Extract of a letter addressed to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy by J. Ericsson, November 26, 1862. Though these are purported to be the words of John Ericsson, I can confirm it is not his handwriting. The document dates to the Civil War period, however.
“The officers of the Navy, I am told, are highly displeased with me on account of certain newspaper reports. As I have not experienced any opposition from the officers of the Navy, but on the contrary been seconded in everything I have undertaken, I have had no cause to lodge complaint against anyone or express the slightest dissatisfaction. The story, manufactured by some injudicious bystander, out of Mr. Sterner’s congratulations after the successful trial of the muzzle box, 1 is utterly unfounded. I did not on that occasion say that my plan had been opposed not have I at any other time made such statement. The story that two Admirals and twenty Naval officers were proved in the wrong, no doubt originated with a certain Editor, who in order to crush out my supposed futile effort to fire inside the port hole, asserted that the above Naval officers were all opposed to my plan.”
1 The Passaic Class of iron-clad monitors that followed the success of the Monitor featured guns mounted in a round turret. In battle, the smoke resulting from the firing of these guns made the environment inside the turrets highly undesirable. Ericsson was tasked with attempting to engineer a solution for this problem which he termed the “muzzle box.”
The following 1861 letter was written by a clerk in the Larrabee & North Military Goods store located at No. 174 Lake Street in Chicago. The 4-page lettersheet displays printed illustrations of military goods for sale on the first page and includes a hand written letter to 24 year-old James Savage, a British-born member of the U. S. garrison at Fort Mackinac, Michigan. This most interesting promotional lettersheet has cuts of 25 different items, including officer’s swords, epaulettes, saddles, hats, and other items to outfit officers in the newly expanding Union army.
Transcription
Chicago, [Illinois] 2nd May 1861
Mr. James Savage Mackinac, Michigan
Dear Sir,
We have delivered your fatigue cap to Messr. A. T. Spence & Co. for shipment to Propeller Sun this evening.
The cap is $1.25. We therefore enclose in stamp 25.00 to balance amount of your remittance.
U. S. Staff button vest we have sold two qualities at 3.00 & 4.50 per gross. At present we are out and find it very difficult to get at any price. We have scarlet cord for trousers at 3/– per of 12 yards. Have no lace except gold & silver.
The following 62 letters and an 1865 diary were written by Robert John Marsden (1843–1915) while serving as a private in Co. E, 127th Illinois Infantry. Robert was born in Yorkshire, England, and came to this country as a small boy with his parents, Roger and Elizabeth (Metcalf) Mardsen, and his paternal grandfather in 1845. The Marsden family first settled in Chicago but to escape a cholera epidemic, later relocated to St. Charles in the Fox river in Kane county, Illinois. Robert’s father was a shoemaker by trade, active in his work until his death in 1864.
A Reunion Ribbon of the 127th Illinois
In mid-August 1862, Robert enlisted and was sent as a raw recruit to a camp of instruction in Chicago where the regiment organized, equipped, and drilled until being ordered to Memphis and placed under General Stewart’s command—a man they grew to despise. Their first action, though limited, was at Chickasaw Bayou in late December 1862, and their first casualty was a victim of friendly fire. Subsequently, they were assigned to fatigue duty throughout the remainder of the winter, participating in the digging of Grant’s canal, building forts, and constructing dams.
The regiment fancied itself as a key player in Grant’s campaign to outmaneuver Vicksburg, but fate seemingly conspired to relegate them to the sidelines. Instead of facing the heat of battle, they found themselves as mere targets for enemy shells, safely tucked behind the front lines. Following the siege, the regiment idled away at Walnut Hills and Camp Sherman for what felt like an eternity before being dispatched to Chattanooga. Their timing, as luck would have it, was impeccable as they arrived just in time to spectate from a distance, the capture of Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain.
By the time of the Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign, the regiment had gained a reputation as the best drilled regiment in Gen. Black Jack Logan’s command. Yet, uncertainty lingered about their performance when facing the whizzing bullets, shot, and shell of the enemy in battle. It was on the field of Resaca that they not only convinced their commander, but also themselves, that they were capable of fighting. With hardly any time to write to their loved ones at home of their survival, they were marched on to Adairsville, Big Shanty, Ezra Chapel, Kennesaw Mountain, and other points. Finally, in the Battle of Atlanta, Johnston’s army (now under Hood’s command) was forced out of Atlanta.
At or about the time of the fall of Atlanta, Robert received word from home that his father had died. Though devastated, he could not leave the ranks at this juncture of the fighting and it was late September 1864 before he could go home on a 30-day furlough. By the time he returned, the regiment had moved on with Sherman’s army in the March to the Sea, and Robert with a handful of others from his company and regiment remained in Bridgeport, Alabama, guarding the regiment’s baggage, sent back from Atlanta—too cumbersome to take on the march through Georgia. Eventually Robert joined his regiment in New Berne, North Carolina, and then marched with Sherman through the Carolina’s and on to Washington D. C. where he was mustered out of service.
[Note: These letters are from the private collection of Don Andrew and were made available for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by express consent.]
Robert Marsden and his family, circa 1890
Letter 1
Camp Van Arman August 28th, 1862
Dear brother,
I am pretty well today but not very strong. I was sick abed last week at Blake’s from Tuesday night til last Monday. I did not leave my room from Wednesday til Sunday. I had the Bilious Fever & Bloody Dysentery which the doctor said was brought on by drinking too much water when in a sweat. The doctor charged $2.88 for visits and medicine. Emma wrote a letter to Father last Thursday and I expected that Mother would be in Sunday but she did not come. I think that you did not get the letter. I came down to camp last Tuesday to get a furlough but could not. I will get one this week if I can, but as I am on guard today I cannot get one today.
I feel a good deal better today than I have since we came into camp. Eugene Fowler & I are going to send a letter by George Tyler.
I will come home as soon as I can get a furlough. We have got our uniform—all but caps. Give my love to Father, Mother and brothers & sister. Good by for this time. Write and send by some of the boys for our regiment is not numbered yet, and I would not get it.
From your brother, — Robert Marsden
Letter 2
Camp Van Arman September 4th 1862
Dear Father,
As I now have a chance to send a few lines to you by Mr. Weed who staid in camp last night and is going home this morning. I am well at present, and like camp life very well. I expect that we shall leave Chicago in a week or two. The boys cannot get any more furloughs at present for we have to be mustered in as a regiment in a few days and all of the company will have to be here when they muster us in. All of the boys that have got them [furloughs] are sent after and will have to come whether their time is up or not. They have sent three of our company after them and to bring them by force if they will not come by any other means.
Maybe I will get a furlough this week or next, but we are under Col. Tucker and he won’t let us have any now. But when we are mustered as a regiment, he will not be our boss. I want a few needles and some buttons & thread & a needle book which Mother can make me if she has time, for when I come, I do not know how long I can stay. I have drawn my County order of $60 and when I come home, I will give it to you, and get my town order if I had time when I come out. I would have a pair of boots made to wear with good thick soles and a half sole on top of that for all the boys in our company must have them in the same style and I would pay you for them. I do not want them very heavy, nor very light.
I must now begin to close as they are now beginning to fall in for drill. So good by for the present, give my love to all Brothers & Sister & Mother.
From your son, — Robert
P. S. Direct my letters to R. Marsden 127th Regt. Illinois Vol., Col. John Van Arman, in care of Captain Gillette, Chicago
Letter 3
Camp Van Arman October 15th 1862
Dear Father,
As I now have a chance to send a few lines to you by Dan Tyler, I have not much to tell you but that now that was [ ] in regard to our having [ ] orders… Col. is going to Washington to see about having the regiment go [ ] and getting breach loading rifles and if he does we will not have any marching to do.
We are all well at present in this company and I hope you are the same. Dan is in… Come to a close. I still remain your obedient son, — Robert
Letter 4
Camp Van Arman October 22nd, 1862
Dear father,
As I now have a chance to send a letter to you by Mr. Swarthout. We will get our pay tomorrow for they are paying the other companies off today and only for the neglect of our captain leaving the muster roll at St. Charles, and he had to send [our] lieutenant after it this noon. You can send anything you want by Mr. Beach. This week some of the other boys have sent for butter, so you need not send any for me this time.
This is all for this time, I expect to have a letter tonight from you. Goodbye for this time. From your son, — Robert
P. S. You can leave the things at H. O. Hyde’s.
Letter 5
Memphis [Tennessee] November 17th, 1862
Dear father,
As it is raining and I have nothing to do, I think that I will write a few lines to you and let you know that I am well and in the enemy’s country and we do just about as we want to. There is no guard around camp and the boys take their guns and go and get chickens, sheep, hogs, beef, & honey. They have gone out this morning after something but I don’t know what it is. We also are going to have 5 Negroes to carry our water and cook for us and when we start to travel again, we are going to have some mules confiscated to carry our baggage.
Every house we go to and ask for anything, they tell us that the woman is a poor widow, and some of them say that their husbands were in the Union Army. When we stopped one night coming down the river, and before we started in the morning, we had 16 hives of honey, 200 chickens, 5 hogs & one beef critter. And the woman that lived in the nearest house said that 300 Rebel cavalry ate dinner there the day before.
Robinson Barr Murphy also served in the 127th Illinois Infantry. He was later awarded the Medal of Honor in the Battle of Atlanta (Julian Burley Collection)
In coming down the river, I saw Island No. 10 and a great many other islands but they did not look much different from any other part of the country—only that the trees were riddled with shot and shell. I wrote a letter, and when we got to Columbus, Kentucky, I met Ed Scott and got him to put it in the Post Office for me. He came onto the boat and staid awhile and saw the boys. I saw Ayei Sargent there too. He is well and says he has not been sick since he has been soldiering. The boys in our company are all well except Norris Parks & Michael Kelly. There are a few who don’t feel very well but they are running around pretty much all the time.
Everything is very high here and they have a Provost Guard down town so that the boys dare not go down town without a pass. I have not got any ink so I must write with a lead pencil until I can get some ink. There is one boy in the tent that has got a little ink and we use it to back letters with.
You must direct my letters to Co. E, 127 Regt. Illinois Vol, via Cairo, and then it will follow the regiment for there is a grand distribution office there, and they keep track of the regiments in the West. We don’t know how long we shall stay here. This is enough for now for it has stopped raining, and I am going after a Pig. From your son, Robert
Robert Marsden, Company E, 127 Regt. Ills Vol., Via Cairo
Letter 6
Chilohomony Camp near the Rebels December 1st, 1862
Dear father,
As we are in camp for a short time for some reason that I don’t know and there is a chance to send a letter home, I think that I will write. We have been traveling ever since last Wednesday and have come upon the enemy. Our cavalry drove the Rebel pickets out of the town named Chilohomony and they have got a strong fort about 9 miles from here and we have got to drive them out this week. Day before yesterday our troops drove the Rebels out of Holly Springs and have been skirmishing with them every day since. And yesterday we thought we should before night be in a fight, for we could hear the cannons firing very plain, but they say that they were fighting in the other Division.
Last night we got into camp about 8 o’clock and got our tents struck when it commenced to rain and blow like a hurricane, and we had all we could do to keep our tent from blowing away. It started some of the stakes, and we held onto the bottom and the center pole. We are in Mississippi, but I don’t know what county. It is pretty warm weather here. There has not been any frost of any account but I suppose that it is pretty good sleighing or skating on Fox River. But sleighing or skating, I had rather be there than here when we have to make the long marches, for the first afternoon they shoved us some 15 miles and that made our feet sore. And some of the boys that paid $6 for a pair of boots traded them for a pair of shoes. But it is muddy today and I am glad I did not do the same. I only took the socks out, and that made them big enough to go easy and then I got along very well.
I don’t know where we are going to but think we are going to Vicksburg and fight them there after we get done with them here. And from Vicksburg down the river till the thing is settled which all the old soldiers think will be done in a short time. We have got quite a piece of Uncle Sam’s family here, for it covers some 4 miles in a square and numbers about 60 or 70 thousand men.
There is no news of any account here at present, but a lot of camp rumors that don’t amount to anything so that I think I will close my letter telling you to direct it as before, via Cairo, 127 Regiment, Co. E. But I have not had a letter yet from home yet. So goodbye from your son, — Robert
P. S. Charles Bowman wants you to give these few lines to his wife, which are in this envelope. — RM
Letter 7
Near Tallahatchie River Camp Stewart December 6th, 1862
Dear brother,
As there is a chance to send mail tomorrow, I think that I will write a few lines and send them to you. It has been very muddy here for some time but it is drying up some now. But we can get around in the mud without getting more than ankle deep & leaving the flatboats in the clay. If you want to get a pretty good idea of the country around here you must for the muddy part get into Benthe’s brickyard where he mixes the mud, and for the woods go up by Blanchard’s, shut your eyes and try to see the Redfield Church. Put the two together and you have something of an idea of what kind of a country we are traveling through—only it will lack the raining & drizzling. It snowed here yesterday morning a little but melted before it got to the ground hardly.
Last Tuesday we started at 3 o’clock in the morning and travelled all day to catch Price and we thought we should, but when we got to Wyatt, they had been driven out by our advance artillery. But we were near enough to hear them. They are retreating all the time and we can’t get them to stand and fight. I think that it will not be long before the war will be settled. Our Col. yesterday offered to bet 500 dollars that the war would be over in 30 days and the General Smith would not bet against him.
I want you to send me a newspaper pretty soon. We are near the River Tallahatchie and when we got to Wyatt, the Rebels had destroyed the ferry and we had to build a bridge and ten of our company were detailed to cut logs that night from 7 til 9 o’clock. So I claim a share in the great Tallahatchie Poltroon Bridge, for I was one of the ten detailed.
I have not had any letter from home yet. I don’t know what the matter can be, but there has not been but one mail since we left Memphis. But we will have one in a few days. You must direct to Co. E, 127th Regt Illinois Vol., Stewart’s Brigade, Sherman’s Division, via Cairo. That is all for this time. Write soon.
From your brother, — Robert
Letter 8
Camp at Memphis December 16, 1863
Dear Brother,
I just received your and father’s & James’ letters this morning, dated the 9th inst. You mentioned the contents of the parcel you intended to send me but did not come. You say that the [Fox] river is frozen and it is good skating and I wish that I was there to share the sport of skating on it, but as I am not, you will have to do it for me. There is a good deal of difference in the weather here and what it is up there. It is pretty cold nights here but nice and warm as spring in the day time. It freezes very little here and is thawed out now.
Frank Richmond is going to send his trunk home and I shall send my overcoat, two shirts, one pair stockings, one towel, one woolen shirt and a good big sweetbriar root to make me a pipe of it when I get out. And I want you to let it dry until I come—unless it happens that you hear that I am shot. Then you can make you one of it. I dug the root in Mississippi about 5 miles from Tallahatchie and it makes nice pipes. You must not dry it in the sun or it will crack, nor under the stove, but put it in some place where it is not very warm and it will dry nicely. I have got a good pipe, but it is a smaller one than I can make out of that one, and it is red and grows darker every time it is used—and harder.
I guess I must close these few lines to you and write a few to James, so good by for tonight. Write soon, from your brother, — Robert
December 18, 1862
Dear brother James,
I got your letter this morning and as quick as I saw it, I knew where it come from and was glad to have a letter from you. You say that Thomas broke his skates and gave them to you if you would get them fixed. I think he was very kind, but not so much so as he would have been to mend them for you or get a new pair for you. But he has not got the money to spend in that manner I think. Never mind, I will get you a new pair when I get home—if I am spared.
Tell father to send me a few postage stamps if he can when he writes again for I have not got but a few left. And tell Thomas that he must pay Richmond something for things in the trunk, for they will have to pay the freight on the things, and he may have the coat. I have not sent them yet but they will have to send them pretty soon. I can’t think of any more at present so I must close. Sending my love to you all so good night from your brother, — Robert Marsden
P. S. Tell Thomas to direct to Co E, 127th Regt Ills Vols, Memphis, Tennessee
— R Marsden
Letter 9
On Picket in the State of Arkansas December 21st, 1862
Dear parents,
I received your letter of the 13th last night, just after we had got on board the steamer Spread Eagle, and was glad to hear from you. I am well and so are most of the boys in our company. All of the sick were left in Memphis. There was Charles Ferson sick with the measles, Thomas Ryan with the diphtheria, Munson Michael with a fever, Wash Hamon—he is lame, and Norris Parks has got a running sore in his left groin, & Harley Beach from Lodi—he has the consumption and will get his discharge. So will Nelson Hammon. He is from Dixon or somewhere near there. There are others left that I think are well enough to go with the regiment, but from some reason or other they were left. James Blumley, George Aldrich, V.O. Gilbert, Charley Bowman, Frank Kirk, Frank Hobert, Michael Rolf, J. Evison, James Earnshaw, & Michael Kelly is in the hospital in St. Louis. Evison and Rolf are pretty sick, I think. Ed Benedict is not well enough to go so we left him.
We started down the river last night and run til about 11 o’clock this forenoon when we landed at Helena where we stopped a short time. And I want you to tell Mrs. Thompson—for I think it will do her good to hear—that we went on shore and there we found Dodson’s Cavalry on board a steamboat and going to join our expedition. Charles Thompson, Wheeler, Guthrie, Hale, & myself went on their boat and found Ben Wells. Then we found James Hale & Fayette Thompson. He is well at present, but has been very sick for six weeks I think he said, but won’t be sure. He looks just as usual when at home but he ain’t so much bigger than me as he used to be when he left home. He came on board our boat and staid til we started.
We also came across the old 13th Regiment boys from St. Charles and it seemed almost like being home, for there was Ray Knight, George Conklin, Pat Ponsonby, George Young, Ed Durant. Frank Whipple is at St. Louis sick so the boys told us. John Eddy was on the boat with us also. He seems to be well as the rest of us.
You would like to know where we are going, but we don’t know that ourselves, but presume to help take Vicksburg. But may land 50 miles or so before we get there, and come up in the rear and cut off their retreat. I expect there will be hard fighting but hope for the best. Before you get this we may be before Vicksburg or in it. Unless they retreat, they will be all bagged for there is over 150 steamers headed with soldiers and there is also Mortar Gunboats in this expedition which will feed them shot & shell for a short time at least.
This is pretty near all I will write for this time for it is getting dark and I must get supper and put out the fire before it gets dark enough to draw the attention of the enemy as they happen to be in the vicinity. Write all the news that there may be, and send a paper occasionally & a few stamps. We sent Frank’s trunk and paid the expressage; it went by Adams Express Co. and Frank sent the key by Pat Casilow. The trunk may not go any farther than Chicago though it may go through to St. Charles.
This is all for the present. You must write soon. Probably you have heard that I had sore eyes. I had but they are getting better so that I can see very well. This is all for this time, from your son, — Robert.
P. S. Direct to Memphis
Letter 10
On the Steamer Spread Eagle January 2nd 1863
Dear parents,
As I have got another chance to write a few lines to you, I think I will do so. I think it is likely that you would like to know what we have been doing since I wrote you last.
We have been fighting. We came up the Yazoo River last Friday and in the afternoon we went on shore, marched a few miles, and camped for the night. Next day at noon, we entered the field but did not fight any until the next morning, but were started three times in the night by the Rebs trying to drive in our pickets. Sunday morning our regiment took the front and fought them all day and until Monday morning, when I left the company for I was sick all day before & could hardly get around.
Our regiment only lost 1 man killed and he was shot by his comrades. He stood up in front of the rank when they fired, and they hit him in the back of the head and it went clear through and out of his forehead & blowed his brains out. It killed him instantly. There was several others wounded in the regiment but lucky to say our boys did not get scratched. But some very narrow escapes were received. A spent ball or piece of shell hit Tangerman on the calf of the leg but did not only make a blue spot. And Luther Swarthout had a rifle ball go through his canteen and cut his bayonet sheath most off. The shell and balls whistled around our heads pretty lively but done very little damage. One burst and hit our Adjutant on the sword & tore his coat, besides knocking him down & laming him pretty bad for a day or two. It burst behind our company. There would have been more killed but the way we fought them was to lay down on our belly and load, raise up one rank at a time and fire. Then drop & load again. 1
Last night the regiment was marched back to the boat, and the whole army are coming back up the river, for it is impossible to take Vicksburg from the point we were at, for the bluffs are 300 feet high & steep & covered with the enemy’s batteries & siege guns. Besides, there is a large bayou and the water is raising & the place is all muddy & I think they are going to take us where they can feed us cheaper and wait til the water gets up to its height. Then it will be 10 feet deep on the ground we stood on.
I have not had any mail since I left Memphis but I think we will get some in a day or two. I am pretty well now and think I shall be pretty smart in a day or two. I had a little of the ague but feel pretty well now. I want you when you write to send me a few stamps & I want you to write soon and tell me how you spent Christmas & New Years. I hope you had a good time & that I may help you spend the next one. It is pretty warm down here. For this part of the year, it is the warmest I ever saw it.
There is no news of any account here so I must close for this time. So goodbye from your son, — Robert
P. S. I don’t know whether you know where this fight was. I can tell you it [was] in the vicinity of Vicksburg. — Robert
I said I would send Jane a ring some time, I put it in this, and she must have Thomas polish it.
1 James R. Maxwell who also served in the 127th Illinois Infantry didn’t much enjoy his first experience under enemy fire either. On 5 January 1863, he wrote his sister, “Our regiment was in a fight. We had two wounded in our company. There was one killed and 8 wounded in our regiment. It is not very pleasant to hear the bullets whistling within an inch of your head. It makes a fellow think of home, you had better believe. I hope I will never see another battle for I want the war to end as quick as possible. I don’t care how they end it—only so it ends.” [See—1863: James R. Maxwell to his Sisters on Spared & Shared 22]
Letter 11
Camp opposite Vicksburg February 6th, 1863
Dear parents,
I received your letter of the 25th yesterday and am happy to hear that you are all enjoying good health. I am well at present, with the exception of a diarrhea that most all of the boys have got more or less. Jessie Curran arrived here day before yesterday and brought parcels for a great many of the boys but there was none for me and I was somewhat disappointed, thinking you were going to send me something. But I don’t think that you will have any chance to send anything now for there is nobody to send [it] by until we get to some post. Then I might get them by Express but I don’t know when we will get to one.
Thomas wants to know what is the matter with Brainard Wheeler. He has had a little fever of some kind but it was not much. He is going around camp today and will be all right in a day or two. There is some talk in camp that we are going up the White River and attack St. Charles in Arkansas, but we don’t know whether we shall or not. The river is raising fast and the canal is full to over flowing, and we have to work on the levee to keep from being washed out. I think the river will run through the canal principally by next spring.
I had a letter from Blakes and they told me that Jane was in Chicago to work for Mrs. Rogers & that Mrs. Blake, Fred & Lucy had been sick but they were all pretty smart but Lucy & the clerk. They send me papers once in a while. You mentioned in your last that you would send me one but you did not expect I would get it. I get one from you once in a while. Anyway, send them—I will get them some time and they come useful to do up tea, sugar & coffee to carry out on picket. I have received two letters from you with stamps, 8 in each, and they come handy for I was most out when I got the first, but I did not have time to let you know before I received the second lot. You seem to be afraid that you will write too much and have to leave space for Thomas. I had rather you would write all you can & then let Thomas write a sheet full or as near as he can, for a good long letter helps to cheer the heart of one so far away from home. I think that we shall have pay before long and I hope that we will, for my money has run out.
The health of the army is a good deal better than it was when we left the boats, but it is pretty bad. There is not more than 20 men in our company fit for duty but we have more on detached service than any other company in the regiment.
I would like to have you send me a few envelopes if you can when you write again. I have got paper enough for some time yet for I bought some before I left Memphis.
There is not much news here worth mentioning—only that on the 2nd of February one of our Rams ran down past Vicksburg and they could not help themselves though. They tried their big licks in the city since then. They say she came back from below and had 30 Rebel officers which she captured below and destroyed a lot of transports. But how true it is I do not know. As my paper is most used up. I must come to a close. Wishing you to write soon, give my love to all. So good by for this time. From your son, — Robert
Letter 12
Young’s Point opposite Vicksburg March 3rd 1863
Dear parents,
I received your letter of the 15th ultimo on the 22d and was glad to hear that you are well as common. I have not had time to write to you before today, for we have to do considerable duty—going on picket every five days and on the canal the rest of the time, and work pretty hard. But the thing is pretty near done—that is, the part that can be done with the spade, and the rest will be done with the dredge which has commenced at the head of the canal.
During the naval siege of Vicksburg, Brig. Gen. Thomas Williams put his men to work with pick and shovel to excavate a canal across the base of De Soto Point, opposite Vicksburg, in a failed effort to bypass Confederate batteries.
I am in good health at present & hope I shall remain so, for it is better to have good health & lots of duty than sick and in the hospital where I have never been & hope I never shall be. John Green is in the hospital & we don’t think that he will live for he is swelled up from the effects of his phisic and cannot open his eyes. His neck is swelled to twice its natural size and he can hardly breathe.
I had a letter from Blake’s on the 1st of this month saying they are all well but Lucy, who is pretty sick with the inflammatory rheumatism & scrofula. She has not been out of bed—only as they carried her in a sheet from one to the other. I have had a letter from Charles Blake. He is at Memphis but is coming down here pretty soon & I think I shall get a chance to see him.
We are going to get our pay this week for they have commenced at Headquarters paying off the First Division & ours is the Second Division so we will come next. But we don’t know how much we will get—probably not more than two months pay & as there is no way to get it sent home, we will have to do the best we can. I shall get some dried fruit to eat with my hard tack. Things are pretty dear here—dried peaches 30 cents, dried apples 25 cents. Butter strong enough to carry double 50 cents a pound & other things in proportion. Sometimes we are short in rations & Tangerman is Commissary Sergeant. He draws the rations for our company but is careful in dealing them out so that No. 1 don’t lose anything. I get papers from Blake’s folks pretty often, but very seldom from you.
You say that you have not had any letter from me for some time. I am not to blame for that, for I have written several. There must be some fault in the mail. Wheeler is getting better but is pretty weak yet. Mike Murphy has got the jaundice pretty bad but can go around. Felix McFarlin is complaining of the rheumatism in his shoulder, Johnny Hand is tough as a bear. George Tyler is pretty feeble but he was on duty yesterday. But if he gets exercise, I think he will get around pretty smart in a day or two.
When you write again, I wish you would send me Mr. Simms’ directions, if you know them, for I think that I promised to write to him. I notice that he has moved onto the west side, so Jane says in her letter. There is nothing new going on in camp so I must come to a close. You need not send me any money but collect it as fast as the County Order comes due & if you want to you can pay your taxes with it. Give my love to uncles, aunts, cousins, grandfather, brother, sister and all. So goodbye for this time. From your son, — Robert Marsden, Co E, 127th Regiment Illinois
Via Cairo. Forward to regiment are the directions.
P. S. I wish you would send me a few postage stamps for I have none. — RM
Letter 13
Young’s Point, Louisiana March 11th, 1863
Dear parents,
I received a letter from you day before yesterday and another yesterday in the Box which has been so long looked for and it was welcome, I can assure you. But some of the things were a little spoiled. My sad cakes were moldy and one of the pastries so that I had to throw it away. But my cake and cookies were all right and they are first rate. The butter is better than that which we pay 50 cents here. Give my thanks to Mrs. Millington for the dried beef and book which she sent me. The book got soiled a little by the breakage of bottles of wine that were in the box, but not very bad. The beef is first rate and will go good. When you get a chance to send me anything else, I want you to send me a pair of boots. Have them sewed and not made so heavy as the last pair that I got. I burnt those that I have trying to warm my feet and a coal flew out of the fire and I did not notice it til it had burnt a hole in the center. The soles are worn off at the toe and the heels are worn over sideways.
They say we are going to get four months pay Monday. Then I will send you $40 or so, and you can take your pay out of that.
“I think we will be in Vicksburg before long for Grant says that it is not going to be taken by powder & ball, but with spade & shovel.”
Robert Marsden, Co. E, 127th Illinois Infantry, 11 March 1863
I am well and in good spirits and to tell the truth, think we will be in Vicksburg before long for Grant says that it is not going to be taken by powder & ball, but with spade & shovel. We have got to go to work on the new canal tomorrow, but the object of the canal I cannot see. The deserters from Vicksburg say that they are ready to give up anytime, but the leaders [will] hang out til the last. They have nothing to eat there and are most starved out—nothing but corn bread & fresh pork and not half enough of that. One day last week, five regiments laid down their arms and would not take them again until there was a lot surrounded and was going to force them to do it, when they took them, & had a fight & killed 200 or 300—so the deserters say, & we heard the firing ourselves. This occurred in the city last Saturday. They can’t last much longer.
Charles Thompson & William got here last Tuesday & they look much better for their visit. Wallace has not come and they say that he said he won’t come alive. Most of the boys wish him back, seeing Charles has come back. I look so much tougher now than when I left home that I think that I will send you my likeness when we get pay for I weigh more than I ever did and am taller. I weighed about four weeks ago, 133 pounds. This is all for this time, write soon. From your son, — R. Marsden
P. S. Send me also some dried fruit. — R. M.
Letter 14
Young’s Point, Louisiana April 16th, 1863
Dear father,
I think that I will write you a few lines this afternoon to let you know that I am well and that we received our pay on Monday. I sent $40 to you by Adams Express.There is one dollar to be given to James & Jane; the rest you can have. I will send you the receipt in this letter. Also my likeness.
There is firing down towards Vicksburg this afternoon and I think the attack has commenced on the city. I learn from our officers that our Division are ordered not to leave the Point until the city is taken. We are now in [Frank] Blair’s Division & Kilby Smith’s Brigade for [David] Stuart is not in the field now & I hope he never will be again, for he is a mean man. You must know that we are not camped so far down on the Point now as we were by 2 miles or so, for the water has drove us to higher ground. So we are some 7 miles from Vicksburg now.
The boys are all pretty well that are with the company. Charles Beach and Hay Guthrie are on the Hospital Boat and we have not seen them for about a week, but one of the Nurses came & he said they were getting better. Charles was so that he could walk around the boat. But one of our boys named Judson Thompson is dead. He has not lived in St. Charles long so there are not many who know him there. His father lives in N. Y. The Captain has written to him and sent him his papers. Charles Thompson is with the company. He says Wallace swore he would not come back alive and I presume he has been arrested before this time. William Thompson has gone to join his company up on Deer Creek. John Belyea got a letter stating that John Elliott had got home.
There is nothing going on here in camp—only lots of money. They paid the boys off in small bills this time. I got mine, $52 in one dollar bills. It made quite a pile. They paid us up to the first of March & the first of May we will get two months more pay, so they say, & that we will get our pay regular every two months after this. I hope so. Then we can send home a little every now and then & all that I send home I want you to make use of for your cure, and do not be afraid. If you can get any Dr. in Chicago to cure you, get him, and use all that I have sent home for that purpose if you choose for I can’t use it now and there is time to earn more before I will get out of the army. I think you had better go into Chicago & consult some of the doctors and see what they can do for you.
