Category Archives: Warfare in Missouri

St. Louis, Missouri, Warfare in Missouri

1861-64: Allen Rufus Houghton to Helen Lucinda Osborn

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The following letters were written by Allen Rufus Houghton (1832-1884), the son of Rufus Houghton (1796-1882) and Jane Bates (1805-1889) of Ashtabula county, Ohio. In the 1860 US Census, Allen was enumerated in his parents household in West Andover as a 27 year-old “Clerk.” By 1870, Allen was married to Helen Lucinda Osborn (1842-1912) and living in Jefferson, Ashtabula county as a “carpet dealer.” Allen and Helen were married on 15 June 1865 in Andover. It does not appear that Allen ever served in the military.

The 4th letter informs us that Allen sent a letter dated 27 May 1862 to the Ashtabula Sentinel for publication.

Letter 1

Addressed to Miss Helen L. Osborn, West Andover, Ashtabula county, Ohio

Virginia Hotel, Saint Louis
Friday eve, November 29th 1861

Dear Helen,

Your very welcome letter of the 14th inst. was received the Tuesday following. I will not tell you that I was glad, very glad to hear from you, but will only say that I read your letter four or five times the first day and have read it once or twice a day since…

You speak in your letter of the circumstances that you and I were in just two weeks previous to the time at which you were writing and i have been thinking this evening how just four weeks ago tonight you and I were riding cosily together from Austinbury to Geneva. It was a dark, cheerless night indeed but a faithful friend held the lines, the curtains were buttoned down close, and you was with me. When I am alone, I love to think over my last interview with you at such times. emory is busy and faithful…

If there is a bright day coming when yours and my destiny’s are to be united, I trust and hope that it may be in my power to do something towards making your life a pleasant one. But how uncertain, how unfathomable is the future…

I am hlad that you visited at our house that afternoon you spoke of for I think that perhaps they may have felt a little lonely when I first went away.

Capt. [Thomas J.] Carlin’s Battery is at Rolla. Six of his company came down on the cars the other day with some of the poorest horses & took back some fresh ones. One of the boys was in at the “Virginia” [Hotel] one morning & I accidentally found out who he was. In the evening I went to the place where they were quartered and had quite a chat. They reported that Amos 1 was sick or quite unwell but would not give up & go to the hospital. I sent him a letter and cheered, &c. &c.

…good night. — Allen

1 Amos Nims served in the 2nd Independent Battery, Ohio Light Artillery and was from Ashtabula county.

Letter 2

Virginia Hotel, Saint Louis
Sabbath afternoon, December 22nd 1861

My own dear friend,

…A week ago today I received a “Sentinel” containing an interesting account of the flag presentation which was marked. I was very glad to get it for the one that comes to E. D. Chapman, for some reason, failed to come that week, so that the one that you sent came just right, for which I heartily thank you. In the one that came yesterday, I notice that Jahaziel’s & cousin Statira’s marriage is published in due form. Does he take his gun along every time that he goes out with her? I would if I had a wife & gun, and I would have a bayonet on his gun too. If I had no bayonet, I would fasten a pitchfork tine on the end of the gun and then—and then—awful would be the fate of anyone that offered to harm my wife. But oh! hard is my lot! I have no wife to defend. Neither have I a gun to defend a wife with if I had one. Oh, that I had a wife! Oh, that I had a gun!

…It has been a cold, snowy day. While I write, the chill December wind comes whistling round the building and is knocking at the windows. How I love to hear it. The musical hum of the snug fire speaks of comfort and security. How I should enjoy myself this evening if I was sitting cosily by your side in front of a bright, warm fire in that east room…

Civilian refugees from Western Missouri Coming Into St. Louis. Harper’s Weekly, 28 December 1861

General Halleck has been “tightening up” on the wealthy secessionists here in St. Louis within the last few days. He is obliging them to “contribute” pretty freely towards the support and comfort of the numerous loyal refugees from the southwestern part of the state. Many of these refugees arrive here in a pitiable condition. Some with horses and mules & some with oxen hitched to wagons containing their families & a few articles hastily thrown in at the time of flight. On cold, windy days, I have seen the women and larger girls of a company, very thinly & scantily clad, following the wagons on horse back, when it would seem as though they must freeze. Parties of them frequently stop in the street in front of our office which is close to headquarters where they have to get papers to go over the river into Illinois. I sometimes go down & talk with them & hear their stories of narrow escapes & how they have left their farms, houses, everything that they could not seize, hastily thrown into a wagon. Some of them come from as far as the borders of Arkansas.

