All posts by Griff

My passion is studying American history leading up to & including the Civil War. I particularly enjoy reading, transcribing & researching primary sources such as letters and diaries.
3rd Maine Infantry, Battle of Rappahannock Station

1863: Benjamin Franklin Shorey & John Shorey to Zebedee Rowell

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Two unidentified brothers wearing the Federal uniform

This letter was written in two parts—one part by Benjamin Franklin (Frank) Shorey (1834-1864) and the other by his older brother, John Shorey (1830-1877). They were sons of Lot Shorey (1804-1882) and Eliza A. Ayer (1805-1868) of Somerset county, Maine. John’s mother Eliza was an older sister of Sarah Ayer (1812-1882) who was married to Zebedee Rowell (1808-1879)—the recipient of this letter and the boys’ Uncle.

The brothers were conscripted into Co. D, 3rd Maine Infantry in late July 1863 and were serving in this regiment when they wrote this letter together in November 1863, after the Bristoe Campaign and during the advance on the line of the Rappahannock, describing the fight at Kelley’s Ford on 7 November 1863.

They were both transferred to Co. F, 17th Maine Infantry on 28 June 1864, the same day that Frank died from a severe wound in the right leg that he received on 10 May 1864 while fighting at Spotsylvania Court House. He was buried in Arlington (Section 13, Site 6522). John survived the war, finishing his term of service in Co. F, 1st Maine Heavy Artillery to which he was transferred in December 1864.

To read other letters I’ve transcribed by members of the 3rd Maine Infantry and posted on Spared & Shared, see:
Rufus Crockett, Co. B, 3rd Maine (1 Letter)
Laforest H. Hinton, Co. B, 3rd Maine (1 Letter)
Hannibal A. Johnson, Co. B, 3rd Maine (19 Letters)
Bainbridge P. Brown, Co. D, 3rd Maine (4 Letters)
Stephen Adams Dodge, Co. D, 3rd Maine (2 Letters)
John R. Day, Co. H, 3rd Maine (1 Letter)

[This letter was transcribed by Alan Thompson/further edited & researched by Griff]

Transcription

Addressed to Mr. Zebedee Rowell, South Solon, Maine

Camp near Germantown, Virginia
November 2, 1863

Dear Uncle and Aunt Rowell,

I take this opportunity to inform you of my health which is good and never better. I hope you will excuse all bad writing and spelling and dirty paper.

Last night I had a letter from home. They was all well the 27 of October. Well, I suppose you want to know how we like [the service]. We live better than we expected to. The last time I was weighed I had gained 4 pounds. Then for the last 10 days I have been to work on the railroad that the Johnnies tore up for us 40 miles. It is going down again fast. I have enough to say if I could write. I am going to fill this [sheet] before we send it. If you could see how I have to write, you won’t think it bad writing laying down on my knapsack.

I have seen something of the world since I left home. I am satisfied with my lot for I have got good officers. They are all from Bath and Augusta. Captain [Alfred S.] Merrill [is] from Bath. And as for living, I lived the poorest at Augusta that I have since I left home. I will tell you the prices of the sutlers: potatoes 10 cents a pound, cheese 60 cts, butter 60, raisons 50 cts, eggs 60 cts a doz[en]. But last night I had a letter from home. Lydid says Joel Huntress has sent a box to Henry [Huntress] and she has sent some butter in it for me. 

Henry tents with John [Shorey] & I and we have heard some fighting and have been in sight of some of it and expected to be into it, but did not get a chance for the Johnnies, as they are called, did [not] stand. They left. I saw them run. I was close enough to see it one night on picket. We was ordered to put out our fire from 9 o’clock till morning. We was ordered to hold the road at all hazard but they did not come then. We don’t pretend to know so much here as we would at home for all we know is what we see and hear, but we can’t tell anything about it till we are ordered to start. We don’t know where till we get there. Our captain says he don’t know any more about it than we do. 

The time goes very fast with us here. I can’t think of much to write now. Last month at Fairfax Station we saw a man shot for desertion from a Michigan regiment the second time. He was a large, stout fellow. 1 There has [been] a great many of the recruits that come out when I did has run away. Some of them has got caught. Some of them has got to be shot. One to be court martialed soon. One to be for stealing whisky and selling it when he was on guard over it. When we was on detail work on the road part of time we [got] it twice a day dealt out to us.

We find all kinds of people and colors and it [is] a hard-looking sight to see how things have gone to ruin. The 22nd of last month there was 4 of us stood guard to a house about a half mile from the detail. The men steal all they can get ahold of. At 12 o’clock in the night I was on post while my relief stood with me. The 4 men come to steal some pigs. There were 7 in the pen but they got halted and left and while the corporal stood his trick between 3 and 5 in the morning they come and got two—the best hogs he had—and got off with them. I think it was a contrived plan with the corporal and the thieves did not belong to my company. My captain gave me orders that if a man disobeyed my order and did not leave when I told him to take a[n] arm or a leg from him. I think if I had been on post at the time between 3 and 5, the pigs would not [have] went. They take anything they want if it [is] not guarded. Then they will get it if they can.

I can’t think of much to write now though. We shall have a soup for dinner today. We shall fill this up with something before we send it. I would like to have you to go over and see Lydia [Robbins] as often as you can and let Harlow [Kilgore Rowell] & Antoinette [A. Rowell] go over and make a visit and write to us as often as you can for we like to hear from you or any one that will write to us.

It is now about 4 o’clock. They has just come 240 to our regiment, twenty-two to our company. We are under marching orders with 8 days rations of hard bread and pork, coffee and sugar. They is some hard looking men and as green as the cook. The regiment will muster about 600 now. We are in a very good ground to drill on. It is a large field, smooth, no stone nor bushes, nothing but tents as far as I can see on all sides. I expect a move soon but don’t know where. I hear that the pontoon bridges have come to Warrenton Junction [Virginia]. It looks to me though they would [not] bring them if they did not think of using them this fall. We crossed the Rappahannock on the pontoons once this fall about 9 o’clock in the evening and took the bridge up along with us that afternoon. We was brought into line [of battle] three times before dark, then we marched till 3 o’clock in the morning before we stopped. It was Sunday. Monday we laid by. Tuesday morning at 12 o’clock we fell into line about a mile off and staid till light. Then we traveled. The night we crossed the river, the men set fire to two straw stacks. It made a large light. The General [John Henry Hobart] Ward had a order read to the men about setting fires for it exposed the army too much to the Rebs by the light. Ward led us all the time.

Nov. 4 – It is very pleasant this morning. Now there has got to be some drilling done now. Some is off washing their shirts and stockings. The water is very poor here and some ways off. There has [been] one or two gone to Washington [to]day.

