Following are five Civil War letters by Josiah S. Bevington (1844-1885) who enlisted at the age of 18 in August 1862 to serve as a private in Co. A, 102nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry (OVI). He mustered out with his company at war’s end. Josiah was the son of Reason W. Bevington (1817-1887) and Ruth A. Coil (1818-1893). After his service, Josiah married Catharine A. Mumaw in October 1866 and lived in Berlin, Holmes county, Ohio. Josiah was killed in a railroad accident at west Freedom, Ohio in January 1885 when he was 40 years old.
Letter 1
Decatur [Alabama]
June 25th 1864
Jacob Dustine, Esq.,
Worthy sir, your letter of April 10th just came to hand last eve and as it has been so long delayed, I will answer immediately and in part make up for the season of silence. However, if I had received it sooner, I should have answered sooner but as it is, it must remain. The reason for the delay in my receiving it was because of its being directed to the regiment and they have been moving about considerable and their mail did not reach them, But as it happened, our regimental mail came to the P.O. at this place andone of the boys looked over it to see if there were any for us and found mine. Otherwise I would not have received it for some time longer. But to something important interesting.
Gen. R[obert] S[eaman] Granger has been relieved from command of Nashville and assigned to command of the “District of Northern Alabama” including the garrisons on the railroad from Nashville to Decatur, Huntsville, and Stevenson, and all troops on the Tennessee River up to Stevenson. Our Brigade is scattered along the river guarding points of crossing and our regiment is stationed in the river near Stevenson with headquarters at Bellefonte. However, the Battalion is divided into two parts and Co. A is among those who are at a place named Carpenter’s Ferry. Captain Huston is now our Major and our former 1st Lieutenant John Castor will be our Captain. This will be the act to suit most of our company for he is an officer and man and worthy of men such as Co. A can present. Though untried, they are efficient and willing for anything we may be called to perform.
I am sorry that such a heavy guard was required to keep us on the cars when we passed through Wooster as it may tend to lower us in the estimation of our friends, However, we will trust to their just judgement and respecfully inform them that we are still in the Cumberland Dept and in the fair old state of Alabama, and on the bank of the lovely Tennessee with no prospect of being obliged to go to Richmond as we think U. S. Grant and George Meade have men brave enough to do the deed required in their Department. We are needed here if tis but to guard ground that others have fought over.
Since commencing this, I received letters from the company and the boys inform me they are well and enjoy themselves in the best possible manner. However, not so well as this time last summer. We were then at Clarksville but since that time we have seen no such place and I presume will not again ere our term of enlistment has expired.
I will give you an idea of our position in Alabama. We have Headquarters at Decatur, which town (if so it may be called) is situated on the south bank of the Tennessee river and on the Memphis & Charleston Railroad and one and one-half miles from the junction of the above named and Nashville, Huntsville, and Stevenson Railroad. The town has been a nice one but is now sadly torn sand demoralized, there being but one family of white citizens in the place. As a military point, ’tis a strong and important one and garrisoned by about 4,000 infantry, some artillery, and a considerable amount of cavalry. Our Brigade of Cavalry is now on their way to this place.
Our Headquarters are in a most splendid brick mansion and we may be content though tis a lonely town on account of no business but military. We may have nicer ere long—at least tis thought so. I return my thanks for your well wishes and trust you may fare as well accordingly as I have done some some time. Tis true, I have been lucky so far, but how long it may continue, I know not. I am willing to submit to orders, be what they may and calle me where they may. For that I am a soldier.
The regiment [9th Ohio Cavalry] to which Russel Graham and Franklin Shallenberger belong is stationed here and I now see them almost daily. They are in good health and spirits. I saw and talked to them this morn and they told me to tender their respects to all who may accept from soldiers. All they can do is this—’tis the duty of all their friends to accept and remember them. They informed me there was some of Mr.Bendure’s (of Wayne county) boys in that regiment. One named William. No doubt you know them. They too are in good health. I think I shall endeavor to see them when at leisure.
Since my last letter to you, things have assumed a much better aspect in so far as our armies are concerned and I trust the time is not far distant when war shall have ceased and peace returned to our Nation. What joy such an occurrence would bring. T’would be almost inexpressible. But now since “Abraham and Andrew” are on the track for the White House, support them for “Abe” is tried and true, and Andy is none the Rebel though in a Rebel state.
