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 poignant letter was written by a previously unidentified soldier who signed his name “Ned,” a nickname for Edward, Edwin, or Edmund. There was very little content in the letter that might lead us to his identity though he told us he had passed through “every fight from Cedar Mountain to Resaca with scarcely a scratch.” While this narrowed down the hunt somewhat by eliminating all regiments that did not claim these as their first and last battles to the date of the letter, it unfortunately still included many regiments, including the 102nd New York, the 109th Pennsylvania, the 79th New York, the 2nd Massachusetts, the 46th Pennsylvania, the 66th Ohio, the 27th Indiana, and probably several others.
Dr. William Nichols, Jr.
The best clue in the letter was the reference to Dr. Nichols whom I believed was William Nichols, Jr. (1840-1899), as asst. surgeon from Boston who was commissioned in the 2nd Massachusetts in May 1863. William was an 1862 Graduate of the Harvard Medical School.
I finally checked my own archive of previously transcribed letters and found that I have a “Ned” who fits the profile of this author. I’m reasonably confident the letter was written by William Edward Perkins (1838-1879), the son of a Boston merchant. William served with the Forty-fourth and Second Massachusetts Infantry regiments. At the time this letter was written he was an officer in Co. I, 2nd Massachusetts Infantry.
Breastworks five miles south of Marietta [Ga.] June 23, 1864
Dear Sister,
Dr. Nichols tells me that the statement which I ran in the papers of Charlie’s death is confirmed. I have been thinking how strange it is that two whose future lives seemed so bright & promised so much usefulness should be taken while I who have had no future have been through every fight from Cedar Mountain to Resaca with scarcely a scratch.
The two Charlies seem to me like a bright dream of the past. There seemed to be so little of evil in them that I cannot think of them as I do of others who have started through life with me & been taken away by death.
A Sixth-plate ambrotype of an unidentified member of Orr’s Rifles of South Carolina. He’s wearing the blue jacket with dark green shoulder straps and trim. By the time these letters were written in early 1862, a gray jacket had been substituted for the blue ones. He has a small brass palmetto tree pinned to the side of his hat.
These three letters were written by Joseph Richard (“Dick”) Sadler (1835-1864), the son of David Sadler (1812-1885) and Jane McLees (1813-1898). Joseph was 26 when he enlisted on 20 July 1861 at Camp Pickens as a corporal in Company D, 1st (Orr’s) South Carolina Rifles. He was elected Junior 2nd Lieutenant on 4 April 1863. During the Battle of the Wilderness, 5 May 1864 he was wounded. He was sent to the hospital in Staunton, Virginia, where he died on 7 October 1864 from his wounds. Joseph’s younger brother, John A. Sadler (1842-1862), also served the Confederacy. He died at a hospital in Richmond of typhoid fever on 4 October 1862. In two of his letters, Joseph mentions the purchase of a hat that he had trimmed as a gift for his younger sister Carline (“Carrie”) G. Sadler (1849-1871).
All three of these letters were written during a six week period early in the war and before Orr’s Rifles had seen “the elephant.” They suffered their first casualty at the Battle of Mechanicsville on 26 June 1862, and then were pounded at Gaines’ Mill the following day when they lost 81 killed and 234 wounded of the 537 men that took the field.
Letter 1
Sullivan’s Island April 14th, 1862
Dear Jule,
I was somewhat disappointed today by not getting a letter from home to let me know whether Jno. was coming or not and when he would be here. In short, I wanted to know all about it.
I heard Saturday that Jim Gray was going to start home yesterday. Well I wrote him Sunday that I would try to meet him in the city last night but yesterday morning I got the chance of going to spend the day and I went expecting to see Jim in the city. I knew it was very doubtful whether Col. [Jehu Foster] Marshall 1 would let me go to stay all night if Jim started home. I did not get to see him. I wanted to send Carrie’s hat with him. Mrs. Georgia Teasdale 2 got it and trimmed it for her. The day I went over to get it, I went there to ask them what sort of a thing to get. Mrs. Georgia proposed to get it for me if I would rather. I was very willing for her to get it. They asked me seven dollars for such hats or hats not as nice as that. They are called jockey hats. It cost five dollars and that is more than double the worth of it. Everything is more than double in that place.
Jule, I would have been powerful glad if you and Ett would have come with Eugenie Carlisle. Like got a letter today saying they would start tomorrow. They will get here day after tomorrow (Thursday).
If Jim Gray did not take Carrie’s hat, I will send it by cousin Jennie. Jule, tell Jno. to bring all the butter he can find. The next time any of you write, tell what the chance to get a pair of shoes is.
There is some talk of us leaving here sometime soon. we may leave but it is very doubtful in my mind.
I would write something about the [war] but I do not know what to say. It is currently reported that Fort Pulaski is taken but it is mixed with great doubt. It may be so [but] I hardly believe it.
I will close for the want of something more to say. I send you a little hymn book for the sake of one hymn that I have never saw in any other hymn book. It is a splendid hymn. The man that brought us the hymn books preached last Sunday night here. He did preach an excellent sermon.
Give all the friends my respects. Yours, &c. — J. R. Sadler
P. S. Be sure to send my mixed pants by Jim.
1 Col. Jehu Foster Marshall took command of the regiment during the winter of 1861-62 when Col. Orr resigned his commission and entered the Confederate Congress at Richmond. Marshall was killed during the Second Battle of Manassas in August 1862. The following website describes the Marshall Plantation Site in Marion county, Florida, where Marshall established a Sugar Plantation in 1855.
