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.
This letter was written by Joseph Edgar May (1843-1929), the son of Turner May (1801-1872) and Elizabeth Dixon (1806-1870) who had a farm in Richardson’s District of Craven county, North Carolina. The May family worked their farm and household with the help of at least eleven slaves in 1860.
A tintype of Joseph’s father, Turner May, with a grandchild. Turner died in 1872.
Joseph and his older brother, Benjamin Franklin May (1835-1863) both enlisted in Co. F, 2nd North Carolina Infantry in 1861. Benjamin was a sergeant in November 1861 by the time Joseph enlisted in October as a private. By March 1863, however, Joseph ha been promoted to a corporal. Joseph was with his regiment at Gettysburg but was taken prisoner at Kelly’s Ford on the Rappahannock river on 7 November 1863 and was not exchanged until 18 February 1865 at Point Lookout, Maryland.
In this poignant letter, Joseph informs his mother that his brother Benjamin was shot dead on the field of battle during the Battle of Chancellorsville—one of thirteen boys in his company that were killed on 3 May 1863. He also relays news of the death of Levi W. Deal (1843-1863), also a member of the company and a neighbor in Craven county.
I found this letter in the archives of East Carolina University who graciously digitized and made it available to the public. Their catalogue description of it is partially inaccurate and reads as follows:
Letter from J. E. May to his mother written from near Lynchburg about the Chancellorsville Campaign. May comments on the death of Frank Deall and the number of killed and wounded in his company, Company F, 2nd Regiment, N.C. Troops.
A post-war photograph of Joseph Edgar May and his wife, Mary Eliza Wooten (ca. 1900)
Transcription
Camp near Fredericksburg [Virginia] May 7, 1863
Dear Mother,
I will rite you another letter to inform you how I am getting a long. I am so tired and sleepy that I don’t know what to do, I have just come to camp. We have whipped the yanks so bad they don’t know which way to go but the worst of all—I am sorry to say—that I have to tell you [is] that Bud Frank is dead. He got killed in the battle on Sunday last, the third day of May. He was shot right through the heart. He was killed dead on the field. I was right side of him when he was hit. I got his watch and all of his things out of his pocket.
It was the hardest fight that has ever been fought in Virginia. Our company had forty men in the fight and came out with four and if you don’t call that a hard fight, I don’t know [what is]. And the other companies was cut up as bad as ours. There was thirteen killed in our company and fifteen wounded. That made twenty-seven out of forty-two and the rest of them is all missing but four.
Tell Mr. Deal unless you [don’t] see him again that his son [Levi] was killed. I reckon it is not worthwhile to give you the names of [the others] for you would not know them.
Ma, I want you and Pa to try to get somebody in “Whitford’s Battalion” 1 to swap places with me. I will give 50 dollars to boot. Ma, please write to me for I have not had a letter from home since Bud Frank was home last winter and you don’t know how glad I would be to get one.
I must come to a close for I have got to write more letters today and it is now [late]. No more at present. Your dear son until death, — J. E. May
Ma, I will tell you how to direct your letters. J. E. May, Co. F, 2nd Regt., N. C. Troops, [Stephen D.] Ramseur’s Brigade, In care of Capt. N[athaniel] M[acon] Chadwick, Richmond, Va.
1 Whitford’s Infantry Battalion, or the 11th Battalion North Carolina Home Guards was organized in the spring of 1862 with four companies, later increased to six. In January 1864 it was merged into the 67th N. C. Regiment.
The following letters and diary are housed at East Carolina University and have graciously been digitized and made available to the public though I can find no record of them having been previously transcribed. There are 20 letters in the collection and a partial diary that spans the period from mid-February 1862 to mid-May 1863.
I could not find an image of Daniel but here is an unidentified member of Co. F wearing the uniform of the 44th Massachusetts Infantry (Photo Sleuth)
“Written by a soldier named Daniel while his company was camped at Brice’s Creek, North Carolina during the Civil War. His surname is unknown, but he was a private serving in Co. I of the 44th Massachusetts Volunteers Regiment. In his diary, Daniel talks about everyday life at the camp and what they do in their spare time. In their spare time, they would read, write, play games like badminton and dominos, pray, sing, and sew. The other parts of their day involved doing guard duty drilling and chopping wood for the kitchen and quarters. Besides everyday camp life, Daniels does mention the comings and goings of militia groups. Some of the militia groups that he encounters are the 3rd NY Cavalry, 51st Regiment, 17th Regiment, 43rd Regiment, and 45th Regiment.“
Though the university knew the soldier’s name was “Daniel” and that he served in Co. I, 44th Massachusetts Infantry, they did not know his surname. Actually it took very little effort to discover that his name was Daniel Converse Smith, b. 10 March 1836 in Waltham, Mass., and died 15 December 1907 (aged 71) in Cambridge, Mass. See Find-A-Grave. Not only was Daniel the only “Daniel” serving in Company I but he recorded in his diary on 10 March 1863 that it was his 27th birthday which is consistent with his birth/death date.
I have transcribed the first eight letters and portions of his diary that I found interesting. It should be noted that the majority of the time Daniel was at New Bern, he was on duty at the Brice’s Creek Blockhouse due to his lameness. Other than his participation on the Tarboro Expedition, he did not go on any other expeditions with the regiment. He gives a great description of the blockhouse and vicinity in his letters and diary.
Transcription
Letter 1
Newbern [North Carolina] October 27, 1862
Dear Sister,
I arrived safely in Newbern Sunday, October 26 at twelve and half o’clock, for the first time placed my feet on Southern soil. It looks very different from what I expected—very sandy—the trees mostly pine. From the steamboat we rode in an open car in a pouring rain from thirty to forty miles and arrived at dark and quartered in a storage house. We could see between each board. I slept as well as could be expected under the circumstances. Our barracks are not done yet. I am now waiting for our tents to be made. The barracks will be done this week. They are better ones than we had at Readville. There is three tiers and made very strong and wider than those at Readville. We had quite a quick passage but not a very pleasant one to me being sick considerable of the time but was all well as soon as I reached land.
My breakfast I took at a Capt. of the 23rd Regiment which was the first meal that I have enjoyed since I left Boston. I cannot stop to write more now. From your brother, — Daniel
Please direct letters to Newbern, N. C., Co. I, 44th Regt.
The 44th Massachusetts troops were transported on open rail cars in the pouring rain from Beaufort Harbor to New Bern. (Sketch from Regimental History)
Letter 2
[The following letter was written shortly after the two expedition to Tarboro. It failed to accomplish all that it intended but was still considered a success. A correspondent for the New York Herald wrote the following: “Before reaching Williamston we had a fight by moonlight, which lasted nearly an hour. On the rebel side there were engaged parts of three regiments and two pieces of artillery—all this on an elevation and behind intrenchments. In this little fight the Marine Artillery, Belger’s battery, a portion of the Third New York artillery, and the Massachusetts Forty-fourth (part of Col. Stevenson’s brigade), were engaged….When we neared Hamilton the rebels abandoned their intrenchments, nearly a mile long, on Rainbow Bluffs. The first flag to float over them was that of the Signal Corps, under command of Lieutenant Taylor. We then advanced to within eleven miles of Tarboro. From this point two reconnoissances were made—one by Major Gerrard, of the Third New York cavalry, who met the rebels in force, had two men killed, and retreated without further loss. The other reconnoissance was made to within five miles of Tarboro by Major Fitzsimmons, of the Third New York cavalry…At these points the rebels were found to have massed a large force, with reinforcements constantly arriving; therefore it was deemed impolitic to attack them. Besides, in front of us was an extensive swamp. The weather indicated rain. If we had crossed this swamp, in all probability we would have lost all our artillery, as the swamp becomes impassable after a twelve hours’ rain. By a system of strategical movements we made good our retreat to Williamston without the loss of a man, and even before the rebels knew what we were doing…On our return march the weather was very severe on the troops. It kept snowing and hailing for eighteen hours. One rebel female said she knew the Yankees were coming, because they brought their snow and cold weather with them.”]
Newbern, N. C. November 9th 1863
Dear Sister,
Although not hearing from you since I wrote, I thought you would like to hear from me. We have just arrived at Newbern again after being absent two weeks on an expedition. We first took the steamer and went to Washington, N C. Then went on foot I should think from one hundred to one hundred and fifty miles. I had a much walking as I wished.
At Lloyd’s Creek we had a skirmish with some Rebels about five hundred in number. They fired pretty lively for awhile. From our regiment they killed two and wounded seven. It was after dark, bit giving us a very good chance. At first they was stationed just beyond a creek with a hill on the other side. They had every advantage. They soon showed their heels. I had to stand in the water about fifteen minutes. There were about thirty or forty Rebels killed and quite a number wounded. I felt rather peculiar hearing the bullets on every side whizzing by and some striking very near us.
After we got through, returned to a field for the night (it was then three o’clock) with wet feel and legs. Started again in the morning. Did not see any more rebels but saw places they had just left, some leaving their table all set and other things so that we knew they had just left. We fared very well in the cities, living high and sleeping in private houses. They killed pigs, cows, geese, chickens, with sweet potato and vegetables to go with them. We found a large pile of potato to each house. I feel thankful once more to return to Newbern in good health and spirits. It seems like getting home to go into barracks as I am very glad to be in them.
There is such heavy dew you would think it had been raining and such cold nights. I cannot sleep but a short time at once. We keep fires burning all night, sleep a little, then sit by the fire. One night I slept till ten, then sat by the fire the rest of the night. and sometimes we were marching. My feet are rather sore. Otherwise I am all right. Some other time I will write more. Give my love to all the folks. Write very soon and tell all the rest of them to write.
Letter 3
[The following letter was written from Brice’s Creek, an outpost several miles from New Bern near the mouth of the creek where it flows into the Trent River. The duty was light and lonesome. It was garrisoned by a detachment of the 44th who had failed to withstand the fatigues of the Tarboro Expedition. They were styled the “Invalid Guard” and often referred to as the “block-house squad.”]
Brice’s Creek, N. C. Thursday, December 18, 1862
Dear Sister Susie,
I received two letters written November 16 and 23rd from you. I can assure you they gave me a good deal of pleasure. I suppose you know that another expedition has stated. We have had some glorious news from them but cannot tell whether it is true or not. They started the 11th of December [on the Goldsboro Expedition]. I should have been very glad to have seen them off, but they started at daybreak and the last of them commenced marching at nine o’clock. I was told it was from twelve to fifteen miles long. Not being with the regiment, I have not much to write.
We are very comfortably situated. I have a cot bed just big enough for myself. It is about six inches from the floor. All the rest have bunks with matresses on them. There is a platform all round the building just wide enough for the bunks and about eighteen inches from the floor. The room is about 24 feet square. It is a very substantial. We have nothing to fear from bullets and I think we shall not be troubled with cannon. I think I am in a very safe place. The roof is rather light. There are slats nailed to the rafters about two inches wide and about four inches apart, For furniture we have chairs, tables, stools, boxes, and have plenty to eat with good conveniences for cooking. The worst of it is that we are rather lonesome, taken away from the regiment and especially from Charley Fuller and having little or nothing to do. [But] when I think of the other boys on the march, I feel perfectly satisfied. Marching is hard work—I know from experience. I hope they will not have to be marched so fast as they were before.
How do you all do at home? There has been four boxes brought here, some came with poultry and mince pies and were all moulded. There was another without the poultry and was perfectly good. A box I should like very much but there is some risk so will leave it all with you. I don’t know as I shall want any clothing except stockings and a pair of slippers. I do not expect one, but if you do, I should like to have you see or write to David, 98 Court Street and ask him to ask Miss Stetson for some tracts. She can get them for nothing for soldiers. Some apples too.
This is not very interesting to you. Give my love to all the folks. My health is good and shall try and keep it. Your brother, — Daniel
Letter 4
Brice’s Creek, N. C. Saturday, December 27, 1862
I received a letter from you the twenty-second and I also sent one to you. Perhaps you will think I am begging on a large scale but I will try and make it all right when I see you. I am just through breakfast. It is a rainy day—the first we have had for a long time. It is quite warm. I wish we might have a thermometer so we might see how warm it is. I should think it averages fifty degrees above zero. I do not pretend to wear anything but my blouse and sometimes not that except at night and in the morning a little while—there is such heavy dews. I have plenty of time to write but have not much news since I came here from the regiment. I write about a letter a day.
I went to the camp Christmas day. It seemed very good to see the boys and especially Charley Fuller, it being the first time I have seen him since I came from the camp. He said the last march was a hard one. It made him some lame. He said the last they marched thirty-two miles which is equal to about fifty northern miles. He said our regiment was in four battles. I guess they had a pretty hard time. They had their knapsacks with them. I should feel satisfied to stay here if I could feel that I was doing anything for my country for which I came here. If I have to stay here [at Brice’s Creek], I shall be so lazy when I get back that I cannot do anything.
I was on the police yesterday. I swept out the house upstairs and down and helped pick up some wood round the house to burn in a bonfire so we shall look respectable if we have any visitors. The chaplain was here last night. He gave us a box of dominoes and some chess men and a checker board. They boys are playing with them now.
I was very glad to receive a letter from Henry. I could not think who it was from at first but soon found out. I have received eight letters from home and one from Mary J. Also Charley. Photographs also. The other xix you sent by Mrs. Alexander although she did not come. They came in a box. Te papers I have also received.
I have drawn from the government a pair of shoes that I am now wearing. My boots are spoilt. Thanksgiving day was a very lonesome day. Most of the companies had their usual dinner turkeys and pudding and all the fixings. Our company had their usual fare. Charley and I made some hoecakes for dinner which were very good. I thought of you at home once in awhile. I can assure you it was not on account of sickness that I am here for I never was better. My foot is some lame but it does not trouble me much. I have some lineament that I run on it.
Did father send the apples? We have a horse and wagon so there will be no trouble getting anything that is sent to me. One of the men expects a barrel to come the same way.
Letter 5
Brice’s Creek. N. C. Sunday, January 4, 1863
Dear sister and folks at hoe,
I received a letter from you the first day of the year—also the puzzle. I had been thinking of it a few days. It came just in time and I am very glad you sent it. I think you had better not send the book but if Charley will copy a few more and send them by mail with a letter of his own writing, I should like to have him.
It makes no difference whether you put on Brice’s Creek or not. Some of us are at camp [Stevenson] every day. We have passes two a day. I went day before yesterday and when I came back I thought somebody had taken possession. There was a company of the 51st [Massachusetts] here. They thought they was going to put us out but found it not quite so easy. We told them we had orders to come here and should stay here until we had orders from them to fo. The corporal went to Newbern to find out and Gen. Foster told us to stay here until we had orders to go. We let them into the lower floor and three or four up with us and in the morning we found six pounds of sugar and all of our onions [missing]. I call that rather mean after giving them a lodging place.
They are building a bridge close to our house. They say it is to pass over troops. They are in a great hurry for another expedition to go. There is a lot more of troops arrived. Quite a number of brigades. I hear that our brigade is not going.
This is a warm, pleasant day. You may judge whether it is warm or not. They are washing themselves all over out of doors. How I wish I could get into a church where I could feel that we had a Sabbath and a day set apart to think and prepare for our eternal home to which we must all go very soon. I liked the services better than usual today. The time is going fast and if it is God’s will, I shall return and once more enjoy the privileges of the hour of God. I can enjoy sweet communion with Him but the influences around me are bad. I do not have anyone that I can talk with freely.
I am expecting my apples every day but have not received them. I have been to Mr. Blagg’s store and he is expecting the vessel every day. There is a large mail in and we shall get it tomorrow. I long to get hold of my part of it. The last mail left here with 38 thousand letters somebody writes. Did you get the letter that had the list of what I wanted? From your distant brother, — Daniel
Letter 6
Brice’s Creek, N. C. Thursday, January 8, 1863
Dear Sister Susie,
I received a letter from you dated January 6, It was written December 28. That came pretty quick. I love to see them come. I guess you did not care about seeing a letter I wrote to you for the things I wanted. There are so many. I will square up when I see you. You must help yourself to interest money if I have any.
You would laugh if you could see us some mornings cooking our own breakfast. This morning I cooked some griddle cakes. They was licking good. I will tell you how I made them. Yesterday afternoon I cut up in small pieces some bread that I had. It was dry and put some water in it to soak. I stirred it up once in awhile and crumbled it up as much as I could and et it stand till morning. Then mixed in a little flour and stirred it considerable and had a spider to cook them in and some coffee. Did I not live high? Butter costs forty cents per pound, sugar 25, molasses $1 per gallon, raisins 40 cents per lb. and other things accordingly. Do you blame me for wanting those things and seeing the other boys’ boxes come? It makes my mouth water. I am expecting my apples every day. The vessel has arrived. When it is taken from the vessel, I shall get them. I feel very thankful to father for them.
I received your letter and puzzle you sent me. I had been thinking about it for a few days and am very glad to receive it.
It seems to me that I am just as safe here as when I was in Boston. I cannot realize that I am in an enemy’s country—at least I feel so. I guess I have received everything you have sent. Charley’s photograph, Journey’s, Sentinels, Inquirer, and letters, and the six photographs you give David. They come in a box the day before Charley’s come. I wrote to Eliza in a day or two after receiving hers. It took her letter a month to come.
I only take off my shoes. I go out just when I please and stay as long as I wish. There is a company of the 51st [Mass.] here. They do picket duty at night and walk out once in awhile in the day time. If I stay here the rest of the time, I do not know but I shall be too lazy to do anything. I am on police tomorrow. We have two darkeys to help us such as wash dishes, bring water and wood. I wash my own dishes. My health is very good and hope it will continue so.
Give my love to all the folks, Mary J. and Alice, Francis and Sarah and yourself. From your soldier brother, — Daniel
Letter 7
Brice’s Creek, N. C. Sunday, January 18, 1863
I received yours and Charley’s letter last Thursday. He done so well I would suggest that he should try again….
It has been quite cold for a day or two. I got another blanket. There has been three men discharged. It got it off one of them. They sailed this morning. They was very glad to go. They was from the block house. I have moved my bunk to the other side of the house. There is five more men from the 51st [Mass.] coming with us. We have had a cannon come here and they are going to take care of it. We have had very little to do and plenty [of time] to do it.
