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.
William Henry Holmes, 6th Vermont Infantry (Ed Italo Collection)
This letter was written by William Henry Holmes (1844-1912), the son of Lewis Holmes (1817-1901) and Lucinda Clark Pope (1814-1897) of Caledonia county, Vermont.
William enlisted in August 1862 and was mustered into Co. E, 6th Vermont Infantry where he served until 2 January 1864. Ten years after the war ended, William married Frances Melanie Goddard and the couple made their home in DuPage county, Illinois, where William made his living as a clergyman.
After the Battle of Fredericksburg, the 6th Vermont went into winter quarters at White Oak Church, where it remained until camp was broken for the Chancellorsville movement in the spring of 1863. In the Chancellorsville campaign of 1863, the regiment did gallant service at Marye’s Heights, and especially at Bank’s Ford, where, in a gallant charge, it drove back the enemy and captured 250 prisoners—a charge that William mentions in the following letter. Curiously, from William’s fresh perspective, he characterized the Battle of Chancellorsville as “the greatest victory that the Army of the Potomac ever won” and though the passage of time has characterized the battle as a defeat, it may have indeed been one of the best fought battles by the Army of the Potomac up until that date.
Transcription
Addressed to Mrs. Lewis Holmes, Sheffield, Vermont
Camp near White Oak Church, Virginia Wednesday, May 27th 1863
Dear Mother,
I received yours of the 17th in good time and with it the stamps and envelopes which I was very much in need of. My box has not come yet. What the reason is, I do not know. Other boys are getting boxes every now and then of maple sugars sent since mine was.
We have to drill two hours per day now—one in the morning & one at night. We drill the skirmish & bayonet drill. There is now present for duty in this company 16 privates, two sergeants, 5 corporals—one of which is corporal of pioneers, and another is a tailor. So you see that we have not got a very heavy company just now.
Oh, our captain Thomas Clark is in North Carolina in the Signal Corps so the command comes on Lieut. [William Joseph] Sperry—a fine little fellow who looks as though he was about 17 years old.
Julia wrote that Mrs. Lougee thought that George [Lougee] was a nine-month’s man. George says that she knows that he is in for three years and that his folks would not try to make her think that [he] was a nine-month’s man.
I see that you think we got whipped over there [at Chancellorsville]. Not so. [It] is the greatest victory that the Army of the Potomac ever won and as to all of the troops not being engaged, it is not so. They were all in & seen hard fighting but the 1st Corps that passed us Saturday to help Hooker but was too late. If they had crossed here with the 6th Corps, we should not be this side of the river & don’t you see that by engaging them here and drawing their force from the south that they have gained a victory there & in my opinion the Rebs never was so hard up as today.
But don’t think the Rebs starved yet for they have enough to eat and as good as we get. I should like to [hear] a man say that he wished the Capitol burned to the ground. Why do not the folks at the North take care of such traitors? Tell Frank to write all about the bees.
I did not mean that I came any nearer to being taken prisoner than any of the rest. It was the Vermont Brigade that saved the Corps. If the Rebs had been successful in that charge, they [would] have gone to the river and taken the whole of us.
Father spoke of my clothes. I have my 2nd pair of pants, have worn out one blouse. The rest of my clothes are good. All the fault there ever was in my boots was that they was too narrow for marching. If I was on a summer campaign, I should throw them away and wear shoes. We are all well. (Tophan is well). Goodbye, — Wm. H. Holmes
I could not find an image of George but here is an eighth plate tintype of Cortez Daily who served in Co. H, 2nd New York Veteran Cavalry(Peter Knepton Collection)
These letters were written by George H. VanDusen (1845-1905), the son of Carmi VanDusen (1815-1901) and Delia Ann Williams (1819-1887) of Warren county, New York. George wrote the letters to his wife, Emma C. Adams (1848-1923). The couple were quite young when they married in 1863.
George wrote the letters while serving as a private in Co. K, 2nd New York Veteran Cavalry (nicknamed the “Empre Light Cavalry”). He was mustered into the regiment on 10 November 1863 and mustered out 8 November 1865 at Talladega, Alabama.
The regiment was mustered into the U. S. service at Saratoga from Aug. 15 to Dec. 30, 1863, for three years, and left the state by detachments from August to December. It was stationed at Washington during the ensuing winter, whence it embarked for New Orleans, and there joined the Department of the Gulf. Its entire term New York Regiments 203 of service was spent in the South, where it formed part of Arnold’s cavalry division, 19th corps. Assigned to the 5th cavalry brigade, it took part in Banks’ Red River campaign, in which it was 18 times in action and suffered a loss of TJ killed, wounded and missing. It was assigned to the 4th cavalry brigade on its return and through June, July and August was engaged in a number of raids and scouting expeditions, meeting with some losses. In the fall, attached to the 1st cavalry brigade, it was active at St. Francisville, Bayou Sara and Fausse river. La., and in November, attached to the separate brigade, cavalry reserve, it skirmished at Clinton, Liberty creek and Pascagoula, Miss., at state line, and at McLeod’s mills. La., where it lost 11 killed and wounded. Its last active service was with the 1st brigade, cavalry division, in March and April, 1865, at College Hill, Pine Barren creek, Cotton creek and Bluff Springs, Fla.; Pollard, Fort Blakely, Mt. Pleasant and Whistler’s station, Ala.
Letter 1
[Note: This first letter was transcribed by Excelsior Brigade & listed for sale on their webpage.]
U.S. Marine Hospital New Orleans, LA April 14, 1864
Dear Wife Emma,
I now take this present opportunity to let you know how I am getting along. I am not well yet. But I think I am gaining slowly so that I feel quite encouraged. If I continue to improve I think I shall be fit for duty in two or three weeks at the longest. I hope these few lines will find you all enjoying good health and spirits. I suppose Father is making sugar by this time. How I should like some maple molasses just now. It seems as if it would taste good but a soldier must not think of dainties. I suppose you will save me a large piece and eat it for me too. It would do me some good to know that you was having something good to eat if I can’t. But oh dear Emma, how I do want to hear how you are getting along and whether the baby lived or not. Oh, how I hope that it is alive to comfort you while I am in the Army. I have dreamed of seeing you with a baby for two or three nights. Last night I dreamed that I went home and found you in bed with a little might of a baby. I thought that its head wasn’t as big as my fist and I asked you if it was a boy or girl and you told me that you didn’t know which for it was so small that you couldn’t tell. You must write all the particulars and all the news.