There is nothing new going on at present and as it is getting dark, I had better come to a close. I want you to write often for I have not the chances to write that you have, for I have not time to write a letter without stopping to drill or get meals. Hoping you will write soon, I still remain your obedient son, — Robert
Letter 15
Richmond, Louisiana May 7th, 1863
Dear parents,
I received your letter of the 26th day before yesterday & was glad to hear that you are gaining. I also had one from Thomas the same day. He says he is well and likes his place very well. He also says Jane is work[ing] for Mrs. Ryan, but does not say whether she likes it or not. I think she will not at first for it will be too much confinement, for I think from what I have seen of the woman she will be a rather strict Mistress. I am well and have been so for a month and hope to be so still. The rest of the boys in the company are all well but Charles Beach. He has been pretty sick and is yet staying at Milliken’s Bend in the Hospital. But some of the boys have been there & they say he is getting better & can go around the boat and on shore pretty well. When I was at the Bend, I saw Charles Blake & staid all night with him.
I was left behind the regiment when there to guard Commissary Stores & Charles heard the regiment was there. He started out to catch them before they got too far off for he thought we were coming out here. He caught them about 9 miles from the landing and the boys told him that I was on guard & when he got to camp, I was there to see him. We had a pretty good time for the business we are in.
We are having a pretty good time here for our Colonel is the Commander of this Post & Gillette is Provost Marshall. So Richmond is in command of the company & before long he will be the Captain, for when the Major has his trial, l think Mr. Gillette will get busted, and a good many other captains in this regiment [too] for they have defrauded the government. [The] captains to the amount of that 40 cents a day for boarding ourselves after enlistment & that amounted to between $200 to $300 which he never paid us but handed in his bill at Chicago & put the money into his pocket.
We are building a dam here across Roundy Bayou & think that will raise Bushey Bayou so that boats can come to this point from the fleet that run the blockade. As it is now, they have to carry the provisions down in wagons. We are also building a fort & entrenchments to defend this place in case of an attack. There was 440 Rebs here yesterday that were taken at Grand Gulf & the report is that 1400 more are on their road through here. They are going to send them up the river. Our army is making good headway towards Vicksburg & things look favorable to us. Richmond is not a large place but rather pretty just now for things are green and fruit pretty well advanced in growth. If we stay here 6 weeks in this country on the plantations, we will have peaches plenty. We have already had strawberries and a kind of blackberry that grows on the ground called dew berries.
Well, as I have to get my dinner, I had better close. So when you write, please send me a few more postage stamps & write soon. From your son, — Robert Marsden
Letter 16
Richmond, Louisiana May 7th, 1863
Dear Brother & Sister,
I received Thomas’s letter of the 27th on the 5th of this month. The Orderly kindly fetched it to me while we were on picket. We came here on Monday last & went on picket at night and staid until 5 o’clock when we were relieved by one company of the 57th Indiana. Next day we were detailed to work on the dam across Roundy Bayou & we have to work now everyday, either on the dam or on the fort, for they are making one for the defense of this place.
Things are nearly as forward here now as they are in Illinois in the month of July. I have had strawberries & dewberries—as they are called. They are like blackberries, only they grow on small bushes on the ground. Peaches and plums are plenty here & they will be ripe in about six weeks & if we stay here, we will get all we will want.
There has been considerable fighting below here, and yesterday they had 440 Rebs that we captured at Grand Gulf. They have gone to Milliken’s Bend & from there they will go up the river. The report is that 1,400 more are coming through here in a few days. Richmond is not a very large place, but it’s rather picturesque. The folks have got a good many nice flower gardens here and they are all blossomed long ago. When I was at the Bend I saw Charle. Blake & staid with him all night. We had a good time. Charles Finale is there and well.
I am well & hope you are the same. Give my respects to Mr. Simms’ folks and Jane. Write soon. Let Jane know that you have got a letter from me, and you can let her read it. The latest report says that our forces are within 12 miles of Vicksburg & fighting pretty lively, driving the Rebels before them. This is all for this time so goodbye from your brother, — Robert Marsden
Co. E, 127th Regt Illinois Vols. Memphis, Tenn. in the field
P. S. Write soon. — RM
Letter 17
Young’s Point, Louisiana May 30th, 1863
Dear Brother James,
I received your letter the other day & was very much surprised to have one from you of your own writing & directing. It was all very well done except you used words instead of figures in directing the envelope. I am very much obliged to you for your likeness & I think it looks very natural & that you look healthy & roguish as ever. I am well & hope you are the same. Tell mother that when any of you write again, she must write a few lines or get you to, for all of the rest of you have written to me except her & grandfather. I want them both to write to me. Give my respects to cousin Jonothan & all the rest of our cousins, uncles & aunts in St. Charles and DuPage, to Frederick, & Fersons, Freemans, Millingtons, & Lewises. Tell John Lewis that I received those few lines that he sent to me by Hank Elliott, but as I have not yet time to write now he must excuse me this time. Tell Allen Freeman that he must write & and so must Monk Wheeler.
[Marsden draws a character face smiling]
I am now at Young’s Point but have got to go to the company today. We are part of us down here doing guard duty but we have got to go & join the company & help do the duty there. Our regiment is now out of the brigade & are doing guard duty. Gillette is Provost Marshall & the company is Provost Guard, I think.
Goldsberry was out foraging the other day with several others & the Captain & he shot a secesh in the leg & took him prisoner & got his revolver & belt. Felix McFarlin was with him & he got a nice bracelet. Captain got two horses & several other things. This is all for this time so goodbye. Write soon & give my love to all of our folks, grandfather, father, mother, sisters, brother, & all of Millingtons’ folks.
I remain as ever, your brother, — Robert Marsden
Letter 18
Chickasaw Bayou Yazoo Landing June 17th/ 63
Dear Mother,
I have just received a letter from you & father containing your likeness & am glad to hear that you are as well as common & hope to hear from you again soon & to hear that father has received some benefit from Dr. Fitch. I think your likenesses look very natural—all but the jewelry, and that I know father was not in the habit of wearing, though I thought you might have bought you a broach. You said that you did not think that I would be able to read your letter, but I will risk but what I can read most anything you choose to write. At least I will try pretty hard.
You say that someone told you that I had enlisted for the war, but you need not alarm yourself about that for I wish to get home in 3 years at least, & I hope sooner. But if we don’t have to go East to Richmond after we take Vicksburg, I think we will all manage to get furloughs—at least Grant has promised us that privilege and it is reported that our regiment is going North with prisoners & I hope that may prove true. There is a good many prisoners here now & there are fresh ones coming from Vicksburg every night & they have the same story—that they could not get enough to eat & they came over to get rid of starving to death. But they most all take the Oath of Allegiance so that does not give quite so good a chance to go up the river as it would if they wanted to be taken north & kept until exchanged. But their taking the oath weakens the Confederacy more than keeping them prisoner & exchanging to fight again, though it delays the time when we go up the river if it may be our luck.
I have not enlisted for the war, but the oath we were sworn in under was “…to serve 3 years unless sooner discharged…” and when I have served that time, I shall think I can resign & let some others try their hands. I would like to see all the Copperheads here to try their hand with a knapsack & musket, 60 rounds of cartridge on their belt & two or three hard tack and one piece of sow belly to march all day & sleep at night in the rain without any tents. I think that the Copperheads will fare hard when the soldiers get home.
I had a letter from Emma the other day. She says that her folks are all well & that she & her Mother were down town & went to see Jane, but she had gone home. I see Charley Blake every few days & he is well & every time they come after feed, he comes & takes dinner with me. Charles Thompson, Branard, Wheeler & I tent together & we have things very comfortable. We do not want for anything that the Sutlers have, for we can go & tease them for they sell us beer. Then when we get it we go & report to Gillette that he sells beer, and then he orders Richmond to take a guard & go and confiscate his whole stock. We take such things as we want. We are death on sutlers, for when we buy of them, we have to pay big prices, so [wel take the advantage if we can.
I must close this & write to father. You must write soon for I have waited a long time for this letter. So goodbye for this time. From your son, — Robert
Letter 19
Post of Chickasaw June 17th, 1863
Dear Father,
I received your letter of the 7th this noon which contained your likenesses & a small letter from mother & as I have written one to her, there will not be much of one for you, though I will try to make it as interesting as possible. I am well at present & hope these few lines will find you enjoying the same blessings. You say you have started in the shoemaking again, on the west side of the river. I hope you will do well but I had rather you had gone to Clever-ville. But you know whether it was best to go or not & leave business in an unsettled shape. You can use my money to do whatever you wish, but let the doctor do his best to cure you as far as my money will go & as we are going to be paid off pretty soon again. I will send you some more. I think we will only get two months pay this time unless they wait until the first of July & if they do, we will probably get four months. The paymasters are here & some say they have commenced to pay our brigade. But as the regiment is not with it, they may put it off until next month. If we don’t get but two months pay, I shall not send much home for I owe the boys some $4 & I shall keep a few myself.
Intense hand-to-hand combat between Rebels and Negro Regiment at Milliken’s Bend
You probably have heard of the fight at Milliken’s Bend where the Rebs attacked our Negro Regiment & got badly whipped. They came upon them very suddenly & the Negroes had only one chance to fire before the Rebs were up to the Levee & the Negroes on the other. They had hardly time to fix bayonets before they were ordered to charge & they did it bravely. Neither side giving quarter, the Rebs cut the throats of two or three Negroes before the eyes of the rest. Then they put in their best. One Negro is said to have killed two Rebs with his bayonet before they could help themselves. They would shoot them and if they tried to get away, then he would bayonet them & then put his foot on him till he pulled out his bayonet & reverse his gun, knock out his brains. They fought savage and could not be stopped until they had put the whole to flight. I guess the Rebs think that Negroes can fight when put to it. We asked one of the Negroes if they took any prisoners & his reply was that they “took them dead” & that was all the way they took them.
I have just received a paper of the 6th from you I think by the Directions. This is all the news I can think of at present that may interest you & as my paper is most gone I must close. So write soon. I remain as ever your obedient son, — Robert
Letter 20
Post of Chickasaw June 21, 1863
Dear father,
As we have just received two month’s pay. I think I must write you a few lines & let you know that I send you $15 by Express. It is with the rest of the boys’ money, & will be sent to VanPatten & he will give each person what is sent to them.
I cannot write you much this time for I am not well. I have got the ague pretty bad. I have had it four days now pretty hard. I have a hard fever every night most.
Our regiment is ordered to the brigade & our company has gone too—that is, all that are able to go. Tangerman, John Hand, Mike Ronan, Fletch Hall, Lute Swarthouse, Brian Wheeler & myself have all got the ague & were left behind to go into the hospital where we will go this afternoon—all that are able to walk. Tomorrow I expect to have another shake & I don’t like them very well, but I hope I will get over this before long.
The report here this morning is that General Logan has got into the Reb’s breastworks & is able to cut them right & left as soon as he sees fit. I think by the looks of things, Vicksburg will be in our possession in a few days.
Captain still holds his position as Provost Marshall. As there is nothing else of any account in the news line, so I must come to a close. You need not be alarmed about my illness for I think it is not dangerous. If you get the money, write and let me know. Also tell Thomas to write. This is all for this time, so goodbye. Give my love respects to Grandfather & Mother, Sister & Brothers. Write soon. From your son, — Robert
Letter 21
Walnut Hills July 10th, 1863
Dear Mother,
I received your letter bearing date of June 28th & am glad to hear that you are all well. I have been sick with the ague but it is leaving me now & I will be all right in a few days more. There is nothing new going on here now, for you have heard by the papers ‘ere this of the capture of Vicksburg which took place on the 4th of July early in the morning. I have not been in the city yet but as soon as I get strong enough to stand to walk around town, I mean to get a pass & go to see what sort of a place it is. The boys say that it is a poor place. Every[thing] is gone but a drug store & there is not much of anything in that.
Captain Gillette is Provost Marshall in Vicksburg & he has got J. G. Nind & George Dunham for clerks. What there was of our regiment that was able to march started for Black River on the morning of the fifth & the rest staid behind. But the report is that our Army Corps is ordered back to take command of Vicksburg & I hope it is true. The Paymaster says that he has received orders to not pay the other two months pay until the division gets back & that will be soon.
As I have got to write a few lines to grandfather, I must close. So goodbye for this time. From your son, — Robert Marsden
Letter 22
Walnut Hills July 10th 1863
Dear Brother Thomas,
I received your letter last night & am glad to hear that your health is good & you like your place & I am not much sorry that you have got a boil or two for you will know how to appreciate the time when you used to bother me when I had the cussed things. But I hope that you may not have so large a dose of them as I had some years ago. If you are bothered with the boils, I have not been altogether without some sickness myself for I have had the fever & ague so that I have not been able to do any duty for more than two weeks—ever since the 18th of June when I had my first fever, & now l do not have either fever or shakes for some time. But the fever is in my bones yet & they are sore & I am weak yet. But if I have good luck, I shall gain my strength before long. It is very warm down here & I do not stir around in the middle of the day any more than I can help for it is too hot.
You do not say whether Mr Simms have moved or not, nor you do not tell what kind of work you are at nor what wages he pays you. In your next you must mention those few things & tell what kind of times there are in Chicago & how often you see Albert Freeman, & whether he received a letter from me. And tell him to hurry up & answer it.
I have not seen Charley Blake for some time now but I will the first chance I get. Our regiment has gone to Black River but the report is that our division is coming back & then we will [get] two more months pay & then I can send some more money to father for he needs it. I told him to use what he wants of that that is at home & I would send him as much more as I could for I think that I owe him all that is in my power to help him for he is not a healthy man & has the family to support.
Thomas I suppose you know that Vicksburg has surrendered & that it happened on the 4th & that will make it all the more of a day of celebration to us that have lain around here so long & were relieved on that day. I have not been into the city yet but intend to go as quick as I am able & can get a pass.
I do not want you to be so long before you write an answer to this letter as you were in answering the other for you don’t know how I like to get a letter. I guess this will do for this time so goodbye and write soon. Give my respects to Mr. & Mrs. Simms and the children and Blakes’ folks when you see them. I still remain your affectionate brother, — Robert Marsden
P. S. Direct to Vicksburg via Cairo.
Letter 23
Walnut Hills July 10th 1863
Dear Father,
I received the letters from mother, yourself, & grandfather last night & am glad to hear that you are all enjoying good health as common. I also received a letter from Thomas last night. He says he has been troubled with boils on his neck & back. He used to make fun of me when I had them & now his turn has come. I hope he may enjoy all the comfort that are possible while he is in that fix, which I know are few. He says that he is intending to make a visit home on or about the 4th & that Mrs. Simms is going to accompany him & probably Freddy Blake. I had a letter from Blakes a few days ago & they were all well & wishing that I were there to pick strawberries again, where I picked them last summer. But they will have to get along without me this summer.
Before this, I presume you have got the letter that I wrote on the 21st of June & also the $15 that was sent in care of J. S. Van Patten. In that letter I told you that I had the fever & ague but it has most left me. It still hangs in my bones & I am pretty weak but I shall gain my strength pretty soon if I have good luck & I hope I shall.
There is nothing new here that has transpired that is very good news except what you have heard by the papers. Except that last night at about 10 o’clock we lost one of our comrades & a very good one he was. It was George Tyler. The doctor said that chronic diarrhea & a gathering in the head was what killed him. He was in the hospital when he died, but had not been there only 3 nights & 2 days. He was taken in on the afternoon of the 7th & died on the night of the 9th at 10 o’clock. His cousin, William Joy, was setting up with him at the time & he says he died very easy & without a struggle or a groan. He has lingered along for a long time looking very poorly & he has finally left us. I expect it will strike hard on his poor mother & father. William wishes you to tell Ira Tyler if you see him in case the letter that he writes does not get through.
It is pretty warm here now & even hot in the middle of the day so that we do not go out, only when necessary. We are camped on a hill & in the shade as much possible. We get pretty good water here from the springs that are among the hills. Father, when you want to use money, take mine as far as it will go, for they will pay us $26.00 again pretty soon after our division comes back. I am not out of money yet & I will send home some when we get pay again.
As my paper is most full, I must come to a close. So goodbye and write soon & direct to Vicksburg via Cairo, for if they go by St. Louis, it takes longer. I still remain your affectionate son, — Robert Marsden
Letter 24
Walnut Hills July 11th, 1863
Dear parents,
As one of our company, Elias Smethers, is coming home on furlough that was promised him when he went on the Forlorn Hope of the 22nd of May, I think I will write a short letter & let him take it up. Andrew Goldsbery is going also & when they come back, you can send me some few things which they say they will fetch for any of the boys. But I am getting a pass to go to Vicksburg today & I am going to apply for a furlough & they say that one out of every five is entitled to one, & if I can, I will be one of the first that gets one. Captain, the boys say, gave J. M. Metcalf one & done all he can to get it signed & I think he will start up the river today. I am gaining strength pretty fast & I hope soon to be as well as ever & I also hope that I shall succeed in getting a furlough. It will not be longer than twenty or thirty days for that is the longest they give & I will do well to get one at all.
There is nothing new going on so I can’t write a long letter & as he is waiting to pack up, I must bring my letter to a close. Hoping this will find you all right & enjoying good health. I must close. Give my respects to Millington’s folks & Uncles & Aunts, cousins & all enquiring friends. So goodbye from your affectionate son, — Robert Marsden
Letter 25
Walnut Hills July 15th, 1863
Dear parents,
As I have nothing else to do, I think that I might as well write you a few lines & send them up by Tangerman for I understand that he is going home today & when he comes after his knapsack, I will try to get him to take this letter if it is not too much trouble. He went down town the other day to try & get a furlough but I understand that he did not quite succeed. But as Captain is going up, he is going to pass him up as his servant. Some say that Cap is going to take a horse home with him that he has sponged out of the government & I believe that he got it in that way if he has got it at all, for at Memphis he disposed of a mule that one of the boys lent him on the Tallahatchie march & never paid him anything for it. As the mule was one that the boy captured, he could not collect anything so I suppose Cap took advantage of him & sold the mule for $40 or $60 & pocketed the money. But when the straps come off & all are on equal [terms], there will be a settling for the mule & other little tricks.
I have not been down town yet for I am too weak to walk down & I can’t catch a mule for others get them before I can get a chance. They say that Grant will not sign any more furloughs for our regiment until some of the boys get back that have gone home on furloughs which will be next month.
There is considerable rumor here about our division going up to St. Louis, Missouri, & Paducah, Kentucky, but I don’t know how true it may be. But I hope it may be true & that we may go before long, and we can get furloughs from there. I think transportation will not be so much. When any of those boys return to the regiment. I wish if you can, that you would send me a little parcel of things that we can’t get down here & a little currant wine & dried fruits. I guess some of them will bring them for they said they would.
I hear the officers say that in less than 60 days we will begin to hear the talk of peace but that may be too good for these times, though the thing will be done sometime, & if in 60 days, it will be as well as if they waited longer.
‘Ere this you have heard of the capture of Port Hudson & 5,000 prisoners. You must excuse my poor writing for my pen is mighty poor, and bound to go through the paper. And as my sheet is most full. I must bring my letter to a close. Hoping to hear from you soon, I remain your affectionate son, — Robert Marsden
P. S. Give my respects to uncles and aunts & grandfather and cousins and all enquiring friends, — R. M.
Letter 26
Camp Sherman, Mississippi August 11th 1863
Dear Mother,
I received your letter of the 30th yesterday & also the box you sent me by Elias Smethers. I am glad you are all as well as usual, except father, but I hope he is better before this reaches you. All the things you sent me had spoiled but the dried fruit, jelly, and onions. The wine you spoke of must all have been put in one bottle for when I opened the box there was but one bottle in it & no room for anything more in the box. The cork had got out of the bottle that was there & the wine mixed all over everything. One pair of my stockings were laying beside the bottle & they were full of wine & moldy. They and the cakes were heated & so moldy that I had to throw every sad cake, cookie, pastry & everything that was cooked away. The jelly had commenced to work but as it was not moldy. I can make it go pretty good if I use it in a few days. The dried fruit is good enough as far as I have seen.
The butter can had no sealing wax or rosin on the iron side of the cover & the rag had rotted off around the edge, so the butter had got against the iron & makes it smell very rusty & I think it will have to be thrown away, but after I have had it buried in the ground & get it cold and hard I will scrape the top off & see how it looks. But if it has been melted all the way down, the box being turned over in all shapes the butter is likely rusted through.
When you get another chance to send me anything, don’t send me any cookies, cakes or anything cooked, & if you want to send me some wine the best way will be to get a small can like that you sent my butter in only smaller & put wine enough in to fill it up so that it wont joggle & then screw on the cover & put sealing wax or rosin on the bottom of the cover so the wine wont rust the iron & after you have got the cover on, mind that it don’t shake so that the inspectors would think there was wine in it for they don’t let wine or anything of the kind come down the river. And whoever you send it by, you need not let know but that it is butter or preserves & then they would be likely to tell him anything about wine. Wine must be sealed up or a stout string tied over the cork if they carry it around in this hot weather & jolt it around, for it will work & throw the cork out as mine did I expect. You need not send any butter for we can get pretty good butter here for 50 cents a lb. But you may send all the onions you want to. Send them instead of cake & pie & you may send 2 or three apples if they are ripe, for they were all picked here before they got ripe. Send me some pickled onions if you can but don’t load any one [box] with so much as you did Smethers. In my last I spoke about Jell cake. Don’t send any cakes. Send a few pickled onions instead. Cakes spoil.
I will send you a skim of green silk that came from Jackson. I have had it some time but never could think to send it before. I am getting along pretty well now only I have got the piles pretty bad & doctor say he can do nothing—only let them go off themselves. They are mighty sore things, I tell you, for they give me considerable pain. Tell Jane I can’t write to her this time for I am tired, but I got her letter & think her likeness looks very much like her & that her last letter was more interesting than any other because it mentioned the whereabouts of my former school mates & there are a great many that I did not know where they were.
My paper is pretty near full so I must close. Wishing you to write soon I remain your affectionate son, — Robert Marsden
P. S. The cheese grandmother sent was spoilt. It was a watery cheese & it got so strong that I could not eat it. — R. M.
Letter 28
Camp Sherman, Mississippi August 18, 1863
Dear Brother Thomas,
I received your letter a few days ago in which was your likeness & I am very much obliged to you for it & think it [looks] much as you used to in the face—only you are fatter & I hope you will remain in good health & have plenty of work. I hope you won’t enlist for if you do, you can’t stand it & they would never discharge you, but would tinker with medicine until they had got you killed, and then that would be the last of it. I don’t think I shall get a furlough very soon. I am getting better now for a day or two & if I keep on, I shall feel pretty well in a few days.
You were going to work for Blake, but Mr Simms wants you, so father says. I think you had better stay with him than go to work for Blake’s if Simms’s work is not too hard for at Blake’s the work is considerable harder than you can do, if it is the same as it was when I was there, for there was considerable lifting & you are not strong enough to handle a barrel of flour at the houses of the customers & some of his strongest customers live a good ways off & you have to take the flour upstairs & they buy by the barrel.
If you can have a steady job at Simms’s & the work doesn’t strain you much & is not too heavy, you had better stay with him. He will give you all the help he can & a more important job after a while. Take things cool & don’t give up one place too soon. When you get pretty good food & your work ain’t too hard & your wages reasonable, better be satisfied. Blake’s is a good place but the work is too hard for you, I think.
Well, there is nothing more I can think of to write to you. There is nothing going on here so l must bring my letter to a close. So goodbye for this time. Write soon. From your brother, — Robert Marsden
Letter 29
Camp Sherman, Mississippi September 2nd, 1863
Dear father,
I now, as I have nothing else to do at present, think that I will write a few lines to you & let you know that I am pretty well at present & hope these few lines will find you all enjoying as good if not better health than myself.
There is nothing of interest going on here at present—only that we expect pay every day, though the Major says that we will get it tomorrow & if we do, I am going to Vicksburg the next day if I can get a chance. I have been there once & had a look at part of the town, but there is nothing going on there—only government business, with the exception of a hotel & a few daguerrean galleries & bake shops. The place has been damaged greatly by our gunboats & shells while we were at Young’s Point. In one place, one, whole block of nice brick 4-story buildings has been burnt & the walls knocked down. On the 24th of August, I was in there with Charles Thompson & we only had a few hours to stop for we came in with the team after a load of goods, & as we had an early start & no breakfast, we were very hungry & so we went to the Washington Hotel and got our dinner. I think it was the best meal that I have eaten since I left Chicago. It is a very nice hotel & from the appearance of the dining room & furniture I think it used to be a first class house.
After I had got dinner, I tried to get some tea & potatoes but they were not in the commissary so I had to let them go. And as Charley had got loaded, we started for the Provost Marshall’s office to get a pass & see Captain Gillette. We went into his office and waited about ½ hour, then he came in and shook hands & was very sociable, treated the cigars & told us there was liquor if we wanted it, but we would not take the liquor. He wanted to know if I had not been pretty sick, for he said I looked very bad & he thought I ought to go home on a furlough. I told him that there could only one go from the company in 30 days. Then he said if I did not get well in a few days, to come down & he would try & get me a furlough. So I am going to go down & see if he thinks I have got better. He may give me one but I hardly expect he can for he may think I am nearly well enough for duty. But from his talk he may do all he can for me thinking that it will help get the company home on furlough quicker & of course if he gets one of the boys home, it only makes the rest have a better chance. I can only hope for the best until I find out for a certainly.
Having not heard from you in so long a time, I think you are probably either all sick or don’t want to write. I have not heard from home since Mother & Jane wrote & their letter was the 30th of July. I have heard from Thomas since then, though only once. I wrote to Jonathan Nash last July but have received no answer & think probably he never got the letter or I should have received one before this. I may get a letter the next mail from you for I think there is one on the road, but do not know & if I do I will write immediately. But you need not expect me home for the Captain may have changed his mind though I will try & get him to help me all I can.
There is nothing more to write—only to tell you that we have had a few cool days & at night & morning it was what you might call cold but it is quite warm today. This is all for the present so give my love to Mother, Grandfather, James & Jane. I remain as ever your obedient son, — Robert Marsden
Letter 30
Camp Sherman, Mississippi September 16th, 1863
Dear Mother,
I received your letter of August 29th day before yesterday & am glad to hear that you are all well as usual. I am now well & hope these few lines will find you all the same. I have got over the piles for the present but don’t know how long it may be before they may return, for they say that I can’t tell but what they may trouble me every month for a week or so, but I hope not. My left hand is somewhat broke out with small watery sores & I don’t know but what it may be salt rheum[atisim], & it may be, for you & Jane used to have it & they tell me that it always stays in the blood.
You say that you sent me two bottles of wine in that box that Smethers brought me, but when I opened it, there was but one empty bottle & that was a pint bottle & if there was another one put in, the box had been opened before I got it. When I got it, Smethers said it had, for there was marks on the box where it had been pried open by a bayonet. When he got to the depot, he had to leave the box at a commissary until he could find the regiment and went & got the box for me next day. When he brought it to me, he said he thought it had been opened & when I opened it, I thought they had seen a moldy set of stuff. If they did open it & had nailed it up again & it was so full that I could find no place where they had taken it from.
My butter was not as bad as I at first thought, for after taking off the top, I could use it well enough. All the trouble with that was the cloth rotted off & let the resin drop into the butter & mix up with it. But all the cakes & pastries were spoiled & my dried cherries & currants after a short time got full of worms & I had to throw them away. I think they were not dry enough & having the wine spilled on them spoiled them. When you send me anything by the boys, don’t try to send cake or pie or cookies for they will spoil & when you send wine, if you can, get a can made the shape of a horse shoe & a little neck on. Then you can fill it & take it to the tin shop & they would solder the top on for you for nothing. Then there would be no danger of the cork coming off, or the canteen breaking & there would none dare, or at least wish, to hand me the canteen after opening it.
Well, mother it is getting near supper time & I want to write a few lines to Tom. I must close. Tell Mrs Thompson that Charles is hearty as a buck & drives one of the regimental teams. He is now at Vicksburg & will come back tonight. All of the company are well but William Dickenson, Issac Swarthout, & today Frank Richmond has got some fever but will get over it in two or three days I hope. There is nothing new to tell—only that Little Rock is captured & the Rebels put to flight. That is their last hold in that State. Give my respects to Father, Grandfather & all of the Millington folks. Accept this & my love from your affectionate son, — Robert Marsden
Letter 31
Camp Sherman September 16th, 1863
Dear Brother,
I received your short letter that you sent with Mothers & am glad to hear that you are well & helping Father all you can & that you like the business. I think that if you learn the trade, it wont come amiss for it ain’t a very bad one & looks likely to be a good one in after years. At least it is better than soldiering I think, and I have tried one & seen the other tried. I received your likeness & wrote you another letter but I think you had left Simms’s before it got there. You say that Mr Simms wants me to write to him. I have not written yet but I will in a short time. I had a letter from Emma Blake a few days ago and she said they were all well but her father had got a sore leg & could not do much in the store & that the doctor thought he would have a stiff knee.
Tell Albert Freeman to write—that I have written him three letters & have received none from him, or Allen. Also tell John Ferson to write. Thomas, it is now dark & I must close, hoping to hear from you soon. Tell me about Butler & who the school marm was for curiosity. Accept this & my best love. From your affectionate brother, — Robert
Letter 32
Camp at Memphis, Tennessee October 7th, 1863
Dear parents,
I received the box you sent by Lieut. & a letter by mail yesterday. The box got here Sunday & I was glad to get it & the letter also, for I had not heard from you in three weeks. And when we came away, we met the mail going down to Vicksburg & I presume there is some for me & as quick as it gets there, it will be sent back. I have not heard from Emma Blake in some two weeks & not since Charley died. I did not know of his death until I received my box. I presume there was a letter for me in the mail that has gone down the river but I will soon get it if there was.
The things in my box were all in good order & the cakes were not spoiled in the least. The box had to be laid on its side in order to pack in the Mess chest & the juice had all run out of the jell, but it is not spoiled yet & I am eating up & giving away the stuff as fast as possible for we have got to go to Corinth—so the report is, and I think it is true. They say the troops that were there have gone to Rosecrans’s army & we have got to go & garrison that place. We left Black River Bridge one week ago last Sunday. That was the Sunday before Lieut. Metcalf & John DeWolf started to come down. I have just received a letter from Albert Freeman this morning & shall write him one today.
“The 8th Missouri…are in our division and are the regiment most feared by the citizens [of Memphis] for they are made up of river hands and roughs of the river towns in Illinois & Missouri.”
