I could not find an image of Solomon but here is one of Adin Frank Spaulding who also served in Co. I, 99th Indiana Infantry (Jack Mord Collection)
Solomon A. Landes (1848-1911) enlisted in Co. I, 99th Indiana Infantry when he was 14 years old (he was born 20 April 1848) and served the entire war. His parents were Daniel Landes (18xx-1873) and Mary Jane Hobaugh (1828-1854) who had a farm near the Eel River in Miami county, a few miles north of Peru, Indiana. His muster records show him serving from 10 August 1862 until 5 June 1865. A 1910 record from the Home of Disabled Vol. Soldiers records his height as only 4′ 3″ tall which I find difficult to believe given the size rifle and weight of the traps he’d have to carry on a march, so this measurement may be an error.
Whatever his stature, it’s clear that Solomon was not shy in expressing his opinion about others. Cowards, Copperheads, Abolitions and Negroes bore the brunt of his wrath, as this letter clearly shows.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Addressed to Miss Josie Harp, Chili, Miami county, Indiana
Camp at Kings Bridge, Georgia December 28, 1864
Friend Josie,
I seat myself to write you a few lines to let you know that I am alive and well at the present time and hope when these few lines comes to hand that they may find you enjoying the same good health.
I will inform you that we had a very poor Christmas here. It was cold and wet and muddy and our regiment was camped eight miles from the Division at that time. The Division was camped at Ft. McAllister on the Big Ogeechee River.
I think we will have a good time a New Years for our Division has the chance to garrison Savannah this winter and we will move from where we are at this present time to Savannah. It was our Division that took Ft. McAllister and that is the reason that our Division got the chance to garrison Savannah. Josie, I think I will get a chance to send you my photograph.
Josie, I want you to tell Mollie that I send my love and best respects to her and all the rest of the girls that I am acquainted with in that neighborhood. Tell your father & mother that I send my best wishes to them.
Josie, when you write, I want you to tell me all of them homesick cowards that was drafted I want to see them brought out and help put down this Rebellion and when there is not enough men and I think that I am needed. I will reenlist as the rebs say that they have done. That is for forty years or during the war. That is what I will do. I hope that the draft will get some of them rank Copperheads and Big Abolitionists in the service for life for men that will stay at home and curse the soldiers that has come out to save this glorious and once happy Union should be made [to] face the mouth of a 64-pounder that was loaded with grape and canister. And those men that talk so much about the poor Nigger and how bad he is treated and wish him on an equality with a white man should be made to come in the service and then have to carry one on his back for six months. Then I think he would begin to be brought to his senses. I will tell you that the sight of them sickens me. I would not care one fig if they was all in purgatory just so that they was all taken from their masters.
You must excuse a short letter and bad writing. I will close by asking you to write soon. Direct your letters as follows. Co. I, 99th Indiana Vols. 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 15th Army Corps. No more. I still remain your friend until death, — Solomon A. Landes
The following diary was kept by Hiram Luther Sibley who summed up his own war-time experience in the following, brief abstract.
Lt. Hiram Luther Sibley, 1862
“I was a lieutenant in Co. B, 116th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. I resigned [my position in] the County Common Pleas clerk’s office in Meigs County, Ohio, to go into the service under the second call for 300,000 men in 1862. I was captured with part of General R. H. Milroy’s command, near Winchester, Va., on June 15th, 1863, by the advance (Ewell’s corps) of Lee’s army. On June 22nd I went to Libby. May 7, 1864, I went out, going to Danville, Virginia, about a week, and thence to Macon, Georgia, where I stayed till July 30th, when I was taken to Savannah. There I was kept till September 13th, when I was carried to Charleston, S. C., and put “under fire” (from our bombardment of the city) until October 5th, when I was taken to what came to be known as Camp Sorghum, about three miles from Columbia, S. C. There I stayed until December 9th, 1864, when, as one of the sick or wounded, I was taken back to Charleston and the next day (the 10th) was exchanged, being a prisoner eighteen months, lacking five days.”
Sibley was the son on Rev. Ezekiel Sibley (1814-1885) and Phebe Simons (1815-1896). He was married to Esther (“Ett”) Ann Ellis (1835-1916) in April 1858 in Meigs county, Ohio, and after the couple had one boy, Willie (b. 1860) at the time that Sibley entered the service.
Sibley’s 1864 pocket diary measures 6×3 inches
[Note: This diary is from the personal collection of Don Andrew and was transcribed and published on Spared & Shared by express consent.]
Transcription
Officers in Libby Prison
January 1864
[intro. been in captivity 7 months—Other claim that the prison authorities granted the privilege of burning candles until midnight. Normally pitch black after nine at night.]
Friday, January 1, 1864—In Libby Prison, Richmond, Va. Still blessed with health. I opened my eyes on the first morning of the New Year. Weather is fine, but cool, and the atmosphere delightfully pure. Am still reading “Kent.” Day generally passed off quietly for New Year’s Day. 1
1 Sibley writes that day passed off “quietly for New Years Day” and perhaps it did in contrast to the customary day-long celebrations in peace time. One source, however, claims that at midnight, after the sentry shouted, “Twelve o’clock! Post No. 1—all’s well!” a solitary voice began singing the Star Spangled Banner which was joined by others until the “the swelling strain” rose from “every room in the building.” [Libby Life, page 125]
Saturday, 2—Health good. Last night the coldest of the season. Did not sleep warm. Very cold with sharp wind during the day. Water pipes frozen and all the water brought up in pails. Some “rumors” on exchange but, although good, they are little relied on. Still hope for the best.
Sunday, 3—Weather more pleasant today. Wrote letter to my wife and to A. E. McL. Passed the day pleasantly as could be expected. Read (as my daily pass time is) a portion of scripture. Did not read any law, although I did some miscellaneous reading. Am in fine health.
Esther (“Ette”) Sibley
Monday, January 4, 1864—Pleasant weather. Signs of rain toward night. Got two letters—one from Ett; the other from Will. Some rumors on exchange. They gain but little credit. Had a sermon in our room this evening by one of the officers. City papers in bad spirits on the “prospect.” Health good.
Tuesday, 5—Weather “murky” with some sprinkling in the morning. Lots in the day. Became quite pleasant. But little news. Papers despondent and gloomy over the prospects of Confederacy. My health good. Continue reading law.
Wednesday, 6—Weather cool and a light fall of snow—the first of the season. Wrote letter to Will and to Ett. A list of names verified by calling it over and having each officer answer as called. Some hope [that] it indicates exchange. Fear they will be disappointed but wish, most earnestly, the contrary.
Thursday, January 7, 1864—Cold night and pleasant morning. Very cool, however, this evening. But little news today. [Gen.] Early is said to be in the Valley with 9,000 men—foraging, I think. Rebels are hard pressed for food as the adjutant of the prison says the guards have not had meat for four days! Health good. No [exchange] boat up yet.
Friday, 8—Night cold with a light snow. Day also cool but pleasant in the afternoon. Col. [Abel Delos] Streight 2 and Capt. [J. E. B.] Reed 3 released from their cells. They look thin and careworn. No rumors today! But little news and no boat. Extracts from Northern papers look unfavorable for exchange. Health good. Am reading law.
2 Col Abel Delos Streight (1828-1892) of the 51st Indiana Vols. commanded a cavalry raid (known as Streight’s Raid) in 1863 which was a failure. He was taken prisoner on 3 May 1863 at Cedar Bluff, Alabama, and taken to Libby Prison where he remained ten months. He was one of dozens of soldiers who escaped the prison on 9 February 1864 by passing through a tunnel that had been secretly dug below the prison and under the adjoining street.
3 Capt. J. E. B. Reed of the 51st Indiana Vols.
Saturday, 9—Cold night and pleasant day. Meetings called in each room to devise measures to prevent selling of U. S. Sanitary Commission goods at auction. A good deal of felling manifested. Generals John Morgan and A. P. Hill visited prison. Did not see them as they did not come in our room.
Sunday, January 10, 1864—Another cold night followed by a pleasant day. Papers say this is the coldest winter of many years. Read nine chapters in Isaiah and several Psalms. Also begun Capt. Szabad’s “Theory and Practice of War.” Harpers publisher. Rumored that Gen. Burnsides is in command at Fort Monroe.
Monday, 11—Warmer night and pleasanter day. Commenced 2nd Volume of “Phillips’ Evidence,” 4 for second reading today. Read 49 pages with my valued, highly esteemed, educated, and talented friend, Adj. B. F. Blair of 123rd OVI. I regard it as both a privilege and pleasure to study with such a friend.
4 The book Sibley was studying was “A Treatise on the Law of Evidence” by Samuel March Phillips. It was published in 1829. Sibley informs us that his studying partner was Lt. Benjamin F. Blair, the Adjutant of the 123rd OVI who was taken prisoner with his Colonel, William Tecumseh Wilson. In a letter dated 1 November 1863, Col. Wilson wrote his wife that About 1,000 of us are confined to seven rooms in which we cook, wash, eat, sleep, and do everything else, not being permitted to go outside the door for any purpose. The building is full of vermin and a portion of each day is devoted to skirmishing, as we call it, but which vulgar people would probably term “hunting lice.” We’re an interesting looking set of pets when this part of the daily labor is performed…Most of our time is spent in reading when matter can be had, playing cards, checkers, chess, fighting our battles over, and talking about the loved ones at home, that is, when not engaged in cooking or washing clothes. It is very monotonous, and as one of my companions frequently remarks, “a hard way of serving the Lord,” but the proud consciousness that we are suffering all this for our country enables us to bear it with comparative cheerfulness.” [See Dan Masters’ Civil War Chronicles, “A Hard Way of Serving the Lord.”
Tuesday, 12—Night still warmer and day more pleasant. Read 55 pages in Phillips. It is rumored that a fight is progressing at Wilmington, S. C. Some little snow yet on the ground and the canal is still frozen over though the river is cleared of ice.
Wednesday, January 13, 1864—Warm night and warm day. Promise of rain tonight. Read 70 pages of Phillips with my friend Blair. Rumored fight off Wilmington proved correct. Rebels lost another vessel. She was owned by Richmond. Rebel Major on parole here today. He has to return unexchanged.
Thursday, 14—Day warm and very like spring. Read 60 pages Phillips. Papers confess loss of another “Blockader.” Boat said to be up and I wrote a short letter to Ett. Rumors afloat about exchange. Am in fine health.
Friday, 15—A little colder today. Read 60 pages in Phillips. Boat did come up and also brought dispatches to the Rebel commissioner of exchange. He sent down to City Point. Seven months today since I was captured. Will it be as long before I am free? May God forbid!
Saturday, January 16, 1864—Cool morning and pleasant day. Boat load of boxes came up and a “monstor” mail is said to be on hand. This gladdens the hearts of all as it has been more than two weeks since we had any letters. Read 50 pages in Phillips. Exchange stock low; health good.
Sunday 17—Weather pleasant but cool—more like early spring than winter. Wrote a letter to “Ben” and Col. Wildes. Day passed off quietly. A rumor is afloat this evening favorable to an exchange. God knows I wish it may prove true!
Monday, 18—Weather warm, drizzly, disagreeable day. Bad for work, either of body or mind. I therefore rested; or more plainly, did nothing. Papers represent “Exchange Stock” as “gone up.” They are such notorious liars that I am half inclined to take them contra, or think stock good.
Tuesday, January 19, 1864—Weather cool, clear and windy. Papers say all the Sanitary Commission goods received per last boat are “confiscated.” Letters came once more this evening and I was so happy as to get two—one from home, one from W. City. Read 50 pages of Phillips.
Wednesday, 20—Weather pleasant but cool. Wrote letter to Ett and to Cons F. J. J. Also read 58 pages in Phillips completing 2nd Volume. Papers say boxes are not confiscated. Am glad to hear it. Got another letter from Ett of December 25th. Me well.
Thursday, 21—Morning warm and pleasant but evening cool. Wrote a “line” to Ett to be carried by Col. Powell, 2nd Virginia Cavalry, who goes North by first boat. Read 56 pages in 3rd Volume Phillips. Also McBeth. This is the fifth day since meat has been issued to us.
Friday, January 22, 1864—Morning cold and day very pleasant. Really like spring. Read 50 pages in Phillips and half of Hamlet. No meat today. Our only rations are half loaf of cornbread and a little rice. Am in good health and anxiously hoping for good news on exchanges.
Saturday, 23—Weather warm and spring-like. Read 50 pages Phillips and finished Hamlet. List of names of all the officers taken for the third or fourth time. Rumored that 400 of us go to Salisbury, North Carolina. Rebels moving troops on railroad.
Sunday, 24—Weather most delightful. As warm as a Northern April. Felt miserably bad all day. Read the “Sedges,” “Gleason’s Pictorial,” Burns, Shakespeare, Waverly Magazine, and the Bible. Day dragged heavily, however, and never felt a stronger desire to see the dear loved ones at home.
Monday, January 25, 1864—Again, most beautiful weather & little more breezy than yesterday. Read 45 pages of Phillips. Also a little more Shakespeare and a Tale or two. Do not feel quite as well as I did a few weeks back. Hope to keep along, however, till the good time does come.
Tuesday, 25—The finest sort of spring day if it had not been in the middle of winter. Read 53 pages Phillips besides some miscellaneous reading. Took a good gymnastic exercise in the evening along with Capt. Davis of 18th Connecticut. Have felt quite well today.
Wednesday 27—Day like yesterday. Capt. Sawyer son Ould today who says there is no prospect of exchange in consequence of refusal of government to parole the excess nigger as no bar and Butler would soon be disposed of if [ ] are paroled.
Thursday, January 28, 1864—Weather same as yesterday. Have “power of attorney” to Col. H. H. Powell, 2nd Va. Cavalry, to draw my pay from February 28th 1863 till January 31st 1864. He goes North tomorrow. Gave him note to Cons. J. W. City. Read 58 pages Phillips. Wrote letter to E. H. and to [ ]. Crossbars of wood taken out and iron bars put in our windows.