How do you get along with our folks? Do they use you well or not? How did you get used while you were sick? Did they take good care of you dearest? I hope so, for I would if I had been there with you. I shall feel uneasy until I hear all about it. Oh Emma, do you think that we shall take as much comfort ever again as we used too. I hope so and may the good Lord in his great mercy grant that we may live together again and that this rebellion be put down and this cruel war comes to an end so that the soldiers can return to their families. Emma don’t fail to pray for me and that we may soon be united, never to part again on earth until we part to meet in heaven. It seems as though your prayers would be answered. I pray for you every time. Oh how I should like to clasp you to my breast. It would be the most joyful moment in my life but we must wait and pray. But I must close my letter for this time. I will write again very soon if nothing happens in the mean time. Take courage and hope for the best. Write soon and often. Give my love to Father and Mother and all of the children and I will remain your truly affectionate husband,
George H.. Vandusen
Goodbye and may God bless you all. Direct: 2nd Veteran Cav, Co. K
N. Y. S. V. U. S. Marine Hospital, Ward S New Orleans, LA
Letter 2
Addressed to Mrs. Emma C. Vandusen, Creek Center, Warren county, New York
Warrington, Florida March 1865
Dear wife,
I now take this opportunity to write a few lines to you. I received your kind and affectionate letter of February 22 and was very glad to hear from you,It found me well and in Florida. We left Naval Cove yesterday morning and got here at night. We are encamped about a mile from the harbor. As we came into harbor there was Fort Pickens on the right, Fort Brancas on the left, and Fort McRoy in front. We are about 40 miles in the rear of Mobile. They are fighting about there now. Yesterday our loss was 500 killed and wounded. We are not far from where there is plenty of rebs. A reb captain came in t’other day and his whole company and gave themselves up.
The morning that we left Naval Cove, the fleet left for Mobile so you may hear from there soon. We expect to start before long. The sooner the better. The water here is good. We have plenty to eat and the weather is none too warm to suit me. The woods is mostly pine with oak shrubs that I have seen yet. The soil is sandy. All the news we get is good lately. Flour is 400 dollars per barrel and beef 4 dollars a pound in Mobile and other things according. They will have to give up soon or starve.
There is somewheres near 6,000 troops at this place. There is about 80 men in my company so we can make quite a fight although the weather is terrible hot in the summer time. It has been none too hot for comfort this winter to say nothing about the mud and rain.
There is a chance for more fighting here than I like the prospect of. I hope that they will make up their minds to give up without fighting. I hope that this war will end before long so I can come home and see you again but I hain’t got much longer to stay—a year and a half. I don’t call that long for time goes off fast to me.
Write often and all the particulars and I will try to do the same. The boys are all well. If you hear from Zina, let me know how he is getting along and where he is. Keep up good courage and pray for me. Give my love to all and trust in God and I will remain your affectionate husband, — George H. Vandusen
This letter was written by H. N. Clark of House Creek, Irwin county, Georgia. I cannot confirm his identity though he may be Horatio N. Clark (b. @ 1815) of Troy, Rensselaer county, New York, who was in Georgia prior to the Mexican War and enlisted as an artificer at the Augusta Arsenal. Another person—perhaps the same individual—with those same initials and a native of New York, is enumerated in the 1850 US Census at Notasassa, Hillsborough, Florida.
Clark wrote the letter to William Whitford Reynolds (1816-1876), son of Parley and Esther Reynolds. William was about the same age as Clark. He was born in Petersburg, Rensselaer county, New York, on Sept. 25, 1816. William received a common school education, and at the age of fifteen had completed his studies. About this time he settled on a farm with his parents, following the occupation of a farmer and receiving his property from his father. He married Mary, daughter of Braddock Peckham, of Grafton, by whom four children were born, of whom one only, Charles W., is living. Mrs. Mary Reynolds was born in Grafton.
Both Clark and William Reynolds were staunch supporters of the Democratic party.
Polk & Dallas Campaign Banner 1844
Transcription
Irwin county [Georgia] Tuesday morning, October 29th 1844
Dear Sir,
Yours of September 20th came duly at hand stating your health was not very good at present. I am very sorry to hear that you have not got rid of that sore throat yet. If you will make a cup of strong sage tea and put eight or ten drops of egg fortes to it and gargle it for three times a day, you will soon get rid of it. My health is very bad at present.
Judge Lott Warren of Georgia warned fellow members of Congress in 1841, “…no power, earthly, can can control them [Georgians] in their resistance to the death of any interference with their property rights.”
I attended court in the city of Hawkinsville [Pulaski county, Ga.] last week and as court adjourned, I proposed that we have a meeting for political discussion. Accordingly a meeting was appointed on Saturday. N. V. Johnston being present [and] he being a Democratic Candidate for elector, he was first called for I never heard a more powerful speaker than he was. He was then replied to by Judge [Lott] Warren, ex member of Congress, for two hours. We then adjourned for dinner. After dinner, my having called for the meeting, I was called on and spoke for three hours and a half. My lungs having failed me, I was obliged to sit down for I commenced bleeding at the lungs. A doctor being present, it was soon stopped. I was replied to by William H[arris] Crawford who had been beaten for Congress by Seaborn Jones, a thorough Democrat. It has been said by many who are good speakers that my speech was the most powerful speech ever delivered in Georgia and N. V. Johnston has requested me to write the speech. I shall comply with his request.
I have made 78 speeches since I started on the campaign and never exerted myself as I did on the last occasion. I promised Johnston to meet him in the city of Savannah next Saturday to speak at a meeting held by the Whigs. I am sorry that my lungs cannot hold out till the Presidential Election to speak daily.
“The Whigs may talk and sing over their Clay and Frelinghuysen. Harry may go home to Ashland and stay there and his Frelinghuysen may sing psalms and shed his tears in sympathizing over the unfortunate Indians that were in Georgia while he preaches and prays to his Abolition brothers for the slaves of the South. Georgia knows them both too well.”
— H. N. Clark, 29 October 1844
Since our October election, it seems that Federalism has no resting place in Georgia. The triumph is overwhelming for the cause of Democracy. Georgia is safe-sure for Polk and Dallas. The Whigs may talk and sing over their Clay and Frelinghuysen. Harry may go home to Ashland and stay there and his Frelinghuysen may sing psalms and shed his tears in sympathizing over the unfortunate Indians that were in Georgia while he preaches and prays to his Abolition brothers for the slaves of the South. Georgia knows them both too well. This Indian government they wanted to establish within the limits of Georgia is too well recollected if they were not Federalists and tariffites and not opposed to Texas and the South, for the voters of Georgia to support them for President. It would be with affectation to conceal the sincere and heartfelt gratification which pervades the bosom of every friend of the Republican cause on the glorious triumph that has crowned the efforts of the Democracy.
We had confidently anticipated a majority favorable to our cause. But when the gales brought on their wings the glad tidings of a radical and overwhelming Revolution, we experienced a thrill of joy which we are proud to acknowledge. The result is one of transitory importance but has decided issues of transcendent magnitude. It is not investing it with too great importance to say that it decides the question as to the vote of the state in November next for the Presidency. It proves that 1844 is not 1840, and that the coons [Whigs] of that period “fat and sleek” have dwindled down to a lean, lank, decrepit animal—a fair representation of Federal Whiggery. It demonstrates too that Henry Clay is not Harrison, and that hundreds and thousands who enlisted under “Tip and Ty” have now returned to their first love.