The evening is waning away and I must close. I have written twice as must as I intended. If you write short letters in reply, I shall not dare to write so much another time. Good night, — Allen

Letter 3

Saint Louis
January 19th 1862

Dear Helen,

It is Sabbath evening—the shades of night are spreading their dark mantle over the city. I have been sitting by the fire and thinking of home and many associations connected with it. In West Andover the day has been a quiet, peaceful one. Some of you have been to church and listened to the teachings of our Reverend pastor & I have fastened that the grey horse and carriage with curtains closely buttoned down at the usual hour trotted independently along towards church. I fancied too that one of the passengers was a fair complexioned girl with brown hair and hazel eyes. I wonder is my fancies are correct. How I wish I knew!…

Monday eve, 20th…The 2nd Ohio Cavalry, 1200 strong, arrived at East ST. Louis opposite this city last Thursday night on their way to Leavenworth. This is the regiment that Capt. [William J.] Keen’s company is in. They had to remain on the east side of the river two or three days on account of their being so much ice that the ferry boats could not run clear across.

Nelson P. Baker served early in the war in Co. F, 2nd Ohio Cavalry. He later was in the 25th Ohio Light Artillery and then in the 4th US Arkansas Cavalry.

Several of us went over Friday to look up those that we were acquainted with. We went a part of the way on a ferry boat, walked 25 or 30 rods on the ice in the middle of the river, and took passage the rest of the way in a skiff. I found Dr. Wibert’s son. Rev. Wm. Rose of Williamsfield, Nelson [P.] Baker, & several others that I was more or less acquainted with, They succeeded in crossing yesterday—Sunday—and passed through the city and out to Camp Benton where they will stay a few days. The martial strains of the regimental bands, the clear & distinct note of the bugler, the rattling of armor, together with the clattering of iron hoofs of a thousand horses as they passed along the stony streets made such music for the ear & such a picture for the eye as one seldom hears or sees.

Five of us Ohioans are now boarding at No. 72 North 5th Street where we are pleasantly situated. This is the reason why I sent that note to you requesting you to direct your letters to Box 1302 instead of the Virginia Hotel. 1302 is my own private box. Your letters will come into it & the rest will know nothing about it. Nice, isn’t it? Please remember me to your home circle who may inquire about me. Good night, — Allen

Letter 4

St. Louis
June 6th 1862

My dear friend,

Your kind letter of May 30th is at hand. I am sorry to learn that your health is so poor but hope and trust that the remedies that you speak of using will restore you to good health again…

In speaking of your festival, you ask me if I think it was wrong to allow those which wished to dance to do so. Not understanding many of the circumstances connected with the getting up of the festival and the Society that it was to benefit, I will not say that it was wrong, but if there was a respectable portion (in point of numbers) of the Society who were conscientiously opposed to dancing, it would seem to me to be a very certain method to bring about discord and unpleasant feelings.

Last Saturday, several steamer loads of troops from Kansas arrived here on their way south to join Halleck’s army. Among them were the “John Brown Company”—Co. K, 7th Kansas Volunteers. Their boat did not leave until near evening on Sunday so that we had time for a good visit with the boys from our neighborhood. They all looked healthy and soldier like. I do not know where Amos Nims or his Battery are. The last that I knew of them, they were in Arkansas, perhaps four weeks ago.

You have spoken of my writing to the “[Ashtabula] Sentinel.” There is one word in the letter dated March 27th used in describing a scene on the levee that I did not use but is a blunder of the printer. It is the word, “praying.” It should read, “braying” and refers to the braying of mules which are used here at all kinds of work in large numbers. The St. Louis levee would be a very queer place to “pray.”

