The following letter was written by William D. Chamberlin (1842-1881), the son of John Chamberlin (1818-1883) and Martha J. Biggs (1819-1883) of Cashtown, Adams county, Pennsylvania. He wrote the letter to Margaret (“Maggie”) A. Carpenter (1845-1880) with whom he married in October 1869. Co. K, 87th Pennsylvania Volunteers. His grave markers gives his surname as Chamberlin though he was carried on the muster rolls of the regiment as Chamberlain.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
William’s letter was written on stationery printed with poem, “Old Jeff as Miss Dixie” by R. B. Nicol.
Camp near Bailey’s Cross Roads, Virginia June 9th 1865
Good evening Maggie,
I am reasonably well, thank you. How are you prospering? Your favor of the 23rd ult. came to hand a few days ago, and met a welcome reception. I was very busy today. I am now engaged as clerk at Regimental Headquarters and have a considerable amount of work on hand just now. But as it is now 9 o’clock, I have taken the liberty to put the other papers to a side and devote a few moments to the agreeable task of answering your letter. I received the note you sent me just about the time we wrestled starting on the march from Richmond to this place. I knew you would certainly receive my letter—hence I didn’t answer the note. I am inclined to think you were not in a very good humor when you wrote it. Well, I can’t censure you for it after having waited so long for an answer, but I presume you have already forgiven me. You know full well that it is almost impossible for a soldier to be punctual with his correspondents at all times—especially it he has a goodly number. He has a great many other duties to perform and they demand his attention first.
Your thoughts concerning the “Locust trees” are very good. It calls to my mind scenes around my home that I often looked upon with delight about this time of the year.
William’s letter included a cdv of Jeff Davis in ladies clothes being taken captive by Union Cavalry. Two black infantrymen look on in the background.There were numerous variations on this theme but this is the only one I have seen of this view.
I should like to hear your sermon on the flight of Jeff Davis. I have been thinking you would probably make an appointment in the neighborhood for that purpose. Hence I have selected a piece of music with appropriate lines for an occasion of that kind which i will place at your disposal. What do you think of it? Pretty good, eh?
I understand you had quite an assemblage of people at the meeting in the grove on the 1st of June. It would have been very gratifying to me to have met with the rest of you. Such, however, could not be the case.
Well the Grand Review of the 6th Corps is over. No doubt the idle curiosity of a great many people has been gratified, but it cost the lives of quite a number of good soldiers—some no doubt who have served faithfully for three years. There was scarcely any air stirring in the streets of Washington and som of the streets were clouded with dust. The day was very warm and there was hundreds to be seen through the city on the sidewalks who were overcome with the heat and had fallen—some to rise no more. I was along but had no gun or accoutrements to carry. Sometimes I thought I would fall too. Our Corps, I noticed, receives great praise in the papers. 1
This evening when our regiment was on “Dress Parade,” the Colonel complimented the boys for their good behavior and fine marching in the City yesterday. Our camp is about fives miles from Washington on the Virginia side of the Potomac. The troops are being sent home as rapidly as possible. As yet, there has been no orders to muster out troops who entered the army last spring but I presume there will be such orders issued as soon as they get those mustered out who come under the first order from the fact that they are mustering out all of our sick men.
I will not get angry at you for threatening to box my ears. Talk about it as much as you have a mind to, but I would like to see you carry it into execution. If you would attempt it, I’ll bet I would have a k–s. Oh! I almost forgot myself. Well, as you say, you often think on paper so I will come in with that idea too. If you would or could see me now, you would see as much of a dash on my face as there is between those two letters up there. After all, I can’t see any harm in the expression, “Worse half.”
You say “A candid confession as good for the soul.” Now tell me why you were angry when you came to that part of my letter when I said, “Who will have me?” You ask why I don’t correct faults that I may notice in you. The fact is I have not noticed any of which to accuse you or correct in you. Will that do? As you are getting weary of this scribbling. I will close and go to my bed such as it is on the ground. Let me hear from you soon again. I have the honor to remain very respectfully your friend, — Wm. D. C., Co. K, 87th P. V., 1st Brig., 3d Division, 6th Corps, Washington D. C.
P. S. Please remember me to all of your folks, — Wm. D. C.
1 There was a separate review of the 6th Corps on 8 June 1865. THE CLOSING PAGEANT OF THE WAR.; Grand Review of the Sixth Corps by the President and Gen. Meade. The War-Worn Veterans Make a Splendid Appearance. They are Greeted Everywhere with the Greatest Enthusiasm. Reconstruction in Alabama A Rather Startling Demand. Military Re-union of the 14th and 20th Corps. Speeches by Gens. Howard. Slocum and Others. REVIEW OF THE SIXTH CORPS. WASHINGTON, Thursday, June 8. Published: June 9, 1865 The dusty veterans of the Sixth have a proud record. The colors are for too small for the inscription of the names of all their battles, and there are hundreds of officers and men who have been under fire a round hundred times. The corps was first brought into existence by MCCLELLAN, at Cumberland Landing, on the Pamunky River, in May, 1862, when it was styled the Sixth Provisional Army Corps, and Maj.-Gen, W.B. FRANKLIN assigned to the command. The corps has graduated some splendid soldiers, foremost among whom stand the lamented SEDGWICK, the indomitable HANCOCK, who was present today, and again looked upon the fragments of the brigade that he so vigorously disciplined at Camp Griffin, in the Winter of 1861-2; “Baldy” SMITH, whose features were once so inseparable with the corps, and DAVIDSON, whose Trans-Mississippi cavalry campaigns have been so successful; and BROOKS, now out of the service, but once a pet of the Vermonters and a gallant officer: young VINTON, badly wounded at Fredericksburg; BURNHAM, the valiant son of Maine, who fell at Fort Harrison; RUSSELL, killed in the very hour of victory, at Cedar Creek, in the valley; BIDWELL, giving up his life just after receiving his hard-earned star; and many others gone, now forever, whose memory is renewed most vividly as the veterans of the Sixth pass by. The term “SHERIDAN’S heavy cavalry” was applied to the Sixth Corps by some one who had a singularly correct idea of its significance, for the must brilliant victories of the valley were those in which the “heavy cavalry” came vigorously to the support of the “light cavalry,” and which, on the 19th of October, under the inspiring presence of SHERIDAN himself, wrested victory from the very jaws of defeat, and which again, in the final rout of LEE, overhauled, defeated and captured the rear guard of EWELL, and sent to the rear ten thousand prisoners, innumerable flags and cannon, and half a score of Major-Generals. So, if the Sixth Corps marched to-day with a vigorous step and proud spirit, they were entitled to do so by all that goes to make valiant and victorious soldiers. http://www.nytimes.com/1865/06/09/n…sident-gen-meade-war-worn.html?pagewanted=all
The following letter was written by Francis M. Pressley who mustered into Co. E, 10th New York Heavy Artillery in early August 1862 at Henderson, New York. Soon after he was transferred into Co. A.