We have a cat here which is very useful. Before we got her, we could hear the mice and rats running round on all sides. I seldom hear them now. Sunday we have but two meals. This morning I had some hashed meat and potatoes, so toasted bread and coffee. We are going to have beef steak for dinner and supper. That makes us have a good appetite. If I could be at home on Sunday, I should be satisfied. I enjoy reading in my testament and some religious papers that are sent me. My best friend is here and takes care of me and if it is His will by and by, I shall come and see you and the many friends that I have left behind. That will be a happy time to me if I can return in health and safety.
Remember me in much love to all the folks, you and all. From your brother at the war. — Daniel
Letter 8
Brice’s Creek February 15, 1863
Kind sister,
I received two letters from you a few days since and since then I have received that box with the sausages and pickles and other reading matter and the letter from you…
Our regiment did not go on the large expedition but it did go on a small one near Plymouth and was gone ten days. I heard that they was all taken prisoners but I did not believe it. They came back safe and well. I was at camp the next day and got the mail. Six letters! just think of it. They only had one day and night’s marching through the mud. E. Stevens told me to give his love to you. They slept on board the Northerner. That was good but Charley told me that it was not entirely free from insects and they brought some away with them.
My lame foot is about well. My barrel and box I have got from you. What did you say they were making for Mr. Hill? I cannot make it out.
Anyone that has the least thing ails them, they ought to come into the army. Anything lasts a good while. They do not have the care that they would at home. A good many in the blockhouse have had colds—I with the rest, but not so bad as the rest. It was a coughing cold.
The big apple was spoilt in two places. They are little more than half gone now.
I have kept a journal since Thanksgiving…I have written about forty letters since Thanksgiving. You are the only one that I owe a letter. I have taken pleasure in eating some of those sausages that Aunt Maranda fried for me….
I guess that there is no possibility of an attack. It would take a very large army to go into Newbern. It is protected by gunboats.
Today is Sunday. i got up at seven, put on clean clothes and washed at the creek, ate breakfast of baked beans, sausages, pickles, pepper and vinegar, then went into the woods alone with my testament and I had a blessed good time. All quiet and I read aloud. My heart went with thankfulness that my life and health had been spared and could enjoy another Holy Sabbath—the best day of the week, and if faithful, shall go where it is one continual Sabbath. That is where we all shall meet, Love to all and thanks for all the favors shown me. Yours affectionately, — Daniel
Diary Segments
Brice’s Creek, Monday, February 16, 1863—What U have done today. I got up at 7 even o’clock and dressed myself. I take everything off but my drawers. I do not take them off ten because the blankets do not feel good, and I took my towel and other things and started to wash me and I heard our negro Dan in the woods, and Mr. Brice and I went out there and he had a possum in a tree. We sent him after an axe and Mr. Brice cut him out or cut till we saw him and Dan got him by the tail and pulled him out. It is about the size of a woodchuck and gray with a nose the shape of a pig. Dan brought him to the cook house and put him in a barrel and Mr. Brice has two mice that he is training. Then got my breakfast. I had some sausages. They are good. I suppose they are some that David made. Afterwards I mended my pants on the knee, then wrote a letter to Mr. Roundy, a young man in the Temple choir, then cut the specks out of some sweet potatoes. We do not draw any potatoes now. Then it was dinner time. I had baked beans warmed up and pickles. After dinner I went out to the wood about six rods from the house and cut and split wood little more than an hour alone. I scalded my apple sauce and poured it out into tins, then the team came from camp and brought a mail, I had a letter from you and Charley. That was all I got this time, and Mr. Copeland had a box there—always great excitement when a box comes—and he bought some fresh bread and I bought a loaf off him and paid him 15 cents. Then it is supper time. I do not like coffee for tea so I made some tea that tasted like home. It tastes very different when I make a little in my dipper. I am glad you sent it and I had some fresh bread—the first for a week or ten days. Then sit down to write. Our cook got a letter from one of the men that was discharged. He had a very hard time getting home. After he went on board he did not start for a week and a bad place to stay and a hard time getting his pay and he advised us all to stay contented and not to try and get our discharges. I am very well contented but I have not got my Charley here now. I will go to reading and it rains….
Sunday, February 22, 1863—Washington Birthday. I got up at 7 and had a good breakfast of baked beans and went on guard at 8. When I first went out I was surprised at seeing a large amount of water. I might have gone most to the cookhouse in a boat and the trench was about half full of water. Two of the boys rode round the house in a boat. It is now 2 o’clock and I have just gone on guard the second time. I am sitting down in the lower story of the house, not much like doing duty at camp. It is the rainy season I should think…I am heavier now than when I left Boston. I weigh 143 without much clothing. I shave the side of my face and they say I look much better. I shaved my upper lip once when at camp but have not since. I have lately drawn a pair of pants and I bought a woolen blanket of one of the men that was discharged…
Wednesday, February 25 [1863]—It is a warm and pleasant day. I done my washing this forenoon and have just brought it in and hung it up in the house. They are most dry. Today I went about a mile and saw a review of the N. C. army corps. It was a splendid sight. There was a splendid sight. There was 21 regiments of infantry besides artillery and cavalry. I do not know have many more soldiers than I have seen for a great while. I do not want to brag but I did not see a regiment that marched better than the 44th. It was a grand sight. I stood side of Gen. [John Gray] Foster, He is 50 years old or more, I should judge. He knows how to ride horseback. When I got there, the staff had jus got through looking at them and then he took his position on a small hill and they all went by him and I had a good chance to see them….
March 3, [1863]—There is a surgeon examining us. He is going to send us to camp or discharge us I believe he from Washington. I guess he will send me to camp. He has examined me and said he thought I could go back to camp. I cannot stop to write more now. In haste, your affectionate brother, — Daniel
March 4, 1863—Brice’s Creek. I got up and changed all my clothes and washed those that I took off after I heated the water…Tomorrow is my day to go on guard. They are drilling on the cannon some of the 51st [Mass.] I shall expect till I get my orders to pack up to go to camp, we may be here some time. I think quite a number will be discharged that are here. I had rather wait and go with the regiment. We shall probably be home in three months. That is not long—just as long as I have been at the blockhouse. Three months ago yesterday I left Newbern.
Tuesday, March 10 [1863]—This is my birthday and a very rainy day—27 years old, and I am on guard.
Thursday, March 12 [1863]—I went to camp today. I started early and walked both ways. When I got to Newbern, I stopped and had 4 pictures taken. They cost $1. I think they are pretty good. I will send you one and let you see, I give one to Charley for his wife. I bought a singing book today. Charley is fat and healthy. I wish he was here with me. He seems just like a brother to me. We talk and sing together.
Saturday, March 14 [1863]—I heard guns most of the day. The rebels are coming near Newbern. We expected an attack last night but did not. There was some cavalry went out a little ways out and saw some rebs and saw them firing rockets for signals. There was 7 thousand and at another place 15 thousand. I think they would have got a warming though perhaps I should be taken prisoner. There is no danger now, I guess.
Sunday, March 15 [1863]—This is a warm pleasant day. I hear guns once in awhile. The corporal went to town and got a mail…
Tuesday, March 17 [1863]—Our regiment went on an expedition and started night before last to Little Washington….
Saturday, April 4 [1863]—Our regiment have been to Washington about three weeks. They sent for their knapsacks a short time ago. There was some rebs come near Newbern but dare not return in. They fired some and hit our barracks once. Fort Anderson is not the one that was attacked. We are south of Newbern and the creek empties into the Trent river a little ways from us. I am on guard once in six days. There is seventeen to do duty—all that are here are able to. The same ones are here that came first when I did. All the alterations is three of them have been sent home…
Saturday, May 2 [1863]—The mosquitoes are beginning to make their appearance but have not troubled us much yet. There is a great many bugs here of all sorts and sizes too numerous to mention. Capt. Smith of Co. H was here yesterday. He said we were to be paid off today. If we are not, I shall not expect again till I get home… The orderly sergeant that came here to drill us had not had us drill yet. He does not know the drill. One of their sergeants came down and showed him once or twice and that is al that has been done. Col. Lee said we drilled very well. The Colonel looks well now. He have very heavy whiskers. He has had them trimmed and wears a garrote collar. Did you ever see him? Gen. Foster says the 44th have done more than any other nine months troops (Sud cakes). The others do not like us very well. I shall do as much as I can. They call doing provost duty a good place. Gen. Foster offered it to Col. Lee. He did not ask for it. It has been offered to him before but her refused it. Two of our companies are still on picket…
Camp Meigs, Co. I, 44th Massachusetts, taken at Readville, Mass. on 17 June 1863.Smith is not in the photograph; he may have reached Readville after the others as he was assigned to accompany the baggage.
I could not find an image of Frank but here is one of George F. Hall of Co. I, 44th Massachusetts Infantry
These letters were written by Franklin (“Frank”) David Child (b. 1842) who enlisted as a private in May 1862 in Co. B, 4th Battalion Infantry but was made a sergeant in Co. D, 44th Massachusetts. Infantry in September 1862 when they were officially mustered into federal service. He mustered out with the regiment after nine months service on 31 May 1862.
Frank was the son of Daniel Franklin Child (1803-1876) and Mary Davis Guild (1807-1861) of Boston. Frank’s father Daniel was connected with the Boston locomotive works and the Hinkley & Drury locomotive works as treasurer for more than 40 years. Besides a home in Boston, the family kept a farm in West Roxbury. Frank wrote all four letters to his younger brother, George Frederick Child (1844-1933), a clerk in the Boston firm of Emmons, Danforth & Scudder.
Other letters by members of the 44th Massachusetts Infantry that I have transcribed and posted on Spared & Shared include:
Addressed to George F. Child, Esq., Care Mess. Emmons, Danforth & Scudder, State Street Block, Boston, Kindness of Lieut. H. P. Tuttle
Camp Stevenson, Newbern [N. C.] November 20, 1862
My dear George,
When I left Readville I put all the things that I could not carry with me into my valise and sent them home by Tracy’s Express. Whether they ever reached there or not, I don’t know. If they did, I wish you would send me by Adam’s Express my razor, strap, soap, and shaving brush. Please let Hassam Bros. put the razor in good order before you send it. Also send one box of honey soap which you can buy at Brown’s Drug Store, corner of Elliott St. Also a couple of crash towels & 2 or 3 handkerchiefs.
We are now quite comfortably situated in our barracks with some prospect of staying here the principle part of the winter and find such luxuries as these very desirable as well as very scarce. I lost my towel on the last march and cannot replace it here. I would like to have you send me also a fine tooth comb. Any other little thing you happen to find in my valise and which you think may be of use you may put in with the rest while you are about it. I would recommend that you pack them in some spice box at the store and send directly to me at Newbern, N. C. in care of Capt. H. D. Sullivan, Co. D 44th [Mass.] Infantry. If you will be so kind as to do this for me, I will be everlastingly obliged and will remit any amount which you may expend. I expect to be very flush in a few days as we are to be paid off for two months. If fact, we were mustered for it yesterday.
I would like very much to have some good pale brandy. It is something one can hardly do without in this climate where the change in temperature is so great every morning & night. The dews are so heavy here that if you go under the trees at midnight, it frequently seems as if it were raining. The only difficulty is in getting it here as they are very strict about letting liquor into the department. If you could however get some of W. R. Lewis & Bros. meat cans all marked & seal up securely some of Williams’s best pale, I have no doubt but what it would pass. If you could bring this thing about, it would be a big thing. Three or four bottles would be sufficient. And I would cheerfully remit the amount on receipt of the package. Pack them separately from everything else as confiscation of the whole package is the penalty if found out.
In order that you can have some idea of how we are situated here I will make you a diagram of the town & position of our camp. [sketch]
Frank’s Sketch of barracks location in angle between Trent and Neuse Rivers
A close up of the “L” shaped barracks area from the Regimental History
Our own barracks are in form of an angle “L” and marked 1. 2 [is] 10th Connecticut, 3 [is] 24th Massachusetts. There are gunboats within a stones throw of us all the time [and] also on the Trent river—on the other side of the open field between us and the woods. The forts, Totten and a smaller one the name of which I do not know, protect the railroad and common roads leading inland.
Write me as soon as possible & let me know if there is anything new. Your affectionate brother, — Frank
Letter 2
Camp Stevenson Newbern [N. C.] January 4, 1863
My dear George,
It was with a great deal of pleasure that I received this p.m. your somewhat lengthy & very gay letter of the 27th December. It is the first time I have heard from home since you had news of our safe arrival back to Newbern. You all must have been very anxious & I was glad that my letter arrived in such good season. It was written when very tired, dirty and lame & I think must have been very unsatisfactory although I did not read it over.
New England Guards, Envelope stationery
Our monitors, if reports about here are true, appear not to be very successful. Rumor goes, for we have no reliable news here except what comes through northern papers, that the Monitor sunk off Hatteras in a storm & that the Passaic had arrived at Beaufort disabled having several feet of water in her hold & her turret so strained as to be immoveable. I don’t vouch for these stories for they have been told & contradicted half a dozen times within the last week. If true, we shan’t probably move for some time. If untrue, and if the two ironclads have really arrived here safe, we shall probably move against Wilmington before many days.
You say Mr. Emmons is much troubled about Frank’s wound. I saw him a few days ago and thought he never looked better. His wound was so slight that I could not even distinguish a scar.
Fred is getting along nicely. He expects to walk up to camp in a day or two.
You mention in your letter that you passed an evening with Mr. T’s & had oysters, champagne, ice cream, &c. &c. On another occasion that you supped on milk toast and baked apples. Now I want to caution you against ever mentioning “good to eat” again for it may cost me my life. So weak has my stomach become by constant application of salt mule that I fear “congestion of the breadbasket” if I even think of the delicacies you mention.
I wish that you would try to trace up about that dog that you say looks like Dick. I should think you could recognize him by the white on his nose, feet and breast. If you could only entice him into the cellar, you would be able to tell for if it was he, he would certainly lay down in his old corner.
My dear George, the mail goes suddenly in five minutes and I must close. I will write again soon. — Frank
Letter 3
Camp Stevenson Newbern [N. C.] January 31, 1863
My dear George,
We start tomorrow on a expedition towards Plymouth in the steamer “Northern.” Of course our knowledge with regard to the objects & intentions of the trip is very limited. We understand that we are to have one or two companies of cavalry & 2 boat howitzers to accompany us and that the expedition is under command of Col. [Francis L.] Lee. We understand also that we are not to go more than a day’s march from your gunboats.
I have not time to write more as it is about 11 o’clock and we start early in the morning. I hope to send this by “Mahoney,” [of] Co. C, who has been discharged for disability just to let you know my whereabouts. I have received my box in good order. It came in the nick of time. I will write more about it first opportunity.
Your affectionate brother, — Frank
Letter 4
Camp Stevenson Newbern [N. C.] February 12, 1863
Dear George,
I received yesterday & today your letters of January 29th, 30th, and February 5th, also letters from Father, Mary, Sam & Sophie. You will pardon me I know if I answer all three together for I have but a short time before the next mail goes & must write a word to all of possible. I am glad to see that you practice as you preach & write often. I get a letter or two from you most every mail and assure you I appreciate them much.
I have just got back safe and sound from expedition No. 3 to Plymouth, N. C. I wrote twice, one at Plymouth and once at Roanoke, two to father, so I suppose you will have heard of pretty much all we did before this reaches you.
Our march from Plymouth to Long-Acre & back 28 miles in a night and half a day was agreed by all hands to have been a little the hardest thing we have yet seen, although I stood it first rate, being about as fresh when we got in as anyone. We passed through one ford half a mile long and cold as ice almost benumbing our feet. Billy Neal fell down when about half though coming home & got a complete ducking. No bad effects have however followed. When we got to our destination, we found three places where the rebels stored bacon and brought away and destroyed 3 or 4 lbs. We got also some of the best cider I ever drank & chickens & ducks enough to last us back to Newbern. On the whole it was a very pleasant expedition. We had state rooms and bunks on board the transport “Northerner” & a good close room with a fire in it at Plymouth. I went on board the gunboat “Perry” which is stationed off the town & saw your friend Al Brown. He desired to be remembered to you.
I got Uncle Henry’s box all safe just before I started & took several of the cans with me on board the boat. Some difference between hard tack & coffee & fresh salmon, peaches, boiled chicken, & beef soups—hey! It was a splendid present & a most acceptable one. I shall write Uncle Henry and thank him as soon as possible.
I am glad the gaiters are under weigh as the last tramp about finished my old ones. I shall look for them by the “Dinsmore” which brought your letters but which has not yet discharged her cargo.
I was glad to hear from F. Boyd. He writes awful blue. Again in garrison at Baton Rouge he says, just my luck. There are all sorts of troubles in the regiment—court-martials, hard words, &c. &c. He is now trying to get transferred to the Potomac. I am afraid he will never be happy. I have not yet had a chance to have my photograph taken but hope to before long. I don’t think I have changed a great deal however.
I had the pleasure of seeing tonight in Quarter Master’s tent Capt. Billy Hutchings, our Brigade Qr. Master. He is just from Hilton Head where General Foster’s expedition have all safely landed. He says they are now waiting for the navy who are not yet ready. They already have 4 monitors and the “New Ironsides” there but are waiting for more. General Stevenson had made a recognizance to within 3 miles of Charleston & came near being taken prisoner. The “Montauk” had experimented before a rebel fort lying close under its guns for 3 days but did not receive a hurt although dismounting several of its guns. He says there is no prospect of our going down there at present.
It is long after taps & I must close now as I am burning my lights only by sufferance. You will excuse haste and all mistakes I know.
This Confederate order was written by Capt. William Henry Whitner who was appointed as the A. A. G. to Brig. Gen. Roger Atkinson Pryor on the Blackwater below Petersburg. Whitner began his Confederate service as a 2nd Lieutenant in Co. F, 1st Florida Infantry. He later suffered a gunshot wound to his little finger (resulting in its amputation) received during the Battle of the Wilderness on 6 May 1864. He finished the war in April 1865 serving as the A.A. G. Gen. B. R. Johnson’s Division, R. H. Anderson’s Corps.