Hoping this will reach you speedily & find your health improving. I remain as ever your own true friend, — Allen

Letter 5

Virginia Hotel, St. Louis
August 15, 1862

Dear Friend,

When I was reading your kind and welcome letter dated July 1st and mailed July 5th, I little thought that five long weeks would pass before it would be answered but so it is. Your letter was received about the 10th. The Sunday afternoon following (13th) I was calculating to write you in reply but at that time I commenced feeling so unwell that I did not attempt writing at all. From that time until within two or three days, I have not been in a condition to write although once or twice I have written short letters home to allay their fears as far as possible about my being sick for I knew that the Capt. and Mrs. Hopkins had written home that I was sick and that they would hear of it & would probably think me much worse that I really was…My fever broke up about the 25th day from the beginning. I have not been hard sick, but my strength has been very much reduced. I am now doing well & am gaining strength daily…

Please accept my thanks for the programme of the concert which was to come off at Kinsman July 3rd that you so kindly sent me. Mr. Bently’s name on it was enough to assure me that it would be something worth attending, as you remarked.

You wondered what I would be doing the “4th.” I will tell you. I was at work at my desk all day making out my “monthly report which has to be finished and started for Washington by the 5th of each month without fail. So you see, I spent the day entirely different from what I did last year. In the evening there was the most extensive display of fireworks in different parts of the city that I ever saw anywhere. During the day and evening, ,emory frequently showed me pictures of the way that I spent the day and evening of the “4th” a year previous. They were pleasant pictures & I loved to look at them…

I am now expecting to go home sometime this fall. I cannot tell just when. I want to see W. Andover & my friends again. I want to see you. It will perhaps trouble you to read some of my writing. I can only say that I am so nervous & my hand trembles so that I can do no better. Your cheerfully, — Allen

I notice by the papers that the “29th” were in the severe battle last Saturday near Culpeper Court House, Va.

Letter 6

Saint Louis
June 21, 1863

Dear Helen,

I received your two letters of the 7th and 14th insts. both together on Thursday evening…I had a rich feast I can tell you reading both of them. They made you seem so near and dear to me. Somebody has started a strange rumor concerning us—sure—I had a good laugh over it, think how “they” did not guess right this time….

Edwin and Fred reached here all right. Edwin is, or was boarding where the most of us Ohio folks do. He left for Vicksburg last evening on the Steamer Jesse K. Bell 1 in charge of a shipment of grain which we were making to the army. I went down to the boat with him and saw him aboard. After he got started to the boat, by my advice he went back to the house and got his horn. It is tiresome traveling on a river steamer day after day with no acquaintance along to chat with and the more horns, books, &c. that one has along the better. He will, with good fortune, be back in about two weeks—perhaps less.

Wm. Benjamin has just returned from a similar trip. Please remember me to your mother and say to her that I shall be glad to secure her services when my cornfield gets ready for the knife. I will pay her as much as anybody will and help tie up the bundles but she must furnish the grass to do it with…

You ask if I think of coming home this summer. I hardly think I will till sometime in the fall, unless something turns up so that I lose my situation.

Dear friend, there is one subject that has been on my mind for the last few months a great deal of time. I want to have you something more than a friend—to call you by a nearer and dearer name—wife. I confess to you, as my bosom friend, that I am sometimes perplexed as to where the time shall be that we may choose for our nuptials. If I was sure of staying here any length of time, I have thought that I would ask that we might be married and that you come here and be with me. The Captain may be here six months or a year yet, but I would not be surprised if he was relieved from duty here at any time….

Good night my darling…—Allen

I think that the post mark on that envelope must be “Cleveland” but can not think how it should get there. I am glad to hear that Edson More is living. Several months since I heard in some way that he was killed in some battle in Virginia and supposed that it was so. He was “good, well disposed boy and I hope that he may come out all right.” Dr. Gilkey whom you mention was an old acquaintance of mine and a valued friend.

1 The steamer Jesse K. Bell burned at the wharf at St. Louis on 14 September 1863.

Letter 7

Saint Louis
April 10, 1864

My dear friend,

Your long-looked for letter dated a week ago today reached me on Friday. I had many a time looked in vain in my P. O. Box for the dainty white envelopes which I was from day to day expecting. But knowing that there was some good reason for the delay, I was willing to wait…

A week ago today the Captain’s wife started for New Orleans on a pleasure excursion in company with a few acquaintances. Will not be back for two weeks yet.

