All posts by Griff

My passion is studying American history leading up to & including the Civil War. I particularly enjoy reading, transcribing & researching primary sources such as letters and diaries.
Burnside Expedition, Pig Point Battery

1862: Western Berkley Thomas to Emmeline Few (Howard) Thomas

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These letters were written by Western Berkley Thomas, Jr. (1835-1863), the son of Western Berkley Thomas (1799-1836) and Emmeline Few Thomas (1807-1882) of Augusta, Richmond county, Georgia. In 1859 and 1860 he is enumerated among the students at Cambridge in the Harvard Law School. In the 1860 US Census, he is identified as a lawyer working in Augusta.

Western served the Confederacy as 1st Lieutenant in Co. K (“Davis Musketeers”), 10th Georgia Regiment. He enlisted at Richmond, Virginia, on July 7, 1861. In March 1862, Co. K of the 10th Regiment was transferred into artillery. Three months later, Lt. Thomas was suffering so severely from the “stricture of urethra & unstable condition of the bladder” that surgeons judged him unfit for duty. On June 6th, 1862, Western submitted his resignation from the service to Hon. George W. Randolph, Secretary of War. Western died on 14 February 1863 at Chickamauga, Walker county, Georgia.

Western wrote these letters early in 1862 while the Davis Musketeers were manning a battery at Pig Point in Suffolk county near the mouth of the Nansemond river overlooking Hampton Roads.

Map of Hampton Roads showing Pig Point fortifications at left.

Letter 1

Addressed to Mrs. Emeline F. Thomas, Augusta, Georgia

Pig Point 1
January 13, 1862

Dear Mother,

I should have answered your letter long ago but the chills have had me again. I cannot write on my chill day and the intervening day I feel worn out and weary. I hope by the use of quinine to escape tomorrow. It is certainly strange that we should be afflicted with the disease at this season of the year but I suppose it is the same attack I had before as it has been about twenty days since my last. I will watch this time and take quinine as you directed at each period but. so long as we have nothing worse, I shall be satisfied for we have been very fortunate. Other corps are suffering around us with typhoid fever, pneumonia, and other fatal diseases while we have not yet lost a man. I believe I am the only man in the company who has chills now. 2

The box arrived about three days since and we eat one side of the breast of the turkey before it advanced too far. The ham was fine but it is all gone as we are great ham eaters here. The men will be very thankful for the comforters. I have not yet given them out as it is very warm and I will wait till I get the others which are in my other box with the overcoat at the express Office in Norfolk.

I have nothing to write you about as it is very stupid here. We have been watching for the Burnside Expedition here for a long time but it has not come and from the changes in the fleet off Fortress Monroe, I think it has gone further south. If this is so, we shall soon hear of it. As I write, I hear very heavy guns up the James river for which I cannot account as it is too rough for practice—probably some little skirmish.

I see no prospect of peace at present and no hope of anything but Pig Point and chills until the war closes. Has Aunty heard anything from sister or from Kentucky? I fear poor Aunt Luesa’s nerves will be sadly shocked by the presence of the Federal and Confederate forces in the blue grass country. I feel very sorry for the people of Kentucky. It is bad enough. to have a friendly army in the country but it must be very sad to have two hostile forces and the people divided too.

I said we had no sick in the company but while I write, William D’Antonac has been attacked by his chill and is now shaking the whole house and we have four men with chills.

I hope I shall hear from you soon. We have three men at home now on leave of absence. I told them to go to the house thinking you might like to hear something of how we get on. There is nothing I want now so you can send me nothing. I wish you would find my bank book in the drawer of the wardrobe (I think) and send it to the bank to be balanced. If you cannot find it, you can find out at the bank how much I have there and let me know too how much interest is now due me on my bonds as I may take that money with what I have here and buy Confederate bonds. They are as good as anything else now and will be better after the war. Write soon. Affectionately, — your son.

January 15th 1862

I succeeded in breaking the chill yesterday and hope to avoid them in future. your letter came last night and I will send you the money to invest if you think the State Bonds are better than Confederate. The latter are free you know from the war tax which is half percent and unless the State Bonds are free from state tax (in which case they are better), they are worth less than Confederates since the former will bring only 7.5 percent after deducting the war tax while the latter which are not subject to it are at 8 percent. I shall not be able to send you more than $800 from here as I can not collect all that is owing me and as I shall need something to live on till next payday which will be March 1st. I think there are, however, coupons enough due on my bonds to make up the sum of $1000. If not, let me know how much I have in deposit at the bank and I will send you a check.

That old German told a falsehood. He has made nearly $70 out of the Confederacy with his clothes adn food six months and has done only one or two days duty since he was enlisted. He is mad because we would not let him swindle the government out of commutation money for clothing. You have doubtless by this time seen three or one of the two men now at home on leave and you will find no better clothed troops in the service. You can send the dog by one of these. John Rodle whom I told to go and see you is the safest to send him by unless you see Booker. But whomever you give him to, tell the others if you see them. If none of them come to the house, Dr. Steiner (to whom remember me the most sincerely) can tell you where John Rodle, formerly Marcellus Hammond’s cook, lives. Send the dog to Bowen (gunsmith) and tell him to fit it a nice collar on him with the enclosed information on the plate and send the key with the dog. Pay for the collar or tell. Bowen to charge it to me. I will pay when we meet. I am sorry my dear Mother to give you so much trouble. Adieu. Your affectionate son, — W. B. T.

1 When secessionists seized the Gosport Navy Yard, they obtained more than 1200 heavy guns and 300,000 pounds of gunpowder at Fortress Norfolk. Several of these large guns were deployed at Pig Point. The shoreline was indeed formidable but Confederates had to withdraw from these fortifications to defend Richmond when McClellan threatened in the spring of 1862.

2 Thomas was obviously suffering from malaria based not only only symptoms but his treatment with quinine. It was often refered to a Ague or “the shakes” because of paroxysmal attacks.

