Category Archives: Suffolk, Virginia

11th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Battle of Deserted House, Dix's Peninsula Campaign, Hanover Court House Raid, Suffolk, Virginia

1863-64 Diaries of Charles N. Walker, Co. F, 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry

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This tintype of Pvt. William Harding of the 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry shows the uniform, the M1840 heavy cavalry saber, and the Colt M1860 revolver carried by its members. (The Civil War Image Shop)

The following pocket diaries were kept by Charles N. Walker (1842-1913) while serving in Co. F, 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry. He served three years, from August 1861 to August 1864. He was the son of Delanis Walker and Catherine Keeney of Towanda county, Pennsylvania.

The 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry was organized at Philadelphia as an independent regiment, “Harlan’s Light Cavalry” originally. Most of the men serving in Co. F were recruited from Tioga county, Pennsylvania, or across the state border in upstate New York.

See also the 1863 Diary kept by Jared Fuller of Co. A, 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry. It was transcribed and published on Spared & Shared in May 2023.

Walker’s diaries are from the collection of Don Andrew and were made available for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by express consent.

Transcription

January 1863

Tuesday, 1—Staid in camp all day. Was quite unwell.

Monday, 5—Went to the hospital sick.

Tuesday, 20—Drew five dollars sutler tickets. Bought this book, a portfolio cost one dollar. Am still in the hospital but able to go to town. Wrote to G. F. Ellison.

Wednesday, 21—Stayed around the hospital all day. Wrote to H. A. Guernsey. News of the capture of Arkansas Post and 3,000 prisoners. Wrote to Lydia Giles.

Thursday, 22–Rained nearly all day. Received a letter from Al and Annie Thompson. Wrote to Al. Phil Andrews came to the hospital today sick. No mail tonight.

Friday, 23—Bought a Waverly [Advocate] and read it all day, Nothing else to do. Am still in hospital. Eat 6 eggs for my supper and so did Paul Rimple and Bis[hop] Borden.

Saturday, 24—Received a letter from Em. Answered it and wrote Ike Townsbery. Went up to camp. Received an [Wellsboro] Agitator from Sate.

Sunday, 25—Received a letter from Juke. Answered it and wrote to W. E. Calkins. Stayed to the hospital all day. Very nice day. Enos Ackerly Co. He got a furlough for 20 days.

Monday, 26—Returned to camp today. Green, Co. D, 7th Confederate Cavalry was paroled and went away from the hospital.

Tuesday, 27—Signed the pay roll for four months pay. Rained nearly all day. Very muddy.

Wednesday, 28—Still rains. The paymaster did not come today but is expected tomorrow. It is raining very hard tonight. Coffee, rice, and bread and molasses for supper.

Thursday, 29—Went out on a scout at midnight and returned in the morning. Received pay at night. the whole regiment went out to fight the rebs.

Friday, 30—In camp all day. Fight going on at the Deserted House. Our troops come off victorious. All in camp.

Saturday, 31—Got my likeness taken. Very busy times about town. Greenbacks are plenty. Am on light duty yet. Received a letter from Em & Mother.

February 1863

Sunday, 1—Wrote a letter to Em. Went on company inspection. Got my likeness taken and sent it to Juke. Sent $5 to Ma.

Monday, 2—Went and saw J. Brady. he is well. Had an oyster supper. No news of importance.

Tuesday, 3—Snowed all night. Very cold. Went out on a scout to Holland Corners. Snow about 8 inches deep. No mail today. Rather tough scouting.

Wednesday, 4—Still very cold. Have sat by the fire all day. The snow has not yet gone off. Capt. gets leave of absence for 7 days. get me a pair of boots.

Thursday, 5—Capt. went home today. Still cold. No news of importance.

Friday, 6—Received a letter from Juke. Rained all day. Very muddy going. News of the blockade at Charleston being raised.

Saturday, 7—Received a letter from Em. Lieut. Palmer is officer of the day. Still muddy. Had the toothache all day.

Sunday, 8—Dress parade at ten a.m. Went to town. Wrote a letter to Em. Very nice day. Everything quiet.

Monday, 9—Detailed for police duty today. Very nice day. the Boys played ball nearly all day. received a letter from Sarahan. Bought a Frank Leslie [Illustrated].

Tuesday, 10—Dress Parade at 8 a.m. without arms. Went on a scout to Holland Corners. Did not get back until 10 o’clock at night.

Wednesday, 11—Wrote to Sarahan & Juke and sent a paper to Jane. Very nice day.

Thursday, 12—Detailed for regiment guard and picked out for orderly for Lt. Col. [George] Stetzel for one day. No mail today. Very nice day. Phil Andrews was put in the guard house today.

Friday, 13—Stayed around camp all day. received a letter from Al.

Saturday, 14—-Went on a scout to Carrsville. Had a good time.

Sunday, 15—Had a tooth pulled. Went to church. Received a letter from home. Wrote to Al and Ma. Sent a Waverly [Advocate] to Em.

Monday, 16—Stayed in camp all day. No news of importance.

Tuesday, 17—Rained all day. Stayed in camp. Capt. [Benjamin B.] Mitchell returned on the evening train.

Wednesday, 18—Detailed for fatigue. Rained all day. No news tonight.

Thursday, 19—No news of importance. Rained nearly all day.

Friday, 20—Doct. Borden & Mr. Far came down to see us. Got my horse shod.

Saturday, 21—Went out on a scout to Carrsville. Was on stable guard. Doctor and Mr. Far went on a scout with us. Received a letter from Lydia and a likeness from Juke.

Sunday, 22—Snowed some last night. Rained all day. Wrote to Ma. No news of importance.

Monday, 23—Doctor Borden goes away today. Sent a letter to Ma by him. Middling cold.

Tuesday, 24—Still cold. No news of importance today. Received three [Wellsboro] Agitators from Sate.

Wednesday, 25—Started on a three days scout this day at 3 p.m. Co. F, H, & D under command of Lt. Col. Stetzel. Marched 12 miles to Big Fox Church.

Thursday, 26—Marched to Gatesville and from there to Sunbury, distance of 30 miles. Stayed all night at Sunbury. Am orderly for Lt. Col.

Friday, 27—Received letter from Em and Jennie. Started for camp at sunrise. Went in advance to buy chickens for the Lt. Col. Arrived at Suffolk at 4 p.m. Was alarmed at 9 o’clock. Went out to the pickets but there was no show.

Saturday, 28—Mustered this morn at 9 a.m. by Col. Dodge, Am on stable guard today. Somewhat rainy. received a letter from Juke. Wrote to Jennie.

March 1863

Sunday, 1—Wrote to Juke. Rained nearly all day. No news of importance.

Monday, 2—Rained today. received a letter from Ma and Al. No news today. The ram Indianola captured by the rebs at Vicksburg by the Queen of the West.

Tuesday, 3—Co. F went on a scout to Carrsville. I was in the advance guard. the whole regiment went out to Franklin at midnight.

Wednesday, 4—Wrote to Al. Was on regiment fatigue chopping wood. the regiment came back tonight. they captured three prisoners.

Thursday, 5—Very nice day. No news of importance.