Friday 29. Weather still like spring. Did not read much owing to a chat with friend Blair which consumed most of my reading time. Major Bates and Capt. Porter escaped today. The former going by the guards in citizen’s dress and the latter in Confederate soldier’s clothes. 5
5 “Some officers in the Libby having, notwithstanding the vigilant eye of Major Turner and the fidelity of his guards, discovered some flaws in his precautions for the safe-keeping of his prisoners, arranged their plans accordingly—they were ready for the opportunity precisely at the critical moment when it was ready for them, and five in number, they coolly walked out of the prison one fine afternoon. The first flaw was this: that visitors, mostly citizens of Richmond, were permitted to enter the prison and to leave it without being challenged by the sentries. The next flaw was, that when the invalid officers attended “sick call,” every morning, they passed through the same door on their way to the doctor’s office, through which these visitors passed in and out unmolested. It was no difficult matter for them to attire themselves in citizen’s clothing, or like workmen, or Rebel soldiers, and to avail themselves of this door as a means of exit, not toward the doctor’s office, but up the nearest street into the city.” [Libby Life, pp. 139-140]
Saturday 30. Weather cooler with signs of rain. A good deal of excitement about escaping and three men gone! Rebs found it out, however, [ ] in the day and put [ ] out at once. Rumor that Maj. [Erastus Newton] Bates has been caught. Roll calls…[illegible]
Sunday, January 31, 1864—Weather a little cool with sprinkling in the morning. Roll call again by Major [Thomas P.] Turner, but it is said he found 40 too many! Maj. Bates, poor fellow, was retaken. He had gone 15 miles, was taken sick, went to a house and was there captured. He is in the cell sick. 6
6 Erastus Newton Bates (1828-1898) was a lawyer practicing in Centralia, Illinois, when he mustered into the 80th Illinois as Major. He was captured in May 1863 by Forrest’s cavalry and held in Libby Prison. He escaped briefly in January 1864 but was quickly recaptured. Illness prevented Bates from participating in the escape of 109 of his fellow officers from Libby on Feb. 9, and he was soon transferred to a prison in South Carolina. Released in Sept. 1864, Bates returned to his regiment as lieutenant colonel in Jan. 1865, and was mustered out in June with the rank of brevet brigadier general of volunteers.
Major Thomas P. Turner (left), former commandant of Libby Prison, sits with General Jubal A. Early in Havana, Cuba, in 1865
February 1864
Monday, February 1—Weather clear and warm. Read 70 pages in Phillips and began to read John Brent by [Theodore] Winthrop who was killed at Big Bethel early in the war. Order read by Maj. Turner limiting prisoners to one letter each per week to their friends.
Tuesday 2—Weather warmer and quite pleasant. Got two letters…[remainder illegible]
Wednesday, February 3, 1864—Finished John Brent—a book containing passages of great power and the most thrilling interest. [ ] Culp, one of the lately escaped prisoners was brought back today. He is the third one recaptured. The others are yet at large.
Thursday, 4—Weather clear, cold and pleasant. Read 42 pages Kent’s 1st Volume, 22 of 2nd Volume, and began The Life of Douglas Jerrold by his son [Blanchard Jerrold]. Papers say a boat is expected up today. Give “Peace Resolutions” to resolve the Negro exchange to Rebel Congress. Also Lincoln’s last call for 500, 000 men.
Friday, 5—Weather clear and pleasant. Read 42 pages [illegible]
Saturday, February 6, 1864—Cool. cloudy morning but rather pleasant mid-day with signs of rain in afternoon. Read 40 pages 1st, and 10 pages Kent’s 4th Vol. Also more of Jerrold. Maj. Sterling and Capt. Ives and Reed sent to Salisbury, North Carolina. Some letters were distributed today but I failed to get any to my great sorrow.
Sunday, 7—Weather cold and [ ]. Excitement in city [illegible]
Monday 8—[Illegible]
Tuesday, February 9, 1864—[illegible]
Escape from Libby Prison through a tunnel.
Diagram of the tunnel appearing in Col. Rose’s Story of the famous tunnel escape from Libby Prison.We see the tunnel length was approximately fifty feet.
Wednesday, 10—Weather clear and cold. One hundred and nine officers escaped last night by a tunnel from the prison under a street into a yard near. Only seven retaken this evening. As soon as roll was called, the escape was known and then another roll by name which occupied most of the day.
Thursday 11—Same kind of weather as yesterday. Twenty-two of escaped prisoners retaken and two killed up to date. Read 48 pages Kent’s 1st Vol. Am in fair health and spirits although chagrined that I knew nothing of the “escapade” until too late to take part.
Friday, February 12, 1864—Weather clear and rather warm toward evening. Read 42 pages Kent’s 1st, and 15 in 4th Vol. A few more of the escaped prisoners brought in and put with their recaptured comrades in the cells. Rumored that Meade is flanking Lee while force is gathering on Peninsula.
Saturday 13—Weather pleasant and warm. Read 43 pages Kent’s 1st and 14 of his 2nd Vol. Received two letters from Ett; one of 11. The other of 24 Jan. Forty of the escaped prisoners recaptured to date. Am in good health for such a life as this. Thanks to “Our Father.”
Sunday, 14—Weather pleasant and quite windy. Several more prisoners brought in today. Twenty released from their cells last evening and more tonight. Wrote a letter to Ett. Read no law today as it is contrary to “established rules” so to do.
Monday, February 15, 1864—Weather cool with slight fall of snow in the afternoon. Read 42 pages Kent’s 1st Vol. and 15 of 4th Vol. Prospects very gloomy as regards exchange. Have almost ceased to hope for it while the war lasts. Am in fair health.
Tuesday, February 16—Cool night and cold day. Snow melted however about the middle of the day. Read 40 pages Kent’s 1st Vol. and 15 of his 2nd Vol. Rebels claim in papers to have captured Gen. [Eliakim P.] Scammon and party on boat on the Great Kanawha. Feel decidedly “blue.” [See Capture of Gen. Scammon on the Ohio River, Feb. 2, 1864]
A sketch entitled “Paroled, a prison dream” appearing in the book, Libby Life.
Wednesday, February 17—Very cold night and day to correspond. Rebel guard patrolled the prison once an hour during the night. Evidently afraid of another tunnel. Read 44 pages Kent’s 1st Vol. Prospect of another cold night. Boat looked for.
Thursday, February 18, 1864—Weather very cold and quite windy. Read 40 pages Kent’s 1st Vol. and continued reading Kames’s Elements of Criticism.” Larger rations of bread with a few turnips and a little cabbage now issued. Brig. Gen. Scammon and staff arrived in Libby.
Friday 19—Cold morning but day more pleasant. Read 40 pages Kent’s and more of “The Elements.” Boat up this morning with 20 tons freight and news from North. Col. Streight and 17 others in our lines on 8th. Rebels evidently troubled about Mobile.
Saturday, 20—Weather warm and pleasant. Read 30 pages Kent’s and more of Kames’s Elements. Several surgeons ask to go North on boat now up. Sent note by one—Dr. Robinson. Rumors afloat about exchange. Do not rely on them.
Sunday, February 21, 1864—Very pleasant day. Air balmy as spring. Read considerably in the Bible—in Exodus. Boat that came up Thursday said to be still at City Point. Rumors of exchange rife. Wrote letter to Ett and to Milt.
Monday, 22—Morning cool but a pleasant day. Read 30 papers Kent which completes second reading of the first volume. Also more in Kames’s which, by the way, I like very much. Another boat said to be up though forst one not gone.
Lt. Col. John J. Polsley, 8th West Virginia played chess with Sibley in Libby Prison.
Tuesday, 23—Weather very pleasant. Added, if possible, to the [ ] one’s [ ] the “courts of freedom.” Read 40 pages, 2nd Vol. Kent and more after. Rebels claim to have captured 65 of the escapees, thus leaving 45 still at large.
Wednesday, February 24, 1864—Weather still like the finest spring. Read 40 pages, 2nd Vol. Kent. Also put out a washing of 1 pair drawers, two shirts, and 1 pair socks. Played chess evening with Lt. Col. [John J.] Polsley of 8th Virginia. Had word that L. Col. Powell had collected my pay, &c.
Thursday, 25—Pleasant, but not quite so warm. Read 40 pages Kent and more of Kames’s. Received a letter from Ben. Rumored in evening that a boat is up. Roll call about 11 o’clock last night. Rebels feared someone had escaped.
Major Alfred B. Wade, 73rd Indiana Vols.Released from Libby Prison by “special exchange” on 26 February 1864. (LOC)
Friday, 26. Weather cool and windy like a Northern March day. Read 42 pages Kent. Received several more letters—one from Father, two from wife, one from Flors, Ben, and Milt. They make my heart glad. Maj. [Alfred B.] Wade, 73rd Indiana Vols. went North today by special exchange. More to go soon. Boat up with ten tons freight.
Saturday, February 27, 1864—Weather very spring-like. Read but little as we ewre all confined in one room used as a kitchen, while all the other rooms were searched for arms. However, began Bulwer’s “Strange Story.” Col. N[ichols] received a box which adds materially to our comfort and well being.
Sunday, 28—Day unusually fine and warm. Finished the Strange Story which I regard as a powerfully written work. If I live, shall read more of Bulwer’s works hereafter. Was at prayer meeting in the evening. Forcibly carried back to similar meetings at home.
Monday, 29—Day warm, damp, and rainy. Willie’s birthday. God bless him. Col. N[ichols] got another box. It was a very good one from his wife. Was so interrupted by its arrival that I read but little law. Read some of Kames’s and finished Book of Exodus in the Bible.
March 1864
Tuesday, March 1, 1864—Day rainy and dismal. Papers give an account of large bodies on each flank of Lee, one of which had cut the Virginia Central Railroad. Read 40 pages of Kent and some of Kames’s.
Wednesday, 2—Day clear and cool.Union troops in vicinity of Richmond and great excitement prevailing in the city. The militia all out. Last night we went to bed prepared to stir at a moment’s warning in case our forces dashed in the city…
Thursday, 3—Weather very pleasant. Raiders said to be gone. From 50 to 150 prisoners brought in by rebs including several officers. Letters came today. I got one from Will. Read 40 pages Kent.
Friday, March 4, 1864—Late “raid” proves a failure as far as capturing Richmond is concerned. 7 Read 40 pages Kent and some of Kames’s. Heard by Col. Nichols that the prison is undermined and that we will be “blown to atoms” if we attempt to escape.
7 Sibley is referring to what has been called the Kilpatrick-Dahlgren Raid (February 28-March 3, 1864) which attempted to penetrate the light Rebel defenses around Richmond. It proved an utter failure due to weather delays and miscommunication between the separate forces and accomplished nothing but the minor destruction of railroad and buildings. One of the stated objectives of the raid was to release the Union prisoners at Libby Prison but the troopers never made it into the city. If anything, the raid worsened the relations between those responsible for brokering exchange of prisoners as papers found on Col. Ulric Dahgren’s corpse suggested that the raiders also intended to assassinate Pres. Jefferson Davis. Curiously, Sibley stops recording diary entries shorty after this raid for a period of time leaving us to wonder if he had lost all hope for securing his freedom once again.Years later, Sibley would write of the failed raid on Richmond, “The whole affair comes very vividly to my memory in going over the paper. Besides, the night following, we could at times hear the boom of cannon which told that the raiders were in the vicinity of Richmond, and if they got in, I with three others alone [Col. Nichols, General Neal Dow, and Gen. Eliakim P. Scammon] knew the facts which Dr. [W. A.] Smith gave Colonel Nichols expecting the springing of the mine. A more uneasy night I never yet have passed. [Source: Record of the 116th Ohio Infantry Volunteers, Thomas F. Wildes, page 130]
Saturday, 5—Weather clear and cool. Boat reported up with 80 men and 60 officers for exchange. Read 40 pages Kent. Raid entirely over and our forces away from the city. Dr. W. A. Smith—the man who said we will be blown up.
Sunday, 6 March 1864 through Tuesday, 3 May 1864—[no entries]
May 1864
Wednesday, 4—Read four letters from home—latest April 21st. All contained good news. Were most gladly received as they were the first for several weeks.
Friday, May 6, 1864—Rumored this evening that we are to go to Americus, Georgia, tomorrow. 8 Roused at 11 o’clock p.m. with orders to get ready for a march to Petersburg, Va. All confusion and bustle rest of day.
8 “Commonly known as Andersonville, the military prison facility was officially named Camp Sumter, in honor of the county in which it was located. Construction of the camp began in early 1864 after the decision had been made to relocate Union prisoners to a more secure location. This decision was made because of the battles taking place near Richmond, VA where many prisoners were being held, and as a way to procure a greater food supply. The first prisoners arrived at Camp Sumter in late February 1864. Over the course of the next few months approximately 400 prisoners arrived daily. By June 1864 over 26,000 prisoners were confined in a stockade designed to house 10,000. The largest number of prisoners held at one time was 33,000 in August 1864.” [Source: History of Andersonville Prison]
Saturday, 7—Left “Libby” forever, I hope. An hour after day[light], crossed river and took cars for Danville, Va. Here put into box cars like so many hogs, 50 to a car. Weather very hot and the confinement almost intolerable. Distance 140 miles. Two or three escaped from train.
Sunday, 8—Arrived at Danville a little before day. Here taken to two buildings and put 500 in each. Conveniences very few but rations better than at Richmond. Rumored news from Grant good. Same of Gen. Smith south of James River.
Monday, May 9, 1864—Weather very warm. News (by rumor) good so far as fighting is concerned. My health quite good. Rations better here than at Libby although we are more crowded and subject to many inconveniences. Wrote a letter home yesterday.
Tuesday, 10—Weather rather more pleasant than yesterday. Got “war news” from Richmond Enquirer of 9th. Think Grant will yet be victorious notwithstanding rebel “jubilations.” Rumors of our going to Georgia tomorrow.
Wednesday, 11—Still fine dry weather. News still seems good both north and south of Richmond. Received orders to be ready to move at 2 o’clock a.m. tomorrow. Destination not known, but suppose it to be Georgia. Heard shower late in evening.
Thursday, May 12, 1864—When called up as per notice, and, about 8:30 o’clock a.m., took cars for Greensboro, North Carolina. Found the road incomplete 25 miles from Danville which cost all a walk of 6 miles. Laid out on the wet ground till 12 M [noon] when took train and reached Greensboro at sunrise.
Friday, 13—Weather wet yesterday. Fair today. Passed through Salisbury, North Carolina, and saw rebel military prison there. reached Charlottesville, N. C., where we drew rations and changed cars. Left about 12 M after being several hours in the rain.
