My passion is studying American history leading up to & including the Civil War. I particularly enjoy reading, transcribing & researching primary sources such as letters and diaries.
The following four letters were written by James B. Moyer (1845-1920), the son of George Moyer (1810-1865) and Magdalena Wolf (1812-1883) of Myerstown, Lebanon county, Pennsylvania. At an early age, James entered the carriage painting trade. When he entered the service in 1864, he was described as a brown-eyed, brown-haired recruit who stood feet 4 inches tall. He enlisted at Harrisburg on 26 August 1864 and immediately mustered into Co. F, 200th Pennsylvania Infantry.
These letters were written during the winter of 1864-65 when James was with the regiment before Petersburg. In the spring of 1865, he was detailed to brigade headquarters as a painter. He was honorably discharged in late May 1865.
One of James B. Moyer’s letters describes the “Applejack Raid” or the “Hicksford Expedition” led by the 5th Corps, shown here tearing up and burning the Weldon Railroad.
Letter 1
[Note: The following letter describes the expedition led by Maj. Gen. Gouverneur K. Warren’s Fifth Corps composed of 26,000 troops to disrupt the Weldon Railroad. The Union troops were in high spirits during the raid, despite the frigid temperatures, and their exuberance was further fueled by the availability of potent apple brandy – “apple jack” – taken from farms along the expedition’s route. Officially known as “Hicksford Expedition” or “Weldon Raid,” the foray was dubbed “The Apple Jack Raid” by the Union troops. See The Union “Apple Jack Raid” by Robert Plumb.]
Camp near Petersburg, December 18th 1864
Parents,
I will let you know that we left here on Friday evening and marched five miles till at Meades Headquarters. Then it commenced to rain, snowing, and it was so cold that one man of Co. D froze to death. Then the next day there were two men to be hung. The scaffold was ready. They hung them between 12 and 1 o’clock on account of deserting in the Rebel Army. That was the first time I seen and I hope that is the last time. They were smoking their cigars till on the scaffold. I could tell you a great deal more about it but I have no time.
Saturday night we marched 25 miles through mud and water that came half way to the knees and it was cold weather. We marched below the Black Water for a reserve [while] the 5th Corps made a raid along there [and] captured a lot of fat cattle sheep, pigs, chickens, and turkeys, apple jack by the barrel and 5 barrel of molasses, and some rebs, colored men, sulkys, burned down houses and barns, tore up 40 miles of railroad, and good deal more.
I had a canteen full of molasses and we shot down the pigs and skinned them and commenced to eat. Each one helped himself. It was good. We also killed chickens and sheep. We had a fine time for we had nothing to eat since Wednesday till Sunday. We marched back in the night at our old place 25 miles. It was hard marching. Some of our men were caught by the guerrillas that straggled. Their throats were cut and clothes taken from their bodies.
The regiment left here on Monday morning at 4 o’clock but I was excused on account of stiff, sore feet [such] that I can hardly walk. It is reported that it went to the place were we were.
[unsigned]
Letter 2
Addressed to Mr. George Moyer, Myerstown, Lebanon county, Pennsylvania
Camp near Petersburg [Virginia] December 23rd 1864
Parents,
I will let you know that this is the second letter I wrote for the box and no answer and no box. Other boys get boxes. I have to look at them eating. I wrote some time that you shall not send it, but then a few days after I wrote you shall send it as soon as you possibly can. I thought I would get it till Christmas so that I can enjoy my elf with it but no sign. Yesterday two loads of express boxes came but not one for me. It looked hard. I also wrote for several other articles in that letter and if you get it, send me a letter.
I seen Monroe Piffer [Peiffer], 21st Pa. Cavalry some time ago and he is well. We had good times the time he was with me. We have good times now. No Picket duty. Nothing but drilling. I will close my letter by saying I am well. In haste. It is very cold at present.
Yours truly, — James B Moyer, Co. F, 200th P. V., Washington
Col. [Charles Worth] Diven, Brigadier General Ninth Corps, First Brigade and third Div.
Letter 3
Camp near Petersburg [Virginia] 24th [December] 1864
Dear Parents,
I will willingly [write] to let you know that I received your letter today and the money, &c., and I hope you send the box off today as you mentioned in your letter. Tomorrow is Christmas. It seems to me it can’t be for I was used to run after the fools in town. But I have to spend my times in Virginia this year. And the 29th this month, I am nineteen years old and if you want to pull my hair, you must come to me.
This morning eight rebels passed our Camp which deserted in to our line and six yesterday morn. That is the way to close the war—lay down the arms and come in peace. The rebs are deserting fast all along our line.
Further we also drawed new clothes. I was used to get a new suit at home for Christmas and so I got a suit for this time. I have not much to say this time by closing my letter. I will make Robert a ring sometime. I am well, hoping you are the same. I wish you all a merry and happy Christmas & New Year. Yours Truly, — James B. Moyer
Letter 4
Camp in front of Petersburg, Virginia February 18, 1865
Parents,
By this I wish to inform you that I received your kind and welcome letter this morning and hastened to answer it while you are anxious to hear about the battle. We did not come in a fight, but we were at the scene—or a little over it. Our line got advanced by the Fifth and Second Corps, and also the Sixth [Corps]. We—our Division 1, the 3rd Division of the Ninth Corps—six new regiments—had marching orders but we did not know when or were to go but we soon heard the shells burst. We then marched about 2 miles in light marching order. There we were ready for an attack and made breastworks and worked hard for the sake to save ourselves from the bullets.
In the morning about 9 o’clock, our regiments went out to find out where the Rebs are stationed. By the same time a heavy force laid behind us so whenever there would something happen and we all expected that we will meet the enemy and not come back as we went forth. We went about one mile and a half and seen several breastworks where the rebels were but the next night were back in regular fortifications. But we couldn’t see it. We seen several rebels running and they were formed in line of battle in yon[der] woods. We were then in an open field but we were a good distance from them. They laid silently on the ground. We went sadly back at our old place and were six days from our camp without shelter and it was very cold and raining and snowing.
I have not much to tell you and I hope to hear from you soon again. The Rebels are deserting very fast. They pass by squad at our camp. They hardly have any clothes. I am well hoping this may reach you the same
Yours truly Son, — James B. Moyer
Co. F, 200th Regt P. V., Washington D. C.
I wrote a Bro. George a letter and I have not received that box which Bro. John sent. The talk is that it is stopped sending boxes.
I could not find an image of Albert but here is a CDV of Francis H. Warner of Boston who also served in the 11th Massachusetts Light Artillery at the same time (Dave Morin Collection)
The following letter was written by 21 year-old Albert S. Garland (1843-1918), the son of David Gardland (1816-1846) and Mary Ann Trickey (1823-1887) of South Boston. Albert was working as an blacksmith when he enlisted as a private in late December 1863 in the 11th Massachusetts Light Artillery. He was promoted to artificer prior to his mustering out of the service at Camp Meigs, Readville, Massachusetts, in mid-June 1865 after nearly one and a half year’s service.
The 11th Massachusetts Light Artillery began 1864 with the 9th Corps, of the Army of the Potomac. It was then present at the Wilderness, engaged at the North Anna river with the 2nd Corps, and at the Weldon railroad with the 5th Corps. It shared in the operations before Petersburg, from June 17, 1864, to March 24, 1865 ; was active in repelling the attack upon Fort Stedman, and after the fall of Petersburg, joined in the pursuit of the vanquished army to Appomattox.
Just days before he left to join his regiment, on Christmas eve in Boston, Albert was married to Annie Streeter (1843-1908).
Transcription
Poplar Grove Church [near Petersburg, Virginia] November 18th 1864
Dear Sister and all the folks,
Yours was received last night in company with one from Annie and I was very glad to hear you all & all the folks were well, and I was very glad to hear you were all well. I am well—never better in my life. There is nothing to write about—not a thing. Everything is quiet. But there is another fight a brewing and a big one at that. Then I will have something to write about. It has been very quiet and very pleasant lately, but it has set in for a storm for it rains quite hard now.
I have not received Annie’s box yet but expect it Monday. I was very glad to hear that you had so good a time [on your visit] East.
[George W.] Marsh 1 and I are living pretty well now. We have got a Sutler’s work to do, & take our pay in goods, and sold a horse for him today and charged him 3 dollars, and got some potatoes, butter, & the rest in money. And we bought some beef steak, and tomorrow morning we are going to have boiled potatoes and beef steak. This morning we had hash meat fried brown on the bottom and it went bully, I tell you.
I should like to have some of mother’s brown bread. Dear Sister, it is Taps & the lights are to be put out, & I do not think of any more to write so I will close & try to write more next time. Send my best love to Mother & all the folks & keep a good share for yourself & I will send you some more papers tomorrow.
Please excuse this & I will now close. Good night. From your Brother, — Albert S. Garland
1 George W. Marsh was a 27 year-old carriage trimmer from Chelsea when he enlisted in 1863 to serve in the 11th Massachusetts Light Artillery.
I could not find an image of John but here is a one of a young Georgian thought to be Thomas Blount Bowen but is unconfirmed (David Vaughn Collection)
The following letter was written by 19 year-old Pvt. John Mornington Raines (1845-1899) of Milledgeville, Baldwin county, Georgia, who enlisted in October 1863 in Co. G, 45th Georgia Infantry. He was taken prisoner on 25 March 1865 at Petersburg, Virginia, and released in June 1865 at Point Lookout, Maryland. John had a brother who served with him in the same company—Thomas Turner Raines (1838-1865)—who was probably the individual he referred to as “Bud” in this letter. I believe there was another brother names James Cadwallader Raines (b. 1840) who may have served the Confederacy in a different regiment.
John’s military records indicate that he had brown hair, blue eyes, and that he stood 5 feet 7.5 inches tall. His parents were Robert Cadwallader Raines, Jr. (1808-1860) and Matilda Caroline (“Carry”) Young (1810-1883) who were married in 1832. Cadwallader Raines died in September 1860, leaving 50 year-old Carrie with seven children and a plantation to run.
