I could not find a war-time image of Jacob Fellows but here is one of William Stonerock of the 100th Illinois Infantry (Bobby Green Collection)
The following letters were written by Jacob H. Fellows (1834-1863) of Co. D, 100th Illinois Infantry. He enlisted in the regiment on 30 August 1862 and died of disease (small pox) at Louisville, Kentucky on 13 December 1863. His brother John Fellows (1838-1906) also served in the same company and was wounded in the Battle of Stones River and later discharged for disability. The letter was written to Jacob’s sister, Margaret Elizabeth Fellows (1840-1905) of Plainfield, Will county, Illinois.
Jacob Fellows was described in the muster rolls as a 27 year-old farmer with light hair and blue eyes when he enlisted in 1862. He was married just one week prior to his enlistment to Esther Phillips.
[Note: These letters are from the personal collection of Ryan Martin and were made available for transcription ad publication on Spared & Shared by express consent.]
Letter 1
18 miles east of Nashville, Tennessee November 15, 1862
Dear Sister,
I take this opportunity to write a few lines to you to let you know how we are. [Brother] John and I are well at the present and hope that this will find you all the same. We are now in camp and have been for five days and we cannot tell when we will leave. We have not been in a fight yet but there is some talk of one now. The army are all marched off to a place where the report is that Morgan has his headquarters. Perhaps they will rout him. I did not go with the boys this time but stayed inn camp.
As to the health of the boys, there is a great many sick in camp. I received your letter and was glad to hear from you. As to our mail being taken, it was, but the sutler had it and there was not one of our boys taken. The mail does not run very steady. It is liable to be taken anytime for the country is full of the guerrilla parties. There is a great many reports of such things that there is no truth in them.
There is a great report in camp about peace being declared but we can’t tell how true it is. If you see any such thing in the papers, write and let us know so we can see what is a going on. We have rather hard times some of the time. We expect to go into winter quarters at Nashville. That is the report.
I have sent several letters and have had no answers from them. I must close for the present. Give my respects to all. Write as soon as you get this and I will answer it. No more. This from your brother till death. Goodbye from J. Fellows
to M. Fellows
Letter 2
Hospital Number 8, Ward No. 4 Nashville, Tennessee January 28, 1863
Dear sister,
I got your letter today and was glad to hear from you and that you was well. I have got a very bad earache tonight or I would feel good. [Brother] John is a getting well very fast. He was shot in the thigh. Ed F. Hyland was shot in the left breast. Him and John is together. I was up there today and showed him your letter. John is a coming down to my house tomorrow. He said you must direct his letter to me and then I will carry them to him.
Maybe you want me to write all about the Battle [of Stones river] but I can’t. It is too bad to write about. I want you to write all about the folks and what they are a doing.
Peter Countryman is here. He was down here the other day. I have no news to write to you tonight. It is twelve o’clock and I must stop. So good night. Write as soon as you get this. — Jacob Fellows
To Margaret Fellows
Direct your letters to Nashville, Hospital Number 8, Ward Number 4.
I could not find an image of Samuel but here is one of David E. Brallier (1841-1928) of Kosciusko county, Indiana. He served in Co. B, 44th Indiana Infantry (sometimes under name Brawlier). He enlisted on 22 November 1861 and mustered out at Chattanooga on 14 September 1865.(Ancestry.com)
This letter was written by Samuel Andrew Baker (1844-1865) while serving as a private in Co. E, 44th Indiana Infantry. He enlisted in October 1861 when he was 18 years old. At his enlistment, he was described as a 5’5″ tall, blue-eyed, blond-haired carpenter. He was the son of Joseph W. and Hulday (Convers) Baker of Columbia City, Whitley county, Indiana. Columbia City is about 20 miles WNW of Fort Wayne, Indiana.
He was promoted to a corporal in December 1864 but on 30 January 1865, he was killed in an accident when the train car he was riding in on the way to Athens, Alabama, from Nashville, ran off the track and was smashed by another car. Samuel was the only one killed though five others were wounded. This was on the Knoxville & Chattanooga Railroad near Cleveland, Tennessee. [Source: The Iron Men of Indiana’s 44th Regiment by Margaret Hobson]
Samuel wrote the letter to his older sister, Nancy E. Baker (b. 1842), a school teacher in Columbia City.
Camp 44th Indiana Volunteers Near Murfreesboro, Tennessee January 21st 1863
Dear Sister,
I take the present opportunity of writing you a few lines to let you know that I am well hoping the same to you. It has been stormy and wet for a bout two weeks and it is drizzling today. It has been pretty cold a few days. We have plenty to eat now-a-days such as fresh meat. Forage trains go out for forage for the teams and when they go out a good many of the boys go along and after they get outside of the pickets, they go where they please. And when they see a hog or a sheep, they shoot it and skin it and bring it into camp. For my part, I have not gone out yet but I expect I will go out some of these days. I had calculated going out today but there is no train going out today.
I thought I would sit down and write you a letter. I expect that you will have some trouble reading this letter for the ink is poor, being made out of gunpowder. And I expect it will be very apt to fade. But it is the best I can do and if you cannot read it, you will have to let it go without reading, I suppose.
It is awful muddy now in the fields and on the commons and byroads, but the turnpike roads are perfectly solid. The other day four or five of the boys went and got some brick and we have built a fireplace in the tent and it keeps the tent pretty warm.
There was 55 men wounded in our regiment and eight killed and several missing. There was but four wounded in our company and one missing and has not been seen or heard of since Wednesday, the 31st of December. It is supposed that he was taken prisoner. We had watch on New Year’s watching the graybacks across a cornfield about a quarter of a mile across. But that was not quite as pleasant as watching in the Methodist church in C. C. [Columbia City]. But enough of that. It does no good talking about old times. I expect that I will have to stay my three years out anyway. And about that time, you may look for me to be at home. But I can think of no more to write to you that would be interesting for you to read. I will close remaining your affectionate brother, — Samuel A. Baker
P. S. for fear that you cannot make out the date, I will put it here. It is January the 21st, 1863
The following letter was written by Sgt. Alfred Marson of Co. C, 24th Ohio Volunteer. Infantry (OVI). Alfred was killed in the Battle of Stones River on 31 December 31, 1862, some six weeks after he datelined this letter from Silver Spring, Tennessee. It’s a business letter so little is revealed about the regiment though it’s the first time I have seen a soldier’s letter used as proof of a transaction and as a receipt for payment. The letter includes a revenue stamp to make it official as a legal transaction.
The 24th Ohio suffered heavily at the Battle of Stones River. They were part of Colonel William Grose’s Brigade and spent the afternoon and evening of December 30th supporting two batteries of the 4th US Artillery. The next day they entered the cotton field where they fought throughout the day until they ran low on ammunition, retreated to the Nashville Pike, and eventually in desperation counterattacked with the bayonet. Many of the regiments non-commissioned officers fell mortally wounded in this advance. Unfortunately for Alfred, few surviving records spell his surname correctly.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Camp at Silver Spring, Tennessee November 18, 1862
Mr. Rice Harper, Esq. Dear sir,
As I have not had the pleasure of hearing from you for a longtime and having a little business to transact, I thought I would write you a few lines.
I enclose you $25 which I wish you to have placed to my credit with Messrs. Barney, Hubbard & Durbin of your city, taking a certificate therefore which you will please keep for me. You will remember to have done the same thing for me a little over a year ago on the occasion of your visit to Cheat Mountain, Virginia.
Since I had the pleasure of meeting you personally, my health has been reasonably good considering the exigencies of the service of which the 24th Ohio has certainly borne a full share and I hope at the expiration of my term of service to call upon you and render my thanks for your numerous favors in behalf of the soldier.
You will pardon my writing with a lead pencil as it is the only available stock at present.
