The following letter was written by Alice “Maria” (Lee) Warner (1843-1915), the daughter of Barton B. Lee (1811-1856) and Henrietta Lee Steele (1808-1869). Maria was married in October 1859 to Rev. Elmore Yocum Warner (1833-1886). She wrote the letter to her younger brother, David Henry Lee (1845-1912).

In her letter, Maria informs her brother of her travel in mid-February 1862 to visit her husband at Camp Dennison, Ohio, where he was serving as the Chaplain of the 3rd Ohio Cavalry. Her letter also describes the journey of the regiment from Camp Dennison to Camp Joe Holt near Jeffersonville, Indiana. She mentions a Zouave regiment drilling at Camp Dennison in February 1862 which may well have been the 54th Ohio Infantry. They wore Zouave uniforms that were identical to those of the 34th Ohio (Piatts Zouaves). They left for Paducah on 17 February 1862.

Transcription

Jeffersonville [Indiana]
February 13th 1862

Dear Brother David,

Three weeks ago today I left Monroeville for Camp Dennison. Found it very muddy but the quarters were comfortable & pleasant and I did not care to go about camp so I did not mind the mud. But the poor soldiers grumbled enough about it and I did not blame them for it was very unpleasant for them to drill. After drill they would come in completely covered with mud. Then they would have their horses & themselves to clean off (which was no pleasant task). Who could blame them for grumbling a little.

The regiment did itself great credit while at Camp Dennison. It was reviewed by Post Commander Wade and he pronounced it the finest regiment of cavalry in the state.

While at Camp Dennison, Elmore & I went down to Cincinnati and spent two days & one night. Rev. Mr. Weed from Monroeville was there visiting his parents (who reside there) and he was kind enough to go around with us and show us the city. We enjoyed it very much.

Sunday, the 9th, a dispatch came for the regiment to march for Louisville, Kentucky, Monday morn. The orders were peremptory—no delay granted. Most of the day was spent in packing & many stayed up all night in order to be ready.

Monday morning at eight o’clock all were in readiness to start. Went on horse as far as Cincinnati where they took the boat for Louisville. Myself and four ladies went with Mr. Warner on the cars. We started from Cincinnati about ten o’clock and arrived at Louisville at nine next morning but instead of landing at Louisville, we were sent across the river to Jacksonville [Jeffersonville], Indiana. Cavalry always encamp here. The camp is on Jessie D. Bright’s farm. His property is confiscated. There is a brick kiln on it and the soldiers use them for making furnaces and floors for their tents.

Yesterday the weather was mild and pleasant—warm enough to sit in our tents without fire. Today it is very cold & the ground is all [white] with snow. We have not heard from any of our friends since we have been here. Elmore has just gone to the office. I hope he will get letters. It is so cheering to hear from friends when separated from them. The regiment will probably not stay here more than two or three days longer. I can’t tell whether I shall go any farther or not. Elmore said this morning he wanted me to go as far as I could. I should like to see Todd. We may go right where he is. Jason says tell Dave that there was a battery of artillery & Zouave Regiment at Camp Dennison.

Well, I have written you a long letter which I hope you can read. I have to sit on the bed with my feet on a camp stool & write on my lap which is not a very good position for writing. Give our love to all of Bro. Wilson’s family. Also Br. N. Wilson. We would like to hear from them. Write to us soon and be a good boy. Be faithful & diligent in the discharge of your duties. Love & serve God, and remember that I always pray for you. Your affectionate sister, — Maria Warner