Category Archives: CSS Virginia

38th Virginia Infantry, CSS Virginia

1861-62: Samuel Allen Swanson to Mary Henrie Swanson

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I could not find an image of Samuel, but here is one of 2nd Lieutenant James W. Millner of Co. K, 38th Virginia Infantry who was wounded on July 1, 1862, at Malvern Hill, Virginia, and on April 1, 1865, at Five Forks, Virginia, and imprisoned on April 3, 1865, at Fairgrounds Hospital, Petersburg, Virginia; knife he carries may have been manufactured by Boyle & Gamble or Burger & Burger of Richmond, Virginia. (LOC)

The following letters were written by Samuel Allen Swanson (1838-1862), the son of John Swanson (1802-1882) and Julie B. Cook (1802-1868) of Swansonville, Pittsylvania county, Virginia. Samuel enlisted in Co. D (“Whitmell Guards”) 38th Virginia Infantry, in June 1861 and he was elected 2nd Lieutenant. He was killed in the Battle of Seven Pines near Richmond on 31 May 1862. A comrade in Co. D wrote the following lines in honor of the fallen lieutenant.

“Here in the firm embrace of death
Young Swanson calmly, sweetly sleeps—
The soul its earthly home has left,
Forever flown from mangled heaps.
Farewell! you’re gone, but not forever;
In Heaven Death’s hand cannot us sever—
In that bright home we’ll live together,
Where love nor friendship does.”

Samuel wrote these letters to his younger sister, Mary Henrie Swanson (1843-1904).

Letter 1

Addressed to Miss Molly Henry Swanson, Swansonville P. O., Pittsylvania county, Va.

Camp Edmonds near Centre[ville]
October 5th [1861]

Sweet Sister Mollie,

It is with unfeigned pleasure I assure you that I acknowledged the reception of your highly interest[ing] letter of the 28th ult. which came to hand a few days ago and to which I hasten to reply. I am surprised to hear that you do not get any letters from me as I have written punctually once and often twice a week to some of you, and had commenced grumbling considerably myself because I did not receive any letters from home. But I suppose that it was owing to Capt. Hall’s being here and you heard from me through his letters. You doubtless have received the letters which I sent by him. I also wrote to you and Bettie the 2nd of this month. I have received no answer to the letter I sent Frank by Jim Tarpley. Did he get it or not? And if he did, why does he not answer it?

I did not get the shoes he sent by Jack Day so I cannot tell whether they fitted or not. Jack lost his knapsack on the way. The things I wrote to bro. Cook for had better be sent by Oliver as I do not suppose Col. Edmonds will get them. You can also send me a thick bed quilt, but I reckon you had better [wait] until we get into winter quarters before you send it. Tell Oliver not to forget that book I told him to get in Richmond as he came back—William’s Principles of Medicine. Tell Miss Pat not to wait too long before she sends some papers. My love to her and sister. I received a very nice box from cousin Bet Milliner and cousin Pat last week. How strange does such liberality appear when contrasted with the selfishness of some other relations of ours.

I suppose captain has told you all where are encamped. We have not moved since he left although we are daily looking for orders to leave. There has nothin new occurred since I last wrote down this way.—everything being very quiet down this way. Men generally seem in very fine spirits owing to our recent victories in Missouri and western Virginia. I am in very good health now—better than when the captain left as I had a very bad cold then.

When you write, give me all the news. Love to all and tell them to write. Write soon yourself to your affectionate bro., — Sam

Letter 2

Camp Edmonds, Va.
October 27, 1861

Miss Mollie C. Swanson, fondly loved sister,

Your long looked for and highly interesting letter of the 5th inst. has been received and to which I hasten to respond, impelled alike by the selfish desire of again hearing from you, and in compliance with the promise I made you all just before leaving. All things you sent by Mr. Pritchett came safely to hand. The gloves are very nice indeed but they seem to have been knit for the left hand while both for the right have suited me better. The pants are very nice also but I would of prefered a grey or dark color as a very light color does not suit very well. Why is it that you all have quit writing to me? I do not receive a letter once a fortnight. You all must write oftener. Why does not cousin Sallie answer my letter? She has not concluded to drop me so unceremoniously from her list of correspondents, has she?