Saturday, 14—Weather fair again although night was rainy. Reached Columbia, S. C. today. Changed cars near there and proceeded, night being rather rainy. Country poorer and more sparsely settled than the section of N. C. which er passed through.
Sunday, May 15, 1864—Weather fair and quite warm. Reached Augusta, Georgia, toward night where we changed cars, with orders to remain until morning. Were guarded by “home guards” who treated us well. This is a very beautiful city with some 20,000 population—many Union.
Monday, 16—Weather quite warm. Left city about 9 o’clock a.m. in route for Macon or Americus, we know not which. Stopped about 10 miles out until 4 p.m. when we proceeded on our journey. Country swampy in places and evidently owned in large tracts.
Tuesday, 17—Reached Macon a little after sunrise. Here put into a new prisoners’ camp of about [ ] acres, without tents—no shelter if any kind. We numbered in all 801—a loss of 54 since we left Libby—mostly by escape. My health better than when left Libby though not very. 9
9 The lesser known Union officers’ prison established at Macon, Georgia, sometimes referred to as “Camp Oglethorpe,” was approximately 90 miles northeast of Andersonville. It was sited on the Bibb County fairground. It consisted of a tree-acre open field that would eventually be surrounded by a 12-foot high wooden fence. Any shelter for the prisoners would have to be constructed by the prisoners themselves with scrap lumber made available to them. Much of what is know of this prison comes from the letters of U. S. Army Chaplain Henry S. White, a recent captive who arrived at the camp a few days before Sibley in May 1864. He wrote of their arrival” “One day we saw a column of the roughest looking men pass us toward the stockade. They were the captives from Libby Prison, Richmond, Va. Toward night our company was turned into the stockade with them. A new class of suffering was before me. The men were old prisoners, and pale and haggard. They were ragged, and som partly naked. They were filthy, and covered with vermin. Prison life makes men hard, selfish and rough.” [Source: Ten Weeks in a Macon Prison, 1864: A New England Chaplain’s Account, The Georgia Historical Quarterly, Vol. 70, No. 4 (Winter 1986) pp. 669-702]
Wednesday, May 18, 1864—Weather quite warm. Camp becoming organized. Ten thousand ft. lumber given to make shelter and floor for 942 men! Most liberal Confeds. Day passed away without anything startling unless the rebel news that two brigades of Lee’s army had whipped Grant with 20,000 loss may be called so.
Thursday, 19—Weather warm and dry. Johnson still “falling back before Sherman. Rebels claim that Lee gained victory over Grant in Virginia in which we lost 47,000 men. They say our papers admit this. Don’t believe it!
Friday, 20—Weather warm and dry. Military [news] much as yesterday. Sherman is said to have come after evacuated it of course. Gold said to be $2.10 in New York by our own papers. Don’t believe it!
Saturday, May 21, 1864—Weather warm and dry. Military news much as yesterday. Very misty from Va., however, although rebels still claim the advantage. We believe they were whipped. Begin to build sheds to shelter prisoners today. Am studying Tactics and reading Draper’s Physiology.
Sunday, 22—Warm and dry again. Some new prisoners came in bringing cheering news from Grant and Sherman. Grant whipped Lee in all fights up to the 16th, taking from 15,000 to 20,000 prisoners, but no general engagement. Gold $160-1. Sherman after Johnston. Within 20 miles of Atlanta. Preaching which I attended.
Monday, 23—Weather still dry and warm. But little news. Some of the “escapees” recaptured and brought in. Lt. Wood of regiment died in the night.
Tuesday, May 24, 1864—Signs of rain but still none. Brig. Generals [Truman] Seymour and [Alexander] Shaler 10 with 109 other officers captured by Lee, came in. Funeral and burial of Lt. Wood today. News brought by prisoners still good—confirming what we heard from other sources.
10 General Truman Seymour was an 1846 graduate of West Point. He was serving under Major Anderson’s command at Fort Sumter in 1861. He was considered a brash officer—often successful in battle but at a severe human cost. He was captured in the Wilderness in May 1864. Alexander Shaler, was not a career military officer but had extensive militia experience before the war and proved a capable officer. Ironically, Shaler commanded the POW Camp at Johnson’s Island during the winter of 1863-64 while his regiment, the 65th New York Infantry, served as prison guards. During the Overland campaign, Shaler was captured early in the fighting in the Wilderness when his regiment was flanked.
Wednesday, 25—Weather pleasant although it rained during the night. News still favorable both from Grant and Sherman. Rebels call Grant a greater liar than Pope because he still claims victories over Lee. Their own accounts of the battles admit a substantial victory for us. Grant’s masterly strategy is also admitted.
Thursday, 26—Weather warm although a little rain during the night. Helped build shed today and went into one but not until I got a good wetting from a driving summer shower. Built a good bunk with help of Lieut. [Ezra D.] Carpenter, 18th Connecticut—one of my mess. 11
11 Ezra D. Carpenter was a 2nd Lieutenant in Co. B, 18th Connecticut Infantry who mustered into the regiment in August 1862. The regiment’s first major battle was at Winchester in mid-June 1863 where he was taken prisoner and marched to Libby Prison. His story and eventual escape from captivity after 21 months is described here: “Escape from Libby Prison.”
Friday, May 27, 1864—Very warm today. The thermometer has shown 90o in shade since we have been here. New comers still bring good news from Grant and Sherman.
Saturday, 28—Weather same as yesterday. Tunnel discovered which caused some stir amongst the rebels. good news from both armies by new comers. Wrote a letter home. Asked for box with coffee, sugar, molasses, flour, shoes, socks, and dried or canned fruit.
Sunday, 29—No change in weather. Attended preaching by one of our chaplains in forenoon. A good sermon. Subject: Trial of Abraham’s faith when he was ordered to sacrifice Isaac. Also attended service in the evening. Oh what would I not have given to be at church with my loved ones.
Monday, May 30, 1864—Weather warm and dry. No news of special importance. A few prisoners come in every day or two. All agree that the campaign is going favorably, north and south. Some new comers in from Sherman and Sigel. Learn that our regiment is with Sigel’s in the Valley.
Tuesday, 31st—Warm and dry weather. Some new comers from St. Johns, Florida. Two pieces artillery mounted so as to bear on the camp. Nobody scared, I guess! Stood picket first part of night.
June 1864
Wednesday, June 1—Morning quite warm with light rain afternoon. A fine day for the first of summer. Roll call showed 1,172 officers here this morning. Four of them are Brig. Generals to wit: Wessells, Scammon, Shaler, and Seymour. The last two from Gen. Grant’s army. War news good.
Thursday, June 2, 1864—Fair morning with wind and a dash of rain toward evening. War news good, both by forced admissions of rebel papers, and reports or prisoners. A new Captain (Gibbs) in command of prison. 12 A few letters came but none for me.
12 Capt. George C. Gibbs, former commander of the 42nd North Carolina Infantry, replaced Capt. W. Kemper Tabb of Maryland who ran the prison with an iron hand. Prisoners had nothing good to say about him; he even broke up religious services because the prisoners prayed for President Abraham Lincoln. When Gibbs took over command, he became convinced that the prisoners intended a breakout and so he hardened the perimeter and set up the cannon hoping to deter thoughts of escape. [See “That Thing of Infamy, Macon’s Camp Oglethorpe During the Civil War, by Morton R. McInvale, Georgia Historical Quarterly, Vol. 63, No. 2 (summer 1979), page 285]
Friday, 3—Weather a repetition of yesterday. Wrote a letter home. Am feeling deeply disappointed at the waning prospect for an exchange. Am led to think that prisoners have been most unjustly treated by our authorities. Thousands have already gone to premature graves in consequence.
Saturday, 4—A very rainy day. Our sheds kept water out when finished. War news good. Two officers escaped—one with a trowel in his hand by walking past the guard; the other by riding out under a wagon bed.
Sunday, June 5, 1864—Weather quite warm. Attended preaching in the morning and evening. Had good practical discourses from both services. Rose very early in the morning. Think I will try “early rising” for a while.
Monday, 6—Weather very warm. Upwards of sixty officers came in, chiefly captures from Butler and Grant. General tone of war news good. Wrote a letter home.
Tuesday, 7—Weather very warm with light shower in evening. Rebels claim to have destroyed 90,000 of Grant’s army since Va. campaign begun. They put their own loss in same time at 15,000!
Wednesday, June 8, 1864—Very warm day.
Thursday, 9—Very warm again. Began practice in sword exercise this evening. Some excitement caused by report that Gen. Fremont had been nominated for President by a “radical” convention at Cleveland, Ohio. Hope it is not true.
Friday, 10—Very warm with thundershowers in the evening. Five Brig. Generals, 7 Colonels, 9 Lt. Colonels, [and] 9 Majors ordered to be ready for taking train at 3:15 p.m. Destination unknown. Many hope it is for exchange and speculation is rife as to the real purpose of the move. Hope it is for the best for all.
Saturday, June 11, 1864—Pleasant morning with very heavy shower toward night. Rumored that the officers who left yesterday have [either] gone to Richmond, to Savannah for exchange, or to Charleston to be put in range of the batteries shelling that city. Don’t know which to believe but doubt the latter. An officer fired on the by the guard and mortally wounded.
Sunday, 12—Fair morning but wet evening and night. Wounded man died at 2 o’clock a.m. A foul murder. Attended preaching in the morning. Had good discourse on observance of the Sabbath. Nothing definite as to the officers taken away.
Monday, 13—Rainy day. Wrote letter home yesterday. A few letters came in and I got none. Have had none for nearly six weeks.
Tuesday, June 14, 1864—Cloudy and cool. About 40 officers came in from Virginia. Generally give good reports of fighting. Received a letter from my dear wife dated May 7th—the first for six weeks. Was both thankful and glad to hear that all my near and dear friends were then well.
Wednesday, 15—Clearer and warmer. Most beautiful moonlight evening. Anniversary of my capture. One whole year passed as a prisoner to traitor enemies of my country. God alone knows its sorrows and trials. Am most thankful that my life and health have been spared. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Thursday, 16—Weather fare and more like summer. Papers today say that the fifty officers lately taken from here have been sent to Charleston, S. C. to be put in range of the batteries which are shelling the city. One of them wishes all of us men sent there.
Friday, June 17, 1864—Rainy and disagreeable. Wrote a letter to my dear wife. God bless her and my darling boy. No papers permitted to come in. War news said to be bad for the rebels. Petersburg, Va., and Atlanta, Ga., reported to be in our possession. I await to hear it confirmed.
Saturday 18—Weather same as yesterday. Several prisoners came in from Virginia, among whom is Lt. [George W.] Jenkins of 9th West Virginia Vols. He was wounded in battle of Dublin Depot in Virginia & Tennessee Railroad, left of the field for dead, and subsequently made a prisoner. Was very glad to meet an old friend. Good war news received in camp.
Sunday 19—Fair most of day with showers in the afternoon. Attended preaching in morning and evening, Had very good practical discourse. But little news of any kind. Papers are still withheld. It is said, too, that our letters fail to get through.
Monday, June 20, 1864—Cloudy morning, but cleared up during the day. About 40 officers came in from Sturgis’ command, lately captured by Forrest [in the Battle of Brice’s Cross Roads]. Represent the affair as one of the most disgraceful of the war on our part, owing either to incapacity or drunkenness on the part of Gen. [Samuel Davis] Sturgis. Negro troops fought badly.
Tuesday, 21—Morning fair and evening rain. But little news. Rebel paper (Macon Telegraph) admits a loss of 43 general officers in killed, wounded, and disabled, since the first of May, Grant still maintains his new position on the “south side.”
Wednesday, 22—Weather warm and strange to tell—no rain! A few more “Fresh Fish.” Generally agree that Grant and Sherman are all right. Resolutions gather up by a portion of officers here asking privilege to send a commissioner to Washington, &c.
Thursday, June 23, 1864—Very warm and still no rain. One year today sinnce I entered Libby Prison at Richmond, Va. No news from Richmond in paper today. I think Grant has cut it off. Rumored that Sherman is in general engagement with Johnston.
Friday, 24—One of warmest days of the season. Rumored that Ewell’s Corps of Lee’s army has reinforced Johnston and that a battle is now going on. More new comers—mostly from Grant’s army. They are in fine spirits and represent Grant to be all right.
Saturday, 25—Weather very warm day. Lt. Col. von [ ], one of the old Libbyites came in today. He was captured by Forrest after being only eight days with his regiment. Not very well—my stomach and bowels bring out of order.
Sunday, June 26, 1864—Again very warm. Attended preaching in the evening by Rev. J. B. Williamson, formerly agent for Hollister & Co., of Marietta, Ohio. Feel better than I did yesterday although I sigh for the society of the dear loved ones at home.
Monday, 27—Very warm most of the day with a very refreshing thunder shower in the evening. Three tunnels which were nearly completed and would probably have let out 200 or 300 officers were found by the rebels—as is generally believed from information given by a traitor in our midst.
Tuesday, 28—Quite pleasant with showers after dark. News scarce owing to not bringing in any papers. One smuggled through and very gloomy in the tone. Prayer meeting in the evening which I was at.
Wednesday, June 29, 1864—Very warm with little news, it being difficult to get papers. Communication has been for some time cut off from Virginia by raiders. Am reading Humes’ History of England; Draper’s Physiology being completed.
Thursday, 30—Very warm day—the last of first summer month. Bummer month. But little news. Rebels claim to have gained great victory over Sherman but I don’t believe them.
July 1864
Friday, July 1—Very warm with a little rain afternoon. Rebels claim to be gaining advantages all round. Report gold at 240 in New York City on the 23rd ult. Am recovered from a light attack of flux.
Saturday, July 2, 1864—Very warm but a nice breeze made the day quite pleasant nonetheless. A few officers from Sherman represent affairs as going well in that army.
Sunday, 3—A warm summer day. I attended church in the evening. Heard some very sensible and timely remarks upon the necessity of individual to national morality and righteousness.
