The following letters were written by John “Emerson” Anderson (1833-1896), a boot maker and the son of John May and Parney (Hastings) Anderson of Oakdale, Worcester county, Massachusetts. Emerson enlisted on 25 May 1861 as a private in Co. D, 2nd Massachusetts Infantry. He was taken prisoner on 24 May 1862 during the battle of Winchester but was paroled in June 1862 and promoted to sergeant, mustering out of the regiment in mid-July 1865. The 2nd Mass Vols. participated in the battles of Cedar Mountain, Antietam, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Resaca, Kennesaw Mountain, Siege of Atlanta, March to the Sea, Savannah, and others.
Emerson’s regiment marched to Washington, D.C. in mid-1861. In a letter from September 8, 1861, he hopefully told his parents: “There seems to prevail the opinion that the war soon be ended and we permitted to go to our homes, certainly our prospect looks bright at the present…” Unfortunately, the war would not end until 1865. Many of John’s letters to his family involved his descriptions of day-to-day life in military camps; he describes being a “silent spectator” as his fellow soldiers gamble, drink, and fight, and he comments on the demoralization of the soldiers as the Confederacy continued to withstand major assaults: “I am not anxious to fight—that is—not over-anxious to expose myself to the enemies bullets—but if we could go into battle today, or soon, I should feel a strong inclination to conquer or die…we need a victory now and must have it soon.”
Emerson’s regiment marched to Atlanta in 1864, where he and his companions camped outside the city while more and more Union armies surrounded it. He wrote to his parents: “Sometimes too I feel that I would like to sit by mother and father in that quiet little room away from the noise and confusion here…as far as my knowledge goes I am convinced that we are slowly tightening our chain of armies around the enemies making it harder every day for him to hurl us back—each charge being but another slaughter to add to the list of casualties…” The Union eventually captured and occupied Atlanta, and Emerson’s regiment took part.
Emerson was clear on what he was fighting for. “Patriotism as I understand it,” he wrote his parents, “is to be willing to sacrifice something to promote any good cause for our common country. It is not in words that great things are accomplished but in deeds, and in actions…continue to pray, Mother, for our common cause and I have the best assurance that you will not pray in vain.”
Thankfully, the war finally ended, but Emerson found it difficult to rejoice once he heard about the death of President Abraham Lincoln: “I thought I would drop you a few lines though I do not feel like writing. We seem to be on the eve of peace. Lee has surrendered to Grant and Johnston to Sherman. About an hour ago a report came to camp that President Lincoln has been assassinated. I do not know what to do. I would like to rejoice that peace is ours. I cannot now. I will wait till my mind is settled.”
As far as I know, Emerson’s letters have never been transcribed in full and published on line. I have found a few of his war-time letters quoted in a book entitled, “Upon the Alter of the Nation, A Moral History of the Civil War” by Harry S. Stout, 2007. The author lists the American Antiquarian Society of Worcester, Massachusetts as his source.
Over the years I have transcribed and published a number of letters on Spared & Shared written by members of the 2nd Massachusetts Infantry. These include:
Unidentified, 2nd Massachusetts (1 Letter)
Amos Perley Burnham, Co. C, 2nd Massachusetts (2 Letters)
William Foster Morgan, Co. C, 2nd Massachusetts (5 Letters)
David J. Orne, Co. D, 2nd Massachusetts (1 Letter)
John Holmes Newcomb, Co. E, 2nd Massachusetts (1 Letter)
Malcom G. Kittredge, Co. G, 2nd Massachusetts (2 Letters)
William Nutt, Co. I, 2nd Massachusetts (1 Letter)
Horace F. Nason, Co. I, 2nd Massachusetts (1 Letter)
Everett Wilson Pattison, Co. I, 2nd Massachusetts (1 Letter)
William Edward Perkins, Co. I, 2nd Massachusetts (1 Letter)
William Edward Perkins, Co. I. 2nd Massachusetts (1 Letter)
George H. Willis, Co. I, 2nd Massachusetts (1 Letter)
Moses Webber, Co. K, 2nd Massachusetts (2 Letters)
Letter 1
Camp Andrew
May 24, 1861
My dear Parents,
Having plenty time on my hands to spare, I thought a word from me would be acceptable although I have not much to write. Our company is full & the regiment nearly so. My health never was better than at the present but I have got a boil on my neck as big as a piece of chalk or about as big as a hen’s egg. It has not come to a head yet but hope it will soon. When it does, I shall want some of your bandages or cloths & some salve. And by the way, I have thought perhaps some of our friends would visit from Oakdale. If they do, you could send me some things that would be very acceptable such as apples (a few), paper & envelopes—Cuttings has some just the thing, and a bottle of ink, and some fine cut tobacco. We had a present from our friend Addison Hosmer of some tobacco and some wooden pipes which will not break which were very acceptable.
I suppose we are government property now for we have taken the oath to a man to support the President of the United States fora term of three years and we are ready and it is our duty to remain true to our obligation to God & to man. We are under pay. We shall receive the regular army pay. I have just learned from our Lieutenant that the government furnishes tobacco for their men. Have got a piece in my mouth now—the very best. No copperass. It is called the Navy Tobacco.
A letter from you would be very acceptable. Our Boys are all well and are enjoying camp life. From your son, — J. E. Anderson
P. S. If you wish to write, please direct like this and it will come right straight along:
J. E. Anderson
Camp Andrew
West Roxbury
Care of Capt. Savage
My love to all enquiring friends and a large share to yourselves. By the way, I received a present from Mr. Cooledge and have written him this mail. Tell all to write, write. My uniform consists of one rubber and one woolen blanket, a mattress, and some presents from the Ladies of Boston. We have not got our uniform yet. We have been used first rate. — J. E. Anderson
Letter 2
Camp Andrew
June 5th 1861
Dear Parents,
Your present was received by me Sunday afternoon & gratefully too for I had wanted some acid in my stomach for some time & the lemons & sugaar was just the thing. Also the apples. Fact, everything that comes from home is just the thing we want for it is hard work to get anything here but our regular rations.
Sunday morn. June 9th. My time is pretty much occupied so that I do not get much time to write. There is not much news to write except we have found the bodies of our fellow soldiers that were drowned in the river.
I have received your letter with money enclosed. Also some postage stamps. I was not in need of money but it may come handy at some future time. We have not got our uniform yet but shall have it soon. I do not know how long we are to stay here and I do not think our officers do but they expect to be called away soon as we are all uniformed & equipped which will take two or three weeks. Our Capt. says he cannot give us furloughs to come home so I do not think we shall have a chance to see one another again at present. We shall probably pass through Worcester on our way to New York but there will be no chance to talk for we shall be used as prisoners for fear of our desertion.
I was just called out of our tent to see Mr. Prescott. We have had considerable rainy weather the last week so that it has been necessary to floor our tents. We do not drill rainy days but have to answer to roll calls. I do not get so much sleep as when at home but presume I have enough for health. The first roll is called at half past four in the morning & the last at nine in the evening, and then when I am on guard, I do not get any sleep so that I can lay down anytime in the day and go to sleep in five minutes. But my health was never better than it is now. I hope your health is good. It is hard work for me to write today so I guess I will close and write again soon.
Tell Aunt I., that I shall remember her & also Uncle Luther. Give my love to Lizzie and all the rest. I will get my picture taken if I can. This from your son, — J. E. Anderson
Letter 3
Camp Andrew
June 13, 1861
Dear Parents,
Being at liberty I thought I would improve my time and let you know that my health continues to be good as all the rest of the Oakdale Boys. I have just read in the paper that we are to go from here the 22nd. You probably will see it in the Journal.
Camp Andrew, Tuesday, [June] 25, 1861. Well, you will see by this date that I have not changed quarters yet & so the papers were wrong. Our Captain told us this morning that we are going to start for headquarters next Monday. Most of the boys are very anxious to leave here. We have been here so long it has become an old story to go through with our daily exercise.
Yesterday our regiment changed the muskets for the Enfield Rifles which are a very pretty piece. Now our drill is mostly skirmishing and we have got to go by the sound of the bugle. I do not know whether our band will go with us or not. We have a very good regimental band of 20 pieces. Presume you have heard from me a number of times since I have written you by the way of those that have been here to see us. It seemed good to see the faces of those that we have been so accustomed to see at home & it brought a feeling of sadness to part with them—perhaps never to meet this side of the grave. We are bound to go from here next Wednesday and as soon as we go there will be another regiment encamped here.
There has been some talk that we should all have a chance to go home on a furlough before leaving here and perhaps I shall come and see you if the time is sufficient. Those things you sent me were just the things—especially the lemons and sugar. I shall send back what clothes I have here as soon as I get my uniform.