All recollect the chilling influence pronounced upon the Democrats of 1840 by their unexpected defeat in Georgia. All acknowledge the encouraging effect of the glorious triumph now. It has inspired the patriot with renewed confidence in the stability and prosperity of our happy institutions affording the most cheering evidence of the increasing attachment of the people of Georgia to the principles of the South and of the firm devotion to the constitution of the government. We are entitled to eight members to Congress and two Senators. We now stand equal 4 & 1.
When I commence writing upon politics, I don’t know when to stop. For fear of saying too much on politics, I will close by saying that you must excuse my bad writing. You know that I never was a writer.
I am glad to hear that Noyes is at the study of law. He must also make politics his study. I am likewise very sorry to hear of Stiles meeting with such a misfortune. You never have let me into the mystery of your own case. I hope you will not withhold it from me any longer. You did not write whether any of those young married people have children yet nor whether you have had anymore marriages. I suppose Emily has an heir by this time. Write what the people are all doing. I expect M. child is walking about and talking. Write me when you have seen her and what she is doing. Tell M. C. and the old man they must go for [ ] for I have a thousand dollars but that they are elected and will stake another thousand.
You must write as soon as you receive this for soon after election which comes the same day yours does, I shall start for East Florida to my plantation and from there if my health continues bad, I will either go to Key West or Texas. I want to wind up my business so that I can come North to spend some four months at Saratoga or Lebanon [Springs]. My partner tells me we can do it is people won’t [ ] on us as they have this year.
Give my respects to your father’s family and Z. M. C. I remain yours till death, — H. N. Clark
Send me the names of your candidates for electors and of the county officers.
I intend coming North in time to spend the Fourth of July if you should have a celebration. You might perhaps give me a chance to speak for you on the occasion if you should think me worthy. I would endeavor to do my best. I have no doubt but Noyes is a good speaker by this time. Direct your letters as you have done before at House Creek Post Office.
Last year the Whigs elected their Governor by 3,000. We now have a popular vote of 3,000 and will enlarge it in November.
This letter was neglected to be mailed by my servant until I arrived home from Savannah. This letter was mailed in Jacksonville in consequence of my being attending court.
These two letters were written by 32 year-old Frederick Wead Drury (1834-1897), the son of Luther Keyes Drury (1800-1872) and Grace E. Wead (1805-1858) of Franklin county, Vermont. Frederick was married to Frances (“Frankie”) Amelia Atwell (1835-1912) in the 1850s and the couple resided in Pompey, Onondaga county, New York where Frederick was enumerated as a merchant at the time of the 1860 US Census.
From these letters we learn that by 1866, Drury had formed a partnership with a man named Caine and was engaged in the sale of agricultural implements under the name of Drury, Caine & Co. in Alton, Illinois. In both letters, Frederick shares information about his thriving business and the health and well being of his family, but of a more interesting nature are his comments on politics and the demise of Andrew Johnson’s presidency.
In both letters, Frederick refers to Andrew Johnson’s “Swing Around the Circle” which was a speaking campaign undertaken by the president between August 27 and September 15, 1866. The tour was an attempt to gain support for his mild Reconstruction policies and for his preferred candidates (mostly Democrats) in the forthcoming midterm Congressional elections. The tour received its nickname due to the route that the campaign took: Washington, D.C., to New York, west to Chicago, south to St. Louis, and east through the Ohio River valley back to the nation’s capital.
“Johnson undertook the speaking tour in the face of increasing opposition in the northern states and in Washington to his lenient form of reconstruction in the south, which had led the southern states largely to revert to the social system that had predominated before the Civil War. Although he believed he could regain the trust of moderate northern Republicans by exploiting tensions between them and their Radical counterparts on the tour, Johnson only alienated them more.” [Wikipedia]
All-in-all, the tour was a disaster for the President by most accounts. In the second letter, Frederick summed up his opinion of it as follows: “That journey cost him millions of honest votes. His speech, his drunken driveling, slobbery haranguer at the Southern Hotel at St. Louis was the straw that broke the camel’s back. It was the most disgusting tirade that ever emanated from any man.”
A photograph taken during the “Swing Around the Circle Tour.” Johnson sits at center with Grant at his side.
Letter 1
Alton [Illinois] September 17, 1866
Dear Father,
I have been so busy that I have not had time to write to you for some time. Frankie has had a pretty serious time this summer. Has had 3 severe attacks of fever. Is just now recovering from the last and I am in hopes this will be the last. I think she will be ok in a few days. Nellie is gaining ground, is getting quite rugged again, and I guess that she will entirely outgrow her chronic diarrhea. Willie, Etta, Albert, Jennie, Flor., John, Bob, George Wise, Messick, Mr. Nelson, and your humble servant are fully up to the standard and make out to eat three straight meals per diem, and “swing around the circle” as easy as to “roll off a log.”
Business is good—have all we can do and more too. Have sold 240 drills and could have sold one hundred and fifty more if we could have got them but it was impossible. You don’t know anything about what a raise there has been and still is. Men have come 40 miles with the money in their pockets to get the McSherry Drill 1 and just begged and plead for them, but it was no use. We could not get them. I went to St. Louis and bought all I could find there (6) and they were all gone next day before night. Sold 15 a day for two or three days and since we got our [ ] received as many as 15 or 20 orders in a day. Oh! it is too confounded bad to think what we might have done if we had only had a little more pluck but John and I both thought that 240 would be all that we could sell; but we both “shot our granny.” We might just as well have made $2,000 more as to have turned our hand over, but it’s too late now.
We are selling Uncle Sam Fans 2 too—faster than we can make them. Had orders for 7 today and could not serve them till tomorrow because they are not dry. Our leather and saddlery hardware trade is constantly on the increase. We are selling cords of leather and cords of horse collars. We got in 30 dozen of those Ohio collars in the last 3 days and one day I sold 7 dozen at $31. Received an invoice of whips today of $5600 and Al[bert] has been marking and putting them up.
We are still anxious to see you back here this fall. John has much fun as ever with Bob. We got up a bet the other night on the majorities in the northern states in this fall’s elections, and the one that was the farthest off was, or is, to pay an oyster supper. My guess was 240 thousand Union majority. John’s was 239 thousand. George Wise 215 thousand, and Bob 75 thousand Union majority. So you see who will have to pay. Vermont and Maine have already rolled up more than half of bob’s estimate.
[President] A[ndrew] Johnson passed through here last week and “swung around the circle” a couple of times. Left the flag and the constitution with us and passed on to St. Louis where he had another “big drunk.” Farewell Andrew Johnson.
Yours truly, — Drury, Caine & Co.
1 The McSherry Grain Drill and Seed Drill was all the rage in 1866. With it, eight to ten acres a day could be planted.
2 The “Uncle Sam Fan” was a grain and seed separator constructed like an ordinary fan mill. It separated oats, cockle, wild buckwheat, and all other impurities from spring wheat, etc.
Letter 2
Alton, [Illinois] October 8, 1866
Dear Father,
Having to wait for an Illinois river boat to take me up to Griggsville, I thought I’d take the opportunity to drop you a line. I am going up there to attend the Pike county fair. Last week I attended the State Fair of Missouri held at St. Louis. We sent an “Uncle Sam” [fan] down and I went down and run it, and had the satisfaction of bearing off the honors in the shape of 1st Premium $5.00 diploma and blue ribbon.
