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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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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
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
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.
I was able to confirm Con’s identity by this photo of Cyrus Hanks (1829-1902) who was identified as his “brother in Michigan” on the reverse side. The photo came with the letter.
This letter was written by Constant (“Con”) Crandall Hanks (1821-1871), the son of Uriah Hanks (1789-1871) and Florilla Howes (1803-1890) of Shandaken, Ulster county, New York. Con was married in 1852 to Hannah L. Reynolds (1818-1881) and was the father of at least four children when he enlisted at the age of 41 on 13 September 1861 as a private in Co. K, 80th New York Infantry. He was promoted to corporal two weeks later.
In this correspondence, composed from a hospital in Falls Church, Virginia, Con informs his mother of the arduous march through the relentless rain and mud, endured with his regiment to the vicinity of Bull Run and back, which exacerbated his already infirm leg. He concludes the letter by indicating that the regiment will soon embark on transports alongside other troops as they head to the Peninsula; however, he may be sent home by the surgeons due to his disability. Yet, his muster roll records reveal that he remained in service, participating with his regiment in the Battle of 2nd Bull Run, where he was wounded on 30 August 1862, and again at Petersburg on 3 April 1865. Ultimately, he was mustered out of service in September 1864, having completed his three-year commitment. The 1870 census indicates that Con, along with his wife and two children, resided in Hunter, Greene County, New York, where he was employed at a chair factory.
Con’s penmanship and composition suggested a better than average education and I found that he had attended the Troy Conference Academy in 1841. The Academy was a co-educational institution affiliated with the Troy Conference of the Methodist Church.
Transcription
Falls Church, Fairfax Co., Virginia March 23, 1862
Mother,
I remember well when I was a boy when I used to knock off a toenail, cut my finger, have any sore, how I used to go to you to do up the wounds, how it used to ease the pain to fuss over the sores and have you sympathize and feel sorry and bad over them for me. It used to take more than half the pain and soreness away when I had your sympathy, which I always was sure to get however unworthy it might be. My old sprained leg, with its sores and pains, has almost daily for the last 4 weeks forced the memory of my boyhood days of your love & untiring kindness & sympathy back fresh on my mind. And as I am now driven into the hospital on account of my leg & not having but little to do to occupy my mind & time, I took it into my head that if I wrote to you to let you know now I was, engage your sympathy as I used to have it when a boy, that like as not the cursed old sprain would get better just as my sore toes and fingers used to get better with your sympathy when a boy.
Now, for my story, you must pretend to feel bad whether you do or not. Well to begin with, a week ago last Monday, the great machine that makes what is called the Army of the Potomac was put in motion. For the last fortnight before that, I had been excused from duty on account of my leg, but when the orders came to march, I said “go in leg.” So I put on my traps with the rest of the regiment, two days rations with the other equipage makes in all some 60 lbs. Well we commenced our march for Centerville & Bulls Run with sanguine hopes of there finding the D__d Rebels and renewing the acquaintance that proved so disgraceful to our boys the 21st of last July, and having a chat with them on more equal terms than we had the last time there.
Well, as we began to march, the rain began to come down. The further we went, the harder the rain came—mud some 6 inches deep. Thus we marched that day in rain & mud some I6 miles and encamped in a bit of wood some 3 miles this side of Centerville. We had our tents on our backs. Maybe we wasn’t glad to throw off our knapsacks, pitch our tents, and build fires to dry our clothes. Maybe the rail fence did not make good fires—but I guess they did. Maybe my old sprained leg did not thank Gen. Wadsworth from the bottom of each sore that it was not obliged to march any farther that day. Maybe the sea biscuit, though hard as a piece of crockery eaten with a piece of raw pork did not taste good that night, but my opinion is that they went down with good relish.
Well, we stayed in that camp which we called Camp Disappointment till Saturday. We called it Camp Disappointment because 50,000 men of us started in the strength of God & all the munitions of war for Centerville and Bulls Run to square up with the Rebels that account that was opened with them last July. The balance then was against us and we had started Monday morning with the purpose—“God willing”—to pay up that balance and all the interest that has been gathering on it since the account was opened & you may rest assured that we would have done it, for there was no cowards that morning. Many a poor fellow that had just come out of the hospital shouldered his knapsack and was as eager for the fight as the strongest, but when we came to Centerville—the great stronghold of the rebels, behold! they had gone. Gone too as if the devil was after them, leaving what they could not move. They left there forts [and] breastworks that might have given [us] some tremendous hard fighting before we could have got the place. But it appears that they remember Bulls Run as well as we do and probably that the taking of Roanoke [and] Donelson had inspired them with the proper respect for Uncle Sam’s boys that is good for their health.