Nov. the 8 – I take my pen in hand to let you know that we are well and hope the few lines will find you the same. The 6th day of this month we broke camp and advanced. About two o’clock we found them in rifle pits on the other side of the river. Shooting for about 3 hours, not but a few wounded. We took 200 out of the pits. They say that we have army enough to eat them. That night I was on picket where I could hear them talk and cough on their post. In the morning at 4 o’clock we separated about 3 rods apart and advanced to the woods about 150 yards and stopped till light. There was five Rebels come into our lines and gave themselves up. Yesterday we expected a battle but we got out of it. I hear that our people took 5 pieces of artillery & 1500 prisoners. I saw over 200 myself that we took. One said he had been 10 days from home. They seem to feel well about it. One says we are going to Washington where we can get something to eat. One says give my respects to General [Robert Edward] Lee when you see him. Some of them are ragged looking fellows and others look hard. [See Battle of Kelly’s Ford]

Yesterday morning before daylight I came across one dead, lay[ing] on the field covered up with his blanket. He was one of our regiment, got wounded in the shoulder. Some came close. One went into a knapsack in our regiment; one got his hair cut a bit. I think this [war] will be closed soon. Where I stood on picket I could hear them drive their teams very plain. In the morning we went thru the woods to where they left in the night. They had their winter camps all built in good shape. We are in the woods now. I am laying on the ground now writing. John will finish this so good day.

Germantown, Virginia
November 2, 1863

Dear Aunt & Uncle,

I thought as Frank was going to write I would put in a few lines to let you know that we had not forgotten you. We are well and hope that these few lines will find you the same. My health is better than when I was painting but my camp life is a lazy one I tell you. 

We had baked beans this morning. They was first rate. The poorest living we have had was at Augusta but since we got into army we have better living. I wish you could step in and see us eating our grub. We cook for ourselves when on the move as we have been since we came here, but we have a good cook now. He is from Bath. So is our captain. He is a good fellow. All of our regiment or the most of it from Maine. I like it much better than I expected to. I won’t find fault if they keep me as well all the time as they do now. 

I tell you this war makes desolation everywhere it goes. They use all they can get to use buildings and fences and wood lots. It makes it look deserted in all the places that I have been yet. We have marched about 150 miles in all and expect to march as much more, then go into winter quarters to den up till spring. 

We are under marching orders now. We don’t know when nor where we shall go. The captain don’t know any more than we do but the most of them think we shall cross the Rapidan and give the Johnny’s a brush if they will accept of it, then go into camp till spring. When it begins to rain they will have to for they can’t move in this mud anyway. It is a great thing to move all the army I tell you in the mud. 

November 5th – I will scribble some more to fill up. Frank is on guard today. [He] has just come to his dinner. I had it all ready for him. It is a pleasant day here and we enjoy ourselves well as we can for the times.

We expect to go somewhere but don’t know where but would like to go into winter quarters. We shall before long. All the folks think so anyway.

At 3 o’clock we have got to go on battalion drill. We don’t have to go a great way for it is close by. It will take 2 hours, then we don’t go on duty till tomorrow morning. 

I can’t think of much to write now. When we get in camp we will write again. We would like to hear from all of you.

Brandy Station [Virginia], November 9, 1863 – [I] will try to finish as we are not moving. Saturday we moved on to this place and our division had a brush with the Rebs. We took some 200 prisoners, and the bullets flew lively some time over our heads till dark, then they retreated. 

Sunday we put after them and had another brush with them. We took 5 pieces of artillery & 1500 prisoners. They look ragged and dirty, I tell you, and some was glad to get into our lines. Some said they had been 10 days from home. They left last night. What could they keep coming in today. Some of the prisoners say we have got army enough to eat them up. Frank has wrote all the news. It snows now but it is but a squall. It is cold now.

November 10 – You will think that it takes a great while to write a letter but we have to do it by piecemeal now till we get settled. 

Last night we moved about 2 ½ miles and camped. Today we moved about 50 rods and pitched tents. The Rebs have got some nice shanties built for winter but had to leave them. I am on guard today sitting under an oak tree. The wind blows hard so I can’t write much more. I will write to Chena a few words, and you may give my love to all that enquire after me and expect a large share to yourself. Write and tell Nett to write all the war news and all that is going on in Solon [Maine]. This is from your nephew – John Shorey

November 10 – Well, Chena, I will write you a few lines to let you know that I am well and hope that these few lines will find you the same. I have not been so well for 10 years as I am now. It agrees with me first rate to lug knapsack and lay in camp. I have gained in health and strength since I have been here. I have marched some 170 miles since I have been here. I think that I can lug as well as the most of them. We have to carry our bed and (bread or board) with us on a march. Sometimes I wish you was here to camp [us]. We would have a good time I tell you but when the bullets fly and whistle, it ain’t so pleasant. But we have not had much yet but don’t know how soon we may but I don’t think we will have much this fall. They don’t like to stand it much, I tell you.

Tell David R. that I would like to see him out here. We would kill a pig. We did this morning and had some liver and fresh pork for dinner. It was good as ever I eat. The grey squirrel have to take up. We killed a lot of them yesterday. We are in oak growth. The acorns are thick and hogs and squirrels get fat on them. I have not seen anyplace yet that suits me as well as Maine. Everything is destroyed where the army has been. It looks deserted. All the fences gone and all that makes a country look pleasant is gone, all but the yellow girls and black ones. Where we had a brush Saturday with the Rebs, there was 3 black ones. A cannon shot went through the chimney and roof of a brick house and through the adjoining house. It made quite a hole in it.

The Rebs put some shells in the fire place and chimney to blow up our folks if they built fire in it but there was one that burst but did not do any hurt so they found them. There is some fun as well as sorrow in the army. When in camp we enjoy ourselves well but if you are sick, it is a poor place for anyone. I can’t think of much to write now but I want you to write me all that you can think of and more to us when you can and when I see you, I will tell you more than I can write. My hands is cold. I am sitting on the ground under a tree. It is a cold day out of the woods I think for the wind blows hard. We had a snow squall yesterday and last night. When I went to bed I layed on the ground with 3 blankets over me. I layed warm. Tonight I will lay in tent when I lay at all for I am on guard. Frank and Huntress will be in tent all night, but I will be out 4 hours. Then I will go in. Now I must close by sending my love to all the girls in Solon that enquire after me. Write soon and tell all that is going on. This is from your friend — John Shorey

1 The soldier shot for desertion was Henry C. Beardsley of the 5th Michigan Infantry. He was executed by firing squad on 17 October 1863 at Fairfax Station, Virginia.

