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.
I could not find an image of James but here is one of Pvt. Wilson Farner, Co. C, 3rd Ohio Cavalry (Ohio Memory)
The following letter was written by James Hudson Prickett (1843-1924) of Co. H, 3rd Ohio Cavalry. This regiment was organized at Camp Worcester in the fall of 1861 and remained there until mid-January 1862 when they were sent to Cincinnati, and then on to Nashville, Tennessee where they were attached to the 6th Division, Army of the Ohio.
James served in the 3rd Ohio Cavalry from 20 August 1861 until 4 August 1865. He was taken prisoner at Bardstown, Kentucky, on 4 October 1862 but paroled shortly afterward. He began his service as a private and ended it as a corporal. Also serving in the same company as a quartermaster sergeant was James’ older brother, Daniel J. Prickett (1840-1927). Their parents were Japhet Leed Prickett (1815-1893) and Phebe Sharp Borton (1815-1901) of West Unity, Williams county, Ohio.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Camp Worcester, Ohio Wednesday, October 30, 1861
Dear Parents.
I take a seat to write you a few lines. We are well and hope you are the same, We have had a visit from several of the Unity folks lately. [Gilbert] Doughton waited till he got tired of waiting for something to be done, then he went to the Colonel and talked with him. The Colonel told him he had nothing to do with him. I suppose the Captain wanted the warrant and the Colonel gave it to him. Captain done nothing with Doughton. [Michael] Hibbard I believe is a going to stay with the company. There is one Dave Hart in our mess that is a brother to Wash O. J. Barn’s brother of Christina of old. Also Seth Hamlin. He is an old rascal, as he calls himself. He has been there. He helped me to get rid of an old plug of a horse that I had to take. He understands it. [David] Hart worked in Shafer’s old mill with Glad Ewers. He is like Wash—quiet and still. He is [ ].
There is nothing I want, I believe. I get along first rate. I can stand the fare as well as the rest of the boys. They grumble because things ain’t as they want them. A fellow might as well save his wind for hard times.
I guess the chestnuts that Bill Rings says are so plenty are in the grocery. Hickory nuts are thick enough but there can’t anyone but them that in [Lt.] Sam Hansey’s tent get a pass to go after any. They can go out and stay all day & it is all right. Dan told Bill Gardner to get a couple of bushels of hickory nuts for him down town if he could & take them home. Bill said they cost 50 cents a bushel. There is no beech timber around here. One of the boys said he saw one in the woods. I think it has strayed down here from Bill county. This is a hickory county—a good share smooth bark.
There was several—say four of our boys—got kicked on their knees when they go to water the horses. They let their horse get too close to the others. That is something I always avoided. Our company has done well to what the rest have in the kicking line. Others have been hurt so they had to lay by. We have a dress parade every evening at five. At present it amounts to nothing.
I have done a most to [ ] since we left home. I have gained seventeen pounds in weight which is enough to make the child weigh 153 pounds. The boys in our mess are giving Dan [J. Prickett] fits because he don’t get plenty of wood & other things like the other companies have. When he told them that the other quartermasters had a Captain & two Lieutenants to help them along, they stopped & begin to give the officers fits. Sam can’t stop every load of wood, hay or straw, draw for the officers and their horses, and carry it to them & they do nothing. He has more than he can do without [help]. No more this time. I send my love to you all, — J. H. Prickett
The following letter was written by Sgt. William Henry Sipe (1844-1864) of Co. I, 188th Pennsylvania Infantry, formerly a member of Battery C, 3rd Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery. He and David S. Myers (1839-Aft1900) were sergeants in Co. I. Both Sipe and Myers entered the service in October 1862 at Harrisburg. Myers survived the war but William Sipe was killed in the fighting at Chaffin’s Farm on 29 September 1864.
When he entered the service in October 1862, William was described as a 5′ 6″ tall, blue eyed, light-haired cooper from Cumberland county. He had learned the trade from his father, Peter Sipe (1798-1873). Though born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, Peter and his wife, Mary Ann Bowman—William’s mother—were residents of Augusta county in the Shenandoah Valley during the Civil War.
T R A N S C R I P T I ON
Camp near Petersburg, Virginia August 14, 1864
Dear Mother,
I again this morning embrace the pleasure of answering your kind and welcome letter that came to hand about ten minutes ago. And I was glad to learn from it that you were all well as this leaves myself in the best of good health at present.
Mother, we are still at the same place in the front [rifle] pits before Petersburg. There isn’t much firing done now through the day time but in the evening and morning still the ball opens for a while & the shells flys pretty thick for a while. There was three of our boys got hurt a Friday with a shell. The Johnnies planted some of them right in our pits. Bully for them good boys.
We are now in camp but we are going out to the front this evening. Our brigade was all out front last night working. They are putting up another large fort. Mother, the report is now in camp that our regiment is going to leave here before long [and] that we are going on gunboats being we know a good bit about the heavy artillery. The boys all seem to be willing to go & for my part, I don’t care where they go. I can fight a little anyplace. Only I think this month is a little too hot to do much fighting.
Mother, you seem to think in your letter that I am wounded but I don’t know what makes you think so. I haven’t been touched yet so far more than got my dry goods cut a little. But they may cut them if they let me slip. Davy Mires [Myers?] is at Hampton Hospital. His head is pretty sore. I got a letter from him the other day.
Tell Pap he better look out or the Johnny’s will make a soldier out of him yet. And I am sure I wouldn’t like to see him among the gray backs & me firing at him. And you say Jerry has enlisted and you think his wife will go to. Bully for her. She will make a good soldier & if not a good soldier, why a bully bunk mate anyhow. I think Jerry is mad at me too for I haven’t got a letter from them since I left the fort [Fortress Monroe] for they wrote me a letter and it didn’t suit me quite so I answered it accordingly. And it just broke up our correspondence. Pity me.
Mother, I got a letter from Uncle Jake Wilson the other day. He is well and all right. Bully for him. Mother, we have plenty of fruit around here now. We go foraging every time we come in from the front. We can find plenty of watermelon, apples, and grapes. You can bet we make them suffer.
Well, I believe I’ll bring my scribbling to a close for I must wash my shimy today yet. I am a bully washer, you can bet. We all have to do our own washing. Mother, tell Pap I received the $1.50 he sent me.