His muster records inform us that he was born at Sandy Creek, New York, and that he was an 18 year-old laborer when he enlisted. He was described then as standing 5′ 7″ tall, with blue eyes and light hair. He mustered out of the regiment at Petersburg on 23 June 1865.
Francis’ letter was written on stationery entitled “The Soldier’s Rest” which had two poems—-“The Campfires are burning” and “The soldiers are sleeping.”
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Fort Richmond [Staten Island, New York] March 6, 1863
Dear Friend,
It is a willing hand that sits down to answer your ever welcome letter that I received the 24th of last month. I was glad to hear from you. Your ever welcome letter came to hand in due time.
I think you must have enjoyed yourself very well the day that you and Francis went a visiting. I should like to have been there to went with you. I think that I could enjoyed myself well, don’t you? But I han’t been very lonesome yet for I think that if noise will prevent it, that we shan’t.
L. C. [Lieut. Col.] Joseph Spratt is our Colonel now. He is just the man for this place. He is very strict and he don’t favor anyone more than he does another. He has shut down the officers pretty snug. He won’t give them but one pass in a day out of each company a day. He says that we are the best drilled of any company that he had seen for as short a time that we have drilled.
L. C. [John Bradbury] Frothingham and our Colonel inspected us on knapsack inspection and then they inspected us at the cannons. He come along to our company where we were drilling and wanted to know if this was Co. A and they told him it was. He said that he remembered Co. A & he said that we was the best drilled company that he had seen in the Battalion.
Mary Mot has gone to live with some folks a little ways from here. Tell Charley that I am afraid that he will lose his dear little Mary but I neglected to write before. I don’t want you to wait as long as I have.
I heard that Olive Bishop was dead. I tell you that Lon felt bad and so did I for it was sad news and it was unexpected news to me and I guess that it was to all. But we must be on the guard and be prepared for another world. I must close for this time. The Boys are all well. Roll is getting well. He is on duty. Give my love to all. Write soon. From your best friend, — F. M. Presley
The following letter was written by Peter Baggerly (1841-1925) of Savannah, Wayne county, New York, who enlisted as a recruit in March 1864 to serve in Co. G, 9th New York Heavy Artillery. He was described at that time as a 5 foot 10 inch tall, brown-haired farmer. He was wounded on 15 March 1865 before Petersburg and was transferred on 27 June 1865 to the 2d N. Y. H. A.
Peter was the son of Hezekiah Owen Baggerly (1814-1891) and Olive Dewey (1817-1902). After the war he married Margaret Sibley (1846-1930) and lived out his days in Clyde, Wayne county, New York.
T RA N S C R I P T I O N
Peter’s letter was written on stationery with the poem titled. “How the Veterans Broke Up Jeff Davis’ Ball.” It celebrates the defeat of Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia at Gettysburg.
Fort Foot Sunday, April 10th 1864
Dear Friend,
As I had a spare time, I thought I would let you know where I am stationed. I suppose you have heard that I was in the army. Well I am well as usual and hope you are ditto. We are fourteen miles south of Washington on the Potomac river on a bluff about 100 feet above the river. It is a very nice place and have nice times. There is only five companies here. We have good victuals and good clean barracks and good straw beds to sleep on.
I have seen some of the boys from around Clifton. I saw Mike and George Kipp and some others from around your community. But enough of that.
How does Olin get along married? I suppose by this time he has been down to our town but I was not there to wait on him. I would like to have been home. I would had some fun with him. I will bet he got lost before he got home. You must take care of him till he can take care of himself. But enough of him.
Now if you will think this worth answering, I should be happy to hear from you and more than that, I want your photograph and when I get some, you can have one if you wish. You must excuse my writing this sheet wrong side up as I did not see it till it was too late to prevent it. Answer soon. So goodbye for now. From your friend, — Peter Baggerly
To Isabel Spangle
P. S. Don’t you let Uncle Harrison’s folks know that I wrote to you before I wrote to them or Robert’s folks.
Direct to Mr. Peter Baggerly. Co. G, 9th Artillery, N. Y. V., Washington D. C.
I could not find an image of Daniel but here is one of William W. Harding of Co. G, 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry (Union Drummer Boy)
The following letter was written by 1st Sergeant Daniel H. Schriver (1836-1864) of Co. I, 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry. He enlisted in September 1861 and was promoted from 1st Sergeant to 2nd Lieutenant on 8 November 1863. He was killed in a brisk skirmish at Flat Creek Bridge, Virginia, on 14 May 1864. At the time of his enlistment, Daniel was described as a 25 year-old, 5′ 4″ tall, black-haired saddler.
Schriver’s letter informs his brother of the evacuation from White House Landing, McClellan’s Supply Depot on the Pamunkey river in June 1862 when J. E. B. Stuart conducted his raid. He referred to him as Jackson but it was actually Stuart.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Williamsburg, Va. July 1st 1862
Dear Brother,
I will improve the few leisure moments at present to write to you again. You will see by the head of this letter that we have moved our quarters again. In consequence of the weak condition of our military post at White House Station, we were compelled to evacuate it on the approach of Gen. Jackson & Lee with a large force in the rear of McClellan’s Headquarters which was not properly guarded by a sufficient force to make a stand. There were not more than 1,000 men at White House Landing altogether and all on duty day and night for a week previous which was too hard for the men to stand it lone anymore. So it was intended to evacuate it as soon as we could move all the hospital and all the quartermaster’s stores.