4th New Jersey Infantry, Battle of Gettysburg, Copperheads

1863: Garrett F. Speer to Walter Speer

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I could not find an image of Garrett but here’s one of John Citheart who served as a private in Co. I of the 4th New Jersey (Photo Sleuth)

This letter was written by Garrett F. Speer (1838-1894), the son of Garrett T. Speer (1794-1842) and Jane Sigler (1796-1860). He wrote the letter to his brother Walter Speer (1830-1887) who resided in Newark, New Jersey, with his wife, Sarah Ann (Cummings) Speer and their seven children. Walter was a carpenter/house builder by trade.

Garrett was a private in Co. F, 4th New Jersey Infantry. He later (January 1864) enlisted again in Co. K, 1st New Jersey Infantry Veterans and was wounded in May 1864 and taken to the Fairfax Seminary Hospital near Alexandria. He mustered out of the regiment on 29 June 1865.

In this letter, Garrett informs his brother that he has just returned to Alexandria after having spent the last three weeks in Pennsylvania. The 4th New Jersey did not take part in the Battle of Gettysburg. Rather, three of the companies were detached as Provost Guard and the remaining companies, including the one in which Garrett belonged, were detailed to guard the Reserve Artillery train. The majority of the letter is devoted to advising his brother to refrain from offering any support to the Copperhead Party.

Transcription

Alexandria [Virginia]
July 18, 1863

Dear Brother,

I am once more at leisure and will improve my leisure moments by writing you a few lines. I have just returned from Chambersburg, Pa. Since the first of July I have been very busy night and day until I am nearly worn out with fatigue. I received your letter of the 11th this morning. Was very glad to hear from you but would be much gladder to hear from you since the great Copperhead riot in New York City. I hope that will convince you that that party really mean.

You may think that I am somewhat abolitionized. That is not the case. I am neither a Copperhead nor an Abolitionist. God forbid that I should be either.

—Garrett Speer, 4th New Jersey Infantry, 18 July 1863

Walter, let me implore of you to spurn them more than the vilest Rebel that pollutes the soil of America. Walter, as a brother, I want to give you a good advice. Don’t cast your destinies with a party so vile and corrupted that will place an eternal disgrace on you and your family that you can never wash out. You may think that I am somewhat abolitionized. That is not the case. I am neither a Copperhead nor an Abolitionist. God forbid that I should be either. The Rebel advance in Pennsylvania is enough to convince any good man the necessity of sustaining the government of the United States and the Administration until every Rebel North or South is subdued.

Walter, I consider a Copperhead of the Vallandigham stripe a worse enemy than the bold Rebel that comes right out and fights for the government that he wishes to sustain. Oh, I could mention so many instances of Copperhead imbecility in my travels in Pennsylvania that it has sickened me so much against that gang of traitors there. I have not language enough to express my disgust toward them. For God sakes, Walter, never allow yourself to be deceived by this hoard of traitors. They once partially deceived me until I saw for myself that they were the worst enemy the government had to contend against, and then I despised them as I would any traitor.

My motto is Stand by the Union until our glorious Old Flag waves in triumph over every street and every city in these once United States of America. And I know that there is loyal hearts enough yet left to accomplish that glorious end. Do not think that this is mere prejudice on my part as to the loyalty of this party that I am hostile to—not by any means. What I say to you about them is [true] and I know them to be what I represent them to be. And remember that the advice comes from a brother that would sooner have his right arm severed from his body than to allow the same to write you a bad advice. — G. F. Speer

Give my love to all of those friends that you speak of in your last letter. Tell them that I often think of them when I am in camp and think of the contrast between camp life and enjoying their agreeable company in a city like Newark. However, I expect to see them all again when this cruel war is over. When the Rebs are all disarmed of course, &c. &c. — G. F. Speer

52nd Massachusetts Infantry, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Bill Wilson's 6th New York Zouaves, Donaldsonville, Louisiana

1863: Calvin Bryant to Laura Susan Nichols

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A frock coat worn by Edward F. Hamlin who served with Calvin in Co. I, 52nd Massachusetts Infantry. Edward wore this coat as a sergeant in the 52nd Mass. and then later removed the chevrons and added the shoulder straps of a lieutenant in 1867.

This letter was written by Calvin Bryant (1839-1914) who enlisted on 15 September 1862 at the age of 23 as a musician in Co. I, 52nd Massachusetts Infantry. Calvin mustered out of the regiment on 14 August 1863 after 9 months service. The regiment spent their time in the service in the Department of the Gulf under Major General Nathaniel P. Banks. The regiment participated in the Bayou Teche campaign in western Louisiana during April and May 1863 and then saw combat during the Siege of Port Hudson. The 52nd Massachusetts remained on picket duty in an advanced location under the fortifications within rifle shot range of the Confederates on the ramparts. They remained on this duty for roughly three weeks until the Confederate at Port Hudson surrendered on July 9. During their time in this dangerous position, the regiment suffered casualties of nine men killed, twelve wounded, and two captured.

Calvin was the son of Patrick Bryant (806-1884) and Bricea Dumbolton (1807-1867) of Chesterfield, Hampshire county, Massachusetts. He wrote this letter to Laura Susan Nichols (1840-1901) with whom he would later marry.

After he was discharged from the service, Calvin went into the business of manufacturing washing machines in Keene, New Hampshire.

[Transcribed by Ann Melichar/edited and researched by Griff.]

Transcription

Addressed to Miss Laurie S. Nichols, Chesterfield, Hampshire County, Massachusetts

Headquarters 52nd Regiment
Donaldsonville, Louisiana
60 miles below Baton Rouge
March 28, 1863

My dear Friend, 

You see by this letter that we are again on the move and as a matter of course I have taken to penciling, it being the best our traveling facilities afford, yet I do not exactly like the style for I have not forgotten how some of our letters were soiled and the writing near effaced, but most of our letters have come all safe when written with pencil. Even letters directed with pencil come all safe. There is no danger unless some accident happens to the boat and as I have no facilities for writing with ink, pencil marks will be acceptable, will they not? 

We struck tents at Baton Rouge last night at sun down and after having a large bonfire of the old rubbish in camp, we took the boat for this place at about 10 o’clock. Arrived here some time before morning. Remained on the boat until morning when we came ashore and here we are in camp in a very pleasant place on the green grass. Probably shall stop here several days. Our camp ground is a very large level field close by the river and a large bayou runs past the camp back into the country so that large vessels run back several miles from the river. The water is now several feet higher than the camp ground [and] is kept in place by the levee which we used to read about in the old geography [class]. I used to think that was a curious arrangement and little did I think of ever seeing it under such circumstances. It is a very warm pleasant day and this is a very pleasant place but we can’t get any boards to make floors with but shall probably not stop long. Don’t know what the  next move will be. 

