John M. Neal wrote the following letter to his sister, Ann O. (Neal) Myrick (1790-1835), the wife of Walter B. Myrick of Hertford county, North Carolina. There are references in the letter to John’s Uncle, Thomas Newsom of Southhampton county, Virginia, which was just across the state line from North Carolina.
John’s letter relates the details of a shipwreck in the middle of the night on July 3rd 1833 in which he and 68 other souls survived though the vessel they were on was raked over a reef in the British West Indies and sank with little but the bow sprit rigging above the surface of the waves and five miles from the nearest island. It’s a riveting account—one that would have John informing his sister, “Tongue can’t express the feelings that existed at that time…I thought it my last breath in this world.”
The Southern Patriot, 7 November 1833
It’s believed the ill-fated vessel John was traveling on was the English brig Lorton commanded by George Duncan. An extract of Capt. Duncan’s account of the incident was widely published in the latter half of 1833 in which he relates that “on the morning of the 2nd July” while en route from St. Domingo to Nassau, his vessel “struck on a sunken rock bearing from Egg Island N. by W. 8 miles.” He clarified that “the rock is about the size of a boat’s bottom, and 6 feet below the surface of the water, with seven or eight fathoms of water on both sides of it,” adding that “the rock is not in any chart which I have seen and the fishermen in the vicinity of the place report that they did not know of it.”
John’s letter concludes with a description of the rest of his journey to Columbus, Mississippi, by way of New Orleans and Vicksburg where he had to avoid residents and passengers suffering from the Cholera Epidemic of 1833.
The house Walter B. Myrick (1795-1870) built in North Carolina, just across the State line from Southampton county, Virginia.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Addressed to Mrs. Ann O. Myrick, Murphrysborough, Hertford county, North Carolina
Columbus, Mississippi April 19th 1834
Dear Sister,
I am once more landed in the United States which is more than I expected. The 3rd of July we were cast away on that night at midnight on Abbie’s Reef, a solid bed of rock. She knocked her bottom to pieces and filled with water. We remained in the cabin until she filled and then we had to go on deck and take the waves. They ran over us at times ten feet high and all of us hanging on to the rigging. The seas beat her across the reef and went into deep water, a channel deep enough to of swallowed her up. The channel was about 80 feet wide. When she went in, all of her was out of sight except a part of her stern. There came a heavy sea and run her across the channel which hove her in more shoal water and she sunk all under water except part of the bow sprit.
When she entered that channel, I thought it my last breath in this world. Tongue can’t express the feelings that existed at that time. We had four female passengers and some of them were in their night dress [just] as they got out of their berths. I loaned one my cloak to wrap her up for each one had as much to do as he could to hold on to the rigging for they were holding on from the top pf the water. The cook of the brig was washed off and the next sea hove him in again and he was saved. There was a cow that was washed off at the same time and was lost after she sunk. She remained permanent.
Next morning we discovered land about five miles—a small island. The captain took the females and made for the island and there they found one family of fisherman and they has a small boat and with the two boats, they succeeded in saving us all—69 in number. We suffered for water and provisions for one week very much. All the water we drank we had to dig small holes in the sand beach and that was so salty we could hardly make out to swallow it.
We were taken to Nassau, New Providence—one of the British West India islands—and there we were treated most shamefully. I have sent you a paper with the account of our treatment. Write me as soon as you receive this for I expect to remain here all the summer. I lost all my mill stones & a part of my clothes and I only had money enough to get me some clothes and to get me to this place.
I am now working at my trade to raise money enough to get home and that will take me the best part of the summer. I have wrote to Uncle [Thomas] Newsom. If his [letter] should not arrive safe, you will show him this. I wrote him the 13th inst. but there is no certainty in letters going safe on account of the water courses. They sometimes in this country lose the whole of the mail in crossing some streams that they have to ford.
The cholera was raging from New Orleans as high as Vicksburg where I left the Mississippi. I made but little tarry as the cholera was on the farms with my acquaintances. There was two cases on the boat that I was on.
Give my best respects to Mr. Myrick and children, and to Uncle & Aunt. Tell Walter to write me what luck he had fishing & what all the others done on the [paper torn]. If Uncle Newsom hasn’t received his letter, tell him to write me. Also give my best respects to M. & all of your neighbors. I have nothing more to communicate at this time. I now conclude & remain your affectionate brother, — Jno. M. Neal
The following letter was written by Rachel (Hawkins) Epperson (1827-1896), the wife of William Epperson (1833-1904) of Decatur, Marion county, Indiana. At the time she wrote this letter in October 1864, she was the mother of two children—Austin L. Epperson (1856-1931) and Uriah Spray Epperson (1861-1944). She was also pregnant with her third child, Emma Epperson (1865-1944).
Rachel and her husband were Quakers. She was the daughter of Nathan Hawkins and Rebecca Roberds. She was married first in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, April 1848, to Joseph Furnas (1826-1849) but he died the following year. As the letter will show, Rachel’s 2nd husband, William Epperson, was in the meat business. Af few years after this letter was written, the family moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where William pioneered the Pork and Beef Packing industry in 1868.
Rachel wrote the letter to her “respected friend” Mary Ann (Byerly) Wiseman (1837-1922) who was married to William Benjamin Wiseman (1832-1909) of Corydon, Harrison county, Indiana, in 1858. Mary Ann was the daughter of Jacob Byerly (1812-1862) and Susan Eliza Wiseman (1817-1869).
The letter speaks of the military draft in Indiana in 1864 and the effects it was having in disrupting the lives of her neighbors as well as her own family. In 1864, Indiana, like other Union states, held multiple drafts to meet federal quotas, allowing draftees to avoid service by hiring a substitute or, early in 1864, paying a $300 commutation fee. Substitutes were often paid high fees (sometimes over $1,000) by wealthy men, and they were frequently sourced from men under 20, non-citizens, or previously exempt individuals.
A typical draft notice in 1863
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Addressed to Mary Ann Wiseman, Corydon, Harrison county, Indiana
10th Month, 30th, 1864
Respected Friend,
I take up my pen to inform thee of sorrowful news—viz: Lewis [Wiseman] 1 was drafted, and not being able to buy a substitute, he had to go into camp and was there a few days, and I hear they have left town and gone to Nashville (he has left Eliza in her usual condition and the time is not far distant). Philip went as a substitute for some man. John Hawkins is also gone. There was but few escaped the draft through here. Amongst the rest was William but the Quakers got off by paying three hundred dollars. Fred France went. It was hurting him very much.
Our healths are pretty good and I hope thee is quite well. I wish to hear from thee very much. Joel is here and well. He escaped the draft. Isaac Hawkins’s mother-in-law is not living—not much complaint in the neighborhood. William is not at home much. He bought hogs and took to Illinois and bought corn there and is feeding them there. He has a share of fourteen hundred head. He also bought 400 head of cattle out there and has sold them at Indianapolis and has had 140 head drove through to Indianapolis, and Jesse Merary, Sam Redman, David Compton, and William Whitson, is now on the road to Indianapolis with another drove. Then William will car the balance. He expects to feed 100 head out there this winter. The time seems very long to me when he is gone so much but I try to bear it patiently for the sake of trying to get out of debt. But this draft has sunk him 300 dollars more. He paid 7 dollars a hundred for hogs to fatten (pretty steep that).
We have had a literary at our school house all summer and the winter school commences in the morning for four months. Eliza Allen is to be teacher. She wants to board at [ ‘s] but they don’t talk like boarding her. Huldah Furnas 2 has been gone to Columbus water cure 3 for several weeks but is to come home tomorrow. Her Father is dangerously sick and they have sent for her.
William’s mother has rented out her house and lot and packed her things up, some one place and some another, and talks like she was a going to live amongst her children. [Rev.] Ephraim Bowles 4 has rented a place in Illinois and talks of moving there this winter. He is doing about as usual, eating and wearing and that is about all he makes, but he makes as big calculations as ever.
According to my own wishes and Joel’s request, I have written this. He said if I would write, he would pay the postage. Please write and not wait as I have done. — Rachel
to Mary Ann
1 Lewis Wiseman of Decatur, Marion county, Indiana, was drafted and placed in the 29th Indiana Infantry.
2 Huldah (Jessup) Furnas (b. 1834) was the daughter of Alfred Jessup (1810-1865) and Betsy Jessup (1814-1864) of Hendricks county, Indiana. Huldah was the wife John W. Furnace (1835-1899) of Marion county, Indiana.
