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10th New Jersey Infantry, President Abraham Lincoln, Presidential Election of 1864, Siege of Petersburg

1864-65: John A. Laur to his Parents

July 23, 2026 Griff Leave a comment

*I could not find an image of John but here is a watercolor of Joseph K. Hayes of Co. K, 10th New Jersey Infantry (based on poor quality image in Civil War Photo Sleuth)*

The following letters were written by John A. Laur while serving as a volunteer recruit in Co. H, 10th New Jersey Infantry. John’s family appears to have been inconsistent with the spelling of their surname, which was variously rendered as Laur, Loar, or Lore. On the family gravestones, including John’s, it is inscribed as Lore; however, military records list it as Laur. At the time he accepted a substantial bounty to enlist, John had only just turned 15 years old. It is likely that the recruiting officer was aware of John’s underage status, yet he proceeded to enlist him nonetheless. During this period of the war, acquiring recruits had become increasingly challenging. Nevertheless, census records provide consistent evidence confirming that John was born in August 1849. He officially entered the service in August 1864.

There is nothing in John’s 32 letters that suggests he was motivated by a spirit of patriotism to enlist. Rather, it appears that he enlisted for the adventure and for the money. We learn from one of his letters that John feared his 44 year-old father might be drafted and he encouraged his father to use the bounty he received for enlistment to pay for a substitute, if necessary.

John was the son of William Chard Lore (1820-1895) and Catharine Adams (1831-1898) of Warren county, New Jersey. John’s younger siblings, of whom he often mentions in his letters, were Emma J. (b. 1852), George (b. 1854), and Willie (b. 1863). After his time in the service, John seems to have taken employment as a laborer in the oil industry. He was enumerated in 1870 at Oilcreek, Venango county, Pennsylvania. He became an invalid before 1900 and died in 1923 at Alpha, New Jersey.

Letter 1

Camp Distribution, Virginia
August 15, 1864

Dear father,

I am well and I hope these few lines may find you the same. We left Camp Perrine, Trenton, on Saturday night and rode in the cars all next day till night and then marched 7 miles till we got to camp. I like to be a soldier first rate. We have nice times here now. We marched through Washington and I saw the Capitol were Old Abe sits. Yesterday, on Sunday, when we was a marching through Washington, I got a hold of another man’s knapsack in mistake and didn’t know it till this morning and I lost my testament and needle case and some more things. But there was a pair of boots in the knapsack that I got worth 10 dollars, but I sold them for 4 and so I didn’t lose much after all.

I don’t know when we will go to our regiment but I guess it won’t be long. They say here that it lays in Maryland, at Harpers Ferry. If it does, we are all right for there won’t be much fighting a going on there. If you write to me, don’t write before the 25th for then we will be to our regiment I guess.

I guess I will have to close for I have to write on my plate and I am getting tired. [Jacob F.] Parker and [William S.] Mettler are well. Tell Isaac Yard that I won’t write to him till I get to the regiment. Goodbye. Your affectionate son, — John A. Laur

Directions: Co. H, 10 Regt. N. J. Vols. Washington, D. C. Tell Willie that I seen some cocoa nuts down here. Don’t write before the 25th for we don’t know when we will have to move from here and then I wouldn’t get it.

Letter 2

Camp Distribution, Virginia
August 15, 1864

Dear Father,

I sit down to write a few lines to you to let you know that I am well and hope these few lines will find you all the same. Me and Jacob F. Parker and William S. Mettler are going to send our overcoats home for it is too warm to carry them now and we have no use for them now till it gets colder. Then I can draw another one, and besides, it will make you a good overcoat this winter. We will put a receipt in this letter and you show that to Brice Pursel and you can draw the box. You take the box over home and tear it open and you will find the name on each of our coats. Send Jacob F. Parker’s up to Haldron and William S. Mettler’s over to his home. We will put 50 cents in this letter. If it ain’t anough, write to me and we will send you more. And if it is to much, give it to Skid Mettler.

No more at present. Your affectionate son, — John A. Laur

Don’t write till the 25th of this month and then I think we will be to our regiment. I will write again before that time. I like it first rate. Goodbye to you all.

Letter 3

Camp Distribution, Virginia
August 16, 1864

My dear father,

I am well at present and hope these few lines may find you all the same. The letter that I wrote to you yesterday, I mentioned about sending home them overcoats. I told you that I would put in 50 cent to pay the freight on them and I forgot to put in the money so I thought I would write today and put it in. I will put in a dollar and if it is too much, keep the change, and if it ain’t enough, write to me and I will send you more.

When we marched from Washington to this camp we had to cross the Potomac and I got purty tired a walking across it. It is about a mile broad where we crossed. Tell Willie & George it would be a bully place to fish, I think. When we was a riding from Philadelphia to Baltimore, two men tried to desert. One jumped off the platform and broke his neck. The other jumped out of the window and the guards put two ball through him. One went through his right side and the other went through his heart and killed him on the spot. ¹

I guess I will have to close for I am getting tired. Excuse poor writing for I have to write on a board. Write to me as soon as you get this letter for I guess I will be to my regiment when you get this. Tell me all that has happened since I left. Tell me how the boys are a getting along and whether Willie misses me or not. Goodbye to you all. Give my love to all.

Directions: John A. Laur, Washington D. C., Co. H, 10 Regt. N. J. Vol.

¹ By the time John enlisted in late 1864, many of the “recruits” and “draftees” were reluctant participants and officers escorting these men to the the Distribution Camp near Washington D. C. often kept them under guard. Some of the men who accepted large bounties to enlist or accepted money as substitutes for drafted men did so with every intention of deserting the first opportunity presented them. The men who tried to escape were probably “bounty jumpers.”

Letter 4

On Picket near Charlestown, Virginia
August 30, 1864

My dear father,

I now take this pleasant opportunity to write to write to you to let you know that I am well at present and hope these few lines will find you all the same. We left Bolivar Heights on Sunday morning and marched nearly all day and when night came, our regiment encamped near Charlestown when they sent our company out on picket and we have been out ever since. We live fine when we are out on picket. Yesterday we killed a pig and had some fresh pork.

I havent received but one letter letter from you and one from Aunt Mary Ann and so I thought I would write to you to let you know that I like it first rate. The Johnnys are laying about a mile off. Yesterday there was hard fighting in front we could hear their guns crack plain.

Write to me soon and tell me how you are a getting along. Tell me how Willie and George and Em is a getting along and tell me whether you have got my bounty or not. Dont show them songs to anybody for the writing is so poor. On the back I will send you some better ones. Goodbye all. From your son, — John A Laur

Write soon.

Letter 5

In Camp near Charlestown, Virginia
September 1, 1864

My dear father,

I now take this pleasant opportunity by writing to you to let you know that I am well at present and hope these few lines may find you all the same. You say you want to know how I want my money—in bonds or not. You can take [them] any way you please, and if you get drafted, take the money and hire a substitute. You wanted to know whether I didn’t lose my shirt when I lost my knapsack. I got 3 shirts, 2 pair of drawers, and a blanket. I threw away one pair of drawers and a shirt and my blanket for they was too [much to] carry and it was so warm that I did not need them. I drawed one India rubber to keep me dry.

I forgot to tell you that I received two letters and some paper and was very glad to hear from you all. You wanted to know what was our captain’s name. We have no captain or lieutenants—only a sergeant. They was all killed or captured.

I will have to bring my letter to a close. Goodbye Willie and George and Emma and all. From your son, — John A. Laur

Write soon.

Letter 6

September 3, 1864

My Dear father,

You spoke about them two hundred dollars. The rest of the boys took theirs in bonds, but you can take mine any way you please. You spoke to me about a shirt. I have two shirts and a man gave me a testament in Washington. I like it first rate yet. You said you didn’t get a letter in over a week. I write a couple of times every week. I guess I will have to close by wishing you goodbye. From your son, — John A. Laur

Write soon. I received the papers and envelopes.

Letter 7

Camp near Berryville, Virginia
September 7, 1864

My dear parents,

I now take this pleasant opportunity to write to you to let you know that I am well at present and hope you are all the same. I received a letter from Emma last night and was very glad to hear from her. It had a quarter of a dollar in it. I received the other two dollars when I received the papers but I forgot to mention it.

I have not been very well this while back but am all right now. When we left Charlestown, I did not feel able to march so I reported to the doctor and I was put in the ambulance and got to ride all the way where now I feel well now. I don’t know when we will have to move, but I think it will be before long. Don’t send me a box for we are a moving all the time and I would not get it. We will put up for winter quarters in a couple of months and then we will get them. Don’t worry about me for I am a getting along all right. Next Friday it will be one month since I voluntered.

I received a letter from Uncle George last night. It has been several days since I wrote to you but I was a little sick and didn’t feel much like writing. But write to me as soon as you get this. Goodbye all. From your son, John A. Laur

Letter 8

Camp near Berryville, Virginia
September 11, 1864

My dear brother,

I guess I will have to write to you a little about the Johnnys. They aint very close now. We can hear a cannon crack once and a while, but I wish I had the old double barrel gun down here awhile. You ought to just see the pigeons. I see 3 or 4 flocks every morning and it is full of grey squirrels too. But we don’t shoot them with our guns. But we shoot a hog whenever we find one. We have purty plenty of pork down here.

I guess I will have to close by wishing you all goodbye. Tell mother to write soon. This here song that I send along is Willie’s.

I guess I will write a little more. When you write, tell me whether Pap was drafted or not and how he is a getting along with the work. I expect George has to work as hard as ever and Willie I suppose he is a working too. You say Julie is at our house. I would like to know whether she kissed George and Willie or not. Tell George that I was in a swimming in the Shenandooah River once. Tell Emma that I will answer her letter as soon as I get a little more time. And Willie wants me to come home and sing for him? Tell him I will come home after awhile and sing for him. I want to know whether he rides Old Jack as much as he used to but I don’t know whether I can fetch him a horse that can eat and drink or not.

I guess I will have to close. Write to me soon. Goodbye all. From your son, — John A. Laur

Goodbye Willie and George and Emma. Goodbye.

Letter 9

Camp near Berryville, Virginia
September 17, 1864

My dear parents,

I now take this pleasant opportunity to write to you to let you know that I am well at at present and hope you are all the same. I received your letter on the 15th and was very glad to hear from home. I am doing well now. Tonight our company has to go out on picket and will be out 3 days.

The letter that you sent me had 50 cents in it and the next one you send me I would like you to send me a quarter’s worth of stamps for I am purty near out. You wanted to know whether I could not buy something good when I was sick. You can get plenty of good things of the sutler but he charges a purty good price. Uncle George thinks I done wrong by throwing away my blanket. I can stand it very well. Me and [William] Mettler and [Jacob] Parker each have a shelter tent and we put up together and each have a rubber blanket. We sleep very warm.

We have been in this place two weeks today and I think we will stay a while. The Johnnys have encamped on a mountain about 6 miles from us.

You wanted me to tell you whether it is any warmer out here than at home. It is purty warm in the day time but it is very cold nights. I come on guard about every 3 days. I don’t mind it mutch in the daytime but it is purty cold nights. I have seen plenty of rebel prisoners since I have been down here. I have been in the service one month and a week. Tell Willie not to ride old Jack too much. I guess I will have to close for this time. Goodbye all. From your son, — John A Laur

Goodbye Willie and George and Emma. I received a letter last night from little sissy Clark. William Mettler is well and in fine spirits.

Letter 10

Martinsburg Hospital
[Sometime early October, 1864?]

My dear parents,

I now take this pleasant opportunity to write a few lines to you to let you know that I am in the Martinsburg Hospital and am doing well. I expect to be sent to Baltimore tonight or in the morning. It has been a long time since I wrote to you but we can’t send any letters out—only once a week. I received a letter from Mother and Emma last week and one from Aunt Mary Ann. Don’t worry about me for I have nothing but the diarrhea and I will soon get over that.

I would like to tell you about that Winchester battle but I hain’t got time. If I live to get home, I will tell you how I dodged the shells. I guess I will have to close for this time. Don’t write till you hear from me again for I don’t know where to tell you to direct it. No more at present. From your affectionate son, — John A Laur

Goodbye. Willie, I will write as soon as I can.

Letter 11

United States General Hospital
Frederick, Maryland

My dear parents,

I now sit down to take this pleasant opportunity to write you to let you know that I am getting along fine. We went to Frederick City instead of Baltimore. It is a purty nice place and I want to stay here as long as I can. The reason I write home so soon after the other letter, I would like to have some money while we are here. I can get a pass from the doctor to go in the city and if I have a little money, I can get some butter or something that will taste good. You may send me 5 dollars if you can. Mind and send [only] government money for I can’t pass any other kind down here. Write just as soon as you get this for we may not stay here long. Don’t send any more letters to the regiment till I tell you to. There may be letters there now with money in them from home and I won’t get them till I get to my regiment again.

I guess I will have to close for this time. Tell Aunt Mary Ann and little Sissy Clark that I will answer their letters when I get to my regiment. Don’t forget to write as soon as you get this. Goodbye all. Directions: John A. Laur, United States General Hospital, Frederick Maryland. You had better get Robert Shimer to direct it. From your son, — John A Laur

Letter 12

U. S. A. General Hospital
Frederick, Maryland
October 21, 1864

My dear parents,

I now take this pleasant opportunity to write to you to let you know that I am getting along fine and am purty near well. I feel a little weak yet but I will soon be as strong as ever. You spoke about my staying here all winter. I would like to if I could but as soon as the men get fit for duty, they are sent to their regiments.

Last night I received mother’s letter with the money in it and was very glad for it. I went out in the city and get me a pound of butter for 50 cents and now I can live first rate. We get fresh bread every meal and but 3 times a week Monday mornings we get boiled ham and now we get potatoes boiled with the skins on, and sometimes we get apple sauce and corn bread. We have good beds nights to sleep in.

Today I received a letter from Emma and was very glad for her photograph. It looks just like her. I showed it to the boys in the tent and they thought it was a good one.

I suppose would like to know how many men there is here. There is about 12 hundred men and about half of them is wounded. I wrote today to William Mettler to send me my letters today. As long as I [have] money I can buy paper and envelopes, so you needn’t send me any. Tell Willie I got his letter and was very glad to hear from him. Tell him I have no hard tack now but I will send him a piece when I get to the regiment. Tell George that I seen plenty of dead rebs but no watches. I guess I will have to close this time by wishing you all goodbye. Don’t send a box or any more money till I write for it. Goodbye from your son, — John A. Laur

Directions the same as before: U.S.A. General Hospital, Frederick, MD

Letter 13

U.S.A. General Hospital,
Frederick, Maryland
October 29, 1864

My dear parents,

I now take this pleasant opportunity to write a few lines to you to let you know that I am well at present and hope this will find you all the same. I received a letter from you on the 27th and it had two dollars in it and I was very glad for it. It takes money purty fast if I get a pass and go out in the city [where] I see so many good things that I can’t help but buy some. We don’t live quite so good as we did.

I want to know whether it is very cold up home. It is very cold down here. We are in great big tents—big enough to hold 10 or 12 men—and there is no stoves in them and we have to keep in bed purty near all the time to keep warm. I think I will write to Henry Thomas tomorrow. I got the combs that you spoke about.

When you write again, tell who pap is going to vote for. The soldiers are all down on Old Abe. They all go in for Little Mac. The soldiers are all tired of the war and say if Old Abe is elected, that they won’t fight any more. There is a great many soldiers die here—two or three every day. There was one died last night in the next tent to mine.

I want you to tell Willie I dont want him to shoot all the rabbits for I want to shoot some myself when I come back. I am afraid that he works most too hard. That picture in the letter is his. When you write to me again, I want to know whether pap ever got my bounty or not. I guess I will have to close for this time. Write soon. Tell the boys and girls I am well. Goodbye all. From your son, — John A. Laur Directions the same as before.

Letter 14

US General Hospital
Frederick, Maryland
November 19, 1864

My dear parents,

I arrived at Frederick yesterday at one o’clock and found everything as I had left it. I left Trenton for Philadelphia at one o’clock on the 17th and I left Philadelphia at 5 o’clock that night and got in Baltimore at 9 that night. And then I put up at the Union Relief and left the next morning at 9 o’clock for Frederick City. When I was in Trenton, I saw one of the old boys in my company. He had his discharge and was going home. I had a good long talk with him. He told me the name of the man who was killed in my company. His name was [Francis] Freeman—one of my best friends. A shell struck him and cut him nearly in two. ¹

Tell the boys that Taylor is alright and promoted to 5th Sergeant. I guess I will have to close for this time for I don’t know what to write. Goodbye all and write soon. Your son, — John A. Laur

Directions the same as before.

¹ Francis (“Frank”) H. Freeman was killed at the Battle of Cedar Creek on 19 October 1864. His illiterate wife, Hannah E. (Allen) Freeman, age 18, filed for a Widow’s Pension, claiming they were married on 14 January 1864 in Camden county, N. J. when she was 16 years old. The pension record states that Frank was “wounded in the bowels.” Curiously, Frank’s mother made an application for a “Dependent Mother Pension” claiming that Frank was never married even though Frank’s wife was living with her at the time of his death. An investigator from the Pension Office finally ruled in favor of the widow. Frank’s parent’s names were Charles Freeman and Mary B. Burt. Mary claimed that Frank’s father “ran away with another girl before Frank was four and never saw his father but once afterward.”

Letter 15

[Late November 1864]

My dear parents,

I now sit down to tell you that I arrived at the regiment this morning. I left Frederick City on Monday and I got so short notice that I hadn’t time to write. I had a purty hard march yesterday. I went out with the train from Martinsburg to Winchester. The distance is 22 miles. It was a purty hard day’s march. I wrote to you when I first come to the hospital and didn’t get no answer yet when I left and I wrote one to Aunt Mary Ann. I told the postmaster to send them to me when they come.

Last Thursday we had a bully Thanksgiving dinner at the hospital. We had 100 turkeys roasted and 21 geese and some ducks and chickens. The reason I left the hospital was because we didn’t get half anough to eat. The regiment is in winter quarters here but they think they will have to go to Winchester to guard the railroad so I won’t write for a box yet till I know we will lay still.

They say Jacob Parker is at Baltimore hospital. Tell Mrs. Mettler that William is well and that he received the shirt and gloves that she sent him. The boys are all looking fine. I guess I will have to close for this time. Goodbye all. When you write to me, tell me how Willie is a coming along. Write soon. Directions: Co. H. 10 New Jersey Vol., Washington DC

Letter 16

Camp near Petersburg
December 7, 1864

My dear parents,

I now sit down to tell you that I arrived at this place last night. The 5th Corps had nice quarters built and our corps relieved them so we have nice log huts. I like it first rate. We are about 10 miles on the left of Petersburg. We can hear the cannon cracking all the time but there is no firing where we are so don’t worry about me for I am in a good place. I like it better than I did in the Valley. I tell you what, I have seen a good bit since I have been home.

So I guess I will tell you something about my journey. We left Gen. Sheridan’s army and the Shenandoah Valley on the 1st of December and took the train at Winchester and it took us a day and a night to get to Washington. We stayed there a while and then took a steamboat called the Monitor. We was on the water two days and then we came to City Point and from City Point we came here. I tell you what, we had a nice time on the Potomac and James river. When we was a going up the James river, I saw Fort Pohattan—the place where John Cyphers and the boys are. I tell you what geese and ducks I did see up the James river. The boys shot at them but couldn’t hit them.

I have not received any letters from you since I left home and I have wrote two. I wrote to Aunt Mary Ann and I dont know whether I put on the right directions or not. I will tell you the directions I put on and you can tell me whether I put them on right. Since we are in such good quarters, I guess you may send me a box. You may put in what you please. I guess I will have to close for this time by bidding you all goodbye. From your son, John A. Laur

We are now in Gen. Grant’s army. Tell the boys and girls that I am all right and tell Mrs. Mettler that Will is well and in good spirits. Write soon.

Letter 17

Camp near Petersburg
December 12, 1864

My dear parents,

I received you most welcome letter last night and was very glad to hear from home for it was the first letter I have had yet since I was home [on furlough]. The letter that I received last night was date the 9th. The two first letters you wrote to me, I never got and I didn’t get Aunt Mary Ann’s letter [either].

It is very cold here today. I was out on picket two days and it rained and snowed all the time. There is about 2 inches of snow on the ground now. We had no firing when I was on picket. I had a pleasant conversation with one of the Johnnys. They come over in our lines and the boys trade coffee and tobacco with them. One of them wanted to know when the big killing was a coming off. We told him that it was a coming off before long. They are a fighting all the time off on the left and right. We can hear their cannon and musketry all the time. They open the ball about sundown and keep it up all night and in the morning it slackens.

We have nothing to do here but go out on picket and guard the forts. Tell Mrs. Mettler that Will is well. He is out on picket today. Tell Phip and Ike that I will write to them as quick as I get time. When you send the box, send me a letter the same day so I can draw it. I guess I will have to close for this time. Write soon. From your son, — John A. Laur

Directions: Co. H, 10 Regt. N. J. Vol., 1st Brig., 1st Div., 6th Army Corps, Washington DC. When you write to me, tell me how Willie and George and Em is a getting along. This is Willie’s hard tack.

Letter 18

Camp near Petersburg
December 19, 1864

My dear parents,

I received your kind letter last night and was very glad to hear from you. I got the receipt in the letter but haven’t drawed the box yet. When I get it, I will write you. You said you heard that there was firing in our front and so there is. There was 3 or 4 brought in wounded in our brigade. The Johnnys tried to advance on the picket line but we repulsed them. The firing has nearly stopped now. I wish you was here to hear the firing at night. The cannon are a cracking all the time out at Petersburg. This morning they fired a salute of a hundred guns in honor of Gen. Thomas’s glorious achievement. I tell you what, it did roar.

I don’t know what is the reason that I did not get your two first letters and Aunt Mary Ann’s. It was raining here today and it is a great deal warmer than it was. I will have to close. This letter leaves me well and I hope it will find you all the same. Tell Mrs. Mettler that Will is well. Tell the boys that I am well. Goodbye all, from your son — John A. Laur

Tell Willie not to run too much in them new boots. John A. Laur

Letter 19

Camp near Petersburg
December 22, 1864

Dear parents,

I now sit down to write a few lines to let you know that I am well at present and hope you are all the same. I haven’t received the box yet. They hadn’t been ordered up from Washington yet when you wrote but they have been now and I suppose I will get it about Christmas time. I like it first rate down here. I was never so hearty in my life as I am now. I tell you what, I stand it bully since I have come back to the regiment.

William S. Mettler is on picket today. There is a photograph gallery here and if you will send me a couple of dollars, I will get some taken with my gun and equipments on. The rebs are very quiet here now. There is scarcely any firing here at all now. You ought to see what queer railroads they have here. They hain’t like our roads but they just run with the ground, up hills and down. When we do down hill, we go like a streak. But when we go up hill, they go very slow. I wish you would send Emma’s photograph to me. There is somebody that wants it down here. Tell Willie not to eat too many Christmas candies or he will get sick. When you write to me again, tell me how him and George is a making out. Tell Mrs. Mettler that Will is a doing well. I dont want you all to eat too much turkey a Christmas. I guess I will have to close for this time by wishing you all a Merry Christmas. Goodbye all. Write soon. From your son, — John A. Laur

Letter 20

Camp near Petersburg
December 25, 1864

My dear parents,

I received your kind letter to day and was very glad to hear from you. Today is Christmas and it is a very fine day. I have my shirts yet and I can stand the cold very well but it ain’t as cold down here as it is up there. We have good fires in our tents and we can keep good and warm. It is Christmas today and I haven’t got my box yet but I expect it tomorrow. Our chaplain is a going to City Point and I am a going to give him my receipt and if it is there, he will draw it. I am not out of envelopes and paper yet but you might send me two or three stamps if you will. I received the dollar that pap sent me and it come very good for i was out of money.

Today I received the last letter that Aunt Mary Ann sent me. It had been on the road about 20 days and it was very near worn out. I received Willie’s letter and I think he is improving some. I guess I will have to send him another piece of a hard tack. I would send him a whole one, but I cannot get it in a letter. I don’t want you to worry about me for I am in the best of health. I tell you what, I can eat pork. We get a great deal better rations than we did in the Valley. We draw two days rations of bread every week and we get beans and rice and fresh meat three times a week, plenty of sugar and coffee, and onions and potatoes and molasses and vinegar and whiskey once a week. So we live purty well.

I guess I will have to close for this time. This letter leaves me well and I hope this may find you the same. I close by wishing you all a Merry Christmas. From your son, — John A. Laur

Write soon.

To my brother George. Well George, I thought I would write a few lines to tell you not to catch all the muskrat for I want some of them myself when I come home. And George, I heard that you kissed the girls on the other day. I tell you what, it won’t do to kiss them anymore, for if you do, I will hear tell of it. George, today is Christmas and I suppose you are a eating turkey and Crristmas candies, but I have pork and hard tack. It goes nice, I tell you. Well, George, I will close by wishing you a Merry Christmas and also Emma and Willie. Give my best respects to all. Write soon.

Letter 21

Camp near Petersburg
December 27, 1864

Dear Parents,

I received your kind and welcome letter on the 26th and was very glad to hear from home. I am doing very well now. I am getting fat, I tell you. I havent’ received my box yet but expect it everyday. I am afraid some of the things will be spoilt, it has been on the road so long. It is not near as cold down here as it is up there. It is raining today.

I tell you what, I had a bully old Christmas dinner. We had pork and tack. I tell you what, it went gay.

One out of our company died on the 19th. He was an old man named David Russell. Our company is very small now. There is only twelve men fit for duty now. Yesterday we drawed 2 mackerel apiece and they went purty good, I tell you.

When you write to me again, tell me now the boys are a getting along. I guess I will have to close for this time. Give my best respects to all. Write soon. From your son, John A. Laur

Directions: Co. H, 10th Regt. N. Jersey Vol., 1st Brig., 1st Div., 6th Corps, Washington DC

Letter 22

Camp near Petersburg
January 5, 1865

My dear parents,

I received your kind and welcome letter today and was very glad to hear from you. I just come in off of picket this morning. I have been out two days and the first day we had a purty hard time of it for it snowed all night. But it is getting nice and warm again. The Johnnys didn’t disturb us any this time for I guess they knowed better.

Tomorrow our regiment is ordered to Gen. Meade’s Headquarters to see a man [Peter Cox] shot for desertion. He belongs to the 4th New Jersey Vols. I tell you what, I dont like to see it, but I suppose I must.

My box hasn’t come yet and I am afraid some of the things will be spoilt but we heard that the boxes was delayed at Washington and I think they will be along yet. I received the two dollars that you sent me and I was very glad too for it. I went and bought some flour and me and old Mettler had a gay old dinner of slapjacks. I think we will be paid off about the 15th of the month and I will get four months pay which will be 64 dollars, and I will send the biggest part of it home to you. I want you to see Phip Fine and Isaac Yard and I want you to see why they don’t write to me. I wrote to them when I first came down here and never received any answer. I guess they have forgot it.

Yesterday we drawed sour krout for the first time and it went purty nice, I tell you. There is a rumor now that we are to be sent back to the Valley again but I hope it ain’t so for we don’t have to march any here like we did in the Valley. Tell Willie not to cut too mutch with that knife of his. Tell George that I think I shall go to snaring rabbits down here for when I was out on picket, I saw plenty of tracks. I guess I will have to close for this time. Give my respects to all my friends. From your son, —John A. Laur

Write soon

Letter 23

Camp near Petersburg
January 12, 1865

My dear parents,

I received your kind letter yesterday and was very glad to hear from you to hear you was all well. I have good news to tell you. Me and Mettler received our box on the 6th of the month and it is purty near all gone too. Everything was good except the chickens. They was a little moldy on the out side, and that can of peaches Mrs. Lerch sent me was spoilt so that we had to throw them away.

Yesterday the Johnnys like to fetched me and Mettler. We was a working out on the picket line on fatigue duty and we was only a little ways off from the Johnny’s picket line. [While] we was a working away, a party of us was a standing together when all of a sudden the Johnnys poured a volley of musketry into us and wounded six of our boys. I tell you what, the bullets flew thick for a little while. We hadn’t our guns along so we had to run and I tell you what, we did run too. I had to help two of the wounded men in and I tell you, it was a purty hard job.

