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.
16th Michigan Infantry, Brady's Sharpshooters, Eltham's Landing, West Point, Va.

1862: Owen Miles Higgins to Beeri B. Noyes

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The following letter was written by Canadian-born Owen Miles Higgins (1840-1913) who came to the United States with his parents, Miles Higgins (1820-1894) and Mary Devitt (18xx-1890) in 1849. During the Civil War, Owen volunteered to enlist in February, 1862, with a company of marksmen recruited at Detroit known as “Brady’s Sharpshooters” named after a Frontier General. It was organized by Captain Kiniston S. Dygert who had served under that General. On the records of the adjutant General’s office the company was designated as the first independent company of sharpshooters and they were attached to the 16th Michigan Infantry (previously known as “Stockton’s Independent Regiment“). Brady’s Sharpshooters or “Dygert’s Sharpshooters” as they were alternately called, served with the 16th Michigan Regiment until the close of the war. Although they were issued standard military rifles (Prussian Lorenz and Schuetzen Rifles, we had 1861 Springfields and 1853 Enfields), many of the volunteers brought with them their personal customized target rifles, often equipped with telescopic sights, which were used in local shooting competitions. The special mission and origin of these sharpshooters helps to explain the strong esprit de corps of the unit, and why, throughout its service, no draftees were ever included; all of the Brady’s Sharpshooters were volunteers, and though casualty rates were high, there was only one desertion in the field.

The 16th Michigan regiment and Brady’s Sharpshooters would first see action in the Siege of Yorktown and were soon assigned to the V Corps, as part of the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Division.

A portion of the letter was penned by Charles McCormick whom I believe was the infantryman by that name who served in Co. D, 4th Michigan Regiment. He was in a different brigade than Owen but both brigades were in Fitz John Porter’s 1st Division of Heintzelman’s III Corps during the Peninsula Campaign. As such, they were probably camped near each other.

The letter was addressed to Beeri B. Noyes (1841-1924) of Macomb county, Michigan. He was married to Jerusha McCormick (1842-1905) so he would have been Charles McCormick’s brother-in-law.

Transcription

Patriotic stationery used by Owen Higgins

West Point Virginia,
May 12th 1862

Friend B. B. Noyes,

I have sat down to write you a few lines to let you know where & how we are. We are at West Point. We left Yorktown the 6th after the evacuation & sailed up the York river on the United States Steamship. There had been a fight the day before we landed here by our troops & the Brigade of Texan Rangers, 1 Negroes & Indians & two regiments of ours drove them with quite a loss, but they took some of our men prisoners but said they showed no quarters nor asked any, so they killed all of our men that they took by cutting their throats from ear to ear & cutting their tongues out of their head so they can’t ask any quarters nor we won’t give any. We will kill every Negro that we get our eyes on hereafter. Some of our boys have killed five or six now within a day or two for their barbarity by cutting their throats or hanging them up by their heels.

A big thing—we caught a spy during the recent skirmish at this place that owns this plantation. He was down at Halls Hill, Va., selling songs & you probably have heard one of them—the new Dixie that Fred Smith sent back & he used to get up on stumps & sing. But he will learn to dance now on a swing. He went by here under guards & the boys commenced singing some of his patriotic songs to him as he went marching along. We are now under marching orders with three days rations for Richmond. Well, I guess I will bring this letter to a close & let Charley have a chance as he is here. Please write. From O[wen] Higgins to B. B. Noyes

Direct the same as usual. Stockton’s Michigan Regiment, Brady S[harpshooters].

West Point, Va.
May 12, 1862

Dear Brother,

As I am here & Owen is a writing, he wants me to write a little but I don’t know anything to write. I wrote a letter home yesterday. We are a having the nicest weather that I ever saw. I wish that you could be here a few days to see how we get along. We have a having good times.

I went to drill this forenoon & we went down on the shore & went in a swimming. We stayed in the water till our time was up and then we went back to camp so I think that we had a good drill—just the kind that I like. Owen sits here with his hands on his knees a thinking about something, I don’t know. No more at present, so goodbye. This from your brother, — C. McCormick

1 It was not the “Texas Rangers” but men of John Bell Hood’s Texas Brigade that advanced on the Union troops near Eltham’s Landing near West Point, Virginia. The battle was really nothing more than a heavy skirmish. There were 194 Union casualties and 49 Confederate. There were no Indians or Negroes assisting in the Confederate attack and no instances of brutality that such was suggested in this letter than I could find in the literature—not even period newspapers.

