Though it is only signed Thomas, I feel confident this letter was written by Thomas C. Edwards (b. 1835) who served in Co. B, 8th New York Heavy Artillery. The regiment was organized at Lockport, New York as the 129th New York Volunteer Infantry and mustered on August 22, 1862, for three years service under the command of Colonel Peter Augustus Porter. Because heavy artillery regiments were needed for the defenses of Baltimore, the regiment was converted from infantry on October 3, 1862, and became the 8th New York Heavy Artillery on December 19, 1862. Companies L and M joined the regiment at Baltimore in February 1864.
Thomas C. Edwards—Age, 25 years. Enlisted, July 29, 1862, at Lockport; mustered in as corporal, Co. B, 129th Infantry, July 29, 1862 (which became the Eighth Heavy Artillery, December 19, 1862), to serve three years; promoted sergeant, April 25, 1863; quartermaster-sergeant, February 1, 1865; mustered out with company, June 5, 1865, at Munsons Hill, Va., as Thomas C. Edwards.
I have transcribed a large number of Thomas’s letters and posted them at:
Fort Federal Hill and the commanding view of the Bay and the City of Baltimore
Transcription
Addressed to Mrs. Hattie Brown, Niagara Falls, New York
Company B, 8th New York [Heavy] Artillery Fort Federal Hill Baltimore, February 23rd 1863
Friend Hattie,
I have looked for your letter for some time. Still it has not come & thinking this morning it will never reach me, I have seated myself at one of our pleasant east windows to write again that you may soon have another debt to pay, such as writing a letter to a soldier. By the way, are such debts very hard to pay? I hope you do not consider them so.
How do you do this beautiful morning? I hope you are well. Also all the friends at the Falls. Are you very busy now? I think Amanda wrote me you were washing dishes & doing housework now days, or were when she wrote. Wouldn’t you like a little help occasionally? If so, I would like to be there to help you—especially to wash dishes for I think I have made a great proficiency in that branch of housework of late. Did Amanda ever tell you how we do that work here? I think all of us soldier boys would make great housekeepers if we stay in the army our three years.
Yesterday was a very snowy cold day. The snow commenced falling very early in the morning & it continued falling until almost night & the air was so cold we were glad to keep in doors all day. The snow is six or eight inches deep this morning but the sun is shining so brightly today I think it will soon leave us. I wish you could be here a little while this morning. Do you wish so too? Well may by your work for a little time & just imagine yourself here. Our seat is just wide enough for two. My friend Charlie is sitting by my side just now but he is a very accommodating boy & will willingly give you his seat. There, he has gone already & I didn’t say a word to him. Isn’t he very good to vacate the seat for you? After all that isn’t why he left but because Sergeant Burns says he with out er boys must go out and shovel snow—that’s the reason he is so accommodating just now.
Isn’t this a pleasant place? From this window you can see the bay and hundreds of vessels & boats sailing upon its waters. Some of them more sluggishly along just as though they had plenty of time & never meant to be in a hurry, while others go shooting and puffing as though the life of someone depended upon their great speed. Now and then a little tug comes up the bay making the water all foam & wave, and it looks more as though it were flying than anything else. From here we can see Fort McHenry and away and beyond it several miles away Fort Carroll. This is not finished yet, but will be a very strong fort when it is done. It’s built out in the bay nearly equidistant from either shore. Across the bay from Fort McHenry some three miles from here we see Fort Marshall & that little long row of buildings you see just outside the fort are barracks, a portion of which were Co. B’s quarters while we were there. It is not as pleasant there as here and we hope we may not have to go back there again.
We can see nearly half of the city from here. How funny so many chimneys look peeping up above the snow covered roofs don’t they? Most of them spitting out smoke, not fire & smoke like a volcano—smoke only. The fire is beneath that snow-covered roof, warming the fingers of—do you believe it”’some secesh lady. Not all those fires are, still too many of the wreath of smoke, we see curling up so disdainfully, come from the dwelling of one who would gladly see this Union severed. Yes more, would willing help destroy it if he dare. Father of our Country, where is thy spirit on this great day of rejoicing. Ah! methinks thou wouldst harshly rebuke some of those who are now trying to sever the union thou so nobly fought for in days gone by were thou here today. I think it strange that anyone should ever think of trying to destroy such a government as this. I don’t wonder the smoke from those chimneys is glad to get out of sight so quickly. I almost wonder it doesn’t put out the eyes of any who dare call themselves secesh.
Something like a week ago, our company took some Rebel prisoners from the depot to Fort McHenry & while we were marching them through the streets of the city, we heard many words of sympathy from the brave females here. How they pitied the poor prisoners. One lady gave a hurrah for Jeff Davis & I never wanted to shoot anyone so much in my life. Would it have been wicked if I had? I don’t believe it would have been. But I must tell you how some of our boys chuckled over the kindness of these friends. Several boxes of cigars were given to one of our sergeants to distribute among the prisoners & he thinking our boys knew how to smoke as well as they, distributed most of them among us, & for several days our boys would testify to the excellency of these cigars. I might have had some too had I wished but as I don’t smoke, I don’t know how good they were so the boys tell me.
I haven’t told you the most neautiful sight here yet. It is beautiful & I wish you could see this if nothing more. It is the stars & stripes so proudly waving in the breeze which we can see all over the bay and city. Hundreds and hundreds of flags are in sight. On every boat, big or little, one may be seen, even those little row boats not large enough to carry more than half a dozen persons have the “Star Spangled Banner” proudly waving over them. Then, most of the Unionists have a flag waving over their dwelling. I hope your letter will reach me next time & that you will write soon. With much love, I am your true friend, — Thomas
As this day is kept in remembrance of Washington’s birthday, we can often on a pleasant day see many flags from this window, but never before have I seen so many as now. It is a beautiful sight to anyone who loves our “dear old flag.” Don’t you think this is a pleasant window? And do you wonder that I love to sit here? This morning each fort here fired a salute of 34 guns & I understand as many are to be fired this noon, also at night. Mr. Keef from Lockport (Augustus) was here last week. We were glad to see him as were all the friends from home. Amanda’s letter was received yesterday. Also one from Ann.
I could not find an image of Henry but here is one of Oscar S. Holcomb of Co. H, 8th NY Heavy Artillery )Photo Sleuth)
This letter was written by Henry L. Smith (1833-1864) of Hartland, Niagara county, New York. He enlisted on 4 August 1862 at Lockport, New York, as a private in Co. D, 129th New York Infantry. On the very day that Henry wrote this letter, the regiment was designated the 8th New York Heavy Artillery. He served in the defenses at Baltimore until 1864 when his regiment was sent to the Virginia battlefront and used as infantrymen. He was seriously wounded in the Battle of Cold Harbor on 3 June and died of his wounds on 16 June 1864 at Lincoln General Hospital in Washington D. C.
Henry was born in Le Roy, New York. When he enlisted, he was described as a 31 year-old farmer, who stood 5 foot 8 inches tall, with black eyes and dark hair. He was married to Ruth Ann Spoor and had two daughters, Celia and Melva, when he enlisted.
Transcription
Baltimore, Maryland October 19, 1862
Dear Companion,
I now take a borrowed pen in hand to write a few lines to you to let you know that we are as well as usual and I hope that these few lines will find you the same. I received your letter a Friday and was glad to hear from you. The weather is still mild and pleasant.
There is quite an excitement here in camp now. Tomorrow there will be officers here recruiting for the regular service and there will be a good many that will enlist out of this regiment. I have been looking for that other regiment to come here from Lockport. We heard they was a going to leave Lockport a Friday and if they did, they would get into Baltimore last night. Today is Sunday and we have but little drilling to do. We have inspection drill about ten o’clock and dress parade at night about an hour each.
In the picture that James sent home you will see the regiment is on dress parade.
That seed wheat I intended you would pay for the whole of it and one half of it to be reckoned in with what we had paid for the land. I wrote that I had paid nine dollars and 37.5 cents for the stove but I thin kit was only $8.37 and a half cents. I think you had better let that fence go till next spring. It may be that I will be there to see to it then.
We have been expecting to go into the heavy artillery for about four weeks but have not been transferred yet. The Colonel is a going to Washington tomorrow but we do not know his business. There is a great many of the regiment wants to go into the heavy artillery but I have got my gun so it shoots first rate. I have spoiled the mark but yesterday morning I missed it. But if it had been a ghost the size of Jeff Davis, I would of scared him some. We shoot off our guns every time we are on guard. The Captain says that Tom Charles and David [D.] Ganmer is in Lapeer county, Michigan, and he has wrote to the sheriff to arrest them.
Margaret says she has to tend to all the widow’s now and George says that if there is anything happens to his woman, he will have her arrested and I think if there is any more patients fall under her care, she had better resign her commission and get married. And if she still insists on waiting till the war is over, the only one that I could recommend her to is Franklin Spalding. And if I was a paring apples, I am afraid she would think I was more of a detriment the first night than a benefit. If father Spoor can sell one of the colts at a fair price, he had better sell it. But keep Nelly and give two years time if they want it.
But no more at present. They are a getting ready for preaching. Give my respects to all enquiring friends. I am in hopes before long that I can send you a letter from the hills of Virginia as I hope the next move will be there. Goodbye, — Henry L. Smith
I could not find an image of Benjamin but here is Luther H. Worden who served in Congress. E, 8th NY Heavy Artillery (Photo Sleuth)
The following letter was written by Benjamin Joseph Rose (1819-1864) of Lewiston, Niagara County, New York, who enlisted in late July 1862 to serve three years in Co. B, 8th New York Heavy Artillery. Except for the brief excursion described in this letter, the unit garrisoned the forts in Baltimore harbor until May 1864 when they were ordered to participate as infantrymen in Grant’s Overland Campaign. Write to a friend back home, Benjamin stated emphatically, “I am quite certain I shall never fall in battle. My impression is that I will come home as good as I went.” But it was not to be. He was killed on the battlefield at Cold Harbor on 3 June 1864.
Benjamin was married to Louisa Minerva Bull (1819-1880) in April 1845 and when he died, he had three dependent children besides his wife.
[Note: This letter is from the personal collection of Greg Herr and was offered for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by express consent.]
Transcription
Fort McHenry [Baltimore, Maryland] February 25, 1864
Dear Brother Orton,
I sit down this morning to write a few lines to you in reply to your letter which was received in due time. I am well as usual, thank the good Lord. I would have written before but a few days after I received your letter, our regiment was ordered to Virginia, and being in camp most of the time, and very uncomfortable quarters, and extreme cold weather, and all the confusion—I found it very difficult to write. Our little expedition—what I saw and heard, will be the main subject of this communication.
Engine House (in foreground) at Harper’s Ferry where John Brown was captured.
We were ordered on the first day of the month to get ready for Harpers Ferry, and about nine on the evening were in the cars and on our way. I saw none of the country between Baltimore and the Ferry either way as it was night both times we went over the road, but we made slow time, as it was sunrise when we were at the Ferry—a distance of 84 miles. John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry you have not forgotten. The place gives unmistakable signs of hard times. Many fine buildings are in ruins. Any quantity of gun barrels and other implements of war that are ruined are still to be seen. I saw where Brown was captured and where he was confined until he went to Charlestown for trial and execution. I must pass over a considerable that might be interesting to you. Harpers Ferry is strongly fortified now. Two regiments of men I think could effectually prevent any army from coming down the Shenandoah Valley.
We soon learned that our destination was beyond this place. We soon reached Martinsburg. All the railroad property here was destroyed. The buildings covered a large area of ground, all in ruins. The Village is quite pleasant and the country around is good for farming. I noticed a great deal of good wheat on the ground, sheep and cattle in the fields, but strange enough, not a barn worthy of the name is to be seen. The winters are so mild that cattle run out in the fields all winter. But the country changes as we go up the river. It soon became very mountainous. In some places the scenery is most grand. Mountains piled on mountains, with the Potomac winding its serpentine course between them. The railroad is equally crooked. In many places the locomotive can be seen for a mile at a time, in many places small streams make down between the mountains, making a huge chasm a thousand feet deep where it is possible a road runs into the country.
Nothing of importance occurred until we got within about twenty miles of Cumberland when we heard that the rebs had made a dash on the railroad and had burned a bridge that day. From here on we went very cautiously. At length we arrived at Patterson’s Creek. Here was the scene of the raid. A few cavalry had made a dash through an open country and had surprised and captured an entire company of the 54th Pennsylvania Regiment that was stationed there to guard the bridge over the creek at that place. One man was killed. The poor fellows paid dear for their carelessness. They had no pickets whatever. They did not see them until they were within a few rods of them. The rebs set fire to the bridge and all the railroad property at the place. They burned a house that belonged to a man that worked for the Co., and burned the quarters of the soldiers they had taken. When we got there, everything was mostly consumed. 1
We then fell back to the South Green Spring Run. The next Friday we were ordered to journey a distance of 18 miles. We performed the journey in 7 hours carrying heavy knapsacks and three days rations besides 40 rounds of cartridges, I never was so completely exhausted in my life. Romney’s the county seat of Hampshire County, Western Virginia. It has been held alternately by both armies. Although beautifully located and well laid out and adorned with many fine buildings, it is in ruins a great deal of it. The jail is a mass of ruins. The court house—a fine building—has been used as a stable for cavalry horses. Also a fine church. I shall always regret that I did not pay it a visit and obtain some old relic. There are bushels of documents (so the boys say) on the floor in one room. Some of them date back to the time of George the Second—over two hundred years old.
The Court House in Romney (at left) earlier in the war.
The next day we fell back to Springfield, a village halfway from the “Run” to Romney. We were quartered for the night in a small brick church. Springfield is about like Pekin but much older, has had two churches and a schoolhouse, but the hand of war has been laid heavily upon it. One church was used for a guard house. The prisoners set it on fire. Everything was burned but the orchestra. The walls were not injured. The church in which we were quartered never had been occupied by soldiers. It was a plain, neat little building. Directly in front of the church was an old burying ground. The whole had been surrounded by a fence but it has disappeared. The burying ground is a common now. The tombstones are common mountain stone. The inscriptions, I think, are home made. I saw one that dated back to 1793 but whether the dead were Christian or infidels, dare not appear. There was nothing on the tombstones about their religious faith. All public houses in both places are closed. Some of the boys did not like it very much. They could not get nary drop of the critter. No, not a meal of victuals. It was a hard living up here.
Sunday morning we fell back to Green Spring Run where we remained until the 19th when we returned to Fort McHenry without even seeing a rebel or effecting anything that we know of. We had some very cold weather and suffered some. Still we were all glad that we went. We saw some of the country and that was a satisfaction. I cannot help thinking God was in it all for after we had left the fort a few hours, a government transport anchored out in the bay with an order for one regiment to go to New Orleans but fortunately (I think) we were on our way for Virginia.
Our regiment is now a full Artillery Regiment. I think we are destined to leave here in the spring. We may, however, stay here and garrison the three forts as we are just about strong enough. But the Lord only knows what disposition will be made of us. But I am quite certain I shall never fall in battle. My impression is that I will come home as good as I went. Our time is now half out. 18 months looks like a long time. Still it will soon roll around.
I long for the Society that I left behind. I feel a great want of your Monday evening prayer meetings. They were the most spiritual meeting I ever attended. I shall rejoice when I can meet with the Church of Pekin again. We have three meetings in the week here but there is but little spirituality among the worshippers. A lifeless form is the order here to a great extent. There are some that love God truly. Brother McRernin and Rowan and two or three others have the power as well as the form of Godliness. Sometimes indeed our meetings are quite spiritual but somehow the spirit is stayed in many instances. There is not that freedom here as at home—at least I do not have it. It may be the fault is in me. Perhaps it is. Still I feel that God upholds me and sometimes gives me large measure of grace. I praise God that I am upheld by HIs spirit. I am still trying to serve Go and get to heaven. I expect, I believe, that God will take me there in His own good time. I want you to pray for me. Remember me to all the Church—especially Mother Van Slyke. I often think of her. Remember me to Brother Austin. I should like to hear from him. Remember me to Mr. Daybush and family. I would write to them but I suppose Emery Wilcox writes frequently to John about everything that transpires worth writing about. The weather was very mild in February except a few days. There was not an hour’s rain in the whole month. But this morning, March the 1st, it is snowing but not cold.
Well, my paper is dirty enough. I hardly [know] how it got spotted up so unless there was some dirt on the desk. But soldiers are dirty fellows anyway. Excuse any errors in this and believe me I remain your Brother in Christ and well wisher. May God bless you all is the prayer of, — B. J. Rose
1 “On February 2, 1864, I was stationed at Cumberland, Md. On that day Co. F, Capt. John W. Hibler, 54th Pennsylvania Volunteers, with 57 men of my brigade, was stationed at Patterson’s Creek bridge, Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and a detachment of the company at the North Branch bridge as pickets. I had warned Captain Hibler to be on the alert and to keep scouts well out, but it seems that General Rosser (rebel), with from 400 to 500 cavalry, succeeded in penetrating to Patterson’s Creek bridge on the 2d of February. His advance guard were dressed in Federal uniforms, and succeeded in getting up to Captain Hibler’s by representing themselves as part of the Ringgold Cavalry (Union), and thus successively captured all the pickets on the Patterson’s Creek road, and then rapidly dashed into camp while the men were at dinner. A slight skirmish ensued, in which we had 1 man killed, 1 mortally and 3 slightly wounded. The rebels captured 1 captain and 36 men, with all the camp and garrison equipage of the company, 40 Enfield rifles, and 4,000 rounds of rifle cartridges. They then set fire to the Patterson’s Creek bridge, Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and thence went to the North Branch bridge, Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and fired it, the guard at the latter bridge making their escape. I may here say that as there was known to be a large Union force some 18 miles south and west of Patterson’s Creek, and part of the Ringgold Cavalry there, taken in connection with the fact that the rebels wore our uniform and claimed to be Union cavalry, may, in a measure, account for the pickets being deceived. Neither the Patterson’s Creek bridge nor the North Branch bridge were protected by block-houses, and the only protection for them was the company of infantry which the rebels captured.” — Col. J. M. Campbell, Commanding 1st Brigade
The following letters were written by Thomas C. Edwards (b. 1835) who served in Co. B, 8th New York Heavy Artillery. The regiment was organized at Lockport, New York as the 129th New York Volunteer Infantry and mustered on August 22, 1862, for three years service under the command of Colonel Peter Augustus Porter. Because heavy artillery regiments were needed for the defenses of Baltimore, the regiment was converted from infantry on October 3, 1862, and became the 8th New York Heavy Artillery on December 19, 1862. Companies L and M joined the regiment at Baltimore in February 1864.
Thomas C. Edwards—Age, 25 years. Enlisted, July 29, 1862, at Lockport; mustered in as corporal, Co. B, 129th Infantry, July 29, 1862 (which became the Eighth Heavy Artillery, December 19, 1862), to serve three years; promoted sergeant, April 25, 1863; quartermaster-sergeant, February 1, 1865; mustered out with company, June 5, 1865, at Munsons Hill, Va., as Thomas C. Edwards.
Headquarters 8th New York Artillery Thursday evening, January 5, 1865
Dearest Sister,
Are you all at home usually well this evening? How pleasant if I could just step in and see you all a few minutes. Is Elvira better? I have felt quite anxious about her since I received your last letter Monday last. I hope she is much better ere this. I hope I will have another letter this evening. I looked for one last evening but the mail did not come. Perhaps the river or bay is so filled with ice the boat is delayed some. I shall look anxiously for another letter from home.
I am quite well again. My cold did not last long and did not prove as severe as I feared. The weather is still cold though today has been more pleasant that yesterday—so sunny the snow that covered the ground this morning has all disappeared and left plenty of mud, but it will be frozen up in the morning for the air is real wintry tonight.
Our New Years dinner does not come yet. Don’t you think it will relish when it does arrive? We hear it is delayed on account of the cold weather. Chaplain says he thinks it will be here soon. He wishes to be remembered to my sister. Uncle Lemuel was here to see me day before yesterday. Was quite well. Wished me to tell you he had not heard from you for some time.
How is the sleighing now? Me thinks if you have snow these moonlight evenings of late are pleasant for sleigh rides, but you haven’t anyone to take you have you? Perhaps we can make up for them next winter however. I suppose Libbie went into her school again Monday last. Have you seen her of late? Did she make you the promised visit? I received a good letter too from her last Monday. She said they were all going over to our house the next day and she guessed you would have a house full. I thought while I was reading it there might have been room for me too. And I guessed you would have been glad to see me. How pleasant if I could have been there, but perhaps it is just as well. Maybe I can come home some other time when it will be just as pleasant. I hope I shall not be so disappointed of a furlough again. They will be granting them again by & by, I presume. I shall try once more for one.
Am glad to hear of the good meeting on the Ridge. How are they progressing of late? Hope great good may be done there. It is sad to think Mr. Hawley’s people should be so destitute when Clark might do well if he would, hope he will try & do better. Does old Mr. H. live with Richard and how is his health now? How do Mr. Lewis’s people get along? Is Sophia attending the Union this winter? Am glad Mr Goodridge’s young people are attending school & like it so well. My kind regards to them and all the friends. Love to all at home. — T. C. Edwards
Letter 2
Headquarters 8th New York Artillery January 9th 1865
Dearest Sister,
Last Saturday I received another letter from you and was very glad to hear that Elvira was better again. Is her health still improving? Does Uncle John come to see her? Are the rest of you well? Are you still having good sleighing and pleasant weather? The weather is delightful here today. Though the air is cool, the sky is clear & the sun is shining almost like an Indian Summer day. We enjoy this weather much but we often have rain and snowstorms which keep it unpleasant underfoot. Day before yesterday was a very unpleasant day and the day before that was equally cold & unpleasant.
That morning we were called out to see a man shot. It was a very sad day to us and we do not care to see another such sight. The prisoner was a member of the 184th Pennsylvania 1 and was shot for desertion, or attempted desertion and exposing to the enemy our strength and plans. Our whole Division were out and formed in a square in a large field. He was brought up in a wagon, sitting on his coffin and was driven around the square while a band played the death march. He was then taken to the grave near the center of the field and sat upon his coffin blindfolded while twelve muskets were aimed at his heart. As they fired he fell dead but the scene was too terrible to witness and many strong men—men who had braved many battles, men who had stood firm while the bullets whizzed around them cutting down their fellows on their right and left—were now overcome by the sight and as the guns flashed and the poor victim fell, they fainted and fell as if they too had been shot. Though the sight was sad. we believe it will have a good effect upon all who witnessed it, for we doubt if any who witnessed it would now wish to desert.
My health is still good and I am enjoying myself well. Frank[lin J.] Fellows returned to us yesterday and I had a good chat with him. He was severely wounded at Cold Harbor. Has a commission now and today has gone to be mustered as 2nd Lieutenant. He will make a good officer. He was home about election time and told me of some of the times they had & the sights he saw while home—especially was he disgusted with some of the Copperheads and I guess was not afraid to tell them what he thought. Had he been real well, I doubt not but some of them would have felt his power and realized more fully than they ever did that some of our country’s brave defenders are terribly in earnest in striving to put down this wicked rebellion. He is a true patriot and while talking with him yesterday, he seemed more than ever like our loved but lost Lieut. Brown. Company B has lost some noble members. Well might a country be proud of such boys. A few still are left and we hope they may be spared to return to their homes & friends and long live, an honor to themselves and an ornament to society.
We were to have preaching yesterday but the air was so cold our Chaplain only sung and prayed with us. He says we are to have a house built for our meeting by next Sabbath. Last evening I got hold of the November number of the Atlantic Monthly & read “Leaves from an officer’s journal” and some other very interesting pieces. I like to read the Atlantic. Herbert has it quite often and he furnishes me a good amount of reading. He is a great reader and a fine boy. One of the little drummer boys is with us now too—Charlie Sanborn, another fine boy. He is not very small though. Is 16 years old, is rather tall, slim, with dark hair and bright, black eyes. His talk and actions make me think of Harvey and sometimes when he laughs, I almost think it is my brother. He was also enlisted with Company A. 2 He is now out with Herbert planting trees—evergreens around our little cabin. It will look very pretty and neat. Many of the boys have fixed their houses and the streets very nice. I wish you could see our little city here. It does not look much like an old pine forest now.
Have you seen Libbie since you wrote New Years? I received another letter from her yesterday. She was very sorry you were so disappointed. Said they started to make you a visit but the storm increased so & their horse became so tired they had to turn round and go home again. Am rejoiced to hear of the good meetings you are having at the Ridge. Hope they ay continue & great good may be done there. How good the news that Mrs. Button has sought and found the Savior. It must seem good to see them in church and to hear them speak of God’s goodness and mercy. I hope Mr. and Mrs. Gaul may also find the Savior. I would like to go with you to some of those good meetings.
The gathering at Uncle Seneca’s must have been pleasant, was it not? Was Elvira well enough so you could go? The Christmas tree must have been a fine one. A letter Eugene received from Lucy states that Merritt purchased the cane for Uncle & Uncle gave Merritt a very nice family bible. No doubt they all had a joyous time.
It is time for supper now so I must bid you goodbye again. I forgot to tell you our New Years dinner has not arrived yet. Love to you all, — T. C. Edwards
2Charles Edward Sanborn (b. September 1847) claimed to be 18 years old when he enlisted on 14 February 1863, at Le Roy, New York. He mustered in as private, Co. A, February 17, 1863, to serve three years; promoted musician, date not stated; transferred to Co. K, Tenth Infantry, June 5, 1865; also borne as C. E. Sanborn.
Letter 3
On board steamer Daniel Webster Near Fortress Monroe Saturday morn, January 28, 1865
Dearest Sister and loved ones,
This pleasant Saturday morning finds me not at the end of my journey as I had hoped. Still I trust I shall reach the regiment tonight. Am feeling quite well this morning though much in need of rest as the journey has been a long, tedious one. Am glad I had so good luck while going home. Had I lost so much time then my visit would have been a short one. I shall be two days behind my furlough but I have a paper from the Provost Marshal of Baltimore so I think all will be right. Even had I not, I think I would have no trouble. My excuse for the delay would be satisfactory.
We had a pleasant time going to Rochester. Mr. Stahl and I staid at the Clifton House. Had a good rest and after a heart breakfast I started out for the Provost Martial and procured transportation to Baltimore. At ten we took the cars for Avon where we soon arrived, and here he left me, as he had to go on another route. the train from Buffalo should have been here at eleven but we heard it was snowed in. We waited until seven when an extra train was made up and we started for Elmira. Was a long time reaching that place. Then had to wait several hours for another train. Had not gone far from Elmira when we came to a sudden halt and found a freight train ahead of us had run off the track and smashed things generally. Again we waited several hours and finally went out and cleared the track by rolling off the broken cars but we had been delayed so long all connection with other trans was destroyed so we often had to lay by for other trains and dd not reach Baltimore until late Friday morning.
Soon learned the bay was so frozen no boats could run and received from the Provost Martial (guess I have spelled this incorrectly) an extension of furlough of two days. But I did not like the idea of remaining there two or three days. Late in the day, heard a boat was to leave Annapolis at night and hurried to the depot just in time to take the cars and at Annapolis just in time for the boat and here I am.
The weather is cold but this morning is sunny and the ride pleasant. But the water is a little too rough for me. The boat rocks so I can hardly write intelligibly. Did not have time to go to Washington for my pay nor did I have time to try and find some pictures of our officers in [Co.] B which I wished to. Will try and mail this at City Point and will write again soon. Yours lovingly, — Thomas
The eatables you sent me will just last me through I think and save me some money. How is Elvira now and how do you all do?
Letter 4
My soldier home Monday eve, January 30, 1865
Dearest sister,
Ever moving onward, never ceasing old time has brought another pleasant Monday evening to us, seeming almost to ask us if we know how swiftly we are moving on and on through this world of joy & sorrow of pleasure & pain, of beautiful sunshine, and cold dark frowning unfriendly clouds & storms. One day we are happy with those we love, another, far far from home & dear ones, almost wondering if our former happiness was no more than a beautiful, pleasant dream. Then we think it is best that all is not sunshine. The storms and dark clouds of life help to fit us for life’s duties, and when we from time to time pass through them, we not only feel that we can better enjoy, appreciate the sunshine when it does come. But we have grown stronger & better for having manfully battled through the storms & trials…
I feel that these years spent away here in the army would change y life so I should never feel like trusting to my own calculation for a livelihood. I have not that confidence in myself I once had and I almost shrink from the duties adn responsibilities of life. Still I feel that I have done my duty and all is for the best. If I continue faithful in the path of duty, as I wish ever to do, all will be well. I shall not be worse for having been in the army where much has often seemed so unpleasant, almost unendurable. Others may be bettered & I shall be better myself He who has blessed and kept me thus far will bless & keep me still, and I shall not be worse, nor in ought be a loser by having tried to do my duty now, by leaving home and business to help save our country.
Well, how do you all do tonight? Is Elvira better? Does she sit up more than she did? …Her soldier brother was not very kind. I fear that he did not take her out once while he was at home but tell her he is sorry he was so naughty. She must forgive him this time and he will try and do better…How is the sleighing now? The air is a little warmer here, they say, than while I was at home. Today has been clear and so pleasant. Was ever such a day seen North? How good that we are here instead of in the cold, northern clime. The morning was cold and frosty so we needed our overcoats & mittens when we drew rations early this morning, but at noon the cold & frost has gone and we hardly needed any coat or even a fire to keep us comfortable. How different from home. No snow here and scarce any mud just now. All day the dust flies almost as the snow does at home.
I wrote to you while coming down on the boat of my delays and unpleasant journey. I arrived here safely late Saturday night and found all pleasant in the old camp—the same old camp I left, only made more beautiful with evergreen trees and beautiful arches across our streets. [We] have one of the best camps in the army, the Inspectors tell us.
All the boys are well and gave me a hearty welcome back. All seem very glad to see me again which makes it very pleasant for me. But I was so tired when I arrived here. I thought I did not want another furlough. I am rested now and feel quite well. All my things came safely but my cakes and chicken and most of my apples were gone when I got here, I having lived almost wholly on them while coming back. Saturday as my chicken & biscuit were gone, I feasted on my fried cakes and apples, not so many dishes but I enjoyed what I did eat. How I feast on our good coffee, bread & butter & beef steak.
Eugene Fuller is now Lieut. Fuller and he is a fine-looking officer too. I brought him his suit from Baltimore and now he looks so neat, as though he had just come out of a band box. Col. Willett has resigned. Major Baker is Lieutenant-Colonel & they say Capt. Low will soon be Major, no doubt. We shall feel sorry to lose him from the company.
I found two letters from you when I returned. In one you ask me some questions. I think they are all answered while I was at home. I also had six other good ones to read…one from the unknown lady friend in Essex.She is a Baptist minister’s daughter, she says. Her father preaches there. She has two sisters and but one brother. He is in the army. Says she does not often write to strangers but will write to me because I am a soldier and she concludes by my letter I am a gentleman too. Ha! Ha! (I guess I feel a little flattered) Says they call her “the little abolitionist” because she cannot think just as some of her copperhead neighbors do & sometimes talks pretty plain to them. Well, I guess she is a pretty good girl and does not want to see our government destroyed by traitors…
Am sorry I did not see Mr. Leland before I left as he wished to see me. Perhaps though it makes no particular difference. One cannot see everybody in a week, I find, and try to visit all the time at home. But perhaps I saw enough, though, no doubt some were disappointed. I enjoyed the furlough ever so much, but now enjoy myself well with the boys. Time passes pleasantly and I feel more contented than before I received my furlough…
Accept love and a good night kiss from, — Thomas
Letter 5
Near Petersburg, Va. February 7, 1865 Tuesday morn.
