All posts by Griff

My passion is studying American history leading up to & including the Civil War. I particularly enjoy reading, transcribing & researching primary sources such as letters and diaries.
Somerville Heights

1862: Washington Lafayette (“Lafe”) Colgrove to William D. Kizer

Leave a comment

The letter was only signed “Lafe” but I think I can safely attribute it to Washington Lafayette Colgrove (1843-1919), the son of Silas Colgrove (1816-1907) who served as the colonel of the 27th Indiana Infantry. Silas was a lawyer before the war and volunteered as the Lt. Col. of the three-month 8th Indiana early in the war. When the 8th disbanded, Silas was appointed colonel of the newly-formed 27th Indiana. Known as a strict disciplinarian, his men generally disliked him and begged unsuccessfully for his removal.

According to Antietam on the Web, “the 27th moved east to Washington, D.C., and then to Frederick, Maryland, where they camped during the winter of 1861-62. In the spring of 1862, Colgrove and the 27th participated in the Shenandoah Valley (Virginia) Campaign and fought in the engagements at Front Royal and Winchester. The 27th saw action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia, in August 1862. At the battle of Antietam, the colonel was in “the thickest of the fighting” and had his horse shot from under him, but he was not injured. While fighting in Daniel Miller’s famous Cornfield, his Regiment sustained casualties of nearly 50%….The 27th was not actively engaged again until 1863 and the battle of Chancellorsville, Virginia. Colgrove sustained minor injuries at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg before serving in the Atlanta campaign.”

Theodore F. Colgrove

I can’t find any evidence that Lafe was actually enrolled in the service though when he registered for the draft in July 1863, he identified himself as “Lafayette Colgrove, 20 years old” and listed the “27th Indiana Vol.” as his former military service. So too did his 19 year-old brother Theodore Freelinghausen Colegrove. Lafayette was born in December 1843 which would have made him 18 when this letter was written, Theodore even younger. Neither brother has a muster roll record in the 27th Indiana, however, until February 1863 when Theodore officially joined the regiment as its Sergeant Major and later as Major.

“Lafe” wrote the letter to his friend William Diggs Kizer(1847-1921), the son of Thomas W. Kizer (1824-1901) and Susannah Way (1830-1875) of Winchester, Indiana. Thomas Kizer was also a merchant in Winchester.

Transcription

Addressed to Mr. W. D. Kizer, Winchester, Randolph county, Indiana

Camp near New Market, Va.
May 10th 1862

Mr. W. D. Kizer
My dear friend Willie,

I take this pleasant opportunity of writing to you again. I received your letter this morning and I was glad to hear from you and as sorry to hear that Alonzo Monroe was dead. He was a good citizen and a fine man. Sorry to hear the condition of some of my best friends. I hope it will stop where it is.

You are right. I would like to have some of those pies at this time. Can’t you send me one of them the next time you write?

Well, Willie, I will give you a little idea of some of the times we have had since I wrote to you from Edenburg. We have been up the Valley 16 miles from here to a place called Harrisonsburg and we stayed there some three weeks when we had to take the back track. There was a force of over 20,000 Rebels thrown in this valley from Yorktown and was all advancing on us so we had to fall back to this place and I think that we will have to fall back to Strasburg.

Col. Robert S. Foster, 13th Indiana Infantry

Well, we marched at 2 o’clock on Monday morning and got here in time to pitch out tents before dark. We was ordered to move across the mountains at 12 o’clock that night. We marched and at 8 we was on the east side of the mountains. We stayed there until three o’clock the next morning when we was ordered to Columbia Bridge 6 miles off. We got there about 8 and there I found the 13th Indiana and went and saw James Brice. 1 At 3 o’clock that regiment started and went up the river as a reconnoissance party. They was ordered not to go over 4 miles but Col. [Robert S.] Foster did not obey orders and went 6 miles.

When 5 miles, they came in sight of a company of Rebel cavalry and began to pursue them. They went about a mile when they found themselves surrounded by a whole brigade of rebels that ws behind a hill to the left. The word came to our regiment that hey was in danger and for us to come up on double quick. We started and went 4 and a half miles and formed in line of battle. In 45 minutes the word reached us that the 13th had cut their way out and were a coming. We drew up to meet the rebels. We supposed them to be in pursuit of the 13th but they was not so we did not get in a fight. And then it was dark and we could not make an attack so we fell back to the bridge. I saw James Brice after he came back. He is all right. The wind is a blowing so that I can’t write. I will stop for a while. 2

Camp near Strasburg, Va,
May 13th [1862]

Dear friend Willie,

I take this opportunity of commencing this letter again for the purpose of finishing it. I was at the Columbia Bridge when I stopped writing. Well the next morning I think about 5 o’clock we started back to New Market and stayed there 2 days when we was ordered to march back to Strasburg. We marched until 12 o’clock the first day and camped at Woodstock 20 miles from New Market. You may guess what kind of marching we done to go 20 miles against noon. We marched here today by 10 o’clock, 12 miles. I think that we will go to work on the fortifications here. There is a rumor that we are to go to Washington City but I don’t believe it.

Tell John W. Henderson to answer my letters or I will get Father after him with the rope. Tell Poopy in the [ ] to answer too. When you answer this letter, direct to Strasburg, Va. 27th Indiana Volunteers. Give my love to all the girls that inquire after me. Answer soon.