2 Mrs. Georgia (Wharton) Teasdale (1844-1900) was the 18 year-old wife of James Hamilton Teasdale (1835-1871) of Charleston, South Carolina.
Letter 2
[On the road to Fredericksburg] April 24, 1862
Dear Ett,
I wrote a few lines yesterday but I did not know where we would be sent. We are about fifty miles from Richmond on the road to Fredericksburg. It is thought there will be a fight here before long. The Yankees are this side of Fredericksburg. The pickets report this evening three thousand [with]in eight miles of this place. Our forces are concentrating to this place. [Col. Maxcey] Gregg’s Regiment came in this evening. We are looking for the Old 4th Regt. also. I hope it will come.
I heard from Arch yesterday. He is well. He has not volunteered yet. If they come up here, I will get him. Ett, I would like to give you the details of our trip but I am writing on my knee.
Tuesday, 25th
It has been raining & snowing ever since we got here and is still raining. We are not fixed like we were at the [Sullivan’s] Island. 1 We have had no bread, but crackers and my mouth is so sore that I cannot do much at eating them. I had a splendid night’s rest last night—the only good night’s rest I have had since we started. We are all taking cold. Jno. Clink is sick. He has the disease his folks had or at least I suppose that is it.
We are looking for the recruits today. Ett, be sure to write occasionally. Direct your letters to Richmond, Company D, Orr’s Regiment S. C. V., Care of Col. Marshall
Tuesday 25th
We left Sullivans Island Sunday the 20th about 11 o’clock. 2 Left Charleston at 4. I had time to run up to Mr. [George Cochran] Wharton’s to get them to send Carrie’s hat to the hotel to Jo Simpson. I suppose Jim Gray was there in a few minutes after I left so you would be sure to get the hat. I would have been glad to have seen Jim but I missed it.
Well, we rode all night. However, it is no use to say we road all night for we traveled all the time, only stopping now and then to get wood and water and let other trains pass. We got to Wilmington the second evening and hour by sun. We had to change cars there. We stopped there two hours or more and got supper. I got a very nice supper.
Wilmington is a beautiful place with Cape Fear River as it were rolling at the foot of it. Hoot.
The next night we got to Petersburg at 3 a.m. We laid in the cars till day. We stayed there till 3 o’clock (it is also a very nice place) then we left for Richmond. Arrived there between eleven and twelve, formed at the depot, and marched up to Broad Street which is the main street in the place. Well, we all expected to see Col. Orr but he left the night before. We got a warm reception there. We had four hours to stay there but did not look over the city much. I went down to the State House. I must close as the mail is leaving.
1 On Sullivan’s Island, the regiment was quartered in dwellings then standing on the island. Part of the regiment was quartered in the old Moultrie House.
2 According to J. W. Mattison of Co. G, Col. Marshall “received orders on April 19th, to report with his command at Richmond, Va., at once. Our surplus baggage was packed and sent home at once. On Sunday, April 20th, we left the Island rejoicing that we were going to the seat of war. The regiment was called by other troops ‘The pound cake regiment,’ because of our easy position [light duty] . Our trip to Richmond was slow and tedious. We left Charleston on the evening of April 20th. When we reached Florence we were delayed the balance of the night. Monday night we reached Wilmington and remained there all night. Tusday we made Weldon. Wednesday morning we took breakfast at Petersburg, Va., and reached Richmond about 12 o’clock noon. We left Richmond in the afternoon on the Fredericksburg road, reaching Guiney’s Station after night. Tents were pitched in short order and a good night’s rest obtained. The next morning (April 24th), when reville sounded we formed line in about three inches of snow. After remaining stationed a few days we were moved nearer Fredericksburg, to a point near Massaponax church, picketing the roads towards Fredericksburg. We remained in this camp [Camp Ledbetter] until the last week in May, when General Johnson evacuated Yorktown and Peninsula and withdrew his forces to around Richmond. The commands near Fredericksburg were ordered to Richmond.
Camp Ledbetter Spotsylvania Co., Va. May 25th 1862
Dear Jule,
I received your letter a few days ago and yesterday I received a letter from Buff McLees. He said he had seen some of you about Arch and told you all the particulars. He is in the hands of the Yankees but I trust he will get good attention. I heard from good authority that our surgeon and all that attended the hospital had gone to Williamsburg under a flag of truce to attend to our sick. I think the Yankees will try to show the people of Williamsburg that they have some humanity about them.
I was in suspense a long time before I could hear anything positive about Arch. I tried to get to go to Richmond but Col. Marshall had orders from Gen. Anderson to let no man leave the camp. Col. Marshall said though if Arch was sent to Richmond, he would try to get Gen. Anderson to let me go to see him. If I hear anything from him, I will write to you. I expect there will be a big fight near Richmond. We are all doing very well here. I would rather be here than the Isle.
I am looking for Jim & Wes every day. Burris got a letter from K. Sullivan the other day saying he had swore the boys in although you said father had concluded not to let Jno. come. I hope you got my letter before he started, or rather that Wes got the letter Jno. Sadler wrote to him about bringing a cook with him.
I must close as the mail leaves in a few minutes. Tom McLees is improving. Bill Simpson is doing very well with the measles. All the rest are well.
Col. Alexander Piper, 10th New York Heavy Artillery(Find-A-Grave)
These orders were penned by Lt. Eugene A. Chapman who served as adjutant to Col. Alexander Piper of the 10th New York Heavy Artillery. The orders were issued in January 1863 while the 10th manned Fort Wagner—an earthen fort in southeast Washington D. C. that was sometimes called Fort Good Hope. Eugene was 22 years old when he enlisted in August 1862 in the Black River Artillery. He was made Lieutenant and Adjutant in September, and became a Captain of Co. C by July 1, 1863. He was later discharge for promotion to serve as an Asst. Surgeon in the 127th USCT.
