My passion is studying American history leading up to & including the Civil War. I particularly enjoy reading, transcribing & researching primary sources such as letters and diaries.
The following letter was written by George Workman (1844-Aft1910) who emigrated from Ireland in 1859 and enlisted on 30 January 1862 at Colebrook, New Hampshire, to serve as a recruit in Co. F, 2nd New Hampshire Infantry. According to muster rolls, George deserted from the service in March 1863. In the 1900 US Census, George was enumerated as a teamster and boarding with the Willey family in Manchester, Hillsborough, New Hampshire. He may very well have been the same George Workman enumerated as an inmate of the Alms House in Coos County, New Hampshire, in 1910.
The Army of the Potomac’s encampment at Harrison’s Landing.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Harrison’s Landing July 20, 1862
To Mr. Haas Wright,
Dear sir, I will take the opportunity of writing a few lines to let you know how I am getting along and how I am situated at present. I am well at present & I hope that when these few lines reaches you that they will find you in the same as it leaves me at present. I am now in camp at Harrison’s Landing on the James River along with the regiment.
Dear Haas, I was sorry to hear when Samuel got a letter from home & heard that Mary was so sick & did not expect her to live. But I hope that she is recovering & is soon able to be up. I don’t like to hear of anybody being sick because there is so many sick and dying here and it makes me feel bad to think of it.
I have not much to write to you at this time as Samuel will have wrote you all the news about the battles we have had in the last month. It has been a trying scene for one to witness, for [in] one month more than 20 thousand lives has been lost in the last seven day fights & I myself has witnessed four of them 1 so you may guess I have had a hard chance for my life along with the rest. For them 7 days [of] fighting, I had only about 6 hours rest in the whole. Perhaps you will wonder how I stood it, but that ain’t the question. A man has got to stand it or else lay down and die.
Dear Haas, it would take me too long to tell you all that I know about this war & I shall have to draw to a close, but if ever I live to go back to New Hampshire, I will be able to tell you a long story. But time can’t admit of it now.
Dear Haas, we are in camp now & expect to be until we are reinforced, except the enemy may attack us. When these few lines reaches you, I want you to write to me and let me know if there is any of the boys enlisting now and what their names are. Samuel is well and is going to write pretty soon & wants you to write to him. Give my love to Mary and I hope when you are reading these few lines, she will be able to look over your shoulder and help you as it nothing but a crutch.
I will close by asking you to write and write soon & give me all the particulars you can. And if there is any balls to be at John Martey this fall or not because I should like to go to one in the dark. No more at this time. Yours with respect, — George Workman
Direct [to] George Workman, Co. Founder, 2nd Regiment N. H. Vol., Washington D. C.
1 The 2nd New Hampshire Infantry were engaged in four of the Seven Days Battles. These included the Battle of Oak Grove on June 25th, the Battle of Savage Station on June 29th, the Battle of Glendale on June 30th, and the Battle of Malvern Hill on 1 July 1862.
I could not find an image of Warren but here is George Wheelwright Hale who began his service in Co. B, 5th Wisconsin Infantry (Photo Sleuth)
This letter was written by Warren D. Thomson (1844-1862), the son of William Henry Thomson (1819-1900) and Elizabeth Douglas (1814-1892) of Waukesha, Wisconsin. He was under age when he enlisted in Co. F, 5th Wisconsin Infantry on 10 May 1861. The 5th Wisconsin was organized at Camp Randall in Madison and left for Washington D. C. in July 1861. They arrived in Washington on the 8th of August and were assigned to the brigade of General King, going into camp on Meridian Hill. In September 1861, they relocated to Camp Griffin near Lewinsville, Virginia, where they remained until 10 March 1862.
According to muster records, Warren died of disease on 28 November 1862.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Addressed to Miss C. Douglass, Barton, Wisconsin
Meridian Hill Washington D C. August 13, 1861
My dear Aunt Cate,
I thought you would like to hear from me in Dixie land. I am in camp three miles from the Capitol of the United States. I am very healthy and tough as can be. Camp life agrees with me first rate. I can lie down on the ground anywhere and go to sleep as well as on a feather bed.
We can see camps in every direction. In the encampment where I be, there is 5,000 men and 500 cavalry. We do our own cooking and it is fun to live in camp and do nothing. We are getting awful lazy, I can tell you.
I wish Uncle John had come out to our house the Saturday night before he did come for I was home then. I saw Dan Mc in Washington today and Duncan too. How is McQueen’s [?] folks and the rest of the folks and girls? I got a letter from father yesterday and one from Waukesha.
It is pretty warm here but not as warm as in Wisconsin. It has been as high as 94 degrees. In Waukesha, it was 104 degrees one day. How is grandmother and the rest of the folks? How is the cra___ there?
I have been sick a little since I came here. There is a few sick now.
I enlisted for three years but I think I shall come home sooner than that. We are waiting for cooler weather and then we start for Richmond. The rebels are 12 miles from here. I am going as teamster for the company, I guess. I have spoken for the place and they said I could have it. No more at present. Write as soon as you can. Direct to Warren D. Thomson, Co. Founder, 5th Regt. Wisconsin Volunteers, Washington D. C.
Pvt. Frederick Lythson wearing the early-war gray uniform of the 2nd Wisconsin Infantry.
The following letter was written by Stephen H. Hagadorn (1836-1881), the son of Dr. Stephen Hagadorn (1818-1863) and Angeline Hagadorn (1815-1842) of Bath, Steuben county, New York. Stephen left his parents home sometime after the 1860 US Census and relocated to Wisconsin whereupon he was swept up in patriotism and enlisted in Co. K, 2nd Wisconsin Infantry. The regiment was quickly outfitted, the men issued state militia grey uniforms, and sent east in time to participate in the Battle of Blackburn’s Ford and Bull Run. In this letter to his father, Stephen described in detail the 18 July 1861 Battle of Blackburn’s Ford in which his regiment actually played only a minor role as a reserve regiment in Gen. William T. Sherman’s Brigade. Tragically, two days later in the Battle of Bull Run, their grey uniforms inadvertently exposed them to take friendly fire, resulting in Stephen being wounded and captured.
Stephen’s pension record informs us that he served in two different regiments during the Civil War. After he was exchanged as a prisoner of war and recovered from his wound, he transferred on 8 December 1861 into Co. A, 1st Wisconsin Heavy Artillery and served with that unit until 11 February 1863 when he was discharged. After he was discharged, Stephen enrolled as a medical student as the University of Michigan and became a physician, like his father. Stephen took up practice in Portsmouth, Bay county, Michigan, until 9 October 1881 when he died by drowning in the Saginaw river while on his way to make a house call. He fell overboard from the ferry boat transporting him across the river when he suffered an epileptic seizure—a condition that plagued him all his life apparently. He left a wife and 13 year old son.
Ironically, Stephen’s father was also taken a prisoner in the Battle of Bull Run though he was not a soldier. He was held until at least mid November 1861 as the extensive correspondence titled, “The Case of Dr. Stephen Hagadorn” will show, which I summarize by extracting the following statement by Dr. Hagadorn written to the CSA War Department: “I left my home and business on the 17th of July to return as soon as the 27th. Did not come as an invader, having no weapons of any kind. I am in the fiftieth year of my age; am a physician, Stephen Hagadorn by name, and live at Bath, Steuben County, N.Y. I came only to see a son who had enlisted in Wisconsin. Found on Sunday that a battle was being fought. Anxious as a father could be to know whether my son was alive, was too venturesome, consequently am a prisoner. My son is a prisoner here and must of course be held as such until disposed of. I ask mercy at your hands, and a release that I may go to my distressed family. When taken I was robbed of over $100 in money and papers that were valuable to me, and am as unpleasantly sisuated as mortal man can be on account of being detained from my family, who of course must be much distressed on account of my absence. Will you, my dear fellow-beings, let me go I pray you? I have done nothing to offend you therefore I pray you let me go.”
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Centerville, Fairfax Co., Virginia July 19th 1861
Dear Father,
I suppose you are very anxious to hear from me & having a chance to send a letter to Washington, I will improve it & inform you of our present condition. We had a bloody battle yesterday which lasted about 4 hours commencing at 12 M. We got here & camped about 3 miles from the battle ground which is 5 miles from Manassas Junction. They had masked batteries & our troops all came right up in front of them & faced the music. There were only four thousand on our side that were in the engagement & twenty-three thousand of the rebels.There is a great loss on the rebels but to what extent, we cannot ascertain. The loss on our side numbers from twelve to twenty killed & not less than one hundred wounded. There are a great number missing that we cannot account for. They are a carrying the dead out this a.m. & burying them. Two men of our regiment were carried out & buried, sewed up in a bed tick. One of them was struck in the leg half way between the knee & thigh, shattering the bone all to pieces. The surgeons amputated it as soon as they got him to the hospital but reaction never took place. Another of our men was struck in the head by a Sharps rifle ball, killing him instantly.
We were started out of camp at a moments notice & run all the way to the battle ground we had not been there over 1/2 hour before we had to retreat. We were brought right up before the cannons & had to stand & let the balls whistle through the crowd & could see nothing to shoot at. They were very cunning. They all got right into the woods & their fort is surrounded with woods & then shot came on three sides of us. The cannons were placed on the opposite side of Bulls Run—a little stream running along the foot of Blue Ridge. They had a great advantage over us. They had backed up & blockaded the roads as they went by, burning bridges & chopping the roads full of trees; also chopping winrows across the woods. We had to work our passage about ten miles in this way.
I have just heard that there were thirty killed; also that there was three hundred & sixty of the rebels killed & a large number wounded but cannot tell how many. The reports keep coming in & they vary so much that we can tell nothing of it. The most that were killed & wounded on our side were skirmishers. They got a round into the woods & got right in amongst the rebels supposing they were their own men & they—the rebels—hallowed out, “Who is this?” and they answered back, “The fire zouaves!” and then they rushed on them saying, “You are the scoundrels.” 1
I have got to close. There are forty thousand men at Manassas. We are going to try them again there. We have been reinforced & have got fifty thousand men here now. Direct to me the same as before.
