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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.
63rd Illinois Infantry, Atlanta Campaign

1863-64: Richard M. McClure to Mary McClure

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The following letters were written by Richard (“Dick”) M. McClure (1816-1895), an Irish emigrant who served during the American Civil War as Captain of Co. A, 63rd Illinois Infantry, mustering in on 10 April 1862. Dick’s first wife was Mary Jane (1820-1875) and together they had at least six children by 1860 ranging in age from one to thirteen. The family was enumerated in Christy, Lawrence county, Illinois at that time. Dick married a second time in 1878 to Julia Ann Rousch. He died in 1895 and was buried in Sumner Cemetery, Lawrence county, Illinois.

Capt. Dick McClure of Co. A, 63rd Illinois Infantry

On the 1st of January, 1864, the 63rd Infantry re-enlisted in the veteran service, and on the 10th of April arrived at Centralia, Illinois, where it received veteran furlough. On the 21st of May it reported at Huntsville, Alabama, and on the 23d was ordered to Triune. On the 30th of June it arrived at Kingston, Georgia, where it was stationed to guard the line of railroad. It continued here until November 11th, when it was ordered to join General Sherman at Atlanta. On the 15th it left Atlanta on the march to the seashore. After the capture of Savannah, it participated in the Carolina campaign, and was in all its battles and skirmishes. At Columbia, South Carolina, it lost one officer and five men by the explosion of an arsenal. On the 24th of May, 1865, it took part in the grand review at Washington, and on the 3d of June started for Louisville. Here it was mustered out of the service on the 13th of July, and on the 16th arrived at Camp Butler, where it was paid off and discharged. During its term of service the 63d traveled 6,453 miles, of which 2,250 miles was on foot.

[Note: These letters were sent to me by Sarah Prather who found them among her great-grandmother’s belongings. She sent them to me for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by express consent.]

Letter 1

Memphis, [Tennessee]
March 1st 1863

Dear Mary Jane,

Oh how bad I want to see you so. I received a letter from you and Beck which I was glad to get as it has been so long since I have had one before. I felt very anxious to hear from Jim as Mrs. Robinson said that he was worse but I am glad to hear that he is some better and I trust that as soon as the weather gets a little warmer and he can take a little out doors excursion, that it will help him more than anything else. I feel sorrow for my poor boy and I trust that the Lord will soon restore him to his for mer health and usefulness. I don’t see how you can get along without him.

A few days ago we got two months pay. I sent you two hundred dollars by express. I suppose you have got it before this. Squire Robinson starts for home this evening. If I had known that he was going so soon, I would have sent the money with him and thereby have saved you $1.50 express charges. Yesterday, we were mustered for pay again. There is yet four months pay due us and there is a rumor that we will be paid soon again. This, however, may be doubtful. But it is said that it is the intention of the government to pay the troops regularly every two months after this.

Dear wife, I should have no objections to soldiering if I only could have an opportunity of seeing you and the young ones occasionally, but I cannot do it.

The last few days the weather has been beautiful. Since it quit raining, it has turned warm and the grass is growing fast and everything indicates that spring is at hand. I wish it may be the same in Illinois as I know you must be tired of rain and mud by this time. This is the pleasantest place that we have camped at since we left Bird’s Point and if we can serve our country as well here as elsewhere, there would be few of us in favor of moving. But we do not know what a day may bring forth. We may be ordered to move when we least expect it. Under the present state of affairs, there is nothing certain. There is no news of importance from Vicksburg. Grant is still concentrating his forces at that place, but it may be months before he makes an attack.

I don’t know how to advise you about the farm. There is so little dependence to be put in renters that it hardly ever pays to have horses abused by them for the little they raise. If you could rent as much of the lower 8- to some person or persons as you could, letting them find everything and give you the one third; and if you could hire a hand and have that field that was in corn last season—I mean the field south of the barn—and as much more as would be convenient close to the house, I think this would be the best policy.

Dear Ma, I write one or two letters to you every week and if I thought it would be any gratification to you, I would write every day. I want Beck to write whether I do or not and if she does write a better hand than that last page, she had better take lessons of Ma’s. Yours, — Dick

Letter 2

Memphis, Tennessee
March 29th 1863

Mary,

Yesterday I received two letters from you—one dated March [ ], the other the 25th, They were gladly received as all other communications from the same source. We have abundant cause to be thankful to our Heavenly Father for his unceasing mercies towards us in thus preserving out health and lives whilst so many of our fellow beings are passing into the invisible world.

Whilst we have cause to rejoice in God’s dealings towards us as a family, others have their trials and afflictions to contend with. Eugene Dobbins died at the General Hospital in Memphis on the 27th inst. His disease, I believe, was typhoid fever. He was one of our best soldiers and was universally liked by both officers and men. He was always cheerful and ready at all times to discharge a soldier’s duty. But he is gone and our company will miss him. Dear Ma, I want you to communicate this afflicting news to his poor Mother. In his sickness, he frequently talked about her. To her he was a good son.

Another of my boys started for home yesterday but I doubt if he gets there alive. He has been sick for a long time. His Mother, Mrs. Stratt’s, came down two months ago and has nursed him ever since but he still continues to get worse, and I could not get him discharged until the doctors seen that there was no chance of his recovery. It is almost an impossibility to get a man discharged at present.