The 10th N. Y. artillery regiment was organized on Dec. 31, 1862, of the 1st, 2nd and 4th battalions, Black River artillery, the battalions having been organized at Sacket’s Harbor in September, and the consolidation took place on Dec. 27. The men were recruited in the counties of Jefferson and Lewis and were mustered into the U. S. service for three years as follows: Cos. A, B, C, D, E, F, G and M on Sept. 11, at Sacket’s Harbor; H and I on Sept. 12; at Staten island; Co. K on Nov. 12, and Co. L on Dec. 27, at Fort Schuyler. The 2nd and 4th battalions left the state on Sept. 17, 1862, and were at once assigned to garrison duty in the forts about Washington; the 1st battalion garrisoned Fort Richmond and Sandy Hook, N. Y. harbor until June, 1863, when it joined the others at Washington.
Order No. 5 pertained to the requirements and responsibilities of those carrying out the duties of the battery’s picket guard. Col. Alexander Piper, an 1851 West Point graduate with many years of military experience under his belt was a stickler for discipline.
“The Picket Guard” by N. C. Wyeth, painted in 1922
Transcription
Headquarters 10th New York Artillery Near Fort Wagner January 26th 1863
Order No. 5
The following orders relating to Guards and Sentinels at the different posts are published for the information of all concerned. They will be read to the Guard at least once every day by the senior non-commissioned Officer of the Guard.
I. At least two non-commissioned officers should be detailed with every guard—one of whom must be awake and with the guard at all times day and night.
II. The officer or senior on-commissioned officer of the guard is responsible for the carefulness and efficiency of the sentinels. A sergeant or corporal should inspect every relief before it is posted to ascertain if the men have their belts, clothing, and accoutrements in order. Every sentinel should be visited at least once in every ten hours to communicate to him new orders if necessary and to ascertain if he is acquainted with the orders already given, and is properly executing them.
III. When not on a post, members of the guard must remain at the guard house or tent. None should be allowed to leave it without the authority of the Sergeant in charge and then not more than two at a time.
IV. Where “prisoners” are confined under charge of the guard, they must in no account be allowed to leave except to go to work or to the sink. If it is necessary for prisoners to go to their quarters for any purpose, permission must first be obtained from the officer of the day. Meals for prisoners must be sent to the guard house or tent. When prisoners are sent out to work, they must be accompanied by a sentinel who will have orders to let them have no communication with any person except by authority of the officer of the day or commanding officer. The sentinel will see that the prisoners under his charge work well and steadily. If any of them trifle or neglect their work, he will report them to the sergeant or corporal of the guard.
V. During a “term” of guard duty which lasts 24 hours, neither non-commissioned officers or privates must remove their belts or any part of their clothing.
VI. The duties of a sentinel are most important and most responsible. On him depends the safety of the command. If he is vigilant, and army can rest in security. But if he is careless or indifferent, his companions are at the mercy of an enemy. Officers and non-commissioned officers cannot therefore be too careful in seeing that sentinels discharge their duties properly and execute strictly the orders that are given them.
All persons, whatever their rank may be in the service, are required to observe respect towards sentinels. Sentinels will walk their posts briskly with the bayonet fixed, carrying the musket at a shoulder arms, right shoulder, shift arms, or support arms. They must not quit their post without being regularly relieved not must they hold any conversation that is not necessary for the proper discharge of their duty.
VII When an officer passes across the post of a sentinel, the latter (the sentinel) will halt face outward and salute according to the rank of the officer. The Commanding Officer, Officer of the Day, and all officers above the rank of Captain are entitled to “present arms.” Captains and all officers below that grade are entitled to “shoulder arms.” The rank of officers is indicated by the shoulder straps. After retreat, sentinels do not salute but they stand at attention when an officer passes. When a sentinel is being relieved is giving or receiving orders or whenever he speaks on post, he must come to “arms post.”
VIII In addition to the above orders the following articles of the Revised Army Regulations will be read once a day to the guard. Articles 399, 400, 401, 407, 408, 409, 411, 413, 414, 415, 416. 417, 418, 419, 420, 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426, 427, 428, 429.
These orders will be neatly attached to a piece of board for better preservation and will be kept with the guard.
By order of Col. A. Piper E[ugene] A. Chapman, Lieut. & Act. Adjt.
This early war letter was written by Adoniram Judson Clark (1838-1913) who “enlisted in the 1st New Jersey Militia in April 1861, and became a sergeant in Co. F. When the regiment’s three-month enlistment ended, Clark was involved in raising Battery B, 1st New Jersey Light Artillery. It was mustered into service on September 3, 1861, at Camp Olden in Trenton, New Jersey. The battery was assigned to the First New Jersey Brigade under the command of Brigadier General Philip Kearny. Clark became first lieutenant under Capt. John E. Beam, and was then promoted to captain when Beam was killed in the Battle of Malvern Hill on July 1, 1862. Clark commanded the battery to the end of the war.
Clark was the son of Samuel Clark (1791-1869) and Livia Drusilla Wellman (1789-1849) of Manlius, Onondaga county, New York. He wrote this letter to his older brother, Samuel W. Clark (1825-1892) of Newark, Essex county, New Jersey—a long time school teacher in Newark and principal of public school No. 3 in 1860. Samuel was married in 1851 to Sarah Mayhew in Newark.