Billie Wilson’s famous New York 6th [Zouaves] are here under arrest. They left Baton Rouge the other day as they supposed for home thinking their time was out, but there was some misunderstanding about the matter and when they found they were to be landed here, they rebelled and raised mutiny, attempted to throw some of the officers overboard. They were immediately arrested and placed under guard without arms. What will be done with them I don’t know. Perhaps they will make a visit to Ship Island. They may not get home quite so soon as they expected. I tell you they are the roughest set of men I ever saw without exception.

Colonel Wilson and some of his 6th New York Zouaves

We received an old mail yesterday morning. I received two old letters but not one from thee. I don’t see what it means. I know they have been written and if they don’t come along why I shall make no fuss about it but would rather read them myself than to have the Rebels read them or have them sunk in the briney ocean, don’t you think so?

Evening. Well, Laurie, here we are in the old tent on the grass with all our blankets, cups, plates and all our furniture, drums, &c. in a promiscuous pile. Guess you would think it a small place to keep house. We are all piled up together. Have a crutch stuck in the ground with a bit of a candle on it which I brought from Baton Rouge. I am lounging on my knapsack and it is rather hard for some to write in such a position so I will close for the night and retire. Good night. Good night. Pleasant dreams.

Sunday sermon and a beautiful morn too. Would that I could know where you are and what doing just at this  moment. O, how I wish I could have it seem like Sunday. We have no Sunday in the army particularly when moving about as we are now. The days are  all the same. There are many in the army who would not know when it came only by special inquiry. I had a good sleep last night and am now feeling quite bright for me, just as though I would like to change my clothes, comb my whiskers, take the black pony and drive up to church and after that——-there comes the drummer’s call and I must go for guard-mounting.

Well, the ceremony of guard mounting is through with, Next, cap regimental inspection at 10, o’clock ….. which is the style nowadays but we are good for it yet and let it come. But judging from what I hear, it will be well for us to get accustomed to it before coming home. By the way, I am older than I was once and am not to be frightened by any of their color. As I have said, “if folks didn’t talk, they  wouldn’t say anything.” So let them go on. It rather affords me pleasure than pain to have them speculate and conjecture about our affairs, yet I don’t want so much fun at their expense and hate to have them spend their energies so foolishly. To sum up the whole matter, I have perfect confidence in our ability to manage our own affairs and I trust we shall do it. When we cannot, we will call for help. Is that not the true way? “Yes, yes, O, yes.” Don’t be afraid to tell me how our affairs move in the eyes of the public. The boys are seeing the mail has come and I must go and see whether it is one of our noted humbugs in camp or whether it is really a truth. It is “hurrah for the mail” all over camp. 

The rumor is that we are going to help Gen. Weitzel out of “a tight place.” He is said to be in a position where he cannot get away without help not many miles from this place. I don’t know how far…….field will come to by what we hear. Should judge that they are not in a way of immediate reform in morals. It seems as though they are bound to kick up some kind of a breeze in town to keep the standard of morals below an average temperature and one thing more, I think, they are doing about the same—or a little more—“minding other folks business to the neglect of their own” as usual. If I should believe all I hear I might think that our business will all be strictly attended to without any of our assistance. Don’t you think the people are very kind in offering so much assistance even when we could get along so well without it. I tell the boys when I get home I am going to take a wagon load of brimstone on fire and go through the town and see if it won’t clear up the scented atmosphere. We have some very impure air in camp.

Well, Laurie, I have just this bit of paper to cover with my nonsense and then I must stop. You know my pencil does not move so easily as it would if I had not been disappointed at sums just as though something is the matter —“that’s what’s the matter”. 

I have just taken my dinner coffee and hard tack but we had a good breakfast of potatoes and meat and grass. We shall not starve before supper. We know nothing where we shall take our supper. We expect every moment to hear the order “fall in” but we have become accustomed to it. We are always ready. I will try to get this into the box before we go.  Guess I will fill my haversack with ginger crackers and my canteen at the old well before I start. If I get round in season I will call tonight at 6. Does “the old lounge” stand there under the window waiting for us? But I had forgotten that you are not at the old homestead now. Strange. You must be there if I call tonight or I shouldn’t stay around. I hope somebody will change the front door before I get home. 

Hope you are enjoying your visit to Boston and [ ]. I hope I shall hear from you soon. Many kind wishes and all those sort of things.  From your sincere friend, — C. Bryant

Civil War Poem, Civil War Stationery

“Soldier’s Tear”—a Poem by Thomas Haynes Bayly

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This morning I saw a post on Yankee Rebel Antiques by my friend Ron Coddington, author and editor of Military Images Magazine, in which he referred to a poem entitled “Soldier’s Tear” that was published by James Gates of Cincinnati during the Civil War. He described the piece as having been folded, suggesting that someone had possibly carried it with them—perhaps a soldier given to him by a loved one.

As I read the poem it occurred to me that I had read at least a portion of it before but couldn’t remember where. Thinking was on an envelope, I searched Civil War envelopes and found one with the familiar words (though retitled “Soldier’s Farewell”) and an engraving of a soldier waving goodbye to his family. The poem and stationery was sold by James Gates, the proprietor of the Union Envelope Manufacturing company located at the southeast corner of 4th & Hammond Streets. While there were many manufacturers who produced stationery with patriotic scenes on them during the war, Gates took his marketing to a new level, even going so far as selling entire “kits” of not only paper and envelopes (a set of 12), but a pen, a pencil, and a “Union pin or other piece of jewelry” suitable for gifting to a loved one. Soldiers often purchased these kits as they passed through Cincinnati and early war letters are commonly found on his stationery. [See Union & Confederate Soldiers’ Stationery, Their Designs & Purposes, by Steven R. Boyd]

What I found to be most unusual about this piece, however, is that it was written not by an American, but by an Englishman named Thomas Haynes Bayly (1797-1839) whose songs and ballads, including this one, were published in Philadelphia under the title, “Songs and Ballads, Grave & Gay” in 1844. If you are observant, you will notice that he also died in 1839, more than twenty years before the Civil War. I don’t know for sure when Thomas wrote the piece “Soldier’s Tear,” but it was published in the New Yorker in June 1837 so it had to be prior to that. The preface to Songs & Ballads defines him as “unquestionably the most popular English song-writer of his age…unequalled as he is for graceful imagery and delicately turned expression…”

Thomas wrote the lyrics for a tune written by Alexander Lee which was also published in the New Yorker:

The Soldier’s Tear

Wanting to hear the tune played and sung, I found the following clip on YouTube:

185th New York Infantry, Presidential Election of 1864, Siege of Petersburg

1864: Alburtus H. Peckham to Asahel G. Eggleston

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A post-war image of Alburtus H. Peckham

This letter was written by Alburtus H. Peckham (1841-1919), the son of William Robinson Peckham, Jr. (1816-1886) and Maria Schermerhorn Kettle (1819-1887) of Cortlandville, Cortland county, New York.