Col. [John] Glaze has just received news of a very destroying character. His Father is crazy and I think it affects him more than if he had heard of his death. He cried like a child whilst reading me the letter. I could not help but respect his tears for they were the out gushings of an affectionate heart. That heart that I well know would never quail before an enemy, is now rung with affliction for a suffering parents. I believe I informed you that he had been appointed Chaplain of our Regiment. It seems that he met with a great deal of opposition from th members of his circuit and it seems that his mind has been exercised to such an extent that it finally gave way. It is strange that a man of his ability should be the subject of such a calamity. But mysterious are the ways of Providence and we poor shortsighted cannot fathom its depths. The Colonel will try and get home if possible. He can do more to quiet his mind than anyone else. I do hope that he may get off.

Dear Ma, there is no news of any importance. Everything is quiet at present but in other places there are great preparations going on for a desperate struggle. It is thought that there will soon be another fight between Rosecrans and the enemy in East Tennessee and Grant is working away with dogged perseverance to reduce Vicksburg. Destitution is felt to an alarming extent through many parts of the South which is thought will have a great tendency to bring the war to a close. I wish something may soon bring it to an honorable close. Yours Old Man, — Dick McClure

Letter 3

Triana, Alabama
May 30, 1864

Dear Albe [?],

Yours of the 20th came to hand. I was glad to hear that you and your charge were all well. This is the only letter that I have received from you since I left home. You should have received three letters from me before this. I wrote from Centralia, from Cairo, and from Huntsville. We remained but one day and night in Huntsville until we were ordered to this place. Triana is 18 miles southwest of Huntsville on the bank of the Tennessee river. It is a poor, dilapidated place. Everything is gone to rack and [ruin] and the few inhabitants that are left are the emblems of poverty and hard times.

Four days ago I commenced this letter and now, I suppose, it is time I should finish it. I was sent to Huntsville on business pertaining to the regiment and among other things to ascertain when we should be paid. I accomplished all satisfactorily. The Pay Master came out yesterday and paid off the regiment, but the worst of it was the officers received only half pay for the term of their leave of absence. Consequently I cannot send my Old Woman as much as I would like. The amount I took from home with me is all gone already. The rest of the officers were all fixed up so fine that I looked like an odd sheep among them so I bought me an officer’s blouse, a pair of pants, and a little trunk or valise. That and paying from 75 cents to $1 per meal for what I eat from [the time] I left you until we came to this place slipped away with my pile.

I sent this morning to the Express office $154 and fifty belonging to Jimeney Purley. You may use all of it as we can replace Jimeney’s when needed. There is four dollars in fifty cent pieces. Give each of the young ones a fifty cent note to buy candy or any other notion. Pap would like to give the candy but they must wait.

I have little or no news to write. We get less [news] here than you do at home. When we do happen to get a paper, it is generally a week old. But as far as we can hear, everything looks prosperous on our side. The last we heard from Grant he was within fifteen miles of Richmond. And Sherman well down towards Atlanta. If both those places are taken, I think the Confederacy is gone up, but there will be many a brave life sacrificed yet before that is accomplished. Lee will make a desperate and determined effort before he gives up Virginia and Richmond. The Rebels themselves freely acknowledge that if they lose Virginia, they lose all.

This month is going to be one of vital interest to our country. Indeed, it may tell of the future destiny of this great nation for weal or woe. But we have all confidence in our armies and generals. But there is a higher power than that of man rules the destiny of nations and we have faith to believe that our cause is just. We have no idea how long we may remain in this place. We may stay here all summer or we may start before a week. If Sherman should need reinforcements, our division may be ordered to the front and our place supplied by the hundred day men. But don’t think that they will be sent so far south.

Our duty is not very heavy but nevertheless important. There is quite a rebel force on the opposite side of the river from here. We see their pickets every day and were the river not so wide, we would have a daily skirmish. But the stream is three-quarters of a mile wide and that keeps the belligerents at a respectful distance from each other for the present. Their object in crossing would not be so much to fight us as to tear up and destroy the railroads and as these roads are of vital importance to the whole army in Sherman’s command, they require to be guarded with unceasing vigilance.

Let me know in your next how much corn you have planted and how that clover looks and all them other items that you can think of. Direct as formerly to Huntsville. Yours as ever, — Dick

1st Vermont Heavy Artillery

1863: Henry Wallace Warren to Roelzo Sanford Warren

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The following letter was written by Henry Wallace Warren (1840-1908), the son of Noah S. Warren (18xx-1889), and Betsy Seaver (18xx-1840) of Stowe, Lamoille, Vermont. He wrote the letter to his younger brother, Roelzo Sanford Warren (1843-1921).

Henry enlisted in September 1862 to serve in the 11th Vermont Infantry but three months later it was re-designated as the 1st Vermont Heavy Artillery.

Transcription

Addressed to Mr. Roelzo Warren, Stowe, Lamoille county, Vermont

Fort Stevens
August 29th [1863]

Brother Roelzo, kind sir.