The first four regiments organized in New Jersey, all three-months regiments, were called militia and were brigaded together as the New Jersey Brigade under the command of Theodore Runyon, a Newark lawyer. The New Jersey brigade was one of the best uniformed and equipped organizations to arrive in Washington in early May 1861 and they were greeted with marked enthusiasm. A little over two weeks later, the brigade crossed the Potomac into Virginia and threw up the first fortifications erected by Union troops on Southern soil (Fort Runyon). This letter was written from Camp Trenton on 5 July 1861, just a couple weeks before the Battle of Bull Run. Camp Trenton was located adjacent the tracks of the Alexandria, Loudon and Hampshire Railroad some two or three miles west of Alexandria in a camp formerly occupied briefly by an Ohio regiment. The camp was described by one member of the 1st New Jersey as being on level ground in a grove of cedar trees.
The Jerseymen were not in the fight at Bull Run, but held in reserve and helped to stabilize the panic during the retreat. It has been conjectured that the Jersey troops were placed in the reserve due to the fact that their term of service was about to end.
Transcription
Camp Trenton, L&H Railroad, Virginia July 5th 1861
Dear Brother Sam,
I have delayed writing till now that I might tell you what was going on here on the “glorious fourth.” First, I got “home” safe and sound. Reached Washington at 6 o’clock Sunday morning in company with J. Haworth & Tom Leffingwell who came down in the same train with me. Ran around a couple of hours with them after the 2nd Regiment & then breakfasted at the Kirkwood House for which I was sated $0.75. The usual high Washington prices are running up now as the time for Congress to sit is near.
Reached camp at 10 o’clock and of course was besieged for new at home. The officers alone expected me home & they did for when some of the boys were making remarks about my hurrying up so, they were shut up with the remark that, “He obeyed orders,” so that it was full as well that I hurried up so. Lieut. [John E.] Beam & the men were very much pleased that I did not forget their messages, the thanks of part of whom belong to you. My basket hangs in the top of the tent & my “pocket pistol” is in my knapsack waiting for orders. I could myself well armed all around now for anything.
You told Mrs. Beam what I spoken to you about, I hope, because I told him you would.
Well, hurrah for the Fourth! Turned out a little before 4 o’clock & cleared up the tent & washed &c. 5 a.m. reveille & roll call, and at 5.30 or 6 o’clock we had a flag raising on the color line. Lieut. Beam had put up the pole the night previous. The lieutenant put on the color. Col. [Adolphus] Johnson had hold of the rope and at the word, it was run to the top amid a hearty “3 times 3” and for the first time floated on the breeze on Virginia soil. The chaplain [A. St. John Chambre] then made a short speech & Lieut. [George T.] Woodbury with a few others sang the Star Spangled Banner, the Red, White, & Blue, &c. after which we went back to our quarters.
Description of 4th of July Celebration at Camp Trenton published in the Newark Daily Advertiser, 31 July 1861
At half past seven o’clock, the regiment was formed into close column by companies & marched in front of the flagstaff. First in order of exercises, was singing, 2nd—prayer by chaplain, 3rd—speech by General [Theodore] Runyon, 4th—Reading of Declaration of Independence by Lieut. [George T.] Woodbury, 5th—Singing, 6th—Oration by Major Barlow, 7th—Col. [Adolphus] Johnson, and 8th—Dr. [Surgeon] Craven. Major Mikels made his bow to conclude that part & then more singing & the benediction by the chaplain after which were broken for the quarters.
Passed the day as best we could for it was very warm & none were allowed out of the lines. I saw but one or two that were any the worse for liquor. There may have been others but I did not know it. Was invited out to dinner to the orderlies tent in company with Sergeant [William C.] Courter of Co. A. Had a fun time. Our bill of fare was boiled ham, roast beef, bread pudding, picked beets, bread & butter, & iced lemonade. And, “after the cloth was removed,”—cigars.
At night there was all sorts of fun. We had new canteens give out during the day and just after night the boys got all the old ones together & divided into two portions & for an hour had a pitched battle & the way the tin canteens flew was a caution! Neither party would give in & I don’t know how long it would have lasted if the officers had not stopped them.
In the eve we had a “fancy” parade and on the parade ground “big” bonfires were burning. Fireworks were not as plenty but we had some show. One of the fine sights was the setting fire of the tall red cedar in front of the parade ground & see the whole tree one mass of flame. In the direction of the Washington Navy Yard we could see rockets of government blue lights &c.
“Time’s up.” Give love to all. We are under marching orders again today & expect to leave either today or tonight towards Fairfax. Ready for fun or fight.
Your affectionate brother, — A. Judson Clark
Direct (in addition to the usual direction) Care of Col. [Adolphus] Johnson, 1st Regt. N. J. M. to ensure safety, — Jud
This letter was written by Henry Cheney Rice (1841-1909), the son of Jonas Persis Rice (1812-1892) and Louisa Patridge (1818-1893) of Stockbridge, Windsor county, Vermont. Henry wrote the letter in March 1863 while serving in Co. E, 14th Vermont Infantry—a nine month regiment that was raised in August 1862. The regiment’s only major engagement was at Gettysburg where they played an important role in repulsing Pickett’s Charge on the afternoon of July 3rd by flanking Kemper’s Brigade.