Monday, 4—Very warm day. Early in the morning an enthusiastic spirit began to manifest itself and a miniature American flag being displayed, it soon became evident that the day was to be celebrated. This was done in animated and patriotic speeches and songs. 13
13 Sibley’s characterization of the 4th of July celebratory events, including the presence of a homemade national flag, is corroborated by the diary of another Union officer, Abram Songer of Co. G, 21st Illinois Infantry. [See “A Hidden Gem of a Civil War Diary” by David T. Dixon published on Emerging Civil War, 23 March 2021]
Tuesday, July 5, 1864—A warm day but with a slight breeze, somewhat pleasant. Rumors afloat of a victory by Sherman over Johnston. Hope they may prove true and think it not improbable that they are. My health is very good considering my situation.
Wednesday 6—Hot July weather and gathering dry and dusty. Papers smuggled in admit that Johnston has had to leave Marietta and Kenesaw Mountain. It is said also that Gen. Foster is knocking at the door of Charleston. No communication yet with Lee.
Thursday, 7—Weather warm and dry. Papers say the gridiron waved over Kenesaw Sunday the 3rd. A couple of “Fresh Fish” came in from Grant’s raiders. They say Grant is all right.
Friday, July 8, 1864—Very warm. Signs of rain in evening but none fell. Some rumors but nothing of importance which is reliable.
Saturday 9—Very warm and dry. Rain threatened toward night but none fell. A few “Fresh Fish” came in from Wilson’s Raid. Represent Grant is all OK.
Sunday, 10—A very warm day with a very grateful and refreshing thundershower in the evening. Over 100 officers came. Collection at Richmond for a long time past. Generally bring good news.
Monday, July 11, 1864—Day warm although some signs of rain in morning. Sherman represented to be across the Chattahoochee. Early said to be into Maryland and Pennsylvania.
Tuesday, 12—Warm and dry. Early reported on a grand raid with his Corps in Pennsylvania. Rumors once more on exchange. Hope they may prove true but have the least possible confidence in them.
Wednesday, 13—Warm and dry. But little news of any kind. Supposed, however, that Sherman is still advancing and Grant besieging. Early is undoubtedly in Maryland, if not in Pennsylvania.
Thursday, July 14, 1864—Still dry and warm, Newspaper news generally good. Steele, however, has lost Little Rock (8,000 prisoners) and gold is reported at $2.70. North said to be greatly excited over Early’s raid.
Friday, 15—Warm until evening when a refreshing shower suddenly fell upon us. But little news and that not reliable. Thirteen months today since I was made a prisoner. May God in His goodness save me from as many more!
Saturday 16—Very warm in middle of day although morning and evening were pleasant. No news of any importance, except defeat of Forrest which can regard as reliable. Rumors of raid on August railroad.
Sunday, July 17, 1864—Cool morning. Windy but pleasant. Sermon in evening founded on the Scripture which declares that Godliness is profitable in all things, having promise of the life that now is, &c.
Monday 18—Warm and dry. Roll call most of forenoon. Gen. Johnston relieved from command and Gen. Hood appointed in his place by Gen. Bragg who has been visiting rebel army in Georgia.
Tuesday, 19—Warm and dry, except a slight shower about dusk. Several officers came in from Andersonville. They say about 29,000 of our soldiers are confined there. 4,000 are now sick in hospital and they die at from 70 to 75 per day. Their condition is represented as truly horrible.
Wednesday, July 20, 1864—Day warm and dry. No papers sent in. We hear from men who came yesterday that our troops are raiding on Columbus and Andersonville, Ga., and Montgomery, Alabama. Some exchange rumor from hospital. Not credited of course.
Thursday 21—Very warm and no news of consequence.
Friday, 22—Warm and dry. A few officers came in from Richmond. Came over the Danville Railroad which has been at last repaired. Do not bring much news.
Saturday, July 23, 1864—Cool and pleasant. Night almost cold. Some reports of great battle near Atlanta. Rebels clsaim to have defeated our right, taking 22 guns and many prisoners. Also claim that Hardee is in our rear with a Corps doing great execution!
Sunday 24—Very warm day, War news conflicting and unreliable. A great deal of anxiety about result of the battles around Atlanta. Preaching in evening. Oh! how I longed to hear a sermon once more at the old church with my loved ones at home.
Monday 25—Cool morning and not so hot during day. But little news. We believe, however, that Stoneman is gradually gaining ground. A few more officers came in after dark. Did not hear their news.
Tuesday, July 26, 1864—Warm and dry. One “Division” of the prisoners notified to get ready to start for Charleston, S. C. this p.m. A slight shower.
Wednesday, 27—Warm as usual. A few “Fresh Fish” came in. Say Sherman is all right. About 600 officers left for Charleston, as we suppose. As many more are to go tomorrow, But little news.
Thursday 28—Warm with light shower during the a.m. About 600 more officers called out, self among others. Heard of Capt. [Edwin] Keyes’ death and that my regiment has lost 300 killed & wounded in Hunter’s late movement against Lynchburg, Virginia. 14 Took cars about midnight.
14 Under the overall command of General David Hunter, the 116th Ohio Infantry was ordered on 18 June 1864 to attack the Confederate defenses at Lynchburg, Virginia. In that assault, Capt. Edwin Keyes of Co. B led his men into the Confederate works and saw his colors planted there before falling back with two wounds. Later that night Keyes had both is leg and arm amputated but he died the following day. To see a map of the battlefield and listen to eyewitness accounts of the Battle of Lynchburg, see Eyewitness Accounts.
Friday, July 29, 1864—Quite pleasant. Came to City of Savannah. Entered our pleasant camp at dark. Slept outdoors all night. Said we are going to stay here and not go to Charleston. Hope it may prove untrue.
Saturday, 30—Very warm. Papers say our forces have cut railroad between Macon and Atlanta and Macon and this city. Also says fighting is going on at Atlanta. “A” tents were given us today. Prospect of rain in evening.
Sunday 31—Very hot again. Warmest climate I was ever in. Very heavy thunder shower last night. Drowned out in our tent. The thunder grand beyond description—almost terrific. Rain fell in torrents.
August 1864
Monday, August 1, 1864—Warm with slight shower. Did considerable work about our quarters. Some rumor in reference to raids but nothing very definite. Occasionally an exchange rumor also, but it gained little credence. Five days rations hard tack.
Tuesday 2—Pleasant morning but hot in latter part of the day. A good large ration of fresh beef—the first since we left Libby. A real treat to all. Our mess had beef soup and steak enough left for a nice “fry.” Surely a better day is coming.
Wednesday 3—Very hot. Cooked today and had three meals which is unusual for our mess. Wrote a letter to my dear wife. News that the 50 officers sent to Charleston are to be exchanged today.
Thursday, August 4, 1864—Very hot and getting dry. Fresh beef again in good quantity and quality. But little news in camp as the papers are strictly prohibited the officers. Are getting domiciled in our new camp and are anxiously awaiting exchange.
Friday 5—Very dry and exceedingly hot. Bacon today with promise of beef tomorrow. list of 50 officers who were lately exchanged at Charleston, S. C. as published in city papers. God grant it may be the beginning of better things.
Saturday 6—Hot and dry. But little news. Some rumors on exchange but little credit given them. I intend to exchange myself if everything works well for a few days. Am in first rate health and good spirits.
Sunday, August 7, 1864—Cool enough to be pleasant and a little rainy. Firing [has] been heard most of the day apparently from heavy guns or mortars and in direction of the coast. It is rumored that our forces attacked Fort McAllister this morning.
Monday 8—Rainy and frequently cool. Firing distinctly heard again. Rumored that 600 prisoners are at Charleston from New York City for exchange. Got all ready to go out through a tunnel last night but a line of guards interposed and defeated the plan.
Tuesday 9—Quite rainy. Much such a day as yesterday. But little news. Said our attack on Mobile is in part successful, Raid again in Pennsylvania. Our papers claim that Atlanta has fallen. Rebels don’t believe it but admit they don’t know who possesses it.
Wednesday, August 10, 1864—Weather about same as yesterday. Lt. [Ezra D.] Carpenter of 18th Connecticut Vols. and I formed mess alone in consequence of insulting conduct of one of the old mess. I hope he will do well and I am sure I shall not regret the change. Papers say Ft. Gaines is captured.
Thursday 11—Pleasant most of the day. But one hard shower about noon. But little news. Rebel Surgeon says they have begun to release Chaplains and Surgeons at Richmond.
Friday 12—Fair weather. No rain for one day after so many wet days. Reported in camp that this is a point of exchange. No papers and but little news of any kind.
Saturday, August 13, 1864—Fair weather one day more. Spent most of the day in making a chair. But little news. Rebs find it hard to hear from Mobile since surrender of Ft. Gaines.
Sunday 14—Clear and very hot. Two surgeons taken out to go to Charleston to be sent into our lines. Sent a line by one of them—Dr. Robinson—who promised to write home for me. Sermon in evening by Chaplain Dixon. Very good.
Monday 15—Warm and dry. Fourteen long, dreary months ago I was made a prisoner of war, far away in the Valley of Virginia. Oh, may I see my home before many more such months have passed away.
Tuesday, August 16th 1864—Dry and very hot. Real tropical sure. Many rumors afloat on exchange. Some of them seem to be well founded. It is said 600 officers are going to Charleston for an exchange. God grant it may be so and that we may go soon.
Wednesday 17—Very warm with a slight thunder shower. Papers say 600 officers have arrived in Charleston it is supposed for exchange. Hope it may be so.
Thursday 18—Very warm day. Some more rumors on exchange but nothing definite or reliable.
Friday, August 19, 1864—Very dry and hot again. Two or three escaped prisoners brought in. Papers represent Grant as having virtually failed at Petersburg and that Wheeler has got in Sherman’s rear and destroyed Etowah bridge.
Saturday 20—Very hot. No news of importance. Begin to read the American Statesman by A. Y. Young.
Sunday, 21—Very hot in early part of the day with a heavy thunder shower toward night. No news of any consequence. Read book Esther in Bible which I am reading daily in course.
Monday, August 22, 1864—Warm day. But little news of importance. Papers seem to think there is some prospect of an exchange being affected. Armies about status quo. Am not very well. Some indications of an attack of bilious fever.
Tuesday 23—Warm with shower in afternoon. Took a dose of calomel and felt seriously unwell and applied for medical aid.
Wednesday 24—Warm with rain again in afternoon. Took some quinine for the first time in my life. Wrote letter home but fear it will never get there. Very good exchange news if true–which may God grant.
Thursday, August 25, 1864—Very warm—one of the hottest days of season. Sick
Friday, 26 through Tuesday, 30, 1864—Sick
Wednesday, August 31, 1864—Weather very warm. Feel very badly today and began to think will have to go to hospital. Chaplains and surgeons notified that their release will take place soon.
September 1864
Thursday, September 1—Weather cool and pleasant and quite like autumn. Chaplains and surgeons notified to be ready to leave at 4:30 a.m. for the North. My health some better today.
Friday, 2—Morning cool but warmer in middle of day than yesterday. Chaplains did not go this morning but were called and went his evening. I feel a little better today.
Saturday, September 3, 1864—Morning cool and pleasant but warm in middle of the day. My health seems materially to improve. War news good from Sherman who is represented to have attacked Hood and cut his army in two.
Sunday 4—Hot day. Health still seems to be slowly improving. We miss our chaplains more especially today, Oh that I were with them!
Monday 5—Very warm. Good war news. Sherman has taken Atlanta (on 2nd) after whipping Hardee and cutting Hood’s army in two.
Tuesday, September 6, 1864—Not quite so hot as yesterday although still quite warm. Correspondence shown us on “Exchange” in which rebels propose a “man for man” exchange. Hope the proposition will be accepted by our authorities as it is fair and honorable.
Wednesday, 7—Cooler and more pleasant. All papers absolutely cut off. Hence hear but little news. Rumored that Hood is again whipped and John Morgan killed and his command of 200 men captured. Health better.
Thursday 8—Cool morning with middle of day quite warm. Papers came in from hospital with lots of good news. Hood defeated and 30 miles from Atlanta which is in our hands. Early in retreat and Wheeler whipped. Best of all, the draft will be enforced,
Friday, September 9, 1864—Cool morning and warm day. No news of any importance. Do not feel very well. May God grant me a speedy release from this long and tiresome imprisonment.
Saturday 10—Cool morning but hot day, But very little news.
Sunday 11–Warm and dry. News good from North. Said that recruits are arriving at Washington City at rate of 3000 per day.
Monday, September 13, 1864—Very warm day. News good. Rapid recruiting North and war spirit high. Notified to cook two days rations (notice after dark) and be ready to move at 4 a.m. Notice received with wild shouts, many hoping it means exchange.
Tuesday 13—Dry and warm. Started for Charleston, S. C. where we arrived about 9 o’clock p.m. there put into the jail yard without shelter. It is one of the dirtiest holes I was ever in—an abominable place. 15
15 The Union officers arriving from Savannah were confined in the enclosed yard of the City Jail–a massive octagonal fortress guarded by a 40 foot tower on Magazine Street “in the southeast part of the city, directly in te line of fire from the mortars across the harbor. Before long, the inmates included nearly 600 officers, more than 300 enlisted men both black and white, as well as local criminals and deserters from both sides. All were jammed into A-frame tents set up in the courtyard. An officer inmate described the yard as ‘A dirty filthy place unfit for human beings to live in.’ Another Federal, Lieutenant Louis Fortescue, wrote of the ‘intolerable heat’ that he endured in the cramped courtyard, which did not have a ’single shade tree.’ The full heat of high summer made the interior of the jail stifling, and yellow fever began to take a frightening toll. General Jones reacted to the outbreak of disease by issuing orders to his provost marshal to remove all of the sick and wounded prisoners who were able to travel and have them sent back to the prison at Andersonville. Furthermore, he ordered that only extreme cases be allowed to enter Roper Hospital in Charleston.Food for the Federals was poor and scarce; sanitation was nearly nonexistent. Most of the men were exposed to the elements all day and night, and the constant crash of artillery was unnerving.” [Source: Immortal 600: Prisoners Under Fire at Charleston Harbor During the American Civil War, by History Net, 12 June 2006.]
Stereoscopic View of Charleston City Jail and walled prison yard
Wednesday 14—Warm day, windy and dirty. Wrote a letter home. Spent a most miserable day. Heard that Lieut. [Levi] Lupton is dead. He died since Sunday, Poor man. I hope and believe he is in a better world.
Thursday, September 15, 1864—Very hot, windy, and dirty. One year and a quarter today since I was made a prisoner. God grant me an early release. New from North cheering and good. Gold $2.19 only on 14th and Lincoln stock high. Hurrah for Abe!