Ellsworth's Fire Zouaves, New York Homefront

1861: David Watson Conkling to Louise L. Randall

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Patriotic letterhead on stationery using by Conkling in 1861

The following letter were written by David Watson (“Wat”) Conkling (1835-1904), the son of David Conkling (1806-1881) and Almira Ann Watson (1810-1865) of Rensselaerville, Albany county, New York. Wat wrote the letters to Louisa (“Lou”) L. Randall (1841-1903), the daughter of Andrew Jackson Randall (1815-1879) and Juliette King (1815-1892) of Union, Monroe county, New York. The letters were written in the days ahead of Wat & Lou’s marriage on 19 June 1861.

Letter 1

New York
May 28, 1861

My own darling Lou,

Again I am seated to have a nice chat with you, although this talking all to ones self is not always pleasant, for this is the fourth letter I have written you dear and have received but one in reply. I did hope that I should have a letter from you while I was here but as yet have not heard one in two weeks. Yet I hope I may have a letter tonight. Have you been sick darling that you have not written me! or are you so busy you can not get time.

I left home last Thursday and have been here since Friday. I have enjoyed my visit very much although my time has been occupied with business. I have completed my purchases today. We have been buying your Bridal Presents and I think they are splendid.

Col. Elmer Ellsworth

New York is all excitement about the War. Every day the booming of cannon announces the departure of some regiment for the seat of War. Last Sunday there was a grand procession in honor of the late Colonel Ellsworth who was assassinated at Alexandria by a secessionist named Jackson. Ellsworth was a fine officer and commanded the Chicago Zouaves.

Soldiers are to be seen marching the streets and occasionally you meet a company drumming up recruits marching around the streets with martial music and colors flying. Saturday there was a grand display of military forming a column of five miles in length and four men abroad.

The weather is very fine, being just warm enough to be pleasant.

I shall return home tomorrow which is Wednesday and if I do not get a letter from you before I leave here, I hope to find one on my return home. I sent you a list of friends that I wish you to invite [to our wedding] with their mail address and I wish you to mail them. I will send you an extra 50 for your own use. Invite whoever you think best of your friends and neighbors. Uncle S[tephen] V[an] R[ensselaer] Watson and sister Mollie and Aunt Charlotte from Buffalo and Uncle Williams people will be all of my friends that I think will attend the wedding. The Complimentary Cards I will bring when I come out. I will express the cards to Holley to your father and he can send by the Kendall Stage for them if he chooses to. I will express them Wednesday the 29th instead. I think they will be at Holley on Friday of this week.

Only three short weeks will elapse, darling lover, before you will see me again and then we will not be separated, will we darling Lou? The time seems so very long—does it to you, dearest? I have thought of you almost constantly of late. Do not work too hard, darling girl. I should have sent you some music but I know you have not the time to learn it now. I sent you some papers. Did you receive them? And now, goodbye with one sweet kiss. I will write you Monday if I receive a letter from you this week. Good night dearest Louisa.

As ever yours and yours only, — D. W. Conkling

P. S. Write soon!

Letter 2

Rensselaer Ville, June 9, 1861—(not transcribed)

5th New York Infantry, Baltimore, Maryland, Camp Federal Hill, Harewood Hospital

1861-62: James E. Weir to his Father

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The following letters were written by James E. Weir who mustered in as a private in Co. C, 5th New York Infantry on 9 May 1861 to serve two years. He mustered out with company on 14 May 1863, at New York city. The regiment—also known as Duryée’s Zouaves—were moved to the Virginia Peninsula with two weeks of their mustering into service and encamped near Fortress Monroe, and then at Newport News before leading the force at Big Bethel in mid-June 1861. Following that they were sent to Baltimore to protect the railroads and the city. They garrisoned an earthen fort at the summit of Federal Hill.

Duryea Zouaves, Adjutant General Regimental Mess, Fort Schuyler, May 18, 1861. Metropolitan Museum of Art

Letter 1

Camp Hamilton
June 26, 1861

Dear Father & Mother,

I write you these few lines to let you know that I am in good health as I hope you are at present. We are very busy here at present digging trenches and building batteries. We are building four batteries about a mile apart. We work at night time so they cannot see us working. Last Sunday we went over to Hampton—40 of us—and got a flag pole, the first one that ever had a secession flag on. We dug it up and brought it over here to camp and we expect to raise it on the Fourth of July and have a good time over it. I send you a piece of the pole as a relic. It is the same pole that we took the secession flag from that was sent down to the city last week.

We have got two pieces of artillery—one a Howitzer, and the other is a rifled cannon and we expect some in the course of a week or so.

The sergeant that got shot last week is getting along very well. I just came in from picket guard. We have ben away for two days. We have to march 10 miles before we get to the place where the guard stops. It is very hot out here. There is not a man out here but is sun burnt and the skin is pealing off their face. I forgot to tell you that every regiment takes turns once a week. We all get along very well here—only for the sun.