I cannot think of any more to write at this time but will again before we leave here. If I do not come home, I would like to hear from you and would like to have you write if you have received that money from Cumming & Hudson. Give my best respects to all enquiring friends & accept a share of my love & thanks for your interest for my good—both spiritual and temporal. And I hope that if we never meet on earth, we may so love and serve God that we can meet in one unbroken circle in heaven. This from your son, — J. E. Anderson
Letter 4
Camp Andrew
July 3rd 1861
Father,
I suppose we shall leave here soon as we have been ordered to send home our things today & we are receiving our knapsacks, hats, and a full outfit. I have no time to write more as we have to be on the run all the time. But I have sent you a letter in this morning’s mail. I will get my picture taken the first opportunity. Yours in haste, — J. E. Anderson
Letter 5
Camp Andrew
July 7, 1861
Dear Parents,
Probably this is the last opportunity I shall have while here to write you for our knapsacks are all packed ready to take a start tomorrow. We got to Boston first and then we are to go on the Providence Road. We have got a pretty heavy load to carry. Our knapsacks will weight about 30 or 35 pounds & our gun and other fixings 30 or 35 more. The regiment had them all on Tuesday and was inspected to see that every man had his full allowance.
I would have liked to have heard from you before going but cannot. If any letters are on the way for us, they will follow on after to our place of destination. The talk is here that we are going to join Gen. Peterson’s [Patterson’s] forces in Virginia.
Well, dear parents, I have not felt like backing down yet. But I should like to see you before going if it were possible. But it is not so I must be satisfied. I cannot write more now. Will as soon as possible. Give my love to all & tell them to write often. This from your son, — J. E. Anderson
P. S. Evening, 8 o’clock. Well, we start en route for Washington tomorrow morning at 9 o’clock. Goodbye for the present. May God ever be our guide & protector is the sincere prayer of your son. — J. E. Anderson
Letter 6
Martinsburg, Virginia
July 13, 1861
Dear Parents,
I take this opportunity to inform you of my whereabouts & to let you know how I came here. I wrote you before leaving Camp Andrew & when I got to Boston there was a gentleman in the cars who took the letters and put them in the Office for us. We had a very hard time of it in Boston—it was so hot. About four o’clock we took the Providence train and rode to Groton in Connecticut & then took the boat for New York. We stayed there a spell and then took a boat for Jersey City where we took the cars for Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. From there we took the cars and crossed the beautiful Susquehanna River for Hagerstown, Maryland. We were then in the enemy’s country & a hard looking place it was. As we marched through the streets, the people looked daggers at us. We stayed there till afternoon &then slung our knapsacks & prepared for a march, we knew not where.
We marched six miles to Williamsport & camped beside the river Potomac. It was my turn for guard & so I stood guard and the next morning about 3 o’clock we broke up camp and crossed the river. We had to for the river as there was no bridge. We had a march of twelve miles & arrived here and are now in camp under Gen. [Robert] Patterson’s command. There is about 30 or 40 thousand Federal troops here under the General’s command. On our march, we passed a place where our troops whipped the rebels & killed one or two hundred of them & lost one man. The houses were deserted and the fields for miles as we passed along.
We are in the town where the Rebels burned the engines & cars. We are in sight of the Rebel camp now. They are encamped on the mountain about six miles from here.
Sunday, [July] 14th, 1861. Well, dear parents, having plenty time to spare, I thought I would try to finish this & send it when I could for I expect we shall be on the march soon if the rebels do not succeed in compromising with the government. The New Hampshire regiment that Oliver White is in is here.
Letter 7
In camp [Pleasant Hill, Maryland]
August 12, 1861
Dear Parents,
It being a rainy day and there being no drill, I thought a word from me would occupy my time & would be acceptable. Yours with the stamps was received. I am not feeling very well today but presume I shall feel better in a few days. The heat has been very excessive the last few days and there has been considerable complaining of diarrhea and chills or ague among the soldiers. This month is the worst for complaints. You need not send me any more stamps till I send for them.
I am glad to hear that your health is better mother. Hope this may find you still better. I do not think of anything to write that would interest you. Do not get any news in camp that can be relied upon. We get enough to eat now & the Colonel says we shall have. The boys are all well. Windsor Newton 1 has not come yet but suppose he has got well. You may use that dollar if it will do you any good. We have got no pay yet but expect some soon.
If you hear from Warren or any of our friends, write. You probably will think this is a curiously composed letter but it is just about as I feel. Give my respects to all enquiring friends & receive this from your son, — J. E. Anderson
P. S. When I feel better, I will write again & more. This will let you know that yours is received all right. Did you receive my clothes from Camp Andrew? When you write, please let me know. My trust is still in the Lord of my salvation. — J. E. Anderson
When you write me, send a blank sheet of paper every time as it is no place to keep paper here, it gets so dirty. Yours in love, — J. Emerson
1 Windsor Newton was also a boot maker from Oakdale. He was wounded in the neck during the Battle of Antietam, recovered, and afterward joined the 18th US Infantry.
Letter 8
Hyattstown [Maryland]
August 27th 1861
Dear Parents,
Yours of the 17th I have before me. The last I wrote you we were in the mountains overlooking Harper’s Ferry. The 21st we were ordered to strike tents and prepare for a march. Accordingly, we packed our knapsacks and took the road. The rest of the regiment had preceded us and left us as rear guard. We have marched about 30 miles since then on the direct road to Washington.
We are now with our brigade. Our regiment is to have the honor of guarding the town while encamped here. I cannot write you much this morning as there is no news of any importance here. Everything is quiet here. We expect to stay here sometime. I received a letter from George this morning stating that Grandmother was very sick and that Mother had gone to see her. I hope she will recover but if it is the will of God that she should die and commence a new life which is everlasting in the Heavens where there is no tears, no sorrow. Shall we murmur or complain? No, let us rather praise Him tht Je has been so mindful of those that He has created us to prepare so great happiness for all that will look to Him that was sacrificed that we might live. The tears will fall for those we love and it is well that we remember the dead. Although George did not say, I heard that Ezry May was dead. If so, when you write, tell me if he became reconciled to the will of God.
Father, I received the paper you sent & although it was a week old, it was welcome for it came from home. You may send me one when you like. I see by the Boston Journal that the 21st Regiment leaves Camp Lincoln this week. I hope they wil join Gen. Banks’ Division. If they do, they will come here. There is a large number of troops here now but I understand there is to be more.
Our Brigade received pay up to July 1st last week from the State of Massachusetts. I received 18.70 as my share. The Captain says we shall receive two months pay from the government in a week or two. I thought of sending home some money this week but will wait till I get some more. I am sorry business is so dull but we must expect it in such times as these. I will write again soon. This from your son, — J. E. Anderson
Hereafter when you direct anything to me, let me be where I will, please direct in a plain hand to:
J. E. Anderson, 2nd Regt. Mass. Vols., Company D, Washington D. C. (Gen. Banks Division)
This direction will be good for all the time I am away, let me be where I will.
P. S. I had to open this after sealing it. I thought I would inform you that the camp is to be broken again and we are packing our knapsacks. It is now about 5 a.m. We have a long march before us (we suppose). — J. E. Anderson
Letter 9
Camp Ellsworth
September 8th 1861
Dear Parents,
I have not much to write this morning but know that a letter is acceptable when written you. My resource for news is not great. It is just two months today since we left Camp Andrew. How rapidly time passes away. Summer is gone and autumn with its cold nights is upon us. Soon will the forest and fields that are now decked with green put on another hue which reminds us that we are passing on and that our summer will soon end here below, & we shall enter upon a new life. And the question comes to my mind, shall it be a summer life when everything is fair to look upon, or will it be dark and dreary like the winter of this life? Methinks I hear a voice within my soul in whispers speaking, be faithful in Jesus and all shall be well with thee. Be faithful &thy life shall be like the running river which creeps along through the valleys with nothing to mar its surface or stop its onward course. Blessed voice, speak on! I feel to praise God on this Sabbath day that He has set aside especially for His worship, for the promises to His children of everlasting life & feel that I would not miss of Heaven, for all the pleasures of this life. Sometimes He hides His face from me for a time &with the poet, I feel to say:
Tis hard to work for good
To rise and take His part
Upon this battlefield of earth
And not sometimes lose heart.
He hides Himself so wondrously
As though there was no God
And seems to leave us to ourselves
Just when we need Him most.
And then the watchword comes and says:
My soul be on guard
Ten thousand foes arise
And hosts of sin are pressing hard
To draw thee from the skies.
Fight on my soul, till death
Shall bring thee to thy God.
He’ll take thee at they parting breath
To His divine abode.
Surely this life is a life of conflict. I will not dwell longer upon this subject now but will try and tell you something about our prospects.