From your friend, — Lafe

1 James G. Brice was born October 5, 1840 in Athens, Ohio, moving to Marion County, Indiana before the war where he served with Co. A of the 13th Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He enlisted June 19, 1861 as a private, was later appointed sergeant, and mustered out July 1, 1864 at the expiration of his three-year term of service. After the war, he married Margaret Elizabeth Williams in Covington, Kentucky in 1869 and had three children. Brice moved west, later living in Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois before moving to Long Beach, California where he died October 26, 1929. See letter by Sgt. James G. Brice published in the Randolph Journal on 2 and 9 October 1863 utilized by Dan Masters’ Civil War Chronicles in a piece entitled, “Hades Opened Wide: Taking Battery Wagner with the 13th Indiana” (November 9, 2021)

2 The reconnoitering expedition to the “burned bridge (Red Bridge) by the 13th Indiana Infantry took place on 7 May 1862. The action that ensued was known as Somerville Heights.

105th Pennsylvania Infantry

1864: John Henry Woodward to his Wife

1 Comment
An unidentified Union Officer (LOC)

These letters were written by John Henry (“Harry”) Woodward (1837-1917) who enlisted as a private in Co. E, 105th Pennsylvania in August 1861 at Westmoreland, Pennsylvania. He was 24 years old when he enlisted and was described as standing 5 feet 9 inches tall, with blue eyes. In less than two months, he was promoted from private to fill the drum major position in the regimental band and then about a year later to serve as adjutant. Finally he filled the captain’s role in Co. G. but resigned his commission on 4 October 1864.

Harry wrote these letters to his wife, Mary (“Molly”) Christy Fleming (1838-1913.

The 105th Pennsylvania “Wildcats” had a long and illustrious record in the Civil War, participating more or less in all of the eastern battles. For a great summary of their record, I would refer readers to an article published by Jared Mike entitled, “105th PA ‘Wildcats’ at Gettysburg on July 2, 1863.” In one of Harry’s letters below he mentions the “Red Diamond” badge of the First Division, III Corps which the 105th Pennsylvania wore so proudly while fighting at Gettysburg and where Harry was one of the 17 officers wounded on the field.

Letter 1

Camp in the field near Petersburg
July 2nd 1864

My dearest wife,

I shall take much pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your most welcome letter which was received by me last night and with it a counterpart of your sweet self. This token of your kindness shall not be forgotten by me. As it is the first I have had, I shall prize it dearly. And oh! that I could but take you in my arms and bless you. My very heart yearns for your sweet caresses but I shall look forward with unbounded pleasure to the time when I shall be with you to have your kind sympathy in person. Everything now looks favorable and the time may pass more swiftly that it otherwise would had we been exposed to such severe marching & hard fighting both of which I think is nearly over, as our prospects are much brighter than when I came here. We have a fine position. The men are in most excellent spirits.

I will give you a short history of our doings since I joined my regiment. The day that I came, our Division had been in front building breastworks when the Johnnies drove the Division which was on our left and came in our rear thereby causing a panic among the old division Red Diamond, capturing a number of men belonging to some new regiments. Our men fell back & took a position from which they could not be driven. It was behind this work that [I] found our Brigade about dark. We (for I had reported for duty) were ordered to retake the ground that had been lost when [we] went in on a charge and occupied all our former position. My regiment did not lose a man while the 63rd lost one man killed of whom I have before spoken. We were relieved early Thursday morning and occupied the position which we had left the evening previous. That evening I was detailed for picket and ordered to relieve the 1st U.S. Sharpshooters. I had 150 men to do it with, Had not been over the line before but succeeded in placing my men before the Rebel sharpshooters were aware of what we were doing. But they soon found out that we were in close proximity to their vedettes when a brisk fire began without any serious affect to us.

We were relieved the next evening (Friday) and sent back to the rear, there to enjoy a short rest. We had a very hot time of it as we were encamped in an open field but as fortune would have it, we were close to an ice house, the contents of which we made good use. On Sabbath, Mr. Truesdale (our chaplain) came up but did not preach. Monday evening we were ordered to the front to build breastworks. We worked all night, came back to our old camp next day and scarcely had time to sit down when we were ordered to the front again—for what purpose we knew not, but were soon apprised of the cause. We were deployed in line and were ordered to build breastworks. This we did and a finer work never was put up in so short a time.

That same evening the Rebs was consolidated temporarily after which we were ordered to rest. Next day Wednesday I was detailed as Brigade Officer of the Day and instructed to lay out a camp and report the form of it to the General Commanding. This was no small work but I succeeded in establishing a very pretty camp which is being put in most excellent condition and from appearances, we shall occupy it for some time unless the Rebels either capitulate or retreat, which they must do before very long as all the railroads have been cut.

We are getting a few deserters every day who say that Lee’s means of transportation is getting very bad. His artillery horses have no forage; wagon trains standing idle from the same cause. This we have no reason to doubt as with all the forage we have, our horses and mules are dying by the thousands from the heat and dust. I am beginning to think that the end is not far distant when we shall hear the welcome sound of peace on earth and god will to men.

I have found a warm friendship for our chaplain and think him a good man wishing to do all that he can toward furthering the good work in this regiment. I think that perhaps he will accomplish something here but it is a hard task for him as most of the men are addicted to the use of the most profane language.

I wrote to Kate yesterday giving her quite a long letter which I presume she will be tired of ere she gets through with it. I shall write to Frank this afternoon should nothing prevent my doing so.