Friday, 6—Co. F went on a scout to Carrsville. Had a good time.

Saturday, 7—Received a letter from C. N. E. Calkins and H. A. Guernsy.

Sunday, 8—Wrote to Alice Bishop. Borden returned today from home. Thomas Depu came with him. Received a letter from Em & Olive. Received a kerchief from Ma.

Monday, 9—Went and saw Jerome today. Marched through town on review by Gen. Peck. No news. Tonight 4 companies on a scout.

Tuesday, 10—Rained all day. No news of importance.

Wednesday, 11—Was on regimental guard. Middling cold day. Co. H was on a scout to Carrsville. Corporal Smith, Co. K, was shot through the head by a guerrilla near Deserted House.

Thursday, 12—Nothing new today. Went on drill. Made two charges. Very nice day.

Friday, 13—Co. F & D went on a scout to South Quay. Drove in the pickets and returned safe and sound.

Saturday, 14—The 9th Army Corps has arrived at this place. No other news. Very fair day.

Sunday, 15—Wrote o Ma. Went to town. Inspection at 9 a.m. Dress Parade at sundown.

Monday, 16—Co. F received orders to get to Norfolk to relieve Co. M. Started at 2 and arrived at 12 o’clock.

Tuesday, 17—Stayed all night near Norfolk. Today the various details were made. I came to the city as orderly. Am orderly for the Provost Judge. Wrote to Warren.

Wednesday, 18—Went up to camp today and served two summons. one on James Street. The other on East Wide Water Street, No. 147. Went to the theater at night.

Thursday, 19—Went to the jail three ties with orders. received orders to return to camp. Snowed some.

Friday, 20—Snowed last night and all day. Went to the city on detail with three days rations. The weather being bad, we were sent back. Corporal D[avenport] and 5 men.

Saturday, 21—It has cleared up some today. the snow is going off. It was about 8 inches deep.

Sunday, 22—Went and took a ride with William Tompkins. Went to church in the evening.

Monday, 23—Went out to Kempsville on picket. Went to Prince Ann Court House on a scout. Bought two dozen eggs. Wrote to Ma.

Tuesday 24—Returned to camp. Received a letter from Jennie & Ma. Very nice day. Went to the city.

Wednesday, 25—Received a letter from Juke. Answered it same day.

Thursday, 26—Went to the city with the captain. Received orders for a scout. Went as far as Kempsville and stayed all night.

Friday, 27—Marched through the county of Prince Ann and picked up all the arms we could find. Saw some very nice young ladies. Stayed at Kempsville.

Saturday, 28—Marched through the county of Norfolk picking up arms. returned to camp in a drenching rain.

Sunday, 29—Received a letter from Al & Alice. Have a very bad cold. Fixed up my stable. Rather a cold day. There is two men here from Bradford visiting the Boys.

Monday, 30—Detailed with 4 of the Boys and Corporal Davenport to report to the Lt. Col. of 173rd Pennsylvania. Went to Prince Ann Court House. Stayed at Kempsville.

Tuesday, 31—Nothing of importance.

April 1863

Wednesday, 1—Did not get fooled today. Middling cold day. Have a very bad cold. Nothing new.

Thursday, 2—Went to the city with Captain. Very nice day.

Friday, 3—Wrote to Al. No news. Cold and rainy.

Saturday, 4—Went to the city and got my horse shod. Cold and windy today. Lay in the house all the rest of the day. Received a letter from Em.

Sunday, 5—Cold, snowy and wet this morning. Wrote to Jennie.

Monday, 6—Went on a scout to Blackwater. Marched over 50 miles.

Tuesday, 7—Wrote to Sate. Went to town and to the Express Office. News of the capture of Charleston, S. C.

Wednesday, 8—Detailed on fatigue. Building bake oven. Pay rolls came tonight. Went to the city with the team.

Thursday, 9—On fatigue. Got pay today. Lieuts. [David] Tears & [Philip] Palmer were here.

Friday, 10—Went to town. Bought a new neck tie and a pair of suspenders and 50 cents worth of stamps. Wrote to Em. Sent Ma $5. Went on a scout to Hodge’s Ferry.

Saturday, 11—Received a letter from Ma. Went on picket 10 miles from the city.

Sunday, 12—Still on picket. Got my meals to a neighbor’s house.

Monday, 13—Went to Sleepy Hole on a scout. Came into Norfolk with a dispatch. Staid in and Lyman Cole went out in my place.

Tuesday, 14—Went to the city and got my horse shod. Nothing new.

Wednesday, 15—Nothing new.

Thursday, 16—Went to Deep Creek with the Captain. Got wet. Sent Ma $45 by Express.

Friday, 17—Went up to Great Bridge with John. Put under arrest. Staid all night.

Saturday, 18—Came from Great Bridge with Irvine Arnot [Irwin Arnet].

Sunday, 19—Received a letter from Ma.

Monday, 20—Went out to David’s Mills on picket.

Tuesday, 21—Went out to the neighbors to see the girls.

Wednesday, 22—Nothing new.

Thursday, 23—The same. Received a letter from Juke.

Friday, 24—Went over to Mr. Peak’s and saw Martha Jane Brown. She is same.

Saturday, 25—Wrote to Juke adn staid around the church the rest of the day.

Sunday, 26—Went on a scout in the country to the Nansamond [river], breaking up boats.

Monday, 27—Went out riding with Miss Emily Howell. Had a very pleasant ride. Received a letter from Alice & Ma.

Tuesday, 28—Went up to Mr. Taylor’s and got acquainted wit htwo very nice young ladies.

Wednesday, 29—Came to camp with morning report. Baily went out in my place. Received a letter from Em & Alice. Wrote to Alice. Thunderstorm in the evening.

Thursday, 30—Went on a scout to northwestern branch, distance of 25 miles from camp. Captured a horse.

May 1863

Friday, 1—-Went to the [blacksmith’s] shop. Got my secesh horse shod. Before wrote to Em. In the evening, Sergt. [George W.] Tooker returned to the company. Today Charley Clark and Turner went to jail.

Saturday, 2—Went to Kempsville on picket with Corporal [N. M.] Davenport.

Sunday, 3—Came in from picket by way of the plank road.

Monday, 4—Stayed in camp all day. News of Gen. Hooker’s advance.

Tuesday, 5—Received a letter from Dora Howcell. Got me a Waverly [Advocate]. Went to the city on a pass. Went a fishing and did not get a fish.

Wednesday, 6—Wrote to W. E. Calkins. Rainy today.

Thursday, 7—Went to the city at night.

Friday, 8—Went to the city & got my bit fixed. Received a letter from Al.

Saturday, 9—Captain went to Old Point. Went to the city.

Sunday, 10—Drove the team up to Great Bridge for Ben received a letter from Alice. Very warm and pleasant.

Monday, 11—Picnic party went up the river from Portsmouth. Wrote to Al. Started on a two day’s scout. Went to Great Bridge and staid all night.

Tuesday, 12—Scouted about 30 miles out. Got some corn and ham. Returned to Great Bridge. Staid all night there.

Wednesday, 13—Returned to camp today. Very warm.