Letter 2

Addressed to Mrs. E. F. Thomas, Augusta, Georgia

Pig Point
January 30th 1862

My Dear Mother,

I have not written to you in some time because I have been waiting to get an answer to my last letter about what money I had at home. I have not sent you the money because I have not yet been paid for the two months I had due me on the 1st of January. But tomorrow, if it does not rain, I shall go to town and try to get it when I shall probably be able to send you $800.00. I told you this in my last letter and I hope to find an answer to it in Norfolk tomorrow. I will send you a check payable to your order and you can endorse it and get it cashed at the Railroad Bank or you can draw on me for that amount ($800) which would be best. I will attend to this in Norfolk tomorrow.

If I have any money at home and I know I have, send me a Railroad Bank check and I will fill it to your order. Take twenty dollars and pay that old German fool who has annoyed you. His name is Rappes. Send to Spaeth’s 1 for him and let him sign a receipt or pay him in the presence of some white person. I am truly sorry to give you all this trouble but I cannot attend to these matters myself. I am afraid to send money in a letter. These mails are so sadly managed lately. You need not send for the German unless you find it easy to do for he will annoy you by coming himself before long I suspect. If not, I can send him an order on you by the next man we send home and you can pay yourself out of th coupons I have due.

I am truly glad they have got rid of their captain in Jimmy’s Company and hope we shall some day get rid of ours [Theodore C. Cone]. I have nothing against him except that he will not attend to his duty.

I hope your fears about the Burnside Expedition are groundless and I hope instead of being in Pamlico Sound, the ships are at the bottom. I know they must be if they were at sea in the late storm that visited us. It blew awfully and even here the waves washed away ten feet of the high bluff and left our battery so near the edge that another such storm will compel us to remove the guns and build a new battery entire[ly]. I see no change in the vessels at Old Point and I do not think they will ever try us on this side. We are too strong.

I will leave this page open to write you if I get to Norfolk tomorrow, about money matters. I am in very good health having long since recovered from my chills.

Norfolk, January 31st

No letter for me or visit until you hear from me as I have not got my money from the C[onfederate] S[tates] yet.

1 Charles Spaeth (b. 1829 in Germany) kept a grocery in Augusta.

Letter 3

Pig Point [on Nansemond River opposite Newport News, Va.]
February 25th 1862

My dear Mother,

I received your letter of the 18th this afternoon and am glad to hear of the arrival of the checks. I did not understand your previous letter on that subject. I shall not need any more money before April, if then, so you need not feel uneasy. I like your arrangements very much and only did not understand them before. I cannot tell whether I can invest any more money this spring as everything is getting enormously high here but I will see. Do not mention the fact that I have invested money for it may get to the ears of the officer’s friends and make them feel badly. I live better and Mess better than any officer near me, and at the same time do what they do not=give away. And yet I live on my pay and owe no debts which they cannot say. This is the solution. Bar rooms and gambling houses or parties never see my face or my money. Both the officers of this company owe me money and this is what induced me to invest when I had the money. It was hard to refuse, and as long as I had it, I was a dependence. What matter how much was lost or wasted, there was Thomas always to fall back on.

So when I came from home in November having $400 in my pocket, I put it in the Bank of Norfolk, came to camp, and gave it out that I wished to raise a thousand dollars by January 1st and how much do you think I got after relying on promise that I should have the whole—sixty dollars from one party and nothing from the other. I did this because I saw these debts were increasing and would never be paid if allowed to become large. I have men owing me $98 from one party and $60 from the other. This last is Cane’s debt who let me say, for he needs a good word on that score, has always been strictly honorable in his dealings with me; borrowing but seldom and never disappointing me when I have needed pay. But enough. We can talk these things over when we meet,

The enemy have made no new demonstrations in this quarter lately and that is about the only subject of interest here at present. A few night since we had a grand alarm. The sentinel on our battery fired at what he supposed to be a man approaching the magazine who would not halt at his challenge and so into the battery we went. It was the darkest night I ever saw—foggy too, and raining. The battery was like a fish pond all afloat. After we got there the sentinel fired again and the men followed suit without waiting for the command. It was so dark and the men so much excite that I feared greatly they would shoot each other, but after one round and after tumbling head forward into the ditch 6 feet deep, I (being in command) succeeded in restoring order and calming the men down, after which you better believe I talked harshly to them for this foolishness.

We got back all right after scaring up all the troops around us and as I write, my clothes of that night hang over me more mud than cloth. It was very funny the stories that were told next day of men and horses tumbling into ditches around the entrenchments of the whole post. But I have no more time to give you tonight and this must go early in the morning so good night. Your affectionate son, — W. B. T.

Martin Grady shall have a furlough as soon as the three men now at home return which may be at any moment as their time expired yesterday. Please let his mother know this as it may be some comfort to her. No, don’t do it. I remember now. No officer or soldier of this department can leave his camp for more than twelve hours at a time for the present. But as soon as this order dictated by the threatening attitude of the enemy is withdrawn, Grady shall have a leave of absence. He shall be kept next on the list after the men now absent and who will probably return tomorrow and shall go home as soon as the General allows leaves of absence.

West Virginia Homefront

1861: “Cousin Dora” to “Cousin Porte”

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This letter was written by “Dora” who was probably a daughter of Martin Luther Eichelberger (1797-1855) and Maria Catherine Zimmerman (1804-1865). The family lived in Frederick county, Maryland, before moving to Jefferson county, Virginia. Dora’s brother Webster Eichelberger (1835-1886) attended the Academy of Charleston before graduating from Gettysburg College in 1856. He afterwards taught the Preparatory Department at Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia, until the start of the Civil War when he enlisted in Co. G, 2nd Virginia Infantry. He served with the regiment from 21 June 1861 to 21 July 1862. He was then ordained a minister and served the last year of the war as the chaplain of the 20th South Carolina Infantry. Dora’s other brother George F. Eichelberger (1843-1910) also served in Stonewall’s Brigade as a sergeant in Co. G, 2nd Virginia Infantry. He was wounded on 12 May 1864 but survived the war. Dora may have been a nickname for she does not show up in census records.

Dora wrote her letter to “Cousin Porte” with whom she must have spent some time with while attending Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia. He may have been a student there or lived in Salem. My hunch is that “Porte” was a nickname for Porter. It’s clear that he was serving in the Confederate army and that he likely had a sister named Minnie and possible another named Callie.

Despite the absence of confirmed identities, the letter offers valuable insights from December 1861, presented from the perspective of a young woman living in the Confederate States of America.

Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia, was established in 1842 as a coeducational school for higher learning. Affiliated with he Lutherans.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

Near Charlestown, Jefferson county, Va.
December 4th 1861

“Cousin Porte”

Yours bearing date of the fifteenth was received on the 2nd of December. Seventeen days was it traveling over the hills and valleys of Western Virginia, taking a peep as it came along at the “sweetest village of the plain” your “gem of the mountain” = Salem. I had waited long and rather impatiently for its appearance, but knowing the irregularity of the mails, was not disappointed at its not coming. What would friends do had the art of waiting never been discovered? It is so pleasant and serves to wile away many an hour that would otherwise prove dull and monotonous. Letter writing as an art has never been a favorite pastime with me until within a few years it was a task rather than a pleasure to write a letter. I now pay the penalty by not being able to carry on a correspondence worthy the name. How rapid time flies; nearly a year has winged its silent course since last we met—a year long to be remembered by the people of the once United States and destined to bear a conspicuous part in the annals of history; upon the tablet of my memory are engraven many scenes that times can ne’er efface, and foremost upon the pages appear the names of friends made in the quiet valley of Roanoke.

The papers have just been received: in The Southern Luther[a]n I see the death of Mr. [Otho J.] Showman 1 [of Washington county, Maryland]—a student at Roanoke College. You remember him, do you not? He was a particular friend of mine and his death has caused me to feel sad in thinking that one as young and promising should be so early call[ed] away; another victim to this unjust and unnatural war. He fell not upon the bloody field, although engaged upon the plains of Manassas; another and more fatal enemy was to be grappled with. He was attacked with fever and died in the hospital at Richmond. Mr. [W. H.] Dinkle [of Rockingham county] has written a very pretty and interesting obituary.

I am glad to hear that you have gone into winter quarters, yet could wish it were in a more desirable locality. I fear you will suffer intensely in that black and dreary region. I agree with you in thinking an outpost in such an unfriendly and unhospitable section quite unnecessary. The winter with us has been remarkable mild, yet I think it time the soldiers were all comfortable settled in quarters for the winter. None of the troops around here have quartered and no talk of doing so. Gen. [Stonewall] Jackson’s Brigade is tented about four miles this side of Winchester. I suppose they will remove to Winchester. I have two brothers in the Brigade—Webster and one younger. Col. [Turner] Ashby’s regiment of cavalry are still in the neighborhood. They do good service and are the means of giving more than one Yankee [his] board free down [here] in Dixie. They have not been across in any considerable number for some time. They are rather sly and well they may be. We are going to have a regiment of militia stationed in Charlestown for the winter. I am sorry they are going to be in there, so many of them are addicted to the disgusting habit of intemperance it makes it unsafe to go there.

The grand army is still standing still. McClellan has proven himself no greater general than his predecessor. Why or for what reason he does not “On to Richmond” I cannot tell. The Northern papers has for the last month been promising us a forward movement but as yet none has been made. If they remain stationary much longer, they will starve to death. The grand naval expedition which was to do such wonders has so far done comparatively little. I believe they have taken one or two isolated forts but as yet have not effected a landing on the main land. The planters all along the coast are destroying their cotton, giving it to the flames, sooner than permit it to fall into the hands of the enemy. Millions of dollars worth have been consumed and the work of destruction is still going on.

Have you seen the President’s message to the editor of the Tribune after publishing it comments in this manner, he says it is a weak and imperfect affair and that Davis has to whistle as he goes along to keep his courage up. I am all impatience to see Abraham’s 1st [Message].

We have had no very recent battle unless the report be true of a battle at St. Louis in which we are again victorious. I wonder what the Federal Congress will do? Whether it will advocate peace measures or urge the war on? I hope the former. You have heard of the capture of our [Foreign] Ministers Mason & Slidell. Did you ever hear of such a high-handed outrage against the law of Nations? I wonder how England will take the affront. The papers state that Lord [Richard] Lyons is in high ill humor about it and says that the U. S. will have to satisfy his government in the most ample manner. The North is frantic with joy over the act and are paying Capt. Wilkes all kind of extravagant compliments.

I received a letter a few weeks ago from “Cousin Minnie.” She did not mention the accident which has happened [to] Callie. I am so sorry to hear it. I was in daily expectation of receiving a letter from her telling me she was coming to spend the winter with me. Your Pa wrote that could he succeed in getting hands here to work the road, he would come out and bring Callie with him. Maggie is still attending the Roanoke College. Oh! how I wish I could be with her that together we might cull flowers from the garden of knowledge and hand in hand strive to climb the steeps of Parnassus. She is not a very good correspondent—I mean in regard to punctuality, at least to one member of the quartet. I cannot vouch for the others. What a pity we are a trio now instead of a quartet. Such is the way of the world. One by one the links of friendships golden chain are broken. Let me entrust that though one link of the chain is broken, may years pass before another one is severed. I wonder if we cannot get “Minnie” to mend the chain? I am going to suggest the idea the next time I write her.

No, I won’t. I will not offer an apology for the manner in which this letter is writen, though wone is surely needed. I am afraid you will not be able to read it and am sure you. will find neatness wanting. With many wishes for your continuance in health and a speedy return home. I am truly your “Cousin Dora”

A package of papers accompany this letter.

1 Otho J. Showman (1839-1861) served in Co. I, 28th Virginia Infantry. He was the son of Peter Showman and Catherine Snavely who lived some six miles from Hagerstown in Washington county, Maryland.

Mississippi Plantation

1864: Bailey Martin to Emma E. Hopkins

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The following letter was written by Bailey Martin (1805-1868) who was employed as the overseer of a plantation owned by Mrs. Emma Hopkins. Bailey was raised in Kershaw county, South Carolina, the son of Samuel and Mary (Bailey) Martin, but appears to have been a resident of Mississippi prior to 1840 and possibly an overseer for the Hopkins family even at that time. The Hopkins plantation was located along the Natchez Trace east of present day Canton, Madison county, Mississippi. The slave population in Madison county just prior to the Civil War exceeded 18,000 which placed it as the third highest county in Mississippi and the 16th highest in the U. S. The plantation was sited in one of the richest farming sections of antebellum Mississippi and ideally located near the Pearl River and later near the terminus of the New Orleans, Jackson, and Great Northern Railroad, providing a means for transporting cotton from the interior of the state.

