These letters were written by Frank Ashley (1834-1926) of Co. H, 64th Ohio Volunteer Infantry (OVI). Frank enlisted on 4 November 1861 to serve three years. He was appointed corporal on 1 May 1864 and mustered out with the company on 3 December 1865 in Victoria, Texas. Frank wrote the letters to his future wife, Celesta (“Let”) Ewing (1845-1868) at Plymouth, Richland county, Ohio. His parents were Jonah Ashley (1797-1862) and Sarah Hawks (1799-1875).
These letter were among the 125 letters written by Ashley sold by Heritage Auctions some time ago.
Letter 1
Camp near Savannah, Tennessee
Co. H, 64th OVI
April 14, 1862
Dear Love,
It is with much pleasure that I address you these few lines. May you the same.
We have left our former camp at Nashville. Have been on the road for 16 days. Some days we only move 100 rods. The roads are awful and full of teams. There are four divisions here. There is between 7 and 8 hundred teams so you can give some kind of a guess what kind of a road we have here as it rained for a week. But we have got within half mile of the river but cannot tell when we can get on the boat.
The battle [at Pittsburg Landing] went off the fore part of last week. The rebels were drove bad with a heavy loss and out troops have them surrounded now, I believe. Our boys did not get close enough to kill any of them but close enough to hear the cannon balls whistle over their heads.
I have not heard from you for three or four weeks. Our mail has come now but it is with the regiment and account of not having time, I have not written. But you must excuse me for this time and will do better in time to come. We are in hopes that this battle will be the last. The whole force of the South is here. They fought well but they have to give up now. The particulars I will not give you at present but probably you have the news now. I have not been on the battlefield yet but our boys have been there for most a week.
I am driving the Hospital team now and therefore am not with the rest of them. But though far away, I do not forget my love. I often think of her and times past and to come. But I began to think that you would think I had if I did not write soon. I had two letters wrote to send with William Hoos but was on picket guard when he left and did not have a chance to send them by mail as the regiment was ready to start when we came in so you see I did not send them and have not had a chance since. I have it in knapsack at present.
I had to stop writing to move our wagons to a different place. We were in a young orchard and the old chap complained of us and we had to move but now we are all right again and part of the boys that are with me are in bad [shape] so you see I will have full [sweep?] and probably you will think so too when you see this letter. But you know who wrote it and you know what kind of a chap I am. But I tell you [the] truth, I may be reclaimed yet if I fall into the right kind of hands. But you know I always was a bad boy from my youth up. But that will do.
Tell Sarah that I made that choice for her. I shall have to describe him. In the first place, he has a nice little nose—about something like a hawk’s nose, turns down a little, and big pair of bussers [?] and pretty eyes and curly hair, and very small around the waist. Only 4 feet and about 5 feet high. He is a handsome little fellow and I think if she could see him, she would have nothing to say to that other chap. You must excuse this foolishness and burn this letter or not let any see it for I know would not care what I wrote but that is just as I feel and you cannot blame me for it. But this is about full and here is some more. But as I said before, you must excuse this. You would repent. You would relent. You would consent, to marry me…
Letter 2
Camp near Pittsburg Landing
Co. H, 64th OVI
April 17th 1862
Dear love,
It is with pleasure that I embrace the present opportunity of writing to you but would do me more good to talk to you where I get sight of yourrosy lips and cheeks. It would be a great pleasure to me and to you also, I guess, but as we we have not that chance, I will take this way of talking to you. It does me some good but which I was down to your camp to get some sugar to eat and a wet kiss from you.
I am well at present and the rest are also in our company. I saw Hart Wood today. He is in camp near us. He is in tyhe 57th [Ohio] Regiment. He is well and some 8 or 10 more Auburn boys in the same company. Their regiment was in the fight here last week but the boys come out right and are well satisfied. The 15th [Ohio] Regiment was in the fight also—the one that Trago is in. Their camp is three-quarters of a mile from us. So you see we are all together. But I did not expect to find Hart Wood here. I was astonished when I heard he was here.