Thursday, 14—Received a letter from Em. Wrote to Ma. Thunderstorm in the afternoon. Moved stables &c.

Friday, 15—Went to the city.

Saturday, 16—Received a letter from Eugene Herring [Co. H, 45th Pennsylvania] . He is at Acqua Creek.

Sunday, 17—Went to the city and visited the burying ground. Called on Miss Nickels in the evening.

Monday, 18—Went on a scout to Blackwater. Fine day. Rode about 50 miles.

Tuesday, 19—Went to the city and got my horse shod. The Reverend Mr. Whittaker called on us in the afternoon. Played a game of ball with us.

Wednesday, 20—Nothing new. Went out calling in the evening.

Thursday, 21—Wrote to Em and Eugene Herring.

Friday, 22—Stayed around camp all day. Went in Mr. Ive’s field and got all the strawberries I could eat.

Saturday, 23—Went over to Portsmouth to attend a picnic but there was none there. Very warm day.

Sunday, 24—Inspection in the morning. Went out to see the gals in the afternoon.

Monday, 25—Went into the country after some men. Did not get them. Wrote to Alice.

Tuesday, 26—Wrote to Juke. Very nice day. Received a paper from Jennie.

Wednesday, 27—Received letters from Al, Alice, and Juke.

Thursday, 28—Stayed around camp all day. Very warm day.

Friday, 29—Went to the city in the daytime. Went and saw the girls at night.

Saturday, 30—Cleaned the yard up and went to the city.

Sunday, 31—Went out in the country 4 miles to church. Had a good sermon. Very warm day. Went out in the evening to see the girls.

June 1863

Monday, 1—Wrote to Al. Nothing new.

Tuesday, 2—Went to the city with A[delbert] D. Keeney. Received a letter from Eugene Herring.

Wednesday, 3—Received a letter from Em. Large fire in Norfolk in the evening. Went down to Mr. Nichol’s. In the evening, mounted drill.

Thursday, 4—Went to the city with the team. Stayed around camp the rest of the day. Mounted drill in the afternoon.

Friday, 5—Bishop Borden came to see us today. Stayed all night. I went to the city in the evening.

Saturday, 6—Bishop went to Suffolk today. Very nice day. Pay rolls came today. Signed the pay roll. Went on a scout.

Sunday, 7—Stayed at Great Bridge last night. Went out in the country about 20 miles. Returned to camp.

Monday, 8—Wrote to Em & Jennie.

Tuesday, 9—Some of the Boys went to Great Bridge and stayed all night.

Wednesday, 10—Went on a scout by way of Great Bridge. Stayed all night at the bridge.

Thursday, 11—Started for camp. Received orders to return on a scout. Did so. Went to Shingle Landing.

Friday, 12—Marched all night. Arrived at Blackwater at daylight. 77 officers got away from one of our boats and we are trying to cut them off.

Saturday, 13—Corporal July [?], H. C. Palmer, and myself went to arrest Mr. Baum. He ran into the woods. Received a letter from Ma and Al.

Sunday, 14—Went with Lieut. [Philip A.] Palmer after Baum. He was away but the ladies said he would be in in the morning.

Monday, 15—Mr. Baum gave himself up. Went up after him. One of the young ladies played on the piano for us. Mr. Baum came to the city.

Tuesday, 16—Went into the country with Lyman & Wilson Cole. Sergt. Ward came out with orders to gather up horses. Received a paper from Jennie.

Wednesday, 17—Marched through the country picking up horses. Came to Great Bridge at night.

Thursday, 18—Returned to camp today. Brought 81 horses in and turned them over to the quartermaster. Very warm and dusty.

Friday, 19—Went to town and got my horse shod. Received a letter from Alice. Wrote to Ma.

Saturday, 20—Received marching orders to join the regiment.

Sunday, 21—Co. K, 1st New York Rifles came to relieve us. Wrote to Ma, Juke, Alice and Al. Went to the city with the captain.

Monday, 22—Packed up . Went to the city. Joined the regiment at Portsmouth. Saw Emily Howell. Staid all night in Portsmouth.

Tuesday, 23—Took the boat for Yorktown. Arrived in the afternoon. Encamped for the night.

Wednesday, 24—Took the boat for White House [Landing]. Moved as far as West Point [on the York River] and anchored for the night.

Thursday, 25—Landed at the White House and started on the road for Hanover Court House. Captured some rebel pickets. Staid in the country.

Friday, 26—Moved on to the Court House. Captured a wagon train and 75 prisoners. Had a small fight.

Saturday, 27—Returned to the White House on the opposite [side] of the river safe and sound. Co. B’s 1st Sergeant [Richard McFarlan] was killed [at South Anna River, Va. on 26 June 1863].

Sunday, 28—Moved across the river and encamped on the bank of the [Pamunky] river.

Monday, 29—Wrote to Mam Al, and Juke and Emily Howell.

Tuesday, 30—Lay around camp all day. Received a letter from Ma.

July 1863

7th Co., 1st Battalion N. Y. Sharp Shooters, Suffolk, Virginia

1863: James Delamater Stearns to Emeline (Frank) Stearns

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The following letter was written by 41 year-old James Delamater Stearns (1822-1899), the son of Amory Stearns (1797-1875) and Mariah De Lameter (1800-1889) of Jamestown, Chautauqua county, New York. James wrote the letter to his wife, Emeline (Frank) Stearns (1832-1893), while serving in the 7th Company, 1st Battalion New York Sharpshooters.

Capt. Joseph S. Arnold commanded Co. 7, 1st Battalion, N. Y. Sharp Shooters

The origin of this regiment came about in the following way. Major W. S. Rowland received authority from the War Department in October 1862 to recruit a regiment of sharpshooters in the States of New York and Pennsylvania. The regimental organization failed and only a battalion was recruited, which was finally organized consisted of four companies, the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th. The 7th Company—Co. L, 112th New York Volunteers was organized at Jamestown under the command of Capt. Joseph S. Arnold and mustered in the service of the United States for three years on 12 September 1862. It was recruited principally at Ellicott, Kiantone, Busti, Ellington, Ellery, Carroll and Jamestown. [Source: New York in the War of the Rebellion, 3rd ed. Frederick Phisterer. Albany: J. B. Lyon Company, 1912.]

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

Suffolk, Virginia
Tuesday, June 16, 1863

Dear Emeline,

It is over one week since I wrote to you, but be assured you are not forgotten for I think of you as often as though I wrote every day. We have been moving our camp and making streets through our new city and I have had to get my three meals of victuals per day for the Captain and Lieutenants and often I have to cook for our sick boys. And when it comes night, you may guess that I am very tired. Tonight my legs and feet feel as though I had been on an all day march and now it is after nine o’clock in the evening, but write I will.