Dearest Sister,
Our forces have been moving again so I am a little behind my usual time of writing and I don’t know when I can mail this but I will improve the few minutes of spare time I now have that you may know how we are. I am still save and well All of our regiment were safe when I left them last night though they have seen some fighting since Sunday morning, or all except two who were slightly wounded—one of Co. F and one of Co. H. Our Brigade have been wonderfully preserved this far, not having been severely engaged while there has been terrible fighting all around them. We have met with one severe loss—that of our Brigade Commander, Col. Murphy. Also his A. A. G. He was shot through the knee and his Aide through the head, severely wounded, while riding near us Sunday afternoon. Both were still alive the last we heard yesterday afternoon.
The move was started last Saturday and was as we supposed a light raid, but it has turned out to be a great, and we now hear, a Grand move, which has resulted in the capture of the Danville Railroad. Saturday we received orders to pack up but did not leave util Sunday morning, then moved off toward the west, simply straightening our lines. Did not do much but skirmish that day. Toward night, threw up breastworks about four miles from here where our boys still remain. As our line has been extended toward the railroad, our Corps simply hold the front line while the 5th Corps with the 6th and a portion of the 9th moved on to the rear & beyond us, fighting their way through until yesterday evening we heard they had reached and extended their lines across the long sought after road.
The fighting was severe yesterday but we hear our forces hold their ground. We had expected to return to our old camps and a guard was left in them but we may not now if our forces have succeeded as we hear, and do not get driven back, which we do not expect to be.
The weather has been cool but pleasant until this morning which is very cold & unpleasant, as it is raining hard & freezing. The roads are pretty good but I fear they will be heavy now for a time and perhaps will delay farther advance. As the Commissary Department have not moved, I have not remained with the regiment all the time. Have been with or near them most of the day and return to my old house at night. Herbert has remained here all the time.
I have been looking for a letter for two or three days but have received none since Thursday last. Are you all usually well? How is Elvira? I hope better. Hope I will hear from you soon. Also from Libbie. I will write again soon as convenient. With love to you all. I am as ever your affectionate brother, — T. C. Edwards
Letter 6
Camp near Petersburg, Va. Friday eve., February 10, 1865
Dear Sister,
Charley and I have been picking over beans for our breakfast and as he has placed them over the fire to boil and will attend to them, I will write to you and try and tell you how things are going with us now. I wrote to you last Tuesday. Since then have received a letter from you also one from Elvira, and this morning three papers came (one Intelligencer and two Advocates), the daiy papers I have received since I returned. Was very glad to receive them. Have read them through this afternoon and evening. Was very glad to receive your letters (yours and Elvira’s) and know that Elvira is doing so well. I hope she is still better and will soon be well. Am glad you were having so fine sleighing. Think I should improve it were I home. A letter from Libbie with yours says she is back to her school again, is quite well and school is very pleasant. Anna was much better. Have you seen her of late?…
Nothing very unusual has transpired since I last wrote you. Have had but little more fighting. Our boys hold the same line they then did, but the 5th Corps & portions of others have fallen back and are now building strong works a mile this side of ours, where we will soon fall back to, I think, and perhaps our Brigade will come back to their old camp. We hope so.
I still remain here and have slept in my little house every night with Herbert & Charles and think it rather more comfortable than lying out as the boys have to these cold nights. All the drummers are here & guard is still left to take care of the camp. I go up to the regiment every morning to issue rations to the boys and return at night and find the ten mile walk with the work I have there gives me quite enough exercise and but little time during the day for play.
I do not know why the 5th Corps fell back so but suppose Gen. Grant does, so do not worry about it. Hardly think they reached the railroad as we had heard. If they did, they did not hold it long and things now look to us as though Grant did not intend they should take it, that the move was made more to draw out the rebel army & hold them here than for anything else. We hear a portion of Gen. Thomas’ army has arrived near here. Perhaps the move was to extend our lines so as to give them a place. Major Low returned last evening. Is quite well and in good spirits. Since Tuesday the weather has been quite pleasant though cool and tonight the full moon is shining so brightly. Seems to me I never saw a more pleasant evening. Is it so pleasant at home? Do the meetings still continue? I am glad to hear so much good being done. I hope Clark will yet come out and be determined to be a Christian. He may then do so much more good, and be saved himself at last. Did you have a good quarterly meeting?…
My health is still excellent & time passes pleasantly. Have no cold and have not coughed any or scarce any since I returned. Have gained several pounds in weight…
Regards to all the friends and lots of love to you all, — T. C. Edwards
Letter 7
Sabbath Evening February 19th 1865
Dearest Sister,
Four weeks ago tonight, do you remember where I was and how the evening passed with us? So pleasantly & so quickly too. I have been thinking of that evening while sitting in my log cabin tonight and had almost wished I were there again just to spend the evening. How pleasant that would be, wouldn’t it? What if we all had our wishes. This would be a curious world, wouldn’t it? Maybe we would all have wings and then could not be satisfied unless we were everywhere at once. But we haven’t wings & can’t be everywhere all the time so must be contented just where we are & try & be just what we should be, what God made us & intended we should be, men and not birds or beasts. Yes, we can be happy whenever we may be, always happy, if we always trust our all with Jesus, ever remembering that “He doeth all things well.” “All things work together for good to them that trust in the Lord.”
Well, this evening thus far like one four weeks ago, has passed quickly and pleasantly—pleasantly because I have been thinking of “loved ones at home” and talking of them and home scenes, not with the boys who have not seen home for a long time, my home, but Merritt, who just came from there for he has made me a good visit this evening and this is why it has passed so pleasantly with me. He came here with Homer this afternoon and is to remain with us a few days, so we hope to have many good visits together. Has gone back to Eugene’s house now (a few rods distant) and perhaps ere this is in dream land, forgetting that he is sleeping on the soft side of pines slabs. If so, no doubt before morning he will conclude it isn’t like his feather beds at home. It is almost eleven now. Time I was asleep, you may say, or mother wound, but I was inrerrupted from writing to you today, so determined to try & write tonight, else you might be worried about me for do you know it is more than a week since I last wrote you?…
Last Tuesday I moved to the regiment and since then have been very busy all my spare time. Have been trying to build me a house. At night, I was too tired to write. Now the house is finished and today has been a real rest to me. It is not quite as nice a house as the one we left but is very comfortable & we will enjoy it if we can remain here two or three weeks. Had a good deal of rain last week but yesterday & today have been beautiful, sunny days, drying up the water & terrible Virginia mud very fast. My health is still good and most of us are well. Herbert has had a very sore hand for a few days past. Is still growing worse & more painful and yesterday the Dr. pronounced it a felon. His hand is very badly swollen and very painful. He has not had any rest of late & the poor boys looks as though he had had a fit of sickness. I hope his hand will be better soon. The Dr. gives him a poultice for it—flax seed meal I think it is.
Ere this you have doubtless heard all about the movement of the forces, the late battle, and the slight loss in our regiment. Of late, all has been quiet with us. The men have new winter quarters nearly all finished, are now where there is plenty of wood. Are enjoying themselves well again. Have the brass band with us again as they returned from City Point two or three days ago, and their music sounds good to us. We often think of Old Baltimore & My Maryland when we hear them, Yes, it does seem almost like our own state, we have lived there so long. We can’t think of it now as a southern slave state but like our own home state is never to be blighted with slavery again. It is a second home to us.
Harmon came back a few days ago. Is quite well now though says his wound is not entirely sound yet. Simetimes is painful. I was very glad to see him again.
…Hope the Free Methodists will not disturb the meetings more. It is too bad that they can’t attend to their own affairs. Do you hear from or have you seen Harvey of late? He hasn’t written to me yet. Tell Louisa I am very much obliged for those [Christian] Advocates. I like to read them. I see by looking over your letter you did not notice any word misspelled. Do you remember how I spelled Marshal in speaking of the Provost Marshal? That was it. So some of the ladies near you find someone to take them sleigh riding? That is very good. Is Isabel still at home? I must close now for my candle is nearly burned out. Good night. Much love to you all. — T. C. Edwards
Monday morning. All well as usual. Received John’s letter this morning. Will send you a Chronicle containing some good news—the latest we have read. Will also send Gen. Butler’s address to the people of Lowell. Have you read it? and Father? What does he think of it? I don’t like his spirit. — T. C. Edwards
Letter 8
In our new camp Thursday afternoon, February 23rd 1865
Dearest Sister,
Was very glad to receive another good letter from you—also one from Elvira yesterday. Glad Elvira is still gaining and that the rest of you are well….And Monroe’s letter this morning tells me that Uncle I has really sold the old homestead for $100 per acre, that they are all feeling very badly about it & wish something would happen that the man would not take it. I wish so too for it is too bad for that place to be sold out of the connection.
Most of us are well and time passes pleasantly. Came near moving yesterday but did not go at last and will not now I guess. Had a great time rejoicing when we heard officially of the fall of Columbia and Charleston. The old camps far & near rang again & again with the shouts of the thousands who are determined to see the end of this wicked rebellion. It is said the rebels here are preparing for some move. We don’t know what it is, but their movements are being closely watched.
Of late the weather is warm and spring like and the light warm rain this morning will set the grass to growing, I think. Heard the frogs singing last night for the first time and the singing of the little birds today reminds us that spring is near at hand. Yes, spring is not far distant now and soon summer will be here wit all its loveliness. we welcome the pleasant spring and summer too, and with your flowers and fruits bring us lovely peace that our nation may rejoice once more. We feel to take new courage everyday. We will hope on and strive on and ere long our efforts will be crowned with great success.
You remember I wrote of Herbert’s hand, don’t you? It is not so painful now, is very badly swollen though and his arm too. the Dr. says it is the worst felon he ever saw. I fear Herbert will lose some of his fingers if not his hand. hardly think he will help me any more very soon. He endures it like a hero. Does not think of going to the hospital. We try to take good care of him, Charley & I, and he would much rater remain with us. Sees the Dr. every day.
So Eugene writes home queer things, does he? And you wonder what is the matter with Lieut. Burns. I wonder that Eugene should have written home anything of that. It was but a little affair at the most and should not have been mentioned out of the regiment. We think Burns did not do wrong. The Colonel in his haste placed him and three other lieutenants under arrest for a little thing which he repented of in a day or two afterward. All is right now. Most of the officers think Burns and the others did right, just as they would have done in similar circumstances. Nothing should be reported to try to injure any of the officers.
Evening. I had intended to finish and mail this this afternoon but I had to leave it to attend to drawing rations. Had rather a wet time of it but it was so warm the rain did not hurt us any. Is still raining some and it sounds very pleasant pattering lightly on our little tent roof. How pleasant to have a nice little house to cover us and comfortable little fire to sit by. But we have not always been this comfortable. we remember other days when we were cold and wet with no house to cover us—no pleasant fire to sit by and warm and dry us. But we won’t dwell on the past. We are thankful all is so pleasant with us now and for the many blessings we have enjoyed.
Then you have the [Ladies] Repository to read, have you? Am glad it is so good this year…
ajor Low is now with us. Capt. Pitcher went home on furlough a few days ago. Had I told you Capt. Nichols is now captain of the company? A colonel of the 170th New York Infantry now commands our Brigade…
Do the meetings still continue? I hope much more good may be done there. Do the Nazarites try to trouble them anymore? Do they hold meetings in Pendleton now? Do you hear anything more of Uncle Daniel making you a visit the coming spring?…
With lots of love to you all, your loving brother, — Thomas
Friday afternoon. Is quite pleasant. Heard very heavy firing toward Petersburg this morning and since learned it was a salute for the capture of Wilmington. What cheering news. Victory after victory seems fast coming in now. When we heard the news we felt like singing, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow.” Truly He is with us. We will praise Him. Yours with three cheers. – Thomas
Letter 9
Camp 8th New York Artillery Thursday eve, March 2, 1865
Dearest Sister,
I worked so hard yesterday helping about the commissary building that I felt too tired to write to you last night and have not yet sent you a letter but I will improve the time now while I feel like writing. I have been reading all the forepart of the evening and become so interested I didn’t know but I might not get a letter written to you tonight. At last I found a stopping place, however, & closed the book lest I might find something more that could not be left unread. Do you ask what I was reading that so interested me? Only the Atlantic. I borrowed two numbers of one of Co. A a little before night that he said I could keep until I read them. I had a real little visit with him and found that he was well versed in literary. He is a great reader and told me more of the great writers of the day & their history than I had ever thought of knowing. I tried to be sociable and told him a little that I had read which he knew all about and so much more he told me that I concluded the best thing I could so was to keep quiet and listen. I thought he would do to talk with Ann and think he could keep up his part of the conversation. His name is Ross. 1 He is commissary sergeant of Co. A. Is a good-natured, quiet, unassuming boy—a slow and easy fellow who is often laughed at and joked a little by the company but I find he has a sound mind and I believe he will yet be a man of real worth—one who will be looked up to by the world. He says he has the Atlantics sent him & will lend me some more when I have read these.
I am still well. Have hardly stirred out of my little house today, however, as it has been raining ever since morning. Has been the most disagreeable day we have had for a long time. I hope it will not rain so tomorrow. The weather still continues quite warm but the going is terrible—the mud, more than that a great deal that can’t be described, but it would soon be dry if we could have pleasant weather. Our supplies are more easily got now as a branch of the new railroad comes very near us, or is to. It is nearly finished. Gen. Grant’s railroad is certainly a great thing and has well paid for the little expense of building.
I have not seen Uncle Lemuel of late. Merritt was here yesterday and said he saw him not long since. He was well and was coming over to see me soon. Merritt is not going home just yet.
I have not sent my money home yet. Have no way to express it until some of the officers go to City Point which I hope will be soon. I intend to send $80; $30 to pay father & $50 for him or some of you to use or lend as he sees fit. I will send another dollar to you with this letter as I think I certainly owe you one more (and perhaps more). The rest you must remember and tell me how much after I get home.
We hear no great since the fall of Charleston & Wilmington. There is a rumor that a heavy rebel force has stopped Gen. Sherman’s thus far victorious march and we hear also that Gen. Thomas has met with a great reverse but these reports need confirmation. We are still hopeful of great success to our arms until there is nothing left of the great Confederacy.
I received Elvira’s good long letter yesterday with a short one from Libbie and this morning’s mail brought me yours which like all others from home received a hearty welcome and all its contents were read with interest and pleasure. Did Libbie make you the visit you were oping she would? I hope she did, and Mrs. Button also. Am glad you had a pleasant visit there and at Wesley’s. It is too bad you were too late to see Mr. Parsons. I did not see him while I was at the Falls.
Major (Lieut.-Col. I should say) Holmes has not been very well for a few days past but it better now. You have received another letter from me by this time, have you not? And have you heard from Harvey or Ann? Harvey doesn’t write very often. Have you heard from John? I have not of late. Hope I will soon.
So Herman Leland is married? Merritt told me he expected he would be soon. I hope he has a good wife and I too wish them much joy. Though she may not now be a Christian, if he lives right, he may soon be the means of leading here to the Savior. I hope he will be faithful. Did mother go to Royalton> Tell Elvira I will try and answer her letter soon. Now goodbye until I write again. With a great deal of love to you all, affectionately, — Thomas
1Henry C. Ross (1839-1913) of Shelby, Orleans county, New York.—Enlisted, July 21, 1862 and mustered in as corporal, Co. A, 129th Infantry, August 11, 1862 (which became the 8th Artillery, December 19, 1862), to serve three years; promoted quartermaster-sergeant, March 31, 1864; reduced to sergeant, date not stated; mustered out with company, June 5, 1865, at Munsons Hill, Va.Henry was married on 20 August 1862, the day before he left to join his regiment, to Caroline (“Carrie”) Mason (1840-1913). After the war, Henry labored as a farmer and a school teacher. Later in life he moved with his family to Berrien county, Michigan.
Letter 10
Old Camp Monday evening March 6th 1865
Dearest Sister,
What say you to a little chat this evening? Think you it is time I wrote again? Well then, sister, I will try and talk a little while. I have felt quite lonely this evening as Herbert & Charley were both away visiting but they are here now. Herbert [is] reading by my side as usually is, and Charley 1—bright sparking black-eyed Charley—is sitting near the fire talking a little now and then, whittling a little, and again drumming away with his fingers for he is a drummer boy you know. He is a good drummer too. I like our little friend more and more as I become better acquainted with him. He is a noble boy, or man, you would call him now as he is almost a man grown. He was a little boy when he came to us at Federal Hill a few months after we came out, but his home was not very pleasant for him, I guess. He has told me something of his history which may not be uninteresting to you. He lived in Rochester when small but for a few yeas past has lived not very far from that City in a little country village. Has a rich father who has petted him too much perhaps, he being the youngest and the only son. In short, he has been the pet of the family, I should say, but like too many boys has had his own way and been too much in loose society. Has but one sister now, he says. He used to have two but Frankie is all that’s left him now. She is a noble girl, I guess, and thinks a great deal of her brother. He often speaks of her, often receives letters from her. He sometimes speaks of his mother but not often, and then usually as though she did not expect much of her boy or if so, did not take the right way to make him try to do right. She would tell him she was afraid he was getting to be a bad boy, [that he] was “going to ruin,” and his grandmother often says, “Charley, won’t you stay at home with your poor old mother tonight?” and as he hastily ate his supper and started for the door she would say, “Well have your own way, you will yet come to the gallows.” &c. In short, they did not try to make home pleasant for him so he tried to find pleasure somewhere else. Says he used to drink & was a terrible boy. His father was sometimes very severe with him which made him act worse instead of better, and when they told him one night he had been drinking and whipped him, he ran away and enlisted in Co. A of our regiment as drummer, then being but fourteen or fifteen years old.
He said he thought when he got into the army he could smoke and drink when he wished & be a man. Now he says a loafer. After a time he made up his mind he would try and be somebody and for a long time has been a steady boy. Says he almost shudders now when he thinks of his past life and what he might have been had he remained at home. Thinks he will try and be a man now. Will go home a better boy than when he left and surprise his folks a little. He often speaks of their sending him to school and how he would run away & spend his time foolishly. Often says he can go home now & go to school gladly. This is another proof that being in the army need not, does not always make one worse. How many thousands there are who like Charley have been made better by being in the army. A few may be made worse but not all will be destroyed. Society will not be ruined when the volunteers return to their homes again. I shall never forget a remark I heard a young woman (not a lady) make to her friend while we were going from Rochester to Avon in the cars on my return. She sat near me & there were several soldiers near who she intended should hear. She said, “I don’t know what will become of society when the soldiers return and are turned loose upon it.” She was frightened a little I guess as she saw several of us look sharply at her. We won’t say what we wished but I thought all of us together—and there were twenty or thirty of us—would not do so much to injure society as she was doing. At least we would be more benefit to it. An army like her wouldn’t be worth so many straws. But there are some we are glad to say are trying to save the soldiers instead of trying to ruin them. Some woman do not realize what an influence they have, but there are some we guess like this one who don’t have much influence anywhere.
Now I must tell you how near we came to going back to Baltimore. Though we had heard such reports, we could not believe such were the facts until we saw some of the regiment who were in the forts there down here and some of our boys have seen the new regiment back at Fort McHenry and Federal Hill. A heavy artillery regiment was to go back and it was between us and the 7th New York. Had we not been quite so large a regiment, we would have gone but as it was, we had 150 men too many and they went. Has we not been quite so large a regiment, we would have been the lucky ones. Now we think it was all done to get our regiment back there. Gen. Morris, knowing the size of our regiment, no doubt represented that a much smaller regiment than one then there could just as well do the duty. They (the 91st New York) being 1900 strong and we but six hundred, but about that time we received 150 men from the 23rd Battery that just spoiled our fun & perhaps his too. we did not feel quite disappointed when we learned the facts but now try to think all is for the best as no doubt it is.
Today has been a very pleasant day but I think it will storm again soon. How is father now? I hope he will not be sick. Is Elvira’s health still improving? Has mother returned from Royalton and did she have a good visit? Am glad to hear George is in town again. Libbie writes she saw him at the cars when she was going to Tonawanda. Hope Ann will come out this Spring and make you a good visit. How much I should like to see them both.
Now I must close with love to you all & a good night kiss. I remain yours, &c., — Thomas
1Charles Edward Sanborn (b. September 1847) claimed to be 18 years old when he enlisted on 14 February 1863, at Le Roy, New York. He mustered in as private, Co. A, February 17, 1863, to serve three years; promoted musician, date not stated; transferred to Co. K, Tenth Infantry, June 5, 1865.According to Find-A-Grave, Charley was the son of William Sanborn (1815-1899) and Elizabeth F. Bailey (1820-1902). An Ancestry.com source claims that two older sisters dies young—Emma and Susan. His sister Frances (“Frankie”) E. Sanborn (1846-1907) was a year older. A younger sister, Grace, only lived from 1850-1853, and there was actually a younger son, William, b. 1850, who lived until 1916.
Letter 11
My Soldier Home Wednesday afternoon, March 8th 1865
Dearest Sister,
I have just finished writing a letter to father and thinking I can just as well send another letter with it, will write a part of one o you tonight & will perhaps finish it in the morning & send with his. I sent my money ($8-) by Merritt this morning as he started for Baltimore. He will send it on from there by mail or will send a draft to father, all of which I told father however. I also sent my overcoat home by him as I will not need that anymore this Spring. I think he will give it to you when he comes home which will be in a week or two. In one of the pockets you will find some more of my letters. In the other a pair of mittens and a towel that I do not want and thought it might be worth something at home.
I forgot to write father that a box was to be expressed to him from Baltimore. When I came back, I stopped where we had left some of our things there, as Captain—now Major—Low wished me to and boxed up all the clothes that were left, or nailed up the boxes so all would not be lost, and when he returned he said they better be sent home as all would be lost there. So we sent a line by one of our boys who went home on furlough a few days ago and he will see that they are sent away. A chest of mine will be expressed to father and he can get it when it comes & pay the express charges and I will send him what it costs. A few of the things are mine but most of them belonged to other boys who had no place for them and put them in there to help fill up the chest. A violin belonged to Nathan Peterson who was killed. If father can send it to his folks some way, I wish he would do so as they will think so much of it. They live near or on the Ridge somewhere below Pekin. Be sure that they will get it if you send it. The clothes will have to be left until I get home. Then I will try to find the owners or their friends. Many of the boys are gone now.
Have you heard the great news that has today reached us! that Sheridan has captured Early with several thousand men and is now on his way to Lynchburg. This is big to believe but we hope it will prove true.
We are about to move again as there has been two beautiful days but the heavy rain today has stopped that for the present. It has been raining very hard most of the day. Is as warm as summer.
I was very glad to receive another letter from you this morning. Also one from Elvira and one from Libbie. Libbie is much better than she was, having nearly recovered from the severe cold she had taken a short time ago. Likes her school thus far very well and is getting along finely, I guess. Has she written to you yet? Has mother returned from her visit> and how did she enjoy it? How is Hattie Green & all the Royalton friends. I hope she is better and well ere this. What about Uncle Seneca and Uncle John? Are they to leave us entirely? or will they settle again near us? I hope they will not leave us. Merritt said something about their settling in Lockport. He said they stayed with Uncle L. last night. Uncle was well. I have not seen him for a long time. Wish he would make me a visit soon. Merritt says he (Uncle) thinks they both missed it selling out as they did. Have you heard from me yet? You must have 3 or 4 letters ere this…
I think my letter is about finished now don’t you? Maybe I can add a little in the morning. Charley has tea ready so here goes the pen for knife and fork. Accept lots of love, — Thomas
Thursday morning. The sun is shining once more and the morning is beautiful but oh how muddy it is. It will be some time before the ground will be as dry as it was two days ago. I am still well and all is pleasant with us. We hear more great news that Lynchburg is ours, but don’t know how true it is.
Is George still in town? If so, give him my kind regards & tell him I am looking for that report of his. Remember me to all the friends. I will not send this with father’s letter as I had thought to as it will be too heavy I fear. With love to you all, I remain yours &c., — Thomas
Letter 12
My Soldier Home Monday afternoon, March 13th 1865
Dearest Sister,
I did not have time to write to you yesterday as we were moving our camp & I had to work most all day but I have a little spare time this afternoon so I think you will get a letter yet. Perhaps it will reach you quite as soon as as though it were written yesterday. I am well but feeling rather tired as I have been much harder at work than I am used to. As our camp was in rather a low, unhealthy place, we have been moving back a few rods to a little side hill that is dry and a pleasant place for camp. We are once more settled and hope to enjoy our new camp at least a few days but if we have a few more such days as yesterday and today, I think we will be on the move.
This is a lovely warm spring day. The warm southwest wind is drying the roads very fast. Our regiment are now out on inspection, are being inspected by the Brigade commander (Col. of the 170th New York Infantry) and of late they are having a great deal of drill and reviews, which look a little like preparations for work when the weather and going will permit it. Last Saturday there was a grand review of most of our Corps and the 5th before Generals Grant, Meade, and some others, our worthy President and scores of ladies and gentlemen from Washington & elsewhere. It was not far from us near the Depot on this new road. The day was pleasant. The troops looked well and all passed off pleasantly. No doubt you will hear of it by the papers. It was a grand sight to those who had not seen much of the army. I was not there as I had to attend to drawing rations but I could see the troops and I afterward saw all the Generals as they rode past here to view the works in front of us.
The health of the regiment is usually good, I believe, but a few are sick. Among the number is Eugene Gould who has been unwell all winter & will soon have his discharge, we now hear. He will not get better here. Has a bad cough and spits blood considerably. I think if he can go North he will regain his health. We have heard from some of our boys who were taken at Reams Station but most of them are dead. We hear Hamilton Ingalls is dead. Also Mr. Walter Stimpson. What sad news to the friends. Isn’t it dreadful that men should be treated thus? They hardly had any chance for life given them. I fear CHarley Gregory is dead too. I wonder if Edson has heard anything from him? None of our company boys have returned yet. Those who were taken there, I mean. I don’t know if any of them are left. We saw some of them had died in the rebel prisons.
Did I tell you that Captain Low is now with us? He has been with us a few days. Is well and seems to feel at home. One does not often see two brothers together who are so noble looking and so noble officers as he & his brother James. They are noble men.
Yesterday morning I received a letter from you written the 5th and last evening another one written the 9th. The last came very quick, didn’t it? Also three papers yesterday morning were received. The Intelligencer, the American, and the Advocate. Many thanks for them all. I got time to read the papers some yesterday afternoon. The list of drafted, the news, and the two stories in the American which I thought were pretty good. Today one of the Christian Commission gave me the Advocate & Journal and the Methodist, both of this month so I will have more good reading. I see these two occasionally. Your letters brought me much good news though some sad….
Am glad to hear that Uncle Seneca has bought a place so near us and that Uncle John does not go far away. I think Uncle John will do well in Lockport. Has Mr. Lewis succeeded in selling his place to Mr. Riley’s people? I wish they would buy father’s place…I think you must have had a good Donation. The people must have turned out well and been very liberal too.
I had to leave my letter for an hour or more to give out two days rations to the regiment but think I will yet have time to mail this evening. Uncle Lemuel has ben here too, but staid only a little while. Is well and in good spirits. I hope you may have a good visit in Royalton. You may have my share of maple sugar this time provided I may have yours some time. Will that do? Am very glad there is to be no draft in our town. Harvey will be home soon, won’t he? Captain Pitcher has not returned yet. He is sick too. Is captain of Co. M…
Hope to hear from you again soon. All accept love, — Thomas
Letter 13
Old Camp Thursday p.m., March 16th 1865
Dear Sister,
It is just four o’clock now so my faithful little watch tells me one hour only until the mail goes, but I think I can write something in that time. I am all alone in my little shanty. The boys have just returned from battalion drill and are now out on the parade ground playing ball. The day is warm as summer and were it not for the high wind which we have had all day, it would be too warm for comfort. I have not had my coat on nor could I wear it. We have not had a fire only to do our cooking, and then we sweat over it—like men mowing. My tent door is fastened open and anon the gale whirls in here tossing my papers & blowing in the dust, almost covering my letter sometimes. But it is so much more cool & comfortable I never mind that. Spring really seems upon us now and summer soon will be. How swiftly times ddoes fly. It won’t be long ere my three years will have expired, will it? Only five months and a week more. If the war is ended by that time, we will certainly feel like rejoicing.
We do not leave our camp yet but expect to soon as the great and last campaign, we think, is about to commence or to be renewed with greater vigor for we can hardly say the one of a year ago has ceased yet. The sutlers are sent away, the sick and lame have gone back, and everything that might hinder us being put out of the way. The whole army is being prepared for the great struggle that is soon to come on. Men who were detailed away from us & the Corps are fast being relieved and sent back to the Corps again. We expect something great is soon to take place and the camp is all the time filled with various rumors that the rebels are evacuating Petersburg & Richmond, that we, the 2nd, 5th, and 6th Corps are about to evacuate this whole line and join Sheridan’s forces up north and west of Richmond. Another, that we are to go to North Carolina & help the forces there, &c. &c. But we have learned not to believe all the reports we hear, nor to worry about any of them.
Grant knows what he wants us to do & when we are to do that thing, he will tell us and by the time we get there, we shall know where we were to go. I think whatever or wherever the move may be, it will be successful & will no doubt result in the rout of the rebel lion and his army.
I am well. Wrote to Elvira yesterday. Received a letter from Libbie last night written the 11th, I think. She was not very well then. Have you heard from or seen her? A paper from John dated the 7th stated in his own pencil hand he was to sail the 9th, one week ago today. Have you received another letter from him? I have no letter to answer this time so I will not write more. Only can you send me a few postage stamps occasionally perhaps? I cannot obtain them here for a time. All accept my love, — Thomas
Capt. Nichols was sent away yesterday very sick.
Letter 14
Old Camp 8th New York Artillery Sabbath evening, March 19th 1865
Dear Sister,
Do you remember where we were just ten months ago tonight? I mean our regiment. That was much such an afternoon and evening as this has been thus far. The day like this was warm and pleasant and the sun as tonight—like a ball of fire sunk behind the western horizon in a vast cloud of smoke. But how changed. Then [Battle of Spotsylvania Court House] it was the smoke of burning powder from the thousands of muskets that were sending death among the foe. Now only the smoke of burning pine in the little campfires where the vast army have been cooking coffee, potatoes, or meat for supper as quietly and contentedly I dare say as though no enemy were near us, anxious to drive us from our quiet camp. That was our first battle and never shall we forget the feelings we experienced while we were rushing on toward the enemy at a double quick, approaching nearer and nearer to the terrible roar of musketry that filled our ears & almost stopped the beatings of our hearts at time.
