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 letter was Reuben Wheeler Coy (1843-1896), a former student of Genessee Wesleyan College, who enlisted on August 5, 1862, when he was 19 years old as a private in Co. K , 1st New York Mounted Rifles. He was appointed as company bugler and served in the regiment until June 12, 1865, when he was mustered out at Richmond, Va. After the war, he came to Michigan and settled in Elk Rapids where he taught school for one year. He then entered the employ of Dexter and Noble, as a salesman in their store. In 1870, he resigned his position, opened a general store in Helena Township and platted the village of Spencer Creek, now called Alden. A few years later, he built a gristmill at the site of the old gray building on the southeast side of Spencer Creek at Coy Street and subsequently a sawmill. Three years later he married Helen M. Thayer, the daughter of Lucius and Helen Thayer of Clam River. Helena Township was named for Coy’s mother-in-law Mrs. Thayer, the first woman pioneer in the area.
Reuben was the son of Benjamin Chambers Coy (1806-1897) and Caroline Reed (1811-1899) of Livonia, Livingston county, New York. Reuben wrote the letter to his older brother, Justus F. Coy (1840-1920) who enlisted as a sergeant in Co. G, 1st New York Dragoons, and later rose to Captain of his company. He was wounded on 11 June 1864 at Trevillian Station, Virginia. but survived and mustered out of the service in June 1865.
An unidentified bugler from the David Holcomb Collection (Military Images Magazine, June 2021)
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Camp 1st Mounted Rifles N. Y. Volunteers Point of Rocks, Virginia June 20th 1864
Dear brother Justus,
Where under the sun are you, I wonder. You are somewhere under the sun I suppose but that is about as far as my knowledge extends for I have not heard from or about you since the first of May. Grant’s army is here and part of Sheridan’s cavalry also dismounted. I have read about the Dragoons in the papers and suppose now that you are left on the north side of the James to look after prowling bands of rebels.
The cavalry opened the attack on the place and its works. Kautz’s division, the Mounted Rifles, and a brigade of colored infantry were sent out last Tuesday night where Grant’s troops commenced landing here. Our band had to go with the doctor to pick up the wounded. We marched all night and came on the rebel works about broad daylight. The cavalry dismounted as artillery supports and attacked immediately. The 16 shooters of the 3rd New York Cavalry did good service here for they got up into the trees and kept up a continual fire on the rebel gunners so that they could hardly work their pieces. But we failed to get them out of the place so the cavalry were sent off to get around in their rear and make a clean capture of them if possible leaving the infantry to keep them engaged in front.
Our forces here are laying siege to Petersburg on the south side of the Appomattox but they haint taken the place yet. The city lies in a hollow with our batteries planted on the hills south and the rebel batteries on the hills north so that the town lies between two fires very much as it was at the Battle of Gettysburg. One of Gen. Smith’s orderlies told me yesterday that Gen. Martindale’s division of the 18th [Army Corps] had planted their batteries where they easily commanded the town and all the bridges across the river. If that be true, the town cannot hold out long—especially as a force is to be sent to attack the rebels in their rear.
“I assure you the white troops here are beginning to open their eyes as to the fighting qualities of the darkies. Wilson’s Landing and Petersburg will convince skeptics on that point.“
— Reuben Coy, 1st New York Mounted Rifles, 20 June 1864
But we had not gone more than five miles before we saw the infantry coming upon a cross road to meet us and on inquiry, we found they had charged the rebels and drove them out at the point of the bayonet, had captured a number of prisoners, and two Napoleon 12-pounders. Pretty good, wasn’t it? I assure you the white troops here are beginning to open their eyes as to the fighting qualities of the darkies. Wilson’s Landing [see Battle of Wilson’s Wharf] and Petersburg will convince skeptics on that point.
We next attacked the batteries on the railroad but here we were not so successful. We fought three hours but it coming on night, we were obliged to fall back a couple of miles where we bivouacked for the night. I was awakened the next morning by heavy cannonading and on inquiry, found that four Army Corps—2nd, 5th, 9th, and 18th—had all come up during the night and had already commenced the attack. By noon we had the first line of entrenchments and about 5 o’clock p.m. our forces made a tremendous charge on the rebels on their 2nd line but failed to carry the works. Heavens! What a noise they do make in these charges. Half a dozen thunderstorms condensed into one could hardly equal to it. Pop, pop, pop, boom—whiz—zi—zit. But though we failed that night, we found the next morning that the rebels had deserted them and fallen back to their last line on this side. Up to the time we left in the p.m., there was but little fighting and even since we arrived in camp, I learn that little or no advance has been made.
I am beginning to see more of war now than I have ever seen before. One sight I saw fairly sickened me. It was a dead rebel lying right in the road with the ambulances and artillery and everybody running over his legs and not paying the slightest attention to him. Suppose that you or I were treated in that way by the rebels. We can easily imagine how the other must feel should he be aware of it. It certainly would not be strange if we should proclaim against them as unfeeling, inhuman monsters. Yet such is war. At the best it will have its revolting scenes and there are times when it is impossible to pay that respect to the dead which humanity would dictate.
Do you hear from Samuel any nowadays? I haven’t received one solitary letter from him since he went to war. Maria’s last letter reports their progress in house cleaning and that Mother is going to Rochester to get a sofa and a new carpet. It would be quite pleasant just now, wouldn’t it, to be home for about a week, attend commencement at Lima, have a grand picnic at Hemlock Lake, give Father and Eddy a life at hoeing corn or mowing clover, and evening have a blow on those old saxhorns. We would live on bread and milk, hitch up the horse and buggy once in a while and go around and see the folks. But what am I talking about. Here I am a full grown young man of twenty-one and still as boyish as ever. But you of all others can appreciate me and my whims so I shall offer no apology.
It was rumored yesterday that the 10th and 18th Corps were ordered to Edenton, North Carolina. If that be true, the Mounted Rifles will go too. The horses are all being shod up for some long tramp anyhow and I do not think my next letter will be dated here. The weather is very warm and the roads awful dusty. Fraternally and perspiringly yours, — R. W. Coy
The following letter was written by Edward Chapman (b. 1836), the son of Edward Chapman, Sr. (1802-1886) and Elizabeth Burnett (1812-1874) of Utica, Oneida county, New York. Edward parents were natives of England; he was born in Nova Scotia. From his letter we learn that Edward was engaged in the telegraphic business in Albany. The 1855 N. Y. State Census informs us that he had been a telegraph operator for at least five years. By the time of the 1865 New York State Census, he was residing once again with his parents in Rochester, Monroe county, New York, where his occupation was given as “telegrapher.” Noticing that his father was also in the telegraph business, I found that Edward, Sr. had been for many years the secretary and treasurer of the New York, Albany, and Buffalo Telegraph Company which terminated business under that name in December 1863 when it merged with another company and became the Western Union Telegraph Company.
Chapman wrote the letter to George Robert Adams (1840-1915) of Charlotteville, New York, and a student at Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut., at the time. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1863 and when he was drafted, George hired a substitute to take his place while he served as the principal of the Schoharie Academy. In 1866, George was admitted to the bar in New York State and practiced law in Charlotteville and later Kingston, New York. In a letter that I transcribed in 2020, George’s mother wrote him in November 1862, “The sorrow and anguish that this war is making, no mortal tongue can tell. I am not willing that my friends should be led as sheep to the slaughter. I am willing others should have the glory of the battlefield. It is as necessary that some should remain to other places of importance to the Nation. I hope you will be a blessing to your country in some other way besides going to war.” [See—1862: Julia A. (Goss) Adams to George Robert Adams]
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Addressed to George R. Adams, Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut
Albany [New York] April 19th 1861
Friend Adams,
Yours of the 13th came safe to hand. I seem to have been about in the fix as yourself for I had been wondering why it was that you did not reply to my note of October last which evidently did not reach you. I am sorry that it happened so, not that I suppose that you have lost much, but because I have lost a good correspondent during the winter. well we must make up for lost time.
I was truly glad to hear from you and to learn that you have progressed in your course at College. And I have no doubt that you are now beginning to realize the advantage of the rigid discipline you are receiving. When Professor Landis was here, I expressed my surprise that you did not write, but it is all explained now. I wrote to you as soon as I came to this city which was the early part of October. You have had from Professor some account of my stay here. I am studying a little and enjoying life pretty well. I do not work very hard and the winter has passed quite pleasantly and especially so as my cousin has been rooming with me.
We had the telegraph office connected with the House (Capitol) and so through him I was able to keep posted about the business that came before both the Assembly and the Senate. The Houses have adjourned this week and my chum goes to New York. Under ordinary circumstances our city is dull after the Legislature has adjourned, but it is not so this Spring for it is in the highest state of excitement. The one all absorbing topic is War—nothing else is here talked of—thought of—or even dreamed of. It is the question discussed upon the “corners,” it is the topic of conversation in all our social circles, and besides this, forms the subject of all the reading matter in our papers (I. S. News not excepted), and further, the burden of all the telegraphic reports. So [in] short, we have War, War, and rumors of War.
The bunting is flying from all our public buildings and small colors from our private ones. Men that we meet wear “their colors” pinned upon their breast. Horses carry theirs upon their heads and boys and maidens display them in various ways. Several Volunteer companies are being formed. The call for them by our President is readily responded to. This evening, companies are parading the streets to the sound of the fife and drum—all is alive. Our quiet, orderly, Dutch city has been at last aroused. What will it do? I hope its share in raising our State’s quota of men.
I of course with others have shared in the excitement. I have not thought of much else unless compelled to do so, and if I do not write much else, why pardon it. Business is very dull. I do not know how long I shall remain here, however address to my Box (304) as usual.
Of Charlotteville news, Professor has posted you. I saw William Lasher as he passed through this city on his way to Red Hook. It was the same William. But I must close as my watch tells me that I must retire. Tomorrow I expect to visit home and to spend the Sabbath. I usually go to Utica about once in two or three weeks.
If I am in the city when you return home, I shall be most happy indeed to have you spend a way with me. Then hoping to hear from you soon, believe me yours most sincerely, — E. Chapman
P. S. Kind regards to Professor Landis. His letter I received this evening. Will write him soon.
These letters were written by Alonzo Freeman (1843-1888), the son of Joseph Freeman (1815-1873) and Mary Emeline Folsom (1815-1874). He wrote the letters to his cousin, Eliza Marshall Folsom (1843-1868), the daughter of Levi Folsom (1804-1883) and Eliza A. Freeman (1812-1899). In the 1860 Census, the Folsom’s resided in New York City’s 8th Ward where Levi was employed as the proprietor of a saloon/restaurant. Levi’s wife was employed as an artist.
Alonzo wrote the first two letters while serving in Co. A, 1st New Jersey Infantry—part of the 1st New Jersey Brigade. The third letter was written while a member of Co. C, “Scott’s 900” — the 11th New York Cavalry. He was discharged on 21 July 1865 with the rank of “hospital steward.” The regimental history indicates he was captured at Doyal’s Stockade on 5 August 1864. His father, Joseph, also served in the 11th New York Cavalry. He enlisted at age 43 on 3 January 1862 at New York City in Company G and was discharged on 1 March 1864 due to disability. His rank was “saddler’s sergeant.”
There is a tragedy connected with this family. When Alonzo’s father (Joseph, Sr.) died in 1873, he left his sizable fortune to Alonzo’s mother, Mary Emeline (Folsom) Freeman. When she did not distribute the money to her sons, one of them — Joseph, Jr. (b. 1847) — became disgruntled and threatened to shoot himself with a pistol if she did not give him $2,000 for a business venture. When she refused, he turned the gun on her and shot in her in the back as she was exiting the room, killing her almost instantly. The defense attorney argued that the shooting was accidental, and that the defendant was of “unsound mind” but the jury did not believe it. We learn from the coverage of this incident in the newspapers that Alonzo Freeman used his hospital experience to become a physician after the Civil War. A search of the catalogue for the College of Physicians & Surgeons at Columbia University reveals that Alonzo graduated in 1869.
Letter 1
Addressed to Miss Eliza M. Folsom, Care of Levi Folsom, Over Clinton Market, New York City
Camp Seminary, Virginia September 8th 1861
Dear Cousin,
I received your letter safely but had to write answers to five unanswered letters but now I have time to answer yours. I am very sorry to ear that you have been sick and hope that you are better now.
There has been exciting times here since I last wrote. There has been a dozen soldiers of our brigade shot while on picket guard by the secessionists. Of these, three have died but fortunately none of them was from our company.
I will relate one incident which occurred that week which I think has not found its way to the N. Y. papers. On the dividing line between our pickets and those of the enemy is a peach orchard. There has been considerable rivalry as to should get the peaches. One morning about forty of Captain [Edward Livingston] Campbell’s company repaired to the peach orchard to get some peaches but to their surprise found their secession friends had followed the old saying, “the early bird catches the worm” and were devouring the peaches voraciously. Captain Campbell with his men immediately opened fire upon them and succeeded in driving them from the orchard although the secessionists had about 100 to their 40. The rebels retreated until out of range of our muskets when one of them stepped deliberately out in the road and leveled his piece at Captain Campbell. The captain, thinking that the secessionist could not hit him, cooly faced him and stood still. The rebel fired and to the surprise of all, the ball struck about a foot in advance of him. This shot came too near to be pleasant so captain and his men marched into the woods where they were more safe. I think Capt. Campbell was very mucky to escape.