Three months after this letter was written, when the left wing of Sherman’s army marched through Milledgeville in late November 1864 on its way to Savannah, “Mrs. Cadwallader Raines, a widow and the mother of three Confederate soldiers,” found herself in the center of the Federal encampment. “She had been bedridden for several months and was attended only by two young daughters [Ellen and Mary]. Her plantation suffered complete devastation, having been depleted of all fences, livestock, and food.” A neighbor named Terrell Barksdale later wrote that, “They did not leave a living animal on her plantation…they have nothing except what the neighbors give them and they have but few of them that have anything to spare.” [“Sherman at Milledgeville in 1864” by James C. Bonner, published in The Journal of Southern History, Vol. 22, No. 3, August 1956, page 280]
I can’t be certain of the date of this letter as it is illegible on the letter itself. There were several attempts to capture the Weldon Railroad before it was finally accomplished in mid-August 1864.
Transcription
In Line of Battle near Petersburg August [ ] 1864
Dear Mother,
I now take my seat this morning to answer your kind letter that I received a few days ago, and would answer it before now, but I was looking for a letter from sister. I wrote to her about a month ago and also Sis. I just rec’d the one that she wrote to Bud.
I was sorry to hear that the Yankees has been so close there and was sorry also that they taken the neighbor’s mule, and sorry to hear that the rebels got Sam. If he had to be taken, I am glad the rebels got him before the Yankees. You must make Green take good care of the one that they left in his place. If you get him fat, you must keep him in the Spring lot, for if you let him run out in the pasture, there may come along some more Yankees and take him. I am in hopes that our men will keep them back from that part of the country, for they will destroy things as they go. I hope that Gen. Hood will whip them clear out from Georgia.
There was a fight here yesterday on the Petersburg and Weldon Railroad. Our men whipped them back and taken a good many prisoners. We have a fight every day on some part of the line. The Yankees is tame in front of me. We are are close enough to talk to each other when I am out on [the] skirmish [line].
I went over to the hospital this morning to see Bud. He is getting along finely. He will be able for duty in a few days. This leaves me in good health at this time, and hoping this will find you up and about and also the rest of the family. This is the 5th letter I have wrote to you since I been at this place. I only received one. I have wrote to Puss and Sister and Sis and have not got any answer from them. You must tell them to write. I will close. I will send this letter by hand with the yarn. I remain your son, — John M. Raines
I could not find an image of William but here is one of Pvt. Ezra Joseph Davy of Co. D, 121st Ohio Infantry (Ancestry.com)
The following letter was written by 23 year-old William E. Scott (1839-1911), the youngest son of Francis Scott (1791-1860) and Nancy Gadd (1793-1873) of Leesburg, Union county, Ohio. William enlisted in August 1862 to serve as a private in Co. I, 121st Ohio Volunteer Infantry (OVI).
William had two brothers who served with him in the same company—Norton (“Nort”) Scott (1820-1905) who was the 1st Sergeant in Co. I, and Ross Scott (1828-1901) who was also a private. Nort was discharged for disability on 9 May 1863, no doubt as a result of the chronic diarrhea mentioned in William’s letter. Ross was discharged for disability as well.
The 121st OVI was organized at Delaware, Ohio, and ordered to Kentucky to pursue confront Bragg on his northern invasion. They participated in the Battle of Perryville and then pursued Morgan in the winter of 1862-63. After spending some time in Nashville, they were ordered to Franklin, Tennessee, where this letter was penned in mid-March 1863. They went on to participate in in the Battle of Chickamauga, the Atlanta Campaign, the March to the Sea, and the Carolina Campaign.
Transcription
Camp at Franklin, Tennessee March 16, 1863
Dear Mother and Sisters,
It is with pleasure that I take my pen in hand to write you a few lines once more in answer to your kind letter of the fourth that came safe to hand on the 15th and we was glad to hear from you but was sorry to hear that Mother’s health is so poor. Well, mother, I enjoy good health at this time and hope that this will find you enjoying the same earthly blessing.
Nort is quite unwell, and has been for two weeks. He is quite weak. He has the diarrhea. I think it is something like the chronic diarrhea. He has not went to the hospital yet. I hope he will be better before long.
You said in your letter that you had not heard from us since Charles came home. I have wrote one letter since he went home but I suppose that you never got it for there is hundreds of letters that never reach their destination. I am glad to hear that Ross’s cough is better. I think he had better stay where he is for I don’t think he ever will be fit for service as it takes a well man to stand soldering. Tell Gerry’s mother that he is well and that he stands soldering with the best of the Boys.
Well, Mother, we are still here at Franklin, Tennessee. How long we will stay here, I can’t tell. We have moved our camp five times since we came here, and have to move again tomorrow. We have not moved one mile in all. One more move and we will be where we started from.
I want you to write and tell me whether you got the money I sent home or not, and if you have not got it, go and get it for it is there for you as I never heard whether you got it or not. The folks is making garden here now. The peach trees is in bloom. The sun shines so hot, it makes me lazy. So I will bring my letter to a close for this time, write oftener and I will answer them.
The following rare receipt for the making of a garrison flag to fly over Fort Jay was commissioned by Captain Richard Whiley (1767-1847)—a native of London, England, who came to the United States in the 1780s. He served under General Anthony Wayne in the Northwest Indian War (1785-1795) and received a commission as a lieutenant of artillery in 1796. By 1803, he was a captain of artillery, and commanded Fort Jay on Governors Island in New York Harbor from 1804 to 1806. In the spring of 1806, with tensions rising between the U. S. and England, the U. S. Congress appropriated funds to partially demolish the fort which was described as “in a state of absolute ruin,”—its sodded ramparts eroded by wind and rain. Beginning in July 1806 and for the next two years, it was enlarged, rebuilt, and recommissioned as Fort Columbus. Capt. Whiley then commanded the fort until 1809 and then retired from the military in June 1811. Afterwards, he lived for several years on the Hudson River near Poughkeepsie. He served as president of the North River Insurance Company for many years.
Capt. Richard Whiley (1767-1847)
The receipt itself conveys important information. It reveals the flag’s prescribed dimensions, the quantity and cost of the materials used to make it, and the name of the flag’s maker. The order for the flag was placed in February 1807 during the aforementioned construction period when the fort transitioned from “Fort Jay” to “Fort Columbus.” The total cost of the flag was $103.30.
The official U. S. flag at this time contained 15 alternating red and white stripes, and 15 stars on a field of blue. It was the same pattern flag that flew over Fort McHenry during the War of 1812 which inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star Spangled Banner.” That flag was commissioned by Major George Armistead in 1813 and its dimensions were 42 x 30 feet. Each star was about two feet in diameter and each stripe about 24 inches wide. The field of blue was 20 x 16 feet.
By comparison, the “Jay Fort” flag commissioned by Capt. Whiley in 1807 was 44 x 25 feet—slighter longer and considerably narrower. The field of blue only 14 x 12 feet, correspondingly smaller. What is most unusual, however, is the specification calling for 17 stripes instead of the 15 stars and 15 stripes prescribed by the second Flag Act on 1794.
To aid in the visualization of the difference in dimensions between the Fort McHenry flag (“Star Spangled Banner”) of 1813 and the Fort Jay flag of 1807, I’ve depicted the dimensions on a grid.Each grid square represents 1 square foot.
The receipt also reveals to us that the order for making the Fort Jay flag was placed in 1807 with Simon Schermerhorn whom I believe to be the same Simon Schermerhorn (1748-1818) described as a New York City merchant and ship’s chandler in city and census records. His parents, I believe, were John Shermerhorn and Sara Canon.
A view of New York City from the rebuilt ramparts of Fort Columbus (formerly Fort Jay) on Governors Island (1815)
Steamer Northwest, likely at the pier in Cleveland, OH. The decks are crammed with excursionists. (Rick Brown Collection)
My friend Rick Brown acquired a carte-de-visite (CDV) recently which was labeled as the steamer Northwest of Cincinnati, Ohio. This didn’t look right to me. Yes, there were steamers on the western rivers by that name but this vessel looked too massive, with a hull that rose up high out of the water more typical of “coasters”–those vessels used along the eastern seaboard, or more likely, on the Great Lakes. A quick search of newspaper clippings from the 1860s when CDV’s were in vogue revealed that there was a large steamer by that name that plied the Great Lakes, often out of Cleveland. My friend Dale Niesen soon found the steamer listed among the “Historical Collections of the Great Lakes.” She was built in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, in 1867 by George S. Rand. She had a wood hull and weighed 1100 tons.
Knowing the name of the steamer and that she worked the Great Lake routes was a good start, but it didn’t explain why the photograph would have been taken of her with so many passengers crammed on her decks and even standing on top of the wheelhouse. Noticeably present, in addition to finely attired men, are a fair number of ladies and some children. To me it had the appearance of an excursion—a day trip, if you will. There are clearly too many passengers onboard to be comfortably accommodated for anything longer than an excursion of a couple hours. Daytime and even moonlight excursions on the lake were extremely popular at the time.
Intuitively I began to search old newspaper articles mentioning the words, “steamer Northwest” and “excursion” and Cleveland in the 1867 to 1870 timeframe. I found several excursions that took place during this period aboard the steamer Northwest—too numerous to list them all. One of the first in which the steamer was chartered was the 4th of July Celebration in 1867—its first year on Lake Erie. An extract from the article appearing in the Cleveland Plain Dealer on 5 July 1867 describing that event states, “The steamer Northwest made an excursion at noon yesterday, from Erie to Port Dover, Canada. The Cleveland Cornet Band accompanied the party, which numbered fully 1,500 persons. The boat got back at 9 o’clock in the evening.” Just a few days later, on 11 July 1867, the Cleveland Daily Leader printed an announcement for an “Excursion to Lake Superior” to be made by “the elegant steamer Northwest” and informing readers that “several parties from Eastern cities have engaged passage” for the trip that planned to leave Cleveland and visit the “North Shore, Isle Royal, Fort William, and every point of interest on the South Shore. The steamer is entirely new, very commodious, and one of the best furnished boats in every particular over the lakes.”
There was an excursion party from Marion, Ohio, that chartered the steamer Northwest “for a few hours’ sail on the lake” in September 1868. The occasion was not stated and the party was “five hundred strong.” That same month, the “splendid steamer Northwest” carried excursionists to Put-in-Bay Island and return for the day. No occasion was stated.