Well, I suppose before I write any more you would like to know how we all do. Well, we are all alive yet. The cholera has passed us by and we “still live.” Frank hs had a pretty hard time this summer with billious intermittent fever, which has taken some of her superfluous flesh.. She is now around again, however, and I hope she will entirely recover. Nellie has got pretty nearly “shet” of her bowel trouble but has chills which hang on to her very persistently. However, on the whole, she is much better and is gaining flesh and growing finely. She is as smart as ever and I think a little smarter. I think her the smartest child of her age west of the Alleghany Mountains. She can use more big words (and put them where they belong too) than any 14 year-old child that I ever saw.
Mrs. Mitchell has a young French lady there teaching Belle french and Nellie is getting so that she can talk parley vous as well as any of them.
Etta and Albert and Jennie & John and Florence and Bob and George and Messick and Charlie and Toney and the dog are all healthy. Uncle Hezekiah and Eva came down and made us a visit. The Judge said nothing about politics.
Andy Johnson is played out in this country and you can rely upon the great Prairie State rolling up such a majority for John A. Logan and against copperheads and rebels as will make A. Johnson tremble in his boots. The Philadelphia Convention 1 opened my eyes and those of thousands of others who still cherished the hope that Andrew Johnson was what he claimed to be and what we all hoped he was—an honest man. And his tour from Washington to St. Louis enabled us all to see him and hear him, and it sickened us all. That journey cost him millions of honest votes. His speech, his drunken driveling, slobbery haranguer at the Southern Hotel at St. Louis was the straw that broke the camel’s back. It was the most disgusting tirade that ever emanated from any man. It would have disgraced Ben Parke or General Pomeroy. He was drunk—drunk!! He openly and boldly endorsed Mayor Monroe and the New Orleans Massacre.
Well, I think the proceedings today in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Iowa will put quietus on him and all his friends (of which latter he has but few left). I see the Times, Herald, and Post have all left him.
Trade keeps up a busy front. Sales up to October 1st 103 thousand and upwards. Last week our cash receipts were over 8 thousand dollars. Hope to see you here soon. Love to all. Good bye.
Yours affectionately. The boat has whistled. — F. W. Drury
Weather delightful.
1 The Philadelphia Convention was held on August 14-17, 1866.
This incredible letter was written by Lyman Redfield (1821-1847), the son of Pardon Stevens Redfield (1779-1856) and Achsah Evans (1787-1862) of Bainbridge, Chenango county, New York. Lyman was a lawyer by profession and was 24 years old in April 1846 when the hostilities broke out on the US border with Mexico in a dispute over disputed territory. Lyman joined Co. H as a private in the 1st Kentucky Cavalry that served as Gen. Wool’s body guard in the war. He died at Metamoras on 16 January 1847, most likely from disease.
“The 1st Kentucky Mounted Volunteers traveled by steamboat from Louisville to Memphis, Tennessee, and then cross-country to San Antonio, Texas. Like many units, the regiment suffered various illnesses on its journey to the seat of war. Although the Kentuckians missed out on many of the early battles, they fought in what was probably the most dramatic battle of the war, Buena Vista.
“During the second day of the Battle of Buena Vista, Mexican Gen. Santa Anna attacked, forcing U.S. troops to fall back in disorder. During the Mexican offensive, the 1st Kentucky Mounted Volunteers – fighting on foot – became isolated and was forced to retreat. During the withdrawal, John’s uncle, Alexander Morgan, was killed. The Kentuckians regrouped, mounted their horses, and charged the attacking Mexican force, and, with the support of infantry, drove the enemy back. During the battle the 1st Kentucky Mounted lost 27 dead and 34 wounded. Gen. Zachary Taylor extolled the regiment, noting that “The Kentucky Cavalry, under Colonel Marshall, rendered good service dismounted, acting as light troops on our left, and afterwards, with a portion of the Arkansas Regiment, in meeting and dispersing the column of cavalry at Buena Vista.”
“The 1st Kentucky Mounted Volunteers would not see combat again in the Mexican American War. Their year-long enlistment ended and they were mustered out in New Orleans in June 1847.” [John Hunt Morgan, by Tim Talbott]
In this letter to his older brother Pardon Redfield (b. 1816), a tinner by trade, Lyman shares his impressions of Little Rock, Arkansas, while enroute to San Antonio, Texas. “Horse thieves, robbers, gamblers, and loafers of every description form the majority of the inhabitants,” he believed.
The 1st Kentucky Cavalry in the Battle of Buena Vista, 23 February 1847
Transcription
Little Rock, Pulaski county [Arkansas] July 28, 1846
Dear Brother,
While the sun is shining with a heat which you in New York can scarcely form an idea, I will try to give you a glimpse of myself and things around me. We are now encamped on an eminence back of the town 1 of Little Rock, Capitol of Arkansas, and 150 miles from Memphis where I wrote to you about two weeks ago. Our march from that place to this has been extremely slow. The country intervening is swampy, abounding in bear of the largest size, at least I should think so if their track, which were seen in great numbers on each side of the road, could at all indicate the size of the animal. We saw several hogs that bore evident marks of having narrowly escaped bruins pork barrel and the inhabitants complained that his bearship was making such havoc among their swine as to deprive them of pork.
The rattlesnake, cotton mouth, copperhead, viper, and others—the names of which I cannot remember—infest the country and render high topped boots quite convenient to the pedestrian.
Little Rock is a mean place for the capitol of a state. As I approached the town, I was astonished at the wildness of the country. Indeed, the wild beast howls up to the very steps of the State House. Business, education, and morals are in a low state. The villain holds up his head unabashed and lust and debauchery holds their revels unawed by law or publick opinion. The grog shop with its never failing attendants is found on every corner. Horse thieves, robbers, gamblers, and loafers of every description form the majority of the inhabitants.
“Little Rock is a mean place for the capitol of a state. As I approached the town, I was astonished at the wildness of the country. Indeed, the wild beast howls up to the very steps of the State House.”
—Lyman Redfield, 1st Kentucky Cavalry, 28 July 1846
We are now on the border of a wild country. Our march to San Antonio will occupy I suppose about six weeks. I shall not be able to write you another letter until we reach San Antonio. If you will write to San Antonio, I shall probably receive the letter on my arrival there.
I am in excellent health and my little war steed in good condition for fighting or traveling. Give my respects to all my friends. Tell Father and Mother that I am getting quite fat and rosy cheeked and that when I return next spring to see them, I suppose they will not know me. The southern climate agrees with my constitution.
With fraternal regards, I remain your brother, — L. Redfield
1 Most likely the troops were encamped on the ridge south of Little Rock where the Federal government had recently completed the construction of the Little Rock arsenal.The arsenal was constructed at the request of Governor James S. Conway in response to the perceived dangers of frontier life and fears of the many Native Americans who were passing through the state on their way to the newly established Indian Territory.