Our pickets and those of the enemy almost daily have slight skirmishes together. From the observatory of the Seminary where we are encamped we can see some of the entrenchments of the enemy and several times has our brigade been called out expecting an attack. We have numerous fortifications in this direction and expect to repel the attack if one is made.
I believe I told you in my last letter that over 200 of our regiment had been sick at one time but there is only one hundred in the hospital now. These are mostly cases of chills and fever. One man was sent home yesterday from our company. He had the consumption.
I am very sorry to say that one of our company died Friday night with the Typhoid Fever. He was sick only eight days and I was with him when he died. He was from Rahway and probably cousin Theodore knew him. He was drummer of our company. His name was [Daniel] Harvey Brower. His death has cast a gloom all over the members of the company, he being a favorite among them all.
I suppose Gen. Butler’s victory is stale news now yet it is all the talk and will be for some time to come. I think this partially repays for the defeat at Bull Run. Do you think that Jeff Davis is dead? I saw a paper last week which announced his death but probably you will know before I do so when you write, please let me know. I would like to have Uncle Levi and Aunt Eliza write to me if they can spare time. Give my love to all inquiring friends, telling them I expect to see them in less than a year. I forgot to ask how Ned Huntley was. I hope he is better. I close sending love to all. From your cousin, — Alonzo Freeman
P. S. Write soon and if there is any news in the papers about the war, let me know what it is as I very seldom get the papers and oblige. — A. F.
Letter 2
Baltimore [Maryland] September 17, 1862
Dear Cousin,
I intended to have written to you before this time but have had no opportunity to do so. You must not think I have neglected to write from want of desire for with the exception of Mother & Sister, there are none to whom I would rather write.
I am getting along very well but [my] wound is not quite well. I have a very pleasant place here in the hospital as druggist, but it is rather confining. However, I get an opportunity sometimes to see the city. There are four Medical cadets here—residents of this city—with whom I am very intimate and through them I have made a number of valuable acquaintances.
Advertisement for “Our American Cousin” playing at the Holliday Street Theater in Baltimore. Asa Trenchard played by John S. Clarke; Mary Meredith played by Fanny Browne. Fanny became famous after her cdv was found on John Wilkes Booth’s dead body. The Baltimore Sun, 20 September 1862.
I was out one evening last week and went to the Holliday Street Theatre. The play was “Our American Cousin” but it appeared very poorly represented when compared with Laura Keene’s version of that piece. Still it was very good.
Baltimore is a very pretty city and resembles New York more than any other place I have been in. Federal Hill is within the city limits and mounts about thirty cannon. This was the quarters of the famous 17th N. Y. Regiment. In case the rebels should attack Baltimore, Federal Hill could shell them from any direction. The Cathedral is a beautiful edifice and is the finest Roman Catholic church in United States.
The people of this city have been much excited about the Confederates. The Union [citizens]—fearing that Baltimore would be attacked; the secesh hoping Jackson would get possession of it. But thank fortune, Jackson can never get to Baltimore. About one half the people of this city are secesh and a riot has been expected.
I understand Charlie [Henry] Bliven has received a commission in the 13th New Jersey Regiment as a first Lieutenant. I am glad of it and wish him success.
I am glad that Brother Joe has escaped so far but I am afraid I shall never see him again. I shall try to get a leave of absence or furlough to come home the last of October but cannot tell whether I wall be successful or not. But I shall have to close this poor letter sending my best wishes and love to all hoping to hear from you soon. I remain your affectionate cousin, — Alonzo Freeman
Letter 3
Hospital, Scotts “900” September 25th 1863
Dear Cousin,
I received your letter safely — also one from Theodore — and am very sorry to hear that you and Uncle Levi are so sick. It was too bad that Rinalds & Egerton had to leave New York so soon. I suppose they have joined the “Army of the Potomac” again.
What do you think of the war out West? I think that Rosencranz [William Rosecrans] did first rate [at the Battle of Chickamauga] but it was strange that General [Ambrose] Burnside did not reinforce him. At Charleston we are getting along very slowly. Fort Sumter is in possession of the rebels yet. We have seven companies stationed about sixteen miles from here. They are skirmishing with the rebels almost every day.
Father was up there this week but came back the next day. The Doctor says he thinks he will send me there with medicine for the sick. I hope he will do so. Our hospital is filled with sick. We are very busy.
I have enclosed a letter to Harriet which is important and I would like to have her get it as soon as possible. This only an apology for a letter as I am in a great hurry. I will write again on Monday. Father and I are both well and send love to all.
The following letters were written by Rev. Robert Francis Taylor (1830-1866), an 1851 graduate of Hanover College who became a licensed preacher in the Presbyterian Church with pastorates in Indiana, Arkansas, Texas, Kentucky, Michigan and finally Vernon, Indiana in the 1850s. In 1860 he was supplying the pulpit in the First Presbyterian Church of Macomb, Illinois, when he resigned for health reasons and relocated to Rochester, Minnesota. In September 1862, he mustered into the 78th Illinois Infantry as its Chaplain, coaxed into the service by a Macomb parishioner. He resigned from the regiment for health reasons on July 8, 1863. He died just three years later from the tuberculosis that had plaqued him most of his life.
Robert wrote the letters to his cousin, Capt. David Taylor of Co. B, 113th Ohio Volunteer Infantry (OVI).
Readers may also be interested in this article about Rev. Robert F. Taylor’s war-time experiences: See Rev. Taylor’s War-time Duties.
Letter 1
Vernon, Indiana May 6th 1863
Capt. David Taylor.
Dear cousin, have been here ever since having a grand time and growing in health & vigor amazingly. My friends tell me that I am looking better than I I am wont to appear. They urge me earnestly to enjoy their hospitalities a month longer so as completely to reestablish my health. But to this I cannot consent. In fact, I propose to start back to my regiment on tomorrow.
I hope you are making like progress, and if you should recover speedily that I shall see you soon in Tennessee. I should be glad to hear from you in regard to health, prospects, projects, &c.
Will you have the kindness to see whether there are letters in the office for me, and if so to forward them superscribing them Chaplain, 78th Illinois Volunteers, Franklin, Tennessee. Had a letter from there yesterday. Sickness prevails in our regiment in a distressing degree. We have but one Captain able for duty, and regimental officers have all been sick. Your regiment doubtless shares this trouble. They have been playing the handsome in our Division in the way of surprising and capturing the whole [?] 120 in number while asleep. They have been reinforced somewhat and are fortifying extensively & feel well prepared to receive Van Dorn & company warmly. They have cut down all surrounding timber and have fortified all the hills including the old bald hill to the north.
I look for stirring news from the Rappahannock today. God grant that it may be all that we could hope for or desire. My regards to all. I will write to your mother soon.
Yours most truly, — Robert F. Taylor
Letter 2
Headquarters 78th Illinois Infantry Franklin, Tennessee May 26th 1863
Capt. David Taylor,
Dear cousin, your favor of the 6th instant has just been received by way of Vernon, Indiana. Also one of later date was received some days since and the inquiries it contained replied to in a letter to your Mother.
I thank you for the interest you express in my health and situation. It would be pleasant for me to renew my visit and to sojourn with you under the shadow of your own Alhambra; and God may sometime in the course of my wanderings (I seem destined to be a wanderer) lead me that way again. If He should, of course I will stop and see you. In the meantime, may He restore you to health and vigor and to the pleasant home around which found memories cluster, and where reposes all that was mortal of your loved and lost.
Or rather, why do I say lost? Our gold is not lost when securely invested. Out intellects are not lost when unspeakably elevated and enlightened; even though the sphere of our conversations be somewhat changed. Our energies are not lost because they may have been transferred to a new class of objects. Neither are our loved ones lost because they have been removed for a time from our embrace. The whole truth or enough of it perhaps is embedded in that golden line, “Not lost, but gone before.”
Lady Huntingdon is said to have transferred a fortune to heaven in the shape of charities to the poor and contributions to the cause of human evangelization. It seems to me as much, and may hope as profitable an investment to transfer our domestic jewels to the Savior’s crown, “the olive plants,” from about our tables to the garden of the Lord. It seems to mem were I the Father of children I should rather have then in heaven than anywhere else, and especially if I could be sure of their being there as I doubt not you can in the care of your little ones.
Things here are in a state of status quoity. Extensive and formidable fortifications have been made, the timber all cut from the surrounding hills, and we think we can successfully resist an attack from five or six times our number. The enemy made a slight demonstration in front yesterday but we do not apprehend an attack. They probably are preparing to fall back and hope to keep us from pursuing by this means until their main force is out of reach.
Gen. Grant’s successes—have they not been splendid? If indeed we have not been deceived in relation to them? Thanks be to God for such tokens of His divine regard.
I shall be glad to har from yourself, wife, mother, and sisters, and all. My health is not good & fear it is declining again. I shall resign within a fortnight if I am not better. My contraband enterprise is a failure I presume. Yours most truly, — Robert F. Taylor
My letters were forwarded from Cleveland to this place & have been received.
These letters were written by Dr. Alonzo Harlow (1811-1888), an 1851 graduate of Allegheny College, Pennsylvania, who was practicing medicine in Chagrin Falls, Cuyahoga county, Ohio in 1860 when he enlisted to serve as the assistant surgeon of the 113th Ohio Volunteer Infantry (OVI). He was in the service from 1 September 1862 until 11 May 1863 when he resigned. After leaving the service, he practiced medicine in Detroit.
Dr. Harlow informs us that his reason for resigning was “ostensibly” for poor health but clearly there was another reason that likely had to do with personnel issues. Since he and other asst. surgeons all resigned in the spring and summer of 1863, my hunch is that he and others had difficulty working under the direction of Surgeon James Rush Black (1827-1895) who resigned himself in July 1863.
He wrote all three letters to his friend and former comrade in the 113th OVI, Capt. David Taylor (1837-1919) who was severely injured in an accident in February 1863 and was sent home to Ohio to recuperate but he never fully recovered.
Letter 1
Camp at Franklin, Tennessee May 12, 1863
My dear captain,
Your kind & friendly letter came duly to hand in response to my late epistle [ ]. It affords me pleasure to hear from you as I have ever looked upon you as a kind friend. Our sympathies have as it were spontaneously run out toward each other adn from the kind and friendly relation existing between us, shall not very soon forget you. I am only one among many who very much miss your society in camp. Could you have recovered your health & been made Lieut. Colonel and your humble servant Surgeon would like to have remained in the regiment and followed it through thick and thin, but as it is, do not regret having handed in my resignation & the prospect I now have of soon returning home. I expect my resignation will be accepted. I ostensibly resigned on account of poor health, but you know the cause that influenced me in taking the step I have. Many in the regiment seem to feel bad about it.
I do not know, Captain, as I have a single enemy in the regiment & never did except one whose character you pretty well understand as well as myself. I have promised Col. Mitchell in case a door opens for being appointed Surgeon of the 113th to return. Officers in one or two other regiments have expressed a desire to get me. I shall leave under very favorable auspices. Medical Director Varian Brig. Surgeon McHenry and others who have given me quite flattering testimonials or recommendations place me in a light not enjoyed by everyone to say the least.
Our regiment is not now in the most happy condition. The late singular and unexpected jump has created considerable excitement. What may be the ultimate evil out of it is not yet fully determined. Capt. Riker has handed in his resignation already and several others would be glad to do it. It is a great pity, Captain, that such a move has been made. I am sorry. It is the work of Wilcox without doubt.
I am expecting to start as soon as next Monday with my wife for home. Shall stop in Columbus on business & will try and call on you & have a good talk about matters and things in general and some things in particular.
Excuse my present haste and believe me your friend and humble servant. —A. Harlow, Asst. Surgeon in charge of 113th Regt. O. V. I.
Letter 2
Chagrin Falls, [Ohio] July 21, 1863
Dear Capt.
After waiting some little time, will attempt to respond to yours of 2nd instant hoping these few hasty lines may find you in the enjoyment of improved health and strength preparatory to the girding on the sword and entering the field to meet the foe of our land. Things look much brighter and more prosperous than when I last wrote you and the prospect is certainly quite flattering for a speedy termination of this rebellion.
We can now rejoice over and celebrate the capture of Vicksburg and many other places in reality. Would it not been quite a glorious achievement if Meade had taken old Lee’s army as there was once a good prospect? It seems that Morgan is completely routed and scattered with his force and one thousand of them at least taken prisoners. It certainly is to be hoped that he & the balance may never be permitted to get over the Ohio River again.
It appears that you are having quite a time at the Hydropathic Establishment at Granville. Presume you will receive great benefit from the various applications of water, the exercise, and hygienic measure adopted in your case.
I certainly feel very anxious to hear from you again and learn how you are getting along. Hope you find time to write me another letter soon. Please give me al lthe news you have about the 113th OVI for I have heard but very little about it from any since I left. Tell me how you are getting along and what the prospect of returning to the army, &c. I have now recovered my health very well and hope, really Captain, that you may yours. Would it not be fine if we could get into some good regiment together. Indeed, if you could be Colonel & your humble servant Surgeon, I should be willing to go through thick and thin, anywhere, facing any danger.