Robert Williams is a disgrace to his company and the regiment. I suppose that he will get drummed out of the regiment so if he comes home, you will know the reason. On Monday when we were on drill, there was a pair of pantaloons hanging up in one of Company A’s tents and there was some letters and money in them and when the man came after them, he swore he did not see them and he had them on him at the same time and he was the first one to open his knapsack and let them search it. He lost his own and that [was] the reason he took them, because he thought that he was going home so let all the boys know it. He is inn the guard house now waiting to be court martialed.

I sent a letter to James White but did not get an answer yet. There was one of Company A men died yesterday and was taken to the City. Give my best respects to all my friends and all the boys and girls. Send word how the children is. I hope they are getting better again. Remember me to William Henry. So no more at present. From your affectionate son, – James E. Weir

I wish you would send me a couple of envelopes. I have only a few. Goodbye. Write soon as I am anxious to know how you are all. Tell John Bolen to write soon.

Letter 2

Camp Federal Hill
July 30th 1861

Dear Father & Mother,

I write these few lines to let you know that I am in good health as I hope you are at present.

On Thursday we got orders to strike tents and get three days rations ready for a march to Fox Hill and then from there to Yorktown. But the order was countermanded and then the orders was to march on to Washington. So we started about 10 o’clock the next night and embarked on board the steamer Adelaide for Baltimore, then to Washington, but instead of going to Washington we encamped on Federal Hill, Baltimore, near Fort McHenry. It is a splendid place. We have a splendid view of the City of Baltimore. It looks more like being home.

Last night we had a long roll and every man was in line in less time than could be thought of. Then there was four companies picked out for to go to President Street Railroad Station to quell a riot. But when we got there, it was all over so they had no fun as they call it. We had crowds of visitors every day coming to see us. I sent you a Secession envelope which I got in the City of Baltimore.

Robert Williams 1 received his sentence last night. His sentence was to have his head shaved and receive no pay and a board hanging around his neck with the word “Thief” printed on it and be drummed out of the regiment for stealing a pair of pants from Private Wams [?] of Company I. Also stealing a sash from Private [Charles E.] Ellis in the same tent with himself, and third stealing a pistol from Private [William] Potts, also in the same tent with him. There is not a man in the company sorry for him but they pity his father and mother as I do myself. Some of the boys says he run the guard. I have not seen him since last night so I cannot tell.

We expect to go to Washington as soon as some regiment relieves us as we had to relieve the 18th Pennsylvania Regiment. But not until then.

Give my best respects to all my friends and all the boys and girls, Remember me to the children and to William Henry. Tell Albert Buschman he must excuse me for not writing as we have been very busy ever since I received his, but I will write as soon as I get time. Sergeants [George E.] Hager and [Galbreath] Mathews send their best respects to you. When you write, direct your letter to Camp Federal Hill, Baltimore, instead of Camp Hamilton. No more at present. From your affectionate son, — James E. Weir

Write soon. Goodbye.

1 Robert H. Williams was 19 years old when he enlisted in April 1861 at New York City to serve as a private in Co. C, 5th New York Infantry. He deserted on 31 July 1861 at Baltimore, Maryland.

Letter 3

Camp Federal Hill
November 3rd 1861

Dear Father,

I received your letter of the 1st inst. and was glad to find you well as I am very well myself. We have got done working on our battery and have 36 guns mounted on it. We also raised a large flag pole about 150 feet hight and hoisted the Stars & Stripes on it last week. The flag is 36 x 20 feet wide—one that was presented to us by the people of Baltimore, Maryland.

An unknown soldier in the 5th New York Infantry (LOC)

We drill about twice a week on the guns. I wrote to James White and have not received any answer yet and a couple from Albert Buschman. I am glad that you had such a good time on hallow eve. I wrote to Johnny McGrayan about 3 weeks ago and have not got any answer. Tell him I would like to hear from him very much. I heard that all the boys and girls has moved away from around there.

I would like very much if you would send me the Weekly instead of the Ledger for there is a man in our tent that gets it. Then we could have two papers instead of one.

Sergeant [Norman H.] Camp has got a commission in a New Jersey Regiment as 2nd Lieutenant. 1 The men is very sorry for him leaving us.

I send you a piece of stone that came from a battery of six guns which sunk the English fleet when they were bombarding Fort McHenry in Baltimore. There was a large swivel gun mounted on this stone of which this is a piece of.

I suppose that it is very cold in New York now. It is very nice weather here. There was talk of building barracks next week for winter quarters.

Give my best respects to Henry and give my best respects to the boys and girls. No more at present. From your son, — James E. Weir

Write soon. I received the papers you sent.

1 Norman H. Camp was promoted sergeant in Co. C on 28 October 1861. He was discharged on 29 October 1861 to accept a commission and 2d Lieutenant of Co. K, 4th New Jersey Volunteers.