While I am writing there is a good deal of cannonading on our right but nothing like hostilities in our front as both sides appear to have come to a tacit understanding in regard to the matter.

But I shall close committing you to the keeping of Him whose we are, and who will never leave nor forsake those who trust in Him. Give my love to Father, Mother, and sisters and write very soon. Goodbye.

From your own, — Harry

Letter 2

Camp near Petersburg, Virginia
September 12th 1864

My dearest wife,

should think that ere this will have reached you, my letter bearing the date 9th ulto. shall have been read by you making you acquainted with affairs pertaining to my getting out of the service and coming home to my dearest and best of wives. In fact, I shall not be contented and happy until I shall again bask in the sunlight of thy smiles and tell you by my actions how entirely I do love, and more than love—yes, I adore you. For you darling I could endure all things. For you I could willingly sacrifice my position—aye, everything, even my honor. All, all, but my hopes of Heaven, did know that in so doing, I should add to your happiness, for you I would live and without you I care not what may be my fate on earth. These are not merely protestations but may life prove to you, darling, that mine are not idle words, for words are altogether too inadequate to express the thousandeth part of my great love for you.

I told you in my last that the President had submitted the matter of returning officers over their original term of service to General Grant. Well, he has decided that he will not compel any officer who wishes to get out of the service to stay, but will accept of resignations. And now I would infer from this that he (General Grant) would wish the officers to remain until after the present campaign closes, whether I shall do so or not, remains uncertain. However, I shall submit the whole matter to my darling little wife. Her wish shall be my law and do not fear, darling, but that I shall accede most willingly to your wishes for I know that you would not have me do anything which might reflect dishonor on me. God alone can know how anxiously I await the time when I shall again see my now wife.

I had a letter from you which was answered but as I had not time for commenting on its contents, I will just say was good to see that I would not have been surprised had Mrs. Maj. Young permitted such a thing to be with Dr. Neither should Mrs. L’n think hard of Dr. for participating in a luxury of the kind as it was reported to all of us who were there last winter that she (Mrs. L’n) did not [ ] at such a thing herself but was disposed to be favorable to a friendship of the closest intimacy. This was reported as a fact. I do not know from experience that such was the case, but I do know this—their hire girl left the house for some cause which would not do to make public. But I shall say no more.

I am well. Have duty of the severest kind to perform daily. Give my love to all the family. May God keep and direct you and bless you is my prayer. Write soon. From your own, — Harry

Letter 3

[Not transcribed—personal letter; scans follow]

Mexican War

1847-48: John L. Sample to William Burgher Howard

Leave a comment

These two Mexican War letters were written by John L. Sample (1825-Bef1852) who enlisted in Co. B, 16th US Infantry in April 1847 and was discharged on 7 August 1848. He was described at that time as standing 5 foot 10 inches tall, with blue eyes and dark hair.

John married Sarah A. Elizabeth Jenkins (b. 1829) on 27 November 1849.

He wrote the letters to his cousin, William Burgher Howard (1814-1869) of Benton, Marshall county, Kentucky. William was the son of Stephen Howard (1785-1861) and Mary (“Polly”) M. Burgher (1791-1871)

[These two letters come from the private collection of Adam Ochs Fleischer and are published on Spared & Shared by express consent.]

Letter 1

In camp on the Rio Grande
3 miles from [ ]
July the 30th 1847

Dear Cousin.

I have taken my pen in hand for the first since I got here to inform you how I am. I had expected one from you is the reason that I have not wrote to you before.

The boys is generally well at this time. Arthur, Perry and William has the yellow jaundice and Sheffield has had the chills though has dismissed them. I have had a spell of the fever though I got well. I am very weak. I came from the hospital about three days ago. I feel sounder now than I have since I got here.

I have no news of interest to [write]. I wrote a letter to Uncle Stephen about 4 weeks ago. I [wrote] to him that [we] was going to Monterrey. We started in a few [days] after. There was two companies went. We had a fine trip of it. We rode all the way in wagons. We went as an escort with a train of wagons numbering 130. It is very mountainous country up there. We could see them 4 days before we would get to them. They look beautiful at a distance. We was 9 days going up and six days coming back to this camp which we had made since we came back—which was the 5th of July.

Taylor’s camp is as beautiful place as I ever saw in my life. The best springs that I ever saw in my life. There is hickory and oak growing there and is all the native growth that I have saw since I have been here.

Zachary Taylor, “Old Rough and Ready”

I saw old Ruff and Ready. He is quite [a] fine looking old fellow. The camp is about 4 miles form Monterrey and it is quite a large place—about 4 miles long and 2 miles wide. It’s quite an old fashioned buildings. The Catholic Church is quite a fine building with quite a number of large bells which is generally annoying ringing. There is no profession here.

We have not much news here at this time though what we have is favorable for peace though you can tell more about what is going on than I can for the army is the worst place to get correct news that I ever was in my life. Some days you will hear that peace is made and the boys will mightily whoop it up, and then we will hear that the Mexicans is recruiting and they will be much down at the heel though they will get over it.