First we saw the wounded come hobbling back, then the dying and dead lying on the ground. Then we heard the zip of the rebel ball and anon would see a comrade fall. But on and on we went through the swamp and over the hill, for the enemy were retreating. Then we halted, formed in line of battle, and charged with a yell across a corn field into the woods and thought to take a hill beyond, but the Johnnies had halted there and when we had passed nearly through the woods, they have us such a shower of bullets we were glad to lie down behind a low fence. But the fence did not keep the bullets away. One and another and another of our comrades were wounded and carried away, and as ball after ball whizzed close & closer past us, making us root the ground, do you wonder we wished we were anywhere else but there. Then we looked to Him who alone was able to keep us, and prayed Him to spare us. We were spared and though we have since been where danger & death was thick around us, thanks to His great name, He has kepy us through them all, and tonight we do feel to rejoice in His great goodness and mercy, & more fully trust our all with Him.
Well, how have you spent the day? been to church no doubt & heard a good sermon. I have not been out of camp. Have been reading most of the day, but this afternoon we had to issue rations again, soft and hard bread, sugar, coffee, potatoes, candles, &c. &c. Most of the threatened rain was blown away and now we are having delightful weather.
We have not moved yet & now think Grant is waiting for the rebs to make the move first, or until Sherman is nearer. We are liable to move any time. Hear more and more of that good news which has been so long cheering us, until now nothing surprises us. We expect Sherman will go where he attempts to, and Sheridan will do likewise. But gold is getting down, down. It seems to keep pace with the hopes of the Confederacy, but I guess this is farther below for that is above. I was feeling quite unwell yesterday & day before but am real well again today.
Received your letter with Elvira’s in due time. Also one from Harvey and one from Lucy. Harvey was quite well. Lucy’s brought the good news that the old homestead was back again and the writings burned, which was good news to me, I assure you. She said Monroe was quite sick. I hope he is better now and well.
Have you been to Royalton yet? Have you seen any of Mr. Stahl’s people or heard from Libbie? I have had no letter of late. I hope she is not sick. You are losing some of the old neighbors, I see. I wish father could sell too now. We do not hear from Capt. Nichols of late so do not know how he is. I have no more to write tonight. Much love to you all, and a kiss, — Thomas
Letter 15
Camp 8th New York Artillery Friday afternoon, March 24, 1865
Dear Sister,
I have no letter to answer this time so may not write you a very long one but I will write something for you will want o hear from me. I am well as usual and time passes pleasantly. We do not move yet, and hear nothing more about it of late. Had another review of the Corps yesterday at the station before Gen. Humphreys who commands the Corps and several northern ladies and gentlemen were there. Though the wind blew almost a gale covering the troops with dust, they did splendidly and I thought as I saw them column after column moving along, I thought I never saw a grander sight. They were nearly half the afternoon passing the station. I wish you could have seen them. Then you might know something of the grand old army Gen. Grant has here—an army that Lee well may fear.
News from Sherman is still good. We hear he has reached Goldsboro and joined Schofield. He is slowly advancing on Richmond and we think he will join us ere long. Then well may the rebels think their cause hopeless. The end of the war is not far distant. Many of the papers think we will not see any more hard fighting. We hope we may not.
We are having more pleasant weather now but the air is quite cool today—more like winter than any day we have had in a long time. We don’t receive much of a mail of late they say on account of the great freshet at the North. I have not had one letter in a whole week. I think something must be the matter. I hope I will hear from you tonight. How is the great freshet now? Has the snow all disappeared? Is Harvey at home? Have you been to Royalton yet? Lucy wrote me that Uncle Seneca had the old homestead back again and Uncle John was to take half of it. Have you heard anything from John? I hope he arrived at New Orleans safely. No doubt I will hear from you soon and will then know all the news.
I hope father is well, and mother, and Elvira is still gaining. Do you hear anything from Libbie? I will try and write more next time when I hope to have a letter to answer. Yours as ever, — Thomas C. Edwards, Sergt. 8th Artillery
Letter 16
Camp 8th New York Artillery Saturday eve., March 25th 1865
Dear Sister,
Though it is very near midnight now, I don’t feel like sleeping so will try and talk a little time with you. The Spring Campaign seems to have opened in earnest and no doubt you will soon hear stirring news from this old army. Early this morning we were aroused by the roar of artillery and though it was some miles away, I think I never heard more heavy. Then we had orders to pack up and fall behind our breastworks. Soon the firing commenced nearer us, to the right, some of the time in sight, and all day the roar of musketry has been terrible—especially just before night. I think I never before heard such a dreadful, continual roar of musketry as this. It was mostly to the right of us two or three miles, in front of the 3rd Division of our Corps, and the 5th Corps. Our Division have not been severely engaged as we are left to hold the rear line of our works. A few pickets have been out and some of our men were captured this morning. Major Low was sent out with them and they were ordered to advance and did so a mile or more when they unexpectedly found the Johnnies behind them. The 5th Corps pickets on their left failing to connect with them as they had not advanced and thus they (the rebs) came onto them. They made a rush back, most of them succeeding in reaching our main lines again. One of our company, a new man, was taken with seven or eight others of the regiment. One of Co. K was shot dead by the rebs. I believe none others were hurt though they poured a pretty good fire into the boys. Major just made his escape and that was all. Said they had him surrounded & told him to surrender but he didn’t “see it.” They sent the bullets after him but they didn’t hit him.
The first fighting commenced near Petersburg. We hear the Johnnies made the attack and finally broke through our lines and captured two of our forts near where we were last fall. [See Pre-dawn attack on Fort Stedman] But they were soon driven back with terrible loss in killed and wounded and two thousand made prisoners. Soon after daylight our line was advanced a little to the right of us and we hear the first line of Johnnies’ works, a fort and 500 men were captured. Soon the Johnnies massed & tried to retake that lost and all day they have worked desperately but have gained nothing. So we hear, and this is all the news we have had to day. No doubt you will hear of it soon by the papers and it may be different. It has been all excitement today, packing up, giving out rations, listening to the almost deafening roar of musketry and artillery, and hearing the wonderful rumors that have reached us.
It has been a wonderful day and tomorrow perhaps will be a more wonderful one. Perhaps the army will do something now. Some think we have not been doing much. I have not taken down my tent yet and will not before tomorrow. The regiment are behind the breastworks near us. Are still safe except those few this morning and are in the best of spirits.
Captain Nichols is back with us again having returned much sooner than we had expected he would. I received your letter of the 20th written at Royalton this evening. Also four papers and a letter from cousin Lucy Foote, being the first mail I had received more than a week and you may be sure ot was welcome. Am glad you are enjoying your visit. Think Harvey has an offer of a good situation and perhaps cannot do better, but I do not know what business George is in. I must not write any more tonight. will tomorrow if I can. No letter from Libbie in ever so long. I don’t know what has become of her. Good night. — Thomas
Sabbath afternoon. I have just finished my dinner of coffee, bread and butter, and boiled beef tongue. Have read three letters just received and will now try and finish the letter commenced last evening. One letter was from you written the 16th and one from Libbie. You may be sure I was very glad to read them, and hear from you dan Libbie. It is almost two weeks since I had heard from her.
I was not a little surprised when I awoke just at day light this morning to hear the regiment coming back to their old camp where they are now all settled and quiet. There has been no fighting today as we had expected there would be and the army are now back in their old camps again, all seeming as quiet as though nothing had happened. The Rebels will not soon forget yesterday’s work, I guess. We now hear they gained nothing by their attacks and lost in all nearly ten thousand men. They say we might have advanced here and perhaps taken the railroad but Grant did not seem to want us to. He seemed to be willing to fight it out on this line and Lee did yesterday just what he wanted him to do. If we can believe reports, two or three more such charges on the part of the rebels would destroy their army. Lee is becoming desperate. Grant has him in a vice where he cannot long remain. He must break our line & drive us away or evacuate and lose all. We now hear that 4,000 prisoners were captured when they broke our lines and the rebel dead were piled in heaps. They must have been mowed down terribly. We are anxiously waiting for the newspaper reports which will give us the most correct statements of the days labor. We think the loss of our army was very light.
Of late we have had no storms and the roads are quite good. Today is pleasant, but the air quite wintry as we have a cold north wind…
How rejoiced Mr. Gregory must have been at seeing Charles—poor boy. How much he has suffered. But I’m so glad he is at home again. I hope you will see him soon. Wish I too could see him. I wrote to Edson a few weeks ago. Am looking for an answer now. No doubt you have seen an article in the Intelligencer from one our regiment speaking of those of Co. E who were captured there and died in the rebel prisons “starved to death”—how terrible.
Am sorry you did not hear Gough. Had I been at home, I think we would have heard him. It is worth something to have good brothers. Am glad you think yours are so good. We brothers think too it is worth something to have good sisters. I do think we love ours, but we can’t help loving somebody else’s sister too. And now will you excuse me while I write to somebody’s sisters? Much love and a kiss from, — Thomas
Letter 17
Old Camp 8th [N. Y. ] Artillery Tuesday eve., March 28th 1865
Dear Sister,
Are you at home this evening and how do you all do? I am well as usual. Have been quite busy today giving out rations and preparing for a long march, we think. We have orders to be ready to march at six tomorrow morning and by the orders we have, we think we are to have a good march, perhaps to Sherman. We hear the 2nd, 5th, 6th and part of the 24th Corps are going. I expect you will hear from us soon. I don’t know when I can mail this but will mail it the first opportunity and will write again as soon as I can. Your letter from Royalton giving me so great news was received last evening. Hope all are doing well. I mean the little Amanda and her mother. Merritt is rich now…
You say something about father’s letting out part of his farm. Who is to take it? and how much do they work, &c. I am anxious to know all about it, you see. I cannot write anymore now. Good night with love & a kiss. — Thomas
Friday morning. I have not yet had an opportunity to mail this so will add a little. We left camp Wednesday morning as expected and since have heard enough of the roar of musketry & artillery. Our boys are still safe. Have not had much fighting to do. The 5th Corps on our left have done most of it. We are not far from our old camp and our boys have not yet had much marching to do. Are all the time under arms & advance slowly as the Johnnies fall back. It has been raining hard most all the time & is still raining but never the less our army are all the time advancing and driving back the rebs. Hear our line has extended to the Southside Railroad but don’t know positive. We do know we have a very heavy force here and this is intended to be a great & decisive move.
I am still well. Received another good letter from you last night, written the 26th and night before, one from Libbie, also two papers from you. Libbie is better, she says, Has taken the school for the summer. I think you need not teach this summer.
I will write again soon as I can. Heavy skirmishing has already commenced on our left. We may have plenty of music before night. Accept love, — Thomas
Letter 18
Camp in the field Saturday p.m., April 1st 1865
Dear Sister,
Though I sent you a letter only a day or two ago, you will no doubt like to hear from me again so will write a few lines. I am well. Am now sitting under my little shelter tent just back of our regiment in as beautiful a fine woods as you ever saw. A deep ravine is in front of me through which a beautiful little stream called “Stony Creek” winds its way. On the hill opposite is the regiment behind heavy works which day before yesterday were occupied by the Johnnies. Now the rebel line is nearly a mile farther back.
Yesterday was a little rainy but today is clear and warm—a splendid day. And just now all of us seem to be enjoying it. Our Brigade have not done much fighting yet. A portion of the regiment were out on the skirmish line yesterday morning where Captain Thomas Low was badly wounded through the thigh by a bullet—not dangerously we hope, though he will not be able to be with us again this spring. One of his men was also wounded about as he was. These are all our casualties thus far, I believe. We have been wonderfully preserved.
All day yesterday there was terrible fighting, both to the right and left of us and this forenoon the artillery and musketry was severe on our left. Our forces must have lost considerably. We don’t know what has been gained. Hear many reports and hope for the best. The day seems like spring. Peach trees have been in blossom for a week or two. Grass is growing again and trees are almost leafed out. We are only three or four miles southwest of our old camp but a portion of our army extends a long distance west and left of us. We are in what once was a beautiful rolling country, but war has done its work even here. The once beautiful South is being terribly punished. I will write again soon. Yours in haste, — T. C. Edwards
Letter 19
Near Burkesville, Virginia Saturday p.m., April 15th 1865
Dearest sister,
Again I gladly improve the little opportunity given me to write home for I am well aware you are all anxious to know how it is with the absent soldier boy. That kind Providence who has ever been with me still blesses me with good health and strength equal to all emergencies. I have hardly seen a sick hour since I left our old camp. How thankful I am for good heath. Though we have seen some pretty hard times of late, have had some hard marching to do through mud that cannot be described some of the time, I have not fallen behind once; have stood all better than ever before. All have kept up well perhaps because we were after the last of the rebellion. I hardly think we could have done so well had we not thought we should have Lee soon or destroy his army. We hardly thought of taking him with his whole and never was such shouting as when the news came to us that Sunday afternoon that he had surrendered with his whole army. I never before saw so excited an army. We now feel satisfied—feel that we were not working for nought. And though we sometimes went supperless to bed after a long, weary day’s march, and found ourselves in the mud and water when we awoke in the morning, we care not for it now. Now all is well and well can the army afford to take a little rest.
Some days were a little rainy; the roads were bad & we marched so fast the supplies could not keep up with us. And two days we were without anything to eat except a little we picked up on the way, and two days while we were coming from Lynchburg, it was the same as the trains hand some back to Burkesville too soon. Two nights were quite rainy and when we awoke in the morning, many of us were lying in the water. All were too tired to mind the rain during the night. Now our Corps are resting here near Burkesville. We don’t know how long we will remain here but think only a few days. Think we will soon go to Petersburg or Richmond. We would like to see those cities that have so long withstood our showers of iron hail.
I presume you know as much by the papers of our march & successes as I can tell you. I have not seen a paper except one of the 5th since we started. We had some rain [but] still the weather was favorable for us. After Lee was captured, we had the hardest rain. It held off well until then. Yesterday was a beautiful day but today is cold and rainy—a real northeast storm/ We had a very large mail here awaiting our return an many had a joyous time reading letters. There were 10 waiting for me and seven papers…I received a letter from John written the 29th of March the 19th, it was. He was well. Was then at Key West but expected to leave for New Orleans soon. Two letters from you, two from Libbie, one from Della, one from Alice, and one from Mary Robinson.
But perhaps you would be more interested in a sketch of our great and successful journey to Lynchburg than anything else I can write. If I could only see you, I might talk as long as you would wish to hear. I could tell you a great many things which I cannot write—a great many little incidents that I cannot now put on paper.
Thursday, no it was Saturday, the 1st of April, I wrote you last. Then the 5th Corps with Sheridan were tugging away on our left, trying to turn back the enemy’s right. All day we heard them cheering & banging away at a great rate. Saturday night we laid down under the trees behind our strong breastworks to sleep but we could not sleep much for ere long the cannons commenced their terrible booming and toward morning the roar with now and then cracking of musketry was almost deafening. I never before heard so heavy firing. In th morning we had orders to advance & heard the 6th Corps had carried the rebel lines in front of them. The 24th Corps on our right had already gone over their works & as cheer after cheer came from them, we knew the enemy were fleeing.
Orders came for our boys to go and away they went with a cheer. A swamp was crossed, then came several rods of bushes and fallen trees to creep through & over but all was soon passed. Lieut. Young of Co. G with a few of his men first reached the rebel fort & captured 13 men and two cannon in it. Other prisoners were taken. The whole line was broken. A portion of the rebel right were cut off & afterward captured. The rest were pushed back in confusion upon Petersburg.
Soon Gen. Meade with his staff came along. We marched to the Boydton Plank Road, then advanced on Petersburg. There was no great cheering, no great demonstration, but every man felt that it was truly a great an eventful day in the Nation’s history. On we marched, not halting until we came in sight of the City. Then on a side hill about three miles from it we rested and listened to the still booming cannon of our gunboats. What a sight was before us. here our whole Corps massed. A litte in advance was the 24th and beyond them a long line of battle said to be the 6th Corps, while on our right were the long lines of rebel works and their great forts that had been so long thundering against us, holding us back/ But they were ours now and we were wondering what the rebels would do next. An hour has passed and word comes that Petersburg is ours. We smile, a few cheer a little—not much, for we had expected all this.
We turn about and hear we are to go toward the railroad to support hte 5th Corps who are trying with Sheridan to capture the rebel force that was cut off. The distant cannon tell how hard they are now at work. Hour after hour passes away. the sun has nearly set. The roar of artillery has died away and the 2nd Corps halt for the night, cook their coffee, eat the bacon they captured at the little station a few miles back, display the great rolls of tobacco also taken there, and talk of the prisoners released there, and the great work of the day. It is late when we go to sleep that night but we sleep soundly and are awake early in the morning & soon ready for another move.
Hear the rebel force is nearly all captured by Sheridan and we turn toward Petersburg again. Hear we are to go into the City but we halted three or four miles from it and soon hear that the rebs have evacuated Richmond & the whole force are making for Danville. The 6th Corps passes going southwest, then a division of the 25th Colored. Then we turn & follow down the railroad. Halt a little before night near the railroad, some ten or fifteen miles from Petersburg. See Gen. Grant & Gen. Meade riding by & cheer them as we have not cheered before. Hear our Brigade is left behind to guard the train—Sheridan’s cavalry train, and go into camp for the night near it where Gen. Sheridan the day before fought & captured several thousand rebels. See many dead horses around us.
Are called up before we have hardly gone to bed to pack up and be ready to march. Our train is ready to move but it cannot yet [as] the road is so blocked up. Ever since we stopped it has been filled with wagons, men & teams. Our train don’t start so we lie down and get a little sleep. It is almost daylight before the train can start. Marched hard all day, hardly stopping to eat. Pass a good many reb prisoners and see a great many broken down and burned rebel wagons. Did not get much rest at night.
Early Wednesday morning [April 5th] joined our Division & Corps again. Afternoon came to the Danville road & find the 5th Corps entrenched on it between Lee & Burkesville. Our boys build works that afternoon & we hear we are in front of Lee & he may attack us before morning. See a whole train pass that has just been captured by Sheridan’s cavalry. Also six guns & nine battle flags with a great many prisoners. See Gen. Sheridan twice that afternoon.
Early Thursday morning [April 6th] find the rebs had gone toward Lynchburg & we were soon after them again. All day our advance are skirmishing with their rear guard. Some of the time we are very near them. Find the road more than before strung with old broken down wagons and some burned and many things, hospital stores, &c., strung along the road. Late at night we halted for a rest. Were up again early Friday morning [April 7th] and after them without our breakfast for we had nothing to eat now—only what we might pick up. A few of us went out foraging & before noon we brought in bacon, chickens, turkeys, meal, flour, &c. &c. Some had no breakfast. I had a late one. A little meal pudding with sugar for I too had been through many of the houses on the way. Found some molasses and had bacon & molasses for dinner. Killed two old hens & that night had splendid boiled chicken for supper but it was mostly broth for we couldn’t get the chicken tender. Lived about so the next day, then drew a few rations.
High Bridge crossing the Appomattox River near Farmville, Virginia
Early Friday morning we struck the Lynchburg Railroad and saw the rebel train in the distance. Followed the railroad down a little way when we came to the High Bridge. It is the greatest work I ever saw and I think is nearly a half mile in length—22 span of 100 feet each and 150 feet or more below the Appomattox winds its way. Here the rebs tried to make a stand [see Battle of High Bridge] & when we first came up we could distinctly see the skirmishing in the valley below, 50 rods [275 yards] from each other perhaps were the two lines firing at each other as though they were not killing human beings. I saw the rebel officers ride back and forth cheering their men on and for a time they advanced, all the time yelling & howling like so many wolves. Now and then one fell but they did not seem to care for him. Steadily they came on toward our men & were driving them back until ours received reinforcements & artillery was brought into position which gave them a few good shots and sent them reeling & running back. But they had fired the great bridge & four span of the noble work was burned before our men could stop the progress of the flames.
Again our whole forces were advancing. The rebel train had moved away & the long rebel line of battle we saw away on the hill had disappeared in the woods. I was not far from our line of skirmishers then and soon saw the rebel cavalry firing on them as they retreated over a second hill. Then the rebs made another halt on a hill beyond & again I saw them charge on & capture a part of our skirmish line. We could see the little village of Farmville a little beyond them and soon saw a long line of our cavalry from another road come down a side hill and charge down upon it. A few cannon shots, a short rattle of musketry, then the Yankee cheers and running rebs told us the place was ours. We saw the rebs in front of us retreat in haste for they were now nearly surrounded.
Then we advanced again but alas; we had lost one who had been with us this far & so earnest all the morning. Gen. Smith who commanded one of the Brigades of our Division & had commanded our Division was killed while trying to reform the skirmishing here. All were sad. The 3rd Brigade had lost a noble commander—one who was loved by the whole division and the Nation had lost a young but brave, ambitious, noble officer.
We soon reached a hill near Farmville & massed there to rest & take dinner. Saw the cavalry division march through the village & advance beyond, disappearing in the beautiful pine woods, but the rebs opened them [with] a masked battery & secreted infantry gave them a shower of bullets that sent hem flying back out of the woods with broken ranks and many riderless horses. Then we saw such a cavalry fight as we had never seen before, but it did not last long. The rebs were soon driven back and again the cavalry went in.
We went a little farther that afternoon when we came up to the enemy entrenched and for a time could not go farther. The 1st Division from our Corps were ordered to charge the works and did so but only lost heavily without accomplishing anything. That night we did not sleep much. Early the next morning found the rebs had gone so on after them we went, overtaking them a little after noon. All the time they continued to throw away everything which might impede their progress–wagons, clothing. & piles of ammunition. All the time they were losing heavily and we knew they could not stand it long.
Saturday afternoon [April 8th] we did not try to drive them—only followed them for we heard by the distant artillery firing that some other Corps was hard at work. Just before night we halted on a towering hill and took supper. Thought to remain here over night but were soon ordered to march again and most all night we kept on tramping. Hear we now have the rebs in a trap that will be hard for them to get out. Sheridan on their left, Gen. Thomas in the front entrenched, and we close behind them.
Early in the morning [April 9th] we were up & on again, all the time hearing very heavy cannonading in front of us away in the distance. About ten a.m., Gen. Meade rode past us in his carriage. He was looking very unwell. We heard he was sick. Soon we halted & heard Gen. Meade & Lee were having a consultation. Many said Lee would surrender & all were full of excitement. A little after noon, it might have been, news came that Lee had surrendered with his whole army. We hoped so, but could hardly believe it. The excitement was all the time increasing and cheer after cheer was given. Soon we saw an officer and his staff ride by a a full gallop toward the 6th Corps who were massed a little back of us. They were wild with excitement and made the hills echo with their cheers. Gen. Meade soon came riding back on horseback with his hat swinging in his hand, cheering away and looking as though he never had been sick. 1
Our Corps were massed by Brigades and as he and his staff rode up and down through our lines we could hardly contain ourselves. All seemed nearly wild. I never before saw the army so excited. Hats, caps, knapsacks, haversacks, canteens, cups & shoes were thrown high in air, & the earth almost shook with cheers. A salute was fired by the artillery and all the afternoon there was great excitement. That was a Sunday never to be forgotten by us. And what a week the past one had been to us. One week before we had just broken the rebel lines at Petersburg.
Sunday night we rested as we had not before & felt almost new the next morning. Rested all day Monday. Saw Uncle Lemuel & sent a letter home by him. Tuesday we left camp & quietly started on our return to Burkesville where we arrived after a few days marching & are still resting. Hear we are to march again soon, we think for Petersburg. Some say we are to go farther south but we hope not. We feel that we have done well here and would now rather stay in Virginia.
All of us are feeling well, all hoping we may soon have peace and return quietly to our homes & once more exchange the sword for the plow. Rumor says all who enlisted in ’62 will soon be discharged as soon as the 1st of May at the longest. We wish it might be so but fear not. I should like to be home by that time. I could then get something done this summer.
But I have written enough for once, haven’t I? I will write again as soon as I can. With much love to you all, I am as ever, — Thomas
1 “About five [o’clock] came Major Pease. “The Army of Northern Virginia has surrendered!” Headed by General Webb, we gave three cheers, and three more for General Meade. Then he mounted and rode through the 2nd and 6th Corps. Such a scene followed as I can never see again. The soldiers rushed, perfectly crazy, to the roadside, and there crowding in dense masses, shouted, screamed, yelled, threw up their hats and hopped madly up and down! The batteries were run out and began firing, the bands played, the flags waved. The cheering was such that my very ears rang. And there was General Meade galloping about and waving his cap with the best of them!” [Source: With Grant & Meade: From the Wilderness to Appomattox, by Theodore Lyman, 1994.
The following letters were written by Thomas C. Edwards (b. 1835) who served in Co. B, 8th New York Heavy Artillery. The regiment was organized at Lockport, New York as the 129th New York Volunteer Infantry and mustered on August 22, 1862, for three years service under the command of Colonel Peter Augustus Porter. Because heavy artillery regiments were needed for the defenses of Baltimore, the regiment was converted from infantry on October 3, 1862, and became the 8th New York Heavy Artillery on December 19, 1862. Companies L and M joined the regiment at Baltimore in February 1864.
Thomas C. Edwards—Age, 25 years. Enlisted, July 29, 1862, at Lockport; mustered in as corporal, Co. B, 129th Infantry, July 29, 1862 (which became the Eighth Heavy Artillery, December 19, 1862), to serve three years; promoted sergeant, April 25, 1863; quartermaster-sergeant, February 1, 1865; mustered out with company, June 5, 1865, at Munsons Hill, Va., as Thomas C. Edwards.
Letter 1
[This letter contains a description of the fighting at Harris Farm in the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House. The 8th New York Heavy Artillery was one of five Heavy Artillery regiments serving as infantrymen in the fight. Others included the 1st Maine HA, the 1st Mass. HA, the 2nd & 7th New York HA regiments.]
Addressed to Amanda J. Edwards, Lockport, New York
Army of Potomac Friday noon. May 20th 1864
Dear Sister,
The 8th had our first severe fight yesterday & last night. I am still safe, thanks to that kind Providence who has ever kept me. We fought Ewell’s Corps from 5 p.m. till nearly midnight & whipped him severely. The field was covered with dead rebs this morning. They had retreated during the night & this morning we came back to our old camp. Our loss was severe but the 8th did not suffer much—9 killed and 35 wounded. Only one slightly wounded in Co. B but the bullets whizzed by us good. Co. D suffered the most, Daniel Haller 1 was slightly wounded. Capt. Holmes 2 & company are all safe. The 1st Maine and 1st Massachusetts Heavy Artillery suffered the most. The 2nd, 7th, and 8th Heavy Artillery were also in the fight. Most of the firing was done with musketry & it was a severe musketry fight. No doubt you will read of it. We were under Gen. [Robert O.] Tyler. All the boys did nobly & we were highly complimented this morning by Gen. Tyler & Gen. Meade.
We had to double quick three miles to the battlefield. I lost my knapsack and almost everything I had—portfolio, paper, clothes, and all. I can’t write more now. I had a letter written to Libbie but lost it. Tell her this is for her too. I will write to her soon if I can. I can’t write often. Goodbye, — Thomas
1 Daniel D. Haller—Age, 23 years. Enlisted, August 12, 1862, at Lockport; mustered in as private, Go. D, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Infantry, August 11, 1862 (which became the Eighth Artillery, December 19, 1862), to serve three years; wounded at Cold Harbor, Va., June 3, 1861; discharged to date, August 12, 1861.
2 Joseph W. Holmes—Age, 41 years. Enrolled, August 12, 1862, at Lockport; mustered in as captain, Co. E, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Infantry, August 12, 1862 (which became the Eighth Artillery, December 19, 1862), to serve three years; mustered in as major, October 21, 1864; lieutenant-colonel, February 4,1865; mustered out with regiment, June 5, 1865, at Munsons Hill, Va.; commissioned captain, September 10,1862, with rank from August 12,1862, original; major, September 16,1864, with rank from June 19,1864, vice E. L. Blake, died of wounds received in action; lieutenant-colonel, January 30, 1865, with rank from January 14, 1865, vice J . B. Baker, promoted.
Letter 2
Camp in the field Near Mechanicsville, Va. June 1st 1864
Dearest sister & home friends,
Wouldn’t you like to have a chat with me this pleasant June morning? How pleasant it would be, wouldn’t it, if I could see you for a little time? No doubt you have all been very anxious about me of late and have wondered why I have not written more frequent. I have written as often as I could. Have written to you twice and once to Libbie. Don’t know whether you have yet received any of them nor when you will, but hope you will have heard from me ‘ere this. I am feeling very well this morning for we have had quite a rest for two days past which has done us all good for we were nearly worn out with hard marching, hard work, sleepless nights, &c. &c. We have had a hard time of it since we came out here but the boys seem to bear it all very cheerfully.
It is wonderful to see how much we can endure, but we are on the way to Richmond & are hoping victory will crown our efforts by & by & we will endure almost anything that Richmond may fall and we may see this wicked rebellion put down. We have been in line of battle almost every day for two weeks, have been under fire nearly half of the time, have laid on our arms and tried to sleep I should say nearly every night, while we were not marching or throwing up breastworks. But we stand it well. Have lost but few men as yet and certainly as a regiment have been highly favored. We have seen war through its terrible realities. We have seen its horrors which never can be described, and we have also seen some of its grandure which like the other cannot be described. And when once seen, can never be forgotten.
Now we are resting behind our breastworks waiting for further orders and a few of us are improving the time in writing. Our line of battle is in front of us & some distance beyond that is another line of skirmishers which keep up a little music with their muskets and a little to our left, the 19th Battery not long ago sent their morning compliments over to the rebs (Johnny’s—we call them) in the shape of a few shells. But the Johnny’s seem to be quite still all along our front & only once in a while do we hear the peculiar singing of a bullet as it strays over our way. It is so pleasant and so quiet we almost wonder if there really is war all over this fair land of ours. And then we wonder if the rebs won’t soon give up and conclude it is best after all to stay in the Old Union. Then we wonder what the late war news is, what our forces have been & are now doing, whether the rebels are really as discouraged & nearly whipped as we hear. All are camp rumors. The fact is we know nothing of what is being done more than what we as a Division or Corps have done ourselves. Queer, isn’t it?
Well we haven’t seen any newspaper since we left Baltimore and we have no other means of knowing what is being done by the army. We do know we have made a great flank movement and the rebel army has thus far been well out-generaled. The 2nd Corps are now not far from Mechanicsville, we hear between there and Hanover Court House. We hear we are 10 or 11 miles from Richmond. We know we are in a beautiful country & are now in one of the most beautiful cornfields I ever saw. How is it? Has Father planted his corn yet? Tell him before me is nearly 100 acres of corn now nearly a foot in height, good color, and I never saw a more even field in my life. It is splendid. We have seen a great deal of corn growing as we came along & most all of it looked well. But we think it will never do the rebs much good.
But I am going to tell you what more we hear. We hear the 6th Corps is on our right and were yesterday within six miles of Richmond & that Burnside is on our left & yesterday captured Fair Oaks and still holds it. And then we hear Lee is really dead. The rebels are suing for peace, any part of which we hardly know whether to believe or not. But we have great confidence in Grant and do think some part of the army is nearer Richmond that we and we (our army) shall capture it by and by.
I saw Uncle Lemuel day before yesterday. He was well. Took a letter I had just finished to mail for me. That one was to Libbie. Those to her will have to do for you & yours for her & all our folks & the friends. It will be impossible for me to write much at present and it is almost impossible to get those we do write mailed. We have received no mail, only a little. Some of our boys brought us one week from the day we left Baltimore. I received four letters then—one from Libbie, one from you written the same day we left Baltimore. & one from Lucy and one from Monroe. These I will answer when I can. Lucy will feel disappointed that I have left Baltimore but we couldn’t remain there & be here helping to take Richmond too. We don’t live here as we did in Baltimore, are dirty, ragged. and often some of us hungry. But all are cheerful and happy as larks.