Letter 4

Harewood Hospital
October 8, 1862

Dear Father,

I received your letter of the 5th and was glad to find you all in good health. I still continue the same way. I am sorry that I did not see Mrs. Gibson. There is a great many ladies comes here to the hospital to give any little nourishment that the sick like to have. I got a letter from Johnny McGray on the next day after I received yours. He says that Jim is in business in King Street, Alexandria. He wrote about the marriage and said they had a good time of it.

It would be a great deal better for Robert Gibson to get home if he could for he is hardly able to stand it. But he has stuck it out pretty good since he has been in the army. There is no such thing as getting a furlough to go home. Those that is home has skedaddled from the regiments when the fighting was going on and got home.

I have been expecting a letter from one of the boys in the regiment but I believe they have not got any mail yet. But they expect it every day [or] so one of the boys that has left the regiment lately says.

I wish you would tell John Hamilton to write a little oftener. Do not be so long in answering my letters for I feel very bad when I do not hear from home. You might try and see if you could not get me a furlough. If it is any trouble to get it, you need not trouble yourself about it for I am not very anxious to get home for it would be just as bad leaving again as it was when I first left. I will try and see if I cannot get out and see Anthony for I would like to see him very much.

Those men that has deserted ought to be sent somewhere and made [to] work all the time they were away from their regiments.If they cannot stay long enough from home until they serve their time out [that] they swore in for, they ought not join the army but stay home and go and starve. If they do not think enough of the country, they ought to leave it.

Give my respects to all the boys and girls. Also remember me to William, Henry, and the children. No more. From your affectionate son, — James E. Weir

Write soon.

17th New York Infantry, Camp Butterfield

1861: Andrew W. Perkins to Friend George

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This letter was written by Andrew W. Perkins of Co. I, 17th New York Infantry. The 17th regiment — the “Westchester Chasseurs” — contained four companies from Westchester county, two from New York city, one from each of the counties of Rockland, Chenango, Wayne and Wyoming, and was mustered into the U. S. service at New York city, May 28, 1861, for a two years’ term. It went into camp at Camp Washington, Staten Island, until June 21, when it left for Washington and was stationed at Fort Ellsworth near Alexandria. With the 2nd brigade, 5th division, which was held in reserve, the regiment was present at Bull Run. In September it was posted at Fairfax seminary; in October was ordered to Hall’s hill, where it was assigned to Butterfield’s brigade, 1st division, 3d corps, and established permanent winter quarters.

Andrew was 35 years old when he enlisted on 10 May 1861 at Newark, Wayne county, New York. He was discharged for disability on 9 January 1862 after 8 months service. Andrew gave his residence as Sodus when he enlisted. Though it seems unlikely, since I was unable to find any record of Andrew after the Civil War, he may have been the same Andrew W. Perkins (same age) who enlisted on 1 March 1862 to serve in Co. A of the 11th Regular Army. This Andrew was later transferred to Co. E and during the fighting at Laurel Hill on 8 May 1864, was severely wounded. His left leg was amputated in an attempt to save his life but he died on 1 June 1864.

Note: Andrew’s letter was written on patriotic Indiana Stationery but of course had nothing to do with the State of Indiana.

17th New York Infantry at Hall’s Hill, Virginia; Butterfield’s Brigade; Fitz John Porter’s Division

Transcription

Camp Butterfield [Hall’s Hill, Virginia]
December 28 [1861]

Dear Friend George,

I received your letter a few days ago and was glad to hear from a friend once more for true friends are scarce these times. there is much flying rumor in camp about moving from here but where we will go or whether we go at all we cannot tell. Nothing especial has happened since my last letter to disturb the monotony of camp life. There is about the same amount of drilling and plenty of double quicking yet and all of the soldiers fare that a man need ask for.

The 17th was on picket this week and got in this noon with no accident or incident worth naming. Two of Co. K’s men were caught asleep on post and marched as prisoners into camp but it is thought that their punishment will be light as their previous behavior has been good.

William Irish left camp for home last Monday. He was here a little over a week and seemed to enjoy camp life as a free man but he did not like to be a slave to Uncle Sam and I am sure no one who tries it will blame him.

I have been quite sick for some time past and there is no need of my thinking of trying to be a soldier so I have applied for a discharge and the papers are made out and await the signature of head officers but I shall not probably get them under two or three weeks and then I shall make my way to Old Wayne if I live to get there.

I understand that you have changed your mode of life since I saw you and I am glad to hear of it.