We had hardly moved all before the Secesh Jackson with a large force made his appearance about 6 miles off at Garlick’s Station where our 2nd Lieutenant Chas. W. Butts was stationed on picket whereupon he burnt a large mill & some houses and then came in. Most of the boats and schooners left the night before; others were ready to leave in a moment’s notice. All the stores and ammunition that was not taken away was destroyed, locomotives and cars were backed into river. 1 White House was destroyed. Our tents was burnt. And then we all went out about two miles to guard the place until the teams with what necessary things we could not dispense with got a good start, and as soon as it got dark, we started and got here about 11 o’clock a.m. next day—a distance of 45 miles the way we came around, only stopping two r three hours towards daylight to rest a little.
“Burning of the White House- the Federal troops, by command of General McClellan, abandoning their position at the White House, and breaking up the commisariat depot on the Pamunkey River- departure of the Union flortilla for the James River, June 26th, 1862. The Confederate raid of Stuart’s cavalry at Garlick’s Landing and Tunstall’s Station had struck the occupants of the White House Landing with a deep sense of insecurity; and, consequently, when they received orders on Wednesday, June 25th, to prepare for the hasty removal of all the government stores, they set to work with great activity, and by Thursday the greater portion of the heavy stores were embarked on board the numerous transports lying in the river. Unfortunately, through some accident the White house took fire, and the house of Washington’s wife was soon destroyed.” — Frank Leslie, 1896
The supposition was that the rebels would follow us in force but they did not further than New Kent Court House, 8 miles from White House. The inhabitants are all secesh here in this place. When they heard that Jackson was coming, the women all went to work and had an awful time in baking and cooking a dinner for him but I guess it will all get moldy before he will eat it.
I do not think we will stay here long but where we will go to next I cannot say. But I hope not to a place where there are too few troops and so much duty to do. There sounds the bugle for sick call. I must go and see if anybody is sick enough to go to the Doctor’s 9in order to shirk duty). Excuse this scratching. I have to do it all on my knee under two India rubber blankets for tents. Yours expecting a letter soon from you, I remain your devoted brother, — Dan’l H. Schriver, 1st Sergt. Co. I
The surest way to direct your letters since we have no permanent encampment is to Camp Hamilton, Fort Monroe, Va., or to Washington D. C. and the other preliminaries and it will follow.
P. S. Enclosed you will find part of a Magnolia flower that grows wild here on pretty large trees.
1 J. E. B. Stuart’s cavalry raided Garlick’s Landing on the Pamunkey River above the railroad bridge and captured 14 wagons and some sutler’s stores, and burnt two schooners laden with forage and then headed toward Tunstall’s Station.
War Correspondent George Alfred Townsend was heading back to White House at the time of Stuart’s raid and described what he saw at Garlick’s Landing and White House when he arrived: “I remained a full hour under cover; but as no fresh approaches added to my mystery and fear, I sallied forth, and kept the route to Putney’s, with ears erect and expectant pulses. I had gone but a quarter of a mile, when I discerned, through the gathering gloom, a black, misshapen object, standing in the middle of the road. As it seemed motionless, I ventured closer, when the thing resolved to a sutler’s wagon, charred and broken, and still smoking from the incendiaries’ torch. Further on, more or these burned wagons littered the way, and in one place two slain horses marked the roadside. When I emerged upon the Hanover road, sounds of shrieks and shot issued from the landing a “Garlic,” and, in a moment, flames rose from the woody shores and reddened the evening. I knew by the gliding blaze that vessels had been fired and set adrift, and from my place could see the devouring element climbing rope and shroud. In a twinkling, a second light appeared behind the woods to my right, and the intelligence dawned upon me that the cars and houses at Tunstall’s Station had been burned. By the fitful illumination, I rode tremulously to the old head-quarters at Black Creek, and as I conjectured, the depot and train were luridly consuming. The vicinity was marked by wrecked sutler’s stores, the embers of wagons, and toppled steeds. Below Black Creek the ruin did not extend: but when I came to White House the greatest confusion existed. Sutlers were taking down their booths, transports were slipping their cables, steamers moving down the stream. Stuart had made the circuit of the Grand Army to show Lee where the infantry could follow.”
Joel Cook described what he heard about the attack on the train passing through Tunstall’s Station and the reaction at White House Landing: “There were numerous passengers on the cars, mostly laborers, civilians, and sick and wounded soldiers, and a general effort was made to jump off, and, if possible, elude the enemy’s fire. Several succeeded, and hid themselves in the wood; but the quickly increasing speed of the train prevented the majority from following their example. The cars, however, were soon out of reach of the Rebels, and the engineer, fearful of pursuit or of meeting more enemies, increased the pressure of steam so that the train almost flew over the distance between Tunstall’s Station and White House. There the news of what had occurred spread like lightning, and there was the utmost consternation among the sutlers, civilians, clerks, laborers, and negroes who inhabited the canvas town which had sprung up on the Pamunky. Lieutenant-colonel Ingalls, of the quartermaster’s department, was the officer in command, and, under fear of impending danger, he mustered the few soldiers who were at the place, and armed the civilians and laborers. He also placed all the money, records, mails, and other valuable property of the United States upon a steamboat in the river. The panic among the sutlers was beyond all description: each one expected utter ruin, and awaited, with an anxious heart, the approach of the enemy. They did not come, however, and White House, though it was so soon to be destroyed, had a short respite.” [Source: White House Landing Sustaining the Army of the Potomac during the Peninsula Campaign.]
A young Maine soldier returned home in his “long home” (casket).
This letter was written by William Evans of Media, Delaware county, Pennsylvania, the father of Thomas Evans (1844-1864) who was a private in Co. E, 197th Pennsylvania Infantry. Thomas died from “inflammation of the stomach and bowels” on 5 September 1864 at the Garrison Hospital at Rock Island, Illinois.
