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.
The following letter was written by Joseph M. McKee (1845-1907), the son of Anthony Wayne McKee (1815-1873) and Emeline E. Bonner (182401876) of Ripley county, Indiana. During the Civil War, McKee served in Co. D, 123rd Indiana Volunteers from December 1863 to August 1865. After the war, Joseph went with his parents and siblings to Elmerdaro, Lyon county, Kansas. He married Lucy Craig (1853-1908) in 1871
McKee wrote the letter to Elizabeth (“Lizzie”) W. Planalp (1849-1935) of Spades Station (or Spades Depot) in Adams Township, Ripley county, Indiana Elizabeth was the daughter of Melchior Abplanalp (1803-1865), and emigrant from Switzerland, and his wife, Mary Mehl (1820-1902) of France. “Lizzie” was married in 1870 to Rev. Jacob Bockstahler (1845-1920)—a minister in the Central German Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Addressed to Miss Lizzie Planalp, Spades Station, Indiana
Hartford, Kansas May 20, 1867
Miss Planalp, kind friend,
It is with pleasure that I seat myself for the purpose of addressing you a few lines in answer to your kind and ever welcome letter of the 29th of January which was received some two months ago. I am ashamed to write to you after so long a delay. The only apology that I can offer is as follows. I was under such obligations to another person that I concluded I would delay writing to you until I was released from those obligations and then I could write you my feelings confidentially, So I hope you will be kind enough to forgive me for not writing sooner and I will try and be more faithful in the future. And as now I am released from all obligations to anyone, I ask you permission to correspond with you as a lover. I make this request through pure motives and nothing else. From our first acquaintance I loved you but circumstances would not permit me to make it known to you beyond friendship until now. I feel that I have done wrong by you in not writing to you sooner and disobeyed the law of etiquette in one particular, but probably in the future I will explain the matter to you satisfactorily so that you will not blame me for so doing.
I have been very much troubled here lately. Prospects looked very gloomy for a while. The citizens have left here considerable on the account of the fear that the grasshopper would destroy all vegetation that was planted, but the prospects look more favorable now. I cannot say that I am entirely satisfied with this country but I may like it better when I get better acquainted. We have very good society here. The people are mostly professors of religion. We do not have any saloons or gambling houses, or anything of that kind. The young men and ladies have found an excellent society in Hartford and it is doing a good thing toward bringing the young people to the path of duty. Their Oath of Enlistment is that they shall not drink any intoxicating liquor, go to no dances or any other immoral gathering, and I think it a very good institution.
There is one article in your letter that I do not exactly understand and that is to allusion of time. Please enlighten me on the subject. Scot has not written to me yet and I do not think he will for the reason that he knows he is guilty of a wrong and I can say he would not receive anything from my pen to pacify his conscience for I would write to him and tell him what I think if him and also I would send you a copy of the letter and then he could have no chance for dodging by misrepresenting my letter to you.
I will change the subject for I don’t suppose that it is at all interesting to you. If you do not accept of my proposition or approve it, do not fail to write as a friend for it will afford me much pleasure to receive a letter from you. If your affections are placed on another, excuse my intrusion. Do not delay in writing so long as I did for I am anxious to hear from you. I ask you again to pardon my long delay. Lizzie, I would like very much to see you and spend a few hours in social conversation but the distance is far between us so we will have to live in hope and await the future. I believe I have written all of importance for the present. This leaves me in the enjoyment of good health and I hope it may find you the same. Answer soon. Your admiring friend, — J. M. McKee of Hartford, Kansas
This letter was written by a student at Jefferson College in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, named Thompson Campbell. Though I cannot prove it from the contents of this letter, I think there’s a good chance that he is the same Thompson Campbell (1811-1868) who came to this country with his parents from Ireland and settled in Chester county, Pennsylvania. Biographical sketches for Campbell don’t provide any details on his schooling until he was admitted to the bar in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which is where this student says he was “at home” recently and where his correspondent, a friend, was also from.
Thompson wrote the letter to John Conway Cowan (1815-1838) of Pittsburgh. He attended Mount St. Mary’s College in Emmitsburg, Maryland, and entered the seminary there He died at Havana, Cuba, in February 1838.
Campbell’s biographical sketch: “Born in Ireland in 1811; immigrated to the United States with his parents, who settled in Chester County, Pa.; attended the public schools; studied law; was admitted to the bar in Pittsburgh, Pa.; moved to Galena, Ill., and engaged in mining; secretary of state of Illinois from 1843 until he resigned in 1846; delegate to the State constitutional convention in 1847; elected as a Democrat to the Thirty-second Congress (March 4, 1851-March 3, 1853); unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1852 to the Thirty-third Congress; delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1852; appointed United States land commissioner for California by President Pierce in 1853 and served until he resigned in 1855; returned to Illinois; delegate to the Democratic National Convention at Charleston in 1860; elector at large on the Breckinridge and Lane ticket in 1860; returned to California and served in the California house of representatives as a member of the Union Party in 1863 and 1864; delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1864; died in San Francisco, Calif., December 6, 1868; interment in Laurel Hill Cemetery.”
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Canonsburg [Pennsylvania] January 17th 1830
Esteemed Friend,
I received your letter on yesterday dated the 4th and two from James. I read it with pleasure and was still more happy to hear that you enjoyed good health—a blessing which a great part of the human race is deprived of. I was at home about one week since. I saw your Father and little Richard. There are well and all the rest of the family. This is the last session I will be here for some time. I intend going to Kenyon [College in Gambier, Ohio] next May and remain there two years and then come back to Canonsburg and graduate. Kirk Lewis is going with me and one or two more. For the last week we have had very fine skating. They are very strict about us going to church here. We have to attend sermon in the morning, bible class in the afternoon, and society at night. The report is here that the monks open all the letters and read them before the students get them but if I was there, I would see them damned before they should open my letter and read it. I beg pardon for using the expression and I hope you will not be offended. I wish you would inform about this in your next letter if you please.
I have nothing of importance to transmit to you at present. There was a serious accident happened here on Christmas night. A boy was caught in the act of fornication. The girl was bound to a man by the name of Walker. 1 He was watching and caught them. He caught the boy by the collar and took a stone and broke his skull in two places and cracked it about two inches. The boy was confined to bed about nine days and he got considerable better. He went home and we have heard since he was dead. Walker is prosecuted and is to stand his trial next court and I hope he may have his neck stretched for it. The boy is expelled from college.
We have a great many little scrapes here and suspect you have some there to. I will write to James immediately. Do not neglect to write. And I still remain your ever affectionate friend, — Thompson Campbell
To John C. Cowan
1I couldn’t find any mention of this incident in local newspapers. However, there was a saddler named Moses Walker (1792-1855) who lived in Canonsburg at the time. It’s not surprising that the incident wasn’t reported, as such topics rarely appeared unless a pregnancy was involved, and legal action against offenders was uncommon. In 1830, fornication was illegal in Pennsylvania, so if the male offender had died, many would have considered that as justice served.
The following letter was written by William Atwater (1837-1913), the son of Joshua D. Atwater (1807-1840) and Dorcas Bronson (1807-1903) of Massillon, Stark county, Ohio. From William’s letter it is clear that he worked as telegraph operator during the Civil War and was recently stationed at Nashville, Tennessee. I believe that William was employed as a civilian contractor for the military telegraphic service.
In the 1870 US Census, William was enumerated as an inmate, age 30, in the Northern Ohio Lunatic Asylum in Newburgh, Cuyahoga county, Ohio (his former occupation given as a telegraph operator; his condition “insane”). In 1880, he was still in the asylum, age 40, suffering from “mania.”
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Nashville, Tennessee May 6th 1862
Dear Brother,
Yours of the 2nd inst. was received. I had intended writing to Mother on Sunday to keep my promise good but was busy on the line all day, Morgan’s Cavalry having been around within 30 miles of here on the road & it made considerable stir, I can assure you. They sent some troops down to reinforce Col. Duffield at Murfreesboro. Gen. Dumont started in pursuit of Morgan & succeeded in catching or capturing 150 men, horses, and a large quantity of arms. This was at Lebanon about 40 miles from here. The Secesh do not say much this morning although “Gravevine Telegraph” worked tip top on Sunday.
Today is a splendid specimen of summer weather being warm and pleasant out. The 11th Michigan Regiment passed through here last evening en route for Columbia to join Gen. Negley at that point, I believe. I received a letter from Harry Allen from Pittsburg Landing a few days ago in which he says that Jesse Keel had gone home. Also says Jimmy Hunt had gone home having been unwell for a month past. I was much pleased upon hearing of Doct. Huxthal’s promotion. Immediately upon receiving your letter I went over & saw Dr. Hodge. He says he is glad to hear of Huxthal’s promotion and thinks him a worthy man to hold such a position. I also saw Hayden of Canal Dover. Also Henry Kaldenbaugh that was book keeper for Col. Webb while he was in New York. Old Kelly, the boat captain, is in the 51st Regt. as private. I saw him on the street about two weeks ago. I am sorry to hear that Jesse Keel is in such a bad situation adn hope that it is not as bad as you represent in your letter. Jesse is a fine fellow and I feel sorry for him. I was very much surprised upon hearing of Mrs. Allen’s death although I knew she was very low when I left home. How does Mr. Allen take it? Hard I presume as I have always thought that he thought a great deal of his wife.