Whitner wrote the order at the request and for the signature of his commander, Brig. Gen. Roger A. Pryor who filled a rank within the Confederate service far beyond his worth. The biographical sketch in Wikipedia is kinder than most in describing Pryor’s military performance:
“He entered the Confederate army as colonel of the 3rd Virginia Infantry Regiment. He was promoted to brigadier general on April 16, 1862. His brigade fought in the Peninsula Campaign and at Second Manassas, where it became detached in the swirling fighting and temporarily operated under Stonewall Jackson. Pryor’s command initially consisted of the 2nd Florida, 14th Alabama, 3rd Virginia, and 14th Louisiana. During the Seven Days Battles, the 1st (Coppens’) Louisiana Zouave Battalion was temporarily attached to it. Afterwards, the Louisianans departed and Pryor received two brand-new regiments; the 5th and 8thFlorida Infantry. As a consequence, it became known as “The Florida Brigade.” At Antietam on September 17, 1862, he assumed command of Anderson’s Division in Longstreet’s Corps when Maj. Gen. Richard H. Anderson was wounded. Pryor proved inept as a division commander, and Union troops flanked his position, causing them to fall back in disorder. As a result, he did not gain a permanent higher field command from the Confederate president. Following his adequate performance at the Battle of Deserted House, later in 1863 Pryor resigned his commission and his brigade was broken up, its regiments being reassigned to other commands. In August of that year, he enlisted as a private and scout in the 3rd Virginia Cavalry Regiment under General Fitzhugh Lee. Pryor was captured on November 28, 1864, and confined in Fort Lafayette in New York as a suspected spy. After several months, he was released on parole by order of President Lincoln and returned to Virginia. CSA War Clerk and diarist, John B. Jones, mentioned Pryor in his April 9, 1865 entry from Richmond, VA, “Roger A. Pryor is said to have remained voluntarily in Petersburg, and announces his abandonment of the Confederate States cause.”[Wikipedia]
Pryor in later years looking at a portrait of the man who paroled him, Abraham Lincoln.
Transcription
Headquarters Forces on Black Water December 21st 1862
General Order No. 13
The crime of desertion having become scandalously prevalent in this command, it is hereby ordered that any person of this command caught two miles from this camp without a proper pass and indicating a purpose to desert shall be shot at once without the formality of a trial. To this end, persons so caught will be immediately sent to these headquarters with the witnesses in the case.
By command of Brig. General Pryor W. H. Witner, A. A. G.
I have not yet learned the identity of the author of this letter. His signature appears to read W. B. Dunlap (or Dunlop) but there is little in the letter to reveal the location of “Home” which is where the 1860 letter was datelined. The author suggests that his “brother” sell out his business in Nashville fearing that he stays, he might be the target of a armed mob that might question his loyalty to either the North or the South—it isn’t quite clear. There was a general store operated in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1860 by Thomas Coke Dunlap (1839-1903) but I have yet to find a brother named W. B. Dunlap.
Transcription
“Home” Monday evening, December 17, 1860
Dear Brother,
We have just received your letter to James and myself. The two letters came together today. The Captain left this afternoon in the cars for Cincinnati without having received the one you wrote to him. You may believe that our folks were a good deal alarmed when the Captain arrived here on Friday and told us you had not yet arrived at Cincinnati when he left. He, however, assured us you would get there on Thursday evening. From this we anxiously looked for a letter on Saturday and when none came, the circumstances certainly did not tend to allay the apprehensions of the family. Your letters received today however relieved our anxiety.
We were all dumbfounded at the information received from the Captain that Wallace had come home. The Captain told us that you knew nothing of his coming and we very readily surmised that he had carried off all the money taken in during the trip. He told the Captain on the way up that he was going to get married. It is very hard that you should lose this amount of money by the scoundrel, but you will—you may as well make up your mind to this. Pa does not feel like saying anything to him about it. I think myself it would not amount to anything. Pa, however as well as all the family, strongly advise that you have nothing more to do with him. Let him go. You can never trust him even if he should go back after this trick he has played on you. It may be troublesome to get a person you can rely on to fill his place, but I would not worry about it Whenever you can get a good price, I would sell. The relief from care and anxiety of mind will compensate for what you might make by holding on to it. Consult your own judgment, however. You will know what is best. Fawcett is on the Minerva. Horner is not at home. I mention these names so that should you think of them in connection with this place, you will know that neither of them is unemployed.
We are getting along well at home. I am doing better. I was up at Uncle Thomas’s office today. He enquired particularly for you. Walter today drew twenty-five dollars for his first month’s wages. As it is but a short time until the mail will close, I will give you no further particulars now further than to say we are all well but will write again.
You say we know nothing about the excitement here. This may be, but we know far more than when you were here. We know that it is on the increase. Before you get back to Nashville, a collision mat have occurred between the South Carolinians and the garrison of Fort Moultrie in Charleston Harbor. If this should take place, there would be little safety for any Northern man in the South no matter what his political views may be. They have only your word that you are a democrat. What is to prevent one of your enemies from sending down a report that you are not what you represent yourself to be. You may offend some man in your business transactions [and] he has but to shout abolitionist to have you beset by a mob. Mobs don’t reason. How did they know at New Orleans than Ramson voted for Fremont? Why, his enemies have circulated the reports. These things are being done constantly.
I, this family, all of us advise you not to remain behind to collect should you go to Nashville. It may be very hazardous. Besides, you have done your share of this work. It is but fair that McConnell should alternate with you.
But I must close. Will write you again before you leave. Your brother, — W. B. Dunlap
This letter was written by a woman named F. H. Murdock but I have not been able to place her in census records or even in locale though my hunch is that she was either from New Orleans, or further up the river in Louisiana. I conjecture from the content that she was being sent North to attend school. By 1864, she and her sister Sallie could travel north by way of the Mississippi river or by ocean steamer.
Transcription
[New Orleans, Louisiana] February 25, 1864
Dear Cousin John,
Here I am, my last night at home, which I will leave on the morrow for that heinous settlement, Yankeedom. I think I hear you ask with your accustomed energy, “Well, why do you go if you hate it so bad?” Oh! Cousin John dearest, I must. I have learned to now my will must bend to Ma’s. There is no escape, we must go and bear all that will be said & thought of us by the dear confederates whom we love so much and who will probably consider us turncoats & traitors but will you please testify to it that we are not. I do beseech of you, do not think so of us yourself.
And now isn’t it a shame we have no homespun dresses to take. I have a beautiful palmetto hat to show them “what Southern girls—for Southern rights will do,” however, & though we are greatly disappointed not to have a dress, the lot will be a worthy sample.
We are now in this neighborhood favored with our friends the Marines whom we are becoming quite used to—that is, we are not afraid of them and Providence grant we may [not] get so used as to like them as some of our friends we feign to fear do—(James remaining unmentioned). Oh! what will not people do, for their pockets? They are today hauling government cotton from Mrs. C’s today. That in Valentine’s field our scouts have burned, I believe—at least most of it. We have also a block up. Dan Broughton figures largely in it, I believe. It’s to be hoped he has no old scores to settle with anyone at [ ]; finely decked out in his uniform loaded with arms is said to be quite a figure. Isn’t it disgusting? They say they have come to garrison Port Hudson at which I should not be surprised.
We are all waiting with great anxiety for news from Morton. We have every hope of being successful there & I must say I should go deep into the blues if our arms failed there. Of course at the North we will not get true reports of things from [here] but when they tel us they are victorious, I will know it is just the other way.
Sallie & I do no know how long we will be gone but I hope not over a year, when New Orleans will be retaken & we can come home to graduate there.
I see on looking over this letter it is written & expressed badly; but I know you will excuse it in a Murdock when you hear it was written at 12 o’clock at night. I was so tired I ached from head to foot. Dear boy, I must bid you goodbye. Now behave yourself and please don’t get any sprees while you are in the army. I know you are too good a soldier for that. You must be sure & write to me. Write good long letters & send them to Hard Have & she will forward them in some of theirs. Adieu to you and yours, fond cousin. — F. H. Murdock
I could not find an image of Thomas but here is a tintype of Pvt. John Chitwood of “The Bartow County Yankee Killers,” 23rd Georgia. (Ada O. Fleischer Collection)
This letter was written by Thomas P. Forrester (1835-1864) of Co. E (“Tate Guards”) of the 23rd Georgia Infantry. Thomas began his service as a sergeant and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in December 1861. The 23rd Georgia was organized at Big Shanty, Georgia, on 31 August 1861, contained men from Bartow, Henderson, Floyd, Pickens, and Cherokee counties. It moved to Tennessee, then was sent to Virginia and assigned to the Department of the Peninsula. In April, 1862, it totalled 370 effectives and during the war served under Generals Rains and Colquitt. The 23rd participated in the campaigns of the Army of Northern Virginia from Williamsburg to Chancellorsville, where more than 275 men were captured. It then was ordered to Charleston, South Carolina, and later Florida. After fighting at Olustee the unit returned to Virginia, took part in the conflicts at Drewry’s Bluff and Cold Harbor, and endured the battles and hardships of the Petersburg siege. It lost 4 killed and 56 wounded at Gaines’ Mill and Malvern Hill , had 14 killed and 64 wounded in the Maryland Campaign, and 2 killed, 66 wounded, and 2 missing at Olustee . During 1865 it was active in North Carolina and surrendered with the Army of Tennessee.
Thomas is presumed to have died in the fall of 1864. He became seriously ill with dysentery in the summer of 1864 and in September 1864 asked for a leave of absence to go home on a surgeon’s certificate. There is no further record in company muster rolls.
Several of Thomas’s letters have been transcribed and previously published on the internet at Letters of Thomas P. Forrester but that site does not include images of the letters and the following letter, datelined from the old Fairgrounds in Richmond on 28 November 1861 is not included.
Thomas was the son of Hiram Forrester (1799-1863) and Emily (“Millie”) Davis (1815-aft1861). In the 1860 US Census, the Forrester family was enumerated in Sharp Top, Pickens county, Georgia.
Transcription
Old Fair Grounds Richmond, Virginia 28th November 1861
Dear Sister,
I embrace this leisure hour to drop you a few lines which leaves me much better than I have been for some days. I have not been really sick but have a very severe cold as most of the men here have had but we are all getting better and I think when we get over this spell, we can stand Virginia very well.
I have nothing new to write you more than I have seen the prisoners and many other things since I have been here. There are Yankees being brought in every day more or less and they are being carried south every day for safe keeping and in consequence of so many being here, I will say to you we received orders yesterday that our regiment has to guard the scamps a while and probably all winter. One company goes at a time or 45 privates, 2 non-commissioned, and 1 commissioned officer, and guards them 24 hours and then another guard goes from the other companies, so I have no doubt we will stay here for the winter. I had rather do it than to go north from all reports.
I read a letter from T[homas] G. Stearns and C. P. West the other day. They were all well except Harvey who has been in the hospital either here or at Culpeper. The boys had not heard from him since he left them which is some three weeks ago I am satisfied he is not here as we have hunted over most of the hospitals in Richmond for him and other friends.
M. H. West 1 and Phil started to Manassas yesterday evening. They went after the body of Samuel Loveless 2 who died some ten days ago. Mr. Presley 3 is going to carry it home. Say to mother that I met with Henry Allen 4 yesterday evening. He is just on his way from Banks county where he has been to carry the body of his brother Robert who died at Manassas some two weeks ago. He is a private in a company from Banks county and belongs to the 2nd Georgia Regiment. He says it will be much better for us to stay here for the winter.
We have plenty to eat here of bacon, beef, flour, corn meal, sugar and coffee, and there are vegetables here in abundance for sale. We exchange some bacon and beef for potatoes, cabbages, &c. I must tell you that I and Bill Pool 5 have both got to drinking coffee because the water is bad. It is nothing but river water brought in pipes and is really not fit to drink though it will do for winter very well.
Give my kind regards to Mary Margaret and Jane Watson. Also to Mr. and Mrs. Watson, Mr. & Mrs. Stearns, and the rest of the family, and my love to father and mother and the rest of the children, and receive the same to yourself. Write soon.
As ever your absent brother, — Tom
1 Pvt. M. H. West was a member of Co. D, 23rd Georgia Infantry. He was from Jasper, Pickens county, Georgia, where he married Margaret M. Bailey on 21 August 1861. He died of disease on 22 April 1864.
2 Pvt. Samuel B. Loveless was a member of Co. F. (Dickerson’s Company), 2nd Georgia Infantry. Samuel died of pneumonia on 16 November 1861.
3 Jordan Presley was a musician in Co. E, 23rd Georgia. He was absent in December 1861 detailed as escort to the remains of Samuel Loveless.
4 Pvt. Henry Allen (or Allan) was a member of Co. A, 2nd Georgia Infantry. He enlisted on 20 April 1861 at Homer, Banks county, Georgia. His muster roll records indicates that he was detailed to carry 2nd Lieut. Robert Allen’s remains to Richmond, Virginia. Lt. Robt. Allen died at Mrs. Foster’s near Manassas with camp fever on 14 October 1861. Henry was discharged on 25 May 1862 on account of physical disability.
5 Sgt. William (“Bill”) Pool was a member of Co. E (Capt. Wm. Bacon’s Company), 23rd Georgia Infantry. Bill enlisted in August 1861 at Camp McDonald in Georgia. By the summer of 1862 he had been commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant. He was taken prisoner on 2 May 1863 at the Battle of Chancellorsville. After returning to his regiment, he acted as the captain for a time and then resigned on 14 April 1864 giving the reason that he had been elected tax collector in Pickens county, Georgia.
This letter was written by Mathew Bell Scofield (1836-1922), the son Joshua Scofield (1800-1840) and Ada Warren (1800-Aft1870). Mathew and his wife Rachel E. Dean (1839-1920) were married in June 1858. Their first child (a boy) died at 18 months, but by the time of this letter in May 1863, they had two daughters, Mary Frances Scofield (1861-1940) and Amanda B. Scofield (b. 1863).
I could not find an image of Mathew but here is one of Mathias Roseberry who also served in the 21st Missouri Infantry (LOC)
The 1890 Veterans schedule informs us that Mathew enlisted as a corporal in Co. H, 21st Missouri Infantry on 19 June 1861 and he mustered out on 5 December 1864 after 3 years and 5.5 months. In 1870, Mathew and Rachel were enumerated in Lima, Adams county, Illinois. Ten years later they were in Rocky Run, Hancock county, Illinois. In 1890, Adair county, Missouri, and by 1910, Woodward county, Oklahoma.
At the time this letter was written, the 21st Missouri Infantry was on post and garrison duty near Memphis where they remained until January 1864.
Other family members mentioned in the letter include:
Isaac Thompson Scofield (1826-1921) and Lucinda [ ] (1821-Bef1867) were married before 1848 and lived in Bonaparte, Van Buren county. Iowa in the mid 1850s. In 1860, the couple were enumerated in Farmington, Van Buren county, Iowa. In July 1862, Isaac enlisted as a private in Co. K, 15th Iowa Infantry. He mustered out of the regiment in June 1865 after nearly three years service giving his place of residence as Jasper, Camden county, Missouri. The family was enumerated in Fort Scott, Bourbon county, Kansas in 1870. Zerah Costin Dean (1838-1891) and Ada Scofield (1835-1884) were married in the late 1850s and were enumerated in Johnson, Scotland county, Missouri in 1860. In August 1862 when Zerah enlisted as a private in Co. H, 19th Iowa Infantry, he and Ada listed in Mount Sterling, Iowa. Zerah survived the war. He mustered out with his regiment at Mobile, Alabama, in July 1865. After the war, the Dean’s moved to Salt River, Randolph county, Missouri.
Susanna Scofield (1835-1917) and David D. Loper (1822-1904) were married in August 1856 in Henderson county, Illinois. David enlisted as a private in Co. G, 34th Iowa Infantry in August 1862 but was discharged for disability on 28 March 1863 at Chicago, giving Lucas county, Iowa as his residence at the time.
Transcription
Camp in the woods 2 miles south of Memphis, Tennessee One mile from the [Mississippi] River May 18, 1863
Dear brother & sister,
I now embrace this present opportunity to let you know that I am enjoying good health through the mercy of God for which I desire to be thankful, hoping if these few lines reach you they may find you enjoying the great blessing of good health. I should have wrote to you before this time but I didn’t know where to direct to you so you would get my letters.
Well John, I have just received a letter from Isaac’s wife and they was all well. Lucy said she had just been to see mother and the girls. She said that mother’s health was some better than she expected to find it, though mother’s health is not near as good as it was two or three years ago. Lucy said that mother could be up the most of the time. It’s only a short time since I got a letter from Ada and Lorinda. Ada and her oldest boy [Henry] was not very well at that time. Mother has been subject to have fits or something of that nature for two or three years. She generally has one every month and sometimes oftener which renders her health very poor. She is also very feeble with old age after the toil of many a summer and the frosts of many a winter. Mother and Ada Dean, and Lorinda is living on my place where I was living when you was there to see us the last time.
Ada’s husband Zerah C. Dean is a soldier in the 19th Regiment Iowa Vols. Infantry. I got a letter from him a short time since and he was well. He volunteered last summer in the United States Service. He is a first rate man. Brother Isaac Scofield is in the 15th Regt. Iowa Volunteers. The last letter I got from him was wrote the 29th of April. He was well at that time. He was below Vicksburg several miles. He said they was expecting a battle soon. Isaac is a nurse in the regimental hospital. He said that their health was better than it was last winter. He said they had the small pox in his regiment last winter but it was all gone when he wrote the last letter to me.
Well, it’s two days since I got the last letter from my wife Rache and the children was in tolerable good health the 10th of this month. We have two children living. They are both girls [Mary F. & Amanda B.]. Our oldest was a boy but he died when about 18 months old. Rachel is living in Illinois with her sister Caroline Clark. They are getting along very well so far.
It is not long since I got a letter from Susannah. She said they was all enjoying good health too except her husband. Mr. Loper has been very poorly for 4 months. He caught a severe cold & it settled on his lungs and he was 4 months that he couldn’t speak above a whisper. He got a discharge from the army a short time ago and has gone home. Susannah said she had rented out his farm before he came home and she said they was going to visit mother this summer if nothing [happens] to prevent it. She said her husband’s health was improving some but she thought he would not be able to do much labor this season.
“This wicked rebellion [was] started out of the rotten hearts of accursed traitors of the South and Negro stealers of the North.”
