All posts by Griff

My passion is studying American history leading up to & including the Civil War. I particularly enjoy reading, transcribing & researching primary sources such as letters and diaries.
2nd Vermont Infantry, Battle of Dranesville, Vermont Brigade

1861: Edson & Philo Emery to Leonard Emery

Leave a comment

These letters were written by Edson Emery (1833-1915) and Philo Emery (1836-1864) of Co. E, 2nd Vermont Infantry. They were the sons of Joel Emery (1787-1860) and Lucy Goddard (1797-1878) of Tunbridge, Vermont. The few letters were once part of a very large collection that had been in private hands for decades and yet had never transcribed and published before. There were 77 letters penned by either Edson or Philo—or both—while serving in the 2nd Vermont Infantry that I published in 2020 on Spared & Shared 19. Most of those letters, like these few, were sent to their brother Leonard who managed the family farm when he was not in the service, or to their mother—a semi-literate widow who saw four sons and one son-in-law go off to fight for the Union. One of her sons and her son-in-law did not survive the war.

The two other sons who served in the Union army were Silas Goddard Emery (1816-1884) and Leonard Emery (1829-1884). Both served in the 12th Vermont Infantry—a 9-month’s regiment organized in the late summer of 1862.

Obituary notice for Philo Emery, Vermont Journal (Windsor, Vermont), dated 9 July 1864:

“At Armory Square Hospital, Washington D. C., Philo Emery, of Tunbridge, aged nearly 28 years. He was a member of the 2nd Regiment of Vermont Vols. When the war broke out, he hastened to offer his services to his country. He passed through all the engagements in which his regiment participated up to the battle of the Wilderness on the 5th day of May. In this battle, he was seriously wounded in the knee. He was carried to the hospital and died June 9th. Mr. Emery was a good soldier, faithful to his duties to the Army and his government. He died as a Christian dies. His last message to his friends at home was, ‘Tell them I die right.’ His ashes repose among his native hills besides those of other members of his family.”

Obituary Notice for Edson Emery:

“Edson Emery was born in Tunbridge July 26, 1833, a son of Joel and Lucy (Goddard) Emery, and was the last of their nine children. He grew to young manhood in his native town, worked on the railroad, engaged in the drover business and interested himself in several pursuits until the Civil War broke out. Then he enlisted in Co. E, 2d Vermont Regiment twelve days after the Fort Sumter was fired upon and saw three years hard service. He was in 22 battles—the first battle of Bull Run, the Yorktown siege of five weeks, Lee’s Mills, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Golden’s Farm, Savage Station, White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill, second battle of Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Marye’s Heights, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Rappahannock Station, Mine Run, the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Bethsaida Church and Cold Harbor. When the regiment was in front of Petersburg his term expired and he returned to the North.

He had  three brothers—Silas, Leonard and Philo—and a brother-in-law [Jasper Lyman] in the army with him. Philo Emery was wounded and died. Mr. Edson Emery was never seriously hurt in the storms of lead he had so often to face but he bore the scars of a good many flesh wounds. During all his service, he kept a diary which is a faithful story of the stirring events in which he participated and reveals a keen eye and discerning mind. 

On May 20, 1866, Mr. Emery married Jennie Gay of Gaysville,” the daughter of Paul W. and Phalina (Abbott) Gay. 

  • Edson Emery’s Civil War Diary and papers, 1861-1863 are housed in the Special Collections of the Universities of Vermont Libraries in Burlington, Vt.
  • Philo Emery’s two diaries, (1861-1862) and (1863-1864), are housed in the Jack & Shirley Silver Special Collections Library at the University of Vermont in Burlington.

Letter 1

Fairfax County, Virginia
July 12, 1861

Dear Brother,

We come here night before last in a drenching rain. We come on a boat to Alexandria, then by rail down 5 miles—the furthest that any of our troops have been down this way. It was the first train of cars that have been this way for several weeks. We are nine miles from Fairfax Court House. Tomorrow we start for that place. There is a brigade forming here—three Maine Regiments, 1 New Hampshire, and ours. Ellsworth’s Zouaves—they act as scouts &c., and about 50 pieces of cannon. We expect to meet about 6 or 7 thousand rebels at the Court House.

We had a very hard march from our camp to the boat—about two and a half miles; thermometer up to 200 in the shade. There was over 100 fainted and fell by the way & if we should have had to march a might further, they would all give out. Gen. Scott wrote to the Colonel if he ever done the trick again, he should take his commission away.

At Washington, Philo was taken with the measles & several others. We sent them to the hospital. They stayed a little while, got out and run away. They got here yesterday. They are now in our camp hospital. I think he is doing well. We shall have to leave them here, I suppose, or they will have to stay in the cars. They did one night.

Montpelier companies—Co. A and Co. B—have gone out to guard a bridge & word has just come that they want more men. They say there is a band of rebels close by. Someone will have to go. I have been on guard all night [as] corporal of the guard. I have not been on the picket guard yet.