They have hung three secessionists here to day. John V. Potter is here & he is going now to Washington.
— S. H. Hagadorn
1 The four regiments in Col. Richardson’s Brigade which were in the Union advance at Blackburn’s Ford included the 1st Massachusetts, the 2nd and 3rd Michigan, and the 12th New York Infantry, none of which were known as “Fire Zouaves.” It’s suspected that the reputation of the Union “Fire Zouaves” was intended to strike fear much as the Confederate “Black Horse Cavalry.” It was the 12th New York Infantry that swept through the woods on the Federal left who likely encountered the Rebels as described.
This partial letter is unsigned and contains no names that would help to identify the author but given the location of the regiment described in the letter, I’m inclined to believe that he was member of Co. H, 5th Maine Infantry. Following the Battle of Bull Run, the 5th Maine was assigned to defend Washington and they camped not far from Fort Ellsworth.
In spite of not knowing the author’s identity, I’ve published the letter because it mentions the use of charcoal as a remedy for diarrhea.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Headquarters 5th Regiment, Co. H, Camp Alexandria August 13th 1861
Dear Brothers, Sisters [ ]
Your letter of the 8th was received last night with Sunday’s newspaper. I was very glad to hear from you all.
We are getting ready for an attack from the Rebels on Sunday afternoon. The alarm gun was fired at some Rebel cavalry. The Brigade was ordered out but we had no fighting to do although we expected to be hard at it before morning as the Rebels are reported coming down the Mount Vernon Road. But my opinion is that if they attack us here, they will get a reception that they will not forget. Within sight of here twenty thousand troops—infantry, artillery and cavalry—are encamped. While I am writing, we can hear the sound of heavy firing. 1
I must make this letter short as we are expecting an order every minute to strike our tents and go back under the guns of Fort Ellsworth about two miles from here.
I am feeling somewhat better today although not well by a considerable. I have not been out of the tent but a few times. When we go to our new camping ground, I shall have to ride.
The fever and ague is just making its appearance in camp. If it gets hold of me, I shall have to look out. As I am now, it will give me fits.
I think that charcoal 2 that Mother put up for me has been the means of saving my life. I have had a touch of the summer complaint three times and from not taking any medicine but that and think it helped me. Tell Sarah I think a piece of her pie would be just….[end of letter missing]
1 The “heavy firing” reported in this letter remains a mystery. It could not have been from the cavalry skirmish at Lovettsville, Virginia, 60 miles away. Perhaps there were some Rebel guns firing on boats passing up or down the Potomac, which would have been in the direction of Mount Vernon.
2 Among the various home remedies for treating diarrhea (the “summer complaint”) in the mid 19th century, activated charcoal was sometimes used. The carbon produced from burning wood at a high temperature was pulverized into a powder and consumed as a dietary supplement. It was conjectured that the charcoal would adsorb the toxins in the gut that were causing the diarrhea.
I could not find an image of Howard J. Tyler but here is one of Capt. Wyatt Harris of Co. I, 24th Missouri Infantry (Ancestry.com)
This letter was only signed “Howard” and since he wrote to a young woman in Ingham county, Michigan, I concluded he was from there. However, I could not find any Michigan regiments in the Army of the Southwest at the Battle of Elkhorn Tavern (March 1862) or in the months following. I learned that it was the 24th Missouri Infantry that served as the provost guard for Gen. Samuel R. Curtis and so I concluded Howard must have been a member of that regiment.
Remarkably, the roster of the 24th Missouri Infantry had only one “Howard” among its members, and it was Howard J. Tyler (1846-1864) of Co. H, the youngest son of Isaac Tyler (1800-1872) and Rebecca Rising (1805-1888) of Leslie, Ingham county, Michigan. And who was Howard writing to? He addressed the letter to Almira Longyear (1847-1863), the 15 year-old daughter of Henry William Longyear (1818-1849) and Elizabeth Whitney (1822-1891) of Leslie, Ingham county, Michigan. She died on 3 February 1863; the circumstances of her death are unknown. Almira’s older brother, William D. Longyear (1841-1925) was a drummer boy in Co. C of the 8th Michigan Infantry.
So why would Howard choose to serve in a regiment from Missouri instead of Michigan? It turns out that the Captain of Co. H, 24th Missouri, was Isaac B. Tyler of Cuba, Crawford county, Missouri—probably an uncle. Howard’s death was recorded as 25 May 1864 but I have not learned the cause of death.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Vera Cruz [Missouri] 1 April 24, 1862
Dear Friend,
I received your note of the 13th inst. enclosed with one from [your brother] William yesterday and was glad to hear from you. I began to think that you had forgotten that there was a poor forsaken fellow by the name of Howard but I see that you have not. I am as well as usual and hope you are the same.
We are camped on a nice creek that is full of good fish and it is quite a treat to have a good mess of fresh fish.
Our regiment is still acting provost guard and are still with the army. We camp with Gen. [Samuel R.] Curtis every night and I see him every night. I have not see Gen. [Franz] Sigel in some time.
I suppose you are having good times now eating warm sugar. I hope that next year I will be out there to eat warm sugar too. Albert is still at home is he? Tell him that I have not forgotten him. Tell your Mother that I am much obliged to her for her wishes for my welfare and I wish her good health &c.
No more at present. Write as soon as you get this and have the other young folks write too. I remain your humble servant, — Howard
1 Vera Cruz was a town located just north of the Arkansas border in Douglas county, Missouri. It was originally called Red Bud but was rename in 1859. It served as the 1st county seat of Douglas county and served as the headquarters of the local Union Home Guard.
The following letters were written by George S. Burke (1838-1931), the son of Thomas Burke (1799-1879) and Mary Burke (1806-1877) of Irondequoit, Monroe county, New York. George was born in Morristown, New Jersey, on 11 December 1838, and came with his parents to Irondequoit in 1842. When he was 23, he enlisted in Reynolds Battery (Co. L, 1st New York Light Artillery).
After about a year in the service, he contracted typhoid fever and was sent to Cliffburne Barracks Post Hospital (Depot Camp Invalid Corps) in Washington D. C. where he was subsequently discharged on a surgeon’s certificate in mid-December 1862. After regaining his health, George reenlisted in August 1863 at Rochester, New York, and was mustered in as a private on 10 October 1863, into Co. C, 1st New York Veteran Cavalry with his younger brother James by his side. He was mustered out on 20 July 1865 at Camp Piatt, West Virginia, after receiving promotions to corporal 7/1/1864 and sergeant 9/1/1864.
Letter 1
Elmira, [New York] October 8, 1861
Dear Parents,
I thought you would like to know how I like my new home. I am quite well and happy and hope these few lines will find you all the same. We got here Monday night at half past ten and it was raining quite hard. We had to walk two miles and a half to the barracks. When we got there, all we had to sleep on was a bag of straw and no covering nor any supper but we had first rate times since. We have all the bread and coffee and pork, corned beef, potatoes and bread pudding we want.
I do not know how long we will be here but I think we will be here till our company is full. It will take 40 more. Your affectionate son and brother, — George S. Burke
Letter 2
Elmira [New York] October 11th 1861
Dear Parents,
I am quite well and happy and hope these few lines will find you the same. We have plenty to eat and nothing to do but drill about two hours a day. We have not got our uniforms yet but we are expecting them every day. We have all we want of beef, mutton, pork, liver, potatoes, bread, coffee, butter, rice, mush and milk, molasses, vinegar, pepper and salt, and beans.
Herman Riley Benedict (1845-1862). Though the surgeon rejected 17 year-old Riley, he must have been reinstated as Muster Rolls indicate he was mustered into Co. L, 1st N. Y. Light Artillery; he died of typhoid fever on 7 July 1862 at Front Royal, Va. His birth date was 6 February 1845.
We do not know how long we will remain here. We heard Tuesday that we would stay here for four or five weeks but I heard last night that we were going to Washington the middle of next week and from that to Missouri. But we can’t tell when we will go or where we will go for one day we hear one thing and the next day something else. We all passed inspection except [Herman] Riley Benedict and Squire Bardwell’s son. Benedict was too young and Bardwell had a fever sore on his shin. Riley will give you ninety cents that I lent him. I have got everything that I want.
Direct your letter to George S. Burke, care of Capt. J. A. Reynolds, Barracks No. 3, Elmira, New York, and he will bring it to me.
I got a paper this morning. All of them down here say that our company is the best looking and the best behaved company there is here. There is 23 companies and about as many more half a mile from here. I would like to know if ye heard from John and if ye did, how he is. Goodbye for a while. Your affectionate son and brother, — George S. Burke
Letter 3
Elmira [New York] November 9, 1861
Dear Parents, Brothers and Sisters,
I received your welcome letter of the 4th last Tuesday. I am happy to hear from you. You cannot tell how happy it made me to hear from John. I was just beginning to give up all hope of ever hearing from him again but that letter roused me up and makes me feel like a new boy. I am quite well and I hope these few lines will find you well and happy.
We will start for Albany next Tuesday morning. We expect the lieutenant and some boys back Monday night. I will write as soon as I get there and let you know where to write to. I sent my jacket and vest, shirt and hat home by one of our boys that went home on a furlough last Wednesday. He will leave them at Mr. Reynolds’ store for you. Give the jacket to Jim. It will do him charm [?] It is one of the Bull Run jackets. If he gets blue pants, then he will be able to put on as many airs as any of the Bull Run soldiers.
My love and a [kiss] for each of you. I feel quite happy and contented since I heard from John and know that he is well. No more at present. Goodbye. Your affectionate son and brother. — George S. Burke
Letter 4
Washington [D. C.] December 30, 1861
Dear Parents, Brothers and Sisters,
It is with pleasure I take my pen in hand to let you know that I am alive and kicking and hoping these few lines will find you all as well and happy as I am at present. We had fine times while our Christmas provision lasted but they did not get here till the 27th, but it relished just as good as if it came sooner.