Mathew Scofield, Co. H, 21st Missouri Infantry, 18 May 1863
Well, John, I enlisted in the army to fight for my country and to help punish traitors and to help sustain our old flag and to help put down this wicked rebellion which has started out of the rotten hearts of accursed traitors of the South and Negro stealers of the North. We may say what we may about the war or the cause of it, but now is the great struggle to save the Union or to see it destroyed and be ruled by Southern traitors and I say, crush this wicked rebellion in the quickest way it can be done—let it cost what it may. It is one year and 11 months yesterday since I was sworn in the service of the U. S. I have been a soldier long enough to know something about the hardships of a soldier’s life. I have had some easy times and some hard times. I must close now.
These letters were written by James Cornell Biddle (1835-1898), the son of James Cornell Biddle (1795-1838) and Sarah Caldwell Keppele (1798-1877). Biddle wrote the letters to his cousin—and fiancee, then wife, Gertrude Gouverneur Meredith (1839-1905), the daughter of William Morris Meredith (1799-1873) and Catherine Keppele (1801-1853). William M. Meredith was a distinguished leader of the bar in Philadelphia and served as the Secretary of Treasury (1849-50) during the Zachary Taylor administration.
Col. James Cornell Biddle
James began his military service as a private in Co. A, 17th Pennsylvania Volunteers. He enlisted on 25 April 1861 and mustered out after three months on 2 August 1861. It was while serving in the 17th Pennsylvania that he wrote the following letter.
On November 1, 1861 he was commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant in Co. C, 27th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Promoted to Captain and commander of Co. H on November 1, 1862. He was soon tabbed to served on the staff of Major General George Gordon Meade, performing that duty from May 1863 through the July 1863 Gettysburg Campaign, and through the end of the war. On November 5, 1863 he was discharged from the 27th Pennsylvania, and was promoted to Major and Aide-De-Camp, US Volunteers. He was brevetted Lieutenant Colonel, US Volunteers on August 1, 1864, for “faithful and meritorious services in the field” and Colonel, US Volunteers on April 9, 1865 for “gallant and meritorious services during the recent operations resulting the fall of Richmond and the surrender of the insurgent army under General R.E. Lee”.
More of James C. Biddle’s letters may be found in the archives of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. The bulk of the collection was purchased in 1963 with funds from the Gratz Fund.
See also—1862: James Cornell Biddle to Gertrude Gouverneur Meredith transcribed & published on Spared & Shared 3 in August 2013.
Letter 1
Addressed to Miss Gertrude G. Meredith, Hon. W. M. Meredith, Philadelphia
Poolesville [Maryland] June 19th 1861
My Dearest Gertrude,
I have just received yours & Colby’s letters of the 14th inst. I was very anxious to hear from you as I had not heard anything since the 13th and felt quite relieved at the contents, hearing that you were so well. I think Colby’s idea with regard to our movements may be correct as we have fixed our tents & have everything arranged as if it was a permanent thing, but as I have told you, there is no telling from one minute to another where we may be.
Three of our companies have gone to the Potomac as a guard to two pieces of artillery & I should like very much to go myself. This is a horrid place for an encampment. We have but one tree on our ground & an army of pigs must have been here before us as the ground is all rooted up. If it should rain, it will be a regular mud puddle. A detachment of three [men] from each company have been detailed to pick off the secessionists from the other side of the river. I was told this morning they had driven a party away from a cannon & prevented them from taking it away.
I was again on guard last night at a spring preventing any person [from] poisoning it. It has generally been the rule that after being on guard all night, we had the privilege of going where we pleased, but this morning the Colonel had us all drawn up & told us we were the guard of the camp and none of us would be allowed to leave our muskets so that we are now all huddled round this one tree.
We received the Baltimore Sun of Monday which mentions the evacuation of Harper’s Ferry. They say a good many of them have gone to Edwards Ferry 5 miles from here and that now they have a force there of some 7 or 8,000, but it is not likely they will attempt to cross the river. Neither will we do so if such is the case. This is a horribly dull place & the sooner we get out of it, the better I shall like it.
I was very sorry to hear Cassie is still so miserable. I think a little change of air will be of service to her. My darling Diddy, this is the 19th & it is less than one month till my time is up. I shall be too much rejoiced for anything to be with you once more. I think this war is not going to last a very great while as I do not see how the secessionists can hold out against such odds.
Tell Colby [that] Col. [C. P.] Stone is in command of this division. 1 He is quite a young man—not over 35. General Scott thinks a great deal of him and I like him so far as I have seen him. Colby mentions he is going to see our Flags. I wish we had them with us. Col. Patterson told me he would just as soon not receive them till our return as they would get soiled but if we are to gain any honor, I would rather have it under the new colors. The band have been playing almost all the morning. It is a great addition to our camp.
I intend taking a nap, dear Gertrude, as soon as I finish these few lines to you. You know I always was a sleepy head and last night I only had three hours sleep. What would you think of my taking one of Aunt Latimer’s blankets and sleeping all night in the lawn in front of the house, wrapped up in it? I can assure you, that would be a luxury in comparison with this as there the grass is nice & soft, and here is is full of holes and very little grass. I can imagine Aunt Latimer’s consternation at such a thing & yet I was never better in my life.
I am sorry to hear Miss Margaret Price is a secessionist. I think Baltimore is as bad if not worse than any city in the Union. They all profess to be Unionists here, but I think it is principally owing to our presence. They say all kinds & sorts of stories were originated with regard to us before our arrival, but they have found out they were all untrue since we have been here.
I should like very much to meet Tom’s and your Uncle Sullie’s regiments. I was in hopes of seeing them but now I do not know how it will be. I hear the President is going to recommend the calling out of 500,000 troops in addition to those already enlisted.
I have just taken a peep at your photographs. I can read your feelings exactly. I know, dear Gertrude, you are very much attached to me and likewise that I am to you & I am sure we will lead a happy life together. I have always had the feeling we were fated for each other. The day of my return will be the happiest day of my life. I often think I have so much more to look forward to on my return than most of those who are away. There were a very few letters in the mail this morning & I have had dear knows how many inquiries as to how my letters were directed. I believe there is another mail expected into camp this afternoon. Do you know my own dear Gertrude, there has not been a mail that has yet arrived without bringing me a letter from the one I care most for, of all & everything in this world.
I have been afraid they would put in the papers all kinds and sorts of rumors with regard to our movements as I do not believe they know anything more of us than we know of what is taking place in the world. It is a joke of Abbie Bache’s the advertisements we have seen in the papers for recruits. “Able bodied, unmarried men wanted for the Army, fine chance for study, &c.” John Hewson & all are well. Osy [Oswald] Jackson inquired after you all & particularly Cassie. He requested me to send his regards to you all & referred to the pleasant breakfasts he had had with the gals previous to our departure.
The New Hampshire men have gone to the Potomac & report shooting some 5 or 6 secessionists on the other side of the river. I could see them quite plainly the day I was there. It is said there is a large force of Federal troops within one hour’s distance from here, but where they are I do not know. The New York 9th & the Washington Volunteers are three-quarter of a mile below us.
I heard some rumor of George Cadwalader’s 2 being suspended on account of some negligence, but I do not credit it. You see so many false reports in the papers at such times as these.
It is now only 10 o’clock and the day seems very long. We now get up between 3 and 4 and someone remarked in Philadelphia he could not sleep in the afternoon but here he could sleep all the time. It makes a great difference being in the open air all the time.
This last week has flown by very fast to me as we have had considerable to keep up the excitement. I now have finished all I have to say. Tell Ma she must not expect me to write as your letters will answer. I always let you know all the news. Give her my love as well as Katy, Grandma, your father, Cassie, Effie, and all with a great deal of love to yourself.
I am yours devotedly, forever, — J. C. B.
1 The 17th Pennsylvania Infantry was ordered to Rockville, Montgomery County, Maryland, on 10 June, 1861, and was assigned to the Seventh Brigade, Third Division, Army of Pennsylvania, under the command of Colonel Charles Pomeroy Stone, 14th United States Infantry, by Special Orders No.96, Paragraph I, Headquarters, Department of Pennsylvania, Martinsburg, Berkeley County, Virginia, on 10 July, 1861. Col. Stone was reportedly the first volunteer to enter the Union Army, and during the war he served as a general officer, noted for his involvement at the Battle of Ball’s Bluff in October 1861. Held responsible for the Union defeat, Stone was arrested and imprisoned for almost six months, mostly for political reasons. He never received a trial, and after his release he would not hold a significant command during the war again.
John Williams and myself walked to this place a few minutes ago for the purpose of mailing the letters & in hopes of being able to telegraph but find there is no telegraph office nearer than the Point of Rocks. I have written a dispatch & given it to the postmaster to give to the conductor to leave us off at that place.
Everything is quiet here—not a shot was fired last night. The people in this neighborhood are all strong Union. They are delighted at seeing us here and say we are the very men they want.
I sent you a sample of the money they are circulating in Virginia. They have it as low as 10 cents but I was not able to get one for you. I saw one that one of our men had.
This is going to be a very warm day & I should like to remain where I am for the rest of the day but our movements are so uncertain we may go at any moment & after writing his, I must hurry back to camp. I do not know how many regiments are here. I was awake a little while last night. It was but a short time I can assure you as I was very tired & heard the tramp of wagons & was told this morning they were arriving all through the night.
I do not think the fight—if any—will last long as we will be too many for them. There are 2 Mississippi Regiments in Harpers Ferry. I was very sorry indeed to hear of the loss of the New York 9th & feel it worse as it was caused by the drunken folly of one of Co. D of our regiment. They are all Irish. We have some very low characters in our regiment.
Dearest Gertrude, you must keep up your spirits. I do not think our regiment will advance much beyond Harpers Ferry in two weeks. I expect to be on board a train from this place bound to Philadelphia. How happy I shall be to be with you again. The men who live here are telling the condition of things here. They say they are ruined. All their factories are stopped & they think will never come up again. We see the effects of secession wherever we go. They have been doing, it seems to me, all the damage possible, destroying bridges, grain and everything without any reason.
Oswald Jackson has just passed on Hewson’s horse. John says his [Oswald’s] aunt lives a short distance from here. I suppose he is going to pay her a visit. I am very glad to hear Cassie is improving. I hope the change of air will be of service to her. One man says the secessionists have been blowing [bragging] that one of their men was equal to 5 Northern men, but they think it will take 4 men of our regiment to catch them & 1 to shoot them, yhey will run away so fast.
There is a mail here daily. You will receive this tomorrow. Yesterday was a glorious day to us. The people all were rejoiced to see us & I saw what would convince me if anything would of the gloriousness of our cause.
With all the love I have, I am your own devoted Jim for ever.
Give my love to Ma, Katy, your Father, Grandma and all.
Letter 3
Headquarters 5th Corps April 4th 1863
My own darling Gertrude,
The candles are flickering so with the wind it is almost impossible to write, but I intend making out as well as I can as I would not for anything miss sending you a daily letter. I have been resting myself all day.
There was to have been a review of all the cavalry but it was postponed till tomorrow on account of the President who I hear is coming down tonight to spend Sunday. I do not think it is right to have anything of the kind on Sunday and I feel very sorry to hear it is to take place. I think nothing should be done in that day that can be avoided. I do not think we can be truly successful unless we place our trust in God as a nation, and I feel that any disregard of that day has a very bad effect on the army. I am sure the life is demoralizing enough and everything should be done to counteract the bad effects. I like to remain quiet and feel it is Sunday. It always to me is the pleasantest day of the whole week. I think it is terrible to see how little regard is paid to religion. I am sorry that I am not myself better. I know how far I am from being what I should be, & I wish I was a great deal better. I know what true happiness religion brings with it and it seems to me so strange it should be so generally disregarded. Things pertaining to this world seem to be the uppermost thoughts of mankind, ambitious to occupy a high place here on earth with no regard to the future. Why do not the same feelings operate to make humanity better?
I received your nice letter this afternoon. They come now regularly to me every day and I can assure you I look forward to their arrival with a great deal of pleasure.
I am very sorry to hear gold has gone up again. I do not think we can expect much now from either Grant or Banks in the quarter in which they are operating. I wish they would send the whole force into Tennessee and North Carolina. It seems to me we can accomplish more in that way than any other. I do not like dividing our forces so much. We must trust for the best and we cannot expect to have anything as we should like. We have a tremendous rebellion to contend against. We have to fight them now in their strong positions and it must take time to produce any telling results.
Everyone now is looking to this army. I presume before long its movements will be made known. The roads are now in a passable condition & before many weeks I presume it will be on the move.
I have not as yet read McClellan’s report. Gen. [Andrew A.] Humphreys does not like his throwing the blame upon him, or rather attributing his failure to advance to Humphreys division not being on the ground till late the day after. He says he arrived early in the morning and was in position in the rear of Porter by 8 o’clock a.m. the day after the battle with 6,000 men.
I am very well, my own darling wife. Take good care of yourself for my sake. You are ever present in my mind and I know there is a happy future in store for us. Capt, Mason has just come in my tent to tell me my map and all the books r. Garland sent me have ben burnt up. They accidentally caught fire when no one was present. Thank Mr. G for me for sending. Give my love to all & with heaps to you. Believe me forever your devoted husband.
Letter 4
Headquarters, 5th Corps April 5th 1863
My own darling wife,
The roads had just become passable and yesterday John was remarking he did not see why the army did not move. But today the ground is covered with snow. It will take at least a week before they are in as good condition again. I am of the opinion we will not do anything till after the middle of the month. The move, when it is made is to be a rapid one and would be entirely frustrated if we should encounter such a storm as this. I think we shall go down the [Rappahannock] river, make a rapid march, and try and get to Richmond in advance of the army of Lee. I hope this time we shall be successful. By the middle of May, this army will be diminished considerably by the expiration of the enlistment of the two years men, also the nine months conscripts. Whatever is to be done must take place before that time. Our Corps will lose just one half of its number.
Today is Sunday. I have been reading my prayer book and amusing myself talking to different members of the staff. They are mostly McClellanites and in consequence I never mention his name. It is not worth while getting into disputes.
The President passed by this morning on a special train. He has gone to Gen. Hooker’s Headquarters. The review will not come off and I am very glad of it as I must confess I did not approve of it.
I am writing on my bed with your desk on my lap. I have no rest for my arm and consequently it is not possible for me to write nicely.
I am expecting a letter shortly from you. The 1 o’clock train left before the arrival of the boat. It is now just 4 o’clock—the time the train is due. We dine at 5 o’clock. I generally take a lunch at about 12. I hear the whistle of the engine now. I wonder if any of my letters were on the train that broke down between Washington & Philadelphia the other day. I hope is any should have been they were not destroyed.
John is very well and seems in much better spirits although I think he still would like very much to resign. I must confess I would like very much myself to be quietly living in the peaceful paths of life, but as this is impossible, I make myself contented.
[Our new Corps commander,] Gen. Meade I think a very good officer. Everyone speaks highly of him and he certainly is a gentleman which I am sorry to say a great many of our officers are not. A portion of Gen. Hooker’s staff were here last evening and it almost made me sick. They were half tight and a more rowdy looking set I never met. “Birds of a feather flock together.” I will not say more.
Let me know my own dear little wife all about yourself. I wish you were more regular. I think it is so important for one’s health. When you write, tell me all about yourself & I want you to be as bright as possible. When do you intend to get your spring clothes? I have one month’s pay now due me and by the end of this month hope to be able to send some more money to you. My expenses will not be at all heavy and I can save at least one half. I do not want you. to economize but get whatever you may want.
There is no news. I am very well & you need not be at all uneasy about me. Give my love to all, and with a heart overflowing with love for yourself, I am forever your devoted husband.
Letter 5
Headquarters 5th Corps April 12th 1863
My own dear little wife,
I received your letter of the 9th yesterday. I am very glad to hear such good accounts of all at home. It is a great consolation when one is away as I am to have no cause of anxiety. I am perfectly contented and never in my life felt better in every respect. I would like very much to get a peep at you in your spring things but I hardly expect to be so fortunate. I want you to get whatever you may want. I have $80 in my purse and Capt. Mason will bring me down $160 more, leaving me a sufficient sum after paying for my horse. If I find one, I conclude to buy. It is very strange if you want to buy a horse, it is a difficult thing to get one you like, and if you want to sell, you find the same difficulty in finding anyone who wants to buy. I always calculate upon leaving one half in every horse I purchase and why I should be so unfortunate, I cannot tell. I am certain my black horse will never bring $200, the price I paid for him. Some horse jockey could buy him for about $100 & then sell him for the price I gave. I require a strong, sound horse, and as yet I have not seen any that I at all like.
There is a Swiss General visiting our army and he is coming here at 12 o’clock to ride through the camps to take a look at things in general. I am sorry for it. I am so heartily sick of anything like reviews. Of course the General [Meade] will ride with him.
It is going to be a very warm day, It is now in my tent quite close. I feel very anxious to hear of the result from Charleston. The rebels have been quite jubilant, cheering most vociferously. They called across the river to our pickets that they hoped we were satisfied with the whipping we got at Charleston. I still hope for the best. I know it is a tremendous undertaking but then we have made vast preparations and I trust they may prove successful. It will be a heavy blow morally to the rebels, and I do not believe there is anything that can damage them as much, It will tell with such effect all through the South. They hate Charleston almost as much as we do, and a great many of them would like to see it leveled to the ground.
Nothing is said as yet about moving. I do not understand the cause of the delay. It certainly is very strange, There are various surmises made as to where we will go when we leave here. The rebels are in strong force and position directly opposite to us.
John is well and seems contented in his present position. The only thing he is afraid of is being ordered to some strange general but I do not think they will do so. He has not had a great deal to do and is acting more in the capacity of Aide.
I hear nothing of the sword presentation to General Meade. Ma wrote to me it was to take place at the camp of the reserves near Alexandria. Gen. Meade himself knows nothing definite. I believe none of the new Major Generals have been allowed the Aides given them by law. Gen. Meade spoke to the President about it when he was down here. The President was very noncommittal. He said if the law gave them to them, he thought they should have them and promised to see about it on his return to Washington. I have no news, my dear little wife, only I know how much I love you and that I am always looking forward to my return to a long & endless life of happiness with as much certainty as anyone may possess. I am sure of our love for each other and I know I care for nothing without you. I must close this. Give my love to all & with a great deal to yourself.