This letter was written by John Fulkerson Tyler (1838-1911), the son of Henry C. Tyler (1807-1850) and Jane E. Fulkerson (1813-1850) of Jonesville, Lee county, Virginia. When his parents died in 1850 within days of each other, 12 year-old Tyler went to live with his Uncle Fulkerson in the same county. After graduating from the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in 1859, Tyler relocated to Lexington, Missouri, where he studied law.
When the Civil War began in 1861, Tyler enlisted as a private in the 14th Missouri Infantry but, due to his prior military training, he was rapidly promoted to Major of his regiment and appointed as the aide-de-camp to Brig. Gen. John McAllister Schofield, a West Pointer who commanded the Missouri State Militia and was state adjutant general. When he was only twenty-five years old, Missouri Governor Hamilton R. Gamble selected Tyler to be Lieutenant-Colonel of the First Regiment Infantry, Missouri State Militia, with date of rank in mid-June 1862.
“For most of the next year, Tyler was on detached service away from the regiment. One assignment in August 1862 was to take command of the gunboat John Warner on the Missouri River. His orders were to ‘seize or destroy all ferry boats, skiffs, rafts or other means of crossing the river, which are in position to be used by the rebels.’ In October he was assigned as commanding officer of the post at Pilot Knob on the Southwest Branch, Pacific Railroad, in charge of about 85 officers and fifteen hundred men, and he had other assignments. On 18 March 1863, he was promoted to colonel of his regiment, replacing Col. John B. Gray.” [VMI Alumni Review]
From the time of his promotion to Colonel until the end of the war, however, things did not go well for Tyler. He was plagued with criticisms of his performance and threatened with a court martial which was finally ordered in January 1865. He did not return to Lexington, Missouri, after the war but settled in St. Joseph instead where he practiced law and traded in real estate.
Tyler wrote the letter to his cousin Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1822-1862). According to the book, History of Southwest Virginia 1746-1786 and Washington County 1777-1870 by Lewis Preston Summers, Samuel was born on his father’s farm in the southern part of Washington County, Virginia, but he was principally raised in Grainger county, Tennessee. He enlisted as a private in Colonel McClelland’s regiment during the Mexican war, and served throughout the war. He studied law and began a law practice in Estillville, in 1846. He was elected to the Constitutional Convention of 1850, and then elected judge in 1856. He served as judge until the spring of 1861, when he was elected and commissioned colonel of the 37th Virginia Regiment of Infantry, and commanded that regiment until June 27, 1862, when he was mortally wounded while leading the 3rd Brigade in a charge against a strong Northern position on the Chickahominy. He died the following day, and was interred in the Sinking Spring Cemetery, Abingdon, Virginia. Of his death, Stonewall Jackson wrote, “Col. S. V. Fulkerson was an officer of distinguished worth. I deeply felt his death. He rendered valuable service to his country, and had he lived, would probably have been recommended by me before this time for a brigadier generalcy. So far as my knowledge extends, he enjoyed the confidence of his regiment and all who knew him. I am, Sir, your obdt. servt, T. J. Jackson”
The letter is particularly interesting because the third paragraph refers to what has come to be called, “The Morgan Walker Raid.” It was this raid that took place on 10 December 1860 that marked the turning point in William Clarke Quantrill’s life when he chose to side with the pro-slavery forces in Missouri rather than remain with his anti-slavery friends in Kansas Territory. The following article by Ted W. Stillwell summarizes the incident:
“William Quantrill, being from Kansas, was an abolitionist prior to becoming the leader of “The Bushwhackers” of Jackson County, Missouri. December 10,1860 was the turning point in his politics. On this date he joined five young Quaker abolitionists from Lawrence on a slave-stealing raid into Jackson County, Missouri, where they planned to “steal” the slaves of Morgan Walker, who lived near Blue Springs. The 1900 acre Walker farm was located where Pink Hill Park is today just west of Highway 7. It was daylight when they arrived in the neighborhood. Quantrill left his boys hidden in the bush while he rode on into the Walker farm to survey the situation. At this point he became a turncoat and sold out his “friends.” He informed Morgan Walker’s son, young Andrew, what was about to take place, and that they should be prepared. Quantrill returned to his troop to await nightfall to begin the raid. The Walkers rounded up a few neighbors to assist them and setup an ambush as the abolitionists came riding in that evening. One Quaker was killed on the spot, two were wounded and ran for cover and two more escaped back to Lawrence, Quantrill hung back out of harms way during the ambush. The neighbors tracked down the two wounded men and shot them on the spot.“
A sketch depicting Antislavery guerrillas or “Jawhawkers” attacking civilians in Missouri (LOC)
[This letter is from the personal collection of my friend Rob Morgan and has been published on Spared & Shared by express consent.]
Transcription
Napoleon City [Missouri] December 23rd 1860
Dear Cousin,
When I was younger I felt like the sands in the hour glass ran too slow, and I wished to shake the tardy thing to make them faster go. Now I have let this feeble but constant stream run on, and I have listlessly gazed until I am warned that I must act ere it everlastingly too late. I thank you for your good advice as regards my choice of a pursuit. And this together with my own desire shall cause me to decide. At the same time that I make this decision contrary to my Uncle’s wishes; yet it is not, nor shall it be, through any disregard for his feelings. But I do think the will is rather harsh, and that he puts too strong a construction on that very portion of it—so much so that he says he will not spend another dollar towards helping me acquire more education. And if it is not too much trouble, you can confer a great favor on me by examining the will and giving me your opinion with regard to it. I think I would rather have everything in my own hands. My father designed it should be for my benefit and in no other way will I ever get the real “benefit” of it. Certainly I can not; if do not come into full possession ere I have passed the average longevity of the human race, which perhaps I may never do. This is the only restriction in the will from which I at present wish to be relieved, and by this being removed whatever beside I wish removed is immediately done also.
What are you going to do in Virginia when South Carolina shall have seceded? Will Old Virginia go too? God grant that she may not. May she, as she has ever done, in times of trouble furnish from her own prolific womb, some compromising genius who may induce even the Palmetto State to retrace her steps and take more solemnly her vow in the sight of heaven and at the alter of our country to support the Constitution and the Union, thus making us more truly one people engaged in the grand work of disseminating the great principles of freedom among the human family.
Missouri more than all the other states has cause to ask that her wrongs should be avenged. Yet she stands preeminent for her conservatism. There is no other cause left for her to pursue. For some time, the people just west of us have been alarmed by scouts from a body of men under [James] Montgomery. The main army or body is somewhere in Kansas and these little parties are sent out into our state to murder and to plunder. Three of this party attacked a gentleman in Jackson about twenty miles from here. Fortunately there were some other white persons at the house besides the occupant and they killed one of the attacking party and wounded the others, both of whom they killed next day. It was then rumored that “Mont” had come to this place for vengeance. We immediately made up a company to go and drive him back or take him right there. We went within two or three miles of where the main army was said to be encamped when messengers told us that the report was a mistake. Then of course we could but return in peace.