You have no doubt ere this received accurate accounts of the brilliant engagement that took place down here a few days ago. It has spoiled our prospects of a general engagement as McClellan will scarcely dare to make an attempt to take Centreville after having met with so disastrous a defeat at the outset of his campaign. Should he come, however, he will meet with a hearty reception as the troops seem anxious for a fight.

I had the pleasure of again seeing Gen. Johnston, Beauregard, Longstreet, and others the other day. I have been on picket since I last wrote. We had a very rough time of it as it was raining about twenty-four hours of the time but I do not think it has made any of us sick.

Tell Oliver he must be sure and get those books I told him about, namely Williams’ Principles of Physics and Hardee’s Tactics. If he cannot get Hardee’s, tell him to get the Volunteers Manual and Drill Book. Tell him to be sure to get them if he can as I am about to die of ennui. Tell Miss Pattie that she must write soon or I will conclude that she is tired of corresponding with an absent friend. Write soon, cery soon, to your affectionate brother, — Sam’l A. Swanson

Letter 3

At camp on the road near Orange Court House
March 19, 1862

Ever fondly loved sister,

Your highly prized missive of the 8th instant was received last Sunday while at camp near Culpeper Court House and I would have replied immediately but we were preparing to march when the mail came and this is the first opportunity I have had to answer since its reception. I wrote to Mother while at Culpeper and gave her all the news. I also said in that letter that I had not volunteered yet and did not intend doing so. The reason why I said so was that it was said at the time I wrote by some that Gen. Smith would not allow Badgett to organize his company. Since then I have learned that it was not so. I will, therefore, join him, if he is allowed to organize his company. He has members enough to organize and if not interfered with, will be able to get a very good company. I would join if I were in brother Cook’s place as I am confident that he will not be able to stand the hardships of a camp life. But will let you know in a few weeks what becomes of Buck’s company.

We have been on the road 11 days and have halted here for a few days to watch the movements of the enemy, I suppose, as it is generally believed that we are going on to Gordonsville. I will let you know by next mail whether we are going to remain here or not. If Mother directed her letter to Culpeper as I told her, I will hardly get it.

There has been a naval engagement in Hampton Roads since I last wrote in which the Confederates gained a brilliant victory, sinking and burning three of the enemy’s ships without suffering any loss. The [CSS] Virginia battering ram was the Confederate ship engaged. The name of the Federal steamers were Minnesota, Congress, and the [Cumberland], I think. It is also reported that we had a fight in Missouri and Price has been again victorious, having gained a brilliant [victory] and took 12,000 Yankees prisoners. But it is said that the gallant McCulloch fell in the battle as well as McIntosh. I do [not] place much confidence in the report although it is said it has been confirmed.

You all no doubt were surprised when you heard of the evacuation of Manassas. It fell like a thunder bolt on the troops and numerous were the conjectures which were offered but none of them are satisfactory. I suppose it is done merely to concentrate the troops as there is no doubt but what Manassas could have been held against all odds that could have been brought against it. Some say the Yankees are pursuing us but I do not believe it. You can hear all the news very near or as soon as I do.

I will close. If we remain here, I will write again next mail. If we fall back to Gordonsville, I will write also. It is only ten miles from here to Gordonsville. With much love. Your brother, — Sam A. Swanson

I open this to put in the other slip in. Write soon. Tell Brother Cook not to enlist as he will not be able to stand the service. He had better stay at home anyway, I think, under the present circumstances and especially under his. With much love. Your brother, Sam. A,. Swanson

Battle of Fort Donelson, CSS Virginia, New York Homefront, Risque Pictures, USS Monitor

1862: John Sterling Bird to friend “Herb”

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The following letter was written by John Sterling Bird (1836-1900), the son of David Bird (1804-1863) and Eunice A. Phelps (1805-1882) of Winchester, Litchfield county, Connecticut. He wrote the letter while attending the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1862. He was still identified as being a member of the “medical class” in the session of 1863-64. It appears that he practiced medicine in Dutchess county, New York, in the 1870s and 1880s. He was married to Alice Emma Jones (1854-19180 in the early 1870s.