I like my living very well with the officers for I eat with them and attend the markets and get such as I think best to cook, and if I do not have enough and that which is well cooked, it is my own fault. I will give you some of the prices that I pay for marketing. Eggs 40 cents, butter 40 cents, cabbage, very small heads, two of them for 25 cents, fish, fresh ocean trout about 15 cents per lb., ripe cherries 25 cents per quart, onions 5 for ten cents (about half grown), chickens about as large as pigeons $1 per pair, full grown chickens 75 cents & $1 each. Hams (good) 13 cents per lb. at government price and 24 cents at the grocery. Green peas 50 cents per peck, snap beans ditto, small summer squashes about the size of a teacup 10 and 12 cents per dozen, small radishes 10 cents per bunch, asparagus 10 cents the handful. Lettuce only about 25 cents for enough for one meal for four of us. New potatoes six dollars per bushel. Cucumbers only five cents each. Anyone to live here would have to be worth a little or else get good pay. Money is very plenty and will be as long as the soldiers are here, but I pity the poor secesh when they are gone.

The 112th [New York] Regiment and a good many other regiments and cavalry and artillery went out last week Friday on a Black Water excursion and are still out there. Today we could hear considerable heavy firing in that direction, and I would not be surprised if they had some tall fighting.

One company of our sharp shooters—the 8th Company—went out Sunday. Charley Winchester is out and was all right the last heard from. If anything happens to any of the boys out there, I will write.

I received a letter from Bro. William last night. Will answer it in a day or two. We were paid off last Saturday and I will send you the money either by R[ussell] M. Brown tomorrow or in a letter in a few days. Russel M. Brown has got his discharge and is a going to start home tomorrow. He is very low and I doubt his standing his journey very well. He will call on you when he is able to and let you know just how I get along. A. K. [Amos K. Brown] is quite sick but will probably get up in a few days. We have quite a number of sick ones but none very dangerous as yet. I have had a few shakes of the ague. The doctor gave me quinine enough to break it up so I am all right. I will try and write you again in a few days but you need not wait for me to write but send along your letters and all the news. I will attend to Mercy as soon as it is convient. Bill Leaver’s & Dan Jennings’ wives are here and making about ten dollars apiece per week in baking, &c., for the soldiers. Dan’s wife is not very well for a [ ].

Give my regards to all enquiring and especially to Mrs. Em S & the children. Yours &c. — James

176th Pennsylvania Infantry, Suffolk, Virginia

1862: Lewis Longden Long to Mary Elizabeth (Peters) Long

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Lewis Long’s Honorable Discharge Certificate

The following letter was written by Lewis Longden Long (1826-1889), the youngest child of William Calvert Long (1783-1861) and Mary Armstrong (1783-1861) of Priceburg, Monroe county, Pennsylvania. Lewis married Catherine Peters (1832-1856) and after her death, took Catherine’s younger sister, Elizabeth Peters (1842-1915) as his second wife.

Lewis made his living as a Monroe county farmer before and after his time in the service. He was mustered into Co. C, 176th Pennsylvania Infantry as a sergeant in November 1862 and was discharged in August 1863 after nine months service.

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

Addressed to Mr. Lewis Long, Analomink, Monroe county, Pa.

Camp Suffolk, Virginia
Thursday, December 4, 1862

My Dear beloved wife,

This will inform you that I am well at present and hope you are all the same. Well, Libbie, we struck tents at camp Philadelphia at 2 o’clock p.m. and arrived at depot at 4 p.m. and left for Baltimore at 5 o’clock p.m. arrived at Baltimore at 2 o’clock p.m. [We] took breakfast at 3 o’clock and left at 7 o’clock for Washington. Arrived at Washington at 11 o’clock a.m. and stayed overnight. Took the boat at 3 o’clock p.m. and arrived at Point Lookout at 8 o’clock. Cast anchor and laid on deck all night. 6 o’clock a.m., left for Fortress Monroe and arrived at Ft. Monroe at 8 p.m. Cast anchor and laid on deck all night. Left for Norfolk at 11 o’clock. Arrived at Norfolk at 3 o’clock. Took cars for Suffolk. Arrived at Suffolk at 11 o’clock and slept in cars all night. In the morning we marched into camp and found twenty-five thousand solders there. They was very glad to see us come. They say we are good for Richmond. We are 60 miles from Richmond.

This is a nice place—about the size of Stroudsburg [PA]. It is nice and warm here. It looks like May does up there.

We are in the Left Wing of Burnside’s army. There is plenty of Rebels here. Some of the boys went out yesterday and captured a rebel battery and some prisoners and brought them into camp.

I am sitting on the ground and holding my paper on my lap so you must excuse this poor writing. I do not expect you will get this very soon. You must write as soon as you get this. We are within 20 miles of the Rebel’s camp. We are five hundred miles from home. I hope you are all well. I do not think I can come home before my time’s out. I will write soon and tell you all about the boys. I will try and write better. We come down the Potomac. I will have to stop for this time so good night and may God bless you. my dear wife.

Lewis Long to E. Long

152nd New York Infantry, Suffolk, Virginia

1863: Thomas Richard Petrie to Gertrude Emily Sanders

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The following letter was written by Thomas R. Petrie (1841-1923) of Fairfield, Herkimer county New York, who enlisted on 5 September 1862 when he was 21 years old to serve three years in Co. F, 152nd New York Infantry. He was quickly made a corporal and promoted to sergeant by April 1863 when this letter was penned from Suffolk, Virginia. He was later promoted to 1st Sergeant and was wounded in 1864.

The image included with the letter. My hunch is that this was NOT Thomas for several reasons. Thomas was quickly made a corporal and this soldier appears to be a private; he’s wearing what appears to be a state-issued jacket and these were not issued to the 152nd NY in the fall of 1862; the image is a photograph of an early war tintype so as to make copies. The oval scratches on the original tintype are visible.

When he enlisted, he was described as 5 foot 11 inch tall farmer with hazel eyes and brown hair. He was the son of Robert Petrie (1808-1873) and Margaret Harter (1816-1906) of Fairfield.

Images of this letter were provided to me for transcription by Michelene Johnson who informed me that her mother gave it to her many years ago. She thinks it was among several items purchased in an estate sale in Remsen, New York, back in the 1970’s. A photograph of a young Union soldier was with the letter but it is not labeled and she is uncertain if it was Thomas Petrie.

Two years ago I had the opportunity of transcribing four other letters by the same soldier. You can find them posted here—1863-65: Thomas Richard Petrie to Gertrude Emily Sanders.

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

Headquarters 152nd Regiment N. Y. S. V.
Suffolk, Virginia
April 24th 1863

My dearest friend,

At last we have got into Dixie in earnest and thinking you would perhaps like to hear from your friend, I sit down to write a few lines. You have doubtless heard before this that we have left Washington Tuesday night very unceremoniously and started for parts unknown. We took the boat and away we went down the river. As we passed by the 121st, 34th, and the rest of the Boys at the front, there was great excitement and curiosity among us to know where we were bound for. But time was to answer our questions.

After sailing 18 hours we landed at Norfolk. There we stayed about 12 hours. Then we took the cars for Suffolk where we now are. The cars that we came on were nothing but wool cars—nothing but stakes up to the sides. Don’t you think we had a pleasant ride of 23 miles on those platform cars? And to make our pleasure complete, it rained almost all the way. It is about 250 miles from here to Washington. We have now got so far away from home that I hardly expect to ever get back again.