I’ll close as there is nothing new [or] peculiar in camp. When I write again, maybe I can tell you whether we will get on the gunboats or not. No more but remain your ever true son, — W. H. Sipe
My love to you all. Good night. Write soon. — W. H. Sipe
Tell Mrs. Gillen of she can read my letters as well as I can hers, she is a good reader for I know it takes patience to read some of mine. I always like to read a letter she writes for it always comes from home and I can read them right off without spelling words. Give her my love and best wishes, — W. H. Sipe
The following letter was written by Truman Francis Maxim (1845-1934), the son of Jesse Maxim and Louisa Pease (1810-1892) of South Norridgewock, Somerset county, Maine. Truman enlisted on 3 October 1864 as a private in Co. E, 9th Maine Infantry, enrolling himself as a substitute. He remained with the regiment until 13 July 1865 when he was mustered out, ten days after writing this letter.
Upon his return to Somerset County, he took up employment as both a blacksmith and a farmer for several years before ultimately becoming a Baptist minister. It is hoped that his perspective on race shifted toward a more positive stance as he adopted the teachings of Christianity. Truman’s description of the 4th of July celebration in 1865 was brief and racially biased: “It was celebrated mostly by the Negroes. The streets were blacker than a thunder cloud.” A more comprehensive description of the celebration can be found in an article based on a story in the NY Times of 14 July 1865. See “Eyewitness Account of the Joyous First 4th of July Celebration in Raleigh NC since Fort Sumter: A Contrast in Black and White.”
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Addressed to Mr. Jesse Maxim, South Norridgewock, Maine
Raleigh, North Carolina Monday, July 3rd 1865
Dear Parents and Friends
I have just received your kind letter under date of June 25th and was glad to hear from you again and to know that you are all well. I got a letter from Leander today. He was well. The men whose time of service expired before October 1st started for home yesterday. It took near one half of the regiment. It is the talk that there is another order on the way to discharge all men whose term of service expires before the 1st of January next. If so, it will take me. But if they are as long about it as they were about discharging those other men, I shan’t get home much before my year is out for there is only three months more from today. I expect it will be the longest three months for most all of the boys that I was acquainted with have gone home.
Now, about Harrison’s picture, if you can have it painted perfectly, I should for my choice rather have it than to have the monument as long as his remains are not there. Would not you rather have his picture to look at every day if you want to that to have his name carved out in marble a way yonder in the grave yard and when you look at it can neither see his features and then think here is his name but oh, he is not here. No, I should rather have his face to view and then think, thou once wast [here] but have passed away.
I am glad to hear that Sophronia has gone forward in Baptism. I have written to her two times and have ot heard from her yet. I don’t know whether she neglects to write or don’t get my letters. Where does George keep himself and what is he doing? I have not had a letter from him since May 15th. I should write to him if I had some stamps. If you can send me some, I should be glad to have them as I have but three and Leander sent me two of them in his letter that I got today. I should think that Syrena had brought her pigs to a June market but perhaps I am no judge.
I am glad there is a Sabbath School started in neighborhood and hope it will do some good. I don’t think of much more to write. I suppose you will want to know how the Fourth of July is spent here so I will not send this until day after tomorrow.
Wednesday morning, July 5th
I will tell you about the 4th of July. It was celebrated mostly by the Negroes. The streets were blacker than a thunder cloud. They had just such a time as you might suppose that Negroes would get up with the exceptions of a little fire works just to please the negroes. I don’t know but what you will think I am coming down on the negroes pretty hard but I can’t help that. You know that I am one of these kind that speaks just what I think and when a General will issue and order not to allow an enlisted man in town without a pass signed by Brigade commander, I think it is time to talk. And if that is not enough, it is time to shoot. How circumstances will change in one year. One year ago yesterday I was home. This year I was in Raleigh and on patrol, acting sergeant of the day [even though] I am nothing but a private.
It is reported that the order to discharge all men whose term of service expires before the 1st of January has got to regimental headquarters. I don’t want you to make any calculation on my getting home before my time is out nor do I want you to worry about me but write often and I will do the same. I must close so goodbye at present. This from your son, — T. F. Maxim
I shall hve to send this without a stamp as I have but three and have two other letters to write and want to keep one on hand.
I could not find an image of David but here is one of Daniel S. Hazelton of Co. C, 179th New York Infantry (CW Photo Sleuth)
The following letter was written by David H. Shepard (1836-1864) who was mustered into Co. A (the “Horseheads Company”), 179th New York Infantry on 5 April 1864. At the time of his entry into the service, he was described a 5 ft. 4 in. tall, blue-eyed, light haired 28 year-old farmer. According to his muster roll records, David was wounded in the Battle of the Crater on 30 July 1864 and died of his wounds on 14 November 1864 while on furlough from St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, New York. David was the son of Miles Shepard (1812-1883) and Maria Underwood (1816-1876) of Van Etten, Chemung county, New York.
As documented in his letter, the 179th New York Infantry was among the first regiments deployed by Brig. Gen. James H. Ledlie into the crater following the mine explosion in the early hours of July 30, 1864. They were preceded solely by the 2nd Pennsylvania Provisional Heavy Artillery and the 14th New York Artillery. The 3rd line of battle consisted of four companies from the 3rd Maryland and seven companies from the 79th New York, all part of the 2nd Brigade of the 1st Division. It was nearly three hours after the mine explosion before Ledlie ordered in the Black USCT soldiers of the 4th Division, and when their efforts proved as unsuccessful as those of the previous white soldiers, they were unjustly designated as scapegoats for the failed assault. After action investigations of the battle subsequently laid the blame more properly on the Union commanders.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
City Point July 31, 1864
Dear Father and mother,
By the grace of God I am yet alive and well with the exception of a little mark I got the 29th, but I thought my time was close at hand. But God see fit to spare my life for some reason unless it was because I asked Him to spare my life. We had a very hard fight. We fight for [our] life. We blowed up their fort and took their breastworks. We thought we had the Johnnies in our hands. Then the niggers was going to make charge. They charged but they let the rebs drive them back to us. We drove them back again. They made another charge but they came back again. We was in the rebs breastworks [when] the niggers jump onto us so we could not fight and they would not fight. I know that to be so. So we had to retreat.