But tis time for dinner and I must close or I will not get this in the mail today. I am still in good health and pleased to know that yourself and family are well but since tis so long since you have written, perhaps disease has overtaken you. I am glad to hear that the boys are willing to do something for their country for if they cannot come to the Army and practice shooting for themselves, they will educate and prepare for teaching the “young ideas how to shoot.” I this morning received a “programme” of a concert that was announced as pending, but I presume tis over ere this time. Just ask yourself how you would liked to have been there providing you had been in my circumstances for the same length of time and you can form of a faint idea of how I should like to have attended.
I will endeavor to answer Rachel’s note and enclose it in this. Should she not yet be with you, please send it to her and oblige. I must now close. Please answer soon and direct, “Headquarters Dist. Northern Alabama”, Decatur, Alabama” Tender my respects to friends and accept the same for yourself and family. Very respectfully your friend, — J. S. Bevington
Letter 2
Decatur, [Alabama]
July 31st, 1864
Jacob Durstine, Esq.
Kind Sir, your letter of the 10th just came to hand almost three weeks ago but for varied unaccountable reasons I have delayed answering. But tis no use to talk of that more for I doubt not you at once conclude that you know the reason and that it is nothing short of neglect. If so, I admit that you are right for almost anyone can find time to write a letter if they really desire to do so. But trusting you will pardon my long delay, I will cease apologies and excuses and endeavor to write of something more interesting.
The letter enclosed for Russel Graham I was unable to get to him as his regiment [9th Ohio Cavalry] was taken with Maj. Gen. Rousseau on the celebrated raid across Dixie. I will send it to the regiment and I presume he will get it. If you wish to write him and have not his address, I think I can give it to you so that he will receive any letter that you may send. Direct to Co. C, 9th O. V. C. via Decatur, Alabama. By directing to the company and regiment by way of some point at which you know the regiment to have been, a letter will reach almost any regiment in our army. When last I saw Russel and Frank, they were in good health and they informed me they liked the cavalry service very well. I did not see Beidler’s boys as I thought I would. I am sorry that I did not as the Boys tell me they looked almost like their Aunt Mary and if they were as bold as she, they would make first class soldiers. And what is more, they might have been pleased to see an Old Associate of so near a relative as their “Aunt Mollie B.”
Just now there is every appearance of a heavy rain in a short time and as I am seated by the open window, a beautiful breeze gently fans me so that tis very pleasant when compared with the usual temperature of the atmosphere here. Thunder is rolling very loudly and the clouds are growing darker so I presume we will have a cooling shower in a very few moments. ‘Tis somewhat warmer in this country than in Ohio but there has been plenty of rain here during the entire summer. There is all kinds of fruit in this country in abundance, and the citizens say their crops were never better. The country between here and Nashville is covered with most beautiful corn and cotton and a short distance from our lines at this place there can be almost anything eatable procured. But as citizens dare not come in and we dare not go out, their produce does us but little good. The only way we have of procuring vegetables is to go to the picket lines and trade our rations of sugar and coffee and sometimes beans and rice to a few citizens who bring produce there daily. This is an uncertain way and restricted very much as regulations do not permit trade with an enemy. But an old soldier that does not know how to work the “regulations” and fool his officers will never fare well in the U. S. Service in Dixie.
Peaches are almost ripe and blackberries are all [ ]. Down at Bellefonte the country is full of produce and the 102nd fares well. Oh well, the 102nd OVI don’t care if we don’t fight so we have a good country to stop in while we are doing duty. One more year.
There is but little transpiring around here just at present. Squads of Rebels hover near our lines but not in sufficient numbers to fight. Our scouts sent out daily meet some still but they will not stand. However, a few days ago a Scout consisting of several hundred infantry, two pieces of artillery, and some cavalry met with a Rebel force ten miles out and had considerable of a fightm they say, but I could not see any of the results but one man was killed of the 18th Michigan infantry and some of the 17th New York Volunteers and 32nd Wisconsin.
The force at this place consists of about four thousand infantry and two regiments of cavalry, Also three batteries, Our Brigade is still stationed on the river and I doubt not will remain there for some time to come. Our regiment [is] at Bellefonte. I see some of the Boys frequently as they bring deserters and prisoners up, A heartier set of men I am sure you never saw—just dark enough to shun the “Tan” and to be of good color and they are sound on Abe & Andy.