When I last wrote, I have forgotten whether I mentioned that the 7th Kansas boys were here. The regiment came down from Leavenworth two or three weeks since and were expecting to do right on down the river, but after waiting a few days for orders, they were finally ordered into camp here until they are armed, equipped and mounted. Will remain here perhaps a month or two yet.

Cowles Merrill Jr. who came on with Herbert Tourge [?] has been rejected by the examining surgeon as being unfit for the service on account of heart disease. A day or two after his rejection, he was taken down with the measles here at our boarding house. Had a pretty long time with them for a few days but is now getting along finely. Clarkson, Herbert, Captain Bootwick and some of the other Kansas boys have been here and stayed with us a night or two. I was surprised to hear that Amos [Nims] had reenlisted for I supposed that he was pretty well tired of being a soldier. Success to him.

Wo is to teach our summer school? You will please accept my thanks for the lock of soft brown hair you so kindly sent me and for the love sent with it. If you miss any members of “Gordey” or if the “Democrat” does not reach you regularly, please inform me. Goodbye & good night. — Allen

Letter 8

Saint Louis
August 7, 1864

Dear Helen,

Your letter of July 31st reached me yesterday and was read with eagerness, as indeed all your letters are…

I do hope that our armies may be so successful that the necessity for another draft will not come. With the rebellion once fairly crushed, I think it will be the policy of the Grovernment to raise black troops for the chief portion of our armies.

May Heaven speed the day when the last revel will have thrown down his arms and when white winged peace will again visit our distressed land. Within a few days I have heard of the deaths of another of my soldier friends. Thomas Burnham of Kinsman. He was in Capt. Yeoman’s company and although I have not seen him four years, I know that he must have made a noble soldier.

r. Hopkins and the Captain both returned last week feeling well. I am beginning to count the weeks and days when I too will be at home again. Can not tell just when I will go but shall leave just as soon as I get my business in proper shape. Till then, the time will seem long. Enclosed I send a photograph of dear sister Sophia taken from an ambrotype that was taken some five years since. It is not all that we could wish, but is a much better picture than I supposed could be taken from the ambrotype which being one in a large group was quite small. As ever, your friend, — Allen

Antebellum Missouri, Warfare in Missouri

1861: Sue (Slater) Wertz to her Sister

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The following letter was written by 26 year-old Susan “Sue” (Slater) Wertz (1835-1918), the orphaned daughter of William and Elizabeth Slater. She was married to Christian Stoner Wertz (1834-1915) in January 1857 in Wayne county, Ohio, where the couple were enumerated in the 1860 US Census with their two little boys, Harry (b. December 1857) and John (b. October 1859).

Sue’s husband, Christian, had an older brother named Henry M. Wertz (1833-1880) who was married to Sophia S. Fluke (1841-1922). Henry’s wife is the “Sophie” mentioned in the letter. The two couples evidently relocated from Ohio to Missouri together in the fall of 1860. Henry and Sophie’s oldest child was also named “Harry” (b. 1856) which adds to the confusion on names. Christian’s parents were John H. Wertz (1794-1856) and Priscilla Hemperly (1808-1872). The “grandma” mentioned frequently in the letter was 52 year-old Priscilla, a widow living in Dalton, Wayne county, Ohio, in 1861.

Sue has addressed her letter to an unnamed sister whom I believe to have been either her sister-in-law, Martha M. Wertz (1844-1861)—who died in August 1861—or Martha’s younger sister, Sarah Florence Wertz (1845-1923).

We learn from the letter that Christian and his brother Henry soon discovered their political views made them unwelcome neighbors in Missouri on the eve of the Civil War. Henry moved his family on to Fairfield township, Jefferson county, Iowa, where he lived out his days. Christian, however, returned to his boyhood home in Sugar Creek township, Wayne county, Ohio, where he took care of his mother and raised a large family.

I have not learned when the Wertz families left Macon City but it was not long before Federal authorities established a presence in the town due to its strategically located railroad facilities. A military prison was established there early in the war and a garrison posted that remained throughout the war. The 1st Iowa Infantry was one of the first regiments to occupy the town.