Robert Marsden, Co. E, 127th Illinois Infantry, 7 October 1863
If we were only going to stop here for the winter, I think we could have good times, but the citizens don’t want us to for our division—when we were here last fall—cut up so that they don’t like us. When we left in the fall, we used to have fires in town every night & once in a while killed some citizens. They would get into some alley & when any soldiers came along, they used to shoot at them with revolvers & often killing or wounding them. Then they would get a larger crowd & chase them, firing at them, and very often doing harm to greater or less extent, and they think we will pursue the same course this winter if we stay here. I think very likely we would for in the south part of town, they had a fire on Sunday night and they say the 8th Missouri set it. They are in our division and are the regiment most feared by the citizens for they are made up of river hands and roughs of the river towns in Illinois & Missouri.
I am well at present & hope these few lines will find you the same. There is nothing new going on here—only the report that there was a fight at Natchez yesterday but we did not hear how it turned out & it is probably false. As my sheet is most full, I must close as I am going to write Thomas a few lines. So goodbye from your affectionate son, — Robert Marsden
Letter 33
Camp at Memphis, Tennessee October 7th 1863
Dear Brother,
I received your letter of September 28th also one from mother at the same time, besides one in the box that Lieut. brought. I have answered them both with one & the reason that I do not address it directly to mother is that I wish father to write a little once in a while for it is some time since he wrote one. He seems to have got that little chore shoved onto mother, Jane & yourself, for since she commenced writing, he has done but very little & I wish him to do more of the writing than he has lately for it don’t hurt anything to have a letter contain a small sentence from all in the family, for I like to hear from all of you. And though I may not answer you all directly in my letters, it will in some part answer them. You can accept them as family letters & as l should be apt to direct to father, you would have as much right to answer the letter as anyone. I should also like to hear from grandfather once in a while & Johnathan Nash, or any of David’s folks, for you seldom mention them in your letters. I am well & hope you are the same. I do not expect to get a furlough unless they renew the order & we go into winter quarters at some point or other.
I had several times gone to Vicksburg & tried to find Charley Blake but could not find the battery & did not know that he had been sick so I did not know of his death until I received a letter from mother in the box. I have not received a letter from Emma. As you thought it is very likely that his death greatly discouraged them & they cannot hardly bear to talk about it or even write for they have had their share of grief this year & it would have nearly broken their hearts when they got the news. It was a hard stroke when they lost Lucy & they had hardly got over that stroke when they get another equally severe. I can but pity them, for the bitter cup of sorrow must have been their portion. I think very likely it will make Mrs Blake very sick, she will grieve so much at her loss. ‘Tis hard to suffer so.
There is nothing much going on here—only the moving of troops. It is considerably colder & they have frost here often. I must close for I have got to go on guard for a little while. So goodbye from your brother, — Robert
P. S. Direct to Memphis, Tennessee. Follow the regiment, putting on 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division. — R. M.
Letter 34
Camp at Bridgeport, Alabama November 18th 1863
Dear parents,
As I have a few moments to spare, I think I will write you a few lines to let you know that I am well at present & hope these few lines will find you the same. We have been on the move ever since we left La Grange so that I have not had time to write to you until now. We are stopping here today to give all a chance to wash, but we start again in the morning at 7 o’clock for Chattanooga, I suppose. We have been pretty busy marching now for over one month & that is the reason you have not heard from me before.
I sent you $15 with Frank Richmond when he expressed his home & l presume you got it from them before this time. I did not write for I did not have time. I received those things sent by Eugene McWayne & also a letter by Samual Durant. I also received one from Emma Blake, Susannah & Johnathan Nash. I am glad you sent me those postage stamps for I had only one left when I got them.
I thought that we were marching very hard when we went from Memphis to Tallahatchie one year ago, but since we started on this march, we have marched as much as 20 miles in one day & that among the mountains. It is pretty hard & I cannot help thinking how hard it would be for Thomas or you if you had it to do. But I hope that Tom will never be foolish enough to enlist for he never can stand it. I think I am as able as any of our family to stand hardship & privation & it goes hard with me when we are about short of rations & have so much marching to do—[and] then to have to cook our pork at night sometimes. But most of the time on this march we had none—only some fresh meat & that is not very good to travel on. When I was at home, I could hardly eat cooked bacon & now if I can get it raw, but sweet, it tastes good. I ought not to find fault for the Rebs hain’t as well situated as we are & I think that their situation will be worse than it is when the 15th Army Corps gets before them & it is on it’s way now. And to tell you the truth, I think there is a big muss ahead—and not far off either—so you may expect to hear from this quarter soon.
On this march until yesterday, we have had five Rebs that we captured on the road & they say if Bragg gets whipped around Chattanooga & driven back, the Confederacy is played out for they cannot get supplies from Tennessee & that is their only source of dependance. When we captured those prisoners, we got a lot of hogs that they were taking to Bragg’s army, but Bragg lost them & the men too. We ate the pork next day. The prisoners went north on the cars & they said that they should stay as long as possible. Two of them are deserters from the 3rd Tennessee Regiment, C.S.A. One was in Camp Douglas when we camped in Chicago & he says he is going to his home near Memphis after he takes the Oath of Allegiance.
I cannot write each letter separate as I should wish for I have not time, so all must write again & accept this as their own letter. Both Thomas, Jane, Mother, Grandfather & yourself. As I have other letters to write, I must close for this time. So goodbye. Write soon. From your son, — Robert Marsden
P. S. Direct to 127 Regiment, 2nd Div., 15th Army Corps, and I will get it via Cairo. — R.M.
Letter 35
Camp near Chattanooga [Tennessee] December 3rd 1863
Dear Brother,
I now sit down to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well at present & hope that these few lines will find you the same. You have heard of the fight here before now & probably are anxious to hear whether any of our regiment were killed or wounded. We were not engaged in the fight. Our regiment were on guard on the division train & had not got here until the fight had commenced, and as there was no regiment to relieve us, we staid with it and stood guard. I was up on one of the mountains and could see the fight on Lookout Mountain & Missionary Ridge. Both places are now in the possession of our forces as well as all the country around here for a considerable distance.
We send out foraging parties every three or four days to get corn & then those that go have a chance to get pork, beef, chickens, geese, ducks turkeys, sheep, honey, molasses, potatoes & everything else that we can find, we take if we want.
Our army has been very successful here. They have captured up to the present time 30,000 prisoners and 60 pieces of artillery. Our loss in killed and wounded 2,800. The Rebs loss is considerable larger. I seen about 3 acres of them cusses planted in one patch at Chattanooga and the negroes were busy planting more. And from the looks [of things], they are going to have another patch about as big as the first. Besides those there is lots of them on the fields that never will get buried. The Rebs are coming in everyday & giving themselves up. There will be about 10,000 Tennesseans desert from Bragg’s army, so some of the prisoners say, for their time is out and they want to go home. They say that [the] Confederacy is bound to fail, so they don’t want to fight any more for it. The report is that we have captured Bragg’s son who was in command of a Battery, & the Battery, men and all. And there was a report that we had also captured Old Breckinridge’s son.
The Rebs say that Old Bragg swore he would whip the 15th Army Corps, or use up every man he had, but he did not succeed in whipping the 15th. The thing sort of reversed & he got whipped pretty bad & they ain’t willing to stop at giving him a whipping, but they are following him up & they will run him out of the country. It is the biggest whipping Bragg ever got & I hope it is the last that they will want in this war. I rather think they have got a belly full this time. Hooker’s men think that the 15th Army Corps are great fighting men. They laughed at Sherman when they first see him, but now they have changed their mind. The Rebs say that the 15th Army Corps is all that whipped them.
There is nothing new going on here at present so l must close hoping to hear from you soon. Again, I bid you goodbye. From your brother, — Robert Marsden
P. S. When you write, let me know if you got that $15 I sent by Richmond. — R. Marsden
Letter 36
Camp near Chattanooga Sunday noon, December 6th 1863
Dear Father,
As I have a few spare moments, I think that I might as well write you a few lines & let you know that I am well & hope these few lines will find you the same. I received a letter from you yesterday [and] also one from Mother, James and Jane. I am glad that your side is getting better & I hope that it may become as well as ever.
You say that you have not heard from me for seven weeks. I do not know how that happens for I have not allowed more than 4 weeks to pass without writing that I remember of & that was when we are on the march & I was out of material for there were no sutlers along so I could not get any paper & envelopes. But I have some now. I received a letter from Thomas on the 1st & wrote him on the 2nd which you will have received before now.
I received that letter by S. W. D. also those articles by E. A. McWayne for which I am very much obliged to yourself & mother also some postage stamps in the letter. I suppose you know that S. W. Durant is our Regimental Quartermaster & Eugene McWayne, I presume will be our Q. M. Sergt before long. Ozias J. Lent is our Regt. Commissary Sergt. so you will see that our former members of the company have the bossing of the grub, & if partiality is shown when we are on short rations, you can probably judge where it would be likely to fall. But there is not much shown, so they do the thing about as fair as possible.
You no doubt have heard considerable of the late battles in this vicinity. They were truly great gains in favor of the Federal Government. Though our loss is considerable, it is not near as many as the Rebs. I was over in the town of Chattanooga the other day & see full three acres of graves containing Rebs killed some time ago, & the negroes were at work burying more that were killed in the last battles & I think they will have the biggest part of five acres full this time, besides many on the side of some of the mountains four miles from town where they were killed and will not get buried. 1 One man said that he counted 25 in one place & in the woods there is many that will never get buried. The estimate of our loss in killed, wounded & prisoners is 2,500 & we have captured 62 pieces of artillery & 30,000 prisoners, 160 of whom were officers ranking from Lieut. to Colonel. Some say that Bragg’s & Breckenridge’s sons were among the prisoners, but this may not be true.
I saw the charge on Lookout Mountain & it was a splendid thing to some, but to me it was shocking for well I know that some poor fellows lost their lives & some their limbs. I could see the fire of both lines, the line of the Rebs gave way & our men climb up the side & went around the point & out of sight.
As I want to write a few lines to mother, I will close until morning. I presume you remember that tomorrow is my 20th Birthday & I hope to spend the next one at home. This is all for the present, so goodbye from your affectionate son, — Robert Marsden
1 Marsden may be describing what is called the Confederate Cemetery at Chattanooga. Most of the soldiers interred there died in Confederate hospitals from wounds received at Murfreesboro or from sickness and wounds incurred in campaigns from January 1st to 7 September 1863 when the Confederates evacuated Chattanooga.
Letter 37
Camp near Chattanooga [Tennessee] December 7th 1863
Dear Mother,
I received your letter with one from Jane, James, & father the other day. I wrote a letter for father last evening & will send this with it. You know this is my 20th birthday, the second one spent in the United States Service, & there is one more coming, & after that has passed I shall not have but 7 months more to serve. And if the rest of the time passes as quick as the first 17 months, it will not seem very long. The time passed is very short to look on but the future seems longer to look at. But after it has gone, it will look just as short if not shorter.
You want to know if I have forgotten home & parents. I can assure you that I have forgotten neither. But the reason I have not written oftener is that we have been on the march & could not have time to write, for they marched [us] most all night as well as day sometimes, getting up at 1 o’clock & getting our breakfast of ½ rations, then start on the march at 2 o’clock & go without resting until 11 o’clock except for 15 or 20 minutes in a couple of hours. You say that you don’t see why I can’t come home as well as the rest of the boys, for the most of them are & have been at home. I don’t know that I shall ever get a furlough but if I should have the luck to get one, you need not fear, but I will take it for I think that I should like to spend a few days at home when I get the chance—though if it were this winter, I think it would seem very cold. The weather here among the mountains is very cold—or at least it seems so to us—for we have been where it is so much warmer that this seems quite cold. There has no order for furloughs been issued since last August so I don’t think there will be any given until they issue an order to that effect & I have no idea when that will be.
I am well & hope this may find you all the same. As I want to write James & Jane a few lines before I send this to you, I must close. Give my respects to uncles & aunts & cousins, so good by for the present. From your son, — Robert Marsden
Letter 38
Bridgeport Alabama December 23rd, 1863
Dear Brother James,
I WISH YOU A HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL.
I think I will try to write you a few lines in answer to the long letter I got from you. Jim, I guess there is soldiers enough in St. Charles so I need not come home. And as you say Pussy Clark is arresting all the soldiers that he thinks are deserters, he might arrest me & I would not like that so I must stay. I think but maybe the thing will change before long & if I can I will come home & stay two or three weeks. You seem to have considerable trouble with your skates, but I hope St. Nicholas will bring you a new pair and that there may be plenty of good skating & sleighing.
I hope your ear has got well & Jane is better & father’s side also. When you write again, tell me how Susannah, Dick, & Davey is getting along.
There is nothing going on here so I must close pretty soon for I am getting cold. Give my respects to Millingtons, John Lewis, Kirk Ferson, Hale, Born Marvin & the Freemans & Charley Wheeler. Tell Albert & Allen they must write to me. This is all for the present. Give my love to father, mother & grandfather. So goodbye from your brother, — Robert Marsden
Letter 39
Bridgeport Alabama December 23rd, 1863
Dear Brother,
I received your letter—also one from Johnathan day before yesterday & I received one from Jane, James & yourself about one week ago, but as we were not in camp, I delayed writing until now. Yesterday I had another touch of the ague, but I feel better today, I hope I shall not have much of it this winter. We are going to go into winter quarters before long. We have stopped here to get clothing & some pay. Then we will start for the place where we will quarter. I don’t know exactly where, but it will be somewhere in the vicinity of Huntsville. We will get pay about tomorrow & will start soon after. I had a letter from Emma Blake at the same time I got your & James’s. She says that Capt. Bulton brought Charley’s body home & they had it buried beside Lucy’s. 1
If we get into winter quarters there will probably be some chance to get a furlough & I may get one. The order was read to the regiment this morning that when we get into quarters, officers might apply for leave of absence & if the officers can be spared, I think likely the privates can.
Tom, if you want to make that overcoat of mine warm you can get some rabbit or other kind of fur & put [it] on the collar. That is the way the [Army of the] Potomac fellows do down here & they look nice & warm. If I get a furlough, I shall get a cavalry overcoat—-they are nicer for a person to wear that has not got to do any marching—& let you have it, and I will take my old Infantry overcoat when I come back. But it is no use surmising for there is lots of others that want furloughs & I will have to stand my chance. So if I am lucky I may get one.
Frank Albert is now with the company. He came here on the 21st of December. They do not punish him I think for Richmond has not had any orders to that effect, so I think he will be all right. He played a mighty sharp game, for he took his descriptive roll with him, so while he had that, they cannot arrest him as a deserter. He says he gave himself up & the provost marshal had him as provo guard—that or something similar is the way it has been or he would have been under close confinement, & when returned to company, the officer in command would have been instructed to have him court martialed.
I am sorry to hear that father has had another bad time with his side. I hope that it may soon get well again but I rather doubt. There is nothing going on here of interest so I must close as I have got to write to Jane & James. Hoping to hear from you again soon, I remain your affectionate brother, — Robert
P. S. Thomas, you may make me one pair of pegged boots, not very heavy & send the first chance you get for mine are worn out, also some Postage stamps.
1 Charles (“Charley”) B. Blake was only 15 years old when he enlisted as a private in March 1862 to serve in Battlery L of the 2nd Illinois Light Artillery. He stood only 5′ 3″ tall, had blue eyes and dark hair. He died of disease at Vicksburg, Mississippi. His sister, Emma L. Blake (1845-1914) was a frequent correspondent with Robert. Another sistr, Lucy S. Blake (1853-1863) was only ten years old when she died.
Letter 40
Larkinsville, [Jackson county] Alabama January 17th, 1864
Dear Brother,
As I am in camp with the regiment tonight & have received some letters from home & one from Savannah, John Lewis & Emmy & Freddy. I will try to write you a few lines & let you know that I am well, hoping these few lines will find you the same. I came from Roseberry Creek today for the mail but as I cannot get back tonight before dark, I conclude to stay until tomorrow. I wrote a letter to Jane on the 14th but dated it the 15th through mistake. I mailed it at Scottsboro on the 15th. I bought me a pair of boots there & paid $12. They are very good looking boots, made of grained leather, & come up to my knees. My shoes gave out & I had to buy me something to wear & as I was away from my division, I could not get any government boots & shoes & necessity compelled me to buy anything I could get. They will probably last me some time so you need not send me mine until you hear from me stating that I need them. I sent father $10 in the letter I sent Jane.
I also mentioned being staying at the house of a Union citizen [named Claibourne Wiley Carr] near where our pontoon boats are laying. I spend most of my time there and they seem to think considerable of me and another young man belonging to Co. K. We both stay there most of our time. Miss Margrette E. Carr—daughter of the man with whom we stay—made me a present of a pair of socks [and] also a pair of gloves. There is four daughters living with the old man. One is married to a man belonging in the 1st Alabama Cavalry, USA. The next oldest, M. E. Carr, is about 19 or 20—a very smart young lady, more so than any other I have seen in my travels. The next youngest is 15 & the youngest 11. She is my pet, same as [sister] Lucy used to be, but she is more bashful than Lucy was. But she so much resembles Lucy about the eyes & hair that I cannot help thinking of her when I see her. Her name is Laura Carr.
The regiment have got comfortable quarters but there is no furloughs given and as long as there is none given, I wish to stay where I am at Carrs’.
As I have got to write to Emma, Fred, Suzannah, John Lewis & Albert Freeman & there is no news here at present, I must close for this time. Tell Jane she must explain what kind of a machine that Christmas present is. Tell me also what father’s is. Give my love to all of our folks & all inquiring friends. Hoping to hear from you again soon, I remain your brother, — Robert
Letter 41
Larkinsville, Alabama February 14th, 1864
Dear Father,
As I have a few spare moments, I think I might as well write you a few lines & let you know that I am still well & having pretty good times considering the place I am in. My health is very good & I hope this little letter will find you in better health than the last I received left you in, for I think it was not very good at that time. We received two months pay day before yesterday & I send you $10 with Eugene McWayne which you will get at Squire McWayne’s house or office. I would send you more but I think it will be some time before we will get pay again so I retain $16 to defray the expense of sending you my likeness which I will send after we have some fine weather, but today it is raining a little & will be muddy for some time. I did not pay the charges on the money for we did not know what it would be. You can probably pay that, for it will not be much, probably not more than 25 cents.
We were ordered to be ready to go foraging this morning, but as there were men enough in the other regiments, we were sent back to camp. Our company will be on picket next Tuesday. That is about all the duty we have to do now days. It is so light duty that we hardly notice it—only when the weather is bad. We go on picket once in 10 days. It is surprising how our army is strengthening itself. The Rebs are deserting fast & coming to our lines & lots of the citizens are enlisting as state troops for 12 months & they will soon be strong enough to rid their state of the Rebs themselves.
I hear that our Army Corps is to take the rear & let those troops take the front that have been garrisoning Memphis, Nashville, Louisville, Cairo, Springfield & all the cities where troops have been stationed. And if that report proves true, we will be likely to have easier times the next 18 months. I presume you know that it is just 18 months today since we were organized as a company & 18 more to spend in the service. Then our time will be out. There is nothing new here to tell you—only there is at present a rumor that the train is captured that was sent out by some Rebs. But it is not true, I think, for they would send for our regiment to scout if that was the case. But as we have no orders to leave yet, I guess it is only a rumor.
I must close for this time. Give my love to mother, grandfather, sister, brothers & cousins, uncles & aunts. So goodbye from your affectionate son, — Robert Marsden
Letter 42
Larkinsville, Alabama February 28th, 1864
Dear Brother [Thomas],
I just received your letter yesterday bearing date of the 15th & think I will write you a few lines tonight. I am well & hope these few lines will find you the same. I have been [looking] some time for a letter from home & had almost made up my mind that the mail had been robbed but I see that it is all right yet. I want you to send me those boots by Express & as Charley Thompson wishes some few articles sent to him, I have spoke to him & he says that he & I may as well have them sent together. Mother can see Charley’s wife & they can send what they want to, but not send so much that it will weigh more than 40 or 30 lbs. Charley said he would write to his wife & let her know that we wanted some things sent & we could have them come together. Let the expressage be paid at your end of the route. I want you to send some dried fruit, but do not send any pies, cakes or anything ready cooked.
Feby 29th 1864
I had to quit writing last night for my candle went out so I could not finish until this morning. It is raining a little this morning & we are going to muster for pay today. I was out on a scout with the regiment Saturday after some guerrillas but they gave us the slip & we did not get them, so it was only a tramp for nothing. Yesterday afternoon, I & Charley Thompson took a ride down into the country & took dinner at Carrs’ and got a canteen full of milk & returned to camp. Next time I go I shall go earlier & take my gun & get some pork off some of the secesh. You may think that I would make a chicken-hearted butcher for I used to hate to kill chickens at home. But I have got over that now for I can kill anything that is fit to eat. I have had considerable experience in the butcher line since I came into the service. With one to help me, I only ask for 15 or 20 minutes to kill, dress & cut up a hog, sheep or calf. We don’t scald hogs, we just jerk the pelt off like we do sheep or calves. I don’t think I will have to get Juckett to butcher when I come home unless I get out of practice.
Well Tom, I must close so that I can get this in before mail leaves. I got the 16 postage stamps but as I had to borrow some before I got them, & have to pay back I have not got a great many left. Give my respects to father mother & all the rest. So goodbye from your brother, Robert Marsden
P. S. Direct the box when you send to Larkinsville, Alabama, via Nashville. Send by Adams Express Co. to Charley or me, no difference which. — Robert Marsden
Letter 43
Larkinsville, Alabama March 22nd 1864
Dear Brother,
I received yours of the 14th [and] also one from James & Jane and am glad to hear that you are well and that father is somewhat better. I am well and hope these few lines will find you the same. The weather has took quite a change in the last 24 hours. Last night it commenced snowing and has not quit yet and it is almost 6 or 8 inches deep. It is the most that has ever fell in this country. The citizens told me when the snow was not deep enough to make snowballs that it was the most hey had ever seen and now it is so that Charley Thompson and Dennis Doyle has made them a sort of sleigh & have been taking a sleigh ride. But so many of the boys piled on that they broke one of the runners and Doyle & Charley are fixing it and then we will try it again.
Charles Beach & John Hand have come to the company. They came yesterday noon. Bill Dickinson has not got here yet. You say that you are making me a new pair of boots. When you get them done, send them by Adams Express and let Charley’s wife know as she can send a few things to him is she wishes. But you need not let her pay any of the express for I use Charley’s mules when I want them & that is considerable of a favor. You must pay the express at your end of the route.
Charley was right in saying that we had marching orders for we had, but they were to go to the Landing. But as our regiment were trying to see if we could not drill the best of any in the division, our General countermanded the order so you can be safe in sending to me for from the prospects, we will be here for the greater part of the coming summer—so our Colonel days. We may have to go on some few day scouts but that won’t make any difference. You can send for they will follow the regiment. Direct to me at Larkinsville, Alabama, putting on the Co, Regt, and Division before the place. Then it will come all right.
You want to send me some dried fruit and some paper and envelopes & such other things as you may see fit for the weather is so cool that things will not be apt to spoil. You can send me some butter too if you please. I can get eggs enough at Mr. Carr’s where I used to stay. I trade them rice for them & we sell our coffee at the rate of 60 cents per pound.
I received a letter from Susannah yesterday and intend to answer it tonight. I wrote to Lizzie one day last week. I had a letter from Emma day before yesterday. She says her father is getting better. Peaches and plums had blossomed here before this storm but this will kill them. I received your postage stamps in a letter yesterday & some a week or so ago. I don’t know whether I told you before or not. I had a good game of snowball this morning with Richmond, Col. [Frank] Curtiss & lots of the other boys & officers of the regiment that chose to participate. We are all boys together—officers and all—when we get at some play. But on drill, each one knows his place & we are the best drilled in the 2nd Division, so the General says. This is enough for this time so goodbye. Send my things soon and write. Gove my love to all, — Robert Marsden
Letter 44
Larkinsville, Alabama April 4th, 1864
Dear Father,
I received your welcome letter yesterday & am glad to hear that you are better in health & I hope you will recover of your lameness, but I am very sorry that mother is so sick. But I hope she will have recovered ‘ere this reaches you. I am well at present but do not feel so light of spirit as l should if I did not know that you are in such a poor situation at home. But if there is any of my money left that I have sent home, I hope you will want for nothing while it lasts, for it is yours & welcome & we will get pay again in a few days. I expect & I shall send some more unless I hear that you are better.
You say that mother expresses a wish to see me often but that is of no avail for I cannot get one now until the spring campaign is over and probably not then. But I hope I shall. There has no furloughs given in our regiment since we came here, except to some that were sick & the surgeon said would not get well unless they were sent north. But there was one captain allowed to go a few days ago who had received a telegraph dispatch that his wife was dead & the General gave him permission to be absent for 20 days to see to his family. You say that you wish me to take good care of the likeness I have of mother. I do but it is somewhat bent & if you wish I will send it home for there you can take better care of it than I can here & if you think you would like it I will send it to you.
I had a letter from Lizzie Metcalf a few days ago & she said that her mother was sick but she did not say what her father was doing. But I think he is still keeping shoe shop in the old stand. You say Charley’s wife said that he wrote for her not to send. That was so, for after I wrote he wrote to her & between the time I wrote & he we had orders to march that was the reason he told her not to send but the order was countermanded. I had nothing to pay on the box & it came through in 8 days, that is quicker than the mail comes. My boots fit me very well. I wear them with an insole, but when we come to march I shall not wear the insole for my feet will sweat too much.
You say you hope this war will close this spring. So do I, and I think it will for the right sort of a man has the boss of the thing. I expect that we will be on the move before three weeks more and I am pretty certain that it will be the last campaign in this war. Our regiment is the best drilled in the division, so our general says. We were on review yesterday. They are fixing for forward & rapid movements in the army. There is nothing for news so I must bid you goodbye. As l write in a hurry, you must excuse poor writing & mistakes. Hoping to hear from you again soon, I remain your obedient son, — Robert Marsden
P. S. Give my love to mother, brother, sister, grandfather, & all the rest of our friends. — RM
Letter 45
Larkinsville, Alabama April 10th, 1864
Dear Mother,
As you would no doubt like to hear from me, I will write you a few lines tonight. I am sorry to hear that you are so unwell but I hope you will soon recover & that this war will be settled & then I can come home. But l cannot come at present for they have no chance to get furloughs at present. But if we stay here this summer there may be some chance & the Colonel told me that he rather thinks we will stay here most of this summer. But you must not think hard of any of my company officers or regimental officers for they would give me all the help in their power but they are entirely under the command of higher officers. But mother, do not be discouraged for there is a time coming when I can come home & I only hope that by the speedy prosecution of the war the time may be shortened. Then I may be of some help to you & father for you need all the help that your children can give you. Mother, if you have made use of what little money I sent home I hope you will not hesitate to do so in any way that you see fit and I will send you more when I get paid off.
I am well and hope these few lines will find [you] in considerable better health than you were when James wrote. This is all for this time hoping to hear from you again soon. I remain your affectionate son, — Robert Marsden
Letter 46
Larkinsville, Alabama April 10th, 1864
Dear Brother James,
I received your letter of the 3rd today—also your likeness. There was also a few lines from father & Jane & tonight, as l have nothing much to do, I think that I will try to write you a few lines. I am well & hope that these few lines will find you the same. I am sorry to hear that mother is not any better but l hope that she will be better ‘ere this reaches you. You say that your school has let out for vacation. I hope you will have a good time & will help father & mother all that you can for you know that they are both sick & need all the help that you & Jane & Thomas can give them. I am not where I can be of much help, but you, Thomas, & Jane can & ought to do all that you can.
You can do all the chores out doors & about the stable. Jane can do the housework, & Thomas can be of help to father in the shop. But father says Jane does not act very well & that mother can hardly get her to do the work & that of course frets mother & makes her worse than if she should do the work without being forced to. Jim you must know that if you had all of the work to do that there is at home, you would not begin to have as hard times as if you were soldiering.
You say that you want me to send my likeness to you. I have not got any at present but after payday I intend to have some taken & then I will send you one. I hope you will have good times catching fish but that you won’t spend too much time fishing & neglect your work at home. I guess you had better send me a good lot of paper by mail about the same size of this & it won’t cost much & then I can sell what I don’t want for it is hard work to get good paper here & we have to pay dear for it. You need not send but one bunch of envelopes & what paper I don’t want I will sell. There is nothing new going on here except that we were on Grand Review today & are going again tomorrow. It is pretty tiresome work for we have to march so long with our guns in one position that it tires our arms.
Well, there is nothing worth writing about at present. I must close & write mother a few lines. So hoping to hear from you again, I remain your affectionate brother. — Robert Marsden
Letter 47
Larkinsville, Alabama April 28th 1864
Dear Brother,
I received your letter tonight in which was a few lines from Tom & Father. I am glad to hear that you are well—also that mother is improving & that father is some better. I hope that Freddy Blake, Thomas, & yourself will have a good time hunting & fishing for Freddy has never been out there before, though he often expressed his wish that he could go out with me when I was clerking for his father & now that he has got out there I hope he will [be] enjoying himself.
I am well as usual & I hope that I may remain so this summer for I had my share of sickness last year I think. I received a letter from Emma [Blake] a few days ago & she stated that Freddy had gone to St. Charles & that he was to stay until he got homesick & if he is as long getting so as Emma was, you may have some pretty good times before he leaves. Jim, I think your letter got here last night but as I was down in the country I did not get it until I came back to camp. I went down last Tuesday & intended to come back Wednesday, but as the horse thieves had stolen Mr. Carr’s son-in-law’s horse, he & I took our guns & two horses & went out to try & find the horse & thieves if we could. But we were more successful than we expected for we got the horse some six miles from home, but we did not get the thieves. They were probably across the Tennessee River when we got the horse. We thought that the horse had got away from the thieves when they had tried to make her swim, for Edd Samply—that is the owners name—says she is very hard to make swim, and that in trying to swim her across she probably got away from them. He was very thankful to get the horse for she was a very nice one & he uses her in the company he belongs to—the 1st Alabama [Union] Cavalry.
Jim, we are under marching orders & expect to leave in a day or two & I think likely before you get this that we will be on the march. But I don’t know where we are going nor it don’t make much difference with me, for I have made up my mind to make myself at home wherever I may be. But if we move, it will not make any difference in the direction of my letters. I received the package of paper & envelopes you sent me last Monday & what I let the boys have I sell at the rate of 30 cents for quire. I don’t want to make much out of the boys—only what will pay expenses.
Well, as I have got to write two or three more letters tonight, I must close. I am going to be on guard tomorrow. Give my love to father, mother, sister, grandfather & all. So hoping to hear from you again soon, I remain your affectionate brother, — R. Marsden
P. S. I don’t think we will get pay before we leave here, for there is no signs of the pay master yet. — R. Marsden
Letter 48
Camp near Chattanooga, Tennessee May 6th, 1864
Dear parents,
As we are on the march & have been ever since the first of the month. I have not been able to write before, but as we are camped here until 1 o’clock, I take this opportunity of writing you a few lines & letting you know that I am well & so are all the rest of our boys. There has not one of them fell out yet on account of fatigue or sickness. It is the first time we have ever been on the march that some of the boys have not given out. We don’t know exactly where our place of destination is but at present we are bound for Rossville some 20 miles from here. I don’t know what there is for news for we have all sorts of reports. Last night the report was that General Thomas had driven Johnston out of Dalton, but as Johnston was about to flank him, he retreated & this morning the report is that Johnston is retreating from Dalton towards Atlanta with all speed.