Bailey wrote the letter to Emma Goodwyn Hopkins (1808-1868) who married her cousin William Hopkins (1805-1863) in 1833 and bore him at least nine children before his death in 1863. William was the grandson of John Hopkins—a delegate to the First Provincial Congress in South Carolina in 1775. Emma was the daughter of Lieut. Governor John Hopkins. William served in the South Carolina Militia and rose to the rank of Brigadier General. General Hopkins was a delegate to the Secession Convention on December 17th 1860, which convened in the Baptist Church in Columbia. Most likely the Hopkins family never took up residence in Mississippi but managed their plantation in absentia by hiring an overseer to management investments and interests. According to a list of Madison county slaveholders in 1860, Gen. William Hopkins owned 73 slaves in Mississippi.

In his letter, Bailey mentions three slaves by name—Pender, Sas, and Ellen. I was able to find both Pender and Ellen in a post-war Freedman’s Bureau listing on the Hopkins plantation where Bailey Martin was still identified as managing the property. That list gives Pender’s age as 30 and Ellen’s as 28.

Freedman’s Bureau Records

Note: This letter is from the private collection of Rob Morgan 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

Addressed to Mrs. E. T. Hopkins, Hopkins Turnout, Richland District, South Carolina

[Madison County, Mississippi]
May 15, 1864

Mrs. Hopkins—dear madam,

Have just received yours of April the 4th. I had written three letters to you. I sent them to Alabama to be mailed as there was no mail that came this far for some time. The Yankees was above us and below us. Three miles below us at Mr. [Hugh Washington] Hayes’ [plantation] 1; above us at Mrs. Carson’s about two miles and a half from us. The people from Mr. Hays’ to Canton have lost nearly all they possess—their negroes, horses, cattle, hogs, and some their house and kitchen furniture.

I had yours back in Pearl River swamp but there is danger. Below this they hunted the swamp but the negroes generally run off to the Yankees [who] carried them to their masters’ camp. I have known the negroes to use so much deception with their masters that I have no confidence in one at all. Your negroes made no attempt to betray me but I fear them. I shall try to keep the Yankees [from] getting anything that I have in charge. I shall [try] to keep the negroes from seeing the Yankees if I can.

The negroes is all well at present and working very well but we are too near the Yankees to do well. We are too often alarmed. Often reports that the Yankees is coming when it is false. The owners of the few negroes that is left in this section, their masters indulge them too much and those so indulged was the first to go to the Yankees when they did come. I would be glad if Pender and Sas and Ellen and their children was with you. They are valuable. Your negroes and I should hate to see them go with the Yankees and I fear for I have no confidence in none. A gentleman agreed last winter to take them to you. I consulted Gage Bailey about it [but] the negroes refused to go unless I would go with them. I was sick at the time and was not able to go with.

We have a large stock of hogs and about sixty head of cattle, two or three thousand bushels of corn to sell yet. The wheat crop will be sorry. The cold winter destroyed that stand and killed the stand of oats in till. I have two hundred acres of corn—it’s late but looks well.

We are now looking for Yankees out on us every day. Report says there is tolerable large forces on Big Black [river] a trying to cross opposed by a small force of our men. I fear they will come this time. It bothers me about work but it cannot be helped. I am trying to make clothes for the negroes, We will get them clothed after awhile if the Yankees will let us alone a little while. Yours with [ ] respect, — Bailey Martin

To Mrs. Emma E. Hopkins

P. S. Paper [is] one dollar per sheet.

1 The plantation owned by Hugh Washington Hayes (1812-1873) was near unincorporated Farmhaven and we learn from Bailey’s letter that it was located “three miles below” the Hopkins Plantation. In 1860, Hayes had 60 slaves on his plantation.

143rd New York Infantry, Battle of Peachtree Creek

1864: Bruce Elmore to Ann Elizabeth (Hill) Elmore

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I could not find an image of Bruce but here is a cdv of Sgt. Robert Cantrell of Co. B, 143rd New York Infantry (Ancestry.com)

The following letter was written by Bruce Elmore (1835-1876), the son of Alexander and Mary (Divine) Elmore of Fallsburg, Sullivan county, New York. He wrote the letter to his wife, Ann Elizabeth (Hill) Elmore, in July 1864 while serving as a sergeant in Co. C, 143rd New York Infantry. He enlisted in August 1862 and mustered out on 20 July 1865. Auburn University Digital Library has Bruce’s Civil War Diary on-line. The “Willard” he mentions in his letter was his younger brother, born in 1838.

The 143rd New York had a distinguished service record, particularly while participating in the 20th Army Corps under General William Sherman They saw action in major battles and campaigns from Chattanooga to Raleigh, including the Atlanta Campaign. The regiment also suffered significant casualties, with heavy losses at Kennesaw Mountain and Peachtree Creek.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

Addressed to Mrs. Bruce Elmore, Fallsburg, Sullivan county, New York

Camp 143 Regt. N. Y. V.
near Peach Creek, Ga.
July 21st 1864

My Own Dear Libbie,

Your welcome letter of July 10th was received yesterday and read with pleasure. I always feel thankful when I receive a letter from you and read that you are well.

We had a pretty warm time here yesterday. A pretty severe battle was fought here. [See Battle of Peach Tree Creek] Our loss is quite heavy. I think the Rebels also lost heavy. They charged us and tried to drive us back but failed. Some of their dead and wounded fell into our hands.

We marched from the camp where I last wrote July 17th and crossed the River Chattahoochie since which time the army has been getting its position. We are now about 4 miles from Atlanta, although some of our line is closer, being within two miles.

Our regiment lost forty-five killed and wounded—7 or 8 killed, 2 of our own company were wounded—Gilbert B. Lawrence severely. The doctor says he thinks he may get well. I hope he may and Sergt. McKendree N. Dodge (of Rockland) quite severely wounded, though not dangerously—a flesh wound in the leg. Lieut. Wm. M. Ratcliff, Adjutant, is also killed and Lieut. Waterbury of our regiment also killed. I am well, have not received a scratch, and I feel to fervently thank my Heavenly Father for mercifully sparing me amid peril and danger so imminent.