The weather has been very dry & as we march and dig, our clothes get filled with dust. Sometimes we have an opportunity to wash and slick up but it doesn’t do much good for it may not be an hour before we are ordered on another march or to digging or sometimes to lie down flat on our faces in three inches of dust & perhaps have to remain there for hours, sometimes all night, and we have had the bullets kick the dust about us good sometimes. What think you? Is there much use of our trying to keep clean while on this campaign? You will not wonder this paper gets mussed and dirty, will you? This paper is some I picked up the other day. You know I lost all my things at the time of our first fight—all except my Bible and my Journal. Those I hope never to lose. I have kept a little memoranda of our every day move and some day will try and write you a little history of our “On to Richmond.”
Perhaps you’d like to know how we live just now. We don’t have cake & pies, bread and butter, & milk, though we often dream of them and think we are living sumptuously. Sometimes we have a little meat and sometimes we don’t. Sometimes we don’t have ant time to make coffee but our most sumptuous fare is hard tack and coffee, with a little meat perhaps once a day. Our breakfast is three hard tack with a cup of coffee. If you ask how we make our coffee, each has his little cup. We fill it half full of water, put in a spoonful of coffee and a litle sugar, sit it on the fire, and when it boils, take it off and fill it up with water to cool and settle it. If we have a little meat, fry it in the end of a stick over the fire and our good meal is ready. Thus we cook our dinner & supper.
But I must close for just now we have received orders to prepare to march. Hoping you are all well and with much love to you all, I remain ever your loving brother, — Thomas
P. S. Fred Button is well. Also Eugene Fuller and nearly all of Co. B. Very much love to Libbie & yourself.
Saturday, June 4th 1864
Dearest sister, yesterday was a terrible day to us. Our regiment was ordered to charge on some strong rebel works and were all cut to pieces. The boys did nobly but the work was too hard for them. Our loss is severe. Oh it is too bad, too bad. Co. B. lost two-thirds of our men. We charged a half mile clear up to the rebel works & we cannot yet get the bodies of some who fell there. Col. Porter is dead and still lies on the field. Col. Bates is safe. Maj. Willet is severely wounded. Capt. Baker is safe. Also Sergt. [Romeo G.] Burns, myself, Corp. Harmon, Fred Button, and some others. Eugene Fuller is wounded in the leg but is doing well. Charley G. also. Lieut. [James] Low is wounded in the leg—not severe. Lieut. Nichols slight in the arm. Lieut. Brown is dead. Poor fellow. Pitcher severely wounded. I cannot yet give you all the casualties. No doubt you will see a list soon. May God bless the mourning ones at home & save the 8th from another so terrible of a slaughter. Oh what a sad, sad day this is to us. Oh when will this terrible war end. May it be soon. Much love, — Thomas
Letter 3
[This letter contains a description of the 3 June 1864 early morning assault by the 8th New York Heavy artillery on Colquitt’s Georgians at Cold Harbor. For a great summary of that action, see Dan Masters’ “Struck down at Cold Harbor: In action with the 8th New York Heavy Artillery” posted on 11 April 2022.]
Cold Harbor June 6th 1764
Dearest Sister and loved ones at home,
Again I have the pleasure of penning you a few lines. It is a pleasure for I know you are all anxious, very anxious, to hear from me and I am happy to say I am still safe & well though I have passed through many dangers. God has been with me & has thus far kept me safe from harm for which I am thankful & I will continue to strive to trust in Him to watch over and keep me until this cruel war shall have ended & return me safe to all the loved ones. But oh! how my heart aches when I think of the many of our number who have so lately fallen. It is too sad to think of. Oh how must their friends feel. Let them all remember that we mourn with them for while they have lost a loved one—a son, or father, or brother—we feel that we have lost dear friends & companions we loved as brothers.
No doubt you will hear of all the losses in our regiment ere this reaches you. It was terrible but not so severe as we at first supposed. It seems Co. B suffered worse than any other company. We were on the right where they got a cross fire on us & their grape & canister mowed us down terribly. I wrote you the next day after the charge & told you somewhat of our loss. I hope you received the letter. Since then a few whom we thought dead have since been brought in and we hear there are still some live ones left there but we cannot help them. Isn’t it dreadful? They are hardly a half mile from us but are lying near the rebel breastworks & when we attempt to go out there, they shoot our boys down. We have worked every way to get off our boys & in spite of their fire & though several have been wounded in the attempt, we have crept up to them and saved some of them during the night. We have wished we could get all but it has been impossible to do so. We heard there was to be a flag of truce sent in this afternoon to give us an opportunity to bring in our dead & wounded but the skirmishers keep up such a firing all the time I fear such an opportunity will not be given us.
Wayside Marker on Cold Harbor Battlefield Walking Tour
Our Colonel’s [Peter A. Porter] body was brought in Saturday night, he having laid on the ground two days and one night. And we hear his body has now gone home. All our wounded have been sent on to Washington or Baltimore & no doubt many of them will soon go home on furloughs. Some of our wounded have since died. I cannot tell you how many of our boys are missing. Quite a number are. We think most of them dead now but some may be taken prisoners & some may still be saved of our company. Among the missing are still Sergt. [Job] Cornell [and] Sergt. [Nathan] Peterson. We think them dead. Also Corps. [John] Root, Taylor, and [William H.] Saddleson. Then there are many other boys—25 or more in all, 25 killed and as many wounded. We went into the fight with 120 and came out with but 38 safe. Some of the other companies suffered little more than half as bad. Others scarce any. Lieut. [John H.] Nichols was slightly wounded in the arm but is still with us, being our only officer now. Captain [J. B. Baker] is acting Major.
The charge was made at five in the morning…It was a rash move and amounted to nothing but slaughter. We hope no more such charges will ever be ordered.”
—Thomas Edward, 8th New York Heavy Artillery
The charge was made at five in the morning, was led by Brig. Gen. [Robert O.] Tyler who lost a leg we hear. 1 It was a rash move and amounted to nothing but slaughter. We hope no more such charges will ever be ordered. The whole brigade started in line of battle at a double quick, had to go almost a half mile, were not fired upon much until they were more than half way when a most terrible fire of artillery and musketry was opened upon them. But the boys halted not. On they went, some of them clear up to the rebel works, & then the few who were left turned and came back to our old present line and listened to the stories of each of his narrow escape. Then we helped off the wounded. I worked all the afternoon & that night & all the next forenoon. Seems to me I never worked harder. I was just drawing rations for the company and was not with them in the charge so have nothing to say of my bravery. I do not know how long we are to remain here. They are firing at our works all day so we lay close behind our works. It is not very pleasant for us.
Yesterday afternoon we heard heavy firing on our left & hear the 5th Corps crossed the Chickahominy. Today we hear firing on our right where is the 6th Corps. The 151st are in that corps and are not far from us now. Just now Watson McHall came to see me. Is well. Says Uncle is well.
We are holding our ground and occasionally drive the rebels back a little. Soon the siege will commence here, I think. A great many guns are being planted near us & soon there will be the most terrible shelling we ever heard. We hear Gaines Hill is two miles from us and we hope the rebels will soon be driven back beyond that. They now have a good position but we trust Grant will soon have their stronghold and ere long Richmond will be ours.
May God bless our efforts that we may soon see an end to war. Love to all. Pray for your loving brother, — Thomas
1 Gen. Robert Ogden Tyler took a bullet in the ankle which ended his military career in the field. He received the brevet rank of Major General of volunteers for “great gallantry at the Battle of Cold Harbor.” He died at the age of 42 in 1874.
Letter 4
Cold Harbor [Virginia] June 10th 1864
Dearest sister,
Once more I have a little time for writing & will spend it with you & the loved ones at home for I’m sure I cannot do better. I cannot write many letters and those few must be to those I hold most dear—my sisters, parents, brothers, and that dear one who is more than a sister to me. Though this is directed to you, tell Libbie it is her letter too and I will try and write the next one to her. I have received quite a number of letters of late and am sorry I cannot answer them all now but I cannot while we remain here. So all must be content to hear from me by you. When we get where I can procure plenty of writing material & have plenty of time, then I will write them all. I suppose I won’t receive many letters for at time. At least I can expect them, but I wish all would write though I cannot just now. They would if they knew how much good their letters do us. We can’t tell how glad we are to receive letters & papers too. I am ever so thankful for the papers you sent me. I received only two the other day—the Rural and another Rochester paper. No doubt the others will come soon. You are very kind to think to send me the American. I shall be very glad to see that. It will seem like seeing an old friend….Now we will receive our mail more regular, i suppose two or three times a week which will seem good to us. We hope our friends will write as often as they can and we will try and make it up some time—perhaps when we get to Richmond. But we don’t know when that will be. We hope the time is not very far distant.
There has been but little done near us for a week past and we don’t know what any part of the army is doing, but we hope something. We expect Grant is busy somewhere. We believe he is not idle. We are just holding our ground here—that seems to be all. There are rumors of wonders being done such as the late capture of Fort Darling and our forces being within four miles of Richmond—that we are to move by the left flank again and make the James river our base of supplies instead of White House Landing, &c. &c. which we think may be but we hear so many reports we don’t believe any of them at first. We have moved a little to the left since I last wrote to you and are now in the second line of works from the enemy on a little hill in a beautiful pine forest. It is pleasant, but we have to keep close during the daytime for the sharpshooters are most of the time at work and we occasionally lose a man. Most every day some of our regiment are killed or wounded & men from other regiments are killed or wounded & men from other regiments near us. Our company have lost none since the charge made just one week ago this morning. Some days all is quiet still and it seems so strange to hear no boom of cannon or crack of musketry.
Last Tuesday afternoon [June 7th] the rebels hoisted a flag of truce just in front of us & the firing all ceased. Our men went out and picked up and buried the dead and the rebels buried them. It seemed so strange to see men who but a few minutes before had been doing their best to destroy each other now conversing with and shaking hands even & exchanging newspapers with each other. It seemed so strange to us. The 7th Michigan & a New Jersey regiment were on our right & a little in advance of us & [Sgt.] Romeo [Burns] and I went out to their line that we might better see what was being done. We were not allowed to go over the line but there was a line of skirmishers & sharpshooters in front & the rebs talked with them. One fine looking reb stood up on their works and held up a newspaper. Soon came one of our men holding up one. They both advanced, shook each other by the hand, exchanged papers, and returned again. Perhaps I could tell more which will entreat you.
The flag of truce was to last but a short time. Then we expected the leaden misiles that had been daily picking off our men would again be flying and our men would again be popping at the rebs. Soon we heard the boom of the signal gun, telling us to look out for bullets. But the bullets didn’t come. All still remained quiet. there was no firing that night and the next morning all was still. As we saw the rebs standing on their works and many of our men so cool and unconcerned, we wondered why. It was soon learned that the pickets and sharpshooters had agreed not to fire upon each other. The rebs were tired of it as well as our men & said they would not fire if our men would not. Our men did not choose to fire so we had peace nearly all day. Again some of our men advanced, shook hands with and conversed with the rebs. One in the 64th New York recognized his brother (a rebel) and shook hands with him. How can brother fight against brother thus?
Day before yesterday, firing ceased on our left & our men and the rebels came out to the same spring of water. All was quiet for a time the next morning but soon a reb hallowed to our boys to keep their heads down now for they had orders to open fire soon. All the men were behind the works and the rifles were cracking away. Some of the rebels are heartless wretches, we know, but they are not all so. Some of them are men with noble hearts & would that this terrible war were at an end, but their homes are in the South and of course their sympathies are there. I cannot look upon the men of the rebel army as I used to. The war would not last very long were it not for the rebel leaders. The men would soon throw down their arms if they could.
Well, how do you all do at home this pleasant morning? Has the rain ceased & the ground dried so your folks can go on with their spring work. Things must be very backward there. The weather has been delightful most of the time since we came to the Army of the Potomac. Today the air is cool and the sky is as clear as in some pleasant spring day. We have had some very hot days though, but most of us have stood it well. My health is still excellent and i cannot be too thankful for that great blessing. May that kind Providence continue to watch over and keep your absent brother, and when this cruel war is over, return me safely to you all. Oh that it might soon end that not many more precious lives shall be sacrificed. It is so terrible to think of mens being so destroyed and so many rushed into eternity unprepared. May our kind Heavenly Father hear the prayers of a mourning nation & with His own power put down this wicked rebellion. We hope it cannot—we pray that it may not last much longer.
I suppose you have heard of that fatal charge our regiment made one week ago ere this. Have you seen a list of the killed, wounded, and missing of the regiment & of Co. B? Oh! how terrible must be the feelings of our friends at home now. Never before we think did any regiment lose so man at once and so soon cause so much mourning at home. Has the Lockport paper had much to say about it yet? I should like to see some of them. Do you remember reading of three brothers who had lately enlisted & the poetry written about them? Their names were Coe. Two of them [Nelson & Bedford] were wounded & one [Elwood] was killed. The one killed was married. Now I hear the loss of our own regiment in killed, wounded, and missing is 655, twenty-five of them commissioned officers. I can not tell how many ewre killed nor how many are missing. Our whole regiment is now here, or all but a few men, but all were not here the morning of the charge. Capt. Holmes was in the fight & came out safe. Ham[ilton] Ingalls was wounded in the hand, I hear, I do not know how bad. Fred Button tells me George Pool was killed. Daniel Haller was wounded again. I think not badly. Albert was wounded too, I hear. I hope not badly. Was shot through the leg, i heard. Do you see Ann of late?
One of the wounded boys from the Bloody 8th, shot in the left leg at Cold Harboron 3 June 1864.
Now we find the loss in our company is 78; 13 killed and 15 missing. All the missing must be dead now we think. There were about 20 but a few have since been heard of, are in the hospital wounded. If the rebels would have ceased firing sooner than Tuesday, we might have found the bodies of all the boys, we think, but when we were permitted to go out, most all the bodies had been picked up and buried by the rebs and some of our men. Those we know are dead are: Lieut. Brown, Sergt. Peterson, Corp. John Root, M. G. Stiles, B[enjamin] J. Rose, E[lwood] Coe, [Gus L.] Maynard, G[eorge] W. Johnson, William Watson, E[mory] Wilcox, T[heodore] Myer, and J[ohn] Howell.
The missing [are] Sergt. [Job] Cornell, Corp. Taylor, Corp. [William H.] Saddleson, F. E. Morrison, George Day, W. E. Elton, J. Starrow, C. Minwald, W[illiam] Ireland, W[illiam] Hall, A Sapworth, J[ohn] Walden, J[ames] Brewer, J[ohn] Bowman, and J[acob] Senn. There were 50 wounded. I cannot give you all their names, It seems now as though the best of our little company were gone. Many of the wounded will soon be able to come back again but some will never be with us more.
Charles Gifford received a bad wound in his arm and it will be a long time before he will be able to do duty. Corp. [Robert] Furman had a leg amputated. Also John Walker and M[artin] L. Swift. Mr. Nichols’ people knew J. Walker. Tell them J[ohn] Vedder was taken sick and was left at a hospital some distance back. I have not heard from him since. Hope he is not very sick. It is noon now and I must get my dinner. If I have time this afternoon, I will try and write some from my journal.
Afternoon. I have just finished reading two more letters just received—one from Libbie and one from you. You can tell perhaps how glad I was to hear from you both for I know you are glad to receive my letters now. Yours was written on the Monday of the 30th. You said you had not received any letter from me of late. You have since, have you not? I wrote the day after the battle & have written almost every week, sometimes twice a week to you or Libbie. I hope you will receive all my letters. You had lately heard of our first battle of the 19th and how well the 8th did but the thought of killed & wounded in our regiment made you sad. You have heard of another loss since then, haven’t you? Oh that the lost were no greater than the first, there wouldn’t be so terrible wailing in our home land as there now is. In spite of us, as we few in number gather round our little company circle and talk & think of our dead comrades who are with us no more, who have fallen in the struggle for Richmond.
In a previous letter you spoke of receiving the memorial I sent and how well you liked it. I am so glad those pictures are on it too. I have no other of Lieut. Brown and money would not buy that one now. Be very choise of that memorial. I know you will. Has Libbie seen it? And how does she like it?
I was somewhat surprised to hear of Delavan’s being married. I hope he has done well.
But you would like to hear all about our marches, &c. &c. I will write you something of what we have seen and passed through and will try and make it go interesting as I can though I did not have room to write much each day in my journal.
Sunday, May 15th. Left our little home at Fort No. 5 early this morning. After bidding a few friends there goodbye and promising to call and see them if we ever came to Baltimore & had our opportunity of doing so, and started for Washington Depot. Found we had some warm friends at No. 5 who were true friends to the Union soldiers. Stayed at the depot until afternoon, then with most of the regiment, took the cars for Washington. The rain has been falling in torrents most of the afternoon.
Monday, 16th—Stayed in Washington last night and this morning took the steamer George Washington and came down the river to Belle Plain and went into camp back on a hill a mile or so. The ride down the river was pleasant. The day has been warm and showers. Saw Charles Gregory this evening. He is quite well.
Tuesday, 17th—All are feeling well this morning. I drew five days rations for the company & about nine we started on a march for Fredericksburg. Are brigaded under Gen. Tyler with several heavy artillery regiments making a very large brigade. Did not stop at Fredericksburg as we had expected to but after eating our supper and resting a little, we came on, marched until two the next morning when we arrived at the front with the Army of the Potomac. All were very tired having marched nearly 30 miles.
Wednesday 18th—Did not sleep much last night. We were so tired. Were called up early this morning and brought in line of battle. Hear some firing about two miles in advance of us. After a little time we were ordered to the right two or three miles. Were marched up near the firing under a hill where we were halted. Saw a few wounded going to the rear as a few shell went whizzing over our heads. We began to realize for the first time we were near the field of battle and bloodshed. Did not remain there long when we were ordered to the left four or five miles and pitched our tents for the night in a pleasant woods.
Thursday 19th—Stayed here last night. Saw the 6th Corps pass us on their way to the left. The 151st [New York] were with them & we saw many with whom we were acquainted. Uncle came to see me last evening. Was well. Saw Gardiner Corlls [?] this morning. All was quiet most of the day. Just before night, heavy firing commenced on our right and soon we received orders to advance on the enemy.
Friday, 20th—Advanced at a double quick about two miles last evening when we came upon the enemy, had a hard fight with them until late at night when they were driven from the field. Learned part of Ewell’s Corps first attacked the 1st Maine [H.A.] who were guarding one of our wagon trains. They were driven back for a time but soon the 1st Mass. [H.A.], the 8th & 7th New York [H.A.] came to their support when the enemy began to fall back and were finally severely whipped. We lay on our arms all night and this morning came back to our old camping ground. Found the loss in our regiment was 7 or 8 killed and about 30 wounded. But one in our company slightly.
Saturday, 21st—Left our camp at 11 last night, marched to the left in a southerly direction. Marched all night and most of the day today. Are with Gen. Hancock’s Corps & a portion of another is with us. We hear more than 40,000 in all. Can see as far as we can see each way. Never saw so great an army before. Passed through some beautiful country. Passed through Bowling Green in the p.m.—a pleasant little village.
Sunday, 22nd—Stopped last night one mile south of Millford and a small river, having marched 25 or more miles. At ten in the evening, our regiment were called up and marched about two miles to some breastworks. Co. B was then sent out on picket. Did not sleep much and we feel very much worn out today. Were relieved a little before noon and marched back to our camp. Were soon sent a mile or two from here to some new unfinished breastworks where we worked hard all the p.m. expecting Lee on his retreat will soon attack us. A few of our boys came in from Baltimore and brought us some of our mail which we were very glad to receive. The boys are all in good spirits but feel very tired and lame.
Monday, 23rd—All was quiet during the night and early this morning. We started on our march again, marched nearly all day and were near the North Anna river & Hanover Junction when we met the rebels and our advance commenced fighting. The artillery and musketry firing is now severe. Also hear heavy firing on our extreme right.
Tuesday, 24th—About nine last evening we were called to the front but the fighting for the night soon ceased. The rebels had been driven across the North Anna. The rebs commenced shelling us this morning and we retreated to the woods. Has been nearby firing all day. Hear [that] our forces have been crossing the river since early this morning and are driving back the enemy. Just before night we were ordered across. The rebels threw shell into us just before we crossed the bridge & killed Sergt. Thomas of Co. I almost instantly. We did not go far. Has been hard fighting a little in the advance all the evening. We hear Burnsides Corp is now with us.
Wednesday, 25th—Was more quiet this morning & has been quite still all day though we had expected hard fighting. A heavy rain storm came up just before night. Did not last long. After dark we were ordered back across the river to the right a mile or more and worked all night building breastworks.
Thursday, 26th—All is quiet this morning. Is raining hard again. We are just in the edge of the wood about a half mile from the river. Can distinctly see the rebel works on the other side. The rain ceased before noon and the afternoon has been pleasant. Heavy firing in front of us commenced just at dark and we were called out but it did not last long and we did not take part in it. Lay all night on our arms on the bank of the river near the bridge.
Friday, 27th—Found our forces were recrossing and going to the left. All night long they passed us & just at day break we brought up the rear. Hear most of the Army of the Potomac is ahead of us. All day long we marched and until late at night when we halted & rested two or three hours.
Saturday, 28th—In the morning, marched again until late in tyhe morning when we halted for a little more rest and for breakfast, but many of us were too tired to eat any. Do not know where we are. Soon started again in a southerly direction, marched nearly all day. Just before night crossed the Pamunkey river and went into camp not far from it in a large wheat field. Hear we are not far from Hanover Court House. Hear no news and know nothing—only what little we have seen.
Sunday, 29th—Rested well last night & rested most of the forenoon. About noon went about two miles toward the southwest & went to building breastworks again. Are resting here this evening. I have not felt very well most of the day. Uncle Lemuel came to see me. Says their regiment is near us.
Monday, 30th—Feel much better this morning. Hear we are about 17 miles from White House Landing which is now to be our base of supplies. We are about the same distance from Richmond also. After breakfast left our camp and went about three or four miles toward Richmond and have heard firing in front of us all day.
Tuesday, 31st—Am feeling quite well this morning. We were called up early and again set to building breastworks. Fighting commenced in advance of us soon after daylight. About ten we left our line of works and advanced a half mile or more to another line. The fighting has been severe all day. Our forces are driving the enemy. Have driven them two or three miles.
Wednesday, June 1st—The day has been beautiful but very warm. All was very quiet until afternoon when the rebels commenced advancing on our forces and heavy firing again commenced. A little before night we were marched two miles to the right and massed in the woods near the rebels.
Thursday, 2nd—Left the woods just after dark and came back to our old camp we had just left. After resting a little, started on another southern march. All night long we trudged away and this morning rested a little while near Prospect Hill, then advanced two or more miles to the front and relieved the 1st Vermont who drove the rebels back to this place last night. The rebels are in sight and have fired at our breastworks all day. There is heavy firing all around us. Hear we are now near Cold Harbor and about two miles from Gaines Hill.
Friday, 3rd—A little before 5 this morning a general advance was ordered. Our regiment jumped over our breastworks and advanced in line of battle at double quick. They went almost to the rebel works when they were so cut down they had to retreat. Our regiment is most all cut to pieces. Our loss is terrible. it has been a terrible day to us—one we shall never forget. You know most of what has transpired since then. I have written this very fine & in a hurry. Hope you can read all. Tell all the friends I shall be very glad to hear from them often. Love to all. Very much to you and Libbie. — Thomas
Letter 5
Near Petersburg June 23d 1864 (Thursday P.M.)
Dearest Sister,
No doubt you would be glad of a good long letter from me this time but I have not time to write much now and had I, my heart is too sad to write much just now. You will read of all our late moves and perhaps of all our casualties ‘ere this reaches you, but I will try and tell you a little about the battle our regiment were in yesterday.
Another flank movement has been made which brought us below and southwest of Petersburg—2½ or 3 miles from it—and today we learn the move drew the rebs away from the east side of it, so that our forces left there advanced and captured the place yesterday. But to our regiment and brigade. As usual we lay all day yesterday near the front under the rebel fire and just before sunset were ordered to charge, and charge they did, but again they were met by a terrible fire and were mowed down. Our noble Lieut. Colonel fell this time, pierced through the body with a rebel bullet, and I fear must die. We had hoped he would be spared to us, but alas, how vain our hopes. Why was he not spared to us. Ah why?
Captain Baker (acting major) must now be the leader of our shattered little band unless some of our majors—Willet or Spaulding—are soon able to be with us. We don’t know the loss of the regiment but it was large in proportion to the number left. Those of us who are still safe are all worn out with long marches and hard work.
I received your letter day before yesterday and the line yesterday with papers and envelopes. Many thanks. I have written to you often though paper was sometimes hard to get. Hope my letters have been received ‘ere this. I wrote the day after the charge at Cold Harbor and have written just after nearly or all our engagements. I wrote you with ink, one very long, two-sheeted letter. Have you received that? I hope so. I have read several papers from you of late, also one American of the 4th, an Advocate and two Lockport papers—one of the 15th, all of which were read over and over with great interest. For a few days past we have had an opportunity of purchasing papers. This morning I had the Herald of the 20th which gave us a better idea of things than we had before and I conclude we are seeing the darkest side only—that the Army is doing more than we are aware of, and our confidence is still great in Grant’s ability to succeed; certainly he is driving things at a crushing rate. By the way, I have had the pleasure of seeing him several times.
But you wished to know more of my duties and how I stand the fatigues. We commissaries have found it a hard task to try to do all the duties of the soldier and attend to drawing and distributing rations to each of our companies. Sometimes while others were resting, we have had to go miles to the rear with a squad & of men, and hunt up the supply wagons, draw and carry our rations to the regiment, and distribute to the hungry tired boys. It was too hard and we could not stand all the work, so our officers told us to turn in our guns and equipment and keep with the regiment while on the march, and just attend to the rations. Of late we do not carry a gun, so I have not been with the regiment while they made those charges.
I was with them yesterday while they lay in the woods and the shells fell all around us, but when they advanced, I did not, but soon went up and helped back some of the wounded. Was not very well and was too tired to come clear back to the hospital (2 miles) so Lyman Pyle, who was wounded in the foot, and I came as far as we could and lay down until this morning. Started on after making us a little coffee, and this forenoon I tried to wait on our wounded boys. Peter Marcig is badly wounded through the body. William Matson hip broken; John Nagle, shot through the back; William Green, arm badly shattered, are the worst cases and only two were killed. There were hundreds of other poor mangled fellows who were suffering for the want of care, though all were doing all we could. We worked all the forenoon with them, and when I became too tired to stand it longer, I came back a little way to the edge of the woods and have tried to get a little rest. I feel a little better now. Will try and go to the regiment in the morning.
Our wounded are being moved away now to the river. Now I have written you quite a letter. Goodbye. Much love to Libbie, you, and all. — Thomas
Letter 6
Near Petersburg July 1, 1864
Dearest Sister,
What a pleasant July morning this is. Is it so pleasant at home? The sun which is now a little above the horizon is shining brightly but it is not too warm for the air is cool [illegible] but what is most pleasant [illegible]. We are in the woods in as pleasant a camp as I ever saw. The ground has been fixed off very nicely and they are making [illegible].
Let me see, we were on picket when I last wrote, were we not? Well we moved from there the next day to this place which is about four miles from [ ]. We are now nearly south of Petersburg four or five miles. We are still having a rest for we are not on the front line of works. We are behind a very strong line of breastworks but there are other lines in advance of us. We hear pretty heavy firing on our right this morning not far from Petersburg, I think it must be. Things have seemed very quiet for a few days past. We have not heard of much being done at least.
The [New York] Herald says there is still fighting going on. We should know nothing of this were it not for the papers. We have them every morning now. We hear some of our Cavalry have had a hard time of late & yesterday we heard the 6th Corp—which we relieved here—were sent to their relief, & though they were a little late, they were in time to do the rebels much damage . I see in the fight it is reported we lost more prisoners than we were at first aware of. The writer says nearly three thousand. He may be right, but we think not. I do not think we lost over a thousand prisoners there if we did that number.
The 1st & 3rd Brigades of our Division were sent out a little in advance of us to support the 19th Battery which had been ordered clear to the front. It seems the forces on the left of the 1st Brigade did not advance to connect with it, so the rebels had a good opportunity to march a heavy force in the rear of the brigades & the Battery & ere our men were aware, many of them were surrounded by the rebs. A portion of the 1st Brigade made good their escape also most of the 3rd but the Battery could not be got away The boys did not even have time to spike their guns. They said the rebs came swarming around them like bees. It is a wonder so many got away as there were but the boys said they run & told the rebs they couldn’t see Libby Prison just yet.
But then was where the tug of war came for us. All that advanced line had given away & the rebs were coming in upon us. They must be stopped or our old line would be broken & thrown back. The 2nd & 4th Brigades were ordered up, clear up to where the first line was. Our boys leaped over their works & on they went, through a shower of shot & shell which felt thick & fast around them & though many of the boys fell to the ground [illegible]. That was a hard time for the boys but they did nobly. The Lt. Colonel [ ] you remember [ ] great man…
Can you read this? One of our boys made the ink and it’s a little too thin & pale. With a great deal of love to you all, I remain your brother, — Thomas
Letter 7
In our old camp near Petersburg, Va. Wednesday morning, July 6th 1864
Dearest Sister,
Again I have the opportunity of writing to you and as I wrote you before, I am still dafe & well, for which great blessings I am very thankful. We still remain near our place of rest from which I last wrote to you in the woods, behind a line of breastworks [in] the reserve line, some two miles from the enemy, and we think about four miles south of Petersburg. You don’t know how much good this rest has done us but could you have seen our lank, weary, jaded-looking faces, and tottering step ten days ago, and see us now, you would see the great changes. We were a wary worn lot of boys, I assure you, But now we feel quite as well as ever, with but few exceptions. The great fatigue seems to have been too much for two or three of our company. Two of them new recruits are sick with some fever we think and we fear they will not be with us long. Two or three others are complaining a little. Our rations are very good of late and we think the situation a very healthy one so if we are careful, we think the health of the regiment may be good, even if we should remain here some days or even weeks as is talked of now. But of course we don’t know how long we shall remain here. No doubt our stay will depend upon circumstances. If Gen. Grant thinks we are in the right place and sees fit to let us stay for a time, no doubt we shall stay. We don’t think the rebels will drive us out very soon.
Perhaps you would like to know what the government furnishes us to eat now. We have had some vegetables of late and they have done us much good. We draw soft bread two or three times a week, then we have beside hard tack, coffe and sugar, good salt pork and plenty of good fresh beef, beans, some potatoes, some sour kraut—or pickled cabbage, some pickles and vinegar, and yesterday we drew string beans and new cabbage. We also have salt and pepper. Then of late sutlers are near us so we can buy good canned fruit, bread, butter ($75 per lb.), cakes and cheese, lemons, &c. &c. so we have managed to live pretty well for ten days past. For something extra for the 4th [of July], the Sanitary Commission gave our regiment several boxes of canned tomatoes, splendid lemons, & tobacco which was quite a treat for us. But we did not all relish the latter. I cooked my tomatoes in my little coffee cup and had a good slice of toast bread to eat with them the way I like them, you know, and I thought I never had a better breakfast. We are not deprived of all luxuries by any means though we are in the Great Army of the Potomac.