There is about 60,000 of our men around this city inside of the fortifications and there is a great many more expected soon. About 5 miles from our lines is the Rebel General Longstreet with about 40,000 men. He says that he is going to make this place too hot for the Yankees. He will have a fine time of it if he tries it. There is a great battle expected here soon.

Our general’s name is Peck. Our pickets and the Reb’s pickets are within shooting distance of each other. they exchange papers with each other once in awhile.

Now a word about the appearance of things here. The country does not suit me any better than it did at and around Washington for all everything in the line of agriculture is far advanced of your place. Peach trees are in full bloom and flower gardens are numerous and in all their beauty. But when you’ve said all that can be said of the country and productions, then turn and look at the inhabitants. In the first place, there is but a few of them here although it is quite a large city and those that are here look as if they were sent for.

Well, Git [Gertrude], I am sorry to say that this will be the last time that I shall be able to inform you as to H[amilton] I. Hailes’ health as he was left in Washington in the hospital. Will D. Morey was also left with him. He was suddenly taken sick a few days before we left.

Last night our company stayed in an old barn and we are there at present. Hank and I are well as ever, hoping this may find you the same. Believe me to be as ever your most true and sincere and devoted friend. With love unmeasurable, — Thomas R. Petrie

Write soon. I have not had a letter in it sent to me a long time. They are calling and I must stop writing. Remember me as your friend, — Thomas

Saturday morning, April 25, as I did not send this yesterday, I thought I would write a few lines more this morning. Yesterday we came very near having a little engagement with the Rebs. We were held back as reserve and the other regiments done the fighting. We for once heard the sound of battle and saw the effects thereof.

Give my love to all enquiring friends and write soon. Yours truly, — R. P. Please excuse all imperfections, blots and bad writing. I am writing upon my knee—the soldier’s desk.

1st New York Mounted Rifles, Suffolk, Virginia

1862: David Nichols to his Mother

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I could not find an image of David but here is an Ambrotype of John H. Pintler who served in Co. C, 1st NY Mounted Rifles. He was killed in Dec. 1862. (Adam Ochs Fleischer Collection)

This letter was written by David Nichols (b. 1829) of New York City who enlisted as a private in September 1862 to serve three years in Co. H, 1st New York Mounted Rifles. He re-enlisted in September 1864 and was transferred later to Co. K. In September 1865, the regiment was designated the 4th Provisional Cavalry. The regiment served until 1864 with the 7th and 4th corps, principally at Fortress Monroe, Norfolk, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Williamsburg and Yorktown, Va., taking part in over 50 battles and skirmishes, but sustaining no severe losses. Its heaviest casualties being at Scott’s mills, Va., in May, 1863, when 28 were killed, wounded and missing.

Muster rolls inform us that David was employed as a longshoreman previous to his enlistment. He stood 5 feet 9 inches tall, with brown eyes, black hair.

Transcription

Addressed to Miss Sarah Ann Nichols, No. 150 Delancey Street, New York City; includes a patriotic image of “Harlan’s Regiment, Light Cavalry” which was a Philadelphia Regiment (11th Pennsylvania Cavalry).

In Camp near Suffolk, Va.
October 6th 1862

Dear Mother,

I received your letter a few days since and was very glad to hear you were well. I would have answered before this time but we were sent out on a scout on Friday towards Blackwater. We did not get back until Saturday night late. I expected a general engagement with the Rebels as a number of infantry regiments and also cavalry regiments were with us, but for some cause or other we could not get into a fight.

I received a letter from Frances. She was well and said you had been getting some things for the winter but did not say what they were. Give my respects to Mrs. Hathaway and Lottie. Give regards to all enquiring ones and accept the love of your affectionate son. — David Nichols

Direct your letter to Co. H, 1st Regt. N. Y. Mtd. Rifles, Suffolk, Va.

130th New York Infantry, Suffolk, Virginia

1862: Charles Walsh to Friend Lowell

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The following letter was written by 30 year-old Charles Walsh (1831-1912) who enlisted a on 14 August 1862 at Wellsville, New York, and mustered in as a corporal in Co. E, 130th New York Infantry in early September 1862. He was appointed a sergeant in June 1863 and then commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant on 9 February 1865.

Many soldiers in the 130th NY Volunteers used pre-printed envelopes

At the time this letter was written in mid-November 1862. the 130th New York Infantry was serving in Foster’s Brigade in Brig. Gen. Corcoran’s Division at Suffolk, Virginia.

Charles was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1831, the son of William Walsh (1810-1890) and Ann James Mooney (1810-1890). In his muster rolls, he was described as standing 5 feet 11 inches tall, with black hair and hazel eyes. His occupation was given as wheelwright and lawyer. He was married in 1856 to Barbara White Proctor (1833-1922).

Transcription

Suffolk, Virginia
November 13, 1862

Friend Lowell,

I received your letter in good time but have not had time to answer it before. We are kept busy drilling and working on the fortifications wit now and then a tramp after the rebs. About two weeks ago we marched 50 miles in 24 hours but saw nary a reb. I tell you, it is no fun to march that distance with the load we carry—60 rounds of cartridges, three days rations, our blankets and overcoats, and part of the time on double quick. It tries one’s grit. But then you know it’s all for three years or during. You must not think that I am tired of soldiering or want to get away. If I was at home, I would enlist the first chance I got. But I thought it would be well enough to let you know how the machine runs down here.

We have plenty to eat, a little damaged by cooking plenty of damned bad water and nary a drop of “O be joyful” to help wash it down. Plenty of niggers. No white men. They are all in the rebel army. Their women look, feel, and act as if they would like to see the earth open and swallow every one of us. They are the very essence of Secession treason rebellion and every other highfalutin southernism.

Give my respects to all the boys. — Charles Walsh

1st New York Mounted Rifles, Female soldiers, Suffolk, Virginia, Zuni, Virginia

1862-65: Foster C. Carl to Walter Tilly Foster

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I could not find an image of Foster but here is Pvt. Allen Curtis Smith who also served in Co. I, 1st Mounted Rifles

The following letters were written by Foster C. Carl (1845-1920), the son of William C. Carl (1796-1882) and Mary Bennett (1807-1884) of Putnam county, New York. Foster enlisted in 1862 in Co I, First Regiment of New York Mounted Rifles, and served until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged. He was only 17 years of age when he enlisted, and the consent of his parents was obtained by Capt. George H. Dean, who commanded the company and recruited it. He was a strong, healthy young man when he entered the service, and was a good soldier, always ready for duty, and never flinched. This is shown by the testimony of his captain.

He was taken sick about April 8 or 9, 1865, at Summerton, N. C., and was carried in an ambulance to the hospital at Petersburg, Va. After a few days he returned to his regiment and went from there to Fredericksburg, Va., but was not able to do any duty. He was granted a sick leave for thirty-five days, and was taken down with malignant typhoid fever, and was confined to his bed until March, 1866. He was attended by physicians whose affidavits are on file. This sickness resulted in a permanent disease of the head and air passages and throat and bronchial tubes. Matter was discharged from the ears, and the throat continually filled with phlegm. It resulted in a permanent disability in the nature of a catarrhal trouble, and a disease of the throat and general debility. The soldier seems to have suffered from a malarial poisoning, and is
in a general feverish condition. The hearing and eyesight of the soldier is now seriously affected, and he suffers constantly from the same trouble of a catarrhal nature and is emaciated and physically unable to
do but little work. At the time he was taken down with the sicknesses referred to he had been in the saddle with his command for 15 consecutive days. He was discharged from the service on 15 June 1865.