I take my pen in hand to write a few lines to you. I am well at the present time, and I hope this letter will find you enjoying the same health as the rest of the folks. The Stowe boys are well with the exception of Bill. It looks a little like rain today and I hope it will make out before it gets through for we have not had any rain here for some time that has done any good.

We expect Captain Safford’s company here today and I am glad to hear they are a coming. It is no waste for them to come than it was for us to come. About the drafted men, I am glad to hear that they have got to come. If they won’t come one way, let them [come] another. It is no worse for them to leave their homes than it was for me or anyone else of the boys. It is getting to be cool weather here now and I hope the regiment will be more healthy than they have been through the summer. We have not lost a great many boys [by] death for some time. There has more deserted than any other way.

We are a having lots of work to do now for we are a going to build us some new barracks. We are a going to put them up next to the fort and we are a going to have some nice ones this time, I tell you. When we get them in, then you may come and see me and tell Father to come out too, and to come certainly if Mr. Waltz & Hodge comes.

About Holden’s going home, I [hope] he will get home safe and I wish I could get the same chance to go home but never mind, we can go home sometime. We can go in two years if not before. The citizens tell us we shall go before but I can’t see it just yet. We enlisted for three years and I think we shall have to stay our time out. I can’t [think] of much now to write about this time but will try to do better next time.

About the war news, I can’t tell you. I presume you hear more about the war than I do. If you get any news about anything, write and tell me. This from your brother, — Henry Warren

Battery L has come with a very good looking company. Lieut. Safford is Capt. He is the same as he was before he went home. I presume that you have seen him while at home. It is a very good company. They are a green set of Boys. Our boys have some fun with them.

Tell my folks than I am well and that that Battery L have got here. Tell Father Cheney’s folks that Henry said today that Bill is not as well as he has been or was when he left the hospital now.

Jefferson Davis, John Wilkes Booth

1865: Harriet Ruth Crandall to Edwin R. Adams

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This letter was written by Harriet (“Hattie”) Ruth Crandall (1843-1913), the daughter of John Crandall (1808-1895) and Mary Ann Ackerman (1814-1898) of Watertown, Jefferson county, New York. Hattie wrote the letter to Edwin R. Adams (1841-1926) whom she would marry in 1866.

Edwin was born in Dexter, New York, the son of Henry Adams (1806-1895) and Emily Dickinson Ackerman (1811-1908) of Pillar Point, New York, a ninth generation descendant of the Henry Adams Family of Braintree, Massachusetts, which included U. S. presidents John Adams and President John Quincy Adams. He married Hattie Crandall (1843-1913) of Watertown, New York, in 1866, and together they had three children. Adams was appointed a second lieutenant in the 36th Regiment, 16th Brigade, and 4th Division of the National Guard of the State of New York on April 6, 1865, effective from February 16, 1865. After the war, Adams pursued a career as a farmer, and he later served as overseer of highways in Brownville, Jefferson County, New York. His sister Jane Adams (1839-1921) married Alfred Ackerman (d.1913), and together they built the first hotel in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, in the late 1870s, under the name Twin Lake Summer Resort.

This letter was once in a large collection of letters to and from his fiancée, Hattie Crandall. Two letters from Hattie to Edwin refer to major war-related events in 1865. In a letter dated April 23, 1865, Hattie laments the tragic death of President Lincoln: “the just God takes those who can be least spared and so at this final hour he permitted the hand of the assassin to strike down our President when he was so much needed and leave the country to mourn and well might the confederacy dress in mourning for they have lost their best friend, as well as the North.” In a June 18, 1865 letter to Adams, Hattie expressed joy at the capture of John Wilkes Booth in April and of Jefferson Davis in May. “I suppose the boys in the army will be coming home before many days at least they are looking for them around here. We can not complain of the good news in relation to the capture of ‘Jeff,’ it seems as if his capture and that of Booth and others would partially cancel the Death of our President.”

Watertown, New York, in 1865

Transcription

Addressed to Mr. E. R. Adams, Pillar Point, New York

Watertown [New York]
June 1865

Dear E.,

I have finally taken my seat to write you again although several weeks have passed since I intended to have written. The night after you left here we got the sad news of Rinda’s death which affected us all deeply & so it is the house of joy is turned to one of mourning in a few short hours. It would have been a great consolation to have been with her through her sickness although it would have been hard to have seen her suffer so much. Her disease finally terminated in Dropsy on the brain, but she is now at rest and I know they say it is for the best that it is so but it seems as if I never could be reconciled to have it so in this world.

We are all usually well but Mother. Her eyes are quite bad and have been most of the time since she got back. She was very tired and has not got fairly rested yet, but one thing favors us and that is our milk goes to the factory, as the old saying is no great loss but some small gain. If the factory at Rodman have lost Parker’s milk, we get ours drawn by them to the Hill factory.

It is very lonely and still here today. All the noise made is the birds singing and the scratching of my poor old pen. All the rest have gone to church and I stay at home tonight and watch the bees. What a warm, sultry day it is. I think a good shower could be appreciated by every one now, suppose you start out again and see if it would bring rain. Mr. Graves gave us quite a surprise last night by coming in our house, although we expected him some time in the course of the summer. He is agent for a mowing machine in this county and he will spend some time around here. He left the rest of the family well. Irving’s family were also in good health but were all very lonely and surely how lonely it must be without no Rinda there.

