconsin Historical Society)
Monday, 8th—Was relieved from picket this morning. Lieut. [Aaron C.] Bush started on a scout. Got about 5 miles when he was fired at and wounded pretty bad with one private. Went out on a scout with Lieut. [Henry] Brooks.
Tuesday, 9th—Went on a scout. Started at 5 o’clock in the morning. Capt. [Nelson F.] Craigue [of Co. F] had 8 men taken prisoners and two wounded in the arms. They were on picket. Got back from scout at 7 o’clock.
Wednesday, 10th—Staid in camp all day. Felt some tired from riding. Got up very late in morning. Got a letter from Dell & I wrote one to Nervie Stewart. Nothing more.
Thursday, 11th—Was detailed to go on picket on the Highland Road. We had a very good time. We had no vedette so I slept most all the afternoon. Nothing more transpired.
An August 1862 map of the south end of Baton Rouge showing the Highland Road (Louisiana Digital Library)
Friday, 12th—Was relieved from picket at 10 o’clock. Staid in all day. Slept most of the afternoon. Lieut. Bush got up and wrote a letter which made him worse.
Saturday, 13th—Went out on a scout with Lieutenant Williams of Co. A. In the evening, Johnny and I went to the theatre. We made some tickets ourselves so it cost us nothing.
Sunday, 14th—Went to meeting at 3 o’clock in afternoon. [Chaplain] Honey spoke. Then after meeting I wrote to Mother & Dell. Nothing more worth note.
Monday, 15th—Was detailed for picket on the Blind Road. 3 It rained most all day but was pleasant in the evening.
3 I can’t find a “Blind Road” in Baton Rouge. William was probably using the word interchangeably with the Highland Road which ran in front of the “Deaf, Dumb, and Blind Asylum” on the south side of town. See map above.
Tuesday, 16th—Staid in camp until noon. Then went down town. Received a letter from Josey Knowles & a paper from Dave, two from Mr. Thomas & I received 2 unknown. It is quite cold weather.
Wednesday, 17th—It is a very cold day. Nothing very special occurred today. Was out on regimental inspection mounted without anything more to note. I close with saying I got my horse shod.
Thursday, 18th—Went on a scout over the Comite River [east of Baton Rouge]. Caught one Reb. Lieut. Brooks was in charge. Our regiment—all but three companies—were ordered to get 3 days rations ready to go on a march.
Friday, 19th—Was detailed on picket for the Blind Road. Nothing more transpired worthy of note.
Saturday, 20th—Was relieved from picket this morning at 10 o’clock. Part of our company went on a scout and caught one Reb. My horse is quite lame.
Sunday, 21st—Wrote two letters—one to Ella West & [one to] Dave. Received one from Dell. My horse was excused from picket for he is lame. Johnny and Tommy is on picket.
Monday, 22nd—Staid in camp all day until [afternoon]. Went down to the circus with Charley. Paid 75 cents to go in. Got back to camp 11 o’clock. It is quite warm.
Tuesday, 23—Went over to camp and drilled mounted in the forenoon. In the evening went to the circus with Johnny and paid nothing to get in. Nothing more.
Wednesday, 24th—Staid in camp most of the day. Then went down town with Johnny. Got a mail in camp. I received a letter from Mary Jenkins stating that my friend, Wils Matherson was dead. He died the first of this month.
Thursday, 25th—Was detailed for picket on Clinton Road. Stood third relief. Was very warm and dusty. Lieutenant Meadows came in with a scout. He had one prisoner. Nothing more.
Friday, 26th—Was relieved from picket his morning at 10 o’clock. Came in camp and ate breakfast. Then got ready and went out on inspection. Our Adjutant inspected our arms.
Saturday, 27th—Staid in camp most of the day. 20 of our men were detailed to go on a scout. Johnny and Tommy went. The weather is quite warm and dusty. Nothing more.
Sunday, 28th—Wrote to Uncle Charles Chamberlain. The weather is warm and pleasant. Our company is detailed for a scout in morning at 3 o’clock.
Monday, 29th—Started on a scout. We went out to the stockade to get Capt. [Nelson F.] Craigue’s company. Then we went out to the Amite River capturing one Reb. They fired at us but hurt no one.
March 1864
Tuesday, 1st—Was detailed for picket on the Blind Road. It is very nasty weather, being rainy and cold. Nothing worthy of note transpired.