Foster wrote the letter to his half-brother, Walter Tilly Foster, the son of Tilly Foster (1793-1842) and Mary Bennett.

Camp Dodge at Suffolk, Virginia, 1862

Letter 1

Addressed to Mr. Walter T. Foster, Andover, Massachusetts

Camp Dodge
[Suffolk, Virginia]
September 24, [1862]

Dear Brother,

I wrote to you some time ago for some things & ain’t received the things nor letter yet. You must send them as soon as you can as I want them. There is nothing new in camp. We are preparing for a battle. I can’t write much. Capt. has come & I am taking care of his horses now & things in his tent. I feel quite at home since he came. Write soon & let me know the news. Send a paper.

From your affectionate brother, — Foster C. Carl

I just received a letter from home. They are all well.

Letter 2

Camp Suffolk, Suffolk [Va.]
November 13th 1862

Dear Brother,

I received yours of the 9th inst. and hope you will obey Capt.’s wants. He says if you will come down, he will have six horses hitched up to receive you. You must act to the best of your judgment about it. I should like to see you very much, but it costs like thunder to travel now-a-days—at least I think so.

We shall soon see each other as Fighting Joe and Burnside are determined to push things right along now. Capt. [David C.] Ellis of Co. H had a skirmish with some rebels out at Providence Church about 7 miles. There was one wounded came in last night at 12 o’clock and another said to be wounded left with the company. The one that came in had his horse shot from under him and he rushed up, shot the Reb captain dead, mounted his [the Reb’s] horse, and came in with only a slight wound on the head. There was immediately four companies dispatched to the place last night and three this morning and calculate to take the Rebels if possible by surrounding them by going on different roads till they get beyond them and then come in on them all at once. But they can’t, for the Rebels know the country too well for us. They get away every time.

Capt. is left in command of the camp with two companies. we soon expect to make a movement to Petersburg but don’t know how soon. I hope before long. We have got twenty thousand brave soldiers all up in fighting trim, ready and eager for the attack. We are getting tired of staying in one place so long.

I wrote to you to send me some things. I suppose you have got it and you can send them.

The fight at Providence isn’t over yet but they are still wanging away at it yet and I hope may kill every damned Secesh there is there. I don’t know but what it would pay you to come down and see us and the country. If you come, you would never enlist as long as you can help it. There was a General Review yesterday by Gen. Dix and the men & officers appeared splendid on the review. Our regiment is still ahead of the others & the General & Staff complimented us very highly on the occasion.

We have a chaplain here now. Ned Buntlin is here. He is 4th duty sergeant. I guess you might as well see the country South now as ever. It is a solemn sight to see the deserted houses covered with turkey buzzards and wild animals in abundance such as the bear, dear, and possums. I expect still it will soon be pay day amongst us here. I can’t think of much to write. Answer soon and come down. — F. C. C.

1st N. Y. Mounted Rifles, Co. I, Camp Suffolk, Suffolk, Va.

Write a good letter.

Letter 3

Camp Suffolk, Suffolk [Va.]
November 15 [1862]

Yesterday we had another skirmish with the Rebels. Night before last we were all called out for a scout at 10 o’clock p.m. We traveled all night and in the morning we came to Zuni—a small place on the Black Water where there was a company of Rebels, numbering about 90, all drawn up in line ready for us and when we got in sight of them, we were ordered in line too. But we didn’t get in any lines but Co. B which was in advance broke, gave one yell and started with revolvers all ready for to kill the Devils. When they got near them, they commenced firing and some coming the right and left cuts, and front right Parry and left with their sabers. We killed 20 at Zuni, 2 at Windsor, and took two prisoners. We done well. We only lost 1 man killed and 5 wounded.

We have to go on picket tomorrow at Providence where some of Co. H was taken prisoners 3 days ago. I guess you will see the whole affair in the Herald. I must stop as it is late. From your affectionate brother, — Foster C. Carl

Company I, Camp Suffolk, Suffolk, Va,

Letter 4

1st Mounted Rifles N. Y. S. Volunteers
January 12th 1865

Dear Brother,

Yours of the 6th inst. came to hand last night. I am glad to hear from you and that you are well. I hope you will not practice any nuisance as you say some does. I think they are better than what the “Principal” calls them. I am glad you like it there. I received a letter from home this week. Ma thinks of moving on the farm in the Spring and letting you tend the store, in case of my not being present, which I think is very doubtful as “Old Abe” is bound to kill slavery before he will end the contest and I think that it will be some time before he can do it. True, we have the power and the means, but the Rebs still hold us at bay from Richmond and will until April or May when I think Grant will hop triumphantly into their stronghold and bid them be quiet or die.

I am quite unwell at present, having a sore throat which makes me feel down in the mouth. I don’t think I shall be home this winter on a “furlough.” I wrote to you only a few days ago and consequently can think of no news which are very scarce here. The mud is thick and plenty of it. It rains just when it pleases here and I think sometimes when it don’t.

There were 28 deserters came in yesterday and 8 day before. Amongst them were two women dressed in men’s clothes and a wench and Rebel officer. The latter is a pilot and spy for us and have gone back to fetch in more. I hope he may bring in Jeff for the next one.

Write soon and all the news to your affectionate brother, — Foster C. Carl

Co. I, 1st Mounted Regiment N. Y. Volunteers, Bermuda Hundred, Va.

15th Connecticut Infantry, Battle of Fredericksburg, Great Dismal Swamp, Suffolk, Virginia, The Lincoln Gun

1863: Henry D. Lewis to Charles D. Lewis

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I could not find an image of Henry but here is a tintype of Cpl. Richard K. Woodruff of Co. I, 15th Connecticut Infantry (Jeffrey Kraus Collection)

This letter was written by Cpl. Henry D. Lewis (1841-1937) of Co. H, 15th Connecticut Infantry. Henry was the son of Lucien Franklin Lewis (1804-1882) and Susan Hitchcock (1814-1875) of Naugatuck, New Haven county, Connecticut. Henry served from August 1862 until June 1865.

Henry wrote the letter to his cousin, Charles Dwight Lewis (1841-18xx), the son of Asahel H. Lewis (1807-1895) and Harriet Newell Horton (1818-1907) of Naugatuck, New Haven county, Connecticut.

Mentioned in the letter is another cousin, Rufus W. Lewis (1836-1909) — the son of Lawrence Sterne Lewis (1804-1884) and Nancy L. Hull (1810-1881) of Naugatuck. Rufus also served in Co. H, 15th Connecticut Infantry until his disability caused his reassignment to Co. E, 18th Veteran Reserve Corps in 1863.