We are camped on the battleground. There is camps for miles each way from us. But we expect to move off the battle ground in a day or two for it is a disagreeable place to stay on account of dead horses and so on. This was the heaviest battle that has been yet. More men engaged in it and more killed and wounded. But probably this will be the last. I hope so. I hope that this can be settled without another fight. But if not, we are ready to fight it out. We have men enough for it, I think. We have more than the opposing party have. But may God speed the day when this thing will be settled and all return home to their families and homes once more. And to their sweethearts, for I have one that I think a good deal of, you well know, and one that I can place confidence in adn love dearly.
I got a letter from you today dated March 28th and was glad to hear from you. I also wrote last week to you but that makes no difference. And there is one more in here which I wrote at Nashville and did not get a chance to send it. I will send it also with the rest, or this one. But I must close soon.
I cannot tell you all the mischief that we done while on the road as I was with the teams and did not get to the regiment for a week. We had plenty of fresh meat while on the road. There was a large train of teams. We had to go 5 miles for feed and had to pack it on mules and horses which was nice work for us and I mind one day that we got a bag full of ducks which was very good for sick. But that did not satisfy some of them for they were wishing that [they could] see there old duck at home. But I would be satisfied if I could see my young duck. Probably you never saw here but I think you have. But must close with excusing myself for something I wrote in that other letter. No more at present. From one that loves you dearly. Yours with love. Your lover. Give my love to all. So goodbye. — F
Direct to Nashville, Tenn.
Co. H, 64th OVI
Care Capt. C. R. Lord
Letter 3
Camp near Mooresville, Alabama
July 3rd 1862
Co. H, 64th Regt. OV, 20th Brigade and 6th Division [Army of the Ohio]
Dear Love,
I find a little more time to write to you. We have moved 8 miles east of Decatur in a very nice place. This probably where we will [have] our 4th [of July]—a little different from last year, but hoping you will enjoy yourself contrary to expectation which I made when I left home. But it is different from expectation of all of us. But we are good for it any they take us. the 64th is all right yet. But it is hopeful that this war will soon be over and we can return home to our homes and to our loved ones whom we love dearly. But God only knows when that will be, but hope it will be soon.
But I am looking for us to be stationed at some place. If so, we cannot leave till we are relieved by regular troops along the railroad running from Memphis to Chattanooga. We are going to Chattanooga but the citizens say will [never] get there for this war will be ended before we reach that point. That is near Virginia and North Carolina line. If this war does not close for some time, we will be in Virginia—at least I think so. But I may [ ] wrong, but time will tell all these things.
But to my health, it is better than when I last wrote to you. That [was] five or six days ago. But I am gaining slowly. I have been out twice since I got better after forage. I have to see to getting that but have not tended to it for some time on the account of being [sick]. I was comfortable sick for three days and on the move too. I had some kind of a fever but now I am better.
James is well. He was on picket at Mooresville. They said that the town was full of girls but all secesh. But they would not marry till we stopped fighting. Then I think we can make union, but I would rather have one that’s already Union—the one that lives in Ohio near Old George Bloom’s across the woods. Dear, I remain the same to you as ever and remember [me] as your lover.
Love to all from the one that loves you, — F. Ashley to C. A. E.
Letter 4
Camp near Mooresville, Alabama
Sunday, July 13, 1862
Co. H, 64th Regt. OVI, direct to Huntsville, Alabama
Dear Lest,
It is with pleasure that I address you these few lines. I am enjoying good health at present—better than usual—better than [when] I last wrote. We are still at Mooresville or near there. Do not know how long we will stay here. The batteries are leaving now. Do not know where they are going to. Our regiment is at Decatur guarding the town. I do not know how long they will stay there. It is 6 miles from our camp. They are running ferry boat across the Tennessee river. Mitchell’s men have left there.