[My brother] Willard is to the field hospital. He is not well enough to be on the march. W. H. Newman has returned to the company. Also James W. Stewart.

You say you think J. V. B. Reynolds would like to buy the farm and would give 1200. I think I would sell for that if I could get no more. Maybe he would give more. Get all you can. It almost ought to fetch more according to the price of other things, but if this war settles, everything falls again, and then I think land will be as low as ever again. As to the money, I think probably we would not want to pay it near all. Would probably as leave let you have some mortgage that is perfectly safe, and it would draw interest. I would not sell any of the crops but keep them all. If you would sell before they are gathered but you must use your own judgment. Can inquire of father but do it slyly—that is, don’t let Jim know you’re anxious.

I will write more particular when I have time if I am spared. If not you know what you can do best. Good bye. God bless us all and spare us to meet again. As ever your affectionate husband, — B. Elmore

All well at half past 12. Have heard a little cannonading. Hard to tell whether there will be any hard fighting in any part of the line today or not. Lieut. Waterbury is not yet dead.

22nd Illinois Infantry, Shingling of Hair, Tennessee Refugees

1864: John Howell Phillips to Alice Phillips

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CDV of Capt. John Howell Phillips. Inscribed on the verso “Coming from picket, May 26th 1863” (Heritage Auctions)

This letter was written by John Howell Phillips (1832-1876) from the camp of the 22nd Illinois Infantry in March 1864 while serving as Captain of Co. D. There were 27 of his letters ranging in date from January 8, 1862 to May 24, 1865 sold at auction in 2015. It isn’t clear if this was one of them or not. They were all written to his mother or sister Alice (“Allie”). They were datelined from Corinth, Camp Lyon, Florence [Alabama], Nashville, Murfreesboro, Stone River, Bayou Pierre [Mississippi], Bridgeport [Alabama], Cairo [Illinois] and others.

In one of the letters he wrote, “The inspector on General Grant’s staff is to inspect us and I think he will find a ragged and dirty set as the regiment has been out on the tramp nearly all winter and have not had a chance of keeping themselves in any kind of decency… You have no doubt seen a great deal in the newspapers about the Rebels being nearly starved out and that they are deserting because they did not get enough to eat. But if they fare any worse than we men in this Department have this winter I pity the poor devils.”

John was born in Connellsville, Fayette county, Pennsylvania. He was the son of John Wesley Phillips (1803-1867) and Margaret Rice Connell (1808-1895). When John enlisted in June 1861, he gave his occupation as carpenter and his residence as Greenville, Bond county, Illinois. He was described as standing just over 5′ 9″ tall, with light hair and blue eyes. He claimed to be single but he was, more accurately, a widower. His wife, Mary Virginia Buie (1833-1859) died on 22 June 1859 after less than two years of marriage.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

Camp near Louden, Tennessee
March 21st 1864

Dear sister Alice,

Yours of the 13th was received last night. I was on picket and Orin brought it out to me. It was rather a hard job reading it by firelight—especially the pencil writing. I made several mistakes in reading it. I discovered this morning one where you spoke of Fannie Smith and shingling hair. I thought it was Fanny Smith sends her compliments and was feeling quite elated at the idea of a pretty young lady sending her compliments and was having sweet dreams of beautiful girls and angelic forms flitting around the picket fires while lying on the ground wrapped in my great coat and rubber blanket.

An example of a short bobbed hairstyle for young ladies called “shingling” which was a radical departure from the long, elaborate hairstyles worn by women in the 1860s. It was more popular in the South than in the North. It was seen as a symbol of liberation.

But oh!! you cannot imagine the change to come over the spirit of my dreams and the sudden change from joy to grief when on reading it again this morning I discovered that it was, “says to give you Hail Columbia.” Now I have no objection to “Hail Columbia” if it is played by a good band or played on a piano and sung by a pretty girl. but when it comes in a letter and in the way this did, I do not think it means anything very complimentary. But I cannot see why my not giving my consent to you having your hair shingled should have any effect on Miss Fannie’s hair, and I thought Miss Fannie was a young lady of better taste than to have her head disfigured in that manner.

I think your likeness a very good one. Mr. [Joseph A.] Jay of my company got a furlough and is going to start home this morning and when I commenced this I intended to send it by him but I hear that he has gone down to the Depot and I suppose this will have to go by mail. If I can get it to him before he starts, I will send you ten dollars but if it goes by mail, I don’t like to risk it as the mails are very uncertain in these parts now.

Lee is here and is quite well and hearty. All is quiet about here now and no prospect of a move for us yet. I hope we will get to stay here the rest of our time for I have had enough tramping about. Sergt. [Archibald C.] Grisham’s father, mother, and sisters were here last Thursday on their way to Bond County, Illinois. Their home is in Blount county, Tennessee, but they are running away from Rebeldom. Mr. Peoples at Bethel is his son-in-law and they will go there first. They seem like a very fine family and there are several young ladies.

You want me to write a better letter than you did. Well, I don’t. think I have made a very good commencement for it and it is getting so near the end now it is hardly worthwhile to try. Beside, I don’t think I could this morning if I was to try. In the first place, there is nothing to write about. And in the second place, I do not know how to write it if there was. Tell mother I will answer her part of the letter in a day or two, as soon as I think I can write enough to “fill a sheet.”

If you postpone your exhibition until the Anniversary, I hope I will be at home to attend it, as our time will be out about that time. I want you to write oftener than you have been in the habit of doing lately or I will. give you a big scoulding one of these days. Give much love to all. the folks. Your brother, — John H. Phillips, Captain Commanding Co. D, 22nd Illinois Infantry.

P. S. There! I have got so in the habit of writing my official jug handle, I got it down before I thought. — J. H. P.

9th Illinois Infantry, Camp Defiance, Cairo

1861: Theodore Watson to John Watson

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The men of the 7th, 8th, and 9th Illinois Volunteer Infantry initially signed on for 90 days service, and due to a lack of uniforms and proper equipment and weapons, when the 90 days was up, many of the men returned home. One of the things that was actually used as a re-enlistment incentive was a newly issued uniform from the State of Illinois. Since the State was providing the uniform, and not the Federal Government; these first uniforms, which were issued to the men who agreed to sign on to three year enlistments, were made of a grey material, simply due to a shortage of blue cloth.