In his letter, William thanks Capt. Ralph Buckley of the 197th Pennsylvania for sending his son’s body home and asks him to explain the cut in his son’s neck under his right ear. This cut was presumably made by the caretaker who severed Thomas’s carotid artery to drain the blood as part of the embalming process.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Rose valley, Media [Pennsylvania] [September] 20th, 1864
Capt. R. Buckley—dear sir,
I return you my sincere thanks for the kindness you and your company have done to my dear son Thomas Evans and may God reward you and your company of men for their kindness to my son and me. I received his corpse on the 10th, Saturday, at 5 p.m. at the Adams Express, 4th and Chestnut. I brought him home to Media and buried him the next day. I opened his coffin and found my dear son. No tongue can tell how I felt when I saw my child. There was a cut on his neck under his right ear and it was sowed and I am much grieved about it too. What was the cause of it? Please Captain, if you know, to send me word and you will do me a great kindness.
I had my son’s death put in the papers and I have sent one to you, Captain, and some to the boys of Co. I and to the officers of Co. E, and I hope you will get them. I was talking to your mistress yesterday. She and the family are well. I got the bill of expense that you were at on account of sending my son home. I have it and may God do to you and your men as you have done to me. All I can do us to pray for you and I will do that with the help of God. Dear Captain, you can tell me if I will get his pay for the time he served?
Dear Captain, please answer this letter and you will do me a great kindness as I will be happy to hear from you and the boys. I will bring my letter to a close by sending you and the boys my kind love and may God send you safe home. — William Evans
My directions is Media Post Office, Delaware county, Pa., care of Antrim O’Horne
The following letters were written by James Hopkins (1839-1904), the son of William Hopkins (1805-1863) and Emma Goodwyn Hopkins (1808-1868) of Richland county, South Carolina. James attended the University of Virginia and during the Civil War served in the States Rights Guards, Co. B 1 of the 9th South Carolina Infantry and Co. K of the 4th South Carolina Cavalry. He was wounded on Oct. 22, 1862, at the Second Battle of Pocotaligo and was captured at the Battle of Matadequin Creek, Va., on May 30, 1864. He was held as a prisoner of war at Point Lookout, Md., until he was exchanged in March 1865.
Mentioned in several of the letters was English Hopkins (1842-1918), a younger brother of James. English also attended the University of Virginia and served in the same regiments as his brother, though he was not an officer.
1 Co. B—the States Rights Guards (aka the Fork Troop)—was one of the three companies of the original 2nd SC Regiment (SCV) that refused to serve in Virginia during April of 1861. The men were from the lower part of Richland District, and having remained in Charleston, SC it also helped to form the nucleus of the 9th SC Regiment (SCV). While at Ridgeville, SC in Colleton District (Dorchester County today) on June 27, 1861 the men mustered into Confederate service for twelve months, effective April 8, 1861. Duncan William Ray, MD was elected Captain in State service on April 8, 1861, and was then elected Lt. Colonel of the 9th SC Regiment (SCV) on July 12, 1861. 1st Lieutenant Robert Adams was promoted to succeed him as Captain of Company B on that same date. When the 9th SC Regiment (SCV) was disbanded in April of 1862, some of the men enlisted in Company C and 2nd Company H of the 6th SC Regiment (SCV), and two (2) men joined 2nd Company A of the 5th SC Regiment (SCV).
[Note: The following letters are from a private collection (RM) and were offered for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by express consent.]
Letter 1
Mississippi, Madison county June the 29th 1860
Dear Sir,
Yours dated the 11th inst. was received on Saturday last. I regret very much to say to you that Betsy’s child died yesterday morning. It seemed to have been doing pretty well until last Sunday evening. It taken bowel complaint and we could not with all exertions check them up. But I think its disease was an incurable one. It had ulcers broken out on it as large as a five cent piece. I took the prescription you wrote me and showed it to Doctor [William Alston] Cheek 1 and tried to get him to make up some for me to give the child but he wouldn’t agree to give it to it. I told him I would much rather he would give it. He said he would take the responsibility on himself if the child died. You must blame it on him. All of the rest is well except Old Woman Chany. She has been complaining some this week.
We have passed off another dry week. On Tuesday evening it clouded up and rained a little shower enough to run in the yard a little. It continued cloudy and threatened to rain until last night [when] it all passed off and never rained any to do any good. It will be ten weeks next Monday since we have had a full season. My cotton crop is not doing well by no means. I never in all my life saw half as many lice has been here on our cotton for the last week. I will make a finish of hauling in my oats tomorrow. I will get twelve or fifteen wagon loads. I have got all of my wheat wined over one time but I expect to clean it over again. I received the book you sent me. Yours truly, — J Hopkins
I am very much obliged to you for them.
1 Dr. William Alston Cheek (1825-1897) was born in North Carolina. In was enumerated in Beat 4, Madison county, Mississippi in the 1860 US Census. He died in Canton, MS, in 1897.
Letter 2
Mississippi, Madison county January 4, 1861
Dear Sir,
Yours dated the 24th of last month was received on last Monday. We have had a severe spell of bad weather here which has lasted nearly fifteen days. It commenced snowing here on Saturday night last and snowed until Sunday evening. In consequence of the weather being so bad, I have not done much out door work. I think in my last letter I wrote you I had received the draft you sent me. I also [think] I wrote you that the corn you ordered was shipped. I have been hauling it home this week. I have about 250 bushels home.
I see from your letter and the Columbia papers that you are all now independent—an independent state. I hope Mississippi will be out in a few days. I was down in Canton yesterday. I was told that there was a telegraph dispatch [received] there before that Mr. Buchanan was going to send an army there to whip you all back into the Union but the people of Canton don’t believe a word of it. But they say if it is true and he does what he says he will, they will come to South Carolina and help to fight. All are well. Yours truly, — J. Hopkins
N. B. I settled up for the Brown land the other day but never got the title until a few days past. All of the Legatees signed it.
Letter 3
Morris Island April 12, 1861 Five minutes to Seven a.m.
Dear Father,
Regional view of Charleston Harbor showing the city of Charleston on the Ashley and Cooper rivers, Castle Pinckney on Shute’s Folly Island, Pleasantville and Mt. Pleasant Battery, Mechanicsville and batteries on Sullivan’s Island, and the Morris and James island batteries, and their distances from Fort Sumter.