See also — 1863: Henry D. Lewis to Charles D. Lewis [Letter dated 10 October 1863 from Portsmouth, Va.] and 1863: Henry D. Lewis to Charles D. Lewis [Letter dated 17 December 1863]

Transcription

Addressed to Mr. Charles D. Lewis, Naugatuck, Connecticut

Suffolk, Virginia
Monday, March 16, 1863

My dear cousin Charlie,

When I wrote you last, I forgot where I was, but if I don’t have my letters very well connected, you will consider that we are subject to many changes, and it is unnecessary for me to make excuses. In your letter which you last wrote, you mentioned riding on the cars & I think that you must have heard about it from Sam. Speaking about Sam puts one in mind that he is a pretty fast boy. Florence says that he beats his brother entirely going to see the girls, and its my opinion that if he is worse than me, he must be pretty well up in the world. Sam it seems thought that there was danger of your becoming entangled in the meshes of love & I hope if such is the casae, that he has been kind enough to do his best to help you out—that is, if you needed any help.

You asked in your letter if there were any such hills in Virginia as in Old Connecticut. I reckon there are some & there were some in the rear of the City of Fredericksburg which none were able to climb—at least none of the Union soldiers. We had a fine place for encampment at Newport News & it really seemed much like home because I had such a view of the water. I sometimes fancied when looking across the James river that I was looking across Long Island Sound & that Long Island was in the distance for the river is from six to seven miles wide. 

During our stay in Newport News, I had a pass one day to visit Fortress Monroe. I went on the boat free of charge and returned having quite an interesting time. I could not get in the fort but I saw the famous guns—the Lincoln and Floyd. I tel you, they were monsters. One weighed 52,005 pounds and the other 49,097, if I remember rightly. The heaviest one carries a shot which weighs 500 lb. and has carried a shot to Sewall’s Point, a distance of upwards of five miles. The heaviest one is a rifled gun and the ball is part of iron and part of lead. The lead is expanded by the powder when fired and fills the grooves. The heaviest shot are of this shape [sketch] and the slug shot this [sketch]. These latter are considered the most effective for the demolishing of iron clads & weigh 450 lbs. These shot are about two feet long and 15 inches in diameter. Shell are also used of the same shape. The size of the gun I can not very well describe. I should think it was at least twenty feet long and the diameter at the breach is as good as five feet. I should like first rate to have you see them. I should hate to be on the Merrimac or any ironclad & have such a shot fired at the vessel. The fort is built for nine hundred guns but there are only about 850 mounted now, yet the work is going on.

The “Lincoln Gun” at Fortress Monroe was actually a 15-inch Rodman Columbiad LOC)

We left Newport News last Friday on board of a boat and arrived at Norfolk in about three hours and spent the night there. The next morning we went on a train of cars & after riding through a wilderness, or through Dismal Swamp as it is put down in Geography, we find ourselves in the town of Suffolk surrounded by a wilderness. For seven or eight miles we rode through a part of the Great Dismal Swamp and I think it dismal too. It is the most dismal place that I have been in, that is certain. It is a real saucy looking hole. We are surrounded by swamps and forests & there is nothing to be seen after we get away from the trenches and fortifications which surround us. The Dismal Swamp is southwest from us and we are on low, level, and damp ground—just the place for fevers. We are distant from Norfolk 23 miles & from Norfolk to Fort Monroe is 18 miles, and we are only seven or eight miles from North Carolina. 

I am quite well and in pretty good spirits considering the dismal country which surrounds us. I have weighed once within two or three weeks 148 lbs. and under, if you can beat that. Write soon. Give my best respects to all the friends, Uncles, Aunts, and cousins.

From your affectionate cousin, — Henry

13th Indiana Infantry, Suffolk, Virginia

1863: Richard S. Thomas to Hannah Jeffrey

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An unidentified Union soldier, possibly from an Indiana Regiment, wearing a faux zouave jacket
(Will Griffing Collection)

The following letter was written by Richard S. Thomas (1839-1864) of Huntington, Indiana, who enlisted as a recruit in Co. F, 13th Indiana Infantry on 13 September 1862. He was killed on 10 May 1864 in the fierce hand-to-hand combat that ensued when the regiment was attacked unexpectedly by two Confederate brigades led by Major General Robert Ransom while on an expedition to cut the line of communication on the Richmond & Petersburg Railroad (see Battle of Chester Station).

Richard addressed the letter to his cousin, Hannah Jeffrey (1838-1886), the daughter of Willis Jeffrey (1807-1886) and Zilpha Achsah Thomas (1811-1865) of Mount Etna, Lancaster township, Huntington county, Indiana. She died unmarried at the age of 48.

Transcription

Addressed to Hannah Jeffrey, Mount Etna, Huntington county, Indiana

Camp Suffolk, Virginia
April 30th 1863

Dear Cousin,

I have nothing of importance to write but I concluded I would write a few lines to let you know that I am still alive and well. I have no doubt but you have heard before this time that we had a few rebs in our immediate neighborhood and that we have been giving them a Lincoln pill occasionally and that they have been returning the compliment with Jeff Davis drugs.

On the 11th inst. there was one hundred men went out in front from the Old 13th to feel of their pulse but we had not advanced but a short distance outside of our pickets till we found our patients was prepared to give us a warm reception. We exchanged shots with them for about an hour but finding them too strong for our small force, we returned to camp with a loss of three men wounded. Barney [Bernard] Conron, our 2nd Lieutenant, was amongst the wounded and has since died. We sent his body to Huntington.

“Our regiment…made a charge into a piece of woods where the skirmishers said the rebs was drawn up in line of battle but they was either mistaken or else when we raised the hoosier yell and went in on double quick with bayonets fixed, they thought it was more than they could stand and skallyhooted out of that in a hurry for when we got there, there was not a greyback to be seen.”

Robert S. Thomas, Co. F, 13th Indiana Infantry, 30 April 1863

On the 24th we went out in force on another road and had a little fight. Our regiment was on the right and made a charge into a piece of woods where the skirmishers said the rebs was drawn up in line of battle but they was either mistaken or else when we raised the hoosier yell and went in on double quick with bayonets fixed, they thought it was more than they could stand and skallyhooted out of that in a hurry for when we got there, there was not a grey back to be seen. I shall not attempt to give any particulars as you will get it sooner and more correct in the paper than I could give if I should try.

Our company was out on a reconnoissance yesterday up the Jericho Canal, or rather the Dismal Swamp Ditch. We was about three miles above our outpost pickets and did not see anything nearer like a rebel than mud and water and canebrakes. we went till we had to wade mud and water knee deep and the further we went, the worse it got. We talk of going again tomorrow in skiffs and if we do, we will go through to Dremen [Drummond] Lake unless the rebs stop us before we get there.

There has not been any fighting for several days except by the sharpshooters. They are popping away every day but I don’t think they are accomplishing much. There is more or less artillery firing every day by our men. They are shelling the woods to keep the rebs from planting their batteries. The cannonading has ben pretty heavy for an hour or two over on the river. I think perhaps they are trying to blockade the river again.

A person that did not know anything about war and would see our fortifications and number of men and the amount of artillery we have here, they would think the whole Southern Confederacy could not whip us. I think myself it will take a good portion of them.