You must certainly have had a hard time of it when you wrote the letter being interrupted so much. You say the operator at the Depot has gone to Washington, eh? Well, I think Mr. Booth will be pretty hard up for operators then as two of his men arrived here yesterday—one from Wooster, the other from Crestline, and one more from Rochester, Pa. will be here today or tomorrow. I received the box all right & am much obliged for it. Tell Uncle I am much obliged for the cigars. I think the charges are very reasonable. I do nothing but telegraph work for “Uncle Samual” & telegraph all over. I an at the depot of the Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad & Louisville Railroad. They need a Freight Clerk down stairs but I do not know whether it would pay me any better to try and get the place or not. I have been helping Mr. Goodhew, the Superintendent, in writing up Freight books some and if I can make an arrangement to do that business for about 25 or 30 dollars per month, I will do it as that will keep me & then I can have my little old sixty to stow away for future use & to pay up my debts. I shall ask him tonight. I have not had but two or three [Cincinnati] Commercials since I have been here but get the Nashville papers occasionally.
Johnny Richardson of Crestline came here this morning. He told me that about ten days after I had left for this place he received a telegraph message for me from Mr. J. H. Wade in which it said I could go to Omaha City & take charge of that office. He sent the message to Massillon where it was directed. Did you get it? If not, that scamp at the depot did not deliver it to you. He represented himself as a single man at Massillon but left a wife in Illinois before he came to Massillon. Asa yet, I have heard nothing from Pittsburgh in regard to my account. I think I shall try & visit you during August if I can possibly get off. Mr. Bruch intends going North with his wife in that month & I shall try and arrange it so that I can go with him.
Two hundred of Morgan’s prisoners will be here tomorrow from Murfreesboro, being those captured by Gen. Dumont on Sunday last. I will ask Mr. Goodhew in regard to the business arrangements you spoke of. He will know all about it as he was here during the time that the secesh were & can probably tell more about it than Mr. Hodge can. I got paid off today. Got $52 for last month’s pay, not being a full month. I do not get rations here. If I was in camp, then I would get them. I send you this time $25. Next month I will send you forty, probably $45. Do not know what my boarding is going to cost. I intend to send all I can…
When you write again, please let me know about what arrangements you make with the railroad folks, provided you see them. Tell Mother I will write Sunday again if nothing happens. I shall write Clem Russell in a day or two & will then let you know about what Mr. Goodhew says. The Christian Advocate was received. I will go down to supper now as the “Boy” has just informed me that it is ready. You can say to ward Cummings that I have not heard from him yet and would be glad to hear from him. Give my regards to all. Remember me to Auntie’s folks; Jacob’s also. Kove to all. I am as ever, your brother, — Will Atwater
The following letter was written by James W. Black to his friend James Conner advising him of the names of those age eligible individuals selected in the 1864 draft in Pickaway county, Ohio. He suggests that his friend may want to ask a recruiter to back date enlistment papers for him as a volunteer in order to collect a hefty bounty rather than report as a draftee and receive no bounty.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Circle[ville], Ohio September 27, 1864
Friend Conner,
I am in a great hungry to give you the names of the drafted in Jackson township. I want this to go in the Columbus mail. Closing at 4 p.m. Now 3.40.
[list of names]
James you will see that you are 16 on the one hundred per cent & stand a good chance to get off- not be called to fill the place of an original throw out by the surgeon. But if you are afraid of being caught, just go to some friend who is recruiting, has a commission to recruit, make out papers of enlistment dating them back to last Saturday, & volunteer & sell your credit to some township paying local bounty ($500 or even $550) can be got besides the government bounty of $100 for one year & go in the service. By so doing you will make $600 & be a volunteer & not a drafted man in the U. S. service.
If you think of joining in that way & not waiting to get off, not be called on, telegraph to me at Kirk House, Washington, tomorrow 29 or next day 29. I may go & would like to go with you in the 184 Regiment at Camp Chase.
Call on James M. Gorrelle, Town St. House, Columbus or any recruiting agent & you can get the papers dated back—that is, if you conclude to go & not run the risk of having to go as a drafted man. I would not advise you. I only give you information. Act in the way you think best. It might save you $600 if you have to go. Your friend—James W. Black
in great haste.
Rush Creek is out of the draft out yesterday J. W. B.
The following letter was written by Stephen S. Conner (1845-1894) to his brother James Ryan Conner (1839-1930). They were the sons of William Conner, Sr. (1794-1879) and Anna Sherwood (1805-1884) of Perry county, Ohio. Stephen wrote the letter in October 1864 from Morganza, Louisiana, while serving as a private in Co. G, 114th Ohio Volunteer Infantry (OVI).
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Addressed to Mr. J. R. Conner, Delaware, Ohio
Morganza, Louisiana October 23, 1864
Brother Jim.
As you perceive, my letter dates from Morganza yet and I will [stay] the rest of this winter, I think. We have been here a long time, or 5 months longer than any place since come into the service. We had orders to leave last week, were ordered to be ready in a moment’s warning. Yesterday the order was countermanded.
Received your short note today dated September 29th at D[elaware]. Had looked to hear from you sooner expecting you to write first. Your letter was 10 days on the way. I was surprised to see your letter mailed at D[elaware]. Received a letter from home last week stating you was drafted and expected you would be in camp. Also said Ben was drafted and had gone to camp. You can’t be drafted or you would certainly said something about it. Have not had any late word from home stating otherwise. I don’t like to hear of a true brother of mine being drafted but I think it was the best thing that could have happened to Ben, I think it may make a true man of him.
I had a letter from him stating that he was a Peace man & greatly in favor of Mc[Clellan] & down on Lincoln. He thought L[incoln] was too much for the nigger & all other such things. I could see he was the biggest kind of a Copperhead.
Well Jim, we are fixed up bunkum here for winter. Have built houses. Went out into the country and tore down houses to build them, We just got a chimney built and now sitting by it enjoying myself writing. I am guarding at division commissary. Have been here over three months. Have no duty to but guard the rations in the commissary. Don’t have to go on picket or scout. The regiment goes on a scout once and twice a week.
Gen. [Michael K.] Lawler is commanding this post. He is our brigade commander. There has been a good deal of changing in our brigade, some times being expired have gone home, & others put in their places. Ours is the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division. The Brigade is composed of the following regiments: 69th Indiana, 24th Indiana, 22nd Kentucky, 97th Illinois, and 114th OVI. We have two brass bands in the Brigade.
Our regiment drew new guns today. The boys belonging to the company are all in good health. My health is excellent. Seen William Paden this eve. Was starting home on the boat on furlough. Looked awfully bad.
We get mails once and twice a week as often as boats comes down the river. We get Cincinnati papers in 5 days from the time they are printed. The news appears favorable. I received a W. C. Advocate from B. Crook today. I get letters from B & Ike often. Must tell you my dream last night. Thought I went to school to Delaware expecting to find you there but you was gone to the wars, being drafted. Must close. Direct as before. Always direct so whether we move or not. Write immediately and oblige. Your brother, — S. S. Conner
My best assessment indicates that this letter was composed by 17-year-old Catherine Solt, the offspring of Jacob Solt (1813-1886) and Sarah Glick (1819-1902) from Fairfield County, Ohio. She was likely employed as a school teacher at the time. In her correspondence to an unspecified cousin, Catherine articulates the palpable tension within the village of Bremen, where the looming threat of war has ignited conflicts stemming from divided loyalties, already resulting in acts of violence.
A newspaper article in the Lancaster Gazette published 4 days prior to this letter seems to be the source of the information contained in the letter.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Nursery, Fr. Co., Ohio May 6th 1861
Dear Cousin.
I was glad to hear of you & your pleasant situation. I suppose it would have to be a very pleasant place to repay for the unpleasant time you had last winter. I am very well pleased with my place. I have been very busy & had not time to answer your letter sooner. But it is raining very hard and is likely to rain all afternoon so I will improve the time writing.
Lancaster, Gazette, 2 May 1861
War, war is all the talk & I have a notion not to say anything about it [but] I believe I will give you a little sketch of a Union Meeting we had in Breman last Saturday a week [ago]. A military company was organized & during the volunteering, one Joe Sherboro whose sympathies were south of the Mason & Dixon’s line & threw out some insulting expressions concerning one of the volunteers, when one of the Neely’s resented the insult and gave the Tory a complete thrashing.
In the evening, while the excitement was still remaining high and before the crowd had dispersed, Old Bill McCollough publicly declared that if he fought at all, he would go south and shoot north & left for home when the excited and indignant citizens took after him and bespattered him thoroughly with eggs and closed the program by giving him a free ride on a rail back to town. He soon give up the ghost and they got him up on a box & he made a speech in favor of the Union & confessed he had done wrong (all the time kept pulling the egg out [his] whiskers.
Cousin Han Lallance made her appearance last Saturday. The rest of the folks are all well & Jo too. I expect she will stay all summer. I want you to tell J. W. Black, Miss U. [Eunice E.] Davis 1 is to be married on the 28th of the present month (peace be unto her) to a Mr. [Henry P.] Lantz of Indiana. Sabbath School next Sabbath. I believe Robert has gone out a sprucing. Steve is unwell. My Father has been sick for four weeks—fever. Matilda Hays is here at Roberts. Tell Ike to send word when he will be at Bremen & I will meet him & bring him out. Nat Duer is to preach next Sabbath for us. Write again. — C. S. Solt
1 Eunice Elizabeth Davis (1838-1901) was the daughter of David Young Davis (1808-1891) and Sarah B. Parker (1816-1871) of Fairfield county, Ohio. In the 1860 US Census she was identified as a teacher in Rush Creek township.