There is a good many of the regiment sick with the summer complaint & measles. One has died out of the Brattleboro Company—diphtheria. I received your letter & one from Jasper the day we came here. Why don’t you write often? You will direct to Washington D. C., Co. E, 2nd Regt. Vermont V. M.

We shall get it. Write as soon as you get this. Philo will write soon. Yours, –Edson Emery

Brother Leonard, as there is room I will write you a few lines in regard to that money. I never told you or Mother to do anything and you knew it. I left it with Briggs to see to but as it is settled, there need be no trouble about it. I had rather lose it than to have any trouble. I am sorry Mother done as she did. — Philo Emery

Letter 2

Obviously this envelope did not carry this letter because it’s addressed to Edson (the author of the letter)

Washington D. C.
July 14, 1861

Clermont, Fairfax County, Virginia

Dear Brother,

We are here yet but expect to start tomorrow for Fairfax Court House & Manassas Junction. We shall take 5 days rations. We shall leave our tents & baggage behind till we get settled. It is 27 miles to Manassas & 9 to Fairfax. We expect a fight at Manassas—perhaps before we get there. Philo has got the measles pretty hard but I guess he will get along well enough. He is in the hospital. The hospital is three large tents in our camp. Philo will not go with us but will come on probably when the baggage comes. I guess he don’t think much of being sick in camp. There is about 25 sick with the measles in the regiment & about 150 that are not fit for drill.

Stoddard of Brattleboro is dead. The Zouaves in our brigade caught five of the rebels yesterday, I saw them. They were fine looking fellows. We sent them to Alexandria. One of the Zouaves was shot in the scrape.

I received your letter and the box of provisions over in Washington. We shall probably get them. I hardly think you had better send any more at present till we get settled. Much obliged. Write often. Direct to Washington as before. 2nd Regiment Vermont V. M.

Lieutenant says tell his brother that if he don’t write him he will never write him again. He is well. William & Charles Noyes are well. They want their folks to write. Tell them so. They are well. You will get the news from us often, We don’t know what we shall do one day before hand, I hope we shall come out all right. We shall write often & we want you to do the same. Phi will come out all right, I think, I wish he could come along with us. It is not quite so warm now as it was. My health is good. I have not been sick. They call me the toughest one of the lot. I take it rather cool. Tell the folks we are all right. Goodbye, — Edson

Letter 3

Patriotic image on Edson’s Letter

Bush Hill, Virginia
August 8, 1861

Dear Brother,

I received your letter last night. George Derrell is going home today & I will send this line by him. Also [Moses] Glines, [Daniel] Pember, and Horace Wills are going home on furloughs. It is very warm weather. We have begun to drill some every day. The boys don’t pick [it] up very fast.

The sore throat prevails some. Some have died and others complain some but I think they will manage it all right.

You say you don’ know where we are. Well, sir, we are about 4 miles south of Alexandria on the line of the railroad & about 14 miles south of Washington. We run the mail to Washington & back every day. The boat runs from Alexandria to Norfolk [?] several times a day. But we talk of leaving this brigade & going up to Chain Bridge above Washington about 8 miles. If we go there, we shall be with the 3rd Vermont Infantry and the others when they come in. [We will] have a Vermont Brigade.

We are now further advanced toward the rebels than any other regiment. We are close by them. Last night the report was that we should be attacked but it proved false as well as all other of the alarms.

Glines will carry that money. George is pretty well loaded down with letters, &c. I wrote you a few days ago & sent you a paper. Write often & direct as before. Yours truly, — Edson Emery

Letter 4

Camp Griffin, Virginia
December 6, 1861

Dear brother,

Your letter was duly received. Glad to hear from you and that you were alll well. My health is good. Have not done any duty yet today. Philo has gone out with a scouting party. The Vermont Brigade has gone. They have [gone] toward Dranesville. I hear they are a going to pony [?] on to a Rebel camp out that way. The teams have gone to bring in the spoils.

It is very pleasant weather now. Cold nights. The regiment is pretty healthy. Lieut. Bixby is getting better. He has had the fever. There is a good many that have been sick with the jaundice & measles. I am speaking of our company. There is about 15 ailing. They are mostly now recruits. Edson Wiggins of Chelsea, Ed Wills, Henry Noyes, & H. K. Goodwin will probably get their discharge pretty soon. Charles Reynolds of South Royalton is here now to see Bixby. Bixby is out now.

In regard to our cooking, we have detailed cooks. George Blakely & Jim Hovendon are the ones. They have fire out doors. They cook our meat and make coffee as you would boil soup. They have a regimental bakery where the bread is bakes for the whole regiment. Our living is not first rate though it is tolerable good. Once in a while it is too much of one thing. The boys are having a good many boxes now days sent to them. These is no objection to either of us to such an act…

I would like to see Isaac down here first rate. If he comes, I want he should bring me some butter—about 10 lbs. and six or eight lbs. of dried apples. Tell Mother she can contribute some is she likes. What little butter we get here we have to pay 20 cents per pound & if she could send something of the kind, it would be very acceptable & Isaac will do the favor. That butter you sent me was a great deal better than we get here. dried apples we can cook in a dish without any trouble if Isaac comes over or you go over there, you can fix it. I received your paper.