It is a nice warm day here today and it don’t get very cold here. I don’t think it is any colder here now than it was when I was home on furlough. I got a letter from Uncle George last night and one from John S. Hunt and one from you makes three. You wanted to know how Jacob Parker was a getting a long. He has not lost his leg. He is a doing well.

Tell Willie not to ride too much on his sled or else he will freeze his feet again. I guess I will have to close for this time. When you write to me, I wish you would send me some stamps for I am out. So goodbye all. Write soon. From your son, — John A. Laur

Directions the same as before.

Letter 24

Camp near Petersburg
January 30, 1865

My dear parents,

I received your kind letter yesterday and was very glad to hear from you and I also received one from Phip Fine. Tell him I will write to him as quick as I get some paper. If it ain’t too mutch trouble to you, I wish you would send me some paper and envelopes for these down here are so poor as I don’t know when we will get paid off. I wish you would try and get as good paper as you can and if Robert Shimer has any pocket diaries, I wish you would send me one so I could put down all that transpires.

Saturday I was on picket and two rebel deserters came over on the post I was on. I tell you what, the poor fellows looked hard. We cooked them a good supper of pork. I tell you what, how they did go into it. They belonged to a South Carolina regiment.

I expect my box will soon be on hand and I tell you what, it will go purty good. Tell Willie that I said you musn’t scold him so much and I want to know whether his boots are wore out yet or not. I expect he gets a good many sleigh rides this winter. And tell George that I am afraid he will beat me if he learns so fast before I get home. I guess I will have to close for this time. This leaves me well and I hope it will find you all the same. From your son, —John A. Laur

If you can’t get that diary at Robert’s, you needn’t trouble yourself about it. Give my respects to all. — John A. Laur

Letter 25

Camp near Petersburg Virginia
February 25, 1865

My dear Parents,

I received your most welcome letter today and was very glad to hear from home. Today our regiment was paid off. I got 6 months pay. I will send home 46 dollars of it. I would send home more but I owe the sutler some and some of the boys and so when I pay off my debts, I won’t have a great [amount left]. Write to me as soon as you get this letter so I will know whether you got it or not.

We have nice times here. The weather is nice and warm. I am on guard today and it is raining like forty. Just as quick as I get a pair of pants, I will have my photograph taken. I look most too greasy now. If you get the money that is in this letter, spend it, for it is yours.

You wanted to know whether we have any officers in our company. We have none yet. Our Orderly Sergeant commands the company.

I am sorry to hear that Johnny [ ] has enlisted for I think he will have a hard time of it. I received the money you sent me. I received the ring Willie sent me. You must buy him something and tell him I bought it for him. I guess I will have to close for this time. Excuse poor writing and write soon. From your son, — John A. Laur

You won’t find any money in this letter. I thought I would send it by the state agent as it would be safer. You will get a check about the time you get this and it will show you what bank to go and draw it.

Letter 26

Camp Near Petersburg, Virginia
March 2, 1865

My dear parents,

I now sit down with pleasure to write a few lines to you. I suppose you have received them photographs I sent you. The one with the sergeant stripes on is Jack Taylor and the other one is named Ward. We call him goat for a nickname and I will send you one in this letter. Tell Willie that it is his’n. I am a going to send Aunt Mary Ann one with me and Mettler both in one picture. I tell you what, it is a good one.

You must tell grandmother that her peaches went bully. I would write to them all but I am on duty purty near every day and I can’t hardly get time to write home. These pictures are dear down here. I paid a $1.50 for the one that is in this letter. I guess I will have to close for this time. Write soon. From your son, — John A. Laur

Letter 27

Camp Near Petersburg Virginia
March 8, 1865

Dear Parents,

I received your most welcome letter yesterday and was glad to hear from home. We have fine weather here now. It is almost as warm here now as it is up there in the summer time.

There is some talk of our leaving here soon and going to the Valley again but I hope it ain’t so for I would sooner be here than in the Valley. When you write to me again, tell me how Willie liked his picture. You must get his taken and send me one. I would like to see how he looks. Tell em that she can have enough of that money to buy an album if you are a mind to give it to her. It is yours—you can do as you please. You must buy Willie an orange of that money I sent him.

I think the war will soon be over myself. The rebs are deserting over to us every night. Six or seven come in were we picket every night. Six came in last night and if they come in that way all a long the line, their army must be getting weak.

I guess I will have to close for news is scarse. I hain’t had the earache once this winter or any bad colds. I am as hearty as a buck. I tell you what, the old box is a disappearing rapidly. This leaves me well and I hope it may find you all the same. Write soon. From your son, — John A. Laur

Write soon

Letter 28

Camp near Petersburg, Virginia
March 19, 1865

My dear Parents,

I received your kind letter yesterday and was very glad to hear from you. You say that you received them pictures I sent you. I want to know whether you received the one that I have my gun. I don’t know whether you got it or not. But about that photograph Mettler sent, he sent it to you but you needn’t let on to Em about it. When I wrote to you, I made a mistake about my pay. I only got four month’s pay. You said that I did not keep any money. I kept as much as I wanted for the sutler sells everything so high that it all goes anyhow. The next time you write to me, I would like you to send me a pair of suspenders if it ain’t to mutch trouble to you. The sutlers here ask 5 dollar a pair for them and I hate to pay that for them and my old ones are purty near played out.

I got Willie’s candy that he sent me and it went good. Tell him that I said he shouldn’t work so hard. Today we had a purty hard days work. We have been on review. We went about four miles and it was so hot that we come purty near roasting. I tell you what, I wish you could have seen us today. Our whole Division was out together and I tell you what, we made a show. And we are coming out gay. We have white gloves and I tell you, they look nice.

Last week we had marching orders but we didn’t have to go. When you write to me I would like to know on what bank that check is on. I guess I will have to close for this time. This leaves me well and I hope it may find you all the same. From your son, — John A. Laur

Write Soon. Co. H, 10 N. J. Vols., 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 6th Army Corps, Washington.

Letter 29

Camp Near Burksville Station, Virginia
April 16, 1865

My dear Parents,

I received your welcome letter yesterday and was very glad to hear from you for it was the first time that I heard from home in purty near three weeks. Today is Easter and I suppose you are a eating eggs. I received George and Willie’s photograph and I tell you, it looks bully.

We are now encamped at Burke’s Station. I don’t know how long we will stay here. You said you suppose I would see Petersburg and Richmond. I have been in Petersburg. We was out on the morning it was surrendered to our Brigade and we went into the town that morning. It is a purty nice place. I tell you what, the boys got lots of tobacco. I never saw so much tobacco in my life and we got plenty of Confederate money [too]. I will send a couple of Bills home for I guess you have not seen any yet.

I dont know what they are a going to do with us now for there is no more fighting to do here unless they send us to North Carolina but I don’t think they will. If you have any money about when you get this letter, you can send me a couple of dollars and I will buy a ham of the commissary. I guess I will have to close for this time. When you direct your letters to me, direct them the same as before. Write soon. From your son, John A. Laur

Letter 30

Camp Near Danville, Virginia
May 3, 1865

My Dear Parents,

I received your kind letters to day for it has been a good while since I heard from home. I received two from you this morning.

We are now laying at Danville, Va. We have been on a purty hard march. We marched from Burksville Junction to Danville in four days and four hours. The distance was a hundred miles. And when we got to this place, we heard that Johnston had surrendered and now they talk of sending us back to Petersburg to guard the railroad. I suppose when we go, we will go on the cars.

I received the photograph that you sent me and I tell you, it was a good one. I also received the 2 dollars that you sent me and the dollar that George sent and it comes very good.

You said that the Sixth Corps lost heavy while we was after old Lee. The Corps did lose very heavy but we did not lose a great many in our Brigade. We got out of the hardest battle that was fought for we was wagon guard. I think the war is almost over. All the armies have surrendered except Kirby Smith and he will surrender too when he hears that the rest have surrendered. I will have to close for this time. This leaves me well and I hope it may find you all the same. Write soon. From your son, — John A. Laur

Letter 31

Camp near Petersburg
May 11, 1865

My Dear Parents,

Having nothing to do at present, I thought I would write a few lines to you to let you know that I am well and hope this may find you all the same. We left Danville last Friday and we rode about a hundred mile on the car and walked the rest of the way and now we are a laying 10 miles from Petersbug a guarding the railroad. But we won’t stay here long. We expect to move every day and when we do go, they say that we are going to Washington. They say that the 2nd and 5th Corps are there now and that Sherman’s army is a going there too.

There is to be a review there and when that is over, they say they are going to send them home. They say when we go, we will have to march all the way there. If we do, it will be a long march. It is about a hundred and 72 miles.

Yesterday I was sent on safe guard over an old farmer’s plantation and I live fine. I don’t know how long I will be kept here but I suppose till they get ready to move. I will send George a ten dollar Confed[erate] note. I guess I will have to close for I am out of news.

Write soon. From your son, — John A. Laur

Letter 32

Camp at Richmond, Virginia
May 20, 1865

My Dear Parents,

I received your kind letter last night and I was very glad to hear from you. We are now laying about a mile from Richmond. We can see the city plain. We can see Libby Prison plain and I tell you, it is a nice city by the looks of it. And we marched through Petersburg the other day and that is a purty nice place [too].

We stopped here to draw rations and then they say we are to start on to Washington. I tell you, it will be a purty hard march—about a hundred and 32 miles. The news is down here that they are discharging the troops fast. I don’t know when we will be discharged. I don’t think we will be before our time is out. You wanted to know whether I got enough clothes. I have got as many as I can carry. We can draw all we want from the goverment. I guess Mr. Mettler’s company hain’t to Trenton for the last time Will heard from him, he was at the fort yet. I guess I will have to close for this time. Write soon. From your son, — John A. Laur

1865 Peace Negotiations, Siege of Petersburg

1865: Map showing the Position of the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 9th Corps Before Petersburg

June 17, 2026 Griff Leave a comment

The accompanying map is believed to have been created by David J. Dann (1840-1902), whose signature is located in the lower right corner. David’s parents were English immigrants residing in Effingham, Illinois, during 1861 when David initially enlisted for a three-month term in Company G of the 11th Illinois Infantry. In 1864, he re-enlisted in Company I of the 38th Wisconsin Infantry. Muster rolls confirm that he enlisted on August 16, 1864, and was mustered out on June 2, 1865. At that juncture, he listed Janesville, Wisconsin, as his residence. David married Eliza Q. Holmes on November 30, 1863, although the marriage ultimately ended in divorce. In his later years, following his retirement, David referred to himself as a “Painter.”

*Map shared by the courtesy of its owner, Jim Rivest*

The map does not bear a date on its front, and if a date is present on the reverse, it remains inaccessible at this moment due to the map being contained within a frame. Nonetheless, it must have been created subsequent to the Flag of Truce on 29 January 1865, during which Alexander Stephens and Robert Hunter, serving as Peace Commissioners, were permitted to cross the Union siege lines at Petersburg. It is noteworthy that just above the center of the map, the point marked “where Stephens and R. Hunter crossed” is indicated immediately above the Union picket line.

In the History of the 38th Wisconsin, it was written: “Received Rebel Peace Commissioners Stephens, Hunter, Campbell and Hatch through lines under flag of truce January 29, 1865.”

“On January 29, a Confederate officer with a flag of truce interrupted the Siege of Petersburg to announce the passage of the three Confederate peace commissioners. Soldiers from both armies cheered. On February 1, Seward dropped off a copy of the new amendment in Annapolis, then departed with the River Queen for Fort Monroe.” Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hampton_Roads_Conference

History records that Confederate peace commissioners Alexander Stephens and Robert M. T. Hunter, accompanied by John A. Campbell, crossed the Union picket lines in late January 1865 at Aiken’s Landing on the James River in Virginia. They traveled under a flag of truce to meet with Union General Ulysses S. Grant at his headquarters in City Point, Virginia. Subsequently, they proceeded to Hampton Roads to engage in the historic yet ultimately unproductive Hampton Roads Conference with President Abraham Lincoln aboard the steamboat River Queen on February 3, 1865.

MYSTERY

Following the signature of David J. Dann, the letters “Del” appear to have been inscribed; however, the rationale behind this inscription remains unclear unless it constitutes a fragment of a larger word. To the best of our knowledge, he had no affiliations with the State of Delaware.

9th New York Heavy Artillery, Siege of Petersburg

1865: Lewis Mason Foster to his Mother

May 13, 2026 Griff Leave a comment

Lewis Mason Foster (1846-1912) served with Co. C, 9th New York Heavy Artillery. He enlisted as a private in 1862. He became a corporal in November 1864. He mustered out with his regiment in July 1865. At the time of his enlistment, Foster was 18, suggesting he was born about 1844. Prior to the war, he lived in Conquest, NY. He was the son of Chandler and Amelia Pierce Foster.

The Special Collections and University Archives at Virginia Tech has one letter written by Foster in their collection to his mother in December 1864. Written near Petersburg, Virginia, Foster’s note describes his regiment’s travels from the Shenandoah Valley to the Petersburg area. He writes of the defenses of the nearby fort in detail, daily activities, and food and rations supplied to the troops. He also talks about living on the site of previous battles and building winter quarters there: “The boys have accidentally dug up dead Johnnies when they have been building their houses and there is lots of solid shot, shell and bullets and pieces of muskets laying around all over the ground.”

Over the years I’ve transcribed quite a number of letters by member of the 9th New York Heavy Artillery and published them on Spared & Shared:

Lawrence Johnson, Co. A, 9th New York H. A. (6 Letters)
Wesley Scott, Co. E, 9th New York H. A, (1 Letter)
Peter Baggerly, Co. G, 9th New York H. A. (1 Letter)
Walter Guppy Hole Duckett, Co. K, 9th New York H. A. (1 Letter)
John B. Sayles, Co. H (later L), 9th New York H. A. (2 Letters)
Isaac Cordon, Co. I, 9th New York H. A. (1 Letter)
Jerome Gardner, Co. K, 9th New York H. A. (1 Letter)
Francis Alexander Sinclair, Co. L, 9th New York H. A. (1 Letter)
Francis Alexander Sinclair, Co. L, 9th New York H. A. (1 Letter)
Sheldon Smith, Co. L, 9th New York Heavy Artillery (1 Letter)
Cyrus B. Tanner, Co. L, 9th New York Heavy Artillery (1 Letter)

Letter 1

Fort Fisher [Virginia] ¹
March 27, [1865]

Dear Mother,

I received your welcome letter last night and I hasten to answer it. Will has gone to the hospital. Went about ten days ago. I don’t know where he is. He promised to write to me as soon as he got where he could get a letter back.

We have advanced our picket line in front of our fort. It took some hard fighting to do it. The line was advanced Saturday. Yesterday everything was quiet but this morning about four o’clock the Rebs tried to get our lines back, but they didn’t make it out. Our company went in the fight, but lay in the fort. The bullets and shells flew into the fort but didn’t hurt anyone ver bad. Co. L of our regiment worked a Battery of 30-pounder Parrott guns and made some of the best shots that were made on the whole line. They silenced two of the Johnnies’ forts. They fired one shot that went through an embrasure in one of the Reb’s forts and dismounted one of the Reb’s guns and blowed up their caissons of ammunition. It was a pretty hard fight for a picket line fight.

Our men got so close to the Reb’s camp that they killed some of the Johnnies right in camp. A solid shot struck in our fort, bounded, and went out again without hurting anyone. This morning a Minié bullet struck one of our boys on the back of the neck and knocked him down but he got up all right. The force of the ball was spent. I went out yesterday where the hardest fighting was. There was lots of dead Johnnies all shot through the head—one Colonel, one Lieutenant-Colonel, and one Captain.

Willard did not get any pay. His Descriptive List didn’t come, I don’t know what is the matter with him but I think it is the acclimating process. He is not used to the climate yet and everyone has to have their turn some time or another. I got a letter from Lute and Cornelia this morning. Rube escaped the draft. Send me a county paper if you can get one with the list of the drafted in Wayne county. According to all accounts, the water must be very high in York State. It has delayed the mail on account of the railroads being washed away.

It is a very fine day [here]. A bullet went through my house Saturday but there was no one in it. You will get notice when that money I sent gets to the Depot. I don’t know what Depot it will go to. They will send it to the nearest one. I sent the receipt. Did you get it? I had the money directed to you. The Chaplain took it to City Point for me. I wrote a letter to [ ] some time ago. Did he get it? Has he found a place yet?

The sharpshooters are popping away out in front but I must close. Give my best regard to Grandpa and John. Don’t be uneasy about Will. He may come out all right yet. Write soon. Your loving boy, — Lewis

¹ Fort Fisher was a major Union siege fort on the southwest side of the City of Petersburg at the intersection of present-day Church Road and Flank Road. It was built after the September 1864 Battle of Peeble’s Farm. It is now part of the Petersburg National Battlefield’s Western Front and is stop number 3 on their driving tour.

Letter 2

Arlington Heights, Va.
June 6, [1865]

Dear Mother,

I received your welcome letter some time ago but have not had time to answer it until now. We lay within three and a half miles of Washington. We expect to be reviewed in a few days and to be sent to Albany and mustered out of the army. I think I will get home sometime in July. I woul like to get home by the 4th but don’t think I can. The weather has been very hot for the last few days but is cool this morning.

We had a hard march from Richmond.The weather was very warm with the exception of three days that it rained. We marched ten miles one day when it rained as hard as it could and the mud was knee deep. Had to ford one creek where the water was three feet deep. A great many died on the march from heat. I stood it as well as anyone and feel none the worse for the march. Willard has been transferred to Philadelphia to Satterlee Hospital. I think I will get my discharge nearly as soon as he does. His Descriptive List has not been sent to the hospital yet and he can’t get his discharge until it is sent. Our officers are all busy making out final statements and muster rolls preparatory to mustering us out.

Our Corps has got to be reviewed yet. That will be a hard day’s work but we will willingly do that. There is some talk that we are going to take our guns home with us. I hope so. We will be mustered out at Albany and I can go which way I am a mind to from there. I shall go to Clyde and take the stage. I shall go home the first place I go to (I have not got the itch but I have got now and then a greyback [lice] as the boys call them. I don’t know what you call the Camp Itch. I never read any of it. Do you think I had best to buy me a suit of clothes at Syracuse or wait until I get home?

We will get no pay until we get to Albany and get our discharges. Then we will get all that is due us. The men that enlisted in our regiment in 1863 have got to stay a while yet. Old soldiers whose times expire before the 1st of October will be discharged immediately. The rest will be kept. There is but 32 old boys left in our company of 100.

I spent half of a day looking around the City of Richmond. I visited Libby Prison, Castle Thunder, the Statehouse, and various noted places in the City. There has been millions of dollarsworth of property destroyed there. A great many nice houses destroyed and all the government buildings and four or five bridges across the James river.

Some of the boys that have got to stay after we are discharged are beginning to get homesick already. I don’t think I should get homesick if I had to stay my time out. Well, I must close as the company are drawing clothes and I want a new shirt and pair of pants. Write soon. Give my best respedcts to all enquiring friends. From your loving son, — Lewis M. Foster

P. S. Send me $5 in your next. Send it right away as we may leave here ibuprofen a couple of weeks. — Lewis

11th Georgia Artillery, Irvin's Guards, Robert E. Lee, Siege of Petersburg, Sumter Flying Artillery, William Mahone

1863-65: Shank Family Civil War Letters to Joseph Belknap Smith

April 20, 2026 Griff Leave a comment

An AI generated image of Joseph A. Shank, 11th Georgia Artillery, based on a post war sketch of him.

The following letters were written by members of the Shank family who served in the Confederate army with the Sumter Flying Artillery, a.k.a. the 11th Georgia Artillery, during the Civil War. Eleven of them were written by Sgt. John West Shank (1839-1875) and two of them by John’s younger brother, Pvt. William Baxter Shank (b. 1845). John and William were the sons of Felix Shank (1800-1874) and Mary Leverette of Wilkes county, Georgia. There are also seven letters by their cousin, Pvt. Joseph (“Joe”) A. Shank (1843-1912), the son of George and Theresa Leverette of Wilkes county. Joseph’s letters are, perhaps, the most descriptive of the lot. Though Joseph’s educational opportunities were limited, he acquired a very good English education and later studied at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Greenville, South Carolina, enabling him to engage in the ministry.

All of the letters were written to Col. Joseph Belknap (“J. B.”) Smith (1815-1898), the son of Joseph Nicholas Smith (1771-1857) and Polly Emerson (1784-1868) of Strafford county, New Hampshire. Joseph Belknap Smith (1802-1916) was a speculator and one of the founders of the Columbia Mining Company in eastern Georgia, not far from the Savannah river, where gold mining had been going on since the 1820s. By the 1850s, the mining operations required capital and equipment to extract the gold from veins deep in the ground. It also required steady labor for digging, hauling, and washing the ore—a labor that was supplied principally by slaves. The slaves were either owned outright by investors or hired from local slaveholders, of which there were many in the area. For example, Felix Shanks and his brother George owned 50 slaves between them, some of whom may have been hired by Smith seasonally. Smith’s operations at Columbia included a stamp mill and ore-processing machinery, producing as much as $2 million in gold before the Civil War (roughly 4 tons of gold). Records held in the Duke University Archives indicate that he employed about 120 enslaved laborers and processed 10 tons of ore per day.

*Joseph Belknap Smith home on the Little River, now under water due to the Strom Thurmond Dam.*

“J. B.” Smith was married and widowed twice before the Civil War. He was married a third time in April 1865 to Jane Septima (“Sep”) Shank (1841-1912), the sister of John and William Shank—thus securing the preservation of these Shank family letters. The Smith and Shank families lived in Wilkes county near the Little River—the dividing line between Wilkes and McDuffie county. Columbia gold-mining operations were in McDuffie county south of the river (see map below).

There are also two letters included that were written by Joe Shank on behalf of a slave named Jesse Day who was owned by Joseph B. Smith but hired by Joe to serve as his mess cook in the battery. The letters don’t reveal Jesse’s age but both were addressed to his mother.

Finding collections of letters such as these by Confederate soldiers is becoming incredibly difficult—especially ones that convey such a strong optimism for victory throughout the entire war. The following paragraph, written in late March 1865, reveals just how strongly the Shank family felt right up to the bitter end: “This army is in fine spirits. It has expressed its determination to carry this Confederacy through the struggle to independence or perish in a common heap. The blood of our fellow comrades cries for revenge from a hundred battlefields. I hope never to see a Confederate soldier that can look upon the green graves and bleaching bones of those comrades who have fallen on every battlefield from the Potomac to Mexico, and say they have died to no purpose. A desolated country with the charred ruins of once proud mansions, and desecrated temples call to us for protection. The tears of widows, and orphans, and the tears of outraged and insulted maidens appeal to us and we must not—cannot—refuse them protection. To these and the dictates of conscience, we can’t turn a deaf ear.”

Index to letters:

John West Shank letters: 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 13, 15, 19, 20, 21
Joseph A. Shank letters: 6, 7, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18
William Baxter Shank Letters: 16, 22
Jesse Day (slave) Letters: 3, 12

Letter 1

Camp Cutts Artillery Battalion
February 5th 1863

Col. J. B. Smith,

The stamp used on this envelope & others in this collection was an 1863 10 cent Jefferson Davis, Confederate States stamp.

My dear friend, on my arrival at camp last Monday night from Barnett’s Ford two miles west of Orange Court House to which place the section of our battery to which I am attached was sent on picket the day before, I found a waiting for me your most welcome letter. Nothing of interest occurred on our trip to Barnett’s Ford and back more than turning top side down one of our guns as we were on the way back to camp on Monday night in the dark.

Since I wrote you before, we have withdrawn our guns from the river near Rapidan Station and are now encamped about halfway between that place and Orange Court House and about two and a half miles from each. We came here on the 21st ultimo and the next day began to build stables for our houses. We built for our battery horses (67) four stables 30 feet square, of logs and covered with boards. We were three days in building. Since then, most of the men have built houses for themselves so we are now right comfortably fixed.

Most happily for us, just as we had to begin our work, Corporal Ward arrived with a large number of boxes which he had brought from our friends at home, so while we had work to do, we had plenty to eat and we still have some of it left on hand. Many of our boys are at home on furlough now and I guess they enjoy there “the fat of the land.” We have eighteen at home from our company and three of them are due here this evening. When they get back, I suppose three others will get off unless they conclude to grant no more furloughs but I hope they will not do that. However, it is reported that quite a number of troops are being sent from Gen. Ewell’s Corp of this army—supposed destination Wilmington, North Carolina. If that is correct, it may possibly be that the granting furlough will be suspended for a while though it is by no means certain. I guess Al will “astonish the natives” when he goes to eat at home for rations had been short for some time when he left and he was in quite good plight for eating.

They have begun again to give us our regular rations of one fourth of a pound of meat per day. For the last ten days though we have been furnished meal and no flour and it does not take well at all. Well, Colonel, a few more short weeks and again we must begin those long weary marches. It is with some unpleasant recollections of the past, and evil forebodings for the future, I must admit when I think of it, knowing the effect of heat, fatigue and dust upon myself. As to the future fortunes of this army though, I apprehend no fear, for under the leadership of its great General, if properly provided for, success will mark its course.

Many of the troops here have enlisted for the war and their patriotic example will, no doubt, be followed by most if not all the army, showing that it is willing hearts they fight. Of course some will have to be forced to fight but they will be the exception and not the rules. Lest you tire of this dull letter, I conclude by subscribing myself as your friend. — J. W. Shank

Letter 2

Camp four miles from Gordonsville, Virginia
August 27th 1863

Col. J. B. Smith,

Dear friend, in accordance with my promise, I will write you this morning. I arrived in camp one mile from Orange Court House last Saturday evening, which was just three days from the time I left Augusta. I was not in the best humor when I got there though, for I had bad luck on the way. I lost both my boxes at Wilmington and have not heard from them since. I wrote to the agent there to forward them to Richmond and I may yet get them. When I got to Richmond, Jesse let my bottle of cod liver oil fall and break, which I prozed so much as a present from yourself and from which I expected to derive so much benefit. So you see the fates seemed to be against me.

On reaching camp though, I found most of the boys in good health and most excellent spirits. The fight at Gettysburg has not in the least demoralized them but on the other hand, this army would be glad to meet Meade’s army again in battle. This army cannot be whipped and it would do some of “those blue people” in Georgia good, and rebuke them soundly, if they could go through this army and see the spirit and determination that pervades it. Some men at home have actually begun to contemplate the probability of a failure on the part of the Southern Confederacy but no such idea is entertained here amongst the soldiers. If she does go under, the fault is not ours.

I believe no fight is expected here in some time. The army is resting and recruiting its horses. We left our camp near Orange Court House last Monday and came to this camp where we find good grazing to recruit our horses which are in a worse condition than I ever saw them. The horses [we] got in Pennsylvania do not stand service and many of them have “played out.” The men can get a few green apples now and we can buy green corn at 6.25 cents per ear.

We are going to have a big green apple dumpling for dinner today. I forgot to tell you before I left home that I could not get one bit of dried fruit in my box. So many little bundles were sent in that I got very little in for myself. There has been a religious revival in the battalion recently and several in the company have professed religion. We had a chaplain a few weeks ago but he turned out to be such a “slow coach” that he was petitioned to resign or “move his washing” and he agreed to do the latter. Lieut. Calloway of our battalion preaches to us but is nearly worn down at it. We have services twice each day. Some of those lay preachers might do good work here if they would come out an be men.

Hoping to get an occasional letter from you, I will close. Yours most respectfully, — J. W. Shank

P. S. I send enclosed a letter from Jesse to his mother.

Letter 3

Camp near Orange Court House, Virginia
September 29th 1863

Dear Mother,

I wrote you a letter a short time after I came out here but have not received an answer to it yet so I will write you another. This leaves me well. I am living with Lieut. Griffin now taking care of the offices’ horses. Mr. Shank’s mess had a servant and he hired me to Lieut. Griffin for two months. I want you to send me twenty dollars by mail as soon as you can. We have not had any fight much here since I got back here. There has been two or three little fights but our company was not in them. We have had some right cool weather here and there was a right good frost last Wednesday morning. Th nights are cool now but it is warm in the day.