The following letter was written by William Henry Pennock (1836-1903) who mustered into Co B, 6th Maryland Infantry as a private at Baltimore on 9 June 1862. In the fall of 1863 he was promoted to ordnance sergeant and was later detached from at the Brigade Quartermaster Department. In January 1865, he was reassigned to duty as the Brigade Forage Master.
William was the son of James Pennock (1811-1848) and Matilda Mercer (1814-1880) of Chester county, Pennsylvania. He married in 1866 to Margaret Louis McVaugh (1846-1910) and in 1870 was enumerated at Mill Creek Hundred, New Castle county, Delaware, as a farmer.
William’s letter speaks of the death of “our dear brother” whom I presume also served in the 6th Maryland Infantry as several officers names from that regiment are mentioned. Unfortunately I have not been able to identify the deceased soldier, assuming that the letter is dated correctly.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Asst. Quartermaster Department 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 6th Army Corps January 11, 1864
My dear sister,
It is with a feeling of sadness intermingled with pleasure in this duty that lays before me—the first occasioned by the untimely loss of our dear brother and the latter to know “I” who is left alone is not forgotten or abandoned by you. The news of his death came to me on the 8th. An official notice was sent to the regiment and Lieutenant Col. [Joseph C.] Hill came to the office to let me know the same. Tute, I must acknowledge when I sent to see him the last time I was misinformed as to the condition of him. After I left you at the Sanitary Home to go to the boat, I stopped at the hospital to see him but was met by the nurse before I reached him saying he was better and did not want anyone to see him as rest would do him good. I did not like the only privilege denied me but for his own good, I could do no more than ask for him. I did not think after the amputation he could not survive for any great length of time and Tute, how could I tell you I thought that dear and cherished brother would leave us for a better and happier world although I thought so. And you at the same time complaining of what I was afraid might by exposure prove serious to you.
The evening before I left Washington I went to see him but met the same fate—could not get to his bedside. I then went to see the ward master in his room and the consolation was but little for what I wanted; and under circumstances existing at the time I could not come up to see you as I wanted to before I left as it was impossible for me to leave the boat on account of the office furniture being on the boat and no knowing how soon it would leave. I cannot express my feelings knowing you so near and could not see or even speakl a farewell word to those I loved.
My feelings was very much depressed after the first night on account of something you might call foolish, but will tell you verbally. You said when you went to see him he could not speak to you, but seemed to want to express something and was deprived of speech. Oh how could I see him and not hear him speak as in former days. If I knew his time was so short, I would sacrificed most anything to exchange a few words before forever parting with him. Sue, I can realize very early your troubles, but as you say cannot realize the loss of the dear boy, “Gods will be done,” not ours. The loss is deeply felt by his numerous friends. As soon as I understood he was no more. I told the Captain he was employed with and his chin quivered like a child and could see the manly tear dim his eye. From what I can learn from others of the Department, the Captain was sorely tired when he heard the news of the accident save the latter.
You expressed a desire to have the property belonging to him sent home. All that I can find is now is a box save a razor. It, I don’t know but will try to find it and send if possible. I do intend to express the box tomorrow if I can get it to the office at City Point. We are eighteen miles from the place and cannot get permission to go at all times. The articles the box contains are as follows—one knapsack, one plaid shirt, one pair drawers, one pair stockings, one memorandum book or diary, one soldier’s housewife, and some letters. The blankets belonging to him here was given in exchange for those he got from others when hurt. He kept a saddle in Baltimore. Perhaps you know about it. It is at Ferris Moore’s. This all I know of except some money that is owed to him by the boys of the regiment. If I cannot get until paid off but as soon as possible I will collect all I can and send to you.
Some of brother M. friends requested me to get them his photograph. The following names are those that wish them. Lieut. Col. Hill, Capt. Haskinson, Lieut. [James H. C.] Brewer, George M. Christie, Lieut. [Erastus S.] Narval, Thomas Duff. It was the request of Mansel for me to give G. M. Christie one and came away without it. The negative is, or was to be retained at Martinsburg, West Virginia. If you should need some more, they can be had by ordering.
Tute, I well know the feeling of sadness that reigned throughout the old homestead the late New Years Day, and I yet not knowing for certain the same day came with a whisper in my ear a Brother, dear Friend and cheerful comrade of the army was lost me, forever here; but my loss has proved again to him; and I believe I sin when I wish him here in this wicked world. It was on New Years Day I wrote to you or tried to but was too sad to make [ ] of my thoughts of which you will soon receive on reading. Tute, a moment ago one of “no.” friends come in to let me know he had an overcoat belonging to him. I will also enclose it in the box and at the same time leaned through him Mr. Goodman, clerk of the Commissary Department, [that] I would not get any receipts from the agent of the company—only for money. Everything else at the owner’s risk. I will send it by Adams Express to Newark, Delaware.
Tell [illegible] about the stationery. It came from the office and of but trifling value to the party’s concerned. Tute, it is growing very late and my letter very lengthy for the small amount of interest it contains. I think it prudent to close. Remember me kindly to all the family and friends. Hoping you will write very soon with much love to you, I remain your lonely and loving brother, — W. H. Pennock
Tute, since writing the above, I understood the final statement is made out and will be forwarded to Washington on the 13th of January. Your Father can receive the money due him. Four months pay is due. Very little clothing allowance and 75 dollars bounty. This is all I know at present. Yours, — W. H. Pennock
The following letter/poem was written by Albert Curtis Matthews (1826-1902), the son of Thomas Matthews (1799-1868) and Mercy Cady Curtis (1800-1889) of New Hampshire, later Cataract, Wisconsin. Albert was married in 1849 to Elizabeth (“Libbie”) Ferris (1826-1918). At the time of the Civil War, the couple had three children—Ellen (b. 1849, Curtis Earl (b. 1854), and Herbert Carl (b. 1860).
Albert served in the 18th Wisconsin Infantry, entering as a corporal and leaving as 1st Sergeant of Company D (“the Northwestern Rangers”). On June 5, 1863, he was discharged for promotion to 2nd Lieutenant of Co. H in the 8th Louisiana Colored Troops (47th USCT), joining the regiment at Milliken’s Bend. He resigned that commission in February 1864 after an extended illness.
The 18th Wisconsin wasn’t mustered into the service until 30 March 1862 when they left the state for Pittsburg Landing and reached there April 5, the day before the Battle of Shiloh. There, on Sunday morning, with absolutely no instruction in the manual of arms and but little drill, it was ordered to check the enemy’s advance. In one of his blog posts, author Dan Masters informs us that the men of the 18th Wisconsin “were assigned to Gen. Benjamin Prentiss’s Division who dispatched the Badgers to the right of his line in the woods just north of Spain Field. The men had spent the past week aboard river steamers and diarrhea had afflicted many of the men; meals had been sparse and the men’s digestive systems, used to good home cooked meals, struggled to adjust to the harsh army diet of hardtack and poorly cooked meat.” The regiment fought bravely but lost 24 killed, 82 wounded and 174 taken prisoners. To read more of the 18th Wisconsin at Shiloh, see: “Outright Murder: The 18th Wisconsin at Shiloh.”
[Editor’s Note: The following poem/letter was made available for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by James Kirchberg who has determined to donate it to the Wisconsin Veteran’s Museum. He sent it to me with the following description: “In 1999, I inherited a 4-page handwritten letter by a 35 year old sergeant named Albert Custis Matthews who served in the 18th Wisconsin during the American Civil War. The letter was dated September 24, 1862. The letter is folded in half to make four separate pages and was written to his wife in Cataract, Wisconsin. The first portion is a 12-stanza poem is about the Battle of Shiloh in which his regiment participated. That portion encompasses the first two and one-half pages. The last portion is about his experiences during the subsequent five months. His unit operated and fought in the area around Corinth and Iuka, Mississippi.” I have sometimes seen cases where soldiers would copy poems printed in newspapers and pass them off as their own. If Albert did this, I could not find the poem, or any portion of it, published in books or newspapers at the time. Albert claims it as original and I have no reason to question it. Unlike most transcriptions I publish, I have left Albert’s spelling intact. ]
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Lines Composed on the Battle Field of Shiloh
1 Twas early morn Aps sixth the sun had scarce arisen Our gallant Colonel forward came and this command was given Come forth brave boys and form in line make haste and don’t delay Those booming cannons now we here would cross our lines today
2 The gallant boys right manfully did this command obey And soon double front did form in bold and stern array The glittering muskets hove in sight the cannon shook the ground The roll of drums though distant yet pealed forth the solem sound.
3 The foe advanced with cautious step from center, right and left And well concealed from evry ege there traterous banner kept Keep cool my boys the General cried and passed along the line We’ll greet them soon with shot and shell or it’s no fault of mine.
4 The words he spoke scarce died away ere the rebels opened fire Which gave us proof that they were foes and blod there hearts desire Twas there kind friends your husbands fell your sons and brothers dear Who left their homes so recently thinking not that death was near.
5 Could we forsake our camp at once, our dear companions too Who fell in scores on every hand—no this would never do No thought like this did we unduly nor long did we forbear With bayonets fixed we met the foe and many perished there.
6 The fearful struggle here commenced in which their Johnson fell And others too a mighty host who fought both long and well More desperate now became the foe, all fear and dread gave way And each resolved to perish there or standing win the day.