In 1869, there were more excursions in the fall. In early August, the steamer Northwest was chartered to transport excursionists on a picnic to Black River and return—a benefit for the 2nd Baptist Church. The crowd was described as “happy and joyous…young and old, male and female, to the number of 700 persons.” The boat left the pier at 9:30 a. m. and returned in the evening.
Aside from a few smaller and shorter excursions, there was another made in September 1869 to Put-in-Bay to celebrate the anniversary of Perry’s Victory there during the War of 1812. It was hosted by the 7th Regiment and accompanied by a brass band.
In the early 1870s there were several more excursions of a similar nature.
My hunch is that the photograph was likely taken to commemorate one of these shorter excursion events in the late 1860’s at Cleveland during which time Cleveland was the home port of the steamer Northwest. I don’t see anyone in shirt sleeves—even the dock workers—and the clothing of the passengers suggest a fall wardrobe to me so I suspect this was either the excursion to Black River or to Put-in-Bay, or possibly even a GAR encampment meeting.
The following letter was written by David Higgins Van Valkenburg (1823-1862), the son of Jacob Van Valkenburgh (1795-1879) and Mary Bethia Higgins (1793-1871). David was born in Plattsburg, Steuben county, New York, and was married in December 1852 to Elizabeth Humphrey in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, where he was enumerated in the 1860 US Census as a “Dry Goods Merchant.” His son, William (“Willey”) Gilbert Van Valkenburg (1854-1934) was born in September 1854.
According to his biographical sketch, David was a sheriff in Manitowoc county at one time. When the Civil War began, David joined the 1st New York Light Artillery, mustering in as Major of Battery A on 26 October 1861. During the Battle of Fair Oaks (or “Seven Pines”) on 31 May 1862, after both of his superior officers had been killed, David took command of the battery and was shot and killed instantly. That David’s battery was in the thick of the fight is demonstrated by the number of casualties and the loss of 100 horses. The battery with all its camp and garrison equipage was captured by the enemy. The company was so reduced in strength that it was not even reconstituted; the survivors were reassigned to Battery H.
Major David Higgins Van Valkenburg is standing at far left with legs crossed. (Ancestry.com)
Transcription
Camp near Yorktown, [Virginia] April 30th 1862
My dear son Willey,
How do you do? Ma says you are a very good boy and help Grandpa to make garden. You must tell him that you are but a small boy and not very strong and he must not work you too hard. You used to like to make garden when you were at home. Do you like it as well as you used to? Was you glad to see Uncle Bill and did he tell you all about Walter and Ida and your other Manitowoc friends?
You must be a good boy so that Ma can always write me a good account when she writes. Do you go to school now? You must try to learn so that when Pa comes home you will know most as much as he does. Kiss Grandpa, Grandma, and Ma lots of times for me and there are a whole pile in here for you. Goodbye. Your own PaPa., — D. H. VanValkenburg
The following letter was written by John Fite Goodner (1822-1870), the son of James G. Goodner (1792-1883) and Margaret Martha Fite (1798-1862) of DeKalb county, Tennessee.
As a field officer in the 7th Tennessee Infantry, C.S.A., this Mexican war veteran attained the ranks of Captain, Co. A, on 20 May 1861; as Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment on 27 May 1861, and on 23 May 1862, he became Colonel and commander of the famed 7th Tennessee Infantry after Robert Hatton was elevated to the rank of Brigadier General. “Ill heath” forced his resignation from the service on 8 April 1863.
John was married to Nancy C. Floyd (1830-1850) but she died in childbirth in December 1850 and he never remarried.
Transcription
Camp of 7th Regiment Tennessee General J. J. Archer’s Brigade December 8, 1862
To the Hon. Secretary of War,
The following named persons are most respectfully suggested to you for promotion on Co. G, 7th Regiment Tennessee Volunteers:
William F. Graves, now 1st Lieutenant in said company to Captain of it instead of Capt. James H. Bond [who] resigned 7th October 1862.
Newbern A. Jennings, now 2nd Lieutenant to 1st [Lieutenant] in place of William F. Graves, promoted.
John C. Ingram, now Junior 2nd Lieutenant, to Senior 2nd Lieutenant in place of Newbern A. Jennings, promoted.
William H. Robbins, now 2nd Sergeant to Junior 2nd Lieutenant in place of John C. Ingram, promoted.
The said William H. Robbins has made a good soldier and was wounded at Seven Pines while gallantly charging the enemy, has recovered from his wounds, and continued in the line of duty, bearing imself like a true soldier and patriot through the recent battles from Cedar Run to Shephardstown.
All of which is most respectfully submitted for your consideration, — Jno. F. Goodner, Col. Commanding 7th Regiment Tennessee
Samuel H. Putnam (“Wearing the Blue” by Capt. Denny)
The following letters were written by Samuel Henry Putnam (1833-1911) to his brother Otis Earle Putnam (1831-1911). They were the only surviving sons of Salmon Putnam (1800-1892) and Tryphena Bigelow (1800-1865) of Worchester, Massachusetts.
Samuel was working as a clerk in Worcester when he enlisted as a corporal in Co. A, 25th Massachusetts Infantry on 19 September 1861 and was promoted to sergeant three months later. He survived the war though he was wounded at the Battle of Cold Harbor on 3 June 1864. He mustered out of the regiment as Sergeant Major of his company on 20 October 1864 after three years service.
Like most young men, Samuel was anxious to see some action. Before embarking on Burnside’s Expedition, he had written his cousin, in December 1861, “I find the love for camp life rather grows on me; It may be the being outdoors is the thing, but anyhow my health is first rate and there is a kind of feeling—a sort of independence too—that one does not experience in common every day life. I hope it will be more exciting as we move onward.” [I’m Off to See the Elephant, by Dennis Buttacavoli, 9/3/2018 History Net]
In 1862, the regiment suffered losses of 50 killed or wounded in the Battle of Roanoke Island, and they were also active in the taking of New Bern and Goldsboro that year. By March, 1863, the 25th was part of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 18th Corps, Dept. of North Carolina.
Putnam’s long, detailed first letter reads much like a book and he no doubt used it to recall the event when he wrote, “The Story of Company A, Twenty-fifth Regiment Mass. Volunteers in the war of the rebellion,” published in 1886. A e-version of the book may be found on Internet Archive. Two other valuable sources on the history of the regiment may be found on-line in a book entitled, “My Diary of the Rambles with the 25th Mass. Volunteer Infantry“ by D. L. Day, and “Wearing the Blue,” by J. Waldo Denny, published in 1879. Neither of the events described in Putnam’s letter of March 12-16, 1863, are described in these latter publications, however.
Incredibly, there is a companion letter to the one by Putnam that was written by William Jahaney Lowry (1841-1863) of Co. B, 45th North Carolina Infantry, that describes the exact same event described in Putnam’s letter—only from the perspective of the Rebel encampment that was the object of their nighttime attack. Lowry’s letter can be found as Letter 3 on 1863: William Jahaney Lowry to Ann (Walker) Lowry on Spared & Shared 17.
The last part of Putnam’s 1st letter, written on March 16th, describes the Battle of Deep Gully in which Gen. D. H. Hill devised a three-pronged plan to wrestle New Bern away from the Union forces garrisoned there. See Battle of Deep Gully and Fort Anderson.
Putnam’s second letter was also datelined from Newbern, but in September 1864, after having relocated from the trench warfare of the Petersburg/Bermuda Hundred front in Virginia. The regiment arrived at Newbern in early September where they took up garrison and outpost duty in and around the city.
To read other letters by member of the 25th Massachusetts that I have transcribed and published on Spared & Shared, see: Charles Newton, Co. B, 25th Massachusetts (1 Letter) Henry Arthur White, Co. H, 25th Massachusetts (1 Letter)
Letter 1
[Note: This letter is from the personal collection of Richard Weiner and was transcribed and published on Spared & Shared by express consent.]
Camp Pickett 1 New Bern, North Carolina March 12, 1863
Dear Bro. Otis,
Here we are in Camp Pickett and on picket too, and since leaving New Bern have had quite an exciting time. We left New Bern Wednesday, March 4th, and reached this camp before noon, it being only some 7 or 8 miles from town. I was on guard next day, having in my charge the reserve picket guard—a squad of eight men, behind 5 posts with 3 men on each. This was about 1.5 miles from camp. The advance guard was perhaps half mile beyond this at what is called the “Deep Gully” [on the Trent Road].
The next day instead of being relieved, we were ordered to fall in as our regiment came along bound off on an expedition. That day we marched some dozen miles more or less, and camped in a pleasant little spot shut inn completely by pine woods. Before turning in, companies A, K and G were ordered to be ready at midnight to be off on a scout, to try and “gobble up” a couple of Rebel companies of infantry. I thought that was rather tough—a day and night’s picket duty, a day’s march, and now a march of 12 or 15 miles on top of that without sleep. Would say here that Capt. [Joseph Waldo] Denny was commanding.
At midnight we started with two companies of the 3rd New York Cavalry in advance. A camp, away from the main body or a picket camp, has outposts or pickets at considerable distances from the camp. If the first post is disturbed by an enemy, they fire at them and retreat to the next post. They in turn do the same, and ditto till the camp is reached, which is supposed to be alarmed by the firing, and the men turned out, ready to meet the enemy. So you see, it is a bod thing to attack an enemy camp thus situated.
Well, we had just that to do—take the outposts and surprise the camp. It was a bold and daring enterprise and you will see how successful. The plan was to take the outposts without alarm if possible as our folks knew about where they were stationed. If an alarm was made—that is, if the pickets fired upon us, the cavalry were to sail in and grab them if they could. Their pickets were mounted—called videttes.
Well, on we went mile after mile through swamps, woods, fields, mud &c. and were within say a couple of miles or less of the Reb camp when pop goes a rifle at our advance of cavalry and a sudden charge of the cavalry follows. We infantry follow at double quick. Perhaps you can imagine the excitement.