Wednesday, 2nd—Was relieved from picket this morning at 10 o’clock. Returned to camp. Our mail came at noon. Received one letter from Dell & one from Chloe & Nervie.
Thursday, 3rd—Was quite warm weather. Wrote a letter to Adell and one to Chloe. Johnny and Tommy was out on a scout. Nothing more was the matter today,
Thomas (“Tommy”) J. Stewart of Co. C, 4th Wisconsin Cavalry (Wisconsin Historical Society)
Friday, 4th—Staid in camp all day. Wrote to Nervie Stewart. A part of our company was on a scout. It is quite warm today. Nothing more worthy of note.
Saturday, 5th—Staid in camp all day. In the evening went down town with Johnny. Had dress parade this afternoon. Tommy is detailed for a picket on the Blind Road. It is warm weather.
Sunday, 6th—I was detailed as a picket on the Port Hudson Road. Halted one carriage on my beat in the night. Two ladies and one young man were in it. They stopped at the reserve until morning.
Monday, 7th—Was relieved from picket at 10 o’clock by Co. A. Tommy 4 was on a scout but saw nothing. Returned to camp at 5 o’clock.
4 William frequently refers to his comrade “Tommy” whom I believe to be Thomas Stewart of Co. C, 4th Wisconsin Cavalry. He enlisted at the same time as William in November 1863 and mustered out as corporal on 8 July 1865. He was killed in May 1870 while log driving on the Wolf River. William also mentions corresponding with Chloe Stewart (b. 1844) and Harriet Manerva (“Nervie”) Stewart (b. 1849). These were Tommy’s younger sisters.
James Williams of Wakesha was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant of Co. A on 12 May 1862. He was killed on 8 March 1864 near Baton Rouge while on a scout. (Wisconsin Historical Society)
Tuesday, 8th—Lieutenant [James E.] Williams of Co. A was shot dead out where Lieut. Bush was wounded. One of our boys was shot in the hip. The regiment was out. It is warm today.
Wednesday, 9th—Staid in camp all day. Received a letter from Nervie Stewart and one from sister Dell. Nothing more worthy of not. It is rainy and unpleasant weather.
Thursday, 10th—Was detailed for a picket on the Port Hudson Road. Tommy and Johnnie was detailed on the Greenville Springs Road. It is foggy and unpleasant weather.
Friday, 11th—Was relieved from picket at half [past] 9 o’clock by some of Co. A. Returned to camp at half [past] 10 o’clock. Tommy and Johny brought in a quarter of beef that they killed.
Saturday, 12th—Wrote to Nervie Stewart today. Was out on a scout in the command of Lieutenant Farnsworth. Captured two Rebs and returned to camp, arriving at about 6 o’clock. the weather is warm and pleasant.
Sunday, 13th—Staid in camp until after dinner. Then went down town. Wrote to Dell and Mary Jenkins. Our company had 5 men detailed on a scout. It is quite warm weather.
Monday, 14th—Was detailed for picket on Clinton Road. Johnny went out for me and I went on camp guard for him. drew hard tack today. It is quite war, weather.
Tuesday, 15th—Was relieved from camp guard at 9 o’clock. Staid in camp until after dinner. Then went down town with James Knowles. It is quite cool today.
Wednesday, 16th—Staid in camp all day. Wrote to Mother today and to Josey Knowles. It is quite cold weather here today. Went on dress parade. Had some orders read, then was dismissed. [Christian] Schumann died at 8 o’clock. 5
5 Pvt. Christian Schumann of Moselle was a veteran who had enlisted in April 1861. He died of wounds on 16 March 1864. Though the regimental record does not state how and when Schumann was wounded, I presume he was the private who was wounded at the time that Lt. Williams was killed on 8 March 1864. In his diary entry of that date, William wrote, “One of our boys was shot in the hip.”
Thursday, 17th—Staid in camp all day. Tommy is on picket. I went to Schumann’s funeral today. Our company went. We were all mounted. There was 305 Rebs brought here today taken at Red River.
Friday, 18th—Was detailed for a picket on the Greenville Springs Road. The weather is very pleasant. A deserter came from the Rebs at about 5 o’clock and wanted to come in our lines.