William S. Ostler also served in Reynold’s Battery.
We have just got another suit of clothes. We have two new caps, two coats, two jackets, two pair pants, four shirts, four pair of drawers, eight pair of stockings, one pair of boots, and one pair of shoes, and we are going to get a pair of gloves. We will have to buy our own pistols and swords or go without them. We get but 13 dollars a month instead of 14. I have wrote five letters before this and I have wrote two to John. I have not got one from him and but two from you. I got a paper the other day. I suppose you sent it.
We have got two cannons to drill on. We have not got our horses yet. I do not know how long we will stay here. We can’t tell what we are going to do till after it is done.
I have sent the paper to John that you sent me. There is nothing new to tell you—only the same thing every day.
My love and best respects to all. I hope ye had a Merry Christmas and I wish ye all a Happy New Year. I think soldiering is the best trade I ever was at. We could not wish for easier times—plenty to eat and nothing to do but drill about four hours in the day. Give my love to all the pretty girls and a kiss for each of you. I am glad to hear that Father’s shoulder is better.
Riley [Benedict] is sick in the hospital but I think he will [be] out in a few days. We have one hundred and twenty-two men in our company.
No more at present. From your affectionate son and brother. Where is Sis and what are ye all doing and how is the potatoes keeping? We have very pleasant weather. It is more like May than December. Goodbye. A kiss for little Ann. — George S. Burke
Letter 5
1863 photo of the 17th New York Battery in front of Camp Barry. Photo by Alexander Gardner. Click to enlarge. Library of Congress.
Headquarters 1st New York Light Artillery, Co. L Camp Barry, Washington D. C. February 3, 1862
Dear Parents, Brothers and Sisters,
Today being Sunday and I have not much to do, so I thought I would write a few lines mainly to let you know that I am quite well and hoping these few lines will find ye all as well and happy as they leave me at present. There is nothing new to write about but I thought you would like to hear from me if nothing more than to hear that I am alive and kicking.
I got a letter from John about a week since. He is quite well and happy. He is in Louisville, Kentucky, but he expected to go to Bowling Green in a few days. I wrote a letter to you since I received your kind letter of the 20th. I should like o know what becomes of the letters I send to you. I have wrote several since I have been here and they all seem to go straight. But it seems you do not get more than one out of four.
This is the awfullest mud hole I ever saw. We cannot go outside our tent without wading through a foot of mud. We have got 145 men in our company adn we have all our horses, 110. Riley [Benedict] is a driver and I am No. 1 on te cannon. I think I am about as well drilled as any man in the company although self praise os no recommend. We expect to cross the river in two or three weeks but I might be mistaken. But I hope to get out of this mud hole before long. I think we have got the best company in the regiment, so the Colonel says. He is going to make his headquarters with this company.
The regiment is all separated. One or two companies will be sent to a regiment of infantry. There is but four companies of this regiment here now and there was 12 here when we first came. As soon as a company is drilled well enough, they are sent away—some to Kentucky, some to Virginia, some to South Carolina, and just wherever they need. We do not know anything about where we will be sent to.
Give my love to all the pretty girls—Winnie in particular—and respects to all enquiring friends. A kiss for each and two for little Anna. Goodbye. Your affectionate son and brother, — George S. Burke. Capitol Hill
I thought maybe you would like to see John’s letter so I will send it to you. — G. S. Burke
Letter 6
Stewart’s Place Baltimore, Maryland May 21, 1862
My dear parents, brothers and sisters,
The patriotic imagery in George’s letter, “God and our Native Land.”
I am in good health and I hope these few lines will find ye all the same. There is nothing new worth writing but I thought I would drop a few lines to ye just to let ye know how I am getting along.
We are still living in our cotton houses and in the same place and I would not be surprised if we stayed here all summer as everything seems to point in that direction at present. We had a Brigade march on the 3rd of this month and we had another on the 17th or last Saturday. The Brigade consists of the 111th Pennsylvania, the 3rd Maryland Infantry, the 1st Maryland Cavalry, and the famous Capt. Reynolds’ Battery. We marched 8 miles to a woods north of the city. We started at 8 in the morning. We reached the woods at eleven. Then we halted and eat our dinner of bread and salt horse (that e brought with us) and retreated back to the city. Take it all through, we had a very pleasant time.
Your welcome and affectionate letter of the 5th was received here is due time adn I was very happy to hear that John is safe and that he went through the battle without getting even a scratch. And I hope he will have as good luck as he had at Pittsburg Landing now. I hope that Mother’s health will improve since she has heard that John is safe.
We expect to have another march in a few days again. I received a letter from Benedict yesterday and he says that he has not sold his potatoes yet and therefore he has no money at present. I saw the pay master yesterday and he said that he will pay us in a few days and as soon as he does, I will send ye some.
I have written to John but have not received any answer yet. My love and a kiss for each and all of ye, and give my best respects to all enquiring friends—Winnie in particular. Goodbye and a kiss for little Anna. Your affectionate son and brother, — George
Letter 7
Cliffburne Hospital Washington D. C. September 28, 1862
Dear Brother James,
I thought I would write a few lines to you just to let you know hoe I am. I am getting quite smart again and I hope his will find ye al in good health and doing well. I received a letter from home yesterday. I was very glad to hear from ye for it was a long time since I heard from ye before.
My love to ye all and respects to all enquiring friends. Your Brother, — George S., Burke
Letter 8
Cliffburne Hospital Washington D. C. October 15, 1862
Dear Brother Bernard,
I received a letter from ye the 12th of this month. It was dated the 2d of this month but I saw by the postmark that it was not mailed till the 10th. Ye wanted to know if I could not get a furlough and come home. Now I can tell you that I can’t do any such thing as none can get a furlough but those that are wounded or those they think would not get well in the hospital. And then ye spoke of sending me something by Sgt. B. W. Wilber. Ye can’t send anything to me by him as he is not coming anywhere near where I am.
I am doing first rate here. My health is nearly as good as it ever was and well enough now to go to the Battery but the doctor says I must stay here for a while to help to take care of those that are not able to wait on themselves. I do not know how long he will keep me here. It may be for a month yet and he may let me go in a week or two. But the sooner he lets me go, the better I will like it for I am anxious to get back to the Battery. But I cannot leave until he has a mind to let me go.
I have wrote to John twice since I have been here but I have not received a letter from him since the 1st of August. I will write a letter to him this afternoon.
Now Bernard, how is your horses and cows and calves and pigs getting along? Or does Father take them from you when he gets a chance to sell them? How is Jim’s colt getting along? And has he the other two old horses yet? How many horses and cows and calves and pigs have ye now? I would not ask any of the rest of them for I do not suppose they know but I know you have to see to everything and I would like to know how your stock is getting along or do you have as much trouble as ever with them?
Give my respects to all the boys and girls. No more at present. So goodbye. Your brother, — George S. Burke
Letter 9
[Editor’s Note: George wrote this letter while serving in the 1st New York Veteran Cavalry]
Camp near Winchester, Virginia June 16, 1864
Dear Friends at home,
It is with pleasure I take this opportunity of writing a few lines to ye to let ye know that we are both well and hope these few lines will find ye the same. The last letter we got from ye was dated the 19th of April. We have seen some hard times since the last time I wrote to ye and we have done considerable hard fighting. We had a battle on the 5th of this month at Piedmont. We took 1500 prisoners, killing their commander, Gen. [Grumble] Jones. I saw him after he was dead. [see Battle of Piedmont]
You must not be alarmed if ye do not hear from us often for all the chance we have of sending a letter is when the wagon train goes to Martinsburg. We left Staunton on the 10th and came down here with the prisoners as this is the nearest railroad station. It is 150 miles from here to Staunton. We expect to go back in a few days by the way of Martinsburg. If ye write as soon as ye get this, I will get the letter before we leave Martinsburg. It would be useless for me to write the particulars of the battle for I suppose ye have seen it in the newspapers.
I must close my letter as the mail is just ready to start. Our love to all, — George and James Burke
Direct to George S. Burke. Co. C, 1st Veteran Cavalry N. Y. Vols., Martinsburg, Va.
Letter 10
Camp Piatt, [15 miles. south of Charleston] West Virginia February 27, 1865
Dear Mother,
Itis with pleasure I take my pen to let you know what we are doing and how we are getting along. Your kind letter of the 14th was received a few minutes ago. It found us both well and quite able to eat our rations and hope these few lines may find ye all the same.
We are having a tip top time here this winter. The weather is quite pleasant and we have a drill twice a day. We drill on foot two hours in the forenoon and on horseback two hours in the afternoon. Tomorrow at 10 o’clock we will muster in for ten months pay but God only knows when we will get it for we have not received any pay since last June. The regiment was paid four months pay in last November but Jim nor myself did not get any as we were not here. We were at Charleston on Provost Duty. I am getting so lazy that I do not know how I will get along if this war should stop and I should have to go home and work for my living.
Jim is getting so big and fat that it is no boys play to handle him. There is not a man in the company but he can handle. He weighs 195 pounds. The Captain offered him a sergeant’s position a few days ago but he would not accept it nor give me any reason for doing so. The boys all tried to have him accept it for they all think as much of him as they could of their own brother.
Con. Sullivan has stopped drinking whiskey or anything stronger than coffee in four months and says he never will and the Captain has put him in [as] sergeant to encourage him. Hatch has been reduced to the ranks for drunkenness but he has been promoted to corporal.
Jim just received a letter from Mother and one from Barnard. He is going to answer them in a day or two. We have been in one battle at New Market, one at Piedmont, at Lynchburg, at Winchester, at Kernstown, at Martinsburg, at Charleston, and at Maryland Heights, besides several skirmishes with the bushwhackers and guerrillas and one Battle of Leetown on the 3rd and 4th of July.