I have no more news at present but I want you [to] write all chances. I think that you have almost forgot me as you have never wrote to me since I left. I want you to tell John to wrote and all my friends. I got a letter from [your brother] Alfred to Henry. You had [not] heard of the death of Henry which we regret very much. He died on the 13th of June. I wrote to Hampton a few days ago. I heard that you was a candidate for constable place, Hampton for the Magistrate place. I want you to write how you come out as I heard that there was a good number running. Send Mr. Smith’s folks word that Charley is well and also Mr. Miller’s that William is well. Nothing more at present. Give my best respects to all. — J. L. Sample

N. B. Tell [your brother-in-law] Alfred [Johnston] to write every chance and don’t forget it yourself. Nothing more so remain yours until death, — J. L. Sample

Letter 2

Headquarters, Monterrey, Mexico
January 28, 1848

Dear friend,

I take this opportunity of addressing you with a few lines to let you know that I am well at present and all the boys of your acquaintance is well. And I am in hopes that these few lines may find you enjoying the same blessing though I have heard that you have had a severe spell of sickness though was recovering. I would like very much to hear from you again though I am in hopes that I will get a letter from some of you before many days as I have not had a letter for more than a month. I have looked till I have almost got out of heart.

William. I have nothing the would be of much interest to you. There is a rumor that the Mexicans had made a proposal for peace and it was sent to Washington for them to be agreed on it. What the proposal was, I can’t say. And whether the rumor be true or not, I can’t say. The news came here by letter.

Location of Black Fort (B) in relation to Monterrey (from Personal Memoirs of US Grant)

We have left the black Fort and come to the city again. Times is as usual here. There will be a large turf race here next Tuesday. There is thirteen horses entered to run in one heat. Col. [John Wooleston] Tibbatts ordered the regiment marched out to the track and let them stack arms and stay till the race is over.

There was an accident happened to one of our men. He was out on patrol and shot his finger off. He was intoxicated. There has been several accidents of this kind before this. There was a man that was drawing his load at mear [?] and his hand had to be taken off.

William, I have nothing more that [would] be of much interest to you. Lieutenant Cr___ left for Surralvo this morning. He is captain of Company G. that are stationed there. Lieutenant Berry is promoted to our company.

William, I want you to write as often as you can and tell all my friends to. I would [like] to hear from you often. I wrote to [ ] about a week ago. Give my best respects to all. No more at present but remain yours truly, — J. L. Sample

Civil War Poem

Who wrote the poem, “On Guard”?

Leave a comment

The following piece was sent to me for transcription and research. It was represented to be an original poem “written by the light of a fire after the Battle of Newbern” which took place on 14 March 1862. The poem was signed by the initials “H. C. W.” but there was no date nor indication that H. C. W. was even a soldier. It may have been copied from a newspaper or some other publication and passed off as original. It has the appearance of being a copy—there are no line-outs or word substitutions which would suggest original composition. The question is, was it a copy made by the author of his original composition, or did he (or she) copy it from some publication of another’s work.

Grave marker of Justin Smith Cressy

I have found at least one publication of the poem that appeared in the Pittsfield Sun (Pittsfield, Berkshire county, Mass.) on 11 December 1862. That publication credited its authorship to Justin Smith Cressy (1831-1862). * Justin was a sergeant from Berkshire county who served in the 21st Massachusetts Infantry. He was the son of Alonzo and Sophia Mariette (Smith) Cressy and was married in Pittsfield to Harriet Elizabeth Stevens in April 1856. Prior to his enlistment, Justin was a telegraph operator so he must have been educated beyond average. The 21st Massachusetts was one of the regiments participating in the Battle of Roanoke Island and the Battle of New Bern before being recalled to Virginia in July 1862. Justin was mortally wounded in the Battle of Chantilly and died on 24 September 1862. His authorship of this poem cannot be ruled out though I might note that unless the company was shorthanded, typically a sergeant would not have stood guard in the manner suggested by this poem. Justin began and ended his service as a sergeant in Co. I and so if he was on guard detail, he would have been the sergeant of the guard and not typically confined to a post. On the other hand, sergeants or corporals who oversaw the posts generally had time to write letters (or compose poems) during the time they were on guard duty whereas the privates had to walk the beat.

I have also found the entire poem published in the True Flag (Boston, Mass) on 3 January 1863—attributed to Annie Hathaway; in the Norwich Morning Bulletin (Norwich, VT) on 28 September 1910—attributed to Thomas Francis Dowd, Camp Ferris, Barrancas, Florida, 30 April 1863; in the Palmetto Herald (Port Royal, S. C.) of 24 March 1864—submitted by anonymous contributor claiming to have seen it published in a small New Hampshire village newspaper; in the Rockland County Messenger (Haverstraw, NY) on 11 June 1863—no attribution given; and in the Lewistown Gazette (Lewistown, Pa.) on 14 December 1864—attributed to an unnamed soldier who fell in the first day’s battle of the Wilderness, supposedly penned in camp on the Potomac near Belle Plain, Va. on 24 March 1864. There are more instances of newspaper publications I am sure.

I also found a portion of the poem appearing in the History of the Seventh Illinois Regiment published in 1868 by Daniel Leib Ambrose (see page 202). The last two stanzas of the poem were included in a diary entry made on 30 October 1863 as if it were an original composition by the author.

And finally I found the words of the poem appearing in a letter penned by John D. Cottrell, Co. D, 48th New York datelined from Palatka, Florida, on 28 March 1864. In a most shameless plagiaristic manner, “Jersey Jack” Cottrell broke the poem apart into sentences, disrupting the rhythm and rhyme so as to disguise the source. This letter was included in the 2000 publication, “Brothers ’til Death” by William Jones, Richard M. Trimble, and Thomas Jones.

