The following letter was written by William Leon Mowry (1841-1910) of Deansville, Oneida county, New York who enlisted on 8 August 1862 to serve three years as a private in Co. B, 157th New York Infantry. William mustered out with company on 10 July 1865, at Charleston, South Carolina. When he enlisted, William was described as a 5’6″ brown-haired dentist.
William was the son of Charles Mowry (1797-1883) and Matilda Dennison (1803-1876). After the war, William relocated to Syracuse, Onondaga county, New York, where he became a machinist.
Transcription
Arlington Heights, Camp Chase [Early October] 1862
Dear Sarah,
I now sit down to write you a few lines as I promised thinking you would like to hear from me. I will improve this opportunity as another may not present itself right away. My health has been first rate ever since I left Camp Mitchell. We left Camp Mitchell a week ago Thursday. we went to Canastota and took the cars for Albany. We had a splendid supper in Canastota—as nice as ever eat in my life. The people turned out from ever direction to welcome us. It seemed that they could not do enough for us. We got into Albany about daylight in the morning and stayed around the depot till about 8 o’clock when we got our breakfast and marched up to the Capitol where we saw the Governor. He made us a speech. He said he thought we were the best drilled regiment he had met with under the new call from Albany. We proceed[ed] to New York by way of the Hudson River Railroad where we arrived about 4 o’clock Saturday afternoon. We stayed there over night till the next day in the afternoon. We got our guns there. Also our haversacks.
While we were there, I had opportunity to go round considerable. I went into Barnum’s Museum, went down to the Battery and all over town. I had a very pleasant time indeed. From New York we took the steamer and rode about 30 miles to a place called Port Monmouth, We took the cars there (Sunday) for Camden, Pa., where we arrived about 5 o’clock. We took the ferry across the Susquehanna River into Philadelphia. There we got one of the best suppers I ever eat. We met with a very warm reception indeed. After supper, we marched to the cars about two miles between two files of ladies and it was shake hands all the time all the way.
From there we went to Baltimore where we arrived early Monday morning about daylight. It was quite different with these people there. They did not come out and welcome us there as they did in Philadelphia. We stayed there all day and started for Washington in the evening. There was two men deserted in Baltimore. We did not miss them until we got into Washington. We stayed in Washington about three hours and then marched six miles for our camp. It was rather tiresome but we all stood it first rate. We hired our knapsacks carried in a baggage wagon. We are a going to move from the camp. we are in now to guard a fort. We are a going Monday. our camp is very pleasant and I hate to leave it. We are in plain sight of Washington and the Potomac.
Direct your letters to Washington D. C., 157th Regiment, Co. B, NYSV. Be a good girl till I see you again. If I ever live to come home, I shall go into my trade again in Martin’s office. goodbye for the present. Write, write, write. — W. L. Mowry
The following diary was kept by William Elmer Potter (1840-1896), the son of James Boyd Potter (1796-1865) and Jane Barron (1798-1855) of Bridgeton, Cumberland county, New Jersey. After attending public schools, William attended Harmony Academy where he remained until 1854. He then became a pupil at the West Jersey Academy during its first session, under the tutorship of Professors Snyder and Stevenson, but in October of 1857, having determined upon the law as a profession, entered the office of Hon. John T. Nixon. He remained until September 9, and the same month became a student of the law school of Harvard University. From this school he graduated in January, 1861, with the degree of L.L.B., and in September of the same year entered the junior class of Princeton College.
In July 1862, William put his collegiate studies aside and accepted a commission as 2nd Lieutenant in Co. K, 12th New Jersey Infantry and mustered into the service of the United States as such Sept. 4, 1862. He was promoted to a first lieutenancy of the same company and regiment Aug. 6, 1863, and to the captaincy of Company G Feb. 4, 1864. Capt. Potter became brevet major United States Volunteers for meritorious services, May 1, 1865, by promotion of the President of the United States, and was, in 1866, commissioned aide-de-camp to Governor Marcus L. Ward, of New Jersey, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel, upon whose staff he served for three years.
During this period Col. Potter was present in the following engagements: Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Auburn, Bristow Station, Blackburn’s Ford, Locust Grove, campaign of Mine Run, Morton’s Ford, Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Deep Bottom, Crater, Deep Bottom (second engagement), Reams’ Station, Boydton Road, assault and capture of Petersburg, Rice’s Station, and Appomattox Court-House. By an order from headquarters, Twenty-fourth Army Corps, in company with five other officers, he was detailed to deliver the colors surrendered by Gen. Lee’s army, seventy-six in number, to Hon. Edwin M. Stanton, of the War Department, at Washington, which ceremony occurred on May 1, 1865. He was the only New Jersey officer present on this occasion.
During the period of time that William recorded the page of the diary presented below, he appears to have been living at home in Bridgeton, Cumberland county, New Jersey, and working as a clerk in the county court house, possible for the sheriff’s department.
[Note: This diary is housed at the Princeton University Library but has not been previously transcribed and published. See William E. Potter Diary, 1859-1862]
Transcription
Monday, February 11, 1861—As usual at office. Evening call at Mrs. Reeds. She at present is in Newcastle. See Mr. & Mrs. B. F. E. Call at Dr. William Elmer’s. Ladies not at home. Call at R[obert] S[hute] Bucks’. 1 See the young ladies. Invite me to Dancing Party at their house tomorrow evening.
Tuesday, February 12—Nothing occurs. Receive today from Messrs. Cromelien & Co. account against Joshua C. Surran to collect if the thing be possible, which query? Nothing happens of moment. Do not go up to R. S. B.’s to the little assemblage this evening. Have some reading to do.
Wednesday, February 13—Day passes as usual at office. Evening call at Jonathan Elmer’s. Meet Miss S. H. B. Play backgammon and other games. Have most pleasant evening.
Thursday, February 14—Nothing unusual occures. “Sociable” meets this evening at H. B. Lupton’s. Do not go however. Play game of chess with Frank in which I am beaten. Tennessee has gone for the Union by a majority of more than fifty thousand. The home of Jackson has again proved her devotion to the Union which he loved so well. Weather most unpleasant. Walking miserable. Evening damp and disagreeable. The winter climate of South Jersey is most uncomfortable.
Friday, February 15—Day as usual at office. Nothing of importance.
Saturday, February 16—Nothing occurs worth noting. Read anatomy, &c.
Sunday, February 17—Mr. A. Bunn preaches in church in morning. Go to hear Mr. ]Joseph W.] Hubbard [Presbyterian Church] in evening. Good sermon.
Public Ledger, 19 Feb. 1861, page 3
Monday, February 18—Morning at office as usual. Read case of Arnold vs. Mandy, 1 Halsted, concerning rights of Riparian owners. Afternoon at 4 pm leave in steamer Patuxent for Philadelphia in company with C. M. R., J. H. Elmer, and others. Quite a party joins us at Greenwich, all intent on same purpose with ourselves—namely, to see Mr. Lincoln, our Executive-elect, at Trenton or Philadelphia. The passage in the boat, being a night passage, was not of the most pleasant description. The weather was quite cold and the windward side of the boat agreed with the weather. I got an hour or two’s sleep, however. We arrive in Philadelphia about 5 a.m. Elmer, Riley, and I go to the Union Hotel and to bed. Sleep until about 9 a.m. In morning call on Thompson at his offfice. Evening go to see [James Edward] Murdock play in “Elder Brother” at Walnut St. Theatre. Splendid elocutionist.
Wednesday, February 20—Morning stroll about the city. Afternoon at 3 p.m. leave Kensington Depot for Trenton. Here we find most of our Cumberland Party who had gone up in the morning train. Evening, visit those celebrated rooms of Camden & Amboy Company, Nos. 10, Trenton House, and 7, American House. Am introduced to E. H. Stevens, Esq., General Cook, Hon. T. Jones Yorke and other worthies of like or lesser ilk. Many amusing things occur during the evening and we have on the whole a very lively time.
1 Robert Shute Buck (1802-1877) of Bridgeton, Cumberland county, New Jersey, was apprenticed to a miller at an early age. At 23, he entered politics as a Whig and was elected to the office of county sheriff. He then entered into the manufacture of bone buttons, and in 1836, entered into the iron business—the Cumberland Nail & Iron Company. He was married to Caroline James and their children included Sarah (“Sallie”) Buck, born 1838, and Clara Reeves Buck, (b. 1843), both mentioned in the diary pages that follow.
Thursday, February 21—Only limited number of tickets having been issued to admit persons to the Capitol, there was of course a great demand for them. Through the kind assistance of F. F. Patterson, Esq., we were admitted as a Special Reporter, on the platform close to the chair of the President of the Senate. Adjoining me were the Philadelphia Committee who had come thus far to meet Mr. Lincoln.
Mr. Lincoln and part of his suite entered about 12:15 and was introduced to President of Senate who welcomed him in a short address. Mr. Lincoln in a finely modulated voice replied, speaking of his early interest in the revolutionary struggle in New Jersey, &c. in a speech of between five and ten minutes in length. His is a very tall man, standing if I am not mistaken about six feet three inches high. His countenance bears the impress of grave and earnest thought, as well as of great coolness and determination. But when he begins to speak, how his whole face lights up with one of the most pleasant and heartfelt smiles that we have ever seen. I pray the Supreme Being who presides over the destinies of nations, and old individuals, that this grave, earnest, thoughtful, determined man, may prove, if need be, a second Washington to our Country. If there be anything in physiognomy—and experience has proven that there is—he is the man for the present crisis.