7 Missouria boys were in the field, there standard to maintain And at her side Wisconsin boys pored forth the leaden rain Ohio too with jelous care their batteries now defend While deadly missiles rend the trees and fear and terror send.
8 Iowa’s band that numerous host, they nobly made their stand And when their battery was attacked were found to be at hand They drove the rebels from their guns in terror and dismay While briskly in their own defence, did shot and shell convey.
9 As we recount the glories won, our hearts are filled with joy To know that valiant in the field were the sons of Illinois The glories who at Donelson they nobly here maintained And Indiana’s faithful few their previous name sustained.
10 All prase is due to those who fought on Shiloh’s bloody field Until the host of traitors fled compelled at last to yield And raise to them who stood their ground till taken by the foe And held in prisons, gloomy cells all prais on them bestow.
11 The fellow soldiers bear with me in what I here have penned For if I’ve foiled in any point the fall I would amend I’ve amed at justice to you all to each an ample share And trust that I have slighted none nor delt with none unfair.
12 And now I leave my humble verse for them to ponder o’er Whose son or brother nobly fell whose husbands are no more But history mark the illusterous worth no page their deeds will stane They died as heroes only die, bleeding at every vane.
— Albert Curtis Matthews
Camp near Corinth, Mississippi September 24th 1862
Absent but not forgotten wife, I have just written some verses to send to you and as they don’t quite fill the paper, I will write a few lines to you to let you know how I am getting along although thy may not be interesting to you. My health today is not very good as I have a bad pain in my side and the neuralgy in my face and jaws. I have to soak all my victuals before I can eat it. My teeth are so sore and jaws so lame but I think that I shall be all write in a few days. Since I wrote to you last, I have had a very hard time and been exposed [to] the rebel’s bullets although we all escaped unhurt. Not so the rebels. We captured five, killed two, and wonded one. The balance escaped.
And now to tell how it came around. The 14th of this month we received orders to have three days rations cooked and in haversacks and three days more on waggeons and to march at day light in the morning which we did. Upon getting to Corinth we found that we were to go to Iuka to help catch Old Price and his army. Our army was at least 60,000 strong whilst theres was but 50,000 men all told. We intended to [ ] and take the whole of them but did not succeed. The first day we marched 25 miles trough the rain and mud and campt in brush. Rained all night. Got up in the morning and took a different rout and at 4 o’clock came on the main road only one mile from where we took dinner. Yesterday when we marched five miles and campt in the woods.
In these marches we sleep in the open air and or the ground. In the morning we got ready to start at daylight with nothing to eat but hard bread and pork. When we were ready to march, we had 60 more cartridges given us making one hundred to a man when we started. We marched on our back track one mile and then took an old by road and went a mile, then cross lots to an old mill, crost on the dam ad found ourselvs on a larg bottom, muddy and bushy. Here we were ordered to load. Our Colonel was sick and so the Maj[or] had command. He said keep still a few minutes and I will show you what to do with the extry cartridges. We stopt ten or fifteen minutes when we went forward for two miles when we came to a road which we followed five miles and then turned toward the river which we had to wade. The water was waste deep. Then over hills and fields thorough woods and hollers. Only our regiment and the 14th Wisconsin was with us. All at onc our skermishers nabbed a messenger sent from the rebel gen. to his cavalry that was one mile to the left of us telling him that we were coming with 7000 men and to stop us if he could…[rest of letter missing]
George’s headstone in Yantic Cemetery, Norwich, New London county, Connecticut
George Frederic Edgerton was born at Norwich, Connecticut in the year 1827, the youngest son of William and Sarah (Morgan) Edgerton. He was raised in Norwich and made his living as a carpenter, a trade he probably learned from his father.
George Frederic Edgerton was probably the “Frederick Edgerton” who was recorded in the 1850 Federal Census of Vernon, Tolland County, Connecticut, residing in the household of Hiram and Eunice Kenny (pg. 283; dwelling 192; family #; 200; enum. September 25, 1850). He was enumerated as “Frederick Edgerton, joiner, aged 23, born in Connecticut.”
George F. Edgerton was married at Norwich, Connecticut on March 30, 1851 to Abby Maria Cooley, daughter of William Simon and Frances (–) Cooley of Norwich. According to the Norwich marriage record (Vital Records, Book 7½, page 23), George was a “carpenter, aged 24, residing in Norwich” and Abby was “aged 19, residing in Norwich.” A record of the marriage is also found in the registers of the First Congregational Church of Norwich (Book 3, pg. 321).
George and Abby (Cooley) Edgerton had two sons: Charles Frederic, born at Norwich on February 11, 1852; and George Albert, born at Norwich on May 12, 1853. The elder son died at the age of six months. George Albert was married first to Wilhelmina Crocker and second to Maud Scott Broderick; he settled at New London and had one son, Frederick William.
“George F. Edgerton, of Norwich, Connecticut” enlisted on August 23, 1862 as a private in the G Company, 26th Infantry Regiment of Connecticut. The 26th Regiment was active in battles at Port Hudson, Louisiana from May to July of 1863. George died at Port Hudson on July 23, 1863.
These letters are part of what was once a much larger collection of letters by George Frederic Edgerton, a carpenter by trade and a Private in the 26th Connecticut Infantry who was killed in action at Port Hudson on July 23, 1863. The letters span November 15, 1862 to March 19, 1863. A fine pencil drawing by Edgerton of Camp Parapet is also included, as well as transcripts of letters from relatives and poems and an article from Harper’s Weekly; a few original covers, and more.
Edgerton’s fateful journey into the deep south began on August 23, 1862 when he enlisted as a Private in Company G, 26th Infantry Regiment of Connecticut. The regiment was organized in Norwich, CT on November 10, 1862 and attached to Thomas W. Sherman’s Division, Department of the Gulf.
The 26th left Connecticut for Long Island, New York on November 12, 1862 to report to Nathanial Banks for his Southern Expedition as part of the Vicksburg Campaign. It then boarded the steamer “Empire City” and to Carrollton, Louisiana November 29, arriving at Camp Parapet on December 16, 1862, where the soldiers received arms, drilled, picketed and otherwise waited for future orders. The southern climate, forced marches, guard duty, rugged accommodations and foreign food took its toll on the inexperienced soldiers from the North, who were further weakened by the oppressive heat, contagion, lack of sanitation and injury. Disease figures prominently into Edgerton’s letters, and his descriptions — too many to quote — of the contemporary means of treating the afflicted do much to explain the high level of mortality in the unit.
In January 1863, the 26th was attached to the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 19th Army Corps, Department of the Gulf. It was on duty at Camp Parapet until May 1863, then boarded the steamer “Crescent” to Springfield Landing. Arriving on May 20, 1863, the unit was assigned to Nathaniel Banks’ siege line against Franklin Gardner’s command at Port Hudson. From there, the regiment participated in the siege of Port Hudson from May 24, 1863-to July 9, 1863.
On May 26, and due to a misunderstanding between Banks and Sherman regarding a “loophole” in Special Order #123, the Brigade was organized at the right center of Neal Dow’s Brigade and ordered into a plantation owned by a man named Slaughter (and which is described by Edgerton.) Over 135 men were killed and wounded in the failed assault on what is known as “Slaughter’s Field.” While Edgerton does not make specific mention of the name Slaughter, the context of the letter and the fact that then 26th was involved in the battle strongly indicate that it was.
It is not clear when or where Edgerton was wounded in action during of the Port Hudson battles, but he died on July 23, 1863 in a Union hospital.
For 48 days, Garrison commander Franklin Gardner held out on surrender until he was informed that the vital city of Vicksburg fell on July 4, 1863. He, with his starving and ragged army, surrendered five days later on July 9, 1863.
The following are excerpts from many of the letters that were in the original collection, none of which are transcribed here.