We get a good peach dumpling to eat right often out here and plenty of sugar with it, but there are so many pretty gals out here we can hardly eat for studying about them. I wrote you before I would soon be married but there are so many pretty ones, I can’t male a choice. Tell all the gals they must not think hard of me for not calling on them while I was there for they hurried me off so soon I did not have time to see them. I will try and see them all next time.

You must be sure and write to me soon. Direct your letter in care of Sergt. J. W. Shank, Irvin Artillery, Col. Vutts’ Battalion, Richmond, Virginia

Your affectionate son, — Jesse

Letter 4

Camp near Welford’s Ford [Hazel River]
November 4th 1863

Col. J. B. Smith,

Dear Sir, as I promised to send you a drawing or representation of our new Confederate flag, I will now do so having failed to send it in a letter which I wrote to you soon after I came out, which, by the way, has not been answered—or at least I have not received a reply—and but for fulfilling my promise, I don’t know that I should now write for there is an utter dearth of news and in consequence, of course, must fail to interest you.

We have had a good long march since I wrote to you before but we did not have enough fighting to make it interesting. Our battery did not go further north than Bristoe Station. All the country I saw north of the Rappahannock is a desert waste, bring stripped of all fencing and nearly every house being burnt & no crops at all growing. Even the churches are tirn down by the enemy to build their bunks of.

We have now had two weeks of rest being encamped on the south side of the river near Brandy Station and 5 or 6 miles from Culpeper Court House. We have had fine grazing for our horses and they have improved some but other food for them is rather scarce.

I send enclosed a letter for Jesse to his mother. He has never received a letter from her yet and is very anxious to get one. He thinks probably she gets someone else than you to write them and they may not be properly directed and wishes you to say to her to be sure and have them correctly backed.

In the drawings I have sent you—Figure 1—1, 2,3, 4 is the battle flag proper which was adopted in the fall of 1861 after the first Battle of Manassas and has a yellow binding but when combined with the white to form our national flag the yellow binding is left out.

Figure 2—A. B. C. D. is the national flag in which the battle flag A, b, c, d has the yellow binding left out. I do not know that I have the exact proportion of the battle flag to the national flag but it is the same as it was with the original flag—the “stars and bars.”

Please let me hear from you soon. Very respectfully, – J. W. Shank

Letter 5

Rapidan Station, Virginia
December 15th 1863

Col. J. B. Smith,

Dear sir, as we did not have a definite understanding as to how long I was to have the service of Jesse, I have given my note up to the first of January only, for the same, but being under the impression that I was to havethem longer of I chose, please let me know at your earliest opportunity if I am to have them next year and on the same terms, He is in good health and I have him comfortably clothed and an very well pleased with him and want him next year. Yours most respectfully, — J. W. Shank

$60 hire & usual clothes.

Letter 6

Camp near Rapidan Station, Virginia
December 21st 1863

J. B. Smith, Esq.

Dear friend, as there is nothing in camp to do today, I will try to amuse myself by writing, hoping you will excuse me for not writing oftener. It has been nearly a year since I had a letter from you and I did not answer so you acted right by not writing any more. I hope you will pardon me for being so negligent about writing.

There is nothing exciting in the army now. Our battery is on the out lines about 600 yards rear of the picket line. There are no Yanks nearer than 4 miles of us. The boys are all well. My health never was better than it is now. I hardly know what sickness is until some times I have neuralgia either in my hip or face.

We are enjoying ourselves finely now. We have pretty good huts with good brick chimneys. We sit around our fires as big as if we were at home for such life as we now live we will live a good while without a change in affairs. But my only hope is to fight until the Yanks are satisfied to let us alone. When I get ready to submit to Lincoln’s rule, I want to die and not live any longer. Some may say give up but I say never as long as any of us live.

We have been living pretty high for the last week of good things that the old folks sent us from home. You have no idea how the boys welcome a box from home. They had as soon see it as someone from home. I would like to see you very much if you could make it convenient to come up any time.

We are having some pretty cold weather. The ground is hard frozen this morning and will be all day. It’s cloudy and I think it will snow before night and I have got to stand guard in it tomorrow night as cold as it may be. The enemy has to be watched. Our camp is on the river above the railroad, about a mile from wood so you see we have to haul our wood or go without. We have only one wagon and it is kept busy all of the time. And if the weather gets bad, we will suffer for wood or make fences suffer, which is plentiful all around us. — J. A. Shank

You must write to me soon and let me know how you get along with the widows and old maids which are so numerous now in that neighborhood. I would like to be with them Christmas, if no longer. I must close. You must excuse my mistakes and bad writing. Your friend, — J[oseph] A. Shank

Letter 7

Army of Northern Virginia
January 29th 1864

J. B. Smith, Esq.

Dear friend, you kind favor of the 31st December was received many days ago but being lazy, I have out off answering it until now. I have no news that would interest you. My health is as good as I could wish for. All of the boys are well and in fine spirits.

We have moved our camp on the 21st from the river. Col. Cutts became uneasy after staying on the river 8 weeks for fear we might be captured, there being no pickets between us and the river and moved to this camp about two miles east of the [Orange] Court House. We have built stables and houses are better fixed up than we were on the river. Our camp is beautifully located on a branch at the foot of Quarles Mountain—fine water and plenty of wood.

The two armies are quiet on the Rapidan. Both seem to be preparing for the coming campaign. Our army is in fine spirits, pretty well clothed, but not so well fed, but the commissary is more liberal now than he was some time back. For a while, he did not give any meat but now he gives a little meat and a plenty of bread. We sometimes get a few extra things such as sugar, coffee, rice and molasses. Our company has got a good many boxes from home and we live well now—too good for a soldier.

*“Whenever Bob Lee’s army gets to be a set of croakers, then people may begin to be despondent.”*

If we were like Gen. Lee, we would not eat anything good. He refused to eat a fine dinner in Richmond because all of his army did not have the same opportunity to get as good a dinner. People at home should not get despondent when they lose a few things for the Confederacy. If they look at the losses our noble leader has met with, their sufferings are nothing to be compared with his. His home has been confiscated. His son is confined in a northern prison and still he is in fine spirits and confident of success. And whenever Bob Lee’s army gets to be a set of croakers, then people may begin to be despondent. All Lee’s army asks is to be fed and clothed and they will be content to do the fighting.

The weather has been remarkably warm for the last week—something similar to spring in Georgia. I am afraid if the weather don’t get cooler, we will have to fight soon. Up till now the weather has been colder than it has been in several years before. The ice on the Rapidan was 12 inches thick in the mill pond.

Most of the people predict great things this year. Many think the war will be closed this year. I don’t know what to say on the subject. I hope it may and that we may enjoy that peace for which we have been so long fighting.

We have various ways of amusement here. There is a theater in Wilcox’s Brigade and we have music on the violin and all it lacks to make it good is the ladies—the greatest things on earth. If it was not for them, I would not fight any more.

I must close. I hope you will excuse this poor letter. My hands is so stiff I can’t use a pen well, and besides I have to go in inspection in a few minutes and have written in a hurry. Give my respects to all. I hope to do better next time I write. Your friend as ever, — J[oseph] A. Shank

Letter 8

Camp Cutts’ Artillery
March 19th 1864

Col. J. B. Smith,

My dear friend, your letter of the 7th ult. was received in due time and but for the fact that I had written to you just a few days previous to its reception, I should have answered it earlier. The barrel and box that you said had started to us arrived two days ago. They were a long time on the road and the weather having turned much warmer, the sausage—as you feared—were spoiled. The flour and meal though were fresh and good—far superior to any that we have had since those “good old days” when we ate almost wholly from your own mills. You will please accept many thanks from myself and mess mates for these good things. And should it ever be your fortune to be placed in our situation, though away from access to relatives and friends of your youth, may you have found friends in the “sunny climes of the South”, even in Old Georgia, who will prove as true to, and be as mindful of you as you have been of us, and send you like tokens of friendship. You can imagine how much we appreciate the flour when I tell you that we have drawn nothing scarcely but meal for two months and even had it been all meal such as you sent us, would be quite a treat compared with the coarse, branny, unsifted meal that we get.

In the way of news, there is positively nothing in this quarter. Furloughs have been suspended for the present, but for what reason we do not know unless it be to use all means of transportation south of Richmond for bringing supplies as Virginia soldiers are still allowed furloughs and transportation as far south as Petersburg.

The weather has been remarkably dry for some time and the roads are in excellent condition. Hoping to hear from you again soon, I remain truly your friend, — J. W. Shank

Letter 9

Camp Cutts’ Artillery
May 1st 1864

Col. J. B. Smith,

Dear friend, your letters of the 12th and 21st inst. [ult.] have both been received, but coming in such close proximity, I had not time to answer the first before the other came so I will make one answer suffice for both. The boxes you forwarded us have not yet arrived but we expect them to reach here soon.

There is nothing in the way of news here that you do not get in the newspapers. The same old stale phrase, “All quiet on the Rapidan” is still current. Some of the Yankee cavalry did make a demonstration across the Roberson River a few days ago upon the strength of which our battery and Capt. Patterson’s of our Battalion had to leave our comfortable beds at 2 o’clock a.m. and repair to Barnett’s Ford, but everything soon quieted down and we returned to camp.

We have had fine weather for some time now and the roads are in excellent condition for moving armies. This army has been put in good trim. All extra baggage has been reduced to thirty pounds. Two divisions—[Lafayette] McLaws’s and [Charles] Field’s of Longstreet’s army [1st Corps] are near here and ready to take a hand in any little excitement that may come off here soon. I guess from the way the Northern papers foam over the Fort Pillow and Plymouth affairs, it won’t be wholesome in a fellow to be captured this campaign. ¹ They now lift their hands in “holy horror” at what they term barbarity and ask when did they ever exercise such cruelty. To hear them tell it, they have been very kind to us and we had better desist from provoking them to acts of cruelty by way of retaliation. For them to talk of retaliation when they inaugurate the system is a farce which we can all understand and know how to meet.

It again devolves upon this grand old Army of Virginia to lower the enemy’s proud boastings. It knows its mission and will fulfill it by knocking the props from under their boasted chieftain and last great bubble Grant, and whipping “the finest army on the planet.”

As preaching hour is near at hand, I will close, hoping to hear from you soon. I remain, most truly, your friend, — J. W. Shank

¹ Northern papers were filled at the time with reports of the “atrocities” committed by Rebel troops at Fort Pillow near Memphis, Tennessee, and at Plymouth, North Carolina, where Black soldiers were killed following their surrender.

Letter 10

Camp Cutts’ Battalion
May 2nd 1864

Col. J. B. Smith,

Dear friend, as I have finished a huge letter to Jess’ mother and as I shall direct it to you, I will let you hear once more from the Rapidan. All of the boys you know are perfectly well. There are only a few sick men in the company though there are more than we have had for some time back. Our company has about 125 men for duty at present—nearly as strong as some regiments.

We have had a very long rest spell here, not having done any marching in the last five months. It is true a part of the battalion have done a little fighting but my company has not fired a gun since we left Gettysburg.

The weather is very good. The days are warm and the nights are pleasant. We have no fires—only to cook. There has not been any rain now in a week and the roads are in the best condition you ever saw. There is no excuse for a general moving an army now. If Grant feels able to move, he can do it at his own will. We are not anxious to shake hands with him, but if he puts himself in the way of Lee’s ragged rebels, he will be apt to go nearer Washington than he now is with many of his men left behind and he may lose many of his stores and much ordnance before he gets away. I don’t say these things in a boasting way but I believe if Grant attacks Lee, he will get one of the biggest whippings he ever carried from a battlefield. Grant let Polk whip him at Belmont and I think he will have to take one from this army.

No doubt you have heard by this time Longstreet’s Corps was here. I will tell you the strength of our army as well as I can so you can judge how we stand compared with the Yankees. Hill’s Corp has about 27,000 men and Ewell has about 25,000, making 52,000 infantry and artillery. There are about 16,000 cavalry and Longstreet has about 12,000 now. You can judge from the different corps how many men we have here. I get these from the commissary department by proportioning each division with ours. Our division has 9,000 men and there are 5 full divisions in this army and one that is not which makes in the 2nd and 3rd Corps, 52,000 and the artillery thrown in which is about 5,000 men. There are about 16,000 cavalry making in all 68,000 and the 1st Corps makes 80,000 besides many new regiments that are coming.

Colonel, our mail is very irregular coming through and after we get letters that you mail the same day three days apart. That is, John will get a letter mailed the 23rd of April on the 28th and I will get on the 30th which shows to me that someone opens the packages that you fix up. I hope you will understand me what I mean and please let me know if you mail all letters to this army direct or to Augusta.

I don’t say my estimate of the army is true, but it is tolerably near it. I merely mention it to show you how strong the army [is]; don’t take it to be the true estimate.

Colonel, if you can get resolution of Colston’s Brigade at Savannah in regard to Brown’s message, I will be much obliged to you if you will send them to me. I will close. Give my respects to all. Your true friend, — J[oseph] A. Shank

Letter 11

Mount Pleasant or Archer’s Bluff, Virginia
July 2nd 1864

Col. J. B. Smith,

Dear friend, your kind letter of the 11th of May was received a day or two ago and although it was old, it was read with much pleasure. I have no news of any note to write more than all are well except. Lt. Griffin. He has been complaining some for the last two days with rheumatism but he is much better today. There are some sick men in the company. How many I am unable to say [but] not many judging from the men I see daily on the lines.

We have to fight a little most every day and work nearly every night so you see we are engaged nearly all the time but it so happened with us we have men enough to rest every other day. Things are quite different with me today compared with what they were a year ago today. One year ago we were at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Today we are at Petersburg, Virginia. We had a hard fight one year ago and may have another today, I am unable to say as we have fights nearly every day that passes. Our late battles have been successful. We have taken many prisoners and 19 pieces of artillery which will make back those lost by the 2nd Corps at Spotsylvania Court House.

*Little Billy Mahone “is a small man, talks very fine, and is ugly enough to scare any set of men that did not know him.”*

Our Corps is called the tail end of the army but we have done more here than any other in the army. Besides the guns and prisoners we have taken a good many horses from Yankee raiders. Nearly the whole of those captured have been by Mahone’s Division—as good a division as there is in the army & formerly was Anderson’s. [William, or “Little Billy”] Mahone is a small man, talks very fine, and is ugly enough to scare any set of men that did not know him. He is very sociable and will talk with a private as quick as he would with a Lt. General. He is much liked by his men.

The enemy has shelled this town a good deal. There has been some women killed—mostly black women. I have not heard of any man being killed yet. Our battery has to fire on the battery that fires on the town but we don’t do much with it as it is a good works.

No one from our neighborhood has been hurt yet. The casualties in our battalion are heavier here than they were at any other point we have fought at. Our company has lost two very fine soldiers here. They both were good men. Gus Cleveland from our county was killed on the 24th of June and Corporal Cumming from Louisiana was killed on the 28th, both by pieces of shell. One was struck in the back and the other in the face. The other two companies have lost a man each and there has been some 8 or 10 wounded—mostly slight except one or two. We get a plenty to eat and are doing pretty well.

I must close as my stamps are out. I shall have to frank my letter. Your affectionate friend, — J[oseph] A. Shank

My regards to all. Write when you can.

Letter 12

Near Petersburg, Virginia
July 17th 1864

Dear Mother,

As I have not written to you since I left winter quarters, I guess it is time to write you one. We have had a right hard time since we left winter quarters—especially myself, for I was taken sick soon after we started with a very bad cold and cough and had right smart of fever and did not get over it for a month. The white men had to be on the lines most of the time so they could not do much for me and there was no where for me to go but stay with the army. So I toughed it out and am now entirely well.

There has been some terrible fighting at the Wilderness, Spotsylvania C. H., Cold Harbor, and around Petersburg. The muskets and big cannon roared tremendously and the men were killed and wounded by thousands. I took good care to keep myself out of the way of the balls. We have been here now four weeks and are well rested by this time. It is powerful dry and hot though. There has not been enough rain to lay the dust since we have been here and it was real dusty when we got here. Our men and the Yankees shoot their cannon here every day. You must not all get scared of the Yankees at Atlanta. I send howdy to you and my sisters and to all my friends my best respects. I have not heard from you all in a long time. I would like to hear from you all. You must be sure to write soon. Your affectionate son, — Jesse

From Jesse to his mother.

Letter 13

Near Petersburg, Virginia
August 5th 1864

Col. J. B. Smith,

Dear friend, it has been a long long time since I got a letter from you; not since I left winter quarters I know, but Joe tells me you say you wrote me two letters to which you received no reply so it must have been the fault of the mails for I did not receive yours, and on the other hand wrote you two or three after the last I got from you. Hoping the mail may not prove so unreliable again, I will write you another.

Today is the Sabbath and even Grant seems disposed to respect it, not a gun having been fired that I have heard up to this hour (11 a.m.). There was a considerable little fight across the river Friday evening but you will get all the particulars of that in the papers before this reaches you. There has been less shelling than usual on our lines for the last week. Our company now mans seven guns of which four are 10-pounder Richmond Parrotts, two are 30-pounder Parrotts, and one is a 3-inch Yankee rifle. They are scattered along a line heretofore occupied by our battery, four of Capt. Ross’ guns and four of Capt. Penick’s—the two latter having been moved to other points.

Grant and his army have “played out” and “all is right” in this department. If Hood can bring Sherman’s campaign to a head as Lee has brought Grant’s, we will be “all right side up with care,”—at least for some time to come. We get all sorts of rumors from there. One was current in camp yesterday that some Yankee cavalry were lurking near Barnett Station on the Georgia Railroad but not much credence was given to it.

This army is now reaping some of the fruits of Early’s success—fresh beef that he captured in Maryland and Pennsylvania being issued to us every alternate day. The summer has been so dry here that vegetables are scarce. Nearly all the green apples have been eaten and black berries are all gone.

Gen. Lee is again granting furloughs at the rate of 2 to every 100 men. Two of our men—Eli Smith and Toby Norman—left about a week ago and I guess are now seeing a fat time. I guess you will see Fee at home before you see this as he was to have left Richmond for home yesterday morning on sick furlough, so says Irvin’s negro boy John who saw him there the day before. He is a lucky fellow to get furloughs, this being the third time he has been home. We want to give Jesse a furlough the next time any one from our company gets a furlough and will take him along and bring him back.

Write to me as soon as you can conveniently. Your friend, — J. W. Shank

Letter 14

In Line of Battle Near Petersburg, Virginia
August 9th 1864

Dear Colonel, your kind favor of the 28th July was received a few days ago which was read with much pleasure. I have no news of any interest to write you more than we are well and getting along finely. Tom Shank thought he would try an experiment blowing up flies yesterday morning, but did not succeed so well, he poured powder on fire, and burnt his face and right hand. He is not badly burnt. The Dr. says he will be well in a few days. It is not a bad burn by any means. His eyes are not hurt. The experiment is not a very dangerous one, but it don’t pay to get the fuzz scratched of to kill a few flies.

The fighting has nearly played out here. There may be a few more mines sprung a charge or two more made on our lines, but I don’t think there will be another general attack here. The opinion of most of the men (in the army) is the plains of Manassas will be stained with the blood of many men fighting—one for liberty, and the other for money. One side will be the flower of the South: on the other the officious of the world. There will be some heavy fighting in the [Shenandoah] Valley this year.

Grant has well nigh played out. He is the only man that has ever fought as this army wanted him to fight. The morale in the army is as good as it ever was (except in (Wilcox’s Division). I don’t know what to think of them. Wilcox is a good officer and one that I liked, but his men don’t have any confidence in him. He has two North Carolina Brigades, one South Carolina (Gregg’s old Brigade), and Thomas’ Georgia Brigade. The North Carolinas Brigades are pretty good fighters, but the other two are not and I think the fault lies in the Brigade commanders.

This army is not as well fed as I like to see for there is hardly bread enough issued to it. Meat and coffee rations are sufficient, but seven pints of meal is not enough for a man in one week, when Negros used to get 16 a week, and say they did not get enough to eat. The weather is very warm and vegetables are hard to get.

2½ p.m. As I have taken a good dinner, I will try to finish my letter. I have heard no news since morning. There was a heavy explosion at half past 12 in the neighborhood of City Point—supposed to be one of the enemy’s boats that had run afoul of a torpedo (in the James). I hope it was Grant’s whole fleet. If it was not a boat, it was a magazine of some sort for there was a good deal of powder used in the explosion. We have had some rain today and hope we will get more.

J. W. [Shank] says he has never received your letters but will write soon. Excuse my short and poorly written letter. My pen gave out and I had to finish with a pencil. Give my respects to all. Your affectionate friend, — Joe S[hank]

Letter 15

Camp of Irvin Artillery near Petersburg, Virginia
September 21st 1864

Col. J. B. Smith,

My dear friend, it has been a good while since I wrote you last but you must no conclude therefrom that I have forgotten you for notwithstanding there are many things that I would have submerged beneath the “Lethean wave,” yet I hope I may never be so ungrateful as to forget a friend.

To the last letter I wrote you in winter quarters, I received no answer and during the early part of the campaign, we were kept so busy that I did not write.. Since we have been at Petersburg, I have written you a letter, to which, also, I got no response so I conclude to write you again.

The boys at home on furlough have given you a more accurate account of our situation than I could possibly give you on paper. We still occupy Fort Mahone and it is no very comfortable situation since we have to bring our guns out every night and take them back every morning under a continuous picket firing which has been kept up ever since our pickets were driven from a portion of their original line in our front some three weeks ago. We have had three men wounded, neither of them wounded dangerous, but each one will, I suppose, get a furlough.

We are enjoying the luxury of fresh beef which Gen. Hampton transferred from Grant’s commissary to ours.

The weather here continues warm and dry—very fine for Grant to attack if he feels so inclined. But he knows to his chagrin this “Old Army of Northern Virginia” which is a sore obstacle to his possessing Richmond.

I guess Lincoln is sorely puzzled whether to risk his election on the fall of Atlanta or to go further and make his election sure by crushing Lee’s army, or in that attempt to lose all by an utter defeat. I think his safest plan is to risk it as it stands for if he attacks us, he is—to use an army phrase,”gone up a spout.” But what does it matter with us if he is elected. He will fight two years and if he is not [elected], the war horse McClellan comes in and he will fight four. So it is war anyhow. So we have nothing to do but fight on as ever. They will tire of it some day. They are not as unanimous North as they were two years ago and that want of unanimity must increase until it becomes so great they can no longer make war and then will come our time.

Those “ulterior consequences” that McClellan mentions, we will calmly meet and he too will get more tired even than he did in ’62 when he “changed his base” so suddenly and he will have to change his base (his letter of acceptance) before he is done with rebels and seek shelter under a peace policy just as he did under his gunboats in ’62.

But as this is already too long, I must close. We are having some chills and fever in our company at present. No other news of any interest. Hoping to get a letter from you in response to this. I remain with much respect your friend, — J. W. Shank

Letter 16

Petersburg, Virginia
October 3rd 1864

Mr. Smith,

Dear sir, as I am off duty today, I will write you of our whereabouts and things generally, but more particularly to let you know the lady that wanted the draft board.

I landed in camp last night a weeks ago all safe. We had as pleasant a trip as railway accommodations will afford these war times. We had a breakdown this side of Columbia, South Carolina, that was not very agreeable at thetime, but would do to laugh at afterward.

We will have a lively time with the Yanks no doubt before the close of many days. There is troops a moving nearly all the time. The most of them are moving to our right. I suppose by that the big fight will come off in a few days on the Weldon Railroad.

The same proud spirit that was visible at the beginning of the war can still be seen here. The spirits of the people have not abated under our lates reverses. A proud air of defiance can be seen on every countenance. The spirits of the soldiers are indomitable. I have heard nothing of going back into the Union, and being in the lines of the Yanks since I got to Petersburg. Theboys are looking finely and are in good health.

The young lady that wished the draft board is Miss Mollie Campbell. I am very sorry I did not think to give you her name before I left, but probably you have found out about it before now.

As my paper is full, I will stop. Give my regards to all and accept the compliments of your friend, — W[illiam Baxter] Shank

Letter 17

Battery 37. Petersburg, Defenses, Va.
October 9th, 1864

J. B. Smith. Esq.,

Dear sir, as I promised to let you hear from me occasionally, I will try and give you a few lines today as it is cold and windy. I have no news of any importance. All are well and getting along finely. We have but little to do now since we left Fort Mahone and came to this place. But we worked enough at the old fort to have a little rest, if there any such thing as rest these days. Judging from all appearances, I think our rest will be of a short duration. Grant seems to be very uneasy and is moving around considerably and looks as if he would like to fight in a few days. He knows his master Abe wants him to do big things by the first Wednesday in November, and he knows Lee will not let him (if he is able, which we all believe he is) so he is in hot water and does not know what to do. If we get a few men in the next month more than we have, all will go well here.

As Sherman walked into Atlanta, so would Grant like to walk into Richmond. And he would so do if he had anyone else to contend with besides Gen. Lee and his veterans. There has been two pretty considerable fights since I have been back. One we were partially successful in. The other we were entirely successful. In the first fight we lost some ground and a little artillery. How much, I don’t know. Only one piece here at Fort McRea. How many at Fort Harrison we have never been able to find out. Grant says 15. He says we had only 300 men at the fort and at the least calculations, it would have taken 135 artillery men for 15 guns and there was only 165 infantry men left. One Battalion that was at the fort had over 3600 men in it, and it was separate from the artillery. So by his own accounts, we make him out a lie one way or another. His loss, he says, is about 5,000. Ours 800, so he can these forts be a litle loss to us and a heavy one to himself?

The last fight which was last Friday, we drove Grant 4 miles, capturing 10 pieces of artillery and a great many prisoners. Hood’s old division did the fighting under Lt. Gen. [George T.] Anderson. Our forces are getting to be small. We are fronting Grant with 100,000 with about 60,000 and this may be an over estimate of our troops. If we could only get him to fight us with his whole force at one point where Gen. Lee could superintend our troops fighting, Grant would get a good, decent whipping. Our troops are in fine spirits and confident of success as ever.

If I get forgiveness for this letter, I will never try another on Sunday or a windy day.

We get tolerably good rations of beef now but would like more flour if we could get it. We got one day of beef and one of bacon.

Colonel, you must speak a good word for me among the girls and keep them from running off when the Yanks come down that way. You must excuse bad writing for the wind blows so much grit on my paper, my pen will not write well.

Write when convenient to your friend, — J[oseph] A. Shank

Letter 18

Petersburg, Virginia
November 7th 1864

Dear Mother,

As I have not written to you since I left home. I thought I would let you hear from me once more. I am well and hope you are enjoying a singular blessing.

Send my socks first chance you have. Tell Mr. Bussy’s girls howdy and that I would have written to them before now, but the girls of Petersburg occupy my attention so as to give me but little time to think of them.

If you want me to come home Christmas, you will have to let me have a part of this year’s wages to pay my way. You must let me know what you will do about it.

I want you and Mr. Smith to send me a box as soon as you can. Put in some sorghum, peas, butter and meat of any you have.

Having no other news, I close. Your affectionate son, –Jesse Day to his Mother

Colonel, you will excuse me for not writing you a letter. I have no news to write. We are well and getting along as well as could be expected. The weather is cool and cloudy. Yesterday morning we had a “pretty high frost” as we term it at Petersburg, ad thick ice.

The barrels of flour arrived a few days ago for which you have the thanks of your friend, — J. A. Shank

Col., please send this to Jesse’s mother as soon as it is convenient. Nothing more at present. Your true friend, — J. A. S.

Letter 19

Reserve Camp, Lane’s Battalion
December 6th 1864

Col. J. B. Smith,

My dear friend, I saw Jess a few days ago and he told me he had hired himself to Lieut. Early of the 48th Georgia Regiment. He showed me a letter which Lieut. Early addressed to yourself and which he said he would send you, in which he promises to pay Jess $30 per month and clothing for the year. As Iam responsible to you for him when his time with me is out, I wish you to let me know as soon as possible if I must turn him over to Lieut. Early or send him home. Mr. Hyman of our company tells me that Lieut. Early is a very nice man.