They took a good many of our men. A good many of my regiment was taken but I made my escape. I expect[ed] to be shot when [I] climbed over the breastworks but I did not. I took my heels down across the lot. I expected to fall [with] every step. I seen the boys fall on every side of me, sure enough I did. I never expected to raise my head again. I don’t know how long I laid there but I don’t think I laid there long [before] I came to myself again. I thought I would try my luck again. They didn’t put only three holes through my old cap. There didn’t only one ball strike my head but I wagged along till I got to the wagon. They loaded me in and took me to the hospital but it was a long time before they got my wound dressed.
I stayed there till the next day. Then they took me to City Point. I am where they take good care of me. I have a good bed to sleep and enough to eat. I think I shall be to the regiment in a little while if nothing happens to me.
I shall have to bring my letter to a close. I have not received no letter from you in four weeks. I got a letter from Jim Fish. So goodbye. — D. H. Shepard
The following letter was written by Josiah W. Mead (1827-1899) to his younger brother, Lt. Plympton A. Mead (1835-1910)—-a member of Co. B, 111th Pennsylvania Infantry. They were the sons of Charles Mead (1806-1883) and Rebecca Legett (1810-1869) of Ridgeway, Elk county, Pennsylvania.
Josiah was married to Nancy H. Weed (1823-1892) on the 4th of July 1852 and by the time this letter was penned in March 1863, they had at least three children—Lucie (b. 1856), Emma (b. 1859), and Plympton (b. 1861). Josiah’s occupation in 1860 and 1870 was given as “farmer” but we learn from this letter that he also earned income log driving during the winter months, which was to transport felled logs by floating them downstream to sawmills. The logs were driven down streams like the First Fork, the Driftwood Branch, and the Bennett’s Branch of the Sinnemahoning Creek in Elk County. These logs eventually reached sawmills situated along the larger rivers like the Clarion and Allegheny. According to Elk county sources, the lumber industry built the wealth of Ridgway and most of Elk County. The Allegheny Plateau was blessed with a tremendous resource of tree species mostly conifers that were prized by the early settlers and people back on the East Coast for ship building, and various forms of construction, especially homes. The “splash” refers to the dropping of logs from a log slide, or sluice, into a creek that led to larger and larger streams and eventually a river upon which a sawmill was sited.
[Note: This letter is from the personal collection of James Campbell and was transcribed and published on Spared & Shared by express consent.]
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Addressed to Plympton A. Mead, Company B, 111th Regt. Pa. Volunteers, F. J. Osgood, Washington D. C.
March 29th 1863
Dear Brother,
I received yours some time ago and have not had time to answer it until now. We are all well at present. I was over to Ridgeway last Sunday. They were well then as usual. Mother’s health is not very good this winter, Father’s health is very good this winter. The people are generally well in this place this winter.
Leonard’s folks had a pair of twins last week but as luck would have it, whether good or bad, they both died. I think they are better off.
It is very cold and blustery today. The ground is covered with snow. The old snow is not all off yet. They are splashing their logs out of the creek. There is a great many logs gone past. They are not splashing today. It is most too cold for them. I suppose I have my logs about in. I would have been done but one of my horses has been sick two weeks so I have done nothing at them. I have eleven more to haul, then I am done, and have 96,500 in. It will take me one day to finish up, then Justus and me has to break the pile at the foot of the slide where we run them down. My logs run three & a quarter to the thousand. I sold some of them for four dollars per thousand [and] some for five—about half and half. I might of had five for the while of them if I had not been in such a hurry about selling. If I had waited one week longer, I could of had five for the whole.
I have just had a [playspa?] with the children. Plymp thinks he is as big as any of them. He is a great boy to play. He makes the girls stand about. He talks about the horses—Pete and Pine, he calls them.
Frank says he would not go if he was drafted. He thinks he might as well be killed at home as to be killed down South. Well, I don’t know but it would be as well for him to be killed at home for he would be of no use down there, such as him.
Nancy and the children sends their respects to you. The children has not forgot their Uncle Plympton yet. They talk about you a good deal and would like to see you. Clinton Bundy came yesterday in the stage. He got his discharge. He has a white swelling on his knee. Write often as you can. Come home if you can and see the folks. From your brother, — J. W. Mead
The following letter was written in two parts—the first by Lt. Daniel Webster Clark (1841-1932) and the 2nd by his father, Chaplain Orson Brewster Clark (1810-1885). Both father and son served in the 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry. In the 1860 US Census, they were enumerated in Tionesta, Venango county, Pennsylvania; Daniel working a miner and his father a Universalist Minister.
Daniel enlisted on 6 September 1861 and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in Co. G, 83rd Pennsylvania. He was later promoted to 1st Lieutenant and Quartermaster of the regiment. On 20 May 1864, he was injured when he fell off his horse near the North Anna River. He mustered out on 28 June 1865. Daniel’s is the only signature by an officer among the “graffiti” signatures at the Blenheim House in Fairfax, Virginia. He signed his name there on 11 March 1862. [see Hagan History Center].
Orson was married in 1834 to Diadema Webster (1808-1894). Before turning to the ministry, he earned a living teaching select schools in Hornellsville, New York and Canisteo, New York. He was in the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Rappahanock, Kelly Fork, Preebles Station, Quaker Run, Five Forks, Wilderness Farm, Laurel Hill, Old Church, Cold Harbor. He was wounded at Mead’s Station.
Lt. Daniel Webster ClarkChaplain O. B. Clark
[Note: This letter is from the personal collection of James Campbell and was offered for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by express consent.]
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Park Station, Virginia October 10, 1864
Dear Brother,
Though it is late and I am somewhat fatigued with the days work and excitement, yet I feel inclined to spend a few moments with you this evening, And just here it will be just as well to apprise you at the outset that you will find nothing very new or strange for just now the organ of marvel with me is unusually quiet. As you have already seen, our forces on the left have made another advance. Like all preceding advances, it has cost blood. Yet we hold securely all the ground gained. We have not yet crossed the South Side Railroad. Yet we are near enough to it to hear the Reb cars though it is not probable thy make any unnecessary noise just now. Our men are all in fine spirits and full of confidence from the Commander in Chief down to all human appearance. The days of rebellion are numbered and its doom irrevocably sealed.