Mr. Lincoln dined at the Trenton House. Our party left Trenton at 1:32 p.m., arriving in city about 3:30 p.m. Elmer, Riley, and I go to Continental. Mr. Lincoln arrives in Philadelphia about 4 p.m., and at Continental about 6 p.m. makes short address from balcony to vast crowd assembled in front of Hotel. Evening receives citizenry in parlor of Continental. I retire early—i. e., about 12 p.m.
Friday, February 22—This morning at sunrise, Mr. Lincoln raised American flag to staff over Independence Hall. I do not go on account of crowd. Start for home at 9 a.m. Riley and Elmer do not go. In stage, W. G. N., P. Luellam, E. M. Hood, and others. Have quite lively ride. Stars & Stripes floating at crossroads. Cheer them in one or two instances as we ride by. Arrive home about 3:30 p.m. Evening attend Celebration of Washington Society of Andeton, in their Hall at Hotel of E. Deor’s & Son. Quite a large number of their friends present. President of Society, J. Leslie Lupton, reader of Washington’s Address, Henry Jordan; Orator of evening, William Cox. Cox speaks very well. Short addresses made by Judge Elmer & Rev. Mr. Hubbard. After which we adjourn to the dining hall where we partake of elegant collation. After drinking the regular toasts, in response to a personal toast, I make the Society a little speech. Adjourn at 21 o’clock. One hundred and twenty-nine years ago this day, George Washington was born. Would to Heaven that the same fraternal feeling pervaded our land today as existed at the hour of his death.
Saturday, February 23—Nothing occurs. Evening call on H. M. E.
Sunday, February 24—Nothing happens.Church at Dr. Jones, twice.
Monday, February 25—Nothing happens. See H[enry] T. Ellett of Mi[ssissippi]. Has been appointed Postmaster General to Southern Confederacy. Reward of treason. Will find it a barren scepter.
Tuesday, February 26—J. J. Reeves leaves en route for Cambridge today. I should like very much to visit the old spot once more.
Wednesday, February 27—Nothing happens of importance. Weather remarkably warm and pleasant.
Thursday, February 28—Nothing happens. Mr. Lincoln seems to be very favorably received at Washington. The personal qualities of the man are gaining him many friends.
Friday, March 1—Brother Robert in company with others starts for Washington to be present at the Inauguration, Nothing occurs.
Saturday, March 2—Morning as usual. Afternoon the same. Evening call at Dr. Eben Elmer’s in company with Loring Kirby, Esq.
Sunday, March 3—Church as usual. Morning at Jones’. Evening at Hubbard’s Nothing happens.
Monday, March 4—Day of Inauguration of new government. Through vigilance of General Scott, everything passes off quietly, whatever may have been the event otherwise. One of the most important days in the history of the government. I trust it may be the herald of a glorious and universal dawning of peace and prosperity throughout the land. Evening attend party at R. S. Buck’s given in honor of eighteenth birthday of charming Miss Clara. Young ladies look remarkably well.
Tuesday, March 5—President Lincoln’s inaugural arrives today. It is eminently conciliatory, though firm in its tone, and seems to be received with favor by men of all parties. He takes the position that he will invade no state, but that he will collect the revenue and hold, occupy and possess the property of the United States. The address is characterized by great ability, as well as conciseness. Its general effect cannot be anything but pacific.
Wednesday, March 6—Day nothing happens. Evening call at Miss H. M. E.’s.
Thursday, March 7—Nothing occurs. Southern papers are endeavoring to consider Lincoln’s Inaugural a declaration of war. One thing is very true, that as Mr. Lincoln’s remarks—there will be no war unless the government is attacked. If humanity is to be disgraced, civilization checked and Christianity overshadowed, by an internecine war upon this continent, it should be the prayer of the good in all lands, in light or darkness, on the battlefield or in the councils, that God will defend his unalterable right. And who can doubt that such right lies upon the side of the government.
Friday, March 8—Hon. Jno. T[hompson] Nixon returns from Washington last night. Today finish [John Henry] Stephens’ [book] on Pleading[in Civil Actions]. Commenced February 25, 1861 being third time that I have red it. Evening at home.
Saturday, March 9—Day as usual. Nothing happens. Weather March-like. Write letters to R. G. Thompson and to Father. Evening call at R. S. Buck’s. Miss Clara entertains me, Sallie being out. Have a pleasant evening.
Sunday, March 10—Morning attend Mr. Hubbard’s church. Mr. Davis of Deerfield preaches good sermon. Evening Dr. Jones.’ Rumored that small pox is in town. H. E. Hughes, Esq., has the varioloid. I was vaccinated last Thursday.
Parton’s Vol. III on Andrew Jackson considered by Atlantic Monthly to be the “best biography” written in the country.
Monday, March 11—Day as usual. Do not feel very well in morning. Think that I do not exercise enough. Evening at home. Read [James] Parton’s Jackson, Vol. III., Grote’s Greece, Vol. I. Jackson’s life gives one a good insight into the political history of the country from 1823 until Jackson’s death. The critics call it the best biography written in the country. Vide Atlantic Monthly for March.
Tuesday, March 12—Day as usual at office. Evening at home. Read Parton’s Jackson, Grote’s Greece. Nothing occurs. Rumored that troops will be withdrawn from Fort Sumpter. Trust that it may be incorrect.
Wednesday, March 13—Morning at office. Afternoon meeting of congregation to decide whether we are to enlarge our old church or not. Decided so to do by vote of fifty-two to fourteen. Old subscription collected under former vote of congregation to build church on west side of creek, ordered to be annulled. Parties who paid their money in, ordered to be paid back. Amusing scenes occurred. Weather warm. Evening lecture Dr. Jones. Call afterwards in H. M. E.
Thursday, March 14—Morning as usual. Also afternoon. Day damp and cold. Nothing occurs during day. Yesterday made a most solemn vow. Evening pleasant “Sociable” at Mrs. W. G. N.’s
Friday, March 15—Day as usual. Nothing of importance occurs. Evening call with Loring Kirby, Esq., on Miss Lillie Sheppard. See herself and sister Jennie. Have pleasant chat. Afterwards call at R. S. B[uck’s]. See the two young ladies [Clara & Sallie]. Home.
Saturday, March 16—Day as usual. J. B. B[owen] returns from Philadelphia with degree of M. S. Evening call at Dr. Wm. E’s. Have not been able to read much by gas light for some days. Eyes are growing weak, I fear.
Sunday, March 17—Morning Mr. Davis of Deerfield preached at Dr. Jones’ church. Most excellent sermon. Finest by far that I have heard since my return home. Evening go to hear Mr. Hubbard.
Monday, March 18—Day as usual. Cold and in afternoon comes on to snow with every appearance of hard storm. Evening at home. J[ohn] T[hompson] Nixon leaves for Washington.
Tuesday, March 19—Snow several inches deep this morning, with every appearance of continuation. Sleighs out. Afternoon, Jno. B[uck] Bowen 1 calls after me with horses & sleigh to go sleighing with the Misses Buck. Good time but poor sleighing.
Wednesday, March 20—Morning at office. J. S. M. quite unwell. Quite busy drawing declarations, &c. &c. On looking over Curtis’ History of Constitution a few days since, with a view to ascertain Hamilton’s views on our Constitution, found that in the convention he stated his opinion to be (Vol. II, page 113): 1st, That he believed the British Constitution was the best form of government the world had then produced, citing the praise bestowed on it by Hecker “That it is the only government which unites public strength, with individual security.” 2nd, That he was equally convinced that none but a republican form could be attempted in this country, or would be adapted to our situation. 3rd, That he proposed to look to the British Constitution for nothing but those elements of stability and permanency which a republican system requires, and which may be incorporated into it, without changing its characteristic principles. Curtis gathers this summary of his opinions from the Brief of Hamilton works, Vol. II, 409., collated with Madison’s Report and Judge Yates’ Minutes,
Since Wednesday last, it has been a dark week with me. I a great trouble pressed me down. I trust that a kind and merciful God may cause it soon to pass away from our family. It is said, in old tradition, that there is a ghost in every house. This may be the mere embodiment of the idea that every family has their own peculiar subject of anxiety and distress. This last week, I shall always remember as a sad period. It has witnessed for myself, however, a most important resolution. God help me to keep it.
1 Dr. John Buck Bowen (1839-1888) was the son of Dr. William Smith Bowen (1802-1872) and Martha Hawthorn Buck (1814-1847) of Bridgeton, Cumberland county, New Jersey. John later served as an Assistant Surgeon in the 34th New Jersey Infantry.
The papers today bring the news, which is some measure rumor has forestalled, that the orders for the evacuation of Fort Sumpter have at length been issued. This will be received with sorrow by many, and can be justified on the ground that if it is done as a military move only.
Thursday, March 21—Day as usual. Snows all morning. Quite wintry for this time in March. Evening call with Jno. B. B[owen]. at Dr. Wm. Elmer’s. Also at R. S. B[uck’s]. Not able to read on account of eyes at night.
Friday, March 22—Morning as usual at office. Nothing happens of very much importance. Evening call at Charles E. Elmore’s. See himself and wife. President Lincoln has appointed Mr. [William Lewis] Dayton Minister to France. This has deservedly caused great rejoicing in New Jersey.
Saturday, March 23—Day passes at office, Nothing unusual occurs. Read Williams Exec. as usual. Afternoon in company with Jno. S. Mitchell, ride out to Wildwood. Visit Railroad which begins to assume the appearance of a reality. Evening at home.
Sunday, March 24—Church at Dr. Jones’ morning & evening. Nothing happens of importance. Sermons dullish. Weather clear.