I am now encamped with the States Rights Guards on Morris Island. The batteries from Fort Moultrie have opened upon Fort Sumter. The batteries on our Island for a shot now and then. The firing was commenced about daybreak this morning and still continues. They are only firing shells. Some say that Anderson have not returned fire as yet. Others say that he has. He has not fired often for I have been looking at Fort Sumter. I do not think that Anderson can be hurt much with shells. I am quite comfortably fixed, but am afraid that I will have to move. We understood last night that Fort Sumter was to be fired upon at eight and consequently to sleep upon our arms, but the firing was delayed until this morning. Anderson can do a great deal of damage but he seems to treat our firing with silent contempt—at least so far. I have to stop now. I am called to arms. Direct to me at Morris Island, States Rights Guards. — J. Hopkins (wrong direction, you will see the right directions at the end of the letter)
April 13th 1861, 9:30 a.m. o’clock. Our batteries have fired Fort Sumter. It still burns. 1 There is some talk of storming it but I do not know whether it will be attempted or not. I stood guard last night from seven until nine, was in all of the hard rain, was relieved at nine and went back at two and was relieved at four. I slept on the ground on two boards for about a half an hour before daybreak (in the open air). I only slept a half an hour during the whole night and that was just before daybreak. I slept with my head on the breach of my musket. I got very wet. Never was so tired in all my life but I have on dry clothes this morning and none the worse—only I am very sleepy.
We have been under arms ever since we arrived expecting the landing of forces from the ships in the harbor. An attempt was made but our men were too much on the alert for the Black Republicans. We will sleep on our arms tonight. Although Fort Sumter is on fire, Anderson still has his flag up.
I lost my large valise. I think it is on the Island but have not received it and do not expect to. I have not received my uniform as yet. I cannot tell you whether I will be allowed to have a boy or not. Do not send him till I write for him. Anderson is still firing. One of his balls fell about fifty yards from us yesterday. Not a man has been killed by Anderson. A mortar bursted and kill[ed] twenty men, so says rumor.
Direct to James Hopkins, Capt. [Duncan William] Ray’s Company, 2 S. C. Volunteers, Charleston
Your affectionate son, — James Hopkins
Give my love to all. Remember me to Cousin Kizzy. I am well. — J. Hopkins
1 Most reports of the bombardment claim that a dense volume of smoke was seen suddenly to arise from Fort Sumter following at explosion around 9 o’clock a.m. of April 13th 1861.
2 Duncan William Ray, MD, (1812-1868), of Richland District, was Captain of the States Rights Guards in the original 2nd SC Regiment (SCV) that refused to march to Virginia. This Company became Company B—the Fork Troop—in this, the 9th SC Regiment (SCV). During the second election of Field Officers on July 12, 1861, he was elected Lt. Colonel of the 9th SC Regiment (SCV) in lieu of Dixon Barnes (above) who had been elected on July 5th. Dr. Duncan William Ray graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and was a well-known physician and planter in Lower Richland County, South Carolina.
Letter 4
Mississippi, Mad[ison] County May the 3rd, 1861
Dear Sir,
I have had no letter from you this week but hope to get one in the morning when I send to the office. I have been hard down all this week with my men force trying to get the old trees cut and rolled up. I have got all the timber that was blown down on my cotton land rolled up this week. I had to just cut up such trees as I could carry and pile up. Large trees I cannot do anything with them but cut up the tops for it would have been impossible to rolled them over the cotton. I wrote you last Sunday that I would cut and burn them but when I commenced working at them I found it never would do, so I just rolled them on piles and plough around them the best I could. It will take me another week with my men to get the timber piled so I can do anything with them. There is some places in the land that I cleared last winter that I cannot do anything with in consequence of so much timber being on it.
We have had more heavy rain here this year tham I ever witnessed in the spring. On Monday evening last it commenced raining and continued all night as hard as ever you heard it I recon. Yesterday we had another wet day. Our swamp has been flooded up this week so that I could do nothing but roll up logs this week. I see my cotton has not come up as well as I would like but that is very easy accounted for nothing like corn or cotton could come up with the rain that has fallen here for the last four weeks. I don’t see how I am to save my wheat & oats and take care of my corn and cotton, losing so much time now. [It] will throw me late in getting my crop worked over. But rest assured, I will do all I can to save both. I see my wheat has got the rust in it. But I only noticed it on the blades. I don’t see any on the stalk yet. I have been searching my oats to see if it had attacked them but didn’t discover any. There is a good deal of complaint in the country of the oats and wheat having the rust. I have ploughed around 160 acres of corn this week. I couldn’t get [ ] tomorrow but will finish on Monday.
I see that Old Abe has declared war and nothing else will do him but it. There was 1200 Louisiana troops passed through Canton last Tuesday for Virginia. All are well.
Yours truly, — J. Hopkins
Letter 5
[Editor’s Note:From September 14-20, 1861, the 9th SC Regiment (SCV) performed picket duty, which included light picket firing. Circa September 25th, the Regiment was again on picket duty for three (3) days near Lewinsville, then again October 5-9 at Wells Cross Roads, both in Virginia. On October 16th, the Regiment left Germantown for McLean’s Ford, VA and was engaged in picket firing the next day near the Makeley House, where it mistakenly fired on a Georgia regiment. The 9th SC Regiment (SCV) took one or two (1 or 2) prisoners only to discover they were Georgians.]
Camp near Germantown [Fairfax county, Va.] September 24th 1861
Dear Father,
We returned from picket duty last Friday night, being out ever since the Saturday before [Sept. 14-20]. The Lancaster Greys [Co. A], the rifle company on the right of our regiment, killed six or seven Yankees. One was killed in six or eight steps of one of their (Lancaster Greys) posts. Capt. Whitworth’s Company [Co. C] took one prisoner. They shot at him twice but did not hit him. He threw down his arms and ran up to them and said, “I Suderner, you Suderner.” He was a Hungarian. He wanted to make out he was a “suderner” but they took him and sent him a prisoner to Headquarters. The one that was killed so near the post of the Lancaster Greys was a Vermonter. He lived about two hours after he was shot, the bullet going through him, breaking his backbone. He said his name was W. A. Snow 1 from Vermont. Some of our men dug a grave and buried him without a coffin.