I suppose the boys in the army will be coming home before many days—at least they are looking for them around here. We can not complain of the good news in relation to the capture of “Jeff.” It seems as if his capture and that of Booth and others would partially cancel the death of our President.

How does Gert prosper? I should like to see her much and should be happy to see you be up here. It is about time they come home from church so I shall have to be about the eating arrangement and will bid goodbye for the present. The same as ever, your Hattie

10th Maine Infantry, Shenandoah Valley

1862: Charles Henry Colley to his cousin Rebecca

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Unfortunately there is too little information within this letter for me to conclude without question the identity of the soldier who wrote this letter that was simply signed, “your cousin, Charles” and addressed to Rebecca. Based upon content and troop movement, however, I feel certain that the soldier served in Co. B, 10th Maine Infantry, and my review of the roster pared the possibilities of only two or three young men. My hunch is that it was written by Charles H. Colley, the son of Amos and Sarah Nash Colley—a farm family from Gray, Maine. Charles enlisted as a sergeant but was promoted to 1st Sergeant and later to Lieutenant before he was mortally wounded in the Battle of Cedar Mountain on 9 August 1862.

There is an interesting story called “Gray Maine’s Stranger” that describes the burial of a Confederate soldier in their graveyard. The body was supposed to have been that of Lt. Charles H. Colley, Co. B., 10th Maine Vol. The story explains, “In those days, the family had to pay the government for embalming and transportation. The Colley family had done this. When his body arrived they opened the casket in farewell. Instead of their son, they found a fully uniformed Confederate soldier. They were grief stricken but finally decided to bury the lad in Gray Cemetery. That no ill will was borne the soldier was evidenced by the erection of a tombstone over his grave shortly after. Inscribed on the slab was, “Stranger—a soldier of the late war. Erected by the Ladies of Gray.” The group was made up of mothers whose own sons had been killed, wounded or were missing. In their sympathetic hearts, they knew the agony of war. No one knows for sure how the mistake was made. Lt. Colley’s body arrived shortly after. He is buried about 100 feet southwest. Local historians guess that both Lt. Colley and the Confederate might have been wounded in the same battle, hospitalized together and both must have died about the same time.” [See Gray Maine’s Stranger]

This Timothy O’Sullivan photograph shows officers of the 10th Maine at Cedar Mountain. Note the dead horses. The men pictured here are Lt. Littlefield, Lt. Whitney,  Lt. Col. Fillebrown, Capt. Knowlton, and 1st Sgt. Jordan (Library of Congress).

Transcription

Four miles from Front Royal
June 15th 1862

Cousin Rebecca,

I have enough to make up a long letter should I write a history of all we have done of late and is where we have been. Our regiment was one in Bank’s army and took part in the retreat, but had little chance to do much fighting—a few were killed and quite a number taken prisoners of our regiment. Co. B lost I2—all supposed to be prisoners.

Our company had a tedious time as we left Martinsburg on Saturday evening to join the regiment at Winchester. We marched most all night and got near to Winchester where we found the regiment, and retreating with them back through Martinsburg, then on to the Potomac, so our company had a march of 56 miles in less than 24 hours—rather a long walk for us as we were not used to marching.

The little army crossed the river and staid at Williamsport a few days. The rebels had to retread soon and now we follow on with larger forces. They may get a chance to drive us again, but there will be some fighting and a large force to drive.

Most all of the foot soldiers lost all their knapsacks and clothing. The rebels followed quite close and gave us a few shells which fell to the right and left of us but hurt no one. I had quite a pile of clothing &c. for them and I suppose some are getting the benefit of it among the rebels. We left Martinsburg last Monday, marched 3 days, and are now expecting to cross the Shenandoah to Front Royal at any time. We don’t know where we are to go—only know where we are at present.

Our tents were burned in the retreat so we get shelter in any building we can. The farmers about here seem all to be secesh. They won’t sell anything to our men but they will miss some of their pigs and sheep as we have been short of meat, so the boys go in for taking it wherever they can. The large wheat fields look finely—the wheat very tall. But if the war holds on, it will not all get harvested. Cherries will soon get ripe, then peaches. It is a rich country here in this valley. The yankees ought to have it. Then it would shine. It is not thickly settled so each one owns too much land and keeps darkies to do the work. Many slaves are leaving their owners at these times.

Must close. Write and direct to Winchester, Virginia. Bank’s Division. From your cousin, Charles.

127th New York Infantry

1864: George Elbert Jayne to Eunice Barnum

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This letter was written by George Elbert Jayne of Huntington, New York, who enlisted when he was 18 years old to serve three years in Co. I, on 8 September 1862. He was later promoted to corporal and then sergeant by January 1863. He mustered out of the regiment at Charleston, South Carolina, on 30 June 1865. When he enlisted, he was described as a blue-eyed, sandy-haired, five and a half feet tall “printer.”