I write Surgeon General Smith some time since that I had so far recovered my health that I felt willing to take charge of the Medical Department of any regiment to which he might recommend me. He very kindly informed me that my name had been placed on the list of applications and that I should be appointed to some of the six-month’s regiments, and since then, although considerable time have heard nothing further. If I return to the army, should be happy to do it soon as I am getting very uneasy hearing victory after victory, and triumph after triumph of our arms & having no part in it. I do not wish to urge my services upon the government unless desired, but feeling conscious that I possess a capacity and qualification for the position solicited, am anxious to be in the work.
An appointment depends on the preliminary movement or act of Surgeon General Smith. Should he recommend me to the Governor, the appointment would be immediately made. I do not wish to hurry up matters but knowing that through the action of a friend much may be accomplished in these matters, which you would the first opportunity you have, lay my case before Surgeon Smith as you have much influence with him and I presume he will move a little quicker in the matter than he otherwise would. You know, Captain, that I have great confidence in your ability and willingness to help me. I should be very happy to be appointed Surgeon to one of the new regiments forming at Camp Cleveland yet I am ready & willing to go anywhere duty and necessity may call.
Should I remain at home till the State Fair is held in Cleveland, shall certainly expect to see you at my house. Mrs. Harlan joins in respects to you and your family. Please accept this from you much obliged friend, — A. Harlow, M. D.
Letter 3
Detroit [Michigan] May 23, 1864
My dear Captain & Friend,
After a little delay that you may not deem me boring you too much, will attempt to show the stub end of an old gander’s quill at you again for a few moments. Your letter couched in language too kind and flattering to come from any only a dear friend, tried and true, gave me unfeigned pleasure and delight. Captain, I almost envy your felicity and joy on your beautiful and lady-like wife. It is certainly a little better than camping out upon the hills or plains of Tennessee subject to greater or less indignity from brainless up starts either in the Medical or other departments. But dear friend, these gloomy and sad days of ill health, affliction, and disappointment I hope have passed never more to return again.
Nothing would afford me greater pleasure than attending the next Ohio Annual Fair and visiting you but of this I have no expectation as business will keep me so closely confined that I shall not be able to leave. I must keep my office, provided I expect my office to keep me. Could I have left, should have gone down to Virginia with some of our Detroit physicians to attend upon our good boys wounded in the late sanguinary and bloody fights but too many at this particular time are depending upon my services here to permit me to go away. I certainly should be most gratified to hear as full particulars of our gallant 113th as you are able to give me in your next.
Now Captain, one thing I have to complain of you for and that is in sending me one whole blank page. I know you possess incidents and items enough stowed away in your cranium of sufficient interest & moment to me, to warrant the occupancy of every blue line and especially the last blank page of a small note sheet. So my dear old war friend, fill it up of matters and things relating to the past, present, and future. I have heard once or twice from Old Franklin [Tennessee] of late, the good widows and old friends are flourishing as formerly. We have but a little handful of men there now. Think you could pick out and find the several spots where your tent was pitched over the Harpeth. I am quite sure I could mine.
I wonder what has become of Capt. [Charles Champion] Gilbert? Was he not a brain squash vine? Do you not remember when we went out to Spring Hill how many times he found the line of battle when there was no rebel within half a day’s ride of us? But General Sheridan who accompanied us to Duck River the time we drove old Van Dorn pell mell over into Columbia was a keen fellow. His late cavalry operations around Richmond clearly shows that. That was the time, Captain, that you was too sick to go out with us and necessarily was obliged though reluctantly to go back to the General Hospital in Franklin. Do you remember the eleven poor fellows wounded and lying on straw in the Old Church where I parted with you on the morning of the 11th March ’63.
N. Y. Evening Post, 23 May 1864
Our city has been the scene of serious disaster for two or three days. Saturday morning the steamer Nile blew up at one of the docks, instantly killing a number of persons, wounding and seriously injuring many more. The boat was completely demolished. A piece of the boiler weighing several ton was thrown over one hundred yards nearly demolishing a building it struck and killing a poor shoemaker at his bench. The more full particulars you will probably see in the papers. 1
Last evening an extensive fire broke out in the ship yard destroying 30 or 40 thousand dollars worth of property before it was stopped.
Well, Captain, I see that I must close for want of room so please, in conclusion, accept my best wishes & those of Mrs. Harlow for yourself and lady, and permit me to hear from you again as soon as convenient and you will much oblige your friend and humble servant, — A. Harlow
1 The wooden, 650-ton screw steamer Nile was destroyed when her boiler exploded while docked in Detroit, Michigan, on 21 May 1864. She was carrying passengers, household goods and livestock. Eight crew members were killed along with a handful of passengers. Most of the shore damage was to houses on the Canadian side of the Detroit River in Windsor, Ontario.
The following letters were written by John Grant Mitchell (1838-1894), a graduate of Kenyon College who was preparing for a career in law when the Civil War broke out. He enlisted in the 3rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry, helped raise and became the Colonel of the 113th Ohio Infantry, and became a brigade commander in XIV Corps where he played a major part in the Atlanta Campaign. He was promoted to brigadier general, the youngest civilian-soldier to attain that rank without benefit of preparative military training. He was brevetted major general after the war. Mitchell resumed his legal career and married Laura Platt, niece of President Rutherford B. Hayes. Mitchell was president the Columbus City Council and an Ohio pension commissioner.
He addressed the letters to Capt. David Taylor who was commissioned a 1st Lieutenant in Co. C, 1st O.V.I., April 15, 1861, and Captain of Co. B, 113th Regiment, O.V.I., August 12, 1862. Muster Rolls indicate that he resigned on 10 June 1863, not long after this letter was written. The following explanation for his resignation comes from his Find-A-Grave obituary:
“In 1863, Mr. Taylor organized the negro slaves as contraband of the war, and pressed them into service in building the fort at Franklin, Tenn., and gave each of the contrabands papers freeing them from slavery, for which Gen. W. S. Rosecrans highly commended him.
Early in February, 1863, Captain Taylor arrived at Franklin, Tenn., after a rough campaign through Kentucky’s mud, snow and rain, and immediately, with his comrades, was placed on steamboats, when down the Ohio River, and up the Cumberland River, retaking the forts from Donaldson to Nashville, then south to Franklin, a tired but victorious army. At once, Gen. C. C. Gilbert put the tired soldiers to work clearing the ground and building a fort. In this work David Taylor pressed all the slaves into the work of building.
On the evening of February 22, 1863, David Taylor was severely injured, causing paralysis of his left side. When it became apparent that his recovery was extremely doubtful, Gen. W. S. Rosecrans caused a detail of the chaplain of the 78th Illinois and another soldier to accompany him to Columbus, Ohio, where he was treated by Doctor Smith, the Surgeon General of Ohio, but he never fully recovered from his injury. General Rosecrans highly complimented David Taylor for his care of the soldiers who were benefited by the rest they received while the slaves built the fort, and after the war visited him at his home.”
Letter 1
Camp at Franklin, Tennessee May 19th 1863
Capt. D. Taylor, Co. B, 113th OVI
My dear sir, your note of the 9th installment enclosing surgeon’s certificate of General Smith [Surgeon General of Ohio] is received. I had just sent you a letter telling you that recent orders made it imperative that an extension of a leave of absence should be granted to the Secretary of War. Perhaps this application that you now send me is in accordance with those instructions.
I am sorry to hear that you are not recovering more rapidly. I had believed that a little home nursing would improve you.
I am delighted too that you are going to be enabled to raise some recruits; your company is doing splendidly too; they only need you back here with twenty or thirty good men to make it the best company in this or any other department.
You have of course seen our new appointments. I am told that Jones will resign beyond [ ]; he has gone to Murfreesboro now for a few days and unless he can be appointed a Brigadier General, will resign, I think.
We are all hard at work here now. I am on a Board of Examiners trying and examining officers. Hoping you may soon be able to join us with a fine batch of recruits, I am very truly your friend & obedient servant, — John Mitchell, Col. 113th Regt. O. V. I.
Letter 2
Camp at Franklin, Tennessee May 30th 1863
Capt. D. Taylor, Jr., Co. B, 113th Ohio Vol.
My dear sir, your letter of a recent day is just received. I very much regret to learn that you are still unfit for duty. You remember that my constant hope was that twenty or thirty days at home would entirely restore your health.
It would be impossible for me to advise you in regard to offering a resignation. Dr. Smith’s opinion in the case I should trust implicitly. He knows much better than I could whether you will soon be ready for service. Your paralysis alarms me lest you may never be able for foot service in the field again. But you can tell about these things yourself, Captain, much better than anyone can for you.
If you are not able to return when the present leave of absence expires, if I were in your place, I should make no further attempt but would resign at once. You have done your whole duty faithfully and nothing more could be asked of you. All I wanted was a fair trial and I must ask more than that.
I am sorry that you have been unable to fill up your company to the maximum number. It is a splendid company—nothing like it in this regiment.
Your ordnance account is all square, I presume. I have just been looking over it for the quarter ending March 31st and if I remember correctly, it is all straight. About your other papers, I know nothing but judging from this they must be in prime condition.
In case you determine to resign, you have the necessary forms, I think. It would be useless for me to tell you how much I regret your talking about a resignation—all that you know already. Still, feelings have nothing to do with a soldier’s duty, and hence I can say nothing knowing that what you do will be done conscientiously. I hope you still find time to call upon my wife. She is happy at all times to see you.
I am, Captain, very truly your friend, — John G. Mitchell
The following manuscript was written by Reuben C. Norton of Co. G, 44th Illinois Infantry. It’s not dated but I think it was probably penned at the end of the Atlanta campaign or in the winter of 1864-65. This manuscript is from the personal collection of Allen Cebula and was made available for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by express consent.
A Partial History of the Part Acted by Co. G in the Campaign commencing May 4th and ending September 8th 1864.
Lt. Reuben C. Norton, Co. G, 44th Illinois Infantry (1862)
Broke camp at Cleveland, Tennessee and marched a distance of 23 miles and joined the Brigade which had marched the day previous. Laid in this camp until the 7th when we marched about two miles and formed line of battle. Heavy skirmishing in front but no general engagement. Went into camp for the night near Tunnel Hill. 8th, moved to the left and formed line to support 3rd Brigade of our Division who threw out a heavy line of skirmishers and advanced up the slope of Rocky Face Ridge. They met with considerable opposition but gallantly carried the ridge losing 3 men killed and 13 wounded. 9th, 3rd Brigade charged the Rebel works on the ridge. Our regiment was ordered to support the charging party but before the lines could be formed 9owing to the roughness of the ground), the charge was repulsed with heavy loss to our side. The project was then abandoned and we fell back to our old position. Remained in this position until the 11th when the Regiment went on the skirmish line. Considerable firing during the day and a greater portion of the night. 12th, during the night the Rebs evacuated their position on the ridge and fell back into their works at Resaca. 13th, marched through Dalton and took our position before Resaca. Laid on our arms all night.
14th, Ball opened in earnest. Our regiment went in about noon, fired 200 rounds to the man when we were relieved by the 36th Illinois. Fell back under the brow of a hill out of range and again filled our cartridge boxes. At night went on picket line. Some firing but no damage done. Threw up light works. Rebs opened early on the morning of the 15th. Were under fire until 10 o’clock when we were relieved by the 40th Indiana of the 2nd Brigade. Fell back and rested for the night. Rebs evacuated during the night. Fell back across the river. Regiment lost in the engagement 26 men, Co. G lost mortally wounded Thomas Willie, Almond Gifford, and T. F. Collins, slightly wounded. 16th, Rebs in full retreat. Our Division close on their rear. Heavy skirmishing during the day ending in the occupation of Calhoun by our forces.
17th, Our Brigade in advance, skirmishing commenced early and continued light until about noon when the enemy having secured a strong position seemed determined to check our advance. This they succeeded in doing until the 44th Illinois was put forward on the line. The Boys were in good spirits and went forward on the double quick, routing the Johnnies without firing a shot. We continued the pursuit until we were close on the enemy’s train. Here we found Hardee’s whole Corps together with a Division of the Rebel Cavalry formed in three lines of battle. This gave us a momentary check but we soon formed and charged, gaining an advantageous position which we held until support came—a space of three hours. Many of the Boys had expended their last round of ammunition but had too much pride to fall back. This engagement lasted from noon till dark. The Regiment lost 36 in killed and wounded. Co. G lost in killed Corp. Henry Fisher, mortally wounded 1st Sergt. Ezra Sawyer, Private Josepg Cummings. Wounded severely Private Thomas J. Abbott. This affair was called the Battle of Adairville.
We had but little skirmishing until the 26th when we went on the line to relieve the 20th Army Corps before Dallas. The Brigade formed to charge the enemy’s works but for some reason the charge was not made. Formed our lines and threw up works. 27th, at 6 o’clock, went on the skirmish line. About 2 o’clock the Rebs made a charge onour front but were repulsed. Heavy firing was kept up on both sides until dark. Regiment fired 20,000 rounds of ammunition. This engagement lasted until the 5th of June. Regiment lost 47 in killed and wounded. Co. G lost none severely wounded, Homer Dale and William Miner were slightly wounded. On the 22nd of June, the Battle of Gulpe Farm was fought. Our Regiment was in support of the skirmishers. The Rebels were driven 4 miles out of 4 light lines of works and heavy works. Our Regiment lost none in this engagement.