* The Grand Traverse Herald of 4 July 1862 also published this poem, crediting Sergt. J. S. Cressy. They claimed to pick the poem up from the Janesville Independent.

From Harper’s weekly, 5 April 1862

Transcription

On Guard

Written by the light of a camp fire after the Battle of Newbern

On guard tonight; tis a lonely place
And for two long hours I must wearily pace
To and fro, neath the tall old pines
Fringed with moss and clinging vines

Scarce smiles a star through the clouds aloft
And the ocean breezes damp and soft
Fan my fevered cheek and brow
While I think of home and its loved ones now

On guard tonight tis a lonely beat
And with heavy heart and weary feet
Amid the gloom and darkness tread
For I’m watching o’er the unburied dead

Oh! yester morn how lightly throbbed
Full many a heart that death has robbed
Of its pulses warm, and the caskets lie
As cold as the winter’s starless sky

How sad the thought that another day
Will bring again the battle fray
And ere the close of tomorrow’s light
I too may sleep like those tonight

Past midnight hour and I long to hear
The step to the soldier’s heart most dear
A sound that banishes all his grief
The welcome tread of the next relief

Ah hear they come and now I can keep
The next four hours in the land of sleep
And dream of home and its loved ones there
Who never may know a soldier’s care.

— H. C. W.

11th Vermont Infantry, 1st Battle of Petersburg, 1st Vermont Heavy Artillery

1864: James Franklin Drenan to Clarissa (Bill) Drenan

Leave a comment

This letter was written by James Franklin (“Frank”) Drenan (1847-1866), the son of James Drenan and Clarissa Bill, of Woodbury Vermont. Frank enlisted in Co. L, 11th Vermont Infantry in May 1863 and was mustered into the service on 11 July 1863. He was wounded in the fighting at Petersburg on 2 April 1865 and discharged for disability in August 1865. He died only a few months later.

Lt. John Silas Drenan, 11th Vermont, 1st Vermont HA (Ed Italio Collection)

In this letter, Frank breaks the news to his mother of the capture of his brother, Lt. John Silas Drenan (1840-1894) who served with him in the 11th Vermont Infantry (also known as the 1st Vermont Heavy Artillery). He was taken prisoner on 23 June 1864 when the II Corps was ordered forward to retake its lost ground, but they found that the Confederates had already pulled back, abandoning the earthworks they had previously captured. Under orders from General Meade, the VI Corps sent out a heavy skirmish line after 10 a.m. in a second attempt to reach the Weldon Railroad. Men from Brig. Gen. Lewis A. Grant’s 1st Vermont Brigade were ordered to begin tearing up track and did not have their weapons handy when they were attacked by a larger force of Confederate infantry. Numerous Vermonters were taken prisoner and only about half a mile (0.8 km) of track had been destroyed when they were chased away. 

Readers are referred to the book entitled, “A Melancholy Affair at the Weldon Railroad: The Vermont Brigade, June 23, 1864” by David Farris Cross. The date 23 June 1864 came to be called “Black Thursday” in the Green Mountain State. “Cowardliness, negligence and inept behavior by multiple officers resulted in the needless capture of more than four hundred Vermonters” and many of the enlisted men were sent to Andersonville and later to other Confederate prisons where 60 percent of them perished.

Transcription

Camp on Weldon Railroad, Va.
June 28th 1864

Dear Mother,

I think I will try and answer your letter. Mother, I am lonesome today. No one with me. My company is gone to Richmond—all of the officers with them. One of our men got away from them. He said it made John swear some when he had to throw down his sword. Our captain and three lieutenants are taken prisoners.

Mother, you must take this as cool as possible for if the rebs fight like this, they will get the whole of our army. I have got all of John’s things—all of his letters and everything—but mother, he is a prisoner. They took all of our company but 19 men but they did not get me. All I have to do is to care of their things and keep my old pack horse thins.

Mother, John has had rather hard luck. He has been wounded twice. He had just come back to his company. He had the offer of going to the general hospital but he did not want to go and now he is worse than deal, I think. Hope he will be exchanged before long. He may not.

Mother, I have sent home three or four times and you have not sent any. You can’t write as often as I would if I had stamps.

Mother, we had 17 hundred men when we started from Washington and we have got eight hundred left. The rest are all gone. This afternoon we are going on picket where the rebs shall be considerable. Send me some stamps. I opened that letter that you wrote John. — Frank

38th New Jersey Infantry, Black Troopers

1864: Nelson Garey to Mary Garey

Leave a comment
A very grainy image of Sgt. Nelson Garey sold by Cowan’s Auctions in 2020. He’s wearing a state jacket with sergeant stripes and NCO sword at his side.

This letter was written by Sgt. Nelson Garey (1835-18xx) who wrote the letter to his wife while serving in Co. B, 38th New Jersey Infantry. Nelson was drafted and entered the service on 5 September 1864 and mustered out of the service at City Point, Virginia, on 30 June 1865.

The 38th New Jersey never participated in any major battles—only minor skirmishes. They were attached to the Army of the James, Department of Virginia and North Carolina. Most of the time was spent in garrison duty at Fort Powhatan on the James River.

When Nelson registered for the draft in June 1863, he was enumerated in Hunterdon county, New Jersey, and identified as a carpenter and married.