George was born in Babylon, New York—the son of Charles Jayne (1823-1891) and Deborah Ann Burling (1826-1886). After the war, he became a Methodist minister and served in the pulpit for over forty years.

This letter gives us an account of the “Battle of Fort Johnson” which was a planned amphibious attack against Ft. Johnson and Fort Simpkins located on James Island on 2 July 1864. Delays caused the attack to falter as well as. the “want of spirit and energy on the part of many of the subordinates.” See The Battle of Fort Johnson.

Transcription

Addressed to Miss Eunice Barnum, Alexandria, Virginia

Morris Island, South Carolina
August 6th I864

Eunice,

Your kind missive dated July 10th did not come at hand until yesterday afternoon, August 5th, thus being nearly a month reaching its destination.

You have doubtless heard by report or seen in the papers an account of our unsuccessful attack on Forts Johnson and Simkins on the third of July—Sunday morning. The 127th New York and 52nd Pennsylvania with a few of the 3rd Rhode Island for artillerists were ordered to attack the most formidable place in Rebeldom under circumstances very unfavorable. We attacked it in small boats and I think we could have taken the place by surprise had the whole of the 52nd obeyed orders. The regiment is most all substitutes. The few old soldiers of the regiment done as ordered but because they were not supported properly by the balance of their regiment, they were taken prisoners. They were to attack Johnson while we attacked Simkins & the forts lay in such a position that the 52nd had to go ahead in order to strike both at once, and in waiting for them so as to carry out the order of the General, we became belated until we were observed by the enemy and driven back with considerable loss. God knows the fault was not with the 127th for every man went determined to win a or die and I can assure you if we ever have an opportunity, we will wipe out the stain.

Last night we were kept awake by the shelling of our camps by the rebs. There is a great and good work broke out in our detachment—a revival of religion. God is convicting and converting sinners in this part of his vineyard. We hold meetings every afternoon and evening and truly I feel it is good to wait upon the Lord. Pray for the soldiers in the field that while they are fighting for their country, they may gird on the whole christian armor and & fight for the blood stained banner of the cross & press forward the cause of salvation.

I trust that Grant will be successful in all his undertakings before Petersburg & that he will succeed in reducing it. The soldiers put a good deal of confidence in him & I hope he will not disappoint them.

Corporal William Smith that used to accompany me to your house has received his discharge and is now home. Quite a number of the 127th have made application to be transferred to the Navy, but I believe that the quota of this department is filled.

Remember me to all inquiring friends and hoping you may ever be the recipient of God’s choicest blessings, I bid you goodbye. From — G. E. J.

In haste.

105th Pennsylvania Infantry, Battle of the Wilderness

1864: William Henry Hazlett to Sarah M. (Hazlett) McMullen

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These letters were written by William Henry Hazlett (1843-1908), the son of Robert Hazlett (1816-1882) and Mary Ann Freeman (1824-1906). William served in Co. F, 105th Pennsylvania Infantry from September 1861 to July 1865.

William’s letters speak of the mortal wounds received by a relative, Adam Freeman (1833-1864) of Co. H, 105th Pennsylvania. Adam was wounded severely in the left leg on 13 May 1864 at Spottsylvania Court House and died on 28 May 1864 at Alexandria, Virginia. Adam was married in the mid-1850s to Sarah Ann Saylor (1838-1919) and had a son named Silas McMullen Freeman (1856-1928) when he left to serve his country.

Letter 1

Camp Bullard
February 22, 1864

Dear Sister,

It is with pleasure that I now sit down this night to write you these few lines to let you know that I am well at present and do sincerely hope that this may find you in good health.

Well, Sarah, I was home on a furlough and just got back to the camp yesterday evening and you had better think that I had a good time of it. I was just away 50 days and was home 32 days and the rest of the time we was in Pittsburgh and Harrisburg and Baltimore. I had intended to go out to see you but when I got home, I had such a good time that I could not get off very far but I think that when the next three years up that I will come to see you. Jane likes it at her [. ]. She says she would not go back on no account and she has growed [?] awfully since I saw her last.

Well, I have not much to write this time so I will stop by requesting you to write soon. Give my respects to Sam and tell him to write. — Wm. H. Hazlett

Letter 2

Annapolis, Maryland
May 24th 1864

Dear Sister,

Now I set myself this beautiful afternoon to write these few lines to let you know that I am well at present and hope that this may find you the same. It has been some time since I have wrote to you and we have had some tough times since then but I got through middling well. I got shot through the left hand. It is very sore but it is nothing to what some of the boys got. Our regiment lost very heavy the first evening’s fight. We lost 203 men from four o’clock till dark.

Well, I saw Sam on the 3rd of this month. He was hearty and soo was all the rest of the Boys and I heard since that Adam Freeman had lost one of his legs in the Battle of the Wilderness. There was an awful sight of men killed and wounded. I was in the battle 8 days right straight along. It was the longest eight days ever I put in and I hope that Grant will go to Richmond now. If he don’t, he has lost a power of men for nothing.

I can’t tell you anything about home for I han’t heard from home for over a onth. The last I got, they was all well.

I can’t write very much for my hand pains me so. I will try and write more the next time. Direct to St. John College Hospital, Annapolis, Maryland, Ward 21.