Our cavalry boys caught the devils on this first post and the second ditto. At the second, our advance heard a couple of horses coming down the road and guessing what the trouble was, a couple of them dismounted, sent their horses to the rear—or rather back some distance, and cooly waited for the horsemen to come on. They took possession of the post occupied by the Rebel pickets remember. The horsemen came on, our boys challenge them—“Halt!” This they do at once, for you know no one dares pass a picket post after being challenged or he is a shot man. “Who goes there.” Reply—“Friends with the countersign.” Our boys continue the challenge, “Dismount friends. Advance and give the countersign.” (This is always the custom—to dismount a mounted man when he approaches to give the countersign.) They came up and gave the countersign (two low whistles). “You are our prisoners,” say our boys, and grappled them. The struggle was short and no firing this time. As was expected, these men were sent out to see what was the trouble with their pickets—they found out!
Lt. Merrit B. Bessey, in command of Co. A on expedition described in letter (Photo Sleuth)
The game now grew intensely exciting. A little further on we passed another post and our cavalry received the fire from probably half a dozen or more men then. This was no doubt a sort of reserve. Here two of the cavalry were wounded—one in the thigh bad, another in the arm. On our left was a field—sort of open field. On our right woods for a short distance, then open field. Ahead half mile perhaps, woods on either side. All of us were in the road now. Our left section (half platoon—Co. A) was ordered to be deployed as skirmishers. Lieut. [Merrit B.] Bessey was in command of our company of course, and our Orderly [George Burr] 2nd in command (Capt. [Frank] Goodwin gone home). I think the 2nd in command should have taken command of this section as skirmishers. I think it was his place—never mind (This is not for the [Worchester Daily] Spy) I am told by our boys on the right of our company (I am left guide) that Bessey told him (the Orderly) to take the section out but be that as it may, they both came to me and Bessey told me to take them out. All right.
I gave them the word forward and over the fence they went into the field and deployed in good style. On we went cautiously towards the woods ahead of us. The Germans (Co. G) had been deployed before this but had come to a halt for some reason or other. My boys passed them and came to a deep ditch running clear across the field with a fence on the other side. Twas say eight feet wife and 5 or 6 deep with water in the bottom—a sort of brook. We cannot cross this ditch, sergeant, says one or two of them [to me]. “You can,” says I. “Away with you—cross the brook and deploy on the other side,” and they did cross it—devilish quick too. One or two leaped into the ditch and scrambled up the other side, took rails from the fence, and in a very few minutes that had a bridge across. [The following comment was inserted later here: “before reaching this ditch a volley was fired on our right but from where I did not know. Some said from our own boys, the Germans, but it did us no harm, the balls going over us.”] “Forward!” again and silently my little line of skirmishers (only 12 men) advanced ahead of all others, crossed another fence, and approached some outbuildings—a barn evidently with sheds, &c.. and another fence across the road from this barn was the house of the owner.
“Boys, we shall catch it here.” Steady now and slowly the boys advanced, rifles cocked, ready at the first flash of a gun to blaze away. Bit no shots came. We passed the fence and buildings scaring up a flock of geese that gobbled and squawked and hissed at us, lending a little of the ludicrous to the occasion. The boys as they passed this last fence, looked back and one or two spoke out—saw there is no reserve for us. In skirmishing, a reserve force follows the line of skirmishers in all their movements. Twas true, we had none. I do not know why the rest of our company was in the road and slowly following it up, but if we were fired into, they could not have helped us in time.
“Never mind boys. We will hold our own if we can.” I though the boys would flinch at this but they did not and more cautious than ever we advanced towards the woods. Why don’t they fire at us—it’s good rifle distance? Still closer to the woods and no shots. It was a moment of intense excitement—a single shot might tell the tale for anyone of us. Don’t show me your faces, but forward steady and fire at the first flash, then drop, every Mother’s son of you. I tell you, Otis, the boys behaved nobly. The night was somewhat cloudy and very quiet.
We had now reached the woods very nearly and no shots fired. What was the trouble? Did they wish to make a rush on us and take us all? Did they wish to wait and fire a single volley and drop us all? We soon reached the woods. A low whisper on the right, another on the left at the same moment—Sergeant, sergeant, there is a fire in the woods. “Tents. Tents,” says another. We had discovered the Rebel Camp.
I concealed my men. Sent one back to report to Capt. Denny. What should I do? Attack the camp with a dozen men? I waited a few moments and made up my mind, ordered the skirmishers to advance and close in on the camp as much as possible and at the same time went in with them—pretty exciting, Otis, I tell you. But to sum it all up, we found the camp deserted—evidently but a few moments before and in great haste. I gave the order to the boys to sail in and help themselves. After they had skirmished around the camp and found no one. I knew our other boys must be somewhere near in the road and felt comparatively safe.
We found knapsacks, rifles, blankets, clothing, &c. any quantity, and eatables too. They evidently had just received boxes from home for we found several boxes that had not been opened. “Bayonet’s Boys! and open went the boxes on short notice. There were pies, cakes, apples, eggs, &c. and didn’t we have a gay supper, or rather breakfast that day. We were in the midst of all this when we were startled by a volley of musketry. This told us that our boys had met the Rebs. Now for the fight, but the Rebs fired the one volley and skedaddled and our cavalry were held back for some reason or other. It would have been a laughable sight for you could you have seen us in this Reb Camp.
Corp. Walter [S.] Bugbee was with us and Cousin George Bigelow. George is bold as a little lion. We heard chickens cackle [and] Bugbee sings out, “Damn ’em. Wring their necks, boys. We can cut ’em.” and soon he made his appearance with a poor chicken with its neck wrung.
After we had been through the tents enough, I went to the road and found [Capt.] Denny who ordered the camp and everything there burned. This was done and we returned to our camp where we had left the rest of the regiment, reaching it in broad daylight, having travelled since midnight some 14 or 15 miles. It made considerable talk—our finding the camp and I was much complimented for the way in which I put my skirmishers through by our officers, Denny and others. (This is not to be published—it is a private letter.)
We staid in our camp a day more and returned towards New Bern, camping for about two days at a beautiful pine grove about 3 miles from this camp. Here we did picket duty by company—that is, one company at a time. When our company was on, it so happened I was at the outpost, and wishing to know somewhat of the country, took one man with me and went into the woods and into the country four or miles miles, visiting several houses, finding only old men and woman—the conscription having taken all others. It was a bold act and occasioned much talk and surprise at the camp. Indeed, they thought we were gobbled up by the Rebs and the Colonel came near sending out a company after us. I was gone three hours and should not have been gone at all for I have no right to leave my post to be gone so long. What made another big talk through the regiment, Capt. Denny (Officer of the Day that day) tried to talk some but he could not help laughing about it and said, “Well, you are a bold, careless devil anyhow.” As he was going to the Colonel’s tent (headquarters), I sent by him my respects to the Colonel and desired him to report for me, “No Rebs within 5 miles of our camp on the Kinston Road.” That capped the whole affair. I expect to be reprimanded and perhaps broke but I don’t care a damn anyhow.
And here we were on picket at Camp Pickett four companies A, C, G, K and last night we had news that our whole Brigade was ordered to Plymouth which very likely is true, so we go. I don’t think I shall forget very soon at all event the “midnight skirmish on the Kinston Road.”
“In the rebel knapsacks we found letters they had just received from home giving pitiful accounts of things in Secessia, and true accounts too. One woman writes to her sons named Apple in the 45th North Carolina, Co. C, and says she is horrified at what she hears they have been doing to the Yankee dead—digging them up—standing them on their feet—pulling their eyes and mouths open and cursing them. She says, how should I feel if the Yankees should treat my dead boys so.”
In the rebel knapsacks we found letters they had just received from home giving pitiful accounts of things in Secessia, and true accounts too. One woman writes to her sons named Apple in the 45th North Carolina, Co. C, and says she is horrified at what she hears they have been doing to the Yankee dead—digging them up—standing them on their feet—pulling their eyes and mouths open and cursing them. She says, how should I feel if the Yankees should treat my dead boys so. 2 This is the nineteenth century and in a civilized land in which these things do occur. What think you of that?
I have not received the snuff box or Dave his boots but I learn that an Express is just in at Beaufort so it is probably there.
I suppose you would know about trophies. I’ve got nothing but an Enfield Rifle from the Rebel Camp. Shall send it to you if I can. It is precisely like my own that I use only it is dirty. But it is just as I found it. If it should reach you, you can do as you like with it. These rifles are very good to shoot and long distances too. Many boys brought away knapsacks. One found some $60 rebel money. But there was nothing of any great value.
Suppose you have seen Capt. Goodwin before this. How about the war? Goes rather slow, don’t it? You will probably see Capt. Denny’s report of this attack on the rebel camp. It was indeed a very daring thing, but was hardly successful as we took only five prisoners but then we lost none.
Camp Oliver, 25th Mass. Infantry, New Berne, N. C.(The Huntington Library)
Camp Oliver March 16, 1863
The boxes have come OK. Davis and George’s boots are tip top. Wish I’d waited now and had some of the same sort. Aunt’s box I received all right. The locket is a fine affair. Am very glad I’ve got it. Felt kinder lonesome though when I first got it.
Well, her’s more news—more excitement. Last Friday 13th, our pickets were fired upon at the deep gully, our outpost, and the four companies were ordered up there—A, C, K, G. the Rebs were advancing in force so the story was, and we made ready to meet them. At this deep gully, there is a small bridge over a narrow stream on the New Bern side of which were our pickets. A sham breastwork had been thrown up by our lads and a Quaker gun mounted on a big pair of wheels. This gun was kept covered with rubber blankets whenever a Flag-of-Truce came in or when anyone went out of our lines, it made a big show.
On the left side of this road going from New Bern was the breastwork and gun. Back of this breastwork was a little rise in the ground and then a very slight hollow, and an old shanty had been put up for guard quarters. Into this hollow our three companies were formed—A, C, and G, while K was posted behind the breastwork to support the Quaker (ha, ha). Now come on the Rebs. Couriers have been sent to town for artillery and infantry meantime. Soon we had orders to lay down low for artillery would be playing on us in a few minutes, and so it was we soon had grape and canister flying over us, solid shot and shell occasionally. We hugged the ground pretty close, you can bet. We took this perhaps 20 minutes and were then ordered to retire which we did gradually, falling back. Soon the Rebs crossed the gully. The bridge had been cut away and charged gallantly on our breastworks and Quaker which they took (ha ha). When they charged, they shouted like fury but I rather think they found a mares nest that time.