I am forever your own devoted husband.
Letter 6
Headquarters 5th Corps April 16th 1863
My own dear little wife,
James Cornell Biddle
We had a very heavy rain last night which will put us back a day or so in the contemplated movement, I am very glad we did not have the storm after we had taken down our tents. It is now about the change of the moon, and I am in strong hopes this has been the clear up rain for in all conscience, we have certainly had enough to last for some time.
I hear some 20,000 men left Washington the night before last to reinforce Gen. Peck [at Suffolk]. They say the rebels are concentrating troops in that direction to strike against him. I do not understand their movements but would not be at all surprised if they intend to fall back upon Richmond. From here, it certainly looks so, when we hear of such large forces on the other side of that place. We have not heard anything from our cavalry. We have to await the arrival of the Chronicle to know of anything even in our own army. We have heard distant firing but do not know what was the cause of it. There is a report that they have captured a Battery. I am in great expectations the rebel cavalry force has been very much diminished in consequence of the inability of their getting forage. It now numbers, so report goes, only 4,000 men. We sent out from here 12,000 & I presume General Stahl has left Washington with 4,000 more. They certainly ought to accomplish something. Infantry cannot follow them and they ought to have everything their own way.
The news from Charleston is not encouraging but it is as much as I expected. I had not much hope of the iron clads being able to accomplish anything against strongly casemates land batteries.
Gen. Meade said this morning he knew nothing of the intended movements. We are all wondering what the eight days supplies are for. I do not think we can carry that much. The men are very improvident and I know from experience it is difficult to get them to carry 3 days rations.
I received your letter yesterday of the 13th. They come regularly to me every day and I look forward to them arrival with a great deal of pleasure.
With regard to my views, they all know I am not an admirer of McClellan and there is very little ever said of him. I do not think it worth while to stir up controversies with those who have been associated with him. Webb was on his staff. I believe he has a good opinion of him but I have heard him say but little. Locke has been very civil to me. I recollect hearing something of the testimony he gave on the Porter & McDowell court martials but I never read them myself.
I am very well, my dear wife. I never felt better in my life. The sedentary life on the board was not compatible with my disposition. I never could stand sitting over a table all day writing and consequently gave me those unpleasant feelings after my meals. But since I have been here, I have not been troubled with them. I wonder when the board or the present officers will be relieved. I should think they must be getting tired of it.
I must now draw this to a close, my dear little wife, or else I will be too late for the mail. I feel like you, I never like to stop my letters but wish I only could write a great deal more and make them more interesting. Give my love to all & with a great deal to yourself, believe me for ever your devoted husband.
Letter 7
Headquarters 5th Corps April 17, 1863
My own dear little wife,
We are still uncertain of our movements. The rain has disturbed all the plans for the present. It is still threatening and before a great while, I think it is going to pour. I am very sorry for it as I am afraid the tail of our cavalry may be impeded in consequence. I have not the least idea where the cavalry have gone to but the Rappahannock has risen by the recent rains and it may have prevented their crossing, as I presume they intended to do at some point. I heard of them at Rappahannock Station. There is a very good ford there but I have not heard of their crossing. It is the largest force of cavalry we have ever had together and they ought to accomplish what they design to do.
General Peck is threatened at Suffolk. I hope with the force we sent from Washington we may have good news from him.
I received yesterday the pamphlets sent to me by Mr. Garland. Thank him and tell him I have already distributed a number. I do not think the first were intentionally burnt as the fire was in John Mason’s tent and no one would have done anything of the kind intentionally. It came very near burning up the tent and the wonder was it did not do it. The legs of the table were burnt ad everything that was on it, books, gloves, &c.
I was over at Gen. Hooker’s Headquarters yesterday. Charley Cadwalader was in Washington. Jim Starr told me he was going on his Uncle George’s staff as Major. If so, George must be going to have a Corps, and if so, where is the vacancy? Starr was very anxious to get a staff appointment. He would not though do so unless he could get another commission as he did not think it right for so many officers to be taken away from Rush. Starr spoke very well of Rush although he does not fancy him, yet he says Rush has acted in everything as he thought best for the good of his regiment. He said John was too hasty in resigning insinuating that he was disgusted without any reason and as we know John has been out of sorts in every position he has occupied, he was disgusted with the law also. This is entirely for yourself and I now am sorry I have written it. I do hate to say abusive things of persons. It is a very bad habit to get into but I only mean by the above remarks to say John’s disposition is a hard one to please. We know very well the moody ways he sometimes would get into. He sees though better satisfied now for he has made up his mind it will not do for him to resign, but I think he will do so after the next fight.
The Chronicle arrives everyday by one o’clock. There has been no news for a long time and I now think we must wait till after this army gets in motion & then I think there will be startling doings. There is only one thing I regret, the time of so many men is so near expiring. I am afraid they will not fight so well as they otherwise might. I wish the draft would get in operation. We need more men. The rebels have an equal number & occupy their chosen positions, which are now strongly fortified. We ought to make up for these disadvantages by numbers.
I am in hopes Foster will get out of his scrape [in North Carolina]. I am inclined to think he is all right as the rebels have not said anything. The pickets notwithstanding talking across the river is prohibited, always taunt each other when there is any news good to either side. I hear the rebel pickets called over to ours, “So you’re trying a raid, are you?” They know everything we do. They are much better informed of what is going on than we are.
I received your letter yesterday of the 14th. It is so comforting to get such cheerful letters. I am very well and manage to pass my time very pleasantly. I have you constantly on my mind & would give a good deal to see you if for only a short time. I often think of how happy I was in Washington. I always looked forward with so much pleasure when my duties were over to my return to my darling little wife. But for the present, we must make up our minds to be separated and trust in God for the future. Have you heard or seen anything of Markoe Bache? I expect he is visiting on my head his failure to get his appointment. I see Hewson every now and then. He is looking very well and seems to like the life as much as one can be supposed to. He always seems cheerful and contented. I must now say goodbye. I like to write you nice long letters, my dear life wife, and I feel I cannot put half I want to express on paper. You know how much I love you & I can tell you my affection will never grow less. Give my love to all & with a great deal to yourself.
I am forever your devoted husband.
Gen. Meade was told by Gen. Hooker he could not let him leave the army now to go to to the sword presentation.
Letter 8
Headquarters 5th Corps April 18th 1863
My own dear little wife,
The mail arrived yesterday but brought no letter for me. After dinner I received the second one you wrote to me on the 30th of March. I had gone over to Gen. Hooker’s Headquarters & they kept it there all this time. It partly made up for my disappointment at not hearing in the morning. My own dear little wife, I know it was not your fault but entirely owing to the mail. I will. today receive two in compensation.
I write to Gen. Ricketts yesterday. I wonder when the present Board will be dissolved and what command your Uncle Sully will have. I see every now and then new lists published in the Chronicle but they are gradually getting smaller, This is a lovely spring day and I am in hopes it may last for some time. I heard yesterday Gen. Stoneman had sent word back he was stopped owing to the impossibility of getting his artillery forward. I do trust they may accomplish some good, but what they are after I have no idea of. I hope they may destroy some of the bridges between here and Richmond. They have been delayed so much I am afraid the rebels are cognizant of their plans.
I presume now in a day or so we shall be off. I can see nothing to delay us any longer. The sooner we go, the better as the time of enlistment of some of the troops is nearly up. I have great faith in this army and if we are successful, it will pretty nigh break down the Confederacy. I read Davis’s address to his soldiers. There is no doubt they are badly off for supplies & another year—if the war lasts so long—must starve them into obedience. But I hope the triumph of our armies will sooner bring them to their senses.
There is no news of any kind. I presume we shall hear something from Suffolk or Williamsburg. Foster, I think, is safe. If they had him in a box we would have heard of it through rebel sources. I am glad Grantees troops are moving up the Mississippi. I do not believe in attempting Vicksburg again. The best thing to do is to send two or three son clads to blockade the river and take away the land force & send them into Tennessee.
How is your father? I hope he is frisking up. Also that Cassie has gotten over her indisposition—the two invalids.
Take good care of yourself, my own dear little wife. You are my every thought. I want you to get whatever you want. I now have nearly two months pay due me & $80 in my pocket so you see I am flush.
Frank Wistar was here the day before yesterday. I think Gen. Meade has applied for him as commissary of musters. We all get along together on the staff very nicely. It is a great thing to be associated with gentlemen. I am very well contented with my position. Gen. Meade has just told Gen. Griffin he intended reviewing Syke’s Division at 2 o’clock today. Alas for reviews. I though they were over. It seems to me everyone is review mad. I am sick of them having had so much of them since I’ve been here.
I must say goodbye my dear wife. Know how much I love you, my dear girl. You are my all and I look forward to a happy future. Give my love to all & with a great deal to yourself I am forever your devoted husband.
Letter 9
Headquarters 5th Corps Stoneman’s Station, Virginia May 22, 1863
My own dear little wife,
I received your letter of the 19th yesterday. I am very much afraid I have created expectations in your mind which I did not intend to give. I have no idea of being able to leave here now. General Meade will only give leaves of absence upon urgent grounds and then only for five days. I have the satisfaction though of knowing if there is any reason for my leaving, I can get off without any difficulty. There is no telling what may happen. Gen. Meade may be ordered to pay the President a visit & if he takes me with him, I will telegraph for you. I would give anything to be with you, my own darling little wife, and I have been thinking and envying John ever since he took his departure. I do not believe there is anyone in the army who has more reason to wish for home than myself and I trust this war may soon be ended but as long as it lasts, I feel it a duty to bear a part of the hardships, and when it is over, I will be as happy as the day is long with my own sweet Gertrude.
Jay, Mason & Dr. Russell are in my tent. They wonder how I am able to write so much. They say I must write the same letter every day. Well, my dear Gertrude, in that they are pretty nigh correct, but I know what a pleasure my letters are to you and that no apologies are necessary.
Yesterday morning I took a swim in Potomac Creek and in the afternoon went to the presentation of a horse, saddle & bridle, spurs, gloves, sword and overcoat too Gen. Barnes. I met there some 5 or 6 members of the Washington Grays who now are with the Corn Exchange Regiment. Gen. Meade has one of his nephews staying here—Mr. Meade of the Navy. He leaves this morning. He had a very narrow escape yesterday, He got one of Gen. Meade’s horses and sailor-like, depended upon the reins instead of upon his legs to hold himself in the saddle, the consequence of which was the horse reared and fell over backwards upon him. I was a good deal startled and felt afraid he was severely hurt, but he fortunately got off with only a few bruises.
I am going over to see George Ingham sometime today. Gen. Sykes has been quite sick and I believe has applied for a leave of absence in which case I presume George will get off too. Both our Division Commanders are sick. Griffin is in Washington and has just had his sick leave extended fifteen days.
Of course you have seen John and have received from him a full account of me as to how well I am. I make up my mind to be satisfied although I do miss you dreadfully. The rebels seem to be getting very tired of the war. They told our officers left at Chancellorsville they wished they could see an honorable way out of it for them and they would be satisfied.
There is no news of any kind and no sign of a move. It is impossible for us to do anything here till we are reinforced. I am in hopes though that this base will be abandoned. I see by Southern papers we are fortifying West Point [Va.]. What can be the meaning of this? I do think it a great mistake the way we are scattering our forces and have never as yet been able to have a combined movement. I believe though with all the blunders that have been committed, we are gaining every day and the rebellion is sinking. There is no doubt of the end. It has gone so far there can be no compromise and we must conquer them or they us. And of the result, I have no doubt whatever.
I we have Vicksburg, we hold the Mississippi and you recollect John Cadwalader predicted that this would be the work of ten years. It is hard for us to brook reverses. But in the end, all will be right and I trust we may be a purer, better people that ever before.
My darling Liddy, I must now close this in time for the mail. Your letter arrive regularly every day about 1 o’clock and I am always wishing for that hour to het my letter. Give my love to a, Kate, Elizabeth, your father and all & wish a great deal of love to yourself.
I am ever your devoted husband.
Col. [Charles Mallet] Prevost of the 118th said to me he had heard of me through Philadelphia. His wife wrote to him Major Biddle had expressed some opinion with regard to Hooker. He said it was nothing bad but he could not recollect what it was. How could she have heard this? Dear Gertrude, do not think I think for a moment you would say anything to anyone. I would mind for I do not. I only not knowing her wondered how she had heard it.
Letter 10
Headquarters 5th Corps Stoneman’s Station, Virginia May 23rd, 1863
My own dear little wife,
I am out of paper and as I sent word by John to ask you to send me some, I borrowed this from Jay telling him I would be glad to extend the compliment to him when mine arrived. I have been thinking of John’s visit and envying him the happy time he was having. He will be obliged to leave Philadelphia this evening. I did my best to have his time extended one day, but it was to no avail.
There are no signs of an intended movement and one feels he might as well be home as here. I think of you all the time my own darling little Diddy, and know what a treasure I possess. I would give anything to see you but I think I would at any rate rather wait till I could get more than five days leave and then I do not like to ask any favors.
The Richmond papers of yesterday announce the falling back of Pemberton after a fight of nine hours duration. This coming from the rebels is very good news. It is later than anything we could possibly have received and eases our mind with regard to the retreat of our forces from Jackson, Mississippi. They may have left there & gone in the direction of Vicksburg which probably was the case. It is a very severe blow to the Southern Confederacy and it will tell with wonderful effect upon the end of this rebellion. If we had only been successful here as we should have been, all would have been right, and I think the rebellion would have been ended. It was reported that Lee was reinforced but that has since been proven to be incorrect. Longstreet got as far as Hanover Junction and after our retreat was ordered back by Lee. We ought to have gained a great victory and we failed for the want of a general. This feeling is universal in the army.
Meade stands—in the opinion of those capable of judging—as the head of all the generals in our army. I have a very high opinion of him. He is as superior to Hooker as anything can be, but he has no political influence and therefore stands no chance. He is active, energetic, and a thorough soldier. Birney, Sickles, and men of that class are the men who go up in the scale because they are politicians. Sickles was made the hero of the late fight, and at first I thought he deserved credit for what he had done. But I have since changed my mind. You recollect my writing and at the time thinking we were firing into the rebel train preceding the retreat of the rebels. This was the report and although I thought it singular they should retreat taking their wagons in range of our guns, I was assured it was so and came to the conclusion it was necessity which compelled them. At this time Sickles was ordered out to capture this wagon train and not knowing where he was going, or what he had to encounter, found he was cut off between Lee and Jackson from the rest of our army and was obliged to fight to get back within our lines. This train being Jackson’s ordnance train going around to our right for Jackson’s benefit. Such is war and Sickles is really spoken of as Commander in Chief. Alas! Alas! Cannot we get men of moral character in high places.
There are a great many stories of goings on at Sickles’ Headquarters. Hooker, Sickles, Mrs. Farnham, Mrs. Salm-Salm. 1 Mrs. Farnham is the wife of a Col. Farnham who was the Captain of the slaver Wanderer who you recollect was captured and taken to Savannah.
I am very well, my darling girl, and I am glad to have such a good account of all at home. I am glad Cassie intends paying a visit to Mrs. Cadwalader. I have no doubt she will enjoy herself very much. Give my love to Ma, Kat, Elizabeth, your father & all, & with a great deal of love to yourself, I am forever your loving husband.
1 Mrs. Salm-Salm was the former Agnes Leclerc Joy. She met elix Constantin Alexander Johann Nepomuk, the formerly reigning Prince of Salm-Salm, at a reception given by President Abraham Lincoln in 1861. In August 1862, he and Agnes would enter a morganatic marriage (also known as a left-handed marriage, a marriage between two people of unequal social rank where royal titles and privileges would not be extended to the spouse). Agnes accompanied Felix on the battlefield. He took command of the 8th New York during the winter.
Letter 11
Headquarters Army of the Potomac July 31st 1863
My own darling little wife,
All is quiet and I do not know what is to be the next move of the Army of the Potomac, but I would like very much of we are to remain idle here, to be able to run on and pay you a visit. I long to see you my own darling wife. You are ever in my mind and it is pretty hard to be separated from you for so long a time. Leaves of absence are not granted except in case of sickness. I was in hopes if we were to remain here any length of time they would be granted again, but then they do not amount to much as they are for so short a time.
Rosegarten was here last night. He tells me Zandy Biddle has received his commission as Lieutenant-Colonel, but that he is very anxious to have his resignation accepted. He is not very strong and then Thomas A wants him at home to assist him in taking care of their business.
Colly Hall’s regiment is in the 3rd Corps commanded by General French. Colly is looking remarkably well.
It is almost impossible for me to write. There are at least a dozen persons talking in and around my tent. It is never empty. It is the first tent and there is almost always some person here.
General Meade said last night in answer to the question as to whether the reported demoralization in the rebel army was true or not, that we now had almost everyday deserters from states from which we never had deserters before. For instance, Mississippians came in and gave themselves up saying they understood their state was overrun by Yankees and that it was no use fighting any longer. I only wish they would all act in the same way as I am sure they must all have the same opinion. Sergeant Meade is still here. He seems to enjoy himself very much. I only wish I could change places with him. It seems strange to me anyone remaining here voluntarily. My watch is very dirty and wants cleaning. You might send it down to me by the first good opportunity.
This is going to be a very warm day but there is a nice breeze. Warrenton is not at all a warm, place to pass the summer. I sent to Washington this morning for my pay account for July. It amounts to $161.36. I told our Express Agent to send you a cheque for $100 and the balance of $61.36 will pay all my expenses up to the 1st of September. I also sent by the same for the amount due me for my horse. I did not send this to you as it will need my endorsement first. I will then send it to your order. I do not intend to send any more money by mail that can be appropriated.
My sword arrived safely yesterday, I am very much obliged to you for it. The one Frank gave me was covered with shark skin and at the time I lost it was pretty nigh worn out. The belt was broken all to pieces and I had it fastened to my saddle.
I see your Uncle Sully has taken Lt. Col. [William H.] Ludlow’s place [as Commissioner for Exchange of Prisoners]. I wonder how he likes his new position. I should not expect to hear of his getting into hot water with Col. [Robert] Ould, rebel commissioner. It amuses me to hear of the rebel government talking of Yankee atrocities. In every instance they have been the perpetrators and they only want the chance for a plea to commit such acts.