Bird wrote the letter to his friend “Herb” who remains otherwise unidentified but probably a childhood friend from Litchfield. We learn that Herb was serving in the Union army but his regiment is unknown. Herb may have been serving in an Indiana regiment such as the 14th, 19th, or 27th as he adds the statement, “If the Indiana men in Virginia do as well as in Tennessee, I think they will have their reputation made.” This comment makes little sense otherwise.

Bird’s letter refers to the recent Union victories in Tennessee and in North Carolina but also mentions the latest news from Hampton Roads announcing the destruction of two Union wooden-hulled ships (USS Congress and USS Cumberland) by the ironclad CSS Virginia (Merrimack) on 8 March 1862. On the very day that Bird wrote this letter—the 9th of March—the ironclad USS Monitor would duel with the CSS Virginia for three hours, neither vessel able to inflict any significant damage on the other.

The College of Physicians & Surgeons at the corner of 23rd Street and 4th Avenue in NYC

Transcription

New York City
March 9th 1862

Friend “Herb,”

I received yours of Jan. in due time for which please accept my most hearty thanks. But perhaps you say that I had better have answered it at once, if I was so mighty thankful. Well, I suppose I had, but please recollect that civilians have to keep busy, as well as soldiers.

Just because few of these ‘risque” images survive today doesn’t mean they didn’t exist. Many were probably discarded into campfires along with playing cards as soldiers prepared to march into battle.

It seems that “sweethearts” are so scarce down your way that you are obliged to make the most of such pictures as you sent me in your letter. Well, in want of the genuine article, I suppose that you will be justified in exercising your imagination to a certain extent. But I should suppose that you might convert some of those Virginia misses from the error of their ways and in doing so, make love to them at the same time. Suppose you try the experiment. You know that a handsome young man like yourself—in uniform—can accomplish wonders with the fair sex.

Unless I should forget it, I will give you an article of news which I have at once. Leroy Wetmore is married to Fred Hills’s daughter (Lucy, I believe) of Torrington—first cousins I believe. Think they must have been rather hard up, don’t you? 1

So you see that most all our old friends have got into the entanglements of matrimony. If they are satisfied, I am. When you and I get ready, when you have immortalized your name by killing people, and I by curing them, then perhaps we’ll try it.

Since I wrote you last, there has been stirring times among the national armies. Victory upon victory has been achieved. You cannot have sent terror to rebel hearts, and joy unbounded to all loyal northern homes. I can’t believe that you can conceive of the thrill of joy which shot like lightning through all the North at the news of Henry, Donelson, and Roanoke. People fairly cried for joy. Army operations seem to be progressing well at this time and if this is kept up, something will be accomplished. But it is not to be all smooth sailing yet for as I write there is an extra out with news from Fortress Monroe that the Rebels have destroyed some of our ships and are shelling our camp at Newport News.

I suppose that you are in Virginia now and whether you will get this, I know not. I expect to stay in the city for some time yet. I don’t see as I can write much more this time. Keep you courage up. If the Indiana men in Virginia so as well as in Tennessee, I think they will have their reputation made.

Now answer this as soon as you can directing to College of Physicians and Surgeons, 23rd Street and 4th Avenue, New York.

This from your friend, — J. S. Bird

1 Leroy Whiting Wetmore (1836-1872), the son of Abel Samuel Wetmore (1802-1879) and Lucy Amira Hills (1810-1881), was married on 12 February 1862 at Torrington, Litchfield county, CT, to Lucy Ann Hills (1841-1871).