I believe there is no news here of much interest. Capt. Wingfield will send up a detail of three of his sergeants today to go home to get them horses. They will be back in about two months and then your humble servant will go home to try his hand for a horse. If you see any “lying around loose,” please let me know.

There is an old man going through the army collecting money to construct a “bird of art.” He says if he succeeds, he will soon have enough of them constructed to drive Grant’s army out of Virginia. Each bird is to carry one man and one shell which he is to drop on the Yankees as he flies over them. He is either a “mad man” or a “humbug” and is making a great deal of money out of simple soldiers. I heard him speak yesterday and am satisfied that his theory of a bird’s flight is absurd.

I wish I had time to write you a longer letter but the mail is waiting. Please let me hear from you as soon as possible. Very respectfully, — J. W. Shank

Letter 20

Reserve Camp, Lane’s Battalion
January 24th 1865

Col. J. B. Smith,

My dear friend, your very kind letter of 5th inst. was received yesterday and its being so long since I have written to you is my apology for replying so soon. From your long silence I had begun to cease looking for a letter from you again and right happily was I surprised when I recognized again your familiar hand write. You say I failed to acknowledge the receipt of the two last parcels of flour that you sent me though you heard I had gotten them. The two barrels that you sent in October last, one marked to myself, the other to Lt. Griffin, did reach us and I wrote to you soon after we got it, acknowledging the receipt thereof and giving the thanks of my mess for your great kindness, but the letter must have failed to reach you. I also wrote to one of my sisters (fearing you might no get the letter) to tell you we had received it and to give you our many thanks for it, so you see I was not so remiss as you thought. And I hope I may never be so ungrateful as to let such favors go by unnoticed. I know that ingratitude is one of the natural elements of our character but if you could imagine the great amount of good and comfort we derive from your valuable gift, and have seen how often our hearts were filled with gladness, and our mouths with plenty by it, you could but say, we remember you with grateful hearts.

Unless the second parcel you allude to was the barrel sent to Lt. Griffin at the same time, we have not received it and were not aware that you had sent it. I hope it may yet come and whether it does or not, we will feel just as thankful to you as if it should reach us. So much of the railroad has been washed up between here and home that I fear it will be some time before we get anything through. Lt. Griffin started home the 19th and I hope has arrived safely home ere this. You can tell him Martin, Fouch, and Moore got here today. I will start up an application tomorrow fora detail to get home and get me a horse. I have very little hope of it being approved but if it is, and I have good luck and no delays, I will get home about the 5th or 6th of February which will be nearly as soon as you receive this.

I should think you would get tired of scouting parties. A good, efficient, industrious scout I have respect for, but it is a notorious fact that too many in the Confederate service professing to be scouts have only brought reproach and shame upon the name of ‘soldier.” But under Christ’s teachings one in twelve was a Judas and the country will ever be filled with disreputable men of all professions.

I believe there is no news that would interest you. There was heavy firing both with artillery and musketry last night on Gen. Pickett’s line between the Appomattox and the James which lasted some time, but I have not heard the cause or the result. Hoping to hear from you again soon, I remain as ever, truly your friend, — J. W. Shank

Letter 21

At Home
February 30th 1865

Colonel,

You will please accept my kindest thanks for the jug of whiskey you sent me. I shall have some glorious drinks over it. I send you the jug back as it is just as convenient to empty it now as anytime. Do not harbor any regrets at not giving me an egg-nog yesterday as I only take them at morning and night, so you see I am not behind. Again, thanking you for the whiskey, I remain as ever your friend, truly, — J. W. Shank

Letter 22

Petersburg, Virginia
March 20th 1865

Col. J. B. Smith,

Dear sir, your letter of the 8th of February was received two or three weeks since. I should have written you sooner had the road been open. I heard yesterday that the mail was now being carried to Augusta. I hope the mail may be more regular in the future, for we certainly get very dull and lonely when we get no letters. It is really hard on those fellows that have Dinas down South to be deprived of hearing from them. Fortunately for me I have never become entangled in the meshes of female attractiveness.

We have had a very dull time for the last month. We cannot get the war news until it is getting old. The papers are not allowed to publish any news from the Carolinas for fear of giving information to the enemy. Grant, it has been said, gets the Richmond papers by the time they are dry.

I heard some very good news from Carolina today, if it proves to be the truth. I think Sherman has under taken a hopeless task. I believe he will be forced to abandon the interior of Carolina unless he is reinforced. Grant is as quiet as a sleeping babe. Sheridan has failed to carry out his part of the program, and Sherman can’t come to time. I reckon Gen. Grant can find consolation in getting on a big bust [drinking spree].

This army is in fine spirits. It has expressed its determination to carry this Confederacy through the struggle to independence or perish in a common heap. The blood of our fellow comrades cries for revenge from a hundred battlefields. I hope never to see a Confederate soldier that can look upon the green graves and bleaching bones of those comrades who have fallen on every battlefield from the Potomac to Mexico, and say they have died to no purpose. A desolated country with the charred ruins of once proud mansions, and desecrated temples call to us for protection. The tears of widows, and orphans, and the tears of outraged and insulted maidens appeal to us and we must not—cannot—refuse them protection. To these and the dictates of conscience, we can’t turn a deaf ear.

We received some time since a quantity of clothing from the Quartermaster of Georgia. The material the clothing is made of is substantial but very rough. The cutting and making of the clothes are certainly very badly done, but as it has become very common, I reckon nearly everyone will use this expression—-“they are good enough for a soldier.” If we take the sewing the Ladies of Georgia did on those suits as a measure of their appreciation of us or our service, we soldiers are certainly considerable below par, but we are nevertheless not discouraged on that account. I once thought those sewing societies were prompted by patriotic motives, but I ceased to entertain any such idea. I believe there are a few Ladies that attach themselves to such associations from pure and patriotic motives, together with a sense of duty, but a good portion of them associate themselves with sewing societies so that their names may be seen on the books of the society and to have it generally known that they belong to such a society. The consequence is they are indifferent as to the quantity or or quality of the work they do.

I attended church in the city yesterday and had the pleasure of seeing a goodly member of the fair daughters of the Old Dominion. Some of them are really beautiful. I will send this through by Lt. Harper. I suppose it will make the trip sooner than by mail. Remember me to my friends. As ever your friend, — W[illiam B.] Shank

1st Pennsylvania Light Artillery, Battle of Gettysburg, Edwin Forrest, Ford's Theatre, Siege of Petersburg

1863-65: William Henry Thurston Letters

February 20, 2026 Griff Leave a comment

*Rickett’s Battery, 1862. Sketch by Alfred Waud*

These letters were written by Lt. William Henry Thurston (1838-1924), the son of Isreal Thurston (1809-1888) and Abigail Persing (1817-1892) of Shamokin, Pennsylvania. William worked as a blacksmith before he enlisted and was mustered into service on July 8, 1861 as a private with the Forty-Third Regiment, Battery F, 1st Pennsylvania Light Artillery. He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant on April 22, 1865 and mustered out with the Battery on June 9, 1865.

He wrote the last two letters to his fiancé, Laura Morgan (1845-1928), whom he married in 1865. Laura was the daughter of John Campbell Morgan (1818-1887) and Mary Catharine Weimer (1825-1885) of Sunbury, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania.

At Gettysburg, Capt. Robert B. Ricketts brought 144 men to the field on 2 July 1863 serving six Ordnance Rifles. During the battle they suffered 6 killed, 14 wounded, and three missing. They took a position on Benner’s Hill and at dusk they repulsed a Rebel assault upon the battery in desperate hand-to-hand combat after every round of canister had been fired. The newspaper clipping indicates that Thurston was recognized for his bravery in the action.

Letter 1

[Note: This letter is from the collection of Robert May and was made available for transcription and publication of Spared & Shared by express consent.]

Camp near Rappahannock Station
August 6, 1863

My friend Louisa,

Yours of the 1st August came to hand this evening. I am much pleased to hear from you again but I am sorry to hear that you are not well. I hope you will be all right soon. I am well and the men in our company are, in general, healthy. The weather is very warm. We can’t hardly live, water is poor and scarce. I would like to have a goo drink of water from home.

I am thankful to you for sending me the directions to Henry. I will write to him this evening. I have not received any letters from home lately. The last I heard from them they were all well. I suppose you have some fine times having picnics and parties. I would love to see my friends all once more but when, if ever, it will happen.

I suppose you will and have heard of the great Battle of Gettysburg. I received a slight wound in my shoulder but it is almost well and I am doing duty again for which I feel thankful. We expect to have more fights soon. Our men are fighting every day.

I must soon close my poor and short letter and you must excuse me. My paper is poor but the best that I can get so you must excuse it. When you get this, please answer and tell me all the good news. Give my love and best to your family and friends. From your friend, — W. H. Thurston

Direct Battery F, 1st Pennsylvania Artillery, 2nd Army Corps, Washington D. C.

Letter 2

Camp near Petersburg
January 8, 1865

My own dear Laura,

I am now writing in Fort Stedman — the battery is moved. Lieut. [John F.] Campbell, Headquarters, is here. ¹ [Lt. Henry] Wireman is in Battery 11 & my section is in Battery 14. I am staying with Lieut. Campbell to spend the evening and tell him of home. I did not arrive in camp until 12 m. today. They thought me lost. I am quite well this evening but my thoughts wander homewards. Months must elapse before I will become of my trip. I wish more to come more than ever. Was it not for the pleasant time I spent with you, I would almost regret coming. Still I must try and forget it and be more content.

The weather is quite cool but no snow. Mud has been abundant until last night when the ground froze solid. Piquet firing has abated to some extent — quiet prevails along the entire line save an occasional shot fired by some sleepless sentries.

I have no news to relate from the Army. [John] F. Campbell has a bad cold. [Henry] Wireman, I think, is writing a letter to Amelia, and poor W. to L. They have asked so many questions that I am tired. I have declined answering until tomorrow. You should have seen the boys flock around me. I was tired shaking hands. All had questions to ask. Poor fellows — how I wish they could all go home and pass a pleasant time. They seemed to think I had seen all their friends when I had no more than seen a few and breathed the pure air in Old Pennsylvania. That seemed to give them some pleasure and to hear me tell what I had seen and done. I could not tell them all. No neither could I tell them what my sad heart experienced when I paced them ever memorable steps toward the depot and when the train hurried me from her who I so tenderly love. The present crowded my mind to such an extent that I could scarcely overcome them when I gave you the parting kiss. No one could tell what I felt. I could not bear it but I was not unprepared to meet its advent. I thought of returning before I came home and knew it required a stout heart and strong mind under circumstances to overcome it. But I am back again and must think of something else part of the time.

I intend going out visiting next week to see Brother ² and Lieut. [Lemuel] Shipman ³ and some more of my friends. I will tell you all about it when I return.

I suppose you have received your New Years gift ‘ere this. I did not know what to send you that might please you. I seen them and thought them pretty. They are called an Indian fan, made at Niagara Falls. Say providing you don’t like it, it will do to look at and think of poor me.

Laura, say, I have been telling the boys what nice times I had when at home. I think I told them I helped to devour one half score of turkeys and gooses and more hens and roosters than I could remember — a pretty story, don’t you think, for me.

*Ad in the Daily National Inteligencer for Ford Theatre on Monday, 2 January 1865: Damon & Pythias featuring Edwin Forest played.*

I left Sunday, or Monday morning, 2d January 1865. Did not [feel] well. After a tiresome ride, I arrived at Baltimore by 6½ P.M. I immediately looked after a [omni]bus to convey me to Washington Depot. I did not look long when I heard a darkey cry out at the top of his voice, “Did way for Washington!” I soon found myself quite comfortably seated in a stage coach when the driver cracked his whip and soon landed us safe to our awaiting train. I had scarcely seated myself when the train started. The train arrived there 7½ o’clock. I mounted an [omni]bus and went to the United States Hotel. Supper was waiting. I ate some and then started in company with some officers for Ford’s Theatre. The plays were good but I did not enjoy them for reasons I have stated. I went back to the hotel and went to bed but could not sleep much.

After breakfast, I went to the Provost Marshal to procure a pass to join my company when to my surprise I received an order to report to Rendezvous of Distributions and take a detachment of men to City Point. Here my trouble commenced — to be responsible for a lot of men I could not think of but I reported on Tuesday, the 3rd. It was quite dark when I arrived at the camp. Here I met Luther Harrison. He was good company for me. He asked all about you. He told me that you had written a line to him in his mother’s letter which was right that you should so so. Well, I remained that night and the 4th and the 5th until 12 o’clock m. when I started with 88 men for Alexandria to take the mail boat for City Point. We arrived there [Alexandria] at 3 P.M. Here came the tug of war. A____ the mail boat is out of repair and you must wait another day, and since I am getting blind with sick headache, the men helped me back to the Soldier’s Rest. Then I wished for some one to rest my weary head. I was so sick I thought I could not live. One of the men went out and found me a place to sup at the hotel. They put me to bed [and] I soon fell in a stout sleep and did not awake till sunrise when I felt much better.

I had a good warm breakfast. I did not go out much as it rained all day. We remained in the City till 3 P.M., Jan. 6th when we spied the Dictator gliding over the blue waters of the far-famed Potomac [river]. She moored alongside the Quay and soon we were all on board and off she steamed for Dixie. Soon it grew quite dark, fog commenced to hover around us, and the Captain anchored the boat until the fog disappeared. About 11 A.M. we got under way and the next I knew the boat run aground on a sand bar and here we lay till 9½ A.M., 7th January. After strenuous exertions the boat started on its perilous journey. We soon came out in the Bay [where] the winds seemed to be all abroad [and] dashed against the vessels side, shaking her from stem to stern. She reeled and rolled. The passengers became sick. I was compelled to lie down but our little Bark seemingly was destined to outride the storms which threatened to swallow up our noble little ship with so many precious souls and land in safe on shore. We arrived at City Point at 4 A.M. this morning. O, I was so glad.

Monday [January] 9th 1865

I will write a few lines more and close my poor rambling letter. The sun shines warm and bids fair to be a pleasant day. I am so homesick this morning. I wish more for home than when I started but I hope to become more reconciled in a few days. The Boys in my Section are putting me up a house and I must go and superintend the job. Campbell expects to come home soon. He also looks for his Captaincy every day.

I will enclose ten dollars which you will please give to your Papa for me. He paid my subscription for the Democrat and I forgot when I left to pay him. I will write to him soon. Remember me to Grier’s family and yours. The letter you had reference to I found here when I came — also a number of others.

I must now close. Please write soon. Don’t forget to tell me when you received the last billing and anything that could be interesting to me. I still remain yours with much love. — W. H. Thurston

Lieut. Battery F, 1st Pa. Artillery, 2nd Corps, Washington D. C.

¹ Lt. John F. Campbell (1840-1902) succeeded Ricketts as the captain of the Forty-Third Regiment, Battery F, 1st Pennsylvania Light Artillery, in April 1865. He is buried in Augustaville, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania. John Campbell was most likely a distant cousin of Laura Morgan’s whose fraternal grandmother was Charity Campbell.

² Possibly Silas Thurston (1842-1923) who served withe “Bucktails” in the 149th Pennsylvania Volunteers.

³ Lt. Lemuel Shipman (b. 1838) of Sunbury, Pennsylvania, entered the service as first sergeant of Co. D, 3d Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, 152nd Pennsylvania, in October 1862. He was promoted to lieutenant in May 1864.

Letter 3

Headquarters Battery No. 14
February 25th 1865

Dear Laura,

Yours of the 19th came to hand last night. I was pleased to hear from you again. I am well as usual and will not complain. I wrote to you on the 23rd which no doubt you will get ‘ere this. I had not heard from you in so long and I thought it my duty to write. I still remain in Battery No. 14 and expect to stay some time although we have marching orders. But I think I will not move for some time to come.

I had the honor of firing a shotted salute yesterday in honor of the fall of Wilmington, North Carolina. There were a large crowd of men collected to witness it. I had no accident and it went all well and good. The Army seems to be in good cheer and I think the next fight we make will be a telling blow to the Rebs. We will have some hard fights but I think ’tis safe to say the end is drawing nigh. The Rebels are deserting by hundreds which must soon deplete their ranks. They are without a doubt hungry and tired of fighting. They are also ragged and dirty with forlorn looks and are objects of pity.

Two men had their heads blown off yesterday close here with mortar shells — members of the 51st Pennsylvania. They lay in their tents sleeping at the time which this death monster fell among them. It was a shell 8 inches in diameter which exploded with a great noise. ¹

I am sorry to hear that Becca B. is not so happy as she once was but I suppose ’tis with them like many others — the honeymoon has past into the shades of oblivion and that long expected life of bliss has not been realized. But this generally happens when least anticipated. Those who think they can best agree soonest dispute and live unpleasant, but I hope ’twill not be so with me and some one.

I perceive you don’t like to sit up at a wake. I have a wake all the time. There are plenty of dead buried only a few feet from my tent that fell on the 17th June 1864, but we are used to this and don’t think of it.

Don’t forget to tell Miss Huldah she had better get them teeth and spell me that answer or I will wool her as __ fate.

You say your good old friend Ellen came to see you once, and she talked over my pictures. She must have admired them. What has become of Louisa and John? I did not see them last winter. I seen Ellen at the party at home but had no chance to talk with her. I suppose she is the same as of old.

I must close and go to camp for supper. ‘Tis raining fast and I will get a little wet but no matter. I am used to the storms of Old Virginia.

Remember me kindly to all your family. Also Grier’s. I will look for an answer soon. I remain your best friend and devoted W.

— Lieut. W. H. Thurston, Batty F, 1st Pa. Art.

¹ One of the two soldiers was John Blyler (1845-1865) who enlisted in Co. G, 51st Pennsylvania in February 1864. He was the son of Absalom Blyler (1803-1863) and Catharine Heimback (1812-1857) of Penns Creek, Snyder county, Pennsylvania. A Certificate of Death for Blyler states that he was “killed by enemy by a piece of mortar shell passing directly through his head while in his tent in camp in front of Petersburg, Va. on February 24th 1865.

37th Massachusetts Infantry, Siege of Petersburg

1865: Chester Hamilton Ballard to his Parents

January 14, 2026 Griff Leave a comment

*A GAR carte-de-visite of Chester H. Ballard (Chris Maldonado Collection)*

Chester Hamilton Ballard (1843-1916) enlisted in Co. A of the 37th Massachusetts Infantry in August 1862. “Organized at Camp Briggs, and comprised mainly of men recruited in the four western counties of the state, the 37th Massachusetts was sent to the vicinity of Washington, D.C., via Fort Hamilton, N.Y., but it was some time before they found a definite corps assignment. Once attached to the 6th Corps of the Army of the Potomac, however, they soon found themselves involved in the thick of the war. Joining the main body of the army in the Blue Ridge in November, they participated in the Battle of Fredericksburg, helping to lead the crossing of the Rappahannock on December 11th, and covering the retreat on the 15th.

After overwintering near White Oak Church, the 37th participated in the assault on Marye’s Heights (2nd Fredericksburg) on May 3rd, and were engaged on the following day at the Battle of Salem Church. Later in the summer, they were rushed into action at Gettysburg, arriving to participate in the action on July 3rd, and were then ordered to New York City to quell the draft riots.

*Battle flags of the 37th Massachusetts Infantry at Boston State House*

Their most memorable action, however, may have been during the Wilderness-Spotsylvania campaigns in May 1864. Thrown into confusion at the Battle of the Wilderness, the regiment lost 54 men, and a few days later that lost another 32 at the Bloody Angle in Spotsylvania. The 37th Infantry remained in the vicinity of Petersburg, suffering continual losses in both men and morale, until ordered to help repel Jubal Early’s raid on Washington late in the summer. Newly equipped with Spencer seven-shot repeating rifles, the regiment pursued Early into the Shenandoah Valley and was placed under Philip Sheridan’s command during the fall campaign of 1864. They were engaged at Charles Town and the 3rd Battle of Winchester, before being returned to the Petersburg front in December. Though their ranks were greatly reduced, the 37th remained active until the final battles of the war in the east, including the final assault on Petersburg, Sailor’s Creek, and Appomattox Court House.”

Chester was born in Brookline, Vermont, the son of Alexander H. Ballard. He spent his early life in Brookline and in Ludlow, Massachusetts. When the war began, Chester was engaged n the grocery and meat business in Springfield and ten days before his 19th birthday he mustered into the 37th Massachusetts. He was promoted to Orderly Sergeant before the close of the war. After he mustered out of the service at war’s end, he went to Chicopee and entered the grocery business again.

Fourteen of Chester’s letters can be found in the University of Michigan’s William L. Clements Library. See Chester H. Ballard papers, 1862-1864.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

Near Petersburg [in camp near Warren Station]
January 15, 1865

Dear Parents,

Sunday night again and I never miss a Sunday. We have been very busy all day and I could not get time until this evening. First we had a rigid inspection at 10 a.m. This lasted until noon. Then we had to make out a list of clothing wanted in this company. This occupied all the time until time for dress parade. Then it was time to get supper so you see every day is nearly alike. There is no rest Sunday any more than any day.

There has been considerable firing along the lines today—more than any day since we came back, but has been none in front of us. All is very quiet in front of our lines. The pickets are very friendly. Lieut. [David M.] Donaldson is on picket today.

The picture I sent you was not a borrowed one. It is a picture of Miss Laura V. Arnold of Winchester and belongs to me.

We have now had four or five days of splendid weather. The roads are in very good condition and if this continues, Grant might be getting up a reconnoissance in force. I hope not at present. I do not want to have the campaign commence very early this spring. I have seen about enough campaigning. Perhaps you do not know that I am a veteran of 16 pitched battles. All of them lasted over 6 hours and 10 over 3 days. We have lain 38 days under artillery fire and in good musket range. There are but six original members of Co. A who have been through all the campaigns, and probably some of those six will fall before our 7 months are up as it is said a soldier’s average number of battles is five.

News? I have none. There is not any in the regiment. There is nothing but roll calls, drills, inspections and dress parade. Any of them would not interest you without you could see them and do not me only to get over them as soon as possible and it is getting time to close. Remember to write often. With my love, — Chester

Monday morning, January 16th

I received Father’s letter of the 12th after I had got through and was very glad to hear from you.

How did you hear we were short of rations? I have never said a word about it but then it is so. We never lived as short as we are this winter. I do not know the reason. We get about 3 days rations every five, but we are promised every few days to get better the next time. If you are a mind to send me a small box, I think I should get it. They come to the regiment every few days but do not put yourselves to much trouble or expense to get one up. But there goes the drum for drill. Will write in a few days. — Chester

16th New York Heavy Artillery, 2nd Battle Fort Fisher, Presidential Election of 1864, Siege of Petersburg

1864-65: Simeon Terry Miner to Alice Avery

December 12, 2025 Griff Leave a comment

The following letters were written by Simeon Terry Miner (1839-1902) of Geonoa, Cayuga county, New York, while serving as a private, in Co. F, 16th New York Heavy Artillery. He had previously served in Battery I of the 3rd New York Light Artillery. He reenlisted in the 16th “Heavies” in January 1864, imagining perhaps that he would only see garrison duty in some eastern seaboard fortress but Grant broke up this large regiment and chose to use them as infantrymen and in the summer of 1864. He mustered out with the company on 21 August 1865, at Washington, D. C. Simeon was the orphaned son of Edson T. Miner (1804-1848) and Eliza Ann Rich (18xx-1845). He wrote the letters to his cousin, Alice Avery, of Genoa.

In July, 1864, seven companies of the 16th New York Heavy Artillery were assigned to the 2nd brigade, Terry’s (1st) division, 10th Corps, and two companies to the 1st brigade, 3d division, same corps. On Aug. 9, 1864, when Gen. Butler called for volunteers to cut the Dutch gap canal through the peninsula in the James river near Farrar’s island, with a view to outflanking the enemy’s batteries and the obstructions in the river, Cos. A, B, C, F, G and K responded, and 600 men were selected from them to perform the perilous task. During the progress of the work, they were exposed to the enemy’s fire, and only protected themselves by throwing up the dirt from the canal as fast as possible, living in “gopher holes” along the river bank. They were withdrawn after several of the men had been killed and wounded, though Maj. Strong still continued in charge of the work and Maj. Prince in command of the battalion.

In Oct., 1864, seven companies were heavily engaged with Terry’s division at Darbytown road, sustaining a loss of II killed and 54 wounded, and in the action at the same place a few days later lost 13 killed and wounded. From July 27 to Dec, 1864, when the regiment was before Petersburg and Richmond, it sustained constant small losses, aggregating 30 killed, wounded and missing. From Dec, 1864, Cos. A, B, C, F, G and K served in the 1st division, 24th corps, and another detachment in the artillery brigade, same corps, engaging with some loss at Fort Fisher, the Cape Fear intrenchments. Fort Anderson, and near Wilmington, N. C. In July, 1865, the various detachments of the regiment were united and on Aug. 21, 1865, commanded by Col. Morrison, it was mustered out at Washington, D. C.

*Joseph and Victor Piquet who served together in Co. L, 16th New York Heavy Artillery*

Letter 1

*Addressed to Miss Alice Avery, Genoa, Cayuga county, New York*

Front Line of Defenses
Near Bermuda Hundred
August 20th 1864

Cousin Alice,

Your welcome letter of the 12th was received this morning. You are mistaken about our position. We are not in front of Petersburg but are with Butler’s Army about six or seven miles from that place, but can hear all the artillery firing. Our position is on the extreme right of Butler’s line of works. The fleet lies in the James river close to us. The Rebs’ works are about 500 or 600 yards in front of where we now camp.

The regiment has been badly split up since I wrote you last. Six hundred of our men have been away doing Engineer duty, leaving only about 250 here. We are in one of the extreme outposts away in front of the main lines of works—nothing between us and the Rebs but our picket line. (The batteries on our right have just opened fire.)

Take a map of the James river and find Turkey Bend. Just above it you will find a place called Dutch Gap. Close to this gap the river makes a sharp bend to the south. On this bend our (Butler’s) works commence and run by zig zag south till they come to the Appomattox. You will notice these works run in a line parallel to the Richmond & Petersburg road which the rebs have to keep strongly guarded or our force will sever one of their main lines of communication, but they have still one more line left—it is the Danville road.

A heavy battle was fought day before yesterday on the north side of the James. It was very heavy. We could hear the cannons & the musketry. The smoke was very plain to be seen. We could not see the lines of battle but could plainly see the bursting shells. We are afraid our men were driven back but have no news to be relied upon. The people at home know more than we do. We know nothing—only what we can see and hear. If we hear heavy firing, we know nothing of the result till northern papers announce it.

We are led to believe from accounts that reach us from home that there will be difficulty in enforcing the draft. Many of our men are very much disheartened by the present military condition and if they could by any means get clear of the army, nothing could induce them to reenter the army—not even force. The rank and file, or those I have heard speak, are very bitter on the present Administration and it is my opinion the present head of the government could not get one in four of the votes of the New York and New England troops. Such is their dislike of the present Cabinet and its doings. Nothing but a change will satisfy them. Many begin to talk of giving up the contest as a bad job. Grant is fast losing the confidence of the men. There is too much President making.

Last night there was very heavy [firing] at Petersburg. We don’t know the cause.

What was the reason of Mr. Boughton coming home? Did his health give out or was there some other reason for it?

In regard to money matters, my object was to get it in some shape that the depreciation of Government stocks and Bank security would not reduce its original value.

I have just heard from one of our men who has been over the James that the heavy firing I mentioned was an attempt of the Rebs to take works from our Corps (10th) which they had taken the day or two before. They held it but the Division is badly cut up. Our regiment is now under marching orders but we don’t know whether we shall go to the regiment or not.

All day yesterday and today it has rained. Last night was very bad. Our tents consist of two pieces of light canvas buttoned together. These are thrown over a pole and fastened to the ground by stakes. In marching, these tents are taken apart and each man carries half a tent. These are the famous shelter tents. The pieces are about five feet square. Some of them linen—others of cotton. The canvas is about the heft and thickness of two thicknesses of heavy sheeting.