The company raised about $38 to buy a coffin for [Corp.] Cyrus [W.] Lunt. Capt. Smith went down to see about it. It cost $25 & the captain told the man Bill would pay for it. But Bill did not & the man was up and gave the captain a dun the other day. The man said that William told him that the captain would pay him but I think there is a misunderstanding about it. You need not say anything about it. I will wait and see how Philo gets around and let him finish…

Today is one of the pleasantest days you ever saw.

The company came in about 7 last night. They went to Vienna. they brought in a lot of stuff. They were not disturbed by the rebels…

Yours, — Edson Emery

Letter 5

Patriotic Image—“Vermont Soldier” poem.

Headquarters 2nd Vermont Regiment
Camp Griffin, Va.
December 20, 1861

Dear Brother,

Your letter & two papers was duly received. Very glad to hear from you. This afternoon there is heavy cannonading north of here toward Great Falls & Leesburg. Our regiment & most of the Vermont regiments have just started. Also the batteries & cavalry. Whether they will engage the enemy, I can’t tell. I should think by noise they were having some fighting. It looks some like rain this afternoon. Philo has gone. I did not go—my feet are very tender & I am pretty lame. [See Battle of Dranesville]

The rebels tried to cross the river above here the other day but were driven back. Gen. McCall’s Division went out early this morning. The rebels are closing in upon us. They are anxious for a fight. They want we should chase them down to Bull Run or Centerville. Then they will fight us. But I hardly think they come—that by keeping them where they are is whipping them fast enough.

We received a letter from Briggs last night. Caroline has a very bad eye. They are going down to Isaac’s to Christmas. Philo says he don’t think he will have you send any drawers. He has some. Brigg’s will help toward the box. Tell Mother to send a lot of good things—sausage, butter, &c. &c. You might put in a small piece of fresh pork if it is so cold weather, & some cookies, sweetened doughnuts, and if handy, a piece of cheese. You need not send any wheat bread. We have that here. But send anything good for we don’t get much that is good here. Dried apples goes well. But the sausage, I think I can eat. I wish you would get me a Memorandum Book at the book store at Bethel & have Isaac put it in the box. It will cost about 25 cents & you can charge it to me. Get one about 5 or 6 inches long and about 3 inches wide, well bound, and strap over. The inside to be an almanac, a space for every day in the year, and a cash account. Get a good one for I need one for next year & have none. You or Isaac or someone get it and send it.

Also, tell Ann to get four feet of blue tape about half inch wide. I want it to put on my arm to show the rank which I hold. I am the third corporal now. You can pay her. It will not be much—perhaps five or ten cents. Here it would be six times that.

As to our state money, we have not drawn any but we think we will next payday. Philo and I can draw $84 of state pay. Philo 42 and I the same, and we shall send about $40 of US pay which will make a good sum to let out. We lay up our money to what most of them do but it is dearly earned. Therefore you must do all you can for us. We have taken their lives in their hands. It is no small affair.

I will wait for Philo to come in. Tell Florence we will write her a letter pretty soon. Yours, — Edson

December 21. Philo came in about 8 last night. They went to Dranesille or a most there but did not see the enemy. McCall had driven them back. McCall killed and took 79 of the rebels & any quantity of blankets, overcoats, &c. &c. The boys had a hard march [of] 20 miles. They groaned some when they got back.

P. S. Our next pay will come about the 20th of January. Then we will send all.

57th Indiana Infantry, Battle of Shiloh

1862: Perry Runyan to Juliana (Sears) Runyan

1 Comment
I could not find an image of Perry but here is one of John Alexander Penland who served in the 57th Indiana Infantry. He was killed at the Battle of Stones River.

The following letter was written by Perry Runyan (1822-1891), the son of Peter R. Runyan (1787-1871) and Mary Crum (1791-1857). Perry was married to Juliana Sears in 1845 and was living in Hagerstown, Indiana, when he enlisted in Co. I, 57th Indiana Infantry. The regiment was mustered in November, 1861, in Richmond, organized in Indianapolis, and sent to Louisville where it was placed under General Buell’s command and assigned to the 6th Division of the Army of the Ohio.

The 57th was stationed in Bardstown, Lebanon, and Munfordsville, Kentucky, before marching to Nashville, Tennessee in March, 1862. Although the regiment was not engaged in any battles at this time, it suffered a number of casualties from the severe winter of 1861-1862. In April, 1862, the 57th was ordered to Shiloh and saw action near the end of the battle. The regiment also was active in the siege of Corinth and was afterward ordered to northern Alabama where this letter was penned.