Keith Rocco’s Painting of the 14th Brooklyn
They left a good deal of their provender behind. They set fire to a good many 100 barrels of flour and 1000 bushels of grain so they should not fall into our hands. It looked dismal round their encampments. They had wooden huts to quarter in, shingled much more comfortable than we had. As many of our regiment as wanted to, had permission to go and view the battle ground of Bull Run. I was foolish enough to go, but mother, it was a sad sight. There was a good many of the 14th Brooklyn that was killed in that battle. The Rebels just dug a ditch and pitched [them in]. Some they covered, some they did not. The Brooklyn boys wore red pants that day and you could see many skeleton legs with remnants of the red pants on them. The 14th went out and gathered all they knew by the red pants and buried them but they could not find one skeleton that had the head on. It seemed as if the devils had cut the heads off both wounded and the dead.
Friday we went to Bull Run & Friday night they sent a messenger after us to return to camp and march on Saturday morning. We started Saturday morning from Bulls Run to camp, a distance of ten miles. Then we took 9 of them hard biscuits and a piece of raw pork for two days rations, put on all of our traps and commenced a march towards Alexandria and we marched 18 miles farther—rain harder, I never see it, but we marched on, and still on. We never stopped long enough all day to unsling our knapsacks and [it] rained all night. We camped down on the wet ground, nothing over us but them little hen coop tents. Then did not poor sprained leg cry out for mercy all night as we lay there in the wet. Did it burn and throb as if they was a blister drawing all over it. I never slept one wink. Don’t believe I would if I was in heaven.
The next morning there was five nice biles [boils] or ulcers on my leg from my ankle up to my knee. We was ordered back to camp on that Sunday morning. I had two of them hard crackers for my breakfast. Had to march 9 miles on that. I think that I can fully appreciate the feeling Esau had when he sold his birthright for a mess of pottage [lentil stew]. I would have given my soul for a loaf of bread that morning and could not get it. God knows I was sore and faint when I got to camp. I have not done any duty since. Am in the hospital. Whether I ever shall do any more duty, don’t [know]. The brigade surgeon said today that they would send me home but I don’t want to come home till Old Jeff Davis gets justice done him.
The regiment was marched again on Tuesday. They are encamped a mile and [a half] from where we have been lying all winter. Some 80,000 men are being shipped down the Potomac. Our regiment are waiting their turn to go aboard. They probably will go today. Where they go, McClellan knows. I don’t. Oh, how I wish that my leg was so that I could go with them. I should be happy. But to be stuck here in the hospital makes me miserable. Pity my old leg, Mother, as you used to when I was a boy which I would jam a toe or finger. Then I guess it will [be] well again.
I got a letter from Hannah urging on me the duty of prayer. I wonder if she thinks that it is of more use for me to pray now than it was when I used to pray in my family when she would tell me that my prayers did not go higher than my head, I learn that Brother Cyrus has found the pearl of price. I hope that he is not a hypocrite as he charged me with being once when I trusted in a Savior’s love. Mother please accept my love for yourself and all my friends. You need not write till you hear from me again for I don’t know how soon I may move from here.– Con Hanks
The following letter was written by Dr. Henry Orlando Marcy, Sr. (1837-1924), the son of Smith Marcy (1895-1846) and Fanny Gibbs (1793-1866) of Berkshire county, Massachusetts. Henry received a preliminary and classical education at Wilbraham Academy and. Amherst College, and was graduated from the Medical School of Harvard University in 1863. In April of the same year he was commissioned assistant surgeon of the Forty-third Massachusetts Volunteers, and in the following November, was commissioned Surgeon of the First Regiment of Colored Troops, recruited in North Carolina. In 1864, he was appointed medical director of Florida. According to passport 1890 passport application, Dr. Marcy was a Surgeon.
In June 1863, upon the expiration of the nine-month enlistment period of the 43rd Massachusetts, Dr. Marcy chose to remain in North Carolina, as he suggests in this correspondence, to accept a commission as surgeon in Col. Edward A. Wild’s African Brigade. This assignment was significant as he initiated educational classes for African Americans and functioned in the dual capacities of both officer and educator. During Sherman’s Carolina Campaign, he served as the medical director on Sherman’s staff. Following the conclusion of the war, Dr. Marcy received recognition for having introduced Joseph Lister’s antiseptic wound treatment methods to the United States.