Our colonel told me last night that our corps, with part of the 16th & 17th, form the right wing of the army. I don’t know how long it will be before we are in an engagement but as the troops are moving forward, there may be some fighting before long. There is a great many troops about this country & unless the Rebs have good entrenchments & have taken advantage of the mountains, they will have to do bigger fighting than they have done in this country or they will have to run, for there is a big fight or a footrace ahead for there is a good many troops here & they feel fresh & will do some pretty good fighting before they will give up whipped. I think that this is our last campaign unless they have one this fall for I don’t think they can have one next spring that we will participate in.
Now that we are on the march, you need not expect to hear from me quite so often but you must not neglect to write often. Jim Doyle was here a few minutes ago. He says Capt. Gillette is along here with the troops—also Logan. There is 22 men in our company at present & all well so if anyone makes inquiry their friends in the company, you can tell them they are all right. I must close for this time, so hoping to hear from you again soon, I remain your affectionate son, — Robert
P. S. I don’t know when this will get mailed. Direct as usual.
Letter 49
Acworth, Georgia May 7th 1864
Dear Father,
I received your kind letter of the 28th of May [April] last night. Also one from Jane of the 18th and am glad to hear that you are all well as can be expected. I am well at present and so are all of the rest of the boys in our company.
We are again in pursuit of Johnston’s army for they were again routed from Dallas on the morning of the 5th & we started in pursuit of them & marched about 10 miles, then we camped for the night. We started again yesterday & after marching about 7 miles, we reached the town of Acworth where we now are. We camped here about 2 o’clock & this morning we drew 3 days rations or what will have to last 3 days, though according to the regulations it is only about ¼ rations. We get ¾ of a pound of bread, ½ Ib of sow belly, & their Ibs are mighty small ones. We get plenty of coffee & but ½ rations of sugar. We get plenty of salt & we get two days ration of fresh beet & 1 lb. of sow belly to last 3 days. Our quartermaster, Sam Durant, is a very irregular person in regards to issuing the rations. Sometimes he will issue us three days rations & when that is ½ gone, he will issue 3 more. Then, you see, we will have 4 ½ days rations in our haversacks which is not so easy carried & when we have so much to carry, we eat more in order to lighten our load. Then maybe Sam wont issue us any rations again until those we have are gone & 1 ½ days rations due on the next three days ration. He seems to care only for himself & his pocket. One thing is certain that if he goes home when the time is out with the company, he will have a sour time for more than one has something of a grudge against him & some I think would almost risk life itself to give him six months sickness, if not make him a cripple for life. For myself I should not cry to see his throat cut. Nothing I believe makes a soldier hate a person worse than to see him cheat them out of their grub & not have the power of helping themselves. Our quartermaster goes armed & I think is afraid that the boys will give him trouble some day.
I have heard some of the officers say that he expected to get a thrashing as soon as the regiment was out of the service & I hope he will for I cant have any pity for him. He is a worse man for a quartermaster than D. T. Hail, our first, and he was bad enough. There was one good trait about Hail [and] that was he would get all he could for the regiment without regard to who would have to account for them. But Sam won’t get anything more than he is obliged to & the colonel has to give him quite a blowing up every little while in order to get him to get what is actually necessary. And as for his helping the boys by carrying their knapsack when they are tired out with marching, he never does it—only when he cant help himself. The colonel frequently orders some of the boys that lay behind when tired out to put their knapsacks on the wagon. Sam tries to make them carry them, but the colonel outranks him as luck will have it & that is lucky for the regiment. There is not one man in the regiment but would rather be wounded himself than have our colonel wounded so that he would not be able to hold command of the regiment. I never saw a man that was so much thought of by a lot of men as our colonel is. He is quite popular among the Generals—Logan, Giles Smith & Morgan L. Smith. Logan is commander of our Corps, Giles A. Smith of our Brigade & Morgan L. Smith is our Division Commander.
I am very well satisfied with the officers that are now in command over us, only McPherson—I don’t like him. He won’t allow us to forage in the country but the niggers—they have all the chance there is for that because they don’t march in the ranks & no officers are responsible for them. But no nigger can pass a regiment with forage without having it taken away from him unless he keeps on the opposite side of the fence & then his head is in danger of bunting some flying stone that the boys send after him & frequently they hit him.
Tell Thomas that he never was sorry for anything he ever done in comparison to what he will be if he enlists in the 100-day service for they will no doubt be in as bad a place—as if they were in the 3 years & in the field, for if there is any bands of guerrillas in the country [and] they will of course attack the stations that are garrisoned by the new troops. And as far as I can learn, the officers they have got are of just the right kind to desert them in their time of need. They only enlisted for the honors of a commission & the pay. They can rest assured that their 100 days will last 100 days from their time they are organized as a regiment & they can hold them 60 days after the expiration of their time, and if necessary, 90 days. And you can bet they will hold them as long as they can according to military law & that is considerable & all in their power too.
This morning the colonel has been up to see the general about rations & has just returned & the general told him to draw the remainder of our rations so as to make them full & has ordered Sam to go & draw them. Sam has gone to try & get them & he hangs his tail like a whipped dog. We are likely to remain in camp here for all day today & some say for maybe three days in order to get our washing done. Billy Sherman is here in town—or was last night, but nobody knows where he is today for he travels like lightning when he wants to.
A Rebel lieutenant that was captured at Dallas, on being asked why they did not make a stand, said that they never could stand Billy Sherman for all he had to say is, “Attention World, by Nation Right Wheel,” & they say if they can, the Rebs start before he gives the command, “March!” You see there is some novelty even on the battlefield. We were in line of battle 11 days & our regiment was in the front, but our loss was very small. We would no doubt have been longer in the front if the Rebs had not left. Their next hold is at Atlanta 28 miles from here.
Give my best respects to Mr Dean Ferson’s folks & to Uncle David’s & Richard’s. I am sorry to hear that Thos. McGuire was taken prisoner. I don’t see how they got him unless he was on picket & the man on post was negligent in regard to his duty—unless he was wounded, for I know that if I am with my regiment, the Rebs can’t get me unless I am wounded. For a picket is supposed to be on the watch so as not allow the enemy to take him by surprise & if they are coming, it is his duty to fire & give the alarm & fall back slowly to his command, but not unless the Rebs follow & the regiment never fires from the line until the skirmishers or pickets are driven in. If the soldier does his duty the enemy can never surprise him & of course never take any prisoners unless they get the whole Regt that are engaged. But I am sorry to say that it is reported that one Illinois regiment had a large majority of Copperheads & they were willingly taken prisoner. That regiment is the 109th. Their colonel, as I understand, sold all but three companies & the reason they were not sold was that they were too loyal & fought their way after their colonel ordered the surrender & they made their escape. This that I have referred to took place at Holly Springs, Tennessee. I am not confident that the above is true, but a portion of it is at least, I think, for the Rebs frequently tell us while on picket of our Loyal 109th.
There is nothing of news to tell you at present so hoping to hear from you again soon, I remain your affectionate son, — Robert Marston
P. S. Mr Blomely wishes me to tell you that he would like to have his brother fix the fence if he has time, & if he wants to live in it he can & if he wants to lathe & plaster it he will help him. Jim Blomely says there is lathe in the house. Jim wants him to write to him & you can give him the directions.
There is nothing of interest to tell you at present so I must close. Tell Thomas not to enlist, for he can’t stand the service. The weather is very warm here but Providence has favored us by sending us rain so that it is not dusty. New potatoes are fit to eat at present here & when we get a chance we come down on them with our bayonets & root up the ground like hogs. There is quite a show for peaches & apples in this part of the country. This is the best country we have ever seen in the South. It is truly the garden of the so-called Southern Confederacy. The grain is almost ripe & yesterday I saw several of the soldiers into it with the cradles, cutting it for their horses. We now begin to come to houses that the folks are living in. Previous to this, they were very scarce, having gone with the army further south. But these seem to think that the Rebs are whipped & might as well stay at home as go farther south & have no home to come back to. When they stay at home, their house is guarded from plunderers. Goodbye. Yours, — Robert M.
Letter 50
Near Kingston, Georgia May 22nd, 1864
Dear Parents,
I received your kind letter of the 8th yesterday & am happy to hear that you are all in tolerable good health as this leaves me. It is pretty warm here & it will be pretty warm work when we come to travel & that will be pretty soon for we have laid still here this makes the 3rd day. We have been doing our washing & getting a little rest which we were greatly in need of, for we have done considerable marching since we left Larkinsville.
We have had quite a sharp little fight last week at Resaca. Our regiment was in the charge after laying in reserve for two days. Then at 5 o’clock they sent our brigade in to charge the Rebs outer works. General Logan was up on the hill where they could see us & it is reported that when we first went down the hill, he thought our regiment were “scared” but when we got across the creek & he see us form as cool as though on parade, he thought quite different. After we formed and capped our pieces, we advanced at quick time to the works & drove Johnny Rebs to his inner works, with the exception of about 20 which our regiment captured. There was a captain & two sergeants among them.
We had hardly got our position when the Rebs made a grand charge on us. They came out with seven stands of colors opposite our regiment & the 57th Ohio, and they bore down on the 57th heavier than they did on us, for it was smoother ground on their front than on ours. We had a crossfire on the Rebs & done good execution for they left a great many dead & wounded on the field after they evacuated. Those we took prisoners in town say that Johnston estimated his loss that night in killed & wounded at 2,000.
We were expecting that Johnny Rebs was going to charge on us on Sunday for we could see them massing their forces. The prisoners said that Johnston tried to get his men to make a second charge on us but they refused, for they had found out that we were old troops & that he had fooled them on Saturday evening by saying that we were 100-day men but we—they soon found out—we’re the 15th Army Corps. Johnston told them they were surrounded & could only get out by breaking our lines but that was not sufficient to make them charge.
They evacuated on Sunday night after burning the R.R. bridge, but we have got the bridge fixed now so that trains are running to Kingston with supplies & we have established a military post here & some say that there are some of the 100-day troops doing garrison duty at that place. We are camped 2 miles from Kingston but I have not felt desirious of going there yet. I presume we will start tomorrow on the march—some say for Montgomery, Alabama—that is the capital of the state & is in the center of the state & about as far south as Vicksburg Miss.
There is nothing new to write so I will close for the present. Give my love to all of the folk. Hoping to hear from you again soon, I remain your affectionate son, — Robert
P. S. Tell Tom not to enlist & send me some postage stamps.
Letter 51
In the field Camp near the Chattahoochee July 12th 1864
Dear Brother Thomas,
As I have nothing else to do this afternoon & am in a shady place, I think that I will write you a few lines & let you know that I am well as usual & hope these few lines may find you & father & the rest of the family the same. I wrote him a letter a few days ago in answer to one received from him in which I received the photograph of mother & himself.
At the time I wrote we were in camp about 12 miles from here & expecting to be brought to the front which we soon were, but did not have to do anything but fortify ourselves. At night, General Sherman sent the order around that General Scofield had crossed the river & was making his way to Atlanta & we knew that Johnston would have to make his retreat before Scofield cut him off, or he would be taken prisoner unless he could cut his way out. And where our division was stationed, we knew it was a weak position & if they were desperate, they might possibly get out. But when we had got them done we lay down expecting that in the morning they would either have crossed the river in our front, or we would have to fight them nights for they would make night assaults as they have done heretofore.
We are camped here at present & there is some prospect of staying for some time & it is reported here this morning that Atlanta is captured & I do not altogether discredit the report for yesterday we heard from headquarters that our forces were within 4 miles of Atlanta. If it is not taken yet, it will be soon & I do not think this campaign will soon be over & if we stay here long, I shall think our Army Corp has not got to take part in it again—so I hope at least.
The weather is very hot today & yesterday when we came here it was so hot that the men, over half of them, straggled on the road to rest until they got cooler. Thomas, I will send this letter without any postage stamp for I have only one or two & I will probably want to use them before I can receive any more from you. So when you write I would like to have you send some. There is some talk of pay soon but we will not get more than 2 months pay.
We have just received another recruit from the hospital at Memphis, it is Charley Kolson. There is nothing of interest going on here at present, so I will close for this time. Hoping to hear from you again soon, I remain your affectionate brother, — Robert Marsden
P. S. Give my love to Father, Mother, Grandfather, James, Jane & all the boys at school. — R.M.
Letter 52
On the Battlefield July 24th 1864
Dear Father & Mother,
As there is a chance to send mail this afternoon, I think I will write you a few lines & let you know that I am still well and all right. On the 22nd we had a heavy fight here & on our left the Rebs undertook to flank us & they succeeded in getting in rear of the 17th Army Corps and they had a severe battle and both sides lost heavily. But the Rebs got whipped & we now hold an advanced position in sight of Atlanta, on the railroad between Decatur & Atlanta, within 1 ½ miles of Atlanta.
Our regiment, the 116th Illinois & the 6th Missouri were the support for our brigade when the attack commenced on the left flank of the lines, and as the Rebs had been fighting the 4th Division of our Army Corps, we were ordered to relieve him—or rather one brigade of his division. We had not been there long before we were ordered back to our place & stacked arms. Then we fell in and started on double quick to the 16th Army Corps to support them and just as we got there & stacked arms the second time, we were ordered to hurry back & support our own brigade for the Rebs were advancing on them. When we got here to our part of the line, we found the Rebs had driven our whole line back to the other works & had captured six guns of Battery A and four of Battery H.
When we got to the place & found the Rebs in the works we left, we threw [off our] knapsacks and started on a run with as loud a yell as we could raise with what wind we had left, and made an attempt to retake the works but could not at first. As we fell back and reformed, our column then came again and drove what we did not kill away. But you can bet there was slippery places on the ground made so by the life blood of brave boys and Secesh.
Our regiment lost two killed, seven wounded, & six missing that in all probability were taken prisoner. One of the wounded has since died. Our company lost one man wounded—Jules Green, and one killed—Ozrol B. Pratt. Jule is only slightly wounded in the throat & arm above the elbow. Pratt was shot through the head & was killed so quick [he] did not know he was hurt.
I must close for mail is going off immediately. I am well & hope you are the same. Give my love to brothers and sister, and all friends. This is all for the present. Atlanta is nearly surrounded.
[later letter on same page]
We retook our works and six of the cannon, four of H’s and 2 of A’s. We also got two stands of Reb colors and 8,000 prisoners, or about that number. Our pioneers have worked one day burying dead Rebs & have another’s day work on hand. This is all for the present. Your affectionate son, — Robert Marsden
General McPherson is killed & several generals wounded. The man is a prisoner that shot McPherson & took his sword & hat for trophies.
P. S. Frank Richmond sighted the cannon at the Rebs and fired after we recaptured them, & fired four shots with the help of Major Taylor of the 57th Ohio Vols. General Logan is commanding the Dept., and General M. L. Smith—formerly our Division General—is commanding the 15th Army Corp. General Giles Smith, our Brigade Commander, is now in command of one division of the 17th Army Corps.
Lt. Colonel Martin of the 111th Illinois is commanding the brigade, and General Lightburn is commanding the division.
Letter 52
In the field near Atlanta, Georgia August 5th, 1864
Dear Brother,
I received yours of the 20th on the 28th bearing the sad news that father was no more. It is sad news indeed, but it cannot be helped. You want me to come home, but I do not know whether I can come or not. I showed your letter to Richmond & he says he will do all he can for me. He went and spoke to the colonel and he said the same. Richmond also spoke to Captain Gillette & he said if we could get it to Army Corps Headquarters, he could get it through the rest of the way. But times are so busy at present that I cannot tell when I shall know for certain whether I can come or not. If I cannot come until this campaign is over, I can come when we get settled. I think when I get a chance to speak to Gillett, I shall see if I can get him to try & get me a furlough without having it go through the whole course of generals. But the colonel says that under the circumstances, he thinks that I can get one when there is a little less activity going on among the generals. Anyway, I shall try to get Gillett to forward it all in power.
Thomas, I think I would carry on the shop yet for some time—at least until you hear from me again & get a decisive answer whether I am going to come or not. I do not know how you can better yourself. Be cautious how you proceed in business. Do not contract bigger debts than you can pay. Accept all the help Uncle Richard offers that you cannot do yourself, but do not infringe on his generosity. Write at least once a week so I may know how you are getting along. I received also a letter from Jane dated the 24th I am tolerable well at present but rather dispirited at the news from home. Try to bear up under your grief as I shall do & tell mother to keep good courage for at farthest, I have but another year and then my time is out.
I shall not Veteran under the circumstances that our family are placed at present. I think you are able to help them considerable now & do all you can for them. You will probably see by the papers that we were engaged in a very hard fight on the 28th of July. I received your letter of the 20th while there. Also one from Emma & a paper. I am very thankful to her for her kindness in sending me papers which she does very regular.
On the 3rd of this month our regiment made an assault on the Rebs pickets & in the engagement, Elias Smethers lost his right leg below the knee. Our regiment lost one killed and 5 wounded that day. I wrote you the 23rd of July of Pratt’s death & Gran being wounded. There is nothing of news to tell you at present. I will write again soon. Give my love to all & write as soon as you can. Goodbye from your brother, Robert Marsden
P. S. Do not keep father unburied too long waiting for me for it is not certain that I can come for some time yet. So do not keep him on my account for it is not likely I can get to look at his remains. — Robert Marsden
Letter 53
Convalescent Camp Chattanooga, [Tennessee] Nov 19th 1864
Dear Brother & all,
As I have nothing else to do, I think I will write you a few lines for they will no doubt be acceptable. I started from Chicago on Monday morning at 6 o’clock & went direct to Indianapolis. There we changed cars for Louisville. As soon as we got to Louisville, we went to the Soldiers Home but they would not let us stay there unless we had our transportation [orders], so we went to the office to get it & they sent us to a place called Barracks No. 1, & when we got in there, we could not get out until we started for Nashville. It was a nasty, filthy place and there was only one room & no bunks to sleep on except the floor—and that was dirty. They put as many in that room as could decently stand.
Zollicoffer House in Nashville, circa 1864
Haines & Renick, two of Co. C that started from Chicago with me, started from Louisville the day before I did for the clerk had not put my name on the same roll & I got separated. They got to Nashville & wrote a letter to Captain Warner & he took them out & I think they are still at Nashville. They keep everyone under guard from Louisville to Chattanooga. They put all of us into the Zollicoffer [Maxwell House Hotel] when we got to Nashville & that is as bad a place as the Rebel Libby Prison for if you stick your head out of the window, the guard shoots at you & you cannot get them to do anything for you. They will not even let you go after water, so I got away from there as soon as possible & came here.
We are camped a little way from the town on a hill. It is very muddy and raining still. I have found three of the boys belonging to our regiment in the camp & I hear that there is several others a little ways from here in charge of Captain Little of Co. H. There will be two more of our regiment here in the morning, I think. When they put me under guard at Louisville, it was the first time since I have been in the service & it did not suit me very well.
You need not write yet for a while for I don’t think I can get mail until things are fixed different which will be soon. I cannot get to the regiment for some time yet & I don’t know how I shall get along with these boots & things unless I sell them & send the money to the folks that sent them, for all of the boys that I have got anything for are with the regiment. If anyone asks how I am, tell them I am well & will write when I get so that I can get mail from home. So l will write again when things are fixed better & you need not write til you hear from me again.
Col. Curtiss is reinstated as was reported in town. He is at Nashville at present but will be here before long I presume. I saw two of our regiment in town that are taking care of the regiment’s extra baggage & they said that they had orders to go to Bridgeport, Alabama with the things. I saw Orlo Whipple here today & he is trying to get home. He has been to work for U.S. Govt & the time has expired for which he hired out so he intends to go home.
I am well and hope these few lines will find all of you the same. There is nothing new to write about only it rains most of the time in this place. It is getting dark so I must close. Give my love to all the folks & inquiring friends. From your brother, — Robert Marsden
Convalescent Camp Chattanooga Tenn Nov 20th, 1864
Mail does not leave til 9 a.m. and as I did not close the envelope, I will write a few words more. This morning is chilly & raining. The clouds are so low that we cannot see Lookout Mountain. The sun has not made its appearance since I have been here so I do not know which way is east. We are between Missionary Ridge & Lookout Mountain. Missionary Ridge is about 1 mile from here; Lookout about 3 miles in the opposite direction nearly. That rough form is something nearly the position we are in from the places.
While I was in the Zollicoffer [in Nashville], I saw Fred Knight on the street. He did not say whether he was going home or not, but I think he is waiting for pay & his receipt from Washington. It is raining still and looking cloudy enough to rain all day. Well, I will close so goodbye from, — R. Marsden
P. S. If Pat Connor has not started tell him his regiment is not here now & likely he cannot get to it for several months & he is just as well off there as here & I wish now that l had staid 1 or 2 months more. — R.M.
Letter 54
Bridgeport, Alabama November 24, 1864
Dear mother, brothers & sister,
I have a few spare moments this p.m. and think I will write you a few lines & let you know that I am well & having as good times as can be expected. I wrote Thomas a letter from the Convalescent Camp at Chattanooga & l expect he will get it before he gets this. The Convalescent Camp was a very dirty place & I did not like it & made up my mind that I should leave the first chance I got, for we had to go a great ways for water & when we got it, it was from a slough which ran from around the burying ground. And as for wood, we did not have half enough to do our cooking & we had nothing to lay on except the wet ground & it was as muddy inside of our tents as it was outside. And there was only three or four of our regiment in the camp. Then there was details made every few hours to go off somewhere & they had to carry everything they had with them & sometimes were gone for a week. Then there was a scarcity of grub which did not suit me, so you can see why I did not like the Convalescent Camp.
The day after I wrote Thomas that letter, Denny Doyle and Ed Parmer came up to camp & told me that they were staying with the regimental baggage and that it was on a steamboat & would start for Bridgeport in the morning & they wanted me to come with them & I assure you it did not take me long to decide whether I would go or not. So I packed my blankets on my knapsack & Denny took my satchel & we started for the boat & in the morning it started for this place & arrived here about 11 o’clock in the forenoon. Then Denny & I went down town & got back to the boat just in time for dinner after which we went to work to unload the boats & at night we put up a tent & took Richmond’s & Capt. Parmer’s trunks into it to keep them from being broken. We could not get the boat unloaded that afternoon so we finished the job in the morning. We were busy yesterday & this forenoon storing the baggage of our division in one of the government storehouses. We have not got them all stored away yet & will not work this p.m. on account of this day being set for Thanksgiving. We will finish the job tomorrow.
There is no prospect in seeing the regiment in three or four months & maybe not for six. We are here in charge of the department extra stores & camp equipage. There is a captain in command of the whole of us & he has just picked out our camping ground where we will move to & fix up camp. Denny & I mess together and are chums for we are all there is from our company & there is only two others here from our regiment. There is about 75 here from the Army Corps & we will [be] quite a company when we get camped in good shape which I hope will be soon.
You can write to me as soon as you choose & the sooner the better. You need not put the company or regiment on or any of the military fixings. Just address Robert Marsden, Bridgeport, Alabama, care of U. S. Christian Commission, via Nashville, Tenn. Tell Mrs. Doyle that Denny is here and well, & that he will be likely to get mail if sent in the same manner that I want mine sent. I have put all the stuff into Richmond’s trunk that I brought for the boys, except the can of butter for Bill Joy & the trunk is full as we can pack it. So I think likely if we don’t get to know something from the regiment before a great while, that when mine is done I shall save it from spoiling & pay him for it. For if I try to keep it maybe some of the fellows around will lift it, & I would be so much out.
I hear that the regiment have been paid off since Denny left them & I would like to know if Richmond sent mine home. If he drew it, he would send it home for I told him to. Thomas, I want you when you get my money to find out where Mr. Wheeler got the pen & holder he sent to Brainerd, for I want one just like it. I know they cost considerable but they are worth the money for a person takes care of them & nobody will ask to borrow one, for they know that two persons never ought to use the same pen. And when anyone uses steel pens they are apt to bend & lose. I do not want you to buy it yet for first I want to see if my mail comes through regular. Write as soon as you can after you receive this & then I will probably get it in four or five days from the time you write, & likely ten or twelve from the time I mail this. In the first you write I want Jane to tell me whether Emma’s directions are changed by the new arrangement of the post office matters in Chicago, I forgot to ask her before I left.
The weather is very pleasant here in the middle of the day, but the nights & mornings are very cold. We have had some snow & lots of rainy cold weather. In fact every day since I left Chicago has been very disagreeable except the last two & now we will likely have quite nice weather for two or three weeks—at least I hope so. I am not quite out of money yet, I have got about $1 but you need not send any until I write for some. First I want to know how well the mail comes, then you can send it by mail. There is nothing of interest going on here so I cannot write a great deal this time. I will have to write less at a time & write oftener that all the way I can see of satisfying you in the way of news.
While I think of it, you may wonder where I got this large paper. Well I will tell you. A fellow belonging to the 48th Illinois gave it to me. He got it in Atlanta. It is a blank roll, or was made for that purpose some time or other, & likely for the Rebs but I don’t think the Rebs will use all of it judging from the lot he gave me which was about 100 sheets. They are larger than this, I had to cut this smaller to get it into shape to write on & as I had room to spread it out I thought I would write on it & save my small paper for some time when I could not use this.
Sherman plunders and burns Atlanta in November 1864
I have not heard anything about General Sherman nor his operations so l have no idea where the regiment is. They started from Atlanta on the 15th of this month & before he started, he executed his order that was issued before I went home on furlough. That was that all citizens must move either North or South or abide the consequences. And the consequences were that before he started, he issued orders to pull down all the principal buildings & take all the machinery on the cars to Chattanooga. Also to destroy all of the furniture of the citizens & break open all boxes & destroy everything, which was done so properly as could be expected. And that was well, for some done it for the purpose of plunder. They played on the nice pianos with sledgehammers without regard to the marring of the varnish & keys. There was quite a number of people that had an idea that Sherman was joking when he ordered them to move North or South, but to those that remained it was a severe joke and I presume when he issues another order, whether it may seem like a joke or not, if it concerns them in any way, they will be lucky to comply with it and in the right time. I guess they will think Sherman means what he says. The report that Atlanta was burnt is not entirely without foundation, for the part that was likely to be of use to the enemy was burnt or torn to pieces by the troops & parts of machinery was being brought into Chattanooga on every train from that direction when I was there. But I presume they were brought from Dalton & other places along the road. The R.R. is destroyed between Atlanta & Dalton & likely will be between Dalton & Chattanooga before long.
I saw Orlo Whipple in Chattanooga & he was waiting to settle with the government & then he was going to start for home. Denny says that Ed Doyle was going to do the same. You can tell Mrs. Doyle that James was still at Army Corps Headquarters when Denny last saw him. I cannot draw any clothing at present & as the weather is cold I will have to keep this overcoat & if I could draw a new one, I do not think that I could send it home from here for our colonel is not here to give me a permit which they require from all persons sending express packages from the South so that they know there is nothing contraband sent North. I intend to go to Larkinsville if I can after we get settled which will be soon I hope. I have not seen our colonel yet but I have seen some of the boys that have seen him & they say he is going to take command of the regiment as soon as he can get to it.
Well, it is getting towards night & I have written all the news that I can think of, so I must bring this to a close. Give my love to all of the folks & tell them I will write to them soon. Write me all the news when you write. Tell Lizzy I will write her in a couple days, also to the rest of those that I promised. Thomas had better let Mr Wheeler pick out the pen when he gets it if he will oblige me that much, but don’t send it until I write for it & you know whether I get mail direct.
Give my love to grandfather & all of Uncle’s folks. This will do for the present, so goodbye from your affectionate son, — Robert Marsden
Letter 55
Long Island Block House No. 37 Bridgeport Alabama January 7th, 1865
Dear brothers & sister,
I received a letter from Jane yesterday bearing date of December 18th & last Monday I received one of the 28th. I am glad you are all well as usual, but Jane says grandfather is quite unwell. But I hope he is better than he was at the time she wrote. I am well & hope these few lines will find you the same & mother.
There is some talk about our going to our command at Savannah by way of New York. I think likely we will go in a week or two as far as Nashville or Louisville. It will be a cold trip & I had rather defer the matter until next spring. The weather is quite cold here today & I am on guard. It rained most all day yesterday & made it very muddy, but it is so cold the mud is stiff. I wrote a letter to Albert last night also to cousin Lizzie.
The railroad bridge over Tennessee RIver at Bridgeport. Long Island was the name of the island over which the railroad bridge passed midstream.
We are at present stationed (11 of us belonging to our division) on this island to guard the railroad bridge. We come on duty once in five days. I am on guard as I before mentioned. We get mail every day & the latest date from home came through in four days. I expect another letter in a day or two from home in which probably I may get some money. I am most out of cash, for I only have 35 cents left. When I came to Chattanooga, I had $2. You must not think that amount was all I have spent, for when the railroad was cut, we were short of rations & in order to have more than one meal per day, we had to buy of the citizens. I by good luck procured a revolver & sold it for $18 & our mess of 4 had good living as long as it lasted & the money I now have is probably part of the proceeds of the above-mentioned piece of ordinance.
I am as well as I can hope to be & have pretty good times & some rations, but we do not get quite as much [hard] tack as we can eat by trying & we don’t get any pork yet but will in a few years if not sooner. I wrote Jane a letter, I think, & told her what kind of a Christmas dinner we had. It was beef & beans. The sun has just made its appearance and gives some prospect of a finer day. Denny is with Col. Curtiss but I have not heard of him since he left. I forwarded his letter to the colonel for him as he wished me to.
There is nothing of interest going on here so I must close. When you receive this, write immediately & some stamps will be acceptable. Write all the news & what you hear from the regiment. I hope Jules will get his dues this time. I wonder if Chubby has received a letter from me & Maria. Give my love to all. Hoping to hear from all of you again soon, I remain your bro & son, — Robert
P. S. When you receive a letter from Cousin Thomas Metcalf, I would like to see it & know his opinion of the war, plus the opinion of the rest of the relatives. — R. M.
Letter 56
Portland, Kentucky On board the Steamer Saint Patrick
Dear Brother,
As I have nothing else to do, I think you will be anxious to hear from me. I think I will write you a few lines and let you know that I am still well & I hope these few lines will find you & the rest of our folks the same.
Denny and the colonel & four others & myself belonging to our regiment are here on this boat together. We have come on this boat from Nashville & were intending to go to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on this boat, but the river has fallen so much that this boat cannot get over the falls. We cannot tell how long it will be before we get to our regiment, but it is likely we will be 3 or 4 weeks before we get to them.