How we cook? Each man has his little cup and does his own cooking, or two or three in a tent cook together. Some of us have plates to fry our meat and potatoes, hard tack and vegetables in & some boil all their little cup and fry their meat on the end of a sharp stick held over the hot coals. You would laugh to see the boys huddling around a little fire just after roll call in the morning, cooking their morning meal & you would be surprised to see how good of a breakfast some of them will get up, all with a little tin cup & a little tin plate. Then we sit down on the ground & eat with a spoon or our finger except a few lucky ones who like myself have a pocket knife, fork & spoon combined such as Harvey saw when with us. I have that worth a great deal to me since we came out. Any money would hardly tempt me to part with it.
How we live? Each of us has a shelter tent and a piece of canopy about four feet square & most of us have besides a rubber or oil cloth blanket or woolen one. While we were on those marches, we rolled ourselves up in them as best we could & slept in the ground anywhere whenever we could get a chance. In camp we have them pitched in rows, like those you have seen at Lockport, only thy are not half so large. We take two and button the ends together and by placing the middle over a little pole held about four feet from the ground by two crotches. then we fasten the other end of each tent to the ground with little stakes. Our little pitches roofed house is complete. This is for two—sometimes four of us go into one. Then we have a tent to fasten up each end of our little house. But we wanted the ends of our tents open in the summer time. Here we have made ours a little extra. It is pitched under a large old pine tree which makes a shade for most of the day. The trees are very scattering just here. We have lengthened the stakes of our about two feet which sets it up well & gives us more room and more air. We have a nice floor & bed of pine boughs and on one side is a little shelf upon one end of which I am writing, The other holds our haversacks & furniture (four little cup & one plate). Stephen Aldrich’s, Gilbert Fellows’, Lyman Pyle’s and my own. One end of our tent is covered with bushes and though the day is very hot, it is quite comfortable.
Do you enjoy yourselves? We do, I assure you. A soldier’s life is not all a sad one. But I must change the subject or you will tire of this and my letter will be too long. The weather still continues warm and very dry. We did have a little rain the morning of the fourth, but it hardly cooled the air any. The clouds soon all cleared away and the sun came out just as red and smoky & warm as ever. Charles Gregory was here to see me this morning. Is well and seems to enjoy himself well. they have new guns now. Their battery is only a few rods from us. Zeb [Zebulon Stow Parsons, 151st NY Infantry] was here to see me yesterday & I had a real good visit with him. He is very healthy. Says their boys are well. Uncle is well. He says there never was a better Chaplin. In speaking of Grant, he thinks there never was another such general. He has all confidence in him as have most of us. Stephen has just returned from the front where he with a few of them have been on picket 24 hours. Says all very quiet there southwest of us. Forty rebs came into our lines yesterday and gave themselves up. Said they were almost starving—that all their provisions had to come from Richmond in wagons. They could not stand it so long. So much for the Johnny’s story. The rest we leave with our noble U. S. Grant.
Just now we hear Ewell has gone with a heavy force up the valley and already has captured Martinsburg. Also we hear a part of the 6th Corps have started that way. If all prove true, we will look for great news from near Washington soon.
I have received three or four papers from you since I last wrote and two letters—one written the 27th and one the 30th. Also two letters from Libbie and one from John. I am very glad to hear all are still well. You are trying to enjoy yourselves. You think you may not have received all my letters. I am not sure but think I dis write between the 10th and 18th. Did you receive a long two-sheeted letter I wrote you? It was written very fine, two lines in one. I think was written about the 12th or 15th.
So our people are busy haying, or have been? You have been out helping them. Wonder if I could do as much as you if I were there? By the way, do you help as much as Emma did us one summer? Excuse me if I do stop and laugh a little while. I can’t help it. Is the hay crop going to be good? I had not expected you were going to frame that memorial. Did you attend the Union [Meeting] at its close? Was all pleasant? Did John come and did he bring those two fine young ladies? Who were they? So you have an Aide Society organized? I hope it may succeed. You don’t know how much good these societies—the Sanitary and Christian Commission—are doing. I hope the people will not be discouraged in well doing. They are saving the lives of thousands of our sick and wounded soldiers. How did that picnic pass off? Did you all enjoy it? We had expected a noisy cracking time but the artillery didn’t continue firing as we heard they were going to and altogether the day was rather quiet and passed pleasantly. Sunday was a quiet, pleasant day. In that afternoon our chaplain preached an excellent sermon from 2nd Corinthians, 4th Chapter, 17th and 18th verses. Oh it was so good. I wish you could have heard it.. But goodbye, your brother, Thomas
Letter 8
Below Petersburg July 10th 1864 Sabbath Evening
Dearest sister and loved ones around home,
Another Sabbath day has almost passed but ‘ere it has entirely left us I wish to write you a few lines. It has been clear and warm—very warm—most of the day, has passed quietly & pleasantly, though I have heard no preaching today as our Chaplain has gone home on a short furlough. I think he will be back this week. We miss him much. I spent most of the forenoon reading as I had lots of papers to read (thanks to kind friends). Beside your letter of the 5th received last evening, I received 3 papers from you & one from Libbie & then I bought the Washington Chronicle of the 8th last evening so you see I have not lacked for reading today. But we moved after dinner and I haven’t had much time to myelf this afternoon.
We (our Brigade) moved to the left about a mile and a half and are now in the open field & in the thick dust. It is terrible. You have no idea what a place the army make where they have been in camp a week or two—especially in dry weather. It is all kept neat & clean, but so many traveling over the ground have made the dust almost over shoe & the little wind that has been stirring this afternoon has made it fly like feathers. The sun has set now & with it the wind has gone down. It does really seem pleasant. There are heavy dark clouds in the west & we hope we may have rain soon. We will if all [ ] don’t fail.
My health is still excellent. I have thus far stood all the warm weather remarkably. Fred [Buttons] is well. Was just sitting by me but has now gone to stand guard by the breastworks four or five rods distant. Most of the boys are feeling quite well now.
Are you all well at home this afternoon? Is it pleasant and quiet there? Have you heard from me yet? I mean have you received any more of my letters? You say you had not received any in a long time & were very anxious about me as Uncle Samuel had written to Uncle Seneca as he did. If you have received my letters, all is explained ‘ere this. I was a little unwell the 21st, 22nd, 23rd, and the 22nd went back to the hospital partly to doctor myself and get rested and partly to help take care of our poor wounded boys. I wrote you a letter there the 23rd. That evening I was much better & joined our regiment. Uncle came up to the regiment and not finding me there, left for the hospital just soon enough to miss me, and not finding me there was told I had gone to City Point & wrote so to Uncle Seneca. Am sorry you did not receive my letter in time to save you so much anxiety. I was not sick there—only a little worn out. I saw Uncle the next day & when he told me he had looked for me & wrote home what he heard of me, I wrote you another letter the 25th, I think. I have written to you or Libbie almost every other day since…
Camp near Petersburg Monday, July 11th
Dear Sister, I wrote you a letter yesterday and expected to have mailed it ‘ere this…I was busy all the forenoon fixing bushes over our tent and drawing rations for the men, and expected to have a rest this afternoon but before we had finished our [ ], orders came for us to strike tents and fall in. We were soon in line in front of our breastworks & expected to move off somewhere but the order to move didn’t come so after standing there in the sun for more than an hour, we were told to break ranks and seek the shade of our bushes. It is almost sunset now and we have not received any other orders yet. I have just finished my supper of coffee & two slices of soft bread & sugar with a little raw pork which has refreshed me much & now though I may hear the words, “Fall in” any minute, I will try to write a little to you. I do not know where we are to go. Some say City Point. Maybe so and maybe not. We shan’t know till we get there. We don’t trouble ourselves about that. We have learned to fall in when we are told to & go where ever we are ordered, not knowing nor caring where that may be, and when we stop, there is home just as much as the one we left a few hours before….
We don’t hear much news today. Don’t know but Lee has sent so much of his force away north. Grant is going to take advantage of his absence or the absence of so many of his troops. We are willing to trust all with him.
July 13th. That letter has not been mailed yet so I will send a little more…All of us are well. We did not move day before yesterday as I had thought we would. We hade worked most of the night destroying our breastworks and just at daylight yesterday morning we marched away. Went to the right about a mile and a half where we halted and soon [ ] marched came part way back and [illegible]…did not remain there very long. Next went toward the rear and left. Marched about most all day and at night found ourselves within a few rods of where we started in te morning & we had picket duty for the night. Are on picket still. Our lines here have been withdrawn near [ ]. We are the outside line now on the front line facing the west. Most all the breastworks [illegible].
We saw thousands of troops marching all day yesterday. Some to the right and some to the left….
As ever, your loving brother, — Thomas
Letter 9
In Front of Petersburg July 20, 1864 Wednesday Eve
Dearest Sister,
[illegible] in the pine woods where we were when I last wrote you/ Time is passing pleasantly and as nothing of importance has transpired since then, I have no news to write you. Yet, we had a good rain yesterday—the first we have had in a while [illegible]…
The 2nd Corps is all going to Maryland to take the place of the 8th Corps, that we are going to [ ] the defenses of Baltimore very soon and many other such things which we don’t see just yet and can’t believe in till we get nearer Baltimore than we now are. We may possible get back there this fall some time but I think not very soon. We read that the rebel invaders have all been driven from Maryland soil and have made good their escape with most of their plunder and we gear the 151st [New York] lost very heavily in the battle near Washington. Captain [Joseph W.] Holmes says Zeb was killed there. 1 We hope it is not so. It does not seem to [illegible]
Great news comes from Sherman’s army. The papers say he has crossed the river near Atlanta and is in a fair way to soon have possession of it (Atlanta) and rumor says he has captured six or eight thousand prisoners there. Pretty good, isn’t it? If it were only true. But enough of this.
Did I tell you I read [illegible]…I felt not a little flattered when I read what our Chaplain 2 told you. It was certainly very kind in him to tell you so many good things about me. Well, well, I’m glad you went to hear him and it did you so much good to shake hands with him and to have a little talk with him. I knew you would enjoy [ ] if you could only hear him. Am so glad Libbie heard him. She said she liked him ever so much. He is a noble, good man. We have missed him and shall be glad when he is with is once more. Beside your letter and [illegible]…from Mary R., a very good [ ] was from Rowland Harmon from a New York Hospital in which he says his wound is doing well and he is able to get about on crutches a little though he cannot [ ] his leg any yet. He expects a furlough very soon & was going home. How glad his friends will be…. We shall be glad to see Lieut. Low with us again. We expect him here next week. Stephen left those shears in Baltimore with many other things we left there. I left a little chest full of things, coat, pants, and other smaller articles.
Are there many steamboats going on the canal this summer? …
I bid you goodbye, — Thomas
1 Sgt. Zebulon (“Zeb”) Stow Parsons (1834-1864) served in Co. B, 151st New York Infantry. He was killed on 9 July 1864 in the Battle of Monocacy, Maryland. He was the son of Aaron Parsons (1797-18660 and Emily S. Stow (1800-1878).
2 Gilbert De La Matyr served as the Chaplain most of the war. He graduated from a theological course in 1854 and became an itinerant elder. From 1879-1881, he served as a US Representative from Indiana in the US Congress.
Letter 10
In Front of Petersburg July 24th 1864 Sunday, 2 o’clock
Dearest Sister,
You have received other letters from me have you not since you wrote last—the 17th? I presume so for I have written a good many of late. I hope you are all still well and are enjoying a quiet Sabbath day. My health is very good and I am enjoying the day very well but it is not exactly a quiet day with us. Often we hear the roaring cannon and the whizzing shell, but the firing is not heavy and as we are a little farther from Petersburg than we were. It does seem real quiet, and were it not for the noise of scores of axes that axes we hear around us falling down the old forest trees, it might seem very much like the Sabbath.
We are not in the pine woods where I once was and where I wrote the letter of which you spoke. We have moved many times since then. We are now not very far from where I last wrote you, where we came yesterday. It is a pleasant place—is also in a pine woods, but the trees are fast disappearing for they are cutting most all of them down. Those who once lived here could hardly find their homes now—all is so changed. Their homes have been town down or burned , fences destroyed, orchards (some of them splendid ones) cut down and forests disappear like the morning dew. Once beautiful fields are piled in heaps, roads dug up or filled with trees, all to help carry on this great war to a successful termination. I have seen hundreds of acres of beautiful pine timber cut down and destroyed. Two days ago we came here near this place and all was a dense woods around us. But the old army has been at work and now the woods is far in our rear.
We haven’t had a great deal of rest for two days for when we were not moving, the boys have been chopping and building breast works night and day. We hope to have more rest soon for we are tired of this work. Breastworks are being built all along the rear of our army & all is being well-fortified, to be prepared for any flank movement should the rebels try to make one & attack us from this way I suppose. We don’t expect they will ever do such a thing, but Grant no doubt intends to go sure and always be on the safe side.
Received your letter with one from Della & one from Libbie night before last, and last night one came from Lucy. Was as usual very glad to receive them & hear from the friends. Also read the three papers you send me at the same time your letter came. Also the Intelligencer of the 20th from B.
You have seen Uncle’s letter have you not, and the list of killed, wounded & missing of this regiment. That was a sad record, wasn’t it? We heard the 6th Corps had returned to City Point but don’t know. How sad that Zeb [Zebulon Stow Parsons, Co. B, 151st NY Infantry] should be killed there. I shall never forget that visit he made me the day before they left here. I enjoyed his visit so much and little did I think when he gave me his hand and bid me goodbye I should never see him again on earth. I hope we may all meet him in heaven. I remember we spoke of our Corps. and Corps commander (Hancock) and he did not like him much. Thought he was not careful & prudent, and said he, “Thomas, you are in the wrong corps, the unlucky one, you should be in the 6th Corps.” I almost thought so then but since have thought, all corps are suffering about alike, and if Gen. Wright is a good general, Hancock is quite his equal. And we are doubtless just as safe and can do just as much good in the one we are in as any other.
Did you also see a letter written by one of the I9th Battery? He is a good writer and we were very much pleased with the story. I think he was a little [illegible].. Harper Weekly the I4th N. Y. [Heavy] Artillery so majestically crossing the James under a galling fire. It was the bridge over the North Anna they were represented to be crossing and we were not a little pleased with that picture for we were witnessing that majestic movement. They were represented to be bravely marching across at a double quick and the shell were flying all around them. We had just crossed the bridge and we did run, I assure you, for the rebels shelled us terribly and brought down some of our regiment. One shell passed through the ranks of Co. I and struck one of their Sergeants beyond tearing him frightfully and killing him almost instantly, some others were hurt.
Grants’ Great Campaign-the New York 14th Heavy Artillery crossing Chesterfield Bridge, on the North Anna, under a heavy artillery fire.
We went on and had gone nearly a half mile when we saw the 14th coming down the hill toward the bridge. The rebel batteries opened on them. They came on until the advance were on the bridge when the shell whizzed so thick & fast, they turned and ran back up the hill and away on to the right like a flock of frightened sheep. The rebs shelled them harder when they turned to go back which added to their majestic movement and we laughed in spite of ourselves. We don’t brag, but we didn’t run back though they did shell us, and perhaps it was our regiment the artist saw instead of the 14th. But no matter. If so, the 14th got the credit of it, just as the 5th N.Y. used to receive credit for all we ever did of any note while were in Baltimore, even if anything was said (in the papers) of our bands playing at any place or meeting, it was the splendid brass band of the 5th N.Y. Arty that discoursed so sweet music & added greatly to the interest of the occasion.
There was another letter in the Intelligencer. Captain Maginnis’. Do you remember he said at the battle of Cold Harbor [illegible]…the 1st Battalion broke & returned to their old breastworks, but the 2nd held their ground until night. What bravery! They did hold to the ground—pretty close too, and remained there because they couldn’t get away! That was the reason they held their ground—they fell flat on their faces in a little ravine that just covered them from that shower of bullets which flew over them most all day.
The weather has been a little cooler for two or three days past. The nights have been almost uncomfortable. Looks very much like rain this afternoon.
I hear our chaplain has returned but have not see him yet, Hope I may soon. Perhaps he would have preached to us but most of the men have to work & cannot come together. Should like to have heard Br. Buck’s address that Sabbath of which you spoke. The collection was certainly a good one and speaks well for the people of Pendleton….
We hear the best of war news… Thomas
Letter 11
Near Petersburg, [Virginia] July 31, 1864 Sunday morning
Dear Sister,
No doubt you will think me a long time writing but it could not very well be helped. I wrote to Libbie some time ago & to Elvira the middle of the week & have not mailed the letter yet as I had no opportunity to do so & had I had time to write to you, you could not have heard from me sooner than today.
We have had another hard march & pretty tough time of it though we did not fight nor have we lost many men, if any—only a few who dragged. Some have not come up yet. We are back to our old camp again where we started from last Tuesday and most of us feel old and tired this morning and hope we may now have a little more rest. I am well—only tired & sore—but I have stood it remarkably. I wrote to Elvira Friday and told her what we had done up to that time.
That evening we recrossed the river and returned to Petersburg about three miles from where we now are. It was a hard march we had, all that long weary night, and when the division halted just at day light near Petersburg, our regiment didn’t have one third their men present. Company B only had five & one officer, Lieut. [Romeo G.] Burns. Other companies did not do much better in proportion to their number. Most of the men came up the next morning. The men would have done better had they had one more days rest before they came back, but then they had not half recovered from the long weary all night march up there. It is cooler marching in the night & there is not so much dust, but it is hard work to go stumbling through the woods & fields in the dark night and some of the time feel so sleepy we can not keep our eyes open, and oftten find ourselves on the ground, or coming up to a dead halt against some old pine tree. You see I with others fell out for I did not mean to kill myself. I stopped only about a mile back, had two hours good sleep, and came up to the regiment after sunrise.
We lay in an awful hot sun during the day yesterday & last night returned to this place, had two or three hours good sleep this morning and now feel pretty well. We had expected to go into a fight yesterday & were ready to move any minute but were not called upon. It was a hard day for many of our troops—the 9th and 18th Corps—for they were fighting nearly all day. Some of the time the firing was terrible and made me think of old Cold Harbor.
Early in the morning the artillery firing commenced & for two hours there was a terrible fuss & hum & roar like a score of thunder storms. Then there was an advance of our lines which we hear was pretty successful, though I supposed our loss was very heavy as well as the rebs. We hear 3 lines of the rebel works were taken, a good many prisoners, one fort, and some pieces of artillery. The fort had been undermined and was blown up killing several hundred men. Is still held by our forces but the rebs charged so furiously on our men they retook two lines of the works they had lost. Our forces still hold one line, we hear. The negroes lost very heavily but they say the rebs were well paid also. They were piled up in heaps where they charged our forces. We were where we could hear all the firing & see the smoke of battle but the trees & little hills hid the scene from our view. We could distinctly se Petersburg & could occasionally see where a shell would strike & soon a great cloud of black, thick smoke would rise from the ruined building. Petersburg must have been a beautiful city surrounded as it is by little hills & once beautiful—yes, grand—old shade trees. But it isn’t beautiful Petersburg now. The hills are dug & torn & piled up or down. Many of the shade trees are gone and the city itself is almost a mass of ruins. Soon I think it will be in our hands or there will be nothing left of it. We learned day before yesterday they commenced shelling it. Nothing is being done today, we think, as all is quiet and it seems good to have the Sabbath so respected. I believe our Nation will never lose anything by remembering the Sabbath day.
Now we hear the reason we went to the James river is a heavy force of rebels were coming down the other side of the river and a brigade of the 9th Corps was sent to hold the place and hold them back. The rebs [ ], so our Corps being at the rear & being the [ ] of the army were sent up. As soon as the 10th could be relieved from the front here, they went up & took the place of the 2nd and 19th Corps. Then we had a forced march back. We hear the rebels there did not attack our forces last night but did the next day and got well thrashed. Before we left, our forces had made a long line of masked breastworks and the rebels came in strong force onto that not knowing they were so near a trap when our boys (the 10th Corps) gave them a warm reception. We hear this but don’t know how true it is.
We see Sherman has been having terrible fighting of late but holds a portion of Atlanta now. We hope he may be entirely successful.
I received another letter from Libbie this morning making two [ ] I have to answer. Did she go over to our house last Friday as she thought of doing? I received your letter of the 20th and 25th the day before we left here and the one sent with Harvey’s the 29th. Am glad to hear from you all so often. Hope you are all still well. How does Eugene get along? Is he still gaining, and Albert? Do you hear from Charles Gifford? I heard he had died in the hospital but can’t believe it. I wrote to him to Wilson a long time agi but have received no answer. Wish his folks would write me something of him if they know how he is. Is Gardiner still gaining? He will not be able to come back to the army very soon, will he? I see Frank King occasionally who is in the same battery. He is well. So is John…
Oh dear, how warm it is—[so warm that I] could not write and I can hardly keep my eyes open. The days are very warm of late—terrible almost. But the nights are cold. I hope it is not so warm at home. If it is, you won’t go to meeting I guess….
We were a little surprised to hear that John Vedder was a prisoner. We were glad to hear that three others who were missing are still living. They are also in the Libby Prison—Sergeant Peterson, Wm. Ireland, and Washington Elton. We hope the others will yet be heard from.
I want to write to Libbie this afternoon so will have to close. I see heavy, dark clouds [ ] hear the roar of distant thunder. Hope we may have rain soon & cool the air a little. Love to all the friends. Much love to you all. I am as ever yours lovingly, — Thomas
Letter 12
Near Petersburg August 5th 1864 Friday afternoon
Dear Sister,
How do you tame this warm weather. Is it as warm there as it is here? If so I don’t believe you are doing much of anything. We don’t try to do much here. Have not had to shave for two or three days and about all we do is to sit in the shade and read or sleep. Some of the boys have considerable to do for we have a few on camp guard and there are fatigue parties who are clearing away the logs and bushes around us. Already our woods look almost like a garden. I wish you could see it. I have often thought what a splendid place it would be for picnics or a camp meeting.
I drew rations again this forenoon and this afternoon have been washing and since have been trying to rest a little. I think there is not much being done around Petersburg this week. We do not hear much firing. Some of the boys from the front whom we occasionally see tell of a little digging still going on and a prospect of some more blowing up of forts soon. They say too the rebels are under mining some of our forts. If so, the fun may be on the other side soon but we haven’t many fears.
The army feel our late failures and are sadly disappointed. I fear unless Gen. Grant does a big thing soon, he will lose the friendship and confidence of the Potomac Army boys and Abraham too. Already we hear many saying they will never vote for Old Abe. He will not be our next President, &c. &c. I don’t know what the result will be but I fear things will not go well the coming fall. There has been a wonderful change in the mind of the army within two weeks past. But we will continue to hope all will be well in the end.
I have not received many letters of late. Your last, the 27th, was received last Monday. Also one from Libbie. I hope I may receive a letter this evening from each of you. I shall feel disappointed if I do not. I do not often have to go so long without one of your good letters, not while we are in camp I mean. Have you seen her of late? Are crops growing forward? How is the garden looking? How is father’s corn. Will that be much of a crop? Sugar is very high here. We buy it at the sales wagons—the wagons that keep supplies for the officers go at government prices…Seems to me things are going up in the North. It must be very hard for poor people to live, isn’t it? How does Mr. Hanlin get along? I suppose he still remembers me. How is that little bunny of his?
I suppose Clark is just the same ambitious boy he always was. I hope he will not work too hard this fall threshing. I should think he would get tired of the machine. Are Uncle Reuben’s boys at home this summer? How do they get along? I was just surprised to hear Sarah had a daughter. How do they all do now? Stephen is waiting for this to mail it so I must hasten. I will try & write again soon. With love to you all. Ever your loving brother, — Thomas
Letter 13
Near Petersburg August 17th [1864] Thursday 5 p.m.
Dearest Sister,
I have just mailed a letter to Libbie and will now try and finish the one I commenced to you yesterday—that is, I will try and write what I did not have time to put in my yesterday letter. I don’t feel quite as much like writing this afternoon as I did yesterday and can’t think of all then wanted to write. But I will do the best I can. I am well but don’t feel in a real writing mood. I guess you know we sometimes feel more like writing than we do at other times.
The day has been much cooler than yesterday was. We have enjoyed a cool southwest breeze all day which has been very refreshing to us. Some of our sick are feeling better. We hear this afternoon that Lieut. [Romeo] Burns is better and will soon be with us which we are very glad to hear. Lieut. [James] Low—Captain, I should say—has not arrived yet. We expect him the last of the week or the first of next. We heard Gov. Seymour was going to send us a Captain and we did not like it very much. Are glad it is not so though. All the boys liked Lieut. Low so well and would not have been satisfied with anyone else for Captain. We shall be very glad to see him.
I heard today that our chaplain is intending to go home soon as his wife is sick, He has been back to the hospital taking care of the sick and I have not seen him for some time past.
Nothing very unusual is transpiring with us of late more than the regiment have to drill three or four hours a day, We hear good news from Sherman still. Also from Maryland—that the raiders are being driven back while glorious news comes to us from Mobile. We hope the stars and stripes float over that place ‘ere this. Surely we should not be discouraged. Grant will make all right here by and by. But you know sometimes we can’t help feeling a little low-spirited and discouraged. I was feeling a little so I guess when I wrote you a letter a few days ago.
I received three letters last evening—one from John, one from Elvira, and one from R. C. Harmon. 1 He is at home but not gaining very fast. I fear—no, I am mistaken about the time of receiving his letter. I received that the night before. It was Alice Parker’s letter I received last evening and it was a good, long cheerful one too, I assure you. Alice sometimes writes me excellent letters. The other letters I received were [ ] good. [illegible]
The dishes are all washed up and put away so we will resume our visit. Do you ask what we had for supper? Boiled rice and sugar, coffee and hard tack. For dinner we had boiled mashed potatoes and onions with friend meat pork and flour gravy made by putting flour and water into the spider after the meat was fried and cooking it. Then with our hard tack and cabbage and onions sliced in vinegar for our desert. We made out a very good dinner. We think we are learning to cook some—at least we can get up a pretty good meal when we are hungry especially. But this won’t be very interesting to you.
You must have had a pleasant and interesting time at the meeting at Lockport. I would like to hear Br. Hunt speak or preach again. Should think he would request the man for the place he now has.
How I should liked to have gone up to the orchard with Elvira when she went after apples. I get so apple hungry sometimes. Do you remember how well we used to like apples? I have that same appetite for them still, I believe. I have seen a few poor ones of late at the sutler’s—little fellows for five cents apiece. Tempting ain’t it? Perhaps it is best I do not have money here. Are the early apples good now? You will have to eat my share, I guess Are the cherries all gone? Did father’s trees bear many this year? You had a fine time while at Buffalo, I guess? How did mother enjoy being alone while you were away? In a previous letter I asked you [illegible]…
That church must be very nice now. I hope the people will like to turn out to hear the preaching more than they used to. I would like to see how nice it is. I suppose I would hardly know the place. I should have enjoyed being with you at Buffalo to have attended the Association and heard those addresses that were so interesting to you, to have seen Lieut. Low and gone to those places of interest with you and him, and then to have gone with you to Emma’s. Also to Mr. Chamberlain’s. Do you think Emma would like to see me? I would like to receive a letter from Eugene. He must be [ ] now. Then to have attended church with you that day of fasting and prayer. It was something like a Sunday here but we had no preaching. It seems to hear no preaching for so long a time. Of late we have no meetings of any kind.
So you saw some of our boys in the hospital? I remember some of those you named. Our regiment is very small now. A great many are leaving us who are sick with fever or diarrhea. We have only about forty in our company now and more than half of them are unwell. Little more than four hundred men in our regiment.
The pay rolls have just come and we must go and sign them. Will receive our pay tomorrow, I think. The boys are feeling very well…It is nearly four months since we have received any pay. Here comes the mail too and three items for me. Excuse me a little while, won’t you. while I read them. One is from Charley Gifford whom although [ ]. He is in a hospital in Philadelphia and not able to get home yet, but thinks [illegible]. Hope he will recover but I fear it will be a long time first. Another letter is from you and one from Libbie. Your last letter I wil try and answer next time. Am glad you have heard from me again. Libbie had not received a letter from me in a long time and was feeling very sad….Am sorry she worried so…
Goodnight. Accept a kiss from — Thomas
1 Rollin C. Harmon—Age, 27 years. Enlisted, July 29, 1862, at Lockport; mustered in as private, Co. B, 129 Infantry, July 29,1862 (which became the Eighth Heavy Artillery, December 19, 1862), to serve three years; promoted corporal, April 25, 1863; wounded, June 18, 1864, before Peters-burg, Va.; mustered out with company, June 5, 1865, at Munsons Hill, Va., as Harman, Rollins C. and Rouland C.
Letter 14
[Describes activities at Strawberry Plains, Deep Bottom]
Near the James [River] August 18th 1864 Thursday evening
Dearest Sister,
It is almost night now. Still I think I will have time to write you a short letter before dark. With us it has been a day of quiet and we have enjoyed the good showers that have fallen during the day very much, but it has not been quiet all around us. Most all the day we have heard the boom of the heavy cannon in the direction of Petersburg, and all night long there was a continuous roar of artillery in that direction. We do not know the result.
Not long since, a terrible musketry fire opened on our right and for a few minutes the noise was almost deafening. Then there was a lull and soon a little farther to the right, it commenced again, and then farther on still and now away in the distance I hear another roar—all said to be an advance of the 10th Corps. Now the artillery opens and the rebels reply sharply. Some of the shells fly almost over our heads making the air sing and whiz. There goes another bang, bang, bang—a perfect roar of musketry. And just now I hear that fearful scream that denotes a charge—a fearful one. A battle is near us. May God give us the victory. As yet there is not firing in front of our brigade but it is coming nearer and nearer. I am just back of our regiment who are on the front line where they have been most of the time since we came up here. I cannot write more now. Will try and finish this in the morning.
Friday morning. All is quiet this morning so I think I can finish my letter undisturbed. That was a terrible struggle the 10th Corps had with the enemy last night though it did not last very long. I think I never heard sharper firing. Have not learned the result but hear the rebels made a charge. Hardly think they accomplished anything. The firing was along the live for two miles in length, I should think, and though at one time it came very near us, none of our brigade were engaged and I believe none were harmed during the night.
We moved to the left a mile or more and spent the remainder of the night building breastworks. Now the boys are resting behind them. We see the works of the enemy and the Johnnies very distinctly on the hill about a half mile from us. The pickets are not firing by mutual agreement. Some have no fears of standing and walking about if we like. A good deal of the time since we landed on the banks of the river our regiment have been on picket or on the skirmish line. And we have lost quite a number more of our men. Last Tuesday was the most severe day we have seen here. I started for the regiment that morning as I had been back by the river since we landed and just before I came up to the regiment, I heard they were on skirmish line and soon our Sergt. [W. H.] Crawley was brought back on a stretcher badly wounded in the neck and shoulder. I went to him and as he wished me to go back to the hospital with him, I did so and remained with him most of the afternoon. His wound, though a bad one, was not considered dangerous. The ball went sideways through the front part of his neck and marked the top of his right shoulder a little. The doctor said it was a narrow escape for him. Crawley could whisper a little and told me he was on the skirmish line, that they were just advancing and he had just brought up his gun to fire when the ball struck him and passed on, hitting the Orderly of Co. H just above the eye and came out near the opposite ear, wounding the poor fellow so severely he only lived a few hours. I saw hi at the hospital before he died. He suffered dreadfully.