In the 1885 State Census, Nelson Garey was residing in Harmony, Warren county, New Jersey. Their boys names were Wilson and George.

Fort Powhatan on the James River below the Pontoon Bridge. Alfred R. Waud, artist. (LOC)

Transcription

Addressed to rs. Mary Garey, Stockton Post Office, Hunterdon county, New Jersey

Camp of the 38th N. J. Vols.
Fort Powhatan, Virginia
Christmas Sunday in Virginia
December 25th 1864

My Dear Wife,

I now sit down to answer your kind and welcome letter that came to hand night before last and was glad to hear from you and the children and to know that you was all well. I would a have wrote yesterday but I had to go out on picket and I had no time and I am glad I did not for I got a letter from sister Mary and one from her daughter Anna and now I can send them to you to read.

I am well at present and I hope this will find you in the same state of health. It is Christmas today and I have not received them things yet. I think I will get them about New Year. [Just] so I get them, I don’t care when.

Our artillerymen on the fort has got trees set in the ground. They have all kinds of things hung on them for Christmas trees. They are boxwood and we have got them all around the fort and it looks very nice.

My company went out last night on a scout after rebs and they did not get in camp till this morning about five o’clock. Our negro cavalry went out yesterday and they met with some five or six rebel scouts and they killed three of them and the other three got away and our company and Company D went to hunt them up but they did not find none. One negro got wounded in the breast with a pistol ball but it is not dangerous. It won’t kill him.

I was not with my company last night. I had to stay in camp. I was Sergeant of the Guard. We have to guard the camp when the company is gone so I saved a twenty-mile march, but I wanted to go.

I have not heard from brother yet. He is on the march yet and he cannot write when they are on a march. You spoke about that money. I got the money all right. I have got all the things you have sent me yet but the box and that has not had time to get here yet. They don’t through as quick as a letter does.

Well, they talk of giving some furloughs when the weather get so bad that we cannot drill. I don’t know whether we will get them or not. You need not tell anyone about it. Maybe we won’t get them. You need not look for me till I tell you. I will write to you if I should have such good luck. I hope they will. I would give a farm if I could see you and them little bubs of our’n. They are almost crazy up in the pine swamp since I told them I was a going to come up and bring you up to see them when I come home—if I lived and kept my health.

Well, I have not much more to write this time. I have told you all the news that I can think of so I will close hoping to hear from you soon as possible. You wished me a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I will say thanky for it but it would be more merry and happy if I was home with you. But keep good spirits. The time will come yet to see you all and I hope for the best.

I will send you Mary’s letter and Anna’s letter to read for yourself. Them little locks of hair was very nice and I cherish them very dear. Well, goodbye for this time. Write soon. Take good care of the children and my tools. Give my love to all the people and friends if I have any. Well, I will close so goodbye from your affectionate husband till death. My best love to you and the children and many kisses.

From Sergt. Nelson Garey

I am a going to write to sister this afternoon and Anna, you can write too. Remember me when this you see, though many miles apart we be. Write often as you can. Goodbye.

Both of these articles belonged to Sgt. Nelson Garey. The rubberized canvas rainproof cap with visor was a private purchase (not government issued) . The Model 1858 smooth side canteen with pewter spout and jean cloth cover is marked “N. G.” (his initials) in black paint.
2nd Vermont Infantry, Battle of Williamsburg

1862: Lewis A. Stow to his Friends

Leave a comment

This letter was written by 17 year-old Pvt. Lewis A. Stow (1845-1862) of Co. K, 2nd Vermont Infantry. Lewis enlisted on 20 February 1862 and a couple of months later he participated with his regiment on the Peninsula Campaign. Though he survived that ordeal, he suffered continued ill health, was discharged from the regiment for disability on 2 October 1862 and died at home a week later.

I could not find an image of Lewis but here is one of an unidentified soldier believed to be wearing the uniform of the 2nd Vermont Infantry. His grey state jacket, gray Chasseur-style cap and Vermont seal buttons suggest he was in the 2nd or 3rd Vermont. (Dan Binder Collection)

Lewis was the son of blacksmith Alonzo Stow (1810-1894) and Eliza Hall (1812-1886) of East Calais, Washington county, Vermont. In his letter, Lewis mentions his older brother Theodore Stow (1836-1915) at home who later served in Co. H, 13th Vermont. He also mentions being with “Bill” who was his older brother William Stow (1840-1864). William had enlisted in the 2nd Vermont Infantry (Co. F) when it was originally organized in May 1861. He rose in rank to corporal before he was killed on 5 May 1864 in the Battle of the Wilderness.

Lewis does not mention him but his oldest brother was Lorenzo Stow (1834-1863), a carpenter, husband and father when he enlisted in July 1861 as a corporal in Co. C, 12th Rhode Island Infantry. He died of typhoid fever in January 1863. Thus, Alonzo and Eliza (Hall) Stow was plagued by loss during the war, losing three sons in consecutive years.

While researching this letter, I found that there were a number of Stow family letters at the Jack & Shirley Silver Special Collections Library at the University of Vermont under the title William Stow Civil War Letters.