As I shall be much pleased with a reply, I enclose you some P.O. currency and would esteem it a favor if you would send me a statement of my bank account, and a few P. O. stamps. Believe me yours very truly, — Alfred Marson, Co. C, 24th Ohio Infantry
[written in another hand]
Answered & postage stamps sent, December 5, 1862 — R. H.
This man is said to have been killed at the Battle of Stone River in Tennessee. So says John H. Fordick
The State of Ohio, Erie county.
I, Mary Collop (late Mary Marson), being duly sworn on my oath depose and say that I am the Mother of the late Alfred Marson who was killed at the Battle of Stone River in Tennessee and I also state that the said Alfred, my son, was an unmarried man at the time of his death and that he died interstate leaving no children as I verily believe. I also at this time acknowledge the receipt of Rice Harper of the sum of fifty dollars money left in his hands for safe keeping by my son Alfred before his disease. Sandusky, August 28th 1865. — Mary Collop
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 28th day of August, 1865 — T. N. Barker, J. D.
A Carte-de-visit of Elliott W. Mudge of Co. A and the 2.5×4 inch diary of William Henry Hughes of Co. H, 1st Louisiana (Confederate) Cavalry.
The following diary was sent to me for transcription by Sarah Prathers of Ringgold, Georgia, who found it among her great-grandmother’s possessions. She did not know who wrote it. Circumstantial evidence derived from the diary in question leads me to assert that it was maintained during the American Civil War by William Henry Hughes (1846-1917), the progeny of Dr. James Neville Hughes (1804-1874) and Louisa Adaline Russell (1805-1856). Henry’s father, a graduate of Transylvania University in Lexington in 1824, served as a surgeon for the Confederacy. By 1850, he was residing in Louisville, where he practiced medicine and held three enslaved individuals within his household.
From the diary and Confederate Muster Rolls we learn that Henry enlisted in Co. H, 1st Louisiana Cavalry while Bragg’s army occupied Frankfort in mid-September 1863.
Seeking additional corroboration, I asked my friend Dan Masters to read the first few pages of the diary after I had transcribed them, which included the Battle of Stones River, and he told me that, “the accounts seem consistent with a trooper in the 1st Louisiana Cavalry which was attached to General John Pegram’s brigade during the Stones River campaign. They also marched into Kentucky with Kirby Smith’s army in August and his diary accounts square with a soldier in mid Kentucky, likely with Kirby Smith’s army. His mention of witnessing the inauguration of Richard Hawes [in Frankfort] cinched it for me.”
The following obituary was found for Henry, written by his sister: “He was born at what is now Pendleton Station in Henry county, Kentucky in February 1846. At the age of 14, he left the home of his brother in Evansville, Indiana, and went to reside with his oldest sister on the Hughes Plantation in Jefferson county, Kentucky. The unhappy war between the states was then imminent, secession ordinances having been passed by several of the Southern commonwealths, and we were all ardently in sympathy with them—none more than William or “Billy” as he was always called in the home circle. He sought permission to join the Confederate army, but this my father refused, saying that when the services of mere boys were needed old men would would likewise be in demand and they, father and son, would enlist together. The youth did not regard this as very emphatic prohibition, or perhaps he felt that with or without parental consent he must emulate his ancestors and let his country’s call take precedence of every other. At all events, he left Kentucky in the first regiment of volunteers commanded by Colonel Blanton Duncan, and was in a camp of instruction at Richmond, Va., when the first conflict between the armies took place at Big Bethel. His term of enlistment was for one year, and the end of which time he was discharged and made his way home alone and on foot, from Abingdon, Va., a distance of four hundred miles…The only engagement in which he participated in Virginia was at Dranesville, hostilities then having been practically suspended after the defeat of the Federal forces at Bull Run until June 1862. He remained in retirement for several months—for in defiance of her proclaiming neutrality Kentucky had been occupied by U. S. troops for some time and wearers of the gray were by no means safe there, while breaking through the lines into the Confederacy was extremely hazardous.
The 2.5×4″ diary of Billy Hughes, Co. H, 1st Louisiana Cavalry
He re-enlisted during the Bragg invasion of Kentucky, this time in the First Louisiana Regiment of Cavalry, and remained in the service until the end of the war, though he was transferred by request into the First Kentucky Cavalry Regiment in _____, his officers being Col. William Campbell Preston Breckinridge of Williams’ Division; Wheeler’s Corps. He participated in the Battles of Perryville, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Resaca, Dalton, and Atlanta and was with Breckinridge’s and Ivison’s command when they captured the Federal Gen. Stoneman—a brilliant feat, beside the smaller engagements at Saltville, where he received a slight wound, and at Bentonville, the last conflict of the shameful, because unnecessary conflict. He was among the very youngest soldiers in Southern army being only a little past nineteen when mustered out of the service. Col. Breckinridge pronounced him and my cousin, George T. Smith, the best soldiers in his command.”
Though the account predates Hughes’ enlistment in the regiment, readers are referred to an article published by Derrick Lindow entitled, “Riding with Scott’s Louisiana Cavalry” on 6 December 2022.
Diary
September 16, 1862—Joined with B. Russell’s Company cavalry regiment, Gen. Humphrey Wright’s Brigade. Heard the rumor that Stonewall Jackson had been defeated 3 times with a loss of 15 thousand killed and wounded and prisoners and had been driven from Maryland. Gen. Lee wounded. Gen. Reno killed. Also that Gen. Buckner had been defeated at Munfordville with a loss of 800.
September 18, 1862—Nothing unusual. Conflicting rumors with respect to the movements of the armies. Lieutenant James McGimsey [Co. H, 1st Louisiana Cavalry]
September 19, 1862—Nothing definite with regard to news from Virginia. Number of killed at Munfordville 36, wounded 241. Capt. said 4,000 prisoners, arms, accoutrements, and camp equipage. Federal loss unknown. Succeed in having the old engine to go and getting her ready for use. Called on Uncle S. Sneed and [stayed] to dinner. All strong now aside from that very agreeable people.
September 20, 1862—First train started for Lexington at 9 o’clock. Took supper with cousin Billy Russell [illegible]
September 21, 1862—Nothing unusual today. Supper with cousin [ ] Russell.
September 22, 1862—Heard rumor that Stonewall Jackson had been defeated with a loss of 19,000 killed and wounded and 20,000 prisoners. Federal loss unknown. Talked with a young man from Florida—very patriotic indeed. Col. Jesse returned from New Castle with two prisoners [and] about small arms, accoutrements 23 and paroled about 45 prisoners and lost two men killed, 5 wounded. Attended the hop at the ___pitch Hotel. All the southern ladies of Frankfort present.
September 23, 1862—Preston Smith’s men pass through town on the way to join Bragg.
September 24, 1862—Read Lincoln’s proclamation of the [date] to free all the slaves in [illegible]. Heard in town that Lee is on Arlington Heights with his army and the white flag is flying over the Capitol at Washington.
September 25, 1862—Started for Christian [ ] with [ ] Russell and John Rodman. Took supper in…with a clever Southern Rights man. Had a wagon and two horses. We arrived to Christian 10 o’clock at night.
September 26, 1862—Stayed with an [illegible]. Took dinner with a Mr. Hall and supper also. Found several person who were formerly acquainted with—Pa amongst them. Mrs. Hall who was a Miss Merrick. Made the acquaintance of Miss Marshall, an ultra rebel and gloried in the name. Visited Thornton Meriwether [Shelby county]. Staid in [ ].
September 27, 1862—Lodged last night with Mr. Hall in [ ] Left about 8 o’clock…on the way with [ ]. Mr. Hall did not go…I was today presented with a little black mule formerly the property of Uncle Sam.
September 28, 1862—Stayed last night with Mr. Levi Smith, and old acquaintance of us. [ ] Mrs. Garrett, an old friend of M____ also, Miss Smith—a very good looking young lady. Went over to the valley in the evening.