The bugles have just blown for drill so I must stop scribbling and fall the company in and take them out to drill. Our respects to all enquiring friends and our love to each of ye. Write soon and let us know how Father’s hand is getting along. Your sons and brothers, — James and George S. Burke
A GAR Photo of George S. Burke, James’ older brother who served with him in the 1st NY Veteran Cavalry
James Burke (b. 1843), the son of Thomas Burke (1799-1879) and Mary Burke (1806-1877) of Irondequoit, Monroe county, New York. James Burke was 21 years old when he enlisted as a private on 12 August 1863 at Rochester, New York. On 10 October 1863, he mustered into Co. C, 1st New York Veteran Cavalry. He was mustered out on 20 July 1865 at Camp Piatt, West Virginia, after receiving promotions to corporal 7/1/1864 and sergeant 9/1/1864.
James served in the same company with his brother, George S. Burke (b. 1839), who served earlier in the war with Reynolds’ Battery, or Co. L, 1st N. Y. Light Artillery. George was a sergeant and rose to the rank of 1st Sergeant by the time he mustered out in July 1865 with his brother.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Camp near Martinsburg, Western Va. April 20, 1864
Dear Parents, Brother and Sisters,
I thought that I would try and write you a few lines for to let you know how we are getting along. We are both in the best of health and hope that you are all enjoying the same. We have been pretty busy of late. We have been out on a scout. We went as far as Clarksburg, they call it, 202 miles from here. We had a first rate time of it. Nothing to do, only just take care of our horses. We stayed in Clarksburg five days. We thought that we were going to Tennessee but we got orders to come back here again.
We moved camp about a mile nearer to headquarters last Tuesday so we are settled down again ready for another scout. Our houses are pretty well erected now. I have a little bay pony about as large as Bill and I believe that he can outrun anything in Co. C. I wish that Bernard had him at home. I don’t think that it would be very easy to get him.
We are encamped on a side hill. It is a very pleasant place, but it may be some time before make another move and we may get orders to pack up in an hour. The night that we left Camp Sullivan, Trimble and me was sound asleep when Sergt. Sales [?] came to our house and called up up, and in about a half an hour we was on the road. But we have got our dog houses now so it don’t take us long to move camp now.
How are ye getting along with the spring work? I suppose that Bernard is foreman now. What kind of a boss does he make? How does the team look? Is Bill lame yet? How does the [new] horse get along? What do you think of him? Bernard, do you think he will get much the start of Bill?
I am glad that you like the new place. Are ye going to plant murfeys [?] and corn this spring? Trimble says that it is pretty heavy land so I don’t think that I would plant murfeys. Try and make it as easy as ye can for yourselves. I, Trimble, and George is down town on a pass. All got paid too. I sent 30 dollars with George for ye. I want Mother for to buy herself, and Sis also, a new dress/ I don’t want Father to stint himself for money as long as it lasts.
How does Winnie get along and how are the folks beyond at the lake? I must close. We have orders for to draw two days grub. My best respects to Winnie. From your son and brother, — James Burke
The following letters were written by John T. Burke (1837-1863), the eldest son of Thomas Burke (1799-1879) and Mary Burke (1806-1877) of Irondequoit, Monroe county, New York. Muster rolls inform us that Sgt. John T. Burke enlisted on 10/15/1861 at Smithland, Kentucky. On 1/6/1862, he mustered into Co. K, 20th Kentucky Infantry. He was killed January 3rd, 1863 at the Battle of Stones River, Tennessee, and is buried at Stones River National Cemetery.
The 1860 US Census identifies John T. Burke’s occupation as a “Nurseryman.” His earliest letter is written from Commerce, Missouri, in December 1860, where he is working as a teacher. A later letter of 25 June is written from Blandville, Kentucky, and here John indicates that he is going to go into partnership with another in a “nursery and orchard business.” He further described the wild landscape of Kentucky stating that “I am going away from here. The country is so wild I cannot go from one house to another without getting lost….”
Returning to Commerce, John enlisted with a Battalion of Home Guards in the early months of the war, only to resign because “I thought it was better to give up my office than to have to act with men that I was ashamed of their deeds even though they were for the Union.” Backtracking once again, John headed to Kentucky and enlisted in the 20th Regiment Kentucky Volunteers. The new regiment suited John, and he describes much related to the general life of the regiment and the soldier, and the politics of regimental officers. One of his more notable letters was written from “3 miles east from Corinth in the woods, May 19th 1862.” In it, John described skirmishing and ultimately taking possession of Corinth, noting the plunder they recovered after the hasty Confederate retreat.
John’s younger siblings were George S. Burke (ca 1839-1931) and James Burke (ca 1843-?) also served in the war. George Burke enlisted as a private on 8/5/1863. On 8/5/1863, he mustered into New York 14th Heavy Artillery. He transferred out on 10/10/1863 and on 10/10/1863, he transferred into “C” Co. New York 1st Vet Cavalry. He was Mustered Out on 7/20/1865 at Camp Piatt, WV, after receiving promotions to Sergt 11/1/1863 and 1st Sergt 3/1/1865. James Burke was 21 years old when he enlisted as a private on 8/12/1863 at Rochester, NY. On 10/10/1863, he mustered into “C” Co. New York 1st Vet Cavalry. He was Mustered Out on 7/20/1865 at Camp Piatt, WV after receiving promotions to Corpl 7/1/1864 and Sergt 9/1/1864.
Letter 1
Commerce, [south of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, on Mississippi River] December 4 [1860]
My dear Parents, Brothers & Sisters,
Your letters of the 12th and 21st came to me together about an hour ago (it is now 8 o’clock at night). I have been back in the country or likely I would get them sooner. I have been waiting to hear from you or I would write before now. You may be sure that I do not forget you. Although among strangers, I often dream of home and sometimes lay awake quite a while before I find out that I am a thousand miles away from it. I have got so used to making myself at home everywhere, and taking things easy, that I have to stop and think before I can make myself believe that I am in Missouri on the banks of the mighty Mississippi instead of on the Little Genesee.
Tell Bernard that I think I can learn a good deal about geography and make it interesting if he will read all he can about the States, rivers and towns that I mention in my letters and the rest of my brothers and sisters if they like. For instance, in coming here, I passed through Buffalo, along the south shore of Lake Erie to Cleveland in Ohio, thence to Indianapolis—the capitol of Indiana, thence to Terre Haute, then on to St. Louis and down the Mississippi. Let [him] find out on the map and in the georgraphy [book] how long the lakes and rivers are, how large the cities, and how the States are bounded. This will be all useful to them in after life. I wish they would all pick up what information they can these long winter evenings and not spend them in popping corn and idle talk. Get their chores done up early and let me see they can do something for themselves without my watching and driving them.
I expect to see some of them able to write me a letter before spring if they try hard this winter. Even if they do not do as well the first time as others have done, after a hundred trials, they need not be discouraged nor ashamed. I think t’will be able to read it and will not show it to anyone else. I have often told them in substance before what I have now written and I think it took very little effect. But constant dropping will wear a stone, so I’ll not despair of having a brother to succeed Lincoln yet, or a sister not prepared to move in any responsible society—even in the White House. Let them remember that the President elect was a flat boatman, a rail splitter, and brought up in the woods. Now he is the people’s candidate for the highest office in the world. Hard study has done it all.
But I must leave lectures and Presidents to tell that I am getting tougher, stronger, and healthier every day. When I got here, I was hardly able to ride a horse six miles. Now I could kill a mule or walk seventeen miles as I did yesterday and not tire. I had a few hard shakes [of the ague] last month, but I shook them off.
We had what you would call fine weather for November. The ground froze about three inches on the 24th. We had snow the 23rd, 24th and part of Sunday, the 25th. Last week was fine until Sunday when we got a little more snow and frost that went away yesterday. Today was clear and cold and bracing, healthy weather. I am beside a comfortable fire in a fore place at Reynold’s Hotel in Commerce. I am nearly through with the trees. Had very little trouble with them although these folks are rather slow. I have hardly made up my mind yet as to what I will do this winter. I will write again in about ten days and let you know.
Have patience till then and do not tire the postmaster. I wish I could send this letter by telegraph but I cannot so bidding you all a good night, I remain your affectionate son and brother, — John
As quick as the Banks out here stop breaking, I will send Jim his money. In the meantime, I will talk to Bob Toates, — J. T. B.
I got the papers. Glad you sent them.
Letter 2
Commerce, Missouri April 15, 1861
Dear Parents,
I have been anxiously waiting for a letter ever since March. I received that book you sent me and expected a letter but got none. I knew that you were to move the first of April and I thought you would tell me where to [direct].
I am afraid you have no good news or you would sent it. Let me know the worst. Tell me how you are all getting along. How and where is George and Sis? I receive my paper regularly. The mail boat brings it every Tuesday. If I get a letter from you tomorrow, I’ll answer it immediately and send you all the news I can pick up.
My health is first rate. This country and school teaching agree first rate. This is the finest Spring I ever saw. My school will be out in two weeks. Can I do anything at home to earn my salt? If not, I think I had better stay here until fall. I have better wages and easier work than ever I had at home. Summer has almost commenced. The woods are full of flowers and covered with green.
We are thinking about planting corn this week.
Give my love to all. Where is Jimmy Peacock? Who is selling for George this year? I will write you a longer letter in a few days. Your affectionate son and brother, — John
Letter 3
Blandeville, Kentucky June 25, [1861]
My dear Parents and Brothers & Sisters,
I would write oftener but the mail comes here only once a week. I am in good health and high spirits. This is the finest climate I ever was in. The summers are longer than our; not much warmer. There is hardly any frost in winter, finest kind of a fruit country. Very early apples are ripe, blackberries also ripe. The principal forest trees are hickory, oak, ash, cypress, poplar, and butternut. The soil is light colored, very fine and rich. We use rain water to drink. Well water is impregnated with mineral. A good farmer and I think a nice that has a darn nice daughter offered to take me in as partner in the nursery and orchard business.
