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.

Confederate Arms, Jefferson Davis

1862: William Lowndes Yancey to Jefferson Davis

November 22, 2025 Griff Leave a comment

William Lowndes Yancey (1814–1863) was a prominent American politician in the Antebellum South and a “Fire-Eater” who vigorously defended slavery and advocated for Southern secession in light of Northern antislavery movements. Initially critical of John C. Calhoun during the Nullification Crisis, he later became a staunch supporter of Calhoun’s views, opposing the Compromise of 1850. Known as the “Orator of Secession,” he played a key role in dividing the Democratic Party at the 1860 Convention. During the Civil War, he was appointed by Jefferson Davis to seek European recognition of the Confederacy but met with frustration. Yancey subsequently served in the Confederate Senate, where he often criticized the Davis Administration. He was bludgeoned with a glass inkstand on the floor of the Senate during a heated argument with Benjamin Hill of Georgia over differences in a bill intended to create a Confederate Supreme Court, and he passed away in July 1863 at age 48, never fully recovering from his injuries.

In this personal letter to President Jefferson Davis, Yancey offers some advice on the means of obtaining arms from Europe. Yancey’s letter refers to Capt. Caleb Huse, the agent sent by Jefferson Davis to go to Europe for the purpose of purchasing arms. Huse was an 1861 West Point graduate. His decision to serve the Confederacy rather than to remain in the US Army is extensively explored in an excellent article by Ron Maness appearing in Military Images Magazine, March 2024.

Davis responded to the letter by annotating a short message to his Secretary of War on the reverse side, and signing with his initials.

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

Richmond [Virginia]
6th April 1862

Sir,

I have had occasion very recently to examine with some care the instructions of the War Department to Capt. Huse and the letter of that officer to the Secretary of War. Having a full personal knowledge of the views of Capt. Huse and of his operations in Europe, and of the capacities of European manufacturers to supply arms, I beg leave to submit for your considerations the following.

The finished military education of Capt. Huse naturally incline him to contract for and buy none but the most superior rifled arms. The instructions of the Government strengthen him in that inclination. The markets of Europe, at this time, can afford but few rifled muskets. Many very fair smooth bore muskets may yet be bot in Europe if pains is taken to find them.

The appointment of at least two additional officers to make different sections of the continent of Europe the sphere of their operations would facilitate the acquisition of such arms. Instructions to each to confine his operations to the section allotted to him, would prevent conflict in securing purchase & consequent rise in prices.

The manufacturers of the riffled, as well as other muskets & carbines, are now pretty much open to be monopolized by our contractor. But to this end, a large amount of cash in hand is absolutely necessary as forfeit money is required to be deposited at time of contracting. Cash also is absolutely necessary to be paid at time of delivery under contracts which is monthly.

I notice in Mr. Memminger’s statement of amounts of money sent to the agents of the War Depatment that in the most critical period of our contacts in England, that between 25th September and 19th January— near 4 months—he only sent $1,031.00. The consequence was that he—Capt. Huse—had to beg an advance from S. Isaac Campbell & Co. to amount of half a million dollars. Had this house not have generously aided us, we should have lost every contract and with them some 50,000 muskets delivered in that period & since.

The funds sent up to 7th March will only pay for deliveries under old contracts which do not, I believe, amount to over 10,000 muskets a month. If we are to arm 200,000 additional men—or rather obtain 2 or 300,000 more muskets by fall, not only will you be compelled to send additional officers imbrued fully with your ideas but a million of dollars a month in advance.

Pardon me for these suggestions. They are dictated by a solemn sense of duty. I address them to you because I believe that from the immense pressure upon you of every interest, you cannot comprehend all unless with the aid of some plain spoken friends. I have spoken of which I know and submit it for what it is worth to your consideration.

Respectfully, your obedient servant, — W. L. Yancey

[To] His excellency Jefferson Davis, President

[annotated on reverse in another hand]

Offers suggestions as to the means of obtaining arms from Europe. See President’s endorsement on other side.