I could not find an image of Henry but here is one of Frank S. Hollister of Co. B, 14th Vermont (Photo Sleuth)
In his letter, Rice lays out the unvarnished truth regarding the capture of Brig. Gen. Edwin H. Stoughton—commander of the 2nd Vermont Brigade—by Mosby’s men on 9 March 1863. Rather than set up his headquarters in a tent with his men, Stoughton chose the brick home of Dr. William Presley Gunnell in Fairfax as his headquarters, though it was dangerously close to Union picket lines and a tempting target to the Grey Ghost. Legend has it that when Mosby and his rangers entered Stoughton’s bed chambers, “they found him fast asleep, lying on his side, in bed snoring loudly. It was obvious that there had been a party from empty champagne bottles lying about the room. Stoughton did not stir when they entered his room. Someone lit a match. Stoughton slept on. Mosby approached the bed and drew back the blankets. Still Stoughton did not wake. He merely snorted and rolled onto his stomach. Mosby then lifted his bedclothes and spanked him. Stoughton sat bolt upright in the bed, bleary eyed and indignant at the outrage, he demanded to know the meaning of the insult, thinking the culprit was one of his aides. Mosby then asked him, ‘Have you ever heard of Mosby?’ Stoughton quickly answered, ‘Yes, have you caught him?’ To which Mosby replied, ‘No, I am Mosby, he has caught you.'” [See Historic Fairfax]
Transcription
Attention to Orders Headquarters 2nd Brigade, Casey’s Division, Reserve Army Corps for the Defense of Washington Fairfax Station, Va. March 9, 1863 General Order Np. 9
Dear Parents,
Brig. Gen. Edwin H. Stoughton “on the road to Richmond”
Having a few leisure moments tonight, I thought I would write you a few lines to let you know that we are well. Hope this will find you the same. I received your letter of the 3rd yesterday. Sam also received one from you that was dated Feb. 9th. The most that I wrote to you so soon is this reason—we have lost General Staten [Edwin H. Stoughton]. He was taken prisoner last night by about 100 of [Jeb] Stuart’s rebel cavalry. The General’s headquarters was at Fairfax Court House about five miles from here. They took [him] about three o’clock in the morning. There was not a gun fired nor a man hurt. The rebs had the countersign so they passed our pickets without any trouble. They had our clothes on so that our pickets thought they were our cavalry. There was not any cavalry at the Court House so they had a good chance to work. They took about twenty horses, eight or ten prisoners, and one general. There is about three thousand cavalry after them today.
We got news that our cavalry about three o’clock were [with]in about an hour of them but I guess that Old Stoughton is on the road to Richmond.
There is nothing more of note to write tonight. It is late so I will quit for this time.
In September 2022 I was gifted a photo album by my friend Charles Joyce that he purchased at the Gettysburg Show earlier in the year. There were a couple of Civil War images in the album that he wanted which he kept but passed the remainder of the album on to me hoping I might be able to identify several of the other people in the album. It turns out the album belonged to Heyward Glover Emmell whose letters I have recently transcribed. Included in the album were pictures of Heyward, relatives and friends—mostly from Morristown, New Jersey.
Cabinet Card of Dr. Stephen Pierson, photographer E. G. Lacey of Morristown, NJ (Griffing Collection)
Two pictures of “Dr. Pierson” were included in the album which I have identified as Dr. Stephen Pierson (1844-1911) of Morristown. Stephen was the eldest son of Edward and Elizabeth (Guerin) Pierson.
Here is a brief biographical sketch lifted from the Journal of the Medical Society of New Jersey written by a colleague in the medical profession.
After attending the old “Morris Academy,” Stephen began his freshman year at Yale, After completing his freshman year, Stephen dropped out to enlist in the 27th New Jersey Infantry, a nine-months regiment commanded by Col. George W. Mindil. It wasn’t long before Mindil selected Stephen to be his adjutant, and when Mindil received command of the newly organized 33rd New Jersey Infantry, Stephen reenlisted went with him and was promptly promoted to Sergt. Major, then Adjutant and Lieutenant, then breveted Major.
“Doctor Pierson’s record of honor in the two commands cannot be more than noticed in a brief study of his life, its motives and its accomplishments. A commissioned officer in the field and a medal of honor man, he fought in Virginia under Burnside and Meade, in Georgia (where he was wounded at Pine Knob), under Thomas and Sherman. He was found “marching through Georgia” and was of that column of Western Giants in the “Grand Review” by President Lincoln…
Lt. Stephen Pierson, 33rd New Jersey
“The writer finds, in ‘Foster’s History of the New Jersey Regiments in the Civil War,’ that the 27th Regiment was under fire on various occasions, that it manifested sterling bravery and that when its term of service expired, it offered to serve the government in the Gettysburg Campaign, actually doing so for an extra month, when, it not being longer required, it was mustered out wit this additional act of patriotism to its credit.
“As to the 33rd New Jersey, Forst writes, “The 33rd N. J. Volunteers fired the last shots of the war (fighting with the rebel cavalry). This regiment in a little less than two years, traversed a distance of 2500 miles, 1700 by marching. It fought in eight battles and engaged in over a dozen skirmishes…”
After he was discharged from the 33rd New Jersey, Stephen returned to college and “passed to the College of Physicians and Surgeons, graduating with such honors as to ensure his internship at Bellevue Hospital.” His obituary (below) includes more details on his life as a physician.