September 29, 1862—Rode over to [ ] on my little black mule. Left [ ] for [___ville] and arrived there about dark. Found Uncle…
September 30, 1862—Lodged at Uncle J____’s again last night. Skirmished… In the evening, left Simpsonville for Frankfort and rode until 4 o’clock and stopped at [ ].
October 1, 1862—Arrived at Frankfort about 2 o’clock. Collins and Stevensons’ Divisions passed through the town. Citizens held a [ ], eating well; addressed by Juda [?]. John Rodman, S. I. ___ and Capt. G_____, about 25 new volunteers amongst them… Gen. Kirby Smith, Stevenson, _____ and William P. arrived from Lexington.
October 2, 1862—Gen. Bragg and staff arrived in town.
Portrait of Kentucky Confederate Governor Richard Hawes, painted by Harold Collins
October 3, 1862—Witnessed the inauguration of the provisional government at the State House and heard Harris Marshall speak [ ] on which…
October 4, 1862—Arrived at Versailles.
October 5, 1862—Ate breakfast in town….turned on the Harrodsburg Pike.
October 6, 1862—Camped last night under the “broad canopy of Heaven.” Got breakfast with a Mr. Hill and started. Forded Kentucky River. Passed through Pleasant Hill, the seat of high society called ____.
October 7, 1862—Lodged last night with Dr. Campbell four miles from Hebron.
October 8, 1862—Wednesday. Starting for Camp Dick Robinson.
October 9, 1862—Thursday. Arrived at Camp Robinson. Was aroused from our slumber to find the Federal….
October 10, 1862—Nothing unusual. Cold rain.
October 11, 1862—Saturday. Returned to camp. Nothing unusual.
October 12, 1862—Sunday. Talked with some Yankee prisoners…
October 13, 1862—…parts unknown….night and camped…two miles of Crab tree.
October 14, 1862—Tuesday. Rose early. Fed my mule and started on the way again…
October 15, 1862—Wednesday. Left early in the morning . Stopped a few miles of town and fed our horses.
October 16, 1862—Thursday. Henry Hughes
October 17, 1862—Friday. Started back on the same…well before day, took on foot. Passed through town a little before dusk. Found the country underused.
October 18, 1862—Saturday. Left camp early for Montville. Still on foot. Pass through Stubenville and Montville and camped a mile…
October 19, 1862—Sunday…in the afternoon.
October 21, 1862—Tuesday. Passed through Livingston on the way to Sparta.
October 22, 1862—Wednesday. Marched about 15 miles and camped.
October 23, 1862—Thursday. Nothing unusual.
October 24, 1862—Friday. …Capt. Robinson and Lt. Harper. Archibald Rober[ ]…
October 31, 1862—Friday. Started early and arrived at camp about..
November 1st. Marched about 5 miles and camped near Winkertown [?].
November 2, 1862—Sunday. Relieved from guard…
November 24, 1862—Monday. Started for South ___ville. Arrived in there at 4 o’clock p.m. Had a brush with the Federals, took one prisoner and returned to the camp last …marched 35 miles.
November 25, 1862—Tuesday. Started at [ ] o’clock for Burkesville…
November 25th 1862—Wednesday. Crossed the…on the edge of Monroe county, Ky.
November 27th 1862—Thursday. Marched about 20 miles and camped.
November 28, 1862—Friday. Detailed for picket guard. Alex Laughlin.
November 29, 1862—Saturday. Marched about 20 miles and camped.
November 30, 1862—Sunday. Marched about 9 miles.
December 1, 1862–Monday. Rained all night.
December 2, 1862—Tuesday..
December 4, 1862—Thursday. Cold and clear. We marched through a fine country…Camped within two miles of Murfreesboro.
December 5, 1862—Friday. Through Murfreesboro and camped two miles on the Nashville Pike.
December 6, 1862—Saturday. Went back to N and turned [ ] the Lebanon Pike.
December 7th 1862—Nothing.
December 8, 1862—Nothing happened unusual.
December 9, 1862—Moved camp 5 miles.
December 13, 1862—On picket.
December 16, 1862—Tuesday.
December 17, 1862—Still on picket.
December 19, 1862—Friday. Passed by the scene of a recent skirmish between 4 thousand Feds and 1 company of Wheeler’s cavalry.
December 23, 1862—Tuesday. Heard the glorious news from Virginia. Buoyed us up considerably.
December 25, 1862—Thursday. Passed off quietly. Heard heavy firing towards Lavergne on the 26th.
January 6, 1863—Since date of last [ ] we have been in a constant whirl of excitement. Only two nights of sleep and the whole time the rest spent on picket [ ] in time of battle. Ominous silence prevailed along the whole line on the 29th and on the 31st our cavalry made a charge on the Federal camp capturing 9 army wagons which with provisions, two ambulances and about 280 prisoners with the loss of 9 men wounded and three horses.
On Friday the 2nd the company was on picket and while we were out, the regiment engaged the enemy for about two hours, losing about 6 men wounded. In the first part of the engagement, the Federals were driven about a mile leaving the corn field covered with overcoats, blankets, &c. but they received reinforcements and forced the Rebels back to the former position. On Saturday night 3rd, the army commenced retreating. It is impossible to give an estimate of the loss of either side during the different engagements. It is said that we captured 48 pieces of artillery in all and 4500 prisoners and if this is approximately the truth, we have gained a brilliant victory on the whole.
January 6th. We encountered [ ] Mullin’s regiment or we learned from a party [. ] taken afterwards [ ] with him. We had a smashing little fight yesterday about 6 miles from ____ow lasting over three hours. In our regiment, [ ] killed, 9 wounded, 13 taken prisoners…3 good shots at them about 2 [pencil smudged and illegible]…that about 300 Fed. Cavalry were between us and our army but it turned out they are not scott free.
January 7th [1863]—Ordered to East Tennessee.
January 22nd [1863]—Thursday. Have been at Kingston, Tenn. nearly a week. Crossed two ranges of mountains on the way here. Forage is very scarce for horses. Nearly starved. Men living on corn bread and beef.
January 31st [1863]—Saturday. Camped out of the world in East Tennessee.
February 5, 1863—[smudged and illegible].
March 31st, 1863—Tuesday. Got a terrible whipping at Somerset [Kentucky]. [See Battle of Somerset (or Dutton’s Hill)] Escaped with about 100 others and after roaming through the woods about an hour, found ourselves cut off.
General Pegram led approximately 1,550 cavalry supported by a three-piece battery of artillery across the Cumberland River at Stigall’s Ferry on March 22. The Confederate column consisted of the 1st Louisiana, 1st Georgia, 1st and 2nd Tennessee Regiments, 16th Battalion Tennessee Cavalry, (less two companies left behind in Tennessee), 1st Florida Cavalry (3 mounted companies), and Huwald’s Tennessee Battery of mule-drawn mountain howitzers. By making an orderly march through Somerset, the populace was led to believe that Pegram was leading the forefront of a Confederate invasion of central Kentucky.
April 1, 1863—Wednesday. Crossed the [ ] River after [ ] all night and marched to the South Fork.
April 2, 1863—Thursday. Crossed the South Fork and marched to within [ ] miles of Monterey.
April 3, 1863—Friday. Arrived at camp on foot much to the surprise of all.
April 5, 1863—Sunday. Looked over the diary of the war up to the battle of Galveston Front… to be 24,000 at Fredericksburg, 21,400 at Sharpsburg. 20,241 [ ], 14,555 Shiloh. 19357 2nd Battle of Manassas, 15,600 at Seven Pines, 10,667 at Berryville, 6100 Boonsboro Gap, 6600 Corinth, 5770 Manassas, 5052 Fort Donelson, 4438, and Vicksburg 1170. From this it appears that the battle of Murfreesboro is the bloodiest one of the war thus far.