Monday, March 25—Day as usual. Evening with article of Chronicle on the “Defect in our Government.” Take ground that its great defect is the want of internal strength. Do not read much this evening. Receive letter from Thompson.
Tuesday, March 26—Day as usual. Call on Miss Sallie B[uck] Have very pleasant evening. Nothing occurs today of importance.
Wednesday, March 27—Day as usual. Evening attend little company at Jno. B. Bowen’s. Quite a number there. Seem to enjoy themselves, one and all.
Thursday, March 28—Day as usual at office. Still reading, William’s Executors. Nothing important occurs. Evening “Sociable.” Meet at D. P. Elmer’s. I attend. Pleasant evening. Moonlight walk afterwards.
Friday, March 29—Pleasant weather. Sunshine prevails for once at least over the storm. Morning nothing occurs. Evening call in H. M. E. Lizzie L. & Maggie, Elmer call. Pleasant evening. Affairs of our Nation grow no better. The present position of an American citizen is, that he is secure under the protection of his government, all over the world, except within the borders of the United States. A loyal citizen may be murdered in South Carolina, and by the state authorities too, for expressing his allegiance to the United States, and our general government cannot punish the offenders.
Saturday, March 30—Morning as usual. Nothing happens of interest. Evening spent at Sarah’s. F. F. Westcott, Esq., of Cedarville being there. Also Miss Sallie H. B[uck]. Pleasant evening.
Sunday, March 31—Morning church at Dr. Jones.’ Take dinner at Sarah;s with F. F. W[estcott] After dinner walk out with him as far as Shiloh Bridge. Evening church at Dr. Jones.’ Have resolved today if possible to enter Princeton College in the summer. I shall regret it all my life if i enter upon the duties of my profession without a collegiate education—not that a collegiate education is indispensable to success, but because the want of it must in the nature of things, be severely felt through life. One does not feel that confidence in himself that he otherwise would. At least, such is my experience. I do not feel entitled to demand of Father, after all his kindness to me, this additional favor, but if he will send me, I will most gladly go.
Weather pleasant today, though windy as usual. Tomorrow is April 1st. The month of March has slipped by most rapidly—so rapidly indeed that it seems that one can hardly realize that it has come and gone.
Monday, April 1st—Morning as usual. Speak to Father concerning my going to college. He says he will take time to consider it. I do not know what decision he may give, but hardly think he will refuse me when he sees that I really desire to go. Rainy day. April begins in a cool, disagreeable mood.
Receive today, pamphlet from J. J. Reeves, Esq., containing Parson’s discourse on Constitution of United States delivered before Law School, March 7, 1861, as introduction to his course on Constitutional Law. Evening home.
Tuesday, April 2nd—Pleasanter than yesterday. At work nearly all day writing Sheriff’s Deeds. Evening at home. Read Parton’s Life of Jackson. Is an admirably written biography giving an insight into the political history of the country which I have obtained nowhere else.
Wednesday, April 3rd—Morning clear and bright. Have placed today in the front part of this diary the remarks of Alexander H. Stephens, V. President of the revolutionary government in the South, concerning the principles upon which said government is founded. He abandons the old untenable ground that slavery is a national institution, and lays down the proposition that under the new government, slavery is recognized as the fundamental basis of the government. He says, “that the prevailing ideas entertained by Jefferson and most of the leading statesmen at the time of the formation of the constitution, were that the enslavement of the African was in violation of the laws of nature; that it was wrong in principle, socially, morally, and politically. These ideas, however, were fundamentally wrong. Our new government is founded upon exactly the opposite idea; its foundations are laid, its cornerstone rests upon the great truth, that the negro is not equal to the white man. That slavery, subordination to the superior race, is his natural and moral condition. This, our new government, is the first in the history of the world based upon this great physical, philosophical and moral truth.”
Such is the testimony of Alexander H. Stephens, the leafing statesman of the South. The government of the United States is founded upon the eternal basis of Freedom, the revolutionary government has for its base and cornerstone the principle that human bondage is the only true condition of a perfect government. It has taken the world six thousand years to make this discovery at all, and we trust it will be longer than that ere it abandons one inch beyond its present position. The two governments are before the world, one based upon freedom, the other on slavery. Can there be any doubt concerning their future history?
Wrote to James J. Reeves at Cambridge. Evening spend with Jno. S. Mitchell at his house. We read Carlyle’s Essay on Burns—a most beautiful production. Pass an unusually pleasant evening.
Thursday, April 4th—Day opens finely, clear and bright, with just sufficient breeze to make the atmosphere bracing. How one’s pulse beats upon a morning like this when walking in the open air. How bright the future seems, how clear is the brain. So much does our intellectual, yes, even our moral feeling depend upon our physical condition. Ill health makes many a misanthrope, while on the other hand, a sound physical organization, and an abundance of animal spirits, enables many persons to exceed the great mass of their fellows in pursuits for which intellectually speaking, they are by no means peculiarly fitted. Evening attend the exhibition of the students of West Jersey Academy in Grosscup’s Hall. On the whole, the students perform well. My nephew, Boyd. N., declaims well. Bridgeton Brass Band makes its first appearance in a public meeting. They were only organized about the middle of November last and already are quite proficient, playing some thirty tunes. the Hall was much crowded with the friends of the Academy and everything passed off pleasantly.
Friday, April 5th—Morning as usual at office. Nothing happens. Afternoon 4:45 p.m., walk up to Tumbling Down with Oring Kirby. In coming down on Race side, see some ladies waving handkerchief on other sie to which we reply by waving our own. Take tea at W. G. N.’s. Evening pass at R. S. Bucks with Miss Sallie. Clara absent.
Saturday, April 6th—Morning office as usual. Pleasant day. Afternoon at office. Write letter to George T. Slack, Esq., at Cambridge. Papers today bring us the news that Government is preparing to assert and defend its rights. It has the sympathy of the civilized world and the support of eighteen millions of freemen. God grant us all the disposition, the heart and hand, to play a patriotic part in the coming struggle. Mail today to W. Cromelieu & Co., 721 Market Street, Philadelphia the account against Joshua Surran, Esq., sent me some time since for collection. Surran having no property, and not paying, it is impossible to do anything with it. Evening call with Miss S[allie] H. B[uck] and Lillie S. Very pleasant evening.
Sunday, April 7th—Church at Dr. Jones’ morning & evening. Good sermon in morning. In evening after church walk with C. M. R. as far as Academy. Nothing occurs important.
Monday, April 8th—Morning dull and cloudy. At office as usual. Evening attend the Sabbath School Concert. Afterwards walk out with H. M. E. and make a call at her house.
Tuesday, April 9th—Father gives me no answer as yet with regard to my entering college in August. Very perplexing to know what is my fate.
Wednesday, April 10th—Let this day be marked with a white stone. Father today told me to go to college if I so desired. How kind it is in my Father thus to offer me every advantage. I shall do my utmost to improve the opportunity thus given me. I feel assured that I can appreciate a college course at this time much better than ever before. Read 1st Volume of Williams’ Executors to page 267. Here most probably will begin an interruption on my legal studies. I lay them temporarily aside with regret mingling with my pleasure. I have enjoyed the study of law since my first entrance in it more than any study which I ever pursued. I feel that I have only entered the outer courts of the great temple of jurisprudence, but even here, I can discern how fair is its architecture, how magnificent its proportion’s. Evening studying at home.
Thursday, April 11th—Study morning…Evening at home.
Saturday, April 12—Morning study at home. Read thirty lines…After dinner, walk down to the wharf to witness launching of the new schooner. Through some accident, she does not go off. The papers today bring us the tidings that the rebels opened their fire upon Fort Sumpter. The war commenced upon Friday last, Who, oh who, knows the ending thereof?
Sunday, April 13th—Nothing of importance happens.
Monday, April 14th—All excitement. Fort Sumpter surrendered, or rather was evacuated after forty hours continual bombardment. The excitement in Philadelphia is terrible. All united for the government. President issues a proclamation calling for seventy-five thousand of the militia of the United States to suppress the insurrection. Response being made all over the country.
Tuesday, April 15—Excitement increasing. But one feeling in the North—to support our flag at all hazards!
Wednesday, April 16—Excitement still increasing. Volunteer companies being raised constantly. New York appropriated three millions of money and is to raise thirty thousand volunteers.
Thursday, April 17—No particular news. Excitement intense.
Friday, April 18—Massachusetts regiment arrived in Philadelphia.
Saturday, April 19—Start this morning for Philadelphia in early line to Glassboro. Arrived in Philadelphia about 10 a.m. People greatly excited about the attack made by mob in Baltimore upon Massachusetts troops. Several of Mass. troops killed. They fire upon mob killing a number. Pennsylvania troops also attacked. Being unarmed, they are forced to return to Philadelphia. The attack upon the unarmed troops has greatly excited the Philadelphians as well as the whole country. The North has become so fully aroused that nothing but the omnipotent hand of God can stay their vengeance. Evening walk about the city with Thompson and John B[uck] Bowen. J. B. B. spends the night with me at hotel.
Sunday, April 20—Morning walk about city. Afternoon go with Thompson to Jno. Chambers’ church. Evening go with Thompson and Bowen to hear Wadsworth. No being in his pulpit, we do not stay. Great excitement at Continental [Hotel]. Meet Robert there.
Rumor of arrival of three hundred thousand improved arms from Europe. Philadelphia presents today almost the appearance of a vast military camp. The public squares full of troops drilling the whole day through as also were the various [ ].