Well, I guess I have gassed more now than you will care about reading and I will quit for the present. Lesel [?] and Sam Williamson sends their best respects and Sam said he would like to hear from you.

Yours of the 28th of last month come to hand in due season and was read with pleasure. Give my compliments to all my friends if any there be and write soon. As ever, your cousin, — R. S. Thomas

[to] Hannah Jeffrey

6th Massachusetts Infantry, Suffolk, Virginia

1862-63: Charles Abial Wright to his Family

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These letters were written by Charles A. Wright (1843-1899), a 19 year-old cooper from Townsend, Massachusetts, who enlisted on August 25, 1862 in Co. B of the 6th Massachusetts Infantry during their second term of service—a nine-month’s stretch when they were attached to the VII Corps and saw duty in and around Suffolk, Virginia. After he was discharged from the 6th Mass, he enlisted into Co. D, 2nd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery. He was discharged for disability at New Berne in July 1865.

Charles was the son of William Henry Wright (1804-1887) and Mary Baldwin (1807-1873) of Townsend, Middlesex county, Massachusetts.

Five soldiers, four unidentified, in Union uniforms of the 6th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Militia outfitted with Enfield muskets in front of encampment. Photo shows soldiers wearing frock coats and standing at ease with their Enfield Rifles. An encampment is visible in the background. Photo shows one identified soldier, Albert L. Burgess, on far right. Taken during their second term of service probably in Suffolk, Virginia. Published by North South Trader, May-June 1983, p. 23.

[Note: These letters are from the personal collection of Jim Doncaster and are published on Spared & Shared by express consent.]

Letter 1

Suffolk, VA
Sunday morning, October 5, 1862

I am pretty well today. We have had a fight it out here yesterday. We whipped them up pretty well. We killed about thirty of them.  We lost only four men in all. The Rebels had to skedaddle and burn the bridge so we could not get across.

I wish you would send Jennie out here in a letter. I would kiss her and send her back home safe. Henry, I suppose you feel pretty big of your horse. I hope you do. If I live to get home I shall buy me a wife and live happy. I tell you, I shall. I am a different man now to what I was at home.

I want you to tell Augusta to send her picture to me. I should like to have her send it as soon as she can. I did not think of it when I wrote to her. I want you [to] tell John Going to write to me, and I will write to him. I go to church every Sunday. I hope you all go to church every Sunday. You tell William to write to me….also Martha and do tell her to write to me and send Hattie out here in a letter and I will kiss her and send her back safe at home. I should like to see the little ones. I hope I shall live to see them once more and see you all. 

I hope you will write as often as you can. So goodbye. From your brother, — Charles A Wright

Letter 2

Suffolk, Virginia
December 19th [1862]

Dear Sister,

I received your letter this evening and I was very glad to hear that you was well and all the folks. I am well tonight. I wrote a letter today. I am growing fat as a pig. I got my box safe and them pies was good and the rest was good too. I hope mother will send my pants and hat for I should like them. We have not [moved] out of this place yet nor I don’t think we shall this winter. I hope not for we have a good time out here. But I can’t help but think about Little Edgar. 1 It is in my mind all the time. You can’t tell how [bad] I felt when I heard Little Edgar died. I felt just as I wanted to go with him. I did not want to live any longer for I felt so bad. We have lost about eight men out of our regiment.

This is all I can write this time. So goodbye. From your brother, — Charles A. Wright

1 Little Edgar was Charles’ nephew, Edgar Heselton (1859-1862). Edgar’s parents were Franklin Loring Heselton (1836-1917) and Mary Roanna Wright (1834-1864).

Letter 3

Suffolk, Virginia
1863

Dear Mother,

I thought I would write a few lines to you as long as I had a chance to send it and I am a going to send my letter home by Fred Mansfield. He is going home. I want you to take my letters and lock them up where they won’t anyone get hold of them for there is some letters that I don’t want any[one] to see them for I think a great deal of them for they are private letters. I have had the blues about my money so I don’t know what to do with myself but I hope it will come round right when I get home. I think it will. Don’t you say anything to Father about it so he won’t know what I am a going to do. I will fix it some way. I don’t enjoy myself now to what I did before. He took my money and spent it. I am homesick now since you wrote to me about my money.

I guess I won’t write anymore tonight. This is from your son, — Charles A. Wright.

Give my love to all the girls, will you? I hope you will. So goodbye for this time. Goodnight, Mother.

Letter 4

Suffolk, Virginia
January 29, [1863]

Dear Mother,

I thought I would write you a few lines today to let you know how I was. I am well and fat. I got paid off last night but they did not pay us only for two months and so I can’t send any this time but I will next time we get off and that will not be only about three weeks from last night. The reason why I did not send some this time was because I want it to live on out here. I will send you all of the rest next time. I shall make this last me the rest of the time out.

Well, I am bound to live if I don’t lay up a cent. I don’t suppose you can blame me any for salt horse is hard stuff to eat. You ask Walter Wright what it is to live on salt horse. I guess he can tell you what it is.

We are on our last half and they don’t treat us so well as they did on the first half. You don’t catch me to enlist again, I tell you they don’t.

Well I can’t stop to write anymore. So goodbye. From your son, — Charles A. Wright

Letter 5

Suffolk, Virginia
April 21, [1863]

Dear Mother,

I thought I would take my pen in hand to inform you that I am well and that I had received your letter. I am glad that you are all well. I feel better when you are all well at home. I was sorry to hear that Frank was sick. 1 I shall go and see him when I get home. I hope he will get well. What does Frank say about the war? You must give my love to him. And Frank must write to them tomorrow if I can get a chance. I have not heard from them, only when you write. They have wrote to me once since I have been out here. And I wrote to them but didn’t know whether they ever got my letters. But I am a going to write and find out if they got my letters. I think Frank had better get his discharge and come home for I don’t think he will get well, do you? I wish I was in that regiment as a nurse and that I could take care of him when he is sick. I think if he don’t get his discharge before my time is out, I shall enlist in that regiment. I shall come home first and see you all and then I shall go out and see the boys and I shall stay with them. And then I shall feel better. I don’t feel right when they are sick. I keep thinking about them every day and night. I am a going to ask Doctor [Walter] Burnham to give me a certificate of my examination and papers to show what I have done for the sick soldiers here. I have done a great deal for the sick boys and they like me first rate.

Well, Mother, I think the climate suits me better out here than it does at home. I’ve never been so fat in my life as I am now. I don’t think you would know me now hardly if you should see me for I am so fat. I don’t suppose you would think that I could get so much fat onto my little frame but I have and I can hold up a great deal more if I had it on me. I weight one hundred and twenty-five pounds. That is pretty good for me, I think. Don’t you? I suppose Father will buy that horse for me. I hope he will for I want it when I get home. And if I go out to see the boys, he can sell it if he wants. I don’t find nothing else to write. The sick boys are getting along first rate now.

This is all I can write this time. Give my love to all the folks. From your son, — Charles A. Wright

1 I presume Charles is referring to his older brother Franklin S. Wright (1841-1863). Frank was serving in the 33rd Massachusetts Infantry. He was killed at the Battle of Brown’s Ferry Farm on 29 October 1863.