David Crowell Campbell (1800-1862), aide to Georgia Gov. Brown in the Executive Department in 1861 (Griffing Collection)
These letter were written by Col. David Crowell Campbell (1800-1862) who was married to Caroline Elizabeth “Eliza” Geddes Campbell (1804-1864)—a native of Charleston, South Carolina. David was a native of New Jersey and a graduate of Hamilton College, New York. Soon after completing his education, he moved to South Carolina, and for several years practiced law in partnership with the Hon. C. Y. Memminger, the distinguished Secretary of the Treasury of the Confederate States. About the year 1835 he changed his residence to Macon, Georgia, and soon afterwards represented the county of Bibb in the Legislature. He moved to Milledgeville, GA and in 1845 he became proprietor and Editor of the “Federal Union,” in which character he was a firm and zealous supporter of the Southern Rights Party in the contest of 1850-51. After the defeat of the Southern Rights ticket, he sold the office and devoted his time mainly to his valuable planting interests and to works of internal improvement connected with the seat of government.
Though he retired from his editorial position, David continued to serve on the Georgia State Democratic Executive Committee. On November 22, 1860, the committee issued a call for a state secession convention, and Campbell was a delegate to that convention which of course voted for the ordinance of secession. From the following letters, we see that David served as an aide to the Governor, Joseph Emerson Brown, in the executive department early in the war. He died on the 4th of April 1862, however.
Banner of the Federal Union Newspaper edited by David C. Campbell for many years.
Letter 1
Executive Department Milledgeville, [Georgia] June 11th 1861
Col. Wm. A. Harris [of Worth Co.], 1 Isabella Sir,
I am directed by his Excellency the Governor in reply to yours of the 10th inst., to say that Volunteers are enrolled for service in the order in which their tenders are presented; and that so numerous are the tenders that several regiments must be sent into service before your company, if [ ] enrolled, could be called upon. Another difficulty must embarrass you. Before your time will arrive, all the arms under the control of this Department will be exhausted. I am further directed to say that no arms or accoutrements or tents can be furnished to any company except it has received marching orders & is ready for actual service.
Respectfully, your obedient servant, — D. C. Campbell
1 Col. William Augustine Harris (1827-1895) served in the Mexican War, named the county of Worth for his commander of that war and the county-site Isabella, for General Worth’s wife. In the Civil War, Colonel Harris was Captain of the Yancy Independents, a company formed by him, and was Colonel of the 14th Ga Regiment. He was commissioned a Major in the 10th Georgia Militia, 1864-1865, Home guards.
11 June 1861 Letter
Letter 2
Augusta, [Georgia] July 12th 1861
Dear Governor,
I have got 29,000 lbs. powder, more in pounds than is strictly due the state. I busied myself about the arms. The Clinch Rifles 1 left 119. 17 are in the hand of a squad of that company who will give them up. 100 the Capt. assures me the they are demanded. 47 in the hand of Judge Good, Capt. of the Silver Grays who promptly yields them and has them boxed. I hold them subject to your order. The balance are in the hands of Judge Stamer, Captain of the Home Guard who will give them up cheerfully provided they go to Col. Cobb’s Legion.
The Oglethorpes hold 100 guns. 40 are in the hands of Mayor May who holds them subject to your order & will get the others from the squad of Oglethorpes left behind. The Captain of the squad says he has your permission to return them. The community say they are good guns and should be sent into service. The Mounted Rifles are disbanded. Their arms the Captain is hiding away but the Mayor & Col. Cumming think they can get control of them.
The Montgomery Guards, the only corps now left in the city properly organized, have 50 guns & I have not interfered with them. About 300 flint & steel muskets will be gathered up in the city & some more of other kinds. Judge Stamer & several other prominent gentlemen in the city & doing all they can to aid in collecting the arms.
Yours truly, — D. C. Campbell
1 The Clinch Rifles were Co. A, 5th Georgia.
Letter 3
Executive Department Milledgeville, [Georgia] September 12, 1861
A. Fitzgerald, Esq. Dalton, Ga.
Yours of the 10th reached this Department today. The Governor is absent on the seaboard taking a survey with reference to measures for its defense. He will be absent for several days. On his return, your letter will be laid before him.
Respectfully your obedient servant, — D. C. Campbell, Aide-de-Camp
This letter was written by Thomas P. Nodine. He may be the same blacksmith born in New York in 1824 that relocated to Connecticut prior to the Civil War and enlisted in Co. B, 28th Connecticut Infantry under the name Nodyne. I could not verify this or his parentage given the absence of information in early census records. William wrote the letter to his brother William Nodine (1804-18xx) who worked as a cartman, later as a blacksmith, in Williamsburgh, Kings county, New York. William was married to Catherine K. Richardson in the 1820’s and had at least two children by the time his letter was written in 1836.
It’s difficult to discern from Thomas’s letter what he was doing in Mobile, Alabama, in 1836 besides hunting reptiles which I assume was only a pastime and not the “excellent job” he claimed having. In any event, it’s easy to understand the fascination that visitors from the northeastern states experienced when they first encountered an alligator. Thomas may have been employed by a merchant in the trade between New York and Mobile which was well established by this time.
An 1835 Woodcut of Mobile, Alabama
Transcription
Mobile [Alabama] July 15th 1836
Dear Brother,
I received with much pleasure a letter from you daed June 14th. I expected it before but am happy to get it. Let it come when it will. It is still quite healthy here and all prospects of continuing so all summer as I hope it may. We have an excellent job and one that will pay well. We have two black boys to work for us and profits from them will be something nice. It is out of my power to bet when I will be home but it will be as soon as possible as I am anxious to see you all. But you must not expect me until you see me. Tell Mother to give herself no uneasiness as I never enjoyed better health in my life.
There is stacks and cords of game but I think you would not like such game as much as you do the northern as they would not be so handy to pocket. We have been out a hunting several times. I suppose you would like to know what kind of game it is that is so handy. Well them, just imagine yourself a locust log floating in the water about fourteen feet long with a mouth one half the length of the body with four short, crokked legs with nails about 4 inches long and then you wil know exactly what our game is (Aligator).