[December 16] Had a pleasant sail up the Mississippi River…so many oranges growing…The negroes shook themselves almost to pieces…[December 19] We landed on here on Dec. 18th…A little steamer took us to shore…the Laurel Hill…There was 3 Regt. went away…to Vicksburg…they were hard tickets. Wilsons Zouaves was one…I never saw so many negroes in my life. We could all have one if we wanted…The are fighting hard to Vicksburg, now it has got to be taken….[December 20] There is 51 of the Connecticut men that are buried close by us so you see this is an unhealthy place here. The 23 and 28 Regts. came very near being lost that Saturday night…we hold most of the plantations…There are some white people here…[December 23] I have been sick all night with the bowel complaint…vomiting about all the time…The women peddle pies or something they call pies and every time we eat them we are sick…I was detailed with 4 other men to go down to Carrolton, a place about a mile from camp, to work at my trade, making Camp Chest for the big Officers to carry on the field…There is a large Bakery and Foundry down there where I work and a lot of n*ggers…The Southerners say the only hope they have is that we shall all die of disease…It is hot as July here in the day time and cold nights…The soil is all clay…You ought to have see me washing my clothes…An old back woman was looking on, she said ‘dat is not de way I do it’ so she went at it herself and washed mine and Charley’s…I feel better…If you could see the mule teams and the n*ggers that there is agoing here, you would think they was some of them they drive 4 horses or mules and ride one of the kind ones…[December 24] Just got back from the hospital…These fortifications are about 4 or 5 miles long and was built by the Rebels and was Commanded by Gen. Lovel but when they saw our ships coming up the river, they ran and left and the women burnt the gun cartridges…There is troops agoing up the river almost every day…[December ?] One of our men is sick with the typhoid fever…the doctor thinks, if we are careful what we eat, we shall get along better…Our breakfast was clear tea and dry bread. This noon it was salt pork, friend, and dried bread. It is tough, I tell you…I had a narrow escape from being killed the other day. I was bringing a pail of water from the river and a n*gger was driving a wild ox and he came around the corner on to me sudden. I jumped to git out of the way and I went into a ditch 3 feet deep, head foremost. It did not break my neck but it is awful lame…He went on and the guard run his bayonet into his head and broke it off and over went that man and on went the ox until he fell into a hole and then they caught him…I had a good dinner the other day, it was down to the Bakery where I am to work. It was Christmas Day. The N*gger that was cooking upstairs brought us down a plate full of pancakes and they was good…
[January 1, 1863] 24 sick in this Company now…I made you a nice little ring. I expect it was the bone of a Sesech Ox…[January 3] Pete Ladd…is ordered to his Reg’t to Baton Rouge. Col. Burge he has been in the city all the time, helping the quartermaster…The boys have been fishing up balls & guns over the Parapet today. The Rebels just threw them in there when they left…[January 8] I wish you could see the negroe women that have come here. They dress up in flounces and all kinds of rigs and some with hoops on…There is about 1300 here and they say there is to be 11,000 here and what in the world are they going to do with them. We have 4 men guarding the house close by the Camp. The woman was afraid to stay there alone. Her husband is in the Rebel Army. I would not care if they should carry the house off and all around it…[January 9] John Crary is detailed to do writing for Gen. Neel Dow…Dr. Finney…says we must be careful what we eat and drink…We do not buy anything off the peddlers…I weigh 136 pounds…[January 12] Capt. Maynard’s Company, through a negrow, captured a Rebel Lieut…His father came after him but the Col. said he could not go…The old man’s Plantation is in our possession…I should rather live in old Conn…where the negrows have got a chance to learn…I see them with their spelling books trying to learn their letters, old men and women…[January 13] I saw something that attracted my attention. It was a lady of color with drawers on. They were blue overhauls like mine. How we did laugh…[January 16] The River is rising fast, and the flood wood comes down so fast that the n*ggers are gitting it all the time…[January 14]…We built 3 chests…The old n*ggers wife baked me some hoe cakes and they were good. Then I got her to wash my clothes, 5 cts apiece….Today brings no news but it brings death. 2 more lay dead now at the Hospital…[January 16] I hear we are Brigadeed under Gen. Nell Dow…The Rebels say here that they are willing to lose their slaves and become a nation again…they are…taking the Oath every day. I saw a whole load of Negrows come in the other day and they did look tuff…The big guns are manned by a Company from Vermont and Wisconsin boys…[January 20] There was about 500 negroes came here the other night and there is more to come. I wish you could have seen them. Such looking men and women I never saw. They carry everything on their heads and not touch it…There is a part of the 50th Massachusetts Reg’t. They were 21 days coming from Hilton Head and the vessel was condemned…The 16th New Hampshire Reg’t. was paid off today…
The Parapet is 2 or 3 miles long with lots of big guns and the Rebels would stand a poor chance…I itch all the time and break out. They call it a swamp fever…[January 23] The news here today is that Vicksburg is taken…they have got Negrow Reg’t. here and are forming more as fast as they can…the Portsmouth lays off the Parapet with her old guns run out and nothing can git by…We had 1100 dollars stolen out of the magazine the other night…I shall guard it tonight and the Col. says if anyone troubles me, to shoot them right down and I shall do it. They must look for a chunk of lead in my gun for it is sure every time. The 16th New Hampshire was ordered away and now they are coming back…Company A have just got marching orders to cross the River tonight on picket duty for 10 days…If we get a chance to shoot some of the Devels, they will get it, I tell you…[January 26] I do not think Vicksburg is taken yet…I hear the boys in the next tent telling Dugan that the Col. Has got a ball and chain on his shirt to keep him from running away…We had an order from headquarters to have 7 men…volunteer to join the Vermont Battery…they did not get but 3 to go. The men want to hang together…This morning we bought a corn cake of the black woman that washes our clothes and it was sour and I told her so and tonight she brought me another one and said ‘my heart will not let me sleep until I bake another one and bring it up here’, so we have got our cake…if that rats do not carry it off as they make no bones in running over us nights…[January 30] The Col. got throwed from his horse yesterday…it did not hurt him much…I went down to the Parapet this morning…to see them load more Blacks. There is about 300 & 50 of them coming and I wish you could have seen them…I think all the negrows are coming here…The Doctor was up here last night and said there was more sick in this Company than any Company in the Reg’t…
The steamer that brought the negrows here today, brought all the blacks on the Plantation and about 3 or 400 barrels of sugar and as much molasses. I guess they skinned it. You had ought to have seen the furniture the negrows had, Oh the Lord, how did we laugh, and the rigs they had on. I never see anything beat it in my life. Well, now the old black woman has just come and brought us a hoe cake. She ask us 2 dimes for it. We can trust her. The man that owned her owns the Plantation near by here and his son is in the Rebel Army and she ran away. She has taken my pants to put a new seat on them…The climate does not agree with us here…I would glad as git away if it were honerable…Capt. Maynards Company is over the other side of the river doing picket duty…[February 5] I am pretty well except I am lame in my right leg…We have got our tent raised up and it makes it larger…One of our men fell into the river today but did not drown. The river is very high and the gunboats have got into the cut across the river and they will give Vicksburg a hard one this time…By the middle of June you will see us coming along up the River, then we will march down to Camp Russell to be discharged…This morning there is more n*ggers landed here. Last night 3 or 4 hundred. I hate the sight of them…[February 15 to his son] We had a Brigade inspection yesterday and all the big Generals were here. They praised our Reg’t. for drill and neatness and our Company in particular….Now I will tell you about the Camp…[referring to the drawing included]…
[February 17] They brought in a lot of Rebel prisoners while we were there [in New Orleans]…I want the Stars and Stripes to float over every State and I think they are going to…If anybody wants to know anything about this country down here, let them come down and stay one week…to camp and stand guard…it uses the men up…[February 23] I am weak and pretty yellow now…The doctor keeps giving me quinine…my blister…filled 3 times now and it was very yellow. It is very lame and sore where my liver is…One of the zouaves got shot the other day by a stack of guns falling. The ball went right through his body…One of the New York 128 men was out on Dress Parade at night and in the morning he was dead…[February 24] This morning finds me better…The negroes have got a meetinghouse just below the hospital…I think our men have got ’round the Rebels up to Vicksburg and will starve them out…
[March 10] I think that this river will be clear through, perhaps by the time you get this letter. There is 13 or 14 Reg’t. gone up the river. The troops have all gone between here and New Orleans and some from the City. I never saw such ships, Men of War, in my life. The Gun Boat Essex went up the other day…We have lost 2 more men out of Co. B…I had the Jaundice…Charley…got a letter from George Commings and…he wants to know how I like the Negrows. If he could hear me talk, I think he would know, but rather he wants to know how I like fighting for negroes. I am not fighting for them but I don’t know but some of the men are, for they go and dance with them and hug them and that is not all…I hear there is a great change of Property at the Falls…Troops are going up the river all the time so look out for a big time. The Rebels will think they are come for, this time. I hear that Geo. Commings thinks of coming home on a furlough…I hope he will…
[March 11] Uncle Sam carries on this Plantation and if I was going to hoe one of them rows, I should want a weeks rations to carry with me…I never saw so much level surface in my life. The railroad is the straightest one I ever saw. You can’t see a crook in it as far as the eye can see and it goes to Jackson. They are getting ready to run again where the Rebels burned it down. Every Carpenter in the Reg’t. is detailed to go to work somewhere…We came by a great many Plantations and could see nothing but negroes. We asked them where their masters was. They said ‘I do no, he gone to fight. I suppose I hain’t seen him for two years.’ What fools they were to leave such beautiful places as I saw there…[March 14] Today the first cars went through on this road. It runs from New Orleans to Jackson and it is the first time a train of cars have been on this road since the Rebels left…We hear they are fighting to Port Hudson and that the Rebs have attacked our men at Baton Rouge and Gen. Dow and Sherman and all the Cols. that are here with him went all ’round here today….he wants the men to be ready at a moments warning and we had orders to turn out at roll call tonight, with all our equipments….but I do not think they will attack us here, but we can’t tell…. [March 15] Last night I lay awake hearing the big guns thundering away all night and the Zoaves were up twice in the night…We have all got our things packed…Some think that they will attack us here for our troops have about all gone up the river…[March 14] Today they are practicing with their big guns on ship and in the Parapet, throwing shot and shell and such a racket…They have built a large earthworks inside the Parapet and if the Rebs ever get inside here, we can sweep the whole lot…It is a hard life to lead but we do it for the good of our Country. I hope we will whip them out of the river and I think there is a good prospect of it now but we lost one of our big ships in gitting by Port Hudson, but the Rebs did not get her…”.
[March 19 to his son] We have got 4 Regiments here now besides the Battery Boys and some of them are Black men but they handle the guns well…”.
Letter 1
Camp Centerville East New York November 15, 1862
Dear Wife,
I am sitting down under the fence to write you a few lines to let you know how I am getting along here. We arrived at Williamsburgh about 7 o’clock in the morning without any accident. We had a very pleasant time of it but did not get much sleep. We formed on the dock and there had some lunch and then marched up South Sixth Street to form in line and there waited some time. The people treated us with everything that was good. Then we packed our knapsacks on a truck and started for camp which was nine miles. Me and Sergt. Chapman guarded the load. We arrived at camp about 2 o’clock. Our tent poles did not get here so we struck up our tents and got in under them, ten in number. Charley slept by the side of me. He thought he had lost his knapsack but got it about 10 o’clock.