Our regiment is very healthy & all seem to enjoy themselves. There seems to prevail the opinion that this war will soon be ended & we permitted to go to our homes. Certainly our prospect looks very bright at the present. Everywhere our troops seem to be victorious. The report is that Jeff Davis is dead. If true, they (the secessioners) have lost a man that it will take a long time to find another to fill his place. If what the papers say is true, already the South are beginning to feel the powers of Uncle Sam and are coming back under his protection. I hope we shall not be deceived if we think that the coming winter will find us again enjoying peace and quiet.
The Oakdale Boys are all well. I received a letter from George. Have written two to you since then & have received none. I will send 5 dollars in this. If you receive it safe, just remember to mention it in your next. Please send 12 postage stamps. Give my love to all enquiring friends & accept this from your son, — J. E. Anderson
Letter 10
Camp Ellsworth
September 13th 1861
Dear Parents,
Being very anxious to hear from you, I thought another letter from me would inform you that if you have written me of late, the letter must have miscarried. This is the 3rd or 4th within two weeks that I have wrote you last I heard from you. Mother was up to Russell last Sunday. I put a letter in the mail with a five dollar gold piece enclosed. Today find one dollar enclosed.
The boys are receiving or getting certificates of enlistments in the service to send home for the purpose of drawing money from the town or State. I do not understand which have not noticed any such Act. If you know anything about it, or if there is such a benefit and I am entitled, just inform me and you shall have the benefit of it.
Windsor Newton just received a letter from home stating the death of Rufus Bennett. I have also heard of the death of Wm. Thomas. I have wrote you to send me one dozen stamps. I have not time to write more this morning but shall expect to hear from you soon and will answer as soon as received. Yours in haste. From your son, — J. E. Anderson
P. S. Direct to Washington, D. C.
2nd Regt. Mass. Vol., Company D, Gen. Banks Division
Letter 11
Camp near Darnstown, Maryland
September 22, 1861
Dear Parents,
I am in very good spirits this morning having received two letters—one from my dear parents, and one from my good friend Dora. I was glad those little pieces went safely. The mails come to our camp regularly now from Washington—once in two days. You can do with what I send you as you like, if you need it. Do not be afraid to use it. We expect to get paid off in a few days and then I hope to have more to send. It is much safer to send it home than to try to keep it here. Shall save enough to give me a little rarity once in a while. We have plenty of good soldier’s fare—hearty food now, and are getting along nicely. We have stayed in this camp much longer than we expected to at first.
I suppose you have the accounts of another great battle in Missouri ere this. We are expecting that our Army of the Potomac will do something before long.
The weather has been very warm (or this time of the year) for the last few days till there was a sudden change last night. Tis quite chilly today. I was very glad to hear that grandmother had partially recovered. Hope she will remain with us for a long time. I would like to see her and Uncle Lewis & you all but cannot now & perhaps never. But there is a comfort to be found in the thought that if we are faithful, we shall meet again and when we consider how fast we are passing away, the time of our separation does not seem long if we are called to part with our friends, here below, still the ties which bind us here, if broken will cause us to mourn & sorrow.
Now my dear parents, if it should be my lot to fall in battle or disease should lay hold of this earthly form, and you should see me no more here below, I will try to live in the sight of God in such a manner that we can meet again where there will be no more wars or separation. God help us all to be faithful till we arrive at home.
You will hear from me as often as an opportunity occurs to write. Give my best respects to all and rest assured that you, my dear parents, are not forgotten. Another little piece for the bank. Bye Emerson
Letter 12
Camp near Darnestown
October 12, 1861
Dear Father,
Having a chance to send a letter to Washington today, I thought it a good opportunity to send you some of my wages which I received yesterday. I received two months pay amounting to $23.73 and will send you $20—two notes of $10 each. You will see we have to take Uncle Sam’s notes for our pay but I suppose it is just as good as the gold and should you wish to use them, you can easily get them changed at the banks and I have no doubt they will be as freely circulated in the country in a few months as any bank notes. I send this home for your use and I wish you to use it if you want it and I shall feel thankful that I have any way of paying up old arrearages.
But as I have not much time to write, I must draw this to a close. I am enjoying good health and trying to serve God in my feeble way. I hope this will find you in the enjoyment of the blessing which God gives.
I hear by W. Newton that Mother is on the gain and is likely to recover. I think I shall get my picture taken in a few days and will send you the same. In haste. You shall hear from me again soon. This from your son, — J. E. Anderson
Letter 13
Camp near Darnestown [Maryland]
October 20, 1861
Dear Parents,
I am still as you will see by this in the same place as when last I wrote and the prospect is that we shall stay here some time yet as we are making preparations for cold weather, building horse sheds, and digging cellars under the officers’ tents. We have had some cold and frosty nights and one has had to cover up with his clothing on in order to keep warm. But I have not suffered any yet.
I cannot write you a long letter today but I know you wish to hear from me often and so you will excuse a short letter. There is no news to write. I hear from you once in a while by the boys and I am glad Mother is recovering. I hope, Mother, you will soon recover sufficiently to write me another letter. I miss your letters much although I have others to write me.
I think you have received by this time my last letter in which was enclosed two of Uncle Sam’s ten dollar notes. I will send you a two and a half piece in this if you receive it or what I send, let me know when you write. I wrote a letter to Warren the other day.
We continue to drill daily and there is not much change in our duties from day to day. It makes me feel quite homesick sometime. I hope we shall have a change of scenes pretty soon. I am still endeavoring to live to attain the great end for which man was created but it is needless for me to tell you how utterly I fail to live a holy life. I hope this wil find you enjoying the blessing of God.
This from your son, — J. E. Andrews
Letter 14
On the march
October 28, 1861
Dear Parents,
I thought I would just drop you a line this morn as I have to write by the jump if I would write at all. We have been pretty busy for a week. we left our camp last Monday night and since that time have traveled 50 miles or more. Have been wet, cold and hungry a good share of the time but my health is good yet and I feel very comfortable this morning. Have had a good breakfast. I have not heard from you since Monday last when I received a letter from George. I hope you have received my last letters as there was money in them both.
The other Oakdale Boys are all well. You no doubt have the account of the battle fought at Conrad’s Ferry where our troops were defeated. We did not get there till the morning after the battle but you have the papers to read and will get the account better than I can give it.
We have a report current here that McClellan has taken Manassas but we have learned not to believe all we hear.
We are now near Muddy Creek. I do not know where we shall go next but think from what I learn that we shall go to Chain Bridge. The nights are quite cold and frosty now but we manage to keep comfortable and shall as long as fence rails and straw lasts. Our tents are the bell topped tent and we can have a fire in them. And while I am writing this, my feet are warming by a fire in the center of the tent. I hope this may find you in better health. I can but feel thankful to God that while I am far away I have the assurance that in your sickness you have had the sympathy of kind friends. I wish I could see you but my work will hinder me.
I have no time to write much and will close now, with the best wishes for your prosperity. I remain your son, — J. E. Anderson
P. S. Father, I had no opportunity to get my picture taken
Letter 15
Ridgeville [Maryland]
February 8th 1862
Dear Parents,
Your last letter was received by me and I should have answered before had I have been in camp, but as you will see by this, I am away and have been for more than a week. I was very sorry to learn that you, Mother, were having those distressed turns. You seem to recover from your sickness very slowly. I am afraid you work too hard. I am glad you have got Aunt Eliza with you. Keep her as long as you can and do not work too hard.
My health is good now. Have had a slight cold but am getting over it. That cough medicine was just the thing. I am on duty here as a guard to detect deserters. Am boarding at a public house. Have enough to eat and a good bed to sleep in. Do not know how long I shall stay here. I have heard from our company yesterday. They are not drilling now—ther is so much mud. We have not had but one or two days that the sun has not thawed the ground.
I think of no more news to write you now. I will enclose a ten dollar note in this trusting that you will receive it all safe. This from your son, — J. E. Anderson
P. S. Direct yours to Frederick, Maryland. Shall write again soon.
Letter 16
Camp Hicks 1
February 26, 1862
Dear Parents,
I have been away from camp on duty four weeks today and have been called in today for our regiment marches early tomorrow morning for Harpers Ferry. I wrote you three weeks ago and enclosed ten dollars in the letter and William Blunt tells me that you have not received any word from me for a long time. I cannot see why it should happen sp. Can it be possible that there is men so depraved that they would rob us who are willing to sacrifice our lives in their behalf while they are enjoying the comforts of life?
I have written to Lizzie—Dora—George—Lewis—and yourself and have received no answer from either. There was a letter came to camp while I was away and William Chase says he thought it was directed in Lizzie’s hand writing but it has been lost and I shall not have the pleasure of reading it. When you write to me, write me who wrote the letter if you can find out. I feel very anxious to hear from you.
My trust in Jesus. God bless you. This from your son, — J. E. Anderson
In haste.
1 Camp Hicks was the winter quarters of the 2nd Massachusetts Infantry. It was located four miles east of Frederick, Maryland, by the Baltimore Pike.