Camp Rogers at Newbern, North Carolina. March 12, 1863—43rd Massachusetts Regt.
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Stationery of the 43rd Massachusetts Infantry
Camp Rogers Newbern, North Carolina May 19, 1863
Friend Albert,
I learn that we have a mail to leave camp this evening and I have a little leisure this afternoon and so know of no better time to redeem my promise to write you. I will begin by way of review, and say that I was very sorry that 1 could not have seen you the evening before I left Boston. I certainly should have seen you had I had the slightest reason for suspecting you were awaiting me. I had a number of business calls and did not get in until near 9 o’clock. Next morning we started. Mother was quite tired but enjoyed the ride very well—better than I feared. Stopped in C[lark’s] Factory until evening when I parted with Mother and Charley & myself came on to Albany. Mother bore up under the leave taking much better than I had expected—quite heroic.
We remained in Albany until the next evening when we took the evening boat for New York. Charley had friends with whom we stopped part of the time. Visited the [Albany] Medical College where I was lionized. [George Frederic] Barker the professor in chemistry used to holding place in Horo. as assistant. He seemed happy to meet me and introduced me to the professor. Gave me a seat back of the professor &c. At his lecture he introduced me to the class as the Guest Professor, &c and now Asst. Surgeon, &c. I was greeted with cheers, &c. Wasn’t that gay?
Lovejoy’s Hotel was located at 34 Park Row in NYC
We had a pleasant ride down the river—was foggy and could see nothing of the splendid scenery. Was disappointed. Splendid boat—Isaac Newton. In New York we could learn nothing of our getting further so put up at Lovejoy’s (for I remembered your recommendation and you know our bills were not paid by the Sanitary Commission). Charley and I went over [to Brooklyn] and heard [Henry Ward] Beecher—splendid discourse, grand, on state of country, &c. Then we visited the Navy Yard. North Carolina &c. Hoped to see Luck but he was out rowing with some ladies. Saw him only at a distance. Was quite disappointed. He was to sail for Charlestown in a few days. Transferred to a blockader.
Next morning we learned that we could get off that p.m. on the Dudley Buck. Transferred our troops about noon. Found she was a propeller [steam vessel]. At eve we started. Had pleasant weather all the way down. Think you would have enjoyed it, but I was sick all the way down—ten times worse than the Spaulding. She was small and having no side wheels, was continually rolling. We lay all night off Hatteras in the swash. Monday came into Newbern about 3 p.m.—was all tired out. Put up to the hotel at starvation prices and eat a good supper & breakfast, then started for the camp of the 43rd [Massachusetts] which is about 2 miles out across the Trent [river].
We are very pleasantly encamped. I like it very much better than I had anticipated. The Assist. Surgeon [James M. Whitney?] has a good position in a regiment. We live first rate. The field & staff officers mess together. I have a pretty double top tent, ten feet square, and very well furnished—table, chair, bedstead, wardrobe, &c. all of rustic manufacture, made of boards &c.
Great change in climate from N. Y. here. Trees in full leaf, flowers, &c. Have had strawberries and blackberries are beginning to ripen. Your brother has most likely told you of the country however. I have a servant—a black boy about 20, formerly a slave. Intended to have a horse, may still. Have a right to one and thought I might enjoy the privilege of riding. Have ridden considerable. Saturday went out on review, borrowed a sword & sash and rode out in gay style. Did not dismount at all. Fun to play soldier. Our reg. Is very healthy. Have the “Out Patient” department under my sole control. Average about 50 a day. Mostly diarrhea & dysentery. The regiment begins to talk about going home—are scolding already. I may possibly stay and enter hospital service, but now think I will come out with the regiment.
Have heard from mother & Sarah. Mother seems as well as when I left. I am a great mind to try and return. Nothing could suit me better. Study hard and get ready for coming as soon as you can. How do you get on? Well, no doubt. I must draw this to a close. Since writing the above I have rec’d a letter from Sarah, and it is nearly time for the mail to close. We have in our regiment Charley Marcy, Frank Barnes & Coritean whom you used to know at W. E. O. Noble is a private in the 46th. D. K. Marston came to see me a day or two since. He is a private in the 17th Regiment encamped just below us. He enquired for you. Please write to me all the news. Remember me to the Prestons. I wrote Lizzie a day or two since. George is looking finely. I am very glad I came here. Remember me to the friends. Write soon and oblige. Your old friend, — Marcy
Spared & Shared 23 