People are 50 years behind the times here. They raise hardly anything but corn, tobacco, and wheat. Have nothing to eat but bacon, hot biscuit, hoe cake, molasses, and string beans. No butter nor beef. Horses and mules are small. Cows and hogs look like deers. There are plenty of quails, turkeys, squirrels, ducks and fish, and some deers. Landis worth from twenty to thirty dollars an acre improved, five to twelve timbered. There is a farm of seventy acres here—twenty-five improved and a log house on it for 15 dollars an acre, 2 miles from the Mississippi and 8 from Cairo, Illinois. No barns in this country. I am going away from here. The country is so wild I cannot go from one house to another without getting lost.
Give my respects to all enquiring friends. Your affectionate son, — J. T. Burke
Letter 4
Commerce, Missouri July 16 [1861]
Dear Parents,
You spoke in your last about sending me money. I’ll tell you what you can do if youy wish to be patriotic and help your country, and make me a nice kind of a present. Send me a large revolver and some Minié ball cartridges by express via Cairo. If it should be stopped as contraband at Cairo, I can easily go down to Gen. Prentiss and get it. I cannot buy one here at any price. You may sell that cow if she will buy one. My health is first rate. Yours affectionately, — J. T. Burke
Commerce, Missouri
By Express via Cairo. Charges paid in advance.
Letter 5
Addressed to Thomas Burke, Esq., Rochester, New York
Paducah, Kentucky October 18, 1861
Dear Parents,
I have neglected writing to you longer than I ought to have done. But you must always take it for granted that I am safe unless you have positive information to the contrary. My health is first rate. I could not get along with the Major commanding the Battalion of Home Guards that I was in and I resigned. I thought it was better to give up my office than to have to act with men that I was ashamed of their deeds even though they were for the Union.
I came in here from Cape Girardeau and joined a Kentucky Regiment just organizing. The boys are the most respectable set of soldiers I have yet seen. Nearly every one [are] farmers. I have a good prospect of fighting my way up again. When we elect our officers, I expect to be Captain or Lieutenant of the Kentucky boys. I will go home some time this winter and tell you all about the wars. I have been in several skirmishes but no big battles yet. Have not received a scratch yet. Both parties seem a little scared of each other and confine themselves to skirmishing between outposts and scouting parties.
We have 8,000 troops in this camp, well fortified. Tell George not to enlist at present. When I get settled here, I will send for him if there is any prospect for a fight. But he would soon get tired of lying in camp doing nothing and losing his health. If he wants to try camp life, let him take a blanket and sleep out doors with wet feet a few nights. He had better come on and join the army.
Give my respects to all enquiring friends. Your affectionate don, — John
J. T. Burke, Paducah, Kentucky
Letter 6
Paducah, Kentucky December 13, 1861
Dear Parents, Brothers & Sisters,
I still live! I suppose you will be glad to hear it or rather to see it. I have nothing much to say—only just I thought I would rather send you a letter so that you would not bother the Post Master too much for nothing. I changed my boarding house today. I am boarding with a family. Have only one daughter about as big as Sis. She got on her tip toes today, brushed my coat off and made herself very useful. I have no doubt she will help to make me quite comfortable this cold winter. She is now sitting by my side sewing away as fast as she can, full of fun and mischief. You must not tell Winnie about it. You know it would make the poor girl feel so bad after having the measles.
We have lots of measles in the company. Tell me where George is if you know. Tell Annie to be a good girl, mind her book, go to school/ Tell Sis to keep her beaus on hand until the war is over, then marry a soldier is she can get one.
Make Jim and Barnard mind their books, feed the calves, and be good boys. Give my respects to all inquiring friends. My love to yourselves. — John
How would you like my likeness in a uniform to hang up? — J. T. B.
Letter 7
[partial letter, undated]
I must quit telling my adventures until we are all seated around the fire after the war. It brought the tears in spite of me when I read your letter saying that George was gone. I would have sent for him sooner but I wanted to get well settled myself first. I was boasting to some of the boys today that I was going to send for my brother but his haste has disappointed me and all my fond dreams have vanished in thin air. He is gone alone. He will get along very well if he can only make warm, true friends. I came here almost a perfect stranger. Now I have friends that will stand by me till death parts us. If he can only do that, he will be all right. He has the easiest and most comfortable place in the army, and the least exposed to wet and cold which kills more than the enemy. They never have to work except in battle and that comes very seldom. Then we all want to labor and do deeds of daring.
I might have been Lieutenant in an artillery company but there is not enough liberty to run over the country and see the folks in it to suit me. I am kept pretty busy drilling the company, straightening up their business and scouting all the time, but I will make it pay before long.
My health is first rate. I weigh 170 pounds and still gaining. I am afraid that the pilot bread we sometimes have to eat on the march would go rather hard on father’s gums and lying out one or two nights soon set him shaking with ague. I think on the whole Uncle Sam had better take the will for the deed. If the war lasts until warm weather, I would like to have him try it a month or so to see how he would like it and to brag a little out of the old stock.
If you pass your time as anxiously as I think you do, I believe there would be a better chance for father to live ten years in the army than out of it. Fretting will wear you out sooner than the war. Give my respects to all inquiring friends. I am going home to have a sleigh ride with some of the girls this winter if we are not kept too busy. Why do not Sis and Jim and Bernard write to me? I know little Annie would if she could. Send me a paper. Your affectionate son, — John
Letter 8
Camp Buell, Smithland, Kentucky January 3rd 1861 [1862]
Dear Parents,
I received yours of the 23rd December today. I was very glad to get it. I began to think there was something wrong about my letters; it was the first I received since coming here.
I have had some ups and downs here. I came here in Capt. Waller’s Company [with] 126 men. It being more than the number allowed by law for one company, 42 men were taken from it, twelve from another, and 47 that came with Col. Bruce from Lexington to make one full company. To divide the officers, it was proposed and we agreed that the man receiving the highest number of votes should be Captain and the next highest 1st Lieutenant. All parties agreed to that in the morning. When we came together to vote in the afternoon, the Lexington men, thinking they had the largest party and that they could carry every office, proposed to ballot for all officers. We agreed to that. The voting commenced. They saw the 42 from Waller’s Company and 12 from the others going for me to a man. Knowing that would best them, they kicked up and claimed to have more men and so forth. The Colonel decided the election void until the decision of the military board at Frankfort. My certificate of election went up to the Colonel let each Captain keep his own men until the decision of the board. In the meantime, Col. Bruce, Lieutenant-Colonel Hanson, Major Buckner, and the 5 captains that came from Lexington worked against us. The decision came to hold another election [and] by that time my opponent had 61 men and all the judges on his side. We were beat, of course, and would not vote at all. I could have been 1st Lieutenant if I would only humble myself to ask it. But my temper was up. I told them my opinion of them in a few words. They expected that being Captain before and having better chances that I would not go in the ranks. But I stepped into the ranks. They tried to have me take the place of Sergeant but I will notr have it.
I am going to stay with them and give them more trouble than they bargained for. After the election there was an alarm in camp. The troops turned out. The boys would not go under anyone but me. Since that time, we have our own kitchen, draw our own provisions, take one end of the company [and] do nearly as we want to. We have some friends working for us. We have some hopes of getting out of the scrape yet. The officers of our company are not very smart and I have hopes of crowding them out before the war is over. We have determined to do our duty as Union soldiers but we are going to give our officers their pay for swindling us. Our Captain cannot drill well and hired a drill master. The boys call me Captain and have not done a thing until told to by me. They call the Captain “Mac.”
Our clothing is a very dark blue. The Lexington a grayish blue. We call them graybacks. Whenever one of them comes near our tents, we make him march double quick home. They are getting sick of their trade and talk of making me 1st Lieutenant but I think I can do better after a while. I have a fine time at present [as] a private in the ranks. Receive all the respect from the men that they used to give me when I was their captain. They do everything I tell them to—wait on me and day they will stand my turn at guard or anything else.
I got a letter from George a few days ago. I am going to answer it tomorrow. Does George weight 175 or 115 pounds? I am glad that George is satisfied with his place. A great many of the soldiers wish themselves home again. I am too busy watching my Captain now to think much of sleigh riding or the girls. Capt. Waller talked of claiming me back. I sent word to him that if he got me back, I would take an old musket and drive him out of camp. He has not said anymore about it.
Our camp is the muddiest and most uncomfortable I ever saw. [It’s] on a side hill nearly as slippery as soap hill. I got my paper today—the second one I have received. The troops are not doing much. We have been expecting a movement so long that we do not pay any attention to it. Who is poor Bridget? Where is Winnie going to school? I am living in a tent. We dig a ditch in the tent, cover it with bricks, make a chimney outside and have a first rate fire. Makes the ground dry and warm. I will write again soon. How is the Irish Brigade filling ip? It will do some good fighting, but I would rather command the Hunters of Kentucky. Give my respects to all inquiring friends. I cannot get a likeness taken here. Direct to J. T. Burke
Letter 9
Camp Lytle near Bardstown, [Kentucky] February 3, 1862
Dear Parents,
It is nearly night. We just received orders to prepare to march in the morning. We were on drill. The boys cheered thinking they were going to Bowling Green to indulge in a soldier’s luxury—a fight. I so not know where we will go. I thought perhaps I would not have a chance to send to you in a week or two after his. I am in first rate health and spirits. I like a move noq better than anything could happen. Staying on one places tires me more than marching.
My love to Jim, Bernard, Sis, and Annie. In haste. Your affectionate son, — John
I got a letter from George and answered it.