3 Dr. Shepard’s Water Cure Establishment in Columbus, Ohio, was a prominent 19th-century hydropathic facility located in the vicinity of what became known as Shepard Station. Established in 1853, it specialized in treating chronic and nervous diseases, particularly in women, using water-based therapies like wet sheet packs and baths.
4 Rev. Ephraim Bowles (1829-1914) was enumerated in Decatur, Marion county, Indiana in the 1860 US Census. In 1870, he was enumerated in Penn, Guthrie county, Iowa. Living next door to Ephraim in 1860 was 32 year-old Lewis Wiseman and his 30 year-old wife Eliza with a brood of children born every other year.
The following letter was written by Sarah (Walters) Alsbach (1812-1896), the wife of Rev. Michael Alsbach (1812-1886) of Benton, Elkhart county, Indiana. Sarah’s husband was licensed to preach in the Methodist Episcopal church by the Ohio Conference in 1855. He was ordained a deacon in 1857 and an elder in 1859. He transferred to the Indiana Conference in 1856 and was assigned to the Elkhart Circuit near Benton, Indiana. He lived on a farm seven miles southeast of Goshen and from this point, rode a circuit in Indiana and lower Michigan. At one time his circuit was 300 miles in length. During the Civil War, Sarah’s oldest son Henry served in the 74th Indiana Infantry and her family had to contend with Copperheads—southern sympathizers—on the home front that sometimes led to attacks on her husband. In 1863, her husband was reassigned to the Cicero Circuit and he was transferred to the new Michigan Conference. The family later moved to Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas.
Sarah wrote the letter to her sister Elizabeth (Walters) Cornelius (1820-18xx), the wife of William Cornelius (1816-1905), a farmer of Lewisburg, Union county, Pennsylvania. In her letter, Sarah devotes the greatest portion to her niece Mary Cornelius whom she addresses rather curtly on her discourteous letter writing. She ends her letter by writing, “We got your letter but I cannot say that I was glad to see it.”
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Addressed to Mr. William Cornelius, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania; postmarked Millersburg, Indiana
Benton [Indiana] February 7, 1863
Dear Brother and Sister,
I thought I would write to you to tell you how we are getting along. We are all well at present. Alsbach is not to home. He is not to home much of the time and when he is to home, he stays only a few days. I would like to go back to see you if I had money and could leave home in one way, but if you cannot agree better than Mary writes, I would not like to see some of you. Mary always writes such stuff that I am ashamed of it. It makes me cry and I cannot help it every time that I get a letter and I have to be ashamed of the family for Alsbach always scolds and the oldest children when we get one of her letters. For she always wrote about Mother when she was alive and said that Mother would swear and pound her with her cane for running Mother down, an old person as she was before she died. I cannot stand [it]. And [also] for running down Edward as she did. I think more of my brothers and sisters than that comes to. Edward was always very kind to me and I respect him as a brother. No more at present but remain your sister. From Sarah Alsbach
To Mr. Cornelius and Mrs. Cornelius
Write soon and often.
And now a few lines to Miss Mary,
Mary you need not accuse Edward for holding a letter that belongs to you for I sent him one of your letters that you wrote to us to let him know what you write to us. You always hurt my feelings very much about my Mother. She was a very old person and you ought to used her kindly and treated her as a grandmother and not talk about her as you did. You said that we did not creep away and not let you know where we was so that you need not pay anything for the keeping of Mother. I think that Mother had enough property to keep her and if I would have had her here, I would have kept her willingly and not have been scolding about her all the time.
As for creeping away from you as you write, or from anybody else, I never done the like for I never was so little as that comes to. I sent $2 to you once for Mother and I never heard what become of it and it is a mystery to me why you always want us to direct our letters to you. You never mentioned your Father’s name in one half of a dozen of all the letters that you wrote to us yet. I would not have a child to write to an Uncle or an Aunt and not mention their Father’s or Mother’s name for I think it is disgrace. When I write, I intend to write to your Father and Mother and direct to them.
If I had the time and money, I would come back and see your Father and Mother and Edward and his family and Isaac and his family, and Mother’s folks and all of the rest of the friends. You never say anything about the Browns or any of the friends or any of the old acquaintances. We got your letter but I cannot say that I was glad to see it. No more.
The following letter was written by Joseph S. Foreman of Co. F, 126th Ohio Volunteer Infantry (OVI). He wrote the letter to his wife from the regiment’s encampment near Halltown, Virginia, a month after the Battle of Monocacy Junction, and just as they were about to participate in Sheridan’s Shenandoah Valley Campaign.
The 126th Ohio transferred from the 3rd Corps to the 6th Corps in March 1864 and fought with the corps through the hardest battles of its service including the Wilderness, Spotsylvania Courthouse, Cold Harbor, Monocacy, Third Winchester, Fisher’s Hill, Cedar Creek, and the assault at Petersburg on April 2, 1865.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Addressed to Mrs. Nellie A. Forman, Canal Fulton, Stark county, Ohio
Camp near Halltown, Virginia August 7, 1864
Dearest wife,
I will now try to write a few lines to you in order to let you know how I am getting along. I am in the enjoyment of good health at this time for which blessing I trust that I feel truly thankful to Almighty God & I trust that when this reaches you it will find you all in the enjoyment of all God’s choicest blessings.
We are now on Virginia soil again about 3 miles from Harpers Ferry and about 1 mile from Halltown. We left Frederick City and marched to the south of the Monocacy & camped close to Tenleytown for about two days and then pulled up and marched to Monocacy Junction and took the cars for the Ferry and then came to this place where we have been since the day before yesterday. I can’t tell how long we will stay here but I don’t suppose very long as there is too many Rebels in the valley yet for us to lay long in one place.
There is a large force here now but if the reports are all true about moving of the Rebel army up the valley, it is not large enough to cope with them in open field. But I think General Grant is doing things up in a style to [ ] the Rebs over the left. I saw Grant the day we left Monocacy. There is the 6th, 8th, 19th and a part of the 13th [Army] Corps here and General Sheridan’s Cavalry, besides a good many Pennsylvania Militia.
I have not got any word from you for some time but I think the mail will come in today. The Rebels are still a roving around taking care of themselves and others too, but principally cavalry and we can’t catch them with infantry. But I think they will soon have run their course. I suppose there is some stir about the draft there as it will take out a good many more of the men but if they do have to come, I trust they will not have long to stay.
I will close for this time, praying that God’s choicest blessings may attend you all. From your husband till death, — J. S. Foreman
The following letters were written by William “Nelson” Smith (1843-1867), the son of Sullivan Smith (1807-1891) and Laura Cheney Smith (1812-1900) of North Orange, Orange county, Massachusetts. William was a 20-year-old mechanic when he enlisted as a private on 4 August 1862. Three weeks later he was mustered into Co. H, 36th Massachusetts Infantry. He was promoted to corporal and transferred to Co. C sometime prior to his being wounded on 6 May 1864 at the Battle of the Wilderness in the opening stages of Grant’s Overland Campaign. Pension records inform us that he received a bullet wound to the hip, disabling him and resulting in his discharge on 23 December 1864. Smith never married, and died less than three years later.
Corp. William Nelson Smith, Co. H, 36th Mass.
There were nearly 50 war-date letters written by William N. Smith, 36th Massachusetts Infantry in the original collection. Of the war-date letters, 34 were written from the field and approximately 13 were written between May and October 1864 while Smith was in the hospital recuperating from a wound received at the Battle of the Wilderness on 6 May 1864. Most letters addressed to his sister Maria Smith (1839-1912) as well as to his parents Sullivan and Laura Smith. Letters include references to the Battles of Fredericksburg, the fall of Vicksburg, and other skirmishes and events, but primarily reflect the daily activities and challenges of a soldier’s life. Unfortunately the collection has been broken up and one collector was able to send me six of them for transcription.
Over the years I have transcribed many letters by members of the 36th Massachusetts. If you are interested in reading more letters from this regiment, see:
On board the steamship Merrimac September 6th 1862
Dear sister,
I will again write a few lines to say for I have seen something since I wrote the other letter. I put that in charge of the Captain and he has got it yet as we have not stopped yet—not as quick as I expected—but I will write a little more and then you will have the more to read.
Well, I have seen a little of the slave plantations down here on the bank of the Potomac in Virginia. We can see a little if we are on the boat. We can see the cornfields and the nigger huts—some of them.
I have seen where the Merrimack and the Monitor had their fight but have not seen any fighting yet myself. We expect to get to Alexandria this afternoon about three o’clock and whether we shall go to Washington or not, I don’t know. We are passing ships of every description now and the Boys are telling them to show their colors and they do so.