[in Jefferson’s hand]

Secretary of War. For attention and conference with Secretary of Treasury with a view to consultation, &c. — J. D

37th North Carolina Infantry

1862: William Young Farthing to Annie Watkins Farthing

November 21, 2025 Griff Leave a comment

This degraded yet largely legible letter was written by William Young Farthing (1812-1862) of Watauga, North Carolina, to his wife, Annie Watkins Farthing (1814-1882). William was the son of John Young Farthing (1784-1868) and Lucy Goss (1781-1827).

William volunteered his services as Captain of Co. E, 37th North Carolina Infantry in November 1861. He was taken prisoner at Hanover Court House, Virginia, on 27 May 1862 and confined in various places until sent to Johnson’s Island near Sandusky, Ohio. Due to poor health, he was finally exchanged in November 1862 but died of disease soon after returning home.

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

[Camp Magn]um 37th Regiment N. C. Troops
[January 5]th 1862

[Dear Annie, I] embrace the present opportunity [to write a] few lines to inform you that [I am enjoying] a reasonable portion of health [and am] sincerely hoping these few lines [may find] you and family enjoying the [same. The] health of those of my company [that have] been sick is improving. Some [already] have commenced their duties. We have gotten [very well] fixed here, and like our [camp much] better than we expected. But [recent] indications are we shall not remain [long,] the Col.[Charles C. Lee] having orders to be [ready] to march at a few hours [notice. To] what point we have to march [is] not ascertained. Even the Col. [doesn’t] know.

I suppose somewhere on [the way] we are to receive our wages, some [think next] week. We have already made out [pay rolls]. I cannot say now when I can [come] to see you all—whether before [our] service is out or not, though if [opportun]ity offers, I shall be certain to [come]. I am very anxious to see my family [and friends] in Watauga. I have not seen any of our connection in this county [with the] exception of William Halliburton [who came] to see us.

January the 8th 1862. [Since] the above I learn our destination is in this state. We are now packing [up]. I suppose it is expected that New B[erne] will be attacked by a great fleet that [has] fitted out. I would write more but [have] not time. I hope you will continue [to write] to me. So no more at present. I [remain] your affectionate husband until [death]. — William Y. Farthing

[to] Mrs. Anne W. Farthing

38th Georgia Infantry

1863: John W. Goss to George Riley Wells

November 21, 2025 Griff Leave a comment

The following letter was written by John W. Goss of Stone Mountain, DeKalb county, Georgia, who enlisted in Co. D, 38th Georgia Infantry in September 1861. John was among the wounded in Gordon’s Brigade during the fighting around Winchester, Virginia on June 13-14, 1863. We learn from this letter that he was at home on furlough recovering from his wound. The date he returned to his regiment was not recorded but he was later taken prisoner on 27 November 1863 at Germania Ford and he was sent to Point Lookout in February 1864.

John wrote the letter to Lt. George Riley Wells (1838-1919), of Co. D, 38th Georgia. George enlisted in September 1861 and was wounded in the battle of Second Manassas. He was wounded again in the right wrist at the battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse on May 5, 1864. He was captured at the battle of Fishers Hill on September 22, 1864 and sent to Fort Delaware, Delaware, and held there until June 17, 1865.

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

Stone Mountain, Georgia
October 14, 1863

Mr. Lieut. G. R. Wells,

Dear sir, I this evening seat myself to write you a few lines which will inform you that I as to health, I am to inform you that my wounds is not well enough for me to come back to the company yet. So I want you to have my furlough forwarded to headquarters and if you please, send it to e as soon as you can oblige. Yours, — J. W. Goss

[to] G. R. Wells

2nd South Carolina Infantry

1861: Edward Middleton Goodwyn to his Mother

November 21, 2025 Griff Leave a comment

The following letter was written by Edward Middleton Goodwyn (1835-1862), the son of wealthy physician Thomas Jefferson Goodwyn (1800-1877) of Columbia, South Carolina. In 1860, Edward was enumerated as a 25 year-old clerk living with his parents, 5 younger siblings, his maternal grandmother, and 33 slaves. He was an 1855 graduate of South Carolina College. He enlisted as a Private, Co. C, 2nd South Carolina Infantry on 8 April 1861 in Columbia, SC (or 24 April 1861 on Morris Island) for one year. He reenlisted for two years and was appointed 2nd Lieutenant on 13 May 1862. He was mortally wounded in action at Sharpsburg on 17 September 1862 and died on 5 October 1862 at Martinsburg, Va. (now WV).