When I come home, I will be very glad of an introduction to that Miss E. Lambert you talk about so much in your letters. I don’t know who she can be. I am well acquainted with a young lady and a particular friend of mine by the name of Lizzy Lambert but it cannot be the same. But whoever she is, give her and all her family my love. The same to Miss Crawford. Remember me to all inquiring friend.
My love to Mother and Father and sisters. My best respects to your wife. I remain your affectionate brother, — Thomas C. Nodine
I could not find an image of William but this image is one of the White brothers who fought in the 1st Palmetto Sharp Shooters (Civil War Talk)
This letter was written by Pvt. William R. Erwin (1839-1864) of Co. G, Palmetto Regiment Sharp Shooters (a.k.a., Jenkins’ Regiment, or 1st Palmetto Sharp Shooters). Muster rolls for the regiment indicate that William enlisted in April 1862 at Yorkville and that he was taken prisoner at the Battle of Williamsburg on 5 May 1862. Though absent from his regiment from time to time due to sickness, he had returned to his regiment in early October 1863 (recovered from syphilis) and was with them in East Tennessee when this letter was written late in December 1863. Less than a month later—on 17 January 1864—he was killed in the Battle of Dandridge, a relatively minor affair resulting in approximately 250 casualties total between the two armies.
William was the oldest son of Francis James Erwin (1813-1876) and Letitia (“Lettie”) Jenkins Smith (1819-1896) of York county, South Carolina.
Written on the back side of the letter—perhaps by his father, “Near the last—if not the last—letter to his home. Killed January 1864 near Dandridge, Tenn.
Transcription
Camp near Morristown [Tennessee] December 29, 1863
Dear Father,
I have written so often since I left home and have never received a letter or heard a word from there that I almost despair of ever hearing from home again. I wrote to you about sending up my papers for exchange and do not deem it necessary to repeat it.
William’s parents, Frank & Lettie Erwin
I have had a hard time of it since I came to Tennessee. Hard marching, short rations—and sometimes none at all. We are camped for awhile now if the Yankees will only let us alone. But they seem determined to harass us as much as possible. Our pickets have been fighting every day since we came here and sometimes we are all under marching orders. Minor is well and doing well.
I wrote to you some time since to send me some two plugs of tobacco and $20 by someone that may be coming out. I think that Lt. W[illiam] B. Smith [Co. G] will be coming by home shortly from Atlanta. I wish you would enquire and let me know if Thom. Bratton got the box I left up in Atlanta for him.
I have nothing of any importance to write. We are in very good quarters at present but from the sound of the artillery that has been booming all day, I think we will have to defend even our camp firesides if we stay here long.
John Erwin is sick. I have not seen him since he took sick. Tom Guy is well & B. Winay.
Stephen “Chase” Hill (1841-1903) was working as a pilot in Boston Harbor when he was only 19 years old. From these letters we learn that he shirked responsibility and resorted to sea duty whenever he needed to make money. During the Civil War he enlisted on 13 May 1863 as Acting Ensign in the US Navy and was assigned to the crew of the “USSWater Witch.” He was aboard the ship when she was boarded and taken captive almost without a fight by Confederates in June 1864. He was wounded and taken prisoner by the Confederates but exchanged later in 1864. He resigned his commission on 25 April 1865. In 1870, he was still enumerated in his parents East Boston residence, still single and employed as a “mariner.”
I could not find an image of Acting Ensign Chase Hill but here is an albumen of Abner Dodge Stover who served as Acting Ensign with him on the Water Witch when she was captured in June 1864. (Herman Kinder Collection)
He was married to Emma Laura Gay (1855-1920), the daughter of Charles Royal Gay and Laura A. Young, sometime in the late 1870s and in the 1880 Census, he was enumerated on Liverpool Street in Boston, working as a “Ship Keeper.” By that time, he and Emma had a young daughter named Laura M. Hill, age 1. Stephen died in 1903 at the Home for Disabled Soldiers in Togus, Kennebec county, Maine, where he was buried. His admission papers at the Home indicate that he had received a “gunshot wound in his right side on June 3rd 1864.” When he entered the Home in September 1891, he was 50 years old, stood 5’10” tall, had blue eyes and gray hair. He told them he was an “Engineer” by profession and that he was married and had been living in Wollaston, Massachusetts, just before admitting himself to the Home. He gave his brother John Hill of Dorchester, Massachusetts as nearest relative.
Chase’s letter gives a great description of the capture on 2 June 1864 of the wood-hulled, side-wheel gunboat, USS Water Witch, on which he had been serving as an Acting Ensign. The gunboat was anchored on the Little Ogeechee River near Racoon Key—part of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron—where it had been patrolling in Ossabow Sound for many months. The Water Witch was captured by a squadron of small boats led by 1st Lt. Thomas Postell Pelot who stealthily approached the anchored Union gunboat with padded oars on a dark and drizzly night and surprised the ship before they could react.
Addressed to Acting Ensign John Hill, Flag Ship “Malvern,” Hampton Roads, Va.
East Boston, [Massachusetts] December 8th 1864
My Dear Brother,
I received a letter from you yesterday in which you state you were at Norfolk, Va. I am sorry you did not like the service. I don’t like it myself but I don’t see as I can do any better. I have a great mind to shove in an application for Acting Master. When I was in Washington, I told Secretary [Gideon] Welles I wanted to be attached to a cruiser after I had recruited my health. I want you would ask Kidder if he had to stand an examination for promotion. Before I was captured, Secy. Welles issued orders that no one would be promoted only for bravery. I think he ought to promote me. I am afraid if I should get an Acting Master’s appointment that I should have to act as “Exec” on some ship and I wouldn’t like that much. I would sooner have command.