We were engaged in several skirmishes in quick succession—some of them quite severe but lost no men. On the 27th of June, our Brigade formed a line as support to the 2nd and 3rd Brigades of our Division for the purpose of charging the Rebel works in outr immediate front. The column moved forward at about 8 o’clock in the morning meeting with a warmer reception than was expected. Gen. Wagner who with his Brigade was somewhat in advance of the line ordered a halt of his command. Gen.. Kimball, commanding our Brigade, thinking by a dashing move to carry the works, ordered us to charge over the 2nd Brigade. We went forward on the double quick fixing bayonets as we ran but met with a storm of grape and ball which no body of men could withstand. Consequently we were obliged to fall back. The 44th Was thrown out as skirmishers to cover the retreat of the Brigade which was conducted in splendid style. Scarcely a man straggling. The Regiment remained in front until our wounded were removed inside of our lines. The removal was effected under a flag of truce. A member of Co. G was the bearer of the flag. The Regiment lost in this engagement 43 men in killed and wounded. Co. G lost mortally wounded George Knapp and George Young. James Ownby was badly wounded in the left leg. O. C. Rogers slightly in the abdomen.
The Rebel works at this point were impregnable. Obstructions were thrown out which a person could not surmount in five minutes if there was no force to impede his progress. Numbers were shot down while attempting to remove them. One line was a peculiar form. It consisted of logs with holes bored through the center at right angles. Stakes were driven through the holes and made sharp at the ends so that roll them as you might, they still presented a row of bristling points, very difficult to overcome.
On the 29th, the Regiment went on the picket line when arrangements were made whereby firing on the advance line was stopped unless an advance was made. The practice was looked upon by both parties as little short of murder. Under the new order of things, quite a friendly feeling sprange up between the two armies. Exchange of Yankee coffee and Rebel tobacco became frequent. Exchange of newspapers was also carried on to some extent until it came under the notice of the Commanding Officers when a stop was put to all intercourse whatever.
July 2nd, moved to the left and relieved the 1st Division of our Corps. During the night the enemy evacuated their position and the next morning we occupied the City of Marietta. This is a place of some 10,000 inhabitants regularly laid out and withal a very pretty town. 3rd and 4th, a severe skirmish took place which resulted in a loss to the Johnnies of their rifle pits and first line of works, after losing which they made a hasty retreat across the Chattahoochee river, withdrawing their rear guard and making no show of resistance. From this date to the 20th there was but little skirmishing but more marching and counter marching. On the evening of the 19th of July, our Divsion moved across the Peach Tree Creek and relieved our 3rd Division who had been fighting the Johnnies all day. Here we laid on our arms all night. On the morning of the 20th, after throwing out 8 regiments as skirmishers, our Brigade advanced on the enemy, they falling back rapidly, thereby hoping to draw us in a trap. Well we entered the trap just as was desired of us but we Yanks have a way of springing traps of their construction and turning it to our own advantage which we did in this case as the sequel will show.
We advanced until we had gained a good position, formed our lines and commenced throwing up barricades. Our works were but half completed when the Johnnies came for us (charged) in columns 5 lines deep, but they were met with such stubborn resistance that they were forced back. Seven times did they charge but each time meeting the same bold, undaunted front [and] were driven back the last time in the wildest disorder. Better fighting has not been done on the campaign than was done that day by the old Pea Ridge Brigade. We were laying behind barricades which afforded little or no protection and seven times hurled back the fierce assaults of Hardee’s veteran troops. In this action, Sergt. N. Rundle, Private Arlo Merchant, William Miner, William Hart, and Homer Dale were wounded, none severely. The company together with the regiment participated in the skirmishes before Atlanta. Also in Gen. Sherman’s great raid around Atlanta. — Rube Norton, Co. G, 44th Illinois Vet. Vol. Infantry
List of Battles of the Campaign with the killed and wounded of Co. G [Table]
The following journal was kept by Reuben Cross Norton (1838-1920), the son of Hoel Buell Norton (1797-1876) and Margaret Cross (1799-1866) of Rockford, Illinois. Reuben’s father was born in East Bloomfield, New York; his mother was born in Sligo, Ireland. The Norton’s were residing in Bridgewater, Michigan in the late 1830s when Reuben was born. They moved to Rockford, Illinois, in 1852. It’s noted that Reuben’s father’s name is spelled “Hoel” on his grave marker and in the cemetery records. Upon his death in 1876, he was remembered by his friends for his “strict integrity and probity.”
Reuben first entered the war in September 1861, enlisting in Co. G (the “Northwestern Rifles”), 44th Illinois Infantry, with his brother Marcus Norton. Reuben rose in the ranks and was commissioned 1st Lieutenant of Co. G in April 1862 but resigned in January 1863. Though a veteran, he was drafted into the same company on 30 March 1864 and served in the ranks of the 44th Illinois as a private throughout the Atlanta Campaign. After he was wounded in the Battle of Franklin in late November 1864, he was transferred to the Field & Staff (F&S) to serve as a hospital steward with Dr. Emery Merrifield. He remained in this capacity until 25 September 1865 when he mustered out of the regiment at Port Lavaca, Texas. At the time of his enlistment he was described as a dark-haired, dark-eyed mechanic who stood just shy of five and a half feet tall.
A post war cabinet card of Reuben
After he returned to civilian life, Reuben married Miss Flora M. Holbart in 1874 and settled in Rockford where he worked as a pattern maker in the Love Manufacturing Company. He died of pneumonia in 1920.
Several years ago I transcribed a couple of other letters by the Norton family. One was by Samuel Norton (1839-1926), Reuben’s younger brother who became a druggist in Rockford. He was a frequent correspondent with Reuben. See—1865: Samuel Norton to Reuben Cross Norton.
Another brother, Robert (“Bob”) F. Norton (1836-1918) moved to Minneoah, Minnesota, in 1854 and then enlisted in Co. B, 7th Minnesota Infantry, during the Civil War. See—1865: Robert F. Norton to Katie Hinds.
The journal, 1865 letter, and cdv of Reuben C. Nelson are all from the collection of Allen Cebula and made available for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by express consent.
An AI enhanced image from a very poor quality tintype posted in the Norton Family Tree said to be Reuben’s parents, Robert and Margaret, with an older brother, William Norton who died in 1860.
R. C. Norton, Co. G, 44th Illinois Veteran Volunteers, 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 4th Army Corps, Department of Cumberland
Sunday, September 25, 1864—Left Atlanta by rail for Chattanooga where we arrived safe on the 26th September. Went into camp at [ ] Crutchfield. From this date until the 18th of October we were on the wing along the railroad and I had no opportunity to write.
October 18, 1864—Broke camp at Bridgeport and took the cars for Chattanooga. From here we marched w3 miles and camped at dusk on the Chickamauga battleground.
19th—Broke camp 7 o’clock and marched a distance of 15 miles. Camped at Lafayette.
20th—Marched at 6. Went 15 miles and camped only 10 miles from Lafayette. Went 2.5 miles out of the way.
21st—Broke camp at 6 and marched to Alpine, a distance of 12 miles and camped for the night.
22nd—Laid by today. Did some foraging in the way of apples and sweet potatoes, pigs, sheep, and chickens were brought into camp by the thousand.
23rd—Still in camp. Forage wagons gone out again. Don’t know what we are laying here for. At noon I, together with about a dozen of the 44th, went to a mill about 6 miles from here and got a wagon load of flour. I rather like raiding. It brings a change of diet which is very beneficial to health.
24th—Still in camp. Orders to take anything that we need to eat. Our policy seems to be to clean this valley completely of forage so that the Rebs never can take advantage of it again to slip from our grasp.
25th—On picket today. Quiet.
An artist’s rendition of the “Red-headed Beast of Georgia”(John Pemberton Gatewood)
26th—The 44th left Alpine and went to a mill 12 miles distant with orders to run it and live on the country during our stay. The mill is a good one with two run of stone—one for flour and the other for meal.
27th—Busy today inn fixing quarters. Forage teams out. Are going ot built a fort for protection against guerrillas who are very plenty around here. Two men were killed a day or two ago by some of Gatewood’s men—a notorious band of bushwhackers and cutthroats. Woe be to them if they fall into our hands.
[Editor’s Note: John Pemberton Gatewood (b. 1845) was a controversial guerrilla fighter from the Fentress county, Tennessee, raised amidst the conflicting loyalties of Confederate and Union supporters. During the Civil War, paranoia tore communities apart, leading to brutal rivalries. Known as the “Red-headed Beast of Georgia” for his size and wild hair, Gatewood’s ferocity stemmed from his family’s deep Confederate roots in East Tennessee, an area of Union sympathizers. He joined Champ Ferguson’s guerrillas when he learned of his family’s mistreatment by Union soldiers.]
28th—On guard over a bushwhacker taken during the day by our pickets. Regiment marched at noon. Went to Lafayette 12 miles.
29th—Marched 24 miles and camped 4 miles out of Chattanooga.
30th—Marched through town and camped on Lookout Creek at the foot of the mountain. Laid in this camp all day worked on Pay Rolls.
31st—Laid in same camp today. Pay rolls signed by the men.
November 1, 1864—Took the cars this morning at Chattanooga, Tennessee, for Athens, Alabama, where we arrived about two o’clock on the morning of the 2nd.
2nd—Left the cars and marched 3 miles and went into camp for the night.
3rd—Broke camp at 12 M and marched 10 miles. Rained all day. Slept cold all night.
4th—Broke camp at 7 o’clock and marched 17 miles. Crossed the Elk River. Had to ford it. Water four feet deep and cold as Greenland. Twas hard on the little ones. After crossing the river, we struck a good turnpike road.
5th—-Marched 5 miles. Passed through the city of Pulaski and camped in a hill 1.5 miles from town.
6th—Moved camp on the other side of town. We are to fortify our position. The Rebs are reported advancing on this place in force. Let them come. They will find the old 4th Corps ready for them. Wrote to Sam first letter in two or three weeks. Had no stamps to put on them. The weather is quite cold. Need three or four blankets over us at night. Will soon have to go into winter quarters.
7th—Commenced work on the breastworks. Worked four hours on the fort. Went on police guard at night. 7 reliefs.
8th—More work. The heavy work on the fort is nearly done. The rest is to be done by detail. Moved camp inside fort.
November 9, 1864—Worked very busily on our quarters. Got them up in good shape. Rain all day. Went on police guard at night.
10th—Put up a chimney and fireplace to our tent. The weather has come off clear and cold and a fire in the tent is a great luxury.
11th—Received our pay from the government. $118.30. Buck paid me $5.50. Al Hobart $2.50, N[at] Ramsdell $1.00. Paid sutler $10.50. Paid [Wilson] Johnson $3.00. Paid Sebastion $2.50. Paid Zack 10 cents.
12th—Weather growing cold fast. The wind has dried up the mud in the roads and the going is quite possible. It is rumored that we leave this place for Nashville or Columbia. How much reliance we may put in this grape vine, I cannot say. Time will tell. Are we never to have rest? Ever since the first of May we have been on the wing, not being in one place long enough to was our clothes hardly or at least we dare not commence the operation of washing for fear that we would be obliged to march before they would have time to dry and for us to carry wet clothes in addition to our load is out of the question.
13th—On picket guard today. Very strict orders. Are not allowed to sit down on post. Have to carry our guns at shoulder arms or right shoulder shift. The weather is very cold.
14th—Nothing unusual going on today. Had a mail but I got no letters. The recruits of the 36th Illinois came up today. Got a Spencer gun yesterday. Paid $25 for it.
15th—Rained all night last night. Lowery and black today. Wrote to Mac and Eliza. On police guard last night. Rain quite hard.
16th—Rain all day just for a change. Mud up to knees or less. Dress parade at 4 o’clock. Twenty men from the regiment in the line. The rest on guard.
17th—Rain. Rain. On police guard last night. Weather growing cold.
18th—A very material change in the weather. Rain just for a change. Nothing unusual going on. The usual camp routine.
Sgt. Benjamin Rolph of Co. B, 44th Illinois Infantry (Dan Binder Collection)
19th—Rain, will it never cease. The mud is getting something to be dreaded. Up to my knees or less. Not much less either. Have no letters from home yet. It has now been over 6 weeks since I have had a letter from any of my friends or relatives. There is a report that there is a large mail for our Corps at the depot. Hope there will be some for me as I am quite anxious to hear from home. The regiment is nearly all drunk today. Well let them drink. I was no whiskey on my plate. Coffee or cold water will do very well for Rube. I have seen too much of the evil arising from the too free use of liquor. It makes a beast of a man [and] unfits him for the duties for which he is here. It promotes quarrels and discord and I verily believe that the death of one quarter of our soldiers are occasioned through the agency of liquor.
20th—No rain today but the sky is overcast with clouds and weather is quite chilly. That large mail arrived at camp safe but there was none for me. Al stil receives from one to three a day, yet he writes but half as many as I do. Stamps are played out and none are to be had in this place. The indications are that we will soon be on the march again. On police guard tonight.