*An early war cockade worn by Edward M. Goodwyn (American Civil War Museum)*

The men in this regiment were recruited from Columbia, Camden, and Charleston, and the counties of Sumter, Richland, Greenville, Kershaw, and Lancaster. After fighting in Bonham’s Brigade at First Manassas, the unit served under Generals Toombs, Kershaw, Kennedy, and Conner. It participated in many conflicts of the army from the Seven Days’ Battles to Cold Harbor except when it was detached with Longstreet at Chickamauga and Knoxville. The 2nd was active in Early’s Shenandoah Valley operations and ended the war in North Carolina. It reported 5 killed and 43 wounded at First Manassas, and lost eighteen percent of the 338 at Savage’s Station, twenty percent of the 203 at Malvern Hill, thirty-seven percent of the 253 at Sharpsburg, and forty-one percent of the 412 at Gettysburg. The regiment sustained 10 casualties at Bentonville and totalled 184 men on March 23, 1865. It surrendered with the Army of Tennessee.

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

Fairfax Court House
July 1st 1861

Dear Mother,

Time is wearing away slowly and peaceably notwithstanding our close proximity to the enemy. Two of our Virginia cavalry which have been acting as picket guard a little in advance of our own pickets were taken yesterday. That is about all the changes that have taken place since I wrote last. Beauregard (so I hear) telegraphed to Davis that he was ready to advance. Davis answered “hold on yet awhile.” I expect they must be waiting for Congress to act. The estimate of the number of forces concentrated in and about this village is various. Some say 20,000. Some say 30,000 and so on. So no one knows but [P. G. T.] Beauregard, [Milledge Luke] Bonham & a few of the chiefs.

We are all well. Love to all. Direct your letters to Fairfax Country House. Your affectionate son, — E. M. Goodwyn

San Juan Hill, Cuba, Spanish-American War, Theodore Roosevelt

1899: Theodore Roosevelt to Charles Greenlief Ayers

November 21, 2025 Griff Leave a comment

The following typed letter, dated 1 May 1899, was signed by Teddy Roosevelt while he was serving as the Governor of New York State, having been elected the previous November. He had just recently delivered his “Strenuous Life” speech outlining his belief that Americans should embrace hardship and effort for the good of the nation—principles that would later shape his presidency. It had been less than a year since his famous charge up San Juan Hill with his “rough riders” in the Spanish American War which propelled him to everlasting fame, and his first edition of the book “The Rough Riders” was published later that same month.

Roosevelt wrote the letter to Capt. Charles Greenlief Ayers (b. 1854) who served with the 10th US Cavalry in Cuba—an African American unit. In the Santiago engagement, Sgt. William Payne of Troop E, 10th US Cavalry, wrote: “About 6 A.M., July 1st the battle started. We remained at San Juan River about three hours. Then came the advance for the bloody charge up San Juan Hill, which we did in good order. This was the second time we came to the rescue of the Rough Riders. After we drove the enemy from their stronghold we deployed our skirmish line on the hill and awaited orders to commence firing. During this time our brave commander, Captain Charles G. Ayers, had to be begged and finally ordered to kneel or lie down out of danger, for shot and shell were falling all around him. He is the coolest man I ever saw in action.”

In the immediate aftermath of the 1898 Santiago engagement, Teddy Roosevelt praised the black soldiers of the 9th and 10th US Cavalry unites who came to the Rough Riders’ aid on San Juan Hill where they were pinned down. But in his book published the following year, with political ambitions in mind, Roosevelt not only downplayed their role but wrote disparagingly that “Negro troops were shirkers in their duties and would only go as far as they were led by white officers.”