How Sue and Christian Wertz might have looked in 1861

Transcription

Macon City, Missouri
January 20, 1861

Dearest Sister,

I received your thrice welcome letter a short time since and was much pleased to hear from you and to learn that you was all well and in the midst of enjoyment this cold weather!

Sister, do not think it is wilful neglect or want of thought which has caused my seeming inattention toward you since my stay in Missouri. I trust a reasonable apology will be sufficient atonement for the delay.

My time being wholly engrossed during the week, my only time of conversing with my absent friends is Sabbath evening. I make it a point to write one or two each time, and thought proper to write the eldest first so sister, your turn has just come. Do not take offense, I pray you, for I know you have been eagerly expecting a letter from me, yet I don’t think I have altogether forfeited my promise. I shall not have much news of interest to write you this time, having written to Mary Lib 1 so recently, and my acquaintances in the place being somewhat limited. The best news I have [is] that we all enjoy good health, but was we permitted to converse personally, I would say a great deal which I cannot through this silent medium. And little Harry keeps talking to me all the while, wishing me to let him write to his Aunties.

Sophie & self attended the Methodist Sewing Society a short time since where I formed several very pleasant acquaintances. The [Methodist] minister and his lady—Mr. [Michael T.] and Mrs. [Prudence J.] Klepper especially—with whom I was so much pleased. 2 They was very anxious we should join the society but we thought we would defer it until a more convenient season. Mrs. Klepper gave us a pressing invitation to attend the next Society. They would like very much to leave here if he could get the money he has invested. He is a Republican and they are very scarce here—only a few in the place—and the Southerners talked of making them leave the State.

There has been considerable excitement here about secession of late. Some of the Southern chaps went to the trouble to get notices printed and fastened them on the doors occupied by Republicans at night, requesting them to leave the Honorable State of Missouri by the 4th of March next, after which there was another meeting held denouncing this protestation. I wish we was only ready to leave which I hope may not be long for I don’t feel as though I could ever content myself here. Harry would like to sell and return to Ohio. All the Northerners would like to sell and leave if they could but enough of this for I am not well enough posted about political matters to say much on the subject. Christian reads the papers about every spare moment. I presume he could give more information in that line, so I will resign.

How are you progressing in your studies? and how is your school a prospering? Do you intend having an examination or exhibition at the close of the term? If so, put you best foot foremost. Be studious, apply your mind closely, and you will reap the benefit in after years. Be kind to your teacher and obey his commands. Obtain a good education which you will never regret for it will teach you to make a respectable appearance in society. Be kind to your kindred of Mothers. Do everything possibly in your power which will add to her comfort and you will receive a rich reward in after life. I know you will, dear sister, you you have a heart brim full of kindness. I know I shall ever think of her with heartfelt gratitude.

Little Harry talks a great deal about his grandma and Aunties and tells what he is a going to do when he goes home! He has a great time a telling his Aunt Sophie how his grandma does what she does & has. He wonders if she won’t bake him a “pie-pie.” He often wants to go home. I don’t believe I have told you all and will hasten to close as I want to say a few words to Martha for fear of getting one of those sour looks. Best love & a kiss to mother, sister and brother. Tell Harrison & Carrie I intend writing to them next Sabbath, nothing preventing, although they did not think worthwhile to ask me to write them or else forgot to, but I judge of the latter.

Christian wanted I should write to them in this but I do not have time. I intend writing to [ son] and Caroline Wertz & Mr. Palmer as soon as I can find them. I had a letter from mother and one from Reed’s last week which yet remains unanswered. My [illegible due to crease on page] kind regards to Mr. Palmer (The Docter). Tell him to play my favorite & that I often see him in imagination. Tell May Lib I am looking anxiously for an answer to my letter but fear I shall be obliged to look in vain, although she might surprise me. Best respects to Mrs. Ilginfails when you see her, to Fanny, and all the neighbors, and don’t forget to write soon & often, for I know you have more time than I have & the children annoy me so when I do write. Your letters will always be greeted with a hearty welcome. Good night. Your loving sister, — Sue S. Wertz