Perry’s Headstone in Lakeside Cemetery, Lake Odessa, Ionia county, Michigan. His surname appears as “Runyon” though the name was spelled “Runyan” among his relatives so I believe the latter spelling is correct.

Transcription

Tuscumbia, Franklin county, Alabama
June 15, 1862

Dear companion,

I take this time and opportunity to inform you that I am alive and well with the exception of my back but I hope that these few lines will find you all enjoying good health. I received another letter from you last week but I hant had time to write to you since until now. I hant been able to do anything for two weeks on the account of my back and I have done my washing today and my back hurts me very bad now.

We have been on a march for five days but now we are camped at this time in Alabama on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad but expect that we will go on east in a day or two.

It is very hot here now and there is more corn growing here in this state than ever I seen in one state in my life. Their wheat is all cut that they have but it is not worth much. There is plenty of corn here that is higher than my head and some that ain’t more than four inches high. Onions is plenty here but if we get any of them we have to pay about 5 cents apiece for them.

You wanted to know if we have plenty to eat. There was one time that the men were suffering. That was right away after the Battle at Shiloh and then there was plenty at the river but the teams had not got there nor did not get there for 10 days after the battle and in that time they had to carry their grub out from the river on their back. But as a common thing, we have plenty to eat—such as it is. We have plenty of old sow, crackers for bread, and coffee three times a day. And rice and beans and sometimes we draw fresh beef. We very often get a little flour and I can keep myself in cakes by mixing it up for the boys. I have got enough to draw me two or three weeks.

The sun is so hot that I sweat so that I can’t hardly write, but now I have drawed my shirt to it now and I think I can stand it now. I want you to write as soon as you get this letter and I wish that you would send me that gentleman’s name that thinks that I am better off in the army and if I get home, I will remember him. you tell me to keep old Gobaden [?] here but I think it will be hard to keep him where he never has been. I haven’t see him since we left Nashville and I don’t expect to see him now.

I’ll put one dollar in this letter and if you get this, write soon. So no more at present but still remain your affectionate husband until death. Direct your letters to Louisville to be forwarded to the 57th Regiment Indiana Volunteers. — Perry Runyan

to Juliana Runyan

75th Ohio Infantry, Jacksonville, Florida

1864: William G. Sturges to Mary Ann Stevens

Leave a comment
I could not find an image of William but here is Henry C. Lockwood who served in Co. C, 75th OVI (Photo Sleuth)

This letter was written by William G. Sturges (1845-1878), the son of William Sturges (1818-1899) and Susan Ann Ludlow (1822-1861) of Lockland, Hamilton county, Ohio. He wrote the letter to Mary Ann Stevens (1844-1924) with whom he would marry in December 1865.

William enlisted in Co. A, 75th Ohio Volunteer Infantry (OVI) on 23 September 1861 at the age of just 16. He committed to a three-year term of service and was originally scheduled to be discharged in September 1864; however, he was captured on 17 August 1864 during the Battle of Gainesville, Florida, and was not mustered out until 25 May 1865 in Columbus, Ohio. Mary Ann’s brother, James Stevens, who served alongside William in the same company—referred to by William as “my brother too, now”—tragically did not survive the war, having been killed in the same battle on 17 August 1864. Another of her brothers, Albert Stewart, also served in the same company and chose to reenlist, ultimately surviving the conflict while serving in Co. K.

Transcription

Jacksonville, Florida
March 29th 1864

My darling Mary,

It is with te greatest of pleasure that I now sit down to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well and do sincerely hope that these few lines will find you enjoying the same good health. I sent you a few lines by Albert and would like to have come home with him but I could not enlist for three years more to get home for thirty days. Indeed, I think too much of some person at home for that and that person is my dear Mary A. I suppose you know the rest of her name. My dear, would willingly reenlist just to spend thirty days with you but then to think of the three years would break my heart and maybe some persons at home.

I am very sorry that Albert enlisted and indeed, I done all I could to keep him out but all in vain. He would not listen to James nor I. At one time he said he would not enlist unless he could get in csavalry but he changed his mind and went in the infantry. My dear, I hope and pray that you will forgive me for keeping it from you so long for it was Albert’s request that I should do so and I think it is the best we cold have done for it would have made you feel a great deal worse if you had heard it before he came home. I suppose, my dear, that you have heard of the death of Michael Butler. He was a good soldier and we don’t yet know the cause of his death. 1

Our regiment is better drilled and better looking in every way—only in size—than I ever saw it before and I hope it will look as well when our time is out which is less than six months. And oh, dearest Mary, if I ever get to come home, you may be assured that I never shall leave you again for any length of time. I do wish we could meet this very might. I think it would be a joyous meeting as you said in your letter. I don’t think I would be so bashful if I could see you this evening. Oh, I do wish the next six months were past. I feel as though I was a slave under some hard master. If it was not for your letters and your brother James (my brother too now), I don’t know what I would do. And you talk so kind to me that it fairly makes the tears run down my cheeks to read your letters. The folks at home think that soldiering makes a person hard-hearted, but I tell you, they are mightily mistaken for I think it makes a man tender-hearted instead of hard—especially those that have friends at home and have any feeling for them. But this is not interesting to you.