I received the letter from you containing $3 & it was very acceptable. I received the letter one week ago today in the morning & we left at noon for Nashville. We got there at daybreak on Monday, remained at Nashville until Wednesday, when we got on board the boats & started for Louisville. We have come as far as this place & I think we will change boats tomorrow & go on for Pittsburgh, Pa.
I do not know whether I can get any pay soon or not. There has been some talk about all of us getting two months pay, but I spoke to the colonel & he says there is no way of getting any until we get to our regiment. There is some snow here and likely to have more for it is getting colder.
I do not think I can get any mail until I get to my regiment so I think it is useless to write to me, but I will write once in a while when I get a chance. Give my love to all, hoping I may be able to receive mail from you. I remain as ever, your affectionate brother, — Robert Marsden
P. S. Denny is well & all of the rest of our boys. Tell Dennis’s folks you heard from me & that Denny is well. — R. Marsden
Letter 57
Headquarters 2nd Battalion Provisional Div. Army of Tenn. New Berne, N. C. February 16th, 1865
Dear Brother,
As it is some time since I have written to you, I think that I will send you a few lines. I am well as usual & we are in camp for the present but do not know how long it will be before we are again to move. We are putting up quarters to move into & from the preparations that are going on, one would suppose that we were going to remain for the summer. I am having good times as can be expected in the army. I am in the detachment commanded by Col. Curtiss of our regiment & he has not assigned me to any duty except when we were on the march. I had charge of the Headquarters baggage & that was but little to do. I am now in the commissary & you may be sure I don’t intend to starve & there is no need of anyone doing so for we have plenty of rations in this country.
The troops of this part of the army are quite different from those in the West. They are more strict in regard to style & the officers stick on more airs “than would pack hell three miles.” They think we are a rough set of outlaws because we do not salute every officer we meet on the street, & they seem to look down on our officers because they will participate in any game that the men play.
One of the 15th Connecticut told me that he nor any enlisted man ranking lower than sergeant had spoken to their captain for 6 weeks, except on drill. He also said that their officers used little rattan canes while on drill & if the men make many mistakes, they use the cane on their ears & for second offense they shake, then kick their asses [crossed out in pencil] & send them back to the ranks. I would like to see an officer of ours strike or kick a man for making mistakes. I think Mr. Officer would get something like a whipping.
Well, as our cook has got supper ready, I will eat & finish. I wish you to write immediately upon receipt of this letter & direct to me at New Berne N. C., care of U.S. Christian Commission & if I am here, I shall receive it, & if we move from here, it will be forwarded to me. I wish you would also tell Mary Marshall to answer my letter & give her my address.
Thomas, we came from Annapolis, Maryland, to Beaufort, N. C. on board the Steamer Aeriel & it was a very stormy trip & nearly everyone was seasick. I was [too] the 2nd & 3rd days & did not feel quite well on the 4th. We were 4 days on ship board. The waves swept the decks a few times but did not do any harm—only to wet some of the boys that were heaving up Jonah & a good many were paying their passage in the same way. I heaved up everything, tugged hard at my boots & stockings, but did not get them up for all efforts were fruitless.
There is a report here, and it is pretty generally believed, that one ship has gone down that had several hundred on board. There is no listings of her yet & she has been [gone] from port ever since the 7th of February—the day after we started from Annapolis. We were in Baltimore, Maryland, and staid two or three days and while there, I went up on top of the Washington Monument & before I came away from there, I managed to “cramp” a piece of the old Flag of 1819 that was wrapped about the full-sized statue of Washington. It is part of the red stripe but it is quite faded. I wish you to keep it as a trophy for everyone cannot get a piece of one of the old Revolutionary flags. I also visited the Battle Monument of the city of Baltimore. It is a very fine structure but not as large as Washington’s which towers high above the city & is made so that persons can go up the inside by means of a pair of steps to its top & can get a good view of the city & the Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore is not as large nor as handsome a city as Chicago. Its streets run very crooked, or rather they make the city into triangle blocks, and ¾ of the women were dressed in mourning or I took that to be the case for they were all dressed in black. But that may be fashion in the city.
Thomas, we got quite a treat in coming from Madison, Indiana, to Annapolis by railroad for we passed through some of the principal cities of the states though we did not go through Philadelphia. We passed within a few miles of the place but not through as we had thoughts we would when we left Pittsburgh. We went from Madison, Indiana, to North Vernon, Indiana, & from there to Cincinnati where they had supper ready for the troops though it was 11 o’clock p.m. But the reason it was ready was that [Colonel] Curtiss was there & tended to things. We went to Camp Dennison from Cincinnati & staid 3 days. Then we started for Pittsburgh, Pa., where the ladies of the city had a good supper ready for us in the city hall—that was about 12 o’clock at night. We changed cars at about 4 o’clock & started for what we supposed would be Philadelphia but we turned from the road & went to Baltimore. We passed through Columbus, Ohio, & they had hot coffee ready for us & sent to the train in barrels. We went from Baltimore to Annapolis where we took steamer for Beaufort. Then we took cars for New Berne, about 37 miles from Beaufort, where we now are in camp. It is a regular Negro camp or town for they do all the trading here.
Denny Doyle is with the colonel yet & they are here. Colonel is in command of about 400 men at present. He had 900 a few weeks ago but they were most all conscripts & substitutes. But since we got here they have been taken away & organized into separate commands & are doing post duty in town. Denny is well & has been except when we were all alike on shipboard. I have nothing of interest to write at present so I will close for this time.
Tell Albert & all of my correspondents to forward all the letters they choose & give them my directions. Give my love to all. From your brother, — Robert Marsden
New Berne N.C., Care of U.S. Christian Commission
Letter 58
Camp Chattanooga near New Bern, N. C. March 3rd 1865
Dear Mother,
I take this opportunity of writing you a few lines once more. I am well as usual but I have not received any mail since I left Bridgeport. I presume there is some on the road for me but unless it is here by morning, I shall not get it for some time for we received orders this morning to march but we have not gone yet. I think we will start early in the morning so I write these few lines to let you know that we are again to change our camp & I hope we may join our regiments. We do not know where we are going, but all of us most have an idea that is either a feint to make the enemy concentrate their forces to oppose us & thereby give General Sherman more chances, or to guard railroad towards the interior & repair the same, until Sherman comes near enough for us to join him.
There is a report here from a Rebel source that Sherman has been repulsed, but we do not know how much truth there is in such reports. I am getting anxious to hear from you & hope I may get a letter in a day or so.
You need not write again until you hear from me & I know whether I am with my regiment. Denny Doyle is well as ever. He is with Col. Curtis who is commanding a brigade at present. It is reported that our battalion & Curtiss’s command is to be consolidated. Then Curtiss will be the commanding officer & I will have an easy time, though I am having an easy one now. I have nothing to do, only once in a while I have to help the quartermaster to issue clothing & such articles as he had to draw for the battalion.
It has been quite rainy here lately & it will be pretty hard marching though there will not be any mud for the land here is all sandy. There is nothing of interest going on here at present & as I have told all I think will interest you I will close. Give my respects to Lizzie & all of their folks. Give my best wishes to all of my friends. Hoping I may soon be able to resume correspondence with you, I remain as ever your affectionate son, — Robert Marsden
P. S. If the weather gets warm & we have far to walk, I think probable I may have to dispose of my overcoat. I cannot Express it home & we have no teams, but l intend to get a horse if possible before we go far. William Riggs is with our command—tell his folks. I see him every day or so. The first I saw of him was one day when we were issuing rations to the men & l saw him with the boys. — R. Marsden
Letter 59
Goldsboro, N.C. March 30th, 1865
Dear Brother,
I seat myself this p.m. to write you a few lines & let you know that I still am well as ever. We are in camp here for some time but for how long a time, l nor none here can tell, but all of us hope it may be our last camp in the service and that when we again leave this camp, it may be for home. I have received several letters from home & others at Saint Charles but they are all old ones, mostly from Bridgeport, Alabama, where they were directed. I expect some from New Berne in a few days for I have written to the U. S.Christian Commission to forward whatever they may have for me. In one letter you wanted to know if you had better send me that gold pen. Well, if you have got it, you may send it to me at the company & regiment for I shall not leave it again until we go home & that is only a little over 4 months now.
I was on picket yesterday & last night. It rained some & has been raining this morning & I think will not be likely to be very fair today, though since the wind has changed, there may be a clear spell toward night. There has been quite a change in the members of our company since I have come back. Our 1st Sergeant James G. Nind is commissioned as Adjutant of 127th Illinois and ranks as 1st Lieutenant. Our 3rd Sergeant Ira Fletcher Hall is commanding as 1st Lieutenant of Co E, 127h Illinois but as yet there has not been any vacancies filled lower. Metcalf was the ranking sergeant, but he is skipped for not being present & if present, he is not competent to hold any office higher & hardly competent for the one he holds.
All of the boys in the company are well & there is now 17 present & 2 commissioned officers. The regiment is very small & I don’t think can stack more than 70 guns, but there is a great many who have not got any guns, but I think they will soon find guns for us. I have not got any gun. I have got a horse but I don’t think I shall keep him long for feed is getting scarce & I shall not need him much if we are in camp long. But he would be handy on the march for carrying my knapsack & the cooking tools of the company. There is a great deal in the papers about peace but I don’t know how they will make out. I hope it may be made before long.
Thomas, if that railroad is going to run through Saint Charles, I want you to let me know & what firms are putting it through. I hear also that the Old Air Line is going to be put through. If so, I want you to tell me how sure the prospects are of having it completed. I wish also you would ask grandfather how much he will sell me his lot for that joins ours, for if the railroad runs, I will buy it if he does not ask too much.
You must excuse this for a letter for this time & answer what questions I have asked. Give my love to all the family & uncle Richard. Hoping to hear from you soon, I remain your affectionate brother, –Robert Marsden, Co. E, 127 Illinois Vols., 2nd Division, 15th Army Corps.
Letter 60
Raleigh N.C. April 25 1865
Dear Brother,
As I have got a few spare moments this p.m, I think I will write you a few lines. As Johnston has not yet surrendered, some of the troops have gone out. I expect “to know the reason why” & we have got orders to be ready to move tomorrow morning & I think it is to follow him. Johnston, I understand, was on the point of surrendering the army when the Confederate Congress ordered him not to do so unless we would also receive the surrender of the civil authorities also. But unless we would, he was not to do it and as Andy Johnson, President of U. S., would not receive the civil authorities, we are going to attend to business in a war-like way once more. The president intends punishing the Confederate civil authorities for seceding & that is proper, for if we receive the surrender of civil authority, that would let Jeff & all his cabinet off without punishment.
Generals Grant, Sherman, Logan & several others reviewed us today. It has got rumored around camp that Sherman is going to resign on account of the President not [allowing] him to receive Johnston’s surrender on his own propositions. But there is only few here & I think none that think Sherman will resign until the war is over. If we have to go after Johnston, it will not be fighting, but I presume there will be some “tall” marching & it may be for some distance but as we have got some 25,000 cavalry to chase him & they will go ahead of him and destroy bridges & everything, so that he cannot get [far] along. Most of the boys seem to think we will not move, for when Johnston finds we are coming, he will immediately come to time for we have armies to move on three sides of him & he cannot fight us with the least hopes of success. And his men have been continually deserting since he has been laying in camp & they will keep doing so.
The troops here will fight furiously to avenge the death of Abraham Lincoln. Some have proposed coloring all our battle flags black & fighting under them but that will never be done. But when we get a chance to use our arms & ammunition, it will be busy times if the enemy will stand. But Johnston never would stand long when in Georgia last summer & I presume he is about the same at present. If Sherman remains in command (& I have no doubt but he will) he will operate on his flanks & that makes the enemy dust every time & as we have eight men to their one, I have no doubt but it will be a short fight, if any, or a good footrace until Johnston finds himself cut off or surrounded & that will be soon.
I think unless things are finished in a few days, we will have a chance to finish our time of enlistment or very near. Tell any of the boys’ folks that belong to the company that we are again under marching orders, but if we do not move, I will write again in a day or two. I expect a letter from some of you in a day or less likely when the mail comes tonight, or in the morning. I am well & so are all of the boys. The weather is fine. I forgot to mention before that spring had got pretty well advanced. The peaches are about the size of hickory nuts.
There is nothing of interest to write. We have just got a new recruit in our company but he is an entire stranger to all of us except one Swede boy—Charles Kolson. It is Kolson’s brother-in-law. His name I have not learned yet. Hoping soon to hear from you, I bid you good evening. From your brother, — Robert
P. S. Give my love to all & tell Albert to write. — Robert Marsden
P. S. April 27th 1863. As I had this written, ready to send in case we started on the 26th, but as we did not move I thought we would get some news of importance & you will see it in the other sheet. We have been expecting it & knew if Johnston did not come to time before we started for him, he would when we did start, or soon after, for it seems he was nearly surrounded & had no chance to get out without a whipping or rather a useless slaughter of his men. It is reported that when he informed Wade Hampton that he was going to surrender to Sherman, that Wade called him a cowardly son of a bitch, whereupon Johnston pulled his revolver & shot him in the neck. 1 We did not know whether it killed him or not but we hope so. Mail leaves soon & I will close. Yours, etc. — Robert Marsden
1 I could not find any truth in this story. However, it was general intelligence that Hampton was reluctant to surrender and nearly got into a personal fight with U.S. Brig. Gen. Judson Kilpatrick (often called “Kill-Cavalry”) at the Bennett Farm.
Letter 61
Raleigh, North Carolina April 27th 1865
Dear Brother,
I seat myself once more to pen you a few lines as I have nothing else to do for three hours after which I must go on guard. Thomas, we have the finest kind of weather & the best kind of news & I will tell it to you. Joseph Johnston, commanding Confederate forces, has made an Unconditional Surrender of his troops! There is no doubt of his having surrendered, but I think there are some conditions in reference to personal property & side arms of officers. We had official notice of his surrender this morning. It is reported that Johnston, in a dispute, shot Wade Hampton, the commander of his cavalry, but we have no notice worth relying on. It is what in camp phrase called grape vine intelligence.
I am well at present & all of our company are the same. We have received one recruit in our company. His name is Hendrickson—a Swede formerly from Geneva.
There is grapevine to the effect that we move tomorrow or day after but it is not credited. By the way, I must explain the meaning of grapevine. It is camp rumors or rather some person having expressed their opinion. It is soon spread through the camp & if anything in it is encouraging or discouraging, it is generally enlarged & spread & takes the name of having come by grapevine.
The prospects are favorable for soon leaving for they have already commenced disbanding (or rather turning over) the trains. They issued each man enough cartridges this morning to make up 40 rounds, for the ordinance officer is turning over the rest & the train & if I mistake not, that bespeaks of cessation of hostilities & a move homeward which I hope will take place soon.
The weather is quite warm here except mornings and evenings. I expect vegetation is somewhat farther advanced here than it is with you. The woods are dressed in their full suit of darkest green, for the timber is mostly pine in this country & it has a very dark dress. The peaches are about the size of hickory nuts. There is very little cultivation going on for the troops have previously taken all of the horses & mules. The citizens are in camp constantly trying to get mules to put in a crop with. But as a general thing, their “wants are all they get.” The people are very quiet in these parts & in the city. They edit two daily papers—the “Progress” of which I sent you a copy, & the “Standard.” The latter is about the same size but I think the Progress the better of the two. I will send you the first one that contains any news worth knowing & you must preserve them.
Raleigh is quite a nice city but I have not been down into the place since we passed through on the 14th but we are only a short distance out of town.
The dome of the State house is in sight from the front of our shebang where I am now writing. The city is under military rule & is cleaned every Saturday—the citizens cleaning their premises & piling the refuse in front, or rear, on the street & the government teams carry it out of town. They are not allowed to leave any meat, bones or anything filthy in or about their premises. That is to promote the health of the place, which is always considered a healthy city, according to the report of citizens.
Well as mail leaves soon I must close. Give my love to all. Hoping I may meet you sooner than you expect & that I may get a letter in this evening’s mail, I am as ever your affectionate brother, — Robert Marsden
Co. E, 127th Illinois
Letter 62
Petersburg, Virginia May 8th, 1865
Dear Brother,
As I have a few spare moments & can send mail, I will write you a few lines. I am well as usual and have had pretty good times though we have had some huge marching within the last seven days. We started from Raleigh on the 29th of April at noon & marched 13 miles, camping at 5 o’clock p.m. But on Sunday the 30th, we lay in camp and mustered as it was muster day. We resumed the march on Monday. During the march, we passed through several towns where the people were glad to see us. All crossroads were crowded with persons—mostly females who had small bouquets to give the men.
Only two places were worth mention in particular. The first of the two was Warrenton—a very nice town of about 3000 inhabitants. It was a neat place, each resident having a nice flower garden in front & all of the girls had their fix-ups on and were anxious for papers & generally got one from the ranks. The other place is Dinwiddie Court House, about 14 miles from Petersburg, and where our Eastern troops had some heavy skirmishing some long time ago—about the time that Weldon R.R. was cut. When we came there, we found only 2 or 3 houses inhabited & the remainder were in a wrecked condition. The Court House was propped up on one side by three large pieces of timber toward one end and four on the other. The town consisted of about twelve houses & barns.
We have marched as high as 30 miles in one day, but as a general thing 21 or 22 would be the average. We camped Saturday within 6 miles of this place & intended to lay in camp until Monday, but at 7 o’clock, Gen. Blair with the 17th Army Corps came up & we were bound he should lead us to town so we pulled out & came to the edge of town & camped. I went down town to see what kind of place it is & I think it is quite a city. The N. E. part has been damaged by Yankee shell & shot. Yesterday one of the 2nd N. Y. Heavy Arty was carelessly picking a stone with a 20-pound percussion shell when it exploded, carrying away his arms, one side, & cutting his throat. It killed him instantly & also wounded a Negro.
I think it is a pretty specimen of Potomacers who have served two years & nearly three. There is only 1 Brigade here of Potomac [soldiers] & yesterday they said we had not seen any such fighting as was done here & that we had been capturing evacuated towns which we allowed them to spout on for a few minutes. Then we told them that we never would let Rebs lay behind works such as we had come through & that we never had constructed a main line three miles from the enemy’s & where our skirmishers were over a mile apart, that we did not pretend to make [rifle] pits. But what dried them up quickest was to tell them we never have lain around a city four years & let Niggers take it at last. There is some tall blackguarding done you bet. Goldsberry & I were down town this forenoon & staid until 1 o’clock. We had a dinner of ham & eggs & finished with strawberries & cream. I think that is ahead of your time.
We march tomorrow morning for Richmond, thence to Alexandria, then on to Washington in time to have Grand Review on the 20th. Washington is 115 miles from here & it will take us about 7 or 8 days to get there & make short days marches, but we can if necessary make it in 5 1/2 days. Then we would be there on the 13th. I think we may possibly get to Chicago by the middle of June. [Captain James] Richmond has not returned yet but we expect him at Richmond Va. or Washington. The weather is very warm. Nothing of interest is going on so I will close. Give my love to all. Good by for the present. From your brother, — Robert Marsden
The following diary was kept during April and May 1865 by Robert Marsden.
ROBERT MARSDEN 1865 DIARY
Robert Marsden’s 1865 Diary
1865 Saturday April 1
This morning is fine, but we lay about late, & when we get up breakfast is ready. After eating breakfast, all of our company are on fatigue to clean up camp which lasts until noon then I write to John Lewis. There is a report that we are to move before the 10th of April but I don’t know what any of it be true or not.
1865 Sunday April 2
This forenoon we have orders to fix for inspection & review. We start on Review this P.M. one of the 48th Illinois was shaved & drummed out of the service for abuse of a woman near Savannah. Everything was satisfactory and the men looked first rate. The weather is fine & warm, I think Inspection & Reviews will come often now for a while.
1865 Monday April 3rd
This morning is fine & we have orders to drill from 8 to 10 a.m. & from 3 to 5 p.m. We did not drill any this forenoon & Goldsberry & I went down town. This p.m. soon after we got back from town we have to go out on Brig’d Drill & then wind up with Battl’n drill which lasted until 5 o’clock. Tonight it is sprinkling some & likely will rain before morning.
1865 April Tuesday 4th
This morning everything is quiet, we have drill this forenoon under Col. Curtiss. It was principally the bayonet exercise. This p.m. it is very warm & we have battle drill temporarily consolidated with the 116th. Curtiss as drillmaster. We drill from 3 until 5. Nothing of interest has occurred today.
1865 Wednesday April 5th
This morning is quite warm. We have Company Drill under [Capt.] Richmond, which lasted about ½ hour. The weather is warm & it looks some like rain. Richmond has received his Leave of Absence & I sent my memorandum home by him also a few lines to Mother. John Wheeler & John Hammon of the 105th were here today on a visit & remained to dinner.
1865 Thursday April 6
This morning is fine as ever & no rain. We go out on drill from ½ past 8 until 10 a.m. & a circular was read to us stating that Richmond was in our possession, that Lee had evacuated & fallen back towards Danville. We credit the report some. This p.m. we had a printed circular stating that our forces also captured 25,000 prisoners & 500 cannons. I think it is somewhat exaggerated.
1865 Friday April 7
This morning is fair but I think we will have rain before long. We have company drill this. This p.m. we go out for Brig’d drill & drill a few minutes & have an order from Sherman read stating the particulars of the capture of Richmond, that Grant took from 12,000 to 15,000 prisoners and several 100 cannon. We afterward changed the drill to Div, from Brig’d before Hazen. It lasted until 5 o’clock. It is reported that 6,000 Reb cavalry came in today and gave themselves and arms up as Prisoners. It is generally credited. Sent Field Order No.3 to Corp J. W. Beach.
1865 Saturday April 8
This morning is fair but it rained some last night just enough to lay the dust. We have company drill this morning & division drill this p.m. It was very tiresome traveling around, as old Hazen keeps us going. He seems to have no humanity, but I think it is mostly whiskey that wills us where he officiates. We have orders, so it is reported to move Monday but I presume it will be Tuesday before we go.
1865 Sunday April 9
Today I am going down town. The general is inspecting the train & I think we will move tomorrow. We have no drill today & this morning we have company inspection & they promise me with a gun cart[ridge] box, c[artridge] belt, breast strap, wrench, wiper & tampion. Tonight we have orders to move at 7 o’clock tomorrow morning. Tonight I wrote a letter to mother but no mail has gone out. I cannot send until tomorrow.
1865 Monday April 10
This morning we are up at 5 o’clock & got breakfast, pack up. We start from camp about ½ past 7 o’clock. Our regiment is detailed to act as train guard for today. It is a drizzly day & quite disagreeable. We march pretty well until dark when we come to a large swamp & the teams are sticking every few steps. We work with them until nearly 2 o’clock & then orders come for us to come to the Brig’d & the teams to unhitch & feed. It rained most all day at intervals of about 1 or 1 1/2 hours.
1865 Thursday April 11
This morning we get to the camp of our Brig’d about 2 o’clock & get up a shebang. We lay down and went to sleep & slept until daylight. Then we got up & got breakfast, ready for a move. We came about 15 miles in all yesterday & last night. We travel most all day & after dark we came through Lowell—a small factory town & camped about 2 miles from it. Mike & I are on Picket. This weather is warm but it showered some.
1865 Wednesday April 12
This morning we are ordered to start at 8 a.m. The troops are moving out early but we have not got started yet & it is 11 o’clock. We have got report that a dispatch was received from Grant that Lee has surrendered his forces to him. We have not got much confidence in the report but hope it is so. We start soon after 11 & march fast, it is very warm & we march about 15 miles & camp just after sundown or rather about 7 o’clock.
1865 Thursday April 13
This morning is cloudy & looks very much like rain. We are called up early & I think we will move early. We have just had the orders read & officially confirmed that Lee has surrendered his entire army & arms to U.S. Grant & they were all paroled. It seems to convey the opinion that we are going to make connecting with Grant & then going home. We start today at about — & march until sundown & camp 7 miles from Raleigh. Wooden of Co. B came to the regiment and says that our troops drove the enemy out of town about noon, so it is now in our hands.
Sample of Robert’s Handwriting from his 1865 Diary
1865 Friday April 14
This morning we are up early & have orders to start in ¾ of an hour. We start about 7 o’clock and cross the river. Then we rest a few minutes near the mile post 5 miles from Raleigh. We march through Raleigh at ½ past 1 o’clock & are reviewed by Sherman & several other Generals. We do not stop in town but march without resting about 5 miles from town & then camp. It is ¼ after 4 o’clock. We are to remain here for the night & the boys are destroying the dam in order to get some whiskey that is sunk in the pond.
1865 Saturday April 15
This morning is dark and raining, we do not know but we may move today & as it is very disagreeable we would prefer laying in camp. This evening we have the report that Johnston is about to surrender & some say that he has. It is somewhat credited though may prove false. Some say Logan & other Genl’s have gone out to make arrangements to receive the surrender & that 3 days rations for 30,000 men has been taken out to the Rebs.
1865 Sunday Apr 16
This morning is fine & things seem quiet. The excitement of Johnston’s surrender has mostly died away & I presume there has not been anything of the kind done. We remain in camp all day, but tonight there is a report that we move in the morning. But as no orders have been received at Hd Qtrs I presume it may be false. I do not feel very well today but I do not think it is any thing of a serious nature.
1865 Monday April 17
Today is fine & warm, I do not feel very well though not bad enough to call myself sick. I am detailed for Picket this p.m. We have got two hours to write a few lines in & then the mail leaves.
We are to have a mail tomorrow so they say. The trains have got to running from Goldsboro to this place. We are going to move camp in a short time. We have received the dispatch that Lincoln has been assassinated & Secretary Steward & son wounded.
1865 Tuesday April 18
This morning is fine & Mike & I go to breakfast early. This noon we move camp but the pickets are ordered to report to Brig’d Hd. Qtrs. We are camped a short distance north of Raleigh. We are to remain on picket all night again & be relieved in the morning. We get a small mail this evening, I receive a letter from Albert. Brainerd Wheeler brought it out to me just at dusk.
1865 Wednesday April 19
This morning is cloudy for it rained very hard last night. We got into camp for breakfast about 6 o’clock. We have got some papers & they are deeply tomed in mourning for the death of President Lincoln, which when we first heard, we hoped might prove untrue. The sun has come out, clear & hot. We go about 1 mile and back [with] some boards to make our shanty with. There is a heavy guard around camp & we smell the rat. There is something big in the wind, for there is strict orders against foraging & guards to take all mules & horses. They also send guards out into the country for protection of citizens. Peace is near.
1865 Thursday April 20
This morning is cloudy & cool. This morning’s paper contains good news & what accounts for heavy guards in camp. Sherman, Johnston & other high officials have declared Peace between the Potomac & Rio Grande Rivers, & that Jeff Davis & family were captured near Charlotte. This evening we have dress parade & I am detailed for picket tomorrow. There is a small mail came tonight but none for our company.
1865 Friday April 21
This morning is somewhat cloudy but it will clear up today I think. Four of our company are on duty today. We have guard mount at 8 o’clock. Then we go on post, it is in the woods & cool & shady. There is nothing of importance going on that we have heard of. I sent Thomas a paper this morning—the Raleigh Progress. Tonight is cloudy and rains some it has showered some this p.m.
1865 Saturday Apr 22
Today we have orders for 5 roll calls per day & inspection & 1 hrs drill in the forenoon, Battalion Drill & inspection in the afternoon. Beach and Goldsberry are on guard. Nothing new going on. I got a pair of drawers. It has turned cooler this evening & will be cold. I receive two letters this p.m.—one from Ella & the other from Jane.
1865 Sunday April 23
This morning is cold but it will be warm enough when the sun comes out. I write a letter to Jane, also one to Ella. We get a small mail today but nothing for me. There is nothing going on of interest. As it is Sunday, the regular drill & inspection is not gone through.
1865 Monday April 24
This morning we have received orders that we are to have division review, which comes off this evening at 5 o’clock. There is grapevine to the effect that the 20th Army Corps moves at 6 o’clock tomorrow morning, and also the 17th Army Corps. Some suppose they move on Johnston but none of us are certain. Grant is also reported in the city. The finest of weather is now existing here, though mornings are cool.
1865 Tuesday April 25
This morning we are to have inspection. We have inspection about 10 o’clock. About noon we are ordered to fall in to be reviewed by someone. After several times falling in line, we are inspected by Lt. Gen’l Grant, Maj Gen’l Sherman, Logan, Hazen, Howard & several others too numerous to mention. We have received orders to be ready to move tomorrow morning but it is generally thought that we will not move.
1865 Wednesday Apr 26
This morning is cool as usual. [Robert wrote the following but crossed it out: “The 20th A.C. moved on towards Johnston this morning, also the 17th A.C.”] There is a small mail, but none for me. We have received Chicago papers of the 15th. This evening I am detailed for chain guard tomorrow. The weather is fine as usual & all are well.
1865 Thursday Apr 27
I am on guard duty from 8 o’clock until the same hour tomorrow. We have received the notice of Johnston’s surrender to Sherman. We expect to move in a few days for Washington or some other place where we are to be mustered out, so we have an idea. Tonight the troops are very wild, firing guns & making all sorts of noise. They kept it up until after 10 o’clock p.m. There has been several rockets fired tonight from Hd. Qtrs. of A. C.
1865 Friday April 28
This morning we are relieved at 9 o’clock. George Darrow is here to visit for a few minutes. He states that they have orders to furlough 5 per cent of their department & he expects to go home for one. We move in the morning, I think, though we have not got the order for more than to be ready to move. I received two letters from Jane bearing dates of 13 & 16 of April.
1865 Saturday Apr 29
This morning we are up early & pack up after breakfast & are ordered to be ready to move at 8 o’clock. We have a wagon for the purpose of carrying the cooking utensils & blankets so our load is light. We start at ½ after 10 o’clock & march pretty fast but rest every 5 miles & get into camp about ½ after 3 after marching 12 or 13 miles. Only one man of our regiment was compelled to get into the – Ambulance & he was sick to start out with. Some think we will not march Sundays.
1865 Sunday April 30
This morning is fine as ever. It rained some last night. We do not march today as it is Sunday & muster day also. We are strictly ordered to keep in the ranks & not to destroy fences or any property. Hazen makes those who he catches walk the Bull Ring for leaving the ranks. This noon is very warm. It is reported that three men died of sun stroke during yesterday’s march. I saw several lying along the road. Hazen had several men marching around the Bull Ring [an oval track] for three hours [punishment] after we got into camp.
1865 Monday May 1
This morning we are awakened by revelry at ½ after 3 & are ordered to be ready to move at 5 so we get breakfast early. It has sprinkled some & looks some like rain. We are to march slow & camp early. We march about 20 miles today, pass through a small town of about 200 inhabitants called Rollesville. From about 11 o’clock it was very warm. We camp near the Tar River & the town of Louisburg [Franklin County, N.C.]. We expect to resume the march tomorrow morning. We camped about 3 o’clock p.m.