I got two shots with English’s rifle but did no harm. I crawled about a hundred and fifty yards in advance of my post and shot from the top of a hill at a fellow in a yard about two hundred and fifty yards distant. He was walking at the time. I had the sights of the rifle raised to 400 yards. Consequently, I shot over his head but he ran as if the old fellow was behind him. The second time I was on post. English saw a fellow about 400 yards off. English was terribly excited. He fired at him with a musket although I ordered him not to do it. I was fixing up the rifle at the time, it having got wet the day before. After English shot, the fellow hardly moved but raised his gun and fired at my post (I had five men at my post besides myself). Then I took a crack at him with the rifle but it snapped before it fired and I did not touch the fellow. He dodged very low as if he heard the ball above him. He fired two more shots at out post. We could hear the bullets whizzing above us plain. We could not get another shot at him on account of thick bushes between him and us.
Orders were read out on dress parade yesterday evening to the effect that we should not fire at the enemy’s pickets—only in self defense. While we were on picket, we lived mostly on roast corn and Irish potatoes without salt, and slept under the blue canopy of heaven for our shelter. The place where we were on duty is thirteen or fourteen miles from this camp. You may be certain that all were tired and a great many had sore feet. We rested about half an hour after our arrival and then the five companies on the right were ordered to go on picket, our company being the second on the right was, consequently, in for it. We came back Friday night, foot sore, wearied, and hungry sure! I could scarcely walk when I got here. English stood it very well indeed! We were very glad when we got back to camp.
I forgot to mention that Nathan Roberts, one of our company, received a slight wound on the cheek. He is about fifteen years old—a meddlesome, impudent little fellow. The ball just grazed his cheek. He bellowed and ran like a clever fellow. It was his own fault. He would not obey the sergeant in command of his post. He said he was dying, said he was shot in the heart. Everybody had laughed at him and were rather glad than sorry that he was wounded slightly. He proved himself a coward. Before he was a great brag and bother to the whole company. He behaves himself now and keeps as quiet as a mouse. You cannot see a sign of his wound now.
I am sorry to say I have not received my box. Mr. House has lost it if you sent it by him; he brought the others safe but lost mine. Send by Adams Express next time. Tell Mother just to send the rest of the shirts and socks & not to make up for those Mr. House lost. Send us some preserves and other good things. English is complaining a little about his same disease. I am quite well. Hasgow is sick with jaundice. He is better today. Send to Lee’s Pills. Our company is improving fast. All from our neighborhood are improving fast. John Coon and Jim McCrea are quite sick, the only sick cases in the company. Write soon. Remember me to all. English says he will write today. Your affectionate son, — J. Hopkins
1 James remembered his name as “W. A. Snow” but it was surely William E. Snow (1841-1861) of Co. H, 2nd Vermont Infantry. Only the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Vermont regiments had been formed and deployed to Virginia by September 1861 and William was the only private in any of these three regiments whose first name started with a “W.” His military records indicate he was “wounded” while on picket and taken POW. He was officially removed from the muster rolls on 30 September 1861. William was the son of Lewis and Hannah (Shaw) Snow of Milton, Chittenden county, Vermont.
Letter 6
Camp of CSA June 15, 1863
Dear Mother,
Your letter was received last week. I hope sister is not seriously ill. I will excuse her for not writing to me but hope to hear from her soon. I wrote to Father yesterday and to Sallie today.
Jack Bates came to camp Friday last and returned yesterday. He was looking very bad indeed. He intends to put in a substitute. I think he is perfectly right for he is not able to stand the service. If he continues in service another year, I believe it will kill him. He did not bring the wine. He will bring it this week. He expects to bring his substitute down tomorrow or next day.
Please send me a small box with some ginger and pound cakes, a loaf of light bread, a can of butter, and about a peck of flour. We have lard. Also send a few cucumbers and squashes. Put the things in as small a box as possible. If no one at home eats the fig preserves, you had better send them to me. Please make me a bottle or two of cherry bonnce [?] and send me—that is, if you have the cherries. I left the pad that goes behind my saddle to keep my blanket off the horse’s back. Please send it to me. Have as small a box as possible. Bob has written home for two or three hams and other things. Bob has changed a great deal in his ways. I like him better than I ever did. He is very much liked by the whole company. Bob, Joel, and myself mess together. you could not find any three men who agree together more harmoniously than we do. I do not find camp life anything like as unpleasant and disagreeable as I did before I went home.
Dr. Gregorie has examined me. He says I can do camp guard and drill but I must not go on picket. I am feeling very well indeed. My wound is getting better. I believe in a few days it will be entirely healed up. Our company went on picket Saturday and returned to camp yesterday. I did not go on picket. I concluded to run the blockade and go to Savannah which I suceeded in doing safely. I got back Sunday morning nine o’clock.
We have rain nearly every day. It is very cloudy now. It will rain in few hours. I eat dinner at Mr. Gregorie’s yesterday. It is the second time I have been to see him since my return. Mrs. Gregorie sends her respects to you. Mr. Gregorie says he has not heard from father for some time and seems very anxious to hear from him. I have heard that Father has sent for his negroes. Is it so? Write soon as you can and let e know all the news. Please send the box by Express as soon as you can. Remember me to all at home and to Cousin Kizzie. I remain as ever, your affectionate son, — James Hopkins
The following letter was written by Georgia Ann Magruder (1840-1909), the daughter of Maj. John Archibald Magruder (1805-1887) and Mary Ann Wilder (1819-1895) of Sharon, Madison county, Mississippi. Georgia mentions her sister “Joe” in the first sentence of her letter. Joe was Josaphine America Magruder (1838-1885). She mentions her brother Henry in the second paragraph. He was Henry Archibald Magruder (1841-1896). The sister that she must have written this letter to would have been Martha Baldwin Magruder (1843-1898) who married James Hopkins (1839-1904), the son of William Hopkins (1805-1863) and Emma Goodwyn Hopkins (1808-1868) of Richland county, South Carolina. James Hopkins attended the University of Virginia and served in Co. B of the 9th South Carolina Infantry and Co. K of the 4th South Carolina Cavalry. He was wounded on Oct. 22, 1862, at the Second Battle of Pocotaligo and was captured at the Battle of Matadequin Creek, Va., on May 30, 1864. He was held as a prisoner of war at Point Lookout, Md., until he was exchanged in March 1865.