April 6, 1863—Monday. Difficulties between Gen. Pegram and Col. Scott. Col. Scott goes to Knoxville today to be tried by court martial trial. 1 On guard today.
1 After the Battle of Dutton’s Hill, General Pegram ordered the arrest of Colonel Scott, court-martialing him for cursing a superior officer. Although found guilty, Colonel Scott received a light reprimand from General S. B. Buckner before being returned to command a brigade of cavalry.
April 9, 1863—Thursday. Moved camp 10 miles. Got on a bender and thereby received punishment in the shape of double extra duty.
April 11, 1863—Saturday. Marching up again yesterday. Still….on guard…
April 16th 1863—Thursday. Moved camp again yesterday.
April 18, 1863—Saturday. Had a mess of ____tion for breakfast.
April 21st, 1863—Tuesday. At Albany on the retreat from Kentucky on foot with my feet blistered and in bad spirits.
April 22nd 1863—Wednesday. Bought a horse for 900 dollars and lost him in less than four hours. On guard.
April 27, 1863—Monday. Heard firing in the direction of Celina [TN].
April 28, 1863—Tuesday. Left Albany [KY], Marched about 12 miles and camped. Mr. Dyer came into camp. Brought letters from home. First since leaving there.
May 1st 1863—Friday. Was a beautiful day. The birds caroled sweetly from trees…Madam Rumor says the great battle which was ended last January by the retreat of the Confederate forces has been reversed. We all have confidence in Bragg’s abilities and are expecting every day to hear good news from Murfreesboro and Virginia.
May 7th 1863—Thursday. Camped at Clinton, Tenn. Rumored that our armies in Virginia had gained a glorious victory [at Chancellorsville]. Stonewall Jackson and [ ] wounded.
May 12, 1863—Tuesday. Entered Kentucky. The following appeared in the ____ville Register of March 24th.
SOLDIERS and SURGEONS of Hospitable. Please notice my son William Henry Hughes, a lad of 17, left Louisville, Kentucky, and went to Frankfort in September last to enlist in the Confederate Army since which time I have heard nothing of him. He is doubtless in the army somewhere unless he has been killed in battle or has gone into some hospital. I could never learn what regiment he joined. Any friend of mine or person who can give me any information of this boy will do me a great kindness and relieve the anxiety of an affectionate mother and sister by writing to me concerning him and directing to Ringgold, Georgia. — Jas. N. Hughes, Asst. Surgeon Bragg Hospital
May 15, 1863—Friday. Encamped within 13 miles Monticello. Living on corn bread and bacon.
May 19th, 1863—Tuesday. Reading “the Ruby Cross” by Emma Gamon [?]
May 20th 1863—Wednesday. Various rumors are afloat in camp which are all too good to be true. One is that Lee has given the Yankees an awful drubbing, that “Stonewall” is dead, and that the federal loss was 40,000 very moderate. I wish it had been 140,000. Another rumor says that Price whipped them soundly in Missouri. The latest says Kirby Smith defeated the enemy at Alexandria.
May 21, 1863—Thursday. Report of the capture of Port Hudson and Jackson, Mississippi by federals.
May 25th 1863—On picket at Newell’s Ferry. Yankee pickets in sight on the opposite bank of the river. reported capture of 14,400 prisoners at Jackson by Joseph E. Johnston.
May 28, 1863—Thursday. Relieved from picket and returned to camp.
May 29, 1863—Friday. Read the federal account of the battle at Vicksburg in the Cincinnati Commercial. Also heard that a dispatch arrived to Gen. Pegram stating that 16,000 federal prisoners had been captured and that Grant’s army was hemmed in closely on all sides. Don’t know which to believe.
May 30, 1863—Saturday. Yankees crossed the river and captured about 20 of our pickets.
May 31, 1863—Sunday. Started for East Tennessee.
June 3rd 1863—Wednesday. arrived at Kingston.
June 19th 1863—Friday. Marched to Lenoir Station in pursuit of the federals. They captured about 75 prisoners and burnt the depot commissary stores and ammunition. About 10 o’clock a gun was fired in front which frightened the horses and men being nearly all asleep. A stampede ensued the like of which I never seen or heard of. About 50 men were thrown and the rest run about a mile before they could be rallied. It was the first time I lost my gun on the [ ].
June 20, 1863—Saturday. Marched to Knoxville. arrived there after the fight was lover. Left Knoxville after dark and camped about 8 miles from town.
June 21st, 1863—Sunday. This morning I found my horse back to man in Knoxville to proceed so started back to Kingston. Stopped for the night with Mr. Maroney, one of a few Southern Rights men in this country.
June 22nd 1863—Monday. Arrived at Camp worn out.
June 29, 1863—Left Kingston for [ ] in the wagon.
July 19th 1863—Released from the [ ].
July 22, 1863—Heard that Richmond had fallen into the hands…
July 28th 1863—Monday. Encamped at ___ord, Tenn. Thhe regiment left Jacksboro on the 17th for Kentucky via Big Creek Gap.
July 30, 1863—Heard of Nancy’s death. Also of a fight at Manassas Gap.
August 7th 1863—Started for Rville. Left Russellville for Sneedville.
August 9th, 1863—Sunday. Arrived at Sneedville. Do not know the object of our trip.
August 14, 1863—Thursday. Left Sneedville. Arrived at Russellville.
August 16, 1863—Marched to Morristown.
August 17, 1863—Took the cars for Knoxville and arrived there at dark.
August 18, 1863—Took cars for Concord and marched from [ ] Spring and stopped for night.
August 19, 1863—Arrived at camp. Casualties on the last trip in Co. H, wounded 20, missing don’t know who among the missing are killed and wounded.
August 25th—Tuesday. Moved camp to Robertsville.
August 26th—Wednesday. Started for Loudon. Crossed river at Black’s Ford. Camped near Campbell’s Station.
August 21st 1863—Turned my horse over to the government.
August 30th 1863—Heard a sermon from Mr. Swindle [?], our chaplain.
September 1st 1863—Monday. Passed through Sweet Water and Athens.
September 2, 1863—Arrived at Charleston 3 o’clock in p.m. Loudon Bridge….skirmishers.
September 3rd 1863—Drew a horse and reported to the regiment 7 miles from town on the Athens Road.
September 5th, 1863—Saturday. Regiment in line of battle all night. Detailed as sharpshooter.
September 6th 1863—Sunday. In line of battle again last night. Fell back to Charleston. Col. Scott skirmishing with the Yanks at Sweet Water.
September7th 1863—Monday. In line of battle till 12 o’clock last night. Hear that Scott was falling back [ ] place.
September 8th 1863—Tuesday. Burnt the [ ] bridge at Potylock [?] this morning and retreated to Cleveland. Fall back to U____ and laid in line of battle till 12 o’clock. Detailed as artillery guard. Marched to Georgeville Gap [?].
September 9th. Detailed as courier for Gen. Johnston. Carried a dispatch to Gen. [Alexander] Stewart.
September 10th, 1863—Thursday. Reported to the regiment. Found the Yankees ahead of us.
September 11th 1863—Friday. On picket last night. Had some heavy skirmishing with the enemy.
September 12th 1863—Saturday. Rear guard again. Marched into LaGrange and…
September 13th 1863—Sunday. Whipped [Thomas L.] Crittenden out. Heard that [Alexander M.] McCook was on the Rome Road.
September 14, 1863—Monday. No fighting.
September 17, 1863—Thursday. Left camp and marched 10 miles on the Chattanooga road.
September 18, 1863—Cavalry of our….
September 19, 1863—Hard fight at Chickamauga. Lost two horses in our regiment and several men and horses struck by spent missiles. Heard gen. Preston Smith was killed.