Saturday, 19th—Was relieved from picket this morning at 9 o’clock. Our regiment has gone on a scout. They went last night. The weather is very pleasant. Tommie is on picket on the Port Hudson Road.
Sunday, 20th—Staid in camp until 11 o’clock. Then got a pass and went down town. Had a regimental inspection mounted. Was inspected by Colonel Frederick A. Boardman. It is very warm today.
Monday, 21st—It is rainy and very unpleasant today. Was detailed for a scout. My horse fell down with me when out on the scout but did not injure me at all.
Tuesday, 22nd—Was detailed for a picket on the Clay Cut Road. It is a very warm and pleasant day. Nothing of any importance occurred during the day.
Wednesday, 23rd—Was relieved from picket this morning at 10 o’clock by Co. K. It is very pleasant and warm today. Our company signed the pay rolls today, it being the first I ever signed in the service.
Thursday, 24th—Received four months pay up to the 1st of March. 52 dollars, 38 dollars and 10 cents cash. 13 dollars and 90 cents being taken out for the sutler. Received a letter from Dell and Mother. Also one from Nervie.
Friday, 25th—Was detailed a picket on the Highland Road. Nothing of any importance occurred more than the scenes in and around camp after pay day—a lot of drunken soldiers.
Saturday, 26th—Was relieved from picket this morning at 9:30 o’clock. Returned to camp. Received a pass to go down town and get my picture taken but could not get it. Went over to Capt. [George W.] Durgin’s to sit up with Lieut. [Aaron C.] Bush.
Sunday, 27th—Our company is on a scout. I was excused for my horse has a very sore eye. Tommy and Johnny went. Tommy came back quite sick. wrote to Nervie today and then went down town. It is warm and pleasant weather.
Monday, 28th—Was detailed for camp guard Number 6, 2nd Relief. Wrote home to Nervie Stewart. The weather is fine although rather windy. Nothing more worthy of note occurred.
Silas E. Stewart, Co. B, 8th Wisconsin Infantry
Tuesday, 29th—Was relieved from camp guard at 9 o’clock. Wrote home and sent my picture. Also wrote to Chloe and sent my picture. Had two pictures taken which cost $3. It is quite warm.
Wednesday, 30th—Tommy and Johnny was detailed for a scout. I did not go for my horse was not able. Joel [L. Stewart (a bugler)] and six more recruits came for our company. Nothing more occurred worth note.
Thursday, March 31—Went down town with Joel [Stewart]. 6 Staid until noon. Then returned to camp. Wrote to Nervie Stewart today. Went on camp guard for Rogers from 9 o’clock until 11 and he paid me 50 cents.
6 Joel L. Stewart (b. March 1843), was the younger brother of Thomas (“Tommy”) J. Stewart (b. 1840) who enlisted in February 1864 to serve as a bugler for Co. C, 4th Wisconsin Cavalry. Tommy and Joel ad an older brother named Silas E. Stewart (1836-1881) who also served in the Civil War as a private in Co. B, 8th Wisconsin Infantry—the “Eagle Regiment” made famous by their live eagle mascot, “Old Abe.”
April 1864
Friday, 1st—Staid in camp all day. We received a mail today. Received a letter from Dell and Chloe and Minervie. Answered Chole’s and Dell’s today. It is quite warm and pleasant.
Saturday, 2nd—Staid in camp all day. It is very warm. Johnny was detailed for picket on Perkins Road. Received a small mail today. Got a letter from Lot [Charlotte (b. 1852)] Stewart and Ella Wert. Answered Lot’s and Nervie Stewart’s letters today.
Sunday, 3rd—Was detailed for a scout. Went in command of Lieut. [Samuel C.] Mower of Co. K. Did not get any Rebs but saw two. They got away from us. It is very warm and dusty. Did not feel well when I got back.
Joel Stewart (b. 1843) joined his older brother Tommy Stewart already in Co. C, 4th Wisconsin Cavalry in February 1864. He was a bugler. (Wisconsin Historical Society)
Monday, 4th—Staid in camp all day. Tommy, Johnny, Joel and me began to build us a brick house. Drawed some brick and got ready. Had to drill today under [Sgt. Edward E.] Sharp.
Tuesday, 5th—Staid in camp all day. Joel and I work on our house. Tommy being on a scout got some lumber for a roof. It is quite warm. Joel had to drill one hour.