At the age of 23, Alburtus enlisted on 1 September 1864 as a private in Co. F, 185th New York Infantry—a one-year regiment. He was wounded (gun shot through left thigh) on 29 March 1865 in the fighting at Quaker Road (see Battle of Gravelly Run) and transported to the Lincoln Hospital in Washington D. C. where he was discharged on 8 June 1865.

After the war, Alburtus was a merchant in Virgil, New York. He married Lydia Ann Smith (1842-1903) in 1870 and moved to Michigan prior to 1900.

Alburtus wrote the letter to Asahel G. Eggleston (1813-1897) and his wife, Louisa Kenney (1818-1897) of Cortland, New York. Asahel was a farmer in Cortland county. Alburtus does not appear to have been a relation but perhaps he had been previously employed by Asahel as a farmhand.

Transcription

Addressed to Mr. A. Eggleston, Cortlandville, Cortland county, New York

Camp on the front
October 15th 1864

Mr. and Mrs. Eggleston,

I have a little time this morning and I do not know that I can spend it more agreeable than to write a little. The Army of the Potomac is at present rather inactive—or at least it is not in fighting activity. But how long this quiet will last is something only the future can develop. Very soon indeed may the deathly missiles of war be put in motion and the rebellious soil of Virginia be saturated with the blood of our American people. We heard heavy firing all night and we understand this morning that it was gunboats down on the James River. We think there must be a move somewhere pretty soon.

We were the witnesses of rather a solemn affair yesterday. At about half past nine, a member of the 2nd Maryland was marched to the rear of our camp to be shot for desertion. 1 Four men carried his coffin and the 9th Brigade Band played the “Death March” as thousands moved to the place of death. Many hearts beat in sympathy for the poor victim but from the history of his military life all were assured that he ought to die. We have too many men of such character in our army and doubtless many patriotic hearts have bled in consequence of them.

Our camp at present is located on the farm of a rebel officer. It does not look much like farming here now. Not a building except the house nor a fence is to be seen. The ground was the past summer covered with tobacco and cotton. We find occasionally a cotton plant standing now. I have not seen a stone of any kind since I have been in Virginia. Some of the company have seen one or two. The principle timber here is pine and the boys use it too, just as if it was not worth anything.

October 18

I did not have time o finish and mail this letter last Saturday and today finds us in a different location. Sunday we were ordered to march so we took our house and furniture on our backs and started for some part, we knew not where, but we soon found out for we only moved about a mile farther toward the front.

We now again occupy the front line of breastworks, over which the Rebs take the privilege to boost a shell once in awhile. We have not been troubled any yet but the old troops that were here before us used to get “woke up” once in awhile. Along the front of our breastworks was once a large piece of woods but now they are all cut down and present a wasteful appearance as they are mostly large pines, and appear to be of much worth—at least to northern people.

The regiment went almost wholly for “Old Abe” as most sensible people do. There was some deserters came into our camp the other day from the Rebs and they said if Lincoln was elected, they would have but little hope and it would be a hard matter to get many of them to fight anymore.

—A. H. Peckham, 185th New York, 18 October 1864

Maj. Waters has been at our regiment and taken their votes. The regiment went almost wholly for “Old Abe” as most sensible people do. There was some deserters came into our camp the other day from the Rebs and they said if Lincoln was elected, they would have but little hope and it would be a hard matter to get many of them to fight anymore. The coming election is looked to with a hope of its having something of an influence for the better, and such we think will be the case, but of course we cannot tell. No more at present for I have no time to write.

Shall be glad to hear from you at anytime. My love to all. Yours in Dixie, — A. H. Peckham

1 The soldier from the 2nd Maryland who was shot for desertion on 14 October 1864 was Charles H. Merling.

41st Ohio Infantry, Battle of Perryville, Battle of Stones River

1862-63: John Henry Wakefield to Hellen (Wakefield) Munyan

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I could not find an image of John but here is a tintype of Benjamin Darby of Co. F, 41st Ohio Vol. Infantry (Matthew Fleming Collection)

These two letters were written by John Henry Wakefield (1839-1893), the son of John Wakefield (1802-1871) and Susan A. Wakefield (1813-1878) of Bedford, Cuyahoga county, Ohio. John wrote both letters to his older sister, Hellen (Wakefield) Munyan (1837-1903), the wife of Horace Franklin Munyan (1832-1922) of Bay City, Bay county, Michigan.

John enlisted on 27 September 1861 when he was 22 years old to serve three years in Co. D, 41st Ohio Volunteer Infantry (OVI). He was appointed corporal on 24 November 1861, and made the 1st Sergeant of his company on 27 April 1863. He was wounded in the Battle of Chickamauga on 19 September 1863 and again on 27 May 1864 in the Battle of Picketts Mills, Georgia. His wound in the last named battle resulted in the amputation of his right arm and he was mustered out of the service on 4 November 1864.

The first letter was datelined from Glasgow, Kentucky, on the day before the Battle of Perryville in which the 41st OVI participated, though they saw only light skirmishing. After having helped to drive Bragg’s army out of Kentucky, the 41st returned to Nashville in late October 1862 and remained there until late December when the Army of the Ohio advanced against the Confederate army at Murfreesboro and participated in the Battle of Stones River. On the first day of that battle, the brigade in which the 41st fought stopped a Confederate assault after the Right Wing collapsed, saving the Union army from defeat. They repulsed another attack on the second day and silenced a Rebel battery on the third day. Following this three day battle, the 41st entered camp at Readyville, Tennessee, where the second letter was written.

Letter 1

Camp at Glasgow [Kentucky]
October 7, 1862

Dear Sister,

It has been a long time since I have written to you. I have not had any chance as we have been on the move for two months and I expect we shall tomorrow for Gallatin within fifteen miles of Nashville and sixty-five or seventy miles from here. The weather is quite cool and has been for some time. We had a snow about ten days ago. It fell three inches in depth and was very heavy and cold.

I have no news of interest to write—only we got four months pay yesterday. We have two [ ] yet. My health is very good and I hope these few lines will find you and Harold well. I wrote a letter home yesterday. The last letter I received from home was dated the sixth. It arrived in five days. Your letter of the 13th of August arrived some time after. I was very glad to hear that you were all well. I hope Horace has not enlisted yet. [Brother] Martin had not the last letter I got. They have not had their tents since we left Murfreesboro until a few days ago the Captain had one the Colonel gave him and I slept under it. I have not carried my blankets any on the march. We are still at our old business—Headquarters guard.