Meantime as we fell back, our pioneers felled trees across the road thick so that no artillery could follow us. Soon our artillery got along and the balance of the 25th Regiment. That night we camped on the ground and it was a very cold night too. Dave and I found some straw and two or three boards which we made into a bed and got along quite comfortably considering.
In the morning we back towards New Bern. I should have said that 1 cavalryman was killed and two or three wounded by the Rebs at the Gully. As we passed our camp, we took our knapsacks on our backs and started for town, leaving one company at our camp to pick up stuff and take off the tents, &c. Heavy firing was heard towards New Bern and our lines were attacked at the same time in four or five places and the Rebs came down opposite the town on the Neuse River and threw shell and shot, &c. and tried to scare folks, but the gunboats did the job for them. At present, all is quiet. Maybe this is the last of it as they are reported retreating. There was quite an excitement for awhile in town but no one fled the town.
Well, Sergt. [George] Burr is promoted and I shall have to be Orderly. I suppose I cannot get rid of it very easy.
Tell the girls I think everything of that locket. It will go with me everywhere.
I shall have very little time now to write as the orderly is the company’s servant, but I’ll do as well as I can. How I despise this military business. Wish to God I was out of it. The war goes on well, don’t [it]. I did think once I should be home before the three years was out but I don’t see it that way now.
Had a pile of letters last mail. Will answer as fast as I can. You are not liable to draft. The family depend on one son for support. One son is gone. You are left. I think you are exempt. At all events, I’d procure a substitute or pay anything rather than join the army. It is your place where you are.
Love to all. Am greatly obliged to everybody for the box and contents. Everything was in [good] shape. — S. H. Putnam
1 Camp Pickett was named for Josiah Pickett who began his service with the 25th Massachusetts as the Captain of Co. A and was eventually promoted as its Colonel.
2 The mother of the soldiers named Apple who served in the 45th North Carolina Infantry was probably Rachel (Flack) Apple of Guilford county, North Carolina. She had two sons who served in the regiment in Co. B who were both with the regiment in March 1863 when this letter was penned. There were only three soldiers with the surname “Apple” in the 45th North Carolina—the two named brothers, and a 35 year-old in a different company named Richard. The salutation “Dear Sons” convinces me the soldiers were James M. (“Jim”) Apple (1844-1940) and Andrew Flack Apple (1846-1913). The boys came from a poor subsistence farm in Guilford county. Their father had died before they were ten years old, leaving them to care for their mother and two sisters. Andrew, the youngest, was definitely illiterate; his older brother may have been so too (soldiers sometimes relied on comrades to write and read letters for them). Both soldiers would end up being taken prisoner, Andrew twice (on 3 July 1863 at Gettysburg and again on 10 10 May 1864 at Spotsylvania Courthouse), and James once (on 25 March 1865 during the Siege of Petersburg). Following their final capture, both men were held in Union prisons (Andrew at Point Lookout, MD and Elmira, NY, and James only at Point Lookout) until, after war’s end, when they signed the Union Oath of Allegiance.[Note: Extracts of the original letter, datelined 2 February 1863, by Mother Adams was published in Putnam’s book on page 164 if you’d like to read it.]
The 45th NC was organized on Apr. 1, 1862 and was mustered out on Apr. 9, 1865. At the time of Putnam’s letter, the 45th NC was in Daniel’s Brigade, D. H. Hill’s Corps, Dept. of NC and South VA. The 45th NC was also a hard-fought unit, suffering enormous losses at the Battle of Gettysburg, with 247 killed or wounded and 161 captured (totaling 40% loss). Severe losses were also sustained at the Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse. Ironically, the 45th NC fought (with little loss) in the Battle of Cold Harbor, where the 25th MA was decimated and Putnam wounded (although it does not appear that they faced each other).
Letter 2
[Editor’s Note: The initial draft of this transcription was prepared by Abbey Weber Jones, who further assisted in confirming the identity of the author as an individual I had previously transcribed and featured on Spared & Shared.]
Newbern, North Carolina Sept 12 1864
Dear Bro Oti,
Once more in the town [of Newbern]. We arrived night before last all right and are camped on the bank of the Trent River opposite the town. Most of our companies are out on picket. You have no idea how pleasant the boys are—no firing and no being shot at. Hope we shall stay till our time is out.
Tis much warmer here than in Virginia and things are cheaper, but the water is poor stuff. The nights are quite cool, but days are hot. I’ve sent in a box going to Mrs. Col. Moulton, a bundle directed to Mrs. Lou Lindsay containing things that were in his knapsack. Mrs. Lindsay wrote me about them and I promised to send them home when I could. She knows you, so I thought you could get the bundle to her though I don’t recollect where she lives. Prospect of our having a gay time now for a long time—still, we don’t know of course. I have sent everything in the bundle of any value.
Give my love to all.
Suppose I could get a good chance here after my time is out (as citizen)— say $75 per month and rations. I’d rather be at home, but Oti, I’m afraid I cannot get hold of anything that will anywhere near pay. Truly yours, –Bro. Sam
The following letters were written by Benjamin (“Ben”) Franklin Blatchford (1835-1906), the son of William Blatchford (1788-1864) and Mary Gott (1806-1873). Ben was married to Emily F. Snow (1833-1917) in Boston in August 1855 and was laboring as a carpenter in Rockport, Essex county, Massachusetts, at the time of the 1860 US Census. Emily was the daughter of David Snow (1793-1869) and Sarah Weston (1801-1850) of Easton, Massachusetts.
Service records indicate that Ben first enlisted as a 1st Sergeant in Co. B, 50th Massachusetts Infantry. He then became a 2nd Lieutenant in Co. K, 2nd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery. He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant in June 1865 and mustered out at Wilmington, North Carolina in September 1865.
The last few letters tell of the fall of Wilmington, North Carolina, to Gen. Terry’s command in February 1865. Growing tired of garrison duty at Fort Norfolk and Fort Woodruff, Ben requested a reassignment to the front near Richmond in the summer of 1864 and he was attached to Co. E, 3rd U. S. Artillery which was in Brig. Gen. Charles J. Paine’s 3rd Division, composed almost completely of U. S. Colored Troops under Colonels, Bates, Ames, and Wright, in Terry’s Provisional Corps. He also describes a skirmish of several hours which took place late on the same day north of Wilmington at the Northwest Ferry site.
Letter 1
Fort Norfolk, Virginia January 24th, 1863 [should be 1864]
Brother [in-law] Henry [M. Lowe],
I suppose you are somewhat disappointed by not seeing me at Newbern before this but we have been ordered to this place (Fort Norfolk) and in all probability we will stop here some time and I don’t know when I shall see you again except you come where I am for it is impossible for me to get off long enough to come and see you. And being so near together as we are, it seems hard for me at any rate as I have not seen you since December 12, 1861. And if you can manage to get here, you will find me right glad to see you. And if [you] go home without seeing me this time, it will be hard to tell when we will have a chance to see each other again. And the only reason I wanted to go to Newbern was because I thought if I went there I might see you. And the only way I know for you to get off long enough to come and see me is to get Addison [Pool] to hatch up some business that you could do at Fortress Monroe and then you can get here in less than one hour. But that, I know, is hard to do and almost impossible. But I don’t care how you manage so long as you get here without injury to the service. But be sure and come here before you go home if you can anyway as I want to see you very much.
I saw your father a few days before I left. He was the last one of my folks (as I call him) that I saw. He was at the State House in Boston where he has a first rate job. He was well and looks as hearty as ever. I shall write to him this week.
When I left home, father was very slim and I have been very much worried ever since I have been here for fear I shall hear bad news. I almost dread to have a letter from home on that account as I set so much by him that I should worry myself sick. He ain’t been out of my mind scarcely an hour since I left home.
Your boy Frank is a smart, healthy, and good-looking boy, and beside this, he is (to me at any rate) one of the most interesting children I ever saw. I also felt very bad to come away and leave him as well as all the rest of the folks. He can talk and will play as long as he can find anyone to play with him. I would walk miles to see him tonight, and when you go home if you will call this way, I will try to send something home to him. Louisa is also in good health—or decent health for her, as she is never very healthy.
Just before I left home I called to your house and saw your Mother and Susan, They were about the same as usual and seemed to think I would see you before long but they as well as myself have been very much disappointed. I have wrote you a number of letters but as I receive no answer, I suppose you have not got them. But as soon as you receive this, I wish you would write to me and let me know what the prospect is of seeing each other before you go home. And write all the news you have received from home and write often. I will do the same by you. Direct your letters to me at Fort Norfolk, Company K, 2nd Regiment Heavy Artillery Massachusetts Volunteers.
— Ben F. Blatchford
Letter 2
Fort Norfolk, Virginia January 25, 1863 [should be 1864]
Dear Mother & Father,
I wrote a letter to you about a week ago and for fear you did not get it, I take this opportunity to write another and I want an answer as soon as you receive this for I am very anxious to hear how father is getting on and when you write, I want you to let me know how Ellen is. I have not had nor hear a word from home since I have been here.
We are still at Fort Norfolk and the prospect is that we will stop here some time. This fort is very pleasantly situated on the Elizabeth River and by water, not much more than a rifle shot from the City of Norfolk, but by land I shoiuld think it is about 2 miles. I can go to the City every four days. All we have to do is guard prisoners and attend to the Company Drills. The last named takes up 4 hours per day—two hours in the forenoon and two in the afternoon. The rest of the time I have to myself except every fourth day when I have to go on as Officer of the Guard and see that the prisoners are well guarded. Yesterday they brought in a very smart-looking man. He is or was a surgeon in the rebel army. He was captured over the river.
I think we have about two hundred prisoners in the fort, most of them are rebels. The Union prisoners that are in there are all soldiers and they have [sentences] all the way from three months to twenty years to serve. They are a hard set of men but we get along with them first rate. We have had no trouble with the rebel prisoners at all and all [the trouble] we ever had is with the Union prisoners. But it did not last long as we are well-armed and ready to shoot a few for an example—and [when] they found we would do it, they have backed down and don’t cause any trouble now.