The boys are all well. James is well and in fine spirits. I received your letter mailed the 16th and have answered it but that makes no difference. I will answer it again. I am always glad to hear from those that I love. I got one from Leanora also and have answered it but have not sent it yet. Will send them all at once.
Love, I cannot write a large letter this time and therefore you must excuse me but I remain the same to you as ever—your lover and friend—one that is true to you. I heard some things by way of a friend of mine how things are going about home, but Love, never mind what folks say about you or me. Tell them to mind their own business and let others alone. Love, I have not forgot you nor the pleasant times we spent together nor never will.
It is hard to tell when we will come home. It is highly probable that we will serve our time out as near—it is most one year now, but it is hopeful that this war will soon be over and the weary and lonely soldier can return to his peaceful home and friends—and enemies. If they were here, I would not mind them but they are there and I am here but who cares for them for I know that you are true to your promise and I know that you love me, I have no fears on that score. But Love, if my life is spared, I shall be with you some day. God knows all things but death is in the land and I do not know but that we are just as safe here as at home. I do not know as there is more deaths than at home according to the number of men. There is ten to one here to what there is at home. But enough of that for this time.
Love, it will be owing to how they get along in Virginia when we get home. The 21st Brigade left today or this afternoon. General Wood went to Hunstville. His headquarters will be there. I do not know when we will move but are looking for orders every day. But I must close. You must excuse this poor writing for my book is my desk when laid on my knee is complete but I have to write in a hurry and make mistakes. I have not had time to write Sarah but give her my best respects and your Father & Mother also.
I still remain you affectionate friend and lover, from one that loves you. Remaining yours as ever, — F. Ashley
To C. A. Ewing
Letter 5
Battle Ground near Resaca, Georgia
May 15, 1864
Dear and affectionate Let,
Thinking you would like to hear from me by this time, I thought I would write you a few lines. My health is good although some weary for this makes 12 days since we started. We have had several skirmishes within that time [and] have drove the rebs 18 miles. The first place that we fought them was at Rocky Face Ridge—one of the hardest places I ever saw—but we lost a good many men by it. In one charge our regiment lost 74 men in killed, wounded & prisoners. In our company there were 5 wounded & 4 killed. The rebs got one but he was mortally wounded [and] the rebs left him. We found him at a citizen’s house in the valley but his hours were few when we found him [and] could not do anything for him. His name is Eli Whitney. His folks live near Dekalb. ¹ A[braham] F. Solomon, James McConnell, [and] Jacob Waidler were killed, and Green, John [W.] Hahn, Jacob [S.] Bloom, Sam May & two more that I cannot mention at present were wounded and at the time that I am writing, the battle is raging fiercely. There has been hard fighting since yesterday noon.
Our regiment was in about 3 hours—one man killed and 8 wounded. Drove the rebs about 1½ miles and have the better of them at present. They are in a place where they have to fight or do worse. They lay between us and a river and McPherson crossed ahead of them and burned the bridge and holds them in check. We have a large army here—all the force in the West—which is enough to whip them good.
Dear wife, I cannot tell my feelings at the present. You full well know the excitement that exists at such a time. We also have glorious news from the Potomac Army. This will be a final close of this war but it will be the bloodiest of the war and those that live to see the day will be satisfied to let war alone—I think so at least. But I must close and the next time I write I will give full particulars of the battle.
The 45th Ohio is here but have not seen it yet. Our Colonel [Alexander McIlvaine] was killed on the ridge. It was done in a charge on their breastworks. It was all done in a few minutes and gained nothing by it.