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

Executive Chamber, State of New York
Albany
May 1, 1899

My dear Captain Ayres,

Hearty thanks for your note of the 26th ult. I did not see the list of medal of honor men, but I am not surprised that they left out the cavalry entirely. In my case, it was idle of course to expect it after my testimony concerning beef, &c. ¹

I am interested in what the Army & Navy Journal says about the 71st [New York Vol. Infantry]. The simple truth is that as regards that regiment, those in command of the regular army did not do their duty. It should have been handled as was the 6th Massachusetts in Puerto Rico. General [Jacob Ford] Kent did speak of their conduct in his report, and informs me that he was called down for doing so.

Faithfully yours, — Theodore Roosevelt

To Captain Charles G. Ayres, Ft. McIntosh, Texas

¹ Theodore Roosevelt testified to a government inquiry that the canned beef, nicknamed “embalmed beef,” supplied to soldiers in the Spanish-American War was unfit for consumption. He stated he would “as soon eat his old hat as the canned goods shipped under government contract to the soldiers in Cuba”. His controversial report was a response to reports of troops falling ill after eating the beef, which was preserved with boric acid to mask the smell of rotten meat. [Source: Meat Inspection Act of 1906, Britannica]

Gen. Sterling Price, Prisoner Exchange

1861: Joseph Horace Eaton to Sterling Price

November 20, 2025 Griff Leave a comment

The following letter was written by Joseph Horace Eaton (1815-1896) who served as aiide-de-camp and military secretary to Ma. Gen. John C. Frémont in 1861. He was later stationed in Washington D. C. where he was assistant U. S. Paymaster. He wrote the letter to Sterling Price (1809-1867), the former congressman and Missouri Governor, who commanded the Confederate militia in Missouri in 1861.

The substance of this brief missive pertains to the exchange of prisoners. The Union officer held by Price’s Missouri Militia was Thomas A. Marshall, a graduate of the Transylvania University law school, and a practicing attorney soon after in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Two years later, Marshall moved to Coles County, Illinois, where he continued to practice law, and by 1841, he lived in the county seat of Charleston. As early as 1846, Marshall began a law partnership with Usher F. Linder. In 1853, Marshall became the cashier of a bank in Charleston, and he remained in the banking profession through 1860. He won election to the Illinois Senate, serving from 1858 to 1862. In 1861, he served as president pro tem of the Senate and as acting lieutenant governor. When the Civil War broke out, Marshall became colonel of the First Illinois Cavalry, serving from July 1861 until he mustered out in July 1862. [Source: Papers of Abraham Lincoln Digital Library] Col. Marshall was taken prisoner on 20 September 1861 when he and others in his command were surrendered at Lexington, Missouri, after a 52 hour siege. Most of the other officers in the command were not exchanged until December 1861.

The prisoner held by the Union army in St. Louis was Prince Lucien Hudgins (1810-1872)—a civilian lawyer and a Christian preacher from Savannah, Andrew county, Mo., who had been arrested for conspiring against the U.S. Government. (See the Pardon of Prince L. Hudgins)

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

Headquarters, Western Department
St. Louis [Missouri]
September 24, 1861

General,

I am instructed by Major General Fremont to say in reply to your proposal for the exchange of Col. Thomas A Marshall, 1st Regt. Illinois Cavalry for Mr. Prince L. Hudgins, that it is accepted and the latter will be released and delivered over to his son, the bearer of your letter. Please on receipt of this, give to Col. Marshall facilities for reaching the nearest station of our troops. Respectfully Sir, your obedient servant, — J. H. Eaton, Col. & Military Secretary

[to] General S. Price, commanding Mo. State Guard, Lexington, Mo.