People may say what they have a mind to of the beauty of Virginia. It is a sham—that is, as far as I have seen. It is all done in a one-horse style and nothing looks as it does in the North. But it will look worse yet when our army leaves it for I assure you that we are making sad havoc in Niggerdom. The fences are all burned, woods cut down, and everything destroyed that the soldiers come in contact with. And if the planters ever come back here, they will find some work to do to build their fences again and repair damages and some of them will have to build new houses too for we have torn a good many down and burned them up or took them to fix our tents with.

I have no more to write as I know of so I might as well stop and I would like to get an answer from this before I leave camp and I will answer it in person. Goodbye. Yours, — Andrew Perkins

32nd Ohio Infantry, Winchester, Virginia

1862: Joseph Penn Marriott to Will. J. Graham

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The following letter was signed, “J. P. M.” (I think) and I believe it was written by Joseph Penn Marriott (1840-1863), the son of Henry Thomas Marriott (1807-1875) and Rebecca Penn (1807-1884) of Claibourne, Union county, Ohio. Joseph enlisted as a corporal in Co. B, 32nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry (OVI) and was with the regiment until his death of typhoid fever at Vicksburg, Mississippi, on 20 August 1863.

At the time that Joseph wrote this letter in mid-July 1862, the 32nd OVI was in Piatt’s Brigade, White’s Division, with provost and fatigue duty at Winchester, Va. where they were regularly abused by the women citizens whom he referred to as “she devils.”

Henry Thomas Marriott
Rebecca (Penn) Marriott

Joseph’s parents.

Transcription

Addressed to Will. J. Graham, Delaware, Delaware county, State of Ohio

Winchester, Virginia
July 11, 1862

Friend Will,

As we have at last go so near a civilized place as to get a sheet of paper, and in a place where we can send and receive letters from the United States. I have concluded to send a short epistle to you.

We had not seen a train of cars since last September until we came here. And the first day we were here, a long train came into town.

A few days ago we were with Banks and Sigel’s army at Strasburg. They have the largest army that ever I saw when they are together. They have gone on but where to, I know not, but suppose they are bound for Richmond. For some cause or other, Gen. [Abram S.] Piatt’s Brigade composed of the 32nd, 60th Ohio, and 39th New York Regiments were sent back to this place. Don’t know whether we will remain here long or not. But the way we have been digging rifle pits and throwing up breastworks looks as though some person was destined to hold this valley. No doubt they will keep us here without reinforcements until Old Jackson will come back and run us out like he did Banks.

Our Lieut. Col. [Ebenezer H. Swinney] is Provost Marshal of Winchester and four companies of the [32nd OVI] regiment are provost guard. Our camp was there a day or two but they concluded to send us back to the country to work in the fortifications. It is not quite as pleasant working as it is living in the city but as I am very well aware, it is not pleasure that we are working for. If any rebel force ever some down to run us out of the valley, we will send a few shell from some thirty-two pounders before leaving down into the town and see what effect that will have on the she devils permitted this far to remain unmolested.

Am in a hurry and will have to close for this time. Write soon. Excuse this and write soon. From J. P. M.

81st Pennsylvania Infantry, Battle of Gettysburg

1862-63: John Parker to Daniel Wentz

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The following letters were written by 18 year-old John Parker to David Wentz (1806-1882) of Parryville, Carbon county, Pennsylvania. In the 1860 US Census, John was enumerated in the Wentz household and employed as a farm hand. In the 1870 US Census, John was enumerated in the household of Harrison Wentz in Franklin, Carbon county, Pa., and employed as a school teacher. John may have been an orphan and the Wentz family may have been relatives.

There were many John Parkers who served in the Union army during the Civil War but he was the one that served in Co. H, 81st Pennsylvania Infantry—a company that was raised in Carbon county, Pennsylvania, in August 1861. The 81st Pennsylvania participated in the Battle of Gettysburg as part of the 1st Brigade, of Caldwell’s First Division, in Hancock’s II Corps. They were engaged in the pursuit of Lee’s army following his defeat at Gettysburg and would have been in the vicinity of Funkstown, Maryland, at that time.

Letter 1

Patriotic header on letter featuring lithograph of McClellan on horseback.

[Harrison’s Landing]
July 5th 1862

Mr. Daniel Wentz,

Dear sir, I let you know by these few lines that I am well at present and hope these few lines will find you all in the same state of health. Your letter dated June 21st came duly to hand yesterday and was very glad for it. I read it with much pleasure but I hope you don’t pity your old sawmill dam and the bumble bees has been flying again and our regiment is cut up very bad. Britten and A[lfred] Overolester, W. Bennet is safe.