Deserters are all the time coming in. Both they and prisoners tell the same story of destitution, suffering and hopefulness for their cause. This of course elates the feelings of our boys and causes them to feel that the war has not been a failure. The assertion of the authors of the [Democratic Party’s] Chicago Platform to the contrary notwithstanding. I am told the most rabid secessionists around here snatch at Green Backs with as much avidity as a hungry dog does a piece of meat. Whatever may be their feelings in regard to their government, one thing is certain—they have no confidence in its promise to pay.
October 11, 1864. I have been at the front all day. Col. [DeWitt Clinton] McCoy 1 got back last night apparently in fine spirits. Our Pennsylvania regiments held their election today. The vote was like a jug handle—all on one side. They took an informal vote on President this morning. One hundred and thirty-eight voters were present. Of this number, one hundred and twenty-one were cast for Lincoln and seventeen for McClellan. This is about the way the whole thing will run all through the army. So much for the army vote.
“Our Pennsylvania regiments held their election today. The vote was like a jug handle—all on one side… So much for the army vote.”
— Chaplain O. B. Clark, 83rd Pennsylvania, 10 October 1864
The 3rd Division has advanced its lines about 3/4 of a mile today. There was heavy cannonading all last night, through the day, and still continues this evening in the vicinity of Fort Warren. For two days the Rebs have been cross as bears.
I saw Harry today. He feels badly enough about your leaving. They expected a great horse race today near the Yellow House 2 but for some reason it did not come off. General [Charles] Griffin’s gray was one of them.
The Yellow House (Yellow Tavern) is seen in the distance at right.
Our lines now extend from the fork on the right of the Yellow House (Fort Wadsworth) to within a mile and a half of the South Side [Rail] Road. They cross the Vaughn Road; our left resting on the Plank Road running from Stono Creek to the Sout Side [rail] Road. We have a much better & healthier position than we had when you left. It is said the Rebs charged our center last night three times and were repulsed each time.
There, I have written enough for once I think. My health continues good. Tell Ma and Vernie not to worry about me for I am old enough to take care of myself. Love to Bill and all. Good night. Your Father, — O. B. Clark
Gen. Charles Griffin
(Write)
1 DeWitt Clinton McCoy (1824-1902) enlisted in the first year of the Civil War and was chosen captain of Company F., of the 83d Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers. In May 5, 1864, at the Battle of the Wilderness, owing to the loss of Colonel Woodward, he took command of the regiment as lieutenant colonel. His army record was a most excellent one and he received many times, deserved compliments from his superiors. He led a brilliant charge of the 83d at North Anna, May 23, 1864, which broke the Confederate Attack and saved the Federal lines. At Gaines’ Mill [on June 27, 1864], he received a severe wound. For years he absolutely refused to apply for a pension, but owing to failing health and advanced years, by special act of Congress at the last session he was placed upon the roll.
2 The “Yellow House” refers to the Globe Tavern which served as the Headquarters of the 6th Army Corps.
The following letter was written by Henry French Day (1843-1875) to his brother Almon Curtis Day (1838-1919). They were the sons on Abiah Grover Day (1810-1879) and Gratia Lane Curtis (1817-1911) of Androscoggin county, Maine.
Henry gives no indication in his letter as to what his purpose for being in Black Hawk, Colorado Territory, but it’s presumed he was employed in the mining business in some capacity.
Black Hawk, Colorado Territory(1864)
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Addressed to A. C. Day, Buckfield, Maine
Boulder, Colorado Territory January 2nd 1866
Brother Almon, sir
It is with pleasure that I now seat myself to pen you a few lines to inform you how the world wags in this section. It is generally supposed that the world is round and that it revolves from west to east. But after careful consideration and explanation, I have come to the conclusion that it is of an oblong or fishy nature and that it stands on an underpinning for the sun to pass through and moon &c. &c. Arnol! it has come to pass that on the third day there came news of another blooming Almond, ho-ho-ha-ha.
We now, without joking, it come to me in Black and white that Almon had another girl. but don’t hardly see it. This man’s having a child is played out in my opinion. How is it? Did you have another girl or did your wife have it, there is the question.
Well, Almon, how do you get along this winter? Does hte boys use you rough or do they behave themselves (for I hear you are teaching again this winter) and where do you teach? How do you get along as School Committee?
Well, there is snow there as I have been told, but there is enough snow here for here and there too.
There is nothing for me to write of information that will be interesting to you. There is a young man here by the name of Herbert Tubbs from Hebron Academy. Says he used to be acquainted with you when you went to school there. He got out here about two weeks ago and now is stopping with me. Also saw Charles Lame & Curtis & Crosby of Greene. Saw Alonzo Tubbs, Herbert’s cousin, of Hebron. He is in Boulder here so I see lots of State of Maine boys every day.
Well Almon, there is much business going on here now. Wish you could be here for a few hours and then be back again. Well as its getting late, I must draw this to a close, so wishing you and your wife and children long life and happiness. From your ever true brother, — Henry F. Day
Black Hawk, Box 82, Colorado
Almon C. Day and Clara Day, his wife
P. S. Give my love to all and write soon. Yours truly, — Henry Day, Esq. or any other man
The following letter was written by William Taylor (b. 1807 in Penn.), the husband of Hannah (Price) Taylor (b. 1825 in Penn.)—both Mulattos—who were residents of Unionville, Chester county, Pennsylvania at the time of the 1860 US Census. William wrote the letter to his oldest son, Benjamin Jones Taylor (1842-1899) who was enumerated in the 1860 Census with his siblings, William (b. 1844), Hebert (b. 1848), Elizabeth (b. 1850), Mary A. (b. 1851), and Esther (b. 1856). I don’t know William penned the letter but since the postmark was Philadelphia, I’m going to assume he was working there at the time. I cannot find any record that his son Benjamin ever volunteered to serve in the U. S. Colored Troops (USCT).
Benjamin married Anna Frances Davis of Providence, Rhode Island, and in the 1870 US Census, he was enumerated in Providence working as a coachman. By 1880, Benjamin was working as a hosier, his home located at 379 Fountain Street. Benjamin’s son, Charles (1877-1942) served in Co. H, 9th US Cavalry—a Buffalo soldier.