I came to the regiment that night and the next day heard Crawley had gone to City Point Hospital that morning. Was feeling pretty well. We hope he will recover but it will be a long time first no doubt. None others of our company were injured. Since then we have been behind works except some who were from day to day detailed for picket. Major Baker is still in command of the regiment and is getting along well. We do not hear from the sick of late but hear they are doing well. They have excellent care. Most of the boys here are well but very tired. I still stand it pretty well. The weather is cooler of late. This is a cloudy day and the coolest we have had in a long time. Looks like rain now and does already rain a little.
The morning paper speaks of a renewal of the fight at Petersburg. We heard heavy firing last night and most all day yesterday and night before last. Most all night long there was a perfect roar of artillery in the direction of the doomed city. I never before heard so heavy a roar of artillery. We hear our forces have taken most of the [ ] in front of it we have been so long striving for. Perhaps by this time the rebs conclude Grant is not quite ready to remove his army to Washington.
I was very glad to receive another letter from you this morning. I came very near losing it, however, as it was not properly directed. Instead of Q. M. Sergeant, Co. B, it was thus, Co. M Sergt, Co. B, so went to Co. M. But they recognized the name and I received the letter after a time. I have three of your letters to answer now. And I see by the first I have not written to you since the 11th or 12th. A long time, isn’t it?
….two or three times I have been attacked with that disease [diarrhea], but I have succeeded in soon checking it once with strawberry leaves. Now I carry with me a bottle of Jamaica Ginger which I have an excellent medicine.
Am glad Emily made you a good visit. Capt. [Joseph W.] Holmes is quite well—as well as any of the men at least. And would you believe it, has proved himself one of our bravest officers. Just now orders came for me to draw two days rations…
Accept love from, — Thomas
Letter 15
Near the Weldon Railroad South of Petersburg August 23rd 1864
Dearest Sister,
Do you remember where I was one year ago today? Of course you do, and how happy you were to see the soldier boy. I remember the time well and have almost wished I were with you again just for a little time. But that pleasure cannot be granted us now so I must try to be patient one year longer. Then if we are spared I trust we shall meet again. See, one year today the 23rd was Sunday. I went with you to church. Then in the afternoon we went over to see Libbie and remember just how glad she was to see me, and how happy I was then too, but I imagine now our happiness would be much greater could I see her again.
Last evening I thought of the time I lived at home and how differently I was situated from then. I was not sick as then, it is true, but I was not very pleasantly situated. It rained terrible just before night and continued late in the night. I had my tent up to keep the rain off me but the water had become so deep on the ground one could hardly find a dry spot. About the time of evening I walked into the house and surprised mother, I was scrambling and contriving some means to keep above water. I thought there was quite a contrast—quite a difference in my situation. But the rain ceased, the water dried away, and I succeeded in getting some sleep which was quite refreshing. But I thought when I awoke this morning the little piece of hard tack box which I tried to lie on during the night must feel pretty sore for my hip felt as though they had hurt it considerably. Perhaps it is better now.
We are now camped in a large field where we have been since Sunday and have enjoyed the rest very much. Saturday night we left the James [river] and that was a long weary march we had down to this place, but we stood it pretty well and have felt very well since. The day has been cool and beautiful. Cash was here to see me this morning but made a very short stay. Sent twenty dollars ($20) by him to father. He will give it to him when he goes home. Said he did not know how long he would stay about here. He might [stay] two or three weeks. Mr. Nye, Frank’s father, also came here to see Frank this morning and thinks of remaining with the regiment a few days. Frank was very glad to see him. Has not been very well for a few weeks past and his father’s presence will no doubt do him good. He has seemed very lonely and low-spirited since his brother was killed and our long marches have been very hard for him too.
Away Down South Wednesday afternoon.
I had to stop my letter very short yesterday afternoon as we had orders to fall in in a hurry. We moved a little to the rear and struck the Jerusalem Plank Road, then followed it down and as we were marched so fast, we began to think another flank movement or raid was at hand. We were hurried on until nine o’clock when we halted for the night. At three this morning we were called up and soon started on in a westerly direction. About eight we halted behind breastworks where we now are and they tell us we will have a little rest here. We hope so for we need it much. We are close by the railroad and a portion of our brigade—the 164th New York—have been working on it all day tearing it up. 1 They tell us we are at Reams Station, fourteen miles from Petersburg on the weldon Railroad and we are to hold it for a time. the breastworks here are very strong and a good defense. Have been built lately. They [rebs] commenced them, they say, but our people drove them away and finished them.
We are now in a pleasant place. The day is cool and beautiful. The country here is very level and not as pleasant as some we have passed through, but green corn is plenty around us, just large enough to boil and roast and we all had a good dinner of it. Orrin boiled some for our dinner and it was excellent. Have you had any boiled corn yet? We have had a few ripe apples too, natural fruit, but they taste good. Of course I am careful not to eat much. I think a little will do us all good.
Your letter of the 17th I received Monday the 22nd. Also another good long letter from Libbie. I have since received a letter from John too in which he tells me of his good visit home, the visit at the Falls, &c. &c. That must have been very pleasant. It seems most too bad you did not go. He seemed disappointed because you did not. I hope Elvira will like the school at Lima and learn a great deal. I should think you would miss her very much.
I did not lose any of my pictures with my knapsack. I had the photographs in my journal in my blouse—the Ambrotype in my vest pocket. I could not leave that nor any of my pictures in my knapsack. i have managed to keep them al very nice—especially the Ambrotype…
It is supper time now so I must lay this by and go to eating. Wouldn’t you like to eat with me. I am going to have coffee and boiled rice and sugar. You would rather I would take tea with you, wouldn’t you? Of course But goodbye. Accept love, — Thomas
1 In August 1864, the 8th New York Heavy Artillery was brigaded with the 155th, 164th, 170th, and 182nd New York Infantry regiments under the command of Col. Mathew Murphy, in John Gibbon’s 2nd Division of Hancock’s 2nd Corps.
Letter 16
Army of the Potomac In front of Petersburg, Va. September 1st 1864
Dearest Sister,
For the first in a long time I have a little leisure and now that I have had a good nap, I will spend a few minutes writing to you and the loved at home. Are you all well as usual and does time pass pleasantly? I stand it pretty well but have had to work rather harder of late than is for my comfort at least as there is no other sergeant or corporal to do anything. Lieut. Low and I have been busy making out Pay Rolls but as that is about done now, I hope we will soon have easier times. Two more of our men have been taken sick and sent to hospital and now I have only seven well men left. When I go out to call the roll and see the little remnant of Co. B, I need not tell you I feel sad and lonely. Sometimes I almost wonder that I am still left. Truly our Heavenly Father is very merciful to me in thus sparing me while so many have gone. I know He hears the prayer of those at home who are praying for me. Oh how much I need your prayers that I may have grace and strength sufficient for me in this time of trial and sadness. May my trust ever be strong in Hi,.
Lieut. [Eli Sterling] Nichols is feeling a little better than he was. Is now acting adjutant for the regiment. Major Baker is quite unwell and Captain [Joseph W.] Holmes is now in command of the regiment. He seems to stand it pretty well.
The twelve missing boys of our last fight (Reams Station) we hear nothing from. I wrote to Mrs. Button this afternoon. What sad news this will be to her. We hope Fred is still living but don’t know what is his fate. 1 Lieut. Nichols was the last who came off the ground and he says none of the missing were hurt he feels sure, but were taken prisoners. He was with them until all were surrounded and the rebs were all among them. He could put his hand on some of them. He wonders how he ever got away.
We moved again the other day and are now in front of Petersburg near the rebs where the 5th Corp were a eek or two ago. Most of the time it has been quiet in front of us and the Johnnies stand on their works and talk to our boys, exchange tobacco for coffee, &c. &c. But a mile to our right, they (10th Corps) bang away most all the time. This forenoon they had a real artillery duel and they say (as usual) the Johnnies got the worst of it. The weather is pleasant and quite cool.
Received a good though short letter from cousin J. B. Foote the other day. All were quite well, he said. Your letter and one from Libbie came yesterday. Was glad to hear from you again.
Friday afternoon. I had to leave this yesterday and help Lieut. and will now go at it again. It is nearly time for the mail to go out and I will try and get this finished so it may go this evening and soon reach you or I fear you will be worrying about me again. Am feeling quite well. I have been very busy until just now ever since light this morning helping make out the pay rolls, writing, &c. and attending to drawing rations. That is not very hard work now, however, as we don’t have many men to draw for. Was made very glad again this morning by receiving three letters….
Are you having pleasant weather now? It is delightful here but we find the nights pretty cool—real chilly some of them are. Am glad you received as good and patriotic a lettter from Uncle Samuel. You say I did not write of his coming to see me. I thought I did. I was a long time ago, just after their terrible fight near Washington. He only stopped a few minutes with me. Said he would see me again in a day or two as the Corps were at City Point then and were coming back to their old position here, but I guess they did not come as he had expected for I have not seen him since nor have I seen any of the 6th Corps. here.
Am glad father sold some of his sheep…
I will write again as soon as I can. With much love to all, I remain your loving brother, — T. C. Edwards
1Frederick (“Fred”) Button was taken prisoner at Reams Station on 25 August 1864. He died on 9 October 1864 of disease onboard the flag-of-truce on its way from the Richmond to Annapolis.
Letter 17
Army of the Potomac In front of Petersburg September 4th 1864
Dear Sister,
Joel B. Baker, 8th New York Heavy Artillery, wearing Captain’s uniform.
Major [Joel B.] Baker having received a few days leave of absence on account of his health is to start for home tonight and as he kindly offers to take whatever I wish to send home, I gladly improve the opportunity to send you a few lines. I don’t know that I have anything to send you. I might have had some letters had I preserved them but I could not carry all I had received so I had to destroy them which I very much disliked to do but I could not well send them to you. I am feeling quite well today. Have not quite as much to do now as we have our pay and muster rolls made out and off our hands. Lieut. Low is well and is all the time busy. Has been very kind to me and tries to make all as easy and pleasant for me as he can which, all my officers have also tried to do. Major is just as kind and noble as ever. I hope he may recover his health so as to be able to soon return to us.
The weather is still cool and quite pleasant. Times passes very pleasantly though I should get very lonely at times had I not a good deal to do. All is quiet most of the time. Occasionally the Johnnies amuse themselves by annoying us with a few of their shells—just enough to let us know they are still alive and usually they find out some of our artillery boys are still alive too. Some of the rebels shell have come pretty close to us but as yet none of us have been hurt.
I received a letter from Sergt. [William H.] Crawley this morning. He is not doing very well I fear. Says the gangrene has got into his wound in his throat and the day before he wrote the doctor tried to burn it out. I hope he may not have a very bad time with it but it is a bad place for such a wound.
No doubt you will see the Major soon and hear from me, and all about what we have seen and passed through of late. I hope the Major may have pleasant time home as no doubt he will. How glad his friends will be to see him. When I think of it, I think too of my own home & how happy you would all be to see me, and I almost wish I could see you all just for a little while even, but when such longings for home come over me, I try to check my feelings and look forward to the time when I can return to stay with you.
My three years will soon have expired. Then, if spared, I hope to see you all. My trust is still in that kind Providence who has kept me safely thus far and will I trust go with me through all danger and spare me to return to you. Sometimes I have thought it was providential that I have been partially kept from some of our most severe battles. Isn’t it almost strange that not one of our company is left who has been in all our engagements. Lieut. [Eli Sterling] Nichols is the only officer and he was not in the first one at Spottsylvania. Our Major has been Providentially preserved through all our most severe battles but he has not been in the dangers the company has seen while on picket and the skirmish line. Out last battle [2nd Reams Station] too all our remaining boys. I have thought of this often of late. (The few who survived our last battle have not been in all other engagements.)
I have changed my mind a little and thinking might be a pleasure for you to make me a couple, or you would do so, I will send you some money to purchase the cloth and let you make them and send them to me. I will send five dollars with this letter and if that is not sufficient, let me know, and I will send you the balance some time. Make them about as you made those for me last fall, only not quite so high in the neck and not so wide collars. Collars quite narrow, just as well if there are no collars on them—nothing but a binding so I can wear a boughten collar when I like. Then if mother would like to send me a pair of sicks—thick ones—they would be very acceptable. Also a little woolen yard to darn them with. And a housewife too would be very acceptable as I have none and have to depend upon the boys for thread and needles when I wish to sew. A few small one that I can easily carry in my blouse pocket if I wish to, with a few needles and a small piece of bees wax, also a small pair of scissors and a few quill toothpicks, and other little things that you think I would like and have forgotten to mention—but only a few, as I cannot carry a great amount with me. Perhaps Libbie would like to make the housewife for me. You might if you wish just let her know that I would like such an article. But I must hasten for the Major is abot going and I wish to send this by him.
Give him the articles in a small bundle just before he returns and he will bring them to me. Of course you will want to go and see him. Love to all. Yours affectionately, — Thomas
Letter 18
Army of the Potomac Before Petersburg, Va. September 12, 1864
Dearest Sister,
The wind is blowing almost a gale this afternoon—so hard I can hardly keep my paper from blowing away. Still I will try and write you a few lines. How is it at home? Are you having winter? We have had some very cool weather of late and some of the nights are so cold we can hardly keep from suffering. It is nearly clear now and were I at home, I should think by appearances it would freeze ice at leasty a quarter of an inch in thickness. I fear there will be early frost throughout the North, But such cool weather will be more healthy for the soldiers no doubt so we will not complain. Already we seem to have new life.
We are still resting where we were when I last wrote you. Have drills every day and this evening had dress parade. It passed off very well but did not seem much like some of our old parades. Our band is not with us nor have they been for a long time past. For a time they were the brigade band but so many of them were taken sick they gave up their music for the present and the remaining ones went back to the hospital to help take care of the sick. Our whole Division is in camp near us and all last evening a splendid band played for us. the evening was pleasant and we enjoyed the music much. It was splendid. I wish you could have heard it too. There is something so cheering in a brass band in the field. It does one good to hear them occasionally, but we have sometimes been very tired of them.
Yesterday seemed a little like Sunday but I should hardly have known it had it not been for my journal. The sutlers were ordered to close their tents, however, and respect the Sabbath. A few who refused to do so we saw marching to Divsion Headquarters under guard, so you see what becomes of those who wil not obey orders. The day passed quite pleasantly. What spare time I had I spent in reading. Had just read some papers from you, one of which George sent you. I noticed the marked pieces and liked the paper. That Gen. Garfield I have seen adn heard him speak in Baltimore. He is a noble fellow. Gen. Sheridan I have also seen. Friday night I received a letter from you. Expect another tonight. Last evening received one from Libbie and one from John, but none from Elvira yet. Has she forgotten me? I hope I shall receive a letter from her soon.
Just now I heard from one of our boys who was taken prisoner at Reams Station. Capt. Low received a notice from Annapolis stating that H. J. Elton was there, had just been paroled. Some from other companies were there also but no more from our company. Homer must have been wounded. I wish we could hear from the others. We will write to Homer & see if he can tell us about any of them. None from our regiment went back to help bury the dead. We do not know that all the missing are still alive, but Lieut. [Eli S.] Nichols was among the last who got away, and as there a was not much firing just there after that, he feels sure the boys were not hurt. But it seems Homer must have been wounded and I fear some of the others were wounded or killed. One of our regiment tells me he saw several start to run away, but were shot down. But we will hope for the best.
I have written to Mrs. Button and told all I could about Fred. I was with the regiment and him until just before the last rebel charge. The company were then in the trench behind the breastworks and I sat on the ground with Lieut. Nichols, a few feet back of them. The bullets were whizzing all about us, occasionally hitting someone, but none of our company, and the shot & shell cut the trees and tore up the ground about us. One musket ball struck the ground very near me. I picked it up and found it to be a brass ball about an inch in length. Am sorry I did not preserve it but I did not think it worthwhile then, and tossed it to Fred. He thought it a queer thing to fire from a gun & concluded lead must be scarce. Then [he] asked me why I remained there as I had no gun. Said if he were in my place, he would go back farther from danger—that I was exposing myself needlessly. The shell soon began to fly thicker & I went back a little way—twenty rods perhaps, and stopped behind the ice house just back of the 1st Division where they soon broke and ran by me like wild sheep. You can guess what I did. That was the last time I saw Fred & the last conversation I had with him. Little did we think then our lines would so soon be broken & we would have so terrible a time.
Some of our boys who saw more of the battle than I did tell it a little different from what I wrote you. They say the 1st Division—or a portion of it—broke and run before the rebels got near their works. I have since read several accounts of the battle but many of them are far from being correct. The best I have seen is in the Weekly Herald dated Sept. 3rd. There is an excellent sketch of our lines too. Procure the paper & read it if you have not. Thursday morning we moved from the extreme right, the end of the works, to where you see the 2nd Division are in the picture. We were near the center of the 2nd Brigade, but after the fight had fairly commenced the two regiments on our right went to our left which left us next to the enemy & they came upon our right first.
Do you know if William Ingalls has heard anything of Hamilton? I fear he was wounded. Captain Holmes thinks he is dead. I hope not. Some of their boys (Co. E) say they saw him lying in the trench, and thought he was badly wounded & could not get away. Some others say they think he is all right. I fear we will never hear from some of them. They will be missing as is Charlie Robinson, and their friends will never know their fate. How terrible the thought. May our Father in Heaven be very near to those mourning ones.
I heard Charles Gregory was also a prisoner but have had no opportunity to see any of the battery boys since to learn the particulars. I will do so as soon as I can. Am glad to hear you had another pleasant visit with Libbie. Think could I have been with you, our happiness would have been greater. Was somewhat surprised to hear John Benjamin had enlisted. Am glad to hear it. Will Ann or George ever write to me again? Frank Nye is still safe but has not been very well for some time past. Remember me kindly to all the friends and accept very much love from, — Thomas
Letter 19
Army of the Potomac Before Petersburg, Va. September 17th 1864
Dearest Sister,
I have been working on reports most all the forenoon and as I now have a little time to myself, will visit with you. If it were only a real visit, it would be so pleasant—much more pleasant than for me to sit here and write. Still I am very glad of this privilege and the privilege of often hearing from you, a long time it seems to me. I hope I may receive a letter soon. Have not received any from Elvira yet. I fear she has written and the letter has been lost.
The weather is beautiful and time passes very pleasantly. Lyman Fuller came to see me day before yesterday afternoon when he started for City Point. He seems to like living at Baltimore very well.
We still remain where I last wrote you though we had expected to leave ‘ere this. Yesterday morning we unexpectedly had orders to pack up and heard the rebs were making a raid in our rear between us and City Point, but so many troops were seen on their way to the scene of action we were not called away so last night pitched our tents again & again feel at home. This morning we hear all the men and cattle the rebels captured yesterday are retaken & 900 of them are captured. If so, our boys have done pretty well we think & the rebs will not wish to try raiding in this direction again soon.
Of late news from the North seems very encouraging inspiring the army with new courage and hope, and many of us hope we may soon see an end to the rebellion. If the people continue true to the interests of our country and send Gen. Grant a good supply of reinforcements soon, and rally to the support of Abraham, we may well hope our General will end the rebellion in 50 days. Everything looks encouraging now and we hope for the best.
Is the draft to come off in Niagara county next Monday? or have the people done so well there will be no draft? I see it is to be enforced immediately.
I received two papers from you last evening and one from the office of the Intelligencer (the 14th). Was not a little surprised to see the notice of the marriage of <r. Leman Stedman to Miss Nellie Phelp. But when I thought this is “Leap Year” all was accounted for. Seems to me a great many of the elder ladies (Misses) of Niagara county are taking advantage of this year. Well, perhaps it is good that we do occasionally have leap years. If things go on so charmingly, the remainder of the year, there won’t be man old maids left, will there? Nor old bashful bachelors either.
Have our people finished sowing their wheat? How much do they put in this fall? Are they getting along well with the fall work? Is Tommy still helping them? I suppose he would be very much pleased to see me and others would too, wouldn’t they? I’m sure I would like to see you all.
Jane must have given her scholars very nice presents. Did not want them to forget her pretty face, I suppose. Isn’t it too bad that I could not have been there and got a picture too? Maybe she wouldn’t be as willing now to give me her picture though as she once was.
Do you know if Mrs. Button has yet heard anything of Fred? I have heard nothing from the missing boys of late. Have you seen Major Baker yet? Is his health improving? Are you wearied with my many questions? Well, I don’t know that I have more to ask you this time so accept much love from your loving brother, — T. C. Edwards
Letter 20
Army of the Potomac Before Petersburg, Va. September 20th 1864
Dearest Sister,
I am “monarch of all I survey” this afternoon, that is all our boys are away on fatigue. Went early this morning & as this is the day to draw rations, I stayed to attend to them. My work is over now so I will spend a part of the afternoon writing to you. How pleasant if I could be with you this afternoon so we could have a real visit. Or if you could be with me just a little while, wouldn’t we visit, though, and let writing go. But perhaps it is best we do not always have all our wishes and everything just as we like. Had I my wishes I would be very likely to give you a call soon, wouldn’t you be glad to see me? I know you would, but don’t think me homesick by what I write. I am not in the least. But I came so near to having a furlough of a few days or weeks that it has made me think more of home and seeing you and the friends than I did before I heard of it. But you do not understand what I mean so I will explain.
Early this morning, Captain came in and told me six men were to go from this regiment home recruiting in a day or two, and had there been any other sergeant here, or anyone in the company to take my place, I could have gone. But as it was, he could not possibly spare me, so sent Adolphus Stein. “Dolph” (as we call him) was wounded slightly at Cold Harbor and has just resturned from a fifty days furlough home, has been promoted to corporal since he came back. If he goes, no doubt he will have a fine time. You see I came near being the lucky one, but “a miss is as good as a mile” is the old saying which seems to be true in this case. It would have been so pleasant if I could go home this fall & see you all. But I try to think “all is for the best.” Perhaps it will be best for me not to go home before my time is out. That is only eleven months more, you know. If I am spared, then I can return to you. I trust that kind Providence who has watched over & kept e thus far will continue to go with me and keep me from sickness and harm in the future as He has preserved me in time past. How thankful I am for His great mercies & blessings. We will continue to trust all with Him and strive to do His will in all things and love him more and more.
I was glad to receive another letter from you Saturday last and though it was a little late, I thought its length made up for the waiting so you need not call yourself naughty for not writing sooner. Am glad my letters and the money I sent reached you safely and in good time. I had expected the cloth and other things for me would cost much more than I sent you. I will send you some more money after pay day. Can you wait until then? I haven’t a great deal of money by me now. How much more than the cost of the shirts shall I send you? You paid out more money than just the cost of the cloth, did you not?
You were fortunate to see the Major in Lockport. Have you made him the visit yet? Is his health still improving? I hope he will soon be well. We have Major Holmes with us now and would you believe it, he is very popular with us. He is still in command of the regiment. Is quite well. I think [he] makes a good regimental commander.
Of late the weather is warm & very pleasant but the boys have a great deal of fatigue duty to do which keeps them from getting much rest. Now they are working on the railroad near us, digging through a hill or lowering it so as to level the new track and at the same time throwing up an embankment of earth so as to hide the cares from rebel view & their shell. They have thrown a few shell through some of the cars already.
Evening. I could not finish this in the afternoon and now that roll call is over, I will talk with you a little before retiring. Have you heard the good news that Sheridan is whipping the rebel army at Winchester, has had a great fight with them, captured about three thousand and killed and wounded as many more who are in our hands. Our forces have driven the enemy clear through Winchester and are still following & fighting their retreating columns. Such is the official news we had read to us on dress parade this evening. While we rejoice at this glorious news, we hope for still greater, and that success may be given to our forces everywhere so we may speedily see an end to this wicked rebellion.
How encouraging everything is looking of late and how our successes and the McClellan platform, and lastly the nomination of Seymour have changed the minds of our soldiers. A few weeks ago, Abraham had few friends. All were going to vote for “Little Mac.” Now we can hardly find one who dare say he will vote for him. Everyone seems to think the reelection of Lincoln will nearly put an end to the rebellion—that if he is reelected, war will not last much longer. God grant it may be so.
I have just been reading the great speech of Mr. Colfax in the “Weekly Washington Chronicle.” It is truly a great speech. Have you seen it? I will send you the paper. Also the daily which I received this morning. I like the Chronicle very much. Have received the papers containing the verses of which you spoke and will send them with this. They are good, very.
You speak of Uncle Seneca’s going on his journey soon. Where did he think of going? And did you induce Father and Mother to go East? I hope so. The journey would do them so much good.
This morning Capt. of Co. K received a letter from one of his boys now in Annapolis who was taken prisoner with others at Reams Stations and went to Belle Island with them. Says there were over two hundred of our regiment there—none of them hurt. All the missing of Co. K (16) were there safe. Said nothing about any of our boys, but we hope all of them are safe. I believe I answered in a previous letter your questions in regard to Captain Low. He received his commission since he came back. Am glad you had a good visit with Hattie. No doubt some of those apples such as you sent Elvira would taste good to me but I am not entirely deprived of them here. I occasionally buy one. Only five cents apiece & small at that. About the pumpkin pie, I guess I would have liked a piece, but I can do without that luxury a while longer.
Now we live on soft bread and butter and pancakes. Good, I tell you. Make the cakes of flour & meal, mixed up with water. Don’t you think they are light & good? They are good. Nye is not very well yet but a little better. Wish you could see the shells just now flying through the air on our right, some distance away, they are having a sharp cannonading just now from both sides I guess. The sight from here is beautiful. But it is late & I must seek rest, so good night. Accept much love, — Thomas
Letter 21
Before Petersburg, Va. Fort Morton September 25th 1864
Dearest sister,
I was very glad to receive another good letter from you last Thursday and I too felt to rejoice at the good news it brought me—namely, that our dear sister was trying to love and serve Jesus. Oh how I left to rejoice at this good news. Now we are all striving to love and serve our dear Savior, and will hope to rejoice together in His love here and all meet in our happy home above hereafter. We will continue to pray for our dear sister that she may continue to persevere on in the good way. May she ever feel to put er whole trust in Jesus. I have not received a letter from her yet. John wrote me—received the same day as yours—the same good news your letter contained.
I thought to write to you yesterday but could not find time. Now you see we are in a different place. Last night we moved. Our corps relieved the 10th Corps and we are now at the front again. Our regiment are in a pleasant fort named “Fort Morton” so you see we are in garrison again. Thus far we like it very much. Our forces have one line of works in front of us so we are not very close to the enemy—are hardly half a mile from the rebel fort that was blown in July. Have been busy most of the day fixing up our houses which are bomb proof—gofer holes we call them. Are large rooms built in the side of the bank. One side is open. Are very dry and comfortable quarters for us. All has been very quiet during the day.
Yesterday morning at eight o’clock a salute was fired from all the guns along our line, which gave us music enough for a half hour or so. Was for another great victory in the Valley we learned. Isn’t the news cheering? Gen. Sheridan’s new style of “getting up Early” will put an end to raiding in the Valley, won’t it? Our army were never in better spirits than now we think. All seem so hopeful of a speedy end to the war.
Yesterday was warm and it rained very hard just before night, but today has been very pleasant though cool. It has hardly seemed like Sabbath to us.
The boys have got supper ready for me now, so I will leave you a little while. I have finished my hard tack and coffee and will return to my letter. It is evening now—quite pleasant Sabbath evening, so pleasant I almost wish I were with you to enjoy it. Where are you this evening? at home writing to me? Are all well at the old home? Father, Mother, brother & sister? Have you been to church today and has the day passed pleasantly with you? Have you seen Mrs. Button today and has she heard anything more of him? I have not sent the money for her yet. (The twenty dollars Fred handed me.) I hardly like to send it by letter. Have waited for some better opportunity. I am quite anxious to hear the result of the draft in our town. Hope Harvey was not drafted. If so, he best try and go into a battery of light artillery—that is much the best and most pleasant branch of service. But can he have any choice if drafted? I wish to write to Libbie now so I must close this letter. Accept very much love from your loving brother, — Thomas
Letter 22
Army of the Potomac Before Petersburg, Va. Sunday, October 2nd 1864
Dearest Sister,
I have been quite busy all day and though I am feeling a little tired & sleepy having had but little rest for two nights past, still I must take a little time to write to you and answer one received the 30th & one the 29th. First don’t look too sharp at this paper for you may see it is a little soiled but never mind, it is the best I can do this time and I trust the contents (I have forgotten how to spell) will be just as acceptable. We are trying to get a little rest this afternoon and recover from the severe wetting and chill we received yesterday and last night for we left our little fort early yesterday morning and though we did not go far, were out in the heavy cold rain most all day yesterday & last night, and were a little wet this morning. But the day has been quite warm & pleasant and now we are feeling much better, but most of the company have to go on picket tonight which will be hard for them.
We have had exciting times of late and as most of the boys have been kept up for several nights past, they are already feeling, worn, and weary. But all are trying to be cheerful and help put down this great and wicked rebellion. This is the third day we have heard heavy firing and hard fighting around Petersburg but as yet we have escaped, most of it being farther down to our left. Day before yesterday we heard heavy firing nearly west of the city and yesterday a little to the left of it, and near there today. We do’t know the result, but rumor says our forces are doing well. We hear they have reached the other railroad. All this time too we have heard the distant roar of the heavy artillery on our right that tells us our forces are doing something near Richmond as well as we here—so we cheerfully work away hoping for great results soon.
The night before we left the fort we had a little scare near us. The rebels charged our lines with quite a force, but our pickets were wide awake and the rebs failed even to drive them in. There was sharp exciting work on both sides. For a half hour or so, the air was alive with shell, & the roar of musketry was terrible. After the rebels returned to their works, our boys shouted for them to come on again. They were ready for them. But doubtless they (the rebs) couldn’t see it—at least they kept very close during the remainder of the night. We hear their loss was nearly a thousand killed and wounded. As our boys were behind works, of course ours was slight.
We are now only about a mile to the left of Fort Morton and not far above the old plank road.
Elvira’s long looked-for letter came to hand day before yesterday. A real good cheering one. She is enjoying her school and the good meetings very much. Hoe the good news rejoiced my heart. May she ever love and serve our dear Savior. Libbie’s good long letter received last evening informed me of her good health and pleasant visit with you. How she wanted to visit you the past week but could not. Have father & mother returned from their visit? Father must write me all about it. Did you attend the fair? How did that pass off? Am glad Harvey was not drafted but was Tristran Corliss? I see a name in the list of drafted that might pass for his name. Have you seen the Major again? We received the official notice of the death of Lyman Pyle & Charles S. Wright this morning. How sad! Crawley is at home on furlough. Says he is nearly well & will be with us soon. We shall be very glad to see him. No word from Homer Elton yet. But here comes an order for me to draw two days rations so goodbye. With love to all and a sweet kiss for you. I ever remain your loving brother, — Thomas
Letter 23
Army of the Potomac Before Petersburg, Va. October 8, 1864
Dear Sister,
Were you here to put some pockets in my new blouse fr me you might look for a long letter, but as I must sew them in myself, I shall not have much time for writing. I would have answered your letter sooner but have been too busy of late. We have moved so often we have been busy much of the time building our houses and packing up again. Lt. Pitcher came two days ago and has helped us some but he is on picket today. Is looking quite well but his arm is still weak. Of late we are having a great deal of picket duty to do but the boys like it well. Say they sometimes have lots of fun with the Johnnies.