Friday 15—Day same as yesterday. A good many shell go over us and burst near us day and night. We are :under fire” of our own arms in the accursed jail of Charleston. But little news. Health is better.
Saturday 17—A little cooler but dirty as ever. Quite an exciting turn this p.m. A fire started in this part of the City, the smoke of which our batteries seeing, they opened at a lively rate. A shell soon started another fire and the third one was burning before firing ceased.
Sunday, September 18, 1864—Day warm, dry and dirty as usual. But little news aside from rumors on exchange. It is reported that we are placed in this abominable hole in retaliation for the [Immortal] 600 Foster has on Morris Island—that Jones has proposed to exchange us for them &c. &c.
Monday 19—Lowry weather and a storm evidently threatening. Some conformation of yesterday’s reports but nothing very definite. Truce boat to be up today. Reported that she did not come. My health a little better. Some rain towards night.
Tuesday 20—Showery. Considerable rain fell. No truce boat up yesterday but one to be off the harbor on the 23rd. But little war news. Rebels evidently looking for a terrible blow soon from Grant. Things seem to be working well in the Valley.
Wednesday, September 21, 1864—A cloudy day without rain. But little news. We are still left in this nasty, miserable place, many without any kind of shelter and all compelled to sleep on the ground with nothing but a blanket under us. Such is Southern Chivalry!
Thursday 22—A clear pleasant day. But little news from seat of war. About 50 officers are sent out on parole to better quarters, with some of the other officers here. Hope we will all get out soon.
Friday 23—Pleasant again. News good from Virginia. Early whipped in the Valley. Flag of truce went out at 8 a.m. to meet one of ours in the Harbor. A few officers called out for Sherman’s late exchange. Rather trying to see some prisoners only a few weeks in and I remain.
Saturday, September 24, 1864—Weather clear and warm. A lot of officers called out to “take part” in Sherman’s late exchange, Rumors afloat which say we will all soon go home, God grant that may prove true. Good war news. Early was “completely defeated.”
Sunday 25—Clear and pleasant, But little news.
Monday 26—Pleasant again. By efforts of friends, and by looking out for myself, got transferred from the abominable Jail Yard to the Marine Hospital. Good quarters.
Tuesday, September 27, 1864—Pleasant day. Formed mess with Lieutenants Hudson and Carpenter. Wrote a letter to Ett. Good news. Early driven from strong position at Fishers Hill in Valley of Virginia. Health only tolerable.
Wednesday 28—Fine weather. But little news. Am well pleased with my new quarters. Got money to amount of $10 gold from Rev. T. C. Rice who is soon going North. have draft two days after eight on brother Ben.
Thursday 29—Pleasant again. I felt quite poorly in health.
Friday, September 30, 1864—Felt quite weak and bad.
October 1864
Saturday, Oct 1—Much as yesterday.
Sunday, 2—Passed a miserable day.
Monday, October 3, 1864—Felt a little better.
Tuesday 4—Improving slowly although much debilitated.
Wednesday 5—Early in morning were ordered to be ready to start for Columbia, S. C. in an hour. Health a little better.
Thursday, October 6, 1864—Arrived in city at an early hour. Were turned into a lot like a drove of hogs and left without anything to eat, any shelter, and without prospect of latter unless we took parole not to escape—that is, unless we would guard ourselves.
Friday, 7—Marched about three miles into the country and turned into an open field without shelter or conveniences of any kind. A small growth of pines furnish some shade.
Saturday 8—Cool and windy. Still without shelter and with short rations.
Sunday, October 9, 1864—Cool but more pleasant. No changes about camp. I feel better in health than when I left Charleston.
Monday 10—Warmer and more like Indian Summer. But little news. No papers yet and no meat isssued us since our arrival in Columbia.
Tuesday 11—Nights cold with frost. Days quite warm. Feel badly this p.m. Headache with some aguish symptoms. Hardly able to be around. Escaping from camp considerably. I would try it myself if able.
Wednesday, October 12, 1864—Pleasant. Passed bad night and am really sick today. Hope soon to be better. Rather bad news per rebel accounts which by the way, I don’t believe. Still escaping.
Thursday 13—Again pleasant and health improving. Wrote to C. W. Dennis & Co. , Hilton Head, S., C. for a small box of provisions.
Friday, 14—Warm and pleasant. Wrote to Ben for box of provisions.
Saturday, October 15, 1864—Weather as usual. Notice of an election or Monday next, in camp, for President and Vice President. Felt badly today. Suffer greatly from general debility.
Sunday 16—Pleasant as usual. Papers say Oho, Pennsylvania, and Indiana have gone Republican by large majorities. Good! Nothing, however, more than I expected. Still feel weak and bad.
Monday 17—Pleasant but a little cooler than yesterday. Good war news from Sherman and Sheridan. Election resulted as follows. Lincoln 1024, McClellan 145, Johnson 1031, Pendleton 112. Number officers in camp 1370. See back to April 24.
Tuesday, October 18, 1864—Pleasant again. Health poor.
Wednesday, 19—Weather continues remarkably fine. No rain since we came to this camp although it occasionally seems to be threatened.
Thursday, 20—Pleasant. Wrote to dear Ett. Feel weak and bad, Oh, for “rest at home.”
Friday, October 21, 1864—Pleasant and warm. But little news. No letters or boxes yet. Feel very weak and bad today. Exchange of 10,000 men soon to take place according to papers. Oh that I may be one!
Saturday, 22—Windy and cold. War news good. rebels confess themselves whipped again in the Valley of Virginia. Feel a little better in some respects but suffer very severely from rheumatism.
Sunday 23—Pleasant. No news of importance. Feel a little better. Hope improvement may be permanent.
Monday, October 24, 1864—Very pleasant. War news good. Early badly whipped. Losing 43 pieces artillery.
Tuesday, 25—Pleasant. Feel a little better although troubled with something like the flux.
Wednesday 26—Pleasant.
Thursday, October 27, 1864—Rained quite hard toward night. Stopped about dusk, however, and blew off cool, to the great rejoicing of the camp. Change was very sudden. I got quite wet while cooking some potatoes for supper. Wrote a letter home.
Friday 28—A very pleasant day with just wind enough to dry us from the wet of yesterday. Washed a pair of Lt. Hudson’s pants. Mine own having worn out entirely. Hope he is “safe at home” by this time.
Saturday 29—A very warm and pleasant day. Rumored that we are soon to be put into quarters and also that “exchange” is near at hand.
Sunday, October 30, 1864—Very warm and pleasant again. Health good except condition of bowels. But little news. Rebs claim to have repulsed Grant of course with heavy loss to latter.
Monday 31—Beginning to build “quarters” today in company with Captains Parker and McDonald and Lt. Carpenter—four of us for one house. Got out the timber.
The field where the Union prisoners were held three miles outside of Columbia was called Camp Sorghum. Prisoners were compelled to remain within a “dead line” perimeter.
November 1864
Tuesday, November 1—Fair day. Commenced the house. Failed to get cover on although nearly ready for it.
Wednesday, November 2, 1864—Began to rain in the night and continued nearly all day. Went to work, however, and got roof up temporarily, besides getting very wet. Health a little improved.
Saturday, November 5, 1864 through Wednesday, November 30, 1864—[no entries]
December 1864
Thursday, December 1—Weather warm and pleasant as spring. A most atrocious and brutal murder committed by one of the guard today. Lt. George Turbayne of the 66th New York Vols. was the unfortunate victim. 16
15 The muster rolls of the 66th New York Infantry state that Lt. George Turbayne was captured in action on 17 June 1864 at Petersburg and that he was “killed, December 1864, at Andersonville, Georgia, while crossing the dead line.” It should state that Lt. Turbayne was killed at Camp Sorghum three miles from Columbia.
Friday, December 2, 1864—Weather fully as pleasant as yesterday. A few out to be examined with a view to exchange as sick or convalescent. I failed to get out. Health continues poor. Sherman still stirs the rebs.
Saturday 3—Another pleasant day although rain was threatened at one time. Examination did not proceed for some reason and did not go out. So many escaped while getting wood that negroes now perform that duty,
Sunday 4—A very warm fine day—not in the least like winter. Rumored that we are soon to be removed to the City of Columbia. Wrote two letters—one to Ett and the other to Ben. Had a long walk and chat with friend Anderson.
Monday, December 5, 1864—Warm and pleasant. But little news. Thomas reported to have defeated Hood (who attacked him) with heavy loss. Said by some that we go to the City soon. Feel in only tolerable health/ Sherman reported at Milliken.
Tuesday, 6—Weather same as yesterday. But very little more news. Some rumors about our moving and more about boxes, money, and exchange.
Wednesday 7—Rainy morning but still quite warm and clear before night. Rumor from Foster, Sherman, and Hood all very favorable. Good news also about money and boxes. Felt badly most of day.
Thursday, December 8, 1864—Weather clear again and rather pleasant. A list for “special exchange” was called and to my astonishment and great joy, I was one of the “fortunates.” Was notified to be ready to go tomorrow at 4 p.m. Oh how thankful that I am thus favored.
Friday 9—Very cool and windy. Hour of starting changed to 10 a.m. got ready at once. While waiting, got letter from home which explains why I am among the “specials.” God bless the parents and friends who have saved me! Left Columbia this p.m.
Saturday 10—Night rainy, morning cloudy. Arrived at Charleston about 9 a.m. and were transferred to our own Truce Boat about 4 p.m. “Glory to God in the highest,” for this great blessing. What words could adequately express my emotions at once beholding and being under the protection of the Old Flag.
Sunday, December 11, 1864—Pleasant but windy. Expected to start for Annapolis today but did not for some reason unknown to me. Suppose, however, it was because of receipt of some more prisoners. Saw today some of most heart-rending sights I ever beheld. Curse rebels.
Monday 12—Fair weather. At 4 p.m. steamed out to sea on board the Crescent, homeward bound. Saw five monitors and a larger part of the fleet which blockades Charleston Harbor. The old John Adams was among them.
Tuesday 13—Pleasant again. Had a smooth sea all night and during day. Expect to pass Hatteras during the night.
Wednesday, December 14, 1864—Still pleasant. Passed Hatteras in the night and though there was a little blow and some “rocking about.” all went off nicely. Arrived at Fortress Monroe at dusk after passing fleet of 19 vessels going south. Passed them at mouth of Bay.
Thursday 15—Cold and wintry. Arrived at Annapolis. Reported at proper place and got mill to work to grind us a “Scare.” [?] Also got one month’s pay.
Friday 16—Still cool. Got leave and came to Washington to get rest of pay.
[no more entries]
The following pages contains the names of 91 fellow prisoners with Sibley that were all entered in their own hand.
The following letter was penned by Alfred Irving Young (1838-1890), the son of William Henry Young (1807-1894) and Ellen Augusta Beall (1812-1892) of Columbus, Muskogee county, Georgia. Alfred was 23 when he enlisted in Capt. Croft’s Battery Light Artillery at Columbus, Georgia, in November 1861. He was elected 1st Lieutenant but often commanded the battery (“Columbus Artillery”) in the absence of the captain.
Capt. Edward Croft of the Columbus Flying Artillery
Capt. Croft’s light artillery saw active service attached to various cavalry commands, earning the nickname “Croft’s Flying Artillery.” The battery is the subject of a 1993 history titled, “Haulin’ Brass: A Confederate Chronicle of Capt. Croft’s Flying Artillery Battery, Columbus Georgia,” by William Forbes.
The battery was recruited in 1861 largely in Russell and Muskogee counties and mustered into Confederate service at Columbus, Georgia, in early 1862. It was initially armed with four six-pound and two twelve-pound guns, reduced in late 1862 to two of each. It served first at Savannah, and in May 1863 transferred to Mississippi and in 1864 served in the Atlanta Campaign, fought with Hood in Northern Georgia and Tennessee. In August 1864 they were with Ross’s Texas cavalry in a hard-fought engagement at Lovejoy Station against Kilpatrick and in November were attached to Forrest and in fighting at Murfreesboro in December slowed a Federal charge, giving Forrest time to rally his men. After Nashville the battery was dismounted, having used a mix of mules and horses, and the men assigned to heavy artillery at Mobile. In the evacuation of Mobile they converted to infantry. The battery surrendered under Gen. Richard Taylor in May 1865 in Mississippi and was designated at the time as Young’s Light Battery, Williams’ Battalion, Smith’s Brigade.
I don’t see any evidence that Lt. Young was ever promoted to Captain though he frequently carried out the duties of command which would have included writing such letters as the following, providing the particulars of the death of a member of the battery to the grieving parents of the deceased. The deceased soldier was James Edward Booher who enlisted at the age of 17 in the Columbus Artillery in November 1861. That he exhibited immaturity early in the service is suggested in this letter as well as the fact that he was court-martialed on 1 July 1862 though his offense is not identified. He was apparently not dismissed, however, for he remained on the rolls until he died on 1 September 1862 at Camp Miller, 16 miles below Savannah.
The letter was sent to James’ father, David Lehman Booher (1811-1887)— a merchant in Columbus, Georgia, who came to Georgia from Montgomery county, Ohio, about 1842. At the time of the 1860 US Census, David owned a family of 7 slaves. His wife was Elizabeth Nutts.
I feel it a very sad duty to write you the particulars of your son Edward’s death. Nothing was so unsuspected to me as his death. On the morning of the night of his death, he was free from fever and apparently much better than he had been (never having been considered dangerously sick by the Surgeon). On that morning he walked about with the aid of his servant boy and at 12 o’clock that day, cast his vote for a member of the company at an election held for Jr. 2nd Lieutenant, indeed he was perfectly rational and appeared to be much better. Towards dark he lost consciousness & his breathing was very labored. From that time he continued to get worse until he died at half past eleven o’clock on the night of the 1st September. Everything was done for him that could possible be done. On the morning of the 1st when he seemed so much better he requested that you should be telegraphed to come down that he was sick, which was done. Had he been considered dangerously sick, I would have telegraphed myself to you but he seemed so very much better it was not necessary.