James Montgomery or “Mont” (1814-1871). Montgomery came to Linn County, Kansas Territory, early in the territorial period after living in Ohio, Kentucky and Missouri. He was active in the free state cause and was involved in most of the conflicts between pro-slavery and free state forces in that area. He raised a militia troop that was active in 1857.[Kansas Memory]
Notwithstanding all this trouble, Missouri is still for the Union. But whenever the constitutional rights of the South are trampled upon by Federal officers or with the sanctions of Federal Authorities, then will her voice be heard for redress. And if civil war should follow her just demands, then will her sons be found flocking to the standard of southern rights under which, if need be, they will,
“Strike for their altars & their fires, For the green graves of their sires, For God & their native land.” 1
If our rights are touched, I know what course you will pursue. I remember well when you told my mother and me farewell, and started by yourself from Jonesville for Mexico. The others mustered around & Old Dr. Stubblefield made speeches considerably for show, [yet] they remained at home and you went to do the work it required. The case is now different. The battle has not begun.
Do Virginians believe a state has the right to secede when she thinks proper? Has the President a right to force a state [back into the Union] when she does secede? And will Virginia uphold Lincoln if he administers the laws with equal justice to all parties?
I went to Lexington [Mo.] a few days ago to see cousin Ellen. She enjoyed her trip very much and speaks very highly of you all of which I was very proud. I had given her a glowing description of you all before and am glad she found you as I had said. I did not have time to hear much from her but am going again soon when I shall endeavor to hear all about her trip. All our relations are well and doing well. Give my love to Aunt & Cousin Kate. Tell cousin Kate I am looking for a letter from her every mail. If I do not get one soon, I will not look any longer.
Where is Isaac now? Still in N. Y. and in the same firm? When are you going to get married? Please give me an invitation and perhaps or probably I may deceive you by coming. Remember me very kindly and respectfully to all my friends in and around A[bingdon]. Write soon to your cousin, — Jno. F. Taylor
P. S. My paper is not scarce but I am economizing. — J. F. T.
1 These lines are from a poem authored by Fitz-Greene Halleck entitled, “Marco Bozzaris” (a Greek chieftain).
This letter was written by Andrew R. Yoder (1836-1895) of Co. D, Mallett’s Battalion (Camp Guard), North Carolina. Muster rolls indicate that he served as a musician in the Camp Holmes Battalion. Whether Andrew remained at Camp Holmes as he hoped is unknown. Nothing further was found in his muster roll records after the summer of 1863. Most likely he was a conscript like the others who reported to Camp Holmes which was a camp of instruction near Raleigh, North Carolina. Typically, after being uniformed, equipped and drilled, the conscripts were sent on to fill the vacancies of regiments in the field. It may be that because Andrew was a musician (presumably a drummer), he was allowed to remain because he was not deemed to be fit for the field and/or because a drummer was needed at the camp for daily drills.
Amzi Alexander (“A. A”) Hawn who was killed on 17 June 1864 at Petersburg
Andrew was the son of John Abel Yoder (1795-1870) and Sallie Whitener (1793-1869) of Jacob’s Fork, Catawba county, North Carolina. He wrote the letter to his olde sister, Mary M. (“Mollie” Yoder) Hawn (1833-Aft1870), the wife of Amzi Alexander (“A. A.”) Hawn (1833-1864) who is mentioned in the April 1863 letter as having just been sent to Co. K, 35th North Carolina Infantry. Amzi is reported to have been killed and left on the battlefield at Petersburg on 17 June 1864.
Andrew and Mollie had an older brother, John Abel Yoder, III (1820-1864) who served the Confederacy in Co. F, 23rd North Carolina Infantry. He was killed in action at Spotsylvania Court House on 10 May 1864.
Andrew married Sarah Catherine Hawn (1838-1885) in the late late 1850s and had one child when he was drafted into service. He survived the war and lived out his days in Catawba county.
Transcription
Camp Holmes, North Carolina April 7th 1863
Dear loving sister,
I drop you a few lines to let you know that I am well. I hope when these few lines come to hand, they may find you all well. I am sorry to tell you that A. A. is already gone. I sent that letter to him. I was sorry to be parted from A. A. He was one of the best [friends] I had in camp. I am sorry to be parted from him. If I could stand marching, I would [have] went with him but the way I am situated, I expect to stay here as long as I can.
There is some talk that there will be another detail. I don’t know whether this is the case or not but I am in hopes to get to stay here this summer if the war does not close.
You wrote that you wanted me to take care of his things that he could not take along. I will do so. He left his honey jug & two tin cups & one pack of envelopes with me to send home to you. His shoes he left with Saddlemire. I had no room in my bag just then. I had my provisions in my box. I will send those things the first chance I have.
I am glad that he got to go to the 35th Regiment. I hope and pray that he will be treated well & that he may be blessed with health & life to return home again. We sent our trunks with T. S. Hawn. I would like to know whether you got them and I hope you did get them. I must close. I hope this cruel war will end before long.
This letter was written by Ralph Carlton (1827-1862) of New Durham, Strafford county, New Hampshire. Ralph served as the Captain of Co. I, 3rd New Hampshire Infantry during the Civil War but was did not survive the Battle of Secessionville on James Island in South Carolina—where the regiment saw its first action on 16 June 1862. During that engagement, the regiment loss was 105 killed, wounded or missing. Capt. Carlton was shot in the left leg, which had to be amputated, but he died of his wound later the same day.
Ralph Carlton’s Gravestone in New Durham, N. H.
Ralph’s biological parents were John Folsom Cloutman (1804-1854) and Patience Tash Edgerly (1803-1894) of Strafford county. Ralph’s birth name was actually Erastus F. Cloutman and he served under that name in the 3rd Infantry during the Mexican-American War, and was married under that name in 1849 to Amanda M. Pearl (1832-1903), but sometime during the 1850’s he had his name legally changed to Ralph Carlton. Amanda gave birth to as many as seven children by the time Ralph entered the service in 1861 though they did not all survive infancy. In the 1860 US Census, Ralph was enumerated with his family of wife and four children in Farmington, New Hampshire, where he earned his living as a shoe cutter—a somewhat surprising occupation of menial labor given Ralph’s excellent penmanship and vocabulary which suggests a better than average education.
In the regimental history (p. 703), Ralph was described as a “fine-looking fellow, with flowing black beard, clear, black eyes and black hair.” He stood 5′ 11″ tall and had a commanding presence. “He was a popular man, not only at home, but in the regiment as well. He was the leader of the Farmington Cornet Band when he left for the war….In March 1862, Capt. Carlton having become sick, obtained a 60 days’ leave,” and returned home where he “somewhat” regained his health. On returning to his regiment, the steamboat (Oriental) he was on was shipwrecked off Hatteras and he and the other passengers had to be rescued by another steamer, resulting in a relapse of his health and he returned home once more. He did not return to the regiment until early June, just in time to participate in the Battle of Secessionville where he lost his life. One soldier who saw Ralph being removed from the battlefield wrote, “He was conveyed past us on an old door, mangled and dying. We had never seen such before. His white face contrasted strangely with his jet black hair and flowing beard.”