Our Corps are now holding all the line along here, we think. Often the Johnnies attack our pickets and make quite a muss but as yet they have accomplished nothing—only given us lots of fun and a splendid view of fireworks. All day yesterday we heard terrible banging in the direction of Fort Darling and hear all sorts of rumors about it. Hope our forces have done well. Some say our gunboats are above the fort. One of the rebel pickets said to one of our boys yesterday evening, “Don’t you’s know, Yanks, we licked you’s up there this morning? Of course he was told that we didn’t “see it in that light.”
I have two of your letters to answer this time, one received the 5th and one the 8th this morning. You forgot to seal this one. I guess it came through. It had not been sealed at all. Both of them found me in the enjoyment of good health and haing had a little more rest of late. I am not as much wearied as I was three or four days ago. At times we are very tired moving about so often and fixing up so much, being broke of our rest, &c. &c. for all our moves (nearly) are made during the night. But this is far preferable to fighting the way we used to. Other corps seem to be doing most of the hard fighting now.
What a fine time you must have had visiting with the cousin and friends. I know I should have enjoyed being with you so much but never mind, I enjoy reading your letters of your good visits. And when this cruel war is over, if I am spared to return to you, I hope we may have some of those good visits over again. I would very much like to visit Aunt Sarah and many aunts, uncles, and cousins—especially the cousin who lately made you a visit. I should very much like to see her. By your description of her, she must be a fine girl and fine looking too. Is she not? But looks are not very much after all. “Handsome is that handsome does,” is an old & true saying. Guess she is brought up to work. Perhaps all the boys have gone to the war. Has she any brothers? Don’t you think I am quite inquisitive? Have fallen in love with her, do you say? Ha ha. What would Libbie say if she knew this? I don’t think she would worry much though, do you?…
Our chaplain has not come yet. John King just came here to see me. He is well now. You remember he was wounded at Reams Station. Is real cold today. I can’t write more this time. Love to all & a kiss from, — Thomas
Letter 24
Before Petersburg, Va. October 12, 1864
Dearest Sister,
I have been writing to Eugene Fuller & Charles Gifford this afternoon and will now try and spend what time I can before mail time writing to you. I am still well and time passes pleasantly. Are having fine weather. It has been very cool but is much warmer now. Looks much like Indian Summer today. All goes about as usual with us. Sometimes the Johnnies get a little uneasy & try our lines but thus far they have found plenty of en with powder & lead behind our works to receive them. Last night they kicked up quite a muss so we had to turn out just as we had got to sleeping so nicely. But the pickets didn’t need any of our help so after we had commented on the whang, crack, bang, and roar, and admired the splendid fireworks for a little time, we returned to our tents and soon all the roar was drowned in sleep, and we slept as sweetly and as soundly, I doubt not, as we would had there not been ten thousand Johnnies whanging away at our great piles of dirt that make the sides of “our houses at the front.” I guess though our pickets fired about as fast as they did and most of the roar of artillery was from our side. This accounts for our admiration of the fireworks. We would see one, two, six, sometimes ten great balls of fire sailing through the air at once, some of them racing it for the Johnnies forts. Like the boy and the frogs, it was fun for us but death of the Johnnies. Sometimes though it is visa versa. At Reams Station, for instance, such a getting out of the wilderness as that was I never did see.
Do you know if Mrs. Button has heard from Fred yet? I received the good news this morning in a letter from Washington that he and five others had just been paroled. What rejoicing news this will be for Mrs. Button and how rejoiced all the friends of the boys will be. I heard no particulars. Hope to hear more soon. Hope some of them will write us a letter. This was just a few words some one of them got the Commission to write…
Am sorry to hear any of our relatives are in favor of McClellan. Our only hope of peace & prosperity is in the reelection of Lincoln who I trust will be our next President. But the people at home ust be up & doing. We fight the enemies in the field; they must attend to those at home.
Has Major made you the visit yet? I hope you had a pleasant time. Last night we heard more cheering news from Sheridan that he had again routed Early’s army, taken 9 pieces of artillery and a supply train with several hundred prisoners. We hear Butler is doing well. Hear some firing there today. It was the 1st Division of our Corps that went on an excursion down to the weldon Railroad of which you spoke.
Did Tristram succeed in procuring a substitute? The papers came all safely. Would you like to ready Charley Gifford’s letter? I will send it with this. You can put it with my other letters. With much love to you all, I remain yours, — Thomas
October 14, 1864, Friday afternoon.
Dear sister, what will you think for being so negligent? I wrote you a letter day before yesterday but did not have time to mail it so put it in my portfolio and forgot all about it until this afternoon, and now you are cheated of a letter or have been, but lucky it is that I did not seal it, and now I will write a little more &send with it
I am still well and time is passing as pleasantly as usual. The weather is very pleasant but cool—very cool nights we are having now. We hear you have had snow. We had a little rain a few days ago but no snow yet.
Have been at work fixing up our house so we can keep a little more comfortable. We have a gay little house now—Orrin, Adolphus, and I—made mostly of logs and covered over with dirt, with a nice little fireplace and everything to make us comfortable. We shall enjoy it if we can stay here a week longer.
Richard Crowley came here yesterday & since then we have been voting. I voted yesterday—that is, I put my vote into an envelope, the way we vote, and sent it to Fathre. He will take it to the polls election day and my vote will count there just the same as though I were at home. It was sent to Pendleton. Richard wished it addressed thus.
Richard says he will remain about here a week or more. Thinks he would not like soldiering much. He is not accustomed to a soldier’s life. It is a hard life for one who is not used to it, but we are so accustomed to it we do enjoy ourselves even here.
I recieved a letter from Edson Gregory yesterday. A real good one. And this morning received two—one from Rowland Harmon and one from Libbie. Rowland says he is gaining slowly but still has to go with a crutch. Said he saw you & Harvey a few days ago. All of which you wrote me. Libbie’s letter was just as good as ever. I could not wish for better letters than she writes me. Had you heard Kate has another son? Kate must feel very rich. But I am at the bottom of the page & must close. Hope to hear from you tomorrow. Accept love, — Thomas
Letter 25
Before Petersburg, Virginia October 19th 1864
Dear Sister,
Another day has passed away and this pleasant evening finds us still in our old camp, me in my little house with Orrin & Adlophus, before our cozy little fireplace which is as comfortable & pleasant as can be. The guns stil keep popping away in front of us and things go just about as usual. Occasionally we get waked up with the big guns and sometimes the Johnnie’s shells come pretty close to us, but they most always cease firing when our batteries open upon them. The day has been beautiful and this is a lovely evening though the air is cool these nights of late. We have had splendid Indian Summer weather for a week past, and we have enjoyed it too. Though I have been quite busy all day, I am not very tired. A feeling very well tonight. Do not have to work as hard since Lieut. Pitcher came back and find I do not feel as tired when it comes night as I used to. The boys tell me I am growing fat and I conclude I am when I look in the glass, for we do have a little glass in our little parlor—an old fashioned Virginia glass with a very long frame one of the boys found before we came here.
Perhaps you would like to know just how I am looking now. Well, we don’t have any artists here so I can’t send you my picture, but Richard was here today and when he gets home he can tell you how he found me & all of us here at the “front.” Richard laighed as I shook hands with him his old-fashioned good-natured laugh and said so home like, “How do you do, Thomas. A real soldier, are you? You are looking pretty well, &c. &c.” I tell you, it did me good to shake hands with him but I was going to say you have his opinion of my looks at present, pretty & well—very good recommends. But you know how I look now. Ha! Ha! Richard started for home this afternoon. I have seen him two or three times, but have hardly had any time for a visit. I intended to send some money by him but when he told me he would not be home before November and had so many places to go before returning to Lockport, I concluded not to send it and will wait for another opportunity. Richard has had a good opportunity to see how we live & how things look & how all is going on in front of Petersburg. He will have a great many things to tell you, no doubt, when you see him.
I was very glad to receive your letter with Harvey’s & Lucy’s yesterday morning. This morning I received one from John from Buffalo. Your letter with Father’s came in due time & I answered his the same day, I think it was. You will see that we had received official notice of Fred’s death. We have heard nothing since. Mrs. Button heard that [her son] Fred was paroled. What terrible news to hear of his death now. Oh, isn’t it sad. I fear the boys must have suffered severely while prisoners. Oh, we hope & pray this terrible war will not last very much longer. It does not seem as though it would. Every day brings to us good cheer from both North & South. We think the army were never in better spirits nor more hopeful of a speedy end to war & bloodshed. Did you read in last week’s Intelligencer written by a Lieutenant of the 15th New York Cavalry? [And by] Lieut. Maxwell? Such letters are needed now, at home and in the army too, for a few (would that the number were less) are so blind & ignorant of their own great interests as to vote for McClellan. Isn’t it strange?
Have you received a paper I sent you a few days ago? It contained an official report from General Sherman which I thought worth preserving and in it you will find some cotton just as we picked it. You have seen cotton bulbs before though have you not?
You fear I will ned my clothes before Major comes back. I am in no hurry for them. Have enough to make me comfortable for the present. A month from now would do just as well if the weather is not very severe. Did the Major finally make you a visit or were you entirely disappointed? If so, it is most too bad. I will send you two dollars in this toward paying for the shirts & will send some more after another pay day.
Am sorry you have not a change in a minister but they have a good one at Royalton. You must try and go there occasionally. Am glad Clark takes so great an interest in the welfare of the church. He would be missed now, wouldn’t he? Your great Mass Meeting is to take place tomorrow, I believe. Hope it will be a pleasant day. It would be pleasant if I could be there. I would like to see it and especially as so many ladies are to be present. We see one here about once a month & hardly that. Would you wonder if we became a little wild separated so long from their society, or deprived of it, I should say. But who is to represent some of our rebellious sister states? Some sad one for Virginia, I should judge. Have you seen Uncle Samuel? Tell Harvey I will try & answer his letter soon. Am glad Lucy can visit you often. Love to her & to all the friends. Your loving brother, — Thomas
Letter 26
[Note: This letter describes the Battle of Boydton Plank Road (or 1st Hatcher’s Run)—an attempt to seize the Boydton & Petersburg Plank Road and cut off the South Side Railroad near Petersburg. The fighting occurred on 27 October 1864 and was considered a Confederate victory. Union casualties were twice as many as Confederate casualties.]
Before Petersburg, Va. Saturday Morning, Oct. 29, 64
Dearest Sister,
‘Ere this reaches you, you will have heard of another sudden dash of the 2nd Corps into the enemy’s country & their hard fighting. We had a hard time fighting nearly all the day, day before yesterday, but wonderful to tell, we escaped with scarce any loss. Are back a little to the right of our old camp this morning feeling pretty well though very tired & lame. Many of us had narrow escapes, but He who hath kept us from other dangers was with us & preserved us from harm. We feel thankful that we are still safe & well.
Soon after I last wrote you, we left our pleasant camp and Monday night worked on a new fort a little to the left. Tuesday moved back about two miles near breast works in the rear of our line. Wednesday afternoon our Division with the 3rd started on a march with six days rations, moved to the left five or six miles and near the 9th Corp. Then left our line of works & started as we suppose[d] for the Lynchburg Railroad, halted for a little rest about midnight, soon moved on. Just after light, [we] came upon the enemy & our Division were sent on as skirmishers continued to drive them back until about 8 or 9 A. M. when we came to their first line of breastworks on the bank of a little creek. Here the enemy made their first stand.
Our skirmish line lost a few men and one officer—[Frank J. Spalter, Lt.-]Col. of the 4th Ohio—who was killed almost instantly by a sharpshooter. I had often seen him while on our marches & thought him a noble little officer. Soon we charged & took the works with several prisoners. Our boys had to charge through the creek waist deep & up a a high steep bank. They rushed on nobly, continued to drive the enemy back through the thick woods & brush—a real wilderness, until nearly 2 P.M. I should think, when we found them in strong force & behind works. Here the fighting commenced in good earnest.
Our brigade charged & took their first line of works, drove them over a hill, a cleared field, and into the thick woods, capturing several prisoners. Several times they charged on our boys & tried to retake the ground but could not & lost heavily each time. Fought hard all the afternoon, took about a thousand prisoners, but they were so heavily reenforced they had us nearly surrounded at dark, & during the night we evacuated the place & returned to the rear of the 9th Corps. Do not know where we were nor the object of the movement, nor whether all was accomplished that was expected to be. But we know our boys did nobly & received considerable praise from our Commanding General.
Gen. Winfield S. Hancock—“as usual was in the thickest of the fight [and] brought us off safely”
Thought at one time it was [going to be] another Reams Station affair, but though we were nearly surrounded, our lines were not broken as then, and in spite of our fears of all being captured, Hancock—who as usual was in the thickest of the fight—brought us off safely. We do not know our whole loss there, but it was not heavy. Our regiment lost 5 killed, 25 wounded, and a few are missing. Co. B had 3 slightly wounded.
We arrived near here a little before night & last night marched to this place, a little to the right of our old camp, and near the front line, and are to go into camp here. Had two or three hours refreshing sleep early this morning, it being the first opportunity we had had for sleep since Tuesday night. You may know we do not feel very keen today after two days and most of three nights hard marching & one day hard fighting. We feel the need of rest now. Guess we enjoyed our coffee too this morning as most of us had no opportunity to make any or cook anything since Wednesday morning. Seems to me hard tack & raw fat pork never tasted sweeter. I’m sure I never ate it with a better relish. How do you think you would like that fare for a week? and could you go a whole day & longer without water as some of us did? We often wonder we can endure so much. One doesn’t know how much they can endure, but we are thankful that we have come through this safely and are back where we feel at home again. Would you believe we have learned to love our old place here before Petersburg, and that is does seem almost like a home to us?
Engraving captioned “The Army of the Potomac Battle of Hatcher’s Creek, Va., October 27th, 1864–The Second Corps, under Major General Hancock, flanking the Confederate Works at Armstrong’s Mill.” From Frank Leslie’s Scenes and Portraits of the Civil War (1894)
Well, how do you al do at home this pleasant morning? Are you having pleasant weather now? Yesterday was quite pleasant but night before last was very cold & rainy. We were so wet & chilled our bones really ached. But we don’t often have so hard times as that.
I was glad to receive another good letter from you last evening. Also a good long one from Libbie. What a time you must have had as the Mass Meeting. I am sure I should have enjoyed being there. Did Mr. Goodridge’s people attend? A, sorry to hear Father is so unewll. How is he now? Is his sickness more than a hard cold? I hope he will not be sick long.
Am glad all difficulties in our district are settled. Hope there will never be any great trouble. It is so unpleasant. Will Harvey engage the school for the coming winter? How is Tristram’s health now? Am glad you had a pleasant visit at Royalton & the pleasure of having. Br. Burlingham preach. Merritt has concluded to make farming his business for life, hasn’t he? He has a good farm to start with. Do you know how much he is in debt for it? It is too bad that Uncle Seneca thinks of leaving Royalton. He never out to leave the old homestead. I fear he will never return to that place again and live there. I t will hardly seem like Royalton anymore, will it? But we have some friends left there still whom we can visit, and of course we shall want to visit the old homestead & Oliver too but it won’t be Uncle Seneca’s, will it?
‘Ere this you have doubtless received my letter stating the death of Fred Button. Libbie wrote me that Mrs. Button was almost distracted. Poor woman. How soon was her joy turned to sadness. Since I wrote you, we have another letter from S. Dean. He says all who were paroled were sick with Chronic Diarrhea. That he was at Annapolis getting better. That Fred & Augustus Beach died while coming down the James [river]. How many, many homes this cruel war is desolating. O, we hope & pray it may not last much longer. With much love to you all, I remain your loving brother, — Thomas
Letter 27
Before Petersburg, Va. November 3, 1864
Dearest Sister,
I have just finished drawing rations for the company and will now try and write to you. What sort of weather are you having at home now? It is very disagreeable here. Commenced raining yesterday morning and has been raining ever since. A real cold northeast storm snowed some yesterday. It is very muddy and unpleasant where we now are in camp and so cold we hardly like to stir at all. We hope we will have sunshine soon for it seems very dull when we have so cold rains. Most of the boys are on picket now and say they have a much better place to stay than we have here.
Col. James M. Willett
Yesterday there was considerable cannonading along our front lines, but today all has been very quiet. Col. Willett still commands our brigade but we hear another Colonel is to take command of it tomorrow and he will return to the regiment. Things seem to go better with us since he came back—not that he is a better commander than Capt. (now Major) Holmes, but the rank is more respected. We find it makes quite a difference whether a regt is commanded by a captain or a colonel. Col. Willett is a noble man and officer. Maj. Holmes is very popular too with the regiment.
Our regiment did so well the other day we hear we are to have our colors again. You will see the orders which were read to us the other evening on parade, in the papers soon no doubt. Our Brigade & Brigade commander and Division commander are highly spoken of. I see today’s paper speaks of the 5th Corp doing all that was done there. I suppose they did save us from being captured as they came up when we were nearly or quite surrounded, but we were not aware that they took any part in the fight. I saw Gen. Hancock, Meade & Grant that day. They were there and saw how things were going. Hancock was with us all the time and in the thickest of the fight. I saw Gen. Warren the next morning. Had never seen him before. He is very young looking but has a noble, interesting look.
I might tell you a great many things of that fight and what I saw there had I time, but cannot write them. Must let them got until I can see you which I hope to another fall if spared. Some of the sights I saw were too sad to write—to think of even. What terrible work the rebel shell made with some of our men. A member of the Co. “D” was all blown to pieces. The Orderly of Col. “L” was shot through the breast from side to side with a shell or shot which made a six inch hole through his body, cutting him almost in two. Of course he was instantly killed. I saw many others terribly mangled, but why should I sadden my letter with this which is too dreadful to write. You no doubt have heard of the death of Lieut. Rector of Co. “F.” He was wounded through the body and died in Division Hospital the next day. His body has been sent home.
I received your letter last Monday. Also one from Libbie. Does Mrs. Button hear anything more in regard to Fred’s death? I wrote a letter yesterday and told them what I could of Fred. What a sad house that must be. Libbie told me of the terrible grief of Mrs. Button. May she strive to look to Jesus for comfort and consolation now. I sent the money in the letter [to Father] and hope it may reach him safely and I hope too the letter may reach him before election. Still, I don’t know as I wrote anything that would change his vote. I did the best I could but feared to write much. I would have written sooner had I not been so busy working on our pay rolls, but I finished them yesterday and now feel as though I had a good job off my hands. Captain had me do most of the writing on them and they have occupied all my spare time for more than a week.
If I could only see and talk with Mr. Gaul, I think I might perhaps influence him some and maybe save his vote. Many of us might have had an opportunity to go home could we not vote in the field. Many from other states have lately gone, some whole brigades. There has been so much forgery and fraud of late forging votes. I fear our state will be lost. Had you heard about it? Men have been sending on forged votes by the thousand, so the Washington Chronicle says. Isn’t that too bad? I fear the soldiers’ privilege of voting in the field will be worse than no votes. But we will soon know how the state goes. We hope for the best.
I received a letter from Elvira yesterday—an excellent one. She seems very busy and very happy. Spoke of seeing Uncle Lemuel at the Conference, and was so glad to see him. Expected to see the home friends in two weeks. I should enjoy being with you then too. Is Uncle Lemuel still at home? Am glad you conclude to let the Major bring my things for I am in no hurry for them. I am not suffering for the want of them yet.
I have received a paper speaking of the great Mass Meeting. You had a great time.
How is Father’s health now? I hope he will soon be well. Are all the rest of you still well? Harvey has to work pretty hard, don’t he? Are those potatoes dug yet. and how are they? Tell Harvey if he wants help to just bring the field down here and we will soon dig and pick up his potatoes for him, and we could very soon cook and eat them too. We are great at cooking potatoes. Guess we could husk corn too if it was here. But goodbye. Love to you and all, — Thomas
Letter 28
Before Petersburg, Va. Monday afternoon, November 7, 1864
Dear Sister,
We have moved again since I last wrote to you a little nearer the front lines that we were. Still we are some distance from the rebels but the Captain just tells me we are to move again tonight to the front line so we will soon be nearer the music than we have been. There is but very little more danger there than here and we are not half as liable to be moved about so we prefer being there and having a little home for a week or so at a time, to being so far to the rear and remaining but one or two nights in a place. Though it doesn’t take us long to pack up and get ready for a move, it isn’t real pleasant some of these cold nights so we think.
It is much warmer today than it has been for several days past. Has been smoky & rainy most all day. A very mild “September like” rain. Has been more quiet today than yesterday. Night before last the rebs captured a part of our picket line down to our left near Fort Morton. They very soon waked up our artillery & musketry, which played so lively a time the Johnnies soon had to skedaddle losing part of their prisoners & many of their own men were killed and captured—so many killed they have had a “flag of truce” out today to bury their dead, so we conclude they didn’t make a great deal by the move. They did make a stir among though, calling us up just after we had retired for the night (“turned in” I should say) and we went nearer the music were we could hear it more distinctly and help play some too if necessary but though the music was kept up most of the night and most of the day yesterday, our regiment did not take part in the play—only a few who were out on picket.
I am not feeling quite as well today as usual. Have had a severe headache most of the day, Think perhaps I have taken a little cold. Hope I will soon feel better again.
Received your letter this morning. Was glad to hear Father was better. Hope he will soon be well I have two of your letters to answer this time for another of yours came day before yesterday.
Ere this no doubt you have received my letters dating of our move & the fight on the 27th and know that I am still safe. I received those papers yesterday, read the speech of which you wrote. Also Edward Everett’s Address. The speech sounded just like “Sum er”—tomorrow decides his fate. I hope the fraud has not been carried to such an extent that he will be reelected. Hardly think it can possibly be so. Edward Everett’s address I liked much.
I saw a piece in the “Northern Christian Advocate” the other day that I thought so good. I cut it out and will send it to you. Perhaps you have not seen it & would like to read it. I wish everybody might read & remember it. Another letter from Libbie this morning. Am glad her health is so good. She is attending the Institute now she tells me and likes it much.
What can be the reason you do not hear from George & Ann? It can’t be they have gone to Michigan, can it? Remember me kindly to them when you see them & tell them not to quite forget the soldier boy. Of course I should be glad to hear from them when they have plenty of time to write.
Have you visited Mrs. Button’s yet? and how is she now? Has he (Mr. Gaul) received my letter & the money I sent to her? You speak in your last of Frank Boyd. That is sad but we had expected he would have been discharged or receive some hard sentence long before. For a long time his conduct has been such we could not respect him. Major [Joseph W.] Holmes had tried all he could to save him. The Major is still safe and well except a hurt he received the other night while visiting the picket, fell in a hole and hurt his knee and is still a little lame.
So you think you can tell a McClellan man by seeing him? Well, I think your ideas of them are pretty good. It is not very hard to tell them usually. It will be easier still to tell them tomorrow evening, will it not? But I cannot write more now for I must get ready to move. Will add more in the morning if I can. Good night. Lovingly, your brother, — Thomas
Tuesday afternoon. We moved last evening as we had expected to and are now on the front line. Can keep behind the works in safety if we are very careful and keep our heads low. One of our Lieutenants (Lt. Claff of Co. M) was badly wounded while on picket this morning. We fear he cannot live. He was a very fine, young officer and will be missed much by the regiment.
Today is warm and cloudy. Was a little rainy last night. I am feeling must better than yesterday. Quite well today. Orrin Babcock has just started for home—Michigan, on a twenty day furlough. Never had had one and as a few furloughs were being granted, he applied for one a few days ago and it came around much sooner than he had expected. He will have a fine time. This will be a great day in York State. We are very hopeful of the results that not only our own state, but the whole of the Northern States will show to the world that they are for truth and justice. With love to all, I remain as ever, — Thomas
Letter 29
Before Petersburg, Va. Friday evening, November 11, 1864
Dear Sister,
How do you all do this lovely evening? for it is a splendid moonlight evening here. I am still well though I feel pretty tired tonight for I have been busy most all day. Have been acting regimental commissary today and find the new business rather tiresome. Our regimental commissary has gone home on furlough and this morning I was appointed to act during his absence. I like the business very well but that added to my other duties will keep me very busy. Maybe you will not receive quite as long letters for a time but you will not be disappointed, will you? I will try and make up for short letters when I have time. I wish I could have a good chat with you this evening. Your advice might be a benefit to me, still I don’t know as it would change my mind. Maybe you would tell me I have not done right. At least you would say I am not very aspiring and perhaps not very patriotic.
This afternoon Captain Low came to me and told me if I would accept of one, he would give me a commission. I told him I was satisfied where I was and would rather he would give it to someone else so I suppose someone else will have the promotion. Now what think you? did I do wrong to refuse it? I had several reasons for refusing. I am now excused from all picket and guard duty and can usually have rest nights which if I were deprived of as some are I fear I should lose my health. I do not have to go into battle and am not so exposed to danger now as I would then be and I do not like to take the responsibility of the company. To be sure my wages would be increased, but I could not save much more than I now do and I think I am serving my country in my present position just as well as if I had a commission. The rank is something but the associations would not be better for me I think, if as good. Officers are expected to spend a great deal of money and thus will form habits which may be an injury to them through life. I might resist all these temptations perhaps, but I think it is better and safer not to be thrown in the way of them. You see I am satisfied where I am. Will try and do my duty in my present position and perhaps can do quite as much good. I was offered a promotion once before, some time ago, but refused it. Now what think you? Would you have advised me differently?
I received a letter from you this morning which was perused as usual with great interest and pleasure. A letter from loved ones at home; do you know how we prize one? Oh what would we do without them. They are the links that bind us to that home and often I think keep the absent soldier from straying from the path of right and truth. How cheering to know “They think of me at home.” Oh how strong we feel when we know the loved ones at home are praying for us. Yes, we feel stronger to battle on, trusting all with Jesus who has promised to “be with us always.” I also received a letter from Libbie and one from John. Am glad Father’s health is improving. Hope he will soon be well.
Of late the weather is more mild and has been very pleasant. The picket firing is still kept up and now and then the artillery opens, throwing shell and shot so ew have to keep low heads. The rebels shelled us considerably this afternoon and one of our regiment, Co. L, had his leg nearly torn off with a shell. It has since been amputated—poor fellow.
I was out on the picket line yesterday morning about a half mile to the right of us, on the bank of the Appomattox and had a good view of the City we have so lone been striving to gain possession of. There is was not more than a half mile distant, in plain view, and still we dare not, could not, take possession of it. But we hope it will not be long ere our own stars & stripes will wave over it.
Election day has passed and resulted favorably to our cause, we hear. We do not yet know the exact figures but hear Lincoln has received a grand majority. I suppose we will soon know how it (election) went in all the states and in our own county and town. I hope Pendleton did well. I just received three papers from you—two Lockport and one Buffalo, but have not yet had time to read them. I read in the Herald & Washington paper all about that fraud.
I suppose Elvira is at home now. Is she well? Does she think of going back to school again? Was very much surprised to hear Alvin Foote was married. Who did he marry? Anyone I know? I suppose I will soon see by the papers though.
Samuel Dean lived near Warren’s Corner but I hardly think is at home. I think he is still at Annapolis. We hear nothing from them of late.
I am not particular about your sending me every Baltimore paper for we have the Washington paper nearly every day. Now I think I have written you quite a letter and as it is quite late, I must bid you good night. With love to you all and a kiss for you. I am your loving brother, — Thomas
Letter 30
Before Petersburg, Va. Monday p.m., November 14, 1864
Dearest Sister,
Another good letter was received from you last evening. Also a short one from Libbie * one from Stephen Addrich who is now at home on furlough from hospital where he has been some time sick. Are you having sunshine and more pleasant weather of late? This is a beautiful day and yesterday was very pleasant also, but cold as winter almost, and we suffer some with the cold of late for wood near us is growing scarce where we now are. We have hard work to find enough to do our cooking with.
If our battle lines remain here all winter, I don’t know what we will do for wood. Most all the beautiful shade trees with which the country did abound have already disappeared but perhaps our army will not have to remain here very long. We hope a portion of it at least may winter in Petersburg & Richmond.
All goes with us about as usual. The pickets still keep up the firing and occasionally the roar of the artillery makes everything jar. Gen. Egan who commanded our Division in our last battle, now commanding the 1st Brigade of it, was wounded while visiting the pickets last night and Col. Willett is now to take his place—only for the present, I suppose. Major Baker now commands our regiment as he returned night before last. He is looking quite well. Says he is very well. We were very glad to see him. I have been so busy I have not had time to talk with him much yet. Hear that he saw Samuel Dean while on his return, that Samuel has succeeded in getting a furlough & has gone home. Major says he is a sad sight to look at. Is only just alive and says that only Samuel, Fred & young Beach were paroled (besides Elton). All the others were set south and Fred & Beach died on their way to Annapolis. Samuel lives as I before wrote you near Warren’s Corners. I hope Mrs. Button will soon be able to see him & hear more of Fred. No doubt he knows all about Fred’s sickness & death. Can you go down & see him? He will be glad to see you. Has heard me speak of you often. Tell him I wrote to him some time ago at Annapolis. Perhaps he did not receive the letter. Tell him to write to me. Who sent the things to Mrs. Button & who wrote to her—was it Samuel?
Major brought my things all safe, I guess, though they were all undone and I fear some things from the housewife might have been lost. In it was five needles, wax, thread and yarn, a small very nice comb, the tooth picks, some tape, the scissors, and some very nice soap. I guess nothing was lost. All is just as nice as I could wish but who am I to thank for it? Libbie or yourself? There was nothing to tell me who is the donor of so nice a gift. I will thank you for it now at least & if Libbie did make it, why some time I will thank her of course and when I can do more than to thank you, I will. (Some buttons I found also). But those shirts are splendid, so I say, and so all who have seen them say, and think I have a very kind sister. I tell them there never was a better (now don’t box my ears, ha, ha.) I have one of the shorts on. How they are just the fit and just what I wanted. The socks are very nice too. Also the towel. A great many thanks for them all and as many and as good and long letters as I can write to boot, besides. Major had a load of.
Letter 31
Before Petersburg Thursday morning, November 24, 1864
Dearest Sister,
What are you all doing at home this Thanksgiving morning? Having a fine time no doubt. Are you to have a thanksgiving dinner and do you expect company, or has someone invited you to take dinner with them? We are to have a dinner too, they say of turkey, which the State is sending to her soldiers. No doubt the boys will enjoy it. All of us are feeling quite well this morning though some of the boys have severe colds which they have taken during the severe storms we have had of late. We have had a terrible rain but it cleared away day before yesterday and since then has been oh so cold. Some of the boys have nearly froze but the air is much warmer today and it is going to be a beautiful clear day. Froze very hard last night so the ice on the ponds near us was almost an inch in thickness. Pretty odd for this place, isn’t it? But I suppose you have seen much colder weather ere this. Have you had much snow yet? and any sleigh rides? We have had but little snow here.
Our boys are still doing picket duty. Last night one Johnnie came into the lines where one of our boys were. A great many are deserting of late. Some come into our lines ever night. Night before last, they say two companies came in. I do not wonder they feel as though their cause was hopeless. Wish all might lay down their arms. We do not hear much news of late. They say Sherman is going to do something great soon. We don’t know what it is. I think our army here were just on the eve of some great move when this late storm commenced. Now it will be delayed some time.