Col. Shaw I believe they buried in a trench [at Fort Wagner] and placed four negroes over it. I wish we had negroes entirely at the siege of Charleston. I trust they may have no more of the outrageous scenes that occurred in New York whilst enforcing the draft. And that if any attempt is made to resist, it will be at once put down with severe punishment.
I must now close my dear girl to have this in time for the mail. Goodbye my darling girl. I long to see you. My heart breaks for yours and how happy I shall be when I am at home again, never to be separated from you. I do not like this kind of life at all, and only wish I could bring it to an end, but at the same time I do not worry myself and try to make myself as comfortable as possible. Give my love to all & with heaps of love to yourself, I am forever your own devoted husband.
Letter 12
Meade’s Headquarters was located in the William Douglas Wallach residence outside Culpeper, Virginia, in September/October 1863.
Headquarters Army of the Potomac Culpeper, [Virginia] September 26, 1863
My own darling wife,
I feel very anxious to know the true state of affairs in Tennessee. I am in hopes Rosecrans will be able to hold out till reinforcements arrive. I should think Grant ought to be able to send him troops from his army. It is a long and round about way to send them from here, and then again I am afraid we cannot get them there in time. I do not think our accounts are so bad. Bragg from his own dispatches lost very heavily in officers and men and all they have gained so far amounts to but little. If they are defeated, it will have a very depressing effect upon the rebellion. The address of Bragg and his general to the rebel army shows they intend to risk everything for the hope of success.
I wonder what Burnside is about? It seems strange to me his running after Jones at such a time. I do not understand his position at all. Hooker is to have the command of the 11th and 12th Corps. A week’s time will divulge their destination. It may be Charleston or North Carolina & maybe Tennessee. My idea is they are going to North Carolina. I would rather see them go there than any other place. I am sorry Hooker has been placed in command. I was in hopes he would not be given another important command. He is a man of such notoriously bad character and I think after Chancellorsville, it is very strange giving him a separate command.
I trust before very long we may see some signs of peace. If we are only successful in Tennessee, the war will be nearly over. Lee’s army is very much reduced, but he now occupies a very strong position and I think the only reason for our not advancing is the impracticality of gaining anything important on this line. We have still two months for campaigning and I trust by that time the war will be ended. I want so much to have you with me, my own dear wife. You are everything in this world to me and I know how happy we shall always be. I hope Tom may be able to find something to do, I would rather he should get a more permanent position than Paymaster but that is better than doing nothing.
The have stopped the McClellan testimonial. The President, I believe, spoke to General Meade about it when he was in Washington. Gen. Meade told him he had himself received a sword a short time ago and it would not look well for him to issue an order prohibiting the presenting of one to Gen. McClellan. [Said] that he had subscribed to it himself and no one surely could think he had done so for political purposes. But he would speak to the officers who were getting it up, which he did and the thing has been stopped. I am of the opinion it would have been much better not to have noticed it—although I disapproved of it and saw the object of it.
Mosby this morning early made a raid on the bridge at Bull Run and burnt it. It was rebuilt in a few hours. He is well and about again.
I must close this till morning. How happy I shall be when I have my own darling wife with me never to be separated. I drew my pay today for September. It amounted to $159.61. I will keep it to defray the expenses of next months mess. Good night my own dear wife.
September 27th 1863. My own darling wife, this cold spell continues. I do not think it will last a very great while longer. I manage to make out very comfortably with the clothing I now have, and I hope this winter I may be so place I will not need to get anymore. All is quiet. No signs of a movement. I am very anxious to know what we are to do. I do not believe we are to do anything but hold the rebel army in front of us—or maybe we may assist with a cooperating force in drawing Lee south of North Carolina.
I believe Pickett’s Division of Longstreet’s Corps composed of Virginians refused to go to Tennessee and the rebel government were obliged to send troops on the peninsula, Wise’s Brigade & others in their place. They sent the poorest portion of Lee’s army to Tennessee and I do not believe Bragg’s reinforcements from here amounted to more than 10 to 15,000 men. I trust we may soon have a good report from Rosecrans. If he is only successful, I can then think it likely I can soon have you with me. It is now four months since I spent those few days with you & it seems to me to be a century. I shall be too contented for anything when I am once more at home. This is a very hard life to lead—no comforts of any kind. I am very glad on your account Cassie, Lillie, and the children & Effie are at home. This cold weather there is no advantage being in the country.
Jim Starr asked me yesterday if it was true Mollie Meredith was engaged to [ ] Robinson. He said he had heard she was when he was in Philadelphia. He said he hoped not as he thought Robinson such a poor concern.
I must say goodbye my own darling wife. Give my love to Ma, Katy, your father, and all, and with a heart overflowing with love for yourself, I am as ever your devoted husband.
Letter 13
Headquarters Army of the Potomac Culpeper [Virginia] October 3rd 1863
My own darling wife,
This morning General Meade had his photograph taken with his staff. I will send you a copy when they are finished. It will be in about a week. Afterwards Gen. Meade, Gen. Humphreys, Gen. French, Gen. Warren, Gen. Sykes, and Gen. Hunt had their taken in a group, and also Gen. Humpreys with his personal staff. It was taken by the same person who took the one I sent you. I have not received any letter today. The mail has not yet arrived owing to the washing away of a portion of the bridge across the Rappahannock. I am looking for a letter every minute. The bridge was to be finished by 5 o’clock this afternoon.
This image shows Gen. Andrew A. Humphreys standing in front of the door facing General George G. Meade, seated. Standing, to Meade’s right is Major J. C. Biddle, A.D.C., on the steps of Wallach’s House, the headquarters of the Army of the Potomac. The Library of Congress dates this image “September 1863” but Biddle’s letter informs us it was taken on the morning of 3 October 1863.It was attributed to Timothy O’Sullivan.
This image shows Meade seated at center with (l-r) Gouverneur Warren, William French, Henry Hunt, Andrew Humphreys, and George Sykes At Culpepper, 3 October 1863.
Another image of Meade (hands on belt) with Humpreys and his staff. Biddle stands to the right of Humphreys with sash across his chest.
Willie Sergeant arrived here yesterday. I saw him this morning. He told me you were looking very well. I wish I could be detailed on some home duty. I would not like to ask for anything of the kind, but I would be too happy for anything if I could have you with me. I think before long I shall be able to accomplish it. I am in hopes though that before Christmas something may take place to end this rebellion.
The train has just arrived and in a few minutes I will get my letter which is my greatest comforter. They are always written so cheerfully and they help me to bear this separation. You are on my mind all the time and it seems to me an age since I was at home. I am looking with a great deal of interest to the West. Sherman’s Corp with the 11th & 12th of this army ought to be able to smash Bragg & if they are successful [at Chattanooga], it will be a severe blow to the rebellion—one they cannot recover from. This winter will be a severe one in the South and with the defeat of Bragg, the spring will bring us very little to do. It is impossible for them to recruit their army anymore. They have taken their last man. I should think they must see their cause is hopeless, but Davis and his followers have risked their all and they will hold on till the last.
We are remaining quiet and I thought today that it might be on account of the elections this month, and that after they are over we will fall back and send a portion of the army to some other point. If that should be the case, I will certainly soon see you. It cheers me up having these fancies.
The rebels sent three scouts inside our lines last night. They were seen and fired at but up to this time, they have not been found although there has been a strict search made for them. They have of course much better facilities for gaining information than we have, and they know everything that takes place here. I will postpone this till the morning when I hope we shall have some good news by today’s papers which arrive at the same time with the mail. Goodnight, my darling wife.
October 4th, 1863. I did not receive any letter from you yesterday. The mail arrived but my letter missed. The papers did not come. I do not expect they contained any news. I do not look for anything startling for two weeks. This is Sunday and I would give anything to have my own darling wife with me. It is a beautiful day and I could be too happy for anything if I could go to church with you this morning. It is terribly monotonous in camp. I do not see any signs of our doing anything and I do wish I could get a leave of absence. Winter will soon set in, and then I shall certainly be able to get a leave, if not able to have you with me.
It is breakfast time and I must close. Goodbye my own darling. Give my love to Ma, Kat, your father & all, & with heaps of love to yourself. I am for ever your devoted husband
Letter 14
Headquarters Army of the Potomac Culpeper, [Virginia] October 7th 1863
My own darling Wife,
I have been hards at work copying reports all this morning. General Meade has his finished and tomorrow I presume they will be sent to Washington.
It is raining very hard which does not help to enliven things around camp. I received your nice letter written yesterday this morning. I agree with you about Effie’s paying a visit at Mr. Holeman’s. He is a man whom I have a great contempt for. I hope Tom will get his position as Paymaster. Two months will be a long time though to wait for it.
I read Lee’s report of the Battle of Gettysburg. He tries to detract from the doings of our cavalry. They whipped the rebel cavalry whenever they met them but when they drove them back to their infantry, of course they had to fall back. He says nothing of the fight at Falling Waters and tries to make out General Pettigrew was killed by a small body of our cavalry who succeeded in getting through their pickets without being discovered, and that the two guns we captured were stuck in th mud, and owing to the horses being so worn out, could not pull them off.
I do not like the news from Tennessee. The rebel cavalry by destroying the bridge at Murfreesboro will delay the arrival of reinforcements to Rosecrans. I am in hopes Rosecrans can draw supplies from the country as his own are now cut off from him. I wish we could know the true state of affairs. It is very trying being kept in suspense. Yesterday’s papers mentioned fighting going on at McMinnville and today we hear of the destruction of the railroad bridge over Stone river at Murfreesboro. This looks to me as if they had some force in the rear of Rosecrans. I hope for the best and I do not intend to worry myself for in the end we must come out all right.
It is very quiet here. There is no excitement of any kind and my every thought is of you. I think before very long I shall be where I can return to you. You are my dear good girl and I can tell you I appreciate you.
I suppose Tom Hall expect to be Major of is regiment. Chapman intends resigning and then there will be a vacancy, but I doubt the government appointing a new Colonel as the regiment is so small. In fact, I think there is a law against it, or rather an order.
Capt. Coppinger whom you met one evening with Capt. O’Keefe at Mrs. Rickett’s supper for Johnny, Sallie and ourselves was here last night. He told me he had met Tom & Sallie at Uncle Halls in Trenton. O’Keefe is a prisoner at Libby prison. He is a Captain in the regular army and has been in New York with his regiment.
If I should go to Washington, I would not go to Mr. Rickett’s house. I agree with you, I could not have you alone with me as much as I should like. I thought I had promised you this before. If I did not, it was an oversight.
I must now say good night, my darling wife.
October 8th 1863. It is still raining and very dreary. I am very well and this is the only thing of interest I have to tell you. I do wish General Meade would grant leaves of absence. I can see no reason for his not doing so, and it would make us all so much better satisfied. But I hope the day is not far distant when I may be at home with you, never to be separated again. I must say goodbye. Excuse the shortness of this letter but there is not a single shiny new [thing] to tell you. Give my love to Ma, Kat, your father & all, and with a heart full of love for yourself, I am forever your own devoted husband.
Letter 15
Headquarters Army of the Potomac Culpeper, [Virginia] October 8, 1863
My own darling wife,
My hands are so cold I can hardly write. It has cleared up quite cold but when I finish these few lines, I shall tuck myself warmly away in bed. I have plenty of covering to myself very comfortable. I received today your nice letter of the 7th. Willie Graham was here this morning. He told me he had received a letter from General Ricketts in which he mentioned Toms staying with him, and said he had secured something to do, which he thought would be a stepping stone to his receiving a Paymastership. He did not know what it was. I am in hopes of hearing from you tomorrow more definitely about it.
Today’s paper mentioned the arrival of General Hooker at Nashville. His troops must have arrived there by this time. I am looking anxiously for good news. The attack on Murfreesboro appears only to have been a cavalry raid, and the rebels from the accounts today have been driven off. If Rosecrans can whip Bragg, it will be a great thing for us and help to bring this war to a speedy end, which is the thing I am looking forward to with so much interest. I long to see you so much Gertrude. This long separation is very hard for us both. But before long I am in hopes our happiness will more than make up for it.
I wonder what Gillmore is doing and whether he can accomplish anything more. I hear nothing said of any intention to do anything with this army and I guess the rumor of the 5th Corps being taken away is one of the many rumors gotten up in camp to help enliven the monotony. The 5th Corps is celebrated for their faculty of inventing rumors—especially the regular division. There are also rumors of a fight in Louisiana where we got the worst of it the first day but on the second, Ord’s Division arrived and we gained a victory. This is the battle we heard of through the rebel papers in which General Weitzel was reported to have been killed, but I trust it will prove to be false.
I am remarkably well and have never been in better health in my life. I do not think though I am any stouter than when you last saw me. I do not want you to write to me in your cold room and especially in the morning before you are dressed. I am afraid of your taking cold.
I gave Major Ludlow the article you sent me mentioning the safety of his brother. He had not seen it and was very much obliged to you for it. He heard he was wounded in the arm, but not seriously, and this confirms his safety. He sent a letter to your Uncle Sully asking him to forward a letter to his brother and also one to a cousin of his in the rebel army. I added a line and asked your Uncle to enquire about Parker. It is strange we have not heard anything of him. I should have supposed he would have written home if he had been in Libby prison. They allow officers to write home by flag of truce. I wonder when they will commence exchanging again. Some of our officers have been a long time in the Libby [Prison] and from all accounts, it is not the most comfortable residence in the world.
Have you seen a book written by an English officer who was with the rebel army at the Battle of Gettysburg? It is in camp but I have not read it.
My darling wife, I want so much to see you. I do wish I could see some prospect of my getting home but we must not despond and try to be as cheerful and bright as possible. I can assure you your letters are my greatest comfort, and they help me to bear this separation. I look forward to their arrival everyday and I always feel disappointed when by any accident the mail misses. They have been very regular lately. I never send a letter to you without wishing to myself, Oh! how happy I should be if I was going with that letter. I must close till moring. Good night my darling wife. The reason my letters are so blotted, the top of my inkstand came off and I have a cork stopper which inks my hand every time I take it out.
October 9th 1863. My own darling Diddy. This is a lovely morning and it would be so pleasant if I only had you to take a little stroll about with me. Everything is quiet here. I gave my cook a pass to go to Stone Mountain yesterday & try to get his wife who is living there. He belongs to this neighborhood, having left with General Pope last year. He has not yet returned and I am getting anxious about him. He is an excellent cook. My own servant is a mulatto. He might at any time pass for a white man. I could at first hardly credit his being a negro. He manages very well and I have been very fortunate thus far.
Everyone speaks favorably of the chances of Curtin [in Pennsylvania] and there is but little doubt of the success of the Republicans in Ohio. This will be a severe blow to the rebels as it will prove to them they have no allies at the North able to assist them now and in two years time I do not fear the result. There will be a wonderful change in the sentiment of the people. It is working very rapidly. Alas, again this sheet is blotted. I do hate it so much but as I told you, it’s owing to the miserable stopper of my inkstand. And then I have to write on my lap which is not very convenient. I must get ready for breakfast. Goodbye my own darling wife. Give my love to Ma, Kat, and all. And with a heart full of love for yourself, I am forever your own devoted husband.
Letter 16
Headquarters, Army of the Potomac Centreville, [Virginia] October 18th 1863
My own darling wife,
I would give so much to be with you today my own darling wife. It is Sunday and is as quiet as can be. I hear nothing of new movements of the enemy. I do not believe they will attempt to attack us here and from all I have seen, I see nothing to indicate that they have been in front of us in force. Hill’s Corps or at least a portion of it followed us but I have heard nothing as to the whereabouts of Ewell or any other troops.
General Sickles was here yesterday. I do not know what he was after but he returned again to Washington. He is not in fit condition to be in the field. It was with great difficulty he could move about.
It would be the best thing in the world if Lee would attack us here, but I am afraid there is very little chance of it, and before long I expect we will be after him. I would like very much to be with you for at least one week before going South again, but this is a mere conjecture of mine & may never happen. I am looking with great anxiety to events as they are passing in Tennessee. I should think before very long a great battle will be fought there and one that will tend to bring the rebellion to an end. The elections are as important as a victory in the field and it shows the South they have nothing to hope for in holding out longer—that there is nothing but men staring them in the face the longer they hold out.
Starr has been ordered to rejoin his regiment. I do not think he liked it very much. He wanted to go to Washington to refit at the time they went, but now that winter is so near setting in, he would prefer being at Headquarters. I hope my dear girl the medicine Doctor M. has given you will cure you of your ailments. I wish with all my heart I could see you if it was only for a little while, but we must keep up the spirits. It will soon be impossible for either army to do anything and I then look forward to a long leave of absence. I wish I could be ordered on some duty this winter where I could have you with me. I should be then too happy for anything. Breakfast is ready. Give my love to Ma and all & with a heart full of love for yourself, I am forever your devoted husband.
Letter 17
Head Quarters Army of the Potomac Auburn, October 29th, 1863.
My own darling Wife,
I received this afternoon your nice letter of the 27th. I suppose Cassie is much better as you do not mention her in your letter. I am glad to have such good accounts of yourself and all the rest at home. I am looking forward with a great deal of pleasure to seeing you before very long. The winter months are fast approaching, and then I certainly will have a leave of absence. You are on my mind all the time and I will be too happy for anything when I again have you by my side. You are my all and I know what a good wife I have got.
I started to go & see Mrs. Murray this morning, but found she lived a mile outside of the picket line of the 5th Corps, and as the guerrilla parties are hovering so close to us and it was not on official business I was going, I concluded it wisest not to run any risk. I should dislike very much to be gobbled and especially when paying a visit.
There appears to be a great dearth of news. The papers consequently are amusing themselves by pitching into this Army, and trying to find someone to blame for its not being nearer Richmond at the present time. I hope we may have some good news from Tennessee. I do not understand Burnside’s position. It was said he was marching on Lynchburg, but I see nothing to indicate he has any such intention.
The news from Charleston seems to indicate there is something about to be done there, but I am at a loss to know what it is. I would not be at all surprised if they were making preparations to attack Wilmington, N. C. The Rebels have been running the blockade very extensively there, and I should think we would do something to put a stop to it. Charleston is pretty effectually blockaded by our holding Morris Island, and if we only secure Wilmington, it will be difficult for them to get any assistance from abroad during the coming winter.