Love to all, Write soon. I am truly yours, — F. Ashley to C. A. Ashley
Direct to Dalton, Georgia
May 18, 1864
Dear beloved wife,
As I did not send this letter at the time it was wrote, I add more. I received your letter with those photographs. I think they look well. I feel well satisfied with them. We have been driving rebs right along. We are in 40 miles of Atlanta. We had 2 killed and 7 wounded in the regiment at Resaca. Had a sharp skirmish last night with them but all is clear now. My health is good. James Speckler is well. But will close. Write soon. Love to all, I am your ever loving husband, — F. Ashley
¹ Eli Whitney (1846-1864) was the son of George Whitney (1822-1878) and Catherine Saltzgaber (1822-1877) of DeKalb, Ohio. Eli was originally buried near Dalton, Georgia, but was later reburied in the Chattanooga National Cemetery (Plot K, 10143). He died of wounds received in the battle of Rocky Face Ridge on 9 May 1864—just four days after his 18th birthday.
Letter 6
Camp two miles from Acworth, [Cobb county,] Georgia
June 7, 1864
Dear and affectionate L,
After a long siege of fighting and dodging bullets we have come off victorious at last. The Rebs have left the old ground, have went south and where they will make the next [stand], I am not able to tell but it will be near Atlanta at least
Since I last wrote to you, I heard of the death of Ezrie [Ezra] Eckis, killed in a charge, and Cantwell Cora wounded. Jerome was well the last I heard of him. The health of the regiment is very good considering what they have went through. I cannot tell you the loss but it was in no ways light. Some regiments lost very heavy. In the 64, 3 killed and 10 wounded. Let, we have had some lively times since this campaign began and some pleasant times also. We moved 8 miles from the battle ground, will lay here one or two days, but none too long to have things washed up for you bet they need it badly.
Fruit looks well. The boys are bringing in apples and potatoes also. We had a lamb for our dinner—or a part of one. Potatoes are large as walnuts but the country that we are passing through is mostly woods. But it will not be long before we come to a better country. I hope we will for I am tired of the wilderness. Also tired of the war but hope this fall will end the thing but cannot tell how it will be.
Dear wife, [I] often think of the time when we are permitted to meet again and peace reign triumphantly throughout the land. My health is good—James’ also. He stands the hard knocks well.
I heard that the draft went off in Auburn and William Burchard was one that drew the prize—or one of them. William McGinnis, John McConnell, and one of the Vanwagan boys were the others. I hope they will draft till they have enough to crush the rebellion. That has been the main trouble. We did not have men enough. [That] can plainly be seen.
But I must close, but ever remembering you as an affectionate friend. Give my love to Father, Mother & sister and yourself. Also write soon. Yours truly. I am your affectionate and faithful husband, — Frank
Co. H, 64th OVI, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 4th Army Corps. Care of Capt. Wolff
Letter 7
Camp six miles from Atlanta, Georgia
July 19, 1864
Dear Let,
As I have a little time this morning I will answer your welcome letter of the 11th of July that came to hand last night. I assure you it was read with pleasure. I was fearful of your health for I had not heard from you since the 4th of his month. But I am glad you are no worse and would be more so if you were well.
My health is good at present. The Grand Army advanced 6 miles yesterday/ [We] are about 6 miles from Atlanta but think will meet with more resistance the remainder of the distance. There was nothing but a cavalry force in our front yesterday. Woods’ Division went on a reconnaissance this morning. Saw Jerome. He was well. They left their things all in camp so I do not think we will move today but it’s hard to tell what may turn up before night. It is reported that the Federals had possession of Cedar Bluff 9 miles in the rear of Atlanta. If so, the rebs are in a critical place but that is grapevine news.
You wanted to know what Green that was that was wounded. It was Let Green of our regiment. I saw Asbury Green a few days ago. He was all right then. The loss in our Division yesterday was light. One man died of his wound. Six or 7 more wounded.
Well, Let, I do not know as I can give you any news at present. I suppose you probably hear as much as I do from other places—probably more, but cannot say.
Well, Let, I will have to close for I see one of the aides coming probably for a move. Oh yes, I received a photograph of your Mother’s in the letter. Let, you may bet it does me good to look on familiar faces. You must excuse this letter for it was written in a hurry and in a peculiar position, I hope to hear from you soon and when we get in camp I will write more. Give my best wishes to all. I remain your ever faithful husband, — Frank Ashley
To C. A. Ashley
Letter 8
Camp of the 64th [Ohio] Regt.