Ralph’s body was taken to Hilton Head and buried but soon after exhumed and placed in a metallic casket and sent North in charge of Musician Flanders of the Band. “Sad and solemn were the funeral services which took place at Farmington on 6 July 1862. The ceremonies were held in the Freewill Baptist Church.”
The letter reveals that Ralph wrote letters to the Boston Journal under the pseudonym “Santiago.” Unfortunately I have not been able to find any of these articles.
Ralph wrote the letter to Alonzo Havington Sawyer (b. 1827) who was appointed the postmaster of Alton during Lincoln’s Administration. He held the post for 22 years.
Transcription
Addressed to A. H. Sawyer, Esq., Post Master, Alton, New Hampshire
Port Royal [South Carolina] March 8th [1862]
Friend Sawyer,
Yours of February 25th is at hand and I am pleased to hear from old Alton. I can’t promise you much of a treat in the way of news for you get our “movements” in the papers a devilish sight faster that we can make them, however I will endeavor to fill up the sheet with something if it is not very interesting. I send a letter to the Boston Journal at the time I send this and you can take a portion of that as belonging to you for I wrote it for N. H. folks. It is over the signature of Santiago as usual. I mention this so you can excuse me from mentioning the same things in this letter.
As for myself, I am sick. I have done no duty for six weeks. My complaint seems to be of a sort of billious nature which causes pain in the side, &c. I am going to apply for a “leave of absence” and if I obtain it I will call up and see the citizens of Alton and I want you to tell Maj. Savage to have the necessary arrangements made at the “Cocheco” [Engine Company] and of course I shall expect the Alton B[rass] B[and] to escort me from the depot. Where is “Am? I suppose he is in full blast.
Josiah Ingals Plimpton, 3rd N. H. Vols. (Dave Morin Collection)
Well now, to affairs at Port Royal. 1st the “3rd New Hampshire” still remain at Hilton Head and are selected by Gen. [Thomas W.] Sherman to remain here permanently. Capt. [Josiah Ingals] Plimpton of Co. E is erecting a sawmill and will soon be getting out lumber with which to build barracks 1 but although we are to have our headquarters here yet, we are not deprived of some of the fun for we go out on “secret service” once in awhile and get a sight of Pulaski and even Savannah occasionally. Seven companies of the regiment have just gone out on one of those errands and will be gone two days. My company don’t go this time on account of my being sick.
Capt. Miller of Co. B (from Exeter) is under arrest for a pretty rank offense, being no less than advising one of his men to desert and go home and offering to furnish him a change of clothes; also promising to furnish him with his pay from time to time as it became due which would oblige him (the captain) to make a false muster roll. These are serious charges and will cost him his commission if proved.
Our regiment is in good repute with Gen. Sherman and he has assigned Col. [Enoch Q.] Fellows to the responsible position of Commander of the Post and sent all the Brigadiers away to other places. Still the force under Col. Fellows is the largest of any as you will see by my letter in Journal. I think that if Savannah is taken and Gen. Sherman goes down there, he will take us with him for he seems to have a partiality for the 3rd [New Hampshire]. You will remember that when the latter named place is taken, it will be mostly accomplished with the Navy unless the present program is changed. but I have no idea that it will be attempted at present for we have not sufficient force to hold it provided the rebels should be driven down en masse into the Gulf States which seems probable no and we can take it from a large force about as easy as from a small one. But you may soon look for the fall of “Pulaski” for that little pile is doomed.
We have two drills per day—one a battalion drill, and one a company drill. Col. Jackson is now in command and is an excellent man.
In regard to contrabands, see my letter in Journal.
James W. Parker of Lisbon, N. H. served in Roger Carlton’s Co. I, 3rd N. H. Vols. (Dave Morin Collection)
The weather is tip top part of the time but I tell you we have to catch it sometimes for we have a real “simoon” occasionally—the wind blowing a perfect gale and the sand flying like snow in winter. Then, tis now the rainy season and when it does rain, it pours.
We don’t get any of the luxuries you mention unless we purchase them of the sutlers put up in tin cans! Please tell Miss Young is she is at your place now that her brother has got well and returned to duty. Our regiment have lost by death in all 17 men. My company has lost two—one from Wakefield and one from Winchester. There are many more things I might mention but as I intend to go up to New Hampshire soon, I will wait and give you a verbal account of affairs. Remember me to Maj. S.; also to Hon. Daniel and Charles Mooney and in fact to everybody who loves the Stars and Stripes.
If I go home I shall arrive not far from the first of April. The 4th New Hampshire are with Gen. Wright but are doing nothing that I can hear of. Yours truly, — Ralph Carlton
[to] A. H. Sawyer, Esq.
“Organized at Concord, N.H., and mustered-in for three years on Aug. 23, 1861, the 3rd New Hampshire Infantry was uniformed in “New Hampshire cloth,” considered to be of “a better shade [of grey] than that of the other regiments.” The frock coats and pants were of gray doeskin made by the Harris Mill at Harrisville, Cheshire County, and supplied by Lincoln & Shaw, of Concord, at a total cost of $9,505. The frock coats issued to the 3rd New Hampshire Infantry were patterned after the 1854 U.S. Army frock coat with 9-button front, 2-button cuff, and rear skirts with two buttons at waist level. Collar and pointed cuffs were plain. Pants were also plain for all enlisted ranks. Non-commissioned officers’ sleeve stripes were a light color, likely sky-blue. Havelock caps issued to this regiment were described as “of dark brown mixed stuff, with a stiff visor and cape.” Brass company cap letters cost a total of $62. This corporal has a spear-pointed knife and Model 1849 Pocket Colt revolver tucked into his waist belt. He holds one of the Pattern 1853 Enfield rifled muskets, with fixed bayonet, supplied to the regiment by jeweler George W. Drew of Concord, N.H.“ Sixth-plate ruby ambrotype by an unidentified photographer. Ron Field Collection. [See Military Images Digital]
[It should be noted that by the time this letter was written in March 1862, the 3rd New Hampshire Infantry were no longer wearing their state-issued grey uniforms. They did, apparently, wear their old grey uniforms when on fatigue duty. See 1862: Arthur Sidney Newsmith to Annie Nesmith, letter dated 22 March 1862 from Port Royal, S. C.]
1 In February, 1862, Capt. Plimpton was detailed at Hilton Head to build a saw-mill, and had several men assigned to him as carpenters for that purpose. The spot chosen was near Drayton’s Plantation, not far from camp and close to the river (Broad). This service continued several weeks. There were several men from the Third New Hampshire detailed to work at this saw-mill.
This letter was written by Kenzie Allen Lovell (1841-1923), the son of Amon Lovell (1802-1850) and Wealthy Houck Baird (1816-1907) of Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania. Mentioned in the letter is his brother Albert G. Lovell (1839-1934).