— Wm. H. Hazlett

To Sarah M. McMullen

Letter 3

Annapolis, Maryland
June 18, 1864

Dear Sister,

I now sit down this pleasant Sabbath morning to write you these few lines to inform you that I am well and hope that this may find you enjoying the same blessing. I received your letter some time ago and was glad to hear from you.

Well, I han’t got much to write at this time for it is such a dull place here.

I am sorry to hear of the death of Adam Freeman. It will go hard with his wife but there is thousands in the same way. But it is the fortunes of war. I got a letter from home a few days ago. They was all well but father. He had not been well for some time. They were getting along first rate. Jane han’t been at home much this summer and is living out. I will now stop hoping to hear from you soon.

[– Wm H. Hazlett]

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

1864: William Bullock to his Brother

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This letter was written by William Bullock who we learn was working as a nurse at the US Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in December 1864. Whether he was a volunteer civilian or a soldier detailed from his regent to serve as a nurse is unknown. There was a soldier named William Bullock in the 97th Pennsylvania but he was mustered out of the service before this letter was written.

Transcription

USA General Hospital
Pittsburgh, Penn.

December 15th 1864

Dear Brother,

I now take my pen to answer your kind letter which came to hand the 15th inst. and I was very glad to hear from you and know that you wrecked well and attending school. I am also studying here. We have a school here and all that wishes to can attend free of charge and [ ] found them by the Christian. So you see if I only had time enough I could learn a great deal. But I do not have as much time as I would wish for my patients need so much tending to. But I improve my time what I have. There is one calling me now so I shall have to attend to him. Give my love to all and hoping to hear from you soon.

I remain your affectionate brother, — William Bullock

3rd Ohio Cavalry, 54th Ohio Infantry, Camp Dennison, Camp Joe Holt

1862: Alice Maria (Lee) Warner to David Henry Lee

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Maria (Lee) Warner

The following letter was written by Alice “Maria” (Lee) Warner (1843-1915), the daughter of Barton B. Lee (1811-1856) and Henrietta Lee Steele (1808-1869). Maria was married in October 1859 to Rev. Elmore Yocum Warner (1833-1886). She wrote the letter to her younger brother, David Henry Lee (1845-1912).

In her letter, Maria informs her brother of her travel in mid-February 1862 to visit her husband at Camp Dennison, Ohio, where he was serving as the Chaplain of the 3rd Ohio Cavalry. Her letter also describes the journey of the regiment from Camp Dennison to Camp Joe Holt near Jeffersonville, Indiana. She mentions a Zouave regiment drilling at Camp Dennison in February 1862 which may well have been the 54th Ohio Infantry. They wore Zouave uniforms that were identical to those of the 34th Ohio (Piatts Zouaves). They left for Paducah on 17 February 1862.

Transcription

Jeffersonville [Indiana]
February 13th 1862

Dear Brother David,

Three weeks ago today I left Monroeville for Camp Dennison. Found it very muddy but the quarters were comfortable & pleasant and I did not care to go about camp so I did not mind the mud. But the poor soldiers grumbled enough about it and I did not blame them for it was very unpleasant for them to drill. After drill they would come in completely covered with mud. Then they would have their horses & themselves to clean off (which was no pleasant task). Who could blame them for grumbling a little.

The regiment did itself great credit while at Camp Dennison. It was reviewed by Post Commander Wade and he pronounced it the finest regiment of cavalry in the state.

While at Camp Dennison, Elmore & I went down to Cincinnati and spent two days & one night. Rev. Mr. Weed from Monroeville was there visiting his parents (who reside there) and he was kind enough to go around with us and show us the city. We enjoyed it very much.

Sunday, the 9th, a dispatch came for the regiment to march for Louisville, Kentucky, Monday morn. The orders were peremptory—no delay granted. Most of the day was spent in packing & many stayed up all night in order to be ready.

Monday morning at eight o’clock all were in readiness to start. Went on horse as far as Cincinnati where they took the boat for Louisville. Myself and four ladies went with Mr. Warner on the cars. We started from Cincinnati about ten o’clock and arrived at Louisville at nine next morning but instead of landing at Louisville, we were sent across the river to Jacksonville [Jeffersonville], Indiana. Cavalry always encamp here. The camp is on Jessie D. Bright’s farm. His property is confiscated. There is a brick kiln on it and the soldiers use them for making furnaces and floors for their tents.

Pvt. Christian H. Cook, Co. B, 54th Ohio Infantry. This regiment was drilling at Camp Dennison in early February 1862. (LOC)

Yesterday the weather was mild and pleasant—warm enough to sit in our tents without fire. Today it is very cold & the ground is all [white] with snow. We have not heard from any of our friends since we have been here. Elmore has just gone to the office. I hope he will get letters. It is so cheering to hear from friends when separated from them. The regiment will probably not stay here more than two or three days longer. I can’t tell whether I shall go any farther or not. Elmore said this morning he wanted me to go as far as I could. I should like to see Todd. We may go right where he is. Jason says tell Dave that there was a battery of artillery & Zouave Regiment at Camp Dennison.