All is quiet here, there is no news of any kind. I have not see Tom or Colly Hall for a long time. Tom is near Bristol Station and Colly is near Catlett’s. I very seldom leave camp unless on duty and then I have not time to pay any visits. Charley Cadwalader got a letter from home today mentioning the marriage of John Camac to some Russian princess worth ten millions. It is almost I should think too much of a good thing.
Major Ludlow is expected back tomorrow. He has heard twice from his brother in Libby Prison. Cavada got a letter from his brother who is there also, and he says they see no hope of being exchanged this winter. It is pretty hard on our officers who have had the misfortune of being captured. Capt. Sebad of Gen’l. French’s staff was gobbled up a few days ago. He rode into their lines at Bealeton Station not knowing that Genl. Buford had fallen back from there. I believe the Rebels have declared as exchanged 15,000 prisoners in excess of those we have on our side who have been taken and paroled. They make a great fuss and talk about humanity, but those who have been witnesses know how they have inaugurated the most cruel doings in every way they possibly could.
I hear the different states are making every endeavor to procure volunteers, but the only way is to draft and the sooner it is commenced the better. Conscripts are daily arriving to the Army, but they have not come as fast as the ought to.
It was quite warm today but the nights are chilly. I am as comfortable as I care to be. I must now say Good night, my own precious treasure.
October 30th
We have just received the order to move camp this morning at 10 o’clock. We are going to Col. Murray’s place nearer the railroad. It is to get a better camp. It is very raw & chilly this morning. Goodbye, my darling wife. Give my love to Ma & all & with a heart full for yourself.
Forever, — Your devoted Husband
Letter 18
Head Quarters Army of the Potomac November 4, 1863. Col. Murray’s
My own darling Wife,
I have just received your letter of Nov. 2nd. I hope the money has ere this arrived safely. I saw the Express Agent this morning. He told me he had the letter registered. I directed the envelope for him so I presume it will arrive safely. I think you will be in plenty of time for the bond. They have some one hundred and sixty millions yet to disposed of, and as a general thing, the sales do not average more than four millions per day. I saw Mrs. Col. Murray this morning but did not feel like going as far as Mrs. Dr. Murray’s. I should hardly think she would be willing to leave her husband who is a surgeon in the Rebel Army, and go North. Mrs. Col. Murray said she wished she would go, that she would like to go herself to her sisters on West River, but did not like to leave Mrs. Dr. Murray alone.
My cold is still troublesome but I hope by tomorrow it will be better. I usually have a cold at this season of the year. It makes me feel very good for nothing. I intend soaking my feet tonight and taking some syrup of squills, etc.
All is quiet, but I do not believe it will last many days longer. I am expecting marching orders every evening. We may have a battle, but I do not think it is at all certain. More than likely Lee will fall back and refuse us battle.
This is delightful weather for military operations but I do not believe it will last a great while longer. I have been a good deal put out at my servant. I gave him permission to go to Alexandria for four days to take his wife and paid him in full to supply him with money. It is now nine days since he left, and I have been without a servant and see no prospect of getting one. It is a very difficult thing to get a good servant. They are paid $20.00 by government, which I think is an outrage as the officers they are demanding now from $25.00 to $35.00. A poor concern came to me yesterday and was unwilling to work for less than $25.00 per month. After a little while they will demand our pay and allow us $10.00 a month. I see no need for the Government paying them $20.00 a month. They are all contrabands, have never received anything at all and are really injured by receiving so much. They are fed & get besides that amount, which is eventually grabbed up by the sutlers, &c. and only assists such men. It is only by the greatest economy I am enabled to save anything from my salary. It is outrageous the way the Army is imposed upon. I would if I had it in my power abolish sutlers and place that department as a branch of the regular Army.
I long to see you so much, my own dear wife. It was very hard going to Washington & returning without seeing you. I might just as well have remained there one day longer as I could have been back by this time. It was an expensive visit, and I only cared to go in the hope of possibly seeing you. I will finish this tomorrow morning and let you know if there is any further news.
Nov. 5th
There are no orders as yet for a move & I do not understand what to make of it. I thought we should have been on the move yesterday morning, and there was no reason for hurrying me back from Washington. I might just as well have remained there till this morning, and then I could have seen my own darling wife, but we must keep up our spirits, trusting to some good luck befalling us before very long. My cold is better this morning. Breakfast is ready so I must say goodbye, my precious wife. Give my love to Ma & all & with a heart full of love for yourself, believe me forever, — your devoted husband.
Letter 19
Head Quarters Army of the Potomac Col. Murray’s farm November 5th, 1863
My own darling Wife,
I was very much disappointed today at not receiving a letter from you. I received one but on opening it found it contained a letter directed to Mrs. Dr. Murray. Capt. Winson was just starting for Genl. Pleasanton’s Head Quarters, and he promised to see it safely delivered. I presume it was from Dr. Morris.
There is nothing new of any kind. My cold is better. I have very little cough. It is now principally in my head. I think by tomorrow it will be nearly well. It looks very much like rain. I did not think this morning when the sun was shining so brightly it could remain so for many days longer. It was about this time last year that I left the Army of the Potomac, and how much I wish I could only have you with me once more. I think of you all the time, and I know how sincerely I love you. It is very hard to be parted from each other for so long a time, and I trust before very long we may be together again. I do not know what we are to do. It may be we shall remain quietly where we are. I did think we were going to move, but cannot explain our not moving before this, if such was the intention. I have my own ideas, but I do not like to put them on paper. I do not think there is any prospect of an engagement taking place immediately.
The guerrilla parties are very troublesome and it seems to me some means should be invented to break them up. They surrounded Gen. Merritt returning to his Head Quarters from Genl. Buford’s yesterday, and demanded him to surrender. He put spurs to his horse and escaped amidst a shower of bullets. We have now very little to do as the telegraph runs to all the Corps Head Quarters, and when we do go out, take a sufficient escort. They never attack an officer unless he is by himself & unprotected.
I am sorry I told you anything about our moving, as it has only made you unnecessarily anxious, but at the time I felt confident there was something about happening. Since then events have happened which must alter I think the plans. The Rebels have destroyed the railroad from Aquia Creek to Fredericksburg so thoroughly that it will take a month to repair it. This they did last Tuesday. Do not say anything about this unless it is in the papers, but I think it has interfered with the plans we had in prospect. What will be done now, I am at a loss to guess. But if Gen. Meade does not do anything before Christmas, he will have the papers abusing him up and down, but I do not think he minds that in the least. I know for myself, I look upon their opinions with the greatest disgust. I will add a line in the morning to let you know if there is anything new.
Nov. 6th
My own darling wife. This is a beautiful day. There is no news of any kind. My cold is much better this morning. Excuse the shortness of this letter, but I did not feel in the humor of writing yesterday, and this morning I have not got any time to spare. The mail leaves at nine, and these cold mornings it is very hard to get up early. Take good care of yourself, my own darling wife. You are everything in this world to me. You are always on my mind, and I am looking forward to seeing you before many days. I expect two nice letters today as a return for not receiving any yesterday. Goodbye my own darling wife. Give my love to Ma, Katy, your father & all & with a heart full of love for yourself. Believe me forever, your devoted husband.
Letter 20
Head Quarters Army of the Potomac Near Brandy Station November 12th, 1863
My own darling Wife,
I was disappointed today at not receiving a letter. The mail misses every now & then. I do not understand why my letters to you should be so irregular. I send them off every morning, and they ought to reach you by the day after. There must be some detention in Washington.
There is nothing new of any kind. The Rebels are all [on] the other side of the Rapidan, and there has not been a shot fired for two days. The railroad is fast approaching completion, and I suppose when it is finished we shall go to Culpeper. Our Cavalry are now there.
I was sorry to see by today’s papers that the Rebels had captured four guns & 600 prisoners from Burnside and now hold a portion of East Tennessee. I have all along been very much afraid of their pouncing down upon him. It is so easy for them to concentrate troops against him. I am very anxious to have some good news from Grant. I do hope he may gain some substantial success before winter sets in. I want so much to see some prospect of my being able to be once more with you. It is very hard being separated for so long a time, but we must bear it patiently, looking forward to a happy future. You are on my mind all the time, and I know what a treasure I possess. I will not write anymore till the morning. It is so hard writing by candle light.
November 13th, 1863
Engraving of John Minor Botts. A Unionist, Botts was made a political prisoner early in the war and after his release, in January 1863, he moved to Culpeper county where he entertained both Union and Confederate officers at various times.
This is another beautiful day. It is going to be very warm—a regular Indian summer’s day. John Minor Botts was here yesterday. He says Stuart had him arrested and taken to Culpeper on the ground of having invited Genl. Meade to dine with him. 1 He has written a long article and sent it to the Richmond Examiner to be published. He showed it to us. It is a tirade about his persecutions and principally directed against Stuart, who is not at all popular amongst the people living in this neighborhood. I am in hopes of getting a stove and inkstand today. I bought a stove when I was in Washington, but they failed to send it to the cars as they had promised. I have sent for it by our Agent, but thus far I have not suffered much from the cold and have managed to make out very well without it.
I saw a copy of the Observer. I do not think from the first number it will set the world on fire, but I would like to subscribe for it to help Meade Bache along. He is the last person in the world whom I should have thought of editing a paper. Craig Biddle wrote the article on rural life No. 1. He intends writing a series for the paper so Markoe tells me.
Major Ludlow will be back today. I do not think it half as good an excuse for his getting a leave of absence as I have got. He got his to see his niece married, and I think mine to see you is a great deal better reason. Gen. Meade has been very obstinate in refusing leaves, but in a very short time the roads will be in such condition that he can have no excuses to make. I only wish that this winter I could be detailed on some duty so that I could have you with me. I am hoping for something of the kind.
I am looking forward to receiving two nice letters this afternoon from you. Your letters are always written so nicely, and are such a contrast to mine, but it is very hard to write in camp, and the only one thought I have got is my desire to see you once more. It is going on six months since I was last at home, and it seems to me a much longer time. I do not know what would have become of me if I had known it would have been so long before I would have had you alongside of me.
I wonder what is taking place at Charleston and whether there is any prospect of our gaining any advantage there this year. They appear to be pounding away at Sumter, but without doing a great deal more damage.
We have got a very nice camp. We are in the woods, and well sheltered from the winds. Lee had his Head Quarters only a short distance from here. The Rebels had built huts and made every preparation to make themselves comfortable for the winter. They were also building works at Rappahannock Station which in themselves were very strong. We turned them by crossing at Kelly’s Ford. They evidently intended wintering on the Rappahannock and it remains to be seen whether they will go into winter quarters on the Rapidan.
Breakfast is nearly ready & I must say goodbye. Give my love to Ma, Katy, Cassie, Effie, your father & all & with a heart full of love for yourself, believe me forever, your devoted husband
1 Botts had promised he would move away from Richmond to ensure the pardon he received for his earlier arrest as a political prisoner. But he was arrested on 12 October 1863 by order of Confederate General J. E. B. Stuart, for entertaining Union officers (although three of his slaves had absconded for Union lines and he requested their return but was denied), Botts was released later the same day.
Letter 21
Head Quarters Army of the Potomac Near Brandy Station Dec. 10th, 1863
My own darling Wife,
I received this afternoon your letters of the 8th & 9th, also Parton’s History of Gen’l. Butler. I think it a very poorly written affair, and does not do justice to General Butler. I only had time to glance over it, but I was very much disappointed in the book as far as I could peruse it. I am very sorry you are so pinched for funds. I now have $29 clear of all my expenses for this month. I was thinking of sending you $10 but I am in hopes of getting a leave of absence. Gen’l. Meade today issued an order allowing Corps Commanders to grant leaves of absence on the same plan as adopted last year, and I on second thoughts concluded it best not to do so for a few days as I will I hope be with you before your $10 is consumed, and I guess we can scrape together a sufficient sum to get the children something for Christmas, and I want to keep sufficient to meet any contingency for my expenses home. I am in hopes of saving $20 to give you on my arrival.
I have just finished reading the President’s Message which meets with my approval. I see by the Tribune they are circulating a pamphlet amongst the Senators containing charges against Gen’l. Humphreys to prevent his appointment from being confirmed. All I know is Col. Fricke—the author of the charges—was dismissed [from] the service on charges preferred by Gen’l. Humphreys and that a more gallant soldier than Gen’l. Humphreys as proven on the battle field does not exist. He is also a man of great military ability.
The papers are bound to have Gen’l. Pleasanton as the next commander of this Army. It is very amusing to those who know him. He is the last man fit to command an Army and the mention of his name is absurd. Gen’l. Meade has shown himself an able Commander and I hope for the good of the country, no change will be made. He has a splendid eye for the topography of country and acts always quick and with decision. I know we have no one so capable of filling his place so far as I personally am concerned. His removal might be beneficial as I might then be able to have you with me. But I still trust for some good luck befalling us. I would be too happy for anything if I only could have you with me this winter.
Charley Cadwalader & Ludlow are in my tent, and they are talking at such a rate it is impossible for me to write. They advise my getting a thirty days leave of absence and lecturing on Butler. They think I could make a fortune. I have been pointing out the defects in Paton’s History.
All is quiet and in a few days I hope to have you again alongside of me. Give my love to Ma, Kats, your father and all & with a heart full of love for yourself, believe me for ever your devoted, — husband
Letter 22
Head Quarters Army of the Potomac Near Brandy Station, Dec. 13th 1863
My own darling Wife,
I hope by this time you have received the check I sent you. The Express Agent tells me he had the letter registered in Washington so I presume it will arrive all right. It is very strange what became of the former check I sent you. I thought it would certainly have turned up by this time.
There is an article in the Army and Navy Register for the last week, which I wish you would get. It gives an account of the late movement which in the main is correct.
I thought this was a sheet of note paper and I have just this minute discovered my mistake. It will answer all purposes. I hope to see you before many days and then how happy I shall be. I am looking forward with so much pleasure to having you by my side once more. You are so dear to me and I only wish there was some truth in the rumor of Peace Commissioners as I would then see some hope of soon returning to you forever.
I read Halleck’s report as far as refers to this Army. He says for Gen’l. Meade no more than is just at Gettysburg, and in the remainder of his report does all he can to break him down. There is no necessity of his making the strictures he did, and he does not give this Army the credit it deserves. The affair at Rappahannock Station was I will say as gallant a thing as has happened during this war. If you read it carefully you must see what he means. Both Stanton and himself dislike this Army, and they snub it in every way. It is too palpable not to be seen.
There is no news of any kind. Ludlow will be back on the 17th and then I will think of getting my leave. I do not want to come away directly after the 27th and although I am so anxious to be with you, I prefer putting it off for a few days. Excuse the wording of this letter or note. I do not feel in the humor of writing and am about retiring for the night. I went over to the 1st Corps this morning to make an inspection of some entrenching tools. I do not like to be ordered on duty on Sunday if it can be helped, but I presume there was a good reason for so ordering. I sent you a letter by Mitchell which he promised to deliver in person. I received your letter of the 12th. I wish mine reached you so regularly.
Give my love to Ma, Katy, your father & all & with a heart full of love for yourself. Believe me forever, your devoted Husband
Letter 23
Head Quarters Army of the Potomac Near Brandy Station, Dec. 14th, 1863
My own darling Wife,
I received today your letter written on Saturday. I do not understand why it is my letters to you arrive so irregularly. I send them from here every morning and they ought to reach you the next morning.
I think I shall apply for a fifteen days leave about the 18th of this month. Ludlow will be back by that time, and I think my application will be granted. There is some talk of our falling back for winter quarters. I think it is a great mistake not deciding immediately what is to be done with us this winter. The men have all comfortable huts built, and it is a shame to move them unnecessarily. The article in the Times was no doubt the same as that in the Chronicle which I recognize as Gen. Rice’s. The Chronicle says Gen’l. Meade is to be retained in command. It speaks on authority. I felt certain they could not remove him.
I wrote today to your Uncle Sully asking him to make inquiries about my servant, but I do not suppose he can find out anything about him. I presume he has been sold into bondage, and the Rebels will not be likely in that case to give him any satisfaction. I also answered Julius’s letter. There is no news of any kind. The papers have been principally taken up with the different reports. I was sorry to see the mishap to our fleet at Charleston by the sinking of the Weehawken.
Gen’l. Halleck sent a communication here for Genl. Lee which was sent to him by flag of truce. I feel anxious to know the meaning of it. It was said they had offered him the command of the Army of the Potomac, placed on a par with the idea of Genl. Pleasanton’s having the command in absentity. I feel very happy, my darling wife, at the prospect of soon seeing you. I only wish I could have you with me forever. I know how much happiness awaits me in the future, and I naturally am anxious to see the end of the war. You see my paper is nearly gone. I only have a few half sheets, but they will last me till I get home. Give my love to Ma, Katy, Cassie, Effie & your father & all & with a heart overflowing with love for yourself.
Believe me forever, your devoted Husband
Letter 24
Head Quarters Army of the Potomac February 18th, 1864
My own darling Wife,
I was very much disappointed today at not receiving a letter from you. I feel a little worried as in your letter of yesterday, you speak of feeling tired. I hope at any time if you are not well, you will let me know. It is such a comfort to me to feel whilst I am absent, you are well, and I cannot have that feeling unless you always let me know exactly how you are, if there is anything the matter with you. I am in hopes though it is owing to some delay in the mail & that tomorrow I shall receive two letters to make up for the deficiency. I am very well myself & you need have no uneasiness about me. I have never felt better in my life as far as health goes than during the whole of this last year, and the only thing wanting to make me perfectly happy is the blank in being separated from you. But I trust before long this war will be ended and peace and happiness be again restored to our country.
I drew my mileage today. It only amounts to $8.22.
This has been a bitter cold day. It is still very cold, but there is no wind and consequently is not so disagreeable to your feelings. I have a very good fire, and my tent is as warm as a toast. Charley Cadwalader has a copy of Gen’l. McClellan’s report. He has promised to lend it to me after he has finished it. Arthur McClellan sent it to him.