I would like to be there with you about ten minutes and I could tell you more in that time than you ever heard in your life. I don’t know but you think that I am telling great stories but I will prove it to you when I get home. I just saw a fish jump out of water that would reach from North Orange to Athol, now that is a fact (don’t you believe it). I tell you it is a splendid sight to travel up this river. The shore is green and everything looks thriving (but the nigger huts).
I will write again before I can tell you where to direct your letters. I must stop now for I want to see the wonders of the Potomac. Goodbye for now. your brother, — Nelson
Letter 2
Falmouth, Virginia November 21, [1862]
Dear Father,
I have just received some mail—one from you dated the 9th, and one from Moses. He was at Cambridge, Massachusetts, yet. That money $1 you sent was all right. I think that the mail comes all right, only it takes some time for it to get here as we are on the move so can start. James states that you had got hose boots ready for me when I wanted them. My boots stand it very well but this rainy weather and marching so much, they are rather small, but I will wait a while before I send for them for I think that there will be a chance to send them by and by. So you need not send them until you hear more from me.
I was glad to get that money for I have not out and I want to buy some little things occasionally. Edmund let me have a little so I got along well but he has got about out now and finally all of the Boys are getting short. The talk is that we are going to be paid off before long but that is all other’s stories.
The Rebs hold Fredericksburg yet. We have got back to camp from picket all right but it rained like the devil all the time and it is muddy as thunder. When we leave Virginia, we shall carry it all off on our boots if this weather continues. We are within about 50 miles from Richmond but I guess we shall fight some before we get there. We have marched 60 miles within five days without resting—pretty good job that was.
You thought the Democrats was going to raise Ned but I guess it will come out all right in the end. I hain’t but little time and I can’t write much more now. When you write, send me a little black pepper and I don’t care if you send a little more money for I guess it will come all right and if I get paid, I can send it home. I want to pay Edmund and I shan’t have much left. Everything is high and costs some to buy a little here.
Those mittens that you sent with Mr. Hill’s box has not come yet and I don’t know when it will, but it has not been very cold yet and I have got along well. We had a little snow once but it did not last long.
William L. Howe has not got his commission yet and I don’t know as he will for he has been ordered into the ranks. Well I must close and going ot get my supper. I have got a little beef steak and pork to cook and I will have a good supper. We are all well. Good night. Your son, — Wm. N. Smith
Letter 3
Addressed to Mrs. Laura C. Smith, North Orange, Massachusetts
Falmouth, Virginia December 27th 1862
Kind folks at home,
Again I take my pencil to say a few words to you. I received a letter from you of the date December 21st (No. 4) yesterday. I am favored now quite often by your kind letters. I think that I get all that you send me, at least I have since you began to number them. The last which I received, No. 4, I found $1 come to open the letter which Sylvester and Chandler sent me. I was very glad to get it although I had money plenty as I have sold my watch. you probably had not got the letter which I wrote giving you news of it. I have written several letters since I disposed of it and in one I sent $5 and told you of giving Henry five dollars as he wanted some money and we thought that would save sending it both ways and his father could let you have $5 to offset it. Have you received it off Caleb Maya yet?
I also received that diary you sent which was just the thing I wanted as it is much more handy than my old book. And you need not send any more money until I need some more for I have got between $8 and $9 now and that will last me a good while as there is not much that we can buy here now. And another thing, we don’t need much for we are drawing good rations and enough of them such as Hard Tack 9as we call it), beef, pork, beans, rice, sugar, coffee, a little molasses, condensed vegetable (that being several kinds of vegetable cut fine and mixed and pressed together) and once in a while a few potatoes, and once we have drawn onions.
I guess that I had something for supper at Christmas that you did not have. Well i happened to get a little corn meal and then I went to the butcher and got a little suit [suet] and cut it up fine and mixed it with my meal and made a little bag and put in the mixture and put the bag into a kettle and boiled it about two hours, took it out and found it to be one of the best boiled suet puddings. And while that was cooking, I made a soup of beef, pork, and hard tack that would surpass the best chicken that you ever saw. And all this with my tea. Don’t you think I had a Bully supper?
That box has not got along yet but I think it will before long as there was a lot of boxes came to this regiment a few days ago. My boots stand it well and so I am not in suffering condition for my new ones yet. I guess if you have not sent that vest, you need not now for I think that we shan’t have much more cold weather down here this winter. It is not cold enough here sow so that it freezes any nights excepting once in a while for a day or two. It is pretty cold but it don’t last long.
As for our army here, it is as near as I can find out moving off somewhere but where, I can’t tell. The small batteries have all gone and left the heavy ones to keep the rebs [on] the right side of the river, but we can’t tell much what is going on. we hear all kinds of stories and we believe what we have a mind to. One thing we do know, we got defeated in our battle the other day. Sorry to say it, but that was a failure and can’t be helped. And now they will try some other way, I think, than ordering the men to face the mouth of the cannon as they did this time.
The news from the South is very good but I think this war will have to be settled by some other way than by the use of gun powder and cold steel.
I received a letter from Charles T. Sanger today. Was glad to hear from him, of heir good health, &c. I owe them three letters down there and I will answer them as soon as I have time somehow. We use all our time in doing our chores besides our other duties which we are obliged to do. You had thought I wasn’t very well by Henry. You said that I was a little lame just then but I am generally very well. I can eat like a hog and have gained eight pounds within a month.
Tell Chandler he had better keep out of the ditches this cold weather. Ever one of your family, — Nelson
Letter 4
Middleburg, Kentucky May 13, 1863
Father & Mother, Sister & Brothers,
How do you all do? As for myself, I am enjoying as good health as ever in my life. Since we have been out in these “diggings,” I have felt first rate as have the other boys. Somehow the climate in old “Kentucky State” agree with we New England boys nobly.
Well, I believe that I have written several times since we have been here, but I have not written since we have had such a time here in regard to the cheering “victories” which have been reported gained by our gallant, heroic, and patriotic boys that are sacrificing themselves for the preservation of that “Star Spangled Banner” which has been so shamefully and disgracefully trampled upon by those traitorous and infernal beings. Ah yes, the time is coming and not far distant neither I trust, when that flag of “secessionism” is going to fall and forever be trodden in the dust. I have always felt confident that sometime sooner or later, that flag must fall, to be forever fallen and yet I think so.
The news from our armies at all points comes in every day more encouraging than the day previous. In the first place, the news from Gen. Hooker which was looked upon with much interest by the boys here who once belonged to the Army of the Potomac and were once in the same place on the same bloody battlefield where now a most terrific conflict is raging, it cannot be imagined with what anxiety we wait to hear the final result. At times our knees tremble for fear he may suffer the same fate as the preceding one who was obliged to turn back. But I think this time the rebs will have to make calculations on a “retreat” themselves—and a pretty difficult path it seems to me they have got to move back onto. But we will wait and see how they get away. They are pretty slippery “Chaps” I reckon.
Well the next, which is still of more importance, is that the Confederate Capitol—that infernal, inhuman den of secessionism is captured by our fighting ones and that the Stars & Stripes now is afloat over it. This we had telegraphed officially to us and therefore have sufficient reasons for believing it to be so. But the papers don’t talk that it is taken [so] we hardly know what to think about it. But I will tell you what a time we had the night we had the order read to us. Such a cheering I don’t believe ever was offered by a corresponding number before. The news reached us about dark and the bugle sounded and we were instantly called together and the cheering order read to us. As soon as the last word was uttered by the Colonel who read the order to us, hurrahing commenced and caps were hurled in the air. And of all the noise made by human voices, this excelled everything ever witnessed by we green boys before. Candles were lighted and placed on the tops of the tents all over camp and I tell you, it was a most splendid sight imaginable.
After about an hour, the candles we took in our hands and marched all over camp, beating time with the music which played the famous airs—Yankee Doodle, Dixie, Star Spangled Banner, and others. At last we marched to our headquarters where we were favored with speeches &c which were very interesting. After about two or three hours amusement of this kind, we retired to our tents feeling that we had had a pretty good time “anyhow,” [even] if this news did, or did not, prove to be true.
I received a letter from Chandler last night with a quill, some tea, &c., and one also from B. W. Magor, and one from Daniel Harrington so I was pretty well favored with news last night. Benjamin told the particulars about Marcus being taken prisoner. I presume you have heard all about it. You said you did not know as I had got that writing paper that you sent. I received 24 sheets a number of weeks ago, but I use considerable now-a-days. I had rather be writing than doing anything else.
So I will close for now. From your son and brother, Corporal William Nelson Smith, Co. H, 36th Massachusetts Volunteers, Burnside’s Department, via Cincinnati, Ohio.