1865 Tuesday May 2
This morning we start about ½ after 8 & march through the town of Louisburg. It is a nice place of about 1,000 inhabitants. The day is quite cool & nice marching. We march pretty fast & make about 19 or 20 miles & camp at ½ after 5 o’clock in an open field. Some of the boys had to get into the Ambulance, I am very tired & sore tonight. Beech is on chain guard tonight & I expect to be on tomorrow. We are near Shady Grove & are bound for Richmond.
1865 Wednesday May 3
This morning is fine & we are up early ready to start, some of the troops have started & it is not quite 6 o’clock. The road is lined on both sides at a crossing by the ladies & citizens & often a Confederate soldier. They are very glad to see us & make small bouquets and throw into the ranks. We pass through Warrenton—a nice town of about 3,000 & a very rich place. There were some Reb officers & men in town. Six miles from Warrenton we passed Macon Station, 66 miles from Richmond. We marched 25 or 26 miles & camp about 6 o’clock on the Roanoke River.
1865 Thursday May 4
We do not start as early this morning as usual, though we were ready at 7. We have not started yet & it is 12 o’clock. We start some after 12 & march until 1 o’clock when we crossed into Va. from N.C. & rested a few minutes. Many of the Reb soldiers are at home & seem quite glad to see us & ask eagerly for papers & those who have them give. We travel until 9 o’clock & camp near Meherrin River after marching 17 or 18 miles. We crossed the Roanoke soon after starting.
1865 Friday May 5
This morning we start out early & march across the Meherrin River and march through the town of Lawrenceville, 7 miles from the river. We camp at 6 o’clock tonight after marching 29 or 30 miles.
1865 Saturday May 6
This morning we start at 6 o’clock. The day is very sultry but we make 19 miles & camp at 3 o’clock within 6 miles of Petersburg.
Beech, Goldsberg, Wheeler & I go to a mill pond & have a good bath. We passed through Dinwiddie C.H. today.
1865 Sunday May 7
This morning we do not start so early but at 7 o’clock Blair with the 17th A.C. came up and we pulled out for town before him. We came to the edge of town & camped. I went down town with John Hand. Petersburg is quite a large city and is garrisoned by one brigade of the 25th Army Corps.
1865 Monday May 8
This morning we have got orders to remain all day so most of us go down town. Goldsberg & I were down & got our dinner of ham & eggs. We also had strawberries and cream. The 17th Army Corps have started today for Richmond. We have orders to march tomorrow morning. We are going to have some rain I think from the appearance of the clouds.
[End of Diary]
Military Quota by sub districts in Kane county, Illinois
More Reunion Ribbons commemorating the Service of the 127th Illinois Infantry (1891, 1892, and 1896)
The following letters were written by 30 year-old William R. Tanner (1831-1862) of Co. E (the “Jefferson Beauregards”), 3rd Florida Infantry Regiment. William enlisted at Monticello, Jefferson County, Florida, under the command of Captain Daniel E. Bird. All of the letters were written to his wife, Mary.
There are 16 letters written between August of 1861 and December 1862, the last i=one penned just before entering the Battle of Stones River where William was wounded and reported taken a prisoner of war. On 9 January, 1863, his name was entered on the prisoners rolls and taken to Murfreesboro on 9 January 1863, then occupied by Union forces. According to Union records he was exchanged at City Point, Virginia on 15 April 1863 but he never returned to his regiment. Neither does he reappear in census records after the war so it is presumed that he died of his wounds on the battlefield, as stated in one source, or that he died from his wounds as a POW. William’s widow, Mary (Hart) Tanner is enumerated in the 1870 US Census as the head of household with three surviving children, James Tanner (b. 1853), Elizabeth Tanner (b. 1858), and William Tanner (b. 1860). She appears to have remarried in 1876 to John Anderson.
There is some question as to William’s age. Enlistment records show him to have been 36 at the time he entered the service but the 1850 US Census Record suggests he was actually born in 1831. Indeed, William did not even seem to know his age as he asked his wife in the letter dated 8 July 1862 what his age and birth date was. From that census we learn that William’s parents were Joseph Tanner (b. 1795) and Mary Ann Moaning (b. 1800) of Jefferson county, Florida. In the 1860 US Census, both William and his wife, Mary (Hart) Tanner are enumerated in Monticello as 24 year olds which is probably an error. Mary was the daughter of David B. Hart (b. 1807) and Elizabeth Manning (b. 1808); married in 1828.
Florida supplied the Confederate Army with approximately 15,000 soldiers. A very small amount compared to more populated states. Out of the approximate 620,000 deaths during the Civil War, less than 1% came from Florida.
[Note: These letters are from the private collection of Matthew Miller and were transcribed and published on Spared & Shared by express consent.]
Letter 1
St. Augustine [Florida August 28, 1861
Dear Wife,
I seat myself this eve to write you a few more lines which will inform you that I am well—all except a rising on the top of my foot—which I hope these lines may reach you and the children all well. Mary, I received your letter and was very glad to hear from you and the children. Mary, I want you to see you very bad and I think if I live and nothing happens, I will try to come next week or the week after.
Mary, you wrote me that you did not think you could stand it much longer there. I will say to you to cheer up and get along with it the best you can till I come and I will try after it somehow. I am sorry for you but I can’t help it now. I hope and trust the Lord will be with you and bless you. It is my desire that He may be with you. Write too, Mary, as soon as this comes to hand for I want to hear from you and the two children.
So I don’t know as I have anything else that [would] interest you much so I will close. Goodbye, — W. R. Tanner
Dear Brother Morgan,
A few words to you and your family. These lines leaves me tolerable well and I hope these lines may reach you and your family all well. Brother, I heard from you and heard that you was very sick since I was there and I was sorry to hear of that. I want you to write to me as often as you can. Direct your letter to St. Augustine, Florida, in care of Capt. [Daniel E.] Bird. — W. R. Tanner
Dear sister, I will say to you that I got your letter and was glad to hear from you and hear that you was well. You wrote that you had some clothes for me. I would be very glad to get them. I think I will come up in the course of two or three weeks and get them. I will try and pay you for them. Goodbye, — W. R. Tanner
Letter 2
Fernandina, Florida January 8th 1862
Dear wife,
I seat myself tonight to write a few lines which will inform you that I am well and hope these lines will reach you the same and all the rest of the family and your mother’s family.
Mary, I have nothing of a very interesting nature to inform you with more than we are a getting along very well here at this time considering we are all piled up here in small tents. So far as fighting is concerned, I don’t think there is any danger at this place though we are very well prepared for the Yankees here now. There is about four thousand soldiers on this island. Some of them has gone on back to St. Augustine. There is not as many here now as there has been.
Our regiment has all moved out about one [mile] from town. We are stationed right close together with Daniel Hart and Sam Stiring. They are all well and Daniel sends his best wishes and respects to you all and says remember him.
Mary, write to me as often as you can for I don’t know when I shall get the chance to come home. I am a going to come as soon as I can for I want to see you and the children very bad. I want to know how you are a getting along there and I want you to write to me if you have billed [ ] and how you saved your [page creased]…meet if any of it spilt. And I want you to write to me what you think I had better do with my land and if you think there is any chance to get a crop made or not and if there is, I will write to you what I will give if you can hire anybody you are willing to risk. And if not, the land had better be rented out. And I want you to write to me which you think is the best and I don’t want you to sell any corn unless you can get a dollar and a half per bushel.
I saw Dr. Peelar today and he said he would take corn for what I was owing him and if he comes to see you about it, don’t let him have it without that price. I expect he will come to see you about it.
Tell brother that Jackson [C. Turner] is well and hearty and is a getting along finely and is well satisfied. He has not drawed any money yet but he will draw next time we draw again next week. Jackson says he wants his father to write him.
So I will come to a close by saying write soon as you get this. Your affectionate husband until death, — W. R. Tanner
Letter 3
Amelia Island January 12, 1862
Dear wife,
I address you a short letter which will inform you that my health is very good. The most of the company is in good health, except colds. We have moved about one mile from Fernandina some ten days in tent, which is the cause of our having colds. There is considerable sickness on the island—measles, mumps, and typhoid fever. For the last four days, there has been seventeen deaths amongst the soldiers. Four was buried yesterday at Old Town. Though where there is so many in camps, we may expect sickness and death among us. I am in hopes, dear wife, these lines may find you and the dear little ones all in good health.
There is some talk of a fight at this place. We may have a fight soon. Report says the Yankee’s fleet is on their way here and will be here in a few days. They may come but I see no more prospect for a fight now than was here last summer when we left here. Some of our men has gone to the Battery at this time to mount two cannons that came down last night. We are very well fixed for their reception and are still fixing so if they come, we will give them the best we can.
Wife, I expect to be home soon or as soon as we get paid off, which we expect to get this week. I want you to send me word how much money you let Offy have when he was up there. Enclosed you will find two dollars that Offy sends and one dollar that Jacob [Hart] sends you.
Nothing more but I remain your loving husband. Kiss the children for me, — W. R. Tanner
Letter 4
Camp Dillworth near Fernandina [Florida] January 23, 1862
Dear wife,
I address you a few lines this evening which leaves me well with the exception of breaking out on my right arm like Offy had. Dear wife, I have been flattering myself with the thoughts of seeing you the last of this week. I thought certain that I would start home tomorrow, honey. [But] in the place of starting homer on tomorrow, I have to start to [New] Smyrna which is about one hundred and sixty miles further from home. The Yankees is down there cutting live oak for the purpose of building ships and some of our men living down there is supplying them with provisions &c. Our company and the Jefferson Rifles [Co. H] is ordered down there in order to take possession of them and their labor.
Honey, I hate the idea of going any further from home but we can’t worst our situation much by leaving this place. If I just could come home before I had to leave for the east, I wouldn’t mind going. There will be no chance for me to come to see you until we get back from the east. Though we don’t expect to be down there more than one or two months at furthest. I expect we will have a rich time of it when we get down there. Our men that is feeding these Yankees, we will give them a general regulating, and if we can get hold of the Yankees, we will have a general Yankee killing amongst them. So you may guess that we expect a general spree. Our company will be entitled to all the prizes we may capture while we are down there. If they have much oak cut, it will be worth a right smart to us. I am in hopes they may have a fine supply cut. The more they have, the better it will be for us.
Honey, I will write to you every chance I get and you must be certain to write to me as soon as you know where to direct your letters. Honey, enclosed you will find thirty dollars I send you. I am almost afraid to send it by mail but it is the only chance I have to get it to you and I know you are needing some of it, and I know not what may happen to me before I see you again.
Honey, you must take good care of it and not spend a dollar more than you will be obliged to spend. Honey, you must be economical and save everything you can. I will bring these lines to a close. Give my love to my two blessed little babes and reserve a large portion for yourself. May God bless and protect you and the little ones until I see you again. God bless. Goodbye until you hear from me again, — W. R. Tanner
Letter 5
[New] Smyrna [Florida] February 2, 1862
My dear wife,
I address you a few lines which will inform you that I am in good health, hoping these lines may find you and family all well.
We landed here last Tuesday. There is several of our boys that has measles. I think there is some fifteen new cases in our company. Jackson has had them. He was quite sick. We had to leave him and [Augustus] Hancock, [Thomas] Hammell, and [William] Whidden at Enterprise—some thirty miles from here. They was not able to walk. They rejoined us yesterday, all but Hamill. He was not able to come. Hancock thinks he will die. With the exception of measles, our company is in fine health.
Honey, we had 30 miles of the worst road to march I ever saw. I think out of thirty miles, we had twelve or fifteen miles to wade from half leg to knee deep. There was one stretch of four miles something deeper. Of all tired men you ever saw, it was the [Jefferson] Beauregards and Jefferson Rifles. We was all as nigh worn out as you ever saw a set of men.
Honey, we came here to meet a vessel loaded with arms and ammunition from England which we have succeeded. Last night the steamer Carolina landed here with 30 thousand stand of arms and ammunition. We have to protect them until we can get them to the St. Johns river which is thirty miles from here. The wagons is now loading to haul them to Enterprise on the St. John’s thirty miles. I suppose we can get them moved in three weeks. Then we will move nearer home. I am over four hundred miles from home.
Honey, you must write to me on reception of these lines and write whether you got the money I sent you and how much. Direct your letter to [New] Smyrna in care of Capt. Bird. Honey, you must keep in good spirits for [in] three more days., my time will be half out and then I will be free. I will bring these lines to a close. Give my love to the children, reserving a large portion for yourself. Goodbye, dear wife, until my next. — W. R. Tanner
Letter 6
Mobile, Alabama May 28, 1862
Dear Mary,
I address you again that will inform you that I am tolerable well, hoping these lines may reach you through a due course of mail and find you and the dearest little ones all well. We landed here on Sunday night on our way to Corinth, but we was stopped again by Gen. Beauregard not having any use for us. We are here in warehouses awaiting for further orders. It is uncertain when we will leave here or where we will be sent to.
This is a large city with fine buildings, but it is a low, flat place and by no means a pretty place. I should judge it to be a sickly place from all appearances. There is the finest steamers and the most of them lying at the wharves that I have ever seen. There is 25 or 30 steamers and schooners lying here and some running from here to Montgomery.
We came here by way of railroad until we struck Mobile Bay, some 21 miles from here, then we took a steamer. We are getting good news and [ ] every day from our southern boys, from almost every direction. We are bagging the Yankees on every hand. May God let us continue so until the last Hession has to lay down his arms and acknowledge our independence which I think a few more months will settle the matter with them. A dispatch just in that we will go to Pensacola tomorrow or next day, but it is only report.
I will write to you again soon. Nothing more but i remain your loving husband. Give my love to all the children, reserving a large portion for yourself. — W. R. Tanner
Letter 7
Pollard (Alabama) May 31, 1862
Dear Mary,
Again, I address you a few lines that I am well, hoping that these lines may reach you and the children enjoying the best of health.
On the 29th of this Inst., we was ordered to have a days rations cook[ed] and be very ready to march at 5 o’clock a.m., though we never got off until about 12 o’clock. The report was that the Yankees was marching from Pensacola to this place but the report turned out to be a false report, though our pickets had a small brush with the Yankees. I learn that one of our men got killed. I do not know whether we killed any of the Yankees. All of the Jefferson boys are here—that is, I mean all the rifles and cavalry. The cavalry will leave here today to go somewhere near Pensacola. We are here sleeping in the open woods with but very few cooking utensils—some has none, and it is uncertain when or where we will be sent to.
Honey, we are now soldering and that on the hard order. None of us have heard a word from home since we left midway and we write often. I do want to hear from you so bad. You must keep writing. Probably I will hear from you after a while. Direct your letters to Mobile, Alabama, until you hear from me again. Nothing more. Give my love to the children and enquiring friends, reserving a large portion for yourself. I remain your loving, — William.
Letter 8
[Note: this letter is missing a large portion that has been ripped from one corner, making transcription difficult.]
Mobile [Alabama] June
Dear Wife,
Again [ ] on this letter that a [ ]. I am in tolerable health [ ]. I have a severe cold and [ ] in hopes these lines may [ ] due time and find you [ ] all well and we have considerable [sickness] amongst our soldiers. There [ ] of our regiment on the sick list and many of them dangerous. [ ] are now in the hospital [ ] I think is mending. Dear [wife], you don’t know how bad I want to [see you..] at one today. I would have [ ] of starting home in the morning [ ] is to start home in the morning and [ ] there will be some men to go with him, but I fear that there will be no chance for me. But dear Mary, the first chance I get to come to see you, you may rest assured that I will come to see you.
We are going to move out from here some two miles which I am glad to hear, for if we stay here many days longer, I am fearful that we all will be sick.
On Monday last, we had a hard rain and all the streets was covered in water—some of them from ten to 15 inches deep. [ ] place as this is. You know [ ] no late news only from [ ] giving the Yankees [ ]. My dear wife, I am in hopes [this war will] come to a close soon and [ ] more battles they will [ ] and when that time [ ] alive to see it and return [ ] be the happiest day I ever [ ] looking forward for that [ ] having nothing more I will [ ] to a close. Give my live to [ ] and reserve a large portion for yourself. I remain your loving husband, — W. R. Tanner
Letter 9
Camp Jackson, Alabama June 22, 1862
Dear wife,
This Sabbath evening I address you a few lines which will inform you that I am in fine health, hoping these lines may find you and the dear little ones all well. I wrote to you a few days ago and sent it by Mr. Baynes—one of our company that was discharged. I have been getting along finely since I received your letters but I am getting anxious to hear from you again. Honey, you mustn’t keep me looking and expecting a letter from you long at a time for you have no idea how lonely I feel when I am disappointed in getting letters from you. But when I can get letters from you regular, my times passes off much faster and pleasantly. So you must write to me often and regular. To read your loving and affectionate letter, it does make me feel like I would almost give my life to see you and be permitted to gaze on your lovely features a few minutes. But my dearest one, pen can’t begin to describe the love and affections I have for you and the children.
Honey. I don’t think the wives have any idea the affections that the men has for them since the war commenced for I believe a man has more affections in one month now when from his wife than they would have in a year before they had to leave their wives. But I think I could love you good enough. If I was permitted to stay with you, I would be willing to try it.
The regiment has had considerable sickness but the health is improving. John Hart, Isaac Hart, and [Augustus B.] Hancock has mumps. Owen [B. Craven] and Buz Craven is both at the hospital yet. Owen is staying with Buz. Buz is about well, but hasn’t come from the hospital yet. He will be out in a few more days. Mr. Gillcrease died last night. He belonged to Capt. Haines’ Company.
Wife, I want you to write to [me] immediately after you get these lines the amount of corn you have let Mrs. Gravy have so Buz can pay me when he gets his wages. I would like to accommodate Mr. McGruder in letting [him] have money but I think you had better keep your money. We know not what time will bring around. Honey. I want you to make me some pants for things [are] so high here, there is no chance to buy them. I will try to come home when Jack does in July. Give my love to the children, reserving a large portion for yourself. I remain your loving husband. May God bless you. — W. R. Tanner
Letter 10
Camp Jackson [Alabama] July 8, 1862
Dear wife,
I address you a short letter which will inform you that I am well and sincerely hope these lines will find you all well. Isaac has been right sick from mumps and is not fit for duty yet. Offy has a raising [boil] in his groin and has not been able to be up but very little for some time. John has been bad off with the mumps but is over them.
I do not think our regiment will remain here long for we don’t believe we will be needed here. Honey, I am very anxious to see you and will come the very first chance I get—let that be sooner or later. I never have wanted to see you much worse in my life than I do at this time, and the thoughts of some of our company going home on the 16th and I can’t go, makes the matter worse with me. Honey, you must do the best you can and not suffer your mind to run on me no more than possible for it will be my time to come to see you after a while and I believe that time to be not far distant for I don’t think the war will last much longer.
We whipped the Yankees badly and have drove them out of Virginia and are whipping them everywhere we can get a chance at them. So I think they will have to give it up soon.
Honey, when you write to me, I want you to send me my age so I may know my age. I have forgotten the date I was born. Honey, the farther I get from you and the longer I stay from you, the stronger my affections are for you. But about this time I would like to be with you and not love you so much, or at least, I would like to try it for a season. Honey, having nothing more, I will close these lines by saying I remain your loving William.
Give my respects to all enquiring friends. — W. R. Tanner
Letter 11
Camp Jackson [Alabama] July 13th 1862
Dear wife,
I received your very kind and affectionate letter today bearing date 4th Inst., which is the fourth letter I have received from you since I left you. I was proud on the reading of your letter on hearing you and the dear little ones was all well. These lines leave me in the best of health. I am as fat as a mutton [and] am hoping these lines may reach you in due time and find you all still enjoying good health.
I have nothing of much interest to write to you. The war news, if true, is cheering to us though we hear so many false reports we know not what to believe. On Thursday evening last we received orders holding all of our men in service until the 5th of August which is a sad disappointment to a good many men in this regiment. I feel sorry for them as well as myself. I am in hopes there will be a chance for some of the rest of us to come [home] at that time, though you must not look for me until you see me for fear you would be disappointed. I know how bad it is to be disappointed and I am truly sorry for the women that has husbands in service and was looking for them home the last of this week. I know their disappointments must be great and I know how to sympathize for them.
I am truly sorry for Mr. Proper. His health is rather bad and he hates the disappointment worse on his wife’s account than he does on his own account. We have some sickness in our company though none or very few cases that is anyway dangerous. Mumps and diarrhea is the most of the diseases. Offy is not well of his raising [boil] yet though he is mending. Stirring Hart is in bad health and has been for a long time. He is not able to do any duty since we came here. The rest of the connections is well. You can tell brother Morgan that Jack is well but sadly disappointed in coming home as well as the rest of them. I am in hopes they will not be disappointed the next time. Honey, I know not what time to tell you to look for e though be assured that I will not let a chance pass. I have never wanted to see you worse in my life than i do at this time.
Give my respects to Mr. and Mrs. B___ and family and my love to all the connection, reserving a large portion for yourself. I remain your affectionate, – William
Henry, you must attend to my pigs and make them do their best as meat is meat and will be the next year. — W. R. Tanner
Letter 12
Camp Jackson [Alabama] July 18, 1862
My dear wife,
I address you a short letter this morning which will inform you that my health is very good, hoping these lines may find you and the children all well. The health of our regiment is very good at this time. The connection is all well except Stirring [Hart] and Offy. Offy is not well of his risings [boils] and now has mumps.
There is considerable confusion in our regiment o account of detaining those that [are above] and under age. Archey and old man Cooper is discharged from our company and will start home today. Honey, you can’t imagine half how bad I want to see you this morning. I would give anything just to be with you. I am getting homesick but Honey, there is no use in taking but reconcile ourselves to our fate. I am in hopes we will all be able to stand it until our time is up and [we] return to our homes and to our families. Honey, the thoughts of that time buoys me up. To think of that time is a great help to the soldier—those that lives to see that day. It will be the greatest day that they will ever see and dearest one, I long to see that day roll round. On imagination, I can almost imagine the happiness that we will enjoy in that meeting.
Everything is selling very high in this county. Pants that I have seen sold for one dollar is selling for five dollars in Mobile and everything in proportion. Honey, Dr. Carn is at home at this time and if you have any clothing ready for me and can find out when he is coming back, you will have a good chance to send them to me by him. If you haven’t them ready, you will have chances occasionally as there will be passing all the time by some of our men. Isaac and Jackson has joined Pick[ens] Bird’s Company [Co. K, 10th Florida Infantry] and will return home after the 5th of August. He will send a man after them and a good many others has joined him. Then you will have a chance to send anything that you have to send me.
Honey, having nothing more, I will bring this epistle to a close. Give my love to the children and connection, reserving a large portion for yourself. I remain your loving husband, — W. R. Tanner
To Mrs. M. E. Tanner
Letter 13
Chattanooga, Tennessee August 8th 1862
Dear wife,
I address you a few lines which will inform you that I have ben quite unwell for the last two weeks, but this morning I feel much better, hoping these lines may find you and the children all well. I received one letter from you day before yesterday and one this morning dated 26 July. I was truly glad to hear from you but was sorry to hear that Buddy was sick. I hope and trust that he is well ‘ere this time. We have lots of sickness in our regiment. Three of our men has died this week. One company had 48 men on the sick report yesterday morning. Our company had 27 on the sick list.
We are camped at the foot of the Lookout Mountain about one mile and a half from Chattanooga. I have seen nothing nor heard nothing—only camp reports since I have been here. We have limestone water to drink, nearly as cold as ice, and it don’t agree with our men. I am fearful that it will make all of us sick. I. Hartsfield and W. Sheffield is both very sick. The boys from that immediate section is all up. There has been lots of dysentery. The whole regiment has had it. Two died last night with it.
There is plenty of Yankees near here, Buell’s army is about twenty-five miles from here. We have sent a great many troops to Nashville and Shell Mound, and to other points, and we are here waiting and expecting orders to march daily. Where to, we know not. I think we must have over one hundred thousand troops up here.
Honey, I don’t want you to pay out no money whatever but keep all you have got and get all you can. Honey, I am truly sorry I can’t come home and to see you. I want to see you worse, daily, but there is no chance for me to come to see you. My dear love, you must do the best you can until I can come to see you and I do trust it may be sooner than I expect it to be.
The non conscripts is held 90 days longer which will throw their time until the 5th of November. You had better believe there is some hot men in our regiment with Dillsworth. He is the…[page missing?]
…of there being kept on. Probably some of the old men that is not able to do duty may be discharged but the rest of them will be kept until November and by that time they will fasten them for the war. So I don’t think you may look for none of them soon. Honey, I want you to send me two braids of your hair and send me in your next letter. Honey, you must bear your trials and troubles the best way you can and not give way and let your troubles overcome you. I will bring these lines to a close by saying I remain your affectionate husband, — W. R. Tanner
Letter 14
Chattanooga, Tennessee August 13, 1862
Dear wife,
I address you a short letter this morning which will inform you that my health is much better than it was when I wrote you the other day, hoping these lines may find you and the children enjoying good health. I have nothing that is very interesting to write. I have seen but little and have heard but little since I have been here—only camp lies. We have a good many troops scattered in almost all directions from here though how many I do not know, though I think we have as many as we will need.
Honey. I am very anxious to see you but there is no use in talking, though I am in hopes the time may not be long before I will see you. The clothing you have made for me, there will be no chance for me to get them unless you can see someone coming up here. There will be no use in sending them any other way. We are here awaiting further orders. I don’t suppose we will remain here many days longer but where we will be sent to, we don’t know, though we think we will be sent to Knoxville or somewhere between here and there.
There has been several Yankees deserted and brought in by our men. I learn that several prisoners was brought down yesterday that was taken by Forrest’s Division. There is plenty of Yankees not far from here but we haven’t got the chance to see them yet. But we may see them too soon for our own good. But we are all willing to try them the first chance.
I am glad to hear you have such fine pigs. You must take good care of them. They will repay you for your trouble. Honey, I learn that they are trying to hire the poor women in that country to weave for the soldiers at 6 cents per yard. If you want to weave, buy your own thread. Make your own cloth, and you can get a good price for it by putting it in the store with Barwick. Hickory shirts is selling at five dollars a shirt up here. All clothing is very high and I don’t know what the soldiers is to do for clothing. Some is getting short of clothes at this time though we will draw our wages in a few days and then they will have to buy at those high prices.
From the way Margaret writes to Owens, there appears to be something wrong with some of them. I want you to write to me what it is about. Honey, it is no use of my telling you of the affections I have for you. I would freely give all I have in this world if I could only come and stay with you. If you can buy a sow and pigs or two cows and calves cheap, I want you to buy them. Nothing more. I remain your affectionate husband, — W. R. Tanner
You must be careful with your money and not let none go unless compelled to. I will send you stamps, &c.
Letter 15
Chattanooga, Tennessee September 23rd 1862
My very dear wife,
I again take my seat to address a few lines to you which leaves me in tolerable good health and earnestly hope that this few lines may reach you & the children the same. I have been trying for the last three days to get Stiring to write this letter for me and could not and I have got cousin Daniel to write it for me. Stiring is a mending some little and cousin Daniel is on the mend. In fact, all of the boys that are here are on the mend. My dear wife, I have not much news to write you at present. I would be very glad to see you and the children but it looks like a very bad chance for me to get to go home anymore for the doctors will not give furloughs from this hospital until a man is so near dead till he can’t travel. There is no certainty about when we will get off to the regiment for we do not intend to start there until we all get well and able to stand the march for if we were to start from here unwell and get down on the way, we would certainly die for the want of attention as a great many have done.
I will also say that I have heard that Capt. Byrd and Capt. Str___was sent for to go to Tallahassee on a case as a witness & if he does and come through here and I can see him, I intend to do my best to get home with him & I think that maybe he will fix some way for me to go.
Mary, I want you to tell Sarah the next time she writes a letter or sells anything before writing and undertakes to tell what it was to be sure and write what it was that she sold, She wrote that she had sold two of something but did not say what it was and she said that she got ten for one and five for the other and also said that [ ] had sold one but did not say what it was.
Mary, I want you to bear in mind to write to me whether you ever received that money that i sent to you or not. It was two twenty dollar bills and I don’t remember exactly what day it was that I sent it, but it was about the very last days in August. I am very anxious to hear from you about it for I am uneasy for fear it is lost.
I will draw your attention now to something else. I have wrote to you now in the last 5 or 6 letters for you to send me a couple of braids of your hair & you have neither sent them nor made mention of them in any of your letters & I want you if you please to try and send them to me in your next letter. Mary, I have a piece of poetry here that I am going to send to you and if Old Berry is there when I get there, I am going to do just as the poet says and that is to make him root hog or die.
I will stop writing such nonsense but you may be sure that it is every word true for I am sure to do as I have said and I request of you to have nothing to do with none of them until I get there and I want you to write to me whether you are going to do as I requested of you or no. So I will close. David sends his love to you and to the children and all of the connection. Nothing more but remain your affectionate husband till death, — W. R. Tanner
Letter 16
Chattanooga, Tennessee October 15, 1862
My very dear wife,
I again take my seat to address you a few lines which leaves me tolerable well. Stiring is also able to be on foot and I think is mending some & I hope that these few lines may find you and the children in good health. Daniel is here yet but is not well but able to be up. I also will say that there has been a good many of our boys taken prisoners since they left here. All that was left on the road which has been taken prisoners by the federals and paroled and have got back this far, though now if they [illegible]… Owen B. Cravey, he came back here though I have not seen him though I forgot to mention Samuel Hart—he also was taken prisoner.
My dear wife, I would like very much to see you all indeed and I think there is some chance for me to get to go home in the course of two or three weeks. I am a going to try my best for a furlough & I think that there is probably some chance for me to get one for the doctors are giving a great many furloughs at this time.
Mary, I want you to be sure and write to me as soon as you get this letter and write to me what time you think that I had better try to get off home to meet the necessary demands of [ ]. I want you to write a letter that you will not be afraid for the doctors to see for I shall probably have to show the letter to get a furlough or at least the letter would probably be a help to me to get off, and you must be sure and write the time as near as you can when I ought to go. And now be sure and write to me just as soon as you get this letter, but be sure to write so that I can have good time to get there in time that I can give you assistance.
Mary, I want you to write to me what Jacob is doing. Whether he is at home or not. I have wrote to you several times to write to me what he was doing and you never write to me anything about him yet. If he is there, tell him that if I am spared, I want to be there to help him make up his sugar c___.
Daniel wishes to be remembered by you all and also send his best wishes to you all. I have nothing more to write at present but remain your affectionate husband till death, — W. R. Tanner
This letter was written by John Nathan Peed (1843-1935) of Co. I (“Potomac Rangers”), 9th Virginia Cavalry who were recruited from King George county in April 1861. Their first captain was John Taylor, Sr., but after he resigned, John A. Billingsley took command. Also serving with “Nathaniel” in the same company was his paternal Uncle Lt. Philip M. Peed, maternal Uncle Pvt. John E. Owens (Acting Company Commissary Sgt.), and brother Pvt. James Oscar Peed.