There is no news of any kind. The Chronicle mentions deserters coming in from Longstreet’s Army at the rate of six a day. I have not heard lately as to whether many are coming into our lines, but I have been in hopes we might have a stampede of them sometime before Spring, they taking advantage of the President’s proclamation.
The Officers who have escaped from the Libby Prison ought to have some interesting news to divulge as to the condition of affairs in rebeldom. I should like very much to hear what they have to say. I know one of the number—Capt. Hobart of the 4th Wisconsin. He was in Gen’l. Williams’ Brigade. The papers state they had a plan previously arranged by which to escape which was divulged by one of their number. Some Union people living in Richmond were to furnish them with arms, and they were to fight their way out, but now some of the Union people were in jail in Richmond in consequence and would probably be hung for the offense, they having been exposed by this man. It is hardly credible anyone could be so false, and if true, I only hope he may be punished. But I presume he will share his fate with the rebels—not daring to show himself at the North.
I asked your Uncle Sully if he had heard anything in answer to the communication I sent him about my servant. He said he had forwarded it, but it had not been answered up to the time when he left. I have no doubt they have sold him into slavery. This is the institution Bishop Hopkins defends as well as others of his party. I intend writing to Ludlow to ask him to make inquiries for me. He is on Gen. Butler’s staff at Fortress Monroe.
I am anxious to hear how Ma and Elizabeth are but I trust they are both better. Give my love to Ma, Katy, your father & all & with a heart full of love for yourself, believe me forever your devoted husband.
Letter 25
Head Quarters Army of the Potomac Cold Harbor, June 11th, 1864.
My own darling Wife,
The mail arrived today but to my disappointment there was no letter from you. I look forward to receiving two tomorrow to make up for it.
There is no news of any kind. There has been only an occasional shot fired today. The pickets fire but very little. It is equally annoying to both parties. It amounts to nothing advantageous to either party & is productive of a useless waste of life.
I see the Baltimore Convention have nominated Lincoln & Johnson for President & Vice President. I would rather someone else had been chosen. I do not think either of them possess the qualifications that the Chief Magistrates of our country should be possessed with, but still there is no use of expressing any opinion as I do not see there is any help for it. I want to see a gentleman at the head of our affairs, but it seems such qualifications are a draw back. I am sorry they did not take up Grant, but we must make the best of it.
I am very well, also all whom you know. There is no news from the Cavalry. This is the fifth day since they left here. I should think we must hear of them before long through Rebel sources. Hunter was at Staunton on the 6th, and I take it for granted he is marching on. Sherman, by this time, must have fought a battle, or else the Rebels must have evacuated Atlanta, in which case he has reached the destined point of his campaign.
I suppose by this time you are in the country. I would give a great deal to be with you. I am still in hopes I may be able to accomplish it before the summer is ended. I think of you every moment of the day and picture to myself the happy future in store for me. You are my all and I know how sincere our feelings for each other are. It is hard to bear this separation, but I look forward to the future when this war will be ended and peace & happiness be restored to the country. I trust the time is near at hand. This separation has lasted a long time, and I hope it is nearly over.
I think if I had managed the campaign, we would have been in Richmond now. I always advocated this as a defensive line, and the proper line of offensive operations as on the South side of the James River. If we had sent 60,000 men to City Point as a base, we would have had Richmond by this time and a great loss of life have been saved thereby.
I must now say goodbye, my own precious treasure. Give my love to Ma, Katy, your father & all, and with a heart overflowing with love for yourself, believe me forever your devoted husband.
Letter 26
Head Quarters Army of the Potomac Near Petersburg July 2nd, 1864
My own darling Wife,
I received last evening your letter of the 29th. It is a great comfort to me always having such a good report from you. I only wish I could have you with me. I shall be too happy for anything when I can return to you. You are everything in this world to me, and I know what a treasure I possess. We must take care of ourselves for each other’s sake and trust to the speedy ending of this rebellion. I trust something will occur to cheer us up and put an end to this rebellion. It seems to me this campaign ought to be final. It is useless for the Rebels to hold out longer, if they are obliged to give up Richmond, and Sherman gets to Atlanta.
This has been a very quiet day. I have not heard one particle of news. It has been very warm but I have made myself very comfortable in my tent with the walls up on all sides.
Willie Graham has been here. He left Washington the day before yesterday. He is still on crutches and not fit for active duty in the field. He is very much disgusted at hearing of the loss of his battery which was with Wilson. Wilson has returned, but I do not know how much of his command were captured.
There was an article in the Herald of the 30th written by [ ] Anderson giving a correct account of the disaster in the 2nd Corps. The Army is very much in need of organization. An enormous proportion of the Brigade & Regimental Commanders have been either killed or wounded, and I think too, this as much as anything else is attributable the disaster.
Willie Graham has gone over to see Genl. Ricketts. He wanted me to go with him, but I declined as it is so very warm and I do not care to go out unless it is on duty.
The boxes have not yet arrived. I have sent for them by numerous parties and someone must I think bring them.
Group Portrait of General Meade & Staff, Cold Harbor, Virginia, June 1864
I wrote a few lines to Ma last evening after I had finished my letter to you. Brady took a photograph of Genl. Meade and all his staff whilst we were at Cold Harbor, excepting Genl. Williams & Charley Cadwalader. Mason on his return brought a copy with him. The picture is stiff but tolerably good likenesses. I am in hopes we are going to have a storm. It is clouding over but we have been so often disappointed. I do not feel there is any certainty of rain. It would be a great thing to have a two days rain as the springs are getting very low, saying nothing of the dust.
The papers do not take any notice of General Meade and he is completely ignored. There is not a very good feeling between Baldy Smith and himself. I did not know anything of this till yesterday [when] I was told so. Baldy Smith is considered a time serving man, and is very desirous to get General Meade’s place.
It is nearly dinner time and I must say goodbye. I long to see you so much, my dear wife. I love you with my whole heart and you are ever in my thoughts. Give my love to all & with a heart full of yourself, believe me for ever your loving husband.
Letter 27
Head Quarters Army of the Potomac July 8th, 1864
My own darling Wife,
I am constantly asked by persons what I find to write about. George Meade has just asked me the question, and says he ought to write, but he can think of nothing to say. It is very dull in camp and my every thought is of the time to come when I can return to you. I trust it is not far distant. I long to have you by my side, never to leave you again. You are very dear to me and my every thought is of you.
I received yesterday your letter of the 5th in which you acknowledge the receipt of the bank note which I sent you. I have an abundance of money to last me throughout this month. The expenses of living are every day increasing. I can see the difference now that I am running the mess. I try to be economical, but it is very difficult.
I am very glad that the Alabama has at last been destroyed. I am sorry Semmes got off. It is an intricate question to decide as to whether we can now claim him as a prisoner of war. It seems to me the Kearsarge ought to have taken Semmes and the party with him off the Deerhound before they were allowed to land. Semmes had surrendered and a neutral ship has no business to shield him, merely on the ground of humanity to save them from drowning, and it seems to me this makes it more forcible that they should not receive the protection of neutral ground. I understand they have been debating in Washington as to what they shall do. I hope they will come to a right conclusion and then stick to it, backing it up with force, if necessary.
It has been a very warm day. It is singular we do not have any rain. It has been clouding over & threatening, but it always clears off before night. You ask me what is thought of Genl. Birney. He is considered to be a very good officer, and I do not think anyone blames him for the disaster in the 2nd Corps.
All of a sudden a very heavy cannonading has commenced. It is the heaviest firing we have had at this end of the line for some time.
I am very well, my own darling wife and you need give yourself no unnecessary uneasiness about me. We must take good care of ourselves for each other’s sake, and trust to the speedy ending of this rebellion. Excuse the shortness & stupidity of my letter, but I have nothing to tell you of any kind or sort. I always like to write long letters to you, but it is very difficult to do so.
Give my love to all & with a heart overflowing with love to yourself. Believe me forever your devoted husband.
Letter 28
Head Quarters Army of the Potomac July 12th, 1864
My own darling Wife,
We moved camp a short distance this morning. The line was changed so as to shorten it by throwing back the left flank which left us as we were, located outside of our lines. There is no news of any kind. I have not heard anything as to how affairs are progressing in Maryland. I am in great hopes we shall be able to bag the entire force of Rebels that have had the boldness to come into our lines so far from their base of operations.
I received last evening your letter of the 9th. I am always glad to have such good reports from you. I would give a good deal to take a peep at you in the country. I long so much for the time to come when I can give up this mode of life and return home forever. I am always hoping for some such luck to befall me and thus thinking, I cheer myself up.
I went to Genl. Birney’s yesterday afternoon. I only remained there for a short time. We had merely a sprinkle of rain last night. It appeared to be raining all around us, but much to our regret, we did not have enough to lay the dust. The roads are terribly dusty and rain is badly needed.
Senators Wilkinson & Sprague were at Birney’s dinner. Genl. Meade did not go. I rather think their presence prevented his going. Wilkinson is the man who made a speech in the Senate recommending Meade’s removal after he had paid a visit to the Army and had met Genl. Meade sundry times in a friendly way and had opportunities to make himself acquainted with the true facts in his charges or assertions, if he had wished to know them.
It is blowing a gale and I am in hopes we shall have rain this time. I have not seen Genl. Grant for fully two weeks. He remains at City Point. He is in telegraphic communication with Genl. Meade.
We have sundry rumors going the rounds of the Army. One is that Genl. Meade is to take the 2nd Corps & be placed in command of the troops operating against the Rebels in Maryland and that Baldy Smith is to command here, but I understand Baldy Smith has left for Washington, and the story is reversed. It is also said Butler has been relieved & is ordered to Fortress Monroe and that the 10th & 18th Corps are consolidated under Baldy Smith. There is no doubt Baldy Smith is a very selfish man and would leave no steps unturned to secure his advancement.
There is nothing going on here with the exception of the usual skirmishing which is at times very brisk, being carried on with almost every kind of projectile from the 13-inch mortar down.
I am very well, my own precious treasure. Take good care of yourself for my sake. Give my love to all & with a heart full for yourself, believe me forever your devoted husband.
Letter 29
Head Quarters Army of the Potomac July 25th, 1864
My own darling Wife,
I received yesterday your letter of the 22nd, and I am looking forward to the arrival of a mail every minute. It is now after its time.
Major Hoffman, formerly with me on Genl. William’s Staff, paid me a visit this morning. He is now on Genl. Franklin’s Staff. He thinks Genl. Franklin will have a command outside of this Army. It is reported that Genl. Butler is to be made Secretary of War. I do not know whether there is any truth in it, but it is said Seward paid his visit to City Point to consult with Genl. Grant as to his views on the subject.
I am very sorry to hear of the death of Genl. McPherson. He is a severe loss to the country. He was only 30 years of age & had a bright future before him. He was engaged to be married to a Miss Hamilton. There is nothing from Sherman today, so I presume the enemy have not evacuated Atlanta.
A citizen went through the lines today. He was from California. It is wondered as to what his mission is about.
There is no news here. I am very well and looking forward to the hope of seeing you before long, my precious treasure. Give my love to all & with heaps to yourself. I am forever your devoted husband.
Letter 30
Head Quarters Army of the Potomac Near Petersburg August 3rd, 1864
My own darling Wife,
I was disappointed at not hearing from you yesterday, but I am looking forward to the arrival of two letters today to make up for the loss. I know the cause of my not receiving a letter is owing to there being no Sunday mail from Haverford.
My letters are very stupid, but the fact is I have nothing to write about. The only thing that has been going on since we took up the present position has been the digging of the mine, which I did not mention as I do not like to put on paper anything which will benefit the Rebels in case it falls into their hands.
The Rebels are supposed to be trying their hands at mining and some think they intend attacking us. I only wish they would as it will save us a great deal of trouble. Some of the prisoners we took the day the mine exploded [see Battle of the Crater] told they were expecting to attack us. We are very strong for defense, and for my part, I do not believe the Rebels have any idea of attacking us.
I hear the Rebels have all crossed the Potomac. The raid from all accounts has not benefitted them any. It was merely productive of a wanton destruction of property.
Genl. Grant was expecting to hear good news from Sherman yesterday. He thought he would be in possession of Atlanta. I believe the telegraph from Sherman has been cut, and thus the cause of not hearing from him, but no news is always good news as the Rebels issue extras when they have any good news on their side. Also their pickets halloa out to our pickets. My pen is atrocious, also the ink.
Genl. Meade is very much put out at Burnside, blaming him in part for the failure of the last assault. Do not mention this to anyone as I do not like to circulate these stories. Burnside was here all day yesterday before the Court Martial of the telegraph operators, but did not go near General Meade.
My mess bill this month will be about $50.00. I do not know the precise sum as there is one bill I have not yet received.
I do not believe we shall under any circumstances ever abandon the position we now hold. We want more men. After the 1st of November, the Rebels will be unable to make any movement into Pennsylvania, and by that time we can concentrate a sufficient force here to insure our success.
If Sherman only gets Atlanta all will be right. He can then divide his column into two and move upon Macon & Augusta, and thence to the seacoast, living off the country and destroy any railroads so effectually they cannot be repaired. I do not think we should feel blue over the condition of affairs. Be bright & cheerful my darling wife. You are my all and I long to have you by my side. Give my love to all and with a heart overflowing with love for yourself, believe me forever, your devoted husband.
Letter 31
Head Quarters Army of the Potomac September 11th, 1864
My own darling Wife,
I have been thinking in what way I could get ordered to Philadelphia this coming winter. I asked Charley Cadwalader to speak to his Uncle George about it to ascertain if he would not like to have me on his staff. I do not suppose Genl. Meade will object to my making an arrangement of that kind. What do you think of it?
I think McClellan’s letter is very noncommittal. He says nothing of the Armistice. Anyone can agree with him. We all want peace on the basis of the Union, but the question is which is the best way to secure it & I do not believe in an Armistice. We tried the same at the commencement of the war & it failed. We must first crush the war power of the South, & they must be the first to sue for an armistice.
I wish you would call on Mrs. Genl. Humphreys. She is staying at Mrs. Humphreys’ place about half a mile from Taylor’s.
I received last evening your letter written on the morning after I left. Cassie is no doubt enjoying herself at Newport.
This month has gone by very rapidly thus far. I can hardly realize I have been away from the army for 10 days. Everything looks as when I left. The only change is the railroad running in front of our Head Quarters. It is in sight from the Rebel lines, and they amuse themselves by firing Whitworth bolts which fall uncomfortably near our Head Quarters. They all have come in nearly the same direction passing some 800 feet to the left of my tent & falling in the rear of our camp where we have our corral. They fire at every train that passes. It is a long range and they can only annoy. One shot out of a thousand would hardly hit. We are indebted to our English friends for these distant visitors. They have a very long range.
My cold has gone and I feel perfectly well. I think all the time of my pleasant visit & look forward to seeing you again before very long.
There is no news. Give my love to all & with a heart full of love for yourself, believe me forever your devoted husband.
These two letters were written by Josiah R. Kirkbride (1844-1932) who enlisted on 13 September 1862 as a private in Co. C, 23rd New Jersey Infantry. The 23rd New Jersey was a nine-month unit that participated in the Battle of Fredericksburg, the “Mud March,” the Battle of Salem Church in the Chancellorsville Campaign, and the first part of the Gettysburg Campaign. Josiah survived them all and mustered out with his regiment on 27 June 1863. The regiment went by the nickname “Yahoos” when an unpopular officer used it as as an insult because he considered them to be totally undisciplined. But the regiment wore the name as a badge of honor and even had it stitched into their battle flag.
Josiah was the son of William H. Kirkbride (1811-1881) and Elizabeth Boultonhouse (1809-1885) of Mount Holly, Burlington county, New Jersey. Josiah learned the house carpentry trade from his father. He was married on New Years Eve 1865, to Mary Ella Fogg in Camden, New Jersey, but began their life together in Bridgeton.
At the time the following letters were written the 23rd New Jersey was brigaded with the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 15th New Jersey under the command of Col. Alfred T. Torbert in Brooks’ 1st Division of Smith’s VI Corps.
Letter 1
Near Fredericksburg, [Virginia] December 14, 1862
Alonzo M. Bodine, Co. C, 23rd N. J.
Dear ones at home,
I have half hour to write in. Yesterday we were in a very heavy battle for about two hours. I came out safe and sound. There is a few out of our company wounded. They are Capt. [Samuel] Carr in the foot, Alonzo [Moorehead] Bodine in the back, and one or two others. There is a very heavy battle here and we do not know when it will stop. We may soon be in it again but we are getting the best of them. We were in one of the heaviest [fights] ever was seen. The shells bursted all around us but I am safe.
Give my love to all. So goodbye for the present. Pray for me. From your loving son and brother, — J. R. K.
Letter 2
Camp near White Oak Chapel December 26, 1862
Dear Father,
I have just received a letter from you containing 3 papers which was written on the 21st. I was very glad to hear from you. Glad to hear that you were all well. I received that money which you sent me. It did me much good. We expect to be paid off every day.
You want to know about the weather. It is so warm that we sleep without our blankets but I think it is now blowing up a storm. The wind goes moaning through the pine tops. It is a solemn thing to hear. I am enjoying excellent health but I a sorry to state that I hear the dead march played almost daily. None out of our camp have died yet.
I had a letter from C[harles] Risley. He says he thinks he will never get back with us again. Fred Shinn has been to see me three times. He is as fat as a hog [and] looks first rate. He says he don’t like it much. I guess all of the soldiers are tired of war. As for me, I am.
One of our wounded men—Charles Broom—has returned to his company. He was struck by a piece of a shell on the foot. It did not even break the skin but his foot swelled up so he could not walk. He is well now. I have not heard from any of the rest.
What do you think I had for my Christmas dinner? Why I had some fried beef and 6 hard tack fried in the gravy. That was what my Christmas consisted of. Oh how I thought of the many happy Christmases I had sent at home. I longed to be there but I could not so I had to be contented.
I wrote a letter to Maggie this morning. I wrote one to you yesterday telling all about the battle. When you receive this, please send me a quire of paper and a package of envelopes for I have but two sheets and I cannot get any here. Send them as soon as you can. But I must prepare for dress parade so I will close with my love to all.
From your ever dutiful son, — J R. K.
The [New Jersey]Mirror dated the 18th has a true account of the battle. Yours in love, — J. K.
Spared & Shared 23 