I like it here first rate and I consider myself lucky to get in a place like this as there are only two companies here and don’t have very hard work. The weather here is fine. I have not seen any ice yet and today it is just like summer. It is so warm that a great many of the men are in their shirt sleeves and the birds sing mornings and it seems like May at home.
I had rather stop here than go to Newbern but I want to see Henry [M. Lowe] very much and when you write to him, I wish you would tell him where I can be found if he happens this way. I will write to him too and I think he will get one of the letters at least. I received a very nice present the other night from the members of the guard. It is a fine gold pen and holder. The holder is silver and is it a pen and pencil combined and the whole thing they calculate is worth about six dollars. I feel very much pleased with the present as it came from members of another company.
I also received a number of other presents at Readville before we started but I will not tell you what they were as I am in a hurry now and I have no room to spare. Write or send this to Em and tell her I am well—better than I have been for a year. I have not had an hour’s sickness since I left home and I think I have not felt better for a year than I do now. Give my love to all and tell them I am well.
P. S. Brother Robert: Enclosed you will find one dollar for Andrew P. Wetherbee. It is from Charles C. Sewall and the other man will pay him as soon as he hets some money. My love to all the folks, — Ben
Letter 3
Fort Norfolk, Virginia February 20, 1864
Dear Mother & Sister,
I received a letter from you a few days since [and] also a nice cake which I was glad to receive. I have about one half of it left and at this rate it won’t last long. It is first rate and makes me think of home. I also received a letter from Louisa and some candy from Frank, both of which I was very glad to receive. I thank each of you for your letters so full of interest in my behalf and also for your good advice and I will try and profit by it. And while I am away, I will try to do as near right as I possibly can. And wherever I go and whatever I do, I will try to sustain a good name.
I am still at Fort Norfolk and likely to stop here for some time to come and I want each of you to write as often as you can make it convenient. I have wrote to William twice, but as yet I have received no answer. I guess he has forgot where I stop. When you see him, I wish you would tell him that I have wrote to him twice and have not heard from him since. And tell him that if he ain’t more prompt in answering my letters, I shall call on Ellen.
When you write, I want you to tell me how Ellen is getting on . Also how Mary Ann is. She was sick the last time I saw her. My health is good. I think it is much better than when I left home. I like [it] full as well as I expected I should when I started. I have not received any word from Henry [Lowe] yet. I wrote to him when I first arrived here and have been expecting an answer every day for three weeks but I have about give it up now. When you write, please tell me how he is getting on.
Remember me to each of my brothers and sisters and tell them I am well and ask them to write. They all hear from me once or twice every week but I have to wait sometimes two weeks to hear from them.
The Rockport Boys are well with the exception of one or two who are a little of the hooks.
I feel much pleased with Corp. McKenney. He is a fine smart fellow and I like him first rate. Tell his Mother that he is well and wishes to hear from her or his sisters as often as they can make it convenient to write.
I was very glad to hear that you was well. I was afraid you would be sick after so much trouble but we must not complain. It is all for the best although it is hard for us to think so. But we must console each other with the hope that we shall meet him [Ben’s father] by and by in a better world. Tell Uncle Jack that I wrote to Aunt Peggy a few days since. She wrote to Robert about the same time.
I would write oftener than I do but of late we have so much to do that I get but little time to write. Remember me to Dr. and Capt. Haskell and tell them I am well and after work slacks up a little, they will hear from me. Good night. — Ben
Letter 4
North Branch near Wilmington [North Carolina] March 2nd 1865
Dear Brother & Sisters,
This is the first chance that I have had to write for some time and even now it will [be] impossible for me to write much. I suppose that you have heard all the news about the fall of Wilmington so I will not write much about it. I will only say that we went into Wilmington just as the rebs went out. There was only one brigade ahead of us and this was the first battery into Wilmington and we were not long in going through the city. We did not stop as we were close onto the rebs so we followed them up. We got to the bridge that leads out of Wilmington just as the rebs were setting fire to it. We put two of our guns in position and opened on the men who were trying to burn the bridge. Eight or ten threw down their arms and were taken prisoners and the rest left. So you see that we were just in time to save the bridge. 1
We crossed over and tried to overtake the rebs but we did not do it until just as night when we had a smart skirmish but they got start enough of us to get their force over the river and out of our way. We put our guns on the skirmish line and fought about six hours. I lost three horses out of my section and had the reins shot out of my hand but did not get hurt, but prisoners that we have taken say that we made them leave in a hurry.
Our march through Wilmington was on the 22nd of February. A few days since, I had charge of a squad of men mounted on good horses and went 14 miles into the reb country and returned just at dark with nine reb deserters and a few horses. I had quite a view of the country and was the first Yankee officer who had been so far in that direction. The people were for the Union—or at least they said so. They all sing the same song when the Yanks are around.
I have not received a letter or paper from you for six weeks and have never received but three Gloucester papers. I expect that you will hear from us in another quarter or at least at some distance from here. I think that we will join Sherman’s army now and Schofield commands.
My health is tip top and I feel confident that we will finish the rebellion this year. At any rate, we or the whole army feel that this year will wind up the Southern Confederacy and they are going in with a will. The rebs report that Hoke has lost 700 of his men by desertion since we took Wilmington.
Emily F. (Snow) Blatchford, Ben’s wife
Tell Mother and Lavina not to worry if they don’t hear from me quite so often as they have. Tell them that I will write as often as I can send—that is, if I can get the paper to write with. If we strike for the interior of the country, you may not hear from me for weeks but don’t worry. I think that the rebs will give up this year. If they don’t, I am good for another year or as long as they see fit to fight. Remember me to your Father and Mother, Susan, and all the rest and write often. — Ben
Tell Thomas F. Parsons that I wrote him a long letter a short time since. Write a long letter and let me know how you are getting on. Remember me to Dr. and Capt. Haskell but don’t let anyone see this letter, — Ben
Address letters to me thus:
Lieut. Benj. F. Blatchford, Light Co. E, 3rd U. S. Artillery, General Terry’s Command
1 The army of the Union did not rest at this point, but immediately advanced to press the retreating rebels. The Sixth pushed rapidly forward, skirmishing with the rear guard, and on the 22d of February our forces entered Wilmington in triumph, and drove the rebels in confusion through the city. They fled in the greatest haste, scattering their blankets and knapsacks on the way, but were so closely pursued by the Sixth and other regiments that they had no chance to form for battle till near the outskirts of the city, where they determined to make one more stand. Although they were stubborn, they were finally forced to yield and made their escape across North East [Cape Fear] river. [History of the 6th Connecticut Infantry “Old Sixth Regiment”]
“On February 22nd, the Union army entered the town of Wilmington from the west (Eagle Island in Brunswick County at that time) and from the south (up from Fort Fisher and Sugar Loaf). The Confederates were busy removing commissary stores and Union prisoners awaiting exchange, and the forces still in the general area were ordered to cross the Northeast Cape Fear River north of Wilmington and use the Wilmington & Weldon Railroad to avoid capture.” See North Carolina in the American Civil War.
Letter 5
Camp of Light Company E, 3rd U. S. Artillery near Wilmington, North Carolina March 5th 1865
Dear Brother and Sister,
I have been thinking about writing to you for some time but for various reasons I have put it off until now and even now I shall not write as long as I have but a few moments to spare.
I have been in winter quarters this winter but have been on the move most of the time. I was on the first expedition against Fort Fisher with General Butler’s forces but we did not succeed in taking the fort. I was also on the second expedition with General Terry when he succeeded in taking Fort Fisher. I have been engaged in nearly every move that has taken place since.
On the 22nd of February we marched through Wilmington. I was with the first battery that entered the city. The people appeared glad to see us and some of them waved the Stars and Stripes as we marched through the streets. We did not stop in the city as the rebs went out one side as we came in the other. We followed them up and tried to overtake them and give them battle. We came on the rear guard who were trying to burn the bridge and opened upon them with our artillery and drove them from the bridge and saved it. They had set fire to it in several places but we soon put it out and crossed over and followed them up but did not overtake them until nearly dark. We at once commenced a sharp skirmish and kept it up some hours. We went in position on the skirmish line with our battery just at dark and fought until 10 o’clock. We were close to the rebs but it was so dark they could not see us but they fired at the flashes of our guns, but they fired so high that they did not do us much damage. I had three horses shot on my section. The other sections did not lose so many. One shot took the reins out of my hand but did not hurt me. I expect that we shall catch the rebs one of these days but they run so fast now it is no use to try to catch them. They burnt the railroad bridge but we came on them so quick that they did not have time to burn their pontoon [at the old Northeast Ferry site] so it fell into our hands.
I still have the picture of your little girl. I have had it in my pocket a long time and it is not hurt any. I have had it in my pocket in at least a half dozen engagements.
I think that the war will be over by next fall but we shall see hard fighting this summer. We may meet with a few reverses but we will stick to it and I feel confident that we will come out all right. I am just as much determined to see it through as I was when I first started and I am just as confident of success. Remember me to Uncle Nat, Fred, and all enquiring friends. Yours in haste, — Benj. F. Blotchford
Letter 6
Fort Woodruff, Virginia May 29, 1864
Dear Mother,
I received a letter from you last Friday and was glad to learn that you are well but was very sorry to hear that Louisa was sick. I suppose that you are very much pleased to learn that we—or I—have not been ordered to Richmond yet while the battles have been going on in front of Richmond. We have had very easy times at Fort Woodruff. Nearly all of the troops have been taken from the defenses of Norfolk. We have not over six hundred effective men to defend two forts and about one mile of breastworks. We are in a strong position and except they come in force, they can’t start us.
We had quite a scare here about ten days ago. The report was that the rebels were marching on this place and had been seen that afternoon so we formed the two companies and went into the fort—or at least the two companies with the exception of Lieut. Smith and myself and 30 men. We went into a redoubt about four hundred yards from the fort and manned three brass guns and stood ready to give them the contents of our guns as they came down the road. We stood by our guns until after 12 o’clock midnight and made up our minds that the rebs would not attempt to trouble us that night, so we placed a guard on the outposts and laid down. We lay under the guns while the companies in the fort lay on their arms.