Our men have lost two killed besides having several wounded. I have not heard the number from other regiments. I wrote to Orlando a few days ago. Tell me in your answer if he received it. A letter from me goes to all of you. Write soon. Direct as before & to the 10th Corps. — S. T. Miner

Letter 2

With 10th Corps in Field
October 30th 1864

Dear cousin Alice,

Your welcome letter of October 23rd I received this morning. I was glad to get it. Today is Sunday and quite a gloomy one too (although the day is bright) if reports be true. Report has it that Grant has lost heavily and has been repulsed. The loss is said to be eight thousand. If that be so, things look pretty black for us in this quarter. Wherever we advance we always find an equal number of Rebels. We are all getting sick of this, I tell you. Although the armies seem to meet with some success in other parts, the reverse seems to be the case here. What the reason is, I cannot tell.

If Grant is defeated, the price of gold will again go up and we have the contest prolonged for another year. The disloyal faction will come out boldly with their operations and sooner or later, I fear we must give in. I have got the blues like thunder over such prospects as our men talk over. What little U.S. stock I have, I shall sell. I think the value is steadily reducing and I am shaky in my faith. I hardly know what to do. If the present financial policy of the government is continued, repudiation must come we all fear. We are becoming States Rights men, as regards money matters. Just think of it, a dollar will hardly buy a man enough to make a respectable lunch from, and more of the same kind coming everyday. This the government has to pay full price of gold for. This course, if persisted in will smash us sure.

The men of McClellan ideas are feeling quite fine over our defeat. This Army was also engaged and obliged to retreat although the loss was not as heavy as on the south side of the river. You people at home do not fully understand the feeling in the Army. The men are fast becoming “Peace at any price.” More than two-thirds of our regiment follow that cry. Honor and patriotism have actually played out with a large portion of them. The only thing that keeps man here is the feeling for their friends at home. I fear the election of Lincoln will cause a great deal of bad feeling & desertion.

You say you wish you could take a peek at me. You would find me sitting in a little tent not high enough to stand in, with a portfolio on my knee writing to you. We have a small fireplace in one corner which keeps us quite comfortable. Our bed consists of pine boughs spread on the ground and covered with a rubber blanket. The nights are quite cold, many times have quite heavy frosts.

How do the people feel toward the soldiers? Our men think the office holders only want them for a handle, then will kick them aside after rising. The late frauds in soldiers’ votes goes strongly to confirm the idea. My opinion is that it is but little more than politics that keeps the war going. Rich contractors playing their points to rob the men of the Army supported by the Administration on the one side and gold gamblers sustained by Democratic papers and men on the other.

I really wish I could be with you to enjoy your big bin of apples & potatoes for I really need something of the kind to keep me healthy and cannot get it. I guess you will pronounce this a genuine Copperhead epistle so I’ll not write anymore this time but wait till I hear further from Grant’s repulse. Do not neglect to write to me because I feel pretty blue on government affairs.

Write soon. Direct as usual. — S. T. Miner

Letter 3

Camp 16th New York Artillery
Near Fort Fisher, N. C.
January 17th 1865

Cousin Alice,

You have doubtless heard of the capture of the famous Fort Fisher, the main defense of Wilmington. I am well and feel pretty good considering the rough treatment of the voyage.

On the morning of January 3rd, we got orders to march in heavy orders. The same day at eleven, we left camp and arrived at Bermuda 100 in the midst of a bad snowstorm. The Brigade encamped in the woods and passed anything but a pleasant night. Here we remained till the morning of the 5th when we embarked, our detachment going on the steamer Weybosset. The Fleet arrived at Fort Monroe the same evening. Early the next morning the Fleet of Transports started for Admiral Porter’s Fleet which we reached on the third day after starting. During the time going round Hatteras we had a pretty rough time of it.

The day after joining Porter’s Fleet off Beaufort, North Carolina, a severe blow came on which lasted 36 hours. It was the hardest I ever saw. The transports were obliged to put to sea where they remained till the blow was over. A man couldn’t stand on the deck unless he held to some part of the ship.

On the 10th the transports joined the Navy and the combined fleet started to Fort Fisher where they arrived on the morning of the 12th and landed, our Brigade being the last to land. During the 13th and 14th the Iron Ships slowly bombarded the Fort while the Army was getting artillery ashore and getting into position. On the morning of the 15th, the heavy ships moved into position and opened fire. This last till about three in the afternoon when a charge was made by the ARmy and sailors & marines landed to the purpose. This charge lasted from three till one the next morning. It was a continuation of charges and resulted in the capture of the Fort and 2600 men. One magazine was exploded by our men [through] carelessness which buried a large part of the 169th New York Regiment.

What the next move will be, we cannot tell. Some of the gunboats have got into the river but they have to move very cautious on account of torpedoes. The Fort is very strong and the Rebels say we can take the City of Wilmington, this being the principal defense. More as it happens.

Direct to Det. 16th Artillery, Co. F, Fort Fisher, N. C., via Washington D. C.

— Terry

*The Assault and Capture of Fort Fisher, January 19, 1865. Harper’s Weekly, February 4, 1865. page 72*

14th New York Heavy Artillery, 6th New York Heavy Artillery, Battle of Bethesda Church, Battle of the Wilderness, Siege of Petersburg

1864: David H. Barber to Andrew Branch

November 26, 2025 Griff Leave a comment

*I could not find an image of David but here is one of George Higgins of Co. K, 6th New York Heavy Artillery*

The following letters were written by David H. Barber who enlisted in December 1863 as a private in the 14th New York Heavy Artillery and was transferred to Co. L, 6th New York Heavy Artillery on May 10, 1864. He was transferred to Co. C on June 27, 1865 and mustered out with company, August 24, 1865, at Washington, D. C.

David was born in Onondaga county, New York in 1841. On the muster rolls, at the time of his enlistment, he was described as a 5′ 3″ farmer with black eyes and black hair.

Letter 1

Fort Richmond
Monday, April 11th 1864

Mr. Branch,

Dear sir, as I have nothing else to do this afternoon, I will try and pass away a short time of it in writing a few lines to you as it was your request that I should the last time I saw you. And when I do, I should be pleased to have you return the compliment, if convenient.

I am well at present & enjoy myself as well as I expected. And hope this will find yourself and family enjoying the same blessing as to health. But you need not take it that I wish you was in the army. Us fellows that left Elmira together are having a great time a soldiering for we have not been assigned to any company nor have not been organized into any either, and I don’t see any prospects of it yet although it may not be three days and may be a month.

We were sent here from Fort Schuyler a week ago last Friday. This fort that we are at now is on Staten Island on the southeast corner of it, about 7 or 8 miles from the City. My wife does not think so much of the honor of soldiering I guess as she did before she was down here to see me when we were at Schuyler. We get used a great deal better by the officers & organized part of the regiment that are here than we got at the hands of the two companies of it that were doing duty at Schuyler. There is six companies of the regiment here at this post and two at the place we were at before coming here. And [there are] two more across the Harbor from us at Fort Hamilton and two more at Sandy Hook.

The old cage that holds so many Copperheads stands between here and Fort Hamilton, almost in the middle of the channel. That is Fort Lafayette.

This fort is not finished, nor it won’t be in a long time, I presume. But when it is all done, it will be a strong place. They are at work on it now with a good many men. They have one gun here laying at the dock that is not mounted yet on a carriage that weighs only eighty thousand and eighty lbs. It is a little bit of a thing. I should think the government would get guns made while they were about it that would amount to something, shouldn’t you?

I have had a pass a short time to go out of camp since we been here twice and you can bet this is a rough old town just above us on the harbor. The name of it is Stapleton. You must excuse me for this time and give my respects to all—old Maria especially. Tell Mrs. Branch to give them to her if you are bashful about it. Yours, &c. — D. H. Barber, 14th H. Artillery, Co. B, Fort Richmond, Staten Island

N. B. Please direct to Co. B because I will be apt to get mail sooner by it.

Letter 2

Camp near Petersburg on or near the James River, Va.
Monday, June 20th 1864

Mr. Branch,

Dear friend, as I now have an opportunity, I will try to write you a few lines and let you know where I am and what I am doing. But first I must beg your pardon for not writing to you as I agreed when I saw you last, And now I will tell you the reason.

When we left New York Harbor, I was put into the 6th New York Heavy Artillery and sent right into the field and have had to march and fight ever since, night and day, so you see that I could not even get a chance to write to my own home as often as would have done. But for the past two weeks, I have been detailed to help drive cattle & butcher so I can have a little better chance to write once in a while.

After I got to this regiment, we started right out on the march from a place called Brandy Station and marched 3 days and 2 nights when we got out to where the Battle of the Wilderness was, in time to get into that the second day of the fight. And we have been right in the front line of battle about all the time up to this place where we now are. If not in one battle that was going on, it was on the skirmish line in another. So you can judge for yourselves whether I have seen and realized any of the hardships of this summer’s campaign.

And now, while I am writing this morning, our batteries are shelling the City of Petersburg in sight of where I am. But I am in the rear with a herd of cattle and close by the ammunition train of the 5th Army Corps. That is what we are in. So you see that I am not in a very dangerous position just at present. This is the 4th day they have been fighting at this place and all around where I am now I can go in the field and pick up a musket or cannon ball at any place almost.

Our regiment was out on the extreme skirmish line all day yesterday and day before yesterday our Corps made a charge on the Johnnies and drove them from their breast works and drove them away from the railroad that runs into Petersburg. And we hold it yet.

I was in the Battle of Bethesda Church and all through where we happened to be along the line of Lee’s army up to this place. We crossed the James river last Thursday about noon so we are now nearly south as near as I can judge from Richmond.

I have seen Charlie Beers once since we have been down here. Andrew, you people at home can form no kind of an idea of this war by what you read at home. It is awful to look upon. It is far different from what I thought it was before I had had the experience myself—to see men all shot and mangled to pieces in every way you can think of. But thank God I have been spared so far. The other day I witnessed the explosion of one of the enemy’s shells that was sent at us in the Battle of Bethesda Church. We were in the first line of battle at the time and our Brigade—that is, our Regiment and the 15th New York Heavy Artillery that constitutes it—were in a little piece of woods and it burst in the 15th and tore both legs and one arm off a poor fellow and a great many others just about as bad I have seen with my own eyes.

But if I was sure of staying where I am now in this business, I should feel quite contented. But I am here and it’s no use for a man to flinch from his duty or what is called by some shoulder strapped men. They—some of them—know other men’s duty as a soldier but they don’t know their own. But dear friend Branch and family, one and all, enough of this for the present. I should like to hear from you all as soon as you get this and tell me all the news for it is the only consolation a poor soldier gets here in his letters from his home or some friends of his for we can’t get any papers to read or anything of the kind here unless it is sent to us. I have lately got a letter from my wife about every time.

[no signature]

Letter 3

Camp near Petersburg, Va.
Monday, July 18th 1864

Mr. Branch,

Dear sir, I received your letter a week ago yesterday & have neglected to write again until now. But an old saying is you know, better late than never.

I am now about a mile or a little over perhaps from where we were camped when I wrote to you last. We are camped now about a mile from the Norfolk & Petersburg Railroad. This road is not used any now at this end of it nor it has not been since we came up to this place. We had our camp right alongside of it for a couple of weeks back until one day last week we were ordered to move back a little farther to keep out of the way of the Johnnies’ shells which they throwed once in a while pretty close to our ammunition & commissary trains and cattle herds.

I am with our Brigade herd yet but how long I will be kept on this duty, I can’t say, but hope it will be the remainder of this campaign. I have to go out to the front and help to butcher every other day. That is about as often as I care about unless I go up one in a while to my company and get my letters for they shoot right at our fellers, you know, with their cannons.

Our regiment has been in the front line of battle all the while since we came to this place with the exceptions of two days [when] they were relieved by another Brigade. They are laying behind breastworks and our line of works is not more than 80 or 100 rods from the rebel breastworks at this place. I have been outside of the works once to see a man that was on picket. The pickets do not fire at each other here where our Brigade lays at all. They are within a stone’s throw of each other and sometimes go to a spring about halfway between them to get water at the same time.

But they get to playing ball once in a while about every day with their batteries and that makes the men keep their heads below the top of the breastworks when they get at that. There has not been very many killed out of our regiment since we got into the breastworks. There was one struck last week one day with a solid shot and tore all to pieces, but he was a man that I was not acquainted with. He did not belong to our company. We have not had any killed here out of Co. L since we have been in these works or had not the last time I was up to them which was last Saturday afternoon. But there has been a good many wounded with pieces of shells.

The Butcher has just got orders to go out and butcher now but we won’t go till just before sundown. I saw Frank Sparks & Abe Decker yesterday. They are camped near us now. They are at work in the woods near us now for a few days. Frank says tell the folks when I write that he is well. They look tough and healthy. I was in this camp an hour or so yesterday. I saw Delos Green too. He is in the same company with them.

You will have to excuse me for this time so I will bid you goodbye for the present. This leaves me in good health and I hope it will find you and family enjoying the same blessing. Yours truly, — D. H. Barber, 6th New York Heavy Artillery, Co. L, Washington D. C.

14th New York Heavy Artillery, Fort Stedman, Siege of Petersburg

1865 Civil War Diary of George Brennan, 14th New York Heavy Artillery

November 24, 2025 Griff Leave a comment

The following diary was kept by George Brennan (b. 1838), the son of Irish emigrant, Daniel P. Brennan (1804-1864) and Canadian-born Mariah Mills (1803-1890) of Milo, Yates county, New York. George’s older brother Charles (b. 1831) was a boatman and his older sister, Mary Ann (1836-1876) was married to Theodore Bogart (1828-1895) of Penn Yan, Yates county, in 1863. George’s father died of consumption on 1 October 1864.

The 1860 Federal Census indicates that George Brennan was a 22-year-old painter residing in Milo, Yates, New York. Only a month after the Rebels fired on Fort Sumter, George joined other young men from Penn Yan as a private in Co. I, 33rd New York Infantry. Three months later he was promoted to sergeant and before the close of 1862 he was made the 1st Sergeant of his company only to be commissioned a 1st Lieutenant a couple months later. He mustered out of the 33rd New York Infantry on 2 June 1863 after two years’ service. In the back of his 1865 Diary, George enumerated the various battles he had participated in while in the 33rd New York Infantry. These included, “Lewinsville, Lees Mills, Yorktown, Williamsburg, Mechanicsville, Gaine’s Mills, Golden’s Farm, Savage Stations, White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Fredericksburg 2nd [Chancellorsville], Salem Chapel, and 2nd Bull Run.”

After a few months at home, George offered his services again as a 1st Lieutenant, and was commissioned into Co. M, New York 14th Heavy Artillery. One year later, on 5 December 1864 he was promoted to Captain. He was mustered out of the service on 26 August 1865 at Washington, D.C. The 14th NY Heavy Artillery was heavily engaged during Grant’s Overland Campaign, and the Appomattox Campaign. The regiment participated in Battle of the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, the Siege of Petersburg, Boydton Plank Road, and Fort Stedman, among other engagements.

After initially garrisoning New York Harbor, like other Heavy Artillery regiments, the 14th New York “Heavies” were ordered to join the Army of the Potomac to participate in Grant’s Overland Campaign as infantrymen. The diary has been transcribed through mid-October, some six weeks after he was discharged from the service after which he visited his brother Charley in Toronto and then returned to Yates county, New York. I did not transcribe the last couple of months though there are scans of those diary pages posted which describe visits to friends, theater performances attended, &c. The last notice of him I can find in census records was in 1865, residing in his brother-in-law’s home in Milo with his Mother and sister. He was employed once again as a painter. It’s suspected that his abuse of alcohol as the war drew to a close may have caused a premature and tragic ending to his life.

*Inserted into the back pocket of the diary was this slip of paper with a wildflower picked on the Battlefield of the Wilderness on May 6th 1864.*

Brennan’s 1865 diary is bound in leather and was published by John O’Hara, No. 27 Beekman Street, New York. It is identified in multiple instances to George Brennan, Captain Commanding Co. M, 14th N.Y. Artillery. 6 x 3 1/4 in., approx. 133pp, pencil entries in 3 days per page format (light wear to leather, pencil occasionally light or smudged but overall very legible and clean). Daily entries from 1 January 1865 – 31 December 1865, plus Memoranda and Cash Account notations.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

1865

Sunday, January 1, 1865—Our party broke up at 2 a.m. Visited the line at 3 a.m. Came back and retired. Reported to Division Officer of the Day at 11 a.m. Had dinner at 57th Mass. Relieved by Capt. [Charles] Wilson 100th Pa. Retired in good season. Weather very cold and clear. Private Wm. H. Grinnon deserted from picket line.

Monday, 2—Sent my report to Brigade Headquarters at 10 a.m. Major [George Morton] Randall gone home for 20 days. Capt. Houghton commanding Regiment. I am commanding 1st Battalion. Wrote home. Went to Brigade Headquarters at night. Also called at the 57 Mass. Vols. Everybody all right. Saw Old Filibuster [George H.] Taylor of the 29th Mass. This has been a fine day but rather cold.

Tuesday, 3—Got up rather late this morning. Have done nothing today but play Euchre and Whist. It has been trying to snow all day.

*Dr. Charles S. Hoyt, 126th New York Volunteers*

Wednesday, January 4, 1865—Went to the 6th Corps. Saw Major Long, Capt. Gifford, Capt. Burrough, 63rd, and Dr. [Charles S.] Hoyt, 126th N. Y. V. Had a fine time and returned by moonlight. Arrived in camp at 10 p.m. Received notice of discharge of Capts. Lorenzo I. Jones & Ward, Lieutenants [Charles A.] Vedder, [Henry L.] Hodges, and [Henry R.] Curtis.

Thursday, 5th—Finished the rolls. Made out clothing returns for October, November, and December. Am alone tonight as [Charles C.] Eddy and [Charles A.] O’Brien are on picket. The rest of the officers are at Fort Stedman at a house warming. As it is nearly midnight, I will turn in.

Friday, 6th—Had a visit from Capt. Doherty, 57th Mass. Vols. Eddy’s box has come this evening. Mine has failed to come. A very dull day. Nothing to do and has rained like fun all day. Cleared off and the moon is shining bright as day.

Saturday, January 7, 1865—Witness on Lt. [Jerome] Dillenbeck’s Court Martial. Went to Division Headquarters 12 M. Stayed till 3 p.m. but was not called on and returned to camp. Called on Lt. Steadman, R2, M 3rd, Md. [?]

Sunday, 8—Letter from home. Had a visit from Lt. [Henry L.] Hodges who goes home in the morning. Capt. [William R.] Helms returning. Ex-captain [Lorenzo I.] Jones is here. Had a sociable at my quarters this evening.

Monday, 9—Finished my returns. Had a visit from [ ] Tyrell, 179th New York Cols. Went to Brigade Headquarters. In at night. Called at the 57th Mass. Vols. Wrote home. Lt. O’Brien detailed as Acting Adjutant at this post, vice McPall [?].

Tuesday, January 10, 1865—Commenced raining last night and continued all day with thunder and lightning part of the time so that it is not impossible for a man to be struck by lightning in [ ]. Lt. McCall detailed as Acting Ord. Officer for Co.

Wednesday, 11—On duty as Brigade Officer of Day. Relieved the line and visited them at 10 p.m. Reported at Brigade Headquarters at 4 p.m. Had a fatigue party at work on the picket line at night. Weather clear and cold.

Thursday 12—Reported to Major [Asahel W.] Nicols, 1st Michigan Sharpshooters, Division Officer of the Day at Division Headquarters at 11 a.m. Visited the works in our Brigade front. Saw Capt. [Levi Curtis] Brackett, A. A. G., Division Staff. Was relieved by Capt. Church[?], 59th Mass. Received blank returns from [ ].

Friday, January 13, 1865—Made out ordnance returns. Brigade Inspector came and examined my company books. Found them all right. Wrote to John Mitchell. Ex-Capt. Lorenzo I. Jones has quit us in disgust and gone to Washington.

Saturday, 14—Received a letter from home and answered it. Called on Capt. Taylor, 29th Mass. and some [ ] of effects. Sent my ordnance returns to the Department. Flag of truce between the pickets. No firing today.

Sunday, 15—Went to see Fort Stedman. Called at the 57th Mass. Went to Brigade Headquarters and returned to the fort. Draw two guns and equipments. [Lt.] Eddy on picket tonight. Letter from Charley. Answered it. Played Euchre in the evening.

Monday, January 16, 1865—The long looked for box has arrived at last in good condition. Wrote home to let them know that it has got here. Sent a donation to Capt. Clarke, A.A.A. Gen. Was at Brig. Headquarters this afternoon. Saw Capt. Taylor, 29th Mass.

*Col. Julius M. Tucker, 57th Mass. Vols.*

Tuesday, 17—Had a visit from Col. [Julius M.] Tucker and Capt. [Albert] Doty, 57th Mass. Staid till about 1 a.m. Had a gay time generally.

Wednesday, 18—Went over to the reserve Ammunition Train to see Lt. McCall. Drew clothing. Sergt. [ ] gave me line of lead for 15 days.

Thursday, January 19, 1865—Nothing doing today. Called on Capt. Taylor, 29th Mass. Drew stationery.

Friday, 20—Wrote to Theodore. Sent my old saber home by Corporal [William H.] Down. Sent off Final Statements and Descriptive Lists. Went down to the 57th [Mass. and] staid till 10 p.m. and returned to camp.

Saturday, 21—Rain all day. Sent [Charles] Shaffer discharge to Division Headquarters, dishonorably discharged to be branded with letter D on left hip, have his head shaved, and be drummed of camp. On duty as Brigade Officer of the Day. Visited the line at 8 p.m. Came to camp and made milk punch and sat up writing.

Sunday, January 22, 1865—Visited the line at 2 a.m. Returned at 4 a.m. tired and completely covered with mud. Reported at Division Headquarters at 11 a.m. Came back and went with Chas. to see Mc. Returned and inspected the works. Was relieved by Capt. Ward, 37th Mass. Made out my report of my tour of duty. Lt. Col. [Joseph] Colburn, 59th Mass. went home, mustered out of service.

Monday, 23—Brigade parade at 2 p.m. to witness the drumming out of [Charles] Shaffer. Commanded the regiment in the absence of Capt. Houghton. Rain all day. Wrote to West and Mahan. No mail for two days. Sent my report to Brigade Headquarters. Rode to camp behind Capt. Taylor.

Tuesday, 24—Went to Division Headquarters on court martial but did not do anything. Rode around awhile and went to the 57th [Mass.] at night with Lt. O’Brien. We had a fine time. Drank all the extract they had on hand and played Whist.

Wednesday, January 25, 1865—Returned to the fort at 1 a.m. and went to bed. Just got nicely asleep when I had a call from Col. Tucker and Capt. Doty, 57th Mass. They stayed about an hour and left. Turned in again and slept till 9 a.m. Rode over to McCall in the afternoon. Came back at 5 p.m. Day rather cold.

Thursday, 26—Had a call from Capt. [ ]. Brigade Inspector. Visited Capt. [James] Doherty, 57th Mass. Played Euchre in the Division tent this evening for wine. Learned the song of Kathleen [Masander?]. No mail today. Weather cold.

Friday, 27—Major Randall returned. Capt. [Charles H.] Houghton took command of 1st Battalion again. Went to the Depot with [Lt.] O’Brien. Went to a concert at the 3rd Maryland at night. Afterward to the sutler’s and from there to Capt. [James] Doherty’s. Returned to camp at 11 p.m.

Saturday, January 28, 1865—Made out monthly returns of company. Had a visit from Lt. Col. Tucker and Capt. C___[?], 57th Mass. The top of my chimney blew off. Thought it was an earthquake. Weather very cold.

Sunday, 29—Got the vial of benzine. Had inspection and dress parade at 4 p.m.

Monday, 30—Detailed as Brigade Officer of the Day. Relieved the picket line at 6 p.m. Visited the whole length of the line. Had a serenade. The party stayed till 11 p.m. and [ ]. Received a letter from home.

Tuesday, January 31, 1865—Stayed up all night and visited the line at 3 a.m. and the camp at reveille. Returned to the fort and went to bed at 7 a.m. and slept till 9 a.m. Went to Division Headquarters at 11 a.m. Came back and went to bed. Was relieved by Capt. [James W.] Bard, 100th Pennsylvania Vols. at 5 p.m. Wrote to Sis.

Wednesday, February 1, 1865—Received marching orders. Packed up and are still waiting at10 p.m. Lt. Hedges returned from home. Capt. Wm. R. Helms discharged and gone home.

*Brig. Gen. Napoleon McLaughlin (seated second from right) with staff and camp servant. (Library of Congress)*

Thursday, 2—Still here and no signs of leaving. weather rather cold. Gen. [Napoleon B.] McLaughlin in command of the Brigade again. Received notice of the discharge of 1st Sergt. Adam I. Cratzenberg, January 20th 1865.

Friday, February 3, 1865—No mail tonight. Made out a list of casualties. Report of [ ] in company. Rain all day. Rather cool. Had some sharp artillery practice today. Lts. [William] Eddy and [Robert H.] Spencer in arrest. Lt. Dillenbeck returned from home. Dr. [Sherman] Morse came over and prescribed for my throat as I have been nearly sick for the last three days.

*Schuyler Gardner, 14th NY Heavy Artillery, Co. M.*

Saturday, 4—On sick list. Made out an annual report of alterations [?] and casualties. Capt. Houghton received a leave of absence for twenty days. Promoted [Schuyler] Gardner to be 1st Sergeant.

Sunday, 5—Had a letter from Charles. Answered. Capt. Houghton started home. Marching orders again. All ready to move and waiting.

Monday, February 6, 1865—Still in camp. There has been heavy fighting on the left. A. P. Hill attacked the 2nd Corps at Armstrong’s Mill but was repulsed. We expect to leave tonight as there was no picket detail from the regiment.

Tuesday, 7—Heavy firing on the left. On duty as Officer of the Day. Has been raining all day. Visited the line at 8 p.m. Captured two rebs and sent them to Headquarters.

Wednesday, 8—Visited the line at 3 a.m.. Returned to camp and went o bed. Reported to Division Headquarters at 11 a.m. Inspected the works. Reported to Gen. [John Grubb] Parke at Corps Headquarters at 4 p.m. Was relieved at 6 p.m. by Capt. Doherty, 57th Mass.

Thursday, February 9, 1865—Sent my report to Brigade Headquarters. Rode out with Lt. Stahll, 3rd New Jersey Battery. Went to see Lt. Hedges. Returned to camp at 4 p.m. Day very cold. Letter from Cleveland [?].

Friday, 10—Drew clothing and issued to the company. Had a visit from Lt. M___, 2rd New Jersey Battery. Weather cold. Sergt. Gardner and Corporal Down reported deserters for failing to report at expiration of leave of absence.

Saturday, 11—Rebs opened on us today and threw several shells into the Fort. No [one] badly hurt, but some of the works broken down. Repaired the damages tonight as we cannot work by day.

Sunday, February 12, 1865—Lt. O’Brien started for home on leave for twenty days. Sergt. [David H.] Giffin returned from leave of absence. Had company inspection at 2 p.m. Wind blowing a perfect hurricane all day and very cold. Went to Brigade Headquarters to see Capt. Clarke.

Monday, 13—Inspection ordered at 2 p.m. but no inspection came on duty as Brigade Officer of the Day. Had the same old routine to go through with. Called on Lt. Stedman.

Tuesday, 14—Had inspection at 3 p.m. Rebs opened on us this past.m. Threw several shells into the fort. Knocked Capt. Houghton’s tent to pieces and a large hole through mine. One man wounded in [ ]. A captain was killed while riding along the works. Was relieved at 6 p.m. Wrote a valentine.

Wednesday, February 15, 1865—Lt. [William] Eddy had his trial at Division Headquarters. Rain all day.

Thursday, 16—Private Elbridge W. Lee killed this morning. Made out clothing Returns. Received a letter from home. Answered it. Company drill in afternoon. Visited by Major Randall and Capt. [Joseph P.] Cleary. Thunder, lightning, and rain. Boot $15.