Wednesday, 6th—Staid in camp all day. Worked on our house some. Could not much for it rained and Tommy and Johnny were detailed on camp guard. Got a mail in camp. I got no letter. Joel got two letters and Timmy one.
Thursday, 7th—Staid in camp all day. Our veteran boys is very busy getting ready to start for home as soon as the J. C. Swan steamboat arrives to take them. It is quite pleasant weather. was on horse guard.
Friday, 8th—Staid in camp until 4 o’clock. Then received orders to saddle up and escort the veterans down to the boat. The boys went on board and we gave them three cheers and then returned to camp wishing the boys success [on their furlough]. Wrote to Mother today and sent it by 1st Sergt. [Austin] Gibbons.
Saturday, 9th—Staid in camp all day. Nothing of any importance occurred worthy of note. Wrote home to Mother and Dell. Tommy with 7 others were appointed to act as corporals until the veteran’s return [from furlough].
Sunday, 10th—Was detailed for a picket on the Perkins Road, Nothing of any importance occurred during the day. It is very warm and pleasant.
Monday, 11th—Was relieved from picket by some of the Co. H boys. Returned to camp and wrote to Ella West. Our corporal [Spencer A.] Hamblin was reduced to the ranks for not attending to his business keeping me on vedette 5 hours without sending me a relief.
Tuesday, 12th—Staid in camp until after roll call. Then Johnny and I went down town. Joel is on camp guard. Johnny was appointed corporal in the place of Hamblin. Our company received their Company Flag. It is quite warm.
Wednesday, 13th—Was detailed as camp guard, No. 2, 2nd Relief. Received a mail in camp. I got four letters—one from Chloe and Manervie Stewart, one from Uncle George, and one from Dave. Answered Dave’s letter. It is raining.
Thursday, 14th—Was relieved from camp guard at 9 o’clock. returned to camp and slept until noon. Got up, ate dinner, then sat down and answered Chloe’s letter. We have the report that the rebs attacked Port Hudson today. We can hear the cannons report.
Friday, 15th—Staid in camp all day. there was one regiment of Illinois Cavalry came here today. Was detailed on fatigue duty this afternoon. wrote home to Nervie today.
Saturday, 16th—Was detailed on picket on the Blind road. Nothing of any importance occurred. Received a mail in camp but no letters for me. It is very warm and pleasant.
Sunday, 17th—Was relieved from picket at 10 o’clock. Returned to camp and wrote to Uncle George. Tommy is on picket on the Clinton Road. It is warm and pleasant weather.
Monday, 18th—Staid in camp all day. Nothing of any importance occurred during the day. The weather is warm and pleasant. Reported that our veterans are at Memphis.
Tuesday, 19th—Was detailed for picket on the Clay Cut Road. The weather is fine. It is very warm. Nothing more occurred than the usual things on picket.
Wednesday, 20th—Was relieved from picket at 9 o’clock by Co. H boys. Returned to camp. Drilled in forenoon. Afternoon had dress parade. Got a mail. Received a letter from Con. Donohue.
Thursday, 21st—Was detailed for a scout in command of Lt. Brooks. Crossed the Comite River. Captured one prisoner. Returned to camp about 6 o’clock.
Friday, 22nd—Was detailed for a picket on the Greenville springs Road. Nothing of any importance occurred more than the usual duty of a picket. It is very warm and pleasant weather.
Saturday, 23—Was relieved from picket at 9 o’clock. Tommy was detailed to guard the telegraph that they are building through. He will be gone 4 days.
Sunday, 24—Wrote to Con. Donohue. Was detailed for a scout and to be ready to start at one o’clock in command of one of the Illinois officers and 40 men. Caught one prisoner. It is quite warm. Got a mail from Dell & Minerva.
Monday, 25th—Was detailed for a picket on the Greenville Springs Road. Nothing occurred more than usual on picket duty. It is very warm and pleasant.
Lt. Isaan N. Earl of Co. D, 4th Wisconsin Cavalry (Wisconsin Historical Society)
Tuesday, 26th—Was relieved from picket at 9:30 o’clock by Co. B boys. Returned to camp and got my horse shod. It is the warmest day we have had. 22nd Kentucky Regiment have gone to Red River from here.
Wednesday, 27th—Was detailed on a scout to go up the river to destroy all ferry boats found. we destroyed six, captured four prisoners. It is very warm indeed. Returned to camp at 6 o’clock. Tommy came from Port Hudson tonight.