Monday, April 21—Morning do errands about the city. Afternoon at 3 p.m., start for home. Arrive per New Jersey Railroad and Glassboro stage, about 8 p.m. Find that a large meeting was held in Bridgeton on Saturday evening. Resolved to raise funds to support the families of volunteers. Company is being raised. Numbers already fifty-six men. Greatest excitement in Bridgeton that I have ever seen.
Tuesday, April 22—At home all day. Nothing of importance except the military excitement. Was measured while in the city for coat at Ethan Thompson’s. Vest & pants. At parties at southeast corner 6th & Market. Frank unwell.
From April 22nd to May 11th. Most stirring period in our country’s history. Troops called out by President. Three hundred thousand men arriving in North. Cannot recount in this diary the events.
Wednesday, May 8th—Today presentation of flag to “Cumberland Grays” by ladies of Bridgeton too place. P. T. Jones, Esq., of Philadelphia, made address in behalf of ladies. I received it on part of the company un few remarks. Grosscup’s Hall crowded. See Chronicle of May 11th.
From May 11th to June 23—Great events occurring in country. Make one or two visits to Philadelphia.
June 24, Monday—Start for Princeton to be examined for admission to Junior Class. W. E. Lufton also. J. Leslie, Superintendent for Admission to Sophomore. I stop at Philadelphia, go to Trenton at 6 P.M. Meet them there having returned from the examination.
Tuesday, June 25—Am today examined by Prof. Cameron in Greek…Latin…Mathematics. Am admitted.
Wednesday, June 26—Pass to Princeton with W. Elmer & friends. Commencement today.
Thursday, June 27—Stop in Trenton. See grand review of three regiments of volunteers at Camp Olden by Gov. Olden and staff. Stop at Continental at Philadelphia.
Friday, June 28—Reach home. Nothing new.
…..
Wednesday, July 17—Meet Wm. Keighler, Esq. of Baltimore on cars. Find his views have changed since last winter. Now almost if not entirely secessionist. Arrive in Washington at 6 p.m. Put up at Ebbitt House, not being able o get into Willard’s. Evening pass in room of Messrs. [John Thompson] Nixon and [John L. N.] Stratton. Army of Union made advance on Fairfax today.
Thursday, July 18—Pass in visiting Patent Office, Capitol, etc. In Congress, Mr. Nixon introduced us to Emerson Etheridge, [Robert] Mallory of Kentucky, Col. Crittenden of do. [Charles] Delano of Mass., Frank P. Blair of Mo., &c. Etheridge most agreeable conversationalist.
Friday, July 19—Visit Alexandria, now occupied by our troops. Deserted city. Houses closed. Grass growing in streets. Secessionists plenty but silent. Three secessionists in a Slave Pen taken night before at Bulls Run. Return to Washington, hire hack, and cross Long Bridge into Virginia. Visit Forts Runyon, Albany, and Corcoran, Arlington House, headquarters at present of New York 8th commanding beautiful view of Washington and the Potomac. Return to Washington, visit Capitol. Evening spend with Messrs. Stratton and Nixon.
Saturday, July 20th—Start for W at 4:15 a.m. Reach Philadelphia at 10:30 a.m. Start for Bridgeton at 3 p.m., arriving at home much pleased with visit at 7 p.m.
Sunday, July 21—Nothing of particular importance occurs in Bridgeton.
Monday, July 22nd—Learn that great battle occurred yesterday between our forces and the rebels. Our army after driving enemy before them until 4 p.m. were repulsed. Enemy was too much exhausted to pursue or else were not aware of our condition. Great slaughter on both sides.
Tuesday, July 23—Troops pouring into Washington from all directions. Gen. McClellan has been sent for from Western Virginia and will assume command at once. The country seems to be recovering from the first alarm, and considers our repulse in the light of salutary lesson. It appears that with a force of at most fifty thousand men under McDowell, we attacked 90,000 in their entrenchments. No wonder that we did not succeed. Yet even under these disadvantages we were nearly victorious. If the reserve of 18,000 men under Col. Miles had been ordered up promptly, we would have gained the day, for at the very time we retired, the enemy was falling back along his whole lines.
From Tuesday, July 23 to Wednesday August 13th, nothing of importance occurs to me personally. Great events are occurring with such rapidity in the country at large that I find it impossible to chronicle them here. Time passed principally in boating, riding, loafing, and other like employments. Impossible to study on vacation and under a July sun.
The letter below was written by John Deering, Jr. (1842-1915), the son of Capt. John G. Deeering, Sr. (1806-1875) and Mary Downing Bachelder (1806-18xx) of Saco, Maine. John, Jr. started at Bowdoin College in 1860, but then joined as a private in Co. K, 13th Maine Infantry in December 1861 and served until 16 August 1862. He had to leave due to a disability, no doubt related to an accident while working as a clerk in the partially constructed custom office at New Orleans. According to his biographical sketch in a family history, he fell through a scuttle in the custom house roof and dropped thirty feet, but somehow managed to survive the fall.
The Maine Democrat, 17 June 1862
Following his discharge, he worked for a time in the Treasury Department and earned a degree from the Columbia College Law School in 1866. His obituary, published in the Lewiston Sun on 1 December 1915, claims that he “saw the assassination of President Lincoln and heard the last speech by the President, made from a window of the White House three days before he was shot…He was employed as a clerk in the Treasury Department at the time and continued in that department more than 15 years.”
By the time of the 1880 US Census, John had left his government job and returned to Saco, Maine, where he practiced law and worked as a pension agent. He married Lizzie H. Chase (1844-1894) in August 1866.
[Note: This unpublished letter resides in the Virginia Museum of History and Culture in Richmond. See Stacy Family Papers, 1802-1889, 51 items. Mss1ST124a.]
Transcription
Washington [District of Columbia] January 10, 1865
Dear William,
That you have not ere this received a reply to your letter of December 6th proves two facts—viz: that everybody at all times does not get his just dies in this world, and that I am not a punctual correspondent. But I always have a reason for what I do and what I fail to do, and in this case, I must say that for a month past, I have not been able to write or study. It has seemed a moral and physical impossibility for me to write a decent letter and so I have deferred what is usually a very pleasant task. I feel a reaction now, and hope in the future to do justice to all my correspondents whose number is not great.
I have been in the enjoyment of my usual health since last I wrote you, and find that the climate here agrees with me much better than that of New England. The weather thus far has not been cold, and we have had but very little snow—but considerable rain. Today it has been raining very hard—the torrents pouring down as I have seen them at home some dark, gloomy night in October or November. In fact, the whole season of winter here is more of autumn than winter judged by a Northern standard. For the most part, the ground is bare, and we never lose that peculiar scent of dead leaves which is so characteristic of November at home. The ground is not frozen except for a very few days as the mud conclusively shows. Not much skating and—O miserrimum omnium—no sliding downhill, so dear to our youthful hearts. So, on the whole, give me a Washington winter—mud and all—and you are welcome to the sub-zero temperatures of Maine.
Shall I write you a little about the celebrities of Washington and their doings? If so, here goes. New Years day (Jany. 2) the President of the United States had a reception, according to custom. I was there and shook the hands of the graceful Chief Magistrate, wished him a Happy New Year, to which he replied in a few kind words, and came away with the prayer in my heart, “Long live Uncle Abe!” Last night he had another reception but I had a prior engagement and couldn’t honor him with my presence. Last Wednesday night, Mr. Lincoln and wife were at the Theatre, and I walked out close by them, and had a good long look at their various points of beauty. The conclusion there arrived at was this: They are both better looking than their pictures—especially Mrs. Lincoln. I do not call the President a bad-looking man, and think Mrs. Lincoln decidedly good-looking. “Our honored Chief Magistrate” has a sad, despairing expression of countenance, which almost tempts you to cry. Anyone that sees him cannot help feeling a sympathy and regard towards him. That at least was my experience, and others speak in a similar strain.
Edwin Forrest as Hamlet
I have also seen Vice-Admiral Farragut and wife, Secretary Staton and wife, Gens. Hancock, Meigs, Custer, Casey, nearly all the Senators and Representatives in Congress, and many other eminent men. But the greatest of them all, to my mind, is Edwin Forrest, the great tragedian, who is now acting at Ford’s Theatre. There is something sublime and most wonderful in that man’s power. He hasn’t his equal on the stage in Europe or America. Of course I cannot describe his points of excellence, but in respect to physical development, power and compass of voice, and expression of countenance, he far exceeds the highest ideal that I had ever formed in imagination. I have seen him in all his impersonations thus far, as “Damon” in Banim’s drama of “Damon and Pythias”—a classic story, familiar to us both; as “Richelieu” in Bulwer’s play of that name; as “Othello” in Shakespeare’s tragedy of the same name; and as “Macbeth” in the grand tragedy of that name by Shakespeare. Tomorrow night he plays Hamlet—the chef d’amour of “the myriad minded Shakespeare.” I am a great lover of the dramatist of Avon, and therefore of the renderings of his works by such an actor as Forrest.
I was in Congress twice last week, and heard speeches from various gentlemen both of the Senate and the House, among which was [Glenni William] Scofield’s reply to [James] Brooks’ speech, and the witty, crushing reply of Brooks. This Brooks is James of the New York Express, and in my opinion the best speaker in the House. I do not approve of the principles of the Copperheads but I cannot help admiring the eloquence of some of their champions. 1
Hon. Lyman Trumbull of Illinois
The best speaker in the Senate, to my view, is Lyman Trumbull of Illinois, a scholarly, logical man, whose every word and gesture counts. Charles Sumner can do the “heavy” eloquence better, but is not so ready and sharp and penetrating as Trumbull.