My dear, I don’t know whether any of my letters are interesting to you but there is nothing new going on down here anyhow and I don’t know who could write a good interesting letter. I will now close by telling you to reply soon. James sends his love to you and the family. Give my love to all the family and receive the same yourself, my dear. I will close this from your ever faithful, — William G. Sturges

To Mary A. Stevens

Please excuse my writing. Address William G. Sturges, Co. A, 75th OVI, Ames Brigade, Jacksonville, Florida

This was wrote in haste. Think of Willie. We have missed you.

1 Michael Butler died on 18 March 1864 in camp. His cause of death was not stated in the regimental roster.

2nd Massachusetts Infantry, Battle of Chancellorsville

1863: James Milton Alden to Alonzo Hall Quint

Leave a comment

Charles H. Bickford (1841-1863) was 22 years old when he was killed at the Battle of Chancellorsville on 3 May 1863 while serving in Co. B, 2nd Massachusetts Infantry. Charles was the son of Josiah Bickford (1821-1866) and Sylvia Jane Gleason (1821-Bef1860). As noted in the letter, Charles and his sister Georgianna Bickford (1852-1931) were living with their uncle, James Milton Alden (1808-1896), the husband of Anna Bickford (1810-1890), in Boston’s 1st Ward at the time of the 1860 US Census. Georgianna would later marry Cassius C. Hunt (1844-1914) in 1873.

James Alden wrote the letter to the chaplain of the 2nd Massachusetts Infantry, Rev. Alonzo Hall Quint, seeking particulars on Charles’ death at Chancellorsville and where he might be buried.

I could not find an image of Charles H. Bickford in uniform but here is one of him when he was a young man. The picture was possessed by his sister Georgianna and is now in the Library of Congress.

Transcription

Rev. A. H. Quint, Chaplain, 2nd Mass. Regt., Stafford Court House, via Washington D. C.

Boston [Massachusetts]
May 19, 1863

Rev. A. H. Quint
Dear sir,

My nephew Charles H. B. Bickford, Co. B, Massachusetts 2nd Regiment, is reported killed May 3rd. That is all I have been able to learn. I would be very thankful to you if you would write me the particulars if not too much trouble, where he was buried and whether by his friends or the Rebels. His father, Josiah Bickford is in the 41st Regiment. His sister, 11 years old, lives with me & so did Charles till he was old enough to go to work. Their mother not living, his little sister would as well as his aunts and myself be very much obliged if you would give us what information you can.

Address James Alden, care of T. C. Bacon & Co., Boston, Massachusetts

P. S. If the Captain of his company or someone would send his things by Express or any way to me, they would much oblige his sister. — J. A.

Antebellum Massachusetts, Troy, New York, William Henry Harrison

1840: Ransom Baldwin Moore to Nelson Noble

Leave a comment

This letter was penned by Ransom Baldwin Moore (1818-1880), the son of Charles Moore (1783-1846) and Uretta Vernon (1788-1855) of Saratoga county, New York. An obituary informs us that Ransom came to Troy in 1837 where he engaged in the dry goods business at No. 9 Cannon Place. He 1843 he entered into partnership with E. & H. Merriam, book and stationery dealers, who, under the firm name of Merriam, Warren & Co., carried on business. H. B. Nims bought out Merriam in 1853 and partnered with Moore until 1869 when Moore retired.

Ransom’s letter, written when 21 or 22 years old, provides a detailed account of a hike to “Dry River,” prompting me to investigate the significance of this location, as my Google searches returned no relevant results pertaining to a site near Troy, New York. However, upon examining historical newspapers, I uncovered an article from the American Traveller dated 15 March 1836, which referenced a “singular ravine often called the Dry River” located on the west side of the Hudson. Additionally, an article from 1849 discussed the “deep gorges of Dry River” situated north of West Troy. Perhaps this is the area where Ransom and his companion hiked.

The letter was written on stationery that advertised the sale of a medal commemorating the service of Gen. William Henry Harrison (then a candidate for the Presidency) and the Battle of the Thames, 5 October 1813, during the War of 1812.

The actual bronze medallion depicted in the advertisement.

Transcription

Troy [New York]
June 1, 1840

To N. Noble, Esqr.,

After taking tea with a friend in West Troy, we mutually agreed to take a tramp to “Dry River.” Each obtained a cigar—these being ignitedm we put off. As we proceeded in the main street we were nearly suffocated with dust, which was caused by the rapid whirl of omnibuses & vehicles. However, we soon passed from this “durance vile” to a more pleasant and delightful course.