Georgia Ann Magruder was married to Dr. Isaac Asbury Shelby (1833-1909) in 1866 and had at least four children. She was born in Taliaferro county, Georgia, but lived most of her life in Madison county, Mississippi. Georgia’s letter was datelined “Oakland” which I believe must have been the name of her father’s plantation in Madison county. We learn from her letter that Georgia was employed as a private tutor and had as many as 12 scholars in 1861.
Georgia’s letter refers to a Confederate soldier known as “Kit,” a prevalent diminutive for Christopher, who appears to have originated from Madison County. This soldier faced disciplinary action for the act of scalping a Union soldier, supposedly as a war trophy intended for a female acquaintance. The identity of this soldier remains unclear.
[Note: This letter is from a private collection (RM) and was offered for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by express consent.]
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Oakland September 23, 1861
My dear sister,
Sister Joe received your short letter last week and we are glad to know that you are still enjoying good health. I spent last week in Leake county [Mississippi] and found all our relations well except Grandma who had had chills, but had succeeded in breaking them. Uncle [Henry] Hill was married about two weeks ago to the Widow [Nancy] McCulloch of Conway. I did not approve of the match. In the first place, she has two children and is only twenty-six years old and I do not think her capable of taking charge of the children. Cousins Eubulous, Clay, and Tom [Hill] are all in the Army. 1 Their company is at Brookhaven [Mississippi] but I heard last Saturday that they were ordered to go to Kentucky in a week or two. Cam Leflore 2 is out on a visit but will leave in a few days to join a company in Arkansas. Joe will remain with her relatives.
Aunt Martha [Magruder Baldwin] sent to Canton today for Cousin Will [Owen Baldwin (1839-1911)]. He was discharged on account of his ill health. I and Mit will go to see him tomorrow night. Celeste Hayes came home last week. I have not seen her but I heard that she had grown quite tall. You will come in December. Then all the family will be at home but brother Henry.
Aunt Sarah [Magruder] Scott [wife of Elias Scott] will bring Winkey and Missie down next week to school. I think I will have my hands full when I get my twelve little scholars. Pomp is sitting by me studying Geography and says I must not forget to tell you that he made this ink. He is always experimenting on something. He and Bud Solomon are knitting comforters for the soldiers. They are learning as fast as any little boys can. Mit is studying music but declares she will never learn it, or at least she is afraid she will not.
We received a letter from Uncle Drane today stating that Virg 3, Mr. Staples, and Shaw are in the Army. Cotton crops were very promising until we had a wet spell and since then the farmers do not think they will average more than half a crop. Beck will be down soon to spend some time. I would not be surprised if she and George Thompson marry before next year although his wife has not been dead but four months.
Pompey Scott went to Leesburg to join Hill’s company and lost all his money before he reached the place.
Every lady on the county are sewing or knitting for the soldiers.
I have bad news to tell you about Kit. He was scalping a Yankee and was put on double duty for it. He said he promised to send a young lady a Yankee’s scalp and that was the cause of the punishment he had. Tell me in your next if you are the lady that Kit was working for.
Pa does not think it necessary that you and Cartagenia [Scott] remain in Salem longer than this year for he has concluded to bring you home and sending you to me two years. You will do to quit school. Mr. [William] Stigler has joined the Army, so Pa is his own overseer.
I intend putting Willie in reading next week. He is very smart. He says he wants to see sissie Morphy. Beulah and Fannie are the prettiest and smartest children in Madison county. Esq. Ried came home with me from Carthage. I do not think there is another school besides mine in the county. I am certain there is none unless they are in the lower part of the county.
Pomp had a chill yesterday but says I must tell you he is well and hardy. Mother says what has become of that gentleman you got acquainted with in Thompson.
I have written all I can think of so I will close by asking you to write soon. Yours affectionate sister, — Georgia
1 Eubulius, Henry Clay, and Thomas Hill were the three eldest sons of Henry Hill (1811-1884) who came to Landes county, Mississippi, from Warren county, Georgia. He was the son of Fielding Hill (1791-1845) and Isabella Gibson (1794-1834). Henry was married 1st to Sarah J. [unknown], and second to Nancy Elizabeth Phillips McCullough of Conway.
2 Lewis Campbell (“Cam”) Leflore (1836-1876) was the son of Benjamin L. Leflore and Mary DE Juzan. He was married to Josephine (“Joe”) B. Carrington (b. 1834) and lived in Leake county, Mississippi.
3 I believe this was Virgil Leigh Drane (1832-1903) was the son of James Drane (1808-1869). James was married first to Matilda Blanche Shaw (1813-1859) in 1840. He married second to Amelia S. Edwards in 1862.
The following letter was written by Harrison Snow (1840-1898) who joined his older brother Alfred Henry Snow (1838-1915) in enlisted in Co. G, 50th Regiment, New York Engineers. Harrison began his service as a private but was later made an artificer. The 50th New York Engineers became famous for their ability to quickly build pontoon bridges, construct field fortifications, and to conduct sapper and mining operations, sometimes under enemy fire.
Harrison and Alfred were the sons of Asa Stearns Snow (1805-1882) and Mary C. Eighmey (1803-1900) of Caroline, Tompkins county, New York. He wrote the letter to his younger sister, Elsie Ann Snow (1844-1939).
A Cabinet Card with image of blockhouse built at Fairmont, West Virginia in 1863 by a detachment of Co. G, 50th New York Engineers.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Washington D. C. March 8th 1862
Dear Sister,
I embrace the present as a favorable opportunity of answering your much welcome letter which came duly to hand the 7th and was very much pleased to hear from you. I am well at present and hope that these few lines will find you enjoying the same blessing. The weather is very nice here at the present time and I hope that the rainy season has passed by.