The 7th – 12th Regiments all received grey uniforms when they re-enlisted for three years, likewise the 13th – 22nd Regiments were also issued grey uniforms which consisted of a grey jacket, and trousers, and grey broad brimmed hat. ‘The fatigue suit is a shirt, pantaloons and “Zouave” cap in a firm hickory cloth’, noted the Chicago Tribune in April 1861.

This letter was composed by Theodore Watson (1838-1864) during his service in Company H, 3rd Illinois Infantry (3-month enlistment) regiment. Ten of Theodore’s letters, authored between April 27th and July 7th while in this regiment, are preserved in the Newberry Library in Chicago, while this particular letter remains in private possession.

Watson’s correspondence reflects a mix of enthusiasm for the rigors of army life, where morale is relatively high, and provisions are adequate, allowing for sufficient rest. Upon the company’s establishment at Camp Defiance in Cairo, Watson expresses a sense of well-being and readiness for the tasks ahead, enjoying activities such as singing, games, swimming, and the general camp experience. Yet, by early July, despite his initial pride in the military skills of his unit, he has become weary and disillusioned, experiencing ill health. Consequently, Watson cautions his brother John against enlisting, as he himself also declines to commit to the extended three-year enlistment.

Theodore was the son of John Watson (1806-1890) and Mary Eliza Kelly (1802-1853) from Hillsboro, Montgomery County, Illinois. He died in 1864 in Hillsboro, apparently from disease.

Location of Camp Defiance near Cairo, Illinois

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

[Camp Defiance] Cairo, [Illinois]
May 9th 1861

Dear Brother,

I received yours of the 8th with great pleasure . You had better believe I was anxious to hear from you. We have got a better place now to sleep in, We have built some barracks here. WE have got fixed up nicely. But Major [Jesse J.] Phillips says he would not be surprised if we were sent to Texas. We would all like to go there. Here is the idea. We would get to see the country if nothing more. Everything is quiet here. No fighting yet. We are all spoiling for a fight. You said you heard that the secessionists were building batteries on the Kentucky shore, I guess there is nothing of it. There were some of our boys over on the Kentucky shore the other day. They say there were no signs of batteries over there. But excuse me from going over there although they got back safe. We get papers here every day. We hear all the news.

You want me to give you a description of Cairo. Cairo is the nastiest place I ever was in. The levee is on a pretty high place but back of the levee it is lower than the river. Some of the houses are built in ponds, Our camp is at the edge of Cairo in a low place but it is a very good place in dry weather. We have had a little rain here but not much. We are in a dry place.

I guess the election will come off today for electing our Captain Jim Munn is a going to run against [John W.] Kitchell. I don’t know which will be elected. I am a going to vote for Kitchell. Kitchell was appointed Adjutant General at Springfield but if he is elected Captain he will resign his present position. They say there are about 30 six-pounders scattered along the river. There are only 5 six-pounders in this place but no secessionists can land here. It is as Col. Prentiss says, we are ready for them. I have not seen Colonel Prentiss yet although some of the boys has. I don’t know what kind of a looking man he is. The Colonel of our regiment, Col . [Eleazer A.] Payne, is a very nice kind of a man.

Ira Clark took sick yesterday. He went to the hospital last evening. The rest of us are all well, fat and saucy. I believe we could whip the whole South. Dinner is about ready now. I will leave the rest till after dinner. I am very hungry.

Well, John, I have are my dinner and feel very much refreshed. I drank about a pint and a half of coffee. You said you heard the Ohio was poisonous. There is nothing of it. There was a man taken here yesterday as a spy. One of the volunteers in our camp was acquainted with him in Kentucky. The volunteer said he was living in Kentucky when this spy and a gang of rebels told him to leave or they would hang him so he had to leave to save his bacon and when the volunteer saw him, he knew him and had him put in the guard house. He is there yet, tied up. I don’t know what they will do with him. Phillips says when our three months is up, he is going and get up a company to enlist for three years. He has not got his commission for Major yet but he thinks he will get it today. He says he would a great deal rather stay with us. We can drill first rate now. We can drill as good as any company in the camp. Our Colonel came to see us drill this morning. He said we done very well.

John, ask Dick how he like packing flour. Tell him I wouldn’t exchange places with him [for] anything. Tell him I don’t see how it makes his knuckles sore as it never made mine sore. When it gets warm weather, I guess he will wish he never saw the mill—that is, if you. run all the time. John, I would rather do anything else than pack flour in the summer time. I like it very well here except cooking. That is what I hate the most. we don’t see a woman here once in a week. If one of the Hillsboro girls wish to come down here and look for us, tell them we will give them their board if they cook and wash for us. But they will find that we are a pretty hard set here. John, bring your girl here some day and take dinner with us. John, you mustn’t run around with the girl too much. John, this is a very warm day but we have cool nights.

John, I am afraid if I write any more, I will not have anything for next time. I wrote to father yesterday. I guess I will not write any more till I hear from some of you again. I will not close this yet for I may get some more ideas between now and evening.

You want to know what Henderson knows about his girls. How does he know they are all right. Tell Emma I will be back there some of these times and join the sons. Give my folks my respects and write soon. — Theodore

As there is a vacancy here I will try and fill it out. All boats will. be stopped at this place hereafter although there has been no boats past here with stopping since we’ve been here. Tell Emma to keep in good humor, I will be back there some of these times and join the Sons. Tell her I would rather join the Daughters. Write soon. — Theodore Watson

27th New York Infantry, Fort Lyon in Virginia

1861: Unidentified Soldier in Co. K, 27th New York Infantry

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The following letter is unsigned and though there are several clues to his identity, I have not yet been able to attribute it to any particular soldier beyond his being a member of Co. K, 27th New York Infantry. He wrote the letter shortly after having made the march from Arlington to Hunting Creek in October 1861 where the regiment expected to construct Fort Lyon. It was Henry W. Slocum’s Brigade that was tasked with building. the fort and that duty was largely assigned to the 27th New York Infantry. The author claims to be a private though he was detailed as the Orderly’s assistant in Co. K.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

Letter head of Soldier’s Letter with Washington D. C. Landmarks

Arlington [Virginia]
October 11th 1861

Dear Mother & Sister,

I take this opportunity to write to you. It’s the first that has presented itself. I dated this yesterday. We have marched about seven miles today & are now about two miles south of Alexandria and ten south of Washington at Hunting Creek. I expect we shall stay near here building a fort (Fort Lyon) a number of weeks. We are in sight of Washington & Alexandria, can see the Navy Yard at Washington, Washington Monument, the Capitol, &c. We are about seven miles from Mount Vernon. Perhaps I may get an opportunity to go. there. We have a pleasant camp on the heights which surround Washington on all sides.