In front of Atlanta, Georgia
August 19, 1864
Dear Beloved Let,
Having a little time this afternoon I will improve it by writing to you but do not know when I can send it as the railroad is cut at Tunnel Hill near Dalton, Georgia, but [we] are looking for the train through soon.
Well, Let, we have some amusing times here. There has been demonstrations made every day by our pickets and sometimes by artillery. This morning they opened at 3 o’clock and kept it up for about an hour. It kept the Johnny’s close and about 7 o’clock one gun of our battery opened on one of their forts, throwed three shells in the embrasures in succession and blowed up one of their caissons and drove them out of their fort. Afterward turned on their breastworks and drove them away from them. THey were seen to carry their wounded out from the fort. There has not been any wounded from our Division for the last two weeks and very few since we advanced and very few sick. Jackson Cummins is very sick and is rather doubtful if he lives through. He was moved back to Vining Station qw miles. The rest of the boys are well.
Well, dear Let, I have not received a letter from you since the 12th of August but are looking for one or more when the mail comes in but cannot tell when it will come in but are looking for it today or tomorrow.
Dear Let. since I last wrote, things look a little more favorable. Kilpatrick has cut both railroads running south from Atlanta and got through all straight. Also heard that Wheeler was wounded and captured near Dalton, Gen. Stedman moved out from Chattanooga and surrounded him at night and in the morning attacked him and cut his cavalry up badly and captured a great many of hem. He had four regiments of negroes. What was left of them were scattered and our cavalry are in pursuit of them. They captured a large drove of our cattle but were captured back but the rebs killed a great many with canister when they found they could not keep them. But the damage will soon be repaired. I don’t think they will want to make many raids in our rear. Cannot tell what is being done on the right. There is a great many moves that we cannot tell much about but Sherman knows what he is doing. We have had no news for the last few days as no papers have come through. But we have plenty of grapevine. But it does not amount to much.
We are having very good times here [and] will be ready to follow the rebs to Macon or to some other place but I don’t know where they can go to for our cavalry have been 150 miles south from here and destroyed the depots and the roads and burned all the bridges and rations and teams destroyed a great many wagons for them. And if Kilpatrick watches them, they cannot get many trains through and if they intend to get out of this place, they will have to do it soon. If they leave, they will have to fight a great part of the way for the flanks are [a] considerable ways around.
Well, dear love, I do not know as I can write anything that will interest you but hope you have had a good visit at Mother’s ere this for the last letter I got from her she said that she was a going to send Judson after you. So I suppose you have been there. Wish I had been with you there. I could enjoy myself very well for a few days.
Well, Let, we are anxiously waiting to hear of that draft coming off and to know who are the lucky ones. Hope it will fall on those Cops [Copperheads] up there—not that they are any better than anybody else for I count myself as good as any of them. Well, dear Let, I must close. Hope to hear from you soon. Love to all. From your lover and devoted husband, — Frank
P. S. Excise poor writing and spelling as I wrote it in a hurry and the cook was cutting his meat so you see I could not help it.
Letter 9
In front of Atlanta, Georgia
Camp of the 64th Ohio Volunteers
August 21, 1864
Dear and affectionate wife,
I have the privilege of answering your letter of the 12th of August. It was read with pleasure. It came on the first train through. It found me well and enjoying very good times but not as good as if I were at home.
Well, Let, we have very quiet times with the occasional firing of canons of which the Rebs take a part but of no damage to us. On the morning of the 19th we were aroused by the firing of our cannons which lasted for about one hour but of what effect, am not able to say. The morning before, the Rebs done the same trick on the 17th Corps. It made warm times for them but they did not get the start of the 4th and 20th Corps for once at least.