It’s curious that William concluded his letter by writing, “It is very requisite that we as a combined body should make the best of everything from the fact that prejudice is raging rapidly.” This statement is further evidence of a noticeable rise in racial tensions and hostility towards Black Americans in certain areas—particularly in New York City where the military draft stoked fears and sparked racial violence.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Addressed to Mr. Benjamin J. Taylor, Unionville, Chester county, Penn.
[Philadelphia, Pa.] June 11, 1863
My son Benjamin,
I now take this opportunity to write you a few lines to let you know that I am reasonable well at present and also the family are all well and I hope when those few lines reaches you, they may find you enjoying the same blessing. The little girls send their love to you and all the family also. And Elizabeth wishes you good luck and to do the best you can.
Well, Benj, I would like you to write as soon as you get this letter and let us know how you are getting along and also to let us know the particulars concerning the draft, in regard to the colored people and the spirit and mind of the community at large, in regard to the country affairs. William Collier has been authorized to enroll all married men, both white and colored, from 20 to 35, and all single men from 20 to 45. But the general spirit of the people is to volunteer in preference to being drafted and Thomas Bugulas [?] of West Chester is getting up a company of volunteers and has got 80 men at this time and was inquiring for you. He wants a company of good colored men to march with him as soon as possible.
And Aunt Mary Glasco got a letter from her son London for he has not received neither wages nor bounty and is entirely destitute of money. He was well at that time and is now in South Carolina. 1
Give our love to William Green and enquire of him whether he saw William Shirley’s son for he wishes to know. Well, Benj., I have reduced all my old debts from 14 dollars down to $2.72 cents and it would be a great relief to me if you could send me 5 or 6 dollars. I must make a portion of rent soon and having so many things to contend with that I shall not be able to raise it in due time. I hope you will oblige me if you can.
Lovina Means and Tilman and family and David Carr and family are middling well at present and send their well wishes and best respects to you for it is very requisite that we as a combined body should make the best of everything from the fact that prejudice is raging rapidly.
I must now close by saying our respects to you all together. No more at present. From your father, — William Taylor
1 London Glasco (1841-1863), mulatto, was the son of Robert Glasco (1797-1877) and Mary (Taylor) Brown (1803-Aft1870) of Unionville, Chester county, Pennsylvania. London served in Co. B of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry and was killed in the assault on Fort Wagner on 18 July 1863. London was listed in the Company Descriptive Book record as single, 22 years of age, 5 feet 6 inches tall.
A sketch of Robert S. Paul based on a circa 1900 photograph found in Ancestry.com.
The following letter was written by Robert Spencer Paul (1842-1905), the son of Hosea Paul (1809-1870) and Ellen Gamble (1813-1889) of Cuyahoga Falls, Summit, Ohio. Robert learned the surveyors trade from his father; his gateway into a career in civil engineering. From 1862 to 1865 he served on the topographical staff of the Army of the Cumberland and after attending Lebanon College in Ohio and the Pennsylvania Polytechnic College, he settled in Akron where he was elected county surveyor, succeeding his father in 1870.
He married Sarah Matilda Romig on 25 July 1872. They were the parents of at least 1 son and 6 daughters. He lived in Stow Township, Summit, Ohio, United States in 1850 and Ohio, United States in 1870. He died on 23 August 1905, in Akron, Summit, Ohio, United States, at the age of 62, and was buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Cuyahoga Falls, Summit, Ohio, United States.
In his letter Robert describes the fortifications that were being hastily constructed near Cincinnati in the fall of 1862 as Braxton Bragg’s and Kirby Smith’s Rebel Armies threatened the Queen City itself. The bulk of this work was carried out by the Black Brigade—the first formal organization of black men used for military purposes in the North during the Civil War. They felled trees, constructed roads, built breastworks, and dug rifle pits for nearly three weeks. Confederate General Henry Heth’s force of between six and eight thousand soldiers came within a few miles of the river near Fort Mitchell, but did not engage. The new defensive works and the presence of more than 25,000 Union soldiers alongside local militia and Squirrel Hunters proved a formidable deterrent. Heth’s forces departed and the Federal Army then turned its attention to safeguarding Louisville.
“On September 20, The Black Brigade disbanded. The 705 surviving members of Cincinnati’s Black Brigade marched through the streets of Covington, Kentucky shouldering shovels and pickaxes, then crossed the pontoon bridge. Martial music played and banners rippled in the breeze as the men strode proudly through the main streets of the Queen City. Judge Dickson dismissed them with an emotional speech: ‘The sweat-blood which the nation is now shedding at every pore is an awful warning of how fearful a thing it is to oppress the humblest being. Until our country shall again need your services, I bid you farewell.'” [Source: The Black Brigade and the Defense of Cincinnati by David T. Dixon]
Robert frequently mentions “Harry” in the letter. This was his older brother Harrison Daniel Paul (1835-1906) who served in Co. G, 1st Ohio Infantry. He became a Lieutenant Colonel and Chief Engineer of the Department of the Ohio.
A modern mural depicting the “Squirrel Hunters” crossing the Ohio River for the defense of Cincinnati.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Cincinnati, Ohio September 14, 1862
Dear Parents,
I am well and have been. Received two letters from home today, today being the first day in a week that I could get to the post office. Friday I was out in a very hard rain without my coat and got wet twice, but I did not take cold. There was a great influx of squirrel hunters [from Ohio] for a few days past but I hear they are going home as fast as they can as there are over 75,000 troops here to fight the rebels. I do not know when the fortifications will be finished. Harry has the Black Brigade under him now. Tom Peters has one half and Harry the other, giving each 600 negroes. They are by far the better workmen. Harry and Tom Peters’ works are by far the best constructed of any along the whole line and they have been told so by Major [James H.] Simpson and Col. [Charles] Whittlesey.1
You will see by the papers I sent you that Harry and Tom Peters have charge on the Newport side. Harry at Three Mile Run, Peters at Camp Shaler. Harry has had two forts to construct while none of the others have had more than one. Harry eats with the Black Brigade and the cooks of the negro company that he messes with were getting $100 a month apiece as cooks before they went to the fortifications. They do get things up in style. The white cooks in the camp around are too dirty to eat after. In Harry’s division, there are 300 to 500 negroes chopping all the time and they will chop more than three city white men. They are a good-natured jolly set, more than half mulatto, pretty smart fellows.