September 20, 1863—Sunday. Fighting again. Gen. Hood lost a leg. Gens. [William B.] Bate and [Helm?] killed. Gen. Garland mortally wounded. Captured the enemy fortifications.
September 21st 1863—Monday. No fighting. Guard prisoners to the rear. Enemy retreating.
September 22, 1863—Tuesday. Enemy making a stand at Chattanooga. No fighting. Skirmish near Chattanooga.
September 23, 1863—Wednesday. Camped in same spot.
September 28, 1863—Monday. Started on a hunt for stragglers. Camped near Ringgold.
October 1st 1863—Thursday. Marched to Villanova.
October 3, 1853—Saturday. Camped near Fulton.
October 5, 1863—Monday. Returned to camp on Missionary Ridge.
October 8, 1863—Thursday. Detailed courier for Longstreet.
Entry for 10 October 1863—“Escorted Pres. Davis on a review of the Army Tenn.”Davis traveled to Missionary Ridge to personally review the troops and to praise their bravery at Chickamauga. When Davis arrived at the headquarters of the Army of Tennessee overlooking Chattanooga on October 9, 4 of Bragg’s corps commanders called for his replacement. Addressing the army the next day, Davis reminded them that “obedience was the first duty of a soldier” and “prompt, unquestioning obedience” of superiors “could not be too highly commended.” He then confidently predicted that the Army of Tennessee would soon “plant our banners permanently on the banks of the Ohio.”
October 10, 1863—Saturday. Escorted President Davis on a review of the Army of Tennessee.
October 17, 1863—Went to Dalton to drive cattle.
October 20, 1863—Sunday. Returned to Tennessee with 400 head.
October 28, 1863—Wednesday. Gen. Jenkins engaged the enemy for three hours and a half. Finally repulsed losing [ ]00 men.
October 29, 1863—Thursday. Shelled the enemy from Lookout Mountain.
November 5, 1863—Thursday. Reported to the regiment.
November 12, 1863—Thursday. Heavy firing towards Chattanooga.
November 13, 1863—Friday. Paid off.
November 23, 1863—Monday. Reported to Gen. Bragg.
November 24, 1863—Tuesday. Sent to Gen. Hardee for duty. Picketed on the Cleveland Railroad.
November 25, 1863—Wednesday. The Yankees charged our position and were repulsed three times but finally forced us to retire to the top of the hill. Loss two men wounded. Fell back to the station.
November 26, 1863—Thursday. Marched to Ringgold.
November 27, 1863—Friday. Drove the Yankees back with a real loss variously estimated at 1500 to 2500.
Saturday and Sunday on picket between Ringgold and Tenn. Hill [?].
November 30, 1863—Monday. Marched to Dalton.
December 1, 1863—Tuesday. Went to [ ] to recruit our horses and have them shod.
December 25, 1863—Saturday. Passes away with unnatural. Chicken and biscuits.
December 29th 1863—Wednesday. Joseph E. Johnson took command of the Army of Tennessee. Moved camp and went into winter quarters.
January 29, 1864—Ordered to saddle up and be ready to march at a moment’s warning. Yanks were advancing in Rome.
January 30, 1864—Friday—Still in camp awaiting orders.
February 9, 1864—Left camp for the [ ] to [ ] our horses.
February 10, 1864—Wednesday. Passed through Calhoun. Voted for members of Congress. Passed through Adairsville and camped 4 miles below…
February 14, 1864—Saturday. Camped within two miles of [ ].
February 15, 1864—Sunday. Left M. for Jackson, Alabama. Camped in a wayside village, name unknown. On guard.
February 16, 1864—Monday. Granted a furlough for six days starting tomorrow.
February 17, 1864–[ ]
February 19, 1864—Left [ ] for camp.
February 20, 1864—Saturday. Around camp.
February 21, 1864—Sunday. Entered Alabama. Crossed [ ] river.
February 22, 1864— Rested all day.
February 23, 1864—Marched about [ ] miles, crossed Big T. river. J. W. Hughes had my clothes, saddle and blankets [ ]
February 24, 1864—Marched to the foot of [ ] Mountain.
February 25, 1864—Crossed [ ] Mountain. Are 5 miles of [ ].
February 29, 1864—Monday. Left Talladaga for [ ]. Marched about 13 miles…
March 1, 1864—Tuesday. Crossed the Coosa river. Cold rain accompanied by some unpleasant wind. Almost froze to death. Paif $2 for a two bladed pocket knife.
March 2, 1864—Wednesday. Weather clear and cold.
March 3, 1864—Thursday. Had an [ ] change of “base” which we enjoyed “____”.
March 4, 1864—Slight rain.
March 6, 1864—Sunday. Washed and changed clothes.
March 7, 1864—Monday. Slight rain.
March 14, 1864—Monday. Attended the grand military ball at the Harpersville [?] Masonic Hall. 15 ladies present…
May 1, 1864—Sunday. Rained last night and today. Returned to camp.
May 2, 1864—Monday. Yankees advanced on Tunnel Hill but retired after a little skirmishing.
May 3, 1864—Tuesday. Firing in front.
May 4, 1864—Wednesday. In line of battle. Also on the 5th.
May 6, 1864—Saddled and awaiting orders.
May 7, 1864—Saturday. Had a sharp little fight at Tunnel Hill. Nobody hurt. Started in the direction of Lafayette. Camped near Dalton.
May 8, 1864—Sunday. Went to Dug Hollow Gap at ten o’clock. The Yankees attacked the Gap at about 3 o’clock with a largely superior force, ours consisting of the 2nd and 1st Arkansas, and [Breckenridge’s dismounted cavalry]. They were repulsed four times when night put an end to the conflict. We then marched to Resaca and from there on the 9th to Snake [Creek] Gap where we [ ] in large force and kept up a running fight of about two hours, we retreating upon Resaca, which place the Yankees attacked about 5 o’clock a.m. but were repulsed. Out on picket.
Cavalrymen exchange shots during the fighting near Snake Creek Gap. Library of Congress
May 10, 1864—Tuesday. In line of battle 2.5 miles from Resaca. Heavy rain.
May 11, 1864—Wednesday. In line of battle all night in the rain. Marched 5 Res [?] about three o’clock unsaddled and rested all night.
May 12, 1864—Thursday. Yankees advanced in the morning. Heavy firing in the direction of Dalton. [illegible] Yankees advanced to the [ ] near Resaca. Unsaddled [ ] all night.
May 13, 1864—Friday. In line of battle near Resaca. Fight opened about seven thirty. Yankees charging our pickets. We fought them four hours and retired across the river, turned the Yanks over to the infantry. Lieutenant one one man in my company wounded. Heavy skirmishing in front of Resaca in the evening.
May 14, 1864—Saturday. Detailed to [ ]. Skirmishing in front. The Yankees were repulsed on the right by [Benjamin F.] Cheatham’s and [Patrick] Cleburne’s Divisions. Brigade on picket near Calhoun.
The Battle of Resaca by James Walker was stored for many years in various locations, but was re-discovered in 2010.
May 15, 1864—Sunday. Look about after stragglers through the wagon camps. Yanks captured [Gen.] Hindman’s [Division] Hospital.
May 16, 1864—Monday. Army on retreat. Light skirmishing near Calhoun. Yankees repulsed. Went to Adairsville.
May 17, 1864—Tuesday. Heavy firing in the rear.
May 18, 1864—Wednesday. Army falls back to Kingston.
May 19, 1864—Thursday. Went to Cassville [ ].
May 20, 1864—Went to Altoona and camped.
May 21, 1864—Saturday. At Altoona.
May 24, 1864—Tuesday. Left Altoona and arched in the direction of Dallas and Powder Springs. Heard firing towards the new front.
May 25, 1864—Wednesday. Went to [ ]. Skirmishing.
May 26, 1864—Thursday. [ ] prisoners.