21st—Orders were received to march this morning but for some reason we did not go. Snow today quite hard.
22nd—Marched this morning at 8 o’clock. Our regiment led the division. Went 12 miles and camped at Linnville. Very cold. Freezing all day. On picket. Cold comfort.
23rd—Very cold today. Relieved from picket at dark this eve.
24th—At 12 M, broke camp. At 4 o’clock this morning marched to Columbia, a distance of 23 miles. Formed line of battle and got coffee. Slight skirmishing near town. Two hundred recruits joined the regiment today.
25th—Considerable skirmishing today. Our regiment took no part in it. Built breastworks at night. Our division moved round to the right.
26th—Battle commenced in earnest this morning. Worked last night on breastworks. No general engagement in our front. Rained nearly all day quite hard. Had orders to move this eve but did not march.
27th—Cloudy but no rain this morning. Skirmishing quite brisk. Fell back across the river. Mud knee deep in places. Crossed the river on pontoons.
28th—Moved about thre e miles to the left and formed our lines near and parallel to the river. Here we had orders to out up camp and make ourselves as comfortable as circumstances would permit. A sharp artillery was kept all day at the river. Also considerable skirmishing.
29th—Fell back at 8 in the morning to Spring Hill where we had a severe skirmish with Reb cavalry. They were going for our train but did not succeed in getting at it.
30th—Rear guard today. Marched in line of battle to Franklin 10 miles, Rebs close at our heels but very cautious of our artillery. Fell back to our breastworks. Rebs came for us about 3 o’clock but were repulsed. They made 7 or 8 charges and were repulsed every time. I received a slight would in the left shoulder about 5 o’clock. Do not think it will lay me up a great while. This was one of the most severe fights of the war. It is estimated that the Rebs lost 10 times the men that we did.
December 1, 1864—Wound quite sore today. Walked from Franklin to Nashville last night, 18 miles. Saw Doc this morning. Joined the regiment as soon as it came in. Rebs did not come on us today.
2nd—All quiet this morning. Moved camp about 1 mile to the right. Skirmishing still continues along the lines.
3rd—Appointed hospital steward to rank from the 15th September. All quiet today along the lines. Moved on to the front lines. Strengthened the works. Rebs showed themselves in considerable numbers in our front today. Wound doing finely. Got a letter from Mack with $4 worth of stamps.
4th—Wound getting better. Saw 7th Minnesota, Al Huff and Tom Hanly.
5th—Saw Waterhouse Battery. George and Charley Manlove. Saw Hank Ballou.
6th—Everthing is lovely and the goose hangs high. No unusual demonstration in our front today. Considerable firing kept up by the pickets on both sides
7th—Reported for duty.
8th—Wound almost well. Suffer no inconvenience from it.
9th—We are having quite a snow storm today. Two inches now on the ground. 2 p.m. and no prospect of a cessation in the storm.
10th—Nothing unusual today.
11th—Cold as Greenland today. Snow still on the ground. Sent three men to Division Hospital—Miller, Dutchman, and a man from Co. C. Had a letter from Sam yesterday. Al Haugh was here to dinner.
12th—Little warmer today. Sent 6 men to hospital. Harned from Co. G.
13th—Cold again/ Snow still on the ground.
14th—Went to town today. Nothing unusual on the lines.
15th—Broke camp at 6 a.m. Brigade formed in front of the works. 44th as skirmish line to cover the Brigade inside the works. I went forward with the Brigade in company with Doc. [Emery A.] Merrifield. The Johnnies were driven out of their works. A large number of prisoners were taken and several pieces of artillery.
Battle of Nashville
16th—Regiment came up this morning. Went on the front line. There is a large number of or regiment wounded. How many it is impossible now to tell. The fight raged with great fury until night came on, shutting out the Rebs from our view. The 44th lost heavily owing to its being on the front line. The number lost was 35.
17th—Rebs in full retreat today. We are after them hot. Cavalry took in a large number of prisoners. Rebs lost in this battle 56 pieces of artillery and some 6 or 8 thousand small arms. Camped for the night near Franklin.
18th—Crossed the Harpeth River and marched 18 miles and camped in a cornfield, mud up to knees.
Boston Evening Transcript, 7 January 1865
19th—Found the Johnnies at Duck Creek. Went into camp for the night.
20th—Marched at 12 M. Crossed Duck Creek and went into camp 3 miles.
21st—Lay in camp all day. Snow and cold as Greenland. Received two letters from Eliza. Also from [ ]. Wrote an answer to both.
22nd—Laid in camp all day and at night marched about 4 miles and crossed Duck River. Passed through Columbia.
23rd—Marched at 2 p.m. Went about 4 miles and went into camp. Cavalry had a brisk skirmish with Forrest’s command.
24th—Marched 16 miles and went into camp. Our Brigade led the Corps. Cavalry skirmishing all day briskly. Passed through Linnville today. Christmas eve. How different from last year at this time. I remember that at about this hour of the evening I was enjoying myself hugely with —— in a horse an cutter [sleigh] “two forty on the pike. But here we are in camp after a hard days march with nothing to shelter us but the blue canopy of Heaven. Yet I would not exchange places. I am content knowing that we are fast winding up the Rebellion and when that is accomplished, we can all go home and enjoy ourselves at our hearts content.
25th—Christmas. Rainy and disagreeable. Marched at 9 o’clock. Our Brigade in the rear of the Corps. Went 14 miles. Passed through Pulaski. Here we left the pike. Roads very muddy. Afterwards cavalry had a very severe fight. Had to call on the infantry to recapture some artillery the Rebs had taken from them. They accomplished their object and report has it took a Brigade of Rebel cavalry. There is another report in circulation to the effect that the Johnnies took a regiment of our cavalry. How true these reports are I am unable to say. At all events, it is evident that the Rebs were hard pressed as they left large quantities of ammunition for both artillery and small arms besides some 20 or 30 wagons.
26th—Laid by today to draw rations. Drew three to last five. Some rain last night but none during the day.
27th—Marched at 7 a.m. Went 10 miles. Went into camp in a high hill at 2.30 p.m. The roads are very muddy, 6 to 8 inches deep. Hard on artillery. Almost impossible to get along. Our cavalry is pecking at their rear, pushing them hard.
28th—Our Brigade led the Corps today. Marched 13 miles and went into camp about 3 o’clock. Roads not quite as bad today as they were yesterday. The day was clear and pleasant.
29th—Laid in camp today. Foraging parties gone out. The report is this morning that the Johnnies are all across the river. The Pioneers were all ordered to take the back track to repair the roads. The rumor is that we will all move back in the morning.
30th—Laid in camp today. Nothing unusual going on.
31st—Division marched at 9 o’clock. Took the back track as far as Lexington where we took the road for Athens. Our regiment rear guard for the train. Did not get into camp until 7 o’clock p.m. Drew three days rations to last five.
Oliver Rodgers of Co. G, 44th Illinois Infantry (Civil War in Tennessee Collection)
1865
January 1, 1865—The new year was ushered in bright and clear, not a cloud obscured the Heavens. The weather is quite cold but just right for marching. Broke camp at 8 o’clock and marched a distance of 8 miles. This we did without halting once. Although we made the distance without a halt, I never marched the same distance with as much ease. There is plenty of forage in this vicinity and the boys are improving their time to good advantage. They are coming into camp with hams and bacon with now and then a hog.
January 2nd 1865—Laid in camp today. 1st and 3rd Divisions are building a bridge across the Elk River. We will have to lay here until it is completed when we will again resume our march. The boys are going in so “heavy on the forage” that Gen. Wood has issued an order calling for a roll call six times a day making it the duty of commanding officers to report all absentees and such will be dealt with severely. Passes are to be given to a sufficient number to obtain all the forage necessary for the companies. Well, it does look rather hard to take so much from the citizens but look at it in another light, it is all right. If it were not for some citizens we would not be here now and the sooner they are starved out the sooner we can go home. In that light, I look at it.
3rd—Orders to march at 2 o’clock. Went about a mile and a half for an ambulance to take a sick man from Co. I to the Division Field Hospital. Did not get it as the Lieutenant in charge of the train thought it would be useless to go up to the Brigade and back again as the ambulances would have to pass the regiment on the march and the patient could be taken in. Marched 6 miles. Crossed the Elk River on a bridge made of logs and rails.
4th—Marched at daylight this morning. Went 22 [miles] and camped at sundown. Passed through Athens.
5th—Marched at daylight. Went 10 miles and got into camp at 11.30 o’clock. Struck a splendid pike in three miles of Huntsville. Made one of the quickest marches today that I ever did. Went four miles in one hour over the muddiest kind of road. Cavalry is nowhere to the Flying Infantry of the 1st Brigade.
6th—Laid in camp today. Fatigue men sent out to chop logs for winter quarters. Sent two men to Division Hospital.
7th—Have not moved camp yet. Will not until the quarters are done at work on them.
8th—Still in our tents. Work on quarters is progressing rather slow.
9th—Still in same camp.
10th—At work on Shebang. Logs all cut. Will commence pulling up in the morning.
11th—Got the logs all at camp by night and in the eve put them up. Got the last log on at 10.30 o’clock.
12th—Work on the house. Get along slow on account of a scarcity of nails.
13th—Worked on the shebang. Put up bunks, built chimney, got the roof on so that we can live in it.
14th—Still at work on house. Moved in today. Weather mild and clear, Wrote to Eb and Colonel Bunnell.
15th—I wrote to Sam today concerning box. Sent for Spiritus Ter. &c.
16th—Getting somewhat settled down in the Brigade. Looks quite citified. There is about 500 houses in the Brigade, all built alike—or at least of the same size.
17th—Wrote to Dell. No unusual stir in camp today.
18th—Wrote to Pearly Sage, Rochester, Gambro county, Minnesota. The boys was inspected today by the Inspector, Capt. Layton. The weather continues fine. Reminds one of spring in the Northern States.
19th—Wrote to Eb. Also to R. F. Mercer, Nashville, concerning ballad, Battle of Nashville. Enclosed $5 for 100 copies. Also to [sister] Eliza. Col. Russell arrived in camp today. Dress Parade.
Huntsville, Alabama January 19, 1865
Dear Sister [Eliza],
I am not in debt to you for a letter. Nevertheless will write. I make a practice when it is so that I can to write at least once a week to all my correspondents whether I hear from them or not. Our Division has gone into winter quarters at this place. We arrived here on the 5th of this month and immediately commenced the construction of quarters. We have them done and are in them. They are built of logs 7×10 in size, 6 feet high and covered with our shelter tents. Each house is calculated to accommodate 4 men, are furnished with a chimney large enough to do our cooking, and altogether are very comfortable. The house I am in is built a little larger (9×18). Five of us occupy it 9the non-commissioned staff). I have not heard from home direct since the Battle of Nashville so do not know how our folks are getting on. I hear from Eber quite often. He seems to be [paper torn] with his wife as well he may. I was somewhat acquainted with her before he married her and always thought her a very sensible woman. She was at the time of her marriage with Ebe a widow with one child—a very bright boy some two or three years of age. I am proud to claim her as sister Sarah.
I hear from Hattie once in a while. She was teaching school when I heard from her last. She don’t get married yet. More the wonder. Let me see. She is 25 years old, is she not? If this war does not end in the course of the year, her chances in the matrimonial market will be very poor. There are so many girls—so much younger girls—who when the war broke out were in short dresses that I am afraid her chance will be slim, especially as the young men are nearly all killed off. I saw Doc the other day. he is well. Had been laying back to Pulaski with the artillery but is now in town. The prospect is good for our laying here two months at least, perhaps three. I sent to Mother for a box to be sent by Express to this place. She is going to send butter cake and such like [paper torn] but I forgot to mention her [paper torn].
I lost all my traps when I was wounded at Franklin. Among other things, a new housewife which she had just sent me. It contained needles, thread, &c. and came very handy. I meant to tell her to send me another one. This same Battle of Franklin was the most severe to the Rebels of any since the war began. In ancient or modern history we find no accounts of as bloody a battle. In the space of two hours, some (7,000) seven thousand Rebels were killed or wounded while the Yanks lost some 2,000. While following Hood in his retreat, we passed over the battlefield. 3432 Rebel graves were counted and citizens of Franklin say that large numbers of the dead were claimed by friends and carried away.
My wound is nearly healed over. I suffer no inconvenience from it. I have got the ball that inflicted the wound. Will save it if possible until I get home. T’will be a good trophy of that battle at least. Will close. Write soon. Yours, &c. — Rube Norton
21st—Rain all day. Will have to pay for the fine weather we have been having lately.
22nd—Wrote to Hattie today. Nothing unusual in the wind.
23rd—Wrote to Monroe Carpenter.
24th—Nothing unusual going on in the regiment today.
25th—Ditto.
26th—Also ditto.
27th—Took our chimney down and rebuilt it. Draws like fun now. Weather still continues clear and cold. Ground froze to the depth of [ ]. Received a letter from Sam and answered it. [Fairy Bell poem]
The way a raw recruit was taken in and done for. The “Chappe” upon whom this trick was performed is a young man of German birth not overstocked with common sense but possessing self esteem enough for three common mortals.