Letter 5
Near Liberty, Kentucky May 24th 1863
Kind friends at home,
As you will see by the above, we are again on the move for somewhere. Night before last we had orders to be ready to move at daylight in the morning, and to have two days cooked rations, but we did not start until about 2 o’clock p.m. and marched about nine or ten miles to this place where we had orders to halt and make ourselves comfortable for the night. We should start again early in the morning.
As soon as the regiment stacked arms, our company was ordered to go out on picket. Well there was some grumbling for after marching five or six hours in a very cloud of dust and it being pretty warm, the boys thought it rather tough that they should not have the privilege of laying down and rest themselves a little as the march was to be resumed at an early hour in the morning. But for soldiers to grumble, it does no good. Somebody must be on the lookout and we could do it as well as anybody. But as it happened, the pickets were not thrown out but about a mile and so we did not have to march a great distance. Henry and myself were with the reserve so we had the opportunity of laying down under our blankets unmolested till morning with the exception of being waked from our slumbers once in the night as an old man came along—tight as a basket of chips—and wanted to pass, but could not as our orders were not to let anyone pass and so we had to keep him and he made considerable noise over it. But the sentinel shook him up a little and then he remained quiet with us till morning when he was released and went away feeling somewhat demoralized, but not quite so tight as when he first joined us.
Well, as we expected to renew our march early this morning, we crawled out from under our blankets about 4 o’clock and made us some coffee and indulged in a breakfast of hot coffee and hard tack which satisfied very well, as that is all soldiers may ell expect when they are on the move. Finally, that is about all the rations we have seen since we have been in this state except some fresh beef and that I eat but a very little of for I think it not very good for us here this hot weather. One mess of beans we have had which went pretty good. When in Virginia we had two rations of beans a week. I think perhaps we shall draw better rations if we get where we are liable to stop a while.
Well where we are bound, I don’t know but it is my opinion that we are making our way down towards Tennessee to help Gen. Rosecrans. But still we may not. We intend to keep the rebs out of his state at any rate, and are getting down nearer the state line where we can hold them easier. Old Morgan is an old fox. I don’t know but he may get around us and make another raid in here but we will give him a try. He has tried it several times but don’t seem to have very good success. Our Fighting Wolford is looking after him with his cavalry.
Maria, I received your letter day before yesterday, No. 40. I see that you had either set the number along as I have not got the others between 36 and 40 but I concluded that you thought that you would call it No. 40 as you had called several letters the same numbers. I finally made up my mind that I had got all of your letters. I see that you had been presented with a birthday present pretty good. Write the particulars about it. Has Chandler got rid of those “job’s comforters” yet? I hope that he has. I have not had a single one yet since I left home. My health has been as good as ever it was when at home. I receive all your letters with tea, I tell you. The herb goes very good these days when we have been on the march.
We don’t march today. The order has been countermanded. We expect to start again tomorrow. We are within 30 miles of Columbia. Shall probably go there before we stop to camp and perhaps much further. I will write again in a few days. You may keep writing the same as usual for the mail follows us right along. Affectionately your son & brother, — Wm. N. Smith
3.30 o’clock p.m. Well, a few lines more to let you know that the mail has just got along and I received a letter from you at home containing $2.25. It came all correct and wasn’t on the way but four days. The mail comes through very quick, I think, it being so far—some 1200 miles. Does it seem that we are so far apart? It does not to me. I had got 50 cents left. I was glad that the money came for I don’t want to get all out. I know that I am spending some money now-a-days but I have not been quite as bad as some of the boys. Some have spent three times as much but I don’t intend to get rid of my money at too great a disadvantage. What I buy is butter and biscuit, but I shan’t buy much more butter as it is getting to be so warm weather. I have just bought me a dozen biscuits and paid ten cents—not very high. They are pretty good. Butter we have to buy off our sutler who keeps along with us [and] furnishes the boys with butter, chese, &c. I don’t know how the boys would get along if he wasn’t with us. It would come rather tough for some of them. Butter is 50 cents per pound. Cheese 30 cents, and other things in the same proportion. The biscuit we get of the citizens. I suppose that the “Niggers” do the cooking. Every house, there are more or less of the blacks.
You need not send any more money now. We are in hopes that we shall be paid off before long if we get where we can stop awhile.
Henry received a letter from J. E. Ward stating that Marcus had been paroled and talked of coming home for a while. I read the letter. She did not very encouraging about war news. I know it looks a little dusty just now, but what if it does? Never mind. I guess that we can wind up this thing sometime. I think that the rebs are slowly playing out. We boys—Henry, Edmund, and myself—had a letter from Harrison and Harris. They are at Stanford doing guard duty there. How long they will remain there, they don’t know. I hope they will come up with us before long. It seems rather lonely in our tent.
Capt. Henry has been out an patrol duty today with a squad of men to pick up soldiers that have strayed away from this regiment. He has brought eleven men in and reported with them to headquarters where they will be tried before a court martial. We move at 5 in the morning. — Nelson
Letter 6
On Board Steamer Meteor June 11th 1863
Sister Maria,
I expect to have an opportunity to mail a letter tonight so I will just write a line to let you know where we are and where we expect to go. Well, I believe that I sent a letter to father when we stopped at Seymour. We left there at dark the same night that I put the letter in the office there last Monday. Well, we changed cars there and got on the direct road from St. Louis to Cincinnati and traveled about 60 miles to Sandoval where we came on the Illinois Central Railroad and came to Cairo where we got aboard this steamer and are now gliding down the Mississippi river at a good rate. I suppose that we are bound for Vicksburg but don’t know but without doubt there is where we are going.
It has been reported that our folks had captured Vicksburg but that ain’t so. They are fighting there now and just passed a boat and we stopped beside them and they said that they were fighting there yet there. I guess that when the 36th [Massachusetts] gets there, they will run the same as usual. There never has been but one place that the rebs have held their ground when the 36th made their appearance.
Well, we are having a tip top ride down this river, I tell you. But yesterday we was fired at by our troops because we did not stop to report. The first shot was a blank but we did not stop and so they sent a ball humming across our heads. The captain of the boat thought it about time to stop then.
I have a good deal that I would like to write but can’t now. I will tell the particulars some other time. We passed Island No. 10 this forenoon. There, you know, we had a big fight, and—just now—we passed Fort Pillow [and] expect to get to Memphis this evening. It is 400 miles from Memphis to Vicksburg so you see that we have got quite a little ride yet ahead.
When we was coming through Illinois, U tell you, we seen a most splendid country. You can’t imagine the fields of grain. I will tell you all about the Western States when I get back to old New England. I have had considerable to attend to on this move. We have changed cars so often as I had the care of the Brigade Headquarters baggage, but I believe I have kept it all along all right yet.
Our regiment was paid off a few days ago but I wasn’t with the regiment so I did not get my money till yesterday when I got in with the regiment and the captain drew my pay and so he handed it to me. You see I was on the baggage train but now I am on the same boat with the regiment. We got $26. I guess that I will put in $5 with this letter and send it along, not run the risk. I will write again in a few days. Your brother, — Nelson
The last mail we have got was last Saturday. Don’t know when we shall be any more. On one side of the river is the Arkansas shore and the other side is Tennessee where we are now.
Letter 7
Near Jackson, Mississippi July 12th 1863
Now it has ceased with any occasional roar (like thunder) which speaks to us from these 20-pounders that the rebs are working a little, now we have overtaken them and are holding our ground until we get ready to take them.
The letter which this I shall send with I have had no chance to send and so now I will just drop a few every chance I have till I have a chance to send this and then send you a kind of a diary of a few days. I said in the other that we might have a fight the next day but we did not for the rebs run and so we had no chance to fight.
Day before yesterday in the afternoon, our troops got here and found the rebs. Instead of the 1st Corps being on the reserve, they have been put in front and have had some very hard skirmishing. As soon as our troops reached here, they were formed in line of battle and marched slowly along. Our Brigade was in the mess and so for the first time the 36th [Massachusetts] was in front and moving towards the enemy. Two companies from the 36th were thrown out as skirmishers and they fought like lions. Two men from one company was killed and 13 wounded but they stood their ground and kept firing until relieved. Our Brigade was in front 48 hours and then relieved. They fell back this morning and pretty tired, I guess, but have had no permanent fight—only skirmishing merely to hold their position. We ain’t quite ready to fight them yet. This morning they had very heavy cannonading but mostly from the rebs. But now only once in a while a gun is fired.
I was not with the regiment and so I had none of the sport. I should have liked to have been with the Boys but I had to stay back with the baggage. I have no desire to be in a fight but I wanted to be with the rest of the Boys. I won’t try to write any more now. The report us that we are ordered back and are going to Pennsylvania.