Where L. Knous is, no one knows. He is not along with the regiment anymore but he has not been in the battle either at Fair Oaks. He is a great soldier. He ran away every time. Where he is now, we don’t know. He is either lost or taken prisoner. This battle has been on Sunday and Monday our regiment has been in three battles. We retreated onward to James River but we have drove them back again. But I guess McClellan done it to coax them out of Richmond. There is thousands of thousands men fell. You can’t say that I haven’t been in war. If I will ever come home, I hope I will though the Bucktails has got cut up too very bad. But John Vogle and his Father & H. Swartz is safe too. F. Suter is hit from a piece of shell at his head but he is all right too. He won’t mind that. I have seen those men myself but I have seen some other men out of the same regiment and they have told me so.

I have sent $15 to Dennis with the Express to Parryville. If any of you want the money for your own use, why so take it and take that what I owe you for sending home my clothes. I have only got $17.75 for my pay this time. I have two months yet to come now. This is all I have to say for this time. They will put, I guess, three or four regiments together now and you want to know my Captain’s name yet. His name is [Thomas C.] Harkness but he is wounded now and gone home. I have told you in another letter already but perhaps you didn’t get it. Yours truly in hand, — John Parker

Please write soon in care of Col. John Stone, Co. H, 81st Regt. P. V., Howard Brigade, Sumner’s Corps, Washington D. C.

To be forwarded.

Letter 2

Patriotic stationery used by John Parker to write his letter in pencil, dated 11 July 1863

Funkstown, Maryland
July 11th 1863

Mr. Daniel Wentz—dear sir,

I now let you know by these few lines that I received your letter on the 8th which was dated June 22nd and was glad to hear that you are all well as this leaves me. I am also well, hoping these few lines may find you enjoying the same blessing.

You have stated in your letter that Dennis & Harriet would think more of me at present than ever they did which I am glad to hear but the way he wrote in his letter, it did not seem so.

You have also stated about the rebels being in Pennsylvania which was true enough, but they are not in now at present for we have routed them out of it. They are now yet in Maryland but they would not be in here any more if they could cross the Potomac river. We have also had a battle at Gettysburg and are expecting another one here in Maryland.

I am still tending to the mail. We are at present laying at Funkstown in line of battle ready to pull the triggers at any minute and are very anxious to do it for fear the rebels will cross the river and we have to follow them again in Virginia. I have also received a letter from Harrison the same time. He has stated about me lending him some money. I will leave that to Dennis because he’s got it but for my part, he can have it if Dennis don’t use it himself. Dennis can now do as he likes. This is all I have to say for this time. — John Parker

Write soon.

13th Michigan Infantry, Battle of Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Tennessee

1863: Samuel Williston Ludden to Cornelia (Johns) Ludden

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The following letter was written by Samuel Williston (“Will”) Ludden (1841-1889), the son of Nathaniel Thayer Ludden (1808-1846) and Cornelia Johns (1817-1895) of Detroit, Michigan.

I could not find an image of Will but here is one of Burton Abbey who also served as a sergeant in Co. D, 13th Michigan Infantry (Ancestry.com)

Will enlisted as a private in Co. D, 13th Michigan Infantry in January 1862 for three years and mustered out as a sergeant. His older brother, Henry D. Ludden (1837-1891), served as a corporal in Chadwick’s Company Michigan Engineers.

There is no date on this letter but the regimental history informs us that the 13th Michigan was one of the first regiments to march into Chattanooga on the morning of the 13th of September. It then proceeded almost at once to Chickamauga, where it was engaged the 19th and 20th of September, coming in contact with the Confederate forces near the Lee and Gordon’s Mills, where before the close of the battle, it lost 107 killed, wounded and missing out of a total of 217 men, the numbers of officers and men the Regiment carried into the action. Since the envelope appears to bear a Nashville, TN, postmark of 25 September, it is presumed this letter was penned just prior to the Battle of Chickamauga, the battlefield being approximately 20 miles from Chattanooga.

Transcription

Addressed to Mrs. Cornelia Ludden, Box 9023, Detroit, Michigan. Envelope includes verse, “The Song My Mother Sang.”

Camp in the field, 14 miles in advance of Chattanooga
September 1863

Dear Mother,

I have but a few minutes to let you know of my welfare as we expect to move camp in a few minutes & the mail is about going out. Well, I suppose you have heard of the downfall of Chattanooga. We marched in there three days ago, Wood’s Division being the first troops to enter the town, our Brigade in advance. I am now at Headquarters as Sergt. of Provost Guard. I have 18 men to see to. I took my squad & by a short cut was the first in Chattanooga. I wish you could of seen the Butternuts flew when we got within a mile of them. There was two or three regiments of cavalry left as rear guards & such a dust as they kicked up when they left you never saw. We took but a few prisoners but those that were captured seemed glad to get out of the service & were willing to take the Oath of Allegiance & become peaceable citizens.