Friday, 17—Rain nearly all day. Called on Col. Robinson. Everything very dull. No mail and nothing to do. Shall get the blues if this thing continues a great while.

Saturday, February 18, 1865—Rode over to see Hodges but he was gone. Called at Regimental Headquarters. Took dinner with the Major. Bought a cap.

Sunday, 19—Had a call from Lt. Bradley, 179th New York Vols. Had inspection at 2 p.m. Called on Lt. Stedman and from there went to 57th Mass. [Lieutenant William] Eddy on a drunk.

Monday, 20—Rebels opened on us and mortally wounded William Josline, Co. M, and three men of 4rd New Jersey Battery. On duty as Officer of the Day. Ten prisoners came into the picket line.

Tuesday, February 21, 1865—On court martial as witness for Lt. Backus. Rebs opened again today but did no harm. Received a letter from John L. Mitchell. Answered it. Received a flask of brandy and a bottle of hair oil from thief who has been transferred to USA.

Wednesday, 22—Sent my report to Brigade Headquarters. Commenced making our Muster Rolls. Finished one. Wm. Josline died last night. Lt. [ ] wounded. Received marching orders. Had my horse saddled and waited. Issued 4 days rations and 60 rounds of cartridge. 12 p.m. waiting yet.

Thursday, 23—Rain all day. Did not move after all our trouble. Lt. [William] Eddy released and returned to duty and sent on picket.

Friday, February 24, 1865—Made out list of deserters for 1864. Rebels opened on us and good as a smart shelling. No one hurt. A shotted salute fired in honor of the fall of Wilmington, N. C. Received Valentine box.

Saturday, 25—Rain all day. Butler and Randolph started for home on 15 days leave. It is rumored that the Rebels are evacuating Petersburg. They are firing very heavy tonight. Had a party at Lt. Stahl’s. Marching orders again.

Sunday, 26—A fair day and very warm. Went to Brigade Headquarters. Made out warrants for Sergeants. Sergt. Allen Cummings paroled. Was taken July 30th, ’64 [in Battle of the Crater]. Lt. [Charles H.] Bailey discharged. Has ben appointed Quartermaster of the 193rd New York Volunteers.

Monday, February 27, 1865—Detailed as Brigade Officer of the Day. Reported at Headquarters at 4 p.m. Capt. [Homer] Foote returned. Lt. [Adolph] Shubert, Quartermaster, returned from leave of absences. Lt. Eddy on picket.

Tuesday, 28—Rain all day. Took three rebel deserters last night. Mustered at 12 a.m. by Major [Ezra Palmer] Gould, 39th Mass. Had 50 men present. Relieved by Capt. Boston. Went to [see] Lt. Hedges. Stayed till 11 p.m. Capt. Houghton returned.

Wednesday, March 1, 1865—Detailed on Gen. Court Martial at Division Headquarters. Roll and adjourned till 10 a.m. March 2nd. Received letter from Charley and from home.

Thursday, March 2, 1865—Court met today. Tried three cases. Adjourned at 4 p.m. Major Redington commenced paying the regiment. Paid off our camp. Rain all day.

Friday, 3—Court martial adjourned till Monday. Received my pay. went to Brigade Headquarters. Stayed till 12 p.m.

Saturday, 4—Worked on Muster Rolls. Went around to see the [ ] at night. Went to bed at 11 p.m. Eddy on picket. Wrote home and to Charley. Bought a ticket in the battery for [Seth N.] Hedge’s horse and equipments.

Sunday, March 5, 1865—Went to Lt. Hedges with Capt. Houghton. Went to Fort Stedman at night.

Monday, 6—Court martial at 10 a.m. Tried four cases and adjourned at 2 p.m. A beautiful day. Warm as May.

Tuesday, 7—Met and adjourned till Thursday. Went to Hedges [ ]. The mare was drawn by an officer of the 39th New York. Officers of the 14 N. Y. Artillery brought her and presented her to Major Randall. Gen. Wilcox returned. Gen. McLaughlin commanding Regiment.

Wednesday, Mach 8, 1865—Finished Muster Rolls and sent them in. Rain all day.

Thursday, 9—Met at 10 a.m. and sat till 12 M. and adjourned. Went to the 9th N. H. Vols. with Capt. Houghton. Eddy on picket. Rain this evening.

Friday, 10—Court met and adjourned at 11.30 a.m. till Monday. Received a pass for City Point. Rain all day but cleared off at night and is clear all day.

Saturday, March 11, 1865—Inspection by Major Myrick. Started for City Point but lost the train. Went to Division Headquarters and returned at 5 p.m. Went to bed at 9 p.m.

Sunday, 12—Letter from Sis. Went to Philip’s earthworks. The wind was too high. Made out clothing returns and sent them off. Lt. O’Brien returned from leave of absence. Presentatio of a horse to Major Randall.

Monday, 18—Met t 10 a.m. Adjourned at 1 p.m. Wrote home. Had a party in my tent. Rebs made an attack on the 2nd Division but were repulsed. Day warm and pleasant.

Tuesday, March 14, 1865—Tried one case today. Troops under arms and orders to send all the sick to the rear. Capt. Houghton and Lt. Eddy went to City Point. I went $200 by Express. Eddy bought me a cloak.

Wednesday, 15—Marching orders. Sent all extra baggage to the rear. Lt. Eddy went home on leave for 15 days. Rain in the afternoon. Letter from Roberts.

Thursday, 16—Gen. Butler returned. We had a terrible storm of wind and rain.

Friday, March 17, 1865—Court adjourned till Monday. Went with Capt. Houghton to the 20th and 2nd Michigan Regiments.

Saturday, 18—Box came at last. Had a visit from Lt. Bradley, 179th N Y. Vols. Went to camp with him. Dr. [Luther] Phillip returned. Rebs shelled us after dark. Nobody burt. A man in Co. I shot in the leg while on guard.

Sunday, 19—Did nothing today. Went to Brigade Headquarters at night.

Monday, March 20, 1865—Court met at 10 a.m. Tried three cases and adjourned. Day very hot for this time of year. Wrote to Drawer 30, Detroit, Michigan.

Tuesday, 21—Met at 10 a.m. Tried two cases and quit for today. Commenced to rain at 2 p.m. and rained all night. Played Euchre and Whist in my tent.

Wednesday, 22–Read of the proceedings of the court and adjourned. Received a telegram from [brother] Charley at Penn Yan wanting to know if I had been killed. To the best of my knowledge & belief, I have not.

Thursday, March 23, 1865—Tried one case and adjourned indefinitely. Called on Capt. [Joseph W. B.] Wright of 14th Mass. Battery. Rode over to Hedges at night. Wind blowing a perfect hurricane. My chimney is in ruins.

Friday, 24—Received a letter from Lt. Eddy. Did not rise till 12 M. Had my chimney rebuilt. Nothing else to do but play Euchre.

Saturday, 25—Rebels captured Fort Stedman at 3 a.m. and made a general assault at 5 a.m. and carried the line except Fort Haskell. They advanced nearly to Division Headquarters but were repulsed. The 2nd Battalion at Stedman were nearly all captured. Six officers taken and two wounded. Capt. Houghton severely wounded. Tom Hunter and S. [ ], Co. L killed. Had three men wounded and three captured in Co. M.

Sunday, March 26, 1865—Did nothing today. Flag of Truce. The rebs are burying their dead. I assumed command of the 1st Battalion after Capt. Houghton was wounded yesterday.

Monday, 27—Received a line from Dr. Morse who was captured on the 25th. He was all right. Went to Hospital. Saw Capt. Houghton.

Tuesday, 28—Went to 57th Mass. Volunteer. Saw Doty, just returned from home. Sent Co. I to Ft. Stedman. Two companies gone to the left.

Wednesday, March 29, 1865—Up all night. Slept nearly all day. Rebels made an attack on the picket line in front of the Fort. The men fall back to the works and we opened on Johnny. This was about 11 p.m. As I had not retired, was ready for them.

Thursday, 30—The Rebs opened all their batteries that could be made to bear on us and rained a perfect storm of shell on us. The row lasted till 2 a.m. Went to bed at 6 a.m. Slept till 1 p.m. Rain all day. Reinforced the picket line.

Friday, 31—Commenced making out Ordnance Returns but had to send my baggage to the rear. Repaired the Cheveaux de Frise. Were reinforced by 100 men of the 37th Wisconsin Vols. Glad to see them as I had only 50 men as we expect an attack at any moment.

Saturday, April 1, 1865—Nothing new today. Received a letter from [brother-in-law] Theodore and a coat from F. E. Smith. Received notice from Ordnance Dept. Built banquet and repaired the abatis.

Sunday, 2—The 3rd Division charged and captured Fort Mahone. The rebels charged eight times but did not take it. They commenced drawing off their troops after dark. We were under arms all day.

Monday, 3—The Rebs evacuated Petersburg at 2 a.m.. We marched into the town at 6 a.m. and retired to camp. Started again at 10 a.m. and crossed the river and camped about 2 miles out. I had command of the regiment.

Tuesday, April 4, 1865—Broke camp and recrossed the river at 9 a.m. Marched about two miles out of town toward the left and camped on the plantation of Roger A[tkinson] Pryor. Rode along the old works. Saw a Whitworth Gun disabled. Got some picture from Pryor House.

Wednesday, 5—Visited Fort Gregg—a very strong work. Broke camp at 10 a.m., stacked arms and rested. [Lt.] O’Brien and I went to the City. Returned in time to move. Marched about ten miles and halted for the night. Took up my quarters in a house.

Thursday, 6—12 a.m., received marching orders. Night very dark and inclined to rain. Marched till 5 a.m., halted and had breakfast. Started again and went as far as Sutherland Station, Southside Railroad. Brigade on picket. Regiment in reserve line five miles long. Captured a contraband. Letters from home & Charley. Had a fine day.

Friday, April 7, 1865—Went out scouting with Capt. Clarke and Cook. Returned at 3 p.m.. Moved the regiment. Pitched headquarters and turned in for the night. Rain as usual.

Saturday, 8—Major Randall went out scouting with two companies but found nothing. I visited the picket line, 1st Brigade, with Lt. Colonel C[olwert] K[endall] Pier, 38th Wisconsin. Wrote home and to Dr. Morse.

Sunday, 9—Saw a crowd of Rebel prisoners—only 1,726 of them. Visited our picket line. Went to Brigade Headquarters. Rode out with O’Brien about two miles from the pickets. Sent out two more companies on the line. Called on Major [Christian] Woerner, 3rd New Jersey [Light] Artillery.

Monday, April 10, 1865—Brigade Officer of the Day. Line nine miles long. Rain all day and very muddy. Saw 2,000 Rebel prisoners. Gen. Lee surrendered with 30,000 men. How are you Southern Confederacy? Played out.

Tuesday, 11—Saw the Rebel Generals Ewell, Ransom, Kershaw, Defoe, and G. W. Lee, captured at Amelia Court House. Read a detail on a board of apprisement to meet at Brigade Headquarters at 12 M tomorrow. Rain most of the day. No mail.

Wednesday, 12—Went to Headquarters. Adjourned till Friday. Had some Benzine with Clarke. Presented Mullen with a smoke. Rain at night.

Thursday, April 13, 1865—Brigade Headquarters moved about two miles to the left. Received a letter from Hinton. Saw Lt. Atchison, 4th US Infantry.

Friday, 14—Went to Brigade Headquarters with Major Randall. In the afternoon, went to Mr. Martin’s about 4 miles out and had a clean meal. Returned at 7 p.m.

Saturday, 15—Rain all day.

Sunday, April 16, 1865—Had inspection at 9 a.m. Went to Brigade Headquarters, Stopped at Stables. Returned to camp. Saw Roberts. Had a loud time. Read the news of assassination of the President and at 12 of his death.

Monday, 17—Went to Headquarters. Formed a party and went into the country about 9 miles. Returned at 8 p.m. Clarke was thrown from his horse, not hurt but full of Benzine. Took the oath with Capt. Cook. Had it clean. Forded a stream of water up to the horses back. Very pleasant. Had supper at 9 p.m. and turned in.

Tuesday, 18—Moved camp to site of White Oak Seminary in the woods—a pleasant place.

[Editor’s note: At the end of this diary, George records the names of some Confederate soldiers buried in the cemetery at the White Oak Seminary.]

Wednesday, April 19, 1865—Had an arbor built and fixed up generally. Went to Headquarters. Had a card from Lt. S. VanWaldhamer [?], 3rd New Jersey Battery.

Thursday, 20—Broke camp at 12 M and marched to Sutherland Station en route for City Point. Halted at 8 p.m. having made 18 miles. Cpt. Geo. S. Greene reported for duty. Won $10 of Dillenbeck.

Friday, 21—Started at 6 a.m. Marched down near Ft. Stedman. Visited [Ft.] Haskell. Marched down to City Point and embarked on the Prince Albert for Washington. Only 35 miles and very hot at that.

Saturday, April 22, 1865—Left City Point at 4 a.m. Made Fortress Monroe at 12 M. Had a beautiful day. Passed the time in playing Euchre and singing and once in a while taking in some Benzine. Had a gay time. In the evening in the Captain’s room. Turned in at 11 p.m.

Sunday, 23—Reached Alexandria at 11 a.m., disembarked at 3 p.m., marched out two miles and camped. Went to town at night with Quartermaster and Prictor [?]. Had a good time at the Marshall House. Returned at 12 p.m.

Monday, 24—Brigade Officer of the Day. Went to the City with Major Randall. Made some purchases.

Tuesday, April 25, 1865—Col. Marshall returned [and] took command of Brigade. Received letters from Dick, Dr. Morse, McCall, and from home. Received my smoking cap. Commanded the regiment on drill, the p.m. had dress parade. Lt. [William H.] Norton returned from prison. Answered all letters.

Wednesday, 26—Broke camp at 10 a.m. Marched through Alexandria across Long Bridge to Washington, through the Avenue and Georgetown, up High Street to Tenleytown, Maryland, about 11 miles from where we started. The day was very hot and the roads dusty. Bivouacked for the night.

Thursday, 27—Pitched the camp and fixed things up generally. Saw Major Redington, paymaster USA. Received notice of Schuyler Gardner’s promotion to 2d Lieutenant.

Friday, April 28, 1865—Rode up to Tenleytown and Brigade Headquarters. Commenced making out Muster Rolls. Hold dress parade.

Saturday, 29—Went to Washington. Saw Capt. Houghton. Made some purchases and returned to camp. Had a heavy shower. Presentation of a gold watch to Col. Robinson by the officers of 3rd Maryland.

Sunday, 30—Inspection at 10 a.m. Muster at 2 p.m. by Major Randall. Brigade dress parade. Rain at night and very cold.

Monday, May 1, 1865—Rain this a.m. Battalion drill p.m. Dress Parade. Weather very cold.

Tuesday, 2—Had Brigade drill p.m. by Col. Marshall. Drew clothing and ordnance and issued to company. Letter from Roberts.

Wednesday, 3—On Court Martial. Met in the Jesuit College. Adjourned till Friday. Held Regimental inspection in a.m. Battalion drill p.m. And Dress Parade. Received my photographs. Sent some home and to [brother] Charley.

Thursday, May 4, 1865—Capts. [Henry V.] Pemberton, [John] Snyder, and [Louis] Faass returned, having been exchanged. Moved down with [Lt.] Eddy. Fixed the tent so as to be comfortable. Had a call from Miss C. H. Houghton. Worked on my Ordnance Returns. Nearly done. Muster Rolls finished. Had a slight shower.

Friday, 5—Court met and adjourned till Monday. Went to the City with Lt. Col. Tucker, Major Randall, and Capt. Pemberton. Had a gay time. Returned at 7 p.m. Drew 4 months pay. Everybody very full [drunk] in camp tonight.

Saturday, 6—Heavy thunder shower about 4 a.m. Lasted a couple of hours. Day very hot. Eddy on picket. Finished Ordnance Returns. Letter from [brother] Charley.

Sunday, May 7, 1865—Sent my Ordnance Returns. Went out riding with O’Brien. Brought up at the City. Returned at 2 p.m. Had a visit from Capt. Clarke and Sylvie. Drank all of my Benzine and then retired from the scene of action very full.

Monday, 8—Court met and adjourned till Wednesday. Showery. Wrote to Roberts, 116th [?] Rained so hard that it broke up the parade. Sent my bag of plunder home by Express. Saw Mr. Harris. Made copy of Muster Roll for [ ].

Tuesday, 9—Lt. Col. Tucker and I went to the City this p.m. Found a party there and had a gay time. Went to Grover’s [Theatre]. Traveled around till midnight and brought up at Metropolitan [Hotel]. Rain all day.

Wednesday, May 10, 1865—Started from the City at 1 a.m. with [ ] and O’Brien. Raced horses all the way. Arrived in camp at 2 a.m. very muddy. Received my Leave of Absence for 10 days. Went to the City. Stopped at the National Hotel.

Thursday, 11—Started for Baltimore at 6.15 a.m. Left there at 9.20. Arrived at Williamsport at 6 p.m. Stopped for supper. Was detained on the road by collision of two coal trains.

Friday, 12—Arrived at Elmira at 1 a.m. Left at 7 a.m. Arrived at home at 9.20.

Saturday, May 13, 1865—Left home at 9.20 a.m. The train ran off the track at Pitsfords [?] and smashed the cars. Nobody hurt. Stayed at Rochester till 5 p.m. Arrived at the Bridge 9 p.m. Left there 12 p.m. Met Col. Taylor, John Bean, and F. E. Smith.

Sunday, 14—Arrived at Hamilton 2 a.m. Stopped at the Anglo American till afterr breakfast and then went down to the City Hotel. Found H. Main and R. Bradley. Had a very pleasant day.

Monday, 15—Left Hamilton 7 a.m. Arrived at Toronto 10 a.m. Charley gone away. Found the rest alright. Saw Mitchell. Was with him all day. Out at night with Carpenter and others. Put up at the American.

Tuesday, May 16, 1865—Went to bed at 3.30 a.m. Up at 6 a.m. Called on John and went up to house—76 Agnes Street. Went to Mitchell’s Office and slept nearly all this p.m. Sat up till 11 p.m. waiting for [brother] Charley but he did not arrive. Saw [ ] and Chas. Meatherian [?] I had got out of this town soon.

Wednesday, 17—Wedding at the American. Had a large time. Went to a fire and then went to the house at 11 p.m. Raining very hard.

Thursday, 18—Started for home. Mitchell saw me to the train. Arrived at home at 9 p.m.

Friday, May 19, 1865—My box of things came. Left home at 9 p.m. Arrived at Elmira 11 p.m. Stopped at American Hotel. SEent a book to Miss J. L. M.

Saturday, 20—Left Elmira 5 a.m. Arrived at Washington 8 p.m. Stopped at the Metropolitan [Hotel]. Went to bed at 12 p.m.

Sunday, 21—Left the City at 10 a.m. Arrived at camp at 2 p.m. Sent a report to Department Headquarters Found things all right. Rain all day. Wrote to Charley and J. L. Mitchell. Lieut. [William W.] McCall returned from Libby Prison. Was taken prisoner Mach 25, 1865.

Monday, May 22, 1865—Regiment started for the review. I relieve Capt. [Joseph P.] Cleary as Brigade Officer of the Day. Reported to Brigade Headquarters but received no instructions and came back to camp and stayed there. Pitched a new tent. Wrote home. Dr. [Sherman] Morse started for home discharged. Was taken prisoner March 25 [at Fort Stedman].

Tuesday, 23—Regiment returned at 2 p.m. I was relieved by Major Gould, 59th Mass. Did not attend the review but slept nearly all day. Lt. [Charles A.] Lochbrunner returned from prison. Taken March 25th [at Ft. Stedman]. Lieut. [Stephen B.] Russell in arrest.

Wednesday, 24—Went to the City. Sw the [Grand] Review of Sherman’s Army. Had a fine time. Saw Major Bigelow, Lieutenants Niles, Man and Bradley. Went to the Canterbury [Theatre] at night. Saw the Review through a glass tumbler. Made a great difference in the looks of things.

Thursday, May 25, 1865—Returned to camp at 4 a.m. Slept till 10 a.m. Did nothing but eat and sleep. Have been troubled with rheumatism in my hair all day.

[Editor’s Note: Ingestion of Benzine can cause joint or muscle pain and also result in rheumatic diseases.]

Friday, 26—Court did not meet. Rain all day. Sent my Military history to Headquarters requesting to be mustered out of the service. The thing is running too fine for me at present so goodbye US Service. 1st Lieutenants McCall and Eddy and 2nd Lieutenant O’Brien have made the same request.

Saturday, 27—Adjourned till Monday. Major Randall wished me to withdraw my application for being mustered out but I could not see him. Wrote to Bigelow. Rain all day and weather rather cold. Went to Division Headquarters at night. Saw Major Richardson, 29th Mass. Vols.

Sunday, May 28, 1865—Regimental inspection at 10 a.m. Wrote to [brother-in-law] Theodore and to Charley Hunter. Saw Lieut. Howe. Rain at night.

Monday, 29—Went to the City with Capt. Pemberton. Went to Armory Square Hospital and saw Capt. Houghton. Saw Dr. [Fletcher M.] Hammond, 126th New York Vols. Saw Wm. Huntington.

Tuesday, 30—Did nothing but make out discharges for 1 year men who are to be mustered out.

Wednesday, May 31, 1865—Went to the City. Returned at 5 p.m. Had a riot in camp but not one hurt. Sent in my resignation.

Thursday, June 1—Brigade Officer of the Day. Sent in an application to be mustered out of the US Service. Visited the picket line. Was from 11 a.m. till 3 p.m. Day very hot. Visited the line at 12 night. Countersign “Weldon.”

Friday, 2—Relieved at 9 a.m. Application forwarded approved. Held Dress Parade. Received letter from Mitchell and answered it. Saw a parade by torchlight of 109th New York Volunteers. Had 14 one-year men mustered out. Turned in the ordnance. Can congratulate myself on being the only one of the pet lambs that is sober tonight.

Saturday, June 3, 1865—Made out clothing return for March. Sent to the Quartermaster General for blank returns. Day very hot. Had Brigade Dress Parade by torchlight. Gov. Andrews and Lady of Massachusetts were present.

Sunday, 4—Lay in the shade all day at Weaver’s. Went to Division Headquarters. Brigade Dress Parade. Had a Dutch [German] Concert at night and treated the company to ale.

Monday, 5—Application for muster out returned disapproved and I sent my resignation on the grounds of incompetency. Col. Mansfield endorsement said that officers would be promoted according to merit like Officer of the Day. Broke camp and marched to East Capitol Street and relieved 116th New York Volunteers.

Tuesday, June 6, 186—Went to town. Saw Lt. Col. W. H. Lang. Found a party and had a fine time. Returned to camp at 12 p.m. We are guarding the Old Capitol Prison.

Wednesday, 7—On duty as Field Officer of the day. Took me from 11 a.m. till 3 p.m. to make the first trip. Went to Clarendon * and stopped till 12 night.

* The “Clarendon” referred to a hall in Washington, D.C. that hosted performances, including minstrel shows and men’s club frolics. It was one of several performance venues in the city’s theater district, located near the White House, that offered a variety of entertainment alongside more traditional theaters.

Thursday, 8—Started at 12 night and was from that time till 4 a.m. getting around. Went to bed at 5 a.m. Relieved by Capt. Snyder. Saw the review of the 6th Corps. Saw Capt. Rost [?] Stopped at the Clarendon. Returned to camp at 11 p.m. Resignation forwarded approved.

Friday, June 9, 1865—Down town all day with a large party of Bummers and had a hearty old time. Went to the Canterbury [Theatre] at night and returned to camp at 12 p.m.

Saturday, 10—Placed in arrest by order of Lt. Col. Randall. Formed a Convict Guard consisting of ten officers in arrest commanded by Major [Joseph P.] Cleary. Fight between our men and the Veteran Reserve Corps. Several shots fired but no one hurt. Had a visit from Damen Morse, Charles Wight, and George Esty, 50th New York Volunteers.

Sunday, 11—Moved camp to the one formerly occupied by the 116th New York Vols. Had a visit from B. Randolph. Received a letter from home, Resignation returned for certificate of non indebtedness from Ordnance Department. Wrote home. Had a row with Lt. Col. Randall about some ordnance.

Monday, June 12, 1865—Convict Guard disbanded. I am in command. Did nothing but lay around camp and gaze on the Goddess of Liberty wondering why they did not put stockings on her feet which looks as though they needed washing.

Tuesday, 13—Regimental inspection by Capt. Byrne, 3rd Mass. Engaged Harris & Co. to settle my accounts. Had a card from their clerk. Lt. Eddy gone to the City. Had a thunder shower p.m. Draw and issued clothing which I intend shall be the last as far as I am concerned.

Wednesday, 14—Lt. Claxton reported for duty. Regiment relieved and started for Tenleytown. Backus and I went to the City. Found Bymann and started on a huge. Had all sorts of [ ]. Made application for certificate from Ordnance Department. Went to a Dutch [German] Concert where they did not talk U. S. [English].

Thursday, June 15, 1865—Arrived at the hotel at 2 a.m. Went to bed but was driven out by mosquitoes. Brennan rolled out of bed and slept on the floor. Arrived at camp at 10 a.m. Slept till the p.m. Had a slight attack of rheumatism in my hair. Went to see Col. Tucker at night. Convict Guard still going.

Friday, 16—Broke camp at 7 a.m. and marched to Fort Simmons about two miles. Found good quarters. Was released from arrest this morning. Cleaned house and settled down. Have a two story building. Played cards at night.

Saturday, 17—Wrote to Mitchell. Did nothing but lie around and sleep as the day is very hot. Celebrated the Battle of Petersburg one year ago today.

Sunday, June 18, 1865—Did nothing today but make out returns for April. Inspection by Brigade Inspector. Day very hot.

Monday, 19—Commenced returns for May. Did not finish them. No drill. Thunder shower p.m. Co. I sent to Fort Foote. Co. G sent to Fort Mansfield. Slept all the afternoon.

Tuesday, 20—Finished returns for May and played cards all the rest of the day. Had a party at night. Had a quantity of Benzine. Received my invoices of Ordnance from Lt. Col. Randall.

Wednesday, June 21, 1865—Artillery Drill at 11 a.m. Inspection at 12M in artillery. Officer’s School at 8 p.m. Dress parade.

Thursday, 22—Artillery drill in a.m. Saw Harris. Held Dress Parade. Was introduced to Gen. [Martin Davis] Hardin, commanding 1st Division, 22nd Corp. Saw Lt. Col. Randall. Day has been very hot.

Friday, 23—Went to the City on business and pleasant [ ]. Saw Capt. Brittan, 1st [ ]. Went to Canterbury with Maj. Pemberton. Had a gay time after the show was out.

Saturday, June 24, 1865—Left town at 2 a.m. Arrived in camp at 3.30 a.m. Received a letter from home and answered it. Lt. Eddy received notice of his discharge and immediately filled up with Benzine.

Sunday, 25—Company inspection at 10 a.m. Lt. Eddy received his discharge from US Service by order of Major Gen. Parke, Commanding Dept. of Washington, Special Order 148, dated June 23rd 1865. Dress Parade. Played Euchre and Whist at night.

Monday, 26—Lt. [Charles C.] Eddy went to Washington. Day cool and showery. In arrest again by order of Major Pemberton. Only the 2nd time this month. Eddy started for home taking his small boy [ ] African with him. Capt. Snyder in arrest. Lt. Van Bushkirk ditto.

Tuesday, June 27, 1865—Sergt. S[chuyler] Gardner mustered as 2nd Lieutenant in Co. C. Drew hats for company. Received one dozen photographs form the City. Played Whist all day. Had a visit from Capt. [ ] and Lt. Backus.

Wednesday, 28—Received a letter from Mitchell. Read and smoked all day.

Thursday, 29—Wrote to Mitchell. 2nd Lt. S. Gardner assigned to Co. C. Sent in recommends for non-commissioned officers to be promoted. Day very hot. Read part of the time and slept the rest. Played Whist at night.