Transcription

Camp near Williamsburg, Virginia
May 8, 1862

Dear Friends,

Once more I will try to write a little more home. The 4th we left Camp Winfield Scott. The rebels had left and I had the mumps so the captain told me to get out there the best that I could and I feel in with Hooker’s Division & [on the] 5th we came up with the rebels about 7 in the morning and fought till night. They gave me a gun and I fought about two hours and a half, then I helped carry off the wounded. And I carried off a secesh and gave him some water to drink and he gave me one $2 bill in Southern money. He said that he had got to die and it wasn’t of any use to him. He was shot in the side with a shell. I am a going to send it home.

“And I carried off a secesh and gave him some water to drink and he gave me one $2 bill in Southern money. He said that he had got to die and it wasn’t of any use to him. He was shot in the side with a shell.”

We shall be paid off soon and I can send you fifty dollars and how I shall send it to have it come safe.

Bill says that he is too sleepy to write. I should [have] wrote before but I wanted to look round some. I have got to go on guard now.

They did not use me so I will write some more. I want that you should send a fine comb for if you don’t, the lice will fetch me home. You can send it in a letter & send some stamps for I can’t get them. Tell [my brother] Theod[ore] that pocket handkerchief that he gave me I tied round a man’s leg to stop the blood and they carried him to the hospital.

Did you get my picture and that money that I sent from Burlington? What are they all up to in No. 10? Tell Orville that I hain’t froze my ears lately but I have roasted them some. I can’t think of any more to write now.

— Lewis A. Stow

Virginia

126th Ohio Infantry

1863: William B. Kirk to Cyrus H. Kirk

Leave a comment

This letter was written in two parts—the first by William B. Kirk (1822-1901) and the second part by Ann (Jenkins) Kirk (1825-1917). The couple were married in 1845 and resided in Flushing, Belmont county, Ohio, at the time of the Civil War where William earned a living as a dry goods merchant. Their children in 1860 included Cyrus H. Kirk (b. 1847), John J. Kirk (b. 1849), and Ralph W. Kirk (b. 1858). We learn that the couple also had an 1 year-old infant named Elwilla (“Ella”) when this letter was written in April 1863.

Presumed to by Cyrus H. Kirk, eldest son of William and Ann (Jenkins) Kirk

William entered the service in August 1862 as the Captain of Co. B, 126th Ohio Infantry. He mustered out on 23 June 1863—a little more than two months after this letter was written—discharged for disability. By 1870, William had relocated his business and family to Morristown, Union township, Belmont county, Ohio. In addition to the mercantile business, William did well in the wool-buying business.

We learn from the letter that Ann has gone to Martinsburg, Virginia, with her 1 year-old daughter to visit her husband who was posted there on duty as “Permit Officer.” The letter was addressed to their other children who were staying with their grandparents. The letter was was really addressed to the oldest boy, Cyrus who would have been 15 years old at the time. A picture was included with the letter that is not identified but was probably Cyrus H. Kirk. Another period image of Ralph, who would have only been five years old, was found on Find-A-Grave.

Transcription

Addressed to Ann Kirk, Flushing, Belmont county, Ohio

Martinsburg, Va.
April 19, 1863

Dear boys,

This is Sabbath evening. Mother and I are comfortably situated at sisters. She got here yesterday by the noon train & is quite well. Ella also except she is a little cross from her ride. I hope you are well and enjoying your visit at Grand Pops. I hope you will be good boys and give Pop & Mother as little trouble as possible as they are very kind indeed to take care of you while mother comes to see me. Give them my very best respects and tell them I remember them in very great respect. Hope I may live to see them again at their old six-mile run house when the mantle of peace is spread out over these United States and our glorious old flag unfurled to the breeze from every capitol in the Union. Then—and not until then—will I be willing to lay down my arms & return to my home, to remain with the dear ones there.

We have news last evening that Fairfax Court House is take by our forces & that the Rebels are about to make a run down the valley. But let them come. We will give them a warm reception, I do assure you.

Ralph W. Kirk (ca. 1864)

I hope you will be careful of dear little Ralph. I should be sorry if he gets hurt while mother is away. Get Minor Hamell to cut that cancer out oof the mare’s nose again. Yet I expect it will do no good. But if it not done, she will die and if she dies from the operation, let her go. It will not be the first mare that ever died. You can see fifty dead horses here in an hour’s ride. I am still Permit Officer and will be in town perhaps all the time mother remains. Well, as mother wishes to write some, I will close.

Ever your affectionate father, — Wm. N. Kirk

Martinsburg, Va.

Dear boys,

This is Monday morning and a very rainy morning. We have got a very nice comfortable room to stay in and have the nicest family to board with. John, I tell you Estella is the prettiest girl and the nicest girl I ever seen. She is tending Ella for me. She kept her while I went up to camp yesterday. In fact, she nurses all the time. I am going to bring her likeness home with me. She says she would come if her mother will let her.

Well, I got here all safe. I got to Wheeling at five o’clock and took the cars at eight and I took a sleeping car and Ella and me went to bed and slept real good all night. I slept some. We was almost to Cumberland when I got up in the morning and I got to Martinsburg at eleven o’clock. I guess I was glad when I saw your Pap on the platform waiting to meet me.