Well, I have written you a long letter which I hope you can read. I have to sit on the bed with my feet on a camp stool & write on my lap which is not a very good position for writing. Give our love to all of Bro. Wilson’s family. Also Br. N. Wilson. We would like to hear from them. Write to us soon and be a good boy. Be faithful & diligent in the discharge of your duties. Love & serve God, and remember that I always pray for you. Your affectionate sister, — Maria Warner

Illinois Homefront

1861: John W. Dietz to his Cousin George

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The following letter was written by John W. Dietz (1841-1898), the son of Garet W. Dietz (1812-1889) and Margaret Coon, (1811-1894). From his letter, datelined from Belden, Illinois, in mid-November 1861, we learn that John had numerous correspondents serving in Illinois regiments but that he was tending store and farming in McHenry county—a county bordering the State of Wisconsin. When he registered for the draft in 1863, he was identified as single and with no prior service in the military. I have not found any evidence that he ever volunteered or was drafted. His obituary follows:

“John W. Dietz was a native of New York, and was born in Oswego County Feb. 21, 1841, and was therefore 57 yeara old at the time of his desease which oc- cured July 16, 1898. When a child his parents removed to McHenry County Ill., where he remained until after his marriage with S. Louise Cook in 1863. In 1871 Mr. Dietz came to Iowa and settled at Cedar Rapids where they remained but a year, returning to Illinois. They remained in Illinois until 1881 when they came to Osceola county [Iowa] and settled near Sibley where they remained until seven years ago when they moved to Sibley where they have since resided. To Mr. and Mrs. Deitz were born four children, two sons and two daughter. All of these live to revere an honored father save one daughter who died in infancy. In this demise a wife loses a faithful and affectionate husband, the sons and daughters a loving father, the community a faithful and upright citizen. His associations are of a pronounced character. Those who knew him best thought the most of him.”

Transcription

Patriotic Stationery used for letter

Belden, Illinois
McHenry County
November 15th 1861

Cousin George,

I received your much welcomed letter last Friday and take this opportunity to answer it but you must excuse me with a short letter for I don’t have more than three minutes to write at once. I have nothing interesting to you to write. It is different me writing you than you writing me for there is no body or anything here that you are acquainted with that I can write about but it is not so with you. I am acquainted there and like to hear from you and other old friends. But I find you are all not very punctual in writing. I have written to several of the boys in your place but do not get any answers. I did once get a partnership letter from Bill Every, Add Barnes, John Walley, and two or three others. I answered each one separately the next day but have not heard from them since. I don’t know but they are all gone to the war. If they have gone, [if] any of them write me what company and what regiment they are in, I will write them once more for luck.

I get the war news pretty regular now. I have dix correspondences in the 15th Illinois Regiment, two in the 36th Illinois Regiment. Both are now in Missouri—one at Rolla, one at Springfield. I also have three correspondence in the 8th Illinois Cavalry Regiment now at Washington. They write each one once in two weeks so you see my time is occupied what little I have.

I have been for the past month and a half tending store and have about sick with the ague which I know don’t agree with me. Two months ago I weighed 160 lb. but now I weight only 145 lb. so you can see something don’t agree with me. George, I will give you a faint idea of about how much farming has paid here for the past two years. Wheat has been worth 45 to 95 cents. Now worth 50. It has yielded about ten to 15 bushels per acre. Oats worth from ten to fifteen cents per bushel. Corn about the same although I believe corn has been worth as high as 20 cents in Chicago. This year corn is good. I know places that goes 1.25 bushels ears to the acre about 75 bushels shelled. You may think we cannot make a living at such prices and crop but we do and a good living too. So what do you think when we get from 20 to 40 bushels wheat per acre and from $1 to $1.50 per bushel for it. and oats 75 cents, about 90 cents. Then is the time we make money. We keep a Dutch diary as usual. Got 1 cow, 10 horses and colts, 8 or 10 young cattle, 260 sheep. The sheep pays big although we sold the wool rather cheap this year. Sold for 29 cents.

We think some of trying a hop yard. I thought that will pay. Big hops is worth in Chicago more than that in New York all the time. I must close for the present. Write soon. Your coz, — John Dietz

P. S. George, I will send you a couple papers today. You spoke about sending my likeness. I will as soon as I go where I can get it taken good and have time. Send yours as soon as you can. — John

13th Massachusetts Infantry, Battle of Cedar Mountain

1861: John Viles, Jr. to Frances C. (Thornton) Viles

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John Viles, Jr.

The following letters were written by John Viles, Jr. (1817-1882), a musician from Waltham, Middlesex county, Massachusetts, who enlisted in July 1861 in the 13th Massachusetts Regimental band and served with them until late August 1862 by order of the War Department. Several of Viles’ letters can be found on the web page kept by the 13th Regt. Riles Mass. and his bio reads:

“Viles’ position in the regiment gives him a unique perspective on things, almost like a civilian observer.  He did not play an instrument with the band, so he did not have to participate in the morning and evening duties at dress parade, etc. Nor did he have the added burden of doing guard duty or participating in drills.  Still he followed the fortunes of the regiment and suffered many of the same hardships of the rank and file.  The arrangement of music kept him busy for a long while, but in time, when that work was done, he had little to do.  