86th New York Infantry, Contraband, Old Capitol Prison

1862: John Merring Stroud to Lottie Sheffield

November 20, 2025 Griff Leave a comment

I could not find an image of John but here is one of Samuel Merring of Co. C, 86th New York Infantry who may have been John’s Cousin. Samuel was killed on 10 May 1864 at Spotsylvania Court House. (Pamela Pinney Vincent collection)

The following letters were written by Sgt. John Merring Stroud (1837-1873) of Co. K, 86th New York Infantry (a.k.a. the “Steuben Rangers”). This regiment was organized at Elmira and mustered in on 20 November 1861. Upon arrival in Washington D. C., they were attached to the 2nd Brigade, Casey’s Division, Army of the Potomac until March 1862, and then reassigned to Wadsworth’s Command of the Military District of Washington until August 1862. Their first real battle did not occur until December 1862 when they participated in the Battle of Fredericksburg. John service record indicates that he left the regiment in October 1862, however—discharged for disability.

John was from Bennett’s Creek in Steuben county, New York. His parents were Joseph D. Stroud (1799-1870) and Elizabeth Merring (1802-1883). It’s amazing that John’s letter was delivered given that he did not write Steuben county on Lottie’s address.

*The Old Capitol Prison in Washington City, roughly on the location of the US Supreme Court building today.*

Letter 1

*Addressed to Miss Lottie Sheffield, Bennett’s Creek, New York*

Headquarters Provost Marshal Office
Washington D. C.
May 1st 1862

Friend Lottie,

Yours came duly to hand and was received today, Was glad to hear that you are not discouraged although nay of your old associates have fallen even here. You see but a very small part of the horrors of war. It is truly hard to see those who you have ben almost daily with laying at the point of death and in the intensest agony. Although I have witnessed much of it, I cannot look upon such a scene without feeling for them and the friends that are to mourn their loss. All of this only makes a man fear death less, Makes him think that maybe his lot, should it be his only hope, may it be in the battle field where he may at least kill one before it is his lot to fall.

The 86th [New York] are in better health than they were a short time ago. I enjoy life well although we have to be on duty every other day and some of the time oftener.

We have many secesh prisoners here to try every day as well as a great many contrabands. The contrabands think there is no other man like Massa Lincoln. He is all right. The slaves are all freed in the District and tonight are holding a meeting celebrating their freedom. ¹Many contrabands have come from Mississippi here and every other state that own slaves. I should be happy to tell you much more but space will not permit. I think I shall come home on a furlough the last of May. Then I should be happy to see you. You must come home then. Won’t you?

Lottie, I thank you for your kindness in sending me those cakes of sugar. They were very nice and I enjoyed eating them very much. I hope you may enjoy the coming summer well in teaching. I enjoy life well here but hope to have a very nice time when I come home which will be in the course of a few weeks.

The war is progressing finely and I hope a few more months will end the main fighting. New Orleans is undoubtedly ours. When we gain Yorktown and one or two more strongholds, we must gain the whole thing which I am confident we will.

In yours you wrote you had learned a very rich thing concerning Miss Taft and myself. I should be happy indeed to have you write what it is. I cannot guess. Please do.

Excuse these imperfect lines. Also rapid penmanship and write soon. Ever yours, — Sgt. J. M. Stroud

¹ There were some 3,000 slaves living in the District of Columbia in April 1862 that were freed by D. C.’s Compensated Emancipation Act. It was passed on 16 April 1862 and it compensated the slaveholders for their “property” and gave freed black people money to emigrate if they wanted to.

Letter 2

Old Capitol Prison
Washington D. C.
June 12, 1862

Friend Lottie,

Yours came duly to hand. Was glad to hear you were having happy times this summer. We are yet in Washington and have charge of the secesh prison. See full better times than we would were we in the field. It is not very hot here now except once in a while a day. It does not seem as hot as it did one month ago.

Our Boys are getting reduced in number to quite a small regiment. There is a quite a god many in the sick list now with mumps and there is some few cases of the varioloid. I hope that the last mentioned disease will not rage to a very great extent but it may notwithstanding. Byron has been complaining a little for a couple of days but I do not think there is anything serious got hold of him.

We have had a good deal of rain and a considerable of cold wind.