We are moving toward Atlanta at which place we shall probably have a big fight. When you think of me, you may place me in the rear of the whole Division during a fight as it will probably be my business to take charge of prisoners so do not fret about us boys. Only 14 months longer & then for a happy time at home. Henry is well. He has at last picked up a horse so that walking & his has had a falling out. We are all well. I will write you a long letter as soon as I can find time. I will close with much love to all. Tell them all to write [and] not wait for me. With much love, I remain affectionately, your son, — Will Ludden

153rd Indiana Infantry

1865: Smith Goodin to Sarah Maria (Connett) Goodin

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This letter was written by Smith Goodin (1819-1896), the son of Asa Goodin (1788-1857) and Margaret Sellars (1792-1870) of Perry county, Ohio. Asa was married to Sarah Salisbury (1817-1853) and after her death in 1853 he remarried with Sarah Maria Connett (1823-1901). The family was living in Wells county, Indiana, in July 1863. Smith was a Baptist minister and volunteered to serve as the chaplain of the 153rd Indiana Infantry when it was organized at Indianapolis, Indiana, in March 1865. The regiment was mustered out of the service on 4 September 1865 at Louisville, Kentucky. Goodin later served as the Superintendent of the Wells county public schools. Three of Goodin’s daughter are mentioned in the letter—Rebecca (“Beck”), Jennie, and Lydia (“Lyd”).

Transcription

Goodin’s letter written on Stationery of the US Sanitary Commission with motto, “No more Disunion, No more Secession, No more Slavery. Our Country, one and indivisible.” These words are attributed to Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, from his Fort Sumter Celebration Speech in April 1865.

[Taylor Barracks]
Louisville, Kentucky
Aug 2nd 1865

Dear Sarah and Douglas,

I received Jennie’s letter of the 30 ult. today. Glad you remain well. I have been having one of the hardest colds I ever had in my life, but I am some better. I feared very much that I would be unable for duty but I have still kept up. Last night I was at prayer meeting but I could take no part except to say a few words in a very low tone. A Brother Meech, Hospital Chaplain from Bowling Green, preached for me last Sunday. A week ago last Sunday, a Hospital Chaplain from Cincinnati preached for me by the name of [William F.] Nelson. These men are both Baptists.

I have spent 7 Sundays in Taylor Barracks and I have not had to preach but three times, and yet we had preaching every Sabbath. We have but 5 companies in camp here now. Co. A is in Barracks no. one and is on duty in the city. Cos. F, D, I, & C have been ordered down the Ohio River. Co. I is at Brandenburg some 40 miles below here, and the other 3 companies are at Owensboro, about 140 miles below here. There is to be an important election in this State next Monday and our boys have gone down there to guard the polls. I understand the Governor of this State has issued a proclamation prohibiting all persons from voting who have aided the rebellion in any way.

My duties are increasing in addition to all I have heretofore done. I will now have to teach the colored people in the barracks. There is probably not less than 40 of them in all, but I will get extra pay. There has been an appropriation of 50 dollars for the purpose of buying some books and paying me for my labor. This is one of the warmest days we have had in a long time.

I got another quilt given to me—better than the first. I have bought two blankets [and] I can now sleep comfortably. There was a while after I came here I could not. I send Lyd and Beck each another book, “The Captain and his Orderly.” The other girls will get some before long. Pray that I may do my whole duty. Your affectionate husband, — Smith Goodin

Do the best you can with everything. Don’t be uneasy about me. I must close. Write often and tell me everything of interest. Excuse all imperfections as I have written in a great hurry. Beck asked in a letter some time ago how Mr. Smith was. I would just say he died more than a month ago. I had a letter from his wife a few days ago. She talks of going to Illinois this fall. — S. Goodin

58th Pennsylvania Infantry

1862: Cornelius Robbins to his Family

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The following letter was written by 52 year-old Cornelius Robbins (1810-1895) of Kingston, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania. Cornelus claimed he was only 40 years old when he enlisted in late November 1861 to serve in Co. E (later transferred to Co. I) of the 58th Pennsylvania Infantry. He mustered out of the service after three years on 7 December 1864, though he suffered from yellow fever during part of that time.

Cornelius was married to Hannah Wiggins (1808-1873) in 1830 and the couple lived in Owego, New York, for a time before taking up residence in Kingston. They had at least five children before 1850—three of who were still living at home with him at the time of the 1860 US Census. One of his sons, John Robbins (1833-1864), died while serving in Co. I, 143rd Pennsylvania Infantry.

The 58th Pennsylvania saw duty at Camp Hamilton, Va., until May 10, 1862. They then occupied Norfolk and Portsmouth from early May till October 11, 1862. They were then ordered to Suffolk, Va.and were on duty there until January, 1863.

Cornelius Robbins in his GAR cap and coat. Luzerne county, Pennsylvania.