Friday, June 30, 1865—Mustered at 10 a.m. by Lt. Col. Randall. Was released from arrest by him and am sorry for it. Heavy thunder shower p.m. Nights cool for a wonder. Capt. Snyder commanding Battalion in absence of Maj. Pemberton.

Saturday, July 1—Made our Ordnance Returns for 2nd Quarter 1865. Day very hot. Not a breath of air stirring. Lt. Col. Randall and Major Cleary called this afternoon. Dress Parade. Heavy rain storm.

Sunday, 2—Brigade Officer of the Day. Rode about 20 miles. Day very hot. Made a trip at night. Went to bed at 12 o’clock. Countersign, “Cowpens.”

*Kate Denin (1837-1907), American stage actress*. *She appeared at the Washington Theatre (corner of 11th and C Streets near Pennsylvania Avenue on 3 July 1865. She played the Widow Cheerly in the comedy, “Soldier’s Daughter.”*

Monday, July 3, 1865—Went to the City in an ambulance. Went to Crystal Spring in the afternoon with a party of friends. Came back, had supper, and went to the theatre. Saw Kate Denin play. Returned to the hotel and retired at 12 o’clock. Saw Lt. [ ], 3rd New Jersey Battery. Last saw him at Ft. Haskell.

Tuesday, 4—Celebrated for a few minutes at the Clarendon. Caught a ride to camp and arrived there at 11 a.m. Bought a round of lager for the company. All of them are blind drunk. Had a serenade by the band.

Wednesday, 5—Received orders to take the company to Fort Simmons. Arrived there at 5 p.m and found quarters for them. The 9th New York Artillery still has placed a guard over the magazine at night. Made application to turn my property over to someone—we don’t care who.

Thursday, July 6, 1865—Doing nothing. Men are fishing. Received a letter from home. Went to Fort Reno at night but did not stay as they are having a Grand Ball there tonight. Day very hot.

Friday, 7—Day warm enough for comfort. Received a letter from Spencer. Wrote home.

Saturday, 8—9th N. Y. Artillery left here for home at 6 a.m. Cleaned house and fixed up generally. Finished muster rolls and sent them in. Made the acquaintance of Lt. Coriner [?], Ordnance Officer of the Post. Been about half sick with a cold.

Sunday, July 9, 1865—Company inspection at 10 a.m. Had a call from Major Cleary and D. Philips. Been in bed most all day. Farrier came to see me. Received a letter from J. S. Mitchell at Montreal. Wrote to Charley.

Monday 10—Went to thr City returned about midnight. Saw ex-Capt. Treadwell. Rain all day. Got rather wet coming home.

Tuesday, 11—Brigade Officer of the Day. Visited the posts during the day. The weather about as hot as could be for comfort. Returned at 3 p.m. and went bed. Had a heavy shower. Wrote to Mitchell. Drew clothing.

Wednesday, July 12, 1865—Returned to camp at 3 a.m. very tired. Received 25.00 from Spencer. Rain all day. The rest of the Battalion came this p.m. Had a Whist party. Lt. Carnes and Norton and Capt. Parrish came over and had a gay time. Benzine very plentiful. Retired at 11 p.m.

Thursday, 13—Did nothing as usual. Wrote Spencer. Had been cultivating the society of Currier all day and between the two of us have spoiled half a gallon of the extract of corn. Dress Parade. Went to Fort Reno with Major Cleary. Letter from home. Answered it.

Friday, 14—Played Euchre all day and till 11 p.m. The weather has been rather cool, and for that reason we were obliged to take something stimulating. Dress parade of our Battalion and the 9th New York Artillery. Drew stationery.

Saturday, July 15, 1865—Letter from Charley. Answered it. Day cool and cloudy. Major Pemberton returned. Had a card and Benzine party in my quarters at night. The [ ] Mr. Carrier went home sick which we deeply regretted.

Sunday, 16—Rode out with [ ] to the Drover’s Rest [Hotel]. From there to Ft. Reno. Had a very [ ] time. Made another application to be relieved in order to resign which makes the second.

Monday, 17—Returned to camp at 2 a.m. My horse left me on the road as the saddle turned and I went…

Tuesday, July 18, 1865–Slept till 12 M. Lay around the rest of the day half sick. Received a letter from Charley. Had a Euchre Party at night and retired in good season.

Wednesday, 19—9th New York left here at 8 a.m. for Fort Smith having been consolidated with the 2nd New York Artillery. Lt. Carrier went to the City. Received a pair of pants from Smith. Had a call from three lady friends from the Drover rest Hotel and invited to a party there this eve but did not go.

Thursday, 20—Brigade Officer of the Day. Visited the posts by day and night. Received a package of papers from home. Currier returned p.m. Dance at Fort Reno. Everybody very full [drunk]. Returned to camp at 11 p.m. and retired.

Friday, July 21, 1865—Visit from Capt. Clarke. Stayed a couple of hours when we went to a picnic and had a fine time. Returned at 5 p.m. Lt. O’Brien returned and was detailed as Acting Post Adjutant. Had a visit at night from a party of Bummers who retired early.

Saturday, 22—Currier came home this morning rather full [drunk]. Dr. Phillips sent me a bottle of spirits [ ]. Had a card party at night in my shebang. The chaplin took supper with me. Sent him home rather full [drunk].

Sunday, 23—-Brigade officer of the Day. Weather very hot. Was at Fort Reno and found everybody drunk as usual. Returned to camp at 12 p.m. very tired and went to bed.

Monday, July 24, 1865—Did nothing but lie around and play Euchre which has been dry work as there was nothing to drink in the camp. Stayed with Currier till 11 p.m.. Came home and retired in good order.

Tuesday, 25—Received orders from Battalion Headquarters to turn my property over to Lt. O’Brien. Made out my invoices of ordnance. Currier reported this p.m. with a canteen of Rye and played Euchre till 10 p.m. and retired. Day has been very hot.

Wednesday, 26—Brigade Officer of the Day. Visited the line and had a party and was having a gay time when I received orders to report at Brigade Headquarters and take command of the Brigade. Arrived at Headquarters. Found everybody drunk. Was not far from it myself. Took [ ] and had a high old time. Turned in about midnight.

Thursday, July 27, 1865—Slept on the floor all night. Up at 9 a.m. and rode to Ft. Simmons and changed my clothes. Sent my personal aide Currier to the City.

Friday, 28—Went to Fort Simmons and drew my pay to April 30th and returned to Reno. Gave up commanding Brigade, it being too much of a farce and took command of Fort Simmons. Saw Capt. Treadwell.

Saturday, 29—Turned my property over to Lt. O’Brien. Answered letter from home. As usual, had a card and Benzine party at night. The whole company had been in town drunk but came back at night [ ].

Sunday, July 30, 1865—Major Howe took command of the regiment. Capt. Tallman relieved me from command here. Went to Brigade Headquarters. Saw [ ] Houghton. Went to Forts Stevens and Slocum with Cainer. Came back and called on Clarke. 29 men who go home in the morning. Received quarter mster blanks.

Monday, 31—Made out my final returns to the Departments. Received my badges. Lt. Currier went to the City. Have been very busy all day with my papers. Played Euchre all night.

Tuesday, August 1, 1865—Carmin [?] and I sat up till day break. Got the boy very full [drunk] and put him to bed. We retired from the scene about 4 a.m. Slept till 11 a.m. Lay around till night and had a meeting. Heavy shower. Carmin shut his door.

Wednesday, August 2, 1865—Passed the day as usual playing cards and drinking Benzine. The 6th New York Artillery joined the Brigade. All about 2200 strong.

Thursday, 3—Walked to Georgetown. Took a car for Washington. Carmin and I went to the Dept. to settle our accounts. Started them all right. Went to Groovers. Came back and went to Hane’s [?] room and had a loud time.

Friday, 4—Started for camp at 3 a.m. Arrived there at 4 a.m. and went to bed. Carmon and I [ ] to the woods and stayed there this past.m. Had a party at Dr. Harrington’s Quarters at night as he is absent to leave. The hottest say of the season. Letter from home. Answered it.

Saturday, August 5, 1865—Brigade Officer of the Day. Visited the posts during the day and at night. There was a heavy thunderstorm. Got only wet. Returned to camp at 12 p.m. and retired. Purchased a memorial of the company—a fine thing.

*This is the Soldier’s Memorial for Co. K of the 14th New York Artillery. George would have purchased one like it for Co. M with the names of all the officers and enlisted men in the company.*

Sunday, 6—Did nothing but sleep and smoke. Rain nearly all day.

Monday, 7—Curnier gone to the City. Took an inventory of his effects and put crepe on the door. Had a picture taken in camp costume framed and hung it up as a terror to all evil doers.

Tuesday, August 18, 1865—Had negative taken for photos. Had a picture taken of Scipio, Africanus. Received a letter from Charley. Answered it. Called on Dr. Greene in the evening and had a pleasant time.

Wednesday, 9—Officer’s School by Major Howe. Saw Lt. Col. Randall. Weather pleasant and cool. Moon shining bright as day. Oh the monotony of this life. Nothing to do. Give me the front.

Thursday, 10—Clayton went to the City and returned at night. Went to Fort Reno. Had a Whist party at night in my quarters.

Friday, August 11. 1865— Went to bed at 4.30 a.m. Had breakfast at 11. Excused from duty by the Surgeon on account of an attack of rheumatism in my hair. Lay on the ground and played cards and drank old Rye. Retired early.

Saturday 12—Brigade Officer of the Day. Made my rounds. Carmin went with me as orderly. Returned at 12 p.m. Found a party playing cards. Letter from home. Received my photographs.

Sunday, 13—Up all night. Sunrise found three of us on the roof of the house drinking to the sun. Had breakfast at 6 a.m. Went to bed at 7 a.m. Slept till 3 p.m. to add another circus tonight. Everybody very fun. Wrote home. Sent photographs. Forwarded and application to be mustered out of service.

Monday, August 14, 1865—Serenaded the doctor at 2 a.m. Invited us in. Stayed about two hours. Left Clayton asleep on the floor at Dr. We had put [ ] to sleep before this. Carmin and I came back and sat up till sunrise and retired. Slept till 2 p.m. Called on the Doctor at night but came home early and retired.

Tuesday, 15—Lt. Curnier gone to Ft. Slocum. Has left here for good. Lt. Clayton witness on Court Martial at Fort Stevens. Clayton and I went to the City. I stopped at the Clarendon. Saw Capt. Foote. Saw ex-Brig Gen. Meredith. Horse whipped by Ex Col. McBride at the Metropolitan Hotel.

Wednesday, 16—Around town all day. Found Curnier at night. Went to the Capitol grounds to hear the Columbia Guards. Tentonia Hall and Metropolitan Hotel where there was free concerts. Orders from War Department to muster our regiment out of the service. Bully for that.

Thursday, August 17, 1865—Left the City at 2 a.m. in a coach. Arrived at Camp at 4 a.m. and retired at 8. Had a call from Major Cleary and McCall. Sat for a negative.

Friday, 18—Received muster out rolls. Went to Fort Reno for instructions. Received a photo from Col. Randall. Begun the Rolls at night. Called on Dr. [ ] and played Euchre. We returned early. A company of the 3rd Mass, came here for duty under Capt. Richardson.

Saturday. 19—Harry stopped with me last night. Had a call from Capt. Richardson. Received a letter from Charley and papers from home.

Sunday, August 20, 1865—Brigade Officer of the Day. Went to rounds. Had a visit from Curnier. Had a picture taken of him. Played Euchre p.m. Called on the [ ]. Got some Benzine. Returned at 12 p.m. Countersign, “Warrington.”

Monday, 21—Went to town with the Doctor. Went to Ordnance Department. Told the [ ] at 2 p.m. but did not get through. Started at the Clarendon. Went to the Canterbury at night.

Tuesday, 22—Went to Ordnance Dept. at 10 a.m. Called again at 3 p.m. and received my papers but was too late for the 2nd Auditor. Came to camp at 5 p.m.

Wednesday, August 23, 1865—Finished and [ ] muster rolls and sent them in, Signed the mens discharges. Received my photographs. Day very cool.

Thursday, 24—Letter from home. Answered it. Went to the City in the ambulance and returned with Harry who has gone home. Went to 2nd [ ] Off. told to call at 12 M tomorrow. Wrote to Curnier. Saw Ed House and Capt. Hamilton, 1st New York D.

Friday, 25—Went to the City but did not get my paper through. Came back at 2 p.m. Mustered out at 4 p.m. and am now a private citizen.

Saturday, August 26, 1865—Brigade Officer of the Day. Went to Reno and from there to the City. Received my papers from 2nd Auditor’s [ ] and all night. Now returned to camp at 4 a.m.. Went to Reno at night. Returned at 11 p.m. and retired.

Sunday, 27—Up at 10 a.m. Went to Fort Slocum to see Curnier but he had started for home so I did not see him. Returned to camp at 7 p.m. SEnt all of my returns papers to Headquarters.

Monday, 28—Started at 7 a.m. for Washington. Arrived at the Depot at 10 and left on the B&O RR for Baltimore where we arrived at 2 p.m. Left there at 9 p.m. en route for Elmira. [ ] and we had to go back about 15 miles.

Tuesday, August 29, 1865—Passed Harrisburg at daybreak. The train was delayed along the road and reached Williamsport at 7 p.m. Left there at 8 for Elmira.

Wednesday, 30—Arrived at Elmira at 2 a.m. and changed cars. Left there at 8 a.m. on the [ ] RR for Rochester where we arrived sat 4 p.m. Marched to the Fair Grounds, put the [ ] in the [ ] and put up on the Hotel and am rather tired.

Thursday, 31—Went down town and stayed most of the day. Started at 6 p.m. and arrived at Penn Yan at 9 p.m. Went home. Found things all right.

Friday, September 1, 1865— Around town all day. Very dull and hot

Saturday, 2—Went to the races at Kenka Park. Day very hot.

Sunday, 3—Went to Ira’s and Henry’s. Stayed at home in the evening.

Monday, September 4, 1865—Arrived at Rochester at 12 M. Stopped at Congress Hall. Went to see Major and Miss. Houghton at night. Bought a book for autographs of officers of the regiment.

Tuesday, 5—Went to camp and had the company sign the rolls. Returned to the hotel at 1 p.m. Was caught in a shower. Managed to get Gen. Marshall’s autograph. Went to the theatre and saw Cinderella played by Methena Scheller.

Wenesday. 6—Regiment paid and discharged except the officers. Received a number of photos. Company M all gone home.

Thursday, September 7—Most of the officers paid but did ot get to my company. Saw Capt. Britton and Hamilton, 1st Mass Dragoons. Went to theatre with Ed Rice. From there to the billiard match.

Friday, 8—Returned to the hotel at 2 a.m. Went to Maj. Hayward’s at 10 and was paid and discharged. Arrived at home at 9 p.m. raining very hard. Saw Mr. Luce at Victor.

Saturday, 9—Paid Smith and got measured for a [ ] suit. Rice came down. Saw Stephen W. Miller. Republican causus today. Wrote to Mexican Minister.

Sunday, September 10, 1865—Lay around all day. Took a stroll with Rice and Dominick in the evening and went home. Day cool and pleasant.

Monday, 11—Box came all right. Stayed at home most of the day. Most mighty dull.

Thursday, 12—Sorted my papers over and had a bon fire. Wrote to Curnier, Harris, and Kough. No letters yet. Day rather warm.

Friday, September 13, 1865—Left Penn Yan at 9.20 a.m and arrived at Toronto at 10 p.m. Met H. K. White on the train. Saw G. S. Mitchell. Stopped at the American [House]. Found Lt. Campbell, 14 N. Y. Artillery here.

Thursdaym 14—Found [brother] Charley at 190 Church Street. Went out riding with him and went to the Horticulture Gardens with Mitchell & Rad [?].

Friday, 15—Campbell went home. Went out to station with Charley after dinner. Went in the evening to see Paradise Lost. Should think it was. John gone to Georgetown trout fishing.

Saturday, September 16, 1865—Saw Lt. Madegan, 14th N. Y. Artillery. Went out riding this past.m. Was at Wards and Oxford Concerts Saloon in the evening. This is the most tedious place I was ever unfortunate enough to strike into. Nothing doing or to be seen.

Sunday, 17—Started for a drive but was prevented by rain. Went to the American [House] and stopped till 3 p.m. and went to the house. Rain all day. Did not go down street at night.

Monday, 18—Went to Hamilton with Charley. Weather very cold and wet. Drove to the race course and to the Delta House. Saw a number of trotting houses. Came back to the city at 6 p.m. Saw E. King and H. Main.

Tuesday, September 19, 1865—Around town till 3 p.m. Started for Toronto. Arrived there 5 p.m. Took tea with Mitchell and played Euchre. Went to the house at 9 p.m. Got the [ ]. Went home with Sandy M____. Stayed till 11 and returned.

Wednesday, 20—Drove out to Tim [?] Streets after Da. Called on W. Doyle. Wrote home and laying around. Mitchell’s office all this p.m. Went to the Oxford at night. Made some purchases.

Thursday, 21—Charley went to Sharon. Has not returned. Mr. Houghton of Ogdensburg, N. Y. Took dinner at the American [House] and slept all the p.m. in Mitchell’s office and played Euchre at night in his room. Gave John a cigar holder.

Friday, September 22, 1865—Had a present of a pair of studs from G. L. Mitchell. Charley returned at night. Wm. Reid came with him.

Saturday, 23—Received letters from H. M. Backus, J. H. Roberts, 116th N. Y., Brig. General Baker, and from the Mexican Minister. Had some money changed at 31 cents discount. Lay around Mitchell’s office most of the day. Weather warm and pleasant. Delegation from Maritime Provs. arrived here at 8 p.m.

Sunday, 24—Rain all day which is decidedly pleasant. Was on board the Steamer Maple Leaf. Returned to the house at 9 p.m. as the town is as dead as a graveyard.

Monday, September 25, 1865—Charley started on his trip up the country. Was out with a party and had a gay time.

Tuesday, 26—With Mitchell all day. Played Euchre in his room at night till 9 p.m. and went to the house and retired in good season.

Wednesday, 27—Moved down to the Hotel and arranged things to leave in the morning.

Thursday, September 28, 1865—Embarked on Steamer Bay State at 6.30 a.m. Had a collision with a schooner just out of the harbor. Had to tow her back to port. Had a very pleasant day. I retired rather early.

Friday, 29—Ran into Kingston at daylight. Had a fine view of the harbor and of the thousand isles. Saw Geo. Huntington at Alex. Bay, Ogdensburg at 12 M Saw Mr. Houghton. Started for Town [?] Mills at 5 p.m. Arrived there at 8 p.m. and stopped with Eddy.

Saturday, 30—Went to Antwerp with Eddy. Saw Proctor and on return the buggy upset and spilled us out in the mud. Rain all day. Arrived at the Mills at 7 p.m.

Sunday, October 1, 1865—Rain all day, Lay around the house and smoked.

Monday, 2—Arrived in Watertown at 10 a.m. Saw Van Broke and McCaiton [?]. Left there at 8 p.m. Found Gardner on the train. Arrived at Rome at 12 p.m.

Tuesday, 3—Left Rome at 5 a.m. and reached Rochester at 10 a.m. Went to bed after dinner and missed the train. Went to see The Octoroon. Rain all day.

Wednesday, October 4, 1865—Out riding with Shules. Broke the carriage of course. Played Euchre in the afternoon. Saw Rice at the Depot. Arrived at home at 9 p.m.

Thursday, 5—Attended the County Fair. Rather a slim show. Rain all day. Went to see Eliza. Wrote to Mitchell. Also to six others.

Friday, 6—Got my clothes from Smith’s. Made some calls.

Saturday, October 7, 1865—Did nothing today. [ ] and his mother went home. A very pleasant day. Rain in the evening. The oil well in the valley on fire. Makes a fine show.

Sunday, 8—Target shooting and cleaned my Sharpe. Went to John’s and returned home early.

Monday, 9—Loafed around all day. Saw Rice and received a letter from J. L. Mitchell.

Tuesday, October 10, 1865—Rice left on the 8 a.m. train for Elmira. Did nothing. Received letter from C. H. Houghton.

Wednesday, 11—Stayed at home till 3 p.m. and built a walk around the house.

Thursday, 12—Received a letter and photo from Brevet Brig. General E[lisha] G. Marshall. Day was cold and rainy. Wrote to Houghton and Charley.

Friday, October 13, 1865—Went to the theatre. Saw the tickets of Lead Man and Paddy Miles Boy played. A very tedious day. Clear and cool.

Saturday, 14—Passed in the usual way. Saw Stephen W. Miller. Received a letter from E. Mills. Theatre at night played Arrah-na-Pogue and Perfection.

Sunday, 15—Went to [ ] and came home. Day cold and windy.

Monday, October 16, 1865—Letter from Clayton. Answered it. Veto had an engagement with a skunk and was repulsed with heavy loss.

Tuesday, 17—Saw Rice in town. Had a letter from Van Bruht. Wrote to Mitchell and Capt. Greene.

Wednesday, 18—Nothing done today. Cool and showery.

October 18, 1865 through November 5, 1865

November 6, 1865 through November 23, 1865

November 24, 1865 through December 11, 1865

December 12, 1865 through December 29, 1865

List of battles in which the 33rd New York Infantry was engaged as well as those in which the 14th New York Heavy Artillery was engaged.

Inscriptions in Rebel Cemetery at White Oak Seminary [in Confederate records, called the “White Oak Hospital” in Petersburg.
L. R. P. Sic Semper Tyranus
U. W. Bacon, Co. B, 12 Batt. Georgia Cavalry
P. H. Moore, Co. E, 19th Arkansas Regt. [died at White Oak Hospital in Petersburg 28 July 1863]
W[illiam] W. Dodd, Co. C, 41st Virginia [died at White Oak Hospital in Petersburg 22 July 1863, cause of death Anasarca.]
Isaac Stephens, Co. I, 45th North Carolina Troops [50 y.o. from Caswell Co.]
J. D. Mustian, Co. G, 1st North Carolina Cavalry

109th New York Infantry, 1st Battle of Petersburg, Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, Battle of the Crater, Battle of the Wilderness, Battle of Weldon Railroad, Petersburg, Virginia, Siege of Petersburg

1862-4: William H. DeBell to Phebe Ann (Fairchild) DeBell

October 9, 2025 Griff Leave a comment

The following letter was written William (“Bill”) H. Debell (1844-1864) who accepted a $70 bounty and enlisted when he was 18 as a private in Co. A, 109th New York Infantry. He was the son of Daniel W. DeBell (1810-1881)—sometimes spelled Dibble—and Phebe Ann Fairchild (1814-1910) of Danby, Tompkins county, New York. Bill was not close to his father. His father and mother separated in January 1858 leaving Phebe without property and offered no further support to his wife and the four children (including Bill) who were left in the household. In the 1850 census, the DeBell family was enumerated in Shandaken, Ulster county, New York, where Bill’s father worked as a millwright. At that time, there seven children in the family ranging in age from 1 to 16.

Company A of the 109th New York Infantry was primarily recruited from the towns of Newfield, Caroline, and Danby in Tompkins County, New York. Bill took his place in the ranks with other young men from Tompkins county, many of whom were his friends from Danby. The Regiment began its assignment during the first week of September, 1862. A few days later several companies were detached to garrison Laurel, MD (about 8 miles SE of Annapolis Junction) to guard the main railroad junctions located there. The 109th remained at this assignment but was reassigned in October 1862 to the 22nd Army Corps as railroad guards and part of the 22nd’s overall defense of the Capital at Washington, DC against the threat of Gen. Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia’s presumed invasion. The invasion never came. Their job was tedious and boring and they saw no military action of any kind.

The 109th did its duty from September 1862, the remainder of 1862, all of 1863 and through the end of March 1864. Then in April, 1864 the 109th was ordered to join the 9th Army Corps then assembling at Annapolis, MD in preparation for action against General Lee at Petersburg, VA. The 109th Regiment became part of Hartranft’s battle-tried 1st Brigade, Wilcox’s 3rd Division, 9th Army Corps, Army of the Potomac. The 9th Corps left Annapolis on 23 April, 1864 headed for the crossing at the Rapidan arriving there on the 4th of May, 1864. The next morning, 5 May, 1864, the 109th, after crossing the Rapidan as one of the lead units, were immediately fully engaged with the enemy in the Battle of the Wilderness. Though they had been in the service 1 year, 8 months, and 9 days since they organized in the late summer of 1862 at Binghamton, New York, it was their first taste of battle.

Bill would go on to fight in eight major pitched battles with the 109th New York until he was finally cut down in the Battle of Weldon Railroad on 19 August 1864. there are seven letters presented here by Bill DeBell and two by William A. Hance, a comrade in Co. A who wrote letters to Bill’s family informing them and providing some details of Bill’s death.

These letters are from the personal collection of Don Andrew who sent them to me for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by express consent.

Those interested in the 109th New York may find any of the following published on Spared & Shared equally good reading:

George W. Roe, Co. A, 109th New York (3 Letters)
James M. Williams, Co. E, 109th New York (1 Letter)
Amos Avery, Co. F, 109th New York (1 Letter)
Samuel John Vail, Co. F, 109th New York (1 Letter)
John H. Warner, Co. G, 109th New York (1 Letter)
Almon W. Gould, Co. H, 109th New York (1 Letter)
Uriah Wright Stratton, Co. H, 109th New York (1 Letter)

Letter 1

Annapolis Junction, Maryland
September 6th 1862

Dear Ma,

It is with mingled emotions of joy that I now write you. I am well at present and hope these few lines will find you the same. Ma, I am away down South among the rebels. We left Binghamton last Sauturday morning and arrived at this Junction on Monday noon. Our camp is situated in a nice place. It is in a ten-acre lot, all level land. We are situated in a little valley all surrounded with woods. The railroad runs right in front of our camp. There are several of the rebels around through the woods. Two of them were caught today and put in the guard house. I don’t know what they will do with them.

Monday morning, 8 o’clock a.m. Ma, you must excuse me for not finishing this before for there is so much excitement here at present that it is hard for me to get my thoughts together but I will try and finish. Our regiment is all broke up. Five of our companies is down to Washington guarding a railroad bridge and David and myself and ten others is about a mile from camp guarding a switch. We have caught several prisoners—[Union] deserters mostly. Last night we caught a rebel spy. We took him up to the guard house. I think it will be pretty hard on him. I suppose you have heard that Old [Stonewall] Jackson and forty thousand troops have crossed the Potomac. We expect they will attack us before long. This is one of their spies.

I like a soldier’s life very well so far but I would like to see home once more and tell Mary, Carrie, and Hattie that I would like to see them all very much but I cannot yet a spell. The best I can do is to send you all my love and a kiss. Give Annie my love too. I have received all of my pay and have lent David 30 of it and have kept the rest to use. He said he would pay me as son as he got his month’s pay. Did I do right, Ma? I want you to send me all of your pictures. I have got Mary’s. No more at present so goodbye from your own son, — Will H. DeBell

Direct to Annapolis Junction, Maryland
Co. A, 109th Regt. N. Y. State Volunteers in care of B. R. McAllaster.
Write as soon as you get this.

Letter 2

[Not transcribed. Words to Just Before the Battle, Mother.]

Letter 3

[Editor’s Note: In this 16 page letter to his mother of 17 May, 1864, Bill describes seeing the elephant for the first time.]

Spotsylvania Court House, Va.
May 17th 1864

Dear Ma,

Once more I am seated to write to you although I may never get the letter finished for I am on picket within 20 rods [@ 100 yards] of the enemy and they are firing at us every moment. There are three of us on a post and we have a little breastwork thrown up before us about two feet high. I am sitting close down behind it writing on my cartridge box & every moment a bullet whistles over my head. I wrote you a letter when we was at Warrington Junction. Little did I think then that we was coming so soon to the front but we left there the day after I wrote to you and never stopped until we arrived at Wilderness Church. We was three days a marching it. We crossed the Rapidan in the afternoon & was marched about 5 miles & put on picket—

Dear Ma, just as I wrote the word picket, one of the men that was on post with me was shot through both thighs [?]. Poor fellow. I sent to the regiment and some of his company came and got him.