Lottie, I do not know what to write that will interest you but will write gen[eral] news. Perhaps that will be as well as I can do this time. We had some pretty hard opposition near Richmond but hope that all opposition may be overthrown. Our forces have been driven back—all that has opposed their progress thus far and may they still drive them until they are subdued.

You must write me soon. I think of coming home next week. Then I should be happy to see you and the friends of New York. I think we could have a jolly old time. I can talk far faster than I can write. Write soon. I will close. Yours truly, — J. M. Stroud

9th Virginia Cavalry, Fort Lowry, Essex county, Va.

1861: Richard J. Norris to Mary C. Hinton

November 20, 2025 Griff Leave a comment

I could not find an image of Richard but here is one of Gus Hale who was about the same age and also served in the 9th Virginia Cavalry. He was also from Stony Hill, Richmond county, Va. (Ancestry.com)

The following letter was written by Richard J. Norris (1831-1863) who enlisted as a private in Co. D, 9th Virginia Cavalry in mid-September 1861. He was wounded in the Battle of Brandy Station on 9 June 1863 and died at Richmond on 2 July 1863.

Richard addressed the letter to Mary C. Hinton (1843-1917), the daughter of George Crowther Hinton (a house carpenter) and Margaret A. Brown of Stony Hill, Richmond county, Va. Mary never married. In the 1860 US Census, 29 year-old Richard Norris was employed as a laborer on the adjacent farm of Joseph R. Haynie. Joseph was married to Elizabeth Norris (b. 1828), almost certainly Richard’s older sister. Joseph also served the Confederacy, first as a foot soldier in the 37th Virginia Militia, and then later as a member of the 9th Virginia Cavalry, Co. K. Both Joseph and his wife Elizabeth were born in Lancaster, Virginia, as was Richard.

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

Fort Lowry, Essex county, Virginia
October 31, 1861

To Miss M. C. Hinton

As I have a leisure hour to spare, I will employ myself by writing you a few lines. I arrived at the fort yesterday with a few others of our company. We were encamped at Dunnsville when we first came over on this side, but Monday Col. [George E.] Pickett got a dispatch from Richmond stating a fleet would attack him at the fort in the evening at 2 o’clock and our company and the Essex Cavalry ¹ were ordered down here immediately last Tuesday week.

I was taken with a chill and have been confined to the bed ever since until today, I went out about 12 o’clock. I was carried to a private house when I was first taken where I remained until yesterday when I was removed down here to Mr. Warren’s where I expect to stay until I get fit for service which I hope I will be soon. Dr. [Thaddeus Constantine] Montague pronounced my sickness to be the bilious fever. Several of our company over here is sick and six in Lancaster, making thirteen in all on the sick list. The sick are treated very well over here. They have no right to complain.

I hope this may find you and all the family well and I hope also you may continue so. Give my respects to the people in the neighborhood—especially to Betsy and all the children and sister and her children Frances and Margaret, and everybody. But don’t forget to retain a portion for yourself. I cannot tell when I shall be over. It may be long or it may be short.

Since I have been writing, Capt. [Meriweather] Lewis received orders not to let a man leave the camp. The enemy is expected every minute. There has been a steamer in sight this evening. If there is no fleet up here in a week or so, we will be sent to Yorktown. It has already been rumored if we go down there, there we will stay until next spring. Nearly every man in our company are wishing for the fleet to come in sight. Capt. Lewis is quite a big man over here. He has command of two companies of 80 each.

Though we are separated by the deep waters, yet I think of thee and hope you have not forgotten me. If you feel disposed to answer this, I shall be very glad to receive the answer. I would be very glad to hear from you and everybody in the neighborhood. I intend to write to sister Betsy and Fanny. If you write, direct your letter to Dunnsville, Essex county, Va. in the care of Capt. Lewis. You can send a letter from Heathville or the church in ten or twelve hours to Dunnsville which is only two miles from here.

I must now close by asking you to excuse my pencil as pen and ink is hard to come at. I still remain your devoted admirer and hope the same from you. — Richard J. Norris

¹ The “Essex Cavalry” refers to the Essex Light Dragoons ( or Co. F of the 9th Virginia Cavalry). They were located at Camp Bryon near Dunnsville until October 1861 when they were ordered to Fort Lowry to assist in the fort’s defense and to conduct scouting missions.