Transcription

Camp near Norfolk, Virginia
July 9, 1862

My dear family and friends,

It is with pleasure that I embrace this present moment to inform you that I received your kind and welcome letter in the 8th inst. with great pleasure to hear from you. It does me great pleasure to read yours from home—especially when I can’t see you for it found me in poor health at the present. But I hope I will get better soon for it is a hard place to be sick down here in hot weather for it is tremendous hot down here at this time and it is very bad here on account of the water for there is none fit to drink.

Times is very dull here but they have lively times at Richmond yet for they have been fighting for ten days and fighting yet, But I think they will come out bully soon for I am tired of the Sunny South for I want to come home bad, I tell you. But I can’t get away yet. There is nothing here to write about for it is one thing over and over again. It was a very dull 4th [of July] here but the citizens say they never [had] such a time in their city before. They say the Yankees can’t do anything.

It is very sickly in camp now and if we don’t get out of this camp before long, I don’t know what will become of us. But we will have to stand it yet awhile. Burnsides is gone up the James river to Richmond to reinforce McClellan with twenty thousand men and he will make a clean sweep of it, I am sure, for the downfall of Richmond is certain.

You must excuse me for not writing any more this time for I don’t feel very smart. Write as soon as you get this, if not before. But write soon. Write often, and write immediately. So goodbye till you hear from me again and be good children till you see your husband and father, — C. Robbins

Cornelius Robbins

16th Maine Infantry, Armory Hospital, Battle of Fredericksburg

1863: Daniel Franklin Houghton to Mary Ann (Houghton) Greene

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I could not find an image of Daniel but here is Corporal Alonzo Smith of Co. G, 16th Maine Infantry. He was wounded at Fredericksburg too. (Taj Patel Collection)

The following letter was written by Daniel F. Houghton (1841-1889), the son of Abel Houghton (1796-1890) and Elizabeth Parlin (1803-1881) of Weld, Maine. Daniel enlisted when he was 21 years old as a corporal in Co. E, 16th Maine Infantry on 14 August 1862. Daniel was severely wounded during the Battle of Fredericksburg on 13 December 1862 and to save his life, his left leg was amputated. He was discharged for disability on 15 May 1863. A history of the regiment reveals that during the Battle of Fredericksburg, its first engagement with the enemy, the 16th Maine, “unskilled and untrained though we were, to us belongs the credit of bull-dog fighting, until 54 percent of our number were killed or wounded.”

Adding a note at the end of Daniel’s letter was “Angie” whom I believe was Mary Angelia Leavitt (1841-1896), Daniel’s fiancé. The couple were married on 3 May 1866 in Weld, Maine, and they had at least eight children born between 1867 and 1883.

The letter was addressed to Daniel’s older sister, Mary Ann (Houghton) Greene (1828-1906) who married William K. Greene (1821-1889) in 1862.

For a great short video, see “Redemption of the Blanket Brigade: 16th Maine at Fredericksburg.”

Transcription

Rare patriotic letterhead labeled US General Hospital (armory square) Surg. D. W. Bliss

U.S. Gen. Hospital (armory square)
Ward H, Washington
[April 1863]

Dear Brother & Sister,

Thinking you would excuse me for not writing before, I will try and write you a [few] lines to let you know that I am about the same as when I wrote you before. I have not got so I can sit up straight in bed yet. That don’t look much like getting home, does it? Well never mind. I shall get home sometime. It would be very pleasant to be sent home and amongst my friends. I often think of you all & I hope I shall be able to see you soon.

There is but a very few here now that was here when I came here. There is new ones coming in here almost every day, We have some Union citizens here now from Virginia. They were taken prisoners & so exchanged.

Roscoe’s folks are all well. Mr. Cory is smart [ ] boy. He is in here with me quite often. Angie is well but she says she won’t write until some of you write to her. I guess she is getting to be homesick. I have told you all the news I could think of & now I will ask you a few questions & then close.

1—Is sleighing all gone there?
2—How does your leg hold out?
3—How does your stock look this spring? I presume it is quite high there? Has Minnie gone home yet? How does all your folks do? There I guess that will do.

Please write soon. May God watch over & bless you & your family. My love to you all, — D. F. Houghton

Mary Ann, as Dan was writing, I thought I would write you a few lines. I do not know what to think about Daniel for sometimes he seems real smart and then he appears to be quite bad, but all I can do is to hope for the best. I wish he was at home. He longs to be with his friends. Oh, I hope he may soon. I do not dare to let him know how unhappy I am, but try to appear gay and lively. I am almost discouraged. Should be quite if I did not have so many kind friends to encourage me. I have a very good place at Roscoe’s. They are very kind indeed. She is a lovely woman. She does a great deal for the soldiers. Write soon, — Angie