Our regiment had a skirmish with the enemy. There was no one hurt, one horse shot. There were heavy volleys of musketry and they opened on us with shell from artillery. Our men skirmished with them every day on our march from Louisville. If I were to give you a detailed [report], it would weary your patience so I will close sending my best respects to you and James. So goodbye, — J. H. Wakefield

J. H. Wakefield, Co. D, 41st Regt. OVI, 19th Brigade, 4th Division, Army of Ohio, Louisville, Kentucky, Care of Capt. [Harvey] Proctor

Letter 2

Camp at Readyville, Tennessee
February 16, 1863

Dear Sister and Husband,

I received your letter of January 6 and one from home some time ago. I received your letter of February 8th. This evening I was very glad to hear that you were all well but I was surprised to hear that you had not heard from me and that you were so much troubled about me. I wrote a letter to you a few days after the battle & wrote a long letter to Aunt Powers a short time since and requested her to send it to you. I am in good health and enjoying good spirits.

We are encamped at the foot of a hill on a fine slope of ground near a small river. The water is very good. The health of the soldiers is very good. We are in advance on this pike from Murfreesboro to Woodbury. It is ten miles to Murfreesboro and seven to Woodbury. The rebels are quite thick around here but we are getting used to them. We have had several skirmishes with them since we have been here. We went out to Woodbury and had quite a sharp skirmish with them. One man was wounded in our company in the leg quite severely.

The weather has been fine and warm for a week. It rained last night and has rained all day and rains hard tonight.

February 17th. It is not very pleasant today. It has rained nearly all day. We have been graveling our streets today and our walks to keep us out of the mud. It is quite warm.

There is no news of interest in camp today. I shall review the scenes of Murfreesboro Battle. I have written so many long letters about it that it would be a task to me. We were under a heavy fire of solid shot and shells and musket balls from daylight in the morning until darkness closed the same. It seemed as though the night would never come as hour after hour the shot and shell plowed our noble ranks all day. [But] we held our position. Darkness found us where we were in the morning. We were on the left of the army. Our Brigade was the only one that did not give way. Several times the balls came closer to me than I wished to have them. A musket ball hit my canteen and glanced off and a cannon ball took my cap off. 1

I received a letter from Harriet about ten days since. They were all well and enjoying themselves comfortably. I received a letter from Rufus and Aunt Powers. It was a very good, kind, and friendly letter and I answered it in the same style. I forgot to mention in the proper place that [Sergt.] Spencer Sawyer was slightly wounded. I have learned today for the first time his place of residence. He went to the rear to a hospital and was taken prisoner. He is doing well. He is in Maryland. Warren Scott was taken prisoner. He is not wounded. The opinion here is that he went and gave himself up. Joseph Hist was wounded in the wrist. I have heard today that he is dead. He had the consumption and I expect the effect of the wound caused his death. His father lives near Lockwood. I have received the intelligence that David Jones is dead. He belonged to our company. He had just returned home [to Bedford, Ohio] of a discharge furlough.

I received a letter from home this evening dated the eleventh. They are all well and enjoying themselves as far as I can learn. I wish when you write, you would send a postage stamp as they are very scarce and hard to obtain and I have to write a good many letters. I wrote home for some but thy do not send them. I most always have a plenty of paper and envelopes. We are nearly up with the times with news here. We saw Cleveland papers ninth and Louisville the sixteenth. I don’t know how it got here so quick. I would be very glad to spend a day with you but my business is such that I cannot leave at present. I am glad to hear that your little girl is a growing finely. I would be very glad to see her. I trust the time will come when the cloud will rise from the face of our country that now darkens it and we will meet again. I would be very glad to visit with you in your northern home.

The health of the regiment is very good. I have been acting Orderly Sergeant since we left Nashville. I must close fearing I will weary you with my long letters. If there is any mistakes, you must correct them as I have not time. We are having a very good time this winter. It is so warm.

Yours truly. I send my love to all. From your brother, — J. H. Wakefield

Address: Co. D. 41st Regt. OVI, 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, Army of the Cumberland. Left Wing Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Care of Capt. Proctor

1 For a great summary of the role played by the 41st OVI at the Battle of Stones River, see Summoning Hell’s Half Acre: The 41st Ohio in the Round Forest, published on 22 April 2020 in Dan Masters’ Civil War Chronicles.

13th U. S. Regulars, Battle of Shiloh

1862: James W. Hughey to Levi S. Miller

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I could not find an images of James but here’s one of Sylvanus B. Crane who served in the same company of the 13th US Regulars. (Photo Sleuth)

This letter was written by James W. Hughey (1830-1917) to his brother-in-law Levi S. Miller (1829-1917) and Sarah Jane (Hughey) Miller (1829-1917) on Vinton, Benton county, Iowa. James was the son of Thomas B. Hughey (1801-1885) and Elizabeth Jane Gordon (1804-1854) of Madison, Highland county, Ohio.

James was married to Mary Jane Trout (1833-1911) in November 1853 and had at least two children, Melissa (b. 1855) and George (b. 1856) by the time of his enlistment on 17 March 1862 as a private in Co. H, 1st Battalion, 13th US Infantry. At the time of his enlistment, James was described as 5’7″ tall, with blue eyes and brown hair. He was discharged from the service in March 1865 at Nashville, Tennessee.

At the time this letter was written in mid-May 1862, the battalion of regulars were still encamped at Camp Sherman near Alton, Illinois. Gen. Halleck used them to guard prisoners of war until September 1862 when they were finally set to Newport, Kentucky, for final organization and then sent to General Sherman’s army who was then at Memphis.

[This letter is from the personal collection of Greg Herr and is published on Spared & Shared by express consent.]

Transcription

Camp Sherman [near Alton, Illinois]
May 13th 1862

Dear Brother and Sister,

I received yours of the 8th inst. which found me well and enjoying myself well for a boy that is as far from wife and children and relation and hear of few times from them as I do. This letter is the second that I have had—one from wife and one from you. I was glad to hear from Vinton and to hear from the boys that was in the Pittsburg [Landing] Battle as I have not heard the names of the wounded nor those that has been taken prisoners in any of those companies that I was acquainted with. There was one of those names that I was not acquainted with unless it was old man Loree but if it was, the first letter was wrong for it was a letter S instead of L. So write which it is.

This regiment was paid off last Saturday the 10th of May. I got for my dues up to May 1st. $29.73 which is most double what I expected to get. I did not see what was the cause of them paying me more than the rest. When I signed the pay roll I was hurried so that I did not get to look over all the charges but it comes in good play. I want to send Mary Jane $25 this time. I think I can get along till the first of July. Then we will be paid again.