38th Virginia Infantry

1861: Luke Palmer Hurt Tarpley to Mary Henrie Swanson

November 20, 2025 Griff Leave a comment

The following letter was written by Luke Palmer Hurt Trapley (1841-1862) who enlisted as a corporal in Pittsylvania county, Virginia, to serve in the Whitmell Guards (Co. D) of the 38th Virginia Infantry. He was later promoted to sergeant and had the honor of being named the color bear during the Seven Days Battles on the Peninsula. He and Corporal Cornelius Gilbert of Co. D, as well as Private Churchwell Parker of Co. F each fell mortally wounded while bearing the colors in advance of the regiment during the charges at the Battle of Malvern Hill on July 1, 1862.

*Some members of the 38th Virginia Infantry (Ancestry.com)*

The 38th Regiment, Virginia Infantry was recruited in Pittsylvania, Halifax, and Mechlenburg counties. It served under the command of Generals Early, Garland, Armistead, Barton, and Steuart. The 38th participated in the campaigns of the Army of Northern Virginia from Williamsburg to Gettysburg, then served in North Carolina. Later it was attached to the Department of Richmond, fought at Drewry’s Bluff and Cold Harbor, endured the hardships of the Petersburg trenches, and ended the war at Appomattox. The regiment totaled 544 effectives in April, 1862, and sustained 9 casualties at Williamsburg, 147 at Seven Pines, 94 at Malvern Hill, and 16 in the Maryland Campaign. More than 55 percent of the 400 engaged at Gettysburg were disabled and it reported 11 killed, 30 wounded, and 10 missing at Drewry’s Bluff. The unit surrendered 12 officers and 82 men.

Luke was the son of Luke Palmer Tarpley (1810-1856) and Nancy Perkins Hurt (1817-Aft1880) of Pittsylvania county, Virginia. In the 1860 US Census, we learn that Nancy took her mail at the Chestnut Grove Post Office of Pittsylvania county, that her real estate was valued at 1,600 dollars, and her personal property was valued at 5,000 dollars which was largely due to the five slaves she owned.

Luke wrote the letter to Mary (“Mollie”) H. Swanson, the sister of Samuel Allen Swanson (1838-1862) who also served in Co. D, 38th Virginia Infantry. In June 1861, he was elected 2nd Lieutenant of the company. He was killed in the Battle of Seven Pines near Richmond on 31 May 1862. Mollie’s parents were John Swanson (1802-1882) and Julie B. Cook (1802-1868) of Swansonville, Pittsylvania county, Virginia. See also—1861: Samuel Allen Swanson to Mollie Henrie Swanson

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

Camp Edmonds ¹ [near Centreville, Virginia]
September 20, 1861

Miss Mollie H. Swanson,

Dear friend, I seat myself this morning to drop you a few lines in reply to your very welcome letter which I received a few days since. I was much pleased to get a letter from you as none of you has thought enough of me to write since I left. I had just concluded the day I received your letter that you girls certainly must be the worst girls about writing in the world as none of you would write atall and I had laid up a quarrel for every one of you but none that you have written to me. I will not quarrel with you any but tell the rest of the girls to look out for twelve months ain’t always.

I will now try and give some of the news of the day. There is a great deal of sickness in camp at present. Our captain [Ralph Clement Herndon] is complaining some but nothing serious. Lieutenant [Napoleon] Price ² is very sick. He has the fever. Our company are improving some. We have only 24 on the sick list, if I ain’t mistaken. Sam [Swanson] is well and hearty and looks better than I ever saw him. It is hard for me to decide which is the best looking—myself or Sam. We both look so well, it is hard to make a decision.

You ask me if I had a chance at the Yankees heads yet. I am sorry to say I have not for every time they hear of the 38th, they put out. We went out at Winchester to give them a round and why did we? There was no Yankees there. They fought over the left shoulder. They had better travel when the 38th breaks out—more particular, the Whitmell Guards [of Co. D].