May 27, 1864—Friday. Skirmishing heavily in the evening. Came near being [ ].
May 28, 1864—Saturday. Skirmishing again…
May 30, 1864—Monday. The enemy opened [ ] of artillery and musketry about 9 o’clock last night which was [ ]. Quiet reigned along the line all day.
May 31, 1864—Tuesday. Opened about 6 o’clock on the left but with unimportant results.
June 1, 1864—Wednesday. Brisk cannonading.
June 2, 1864—Thursday. Light skirmishing. Yanks moving.
June 3, 1864—Friday. Light skirmishing. Heavy rain…
I could not find an image of Lewis but here is one of Robert Whittaker who served with him in Co. H, 37th Indiana Infantry
The following letter was written by Lewis Morton Hunter, the son of Lewis M. Hunter (1806-1859) and Maria Martin (1836-1914) of Jackson, Decatur county, Indiana. Lewis wrote the letter to his younger sister, Harriet (Hannah”) Elizabeth Hunter (1845-1920).
Lewis enlisted on 18 October 1861 as a private in Co. H, 37th Indiana Infantry. He survived the war and mustered out three years later on 27 October 1864. In his letter he refers to his brother Sgt. Joseph Hunter (1834-1880) who served in Co. E, 82nd Indiana Infantry.
In his letter, Lewis provides a brief sketch of the Battle of Stones River in which his regiment played a part, being in Negley’s Division of Rosecrans’ Army of the Cumberland. The 37th was up early in line of battle on the frosty morning of December 31st 1862, when “scarcely clear daylight…the awful roar of cannon, and the sharp rattle of thousands of rifles told us plainly that the battle had begun” on its right. In Dan Master’s recently published book, “Hell by the Acre,” (page 361): “Negley’s men spent the first few hours of the battle as spectators to the disaster on the right. As the roar of the battle ‘drew louder and louder, evidently directing itself somewhat at our rear. we began to choke in the throat, to think of home, and wondering if our turn would come soon,; recalled Henry Haynie of the 19th Illinois. ‘The right was not so far off and we could see the enemy doubling up the boys in blue. We could hear the hoarse shriek of the shell, the swift rattle of musketry, the sound of buzzing bullets. the impact of solid shot, the chug when human forms were hit, the yells of pain, cries of agony, the fearful groans and encouraging words and the death gasps of which told of those who had reported to the God of Battles.'”
It wasn’t long before the boys of the 37th saw a “great crowd of demoralized soldiers running to the rear” and they were ordered to pile knapsacks and form a line in a cedar thicket about one mile to the right of the Nashville Pike and ordered “to check, and hold in check the advancing enemy.” But the regiment “had scarcely got into position when the Confederates, flushed with their success on our right, assailed the 37th with all the pride and determination of the Southern soldiers. The conflict was fierce, close, and bloody.” After repulsing the enemy three times, the 37th fell back, “passing over the ground that had been fought over by troops in its rear, unknown to the regiment.” [Source: Regimental History by George H. Puntenney, 1896]
From the jacket cover of Dan Master’s book, “Hell by the Acre” published by Savas Beatie in 2024.
Transcription
Camp near Murfreesboro January 25, 1863
Dear Sister,
I take this opportunity this Sabbath morning to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well and I sincerely hope that this will find you in the enjoyment of good health. It is raining today. It rains most of the time this winter. We have had very little snow this winter and very little cold weather.
The 82nd [Indiana Infantry] is camped close to us. I get to see Jos. often. He is well and looks well in soldier clothes. Captain Kendrick died yesterday with the fever. He was a brave and gallant man. I have remailed John’s letters to him and wrote to him but got no answer since the first letter that I got from him. He was then in the Convalescent Camp in Nashville.
January 26th. Joseph and Dan Baker come over and I stopped writing till today. Dan was just come from Nashville. He saw John in town. His health is some better. He has left the Convalescent Camp and I don’t know where he is now. If you write to him, direct to Nashville P. O., Tennessee. But perhaps he has written to you and that you know where he is.
But another subject. I will send my likeness to you as soon as I can get it taken but that may be a long time and military life is very uncertain. I will sed you money sometime for you to send me your likeness. I am glad that you got them rings that I sent to you. I made them. The red one I made in Alabama. I heard from John’s letter that you had gone out to Ripley to Mother’s so I will send this letter to Elrod’s. When you write, write a long letter and tell me how much you learned this winter at school and how you get along and all the news. You don’t know how bad I want to see you, my sister Hattie, but as a soldier, I must be contented with a soldier’s lot to be always at my post in defense of our glorious country.
You have heard of our fighting and of the great Battle of Stones River and how we whipped Braxton Bragg and the rebels and his retreat in the night and of our brave men that fell. The 37th [Indiana Infantry] fought on the last day of the old year and the second of the new. The last day that we fought, we charged on the rebels whipping them and drove them from the field with great slaughter. They was on both sides of the river. The Federals crossed the river on double quick, charged into the woods and captured the rebel battery. The day was ours. We whipped them badly. Our first day’s fight we come near being all captured. We was nearly surrounded. We passed over rebel dead to get out. I was in the hottest of the fight and the air was full of bullets but I did not get a scratch or a mark on me.
The following letter was written by John Ingerson (1837-1913), the son of Alvin C. Ingerson (1815-1857) and Tirza A. Palmer (1816-1895) of Sycamore, Wyandot county, Ohio. John’s obituary, published in the Marion Star on 2 July 1913, states that he was a “veteran of the Civil War who was wounded and disfigured for life in the battle of Gettysburg…when a shell hit him in the face, cutting his upper lip and terribly disfiguring him.” He served three years and eight months; was with Sherman on his march to the sea. After the war, he followed the occupation of a farmer in Sycamore. John served in Co. G though his grave marker says “Co. C.”
I could not find an image of John but here is a tintype of Winfield “Scott” Stevens (left) and Samuel Oscar Chamberlain (right) who were cousins and served together in Co. E, 49th Ohio Volunteer Infantry (OVI). Scott was wounded in the Battle of Stones River on 31 December 1862 and be discharged in May 1863. Samuel served out his entire term and reenlisted as a veteran.
Transcription
In camp four miles south of Murfreesboro, [Tennessee] Monday morning, January 12th 1863
Well, Mother, I thought I would try and write you a few lines to let you know that I am still alive yet but I tell you, it was close work on the 31st of last month for we was surprised by the Rebels and they shot so fast that he balls felt like hail on us and we had to fall back about three miles and by the time we had done that, we was pretty badly scattered. Our colonel was taken prisoner but he got away. R. L. Hudson and J[ames] R. Ingerson and [Amos E.] Kitchen and our 2nd Lieutenant [Isaac H. White] and several of the other boys that you don’t know were taken prisoners and now is supposed are a Chattanooga.
Now I will try and [tell] you was killed. Our Lieutenant-Colonel [Levi Drake] and J[oseph] J. Basom and two of our color guards and Post Wate, a feller that worked for John Lofton. In all that was killed made twenty-one in our regiment. I helped to bury nineteen of them. There was thirty-six wounded in our regiment but the doctor thinks that they all will get well. I hope so.
The fight lasted five days. Now, Mother, I hope this will wind it up. You wrote to me and wanted to know if you should express those things of mine. I say no, but I will tell you what to do the first time you get a chance. Send them by anyone, then send them to me. Now I must close for this time. Write soon and direct your letters in care of Capt. [Luther M.] Strong, Company G, 49th Regiment Ohio Volunteers, USA, by the way of Louisville, Tennessee. Now do write soon and give me all of the news that is on Sycamore and tell me where Ambrose is. I want you to tell to A. Coughey to write me a letter. This from John Ingerson to Tirsa A. Ingerson. So goodbye for this time.