There is scarce any sickness in our regiment, I am told, and ’tis true though remarkable. Co. A has never discharged a man nor has there been more than one death in the company for over one year. We received six recruits ands I presume now have 93 men for duty. The Brass Band of our regiment is grown to be a splendid one and they are now getting silver instruments throughout. If possible, I intend to visit the company in a short time and I think I will enjoy it for the company seems like home to a soldier—at least I enjoy myself well when with it.
‘Tis almost two years for us in the service and we expect to remain the full extent of our enlistment. I have an idea that volunteer veterans will have the pleasure and profits of their enlistment, but t’will take their three years to see it.
I am pleased to know that the concert proved so interesting and I presume the young folks enjoyed themselves, at least I trust I may be permitted to have the same opportunities at some time, and if I do not enjoy them, t’will be my own fault as it is theirs if they do not enjoy themselves. Your Sabbath School and Singing Society are both no doubt pleasant and interesting and I trust they will be successful in doing much good. I presume the “New Book” will suffer if there is any good music in it and I doubt not your Female employee will be one of the most vigorous in the attack and perhaps the most victories in the conflict.
Oh! Rachel is a gay girl, to use the soldier style. I doubt not Rach is just as happy without a “Beau” as with one for she is well off as any. Some have lovers in the army but then they are so demoralized and some have them at home, but they are so cowardly. So they are of little consequence. The best way will be for them to wait until the soldiers return and then choose from the party entire. (If they can do so.) I am not enjoying the harvest so well as two years ago but am doing the best I can. Am still in the office and enjoying good heath. It has been raining for some time and still continues. ‘Tis almost dark and I must close. Franklin’s respects are accepted and in return my own are tendered to all. Mrs. Durstine, please inform me of the name of the new member of your family. Write soon as convenient. Your friend as ever, — J. S. Bevington
Letter 3
Headquarters District Northern Alabama
Decatur
September 19, 1864
Mr. Jack Durstine,
Kind sir, after a long silence I again attempt to communicate to you in some manner something in answer to your last letter. I would have answered sooner had circumstances permitted but Gen. Wheeler with his forces is a circumstance that is very apt to prevent communication where he takes a stand and I presume you are aware that we of this District have been troubled considerable of late by the operations of Wheeler & Roddy upon our line of railroad. However, we are content to know that in their operations they lost their noted chieftain John Morgan and by the mistake committed in their coming so far to the our rear and from their main army Atlanta fell into our possession and upon the whole I think they made but little in their raid. True, they caused us some trouble and reduced our rations for a time, but all the injury they done is already repaired and trains come regularly as usual. We were entirely without communication of any kind at this place for several days and as the troops were near all taken from here to go in pursuit of the Rebels, we were left in a pretty peculiar situation. Squads of Rebs would come up and threaten our pickets and then there would be an alarm. At one time they got in rear of our cavalry videttes and cut off the reserve. Several instances of their threats I might mention but they are not worth speaking of. We have any amount of “Johnnies” in this part of Alabama.
The 102nd [Ohio] Regiment was again called to participate in the march after Wheeler but although there was not such hard marching as we had last fall, it was a much longer raid. Our regiment was on the train constantly for two weeks—except one day—and were moved along the road to such points as were threatened. At one point they came up with the enemy and attacked them but as the cavalry did not come up, they were ordered to retire. Co. A had the honor of being the advance company, they being the skirmishers had a slight chance for a short time and fired several rounds, but did no execution that is known of, but had they been allowed to use their discretion Old Wheeler would have become acquainted with the 102nd O. V. I. or they would have been badly cut ip. There was two old regiments just from the front with ours and they praised our Boys awfully for the will they manifested to try the “Johnnies.” As it was afterward ascertained that had the Brigade engaged the enemy, the cavalry would have been there for their support but at the time it was uncertain and without it, our infantry could have done but little.
Wheeler has succeeded in crossing the Tennessee River and it is thought is now operating with “Forrest.” “Roddy” still hovers near our lines but his proximity is not considered dangerous with the present strength of our garrison. Our regiment is now here temporarily and will leave next week for their forever position on the Tennessee River. There is a great amount of sickness among the Boys at present, the principal disease being ague. Sergt. [John] Longenecker is at Athens in hospital with chills and fever, but I am informed he is getting some better. This is a bad country for chills but I have never had any yet. However, the exposure of our regiment accounts for the sickness now in it.