There is not much news here, only that there was about three inches of snow fell here on last Monday. The whole regiment turned out to have a snow ball [fight]. It lasted about three hours when the right wing gave up whipped. It was fun to see so many men having a battle with snow. We have very good times here at present but I think it will not last long. The time is near at hand when this great army will be moving on to the battlefield to fight for that which is as dear as life. May the time soon come when this rebellion will be driven from our land. There there will be rejoicing throughout our land when that old noble flag shall again float over each and every state in the Union as it did before the traitors trampled our Stars & Stripes and liberty under. I think that they know that their time is short. Our army south of us has caused them to tremble for the past two months and I hope that they may continue to do the same. It is almost time to have the earth decked with its beauty again and may it be that time that peace shall surround us again.
I was very sorry to hear that you was sick and hope by the time this reaches you that you will be well again. I do not doubt but what you would like to see us but my dear sister, that cannot be at present, I am just as anxious to see those that I have left behind but I cannot stay with you always. The best. of friends must part. There is many that parted in this war and many more will go to their long home. It may be my lot. If so, I hope that we shall meet in that land where there is no war. I hope that I may see all of my folks before long but cannot tell for war is an uncertain thing.
I think those valentines was very nice. I must close for it is most dinner time and I must write to my cousin. I send my love to you and all of the rest, so goodbye. This is from your brother, — Harrison Snow
I could not find an image of Calvin but here is one of William G. Sallee of Co. H, 9th Iowa Infantry (Iowa CW Images)
This letter was written by Calvin McGowan (1838-Aft1880) who enlisted as a private in Co. B, 9th Iowa Infantry on 12 August 1861. He mustered out of the regiment 3 years later on 24 September 1864 at East Point, Georgia.
Calvin was the offspring of English emigrants Archibald McGowan (1790-1858) and Hannah Weimer, who settled in Muddy Creek in Butler County, Pennsylvania, where Calvin was raised. According to the 1860 US Census, Calvin was residing in Fairview, Jones County, Iowa, where he was listed within the household of William McGowan, likely an elder sibling who had established his own family. In that same year, he was appointed postmaster of Fairview. Following the conclusion of the war, Calvin returned to Fairview, where he took up the profession of a mercantile agent.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
White County, Arkansas Camp near [Little] Red River May 25, 1862
Dear Cousin,
With pleasure I again sit down to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well at present and hope these few lines may find you and all the rest she named. It has been some time since I have heard from you but I think it is on account of our mail not coming regular. I hope you will continue writing to me while the war lasts. Nothing gives me more comfort than to hear from you and the boys that enlisted around Old Muddy Creek [Pennsylvania]. I am a thinking that they will have something to do before long at Richmond, Va. if the papers tells the truth.
We are on our way to Little Rock about fifteen thousand in all of us. We are sixty miles from Little Rock at present. We would of been about there now but it has been raining for the past week and the Little] Red River is so high we can’t get across. We have been laying in camp one mile from the river for four days waiting on the river to fall. It is about one hundred and fifty yards wide and twenty feet deep. There is about one thousand rebels four miles on the other side of the river commanded by Coleman. We had a small fight with them. There was none of our men engaged in it. [see Skirmish at Little Red River (May 17, 1862)]
Only one part of one regiment under [Franz] Sigel’s command. Sigel’s Division [Army of the Southwest] was at the river some five or six days before the rest of the troops came up. The river was not high at that time [and] part of one of his regiments went across the river. They had built a bridge across to go a foraging when they was attacked by the enemy about one thousand strong. We had thirty-one men killed and the number wounded I can’t tell you. The bridge they built has since went away and we can’t cross till the water gets lower. The rebels say they will kill more of us before we get to Little Rock than they did at Pea Ridge. We will give them a chance in a few days once we cross this river.
We started on this march the sixth of April. We have marched three hundred and forty miles. When we started, we was about twelve miles from Pea Ridge. I must tell you we have come through a God forsaken country. I seen but few places that was fit for a white man to live. If all the southern states is like Missouri and Arkansas, I want to see no more of them for in seeing, you can behold nothing.
I must close this subject. I must say, the weather is very warm at present. Apples and peaches is about one third the size. When you receive this letter, write soon. Let me know all the news about the boys that left their women to fight for their country. Let me know what is going on about home and what has taken place. Give my love to one and all. Be sure and write. Yours truly, — Calvin McGowen
The following letter was written by George E. Eastman (1844-1930), the son of Samuel Eastman (1804-1860) and Precepta Richardson (1810-1898) of Topsham, Orange county, Vermont. George enlisted as a private in Co. G, 6th Vermont Infantry in August 1862 and had risen in rank to corporal by the time he was wounded on 5 May 1864 in the Wilderness. He mustered out of the regiment on 19 June 1865 as a sergeant.
Co. G, 6th Vermont Infantry when encamped at Camp Griffin.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Camp Danville, Virginia May 13, 1865 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 6th Corps
Friend Emma,
It has been some time since I have written you. But I have written to you since I have received your last. Perhaps you do not care about hearing from me. It is not so on this side. I am always happy to hear from you. “Times” have changed some since I wrote you last. It is not “Camp near Petersburg” now, It is camp all over Virginia a most. But this is not what I was a writing about. I wrote to you just before we broke camp and sent you my picture. Did you ever get it? I have not heard from you since but some of our mail has been thrown away while we were on the last campaign.
I thought I would pen you a few lines to pass off the long hours. Time passes away very slow now I suppose for the reason of expecting to leave this place every day for Washington. We may get home by the 4th [of July] and we may not before my time is out—that is four months and a bit.
There is no news only I heard General Lee had played out and Richmond is taken by our men this time.
Malam and Craig and myself have a tent by ourselves and we just make out to have some good times, live high and sleep in the kitchen. I have no more for the present. Please excuse this short note and write as soon as convenient if you. choose to. All the Topsham boys are well except a bad cold I have myself, but it is some better now.
Please except of this from a friend and well wishes and excuse all blunders. I remain your sincere friend, — George E. Eastman, Sergt. Co. G, 6th Vermont
Spared & Shared 23 