Nathaniel began his service in the company as the bugler of Co. I. The 9th Virginia Cavalry fought in the Seven Days’ Battles, the conflicts at Gainesville, Second Manassas, Sharpsburg, Fredericksburg, Dumfries, Rapidan Station, Brandy Station, Upperville, Hanover, Gettysburg, Williamsport, Funkstown, Culpeper Court House, Bristoe, Mine Run, The Wilderness, and Todd’s Tavern. Later it skirmished around Richmond and Petersburg, then was active in the Appomattox operations. Nathaniel was reported slightly wounded twice.
Many of Nathaniel’s wartime letters are housed in the Dept. of Special Collections, University of Notre Dame, Indiana. Other wartime letters are housed in the Library of Va.: Letters, 1864-1865, from John Nathaniel Peed (1843-1935), 9th Virginia Cavalry.
I intended writing to you some time ago but failed to do so. Jimmy got to camp yesterday morning safe. He somewhat surprised me for I made sure that the Yankees had captured him. His horse stood the ride very well all to his feet—they got very sore. But he has had him shod now.
We had a Grand Review today of five brigades of cavalry and Hood’s Division infantry. It was a grand show. The general supposition [is] that Longstreet is to threaten Washington this way and Lee to press in the front at Fredericksburg.
I suppose you have heard the news from Vicksburg. It was a desperate fight. It lasted some three or four days, thereby was immense. It is rumored in the Yankee camp that their loss is from ten to thirty thousand and our loss very small. Last night news came to camp that Grant had charged our fortifications with 20,000 men and not a single man went back. That is asserted for the fact. I should think that fight would shorten the war a good deal.
Jimmy is a little poorly, He had slight chills and fever—very slight though. I suppose you heard of the death of poor George McClanahan. He was poorly when Uncle John left but not sick enough to go to the hospital. He left camp & went to a private house on a Monday morning & died the next morning. I was never so surprised when I heard it in my life for I thought he had nothing but a cold. How is Jed getting along? Tell him we are faring very well now. We get half a pound of bacon, peas, rice, and sugar and molasses sometimes.
Joseph Billingsley is our company commissary. The men are not at all satisfied with him. He tries to use too much authority with the men for a private. They very often remind him of Commissary [John E.] Owens [and] how he use to give the rations out. Capt. Billingsley is very unpopular with the men then too. Hardly a man that likes him. He tries to be strict but he don’t know how to carry it out. It is a great deal worse than it was when Uncle John left though I have no right to grumble for he treats me as well as he can. He treated the company very badly about the election of officers. Bob Coakley has been elected Jr. Second Lieutenant & because would not select Phil Peed, he had him appointed ahead of Bob Coakley. The company is very much dissatisfied. We had the right to elect our officers and we wanted to use it. The company to a man wanted Jim McKinny. Billlingsley kicked up a fuss about Coakley being elected. He didn’t want. I am sure he is a religious, moral man. He got 3/4 of the votes.
Phil Peed & I don’t speak. We had a falling out about a month ago. He was in fault. He cursed me and ordered me not to speak to him anymore and i intend to fulfill his orders. he is the second man that I have had a fuss with since I have been in camp. Lieut. [William F.] King told me to say to Uncle John that he has seen Dr. [Joseph S.] Gilliam this morning in reference to his discharge. He told the circumstances in which you are situated over there with Yankees. The Dr. says it is not any doubt about your discharge & he will hurry it up and send King’s [ ] he gets it.
John Washington got to camp yesterday. Tell Uncle that Old Kiah [Hezekiah Potts] is about as he was when he left. Talks of you often. Don’t say anything about what I said about Billingsley, Mother. The first chance you have, send my comb for I have use for it. Don’t forget it. Our horses was valued yesterday. Mine was valued at $500 [ ].
Give my best regards to all enquiring friends. Write soon. From your dutiful son, — Nathaniel P.
June 6, 1863
P. S. I write in a hurry and for fear you should not understand, I put plain before you. Phil Peed [ ]
The following letter was written by Robert Day Williams (1844-1929), the 21 year-old son of William Hart Williams (1811-1896) and Margaret Parsons Foote (1814-1893). In his letter, Robert mentions his older brother Henry Smith Williams (1836-1868) and his younger sister Margaret (“Maggie”) Steere Williams (1846-1928, to whom he addressed his letter. Robert’s father moved his family from Madison county, New York, to Albany in the mid-1840s to open a jewelry business.
Robert’s reason for being in New Orleans isn’t known for certain but it appears that both he and his older brother Henry, who died in 1868, were engaged in the jewelry business with their father and may have been agents for the business in New Orleans at the time. I could find no record of his having been in the military. His 1929 obituary merely observes that he was a retired Albany jeweler and a life-long member of the Masons.
Transcription
Addressed to Miss Maggie S. Williams, Albany, New York
New Orleans April 14th 1865
Dear Sister,
We are now in the midst of a great excitement. A National Salute has just been fired in honor of the great victory to our arms—the capture of the whole of Lee’s Army which without doubt closes this long and desolating [war]. There are many long faces noticeable on the streets. Still I have seen some of the most rabid secesh smiling and heartily rejoicing that the war is so near over.
Mobile is now in our possession, Henry will positively g over there next week so as to be back on time to leave for the North on the 15th of May. So you see that it will not be quite a month from the time you receive this before I am with you all in Albany. I intend to return by way of the river as I may not very soon have as good an opportunity to see the western country.
I went out to Bayou Bridge yesterday afternoon and got a lot of flowers and leaves to take to you. I have got them all pressing in a large book. Henry will also bring with him some mementos of Mobile.
I have spent several leisure evenings in preparing my piece of music for publication. And my friends here say that it sounds very well. It is four pages long and on the whole I think it is a very respectable piece of music. All that is now lacking is a name. Won’t you try and think of an appropriate one for a “dashy sort of a Quickstep.” I wish to dedicate the music to Charley for he has been a good friend of mine. What do you think of it?
You spoke of Fathers having trouble with the kitchen girl, &c. Well I received from Charles a paper last week in which was a notice that I think refers to the affair so I enclose it to you. I don’t see what use there is in trying to convert Catholics. If they are perfectly contented to remain as such, why there is very little use of getting into trouble trying to make them think different.
I learned through Mother of the death of Otis Allan. It will be a sad loss to the 4th Church for he was its main “prop and stay.” Father writes that Mr. Tobey is in Albany recruiting his health. Won’t you ask Father to inquire of him if there will be an opening for me at Saint Cloud this coming winter for I must keep in some kind of business. I never intend to remain idle again as long as I did in Albany.
On my way to dinner this afternooon, I passed a house where a young lady was singing the “Star Spangled Banner.” I stopped and listened for it was the first patriotic tune I ever heard sung in New Orleans. Three years ago, if such a tune was sung, the offender would have been put in Fort Jackson.
Why don’t you try and prevail on Father to let Mother and you go West with Uncle John. The trip might do both of you good. Would certainly not cost any more than it would at Saratoga during the summer. Mother says that Charlie presented you with an Album. You will soon have a sufficient number of them to open a store with.
Henry sends by this mail a letter with collars which I hope will safely reach you. I was introduced to the father of Van Hitchcock a few days since. During a conversation, on learning that I was from Albany, he asked me if I knew a man by the name of Benjamin. I replied that I was acquainted with him. He then gave me the extraordinary piece of information that one of his daughters was engaged to Van for awhile but that the superior intellect and accomplishments of his (Durand’s) daughter, won the affections of “Van.” Says he, “I feel very sorry for the young lady (Nellie) but that it is natural for a Father to be proud of a daughter who succeeds in winning the heart of so fine a young man as Hitchcock for he is really a noble man.” The above were the very words he used. He also informed me that he had just sent on some clothes for the little one only a month old. You are at liberty to tell Nellie about it if you wish.
The following letter was written by John Gordon (1843-1925), the son of Dea. John T. Gordon (1792-1865) and Sarah Folsom (1802-1885) of Exeter, Rockingham, New Hampshire.
John Gordon wearing his captain’s uniform later in the war.
John was an 18 year-old student when he enlisted as a private in Co. C, 24th Massachusetts Infantry on 18 October 1861. He was promoted to a corporal on 5 December 1861 and was discharged from the regiment on 10 June 1863 to accept a commission as Captain of Co. I, 55th Massachusetts Infantry—a black regiment organized in 1863 by Massachusetts Governor John Andrew. After training at Camp Meigs near Readville, Mass., the 55th saw the bulk of its action in South Carolina. They served in the 1864 invasion of Florida where they took part in the Battle of Olustee in February. The 55th also saw action in battles once they returned to South Carolina, first on James Island in May, and later in July of 1864. John resigned his commission on 26 July 1864.
John’s letter to his mother describes the occupation of Seabrook Island in late March 1863 by Gen. Thomas Greely Stevenson’s Brigade (24th MA, 10th CT, 56th NY, and 97th PA regiments) and the destruction of the Seabrook Plantation main house.
To read other letters by members of Co. C, 24th Massachusetts I have transcribed and published on Spared and Shared, see: Alexander M. Hayward, Co. C, 24th Massachusetts (1 Letter) Josiah Alonzo Osgood, Co. C, 24th Massachusetts (20 Letters)
Transcription
Addressed to Mrs. S. F. Gordon, Care of J. T. Gordon, Esq., Exeter, New Hampshire
Seabrook Island At the mouth of North Edisto river April 2nd 1863
My darling Mother,
A week ago yesterday the long looked-for mail came, and by it 3 letters from you & one from Mollie. I could not answer them that day as I was engaged in taking some notes from a borrowed work: “The Army of the Potomac” by Prince de Joinville—a work which you ought by all means to read if you wish to get a true account of the battles fought by McClellan & thus be able to form an opinion as to whether he is, or no the man to save our Country, trusting in & aided by the God of nations & battles.
But to return to my dates. The next day we received new tents. We struck the old ones, cleared off the camp ground, & pitched the new ones. Our new tents are “wedge” tents—tall enough to stand up in, and large enough for four men. The next day was a grand review which took till 3 o’clock p.m. Then I was too tired to write.
The next day we broke camp & went aboard the propeller United States. We laid off in the channel that night. We were very much crowded—five in a bunk. I slept on deck with nothing over me because I could not endure the hot & poisonous air below.
Next day we got under way early in the morning & at 3 p.m. reached North Edisto River, 18 miles south of the great center of secession—Charleston. Here we landed in surf boats, two monitors shelling the woods before us. We marched three miles towards the other end of the island & bivouacked for the night. The “rebs” wounded two men & took a sergeant of the 10th Connecticut who were in advance.
The next day we (Co. C) were on picket. It rained all day like a shower & we were wet to the skin. We made our quarters for the reserve (15 or 16 men) in old Seabrook’s house (the island is named after him, and he owns the whole of it). 1 The rest of our men were posted along a little creek but a short distance back of the house & a little way from the rebel lines. I was not posted till night, so I went in to the house where large fires were kindled in the fireplaces & dried & warmed myself. Our fires were kindled & fed with solid mahogany bureaus & veneered furniture of all sorts!!
Oh war, war! How my heart ached as I gazed upon what was once the happy home of brothers & sisters, now made desolate & despoiled by the unsparing hand of war. This must have been a happy home. The creeks around the house were full of oysters & ducks, the garden full of orange & arbor vitae (in one place the ground was yellow with oranges which the soldiers had knocked off & trodden under foot). The furniture was costly, & the house large & commodious. In short, everything showed that it was once a happy home. The 10th [Connecticut] boys, enraged by the wounding of their men, assisted by the 56th New York Regiment smashed everything in & about the house. There was not a whole thing left. All the windows were smashed & the grounds were strewed with broken furniture. What if it were my home!
That night I was posted with 9 men. The rebs were close to us, & had been seen several times in the day time. We suffered much from wet and cold, but the rebs didn’t trouble us.
The next day I took to dry my self & rest. The next we were relieved by some other regiments & the pickets drawn in further. This was day before yesterday. We (the 24th [Mass. Infantry]) came down under cover of our gunboats & pitched our tents in a grove of live oaks. Right back of my tent is a great magnolia tree, larger than the elm in front of our house, which in May & June will be in full blossom. Yesterday (April fools day), the rebs shelled this island a little just at daylight & a force gallantly surrounded & charged on Seabrook’s house for to take Co. C all so nice, but they got nicely fooled, for Co. C was like the Irishman’s flea—“it warn’t there.” This is the best joke of the season, ain’t it?
We are camped in a safe place, covered by 5 monitors & other gunboats. This is the commencement of our work before Charleston. This place will be (probably) a depot for stores & ammunition. I am well & happy. Write often and direct to Port Royal, S. C., Gen’l Stevenson’s Brigade.
Your own son, — John
1 In a piece writtebn by Sue Holloman and Bob Guiffreda entitled “Seabrook Island Through the Year,” they claim that William Seabrook bought the island in 1816 and that the island was in the family’s possession until the Civil War. The Seabrook plantation house was located near Haulover Cut on the Johns Island side. In 1863, the Seabrook family sold the island to the Gregg family for $150,000 Confederate money. In that year Union troops took over the island and used it as a staging area.
The following letter was written by Senator Thomas McMillan whose biographical sketch appears in the Iowa Official Register as follows:
“Born in Scotland, on the twentieth day of February, 1809, and learned the trade of baker in his youth. In 1832 he decided to emigrate to the United States and settled first in Cincinnati, Ohio, and then removed to Dayton, in that State, and while living here was married to Miss Mary Breckenridge, in 1835, a native of the same town in Scotland. After a residence of three years in Dayton he removed to Indianapolis, Indiana, where he remained eighteen years, working at his chosen occupation. In 1854 he came to Iowa and settled in Marion County on a farm, and for twelve years was engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1864 he was elected to the Senate of the State Legislature, and the manner in which he filled this position is evinced from the fact that he was reelected in 1868, and served with great credit. His private character and public record are alike untarnished. Mrs. McMillan died in 1872, leaving five children.”
Thomas wrote the letter to his son-in-law, Alexander Morrison Clark (1832-1926). Alexander married Sarah Jane McMillan in 1864. He enlisted in the Iowa 8th Infantry in 1861 and rose in rank steadily until named the captain of Co. E in March 1865. He mustered out at Selma, Alabama, in April 1866.
In his letter, Thomas expresses deep disappointment with President Johnson’s decision to veto the Freedmen’s Bureau Bill which would have extended funding for the Freedmen’s Bureau created during the Lincoln Administration.
Transcription
Addressed to Capt. A. M. Clark, Selma Alabama Co. E, 8th Iowa Infantry
DesMoines, Iowa March 14th 1866
Dear Son,
Your kind letter from Selma was received a week ago. I am glad to hear of your welfare. How wonderfully you have been preserved in the 4½ years you have been in the service of your country. Surely we have great reason for gratitude and thankfulness to our Heavenly Father for His mercy & goodness in preserving you all through so many dangers. Col. Ryan is now a Representative from Jasper County, calls on me frequently and enquires kindly after you. Also a Mr. McConnell from Keokuk County who was hospital steward in your company. He asks to be remembered to you.
A cartoon by Thomas Nast appearing in Harper’s Weekly, April 14, 1866
This is the tenth week of the session. We have passed a resolution to adjourn on the 3d of April. This is an exciting place. We have often very warm and animating discussions. We have spent nearly a week on a series of resolutions instructing our Senators and Representatives in Congress to use their influence to prevent the Southern members from taking their seats until they grant the right of suffrage to the Negro. No doubt you have seen President [Andrew] Johnson’s veto of the Freedmen’s Bureau Bill which passed Congress by a large majority. The Bill called for an Act to protect and educate the poor blacks, but the President has by his veto turned them over to the tender mercies of their oppressors. We are sadly deceived & we are betrayed in the President.
He has opposed the express will of the people in vetoing the Freedmen’s Bill. The Copperheads throughout the land are now his friends. What the end will be, God only knows. The President’s course has cast a gloom over the friends of the Union all over the North. I fear the work of reconstruction is far from being complete. The future looks gloomy. Still I trust that [the] Providence that has led us thus far, will in the end work all well. It can not be that all our sacrifices have been made in vain, but we, like the Israelites after having been safely brought through the Red Sea, may have to wander in the wilderness before we reach the Canaan of Liberty, Justice, and equal rights.
I hope, for one, the true Union men will stand firm to the position of our faithful Representatives in Congress if it takes ten years to finish up the work. The President promised the colored men of Tennessee that he would be their Moses to lead them out from bondage, but we all fear he has turned a Pharaoh, and left the poor of the land to their task masters. The Judge of all the Earth will do right. We are in His hands. He can do with us as seemeth good in His sight. Though He slay us, we will still trust in HIm. But what a sad calamity it would be for our beloved land if those opposed to Negro suffrage and the Copperheads should be successful at the next election. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Let us leave the future in the hands of a Merciful Providence, praying and laboring for His interposition in our behalf.
Three members of the President’s Cabinet have gone over with him and sustain his course. And a great many Republicans cannot go negro suffrage. In all probability, a new party will be formed of Copperheads, Democrats and disaffected Union men. Time alone can tell the result. My family moved into Knoxville on the 6th but I have not heard from Mother or Sarah since. I had a letter from Tom today stating the fact that Gov. Stone has got into trouble. His private Secretary has appropriated some 30 thousand dollars to his own use, investing the funds in property in this city. It is thought the governor and State will lose nothing, but the transaction will give a handle to the opposition and enemies of the Party and the governor. A committee of both houses have been investigating the fraud for weeks. It will soon be printed. This and several other questions before us create quite an excitement. I feel that a more retired life will suit me better than this noise and excitement. I will, however, soon be through. I will be glad to hear from you at your convenience. Address to Knoxville [Marion county, Iowa].
This diary was kept by Rev. James Templin Holliday (1810-1881), the son of David C. Holliday (1786-1831) and Mary Kennedy (1791-1859). If Kansans find his last name familiar, it’s because his much younger brother Col. Cyrus Kurtz Holliday was one of founders of the City of Topeka, having come to settle in Kansas in 1854 in the free state movement. James was married twice, his first wife being Rebecca W. Wamsley (1815-1861), and his second wife being her sister, Angeline McCutcheon Wamsley (1833-1880).
I could not find an image of Rev. James T. Holliday but here is one of his brother Cyrus K. Holliday of Topeka fame with whom I assume he bore some resemblance.
James was filled with the spirit and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1827 when he was 17 years old. Settling in Adams county, Ohio, he became the leader of a Methodist class and later licensed to exhort by Rev. James Gurley. He began to preach about 1835, filling the office of a local preacher until about 1840 when he was admitted into the Ohio Conference as a traveling preacher. He was ordained a deacon at Zanesville by Bishop Soule and two years later ordained an Elder by Bishop Morris. He filled the pulpit in various small towns in Ohio, receiving new appointments by the Conference every two years until 1857 when he was transferred to the Kansas Conference and stationed at Topeka (near his brother) and also at Auburn.
After his first wife died in 1861, his children were “scattered” as he termed it, and he left Kansas to offer his service as a delegate in the U. S. Christian Commission. He saw duty in Nashville (TN), Cowan Station (TN), Bridgeport (AL), Cairo and Mound City (IL), Memphis (TN) and finally in Little Rock (AR) where he took up residency for more than half a year and served as the chaplain of the 77th Ohio Infantry posted there as well as taking a leadership role in meeting the needs of the resident Methodist African American population. After this, he returned to his family in West Union, Adams county, Ohio, where he asked to be reinstated in the Ohio Conference and served once again in a number of small communities until superannuated. He suffered a stroke in early June 1881 and died later that month at the age of 71.
Rev. Holliday’s diary provides us with a rich insight into the profound responsibilities shouldered by members of the Christian Commission. It also offers a poignant glimpse into the personal connections he formed while ministering to those enduring hardship in refugee camps, convalescent camps, and even prison camps. His fears, frustrations, disappointments, feelings of inadequacy, as well as his moments of triumph and euphoria, are all vividly captured within the 81 pages of this diary. This invaluable account belongs to my friend Rob Morgan and has been graciously made available for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared with explicit consent.
Transcription
Inside cover of Holliday’s Diary
Rev. James T. Holliday, Delegate to the Christian Commission, Nashville, Tennessee
Residence: West Union, Adams county, Ohio
Was commissioned on the 4th December 1863. Reached Nashville, Tennessee at 6 o’clock 5th. Visited the Rebel prisoners that night.
Sunday, 6th—Preached to the Rebel prisoners, 5th story Zollicoffer Building at 10 a.m. 18th Michigan 2 p.m., 90th Ohio 4 p.m. Opened prayer meeting 2nd Presbyterian Church 7 p.m. Met with the following singular and pleasant incident. While preaching for the Rebels as above stated, my son James, a member of the 90th Ohio, was passing on the opposite side of the street, heard my voice and knew me, came up, and introduced himself but I did not know him. Thank God that after passing through so many battles, he yet lives.
December 7th. Met with [Sergeant] A[lpheus] A. B. Caveness of the 1st Kansas Battery [Light Artillery]. Distributed 8 testaments, 360 page tracts, 8 small books among the guards at Military Prison. Visited Hospital No. 12 in company with Br. Pitcher and conversed with 11 men.
December 8th 1863—Appointed to the Barracks. Distributed among the Union soldiers 6 testaments, 8 hymns, 544 page tracts, 15 papers, and preached once. At night, visited Rebel prisoners and distributed six testaments, 300 page tracts, 35 papers, 7 books, and attended daily prayer meeting.
December 9th—Visited Rebel prisoners and distributed 100 papers, 20 testaments. Visited Union men in barracks. Distributed 6 testaments, 6 hymn books, 30 papers, 8 pamphlets, 802 page tracts, and 10 small books. Preached once for company with Br. Pitcher. Visited Convalescent Camp and distributed 29 papers, 264 tracts, 6 hymn books, 6 pamphlets. Preached on the barracks at night.
December 10th 1863—Labored in the barracks all day. Distributed a large number of paper, tracts, &c. Preached at night to a serious and attentive audience.
December 11th—In the barracks today. Distributed a large number of papers and tracts. Preached twice.
December 12th—In my old field of labor today. But few men in the barracks now. Some 150 Michigan conscripts sent out to the drilling camp. Appear to be a fine set of men. This day closes my first week’s labor under the Christian Commission and find that I have preached nine times, attended four prayer meetings, and distributed 54 testaments, 49 hymn books, 71 small books, 29 bound volumes, 3,944 page tracts, 400 newspapers, and 19 pamphlets.
Sunday, December 13th 1863—Was appointed to preach at Hospital No. 21 [McKendree Methodist Church, Church Street] at 11 a.m. and at No. 12 [Broadway Hotel on Broad Street] at 2 p.m. Attend prayer meeting at 3:30 p.m. in 2nd Presbyterian Church. Had a very comfortable time at Hospital 21. Was indisposed at night. Did not go out.
Hospital No. 16 served African-American soldiers and contrabands. It measured 82 x 105 feet. It was located on S. College Street in Nashville.
Monday, December 14th 1863—Visited Hospital No 12 and attended Chaplain’s Meeting at 10. Afternoon visited Camp Smith and distributed 6 testaments and 40 papers. Went to the barracks at night to preach but found the boys all in bed. They had to leave at 1 o’clock in the morning. In company with Br. Stater, visited the Colored Hospital in the afternoon.
Tuesday, December 15th, 1863—Visited Camp Smith in the forenoon. Distributed 12 testaments, 116 papers. At noon was informed I had to go to a place called Cowan [in Franklin county] some 89 miles on the way to Chattanooga. This is sudden and unexpected. I have to labor alone in what I fear is a hard field. Yet I hope the arrangement is in the Providence of God. At night I preached in Hospital No. 16 (the Colored Hospital) to a very attentive audience. Nine o’clock p.m., have just returned from service. I feel sad and oppressed in mind about my future work yet I try to hope and believe God has arranged this appointment and that He will go with me and bless me in my labors. This closes my week in Nashville, Tenn.
On July 3, 1863, the Confederate Army of Tennessee retreated towards Chattanooga, after its defeat in the Tullahoma Campaign, leaving Middle Tennessee under the control of the Union Army of the Cumberland. A military post was maintained at Cowan by Federal forces throughout the remainder of the war. The town was strategically important to both sides due to its proximity to the Cumberland Mountain Tunnel, which linked the railroads in the Midwest to those in the Southeast. This print depicts the soldiers’ dormitories and a defensive fortification contracted by the Union Army. A transport train prepares to leave the post. The name “Rosencrans” is written on the side, in honor of General William Rosencrans, the leader of the Army of the Cumberland. The artist of the print was Nathan B. Abbott, a Union soldier from Connecticut who served in the 20th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. He was wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg and was promoted to first lieutenant when he rejoined his regiment. He most likely passed through Cowan while traveling to take part in Sherman’s campaigns in Georgia. The print was produced and published by Henry C. Eno, a New York City lithographer active for only a short period during the 1860s. Between 1862 and 1867, he was partnered with another New York lithographer, Henry A. Thomas.[National Museum of American History]
Camp Cowan, Tennessee, December 17th 1863—Yesterday morning at 4 a.m. I left Nashville in company with three other delegates. Two were going to Chattanooga and one to Knoxville. I reached the Convalescent Camp at Cowan Station at 3 p.m. Met with a kind reception from Lieutenant [Henry H.] Crooks who is in charge of the camp. This morning I started out on my mission of mercy to the sick hospitals and found 40 men there. There is about 295 men all told in the Convalescent Camp at Cowan and the number is decreasing all the time. In the afternoon I visited the men in their tents and distributed. A large number of papers and tracts.
Lieutenant Henry H. Crooks was killed by a gunshot to the head on the 30th of August 1864 on a plantation near Jonesboro, Georgia, while reconnoitering with the 10th Ohio Cavalry. He was serving as an aide-de-camp to Lieut. Colonel Jones, commanding the 2nd brigade of the 3rd Cavalry Division at the time.
Last night I dreamed of being in Company with my brother John. He has been dead 38 years and I have no recollection of ever dreaming about him before. Nor had I thought of him for months. I thought we started in company to go to a railroad station to get on the cars. With some difficulty we got on the platform at the depot and found a large number of persons. I then noticed him sitting on a bench, and saw at once there was something the matter with him. I went to him immediately and said, “Why Hancy, what is the matter with you.” He pulled the pants off of the left leg and was showing me where he was suffering great pain in his thigh near his body when I awoke. Last night was cold and I slept cold, so I do not feel very well this morning.
December 18th 1863—I met with a young man named W. T. Adams who lives 12 miles from here. He says his parents are Methodist, that several of his neighbors are Secesh and left with Bragg’s Army. Visited the men at their tents and distributed papers and tracts. Conversed with many of them on the subject of religion. Last night was very cold and I suffered while in bed.
Saturday, December 19th 1863—Spent this day in visiting the sick in the hospitals and in their tents. Distributed papers and tracts. In the afternoon, was quite unwell. Wrote some letters.
Sunday, December 20th 1863—Camp Cowan, Tennessee. Preached in the hospital tent at 10 o’clock to a small congregation but attentive. In the afternoon, we had a prayer & speaking meeting. Three prayed and 4 spoke. Hope some good was done. Spent the evening in conversation with a Mr. [Eliphaz Cardwell] Porter belonging to the 73rd Illinois—a member of the Presbyterian Church, and [also with] a German named John Holtzhour, 46th Pennsylvania, Co. B and from Armstrong county, Pennsylvania. Mr. Holtzhour has been strongly tempted to desert and go home sick, absent far from home and deprived of religious privileges and religious society. He felt he could not live without the means of grace. He is in a better state of mind now.
Eliphaz and Lucinda Parrish Porter of Harrisburg, Saline county, Illinois. Lucinda lost three brothers in the Civil War, one of whom—John W. Parrish, was killed in the charge on Missionary Ridge just prior to the date of this diary entry.Eliphaz served from 21 August 1862 until 12 June 1865. He would have been almost 37 years old at the time he conversed with Rev. Holliday.
John Holthour (Holshower in Roster) was drafted into Co. B, 46th Pennsylvania on 18 July 1863. He was a German immigrant, a shoemaker by trade, born about 1820 and living in Brothers Valley Township, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, when he registered for the draft. He was among the 123 men in his regiment killed in action on 20 July 1864 in the Battle of Peach Tree Creek.
Monday, December 21st 1863—Camp Cowan. Spent the day in writing letters for some soldiers who could not write themselves. Visited a number of tents and distributed papers and tracts. The day warm and pleasant.
Tuesday, 22nd—Cowan Station. Spent part of the day in visiting the men at their camps and conversing on religious subjects. Visited two old and afflicted negroes who are in a suffering condition. They came with General Sherman from near Vicksburg and were left here on account of sickness. No person seems to have charge of them. One old man is entirely without bedding. The other has been cut off from his rations. The day was exceedingly pleasant—literally “as pleasant as May.” Preached to a large serious and attentive congregation at night in the hospital tent.
December 23, 1863—Cowan Station. Spent the day in writing letters and visiting the sick. Some of the poor contrabands spoken of above are suffering. May God help them. Something must be done for them or they die.
December 24th 1863—Cowan Station, Tenn. Visited my two colored sick men. They will leave tomorrow. Hope they will fare better. Was requested to marry a young soldier. At three o’clock, in company with Lieut. Crooks and Dr. Kennedy, went to the head of the valley, [to a place] called Tally Cove, and at 4 o’clock p.m. December 24th 1863 joined in matrimony John Coons to Sally Ann Bowers. Lieut. Crooks of the 10th Ohio Vol. Cavalry, and Dr. Kennedy, Surgeon of the Convalescent Camp at Cowan Station as witnesses of the fact.
Sarah A. Bowers appears in the 1860 Cowan, Franklin county, Tennessee US Census as the 13 year-old daughter of Abram Bowers (1809-1880) and Susan Sewall (1821-1904). In the 1870 US Census, she was still enumerated in her parents household in Dechard, Franklin county, Tennessee. Perhaps Sarah eloped with Coons and the father never recognized the marriage.
Friday, 25th December 1863—Cowan Station, Tenn. The day was so stormy that we could have no religious services and done what could in visiting the boys at their tents.
Saturday, 26th—Day very wet and inclement. Could do but little in camp. Received a visit from Rev. Mr. Welsh, Chaplain to the Connecticut Regiment and engaged to preach for him tomorrow at 11 o’clock.
Sunday 27th [December] 1863—At 11 a.m. and at 2 p.m. in the large hospital tent in Convalescent Camp. Day very wet.
December 28th 1863—Cowan Station, Tenn. All I could do today was to talk with the Boys as opportunity presented itself. Towards evening I was suddenly taken with a violent pain in my back.
Tuesday, December 29th 1863—Suffered greatly with pain in my back last night and all this day. Could do nothing. Preached at night.