We slept on the ground and I was cold all night and I am sick of it already. We found a regiment of Dutch men [Germans] here. About 400 of them have deserted. They are from New York and hard tickets. There is two more regiments coming here today, I suppose.
We have not got our tents up yet. The ground is not laid out right yet. Our camp is on a race course—a large level field. I am going on guard today at one o’clock and the order is to shoot if they do not obey and the Dutchmen do not like it very well. Col. Kingsley has full command here now and the first thing he did was to stop them from selling liquor. Perhaps I shall like it better when we get settled down but I never shall like it this sleeping on the ground. I don’t like it.
It is a very cold place here. The wind comes right off the water. A man says the regiments are camping below here [and] they are coming as fast as possible. I can’t think if anything more ot write except I am well and hope this will find you all the same. So goodbye for this time. From your ever true and loving husband, — George F. Edgerton
Write me as soon as you can for I want to hear from you.
Letter 2
Camp Buckingham East New [York] Long Island November 23, 1862
Dear wife,
I had just begun to write you this letter when Mr. Wait came into the tent to see me and I was very glad to see him. He said you had not received but one letter from me. I have written three letters to you and this makes four and I don’t know why you do not get them. We expect to go away from here. I can’t tell where we expect to go this week Tuesday & I shan’t be sorry for our fare is hard. Our meat stinks and our cheese is alive and Col. Kingsley says it will crawl off the table. We had a bit of a row [here] this morning where the cooking is done. Col. Bissell drew his pistol and one of our boys took it away from him pretty quick. We are bound to have better food.
This morning I bought some pies for my breakfast. I should liked to have had you sent me something good to eat but it is too late now. I will wait until I get home. We do not want any more bed clothes. We are very comfortable here & we have got to get used to it. The water is very scrace here and we are digging two wells and we have to curb them for it is all sand and no stone to stone them up with.
If we get paid off before we go, I don’t think it safe to send it home in a letter for it will get stole. Charley & George are writing and I suppose you will get all the news. Corp. Avery & John Crary was passed off to get some water and they have not got back yet. Avery was dreadful homesick and I shouldn’t wonder if he had gone home. Well, Hotchkiss has come in eating a whole pie. We mean to live [well] as long as the money lasts.
I suppose we are going to Fortress Monroe. That’s what they say. We have not received our arms yet and perhaps we shan’t get them until we get away from here. I take out the old letters and [read] them over and over again. Then I look at them little pictures and that brings me back home again. How glad I be that I brought them but it makes me feel bad and think perhaps I never shall—I will not write that word—for I mean to come back if I can. I want you to write as often as you casn and I will do the same.
And now, goodbye dear wife, and kiss Albert for me and tell him father loves him. Goodbye for this time.
The Dutch Regiment is filling up fast. It is the 171st. That makes six regiments on the ground.
Camp Buckingham East New York, L. I.
My dear little boy,
I will write you a few lines to let you know how I get along away off here, 160 miles away from home. I lay on the ground under a test and I wish you and mother could step in and see me. Oh how I wish I could see you and mother but I can’t and I can’t tell when I shall. It rains all the time down here and we can’t drill much.
I want you to be a good boy and mind mother and perhaps I shall come home some day and then I shall clasp my little boy and mother in my arms with great joy. Now I want you to go to school and learn all you can and then I shall be proud of you when I come home.
I can’t write no more so goodbye. Write to me when you can. I shall be glad to hear from you. From your affectionate father, — George F. Edgerton
to George Albert Edgerton
Letter 3
Addressed to Mrs. George F. Edgerton, Norwich, Connecticut
[Steamer] Empire City 1 26th Regt. Co. G. December 9, 1862
Dear wife,
I have seated myself on a box on the upper deck to write you a few lines to let you know how I am getting along. We started from Camp Buckingham the 4th of December about 12 o’clock in the morning. We marched to the cars and rode within three miles of Brooklyn and then we got out of the cars and marched to the City. There we got some coffee, then we marched down to the wharf. Got there about 7 o’clock, got aboard the steamer about 8 o’clock. There we found poor accommodations. The water was so bad we could not drink it so we went ashore by little Dick and got our canteens filled and paid 10 cents apiece for it.
December 6th, 8 o’clock in the morning, we have started. Can’t tell where we are going. Towards night the wind began to blow & it began to snow and it blew a gale all night and the water came on board clear over both decks & everything was covered with ice three inches thick and it was cold, I tell you. I could not stay down below. They were stowed so thick and about all seasick. Sometime in the night, I began to be sick. I was sick but I hung on with the 25th [Connecticut] for we had four companies of them on boat—1200 in all, I should think. 2
The knapsacks was floating all around and everything else we had to all hang on. It tell you, they would not let us lay down in the cabin to lay on the floor so we were about froze to death in the morning. I think if I can live through the treatment we have, I can live through anything. It is hard.
Tuesday the 9th. Have not seen land for two or three days. There is a steamer in sight but can’t tell what it is. It is very warm and pleasant and don’t want overcoat. The deck is crowded with men and a great many of them are writing home. If it had not been for Capt. Bentley—God bless him—we should have all starved to death, The officers live good but the privates fare hard. I don’t think I shall ever complain about my living to home after this. Mr. Noyes sits writing by the side of me. I don’t know him but he spoke to me and said that you got safe on the cars and I suppose you arrived home safe. The boat has stopped now for something, I can’t tell what for. I suppose to sound & see how much water there is.
The Colonel was dreadful sick and we did not see him much for two days. Now we start again but can’t see no land. We have got six 20-pound guns on board and 60 tons of powder in the hold and I felt afraid we should get blowed up before we get where we are going, [as] there is so much smoking on board.
December 10th. Today is pleasant and warm ad we are sailing along nice. The boys divert themselves by shooting porpoises. I think the handsomest sight I ever saw was the moon rising out of the water. We are on the coast of Florida and no land in sight. I am sitting on the wheelhouse now writing. Just took a peep at them pictures. Oh how good they did look. How glad I am I did take them [with me].
The captain of the boat says he will bet $500 against $50 that he will bring us back in less than 3 months. I hope so. Twelve hundred men. What a crowd of men. I think this is a nice little pond—four days out and can’t see no land.
December 11th 7 o’clock in the morning on the Florida coast. Land in sight. Trees look green for miles. Pretty rough all night but pleasant this morning. Half past three in the afternoon we are now passing Cape Florida Light House. Beautiful all day. Two meals a day—rice and tea tonight. Couldn’t eat rice. Lamb and I bought each a pie. Then I found Charley and the way we eat them was not slow. Then we went up on deck to sleep. Got on to a coil of rope between the stack pipe and the wheel house and all curled up together and slept all night. Didn’t want no blanket—so warm.
December 12th. Beautiful sail all night. 6 o’clock in the morning saw Sombrero Light House. 9 o’clock, pilot came out and asked us if we were going into Key West. Did not take him on board. 10 o’clock, passing Key West. Pleasant sail all night.
December 13th. Been plwing through the Gulf all night. Sails all set and steam on and on we go, not knowing where. Men begin to get lousy. Expect we shall all be. Shall be glad to get off this ship. Men sleep on the deck so thick that we can’t get around. I shall love my home ore than ever and them that love me. Seven days out and no stop yet.
December 14th. Sunday morning. 7 o’clock, 8 days out. No land in sight for two days. Got my canteen full of cold water. It is all made from salt water but this time we had ice in it. This is the biggest pond I ever sailed on. Some of the men are picking lice off from them. We shall be glad to get off this ship. Came to and anchored at 6 o’clock at night.
December 15th. Started again at 7 in the morning. Came in sight of a transport loaded with soldiers. The boys like to catch flying fish. Now here comes a flock of large birds. They say they are pelicans. We are feeling our way into some port. Arrive at Ship Island about one o’clock. Found a great many transports here.
Have not got paid off yet. Shall have it when we get it. Hope that will be soon. Excuse all blunders.
Address to Mr. George F. Edgerton, 26th Regt. Co. G, C. V., Banks Expedition, via Washington
Give my love to all hands and take a whole lot for yourself.
1 The Empire City was a wooden side-wheel steamer launched in 1849. She was built for speed and was said to be the first ocean vessel to have a deck house extending from stem to stern. She saw regular service between New York City, Havana, and New Orleans before the Civil War when she was chartered for the Quartermaster’s Department.
2“The men of the 26th [Connecticut] were in the hold of the vessel while the 25th [Connecticut] men took a deck passage which we didn’t appreciate especially at this season of the year, December 6th. We left the Atlantic Dock, Brooklyn, at six o’clock that morning. We hadn’t been out long before the water became quite rough and the steamer plunged and rolled dreadfully which made the soldiers very sea-sick. December 7th was dark and boisterous and the good old ship creaked and swayed on the mighty deep. By the way, I hadn’t been sea-sick since we left the Atlantic dock, but I could not help laughing, the first day we were out, to see the guards of the vessel from stem to stern lined up with anxious sea-gazers, their knees knocking together, their countenances ashen and a very intimate connection evidently existing between the stomach and the mouth.” — Samuel K. Ellis, Co. G, 25th Connecticut Infantry
Letter 4
Camp Parapet. Louisiana December 20, 1862
Dear son,
I am sitting down in camp now writing you a few lines to let you know how I am getting along here. Well I am pretty well now but do not like to live in this way. I have to sleep on a hard board and I am sore all over now. We were on the boat 14 days and I slept anywhere I could get to sleep—on deck most all the time. We have got a shade in front of our tent made of cane poles. I wish you had one for a fish pole. They are good ones, I tell you.