An AI generated sketch of the monument commemorating the Black Brigade.
Now in regard to the question father asks, I will state Col. Whittlesey says the Engineer Corps will get their pay and as I rank as a commissioned officer, it will be something. All corps will be paid. No persons work for nothing except those that refuse pay. As to my board, I get it where I can. If I can get around, I go to Harry’s boarding house which is about half the time. The rest of the time I have got my meals at eating houses, farm houses, groceries, bakeries, and camps just where I happen to be. I am not at all particular.
You ask why does not Harry write sometimes. I see him once a day and sometimes not at all, generally two or three times when I see him. We are either tired or busy and I have not heard whether he writes you or not. I have [not] seen any Dayton friends. If there has been any Falls boys here to see me, they could not find out much as the office has been locked all the time, all having gone to the wars. Mother thinks I could get clothes, does she? Well an officer has to find his own. What I am going to do after what I am at is done, I do not know. Perhaps I can get something else to do. I will try and find out what chance there would be for Hosea here as he is a better writer than I am and he would stand a better chance for a place in some of the departments. I will write him soon. Send me the Summit County Beacon. I have much to write you if I had time. Would like to write to Dwight and Ed. Can’t they write to me and tell me all going around the house, [such as] if Black Tom and his mother are well, how quack gets along, if our garden is good, if they go to school, and lots of things I want to know. I will write them a long letter soon. Have Mary write and ask any questions about going to Dayton for she wants to and I will try and find out all she wants to know. If I had had the time, I would have written a good long letter of the things I have seen here. I will do so soon if I can. Your son, — Robert S. Paul
1 Colonel Charles Whittlesey and Major James H. Simpson were with the Topographical Engineers for the Department of the Ohio.
The following diary was kept by Archibald Simpson Corken, Jr. (1843-1890), an emigrant from Liverpool, England. “Archie” came to the United States in the mid 1850s with his father, Archibald Sr.—a clock and watch maker, jeweler who set up his shop in Rock Island, Illinois. His January 1857 advertisement in the Rock Island Advertiser claimed 20 years experience in some of the “principal Watch Manufactory houses of Europe” and that he was capable of offering “perfect satisfaction” to the the people of Rock Island at his shop on Illinois Street.
No doubt Archie learned the jeweler’s trade from his accomplished father in the Rock Island shop but three years later, at the time of the 1860 US Census, the Corken family was enumerated in the little town of Aledo in western Illinois, with a promising future as the newly named county seat of Mercer county. Here, 46 year-old Archibald worked as a “jeweler” and his 18 year-old son Archie worked as a “druggist.” Other members in the household included Archie’s presumed mother, 35 year-old Mary Ann, and three younger sisters, 14 year-old Ellen, 10 year-old Agnes, and 4 year-old Emma, all born in England except the youngest.
While working in Aledo, Archie was recruited to serve as a private in Co. I, 17th Illinois Infantry, his term of service being three years from June 1861 to June 1864. During the period of this diary, he was mostly stationed in the occupation of Vicksburg after the Union’s successful siege of 1863.
Supply lines were tenuous during the early part of the occupation. On 2 January 1864 he wrote “Commissary stores are getting very scarce. There is no whiskey at the post, since the potatoes have all frozen.” Tensions with the locals also ran high; the next day he wrote “Provost marshal issued an order banishing five ladies from this place for insulting our government by leaving church on Christmas Day when the prayer for the president of the United States was made.” General Sherman passed through the base twice, on 16 January and 28 February. Corken noted the regiment’s poor discipline and morale: “Every evening the town is crowded with officers and men, many of them drunk and disorderly, swearing, drinking & carousing the whole night long” (16 March).
The most dramatic entry is a meditation on the notorious Fort Pillow Massacre which fills the 20-22 April pages: “Our news from Ft. Pillow confirms all the previous reports that we have heard. The Rebels were repulsed twice but gained the fort while negotiations were pending and a flag of truce held by them. . . . After our men surrendered, the Rebs shot them like hogs, giving no quarter. All the Negro troops were killed with a good many of the white troops. Numbers were driven into the river, others were burned alive in the buildings they had taken refuge in. Many were buried alive, some of whom dug out. God have mercy on any of Forrest’s troops who are met by our men.”
Corken began the process of mustering out on 17 May, and returned home to Rock Island, IL on 26 June. The diary includes a handful of civilian entries; he heard Schuyler Colfax speak in Davenport, Iowa on 31 October. After the war, Corken sold clocks and watches in Iowa, and was a jeweler in Rock Island, IL.
Tucked in the back of the volume are two signed cartes-de-visite: one of an unidentified Union soldier taken in the studio of William Owen of Evansville, WI; and a circa 1864 signed portrait of Corken by Cook & Newberry of Rock Island, IL. Also included is Corken’s Davenport, IA Knights Templar, Masonic Card.
Albumen print by an unidentified photographer. Guy DeMasi Collection. This view of the 17th Illinois Infantry, taken at Vicksburg in the spring of 1864 towards the end of its three-year enlistment, visualizes under strength regiments later in the war. The number of Illinoisans present, about 217, is a shadow of the thousand or so souls who mustered at Peoria in May 1861. Losses by disease took a toll, as did combat losses, including 130 casualties at Shiloh. Military Images Magazine
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
[Editor’s note: If Archie made no entry on a given date, that date is skipped in this transcription.]
Friday, January 1, 1864—Vicksburg, Miss. Gen. Jas. B. McPherson commanding District. Gen. McArthur commanding Post. Lt. Col. Wardell P. M. [Provost Marshall]. Weather very cold—ice forms every night from one to two inches thick. It is feared the river will close at some point between Memphis and Cairo and stop our supplies and mail.
Saturday, January 2, 1864—Vicksburg, Miss. Lt. E. E. Ryan is acting R. Q. M. [Regimental Quartermaster]. H. T. Smith sentenced to suspension of rank and pay proper for three months, one month of time probably expired. Commissary stores are getting very scarce. There is no whiskey at the Post and the potatoes have all frozen.
Sunday, January 3, 1864—Vicksburg, Miss. Weather remains cold. We have to keep fire up all night in order to keep warm. Provost Marshall issued an order banishing five ladies from this place for insulting our government by leaving church on Christmas day when the prayer for the President of the United States was made.