[July] 13th. Nothing of interest today. We are making preparations for a fight and it will come off probably before long. Grant has just brought in 30,000 fresh troops and when we get ready, then we will pitch in. Harrison is sick in the hospital about a mile and a half from here. I heard from [him] this morning. He was a little better. I think that he will get well in a few days. Our Captain and Lieutenant Howe are left back sick. We have not heard from them for several days so now our company is commanded by two lieutenants from other companies in the regiment. I will stop till tomorrow.
[July] 15th. Nothing news today on the battlefield. Light skirmishing is kept up but no solid fight yet has taken place. Our Brigade has again gone to the front and will be relieved tomorrow morning. One man from Co. K was wounded today from Captain Smith’s company. In one of your letters you wanted to know what company James Smith was [in]. It is Co. K. Capt, Smith is quite sick. I have not heard from him today. I don’t know the trouble. Harrison is sick with a fever [and] has been pretty sick. I heard from him today and he was some better. I am in hopes that he will get along by and by. He was very sick a few days. He is one mile from me. I intended to see him today but I cannot leave. Please to let his folks know that he is sick for that is his wish that he asked of me. I will write in a few days again. I expect that I can send this letter this evening. Today we have heard that Lieutenant Howe is not living. J. E. Hills has ben back with him and today he came up with us giving us the sad news. Our Boys will miss him very much but we must be contented with whatever our lot may be. God only knows.
I hardly know what to say of our condition here just now. Many are sick or at least pretty well worn out but after all the Boys stand it like tigers, I tell you. They are having rather rough times. When they lay in front, they have to lay flat on their backs to keep away from the numerous shot and shell that is constantly passing over them. Mother, I am a lucky boy to be where I am. I need not say anything about. I think that before many months, we shall be away from this State.
What news from all parts we get is good. I think that the war is going well at the present time. Ic believe that we have got Old Johnston this time. Time will tell.
Today our mail came in—the first for several days. I received two letters from you at home and a paper with an envelope and two sheets of paper. This is one of the sheets. I have writing paper yet but I thought that would use this. The last letter was mailed the 30th of June so I suppose that there is more on the way now.
Father said that he heard that I had to take care of the Colonel’s horse. I do not have nothing to do with his horse at all. I have his baggage to see to when we move, and pitch and strike his tents. That is my duty. When we lay in camp, I have to keep the ground swept around the tents, &c. That is all I have to do. I tell you, it is much more easy that in the company but how long I may stay, I can’t tell for if I should do anything that did not suit, I should go back to my company pretty quick I tell you, for that is the way with the old Colonel. I have got a sore on my finger. It has been mighty painful too, I reckon, but the doctor ripped it open yesterday and today it fels pretty well. It will be all right in a few days.
I won’t write anymore now for you can’t read half what I have written but never mind. Guess at what you can’t read. Truly your son, — Wm. N. Smith
Port Hudson is ours!
Letter 8
Knoxville, Tennessee March 20, 1864
My dear Father,
Perhaps I will write a few lines to you and send along to give you a little idea of what is going on here. You observe by the above that we are again in Knoxville. I will tell you how this happened. It may be as unexpected to you as it was to us.
Last Wednesday evening we had orders to move forward to Bull’s Gap from Morristown. When they were folding the order, another order came from the War Department for the 9th Corps to report to Annapolis, Maryland, so we at once started for this place. Reached here yesterday a.m. expecting to be paid off here, then march to Louden and there take the cars, but as yet we don’t know when, how, nor where we shall go. The report is that we are to march over the mountains. Whether we do or not, time will tell.
I have a strong hope that we shall yet go by the way of Chattanooga. I don’t know but we may yet be called back up Morristown way. They say our troops have fallen back 15 or 20 miles from there. It would be about our luck to have to go back again. I don’t suppose they can do much without the Old 9th [Corps] to go ahead with the work. I don’t know but the mail has gone today but I will carry this over to Headquarters.
I have been thinking about sending for you to get a pair of boots made. If we come up that way, then I guess that I can get them if already made. At any rate, I guess that you had better get some made. And if it happens so I can’t get them, you can wear them. I don’t think you will do better than to get C. Lord to make me another pair. His [boots] do good service. My old ones are about played out now, we have tramped about so much. I believe these are No. 8. They are about right for me. I will tell you just what I want. I want a pair of heavy calf double sole and tap, with the souls of round head nails and heavy toe and heel irons—that is, some that won’t scrapr off on the first march. The others he made me was just what I wanted excepting one thing. That is he put in too large nails. They are liable to crack the sole. You said that he did not have any round head nails so he put in them. Edmund’s cracked off but mine lasted till now. I want the round heads because they are smaller and won’t crack the soul.
Well, they say it is decided that we have got to march over the mountains. They are drawing more rations preparatory for the march. Well, we are good for it. They talk that Old Morgan has been cutting the railroad between here and Chattanooga. I wish the old Devil was hung. That is pretty rough.
Caleb Harris is very sick. I have been to see him this a.m. I hardly know what the trouble is with him. The nurse thinks it is quick consumption. I fear he never will get over it but still he may. He looks very bad indeed.
I’ll not write any more now as it is past time now to send in the mail, but I’ll see if I can send it. Henry, Edmund, and myself are well. Affectionately your son, — Wm. N. Smith
Letter 9
Summit House Hospital Philadelphia, Pennsylvania May 25th 1864
My dear sister,
Wednesday after supper. As I sit out here under a nice old shade tree and look [at] passersby’s and the horse cars which are running now about every 15 minutes, and so thinks I, I guess I will write a line to you as I don’t get any letters for some reason. I have not received any letter from home since we left Catlett Station there on the railroad. But I think that they will get along one of these days. I wrote to you last Friday and to Ellen Johnson and yesterday I received an answer to Ellen’s, but have not from any of you yet. I guess I will get one tomorrow.
Well, I am getting along pretty well but I am having these Job’s Comforters [piles] a little too numerous. But I guess they will do me good.
Well now, as far as my furlough, I imagine that if nothing happens I shall get one sometime. The doctor took our names yesterday morning for furloughs but when they will get along I don’t know. They say that it will take more than a week yet. Well if I get any, I shall, and if I can’t, all right. I can stand it here.
It is most sundown and I can’t write much more now. I am well and you need not feel discontented in my situation here for this is a good hospital and I have all I need. Ever your brother, — Nelson
Summit House Hospital, Ward 5, Philadelphia, Pa.
Letter 10
Satterlee Hospital, Ward Z West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania September 4th 1864
My dear Mother,
This is a rainy morning—ain’t this news? At any rate it is with us. It has not rained for so long that I had almost forgotten what rain was.
I suppose that you want to know how I am these days. Well I am all right. Am as well as I ever was and my wound is all well. Has been healed nearly two weeks and I have forgotten how to limp so now whenever I go to the regiment, you need not think that I went before I was able.
Maria is at Northfield I expect by what she wrote in her last letter that she was going the next day. I am glad she has gone for I think that it will be better for her health than [ ing] is she don’t have to work too hard. There must be considerable to do when they have so many work folks.
Well, I must not forget to mention the good news. Of course you know all about it, but the capture of Atlanta is worthy of much joy on our part. The particulars have not yet received but it needs no doubt for this morning we have an official dispatch dated at Atlanta that the Union troops were in the city and Hood’s army cut in two. This is next to the fall of Richmond but one thing we want now, that is more men, and that now, and the Rebellion is crushed. Mobile is trembling and perhaps ere this has experienced a sad fate like htose strong forts that have fallen before that impregnable David Farragut.
There is once in a while a Hospital bummer that talks the same as any Copperhead. The other day I was talking with one of these fellows (a Democrat—Peace Democrat) and says he, Gen. Lee has got Gen. Grant just where he wants him—just where he can’t move. Yes, say I, he did not move and take the Weldon Railroad the other day, did he? That’s nothing, says he. Well, says I, Sherman says he is drawn from his supplies 200 miles and now got where he can’t do anything. Ah! says I, why don’t Hood annihilate Sherman’s army now when he is so far from home and have things a little more satisfactory [and] not be so harassed all the time by Sherman’s advancing men, and being so troubled with the solid shot and shell from his terrible guns. He did not say. Said I, hold your tongue, you will see what they will do. If I felt as you so, I would desert and go into the rebel lines and not stay here in an army that is fighting my friends. I was a little rathy. We will see what they will do if we send them a few more men.
The Chicago Convention was such a Copperhead scrape that I’ll not speak of it. The platform is terrible. [remainder of letter missing]
The following images were sold with the original archive of letters. They are all images of William Nelson Smith, I believe.