The wind blew gently from the North which was truly refreshing and enlivening. “the wavy fields” of grain and delicious odor from “verdant hills” and “flowery vales,” threw a halo of beauty and delight upon all we looked upon. As we approached the entrance of the “Dry” Stream which we were about to ascend, I saw a field of clover—green, rank, and thrifty. It sent forth “fragrance delectables.” As I beheld it, I had :immortal longings” within me. And for what? is the inquiry. Not for death that I might be buried there. But to be buried in such a place when dead. But after all, I think it of little consequence when one is buried after life is rendered up.

Our course was westward. When we had gone about half a mile, we turned to the north, proceeded a short distance and then entered “dry river.” Now, we lost sight of the pleasant and undulating scenery, the beholding of which had given me new life, and had filled my soul with new imaginings. We soon entered among the rocks whose steep, craggy and sombre heights shut out much of the resplendent light of day’s all glorious ring. As we continued our winding course, we lost sight of the pleasant landscape over which we had just passed.

A large giant like tree attracted my attention. It waved its bows on the verge of a precipice, as if unmindful of the awful chasm beneath it. Brave tree! cried a voice within me. How long have ye bowed your green branches to the winds of time. I fancied a voice spoke from the rocks and vowed it had been the companion of him in his lone retreat for a hundred years.

We followed the windings of this crooked way nearly two miles. Our ears greeted the song of birds as they skipped from rock to rock and from tree to tree. The cow boy’s voice echoed among the hills and died away in tyhe distance. The rattle of carriage wheels over a bridge in the distant air came to our ears with the north wind, and a thousand familiar incidents were pressed deeply on memory’s tablet, making me mindful of other days—days in which I used to roam among the wild flowers that mirrored their images in the still, translucent water of the Hudson.

Oh, “Joy’s recollections are sweet.” And who, when reviewing the past cannot find some sunny spot on which he can dwell with fondness. But here, about two miles from the mouth, we bid “goodbye” to “dry river,” and my new boots rejoiced with exceeding great joy! We soon came in sight of the town we had left. The sun was behind a hill but he had enciled his golden rays on the steeples and dome which spired auspiciously above the edifices, which, was proud to acknowledge them their own. We arrived before 9 p’clock p.m. tired enough.

Very truly your friend, — R. B. Moore

U. S. Signal Corps

1864: Henry Harrison Brown to Josiah & Louisa

Leave a comment

Henry Harrison Brown (1838-1922) was an 18 year-old shoe-cutter in Abington, Plymouth county, Massachusetts when he married Martha A. Roberts in 1857. It was a trade handed down from his father, Austin Brown (1798-1884), and probably from his grandfather. Henry was 26 years old and the father of two children when he left the work-a-day world of shoemaking to join the army. According to muster rolls, Henry enlisted on 27 February 1864 in the US Signal Corps and was discharged from the service on 26 August 1865.

“Reunion of the U.S. Veteran Signal Corps Civil War Division at the residence of Hermann Meyer, Georgetown, D.C., upon the summit of “Red Hill,” Camp of Instruction of the Signal Corps, U.S.A., August 31, 1861, to August 1865.” (Courtesy of Virginia Easley, descendant.)

Transcription

Georgetown [District of Columbia]
March 18th [1864]

I take this time to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well and I trust that this will find you in good health. I like [it] here very well. We have a good tent with a good stove and good bunks to sleep in. There is 8 in the tent that I live in. There is a Baptist minister in our tent from Ohio. He preaches Sunday nights. There is prayer meetings Thursday nights here. Sundays we have a chance to go to Georgetown to meeting if we like. I went last Sunday to an Episcopal Church.

I do not expect to stay here very long. I just heard there has been a call for a 120 men from this camp. I am to be examined in flag drill tomorrow and if I can drill well enough, I shall very likely go into the field soon. I hear that we shall go to Tennessee but we cannot tell until we go.

I wish you would see to getting Martha’s state aid when it is due. My state bounty I expect next week. Although I do not have many comforts of home, yet we all enjoy ourselves most of the time very well. I think I shall like it first rate when we get into the field.

I must now close. Give my respects to Isaiah and wife and all friends. Good night. Write soon and tell me all the news in Abington. Direct to Henry H. Brown, Signal Camp, Georgetown, D. C.

72nd New York Infantry

1863: Lee O’ Donaghey to his Parents

Leave a comment

This letter was written by Lee O’Donaghey who, at age 25, enlisted at Dunkirk to serve three years as a private in Co. D, 72nd New York Infantry. He was promoted to corporal in early May 1862 and wounded in action during the fighting at Malvern Hill on 1 July 1862. He was discharged for his wounds at Carver Hospital in Washington D. C. on 13 December 1862 and received compensation as an invalid in December 1863.