Monday, January 4, 1864—Vicksburg, Miss. Review ordered but weather entirely disagreeable for it. Lt. E. E. Ryan, Acting Q. M., vice Glancy returned to duty.
Tuesday, January 5, 1864—Mertie F. Buck
Friday, January 8, 1864—Vicksburg, Miss. Troops at this post reviewed and inspected by Maj. Gen. David Hunter who appeared to be well satisfied with the appearance of them.
Saturday, January 9, 1864—Vicksburg, Miss. Weather moderated somewhat today although the ice on the ponds is strong enough to bear a person easily.
Sunday, January 10, 1864—Vicksburg, Miss. Received marching orders during the night & embarked on board the S. S. Northerner. Troops consisting of two Batteries and the 17th, 8th, and 30th Illinois. Also the 81st Illinois & 7th Missouri. Commanding officer Gen. [Mortimer Dormer] Leggett. Left at 3 p.m. for up the river.
Monday, January 11, 1864—S. S. Northerner. Laid up and wooded all night. We accompanied by the transports “Era” and “Madison.” We make very poor time as our vessel is a coal burner and has to burn green wood. Judge Morgan’s Plantation.
Tuesday, January 12, 1864—S. S. Northerner. Laid up last night at “Skipwith’s Landing” above Lake Providence. Wooded up again and started, assisted by a tow boat. Picked up a forlorn looking individial who commenced waving a white flag as soon as we hove in sight. He turned out to be a cotton speculator who had been captured by guerrillas but had succeeded in escaping.
Wednesday, January 13, 1864—S. S. Northerner. Old River Lake, Arkansas. Reached here last night. Our regiment went on picket. One boat and one company went up to Greenville five miles above. Fine country for foraging. The boys are getting lots of swine and chickens, beef cattle, &c. &c.
Thursday, January 14, 1864—Made a mistake of one day in the date. It was last night we reached Old River Lake, Arkansas. Lt. [Theodore] Glancey crossed the lake & visited the plantation of Mr. Dunn where we found four very good looking young ladies. Folks all conservative.
Friday, January 15, 1864—S. S. Northerner, below Skipwith’s. Made very good time & reached Vicksburg at 3 p.m. Laid at anchor last night just below Skipwith’s. Boys all glad to get back. A fruitless expedition. Captured but two prisoners.
Saturday, January 16, 1864—Vicksburg, Miss. Everything here is very quiet. Gen. Sherman arrived here this morning on his way to the Dept. of New Orleans where he is ordered to report for duty. It is rumored that his Corps—the 15th—is to come down here to New Orleans. The weather is damp but pleasant. Sergt. [George B.] Millard returned to the regiment for duty.
Monday, January 18, 1864—Vicksburg, Miss. [Thomas A.] Causey and [Alford S.] Grooms returned to day. Wrote to Schenck.
Tuesday, January 19, 1864—Vicksburg, Miss. Bill Henderson returned today. Folks all well at home. McPherson made a speech to our Brigade to encourage enlistments in the Veteran service.
Thursday, January 21, 1864—Vicksburg, Miss. Weather remarkably warm today. The paymaster with funds arrived yesterday. Will commence paying probably tomorrow. All the paymasters are engaged in paying off veterans.
Friday, January 22, 1864—Vicksburg, Miss. Today our Brigade drilled for the purpose of selecting a regiment to drill against the Division for an Excelsior flag. Our regiment was the best one present and is to drill tomorrow against the 124th Illinois and the 78th Ohio, the crack regiments of the other two Brigades. We do not expect to win because we have bot drilled during the winter.
Saturday, January 23, 1864—Our Division drill came off today resulting in our defeat and the success of the 124th [Illinois]. We have to rest satisfied on best of the Brigade.
Sunday, January 24, 1864—Vicksburg, Miss. It is reported that the 15th Army Corps is on the way down the river and that when they arrive we are to move towards Jackson or Meridian.
Wednesday, January 27, 1864—Vicksburg, Miss. Today 15 steamboats loaded with troops arrived and will move probably tomorrow or next day towards Jackson, Miss. Not yet known if our regiment will go or not.
Thursday, January 28, 1864—Vicksburg, Miss. Paid off today two months pay. Up to January 1st.
Sunday, January 31, 1864—Vicksburg, Miss. Gen. Smith’s Division, 16th Army Corps arrived here during the last days. The rest of the Corps will be here shortly. An expensive move is on foot. We shall very probably go along.
William A. Hubbard also served in Co. I, 17th Illinois Infantry. (Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library)
Wednesday, February 3, 1864—Vicksburg, Miss. Regiment marched this morning. I remained behind in charge of the Q. M. [Quartermaster] Dept. 16th and 17th Army Corps are moving toward Jackson, Miss.
Sunday, February 7, 1864—-Vicksburg, Miss. Everything very dull. No news from the front except rumors of a fight at Yazoo City.
Sunday, February 14, 1864—Vicksburg. Peach trees and Magnolias in full bloom.
Monday, February 15, 1864—Vicksburg. H[enry] C. Moorhead just arrived from home.
Wednesday, February 17, 1864—Vicksburg. Nothing new. Drew from 18th to 22nd.
Thursday, February 18, 1864—We were very much surprised to find the ground covered with snow this morning when we woke up. It soon went off though to the great delight of these southerners who can’t stand our climate. This southern climate has been putting on northern airs.
Sunday, February 28, 1864—Vicksburg. Gen. Sherman arrived here this afternoon and went down the river on the Diana. No news from the front.
Wednesday, March 2, 1864—Vicksburg. Adams, our sutler, arrived this evening from the front. He left the regiment bivouacked at Canton. They had been to Meridian and have captured a great man horses, mules, &c. & have destroyed about 200 miles of railroad. Our acting Regimental Quartermaster was taken prisoner while out with a forage train. One man killed and two wounded.
Thursday, March 3, 1864—Vicksburg, Miss. Met with an old friend today—Schenck—who is under [ ] going home. Ranks as paymaster in the Regular Navy and will probably be assigned to some vessel as soon as he reports.
Friday, March 4, 1864—Vicksburg. Regiment returned.
Saturday, March 12, 1864—Vicksburg, Miss. Today is my twenty-first birthday by the Providence of God.