The map by Sneden, Robert Knox, 1832-1918, is a close up drawing of Fort Lyon located on Ballenger’s Hill south of Hunting Creek, and Cameron Run. From its position on one of the highest points south of Alexandria, the fort overlooked Telegraph Road, the Columbia Turnpike, the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, the Little River Turnpike, and the southern approaches to the city of Alexandria, the largest settlement in Union-occupied Northern Virginia.

I received the letter which you wrote in Illinois, and also in it a letter from Aunt Ann and Uncle Edward. I think I shall correspond with Isora.

Fast day was partially observed in camp. There was preaching in the forenoon and prayer meeting in the eve; but we were being paid off at that time & our company (K) and also Co. I received their pay on that day. I could not spend the day as I should have done on account of surrounding circumstances (at least I thought I could not). But at prayer meeting in the eve I felt that it had been a profitable day for my country for it seemed that I could feel the influence of the prayers that had ascended. It seemed as if a spirit of prayer reigned o’er the camp & country. Though I am sure that we are far from being humble enough, yet I hope God will give us grace, make us look to Him, & that He will bless us. I need much grace to assist me.

I have no doubt that a page in the world’s history is being written now. May God be merciful to us. I hope it will seem good to Him to spare our country. But let us do our duty & leave the rest with Him. I am glad I enlisted when I did. But it gladdens my heart to hear you say you are fully satisfied. I hope I am willing to stand at my post and meet His will. May I at His coming be found at my post serving Him. With His grace assisting me, I will. But how poorly have I done it. May He pardon me and give me grace to serve Him in the future.

“I am immortal till my work is done,” and if I am found having done my duty, will not this be glory enough? Pray for me much. I know you do.

I am still Orderly’s Clerk and get a private’s pay—thirteen dollars per month. I did not send any money home last payday as I wanted to get a good many things for winter, and I want some money to get a little fruit, &c. with. We have to pay two cents apiece for apples which at home we would call only passable. For potatoes we pay from one dollar fifty to two dollars per bushel (i. e., when we get any) and other things in proportion. I can send more money next payday I hope. I am very healthy. I never was in better health & spirits. Do not worry about me. [unsigned]

23rd Michigan Infantry, Bowling Green Fortifications

1862: Oliver M. Abel to Sally (Ferris) Abel

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I could not find an image of Oliver but her are three members of Co. D, 23rd Michigan Infantry. They are Sgt. A. Judson Slafter (1822 – 1863) in the middle; Cpl. Orson Ormes on the left; and Sgt. Nelson Hewes on the right. The three Tuscola men mustered into service on 12 September 1862 at Saginaw. Slafter was wounded in the battle at Campbell Station, Tennessee, on November 16, 1863, and was taken to a military hospital in Knoxville, where he died on December 31, 1863. Ormes survived the Civil War and returned to Tuscola County to farm. Hewes (1829 – 1864), was appointed Commissary Sergeant on March 30, 1863, and commissioned 2nd Lt. on December 25, 1863. He died of disease on March 4, 1864. (Ancestry.com)

This letter was composed by Oliver M. Able (1820-1883), the progeny of William Abel (1796-1880) and Alma Sager (1805-1861). In October 1842, Oliver entered into matrimony with Sally L. Ferris (1822-1900). The couple engaged in agriculture in Perry, Shiawassee County, Michigan, and by the time Oliver, then 42 years old, enlisted on 13 August 1862 as a private in Company H, 23rd Michigan Infantry, they had borne as many as eight children. In his letter, written three months into his three-year term of service, he conveyed his struggles with rheumatism, which compelled him to seek a disability discharge, ultimately granted on 20 February 1863 in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

The 23rd Michigan left Saginaw on the 18th of September 1862, under the command of Colonel Chapin, proceeding at once to Kentucky, its muster rolls showing a force of 983 officers and men. Soon after its arrival, it was assigned to the Tenth Division of General Rosecrans’ Army, then pushed forward to Bowling Green. While there a detachment of the Regiment was attacked by a superior force of Confederate guerrillas, but were repulsed. The 23rd remained at Bowling Green until May 29,1863, employed in guarding the trains.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

Addressed to Mrs. Sally Abel, Perry Center, Shiawassee county, Michigan

Bowling Green. Kentucky
November 15th 1862

Dear Wife,

I received two letters from you last night. One of them was dated October 22nd. The other the 28th of October. I was rejoiced to learn that you and the family were all well. I was sorry to hear that you was obliged to dig your potatoes yourself. Sorry that you could not get help.

My health is good. I have the rheumatism in my back but I am able to be around. I sentr you ten dollars from Louisville in the fourth letter I wrote to you after I left Saginaw. I have not received any letter from you since I left Frankfort until last night and then I received those I have mentioned. I received one from Catharine the fourteenth of this November and she wanted to know if I had seen Leonard. I have not seen him. George Spaulding saw him and talked with him at New Market. He was well and hearty. He was in Michigan 2nd Cavalry.

You ask me how I like soldiering. Well only I do not like this lying in the dirt and being so dirty and smutty looking. If Father is going East and wants to sell you his things and you want them, why buy them of course. They are second hand things. Don’t pay too much for them. Keep in good courage as I am in the firm believe that I shall get to return to my family.

Bowling Green is quite a place for a Kentucky town. There is some very nice churches and dwellings and some splendid orchards here—that is, the trees grow very large and thrifty but I have not seen any nice fruit in Kentucky and not one passable good pie or biscuit.

There is three fort or fortifications commanding. the place—all built by Rebels. One of them by the Rebel General [Simon] Buckner situated on a high hill commanding the city and all of its surroundings. 1 But his supplies were cut off by the Union troops and he was obliged to evacuate it too soon for his own safety as he was killed about eighteen miles from here. There is a railroad passing through here doing a large and extensive business at this time. There are certainly as many as six trains passing each way every twenty-four hours.