Transcription

Camp Caldwell
September 14, 1861

Dear Parents,

I received your letter in due time & should have answered before but had to start out on a scouting expedition the same day & have but just returned. We went about a hundred miles Southern & Eastern Maryland. We were within 8 miles of Annapolis, the Capitol of the State. There was only three companies of us and we took about twenty prisoners and a number of swords, guns, and pistols &c. so you see we did not go for nothing and we are the first company in the regiment that have done anything as yet & the Colonel thinks we can stand more than any company he has got but I tell you, we had a hard trip of it. Only started with one day’s rations & were out five so we had to do the best we could & I assure you the chickens and sheep had to suffer for when we came across any, we shot them for we were bound to have something to eat anyway.

We averaged about 25 miles a day through one of the worst countries I think I ever saw. We had to ford creeks up to our waists & many of them too so you see it was not very pleasant but I stood it first [rate] & never felt better than I do now, &c. It is very healthy in camp. Our boys are all in good health. We expect to get paid off today when I shall try and send home $20 and you can do as you think best about letting Kirg have it to pay towards his place. But if he does use it, I want it fixed so if I ever come back, I shall have some benefit of it for I don’t want to lose it all. I shall send by Express & will write you again when I send so you can look out for it.

I don’t think of anymore this time as I shall probably write again tomorrow. Respects to all. Write soon. From your son, — Lee O’ Donaghey

11th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Camp Hamilton

1862: Pardon Edgar Covey to his Cousin Mary

2 Comments

The following letter was written by Pardon Edgar Covey (1843-1896), the son of Almeron Covey (1813-1903) and Mary Ann Sisco (1817-1896) of Abington, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania. Pardon enlisted in Co. K of the 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry (108th Volunteers)—sometimes called “Harlan’s Light Cavalry.” He served from 25 August 1861 to 13 November 1863 according to his discharge papers, though the company muster rolls say he served until 1865.

The 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry was ordered to Fortress Monroe, Virginia, in mid-November 1861 and they remained there on duty at nearby Camp Hamilton until May 1862. Covey’s letters speaks of the arrival of infantry at Camp Hamilton as McClellan began his build up for launching the Peninsula Campaign.

Pardon Covey’s Discharge Papers

Transcription

Camp Hamilton, Virginia
March 23, 1862

Dear Cousin,

I take the present time to answer your kind letter to let you know that I am well and hope this may find you the same. It has been quite unpleasant for the last few days but it is looking more now like good weather now. It looks like spring for the green grass is springing up fast and soon will be good feed for cattle. What few farmers that is left here has commenced planting potatoes and making garden. It looks like May with us. The leaves putting forth their leaves and the flowers is blooming on every bush.

Mary, I am in hopes of seeing all the folks up there before long. We are expecting to soon move from here toward the rebels. There has been about thirty thousand men that has landed here and expect sixty thousand more. When all of them get here, there will be something done towards the end of this war.

You said that some of the girls said that the boys that went to war was cowards. You tell them that we can stand and defend our country and when we return we can go with the best of the girls but not such gurls that calls soldiers cowards for they don’t know what good men is. I shall have to close for this time. You must write soon and tell all the news. So no more. This from yours truly, — Pardon Covey

101st Indiana Infantry, Rossville, Georgia

1864: William Henry Harrison Smith to his Sister

Leave a comment

The following letter was written by William Henry Harrison Smith (1840-1933), the son of Thomas Thorburg Smith (1800-1881) and Catharine Geary (1812-1882) of Bluffton who enlisted on 16 August 1862 to serve in Co. B, 101st Indiana Infantry. He mustered out of the regiment on 24 June 1865. In his letter, William mentions his younger brother, Lucas Flattery Smith (1844-1924) who enlisted when he was 17 in Co. G, 101st Indiana Infantry.

William wrote the letter to his sister, Catharine L. Smith, Murray, Wells county, Indiana, though the envelope is addressed to his mother, also named Catharine.

William Henry Harrison Smith (at right) with son Artemus in Smith’s Drug Store, St. Helena, California.

Transcription

Camp 101st Regt. Indiana Vols.
Co. B, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division
14th Army Corps
Rossville, Georgia
January 31st, 1864

Dear Sister,

I received your kind and welcome letter last Friday and I was glad to learn that you were all well. I am happy to say that this leaves me well. Lucas is going to write today and we will send our letters in one envelope. We are still at Rossville but do not know how long we will remain. We have pretty heavy duty here but we are now getting tolerable plenty rations and I don’t mind all the duty that I have to do if I have plenty to eat. We have quite a treat today. There was a lot of onions sent out here to our hospital and we are so lucky as to have no sick so they were issued to the regiment which is something of a rarity with us. Our regiment is in the best health now that they have been since we came out. I don’t know of a single case of sickness in the regiment.

We have had extremely beautiful weather here for the last two weeks. It was exactly such weather as we have there in May. The birds are singing and everything seems lively, but we see no sturdy plowman come forth to turn up the fresh ground nor no laborer seeking useful employment but all around is soldiers. I don’t care where you go, you will find soldiers.