After we had fairly got asleep, the rain fell in torrents and as we had no tents, we got a little damp, One shower would not hardly pass before another would rise and the remainder of the night was very dark except when lit up by sharp flashes of lightning which was followed by heavy rolls of thunder.
In the morning we went back to our camp and have not heard any report of rebs advancing since, and I hardly think we will again for they have all they can attend to at Richmond. We are very pleasantly situated here. I think the Officers and men have got better quarters than I ever saw or had since I have been in the army.
I see by the papers that John’s regiment is with General Butler and has had some hard fighting. I have not received a letter from John since he went to Florida. I have never received a letter from Elizabeth since I left home, or heard a word from her except once. I have never wrote to her and I don’t know as I shall until after I hear from her. I wrote to William, Robert, & Dudley, and have received no answer from either. I am willing and consider it a privilege to write but they must remember that I am just as anxious to hear from them as they are to hear from me and nothing makes a fellow feel better than to receive a letter from home.I don’t have much more spare time than either of them and not a week goes over my head without I write at least 8 or 10 letters. I know that I answer every one in less than three days after i receive them. When they find time, I would like to have them answer and tell me all the news. If they don’t answer, it will look as if they don’t care about my writing anymore.
The health of the Rockport Boys is good. We have but few sick in the company. Solomon Knight is sick and has been for three weeks. I think he has the chronic diarrhea but I would not tell his mother so until we find out for certain. His mother wanted me to write once in awhile as neither of her boys could write and she had no other way of hearing from them. Robert can tell Mrs. Knight that he has heard from them and he will tell their mother.
I am very sorry that I can’t get home for a short time and see how things are going to work. I think that William and Robert will do the best they can by you and if there is any way to avoid selling the house, it will be done for if the house is sold, you will have to sell your things in the shop at a great discount and you won’t be able to hire a shop like that. If I had the money, I would like to have the house but I ain’t got it. We have not been paid off in three months and I don’t know when we shall be paid. I hope and think that it can be managed so as not to sell the house for I had rather live there than in any other place in Rockport and nothing would make me feel worse than to hear that the house was sold. And not only that, the house will not fetch half so much now as it would in times of peace. I wish I was with you to assist in making things right, but it is impossible and we must make the best of it. I always thought that he had enough to get along without selling the house and I hope he has. If you don’t have to sell the house, you can get along very comfortably and between the whole of you, I think that you can manage to keep it. If you can think of anything that I can do to assist you in any way, just let me know it and I will do it with my whole heart.
My health is first rate. You did not say how you liked my picture. I guess you did not know who it was. After I get paid off, I will try to get a better one for you. I received a letter from Em the other day. It had Father’s picture enclosed. I liked it very much and would not part with it for any money.
When you write, let me know how Frank and Willie is getting on. When you or Louisa see George Cleaves or Frank Jacobs, remember me to them and ask them to write. I can’t think of anything more to write any more…From your son, — Ben
Letter 7
Fort Woodruff, Virginia June 19th 1864
Dear Mother & Sister,
I received a letter from you a few days since and was very glad to hear from you. I did not answer it as soon as I received it because I could not find anything to write about. There has been no change with us since I wrote to you before. We are stationed at the same fort and have the same duties to perform day after day. The men in this company certainly can’t complain of hard work. All that they have to do is to keep their equipments clean, drill two hours a day, and go on guard once in five days.
We have not had it what I call hard, or even disagreeable, since we left home and if we don’t have more to do than we have had, the raw recruit in this company will know but little more of the hardships of a soldier’s life than those who have remained at home. Here we have only three men in a tent—or at least most of the tents have only three men in them, and every tent is stockaded and three men has more room that was allowed to twice that number in the 50th [Massachusetts] Regiment.
We have a number of men in this company who was in the old 50th and I and they think that they saw and endured more hardships in that regiment in three months than they will (if it goes on at this rate) in this regiment in three years.
The men in this company enjoy good health. It can’t be otherwise if they are careful what they eat. We have not over (10) ten men on the sick list and most of them were not fit to enter the service. We have two Rockport boys who have been on the sick list most of the time since we left Readville. Their names are John & Solomon Knight from Pigeon Cove. They have been sick and off duty for the last two months but they are getting better and will be returned to duty if nothing happens next week.
I am very glad that you are doing well in the shop. I want you to manage to keep that if you possibly can, and if you can think of any way that I can assist you I want you to write and let me know it and if it is within my power, I will do so. I want you to tell Rob to answer my letter when he ain’t too busy adn tell Ann to write a few lines, and when they and you write, I want you to tell how Mary Ann is getting on. I wrote to Dudley and William some time ago but as yet, I have received no answer. I would like to hear from them if it is not too much trouble to write. I receive letters from Nat every two or three weeks. I think that he begins to feel a little ashamed of talk last fall, and he write good Union letters.I guess that I may put a flea in his ear. I receive plenty of Boston papers every week.
Cousin Erastus keeps me well supplied in reading. This I consider quite a favor and I shall never forget him. It may be my privilege to do him a good turn one of these days. I also receive letters from him quite often.
Tell Ann that I have not seen or heard from Ben yet but I may see him one of these days as the Army is not so far off as it has been and I am located right on the railroad leading to Petersburg and this week I think a great many will pass over everyday and he may have business this way—especially as he is an Orderly. Em sent me one of Father’s pictures. I think that it looks very much like him. I would not part with it for any money. When you have Frank’s taken, I want you to send me one.. After we get paid off I think of having some good ones taken and if I do, I will send some home but Ann must have the first one that arrives….
Remember me to Capt. Haskell and tell them that the boys are getting on first rate. We have lost only one man since we left Readville. Company M is close alongside of us and has lost 4 or 5 men. Remember me to all of the family and tell them that I am well. Yours in haste, — Ben
Letter 8
Fort Woodruff, Virginia July 1864
Dear Mother,
I received your letter a few days since and would answered before this if I could find anything to write about, but with us it is the same duty day after day. At the time I received your letter I was sick. I had the inflammation of the bowels which kept me off duty for a week but I am well now and on duty. I think that I have enjoyed better health than any other officer in these two companies. This is the first sickness that I have had since I left home with the exception of a few days at Fort Norfolk at the time that Father died. I did not do duty then for a few days but before adn since that I have enjoyed good health to to this last sickness. I would write to you oftener but I write to someone at home every week and I always tell them to tell you that I am well and I know that you hear from me often and I did not know but that would answer every purpose, but if you don’t hear from me as often as every week, I will write to you oftener. I receive letters from home every week but I don’t receive many from my own folks. Other folks find time to write to me but I suppose that my own brothers and sisters are too busy. I know that it can’t be any fault of mine for I always answer within a few days after I receive them. I have wrote to Dudley twice but for some reason or other he don’t take the trouble to answer…
I am very sorry to learn that Ellen is no better. I did have great hope that she would get well this summer but now I feel afraid that I shall never see her again. But I still hope that she will find help but it looks rather dark in her case as the longer the cough holds on, the harder it is to cure.
I see that there is a call for five hundred thousand more; that sounds like it. I hope that they will get them in good season. I feel confident that if we have five hundred thousand more sent to the field, that this war will soon be ended and that we will be at home if nothing happens in one year at least. I hope that the boys won’t wait for a draft but will take hold with a will and fill up the quota at once. Nearly all that are able have got to come to it and it is much better to be a volunteer than go as a conscript. The sooner they take hold, the sooner we will get through. As for myself, I shall never give up until we do get through and settled as was intended in the commencement of the war.
I guess that I have wrote to you all you want to hear about war and now I will commence in something else. The man that wrote that all the officers drink with the exception of myself made a mistake. I will speak for one at least—that is Capt. [Frederic A.] Lull. I know that no one in this company ever saw him under the influence of liquor, and I don’t think that he has drank a glass of strong drink for at least three months.
Capt. Frederic A. Lull, 2nd Mass. Heavy Artillery
Capt. Lull and myself are the only two officers with the company. The rest are on detached service. This makes it harder for us but we get along first rate. I hope that Louisa will enjoy better health when she gets back. I don’t think that she will like [it] very well away down East, but it will be quite a voyage for her and Frank and perhaps will do them good. I wonder if she intends to call on Elizabeth when she comes back. If she does, I shall hear from her from Louisa and that is about the only way I ever expect to hear. She must stop at Newburyport when she comes home so as to see the folks and give them a chance to see Frank. I hope that this draft won’t take Henry [M. Lowe] for he has always been on hand and done a good deal of service and he would feel very bad to go as a conscript. And I think it would be too bad as he has always been willing and remained in the service when he could leave as well as not. I think that he has done a good share of duty and I hope that he will get clear and let others go who have remained at home while he has been doing his duty in Uncle Sam’s service. I have not time to write more. Remember me to all and write often.
From your affectionate son, — Benjamin F. Blatchfield
When you write, tell me what hospital John is in. I will either see or write to him. Rockport boys are well.
Letter 9
Fort Woodruff August 10th 1864
Dear Brother[-in-law Henry M. Lowe,]
I received from you some time since and should have answered long ago but you wrote in such haste that I could not make out where you was located and for that reason I have put it off until now, and even now I have my doubts about you receiving this as I am not certain that I direct it to the right place and for that reason I shall write a short letter and wait to see whether I have sent it to the right place or not.
We are still at Fort Woodruff and are very pleasantly situated. We have good and comfortable quarters. The men live in tents but everyone is stockaded and well provided with bunks. The men have but little to do during this hot weather, They have many things to make them comfortable, and I know that many of them are having easier times than they ever had before in their lives, and if we don’t have it rougher than we have had it, the raw recruits will know but little more of the hardships and dangers of a soldier’s life than those who have remained at home.
We have been expecting to be sent to the front but I have about given that up. I have got tired of doing nothing so I have made an application to be sent to the front and I receive an answer last Saturday—to hold myself in readiness to go at any time. I expect to take command of a section in a regular battery. They have sent for another section and if they get it, I am to have command. I have been trying to get to the front for some time but this is the first opportunity that has offered and I am sure of going if they get the section.