—and kept on all night and about 5 o’clock in the morning we fell in and was marched about 3 miles without any breakfast to the battlefield. Oh! I cannot tell my feelings when we was marched up in front of the Rebel batteries, the shell a flying. but we did not flinch and only 8 of us men was wounded, none killed.

About noon we fell in [and] marched off to the left. As we was marching by the left flank, the rebels poured a whole volley into us that confused and excited us and we fronted and fired on them and we fought there all the afternoon and only three got wounded out of our company, none killed. We made four charges and drove the enemy out of their rifle pits and captured about 5 prisoners. Our firing ceased about dark and we built breastworks and lay in them two or three days and held our position. Then one night the rebels set up a terrible hootin’ and hollerin’ and we thought they was agoing to charge on us but it was [only] to blind a movement. They moved off to our right so that night about 2 o’clock we was ordered to fall in and was marched until daylight and made a halt for breakfast after which we took up the line of march again & marched until about 4 p.m. and made a halt and drew 5 days rations.

Stayed there until 5 in the morning and marched again to this place & was double quicked up a long hill through shot and shell to the very front, formed in line, and drove the enemy back. Then we throwed up breastworks with our bayonets and plates & lay there two or three days, the enemy making several desperate attacks to break our line but did not.

On May 11th, they made their last attempt at that point and here is memoranda I kept from that time. “May 11th, 6 p.m. The enemy commenced shelling us in our rifle pits and their pickets advanced on us at the same time so we sent out 100 men out of our regiment as skirmishers and they advanced and drove them back a ways. Then our batteries opened on them and soon silenced theirs. Then we was ordered to advance out of our pits so the whole Brigade marched over and cautiously approached them. We—the 109th—had went only a short distance when we was ordered to support the 8th Michigan Regiment. We was marched by the right face, then left flank and formed in about 50 rods behind them and lay down flat. The bullets flew very thick but there was but a few wounded. One poor fellow from the 8th Michigan got his leg shot off.

Well, we lay in that position about an hour. Then we was ordered to form a junction with the breastworks we had just left, so the Brigade formed in line and marched directly southeast until we came to a piece of woods. Then we changed direction to the right and marched southwest about a mile and fronted, then lay down & watched until morning. At daylight we was ordered to build breastworks so we went at them and have them done and are waiting for the attack.

It is Friday, 13th. I left off writing the 11th while in the above named breastworks. Well, we had no attack that day. About 3 o’clock we was ordered to fall in. We did so and was marched to the rear—that is, off the field. Then it commenced raining very hard. Well, we was marched down in an open field and those that had tents put them up and those that did not had to take the rain. Well we had just got our suppers a cooking and the order came to fall in double quick. We did so and was marched back about halfway to the field and halted and we stood there in the rain and mud about an hour (Ma, could you but have known my thoughts while standing there, cold and wet. Be it ever so humble, there is no place like home!) Then the order came to about face and was marched back where we started from and camped down. Our things was all wet and it was quite cold.

Well [Daniel] Mc[Pherson] & G[eorge] Roe & me went off and got a couple of rods of rails apiece and built a large fire and we spread our rubber blankets and lay down. (We had nothing to put over us for we threw everything away in the first battle at Wilderness Church.) We all being very tired, soon fell asleep and slept sound until 2 o’clock. Then we was woke up and packed our things and marched up here where I now sit and was formed in line of battle but was held in reserve until noon. Then we was ordered to charge on a Rebel battery and we marched up in the edge of the woods andjust as we got there, they opened upon [us] with shot and shell and our men fell like grass before a scythe. But on we went, but did not get the battery. We had to fall back and when we got out of the woods, all we could count out of 400 was 150. We was cut bad, I tell you. General Burnside said it was the boldest charge that he ever saw made. He said he would remember us. We are called a brave regiment. Several other regiments broke and run but ours stood right up to the mark.

Well, after we came back, we went at it and built breastworks—(in the morning it commenced raining and rained very hard all day)—so that we could hold our position. Well we got them done and got in them, mud up to our knees, but we had to lie down and we lay there all night and are here yet and this is the 3rd day.

May 15th—Well here we are yet and still it rains and the mud. Last night the enemy’s pickets bothered us all night and it was so cold and it rained so hard that it was very uncomfortable. It is morning now and we are still in the mud and rain but there is some very encouraging news and it [illegible]…Colonel told us that we had taken 8,000 prisoners and 40 pieces of artillery and also Richmond was in our possession. I hope it is so. I just heard from our chaplain that there was two Corps down to the rear that was agoing to relieve us and I must say I hope they will for this is the tenth day we have been out to the very front of the battle. I never heard of such a thing before—keeping men out on the front so long without a relief. Our men are getting very tired and wore out (tell Sarh she would not know the 109th if she should see it now. The regiment looks when it’s all together about like a good company).

It is Sunday the 15th. We are still in the pit and we begin to think we are agoing to stay in them for all being relieved. The enemy was very quiet in our front last night, but on our left they had a heavy battle. Yesterday afternoon the Johnnies charged on one of our batteries & they opened on them with 16 pieces and cut them full as bad as they did us the 12th. The Rebel sharpshooters troubles us very much for every time one of us raises our heads or stirs around, they shoot at us too and there was two men from some other regiment got killed yesterday, the 12th, and one today. Every man that goes out has to go on his hands and knees or go half double. The officers is the main thing they are after.

May 16th. Still in the entrenchments. The sharpshooters trouble us yet but they do not advance. We sent out a heavy line of skirmishers today so as to advance our pickets. Done t without much trouble. Last night our Corps fetched us up a kettle of beef stew. It was good, I tell you, for we was all very hungry.

May 18th. There is my memoranda from the 11th to 17th. I am back in with the company. I was relieved last night about six o’clock from picket. Came here and George Roe ¹ had my supper ready for me. I eat it and we spread our rubber [blankets] and lay down. Slept until morning when we was woke up for our coffee. After we drank that and eat our crackers, we was startled by the rattle of musketry on our front. We jumped to our places, sat there a spell, and found it was nothing but the pickets. But about half an hour and our batteries opened, the enemy’s replied, and they kept up all the forenoon. It has ceased now but expect every moment when they will open again but it is hopeful that they will keep still for them shells are very disagreeable—especially when they come so close that the wind of one will blow your hat off as one did me the 12th in that battle. I have always heard say it was an awful feeling to go into battle but never thought it was such a feeling as it really is. I can’t begin to tell nor explain but after you have been in a little while, you don’t mind it so much.

There is 230 killed, wounded and missing in the battle, 21 out of our company. Namely: May 6th, wounded, John Conners in the arm; Peter Swint [in the] leg, and William Smith [in the] hand. May 12th, wounded, Henry Beardsley [in the] leg. John Sumers [in the] hip, Colins Causdale [in the] hand, Alfred Earsley [in the] hand, Sturgis Williams [in the] hand, Dwight Ostrander [in the] leg, Philander Evans [in the] leg, Horace Todd [on the] arm, Charles Truesdell [in the] arm, Lewnis Purdy [in the] leg. Killed, John [G.] Nichols, Amos Barber, Henry Person, Abram Scales, George Pierson, William Lours. Missing, Harrison Little. These are all from our company.

After we fought the last battle, the Capt. Mc[Allister] was taken sick and went to Fredericksburg to the hospital. Col. [Benjamin F.] Tracy has resigned. The Lt. Colonel [Isaac S. Catlin] takes his place.

Ma, just imagine you are looking on a side hill and along the edge of a piece of woods along which you see a large ditch dug (or first say it has been raining a week very hard) with the dust all thrown out on one side making a bank high enough so that a man can stand on his feet and look over and occasionally you will see a small piece of [ ] stuck up. Well down in this pit or ditch you will see all along against the bank a row of guns with bayonets on and down in the bottom you will see men dying in all shapes in the mind. In imaging this, you will see the 109th and about the center of the pit you will see one with a small piece of board on his knee with pencil & paper writing. You may guess who it is. This paper I picked up in the battlefield. Some of the boys said that they saw David go through Chancellorsville the other day. You will, perhaps, know more about it than I would for I presume you hear from him and I don’t. I hope he has not been in this last battle for there was a large number of cavalry captured and poor Franky might have been one of them.

Ma, I will have to bring this to a close for the muskets begin to rattle and I am afraid I cannot send it at all. Goodbye. Write soon. — Will H. DeBell

Goodbye all until you hear from me again. Write soon.

¹ George Roe (1831-1864) served with Bill DeBell in Co. A, 109th New York. They were both from Danby in Tompkins county, New York. Three of his letters were published on Spared & Shared in April 2025 (see 1863: George W. Roe to Sarah Adeline (McPherson) Roe.) In his letter of 9 September 1863 written from Annapolis, George mentions William DeBell as follows: “Reuben Youngs got his face severely burned this afternoon. It happened in this way. William DeBell—one of our tent mates—got a cannon cartridge while on patrol down to Savage & brought it to camp & hung it up in the tent. While he was out, Harrison [Tompkins] and Reuben thought they would come a joke on Bill so Rube took the powder & some matches & went out back to explode it. He placed a piece of paper on the powder & placed fire at the other end. He thought it was not going & so he moved the paper so that the wind would blow it towards the powder [and] at that instant, sparks blew into the powder & it exploded & burned his face quite badly. I think, however, he will get along without much trouble as it is not burned very deep.”

Letter 4

Near Petersburg, Virginia
June 20, 1864

Dear Ma,

Again I am seated to write a few lines to you. Since I last wrote to you, we have [illegible due to crease in paper] marching and fighting. The night of the same day I wrote my last letter, we evacuated our position & started we knew not where. We started as soon as it was dark & marched all night and all day, stopping just long enough to make a little [illegible due to crease in paper]…all we had to eat was corn & coffee and when we got to the James River we made a half of one day & drew rations and started again just night and they marched us all night and next day until about 3 o’clock when we halted and made a little coffee.

Then we was marched through a piece of woods and formed in line (the rebs had made a stand), joining on the 2nd Corps line, and at 5 o’clock we advanced or rather charged on their works. The order came “Fix bayonets, charge double quick” made, we started with a loud yell through one of the heaviest fires I ever was in, the enemy pouring the grape and canister in us from three sides from a line of forts that was built behind their breastworks. But on we went and took them all—breastworks, forts, cannon, horses and part of the men. Well we charged and fought all night and next day and next night until about 12 o’clock when we was relieved and came to this place where I now sit. It is what we call the rear.

There are three lines of battle in our front. We are resting. When we came out of the last charge, all the guns our regiment could stack was 23. A good many straggled but all we can stack now is [ ]. We was cut up very bad. We are expecting every moment when we will have to go in again. The 6th Corps is fighting now very hard on our right. There is a line of works in our front that has got to be taken and it is the opinion of most all our division that we will have to make the charge but I hope not for I don’t like these charges.

We are in sight of Petersburg now and if we have as good luck as we have had, it will soon be ours. We have got our batteries in a good position and I think they will do good execution.

Dear me, the mail carrier has just come after the mail so I will have to close hoping and praying that war will soon close & I will be permitted to return to you again. May God save, bless and protect you all. From your affectionate son. — Will H. DeBell

There has two mails come in and I have received no letter. Write often. My love to you all.

P. S. Our batteries is now throwing shells into Petersburg. We are in sight of there. We have got the rebs in such a position so that they cannot use their batteries unless they sink them in the ground so that nothing is above ground but the muzzle.

Letter 5

On picket near Petersburg, Va.
June 28, 1864

Dear Ma,

Again I am seated to write you a few lines to inform you that I am still alive and well and hope this will find you all the same. I have written two letters to you since I have received any. Our mail comes in regular every day & I can’t imagine why I don’t get them. I can’t think but what you have written but maybe I will get one tomorrow so I will wait patiently.

I came on picket night before last & have been on nearly 48 hours. I was to be relieved last night but the whole regiment came out on the picket line to stay 48 hours so I had to stay with them so that will keep me on 84 hours. I was on the advance line yesterday which is within a stones throw of the reb’s main line. They have got a very strong line. Every little ways they have a piece of artillery planted. Both armies are building and strengthening their works. Our men are preparing to siege them and I hardly think there will be much infantry fighting unless they attack our lines and that is just what we want so we don’t feel much alarmed.

The rebs have got two large forts in sight of us & our men are digging under one of them to blow it up. They are half way now and I think in the course of a week, they will lift it with powder. Our armies has got an awful strong position here. Artillery siege pieces & mortars—there is no end to them. We all expect a hard time when they commence the siege. The rebs are getting the range of us with their mortars now. Every once in a while a large fifty to a hundred pound shell will come over in our lines and burst.

In the 2nd Corps joining on our corps there is brass band playing “When this Cruel War is Over.” Oh it does sound splendid. The sun is down and it is cool & pleasant. All is quiet except the picket firing. Oh, if it was only in time of peace and I was sitting in the door of our house, just had my supper, and all the work done, oh how we could enjoy ourselves. Oh, then if I could hear a band play, I could enjoy it. But here it sounds so lonely and brings afresh all the ties of home. Sometimes when I am sitting all alone and get to thinking of my loves ones at home, then the thought of where I am comes back again. Well I won’t try to tell the feeling that comes over me for a few moments. Then after that, it will be three or four days, perhaps a week, before I think of it again. But enough of this.

I expect we will have a lively time tonight with the mortars from both sides for our men has got ever so many of them (mortars) planted and I think they will open them as soon as it is dark & it is so near that now I will have to stop writing until tomorrow. So good night.

Wednesday, June 29th & 4 p.m. Again I am seated. I have just had a good nap and finished a part of a can of beans that I had left from my dinner and I feel some better. It was not as I expected last night—about the shelling. All was quiet except the pickets. The Rebs kept up a steady fire all night which made it very disagreeable for their bullets come fairly closae—especially to where I lay. I have got a little post about ten feet from the company all alone by myself. It would be very pleasant if it was not for them (the bullets). It is a little hole dug in the ground about two feet deep and long enough to lie down in with the dirt all thrown upon one side for a breastwork. Then up on the top of that, I have a heavy log laid with holes under to look through. Then I have my piece of tent & rubber blanket put together for a shelter or shade and my wool blanket under me.

Our regiment grows smaller and smaller as the time passes on. Most every day, one or more of our men is killed. Last Saturday a man in our company by the name og John Cortright [of Owego] was killed and one in Co. K day before yesterday by the name of Edward [Edwin] Wilber [of Owego] and another wounded. I did not hear his name. And today one of Co. F was shot through the right eye and was killed instantly. Take our sick and all together our regiment won’t number over 400 and when we came in the field, it was 1015 strong so you can see that we have been cut up pretty bad.

Our men has just sent mortars and the rebs is replying but the shells from both sides goes over us. Well Ma, it is getting late and I will have to close for we are to be relieved as soon as it is dark and I will have to get my supper and pack up my things. I wish you all could take supper with me tonight. I am going to have fried pork, fried hard tack, ad coffee. But I think I had rather take supper with you but I hope you will eat just as though I was there & I will try and eat just as though you was here. Do all of you write to me often. I bid you all an affectionate goodbye until you hear from me again. I remain your affectionate son, — Will H. DeBell

Washington D. C.
Co. A, 109th N. Y. S. V.
1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 9th Army Corps

P. S. I give my love to all the girls and tell them to write. It is quite lonesome here in the company for me now for all of my old tent mates is away. George is sick, off to the hospital. Also [William] H. Forsyth and D[aniel] McPherson is Co. cook. He only comes to the company once in a while.

Letter 6

Still on the Front Line near Petersburg, Va.
July 3rd 1864

Dear Ma,

Again I am seated to write to you. I received your long looked for letter yesterday and was very glad to hear from you and hear you was well. I am well and doing as well as can be expected. It is all quiet in our front but on the right and left, there is some fighting every day. But perhaps you hear of the news as quick or quicker than we do. I hear it rumored that the siege is to commence tomorrow but we can’t tell much about it. I hardly know how to commence or finish this unless I commence back and give you the details of my diary from the time we left Cold Harbor.

Sunday, June 12th. Still on duty as supporting picket of the fort. There is great excitement today and it is said the 9th Corps evacuates their position.

13th—As I expected, last night as soon as darkness covered our movements, moved out in a southern direction. Marched all night.

14th—Today crossed the Chickahominy and at night found ourselves near the James River where we encamped for the night.

15th—Today are lying where we camped last night, resting out. D[aniel] H. McPherson and me have just been down to the river bathing. Swam to the island, Then drew 4 days rations—coffee, pork, hard tack.

16th—Last night was routed out just dark, crossed the [James] River on pontoons, traveled all night and all day today—a forced march. Have reached the rebs’ works near Petersburg & formed in line of battle.

Friday, 17th—It will never be forgotten by the 9th A. C. Fought all day and charged on the Rebs four times and lost nearly all the remainder of the regiment. After the fight, we had only 37 men to stack arms.

18th—Still fighting and gradually gaining ground although it costs heavy and blood and life. Petersburg is plain to be seen from the parts we took from the Johnnies.

19th—Have been lying in the woods facing the enemy. No fighting in our corps today except the pickets.

20th—Last night charged across the railroad and took the heights beyond but again fell back into the woods where we now are.

21st—Today have had general inspection and every regiment in our Brigade has orders to be ready to move at a moment’s notice.

22nd—Moved some distance to the right last night but still on the same line of works.

23rd—We are still holding our position. I was on picket yesterday and was relieved last night. All quiet along the lines. Under marching orders.

24th—Last night were relieved by the 10th Corps and moved some distance to the left. We are next to the front line and are supported by our Colored Division.

25th—Started constructing a new line of works or rather pits. The enemy’s sharpshooters annoy us incessantly.

26th—This morning a man in our company by the name of John Cortright ¹ was shot on picket line and died in two hours. I helped carry him off the picket line.

27th—Today our Colored Division has been busy filling bags with sand. They are to be used for breastworks.

¹ John Cortright (1816-1864) was a 40 year-old farmer from Owego, Tioga county, New York, when he enlisted in December 1863 in Co. A, 109th New York Infantry.

Letter 7

Near Petersburg, Virginia
August 10th 1864

Dear Sister,

I am seated in a bomb proof to write you a few lines as it is raining and it is very lonesome here on the picket line. We came here last Saturday night and expect to stay until next Saturday night. We are all in great fear here on the line for the rebs is undermining us as we did them. Our men are countermining as fast as they can but the rebs has several days the start of us and we are all afraid they will blow us up before we can stop them. But we have got stay and run our chances the same as in battle.

I presume you have read in the papers before this time about the undermining of the reb fort. Well our regiment was on the picket line at the time it was hoisted (the same line we are on now). Well the night before is was hoisted, as I said before, about 5 o’clock in the afternoon, we had orders to be ready to move at a moments notice and we supposed we was agoing to be relieved for we had been on the line 15 days. Well we got ready and sat around until dark and the expected relief did not come. Some of the boys fell asleep and some sat talking and wondering why the relief did not come. I was numbered with the sleepers.

Well, about 11 o’clock p.m., I was woke up and ordered to report to Headquarters. I did so and found a squad there and we was sent to Brigade Headquarters after spades and picks. Well then I began to smell the rat (I knew that the fort was all ready to blow up.) Well, we got them (the spades & picks), came back, and distributed them among the companies. Then I lay down and soon fell asleep with my things all on and when I awoke, it was 3 a.m. and there was a line of men formed in our rear in the same pits and we all thought sure they was the long wished for relief. But not so.

*The explosion that created the Crater. From a contemporary sketch by Alfred Waud entitled “Before Petersburg at sunrise, July 30th 1864”*

We had just got in line when to our astonishment we felt the ground rise up under our feet but we looked over the works and —– oh —— the awfullest sight that ever man beheld was there to be seen. Men’s heads, legs, arms, hands and whole bodies, artillery rails, mortars flying in the air. I took but one look and turned my head. But to see a sight which made another chill run through me, I saw a heavy line of battle moving forward. Then I knew for certain that we had to charge. On they came over our works. They went with a terrible yell (as soon as they got over our works in the line of battle, all the artillery along our line opened) and into the heap of ruins they went. And they had just got there when the rebs recovered from their panic and they opened all along their line.

Then the order [came] to our ears, “Forward 109th!” I looked in the direction the order came from and saw Col. [Isaac] Catlin ¹up on the breastworks swinging his sword, crying out, “Forward Boys!” and over we went. Well, I have been in several battles and I never was under such a heavy fire before. Well, a great many never reached the fort and oh! another such a sight. Men cut in all sorts of pieces and twisted in all shapes, some with their heads sticking out of the dirt, some with a hand and arm out, some with their legs out. It was awful. But we went to work and made good use of the “shubels & picks” in rescuing some of the rebs from being buried alive. Well, we got out several and took a number of others prisoners. Then we rallied on the next line and stood and fought about three hours, the rebs making several desperate charges to retake the line.

Then on came our colored troops with a rush and we thought sure we could walk right into Petersburg and we could [have] had the black buggers stood up to their work, but they was cowards and run and thus we lost our hold. As soon as they run, the General gave orders to retreat. Well, all went back or I say all. They all started back (but a great many never got there) but about 8 hundred, and six of them was our company, myself included. Well we stood there and fought and tried to hold the works but we could not see that very plain for we could see the rebs massing their forces and we knew we would have to all be taken prisoners or run the risk of getting shot in going back to our line. The rebs had a cross fire from both sides on us when we went across there.

Well, we six made up our minds to be taken and we sat down waiting for them to come when I happened to think about the niggers and about Fort Pillow [where] no quarter was shown them there nor their officers and I thought perhaps it would be the same here. So I spoke to the boys about it and they said we must run across the field to our works. Run for life, [indeed]. Well I was to take the lead. I raised up and saw the rebs had started. Then there was no time to be lost so over the lot of the fort I went and dropped down between two dead men and looked across the field towards our line. I could see it plain—about 40 rods [over 200 yards] distance. Two men started from just ahead of me and was shot before they reached the works. Then I was most discouraged but something told me I could reach them in safety. I raised up and looked around me again and could hear the enemy coming and saw some photographs, some of which I sent in my last letter to Ma lying on the ground near me. I picked them up and took one more look across the field and started and thank God, I reached our lines in safety and although I had several close calls, I was not hurt. When I was about halfway across the field, running as fast as I could, a ball came and cut my cup off of my haversack. That was the same as a blow of a whip on a horse. It made me go a little faster.

But I am alright and am sitting here in what we call a bum [bomb] proof to protect us from shells. It is a whole dug in the ground and heavy timbers over and dirt on them, some like a potato hole. Just think you see me sitting on a knapsack writing on a hard tack box, the boys lying around me in all shapes, heads and pints cross ways and every other way.

Well my paper is most gone and I am agoing to close and see if I can find ay place to curl down and sleep. I wouldn’t mind (if I could just as well as not getting in one of your beds to pass the remainder of the night. I bet I could sleep onyour parlor floor but I guess I will get along some way here in my hole. At least I will try it very shortly. Now this is the 2nd letter I have written to you and have none in return…

I like to forgot to say that the other 5 boys got out safe into our lines. If you want me to write again, you must send me some stamps as it is very hard to get them here. Write and tell me all the particulars concerning the fair maids &c. &c. of Ithaca. David & Frank also. I wrote to them some time ago but have received no answer. When you answer this, you must think up enough to full up two sheets at least. Now remember. Well here goes for a sleep so good night. May God protect you all. Goodbye.

¹ Isaac Catlin was Promoted to full colonel on July 29, 1864, he led the 109th New York in the Battle of the Crater at Petersburg, Virginia, the next day. During the battle, he was seriously wounded but returned to the field and continued to lead his regiment until being struck a second time. The second wound necessitated the amputation of his right leg. For this action, he was given a brevet promotion to major general on March 13, 1865, and awarded the Medal of Honor several decades later, on January 13, 1899.

*Col. Isaac Catlin lost a leg leading the 109th New York Infantry at the Battle of the Crater.*

Letter 8

[Editor’s Note: The following letter was written by William A. Hance, the son of John L. Hance and Almira Bruster, who also served in Co. A, 109th New York Infantry. He enlisted at Danby on 12 August 1862 and mustered out with the company on 5 June 1865. His letter informs Hattie DeBell of the death of her brother Bill, killed in the Battle of Weldon Railroad on 19 August 1864 and of his burial on the battlefield.]

Headquarters Ist Brigade, 3rd Division, 9th A. C.
On the Weldon R. R., near Petersburg, Va.,
August 23, 1864

Mrs. DeBell,

Dear Madam, It is with a sad heart I seize upon this moment of spare time to address a few lines to you. I have news to tell of a nature most melancholy. William is dead. He fell in the bloody charge made by the Rebels on the 19th to recover the railroad which was taken from them the day before.

At the time he was struck, he was in advance of the company, supposing we had one line of battle between them and the Rebels. He soon discovered the mistake. Taking off his hat and swinging it around his head, he cried out, “Come on boys, they are Johnnys!” Those were the last words he ever uttered [before] he cruel messenger of death struck him down. Striking his right arm, [the ball] passed through, glanced and entered his side, passing through his lung, killing him instantly. By his death, I have lost a much loved friend and Co. A one of its best and bravest soldiers. We have been separated a great portion of the time since the opening of this bloody campaign but have occasionally met and spoken together of home and friends far away and anticipated the happiness in store for us when this cruel war should end. But alas, he is gone and all our bright hopes with him. And I am left to tell the gloomy intelligence.

William was a good soldier—always to be found at his post, discharging his duty nobly and manfully. His place in the company, as well as in the memory of those who knew him in this life, can never be filled until we have followed him to that same mysterious end. Allow me in behalf of Co. A to tender you our heartfelt sympathies in your bereavement. Having lost two brothers in the same manner, I can sympathize with you. But I suppose I cannot realize a mother’s feelings on such a subject. Asking you to excuse this hastily written sketch, I subscribe myself, respectfully yours, Wm. A. Hance, 1st Brigade Band, 3rd Division.

P. S. I have William’s testament and pocket book which I will forward to you the first opportunity. — W. A. Hance.

Letter 9

[Editor’s Note: The following letter was written by William A. Hance who also served in Co. A, 109th New York Infantry. He enlisted at Danby on 12 August 1862 and mustered out with the company on 5 June 1865. His letter informs Hattie DeBell of the death of her brother Bill, killed in the Battle of Weldon Railroad on 19 August 1864 and of his burial on the battlefield.]

Headquarters, Ist Brigade, 3rd Division, 9th A. C.
Near Petersburg, Va.
September 13, 1864

Miss Hattie,

Having a few moments to spare, the first I have had since the receipt of yours containing inquiries concerning your poor brother, I concluded to devote them in answering them as well as I can. I was out to the regiment the 11th and made inquiries of all I saw that I thought would know anything of him. All I could learn was that another regiment were detailed to bury the dead, but that Will was buried by our pioneers & who they were, I could not find out. There are but few of the boys left and nearly all of my acquaintances are either dead or wounded or sick. I shall try and find where his grave is. I do not know whether the Rebels or our men hold the ground for since the battle, things have changed. Our lines have been formed on the most advantageous ground and our division has moved several times since. We are now about three miles from where he fell.

But rest assured Miss Hattie, I will make every effort to find his resting place and will mark it so in case you should ever want to find the spot, there will be something to show you the spot where your brave soldier brother sleeps.

You ask how many battles Will was engaged in. There were eight pitched battles, 1 Wilderness, 2 Spotsylvania, 3 Bethesda Church, 4 near Hanover Church, 5 Cold Harbor, 6 near Petersburg, June 18th, 7 July 30th near Petersburg [The Crater], 8 Weldon R. R. Aug. 19th, besides numerous skirmishes on the picket line. After all he had passed through unharmed, it seemed doubly hard to believe that he could be taken down by a traitor’s bullet. You inquired about D[aniel] H. MePherson. The last I saw of him was the 17th of July. Your brother was helping him to the hospital. He was taken with typhoid fever [and] he died a short time after. I will inform you of whatever I learn concerning Will. Asking you to excuse this, I will close by presenting my best respects to your mother. I remain your friend, — W[illiam] A. Hance