Letter 17
Camp of the 2nd Reg. Mass. Volunteers
near Edinburg, Virginia
March 5th 1862
Dear Parents,
I received yours of the 28th yesterday. I was very glad to get yours. I cannot write you a long letter now for the mail goes out soon and I have not got time. Since I last wrote you, we have had quite a march. We expected to see some fighting on the way but did not have much for the rebels kept at a safe distance and there was no fighting to amount to anything.
My health is pretty good now except I have got one of the worst colds I ever had. Can hardly speak aloud. Shall get over it soon I hope. I do not know when we make another advance but will write you as often as I can. Our mail will not come as regular as it has done but write as soon as you get this, Mother, so that I can get one from you before we leave this place. I expected a letter from George ere this. I want you to send me 25 stamps as soon as you can. We can get none here. We have not been paid off yet. Hope we shall be soon and will send you some more by the mudfull.
Yours in haste. From J. E. Anderson
P. S. You may send me one dollar’s worth of stamps instead of 25 stamps. I think we shall get paid off before we march again. Write as soon as you get this. — Emerson
Letter 18
Camp of 2nd Regt. Mass. Vol.
Shenandoah River
March 23rd 1862
Dear Parents,
Just as I was ordered to fall in yesterday, I received your kind and welcome letter of the 17th. Was glad to get it. I cannot write you much now for I am somewhat tired and have but little time to write. I suppose you are well aware that our army is on the move now and will be till this trouble is settled. We have got two days march before us now and owing to our bridge breaking down this morning, we have got to march tomorrow two days arch in order to make up for our delay today. I think we shall….
March 25th, 1862 I did not have an opportunity to finish this Sunday and so I thought I would finish it today. Yesterday news came to our Brigade that our troops were attacked at Winchester soon after we left on Saturday and so we were ordered back. We arrived here last night. The battle was over before we got back. Our troops are following Jackson but it is needless for me to give you an account of the battle for you will get it in the papers if you have not ere this. Our regiment was not in the fight. I have been looking around town this morning. Winchester is a large town. There is nothing that I can think of now to write you but will close. All the Oakdale Boys are well. This from yours, — J. E. Anderson
Direct to Washington or Baltimore. T’will make no difference. — Emerson
Letter 19
Monday eve, March 30th 1862
Dear Parents,
I have but a few moments to write in before tattoo, but as I go on guard tomorrow, I will just drop you a line now while I have a chance. I received those things you sent in William’s box today. I do think those figs are nice and so does everyone who has had a taste. The chestnuts were the first I have tasted this year. (There comes the drum) and I must close. My health os good. I will write again soon. Good night Father and Mother. — Emerson
Letter 20
Camp of Paroled Prisoners
Annapolis, Maryland
July 17th 1862
Dear Parents,
I am here and well. Arrived yesterday noon. There are about 150 here now, only three with myself of the 2nd [Massachusetts]. We have nothing to do as yet. We feel somewhat uneasy to lear our final fate and destination. If we are to stay here in idleness, I for one shall feel uneasy. I cannot give you any description of the town for I have not been here long enough and I do not know as I shall have the privilege ofgoing into town as we have to get a pass from the Colonel to get out of the encampment so you will not get much news from me at present.
I hope you will excuse me for the shortness of this and I will try and write more in a short time. I wish to hear from you soon. When you write, please direct yours to Annapolis, Maryland in care of Chaplain of the 67th Penn. Vols. and write as soon as you can find time. From your son, — J. E. Anderson
I will give the full directions here below so there will be no misunderstanding on the other page.
Direct:
J. E. Anderson
2nd Reg. Mass. Vol.
Company D
Annapolis, Maryland
In care of Chaplain of 67th Regt. P. Vol.
Paroled Prisoner
Letter 21
[Annapolis, Md.]
August 12, 1862
Dear Parents,
Our minds are full of anxious thoughts for the rumor of another battle, [as] I wrote you yesterday, is correct and our regiment has been in another battle [Cedar Mountain]. Our loss is said to be severe. Now I want you to send me Mass. papers so I may know of our loss, as papers we get here do not state the full numbers of the killed and wounded of any, only men from their own states. I learn that we lost one captain killed and three or four wounded besides. We lost Captain (or Maj. [James] Savage now). Isaac Childs was one of the killed or wounded. I want you to send me the correct list of the casualties of our Mass. men or regiments. And oblige yours &c. — J. Emerson
Camp Parole, Annapolis, Md., August 12th 1862
Letter 22
Camp Parole
Annapolis, Maryland
September 14, 1862
Dear Parents,
I was made glad by receiving yours with the miniature of Father. It is natural and life like and I feel proud of the two pictures and shall preserve them. I love to look at them and my only regret is that I am not more worthy of so kind parents. Your letter, Mother, is full of encouraging words and I feel that my lot is not so bad as many of my late companions. They are now in the field and have hard times while I am here. But I had rather share the hardships & danger with them than to be here in idleness.
You know how elated the rebels are at their recent successes & how eagerly they are working to bring this war to a speedy end by giving us a whipping. But I look upon this crisis as the turning point in our favor for we are now to fight on the defensive. There seems to be a united feeling in the States of Maryland and Pennsylvania to expel the invaders at once and not give up the chase till traitors are driven from our land. I like such a spirit. We have been too slow to work. We have learned to respect our foes for their daring and energy and now we see no other way to put down such a foe but by united exertions on our part. Let the people rise to a man and give one more struggle and victory is sure to follow.
I have not heard from the boys in the regiment since I last wrote you but presume they are all well. I learn that the regiment is in Washington and is recruiting. I send my last postage stamp on this letter and I have no more money. We have received no pay since we have been here. I have to go without tobacco. It comes rather tough. If you will send me some stamps as soon as you receive this, I will promise to pay you good interest on your money as soon as I receive any.
Postage stamps is money now you know and will buy anything thst is sold for money. I think of no more to write now so goodbye, Father and Mother, for this time. From your son, — John E. Anderson
Letter 23
Camp Parole, Annapolis, Maryland
September [21?] 1862
Dear Parents,
Yours of the 17th I have just received with the stamps. Have received one paper this week from Father. I am not feeling very well today but think there is nothing very serious ailing me. We have been reinforced considerably this week. We now number 11 thousand or more. All those prisoners taken in Banks’ retreat have been released on parole and are here now. We are hearing the best of news from our army now. We have whipped the rebels in Maryland and every day our cause looks brighter. I hope we shall meet with no more reverses but success on every hand till our foes shall be compelled to surrender.
I cannot write you a long letter today but will write you soon for I do[n’t] feel well enough to write much so I will close now. Hoping to hear from you soon, I remain your son, — J. E. Anderson
Letter 24
Camp Parole, Annapolis, Maryland
September 24, 1862
Dear Parents,
Your letter containing one dollar’s worth of stamps has just been received by me all right. I am well now. My sickness was of only a day’s duration and now feel as well as ever. Your love and faith is strong, Mother.
Our camp is all in a stir now for many of the paroled prisoners are exchanged and are going to their regiments while others are going away—some to the frontier to fight Indians as is supposed by us. My name is does not appear among those that are going away but presume I shall know soon what is to become of me. I can think of no more to write you now but will write again soon. I expect to be paid this afternoon and think of sending you some money by Adams Express. So if you receive money before I write you again, you need not be surprised. With much love for you, dear parents. I remain yours &c. — J. E. Anderson
In haste.
P. S. I shall receive the book this afternoon. Love to Lizzie and all. — Emerson
Letter 25
Camp Parole, Annapolis, Maryland
October 7th 1862
Dear Parents,
Your letter I have received. Was glad you received the package of money. I have not much news to write you for things remain about the same as when I last wrote. Our officers and men are leaving one or two in every train and I have thought some of doing in the same way. They have to go in citizen’s dress but I will wait a spell longer. It does not seem a very honorable way of leaving. Still if the officers go, the men may. Many will desert and some go to their homes and wait for orders. If I had have known what I know now, I should not have come to Camp Annapolis. Some have not come at all and it is just as well and better.
I guess going to fight the Indians has played out. We probably shall not go unless we want to. The talk seems to be now in the South to hoist the black flag and give no quarter to the Yankee. That is all talk, I guess. Poor Childs is dead—one more oof the number gone. War is terrible, truly. Our country is in a curious state.
Well, I can think of no more to write you now. Give my respects to all the good folks. Oh, Father, I have got my boots on now. One of them has burst out from toe to heel and the soles are all wore out. But never mind. I can get a good pair of shoes (if I want and if not it is a good place to go barefoot here in the sand. This from your son, — J. E. Anderson
Letter 26
Camp Parole, Annapolis, Maryland
October 14th 1862
Dear Parents,
Your kind letter, Mother, is before me and I will answer as I have time which hangs heavily on hand. There is no prospect of my going away from this place yet but as my health is good and I have plenty to eat, I will try and be contented. The weather has been cold and stormy for a number of days but I manage to keep warm for we have got our tent floor boarded and I have got two blankets so shall get along till cold weather—if we stay here this winter, which I do not think likely as our government is making an exchange every now and then and my time will come sometime.