The presents you sent us were gratefully received and in the package of paper that I took for mine I found a little revolver and Lucas found a small finger ring in his. I am going to send my revolver to Zack and he can shoot rats with it. You speak of sending a box to us but need not send any for we are not particular in want of anything. All that I would want would be some provision and it is so far and so many delays that provisions would be spoiled before it would get here, and we can get along very well now on what rations we have.

You speak of it being very cold back there New Year. Well, it was the same here. People that live here said that it was the coldest day they ever experienced. I was on picket that day. I think I will remember that day a long time. I don’t know what ails my leg. It is still sore and running some but it does not hurt me much. In fact, it is only by spells that I mind it at all.

You speak of some scandalous letters that were found in the post office there. Well, I believe that Smith Logan is the author of them for he sent a letter of the same kind to his brother John here, I read it and it did exceed anything that I ever heard. He swore that he did not own him as a brother and he hoped that he would never get home and wished him and his family in hell and swore that he hoped that the rebels would whip us in every battle and gain their independence. And if he would fight on either side, he said he would go to the rebs. John asked me what I thought of it and I told him that I would have it attended to so we took it and gave it to the Major. He copied it off and sent a copy back and I hope to hear of the villain getting justice which will be hanging. It was Smith’s own hand writing and his name signed to it.

Oh yes, you ask me if I have had a sleigh ride yet. No, we have not had snow enough to cover the ground and to go sleighing on the dry ground is a kind of riding I don’t like. Besides, I have not saw a sleigh since I left home. I will stop for this time. Excuse hurriedness. Your brother, — Wm. H. H. S.

Write soon. Goodbye.

Addressed to Mrs. Catharine Smith, Murray, Wells County, Indiana
11th New Hampshire Infantry

1862: Samuel Alexander Richards to Harriet (Rundlett) Richards

Leave a comment
I could not find an image of Samuel but here is Joseph A, Brown who also served in Co. H, 10th New Hampshire Infantry (Dave Morin Collection)

The following letter was written by 50 year-old Samuel Alexander Richards (1812-1882) who enlisted at Goffstown as a private on 8 August 1862 to serve in Co. H, 10th New Hampshire Infantry. Samuel remained in the service until 21 June 1865.

Samuel was married in 1844 to Harriet Rundlett (1828-1899). The couple lived at Goffstown, Hillsboro county, New Hampshire, where he earned a living as a farmer and carpenter.

The 10th New Hampshire Infantry left New Hampshire and moved to Washington, D. C., in late September 1862. They then moved to Frederick, Maryland. and about the 1st of October to Sandy Hook, Maryland, and on October 4th to Pleasant Valley October 6 where this letter was finished. They had duty at Pleasant Valley until October 27, 1862 when they made the march to Falmouth, Va., October 27-November 19 and where they fought their first battle at Fredericksburg, December 12-15.

Transcription

Patriotic letterhead of Samuel’s letter, “Tenth New Hampshire Regiment.”

Harpers Ferry [Virginia]
October 6th 1862

Dear Wife,

I take one moment to let you know of my health. It is pretty good and I hope you all enjoy the same blessing. I have had a busy time since I wrote to you before. We stayed at Arlington Heights two days. It was pack up for another field on Monday. I was left to see to the officer’s baggage and take them to Washington. The company went to the Ferry and I did not meet them for one week. I had a hard time. I had to buy all I had to eat. The provisions were all packed up. I came to Washington [and] waited for the cars four days, got the baggage on and was 24 hours on the road all safe, the officers and men cheering me on my arrival. They had heard I was taken prisoner with the baggage but they were pleased enough to find all safe. I spent about all the money I had. I mean they shall pay for it but I can’t get it at present. They steal all they can get hold of.

I should not write much as I have not had any line from you. We had for supper 1 dry cracker, 1 dipper of coffee. We have not got our provisions yet. We move again today. We go to Burnside’s Brigade & you will hear something before long.

Give my love to the children. Kiss them and bless them and may God bless you all. Farewell. Write for I want to hear from you very much. Direct your letters to Washington D. C., Co. H, 10th Regt. New Hampshire Volunteers.

I wish I had stayed in Washington a week longer for I am hungry. Don’t let anyone know what I have wrote. Tell my friends—if I have any—to write. You write twice a week. Write all the particulars and let me know how you get along for I want to know what you are a doing. Give my respects to all.

We have made another move to Pleasant Valley—a very pretty place situated between large mountains as beautiful as the eye ever beheld. We have sent for our rations now so we shall have something to eat. I am as good as the officers and quite intimate. They [treat] me very well. I have not been on guard since I left New Hampshire. I should be very contented if it was not for my family. I think of you all the time. Think of me sometimes. yours till death, — Sam A. Richards

They were telegraphing all night from one mountain to another with lights. It [ ] enough October 4th 1862