So much for others, I can say but little for myself. I have studied considerable Latin, some French, and have read considerable, but not methodically. Have made some advance in the study of Elocution—my favorite pursuit—and read some law. But as far as the knowledge of a profession is concerned, I am almost as far in the rear as four years ago.
I have been transferred from the Loan Branch to another Bureau of the Treasury—the Second Auditor’s—at my own desire, and am now an Examiner in the latter office. I like as well as before to say the least. My business is to look into the accounts of Army Office and report as to their condition for settlement.
Accept my best wishes for yourself and family. Remember me to Lucy and believe me yours sincerely, — John Deering, Jr.
Direct to Second Auditor’s, Treasury Department
1 This repartee between Scofield and Brooks is covered in the New York Times edition on 7 January 1865.James Brooks (1807-1873) represented NYC in the House of Representatives for seven consecutive terms, moving from the Whig to the Democratic Party and an outspoken critic of the Lincoln Administration. He died in office in 1873 while under scrutiny and formal censure for attempted bribery in connection to the Credit Mobilier scandal.
The following letter was written by Horace (“Hod”) Stiles (1828-1903) while serving as a sergeant in Co. G, 84th Pennsylvania Infantry. Horace was the son of Stephen H. Stiles (1802-1884) and Ruth Campbell (1804-1886). He was married to Harriet Jean Burlingham (1832-1871) in 1851 and was employed as a farm laborer in Shippen, McKean county, Pennsylvania, at the time of the 1860 US Census (though his muster rolls state he was a “lumberman”). The couple had two children at the time this letter was written in the summer of 1862—4 year-old Louis, and 2 year-old Willie.
Hod mustered into the 84th Pennsylvania in October 1861. A discharge date could not be found in his record but the 1890 Veterans Schedule indicates he served 1 year and 9 months. If this is the case, he must have obtained a disability discharge not long after this letter was penned.
Following his discharge from the service, Hod moved his family to Mentor, Clark county, Wisconsin where he became a hotel keeper.
Transcription
Camp in the Woods or 20 miles from Luray and 35 miles from Gordonsville, Va. June 5th [1862]
My dear wife and friends,
I take time to let you know how things wag with me. I am well and doing as well as I can to put down rebellion and take good care of myself and friends. General [James] Shields told us to help ourselves to such fixings as our appetites called for—pigs, honey, boots, cheese, shirts, potatoes, and continued. But we have some hardships to contend with. In the first place, we have marched a hundred and eight miles through mud, heat, rain and enemies on all sides. The rebels are making this their fighting ground. They have large forces here and so have we about here but you hear more about the war than I do but there is some things you don’t hear about.
I will let you know some things in our company. We had 79 men once in our company but now there ain’t only twenty in all. I will mention them you know—Capt. [James] Ingram, J[udson] Beers, [Herman] Morgan, H[enry] Stricklen, [Taggert] Culver, Sam Drew, Sile Wheaton, Welt [Nelson] Cutler, Fred Nickerbocker, and the rest is scattered for two hundred miles and over. But Web will be there soon and he can tell you a good deal. I am all the sergeant there is in our company now. We have had some little fighting here and do expect to have more for we take some prisoners most every day. I could see the rebel pickets last night about one hundred rods off but we weren’t allowed to shoot at them.
Hat, I can’t write often because we can’t get letter out. You must write as often as you can. You direct to Washington D. C. General Shields Division, 84th [Pennsylvania] Regiment, Co. G, and I will get them some time.
I don’t think the war will end very soon and I shall stick as long as I can stand it. I han’t saw Ton since I was there. He was in Winchester. I han’t been there. I am afraid he was taken prisoner there. I don’t know. I wish I did. You tell Merrick [Housler] how our company stands and tell him that sesh [secesh] Colonel has resigned and I ain’t sorry. Capt. Ingram is the same as he was only more so.
Hat, I want to see you and the babies more than I did before I came home. I want you to write how Andrew is—the poor fellow. It is awful to have the small pox. And tell me if it has spread or not and how much. I am anxious about you. I don’t know what you would do if you should get it and the children. You kiss the babies for me and tell Louis Pa will come home to see him as soon as he can [and] to be a good boy for Pa. Give my love and best wishes to all. Let father’s folks see this and be a good girl.
This is from Sergeant H. Stiles
To Harriet Stiles
You shall hear from me as often as I can find opportunity to write and get letters out.
The following letter was written by Henry Parsons (1825-1913), a native of Goshen, Hampshire county, Massachusetts, who was working as a common laborer at the time of his enlistment in Co. H, 10th Massachusetts Infantry on 21 June 1861. He was wounded in the right arm at the Battle of Fair Oaks during the Peninsula Campaign where the 10th Massachusetts had 27 killed and 95 wounded—six of them mortally. Henry recovered from his wound and was mustered out of the service on 1 July 1864 after three years. He was a resident of Spruce Corner, Massachusetts, after the war.
Henry’s parents were Theodore Parsons (1791-1865) and Pamela Partridge (1796-1843). It does not appear that he ever married. He was still working as a farm hand in Ashfield township, Franklin county, Massachusetts in 1900 when he was 75 years old.
Transcription
Columbian Hospital November 15, 1861
Friend Dwight,
I received your letter of the 3rd on the 14th and one of the 11th today and think that I shall have to answer them both in this. Well, as you will see, I am here in the hospital as yet, but do not know whether I am a going to stay or not for certain as yet. The doctor asked me about a fortnight ago if I would and I told him that I did not know; did not think that I should like it. Well the next morning he wanted to know if I had made up my mind and I told him I had not yet but the next morning he spoke to me again and finally told him I would if he he would let me stay on the ward where I am and he said that he guessed he would and he has not said anything to me since so I don’t know whether I am a going to stay here or not yet. Have not much to do now but write and plenty of that to do. If I answer all the letters that I get with some little help that I am taken care of the sick and opening those porter bottles.
Oh, but I have one wounded man in the room where I am. He had a ramrod and wiper and ball accidentally shot through the outside of his right leg but no bones broke, but rather an ugly looking gash. Have to wet it in cold water ever 15 or 20 minutes and the rest of the time am writing or down in the yard smoking as they will not let us smoke in the hospital so have too to chewing for comfort. And we have one man in the same room that cut off three of his fingers from his left hand hewing a board.
Well, I have just had my wounded man up and made his bed and now have nothing more to do but to write tonight. Have to lift him from one bed to another to make his bed. Well, I had not forgot that I had wrote to [you] since I received any letter from you for had not received any since the one that was dated October 3rd until the one that was dated November 3rd. So that as for the swearing and the nonsense, I suppose that I do not know anything about but am glad to hear that you have got pious and hope you will stick to it and I think that before you get the 40 letters I wrote that I shall answer three or four of them so that you will have to write 40 more.
Well, I suppose that you will have pretty nice times when that house gets done and I want you should ask Fran if he is not going to give me an invitation to that spree. Well, as to the brandy, should like to have you drink one or two for me as I do not get much—only when I open the bottle for the nurse and then I generally take a little sip. And I suppose that you would be glad to have Sire enlist if you thought that you would stand any better chance of getting Elno. Well, by your letter of the tenth, think that you must have lost all of your piety for I think there is d—d hard swearing in that. Well I should think that Sp[ruce] C[orner] was growing to be a city instead of a wilderness by the building that is going on there. Well, I do not see as you are a going to get better wages for your month’s work than I do and Uncle Sam does not reckon any lost time if a man is sick.
Well, I do not know as I have wrote any news or anything very interesting so I will stop here. So accept this from — H. Parsons
Friend Eliza, — Well, I always pay my debts when I know what they be, and as I had not had any letters from you since the 3rd of October and knew that I had not wrote you anything and do not want you should think that I had so far forgotten you as to not answer them when I get them and think I shall not right away so that you can hold on to your anchor for a spell yet for I will try to answer everyone that I get, and the that do not reach me I do not think I owe you for.
Well, your letter found me well, but have been a little homesick for a day or two and have had the teeth [ache] for a day or two and not courage enough to have them pulled. Well, what a hand do you think that i should make to fight the rebels with not courage enough to have a tooth pulled. Well, aside from all that, I am enjoying myself pretty well and have some pretty good ties here and should like to have you step in here. Should like to see you first rate and would show you all over the hospital—that is, if you would like to look at it. There has been three or four Massachusetts ladies been in here to see the Massachusetts boys since I have been here but none that I ever saw before had quite a long conversation with one of them.
Well, as to your knowing me, I do not think that I have altered much since I left Spruce Corner but do not think you would if you had seen me the first time that I went up to the camp. I was so poor that the boys up there did not hardly know me. Well, I do not know as I have wrote anything that will be interesting to you and as for news, have wore that all out.
This makes the fifth letter that I have wrote today so you will have to accept it as it is. From your friend, — H. Parsons
The following letter was written by 43 year-old Silas Pardee (1820-1894) while serving in Co. I, 25th Connecticut Infantry—a nine-months regiment that served from mid-November 1862 until late August 1863.
Silas was married to Mary Brocket in 1844. The couple were divorced in February 1880—the cause for divorce attributed to intemperance on his part. In this letter to his 12 year-old daughter Estelle, Silas defends the reputation of a soldier named Josiah but I don’t believe he was in the same company as Silas. There are family references to “Fanny” so I suspect that Josiah was a relative but I haven’t established the relationship.
Transcription
Baton Rouge, Louisiana May 15th 1863
Dear Daughter,
I once more sit down to write a few lines to you to let you know that my health is very poor. I have been very sick since I last wrote to you and for a while I thought I never should live to go home and see you anymore. But I have been prospered and am on the gain slowly. I hope these few lines will find you in good health. They think we shall be home the 7th of July and I hope we shall.