Simeon looks as fat as ever and was real glad to see me. I did not see John Morris but he is well again. I hope you will all keep well and be good boys and help grandmother and take good care of Ralph and when I come home, I’ll tell you all about things I have seen. Give my love to grand pop and mother. I must close. Write soon. Goodbye. Your affectionate mother, — Ann

P. S. Ralph, be a good boy and I will fetch you something nice when I come home. Goodbye. Every yours, — Mother

19th Maine Infantry, Massacre by Negro Soldiers

1863: Ebenezer Eastman Colby to Friend “Olive”

Leave a comment
I could not find an image of Eben but here is one of John A. Hartshorn of Co. A, 19th Maine Infantry (LOC)

This letter was written by Ebenezer (“Eben”) Eastman Colby (1844-1892) of Belfast, Maine, while serving in Co. G, 19th Maine Infantry. Eben was wounded on 5 May 1864 while fighting in the opening stages of the Wilderness Campaign and was transferred to 1st Main Heavy Artillery on 15 December 1864, and later still to the 14th Veteran Reserve Corps (VRC). Before joining the 19th Maine, Eben had previously served in the 2nd Maine Infantry, Co. K, for two years, his enlistment being witnessed by his father, Charles S. Colby, who attested that his son was at least 18 years of age. At the time of his enlistment, Eben was described as five foot six inches tall, with blue eyes and brown hair. But Eben was no alone in his enlistment—his father also enlisted in the same company as his son but did not survive the war. He was killed at the Battle of Gaines’ Mill on 27 June 1862.

Following the war, though Eben did not leave the country as he threatened to do in the following letter, he relocated to Santa Cruz, California, where he could resume his blacksmith trade as far away from the liberated Negroes he obviously despised. He was married to Flora A. Collins (1847-1941) on 11 September 1864 in Liberty, Waldo county, Maine.

To read letters by other members of the 19th Maine Infantry that I have transcribed and published on Spared & Shared, see:

Henry H. Hartshorn, Co. D, 19th Maine (1 Letter)
Enoch C. Dow, Co. E, 19th Maine (3 Letters)
Warren B. Thorndike, Co. I, 19th Maine (2 Letters)
Isaac Webber, Jr., Co. K, 19th Maine (1 Letter)

Transcription

Camp near Catlett Station, Virginia
October 25, 1863

Olive,

I will pen you a few lines today as I have nothing to do. We have got marching orders and we don’t know when we will have to go but go wnen or where they will, I am with them.

Olive, I have nothing very new to write today. Everything is quiet along the lines. The rebels are not far from here but what there is near us are peaceable as can be.

Eben was most likely reacting to this article appearing in the Daily Eastern Argus (or some other Maine paper) published on 14 September 1863

Olive, if you take the Belfast Journal, I wish you would send me one once and a while for I am fond of reading papers. If you will send me one every week, I will pay all postage on them, I was reading a piece in one that a fellow had in our company. It was about some of Abraham’s negro soldiers where they murdered—or rather massacred—a whole family of whites. Damn ’em. They all ought to be burned at the stake. What in hell will this country come to if the negroes are all free.

Olive, I never mean to help free them anymore than I have. I mean to leave the army one of these days and then let them whistle if they get me. I am going to leave this country one of these days. I wish to God that Abraham and all of his followers was in hell. This war would be stopped shortly, I suppose. If some of the damned abolition curses down there was to hear me say what I have written, they would be mad enough to hang me. I wish I was down there—I would tell them what I think of Abraham and his black brethren. Damn ’em.

Olive, I will close this short letter for I have written more that you will want to read. No more today. Goodbye. Ever your friend, — E. E. Colby

P. S. Please write soon and write all the news. Give my love to Ed and all the folks.

21st Virginia Cavalry

1865: J. F. Hall to Joel Cormany

Leave a comment

The signature of the soldier writing this letter looks like it might read, ” J. F. Hall” and there is a a second signature following a post script that looks like “Foote”—possibly his middle name. However, I have not had any luck confirming his identity. He refers to Col. William Elisha Peters and informs us that he has a horse so I’m inclined to believe he is a member of the 21st Virginia Cavalry. There was a John Hall in Co. B of that regiment; there was also a John F. Hall in Co. K of the 22nd Virginia Cavalry. I’m leaning toward the latter (if it’s not the same person) since these two regiments rode together in the last month of the war in McCausland’s Brigade.

The letter was addressed to Joel Cormany (1826-1900, the son of John Peter Cormany (1795-1863) and Christina Weaver of Wythe county, Virginia. Joel was married to Barbara Ann Buck in 1850 and remained in Mt. Airy (now Rural Retreat), Wythe County, as a farmer the remainder of his life.

Transcription

Addressed to Mr. Joel Cormany, Mount Airy, Wythe county, Virginia

Petersburg, Virginia
March 27, 1865

Dear Friend,

I got to Lynchburg three hours after my Brigade left so I stayed in town all night and had fun. From Lynchburg I went to Charlottesville to Gordonsville to____ C. H. to Hanover C. H., then overtook my Brigade in four miles of Richmond. On Sunday we pass through the City of Richmond. There is fighting going on now in five or six miles of this place. We will get into it tomorrow.

Men are going over to the Yankees. I do not know what to think of this war. Gen. Lee has the finest fortifications in the world.

My horse stood the trip. I do wish I was at your house so I could get something good to eat & drink. We got a little meal & bacon, three handful of corn for our horses.

If I am not kill[ed] or taken prisoner, I am coming home this summer. Keep me a little good whiskey. Excuse this as it has been done in a hurry.

My love to all the family and Uncle John Staley,

Your very best friend, — J. F. Hall

I will write to you again just as soon as I find out where we go. Col. [William Elisha] Peters says we go to North Carolina. — Foote