We had been riding on the cars from one point to another for several days scarcely once getting off the train and had stopped at Bridgeport for the night. The Colonel let the boys get off the train and put up their tents. Consequently, they were in good spirits and rife for any fun. It was the first time Charley had ever been in camp and he was very much bewildered at the numerous camp fires and asked us a great many foolish questions in regard to them. To learn him a thing or two the “Scout” was gotten up.
Among ourselves it was arranged that a few of us who were in the secret were to leave the camp a short distance and act as Secesh guards while others would talk the matter up before Charley and get him in good spirits for the trial. Everything being arranged, Nat Ramsdell came up to the fire around which we were sitting saying he had a detail from Col. Russell for him and Charley to scout the Rebel camp and learn if possible the intentions of the enemy in regard to our movements. After much talk and considerable bantering, we got them started and we took our posts. We had not been long at our posts when we heard them coming along very cautiously. The sentinel discovered them and demanded them to halt and make known their business. Nat answered that they were friends with the countersign. He advanced until near enough for his purpose when he dealt the unsuspecting sentinel a blow over the head with the butt of is gun which laid him out.
He then beckoned the now terrified Charley to come up assuring him the guard was past doing them harm, that they were now inside the Rebel lines and must proceed with the utmost caution. Charley came up trembling giving the body of the supposed Reb a wide berth and the two passed on. They had proceeded but a short distance when they run directly on a Battery (an old barrel filled with oyster cans). A few commands given in a loud voice caused them to come to a sudden halt. Nat turned and caught Charley by the arm and told him in a tone that sent a chill of horror through the boy’s frame that they had run on a masked battery and their on;y salvation was in flight. They started off on the run, taking the direction of our own camp (Charley in his fright supposed the fires in his front were those of the Rebel camp). Our whole party started in pursuit yelling out to stop the Yankee spies. This scared Charley nearly out of his wits causing him to make greater speed. It was all Nat could do to keep within sight of him but by making almost superhuman exertions, he succeeded. Of course they distanced us and finally eluded us altogether in the darkness.
Nat, perceiving that they were not pursued, halted to take breath telling Charley that all danger from the guards was past and that they would now creep up to the fire and learn all they could and steal back to our camp with the information thus gained. They moved cautiously along when the boys around the fire, seeing them and thinking the boy had been through enough, called for Nat to come in. But Nat “couldn’t see it in that light” but proposed to see the thing through. So turning to Charley he said, “Now you see they know me and unless we can reach that house, we are done for. I got friends there and if we succeed in reaching it, we are safe. Otherwise, death is our portion. Now,” continued Nat,” in order to reach the house you see, we will have to pass close to that squad of men standing the fire, but if we take a run for it and go like the devil, I think we will make the siffle [?].”
Charley received these instructions with open mouth and beating heart and they started. They went with the speed of a whirlwind but twas no use. Just as they were opposite the fire, the squad charged them and succeeded in capturing Nat but Charley got away and would have reached the house had not Nat implored him in piteous tones not to leave him in that fix but to render him some assistance. Charley turned with the intention of helping him when the squad in a body made a dash for him at the same time, giving an unearthly yell. This was too much for Charley and he started off like a rocket. He made such speed that no attempt was made to capture him. In fact, t’would have been useless to have attempted his capture as a locomotive under full speed would have been a “slow coach” in regard to speed compared with his time made on that occasion.
After wandering around among the numerous camps, he finally found his company. At sight of him the boys gathered around him to hear his adventures. With eyes starting from his head he told his story, winding up by informing us that we were in great danger from a Rebel battery planted only a few hundred yards off and trained directly upon us and unless we got out of that place and that right speedily, we would be blown to the devil. Here the boys could hold in no longer but burst into uncontrollable fits of laughter while Charley sneaked off to his with a faint idea that he had been sold. This scrape furnished us material for a good laugh for a long time. Often I have waked up at night and found myself laughing at it.
March 5, 1864—Quite an amusing scene occurred in camp a day or so ago. It seems that one of the regimental horses had been missing for several days and it was generally believed that it had been stolen by some of the Darkies who are often seen prowling around camp with the evident design of confiscating whatever they could lay hands upon.
Reuben’s unflattering sketch of a Negro
The Colonel [Wallace W. Barrett] had occasion to go to the rear of the camp for some purpose where he espied a couple of little Darkies in the act of hiding in a clump of bushes. He called to them in no gentle terms to come out which they did, seeing that further concealment was useless. By using terrible threats he learned the whereabouts of the animal. He then took them into camp and turned them over to the police guard giving the officer orders to shoot them upon the slightest show of resistance or any attempt to get away. One of the boys was sent after the horse while the other was left as hostage. Before starting, the little fellow was given to understand that unless he was back with the horse inside of two hours, his brother would be shot. And what added more to his discomfiture was him to thrown in [illegible] the boys that they were to be sacrificed anyhow.
Inside the allotted time, the horse was back in camp and the Colonel deeming it prudent to make an example of them led them out of camp under a strong guard giving them to understand that they were to be shot in some timber and told to kneel down with their faces to their homes which they were destined never to see more. At the same time the guard was drawn up in line awaiting the fatal word which would send them out of existence.
The cries of the little ones for mercy and their promises to do better in future if let off this time were truly ludicrous considering that it was not for a moment intended to carry the threat into execution. The Colonel. appearing to be softened by their entreaties told them he would give them a chance for their lives on the consideration that they would never be found within a mile of our camp again. They were to be given a start of 20 rods [110 yards] before a shot should be fired and then they were to trust their heels for the rest. This was enough for them. They waited to hear no more but jumped to their feet and started on the run. Lord how they did run. A shot fired over their heads tended to accelerate their speed and the last seen of them was their little woolly heads poking up and down as they made their tracks through the tall grass for the timber. I will venture to say they were never caught within the proscribed limits.
March 28, [1865]—Left camp at Huntsville this morning at 10 o’clock. Took the cars for Chattanooga where we arrived the next morning at 4.30 o’clock.
29th—Left Chattanooga this morning for Knoxville by the same train. We got some three miles beyond Cleveland when the train ahead of us ran off the track, killing one man and wounding several. The cars were badly smashed up and will detain us a long time. The train was mostly loaded with baggage and horses. Only a few men were on it. If the accident had happened to our train, the loss of life and limb would have been fearful. About dar, the wreck was removed and the track repaired. We again started on our way, There were four smashups on this road today. All severe.
30th—When we woke up this morning we were within 25 miles of Knoxville. Arrived at the latter place at 11 o’clock. Laid around waiting for orders until 1 o’clock when we moved out on the K & L Railroad and laid by for the night.
31st—At 4 p.m. left for Bull Gap. Run out 29 miles and laid over for the night.
April 1 [1865]—Arrived at Bulls Gap about noon today. Left the train and went into camp on a ridge within sight of the railroad.
2nd & 3rd—Laid in camp.
4th—Marched 9 miles and went into camp at Midway on the railroad. Saw Dock.
5th—Put up a shebang and moved into it. Regiment went on picket guard. Remaining last report sick=2, wounded=3. Total 5.
April 15th—5 sick, 1 wounded.
April 19th—Left this camp this morning for Bulls Gap at 5 o’clock a.m. Boys in good spirits. Never did like this camp and it is rumored that we go to Nashville, there to lay in camp. We reached the Gap about 9 o’clock. Passed through and went into camp about 1 mile out. Whole distance traveled today 12 miles.
June 15, 1865—Left Nashville via Northwestern Railroad for Johnsonville on the Tennessee River. Got aboard the train at 2 o’clock p.m. Now crowded in our car. Arrived at JOhnsonville at 8 o’clock p.m. Stayed on the cars till morning.
16th—Got aboard the steamer National at 10 o’clock a.m. Drunken row on the boat about noon, very near being a serious things but was finally quieted down without anyone being seriously hurt although at one time it had a serious aspect. Laid on the boat all night. Boat tied to the shore.
17th—Boat moved out at 6 o’clock this morning. The weather is clear and beautiful. We passed down as far as Cairo without accident farther than getting aground once or twice. On our way down we stopped at Paducah to give the men a chance to cook coffee.
18th—This morning found us still at Cairo. The boat has yet to coal up. Strong guards are out on shore to prevent the boys from getting into town while on the river two monitors are laying to keep them from getting out that way. Notwithstanding all this precaution, large numbers are off. It’s impossible to keep men on board. Left Cairo at 2 o’clock p.m. Stopped at Island No. 10 for supper. Laid up for the night a few miles below New Madrid. About 700 men deserted the Division since we left Nashville.
[June] 19th—On the move early this morning. Fine weather. Passed Fort Pillow at 8 o’clock a.m. Arrived in sight of Memphis at 2 o’clock p.m. where we were put off on an island while the boat went to coal up. No signs of mutiny now. While laying here the bodies of some 7 or 8 of the victims of the [April 27th] Sultana disaster were picked up and buried by our boys. They were very much decomposed. We were unable to find the P. O. address of but one. His was printed on his arm with India ink.
An artist’s rendering of the Sultana steamboat in flames, 27 April 1865.
20th—Boat came for us at 2 this morning and started down the river at daylight. The day is bright and clear—not a cloud to be seen. A gentle breeze blowing on the river which makes it quite pleasant riding. Cools the air off finely. Passed Helena about 9 o’clock a.m.. Not much of a town. Stopped at White River Landing for supper about 5 p.m. Passed Napoleon at dusk. This place was nearly all burned by our forces in retaliation for firing into our transports near the place. Laid up about four hours at an island.
21st—Weather fair as usual. Arrived at Vicksburg at 4 p.m. Laid opposite the town while the boat went to coal up. Wrote to Col. Bunnell. Sent a ring in the letter for Frank.
22nd—The boat run all night. At 7 this morning we passed Natchez, Mississippi. Little of the place is to be seen from the river. The most of the place is on a high bluff back from the river. Passed Baton Rouge about 4.30 p.m.—a very pretty place of about 6,000 inhabitants, 110 miles from New Orleans.
23rd—Arrived at New Orleans about daylight this morning after a 7 day trip. Distance traveled about 1400 miles.
July 16, 1865—Broke up our camp at New Orleans and shipped aboard the steamship Champion for Matagorda Bay. The vessel is a first class one and where we are is not overcrowded.
17th—This morning at 3 o’clock the boat started down the river. Arrived at the mouth at 1 o’clock p.m. As soon as we struck salt water, the boys were sea sick, myself among the rest though not as bad as some. It lasted on me only four hours while some were troubled three or four days.
18th—Out at sea. Saw shark, dolphin, and other saltwater fish. Nothing unusual.
19th—Out at sea. Nothing today.
20th—Arrived off the bay at dusk this eve. Dropped anchor 7 miles from shore.
21st—Still at anchor in sight of shore. No sign of getting to shore. Our boat can’t go over the bar. Draws too much water.
22nd—A propellor came this morning early and took the troops off the boat. Took us to Powderhorn on Matagorda Bay where we again shipped on schooners and went 14 miles farther and landed at a small fort at the head of the bay. From here we marched 6 miles into the country and camped for the night.
23rd—Marched this morn at daylight. Went 12 miles and went into camp. Tis supposed we will stop here about three weeks.
Out of Service
Sunday, September 24th, 1865—Our regiment was mustered out of service of the United States and Tuesday, 26th left our camp on the El Pulsador for Lavaca on the coast. Here we laid waiting for transportation until today, Sunday, October 1st. As yet there is no signs of getting off. The regiment have been quartered in houses during our stay in town.
For the last two or three days, I have been troubled with what the citizen doctors call Bonebreak Fever. Bonebreak it surely is for every bone in a person’s body is in pain. I have become very weak from the effects of the disease. Am now on the gain. Should be all right I think if I were away from this unhealthy shore.
[Editor’s Note: Bone break fever is another name for dengue fever, a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes that causes symptoms like high fever, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, and excruciating muscle and joint pain. While dengue does not actually cause bones to break, the intense aches and pains lead to its nickname. Most people with dengue recover in 1–2 weeks, but some develop severe dengue, which can be fatal.]
On the evening of the 1st, we got off from Lavaca via steamer Mustang. This boat took us to Indianola where we got aboard the ocean steamer Matagorda. The boat got under weigh at 11 o’clock a.m. and arrived at Galveston the next day at 8 o’clock a.m. She makes but poor time as her boilers are in poor condition. She runs under a ten pound pressure of steam making about 5 miles an hour. Arrived at New Orleans on the morning of the 6th at 2 a.m. Here we laid until the next day till 5 p.m. when we got aboard the U. S. Mail Steamer Elenora Carrol. Arrived at Vicksburg after a ride of 53 hours. Here we took on coal and again started on our way at 12 o’clock night. Today, Tuesday, we are about 50 miles above Vicksburg.
12th October [1865]—Thursday 12 M arrived at Memphis. Here we have a large freight to put off. Also to coal up. It is nearly three months ago that we were at this place on our way to Texas. How different our feelings. We have been just 95 hours coming from New Orleans 840 miles. We have yet 200 to go before we get off the boat.