I have not heard from the regiment lately but presume our boys are doing well. If not, I should have heard. I got a letter from Lewis yesterday. They are all well. Uncle Lewis is carpentering at home now and Lewis is at work outdoors. They have not heard from Horatio yet. Poor boy, perhaps he was compelled to go into the Confederate army and he may have fallen in some battle. The suspense his parents are in must be painful indeed.
So Uncle Lemuel can hear nothing from Martha or Charley? Poor Uncle. Does he know his fate? I would not give much for all the happiness Martha enjoys though perhaps she tried to justify herself with the idea that she has done right.
I received a letter from George and my new cousin the other day. They seem to enjoy themselves. I think they can live like clams together, don’t you? I should like to hear Olive calling you Aunt Parney and Uncle John. Has she ever done it yet? I suppose you see Suzie every day. Give her and Lyman my best respects.
I do not intend to have you think that I had any notion of deserting by mentioning a citizen’s dress in my last letter. I merely meant that I could come home and stay till I was called for the same as Wm. Andrews has done and a great many others, but I do not think it will pay. Besides, it is using deception which I abhor. So as you say, I will stay till I can go away honorably.
I must close now for want of timber. My love to all enquiring friends and a large share of my best love for yourselves. This from your son, — J. E. Anderson
Letter 27
Camp Parole, Annapolis, Maryland
November 9, 1862
Dear Parents,
Yours letter reached me last night and I will answer so your mind may be at ease as regards my welfare. I have waited a little longer than usual as I wanted to have something to write about when I did write. My health is good and I am enjoying myself as well as circumstances will allow. There is nothing I hear that we are exchanged yet.
I wrote a letter to Abbie Hall the other day to fulfill a promise made to her four years ago. She answered my letter and a very pretty letter it was. Our Western relations are all well so far as she knew. George is in the 36th Regt. Illinois and was in the Battle of Pea Ridge and Perryville. Is unharmed by shot or shell but is suffering from want of clothing (as all the Western troops are).
We had a severe snowstorm the last three days and as it blew from the north, I suppose you had a taste of the same storm. What snow fell here will not last long though the weather is quite cold now. I am just going out on a little spot to hear a man preach. He is one of the Agents for the Tract Society of Boston.
I have just come in from hearing a short distance by the Agent. The weather was cold and blustering but it is so seldom we have any preaching that we could bear to stand the cold for once. I wish we had a good large tent for our friendly ministers to preach in when they visit us. But I suppose we shall get along without it.
Well, I can think of no more to write now so will close this. You will hear from me soon again if nothing happens. I hope you will write soon. This from your son, — J. E. Anderson
Letter 28
Camp Parole, Annapolis, Maryland
November 16th 1862
My dear Parents,
You cannot expect me to fill this great sheet of paper, can you? It almost frightens me the thought of it. But fill it or no, I will try. So here goes.
It is Sabbath day today but one would hardly think it to hear the noise here in camp. I can hear men chopping wood, driving nails, and see them gambling, fighting and selling articles of every description of merchandise. Whiskey—the principle article—is the article most called for and as I do no gamble, fight or drink, I stand back a silent spectator of these scenes and wonder when man, that most wonderful work of nature knowing as he does the evil of his ways, and the utter misery, destitution, and want, which is sure to follow such a course—knowing all this, why does he rush madly on? I think among the 10 or 12 thousand here, you could hardly find five hundred temperate men or to which some vice or other could not be attached. I tremble when I think of the evil consequences which the young and inexperienced are sure to be surrounded with here, and at home when the war is over. The evil which they have imbibed they will carry to their homes and nothing but the power of God & an extra effort on the part of God’s people can stay the hand of the evil one. But let us hope that it will not be so bad as I have pictured. I will try and live so before them that some may be influenced to go not after their worst enemy but shun the evil and hold fast that which is good.
I have written more about the camp that I calculated to when I commenced this but you know one can write about what he or she is doing or seeing better than he or she can what they hear. I hear from the army everyday as we have the daily papers to read. I know not what to think of the recent removement of McClellan but I am afraid our government will be calling for another six hundred thousand men before another year this time to be sure. I hope not, but something tells me that Burnside is not the man to lead the troops that have become so attached to McClellan, Perhaps our officers will be willing to be lead by Burnside but if they are not, you may expect to hear of another defeat such as Pope experienced.
I heard my regiment today. The regiment is doing picket duty near Shephardstown, Maryland. I hear nothing from our Oakdale Boys. I intend to write to some of them soon if I do not see them. The papers talk that we are all exchanged but it is not quite likely I think. Still it may be true. We shall know soon.
Enclosed in this you will find 20 dollars. You can use it or put it in the bank as you proposed to do with the other money I sent you. If you want wood for winter, or Mother may want a good winter dress, or Father a warm suit of clothes—fact, it there is anything you want, buy it with the money and I shall feel satisfied with the investment. I hope this may find you enjoying good health. When you write me again, let me know O. D. Ford’s address as I wish to write him. Give my love to all enquiring friends and accept this from you boy, — J. E. Anderson
P. S. I will send you one dollar in this. Send me postage stamps in exchange for(don’t send me any that have been used as change) one dozen at a time. — Emerson
Letter 29
Camp Parole, Annapolis, Maryland
November 26th 1862
Dear Parents,
One week ago yesterday I sent you by Express 21 dollars ample time to receive a letter from you stating if you received the remittance or not, and I hear nothing from you. I feel anxious to know whether the fault is the Express not forwarding the package, or in the mail. I want you should answer this as soon as you receive it. In the meantime, if I should receive a letter from you, answer it immediately. (in haste) — From Emerson
Letter 30
Camp Parole, Annapolis, Maryland
November 27th 1862
Dear Parents,
Your long and interesting letter was gladly received by me this evening for I wrote you a few lines on the 26th that were all impatience to hear from the remittance I sent you fearing that all was not right. But I am happy to learn that my fears were groundless and it is with a thankful heart that I now take pen in hand to inform you of my perfect good health. I have passed a very pleasant Thanksgiving Day. I am quite comfortable situated now having a snug little house to live in. Some boys of my acquaintance built themselves a nice little house large enough to contain four, and as two of them were going home, they invited me to stay in their house while they were absent and take care of their things which I gladly consented to do. So I am in very comfortable quarters for the winter months providing we stay here so long which I am inclined to believe is our destiny for according to what I hear, our being exchanged is a humbug. I have had a good dinner today—one whole chicken with only my companion and myself to share it (by the way, my companion is a fine man about my own age) and we had a good plum pudding to top off with. We bought the materials for our Thanksgiving dinner and Ned (i.e. my companion) being a good cook, why the chicken was frigazied in good shape and the pudding was as goos as I ever eat (excepting Mother’s make of course).
I should like to write you a long letter tonight but the hour is late and I wish to drop this in the office so it will go out in the first train in the morning. So I guess I will close. The first reason I sent so much money home was that if you wanted anything for your comfort, you could have it, and the other reason is I wish to save all the money I can for it will come handy sometime if I should not want it myself. I suppose, Mother, you will answer my letter I wrote yesterday and so I will not ask you to answer this. I will write you again soon. I can get along first rate without any box so long as I stay in this camp. And now I must say goodnight. From Emerson
Letter 31
Camp Parole, Annapolis, Maryland
December 9, 1862
Dear Parents,
I thought a few lines from me would not come amiss. I am well and am doing duty for drilling without arms. I think we shall stay here this winter, There is no doubt now that we are exchanged.
I can think of no news that would interest you so you will have to put up with a short letter hardly worth reading perhaps you will say, but you must take the will for the deed and I will try and write more at another time. Till then, goodbye. From Emerson
Letter 32
Camp Parole, Annapolis, Maryland
December 14, 1862
Dear Parents,
I received your last letter last evening. Was very glad to hear from you and to hear that you were well. I did not expect to have another from you while in this camp for we had orders last Tuesday that we might expect to go to our regiments by Thursday. However, the order was countermanded and we are still here. And some think we are likely to stay till spring but I do not know what to think.
We continnue to drill, as usual. The weather is delightful—not a particle of snow visible, and the ground quite dry. I like this climate first rate, but when we do have a cold snap, we feel it.
I had already read in the papers of the death of Surgeon Hunt. The soldier that will murder a Surgeon now when they are needed so much by both armies must be a hard-hearted man, and I don’t think they would havedone it had they known he was a Surgeon.