1 Mary Elizabeth Wertz (1837-1912) married Dr. James Madison Palmer (1839-1904).

2 The Methodist minister was undoubtedly Rev. Michael Tivis Klepper (1822-1885)—a native of East Tennessee—and his wife, Prudence Jane Roll (1831-1912) who shows up in the Missouri Methodist Records as early as 1851 where he was appointed in 1852 to the Wyandotte and Delaware Indian Mission in Kansas Territory. From 1856-59, the Kleppers resided in Greencastle, Indiana, while Michael attended Asbury University. They then returned to Missouri and in the fall of 1860 was appointed to Macon City. The Kleppers left Missouri to go to Montebello, Hancock county, Illinois during the Civil War. The Kleppers returned to Missouri after the war and Michael served sporadically in the Missouri Conference until 1882 when he was superannuated. They are buried in Cameron, Clinton county, Missouri.

22nd Illinois Infantry, Antebellum Missouri, Warfare in Missouri

1861: James C. Gosseline to Thurston J. Gosseline

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James’ headstone in Scotch Grove Cemetery, Jones county, Iowa

This letter was written by James C. Gosseline (1836-1863), the son of millwright Thurston J. Gosseline (1796-1878) and Mary (“Polly”) A. Cole (1807-1893) of New Bedford, Lawrence county, Pennsylvania. James mentions both of his younger sisters in the letter—Florence (“Flory”), born 1852; and May, born 1855.

Two months after he wrote the following letter, James enlisted at Caseyville, Illinois, as a private in Co. E, 22nd Illinois Infantry. At the time of his enlistment, he was described as standing 5′ 11″ tall, with light colored hair and blue eyes. He gave Pocahontas, Illinois, as his residence and his occupation as “painter.” Sadly, James did not survive the war. He was killed in action at the Battle of Chickamauga in Georgia on 19 September 1863. I don’t know if James’ body was sent home or not but there is a marker for him in the Scotch Grove Cemetery in Jones county, Iowa, next to his parents’ graves. Most likely he is not actually buried there as they did not move to Iowa until the 1870s.

This letter is remarkable for capturing the anxiety and chaos within the State of Missouri in the weeks leading up to the firing on Fort Sumter. In his letter, James informs his father, “all I can say now is that my life, and the life of every Republican, is in danger every moment. They (the disunionists) threaten to drive us out of the country….I have not went to bed a night for a long time without a Colt’s revolver under my head and in the daytime I am armed to the teeth and so are all of our party.”

[Note: This letter is from the personal collection of Richard Weiner and is published on Spared & Shared by express consent.]

Transcription

Addressed to Col. T. J. Gosseline, New Bedford, Lawrence county, Pennsylvania

Ironton, Missouri
April 14th 1861

Dear Father,

I have waited a long time to get something of importance to write but about all I can say now is that my life, and the life of every Republican, is in danger every moment. They (the disunionists) threaten to drive us out of the country. But rest assured that if any such diabolical attempt should be made, I will stand alongside of those that oppose them, ready to fight and die in the cause of. freedom, and I will not give one inch though I die by it.

I have not went to bed a night for a long time without a Colt’s revolver under my head and in the daytime I am armed to the teeth and so are all of our party. This evening I got word that at Pilot Knob 1 mile above here where there are a great many Republicans, that they were all engaged making cartridges and running balls ready for firm resistance.

The news of the bombardment of Fort Sumter has just reached here and caused some excitement. We shall have fun here soon—especially if they try to drive any Republicans out. If they do, it will cost a great deal of blood for we intend to fight to the last.

You need not write to me here for I do not know how how long I shall stay in this state for I want to go to some free state where I can join the Federal army. I am bound to fight for my country if the war continues. Give my love to all friends, — J. C. Gosseline

To Flory and May—dear sisters. I should be glad to hear from you but I cannot now. But when I leave here, you can write to me. I should be glad to see you dear girls. But now I have little hope that I ever shall—although I may see you soon. Everything is so uncertain with me now but you will hear from me again if nothing happens soon. So farewell. — J. C. G.

Dear mother—it is late in the night and I am very much fatigued and sleepy so please excuse my brief scratch. All of importance is addressed to father. All I can say is that I have done very little work for six months and am consequently pretty hard up. But it is a long road that has no turn. When I get into the army, I hope to make some money. Still hoping and praying for your comfort and happiness, I bid you farewell. Affectionately, — James