We expect to winter here. In fact, we have gone on to the ground where our commanding officer says that we are to winter in tents.

Tell Alma that I am very glad to learn that she is such a kind and obedient girl. Give my love to all of the children and say to them that I am well pleased to hear of their good behavior and hope that they will continue to be a solace and parents’ pride. Accept my love and kind regards for yourself & family. Affectionately yours, — Oliver M. Abel

To his wife Sally Abel.

Direct to Bowling Green, Kentucky, 23rd Michigan Infantry, Co. H

Tell Aden Bennett to write as soon as he can. — O. M. A.

Map from the New York Weekly Journal of Commerce for Thursday, Feb. 13, 1862; showing “Rebel” fortifications near Bowling Green; the news report accompanying map shows numbered areas 1-14, they are the courthouse, Webb and Price’s Hill, Underwood and Calvert’s Hills, McGoodwin and Grider’s Hills, College and Gossom’s Hills and the roads and railroads to the river. A description of the topography, water supply and general lay of the land is noted. (Kentucky Library Research Collections)

1 The two largest fortifications built by the Confederates were Fort C. F. Smith and Fort Baker. The former was built on Reservoir Hill south of town. The latter was built on a hill north of the city on the Barren River.

2nd Vermont Infantry, Haddington Hospital in Philadelphia

1862: Warren Smith Leslie to Elvira (Smith) Leslie

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Warren S. Leslie

Warren Smith Leslie was born on 14 December 1841, the oldest son of Cyrus Leslie (1812-1848) and Elvira Smith (1809-1894). Following his father’s death in 1848, he was placed in the home of a farmer in Plymouth, Vermont, and remained involved in agriculture throughout his life. He served in Co. I of the 2nd Vermont Infantry during the Civil War, enlisting in 1861. He was honorably discharged in mid-February 1863 after many months in the hospital. His military records indicate he received a gunshot wound to his left chest though it doesn’t say when. Presumably it occurred in the Peninsula Campaign. He married Alice D. Newman (1847-1914) of Woodstock, Vermont, in 1866 and the couple moved to Kansas. He died in Osawatomie, Kansas, on 16 December 1913.

In this letter to his mother, Warren expresses disenchantment with the war and its officers from his bed in the Haddington General Hospital at Philadelphia.

Haddington Hospital in Philadelphia, PA.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

Haddington Hospital [Philadelphia, Pa.]
December 25th 1862

Dear Mother,

I received two letters from you and one from Henry yesterday. I was glad to hear from all of you once more. I don’t know as I am any better than I was when I wrote before and I have got so far from Washington now that I don’t know as I can get my discharge or a furlough either but I don’t know but they will send me to a hospital in Vermont by and by. I have got so that I don’t care much which way the world goes. They have kept me six months without pay and there isn’t any prospects of getting it for six to come.

I have written to the Captain for my Descriptive List so that I could draw my money and some clothes but he hadn’t never answered it nor sent the list either. The officers if our army are nothing but a set of rascals and thieves. They are making money out of it and that is all they care for. The rebels are bad enough but if they are traitors, they are honest men. What the most of our officers are and unless we have different leaders, the rebellion never will be put down. Now you see if my words don’t prove true. I have spoiled my health and constitution fighting for these money eaters but if I live to get out of this, they won’t catch me again.

You wrote that Warren Walker has got home. I never knew before that he had enlisted. What regiment was he in? An Iowa [regiment], I suppose, for I believe that is where he was when the war broke out. I must close for it is growing dark. Give my respects to all the brothers and sisters and to grandfather’s folks.

Yours respectfully, — Warren S. Leslie

11th Rhode Island Infantry, Siege of Suffolk, Virginia

1863: William Paine Green to Julia E. (Greene) Bowen

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The following letter was written by William Paine Green (1838-1872), the son of Kendall Greene (1812-1841 and Mary Paine (1816-1898) of Foster, Providence county, Rhode Island. William enlisted in Co. K, 11th Rhode Island Infantry and survived the war to marry in 1865 with Miranda E. Tracy (1841-1905) but died in December 1872 leaving three children.

In the 1860 US Census, 22 year-old William was enumerated as boarders in the household of Providence jeweler Henry Anthony. Sharing a bed with him was Vincent Bowen, as 22 years old, both of them employed as carpenters. Vincent would marry William’s cousin, Julia E. Green (1840-1872) in 1863.

William’s letter was written on 19-20 April 1863 during the Siege of Suffolk by Longstreet’s Confederates.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

The back side of the envelope used to carry the letter to Providence, Rhode Island.

11th Regiment Rhode Island Volunteers, Co. K
Camp near Suffolk, Va.
April 19, 1863

Hello Julia,

You should be here now & see what fun there is going on now. The gunboats are giving the rebs some shells. There has been skirmishing going on for one week everyday We have a large force here and there is some prospect of our having a brush this week. We are fortifying & getting ready for them as fast as possible. Most of our regiment was out last night digging in front of the enemy & are out tonight supporting the batteries. I have joined the Pioneer Corps and do not have to go out with the company. The Colonel has ordered the lights out in camp & I must stop for tonight. They are putting the shells to them right smart. Good night.

April 20th. I have not got my eyes open yet. The cannon are sending forth vengeance from our batteries & reveille’s are beating throughout our camps & they make such a racket that one can’t sleep. This is a great secesh town & there are not many white men that are fit for military duty. Everything is very high—eggs 50 cents a dozen, apples 10 cents apiece. I shall have to dry up on them.

The days are very warm & nights cool. We have not had a mail since Tuesday but I hope to get one today. Our skirmishers brought in some rebel cows and hogs a few days ago & had fun getting them across the river. The boats kept up their fire most of the night, the guards say near enough so we could see the flash of the gun and shells. I have not much more to write & the mail carrier is waiting for me. Don’t be worried. I shall get along first rate and have a good time. Write often and tell others to so the same & direct to Suffolk via Fortress Monroe, Va. & I shall get them. one day sooner than if the old way. Excuse bad writing. Yours in haste. — W. P. G.

To Julia