The following letter was written by James David Gornto (b. 1841) of Co. C, 4th Florida Infantry. James mustered into the company at Fort St. Marks, Florida, on 5 September 1861. He was with his company until 25 November 1863 when he was taken prisoner on Missionary Ridge with a wound to his right leg.
James was the son of a Madison, Florida, planter named Elijah Dowling Gornto, Sr. (1817-1886) and his wife, Susan Ann Allen (1821-1913).
Transcription
Tullahoma, Tennessee January 4, 1863
Dear Mother,
I once more seat myself to drop you a few lines from which you will learn that I am well again—well enough to be up. Today is very cold. It snowed all night last night but is now fair and the wind blowing. I have been very unwell for some time but I think I am all right and more lean. [Aaron S.] Pope is going home now. I sent a letter to [brother] Frank by him. If he tells you I was well when he left, you may know it is not so. Mother, if you can send a box by somebody, some eggs, sausage, butter, and a bottle of syrup if you can. Don’t send no pork. We get plenty of that. We get plenty to eat but I can’t eat it. Send some red pepper and dry sage.
A post war image of Robert Lemuel Wiggins
Tom is wounded in the leg and we heard had gone home & have not seen nor heard of him since the battle [of Stones River]. 1
Mother, Sunday was a week I had the pleasure of hearing Mr. [Robert Lemuel] Wiggins preach. He has found me out of hand. Am up and been [ ], spent two evenings with him. He is the same old Bob. 2
Mother, I am very lean and only weigh [ ]. Oh, I forgot, do send me an orange. Tell Aunt Anny to send me one and send yours and father’s likeness. Give my respects to all my friends and relations. Tell grandmother to write. Write to Uncle Bob to write. Mother, keep Willy at home. Don’t let him come here if you can help it. He is too young. I would like to see him here on a visit but not to stay and he is not able to come here on a visit. Write soon.
I am your true and affectionate son, — J. D. Thornton
1 Probably a reference to James’ cousin, Thomas J. Gornto (1841-1909) who served in the same company. Thomas was the son of David Gornto (1805-1864) and Eliza Allen (1811-1871).
2 Robert Lemuel Wiggins (1841-1915) served early in the war in the 1st Florida Cavalry but was transferred into the 4th Florida Infantry in December 1863.
The following letter was written by Austin M. McDowell (1815-1892), the husband of Susan Ann Finney (1813-1889) and the Captain of Co. D, 74th Ohio Infantry during the Civil War. Austin was working as a lumber agent in Xenia, Greene county, Ohio, when the war began. He enlisted in October 1861 and resigned his commission in mid-February 1863—just a few weeks after this letter was penned.
From Austin’s letter we learn that he was not with his company in the Battle of Stones River. He was apparently in Xenia, Ohio, on recruiting duty.
Transcription
Xenia, [Ohio] January 3rd 1863
Lieut. Wm. H. Moody Dear Friend,
Not having heard from you for some time, I drop you a line. I am having no success in recruiting. My squad reports to me regularly and we have not yet got a single man. How are you getting along? I think it downright folly to keep us here doing nothing but mot my will but Father Abraham’s be done. You have doubtless read the stirring news from Murfreesboro. It has been a terrible battle and I fear the 74th has suffered great loss. I feel great anxiety for my own noble boys. I hope and believe that they have done their duty. I regret to hear that our Colonel [Granville Moody] is probably wounded. 1 If so, I trust it is slightly and I rejoice to know and am proud to express it that, from accounts, he has won by his valor an imperishable name on that gory field. I am very anxious to hear the final result and particulars of the battle. Dr. Kyle expects to start tonight for Nashville. Rev. Mr. [James] Harper expects to go early next week and likely others will go. Some women think of going. I would like to go but I suppose there is no chance for that. Please write to me soon
Your obedient servant, — Capt. A. M’Dowell
1 Col. Moody led the 74th Ohio into the Battle at Stones River (Dec. 31, 1862- Jan. 2, 1863) near Murfreesboro, Tennessee. A later account noted that “his horse was shot from under him, he took a bullet in his right calf and he narrowly escaped a fatal wound when one or more bullets shattered a revolver he carried in his right breast pocket, more bullets shredded his uniform so much that one man called him the ‘ragged colonel.’”
The following two letters were written by Edgar (“Ned”) Norvell Wilcox, a native of Berkshire, Massachusetts, born in 1837. He was studying civil engineer at the University of Michigan when he enlisted as a private in the 7th OH Infantry at age 23 on June 19, 1861. He was discharged in December of 1861 and then joined the 18th US Regular Infantry on January 14, 1862. He was assigned as a private in Co. B, 3rd Battalion. In May 1862 he was promoted to sergeant of Co. H and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant on June 11, 1863 (retroactive to February 19th). Wilcox was promoted to 1st Lieutenant on September 20, 1863. He was breveted Captain in September 1864 for Murfreesboro, Atlanta, and Jonesboro and after the war was officially promoted to Captain on January 22, 1867. He mustered out January 1, 1871 and lived in Oberlin, OH working in railroad construction.
Ned’s first letter is particularly interesting as it summarizes the casualties of the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 18th USA Infantry at the Battle of Stones River. The 1st Battalion, Major Caldwell, went into action with 16 officers and 273 men, and on the 31st of December sustained a loss of one officer (Captain Kneass) killed; six officers (Captains Douglass, Wood and Hull, and Lieutenants McConnell, Carpenter and Adair) wounded. Twenty-seven enlisted men were killed and 109 wounded. In his official report Major Caldwell says: “All exhibited the same coolness and unflinching devotion to their country and flag that they had shown on the battle-field of Perryville, Ky.” The 2d Battalion, commanded by Major Townsend, went into action with 16 officers and 298 men and sustained a loss of one officer (Lieutenant Hitchcock) killed; five officers (Captains Dennison, Thompson and Haymond, and Lieutenants Ogden and Simons) wounded; 30 enlisted men killed, 98 wounded, 3 captured, 2 missing; aggregate loss, 139. In his official report of the battle, General Rousseau says: “The 18th Infantry were new troops to me, but I am now proud to say we know each other. If I could I would promote every officer and several non-commissioned officers and privates of the brigade of regulars for gallantry and good service in this terrific battle. The brigade was admirably and gallantly handled by Lieut.-Col. Shepherd.” [Source: US Army Center of Military History]
Ned refers to his brother, Arthur (“Art”) Tappan Wilcox (1834-1902) in both letters. Art was serving as 1st Lieutenant of Co. D, 7th Ohio Infantry at the time these letters were penned. Ned wrote the letters to his brother Lucien (“Lute”) Henry Wilcox (1830-1880) and to Charlotte (“Lottie”) Esther Wilcox (1823-1870).
[Note: These letters are from the private collection of Brent Reidenbach and were transcribed and published on Spared & Shared by express consent.]
Letter 1
Headquarters 18th Infantry USA Columbus, Ohio January 29th 1863
Dear Lute,
I have just taken a notion (not a drink) to write you a few lines before I go to work this morning and enclose to you those two letters of [brother] Art’s you sent me so long ago. I have been pretty busy for the last week making up Regimental Returns & Records after the fight at Murfreesboro. Our losses foot up as follows.
2nd Battalion, 31 killed, 103 wounded, 5 prisoners, making a total loss of 284 so you may imagine the 18th was under some fire. Since that a good many of the wounded have died. Capt. Dennison [of Co. B] who was struck in the knee with a solid shot died after having his leg amputated. Lt. Simons died with his leg shattered so badly it could not be amputated & a minié ball through his breast. Lt. McConnell—an old school mate of mine at A. A.—with a ball through his lungs. Out of one company, every sergeant (5) was killed, shot through the head, all but one, who was killed by a solid shot passing through his body—pleasant to contemplate sh!