Address J. R. Burke, 20th Regiment Kentucky Volunteers, Louisville, Kentucky
Letter 10
Camp on the side of a knob or mountain 400 feet high 12miles from Munfordsville and about 14 miles east of the Great Mammoth Cave of Kentucky on the Nashville & Louisville Turnpike in Greene County near Green River, February 22, 1862, waiting in a cotton house for the orders to march to Nashville or somewhere else, anxiously looking for the paymaster, sitting comfortably beside a sheet-iron stove, looking out once in a while to see the rain pour down in torrents.
Dear Parents, Brothers & Sisters,
It is not long since I wrote to you but I suppose a letter from the seat of war is never unwelcome from me. You get the principal news from Kentucky in the papers as soon as I do. We expected to have a hard time taking Bowling Green but that job is over. Nashville is our next place, I suppose. The 19th was the hardest day I ever marched. The morning drum aroused the weary camp at five, in a muddy valley surrounded by hills 300 feet high. T’was cold and rainy all day, swelling the mountain torrents so that streams across the road filled my boots to the top three times with cold water during the day. We marched 19 miles (that is, those who could keep up), [then] pitched our tents on the mud in the rain. I made a bedstead of staves laid crosswise on two rails and slept soundly on wet blankets. I thought it would lay me up but I am just as good as new now.
You must excuse me for writing on this old paper. It is the back of a map George sent me from Washington. Paper is scarce and it rains too hard to go to the sutler’s for any. We drink sassafras tea in our company half the time. The boys like it better than coffee. My love to all. Your son and brother, — John
Address to J. T. Burke, 20th Kentucky Regiment, Louisville, Kentucky.
Letter 11
Three miles east from Corinth in the woods May 19th 1862
My dear little brother,
I received your neat, well written letter of the 4th along with Mother’s. I wrote to Mother last night. I meant to write to you about noon but we were called out. I brought my paper. I have nothing to do but write with the paper on my cap, sitting under a tree.
Three companies of the regiment are 200 yards in front shooting at the secesh, and the secesh firing at them. We would go on but I think the rebels have cannons hid on the other side. We have cannons just behind us. I must jump at that. I have been looking for rain. There it is, but the noise is the thunder of cannon. The lightning is the flash and the rain ir iron. Shot and shell are whizzing in every direction. Three pieces of bursted shells are near me. Now our bog guns open. Their slacken fire. Our men are all lying or sitting. A lot of them near me seem to be trying to crawl under a log. Their noses make holes in the ground. Others are joking and laughing at the fun. There—a shell from our side has burst in a farm house they have been firing from. The rebels are scattering. The skirmish is over. It is dark. I must stop.
Morning, 20th May. It rained hard last night. I kept dry under a shed covered with bark. My rifle got damp. I just came in from firing it at a red-shirted rebel. He returned fire so we took two trees and we went to work shooting across a field. After firing 4 or 5 times each when one of us fired, the other step out to take a pop at him while loading. So I played a Yankee trick on “Old Red” as the boys call him. I took a musket that lay near by [and] shot at him. Thinking my gun was unloaded, he showed himself, cocking his piece. I fired, he dropped his rifle, shook defiance at me with his left hand, but his right hung harmlessly by his side and off he walked looking sulky as a mule.
We are now relieved by the 1st Kentucky.
In camp, May 21st 1862. I am almost alone. I did not feel right this morning and the regiment marched out leaving me asleep. I must write to George my next chance and then to Annie. I wrote to Mother three or four days ago. I would like to have you and Annie write to me again soon. I do not know whether this will be delayed or not. Letters from came are sometimes stopped at Pittsburg [Landing].
Tell me what you are doing, how the crops look, how old are you and Annie? Did you write those letters with your own hands? If you did, they are a credit to you. Excuse the mistakes. Shells cut the tree over my head while I wrote. My love to all. Your brother, — John
At daylight, news came that our men were inside the works and Corinth evacuated, the wild huzzas of the Union regiments in front soon confirming the rumor. It was the most pleasing information I ever heard. We soon “fell in” and “forward march” and we did march. I can easily keep up when rifles are pointed at every [ ] that shows himself, but yesterday morning I had to take the double quick several times. We went through several fields and down a narrow road, cut through the thick woods and dense undergrowth, crossed a small stream where we had fought all Wednesday, passed a few graves—that is, places where men are laid on the ground and a pile of dirt thrown over them in a hurry. A turn brought us in sight of the trees cut down, tops laid towards us and Beauregard’s earthworks deserted.
The cheers of the 22nd Brigade at sight of the place would make you put your fingers in your ears (I know Annie this will tire you but it will interest Father, Jim and Bernard). Pursuing the road about 500 yards through the fallen timber, we entered the first line of defense. This was halfway up ridge from the creek. 200 yards further, on top of the slope, we crossed another line or ditch. We were now within their camps. At first, everything seemed to be destroyed by fire and axes. The next camp the destruction was not as complete. Tents, camp stools, cots and scattering commissary stores were piled up, but our cavalry did not give them time to finish the work of burning. On the whole, they made a very good retreat.
The soldiers gathered a lot of molasses, sugar, flour, and black-eyed peas, some camp stools, skillets, and other plunder too numerous to mention. We returned to the old camps this morning loaded with booty. The boys are now baking biscuits out of the flour. It is a great treat to us after eating so much hard bread/ Tell me how to make loaf bread and to bake pork and beans. I captured an oven and want to use it to advantage.
Write to me often, Annie. Go to school regularly, study hard, be a good girl all the time and be assured that I will answer every letter. Do not get anyone to write for you. I would not take such letters out of the post office. I do not want any such bogus scrip. I remain your affectionate brother, — John
The following letters were written by Mississippi born and bred, Mary Ellen (Barton) Clark (1833-1888)—the wife of William Spencer Clark (1826-1878) of Holly Springs, Marshall county, Mississippi. Mary’s husband was a native of Vermont and attended Amherst College. In 1850, he was enumerated among the students attending Amherst. Ten years later, in 1860, he was enumerated in Holly Springs where he lived with his wife and three children Rosa (age 4), Eudora or “Dora” (age 2), and Rodger B. (6 months). Also residing in the same household were Peyton Johnson, Frank Ross, Hugh C. Barton, and N. B. Dean (teenagers and presumably students at the boys school where William taught). From the letter we learn that William initially served with the Home Guards, a company of the 9th Mississippi. He later joined Co. B, 35th Mississippi Infantry. He survived the war, returned to Holly Springs to teach school, but died of Yellow Fever in 1878.
In 1860, William Clark was the owner of six slaves ranging in age from 45 to 8. I suspect their given names are mentioned in the portion of the letter dated May 7th.
Letter 1
Addressed to Wm. Clark, Esqr. 9th Mississippi Regiment, Care of Capt. Harris, Warrington [Navy Yard] Florida
Holly Springs, Mississippi May 6th 1861
My own dear husband,
Although it is bed time, I feel that I cannot retire until I have written to you. It is certainly a very great pleasure to me to hold communion with you by letter if I cannot in reality. Mrs. Finley & Mit just left. They have been sitting with me since supper, and I always feel lonelier at bed time than anytime. I believe I have written daily for four days now and been complaining of not receiving letters. It seems strange but I feel certain you do write.
This eve I was with Mrs. Nelson, Mrs. Strickland 1, and Jane Autry. They all received letters today and Martha & Jane received them Saturday and Sunday also. I could but feel badly (seeing them happy in reading their letters and speaking of the contents) that I had none. I was glad to hear last evening through a letter from Ben Walthall that you had received your trunk. If there had not been so much doubt about the trunk getting there, I should have sent more. The first opportunity, I will send you two more white shirts, and please let me know if you need any more calico shirts, pants, or anything, if it is in my poewr to do. You know it is only necessary for me to know it.
Mrs. Nelson & myself have been at Mrs. Finley’s all day helping her sew. It does me a great deal of good to be in company and I have been cheerful all day.
Jane Autry 2 has rather been hoping Jim would send for her to come lately, and he did write something about it. I think it is very unnecessary for ladies to go there, as they cannot be with their husbands. I have always known I could not go, therefore have not thought of it. But if any of you were to get very sick, and anything should happen, I should leave no means untried to get there. I dreamed of seeing you last night. Thought you said you did not believe in people being in a hurry to marry. Still you believed your wife was as clever as any man’s wife. Tuel pensey vous? [Don’t you think so?]
Mit Finley said tonight she felt as if she could kill a thousand men herself. Rosa says you would not kill Papa, would you, Miss Mit? She said, “No honey, not your Pa, but I want to kill all the Yankees.” She replied sadly, “Well, Miss Mit, my Pa is a Yankee.” She says some people think Dora a perfect rosebud and some think she is the prettiest. She is certainly a very smart child.
When do you think you will be at home? I cannot think there will be war yet. Still fondly hope against hope for there is no kind of sense in it in war.
I was at Mrs. Myers a few days ago, They were well. She is glad Jo is in your mess. She has promised to give me a good many flowers next fall. I trust you will be here to plant hem. I am getting so anxious for you all to be ordered home. Would it not be happiness for earth, though I expect you all will become so fond of military excitement you cannot be contented with the monotony of home. How is it?
Most of Mr. Sear’s boarders have left. I cannot find out what he intends doing though I am watching. The school is going on now. He talks some of joining the army. I do not think he will—nor do I think I will get much, or anything out of him. 3
My light is going out. Good night. Angels watch over and protect thee.
May 7th. Good morning. Although it is quite early, I feel very tired. I have been washing and dressing Barton and I assure you, it was equal to ploughing. I have sent Adeline out to work and therefore a portion of her work devolves upon me. I think Rilla is certainly less account than any human being I ever saw. I am going to tell her to iron the clothes. Adeline washed yesterday and I expect I will have a fuss. I am tired being troubled with her and tried very hard to hire her out but could not succeed. I don’t think I can be troubled with her all her life. I have a very genteel frame fixed for your hop vine to run. Better than the one you generally have. My garden looks well—potatoes splendid. But I believe the cut worms will take the garden. They cut the cabbage dreadfully. I a now employing Wyatt catching them.