The night of his death I was confined to be with fever. I regret exceedingly that the Sergt. in charge of his body to Savannah neglected to telegraph you of his decease before the body arrived in Columbus as it was necessarily a great shock to you. I can state with pleasure that Edward seemed to improve in every respect in the last few months—his whole character changed and he was as good and faithful a soldier and as clever a man as was in the company. His death has cast a sadness over the whole company & from my heart I sympathize with you, his bereaved parents. Since Edward’s death, we have lost another & still others seemed doomed to die. May God & the knowledge that your son died in the service of his country sustain you in this day of your calamity.
With much sympathy & respect, I am yours out truly, — A. I. Young, Columbus Artillery
The following letter was written by 21 year-old George R. Scott 1840-1917), the son of McKinney Scott (1810-1873) and Martha [?] (1815-1850) of Fairmount, Gordon county, Georgia. After Martha died, McKinney took Margaret M. Acker (1828-1898) as his second wife.
It is claimed by the family that George and his younger brother, Aaron “Green” Scott (b. 1840) both enlisted at the same time in the 8th Georgia Infantry Battalion, Co. E. The Georgia 8th Infantry Battalion was organized with six companies during the early spring of 1862 at Savannah, Georgia. Some of the men were from Adairsville and Thornburgh, and Gordon County. They were on duty at Charleston, S.C. and the Georgia coast, until May 1863, when they were sent as a part of Gist’s brigade, from South Carolina, to the reinforcement of General Joseph Johnston at Jackson, Mississippi. They were in battle at Jackson in May and July and participated in the march to the Big Black River, via Yazoo City, for the relief of Vicksburg.
After the evacuation of Jackson, they were transferred to the army of Tennessee in time to take part in the Battle of Chickamauga, in the siege of Chattanooga and the battle of Missionary Ridge, the Atlanta campaign, including the battles of Rocky Face, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kennesaw Mountain, Peachtree Creek, Atlanta (July 22nd), Jonesboro, and the winter campaign in Tennessee.
We learn from military records that George stood 5 feet 11 inches tall, that he had dark hair and hazel eyes. We also learn that it was while being held a Prisoner of War by the Department of the Cumberland, George opted to take the Oath of Allegiance at Louisville, Kentucky, on 12 June 1864 and he was subsequently “released north of the Ohio River” where he was to remain for the duration of the war by order of Major General Thomas. It appears that George was taken into custody as a prisoner of war in Georgia in the spring of 1864 having been absent without leave from his regiment for the better part of a year, having in his possession the Austrian rifle that was issued to him.
George married Mary Elizabeth Gibbs (1841-1932)—a native of Shelbyville, Kentucky—on 10 November 1864 in Floyd county, Indiana.
[The following transcript was provided to Spared & Shared by Peggie Bloodworth, a family descendant who believes the original letter has been “lost” since it was transcribed by her grandmother. Though I don’t normally publish letters without the original letter so that I can verify the accuracy of the transcript, I have made an exception in this case. As a consequence, I can’t verify the accuracy of the names mentioned in this transcript.]
Transcription
Camp Savannah, Georgia February 9th 1862
Dear Father, Mother and brothers & sisters,
I this Sabbath evening seat myself to write a few lines to inform you that I received your kind letter and was glad to hear from you all [and that you were] enjoying the same like blessing. I have nothing of importance to write more than we are all doing about as well as could be expected. Some of the people from up there is a writing back that they have heard the city [Savannah] was burnt up. I can inform you that is a mistake though they are expecting a fight here every day. But they have not had any fights here yet—to say a fight—but they have had some little brushes here.
I can inform you that I have been at work here a throwing up breastworks preparing for the Yankees. I can inform you that I went down on the boat the other and I had the pleasure of seeing two Yankee vessels. I could hear them firing at our boys.
I can inform you that all the boys that went from our settlement are all well and seem to be in good spirits with the exception of Samuel Carter & Ephraim Moses & Scott Garrett & James [ ] in which is very sick. Col. Littlefield is very sick and General Lawton has throwed Maj. Reich out of office and put in John [W.] Gray of Cars as Major and it is a contrary to all of the Battalion. I can inform you that Lieut. Owens died last Saturday night—was a week ago. But I reckon you have heard that. I can inform you that we are all put under General Walker. He bears down upon us pretty tight but we have seen an easy time so far. I had to stand guard last night in the rain all night. You must excuse me for not writing sooner for I thought I would wait till we received pay but we have received no pay yet though I think we will in a few days. The Captains and Lieutenants have drawn their pay the 4th of this month and they said we would get ours in 8 to 10 days—that is as quick as they can make out their pay rolls.
[Brother] Green received a letter from Minervy and Sarah the 5th of this inst. She stated in her letter that J. M. Scott would be at home in a few days. I was glad to hear that but had much rather see him but that is out of my power at this time. I would be glad to see you all [too]. So I will close. Write soon and give me all the news. I remain your affectionate son till death, — G. R. Scott
The following letter was written by Thomas L. Scriven (1840-1904), the son of Joseph and Nancy Scriven of Rennsselaer county, New York. According to census records, Thomas was born in New York State so how he came to enter the service for the State of New Hampshire remains a mystery though the records of that regiment may provide us with a clue. According to the muster rolls of Co. H, 14th New Hampshire—the company in which Thomas served—he was born in Canada. My hunch is that Thomas went to Canada to avoid the draft and then decided later to enter the war as a substitute, for which he would receive a $300 or more bounty. He entered the 14th New Hampshire on 30 July 1864. He mustered out of the regiment at Savannah in July 1865.
I could not find an image of Thomas but here is a CDV of David S. Corser who served in the same company with Thomas and mustered out at the same time. (Dave Morin Collection)
Thomas wrote the letter from Savannah which he termed “a mean place.” To understand why he might say so, we turn to the regimental history which informs us that, “When the Fourteenth entered Savannah, Sherman’s army was leaving it; the inhabitants bitterly hating the ‘Yankee bummers.’ The city was in a peculiar condition. Terror, hate, foreboding, were sentiments which predominated among the inhabitants at first. The civil government was entirely superseded: the city was taken entirely out of the hands of its inhabitants, and was governed by military officials throughout…Not a citizen of Savannah had a store or shop open: the trading was all done by permits from the commanding general; business of every kind was dead; and the railroad communication had been destroyed by Rebel and by Union troops, from opposite motives…The Fourteenth was at once assigned tp provost-duty…[The regiment was] quartered in a building in the heart of the city until the last of February when it went into camp in stockaded A tents, in a railroad cotton-yard west of the city. It was also relieved of all special duty in the city at the same time.”
The most disturbing sentence in Thomas’s letter reads as follows: “Our folks are building a fort through a grave yard and digging up the dead bodies and throwing them into the works.” The regimental history states that the 14th New Hampshire were put to work in March 1865 rebuilding the Confederate breastworks that were east of the city about two miles. One of the forts in this line of works was Fort Brown which happened to be near the Catholic cemetery, established in 1853. (see Hillcrest Abbey Roman Catholic Cemetery near Skidaway Road and East Gwinnett Street). The website of this cemetery informs us that “after the surrender of the city on November 23, 1864. Sherman ordered fortifications to be built, a project which removed cemetery fences, leaving it open to vandalism and theft. During this time many graves were desecrated by troops. The Sisters of Mercy, with the assistance of local women, rescued the remains of two bishops, two priests, and four sisters. It was only in 1867, after Bishop Augustin Verot urged President Andrew Johnson and Edwin M. Stanton (Secretary of War) to restore the Cemetery to its former state, that they were reinterred.”
The line of breastworks (in red) east and south constructed in an arc two miles outside of Savannah. These were constructed by Confederates but shored up by Union troops in March 1865.
Transcription
Addressed to Mr. Edwin Holmes, South Petersburg, Rensselaer county, New York
Savannah, Georgia March 27, 1865
Friend Edwin,
I am as well as usual and I hope this sheet will find youy the same. Please write and let me know how town meeting went off. I wish I could have been there to seen [it].
The 24th of this month I saw some peas about eight inches high. Some of the soldiers think the war is going to close next fall. I have written two letters before this to you and I would like to know the reason why you do not write a letter to me. I like to be a soldier well enough but I do not like shouldering arms quite so well.
This is a mean place. Our folks are building a fort through a grave yard and digging up the dead bodies and throwing them into the works. 1
We have not got paid off yet but expect to be soon and if you want to take my money and take care of it for me, write and let me know. I have written to Dr. Allen about it but I have not heard from him yet. If you take care of it, don’t let anybody have a cent of it unless you have an order from me.
The time goes off rather lonesome with me but I see some prospects of the war a closing next fall . As there is nothing going on here, I will draw to a close by saying goodbye. write soon.
Direct your letters to Thomas L. Scriven, Co. H, 14th Regt. N. H. Vols, 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 19th Army Corps, Savannah, Georgia
1 The only possible reference to the construction of a “fort” or “works” in or near Savannah in March 1865 appears on page 332 of the Regimental History by Francis H. Buffum. It reads, “On the 21st [March], fatigue-details from the regiment began work on the defenses two miles east of the city. The immense half-moon breastworks of the Rebels were deemed inadequate, and a desperate attempt to recover Savannah to the Confederacy was among the possibilities to be provided for.”
The following letter was written by John C. Lilley (1842-1890) of Shelby county, Ohio. He enlisted as a corporal in September 1861 in Co. D, 46th Ohio Volunteer Infantry (OVI) but later transferred to F&S as Quartermaster Sergeant of the regiment. He mustered out of the service on 22 July 1865.
John wrote the letter to his uncle, Mitchell Campbell Lilley (1819-1897) of Columbus, Ohio, who served as a Captain of Co. H, 46th Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
After the war, John became a medical doctor and practiced medicine in Quincy, Logan county, Ohio.
Transcription
Addressed to Capt. M. C. Lilley, Company H, 46th Regt. OVI, Memphis, Tennessee
Quartermaster Office 46th Ohio V. V. I. Thunderbolt, Georgia January 11, 1864 [should be 1865]
Dear Uncle,
I have not received a letter from the North (that is, since we occupied Savannah). I must write anyhow. We are on the move once more. We will stop here only long enough to get boats to take us someplace above on the coast. Beaufort is thought our destination. The 17th Army Corps has already gone. This place is about 4 miles by land from Savannah on the river. It is said that Hon. E. M. Stanton is here this evening. We have heard of Butler’s safe return to Ft. Monroe—a fine thing—something that the 15th don’t do. Our chaplain arrived today. He is from Van Wert—Rev. George [Alexander] Exline. I think that he is a very good man.
I did not have a very fine Christmas but New Years we had all the oysters we could eat—raw, friend, soup, &c. I think they are best to lay them on the fire till they are just warm enough to open easily. They had been selling at $2 per bushel until the Provost Marshal regulated the prices. They they could be had for $1.
Just wait till the Army of the Tennessee commences operations. We will show these Easterns how to do it up. Gen. John A. Logan has returned and taken command of the 15th again. The opinion of the Army is, that with Sherman, Howard, and Logan, we can go any place.
I was thinking over matters in general today and came to the conclusion that a certain young man in our regiment had been misused or had a personal enemy in the regiment of considerable import. He was Sergt. Major from January 13, 1863 till January 1, 1864 when he re-enlisted and was appointed Q. M. S. and I know that if he is capable to fill that position (as he seems to be), think he is capable of more, and I think if Gov. Brough does, as it is said, he should have been promoted long ago. I only wish for justice. Will you please examine the Regimental records at the State House and call the attention of the Adjutant General to it? I hardly think he will treat the matter with indifference. I will not, if I stay in the service 5 years more, ask the Regimental Commander to recommend me for promotion for I know that I am entitled to it. The Sergt. Major and Commissary Sergt. have both been promoted within the last six months. I have for the last four months made all the necessary papers for this office. What is more, 7 duty sergeants and corporals have fared the same—that is, have been promoted.
I must close by sending my love to all. Write soon. Your affectionate nephew, — John C. Lilley
These Civil War letters were written by Francis Henry West (1825-1896), an American businessman, politician, and Wisconsin pioneer. He was a member of the Wisconsin Legislature for three years, and served as a Union Army officer during the American Civil War, earning an honorary brevet to brigadier general.
West was born in Charlestown, New Hampshire. He moved to the Wisconsin Territory in 1845, eventually settling in Monroe, in Green County, in 1846. In Green County, he worked in the lumber industry. In 1853, he was elected as a Democrat to represent Green County in the Wisconsin State Senate for the 1854 and 1855 sessions. In 1855, he was the Republican nominee for Bank Comptroller, but was not successful. In 1859 and 1860, he accompanied parties of migrants from New York to California.
West joined the Army on August 28, 1862, and was commissioned a lieutenant colonel with the 31st Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment, which was still being organized in Wisconsin. The 31st Wisconsin was created from two volunteer battalions from Crawford County and Racine. The 31st mustered into service in October 1862 and left Wisconsin in March 1863, traveling to Kentucky via Cairo, Illinois, where they were attached to the XVI Army Corps. They spent the summer of 1863 on patrols and picket duty in southern Illinois, western Kentucky, protecting supply routes along the Mississippi River.
In September 1863, they were ordered to Nashville. Here, their colonel, Isaac E. Messmore, resigned, and, on October 8, Lt. Colonel West was promoted to colonel of the regiment. Through the winter of 1863–64, the regiment was stationed at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and continued to serve as protection for logistics and supplies. In April 1864, the 31st was attached to the XX Corps and split into detachments to protect a long stretch of railroad lines in Tennessee. In June, the regiment was ordered to consolidate and return to Nashville.
On July 5, the 31st Wisconsin was ordered by General William Tecumseh Sherman to proceed to the front of the ongoing Atlanta campaign. The 31st traveled by train to Marietta, Georgia, and reached its position on the line July 21. The regiment worked on constructing siege fortifications around Atlanta and came under frequent enemy fire due to their proximity to the enemy lines. They did not take part in the actual battle, but were one of the first units to enter the city. The regiment was assigned to provide security in the city and protect foraging operations in the surrounding area.
On November 15, 1864, the XX Corps broke camp and marched out of the city to begin their part in Sherman’s March to the Sea. They advanced without encountering any resistance until ten miles outside Savannah where, on December 9, they encountered two small enemy fortifications. The 31st Wisconsin, along with the 61st Ohio, were ordered to flank the position through a thick swamp. They passed the swamp and charged the enemy, taking the position with light casualties. For their action, they received the compliments of General Sherman. The regiment joined the siege of Savannah, and after capturing the city were assigned quarters there.