If you could see the oranges growing here, I think you would like to pick some of them. They look nice. I have got to do my washing today and got to keep my gun clean. I have got my hands full. We have got some big guns here on the fort and plenty of men to work them.
Can’t write any more now so goodbye for this time. From your father.
Letter 5
Camp Parapet, [near] New Orleans, La. 26th Regt. Co. G January 9, 1863
My dear little boy,
I received your letter and was glad to hear from you and know that you was well and happy at home with mother. I want you to be a good boy and not go on the ice unless it will hold you. You can tell Mary Ann that we have got bobtailed mules down here and negroes too, if she wants one, and they are coming here all the time. I am sorry I can’t write this letter so you can read it but it takes so long to print it. Mother must read it to you. I can see just how you look to home, if I be 25000 miles away from home.
I suppose you would like to see the boats running up and down the [Mississippi] River all the time for they keep them agoing all the time. Tell Granpar that he would like the warm days down here but not the nights. They are so cold.
I think sometimes when I am on guard walking back and forth with a bullet in my gun to fire through anybody that dare run by me that I should like to look in and see my little boy asleep all cuddled up in a little heap but I could not. It is hard to be away from home but we try to be as happy as we can and by and by we will come home if our Father in Heaven is willing.
Give my love to mother and Grandmother and Grandfather and keep a share for yourself. Goodbye for tonight. From your father.
It is late and the rest are all asleep.
Letter 6
Camp Parapet, Louisiana 26th Regt. Co. G January 11, 1863 Sunday at 12 o’clock
Dear wife,
I have said that I would not write again until I got a letter from home, but as I have got all washed up and expect there is a letter at the city for me, I thought I would write a few lines and let you know the news as it comes along.
It is a warm spring like day—so warm that we want to get in the tents. It was cold this morning sp that I got up and made a fire about five o’clock. Our stove is made out of a camp kettle with a hole cut in the back of it and fastened to a pipe. We got a cover from the cook’s stove and put on top. Then we plaster most around it. That makes it all tight. We have built an oven outside the cook house where we bake our beans & they are good ones, I tell you. Our living is a little better than it has been. I think if we confine ourselves to it as much as we can, and let the pies alone, we shall get along better. But our men are dying pretty fast. We have lost three already—Smith, Barnes, and Church. This man was found dead in his tent in the morning. It was close to us. He was buried here. The others was sent home. I expect we shall lose more if we stay here.
But there is some misunderstanding about this regiment and we are not known in Washington and it is all the talk all around here and the paymaster told the Colonel he might go to hell with his regiment. Almost all the other regiments have gone from here so we don’t know where we shall go to. The officers are all mad and want to resign. So you see we are in a fix.
We are encamped on a large plantation. It is level as far as the eye can see with ditches dug the whole length. There is ditches dug both sides of the road here. You had ought to see the mud here when it rains. We carry about 3 or 4 lbs. of mud on our feet all the time. It is like clay.
Gen. Banks and Sherman was up here the other day and the way the big guns did go was a caution. One of his staff was John Abbott and he kept close to him all the time. I was down to Carrollton at the time so I did not see him. This is the greatest place for flood wood that ever I saw. The river is full of it all the time now it is rising. It rises very fast now and the boats are going up and down the river all the time, night and day. I am to work down to Carrollton yet and have been for 17 days and shall be for three or four days more, I think. We walk up and down morning and night. I have not been on guard yet nor had any duty since I have been to work down there.
The river is full of steamers today. The boys think there is something up and I think so too. You must write and let me know whether you got that ring all safe or not. I pity anybody that is sick here for thy get no care. The doctor sent Church back for duty and he was dead in the morning so you see how it is. If I was sick to home, I should have care and that is everything. We all wish ourselves to home and we would never go again, I tell you.
My money is all gone but five cents but I will have some more soon. That is the report here.
Letter 7
[partial letter, mid January 1863?]
…The big guns are manned by a company from Vermont and Wisconsin boys. They tell us to be careful what we eat and we will get along here. Some of the men go after the Negro women but the Lord knows I would not.
John is well I think for he fell down with a pitcher of tea and spilled it. I had to laugh at him, I do not know whether he has written or not. We draw our bread one loaf a day for a man and sugar so much for each one. Charley and I have got ours in a box right to our heads. It iquite a little confectionary, I tell you. I believe I will stop now for I am sleepy and if there is any more news in the morning I will write it.
Today is the 17th and I lost the chance of sending this letter so I shall have to wait until Monday and perhaps I shall have another before that time. I have been out on drill today for the first time and like it very well. The Vermont Battery have gone from us today and a 15th New Hampshire Regiment have come here today. They are brigaded with us, I think. I feel as well today or better than I have been since I have been here and I hope I shall keep so.
THe 12th Regiment is up above us. The name of the place is Lafourche, I think. I do not know whether I shall see them or not. If I do, I will try to find him Commins.
Now then, tonight I have received another letter, January 4th, and was glad I got it but the tears came into my eyes, You speak of sustaining the stars and stripes.. .
..[there is no danger that I] shall grow fat as long as I am in camp here. The living is bad sometimes. It is salt beef with the sour bread and sometimes it is salt pork fried without potatoes for supper. It is strong coffee with bread and sometimes tea. I have spent all my money but five cents and run in debt 75 cents besides. I have got a pound of butter that cost 45 cents per pound, crackers 20 cents. I do not know how you will get along this cold winter. I can’t sed any money yet. As quick as I get it, I will send it. I think of home a great deal and can’t help it. If you think there will be no trouble in sending money in a letter, I will send if I ever get any to send. So good night and I will go to bed. The rest are all asleep. This is from your most affectionate husband, — George F. Edgerton
Letter 8
Camp Parapet, Louisiana New Orleans February 17, 1863
Dear wife, and as good a wife as any man ever had,
I received your kind and lengthy letter today and was glad to hear that you were all well but it did not find me so well as I should wish to be for I have got a hard cough and the doctor says my liver is affected. I do not like to write anything to worry you but I do not think you will blame me for writing just how I be. My appetite is not good but I am in hopes it will be before long.
Charley and I got back from New Orleans today. We stayed all night so we went down and see the steamer that brought your letter. I bought a paper the same date as the one you sent me but it made no difference. It only cost me 10 cents. Charley and I walked to Carrollton Station, a distance from two to three miles, got into the cars and half an hour we were in the great city. It costs 15 cents each way. The first land we made was to go to the park all fenced with an iron fence and six brass cannons inside. Then we went everywhere I should think and brought out in the same place every time. Finally we went and got something to eat in a restaurant. It was got up in god shape, Oysters was 40 cents a dozen but they were large ones. Things are very dear. They come from the North but the oysters did not. They can get them here in the river.
The streets are very long and some of them are wide and well paved. I think I never saw better. There is many noble houses but some of them with the stores are shut up and if Butler had not come here as he did, more of them would have been closed, but there is a great many gone as it is. They brought in a lot of rebel prisoners while we were there and the people gathered around a good number but the guard charged in them and drove them back again. They have to keep pretty still here. If they do not, they will catch it.
All we ate was at one place so if anything happened, we should know where we got it. So after we wandered around all day, we went to find a place to tie up to all night. We found it after a while and I thought it was a pretty good place. Then out we went again and got some supper. Then we went to the theatre or the variety. Then I was away from camp and it seemed as if there was no war and that I was going straight home when it was out. I wish they would stop it. I am sick of camp life. I want the stars and stripes to float over every state and I think they are going to.
There was a large gun boat and mortar boat went up the river today and I think they will get some this time for troops are goin gall the time. We have got o move our camp a little ways from here but not off the lot. I think if we moved around more up the river or somewhere, it would be better for us but perhaps we will stay here all the time. But it is so unhealthy here but not so bad until August and September and then I hope we will be at home. It rains as hard as it can pour down here now and it is about 4 o’clock and we are all in here writing.
I pity poor Sarah for I know how she feels. Confound the Rebels. I wish the devil had the whole of them and I think he will have some of them when our men get to work up the river again.
By the way, I forgot to tell you about our sleeping arrangement [on New Orleans]. Well, they put us in a room up three story with three beds in it and I never slept in such a nasty bed in my life but Charley made a short prayer, then we went to bed and made the best of it. But it seemed to me as if I did not want to touch the clothes. We got up in the morning pretty early and went down and paid $1.50 for the bed and went off. Got some breakfast, then started for camp to get back by 10 o’clock for our pass was out and we got back all safe. If anybody wants to know anything about this country down here, let them come and stay one week. That will satisfy them. If they do not want to go back, I am mistaken. I mean to camp and stand guard and lay out in the night air. I tell you, it uses the men up—stout ones and all. The officers are very kind to me. They do not require me to do duty when I am not able, but if a man can get round the men are apt to think he is making it to get rid of duty for there is some that will.
As you said nothing about directing the letters to Hartford, I will direct the same as I have done. When anyone is sick that I know of, I will write to you about it. I think I send a letter every mail that goes and perhaps two sometimes. I never shall see those letters you sent at first. There must be four of them. I wish I could get them but I get them now right straight along.