We are hearing very good news from Burnside’s army now. I hope our day of reverses is over and that our army will push on, never to retreat till the last blow to treason shall be struck. You may continue to write or direct your letters to Camp Parole the same as now till you hear from me from some other quarters. If Father should see this letter, he would say it looked as though I wrote it with the claw of a hen. My pen is very course and weak in the back. I think of nothing more to write you now so will close. This from your son, — J. E. Anderson
Letter 33
Annapolis, Maryland
December 15, 1862
Dear Parents,
I thought a few incidents about our departure from Camp Parole would not be uninteresting to you although I wrote you a letter yesterday. I knew not when I wrote that letter that I should leave so soon. Orders came to our Battalion last evening about 9 o’clock to prepare to leave camp at 9 o’clock this morning. Accordingly we hurried our things on and are now on board of a steamer which lies at the Navy Yard. I have a fine view of the City of Annapolis as I sit here penning these lines. I wish the boat would start for I am anxious to get to my place of destination.
2 o’clock p.m. We are just now starting. We stop. When will we get under weigh? 4 o’clock, orders have just come to put on the steam—we move—we are off now, and as we move down the Chesapeake, we lose sight of the city where we have spent nearly six months of our lives. As I look back upon the fast receding city, I cannot help but look forward (vain endeavor)—I cannot see. Then I will try to be prepared for what is in my future, let it be good or let it be evil.
5 o’clock. The sun is setting in all its splendor, but as it goes down, we are reminded that it was made to give warmth to the earth as well as to give light, for the air is very keen and frosty. A cold night we must have and we are on deck.
Having filed up my sheet & finding that my name was lacking, I thought another sheet would go for the same price and concluded to scratch a few more lines. Well from all I can learn as regards our going from here, I should judge that we shall be in Boston on the 4th [of July]. I would like to come home and see you once more before going but shall not have an opportunity & I do not know whether I shall have an opportunity to get my picture taken or not. We are kept pretty close here for volunteers. Fact, we are about the same as prisoners. Yet there is none too much discipline as there is some pretty hard boys here. You know the laws are made for the hard ones & we have to suffer in a measure for their misconduct.
I have asked the West Boyleston Boys whether there was anything the Ladies could do for us and we conclude we had about as much as we should like to carry or about as much as we can carry in our knapsacks. I had the misfortune to lose my gold pen last night & the pen that Lizzie sent me comes very handy although it does not write like the gold one.
It is a very stormy day today—a regular Northeaster. We feel it more here being so near the coast. Well, I must close for this time. Will write again soon. My love to all those that enquirer & thank the kind friends that have remembered me. Aunt Johan sent me a cake by George. It was a nice one. This from your son, — J. E. Anderson
Letter 34
Camp of 2nd Regt. Mass. Volunteers
Near Fairfax, Virginia
December 25th 1862
Dear Parents,
I am at last with the regiment and am ready to share the hardships of a winter’s campaign with my brave comrades. I am in the mess with William Blunt and two others of my old messmates. The company is quite full. I see many new faces and look inn vain for the old ones. William wished me to say here that he is well and that he received a box from home and he would have wrote if he had had the stamp but you may tell Mrs. Blunt that I shall make him write oftener to her.
I will send you a memorandum of my journey from Annapolis to the regiment. We were sent hundreds of miles out of our way (by mistake). I write you just before leaving Annapolis and I presume there is an answer from you on the road for me. I cannot write you more now but will write you again soon. Give my love to Lizzie and as I owe her a letter, let her read this memorandum some day when she is over to our house and I will write her a long letter when I have an opportunity.
I have to write with a pencil and a poor one at that, but I guess you can make this out and you will not care if it does not look well, will you Mother? I would send my respects to all my friends, and you have a good share of my heart’s best affections, my dear parents. Write me soon and direct as you used to (to Washington D. C.) before I was taken prisoner. This from your son, — J. E. Anderson
Letter 35
Camp of the 2nd Regiment Mass.
Near Fairfax, [Virginia]
January 9th, 1863
Dear Parents,
I have got a little time and so I will write you a few lines just to let you know that I am well. Our regiment has got a little city of log houses built and we hope to stay here long enough to enjoy them. Fact, we rather suppose we shall stay here all winter. I am now writing on a table we built. Have just got as snug a little house as we could build. The house is 12feet long, 7 feet wide. Have got a good fire place built of brick, the cracks between the logs are plastered with clay, and we are just as warm and comfortable as we should be in a palace. There is only four of us to each house. My companions are strangers to you except William Blunt.
I have received your two last letters, and now I will give you a name for the bird. After thinking of every name that would be appropriate for a bird and at last I have pitched upon Lillie as suiting a female bird as well as any name I could think of. If you have a better [one], just use it instead of this.
I think of no more to write now so will close. William is well. I will write again soon. With much love, I am your son, — J. E. Anderson
P. S. I send a letter to Johnnie enclosed in this. Give it to him when he comes over to see you, and write me what he says and how he receives it. — Emerson
Letter 36
Camp of 2d Regt. Mass. Vols.
Near Stafford’s Court House, Virginia
January 25th 1863
Dear Parents,
You will see by the heading of this that we have been on the march again. Well we had one of the hardest marches I ever had anything to do with—32 miles in five days and only rations for three days. A rain storm came on soon after we left the Station and made the roads so bad we could not get here any sooner. I would write you more about it but cannot because it is parade time and I have got no candle to use this eve and I want to send this tonight. I have wrote Mary and send in this mail.
Our regiment is paid off today and I shall get nothing for I received my pay at Camp Parole. Father I hold the same rank in the company as when I was at home. You wrote me that you had ten dollars and would send it if I wanted it. you may send it now. I think you can send it by mail safe. Send it soon. I wrote you one week [ago] today. I will write you again soon.
This from your son. In haste, — J. E. Anderson
Letter 37
Camp of 2nd Mass. Regt.
Near Stafford Court House, Va.
February 6th, 1863
Dear Parents,
Yours of January Jan. 30th I received last evening—all correct. The change is just such as we have here. Silver and gold is hoarded up by speculators. I have not received yours which you speak of writing Tuesday evem nor Lizzie’s. The roads are so bad that our mail is delayed. It rains like everything now. We have had no fair weather to speak of since we left Fairfax. Snow, rain and mud is the order of the day now. We feel almost discouraged sometimes, but such weather will not last always.
I wish I could write you some good news about the war and the final success of our cause, but everything we learn here looks gloomy enough so I think I had better not write anything about the war but wait for better news.
I wish you would send me two bottles of cough syrup if Uncle Bigelow has got it. I have got a slight cold and that medicine is just the thing I want. I think you could send it by mail. You could pack the bottles in a paper box. I do not care so much about the cost. You may use the 5 dollars you have to send it. I would not pay the full amount of postage but stick on 4 or 5 stamps and if there is anything more to pay, I will pay it when I get it.
I have written this in a hurry for my hands are cold and I sit on the ground under one of these little shelter tents where I cannot straighten up so my position is not very comfortable. I thank you Mother for your long letter. Hope you will excuse this broken mess and I will try and write you a better letter soon. This from your son, — J. E. Anderson
Letter 38
Camp of the 2nd Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers
[Near Stafford Court House]
[February 1863?]
Dear Parents,
I have just received the box and a letter containing two dollars. The handkerchiefs and figs were quite an addition to the present. I think the figs are excellent. The cap cover I shall put on the first rainy day. My cold is better. Cough has almost left me but the syrup is just as good and I am glad I have got it. I wrote you a few days ago and requested you to send me a bottle of tincture rhubarb. If you have not sent it ere you receive this, you need not send it as I shall get along without it. The piece Father sent I had already seen.
Gen. McClellan is the lion of the day among a certain class, however I do not see why we cannot find someone in the army that is just as smart.
I received a letter from Abbie Hall a few days ago. Uncle Sidney feels the loss of Gro. to be great. The family are all well. I must draw to a close for we have to drill twice a day and it is almost time to fall in. Our regiment has received the mark of honor in Gen. Slocum’s Corps—it being the best in his corps. He has appointed it to be Provost Guard as long as we retain that position. We shall have to black our shoes and look neat. My officers thought me worthy of promotion and so I am appointed sergeant. My warrant dates from the 1st of January.
We are having a day or two of pleasant weather now. I must close. From your son, — Emerson
Letter 39
Camp of 2nd Mass. U. S. A.
Near Stafford Court House, Va.