The Rebs made a charge on the 16th Corps on the 18th and one of the 20th but were repulsed with heavy loss. At one time the Rebs drove one division from the works but Gen. Howard rallied them and charged back and gained the works back and held them. But I have not heard the strate [?] of the battle so I cannot give you the particulars of it. We have all kinds of reports here. One is from a reb prisoner. He says that they were called up into line and told that this war would end in 30 days and that Hood says that he a going to make his word good. Says that he is not a going to leave Atlanta but he will soon have to do something soon.
It is reported that Kill Patrick [Kilpatrick] has cut both roads but I remember that I wrote this in the former letter which will accompany this as I wrote previous so as to send it at the forst opportunity.
We have very pleasant weather here with frequent showers of rain. The health is good in general. James is well but we miss Marion very much.
Well, I suppose that these Hundred Day [men] will soon return home, probably never more to take part in this struggle. Hope we will not need them more but tey have been of service to us here in keeping the rear all right.
Well, Let, so you think by you marrying me was a benefit to the Army. I suppose Silas though that would relieve his mind by going to Dixie it might his, but not so with me for I am sure I could stay North very contentedly. I noticed in your last letter that Mary McGinnis was married on the 4th of August. I wish her all the joy possible.
Well, I must close as it is raining and it is bed time. Excuse mistakes as I wrote in a hurry and bothered a little by the boys running in their short tails and know I am very timid. Write soon. Gove my love to all. I remain your very faithful husband, — Frank
Letter 10
Camp in the Woods, South of Eastpoint, Ga.
Monday, August 29, 1864
Dear Let,
Having a little time this afternoon, I thought I would write a few lines to you. I received a letter from you on the 24th but did not have an opportunity of answering it as we left our main line of works and moved to the right and have been moving for the last four days. The whole army has moved left, two Corps to guard our rear, and at present the remainder of the army are 15 miles south of Atlanta. I do not think that there ever was such a move known since Noah’s Ark was built. I do not know what the Johnny boys think of the move but no doubt they are going south as fast as their legs can move them. We have not met with any serious opposition as yet but don’t know when we may encounter them. But if they want to fight, they will make the attack.
Our Division made good works this forenoon and are in them but do not know how long we will stay here. Our line runs across the railroad running to Montgomery, Alabama. Do not know how much further it extends.
Well, dear wife, I will close for this time for we cannot send the mail out. I look for a mail soon—probably tonight. Then I will write more particulars about the move and the termination. We are laying in front of the rebs at present. Well, dear Let, goodbye. Love to all. Write soon. — Frank
Camp of the 64th OVI near Lovejoy Station, Ga.
September 3, 1864
Dear Let,
Having an opportunity of corresponding with you, I gladly improve the opportunity of doing so. It has been some time since I could send letters back but at present our rear is cleared of Rebs and Atlanta is in our possession. It was occupied by the Feds on the 2nd of this month by the 20th Corps. The remainder of the army is here about 30 miles south of Atlanta. Sherman proved to be too much for Hood. We had their army cut in two and suppose it is yet. There has been three or four battles fought in the last three days in which the rebs were badly whipped. When the last of Hood’s army left Atlanta, they destroyed 80 carloads of artillery, ammunition, and all their magazines. It has been one of the grandest movements of the war. We had no communication after the first two days of starting. The taking of Atlanta was an easy job when Old Billy got started.
Well, Let, this leaves me well and as usual in good spirits. A few more such defeats will bring the rebs to their feelings. I should think that they would know it by this time.
Dear Let, I suppose you will be looking and wondering why Frank does not write. Well, I will tell you. It was because I could not send it to you and when we left, it was rather sudden. So you must excuse me for the present. You may rest assured you were not forgotten by me. I do not think you do. I am not afraid of that part. Well, I must hasten. Excuse poor writing for I am laboring under many difficulties. James is very well. Two of James Gruesbeck’s boys died about the 21st of August. Walter was wounded which was the cause of his death.
Spared & Shared 23 