2nd Georgia Infantry Battalion, Battle of Shiloh, CSS Virginia

1862: Howard McCutchan to James Buchanan McCutchan

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Howard’s brother, James B. McCutchan of the 5th Virginia Infantry (Find-A-Grave)

The following letter was written by Howard McCutchan (1837-1864), the son of Addison, McCutchan (1805-1880) and Ann Kirkpatrick Buchanan (1811-1880) of Augusta county, Virginia, who enlisted as a private in mid-April 1861 in Co. D (the “Spalding Greys”), 2nd Georgia Infantry Battalion. He was soon elected 2nd Lieutenant of his company and was eventually promoted to 1st Lieutenant. He was apparently made an offer to reenlist that he couldn’t refuse for he was still with the regiment at Gettysburg where he was wounded in the second day’s action near the Codori House. A year later, at Staunton, he died of disease. His gravestone in Shemariah Church Cemetery in Middlebrook, Augusta County, Virginia, bears the inscription, “Died in defence of Southern rights, July 29, 1864, 28 years, 9 months, 22 days.”

Howard wrote the letter to his brother but does not identify him by name. It was most likely addressed to James Buchanan McCutchan (1839-1920) who was closest in age to Howard among the McCutchan children. James served as a sergeant in Co. D, 5th Virginia Infantry during the war.

Transcription

Camp Mason, Goldsboro, N. C.
April 12th, 1862

Dear Brother,

I suppose this will be the last letter I will write home before I get back to  Georgia. We expect to deliver up our muskets & cartridge boxes &c. tomorrow morning. We will start for Georgia on Monday evening at three o’clock if nothing happens to prevent and I don’t suppose they will be able to fix up a fight before that time. There is nothing at all said about an engagement at this place now. Three new regiments from Georgia have come in this week. Major Hardeman is colonel of one of them—the 45th, and Capt. [Robert A.] Smith (one  of our captains) is colonel of the 44th. Colonel Hardeman’s regiment arrived on Wednesday evening. He took us to town yesterday evening to drill us once more before we were disbanded.  The Major General [Theophilus] Holmes tried again to get us to re-enlist but our boys would not listen to  him. He is trying to get some of us to stay and drill his new regiments. Five or six of us sent up our names and asked him what pay he would give and what chance there was for promotion. If he makes a good offer, I will stay here & not, so to Georgia.

I suppose you have heard all about the great fight at Corinth.1 The last reports say General Buell of the Feds is killed and about 5,000 of them captured. We have not heard the particulars yet but will perhaps hear by this evening’s mail. It is said the Virginia 2 went out a few days since & captured 3 boats and schooners without firing a gun.

We have had bad weather this week and it has made a good many of our boys sick. I have been taking salts all week in broken doses to clean my blood. I have had boils coming out on my face and they have been very painful. They are well now but they have left very ugly scars. I am very sorry of it for I expected to court a Georgia lassie while at home. I intend either to marry or make acquaintance & marry before the war is over. I will try to write later a few lines in case there is any news this evening.

Sunday morning. Nothing new this morning. I was looking for a letter by yesterday evening’s mail but did not get any. There  was a report in camp last night stating that the Yankees were advancing on Kinston with 30,000 men and that the general had telegraphed to this place not to let a single man leave. It was only started I suppose to tease some of the boys who are very anxious to get home. Write soon. Direct to Griffin, Georgia. Remember me. Your affectionate brother — H. M.

1 Howard is referring to the Battle of Shiloh that took place on April 6-7, 1862.

2 The “Virginia” was the refurbished USS Merrimack turned into the ironclad CSS Virginia by the Confederates. Howard is referring to the following event: On April 11, the Confederate Navy sent Lieutenant Joseph Nicholson Barney, in command of the paddle side-wheeler CSS Jamestown, along with Virginia and five other ships in full view of the Union squadron, enticing them to fight. When it became clear that Union Navy ships were unwilling to fight, the CS Navy squadron moved in and captured three merchant ships, the brigs Marcus and Sabout and the schooner Catherine T. Dix. Their ensigns were then hoisted “Union-side down” to further taunt the Union Navy into a fight, as they were towed back to Norfolk, with the help of CSS Raleigh.