I am still at the old position and know not when I will be relieved nor do I care. Our time is now under one year and the days will pass rapidly until at last our time of enlistment will leave expired. I presume there will be some “gay times” when that time shall come if 3 years volunteers are welcomed back as warmly as 3 months troops are in proportion.
Well, Atlanta has at last fallen and it is proven that the Confederate army can be driven from their strongest positions and can be forced to lay down their arms if we only continue to press them. ‘Tis sheer folly for any one to suppose that the South cannot be conquered for was it not that they are encouraged by the Copperhead Party in the North, they would soon succumb to Federal power and return to their allegiance gladly with or without their slaves. But so long as it remains undecided whether the Peace party shall or shall not rule, so long will they hold out in arms against us.
The Presidential election will decide this matter is a great degree. However, their desperation may impel them to hold out for some time after though Lincoln be elected. But if all goes well, I think Rebellion South & Treason North will receive their doom ‘ere long, and I trust that it may be so. The vote of the army will be unanimous for “Lincoln & Johnson” while he who votes for McClellan on the Peace platform will be hissed and laughed at in this division of the army. A man who is so blind to his own interest and so lost to a sense of duty to country and subject for the Brave Boys that have already fallen in defense of the Union and for the foundation of Freedom as to vote for such measures as the Democrats propose is a fit subject for the ranks of the Democracy and should incur their penalty after death—viz: Damnation forever.
One feature in the movement of the people North at present I oppose and ever will. It is this. Troops are called for to reinforce our armies and instead of men coming voluntarily as they should, every act is resorted to to clear those liable to duty in the army from this call. To this end, recruiting agents are sent here to the South to fill the quotas of states, counties and towns in the North. Refugees from the Southern armies are recruited. Negroes are recruited, and anything that will exempt one man is taken. The duty of a good citizen is to fight for his country when she requires it and if he loves his country and her privileges, he will not barter away the sacred duty of defending her in her dark hour. Therefore I think and say that she who will see that sacred privilege bartered in this manner, and Negroes go as substitutes for white men, and still claim to be loyal and sacrificing is a traitor of deepest dye. I am in favor of Negro troops, but I want them accredited to the General Government and not to states or individuals. Again I ask, is it just, is it showing respect to old soldiers who are serving their three years for $100 bounty to place beside them in the ranks a hireling recruit when so many such enter the service for mere love of the [ ]?
I am sorry to know that such is the case in my own county and town but I look forward to a time when the war will have ceased and I trust that those who are guilty of that which I have stated may receive their punishment. Perhaps you may think me rough, but I speak the sentiments of those with who I am entirely acquainted and if I am too strong for anyone to stand it, they can just inform me. I am willing to serve this term and then, if necessary, another one. But God forbid that ever I should stoop to barter away my birthright—the only thing I have, the privilege of serving my country. I give this freely. Please give to any just as freely who may wish to know the sentiments of an untoried soldier. Please answer soon. Yours very truly, — J. S. Bevington
Letter 4
Huntsville, Alabama
arch 26th 1865
Mr. Jacob Durstine,
Friend, deeming it a duty to write to one who has ever treated me as have yourself and family done, I have determined to assume to the pen a few moments this very pleasant Sabbath eve for the purpose of thanking you for your kind hospitality during my visit to your family while home on furlough as to assure you that I have not forgotten your friends and never shall though obliged to remain far distant by the stern necessity which today separates many very dear friends and render many hearthstones desolate.
I am once more in Dixie and enjoying myself as best I can. Was almost five days on the way, and very much fatigued ere I arrived but I am entirely over it now and feel well as could be desired. Have not visited the regiment since my return but think I shall this week. Am informed the boys are all in good health and good spirits. Hoping that the Spring campaign will almost close the ball.
Several of Co. A have received furloughs among whom is Mr. Oliver Kilgore who [you] will doubtless see at home ere this will have reached you. I understand that Sergt. Longenecker is at home also. Trust he will this time enjoy his furlough. Doubtless our prisoners will be exchanged soon and given furlough. If so, then you will have a considerable number of Co. A among you.