Thursday, 28th—Was detailed for a picket on the Port Hudson Road. Nothin of any importance occurred. The weather is very warm and pleasant.
Friday, 29th—Staid in camp all day. Lieut. Earl that the Rebs captured escaped and came in camp this morning. 7 Was relieved for picket. Got a mail in camp. One letter from Nervie, Dell, and Uncle Charles.
7 When Lt. Earl returned to the regiment, he had quite a story to tell. After being captured in early January, he was taken to the Confederate camp near Clinton, Louisiana, where he was reunited with the other prisoners. They were stripped, abused, and threatened to be hung as horse thieves but Earl asserted his rights as a prisoner of war and, as an officer, he was taken to Cahaba Prison near Selma, Alabama. To lessen the chance that he might escape, Earl’s shoes were taken from him, but even so, he nearly escaped twice while enroute to the prison. After nearly three months in captivity, Lt. Earl finally made good on his escape from Cahaba Prison and made his way to Union-occupied Pensacola where he hopped a vessel to New Orleans and then was transported up the Mississippi to his regiment at Baton Rouge where he once again, almost immediately, started leading scouting parties. The details of Lt. Earl’s escape can be read in Gordon Olson’s book, published inn 2014, under the title of “The Notorious Isaac Earl and His Scouts.”
Saturday, 30th—Staid in camp until noon. Then went down town. Had regimental inspection. Also was mustered for pay. It is very warm. Our boys captured one Reb Sergeant today. Lieut. Earl has gone on a scout.
May 1864
Sunday, 1st—Was detailed for camp guard, Post No. 1. Tommy and Johnny are detailed for picket. Tommy on the Clinton Road and Johnny on the Clay Cut Road. It is very warm and pleasant. Wrote to Uncle Charles.
Monday, 2nd—Was relieved from camp guard at 9 o’clock. Returned to camp. Got orders to be ready with two days rations at 5 o’clock in evening to go out to Clinton. Got ready and started as ordered. Went out 12 miles and camped for the night.
William’s entries for 3-8 May 1864
Tuesday, 3rd—Started for Clinton at 5 o’clock in the morning. Drove in the rebs’ pickets. Came in contact with the main body about 150 in all. Had a pretty hard fight for half an hour when the rebs fell back. Colonel [Frederick A.] Boardman was shot. 8 About 4 o’clock the artillery shelled the woods and drove them over the Comite river when we began to fall back. Camped at Red Wood Bridge for the night.
8 Lieut.-Colonel Frederick A. Boardman (1832-1864) was leading a squad of soldiers outside the city when he was shot through the head by a Confederate sharpshooter. His body was returned to Milwaukee where his funeral was attended by large crowds.
Wednesday, 4th—Returned in camp this morning.
Thursday, 5th—Staid in camp all day. Nothing of importance occurred. Went down town a little while. The 14th Maine Regiment came into camp here.
Friday, 6th—Staid in camp all day. Was detailed for horse guard today. It is very warm. Tommy is on picket on the Port Hudson Road.
Saturday, 7th—Was relieved from horse guard. Our company was ordered to be ready with one days rations for a scout. Wrote to Mother today.
Sunday, 8th—Staid in camp all day. Nothing of importance occurred. Received a mail in camp. Got a letter from Nervie. Answered it today. One of our company died in the hospital today—Ed Barnes [of Greenbush]. I went out on dress parade at half past 4.
Monday, 9th—Staid in camp until 12 o’clock. Then skedaddled up and went to Ed Barnes’ funeral. Returned to camp and wrote to Nate G____. Nothing more worthy of note occurred. Our boys are going on a scout. I can’t go. My horse is lame.
Tuesday, 10th—Was detailed for camp guard on 1st Relief, Number 4. Our boys returned from the scout. Nothing of importance with them during their trip.
Wednesday, 11th—Was relieved from camp guard at 9 o’clock. Do not feel well today. Tommy is on picket. Today we received a mail in camp. I got a letter from little Lottie Stewart.
Thursday, 12th—Staid in camp all day. Feel very sick. Tommy is sick too so we lay a bed most of the day. Johnny is on picket on the Port Hudson Road.