I have not much courage to write home for I don’t get any answer to the letters I wrote lately. I sent home my ten dollar check to you a good while ago and have not received any word whether you have received it or not. I want you to write just as soon as you receive it for it’s probably the [last] I shall write.
Josiah sends his best respects to you all and wants you to write. I suppose you have heard the report about Joe’s gambling and drinking all is money away from Fanny, but it is entirely false and it will be proved by good respectable men as live in Plainville and Bristol. They are men that won’t lie. They have been with him every day and night and know what he has been doing while he has been out here and so do I, and I think them same folks would find enough to do to mind their own business and not try to make disturbance among a man and his wife. Show this to Fanny when you see her, My best respects to you all. — Silas Pardee
In haste. Direct to Baton Rouge, La., US General Hospital, and that is all.
The following letters were written by Francis L. Pardee (1846-1864), the son of Silas Pardee (1820-1894) and Mary Brockett (1815-1897) of Bristol, Hartford county, Connecticut. Francis enlisted 24 July 1862 and was mustered 24 Aug 1862 into Co. K, 16th Connecticut Infantry. He was captured on 20 April 64 at Plymouth, North Carolina and held a POW at Andersonville, GA & Charleston, SC. He died on 5 Oct 1864 at Charleston, SC.
Silas J. Matthews (1842-1864) is mentioned here and throughout Francis’ letters. They were cousins who served together in Co. K, 16th Connecticut, both from Bristol. Like Francis, Silas was taken prisoner at Plymouth, North Carolina. He died in Andersonville Prison in 10 September 1864 at the age of 22. Silas’s parents were Henry N. Matthews (1807-1887) and Olivia Pardee (1819-1900).
Francis wrote most of the letters to his sister Estelle Pardee (b. 1851).
Camp Hartford opposite Fredericksburg January 23, 1863
Dear Sister,
I now take my pen in hand to let you know that I am well and hope these few lines will find you the same. I received your letter last night dated the 17th and was glad to hear that you were all well. I received a letter from Charley Bradley yesterday dated the 2nd and his folks were all well when he wrote the letter. He said that he went to school this winter. I answered his letter yesterday and are a going to send it today when I do this.
You spoke about them drawers. If Mr. Churchill is a going to send a box, you can wait and send them in with Charley’s things. If they are willing, you should and it won’t cost you much that way if you do so. But I hope they will send it before long because I hain’t got any for a change so that I can wash them. I am much obliged to you for that pepper which you sent to me in this letter which I received last night.
We have got a fireplace in our tent so so that we can keep it as warm as we are might and we can do all our cooking by it too. And I have got a big pail that I found when we was over to Fredericksburg and we can make enough for three or four to one mess. The other day we made some onions soup in it and they are just the things for us for we can put on our fireplace and it will cook just like a pin.
Have you heard from Uncle James lately. I hain’t heard from him since I wrote to him last. The last letter I wrote to him was on New Year’s Day and hain’t never received any answer from it yet and I don’t no what it means. Perhaps they are sick or else he has been hard up so in the shop that he couldn’t get time for he has always answered them before till now.
You say that Amelia is living to Plainville now. I suppose she likes it first rate there and I hope she will do the best she can and get along with them. I suppose you go to school this winter, don’t you? You must try and learn all you can before I come home for we shall want to go visiting all around and see all the folks. wouldn’t you like that? I would, I’ll bet. You tell mother that I am out of postage stamps and this is the last one on this letter and if she could send some in the next letter, I wish she wood.
Silas [J. Matthews] 1 is well and send his best respects to all. He wrote a letter to his folks yesterday and is a going to send it the same time I do mine and he wrote one to Ed [Norton] the same time and will send that today too. I wrote to before that. We had got to march the next day but we hain’t left yet.
I can’t think of more to write now so goodbye. My best respects to all. This from your truly brother, — Francis Pardee
1 Silas J. Matthews (1842-1864) is mentioned here and throughout Francis’ letters. They were cousins who served together in Co. K, 16th Connecticut, both from Bristol. Like Francis, Silas was taken prisoner at Plymouth, North Carolina. He died in Andersonville Prison in 10 September 1864 at the age of 22.Silas’s parents were Henry N. Matthews (1807-1887) and Olivia Pardee (1819-1900).
Letter 2
This is probably the view of Newport News on the stationery Francis referred to in his letter. (Library of Congress)
Newport News [Virginia] March 8th 1863
Dear Mother,
I now sit down to answer your kind letter which I received yesterday, the 7th, and was very glad to hear from you and to hear that you were all well. We have just had a thunder shower and it rained pretty hard for about half an hour. We was expecting to have a Sunday morning inspection but it is so wet now since the rain that I don’t think that they will have any for it is so wet that they can’t very well inspect us. We have to have our knapsacks inspected to see if our clothes are all clean and then they have us open our coats so that they can see if we have got clean shirts on. And I have got some news to tell you. Night before last, just before dress parade, the company all had white gloves give out to wear our on dress parade.
You wrote to know whether I had ever received them candies which Freddy and Mary Allen sent to me. I believe I did find some in the toe of the boots. Tell them that I am very much obliged to them and I will try to remember them and if I ever come across anything, I will send them as much.
Yesterday we didn’t have any drill and so Co. K all went out and played ball and then in the afternoon, George Atkins and I went down to see a horse race about a mile and we had a pretty good time. This George Atkins that I’m tell you about is deaf and dumb Atkins that lives in Stafford the time we did. I wrote a letter to you with the picture of Newport News on the top of the page and I wrote one to Fannie too. Please write what you think about it and if you see Fannie, tell her to write too. You can’t tell much by it by that one for it was taken when the troops was here before, but I will get a large one for 25 cents that looks just as it does now and you can see the barracks which we are in too. And I will write over the top of it so that you can see what kind of a place it is.
I am glad to hear that you have got that money which I sent to you and if I stay here two years, I mean to have more than two hundred dollars in the bank for I guess I have got over 1 hundred now. I hain’t got much more news to write to you today.
Sile is well and sends his love to you all. What is Ed Norton doing now days? Does he trade as much as ever? I suppose that he is as fat as ever, ain’t he? Have you seen Wallace Sutleff lately? Tell him that I wish he would write and let a fellow know what is going on and wants to know whether you go hunting and what he does Sundays—whether he goes up around Elmore’s Shop and make water wheels and go up to the old shanty and down round by Waterzes old shop. I will now close my letter. So goodbye. My best respects to all. This from your own brother, — Francis Pardee
to Miss Estelle Pardee, Bristol, Conn. Please write how to direct a letter to Father.
Letter 3
Suffolk, Va, April 23, 1863
Dear mother and sister,
I not site down to write a few lines to let you know that I am well and hope these few lines will find you the same. We are still lying out by the breastworks but don’t see any signs of any rebs not I don’t think we ever shall. It has rained like shot all day but we fixed our rubber blankets we didn’t get very wet. We have just drawed some new tents and so Ed Allen and I put one and then he went and bought some cookies and some paper and a dandy and we are enjoying ourselves pretty [well]. Sile is well and sends his best respects to you all. How does Amelia get along now days? Does she live to Mr. Mather’s yet?
Estelle, I suppose you go to school every day, don’t you? You must be a good girl and try and learn all you can and try and help mother till I come home and I will bring you something nice. I wrote a letter to Fannie yesterday. Tell mother that I wish she would send me some more postage stamps for I have sent the last one I had on this letter. You wrote in your letter that you wanted to have me have my picture taken without a cap on. Sile and I had our pictures taken together a long while ago and they are taken without any cap on and I will send it home to you as soon as I can. Ed Markland sent his picture to Sile the other day and it is a pretty [good] one too.
I don’t think of much more to write to you tonight. Ed Allen sits here drawing pictures. I must now close my letter. My best respects to all. So goodbye. This from your own brother, — Francis Pardee
Letter 4
White House Landing June 27th 1863
Dear sister and mother,
I now take my pen in hand to write you a few lines to let you know how I am getting along. I am well and hope these few lines will find you the same. I received your letter the other day and was glad to find you were all well and hope these few lines will find you the same, We have had another route on the water. We was called up at three o’clock night before last to get ready to march. We then marched down about a mile down to the wharf and lay there till about 11 o’clock and then went aboard of the boat. We then started for the White House, it was called, about 70 miles from Yorktown to where we landed. We landed here about 5 o’clock in the afternoon. This White House is where General Lee was born and where General Washington was married. This house is now torn down. There is nothing but the under pinnings to it left. It ain’t but a few rods from our camp.
The rebs left here two or three days ago. They had been here and had got a fort built and was fixing the place for the guns so our folks drove them back. They had got a turn table fixed in the fort so that they could turn the gun clear around the fort and then they had got a railroad run from the fort into Richmond. They say that they was bringing in guns when our follks got here and drove them back.
You said that you had had a letter from Mirum. If I knew where to direct one, I would write to him. I don’t [know] of much more to write today. I wish when you write again that you would send me some fish hooks and lines and some large ones for it is a good place to fish down here and we can catch some big fish here too. Have you heard from Father lately? If you send them fish lines, you had better send them in a little bundle.
We are within 21 miles of Richmond and I guess that it is about as near as we ever shall get too. You spoke about the men being afraid that they would be drafted. I hope they will draft the right ones when they do draft. Sile is well and is writing to Amelia to put in with mine. I thank you very much for them postage stamps which you sent to me in your letter. I wish you could send me a little money for we don’t get much to eat now since we left Portsmouth and if you could send me a little box with dried beef, it would go first rate on a march—and a couple of calico shirts for I hain’t got but one shirt in the world.