Did I tell you that Romeo Burnes returned last Sunday? He is quite well now. Lieut. Clapp who was wounded the other day while on picket line is now dead. And day before yesterday one of Co. C boys was shot dead while on picket. But little firing has been done of late along our lines and it seems almost strange to have quiet so long. Has Elvira written to me yet? I looked for a letter this morning but none came. I hope I will receive a letter from her tomorrow. I don’t receive many letters of late. I hardly know why unless it is because I have not written many of late. I don’t have much time for writing. Have to draw rations for the regiment every day now which takes about half my time.
Received a short letter of the 17th yesterday morning; also one from Libbie. She has the Mapleton school, she tells me. I hope she will not have to work so hard this winter. How is Father> Id his health still improving? Has Elvira become tired of talking to you, telling you of her school and so many things which you would like to hear about? I wish I might listen to her conversation a while too. But she will have to talk on paper to me. Hope she will find time to write me a long letter. I haven’t heard from John is some time. I am looking for a letter from him. Has he been home of late?
You say Clark would like to borrow some money of me. I would like to accommodate him, but cannot send any money home just now as I have lent most of what I had to the boys here until pay day. I don’t know when we will be paid again. I fear not until after New Years. Much love to you and all, — Thomas
Letter 32
Near Petersburg, Virginia December 3rd 1864
Dearest sister,
Don’t you think you have been neglected this time. Well, I am sorry. I hope you do not think I am sick. I am still enjoying excellent health for which great blessing I am so thankful. The reason I have not written is we have been on the move again and I have been too busy to write. Have been almost a week trying to write a letter to Libbie. Of course that must be finished before commencing this as it was commenced first. I sat up and finished it last night by candle light so now comes your turn for a letter.
It is Saturday afternoon. Though the third day of winter, it is as beautiful a day as I ever saw in Indian Summer time. We have had splendid weather ever since that cold storm for which many of us suffered so much. Last Tuesday I think it was we left the front line and moved around to the left two or three miles beyond the Weldon Railroad and are now building winter quarters in what a few days ago was a beautiful pine woods—now one vast field of stump and log cabins—a young city it seems, inhabited by a very industrious people one would think by the sound of the hundreds of axes we hear from morn till night. The 9th Corps relieved us and we take their places. Our Division having been on the front line so long are to remain back and rest awhile, I guess. Are building log houses and preparing streets and everything necessary for a very nice winter camp. Are soe distance from the front line. Hear no picket firing and the little artillery firing we have heard since we came here was toward Petersburg nearly east of us, so we are on the other side of the city now. Are on a little rise of ground surrounded by a beautiful level country. The new railroad is only a few rods from us and often we hear the puff of the steam horse, reminding us of peace and prosperity, rather than the terrible war that is raging in our land.
I have been relieved of my command as Commissary Taylor has returned and so many of our boys have returned I shall not have to work as I used to . I believe I told you Romeo had returned. Since then Lieut. Crawley came and Orderly Sergeant E. C. Fuller and Corporal Babcock who was home on furlough and Corporal Ward and two others came last night—Ezra Cole & Bradford Coe. So we now have forty with the company.
You would like to know how our Thanksgiving passed, would you not? Much as other days—only our chaplain gave us a very short good discourse in the morning. Saturday we had our dinner and had we received what was each one’s share of the things sent, we would have enjoyed it but as it was divided, we only just got a taste of the things. Each had three apples, but except those, a large teacup would have held all. Each had turkey, chicken, pie, cake, cheese, pickles, and all. The friends at home did nobly. All thanks to them for thus remembering us but the things came through the hands of so many quartermasters, clerks, and commissaries, when they reached us, we had to take up with the crumbs and broken pieces and but very little of those. There were bushels of cake, splendid pounds of butter, and other things came to the Brigade which the men never tasted and though they told us all was for the men, none for the officers, some of the Brigade officers had more than they could eat in a whole week, so we hear. So much for our great Thanksgiving dinner. We hope when the friends at home wish to give the soldiers another dinner, they will send the things direct to a company or regiment. Then the soldiers will have their share of the things sent.
I have three of your letters to answer now—one received the 25th, one the 28th, and the last last evening containing cousin’s letter & picture. All was read with interest and pleasure—and the picture. I was very glad you sent it to me. I like her looks much and should say she is a noble girl. The letter is good too and your sending them to me has given me quite an introduction to the new cousin. It almost seems as though I had seen her now. I would like to make her a visit some time. Hope we both may. Wouldn’t it be pleasant if you and I could sometime make her a visit? Don’t you think she looks in the picture a little like Uncle Daniel—her forehead—and when I first saw it, I thought her face looked a little like Hattie Green, especially the mouth and lip. Good disposition, I guess, isn’t she? and full of life and fun too. Wonder if she didn’t ever do such a thing as to tie up poor grandfather’s coat sleeve? Ha! Ha!
I will return to the picture & letter soon. A letter from John and one from Elvira lately. Elvira has gone back to school again I suppose. You ask of Lieut. Low of Ransom’s Battery. They have received a great many recruits so their Battery is more than full & Captain told me this morning Thomas has made application to bring 150 of his men to our regiment and he (captain) thinks he will soon. I do not see the Atlantic. I shall be very glad to help pay for that present after pay day. That is a nice birthday present. Do you know today is Libbie’s birthday? I have thought of it all day…Now, goodbye again. With love & a kiss from, — Thomas
Letter 33
Camp in the Field near Petersburg, Va. December 9th 1864
Dearest sister and loved ones at home,
I feel that I have been almost negligent again in not writing to you ere this for almost a week has passed since I last wrote, but we have been marching & working & have been so busy it seemed as though I could hardly find time to write. I think I told you we were to build winter quarters. Well, we commenced them and were getting along finely with out litle 8 by 10 log cabins when orders came for us to draw extra rations which we knew meant prepare for a march. Then our work stopped for we did not like to work for nothing. Day before yesterday early in the morning the whole of the 5th Corps left their nice winter quarters and started on a raid, our 3rd Division going with them.
We left our camp supposing we were to go with them, but halted not very far distant and took their places. Soon moved again and are now near some new forts on the left flank, are acting as a support. Are now but a little way from our old camp (our commenced huts, I mean) but do not know as we will ever go back to them. And now we think all our work building them was only to blind the rebels and make then think we had given up the campaign for this fall while the real object was to get the troops massed here for this great raid. Now we hear the 2nd Division were left here to hold the line while the others are gone so at present we may not have to move very far. We do not know where the forces have gone but Gen. Warren and his forty or fifty thousand men will soon be heard from no doubt for they will strike a terrible blow somewhere that will shake the trembling confederacy. God grant that this move may be crowned wit success.
As yet we hear but little from them. Some say they were to move on the Danville Railroad while others think they have gone south and have already cut all communication in their rear. Perhaps you will have learned by the papers all about the movement ere this reaches you. This evening the 1st & 3rd Divisions of the 6th Corps passed us going farther to the left. We expect to hear great news soon—news that will come with a crash on the whole South and tell the world that General Grant is in earnest in putting down rebellion. We hope & pray this great move may not only end this terrible campaign but end this cruel war also. Oh may our Heavenly Father give us a great victory this time also, that peace and prosperity may speedily be restored to our bleeding, suffering country.
Did I tell you the 6th Corps were with us again? They came a few days ago and day before yesterday Uncle Lemuel came to see me. He is looking very rugged and healthy. Said he was very glad to see me looking so well. Thought I stood being “in the field” well. My health is still excellent, was never better, I think, for which I am very thankful. I have just about enough to do of late to keep me hale & hearty but I am not quite as fleshy as I was two winters ago.
Lyman Harwood came to the company yesterday morning. Also one of our boys who was wounded at Hatcher’s Run. Both are quite well now. Lyman was wounded at Cold Harbor in the leg and has had rather a hard summer, he says.
Now let me warm my fingers a little by our good fire and then I will try and tell you what the weather has been since I last wrote. Come into our little hut, will you if you can creep under our little tented roof and you may see how we are living this terrible winter night. None but Hopkins Rose is with me just now and he keeps up the fire while I write. It is a new hut, but partly finished you see, so low we cannot straighten up under our tent cover, but we can sit on our little bunk and write very comfortably on the Quartermaster Sergeant’s nice new table made of hard tack boxes.
December 6th 1864 Our fire place you see is not a fire place yet—only a little hole cut through the side of the building for a fireplace but by putting a few short logs in a little half circle outside to the height of two or three feeet, we make it draw very well. the building has not been plastered yet so today to keep the wind out I stuffed al the cracks between the logs with moss as well as I could. Do you hear the wind whistle outside and shiver and call it cold here? We call it real comfortable tonight. Last night we slept in the open air and as it was so cold it froze the ground and very thick ice, you may guess we thought it decidedly cold. We didn’t freeze, however, though we feared we should. But we almost feared we would shake our teeth out before morning and it took all the forenoon to get our bones thawed so we felt like ourselves.
It is wonderful how much a soldier can stand. We feel now as though the cold had never hurt us any—only our fingers are numb from holding the pens. But I fear many of the boys won’t sleep much tonight as they have not as good a place as I. We very much feel the need of winter quarters now. For some time the weather has been warm and as beautiful as summer until day before yesterday it commenced raining and rained considerably during the day and night. Cleared away the next forenoon and began to grow cold. Froze very hard last night and has been growing cold today. Has been a cold north wind and has hardly thawed any during the day. Is colder and more frosty tonight and has been snowing a little cold bits of snow or hail. I hope the weather will soon moderate for it is very hard for the soldier to be thus exposed to its inclemency.
I was very glad to receive another letter from you last Tuesday. Have looked for a long time for one from Libbie but do not receive any. Suppose she is very busy with her school duties. I think I have received all your letters. I wrote of cousin’s letter and picture. She is a noble, dignified looking girl. I like to look at the picture. Will send it to you in my next letter. The snow is falling so it is spoiling my writing so I will put iy by & finish in the morning. Good night and pleasant dreams, — Thomas
Saturday morning. How do you all do this morning? I am feeling very well though fear I took a little cold during the night. Have a slight headache this morning. It stormed hard most of the night—cold snow & hail at first, then the air became warmer and it almost turned to rain. This morning the snow and ice is nearly two inches deep and everything is covered with a crust of ice. Will soon thaw no doubt & be very sloppy. Looks more like fair weather this morning and I think will soon be very pleasant again.
Heard some cannonading away in the distance in a southwesterly direction early this morning, but do not hear any news. Will soon no doubt. No more letters from any one of late. I surely thought I would have one or two this morning. Hope I won’t be disappointed of a letter tomorrow.
Have you most of that sewing done now? Don’t you wish I were there to help you? You don’t know how much I have improved in that art. I can manage to do my own sewing pretty well at least. The other day I went to work at my old vest—the one I bought at home, and by fixing it over have made almost a new one of it and a better one than it was at first. Most of it is new…
Charles Gifford is not with us yet & I fear will not be able to come back this winter. Frank Nye is still at the hospital. I heard he had a firlough home. Do not know how he is getting along. Has Harvey taken that school? You will miss him this winter, won’t you? I should think Father could hardly spare him. Hope he will have a good school in a good neighborhood. He had a hard time when he taught before. Wouldn’t it be pleasant if I could visit you this winter. I am going to try but you need not say anything about it for I may not get one and if I do, I would like to surprise some of you. Ha! Ha! a great surprise to you now, wouldn’t it be? I though I wouldn’t write to anyone anything about it, but you see I couldn’t keep it entirely to myself. I must tell someone.
Captain told me if they continued to grant furloughs, I could have one in a month or two. Now I must hasten this to the office. With love to you all. Ever, — Thomas
Letter 34
In my little house Tuesday afternoon, December 13th 1864
Dear Sister,
It is very quiet here just now for I am all alone, Hopkins having gone to the company with their bread and pork and all the others being on picket. I have finished my forenoon’s work and will now try and write to you. No letter from you of late and none from Libbie. None from anybody for me. What can the matter be? Am I forgotten or are the friends all sick that they do not write? I hope neither but it is so long since I have received any letters, it seems strange. Sometimes I fear Libbie is sick, but I try to think not, and that I will soon hear from her again, that she is still well & enjoying herself. It is nearly two weeks now since I have received a letter from her. A very long time it seems, & it is a ewek since I have received a letter from you or anyone except Lucie Foote. She continues to write. I owe no one but her a letter now and I shall try and answer her soon. Then my debts will all be paid. But somebody will be owing me a good many letters, I fear, unless they go to writing soon for I shall continue to write as usual if I can.
How is Eliza now? and how do you all do? I hope all are well. I am & am still growing fat they say. Am regimental commissary again as Sergt. Taylor is appointed Brigade Commissary. I like the place very well. The work is not severe. Do not know how long I may continue to act but probably while Taylor is Brigade Commissary which may be as long at least as we remain in the field. I will not be with the company all the time as I will have to remain near the Quartermaster’s. It does not seem quite as pleasant for me to be away from the boys but I will not have to move to often from place to place and will not have so many hardships to endure. Hopkins Rose is to take my place for the present. Most of the boys are well and endure the cold very well but it is hard for them to be without shelter so much of the time. The weather is still cold & frosty, the ground frozen hard, and the snow & ice has not all thawed away. The boys are needing gloves or mittens very much as many are without. Some time ago I heard all of us were to draw mittens but they have not come & I hear nothing of them of late.
The great raiding party have returned having accomplished all they intended they say, which was to tear up & destroy fifteen or twenty miles of the Weldon Railroad down almost to North Carolina, and an immense amount of property. Did not see many rebels and lost but few men—mostly stragglers. Another move is on foot, I think. Troops are going to the left and only a few minutes ago I heard our regiment & brigade had marching orders. Some say the whole 2nd Corps is to move.
Just now I stepped to the door and saw a long line of men coming which they told me is a portion of our Division. Wouldn’t you like to see them just now as far as I can see up the road and away down the road going past it is filled with troops, more than a mile in length they extend, and this is only a portion of the 2nd Division. But what would you think to see the whole army in motion when it would take nearly a day to pass by a place. That is a sight. But the greatest sight—the grandest I have yet seen—was the cavalry that went with us to Deep Bottom last summer. 20 or 30 thousand, they say, under command of Gen. Sheridan. They commenced crossing the pontoon bridge early in the morning just as we came up and were until the middle of the afternoon galloping across. I never saw more splendid horses than some of those were. Hour after hour I watched them as they galloped on up the hill toward the enemy seeming eager for the fight. 20,000 noble steeds dashing on and on. What a sight!
Pontoon Bridge at Deep Bottom, July 1864
But I must close. I will send the letter & picture of cousins with this. I hope we may make her a visit some time. I’m sure we would enjoy it. Am very glad you sent the letter & picture for me to see. Saw our chaplain this morning. He is well. Wished to be remembered to my sisters. Now shall I hear from you soon? Hoping to and that all are well. I am with much love ever your loving brother, — T. C. Edwards
Letter 35
Near Petersburg, Va. Friday eve. December 16, 1864
Dearest Sister,
After a pause of three days I again find myself seated for a chat with you and the home loved ones. Are you all well this evening?…I am here far, far from home & loved ones, trying to serve my country, and though I long so much to be with you again, I do not regret that I am here, that I am a soldier. I am trying to do my duty and am contented and happy. Yes, I am happy, and why shouldn’t I be? God is good to me, has done so much for me, has watched over me and kept me from harm thus far. Is still giving me health and strength and so many numberless blessings, and has given me so many friends to love me…
Of late it is delightful here, like Indian Summer again, and is as warm this evening. We scarcely need a fire to keep ourselves comfortable. I am still in the little house Herbert and I went into the other day. Am some distance from the regiment now as they have moved again but we expect to move near them tomorrow. You see I remain near the commissary tent now and do not have to move every time the regiment does. But I like to be near them where I can see the boys often. Have I told you who Herbert is? Then I will do so. He is brother to one whose place I have taken, and is detailed to help with the Commissary Department now. He helps me and we are keeping house together. He used to live near Medina, I think. Is quite young but a very steady boy and excellent company. Is a great reader withal, and all the evening he has been reading the papers. I received the [Christian] Advocate & Intelligencer. Seems to like them much. He has several papers & magazines set him so I will have more good reading now. He often has the Atlantic Monthly among others, and now has the Novermber number, but I have been so busy this far I have only had time to look it through. After we get moved & settled if we do not have to move again soon, I hope to have more time for reading & writing. Now I have no company duties to do.
Have no great news to write for I haven’t had time to read any of late, have hardly seen the inside of the newspapers for a week. Most of the boys are well. Are building winter quarters again. Lieut. Crowley who was sick is again well & with the company. Majors Baker and Holmes are looking very rugged and healthy. Captain is well & as good and cheerful as ever. Last evening he invited me in to eat cake and chestnuts with him—some he had just received from home. Said if I had been there to dinner, I should have had some of his mince pie & splendid turkey. Loroy Pike who has been home on furlough brought back a trunk full of things for him (captain) and some others. Leroy lives at Pekin. Had a splendid time while home, he said. Of course who would not…
I must bid you goodbye until another time. With much love & a good night kiss. I am as ever your loving brother, — Thomas
Letter 36
In my little Cabin Near Petersburg, Va. Wednesday, December 21, 1864
Dearest Sister,
It has bee nraining hard this morning and has been so wet I did not venture out until nearly noon when I went to the company to get my mail. We have not moved to the regiment yet you see. I have just returned and am going to write a few letters this afternoon as we have nothing more to do today. Herbert sits near the fire reading as usual and as he thinks of going to the regiment this afternoon, he will take my letters to the office. I sat up quite late last night writing as I had several letters to write and we intended to move our house today, but when I awoke this morning and heard the rain pouring on our little tented roof, I concluded we could not very well move so went to sleep again and it was quite late when we did get up. Then our fireplace was so wet and some of the mud had caved in so we had a time getting the fire started and would you believe it, was noon before we got our breakfast. Lazy boys, do I hear you say? Yes, I suppose so, but who has a better right to be? And whose business is it if we have nothing to do & can afford it.
The rain has ceased now and our little fire is burning brightly seeming so warm and pleasant, we almost forget the many who are wet and cold with no comfortable fire to warm and cheer them. We even forget that we have sometimes been out in just such storms and have suffered with the wet & cold but little care we for the past if we can only be comfortable now. The air is now growing a little cooler and it is looking more like fair weather. Still it is not as cool as yesterday. That was a real cold day. But the weather moderated during the night. I found most of the boys feeling quite well this morning for they have nice, comfortable houses now.
Eugene had one letter for me, one from Mr. Gregory and a good long one it was too. Mr. Gregory writes very patriotic and seems very hopeful of a speedy overthrow of rebellion and an end to war and slavery. Said they could hear nothing of Charles. I fear Charles has been sent south. Hope he may be spared to return to his home and friends. But how very much the boys have to suffer. It is terrible to think prisoners should be treated so. The South will be well paid for such cruelty. How can they even hope for any success? I had expected another letter or two but suppose I will hear from you and Libbie again by tomorrow. Are you all well? Have you heard from Harvey and Elvira of late? Did I tell you I had received a letter from her since she returned to her school? She was quite well and the school seemed as pleasant, or more pleasant, than ever. The teachers were so good and the scholars so kind. All seemed so glad to see her again. Am glad she finds it so pleasant.
Lieut. Nichols started for home on furlough Monday evening last. He will have a pleasant time during the Holidays. I intended to give you a little surprise there too but it is all up with me now. I had made out a furlough and Captain and Major had signed it and sent it to Brigade Headquarters for approval when an order came round stopping all our furloughs. And now I may not get one this winter. Had such an order not been published, I think I should have been at home next week. But perhaps all is for the best. I try to think so. If I can get a furlough after New Years, perhaps you will have just as much time to visit with me and I can visit with you all just as well. But I had thought next week would be so good a time for Libbie to have a little vacation and Elvira & Harvey and John could be at home better than any other time. Perhaps though another time would do just as well, though it might not be as pleasant as good a time for Libbie to close school as next week would be. If she teaches next week, she can have a weeks vacation another time if I do get a furlough before Spring. I wrote her last night that I had thought of coming home but could not now…
We still have to do picket duty a portion of the regiment at a time—three or four from each company each day—so the duty is not severe. All is quiet along our lines of late. We hear of no great movement. Sunday morning we heard heavy cannonading in the direction of Petersburg and heard it was a salute fired for the capture of Savannah, but cannot learn yet that that has been captured. Hope it has. All the news we do hear seems to be so good and encouraging. I hope our forces may still continue successful and the rebellion can’t last very much longer. Do you have any more sleigh rides? Have you seen Libbie of late? The sleigh ride with you all a week ago would have been pleasant. What has become of Lucy? No letter from her in a long, long time, nor Dellie either. Tell them to write. Remember me kindly to all the friends. Ever your loving brother, — T. C. Edwards
Letter 37
Near Petersburg, Va. Sabbath eve, December 25, 1864
Dearest Sister,
Are you all at home this evening and how do you all do? How is Elvira now? I hope better. It is too bad that she had to leave her school but I think it will be best for her to remain at home and rest a while. I hope Uncle John’s medicine will soon sure her. How have you spent Christmas day? Suppose you have been to church and heard a good sermon. And maybe this evening you are thinking of the absent one, wondering how and where he is, and how he enjoyed Christmas. If you could only take a peep into my little log cabin, you might see how I am and how I look and I would tell you where I am and how I have enjoyed the day. Well just imagine yourself here, can’t you for a few minutes. You may take a seat by my side near our little fireplace where you will be warm & comfortable even though the air without is damp & chilly. You want to see me first, do you? Well I guess I look about as usual—not as I did when you last saw me but rugged and healthy and as I have not shaved this winter, my face does not look just as it did at home.
I am feeling pretty well, better than I did this morning for I have been working so hard for a couple of days past I almost made myself sick. Herbert and I have been putting up a house near the regiment. It is not finished yet, but we have made it quite comfortable so we are living in it. A few hours tomorrow will finish the plastering and fix us a bunk. Then we will call it done. And if we remain here a few weeks, we will enjoy our labors. It seems so pleasant to be with the regiment again. All are so comfortably situated now we hope we will not have to move again while the severe cold weather lasts.
You can hear the boys outside talking and just now the drums are rattling all along the whole line of our Division for we are all near here. It is time for roll call. Don’t you think they make music enough? It is a noisy place in such a camp in winter but I enjoy it. I have spent the day reading and resting. It has been a day of real rest to me. Received two papers from you this morning and a letter from Libbie. She is still enjoying herself much. Am sorry she cannot get my letters oftener. Received a letter from you yesterday.
The regiment have been busy all day. Had inspection this morning and after dinner, review before General Meade, the whole Brigade together, and a great dress parade this evening. They have four hours drill each day so do not have much time for play. Of late we are having pleasant but cool weather.
How good the news still from our armies south and west. Sherman will soon have Savannah if he has not taken it already and Hoods army is nearly destroyed. Wonder what the rebels will try to do next. If our armies can continue successful a little longer, we will have peace—a peace that will be permanent, we trust, with slavery rooted out of our land, and the rebellious brought back under the protection of the old flag. There will be no more cause for another rebellion and war and bloodshed.
Are you having sleighing now? Perhaps you have had a good Christmas ride today. I have not had anything more than a good beef soup for dinner which was excellent and a good rest that has done me a great deal of good—and a good Christmas letter from Libbie which was the best of all. Yesterday I received with your letter a good one from Lucy. She writes me excellent letters. I will try and answer it soon. You have received some from me since you last wrote have you not? I usually write often but have not written to you since the 21st, I think. Received one of your letters the 22nd so have two to answer. Are you still so busy with your work? Clark is very kind to take you to the lectures. Did you hear the great lecturer? And was it interesting? Of course it was. Wish I could be there to hear [John Bartholomew] Gough’s [Temperance] lecture but I don’t know as I shall be at home this winter.
Am glad that Mr. Button’s body was found & sent home. It will be a great comfort to his friends to have him buried where they can often visit his grave. How is Mrs. Button now?
I fear Emily will not see Major Holmes [this] New Years if even this winter. He is quite well.
Am sorry Newton Baker brings such evil reports. True, some officers are poor, are overbearing, and abuse their men, but they are exceptions. Usually good soldiers have no reason to complain of their officers. I notice here the poorest soldiers are the most bitter complainers. Will this do for this time? I wish to write another letter tonight so goodbye with love and a kiss from your loving brother, — Thomas
A Merry Christmas to you all!
Letter 38
Headquarters 8th N. Y. Artillery Near Petersburg, Va. Wednesday Eve., December 28th 1864
Dear Sister,
Our mail did not arrive last evening as usual—not until this afternoon and it brought me quite a present too. Those nice mittens you worked hard to finish, beside a letter form you written the 22nd, two papers, and a letter from John. The mittens are very nice and ever so acceptable. I thought you would send me some but I had not looked for them so soon. Now I hope I will not suffer with the cold as I did last week, handling barrels & boxes, nearly froze my hands. But just now we have no need of mittens for a few days. It has been most as warm as summer. Is raining hard tonight so may soon be cold again. How is that snow storm of which you spoke progressing now? Met with a sudden reverse, hasn’t it? It must have been a severe one. How strange it seems to hear of such severe cold storms which we here are having such warm pleasant weather. But if I mistake not, we had some cold days about the time you wrote. Those mittens I may call my Christmas present, may I not? A great many thanks for them. I may have the handling of the boxes if they come to us New Years and I will be on the look out for the things you sent. Hope I may find some of those apples and those cakes. Are the friends to send a box, or boxes from Lockport? We hear the other counties are doing quite a good deal to give our regiment a great New Years dinner and today I hear Mrs. Porter (Col’s wife) has donated twelve nice turkeys for our dinner. If so, she is very kind. Many thanks to all who are thus kindly remembering us.
Am glad to hear Elvira is better. Is she still improving? Hope under your good care she will soon be well. Did Libbie come to see you Friday? She wrote me she intended to go there. I wrote her that I could not come home now. She will feel disappointed, won’t she? It may yet be so I can be home in March, but I would not wish to tell her so for fear she might again be disappointed. I don’t now as I can get a furlough this winter. They are now offering furloughs to the best & neatest man soldier in each brigade of the 2nd Division and for two weeks past there has been quite a strife among some in the different regiments. At inspection last Sunday one of Co. A of our regiment (Thomas Leonard, another brother of Michael’s) had the best looking gun & equipments and was pronounced the neatest looking and best soldier in our regiment so was sent ot brigade headquarters and was there pronounced the best in the brigade and upon being inspected by the Division Inspector was the best in the Division which pleased us not a little as our regiment had been pronounced the poorest in the brigade and not been used fairly we think ever since August last, though we do not like to complain. But we think with fairness shown, we are quite equal if not a little ahead of any in the Division as this inspection has shown. Maybe we are a little conceited but we always thought we were as good as any & now it does us good to come out a little ahead. One other in the Division was as soldierly & neat as Leonard they said but Leonard had on government clothes throughout & he did not so Leonard was pronounced best.
Today they had inspection again in the regiment & brigade and the Col. commanding—Murphy of the 69th New York—said a corporal from Co. K of our regiment had his gun & equipments in the best order of any in the brigade but the straps to his knapsack were not buckled just as he thought they should be so he gave one of the 69th the preference.
Well, what think you of Sherman’s great victory in the capture of Savannah? Pretty good, isn’t it? It seems as though he was sweeping everything before him. And Hood’s wonderful army that was going to do so much out West is nearly destroyed. Everything seems encouraging for the Union cause.
We hope to see peace ere long. I have not seen Uncle as of late. Watson McHall was here to see me a few days ago. Had just returned to the regiment, he said, but as he was mustered out of the service was intending to go home soon. As their regiment has been reduced to a battalion, their Colonel, several of their officers and sergeants could not hold their positions so were mustered out of service. I heard they could not have a chaplain but I believe Uncle is going to remain with them…
We use about two hundred pounds of salt pork a day. About the same quantity of fresh beef. Besides 75 pounds of good brown sugar, 40 of coffee and wagon loads of salt-bread, hard tack, beans, potatoes, onions, &c. &c. so you see it costs Uncle Sam something to keep his boys. We ought to be good hadn’t we? Sometimes we think some of the men in his employ try to keep back a little of that bountiful supply though. Then some of us look pretty hungry and scowl and growl a little but we don’t lay up anything against Uncle Sam. We love him just as well & try to work for im just as faithfully as ever. With a wish you all a happy new year, I will close. A good night kiss from, — Thomas
The following letter was written by Wealthy Ann (Winchester) Anthony (1819-1886), the wife of Pvt. Francis Preceptor Anthony (1809-1884) of Co. L, 8th New York Heavy Artillery. 53 year-old Preceptor was working as a carpenter in Attica, Wyoming county, New York at the time of the 1860 US Census. The family must have relocated to Baltimore early in the Civil War, however, as Emily datelined her letter from Baltimore and the couple were enumerated there in subsequent census records. Preceptor began his service in Co. A, 105th New York Infantry but was discharged in February 1863 for disability. The 8th New York Heavy Artillery manned the Baltimore defenses; companies L & M joining the regiment in February 1864. In May 1864, the regiment was ordered to join the Army of the Potomac in the Overland Campaign and my hunch is that many members of the company left clothing and other unnecessary articles at the Anthony residence in Baltimore for safekeeping before going to the front.
The letter was directed to Emily (Seevey) Youngs (1823-1883), the wife of Isaac Youngs (1817-1904), of Le Roy, Genesee county, New York. Emily’s oldest child, Charles J. Youngs (1844-1864) enlisted on 4 January 1864 as a private in Co. L, 8th New York Heavy Artillery, but became ill in before Petersburg and was sent to a Washington hospital where he died on 3 August 1864.
Transcription
Addressed to Emily Yonges, Leroy, Genesee County, New York
Baltimore, Maryland October 12, 1864
Dear Friend.
After this length of time, I will answer yours and Deliom’s letter that came to hand informing me of Charles’ death in which I deeply sympathize with you in that great affliction. God only knows how soon I may have the same trials. God has promised to support us if we put our trust in Him & I hope we do. It is my desire to live for God.
You wrote for Charles’ things—his coat that was left here, but just before the regiment [left] that morning, the company was sent here to get their dress coats & hats. There was no hats left here but was some coats. But in Charles’ knapsack there was only one coat and one pair of pants. And in the little box there was nothing but straps and brasses and the Captain took them when he come here about 5 weeks ago. The coat & pants was the only kind of clothing they had here unless packed with some other mens for I can’t find any marked with Charles’ nor other name so I don’t know. But if you learn there is any amongst the others, you will surely get them. What there was I sent to Mrs. Smith but have not heard from her since I sent them.
We are all well as usual & hope this will find you in good health. I have not heard from my husband nor son for some time. They was well then. It is hard times here for everything is very high & I have not got any money from my husband since he left. I have been away to work by the day & got home so late at night I could not get time to write you before. My work has been putting up fruit for the soldiers this winter. There was 200 women to work at it. Now, Mrs. Youngs, if I find there is anything here, you shall surely have them & I will enquire of everyone that comes for their things. So I bid you good morning with respect & friendship, — Mrs. W. A. Anthony
Please remember me & write for I like to hear from friends. yours truly, — W. A. Anthony
Spared & Shared 23 