Friday, 13th—Johnny was relieved from picket this morning at 10 o’clock. Staid in camp all [day]. Feel very bad indeed. Lay a bed most all day. Nothing of importance occurred in camp.
Saturday, 14th—Was detailed for a picket on the Clinton Road. Got a mail in camp. Sent my letters to me. Got one from Chloe & Sam Patten.
Sunday, 15th—Was relieved from picket at 10 o’clock by remainder of our company. Returned to camp. wrote to Lottie Stewart. Nothing of any importance occurred.
Monday, 16th—Staid in camp until after dinner. Then our company saddled up and we went blackberrying. Johnny, Joel and I got about 4 quarts.
Tuesday, 17th—Twenty from our company of which Johnny and I were two was detailed to be ready at 3 o’clock to go and lay in ambush out about 8 miles from town but we saw no rebels.
Wednesday, 18th—After stopping at Mr. Caldwell’s until 12 o’clock. we started and went out on the Clay Cut Road 3 miles and ambushed again—all but two men of which I was one to go to a man’s house and take him.
Thursday, 19th—Returned to camp today. Felt rather fatigued after my ride and no rest. Nothing of any importance occurred in camp of note.
Friday, 20th—Received a mail in camp. Received a letter from Minerva. Also a piece of a letter from Mother and sister Dell. I have answered Nervies tonight.
Saturday, 21st—staid in camp until 4 o’clock. Then we all went out on monthly inspection. It is very warm today. I also went in the woods to cut brush to build a shade for our horses.
Sunday, 22nd—Was detailed to act as corporal on the Blind Road. Nothing of any importance more than usual duty of a picket. Lt. Mower was officer of the guard. It is very warm.
Monday, 23rd—Was relieved from picket by corporal of Co. H at 9:30 o’clock. Returned to camp. Slept until 3 o’clock, then wrote to Mother and Dell. Went in swimming in the Old Mississippi river. Very warm today.
Tuesday, 24th—Was detailed for [picket] on the Clinton Road. There was six rebs came down and fired at our vedette five times but did not hit him. He returned the fire, this being in the night.
Wednesday, 25th—We saw them this morning but they left double quick. Was relieved from picket at 9 o’clock. No more from picket. Got a letter from Dell.
Thursday, 26th—Started on a scout at 3 o’clock in the morning. Went to Greenville Springs. Drove in their picket post capturing their arms and about 600 dollars quinine and 600 dollars sutler’s goods.
Friday, 27th—Was detailed on picket for the Greenville Springs Road. Nothing of any importance occurred during our time at that post. It is very warm. Blackberries are quite plenty.
Saturday, 28th—Was relieved from picket at half past nine. It is very warm and dusty. Returned to camp and then slept two hours. Then went down town with Charley.
Sunday, 29th—Staid in camp all day being somewhat no matter. It is not often I slept most all day. At 5 o’clock were on dress parade. It is very warm.
Monday, 30th—My horse is excused from duty on account of not being shod. No news excepting it is reported 8 of our regiment are to be transferred to infantry but is uncertain as yet.
Tuesday, 31st—Our veterans arrived this evening and were received with many hearty shouts from the boys in camp. I received many a nice little thing from home by Austin [Gibbons]. It is very warm.
A sketch by Charles Wellington Reed depicting veterans returning from a furlough
June 1864
Wednesday, 1st—The veteran presented to our 1st Lieutenant Henry Brooks a splendid sword costing $60.
[No entries for the balance of the month.]
July 1864
Friday, 1st [no entry]
Saturday, 2nd [no entry]
Sunday, 3rd [no entry]
Monday, 4th—Staid in camp all the forenoon and slept. In the after[noon], went on dress parade and at 4 o’clock went out for a little ride. Went up to the fight that happened at Morganzia.
Tuesday, 5th—William Hanford taken prisoner while on vedette 5 miles from Rosedale between 2 and 3 o’clock in the morning.
[No entries from 6 July through 17 July]
Wednesday, 18th—My birthday. I spent on regimental fatigue at Magnolia Grove in the Parish or county of Baton Rouge.
Images of this letter were sent me by Chris Bremner whose ancestor was David Francis Bremner (1839-1922) , a Canadian by birth, who was living in Illinois at the time of the Civil War and enlisted in Co. E, 19th Illinois Infantry on 17 June 1861. He was commissioned a 1st Lieutenant in the company on 18 December 1862 and was promoted to Captain on 9 July 1864.