Description from collection: A group of four unidentified images, believed to be William N. Smith: sixth plate tintype seated portrait of Smith in uniform with lightly blue tinted sleeve chevrons indicating rank of corporal. U.S. Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles indicate that Smith was promoted to the rank of corporal, date unrecorded. -Ninth plate Ambrotype of Smith holding a violin or fiddle. -Ninth pate ruby Ambrotype of Smith in civilian clothing. Sixteenth plate loose tintype of Smith in uniform.
The following letter was written by Arthur W. Mason of Co. E, 11th Wisconsin Infantry. He enlisted on 29 May 1861 and died of disease on 8 April 1862. The 4th Wisconsin Infantry first saw service in Maryland guarding the railroad but were sent to the Gulf of Mexico to join Butler’s Expedition to capture New Orleans. The regiment was converted to mounted infantry later in the year but Arthur would never see that happen. The comrades Arthur mentions were from Clinton, Wisconsin so that is probably also where Arthur enlisted.
Camp of the 4th Wisconsin at Relay House in 1861
[Note: This letter is from the private collection of Greg Herr and was made available for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by express consent.]
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Relay House, Maryland August 19, 1861
Dear Friends,
Your letters of the 11th were received Saturday. A few days after I wrote you, Co. E was ordered to join the regiment at the Relay House and so I was obliged to give up my high position as commander of a post and return to the ranks again—rather reluctantly I must confess for we were luxuriating on blackberries and milk and had nice times generally. An Indiana regiment took our place on the road and that night one of their squads was attacked by about 40 secessionists.
On the way here we marched through Baltimore by gaslight. The streets were lined with people cheering very enthusiastically for the Union. “Secesh” don’t show itself when soldiers are about.
The Relay House is at the Washington Junction of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, 9 miles from Baltimore, and 31 from Washington. The regiment is stationed here to guard the road and search trains for deserters and contraband articles. Our camp is on a hill in a cool and shady place.
When not on guard, we drill about five hours in battalion movements and firing blank cartridges. This is rather tough in the hot sun but the men stand it well. I have gained about ten pounds since leaving Harrisburg and my eyes are much better. You can judge how camp life agrees with me.
I have been on guard part of the time at a toll bridge where market wagons loaded with peaches, apples, melons, &c. were continually passing. We were required to search for arms, &c. Peaches are not usually considered “contraband of war,” but the secessionists claim that the damned, thieving Yankees always take toll.
This part of Maryland is quite hilly and woody, and is considered a good farming country. Great quantities of fruit and vegetables are raised for the Baltimore market.
Negroes are plenty here and strut about as large as life and twice as natural. Slaves are said to be well treated here and better fed and clothed than the free blacks who are too lazy and indolent to work. Lumbering wagons drawn by four and six horses or mules, the drivers riding the rear near wheel horse, drag their slow lengths along.
We are furnished with baker’s [bread], or hard tack. The rest of the rations we cook ourselves. Some of the messes to save trouble, hire colored “gemmies” to do it. Cooking, cleaning my gun and blacking my shoes are the greatest troubles I find in soldiering. By paying four shillings a month, I get rid of the first, and by and by when I get to be a “commish,” I’ll throw aside my musket and have a little darkey to black my shoes.
Our life certainly has some advantages over civilized customs. When dinner is ready, pull your tin plate and [ ] out of your haversack and wade in, and rest contented with the thought that Uncle Sam is good for the next meal. No grumbling landlord to dun you for a board bill or ask you to get a new boarding place. At night, roll up in your blanket in a tent or under a tree if it happens so, with a cartridge box or knapsack for a pillow and sleep as soundly as on the softest bed. Take a coffee sack, stuff in a dirty short, pack of cards, and a few other traps, and you have a very good realization of a soldier’s pillow. Likewise the contents of his kit.
This is an important place. Troops and supplies are moving to Washington all the time but the papers are silent. We hear of Johnson’s advance towards the Potomac. Probably a few days will change the nature of things. — Mason
[Charles D.] Wooster goes to Washington today with deserters.
Capt. [Webster P.] Moore sends his compliments. He is Officer of the Day today. He carries his student habits with him in a measure, and is as well posted in the tactics as any Captain in the regiment.
[Walter H.] Smith & [Peter] Bush [of Clinton, Wisconsin] are well.
The following letters were written by William Halstead Kipp (1839-1918), the son of Quinby Kipp (1801-1887) and Cornelia Ann Halstead (1807-1883) of Manhattan, New York County, New York. In the 1860 US Census, William was enumerated in his father’s household, laboring with an older brother in his father’s wheelwright shop.
During the Civil War, William served in the 7th New York State Militia (or National Guard). This letter, datelined from Fort Federal Hill in Boston in June 1863, was written during the time his regiment was called out to meet the emergency of the anticipated rebel invasion that culminated in the Battle of Gettysburg less than two weeks later. In his letter, he refers to having been called out and posted at the same fort during Lee’s Maryland invasion in 1862. William’s obituary informs us that he rose steadily in rank from private to sergeant during the war and afterwards, to (State Militia) Colonel in 1895.
Kipp was married to Emily Augusta Hyatt in 1865 and at earned his living as an insurance agent after the war until landing a job in the New York City Police Department. He is credited with having designed the flag of the NYC police department in 1917, one year before his death.
In these letters, Kipp shares the reports of Lee’s invasion and the rumors that Baltimore was the intended target. He observes that the secessionists living in Baltimore were noticeably more prominent and insulting to the soldiers with the news that Lee’s army was approaching. He also speaks of the measures taken to bolster the city’s defenses.
[Note: These letters are from the personal collection of Greg Herr and were made available for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by express consent.]
Letter 1
Baltimore, Maryland June 18, 1863 6 o’clock p.m.
Dearest Em,
I have not yet written home for I have not had time but I take this the first opportunity of letting you [know] that we are so far safe. We do not know our destination. We expected by this time to be at Harrisburg but it appears that the danger at Harrisburg is at present not imminent, but a flank movement is expected by Lee into Baltimore for the purpose of cutting of this road.
We arrived in Philadelphia about 10 last night & was about marching through to the Harrisburg Depot when a dispatch came ordering us to report immediately to Baltimore. We are now quartered at a building adjoining the Holliday Street Theatre. The building was once known as the Continental Hotel but for a long while has been used wholly as a hospital. We are very glad to get even this as we were brought here in cattle cars & of course sleep was not easily had by any of us. You can imagine how fatigued we are as we have been constantly traveling since we left New York 12 o’clock yesterday. We will doubtless sleep soundly tonight although only a hard board is our bed.
We have received marching orders for 7.30 o’clock tomorrow morning but where to, I cannot say. It may be possible that for a few days we may remain as garrison to some fort here, & yet we may be sent to the front immediately. Our lot this trip is vey uncertain, for even the officers do not know what is in store for us in the future, nor where we go, nor when.
I will keep you posted, however, as to our movements and as quick as I find we have settled in one spot for any short time. I will then give you a good long letter and then expect an answer. But do not write to me now as I cannot tell where we may be.
We have a meeting of officers tonight & after that if I have time, I will write home but if you should see any of them, just tell them we are so far all right & that I will write them soon.Em, please excuse the writing in this letter as it was with the greatest difficulty I could get pen & paper & I was obliged to write in an awful hurry, or not at all. Give my love to all. Think of me as still your own, — Will
P. S. If we do not leave here tomorrow, I will write you again. — W
Letter 2
Fort Federal Hill Baltimore, Maryland June 20, 1863, 10 o’clock p.m.
Dearest Em.
It is not the strangest thing imaginable that we are again located in this old fort. If any person had told ne one week ago that we would again find ourselves here, I should have thought them crazy for I did not dream that such a thing could occur. It is certainly a singular circumstance that now for two years we have started for an entire different locality & finally brought up here.
Our boys are very much dissatisfied with it & yet it cannot be helped. We but obeyed orders in doing as we have done. We left New York with orders to report to Harrisburg but upon arriving in Philadelphia, we were ordered here by General Halleck as you have no doubt seen by the Herald which had all the orders published in full. Although some of our city regiments have gone on to Harrisburg, yet we feel highly complimented by being so far noticed by the War Department as to receive the order bringing us here—for the affair at Harrisburg has proved to be only a feint to cover up the real design of the enemy which has yet to be developed.
It is generally supposed that the main point of attack will be Baltimore. We have received news that the enemy is moving in four columns, one of which has advanced to within 40 miles of this place and is still advancing. So I really think that we will yet see warm work.