Saturday the 14th October—At 12 M we arrived at Cairo after a trip of just one week. Distance 1040 miles. Left Cairo via Illinois Central Railroad at 4 o’clock p.m. same day for Springfield where we arrived at 4 p.m. next day. Went into Camp Butler. Here we laid until the 20th when we marched to town and got our pay and [ ]. Left for Chicago same night.
When this cruel war is over no Irish need apply For everything is lovely and the goose hangs high That young girl from New Jersey Oh wilt thou be my bride And off in the stilly night We’ll all take a ride.
Let me kiss him for his mother He’s a gay young gambolier I’m going to fight wit Sigel and de bully lager beer Hunky boy is Yankee Doodle When the cannons loudly roar We are coming Father Abraham Three hundred dollars more.
In the days when I was hard up And my Mary Ann my Johnny Was a shoemaker or any other man The captain with his whiskers and Annie of the vale Along with Bob Ridley A riding on the rail On rock we used to sleep Mother I’m going around the barn I’m not myself at all, Mother I’m a batchelor forlorn.
Mother is the battle over What are the men about How are you Horace Greely does your Mother know you are out. We won’t go home till morning with the bold privateer Annie Lisle and Zouave Johnny riding in a railroad keer.
We are coming sister Mary with the folks that put on airs We are marching along with the four and thirty stars. You are way far away So goodbye at the door And did you see my sister with the ring my mother wore.
Our Union starry banner the flag of Washington shall float victorious over the land from Maine to Oregon.
Words to the tune of “Glory Hallelujah” about Jeff Davis
Items purchased from the sutler while keeping this journal.
Record of correspondence kept by Reuben C. Norton.
A ten dollar Confederate bill tucked into back pocket of Reuben’s journal.
A twenty dollar Confederate bill tucked into back pocket of Reuben’s journal.
The following letters were written by John L. Phelps (1840-1914), the son of Richard J. Phelps (1817-18xx) and Catherine Camp (1819-1852). They were all written during the American Civil War when John served in Co. D, 85th Illinois Infantry. At the time of his enlistment in August 1862, John was described as a 5′ 10″ tall, grey-eyed, dark-haired farmer from Mason county, Illinois. He served through the end of the war, mustering out on 5 June 1865 at Washington D. C.
He was married on 12 February 1869 to Isabella Sloss (1851-1894) in Nebraska and lived out his days farming in Nora, Nuckolls county, Nebraska.
The letters are from the collection of Doc Krausz who made them available for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by express consent.
Images of soldiers in the 85th Illinois shared on Civil War Faces:
John Bascum Talbott, Co. AJames W. Jimerson, Co. KSamuel Dunawain, Co. B
Letter 1
[Editor’s note: This letter was datelined from Brentwood, Tennessee, where the regiment was garrisoned from early April until the 1st of June 1863. While at Brentwood, in early May, the regiment received four months pay. The health of the regiment generally improved there as well.]
Addressed to Mrs. Sarah C. Phelps, Snicarte, Mason county, Illinois
Camp Brentwood May 10, 1863
Dear Father,
Yours of the 3rd was received the 9th. I was very glad to hear from home. I was anxious to hear from the money that I sent. I am well at present, hoping this may find you all well. I had heard of the death of Uncle Mead. You had a hard time bringing him home. I know more about the disease of camp cafe that you could tell me. I seen more while I was in the hospital than I ever want to see again. I hope that I never shall have to spend another six weeks in a hospital. If I should take sick, I would want to go to the hospital as soon as possible.
I received sister’s letter the 3rd. From the way you write, I don’t know whether you get all my letters or not. She spoke about Cyrus getting one that was [written] while we was on picket. I wrote one to Aunt Sarah about the 6th of April. Also I wrote one to Elizabeth the 16th and another the 26th. I write so many that I can’t hardly recollect the date of all of them all. I would like to know whether you get them all. The last one I wrote I sent my minature but you have got it before this time.
Colonel [Robert S.] Moore arrived here last Sunday. He looks well though he is still a little lame. All the boys I believe likes the Colonel very well. I like him very well. He has things about as he pleases. Colonel Dan McCook of the 52nd Ohio is acting Brigaduer General. THey say he only outranks Col. Moore three days—that is, his commission is only three days the oldest. The other day when out on drill, McCook spoke about having Brigade drill. Moore told him he didn’t know anything about his Brigade drill. We have to stand picket once a week, camp guard once a week. We have Battalion drill about every other day and company drill occasionally. We have worked on the fort two days and another day we went to work but it rained so we did not do anything. If you want to see shirking, that is the place to see it. They know it is all the same—work or play. The fort is about finished. They call it Fort Granger.
You spoke about my sending too much money home. I expect to have some sent to me along as I need it. I thought it was not worthwhile to keep it here for I would spend it and not get any good of it—not that I was afraid of gambling it away. I have seen more gambling since we got our pay than I ever seen before. They play what they call chuck-a-luck without dice. They bet as much on such spots. I have never bet a cent but there are many that are church members that have. There is one fellow in our company that has sent over $100 home that he has made and another $50. I believe I will mention a few things that I have got so you will see how my money has went or at least part of it. Sent $62 home. Paid three dollars for pictures. One hat $2.75. For portfolio, paper, stamps, and envelopes $3.75. Ink and pens 25 cents. And then there are many other little things to spend money for such as raisons, figs, oranges, lemons, &c. You can get just half as many cakes for the same money that we used to get at home.
Our corn turned out as well or better than I expected. A soldier’s money does him the least good of any person living. He can spend it and hardly see what he has got. It comes easy and goes easy. I have just received a letter from James A. He is well but has had very bad luck. He expressed $75 home the 8th of April [but] the train was captured between Louisville and Nashville so the money is lost. That is bad certain.
We hear a good deal about the Copperheads in the North. A southern sympathizer is worse than an armed rebel. I don’t know what I would do if I was there and hear anyone holler for Jeff. They are the kind we are hunting for.
When you have time, make some calculations about what it is going to cost to get my part of the wheat and corn into market so that I may have some idea what is coming to me. I could write more but it is not worthwhile at present. — John L. Phelps
D. B. is at the hospital yet. He don’t get much better. If you want to write, direct to General Hospital No. 23, Nashville, TN.
[Editor’s Note: The following slip of paper is undated but was most likely written early in John’s service when he was in Tennessee. There was a very large Union meeting held in Franklin on 23 August 1863 and my hunch is that it was written at that time.]
…How much do you think the white shorts are worth. The checked ones are worth about $1.75. I lost my towel coming out here. It was one of them you sent to me at Peoria. I heard some very good speaking in Franklin the 22nd. Parson Brownlow spoke. I did not hear him. I heard Gov. [Andrew] Johnson of Tennessee and Judge Bryant and another fellow from East Tennessee. They made good speeches in favor of the Union. They said the worst proclamation that had ever been issued was the first fire on Fort Sumter. Their speeches was interesting to all who heard them I think—at least among the soldiers.
I heard a Negro preach last Sunday. His text was 11th Chapter, 36th Verse of John. He was somewhat awkward in his language but he done better than some white men.
Letter 2
[Editor’s Note: This letter was datelined in early February 1864 from McAfee’s Church where they built winter quarters in late November 1863. The camp was located in a dense pine forest at the northern limits of the battlefield of Chickamauga and some six miles from Chattanooga. They remained in camp at McAfee’s Church until the launch of the Atlanta Campaign.]
Camp McAfey’s Church February 7, 1864
Dear Father,
I seat myself this pleasant Sabbath morning to write you a short letter. I received yours January the 18th about the 26th. Also the gloves you sent me. The gloves are very good ones. The only fault I found with them, the left one is a size smaller than the right. If you had wrote on them gloves the postage would have only been 4 cents. James H. only lost 4. Also a pair of socks 4 cents. If you write what is in the package, it will come cheaper.
I received a letter from Eliza wrote the 24th. It come to hand the 4th.
I know of nothing worth writing but I know you are always glad to hear from me so I will try and write something. I was in Chattanooga a few days ago to see James A. He is going home, I believe, in a few days. He is about to reenlist and get their bounty. James A. is Orderly Sergeant. The boys all like James. I would like it very well to get to go home but I don’t know as I want to reenlist very bad. I don’t think the war will last three years longer but I am not certain but what them that reenlist will have to serve their three years out. I think that another year will bring it to a close. The Rebs are deserting every chance they get.
I don’t know how long we will stay here. We may have to go out to guard another bridge in a few weeks. This is the nicest camp we have ever been in. We had General Inspection the other day. Our regiment passed inspection the best of any regiment in the division. We had the nicest quarters of any in the division. We have nice pine trees in our quarters which makes it look a great deal better. I have heard some talk that they are going to have it tried over. I don’t know as there is anything of it. The company in our regiment that passed inspection the best missed picket when their time come and the one that passed the poorest had to do the others picketing. Co. F was the best. Co. H was the poorest. We did not have a very fair chance as we just came off of picket that morning.
I will answer Elizabeth’s letter in a few days if nothing happens. I am always glad to hear from you. — John L. Phelps
Letter 3
Camp near Acworth Station, Ga. June 3, 1864
Dear Aunt Sarah.
Yours of the 17th and Father’s of the 26th was received last evening and one from Eliza date the 20th. So you see I had a fine time reading letters. I am well and enjoying myself very well. We camped here the 6th—the longest we have laid at any one time since the 7th of last month without being in a line of battle or where we could hear firing. Since we stopped here, everything has been quiet. Our regiment has not been in any engagement although we have been in front a good part of the time. When we took Rome, we lost a good many men for what the fight lasted. There has been but very little hard fighting done for the amount of ground we have gained. There was pretty hard fighting done at Resaca one afternoon. We know very little about what is going on—only what we see.
The Rebs are said to be falling back across the Chattahoochee River. I think they will try to make a stand there but if there is any way to get around, I think Sherman will flank them. That is his way of fighting. I don’t believe he wants to lose a man more than he can help. We advance and then build fortifications. Last Saturday night we worked until after midnight building fortifications. I think we will move forward in the morning. I expect we will have one hard fight before we get to Atlanta.
The soldiers are all in good spirits about getting to go home. Some thinnk they will get to eat their Christmas dinner at home. I heard Colonel Dillworth say that he thought it could not last long the way things was going. He seemed to be in good spirits. He said when we got home, he expected he would have to come down to Bath every few days to get us out of some trouble.
We have had some very warm days down here. It is warmer here than it was at Nashville. There is some pieces of corn around here that looks well & some little wheat that is ripe enough to shell out. But the army is feeding it to their teams. I guess they don’t like that we take the fences wherever we stop—if there is any.
I have not seen James A. They are about 3 miles from here. Two of the boys out of Co. F, 51st [Illinois] was here today. I answered E. C.’s letter last evening. The mail was going out yesterday evening & I wrote it in a great hurry. We have not been getting our mail regularly. I don’t know when we will have a chance to send letters—perhaps in two or three days. I directed Elizabeth’s letter to Bath. I don’t know which place she will get it the soonest.
I got my hat last evening. I like it very well. J. H. W. got one mailed at Snicarte. The postage was 4 cents which mine was 16 cents. I don’t think they should make that difference in the two places. Please send me some thread. Nothing more. Yours truly, — John L. Phelps
Letter 4
Camp in the field, Ga. June 20, 1864
Dear Father,
Yours of the 5th came to hand on the 17th. I will write you a short letter this morning as I have nothing to do. It has been but a short time since I wrote & I have nothing new or interesting to write—only that I am as well as common.
We have not been in any engagement yet. Our lines still keep advancing slowly. We advanced about two miles yesterday. Our right and left are getting pretty well around. The report is that our right—Hooker is at the river—it is thought that he is trying to get in between the Rebs and the river & burn the bridge. Skirmishing is going on in front of us this morning. The Rebs are on the high ridge or mountain. I think we will soon flank them out of that. The left of our regiment was on the skirmishers the other day and the 22nd Indiana was on the day before. They both had a very good time. They made a compromise or a bargain with one another that neither side would shoot unless they went to advance on them.
The Major [of the] the Rebs and the Capt. [of our] our boys met one another halfway. Then a squad would come out from the Rebs side and then from our side until there was about a hundred out. The boys told me that they shook hands with them. That is the way they done while the 22nd was on & the left of our regiment was not advancing. They did not have any fighting at all. There was a great many deserters coming in & I believe one thrd of their army would desert if they had a chance.
We are right along the railroad. The cars run right up to our lines. I seen one engine yesterday about half a quarter off. I believe it come up with the ammunition. You ought to hear the Yankees cheer when they hear the train come up. It is a great deal more encouraging now than it was last fall. We have the railroad up & we can get plenty of rations & last fall we was on half rations & did not know how long we would get that much.
We have heard that Grant has got his whole army across the James River. Also has Fort Darling. This is very poor writing. The paper has been wet & I have no table or desk to write on. I got the stamps you sent me at Gordon’s Mills. Half dollars worth. Nothing more. — John L. Phelps
It rains nearly every day. One of the boys saw James A. yesterday.