In transmitting the letter to me, Chris informed me that the letter was found among various documents that included the Descriptive Rolls for the company and other handwritten telegrams and dispatches that had been found hidden in his ancestor’s home when it was being remodeled recently. (How lucky is that?!) It is presumed that the documents were concealed prior to his ancestor’s death in 1922 and have not seen the light of day for over 100 years.
He sent copies of several letters to me but I singled this one out to showcase on Spared & Shared. It was written by Brig. General Stephen A. Hurlbut—described as a “hard-drinking Chicago lawyer”—who was a political general conspicuous for lacking both scruples and ability. When he didn’t get a civilian patronage job in the Lincoln Administration, his Galena friends, and Senator Orville Browning of Illinois, had him commissioned and posted at Quincy, Illinois. He was rather quickly dismissed as an obnoxious drunkard and relegated to positions of unimportance due to his incompetence in military matters.
He addressed his letter to John Basil Turchin, a Russian emigrant with prior military experience abroad who settled in Mattoon, Illinois, in 1858 and then landed a job as a topographical engineer with the Illinois Central Railroad. He came to this country with the surname, Turchaninov but when that proved to be too much of a mouthful for Americans to pronounce, he shortened it to Turchin.
Given his prior military training, his support of the Lincoln administration, and his abhorrence of slavery, Turchin offered his services to Gov. Yates of Illinois who immediately considered him suitable for a Colonel’s appointment to one of two regiments being formed at the time—the 19th or the 21st. At the same time that Turchin offered his services, so did Ulysses S. Grant and it is said that Yates offered the men of the 19th a choice of the two for their Colonel. They chose Turchin, and Grant was sent to command the 21st.
Turchin’s military experience proved extremely valuable in molding the civilian volunteers into a well-drilled military unit, instilling discipline, and esprit de corps. They were finally ordered from Camp Long near Chicago to Hurlbut’s command at Quincy on July 10th. On the 14th of July, they were sent across the river to relieve Grant’s men in the 21st Illinois who were guarding the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad. A couple of the companies were strung out on the railroad line but six companies pitched their tents in Palmyra, the county seat of Marion county, some dozen miles northwest of Hannibal. Because they were ill-supplied with both arms, equipment, and provisions, with Turchin’s approval, the men of the 19th Illinois liberally requisitioned whatever they needed from the local citizens around Palmyra, most of whom they believed to be southern sympathizers. Citizens were so incensed by this outrage that they complained to Gen. Pope and other military leaders but Gen. Fremont—commander of the entire district, ignored their moaning.
This letter informs us that Turchin and his men soon feared they might be attacked by rebel citizenry around Palmyra and urgently requested arms to meet their needs though it appears nothing could be found but 53 “musketoons” already issued to Capt. Burnap’s company of the 1st Illinois Cavalry at Quincy. (A musketoon was a short-barreled musket which was better suited for cavalry than infantry.)
Headquarters Brigade Quincy, Illinois July 17, 1861
Col. J. B. Turchin, 19th Regiment Dear Sir,
I have just received a letter from Asst. Adjt. General Hardin at St. Louis Arsenal that there are no Minies at that Depot & consequently he cannot fill my requisition for your command.
I have telegraphed to Mr. [Orville H.] Browning, our Senator at Washington, and to Maj. General Fremont to push on as fast as possible. I shall write to Gen. Pope today at Springfield.
Capt. Williams of your regiment came in today and stating from your authority that the people of Palmyra were moving in expectation of attack & that the officers of the regiment anticipated one. [He] requested arms for his company.
I have given him an order for all I know of 53 State musketoons now in hands of Burnap’s Troop of Cavalry.
If the facts are as stated by him—that you have reason to apprehend attack—I should have known it formally. If it be true as he stated that artillery is in possession of citizens of Palmyra, unless they are true men beyond a doubt, they should be disarmed.
If these things are imaginations on his part, he should be advised not to bring such reports. I assure you every means in my power will be used to arm and equip your regiment. If any danger threatens you from any quarter, you will remember that there is not a disposable weapon controlled by the W. States on this side of the river.
Very truly yours, — S. A. Hurlbut, Brig. General
[Note: This letter was probably not in the handwriting of Hurlbut but prepared by an aide-de-camp. I have not checked his signature against known samples.]