On January 18, 1865, the 31st Wisconsin departed Savannah and marched for Purrysburg, South Carolina, at the start of the Carolinas campaign. The regiment proceeded through South Carolina, burning enemy facilities, tearing up railroad tracks, and pushing the enemy’s rear guard toward North Carolina. On March 1, the 31st advanced toward Chesterfield, South Carolina, near the border with North Carolina. They forced a small confederate force to flee north, then stopped in the village. On March 16, the 31st took position on the front line for Averasborough, where they were shelled and took casualties. Three days later, they were in the advance on approach to Bentonville, along with two other regiments, where they encountered significant Confederate opposition and found their flanks exposed. They fell back and formed a defensive position with elements of the XIV and XX Corps. The Confederates attacked their position five times and were repelled in fierce fighting. This was the worst fighting that they saw during the war, and suffered ten killed and forty-two wounded.
On March 24, they reached Goldsboro, North Carolina, where they stopped to rest and re-equip. While the 31st was camped at Goldsboro, Ulysses S. Grant accepted the surrender of Robert E. Lee at Appomatox. On April 10, the 31st marched out to continue their advance toward Raleigh, pursuing Joseph E. Johnston and the remnants of the Army of the South. But before they reached Raleigh, they received word that Johnston had surrendered to Sherman and the war was effectively over.
The 31st was ordered back to Washington, where they participated in the Grand Review of the Armies in May, and West mustered out on June 20, 1865.[2] While in Washington, U.S. President Andrew Johnson nominated Colonel West for an honorary brevet to brigadier general of volunteers for gallant service in the field, effective back to March 19, 1865, the day of their combat at Bentonville. The United States Senate confirmed the brevet on March 12, 1866.
After the war, General West moved to Milwaukee County and entered a partnership—Fowler & West—with James S. Fowler in the grain commission business. He served for six years on the board of directors of the Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce, including two years as president.
In 1873, he was elected on the Reform ticket to represent Northern Milwaukee County in the Wisconsin State Assembly for the 1874 session. The Reform Party was a short-lived coalition of Democrats, reformers, Liberal Republicans, and Grangers. Their signature accomplishment was the 1874 “Potter Law,” 1874 Wisconsin Act 273—named for Republican state senator Robert L. D. Potter—which established a new state Railroad Commission to aggressively regulate railroad and freight fees. In the Assembly, Colonel West served on the Committee on Railroads and the Committee on State Affairs. General West did not seek re-election in 1874.
During Grover Cleveland’s first presidential term, West was appointed United States Marshal for the Milwaukee district. After completing this final public service, Colonel West retired to Alabama, where two of his sons lived.
While on a trip to New York, in 1896, West slipped while attempting to step off of a street car and was severely injured. He was confined to his bed for several days before he was healthy enough to return to Alabama. He died a few weeks later, on March 6, 1896, at Bessemer, Alabama.
Francis H. West and his wife, Emma M. Rittenhouse, had several children. They included, Louise Ellen (1850-1878), Caroline (“Carrie”) (1852-1934), Edith (1854-1940), Susan (1859-1910), Grace (1866-1938), Benjamin F. (1868-1957), and Josephine (1872-1876). [Wikipedia]
Thomas BeattiePhilemon LivermoreDaniel B. DippleAlexander T. NewmanJohn P. WillardFarlin Q. Ball (on left)
These images by members of the 31st Wisconsin Infantry are from the collection of Marc & Beth Storch and used by permission on Spared & Shared.They include Lt. Thomas Beattie, Co. B; Pvt. Philemon Livermore, Co. F/G; Capt. Daniel B. Dipple, Co E; Pvt. Alexander T. Newman, Co. A; Lt. John P. Willard, Co. H; and Capt. Farlin Quigley Ball, Co. G.
Letter 83
Near Savannah, Georgia Saturday evening, December 18th 1864
My Dear Wife,
We have just received a large mail from the fleet by way of the Ogeechee River—the first news we have had from the outer world for about six weeks. I am very much chagrined at receiving one letter from you and that of November 7th, more than a week before we left Atlanta although we got papers and letters from Madison and other points as late as the 25th. I only write a line now, my dear one, to let you know that I am very well—never better—have not been unwell a moment since leaving Atlanta on the 15th of November.
We had a very pleasant, eventful, and triumphant march through Georgia a description of which would fill a volume. Therefore, I will not commence it now. It is the grandest event of the war. The regiment was never in better health or spirits. All are well. We have lost but few men this far on the campaign. It is now a week since we arrived here which has been occupied in getting the forces in position for besieging the city and in opening communication with the fleet which has been done by way of the mouth of the Ogeechee River. We are now about ready to commence in earnest. Thus far we have not made much demonstration on the City although they have shelled us continually but without doing much damage. This evening Sherman sent a flag of truce demanding a surrender or he should open on the City with give hundred guns at six tomorrow morning. Of course they will not surrender and possibly we may have a long siege as they are strongly fortified. The siege is vastly more interesting than was the siege of Atlanta. There is so much of interest to describe that I have concluded to pass it all by until I can have the pleasure of describing it to you in person.
I have not heard a word from Murfreesboro since leaving there. Consequently do not know whether Mr. Caldwell has been gobbled up or not.
The 31st [Wisconsin] gained quite a little reputation for the manner in which they in company with the 61st Ohio, both under my command, assaulted and captured a rebel fort at a place called “Harrison’s Field” ten miles back built to arrest our further progress. 1 We were publicly thanked the next day by all the generals in command up. to and including General Slocum, commanding the Left Wing of the Army of Georgia for the handsome manner I which it was done. Tell little George we made the Rebs run. like good fellows, killing lots of he.
With the exception of one or two days we have had most beautiful weather. Today, however, has been rather to warm for comfort. Of course we have had some pretty severe hardships since starting but we expected that and more when we started. If I get through safely, I would not have missed it for anything. As I said before, I have so much to write about, I have concluded not to write anything—and especially as you do not write to me. Give my love to all the children and ask Lou why in the world she does not write to her Pa. I hope to be with my loved ones at home soon and to stay but do not know when it will be. Affectionately yours, — Frank
We have no ink in camp.
1 “Confederate Col. Charles C. Jones dug in to slow Sherman and protect railroad tracks near “Harrison’s Place,” a plantation field at Monteith Swamp that has been cultivated since before the Civil War and is currently leased by Dotson to a hay farmer. The 14th and 20th corps with about 30,000 men advanced on three roads — Monteith Road, Middle Ground Road and Old Augusta Road. Jones’ detachment of 300 at Monteith Swamp strengthened its defensive works, felled trees and built an abatis and trench lines for its flanks. The Rebels used a long line of swamp to its advantage against an overwhelming force. On Dec.9, 1864, the entire 20th Corps (12,000 regulars) under Brig. Gen. Alpheus S. Williams (below) advanced down Monteith Road from Zion Church. Around noon they hit Confederate positions….By late afternoon, the defenders were gone, leaving knapsacks and camp equipment but taking their colors and four guns with them. The Confederates had about 14 killed and four captured in the six-hour battle. Union losses were two dead and six wounded. Union forces got to the railroad the next day and rolled up the Confederate defenses on the western line. The loss of Fort McAllister soon after spelled the end for Savannah. Sherman had ships to bring in supplies and a “biscuit line” to feed his massive army, Sheehy says.” [Monteith Swamp: Trying to Save what’s left of the 1864 Battlefield near Savannah]
Letter 84
Savannah, Georgia December 25, 1864
My dear daughter Louise,
I wish you and all the rest of the family a very Merry Christmas and am very sorry I am not there to help you enjoy it instead of being here in a swamp with my eyes smoked out by pitch pine fires and without shelter. I have not been inside of a house until yesterday since leaving Atlanta.
Yesterday I went into the City and took dinner with an old secesh gentleman who invited me in today to eat Christmas dinner with him. Of course I accepted the invitation and have just returned to camp having had a very respectable dinner. It was a great treat to have a “clean meal” once more. The City is a very old-fashioned, uninviting kind of a place with sand knee deep in the streets. It is quite a large place having twenty-five thousand inhabitants, most of whom remained in the city after its capture. As you will learn all about its capture from the papers before you receive this, I shall say nothing about that.
We are now camped on the banks of the river two miles above the city and expect to start on another campaign for Charleston or some other secede place in about four weeks. Of course everything is very different in this far south country from what it is North. I think it is the finest climate to winter in I have ever been in but it must be a fearful place in the summer. I do not much expect to see you again until my term expires next August. I have been greatly in hopes the war would end sooner than that but I fear now it will not.
We received a large mail this morning and I was in hopes to be made merry by receiving letters from home but was disappointed as usual, there being letters for everyone else but myself. I have received but one letter from home written within the last two months (your mother’s written 7 November). I have received the Monroe Sentinel however down to the last date. If any of you are sick, someone ought surely to write and let me know about it. Tell your mother that if she will have the kindness to write me a few lines, I will. try and answer it immediately.
My health is first rate and everything is going on as pleasantly as could be expected under such frightful circumstances. Do try and keep me “posted up” as to what is going on at home. Give my love to all the family. Your affectionate father, — F. H. West
I hope your mother made you all a nice present for Christmas.
Letter 85
Savannah, Georgia Sunday, January 1st 1865
My Dear Wife,
I wish you a very happy New Year and wish I had a little better prospect for a happy one myself. I was in hopes to have got a letter from you today which would have made the first day of the year passable at least. It is now nearly two months since I hav heard from you and I am beginning to stop looking for or expecting any mail.
We are having very beautiful weather while I expect you are having all you can do to keep from freezing to death.
We are expecting to get off on a new campaign in the course of the next ten days and anticipate a much rougher time than we had in coming here. The past week has been spent in Grand Reviews of a Corps at a time by General Sherman. These reviews take place inn the streets of Savannah and attracted large crowds of spectators. The new year commences with splendid prospects for the success of our army and the speedy termination of the rebellion. I suppose you hear of everything that happens here through the newspapers. We have got the particulars of Thomas’s great victory in Tennessee [Battle of Nashville] which has so effectually cleaned out Hood. I expect that Caldwell is cleaned out also. I have not heard from him since the 17th of November since when he could not have had an opportunity to do anything. He had got fifty-seven bales of cotton into Nashville which will more than pay the outlay.
Have Mr. Niles take possession of that land on verbal contract as he proposed and we will fix up the papers when opportunity offers. He must pay the taxes on it this winter. Write all about taxes, money matters, how you get along for wood, &c. I do not expect to be at home before next May or June when I shall try and get a leave of absence which will help me along until my time is out which will be in August. Give my love to all the children. — Frank
Let the suit of clothes remain where they are until I write you where to send them. If I can get a few days leave sometime to slip up to Charlestown and see Father & Mother, I shall do it. I send this by Lt. Lafferty who starts home tomorrow.
Letter 86
Savannah [Georgia] Friday, January 6, 1864 [1865]
My Dear Wife,
I returned last night from a trip of trendy-five miles up in the country where I had been in command of an expedition and found on my return your letter of December 18th. I was greatly relieved to find you were all well. You speak of having written before but I have not received any letters.
We expect to start out very soon on our new expedition, perhaps tomorrow. There is no danger of General Sherman’s letting us remain idle long. You might as well get his portrait framed at once. I don’t think you will ever have occasion to regret it.
Dr. Arndt has got his resignation accepted and starts home tomorrow. He will go to Murfreesboro in a few days. We expect to plant cotton there again next spring. I am in hopes the miserable old rebellion will be “played out” so that I can join them in the spring after making you a visit.
Sunday 8th. No more yet. I received yours of Christmas & 28th last night. I am glad you had a Merry Christmas. Hope you had a “Happy New Year” also. Capt. Vliet returned yesterday having been absent just a year. As ever, — Frank
Letter 87
Savannah, Georgia Friday, January 13, 1865
My Dear Wife,
Our Chaplain, Mr. Woodworth, starts for home today on a detail to carry home money for the men and to do errands generally for the regiment. He is to be gone thirty days. He lives at Warren but he will call on you at Monroe previous to his return and probably stop at day or so at our house. I want you to send my new uniform by him. Have it nicely put up I a paste board box or something of the kind. Also be sure and buy me a half day pair of good large size cotton socks and put in with them. Mr. Woodworth will take charge of everything that you or anyone else may have to send to the regiment. I send home by him my old carpet sack with a few things without any special value in it but not wanting them here I thought best to send them home. There is a couple of tactics books that I want preserved. Also a couple of volumes that I took from the State Library at Milledgeville. Also a counterpane which you may have some use for.
When the 31st [Wisconsin] stormed the little fort near Savannah, we captured among other things an officer’s bedding which fell to my share. There being more of it than I have any use for, I send this piece in exchange for that quilt you sent me which you will recollect of having spoken of on different occasion. Although this was taken as a regular trophy of war, I am almost ashamed to send it home for the reason that there was so much vandalism committed by our men on the march in taking all such things from private houses. Consequently you had best not exhibit it for fear they may think it was obtained the same way. I have seen privates using piano covers that were worth a hundred dollars for saddle blankets and all such other wantonness to match. These things however were mostly taken from deserted houses and not infrequently found buried in the garden or other places. These things to me were the most disagreeable feature of the campaign, but General Sherman is mainly to blame for it as it was understood that he was in favor of the most indiscriminate plundering.
You can imagine what kind of a winter we are having when I tell you that there are orange trees in the open gardens here loaded with fruit at the present time. Still we have seen very chilly weather.
Yesterday General Sherman reviewed Kilpatrick’s Cavalry. Secretary Stanton and other notables from Washington being present, it was quite a big day with us.
I hear nothing from the cotton business yet and never expect to hear anything very favorable from it. If I can hear from Mr. Caldwell & Dr. Arndt that there is a favorable prospect for trying the speculation another year, I shall get out of the army in the spring and join them. Write about everything. — Frank
Letter 88
Savannah, Georgia January 15, 1865
My Dear Wife,
I received yours of the 1st and 3rd today. I wrote you yesterday giving the letter to Chaplain Woodsworth who I expected to start for home yesterday but he did not get off on account of some delay in the boat. He expects to start tomorrow. I also gave him my carpet sack with something to take home. I shall send this by mail. If the Chaplain comes to Monroe you will see that he is well entertained while he stops there. I had a letter from Jo this morning saying that sixty two bales of cotton had been received and sold in New York. My share of the proceeds must be about twelve thousand dollars so we are “out of the woods.” I consider it very fortunate to get out without loss under the circumstances. He had not heard from Caldwell. I have no doubt but all the balance of our cotton together with gin, teams, &c. was taken or destroyed and do not know but what Caldwell himself was carried off. I shall write Jo to put the money into interest bearing bonds.