I must now close my letter so goodbye. Give my respects to all and write as soon as you get this letter. This from your son, — Francis Pardee, 16th CT. V. M.
Letter 5
Camp near Portsmouth, Va. July 23, 1863
Dear sister and mother,
I now sit down with pleasure to write you a few lines to let you know that we are well and hope these few miles will find you the same. I received them lines that you sent to me in Sile’s letter yesterday and you wrote that you would send them things in Charley Churchill’s box. I think that that would be a good thing and it saves you some work too, and it will be just as well. Have you heard from father lately? I haven’t heard from him yet and I don’t see why he don’t write unless he is sick. Perhaps he is. Mother, I wish you could send me some more postage stamps for I have sent my last one on this letter. There has two officers started this morning from our regiment to go to Connecticut after some drafted men to fill up our regiment. There is about 500 of them, I believe.
Mother, I wish you could see what a nice camp we have got. There is any quantity of preachers down here. I guess that the drafted men will find it a pretty hard place to come in with a lot of old soldiers for there will be a good deal of fun when they get here. I hope that there be some of them Republicans that have stayed at home and tried to get others to enlist so as to save them from going. I haven’t received any letter from Ed or Jo Bradshaw yet. I wish you would tell them that I want them to write and let a fellow know what is going on around Old Bristol now days. I don’t think of much more to write to you today. I wrote a letter and sent to Fannie yesterday.
Sile is well and sends his best respects to all. Give my best respects to grandmother and Uncle Henry’s folks. I must now close my letter so goodbye. Please write soon. This from your dear son, — Francis Pardee, 16th Regt. C. V.
The roses red the violets blue, I shall some time be with you.
Letter 6
Camp near Portsmouth, Va. July 21st 1863
Dear sister and mother,
I now sit down to answer your kind letter which I received last night and was glad to hear from you and to hear that you were all well and hope these few lines will find you the same. We have just had a pretty hard shower. We have been trying to have a review for three days but the General didn’t come so we tried it today. We got out and stood in line for about two hours and the General just got here as it began to rain so we hain’t had any yet but the General is here ready to review us just as soon as it blows off. The man’s name is Foster, He is a going to take command of this Division. I tell you, when we have showers here, they come right straight down and the wind blew so hard that it blew some of the tents down and then the boys would laugh at them.
The story is now that we are a going to have Thanksgiving here next month and we have been to work fixing up the camp ever since we got back from the march. I have not heard from Father since I wrote to him to the White House, and I hain’t had any answer from it yet. I should have wrote to Uncle James before but I did not know [how] to direct the letters so I didn’t write. I wrote one when I was up to Suffolk but didn’t know how to direct it so I didn’t send it. I have wrote to Amelia and Lib since I got back and one to Ed day before yesterday. Please send the box as soon as you can and direct it to Portsmouth, Va., and when you don’t know where we are, direct them to Washington the same as you use to. But now direct them to Portsmouth for they will come through sooner. They say we ain’t a going to get our pay again under two months from this time but I don’t know the reason why. Give my best respects to grandmother and tell her that I am all right yet, and tell that I should like to have her write to me and I will do the same. And tell Uncle Henry’s folks that Sile is well and sends his best respects to all. And give my respects to Uncle Henry’s folks and tell them that I should like to have them write. Estelle, I am glad that you love to go to school so well. Give my best respects to all. This from your dear brother Francis Pardee
Please write soon as you get this letter.
Letter 7
Camp Tenent Portsmouth, Va. September 6th [1863]
Dear Sister,
I now take my pen in hand to answer your kind letter which I just received and was glad to hear from you and to hear that you were all well and hope these few lines will find you the same. I have had the sore throat for a week back but it is getting better now. There is a good many down here with the sore threat. i believe I wrote to you some time ago about mr. Rowley that died with the sore throat in our company. There has been quite a number of our boys in our company had it and are getting better now. Sile and Coony Sutliff have had it but are getting better now.
It hain’t been very warm down here for a week or two back till today it’s pretty warm and makes a fellow sweat writing letters. Estelle, ths is the first letter that I have had for over a week from anybody. I got a letter from CHarley Bradley today. Did mother show or tell Mrs. Allen what I wrote about the money> Tell mother that I think we shall get paid off again before long for the pay rolls have been made out. I have had my bounty check and I wanted some money so bad that I let it go to the sutler and he paid me the money for it so I have had spending money about all the while. I have got some of it left yet. I shall send home to have mother send me one pair of boots and a couple of woolen shirts for winter. But I shall write before I want them and what kind.
I don’t think if much more to write to you today. Sile sends his love to you and all the rest of the folks. How does Uncle Henry’s folks get along now days? I hain’t heard from them in some time. Give my love to them all and kiss the girls for me and tell them to write to me. I don’t think of any more to write now so I will close my letter and give my best respects to all. This from your own dear brother, — Francis Pardee
To his sister Estelle Pardee, Bristol, Conn.
Letter 8
Camp 16th Regiment September 26, 1863
Dear sister and mother,
I thought [I] would write you a few lines as I have just received a letter from you. I have just put in one about 15 minutes ago but I thought I would answer this so as to get there as soon as I could. But I shall have to close now for I have got to go on fatigue but I will finish writing tonight.
You wanted to know what number my boots wanted to be. I want number 7s and I wrote in the other letter that I wanted a vest for it is getting pretty chilly down here and it’s pretty cold night down here. I am sorry that Amelia is so sick and hope she will get well before long. Please tell father that I want him to write to me and give him my best respects and Siles too. Sile is well and sends his respects to all. Does Fannie work to Forsville now, and Lib? Tell them the next time you see them to write to me. I hain’t had any letters from family in a long time. I must now close my letter. So goodbye. Please write soon. This from your own dear brother, — Francis Pardee
Rose red, violets blue, you love me and I love you. Goodbye Estella.
Letter 9
Camp 16th Regt Conn. Vol. Near Portsmouth, V. November 6, 1863
Dear mother,
I now take my take my pen in hand to answer your kind letter which I received today dated the 2nd of November and was glad to hear that you were well and hope these few lines will find you the same. Sile has received one from his folks the same time that I got one from you, and we thought we would sit down and write together, I was on guard yesterday and came off this morning and I am rather tired but I had not anything else to do only to write after I came off guard this morning.
Our regiment started to see two deserters shot and got about half ways to where they were going to be shot and then heard that they weren’t a going to shoot them today so we turned around and went back to camp. But I heard that they are a going to be shot Monday and some say that they ain’t a going to be shot at all.
We have begun to drill again. We commenced last Monday. We had not drilled any for about six months. I believe that I had rather do fatigue duty a good deal than to drill for it ain’t so hard work for me. Oh, Ike Dozier came here day before yesterday to see his folks in Norfolk and so he came to see us and is a coming again tomorrow noon or tomorrow night and I am in hopes that he will bring me something. But I don’t know whether he will or not. Perhaps you have given him something to bring to me? Who knows. I hope so if nothing but a hundred dollars for I would accept of it.
You wanted me to write what number I was for a furlough. I am somewhere between 15 and 25 so you need not make any preparations for me yet awhile. Our captain started today on a furlough and will be there in two or three days or if nothing happens. I am very much obliged to you for them postage stamps that you sent to me. I don’t think of much more to write to you today. Give my best respects to father and tell him to write to me. I will now close for today. So goodbye. This from your affectionate son, — Francis Pardee
Letter 10
Camp 16th Conn. Vol. Plymouth, North Carolina January 31st 1864
Dear mother and sisters,
I now sit down to answer your kind letter which I received last night and was glad to hear that you were all well and hope these few lines will find you all the same. I am very much obliged to you for that money and also the postage stamps. The postage stamps I will keep but the money I will send back for I have got plenty without it as we have been paid off sooner than we expected to when I wrote for the money. I have answered the letter that I received from Estelle and Amelia three or four days ago and was glad to hear from them. Yesterday I wrote a letter to Ed Parsons.
Last night there was a detail from our regiment to go out on a road and I was one of them and we took a ferry boat and sailed about five miles and then we met another squad coming back that went out day before our regiment so we turned around and came back. I can’t think of much to write to you today. Please give my best respects to all of my friends and relations. The boys all send their best respects to father. Tell father that I should like to have him write to me. I suppose father is getting along well getting his saloon. I now close, so goodbye. Please write as soon as you get this. This from your dear brother, — Francis Pardee
The following letter was written by 42 year-old Dr. Solomon Steward (1823-1918), an 1847 graduate of the Cleveland Medical College who was practicing medicine in Troy, Richland county, Ohio, at the time of the 1860 US Census. Solomon was the son of William Steward (1778-1858) and Mercy Clark (1783-1867). He was married to Olive D. Hyde (1830-1906).
Dr. Solomon Steward & his daughter Cora, ca. 1915
According to a biographical sketch, Solomon served as a surgeon at the Mound City, Illinois, Hospital in 1864 and 1865. In 1867 he relocated to Missouri and took up farming near Trenton, Grundy county. He eventually returned to medicine in Trenton, however, and practiced until 1898. (Source: Missouri History Encyclopedia, 1901)
Solomon’s letter contains the tale of a nephew’s service with an Illinois regiment and of his capture at the Battle of Pea Ridge (March 1862) and extended confinement in Confederate prisons—including Andersonville. The particulars of this tale appeared incredulous and a subsequent search of the soldier’s service record revealed that he didn’t even join the regiment (81st Illinois) until months after the Battle of Pea Ridge and, though he was taken prisoner, it wasn’t until June 1864 and his incarceration at Andersonville was limited to a “short stay” only. While it may have made for an entertaining story, the facts behind it are far from accurate.