March 26th 1863
Dear Parents,
I thought I would send you a few lines this morn as it is some time since I wrote you, though I have no news to write. My health is good. It is quite warm this morning. We shall soon be on the move now. I hope these few lines will find you in good health. We drill at 10 o’clock and it is now 9 so I must get ready love to all enquiring friends. This from your son, — J. E. Anderson
Letter 40
On the Rappahannock South Side
May 5th 1863
Dear Parents,
We have been in action. We had some hot work Sunday last. I have not time to write you particulars/ Sufficient to say that we have been successful so far and God helping us, we will conquer. William Blunt is safe. I can write no more now (in haste). From, — Emerson
P. S. William Prescott and James Prescott, Hide, and all the other West Boyleston Boys are safe. — Emerson
Letter 41
Camp near Kelly’s Ford, Virginia
August 8th 1863
Dear Parents,
The paymaster has just paid us 4 months pay in good greenbacks. I send you in this package four ten-dollar notes—$40. You may use some of it or all if you like. I cannot write you any news in this as I have no time to write today. Will write you a long letter soon. When you write me again, please send me a dozen stamps. I received Mother’s last letter. I wrote to Mr. Blunt yesterday.
I hope this package may get to you in safety and find Mother perfectly recovered. From Sergt. J. E. Anderson
Letter 42
New York [City]
August 23rd 1863
Dear Parents,
Here I am in New York [City], only a little distance from you and yet I have to use the pen. Well, I hope it will not be long before I have the privilege of coming home for good. Still, do not know what may happen.
You may want to know what we are here for. Some say to enforce the draft (if necessary) but I do not pretend to know. I suppose we shall stay here a spell. We are quartered in the Park Barracks at the City Hall. I cannot write more now. I wish you to send me ten dollars of the money I sent you last for I can spend it to good advantage here.
I sent a letter to Mr. Blunt. Also a package from Alexandria. I wish to know whether he received it or not. Write soon and direct to J. E. Anderson, 2nd Regt. Mass. Infantry, New York City, Care of Col. Cogswell
I must close now. Yours in haste. — Emerson
I gave you wrong directions and will now give it right.
J. E. Anderson
2nd Regt. Mass. Infantry
City Hall, Park Barracks
New York City
Why I am in so much haste is that I have got to go on duty. Love to you all from Emerson
Letter 43
City Hall Park Barracks
August 26th 1863
Dear Parents,
I have just received your last letter with ten dollar note. I did not expect to receive it so quick. I have not received the letters you spoke of. They were probably carried on to the front and will have to be brought back before we shall get them, or be kept until we go back. I will try and get my picture taken as you desire. Still I do not think it will be possible as we are closely guarded and are not allowed to go out without a pass, and then only for a short time to carry any musket out is out of the question. Tell Mr. Blunt that I know nothing about William’s knapsack & coat except it was taken off his back where he fell. 1
If you would have me receive another letter from you while here, write soon for I do not think we shall stay here long. The draft is going on quietly here. I can write no more now. This from Emerson
1 Sgt. William Harrison Blunt (1841-1863) served in Co. D, 2nd Massachusetts Infantry with Emerson. They were tent and mess mates, both from West Boyleston and both boot makers. One source claims that William was shot in the right side of his neck in the 3rd day’s fight at Gettysburg and died of his wounds. Another source (Medical & Surgical History of the War of the Rebellion) claims that he received a gunshot flesh wound in the left groin and sent to the 12th Corps Hospital where gangrene supervened. On 18 July, he hemorrhaged badly from the epigastric artery which could not be tied and he died.
Letter 44
Park Barracks, New York
August 28th 1863
Dear Parents,
Mr. Prescott & wife are here. Came yesterday and are intending to return tonight and I thought it would be a good opportunity to send you a letter. I wish you were well so that you could come and see me, but I suppose Father’s health would not permit it. Many of the boys’ folks are here to see them and more are coming every day. I understand that Gov. Andrew has asked the permission of the authorities at Washington to grant a furlough to whole regiments. If it is granted, we shall go to Boston and from there to our homes.
The draft was completed in this city last night. It only remains now to pick up the conscripts which take fifteen or twenty days. There is so much noise and confusion here that I cannot think of all I want to write (the noise is so different from what I generally hear) so my letters are short. However, if I get home, I can tell you all. I have not received those letters so I think we shall not get any mail from the front. It will be kept for us. I will close now hoping that these few lines may find you in a good degree of. I now sign myself yours, — Emerson
Letter 45
Kelly’s Ford, Virginia
September 15, 1863
Dear Parents,
I wrote you at Alexandria the day before we left. We had to march from Alexandria, a distance of 60 or 70 miles, When we arrived here, we got all our back mail. I received6 letters and yesterday received two more. Am intending to answer some of them if not all of them today, One of them was from George. Another from Abbie. Three from you, and the others from those you are not acquainted with.
You wished to know in one of yours if Houghton gave me things you sent. He did not. He was so long in getting to the regiment that the apples spoiled and he lost the “kerchief” with his knapsack. Yours of the 7th inst. I received. You may keep out the 5 dollars or more just as you see fit. I have perfect confidence in your ability to appropriate my savings with advantage to me, only do not go needy yourself but use any or all I send if you need. I do not think I shall need more at present. We should have got two months pay if we had got back sooner but I guess the paymaster is gone. I think we shall march soon.
You may direct your letters in the old way. The western friends are well. I must close now for it is drill time. This from your son, — Emerson
Letter 46
Elk River Run, Tennessee
October 18th 1863
Dear Parents,
I thought I would not wait longer for a letter from you but would answer one that I received some time ago dated September 28th. I don’t expect to get mail regular here as on the Potomac but I suppose you can hear from me regular if I cannot from you so I will continue to write. I sent you a letter from Alexandria stating that we expected to come out here. We had a long and tedious ride in the cars. It took us just one week to make the trip. The battle was over before we got here. Our Corps is guarding the railroad that carries supplies to Rosecrans’ army and our regiment is stationed at this place to guard a bridge over Elk River.
We are making preparations to go into winter quarters. It has rained continuously for a week. We have a rainy season here and then winter sets in. I do not get any war news now so it is hard work for me to write a letter.
I wrote Warren the other day and Abbie. If I was near home enough, I would have you send me a box. Adams Express reaches here. There is an office at the station and if I knew the Rebs would not tear up the track again, I would have you send a box right off. However, I guess I will wait a spell. I think of no more to write now so will close. Give my love to all enquiring friends and reserve a large share for yourselves and when you write, direct to:
Sergt, J. E. Anderson, Company D, 2nd Regt. Mass. Infantry, 1st Division, 3rd Brigade, 12th Army Corps. via Nashville, Tenn.
This from Emerson
Letter 47
Christiana, Tennessee
November 4, 1863
Dear Parents,
No. 1 I have by me received it two days ago. I also received one some time ago when on the march (by the way it is a good plan to number our letters if we keep the numbers ourselves so that we shall make no mistake). I have adopted this plan and this is my first number.
We are guarding the railroad and not at the front as you supposed. We have built winter quarters here and have been in them a few days but there is a regiment just come to the Depot to relieve us and so we must leave again (and where next is the question). The fact is we have had no peace nor rest since we came here but continually on the move with no purpose whatever. We do not belong to this army and so are shoved around from place to place. It rains two thirds of the time here and the citizens say it will continue till next June.
My health is good now. Have been feeling worn out. We have been over the Cumberland Mountains twice since we have been here and we are going in that direction again. It seems too bad to leave our little houses but we are soldiers and must obey. This letter may seem to you a blue one but there is cause for my feeling as I do. Our mail does not come regular nor can we get news readily.
I will not write more now as we are ordered to pack up for a march so goodbye. I should have sent you for a box if we had have stayed here but cannot now. If I did, there is a prospect that I would not receive it. This from yours &c. — Emerson
Letter 48
Elk River Bridge, Tennessee
December 17, 1863
My Dear Parents,
Nos. 3 & 4 came to hand in due time. Have also received the paper Father sent. We have no difficulty in getting our mail now. We still continue to guard the bridge and our knowledge of what is going on to the front is limited though I believe there is nothing going on. The prospect is that the army has gone into winter quarters, or is about to do so. There is much said about Veteran Volunteers and many of the old men of other regiments reenlisted. We have got an enlisting officer for our regiment but I think it is doubtful whether our regiment will reenlist or not. Certainly our boys will not enlist to serve under our present officers.
I got a letter from Abbie a few days ago. The folks were well. I think you asked me something about Windsor Newton in one of your letters and I have forgotten whether I wrote you anything concerning him in reply or not. But if not, I will now say that I have never heard anything about him. But my impression woul be that if his name did not appear among the list of killed or wounded, he would be found among the prisoners at Richmond. But perhaps his folks have heard ere this his whereabouts.
We had one of the hardest thunder showers last night and the wind blew cold from the southwest this morning. We do not get any snow here but a great deal amount of rain. The citizens tell us this kind of weather lasts till spring. The top of the ground will freeze in the night and thaw next day.