December 30, 1863—Better this morning. In company with Lieut. Crook, went in the country some 4 miles to see a sick man. Met him on the road. Went to a Mr. Cowan’s. Had a pleasant time and good dinner.
December 31st 1863—Cowan Station. This is the last day of the year. Very wet. Have been to every tent on the ground and distributed newspapers in all. Back hurt me very much. In the night, it ceased raining and blew up very cold and snowed a little. Just as we commenced prayer meeting, the storm nearly blew the tent over and we had to suspend our meeting. This closes the year 1863—a year of great trial and many bitter disappointments and yet of many blessings.
January 1st 1864—Cowan Station, Tenn. Exceedingly cold this morning. I done but little today. I tried to review the past year and see many imperfections. May my Heavenly Father enable me to spend the year 1864 more to the glory of God than the past.
January 2, 1864. Cowan Station. The day was very cold. Could do but little. Distributed 5 pair of drawers, 5 shorts, and 7 pair socks to the men in the hospital. One case of measles in camp—a young man from Knoxville, Tenn. Very bad.
Sunday, January 3rd 1864—Cowan Station, Tenn. Weather moderated some but found we could not hold service on account of measles in hospital so I must spend the day as I can. Talked with the young man sick with measles. I think he must die. Says he never prayed. Pointed him to the Savior.
January 4th, 1864—This day very cold. Went to the hospital early to see the young man. Found him dead. Died about quarter past 12 o’clock. I greatly fear [him] unprepared. God help me to be faithful.
Thursday, January 5th 1864—An official order received to break up the Convalescent Camp at Cowan Station immediately. Preached a funeral sermon at 11 a.m. and then buried the dead man. Weather very cold.
January 6th 1864—Was called up before day[light] to go and see a young man who was dying at the hospital. Wants me to take charge of his effects and send them to his mother. Found him very penitent. Prayed with him at the close. He responded with a hearty “Amen.”
Visited the young man again and tried to point him to the Savior. Mr. Cornelius Shook died at 11 o’clock a.m. I have hope in his death.
Stones River National Cemetery
Cornelius Shook enlisted on 8 August 1862 at the age of 22 and was mustered into Co. C, 105th Ohio Volunteers. He died of disease on 6 January 1864. Cornelius was an unmarried carpenter working in Liberty, Trumbull county, Ohio, before entering the service.
January 7th 1864—Preached the funeral of Mr. C. Shook today to a serious congregation. Today I received a letter from Mr. Ewing relieving me from the Station and appointing me to labor at Bridgeport [Alabama]. My successor is a Mr. Whitehill, a lay delegate from Franklin County, Ohio. Wrote a letter to Mrs. Sarah Shook [Churchill, Trumbull county, Ohio] informing her of the death of her son.
January 8th 1864—Spent this day in visiting the hospital. Found some men very sick. Think two or three will die soon. Tried to point them to the Savior. Was exceedingly sick all night with headache. Slept but little.
January 9th 1864—Confined to my tent nearly all day with headache. Went to see the sick in the hospital. Find them better.
January 10th 1864—Sunday. This was one of the most interesting days I have spent since I have been in the work of the Christian Commission. Preached in the morning to a large and attentive congregation. Had prayer meeting and speaking meeting in the afternoon. Enjoyed myself much. Hope good was done.
January 11th 1864—This day closes my labors at the Convalescent Camp at Cowan Station. I now go to Bridgeport, Alabama. Started for Bridgeport at 4 o’clock p.m. It was dark when we got to Stevenson and after waiting two hours in the dark & cold, we started in an open car. Reached Bridgeport about 10:30 o’clock, then had one mile to walk in the dark. Finally reached the camp of the 90th Ohio [Volunteers] and found my son. Stayed with Capt. Hitchcock who is now in command of the regiment and had a pretty goo night’s rest.
January 12th—Bridgeport, Alabama. Spent this day in the office. Was somewhat indisposed [but] feel better this evening. I find Bridgeport nothing but a station—no town.
January 13th—Bridgeport. Visited the 90th and 101st Ohio Regiments in the forenoon. In the afternoon went to the colored regiment [14th USCT] and had an interesting time with them. Distributed some half dozen testaments, 12 hymn books, and 12 primers. Was confined to the office the balance of the day on duty. Brothers Pilcher, McKee, and Erving called on their return from Chattanooga “homeward bound.” May the presence of our Heavenly Father go with them and His blessing upon them.
“McKee” may have been Rev. Joseph G. McKee (1832-1868) , pictured above, who established the “McKee School” in Nashville, circa 1865, to educate the contrabands congregating there under Federal protection in 1863. This work was sponsored by the Presbyterians.
January 14, 1864—Bridgeport. Visited the 90th Ohio, 101st Ohio, the Colored Regiment, and the Convalescent Camps. Distributed in the 90th Ohio 6 testaments, 18 hymn books, and 6 papers. In the Colored Regt. 12 testaments, 12 primers, 12 spelling books. Convalescent Camp 60 papers, 450 page tracts promiscuously, 50 papers, 6 testaments, 12 hymn books.
January 15, 1864—Visited the 2nd Kentucky on the hill and distributed one hundred papers among them, 600 page tracts, 12 testaments. Returned to camp and received a message from Capt. Hitchcock in[forming me of death of soldier in 90th OVI]. Was sent to preach the funeral of [Pvt.] James Moravy of Co. D, 90th Ohio at 4 o’clock p.m. Nearly the entire regiment was present and we had an affecting time. He was buried with the honors of war.
January 16th—Bridgeport. Spent the forenoon in Convalescent Camp. Gave away 529 tracts, 91 papers. Had the pleasure of meeting with Rev. L. F. Drake, Chaplain of the 121st Ohio but now detailed as Chaplain of the Field Hospital at Bridgeport. How pleasant to meet a friend far from home. In the afternoon was on duty in the office.
A drawing of Rev. Lemuel Fordham Drake, Chaplain of the 31st OVI, preaching at Camp Dick Robinson, Kentucky on 10 November 1861.
Sunday, [January] 17th, 1864—Went to preach for the 90th Ohio in the morning. In the afternoon went to the Convalescent Camp to preach but circumstances were unfavorable and I did not. At night I preached to a very large and serious congregation to the Ship Yard. This will probably close my labors at Bridgeport, Alabama. Tomorrow I expect to go to Chattanooga.
January 19, 1864—Chattanooga, Tennessee. Left Bridgeport at daybreak in the first passenger car that has passed from Stevenson to Chattanooga. Reached Chattanooga at 9 o’clock a.m. Five delegates were on the train, some coming to this point, some going to Knoxville. Bishop Simpson of the Methodist Episcopal Church came on the same train. I find some 14 delegates here tonight from eight or ten states. In company with Rev. Holeman of the Maine Conference, I visited General Hospital No. 8 called Johnson’s Hospital. The Brethren appear to be united in their work. I hope God’s blessing will attend their labors.
January 20th 1864—Chattanooga. Preached the funeral of a young man named George E. Wolverton of Co. G, 21st Michigan Vol. Regt., aged 18 years. His home [was] Berlin, Ottawa county, Michigan. A large number of the men of the regiment attended the funeral. At night, Bishop Simpson was expected to preach in the Episcopal Church but failed to attend. I had to fill his place. 10 or 12 ministers of 5 or 6 different denominations belonging to the Christian Commission were present. A large number were in attendance and very serious.
January 21st 1864—Did not do much this day as I was quite indisposed. Visited hospital No. 8 and talked with all the Boys.
January 22nd—Chattanooga. Visited Officers Hospital with Br. Holeman but few men there. Afternoon went to see Rebel prisoners—some 150, mostly deserters [that] want to take the Oath of Allegiance. More intelligent than any I have seen.
January 23rd 1864—Bridgeport, Alabama. This day returned to Bridgport. Was detained at Whiteside more than two hours. Got to Bridgeport an hour after dark Found Br. Douglass had left to visit the 11th Corps. Chritchfield alone. Stayed on Sabbath.
Sunday, [January] 24th 1864—Preached at 11 a.m. to the 7th Pennsylvania. Had a large audience and very attentive. Afternoon preached in Convalescent Camp. At night at the Ship Yard. Heard Br. Merrell preach.
January 25th 1864—Some duty in office after visiting the 90th Ohio.
January 26th 1864—Leave today for Nashville where I expect to remain until Monday, February 1st. The Brigade of which the 90th Ohio forms a part, leaves today at 7 a.m for the front.
January 27th—Reached Nashville about 7 o’clock. Went to the Commission Boarding House and had breakfast. Visited Convalescent Camp in company with Br. Richardson of the Minnesota Conference. Preached for them at 6:30 p.m. I find not only Br. Richardson but also Br. Chauncy Hobart of the West Wisconsin Conference both good men and true.
January 28th 1864—In company with Brother [John V.] Farwell, visited Camp Smith some four miles from Nashville on the Lebanon Pike. This is a convalescent camp. A camp for new recruits and conscripts and also for broken fragments of cavalry regiments. Some 3 or 4 thousand men. We erected a large chapel tent in this camp where service will be held daily.
January 29th 1864—Nashville. Visited Baptist Church where the 3rd Ohio Regiment are quartered on their return home for reenlistment. Distributed 60 papers, 250 tracts, 14 testaments, 24 soldier’s books. Preached once.
January 30th 1864—Visited Camp Smith today, fixing Chapel Tent. Distributed a large number of papers, tracts, testaments, &c. Will have preaching tomorrow morning. Brother Farwell in company.
Sunday, January 31st 1864—Camp Smith, Nashville. Preached at 10 a.m to a large congregation in the Chapel Tent at Camp Smith. In the afternoon, had services, prayer and speaking meetings. Preached at night. Tent blew down at night.
February 1st 1864—at Camp Smith. Had service in chapel tent. Distributed a large number of papers, tracts & testaments.
February 2nd & 3rd. Same as above.
February 4th—Preached at night.
February 5th and 6th 1864—Still at Camp Smith. Nothing of special interest. Distributed [tracts, &c.] Lieut. McCormack sick.
February 7th 1864—Sunday, a day of great interest. Preached at 10 a.m to a large and attentive congregation. Prayer meeting in the afternoon of which we had a speaking meeting. Preached at night.
Saturday, [February] 13th 1864—Had preaching every night this week. The interest greatly on the increase. Some are enquiring what must I do to be saved and one man made a profession of religion and wishes to join the church.
Sunday, 14th [February]—This was a day of unusual interest. Many appeared to be deeply affected and we have strong reason to believe the Lord is about to reveal His work. Amen.
February 21st—Camp Smith. From the 14th to the 21st I have made no entries in my diary. Last week was one of great interest. Our congregation large and serious. Many feel a quickening influence and many are seeking salvation and a few have obtained pardon. For two nights we had to suspend our meetings on account of the extreme cold weather.
Sunday, [February] 21st, 1864—Our meetings were interesting today. Four ladies (Sister Smith and three others) visited our camp today and sand for us. At night our tent was crowded to excess and very attentive.
February 24th, 1864—Rev. Mr. Wright of the Baptist Preacher preached for us last night. Congregation very large.
February 25, 1864—Have a very interesting time at Chapel Tent, Camp Smith. Many are quickened. Many converted. Prospect of a general revival. This night I joined in marriage William Evans and Margaret Melissa West, both of East Tennessee. Had some doubts if I ought to have done it. Hope all is right.
A Tennessee 1961 death certificate for Fannie Belle Moore, wife of Arlie Otis Moore. She gives her parents as William Evans and her mother as Margaret M. West, Knox county, Tennessee. Could this be the same William and Margaret married by Rev. Holliday in February 1864?
February 26th and 27th, Camp Smith near Nashville. Had meeting each night. Many are serious and seeking salvation.
Sunday February 28th 1864—Preached this day at 10 a.m. Prayer and speaking meeting at 3 p.m. Preached at 6. The Chapel Tent was crowded to excess and I became very much excited—perhaps spoke louder than I ought to have done. Just after service closed, it began to rain quite hard. The tent got very wet and I caught a very bad cold. I feared all night I would lose my speach as many of the soldiers had done.
February 29th 1864—Walked to town this morning and intended to stay at home and care my throat if possible but in the afternoon, got word that the Tennessee troops were going to leave early in the morning so I had to go out to camp again, but returned to town at night. So I walked 12 miles today through the rain and mud. My throat very sore and my cold increasing.
Tuesday, March 1st 1864—Nashville. Confined to my room by indisposition. I will not be able to work for some time. Had the deepest snow today we have had this winter. Streets awful muddy.
March 2nd and 3rd 1864—For the last two days I have been confined to my room. My throat is still sore and I am scarcely able to speak above a whisper. I fear I will not be able to do much for some time. Br. Hunt has taken my place.
March 6th 1864—Nashville. Have been sick for one week. Not able to do any work. Feel better today.
Tuesday, March 8th 1864—Am now at the camp of the 4th Tennessee Cavalry camped one mile north of the City of Nashville. Expect to start home in the morning. Leave this place and work with a great deal of regret. The past three months have been months of toil and suffering, yet of some success in the service of my Heavenly Father.
March 9th 1864—Louisville, Kentucky. Started this morning from Nashville, Tenn. in cars at 7 o’clock a.m. in company with Mr. Charles Douglass of the Sate of Maine and another delegate whose name I did not learn. Parted with them at Cave City. Reached Louisville just about sundown. Had on the whole a pleasant trip and a good night’s rest.
March 10th—Louisville, Ky. On board steamboat Major Anderson waiting to start up the river. Met Mrs. Bartram [?], wife of Rev. John Bartram and sister of Rev. J. F. Marley [?]. She came down to see her sick son in the hospital and found him dead. Started up the river about one o’clock and reached Cincinnsati about daylight next morning. Slept but little.
March 11th 1864—Cincinnati. Visited the Commission Rooms and found Brothers Charles Douglass and Lawrence. Seen Rev. J. M. Waldon. Found Edward S. Moore’s family all well. At 6 o’clock p.m. started up the river on the steamboat Izetta. A great many passengers on the boat. I have traveled a great deal on steamboats but I have never seen so much drunkeness or heard so much swearing on a boat in my life. Hope to reach Manchester in the morning in time for the hack to West Union.
March 12th—Adams county, Ohio. Reached home Saturday at 3 o’clock p.m. Found my wife in usual health but her father has been sick all winter. My daughter Ella quite well. Heard my first Father-inlaw was very sick.
Sunday, 13th March 1864—Rested this day.
March 14th—Am now sitting in the room where my first wife was born and where her and I were married, March 7th 1833—31 years ago. Here my oldest son, John, was born. Sad changes have passed over me and mine since that day. She is dead, My children scattered without a home. Yet I have many mercies to record, could my ungrateful heart but appreciate the goodness of God. After all the suffering I have witnessed down in Tennessee, I should not complain.
March 28th 1864—On board steamboat Bostona No. 3. After a visit of two weeks and one day, I this morning took leave of my wife and two little daughters Ella and Flora. It was painful to part with them. I am now returning to labor under the Christian Commission. Know not to what point I may be sent, and I care not if only God is with me and will bless my labors. I have some fears I may never see my wife again. I have very little faith in such impressions yet my mind is seriously affected. I may die. She may die. The day is exceedingly pleasant.
April 1st, 1864—Steamboat Telegraph, Ohio River. I reached Cincinnati last Tuesday morning and remained there until this evening. On Wednesday afternoon attended a meeting of ladies at No. 178 Vine Street, Cincinnati, for the purpose of giving them some information concerning the refugees in Tennessee. I am in a strait betwixt two, not knowing whether to go to Tennessee or Arkansas. I wish to go where I am most needed. May my Heavenly Father guide me by infinite wisdom. I wish to do right—to go where I am most needed and where I will do the most good. I have made some effort to obtain an appointment under “Refugee Relief Commission.” On Thursday night I attended the anniversary of the US Christian Commission at Mozart Hall. Have learned that the Refugee Relief Commission cannot employ any agents at present.
April 2, 1864—On board steamboat Telegraph, Ohio River near Hanging Rock. Last evening left Cincinnati at 6 o’clock, 24 hours running to Ironton. Have felt gloomy all day. Prospects look dark. Had this evening a sweet season of prayer. Oh what would suffering saints do if they had no mercy seat. After pouring out my fears and complaints before my Heavenly Father, I felt calm in mind with a sweet peace in my soul. Bless the Lord for the privilege of prayer.
April 6th, 1864—Portsmouth, Ohio. Reached this place just in time to miss the boat. Had to wait 24 hours, then took the Telegraph. Reached Cincinnati Friday morning. Stayed until Monday 7:30 a.m., then took the cars for ST. Louis, Missouri, which I reached Tuesday at 1 o’clock a.m.
Wednesday, 13th April—On board the good boat Belle St. Louis, Mississippi river. Left ST. Louis at 5 o’clock. But few passengers on board. A splendid boat. My room is No. 41. All very civil. Bound for Memphis, Tenn.
Horrible Affair, Cairo. April 14, 1864—The steamer Platte Valley has just arrived from Fort Pillow with 10 dead men and 30 mortally wounded. The Rebels were commanded [ ]. It is supposed we had some 500 men killed, mostly negroes. The Rebel force was some 9,000 strong. They killed all negro soldiers that surrendered and nearly all the whites. There will be an awful retaliation for this sometime.
Massacre of Black Troops at Fort Pillow
I find two delegates at this place—Osmer W. Fay and Rev. Wells. The harvest great, the labors few. No boats going below today. There is also two delegates here on their way to Vicksburg, Miss., waiting for transportation down the river.
April 16th 1864—Mound City, Illinois. This evening got on a government tug and came to this place. Soon found the chaplain of the post. There is a very large hospital here with some 700 patients. Those of Fort Pillow are brought here. Many of them badly wounded and mutilated.
Here I find a Methodist preacher by the name of Elijah Littleton. Visited the hospital and distributed some tracts and books. At two o’clock p.m., preached in the chapel of the hospital to a small but serious congregation. I observe one thing here I have not seen in any other hospital—all the female nurses are Catholic nuns or sSisters of Charity, dressed entirely in black with a kind of white hood and long black vail hanging down their back half to their feet.
April 18th 1864—Mound City, Illinois. On board the United States. Spent the Sabbath in this place. Visited the hospital in the morning. Seen many of the wounded from Fort Pillow. There condition is horrible. Preach in the chapel of the hospital to a very attentive audience at night. Preached in the Methodist Episcopal Church to a large congregation. This is one of the finest fields for usefulness in this hospital for a chaplain I have ever seen anywhere. The Rev. S[tephen] S[argent] Morrill [1831-1878] is chaplain.
April 19th 1864—Cairo, Illinois. Still detained at Cairo but hope to get off this afternoon. Last night I preached to a very attentive congregation though it was small. Felt great liberty. Hope some good was done. Since writing the above, I have visited the “Refugees” quarters at Cairo. The Rev. W. C. Merritt is the Agent. I find about 400 refugees are received every week. Many are very destitute and have been robbed of all they possessed on Earth. Many are sick and dying. One very interesting came under my own observation—a Mr. Croaker from Buncombe county, North Carolina, with his family reached this place yesterday. He had to leave his home in the winter, snow 10 inches deep, no shoes, only old shoe soles tied on his feet. His wife and some small children with him. They had to find their way through the mountains without a road, had to lay out at night without shelter, all the journey performed on foot. God preserved him and his. He tells me he has five sons in the army. His brother [has] ten sons and his present wife, four brothers all in the Union army. He is 65 years old. Says his father is still living, one hundred and eight years [old in] Alabama. He left him in Bunscombe. Was a revolutionary soldier, wounded at Kingston.
Just heard of a case like this. A Mr. W. R. Allison from Mattoon, Illinois, was working a cotton plantation on the banks of Tensas Lake, Louisiana, when a party of Rebels came upon him and took 10 of his mules, 50 or 60 of his neighbors, and then made Mr. Allison dig his own grave. When they shot him and buried him in it. This information is obtained from the negroes who were working for him and escaped.
April 20th 1864—Mississippi river below Cairo. Last evebing got on board the C. E. Hillman. The clerk said he would give me a ticket but no room although half the beds were unoccupied. My feelings were much hurt, but after a season of prayer, I left more calm. A captain of artillery interested himself in my case and secured me a room. I slept sweet and feel refreshed. I was alone in a room with four beds. But few passengers on board. People are afraid to travel below Cairo. May my Heavenly Father preserve us all to our destination. When I think of the comfortable nights rest I had after a season of service, temptation and trial, I must say, “He giveth His beloved sleep.”
April 20th 1864—3 o’clock p.m. on Mississippi River half way from Cairo to Memphis. I find the woods begin to look green. Apple and plum trees are in bloom. We are wooding at an island. The stream between which us and the shore is very narrow.
April 21st, 1864—Memphis, Tenn. Reached this place this morning just before day. The trip from Cairo here was a very unpleasant one but like many other trials, it is past. I reached the Commission Rooms at No. 10 Gayoso House just after daybreak. Found it closed. Had to wait until 9 o’clock for the delegates to open. This is wrong. They ought to open at the earliest period. I feel at a great loss to know what course to pursue. May my Heavenly Father direct me with HIs spirit and word. I find two delegates here by the name of Burns and Boyington. The local agent, by the name of Ensign, is absent, So [too] the field agent Burnell. I find a little Miss ____ in the office exceedingly ____. I have yet to learn what use she is to the Commission except to play on the Melodion. I don’t like the way things are conducted at Cairo or Memphis.
April 23, 1864—Memphis. Visited Fort Pickering today with 265 papers, 400 tracts, 12 Soldier’s books, 12 hymn books. Called on Chaplain Price, 55th US Colored [Troops]. Made an arrangement to preach in the fort tomorrow. Two delegates arrived this morning by the name of Perrizine [?], Methodist, and Stewart, Baptist.
April 25th 1864—Memphis. Preached at Fort Pickering in the morning from 2nd Timothy, 4-7. In the afternoon 2nd Corinthians, 6-1 to very attentive congregations. Met with a Brother Wells of the Iowa Conference (a private).
April 29, 1864—Fort Pickering. The last five days have been very unpleasant to me and it seems as if I was doing but little good. I have had great difficulty in getting a place to board or lodge. Just at this moment, a man by the name of Martin Smith was hanged in Fort Pickering for giving aid to the Rebels. I learn he died penitent and in hope of pardon. May God have mercy on his soul.
May 1, 1864—Memphis. Friday night at 1 o’clock a.m., I was violently attacked with something like bloody flux. All day yesterday and today quite sick, under medical treatment, but better now. This is a beautiful Sabbath. Heard yesterday of the death of my brother George in Kansas.
May 9th 1864—Memphis. After being quite sick for some 5 or 6 days since which I have been laboring around the city. On Saturday I received a letter from Mr. J. Dalton, Chair Ex Com. of Refugee Relief Committee of Ohio in which they say they are sending me several boxes of bedding and clothing for the refugees at this place. On Sunday the 8th, received a letter from Christian Commission at St. Louis enclosing 25 dollars and ordering me to Little Rock, Arkansas. I do not know what to do. May my Heavenly Father direct me. I want to do that that will be most for the glory of God.
May 11th 1864—Memphis. Visited the 1st Miss. Cavalry. Distributed 110 papers, 6 testaments, 50 soldier’s books, 300 pages tracts.
In the afternoon visited the Colored School on the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church. The Rev. T. N. Stewart (Colored) of Columbus, Ohio, is teacher assisted by his oldest scholars. There are 280 scholars enrolled. The school commenced February 22, 1864. The 1st day he had 53 scholars, 2nd day 77. Some 40 who commenced in the alphabet are now reading in the 2nd Reader. He boards with a colored man by the name of Joseph Clouston whose wife is a scholar in theclass of 2nd Reader. 20 years ago Clouston bought himself for $2,250 dollars. He is now worth 50 to 75 thousand dollars. They raise almost any Sabbath from $35 to $50. The church is from $1500 to 2,000 in debt but they say they will pay it in one year. The church is some 75 feet in length, 45 wide, basement under the whole which is brick. The upper part frame, painted white and well seated, two local preachers.
May 19th 1864—After laboring in Memphis just four weeks, I started this evening just at sundown for Little Rock, Arkansas on the steamboat Tycoon. Fare 20 dollars. After a tedious trip, we reached Duvall’s Bluff Sunday morning at 4 o’clock. Started on the railroad for Little Rock at 6:30 a.m. We reached the halfway station in good time but had to wait four hours for the train to pass. We reached Little Rock at 6 o’clock p.m. sick and tired.
May 29th 1864—Little Rock, Arkansas. Have been here one week. Much disappointed in the place and things and think I will leave soon. Preached in the Colred Church at 10:30 o’clock.
June 9th 1864—Camp 77th Ohio Regiment, Little Rock. Since the above date (May 29th) I have been laboring very hard for the US Christian Commission for the Colored Church and the 77th Ohio Regiment, but yesterday and this morning I feel very much dejected and discouraged. I indulged a strong hope that a was was about to open by which I should find permanent employment by getting a position as Chaplain of the 77th Ohio Regiment and by taking charge of the Colored Church in Little Rock. The last I can get and I feel I might be usefully employed, but I fear I could not get a support for my family. I expect my efforts to secure the Chaplaincy will (as usual) fail. And if it does fail, I must take it for granted that Providence designs I shall never hold the position of Chaplain in the ARmy and I will never make another effort to secure such a position. May God help me. Amen.
I can in truth say I earnestly desire to be useful, to please my Heavenly Father, and t air at doing His will in everything. But my way seems dark and mysteriously caged up in every direction. I cannot but feel if I was more Holy—had more faith in God, it would be better with me in my temporal matters. Oh Lord, I seek light and wisdom from Thee. Be pleased to help me “Hope in God for I shall yet praise Him, &c.”
June 15th 1864—Camp 77th Ohio Regt. Since writing the last in this diary, some important matters have taken place. I have been unanimously elected Chaplain of the 77th Ohio Regiment and the papers have been forwarded to the Governor of Ohio for my commission. A commission will no doubt be granted but whether I will be mustered in is doubtful. [A note in the back of the diary indicates he began boarding at the sutler’s of the 77th OVI on this date]
In connection with the Chaplaincy, I have taken charge of the Colored Congregation in Little Rock, Arkansas. May my Heavenly Father help me so I may be useful. In this church, there is a large field of labor and perhaps usefulness. These downtrodden ones are to be enlightened, &c.
June 18th 1864—Little Rock, Ark. One week since I closed my labors in the US Christian Commission. I spent one week in Cairo, Illinois [and] four weeks at Memphis, Tenn.
July 5th 1864—In camp at Little Rock, Arkansas. The Fourth of July was spent very quiet. No public demonstration except firing 37 guns from Fort Steele. The weather has been intensely hot and sickness is on the increase. Nearly 20 in the hospital.
August 5th 1864—Little Rock, Arkansas. It is just one month since I made an entry in this journal. The 7th of this month I had, in addition to the regiment and Colored Congregation, to take charge of the rooms of the Christian Commission at this place. This has kept me constantly employed. Thayer and Stinchfield left sick. Allen left at the same time sick but being detained at Duvall’s Bluff, he got better and returned. 4 days after, he became very sick and has done nothing since. On Friday, July 29th, I received my commission from Governor Brough of Ohio as Chaplain of the 77th Ohio Regt. Vet. Volunteers, dated July 15, 1864. The next day I made application to be mustered in but found my papers were not right—or at least did not suit the mustering officer. This 5th day of August I applied again but fear I will lose one hundred dollars, if not all for two months. If so, I will not accept my commission at all. This is a source of vexation and trouble—a trial of my faith. May my Heavenly Father so enlighten my mind, so influence my heart, that I may know and do what is right, and so overrule these events as well promote His glory and my good for Jesus’ sake, amen and amen.
Some un-transcribed notes in the back of Rev. Holliday’s Diary with names and residences and/or regimental affiliations of individuals he encountered during the period he kept this diary.
The following letter was written by Pvt Thomas R. Martin, Co. F, 10th Virginia Cavalry (1st Cavalry Regiment, Wise Legion) to his mother. Thomas enlisted as a private at North Garden, Virginia, in April 1861 and reenlisted at Richmond the following year. Prior to January of 1863, he was promoted to First Corporal. He was promoted again, this time to Third Sergeant, prior to November 1863. Close to the end of war, Martin was wounded at the Battle of Five Forks, in April 1865.
When this letter was penned in mid-July 1861 at Charleston, Virginia (now West Virginia), the 10th Virginia Cavalry had not yet been organized. Thomas was a member of the Rockbridge Mounted Rangers that were part of Gen. Henry A. Wise’s Brigade. Their uniform was described as a “gray sack coat, gray shirt and pants, and a drab slouch hat.”
Transcription
Addressed to Mrs. S. P. Martin, Lexington, Rockbridge county, Virginia
Charleston [Virginia] July 15, 1861
Dear Ma,
We arrived here last night after a severe forced march of 31 miles without stopping to feed as we were met by a messenger who said that the troops from Ohio were 17 miles from this place and were advancing. Yesterday a skirmish took place 13 miles below here but I understand no one was hurt on either side & the Yankees retreated. We start from here this morning and expect a fight very shortly and are preparing for it.
I will give you a list of my debts at Salem in case of an accident. I owe Mr. Campbell $22 for my pistol & other things. If you look in my black cloak pocket, you will find Mr. Holland’s bill. It comes to $26. And I owe Mr. George Stevens $3. This is all I owe.
This is a beautiful country and there are splendid crops here. Yesterday we passed the oil works & also the salt works but had not time to examine them. The people out here are mostly Union men and they look at us as if they would kill us if they could, and others of them cheer for Jeff Davis but you can see they have no heart in it while our true men could be known by the joy depicted on their countenances. In town here we have been treated very shabbily and have paid no attention to us whatever and we could not even get a bit of supper by paying for it. We had to eat like dogs on the corner of the street and such a supper I never did eat & hope never to eat again. I thought we had hard eating in camp but our cooking is good to what that was last night.
I am very well but want sleep badly. Wise has given us liberty to take horses & everything else from the Yankees and the Union men. 1 I expect we will thrash the Yankees like everything or they will have to shoot better than they have yet. I have no idea of being killed and expect to bring any quantity of mementos of the war home with me.
I wrote to you by Mr. Hartsook two days since and will write again after the fight—if we have one. I must close. Write to Charleston, care of Capt. D., Rock[bridge] Rangers, and I suppose I will get it. I haven’t heard from you but I suppose I haven’t had time to do so. Write soon. Love to all. Your affectionate son, — J. Thos R. Martin
1 The statement that Gen. Wise has “given us liberty to take horses and everything else from the Yankees and the Union men” is surprising as he had strict orders from the Confederate War Department to “protect the personal and property rights of the inhabitants” in the Kanawha Valley. Stealing from the civilians, whether they were pro-Union or not, would only further alienate the region, reasoned the politicians in Richmond.Wise’s correspondence makes it clear that he despised the pro-Union residents in the Valley; he called them “traitors” and “copperheads.”
Spared & Shared 23 