I will have my likeness taken as soon as I can have it taken and send it to you. I went yesterday but I could not get it taken. There is two artists in this city and since the boys has got their pay, there is such a rush to have them taken that there is not any chance but I will try to send it in my next letter as I want to send one to Mary Jane as soon as I can get it taken.

So I want you to write oftener and none of your half sheets for you cannot buy a half sheet without buying the other two so write all the news and let me have something to read. We are still a gaining ground on southern soil and backing the Rebels down. We get word that there was a general engagement going on now. We got this news last night so God speed the times when rebellion will be subdued and our poor prisoners set free for if anyone would see how prisoners look where there is no more than 1,000, they would like to hear the sound of freedom where there is sentinels to guard them with loaded guns and bayonets to pierce a man through if they say a sassy word to him and see them sick and dying and no one to cheer for them.

I will have to close by requesting you to write often. So goodbye. J. W. Hughey

A word to Mr. and Mrs. [John] Felker. I am in Illinois now and am enjoying good health—I think better than I ever did at this season of the year, I was weighed yesterday with just my dress coat on and weighed 139 lb—a half pound more than when I left Vinton. Then I had some 12 or 15 lb. more clothing on than now. Write to me and let me hear how you and the boys get along.

St. Helena Island

1863: “John” to Mrs. Sarah F. Gordon

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The author of this brief letter remains unidentified. It appears that he has signed his name “John” and he has given the name of a comrade but it is not easily read. It turns out that envelope is of no help because I don’t believe it actually belong with the letter. It was addressed to Mrs. Sarah F. Gordon of of Exeter, New Hampshire, who was a 61 year-old widow at the time this letter was written. Since the soldier has called her his “dear little sister, ” this seems improbable. Besides the envelope was postmarked in Baltimore in April, and the handwriting of the envelope does not match that of the letter. The soldier is clearly an enlisted a man as he is consigned to a shelter tent of small proportions.

From searching regimental histories, it seems most likely that the author served in either the 23rd Massachusetts, the 9th New Jersey, the 81st New York, or the 98th New York. These four regiments comprised the 1st Brigade of Negley’s 2nd Division in the 18th Army Corps that moved onto St. Helena Island on February 10th, 1863—the day before this letter was penned.

[Note: This letter was transcribed by Annaliese Vonheeringen; edited and researched by Griff]

Transcription

Addressed to Mrs. Sarah F. Gordon, Exeter, N. H.
Postmarked in April, Baltimore, Maryland
[Not convinced the envelope goes with the letter; month wrong, handwriting different]

St. Helena Island
Feb. 11th 1863 

My dear little sister,

Here we are landed on this island to take the air and in order & in order to wash out our boots. Oh, we were very dirty. I have no news to tell—am still well and happy. Yesterday I strolled over the island and saw many new and interesting sights. The island is covered with orange and palmetto trees. The oranges are just gone but were very plenty. I saw one branch with 8 or ten golden fellows on it. On one plantation was a pretty garden with violets, verbena, arborvitae & orange trees. Oh how I thought of you when I saw the verbena. I enclose a sprig.

Sketch of tent dimensions

We live in shelter tents of the following dimensions [drawing of tent with dimensions 5 ½ feet L by 5 ½ feet diagonally L. 3 ½ feet tall and 6 feet wide at the entrance]. I have no chance to write here but when we get back on the boat, I’ll write more. 

With the verbena, I send a brother’s warmest love. May the time soon come when I may be with you in person & prove how much I love you. 

Your brother —John 

P. S. You needn’t send any more stamps for a month. I have several now. Denen just came in and says give my love to Mollie 

John

Daguerreotype

1848 Daguerreotype of Ebenezer Clapp, Jr.

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This image of Ebenezer Clapp, Jr. was taken by Peter Foss on 9 September 1848. Clapp gifted the daguerrotype to his sister, Hepzibah Sumner. Ebenezer was born in Dorchester, Mass. on 24 March 1809. He died in Boston on 12 June 1881. Ebenezer was one of the organizers of the Dorchester Antiquarian & Historical Society, He married in April 1833 to Sarah Swan. (William Griffing Collection)

Obituary of Ebenezer Clark, Jr.

Clapp’s obituary, published in the Boston Journal on June 13, 1881, reads as follows: “At Dorchester on Sunday Deacon Ebenezer Clapp, an old and respected resident of that section of the city, died very suddenly. He was standing in one of the rooms of his house, when visited by the fatal stroke and dropping to the floor expired instantly. Mr. Clapp had been a consumptive several years but this sudden termination of his life was an unexpected one. He was born in Dorchester April 24, 1809, and was the fifth son of Deacon Ebenezer and Eunice (Pierce) Clapp. Receiving his education in a brick school house adjoining the old homestead where he was born, he remained with his father until he was in the twenty-third year of his age. His father was carrying on successfully the business of a tanner, and the son worked in the tannery. 

In September 1831, the young man received an appointment in the Boston Custom House as substitute for a relative who was obliged by ill-health to vacate his position temporarily, and in August 1832, he was commissioned as an inspector, Mr. David Henshaw being Collector of the Port at that time. Mr. Clapp held the position eleven years, proving himself a capable and faithful officer, and retiring with the respect and esteem of all with whom his official duties brought him in contact.

After leaving the Custom House he engaged in the book selling and stationery business, having a store on the corner of Franklin and Washington Streets. Here he remained until 1861. Previous to this change in his business he had been instrumental in forming the Dorchester Antiquarian and Historical Society. The preliminary meeting held with a view to organizing that society, was held at his house January 27, 1843, and when the organization was effected, he was elected Corresponding Secretary, to which office he has been reelected every year since that time. He was one of the committee of the society appointed to compile a “History of Dorchester.” Much of the labor devolved upon him and he published the work, a volume of 672 pages in 1839. 

From the corner of Franklin and Washington streets Mr. Clapp removed to (old) No. 308 Washington street, where he continued his business a few years, removing again to No. 7 School street where he remained until within a few years his son, E. Herbert Clapp, succeeding him and retaining the stand until January last, when he sold out.

Mr. Clapp took great interest in historical and genealogical research, had a very retentive memory, adn from June 1834 kept a daily journal. He was therefore a very reliable authority in regard to persons and events. In 1842 he resolved to collect the history of his ancestors, and while engaged in this work became impressed with the importance of the work, and determined to make it a broader one. Accordingly he began to collect material for a genealogical history of all bearing the name of Clapp and the result was a large volume entitled, “Record of the Clapp Family in America,” which was published in 1876 under the direction of a committee appointed for the purpose.