About two weeks ago Companies F & M were ordered to Newbern so you see that this company and Company L are the only two companies of this regiment in the State of Virginia and even these expect to go to Newbern before Fall. I don’t want you to let anyone know that I expect to go to the front because they might write home and Mother would hear of it and worry about it. I don’t want her to know until after I have been there some time.
Henry, I have my doubts about closing this war in a hurry. We have too many cowards and traitors at the North. It looks rather dark sometimes but the darker it grows the more determined I am to see it through. I often hear men talk of compromising but they can’t talk it in my quarters. I would order out the best friend I have before I would allow him to favor that in my quarters. It almost makes me mad to hear such talk. I had rather see them take every able man at the North than think of such a thing. Why, how would you, or I, or anyone else feel who has been doing all they could to crush the rebellion to be obliged to compromise and allow the privileges or even a part of the privileges they ask. We have got or have had more than two men to their one, and if we can’t conquer with the men we have got and can get, and are obliged to compromise, we will be looked upon with disgrace by all other nations. And if it was not so, it would be hard to hold up our heads after being obliged to compromise with inferior numbers. I for one would never mention war afterwards and never would admit that I had been a soldier. I shan’t write anymore until I find out how to address you and I shan’t write anymore until after I hear from you. Don’t let anyone see this except your father.
Remember me to all the folks. Ask your father to write. I ain’t heard from him for a long time. — Ben
Letter 10
Bermuda Hundred August 22, 1864
Dear Mother,
I have received a detail to report to the 3rd U. S. Battery which occupied a position on the line about five miles from Bermuda Hundred. This battery was in Mexico at the time of the Mexican War and was commanded by Ringgold; afterward Sherman. But it is now called Hamilton’s Battery. It is a battery that has seen a great deal of service and has a good name. I was detailed here because this battery is short of officers but how long I shall remain here is impossible to tell.
When I left Fort Woodruff my own company was short of officers and for that reason I think that they will make an application to have me sent back to my own regiment but I hope not for I think I shall like it here first rate and if I go back at all, I hope it won’t be until after Richmond is taken or we are ordered into winter quarters.
This battery is in position at the front behind the breastworks and is about 700 yards from the Rebel line. We can see the rebs anytime we look over the breastworks and could pick them off but we have little or no picket firing and both parties show themselves without fear of being shot at. I like it here first rate so far—much better that I did doing nothing at Fort Woodruff. We have not had any firing where this battery is stationed for two days and when they do fire, they don’t do any mischief.
Ben Wetherbee is near me but I don’t know exactly where but I shall see him in a few days. Now if you don’t hear from me every few days, don’t think that I am hurt, or sick. It is not half so sickly here as it is at Fort Woodruff, and I don’t think that I am in half so much danger as I would be if I was at Fort Woodruff. If you see anyone that intends to write to me, tell them to address the letters this:
Light Co. E, 3rd U. S. Artillery Bermuda Hundred, Virginia
I am in the 10th Army Corps. When you write to Henry, tell him where I am and how to direct his letters. Remember me to all. — Ben
Letter 11
Addressed to Mrs. Louisa F. Lowe, Rockport, Mass.
Camp of Light Company E, 3rd U. S. Artillery Before Richmond, Va. November 20th 1864
Dear Mother & Sister,
Your welcome letter was received last night and I hasten to answer. I had been looking for a letter from you for some time and when I received the letter, I was truly pleased. It was a very interesting letter to me, and it contained a good quantity of news. Besides, it was the longest letter that you have written to me since I left home. I also received a note from Henry [Lowe] for which I am very thankful. I also received a package of papers which were full of news. Beside this, I received three Gloucester papers from Henry. The Gloucester papers are very interesting to me for they serve to keep me booked up on what is going on at home. I hope that he can make it convenient to send them quite often. Someone sent me three Boston Travelers last week. I did not know the handwriting and I can’t imagine who it is that sent them but whoever it is, he has my thanks and I hope that he will send more.
We have had a good deal of rain of late and today it rains quite hard adn the mud is quite deep. I am afraid that it will put a stop to this campaign (thatis, for the winter). I wish that we could have good weather for a short time longer so that we might strike one more blow. I think that if we could strike together, Richmond would be ours.
The rebs got the best of our pickets on the Bermuda Hundred line last Thursday night. They got in the rear of our pickets and captured about 150 and held the line all day. Friday night our folks made a charge to retake the line. I understand that we were successful. I could hear the musketry quite plain. They kept up a heavy fire for about 20 minutes or a half an hour. It then ceased. I have not heard whether we captured any prisoners or not.
I have been on court martial duty about two weeks. We got through yesterday. My health is good. I have not lost an hour’s duty since I came to this battery. I received a letter from Capt. Lull the other day. He is at home in Cambridge. He thinks some of calling to see you if he gets able before he goes back. He is at home sick. I am very sorry for him for I think that he is one of the best men that I was ever acquainted with. I think that it is very doubtful about my going back to my old company this winter. If I don’t go back this winter, I don’t want to bo back next summer for I like active service much better than I do garrison duty. Remember me to all the folks and write often.
You wanted to know if Hanna was promoted. I don’t know but I think not. I have not heard that he was. Tell Ben Wetherbee that I rode through his company street yesterday. I went to see the sutler. Saw quite a number of his old company. Remember me to all of the folks and don’t let anyone see this letter except our own folks. Dr. Haskell can read it if he pleases. Also Henry’s folks. But be sure and not let a printer get hold of anything that I write. I don’t get much time to write and when I do write, I write quick and often make a great many blunders.
No news. — Ben
You ask when I shall be at home. I don’t know. I have not been from home a year yet. Write soon.
Letter 12
Federal Point North Carolina February 16, 1865
Dear Friend,
Your welcome letter was received a few weeks since, and your not receiving an answer ere this is not by neglect or careless indifference, but its because I have been on the move and have not had an opportunity to answer half of the letters that i have received.
By your letter I see that you take a great interest in the welfare of the soldiers and especially those from your own town but as I am separated from all of my townsmen, I am unable to give you any account of their movements or conditions. But thinking that it might be of a little interest to you, I will give you a short account of the manner in which I have spent my time since I left home 14 months ago. If you remember, the regiment to which I belong was ordered to Fortress Monroe. We proceeded to that place but did not land as we received orders to go to Fort Norfolk. We were then assigned garrison duty. After remaining at the above named place about 3 months, the Battalion was ordered to proceed to Fort Woodruff and garrison that place. I was left behind in charge of a squad of men to take charge of the fort until Admiral Lee sent an officer to relieve me. I remained in charge of the fort two weeks, then turned it over to Admiral Lee and proceeded to join my company which was at FOrt Woodruff, about two miles from Portsmouth, Virginia. I remained with the company a few days when I was ordered (with a detachment of 50 men) six miles outside of the Union pickets. This was at the Dismal Swamp where a squad of men were at work getting timber for the government. We were to protect them. After about two weeks at the Dismal Swamp, I was relieved and proceeded to join my company which was then fairly settled in garrison.
About this time the Spring Campaign opened and I felt a little anxious to go to the front, but I remained with my company until I got almost disgusted with garrison life. At this time many of my friends were going to the front and I felt unwilling to remain behind. I at once made arrangements to go into the field. Accordingly I joined Battery E, 3rd U. S. ARtillery as commander of a section, and have been with it in every march and every battle, and have not lost an hour’s duty since last July.
I was with the first expedition against Fort Fisher and was one of the number who returned to the Army of the James with a long face because we did not, nor could not, take Fort Fisher.
I was also with the 2nd Expedition against Fort Fisher. Was was unable to land our artillery the first day so I had a fine chance to witness the bombardment which wsa said to be the most terrific of anything of the kind on record. On the 2nd day we landed our artillery to assist in the land attack. A line of works was at once thrown up facing Wilmington, the right resting near the ocean and the left on the Cape Fear River. We knew the rebs had a strong force in our rear and knew that they intended to break our line when the assault was made on the fort. Accordingly our guns were placed in position on this line, our left—or the left of our battery, resting on the Cape Fear river.
We waited anxiously nearly all day for the rebs to come and give us a try. At length we found out they were forming to charge us. After they were formed, the commenced to advance but when they saw our artillery, they gave it up and went back. Deserters from the rebs say that they formed twice to charge us but gave it up. This battery is one that I have read about before I came to war. It was Ringgold’s Battery in the Mexican War; afterwards Sherman’s. And now Hamilton’s Battery. It is considered one of the best batteries in the United States.
Last Saturday we had a little fighting and advanced on line about two miles nearer Wilmington. The loss on the part of the line where I was was light—not over 75 killed and wounded. I think that we shall start again soon and not make much of a stop this side of Wilmington.
While I am writing this, our troops are having a brush over the river, It may end in the storming of Fort Anderson. The gunboats are shelling the fort. If we are successful in taking Fort Anderson, we can take Wilmington very easy. We are closing in on the rebs on all sides. Thomas, Grant, and others with their armies will make a peace that will last. I feel glad that Old Abe is going to fight it out. The soldiers never were more determined or more confident of success. Nearly all go in for fighting it out. As for myself, I never had a doubt but we would be successful. All that we have to do is stick to it and we’ll surely conquer.
But as I have but a little time to spare, I will say no more about the war or its prospects as you have the papers and have a better chance to judge than I do. I must draw this to a close without stating half that I intended to or answering half of your questions. But the next time I will do better if I have a chance to write. Now I have hardly half of a chance. I wish that you would let mother know that you have received a letter from me adn tell her that I will write to her as soon as I can get envelopes and tell her that that is the reason that I have not written to her before. I feel very thankful to you for your kind letter and your good advice and would be very happy to have you write often. I don’t get many letters since I came on thus expedition. I have not received a letter or paper from home for over two weeks and we have seen no New York papers since the 4th. So you see that we know but little of what is going on in the world.
Remember me to Mr. Brooks and all enquiring friends. Very respectfully yours, — Benjamin F. Blatchford
Don’t let anyone see this as it was wrote in great haste.
Spared & Shared 23 