I am not well today. I have been on the go ever since I got home and yesterday p.m. I had a slight attack of chills and fever [malaria]. I contracted the damn disease down in Georgia. I was very sick there with chills and fever.
You state you would like to know who had the deck at the time of our capture. I don’t wonder you ask. I wish most anyone had of had the deck except the one that did have it. You know that we got short of officers—some of them having been detached—leaving two Ensigns and two Mater’s Mates for naval officers. We use to have a Masters Mate in the watch with us until we got short. The Master’s mate that had the deck was the damndest fool that you ever see. We were laying at anchor once in Port Royal and he had the deck. It came on to blow, the old Water Witch commenced to drag and the damn fool, instead of letting go the second anchor, he come down off the hurricane deck and lifted up the wardroom skylight and and yells out, “All hands!” waking up every officer in the ship instead of rousing up the men.
Well, my noble Mr. [Eugene D’W.] Parsons had the deck when we were captured. The quartermaster reported the boats or something he said looked like boats fifteen minutes ere we were attacked. It was an awful dark and squally night. I had the deck from 8 until 12 M. Parsons relieved me at 12 and at 2 the boats came and attacked us. They hailed the ship and Parsons was so damn frightened that he fell off the hurricane deck and landed pretty close to the rattle. He made out to spring the rattle. After that I don’t know where he was [but] he took damn good care to keep out of the way of the bullets.
Chase was shot while at the starboard gangway just aft of the ladder where the black star is located.
By the time we got on deck, they were nearly alongside and I got up pretty damn quick. I think I was one of the first on deck. I couldn’t see anyone at my gun, but heard the Rebs give a yell to “Board her.” There was some one of our side a firing at them with muskets on the port gangway. I called out to the watch on deck [but] couldn’t see a damn man. The boats got alongside, forward and nearly aft. By the time the officers were up, they were alongside. We wounded a great many before they got alongside. I was in the starboard gangway when I was shot. I got wounded before many of them got aboard. Most of the officers were wounded with cutlass wounds. The Captain was cut down very soon after he got on deck. The officers—with the exception of the one that had the deck and Engineers—done all the fighting with 4 or 5 of the men. We killed their leader, Lieut. [Thomas Postell] Pelot of the Rebel Navy [and] also their pilot and eight others, wounding some 25. We only had one killed and 13 wounded. They would have killed more of us but they could not get their pistols off, being wet.
If anybody else had of had the deck and got the crew to quarters, they never would have got aboard, or if the Engineers had have been armed. Each boat had just such a part of the ship to board and they brought engineers with them. Our engineers all piled into the Engine room and started her ahead but when the Rebel Engineer made his appearance with a revolver, they all surrendered—so I was told.
I have not seen Capt. [Austin Pendergrast] nor any of them except Mr. Weston. He was cut over the head. They tried the Capt. & Executive for [court martial]. I haven’t learnt the particulars yet but one of our men that was on the trial told me in Washington the Captain was honorably acquitted. We had a pretty desperate fight but they overpowered us. There was 150 of them and half of our crew was below and couldn’t get on deck. They got aboard forward and guarded the hatches. Finding but little resistance, they soon got aboard but not so easy aft. I think it all lays to Parsons. I see by the Army & Navy Journal that he is ordered to report to Admiral Paulding. 1 None of the rest have received orders to report yet. I am on the sick list [and] have orders to report every 15 days to the department. If I don’t feel any better than I do today, I shall be home a good while.
I wish you was here but you have got a better place than I had stuck in Ossabaw [Sound] for 12 months [where I] never saw anything. But I suppose that would have suited you better than being where you are. As for myself, I never want to see a “flag ship.” Too much signaling going on.
I suffered a great deal with my wound. 2 The ball was in me a month before they extracted it. I was pretty low at one spell. I am awful weak now. I have been drinking too much ale lately. Sum[ner] went to Washington last evening to see about his appointment. There is something in the way and he may not get it. I hope he will. I think if he has a change of climate, it will do him good. I suppose you are a going to attack Wilmington soon, ain’t you? I should think the Navy ought to cooperate with Sherman. He will take Savannah, I think. They were damn frightened when I left.
I was treated very kindly there, being under the C. S. Navy authority. I think it was lucky I was wounded so I could remain in the hospital.
Well, Jack, I must wind up for today. I don’t feel very smart. Excuse the writing. The folks are as usual and send love. Tell Kidder to write. Do you ever see Billy Bangs in Norfolk? Tell him to write also.
Yours affectionately, — Chase
1 Eugene DeWitt Parsons (1835-1903) was appointed Acting Master’s Mate on 19 November 1862. He resigned his commission on 20 January 1865—six weeks after this letter was written.In 1865, after his resignation, he was enumerated in New Lebanon, Columbia county, New York, where he worked as an Engineer. By 1870 he had relocated with his wife Harriet and two small children to Rochester’s 8th Ward where he was employed as a bookkeeper. Eugene was the eldest son of Anson Parsons (1792-1871) and Louisa H. Hull (1816-1903) of New Lebanon, Columbia county, New York. He attended Williston Seminary in the early 1850s.
2 The post incident report files by Acting Asst. Surgeon W. H. Pierson, US Navy, claims that after Chase Hill was shot, he “came limping into the wardroom with a dangerous looking wound…”
Spared & Shared 23 