At the time that Kenzie wrote this letter in 1861, he was employed as a school teacher but the following year he enlisted in August to serve 9 months as a first sergeant in Co. E, 122nd Pennsylvania Infantry. In 1870, he was still living in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, earning his living as a lawyer. He was married in 1865 to Mary G. Lease (1845-1928).
Kenzie’s letter speaks of the outrage exhibited by the Northern populace—particularly by the students in his school—when the Massachusetts Militia were attacked by southern sympathizers as they attempted to pass through Baltimore on 19 April 1861.
Massachusetts Militia attacked while passing through the streets of Baltimore (Monument City).
Transcription
Tuesday, 3 p.m., June 25, 1861
My dear friends,
Your most welcome epistle reached its destination a few evenings since and to all such, I respond with the greatest pleasure. I am sorry to hear that you do not intend coming to the Normal [school] till next spring, but am glad that you have not abandoned the idea entirely. I can’t say whether I will be here then or not but I want to remain next winter at least. If I am, you will not see me.
I suppose old “Harmony Hill” Seminary is now closed up and left to commune in silence with those large oaks around it, or, mayhap ’tis still frequented by a group of “little ones,” more eager for play than study. In your next, please let me know when my successor closed and how he succeeded. Let me know also where Mr. Solliday is; whether he has left Maryland or not.
The school here is not now as large as it was at the commencement of the term, many having left at the close of the first quarter. There are now only about 300. The war excitement had a great effect upon the school this spring, and many students left their books to handle the musket and sword. May success attend them where traitors are to be crushed.
When the news reached the school that the Northern troops had been attacked in Baltimore, it created intense excitement, and had it it been in their power, the proud Monumental City, disgraced by its treasonous inhabitants, would have been reduced to ashes. This I give you as an illustration of the effect which that ignominious attack upon our troops had in the school, and the illustration will apply in general to the whole North, from Pennsylvania’s southern boundary to Maine, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
It is now begun, however, and were a hero of the Revolution permitted to visit America at the present unhappy period in her history, he could not but weep to think that our once happy Republic should so soon fall a victim to civil strife—strife inaugurated by traitors whose foul deeds would make an Arnold blush. But enough of this; it pains me to behold it, much more to picture it to others. I anxiously await the result, and think that ere six months more roll around, Gen. Scott—who is the Union’s support—will have proved that the “Southern Confederacy” is only a phantom and that Republicanism is not a failure.
I am happy indeed to read such sentiments as are expressed in your letter, and to think that while evil influences surrounded you, you did not yield to them, but still remain the same that you were when we last conversed together in my study at Mr. Kline’s. In your next, please tell me if you can what Mr. Kline’s sentiments are about the present national issue.
Brother Albert, I believe, is still in Maryland, I think, however, he intends coming to school here before long. I suppose you are about beginning to cut your grain crop, for it is some earlier than ours. I would like to go into the harvest fields about two weeks if I thought I could endure it. I am confident if you intend going to school any place, you will find it vastly to your benefit to attend the institution because it has been prepared and is now endowed by the State to train teachers.
I believe I have written all of importance and shall close. Please write soon. You will see this letter has been written in haste. Direct as before. Sincerely yours, — K. Allen Lovell
This partial letter was written by Edward Alexander McConnell (1844-1867), the son of emigrants Edward McConnell (1805-1878) and Charlotte McGlashan (1813-1889) of Chicago, Cook county, Illinois. At the time of the 1860 US Census, 16 year-old Edward was working as a clerk in Chicago. After the war, Edward married Susannah Richards Colehour, who gave birth to their only child four months after Edward’s death in February 1867.
I could not find an image of Edward but here is Azel D. Hayward who also served in Co. B, 72nd Illinois Infantry(Randy Hayward Collection)
During the Civil War, Edward enlisted as a private in Co. B, 72nd Illinois Infantry (the “First Chicago Board of Trade Regiment”) in August 1862. He was promoted to corporal in June 1863 and to sergeant in September 1863.
In his letter, Edward writes a paragraph on the Black troops in Natchez in September 1863 and of the construction of a new fortification there on the north side of town. On July 13, 1863, Union troops arrived in Natchez and “established the Union Army headquarters at the Rosalie Mansion. By August of 1863, more U.S. Colored Troops began residing in Natchez. A large number of black men that enlisted were from Natchez or had left plantations in surrounding areas such as Franklin County, Jefferson County, Wilkinson County, etc. During the Fall of 1863, the soldiers began working on the construction of a fortification named for General James Birdseye McPherson. There were over 3,000 colored troop soldiers who served in the six regiments at Fort McPherson. These regiments included the sixth U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery, 58th U.S. Colored Infantry, 70th U.S. Colored Infantry, 71st U.S. Colored Infantry, 63rd U.S. Colored Infantry, and the 64th U.S. Colored Infantry.” [The Story of the Natchez US Colored Troops by Inesha Jackson]
The Union Battlements of Fort McPherson, encompassed the United States Marine Hospital
Transcription
Addressed to Mr. Edward McConnell, Chicago, Illinois
Natchez [Mississippi] September 22, 1863
Dear father,
It has been over a week since we have received any mail and as I expect several letters from home, I will write you one now while I have an opportunity and so save writing so many when the mail comes.
John and I are both enjoying excellent health and we hope you are all well and in good spirits. The weather for the last three or four days has been quite chilly—very similar to our fall weather in Chicago. We have all sent in requisitions for more woolen blankets as the nights are now getting quite cool. There is not much doing here worth writing about.
All the troops except our regiment have been moved out of the city and are encamped in the timber two or three miles off. All the colored troops here numbering five or six thousand have been uniformed and equipped. They look first rate in their new clothes and are very proud of them. They are all kept at work on the fortifications which are going to be strong and extend around the city.
The rebel works at Vicksburg will bear no comparison to those that are to be built here. In the first place a ditch fourteen feet wide and ten feet deep with almost perpendicular sides (the earth being so solid that there is no danger of its caving in) is dug. The earth that is thrown out is formed into a breastwork twenty feet broad and five high. About every half mile a fort containing four heavy siege guns is to be built commanding the ditches of the breastworks. Even if a force of the enemy succeeds in getting into the ditches, they can be swept out with grape and canister before any attempt could be made to scale the works. The works are to be about six miles in length and extend entirely around the town. They will probably be finished in a couple of months as a very large force is kept at work on them.
I suppose you have seen Charles Wales of our mess sometime ago. Julius Hahn another of our company you will probably see before you get this. He went up on a special furlough from Gen. McArthur about ten days ago. He had been an employee of his for three years.
Our First Sergeant E[than] T. Montgomery is going up in a week or so on a special furlough. He will call and see you while he is in Chicago. I do not think there will be any chance for either John or I to get home this year. No more furloughs are to be granted till all who are home return which will probably be a month or more. By that time the fall campaign will probably be commenced and the granting of furloughs stopped.
I hope the war will be closed soon so that we can get a permanent furlough. All the citizens I have spoken to yet would be glad to have the state come back in the Union. There are about a hundred deserters from the rebel army. Some of them have [rest of letter missing].
Spared & Shared 23 