Mrs. Freeman says she succeeded in getting 1200 dollars for a Minister. I think she is determined on having Mr. Lawson. I am rather opposed to him. He don’t look humble enough. Write something of Messers. Autrey and Strickland in your next. I must close to send this to the office and Ann will never clean up if I don’t go after her. My best love to Hugh & Roger. I feel there is little interest in my letters but to hear all are well is consolation. Your ever true and devoted wife, — Mary
I will send the Mercury that came yesterday with this.
Men from the 9th Mississippi Infantry photographed by J.D. Edwards at the Warrington Navy Yard, Pensacola, FL in 1861.They were there until early 1862, when they were then sent back west, joining forces under Gen. A. S. Johnston and seeing action at Shiloh. The 9th and 10th Mississippi would serve in the Army of Tennessee throughout the rest of the war, in what was known as the “High Pressure Brigade.”
1 Martha Mildred (Thompson) Strickland (1835-1863) was married to William Matthew (“Buck”) Strickland (1823-1908) of Holly Springs, Mississippi. In the second letter, the death of their youngest daughter Madie Strickland (1857-1861) is described. Buck Strickland was a plantation owner and lawyer. He was the 1st Sergeant of Co. D, 9th Mississippi Infantry. A friend of Jeff Davis, he parlayed his connection into a position on the staff of Gen. Bragg and other prominent generals. He was a Major at war’s end. His wife was a native of Spartanburg, South Carolina.
James Lockhart Autry (1830-1862)
2Jane [Valliant] Autry (1835-1912) was married to James Lockhart Autry (1830-1862). James’ father was one of the approximately 187 heroes of the Alamo, killed in March of 1836. He was educated at St. Thomas Hall in Holly Springs where E.C. Walthall, James R. Chalmers, and Christopher H. (Kit) Mott were among his schoolmates. When war came he enlisted in the Home Guards, a company of the 9th Mississippi, where he was made a Lt. After a year’s service, he was made military governor of Vicksburg. In May of 1862, Admiral Farragut demanded the surrender of Vicksburg, to which Autry replied, “Mississippians do not know how to surrender and do not care to learn.” Lt. Col. Autry transferred to the 27th Mississippi Infantry later in 1862. While cheering his men forward in the Battle of Murfreesboro he was struck in the head with a minie ball and killed. After his death on Dec. 31, 1862, his body was returned to Holly Springs and interred in Hillcrest Cemetery with this epitaph: “He died for his country.”
3 Claudius Wistar Sears (1817-1891) was born in Massachusetts and was a graduate of the Military Academy at West Point in 1841—a classmate of John Reynolds and Don Carlos Buell. After a year in the 8th US Infantry fighting Seminoles in Florida, Sears resigned his commission and began teaching school. In 1844 he taught mathematics at St. Thomas’s Hall—a military school in Holly Springs. In 1859 he became the president of the school and commandant of cadets. When many of the students left the school in 1861, so did Sears, accepting a commission as captain of Co. G, 17th Mississippi Infantry on June 1861. He eventually became Colonel of the 46th Mississippi. He was taken prisoner in the surrender at Vicksburg but in March 1864 became a Brigade General. He led the Brigade through the Atlanta and Tennessee campaigns, losing a leg at the Battle of Nashville on 15 December 1864. After the war, he taught mathematics at the University of Mississippi.
Claudius Wistar Sears (1817-1891)
Some time ago I was asked to transcribe the 1864 Diary of Brig. Gen. Sears that described his daily activities between 27 November and 25 December 1864. His entry describing the wound he received at the Battle of Nashville reads as follows: “15th [December]—At daylight received report from my skirmish line that the enemy was appearing in force. Immediately took position in [ ] just north of pike. Was shelled during the day hotly with only one man slightly wounded. Just before sunset the enemy made a charge upon our extreme left, just to my left, and broke our line. We immediately fell back—not in good order. Found my horse just to the rear, very uneasy, in charge of an orderly. Mounted and he soon became quiet. Found my command and was marching by the flank quickly to the rear through a corn stubble. It was getting dark. Felt something strike my foot. Looked down [and] saw my leg swinging helpless. The ball (solid) had ricoched, passed through my poor, dear old horse, and crushed my left leg. As they took me from the horse, he rolled over to the right dead. Thus closed Bill’s long and eventful career in the army since Vicksburg. Was taken to Mr. Ewing’s place on the Franklin Pike where Surgeon [P. J.] McCormick [46th Mississippi] amputated my leg just below the knee. Was immediately placed in and ambulance and we started for the rear. In my long military service, [this was] my first wound of any magnitude. ” To read the diary, go to: https://sparedcreative21.art.blog/2020/04/11/1864-diary-of-brig-gen-claudius-wistar-sears/
The 9th Mississippi Infantry at Pensacola in 1861
Letter 2
Jackson, Alabama July 4th 1861
My own dearest husband,
Three days have passed now since I have received a letter from you but I am not going to complain for you are a very good correspondent. I look forward to tomorrow for a letter without fail. I do wish I could get hold of a good pen. I can scarcely continue to manage this, or write intelligibly with it.
Today is the anxiously looked for 4th [of July] and may it be still more memorable by being the day on which our second independence is declared by the North. I do trust Lincoln’s inaugural may have peace in it. I was in great distress and anxiety of mind Tuesday as I heard you were fighting at Pickens. But now I know it was a false alarm. I trust such alarms will cease some time. I think it cruel to start them. For the last day or two the papers indicate such a decided and rapid change of mind at the North that I now have great hopes of peace. Indeed, I am almost sure of it. Yancey writes t oDavis that his negotiations with England reach his most sanguine expectations. Without a doubt I look for peace by September as I suppose it will occupy time to make the necessary peace treaties. Am I not rather sanguine? But such is only my opinion in which I am pretty much alone. I look for peace so certain by September that I have almost concluded to remain here until then. I do not feel as if I could yet return home with any comfort or composure. I know I am better contented here than I would be there. At any rate, I shall remain here one month if not two months longer.
I received a letter from Mrs. Nelson yesterday telling the sad news of little Madie Strickland’s death. She had diphtheria, was sick six days. Mr. Strickland got there Sunday and Madie died Monday 2 o’clock. She was buried Tuesday at 10 o’clock. He was obliged to leave same day. Mrs. Nelson said Martha was composed. Said she knew how poor Mary Clark felt and wanted to see me. But no, she did not know how I felt, for she was not alone in the dark hour of her deep anguish, nor not alone did she stand by the grave, and see her child laid forever from her sight. Poor Martha, she has my heartfelt sympathy. 13 years ago today, my Mother died, beginning of my sorows. How many changes since then. It hardly looks like the same world.
Her children and ours have played so constantly together and loved each other so much that I loved them more han any other children. They seem much distressed to hear Madie is dead for that is what they generally give as a reason to go home. They wanted to see Belle and Madie. Rosa talks about Belle in her sleep. Still they seem anxious to know if Madie and Buddie are together, and pleased to think they may be playing together in Heaven. Dear little darlings, they played much together here and may not [illegible]. It saddens me very much to see my little darlings losing their playmates. It must cast some gloom over their young lives. But then it will make them familiar with death, and they will nit have such a horror of it. I was older than Rosa before I ever saw anyone dead. Then it was an old negro woman—a dreadful looking object. To this day I can see her. But I can never look on death as I did since I saw our precious boy sleeping in innocence and beauty. Not long are any permitted to cherish an unbroken household, I have thought lately. Martha had so much to be thankful for. Oh, in these dreadful times, how few are not in trouble.
Oh, I know and feel from my heart it is better to be afflicted. If we were never afflicted, we would never be willing to leave this world. But when we see those we love leaving us, it turns our hearts to better things and shows us too this world cannot be out final resting place.
I sat out looking at the Comet Tuesday night and indulged in the thought that we might be looking at the same object. Yet how strange it seemed, to think we were so many miles apart yet could look at the same heavenly bodies at the same time. Yet it is a sweet thought too to know the same God watches over us all in tender loving mercy…
[unsigned]
Mary’s letter was mailed in an Adversity Cover—a handmade envelope made from scarce materials like wallpaper, ledger paper, &c.
Excerpt from the 1863 Diary of James Hamilton Mills, 11th Pennsylvania Reserves
James Hamilton Mills just before the Civil War
The following excerpt of the Gettysburg Campaign comes from the 1863 diary of James Hamilton Mills (1837-1904) who was a native of new Lisbon, Ohio. He was working in “mercantile and mechanical pursuits” until the Civil War when he enlisted as a private on 27 April 1861 in Co. G (“The Independent Blues”), 11th Pennsylvania Reserves (40th Pennsylvania Infantry). With his regiment he participated in twenty seven general engagements of the Army of the Potomac, and for “gallant conduct on the field” he was promoted to corporal, first sergeant, first lieutenant and captain and for “heroic conduct in the Battle of the Wilderness and Bethesda Church” he was commissioned brevet-major and brevet-lieutenant colonel. He was mustered out of service at Pittsburg on June 13, 1864.
During the Gettysburg Campaign, Mills served as the 1st Lieutenant of his company. Following the battle, on 17 August 1863, he was promoted to Captain. The monument of the 11th Pennsylvania Reserves on the Gettysburg Battlefield is located on the east side of Ayers Avenue just south of Wheatfield Road. On the back of the monument, It reads: July 2nd in the evening charged from the hill in rear to this position and held it until the afternoon of July 3d when the Brigade advanced through the woods to the front and left driving the enemy and capturing many prisoners.
Mills’ 1863 diary is among several diaries of his that are housed at the Montana State Library. It has been digitized recently but apparently never before transcribed and published. I have not shown the images of the diary pages since these can be viewed on line at James H. Mills diary, 1863.