His letters are written to his wife “Franky,” whom he addressed as “Frank.”  He had three children, a baby girl Fannie, and two sons, Franky and Gene,  the son Gene, quite a bit older.  Domestic concerns take up the greater portion of content in the letters.  He  was concerned for his wife’s well-being at home, alone with the three children.  The fact that times were hard came up frequently, and it was clear John appreciated the fact that he was receiving regular pay with his fortunate position in the army, although he missed his family.” [see 13th Regt. Rifles Mass. Vol.]

This oil on canvas painting is described as “a scene of the 13th Regiment Massachusetts Infantry” done in 1865 by Corp. Henry Bacon (1839-1912) who served in Co. D with Edwin F. Morris. It depicts the regiment at Camp Jackson near Williamsport, Maryland, during the winter of 1861-62. The red blankets are a unique characteristic of the regiment. So are the men, who were noted for their neatness, their health, their manners and their high standing in society.

Letter 1

Patriotic “McClellan” heading on stationery.

Camp Jackson
Williamsport [Maryland]
Thursday, December 5, 1861

My dear Frank,

Your letter of December 1st was received this morning which is the 3rd I have had so far. The last time I wrote was December 1st. This is the 8th I have written from this place besides two or three papers. The last I had from Ned was mailed 16 November. I wrote to him a day or two after Thanksgiving but have not had but one Sentinel since I was at home and that was for the week before Thanksgiving. I am glad you received the money I sent. The next time we are paid I hope I can send twice a much as it will be likely to be a two-month’s payment.

We have had very pleasant weather for several days. The mornings are rather frosty and cool but as the sun gets up, it grows warmer. Today is remarkably warm—almost like summer and much the warmest day since my return here. Yesterday I changed my flannels and put on two shirts—the thin one I brought from home for the under one—and it is so warm that I almost wish I had left it off. We’ve had some quite cold weather, cold enough to freeze the ground, but no snow except a few flakes now and then. I had much rather have cold than rainy weather.

I’ve not much to write about. Everyday goes on about alike. There are plenty of camp stories that we are going to this and that place floating about every day to day. The camp gossip is that we are going to Frederick. A messenger arrived in camp this morning from Banks’ Headquarters and that I suppose gave rise to the report. Banks has moved his quarters to Frederick but I don’t think we are to move for some days as the teams are bringing wood and hay into camp for a day or two past and are still engaged in it. There is no truth in what you read of this regiment, or any part of it, having a fight. What you wrote is the first and last I’ve ever heard about it. As you have received but three letters when you wrote, there must have been four more on the way which you have probably received by this time as the last was written December 1st.

I see by what you wrote about Ned that he was paid the same day as this regiment. The man that was accidentally shot the other day is still living. There is another bad case of a private in the Westboro Company [Co. K] from a [ ]. I believe there are no hopes of his recovery. I don’t think of anything more to write. Yours truly, — J. V. [John Viles]

Letter 2

Note: The following letter describes the aftermath of the Battle of Cedar Mountain that took place on 9 August 1862

Camp five miles beyond Culpepper Courthouse
Thursday morning, August 14, 1862.

My dear Frank,

I received yours of Sunday 10th last night. I wrote last Sunday which I suppose you have received, giving some account of the battle of Saturday, but of course you have read the particulars in the papers.

We are still camped on the same ground as when I wrote on Monday, but some of the army has advanced and this Division will probably move forward today or tomorrow. The line of battle was kept formed through Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. It was several miles in extent from the right to left. The enemy has fallen back beyond the Rapidan and yesterday the advance of Pope’s forces began to move forward. Troops were constantly arriving here through Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday and the sum total of the army must be upwards of one hundred thousand. It certainly cannot be less.

Last Monday the dead were burned by both sides under Flag of Truce. They had laid there from Saturday afternoon till Monday noon. Some of the wounded were still living at that time and were brought off. Yesterday—Wednesday—a party of us went about a mile further on in the woods and found some 8 or 10 dead Rebels and one Union soldier. Also one Union soldier wounded and alive. He was brought off and taken to the hospital. One battlefield is quite as much as I desire to see and is a sight one can never forget. The account which we get in the Philadelphia and Baltimore papers is mostly correct. The loss of this side is estimated from 12 to 15 hundred in killed and wounded. Rebel prisoners—mostly stragglers who have been taken each day since the battle—admit a greater loss.

We had a heavy thunder shower Tuesday afternoon since which the weather is more cool. We are camped in a horrid place for water. It would be good enough if there wasn’t so many to use it. But thousands dipping out of two or three little springs makes the water dirty. The order for our discharge does not come yet. We expect it this week. We see by Baltimore papers that about 600 musicians were brought up by boats from the armies south of Washington on Monday and Tuesday to be discharged. As soon as we are in Washington I’ll be sure to write.

I had a letter from Ned also last night dated 5 Inst. which I enclose. As our mail closes at ten, I must say goodbye for this time dear Frank.

Truly, — J. V.

General Banks was not wounded but received a slight hurt from his horse falling. There was not more than 7000 of union troops engaged. The enemy had 15 or 20,000.