I am glad you are having an awakening of the Spirit. Hope many souls may taste of the bread of life. I must close now. will try and write better next time. Father will send a Journal once in a while and you may send 2 or 3 stamps every time you write which favors I will try and remember. You need not send paper and envelope as I have a sufficient quantity. This from yours, &c. — J. E. Anderson
Letter 49
Cassville, Georgia
May 22, 1864
Dear Parents
Having an opportunity to send you a line by William Prescott, I thought I would improve the opportunity. I will not attempt to write all about our last campaign for William will tell you all about it. Suffice it that tomorrow we go on another tramp in fighting order with rations for twenty days. Do not think I shall have an opportunity to send any letters and so shall not write at present. I hope though my former correspondents will not wait for me to write but send a letter now and then for we have a mail once in a while and it is very pleasant to receive a letter when the mail is so irregular, and when we are so far from home and so hard at work. So just tell my friends to drop me a line occasionally whether they receive any letters from me or not.
Direct to 2nd Brigade, 20th Army Corps instead of 12th as heretofore. I will not write any more now for we have an inspection in a few moments and I do not know how soon the boys will start and I wish to send a word to Grandmother by one of our boys who goes to Russell so I must close. Goodbye for the present. In haste. From Emerson
Letter 50
In the field—Georgia
June 15, 1864
Dear Parents,
I know not as you will ever see this sheet or not for I should judge that our mail agents do not care much whether mail matter goes regular or not. About all that is thought of now by any of our officials is, “Who will be the next President?” I have not received any news from home or any letter from you since the 27th day of April—nearly two months—No. 4 so my memorandum says.
Well, I trust you are well as I am at present. And as far as fighting goes, we are getting along first rate. We still advance and some parts of our line are pretty close to Atlanta skirmishing, cannonading, and changing positions, is the order of the day. We cannot get much news from Grant but suppose we are being generally successful everywhere. “I do believe the decisive struggle is at hand, and that we shall not have to wait long before the glad tidings of peace shall sound through the length and breadth of our land.” Pray for our success for the mighty hand of God is our trust, our strength, our everything. We have the right.
I can write no more at present and perhaps this is more than you will ever read. From Emerson
1st Division, 2nd Brigade, 20th Army Corps, commanded by Gen. Hooker
Letter 51
In the Field near Marietta, Georgia
June 27th 1864
Dear Parents,
I received that bundle and the letter in due time and you may rest assured that I was very glad to hear from you. Our facilities for getting information from the North is very slim but we have a mail now and then. How eager the boys look for a letter and if disappointed, how cooly they take it.
It has been very hot here for a number of days. The thermometer 190 [109] in the shade—pretty warm for military operations but still we have to keep to work. There is, and has been for a number of days, skirmishing and fighting at different parts of the line. Our Division has been in a number of times. Our regiment has not suffered much. We are expecting to have a general engagement every day but the Rebs are in too strong positions to drive them out by assault and they get the worst of it when they attack us on fair ground.
But I have not time to write you more of our operations now. I would like to know what regiment George Kingsman belongs to. Perhaps I should see the regiment some time and might see him. Your sentiment, Mother, about the sacrifice being great enough wsa proper enough and is in accordance with our feelings, but it seems the end is not yet. I have faith to believe we shall soon see it through. It will be an awful struggle though, but liberty shall triumph.
You may send me another picture or send them as you spoke of in yours. This from your son, — Emerson
Letter 52
Near Atlanta, Georgia
August 22, 1864
Dear Parents
I am in receipt of your two last letters and now will try and answer one of them. I am glad you do not wait for me to write and think your expressing so much confidence in our willingness to write every opportunity I can get goes to show that I am not forgotten, and also to show that you believe me to have that love for parents which it is a child’s duty, as well as privilege, to manifest in some way or other. And now I am far away from you and can only think of you, and write occasionally. Yes, one thing more better than all else, it is the silent prayer of the heart, that God may add blessings in abundance upon the “Old folks at home” and that death, when it comes, may have no pangs. But that life may pass like the smooth flowing river out into the broad ocean of eternal joys. Sometimes too I would feel that I would like to sit by Mother and Father in that quiet little room away from the noise and confusion here. “Well, the time may not be very distant when I shall have the privilege if living.”
We have not captured Atlanta yet as you will see by the heading of this and our Corps is just in the same position as when last I wrote. The only change is that we have lost our Gen. Hooker, he having resigned on the account of differences between Gen. Sherman and himself. Our Corps is commanded now by our Division Gen. Williams. I suppose I cannot enlighten you much as regards the situations of the various armies. You have a more extensive knowledge of what is going on than I. But as far as my knowledge goes, I am daily convinced that we are slowly but surely tightening our chain of armies around the enemy, making it harder every day for him to hurl us back, each charge being but another slaughter to add to the list of the casualties already noticed. They cannot drive us back and this is their only hope. Let us wait patiently for the election and I assure you it will bring peace sooner than to take Atlanta and Petersburg both by an assault.
I will not try to write a long letter this time as it is nearly night and the mail goes out soon. In the same mail with this, I send a long letter to Grandparents in Russell. I did not ask Grandmother to write me for it is so hard work for her to write and I can hear from you how she gets along.
We have not been paid off yet though the papers keep talking about it. How does the people talk as regards the paper currency (or greebacks). I suppose there is some parts of the country where they will not pass readily at par—that is, where specie is mostly used.
You may send me a half dozen stamps in your next if you have them to spare. Kindly remember me to all enquiring friends and believe me to be ever rejoiced to know that you are well off in worldly things as well as in spiritual. I think you will like this way of my writing as it will be easier for you to read. When you write, say if it is not so. This from Emerson
P. S. I do not care about anymore of my photographs. — Emerson
Letter 53
Atlanta, Georgia
September 15, 1864
Dear Parents,
Yours of the 3rd came to hand in due time. As I am not on duty today, I thought I would just drop you a line so you would know that I am well.
The railroad in our rear has been cut and consequently there was no mail from north of Chattanooga for a week or more so your two last letters came about the same time. Before I was aware of the road being cut, I wrote George & Lizzie. As I have had no answer, I expect those letters were delayed and perhaps lost.
I have read Sherman’s letter and with you, Father, I think he has the right of the subject. We want good men—men that care something how this war is settled. Now this regiment is filled up with a rough class of men. I think I have never written you about our recruits. The reason I have not mentioned it before is that I supposed you would notice in the papers the advertisements of our recruiting officers. Well, we have had enlisted for us the last summer from 5 to 7 hundred and there is not 50—no, I do not think there was 25 of them Massachusetts men. Most of them are New York City bounty jumpers, procured by brokers for the quota’s of the different wards of Boston. A large majority of these men know as much about the Army of the Potomac as I do. They are men who have deserted from that army and come here to get the large bounty knowing that they will not be detected so far away. Many of them are veterans who went home last winter and did not return. What are such men good for? I say we have had enlisted for us from 5 to 7 hundred of such and how man men do you suppose we have got? The way they come to the regiment was in squads as fast as recruited. They were sent to Gallops Island in Boston Harbor and when they got a hundred or more, they would be started for the regiment. The first squad numbered over a hundred and when they arrived to the regiment, there was only 30 of them. The rest had jumped from the cars and boat, gone to get another bounty. The next squad started from Boston 170 or more and only about 70 goot the regiment. The next squad was over one hundred started and only two got through, and so they have been coming in about the same ratio until we have got the last squad and about one half of that got here have deserted since coming so our regiment has been not much benefitted by the recruiting. O! what a shame. The braves who in 1861 and ’62 volunteered to fight for the benefit of all (many of them have fallen) and how have they been supported? Shall I tell you that the true soldier hates Massachusetts for her duplicity and endeavors in trying by trick to fill up her quota with vile trash that are no help yo us but rather a moth to eat out the life of the government—viz: the treasury and its patience. Were all the states alike in this thing, we could say nothing, but it is not so, and I hope Sherman’s letter will come home to the Massachusetts government with effect for they most need the lesson.
Well, I have written quite a long letter and now I must come to a close. We are a going to remain here some time or expect to. I have to go on duty pretty often. The chaplains have opened a church close by and have preaching every evening. When I am not on duty, I go in adn I think if nothing interrupts, there will be an awakening and there will be souls coming to Jesus. Pray for us. I must close now. You need not get any more photographs. If Jane L____d thinks so much of my face, I am glad you let her have one, and if she leaves hers, you may preserve it and thank her from me. If she has not returned home, you may tell her that I remember her with much pleasure and thank her for her kind regards.
There is going to be furlough granted to one man in our company for a term of 20 days from Nashville. This is Gen. Sherman’s orders. Presume you have seen or will see the order. Ten men from a regiment at a time. I do not think it will pay so I guess I will not try to go. I did not think of writing more than a page so I took this torn sheet. I hope you are in good health and will be so when this reaches you. Please give my love to all enquiring friends and save a large [share] of my love for your own dear selves. And believe me thy unworthy son, — Emerson
Spared & Shared 23 