Solomon’s letter also expresses a disappointment in the manner in which President Andrew Johnson was administering the reconstruction of the South which he called a “criminal experiment,” believing it would require “re-subjugation.”
Transcription
Mansfield, Ohio December 18th 1865
Dear Cousin,
I received a letter from you something more than a year since, but was at that time ready to leave home, which I did acting as Surgeon in the Army until the close of the war. Though I have been so negligent in answering I am glad that you have reminded me of a neglected duty by writing to Mother. She received your letter not long since and was very thankful for your remembrance of her.
My mother is making her home with me this winter, Sister Sophronia and family having moved to their own farm. 1 She is quite feeble and greatly afflicted by her cough. The relations here are all reasonably well and situated much the same as when you were here.
Thomas Pyeatt (1842-1927), not long after war’s end.
Sister Amanda 2 had two sons in the army when you was here, that had been in since the commencement of the war. They both had the good fortune to return with good health after having been engaged in most of the bloody battles of the southwest. Sister Elizabeth 3 who lives in Illinois had a son [Thomas Pyeatt] taken prisoner at the Battle of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, but he did not have the privilege of writing or rather of getting a letter through to his mother and therefore for nearly two years she knowed not whether he was dead or alive, but expected him dead. He also came home after the close of the war having received the hospitalities of Andersonville Prison as well as that of some ten others much of the same kind.
The cost of conquering the South can never be computed but was fully dine by our noble boys who counted sufferings and death in its most appalling forms as nothing compared with victory. They nobly done their work and the South were ready to receive with thankfulness whatever terms of reconstruction their government might have adopted, but such is not the case now. They must be conquered again because of President Johnson’s criminal experiment. The fresh recollection of the past will make their re-subjugation an easy and bloodless task if Congress carries on its healthful treatment of the ex-rebels so nobly commenced.
I received your New York paper which you had the goodness to send me, but I think its teaching much more conservative than the welfare of the country demands. There have been and now is some very fine opportunities to invest money in the late rebel states. I some think of visiting Alabama next month for the purpose of investing what money I can conveniently raise at a venture.
We have had a very nice season just past—very healthy with all. My wife wishes me to ask you for your process of purifying sugar, If not too much trouble, please let us know when you write next. Harriet Steward is teaching here yet. Mrs. Moor is not enjoying very good health. Has been at the Water Cure for some time past. We hope to hear from you often and I will try to be more prompt in answering in the future.
Please give my respects to your family. We would be much pleased to receive a visit from any or all of them. Yours respectfully, — Solomon Steward
December 24th 1865
1 Sophronia Steward (1828-1898) was married to George V. Anders in 1855. They were enumerated in the 1870 US Census in Madison township, Richland county, Ohio.
2 Amanda Steward (1804-1879) was married to James Williams (1800-1852). Her sons in the service were probablyWilliam Williams (b. 1839) and James Williams (b. 1844) though I have not looked up their service records.
3 Elizabeth Steward (1805-1875) was married to Jacob Pyeatt (1802-1857) of DuQuoin, Illinois. She had many children but it was her son Thomas Pyeatt (1842-1927) that was mentioned as a prisoner of war. Thomas enlisted in August 1862 as a musician in Co. K, 81st Illinois Infantry. He was taken prisoner on 10 June 1864 at Guntown, Mississippi, and paroled on 17 June 1865.
The following letter was written by 52 year-old Rev. Henry G. Stewart (1811-1871), a native of Vermont employed as a clergyman in Warwick, Kent county, Rhode Island, on the cusp of the Civil War. He was married to Ardelia Bailey Day in 1841 and had several children one of whom—Sarah (b. 1846) added a post script to this letter. He wrote the letter to his older brother, Harvey Stewart (1798-1868), a farmer in Clarendon, Rutland county, Vermont.
In his letter Henry refers to the Rhode Island Association for Freedman that was established in early February 1864 (predating the Freedmen’s Bureau by almost a year) of which he anticipated serving as a general agent upon his return from a trip to the Mississippi river valley to visit the Freemen’s (Contraband) Camps sited there. Some of the best accounts of the condition of these Contraband Camps was captured in a piece by E. C. Collins, the Secretary of the Friends Association of Philadelphia; see—1863-64: Condition of Contraband Camps.
Henry also refers to the 14th Rhode Island Heavy Artillery Regiment (Colored) that was mustered into service at Providence in late August 1863 for three years service. They were later designated the 8th US Colored Heavy Artillery, and then again to the 11th US Colored Heavy Artillery. They spent some time garrisoning a fort on Matagorda Island, Texas.
Transcription
Providence [Rhode Island] March 28th 1864
My dear Brother,
Your last came duly to hand and I have only time to say a few words in reply. Tomorrow I expect to start for New Orleans direct, by transport from Newport, with the 14th Rhode Island [Heavy Artillery] Regt. (Colored). I go with them as far as New Orleans, from whence they will go to Texas and I shall go up the Mississippi river to visit the different camps of the Freedmen on its banks between New Orleans and St. Louis. I expect to be absent eight or ten weeks and will write you again on my return, and perhaps while I am on my tour, I go as a delegate of the Christian Commission, not for, and as General Agent of the Rhode Island Association for Freedmen in whose behalf I expect to labor in Rhode Island and vicinity after my return. My pay is $75 per month and expenses paid.
We are all very well at present. Sarah has recovered from her severe sickness excepting strength. There is nothing of special interest with us. Yours truly, — H. G. Stewart
[to] Harvey Stewart, Esqr.
P. S. Dear Uncle, I have had some pictures taken for our friends in Vermont. Since I have lost my hair by the fever as a “natural curiosity”—enclosed is one for your family. Your affectionate niece—Sarah
The author of the following letter has not been identified though his initials appear to be “G. C. M.” The letter was datelined from Camp California on 4 January 1862. This camp was located southwest of Fort Worth, two to three miles west of Alexandria, Virginia. It was occupied principally by units from New York, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island that were part of Sumner’s Division including the famed 69th New York, the 63rd New York, the 57th New York, the 5th New Hampshire, the 53rd Pennsylvania, the 8th Illinois Cavalry, the 52nd New York and the 88th NY. It was named Camp California because the Division commander — Gen. Edwin V. (“Bull”) Sumner — had recent service there. It was approximately eleven miles (by horse) from Washington D. C. in Fairfax county, Virginia.
A soldier from the 69th New York described it: “We are located on a very fine hill, overlooking a magnificent valley, studded with white tents, and presenting a view of some ten miles in every direction. The location is exceedingly healthy, the soil is dry, firewood abundant, in fact inexhaustible, and the men getting wise by experience, have not only put up their tents scientifically, cut drains round them, but have been able to put in substantial floors, and glean as much straw in the neighboring fields as to make themselves beds.”
The soldier wrote the letter to his sister who is not named in the letter though I suspect her children were “Mary, Stuart, Lizzie, and little Harry.” I’ve checked the rosters of all the above named regiments for a soldier with those initials but did not find an obvious match. More time would be needed to search exhaustively though the content is not particularly newsworthy. The author’s handwriting skills were quite good so I suspect he was not in the Irish Brigade regiments (63rd, 69th, and 88th New York Regiments) as they were mostly Irish emigrants.
[Note: This letter is from the personal collection of Greg Herr and was transcribed & published on Spared & Shared by express consent.]
A black arrow points to the general area where Camp California was located. The map is an 1861 map of the Defenses of Washington reprinted in the “Atlas to Accompany The Official Records of the Union and confederate Armies.” Camp California was under the shelter of nearby Fort Worth (misspelled as Ft Wohth on this map).
Transcription
Camp California January 4th 1862
Dear sister,
I received your letter. Also the package from Richard for which I am much obliged.
We have had some very cold weather since I last wrote home but we have changed our quarters and are fixing up fr the winter, I think, now that we will stay in the place we are all winter. We live very comfortably although we have not much room. I spent Christmas out on picket duty and New Year’s Day in Alexandria. We had a very pleasant dinner party at one of the restaurants for which we had to pay $5 apiece—rather dear. In our county the same dinner might be gotten for one dollar. We had terrapin and canvas back duck, oysters, &c.
There is very little of anything occurring here to write about except the army and that you can see in the papers everyday. Nothing but drill all the time except when it comes our turn on picket. I thought a great deal of home on Christmas. I think it is one of the first I ever spent away from home. I could very easily imagine what was going on in my absence. I should like to see all the children. I suppose they will have grown considerably by the time I get home if I am lucky enough. I think I may get home in the spring if nothing happens and things look now as if the war would end before many months.
I like military very much and think I would like to spend some time at it in a good position. I got a letter from Cele last evening and am looking out anxiously for a box from home. Almost every man in the army has got one.
We had quite a snow storm here yesterday but it did not amount to much. I should like to enjoy a little sleighing at home. I suppose my sleigh has been out already. I hope the folks will be able to enjoy it. I got a letter from Charley and will answer it soon as I get time. I must draw this to a close as I have several others to write. Give my love to all the family. Tell them I am well and never enjoyed better health. I suppose the children are have fine times. I would like to see little Mary, Stuart, Lizzie, and little Harry especially. Write to me as often as you can. I am always so glad to hear from home. I never enjoyed letters so much as I do now.
Remember me to all. Direct as before. Your affectionate brother, — G. C. M.
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