Mr. Clapp has always been a resident of Dorchester. In 1854 he was chosen as Deacon of the First Church there, succeeding his father in that office, adn being the ninth member of the family to hold it. He was also a clerk of the parish many years, and was long a member of the School Committee of the  town. He held a commission as Justice of the Peace about a quarter of a century. On April 4, 1838, Mr. Clapp married Miss Sarah Swan of Dorchester, by whom he had one daughter and three sons. Two of his sons are living, namely Charles Augustus, who is engaged in the publishing business in New York, and Ebenezer Herbert, who has been Assistant Clerk of the Massachusetts Senate during the past two sessions. The funeral of Mr. Clapp will take place at the First Church, Dorchester, at 3 o’clock Wednesday afternoon.

Enclosed in case with daguerreotype
127th New York Infantry

1863: William B. Miller to William J. Bennett

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I could not find an image of William but here is one of James S. Sayre who also served as a private in Co. K, 127th New York Infantry (Photo Sleuth)

These letters were written by William B. Miller (1840-1909), the son of George W. Miller (1799-1881) and Mehitable King (1812-1888) of Amagansett, Suffolk county, New York.

William enlisted in Co. K (the “Monitors”), 127th New York Infantry in September 1862 and mustered out of the regiment in June 1865, serving two years and 11 months. He served with his brother Josiah Parsons Miller, with his cousin Jonathan Allen Bennett, and a number of other relatives who were recruited in the fall of 1862 from the eastern tip of Long Island.

William wrote all of these letters to his uncle, William J. Bennett who was the father of his cousin, Jonathan Allen Bennett.

For more letters by the 127th New York Infantry that have been transcribed and posted on Spared & Shared, see:
Henry Blain Graham, Co. C, 127th New York (1 Letter)
John Allen, Co. E, 127th New York (1 Letter)
Lord Wellington Gillett, Co. H, 127th New York (1 Letter)
Jonathan Allen Bennett, Co. K, 127th New York (33 Letters)
Josiah Parsons Miller, Co. K, 127th New York (3 Letters)

Letter 1

Camp Bliss
Upton’s Hill
February 3rd, 1863

Dear Uncle,

As [your son] Johnny is a writing, I thought I would write you a few lines to let you know that I am well and I hope these few lines will find you the same and all the rest of the folks. It has been cold enough to freeze the Devil to death and they have had us out a shooting blank cartridges today. I wish you could have seen me. I could not tell when I had hold of a cartridge or anything else.

I heard that Letta Baker was in the fashion [pregnant]. Is that so? I heard she run against a rule. It was not mine for I ain’t a carpenter. I had a letter from home last night and they said she said it belonged to me or Johnny. If that is so, I think I had better stay where I am a spell, don’t you? I have not seen her to speak to her since she was to Pelts Second Part. You know they said she was in the same way last winter. If she had him, I should not thought so much about it but you know that I am no such a feller as that. I don’t speak to a girl. You know much more do anything like that. I am as clear of that as a dog is of fleas, don’t you think so? I should like you to see her and see how she looks. I want you to write to me and let me know how she looks. Has she been eating raw rice or not? You said she had run against a rule. What kind of a rule was it? Was it the rule of three? I should like to have you do such sums by long or short division. I should try the rule of three and if I could not get it, I should try some other way.

I can’t write any more now. I want you to answer soon and let me know all about it. Give my love to all. I must say good night. This is from — William B. Miller

Letter 2

Camp near Vienna, Virginia
April 2, 1863

Dear Uncle,

as Johnny is writing, I thought I would write you a few lines to let you know that I am well and hope these few lines will find you the same. There is not much news to write. We have moved about sixteen miles from Camp Gurney. We have been put through [ ]. Since we moved last, Johnny and I have been contriving how to get out of this scrape. We don’t see any way [but] to have you go and see Charles P. Dayton and see if he can get a Lieutenant’s berth in some regiment. I want you to see him as soon as possible and see how much he thinks he can get one for and write to me soon and let me know all about it. Johnny or I—either of us—know twice as much as Shirey did about drilling and if you will see him and have a talk with him. I will pay you for your trouble if I ever see you and if I don’t, I will make my will and give you something.

The boys are all well and send their respects to all.

I don’t care what regiment it is if I only can get a commish.

Give my love to all the folks and don’t say anything about what I have wrote here. It is most dark so I shall have to say goodbye. This is from — William B. Miller

Letter 3

Camp near Catlett’s Station, Va.
July 3, 1863

Dear Uncle,

As I have a few leisure moments to spare and Johnny is a writing, if I live to get home, I never will say a word about hot weather. It is so hot here that I man can’t hardly live. I want to get home where I can go and see the girls. What do you think about Mary Fithen’s boy? I left in the right time to get clear of that. Now I am a coming home to go up and see them balsam trees again. The girls must look out for the soldiers. They talk hard some of them but that ain’t me. You know that I ain’t any such a boy as that for I never have anything to do with the girls, that you know I hope. Some of the boys will ask me to [their] wedding. You would think to hear them talk that they calculated to get married soon after they arrive home.

We have heard good news, if true. It is i a Baltimore Clipper. It says that the inhabitants of Richmond are coming back on Old Jeff and say he has led them into this rebellion and they don’t see any sight of it ending very soon and if he don’t end it, they will. And North Carolina talks hard of coming into the Union again. We are the boys to fetch them back. Do you see any sight of his cruel war ending this year? I can’t see the point yet if you do but I hope for the best. I must get supper soon. All I have got to do is fill my cup up with water and set it out in the sun and it will boil while I am finishing this. We don’t have any trouble to boil coffee when the sun shines and that is most of the time. We have not had rain enough to blow a feather over for the last month.

I can’t write any more this time. Pelt sends his respects to you and says he is a hard soul. Sam Ranger is here to my tent. He is well. Give my love to all. No more this time. From Old Bill Miller to his uncle W. J. Bennett

Write soon.

Letter 4

Morris Island, South Carolina
June 4, 1864

Dear Uncle,

As I have a few leisure moments to spare, I thought I would improve them in writing to you to let you know that I am well and I hope these few lines will find you and family all well. We are having pretty good times here now. Our company and E company and D company are detached to do picket duty in boats. we go out at retreat and get back at reveille. We go every other night. There is two reliefs of us.

There is not much news to write. The boys are all well except Harry King. He is very sick. Henry Baker has got two of his fingers hurt. He hurt them with a pistol. Elias Miller started for home on the same steamer that this will go on. I have got a plate to send you in this. You must give my love to all enquiring friends, I had a letter from home. One in East Hampton last winter with no name to it. It was headed “Dear Cousin” and I don’t know who it was from. If I can find out, I will answer it with pleasure.

You must write soon and write all the news. Goodbye, from Willia B. Miller

Direct to William B. Miller, Co. K, 127th Regt. N. Y. S. V., Morris Island, S. C., Department of the South