You said you think that I would like very well to see a certain young lady. I will admit to that. I would like very well to see you all. I would be pleased to know the secret yuo and Miss Patsy found out for I am anxious to know it. I want to know what you call a secret.

Well I know you will get tired of my nonsense, therefore I will try and write something else. You told me to give your love to Oliver and take good care of him. I have given him your love and also have taken as good care of him as I could possibly do. I have to stand guard every day or two from the fact we have so much sickness in our company. I went to see him as often almost as one of my own brothers. I am happy to say that he is improving and if no bad accident happens to him, he will soon be able for service again. I will now close my madly written letter as I expect to send this by Capt. Hall and he will give you all the news. Write soon to your friend, – L. P. H. Tarpley

P.S. Please excuse bad writing and spelling. Give my love to your father’s family, Capt. Hall, and also mother’s family. Goodbye until I hear from you again. — L. P. H. T.

P. S. Tell old man Cook I would be pleased to hear from him. — Doc

¹ The camp was named after Col Edmonds, the commander of the 38th Virginia Infantry. He was killed on July 3, 1863 during Pickett’s Charge. His command was part of Gen Lewis Armistead’s that followed Pettigrew’s and Trimble’s into the field. After marching west, the command turned and headed northeast. Col. Edmonds was killed about 30 feet from the Angle. He was buried on the field and later exhumed and is now buried at Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond.

² Napoleon Price (1840-1862) was 1st Lieutenant of Co. D, 38th Virginia. He was critically wounded in the charge of Malvern Hill near Richmond on July 1, 1862, and died in the Richmond hospital two days later.

3rd New Hampshire Infantry, Second Deep Bottom

1864: Charles Gammon to Phillip Gammon

November 12, 2025 Griff Leave a comment

*An unidentified Sergeant from a New Hampshire Regiment (Dave Morin Collection)*

The following letter was written by Charles Gammon (1841-1921), the son of Phillip Gammon (1812-1887) and Maranda Southgate King (1810-1854) of Raymond, Cumberland county, Maine. Charles enlisted in July 1861 to serve in Co. K, 3rd New Hampshire Infantry. He rose in rank from private to sergeant before being wounded on 16 August 1864 at Deep Bottom Run, Virginia.

We learn from the letter that Charles received a leg wound the 2nd Battle of Deep Bottom when the 3rd New Hampshire, part of the 10th Corps, was ordered to assault a Confederate position near Fussell’s Mill. After initial success, they were ultimately turned back when the Confederates counterattacked.

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

Grant US [General] Hospital [at Fort Totten]
Willett’s Point, New York Harbor
October 20, 1864

Dear Father,

Tis with pleasure that I now take my pen in hand to write you a few lines. I am getting along pretty well and my wound is a healing up but I don’t know what to think of it. The doctor looked at it this morning and then got his knives and lanced and set out to cut into my wound but he did not. I think he thinks there is some broken bone in my leg but he won’t tell me whether there is or not. I think if the doctor will let my wound alone, it will soon be healed up but I am afraid he will cut it open again. If he don’t, I shall go to the front as soon as it is healed over. I am tired of staying here.

I got two letters from my regiment yesterday. They all want me to come back as soon as I can. Charles Tauton sent me the rest of that money you sent me when I was first wounded. My regiment is within 6 miles of the City of Richmond but there is but a few of them left. I think it is rather hard that I can’t come home after getting shot but I shan’t moan about it if I do not get sick or get shot again. I shall get home sometime.

Father, I hope I shall be spared to get home safe again for I have got a good many things to live for. I have suffered enough and I would like to have a place of my own and settle down and take some comfort. But all I can do is hope for the best and take what comes. I am afraid we have got to have 4 more years war and it will be hard if we do.

Received your kind letter today and my friend’s letter. Please write soon for I shall try and go to the front of some of you send me the money I wrote for. As I have no news to write, I will close with love to all. From your son, — Sergt. Charles Gammon