I would like much to quit the service and go home now but cannot think of it as long as the government is asking for more men. I think however that I shall be able to get away in April. I am a very homesick individual now. You might afford to write nearly every day the remaining of the time. — Frank
Letter 89
Drurysburg, South Carolina January 24, 1865
My Dear Wife,
This dreary God forsaken swamp was made cheerful today by the receipt of a large mail—the first we have had for two weeks—and among which was yours of the 5th and 10th. I also received letters from Mr. Briggs and Dr. Arndt from New York from which I learned that I had on deposit in New York thirteen thousand, four hundred & twenty-nine 32/100 dollars ($13,429.32) as my share of the cotton sales, sixty-four bales that Mr. Caldwell got out before Hood’s raid. They had not heard from Mr. Caldwell since. Neither have I but do not expect that he has saved anything more, but am still in hopes that he has. If he was not disturbed, he may have nearly half as much more. Under the circumstances, we are lucky to get out so well as we have.
This place is on the Savannah River twenty-three miles above Savannah. We came up here on the 18th, since which time it has rained all the time and we are nearly drowned in the swamps, being unable to advance. The country is one vast swamp and it will be utterly impossible for us to move except in very dry weather. Some of our teams have been drowned; others we have got back to Savannah on boats. This is certainly the worst place that ever I have been in. I would not be surprised if the campaign had to be abandoned or at least undertaken in some other shape.
You do not say a word about taxes or business matters. I want to know all about those things. I am glad you are having such fine sleighing although it makes me shiver to think of it. All we have here for amusement is a great amount of music made by the millions of frogs in the swamp. I thought I had been homesick before but I believe I was mistaken. If we do not get out of this soon, I shall die with the blues. If I do not leave the army in the Spring, I shall try and get another leave of absence. Since leaving Savannah, I have been in command of the brigade. It is only temporary however.
Give my best regards to Fred and Elesebeth. Continue to direct your letters to Savannah and do not put the address so near the top of the envelopes so that there will be a chance to put the postmark near the top where it belongs. The health of the regiment is very good at present. If you knew my precious wife how dear your were to me, I am sure you would write very often. Frank
Give my love to the children.
Letter 90
Fayetteville, North Carolina Sunday, March 12, 1865
My Dear Wife,
We arrived in this city at midnight last night, it being nearly two months since we cut loose from Savannah during which time we have struggled through mud and swamps and across swollen creeks and rivers day and night, frequently getting into camp at 2 o’clock in the morning and starting out again at 6, and subsisting almost entirely upon what we could pick up in the country. Still both the health and spirits of the men are first rate. I have stood the campaign first rate but am getting a little rheumatic and prematurely old from exposure and hardships. The enemy have offered by very little opposition to our advance but have fled before us like frightened deer. We are literally overrunning their whole country.
This place is at the head of navigation on Cape Fear River. Some gunboats have run up and met us here and returned this afternoon with the mail. I do not know whether we shall make any stop here or not, or where we shall go next, but expect we shall move on to Goldsboro on the Neuse for a base to fit up for another campaign. We are all very anxious to get where we can get mails from the North and get letters and papers from home. We have no idea what is going on in the world except what we do ourselves. I am in hopes we will get a mail before leaving here.
We have lost no men from the regiment since leaving Savannah except five who were captured while out foraging. We cannot realize that winter has passed. We have seen so little to remind us of what our Northern winters are. It seems to me that I can never be satisfied to spend another winter in the North but aside from the climate in winter, there is nothing to recommend the Carolinas. Both the country and the inhabitants are much meaner than I had ever heard them represented to be.
My greatest anxiety has been and will be to hear from home. I am in hopes to be able to return soon, not to leave again. I am heartily sick of the destruction of war. We have been in the dense pitch pine smoke of camp fires, railroad ties, fences, buildings, kilns, turpentine forests, &c. until we are as black as Negros and our clothing being very much worn and torn in running through the brush, we are as hard a looking set of human beings as ever astonished the natives of any country.
As soon as I can hear that you have got through the winter all right, I shall feel well again. I have just lost both of my horses. One died and the other was stolen. I am anxious to hear from Dr. Arndt and Caldwell to know how the cotton business closed up and what they are going to do this year in this direction. Give my love to the children. I shall write again the first chance. — Frank
Letter 91
Goldsboro, North Carolina Sunday March 26, 1865
My Dear Wife,
We arrived here on Friday and closed the great Carolina Campaign, it having been a perfect success. We have had a very rough time on account of constant rains and mud and the poverty of the country much of the time. We were glad to get as much corn as we wanted to parch to live on, and some of the time we could not get enough even of that, and I have seen my men gathering up the scattering grains of corn that had been left where the Rebel cavalry had fed their horses. A good deal of the time, however, we fared first rate.
My own health has been good but the regiment suffered severely in the battle at Bentonville on the 19th. On the 16th, the enemy attacked our Corps in the swamps near “Smith’s Farm” and we fought them all day without much loss—the regiment losing twelve in killed and wounded, five of whom were from Capt. Treat’s Company, but no one that you know. Hogans had his gun shot out of his hands and a ball through his knapsack but escaped unhurt. The 19th corps coming up at night, the Rebs retreated on the 19th near Bentonville. The 15th Corps being in advance were attacked and sorely pushed by the whole Rebel force. Our Brigade and one other Brigade of our Corps being in advance of our Corps were pushed on and arrived on the field at 2 PM and just as a part of the 14th Corps were giving away, we were precipitated into the breach and fought desperately until darkness put an end to the fight and was the means of saving the day.
Sgt. Daniel Wickham, Co C, 31st Wisconsin, was killed in action on 19 March 1865 at the Battle of Bentonville (Kevin Canberg Collection)
The 31st [Wisconsin] held the key to our whole position and sustained seven different assaults. Our loss was sixty-one, which is light considering our position, but the enemy charged so wildly that they did not fire with any accuracy, shooting high above our heads. My boys fired beautifully, causing great havoc. Lt. Lyman was killed; none other hurt that you know. My officers and men behaved splendidly. None of the field or staff hurt.
On the 16th our Brigade lost three field officers. On the 21st the right wing of our army came up and pitching into the Rebs, whipped them handsomely, thereby clearing the road for us to reach Goldsboro and close the campaign. We did some skirmishing on that day without any loss. The Major expects to start home soon in a few days. We have not received any mail yet and of course are very anxious to hear from home. It is now over two months since I have heard from you. We expect a mail tomorrow when I hope for nothing but good news from you.
Monday, 27. Received a long but not very late mail last night. Received your letters to February 20th. Am rejoiced to hear that you are all well. I cannot realize that we have had any winter but I suppose you have had a realizing sense of it. I hear from Caldwell & Dr. Arndt that I will have two or three thousand dollars more coming from the cotton. I learn that they formed a new partnership with those other men making six in the firm so that I am to have a sixth interest. As they are going to plant but a thousand acres, my interest will not amount to much one way or the other. The capital stock of the firm is $28,000 (my share 4,666).
Tell Willie that I have got a beautiful little double barreled shot gun that I captured from a Reb that I am going to send to him the first chance I have. I must get George one too if I can.
We are all very much worn out and exhausted. Many of the men came in barefooted and all very ragged. Excuse me not writing more, my dear wife, as I have got at least forty letters to answer today. I shall write again very soon. Give my love to all the children and my compliments to all friends who enquire after me. Affectionately yours, — Frank
I do not think I shall resign although I am as anxious as a person possibly can be to be at home with my wife and family who are all the world to me.
Letter 92
Goldsboro, North Carolina March 30th 1865
My Dear Wife,
I have received your letters to March 12th. We get a mail every day now and I am in hopes to get later letters from you soon. We are fitting up for a new campaign as fast as possible and expect to start out about the 10th of April. If there is anyone curious to have this infernal war close, it is me. If you could only make me such a visit this spring as you did last, how it would help pass off the time.
Our wounded boys that are able to travel all go home on furlough today. I do not know as any of them go to Monroe. Our Chaplain has not returned yet. I hear that he is at Port Royal on some duty. You did not inform me whether he took my things or not.
In the case of Mr. Miles, my terms were positive that he should pay the taxes of last year and I never will make him a deed unless he does pay them. The Major failed to get his leave and in now trying for a sick leave being as usual quite unwell. I have been quite sick since arriving here but am much better today. Think I am alright again. I hope you will have everything kept up in nice shape around the house and yard this spring. If you have only spent eleven hundred dollars the last year, you must have managed very economically considering how very high everything has been. If I could only be at home to spend the spring with you, I should be the happiest mortal living. I find that I shall make on the cotton speculation very [near] ten thousand dollars. I shall instruct Mr. Briggs to use three or four thousand in the new cotton from this year, but the arrangements are such that I have no confidence that it will amount to anything much one way or the other.
Tell Willie that his letter has got too old to answer and that he must write me another one and then I will answer it. Just think, it is now over a year since I have seen Lou. Is George as much of a dreamer as used to be?
How are Carrie and Edith carrying sail now days? Give my love to all of them. — Frank
Letter 93
Goldsboro, [North Carolina] Monday, April 3rd 1865
My Dear Guardian Angel (For such I think you must be or I should not be always thinking of you.)
I should have written you yesterday but had the sick headache which is quite common for me lately. I have not been very well since arriving here. It seems to me that if I could get some little delicacy (such as white folks usually have) to eat, I should feel better. I have a great longing for a piece of bread & butter—a thing that cannot be got in this country.
The Major [Robert B. Stephenson] failed to get his leave of absence so he got a certificate of disability and expects leave on them in a day or two. I have not received any letter from you since March 12th although others have letters from Monroe as late as the 24th. However, I am much obliged to you for writing as often as you did since we left Savannah.
Our Corps Commander General Williams was relieved from duty yesterday and Maj. Gen. Mower assigned to the command in his place. This is unfortunate for me as Williams ad told me that he was going to recommend me for promotion for gallantry on the field. It will fall through now.
I am very thankful that our children have escaped the ravages of the scarlet fever so far. I only write this line, my precious loved one, that you may not have any excuse for not writing to me. — Frank
Letter 94
Goldsboro [North Carolina] Thursday, April 6, 1865
My Dear Wife,
I hope you will not scold me for writing so often but if you know how deeply devotedly your husband worships you, you will not think strange of it. I often wonder if you have any idea how much I love you. My only happiness now is in anticipation of the time when this awful war shall close and I be permitted to return home and remain with those I love.
This army is having great rejoicings today over the news of the capture of Richmond and Petersburg, the news of which we have just received without any particulars. Hope it will prove as “big a thing” as rumor makes it at present. The fall of Richmond will of course change the whole course of our next campaign. We are now making every preparation to start immediately (it will probably be two or three days before we can get supplies and ammunition sufficient so that it will answer at all for us to start) I suppose I whatever direction the enemy are found to be going. It does seem so strange that they should try to hold out any longer but I have prophesied their speedy downfall for so long that I have given up all expression of opinion on the subject.
The weather has been very cool and pleasant for a long time. we have had no uncomfortably warm weather yet this spring. Love to the children — Frank
Friday. No letter from home yet. We do not expect to start before Monday. Should I get a letter from you I may answer it before leaving.
Letter 95
Raleigh, North Carolina April 17, 1865
My Dear Wife,
Everybody is crazy with excitement of the surrender of the Rebel armies and the termination of the war which we all think is ended. The only question talked of now is when shall we be able to go home. Sherman has gone out twenty miles today to receive the surrender of Johnston’s army but of course all war news will be old to you before you could get it by letter. We have no intimation yet of how or when our armies are to be disposed of. I have no doubt I shall be able to go home in the course of a month, either on leave of absence or as a citizen—probably the latter. I only wish I could start today.
The Chaplain has arrived but did not bring his trunk so I have not got my clothing which I am very much in need of. I wish you would have half a dozen nice white shorts made for me. I want to dress like a white man again. I have not received any letter from you since March 12th although I have received papers and other mail matter to April 7th. What does it mean?
My health is now first rate again. I hope no accident or sickness has happened to mar the joy occasioned by the prospect of a speedy return home of your humble servant.
Give my love to the children and believe me to be the most affectionate husband living. — Frank
As soon as matters settle a little, see that I can make a reasonable prophecy as to the future I will write again.
Letter 96
Washington [D. C.] May 20, 1865
I arrived here Tuesday noon in time to witness the Great Review and a magnificent affair it was as you will have learned by the papers. I wish you could have ben here.
I did not join my regiment but remained here as a spectator until the whole ceremony was over. Sherman’s army was reviewed on the second day and did splendidly, far outstripping the Army of the Potomac. It was a proud day for us. The whole pageant was one of the grandest ever witnessed in the world. We are now camped four miles east of the city near the line of fortifications. I am boarding at a farm house near the camp. We are included in the first lot that is to be mustered out but may not get away from here in three weeks. I spent a very pleasant day in Chicago last Sunday with Mr. Hall’s and Mr. Carpenter’s folks. They are living finely and seem to enjoy themselves much. My desire to move to Chicago has been quite revived. If you receive anything from Murfreesboro, forward it at once.
I received and appointment as Brevet Brigadier General in the US Col. Services this morning. Give my love to the children, — Frank
Letter 97
Louisville [Kentucky] Saturday, June 17, 1865
My Dear Wife,
We arrived here yesterday morning having had a most delightful trip from Parkersburg down the Ohio 450 miles. There are seventy steamers engaged in transporting Sherman’s army. Every village and house along the banks of the river had banners flying. The ladies were all out waving their handkerchiefs, bands playing, and everything was very gay and pleasant. We expect to leave here for Madison next Thursday so as to arrive in Madison on Saturday. There is nothing certain about the time of starting, however. I have not heard from you since leaving home except by the receipt of Dr. Arndt’s letter forwarded.
It is so very warm I do not think I shall go to Murfreesboro but take the chances on getting a settlement by letter. The heat seems to affect me worse than ever this summer.
Spared & Shared 23 