Monday, March 14, 1864—We have been inside the works at this place nearly eight months and with the exception of an occasional scout have led a miserable, dreary, and monotonous existence. Camp life will do well [ ] but this life in garrison would demoralize the best Regulars in the world much more our loosely disciplined volunteers. I begin to believe that [the war correspondent William Howard] Russell was more than half right when after reviewing the troops on the Potomac that [ ] Army of McClellan’s, he said, “That is no army—nothing but an armed mob.” It will apply well to our army here. A regiment is scarcely ever seen drilling and even the garrison guard duty is miserably conducted. Every evening the town id crowded with officers and men, many of them drunk and disorderly, swearing, drinking, and carousing the whole night long. There is hardly that respect paid to an officer that is due from one gentleman to another. What this will end in remains to be seen. Our successes are making us careless.
Tuesday, March 22, 1864—Vicksburg, Miss. For the last three days it has been quite chilly and last night we had a light snow which rather astonished us. Remarkable weather for the “Sunny South.” There is a probability of our moving up the river. We have had orders to turn over all our transportation to the division quartermaster who is to move it up the river to Cairo.
Friday, March 25, 1864—Headquarters Dept. of the Ohio, Office of Board of Examiners, No. 145 Broadway, Cincinnati, Ohio. Appointment does not necessarily follow examination even when favorably passed on by the Board. Appointments being governed by the demands of the service. Examined in tactics, Army Regulations, Arithmetic, Geography, General knowledge & history. H. Van Rensselaer, Inspector General USA
Thursday, March 31, 1864—Vicksburg, Miss. Today we had a rain and hail storm. Hailstone the size of an ounce ball falling and some few much larger.
Wednesday, April 6, 1864—Vicksburg, Miss. Our regiment is now in [Brig. Gen. Jasper A.] Maltby’s command—the last and defense of Vicksburg. There is not many regiments of white troops remaining here.
Saturday, April 9, 1864—Vicksburg, Miss. The 124th Illinois moved in from Black River and camped on Veteran Hill just west of us, the former campground of the 30th Illinois.
Sunday, April 10, 1864—Vicksburg, Miss. Our regimental band and all the veterans with seven commissioned officers are to be sent up the river recruiting.
Monday, April 18, 1864—Vicksburg, Miss. This morning our regiment received [orders] to report to Gen. [John M.] Schofield at Haines Bluff to go from there to Yazoo City, Rebs permitting. Schitz & I remain behind. He sick and me to attend to the business of the regiment while absent.
Wednesday, April 20, 1864—Our news from Ft. Pillow confirms all the previous reports that we have heard. The Rebels were repulsed twice but gained the fort while negotiations were pending and a flag of truce held by them. When once inside the fort, their victory was an easy matter on account of their superior numbers. After our men had surrendered, they—the Rebs—shot them down like dogs, giving no quarter. All the negro troops were killed with a great many of the white troops. Numbers were driven into the river, others were burned alive in the buildings they had taken refuge in. Many were buried alive, some of whom dug out. God have mercy on any of Forrest’s troops who are met by our men.
Saturday, April 23, 1864—Vicksburg. Our regiment returned this evening having been up the river as far as Liverpool Heights, fourteen miles below Yazoo City. There the enemy became too strong for us and they were obliged to fall back with the loss of the Marine Boat No. 5. All the deck crew negroes killed.
Tuesday, May 17, 1864—Vicksburg. received marching orders at last and expect to go to Springfield to be mustered out.
Wednesday, May 18, 1864—Got on board the Steamboat Mollie Able at 9 o’clock this p.m.
Col. L .F. Ross, 17th Illinois, Taken in 1862. (Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library)
Thursday, June 2, 1864—Descriptive List. Archibald S. Corken, Private I Co., 17th Illinois. Born in Liverpool, England. Enlisted and mustered at Alton, Ills. by L[eonard] F. Ross, Col. Last paid by Maj. Jamison to Dec. 31st 1863
Friday, June 3, 1864—Sent to Camp Yates with Descriptive List.
Saturday, June 4, 1864—Regt. mustered out of the service this afternoon.
Friday, June 24, 1864—Springfield. Discharged today. Paid in full $100 bounty.
Sunday, June 26, 1864—Rock Island, Ills. Arrived home this morning.
Monday, July 4, 1864—New Boston, Ills.
Tuesday, July 5, 1864—Keithsburg, Ills.
Thursday, July 7, 1864—Aledo, Ills. 12 a.m. Remember E. M. M.
Sunday, July 16, 1864—Aledo, Ills. Heard Mr. Ashburgh in the morning and Mr. Williams in the evening. Went to see Duty Green at Derryton.
Tuesday, July 12, 1864—Rock Island, 6 p.m.
Wednesday, July 20, 1864—Commenced going to Commercial College in Davenport.
Sunday, October 30, 1864—Went to Methodist Church in the evening with Adair.
Monday, October 31, 1864—Heard Schuyler Colfax speak at Davenport, Iowa.
Tuesday, November 1, 1864—Adair Blue left this morning after a visit of five days.
Tuesday, November 8, 1864—Election Day.
Wednesday, November 30, 1864—Rock Island Barracks. Engaged by Asst. Quartermaster of this post as forage master. Wages to be $60 or $75 per month, not definitely settled which. Engaged board at Sergt. ___ for $1 per week.
Thursday, December 1, 1864—Rock Island Barracks. Commenced work today as forage master.
Thursday, May 18, 1865—This evening I was admitted to the First Degree in Free Masonry at Trio Lodge, No. 257, State of Illinois.
Memoranda.
Caspar Schenck, Asst. Pay Master, U. S. N. U .S .Sloop of War, Portsmouth, Gulf Blockading Squadron.
Jus. Robinson, Old Bank, Chester, England
Jno. Donald, Woodside, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Williw Donld, Merchant Man Callao, South America, and Glagow, Scotland.
S. H. Coombs, Oswestry, Shropshire, England
Denbigh, North Wales
Archibald Simpson CorkenBackmark of Corken’s CDVUnidentified Union PrivateBackmark of Unidentified PrivateSlip of paper in back of diary with the name “Andrew Erb, Pekin, Illinois” faintly visible. Andrew Erb (1836-1888) was in Co. G, 17th Illinois. Corken’s Knight Templar card
Spared & Shared 23 