Tonight we received orders to drill our men thoroughly in the use of our heavy Columbiads. Tomorrow we send detachments 7 miles out to guard three bridges crossing the Patapsco River. Rifle pits are being dug outside the city & barricades are erected in the streets on the city limits. All is excitement here. Secessionists now speak their mind more freely than ever before & are ten times more insulting. Yesterday we sent a detachment to guard 1200 rebel prisoners on their way to Fortress Monroe & evidences of sympathy with them were openly exhibited by the people in the streets.
Our fort is anything but a pleasant place to live in for we are almost bodily carried off by bed bugs & lice. Yet one must stand it for a little while & are hourly expecting the order to carry us to the front. The boys seem to feel that this time they will not have to return to New York without having a little service & something to remind them that they do not wear a uniform for displaying themselves on Broadway only
I should not be surprised if in a very short time we should find around us heavy reinforcements for certainly if there is any foundation to the news we hear, we wil need a larger force here. The place looks so natural to me that really I cannot realize that it is most a year since I left it as I then thought never to see it again. It seems like a dream to me that will soon pass over. But I guess that the reality will soon convince me that it is not all a dream.
Oh Em, what would I not give just to see you for one moment. The only regret I have in being away is that I cannot have your society. But still we will not be away longer than 30 days, I think, unless this emergency still continues. If the force now advancing should consist of a large number, then Gen. [Robert C.] Schenck might possibly surrender the town & of course take us with them & we might thus have a chance to see Richmond though in a little different style from that which I would prefer.
I would have written you a long letter before this but have not had the chance. Our men have more chance to write than I for I have to drill different squads on the Columbiads. It keeps me busy all the while & when night comes around, I am so tired & sleepy that I go to my quarters & turn in, glad to get a little rest.
After I left you and on our whole journey here, I could only think of the dear one I had left behind. I shall never forget with what pain we separated & I hope never to have such misfortune again. Oh Em, when I left you, I parted with the dearest thing on earth to me—your society. How I miss your kind words, your gentle caress. Yes, even your reproofs I loved to listen to. While writing, I think of how different I now feel from last year. Here in just this place I wrote to you, but then, even though we felt this affection for each other, yet we could not make each other happy by telling it until by one great effort I resolved to break the barrier and trusting everything I held most dear in life, any aim, hope, & ambition to a letter in which I told my love. How anxiously I awaited your reply. And when it finally came, words cannot express the happiness I then experienced.
Since that time we have been together continually & every time I met you, it was only to strengthen my love. The good influence of your society, Em, has its effect in many things, as you know. I always feel it when away from you and rest assured Em that I shall heed it now. When I return, I shall know how to appreciate your [company].
Last night seemed anything but Sunday night to me. I thought of our old seat by the window & wished that I was there [if] only for a moment to rest your head on my shoulder & then if we had any troubles, what pleasure we could talk them over together & they seemed to lighten immediately. Em, those were happy moments. I pray that we may yet meet to have them again.
I cannot write more now. Write soon a good long letter for I am very, very anxious to hear from you. Direct to this place & put on the bottom of the envelope, “or elsewhere.”
My love to all & ever for you the blessing & prayers of your own, — Will
The following letter 1852 was written from San Antonio, Texas, during a period of heightened conflict north of the Red River. It was penned by Captain William Barrett Blair (1818-1883) to Commissary General George Gibson, reporting “aggravated Indian hostilities” which, if confirmed, will require “extensive movements of the troops in this Military Department.” Acting under the direction of Brevet Major General Persifor Frazer Smith, Blair anticipates the need for “say three hundred thousand rations” beyond the current stock on hand. Blair notes a preference for supplies obtained from northern depots “in consideration of the superior quality of those received from there, over those received from New Orleans,” but authorizes immediate procurement through Maj. Henry Waggaman in New Orleans if the situation proves too urgent to allow delay. Blair closes by advising the Subsistence Department that formal requisitions will follow as the situation develops.
The 1850s Red River–Cross Timbers corridor remained one of the most volatile regions in the Southwest, with Comanche, Kiowa, and allied groups resisting U. S. encroachment and the Army maintaining a chain of scattered posts from San Antonio northward.
William Barrett Blair graduated from the US Military Academy in 1838 and after an early assignment to the Northern Frontier, returned to the Academy as a professor of Mathematics until the War with Mexico. In that conflict, he served in the Ordnance and Commissary Departments. He afterward took an assignment in Texas on the staff of the Commissary Subsistence Department unto the Civil War broke out at which time he resigned his commission and joined his native State of Virginia in rebellion against the United States. At the time of his death in 1883, he was on the faculty at VMI in Lexington, Va.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Office of Commissary Subsistence, 8th Deptartment San Antonio, [Texas] July 27th 1852
General,
Reports of aggravated Indian hostilities north of the Red River have been received here, which, if confirmed, will lead to extensive movements of the troops in this Military Department.
In that event, under instructions from Bvt. Maj. Genl. [Persifor F.] Smith, Commanding, large supplies of subsistence will be called for to secure the movements. In addition to the supply now on hand for the current year, there will be required say three hundred thousand rations. I am directed by General Smith to say that if time will allow, he desires these stores to come from the north, in consideration of the superior quality of those received from there, over those received from New Orleans; but if the emergency shall appear to be so pressing as not to admit of delay, then Maj. [Henry] Waggaman, C. S. in New Orleans will be called upon direct to supply as much as will be immediately required.
Specific requisitions will be made when the occasion shall call for them, the design of this communication being to advise you, in anticipation, of the probability of such calls being made upon the Subsistence Department.
I am very respectfully, your most obedient servant, W. B. Blair, Capt. C. S.
[to] Bvt. Maj. Genl. Geo. Gibson, Com. Genl. Subsistence, Washington D. C.
The following letter was written by William Orr (1838-1867), the son of James Orr (1815-1895) and Julia Ann Hopping (1817-1869) of Albany, Delaware county, Indiana. William was employed as a lawyer prior to his enlistment in July 1861 to serve as a 2nd Lieutenant in Co. K, 19th Indiana Infantry. He received a gunshot wound to his left breast at the Battle of Antietam but recovered and was promoted to Captain of his company shortly afterwards. In August 1864, he was promoted to Major of the regiment but soon after transferred to the 20th Indiana Infantry where he was promoted to Colonel. He mustered out of the service in May 1865.
William wrote the letter to James Campbell of Selma, Liberty Township, Delaware county, Indiana. Two of the Campbell boys served in Co. K, 19th Indiana with Orr. Historians will recall that the 19th Indiana became part of the “Black Hat” or Iron Brigade.
William’s letter gives a great description of the hospital set up in the US Patent Office in the fall of 1861. We learn from Orr’s letter that it was predominately occupied in October 1861 by sick soldiers from the 19th Indiana Infantry. Records show that the Patent Office was used as a hospital from October 1861 to January 1863. During the fall and winter of 1861–1862, the 19th Indiana Infantry was severely impacted by disease, with over 60 soldiers dying from sickness between August 1861 and the spring of 1862. Typhoid and malarial fevers, prevalent in the crowded camps, plagued the regiment early in its service near Washington D.C.
Some of the boys from Co. K, 19th Indiana Infantry
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Patent Office Hospital Washington City, D. C. October 23, 1861
Much esteemed friend,
I owe you an apology for not answering your welcome note of September 3rd sooner. My excuse is sickness—not only sickness in the regiment but I have been unwell myself for 5 weeks. Have been in the hospital for three and a half. I was not able to be out of bed and for one and a half I have been unable to walk around. In fact, I now feel as well as ever but I can’t stand the exertions I once could by a good deal. William [Campbell], James [Campbell], Crocker East & in fact nearly all the boys you are acquainted with are well as far as I know. Jim Payton & Dan Conrod are here. They are nearly well. Bennet Cline is here sick. I do not think that he can live very long. I wrote to his father this morning telling him that it was doubtful whether he could recover. Three of our company have died—Mason Hitchcock, B[enjamin] F. Shields, & B[enjamin] N. Moore.
This hospital is devoted principally to the sick of the 19th [Indiana] though there are a few from other regiments. The room is 250 feet long, 60 feet wide, and 25 high. One end is used as a kitchen & dining room. The part used as a hospital is capable of holding perhaps 200 men though there is but 25 in now that take medicine [and] about 20 more that don’t take medicine, but all not able to go to the regiment yet. Then it takes about six men to do the cooking.
Then the hospital is divided into four wards & one quarter of the house making a ward. In each ward there is a nurse (a Lady) and two waiters (men). The duty of the nurses is to prepare the feed and little delicacies such as only a woman can prepare to have a kind of superintendence and to watch the comfort of the sick generally. The waiters have to give them medicine, make their beds, &c. The nurses sleep at night unless they have some patient who is very sick. The waiters are on duty six hours and off six hours.