There is no saying when we shall go to the field but most of the companies will probably march within ten days. I was very much surprised to receive a letter from Aunty Shattuc of Ann Arbor whom you probably remember. She enquired after you & wanted to know where you were, &c. and I think the best answer will be for you to enclose to her your “keards”—won’t you? Tel Lottie she also enquires after her “and her dear little ones.”
I spent last Sunday evening with Cousin Ria and had a good laugh with her & Miss Post over some old sketches of yours—“Illustrations of Reveries of a Bachelor.” I did not know you were so much of an artist before, Lute. Ria says you must be “mad” at her as you haven’t answered her last letter. I tell her I guess not—your only ma-rried. I believe I’ve nothing more to offer. Give my love to sister Zilpha & remember me to Mrs. Parish and the Captain. Write to me when you get time, &c. &c. &c. — Yours, — Wilcox, Jr.
P. S. Went down town last night to hear “Patti”—reserved seats “for two”—Oh no! guess I didn’t have a good time. I let the jibs run down & “come to” in camp at 2 o’clock this morning. 1
1 Miss Carlotti Patti gave a concert at Brainard’s Hall in Columbus. She was accompanied by the great pianist Gottscaalk.
Letter 2
Camp of the 18th Infantry USA near Cowan Station Wednesday, July 14th 1863
Dear Sister Lottie,
I only have time to write you a few lines before the mail leaves as i have but just come in from a twenty-four hours of picket duty, but take advantage of this mail reserving my letter for another time. Indeed, if I should tell you of our marches during never ending rains from the time we left Murfreesboro till we arrived here, of our bivouac’s in the rain, and its accompanying mud, without blankets, tents, or rations, of our fight on the 27th ult., of marching four and five days with nothing but hard bread and water to live on, the roads being sp heavy it was impossible to keep our supply train up, I should fill a volume.
Yours of the 7th inst. I received on the 10th or 11th, it coming through pretty quick. I suppose ere this, you know how Art [Arthur T. Wilcox] fared during the Battle of Gettysburg & wish you would let me know as I have heard nothing without a paragraph in a Pittsburgh paper which I saw this morning. Speaking of the death of Gen. Reynolds, it says “he was urging his men forward when he received his fatal wound and falling over upon Capt. Wilcox—his aide—who was riding beside him, he exclaimed, ‘Good God, Wilcox, I am killed.’ Capt. Wilcox had his horse shot under him about the same time and was severely bruised by the fall.” Was this Art or is there another Capt. Wilcox down there? 1,2
I am well and hearty. We are camped for the present near Cowan Station on the Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad about 4 miles from Decherd & think we will stay here some time though there is nothing definite.
Write and direct simply 18th US Infantry Regular Brigade, 14th Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland (to be forwarded). Love to all.
Yours in haste, — Ned
1 There are various accounts of the death of Gen. Reynolds on the first day of Gettysburg. One account claims that it was “about ten o’clock a.m. that Gen. Reynolds was shot while cheering on his men. He was on the left wing of his forces, and the ground where he fell lies somewhat to the left of the convent [Lutheran Theological Seminary], near the boundary of the town. The ball (which was from a Minie rifle) struck him in the back part of the neck and passed into the front part of the brain. He fell from his horse, considerably bruising his face. His death was almost instantaneous. He did not speak after being shot. The body was immediately conveyed to the rear, and given in charge of Sergeant Clevenger, who will convey it to the residence of the General’s mother, which is in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where he was born.”
2 It was Capt. William H. Willcox (1832-1929) who served as the aide-de-camp on the staff of 1st Corps Commander Major. General John F. Reynolds. A native of England whose family emigrated to the United States in his childhood, Willcox became an architect and surveyor and began his career in Brooklyn and New York. In December 1861 he joined the 95th New York Infantry as a topographical engineer, but must have demonstrated considerable talent, as he was detached to Brig. Abner Doubleday’s staff in July 1862.
The following letter was written by 46 year-old John Reid, Jr. (1816-1885) to his second wife, Maria Frances (Thompson) Reid (1832-1875). John was the son of Maj. John Reid and Elizabeth Branch Maury. Maj. Reid was aide-de-camp and military secretary to Gen. Andrew Jackson during the British and Indiana War and was with him in New Orleans. John Reid, Jr. was born on the Major’s farm (called “Tree Lawn”) near Franklin, Williamson county, Tennessee.
In 1860, John Jr. was enumerated as a lawyer in Nashville, Davidson county, Tennessee. Adding a note to his letter was Frank T. Reid (1845-1923), John’s son by his first marriage to Margaret Louise Trimble (1821-1849). Frank indicates in his note that he had not yet enlisted in the Confederate service. According to muster rolls, Frank enlisted on 13 February 1863 at Columbia, Tennessee, as a sergeant in Capt. John W. Morton Jr.’s Company, Tennessee Artillery. He was later transferred to Co. F, 4th Tennessee Cavalry as orderly sergeant.
John wrote the letter while visiting with his brother William Steptoe Reid, a large slaveholder in Williamson county, Tennessee. We learn that William had recently sold out and intended to relocate to Georgia. William was married at the time to his second wife, Sarah Claiborne Maury (1829-1912). In the letter, we learn that John Jr. and his son Frank intended to go to Murfreesboro on 31 December 1862. If they did, they would have ridden right into the Battle of Stones River.
I can’t find any evidence that John Reid ever served in the Confederate army. I did find him mentioned in an article published on 6 February 1864 in the National Aegis under the title, “The Amnesty Proclamation in Tennessee” which may or may not be propaganda: “The Union says also that Hon. John Reid, formerly a senator from Davidson County in the state legislature, and an able lawyer, has returned from Dixie, and accepted the President’s amnesty proclamation. He advises all others to follow his example as the Confederacy must go to the dogs. If John Bell doesn’t want to be conscripted, notwithstanding his age, Mr. Reid says he will be compelled also to come in.”
Transcription
Addressed to Mrs. Maria F. Reid, Gallatin, Tennessee, to care of Wm. B. Bayless, Nashville, TN
Warren county [Tennessee] December 29th 1862
My dear wife,
I am at my brothers & as Mr. Stovall goes to Sumner tomorrow, I avail myself of the opportunity to write you again. I wrote to you about two weeks ago & gave my letter to Mr. Charles Cantrill to send it to you. Did you get it? I have not heard a word from you since I left except through Mr. Gill. The letter you wrote by Mrs. Bond did not reach me. She was overhauled by the Yankees and destroyed your letter.
In my letter to you I stated in substance that you must be the judge whether you remained longer in Gallatin or come south; that if you were not molested nor likely to be by the Yankees, it would be probably more prudent to remain longer where you were. Otherwise you ought to come by the first opportunity that presented itself, if God in His mercy gave you the chance. Of course I would rather have you with me, if I consulted only my desires, but I do not know how long the Southern army will or can remain in Murfreesboro.
My brother has sold his place here and will love his family as soon as he can to Georgia. Frank & I are both well and expect to leave here for Murfreesboro day after tomorrow. I think of you & the baby constantly. I am all the time uneasy & unhappy about you. I pray God this state of things will not continue long. Write me the first & every opportunity that presents itself. I hope I will get a letter from you when I reach Murfreesboro. I write this letter on my cap & must close. I send you my best and warmest love & pray that I may be permitted before long to see you.
Kiss George for me and tell him not to forget his Pa. Love to all the family, — Jno. Reid
A post war image of Frank Reid
Dear Ma, No doubt you are somewhat surprised to find that I am still here at Uncle Will’s—and not in the army. If I could have had things my own way, you may be assured I would have been there ere this. However, I design starting to Murfreesboro day after tomorrow—Wednesday. I will write to you by every opportunity and hope you or George will drop me a line now and then. How I would like to see little Dumdoodle. I pray God that I may shortly. Give my love to all. Goodbye, — Frank Reid
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