Now then, today is the 18th and I have eaten my dinner. I had a cup of tea and one raw onion in vinegar & bread. The doctor told me to eat onions and vinegar and suck lemons. I eat a whole one this forenoon and my appetite was better after that. He says that I am going to have the jaundice. I have got a blister salve to put on my side tonight. I think it will be hard to take care of here in the tent but I shall get along somehow. Now you must not worry about me.
Some of the boys think we ought not to write just how we be because it would only worry them to home, but if it is not right, I will not write anything more. I do not want you to be in trouble about me but I want you should know how I am.
Now then, I have just got all my back letters and I had to stop to read them and wasn’t I glad. I was glad that Mr. Green thought of me and was so kind. It made tears come into my eyes. You warm me to take good care of myself. I try to as much as I can. You did not tell me whether you paid for the coal I got before I came away or not but you will do what is right and I will leave it all to you. I do not know how long the jaundice will last. Some last longer than others do. When I get well of that and this cough, I hope I shall be better. You may be looking out for news from this quarter for there is going to be some fighting up here. We are going to clear off the ground where our tents are so that if they drive them rebels out up the river and they come down here, we will have room to work for there is danger here. But we are ready for them any time.
I shall want you to send me $2 if you can for I have not got but 5 dollars and that will be gone before I get paid again. Everything costs so much down here.
Today is the 19th. My blister did very well. Charley dressed it this morning. Martin spread some mutton tallow on a rag and I have got it on but it feels pretty sore. I believe we have not got but one man in the hospital but Chapman, our assistant cook, is going this morning. He has got the jaundice as well as myself. I do not think that I am blessed to stand camp life out here. The climate is so different from ours and I shall be glad when the time comes for us to go home. Some say that they are going to have us home in May so to get us to reenlist again and there is a good many that will.
Now then, be sure and not worry about me. I will write too as often as I can. I am glad to hear that Albert is a good boy all the time. I don’t think this letter will go before Sunday. I will stop writing now for I am writing too much now. From your affectionate husband, — G. F. Edgerton
I take great pleasure in writing to you and I do not think there is a night that I go to sleep without thinking of you and our boy and knowing how good and kind you have always been to me. I was looking at your picture today and I wanted to get right hold of you for I know you will stick to me when all my blood relation have deserted me, I know I have been unkind sometimes but you know that was my temper so you must forgive all that and I know you will for I know that no man never had a better wife than I have got. Let a man stand guard a mile away from camp in the woods and everything still but the screech of the owl and other insects and liable to have a ball put through him at any moment, if he does not think of his home and dear ones that he left behind, then I am mistaken.
As regards sickness, I think the men are a great deal better than they were. We did not have but 2 go to the hospital this morning and they came back again. As for myself, I am getting along nicely but am not strong enough to do duty yet but expect to be in a few days. We were mustered in for our pay yesterday so I had to put on my traps and shoulder my gun and answer to my name so I could get my pay. But as quick as I had answered to my name, they told me I could go to my tent. But I am gaining strength now. I weigh 125 lbs. now and my appetite is good.
Today is Sunday but they seem all alike to me for we have about the same to do and the day passes away about the same as any day. I notice that there is a great many white children that come to beg bread and they are an object of pity. Perhaps their fathers are in the Rebel army but we give to them what we have to give. Things remain about the same here as they have done. Some say that we are going to New Orleans and then we are going up the river but still we remain here. There seems to be no fighting down this way and I don’t know but they are going to stop it without fighting. We had a deserter here the other day from Port Hudson and he said it was as much as they could do to keep the men there and they would desert if they could get a chance. They have got tired of the war and I believe it is so. They are making great preparations all along the parapet to receive the Rebels if they come this way but I think they had better keep their distance from here is they want to save their heads. I hear that there is another steamer in so I will wait until I get a letter. Then I will finish.
March 2nd. Today I have received your kind letter written February 15th and it was No. 12 so you see I get all of your letters but I think I made a mistake in the number of my letters but I will keep on the same and not date back. I was surprised to hear that you had so much trouble about your house. I did not think Mrs. Reynolds was such a woman and take the advantage of you when I was gone from home. But I want you to pay them every cent that you owe them. I want you to get someone to help move you in good shape and not work too hard yourself. I think you did perfectly right in doing as you have done in hiring Mr. Lamb’s house and I will try to pay the rent as I always have done. George said he knew you was going to move there some time ago but he did not tell me for he thought I knew it. He says I was the best tennent they had ever had in there to pay rent.
What has Mr. Brown got against us and all of them that they should treat us in this way? I am sure I can’t tell but we expect to be home in June sometime. Then I will find out all about it. When you move, I want you to get everything that belongs to us in the cellar and all around the house and have help to do it and not work too hard yourself. I did not think that you would go to Hartford in another such an occasion but you know best about it. I suppose it is all right. I want you to do all the good you can and help them all you can for we have no care taken of us here when we are sick.
Letter 10
Camp Parapet, La. March 3rd 1863
My dear son,
I thought I would write you a few lines to let you know how I was. I have been sick but am better now. I hear that you are going to have a vacation. I expect your little heart will leap with joy for you can run all around and have a good time but you must think of Father away off down here that go unless he has got a pass to show the guard. Now I want you to be a good boy and mind your mother and grandmother and all that have charge of you and I will bring you something when I come. From your father
The following letter was written by Henry Baird (1824-1863), the son of William Baird (1765-1863) and Nancy Harbison (1787-1855). Henry’s father emigrated from Northern Ireland and settled in Pennsylvania where most of Henry’s numerous siblings remained and raised families of their own. However, Henry—born in 1824 in Pleasant Gap, Centre county, Pennsylvania—settled in the South prior to 1850. In the US Census of 1850, he was enumerated in Mobile, Alabama, with his wife, Lecetta McKibben (1828-1892) and their infant child, James. The child would die four years later but they had two more boys, Edgar (b. 1854) and Robert (b. 1856) by the time this letter was penned in May 1861.
Henry does not say anything about his employment but the 1859 Mobile City Directory identifies his as a steamboat carpenter with a residence at 77 South Scott Street. By the spring of 1862, Henry appears to have been employed by the Park and Lyons Machine Shop in Mobile. It was at that time that riverboat captain James McClintock, engineer Baxter Watson, and lawyer Horace Lawson Hunley scrapped their initial attempts in New Orleans to develop a submarine for the Confederacy and moved its operations to Mobile where they began the construction of a second submarine in the Park & Lyons Machine Shop. This submerged vessel propelled by a hand crank came to be called the American Diver. After this vessel sunk in Mobile Bay, the machine shop began work on a third submarine they dubbed the Hunley. When it was finished, they transported it by train to Charleston, South Carolina, with the hope that they might be able to sink ships of the Federal blockade by detonating a torpedo attached to a long spar on the front of the submarine.
During a trial run of this vessel, manned by volunteers from crews of Confederate ships, the Hunley sank when it began to dive before the hatch was closed, killing five of the eight on board. A few weeks later, after the submarine had been raised, she was outfitted with a new crew that included Hunley (the designer himself) and members of the machine shop that built it—including Henry Baird. Unfortunately the submarine sank again, killing all eight crew members. The monument erected to the memory of Hunley’s second crew includes Henry but his name was incorrectly spelled “Beard.”
Of course the Hunley was raised again and a third crew was successful in attaching a torpedo to the Union warship Housatonic and sinking it near Charleston but that crew never made it back to safety after detonating the torpedo. It sank too and rested on the ocean bottom until it was discovered in 1995, retrieved, preserved and now displayed in a museum in Charleston.
Several of Henry’s brothers served in the Union army during the Civil War—one of whom, Robert Baird–is mentioned in the letter: “Tell Robert that I never want to hear of [his] joining the Black Republic army against the South,” Henry wrote his father. But Robert did join the Union army and served as a sergeant in the 49th Pennsylvania Infantry until he died a prisoner of war in Libby Prison in August 1862.
[Note: This letter was made available for transcription & publication on Spared & Shared by John Baird, a descendant of the family.]
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Mobile, [Alabama] May 14, 1861
Dear Father,
I now take up my pen to address a few lines to you in answer to one that I received from John. I was glad to hear that your health was better. It is so seldom that we hear from that part of the country that we never know any of you are [sick] until they are well again. We are all well at present. James was at my house the last two nights. His family are all well at present. Edgar and Robert are going to school; Edgar reading and studying geography [and] Robert commencing to read. I had a letter from John F. McKibben. The friends in that country are all well. Emeline Baird commenced teaching school on the fifteenth of April. He said that she looks better this Spring than he ever seen her.
When John was here last winter, he had a paper come to him regular—the Freeport Bulletin. They still come to me. In looking over one of them, I find that Robinson has been elected Squire of Dacotah. He has still got the post office. Father-in-law is building a barn this summer.
Nancie Jane’s husband, [Henry DeForest] Bassett 1 is about to build a floating battery for the Confederate States if he gets the contract. It will cost about seventy-five or eighty thousand. It is thought to [be] one of the greatest constructions of the kind ever gotten up. Tell Robert that I never want to hear of [his] joining the Black Republic army against the South.
I must draw my letter to a close. Lucetta and the children join me in sending our love to you and all enquiring friends. — Henry & Lucetta Baird
To our beloved father.
1 Nancie Jane Baird (1841-1915) was married to Henry DeForest Bassett (1825-1868) at James Baird’s East Fowl River, Mobile county, Alabama, on 3 June 1858.
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