The regiment is now encamped on Arlington Heights at Fort Craig. They are now under marching orders but I don’t think they will get actual orders to march soon.
I could not find an image of Edgar but here is one of Charles C. Wright of Co. H, 126th NYV. (Photo Sleuth)
These letters were written by Pvt. Edgar A. Warner (1841-1863) of Co. K, 126th New York Infantry. He was born in Hopewell, New York, and was a farmer by occupation. He enlisted 31 July 1862, aged twenty-one years, and was in the battles of Harper’s Ferry, Gettysburg, and Auburn Ford before being mortally wounded in the Battle of Bristoe Station on 14 October 1863. Pvt. Warner was taken to 2nd Division Hospital in Alexandria (in a Baptist Church) where he was treated for a gunshot wound to the lungs but he died on 16 October 1863 and was buried initially in Alexandria National Cemetery, Section A, Plot 1014. It seems that his body was later exhumed and probably returned to his home in upstate New York.
Edgar was the son of Calvert C. Warner (1821-1897) and Eunice V. Latting (1823-1887) of Canandaigua, Ontario County, New York. Calvin was a miller by trade. Edgar wrote this letter to his parents as well as his sister, Caroline E. Warner (b. 1845).
Letter 1
Union Mills, Virginia February 1st 1863
Dear Mother & Sister,
I received your kind letter of the 26th and was glad to hear that you were well. I have got over the mumps now and will be able to go on duty tomorrow. They have taken Jeff Moore ¹ to the hospital again. He warent quite well — not so as to be able to do duty. The doctor thought he had better go to the hospital and stay a spell longer.
I don’t think father had ought to lose that waggon and pay the note besides. I should think Saxton ought to be satisfied with that. Father can do as he has a mind to about it.
I have got plenty of good clothes and three pairs of socks. You may send me a pair of boots if you want to. I will want nines, I guess. If you can get ki__ with three soles on if you can get them, and good long legs. Father can tell about what I want by trying them on. Julia said you was all anxious to send a box so I wrote to her and told her to send it along. I am going to send both letters Monday. The mail don’t go out today. You may send me some tobacco chewing and I don’t care what else — whatever you have got to send. I have wrote the directions in Julia’s letter. This is all I can think of this time for my stock of news has all run out.
From your affectionate son & brother, — E. A. Warner to his mother & sister
Jeff says give his best respects to Lydia. Give her mine too. Send the boxes soon as you can get it ready. E. A. Warner
¹ Thomas Jefferson (“Jeff”) Moore enlisted in Company K of the 126th New York on 12 August 1862 at Canandaigua to serve three years. He was taken prisoner on 15 September 1862 and paroled the following day at Harper’s Ferry when the entire garrison surrendered to Stonewall Jackson’s men on their way to Antietam. We learn from this letter that Jeff was seriously ill in early February 1863; he died of “lung inflammation” on 10 April 1863 at the Fairfax Street Hospital — a former hotel called the Mansion House — in Alexandria, Virginia.
Letter 2
[Editor’s Note: This transcription was done by The Excelsior Brigade and I cannot vouch for its accuracy. The letter remains for sale on that site as of this date, 3/1/2026.]
Camp at Centreville, VA April 30th 1863
Dear Mother,
I received your most welcome letter yesterday and was glad to hear that all the folks were well. I am enjoying very good health at present. We are having some very nice weather nowadays. The farmers have commenced to plough and sow.
I received a letter from Julia and Uncle Dick yesterday. Julia said that she had got well again. I forgot to tell you before that Walter Cook had got back. He returned the fourth day of April but left again the 28th through. I guess he is caught. We heard yesterday that the Maine boys that are doing picket duty on the right of us took a prisoner night before last. And I think it was Walter. He has been lame every since he came back. He had a sore on his leg. He said that he got drunk and a horse run away with him. But I have heard since that he has been binding pennies on it to make it sore. I am afraid if he is caught again it will go hard with him. He told me sometime ago that he was going to try and get to Pennsylvania and go as a substitute for somebody and then get to Washington and get his discharge. I cannot tell you what has become of Jeff Moore. He and McKechnie and Fred Root went to Washington to the general hospital about the first of the month. And I have not heard from him since.
Mr. Hillman got a letter from home the other day and his folks said they was sorry to hear that Jeff was dead. That is all I have heard about it. Though I don’t think it is so. If it was so, the captain would know something about it. I don’t know as you can send me any tobacco. I can but it as cheap here as you can get it there and send it to me. We got our pay last Sunday. Enclosed you will find the allotment check for forty dollars. You can draw the money on it and put it in the bank. You never told me how much of the other you put in the bank. We got four months pay this time. I owed the sutler six dollars and had five dollars and fifty-six cents left. We were mustered for pay again today. But I don’t know when we will get paid again. This is all I can write this time for it is bedtime. We all have to be in bed and our lights out at 9 o’clock. If they find a light burning in the tent after that, away you go to the guardhouse.
Write soon and let me know if you get this and a picture. I guess I will send that in a separate envelope. It is the best I could get for a dollar. From your affectionate son. Send some stamps.
E. A. Warner
To E. Van Warner
Write soon.
P. S. I got the bill of my box the same day I got the letter a week before I got the box.
Letter 3
Centerville, Virginia Sunday, June 14th 1863
Dear Mother,
I received your most welcome letter dated June the 9th and was glad to hear from you once more and to hear that the folks were all well. It found me enjoying good health also.
Your letter with the money in it has not turned up yet but I am in hopes that it will one of these days. If it don’t, why then I shall have to let it go. I received a letter from Aunt Almira. She said that William had enlisted. That was the first I had heard of it. He may have a good time of it if they don’t go any farther than New York. I have heard that they were going to be stationed in New York harbor. They may possibly come as far south as Washington. It is the best branch of the service that there is for they will not have to be moving around every day or two with a big knapsack slung upon his back as they go marching on. The hardest of it will be the drilling. They have to drill with the big guns and with muskets too. If William is carefull of himself, he may stand it first rate.
I expect there is some big thing going to turn up here before long. our officers and quartermasters had orders last night to move all the baggage excepting what they could carry on a march back to Alexandria. The report is that Lee has crossed the Potomac River into Maryland. I guess they think he is coming this way and they want us to be ready to march. I expect that Hooker is waiting for him to get in his rear and then drive them this way. Time will tell what is the matter.
I have just come in off picket htis morning. Our company has got so small that it is hard work to do all the duty we have to do nowadays. They only allow two men to be on one post at night and they have to keep awake all night. Then we stay in camp one day and two nights. William won’t have any of this kind of duty to do.
I haven’t heard from Uncle Ad in two or three weeks so I don’t know how they are getting along. I haven’t heard from Bowers since last spring before we came from Union Mills.
There is quite stirring times here today. The 11th Army Corps are falling back on us. They are about one mile from here. They will probably come in tomorrow morning. They are a part of Hooker’s army. I don’t know whether they were drove back by the rebels or not. As near as I can find out, they are expecting vone leetle grand fight here. Hooker has let them get in the rear of his main army and is going to drive them on to us and then he will have them right where he wants them.
I shall have to cease writing this time for it is most drill time. So adieu for this time. Write soon. From your ever affectionate son, — E. A. Warner
To E. V. Warner. Enclosed is the allotment.
[Editor’s note: There is a page of a letter that seems to have come from another letter by Warner which reads, in part….]
Owen McGinte told me he saw Charles Booth. He is in the 8th New York Cavalry. Charley was wounded twice by bullets. One of them is in his side yet. He has got to be a sergeant. Ehen I saw him last fall at Harpers Ferry he was a corporal. He said Ranty Gardiner was a lieutenant. He is to home sick.
The talk is today that all the troops under Heintzelman has been ordered to report to Arlington Heights by Sunday night. If that is so, we will probably be on the march tomorrow or next day. He wants to get his whole corps together. I expect we will have to go to fighting one of these days. This is all. I thought I would write and let you know that I had got the money. This is from your ever affectionate son, — E. A. Warner
To E. V. Warner
P. S. The soldiers have all left us by the 2nd Army Corps. All is quiet here again. The troops have gone in the direction of Harpers Ferry…
When you direct your letters, make them plain thus. E. A. Warner, Washington D. C., 126th N. Y. V., Co. K. Be sure and make the 126 plain. I suppose that letter has been down to the 12th Regiment and they couldn’t find anybody by that name so they sent it back.
Spared & Shared 23 