James Hamilton Mills’ 1863 Diary(Montana State Library)
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Sunday, June 21, 1863—We have been on the qui vive all day. Expecting a fight. Heavy firing from ten a.m. until 7 p.m. in the direction of Aldie. It is likely our cavalry at Thoroughdare Gap. Wrote to Hattie & D. W. Hoppstot. Preaching at 10.30.
Monday, June 22, 1863—Very pleasant today. The roads are in excellent order for marching. The firing yesterday was a cavalry fight. Pleasonton attacked the Rebel Stuart at Middleburg and drove them to Ashby’s Gap, holding the field and capturing 2 guns, 3 caissons, small arms, and prisoners. Our cavalry is beginning to be of service.
Tuesday, June 23, 1863—A little warm. Today we received orders to prepare to march at a moment’s notice.
Wednesday, June 24, 1863—Everything quiet in the forenoon. An inspecting officer from Gen. Heintzelman was around during the day and professed ignorance of our having orders. We were congratulating ourselves on it being a false alarm when at dark an order came to march to Upton’s Hill and so I suppose our play day is over and we are again to go to the front. Letter from Eliza English.
Thursday, June 25, 1863—Left camp at 9 last night and marched to Upton Hill. Reached there at 2 a.m. & camped on the drill ground this morning. It was very uncertain about us moving but about 2 p.m. we fell in and marched up the Leesburg Pike to the crossroad to Fairfax Court House and camped in pine woods. Only the 3rd Brigade is here. The 1st is to join us here tomorrow & the 2nd is to remain at Alexandria. Lucky 2nd.
Friday, June 26, 1863—2nd Brigade joined us at midnight. It rained all the night and only held up this evening. We started a little after 6 this morning and after making a great sound, came on the pike again and marched as far as Broad Run. The march was very severe and the curses of the men were plenty. Received a letter last evening from Hanna & Ramsey. Miss Annie [Jones], the ex-cavalryman is in the Old Capitol [prison] having been caught outside the lines. 1
Saturday, June 27, 1863—Reveille at 4 a.m. Broke camp at 5.30, marched about 4 miles & crossed the Potomac river into Maryland at Edward’s Ferry. Marched some 8 or ten miles up the Potomac and camped for the night. It has rained off and on all day. The roads are not very muddy but the men were very much fatigued. Rumor today that the Rebels have taken Harrisburg. Issued knapsacks and canteens.
Sunday, June 28, 1864—Took a 5 o’clock start this morning. Crossed the Monocacy [river] on a stone aqueduct and marched 10 or 12 miles and camped in the 5th Corps, of which it is supposed we will be the 3rd Division. Gen. Hooker was relieved of the command and Gen. Meade superseded him. Saw R. Townsend. Iti s rumored this evening that we are to march on to Pennsylvania in the morning. A rumor is current that Vicksburg is taken.
Monday, June 29, 1864—Was ordered to be ready to start at daylight this morning. We were up and had tents down just in time to be dry. The rain fell in heavy showers for the remainder of the day. We did not get started until 1.15 o’clock and were delayed until after dark when we made a rush ahead and nearly run ourselves down. Camped for the night at 11 o’clock on top of a range of high hills some 8 miles east of Frederick. Marched through a fine valley.
Tuesday, June 30, 1864—Woke up this morning soaking wet. We did not put up tents last night and the boys were all soaked this morning. Marched very hard today. I was sick and had to ride in the ambulance in the afternoon. Passed through Uniontown, Liberty, and Union Bridge. Camped with 3rd Corps near Uniontown at dark and were mustered for pay at 8 p.m.
Wednesday, July 1, 1863—Left camp at 6 this morning and about 1 p.m. crossed the line into Pennsylvania. Addresses were issued from Division & Brigade commands before crossing and the boys gave three good cheers for Pennsylvania. Stopped five miles south of Hanover. Rations were issued and the wagons sent to the rear. Ammunition inspected and everything in readiness for a fight. There is a fight today at Gettysburg.
Thursday, July 2, 1863—We started at 9 last night and marched until 2 a.m. Men very much fatigued. Turned into a meadow and slept until 5 a.m. Started again and made a hard march to Gettysburg where are now at 1 p.m. Both armies are here and there will be a terrible fight today or tomorrow. 8 p.m. Sure enough we had it today. We arrived in time to save the field. Made a most brilliant charge and drove the rebs as far as the General would let us go. Am on the front skirmishing.
Friday, July 3, 1863—We lost last evening in killed Graves Gallagher. Wounded, S[amuel] L. Potter, Jas. N. Maguire, W[illiam] D. Scott. Held a strong position all day and wanted the rebs to attack us. The great battle was fought today on the right. We gained the day. Took 8,000 prisoners. Made another charge this evening and drove them 1.5 miles. Took many prisoners, one color (15th Georgia) and over 3,000 arms. We are fighting wit hthe 1st Brigade. Are lying tonight a mile in the advance. A very heavy rain after dark. All nearly dead.
Saturday, July 4, 1863—This is a glorious 4th of July. The rebs were whipped all along the lines yesterday and they will have to retreat or be cut to pieces. Gen. Meade is trump with the army and Crawford suits us exactly. We came back to our old position at the stone wall and after standing a most drenching rain, were relieved and taken up on the hill. We lay down on the wet ground and slept soundly.
Sunday, July 5, 1863—Very wet all last night and most of today. We lay quiet until about 5 p.m. when we fell in and marched down around the right flank of the rebs, and halted about 11 o’clock. The roads were terrible but the men are in good heart and kept up well. The rebs are falling back having been completely whipped.
Monday, July 6, 1863—We marched a few miles today and camped. The men are scouring the country in search of extras to eat. I never saw the Army of the Potomac in such good spirits. All are anxious to push on and give the rebs another whipping before they succeed in leaving Pennsylvania. Went to a mill near and got two canteens of old rye for the boys.
Tuesday, July 7, 1863—Started at 7 this morning and made a very rapid march of over twenty miles down the south side of the Blue Mountains. We are heading toward Frederick. The roads are very heavy but I have not heard a grumble from a man. We camped about 5 miles from Frederick and received a mail.
Wednesday, July 8, 1863—It rained all last night and until noon today in torrents. We never made as hard marching go. Crossed the first range of the Blue Mountains and camped near South Mountain and Middleburg. Received official news that Vicksburg was surrendered on the 4th of July. Received supplies of shoes from Quartermaster.
Thursday, July 9, 1863—Left camp at 7 a.m., crossed South Mountain and camped in Boonsboro Valley about 1 o’clock I presume we will lay here long enough to concentrate and then push on. The enemy said to be between Hagerstown and Williamsport. Firing in the evening. Wrote to Hattie.
Friday, July 10, 1863—Broke camp at 5 a.m. and after a little delay, jotted out. Crossed the National Pike and Beaver Run and camped on the west side of Antietam Creek, making about 6 miles. Finding the rebs in force, disposition was made of the forces and a force sent to dislodge them. The dismounted cavalry & a battery of flying artillery did this handsomely. The Bucktails are out and the 11th supports them. There has been a good deal of fighting all along the line today.
Saturday, July 11, 1863—Moved out this morning and formed line of battle expecting the rebs to open on us. Laid en masse until evening and advanced with the entire line about 1.5 miles. The rebs fell back on our advance and did not offer battle. Our artillery is all up now adn we will probably have a fight tomorrow. D. Koons came over to see me. Have not met him for ten years.
Sunday, July 12, 1863—Made a general advance again today about a mile and shifted off to the left. We can see the rebel lines distinctly, having earthworks and barricades erected. Our lines advancing, the rebs fell back from Hagerstown & Funkstown leaving their earthworks. Our troops now occupy them. Very heavy rain in the afternoon. Received letter from S. M. and Hattie.
Monday, July 13, 1863—The 2nd Corps on our left must have worked like beavers last night for they have rifle pits along their entire front this morning. We followed suit and in two hours had formidable earthworks up. Advanced about 2 p.m. until we were under fire of their skirmishers. Fixed up defenses andn expected them to shell us. Heavy skirmishing all along in front, the rebs are obstinate and cannot be driven in. Something is in the wind.
Tuesday, July 14, 1863—Orders to move at 7 a.m. Started forward in column of division en masse and pressed on across the bottom up into the Rebel works. We expected a galling fire but the Rebs were gone—skedaddled. Followed them to the river and caught about 2,000 of their rear guard. They crossed on pontoons, ferries and fords near Williamsport. Camped near the river. Rain in the afternoon.
Wednesday, July 15, 1863—Struck tents at 6 a.m. and marched in the direction of South Mountain. Crossed the old Antietam battle ground at Smoketown and after a rapid march of 22 miles, camped on the southeast side of South Mountain gap. We were very tired and the rear was full of stragglers. Warm and no rain for a wonder.
Thursday, July 16, 1863—Broke camp at 4 a.m. and marched to a camp near Berlin. The pontoons not being here then, will be some delay in crossing the river. Commenced making out the muster and pay rolls. Went to a little rill and had a good wash. The wagons coming up, we got a change of clothing—the first I have had since Vienna.
Friday, July 17, 1863—Very wet today. We just got the rolls finished as orders came to move. We struck tents about 2 p.m. and marched across the Potomac [river] at Berlin. The P. R. C. [Penn. Reserve Corps] was the first one over. Moved out about three miles and camped at Lovettsville with orders to move tomorrow to Purcellville. Wrote to Hattie & Hanna.
Saturday, July 18, 1863—Moved out this morning at 7 a.m. but were delayed in the village for a couple of hours. Finally got off and marched until 12 when we stopped and camped for the day. The Loudon Valley through which we are marching is a fine agricultural country but not equal to the Maryland Valley. The citizens are nearly all women but in buying produce, we find them no so extortionate as in Pennsylvania. The Maryland people are the kindest we have met. Write to Mr. Delo.
Spared & Shared 23 