Letter 5
Camp 9 miles from Atlanta July 8, 1864
Dear Father,
I improve the present opportunity of writing you another letter. Yours of the 24th come to hand a few days since. I am well as could be expected. We are laying about 9 miles from Atlanta & about 1.5 miles from the river. We have been laying here 3 days. Everything is quiet along the lines this morning. There was very heavy cannonading on our right and left last night. We have not heard what the result was. We are on the skirmish line. the left of our regiment is on the line. We are laying in the reserve. The skirmishers kept up considerable firing last night. We thought once they was coming on to us. There is only now and then a shot fired. I don’t know whether the Rebs have much force on this side of the river or not. I don’t believe there is a very large force on this side. We can see the steeples in Atlanta from a small hill.
The weather is very warm. It is too warm to do anything. If a person get wounded, it goes very hard with them. I would be very glad if we could get to rest until it gets cooler. We lost about 500 men in our brigade on the 27th of June. Our left is on the river. The 4th Corps is on the river. We have had tolerable good water to drink the most of the time considering how long we have been moving.
I received the suspenders you sent me. I was very glad to get them as I was needing them. Expect you are pretty busy plowing or harvesting. If there is any to do. I hope before another harvest, I will be at home. We will have one year from the 27th of August. I don’t think we will have to serve our time out. I believe we will follow this army here right up until the thing is over with.
I know of nothing worth writing as I have not had any news for some time. I know that you are always glad to hear from me or I would not write as often as I do. This has been one of the longest campaigns we have ever been on. We have been on the move ever since the 3rd of May laying around. We have not been marching all the time but we have never stopped but a few days at a time. It is tiresome to be on the move so long or laying off nights with our accoutrements on.
It has been a very poor country that we have passed through. I have not seen but very little corn that was waist high. I guess that has all been cut to feed on. There is very little in the country and there is nothing left where the army goes.
Let me know if you get that money from Turner. Please send me some needles. Nothing more. — John L. Phelps
This is very poor writing. The ink is poor. When we get stopped some place, I will try and take more pains with my writing than I do now. I am too careless.
Letter 6
[Before Atlanta] Georgia August 4, 1864
Dear father,
Yours of the 22nd was received a few days since. I am in good health at present. I feel better than I have for some time. I hope this may find you all well. Everything is quiet along our lines today as fast as we can hear except the sound of the cannon occasionally. We are at the same place we was when I wrote to Cyrus. We are not on the front line now. The lines have been advanced so we are not in front.
We had orders to be ready to march at daylight this morning but we have not moved yet. But I am afraid we will move. I have heard two bugles.
August 6th. You will see from the above that I had to stop writing. We had to move out and advance the line on the right & then we had to go on picket that night. We built some skirmish pits. We lay in them until morning. At daylight we had to advance about half a mile farther. I believe there was no one hurt. Cos. K and I took about 25 prisoners. We was relived last evening. We are in the second line of works. There is as much danger here as there is in the front line. The bullets fly over from the skirmishers with a shell occasionally but not hurting anyone today that I have heard of. I think from the way our lines run that we are trying to out flank the Rebs and get on to the railroad running to Montgomery, one branch. The other, I believe, runs to Charleston.
I remember well two years ago today, two years ago yesterday I put my name down and was sworn in. I think the war will be over before this time next year but if not, those that are left of us will begin to think about getting home. But one year is a long time to look ahead and in front at that. A ball is liable to hit a person at any time for they are continually flying over when we are in front. All we can do is to do our duty and to be as careful as we can and leave the rest with God. I believe that He has something to do with saving our lives in the hour of danger.
I seen Albert Campbell the other day. He looks just like he used to when he worked on the farm. I know of nothing more worth writing & I will close and get behind our works for the Rebs keep throwing shells over here. Samuel Young is Capt. T. F. Patterson’s second lieutenant. I remain your son until death. Hoping that we may meet on earth again. Nothing more at present. — John L. Phelps
Letter 7
[Before Atlanta, Georgia] August 15, 1864
Dear Father,
I improve the present opportunity of writing to you again. You will see by the papers that we are still knocking at the door of Atlanta. We are on the extreme right of the army some 8 miles perhaps from the city. We was once within 5 miles of town. I suppose our left is closer than that. The army appears to be laying still at present although there is almost a constant firing kept up between our pickets and those of the enemy and some places they fire out of the rifle pits. We have been laying here 4 days. We are not on the front line—that is, our regiment is not. We have been having a very easy time for a few days but it is very uncertain how long it will continue.
I was out about 3 miles the other day to get some corn & about half a mile outside of the cavalry pickets. That was running some risk. Some of the boys was out the next day and the Rebs got after them—some two or three wounded and I am not certain but one killed. If I live till next spring, I want you to have a piece of late corn planted. If I m not at home by that time, I can have some when I get home. I like corn very well but I don’t like to run so much risk to get it.
What do the people seem to think about the war? Do they think it will end very soon? I don’t suppose there will be any drafting in Illinois, will they? I don’t think that the war will last long after this call is filled. I believe we will keep right after them until it is wound up. I think if those men called for was here now, we could use them to a good advantage.
Do you think Illinois will give Abraham Lincoln a majority. It would if the soldiers was allowed to vote but it appears to be the general opinion that Illinois soldiers will not get to vote. I think we are just as capable of putting in the right kind of man as those at home are. I was struck the other night while I was asleep with a spent ball or one that had hit a tree and glanced. It only broke the skin a little on the point of my shoulder. It made it pretty sore for a while.
Write soon. — John L. Phelps
Letter 8
Goldsboro, North Carolina March 30, 1865
Dear Father,
I have received 3 letters from you since we arrived here. We got here the 24th of March. I wrote one letter to Elizabeth. I thought I would wait a few days before writing to you.
We had a long muddy trip of it making two months and four days from the time we left Savannah until we got here. There was a great deal of rain making it very muddy. We had to corduroy nearly all the way. It is the worst country I ever seen. A wagon was most sure to get down if it got off the main road. We passed through some of the poorest country I ever seen. We passed through a strip of about 40 miles after we crossed the Pee Dee River that there was scarcely anyone living—only a few little houses along where persons lived that worked the pine timber to get the turpentine and rosin.
There are a great many people that are bound to suffer through North Carolina. There is nothing at all left for them to live on. You see the army had to depend on living off of the country mostly and when we come into a poor country, it took everything to make a mouthful you might say.
Our regiment was in two fights—one of the 16th, the other on the 19th. We was very lucky in getting out of it. We was detailed with the train at Fayetteville on the Cape Fear river & was with the train until we got through. I tell you, we was lucky in missing it. I have never heard what the loss on either side [was] but from all accounts the Rebels lost a great many the most men.
We crossed a good many fine rivers on our trip. We crossed two branches of the Broad River, Catawba, Pee Dee, Cape Fear & Neuse. We have the best line of communication we have ever had. We have railroad from Wilmington through and river to Kinston 30 miles from here and then they haul with the wagons from there to here, making two lines all the way. We have more rations that we ever had before. Old Billy [Sherman] told the boys he would give us a rest here and we should have the best the North could afford. We have plenty of pork, beans, codfish, sugar, coffee, & crackers.
I just received a letter from E. C. speaking of the election. I say there is nothing fair in levying a tax on all alike. Some men have done a great deal for the war and some have not done a thing. Nobody had to make up a bounty for me to come and I wish you did not have to pay anything for anyone else to come.
Every soldier puts full confidence in Sherman as our leader. Everyone likes him and is willing to obey him. I would rather be under Sherman than any other general that I know of Grant may be as good. He has had a harder place than Sherman has but Sherman in my man. — John L. Phelps
Letter 9
Washington D. C. May 28, 1863
Dear father,
Yours of May the 14th come to hand the 25th. We are camped about three miles north of Washington. The Grand Review of Sherman’s ARmy come off in Washington on the 24th. It was a bidg day in the city. The streets was crowded with people on both sides. The papers estimate the crowd from 60 to 70,000.
Washington is a pretty large place. I was through part of the city yesterday. I was in the Capitol. It is the largest and finest building I ever seen. You have no idea how big it is until you go through it. It is all solid marble, even the floors. The house is lit up with gas in the daytime.
I was in the Patent Office. It is a very large building. It is built of marble. You can see everything there that ever was invented that there is a patent on by looking long enough. I seen Gen. Washington’s camp chest, his tent and tent poles, his dishes that was presented to Martha Washington by Thomas Jefferson in 1781, his buckskin pants that he wore.
We had a long, tiresome march from Raleigh to Washington but I think I am very well paid for the hard marching if I could not have seen the [Rebel] Capitol without it. We marched from near Raleigh to Richmond in 7 days. We left Richmond then and camped near Washington the 19th. The Long Bridge across the Potomac is quite a sight. It is said to be one mile and a quarter long.
I don’t know whether we will get paid here or not. There is some talk of our being mustered out here but I don’t think we will. I can’t tell you anything certain about when we will start for Illinois. We may start in a week and it may be two or three. I think I will be at home by the 20th of June. This letter is very poorly wrote but perhaps you can read it. If you can, that is all that is required. We always have to write in a board or something of the kind.
I could not find an image of Osborn but here is one of Edwin Finefield who also served in Co. C, 6th Iowa Infantry Iowa Civil War Images)
The following letter was written by Robert H. Osborn (1837-1864), the orphaned son of Zimri Osborn (1793-1850) and Nancy Hathaway (1805-1857) of Belmont county, Ohio. He was married in 1861 to 15 year-old Emily Lathrop (1846-1892) before he was mustered into Co. C, 6th Iowa Infantry, on 17 July. His references to “Father” and “Mother” in the letter refer to Emily’s parents, Ichabod Lathrop (1814-1896) and Catherine Humphreys (1814-1897) of Hardin county, Iowa.
The letter was datelined from Lafayette Park in St. Louis in early September 1861. The regimental history confirms their presence there: “It was stationed for a time at Jefferson Barracks, then at the United States Arsenal and, later, at Lafayette Park and Benton Barracks. On the 19th of September, 1861, the regiment left Benton Barracks, and was transported by rail to Jefferson City, and from that place started upon an active campaign in the State of Missouri, in which it learned its first severe lesson in marching, and the endurance of hardships.”
In January 1864, Robert reenlisted as a veteran in his company but did not return home to his Emily. He was killed in action on 28 May 1864 at Dallas, Georgia.
T RA N S C R I P T I O N
Camp Jessie Lafayette Park, Missouri September 4, 1861
My Dear Companion,
It is with pleasure that I get to converse with you even in this way for it is the only way that we can converse at this time. Emily, I am not very well at present but not so unwell but I am able to get around. Emily, I hope that you are well.
Emily, I am anxious to hear from you for I have wrote you two letters to you and this is the third once since I had got any from you. My dear, I think your letters must have been miss laid on the route for I don’t think you would want me to go so long without hearing from you.
Emily, we have good news of late. First we took 1500 prisoners in two places in Mis. Jeff Davis dead, 400,000 prisoners taken at Washington. I hope these reports is true. Every paper being a good on our side.
Emily, I don’t think it will be long till I can fold my only love in my arms once more. One more sweet kiss from you would pay me for all of my trouble. But I cannot get it now for you are too far off. But I will be close enough as quick as I can. Emily, I wished last night when I got very thirsty that you was here to give me a drink for I did not feel like getting it myself and it seemed to me like if you could give me a drink, it would be worth a thousand that anybody else would give me. Emily, I want to see you all the time but when I get sick, it seems like it will kill me to stay away from you. Emily, I hope that I never will need to part from you again in this world and when parted for the next, that I may go fast for how can I stay if you was gone?
Emily, [General] Fremont has give our Colonel his choice to be stationed here for the war to protect this city. The people of this city made applications to Fremont for us to stay here saying that we was the best soldiers in every respect that had ever been here—the soberest and best behaved, and hearty, robust, and young men in general. We thanked the people for their good opinion. When I said we, I meant our regiment.
[Joseph J.] G. Knoles and J[ohn] Dorte [Dourtey] is about well. J. Dorte and O[zro]. Sawyer is writing letters now.
Emily, what little money I had [has] taken legs and waled out of my pocket—maybe lost it. But that one dollar bill that father got off Frank was not gone. But let it go the way of the world.
Emily, if we left here to protect the city, perhaps we will have to stay here for the three years if peace is made sooner and if we do, will you come and stay with me if I get a good room for us to stay in near to my quarters? If I can come after you in January, let me know the next letter. I am not afraid but you will. I do not want you to come if I think there is any danger here but again we may be disbanded soon after peace is made.
The First Cansis [Kansas] Regiment came here while I am writing. They was in the Springfield fight [at Wilson’s Creek]. They have had pretty hard usage. They say fighting is no fun when you see your best friends lying dead around you.
We had a nice rain night before last, The weather is pleasant. Everything is quiet about town since the martial law has been put in force. I was to church twice last Sabbath. Good sermons. Plenty of citizens to see us. The very best of order. People likes the soldiers. Make many presents to them. Perhaps they are too clever with their print for one’s good. Tell father to read the 9th Chapter of Romans.
Tell father and mother that I would like to see them and tell them about what times we have had for they are too many to write. Tell Elizabeth and Warren they must not spell all of the folks down up there this winter for if they do that I will get after them. Tell Harrison and the rest of them that I would like to see them and have some fun with them.
Emily, I will send you a watch locket. It cost me a ten cent ticket.
Emily, I am tired out writing and I must quit for the present. Emily, please write as soon as this comes to hand for my sake. Your companion, – R. H. Osborn
Spared & Shared 23 