Col. Given is again with the regiment but will assume command of the Brigade soon with Headquarters at this place. The whole of the regiment is now at Decatur with very little prospect of removing soon.
There is some talk of moving our Headquarters to Decatur but I hope they will remain here as we have a splendid building for an office and good apartments for other purposes. The General has his family now in the City and I think perhaps will do nothing more than establish a branch office at Decatur.
We have very pleasant weather here now and all vegetation looks beautiful. Trees are in full bloom and grass springing up rapidly.
The 4th Army Corps has gone from here—it is supposed to guard Bull’s Gap east of Knoxville. Therefore, I did not see the boys of the 19th OVI but have written to Joseph Ash and intend writing to some others.
I presume the concert at the Bethel by the singing choir will soon come off. Am sorry I cannot be there. Trust they will have a fine time and be successful in their endeavors to please the public. I would have been very glad to have seen Prof. Aches but then we cannot always be gratified in our wishes and must be content.
No doubt the friends at home are beginning to think of a probable termination of this fratricidal conflict at an early day—as Sherman is making such rapid progress in the Carolinas and Grant holding Lee secure in Richmond only to come Vicksburg on him. There is some movement on the topic in this department but as the base of operations is so far from us, doubtless you know as much of it as we do. However, I think it will be a Cavalry expedition into Alabama and Mississippi perhaps in direction of Mobile.
But it is growing late and I will close for the present hoping to hear from you soon as convenient. My respects to all your family and yourself. Respectfully your friend, — J. S. Bevington
Letter 5
Huntsville [Alabama]
May 16, 1865
Esteemed sir,
Yours of the 2nd received the 9th inst. and read with pleasure, but I a, sorry that I am again compelled to beg apology for delay. However, think you will accept my poor excuse knowing as you do that the war is over—or—as the boys say, “School’s out” and we intend coming home soon and would suggest that huge preparations be made to receive us.
Well, you of course know by this time where I am and what I am doing, what my sentiments are the manner in which I express them. But I venture to aver that you don’t know what a job it is for me to write a letter with the perspiration dropping from my brow and the gnats keeping me brushing them away almost constantly. But I must stop this or I will detract from the favorable description I have already given of Huntsville. But I must in justice to myself and you assure you that it is some warmer here than is really desirable but as the war is over and Jeff Davis none up, I have concluded to endure a few more days and then—oh! some man will want harvest hands but unless the powers that he can be persuaded that our services are indispensable to a gathering of the grain and in consequence muster us out of the service, I fear their wants wil not be supplied.
But enough of this ridiculous. It appears that our country has at last emerged from the troubled waters of civil strife and are purified by the immersion—however, allow to remark here that you must not infer that I admit the divinity of immersion as the only source whereby the unclean are cleansed—and now stand for to the astonished world to vindicate the doctrines that man is capable of self government and to promulgate the sentence of treason and traitors in the overthrow of rebellion and execution of instigators and perpetrators of the foulest deeds that ever disgraced the history of a civilized nation. Although many have fallen and among them the lamented President by the hand of an assassin, yet we can be thankful that our nation stands today as it does—the cynosure of a civilized world and commanding the respect of all. Monarchies tremble and anarchy vanishes before the irresistible course of Republican freedom. And I trust that the time may hasten when all the nations of Earth will see the inestimable benefits of th freedom which we enjoy and cast from their Ruler’s brows the crown and diadem and cease their hereditary system of government, exchanging therefor the election—choosing from the plebeian class such men as Andrew Johnson who gives leniency to the deluded, but death to the premeditated conspirator against freedom.
Everything is moving favorably as could be desired in this district. Rebs coming daily to surrender. Near all in Col. Johnson surrendered his command to Col. Given last Thursday the 11st. inst. Col. Warren and Patterson have surrendered at Decatur and Gen. Roddy will surrender his command tomorrow or Thursday. All will have capitulated by Saturday.
The 102nd [OVI] still at Decatur. All OK. You have doubtless read of that terrible catastrophe on the Mississippi river [see Sultana Disaster] wherein so many of our regiment were drowned. It is awful to contemplate. Co. A lost 11 men and the entire regiment near 100.
Headquarters District of Northern Alabama are still in good order and all things lovely. But it is very late and I must close hoping to receive a reply at your earliest convenience. Respects to your family and all who may acceptaccept from your friend, — J. S. Bevington
Spared & Shared 23 